Sermons upon the Book of Job

Albeit a man may perceive that Job feared not that there was any fault in the thing that was ordained for a good purpose, and to a good end: yet nevertheless we see how he thought in himself even then that God might be offended in it. Surely this is a very notable example. And out of all doubt, good agreement §40and friendship among men, and specially among brethren, is as pleasant a thing unto God as any can be. We hear how it is said in the Psalm: It is a joyful thing when brethren agree in one: It is like the dew that falleth down to give foison and nourishment to the ground, and like the oil that dropped down from Aaron's beard, so as the sent of it was shed out over all his raiment. Lo what two similitudes here be to show how God loveth peace and amity among men, and above all things among brethren. They do us to understand,§50 that when men embrace one an other with hearty love, it is all one as when the fields and herbs receive nourishment by the dew of heaven: and also that it is a thing that yieldeth a very sweet savour afore God, as a good and acceptable Sacrifice unto him, even like the sent of the holy oil that was poured upon Aaron's head. Nevertheless: this is spoken of such as embrace one an other after a godly manner. For it may well be, that wicked men shall bear an affection of love one towards an other, and they may peradventure link themselves §60together to accomplish their appointments: but all this is naught: friendship must come from god, and go to God. And mark here how the name of brotherhood is set down, to the end we should be taught to lift up our eyes unto God, and to look unto him as oft as there is any question of loving one an other. Furthermore we see here, that the best things in the world may eftsoons be corrupted by the naughtiness of men: And hereby we see also what our nature is, ever since Adam sinned: that is to say, that ever since he overshot himself: hitherto good hath been turned into evil, notwithstanding that our intent or meaning be good. As for example: When a husband loveth his wife, or when a father loveth his children, they be good, holy, and commendable things:

Albeit a man may perceyue that Iob feared not that there was any fault in the thing that was ordeyned for a good purpose, and to a good end: yet neuerthelesse we see how he thought in himself euē then that God might bee offended in it. Surely this is a very notable example. And out of all doubt, good agreement