(Revised Version). The fact is always grander than the figure, and hence we may believe that tho fruit~ of righteousness will infinitely surpass the work done, Observe now that this was a present thing os well as a future thing. Just then a gracious influenca :,vns spreading through the Churches and uniting them in closer fellowship by reason of a common interest in behalf of Jerusalem. And, furthermore, they should be" enriched in everythi □ g to oil bountifulness," no lack of seed for sowing, fruits of righteousness obounding, and especially their liberality should cause thanksgivina to God. This idea of thanksgiving fills a large space in his mind. It becomes in the twelfth verse "many thanksgivings." What joy would it bring to Jernsa\em l How far would the glad tidings spread I Not only for the pecuniary aid afforded, but for this new and cheering evidence of their obedience unto the gospel of Christ, what praise would ascend to God! If we could transfer ourselves into the position of these early Chris- tians and enter into their feelings, especially those of the Jerusalem Church, we shoulcl. realize the apostle's meaning where he lays such a stress on the results of this Gentile beneficence, But we can hardly approximate this state of mind, The loneliness of the saints at Jerusalem, the large sacrifice of property after Pentecost, the loss of employment because of professing faith in Christ, the destitution and suffering that had befallen them, the growing disturbances with Rome, the increase of bitter strife among the Jews, the darkness with its prophetic woes descending on the doomed city, parties becoming more and more virulent in their antagonisms to one another, and amid it all, the " poor saints" subjected to all sorts of insult and grievance, give us but a general idea of the misery and wretchedness they were enduring. It was all very real to St. Paul. No such earthly reality as Jerusalem occupied his intellect and heart. Was he looking forward to the day (as Stanley suggests) when he should stand in tho holy city and witness the gratitude of the Church for this great benefaction? Likely enough; but whether so or not, it is certain that his soul overflowed with joy. It was a. grand proof of brotherhood between Jewish and Gentile Christians. It was the perfecting link in the chain that was to bind them together. It was a blessed testimony to the divineness of the gospel. Contemplating the gifts, he rises in a moment to the Divine Gift, an~ exclaims, "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable Gift l n-L. Ver. 2.-The contagion of zeal. 'The interest which Christians living in distant lands learned, under apostolic guidance and by the spiritual tuition of the indwelling love of Christ, to take in one another's welfare, was an evidence of the introduction into humanity of a new moral power, a principle of universal love and brotherhood. It is ,;ery. instructive to see the congregations of Macedonia. and of Corinth rivalling one another in the benevolent enterprise of relievin~ the wants of the mother Church at Jerusalem. Paul evidently encourages this beneficial emulation. I. ZEAL m CHRISTIAN BENEVOLENCE IS m ITSELF GOOD, The languid and unemo- tional, the cold and calculating, however they may pride themsel,es upon their justice and reasonableness, a.re not the people who do· the good, the benevolent work oc the world. It is good to be zealously atfected in a. good cause. !I, THE CONTAGIOUSNESS OF ZEAL IS FOUNDED UPON THE SOCIAL NATURE OF MAN, We· are members one of another, and it is not desirable, it is not possible, for any person, for any community, to be indifferent to the welfare of others. And the conduct of each has some influence upon the conduct of others. It is not easy to be zealous when all around are unconcerned and inactive, whilst, on the other hand, the spectacle of zealous devotion and self-denial is stimulating and encouraging. III. THIS EMULATION MAY BE CARRIED TO A PREJUDICIAL EXTENT. It cannot but be acknowledged that emulation may lead to ostentation. Who can question that the motive of some givers to charitable and religious institutions is impure? One wishes to excel another, for the pleasure of triumphing over him, or of cutting a. more impor- tant figure in the eyes of his fellow-men. .And thus the true motive is lost sight of, and a mornl injury ls wrought. IV. YET IT IS WELL TO FEEL THE FORCE OF A GOOD EXAMPLE AS A PRACTICAL M0TIVB 'l'o ZEALOUS SERVICE. We may learn from the case of others what may be done where there is consecrntion, 5elf-denlal, and prayerful effort, Our apathy may_ be rebuked, our flagging benevolence revived. It is when the coals are not only kmdled, but pui together, that the fire burns clear and bright, and gives forth lts genial warmth,-T n, OORINTBIANS, Q 2'.!6 THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS. [on. 1x. 1-15.
'Ver. 6.-Sou,i11g amd reaping. This is one of those natur;\ 1 analogies which aro common to all languages and to all ages. There is sowing and i'Capi11g in the' history of the indi\,idua\ ; the moral liins of his youth may determine the direction of hiq after life. There is sowing and reaping in the experience of a Christinn community; its founders may impart to it an impulse the consequences of which -shall be discctnibl6 in distnnt generations. And in this passage the apostle reminds his readers that giving is a kind of sowing, and that,, as the hnsbandman reaps as ho has sown so shall ,t be in the experience of all benefactors. The liberal shall reap abundantly; the grud~ing 0 and sparing !\hall gather a slender crop. ' ' '