A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Ver. 17. A friend loveth at all times.] Such a friend was Jonathan; Hushai the Archite; Ittai the Gittite, who stuck close to David when he was at his lowest point. But such faithful friends are in this age all for the most part gone in pilgrimage, as he a once said, and their return is uncertain. David met with others, besides those above mentioned, that would be the causes, but not the companions, of his calamity - that would fawn upon him in his flourish, but forsake him in his trouble. "My lovers and friends stand aloof," &c. The ancients pictured Friendship in the shape of a fair young man, bare-headed, meanly appareled, having on the outside of his garment written, ‘To live and to die with you,' and on his forehead, Summer and winter. His breast was open, so that his heart might be seen; and with his finger he pointed to his heart, where was written, Longe, prope - Far and near.
And a brother is born for adversity.] Birth binds him to it; b and although at other times fratrum concordia rara, brethren may jar and jangle, yet at a straight and in a stress, good-nature will work, and good blood will not belie itself. And as in the natural, so in the spiritual brotherhood, misery breeds unity. Ridley and Hooper, that when they were both bishops, differed so much about ceremonies, could agree well enough, and be mutual comforts one to another, when they were both prisoners. Esther concealed her kindred in hard times; but God's people cannot. Moses must rescue his beaten brother out of the hand of the Egyptian, though he venture his life by it.
a Bishop Morton.
b Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, being wounded and overthrown by the Duke of Alencon at the battle of Agincourt, was rescued by his brother, King Henry V, who, bestriding him, delivered him from danger, &c. - Speed.