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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.
Or if this do not prevail, give your self with all humbleness to read the word of God, especially, his promises, and be still attending upon the means, waiting when the Lord shall enlarge your heart. Or if this do not help, go to some faith full brother, confess your state to him, acknowledge your weakness to him, and be not ashamed to give God the glory by shaming your self, and opening your corruption to him; that so he may pray for you; whose prayer according to the promise of God, made to his holy ordinance herein, James. 5. undoubtedly shall be heard in the appointed time. Thus having prayed by your self, and with another, and used the means of reading for your recovery, though you have not present release, yet in meekness of mind & patience of your spirit, go to your calling; knowing that your prayers and the word of God, being as seed, must have some time between the sowing of them, and the reaping of the increase and fruit of them. Above all, reason not with your temptations, dispute not with the Devil, as though you could prevail of your self. ⟨p. 194⟩And as I would not you should dispute with your temptation, so I would not you should despise it. For in both are extremities. If you take it too much to heart, or marvel how you should overcome such a temptation, it will make you dull or desperate. If you account of it to little, and marvel how such things should come into your head, which was not wont to be so, it will make you not to strive, and you shall be swallowed up before you be aware. If you account of it too fearfully, Satan will oppress you before you begin to fight; If you account of it too lightly, the devil needs not to wrestle with you, you will overthrow your •elfe. Therefore fear in respect of your self: fight boldly in Christ; tremble at your own corruption; but rest and trust in Christ your salvation. If still you are tempted, and no body by you, write your temptation, and offer it to God by prayer, and promise to him, that you will ask counsel of his word, at the mouth of his minister, when he shall give you just occasion. If all this help not, comfort your self with this pledge of election, that you are joyed when you feel your belief, and that you are grieved▪ least you should displease God by your unbelief; and know, that as there is a vicissitude of the means of salvation, which you must use;