Scripture Promises Anexed to giving

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SCRIPTURE AUTHORITIES

FOR

GIVING;

WITH

PROMISES ANNEXED THERETO.

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If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury. Exod 22:25.
Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause. Exod 23:6.
But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat. Exod 23:11.
And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the Lord your God. Lev 19:10.
And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the Lord your God. Lev 23:22.
If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away some of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold. Lev 25:25.
And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee. Lev 25:35.
And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant. Lev 25:39.
If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth. Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto. For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land. Deut 15:7-8,10-11.
Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant that is poor and needy, etc. At his day thou shalt give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he is poor, and setteth his heart upon it: lest he cry against thee unto the Lord, and it be sin unto thee. Deut 24:14-15.
The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set the world upon them. 1 Sam 2:7-8.
But he saveth the poor from the sword, from their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty. So the poor hath hope, etc. Job 5:15-16.
Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy. I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out. Job 29:12-13,16.
If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail; If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering; If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep. Job 31:16,19-20.
The cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted. Job 34:28.
He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression. Job 36:15.
For the needy shall not alway be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever. Ps 9:18.
The poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless. Ps 10:14.
For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him. Ps 12:5.
Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the Lord is his refuge. Ps 14:6.
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. Ps 34:6.
All my bones shall say, Lord, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him? Ps 35:10.
I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. Ps 37:25-26.
Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness. Ps 41:1-3.
Thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor. Ps 68:10.
For the Lord heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners. Ps 69:33.
He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor. For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper. He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy. Ps 72:4,12-13.
Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. Ps 82:3-4.
For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul. Ps 109:31.
A good man showeth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. Surely, he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor: his righteousness endureth for ever: his horn shall be exalted with honour. Ps 112:5-6,9.
I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. Ps 132:15.
I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor. Ps 140:12.
Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry, etc. Ps 146:7.
There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat; and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. He that diligently seeketh good, procureth favour. Prov 11:24-25,27.
But he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. Prov 14:21.
He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor. Prov 14:31.
Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker, etc. Prov 17:5.
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. Prov 19:17.
Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. Prov 21:13.
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor. Prov 22:9.
He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want. Prov 22:16.
Rob not the poor because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: For the
Lord will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them. Prov 22:22-23.
He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. Prov 28:8.
He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse. Prov 28:27.
The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it. Prov 29:7.
The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever. Prov 29:14.
Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. Prov 31:9.
Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. Eccles 11:1-2.
But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, etc. Isa 11:4.
And the firstborn of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety, etc. Isa 14:30.
For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, etc. Isa 25:4.
The liberal deviseth liberal things, and by liberal things he shall stand. Isa 32:8.
When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. Isa 41:17.
Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity. And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday. And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Isa 58:7-11.
Sing unto the Lord, praise ye the Lord: for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evil doors. Jer 20:13.
He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him, etc. Jer 22:16.
Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor, etc. Dan 4:27.
I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the Lord. Zeph 3:12.
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. 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. Matt 10:41-42.
Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, etc. Matt 19:21.
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in. Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the king shall answer and say unto them, Verily, I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matt 25:35-40.
Go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven. Mark 10:21.
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom; for with the same measure that ye mete withal, it shall be measured unto you again. Luke 6:38.
Give alms of such things as ye have: and, behold, all things are clean unto you. Luke 11:41.
Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. Luke 12:33.
But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. Luke 14:13-14.
And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. Luke 16:9.
And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor, etc. Luke 19:8.
For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. Rom 15:26.
If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that a man hath not. 2 Cor 8:12.
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you;
that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness. 2 Cor 9:6-10.
Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. Gal 2:10.
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate. Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 1 Tim 6:17-19.
But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Heb 13:16. Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom, etc. James 2:5.

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And if the man be poor, thou shalt not sleep with his pledge. In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge again when the sun goeth down, that he may sleep in his own raiment, and bless thee: and it shall be righteousness unto thee before the Lord thy God. Deut 24:12-13.
With the merciful thou wilt show thyself merciful. Ps 18:25.
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart. So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Prov 3:3-4.
The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh. Prov 11:17.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Matt 5:7.

