Wherein the Corinthians Were "Inferior." 2 Cor. 12:13

THERE is no greater stumbling-block in the church today than the idea that many have of a free gospel. Some apparently suppose that because salvation is free, they may selfishly get all they can and keep all they get, giving nothing to the spread of the truth. True the Creator charged nothing for the gift of his Son; it would not have been a gift if he had. The Son charged nothing for the sacrifice of his life to procure for us salvation; it would not have been a sacrifice if he had. Suppose a commensurate price had been demanded, who could have paid it?

"Were the whole realm of nature mine,

That were a tribute far too small."

Pity the man who imagines, when he gives a tithe or even all of his possessions to the gospel cause, that he pays for salvation. His conception of the value of eternal life must be small indeed. Simon the sorcerer thought to purchase but the gift of healing, with money, and brought upon himself the apostle's curse for his presumption.

Salvation is free, and out of this very fact grows our obligation to send or carry the news to our fellow-men. The Saviour himself, when acting in the capacity of a teacher of men, allowed believers to "minister unto him of their substance." Luke 8:3. The truly converted soul recognizes the obligation to devote at least a liberality of his goods to the furtherance of the cause of truth. Notable examples are found in the church at Jerusalem, when under the undoubted influence of the Holy Spirit, as they sold their possessions and laid the proceeds at the apostles' feet. "Freely ye have received, freely give," is the principle laid down by the Master for all of his followers.

The apostle Paul steadfastly determined to receive no support from the Corinthian church. He did so even when in want, and at the expense of other churches. For some cause he made an exception of this church. In 1 Cor. 9:12 he gives as a reason, "lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ." In 2 Cor. 11:12 it is, "that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion." He refers here to certain "false apostles" whom he wished to cut off from an excuse to claim the support due to true apostles. He had no doubt good reason for his course, or he would not have denied the church the privilege of his support. He acknowledges that this was a detriment to the church, and the only thing in which they were "inferior" to other churches. They were "behind in no gift" (1 Cor. 1:7), and were inferior only in the point that he had not been "burdensome" to them, and for this "wrong" he asked their forgiveness. 2 Cor. 12:13. A most natural result of too much indulgence is alluded to in verse 15,—"the more abundantly I love you the less I be loved."

This example is one that needs to be emphasized at this time, and the lesson impressed, as an antidote for the prevailing selfishness of the age. There are many churches in the land, as well as individuals, who are "inferior" in this respect; and there are no doubt some instances where the ministry are responsible for the lack. "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."