The Institution of Christian Religion

This conflict, which the faithful do sustain against the natural §9feeling of sorrow, while they study for patience and temperance, Paul hath very well described in these words.¹ We are put to distress in all things, but we are not made sorrowful: we labour, but we are not left destitute: we suffer persecution, but we are not forsaken in it: we are thrown down, but we perish not. You see how to bear the cross patiently, is not to be altogether astonished and without all feeling of sorrow. As the Stoics in old time did foolishly describe a valiant hearted man, to be such a one as putting of all nature of man, was a like moved in prosperity and in adversity, in sorrowful and joyful state, yea such a one as like a stone was mo•ed with nothing. And what have they profited with this high wisdom? Forsooth they have painted out such an image of wisdom as never was found, and never can hereafter be among men: But rather while they coveted to have to exact and precise a patience, they have taken away all the use of ⟨image 245⟩patience out of mans life. And at this day also among Christians there are new Stoics, that reckon it a fault not only to groan and w•pe, but also to be sad and careful. But these strange conclusions do commonly proceed from idle men, which busying themselves rather in speculation than doing, can do nothing but breed us such new found doctrines. But we have nothing to do with that stony Philosophy, which our master and Lord hath condemned not only by his word but also by his example. For he mourned and wept both at his own and other mens adversities.² The world (saith he) shall rejoice, but you shall mourn and weep. And because no man should find fault therewith, by his open proclamation, he hath pronounced them blessed that mourn.³ And no marvel. For if all weeping be blamed, what shall we judge of the Lord himself, out of whose body dropped bloody tears? If every fear be noted of infidelity, what shall we judge of that quaking fear, wherewith we read that he was not slenderly stricken. If all sadness be misliked, how shall we like this, that he confesseth his soul to be sad even to the death?