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,…

That is true wisdom indeed, which beginning at knowledge doth go forward unto¹ practise, and beginning at faith doth further proceed unto the fruits of faith. For unless there be profitable use of knowledge, both in our general and particular callings, it hath neither the sense nor the savour of heavenly wisdom. Then we be here admonished to labour that our knowledge may grow unto faith, and that we build a godly life upon faith. And that we may thus do, we must especially travel that our hearts may stand in awe of Gods word, and that we may have a charitable and loving heart unto men. This if we can obtain, then shall we in fear and love do the good duties which may glorify God, profit men, and have sure arguments that we have true wisdom. But the foolishness of fools is deceit. That is, they do either take a wrong course of life, or else if they take a right course, yet their hearts are not aright: and therefore they deceive both themselves and others. All this cometh to pass, because with conscience they do not apply every general point of doctrine to their particular estate, and labour not to make practise of it. We give titles unto men, & count them wise and politic men that can foresee and prevent worldly displeasure. But the holy Ghost hath given sentence upon such, that if they labour not to live godly, they be but fools: yea & the more knowledge they have, so much the greater fools they be, if they do not for conscience sake practise the same. We see then what we must do if we will not be counted fools. Now all of us, be we never so simple witted, would be loath to be counted fools, and indeed the name is most reproachful, and will