■ COLLECTION OF PURITAN AND ENGLISH THEOLOGICAL LITERATURE $ LIBRARY OF THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY Tf> ill VOU l /j/l» Wt'r', I oh i £r \ Jfltjs fe) c 7f I - <•- 5 TO THE MOST MIGHTIE AND GRA~ tlous Trincejfe Elizabeth by the grace of God Queene of England, Fraunce, IrtLwcl^ and the Hands neere adtoymng y tumcttiq mother to the French, Duch, and Italians, exiles for tbtjurofefftonofC&rip, and the ziciorious defendnfie of tb* whole true Chriftian religion, Theodore Beza wifhedi all happines and peace from the Lord. Lmkhik Cod y mo$e excellent ho bath aduannced) ou to tbtgouernement ofmanie King* domes Jkm '^ delivered out of tlie lyons iawes'myour tender y caress who xKOuld that you fkould not only goucraefo manieend diuers people with your royall fcepUr, bittfbould alfogo before them all in the exam - pie of vn feigned ^eale and fyncere affection: who defending yow fo often fi-om tbefecret treacheries ofdifloya'jfubicclsat home, and from the intw'.cib'e Armada of a mightie and cyuell cm mie abroad y the win Je and fcas fighting foryou, hath pre fir ued &moslmira- culouflie delivered your royall pcrfon and hjngdome together rrithfo manie godlie fouler, being fhrouded vndcr the foadow of your mo$ fratiom protection: almightie God, Ifak, thus dealingwitbyow, maie moslmftlie accufevs as moji vnthan\efidlofallmen, vnleffe we (hallextoll with a folemne than{efgiuing this fo great and beauenlieablejfkg; and alfoma\ckpowne -unto thewarld both in word and writing tbofe benefits, which be by your meancs hath beftowed vpon vs. Neither tridie is there aniefuffition of flat te- tie to be feared, where a man muft needes either fteafy as the truth i*) orelfe'mcwr* tbsmonfirous vice of ingratitude. Jnd that wee A* 2. e f -fc> THE EPISTLE tlfbjdheit dwellingfofiirre of in the borders of Dtmlphitry,fbotdd account ourfelves in the number ofthofe, who are vnder jour pro* teftion, that your pincette bounne hath caufed, whereby (renewingthat example of the primitiue Church fo greatlie com- mended by the Jpoftle)yow did moft liber allie releeue andfuccour wr cine of Gencua in thofc moft miferable times ofpeftdence,fa - mine and wane, infomuch that we worthely afcribe no fmall fart of our dehuerance toy our jind your Englifhfubietfs truecbri* flian liboalitic. *AsJvvas thinking of the fe things > moft e noble Qucene, according to the charge which in this Church is committed vnto me, pan lie the renewed miferie and calamitie of a far re more daungeroaswarrc, wherewith we now at this prefent avedi- (Irefjed, called a fi'efb into my remembrance againe that your excee- dingbenefit,partlie another occafion opened a mofi readiewaie how toperfirme this dutie. Torfo it fell out y what time that mope fauadge enimie affailedyow, andthemiferies of the Trench Qhur - ches greatlie difqiiietedvs, and the enimie hard at our gates J car ce- liefufferedvs to breath, thateuen at the veriefame time 1 expoun- ded the hiporie of lob in thisfchoole, as an argument mop fitt fir thefe wretched times. For be it that Abraham,Mofes,#- David are fir their found and immoueable faith moft worthelie commen* ded\yet notwithftanding the praife of patience doth as it were by a (peciallprerogatiue belong vmo lob, as the onelie man we read of, tthom Sata& hismmifters with greatefi rage affailed,& who more couragioufly euen to the end withftood both their affaults & his own infirmities, although not altogether without fome to\en of humane frailtie. V or all other chriftian vermes fight againslfeuerall vicer$ butpatience,which the Greenes by a more Significant wordecall c'jto^ow, both vpholdeth and fupporteth them in their conflicts, 0- therwife not like to holde out, and alone in the end obteineth the crowne: which is the caufe that that common enimie ofmanfynde doth with greater furie and outrage bend all his fir ce againft tbi* vertuc, then againfl all other vertues be fide, Tipwfuch things at came into my mind in expounding this part of Scripture, when 1 bad firft gathered them into brefi notes and after more diUgentlie perufing them, at the requeft of fome of my hearers was intended t§ fublifh them, Jdudthinhf fir manie and moft in ft caufes that they were fit to be dedicated to none rather then to your excellent ma" ieftie.For although Godhauingcompafjion on the people vnderyour Spuertp DhDILAlUKIfc. gouernement, hath not permitted Sath*n to doe tbatagabtfl you, which befuffcred him to doe vmo lob: yet it cannot be doubted but that, that worker ofimifchiefie hath fir thefie maniey cares /pace tho- rough the wicked pra^ifis of your domefiica 1 andfbrreineenimies> 'vexed andpearced yourmoft godlie foul: with infinite anda'mofi incredible cares- ycaand it u clear e, that you, bcholdingallthofe thinges which beftlllob, inmanieofithofeoppreffied exiles flying \moyoufbrrefiige t haue in a manner fio flnfibiy filt (fuch hath) our xompaffion alvvaies bene towardes them) a Utieir afflictions, as ff they had verie neerelie touched yourowneperfion: allzvhicb greeuances you, treading in the fleppes of this our lob, banc borne out with merueilom conftancie and patience, nei tber being d>[- moled at the monfirous conspiracies of perfidious trait ers,ner terri- fied with the tbreatnmgs & forcible inuafions offbrreine entities y relyingwhoUievpon Gods providence and the teflimonie of a good confidence. Hereunto is added, that that notable que/Hon of Gods frouidence in ruling oft be whole world, in which is dtfeuffed bow that parciali tie, which is commonlie fieene in the aduerfitieoftht godlie and profperitie of the wicked, maie be reconciled with gods iuftice, neceffiarie to be Imowneofallchriflians, andefpeciallieof tbofie, who are abone others in autboritie, that they mate continue xouragious and confiant, that qneftion, Jfiaie, whereat the Epi- cures, as it were, car ied vpon the rochgsjhwe alreadie made finp- wraclg, the other Philofbphers haue viokntlie rufhed, and ma* nie alfb at this daie a)-e grounded; is no where in all my bookts ofidiuinitie more largely and fullie difputed of, no where handled in a more manififi and certeine application to a partial or exam- ple* no where determined more plamlie by the worde ofi God: whereby I hope it will come to paffie , that you hauing had expe- rience of thefie things both inyourfelfe and others, (ball hence take no fimall delight. Moreouir, whereas you, moftvertuous Queene, being excellentlie well feene in all the liberali ficiences (an exam • pie moft rare in all ages) are accuftomed, as I hearc, to perufie the bookgs ofi old writers both Greece and Latinc, hae trulie yen v fbalfind,or haue already found that which may fat is fie your define. Tor befides that this writer doth mofl diubielie, by the direBion, cfGodsfpiritey determine of matters^ doth afio learnedly. graue- lie and eloquentlie dificourfie of natural! things, and thofe vifible W9rkfs ofi God full of admiration, in which his miifiMe power and A. 3. Godhead THE EPISTLE Godhead arefene, that not any one of thofe [acred booths, xehkb are extant, may be iufi'ie compared to this in the handling of this argument: much leffe doth any propbane Vhilofophcr , when he (feaketh moft tmlie> atta'me to the granitic and heauenlie maieslie of this writer. But thk boo^e, then the which there is none in all the Bib 'c, if I be not decciucd, no not Mofes himfelfe, of greater antiquitic, is in ma»ie p 1 aces madevme obfcure to vs and hard to be vnderftood, partly by reafonof the profbundnes of the things them flues here debated among mojl rtife men, and not to be con* ceaued ofeuery one\ part He by dmers firaunge words vr alfophra- fes diifenngfow the pure Hebrue (fbt euen then the purine not onelk ofieiigionJ?utafo of the Hebrue tongue, as tbeftate of hit- mme things is aivvaics mutable, began to decaie among this peo- ple cemr/wigfome ofthefiocke ofEiau, andfome o/Cethura 3 dr* being by little and little fatter ed here and there throughout the countries mere adioyrimg*) part ] ie alfo bv certaine vvordes that are not anie where elf found, about which the Hebrevve inter- preters, though othirwife vcrie stylfidlin the tongue, doegreatlie trouble thcrnfeluvs. Wherefore the learned diuines of former ages, both Greeke and La tine , in the time of barbarifme defer um great commendation^ rrboftudied toinlighten this confiifed darke- nes. Jndyet trulie whofocuer will examine thofe their expofui- ons, although godlic and leamed.by the rule of the true Hebrevve context , as in deed he ought, fb all find them oftentimes (with their good leaue be itfpo^enjc'eane beftde thefcope of the writer. Whereby we male fee how much better it is , from the time of the J pofiles and thofe fhmoM Euavgelifts,fince the gift of tongues and interpretation ceafed in the Greeke and Latine Churches, for the Church to draw the truth, wonder ft'die deliuered vnto vs fiom the beginning of the world in the booses of bolie Scripture, and afterward denned into the riuers as it were of the Greeke tongue,by the Jpofiles.how much better ,1 fay jt is, to fetch the truth out of the vcrie fbuntaine and thence to conueigh it vnto others, then out ofthepooles, that is, out of the Gxecke,fuch as it is at this date, and that common Latine tranflation; both trulie as in the beginning not pure enough, fo afterward maruelouflie corrupted. .And although that learned Father Ierom too\e vpon him a labour verie profitable for the Church, in cleanfng thofe corruptions of the Lacine tran/lations, at fkm as bis abiinie ferued him > neuertbe- W DEDIC ATORIE. kffe much drop as yet remaineth behind J omit that cufiome which bath continued euerfmce Origcnes time, I fay not ofinuerting the natural! fence of the [acred text to theframingof certaine firaunge allegories, but euen of marring and pcruertingit; {fir wiry [kould notJ$ea\ethat which the matter it felfi wttneffetbi) In which thing manie excellent men, I Imow not by whatfkialliudgement of Cod, baiiepaffedmeafure, if there can be anie mcafure in doing a- rniffe. Let them therefore confider how well they looty to themfelues andprouide firtheChwrchofCod, wfo, albeit the knowledge cf tongues and arm be through the great benefit e of Cod reft ored in this outage, aliedgingfir their excufe the conuptivg of the Hebruc volumes by the lewes, and the diuerfitie oft he G r e ek e copies of tfo new teftament, doeftreightlie charge & commaund vs againft theauncient decrees of their owneT 'opes, to reft in the vulgar e La tine tranftation amongft them, and that without all manner of exception: which is all oneasif in great plentie of corme they IJj all bid vs tofiede vpon acornes. Tarre be it t herefbre from all Chrifti- ans that be in their right wits, to obey this fo abfurd,fo vnreafonar ble andfo damnable a decree of the Councel,or rather conventicle of T rent. Let them rather emoy fo great a bene fit, which God bath be- flowed vpon themjoeing moft neceffariefbr the reftoring ofChriftian religion, dsfbr the olde tranflations, whereof r uguihne ha:h left in wriiinglongagoe, that the Greeke interpreters ofbobefcrip- ture may be numbred, but the L atine are without number, tvn no man fhould defpife them, but I would haue all read with iudge- went; infuchfort that thofe which are able, fhould haue recourfi to the original!, & thofe which can not, fhould betake them to com- mentaries, and diligent lie in thefiare of Cod weigh the arguments andreafons of the differ em into fretation both of the old and ?iew> writers. Tor this can not ^either ought it to be diffemblcd,that thoCe tranflations, fir the moft parte, of the bolie Scriptures, arep&ily through the vnslfilfulnes of thofe mother tongues, and partite tho- rough negligence of thofe that copied them out, fo corrupted and fb manie waies depaued, that as yet none of thofe diuines, whome in this more happie age in this refpedl, Cod hath ftirredvp to elenfe hi* temple, neither profound Imowledge >nor intolerable labour and paines, couldreftove and maty perfi . With this determination about 40. yea-res fince, when 1 had tjvhollie giuen my felfi to theftudieofdiuinitie^ bowfoeuer being ji. 4. ftrnifhed THE EPISTLE fimlfhedwith the\nowledge oftbeGrccke tongue, 1 began to compare thofefo diners translations of the new teftament firjiwith the Original! it felfi, and afterward with the copies of olde and new writers.By this meams at the lafl came firth that new tranfla- tion of the new teftament, which with the notes added thereunto bath now fine times bcene correfted and fentabroadvnderyour maiefties name andproteSfion: in polifhing which wor\e notwith- fianding it doth not repent me to traueUasyet dailie more & more* Which thing to attempt litywife in the booses of the old Teftament, J vzl7s reflrained by reafon that I could no* get ante (lore of Hc- brevvc copies to my mmde . Issuer ihelejfe I endeauoured to effect fotncvvhat in two mofl hard and intricate boofes, to wit, Ec- ^Icfiaftes and the Pfalmes; the context of which booses being here and there mended part lie by infer ting fomefiw vordes into it 9 partite by examining euerie vvorddiligentlie byitfelfiandcarefiU- lie obferuing the order of the whole difcourfe\ I laboured to ex- pound by an accurate andplaineparaphrafe. J U which 1 did fir n* other intent y then that I might hereby prouol^e andftirre *op the in* duflrie of more learned men then myfelfeto the performance of that which is better. And now trulie, behold, 1 ham aduentwred the veriefame in this hijl orie of fob: yea y andfomwhat more alfb. For J haue written a fit!) commentarie vpon the two firfi Chapters there- of wherein I haue foundlie and plainliefo far re as I could, vnfbl- ded and laid open manie queftions ofnofmall importance, and/pe- ciaUie that controuerfie of the prouidence of God . I haue moreouer fet downe befire the beginnings of all the other Chapters follow- ing, both thefumme ofthofe things which are handled in t\iem,as alfo the manner how euerie argument therein conteined,is difpo- fed: the ignorance or rather contempt offuch methode, 1 dare bee bold tofaie, hath brought manie both falfe and alfo fiolish expositi- ons, not onelie into this boofe uflobjbut alfointo the writings of the Prophets and Apoftles. What I haue performed in thefe things, Jleaue it to the iudgement of other men. I doubt not trulie but that this my indeauour will be ofallgodlie and indifferent rea- ders avowed and lilted of and the rather if your highnes, accor- ding toyourfingular bountie, foall vouchsafe to accept of this my fender labour e, as I, with allreuerencedue tofucbfrineeU\ema\- ieflie,baue dedicated the fame vntoyou, notonetyin my wvne name > but in the behalfk alfo of the whole Church and congregati- on THE EPISTLE mtefG encu a, as not vnrnindfull offo mank and great benefit U received at your Makfliesbandes . And thus moft rewrwmed Jgueene, lbefeech