186. LUK 19:8. THE DUTY OF RESTITUTION

Luk_19:8. The Duty of Restitution

By the Rev. Shepard R. Kollock, A. M., Norfolk-Virginia.

"Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold."’97Luk_19:8.

The duty enforced by the example of Zaccheus is that of restitution, or the act by which we restore to our neighbor thai of which we have unjustly deprived him. Let us,

I. Show on what the Duty is founded.

1. It is founded on the very nature of justice.

Justice consists in rendering to every one what belongs to him. Of all the human virtues, justice is the first in importance. This is the cement of human society’97the spirit which connects all its members’97which inspires its various relations, and maintains the order and subordination of every part.

2. It is founded on the Holy Scriptures.

Exodus 22; Leviticus 16; Numbers 5.

Samuel’s address, 1Sa_12:3; Neh_5:8-12; Eze_33:15

3. Restitution is indispensable to salvation.

We cannot be saved without repentance. But do we really repent of our injustice when we refuse to repair it? Is it not mockery to profess to bewail our own sins, and yet persist in keeping the wages of our iniquity? Can we be in a state of grace and salvation, and yet be in rebellion against the orders of God? But whoever retains the property of another, sins doubly, both against the law which commands him to restore it, and against that which forbids him to keep it. And thus he tramples on the law of God, and persists in wronging his neighbor. In this state were he to weep tears of blood, the justice and mercy of God would shut out his prayer.

We proceed to inquire,

II. What is necessary for the performance of this duty?

1. We must examine with care, whether we have ever wronged our neighbor, and in how many ways we have done it.

We cannot too carefully examine ourselves on this subject; Zaccheus’s vow includes an engagement to make the most exact inquiries.

2. Restitution should be prompt.

Must not be deferred to some future time. Zaccheus did not say, I will restore it, but, I restore it; that is, now, immediately, without delay.

3. Restitution must be full and entire.

Zaccheus does more than satisfy those whom he had wronged; for he resolves to restore fourfold. Your restitution must be exact, and to the utmost limits of the injury sustained from you.

As far as I have been able to search the Scriptures on this subject, the duty of restitution knows no other obstacle than impossibility, and no other reserve than what is necessary for the support of life.

INFERENCES

1. How small is the number of the saved! Where are the Christians who repent of their extortions, who have made restitution?

2. What great discoveries will be made at the judgment-day!

3. The nature of true religion. Benevolence to man, as well as love to God.

4. The necessity of paying the most scrupulous attention to the duties of truth and justice.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS