The greatest evil
(Octavius Winslow, "The Lord's Prayer" 1866)
"Deliver us from evil." Matthew 6:13
SIN is the greatest evil. Emancipated from this, you are disenthralled from all evil — for sin is the prolific parent of all.
Sin is your heaviest burden, your bitterest grief.
Conscious of their indwelling within your heart, you long to be delivered from . . .
the evil passions,
the carnal lusts,
the worldly affections,
the idolatrous attachments,
the sordid cares —
that enchain and fetter you!
Thus you cry, "Deliver me from the evil of sin! Lord, subdue its power, cleanse its guilt, weaken its assault, and let not any iniquity have dominion over me!"