almigbtie Goddallie more and more to blefe you with aUhappineJfe and projperitie^ vfing againe thofe gratuU- torie verjes >vvbtcb Jfuppofe are ab'eadte come to your bands. STraverat innumeris Htjpanus clajfibm &cjuor 9 Regnis tunc} ur us [centra TSritannafuis. Tanti buttu regit as qua, mot as caufa} fuperbos Impultt AmbittQ) vexit Avaritia: Quam bene te y Ambit to merfit vamffma vent MS : St tumid* tumtdos vosfuperaftis aqud! Quambcncraptoresorbistotius Iberos Merftt incxhaufti tuft a v or ago maris] At t$4 y cut venti, cut totum milt tat stquor* € Regina y o mundt tot tits vna decus Sicregnare Deo perge, Ambttioneremota^ Prodigafic opibtssperge iuvarepios 3 Vt te sAngh longumjongkm Anglis tp[afruaru t Quam dilefta bonis > tarn metuenda malu> The ferae in Englifh. With navie huge the Spaniard proud The English Teas had fpredde* And all to fee the Englifh Crowne Vpon the Spanifh head. And would you gladlic vndcrftand The caufe of all this roue Ambition firft did lay the plor, And Lucre brought them our. How well this pride thus puffed vp A puffe did ouerthrowe ! And fwelling waues fuch (welling wights How well did oucrflowc I Uow DEDICATORIE. How well that wurrier of mankinde, That Spaniili cruell vvoolfe, Was toft and tumbled vp and dovvne Within the Ocean goolfe/ And you for whome both all the windes And all the waters fight, O noble Queene of all the world The onely true delight, Go forward '(till to rule for God, Ambition laide afide, Go forward iiill for Chrift his flocke In bountie to prouide. That thou maieft England gouerne loag, Long England thee enioy, As well a loue vnto the good Astothebadanoy. From Geneva y bejiegedby the Duke of Saucy, n.of Atigufl. 1589. Your Maiefties moft humble Orator 1 Theodore Bez A* 4 >g9 due r tie > fo ™ ch as la y '« me, ^^ — ' ~"" J to fupplie this wante, till it might plcafe God of his goodncs to reftore this place to the former quiet and florillungeflate. lam therefore minded rifo expound the hiftorie of fob y 'm which,as in other bookes of the holie Scripture, there are many dnrfce and hardpJa- ces, infomuch that I nuift here ofneceffitie femctime fayle, asit were,amongft:he rocks: and yet 1 hope 1 ihal not make any ihipwracke, trufting firft in Gods gracious afllftance, and then in your prayers, and moreover vfing the helpc of the moft learned, both old and efpccialhe new writers, who haue beaten the way before me. Amongft whome I may reckon in the chicfeft place thofe three Divines of mod hap- pie memorie,whom God hath railed vp in thefc latter daies, Imeane John Oecolampad'tui, John Calvin, and lafilie John Mercer, whofe learned Commentaries 1 haue cau fed to be ptiblimed and fet foorth in this Church, from whence I would wi(h you to take whatfoeuer belongcth to the Gram- matical! fence and conftru&ion of the Hcbruc text, But this Ladnc THE PREFACE. Latinc interpretation which he hath intermingled in that worke of his, J my felfe am purpofed to follow & lay open,as being the beft and moft faithfullie handled.Yet in the meanc time, I ihall not hide, if, for the fmall iudgement which I baue, I (hall thinke any thing may well be amended herein. Nowe this booke among the Hebrues (imply bearcththe name and title oifob: concerning whome many doubts are commonly made, andthofenot impertinent or vnneccflary. And firft of all it may bedemaunded, whether there were ever any fuch j0&indeede,ashereis fpoken of. For there arc (bmc of opinion that this whole argument and treatife is al- togither imaginariejdevifed onely for the vfe and inftruclion of the Church. But this is in no wifetobegraunted&yeal- dedvnto, both becaufeitgreatlic derogateth from the au- thorise and worthines of this booke. and alfo for that in the 14. of S^chiel^ verf.14. & 20. the Lord fpeaketh of lob, as of a mofteholic man, and reckoneth him vp togither with TSloah zndT>anieL Like wife fames, Yndoubtedlie alleadging nofableorfeygnedperfoninthe y. Chapter and 11. vcrfe, willeth vstolookcvntohim: alio Cbryfoftome witnefleththat his fcpulcber hath beene (hewed in Arabia. The next doubt is, who this fob was and of what ftocke or kindred he came.For true it is that here he is faid to be of the land of Hu\: But by this name we finde that more then one among the Fathers were called. One we read of in the tenth of Genefis , verfe 23. who was the third from Noah, and the fonncof ^tam: of another in the iz.of Genefis, vcrfe 21. the fonne of Nachor Abrahams brother by Milcha: a third wee read of in the 36. of Genefes,vcrk 28, who is reckoned a- mongft the pofteritie otEfau, to whome I referre this fob, e ■ fpeciallie feeing that thelande of Hu\ in the 4. of Ieremies Lamentations, vcrfe 21 . is placed in fdumea, next to ^Arabia felix, from whence it is faid,that the Sabtans came violentlic vpon fobes fcrvants,andtookc away his oxen. Let vs there- fore take this fob for an Idumean, as alfo his friends were partite fdumeans,pavxly ncre borderers to them. And here againe how many defcents and generations fob was from Ejaujt is not certcn. But to let paffe their drcames and vainc conie&ures, who fuppofc him to haue becneof later THE PREFACE. later times, their opinion fecmeth to me to be moft proba- ble and moft agreeable to the courfe of the holie hiftorie, who thinke that /oMiued^and that all thefe things happe- ned about the time that the Ifraelites were freed from the bondage of i^Egipt. Laftof all it is a queftion, bywhome this bookc was written, but hereof Gregorie Bifhop otRomc iudgeth very well and wifely, that it is to no purpofe to fearch and enquire who is the writer of that booke,of which we acknowledge the holy Ghoft to be author. Let vs there- fore herewith content our felues,that we know this bookc to haue beene rcceiucd for holy and Canonicall by the com- mon content of the Church from time to time, and alfo that James the Apoftlc hath by manifeft authoritie confirmed the fame. Now the matter it felfcgiuethfufficienteuidence, that thefe fpeaches were not taken and written from the mouthes of thofe who arc here brought in talking and con- ferring togither; but it is more likclic that they were penned cither by Job him felfc, beeing a very wife and eloquent man, or by his fricnds,who happilie laying their heads togither,by the direction of the holie Ghoft wrote this hiftorie, whether in profe,or fasJ^ow^thinkcthJinHexamiterverfeSjfrotn the 3 . Chapter to the f . verfe of the laft Chapter: but in what meafure and number he telleth nor, neither can it cafilie be (hewed. Moreover I cannot vtterly reieA that which fomc men fet downe for a truth , that this bookc was written by jdofes) while he aboad as a ftraunger among the Madiamtet. Morcouer this whole difcourfe (tandeth of enterchaun- geable fpeaches to and fro, the beginning and ende of the booke onely excepted: and if it were notthatitisfhutvp with aioyfull and wiftied ende, it might rightly both for the matter, (then which nothing can be thought or imagined more graue and weightier and alfo for the exceeding wor- thinefle of the perfons > that here talke and reafen together, be called aTragedie ; not as a feigned or deuifed poeme, but as a thing done indeede, and afterward moft faithfully. moftgrauc!y,andin a worde, moft divinely written : where- with eueninthe iudgeroent of man, no writing of any Po- et, either in refped of matter or words, may rightly be com- pared* The THE PREFACE. The A&ors or fpeakers herein, are God himfelfe, Satan, lob, lobs wife and his fower friends: to wit, Elipba\> Bildad, Tfopbiir^nd Sly :whofe conference, as alfo this whole booke may, in my iudgement, not vnfitly be deuided into thefe partes, From the beginning of the booke to the ende of the 9. verfe of the feconde Chapteris conteined as it were a Pro- logue or Proeme, in which are inferted two dialogues be- tweene God and Satan, whereupon arifeth the occafion of this Tragcdie : which may ftande forthe firft Scene of the Gt&Jtffe. From the tenth verfe of the faid Chapter,beginneth the fecond Scene of the RrftAfte, which is a Dialogue betweene Job and his wife. The remnant of that Chapteris the Pro- eme and entrance into the fecond *ASfe-. then immediatly followeth the firft: Sre»?ofthc fecond ^ifte, and the bufieft part oftheTragedie in the whole third Chapter, where lob alone grieuoufly complainethof his miferie. Hence fpringeth that conference &difputation betwenc lob and his friends; the firft fpeakers are Elipba^ and Job, from the beginning of the fourth Chapter to the end of the feuenthjwhichisthe fecond Scene of the fecond Jfte. From the eight Chapter to the ende of the tenth, the fpeakers arc Bildad and lob, which make the third Scene of the feconde .Atte. In the eleventh Chapter and foforwarde to the ende of the fourteenth, the fpeakers are Tfopbar and lob, and this is the fourth Scene. After this followeth the thirde ^iEie\ in the firft Scene whereof, Ek/to debateth the matter with lob: and it endeth in the laft verfe of the 1 7. Chapter. In the fecond Scene, Bildad reafoneth againft lob, Chap- ters 18. and 1 9, In the thirde, Tfopbar fpcaketh and Job makcth anfwere, Chap.io.&n. In the fourth, Elepba^novtc againc the third time encoun^ tereth with/0&/rom the ir.Chap. to the ende of the 14. Inthe &kh,Bildad fetteth a freili vponI^,Chapter 1$. and JWreplieth in the Chapters 16.&7.28 .29.30,;!. In the fourth Attc Elibn is brought in,who fharply reproo- ucth THE PREFACE. ttcth both Job and his friendes, from the 3 2. Chapter to the cndcofthc37- , The fift JLcle is as it were the conclufion of all the reft : in which God him (elfe breakcth off the whole deputation, fo blaming lob, that neuertheleflehegiuethiudgcmentonhis fide. As for his tnendes,herebuketh them very fhaipe]y,for taking vpon them the defence of an cuill cade: and all this is done from the 38. Chapter to the 9. verfe of the4i. Chap. In the verfes following to theendeofthebooke,iscon- teincd amort narration of the ioy full iffue of ail thefe trou- bles ; which is as it were the Epilogue or fhuttingvp of the whole Tragedie. But that which principally is here to be fought for, is this, namely ,what is the fcope and drift of this treatife. Seme are of opinion that the chicfe end hereof is to prcove and main- taine Gods prouidence: neither doe I denie but that this matter is here very plentifully & excellently handled of moft wife men, and determined by Gods owne vcyec. Eut foraf- much as the argument of Gods prouidence is more large, and extendeth it felfe faither, I rather allowe their judge- ment, who thinke that thciufticc of God and mans righte- oufneffe are the chicfe things debated and reafened vpon in this bookej and that not ingencrall, Lutinfomccertaine refpeel: and particular confederation. And firft as touching God; whether it may ftand with his iuftice, that thefc men, wlioareof 3nhoneft and vpnghtconverfation, ihouldfuffer fo great afHic~tion,or,to fpeake in fewe wordes, whether it be not againft Gods iuftice, that in this life it mould goe well with the wicked and ill with the godly ; en the otherfide, touching men,the queftion is made, whether we may iudge them the better or more righteous becaufe of their profperi- tie wherein they liue,or the worfe and more wicked for the adverfitie which they fuffer. Both which queftions,altnough in theprocefle of this difputation they are indefinitely and in general! difcourfed vpon ; notwithstanding they are here for the moft part brought to a particularitie, and reflrained totheperfonof 7^,andhis prefent eftate. For lobs friendes could not difcerne howe this extreme and vnlookcd for mi- ferie^whereinto lob was fallen, might agree with Gods iu- ftice, THE PREFACE. ftice,and chatholinefTe oflife and innocencic,thatfeemed to be in lob : and therefore they exhort him to acknowledge bis hypocrifie,and to craue mcrcie at the hands of God. On the other fide Job (his confeience bearing him witnefle of the in- tegritie and vprightnes of his heart,) is not refolued concer- ning the firft pointjnamely^owe it might come to paffe thac he being indeede a finner (Tor that he denyeth not, but con* feflcth that he was borne in finnej but who neuertheleflc had from his hearr,to the beft of his power, behaucd him- felfc rightly both toward God and men; fhould fo on a fud- den be caft downe,and be ouercharged with fo fore a ternpefl: of aduerfitie.For the fecond part of their accufation, where- as, in that he is fo gricvoufly afflicted, they hereupon goe a- bout to inferre that he is an hypocrite and a mod wicked perfon; he mod earned \y ftandeth againft them in the do* fence of his innoccncic, and complaineth of the great initio- ric they doe him,who pretending tnat they came to comfort him, added one affliction to another, as though it were not more then ynough which he alreadie iuffercd. Here then. we may fee that; Jobs friendes were in a double errour,bcing de- cerned both in the generall groundc, and in the particular conclufion. Firit,thcy erred in the generall ground, thinking it not agreeable to Godsiufticc in fuch manner to lay his hcauie hand vpon the godly, and fuddenly to bring vpon them fo grievous tribulation: or, which is all one,that fuch troubles befall men for their finnes, & fo confequen tly that none can indeede be a good man, who fuddenly is ouertaken with affliction. They erred alfo in the particular conclufion, beeaufc they vntruely applyecfboth the one and the other to the pcrfon of Job : and yet in the meane time they reafon many things very excellently and truely concerning Gods providence and iuftice, though the conclufion be falfc, which they would gather and inferre thereupon. Nowe Iob f albeit concerning this matter he think e and iudge more rightly then they: nevcrthcleflc being ouercharged both with the greatnefle of his griefe and the defpitefufi dealing of his friendes, he is nowe and then carryed too farre in ap~ prooving his ownc innocencie both in the fight of God, a* alfo vnto his friendes : and being morcouer partly through tho THE PREFACE. the arguments aJleadgcdby hisfriendes, fallen inco the vn- fearcheabledeapthofGodsiudgtmcnts, he can not fo well acquire him fclfc, but thathemuftneedes infome fore be- wray mans frailtie and corruption. And yet fthehandcof God ftill vpholdmg him,) he neucr brcaketh out into any blafphemous thoughtes orfpeaches-, but contrariwife, as bt* commcrh a (lout champion of God, he gctteth thevpper band and vi&orioufly triurophcth ouer Saran. Nowc this queftion is very wcightie and of great impor- tance, long agoe handled and debated euen in the very firft agcs,as hercie moft evidently appeareth: and albeit this con- trouerfie hath bene throughly difcuffed and decided by the mouth of God him fclfc : yet this could not fo much prevailed but that D*v/V/,Pial. 7$. and leremiein the 1 ? .chapter of his Prophefie, and Hdbacul^ in his firft chapter, being very much troubled about thispoint,fecined to make a new doubt thcr* of. Neither hadtheauncient£/>if#rf/ in time paft any more principall foundation to Icane vnto : and the wicked euen at this day doe hereupon build their manifeftatheifmeand tmpietie. Verily al this doubt proceeded from that infectious poyfon of Satan, which he hid vnder the glorious name of the knowledge of good and cuill, at fuch time as he beguiled our firft parents. For whence is it that fuch peftilent cogitati- ons crcepe into our minds,butthat,beeing as it were vtterlic void of reafon, wee thinke that oncly to be right and good, the caufc and reafon whereof we our fclucs doc conceiuc & like of, and goe about to (quare the infinite wifdome and iu- ftice of God to the moft crooked rule of ourownc weake and flendcrcapacitic?Suchalfo atthisday arc theclamouri of them, who crie out that we make God the authourof finnc, when wefay that nothingis done rafhly, nothing be- fide his will and foreknowledge , but that whatfoeuer is thought , fpoken or done, commeth to parte, God having wifely and iuftly decreed the fame, whether he doc vfe good ©reuillinftrumcnts. In like manner their blafphemics, who takeaway Gods cternall decree of reprobation, whoaccufe vs for bringing in a Stoicall neceflfitie : finally who will not heare the Apoftlc beating downe thcfcGyants,asitwere with this thunderbolt, Oman wboart sboHtbatpUadeftagainJl B. 1. Ofdf THE PREFACE. G*J?Rom.9.vcrfc zo. Hereby maybe gathered, howe profi- table do&rine is coteincd in this book, in the dricufling of fo grauc and wcightic an argument* that vyc neither followc the example ot- lobs three friendes,meafuiing Gods wifdom and righteoulhefle by our owne fimplc vndcrftandmg, nor yet plunge our feluesinto thcbottomlcffcdcapthofhisin* comprchenfiblc wifedoruc: but(as Jp&fpeakcth after he had bene reprooued by God) that we lay our hands vponour mouthes & learnc, that the fecrets of God are rather highly to be reuerenced,then deepcly and curioufly tobejearched into. Concerning which matter Solomon (peaking at large in his bookc of the Preacher, teachcth vs not tofecke to be oucr wife : with whome alfo the Apoftle agrecth, willing vs not to be wife aboue that which is mcete. Many other thinges are in this mod learned and godly bookc fct before vs worthie to bcobferucd, as namely in loby we hauc an example of a good mailer of af amilic, and howe they ought to behaucthem felucs, who for their au- thorise and riches, bcare a greater fway in the common wealth; that they may not onely haue the bare name of Citizens, but alio be accounted Fathers of their coun- trie. Herein moreover, that moft ccrten and auncient Science of Natural caufes is difcouered and taught,togither with the true end and vfe thereof : which becing here more largelic entreated of, "Paul in fcw,but yet moft heavenlic words one- ly pointethat. Rom. i. verf. 19. and in his deputation at A- thens. A& 17.16. Which do&rine,is fomucb themoreneccf- faric, becaufe from the ignorance and wicked abufe thereof, hath (prong all idolatric and fupcrfticion. The wife men of other nations, whome the Greeks call Philofophcrs,haue # touching the true vfe, merveilouflie prophaned it: of fomc of them it hath beene very bafcly and flendcrlic handled; o« thers haue corrupted it with manifeft impieties; that I fpeak nothing of thofc errours, which the old Philosophers hauo brought in , and which haue beene (hewed and confuted by Ariftdtle; who himfelfe alfo is mifliked of fome as a mifiotcr- Ercter and falfc accufer of other mens fayings , whereas he imfclfc hath diuers waies fwarucd from the trueth; and ie THE PREFACE, icis tore that no man in many things can clcarc and acquire him ofimpictic. What of this mprcouer, thatthcabufeof this Science hath bred that dercitablc Art Magic^ which is thewelfpring ofaJmifchicfcjas alfo that falJc divining Aftro- logfei which hauing broken the bounds of true Natural know- ledge, enrreth into the very fecretsof God, and at this day hath bewitched the whole world ? Laftly, for true Chriftian Ethici^s & all manner of duties which arc to be performed to our neighbour cither at home or a broad, wc hauchcre>c- fpecially among rich mcn,m lobs peribn a mod rare example. fer before our eyes as it were in a tabic to behold* by fo much more excellent then all the precepts of the Tlatbniftj and TeripattticltSy by how much deeds arc better then words, and action is to be preferred before vainc and idle 'peculation. But among the reft of lobs vcrtues, the invincible conftancie of his godly minde, mod wondcrfulhe (heweth it (elfcj con- demning both that iron difpofition and vnfenfiblenes of the Stokfaand alfo whatfbeuer the Philofbphers babble of their ▼aincglorious fortitude and Magnanimitie : inibmuch that not without good caufe Iamesbiddczh vs looke vnto this ex- ample of patience,as well in the conflict and rriall it felfe, as in the happie and ioyfull end of the fame. For furclie wee doe not rcade of anyf except the oncly Sonne of God, in whom c all things were perfit in the higheft degree^ who ei- ther was more grieuouflic vexed and afflicted, or who did with greater courage and conftancie wreftle with and pafle through thofe miferics,as did this our Champion; fo that in this conflict he may truly be faid to haue caried away the ho* nour of the victorie. Ncuertheleflc it can no t be denyed, but that his patience was byncd with humane frailtic,& there- fore was luch , as God, making an end of all thefc troubles, dothfind therein great wants and imperfections.But hereby we rauft rather learne that cuenthofe, who runnebeft in the courfc of this life and of their vocation; are notwithftanding very farre from the higheft point of perfection. And there- fore although the crownc of cvcrlairing happines be not giuen but to thofe whorightlie ftriue for it and continue in the race without fainting or giuing oucr vnto the end of their life ; yet that no man recciueth it as a reward due vnto his B.i. merits THE PREFACE. merits^ for Chrift alone, and no othcr,hath by his raoft per- fite obedience obtcynedit for vsjbut char our race is appro* ued and crowned of Gods moft free mercie andlouing kind- nes. Seeing now all this is as I haue (aid, and feeing wee are fallen inco thofe times,in which the Lord both to pun:(h the defperate contempt of his Gofpcli, and alfo to fife, cxercife, and trie his children, hath, if euer at any time, now let loofc the raynes to thedevillandhisangells; I hauc not without great caufc among the other parts of holie Scripture, cho. len and taken in hand to interpret this booke. In which bufi- nes I befeech almightie God that his fpirite, which he hath promifed vs,and which he hath neuerdenyed to thofe, who are rightlie gathered togitherin hisnamemaybeprefent both with me fp caking, and with you hearing; that the mift of our ignorance becing taken a way,and our minds elenfed from the corruption of finne, neither I nor you may repent vsofourlaboure* CHAR BEZA VPON IOB. CHAP. I. Verse, i . There was a man in the land of Huz, called lob, and this mannas an v fright and tuft man> one that fearcdGodandefcbervedeHtU. Here was a man."] This chapter T may fit- ly dcuidc into three partsithe firft,com- prifed in the firftfiuc verfes, dcclareth who this lob was, and of what account & cftimation both with Gad and men: llfo what benefits he had receiued at the hands of God , as who is pleafed with rightcoufiies. Hebr. 13. i6\ And yet if we will iudge aright, all this was of Gods free grace, that lob was fuch a one towards God and men, as here he is defcribed. Tor vbo batbgiuen tobimfirfl} The fecond pare contcyneth the decree of God concerning Jobs trialland temptation, whomc Satan labourcth to ouerthrow. The third part from the twentith verfe to the end of the chapter, fetteth forth lobs victorie in this 6rft conflict. Now whatfoc- ucr in this placeisfpokenof lob, itferucthnotoncly tofet before our eyes a moft fingular example of a man trulie bJcf- fed here vpon earth: butalfomaketh very much to the ex- emplifying of thatheauie and tragicall difcourfe that fol- lowcth. For this had becne no ftraunge matter, that a man abufing the great blelTmg of God, Ihould fuddenlie fall as it were from the top of profperitie^nto cxtreamc miferie,fufte« ring the punilhment due to ingratitude and vnthankefulncs: (ecing hiftorics both facred and prophane yeald vs many fuch examples, and thefc times offer vs not a few. But that fogodlie andfoa iuft man,liuing in great profperitic,fhould on a fuddeine become fo wretched and vnhappie , it might fecme a thing altogither incredible. Morcouer all this com- mendeth vnto vs Jiijconftancie,which isfo much the more wonderfull, by how much this chaungc was more fuddeine and vnlookcd for. For a man that hath becne exalted from a B. 3. bafc BEZA VPON THE bafe and poorc eftatcto riches and honour, afterward to fall againc into his former condition , which he had before knowne & taftcd,it were a thing more common flc lcffc grcc- uous a great dealc. But for him who hath continually cnioy- cd fo grc at bleflings both of bodie and mind c, and who hath beene highly eftecmedboth for his great vertucs and excee- ding wcalth,at a fudden,when he fcareth and doubteth lead, to be cad downe, and, as if God and men,heauen and earth were fetagainft him, to be made a mirrour of misfortune; of fo rich a man to become fo poorc, of a father of fo many children by a mifchauncefo ftrangc to be bereft of al,finallic at one inftant to be wounded with fo many grcc vanccs, fuch asitisnotpoflible for a man to fuftcinc greater; & yet for all this not to faint, but rather hereby to gather courage, & to be pricked forward vnto vcrtue and godlines, this, out of queftion,is a moft rare example ofamoft Angular and hea- uenlie magnanimitie. Therefore lob is here called a Man by a figure of excellencie, that is,a notable roan , a man great- lie rcnowmed among thofe people. For fuch is the force and meaning of the Hcbruc word which is here vfed, that it doth nor onely note the fexe, but fignificth a man of great worthi- neffe and excellencie, as al(b the word dr»t dothfomctimes among the Greekes , and Vir among thcLatincs. lnt\nlmiof Hux^\ That is, in Idunuta, as I haue before (hewed in the Preface. And this dcclarcth not onely of what cuntrie he w as, but alfo that he came of the race and li- neage of Edom, or Epm : which thing makcth very much to this prefent purpofe. For who will not merueile, that there mould be a man of fuch rare vertue, wifdome, and godlines, beeing,l graunt, borne of the ftockc of Abraham and Ifaac, but yet no Ifraelitc,nor brought vp in Iacobshoufc. For thii maketh more to his commendation, that heliued fo rcligi- ouflie among the contemners of God, fuch as the Idumtam for the moft part were, and that he was fo good a man a- mong thofe who were moft wicked; then if he mould haue liued vcrtuouflic among vertuous men, andreligiouiliea- mong fuch as feared God. There are here befidecertaine things not vnworthie the noting: and firft of all that God at lucbtimeas he made his couenantwith Abraha & with his feede i. CHAP. OF IOB. feede after him, fcemcthnotfoorthwith to reiecl: all other nations and kindieds of the earth. Forit ismanifeftby thai which wc read m the {lories of Abraham and I faac y concer- ning Tbaraoh and j*b\mkcb t that che true knowledge of <3od which had bcenc rccciued from the Patriarkcs,was not yet altogither forgotten , no not among the poftcritie of "ChamSrom whome both the Egyptians and the Chananitcs had their beginning. And how could it be I pray you,ihat the Church fhould be (hut vp within the wallcs of Abrahams houfe, feeing Melchjfedtcbbccingatyycof Chrift himfelfc, was at the fame time a pricft of the moft high God r who if he were that Sem , as lbmc haue not without reafonconie- fiurcd, wc (hall findc that he liucd 34. yeeres after Abraham, when Efau and Iacob were about the age of 49.yceres. Thcrfore euen then there was aChurch,ouer&bcfides that which was in the houfe of Abraham,- in which alfo might be Found the true markes of the Church, namely, the promifc of the blefled feede to come, and Sacrifices which were in deede nothing clfe but Sacraments. Yet it is true that thefe in other places began to grow out of vfe, and to be abufed, with Abraham they remained more pure, who alfo had this honour aboue others, that thefacrament of Circumcifion properlie belonged to him, and to his houfe, into which the whole Church was by little and little gathered ; infomuch that whofoeucr was not circumcifcd, was efteemedasno member ofthe Church. Now then the time of the rcie&ion of the Gentiles, as me thinketh, may fitlic be referred to the comming of the people out of iEgypt, and the renewing of the couenantof Circumcifion: Exod.n.48.Levit. 11*3. Whcreunto Paul fecmerh to haue relation in that excellent fermon of his, which he made at Antiocb in PiJJdia. A&. 13.17. Another thing to be noted,arifeth hercof,that God is faid to haue hated Efau\ and Malacbie witneiletn that God had alottcd him his dwelling place in the mountainc of Seir 9 withoutthe land of Cban*An> in figne, as it mould feeme,that he was excluded out of the couenant; the fame curfe lying alio vponhis pofteritie, as which hath becneaconrinualle- Hemic of Gods people, and would not fuffcr them returning B. 4* out BEZA VPON THE out of the captiuitie of ^gypt, to paflc through their cuntry. Which if it be fo, how is lob here accounted fo godly and re* ligious a man, euen by the teftimonie of Gods owne mouth/ 1 anfwere , that albeit Efau in deede (hewed himfclfc diuers waves to be a prophane and an vngodLe wretch; albeit alfb Gods fearefu 11 judgement lay vpon him,and extended it felfe to his children after him: yet he is onely faid to haue loft his birthright, and not to be vtterlie (hut out from the couenanc of promife. And whereas he went apart out of the landc of Chanaan, I denie not, but that it came to paiTc by the fecrct providence of God,forc(hewing that which afterward came to patTe by his iuft iudgemcnt;but it may not fo be taken as if God had atthattime nmply excluded the Idumtans frombc* ing any way partakers of his couenant, from which the very Gentiles were not immediately debarred, as I before (hew- ed. Therefore euen then alfo the true knowledge and wor- ship of God rcmayned among the pofteritie of E/au> if not in euery one, yet vndoubtedlic in thofc whome God had blciTed: which worihip of God they receiued not onely from the auncient Patriarkes , but more fpcciallie from the do- ctrine and reuclations (hewed to Abraham and Ifaac. For it is not to be doubted, but that Abraham fas God himfclfc wirneffe th of him)herein diligcntl.c and carcfujlie inftru&ed his nephewes Iacob and £/2r«, who, as appeareth by the due computation of .Abrahams yccres, werci $. yecres old