119. PRO 22:2. HUMAN EQUALITY

Pro_22:2. Human Equality

"The rich and poor meet together; the Lord is the maker of them all."’97Pro_22:2.

By the rich and poor, the wise man doubtless includes all ranks and degrees of men. And by meeting together, he evidently means, that they meet on common or equal ground; that, however unequal they may be in many of the distinctions of life, yet, in great and important matters, they are placed on the same level. "They meet together, for the Lord is the maker of them all." Let us,

I. Illustrate the sentiment contained in the text.

"The rich and poor meet together."

1. In the sameness of their origin.

For all men are equally the descendants of the first human pair. God hath made of "one blood all nations of men," &c.; Act_17:26. How foolish and contemptible is pride of antiquity and superiority of descent, &c.! How silly the terms noble and ignoble blood!

2. In the construction and modification of their persons.

As all have one origin, so, likewise, all possess the same common nature. There may be considerable diversity of stature, color, and feature; but all are essentially alike. Anatomists cannot discern the least difference in the construction of human beings, of whatever country or color. Heart, nerves, muscles, &c., all the same. Union of body and soul the same; the same faculties, &c. They meet together,

3. In the calamitous consequences of the fall.

By one man’s disobedience all men are made sinners; all are involved in the same common depravity, guilt, and condemnation. Rom_5:12 to end. The rich and poor meet together,

4. In the gracious arrangements of redeeming mercy.

Christ the Messiah is the kindred brother of every child of man; and his blood possesses unbounded, universal, and eternal merit and efficacy. He came expressly "that the world through him might be saved;" Joh_3:17. And "by the grace of God he tasted death for every man;" Heb_2:9. Yes, his sacrifice availeth to all colors, ranks, and degrees of men. And there is no exclusion, but the self-exclusion of unbelief. They meet together,

5. In the field of mutual dependence and usefulness.

No created being is, or can be independent. Not only do all men depend upon God, but all are so closely united to one another, that none can say to his fellow, I have no need of thee. The rich depend upon the poor, for their labor; and the poor upon the rich for a portion of their abundance. God hath linked the whole human family together in the bonds of mutual dependence. The rich and poor meet together,

6. In the infirmities and miseries to which humanity is liable.

No station in society is exempted from disease of body or mind. Man, that is born of a woman, whether rich or poor, is exposed to trouble. Disappointment and sorrow are ingredients which are mixed in he cup of all men, from the monarch on the throne to the child born for adversity. The rich and poor meet together,

7. Within the precincts of the dark and silent tomb.

All are alike exposed and subjected to the same harbingers, agonies, &c., of death. Effects the same upon all; putrefaction and worms. The grave is the house appointed for all living. And there is no discharge in the war of mortality. The rich and poor shall meet together,

8. Around the judgment-seat of Christ.

Judgment is as certain as death; and as certain to all. Every man’s bonds shall be loosened in the morning of the resurrection. All shall hear the trumpet’s loud and solemn blast; and all shall stand to hear their sentence, and receive their doom. Rev_20:11, &c. Let us then,

II. Attempt an improvement of the sentiment of the text.

If the rich and poor meet together, then,

1. Let each labor to fill up his station to the glory of God and the good of mankind.

Let the poor cultivate a spirit of contentment; for "godliness with contentment is great gain;" 1Ti_6:6. Besides, poverty has been sanctified by the life of Jesus, "who, though he was rich, yet for our sakes became poor," &c. Let the rich be fruitful in good works, and so expend their possessions, that they may give an account of their stewardship with joy, and not with grief. Mat_25:34, &c.

2. Let there be a mutual bearing of each other’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

"Let each his friendly aid afford,

And feel his brother’s care."

3. Let the rich and poor meet together with kindly remembrance before the throne of grace.

How desirable that, with fervent love and compassion, we solicit heaven’s blessings to descend upon our fellow-men. 1Ti_2:1. &c.

4. May all be solicitous to meet together in the heavenly world.

"O how happy we shall be,

When our Saviour we shall see,

Exalted on his throne!

O, that will be joyful!

O, that will be joyful!

When we meet to part no more"

Autor: JABEZ BURNS