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,…

But before we enter further into the deep discourse of these particular points, we will observe the occasion and the circumstances of this speech of Peter: ⟨p. 217⟩the occasion was, that the people not profiting by the former and marvellous work of the Lord, the Apostle taketh occasion further to instruct them that were teachable, and to reprove the scorners: and yet he was not so offended at them, in that God his wonderful works did nothing profit them, as that therefore he left off all, but he stirreth up himself the more earnestly, and endeavoureth familiarly to teach them. Whereby we are to learn not rashly, suddenly, or unadvisedly too much to be offended at the not profiting, slender profiting, or back sliding of some; but rather we must labour to attempt the matter with a new onset, remembering always, that not only a woe is threatened to them, that give just occasion of offence, but also unto them, that in Christ do take offence; and therefore taking a view of our selves either in natural or spiritual gifts we must try our selves, how patiently we can sustain without offence, either the want or resistance of the like gifts in others: and yet we see, that if after some means used, men go slowly forward, and not make such speedy proceedings as is desired, men for the most part are ready to leave off all, and are glad to draw out of the yoke of their duty, as thinking themselves well exempted, and as it were discharged; when as spiritual men in such cases think themselves to be stirred up to the more earnest and painful using of the means; to which well meaning minds, and to men of so upright an heart, the Lord often giveth good increase of gifts, that they may employ the use of them unto others. And surely if flesh and blood might judge in such a case, we would think that this present occasion might have made Peter give over and go from the people; but he more meekly and modestly as the foreman of the quest, followeth the matter, and answereth unto them as we have heard. We may read Acts 6. how there did arise a murmuring between the Jews and the Grecians, in so much as the Apostles credit began to be called into question, that they had not care of the widows, which was a duty belonging unto them, as though they had the faith of God in respect of persons.

But before we enter further into the deep discourse of these particular poynts, we will obserue the occasion and the circumstances of this speech of Peter: