Deuteronomy 25

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXV.—Inhuman cruelty, even towards evil doers, any, towards brute beasts, especially when serviceable to us, is very unbecoming the professors of Christianity. It is impossible to force affection, or to render a marriage happy without it. But the Christian in every situation must attend to the path of duty: and they deserve reproach themselves who give occasion to cast reproach on others. What fearful shame and dishonour must then await those ministers and Christians who reproach, and attempt to ruin, Christ and his church, by refusing to exert themselves in winning souls to them! Nothing is more shocking in a woman than immodesty, whether it be in the outrage of passion or in wanton lewdness. When once the hedge of modesty is broken through, the grossest unchastity may soon follow. Detestable to God, and hurtful to the user at last, is every art of fraud and dishonesty: and terrible and lasting, though often slow in the execution, is God’s vengeance against the unprovoked injuries of his people. 3