1 Disciples, Said unto them, 'Verily, I Say unto you, That this poor Widow hath cast more in, than All they, which have cast into the Treasury: for All they did cast in of their abundance, but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living-Mark xii. 41 to 44.- -When the dearth, that was afterwards Visited upon the known World in the time of Claudius Caesar, was foretold by Agabus, one of the Prophets, who went from Jerusalem to Antioch, the Disciples, every Man according to his ability, sent relief unto the Brethren, which dwelt in Judea, by the hands of Barnabas and Paul-Acts xi. 27 to 30; and Paul adverts (in his Letter to the Romans,) to this mission thus, Now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the Saints; for it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor Saints, that are at Jerusalem -Rom. xv. 25, 26; See 1 Cor. i. 4 to 7, lately also quoted. VERSES 8 and 9-I speak not by Commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of Others; A The Apostle's careful observance of the distinction, when he offered the Suggestions of The HOLY SPIRIT, as Imparted to his own mind, and Superinduced generally by prayer and the operation of his lively faith; and when he spoke his own thoughts, without any sensible Interposition of That SPIRIT, is highly creditable to him, and assists in proving the integrity of his professed piety, and his desire to be read correctly by his Fellow Mortals, as he knew he was by the All-Penetrating Mind of GOD. He had in other communications found such truly Christian principles prevailing, that he was anxious the Corinthians should not be outdone; but that they should continue their career, so that they might finish their course with gladness: and he presses on them the Great Argument of the Condescension of The SON of The HIGHEST, in Stooping not only to Take upon Him our Nature, but to be in all respects like unto ourselves, sin only excepted: ever bearing in our minds and wearing in our hearts the grateful remembrance of His Inestimable Sacrifice Made for us-A Sacrifice, the Extent of Which even Angelic penetration but faintly presents to their contemplation; much as they know of the Beatitudes of a Heavenly existence, and deeply as they would deplore any, the least diminution of their experience of them; yet conscious, as they must be, of the inconceivable Superiority of That Happiness, Which Encircled The SON of GOD, how must they wonder, that He could Surrender It even for a Season; and not only that, but that He should Stoop to the Experiencing Human weakness, and still more to the Encountering Human depravity, by the Adoption of the Nature of Man, and Yielding Himself to the anguish and torture of an ignominious and agonizing Death; at the same time Witnessing the Rejection of His Offers of Benevolent Mediation, and the desertion of Him by those, who had been the Chosen Companions of His Sojourn upon Earth. On another occasion (1 Cor. vii. 6.) we have seen, Paul spake by Permission, and not of Commandment.- -St. John records, that In the Beginning was The WORD, and The WORD was with GOD; and The WORD was GOD: The Same was in the Beginning with GOD-i. 1, 2. The helplessness of Infancy did not Save The SON of GOD and Man from persecution: to avoid impending death through the jealousy and savage cruelty of Herod, who sacrificed a hecatomb of Infants with the aim of destroying amongst them This One Precious INTERCESSOR for our Eternal Life and Happiness, His Earthly Parents, amidst their poverty, were obliged to fly not only from their home and their Country, but to domicile for a considerable period amongst Strangers in a Land, that was strange; and from the time, at which The MESSIAH Entered upon His Public Ministry, He was incessantly assailed by the wounded pride and revengeful malice of those, who, instead of themselves teaching the Truth or ruling in Righteousness, as they were appointed to do, made their authority and their elevation but instrumental to the striving to oppose The Heavenly MESSENGER of Peace and of all Goodness. Still Patience and Perseverance in the Great Work of Human Redemption Prevailed with Him to Encounter all this suicidal resistance to His Merciful Offering of Himself; and Finally, though with Power to sink the Earth and all its Inhabitants in utter and irretrievable destruction, He Yielded Himself up A Willing Victim to Appease DIVINE Wrath; and to Draw down upon the Penitent and Believing the Gift of DIVINE Pardon and Reconciliation from His HEAVENLY FATHER, and Sanctification from The HOLY SPIRIT.