societies
with the world, which is completely contrary to the word of God (2 Cor.
vi. 14-18). In temporal things the children of God need, whilst they
remain here on earth, to make use of the world; but when the work to be
done requires, that those who attend to it should be possessed of
spiritual life (of which unbelievers are utterly destitute), the children
of God are bound, by their loyalty to their Lord, entirely to refrain from
association with the unregenerate. But alas! The connexion with the world
is but too marked in these religious societies; for every one who pays a
guinea, or, in some societies, half-a-guinea, is considered as a member.
Although such an individual may live in sin; although he may manifest to
every one that he does not know the Lord Jesus; if only the guinea or the
half-guinea be paid, he is considered a member, and has a right as such to
vote. Moreover, whoever pays a larger sum, for instance, L10. or L20. can
be, in many societies, a member for life, however openly sinful his life
should be for the time, or should became afterwards. Surely, such things
aught not to be!

3. The means which are made use of in these religious societies, to
obtain money for the work of the Lord, are also, in other respects,
unscriptural; for it is a most common case to ask the unconverted for
money, which even Abraham would not have done (Genesis xiv. 21-24): and
how much less should we do it, who are not only forbidden to have
fellowship with unbelievers in all such matters (2 Cor. vi. 14-18), but
who are also in fellowship with the Father and the Son, and can therefore
obtain everything from the Lord which we possibly can need in His service,
without being obliged to go to the unconverted world! How altogether
differently the first disciples acted in this respect, we learn from 3
John 7.

4. Not merely, however, in these particulars is there a connexion with
the world in these religious societies; but it is not a rare thing for
even Committee Members (the individuals who manage the affairs of the
societies) to be manifestly unconverted persons, if not open enemies to
the truth; and this is suffered because they are rich, or of influence, as
it is called.

5. It is a most common thing to endeavour to obtain for patrons and
presidents of these societies, and for chairmen at the public meetings,
persons of rank or wealth to attract the public. Never once have I known a
case of a POOR, but very devoted, wise