An Index of Character by Methodist Recorder

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Aug 13, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 31.

An Index of Character.

By Methodist Recorder

The society which an individual voluntarily keeps affords a sure index to his character. "Birds of a feather flock together." Like seeks its like. Persons of similar views and feelings seek each other's society, and take pleasure in associating with each other. When a person chooses the society of the ungodly, we may justly conclude that his views and feelings are in harmony with theirs. But whatever moral difference may exist between individuals, continued association, as a general thing, removes it, and assimilates them to the same moral likeness. Especially is this the case with young persons whose principles are not fully established. They are easily influenced, and if their associations are improper, they are easily led astray. "Evil communications corrupt good manners;" and the only way to escape such corrupting influence is to abandon improper associations. Hence we are required, if we would be the children of God, to come out from the world and be separate from sinners, and utterly refuse to participate in their evil deeds. Here is one of the greatest dangers to which young converts are exposed. They find it difficult to break off their association with the ungodly; but if this is not done, they are soon entrapped by the enemy, fall back into their former habits, and are again led away by the error of the wicked. The duty of separateness from the world is one which few Christians fully appreciate and observe. While in the world, they should remember that they are not of the world. Every Christian, like the psalmist, should be a companion of them that fear God.—Methodist Recorder.