The Splendour of God, by Eric Hammond, [1909], at sacred-texts.com
Of Companionship
The company of the wicked increaseth sorrow; and the fellowship of the righteous removeth the rust of the mind.
He who desires to associate with God, let him associate with His Beloved; and he who desires to hear the Word of God, let him hear the words of His chosen ones.
Walk not with the wicked and confederate not with him; for the companionship of the wicked changeth the Light of Life into fire of remorse.
If thou seekest the attainment of the Holy Spirit, be a companion of the noble; for the righteous have quaffed from the Chalice of Immortality passed by the hand of the Cup-Bearer
of Eternity, and they quicken and illumine the hearts of the dead as doth the true morn.
O Friend! In the garden of the heart plant only flowers of Love. Esteem the friendship of the just; but withdraw both mind and hand from the company of the wicked.