Sermons of Master Iohn Caluin, vpon the booke of Iob. Translated out of French by Arthur Golding

The .Cxliiij. Sermon, which is the first vpon the .xxxvij. Chapter.

ALso my hart trembleth at it for feare, and it leapeth out of his place.

2 Herken to the noise of his voice, and to the sound of his mouthe.

3 He directeth it vnder the vvhole heauens, his light is vpon the vvings of the earth.

4 Againe he brayeth vvith a greate sound, he thundereth vvith his myghtie voice, and he taryeth not after that his voice is heard.

5 God thundereth terribly vvith his voice, he dooth vvonderfull things, and vvhich a man can∣not comprehend.

6 For hee commandeth the snowe too fall dovvne vppon the earth: and [likevvise] the svveete shovvers, and the raynes of greate force.

THis serueth at leastwise, that whyle we bee in this world wee should haue our eyes open too consider the woorkes of God that are neere vs and easie to bee seene, though wee bee no learned nor deepewitted folk. For euen the veriest [ 20] idiots perceyue the order of nature to be such, that they see the maiestie of God there as in a mirrour. True it is, that we ought to lift vp ourselues yet hygher to consider well what God sheweth vs. Howbeit (as I sayd) we ought at least wise too consider the things that are present afore vs. Notwithstanding, it is not ynough to vnderstand that God hauing created the world doeth also gouerne it: it behoueth vs too knowe more ouer to what ende the thing ought to be referred. If wee knewe no more but that it is God which sendeth rayne and faire weather, it is God [ 30] that thundereth, it is God that maketh the lightenings to run flasshing through the ayre: that were an attributing of a soueraine power vntoo him, and so shoulde hee bee knowne too bee almightie. But there is yet more: For when God sendeth rayne, it is not only to shewe what he can do: but sometymes it is his mynd to chastize men for their sinnes, and other times it is his intent to yeeld forth the treasures of his goodnesse and bountie. So then it is not ynough too haue knowne that God is almightie, and that all creatures are in his hande and at his disposition: [ 40] but wee must marke also howe and after what maner hee vseth them: that is to wit, to iudge the world with, when hee hath borne long ynough with our sinnes: and againe to make vs feele his fauour, and to knowe him to be our father and sauiour, and the partie that maynteyneth and nurrisheth vs. VVe see then that Gods iustice, goodnesse, and wisdome must be linked with his almightinesse. And why? To the intent we may on the oneside be taught to feare him, and to walk in his obedience: and on the other side rest our selues vpon him, seeing we haue so fayre re∣cordes [ 50] of his loue, and that wee may call vpon him, assu∣ring our selues that hee regardeth vs and pitieth vs, and that we be vnder his protection, and that if we resort vnto him when we be destitute of counsell, hee will instruct vs by his holy spirite. Nowe then wee see, that the order of nature beeing well considered, serueth not onely too set out a soueraine power in God, too the ende men shoulde honour him by acknowledging him to be almightie: but also too make vs immediatly too take holde of his grace and goodnesse, too rest therevppon, and too seeke our [ 60] whole refuge there. Also it behoueth vs too knowe, that men shall not scape vnpunished, bycause he sheweth them before hande, that all things must come too accounte be∣fore him. And that is the thing whiche Eliu hath trea∣ted of, according as it was shewed yesterday, that by raine, hayle, and tempestes, God doth sometymes iudge the worlde, and sometimes giue men abundantly where∣with too liue. And now hee addeth, that his heart leaped out of his place at it, and that hee was afrayde at the sight of such things: as if he should say, that our knowing of God must not be a gazing in the ayre after our owne lyking, and in the meane while to cōceiue but only some dead thoughts: but it must bee a liuely touching of our heartes, and of all our powers to the quick. And this is generall to all men. But the vnbeleeuers (do as muche as they can) kill this feare wherewith they ought to bee touched, whereas the faythfull make theyr profite of it, and willingly prouoke themselues too the sayde awfulnesse, too the ende too doo homage with all reuerence too the Maiestie of God. Then let vs beare in minde, that Gods manifesting of himselfe vnto men, is not onely to put some fleeting con∣ceyte intoo them, so as they might say, There is a God, and fall too reasoning of him: but also therewithall too giue them a liuely instruction inwardly, so as they maye become the better minded. This (say I) ought too bee in all men. Howebeeit wee see that the vnbeleeuers doo (too the vttermost of their power) beate backe the feare whiche they haue conceyued, and labour too playe with God, and too get libertie too be quite and cleane oute of awe of him. Lo at what poynt the faythlesse sort are, so as they fight agaynste their owne naturall vnderstan∣ding, and indeuer themselues too become brute beastes, that there may not be ought in them to trouble them any more. And why do they so? For God is agaynste them, forsomuch as they bee giuen too all euill. They see that God cannot away with them, and therefore they shunne him, and labour too ridde him quite away, lyke as an Outlaw or a Theefe woulde faine that there were no ci∣uill Magistrate in the worlde, to the ende that his sinnes might escape vnpunished. In like cace is it wyth all worldelings: forasmuche as they cannot disbarre the hande of God, so long as hee sitteth in his maiestie too iudge: they would fain exempt themselues from his iuris∣diction: and that is the cause (as I sayd) why they labor to quench the light of reason which was giuen thē. But they cannot bring it to passe: and therefore they are as Mules that chawe vppon theyr brydles, and fall too repyning a∣gaynste God, and howsoeuer the worlde go with them,

