Study Desk

now I rejoice, not at your uneasiness, but at your repentance which succeeded: for your sorrow was a religious sorrow, such as convinc'd you I had done you no wrong.

for religious sorrow produces that salutary repentance, which we never regret: but worldly sorrow preys upon life.

so that your comfort was no small satisfaction to me: yea, and I was the more exceedingly pleased for that cheerful tranquillity of mind which Titus received from the behaviour of you all.

for you are sensible of the beneficence of our Lord Jesus Christ; powerful as he was, for your sake he became poor, that you through his poverty might be made rich.

in this I only advise you: it being for your credit, since you have not only begun to execute it, but you were the first that form'd the design a year ago.

for what a man gives with a ready mind, according to his abilities, is well received; but not when he goes beyond his circumstances.

But thanks be to God, who disposed Titus to be so industrious for you.

for he not only complyed with my exhortation, but being more than ordinarily concern'd, he voluntarily went to you;

but was chosen by the churches to accompany me with this collection; which service I undertook for the sake of Christ, and to encourage your generous design.

As to the relief of the converts, it is superfluous for me to write to you.

for I know your generous propensity, and I mention'd it with applause to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; so that your zeal has influenc'd many others.

for if the Macedonians should come with me, and find you unprepared, how shall I, not to say you, be ashamed for having had so little ground to boast of you?

let every man give as he is disposed in his own mind, without any regret or reluctance: for God loves a cheerful benefactor.

as it is written, " he hath distributed, he hath given to the poor: his liberality remaineth for ever."

now he that furnishes seed to the sower, and bread for food, shall furnish and multiply what you sow, and increase the fruits of your liberality.

for the execution of this charitable office, does not only supply the necessities of the converts, but by the thanksgivings of many redounds also to the glory of God.

having this proof of you by such a supply, they will glorify God for your profess'd subjection to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution to them as well as others;

and you will have the advantage of their earnest prayers, for the exceeding favour God has bestowed upon them by you:

thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

for tho' I am involv'd with the world, I don't sustain the war with their poor arts: