‘Let no debt remain outstanding’  (Romans 13:8)

Rash speculations are inconsistent with Christianity; and getting in debt is as much a breach of the divine precept as robbery or murder. Every believer should live within their income, and not bring a disgrace on religion, by contracting debts which they are unable to pay.

If we have done so, we should be very humble; we should confess our sin before God, and pray to be enabled to fulfil our obligations. It is not necessary that we should make an appearance, as it is called; but it is necessary that we should adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour.

Whoever is in debt, and is not grieved by it, humbled under it, and striving to extricate them self from it, is a very suspicious character, whatever profession they may make. Our God says, and He speaks to all who profess His name, “Owe no man any thing but love.”

A Christian’s payments should be prompt and punctual; their word should be as firm as a bond, and their promise as sacred as an oath. Oh, may our God bring back His people to primitive simplicity! May they all be slow to promise, quick to perform, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Let those who bear the Christian name
Their holy vows fulfil;
The saints – the followers of the Lamb,
Are men of honour still.
Their Saviour’s precepts they obey,
And hasten to the judgment day.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

Resumes in September.