persons who have no taste for these occupations we shall feel, comparatively, but little attraction. Those who are immersed in the study of arts and sciences will not very much affect the society of those who have no taste but for trifling amusements ; nor will the votaries of pleasure desire an habitual intercourse with them. Still less will those in whom there is a great moral disparity affect the society of each other; the honour- able with the base ; the pious with the ungodly and profane. Each will form his connexions rather amongst those who are of a kindred spirit with himself, and walk most intimately with those who love to be found in his paths.]
Nor can friendship with God exist, where there is no conformity to his image —
[Enoch and Noah "walked with God:" and "Abraham was called the friend of God." But in them there was a love to his revealed will, and a desire to be conformed to it. The most difficult commands from God did not excite rebellion or murmuring in their hearts. They loved holiness ; and were therefore prepared to move in sweet accord with him. But, had their minds been averse to his holy ways, they would rather have fled from him, like Cain, than have walked habi- tually as in his presence, and sought all their happiness in him. God has informed us how hateful sin is in his sight ; and what is that way in which alone he will receive returning sinners ; and what is that heavenly conversation which he expects from all who come to him by Christ. But, suppose a person to think lightly of sin, and to doubt whether it have really sub- jected him to God's everlasting displeasure : suppose him to disapprove of salvation by faith alone, and to prefer establish- ing, either in whole or in part, a righteousness by the law : suppose him, further, to complain of God's requirements as too strict, and to plead for indulgences which he forbids ; can we suppose that God will come to him, and find pleasure in him ; or that he can really delight himself in God? The point is clear : the diversity of their mind and will forms an insur- mountable barrier to their union, and must of necessity produce an alienation of heart from each other ; as God has said by the prophet, " My soul lothed them ; and their soul abhorred med." To the same effect he speaks also by the Apostle Paul: " What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness ? and what communion hath light with darkness ? and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? and what agreement hath the temple of God with idols e?"
d Zech. xi. 8. e 2 Cor. vi. 14—16.