Sermons upon the Book of Job

For there must be none that hath the perfection of all wisdom, save Jesus Christ, to the intent that he may deal it to every man in measure and certain portion. Furthermore §20let us mark well the circumstance of this place. For it treateth of Gods righteousness whereof we have spoken, and of our knowing how we be full of sins, & corruptions, to the end we may apply our whole study to the same doctrine, assuring our selves well, that we shall never bring it throughly to pass. Wherefore it behoveth us to mind it so much the more, and to apply our whole life thereunto. For had it been throughly known, men had not fallen into so horrible darkness in the papacy. But what? There it seemeth to them to be a superfluous thing §20to treat of free justification by faith: they count that as a mad doctrine, and scoff at us for standing so much upon it. Yea: but here it is showed us, that even those which have used visions from heaven, have had much a do to understand a little of such secrecy. So then, let us understand, that it behoveth us to be diligent in this article: for when we have employed all our wits about it, yet shall we not comprehend the hundred part of that which is in it. And for proof hereof, is not Gods righteousness an infinite thing? And are not our corruptions,§40 as a Sea, or as a bottomless pit? Therefore we must not marvel at Eliphas for telling us here that he had but a small taste of this article. But let us now come too that which he addeth, which is, That a breath (or wind) went to and fro, so as his to die quaked and shuddered, and his hear stood up stiff throughout all his body: and that there appeared an image unto him, which he knew not, and that at the end he heard a voice of silence. All this was done to the end which I have touched: that is to wit, to make Eliphas ready to receive that which God purposed to say §50to him, and to prepare him in such wise, as he might understand how it was God that spake, to the end that his doctrine might be of authority: and furthermore that Eliphas might be humbled so as he might no more be hoised up with presumption, according as men commonly challenge to themselves I wot not what. It behoved Eliphas to be altogether abased, to the end he might know his own want, and give the glory unto God.

For there must bee none that hath the perfection of all wisedome, saue Iesus Christ, to the intent that he may deale it to euery man in measure and certeine portion. Furthermore