pear to esteem us, and wish to make us happy, increases the difficulty, especially with persons of delicate sensibility, and generosity of

temper.

And there is another circumstance which too often occurs, of fatal influence, in keeping young men fast in the chains of vicious and destructive company, which is this-that unprincipled and dissolute men are generally fond of increasing the number of their associates, in order to countenance their vices, and exert the more influence to bring virtue and religion into discredit, With this most criminal view, they practise a variety of arts, to keep in possession those whom they have entangled in their society. Arguments against the truth of the gospel and the obligations of religion, ridicule of gravity and sobriety in youth, jesting on serious and religious characters, and insinuations against the sincerity of all who make a profession of religion, even where it is most exactly supported, are all employed to their diabolical pur

pose. And these arts are the more successful, as they unhappily fall in with that fatal depravity of the mind, which disposes it gladly to embrace any thing, however false and unreasonable, that gives encouragement to vicious inclination, and serves to loosen the restraints of conscience.

Should it ever be your unhappiness to be drawn into the society of such men, consider them as "enemies of all righteousness;" who, to encou

age themselves in a course of transgression, would destroy in your minds, the only principles that can preserve the good order, and existence of society, and save you from falling into eternal misery. From these considerations, it frequently happens, that when young men have formed bad connexions, they gradually lose all relish for better, and all just sense of their duty and interest, or even when sensible of their danger, find themselves under so many engagements, that they have not resolution to break through them. "Enter not then, into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it pass not by it, turn from it and pass away."

As another argument for a prudent and careful choice of company, I mention to you

3. That it is common to judge of men by the Characters of those with whom they associate, and it is a just and reasonable way of judging.

In the common employments of life, men are often unavoidably connected, whose principles and habits are in many respects, not only very different, but quite opposite. Yet even in this case where no particular friendship is necessarily supposed, they who value their characters will, if sible, connect themselves with those only, who are well esteemed, or at least, under no remarkable reproach.

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In those voluntary associations which are formed only for the pleasures of society, the case is very different. These always presuppose a certain agreement in taste, sentiment and way of life, as the only foundation, and cement of such connexions. The idle and the busy, the sober and intemperate, the chaste and the impure, the serious and profane are too much unlike, to be habitual companions. Should such happen to be connected, the diversity of their inclinations and manner of life, must necessarily render them so unpleasant to each other, as to prevent a durable friendship, and intercourse. These principles are so universally acknowledged, that men do not hesitate to pronounce, that "a man is such as the company he frequents."

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If associates therefore, are persons of known sobriety and virtue, it will be judged that you possess the same qualities. If they are loose, -dissipated and profane, you will be considered as the same sort of persons. And though aware of this, you should endeavor to keep up appearances, for sake of your character or interest; you will certainly be suspected of conforming to their vices, at least while you are in their company, and can hope to escape the notice of those, whose good opinion you would wish to gain, or preserve. And every man who has a just regard for his reputation, tho' he should be influenced by no higher principle,

will cautiously shun the company of men of ill characters, lest his own should fall under suspicion.

A good name is so satisfactory in itself, and attended with so many advantages, that he who is careless about it must be equally destitute of an ingenuous spirit, and a regard to his present good. More than this, he is insensible to the most powerful incitement to a just and laudable conduct, next to religion itself. And indeed, to be indifferent about the opinion of the world, especially of the worthy and virtuous part of it, is to be in the highway to dishonor, vice and ruin. away the restraints which arise from a regard to commendation and esteem, and there is nothing left, but the fear of punishment, by which human depravity. can be deterred from the grossest enormities.

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Be careful then, to preserve at all times, a respect to the good opinion of others, next to a reverence for your consciences and the authority of God. Never hazard your characters, for any gratification you can find in the company and friend-. ship of dissipated persons; whatever figure they may make in the world; or by whatever arts or elegance their vices may be garnished.

You will illy forfeit the esteem of the worthy and virtuous, for the flashy and dangerous entertainments of dissolute company. And let me particularly remind you, that with all the other evils to which bad connexions will expose you, by the

loss of your characters, they will be a bar in the way of your advancing hereafter to distinction and importance in society. If your first connexions are with idle and vicious persons, though you should be happy enough to see your error and forsake them, you will not easily gain the confidence of those who knew your former way of life, and with whom it was spent. It will justly be concluded, that you will require time to correct the bad principles and habits you contracted from your company. Every one will be shy and backward to trust you, in any thing of importance, till you have given satisfactory proofs that you are fixed in new habits, and in reputable and virtuous society.

It has frequently happened, that a young man by the error of associating with disreputable company. at his first appearance in the world, has lost the most favorable prospects of business, interest and promotion, which he has never, by any exertion, been able to recover.

And certainly, the highest pleasures that can be enjoyed in dissolute company, are dearly purchased, at the expence of honor and esteem, influence and usefulness.

I shall conclude this address with the following directions on the subject before us.

1. In forming intimacies and friendships, be always cautious and slow.