Southern Baptist Missionary Journal, January 1847

SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONARY JOURNAL. VOL. I. JANUARY, 1S-1T. NO. S. TIIE MACEDONIAN CHURCHES A STRIKING EXAMPLE OF BENEVOLENCE. We introduce the following from the author of the essay on prayer, in our last number. To those who read it, no commendation will be needed from us. It refers to a’ subject concerning which very loose views arc entertained by many, and one which is intimately connected with the prosperity and spread of the Redeemer’s kingdom. Let the thoughts which follow be carefully and prayerfully considered by all. “ Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit (or we make known unto you ) the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia ; how that in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy, and their deep poverty, abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power, they were willing of themselves; praying us with much entreaty, that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.” — 2 Con. vui : 1-4. The history of benevolence scarcely affords a more lovely and noble example of a generous, self-sacrificing spirit, than is exhibited in the above quotation. It is an example worthy the diligent study of every church, of every minister, of every Christian ; especially at this time, when so much pecuniary aid is needed to supply the nations of the earth with the means of grace, and when it seems so difficult to reach the consciences of the great multitude of Christ’s professed followers, and rouse them up to those sacri¬ fices which the crisis demands. It appears that many of the saints at Jeru¬ salem, through the persecutions of their enemies, had been Teduced to a condition of extreme poverty; the gentile churches are informed of their necessitous condition, and are called upon to contribute to their relief. The apostle takes much pains to stimulate his Corinthian brethren to liberality and promptness in this good work, and amongst other things holds tip before them, to provoke to love and good works, the remarkable generosity of the Macedonian churches. Their conduct towards their suffering breth¬ ren in Jerusalem, proves that they were controlled by a most excellent spirit, a spirit of benevolence and love, which would have drawn from them a ready and liberal response to any reasonable call whatever upon their sympathy and their alms. Let us glance hastily at a few of the characteristics of their benevolence in the case before us. 22*