Now, in connection with our Social intercourse in common life with men not godly, we have an instance of this considerate care in the Word of God. In writing to one of the churches,[40] Paul had occasion to lay down rules for their dealings with unholy men. He prohibits such intercourse; and in giving the prohibition, he points to some of the impious by name. After indicating their crimes--too gross to be lightly mentioned--he adds, "Yet not altogether must ye refuse to company with such men, /for then must ye needs go out of the world/." In other words, the believer has duties to do in the world; and these he must discharge. His principles may be put to the test; his heart may be pained and vexed; what he hears and sees may distress or imperil him; but still, even amid such trials, duty, /when it is duty/, must be done. A man is not merely not at liberty--he is forbidden, to flee from his post. He is to lean the more on God when temptation meets him in the path of duty; but he may not forsake the path. He has duties perhaps to unconverted kindred, and to those who depend on him in life. He has duties to discharge to the Church and to God, and these no man is free to forsake. On the one hand, the most lovely earthly affection is to be put aside whenever it opposes the will of God; but, on the other, we are to remember, that wherever God has placed us, He will keep us--as our day is, so our strength will be. But do we rush into danger unsent? Do we meet it while we are in pursuit of pleasure, and not in the path of duty? Then we may expect to fall; nay, we have fallen already. By tempting God, we have unnerved ourselves, and shame and confusion may be the result. THE YOUNG CONVERT. In connection with this, we observe that perhaps there never was a young convert, who, during the first days or weeks after his conversion, had not thoughts of fleeing from the post where the renewing Spirit found him. Aware of its dangers, perhaps groaning under its temptations, that young soul would flee, and seek that in change which can be found only in the unchanging One. Now, are the engagements of that young convert really sinful? Is he violating God's law? Is he, for the sake of gold, or honour, or any selfish end, sojourning near some focus of sin? Then all that must be abandoned; conversion, while these things are retained, is a thing impossible.