Sermons upon the Book of Job

Out of doubt Satan meant to have overwhelmed Paul, and his intent was to have driven him into wickedness, to the end he §50should have given over the service of God, and by little and little withdraw himself from Christianity, by reason of the wearisome troubles and miseries which he endured without ceasing. Lo here what Satan intended. But what for that? God purposed another end: namely to bridle his servant, that he should not forget himself, and so exalt himself too much. And for this cause was he buffeted. For he useth the said similitude of buffeting for the nonce: as who would say, God used him not as a man of arms that fighteth in the field, to give him a §60glorious victory: but buffeted him like a boy too his shame and reproach. Thus the holy Apostle whom God had endowed with so excellent gifts of the holy Ghost, was so far made an underling to Satan, that Satan spitted in his face and wrought him marry other villainies. We see then how God turneth the evil into good. when he maketh all Satan's stings to serve us as medicines, whereby he purgeth us of the vices that lye hid in us. And therefore we have cause too praise God in all respects, yea even though that at the first sight his judgements be over boisterous to our imagination, and that we be not able to conceive them by our fleshly understanding. When we have well considered all, we shall evermore have wherefore to magnify God. Thus much as touching this strain, wherein it is said, that God gave Satan leave to punish Job, howbeit so as he forewarned him that he should not touch his person. In effect, we have to mark, that when God giveth Satan liberty too assail us in such sort as he maketh many sore assaults upon us: yet nevertheless he goeth all by measure, as one that knoweth what we be able to bear, and what is expedient for us. Finally it is said, That Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. Not that Satan did what he list as if God saw him not any more: but to signify unto us what the fury of Satan is, and what is his accustomed manner of dealing: that is to wit, that he did the worst he could, without regarding that he is subject to God, and that he used his own rebelliousness, in making havoc of Jobs goods: howbeit that there is yet one thing more meant by that saying:

Out of doubt Satan ment to haue ouerwhelmed Paule, and his intente was to haue driuen him into wickednesse, to the end hee §50