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I. MAN CREATES THEM. "Ye have kindled the fires." What are they? There are at least five false religions that prevail in Christendom, and under the name of Christianity.

1. The religion of creed. A sound creed is essential to a sound religion, but is not itself a sound religion.

2. The religion of moods. Desires for heaven, dread of hell, sensuous sympathy with Christ's sufferings, these are the religious "sparks."

3. The religion of ordinance.

4. The religion of proxyism. Many are depending upon services.

5. The religion of merit. All these are false religions prevalent amongst us, as man is the creator of them.

II. HEAVEN ALLOWS THEM. "Walk in the light," etc.

1. The permission is strange.

2. The permission is significant.

(1) It shows God's respect for that freedom with which He has endowed human nature.

(2) It suggests that in giving the Gospel, He has given all that is necessary for man to get the right religion.

III. MISERY FOLLOWS THEM. "This shall ye have at My hands," etc Death will put out all false light from the soul. Who shall imagine the "sorrow" that follows the extinction of all the religious lights of the soul!

1. There is the sorrow of bitter disappointment;

2. of poignant remorse;

3. of black despair. All hopes of improvement gone. No religion will beam on with increased radiance up to and beyond the grave for ever, but the religion of Christ.

(Homilist.).

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KJV: Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.

WEB: Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who adorn yourselves with torches around yourselves; walk in the flame of your fire, and among the brands that you have kindled. You shall have this of my hand; you shall lie down in sorrow.