Blaise
Pascal was an influential French scientist who lived in the 1600s. He completed
important works on mathematics and experimental physics. Pascal was also a
devoted Christian. He wrote books on grace and the life of Christ, as well as
other Christian works.
Through all
this Pascal realized that his faith, though intensely personal, could not be
merely individualistic.
His love for
God drove him to love for the poor. “I love poverty,” he said, “because he
(Christ) loved it. I like wealth because it gives a means to assist the needy.”
Increasingly Pascal deprived himself so that he could give more. He sold his
coach and horses, his fine furniture and silverware and even his library in
order to give to the poor. When he received an advance of 1,000 francs for his
bus [a horse-drawn carriage that could carry several passengers], he
sent the money to the poor in Blois, who had suffered from a bitter winter. He
then signed over his interest in the company to the hospitals of Paris and
Clermont.
When Pascal
died at the age of 39 on August 19, 1662, his funeral was attended by family,
friends, scientific colleagues, worldly companions, converts, writers, and the
back of the church was filled with the poor, each and every person there
someone Pascal had helped during his life.—Charles Hummel
*
We make a
living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.—Author unknown
*
Do all the
good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.
—Attributed to John Wesley
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.
—Attributed to John Wesley
*
Each of you
should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or
under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.—2 Corinthians 9:7
