worldly goods, as that design is indicated in the story of the manna: He that gathered much had no more than his neighbours, and he that gathered little had no less. To be selfish is not an infallible way of getting more than your share; you may cheat your neighbour by that policy, but you will not get the better of God. In all probability men are far more nearly on an equality, in respect of what their worldly possessions yield, than the rich in their pride, or the poor in their envious discontent, would readily believe; but where inequality is patent and painful--a glaring violation of the divine intention here suggested--there is a call for charity to redress the balance. Those who give to the poor are co-operating with God, and the more a community is Christianised, the more will that state be realised in which each has what he needs. FOOTNOTES: [67] Ἁπλότης is literally simplicity or singleness of heart, the disposition which, when it gives, does so without _arrière-pensée_: in point of fact this is identical with the liberal or generous disposition. Cf. chap. ix. 11, 13; Rom. xii. 8; James i. 5. [68] Previous to his recent visit? So Schmiedel. Or simply = formerly? [69] This, according to Hermann (quoted by Meyer), is often the force of ἀλλά, which is certainly a surprising word here. [70] Translating it, of course, "_was_ poor," or "lived poor": which is not impossible in itself. [71] The προ in προενήρξασθε seems to mean "before the Macedonians." [72] The order of "do" and "will" is peculiar and has not been clearly explained. XXI _THE FRUITS OF LIBERALITY_ "But thanks be to God, which putteth the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. For indeed he accepted our exhortation; but being himself very earnest, he went forth unto you of his own accord. And we have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the Gospel _is spread_ through all the Churches; and not only so, but who was also appointed by the Churches to travel with us in _the matter of_ this grace, which is ministered by us to the glory of the Lord, and _to show_ our readiness: avoiding this, that any man should blame us in _the matter of_ this bounty which is ministered by us: for we take thought for things honourable, not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men. And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have many times proved earnest in many things, but now much more earnest by reason of the great confidence which _he hath_ in you. Whether _any inquire_ about Titus, _he is_ my partner, and _my_ fellow-worker to you-ward; or our brethren, _they are_ the messengers of the Churches, _they are_ the glory of Christ. Show ye therefore unto them in the face of the Churches the proof of your love, and of our glorying on your behalf.