the world by his evil example, and the devil triumphs. With good reason then does Ecclesiasticus exclaim to all the children of Adam, " Flee from sins as from the face of a serpent — the teeth thereof are the teeth of a lion, killing the souls of men." (Eccles. xxi. 2.) Let not this divine monitor cry out in vain.
Venial Sin. — I. Disposes to Mortal Sin.
I. He who sincerely hates mortal sin must make every exertion to avoid venial transgressions, for " he that contemneth small things shall fall by little and little." (Ecclus. xix. 1.) Venial sin disposes to mortal sin. 1. In regard to the matter of sin; for the matter is generally of the same nature in both mortal and venial sin, and consequently when a person has formed a familiarity with the smaller matter by frequent venial sins, he easily passes to mortal guilt. 2. In consequence of the failure of our spiritual strength, which is diminished by frequent venial sins. Hence in this state we easily give way under the attacks of temptation; for " by slothfulness a building shall be brought down and through the weakness of hands the house shall drop through." (Eccles. x. 18.) 3. In consequence of the withdrawal of divine assistance, which is frequently the consequence of voluntary venial sin; for that man does not deserve much help who spares his own exertions. "He who soweth sparingly shall also reap sparingly." (2 Cor. ix. 6.)
II. What caution a man uses who has any inflammable matter in his house. He spares no exertion to prevent accidents and to ensure safety. And yet there is no substance in physical nature more inflammable than is concupiscence in moral nature. King David, the man who was "according to God's own heart," by an
