Ezra 1:4 And whoever remains in any place where he sojournes, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods… "Not many years since," writes a clergyman, "I had occasion to solicit funds to aid in the prosecution of a work of benevolence. I stepped into the office of a Christian friend, with whom I had a partial acquaintance, and incidentally mentioned the unpleasant business before me, and inquired of him for the residence of a certain benevolent individual, and added that I hoped to get one dollar of him. After receiving directions, I turned to go out. 'But stop,' said this brother, 'suppose you let me have the privilege of contributing a little of the money which the Lord has lent me to this cause. Put down £20 for me.' I expressed my surprise that he should contribute so liberally, and remarked that I should feel myself in duty bound not to call on him very soon on a similar errand. 'Well, then,' said he, 'my brother, I think you will very much mistake your duty. If you knew how much pleasure it gave me to contribute of my substance to the Lord, you would feel no reluctance in calling again. And now let me charge you, when engaged in similar business, never to pass me by. Call, and I think I shall be able to do something; and if not, my prayers shall go with you.'" (Signal.) Parallel Verses KJV: And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem. |
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