A Sermon: Thou shalt not commit Adultery

A Sermon: Thou shalt not commit Adultery

Nothing is more serious than religion, and this Commandment, which God himself hath taught us, nothing is less seriously considered; religion teacheth us our duty to our Creator, our fellow creatures, and ourselves, shewing us the way to escape future misery, and present trouble, and to obtain everlasting happiness. In the present ra, the crime of adultery seems much to prevail, to the great dishonour of what I have just mentioned; let me implore the attention of this congregation to enquire into the causes of it, pointing out p. 2the fatal and dreadful consequences attendant on this course of living, and if haply, we can find them, eradicate the same, as an evil apparently spreading in the world, it becometh the professors of christianity to condemn and discourage it, as well as the preacher of the Gospel to intimidate his hearers, in order to suppress the progress of it in future, as a crime that must undermine all the social virtues the heart possesses, and all the real enjoyment and hope of happiness, here and hereafter. My first endeavour is to find out the origin or cause of this most melancholy evil, to prevent its present as well as future extent, and save the souls of many who are at a very critical time just entering into life, big with the prospect of enjoying every comfort, innocency and pureness of heart can receive, till art and delusive sin make their various attacks; for if we enter into life void of sin, void of hypocrisy, and of a deceitful heart, with minds desirous of being informed with every requisite perfection that adorns and animates the human race, to perform virtuous and laudable actions, it is to be acquired at a time when we are supposed to have arrived at mature age, and reason p. 3directs us, and are judged proper and fit to be accountable only to our conscience for the loss of our souls, and not owing to ignorance and inattention to those instructive commandments, we ought to have had engraved and written in our hearts the ten Commandments, as the guide of our youth, and the great comfort of old age; the world in general wants a thorough reformation, and all ranks and degrees of people whatever, and whensoever any societies private or public meet or assemble, and encourage or countenance such neglect of duty, and the breaking of any one single commandment of our blessed Saviours as trifling or of immaterial consequence, they ought to be informed of the great danger they stand in here in this life of trial and approbation, and of the little hopes of futurity, for scripture assures us God can as soon destroy whole nations and cities, as he has done, for continuing in wicked and abandoned courses, as he can take away the life of a single individual, therefore let the world be warned of and desist from its error, as it will encrease in the displeasure of the Almighty, and let not this cause be advanced, that any one commits it through inattention, p. 4or having had examples which apparently are not immediately corrected by the hands of providence, yet God knoweth the very secrets of all our hearts. The next reason to be advanced for the origin, or cause, I am afraid on examination more like to be, than the preceding one, therefore weigh them both deeply in your minds, all ye that this day hear my text and discourse, and which ever you think most likely to prevail forsake itThis then, I am fearfully, wonderfully and sorely afraid is the source, the disturbed and impure spring from whence the mind is tainted while young, and very susceptible of receiving the first impressions whether good or bad, is idolized, neglected, or flattered, and for want of examination either, from an affectionate father, guardian, or conductor, whether she improved as she grows mature, in virtue, steadiness, discretion, and understanding the commandments of our blessed Redeemer, the full meaning, the full intent and design of them, as our fond father wished, and hoped every one would in whatsoever sphere of life, either male or female, moved in, that they were to be the great foundation from whence every comfort p. 5present and future should flow, and bring salvation at the last great day of universal judgment to our immortal souls: but many have been taught them insignificantly, and at a time long ere they come into the world have forgot the great use of them, thinking they were to be learnt while very young, and of no consequence to be attended to hereafter, and that other ornaments and qualification were far more requisite, and more desirable, all qualifications and improvements are highly laudable in any one to obtain: but yet may you all remember the commandments of your God are the sole protectors of innocency, religion and virtue, and when all others fade they will remain, and plead for the broken and contrite heart at the throne of grace, for Satan misses no opportunity of pursuing the ignorant and neglected, and is continually on the watch seeking whom he may devour like a ramping and roaring lion greedy of his prey, laying his snares, and while young the heart is soon tempted and led astray, and instantly as the incautious and giddy enter into the large and spacious world surrounded with gaiety and pleasure, they fall a sacrifice to infamy and disgrace p. 6which let succeeding years let ever so quick, ever so many, can never entirely wipe away or extinguish. If there are any among you chosen as examples of virtue, be religious and let not this be laid against you, who ought to have been examplary in every thing that is praiseworthy behaved quite contrary to morality and decency. Think on the fond parent who watches the infant, with every tender thought, with every affectionate look, folds him in his arms, with transports of the greatest love and joy, reflecting within himself can I but support my child, with industry will I labour night and day, till it is able to secure comfort to itself, I am determined it shall not want food for its maintenance, or raiment for its body to protect it from the inclemency of severe and nipping winter, and every improvement for its mind that is to be acquired; all these advantages for a beloved child will I eagerly seek after, even suffer adversity rather than it should be neglected, and a denial of many wonted comforts, for I shall be rewarded by it hereafter when it arrives at years of discretion, and judgment: but, alas after all these warm, these most pleasing feelings; the time comes for these virtues p. 7and all this affection, and accomplishments to shine forth, and to be returned to the aged parent declining with years and almost bending to the brink of the grave, to bid a long farewell to the world, and receive the last comforts of worn out and decrepid old age, this darling object in which all his delight and happiness for many past years had been placed and vainly thought to be innocent, is led forth, accused, and condemned by the great council of the nation of the most horrid crime of adultery; oh, miserable state, lost innocence and fallen virtue truly lamentable, never to be restored or recovered. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 61940
Author: Phillimore, Joseph
Release Date: Apr 26, 2020
Format: eBook
Language: English