The works of the reverend and faithful servant of Jesus Christ M. Richard Greenham,…

Now when a man hath once entered into this fight, and for want of due considerations is not able to go further, because he looketh not unto the charges thereof, then ⟨p. 300⟩what will be said of him? Behold the foolish builder, lo the unwise soldier; and is not this a great reproach? Satan shall laugh at us herein. And this defect in fore casting and premeditation is the cause that some men are carried away from the trueth, by this means, and by that means, but few continue steadfast in it unto the end▪ Hence it cometh to pass, that so many being grounded in the pleasure of this life, swell in ambition, and are as it were choked with delights, in poverty some run to unlawful sl•fts, many by reproaches and taunts fall away, some burst with anger, and some are either carried away with grievous errors, or else with Idolatry, because they do not consider that Satan is a spiritual wickedness in heavenly things: Some come to drown and to hang themselves, and¹ all for want of consideration. Wherefore it behooveth all men to be most circumspect and wary in this, that they consider what that is which they be to take in hand, before they enter rashly into it. But yet Satan hath another shift, when he cannot cause us to be careless and negligent in premeditation, then he will make us to trust too much to our own strength, as he did move Peter to do, who if Christ had not prayed for him, and if he had not been grounded on the rock before, he had utterly miscarried, otherwise he maketh us to be over circumspect and wary in this behalf, as he did Ananias and Sapphira.

Now when a man hath once entred into this fight, and for want of due considerations is not able to goe further, because he looketh not vnto the charges thereof, then ⟨p. 300⟩what will bee saide of him? Behold the foolish builder, loe the vnwise souldier; and is not this a great reproch? Satan shall laugh at vs herein. And this defect in fore casting and premeditation is the cause that some men are carried away from the trueth, by this meanes, and by that meanes, but fewe continue stedfast in it vnto the end▪ Hence it commeth to passe, that so many being grounded in the pleasure of this life, swell in ambition, and are as it were choaked with delights, in pouertie some runne to vnlawfull sl•fts, many by reproches and taunts fall away, some burst with anger, and some are either carried away with grieuous errors, or else with Idolatrie, because they doe not consider that Satan is a spirituall wickednesse in heauenly things: Some come to drowne and to hang themselues, and¹ all for want of consideration. Wherefore it behooueth all men to bee most circumspect and warie in this, that they consider what that is which they bee to take in hand, before they enter rashly into it. But yet Satan hath another shift, when hee cannot cause vs to bee carelesse and negligent in premeditation, then hee will make vs to trust too much to our owne strength, as hee did moue Peter to doe, who if Christ had not prayed for him, and if he had not been grounded on the rocke before, hee had vtterly ••scaried, otherwise hee maketh vs to be ouer circumspect and warie in this behalfe, as hee did Ananias and Saphira.

1. 1Wherefore many are overtaken with temptations.Wherefore many are ouertakē with temptations.

Again, if he see that thou makest a conscience to offend the Lord, then he will set before thee the weight of thy sins and the great dangers that thou art in, that thereby he may move thee to despair: but if he perceive that thou art careless in offending God, then will he set before thee the mercies of God, that thereby thou mayest presume▪ O most perilous temptation, when on every side Satan shall seek to entrap thee and bring the• unto destruction! Some again he maketh thus to think; Alas, if I shall give my self to this severe and strict examination of my self, then I shall be plunged into extreme sorrow and grief and brought into melancholy, o• I shall never be mine own man, I cannot beg, I cannot abide (for the words sake) to lose my country, my wife, children, and such like, and therefore I can never come to be a Christian. Thus he causeth thee only to see and look into the peril which shall come unto thee in professing the word of God: but the price of thy salvation and me joys of this life to come, he never telleth them to come into thy mind, and this is also a most perilous temptation Thus the devil by one means or other goeth about to deceive us, either he maketh us to think that the way is not dangerous, or else that it is so dangerous as we shall never be able to get through it: But notwithstanding these great and manifold combats, as the hope of profit doth move the builder to go on forward in his building; so must we in our spiritual building, in hope of some especial commodity not leave off but go on forward. And as in wary the hope of victory doth stir men up to continue to fight; so seeing o•• victory is already gotten by Christ, let no labour stay us, let no dangers hinder us, but let us go on forwards both in our building and war.