SCRIPTURE AUTHORITIES

FOR

LIBERALITY TO THE MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL.

And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands which thou doest. Deut 14:29.
Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase. So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. Prov 3:9.
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts. Mal 3:10-12.
Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? Do ye not know, that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained, that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. 1 Cor 9.
Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Gal 6:6-9.
Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need, according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Phil 4:17-19.
Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn: And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. 1 Tim 5:18.

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SCRIPTURE TESTIMONY

RELATING TO THE

Spread of the Gospel, shewing the duty and privilege of

LIBERALITY.

All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord; and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before him. For the kingdom is the Lord’s, and he is the governor among the nations. Ps 22:27-28.
That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. God shall bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall fear him. Ps 67:2,7.
Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God. Ps 68:31.
He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. Yea, all kings shall fall down before him; all nations shall serve him. His name shall endure for ever; his name shall be continued as long as the sun; and men shall be blessed in him; all nations shall call him blessed. Let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Ps 72:8-19.
All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord, and shall glorify thy name. Ps 86:9.
The heathen shall fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth thy glory. When the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory. Ps 102:15-16.
Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning; thou hast the dew of thy youth. Ps 110:3. And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. Isa 2:2-3; Mic 4:1-2.
The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. Isa 11:4.
In that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. Isa 11:10.
And the Lord shall be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the Lord in that day, and shall do sacrifice and oblation; yea, they shall vow a vow unto the Lord, and perform it. In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt, and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land. Whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt, my people, and Assyria the work of mine hands, and Israel mine inheritance. Isa 19:21.
And her (Tyre’s) merchandize and her hire shall be holiness unto the Lord: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandize shall be for them that dwell before the Lord, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing. Isa 23:18.
And in this mountain shall the Lord of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined. And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the veil that is spread over all nations. Isa 25:6-7.
He shall cause them that come to Jacob to take root; Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit. Isa 27:6.
In that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness. They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding: and they that murmured shall learn doctrine. Isa 29:18,24.
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. Isa 40:3-5.
I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah-tree, and the myrtle, and the oil-tree: I will set in the desert the fir-tree, and the pine, and the box-tree together. Isa 41:18-19; Isa 35:6-8.
Behold my servant, whom I uphold: mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth: I have put my Spirit upon him; he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not fail, nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth; and the isles shall wait for his law. I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light to the Gentiles. To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house. Isa 42:1,4,6-7.
I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. Isa 45:23.
And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the ends of the earth. Behold these shall come from far, and lo, these from the north, and from the west, and these from the land of Sinim. Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, and come to thee. As I live, saith the Lord, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on thee as a bride doeth. The children which thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the other, shall say again in thine ears, the place is too straight for me: give place to me that I may dwell. Isa 49:6,12,18,20. See Isa 49:8-9,11,19,21-22 and Isa 60:4.
Hearken unto me my people, and give ear unto me, O my nation; for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people. My righteousness is near, my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust. I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people. Isa 51:4-5,16.
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace, that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation, that saith unto Zion, thy God reigneth. Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice: with the voice together shall they sing; for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion. Isa 52:7-8.
The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Isa 52:10.
When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied; by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many: for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong. Isa 53:10-12.
Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child; for more are the children of the desolate, than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord. Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitation; spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes. For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left, and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited. Isa 54:1-3.
And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord. Isa 54:13.
Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people; a leader and commander to the people. Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not; and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee, because of the Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. Isa 55:4-5.
So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun: when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord. Isa 59:19-20.
The Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows? Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the Lord thy God, and unto the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee. And the dons of strangers shall build up thy walls, etc. Isa 60:3-10. See Isa 60:4-16.
Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. Isa 65:17.
Who hath heard such a thing? Who hath seen such things: shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion travaileth she brought forth her children. Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the Lord. Shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God. It shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues: and they shall come and see my glory. And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory, and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles. And they shall bring all your brethren for an offering unto the Lord out of all nations. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord. Isa 66:8-23.
And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Dan 2:44.
And I saw in the night visions, and behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him. And the kingdom, and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. Dan 7:13-14,27.
Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. Dan 12:4.
In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old. That they may possess the remnant of Edom, (or, that the residue of men might seek after the Lord, Acts 15:17), and of all the heathen which are called by name, saith the Lord, that doeth this. Amos 9:11-12.
Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion; for lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord. And many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and shall be my people; and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto thee. Zech 2:10-11.
And they that are far off shall come and build in the temple of the Lord. Zech 6:15.
And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts? I will go also. Yea, many people, and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, in those days it shall come to pass that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you. Zech 8:21,23.
And the Lord shall be king over all the earth; in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one. Zech 14:9.
From the rising of the sun, even unto the going down of the same, my name shall be great among the Gentiles, and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts. Mal 1:11.
Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron: thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. Ps 2:8-9.
I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. Matt 8:11.
The gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Matt 24:14.
And the seventh angel sounded, and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ: and he shall reign for ever and ever. Rev 11:15. See Rev 7:9-10; and Rev 12:10.

