Homilist Deuteronomy 15:4-11 Save when there shall be no poor among you… I. THE RULES THAT ARE HERE SUGGESTED FOR THE RELIEF OF THE POOR. 1. Contiguity. It is the poor "in thy land." Those living nearest us, other things being equal, have the first claim on our charity. Let it bless as it goes; work as the leaven in the meal, from particle to particle, until it gives its spirit to the mass. 2. Heartiness. "Thou shalt not harden," etc. The heart must go with the deed. 3. Liberality. "Open thine hand wide unto him." The liberality of men is not to be judged by the sums they subscribe, but by the means they possess. II. THE REASONS THAT ARE HERE SUGGESTED FOR THE RELIEF OF THE POOR. 1. Your relationship to the poor. "He is thy brother." He has the same origin, the same nature, the same great Father, the same moral relationships, as thyself. 2. The imprecation of the poor. "And he cry," etc. 3. The blessedness insured to the friend of the poor. 4. The Divine plan as to the permanent existence of the poor. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: Save when there shall be no poor among you; for the LORD shall greatly bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it: |
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