Sermons upon the Book of Job

¶ TO AL GENTLE READERS, GREETING.

IF ever men needed too learn what patience is: surely the state of this present time ought to lead yea and too draw them to it. For if we look well about us, we shall find that there hath not bin almost any Realm or country, wherein God hath not uttered great scourges. If ye demand the cause: it is evident, so as even the blind (as ye would say) may see it. Let the old men that are now alive consider the wicked things which they have seen committed commonly, since they were first able to remember, unto this day: and must they not needs say (as it was said of the time of the general flood) that all flesh hath corrupted his ways upon earth, that all is full of extortion and outrage, and that such as bear the name of Christians do (as saith Saint Peter) fulfil the way of the heathen, by living in shamefulness, pride, lechery, drunkenness, gluttony, quaffing and abominable idolatry? But like as it is good to know the causes of the adversities that happen, to the intent that men may the better bethink themselves, to amend as well publicly as privately: so is it right necessary to be •ensed with true patience, that we sink not under the burden when Gods scourges continue long upon us, for even that also is one of the points of the amendment which he requireth of us. Nevertheless, it is a thing that cannot be learned else where than in Gods word. For although the ancient Philosophers and other wise men of the world have spoken of it and given certain rules of it: yet was there never any man found that for all his learning thereof in their school, could show that he knew what it is at the need and when it cometh to the putting of it in ure. And in very deed even those that took upon them (as I said) to teach others, besides that their doctrine was unperfect itself, most commonly wist not where they were when it came to the point that they should have practiced it in dangers: & those that did best, showed I wot not what a resemblance of patience, which being more nearly considered was clean contrary. Therefore not without cause doeth the Apostle saint Paul send us too the whole scripture to learn patience and comfort: according also as in another text he sayeth, that the end of the scripture is to make a man perfect and ready in all good works.