From Riches Increased by giving By Rev Thomas Gouge

Riches Increased by Giving

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RICHES INCREASED BY GIVING; OR, THE RIGHT USE OF MAMMON: BEING THE SUREST AND SAFEST WAY OF THRIVING. BY THE REV. THOMAS GOUGE, LATE OF ST. SEPULCHRE’S AND CHRIST’S HOSPITAL, LONDON.

RECOMMENDED BY DR. OWEN, DR. MANTON, REV. RICHARD BAXTER, AND DR. BATES. “But believe me, there is a special blessing on being liberal to the poor, and on the family of those who have been so; and I doubt not my children will fare better, even in this world, for real happiness, than if I had been saving £20,000 or £30,000 of what has been given away.” Wilberforce.

CONTENTS

To the Christian Reader v Recommendations By Dr. John Owen 1 By Dr. Thomas Manton 8 By Pastor Richard Baxter 14 By Dr. William Bates 19 Riches Increased 25 Scripture Proof Texts For Giving (with Promises) 203 For Liberality to Gospel Ministers 219 Gospel Spread; Duty and Privilege of Liberality 221

TO THE CHRISTIAN READER.

In presenting a new edition of this little volume to the Christian Public, the Publisher feels assured he need not offer any apology: the Christian duty so highly recommended by the holy and talented Author, is so clearly pointed out by the Divine teaching, as well as so forcibly and beautifully pourtrayed in the life of the Redeemer of the world, as to recommend it to our consideration, and to emulate every feeling heart “to go, and do likewise.” [Luke 10:37] The Divine Being has presented to all in the present day, an extensive field for benevolence, and it is the privilege of such who have wealth to cast in the seed, which, according to the declaration of Holy Writ, and ably shewn by the reasoning of Mr. Gouge, will yield an abundance of fruit.

The beautiful language of Inspiration was applicable to Mr. Gouge—”When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me: Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy … I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame. I was a father to the poor.”

The distant period in which this Volume was first written, rendered it necessary to improve the language and the construction of the paragraphs; but although the Publisher has endeavoured to render it more generally useful by a few additions, yet the sentiments of the pious Author have been invariably adhered to. A hope is indulged that the present edition will not be found inferior to any that has yet appeared, and that it will merit a wide circulation.

DR. J. OWEN’S RECOMMENDATION.

