Insolvent Debtors by A. S. Hutchins

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 5, 1863

Insolvent Debtors.

By A. S. Hutchins

To ONE in whose heart it is written, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself," it would seem to be a sore grief to be placed by circumstances, beyond the ability of satisfying just demands held against him; to be where it is impossible to render an equivalent for that which he has used of another's.

Yet some seem to make a very easy thing of their insolvency. How they can enter so little into the feelings of their creditors, or so little realize what the cause of God may suffer from their influence, we cannot tell.

For one to allow years to pass after becoming involved beyond his ability to pay his debts, without ever expressing to his wronged creditors his regret for his circumstances, or a wish or desire to make them whole, certainly has the appearance of being contrary to the principles of the gospel, contrary to justice and equity, and most assuredly contrary to the penitent debtor's prayer in the parable of Matt. xviii. "Have patience with me," said he, "and I will pay thee all."

If those who are thus involved have it in their hearts to satisfy their creditors if they could, or to do so if their circumstances should in the future permit, why not frankly inform them of it? "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." This might greatly relieve the injured mind. It might do much to remove the blight and mildew from the cause in some places. "Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thy hand to do it." "Provide things honest in the sight of all men." "That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, that ye may have lack of nothing."

Time is short. What we do for the salvation of souls must be done quickly. Let us feel this. I see not how the church can come into the unity of the faith unless its members are all right. O, then, let us make straight paths for our feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way: and hasten our escape "from the windy storm and tempest," and gain the haven of endless bliss.

A. S. HUTCHINS.