e
operations of his hands." [15]

"A feast is made for laughter,"--but this laughter is "mad"; utterly
interdicted to all those who would "live soberly, righteously, and godly"
in this world.[16] Such "revellings" are classed among "those works of
the flesh which are manifest"; there can be no question about them: the
"revellings, banquetings," [17] for which "the time past of our life may
suffice us." [18] That time when we were without God in the world,
walking as other Gentiles walk. With all such "recreations" the true
Israel have absolutely nothing to do.

Does it follow then that a Christian must stand aloof from all
festivities that are not wholly among Christian people? Not quite that.
"I am a companion of all them that fear thee," said David,[19] and it
certainly looks ill for a man if his habit is the other way. Yet there
are exceptions, there must be,--else, says the apostle, "ye must needs go
out of the world." [20] But like everything else for you and me, it is
all within regulations. First as to the going.

"If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed
to go--" [21]

And then follows the first rule. Whatsoever you can do there
Christian-wise; whatsoever you can join in that will not implicate you as
a possible worshipper of _his_ idol that bade you--even the god of this
world--that do. But otherwise there is the strictest hands-off! And for
two reasons.

"Eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake." [22]

No matter if it be something as simple as eating and drinking. That is
the instance given by the apostle, the eating of meat which had been
first offered to an idol. And just as once the missionaries in a far off
Eastern island never tasted beef for two whole years, because they could
get none which they were sure had not been so offered; in like manner are
you called upon to absolutely let alone everything which may cast even a
doubt upon your loyalty to your Master.

Can you go to the entertainment so, keeping your garments spotless? Can
you go as the Lord did?

"And Levi made him a great feast in his own house; and there was a great
company of publicans and others that sat down with them." [23]

Pharisees murmured, but the Lord knew why he went.

"And Jesus answered them, They that are whole need not a physician; but
they that are sick." [24]

If you can go thus, to do your Master's work; mingling with his enemies
to win them for his