Practical truths tending to promote the power of godliness

Sometimes Communion with such is necessary. A man may be providentially compelled unto it. So was Joseph when in the Land of Egypt: and David whilst amongst the Philistines; yea, and in Sauls Court, where it may be, there was not one godly man, besides himself and Jonathan. Nehemiah when he lived amongst the Persians Daniel and the three Worthies with him, when they lived in the Court of Babylon, were providentially put upon Communion with vain persons, as to civil Conversation, though they would not communicate with them in their false-worship, or vain Religion. Likewise, a mans particular calling may necessitate him sometimes to converse with vain persons. Therefore the Scripture doth allow more Communion and civil converse with Idolaters and profane persons, then with those that are under Church censure for scandalous evils; because if Christians should be forbidden all society or commerce with worldly and wicked men, they must go out of the world. I Cor. 5 9, 10, 11. And not only the concerns of a Christians particular Calling, may ⟨p. 164⟩necessitate him to be in company with vain persons. But the necessity of such persons themselves may call for it. They may stand in need of relief and charity as to their bodies, or of instruction for their souls, in which cases, and for which ends, it is very lawful to be in their company. But when no necessity, neither of providence nor of precept doth call to be with them, the case is otherwise: we ought then to decline their company. Therefore,

Sometimes Communion with such is necessary. A man may be providentially compelled unto it. So was Joseph when in the Land of Egypt: and David whilest amongst the Philistims; yea, and in Sauls Court, where it may be, there was not one godly man, besides himself and Jonathan. Nehemiah when he lived amongst the Persians Daniel and the three Worthies with him, when they lived in the Court of Babylon, were providentially put upon Communion with vain persons, as to civil Conversation, though they would not communicate with them in their false-worship, or vain Religion. Likewise, a mans particular calling may necessitate him sometimes to converse with vain persons. Therefore the Scripture doth allow more Communion and civil converse with Idolaters and prophane persons, then with those that are under Church censure for suandalous evils; because if Christians should be forbidden all society or commerce with worldly and wicked men, they must go out of the world.