2 Corinthians — Chapter 9
These annotations are from the original 1582 Rheims New Testament, produced by English scholars in exile at the English College of Rheims. The archaic spelling is preserved.
This content was digitized from the original 1609 Douay (Old Testament) and 1582 Rheims (New Testament) print editions by OCR. The OCR process sometimes confused print page numbers with verse numbers, and may have assigned annotations to the wrong chapter. Chapter and verse labels on this page reflect the OCR output from the original print pagination and may not correspond to canonical Scripture chapter/verse numbers. For canonical reference, consult a standard Douay-Rheims edition. The annotation texts themselves are authentic 1609/1582 Douay-Rheims content.
Verse 1
1. Toward the Saints.) Proctours for Catholike Prisoners. By the Apostles earnest and often calling vpon the Corinthians to giue almes for relieuing the faithful in distresse, the Pastours of Gods Church may learne that it specially pertaineth to their office to be Proctours for holy men in prison, pouertie, & al other necessitie, specially when their want commeth for confession of their faith.
Verse 5
5. Not as auarice.) Cheerful giuing. The couetous man that parteth with is peny painefully and with sorrow, as though he lost a limme of his body, is noted; and cheerful, ready, voluntarie, and large contribution is commended.
Verse 6
6. Soweth sparingly.) The greater almes, the greater merit and reward. Almes is compared to seed. For as the seed throwen into the ground, though it seeme to be cast away, yet is not lost, but is laid vp in certaine hope of great encrease: so that which men giue in almes, though it seeme to be cast away & to perish in respect of the giuer, yet indeed it is most fruitful; the benefit therof manifoldly returning to him again. Whereupon the Apostles conclusion is cleere, that according to the measure of the almes or seeding (which is more or lesse in respect of the wil & abilitie of the giuer) the encrease & aboundance of haruest, that is, of grace and glorie shal ensue. See S. Augustin in Psal. 49. circa med. & q. 4. ad Dulcitium.
Verse 12
12. Doth not only supply.) Almes redound to God's honour. When almes are giuen, specially to holy men, not only the giuers obtaine great benefits thereby, and the wants of others be supplied, but God also by the receiuers continual praiers and thankes-giuing therfore, is exceedingly honoured: so that charitie bestowed in this sort, is an acte of Gods worship and of religion.