es habitual, a person is never
easy except when in company. The most vigorous mind may thus be rendered
comparatively inert and powerless. But, on the other hand, by shutting
yourself out from society, you will dry up the social feelings of the
heart; you will acquire a monkish love of solitude; and your temper will
become soured towards your fellow-beings. You must therefore give to
visiting its proper place in the routine of Christian duty. That place
is just the one which it can occupy without encroaching upon more
important duties. It should be the Christian's _recreation_. Seasons of
relaxation from the more laborious duties of life are undoubtedly
necessary; and I know of nothing which can better answer this end than
the intelligent and pious conversation of Christian friends. Your
friends have claims upon your time and attention. But, these claims can
never extend so far as to encroach upon more important duties, or to
impair your ability to do good to yourself and others. As soon as you
discover a secret uneasiness, when out of company, or whenever you find
that the demands of the social circle have led you to neglect other
duties, it is time to diminish the number of your visits. But do not, on
such occasions, violate Christian sincerity, by inventing excuses to
satisfy your friends. Tell them plainly your reasons, and if they are
really what they profess to be, they will see the propriety of your
conduct, and be satisfied.

5. _Never go into company where the spirit and maxims of the world
predominate._ I know this will cut you off from a large portion of
society, yet, I believe it to be a rule founded upon the word of God. If
we would not be conformed to the world, we must not follow its maxims
nor partake of its spirit. I know it is often said we should go into
such society for the purpose of exerting a religious influence. But the
practical result is directly the contrary. The spirit which prevails in
such company is destructive of all religious feeling: it freezes up the
warm affections of the Christian's heart. The consequence is, he is
ashamed to acknowledge his Master, and avow his principles, where the
prevailing current is against him. He therefore moves along with it, to
the injury of his own soul, and the wounding of his Master's cause. His
worldly companions see no difference between his conduct and their own;
and conclude, either that all is right with themselves, or that he is a
hypocrite. Large