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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.
4 Unto one afflicted in mind, he gave this con fort: First, if you have knowledge, be thankful for it, & desire the lord to give you faith: if you have faith, which undoubtedly you may have though not rightly discerning your self, you ⟨p. 199⟩presently perceive it not; you must wait on the Lord for feeling of it. And though it may be you shall tarry the lords leisure long▪ yet surely he will give it you in time. In the mean time, assure your self, that the greatest faith is when there is least feeling. Because it is easy for every one in glorious feelings, & joys unspeakable to believe: but when a man feeling no sensible comfort in the Lord, can notwithstanding believe in the Lord, & by saith wait on him, this mans faith is very great.
4 Vnto one afflicted in mind, he gaue this cō fort: First, if you haue knowledge, be thankful for it, & desire the lord to giue you faith: if you haue faith, which vndoubtedly you may haue though not rightly discerning your selfe, you ⟨p. 199⟩presently perceiue it not; you must wait on the Lord for feeling of it. And though it may be you shal tarry the lords leasure long▪ yet surely he wil giue it you in time. In the meane time, assure your self, that the greatest faith is when there is least feeling. Because it is easy for euery one in glorious feelings, & ioies vnspeakable to beleue: but when a man feeling no sensible cōfort in the Lord, can notwithstanding beleeue in the Lord, & by saith wait on him, this mans faith is very great.
5 He gave this advise to one, against the deadness of the mind that overtaketh the godly: first search the cause, whether it be for some evil thing done, or for some good thing not done, & so leaving some means of salvation unused; whether for some sin seen, but not repented of; or some sin repented of, but not soundly, or for unthankfulness. Secondly, use the remedy, please not your self in it, but rouse up your self as from a slumber, which willingly you would shake from you: call to mind the special & greatest mercy of God, use the means. Thirdly, in the means offer your self to God, waiting umbly, & patiently for the time of deliverance; neither esteeming to much or to little of your afflictions.