Page:Dissertationonma00livi.djvu/49

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INCEST.
43

heinous sin than adultery, and the intrepid Baptist arraigns him, not for adultery, but for incest. "It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife;" she is thy sister in law, she is too near of kin, it is incest. Mark vi. 18.

A case of incest occurred early under the Christian dispensation, and was immediately noticed and punished. The incestuous person, by the command of the Apostle, and in the adorable name and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ was, without delay or remonstrance, instantly cast out and excommunicated from all the privileges of the Church. 1 Cor. V. 3. 5.

The Primitive Christians were distinguished for their ardent piety and exemplary morals. So rigid were they and unconforming to the wicked maxims and licentious customs of the world, that they excited the astonishment and enmity of the Heathen among whom they lived. In nothing were they more remarkable than in their continence and chastity. If any of their communion were chargeable with the appearance of immodest behaviour or uncleanness, it was noticed with horror and