Sermons upon the Book of Job

Were this once well settled in us, we should no more be so much given to superstition as we be,§20 neither should we be so worldly as we be. There are two vices that reign and have always reigned in the world: the one is Contempt of God, that men care not at all for him, but trample him under their feet, as much as in them lieth. True it is, that they be not able to impeach his majesty: Nevertheless there is such a devilish pride to be seen in men, that in stead of worshipping God, and of submitting themselves unto him, they could find in their heart to throw him under foot, and too triumph over him, and not suffer him to have any kind of authority over §30them. Thus see we a malady that is over great & outrageous, and yet hath it been in all times: that is too say, that men are so overheathenish, as they know not the reverence, which they owe unto God. The other vice is superstition: which is, that under the shadow of devotion, men gad here and there, too seek after foolish inventions. And whereof cometh this mischief? Even because God is not known rightly with that which is properly belonging unto him: for were it well understood what his mightiness, justice, & goodness §40are: it is certain that men would not be carried so away. For men forge to themselves undergods: that is too say, they forge Idols in their own heads: and assign offices too them, as though they would deal out the virtues that pertain unto God, and are in him alone, or as though they would put him too the spoil, and every one have his share and booty of him. Now ye see why I said, that we must be so much the more diligent to know God aright: namely to the end he be not robbed of his honour, and that no man bereave him §50of that which is his own, and which resteth only in him. And how may they do that? I have already briefly told you, how they need no more but only too open their eyes: for God uttereth himself after such a sort in the order of Nature, as we are utterly unexcusable, if we yield him not that which is his. And this is that which Eliphas showeth here. For he beginneth to say, That Gods works are great and unable too be searched out, and that he doth wonderful decdes without number. Here Eliphas taketh a general sentence, and afterward §60specifieth that thing by particular examples, which he had spoken in a sum.