But let me not be misunderstood on this point; I am not speaking of the promiscuous intercourse of society; not of religious discussions or allusions amid the ordinary business of life; not of that irreverent and dangerous habit, into which same believers have been incautiously betrayed, of detailing to one another their continual and familiar experiences; I am speaking of the private and sober communing of christian friends, who are dwelling together, or journeying together, as the disciples to Emmaus: and truly, “with the bible in their hands and the Saviour in their hearts,” it is wonderful how they can forbear from spiritual intercourse. If the everlasting truths of the gospel have made a deep impression upon their minds; if, for the promises therein revealed, it is their object to live and to die; if they have one common hope of their calling, “one thing needful” which occupies their affections; if they have the same exalted view of a glorious kingdom in heaven; if they are living together in love, and comforting themselves, that the holy bond shall never be broken, that it shall be renewed in a happier world and last for ever; then it would be strange if their thoughts and their conversation should never turn upon a subject of such overwhelming interest; upon a topic so abundantly fruitful in materials for mutual edification. The idea of the Lord being present with us in our conferences is an animating and ennobling idea: but we cannot expect His holy presence in the scenes of vanity and frivolity; nor can we expect it at any time, if the thought and desire of Him be altogether excluded. From the cold moralist, or the worldly-minded disciple, from those who have no practical concern for the gospel or for their souls, we need not look for a word of spiritual communication; it is abhorrent to their feelings and inconsistent with their notions; but the sincere Christian should “think on these things.” “The world will love its own,” and follow its own; its own friends and maxims and ways: but “we are not of the world,” and better fruit is expected from us.