they growe hardhearted, and wexe euerie daye more blockishe than other, till God haue giuen them quite o∣uer, so as they feele no more remorse of mynde, as Sainct Pa〈…〉〈…〉 speaketh of them. And surely it is the ex∣treemest of all miseries, and the verie vpshotte of theyr decay, when they feele no more greefe, that is too say, when they haue no more remorse of conscience, but beare with themselues in sinning, and go on still in their com∣mon trace, according also as Salomon sayeth, that the wicked man is then come too the gulfe, and dungeon of [ 10] iniquitie, when hee hath no more feeling too returne vn∣to God, and too humble himselfe, and too mislyke of his faultes. Contrarywise, when the faythfull are touched with the Maiestie of God, they kindle the fyre more and more, like as if a man hauing alreadie some Coales or svrebronde, shoulde kindle it more. Euen so deale all they that couet too walke vprightly. For after that God hath once touched them, and that they themselues by beholding the order of nature, haue once perceyued that there is a soueraine Maiestie, which guideth and gouer∣neth [ 20] all things: they applie that reuerende feare to their owne instruction, so as they pricke and prouoke them∣selues in their heartes, too resort vnto God, bearing him continually in their remembrance. And as oft as they haue occasion too looke vpwarde or downewarde, they prepare themselues too the knowing of God, so as they gaze not aboute at aduenture, but bethinke themselues throughly aforehande, that they must looke vpon God the maker of all things. VVee see then that whereas the wicked and heathenish sort labour to become blinde, and [ 30] therewithall too wexe hardhearted against God, and fi∣nally too become brute beastes, voyde of vnderstanding and discretion: the faithfull take profit of the knowledge which god giueth thē by the meanes of his creatures, and cōsequently the said light increaseth & groweth strong in them, & they inforce themselues to it to the vttermost of their power. And that is it which Eliu mēt here by saying, that his heart trembled and leapt out of his place. True it is, that the wicked shall be afrayd of thunder and lightning, and spite of their teeth the Maiestie of God must touch [ 40] them, too make some secrete alarum within them: but yet for all that, they dispatche away such thoughtes, and treade them vnder foote. On the contrarie part, suche as desire to knowe God, do vppon occasion of such be∣ginning, set and applie their whole studie too aduauntage themselues by that feare and dreade which God sendeth into their heartes. Furthermore, Eliu vseth goodly simi∣litudes here in describing the thunder, lightning, frost and tempestes. Hee sayeth that a man may heare Gods voyce, yea euen a voyce of great noyse (sayeth hee) and a sounde [ 50] that proceedeth out of his mouth. Heere Eliu speaketh not of the woorde, which is dayly preached vntoo vs, for vs too take learning by it, and wherein God doth familiarly shewe vs his goodnesse: but by Gods roaring voyce, and by the noyse that proceedeth out of his mouth, hee mee∣neth the thunders that are made in the ayre: and there in hee declareth by a similitude, that our Lorde hath a ma∣ner of speeche which is able too make all Creatures too quake. And not onely in this place, but also in the nine and twentith psalme it is sayde, That the voyce of God [ 60] thundereth, the voyce of God maketh the Mountaine