IX

1. To write to you - Largely.

2. I boast to them of Macedonia - With whom he then was.

3. I have sent the above mentioned brethren before me.

5. Spoken of before - By me, to the Macedonians. Not as a matter of covetousness - As wrung by importunity from covetous persons.

6. He that soweth sparingly shall reap sparingly; he that soweth bountifully shall reap bountifully - A general rule. God will proportion the reward to the work, and the temper whence it proceeds.

7. Of necessity - Because he cannot tell how to refuse.

8. How remarkable are these words! Each is loaded with matter and increases all the way it goes. All grace - Every kind of blessing. That ye may abound to every good work - God gives us everything, that we may do good therewith, and so receive more blessings. All things in this life, even rewards, are, to the faithful, seeds in order to a future harvest. Prov. xxii, 9

9. He hath scattered abroad - (A generous word.) With a full hand, without any anxious thought which way each grain falls. His righteousness - His beneficence, with the blessed effects of it. Remaineth forever - Unexhausted, God still renewing his store. Psalm cxii, 9

10. And he who supplieth seed - Opportunity and ability to help others. And bread - All things needful for your own souls and bodies. Will continually supply you with that seed, yea, multiply it to you more and more. And increase the fruits of your righteousness - The happy effects of your love to God and man. Isaiah lv, 10

11. Which worketh by us thanksgiving to God - Both from us who distribute, and them who receive, your bounty.

13. Your avowed subjection - Openly testified by your actions. To all men - Who stand in need of it.

15. His unspeakable gift - His outward and inward blessings, the number and excellence of which cannot be uttered.