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Patriarchs and Prophets
One wrong step makes the next easier, and they become more and
more presumptuous. They will do and dare most terrible things when
once they have given themselves to the control of avarice and a desire
for power. Many flatter themselves that they can depart from strict
integrity for a time, for the sake of some worldly advantage, and that
having gained their object, they can change their course when they
please. Such are entangling themselves in the snare of Satan, and it is
seldom that they escape.
When the messengers reported to Balak the prophet’s refusal to
accompany them, they did not intimate that God had forbidden him.
Supposing that Balaam’s delay was merely to secure a richer reward,
the king sent princes more in number and more honorable than the
first, with promises of higher honors, and with authority to concede
to any terms that Balaam might demand. Balak’s urgent message to
the prophet was, “Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming
unto me: for I will promote thee unto very great honor, and I will do
whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me
this people.”
A second time Balaam was tested. In response to the solicitations
of the ambassadors he professed great conscientiousness and integrity,
assuring them that no amount of gold and silver could induce him to go
contrary to the will of God. But he longed to comply with the king’s
request; and although the will of God had already been definitely made
known to him, he urged the messengers to tarry, that he might further
inquire of God; as though the Infinite One were a man, to be persuaded.
In the night season the Lord appeared to Balaam and said, “If the
men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word
which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.” Thus far the Lord would
permit Balaam to follow his own will, because he was determined
upon it. He did not seek to do the will of God, but chose his own
course, and then endeavored to secure the sanction of the Lord.
There are thousands at the present day who are pursuing a similar
course. They would have no difficulty in understanding their duty if it
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were in harmony with their inclinations. It is plainly set before them
in the Bible or is clearly indicated by circumstances and reason. But
because these evidences are contrary to their desires and inclinations
they frequently set them aside and presume to go to God to learn
their duty. With great apparent conscientiousness they pray long and