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¹ As to the relief of the converts, it is superfluous for me to write to you. ² 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. ³ yet have I sent the brethren, that my character of you may not appear to be groundless, with respect to that part wherein I said, ye would be ready: ⁴ 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? ⁵ I thought it therefore necessary to counsel the brethren to go before, and settle the management of the contribution by this previous notice, that it might have such dispatch, as shows a bountiful, and not a niggardly temper.

⁶ remember, " he who sows sparingly, shall reap also sparingly: and he who sows bountifully, shall reap also bountifully." ⁷ let every man give as he is disposed in his own mind, without any regret or reluctance: for God loves a cheerful benefactor. ⁸ and God is able to make every charitable gift redound to your advantage; that being always sufficiently supply'd in every thing, you may excel in every good work: ⁹ as it is written, " he hath distributed, he hath given to the poor: his liberality remaineth for ever." ¹⁰ 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. ¹¹ so that being enriched in every thing, you may be continually beneficent to the glory of God by our thanksgiving. ¹² 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. ¹³ 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; ¹⁴ and you will have the advantage of their earnest prayers, for the exceeding favour God has bestowed upon them by you: ¹⁵ thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.