be- fore Abraham dyed.Gcn.i8.ip. But what neede 1 fay more? The tree is knownc by his fruit. How great knowledge of heauenlic doctrine rhcre was not onely in lob, but alio in his friends, with what reuerence and zcaie they were mooned, euen where they are deceiued : and laftlie how wondcrfullic they excelled in wifdomc and loue of true religion, appea- re th, par die by their mutuall conferences one with another, & partly by thr manner of Gods communication with them. And feeing alio that they togither with their whole families, asitismofllikelie, were not without the fc ale of thecouc nant, 1 meanc Circumcifion, I can not doubt but that (hot. withftanding Gods hatred towards £/2wandhisfccde: the famebceing vniuerfallie considered, and not feuerallie in e- ucric particular pcrfon J lob and all the ldmtm fuch as him fclfe ?. CHAP. OF IOB. fclfe was, though they were not /fraclitcs by binh, were nc- ucrthcleffc the true members of the C hurch. And to applic rhis to our owne times (in which wee fee that is am*, to paffc in the eaft and wed parts,which Paul and John foretold concerning the generall Apoftacie and falling away from the faith, God by this meanes punifhing the contempt of the word in thofc former age sjal though Antichrift that man of perdition hath by little and little crept in, and now fitteth in the temple of God, whofe kingdome is quite contrane to the kingdome of Chrift, and therefore whofoeucr cleauc to him, can not be of Chrifh flocke, yet forafmuch as there arc inipiteofSatanand ^ntichrift, (till remaining the tokens and pledges of the Church, it is not to be doubted but that God hath alwaies had, and at this prefent hath his choicn and elect eucn amongeft that */4ntichnftian broode, as he had Daniel and diuers other holic men in the middeitof the Babiloman captiuitie. Moreouer we doc here obferue what the ftate and con- dition of the Church is for the moft part hereupon earth. For loe, while the ldunueans, prophancmen,nodoubr,a number of them, and vnlike to lob, with many other cun- tries of the eaft, which were the offpring of Jbrahamby his concubines, liued quiedic at home, and Hourifhcd in all kinde of wealth and lolitic, the liraelites on the otherfidc were held in grieuous feruitude vnder the tyrannic of the -/Egyptians.Gcn.is.6. But markethciiTucofthcprofpcrity of the one, and the others aduerfitic. Their fall was moft wretched and lamentable, as who fhortly after were quite cut off from the couenant of life, and contrariwife thefe were made partakers of great happines, in that all other nations beeing rtiefted, God chofc them to be a proper & peculiar people vnto himfclfe.Let vs not therefore efteemc of the Church by multitude or outward fclicitie: but let vs prcferre the croffc forvcrtue and righteoufnes before all the flitting and momentary ioyes of the wicked.But this wc muft take by the way.that god made choifc of the Ifraclites* & brought them into the land of Chanaan,of his free mercy & good wil.and not for any worthincflcin them more then in any other nations (as Mofes putteth chem in mindein that BEZA VPON THE thatf6ngofhis.Dcuc.51. verf.8,9, &c.and after Mofcs, Jofu* in his exhortation which he made to the people before hi* death. Iof. 24.) that he that gloryeth might glone in the Lord.i.Cor.verf 31. Now of this thing I can not but merueile,whence thefc me (hould haue fo great knowledge of the fecrcts of nature. For albeit the Science of things nam rail be not heercpurpofelie deliuered and taught ; yet it is fure that vnleffe they had bin herein very wel and throughlie inftru&ed,they could ncucr fo trulic, fodeuoutlie and grauehe haue rcafoncd of thefc matters. It is therefore mofttrue that Adam had naturallie engrafted in him from his creation the perfit knowledge of all good and profitable learning, without which he could not haue liucd well, nor haue rightlie gouerned all other creatures , nor haue vfed that dominion and authorise, which God had giuenhim,to the true end, namely to the glorie of Godhis Creator, This wifdomc though it be very much defaced by mans fall : yet God hath preferucd in our minds certeine (cedes of knowledge and good arts, with- out which, of men we (hould become beafts. Hence it is that the principles and generall notions of all ./frees are na- turallie imprinted in cuery mans vnderftanding , which made Vlato thinke that when men by teaching begin to know that whereof before they fecmed ignorant, they doe not fo much lcarne any new thing,as remember that which they had forgotten. I am therefore of opinion, that the mod auncient Patriarkcs, as they learned the creation of the world of our firft parents, fo alfo that they were moft skilful in the true Naturallphilofophie,in which the whole world with all the parts thereof both fimple and compound, fupe- riour and inferiour,are fearched and laid open:and this trca- (ure of knowledge, as alfo more principallic the doctrine of truegodlines, chieflie remained in the houfcandpoftcritie of Abraham. A manifeft proofc hereof is that excellent de- scription of the creation of the world made by M ofes > if the fame be compared with Tlatos Tim<*us> and cfpcciallie with Jirifflotles fond drcarae of the worlds cternitic,though the matter fhouldbe iudged by humane reafbns and arguments. This b further confirmed to vs not oncly by this booke, which r.CKAP. OF IOB. which cither is of greater antiquitic then Mofes, or,as othert ihinke, written by Mofes him felfc; bucalfo by diuers excel- lent Pfalmcs , in which thefc things are in fuch manner fee fortb,that they cannot poffibly cither more truely & grauc- lic, or more cloqucntlie and learncdlie be deliuered. What (hall I fay of Solomon? whofe bookes if they were all extant, doubtlcs whatfocucr the wife men of other nations hau« left in writing concerning thefc matters , in comparifon of thcm,would be cftccmed as little worth. Hcnceitis, thatin diuers cuntries many hauc beenc famous,as the firit inucn. tcrs and finders out of Arts, and other profitable things, and hauc for the lame caufe becne cftccmed as Gods after their death} whereas notwithstanding it is .clcare out of the (acred hiftories,that the moft auncicntvfeof fuch things hath bin amongft the people of God. As for the vfe of lettcrs,we may plainly fee by the alphabets of all nations that it was firft ta- ken from the Hebrevej. Neither yet doth that feeme vntrue which Jofepbn* in his firft bookc of Antiquities, Chap, i . 