precepts. You are not to look so much at what others do, as at what
jointly—they shall perish together eternally. If you will needs be
companions with others in their sins, you shall be sure to be
companions with them in their sorrows.
The old world sin together—and are drowned together, Gen. 6; the
Sodomites, burning in lusts together—were burnt with fire and
brimstone together, Gen. 19. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, they sin
together, they murmur and provoke the Lord together—and the earth
opens her mouth and swallows them up together, Num. 16:26-34.
Pharaoh and his hosts pursue Israel together—and they are drowned
in the sea together, Exod. 14. Zimri and Cosbi commit folly,
uncleanness together—and Phinehas stabs them both together, Num.
25.
The Hebrew doctors have an insightful parable to this purpose: A
man planted an orchard, and, going from home, was careful to leave
such watchmen as might both keep it from strangers and not deceive
him themselves; therefore he appointed one blind—but strong of his
limbs; and the other seeing—but a cripple. These two, in their
master's absence, conspired together, and the blind took the lame on
his shoulders, and so stole the fruit; their master returning and
finding out their subtlety, punished them both together.
So will justice deal with you at last, who sin with others; therefore
take heed, young men, of doing as others do. But,
3. Thirdly, I answer, You must not live by examples—but by
precepts. You are not to look so much at what others do, as at what