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[blog owner's note] It will show itself in how we enjoy the good things in life that we do not deserve but God has given them us in mercy. And in how much we love our fellow man–thankfulness to God effects is a servants heart to serve man no matter the cost, because the cost that Jesus paid can never be compared to anything it may cost us. Real thankfulness does not show itself in a few “Praise God” or thankful exclamations, it is the old story of words being easy. Real thankfulness is demonstrated in deed and it is a necessary consequence of true thankfulness. What does Jesus or Scripture say about this? Matthew 19:21 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: and come and follow me.. True thankfulness will show by more than a few praises of the lips.
God hath done all this for me, and he hath dealt bountifully with me; but what good do o theirs reap by me; either my Prince or Country, the church or state? What good do I in the town where I live? ..Even Seneca could say,, I had rather be sick than idle, and do no good. But it is the greatest affliction to a gracious heart to be wholly unuseful; he had rather not be, than be idle and unprofitable. Every man therefore shall do well to put this query often to his own heart. Of what use are my parts and gifts of body, mind or estate? Yea, is my very example sufficient to others? How do I promote the good of my neighbour by my alms, prayers counsels, labours? It is not sufficient to say, I do no body harm. With which plea, some are well enough satisfied: But remember what question Christ asked his auditors; not What are you; or What know you more than others? but What do you? .. Our charity should be as a running spring at our own doors, that will not only supply our wants, but run through our neighbours pastures, and water the field of a stranger; yea, sometimes cross the high-way and run into a common ditch. Whilst we have opportunity we should do good to all, but especially to the household of faith. Yea, if our enemy hunger, give him food; if he thirst give him drink; for in so doing we shall heap coals of fire upon his head.
Our Saviors counsel was to sell what we have, rather than neglect this duty of doing good. Let him that stole,, steal no more (saith the apostle) but rather let him labour with his hand, the thing that is good. But for what end? that he may have to supply his own wants only? No, but rather that he may have to give to him that needeth: So that there is no man under heaven, ,from the highest Prince to the lowest peasant, that may plead an immunity for this duty of giving. He that giveth to the poor shall not lack. He that soweth liberally, shall reap liberally.
As a wicked fool hath no foe like himself; so a wise Christian hath no friend like himself; who will be a gainer by every loss, and a saver by every comfort. Let every man therefore ask his own heart upon a serious survey this much: Am I bettered by all this health and wealth, and good days; this Gospel of peace, and this peace of the Gospel that I have enjoyed so long? they will leave you better or worse than they find you. But by all these good days, rich mercies, or sharp afflictions, do I grow into more acquaintance with God, the world and mine own heart; with God, ,and his holiness; with the world and its vanity; with my own heart and its deceitfulness; that I may trust him more, and the world and my heart less?
–John Beadle
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