Gold Nugget 276 - Calm Reasoning

Click here to download:
Ecclesiastes 182-183.doc (24 KB)
(download)

      In how many instances may it be observed that a person is no sooner convinced that a certain object is desirable, a certain course is to be approved, than he will hear and think of nothing else!  Is liberty good?  Then away with all restraints!  Is self-denial good?  Then away with all pleasures!  Is the Bible the best of books?  The let no other volume be opened!  Is our own country to be preferred to all beside?  Then let no credit be allowed to foreigners for anything they may do! …

      Calm reasoning would check such a tendency; but the voice of reason is silenced by passion or prejudice.  Impulsive natures are hurried into unreasoning and extravagant opinions and habits of conduce.  The momentum of a powerful emotion is very great; it may urge men onwards to an extent unexpected and dangerous.  Whilst under the guidance of sober reason, feeling may be the motive power to virtue and usefulness; but when uncontrolled it may hurry into folly and disaster. …

      Who has not learned by experience that broad, unqualified assertions are usually false, and that violent, one-sided courses of action are in most cases harmful and regrettable?  There is wisdom in the old adage which boys learn in their Latin grammar, In medio tutissimus ibis. [In the middle of things you will go most safe.]

The Pulpit Commentary, Ecclesiastes p. 182-183, Ecclesiastes 7:16-17, (J. R. Thomson)

Gold Nugget 276

Calm Reasoning

http://www.goldnugget.posterous.com