A02181:192
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.
& all holiness shall seem hypocrisy, all our righteousness shall seem as a defiled cloth: we shall find with Paul, that in us, that is, in our flesh dwelleth no righteousness. For mens consciences are could, neither are they touched and displeased with their evils, so long as they be in ignorance, but when the word of God pierceth into the uttermost corners of their consciences, and telleth them, that they have to do with the Lord; they are thoroughly touched and begin to fear, and entering into themselves examining their conscience, they come to the knowledge of that, which before they had forgotten. We can never be offered to God without his spirit ⟨p. 181⟩John. 16.8.1 For he reproveth the world of sin, and awaketh our consciences, that those sins, which before were hid, should be made manifest. David did lye an whole ye•re without this prick of conscience, and thought, that all was well,2 until Nathan came, neither did he find comfort of conscience, until he had thus been pricked. Josephs brethren were thirteen years, and never remembered their sins, until, after such time the Lord laid it before them. The Prophet David, Psal. 32 (which he entitled a Psalm of instruction concerning the free remission of sins) •eacheth how we shall find the same. For many persuade themselves, that their sins are forgiven, when they be not. He also showeth, that until trouble of mind did drive him to GOD, he found no comfort,3 Manses which did eat the bread of sorrow, and did drink the water of grief; until he had lamented and sorrowed, felt no rest nor peace. The woman of Samaria John 4. was pleasant, and jested with our Saviour Christ, until her sins were opened, and then she began to answer with more reverence. For until she was willed to call her husband, she thought all was safe, but after that he had told her, that she had plaid the adulteress, she acknowledged him, that he was a Prophet.