A plain and familiar exposition of the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of the…A plaine and familiar exposition of the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of the…

Secondly, they are tender-hearted, and full of pity, (the adversity and troubles of their friends working upon them, as the ache and pain of one member affecteth another) and ⟨p. 148⟩therefore that is the time wherein their love and care to minister comfort unto them will be the more manifested.

Secondly, they are tender-hearted, and full of pitie, (the aduersitie and troubles of their friends working vpon them, as the ach and paine of one member affecteth another) and ⟨p. 148⟩therefore that is the time wherein their loue and care to minister comfort vnto them will be the more manifested.

Thirdly, God hath ordained one of his servants to be an hand and helper to another in necessities; and to that end he hath given commandments, and promises of reward: and to that end both by force of his providence, and work of his spirit, hath united them together as brethren.

Thirdly, God hath ordained one of his seruants to bee an hand and helper to another in necessities; and to that end hee hath giuen commandements, and promises of reward: and to that end both by force of his prouidence, and worke of his spirit, hath vnited them together as brethren.

Use. 1 Instruction, as to be circumspect with whom we join in league and society, that they be honest and virtuous persons, so to be settled in our affections, that we show not our selves unconstant and variable. Wavering minded men are always without honour, especially when they be changeable in matters of God, and slippery to their friends in their amity. Well may such be counted flatterers, for faithful friends they never were, nor benevolent minds did they ever bear And yet if men will needs be swerving, and start away from those that made reckoning of their love, let them do it in the time of their friends prosperity, that they torment them not with their perfidious dealing, if they should fall into adversity. That traitorous Ahithophel did bring more anguish to Davids heart by his apostasy, than did the greater part of the other Rebels. And Job did much complain of them that played the winter-brooks with him, overflowing with proffers of courtesy when he had no need of them, and being empty of compassion, as dry ditches are of water, when he expected some comfort from them.