-The poverty of Him, whilst on Earth, Who yet had Made the Earth and all the Richness thereof, was such, that, as vividly Described by Himself, He was more Destitute than the beasts and birds; for, Said He, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but The SON of Man hath not where to Lay His Head-Luke ix. 58; and St. Paul's description of the Humility of The Gracious MEDIATOR is associated with an exhortation to endeavour to copy That Example, saying, Let this mind be in you, which was also in CHRIST JESUS; Who, being in The Form of GOD, Thought it not Robbery to be Equal with GOD; but Made Himself of no reputation, and Took upon Him the form of a Servant; and was Made in the likeness of Men; and being Found in fashion as a Man, He Humbled Himself and Became Obedient unto death; even the death of the Cross-Phil. ii. 5 to 8.- -The SON of GOD Counsels us to buy of Him Gold tried in the Fire, that we may be Rich; and White Raiment, that we may be Clothed-Rev. iii. 18. It is thus that the poverty of a meek and SAVIOUR-Loving Spirit is Rewarded by the Glory and the Joyfulness of an Everlasting Communion with The SON of Man. VERSES 10 to 15.-And herein I give my advice; for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago: now therefore perform the doing of it! that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that, which ye have for if there be first a willing mind, it is Accepted according to that a Man hath; and not according to that he hath not: for I mean not, that other Men be eased; and ye burdened; but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want; that their abundance also may be a supply for your want; that there may be equality as it is Written, (Exod. xvi. 18.) He, that had gathered much, had nothing over; and he, that had gathered little, had no lack.' The will may be interrupted in its way; but the Benevolence of GOD is Satisfied with the existence of a willing mind, a desire to do good, even beyond its power. A Christian Spirit is ever ready to alleviate the sufferings, and to lessen the privations of Others; and rejoices in every opportunity of administering to the necessities of those, especially where a common faith binds them to union and fellowship in the Service and the imitation of the Example of their Great HEAD and MASTER JESUS CHRIST. To put the hand to the plough, and to turn back, is an utter inconsistency with the engagement that a Christian enters into; when once he has seriously and deliberately embarked in the course of duties, to which his Relationship to CHRIST, as his REDEEMER, calls him, then he seeks to go on to perfection; and remembering, that it is more blessed to give than to receive, regulates his conduct towards Others by that excellent Rule, Exemplified as it was by our SAVIOUR through the Whole of His Earthly Sojourn. My Grace is Sufficient, Saith The LORD to every faithful Servant of His Word and Will. Be the duty little, or much; be it for an especial occasion, or for the continuance even of a prolonged life, it is embraced and stedfastly pursued, as power and opportunity are afforded.In his instructions to Timothy, Paul said, Charge them, that are rich in this World, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in The Living GOD, Who Giveth us Richly all Things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works; ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the Things to come, that they may lay hold on Eternal Life-1 Tim. vi. 17 to 19. And let us not forget to do good and to communicate, remembering that we have the Assurance, that with such sacrifices GOD is well Pleased-Heb. xiii. 16; remembering also with St. James, that Faith, if it have not works, is dead, being alone. On the Descent of the Heavenly Food, the Manna, upon the Wilderness, round about the Tents of the Israelites, when journeying from The Red Sea to the Promised Land, it is recorded by Moses, that on the several quantities being severally measured, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little, had no lack they gathered every Man according to his eating-Exod. xvi. 18. Thus Miracle upon Miracle, in the Distribution, as well as in the Production, was Manifested. VERSES 16 to 21.-But thanks be to GOD, Which Put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you! for indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you; and we have sent, with him, the Brother; whose praise is in The Gospel throughout all the Churches; and not that only, but who was also chosen of the Churches to travel with us with this Grace, which is administered by us to The Glory of The Same LORD, and declaration of your ready mind: avoiding this; that no Man should blame us in this abundance, which is administered by us: providing for honest things, not only in the Sight of The LORD, but also in the sight of Men. The Gracious Providence of GOD, Which for CHRIST's Sake Dispenses Wisdom from Above, and Knowledge of the Things that belong to Everlasting Peace, Does so in That Proportion, which befits His Benevolent and Discriminating Mind; and in the varying order of responsibility each Person, fulfilling the measure of his Appointed duty, according to the Nature