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,…

David saw by the light of Gods spirit, wherein true blessedness did consist, namely, in the observation of Gods law; willing was he to attain that blessedness, but seeing that his ways were not Gods ways, nor his thoughts Gods thoughts, he, observing his own wanderings, desires to be directed in the good ways. When thou hearest (saith Augustine) this interjection of wishing, then, acknowledging the word of wishing, lay aside the pride of presuming. For who can say that he desires that which he hath so in his own free-will, that he can perform it without any help? If then a man desires to do that which God hath commanded, he must desire God to give that which he hath commanded. For of whom else should he desire it, but of the Father of lights, from whom (as the holy Scripture affirmeth) doth come every good and perfect gi•t? This then is as much (saith that holy Father) as if David should say, I have learned of thee O Lord my Master, that it is necessary to keep thy commandments, I none desire thine help that I may keep them: for thou givest both the will and the decide according to thy good pleasure.

Dauid sawe by the light of Gods spirit, wherein true blessednesse did consist, namely, in the obseruation of Gods lawe; willing was hee to attaine that blessednesse, but seeing that his wayes were not Gods wayes, nor his thoughts Gods thoughts, hee, obseruing his owne wanderings, desires to bee directed in the good wayes. When thou hearest (saith Augustine) this interiection of wishing, then, acknowledging the word of wishing, laye aside the pride of presuming. For who can say that hee desires that which hee hath so in his owne free-will, that hee can performe it without any helpe? If then a man desires to doe that which God hath commaunded, hee must desire God to giue that which hee hath commaunded. For of whom else should hee desire it, but of the Father of lights, from whom (as the holy Scripture affirmeth) doth come euery good and perfect gi•t? This then is as much (saith that holy Father) as if Dauid should say, I haue learned of thee O Lord my Maister, that it is necessarie to keepe thy commaundements, I none desire thine helpe that I may keepe them: for thou giuest both the will and the decide according to thy good pleasure.