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,…

First, we must take heed that we never quench any grace or gift that God bestoweth^{1 2}upon us. Secondly, we must still labour to have greater measure of gifts: for the wicked³ may come to have some small gifts, & such as may be quite taken away from them. Lastly, it doth put a plain difference between the godly, and the godless, between them that bear a show of holiness, and them that are indeed the holy ones of the Lord: for⁴ the one endureth but for a time, and the other lasteth for ever. Now if we require a further⁵ trial, whereby we may know whether we have received that spirit which lasteth but for a time, or that which will abide for ever with us: then let us mark these rules, which put a plain difference between them. First, we must mark that enlightening and insight we⁶ have into the word of God. Certain it is, that both the godly and wicked are enlightened, but the enlightening of the godly is one, and the insight of the wicked is another: for that knowledge and insight which the godly have received, is certain and distinct: and therefore in particular things, they be able to apply the threatening of Gods judgements to the⁷ humbling of themselves, and the promises of God to comfort themselves▪ Again, their knowledge is sufficient to direct them both generally, and in every particular duty. And last of all, it never faileth them, but directeth them unto the end: but the knowledge of the⁸ wicked is not so; for it is confused, general, & uncertain. And therefore though they have a general knowledge of the threatenings, and of the promises of God, yet can they not make particular use of the same. Their knowledge is insufficient, not able to direct them in