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,…

3 It is as far from God his nature to deride any man, as it is for him to repent: but our¹ sins are so great, that if it were possible, ye should make him a scoffer. But as when salvation² is wrought in the highest measure, it is wrought in greatest compassion; so the highest point of revenge is derision. We know the nature of God is full of pity, and (unless it be to very evil persons) his speeches are full of compassion. Speak my people, saith he, Micah. 6. And Isaiah. 5. What have I not done that I could do to thee? And, Oh that my people would have heard, Psal. 81. And when they would not hear, he speaketh to the dumb creatures: Hear heaven and earth, Isaiah 1. And Christ saith, O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, &c. These are good and royal speeches, which are very sweet, and sweetness it self. But when he speaketh to the desperate and wicked, he changeth his speech into sharpness, as Mat. 6. If light be darkness, how great is that darkness▪ If sweetness become bitterness, how great is that bitterness? ⟨p. 825⟩Every thing, when it degenerateth into his contrary, becometh most contrary, as of the sweetest wine is made the sourest vinegar, and that, which is coldest, when it is boiled, is most fervent, the sea calmest, when it is moved, is most raging. Augustine saith, that his³ laughter is more to be feared than his anger. That which he speaketh with laughter, let us read with weeping. For God never useth such speeches of derision, but there followeth immediately destruction. Prou, 1. 26 27. Psal. 2. He will laugh them to scorn, and then will break them in pieces. And because this is the last warning before judgement, when we find the Lord speaking so unto us, it is as much, as if he should say: Now hear the word, or never. Well these speeches are used to wilful sinners, as Micaiah speaketh to the King, that would go to battle, whatsoever came of it, Go to and prosper, Prou 2. Because you have not heard any word, nor profited by my sermons, nor by my inward checks, nor come when I showed out my benefit, but refused my correction, then cometh this: I will laugh at your destruction. Ephraim will needs follow Idols, well let him saith God, Josu 4