Sermons upon the Book of Job

and hereupon groweth such a devilish wilfulness, that although we show our §50selves too be more than convicted, yet many of us will never yield, but are rather so shameless and brazen-fast, as they will maintain that which is against reason: for all is well enough so they be not foiled. So much the more ought we to mark well what is said here: for although Job treat here of his own virtuousness: yet notwithstanding, God's holy spirit setteth it here before our eyes as a looking glass or an example for us too follow. So then, let us not be wedded to our own fancies, that we should not quietly hearken §60too that which is told us, yea even when it cometh too the point that we must be rebuked for our fault. For Job treateth thereof in especial: And it is against the foolish overweening that is in men, for when they be convicted too have done amiss, and to have overseen themselves, they be not ashamed too cast themselves into a thousand absurdities, and too be carried away by them, so as they become like brute beasts, facing out the matter as it were in despite of God, and all their glory is to be opinion-holders, and to be men that will never be overcome. First therefore let us mark, that when any thing shall be propounded unto us, we must not be so wilful-minded as to say, look what I have conceived, that will I stand unto. No, no: let us beware of such wilfulness. For it is a deadly plague when we shall be so headstrong and wilful in the matters that we take in hand. It is all one as if we should shut the gate against God, and say he shall not come in, and that although he visit us, and although he be desirous too show us that which is greatly for our welfare: yet notwithstanding, we will repulse that grace. And this is that I have said already: namely, that if we will be Gods children, we must have the spirit of meekness, that is to say, we must have a peaceable and quiet mind, and we must suffer our selves to be handled by him. Behold also wherefore our Lord Jesus Christ likeneth his children to lambs or to sheep which follow the voice of their shepherd, and hearken unto him as soon as he calleth them. Therefore let us learn to be reproved, and to receive correction whensoever it is brought us: and generally let us learn to yield our selves to all things that we know to be good and of God. Are we taught?

and heerevppon groweth such a deuelish wilfulnesse, that although wee shewe our §50