and Extent of the Means thus Divinely Afforded him, will stand not only Acquitted, but Applauded at the Bar of DIVINE Justice, and, for the Merits' Sake of his believed in and adored REDEEMER, be Received unto an Inheritance in the Mansions of a Blissful Eternity. To be Least in the Kingdom of HEAVEN is to be Encircled with a Happiness, that no Terrestial Imagination can fully, if it can even faintly picture. Thus was Titus Led of The HOLY SPIRIT to cherish a truly Christian and persevering zeal towards the Christian Converts, whom Paul named to him and suggested his visiting; which proposal Titus so promptly acquiesced in, and added so much of the willing impulses of his own heart and mind in the Missionary cause, that Paul was made heartily to rejoice and to pour forth his gratitude to GOD for the ready and effectual help he found in Titus: and doubtless Paul was Directed in his choice of this Companion for Titus, whom he had reason to have confidence in, as being also cast for the office, and whom Paul characterizes as a Brother; whether this was Barnabas, or Silas, or Timothy, or any other Co-Adjutor, the progress made by him in vital Christianity is thus distinguishingly noted by the Apostle, that his praise was in all the Churches; the chosen Companion for Paul, and forward in the mighty work of seconding The DIVINE Will in the Regeneration of Mankind, by leading them to CHRIST as their REDEEMER, and to The HOLY SPIRIT as their SANCTIFIER. This anxious effort of the Apostle to infix the Truths of The Gospel in the hearts of those, towards whom his mind was directed, he admonishes his Correspondents not to consider superfluous, as indicating any want of confidence in their religious professions; and, by the supplies with which the Missionaries were furnished, Paul seeks to impress on the Corinthians, that their liberality was not doubted by him, but that it was the part of a just and honest career to provide becomingly, and in some degree independently, for the Servants of The LORD, out of their own resources, where they have such; that so they might be the more favourably judged by those, who witnessed their conduct, however severely scrutinized that conduct might be.In his former Letter, Paul had offered to the Corinthians to adopt as his Companions, and as joint Trustees with him of the funds they might have collected amongst themselves in relief of the necessities of the Saints, such Persons as they might commission-1 Cor. xvi. 3, 4.—In all things, and in all exercises of Christian charity and Brotherly and Sisterly love, through faith in The Gospel of JESUS CHRIST, Paul on this, as on a former occasion (iv. 15.) and indeed universally sought to manifest the Goodness, and consequently to advance the Glory of GOD, from Whom every Good and Perfect Gift Flows.-Paul's frequent admonition was, and consequently it is but fair to infer it was equally his practice as his doctrine, and is in accordance with the true spirit of Christianity, to provide things honest in the sight of all MenRom. xii. 17; and again in his Letter to the Philippians he writes, as a climax of Christian Rules, Finally, Brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things! Phil. iv. 8; and the necessary inference is, that thinking thereof, we should act up to them. St. Peter's counsel extends also to the same effect, exhorting to the having our conversation honest; and then, though we may be spoken against as Evil-Doers, by our good works we shall Glorify GOD in the Day of Visitation, as Actuated by His SPIRIT, and Seeking His Honour, and His People's benefit-1 Pet. ii. 12. VERSES 22 to 24.-And we have sent with them our Brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence, which I have in you. Whether Any do inquire of Titus, he is my Partner and Fellow-Helper concerning you or our Brethren be inquired of, they are the Messengers of the Churches, and the Glory of CHRIST; wherefore shew ye to them, and before the Churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf. The impression made upon Paul by the conduct of the Corinthian Converts was thus extended, by his consistent report of it, to the Individual, who was missioned to them; and the Apostle, in anticipation of any inquiry, that might be made, as to the commission with which he would appear among them, as a Preacher of The Gospel of JESUS CHRIST, assures those, to whom his Letter was addressed, that Titus held towards him the intimate Relationship of Partner in the Great Work of Evangelization, and had concurred with him in the exercise of that high Privilege. And the accredited office of the other Missionaries, accompanying Titus, is in accordance with that honourable but highly responsible Calling for the Salvation of Souls, and consequently the Glory of The SAVIOUR, are advanced by them. Justly therefore does the Apostle confidently urge upon those, to whom they are sent for those great and gracious Purposes, to receive them courteously, and cherish them with a trusty and Brotherly feeling; as Paul had led them to expect would be the friendly and Christian-like treatment, that would be experienced; for such had been his encomium passed upon their character and dealings in their Christian profession.