Sermons upon the Book of Job

But above all, we must understand, that the Angels have a special care of us to guide us, according as God hath appointed them too be ministers of our welfare, and committed us to their keeping. And hereby we see why they are called powers and principalities. In the mean while the Devils cease not to turmoil and destroy all things as near as they can: which thing happeneth not without Gods will, howbeit, that it be done to the end that we should be wakened by them, and inured. with temptation and trial, and too §30the end we may have so much the greater and excellenter victory when we have fought valiantly: and finally, to the end that Satan may gain nothing at our hand, for so much as we be guarded with strength from above to withstand all his temptations. Lo what we have briefly to bear in mind concerning this sentence. But for as much as this hath bin expounded already hereto fore, I will not stand upon it, but briefly put you in remembrance of that which hath been touched. God demandeth of Satan from whence he came, and Satan telleth §40him he hath roiled over the whole world, and hath made his vagaries and outleaps round about it. And as touching Job, he asketh him, Haste thou not taken heed of my servant Job? Herein the Scripture yet again applieth it self to our rawness: for God hath no need too ask Satan. All things (as I have said) are present with him: howbeit forasmuch as we understand not that: it is for our behoof too have some such manner of speeches as we are better acquainted with, and that GOD should not show himself such a one as he is in his §50own infinite Being: (for then should we be swallowed up) but such as we may conceive him, and such as we may bear. And herein we see his great goodness towards us, in that whereas we be not able to come up unto him, he cometh down unto us here, to the end we might know him, at least wise so far forth as is for our profit. For if we should presume to enter into his great Majesty, we should be overwhelmed. If we be not able too look upon the Sun, but our eyes shall be dazzled: I pray you how shall we behold §60the glory of GOD in full perfectness? It is impossible for us too do it, till we be made new again: according as Saint John sayeth that we shall see him as he is, when we be become like unto him.

But aboue all, wee must vnderstande, that the Angels haue a speciall care of vs to guide vs, according as God hath appoynted them too bee ministers of our welfare, and committed vs to their keeping. And hereby wee see why they are called powers and principalities. In the meane whyle the Diuelles ceasse not to turmoyle and destroye all thinges as neare as they can: which thing happeneth not without Gods will, howbeit, that it be done to the ende that wee should bee wakened by them, and inured. with temptation and tryall, and too