Mixt contemplations in better times by Thomas Fuller ...

X. Lost and Kept.

THis seeming Paradox will on examination prove a real Truth, viz. That though Iob lost his seven Thousand Sheep consumed by fire of God [Iob 1.16.] (understand it, by His Permission and Satan's Immission) yet he still kept the Wool of many of them.

For Iob in the Vindication of his Integrity (not to Praise but Purge himself) doth relate how the loins of the poor blessed him, being warmed with the fleece of his Sheep, [Iob 31.20.] So much of his wool (in the cloth made thereof) he secured in a safe hand, lending it to God (in poor people) [Pro-v. 19.17.] as the best of debtors, being most able & willing to repay it.

Such, as have been plundered of their Estates in these Warres, may content and comfort themselves with this consideration; That so long as they enjoyed plenty, they freely parted with a proportion thereof to the relief of the poor: What they gave, that they have, it still remaineth theirs, be safely laid up for them in a place, where rust and moth do not cor∣rupt, and thieves break through and steal.