Sermons upon the Book of Job

Yesterday I entreated of the comfort §10that is set down here for all the faithful when God afflicteth them: which is, that their wounds are not deadly, because God will at length deliver them from their miseries, for so much as he is the Surgeon to cure their stripes. And truly he tempereth them with such measure, as we are not utterly oppressed, because he upholdeth us for pity of the feebleness that is in us. Therefore to be short, God by his wonderful providence doth continually cause the issue of our afflictions §20to be happy, and ministereth matter of gladness unto us, considering how it is for our benefit and welfare, as Saint Paul also speaketh in the eight to the Romans. And now to confirm the same matter it is said, That God will deliver his chosen from six troubles, or dangers, and that in the seventh the evil shall not come at them. Hereby it is signified unto us, that God will perchance suffer us to endure many miseries, and when we be escaped out of one, we shall enter into another, and that it may be as a continual exercise for us all the time of our §30life, so as there shall be no respite for the poor children of God, but that they shall be tormented now after one fashion and now after another. Yea (which more is) it behoveth them and it is expedient for them to be so handled, because of their sins: but yet nevertheless God giveth their afflictions a good end, notwithstanding that the number of them be infinite. Thus ye see in effect what is showed us here. And we have need of this promise, considering the untowardness that is in us. For albeit we have felt by experience, that God have aided and succoured §40us in some adversity: yet afterward if we be in danger again, it seemeth to us that there is no looking for succour at his hand. See ye not an over great unthankfulness and frowardness? Yet notwithstanding, as oft as God helpeth those that are his, it is to assure them for the time to come, to the end they might always have recourse unto him, reasoning thus with themselves: seeing that my God hath helped me and pitied me at my need, he will not forget me any more so long as I live: therefore will I call upon him and resort unto him for refuge,§50 and I am sure he is ready always to remedy all the inconveniences that can happen unto me.