Christian Reader,
The more excellent any duties of religion are, the more useful unto the glory of God, with the good of mankind; the more diligent and industrious is the common enemy of such things, either to corrupt the minds of men about them, or to divert their hearts and affections from them. Of this nature is charity and bounty towards God’s people the poor, and such others as are declared and proposed as meet objects of them in Scripture; and such entertainments hath it met withal. Whoever readeth the word of God with any attention or understanding, and withal considers the various disposal of the conditions of mankind, of Christians, of believers in this world, according to the sovereign pleasure of his holy wise Providence, cannot but judge, that among all the external duties which are required of us in this world, there is none more necessary, none more useful, none wherein the glory of God is more concerned, than the due and abundant exercise of the fruits of
charity towards its proper objects. The commands for it are so multiplied, the motives unto it are so excellent, the rules and directions for its exercise so plain and express, that it cannot be wholly neglected, without an open contempt of the authority, love and wisdom of God: whence the Scripture pronounces plainly all religion to be vain, where this grace and its fruits are separated from it. Whereas therefore it was a design beneath the craft of the old serpent, to seduce the minds of men unto an open rejection or condemnation of it, unless he could at the same time have wrought them into a general renunciation of all religion; he made it his business in the days of superstition and darkness, to corrupt them with false notions about it, and to divert its exercise from its proper objects, that under an apprehension of its necessity, the real use and benefit of it, unto the glory of God, and advantage of the souls of men, might be utterly lost. And the success he had herein, through the foresight, which the subtilty of his nature, and long experience have furnished him withal, hath been of no small use unto him, after the first design of it was in a great measure defeated. Hence it is, that whilst the true nature of charity, its proper use, fruits, objects and ends; with that respect which it hath unto God and our own souls, were lost, obscured, depraved of corrupted, and all made subservient unto a proud imagination of merit, and other various superstitions, none more promoted the outward works of it than he, and they abounded amongst men. But when the false ends, rules and motives unto it, which ignorance and superstition had imposed upon its exercise were discovered and decried, he made use of pretences from former abuses, to alienate the minds of men from a due apprehension of the absolute necessity of the constant and diligent exercise of this grace in such outward duties as whereby others might be relieved. So he became a gainer by his loss. All things in point of doctrine, as to the nature and work of Charity unto the defeatment of superstition being rightly stated among us, men grew cold and regardless of their duty in it; as though they were resolved they would not do well, unless they might do it on evil motives and for ill ends. And because too much formerly hath been ascribed unto it, unto the corruption of all religion, some think it reason enough quite to neglect it. But these methods of Satan have been sufficiently detected; and I suppose most men are and may be easily convinced, that there is a wide distance between performing works of charity to merit the salvation of our souls, and the neglect of them unto their damnation, and a safe plain path to walk between them.
But the truth is, the most forcible objections against the due exercise of charity, and abounding in the fruit of it, are those which arose from that influence which unbelief and corrupt affections have upon the minds of men. And amongst those the chiefest, and that which men judge to have the evidence of demonstration in it is this, that what they part withal for the relief of others, doth in proportion decrease their own enjoyments. And whereas the minds of many do greatly extend their desires beyond their present possession of earthly things, and the necessary occasions, as they suppose, of the most, at present and for the future with respect unto their families, being proportioned in a scanty measure unto what they enjoy, the force of this objection is great, and worketh effectually on all occasions of the due exercise of charity. Neither can it be otherwise conceived, if respect be had unto the present instance only. For he that maketh the best and most advantageous bargain or purchase, is sure enough to be a loser by it, if there be not a time of making a return in his way of trade. But the common assurance hereof, is sufficient to satisfy the minds of men, in parting with their money on such occasions. Wherefore against this last strong hold of Satan in the imaginations of men, against the due exercise of charity and bounty, the reverend Author of the following discourse hath planted that battery from Scripture, reason and experience whereby what seemeth of real strength in it, is utterly demolished. His design is not to prove, nor will he undertake that he who is bountiful unto others, shall surely thrive in this world, if he hath no other end of his charity and bounty, but only that he may so thrive. But on a right and due performance of this duty, in obedience to the command of God, out of love to Christ, according unto the rules, and for all its proper ends, he undertakes to demonstrate, that no man shall be a loser thereby. Yea he goeth farther, and proves from plain testimonies of Scripture, (against whose evidence there is no rising up, but by express unbelief) confirmed with signal instances of experience, that in the ordinary way of God’s dealing with professors of the gospel, their charity, liberality and bounty shall certainly conduce unto their advantage in this world, especially where they are eminent in their exercise; so as that the truth lies absolutely on the other side of this objection. And no more is required for the satisfaction of the minds of men herein, but that they exercise faith in the promises of God, in proportion unto that trust which they have unto the advantages of trade from common prudence and experience. For in neither way men ordinarily expect present sensible returns; nor will an industrious person be discouraged, if he find no great present gain in his trade, or meet with some losses, whilst he is in the way that rationally and probably leads to advantage. Nor ought we to prescribe other measures unto ourselves, nor expect immediate visible advantage, as to the concerns of this world in what we trade withal for immortality and glory, especially having the security of God’s promise to rely upon, which so far exceeds what the minds of men may fancy to themselves, from the ordinary course of things here below. Allow therefore the determination of times, seasons, ways and manner of things unto the sovereign pleasure of God, and there is no more certain truth than what is here proposed; namely, that abounding in works of Charity is “the best and safest way of thriving” in this world. And an eminent truth is, which the reverend Author hath rescued from general inadvertency or oblivion, the effects whereof have been little discerned, because the faith of it hath been so much lost. And I must add, that Divine Providence hath cast the discovery and defence of this great and useful truth upon a person eminently suited unto the work he is called unto. For whereas he is deprived of all outward advantages (as well as many others) not only of increasing his wealth in the world, but of ordinary supplies for himself and family, beyond his own peculiar patrimony, he abundantly manifests himself to live in the faith of that truth, which he endeavours to implant on the minds and consciences of others; and doth but invite men into the same belief and practice with himself. And the truth which he pleadeth for, is so fully confirmed and illustrated by himself, that there remains no more for me or others to do unto that end, but to give our testimony unto it, and to recommend the adoption of it with all professors of the Gospel, which I hereby do, and shall do, as God shall administer opportunity.
John Owen.

