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…

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?

Consolation to them that are fearefull of themselues, and doubtfull of the state of their soules, they feele not themselues to beleeue, they finde not the pearcing of godly sorrow, and therefore they call into question their faith and repentance. But are they mercifull men? Doe they beare a burthen with the afflicted members of Iesus Christ? They dare not say so directly, but their owne hearts tell them that they would mourne more with them, and doe more for them if they were able. Their desires then and willingnes exceede their abilitie, and what surer note can there be of true mercie?

Doct. 2 Rewardeth his own soul, troubleth his own flesh, &c.] They are the best husbands which best provide for the good of their own persons. To be carried with carnal self-love is a vice which is worthy to be condemned: to be lead with Christian love of ones self, is a virtue which is much to be commended. The one draweth a man to wickedness, the other driveth him from it, to goodness: the one causeth him to be hurtful to his neighbours, the other maketh him helpful unto them: the one serving himself sinfully, doth utterly undo himself, the other applying himself to the service of God faithfully, doth procure his own blessedness for ever. When the Apostle would bring an argument that should be persuasive and forcible, and most likely to prevail with rich men to work mercy and liberality in them, he chooseth this, That they should lay up for themselves a good foundation against ¹