The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-09-04

wolves an act of faith. One will not part
with his substance unless he believes that
in some way his own wants may be sup
piled. He may trust his Industry to ac-
quire more, but the uncertainties of life
may, to some extent limit such CONT
dence. To ensure, therefore, a bountiful
and cheerful giving to the necessity OF
the brethren at Jerusalem, the apostle di-
reCts the minds of the Corinthians to
Gods gifts to them, as sufficient for their
wants. (Verses to 10). He intmates
that Divine grace, the highest gift, is be-
slowed that they might abound in good
works Qahil. iv, l9). Furthermore, what
they may bestow on others is the product
of what God gave them, the seed sown In
the harvest field bringing forth abundant
ly. Their sowing and reaping and the
increase of fruits thereby is all under Di-
vine care and blessing. And he closes this
portion with a fervent prayer that they
may not lack anything, but be constantly
supplied. Usa. lv, 1O). BY this thought
he has turned everything to religious ac-
count, showing the way to the advance
ment not only in temporal but also In
spiritual things.
THANKFUL.-The final result of boun-
tiful and cheerful giving is shown in the
remainder of the chapter, one verse only
Of which (verse p, forms part of our les
son. The giver enriched by his gifts "a
seemingly contradictory statemenO,
awakens in others the spirit of thanks
giving to God. The apostle who received
the Offering would be grateful for it, and
the people upon whom it might be be-
slowed would also be thankful But all
this would be an outflow of heart not to-
ward Him who has made men the willing
instruments and stewards of His manifold
blessings. q Peter iv, 10. This outcome
is by far more important than all others.
which causes men to recognize God When
it is apparent that He has been at work
in the heart, breaking down its selfish
ness and prejudice, promoting love and
benevolence, the world is convinced, as
it cannot be in any other way, of His
power, and is disposed toward His SER
vice.
CONCLUSION.-We see here what ele-
waited place is assigned to the act of char
ity. Men are sent to Corinth to promote
it, taking with them letter from Paul,
who purposes to follow later and receive
and dtsburse the gifts of the people. In
that letter the subject is treated in all
it's bearings, guided by inspiration AS
Stunning that Christianity inculcates benev-
olence, that it's exercise has been in the
church from the beginning, uniformly
commended, that the conduct of one
church influences the conduct of an
other, there is earnest plea for careful
consideration, for independent action, for
large liberality with great cheerfulness,
because a blessing will come thereby TO
the benefactor and glory to God! How
important then the preparation! How
carelessly, thoughtlcssly, aimlessly some
| times grudgingly, men give their money!
Would that some Paul would send some
Titus to the churches today, to teach, and
organize. and inspire and pray! How can
w eli ~
| er liberality? (Matt. iii, 10). How can we
| expect greater liberality until there is
, more thought and conscience? How can
we expect ungodly men to glorify God
when His children lack His spirit of bell
evidence? Il John ill., ID.