The works of the reverend and faithful servant of Jesus Christ M. Richard Greenham,…The workes of the reuerend and faithfull seruant af Iesus Christ M. Richard Greenham,…

Now to attain some discretion in curing this wounded spirit, we must learn wisely to¹ judge, both of the person afflicted, and of the nature of his affliction. First, we may note² whether it be a man or a woman, because we may urge more fearfully the use of the law to a man, as being the stronger vessel. And as Satan knew the woman to be most easy and framable to be wrought upon, at his first temptation: so is he not ignorant that she is the weaker party to sustain any temptation now. Then let us consider, whether they that are thus humbled have knowledge or no? Because, if they have no knowledge, they think³ trouble of mind to be so strange a thing, as never any before had it: if they have knowledge, then Satan is ready to accuse them of the sin against the holy Ghost, as though every sin done against knowledge, were a sin of presumption. Further, we are to enquire, how strong or weak they are, that if they be sorely stricken, we cease to humble them any further: if they be not sufficiently wounded, then to touch them with some deeper sense of sin. Also we must be circumspect, to find out whether by nature they are fearful and melancholic or no: as also, whether they be usual sinners, or have fallen once of infirmity; that so upon their disposition and inclination, we may build our speeches the better. To these it is good to add the consideration of the persons age, estate and ability: as if the party be troubled for worldliness, whether he be not a great house holder: if he complain of uncleanness, whether he be not a young man & unmarried: if he be humbled with covetousness, whether he be not old: because divers countries, callings, ages, conditions ⟨p. 111⟩and estates of men, have their divers and peculiar sins, which we must rightly discern. Howbeit, of what sex soever they are men or women, of what complexion soever they are, of what knowledge to discern sin, of what degree of committing sin; of what age, authority, wealth, estate, or condition soever they are, it is good to mark that there be many who are more troubled for the vexation and disquietness of their mind being distempered, than for the vileness and horribleness of their sin committed; who are wounded more with the fear of shame, with the fear of being mad, or with the fear of running out of their wits, than with the conscience of sin.