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…

Reason. 1 First, the health and strength of the body is thereby impaired ⟨p. 182⟩and the life it self is many times shortened by that means. A joyful heart causeth good health, but a sorrowful mind drieth the bones, Prou. 17. 22. It pierceth to that which is within, and bringeth weakness upon the strongest parts.

Reason. 1 First, the health and strength of the bodie is thereby impaired ⟨p. 182⟩and the life it selfe is many times shortned by that meanes. A ioyfull heart causeth good health, but a sorrowfull mind drieth the bones, Prou. 17. 22. It pearceth to that which is within, and bringeth weakenesse vpon the strongest parts.

Secondly, such as are oppressed with cares and grief are made unmeet for the services of God, who indeed doth require fear, but commandeth likewise to rejoice with trembling: Psal. 2. 11. How can they call upon God in any fervency, when deadness hath wholly possessed them? How can they be thankful, and offer acceptable praises to God when they are void of all joy and cheerfulness? And how can they attend unto his word, when their thoughts are altogether busied in the contemplation of their own misery? The message was very comfortable which Moses brought to the Israelites in Egypt, when the Lord told them, that he would deliver them from the burdens and bondage of the Egyptians, and would take them for his people, and be their God, &c. but it is said they harkened not to him for anguish of spirit, and cruel bondage, Exo. 6. 9.