Sermons upon the Book of Job

True it is that there are divers opinions: but so must our faith be tried, and God suffereth it, according also as Saint Paul sayeth that there must be heresies, to the intent that such as are of God, may be known by having this the constancy of cleaving continually unto Gods truth, never to be turned from the same. Then if it be alleged that there are many encounters and disputations: it is true: but is that as much to say as our faith must therefore be shaken? for wherein shall the §30steadfastness of this rightness show it self: that is too say, how shall a man know that the truth is so strong, or where shall the power thereof show it self, but in us? Like as in very deed when it is said that God's word endureth for ever, it is not meant that it is always but in heaven only: but that it is also in the harts of the faithful, according as saint Peter showeth us, that although we be tossed with many storms and tempests in this world: yet shall our faith never be shaken down. So then it is certain that Gods truth is mighty enough §40too withstand all assaults, according as it is said, the victory that overcometh the world is this, namely even your faith, as Saint John says in his canonical epistle. And so, are we desirous too profit well in the Gospel and in the school of God? Then let us learn, not only too take and too follow that, which is good: but also too answer thereunto in such wise as we may protest, I will do such a thing, not only because I hope too bring it too pass: but also because God will give me strength too withstand the temptations which the §50devil shall prepare against me, so as I shall never fail whatsoever betide. And where as it is said, which is the fault-finder among you that can find fault with any thing? it is too show that the enemies of God may well practise, and well use crafty conveyances and naughtiness: but they shall never obtain too suppress the truth. Not that they shall not strain themselves to do it, or that they shall not devise any thing that may serve to strengthen them withal: but yet (notwithstanding all this,) God will maintain the case of his servants, and at §60length show that the truth is certain. I say the wicked shall do their endeavour, yea and sometimes they shall seem to have the upper hand:

True it is that there are dyuers opinions: but so must our fayth be tried, and God suffereth it, according also as Sainct Paule sayeth that there must be heresies, to the intent that such as are of God, may be knowne by hauing this the constancie of cleauing continually vnto Gods truth, neuer to be turned from the same. Then if it be alledged that there are many incounters and disputations: it is true: but is that as muche to say as oure faith must therefore bee shaken? for wherein shall the