is 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 connection 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 endeavor 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, and experienced servant
of Christ being invited to fill the chair at such public meetings.
Surely, the Galilean fishermen, who were apostles, or our Lord himself,
who was called the carpenter, would not have been called to this office,
according to these principles. These things ought not so to be among the
disciples of the Lord Jesus, who should not judge with reference to a
person's fitness for service in the church of Christ by the position he
fills in the world, or by the wealth he possesses.

6. Almost all these societies contract debts, so that it is a
comparatively rare case to read a report of any of them without finding
that they have expended more than they have received, which, however, is
contrary both to the spirit and to the letter of the New Testament.
(Rom. xiii. 8.)

Now, although brother Craik and I were ready, by the grace of God,
heartily to acknowledge that there are not only many true children of
God connected with these religious societies, but that the Lord has also
blessed their efforts in many respects, notwithstanding the existence of
these and other principles and practices which we judged to be
unscriptural; yet it appeared to us to be his will that we should be
entirely separate from these societies, (though we should be considered
as singular persons, or though it should even appear that we despised
other persons, or