of Libanus too rore, the voyce of God clyueth the greate trees the voyce of God maketh the Hindes to cast their Calues, the voyce of God is hearde in the Mountaynes, the voyce of God maketh the whole Earth too shake. This voyce is none other thing, than the same noise that is made by the thunder: neuerthelesse it serueth too re∣proue men of their vnthankfulnesse, in that they giue not eare too Gods thundering▪ according also as it is a com∣mon prouerbe when men play the madde men, to say that they are so lowde, that a man could not heare God thun∣der for them. Yee see then that the Scripture vpbraydeth vs with such blockishnesse, and bereeueth vs of all excuse. For if men say, Tush we neuer had any learning, the scrip∣ture was neuer opened vntoo vs: what then? Did it ne∣uer thunder in all our life? Did God neuer speake? Haue we not conceyued such a maiestie in him, as we ought of right to stoupe to honour him, and too submit our selues vnder his obedience? But all that we do, is too no pur∣pose, wee bee as bad as brute beastes, there is as it were a madnesse in vs matched with pride, if we cannot consider that hee hath all authoritie ouer vs. Ye see then that men are sufficiently conuicted when it thundereth. For they ought too consider the voyce of God, namely the greate and lowdsounding noyse whiche maketh the ayre too roare. Againe, if men say they bee ignorant and as it were in darkenesse: what matter makes that? The lightnings do as it were clyue asunder the Skies, and wee see suche a brightnesse, as God sheweth himselfe sufficiently, ye•• euen too take all couert from vs, that no man might flat∣ter himselfe in his hypocrisie, nor go about too iustifye himselfe, as though wee had knowne nothing of God. For the lightning is ynough too she we vs the glorie that is in him. Thus yee se•• why Eliu speaketh heere of the greate noyse and sounde that proceedeth oute of Gods mouth. And hee in ••argeth the matter, bycause menne are too retchlesse; and if one tell them in fewe woordes, the matter which I go aboute too lay forth▪ they haue no greate regarde of it, it slippeth away from them out of hand. Here therefore Eliu standeth longer vpon his mat∣ter, and pursueth it further, bycause wee ought to consi∣der well the order that is in the thunder and lightning, and also in the rayne and deawes, and in all the stormes that wee perceyue. And he speaketh expressely of sweete and gentle showers, and also of the boystuousnesse and violence that are seene oftentymes in that behalfe, as in pursuing that which he had touched alreadie concerning Gods iudging of the worlde, sometyme by sending raine from heauen, and somtyme by giuing abundance of food. For if a sweete rayne come in due season, it will make the Earth frutfull: but [otherwise] the raine will marre and destroy all the benefites whereby we looke for sustenāce. Therefore wee perceyue both twaine of these things in God: and that deserueth well to be considered. Also that is the cause why it is sayd, that God dooth wonderfull things which we comprehende not, by the thunders which hee sen∣deth. For in verie deede, after it hath so flashed, and that the Lightning hath flowen throughout, and the Thunder∣clappes haue beene heard: immediately there commeth a tempest, and God letteth the raine, and the storme, and the hayle too poure downe without tariance: and wher∣soeuer the dint of the tempest lighteth, there insue incre∣dible

