A02181:39
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
A MOST SWEET Comfort for an afflicted Conscience.A MOST SVVEET Comfort for an afflicted Conscience.
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.
Now as the peace of conscience and joy of mind is such a treasure, as the eye hath not seen, the ear hath not heard, nor the tongue expressed; but passeth all understanding. So the wounded spirit is such as the eye hath not seen it, the ear hath not heard it, nor the tongue uttered, but passeth all understanding. And as they only know ⟨p. 18⟩what the peace of mind meaneth, that feel it; so they alone can in trueth speak of a troubled mind, that have tasted of it by experience.
Now as the peace of conscience and ioye of minde is such a treasure, as the eye hath not seene, the eare hath not heard, nor the tongue expressed; but passeth all vnderstanding. So the wounded spirit is such as the eye hath not seene it, the eare hath not heard it, nor the tongue vttered, but passeth all vnderstanding. And as they onely knowe ⟨p. 18⟩what the peace of minde meaneth, that feele it; so they alone can in trueth speake of a troubled minde, that haue tasted of it by experience.
Bet let us show what way is to be used to keep us from this wound of the Spirit.1 It is the use of Physic, as to cure us of diseases when we are fallen into them; so to preserve us from sickness before it hath taken hold of us: it is the power of the word, as to assuage the trouble of Conscience, when it doth once press us; so to prevent it before it hath overtaken us. It is a chief point of worldly wisdom not to tarry for the use of Physic until we be deadly sick; but to be acquainted with GODS merciful preservations to defend us from it; likewise it is a chief policy of a godly Christian, not only to seek comfort when the agony is upon him, but also to use all good helps to meet• with it before it comes. And we condemn them of folly, who will not as well labour to keep themselves out of debt, as to pay the debt when they owe it: so it is a madness not to be as circumspect to avoid all occasions, which may bring trouble of mind upon us; as we would be provident to enter every good way which may draw us out of this