A practical exposition of the X. Commandments with a resolution of several momentous questions…A practical exposition of the X. Commandements with a resolution of several momentous questions…

4. Consider it in free and unmarried persons, and thus it is Fornication; if it be constrained or forced, it's death by Gods Law, Deut. 22.23, &c. only to the man; the other is free, and it is called a Rape; if it be continued in, it's whoredom and filthiness; if with one woman, it is Concubinatus, an unwarrantable abusing the ordinance of Marriage, and despising of it: if with sundry parties, it is Prostitution, and most abominable; and whatever way it be, it is abominable, bringing on the wrath of God, Ephes. 5.6. Col. 3.6. Not once to be named amongst the Saints▪ and whether marriage follow or not, yet it is still sinful.

4. Consider it in free and unmarried persons, and thus it is Fornication; if it be constrained or forced, it's death by Gods Law, Deut. 22.23, &c. only to the man; the other is free, and it is called a Rape; if it be continued in, it's whoredome and filthiness; if with one woman, it is Concubinatus, an unwarrantable abusing the ordinance of Marriage, and despising of it: if with sundry parties, it is Prostitution, and most abominable; and whatever way it be, it is abominable, bringing on the wrath of God, Ephes. 5.6. Col. 3.6. Not once to be named amongst the Saints▪ and whether marriage follow or not, yet it is still sinful.

It may have several aggravations, as 1. if it be in times of light; 2. if with persons unsuitable to be conversed with; 3. if in Families professing godliness; especially in the 4th place, if the person be a great professor; 5. if it be in a time when God is quarrelling and contending with a whole Society or Land, and threatening his Judgments against all: Now although this sin be at this time aggravated from all these considerations, yet, oh! how much doth it abound, and how frequent is it!