(9) В¶ But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. (10) A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; (11) Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
Among the ancient Philosophers there were many foolish questions continually discussed in the schools; and the Jews were not a little addicted to the same. 2 Timothy 2:23. And what Paul saith of heresies, holds good in all ages. It may be proper for a child of God, in the presence of heretics, to give his testimony to the truth as it is in Jesus: But the Holy Ghost hath here decidedly said, that after the first, and second admonition, he is no longer to talk with him, but reject him. And the Lord hath in many other parts of his sacred word, commanded the faithful to separate themselves from such communion, and to have no fellowship with them. 2 Corinthians 1:14 to the end. Ephesians 5:11; Revelation 18:4. I may be singular, for aught I know; but in the present awful day, marked as it specially is by the Holy Ghost, as a day of rebuke, and blasphemy (1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Peter 2:1-3, etc.) I cannot see upon what plausible pretences, true believers in Christ can mingle up in society with unbelievers, who scorn the principal doctrines of our holy faith. It was never known in the history of mankind, that while one nation is at war with another nation, the subjects of each met in friendship together; or their garrisons, and harbors, were open to one another. And wherefore should it be less high treason to the Majesty of Heaven, or one that professeth himself to be a faithful subject of Christ's kingdom, and believed in all the glorious doctrines of grace, to sit down, and join hand in hand, under the idea of extending Christian knowledge, with those who deny the Godhead of Christ; the doctrine of the Three Holy Persons in the Godhead, and all the precious truths, which are the alone glory of the Christian faith?