A Body of Practical Divinity

3. The Heinousness of Adultery lies in this, That it is committed with mature Deliberation. First, There is the contriving the Sin in the Mind, then Consent in the Will, and then the Sin is put forth into Act. To sin against the Light of Nature, and to sin deliberately, is like the Die to the Wool, it gives Sin a Tincture, and dies it of a Crimson Colour.

3. The Heinousness of Adultery lies in this, That it is committed with mature Deliberation. First, There is the contriving the Sin in the Mind, then Consent in the Will, and then the Sin is put forth into Act. To sin against the Light of Nature, and to sin deliberately, is like the Die to the Wooll, it gives Sin a Tincture, and dies it of a Crimson Colour.

4. That which makes Adultery so Heinous is, that it is a Sin after Remedy. God hath provided a Remedy to prevent this Sin. 1 Cor. 7.2. To avoid Fornication let every Man have his own Wife. Therefore, after this Remedy prescribed, to be guilty of Fornication or Adultery, is inexcusable; it is like a rich Thief, that steals when he hath no need. This doth enhance and accent the Sin, and make it heinous.

Use I. It condemns the Church of Rome, who allow the Sin of Fornication and Adultery. They suffer not their Priests to marry, but they may have their Courtesans. The worst kind of Uncleanness, Incest with the nearest of Kin, is dispensed with for Money. It was once said of Rome, —Urbs est jam tota Lupanar,—"Rome was become a Common Stews. And no wonder, when the Pope could, for a Sum of Money, give them a License and Patent to commit Uncleanness; and if the Patent were not enough, he would give them a Pardon. Many of the Papists judge Fornication Venial. God condemns the very Lusting,