A03620:483
Certain comfortable expositions of the constant martyr of Christ, M. John Hooper, Bishop of…Certeine comfortable expositions of the constant martyr of Christ, M. Iohn Hooper, Bishop of…
Certain comfortable expositions of the constant martyr of Christ, M. John Hooper, Bishop of Gloucester and Worcester written in the time of his tribulation and imprisonment, upon the XXIII. LXII. LXXIII. and LXXVII. Psalms of the prophet David.Certeine comfortable expositions of the constant martyr of Christ, M. Iohn Hooper, Bishop of Glocester and Worcester written in the time of his tribulation and imprisonment, vpon the XXIII. LXII. LXXIII. and LXXVII. Psalmes of the prophet Dauid.
London: printed by Henry Middleton, 1580London: printed by Henrie Middleton, 1580
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Commentary Psalm 77 › Body of exposition › Part 4 (verses 10-20): ¶The fourth part.
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.
At an other time, when the consolation and life of the spirit was over whelmed with troubles, he could not see at all with his eyes: but cried and complained that he was stark blind.1 And also in that marvellous Psalm in number 88.2 whereas prayer is made to be delivered from the horror and feeling of sin, the Prophet saith, that his eyes waxed dim and blind. The same is to be seen likewise in the crosses and afflictions that God sendeth. As long as true faith and confidence remaineth in the heart, all troubles be welcome and thankfully taken: as we read. When Job had news that his goods and children were taken from him,3 in manner suddenly, he most patiently said: God gave them, and God hath ⟨p. 118⟩taken them away, as God would so it is done. But when faith quailed, and the spirit was troubled, then followed these impatient words:4 I would my sin were laid in one balance, and my pain in an other. As though God had laid more upon him, then he had deserved. When the spirit was quieted, for all his poverty and nakedness, he rejoiced and was contented with his birth and coming into the world, and also with the state in the world appointed unto him by God, saying:5 Naked I came out of my mothers belly, and naked I shall depart hence again. But when faith fainted, then came out these words:6 The day, the night, and the time be cursed wherein I was borne. With many more horrible words, as the text declareth. So that we see, whereas Gods spirit wanteth, there is no learning nor consolation to be had of any thing: as it is opened in this Psalm, in that at the first time the Prophet recorded Gods works, and was so troubled in his mind, that he occupied his cogitations this way: Will God be no more merciful? Hath God shut up his mercy in his ire? But now in the second record of Gods works, he beginneth his entrance clean contrary, and saith: Gods right hand can change his sorrow, and turn his heaviness into mirth. And upon this ground and sure hope of Gods promises, he proceedeth forth to a consideration and deep record of Gods facts, in this sort: I will remember the works of the Lord, &c.