Gods three arrows plague, famine, sword, in three treatises. I. A plaster for the…Gods three arrovves plague, famine, svvord, in three treatises. I. A plaister for the…

§. 59. Of speedy succour.

2. That we may manifest our true desire of relieving our brothers necessity according to our ability, let us take the opportunity which by the Divine providence is offered unto us: and upon the first notice of need, run, and make all the speed we can to help. Thus shall we show our selves like unto God. ^*The ancient Grecians gave God his name from that Divine property, of running to help. ^cOf the Son of God it is oft noted, that when he saw such and such in misery, he had compassion on them, and healed, or otherwise helped them: namely then at that instant when ⟨p. 100⟩he first saw them. He delayed not his succour, he put it not off: but presently, instantly gave outward proof of his inward compassion. ^dBe ye therefore followers of God as dear children: and walk in love as Christ hath loved us. And as God and Christ manifest their love to us, by a speedy and seasonable succour, so let us give proof of our true love. For this end let us remember those that are in bonds, as bound with them: and them that suffer adversity, as being our selves also ⁴in the body. Let us make the case of them that are in misery as our own case. As we would not that others which are able to help us should suffer us to lie scorching in the fire of affliction, but with all the speed they can pull us out: so let us deal with others. A good turn quickly done is doubly done.