The so-called innocent amusements of the world are only contrivances to forget God.
It is the nature of Sin to obtain great power by little beginnings.
Confession of Sin
Soon as the word is uttered, “I have sinned,” that very moment flies the seraph. (Isa. 6) God “is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” When we confess them in the name of Jesus, justice, having been satisfied by the blood of Christ, is swift to pardon.
God cannot seal a pardon in the soul without confession. (Ps. 32:3-5.)
As we practise confession, so will be our happiness and joy; for all true confession is followed by the spirit of praise.
If in coming to God we complain against ourselves, let us thank Him that we have a heart to complain.
The Spirit of God never heals save as He wounds; and if those seeking Christ have not peace, it is because there is still in them some remnant of fancied goodness. Tell out the whole heart to God, and the conscience will be cleansed by confessing sin over the head of the scapegoat.
There is a counterfeit Confession of Sin; let us beware of this counterfeit. We may be sure the sorrow is not deep if the sin be not subdued.
If so be we are ready in the confession of our faults, and have faith in the blood of sprinkling, those very faults will serve our growth in grace: they will be like manure to the field or garden.