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universal obligation; and all nations, who professed the Christian religion, have forever received it without any hesitation or gainsaying, as the sure and only standard by which Incest is ascertained.

If these observations prove insufficient to produce conviction; if one or all of these fail to convince those of their error who maintain that the Law against incest was a more ceremonial precept; it will be altogether useless to add any more. Such persons must be considered as either above or below the reach of arguments.

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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, besides 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 consentancous 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