Richard Greenham

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VirginiaHuguenot

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Richard Greenham (c. 1535 - 1594), English Puritan, was a notable Elizabethan-era Puritan minister. Perhaps his most famous work is his A large Treatise of the Sabboth, but he wrote on many other subjects relating to practical divinity as found in his Works, including, for example, catechism, afflicted consciences, education and the practice of meditation.

For more on his life and works, it is worth reading the following:

Richard Greenham: The Portrait of an Elizabethan Pastor by John H. Primus

"Practical Divinity": The Works and Life of Revd Richard Greenham by Kenneth L. Parker and Eric J. Carlson

Also see discussion of him in J.I. Packer's A Quest for Godliness: Puritan Vision of the Christian Life.
 
From A Profitable Treatise, Containing a Direction for the Reading and Understanding of the Holy Scriptures by Master Richard Grenham:

But that the reading of the Scriptures publicly in the Church of God, and privately by ourselves, is a special and ordinary means, if not to beget, yet to increase faith in us. It is likewise proved, Deut 6:6; Deut 11:18; Ps 1:2; John 5:39; Matt 14:15; Rom 15:14; 2 Pet 1:19; Neh 8:8; Acts 13:15; Acts 15:21. The manifold fruit which comes of the reading of the Scriptures proves the same.

Reading rather establisheth, than derogateth from preaching: for none can be profitable hearers of preaching, that have not been trained up in reading the Scriptures, or hearing them read.
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Again reading helpeth men's judgments, memories and affections, but especially it serveth for the confirmation of our faith: which may be proved by the example of the men of Berea, Acts 17:13; it serveth to discern the spirits of men, 1 John 4 to make sounder confession of our faith, to stop the mouths of our adversaries, and to answer the temptations of Satan and the wicked.

But because men sin, not only in neglect of hearing and reading, but also in hearing and reading amiss: therefore the properties of reverent and faithful reading and hearing are to be set down, which are these that follow: they be eight in number.

1. Diligence.

2. Wisdom.

3. Preparation.

4. Meditation.

5. Conference.

6. Faith.

7. Practice.

8. Prayer.

The three first go before reading and preaching. The four next come after them. The last must go before, and be with them, and come after them.
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