Gold Nugget 297 - A Settled Purpose
There is in all men’s nature a principle assuming various forms – impulse, propensity, passion. If there were no such principle, we cannot see how human life could go forward. It is the spring, the motive power, of the machine. It is not implanted within us in order that it may be eradicated, but in order that it may be governed, directed, controlled. It itself is not bad. But passions become bad when misdirected and uncontrolled by reason and conscience. …
Anger, lust, or some other passion prompts to a certain course of action. The mischief is wrought when the man, in the exercise of choice, accepts as the motive of his action, and identifies himself with, a passion, the indulgence of which works evil, preferring such a principle of action to a higher and better one. …
It is not a single feeling, a single purpose, which usually accounts for a man’s, a nation’s evil ways. The mischief, when isolated, might be checked. But it is too often fostered and thus encouraged, complicated, and multiplied, as the mind broods upon it. A mere fancy becomes, when encouraged, a desire; a desire, when encouraged, becomes a settled purpose. …
The desire does not long remain such; it tends to its satisfaction. The device is a means to an end, and achieves itself. God’s mercies are permitted, in some cases and to some extent, to “bring wicked devices to pass.” For wise purposes, the Ruler of all suffers men to only think evil thoughts, but to accomplish evil deeds. …
The oft-quoted proverb is a true one, “Man proposes, God disposes.” The All-wise has his own plans, the Almighty has his own means; and the wisdom and the power of men, measured against the Divine resources, will surely be brought to nothing. “Hitherto shalt thou go, and no further; and here shall thy proud waves be stayed.” There is no occasion for the people of Christ to be dismayed or overmuch distressed when evil devices enter into the minds of their adversaries. …
“He taketh the wise in their own craftiness,” their wisdom is seen to be but folly. “In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength;” “The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” The enemy may devise; but he will not be suffered to execute his devices.
The Pulpit Commentary, Ezekiel p. 295-296, Ezekiel 38:14-22, (J. R. Thomson)
Gold Nugget 297
A Settled Purpose
