Thus it is also, in a remarkable degree, with the vice of intemperance; no man proceeds to its abominable and fatal extremities all at once: but no man, whatever his principles may have been, is secure from its horrible influence, if he is once tempted habitually to depart from the holy rules of sobriety; however seldom the habit may be at first indulged. It is indeed especially true of this awful vice, that if the enemy once gains a footing in the heart, he seldom leaves it, till the heart is his own. Thus it is, once again, with evil company of every description; it is ensnaring beyond all suspicion, and beyond all calculation: wicked or worldly companions infuse their venom, into the mind and the bosom, gradually and insensibly: even if they have no intention so to do, as in truth they too often have, their very presence and conversation and habits are so corrupting, that it is impossible for any one, who is familiarly acquainted with them, to escape the contagion; in fact, whoever seeks, or whoever tolerates such company, has a lurking disposition to evil, though it may be unperceived and unsuspected by himself. Flee from every approach to this treacherous and dangerous ground, as you would “flee from the wrath to come.” From this statement, which indeed is but imperfect and feeble in comparison with the magnitude of the evil, against which I am seeking to warn you, my hearers; from this you may be better prepared, by God’s grace, to receive and value and apply the important admonition of the text: you will observe how particularly, how urgently, with what repetition, what varied forms of expression, the wise man delivers his charge; so delivers it the more, because he speaks feelingly, from dear-bought experience; because he himself had been lamentably ensnared, for want of attending to it in his own case. Let us hearken to the counsel of this inspired and experienced guide: he says, “Enter not into the path of the wicked;” never be prevailed upon to set your foot on this forbidden ground; “go not in the way of evil men,” trust not yourself in their company or in any of their goings: further he says, “Avoid it,” avoid this ensnaring way; be at pains to keep clear of it; use your utmost watchfulness to discover it; go in another direction, in the way of the upright and holy. And, as if this caution were insufficient for his purpose, he adds, “Pass not by it;” suffer not yourself even to approach it, to look upon it; lest you be beguiled by its false charms, and unwarily led to desire them. Not willing yet to cease from admonishing, in order to make a yet deeper impression, he concludes, “Turn from it and pass away;” the instant you perceive it, turn round with the dread of danger; as you would if you discovered yourself on the edge of a precipice, in fear of falling headlong; turn at once, and pass decidedly and quickly away.