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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.
Here therefore we must bridle & chastise our impatient and murmuring spirit: and remember that of Job so far contrary to the other,1 that though the Lord should destroy him, yet he will trust in him. Neither must we so much vex and unquiet our ha•ts for that we want, as labour to make use of that we have. which though it seem little unto us for the present: yet in ⟨p. 117⟩truth is more then Satan by all his force is able to overcome, as may appear unto us by that endless resistance which the spirit of god dwelling in us maketh against him. For he that so fighteth is not yet captive: & he that standeth in face of the enemy, and endureth all his assaults, is not yet vanquished. Yet that he holdeth out in so great weakness of his own, against so strong & furious assaults of the enemy; it plainly argueth, that he standeth by a greater strength then his own, by which, as he is presently preserved that he falls not into the hand of his adversary; so need he no doubt thereby to be finally delivered, & be crowned with victory & triumph in despite of Satan & all he is able to work against him. But if the enemy, whose quarrelling with us is endless, as his malice is unsatiable, will not thus leave us & give us rest: then as I said before, it is our best & safest way, at once to end all disputation with him. And we cannot better shake him of, than by exercising our selves in prayer, reading, and meditation of the word of God, & by diligent walking in the works & labours of our callings, for there is no greater opportunity nor advantage that can be given unto the adversary, then if he shall find us idle & unoccupied. If the mind be already possessed of, & occupied in good things, it cannot so easily be transported unto that which is evil. But if he find the house ⟨p. 118⟩empty and fit for him, he then entereth without difficulty. In the question of faith we have comfort also from the works & effects thereof in our selves: For as the tree is known by the fruits,2 so faith wanteth not her fruits whereby she may be discerned. These are of divers sorts, sorrow for sin past, hatred of evil, care and endeavour to avoid it both in general and in particular, the love of God & of his righteousness; desire & care with labour & contention to please him, both in general & particular duties. And here again we have a lawful & necessary recourse unto the time past.