Micah 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy… There are in religion things that are of a mutable and alterable nature, and things that are immutable and unchangeable. Whatsoever is by institution may, by the same authority that imposed it, be discharged and abated. The things mentioned in this text continue to all perpetuity. About these things all persons agree, that are of any education and improvement. Single out for treatment this righteousness between man and man — to "do justly." There is a difference between justice and equity. Equity takes into account the circumstances of a case, grants allowances, and can moderate the rigour of law. There is no one but expects this measure from God when he makes application to Him. God considers and deals with us in a way of mercy and compassion. And we should deal so with one another. This is true liberty and perfection for a man, to have power over his own right, so as to compassionate and commiserate in ease of weakness and offence. It is greatness of power to be able to do this; and it is goodness of mind to perform it. Therefore let "just" and "equal" be so stated that that shall be just which appears to be either according to law or according to reason. Right is determined either by the proprietors, or by the magistrate, or by the voluntary agreement of persons that have power and interest. In commerce, custom and usage is to be heeded, for these began by consent. A man may be unjust from the nature of the thing, as well as by the breach of any law or constitution. He is equal — as differing from just — who considers all things that are reasonable, and makes allowance accordingly. There is a third thing beyond these, and that is to be gracious and merciful. God deals with us usually, but we deal thus with one another very rarely. The following are reasons why we should take this whole temper of mind into consideration, and put it into practice. 1. It is the temper of God. 2. It is everybody's tenure and security. Where justice and equity do not get place there will be nothing but fraud, and everybody will be insecure. 3. These things do uphold the world, which otherwise would soon fall into confusion. 4. It is according to our principles; we are made to these things. 5. It is the right in every case. A man's greatest wisdom is seen in finding that out, and his goodness in complying with it. 6. They are the rule and law of all action. 7. Everybody expects to be thus dealt with by others. That which is expected from another should be the measure of my dealing with him. 8. If we keep to the rule of right and fit we shall be justified whenever called to examination. Punishment is for the upholding of right, or it is exemplary that others, by a bad example, may learn not to offend. To live in the practice of justice and equity, will remove all suspicion of arbitrariness or self-will, will give a man heart's ease and satisfaction, and will render a man acceptable to. God.There are several things which every man must take care of that would be found in the practice of justice and equity. 1. Let a man be wary of self-interest. 2. Let no man allow himself to be arbitrary in a thing depending between himself and another. 3. Let not a man take upon him to be judge where he is a party. 4. Be always ready to any fair reference. 5. As thou art a Christian, yield more in fair consideration towards a friendly composure than absolute reason will oblige to and enjoin. 6. Let nothing rest upon secret and undeclared trust; leave nothing half done. 7. Make a simple reparation in case of wrong. 8. Be a plain and open dealer. 9. Make the same allowance for the infirmity and mistakes of others as thou dost desire for thyself. 10. In acknowledgment of what Christ hath done for thee, be thou equal, just, and righteous, beyond "what absolute reason or strict right may enjoin. (B. Whichcote, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? |
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