Damned for company
If you follow a crowd at all, it must be to do evil (Exodus 23:2). Do not let custom or fashion be your guide, but reason and religion. The practice of others is nothing to you. Every person must give an account of himself to God (Romans 14:12). Indeed, if you can save the soul of another, do so. But at least save one, your own. Do not walk in the path of death because it is broad (Matthew 7:13) and many walk in it. Indeed, by this very mark you may know it. Is the way in which you now walk a broad, well-frequented, fashionable way? Then it infallibly leads to destruction. O do not be damned for company. Cease from evil. Flee from sin as from the face of a serpent. At least, do no harm. The one who commits sin is of the devil (1 John 3:8). Do not be found in that number. Touching outward sins, surely the grace of God is even now sufficient for you. In this at least, exercise yourself to have a conscience void of offense toward God and toward man (Acts 24:16).
1771 text
If thou follow a multitude at all, it must be, to do evil. Let not custom or fashion be thy guide; but reason and religion. The practice of others is nothing to thee: every man must give an account of himself to God. Indeed if thou canst save the soul of another, do: but at least, save one, thy own. Walk not in the path of death, because it is broad, and many walk therein. Nay, by this very token thou mayest know it. Is the way wherein thou now walkest, a broad, well-frequented, fashionable way? Then it infallibly leads to destruction. O be not thou “damned for company:” cease from evil; fly from sin as from the face of a serpent. At least, do no harm. He that committeth sin is of the devil. Be not thou found in that number. Touching outward sins, surely the grace of God is even now sufficient for thee. Herein at least, exercise thyself to have a conscience void of offence, toward God and toward man.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 25 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 5:17-20.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.