Sermons upon the Book of Job

that he is fain too serve Gods turn. Seeing that the case standeth so, let us apply the holy scripture to such use as this: namely that although we be hemmed in with enemies round about, and be here as a §20sheep in a wolf's throat: yet notwithstanding we must not cease to trust in God, and to warrant our selves, that as long as we be under the shadow of his wings, we shall be sure of our salvation. Howe so? Because he hath sovereign dominion over all creatures, in such sort as he holdeth even Satan himself and all wicked persons of the world in awe, & leadeth all things to such issue as he thinketh good▪ Lo whereupon we ought to stay, that we may call upon God quietly, and when we have called upon him, assure our selves that he will guide us. And heerewithall §30it behoveth us to bear in mind, that which I have touched, that is to wit, that we become no judges of God, for that were overgreat presumption. Were it not too devilish a pride if men should not acknowledge God to be righteous, except they could perceive him to be so: but would have God to humble and abase himself so much us to say: well, I see I must be accountable to you? As for those that advance themselves into such pride, are they not all well worthy to be quite overwhelmed by God? Yes certes are they. Also we see here why Solomon saith,§40 that they which are overinquisitive in searching Gods majesty too far, and more than is requisite for them, shall be overwhelmed in their own pride, so as they shall be confounded. Then there remaineth nothing for us, but to have the said sobriety of praying unto God too teach us so much as is for our benefit and behoof, and to receive whatsoever he saith for good and rightful, with out pleading to the contrary. Thus ye see how we ought to proceed. But many men think themselves too have gained much when they have found some trifling cavillation,§50 to uphold that▪ God doth not all the things that are done by Satan and by wicked men. It is commonly alleged for answer, that when wicked folk do any evil, God worketh not that: but only suffereth it, and simply giveth them leave. But seeing he hath authority and power to let them: is not his suffering or permission all one as if he did it himself?