Bridge's remains, being VIII sermons

2, General.

Well, but then secondly, why, and upon what account will a good man keep good company? Why it is his duty to do it, he cannot but do it, and it is best for him to do it. It is his duty: For if it be his duty to avoid evil company, then it is his duty to have good company. Now for bad company, you know what Solomon says, Prov. 1.10, If Sinners entice thee consent thou not to the•, verse 15. Walk not thou in the way with them, but refrain thy feet from their path; and again chap. 4.14. Enter not into the Path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men, avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. Was not God greatly displeased with Jehoshaphat for his walking and fellowship with Ahab and his house? Read I pray what is said, 2 Chron. 19 2 And Jehu the son of Hanani the Seer, went out to meet Jehoshaphat, and said to him, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord, therefore is wrath upon thee from before the Lord. And ye know what is said in the 1 Psal. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the Counsel of the ungodly, that standeth not in the way of Sinners, nor sitteth not in the seat of the scornful. It may be you will say that you do not sit in the seat of the scornful, though you be amongst them ordinarily, but do you not stand in the way of sinners, nor ⟨p. 76⟩walk in their counsel? If you be found either in their counsel, or in their way, or in their seat, sitting, standing, or walking amongst them, the blessing doth not belong to you. If you be a Professor, you ought not to be found in such company. It is the duty of all those that fear, to avoid evil company: and as it is their duty to avoid evil company, so it is their duty to frequent good company. Cant. 1.5 If thou knowest not O thou fairest among women, saith Christ to the Spouse, Go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock