Miscellaneous Discourses in Vol II of the Works - Edwards - VII - Christian charity commenced

Required reading

Miscellaneous Discourses in Vol 2 of the Works by Jonathan Edwards (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence 'Christian charity' by reading sections I to III.

My summary

Today we begin a discourse on Deuteronomy 15:7-11.

Edwards' doctrine from the passage is the absolute and indispensable duty of the people of God, to give bountifully and willingly for supplying the wants of the needy.

Firstly Edwards teaches us the obligation of Christians to perform the duty of charity to the poor:

I. It is most reasonable, considering the general state and nature of mankind;

II. It is especially reasonable, considering our circumstances, under such a dispensation of grace as that of the gospel.

Secondly Edwards gives us various exhortations to the duty of the charity to the poor:

I. Consider that what you have is not your own;

II. God tells us, that he shall look upon what is done in charity to our neighbours in want, as done unto him; and what is denied unto them, as denied unto him;

III. Consider that there is an absolute necessity of our complying with the difficult duties of religion;

IV. The Scripture teaches us, that this very particular duty is necessary;

V. Consider what abundant encouragement the word of God gives, that you shall be no losers by your charity and bounty to them who are in want.

What grabbed me

I particularly appreciated the application of the cross to the duty: 'How unsuitable is it for us, who live only by kindness, to be unkind! What would have become of us, if Christ had been so saving of his blood, and loth to bestow it, as many men are of their money or goods? or if he had been as ready to excuse himself from dying for us, as men commonly are to excuse themselves from charity to their neighbour? If Christ would have made objections of such things, as men commonly object to performing deeds of charity to their neighbour, he would have found enough of them.'

Yes, there are lots of reasons why Christ shouldn't have been charitable to us. But thankfully he was. And we should learn from his example.

Next week's reading

Conclude 'Christian charity'.

Now it's your turn

Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.