A20547:190
A plain and familiar exposition of the eleventh and twelfth chapters of the Proverbs…A plaine and familiar exposition of the eleuenth and twelfth chapters of the Prouerbes…
A plain and familiar exposition of the eleventh and twelfth chapters of the Proverbs of SolomonA plaine and familiar exposition of the eleuenth and twelfth chapters of the Prouerbes of Salomon
London: printed by Felix Kyngston for Henry Sharpe, 1607London: printed by Felix Kyngston for Henrie Sharpe, 1607
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Use. 1 Encouragement to go cheerfully about the works of mercy, since they are so profitable to our selves. Some of them seem to be very chargeable, and cannot be performed without expenses: yet we gain more than we give, we receive more than we lay out, we do good to other mens bodies, but make the best match for our own souls. Others seem very painful and require both travel and patience, and many be altogether unpleasant to ⟨p. 55⟩our nature: yet our wages doth countervail, and overpoise all our work and labour: for we cannot put our bodies to so much toil and trouble in any service of Christian love, as we shall obtain to our hearts, delightful pleasures with rest, and peace, and joy and gladness.
Vse. 1 Incouragement to goe cheerefully about the works of mercie, since they are so profitable to our selues. Some of them seeme to be very chargeable, and cannot be performed without expenses: yet we gaine more than we giue, we receiue more than we lay out, we doe good to other mens bodies, but make the best match for our owne soules. Others seeme very painefull and require both trauell and patience, and many be altogether vnpleasant to ⟨p. 55⟩our nature: yet our wages doth counteruaile, and ouerpoise all our worke and labour: for we cannot put our bodies to so much toyle and trouble in any seruice of Christian loue, as we shall obtaine to our hearts, delightfull pleasures with rest, and peace, and ioy and gladnes.
Consolation to them that are fearful of themselves, and doubtful of the state of their souls, they feel not themselves to believe, they find not the piercing of godly sorrow, and therefore they call into question their faith and repentance. But are they merciful men? Do they bear a burden with the afflicted members of Jesus Christ? They dare not say so directly, but their own hearts tell them that they would mourn more with them, and do more for them if they were able. Their desires then and willingness exceed their ability, and what surer note can there be of true mercy?