[ 649] To be mercifully minded, is praise-worthy.
APpius in the Roman story, was a very great Oppressor of the liberties of the Commons,* 1.1 and particularly he took away all appeals to the People in case of life and death: Not long after this decree, he being called in question for forcing the Wife of Virginius, found all the Bench of Iudges against him, and was con∣strained, for saving his life, to prefer an appeal to the people, which was denyed him with great shouts and out-cryes of all, saying, Ecce provocat qui provoca••io∣nem sustulit;* 1.2 he is forced to appeal, who by barring all appeals in case of life and death, was the death of many a man. Thus Iustice revenged Mercies quarrel up∣on this unmerciful man; and certainly, if we expect mercy at the hands of God, or Man, we must shew mercy; for there shall be judgement without mercy, to him that will shew no mercy▪ and that happeneth many times even in this life, when God is pleased to reckon with hard hearted men, that have no bowells of compassion.