1 Peter 3:2

AS all Graces are connexed in their own Nature, so ‘tis altogether necessary, that they be found so, for the end here propounded, the conversion of those that are strangers to Religion, and possest with false notions of it, and prejudices against it. ‘Tis not the regularness of some particular actions, nor the observance of some duties, that will serve: but it is an even uniform frame of Life, that the Apostle here teaches Christian Wives, particularly in reference to this end, the gaining, or conversion of unbelieving Husbands, and this we have both in that word, their conversation, which signifies the whole course and tract of their Lives, and in the particular specifying of the several duties, proper to that relation and state of Life. First, Subjection. Secondly, Chastity. Thirdly, Fear. Fourthly, Modesty in outward Ornaments. Fifthly, The inward Ornaments of Meekness and Quietness of Spirit.

The combinement of those things makes up such a Wife, and the exercise of them throughout her life, makes up such a Conversation, as adorns and commends the Religion they profess, and is a fit, and may be a successful means of converting the Husband, that as yet professes it not.

Chaste Conversation.] It is the proper character of a Christian to study Purity in all things, as the word in its extent signifies. Let the World turn that to a reproach, call them as you will, this is sure, that none have less fancy and presumption of Purity, than these that have most desire of it; but the particular pureness here intended, is, as ‘tis render’d, that of Chastity, as the word is oft taken, it being a Grace that peculiarly deserves that name, as the sins contrary to it are usually and deservedly called Uncleanness. ‘Tis the pure whiteness of the Soul to be chaste, to abhor and disdain the swinish puddle of Lust, than which there is nothing doth more debase the excellent Soul, draws it down below it self, and makes it truely brutish. The three kinds of Chastity, Virginal, Conjugal, and Vidual, are all of them acceptable to God, and sutable to the Profession of a Christian: therefore in general only, whatsoever be our condition of Life, let us in that way conform to it, follow the Apostles Rule, possessing those our earthen Vessels, our bodies, in Holiness and Honour; by which there is express’d this same Chastity. And this we shall do, if we rightly remember our Calling, as Christians, in what sort of life soever; as there he tells us, That God hath not called us to Vncleanness, but unto Holiness.

With Fear.] Either a reverent respect to their Husbands, or the fear of God, whence flows best, both that and all other observance, whether of Conjugal or any other Christian Duties; be not presumptuous, (as some) because you are chaste, but contemper your Conversation that way with a religious fear of God, that you dare not take liberty to offend him in any other thing; and according to his institution, with a reverent fear of your Husbands, shunning to offend them: but possibly this fear doth particularly relate to this other duty with which its joyn’d chaste Conversation with fear, fearing the least stain of Chastity, or the very least appearance of any thing not suiting with it: ‘tis a delicate timerous Grace, affraid of the least air, or shadow of any thing, that hath but a resemblance of wronging it, in carriage, or speech, or apparel, as follows,