Liberal Charity Stated and Recommended on the Principles of the Gospel
R. Balfour. 2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully. The Scriptures abound in a great variety of the most beautiful images and figurative allusions. I. LET US BEGIN WITH CALLING YOUR ATTENTION TO THE CHARACTER HERE REPRESENTED — "He that soweth bountifully," in other words, the man of liberal charity. 1. This is a character formed and perfected under the influence of supreme regard to God and the Redeemer. Beneficent love to men is at once a natural consequence and proof of knowing the love of God, and loving Him. 2. The man of liberal charity is one who gives cheerfully according to his ability. 3. True liberal charity is wisely divided amongst many, and proportioned to the objects upon which it acts. It is not, it cannot be confined to near relations, intimate friends, or particular favourites. The principle which gave it birth extends its influence in every possible direction. 4. That may well be called liberal charity which is designed to promote the greatest possible good. II. Let us now attend TO THE RICHNESS OF HIS REWARD, EXPRESSED IN THE PROMISE ADDED, THAT HE SHALL REAP ALSO BOUNTIFULLY. Need I here caution you against considering what shall be said on this part of the subject as holding out any deserved recompense to personal merit? 1. The truth of this great and gracious promise will be felt in inward enjoyment and spiritual improvement. 2. Add to this the blessing and prayers of those who receive your help. 3. The promise in the text holds up, as a farther inducement to liberal charity, a richly varied and extensive prospect of good to the world. 4. That he who soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully in a future and eternal state.Let me now entreat your attention to the practical improvement of the subject. 1. In the first place, then, it may direct us in forming a just judgment of our own characters. 2. Must not the consideration of this approved character lead us to study and admire that religion from which it receives all its excellence? (R. Balfour.) Parallel Verses KJV: But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. WEB: Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.