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,…

And we must not be deceived by the outward show of an honest life, for if comparison¹ be made between Gods children & Heretics when they are both in prosperity, or both in adversity, then we shall see the difference between them: for otherwise, there is no comparison to be made, when they are one in prosperity, and another under the cross. When the children of God are in trouble, and in affliction, the graces of God do manifestly appear in them: for first they have such spiritual wisdom, & understanding, that even poor & simple souls in the country are able to answer the great and learned men of the University: so that they be not able to withstand the Spirit that speaketh in them. Again, their boldness and courage in the truth is such, as that they be not ashamed to speak, even before Kings, & the mightiest of their enemies. But Heretics how far are they from this wisdom, when they come to answer, they either say nothing at all, or else their reasons are so blockish, and without sense, that a child would marvel at their folly: and though they set some face and show upon them, yet if they be unripped, and then referred to their heads, they are but vanity. As for their boldness and courage, it is nothing: for if they speak to some simple man, or in some secret place, then will they be bold to speak their pleasure: but call them to the place of judgement, or before them that are able to call² them to accounts, then their answers are to seek. And here of it cometh, that they are perjured, unfaithful, not men of their word, but dastards and cowards, and such as will not stand to the truth.

And we must not be deceiued by the outward shew of an honest life, for if comparison¹ be made betweene Gods children & Heretikes when they are both in prosperity, or both in aduersitie, then we shall see the difference betweene them: for otherwise, there is no comparison to be made, when they are one in prosperitie, and another vnder the crosse. When the children of God are in trouble, and in affliction, the graces of God doe manifestly appeare in them: for first they haue such spirituall wisedome, & vnderstanding, that euen poore & simple soules in the countrie are able to answere the great and learned men of the Vniuersitie: so that they be not able to withstand the Spirit that speaketh in them. Againe, their boldnes and courage in the truth is such, as that they be not ashamed to speak, euen before Kings, & the mightiest of their enemies. But Heretikes how far are they from this wisedom, when they come to answere, they either say nothing at all, or else their reasons are so blockish, and without sense, that a childe would marueile at their folly: and though they set some face and shew vpon them, yet if they be vnripped, and then referred to their heads, they are but vanitie. As for their boldnes and courage, it is nothing: for if they speake to some simple man, or in some secret place, then will they be bold to speake their pleasure: but call thē to the place of iudgement, or before them that are able to call