Againe, if he see that thou makest a conscience to offend the Lord, then hee will set before thee the waight of thy sinnes and the great dangers that thou art in, that thereby hee may moue thee to despaire: but if hee perceiue that thou art carelesse in off•nding God, then will he set before thee the mercies of God, that thereby thou maist presume▪ O most perilous temptation, when on euery side Satan shall seeke to entrap thee and bring the• vnto destruction! Some againe he maketh thus to thinke; Alas, if I shall giue my selfe to this seuere and strict examination of my selfe, then I shall bee plunged into extreame sorrow and griefe and brought into melancholie, o I shall neuer be mine owne man, I cannot begge, I cannot abide (for the words sake) to lose my country, my wife, children, and such like, and therefore I can neuer come to be a Christian. Thus hee causeth thee onely to see and looke into the perill which shall come vnto thee in professing the word of God: but the price of thy saluation and me ioyes of this life to come, he neuer telleth them to come into thy minde, and this is also a most perilous temptation Thus the diuell by one meanes or other goeth about to deceiue vs, either he maketh vs to thinke that the way is not dangerous, or else that it is so dangerous as wee shall neuer bee abie to get through it: But notwithstanding these great and manifold combats, as the hope of profit doth moue the builder to goe on forward in his building; so must wee in our spirituall building, in hope of some especiall commoditie not leaue off but goe on forward. And as in warie the hope of victorie doth stirre men vp to continue to fight; so seeing o vctorie is alreadie gotten by Christ, let no labour stay vs, let no dangers hinder vs, but let vs go on forwards both in our building and warre.

Let us consider that we fight not in our own strength, but under Christ Jesus, who hath gotten the victory for us, & who fighteth for us, he hath overcome Satan in all his temptations, and accusations: so that he shall never be able to overcome us, either in the sin¹ of presumption or desperation.

Let vs consider that we fight not in our own strength, but vnder Christ Iesus, who hath gotten the victorie for vs, & who fighteth for vs, he hath ouercome Satan in all his temptations, and accusations: so that he shall neuer be able to ouercome vs, either in the sinne¹ of presumption or desperation.

1. 1Ephes. •. Philip. 4. 14. Rom. 8.

When our Saviour Christ saith, that it is as possible for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God, as it is for a Camel to go through the eye of a needle: O this is a fearful saying: but again it is a great comfort, when he saith, that with man this is unpossible, but with God all things are possible. It seemeth to a covetous man to be a very hard thing to depart from any thing, but when Christ Jesus shall be the mighty work of his spirit truly touch the heart of Zacheus, he can make him willingly to give half of his goods unto the poor, and if that he hath immured any man, to restore the same four fold.

When our Sauiour Christ saith, that it is as possible for a rich man to enter into the kingdome of God, as it is for a Cammell to goe thorowe the eye of a needle: O this is a fearefull saying: but againe it is a great comfort, when hee saith, that with man this is vnpossible, but with God all things are possible. It seemeth to a couetous man to bee a very hard thing to depart from any thing, but when Christ Iesus shall be the mightie worke of his spirit truly touch the heart of Zacheus, hee can make him willingly to giue halfe of his goods vnto the poore, and if that he hath imured any man, to restore the same foure fould.

That was a hard and fearful saying of Saint Paul 1. Corinth. 6. and 9. verse: Neither Fornicators, nor Adulterers, nor Idolaters, nor Wantons, nor Buggerers, nor Thieves, nor Covetous men, nor Drunkards, nor Railers, nor Extortioners shall inherit the kingdom of God. But that which followeth was most comfortable unto the Corinthians, and so it is most comfortable unto us: And such (saith he) were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the spirit of our God. Lo here how Corinth was once a wild and brutish people, but after their calling they became sound in faith, and were made the Church of God. And in Titus 1. verse 12. Paul saith, That the Cretans were always liars, evil beasts, and slow bellies, and (saith he) this witness is true, wherefore rebuke them sharply: that they might become sound in the faith. Whereby we¹ see how these wicked people were by Faith purged and made the children of God: Why therefore shouldest thou lay before thee the difficulties of overcoming Satan, that thou shouldest therefore despair in the mercies of God? Why should any of us think that we are not able to overcome our own lusts when Christ Jesus standeth for us, and fighteth with us, when his Angels pitch their tents round about us, and the spirit of God is powerful in us, and the word of God maketh for us.

That was a hard and fearefull saying of Saint Paul 1. Corinth. 6. and 9. verse: Neither Fornicators, nor Adulterers, nor Idolaters, nor Wantons, nor Buggerers, nor Theeues, nor Couetous men, nor Drunkards, nor Railers, nor Extortioners shall inherit the kingdome of God. But that which followeth was most comfortable vnto the Corinthians, and so it is most comfortable vnto vs: And such (saith hee) were some of you: but yee are washed, but yee are sanctified, but yee are iustified in the name of the Lord Iesus, and by the spirit of our God. Loe here how Corinth was once a wilde and brutish people, but after their calling they became sound in faith, and were made the Church of God. And in Titus 1. verse 12. Paul saith, That the Cretians were alwaies liers, euill beasts, and slow bellies, and (saith hee) this witnesse is true, wherefore rebuke them sharply: that they might become sound in the faith. Whereby wee

Now seeing thou hast the Word which is of power to save thy life, and seeing thou hast the seals of Gods mercies, Water, Bread, and Wine, which are more sure seals of Gods favour, than the obligations and bonds of any Princes; seeing thou art so fenced in on every side, be not discouraged by the mighty power of thine enemies, but abide the brunt a little, and desire the Lord to increase thy faith, and no doubt thou shalt be a conqueror, and triumph over all thine enemies: Let us bethink us of our charges and costs, being certainly persuaded by whom, in whom, & through whom, we shall be more than conquerors, that so we run not away at the first: Let us believe, and it shall be unto us according to our faith; and if we cannot believe, let us pray with the man in the Gospel, Lord help our unbelief.

Now seeing thou hast the Word which is of power to saue thy life, and seeing thou hast the seales of Gods mercies, Water, Bread, and Wine, which are more sure seales of Gods fauour, than the obligations and bonds of any Priaces; seeing thou art so fenced in on euery side, bee not discouraged by the mightie power of thine enemies, but abide the brunt a little, and desire the Lord to increase thy faith, and no doubt thou shalt be a conquerour, and triumph ouer all thine enemies: Let vs bethinke vs of our charges and costs, being certainly perswaded by whom, in whom, & through whom, we shall be more than conquerours, that so we runne not away at the first: Let vs beleeue, and it shall be vnto vs according to our faith; and if wee cannot beleeue, let vs pray with the man in the Gospell, Lord helpe our vnbeliefe.

FINIS.

THE TENTH SERMON, PREACHED ON PART OF the 44. verse of the 13▪ Chapter according to Saint Matthew.

MATTH. 13. vers. 44. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hid in the field, which when a man hath found, he hideth it, and for joy thereof departeth, and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

MATTH. 13. vers. 44. Againe, the kingdome of heauen is like vnto a treasure hid in the fielde, which when a man hath found, he hideth it, and for ioy thereof departeth, and selleth all that hee hath, and buyeth that field.

Having spoken of this verse before, my purpose is not to use any long¹ repetition of that which was deliver••. •n effect this •ath been before showed, namely, that the price of our salvation here called the kingdom of God, •s so excellent, that it is resembled unto a treasure, which howsoever it is hid from the reprobate, and those that be of this world, yet it is manifest and revealed unto the children of God, who find it, and when they have found it, hide it fearing least they should lose it again; the finding whereof breedeth such joy in their hearts, that they will willingly part from all things that they have, so that they may enjoy this treasure: and therefore it is said, that the man having found this treasure, departeth and withdraweth himself. Where we have showed that many for want of this withdrawing themselves, or premeditation, not considering what the price of this treasure is, nor what pains and labour he is to take which enjoyeth it, after they have once begun and entered into this course which leadeth unto eternal life, not being able to continue therein, do with the unskilful builder, not forecasting what the building will cost, and with the unwise King, having begun war, and not able to go through there with, leave off unto their great shame and reproach.

HAuing spoken of this verse before, my purpose is not to vse any long¹ repetition of that which was deliuer••. •n effect this •ath been before shewed, namely, that the price of our saluation here called the kingdom of God, •s so excellent, that it is resembled vnto a treasure, which howsoeuer it is hid from the reprobate, and those that bee of this world, yet it is manifest and reuealed vnto the children of God, who finde it, and when they haue found it, hide it fearing least they should lose it againe; the finding whereof breedeth such ioy in their hearts, that they will willingly part from all things that they haue, so that they may enioy this treasure: and therefore it is saide, that the man hauing found this treasure, departeth and withdraweth himselfe. Where we haue shewed that many for want of this withdrawing themselues, or premeditation, not considering what the price of this treasure is, nor what paines and labour he is to take which enioyeth it, after they haue once begun and entred into this course which leadeth vnto eternall life, not being able to continue therein, doe with the vnskilfull builder, not forecasting what the building will cost, and with the vnwise King, hauing begun warre, and not able to go through there with, leaue off vnto their great shame and reproch.

And here we have showed that no man can sell all that he hath to buy this treasure, before he have throughly considered and deeply •ayed what the thing itself is, and what loss and peril he is to sustain before he can attain thereunto. And here lea•• that any should be discouraged from selling that which he hath to buy this treasure, I showed the remedies and helps which further us therein. For howsoever this treasure is chargeable, yet the cost is Christs: and how laborious soever it is, yet Christ ha•h taken sufficient pains in obtaining it, for all those that put their trust in him. And although the perils and¹ dangers be great, yet in our Lord Jesus they are all overcome. After that a man hath premeditated the charges, pains, and perils, which he is to sustain in buying this treasure, then he cometh to a full resolution, and he selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. In this word selleth, there is much matter contained, where we ought to give more diligent attention thereunto. The things in general which are to be sold before this field be bought, are either of their own nature evil, and in themselves simply sinful, or else such as are sinful in respect of circumstances: those which of themselves are simply sinful, are² of two sorts, either gross outward sins, or else the inward corruption of our corrupt nature. Concerning the former, to wit, gross outward, they must be parted withal and sold, for this saying is true both in religion and in manners, No man can serve two masters, &c. If ⟨p. 303⟩Baal be God then we must follow him, we must not be luke-warm, hot & cold, for such the Lord spueth out of his mouth. Wherefore we cannot serve God & the world, for there is such a contrariety and a fight between them, that until we reject & forsake the world, we can neither serve God aright, nor yet attain to the fruition of this treasure.

And here we haue shewed that no man can sell all that he hath to buy this treasure, before hee haue throughly considered and deeply •ayed what the thing itselfe is, and what losse and perill he is to sustaine before he can attaine thereunto. And heere lea that any should be discouraged from selling that which he hath to buy this treasure, I shewed the remedies and helpes which further vs therein. For howsoeuer this treasure is chargeable, yet the cost is Christs: and how laborious soeuer it is, yet Christ hah taken sufficient paines in obtaining it, for all those that put their trust in him. And although the perils and

In these words, He selleth all that he hath, there are three things to be considered. First,¹ that sins must be sold and not changed. Secondly, sins must be sold all and not some. Thirdly, they must be sold for ever, and not for a season. As touching the first, we see many² that do not so much sell their sins as make an exchange of them: for many in the³ time of Popery had in estimation the Pope and that religion of Antichrist, which now⁴ professing the Gospel do neglect and contemn it: heretofore the pains of that feigned Purgatory were feared of many, but now men are not afraid of the torments of hell which are most sure: heretofore men prayed in an unknown tongue, not understanding what they said, but now they will not pray in a known tongue knowing what they say: before men prayed for the dead, now they will not pray for them which are alive: before men used long and continual prayer, now either they pray not at all, or they are so short, and soon weary, as it seemeth they receive no grace thereby: before many Sacraments which were no Sacraments, were much accounted of, now there are but two, and those are true Sacraments, and yet they are neglected: heretofore men fasted very often, and that very scrupulously, insomuch that they did rather offend in fasting too much than too little, but now a Christian fast publicly appointed is rather oppugned than received, and a private fast is not known amongst Christians. Before there were many and superstitious holy days received, now the only Sabbath of the Lord is profaned, & the devil or at the least not God that day is served: Before men confessed their sins unto every hedge priest, now men have left confession of their sins unto their brethren, choosing rather to murder themselves▪ than to acknowledge their faults one to another, as the Apostle James ⁵willeth they should. Yea men are so far from this, that they will rather by perjury and bribery clear and purge themselves, than make their sins known, and so satisfy the congregation, and Church of God. And thus we might go through all points of religion; for men before were altogether superstitious, and now they are become wholly profane.

Wherefore miserable was their estate before, but now most miserable, dangerous & damnable (I say) is the estate of our age, wherein those that serve God best, and walk most carefully in their callings, are accounted mad and frantic, precise fools: on the other side, they which are altogether dissolute, & secure in discharging their duties, are taken for the wisest men, and this cometh to pass because men do not consider that saying of the Apostle, 1. Thess 5. verse. Brethren, we beseech you that you know them which labour amongst you, and are over you in the Lord, that you have them in singular love for their works sake.

