The proximate occasion of sin is the opportunity
of committing that sin to which one is strongly tempted. Three things combine to
make an occasion of sin proximate:
(1) inclination,
(2) temptation,
(3) an
opportunity.
As human nature inclines universally to impurity, but not to other
sins, the occasion of impurity is a universal danger, while the occasions of
other sins may be dangerous for one person and not for another.
The temptation
(1) is easily aroused and greatly
intensified when it follows the inclination of a bad habit;
(2) it is most
severe when it affects man's predominant passion, or the defects of his temperament
and character;
(3) in both, these instances it is apt to meet with less prompt
and less decisive resistance from the will.
By wilfully exposing himself to the proximate occasion
of sin, or by remaining in it unnecessarily when it presents itself, man
(1)
withdraws himself from the influence of grace;
(2) makes himself unworthy of
the special protection of divine Providence;
(3) and incurs the guilt of the
sin by heedlessly exposing himself to it. Hence the Holy Ghost says, "He
that loveth the danger shall perish in it" (Prov. vi. 27).
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