how then can I] The grace of God is a powerfull restraint against the provocation of sinne; so that the godly cannot consent unto it, 1 John 3:9. whereas the wicked on the contrary cannot cease from it, 2 Peter 2:14.
this great wickednesse] Adulterie is a great wickednesse: first, because it is a theft of that which is most precious, and should be most peculiar to the owner, as in this verse is shewed; and therfore the suspition or jealousie of injurie in it raiseth the rage of a man to such an height, that it will not be allayed without revenge, Proverbs 6:34-35. And it stealeth sometimes an heire into a mans estate, or at least thrusteth in for a portion among the legitimate children a stranger that hath no right to be a sharer with them. Secondly, marriage being not made without the bond of loyalty, the breach of that bond is treachery. Thirdly, in a religious and godly person it is sacriledge, for the body of such a one is the Temple of the holy Ghost, 1 Corinthians 6:19. and to turne the temple of God to the use of carnall pollution is a profane sacriledge. Fourthly, besides all this Joseph if he should yeeld to his lascivious Mistresse, should shew himselfe not onely ungratious towards God, but ungratefull unto a very kind, and respective Master: not without great cause then, he called Adultery a great wickednesse.
against God] The feare of God preserved him against her continuall temptations. See Chap. 42. 18. Nehemiah 5:15. See Annot on Chap. 20. vers. 6.