-—On another occasion Paul put Epaphroditus into commission, whom he sent to the Philippians to do the work of the Ministry, representing him as a Brother, as well as a Companion in labour and Fellow-Soldier-Phil. ii. 25. Servants and Soldiers we should all be, and rejoice to be under Such A more than Parental MASTER, as well as CAPTAIN in the Great Warfare for our Soul's Triumph over Sin and Satan and the Second Death. 1154 CHAPTER IX. VERSES 1 to 7.-For as touching the ministering to the Saints it is superfluous for me to write to you; for I know the forwardness of your mind; for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal had provoked very Many: yet have 1 sent the Brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready; lest haply, if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting; therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the Brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up before hand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness. But this I say, 'He, which soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly; and he, which soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully: every Man, according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity! for GOD Loveth a cheerful Giver. A forwardness to minister to Ministering Men, is one characteristic of the true Christian, who loves all them, that love The LORD JESUS in sincerity and truth, and spend and are spent in His Service: and in many ways beyond the tribute of One's substance, this may be done by respectful kindness, attention, and a readiness to co-operate according to our ability in furthering a Minister's goodly design, to engraft the spirit of Christianity among his Flock, and especially in assisting in the progress of the culture of the infantine minds in the Ways and Works of Christian, and moral and useful tuition.The beneficial effect of example is here held forth, as shewn in the influence of the charitable conduct of the Converts in Achaia on those of Macedonia, as exciting and stirring them up, or, in the strong idiom of Hebrew phraseology, provoking them to be like-minded, and by prudence and forethought, to be not only able but ready to give, and glad to distribute.The Apostle is anxious by all means to have the Christian Character upheld in all its peculiarities and beneficial operations; he wished therefore that the Corinthian Converts should lay up for Christian objects an accumulating fund, and not accumulate from any motive of avarice or love of money for money's sake; so as only to give on the impulse of an appeal to their feelings through a Missionary's detail of the sufferings and privations, which in Brotherly love should not be suffered to remain unalleviated. Of all we have, even life itself, GOD is The Free and Unrecompenced GIVER. Of His Bounty every day of our existence here affords unquestionable proof; Light and Darkness, Day and Night, Summer and Winter, the Material and the Animal World, All of His Preservation and Regulation, as well as of His Creation, are Made more or less either necessary to our existence, or tributary to our comfort. And should not we therefore render unto GOD, and to His Chosen Objects for the exercise of our charity and kindness and consideration, of the Things, thus derived from the Boundless and Unfailing Bounty of His Tenderness and Loving-Kindness towards ourselves? To reap sparingly, or not at all of That Harvest, Which The LORD of the Harvest will Gather in at the Great Day of His In-Gathering, will bring with it such a load of self-condemnation, that the Soul will sink into utter despondency and remorse : exclaiming, Oh! that I had given bountifully, when it was in my power so to give, as indeed I ought to have done; and my Soul would not now be Doomed to an everlasting famine of the Bread of Spiritual Life! To give and to give cheerfully is but an act of Self-preservation, as well as of strict justice towards GOD. How Exhaustless has His Goodness been to us in the All-Surpassing Gift to us of His Only and HOLY SON! A Gift, The Fruit and Effect of Which will be to those, who rightly receive It, Commensurate with the Coming Eternity. And should Such a Gift of Inestimable Preciousness be lightly regarded, or set at nought, by withholding from Those, who are of CHRIST's evident Adoption, a portion of the Blessings Poured out to us; and such a portion and in such a Spirit, as a grateful Piety should prompt to the offering?-David, amongst the Inspired Counsels of |