Page:Dissertationonma00livi.djvu/107

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DECENCY.
101

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-