The Conjunction of Sin and Mirth
Homilist
Hosea 2:11
I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her new moons, and her sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts.


Mirth is not happiness. It is but the mimicry of real joy. There is but little happiness in the world, but there is much mirth.

I. THE CONJUNCTION OF SIN AND MIRTH IS COMMON. The voices of jollity and fun are heard everywhere through society.

II. IT IS INCONGRUOUS. Gaiety and laughter in a sinner are most revolting when rightly regarded.

III. IT IS TEMPORARY.

1. The separation is certain. An old writer says, "If you will not take away sin from your mirth, God will take away your mirth from your sin."

2. The separation will be solemn. Do not then confound mirth with happiness. Happiness will follow holiness for ever; mirth will only, like the ignis fatuus, flare about sin for a short time at most, and then go out.

(Homilist.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her new moons, and her sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts.

WEB: I will also cause all her celebrations to cease: her feasts, her new moons, her Sabbaths, and all her solemn assemblies.




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