things. For ye shall see a man consumed too ashes. He shall keepe still his shape, and hardly shall yee finde a hole so bigge as a pease, and yet notwithstanding the man shall bee quite consumed. A hard swoorde shal be vtterly molten, and the scabber that yeeldeth shall be whole still. Trees shall be sometime rooted vp, somtime wrung asun∣der, and somtime vtterly consumed, so as there shalbe no∣thing left of them. As much is done too houses. To bee short, if a man consider all the effectes of a tempest, they bee things that could not bee beleeued, if they were not [ 10] knowne by experience. And therefore it standeth men in hande to humble themselues, considering the weakenesse of their owne witte, and the mightinesse of Gods workes. If we be not worse than blockish, wee must needes learne heereby, to submitte our selues vnto him, and to honour him, and too yeelde him all glorie and soueraintie. This in effect is it that Eliu sheweth vs. But first of all let vs beare in minde what hath beene touched: that is to wit, that it is not ynough for vs too conceyue God too be the maker of the worlde, and to father all power vpon him: [ 20] but wee must also knowe him too be our father, because hee draweth vs too him with so gentle and louing a care, as if wee were his owne children. VVhat earthly father doth so much for those that are descended of him? Then too knowe rightly what God is, it behoueth vs too taste of his goodnesse, which hee vttereth too vs, and maketh vs too feele, and whereof wee receyue the frutes and the inioyment euen in this mortall lyfe. Nowe when wee do so taste Gods goodnesse: it is too leade vs further, that is too witte, that wee should trust in him, and consider that [ 30] hee hath not put vs intoo this worlde, too the ende wee should perishe as brute beastes: but too bring vs too the euerlasting heritage which hee hath promised vs. There∣fore wee may well ground a right must in God, by reason of the benefites which wee receyue of him: and wee may well conclude, that our soules are more precious to him, than our bodyes: and that if hee vouchsafe too sende vs the things that are requisite to mainteine vs in this world, hee will not leaue the cheefe point. VVee see then, that if wee had our eyes open too beholde Gods prouidence, [ 40] and the order of nature that is set afore vs: the same would serue too teache vs too put our whole trust in him. And when wee repose suche trust in him, wee may also call vppon him, assuring our selues that sith he watcheth ouer vs, our prayers shall not bee vnknowne vntoo him, but hee will accept them. Lo what wee haue too put in vre. And surely it woulde bee our true wisdome, if wee could minde these things, and settle our thought vppon them. VVe shoulde fare the better all our lyfe long. But what? VVe do nothing else but wander in fonde speculations, [ 50] and therefore wee reape none other rewarde but oure owne vanitie. VVe see howe men are intangled in these earthly things: and if a bodie speake too them of the hea∣uenly kingdome, they vnderstande him not: for surely they bee not worthie of it. So muche the more then be∣houeth it vs too take heede too that which is conteyned heere: namely that wee acknowledge the goodnesse of our God in that hee nourisheth vs, and that wee be bolde too call vppon him as our father, and too flee too him for refuge, seeing hee sheweth himselfe too bee our father, [ 60] and that we haue so good a gage of it, in that he not onely telleth vs it by hys owne mouth, but also hath his hande open too make vs feele wherewith. On the other syde, let vs learne too feare, when wee see him execute his iud∣gements, yea, euen by meanes whiche sometymes are for our welfare. So then let vs learne there, that God myndeth too subdue vs too himselfe, and too teach vs too serue him, and not too prouoke his anger wilfully: but rather too come vntoo him with all reuerence, sith wee knowe that hee is armed with suche power too reuenge himselfe of the dispysers of his maiestie, least hee poure out that greate and terrible puissance vppon vs. And that also is the cause why Sainct Peter bringeth vs too these considerations, namely, that God did once destroy the worlde, and wipe away all the inhabiters of the Earth by water, which notwithstanding is the beginning thereof. If a man demaunde whereof, or of what stuffe the worlde was made: wee see in the holy Scripture, that it was a confuzed matter, whiche God did set downe at the first beginning, and that the same was water, wherein there was nothing but depth and confuzednesse. VVell then, ye see that such was the originall beginning of the world: and when God intended to destroy all mankinde, where∣with armed hee himselfe? He sente a floud. Ye see then, that the water from whence wee drawe oure lyfe, and whiche hathe beene as it were the ground woorke of the whole worlde, hath neuerthelesse beene the destruction thereof. Sith wee see this, let vs consider that wee haue no being here by lowe without the hand of God: and that whereas we be lightened by the Sunne, whereas we draw breath from the ayre, and whereas wee be nourished and fedde with bread: it is not the Creatures themselues that doo giue or mainteyne our lyfe. And why? For God will turne all into death when he listeth: and the instrumentes of hys goodnesse shall bee turned intoo deadly swordes to destroy vs. So then let vs learne, that when God sen∣deth vs either hayle, or noysom rayne, or sore frostes: his shewing of himselfe terrible in those things, is to the ende that wee shoulde knowe our sinnes, and entering intoo ourselues, beseech him of forgiuenesse for our offences past, and learne to stande in awe of him hereafter, and to obey him better than wee haue done heretofore. More∣ouer, whensoeuer wee haue felt one stripe of his hande, let it not sticke in our minde for one day onely, but let it serue vs too thinke vppon euer after. Hath God sente vs any drought? Or hath hee sent vs any raine? VVe must beare it in remembraunce, and not looke too haue it be∣ginne againe, but bethinke vs thus: Go too, during the tyme that I haue liued in the worlde, I haue seene some∣tymes that the rayne hathè marred all the seede that was layd intoo the ground: in steade of Corne, men haue had Darnell, or nothing at all: and againe, God hath so par∣ched the earth with heate, that all hath beene seared a∣way: or else there hath beene some winde that hath sha∣ken downe or blasted all that was for the sustenance of man and beast. I haue seene all this, and I haue seene also that by suche meanes God hath sent famin. Nowe then, I must not tary till God strike againe, but it must be a learning to mee for all the tyme of my lyfe. Thus ye see in what wise wee must put this doctrine in vre. More∣ouer, as oft as we heare it thunder, let vs vnderstand that it is a sounde which proceedeth from the mouth of God.

