Such being the separation from the world which Christianity requires, we proceed to shew,
II. Whence the necessity for it arises —
On this part of the subject the Apostle speaks very fully : and, because of the perfect conviction of his own mind, he addresses us in a way of appeal, deter- mining to make us judges in our own cause.
The difference between the believer and unbe- liever he supposes to be as great as between light and darkness, or Christ and Belial. And though this at first appears harsh and extravagant, it is really no exaggeration, if only we consider, that the one is a partaker of the Divine nature and a child of God, whilst the other is altogether carnal, a child of dis- obedience, a child of Satan. The question then is. What real fellowship can there be between persons so dissimilar ? Let any one think what a total dif- ference exists,
1. In their taste and sentiments —
[The believer affects only heavenly things. As for the things of time and sense, he is dying to them daily, and suf- fers them to have as little influence as possible upon his mind. He is convinced that every thing in this world is lighter than vanity itself; and that the care of the soul is the one thing
y Prov. iv. H, 15.
needful. To have a sense of the Divine presence, and an assured hope of dwelling with God for ever, to see sin in- creasingly mortified in his soul, and the image of God progres- sively advancing there, this is happiness in his estimation ; and it is the only happiness he desires. But how different are the taste and sentiments of the merely natural man ! All his affections are set on earthly things : nor has he any wish be- yond them. If he could have an uninterrupted enjoyment of health, and wealth, and honour, he would wish for no other heaven : he would be well satisfied with his state, though he had never one glimpse of God's countenance, nor one foretaste of the heavenly glory.
Now we ask. What communion can there be between per- sons so totally discordant from each other ? They live in a different element ; and what is life to the one, is to the other death.]
2. In their habits and pursuits —
[The believer delights in the word of God and prayer. Meditation on heavenly things is the very food of his soul. " The Hfe which he now lives in the flesh, he lives by the faith of the Son of God, who has loved him and given himself for him." To receive out of his Saviour's fulness more abun- dant communications of grace and peace, and to glorify him more in the midst of a wicked world, this is his daily desire, habit, and pursuit. But is it thus with the unbeliever ? Does he appear like a man running in a race, and determined to win the prize ? No ; there is no resemblance between the two characters : and, if yoked together, their union would be like that of a reptile and a bird : the reptile fetters the bird to the earth, whilst every motion of the bird, when aspiring after liberty and affecting its wonted flights, incommodes and pains the reptile : and the sooner a separation is effected, the better will each of them be pleased.
Now these things are by the Apostle made a matter of appeal. And we also appeal to yourselves respecting them : Is there not, in profession at least, this contrariety between the characters, and, as far as the believer acts agreeably to his profession, does it not exist in practice also ? Here then is abundant reason for the separation before spoken of: for it is impossible for the believer to derive either comfort or benefit from an intercourse that damps all his best feelings, and obstructs all his best interests. And his true way to be holy and happy is, to " Come out from the world, and be separate, and if possible, not to touch the unclean thing."]