Sermons upon Deuteronomy

But besides this, we must always come back to the nature of God; & remember that he is not an earthly lawmaker, which forbiddeth but only the outward deed, and in the mean while letteth the lewd affections alone:¹ for God will admit no eyeservice, neither is he like to us. Men are contented if they perceive no fault: but God who searcheth mens hearts,² respecteth the trueth as it is said in Jeremiah. Therefore he in his law meant not to restrain our bodies only: but also had a special regard to our souls. So then let us mark, that God not only forbiddeth the act, so as wedlock be not broken by any actual deed: but also he forbiddeth all wicked lusts and likings. And therefore doth our Lord Jesus Christ say,³ that he which looketh upon another mans wife with a wicked eye, is an Aduowter already before God. Though he cannot be blamed by the laws of men, nor punished as an adulterer: yet is he condemned already before God, as having transgressed this commandment. Therefore when we hear this word Adultery, which is so greatly condemn ned: let us learn, not only to abstain from all whoredom as touching the actual deed, but also to keep our thoughts and conceits chaste, so as we be undefiled both of eye and heart. For after that manner doth S. Paul define true chastity,⁴ when he saith that such as are unmarried ought to have a care how to please GOD, by keeping themselves pure and clean both in body and mind. He saith not that those continue chaste which have not defiled their bodies with whoredom: but which have endeavoured to keep themselves undefiled both in body and mind.

But besides this, we must alwayes come back to the nature of God; & remember that he is not an earthly lawemaker, which forbiddeth but only the outward deede, and in the meane while letteth the lewd affections alone:¹ for God will admit no eyeseruice, neither is he lyke to vs. Men are contented if they perceiue no fault: but God who searcheth mens heartes,²