For our wittes must not friske and wanze awaye in the ayre, as though the thunder were ingendered there, with∣out the commaundement of a superiour maister. Then let vs come vnto God, and assure our selues that the thunder must needes bee ingendered by the power of his mouth. And when the ayre is so troubled, and all on a rore: let vs vnderstand that the same is no dead thing, but the very order which God hath stablished, whereby his power is manifested vnto vs. Ye see then what we haue to remem∣ber. But if we can perceiue that God moueth mens hearts [ 10] by lightning, rayne, and tempests: let vs assure oursel∣ues that we be doublefolde guiltie before him, when wee be familiarly taught, not by a confused noyse, but by his worde, so as he offereth vs a doctrine that is certaine, and wherein we may be edified. And doubtlesse wee deserue to be much more greeuously condemned, if we take not profite of the hearing of this voyce, whereby hee dooth not strike vs in feare, but comfort vs. True it is that when soeuer Gods worde is preached, the ende whereto it ten∣deth is too make vs feele our wantes. For it is not with∣oute [ 20] cause that Gods woorde is tearmed a twoo edged sworde, to examine men, and to search all their thoughts and affections. And for the same cause it is sayde also, that we must bee sacrificed vntoo God by the meanes of the Gospell. There must then bee a kinde of dying in vs, or else Gods worde shall neuer preuaile in vs. VVe must re∣nounce our selues, and whatsoeuer is of our owne nature must bee beaten down. Thus ye see how our Lord thun∣dereth and lightneth by his worde. But on the other side, by the selfe same worde hee also quickeneth vs, cōforteth [ 30] vs, and (to be short) giueth vs a full ioy, in that he calleth vs to himself, & offereth vs his sonne to guide vs thither, telling vs that in him wee bee assured of our saluation. So then seeing that God speaketh so familiarly vntoo vs, if we hearken not vnto him to glorifie him, lyeth there not a more greeuous and horrible damnation vpon vs, than vppon suche as neuer had any teaching, more than theyr onely beholding of the order of nature, and their hearing of the thunder, and yet were moued inwardely at it? True it is that this perceyuerance shall be ynough to condemne [ 40] vs (as I haue sayd alreadie,) and although men had neuer heard eyther lawe or scripture: yet notwithstanding, if they lyued in this worlde, they haue not any excuse: for God is sufficiently declared vnto them to reproue them of malice and wilfull stubbornnesse. And vndoubtedly we see that God hath tormented and as it were racked the greatest despysers of his Maiestie that euer were, by his thunder: Reade the Storyes of the Heathen men, and ye shall see that the greatest scorners of God that euer were, haue beene so frayde and afflighted, that mauger their [ 50] heartes, they haue shewed at the hearing of the thunder: yea and confessed that there was a God aboue the thun∣ders and tempests, whome they were inforced too feare. God hath distressed them in such wise, that they were set (as ye would say) vppon a scaffolde, as if open execution should be done vppon some man that had wrought high treason agaynst his Prince. Euen the greatest Princes of the worlde haue taken knowledge by thunders and tem∣pests, that there was a God in heauen which gouerneth all. And that is a proofe, that the thunder ought too bee [ 60] ynough