Works (Vol 4) - Bates - IV - Sermon III (Sin the most formidable evil)

Required reading
The Works (Vol 4) by William Bates (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Sermon III (Sin the most formidable evil).

My summary
This week Bates continues to show us that temptations to sin, how alluring soever, or terrifying, are to be rejected with abhorrence. 

This week we learn that this is because sin is most pernicious and destructive.

Thus Bates firstly teaches us that sin is evil due to the evils that proceed immediately by emanation from it.  Sin has:
(i) stained and tainted man with an universal, intimate and permanent pollution;
(ii) degraded man from his native state and dignity;
(iii) broken the sweet peace and blessed concord in the soul.

Secondly Bates demonstrates that sin is evil due to the effects of God's justice and sentence against it when it is found in:
(i) angels;
(ii) men.

Thirdly Bates applies his doctrine by telling us that if we consider the evil of sin we:
(i) discover how perverse and depraved the minds and wills of men are;
(ii) are instructed of the wonderful patience of God;
(iii) heighten our obligation to the divine mercy;
(iv) excite ourselves with a holy circumspection to keep ourselves from being defiled with it;
(v) have a powerful motive to our solemn and speedy repentance.

What grabbed me
Another great sermon.

I liked how Bates showed us the depths of our sins but then showed us the heights of God's mercy: 'From hence we may be instructed of the wonderful patience of God, who bears with a world of sinners, that are obnoxious to his justice, and under his power every day. If we consider the number and aggravations of men's sins, how many have out-told the hairs of their heads in actual transgressions ; how mighty and manifest their sins are, that the Deity and providence are questioned for the suspending of vengeance ? And yet that God notwithstanding all their enormous injuries, and violent provocations, is patient towards sinners, it cannot but fill us with admiration. His mercy, like the cheerful light of the sun, visits us every morning with its benign influences ; his justice, like thunder, rarely strikes the wicked. He affords not only the supports of life, but many comforts and refreshments to the unthankful and rebellious. '

My sin is great, but God's mercy is greater.

Next week's reading
Read Sermon IV 'How men are said to be the sons of God'.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.