Sermons upon the Book of Job

yet have not §30we the full knowledge thereof, neither are we able too comprehend it by reason of the small capacity of our wit: but we stand astonied at it. As for example: If I see the ground bring forth fruit: behold, I am put in mind of the goodness and power of our God. In the springtime when we see the earth open her bowels and utter her riches: behold, God showeth himself and passeth by us. Again, when one while the sun shineth and another while it raineth: Then doeth God pass by, on either side of us: he maketh his walk to and fro §40according too the variety that he showeth, and it is as much as if he went from one place to another, to the intent that men should view him the better. For were he settled in some one place too abide there, as it were in a chair without removing: we should not perceive him so well. But now he walketh up and down, verily to the intent to gather us the better to himself. Well then, is God showed unto us so? that is to wit, if we conceive the said power or virtue that showeth itself in trees, in corn, in Herbs, in Vines, and in all things? no: we may §50well have some understanding, and we may well perceive some thing: howbeit that is but in part: So then God shall nevertheless pass to and fro, and yet we shall not see him. Now if in these things which are so base and which seem to be of no great value, God walk before us and we perceive him not as he is, but only very little: what shall we do when we come to his higher works that are more secret, and when God intendeth to work after an extraordinary manner? like as sometimes he executeth his justice, yea even in such wise as we are astonied §60at it, and cannot perceive how it cometh to pass. Now if we be astonied at the things that God showeth daily, and which may be comprehended by the order of nature: must we not needs fail and be utterly at our wits end, when we shall come to those works of his that are far greater? It is certain that we needs must. Therefore let us mark well how it is said here, that when God passeth by us, we shall not perceive him. Hereby we be warned, not to stand in contention with God, too say, how shall this be done? or how shall that come to pass? For his power is infinite: Yea and although it show itself even in the smallest things, yet can it not be comprehended by reason: