f divorce. (1-4) Of new-married persons, Of man-stealers, Of
pledges. (5-13) Of justice and generosity. (14-22)
Verses 1-4: Where the providence of God, or his own wrong choice in
marriage, has allotted to a Christian a trial instead of a help
meet; he will from his heart prefer bearing the cross, to such
relief as tends to sin, confusion, and misery. Divine grace will
sanctify this cross, support under it, and teach so to behave,
as will gradually render it more tolerable.
Verses 5-13: It is of great consequence that love be kept up between
husband and wife; that they carefully avoid every thing which
might make them strange one to another. Man-stealing was a
capital crime, which could not be settled, as other thefts, by
restitution. The laws concerning leprosy must be carefully
observed. Thus all who feel their consciences under guilt and
wrath, must not cover it, or endeavour to shake off their
convictions; but by repentance, and prayer, and humble
confession, take the way to peace and pardon. Some orders are
given about pledges for money lent. This teaches us to consult
the comfort and subsistence of others, as much as our own
advantage. Let the poor debtor sleep in his own raiment, and
praise God for thy kindness to him. Poor debtors ought to feel
more than commonly they do, the goodness of creditors who do not
take all the advantage of the law against them, nor should this
ever be looked upon as weakness.
Verses 14-22: It is not hard to prove that purity, piety, justice,
mercy, fair conduct, kindness to the poor and destitute,
consideration for them, and generosity of spirit, are pleasing
to God, and becoming in his redeemed people. The difficulty is
to attend to them in our daily walk and conversation.
f divorce. (1-4) Of new-married persons, Of man-stealers, Of
pledges. (5-13) Of justice and generosity. (14-22)