Psalm 119:63 I am a companion of all them that fear you, and of them that keep your precepts. I. ITS INFLUENCE ON OUR PRINCIPLES. But if you mingle without caution with the men of the world; if you "come into their counsel," and unite in their pursuits, you may expect in time to adopt their maxims, and to abandon your own. II. ITS INFLUENCE ON OUR CONDUCT. It is dangerous to form an intimacy with those who despise the laws which ye wish to obey, and are addicted to the practices from which you ought to abstain. By degrees you will venture to copy their manners. But, on the contrary, while the companions of ungodly men are in danger of exhibiting in their own behaviour all the deceivableness of unrighteousness, those whose companions are chosen among the servants of the Lord make use of a powerful means of preserving and improving their virtue. III. ITS INFLUENCE ON OUR ENJOYMENT. In the company of those who "fear God and keep His precepts," your happiness will be promoted, whatever may be your rank and situation in life. The best affections of your hearts will be called forth into exercise; and an entertainment will be furnished, of which you may partake without degrading your character, and on which you may afterwards reflect without pain and remorse. IV. ITS TENDENCY TO PREPARE US FOR HEAVEN. (John Johnstone.) Parallel Verses KJV: I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.WEB: I am a friend of all those who fear you, of those who observe your precepts. |
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