A02178:1646
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,…
The works of the reverend and faithful servant of Jesus Christ M. Richard Greenham, minister and preacher of the Word of God collected into one volume: revised, corrected, and published, for the further building of all such as love the truth, and desire to know the power of godliness. By H.H.The workes of the reuerend and faithfull seruant af Iesus Christ M. Richard Greenham, minister and preacher of the Word of God collected into one volume: reuised, corrected, and published, for the further building of all such as loue the truth, and desire to know the power of godlinesse. By H.H.
London: printed by Thomas Snodham and Thomas Creede for William Welby, 1612London: printed by Thomas Snodham and Thomas Creede for VVilliam VVelby, 1612
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Now, if any do object, that this is the way to bring women into bondage, and to be as drudges to their Husbands, if they should in this manner be subject unto them. No, no, it is not so, but the most readiest way to procure unto themselves grace, peace of conscience, and more sweet liberty; whilst they live in obedience to God, and his holy ordinances. And therefore the spirit of God admonisheth all women, that they be not afraid of any such vain terror.
Now, if anie doe object, that this is the way to bring women into bondage, and to be as drudges to their Husbands, if they should in this manner be subject vnto them. No, no, it is not so, but the most readiest way to procure vnto themselues grace, peace of conscience, and more sweete libertie; whilest they liue in obedience to God, and his holy ordinances. And therefore the spirit of God admonisheth all women, that they be not afraide of any such vaine terror.
Now further my Brother and Sister, that you may keep your bodies pure and chaste, one for the other, I would counsel you to beware of being alone with any, when there is fear of temptation unto evil: but be careful, that you may always have witness of your Christian behaviour: and in keeping company convenient, choose unto your self such as be most sober and faithful. Well, although there be many more duties, yet I will content my self to go one thing further, that is, that as you seek for continuance and increase of love, so you take heed of jealousy: for although that true love is very1 earnest, and mixed with godly jealousy; yet there is a wicked jealousy, and that causeth causeless suspicions, which worketh great woe unto such as give credit unto them. Take heed therefore, my Brother and Sister of this, yea though there should seem just cause, yet give not too speedy credit unto them. Now, if you desire to know in your heart, which are ungodly suspicions, know them by this token: for they will make you more negligent2 in praying one for another, and more slack in performing all other duties of love, one to another,