SEEKING THEIR OWN COMPANY.
By E. E. Sturges
MAN is a sociable creature, made for fellowship. God's people are a distinct people from the world. "Let ours [i. e., those of our fellowship] learn to maintain good works." Titus iii, 14. That of Peter and John are observable, Acts iv, 23. "Being let go they went to their own company." When among the ungodly world they made account that they were not among their own company, and therefore staid no longer than was necessary among them. There were inhabitants enough in the land of Canaan that Abraham might have associated with, but he knew they were not the company for him to be intimately connected with; and it is said of him, that he sojourned in the land of promise as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. Heb. ii, 9. We find him indeed confederate with Mamre, the Amorite, and Eschol and Aner, his brethren, which presupposes more than ordinary acquaintance. Abraham had probably persuaded them to renounce their idolatry and worship the true God with him. Some of the ancient worthies have paid dearly for their acquaintance with the wicked, one of the most striking of which we read in the case of Jehoshaphat with the wicked king Ahab. 2 Chron. xviii. With such examples and warnings before us, what folly to seek society outside the fold of Christ. Our vocations in life necessarily bring us often into the company of unbelievers. With caution should we act before them, that they may see we have received of Christ and so walk in him. We see no danger of going among holy men. They will make us acquainted with no evil company, but rather will carry us to God where all comfort and happiness lies. God loves a life of pleasure. He takes pleasure in the graces of his saints. Ps. cxlix, 4. That man dishonors God who declares the way of righteousness and holiness to be an enemy of true pleasure. David says, Thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasure." Ps. xxxvi, 8. Mark the phrase, river of thy pleasure. Our joy and pleasure will be of the same kind in which God himself delights. Oh! let us consider whither we are hastening. Is it not toward Mount Zion? and is it not to be feared if the company we keep will not go with us heavenward, we shall be led by them, and thus fall from our own steadfastness? Think of it friends, "what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hastening unto the coming of the day of God." 2 Pet. iii, 11, 12.