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,…

Fault is not only in judgement, but in affection also: for if a man come to confess unto the Minister he will hang down his head, though but two or three be present: but care not how publicly thou do it.

Fault is not onely in iudgement, but in affection also: for if a man come to confesse vnto the Minister he will hang downe his head, though but two or three be present: but care not how publiquely thou doe it.

We must be touched otherwise then when we sing Psalms, there must be reverence in bowing of the knees, for thou must give thy body and thy heart also. The Publican needeth not to be taught to cast down his eyes, for the humble heart will bring down thy look. Again, we must give good example in our outward gesture to provoke others to come reverently before the Lord. If confession be thus acceptable, then when we are to receive more grace, we must be more humbled in acknowledging our sins; and that we may do it as we ought, we must labour for a deeper sight of our unworthiness by our sins.

We must be touched otherwise then when we sing Psalmes, there must bee reuerence in bowing of the knees, for thou must giue thy body and thy heart also. The Publican needeth not to be taught to cast downe his eyes, for the humble heart will bring downe thy looke. Againe, wee must giue good example in our outward gesture to prouoke others to come reuerently before the Lord. If confession be thus acceptable, then when we are to receiue more grace, wee must bee more humbled in acknowledging our sinnes; and that we may doe it as we ought, we must labour for a deeper sight of our vnworthines by our sinnes.

The way to obtain mercy is, as soon as we see our sins to acknowledge them. I acknowledged my sin, and then thou forgavest the punishment of my sin, not my sin only. The debtor loveth much that hath much forgiven him, because he sorrowed much. The prodigal son returning after much sorrow and humble confession, found much kindness. Though we have been unkind children, is there more love in a natural man than in the Lord? In natural fathers and masters when their servants and children confess, anger ceaseth; is not this from the Lord; and will not he show favour unto us? Doth God give thee this charge, that if thy brother repent seventy times seven times, thou shouldest forgive him? doth he persuade him truly confessing that he will forgive him? and shall not then the Lord be merciful unto thee if thou confess; in giving thee remission of thy sins, and sanctification from thy sins? Yea God is more merciful than man, when man truly confesseth.