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,…

This then is a token of a reverent faith in the testimonies of our God, when we call into question rather our obedience and faith, than Gods promises and statutes, and when our consciences tell us, that we do not so much desire to be rid from our troubles, as that the rod of the wicked may not light upon us, either in rebelling against Gods law, or in mistrusting his covenants. For as we have said, flesh and blood would rather be exempted from outward miseries, than to feel the comfort of Gods promises. But we must have a jealousy of our selves, and suspect our want of care herein, as they do, who never can content themselves in carking and caring, when they are to bring in the fruits of the whole¹ year in their harvest.

This then is a token of a reuerent faith in the testimonies of our God, when we call into question rather our obedience and faith, than Gods promises and statutes, and when our consciences tell vs, that we doe not so much desire to be rid from our troubles, as that the rod of the wicked may not light vpon vs, either in rebelling against Gods lawe, or in mistrusting his couenants. For as we haue said, flesh and blood would rather be exempted from outward miseries, than to feele the comfort of Gods promises. But we must haue a iealousie of our selues, and suspect our want of care herein, as they do, who neuer can content themselues in carking and caring, when they are to bring in the fruites of the whole¹ yeare in their haruest.

1. 1Decays of faith, must make us repeat our petitions often. A godly jealousy over our selves, a thing most necessary. Hic & deinceps.Decaies of faith, must make vs repeat our petitions often. A godly iealousie ouer our selues, a thing most necessarie. Hic & deinceps.

Many would think, that this prayer of the man of God is superfluous, but if they truly knew their own decays of faith, and shrinking in obedience, they would not suspect this Psalm of any needless repetition, but would acknowledge, that it is the wonderful wisdom and goodness of Gods Spirit, so to provide for our unbelief and disobedience. And as the holy ghost doth here set down the glass of regeneration, and teacheth us how to pray for the continuance of our obedience, and strength of faith: so we must so behold our corruptions therein, as from henceforth we may have a greater jealousy of our selves in them both.