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,…

The Prophet was in great distress, because of the reproaches of the wicked, as Psal. ••. yet for all this he was stayed by Gods law, though their mocks were exceeding great, ⟨p. 423⟩that is, often, and in grievous manner. It is no new thing then, that Gods children are had in derision: and it is one of their sorest outward troubles, as we see in our Saviour Christ, which heard this, he saved others, &c. after which he cried, My God, &c. and this was the last temptation, therefore the greatest. For if this come once into the mind that we suffer for evil doing, then will there be no comfort. The Heathen would do any thing for their country; yet would not lose their praise. And this is the cause why we see many fall to heresies, because they cannot be in estimation as they would. The greatness of this temptation did not drive him from the law, Psalm. 37. Every one will be forward when others will speak well of him: but few do learn here with David to do well though they be ill used. And this did the devil espy in the nature of men, therefore he saith of Job, Hast thou not hedged him about? &c. Then let us try our selves whether such reproaches will drive us from our duties: for if they do, all is not well: but if thou see they do not, then take comfort, and know that thou must approve thy self to God, and not to men; which to do, is an argument of faith, as in Samuel, 1. Sam. 12. David, though his sin was not known, yet he crieth, Against thee have I sinned. Then if thou canst be sorrowful for thy secret sins, though men speak never so well of thee, and neither will, nor can accuse thee, thou hast saith. Thus then briefly reproach and discredit amongst men must not drive us from well doing: neither must praise and credit among men make us favour our selves in our sins, or take greater liberty to our selves.

THe Prophet was in great distresse, because of the reproches of the wicked, as Psal. ••. yet for all this he was staied by Gods law, though their mocks were exceeding great, ⟨p. 423⟩that is, often, and in grieuous manner. It is no new thing then, that Gods children are had in derision: and it is one of their sorest outward troubles, as we see in our Sauiour Christ, which heard this, he saued others, &c. after which he cried, My God, &c. and this was the last temptation, therefore the greatest. For if this come once into the minde that wee suffer for euill doing, then will there bee no comfort. The Heathen would doe any thing for their countrie; yet would not lose their praise. And this is the cause why wee see many fall to heresies, because they cannot be in estimatiō as they would. The greatnes of this temptation did not driue him from the law,