Matthew 27:19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, Have you nothing to do with that just man… Is there one of you who would seriously maintain that it is easier to drive a horse and cart over a steep embankment than it is to drive along the road on the top of the embankment? Oh yes, you say, the former is easier! It is but a plunge, and you have done it. But then, you must consider how many obstacles you have to overcome before you can take the plunge, and- these obstacles make it a harder thing to go over than to go along the road. The beaten road says: "I am the way; you must not leave me." You will have to overcome the obstacle which that clear statement raises. "There is certain damager to limb and life" — you will have to overcome the obstacle which respect for your own safety raises. "The horse, if it has been properly driven, will back off from sharp descent." You will have to overcome the obstacle which the animal raises. Putting together the forces which are exerted by such matters, you will acknowledge that it is not fair to say that it is easier to drive over a precipice than it is to drive along the road which skirts its summit. Just so is it with us in life. Right and wrong solicit us. It may appear more easy to submit to the representations of evil impulses than to those of good; but, however it may appear, remember that before you can yield to the former you must have cast off the restraint of a law of God; you must have stifled your desires to be truly happy; you must have broken away from the influences which proceed from those of your friends who stand in awe of the Christ of God. (D. G. Watt, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. |
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