He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

The world, as a serpent-entwined fruit tree, stands before the mind, enticing it to take and eat, and enjoy the good things it affords. To speculate upon the lawfulness of compliance is partly to give consent. There must be no reasoning upon the harmlessness of conforming to the world. Its enticements without, and the sympathizing instincts of the flesh within, must be instantly suppressed; for to hold a parley with its lusts, is dangerous. When one is seduced by "the deceitfulness of sin,” “he is drawn away of his own lusts, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth for sin; and sin when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:14-15): in other words, he plucks the forbidden fruit, and dies, if not forgiven.