2. That which he heard of the Churches distress ⟨p. 15⟩wrought much compassion in him:1 For he sate down and wept, and mourned certain days. By this sympathy he shows himself a true member of the Church.2 If one member suffer, all the members suffer with it. This cannot but beseem the best. For of God himself it is thus said,3 His soul was grieved for the affliction of Israel. In such cases his bowels are said to sound: and his heart to be turned within him. Art thou Lord so affected, and afflicted at our misery, and we no whit moved with our own or others distresses?4 Woe, saith the Prophet, woe to them that are at ease, &c. that stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the Lambs out of the flock: that chant to the sound of the viol: that drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph. What good can be expected from such senseless dispositions? That compassion which was wrought in this Patriot, set him on work, to do all that good which he did for the Church. Let this mind be in you, which was also in him.
2. That which he heard of the Churches distresse ⟨p. 15⟩wrought much compassion in him:1 For he sate down and wept, and mourned certain dayes. By this sympathy he shewes himself a true member of the Church.2 If one member suffer, all the members suffer with it. This cannot but beseem the best. For of God himself it is thus said,3 His soul was grieved for the affliction of Israel. In such cases his bowells are said to sound: and his heart to be turned within him. Art thou Lord so affected, and afflicted at our misery, and we no whit moved with our own or others distresses?4 Woe, saith the Prophet, woe to them that are at ease, &c. that stretch themselvs upon their couches, and eate the Lambs out of the flock: that chant to the sound of the violl: that drink wine in bowles, and annoint themselvs with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph. What good can be expected from such sencelesse dispositions? That compassion which was wrought in this Patriot, set him on work, to do all that good which he did for the Church. Let this mind be in you, which was also in him.
- 1Neh. 1. 4.
- 21 Cor. 12. 26.
- 3Jud 10. 16. Isa. 63. 15. Hos. 11. 8.Iud 10. 16. Isa. 63. 15. Hos. 11. 8.
- 4Ammo. 6. 1, &c.Amo. 6. 1, &c.
