Awake to Sin's Sinfulness

Think, moreover, of all the misery and sorry that sin has caused, and is causing at this very day. Pain, disease, and death--strifes, quarrels, and divisions--envy, jealousy, and malice--deceit, fraud, and cheating--violence, oppression, and robbery--selfishness, unkindness, and ingratitude--all these are the fruits of sin. Sin is the parent of them all. Sin it is that has so marred and spoiled the face of God's creation.

Young men, consider these things, and you will not wonder that we preach as we do. Surely, if you did but think of them, you would break with sin forever. Will you play with poison? Will you sport with hell? Will you take fire in your hand? Will you harbour your deadliest enemy in your bosom? Will you go on living as if it mattered nothing whether your own sins were forgiven or not--whether sin had dominion over you, or you over sin? Oh, awake to a sense of sin's sinfulness and danger! Remember the words of Solomon: "Fools," non but fools, "make a mock at sin." (Proverbs 14:9)

- J.C. Ryle in Thoughts for Young Men