Riches increased by giving - Gouge - IX

Required reading
Riches increased by giving by Thomas Gouge (Available from Amazon or free here) - Continue by reading up to the section beginning 'Dear Reader, in the exercise of this Christian duty, however, it may be profitable to ask ourselves a few useful questions; namely, How, or in what manner must we perform this duty, that it may be acceptable and pleasing to God?'

My summary
Firstly, today, Gouge continues to outline reasons why Christians should give to ministers of the gospel, including:
(i) ministers often suffer and need relief;
(ii) ministers are often brought low for your sake;
(iii) God requires it;
(iv) it demonstrates your love for God;
(v) you will benefit from the prayers of the ministers;
(vi) you will be rewarded in the kingdom of heaven.

Then we read some questions by which Gouge endeavours to enforce this important and profitable duty:
(i) What are your present views and feelings with reference to liberality?;
(ii) What dost thou think of thyself?;
(iii) What dost thou think of thy wealth and possessions?;
(iv) What dost thou think of the state of many of the righteous servants of God?;
(v) What is the purpose of your heart, and what wilt thou do for the future?

What grabbed me
I appreciated the reminder that I am only a steward of my possessions, not an owner: 'The truth is, it is the great mistake of many, to think that all their goods are their own, and that they are absolute lords and owners of all which they possess; whereas, indeed, they are rather stewards than lords and owners of this world’s goods; all is the Lord’s. God, of his infinite wisdom, hath committed to some a greater portion of them, than to others, yet not to be devoted entirely to themselves, but to be used according to the Divine command, being God’s stewards, and who will have to render an account at the great day; God requires a special part to be given for his sake, and though no man may claim any part of our property, still our heavenly Father deems a portion as belonging to the church and the poor, and we cannot justly withhold it. Therefore Solomon, speaking of the special right which God and the poor have to a part of our wealth, saith, "Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thy hand to do it." Prov 3:27. So that the exercises of Christian charity and beneficence are not only acts of mercy, left to our choice to do, or leave undone; but also an act of justice, to which we stand bound and responsible for its performance. Hence to give alms, and to do righteousness and justice, are often in Scripture put the one for the other, both signifying the same thing.'

God has kindly granted me some control of his belongings, so I'd better make sure I use them as he has directed.

Next week's reading
Conclude the book.

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