Sermons upon the Book of Job

Ye see then how it is said here, that God maketh that mans dwelling to prosper,§30 which returneth speedily unto him. And this dwelling is called the tent of Rightu usnesse, to the intent to put us continually in remembrance, that when we come unto God, it must be with the said right meaning and pureness whereof mention hath been made erewhile. And on the contrary part, when we see that God persecuteth us: let us know that we have the wood within us too kindle the fire withal, and that we (I say) have heaped up the matter of it within us by our sins. And why so? For if righteousness were dwelling in our houses (that is to say, if both §40we and our houses were well ordered:) it is certain that Gods grace would prevent us, so as we should feel nothing but all goodness and rest. Therefore if God scourge us and send us afflictions: we must blame our sins for it. Thus ye see in effect, what we have too make here. And moreover that which he addeth, serveth yet further to confirm this present matter: that is to wit, That if our beginnings be small, God will increase the more and more. This is added for the nonce, that men should not measure Gods grace by that which they perceive. For here ye §50see what the cause is that maketh us faint hearted, and too have a slender hope: namely because we have an eye to the worldly means, and thereupon make our conclusion what shall become of us. Behold, if a thing be in such state or such: such a thing or such a thing shall be the mean of it, and we consider not that it is easy for him to help us, we are of opinion that the thing is unpossible. Now then we see how the holy Ghost meant too correct the froward judgement that is in us, in that we imagine of Gods grace after our own capacity, and by that which we are able to §60see. Contrariwise it is said, that God hath wonderful means and incomprehensible to us, to augment that which seemeth to be very small: and notwithstanding that we were as good as at deaths door, so as it might seem we should never be plucked out of our miseries: yet shall God well find some good way out of them. This cannot be perceived at the first: his intent is also to bring us low, to the end we may learn to flee too him for refuge. For what would become of us, if that were not? How should our faith be exercised?