John Trapp on Matthew 20:34

Verse 34. And Iesus had compassion on them] He made their case his own. Misericordia sounds as much as misery laid toIsa. 63. 15. heart. Christs bowels sounded upon the sight and suit of these blinde beggers: and this was beyond all almes, should he have done no more for them. For when one gives an alms, he gives somewhat without himself, but by compassion we relieve another by somewhat within and from our selves, whiles we draw out [illegible: 2 words] (not our sheaf only) to the hungry, Isa. 58. 10. And immediatly their eyes received sight] This is not every blinde mans happinesse, that yet prayes for sight. But there is a better eye-sight then that of the body, which if God vouchsafe to any in bodily blindenesse (as he did to that blinde boy of Glocester that had suffered imprisonment there for confessing the truth) it may be said to such surely as Bishop Hooper the Martyr did to [illegible: 1 word]. and [illegible: 1 word]. sol. 1371. him; Ah poor boy, God hath taken from thee thy outward sight, but hath given thee another much more precious, &c. The like favour God shewed to Didymus Alexandrinus, who, though blinde from his childhood, yet was not only an excellent Artist, but an able Divine; and wrot certain Commentaries on the Psalmes, [illegible: 1 word] in [illegible: 1 word] vir. [illegible: 1 word]. and likewise on the Gospels; being now (saith Jerome, who relates it) above 83 years of age. Trithemius and Bozius report [illegible: 1 word]. de [illegible: 2 words]. the like things, concerning one Nicasius de [illegible: 1 word] a dutch-man, who being struck blinde at three years old, became neverthelesse an excellent scholar, and skilfull in the laws, which he publikely [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word] lib. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 word]. professed at Collen. Afterwards he proceeded Master of Arts at Lovain, Licentiate in Divinity at the same Vniversity, and lastly Doctour of the laws at Cullen: where, after he had printed his publike Lectures, he died and was buried in the Cathedrall-Church Anno Dom. 1491. 17. Calend. Septem.