too bowe the hardest heartes that can bee, seeyng there is such a marke of Gods Maiestie in it. Then nee∣deth there none other thing than the tempests and light∣nings that are seene in the ayre, to condemne the dogges and swine that make a mocke of all Religion. Although there were neither lawe nor doctrine in wryting: yet doth the onely thunder holde them conuicted, so that spite of their teeth they must bee faine too graunt that there is a God in Heauen. So then this voyce whereof mencion is made heere, will be ynough to condemne all the men in the worlde, although they had neuer heard nor read so much as one worde of doctrine. How bee it wee must al∣ways come to the comparison that I haue touched: which is, that if Gods thundering in the ayre with a confused sounde bee a sufficient speaking too condemne the vnbe∣leuers, and his making of the lightnings to flash abroade, is a sufficient light too condemne the blinde: what shall followe when hee speaketh gently, and vseth so amiable a maner of teaching, yea and euen lispeth with vs, too the intent wee might vnderstande him the better? VVhen he not onely affrighteth vs not, but also allurerh vs with gentlenesse and curtesie too come vnto him, if wee bee stubborne agaynst him, what shall become of vs? VVhat excuse will there bee for vs? And heere ye see why (in the Psalme that I haue alledged) it is sayde, that in the Temple of God euerie man shall giue God glorie. For after that the Prophet had spoken of this mightie voyce of God which maketh the mountaynes too remoue, the Rockes too melt away, the Earth too quake, the trees too fall downe from mounte Libanus, and the wylde Goates too slinke their Kiddes in the Forrestes, and which moueth and shaketh the whole world: afterward hee addeth, that God shall bee glorifyed in his Temple. And howe then? VVhen the lightnings flash throughe the wings of the Earth, that is to say, ouer all the borders of the Earth, and the Thunderclappes are hearde from the one side of the worlde, to the other: ought not God too bee knowne in all things, and ought not both greate and small to doo him homage? Yes verely. And wherefore then doth the Prophete speake specially of the Temple of God? It is according too the comparison that I haue touched: which is, That God affrighteth and wakeneth the Heathen men when hee thundereth: howbeeit, that is not to bring them too saluation, but onely to conuince them vtterly, too the ende they shoulde not pretende any tryfling excuse that they knewe not God nor his Maie∣stie. They knewe him sufficientely too their vtter con∣demning, but as for vs, Gods intent is too drawe vs too saluation when hee speaketh vntoo vs. For there hee thundereth not too make the ayre rore, neyther maketh hee confused noyse, as I haue sayde: but hee speaketh gently and familiarly, hee vttereth his heart vnto vs, hee sheweth vs which is the way of life, and he inlightneth vs with the brightnesse of his worde which shineth vpon vs. Thus ye see why God deserueth too bee glorified in hys Temple. For although hee be manifested too the whole worlde, and all creatures are inuited too prayse him, yea and that they bee constreyned and inforced therevntoo: yet is there a farre other more mightie and royall power in the worde that is preached vntoo vs. For there God sheweth and vttereth himselfe in suche sort, as wee must needes bee worse than brutish and blockish, if wee thinke

