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2 Sam. 10.12.Be of good courage, and let us play the men, for our people, and for the Cities of our God, and the Lord doe that which seemeth him good.
THis Chapter containeth three parts, Davids Ambassage, Hanun's Discourtesie, and Da∣vids Revenge. Then said David, I will shew kindnesse unto Hanun the sonne of Nahash, as his father shewed kindnesse unto me. It was truely said by Solomon, Love is strong as death, Cant. 8.6. Gratitude is a branch that springs from this root. It is not buried in the grave, but descends from the parents upon their posterity. Non dissecanda sed dissuen∣da est amicitia, Friendship ought not to be slashed in sun∣der, but to be unstitched by degrees. But now what is be∣come of this forgotten vertue? which like the Phoenix is much talked of, but seldome seen. Nothing growes aged sooner then a good turne. Now the world hath taken out a new lesson, by cancelling the obligation to avoide the debt, and by picking some feigned quarrell, to rob good deserts of their due reward. This is now held the more compendious way for degenerou•• spirits, to dis-ingage