CONTENTS We have in this Chapter a continuation of Moses' discourse. Here are contained, the order for the release of debtors every seventh year: cautions to the people not to withhold lending to their needy brethren, on account of the year of release being at hand: some particularities respecting... [ Continue Reading ]
I call upon the Reader in a very particular manner in the opening of this chapter, to remember the motto which I have so often endeavored to bring to his recollection, that Moses wrote of CHRIST; for here JESUS is evidently preached; and if the HOLY GHOST shall be mercifully pleased to reveal him to... [ Continue Reading ]
What is a foreigner? Paul hath told us, Ephesians 2:12. Reader! do you not see from hence, that covenant blessings, and covenant mercies, are peculiar blessings and mercies. LORD! give me grace to be very earnest in searching for the tokens of being interested in the covenant; and then, grace to pri... [ Continue Reading ]
Spiritually considered, what a mercy would this be, when that scripture shall be fulfilled, in which it is said, GOD'S people shall all be righteous; Isaiah 60:21. In JESUS the very poorest are so. But it should seem to refer to the latter day glory. Who doth not join in that prayer of the Psalmist,... [ Continue Reading ]
Is not this strictly true, in gospel days, when the servants of JESUS impart of their golden treasure, the word of GOD, to the darkened nations of the earth? What loan is like this? And what power over men is equal to that which, under GOD'S teaching, brings them into captivity to the law of CHRIST?... [ Continue Reading ]
Reader! dwell particularly on that endearing word, thy brother, while reading this precept. Then, turn thy thoughts to JESUS, a brother born for adversity; and call to mind, in every instance of a real brother in JESUS who is in distress, that he is his image, and representative. Read that scripture... [ Continue Reading ]
What a gracious provision hath the LORD of our salvation made, in guarding against evil! The heart is wicked, and David saith of himself that it was the transgression of the wicked which spake within his own heart, that showed him the fear of GOD was not before him. Psalms 36:1. And Paul confesseth... [ Continue Reading ]
Reader! look around thee, and behold this day how GOD'S word is verified. Blessed JESUS! give me grace to keep in view thine unequalled poverty, and to consider the path of honest humble poverty as dignified by thy bright example. 2 Corinthians 8:9.... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe, it is a brother that is here spoken of: one included in the covenant promises. To everyone of this character there is a year of release, whether male or female. Colossians 3:11.... [ Continue Reading ]
And doth not JESUS when he sends forth his brethren in the freedom of his salvation, send them forth enriched with all spiritual blessings in CHRIST JESUS? Ephesians 1:3.... [ Continue Reading ]
Sweet remembrance! LORD give me grace ever to keep in view the wormwood and the gall, that the honey and the honeycomb of the gospel, even JESUS himself, may be the more precious to my soul. Song 1-8.... [ Continue Reading ]
Do I not see JESUS in this scripture? Was it not him who though LORD of all, and equal with the FATHER, yet made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant? And was it not JESUS whose ear was thrust through to be the servant of JEHOVAH in redemption work forever, until all his... [ Continue Reading ]
Here is a repetition of the law concerning the redemption of the firstlings of the flock. See Exodus 13:15; Exodus 13:15. But let not the Reader overlook the grand object intended from it. JESUS is the first-born among many brethren. He was devoted to the LORD'S service from the womb. And how highly... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS BEFORE I close the chapter, let me pause again and review the divine mercy in the appointment of the year of release. Let me contemplate the FATHER's everlasting love, the Redeemer's unequalled grace, and thy rich mercy, O thou eternal SPIRIT! from whose teaching alone it is that I beho... [ Continue Reading ]