decline from the path which God, in his word or providence, has marked out for us.]
Three cautions naturally arise from this subject :
1. Let us be on our guard when in the company of the ungodly —
[The more friendly the world appear, the more are we in danger of being ensnared by them. While they continue car- nal, they cannot but retain a rooted enmity against spiritual things. Though, therefore, considerations of honour, interest, or consanguinity, may restrain their anger, they will " watch for our halting f;" they will seek to find some matter of offence in us, that they may seem the more justified in following their own waysg. Let us then be doubly on our guard when in their company. Let us " keep our lips as with a bridle," and pray to God to " lead us because of our observers11."]
2. Let us study that not even our good may be evil spoken of —
[A thing may be good in itself, and yet be imprudent as to the manner in which it is carried into execution. The primitive Christians were at liberty respecting the eating of meats offered to idols ; yet in the use of their liberty they might offend their weaker brethren, and sin against Christ. It is a great part of Christian prudence to discern persons, times, and circumstances, that we may be able to adapt our- selves to the exigencies of the occasion. Let this, then, be our endeavour; let us "walk in wisdom toward them that are without," and endeavour to " put to silence the ignorance of foolish men by well doing1."]
3. Let us proceed without fear in the way of duty —
[Daniel and the Hebrew Youths would not conform to the sinful practices of others, notwithstanding they were threatened by the tyrants of their day. Our Lord also was continually opposed by the most malignant adversaries ; yet both he and they chose to persist in what was right at the risk of their lives, rather than violate the dictates of their conscience. Thus let us be ready to live or die for God. Let us willingly " endure the contradiction of sinners against our- selves." Let us put away that " fear of man which bringeth a snare k ;" and continue " steadfast, immoveable, always abound- ing in the work of the Lord1."]
f Jer. xx. 10. e Ps. xxxv. 19 — 21, 25.
h See Ps. v. 8. in the marginal translation. ' 1 Pet. ii. 15.
k Prov. xxix. 25. > 1 Cor. xv. 58.