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Paramythion two treatises of the comforting of an afflicted conscience, writtenParamythion tvvo treatises of the comforting of an afflicted conscience, written
Paramythion two treatises of the comforting of an afflicted conscience, written by M. Richard Greenham, with certain epistles of the same argument. Hereunto are added two sermons, with certain grave and wise counsels and answers of the same author and argument.Paramythion tvvo treatises of the comforting of an afflicted conscience, written by M. Richard Greenham, with certaine epistles of the same argument. Heereunto are added two sermons, with certaine graue and wise counsells and answeres of the same author and argument.
London: printed by Richard Bradocke for Robert Dexter, 1598
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.
Of this kind the Prophet Isaiah (in the name of some of gods people) complained.1 And such was Davids state. After that Nathan had reproved him, and gods spirit began to to work wi•h 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 a•ter the prophet had reproved him) he wanted both. This is your case, and therefore you are 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, although 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 i• by gods mercy, (although he was far off from the feeling it, or applying it to his woeful conscience) his state was good, & very well to be hoped of. And you must know & be persuaded that those things which are written of gods saints, & namely of David & Peter, & such others, are examples for us, if we will stay our selves upon the word of God in the ministry of his servants, & wait upon the Lords good time, till he come nearer unto us by his spirit: ⟨p. 95⟩nearer I say, for he is come already unto you: or it may be he never went from you; because to be grieved & humbled with blindness of mind & hardness of heart, to believe certainly the trueth of God his 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 Sacrament 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, & 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 & continue in desperate refusing all good means:
Of this kinde the Prophet Esay (in the name of some of gods people) complained.