8. It was the deed; settled, unwavering desire of the heads of government, ecclesiastical and political.-" When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death." (Matt. 27:11When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: (Matthew 27:1).)
How painful a proof have we here of the deep, settled, unwavering desire of the chief priests and elders of the people for the Lord's death. And this is always God's way, even to cause such delay to man in his doings and labors as to give him time to see clearly the true character of the principle and motive on which he is acting. And this, I conceive, it is which so strikingly exhibits the patience of God, both in judgment and mercy; and leaves those that walk in their own way without excuse, while oft (as doubtless in this case) it is the preparation in the consciences of many of the transgressors for the outpouring of mercy.
" How unsearchable are his ways, and his judgments past finding out."