Wherefore miserable was their estate before, but now most miserable, dangerous & damnable (I say) is the estate of our age, wherein those that serue God best, and walk most carefully in their callings, are accounted mad and franticke, precise fooles: on the other side, they which are altogether dissolute, & secure in discharging their duties, are taken for the wisest men, and this commeth to passe because men doe not consider that saying of the Apostle, 1. Thess 5. verse. Brethren, we beseech you that you know them which labour amongst you, and are ouer you in the Lord, that you haue them in singular loue for their workes sake.

This changing of sin may also be seen in young men of the University, who in their¹ youth did live altogether dissolute in their behaviour, but being stricken in years they account gain to be godliness, and so far forth as religion may serve to enrich them, so far are they professors thereof. These and such like have not as yet made a sale of sin, but a change. Satan as yet goeth further, & moves some men to make a more dangerous exchange than this, and bringeth them from one extremity unto another. For many being before given to work wickedness, & that with greediness, and to commit most gross sins, now forsaking that outward wicked course are so puffed up in the pride of their spirit, that they are become such new men, as it were thinking too well of themselves, they run on into the other extremity in seeking after those things which are above their reach; by whose wickedness it cometh to pass that the good graces of God oftentimes fall to the ground, and the children of God fare the worse for them: and thus we see that many do not so much fell as change their sins.

This changing of sinne may also be seene in yong men of the Vniuersitie, who in their¹ youth did liue altogether dissolute in their behauiour, but being strickē in yeeres they account gaine to be godlinesse, and so farre foorth as religion may serue to inrich them, so farre are they professors thereof. These and such like haue not as yet made a sale of sinne, but a change. Sathan as yet goeth further, & moues some men to make a more dangerous exchange than this, and bringeth them from one extremitie vnto another. For many being before giuen to worke wickednes, & that with greedinesse, and to commit most grosse sins, now forsaking that outward wicked course are so puffed vp in the pride of their spirit, that they are become such new men, as it were thinking too well of themselues, they runne on into the other extremitie in seeking after those things which are aboue their reach; by whose wickednesse it commeth to passe that the good graces of God oftentimes fall to the ground, and the children of God fare the worse for them: and thus we see that many doe not so much fell as change their sinnes.

1. 1The change of on sin for another.The change of on sinne for another.

But it must be otherwise with us, if we mean to obtain this treasure, we must so part with corrupt religion, that we admit no false sects and heresies: we must so give over wickedness and corrupt manners, that from hence forwards we return not unto them, and we must, as the Scripture requireth, forsake a show of profession of religion, and come unto¹ a strict practise thereof. Secondly, all sin and not some must be forsaken, and sold ⟨p. 304⟩of him, who will enjoy this treasure, many can be content to relinquish some sins, but not all. Herod heard John Baptist willingly, and was content to give ear unto him preaching² repentance: for when John tol• him, that it was not lawful for him to have his brothers wife, then he would not hear him any longer, but cast him into prison, and caused him to be beheaded. The young man in the Gospel had sold many sins, & had many good thoughts in him, insomuch as it is said, Mark. 10. and 24. verse, that Jesus loved him: but when Christ told him, that if he would follow him he must leave his riches, then he chose rather to depart from Christ than from his riches. Ananias and Sapphira, Acts. 5. had³ many good things in them, so that they sold their possessions and laid part of the price thereof at the Apostles feet: but dissembling with the Apostles, & distrusting the providence of God, they kept back some part of the price of their possessions, wherefore through the ministry of Peter they both were presently deprived of their lives. Judas also (no⁴ doubt) had many good things in him, otherwise Christ would not have made him an Apostle, neither could it be but that hearing Christ so long he should reap some commodity thereby, but yet he did secretly inveigle the goods of the Church, and did purchase unto himself not this field wherein the treasure was, but (as it is said of him) a field of blood. And thus we see that there is a partial and not a total forsaking of sins in men. But such men must know, that they have not done enough to obtain this treasure, in leaving some faults and holding some. For it is true which the Apostle James saith, 2. and 10 verse, Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet faileth in one point, he is guilty of all. This the Apostle proveth by an example, as if a man have respect of persons, then he is unmerciful towards him whom he regardeth not.