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,…

Friendship.

1 This advise he gave, that it was good to discern of them whom we much receive into our company, least we lose the credit of the Church conceived of us. For although many seem and show themselves to be well disposed, yet because there be so many corruptions in our nature, it is heavenly wisdom to discern of men; wherefore¹ it is good for us to consider with what soundness of judgement, and power of true knowledge they do speak: first look what sight they have of inward corruptions This humility teacheth true wisdom, and the sight hereof would cause us to seek after Christ and him Crucified. For many, who have a little confused knowledge, will much be talking,^{2 3}but for want of this knowledge they are not so sound. Secondly, we must see how ready they are by their soundness of knowledge, and feeling of inward corruptions, to do good to others with cheerfulness, and to speak of the infirmities of others with compassion and grief; for many for want of this sanctified knowledge, will rather bitterly and openly declaim against the infirmities of others, then either wisely admonish them,⁴ or brotherly pity them.

1 THis aduise he gaue, that it was good to discerne of them whom wee much receiue into our companie, least we lose the credite of the Church conceiued of vs. For although many seeme and shewe themselues to bee well disposed, yet because there be so many corruptions in our nature, it is heauenly wisedome to discerne of men; wherefore¹ it is good for vs to consider with what soundnesse of iudgement, and power of true knowledge they doe speake: first looke what sight they haue of inward corruptions This humility teacheth true wisedome, and the sight hereof would cause vs to seeke after Christ and him Crucified. For manie, who haue a little confused knowledge, will much bee talking,