“Before all else, I will praise in you the fruitful work of your Christian piety. In fact, the sacred Scripture shows that your behavior is also pleasing to God when it says, "Shed tears over the dead. As one who suffers grievously, begin the lament, and do not neglect his tomb." Our patriarchs are also examples of the…”
Paulinus of Nola, 5th c. — LETTER 13, TO PAMMACHIUS
Original
16My son, let tears fall down over the dead, and begin to lament, as if thou hadst suffered great harm thyself; and then cover his body according to the custom, and neglect not his burial.
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In context
14For they shall also pray unto the Lord, that he would prosper that, which they give for ease and remedy to prolong life.
15He that sinneth before his Maker, let him fall into the hand of the physician.
— Sirach 38:16 —
17Weep bitterly, and make great moan, and use lamentation, as he is worthy, and that a day or two, lest thou be evil spoken of: and then comfort thyself for thy heaviness.
18For of heaviness cometh death, and the heaviness of the heart breaketh strength.