DR. MANTON’S RECOMMENDATION.

Good Reader,
Thou hast here put into thy hands an exhortation to liberality, a duty so lovely and God-like, [Acts 20:35] that without other arguments it bespeaks its own respect; but the dull heart of man needs to be excited and quickened; we all love a cheap religion, but the costly and expensive duties are too often neglected and declined, therefore the reverend author in this treatise thought fit to recommend the practice of a more liberal and diffusive alms-giving with the more earnestness to well-disposed Christians. A meet advocate for so good a cause, we willingly hear every man in his own faculty, none so fit to exhort others to charity, as those that are eminently charitable themselves.
For the argument he uses I am fully of his mind, “that liberality doth not impoverish men, but enrich them rather,” as wells are the sweeter but not the emptier for the oftener draining: a truth befriended by the Scripture, reason, and the constant observation and experience of the world. By Scripture, witness the many temporal promises scattered throughout the word of God, and applied to the charitable. If any reply that these things were spoken pro more foederis according to that dispensation of the Covenant, when eternal happiness was more sparingly received; and that temporal things are not so absolutely promised under the Gospel, as under the pedagogy of the law, because “life and immortality are now brought to light.” I answer, that yet God doth not discontinue the dispensation; look as the “promises of eternal life” was not wholly shut out of that covenant, yet the temporal blessing did more visibly appear in it, so now the temporal blessing is not wholly shut out, though the Gospel runneth mainly on spiritual and eternal blessings: yea, and I will add further, that it seemeth by our Lord’s own speech, Luke 6:38. And Paul’s quotation, 2 Cor 9:9. That the Old Testament promise of plenty to the alms-giver, doth belong to the Gospel, and standeth firm and in full force under the New Testament dispensation, and so seemeth to be exempt from the lot of his fellows, or to be a peculiar and reserved case.
It seemeth also agreeable to reason, for the devil is not the dispenser of temporal blessings, but God: and a faithful improvement of them is not the way to forfeit, but secure and increase them; faithful stewards have not the trust taken out of their hands, but the unfaithful, Luke 16. Add to this, that God loveth to pay in kind, and to retaliate with men, both in rewards and punishments, Matt 5:7. “Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.” Moreover consider how conducible it is to the concernment of the world, that unbelief should now and then be sensibly confuted, Mal 3:10. “Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts.” By instances in this kind God submitteth to a trial upon experiences. Lastly, how cautiously may it be presumed, that men, that have a large heart, should not be disabled by their bounty, but still have a sufficiency to perform more acts of that kind, and the prejudiced world may have no cause to think that their improvident bounty have brought want upon them; if it were indeed so, I plead not for it; but the most regular bounty is in the world’s esteem improvident, for they think all lost which is not reserved from them and theirs, or expended on their lusts.
I allege the observation and experience both of ancient and modern times, who have always found that this “scattering tendeth to increase,” as the loaves in the Gospel miracle were increased in the distribution. Chrysostom[1] is often improving this observation, I remember, he saith in one place, of the poor, that they give rather than take. And again, do not think alms to be a wasteful profusion but a traffic, you receive more than you give, etc., I might relate here what Paulus Diaconus[2] observes of the emperor Tiberius the second, who was a great alms-giver, and the large streams of his bounty were still fed by the strange and unexpected supplies which God sent him from time to time, as by finding casually a vast treasure hid in the palace, as also by the treasures of Narses hid in Italy, and other means, he was never weary of giving, and God was never weary of blessing, that he might still give more.
But I must forbear multiplying these instances, lest this preambulary writing swell beyond all due proportion.
Upon these reasons I think the argument enforced in this book, sound and good, and proper to its end, and hath the more force, because it attacketh covetousness in its own quarters, a piece of wisdom which I observe in our Lord Jesus Christ everywhere.
But yet I would interpose these cautions, First, that temporal things are not to be looked upon as the chief reward, nor to be our great motive; the eternal reward, together with the conscience of our duty or love to God, must suffice, and for other things refer it to him, for what may be expected in this kind. There are in this and in every duty, four sorts of principles which men are actuated by; some false and rotten, as vain glory, Matt 6:1. Some more tolerable, as fear of temporal judgments, and hope of temporal mercies; some very good and sound, as hope of eternal reward, Heb 6:9-11. Some rare and excellent, as thankfulness and love to God, a due impress of his great love to us by Christ, 2 Cor 8:8-9. The glory of God, 1 Cor 10:31; Phil 1:11. Complacency in the work, etc. Now they that would be sincere, should be tender of their motives.
Secondly, God will try our faith. For a great while this retaliation may be suspended, Eccles 11:1. After many days thou shalt find it. It may be if you do not find it, your children may, for it bringeth an extraordinary blessing on our families, Ps 37:26, etc. At other times the recompence  may be more speedy, as in increasing the widow’s oil. 1 Kings 17:13,16.
Thirdly, we should not lift up a secret desire of worldly increase to satisfy our covetous minds: in short, this motive may be urged to check temptations to sordid sparing. And when God maketh any such returns of our bounty, it should be observed and improved as a confirmation of our faith, and an encouragement to our labour of love, and a plea to quicken others from our own experience, when the fear of want maketh them backward to charity. I have no more now to add but prayers, that God would bless this treatise to thee, and granting to the author an all sufficiency in all things, that he may still abound in every good work.
Thine in the Lord’s service,
Thomas Manton.

REV. RICHARD BAXTER’S RECOMMENDATION.

