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,…

Of this kind the Prophet Isaiah (in the name of some of Gods people) complained. And such was Davids state. After that Nathan had reproved him, and Gods spirit began to work with him, yet he crieth out (as ye heard before) of the loss of Gods graces: and when he saith, that God will accept of no Sacrifices, be they never so many, nor precious without a contrite heart and broken spirit; he showeth, that for a time (even after¹ the Prophet had reproved him) he wanted both. This is your case, and therefore you a ⟨p. 867⟩in the state of salvation. For David was in this case, even after he had confessed his sin, and had received absolution and pardon from God, by the ministry of Nathan; although² he never felt joy thereof, nor true grief for the other: yet because in trueth of heart he confessed his sin (as my trust is you do) and was certainly persuaded of the pardonableness of it by Gods mercy, (although he was far off from the feeling of it, or applying it to his woeful conscience) his state was good and very well to be hoped of. And you must know to be persuaded, that those things which are written of Gods Saints, and namely of David and Peter, and such others, are examples for us, if we will stay our selves upon the word of God in the ministry of his servants, and wait upon the Lords good time, till he come nearer unto us by his spirit: nearer I say, for he is come already unto you; or it may be he never went from you: because to be grieved and humbled with blindness of mind and hardness of heart, to believe certainly the truth of Gods promises in general, and to reverence the servants of God which bring the glad tidings of salvation, and to long after the comforts, using the means of the word and prayer, the Sacraments of the Supper, and the company of Gods children, contrary to hope, under hope, yea without any present feeling: all this is a certain argument, that Gods spirit is with such, and therefore with you. This estate although it be very grievous, yet it is never dangerous, much less is it fearful: unless any be so wilful, that they persevere and continue³ desperate refusing all good means:

Of this kinde the Prophet Esay (in the name of some of Gods people) complained. And such was Dauids state. After that Nathan had reproued him, and Gods spirit beganne to worke with him, yet hee crieth out (as yee heard before) of the losse of Gods graces: and when hee saith, that God will accept of no Sacrifices, bee they neuer so manie, nor precious without a contrite heart and broken spirit; he sheweth, that for a time (euen after