Psalms 119:115

Depart from me, ye evil-doers; for I will keep the commandments of my God.

“Go!” and they go

“You go your way,” he says in effect, “and I will go mine; I am for obedience, you are not for that, and you are asking the wrong man to be your companion. Away to your own sort!”

I. Here is a dismissal that there is absolutely no help for if we will be faithful to God. So incongruous are evil companionships. Two attempting to walk together who as to destination and route are not agreed! Darkness assaying fellowship with light! How contrary the self-seeker to the child of God! What a great gulf between the worldling and the follower after holiness! Strange that association should be thought of. But there is a policy in it. There is a tempter. Ungodliness is eager for recruits. To company with evil men is to walk into the snare. All worldly currents are against godliness, how soon the heart may be drawn from the living God, how mighty the influence of those with whom we voluntarily associate, how soon divine love may be robbed of its fervour, and tenderness of conscience become less. Evil men are the messengers and tools of Satan, and as a matter of course seek to make others like themselves. With what craft-this is often done.

II. Here is a dismissal that when it is meant is always understood, and speedily takes effect. There are many ways of uttering that “Depart.” There is the formal way, and the timid, apologetic way, and the half-hearted and wavering way. Evil-doers can always tell how much real force there is in that word. And when without any nonsense or faltering they are told to go, they go. Give it forth, not rudely, but with all the truth and strength of your soul. (B. E. Hawkins.)