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,…

IN this confidence, that the Lord will destroy the wicked; he assured himself that he would defend him against those, that set themselves against him. The judgements of God then have these two effects: first, to humble him: secondly, to comfort him: as portion 7. and 15 so that he feareth when his heart is broken; he also loveth when he receiveth hope of help, in confidence whereof he maketh this prayer. The use of Gods judgements upon others, must we make to ourselves; first, that we be brought to acknowledge our deserts, and so fear, and to behold his justice, that we may have assurance of mercy. This is hard to flesh and blood, for some can be brought to rejoice at the destruction of others, and cannot fear: some, when they are feared cannot receive comfort. But those which God hath joined together, let us not separate: therefore let us make these uses of Gods judgements. His prayer is this, Lord let not mine enemies which pursue an evil cause, let them not have their desire, in bringing me to contempt, least whiles I labour to keep thy Law, and •m become contemptible, thy Law also should receive some blot. First, here we see that it is no strange thing, that they which keep Gods Commandments, should be slandered: and therefore we must reform our judgement, which is ready to condemn those, of whom they hear an evil report. Secondly, seeing he prayeth against contempt, he showeth that contempt is the greatest cross that can come to the children of God: for many could loose their goods, which yet would be grieved for the loss of their name; he here prayeth so, not only because of that natural cause which he had, but chiefly because his name was joined with the glory of God. All the punishments of Christ did not so much grieve him, as when he was reproached: therefore the devil chiefly goeth about this, that when this cometh to pass, that all speak evil of us, we might doubt whether our cause were good or no, & so fall away: therefore the Prophet prayeth thus earnestly against it. When we are brought to contempt for our deserts, we ought not otherwise to be grieved, than that God is dishonoured; but when he shall by this means bring us to the knowledge of our sins, then shall we be content to shame ourselves, because thereby we shall glorify God.