376 IV. V. I. II. Qaeffionr,and Cafe, ofConrcience Chap. 38 S. Such to whom we are bound by confanguinity , affinity , or our civil callings : For theft we muff afford them our outward prefence familiarly, 1 Corinth. 7. 12, 13. Though we cannot be of one heart, andminde with them, as, AEt.4. 32. Quef/. How may it befurther proved that we may not make the formerour cam- panions ? yinfo .Firfl, becaufe its exprefly forbidden byGod,Eph.5.7. Prov.1.1 5. and 4.14,15. Afi.2.40. I Cor.5.1I. 2 Thef.3.14. As under the Law the Leprous muff be feparated from theclean, Lev. 13.44. with 14.8. Secondly, it fubverts, and confounds that order which God bath appointed, which is, that the precious muff be feparated from the vile, Jer.15.1 g. Thirdly , Its hurtful for Godschildren who are in dangerof infcEtionby them: As 3ofeph in Pharaohs Court learn'd to fweare by the life of Pharaou. So Troy. 13. z0. and 22. 24, 25. Hence is that precept , Ija. ç2.11. zCor.6.I7. `Prov.6. 2.7, 28. Fourthly, it hurts the wicked , 1. For it keeps them from being afhamed, and fo from turning to God ; they being encouraged in their wayes , when they fee that notwithllanding the fame,thegodly afford them their familiar prefence as if they were virtuous, Lulu 13. z6. z. It makes us unable effeElually to rebuke them, whenwe are in fuch a league of familiarity with them. Fifthly, its very fcandalous and offcnfive to weak Chriflians. uefl. cMay we then have no dealing with him? Anfw. Yea, we may , t. Lawfully enter into League with them not to do them hurt , as Ifaac with Abimelech : facob with Laban ; For the rule is , Rem. 12. 18. 2. To trade, and maintaine commerce with them , as David , and Solomon with Hiram, and his men. 3. We may be fometimes in familiar meetings with them to feek togain them to God : For the lickhave need of a Phyfician : upon this account ChrifI con- verted with Publicans and fanners. Qefl. why muff we be fo carefull to watch over our felves in com- an ? p Anfw. Firff, becaufe we often take muchhurt in company,and are in far worfe cafe by meanes thereof for want of gooddire&ion, and heedfulneffe, then we were before we came into ir. Secondly, experience teaches that there are very few meetings, wherein men are not made worfe the oneby the other. Quefl. why fo ? Anfw. Becaufe in company many occafions are offered, as of glorifying,fo of difhonouring God, and of troubling and grieving our felves and others. Be- tides, the tongue is an unruly member, &c. Jam. 3. 1, 2, &c. and as for the heart which fets the tongueon work, it is uncharitable, fufpitious, prophanc, worldly, &c. Yea, a veryfountaine ofevil thoughts, oaths, adulteries, flanders, &c. Mar. 15.19. Hence comes fo many idle and profane fpeeches whereof we muff give an account in the day of judgement, Mat. 12.36. and at beff,end- lelfe talking of matters that concerne worldly profit , or pleafure : This made Yob` fo carefull to fandìifie his children after their love-feafis fob a. 5. Queff. What particular rules are to be okferved concerning our carriage in company ? e4nfw. Fir(l, feeing there is fuch danger in it, we are not to rufh unadvifcdly into it , but with fear, and trembling, and upon goodoccafaon. Secondly, we are to refolve with ourfelves before hand to do othersasmuch och
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