Chapter 9

  For concerning the ministry that is done towards the saints, it is superfluous for me to write unto you.  

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  For I know your forward mind: for which I boast of you to the Macedonians. That Achaia also is ready from the year past, and your emulation hath provoked very many.  

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  Now I have sent the brethren, that the thing which we boast of concerning you, be not made void in this behalf, that (as I have said) you may be ready:  

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  Lest, when the Macedonians shall come with me, and find you unprepared, we (not to say ye) should be ashamed in this matter.  

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  Therefore I thought it necessary to desire the brethren that they would go to you before, and prepare this blessing before promised, to be ready, so as a blessing, not as covetousness.  

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  Now this I say: He who soweth sparingly, shall also reap sparingly: and he who soweth in blessings, shall also reap blessings.  

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  Every one as he hath determined in his heart, not with sadness, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.  

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  And God is able to make all grace abound in you; that ye always, having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work,  

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  As it is written: He hath dispersed abroad, he hath given to the poor: his justice remaineth for ever.  

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  And he that ministereth seed to the sower, will both give you bread to eat, and will multiply your seed, and increase the growth of the fruits of your justice:  

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  That being enriched in all things, you may abound unto all simplicity, which worketh through us thanksgiving to God.  

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  Because the administration of this office doth not only supply the want of the saints, but aboundeth also by many thanksgivings in the Lord,  

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  By the proof of this ministry, glorifying God for the obedience of your confession unto the gospel of Christ, and for the simplicity of your communicating unto them, and unto all.  

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  And in their praying for you, being desirous of you, because of the excellent grace of God in you.  

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  Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.  

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