To impress this injunction the more deeply on our minds, let us consider,
II. The importance of it —
The avoiding of all appearance of evil is of great consequence,
1. To ourselves —
[Our character is stamped by our actions as they appear to the ivorld. God only can judge the heart: man must of necessity form his judgment in a great measure from the out- ward appearance : though doubtless he is to put the best possible construction upon every thing, so far as truth and reason will admit. We owe it therefore to ourselves to guard against every thing that either deservedly or undeservedly may bring an evil report upon us. St. Paul was very atten- tive to this, when he had collected a large sum of money for the poor saints in Judea : he desired that some person of established reputation should go with him, that so he might " provide things honest in the sight of all men1," and " give no occasion to the enemy to speak reproachfully111."]
2. To the world around us —
[The world are ever ready to spy out causes of complaint against the people of God, and, when they behold a flaw, to cry out, " There, there, so would we have it." Instantly they proceed to blame religion itself for what they see amiss in the professors of it ; and justify themselves as acting a more becoming and consistent part. On this account we should " walk in wisdom towards them that are without"," and, if possible, " put to silence the ignorance of foolish men by well- doing0." Indeed, as they may be hardened in their sins by an injudicious conduct, so they may be " won by the good conversation" of those around themp. It may be, that our light shining before them may constrain them to confess that God is with us of a truth, and lead them to " glorify our Father that is in heaven q." Can we need any greater argu- ment for circumspection? Should not this consideration induce us all to adopt the Psalmist's resolution : " I will behave my- self wisely in a perfect wayr:" and make us pray with him, " Lead me, O Lord, because of mine observers ; make thy way straight before my face8."]
3. To the Church of God—
1 2 Cor. viii. 19—21. m 1 Tim. v. 14. " Col. iv. 5.
° 1 Pet. ii. 15. p 1 Pet. iii. 1, 2. i Matt. v. 16.
r Ps.ci. 2. s Ps. v. 8. the marginal translation.