When we become so abandoned to stupidity and a disregard of our
reputation, as to keep bad company, however little we may be criminal
in reality, we must expect the same censure and punishment as is due
to the most notorious of our companions. The world will always form an
idea of the character of every man from his associates: nor is this
rule founded on wrong principles; for, generally speaking, those who
are constant companions, are either drawn together by a similitude of
manners and principles, or form such a similitude by daily commerce and
conversation. If, therefore, we are tender of our reputation, we should
be particularly delicate in the choice of our company, since some
portion of their fame or infamy must unavoidably be reflected upon us.
It is not enough to be virtuous ourselves, but we must be cautious not
to associate with those who are devoted to vice: for, though we cannot
confer any degree of our own credit upon them, we may suffer much
discredit, and incur much danger, from mixing with such bad companions.
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