Good Reader,
The Author of this book does not here solicit you to charity for nothing, nor for himself, but upon high and honourable designs, though managed by a man not high in pomp and splendour of the world; yea upon the high design of your own salvation: God can relieve the poor, and do good to other men without us, but it is our honour to be made his stewards, and his great mercy to us, to receive that honour, yea to have a willing heart, though we want a purse. Who hath not some talents by which he may do good, if he improve them, and for which, at the time of retribution, he must give account. If Peter and John must say, “Silver and gold have we none,” yet such as they have, they may and must give.
Charity in general is praised by all sorts of men, even by them that will not practise it, yea by the destroyers that set themselves against it! even our Judas’s that bear the bag, pretend charity to the poor, while they grudge it unto Christ, as needless waste: yet it is for pretended charity, that charity and the charitable are destroyed, and cruelty is used to men’s souls and bodies. Will not all the world then condemn us if we be not charitable. Papists are for good works on one account, and Protestants on another, yea Mahometans and Heathens on another; but all cry up charity and good works. But in what do men more sin against their own professions, except it be in their want of the highest act of charity, even their love to God, and holiness and glory.
It is pity men should need any other motive, than that which is brought from God’s favour, and the heavenly reward. But yet Christ who hath promised an hundred fold (in value) in this life, alloweth us to use that promise as our lower motive. Three sorts of judges will censure this book, which persuadeth men that good works are the way to thrive, that is, mere reason, faith and experience. Mere reason will be ready to say, that this is but affected talk to open men’s purses, and not believed by him that writeth it; because it is an unlikely thing. Faith will soon consent to it, that at least we shall have a reward in heaven, and so much here as God seeth to be best. But the question is, what experience saith; They that never tried the way, can have no experience of it. And two sorts more there are that may be able here to give no testimony to it: First, those that have miscarried in the manner, and taken those for good works which (at least hic et nunc) were none. Secondly, and those that God seeth meet to try, as Job, and keep low in the world, either to save themselves from sin, or to exercise charity of others. For my own part, seeing the Author desireth me to speak my own experience, I must say, that I never prospered more in my small estate than when I gave most, and needed least. I have in another book of this Author said something of the quota parts, how much must be given, whether the tenth at least? my own rule hath been, first, To “contrive to need myself as little as may be, and lay out none on need-nots,” but to live frugally on a little: secondly, To serve God in my place, upon that little competency which he allowed me to myself, that what I had myself might be as good a work for common good as that which I gave to others: and, thirdly, To do all the good I could with all the rest, preferring the most public, and the most durable, and caeteris paribus, the nearest. And the more I have practised this, the more I have had to do it with, and when I gave almost all, more came in (without any’s gift) I scarce knew how, at least unexpected; but when by improvidence I have cast myself into necessities of using more upon myself, or upon things in themselves of less importance, I have prospered much less than when I did otherwise. And when I had contented myself to devote that stock which I had gotten to charitable uses after my death, instead of laying out at present, that so I might secure somewhat for myself while I lived, in probability all that is like to be lost; whereas when I took that present opportunity and trusted God for the time to come, I wanted nothing and lost nothing.
Experiences are contemptible to none but atheists, who believe not God’s providence! I remember that great and excellent person (whose published contemplations hint the same to the world, though without his consent) hath told me, how the strange providences of God in laming and disabling his horses, and other impediments in a journey towards London, for worldly advantages, on the Lord’s day, when he was young, did convince him, and engage him ever after to spend that day as he hath since done, and there directed his children to do. God governeth this world, and hath some previous rewards and punishments, stops and helps, though the great and full retribution be hereafter. I persuade none imprudently to cast away their estates, and make themselves beholding to others; but I say with this reverend Author, that I am persuaded, did men devote themselves, and all that they have, to do the greatest good they can in the world, it would not only make life sweeter, conscience quieter, and death easier, but also be a notable means of God’s prospering them in their income, except in some cases of special trial, or needful and profitable affliction.

Richard Baxter.

DR. WILLIAM BATES’ RECOMMENDATION.

