Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp, 46

In a previous excerpt, Knapp stated that there are four features of "impressions" from God. These are Scriptural; Right (consistent with good morals); Providential (in harmony with God's will); and Reasonable. His discussion of "Impressions from Above" continues:

Associates. There are so many societies and lodges which crowd their claims upon people that the question of affiliation with them often arises. Such action should be summoned before these scrutinizing tests.

S. If the society has only worldly aims, is controlled by worldly people, and is sustained by worldly expedients, then the Scripture commands: "Come out from among them and be ye separate," and "Be not conformed to the world," should settle the matter without further investigation.

R. Would affiliation with it be right? Would time and money thus spent be for the glory of God? Would it lead to saying or doing anything that Jesus would not approve?

P. Is the way open for spending the time which would be thus taken without infringing on other sacred duties? Is there no other providential barrier?

R. Is it reasonable to unite with it? Will spirituality be blurred or brightened? Is it the best investment for the time and money it will take?

Will my example in uniting be such as I will be glad to have young converts and others follow? Have I reason to believe that Jesus would do likewise were He in my place? If there is doubt about a rightful answer to any of the above questions, reason will demand a stop, and refuse to affix her signet until the doubt disappears. He who turns a deaf ear to any one of these four friendly counselors does so at his peril, and sooner or later will find that he has grasped thorns instead of roses.

Excerpted from Impressions, by Martin Wells Knapp. Original publication date, 1892. Public domain. My source is here. The previous post in the series is here.