John Trapp on Proverbs 17:17

Verſ. 17. A friend loveth at all times] Such a friend was Jonathan, Huſhai the Archite, Ittai the Gittite, who ſtuck cloſe to David when hee was at his greateſt under. B. Morton. But ſuch faithful friends are in this age all for the moſt part gone in Pilgrimage (as hee once ſaid) and their return is uncertain. David met with others, beſides thoſe above mentioned, that would bee 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 Antients pictured Friendſhip in the ſhape of a fair young man, bare-headed, meanly apparelled, having on the out-ſide of his garment written, To live and to dye with you, and on his forehead Summer and Winter. His breaſt was open, ſo that his heart might bee ſeen; and with his finger bee pointed to his heart where was written Longè, Propè, Far and near. Humphrey Duke of Gloceſter, being wounded and overthrown by the Duke of Alenzon, at the battel of Agincourt, was reſcued by his brother King Henry the fifth, who beſtriding him, delivered him from danger, &c. Speed.

And a Brother is born for adverſity] Birth binds him to it, and although at other times fratrum concordia rara, brethren may jar and jangle, yet at a ſtraight, and in a ſtreſſe, good nature will work, and good blood will not belie it ſelf. 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 bee mutual comforts one to another, when they were both priſoners. Eſther concealed her kindred in hard times; but Gods people cannot. Moſes muſt reſcue his beaten brother out of the hand of the Egyptian, though hee venture his life by it.