Sermons upon the Book of Job

Ye see then that many men are touched with Gods hand, which notwithstanding are accursed, For they begin their hell already in this world, according as we have examples in all such as amend not their wicked §50life when God sendeth afflictions upon them, but a man shall see them take a corner and stand barking like dogs, and though they be able to do no more, yet cease they not to show a continual woodness. Or else they are like resty jades as comparison is made in the .xxxij. Psalm: or finally they are altogether oversotted, so as they know not their own harm, I mean, as to consider the hand that striketh, as the Prophet saith: They will cry alas, and they shall feel the blows. But what for that? they think never the more upon Gods hand, neither §60know they how it is he that visiteth them. We see then before our eyes, that many men are the more unhappy for being chastised at Gods hand, because they profit not in his school, nor yet take any good by his corrections. But here is mention made precisely of those whom God chastiseth by touching them with his holy spirit. Therefore let us assure our selves, that when God maketh us to feel his hand, so as we are humbled under the same: he doth us a special good turn, and it is a privilege which he giveth to none but to his own children. When we feel the corrections which he sendeth us, and moreover are taught to mislike of our selves for our offences, to sigh and groan for them before him, and to flee to his mercy for refuge: I say, when we have such a feeling of Gods chastisements: it is a token that he hath wrought in our hearts by his spirit, For it is too high a point of wisdom to grow in the mind of man: it must proceed of the free goodness of our God: the holy Ghost must first have softened the said cursed hardness and stubbornness whereunto we are inclined of nature. Let us understand then that this present text is spoken precisely of Gods children, who are not stubborn against his hand, but are overmastered and tamed by the holy Ghost, to the intent they should not strive against the afflictions which he sendeth unto them. But yet will this saying seem strange after the opinion of the flesh. Why so? Whatsoever inconveniences fall out otherwise than we would have them, we term them Adversities.

Yee see then that many men are touched with Gods hande, whiche notwithstanding are accursed, For they begin their hell alreadie in this world, according as we haue examples in all such as amende not their wicked