A02178:4633
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,…
The works of the reverend and faithful servant of Jesus Christ M. Richard Greenham, minister and preacher of the Word of God collected into one volume: revised, corrected, and published, for the further building of all such as love the truth, and desire to know the power of godliness. By H.H.The workes of the reuerend and faithfull seruant af Iesus Christ M. Richard Greenham, minister and preacher of the Word of God collected into one volume: reuised, corrected, and published, for the further building of all such as loue the truth, and desire to know the power of godlinesse. By H.H.
London: printed by Thomas Snodham and Thomas Creede for William Welby, 1612London: printed by Thomas Snodham and Thomas Creede for VVilliam VVelby, 1612
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
3 And necessary it is, that the word should rectify us before we approach to prayer, because coming unprepared, and in the guiltiness of our sin, we cannot be heard, Matth. 7. 21. and. 15. 8. 9. Psal. 145. 18. Psal. 34. 15. 16. and 66. 18. Jam. 1. 6. & 5. 15. 2. Tim. 2. 19. And surely this point is needfully to be urged in our time, wherein men are cold entertainers of1 the word, & if they go unto Church to pray a little, they think themselves very religious. Experience will prove, that ignorant and superstitious persons will much commend prayer, but never call for preaching: On the contrary, come to them that have knowledge, and be truly religious, and ye shall observe that they will more willingly hear and continue in hearing, than they will pray & continue in praying. And I do appeal to the consciences of Gods children, who know that prayer is rather a travel of the hart, than a labour of the lips, whether to give God the glory, and to shame themselves, they must needs confess that they had rather hear the word two hours, than continue in serious prayer one half hour. But let us learn that there be some exercises do more strengthen judgement, than stir affection, and yet in part do rouse up affections too, as hearing, reading, and conferring; some other more nearly work upon the affection, and yet withal enlighten the judgement also, as praying, singing, and meditating. It is easy to renew or increase knowledge by hearing. It is hard to set a work not only the eye, the ear, and the hand, but to travail with our minds also, our affections and hearts, setting all in humble frame of holy subjection in the presence of God.
3 And necessarie it is, that the word should rectifie vs before we approch to prayer, because comming vnprepared, and in the guiltines of our sinne, we cannot be heard,