A Body of Practical Divinity

Quest. Wherein appears the Heinousness of this Sin of Adultery?

Resp. 1. In that Adultery is the Brea•h of the Marriage-Oath. When Persons come together in a Matrimonial way, they bind themselves by Covenant each to other, in the Presence of God, to be true and faithful in the Conjugal Relation. Unchastity is a falsifying this Solemn Oath. And herein Adultery is worse than Fornication, because 'tis a Breach of the Conjugal Bond.

2. The Heinousness of Adultery lies in this, that it is such an high Dishonour done to God. God saith, Thou shalt not commit Adultery. The Adulterer sets his Will above God's Law, tramples upon God's Command, affronts him to his Face; as if a Subject should tear his Princes Proclamation. The Adulterer is highly injurious to all the Persons in the Trinity. (1.) To God the Father. Sinner, God hath given thee thy Life, and thou dost waste the Lamp of thy Life, the Flower of thy Age in Lewdness. He hath bestowed on thee many Mercies, Health and Estate, and thou spendest all on Harlots. Did God give thee Wages to serve the Devil? (2.) Injurious to God the Son, two ways. First, As he hath purchased thee with his Blood. 1 Cor. 6.20. Ye are bought with a price. Now, he who is bought, is not his own; it is a Sin for him to go to another without consent from Christ, who hath bought him with a price. Secondly, By virtue of Baptism thou art a Christian, and professest that Christ is thy Head, and thou art a Member of Christ; therefore what an Injury is it to Christ, to take the Members of Christ and make them the Members of an Harlot! 1 Cor. 6.15. (3.) It is injurious to God the Holy Ghost, for the Body is his Temple.