Consider first, that by this commandment is forbidden the heinous crime of adultery, as being, not only directly opposite to chastity, but in the highest degree to justice also; since one of the greatest injuries we can do to our neighbour, is that of violating an indefeasible right, confirmed to him by the law of God and nature; profaning at the same time the sanctity of the matrimonial contract, and breaking through the solemn vows of mutual fidelity annexed thereto. But though adultery be the only crime here mentioned, (it not being necessary to particularize all the shameful sins of lust) yet it is not the only one forbidden by this commandment, which moreover prohibits all manner of uncleannesses, whether committed by or with single or married persons; and much more all other unnatural sins of lust, committed on ourselves or with any other; as also all abuses of the marriage bed, by any liberties opposite to the sanctity, or contrary to the end of that divine institution. Ah! how odious are all such impurities in the sight of God and his holy angels, in whose presence they are committed! What dreadful judgments have they often drawn down from heaven! What black tormenting flames are prepared for the perpetrators of them in hell! O my soul, let us ever fly and abhor all these abominations!

Consider 2dly, that by this commandment are not only forbidden those grosser sins of impurity, but also every other kind of immodesty which may have the least tendency towards the commission of them; even to every wanton glance of the eye, or unchaste inclination of the heart. You have heard, (saith our Lord) that it was said to them of old, thou shalt not commit adultery; but I say to you, that whosoever, looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath already committed adultery with her in his heart, Matt. v.. 27, 28. If then we would be as truly chaste as the law of God commands us, we must put a restraint as well upon our eyes, as upon our thoughts and imaginations, lest death should enter into our souls by those windows. I made a covenant (saith holy Job) with my eyes, that I would not so much as think upon a virgin, Job xxxi. 4. lest, adds he, God should have no part in me. But how much more strictly does this commandment forbid all loose discourse, unchaste words and songs, which not, only betray a corrupted heart in those that take delight in speaking of such matters, which St. Paul would not have so much as once mentioned amongst Christians, Eph.v. 3. (for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh, Matt. xii. 34.) but also spread the infection amongst their neighbours, to corrupt them, by filling their minds and hearts with foul imaginations and impure affections? Ah! how common is this dreadful evil,, and how many souls owe their damnation to it! Is it not a truth, confirmed by experience, that evil communications corrupt good manners; and that thousands of Christians forfeit their innocence, and become a sacrifice to Satan, by means of lewd discourses and corrupt conversations?

Consider 3dly, that if this commandment be designed to lay a restraint upon our eyes, thoughts, imaginations, desires, words, and conversations, how much more upon our actions, by condemning and prohibiting such carnal liberties, wanton play, indecent touches and immodest embraces of every kind, as tend to defile both soul and body with lust? Ah! Chtistians, deceive not yourselves; all such liberties are criminal, and therefore positively condemned by the word of God, Gal. v. 19. and Eph. v. 3, 4. as absolutely excluding those that are guilty of them from any inheritance in the kingdom of God.

Conclude, if you desire to have-any share hereafter in the beatitude of Christ and his saints, to keep your souls and bodies uncontaminated from the defilements of lust; and in order thereto, be exact in observing the rule prescribed by our Lord, (Matt. v. 29, 30.) of avoiding all such occasions as may expose you to the danger of lust, however necessary, agreeable, or dear they may seem to be to your natural inclinations: for what can be more dear or necessary than a hand or an eye? and yet we must part with either, or both, rather than lose our souls. Apply this rule therefore to all such company, conversation, books or entertainments plays or diversions, shows or comedies, as are apt to infect your mind, with impure thoughts, or otherwise endanger your chastity; and let neither the example, the invitations, persuasions, nor authority of any one living, prevail on you to transgress this divine rule, or to fling yourselves into the jaws of the infernal dragon, of lust, which on all such occasions lies in wait to devour your souls.

August Mother of God, universal protectress of the human race! look down on the immense and ever-increasing ruin which hell is occasioning souls by the spread of so much impurity through the internet, movies, television, music, books and writings. For thy sweet pity's sake, pray God, Who loveth thee so well, to give us a remedy for so great an evil. Yes. dear Lady, pray; thy prayers are all-powerful with Jesus, thy Son, Whose pleasure it is to grant whatever thou dost ask.