Sermons upon the Book of Job

When we hear such sentences, let us tremble and be circumspect to walk so justly and uprightly with our neighbours, as men may know that we be continually §20restrained by the fear of God. Thus we see what we have to mark in effect in this sentence. But by the way, if a man be vexed after he have done good, or if he be persecuted when he seeketh to live in peace and concord with his neighbours: we must not conclude that he is of the company of those which gather trouble and encumbrance because they had sowed it. And why so? For we hear how the holy Scripture sayeth the contrary: namely that God doth sometimes suffer such things, too try the pacientnesse of such as are his. We see the examples §30that are reported to us in the holy Scripture. David protesteth that he sought nothing but concord, and yet notwithstanding, that he was troubled, not the less, but the more. Had he provoked his enemies? had he given them cause too do him displeasure? No: but he sayeth he was hated without cause: and herein he showed himself a true member of Jesus Christ. Therefore we must come back to that which Saint Peter saith, yea even alleging the Psalm. Who so (sayeth he) is desirous to prosper, and to be blessed of God, and to lead a §40quiet life: let him seek peace, and give himself to well doing. Lo what God promiseth us: that is to wit an ordinary blessing, which is, that when we be given to well doing, he will guide us, and not suffer us too be racked out of measure. But what? Nevertheless if ye suffer for welldoing, thank God, sayeth he. And whereas he sayeth, If ye seek to be at peace with every man, ye shall find it: immediately he addeth, that there shall always be so much unthankfulness in the world, as the wicked shall deal lewdly with those that have sought §50nothing but their welfare. Then if we see any man afflicted: we must not by and by conclude, that he is so dealt with for sowing of iniquity, or for sowing of trouble and encumbrance: for we know not what the cause is that God visiteth them in such wise. True it is, that if we shall have known one too have been a wicked person, then is Gods judgement visible and notorious upon him. If a man have been a despiser of God, or such a one as hath led a lawless life to the offence of others:

VVhen wee heare suche sentences, lette vs tremble and bee circumspecte to walke so iustly and vprightly with our neighboures, as men maye knowe that wee bee continually