Bridge's remains, being VIII sermons

2ly. If you would act herein under God, and make a right choice of your company, then must you get your nature changed. The Raven keeps company with the Ravens, and not with the Pigeons; ⟨p. 104⟩but if the nature of the Raven were changed into the nature of a Pigeon, it would flock together with the Pigeons. Every thing follows its nature. Labour therefore to get your nature changed; and then though you have flown with the Ravens, you will flock together with Gods Doves.

3ly. And in the third place, if you would make a right choice of your company, then you must get a discerning spirit, that you may be able to put a difference between those that fear the Lord, and those that fear him not; between those that are civil, moral men, and those that that are gracious. The spiritual man judgeth all things. And what is the reason that people keep no better company, but because they cannot discern of company? And what is the reason that they discern not between company and company, but because they are not spiritual? Would ye therefore be able to make a right choice of your company? then get this discerning spirit.

4ly. And in the fourth place observe, Who those are that are most profitable in your society; who those are that are most sound in their faith, savoury in their spirits, and most communicative and profitable in their lives, and with such close; Some have knowledge enough to discourse with, but they have no savour in their spirits: Some are of a savoury spirit, but they want knowledge, and are not communicative; but let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies, saith David; as if he should say, Lord, I would not only have knowing men to be my companions, but fearing men. Neither would I only keep company with those that fear thee, but with such as are knowing,