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Offerings given to the poor. It was righteous to do so: hence, giving to the poor is called righteousness. Ps. 112: 9; 2 Cor. 9: 9. In the law provision was made for the poor. Ex. 23: 11; Lev. 19: 10. It is declared that the poor would never cease out of the land; and if not relieved and they cried to the Lord, it would be accounted a sin against those who should have aided them. Deut. 15: 7-11. On the other hand, we read that "he that hath pity upon the poor lendeth to the Lord, and that which he hath given will he pay him again." Prov. 19: 17. In the N.T. the same thing is enforced. We are exhorted to do good unto all men, especially unto them of the household of faith. Gal. 6: 10. "He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly . . . .
the Lord loveth a cheerful giver;" and whole chapters were written to stir up the saints to give liberally to the poor in Judaea. "It is more blessed to give than to receive."