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,…

To conclude this point, wouldest thou know in what truth of heart thou doest labour for the glory of thy God? Come hither, examine thy hart with all reverence by this rule, and thou shalt know it. The glory of God especially shineth in the prosperous and flourishing estate of his Church, and his glory is then trampled under foot, when his Church¹ is oppressed. Thou seest the Church in our land hath great quietness: this thou rejoicest at, yea thou canst heartily pray for thy Prince, that peace may be continued in this Church. This is well, and more than many do: but this is not enough, thy heart in this may deceive thee, because thou mayest be moved to do this for thine own ease, without any care of Gods glory: examine thy self therefore a little further, and call unto thy consideration the Churches beyond the Seas: thou dost hear that they be in continual trouble, they be persecuted, and on every side invaded: Their Priests are slain, with the sword, their Princes are piteously abused, their people are led into captivity: so that there are nothing but complainings in their streets. Here mayest thou try thy self, if there be any trueth in thee. For if² so be thou be so full of thine own prosperity, that sorrow cannot enter into thy soul for thy poor & afflicted brethren's sake: nay, if thou canst not be more sorrowful in their sorrow, than thou canst rejoice in thine own joy, thou hast cause to fear, thy heart is not sincere toward the glory of God. In like manner, thou thy self art in misery, tossed with afflictions, and troubled on every side: yet thou hearest that rest is given to the Churches, thou hearest that God hath blessed them with the blessing of peace. Oh now if thou couldest rejoice in the joy of Gods people, though thou wert in sorrow; if thou couldest glory with Gods inheritance, though thou sufferedst some outward shame, if thou thoughtest thy self happy in the felicity of Gods chosen, although of all men thou mightst seem most miserable; then would thy conscience no doubt speak comfortably unto thee, it would tell thee thou didst truly esteem of the glory of God. Now if thou thinkest that herein too³ much is required of thee, then look unto Gods children in former ages: Paul was sore afflicted, much troubled, and often imprisoned;