Sermons upon the Book of Job

Then let us come to God with prayer, as it is said here that we must sue unto him. And this importeth a plain and pure confessing of our sins: that is to say, that with our confession (when we shall have said I have sinned,) there must also follow repentance. For we shall see many that will never stick to say that God hath done rightly in punishing them, & that their faults are as grievous and gross as any mens: but yet they will fall to their old bias again straight ways. If God hold their noses to the grindstone by some sickness or by some other cross: then they make fair promises. But as soon as Gods hand is withdrawn from them: they show plainly how there was nothing but dissimulation in them. Therefore whereas we are here commanded ⟨p. 156⟩to confess our faults: let us mark well, that we must have the said pureness and uprightness, which is to con damn the evil, in reconciling our selves unto God. And here is showed the fruit [that ensueth] when we shall have obtained grace: which is, that God will make the dwelling place of our righteousness to prosper: as if Baldad should say, that when God is at one with men and receiveth them to mercy, he leaveth them not there: but maketh them too feel the effectualness of his mercy and love. God pardoneth not after the manner of such as protest §10that they forgive the faults that men have committed against them, and yet in the mean while (if they be able too revenge) stick not too crack their credit, when they spy occasions: saying, Hath such a one to do with me? and he shall find that he hath done me displeasure. Here ye see an evil manner of forgiving. God deals not so. But when he telleth us that our sins are forgiven: immediately he addeth the effect of his forgiving, by making us to feel his goodness in blessing and prospering us. And here is express mention made of the habitation §20of our righteousness, for two causes. The first is that Gods grace may be the better uttered, so as it shall show it self not only towards our persons, but also towards all our house. If God having pity of a man, do cause him to feel it both in body and mind: it is very much already. But if God extend his goodness yet further, so as a man is blessed in his children, in his cattle, and in all his household: do ye not perceive yet a larger proof of his goodness?