WATCHFULNESS — when Special Need of – Charles Spurgeon

When cast by providence among sinful persons who respect us, we ought to be peculiarly watchful. The hatred of the ungodly when poured upon Christians in the form of persecution, is seldom harmful to their spiritual nature, but the friendship of the world is always to be suspected. When the servants of the high priest allowed Peter to warm his hands at the fire, had Peter been a wise man, he would have been afraid that evil would come of it. We are disarmed by- kindness, but it is never safe to be disarmed in an enemy’s country. Who,” says the old proverb, ” could live in Rome and yet be at war with the pope ?’ Who can have much to do with sinners and not have something to do with their sins ? The smiling daughters of Moab did more mischief to Israel than all Ealak’s frowning warriors. All Philistia could not have blinded Sanv.on if Dclildi’s charms had not deluded him. Our worst foes will be found among our ungodly friends. Those who are false to God, are not likely to be true to us. Walk carefully, believer, if thy way lie by the sinner’s door, and especially if that sinner hath acted a friendly part to thee.