Practical truths tending to promote the power of godliness

3. Sitting with vain persons implieth delight in their Company.

The sincerest man in the world, may be forced into the company of vile and vicious persons, but he taketh little delight in being amongst them. He is out of his Element when in such Company, as not being amongst those with whom his delight is. They will discover such a Spirit, speak such words, do such actions as are very displeasing to a gracious Soul; therefore if he could help it, he would not be much amongst ⟨p. 166⟩them. Lot was vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked, for that Righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous Soul from day to day, with their unlawful deeds 2 Pet. 2. 7, 8. We ought not to love such with a Love of complacency or Delight. Therefore when Jehoshaphat did seem to delight in wicked Ahab's company, is was said to him, by the Prophet, shouldst thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord, 2 Chron. 19. 2. Indeed a love of pity, is to be manifested towards such persons. When here was a civil moral man, but one still in his natural unconverted estate, that came running to Christ, and kneeled down before him, with that Question, What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life, withal professing, that he had from his youth been very careful to observe the Commandments of God; it is said, that Jesus beholding him loved him, M•r. 10 21. h. e. he pitied him, Bowels of love in the compassionate heart of Jesus, were moved towards him, to see a man that should perform such duties, and take such pains to obtain eternal life, and yet lose his Soul for ever, because he was not built upon a right Foundation. But although, a love of pity is to be exercised towards such yet not a love of delight in communion with them. They were other kind of persons, whom David took Delight to be among,