Reader,
God, whose right is supreme in our persons and all that we possess, has imposed a tribute on us, not for his own profit, but of those who are his deputed receivers. And his most wise providence has ordered the various conditions of men here, that some abound, some are in want, that they might glorify him by the exercise of several graces; the poor by an humble patience and contented resignation to his will, and the rich by a compassionate liberality to their brethren.
The performance of this duty gives us a regular enjoyment of what we have. It is our Saviour’s command, “Give alms of such things as you have, and behold all things are clean unto you.” [Luke 11:41] Till the first fruits were offered up under the law, none of the Israelites might eat of the new corn, it was yet profane to them; but afterwards the whole harvest was consecrated, and granted to their free use.
The neglect of paying what God has reserved as an acknowledgement we have received all from him, makes a forfeiture of our property. And how foolish is it to deny a part at his command, who can by right and power deprive us of all in a moment?
But though God’s title be paramount, yet he is pleased to invite us to acts of a diffusive charity by the most persuasive arguments. “Godliness is profitable unto all things, (and especially this branch of it), having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” And to confirm our belief, that it has a happy influence upon our prosperity here, it is added, “It is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation.” God signs himself our debtor for what is laid out for him, as if it were not all his own. “He that has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and that which he has given he will pay him again,” and that not only from the treasury of eternity hereafter, but here in temporal blessings; so that if we consider our future or present interest, there are great encouragements to remove the hindrances of this blessed duty.
Covetousness, as it implies an eagerness and excess in procuring an income, springs from different inclinations. Sometimes from sensuality, to make provisions for the flesh, or from ambition, by that means to obtain honour, and others of the like nature; and when the guilty affection is mortified, the immoderate desire of riches that was a symptomatical distemper ceases with it.
But the usual fountain of covetousness, as it implies a tenacious humour, and irregular base keeping what they possess, are—a jealousy of losing what was got with much diligence, and care, and labour. Solicitude for the future—men are as anxious to preserve what they have, as ardent to procure what they have not, to secure themselves against all possible wants. Now the word of God assures us, that the best way to preserve and increase our income, is by giving liberal supplies to the want of others.
“The liberal man devises liberal things, and by liberal things he shall stand.” He that considers where he may dispense his bounty, and place a benefit to the best advantage, has a special protection, and as he is like God in giving, so he shall be in not being the poorer for his giving. There is an inseparable connexion between “give, and it shall be given to you again.” [Luke 6:38] Charity is a productive grace, that enriches the giver more than the receiver.

The great Lord of all things, sometimes by admirable ways, beyond all human expectation, blesses the merciful, and gives a present reward, as it were by his own hand. As there are numerous examples of God’s justice in punishing the covetous, sometimes by sending a blight upon their estates that consumes it before their eyes; sometimes by the profuseness of their children that waste all in a short time, that was got by excessive sparing; so it is as visible that his providence blesses those in their persons and children, who have been faithful stewards in dispensing what is committed to their trust.
This methinks should prevail ever with the men of sense. Do not they every day venture their property for gain, though a fire, a shipwreck, a bankrupt, or innumerable other disasters may ruin them? And shall an unfaithful world have more credit with us than the God of truth? Is not his power over all things? He governs the wills of men, commands the wind and sea, and makes the fields fruitful.
But the sons of the earth may object, that those who are charitable are not always prosperous, but sometimes are in exigencies themselves. To this a just answer may be given:—
The mere external work of charity does not entitle to the blessings of the promise, but when it is performed aright. 1. From what is our own. Some that are enriched by unjust means, think to quiet their consciences, and appease God by giving part to good uses; as if he would be a receiver of their thefts, and corrupted with a share in their spoils. But he hates robbing for a burnt-offering. 2. The end must be sincere, to imitate the Father of mercies in that attribute that is his dearest glory, by a liberal relief of our brethren. 3. The affection in giving must be free and joyful. It is the heart that gives value to our gifts in God’s esteem. “A cup of cold water” taken from the spring of love shall not fail of a reward. But the richest gifts without it are of no value to him.
Supposing a Christian do abound in works of charity, and to perform them according to God’s will, it is possible he may not have a reward here, that our charity may not be with a chief regard to our temporal interest, and for other wise reasons. But this special case will not infringe the truth of God’s promise. When God encouraged the obedience of children to their parents, promised them long life in the land of Canaan, was it deceitful dealing, if he translated a dutiful child to live for ever in heaven, that infinitely better country? If I promise one a shilling for his day’s labour, has he reason to complain if he receives more? God may give above, but never below his promise. He reserves a liberty to be better than his word to his servants. And this consideration should inflame us to this duty. The crown of life and treasures of heaven are motives of a nobler strain, and more worthy the breast of a Christian, than any present payment, not but a believer might have an eye to temporal benefits as the manifestations of God’s goodness, but chiefly to eternal. In short, the blessings of both worlds are promised as the reward of charity. O that happy advantage of rich men, if they had hearts to improve it.

William Bates