James 2:13 - Homiletics

The character of mercy.

The most suggestive commentary on this verse may be found in Shakespeare's lines—

"The quality of mercy is not strain'd;

It droppeth, as the gentle rain from heaven

Upon the place beneath: it is twice bless'd;

It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes:

'Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes

The throned monarch better than his crown;

His scepter shows the force of temporal power,

The attribute to awe and majesty,

Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;

But mercy is above this sceptered sway,

It is enthroned in the heart of kings,

It is an attribute to God himself;

And earthly power doth then show likest God's

When mercy seasons justice."

('Merchant of Venice,' act 4. so. 1)