[ 1338] Grace and goodnesse to be highly esteemed even in Men of the lowest condition.
THere is mention made of an ancient King, who made a great Feast, and invited a company of poor people which were Christians,* 1.1 and he bade his Nobles also; Now when the poor Christians were come, he had them up into the Presence-Chamber; but when the Nobles came, he set them in the Hall: Being thereupon demanded the reason, he answered; I do not this as I am their King here, for I respect you more then them; but as I am King of another World I must needs honour these as Gods dear C••ildren, and such (as though dejected now) shall be Kings and Princes with me hereafter, and I would have you esteem of them according to their worth, and shew it. And so without all doubt, great is the worth of true Christians:* 1.2 A Pearl upon a dunghill is worth stooping for, and a gratious Man or Woman (though outwardly cloathed with raggs) worth looking after. Sure it is, that God looks on them as his Iewels,* 1.3 as a chosen generation, a Royal Priest∣hood, * 1.4 an holy Nation, a peculiar People, his delight, his chosen ones, his dear Children,* 1.5 and what not? It much conc••rns us then to set a true value up∣on them,* 1.6 make a true estimate of them, and (as much as in us lyeth) to be mindfull of them,* 1.7 comfortable to them, and willing on all occasions to do them good.