The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Corinthians — Section 207

all the proceedings of the providence of God. Often, as in the case before us1 the righteousness of the principles of the Divina government is 80 apparent that no question can possibly be raised concerning it. I. THE GEl'<"EBAL PBINOIPLE HERE PROPOUNDED, It is that the requirements of God. correspond to the possessions of man. 1. What men have, they have received from the undeserved bounty of their Creator. This holds good with regard to property and to taleuts and opportunities. 2. .An account is expected from every man by him who is the Judge and sovereign Lord of all. We are to some extent and in somo matters accountable to our fellow-men, but for everything to him in whom " we live, and move, and have our being." 3. The rule according to which the supreme Governor will judg~ mankind is one of absolute rectitude--" according to that a man hath." Tho feeble man will not be expected to have done the work of the strong; the dull man the work of the genius; the peasant the work of the prince; nor the beggar to have given with the generosity of the millionaire. But each must answer for that which has beon entrusted to himself. In all things the disposition, the spirit, the endeavour, will be taken into account; "if there be first the ready mind"-" if the forward zeal be at ban<l.'' Such is the universal condition of Divine acceptance and approval. , II. THE SPECIAL API'LICA'l'ION OF THE PRINCIPLE HERE DEDUCED. 1. In the matter of gifts there is scope for moral culture and watchfulness. Unless liberality be shown upon definite principle, it will most likely not be shown at all. There is need of watching against selfishness and avarice. 2. It is well for every Christian to anticipate and apply beforehand the Divine principle--to judge himself, that he may,not be judged by God; to put to himself the question, "How much owest thou unto thy Lord?" 3. Especially should the inspired rule of liberality be observed by those who are pros- pering in the world. As means increase, let gifts be enlarged. The Judge cannot accept from the wealthy the gifts which were approved when offered by the poor.-'l'. Ver. 21.-Things honourable. It might have been supposed that the apostle would have considered himself superior to the considerations here adduced. His life was so completely unselfish, 80 obviously governed by higher than interested principles, that it seems as if be might have taken it for granted that no suspicion could attach to his personal administration of the alms to be forwarded to Judma. Probably others thought thus; few, if any, could have suspected Paul of fraud and misappropriation. But he judged himself by a standard which was applicable to all Christian agents, a standard which every wise man, experienced in the ways of the world, will do well to adopt as his own. L THE BULE OF CONDUCT HERE PROPOSED. 1. Things honourable are things actually good, admirable, beautiful, in themselves. The word in the original denotes primarily this. What things are morally excellent and praiseworthy, let these things be done. 2. Things honourable are things reputable and approved. It is especially prudent to be very careful and scrupulous, and very open, in the administration of public money, and so to act that there may be no opening for slander or misrepresentation. And the same rule applies to other departments of conduct. It should not be a prominent motive with us to secure men's approval, yet our conduct should be such as to secure that approval, and even to command it. 3. Things honourable may best be provided by endeavouring to realize the inquisitive inspection of men and the all-searching gaze of the omniscient Gud. Il. THE MOTIVES URGING TO THE PRACTICAL ADOPTION OF THIS RULE, 1. Jt will tend to the satisfaction and peace of our own conscience. 2. It will tend to the honour of the religion we profess, when it is seen to be, not a cloak for covetousness, but an impulse to disinterestedness and a principle of integrity. 3. It will be for the glory of God. .Actions done in his sight and at his command, from the motive of his love, and with the hope of his approbation, are the actions which the Christian should ai~ consistently and constantly to perform, in all positions and in a.11 relations of life.-T. Ver. 23.-The appreci,aJ,ion of /ellow-1,abowrers. A.nxious·as Paul was that a. gene- rous contribution should be sent to Judma for the relief and assistance of the poor' Christians in that province, he wa.s equally anxious that the mode in which this con- tribu:ion was transmitted should be open and above all i;uspicion of carclA11SDl.'JlS or ou, vur, 1-24,] THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS, 207