SECTION VI.

DECENCY.

WHEN incontrovertible arguments have decided a question, it may appear improper to add corroborating observations. But the subject before us extends, with interesting consequences, in every direction-it may therefore be expedient, beside arguments, to suggest considerations which appeal to the feelings of the heart. Only two shall be mentioned. The first is distinguished by the title of DECENCY.

DECENCY expresses whatever is decorous and consentaneous to character; it comprises, that delicacy in morals, that refinement in sentiment, and that precision in conduct, which render virtue amiable, interesting, and a source of comfort to society.

"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever

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things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things," Phil. iv. 8. With this affecting and sublime group of words, the inspired Apostle suggests the influence and extent of sanctified principles, and recommends that beauty of holiness and undeviating rectitude of Christian manners, which include all that is implied in decency and delicacy.

Christians are "the salt of the earth"-" the light of the world,"-"a city set upon a hill." They must "do more than others," and "through Christ which strengtheneth them," they actually do more than others. Morality in all its extensive branches, from purer motives and with greater precision, is practised by them than by any other men. They deny themselves, and are afraid to sin; they avoid every appearance of evil, and hate "even the garment spotted by the flesh."

This refinement of sentiment and principle makes little or no impression upon the wicked, whose pursuits and habits have never been regulated by such exalted standards, and who have no desire to be say.

ed from their sins; but to real Christians it is full of interest, and expresses their predominant wishes. To such, the article now before us appeals. They can enter fully into the subject-they know what DECENCY requires, and under its influence, will yield to all that has been suggested against commiting incest with a sister in law.

Marriage is justly styled "a delicate institution," essentially connected with order and decency. Sweet spring of purest comforts, exuberant source of domestic happiness, it pours its precious blessings wherever it is honoured, and amply pays for protection and defence. But, exposed to insults and susceptible of injuries, it withholds its invaluable benefits from those who suffer it to be abused and polluted. Any people who tolerate incest of any description; who countenance adultery; or sanction divorces for any other cause, than what the word of God prescribes; will quickly realise the pernicious effects of their conduct. They will rapidly depreciate in taste and sentiment, and infallibly degenerate in morals. If the fountain of social virtue be troubled and poisoned, the streams will inevitably be turbid, bitter, and fatal-"thine own wicked

ness shall correct thee, and thy backsliding shall reprove thee."-Beside, let it impress the public mind with holy fear, let it be remembered with reverential awe, that God is jealous of his own ordinances, and will not suffer any person with impunity to profane them; especially those who are blessed with his word and profess to be his people. "If they call evil good, and good evil; if they break his statutes, and keep not his commandments, He will visit their transgression with the rod and their iniquity with stripes," for "verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.”—The rule of the divine government toward those whom he has known, and blessed with distinguished privileges, is always and invariably the same:"The Lord is with “The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you." And, saith the Lord, "wo to them, when I depart from them."

Many indecent and indelicate, disagreeable and unpleasant consequences resulting from a marriage with a sister in law, will be readily anticipated by every serious and reflecting mind. Let it suffice to observe; that admitting (which cannot in truth be

granted,) that a doubt might be cherished whether a sister in law be a relation, within the prohibited degrees; must it not still be acknowledged, that to marry such a relative is a rash and dangerous act? Is it not perilous to advance as near as possible to the brink of a precipice? Is it safe, is it prudent, is it consistent with the Christian character, to approach deliberately to the very verge of an abominable and accursed crime, under the infatuated and fluctuating hope that perhaps it may possibly be an exemption?

But it is not only rash and dangerous to the individuals; it is also injurious to the community. Such marriages trespass upon the rules of decency; they are inimical to that purity, and chastity of families, which insure the repose and happiness of society; they are hostile to that virtue and delicacy, which the religion of nature, and revealed religion inculcate.

In the confidence of protection from a man, who by his marriage has been brought into the family, and become a brother, the younger sisters are always in the habit of associating familiarly and frequently