Mercy hath its name from misery. Misericordia is nothing else but the laying of the misery of others to heart, with intention of affording them relief and succour. In God it noteth his readiness to do good to the miserable, notwithstanding sin. The motion cometh from within, from his own breast and bowels: for 'our God is pitiful and of tender mercy,' James v. 11; and the act of it is extended and reached out unto the creature in seasonable relief, for the throne of grace was erected for this purpose, Heb. iv. 11
—Manton
Misericors est, cui alterius miseria cordi est—mercy hath its name from misery, and is no other thing than laying another's misery to heart, not to despise it, nor to add to it, but to help it. And therefore, if thou be miserable, and knowest it indeed, his [God's] nature giveth a strong inclination to succour the miserable.
—Manton
