le. Why then
did he act thus, whilst we hesitate to follow his steps? Because he
knew the truth, nature, and extent, of the promises of God, which we
doubt or deny. Some will say--"But this was a provision!" Yes,--the
very provision which God will ever make for those that trust in
Him,--a provision at the moment of necessity.

[15] "I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor
people, and they shall trust in the name of the Lord. They shall feed
and lie down, and none shall make them afraid" (Zeph. 3. 12 and 13).

[16] "He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he
which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man
according as he purposely in his heart, so let him give; not
grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God
is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having
all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (as it
is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor; his
righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that administereth seed to
the sower, both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed
sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness:) being enriched
in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us
thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only
supplies the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many
thanksgivings unto God; (whiles by the experiment of this
ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the
Gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and
unto all men:) and by their prayer for you, which long after you for
the exceeding grace of God in you" (II Cor. 9. 6-14).

[17] [I cannot refrain from inviting any candid and careful reader to
compare the rendering of this passage as given with the rendering in
the Revised Version, as an instance of the real need there was for a
revision of the English version. Especially is this seen from verse
10 and onward. Let him notice the words--ministereth and
administration, experiment, professed; the change from "both"--expressing
a desire, to "shall"--making a promise or assurance. And if
he can compare the Greek he will notice the opening of verse 10,
where the construction of the Greek was missed, "bread for food"
being connected wrongly with the words following instead of with the
words preceding, and "your" was inserted; and then the last clause
quoted