Sermons upon the Book of Job

We must here consider the intent of the holy Ghost, to the end we may apply this whole doctrine too our own use. Hitherto we have seen Jobs patience, and how he submitted himself wholly unto God, yea and that §10he hath not ceased to bliss him, notwithstanding that he were deemed miserable among men. But now it seemeth that he turneth all topsyturvy, & that he is angry with God. But if we mark all things well and throughly: there is a combat, wherein we see, that on the one side mans infirmity showeth it self: and on the other side he hath yet still some strength too resist his temptations. Job then is here as it were in a mammering: [by means whereof,] whereas heretofore there was nothing but constancy and stoutness in him: now there is a mixture,§20 so as the frailty of his flesh maketh him to be so far overseen, as he murmureth against God, howbeit that his intent is not to fall out with God. Nevertheless words scape him which are evil, and proceed from a faulty mind, and cannot be justified. Thus ye see the first point that we have to consider: that is too wit, what the state of Job is: namely that he showeth not himself so steadfast as he did afore, but is encountered with such a battle, as doth well show him to be a frail man, and not able too bear out his temptations as he fain would, nor to submit himself §30unto God with so peaceable a mind as were requisite, and as he had been wont to do. And here we have a very profitable warning. For first we see, that men are able to do no more than is given them from above. Therefore let us learn, not to brag of our own strength, as we see the more part of men abuse themselves, by bearing themselves in hand that through their own free will they be able to move mountains and to work wonders. How be it we must not be deceived with such imaginations: but must assure our selves, that as long as God upholdeth us,§40 we may well stand: but if he loosen his hand from us, we shall by and by be cast down. Then is there not any thing whereof man can boast, but they must altogether depend from above, and resort always thither when they will be well strengthened. Herewithall we see the sudden change that happened to Job. For it seemeth not that he hath any new occasion too be so out of patience as too curse the day of his birth:

WEe muste here consider the intent of the holy Ghost, to the ende wee may applie this whole doctrine too oure own vse. Hitherto we haue seene Iobs pacience, and how he submitted himselfe wholy vnto God, yea and that