‏ Deuteronomy 24

* Of divorce. (1-4) Of new-married persons, Of man-stealers, Of

pledges. (5-13) Of justice and generosity. (14-22)

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. 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. 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.