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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.
I know that the benefits of this life are common for the most part, both to the reprobate and to the elect: yet both in those which are common, there is a great and large difference, ⟨p. 126⟩and there are some so singular as carry with them a stronger testimony of the favour of God, then that it may without impiety be denied. In common benefits it holdeth, that as things most adverse are yet turned unto our good:1 so much more the good gifts and blessings of God do carry with them a testimony of his love and favour towards us. For as the Lord speaketh unto us in the word and by his spirit, so his good and fatherly providence towards us, is not without voice, but foundeth aloud unto the declaration of his love: But there are as I said some benefits so special, that the use of them is proper only unto his children. Remember with me the first time of this trouble and dismaying of your conscience; and remember with all how many means the Lord hath ministered unto you for your comfort. What shall I say of those whom the Lord hath put even into your bosom the more nearly to apply his mercy unto you, Master C. Master B. Master R. &c. all so furnished unto your comfort, that you may well think, they were as so many hands stretched out from heaven to support and strengthen your weakness withal▪ if I should set my self to remember how many other the servants of God have by divine providence been directed to minister ⟨p. 127⟩comfort unto you, the number would be innumerable: Master S, Master F. Master D. Master, B, Master G. Master G, and almost who not, of those that have been trained and brought up in that school. Consider how great a mercy this hath been, that so many excellent Physicians of the soul, should at several times apply themselves, if not unto the cure, at the least unto the mitigating of your disease. I will not examine how many and great comforts you have received from them by word in presence, and by letters in absence; this only I ask of you, whether you have not known all these to bear unto you the same testimony, to speak the same comfort, and to confirm you in the same assurance of the love of God towards you.
I knowe that the benefites of this life are common for the most part, both to the reprobate and to thé elect: yet both in those which are common, there is a great and large difference,