not vpon him too submit our selues too all that is spoken too vs in his name and authoritie. Thus ye see what wee haue too beare in minde. And by the way let vs consider howe malicious the worlde is, seeing that the woorde of God (for all that it is so well preached and knowne,) is notwithstanding so ill receyued of most men, and so little reuerenced, insomuch that it shoulde seeme that men are purposed too spight God in reiecting all doctrine, not∣withstanding that they knowe and are fully assured that it is of him. See ye not howe rebellious the Papistes are [ 10] at this day? But let vs not go so farre, let vs come home among our selues. Men professe themselues too bee min∣ded too holde of the Gospell: and yet notwithstanding, let them bee spoken to in the name of God, let things be laid open before them, let matters bee made so plain vnto them, that euen the veriest diuels of thē be conuicted, that the things which are preached are taken out of the holy scripture: and yet they cōtinue still in their stubbornnesse, without making any conscience too striue agaynst God. Their maliciousnesse is matched with shamelesnesse, inso∣much [ 20] that men are come too such point, as we neede not too go out of Geneua too see most manifest rebellion in setting light by God, or too see such diuelish pride as too say, Tushe God shall not raigne ouer vs, let them prattle and talke what they list, & yet will we not yeelde a whitte for them. Verily there is such rebelliousnesse to be seene that men make as muche account of the things that are spoken in Sermons, as of Fables. This thing is too noto∣rious, the examples thereof are to open, and would God they were not such to our great confusion. But yet in the [ 30] ende, they that haue dallyed so with so great a mayster, must be faine to knowe him whome they haue wounded and pricked as the Prophete Zacharie sayeth. So then, it behoueth vs to marke well this sentence, and so to marke it, as wee may bee more apt and willing too bee taught at Gods hande, than these wilde beastes are, which sharpen themselues agaynst him, too reiect all that concerneth his doctrine and pure woorde. For there is yet some shamefastnesse in the Papistes. VVhen they fight a∣gaynst the holy Scripture, for the maintenance of their [ 40] Idolatryes and abhominations, they seeke false glozes and shiftes, and too bee short, although their couering of themselues bee but with a wette yet notwithstan∣ding they confesse that their intent is not too resist God. But when men steppe foorth with such vngodlinesse, as they cannot finde in their heartes too receyue one worde of that which is knowne too bee Gods truth, but frette and chafe agaynst it, so as there is not so much honestie in them as too admitte the thing which they knowe to be good, but doo the cleane contrarie: is it not manifest [ 50] therein, that wee bee much worse than the wretched Pa∣pistes? VVherefore (as I sayde) at leastwise let thys serue vs for a warning, that we bee not doublefolde con∣demned. And specially aboue all things, sith hee com∣meth vnto vs, and speaketh too vs, and gathereth vs to∣gither in his name, too the ende to be hearde, and to sitte in such wise among vs, as all of vs both great and small may referre our selues to him: let vs bethinke vs to glo∣rifie him: not only with our mouth, by confessing slight∣ly that wee be his: but also [with our deedes] by giuing [ 60] proof in effect that we be desirous to be his heritage▪ And sith he vouchsafeth this incomprehensible benefit, grace, and honour vpon vs, to giue himselfe to vs, and to be our life: let there also bee an interchaungeable gift on our side, let vs put our selues wholy into his hande, let him possesse vs, and let him inioy vs. Furthermore, whereas it is sayde, that God dooth great and mightie things in thunde∣ring, and in sending forth lightnings and tempests, and that wee comprehende it not: let vs be sure that in speaking both by his lawe, and by his Gospell, hee intendeth to lift vs vp aboue all our vnderstanding, as in verie deede wee shall neuer profite in the doctrine of God, nor in his word that is set forth vnto vs, if we haue not this principle, that is to wit, that God exerciseth vs in secrets that surmount all our capacitie: according as it is sayde, that God hath prepared suche things for those that loue him, as neuer eye of man sawe, nor eare of man hearde, nor neuer en∣tered intoo the heart of anie creature. Then if wee haue not that grounde, wee shall neuer taste the things that are preached too vs euerie day. Nowe too the intent wee may taste them well, what is to be done? Let vs consider that our Lorde calleth vs to his heauenly kingdome, and is minded to draw vs out of this worlde. Intend we then to be good schollers, and to profite in the doctrine of our Lorde Iesus Christ? Sith we see that we be plunged [o∣uer heade and eares] in this worlde, and in these corrup∣tible things: let vs labour too wade out, and let vs from day to day fight against our owne affections, that we may draw neere vnto God, and be made al one with our Lord Iesus Christ, according as Saint Paule sheweth vs in the thirde to the Collossians, that if wee minde to haue part in heauen, and too cleaue vnto Iesus Christ, who is gone vp aloft, and to bee made one with him: it behoueth vs too mortifie whatsoeuer is of the earth. Furthermore, let vs consider that oure wittes are too rude and feeble too conceyue what God is in full perfection, insomuch that wee shall neuer haue any small taste of him, except hee guide vs by his holye Spirite, according also as Sainct Paule maketh the same conclusion in the foresayde text which I touched, where hee cyteth the saying of the Pro∣phete Esay. Therefore after hee hath sayde that the sensuall man comprehendeth not the secretes of God: he sayeth we bee renued by the holy Ghost, too the ende wee may haue knowledge of them. True it is that wee haue not beene of counsell with God, according as hee declareth there againe afterwarde. But yet dooth hee admit vs counsell so farre foorth as is expedient for vs. Therefore when as wee knowe our owne infirmitie, let vs pray him too inlighten vs by his holy Spirite, that wee may know the things which otherwise would bee to high and profounde for vs.

Nowe let vs fall downe before the face of our good God, with acknowledgement of ours faults, praying him to make vs so to feele them, as wee may be touched with them, to condemne our selues for them, and to mislike of our selues: and that in the meane while he will so worke by his holy spirit, as we may be renued too obey him, and to walke in his feare: and that we may profit therin more and more, vntill such tyme as being quite rid of all fleshly corruptions, we be clothed againe with his righteousnesse and heauenly glorie. And so let vs all say, Almightie God our heauenly father, &c.