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,…

11 Many worldly wise men suspects us of lightness of belief, when we can so soon credit¹ the Word: but let no man think we can be too credulous herein, seeing every jot therein is as true, as if it had been from Christ his own finger, or uttered with his own tongue. Deliberation is a goodly thing to a man indeed, but yet reason will let a man be credulous enough, and as hasty as an horse rushing into the battle, unless it be in matters of religion, and of conscience, and then we fear that Christ would seduce us, and we deal with him & his preachers, as though they were dangerous fellows. And therefore, though Gods commandments be never so plain, yet they must go under the examination of reason. And because worldly men say either with Thomas, Show me by experience this: or with Nicodemus. Show me that by reason, and I believe you: God can have no dealing with us, Oh is it not marvellous that the lump of foolishness should call into question the Trueth of God 'which is Trueth himself, and dares not mistrust the word but of a friend, of one² that is in some authority, though smaller credit above him? And yet they say Faith is too³ hasty, it should take a greater pause, A deep point of policy, to use deliberation. Well, Faith is not to morrow, it must be presently: Christ gave not so much respite to the young man, as that he should bury his father. And surely, if we knew all, there is great reason of not staying n ithese matters. There will be ambassadors to stay our well-doing, there are fellows will use a dialogue with us, and surely if we will needs shake hands with the world, if we will bid the flesh farewell, and take our leave of profit, it will be violence, rather then a habit at first: For these are such eloquent persuaders, that if a man admit their orations, he shall soon be plucked back from the right way, or it is a marvel else.

11 Many worldly wise men suspects vs of lightnes of beliefe, when we can so soone credite¹ the Word: but let no man thinke wee can be too credulous herein, seeing euery jote therein is as true, as if it had beene from Christ his owne finger, or vttered with his owne tongue. Deliberation is a goodly thing to a man indeede, but yet reason will let a man be credulous enough, and as hasty as an horse rushing into the battell, vnlesse it be in matters of religion, and of conscience, and then we feare that Christ would seduce vs, and we deale with him & his preachers, as though they were dangerous fellows. And therefore, though Gods cōmandements be neuer so plaine, yet they must goe vnder the examination of reason. And because worldly men say either with Thomas, Shew me by experience this: or with Nicodemus. Shew me that by reason, and I belieue you: God can haue no dealing with vs, Oh is it not marueilous that the lumpe of foolishnes should call into question the Trueth of God 'which is Trueth himselfe, and dares not mistrust the worde but of a friend, of one