A02181:188
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
The Second Sermon preached by M Richard Greenham.The Seconde Sermon preached by M Richard Greenham.
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.
IN this portion of the holy book of God is set down to us an effect, or rather a fruit of Peter his sermon, which he made for the answering of the slanderous reports of the Jews, at what time they saw the wonderful gifts of GOD sent down upon the Apostles. In which sermon, the Apostle had pricked their consciences with showing them their sins, telling them of a surety, that their iniquities was the cause of Christ his death: whereby a certain care began ⟨p. 174⟩to be wrought in them, insomuch that being thus troubled, they enquired and said men and brethren, what shall we do? whereupon afterward followed the second Sermon of Peter, wherein he exhorteth them to continue in their repentance & teacheth us that if our sorrow be good, we must go forward therein. Further he showeth them to this end, that they must believe, that believing they may be baptised, that being baptised they might receive the gift of the holy Ghost. Lastly it is manifest, how they hearing that sermon first received the doctrine, and after persevered in the practise of the same. Briefly therefore three things are here to be noted: First the fruit of the former Sermon of Peter contained in these words. Now when they heard it, &c. Secondly the sum of a new Sermon of Peter in these word. Then Peter said unto them, amend your lives, &c. Thirdly is set down the fruit of their obedience. In the former part of this Chapter we may know the wonderful works of GOD, that the Apostles, who were never brought up in schools, speak with divers tongues▪ which when the multitude heard, some are said to marvel and to be astonied, some mocked them and said, They are full of new wine. But when Peter with great boldness of spirit had in this Sermon which he made, set the truth of God ⟨p. 175⟩against their false accusations, and had preached against their sins, then they left of mocking▪ & were pricked in their harts. Where first we may note the power of Gods word, which only is able to touch our consciences for sin. For neither the diversity of tongues, nor other gifts of the holy Ghost could prick their hearts, as being able only to cast them into an admiration. What more forcible thing then to cause a go•ly sorrow, then to have our conscience pricked? What so able to prick our conscience as the word of GOD?