Proverbs 14:9 - Homilies By W. Clarkson

The sadness of sin

It is foolish enough to use the words "sin" and "sinner" in the light and flippant way in which they are frequently employed. But to "make a mock at sin" itself, to treat otherwise than seriously the fact and forces of sin, is folly indeed. For sin is—

I. THE SADDEST AND STERNEST FACT IN ALL THE UNIVERSE OF GOD . It is the ultimate cause of all the disorder, misery, ruin, and death that are to be found beneath any sky. There is no curse or calamity that has befallen our race that is not due to its disastrous power.

II. THE DARKEST EXPERIENCE WE HAVE IN REVIEW . We may look back on many dark passages in our life history, but none can be so black as the experiences for which we have to reproach ourselves, as those wherein we broke some plain precept of God or left undischarged some weighty obligation.

III. A POWERFUL , HOSTILE FORCE STILL CONFRONTING US . Sin "easily besets us."

1 . It is exceedingly deceptive, alluring, undermining, betraying.

2 . It is a very present enemy, near at hand when least suspected, entering into all the scenes and spheres of life.

3 . It strikes deep, going down into the innermost places of the soul.

4 . It is very extensive in its range, covering all the particulars of life.

5 . It stretches far into the future, crossing even the dividing line of death, and reaching into eternity.

6 . It is fatal in its results, leading the soul down into the dark shadows of spiritual death.

The only wise course we can take in view of such a force as this is