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I. ITS NATURE. It is a vice opposed to chastity, and may be committed —1. In the heart (Matthew 5:28); and therefore

(1)  Look not on yourselves as innocent because not actual idolaters.

(2)  Repent of unchaste thoughts.

(3)  Labour against them.

2. In the act.

II. ITS GREATNESS AS A SIN.

1. It is frequently forbidden.

2. It is destructive to self and others.

3. It is the occasion of many sins.

4. It is a punishment as well as a sin (Proverbs 22:14; Romans 1:24).

5. It consumes a man's estate (Proverbs 5:10; Proverbs 6:26; Job 31:12).

6. The body also (Proverbs 5:11).

7. It defiles the body (1 Corinthians 6:18).

8. It darkens a man's judgment and understanding Hosea 4:11).

9. It destroys the whole soul (Proverbs 6:32).

10. It brings irreparable is grace (Proverbs 6:33).

11. Ordinarily it is punished in this life (Numbers 25:6; 1 Corinthians 10:8).

12. Certainly in the life to come (Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10).

III. ITS PREVENTION.

1. Avoid the occasions.

(1)  Idleness (Ezekiel 16:49; 2 Samuel 11:2);

(2)  Bad company (Proverbs 7:25);

(3)  All other sins (Proverbs 1:25).

2. Make a covenant with thine eyes (Job 31:1).

3. Watch over thy thoughts (Malachi 2:16),

4. Keep in with God (Proverbs 22:14).

5. Delight in the Word of God (Proverbs 2:10-16).

6. Be much in prayer and meditation (Psalm 119:37).

(Bishop Beveridge.)

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KJV: Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

WEB: Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness,