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 second instruction is, that we must be careful by all good means to get and maintain¹ our good name. For if it be a sin to discredit another man, then much more is it a sin to discredit our selves: if we be charged to further the good name of our brother, then are we strictly commanded to help forward our own as much as we be able: then it cannot be without great sin, that a man should cast off all care of his own credit. The very Heathen saw this to be a fault, & they did commonly say, that whosoever regardeth not the reports of men, he is dissolute indeed, and hath in effect lost the nature of man. And therefore we may well say, that he is without all hope of amendment, which is not brought to some remorse and sorrow, which with a shameless face can face out sin, having² adders cares and will not hear, charm the charmer never so wisely. As then a shameless face openeth a door to all ungodliness, so due care of credit causeth a man to be very careful of his ways: whosoever therefore will live godly, he must safely provide for his good name. Seeing these things be so, it shall be profitable to consider how this good name may be gotten and preserved: and again, if we be discredited, what use and³ profit we must make of it. For the first, it is certain that seeing fame & honest report are good things, therefore they must needs arise and spring of those things that are good, as of virtue, godliness and good religion. Now whereas Turks and such ungodly men have great favour amongst the people, and be well reported of, this indeed is no good name, because it ariseth not of goodness, it is only a vain applause of the simple people:⁴ nay, it is even the great and fierce wrath of God upon them, though they neither see nor ⟨p. 262⟩perceive it, when they be well spoken of for their evil deeds. For by this means they be hardened in their sin, by this means they be hindered and holden from repentance▪ then the which there is not a greater punishment under the Sun. Such a name then is not to be desired, nay we ought rather to pray against such a name. And if we will purchase a good name and be of good report, then let us take heed that we seek it by goodness and virtue, and then it will be a good name indeed.