Deuteronomy 15

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XV.—In this year of release I behold the acceptable, the evangelical, and the eternal, year of God’s redeemed; in which we, infinite debtors to the law and justice of God, are justified from all things; and we, bond-sinners of mankind, are restored to our liberty, and enriched by his grace with blessings innumerable and everlasting. But let me think also how irreligious and inhumane is severity towards poor but honest debtors; it entails a curse upon our property. And it is base to make God’s kindness to the poor an occasion of our unkindness to them. To refuse lending to them, if industrious, when we have God to be their surety, who will repay us with usury, is absurd; but especially is it dangerous to have their cry ascending to heaven against us. And often will it be found what we call prudence, in withholding from them, is held extremely sinful and criminal before God. He knows and remarks every thought of our hearts; and it is not so much the gift, as the temper of the giver, that he regards. Servants likewise ought to be treated with tenderness and kindness, especially if found faithful.—It is important to watch against every suggestion which may divert us from our duty, or discourage us in it.—But while in these firstlings I see Jesus, and all his redeemed, devoted to the honour of God, according to their respective purity and stations, let me think with what exactness every thing belonging to the Lord ought to be used in his service in the very manner prescribed by himself. 2