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,…

16 It is not certain how long after his sacrifice and prayer Jacob received comfort, and therefore we see that the comfort of the Spirit doth not always depend upon the means, neither is bound thereunto, but sometime cometh long after the using of them. As Christ saith of the Husbandmen, that they sow, and look long after for the fruits of the earth: which may teach us comfort, for that our prayers are never in vain, but always granted though sometime long after: and here are those corrected which look for comfort immediately upon their requests, not knowing that sin is the cause why we receive not when we ask, and for that we use not the means aright: this also trieth our obedience, if we will with patience continue using the same means, though presently we feel not the fruit of them, and learn with Mark and the Apostles, to lay up things in our hearts: to try what will come of them afterward. Jacobs vision is not a bare and mute thing, but is joined with¹ the word, and teacheth that all comfort must come out of the word: and therefore what comfort by Sacraments, visions, apparitions, and such like, doth not lead us to the word?² nor work in us greater obedience to the same, nor giveth us some victory over sin, that is vain and proceedeth of error. It is Faith in the Promises, that worketh in us obedience:³ and therefore in every commandment there is a promise, either understood or expressed: for the law is spiritual, and requireth a spiritual obedience, which we cannot perform because we be carnal, and by nature disobedient, except the Lord do minister grace unto us.

16 It is not certaine how long after his sacrifice and prayer Iacob receiued comfort, and therefore we see that the comfort of the Spirit doth not alwayes depend vpon the meanes, neither is bound thereunto, but sometime cōmeth long after the vsing of them. As Christ saith of the Husbandmen, that they sowe, and looke long after for the fruites of the earth: which may teach vs comfort, for that our prayers are neuer in vaine, but alwayes graunted though sometime long after: and here are those corrected which looke for comfort immediately vpon their requests, not knowing that sinne is the cause why wee receiue not when we aske, and for that we vse not the meanes aright: this also trieth our obedience, if we will with patience continue vsing the same meanes, though presently we feele not the fruite of them, and learne with Marke and the Apostles, to lay vp things in our hearts: to trie what will come of them afterward. Iacobs vision is not a bare and mute thing, but is ioyned with