Practical truths tending to promote the power of godliness

Ans. We must know 1. Negatively, That the words do not intimate, as if all communion with ungodly men were unlawful. For, occasionally to show kindness and civil respect unto such is lawful, yea, and in some cases a duty. We are so show all gentleness towards all men, Tit. 3. 2. Acts of charity, are to be extended towards all Sorts of men. Though we are especially to do good to the household of Faith, yet not to them only, but as we have opportunity, to the others also. Which is implied in that precept Honour all men. And the Apostle Exhorts Christians to add Charity and Brotherly kindness, The Object of charity is more general and extensive, then that of Brotherly kindness. We are so extend acts of charity not only to such as are Brethren, but to Enemies. Yea, and some Religious communion may be held with those that are vain Persons. Though we are to exclude them from partaking in Instituted, yet not from joining with us in Duties of Moral Worship. We may suffer them, to joy […] us in hearing the Word. We may pray with those that are vain and carnal. The Apostle Paul prayed with all these that failed in the Vessel with him, being in number two hundred, and three score and sixteen Souls, and yet but few of them that had any true Religion or fear of God in their hearts, Act. 27. 35. 37. so ⟨p. 163⟩that all Communion with vain persons is not forbidden nor implied in declining to fit with […].

Ans. We must know 1. Negatively, That the words do not intimate, as if all communion with ungodly men were unlawful. For, occasionlly to shew kindness and civil respect unto such is lawful, yea, and in some cases a duty. We are so shew all gentleness towards all men, Tit. 3. 2. Acts of charity, are to be extended towards all Corts of men. Though we are especially to do good to the household of Faith, yet not to them only, but as we have opportunity, to the others also. Which is implied in that precept Honour all men. And the Apostle Exhorts Christians to add Charity and Brotherly kindness, The Object of charity is more general and extensive, then that of Brotherly kindness. We are so extend acts of charity not only to such as are Brethren, but to Enemies. Yea, and some Religious communion may be held with those that are vain Persons. Though we are to exclude them from partaking in Instituted, yet not from joyning with us in Duties of Moral Worship. We may suffer them, to joy us in hearing the Word. We may pray with those that are vain and carnal. The Apostle Paul prayed with all these that failed in the Vessel with him, being in number two hundred, and three score and sixteen Souls, and yet but few of them that had any true Religion or fear of God in their hearts,