Sermons upon the Book of Job

but we must have an eye unto God, and be throughly settled in him, and walk as it were in his presence. For we see what record was given to the holy fathers that lived righteously: that is to wit, that they regarded not what men did, to say, I shall have leave to do as much as they, I will be no better than my neighbours: but they could say: Behold, God seeth us how we walk in this world, and therefore we must behave our selves as if we were before §30him, and we must have our eyes fastened and settled upon him. I have told you heretofore what the qualities and titles import which God giveth here unto Job: namely, that first he had the said substantialness or soundness of heart, for that is the true foundation whereupon we must ground our selves. Admit we have all the virtues of the world, so as we be praised and honoured of all men, and that we seem to be very Angels: yet shall all our whole life be but dung and stark filthiness before God, unless the said fountain of the heart be pure §40and clean: for according thereunto shall our works be esteemed. Therefore let every man enter into himself, and search his own conscience: for we may be well liked of men, & all men may be well contented with us, yea and they may clap their hands at us: and yet we shall be nevertheless cursed afore God, if there be any hypocrisy in our hearts: or if we be not purged clean from all dissimulation, so as there may be no doubleness in us, nor two hearts at once, as the Scripture sayeth in an other place. Now when we be so minded to serve God: our §50life also will be answerable thereunto, and we shall walk as it becometh us. We see divers that would fain be taken for the righteousest folk in the world. But what? their very life showeth the contrary: They are men of so good behaviour, as it is a wonder too see them: yea with full mouth. But with full eyes, with full ears, full feet, and full hands, they be fully Devils incarnate, and deadly▪ plagues too infect the whole world. So then, let us mark well▪ that the said soundness must be matched with honesty and upright dealing,§60 so as we may be conversant among men, without annoying any man: endeavouring too help our neighbours, and showing the friendliness which God commandeth us. Here we see wherein we show our soundness: