This is a good caution to those that have had a good education to take
heed of hearkening to those who, under pretence of instructing them,
draw them off from those good principles under the influence of which
they were trained up. Observe, 1. There is that which seems designed
for instruction, but really tends to the destruction of young men. The
factors for vice will undertake to teach them free thoughts and a
fashionable conversation, how to palliate the sins they have a mind to
and stop the mouth of their own consciences, how to get clear of the
restraints of their education and to set up for wits and beaux. This is
the instruction which causes to err from the forms of sound words,
which should be held fast in faith and love. 2. It is the wisdom of
young men to turn a deaf ear to such instructions, as the adder does to
the charms that are designed to ensnare her. "Dread hearing such talk
as tends top instil loose principles into the mind; and, if thou art
linked in with such, break off from them; thou hast heard enough, or
too much, and therefore hear no more of the evil communication which
corrupts good manners."