Riches increased by giving - Gouge - I

Required reading 
Riches increased by giving by Thomas Gouge (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read up to the paragraph beginning with 'But that this truth may appear with all its evidence and full conviction, I shall prove by Scripture, example, and reason.'

My summary
This week we begin a new work by Gouge on giving.

He opens his book with the text, 'He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. 42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. (Matthew 10:41)'

Firstly Gouge examines what is meant in the text by:
(i) a prophet and a righteous man;
(ii) receiving a prophet or a righteous man;
(iii) the reward which follows receiving them.

Then he answers some objections before moving onto explaining what is mean by 'little ones' in verse 42.  They are little in:
(i) the eyes of the world;
(ii) the eyes of themselves.

Next Gouge gives us two especial points of instruction:
(i) God takes notice of all his saints;
(ii) God shows kindness to them.

Then Gouge begins to show that the least work of charity showed to a minister or righteous man, shall be abundantly recompensed, and that not only hereafter, but likewise here on earth.

What grabbed me
This looks like an easy to read work and I'm enjoying it already.

I particularly liked the encouragement not to overlook the least of Christians: 'This I would press upon the notice of all, and remind Christians in their charitable distributions, especially to have an eye to such ministers or Christians as are more obscure, and less honourable in the world. Possibly when those of greater worth and eminence may taste deeply of their bounty, every one almost hath a kindness for them: in the meantime there may be some poor hidden ones, whose worth is less, but their wants are greater, who being low in those gifts or graces which would commend them to public notice, are almost buried in forgetfulness. It may be true, that the more eminent the object, and worthy the person that is relieved, (cœteris paribus), so the utility and the excellency of the work of benevolence may appear, and a higher object obtained thereby. Yet special care should be taken that the more obscure and least deserving among all that belong to God be not forgotten.'

Everyone counts in God's kingdom.  We must make sure that we believe it is so and act accordingly.

Next week's reading
Continue by reading up to the paragraph beginning 'Thus you have the truth of the point proved both by Divine and human testimonies. I shall now proceed to give you some instances for its farther confirmation...'

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.