The silly moth is caught!

Henry Law, 1858

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Why is this world such a wide sea of evil?

Why do earth's multitudes roll so easily to Hell?

The tastes of the mass of the human race are groveling and vile.

They only care to sip the vulgar cup of time and sense.

Their sin-soiled garments and polluted feet prove that they wallow in defiling mire.

See the worldling.

A temptation meets him.

A gilded bait allures.

A sweet indulgence opens its inviting arms.

What follows?

The silly moth is caught!

Pleasure whispers, "Come and partake!"

  Desire acquiesces.

    Nature surrenders.

Thus Satan leads his crowds down misery's downward slope.

Quickly, easily--they glide along.

The rolling pebble has no power to stop.

The downhill torrent is incapable of turning.

To them, liberty is unknown.

The clash of heavy chains attests their bondage.

Satan drags them--and they must obey.

The world gives laws--they tremblingly submit.

They crouch, the slaves of many an insulting tyrant!
 

"Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.
 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin;
 and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death!" James 1:14–15

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it!" 1 Corinthians 10:13