Sermons upon the Book of Job

The number of them is very small: and yet is not this written in vain. But in general we have now to consider, that the faithful may well sigh and groan all their life long, till God have taken them out of the world, always wishing for their end, that is to say, for death: and yet notwithstanding they must restrain them selves in such wise, as they may wholly submit themselves §20to Gods good pleasure, knowing that they are not made for themselves. First I say, that the faithful may well sigh as folk that are weary of their long pinning in this prison of their flesh: namely for the cause that I have touched, which is, because they serve not God in such freedom as were requisite, but draw their lines amiss, so as they work awry, and oftentimes swerve aside. And (which more is) we must sigh but so far forth as is lawful for us: which is to be done so often as we enter into the consideration of our own overwearinesse §30when the matter standeth upon the serving of God. For, that must spur us to desire God to take us out of this world, and make us have an eye too the life that is prepared for us in heaven, which shall be fully showed upon us at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. And hereby we see how it is not only granted to God's children to wish for death, but also that they ought to wish for it. For they show not a good proof of their faith, except they seek to go out of this world, according as in deed all things hast and labour toward their §40mark. But our mark is aloft, and therefore must we never leave running till we come to our ways end which GOD hath set us: and we must desire that that may be quickly. Nevertheless let us always bear in mind the cause that I have spoken: namely that we must not be provoked to wish for death, because we be subject some to sickness, some to poverty, some too one thing, and some to an other: but because we be not fully reformed to the image of God, and because we have many imperfections in us. Mark well (I say) the cause §50that must spur and provoke us too desire death: namely, too the end that being rid of this mortal body (which is like a cabin full of all stink and noisomeness) we may be fully reformed to the image of God, so as he may reign in us, and all the corruption of our nature be utterly done away.

The number of them is very small: and yet is not this written in vaine. But in generall we haue now to consider, that the faithfull may wel sigh and grone all their life long, till God haue taken them out of the world, alwayes wishing for their ende, that is to saye, for death: and yet notwithstanding they must restreyne them selues in such wise, as they maye wholly submitte themselues