Practical truths tending to promote the power of godliness

It is very sad, that there should be so much need for an Exhortation of this nature as indeed there is: Alas! that as to the company which men keep there is little difference to be observed between some Professors and the profane. Time was when it was otherwise; Men might have Been known by their company as well as by any thing else. But how is it at this day? Are there not some Church Members that if a man would speak with them he must look for them in some Tavern or in frame public house, and there the shall find them amongst vain persons, misspending their precious time. Be astonished at this O ye Heavens.

It is very sad, that there should be so much need for an Exhortation of this nature as indeed there is: Alas! that as to the company which men keep there is little difference to be observed between some Professors and the profane. Time was when it was otherwise; Men might have Been known by their company as well as by any thing else. But how is it at this day? Are there not some Church Members that if a man would speak with them he must look for them in some Tavern or in frame publick house, and there the shall find them amongst vain persons, mispending their precious time. Be astonished at this Oye Heavens.

Consider 1. You expose your selves unto great danger, by maintaining unnecessary companionship with vain persons.

You may please your selves with vain imaginations ⟨p. 185⟩nations, that such persons shall receive good by being amongst them. But it is far more likely that you will receive hurt by them, then that they shall receive good by you. Can a man touch pitch and not be defiled? Can he have unnecessary communion with vain and vicious persons, and yet his Conscience not be polluted? Remember what Solomon saith,