THE SNARE OF A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

It is of all importance that I should reach God's ground, and not content myself with separating from the place of evil in which I find myself. It is written, "Forsake follies and live, and go in the way of intelligence", Prov.9:6. The former is the first right step, but it is not all. If I only do the former, I am only seeking what suits my conscience, and not that which suits God ... This is the snare which so many fall into... Jacob ought to have left Laban's house, but he ought not to have contented himself with [Shechem]. A right step is not enough. Jacob has to be taught to go to Bethel, the house of God. The snare lies in this: one is occupied with the thing done, which quiets, because it is a step in the right direction, and thus one is diverted from seeing or enquiring what God calls His saints to.

J.B. Stoney Vol.9, p.42