Sermons upon the Book of Job

We see here yet one comfort more, which it behoveth us to mark well, that we may be patient in this world,§20 notwithstanding that our enemies assail us on all sides. True it is that God spareth us sometimes, and that he showeth not open war against us, and that the wicked have not always the power too persecute us, but are otherwise letted, or else God doth after a sort bridle their rage, in so much that we have not always open war with them. But yet it is impossible that Gods children should live in this world, and not be in many perils continually. And why so? for they must walk in simplicity. True it is that they ought to be wise, and our Lord §30hath given them so much wisdom as is requisite for them. But how so ever the world go, they must not maintain them selves by craft and wiliness, nor by wicked practices. Although they be among wolves, yet must they be as Lambs and sheep: and although they be among Foxes, yet must they continue as Doves, and they must keep still the same simplicity which God commandeth them. We see how the world is fraught with naughtiness: in so much that if ye find a right honest man, it is (as they say) a very fine seed §40and rare [too be met withal.] Now then, if God should not work too disappoint the purposes of the wicked, what should become of us? should we not perish an hundred times a day? So then we see here a text whereof we must make our own profit: which is, that God watcheth from out of Heaven, too disappoint the enterprises and practices which the wicked sort do contrive against us. For first and foremost it will be a temptation to us when we see our selves watched and waited upon, and nothing else sought but §50too catch us at advantage, and too wind about us: I say, it will be a tempting of us too do the like, [and to say in our selves] I have too do with a subtle Fox, and therefore I must be fain to keep good watch. And how? that is to wit, against him that is wily and double wily, as they say in the proverb. Behold how we be given to decline unto evil, and to make two Devils for one (as the proverb sayeth) when we be so assailed by the naughtiness of men.

VVee see here yet one comfort more, whiche it behoueth vs to marke well, that wee may bee pacient in this world,§20