Riches increased by giving - Gouge - X

Required reading
Riches increased by giving by Thomas Gouge (Available from Amazon or free here) - Conclude the book.

My summary
Today we finish the book with Gouge answering the question, 'How, or in what manner must we perform this duty, that it may be acceptable and pleasing to God?'

His answer is that we should give:
(i) with justice;
(ii) with freedom and cheerfulness;
(iii) with simplicity and sincerity;
(iv) compassionately;
(v) seasonably;
(vi) promptly;
(vii) liberally;
(viii) prayerfully.

What grabbed me
Gouge had some good advice about giving our estates after we are dead: 'What then shall we think of their charity who put off all to their deathbeds, never giving any thing considerable to God, till they can keep it no longer? These, by their last will and testament, give something to God, yet without doubt it is against their wills, for could they have kept it longer, they would not have parted with it.  The delaying of Christian charity is expressly against the command of God, who requires us to do good, and to communicate of our wealth, while we have time and opportunity. O that all, whom the Lord hath blessed with riches, would in their lifetime become their own administrators, making (as one observes) their own hands their executors, and their own eyes their overseers. For certainly that beneficence which is exercised in a man’s lifetime is the best, and most acceptable to God.'

Giving in your will is only giving once you can't have it any more.  So even then, it is begrudged giving and not fit giving for a servant of Christ.

One sentence final verdict
If you want some lessons on generous giving, then Gouge is a fine teacher.

Next week's reading
Commence Death of death in the death of Christ by Owen (Available from Amazon or free here) by reading the 'Prefatory note', the dedication, the 'Two Attestations' and 'To the reader'.

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