Learn then from this history,
1. The danger of indulging any besetting sin —
[The sin of Balaam was covetousness : and we see how it hurried him from one iniquity to another, till it brought him finally to destruction, both of body and soul. Nor is this an uncommon case. There is scarcely any principle more common, or more destructive, than a desire after wealth and preferment. " The love of money," says the Apostle, " is the root of all evil : and many, by coveting after it, have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows'." The facility with which men deceive themselves in relation to this principle,
s 1 Cor. viii. 9—12. h Numb. xxxi. 8. Josh. xiii. 22.
1 1 Tim. vi. 9-, 10.
renders it peculiarly dangerous. It scarcely ever appears in any other light than as a venial, at least, if not a commendable, quality. It is likely that Balaam himself did not see the ex- tent of his own iniquity : he probably conceived himself to be solicitous only to know and do the will of God. But an inspired Apostle says of him, that "he loved the wages of un- righteousness," and " ran greedily after error for reward." Be- ware then, Brethren, lest, whilst ye think yourselves only prudent and discreet, God himself should " choose your delusions," " give you up to a reprobate mind," impute the same as sin unto you, and assign you your doom amongst his enemies. What- ever excites in you even a wish to violate the commands of God, will, if not restrained and mortified, assuredly " drown you in destruction and perdition."]
2. The necessity of acting conformably with our principles and professions —
[Happy would it have been for Balaam, if he had so done ! But of what use was his knowledge of God, whom he did not fear ; or his views of Christ, whom he did not love ? Of what benefit was his knowledge of men's duty, when he would not practise it ; or his persuasion of a future judgment, for which he made no exertions to prepare ? These things served only to enhance his guilt, and to aggravate his condemnation. Thus will it be with us : " it were better never to have known any thing of the way of righteousness, than to " oppose it, or " de- part from it." " The servant that knew his Lord's will and did it not, shall be beaten with more stripes, than the servant who sinned through ignorance." I would earnestly entreat you therefore, Brethren, to walk according to the light which you possess. Do not, like Balaam, " imprison the truth in unright- eousness :" do not " profess that you know God, and at the same time in your works deny him :" but rather be yourselves examples unto others, that they may in you behold the sanc- tifying efficacy of your faith, and the excellency of that religion you profess.]