Sermons upon the Book of Job

There are very few that have this consideration with them, to rest quietly upon it, and to confess that there is nothing better than to submit all things to Gods Majesty, and to acknowledge that if he should let us follow our own sway, there were no way with us but confusion: and that if he govern us according to his will, all will be to our profit and welfare. Lo whereunto it behoveth us to come. And also we see there is very much imported in this sentence §30when it is said, Blessed be the name of the Lord. For we must not only pick out the words: but also consider of what mind they proceed, and that they be spoken truly and unfeignedly. For how is it possible that we should bliss the name of God, if we do not first acknowledge him to be righteous? But he that grudgeth against God as though he were cruel and unkind, curseth God: because that as much as in him lieth, he lifteth himself up against him. He that acknowledgeth not God to be his father, and himself to be Gods child, ne yieldeth record §40of his goodness, blisseth not God. And why so? for they that taste not of the mercy and grace that God showeth to men when he afflicteth them: must needs grind their teeth at him, and cast up and vomit out some poison against him. Therefore to bliss the Lords name, importeth as much, as to persuade our selves that he is just and rightful of his own nature: and not only that, but also that he is good and merciful. Lo here how we may bliss Gods name after the example of Job: that is, by acknowledging his Justice and uprightness, and moreover also his grace §50and fatherly goodness towards us. And here we see also why the text addeth for a conclusion, That in all these things Job sinned not, nor charged God with any unreasonableness. Word for word it is thus: Job did not lay afore God or put upon God any unreasonable thing: and it is a manner of speaking well worthy to be marked. Whereof cometh it that men martyr them selves in such wise when God sendeth things clean contrary to their desire: but for that they know not that God doth all by reason, and that he hath just cause to do so? for had we it well printed §09in our hearts, that all things which God doth are grounded upon good reason: it is certain that we would be ashamed to encounter him as we do:

There are very fewe that haue this consideration with them, to rest quietly vpon it, and to confesse that there is nothing better than to submit all things to Gods Maiestie, and to acknowledge that if he should let vs follow our owne sway, there were no way with vs but confusion: and that if hee gouerne vs according to his will, all will bee to our profit and welfare. Lo wherevnto it behoueth vs to come. And also we see there is very muche imported in this sentence