Meaneth; Hosea 6:6.

Mercy; I am pleased with a merciful disposition, manifesting itself in doing good to the needs, more than with the most careful attention merely to external ceremonies. In these latter lay all the religion of the scribes and Pharisees. They scrupulously avoided the outward defilement of contact with publicans and sinners, while they had no compassion for their souls or bodies. No external observances will compensate for the want of a kind, compassionate disposition; and acts of mercy to the needy and to the guilty, from love to God and men, are peculiarly acceptable to him.

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Old Testament