SEPARATION FROM THE UNGODLY by M. E. Cornell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 17, 1862

SEPARATION FROM THE UNGODLY.

By M. E. Cornell

In order to maintain a devotional frame of mind, the eminently pious have ever found it necessary to keep separate from the world. Wesley, Clarke, Baxter, Fletcher and others, were very particular on this point. The sentiments of Dr. Adam Clarke are expressed in his comments on Ps. i, 1. He says:

“1. He who walks according to the counsel of the ungodly will soon, 2. Stand to look on the way of sinners; and thus being off his guard, he will soon be a partaker in their evil deeds. 3. He who has abandoned himself to transgression will, in all probability, soon become hardened by the deceitfulness of sin; and sit with the scorners, and endeavor to turn religion into ridicule.”

If any Sabbath-keeper should be tempted to attend any of the places of amusement of the present day—the circus, fairs, festivals, or other gatherings of those who love pleasure more than they love God, I would commend to them a careful and prayerful consideration of the following scriptures. Ps. xxvi, 4–6; Ps. cxxxix, 19–21; Prov. i, 10, 15; Prov. iv, 14, 15; Prov. xxiv, 1, 2; Isa. xxxiii, 14–17; 2 Cor. vi, 14, 18.

It is risky business to mingle with those who are not children of light, for then we are in danger of being overcome by the spirit that works in the children of disobedience. Concerning this, Thomas Fuller gives the following good advice:

“If thou beest cast into bad company, like Hercules, thou must sleep with thy club in thine hand, and stand on thy guard, I mean if against thy will the tempest of an unexpected occasion drives thee amongst such rocks; then be thou like the river Dee in Merionithshire in Wales, which running through Pimblemere, remains entire, and mingles not her streams with the waters of the Lake. Though with them, be not of them. . . . And if against thy will thou fallest amongst wicked men, know to thy comfort thou art still in thy calling, and therefore in God's keeping, who on thy prayers will preserve thee.”

M. E. CORNELL.