Sermons upon the Book of Job

that is to wit that when soever and as oft as God punisheth the wicked, or executeth any horrible vengeance, it is to the intent that we should stoop with our heads, that both great and small should have their mouths shut, and that we should no more presume to come plead against God, but assure our selves that it shall happen unto us as it did unto those whom we see to perish after that sort, if we follow them. And here ye see why it is said in the holy Scripture, that God teacheth men righteousness by executing his judgements. Hereby the Prophet ⟨p. 153⟩Isaiah showeth that so long as sins abide unpunished, men do harden themselves and make a sport at it: they think they be scaped out of the judges hand: to be short, there is neither fear nor modesty in them. But so soon as God sets himself down in his judgement seat, and showeth examples of his justice, we be out of conceit, and we conceive such a fearfulness, as we sink down under it, and that serveth to bring us back again. Lo how the judgements which God executeth upon the wicked ought too serve for our instruction, too §10to the intent that every of us yield himself under his hand. And this is it that is said likewise in this Text. Truly we ought not too determine whether Jobs children were reprobates or no: and it is a more likelihood that God sent them only a temporal punishment, too save their souls for ever. For we have seen heretofore the concord that was betwixt them: and the scripture speaketh not of them as it doth of the sons of Ely. On the other side we see that Job made solemn Sacrifices when the course of their feasting was come out: and there §20is no doubt (as it hath been declared) but they were counselled to ask forgiveness at Gods hand, and doubtless they would have joined with their father in so doing. So then we cannot determinately say of Jobs children, that they were reprobates, and we know that oftentimes God taketh even the chief of those out of this world by violent means, whom he hath chosen and ordained to salvation, howbeit that he handleth them after such a fashion, as the chastisement which he sendeth them turneth to their welfare. Also mens bodies must perish §30for a time, that their souls may be saved for ever. Therefore it may be that the like befell to Jobs children.