* jubilee.
The jubilee was a wonderful institution, and of great service
to the religion, freedom, and independence of the Hebrews.
It was calculated to prevent the rich from oppressing the
poor, and reducing them to perpetual slavery; and to hinder
their obtaining possession of all the lands by purchase,
mortgage, or usurpation. It was further intended, that debts
should not be multiplied too much, lest the poor should be
entirely ruined; that slaves should not always continue in
servitude; that personal liberty, equality of property, and
the regular order of families might, as much as possible, be
preserved; and that the people might thus be strongly
attached to their country, lands, and inheritances.
|