[64] It is difficult to fix either the text or the punctuation in ver. 8, and agreement among critics is quite hopeless. Practically they are at one in omitting the γὰρ of the Received Text after βλέπω: and Schmiedel agrees with Lachmann and Westcott and Hort that the original reading was probably βλέπων. The R.V. has the same punctuation as the A.V., which probably means that the Revisers could not get a sufficient majority to change it, not that it is quite satisfactory as it stands. It certainly seems better to connect εἰ καὶ μετεμελόμην with what follows (νῦν χαίρω) than with what precedes; but the sense is not affected. [65] But see on chap. ii. 5-11. [66] This is the true text. Instead of ἐπὶ τῇ παρακλήσει in ver. 13 all critical editions read ἐπὶ δὲ τῇ π., and make these words begin a new paragraph. XX _THE GRACE OF LIBERALITY_ "Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the Churches of Macedonia; how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, _they gave_ of their own accord, beseeching us with much intreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints: and _this_, not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God. Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he had made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also. But as ye abound in everything, _in_ faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and _in_ all earnestness, and _in_ your love to us, _see_ that ye abound in this grace also. I speak not by the way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might become rich. And herein I give _my_ judgment: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to make a beginning a year ago, not only to do, but also to will. But now complete the doing also; that as _there was_ the readiness to will, so _there may be_ the completion also out of your ability. For if the readiness is there, _it is_ acceptable according as _a man_ hath, not according as _he_ hath not. For _I say_ not _this_, that others may be eased, _and_ ye distressed: but by equality; your abundance _being a supply_ at this present time for their want, that their abundance also may become _a supply_ for your want; that there may be equality: as it is written, He that _gathered_ much had nothing over; and he that _gathered_ little had no lack."--2 COR. viii. 1-15 (R.V.).