Riches increased by giving - Gouge - IV

Required reading
Riches increased by giving by Thomas Gouge (Available from Amazon or free here) - Continue by reading up to the section beginning 'Thus have you the truth of this doctrine confirmed by Scripture, example, and reason.  We now come to the application.'

My summary
Today Gouge continues to give examples 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.

Last week Gouge began to provide some examples from outside the Bible, and today he finishes his list with some other people known to him.

Then after Gouge has confirmed his teaching with examples, he provides three reasons why those who give will be recompensed.  Confirmation may be taken from:
(i) the goodness and bounty of God, which is such that he will not suffer any work of charity, shewed to any of his ministers or children, to pass away unrewarded, without full recompence;
(ii) the faithfulness and righteousness of God, who having in his word graciously promised abundantly to recompence and reward our beneficence, his faithfulness and righteousness engageth him to make good what he hath promised, so that he cannot but be as good as his word;
(iii) several metaphorical expressions used in Scripture, by which alms-giving is represented to us; all which imply not only a certain return, but that with increase, as sowing and lending, and that upon interest.

What grabbed me
I liked Gouge's explanation of the farming metaphor: 'Though our almsdeeds seem (as the seed sown) to perish and rot; yet believing what we see not, we shall assuredly see what we believe, and find, even here, such a fruitful increase, as we shall conclude, that giving to charitable uses is the surest and safest way of getting and thriving in the world.'

Giving away your money may seem like giving away dead money.  But with the blessing of God that money yields a mighty harvest.

Next week's reading
Continue by reading up to the section beginning 'I told you before that I was anxious to do you a kindness, and that you may be benefited by the consideration of this all important duty, I must farther tell you, not only what you should do, but how you must do it, that you may not lose your reward. And if you would make sure to be gainers by whatever you thus lay out, observe the following directions:—'.

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