Sermons upon the Book of Job

But it was Gods will to work after such a manner in him, too the intent that every one of us when we be afflicted, should consider that God ceaseth not too be our father still. For he never forsook his servant Job, although he §60were come too such extremities. And when we suffer but the one half, yea or the tenth part of that which he endured: shall we be excused if we murmur? Nay rather, have we not cause too thank God for regarding of our infirmity, when he punisheth us but according too that which he seeth us able too endure? And what letteth that we should not be afflicted as much as Job? Is it for that God hath not so much authority over us? or is it for that Satan is become more gentle now a days? We be sure that the rage of our mortal enemy Satan is the self same it was, and that he is of the same mind still that he was then, and that he keepeth still his accustomed nature, that is too wit, to be as a Lyon roaring with open mouth to swallow us up. If God give him the bridle, we be sure we shall endure as much or more than Job. But our afflictions are mean and sweet, if a man compare them with the afflictions that are spoken of here. Therefore let us conclude, that God showeth himself courteous and very pitiful towards us, seeing we be chastised so gently at his hand, and that he keepeth such a measure as we be not racked too the uttermost, nor he useth so great and excessive rigour as we see here in the person of Job. Furthermore it is here showed us, how men ought too renounce themselves, that they may give them selves wholly over unto God. But as long as a man standeth in his own conceit (yea even though he be well accustomed to serve God,) it can not be but he shall rather go backward than forward. For proof whereof, he that standeth in his own conceit, delighteth also in his own pleasures, and in his own ease, and he desireth to have all his own commodities, and all that his lust leadeth him to. But God meaneth too handle us clean contrariwise? How is that? Is it for that God delighteth to trouble us? No: but because it is behoofefull for us to be so tamed and brought low that we may show the subjection which we ought to yield unto God. If God should frame himself to our will in the things that he sendeth upon us:

But it was Gods wyll to worke after suche a manner in hym, too the intente that euery one of vs when wee bee afflicted, shoulde consider that God ceasseth not too bee our father still. For hee neuer forsooke his seruaunt Iob, althoughe hee §60