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 his income, and not bring a disgrace on religion, by contracting debts which he is unable to pay. If he has done so, he should be very humble; he should confess his sin before God, and pray to be enabled to fulfil his engagements. It is not necessary that he should make an appearance, as it is called; but it is necessary that he should adorn the doctrine of God his Saviour. He that is in debt, and is not grieved by it, humbled under it, and striving to extricate himself from it, is a very suspicious character, whatever profession he 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; his word should be as firm as a bond, and his 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.
Written by James Smith for his own flock around 1840, but such was the demand that by 1846 over thirty thousand copies where in circulation.
James Smith was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841-1850. He also ministered with great blessing in Cheltenham. His devotional, The Believer's Daily Remembrancer, subtitled Pastor's Morning and Evening Visit, was very popular in its own day, and has received a new lease of life through recent republication.
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 his income, and not bring a disgrace on religion, by contracting debts which he is unable to pay. If he has done so, he should be very humble; he should confess his sin before God, and pray to be enabled to fulfil his engagements. It is not necessary that he should make an appearance, as it is called; but it is necessary that he should adorn the doctrine of God his Saviour. He that is in debt, and is not grieved by it, humbled under it, and striving to extricate himself from it, is a very suspicious character, whatever profession he 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; his word should be as firm as a bond, and his 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.