8 . tcl- lcth concerning the iEgyptians.taughc and inftru&ed by ^f- brabamjh*t(thc light of nature togither with the knowledge of the true God and hisholicworfhip by lit tic and little a- mongft the people of the earth in one place through Satans illufions degenerating into Ma^c^ and horrible idolatric, in other partlic defiled with infinite lyes, and partlic of fee purpofc obfeured, or ratherprophanedwith myftical fables and riddles : final lie in other places beginning to decay and likclic inihortfpacc cucry where topcrifbandtobe vttcrlic extinguimed) men would haue growen tobemoftbeaftlie and lauadgc , had not God raifed vp excellent wits, for the rcftoring of Artcs and liberall knowledge* The Grcekes are thought to hauc taken the knowledge of Philofophie from the -^Egyptians, but yet a long time after when now it was very much corrupted. Yea, $0/0* one of the fcauenwifc men, and VytbagrraS) and afterward 7>iato arc faid there to haucbccnc taught and inftru&ed. But with how great a mift of ignorance all Philofophie among the Greekes hath bin darkcned,itmay appcare by their manifold feels, and cndlcs contentions ; fo that fomc of the chiefeft of them hauc not becne afharaed to fay, that there it no ccrtcn knowledge m BEZAVPON THE to be had of any thing, and they haue alfo gone about t* prooue by argument this their bold and intollcrable affcrti- on,thereby fufficicnt!y refuting them lclucs. Let this there- fore itand for an vndoubted truth ("both againft prophanc men, who examine whatfocuer they finde in the Scriptures Concerning thefe matters by their falfe grounds & deccaue- ttble isixiomt, & alfo againft thofe fmattcrers, who in this rc- fpeft make no account at al of thefe heauenlie writings ^rhat as al true religion is to be fetched onely out of Gods word,fo alio that the whole knowledge of naturall things,which wee finde in prophanc Philofopcrs/I except not Arifiot'e, in my iudgement the chiefe of all the rcft)ought to be tried and lc- ucledby the rule of the Scriptures, vnleflc we will wilfulJie depart and wander from the truth. VprigbtJ] 1 had rather fotranfl ate it,then TV/ft, Icaft any roan happilie might be deceiued inthefignificationof the word. For whatfocuer is Ipofcen of the vertuesof/ofc, or any other manfexcept Chrift alone,who was free from thcleaft blemifh of vice)cannot be vnderftood without fomc manner of defed and imperfc&ion,by reafon of the continuall fighc which is betweenetheflemandthe Spirite. Wencedcnot leekc any further proofc hereof, Jobs example may fufficc, who although he were the moftconftant and moft patient of all men that cuer were, yetwashenotaltogither blamc- les, as appcareth in that God reprooueth him afterward in the Chap.3 8.vcr£i. In the Grecke tranflation there is fomc diuerfitic. Somercad it*>«f*8y,that is, blamelcs ; others ato- 0, that is, a louer of truth : others a*\wv> that is, fimple, without guile or deceit. Of thefe three which arc read in the Grceke context, two muft necdes be fuperfluous,andit is not vnhkelic that they haue becne brought in by reafon of diucrs interpretations, through their negligence who wrote out the Grecke coppies, which is a common fault in thofe bookes. Now by the nzmc otyprightne/fc or Jmplicitie,(as Ja- cob is faid to be an vpright man, and Chrift willcth vs to be fimple as douesjis vnderftood a minde void of all manner of fraud and diflimulation. Which commendation, Satan in the 9. verfe of this chapter, and Jobs friends in the chapters following, labour to take from him, but m t ainc and with on t caufe i. CHAP. OF I OB. caufc as the end prooued. The feat of this rcrtue is in the will or affedion, and it is in a manner the forme and life of all other vermes, by which they are difecrned to be true or counterfeit; and as God is the fearchcr of the heart, fo this vcrtue hath God properlie for a iudge and a witnefle vnto it. AndfurclicifImayfbfpeakc,wcdoc not in any thing fo nercly refemble God, as in this, whobecaufehcis truth it felfe,thcrcfore Joucth truth and abhorrcth falfliood and lies, whereof Satan is the author. *Andiuft.~] Hereby is meant, that he (hewed and made proofc of that fimplicitic and vprightnefle of his heart, out- wardly by his iuft and honcft dealing, as Job by the importu- niticof his friends acculations is driucn afterwards to wit- nes of him felfe in the 29. & 31. Chapters. Forthatwhich lames fpeaketh of faith, that that one )y is a true and liuclie faith which (heweth itfclfc by good workes, muft alfobc ap- plied to al other vcrrues.Whcrfore ^iriflotlem his firft bookc of Etbk\s did herein very well (although othcrwife he nei- ther knew the chiefe vettues nor the true caufe and the true zffcclsof the red ) that he imagined the chiefe good not to confift in bare vertue by it felfe, but rather in the operation and awhodenie that there is any God ar all, but becaufe the worfhippers of many Gods which arc all falfe Gods, hauc in deede no God , howfoeucr they becing blinded with fuperftition imagine othcrwife. Now if any man will fearch more narrowlic into the liucs of them , who for their iuftice and eiuill vcrtues are mod wor- thclie commended amongft the Gentiles, and who , I con- fcrTe,boih for their religion though falfcand for their honeft conuerfation, arc to be preferred before many hypocriticall Chriftians , he (hall finde that the beftofthem were in pare giuen and addicted to fomc in toller able vices.not but that c- ucry man hath his faults,but becaufe thefe vices reigned and had dominion in them. Thus the Catoes were drunkards and great vfurcr$,of which one of them did for lucres fake profti.- j ef# s f r ^ tutc his ownc wifc,& the other cither in a mad furicor to the i.Cor.j.« end he might be accounted a man of a couragious and in- vincible ftomacke, killed him felfe with his ownehandes. There were in Cicero many excellent vcrtues, yet was the whole courfeof his life itamed with ambition and exceeding ▼anitic. The l>uif devoved thcmfelucs for thefafegard of their cuntrie. Be it that they did it not of any vaineglorie, but for the loue of their contric: yet here they ftaicd and came no further > whereas that onclyis well and rightlielo- ucd,which is loued for God. But I will not ftand any longer vpon particular examples. This one thing caninnowifebe - denied, that their beft aftions are no better to be accounted R 0fl|t then finncs , feeing the holie Ghoft pronounceth that to be 2 j. finne, whatJbcucr is not done of faith. Yet doc we not fay that they are fuch finne s, as are done againft the law of Na- ture and common honeft ie. Farre be it from vs to compare C&elin or C^begui with Ckttt % Alcibiadcs with Jriflides or Parkles , farre be it from vs, I fay, to compare thofc things which arc grcatlicto be praifed and cfteemed among men^ with thofc which arc rcprocucd by the very law of Nature % and condemned ty all good lawes. Well, willfome man fcy.fecing that that law of Nature *c the choifc of things he- ncfl BEZA VPON THE ncftor difhoncft arc of God, yea and arc in deedc nothing clfc but the very Law of God, they can not but be good, and confequcntlie alfo thofc motions and actions muftn?edei be good which are agreeable thereunto. To make anfwere to this obie&ion, I graunc that they are good in them feluct and hauc their beginning from God. But it is one thing to fpeake of the Law which commaundcth, and another thing of men, to whome the Law prefenbeth what is to be done or not to be done. Giue me a man vnrcgencratc , whofe actions and motions are anfwerable totheprefcriptof the Iaw,firft in the true irnpuMiuc caufc, which is the right know, ledge and loue of God,and then in the end and fcope, which is an carncft defire of promoting Gods gloric : if this can be done, I will not denie that ameerc naturallmanmaydoe good workes. But it is a thing aliogithcr impoftible , foraf- much as all mens mindes which are not fan&ificd by the fpi- rite of God,arc fo impure,that they can not fo much as think of the things that are pertaining to God, much lefTe well and rightlie will that which che Law of Mature well and rightlic, and to good ende prefcribcth. For fb the Apoftle witnefleth, in the fecond to the Vbilip.vcr(.t$. that we hauc all our pow- er both to will and to doe that which is good not of nature t but of the free grace of God, which grace doth not, as the Semipelagiam hold vs in hand, helpe ourabilitie bceingor it felfc, fraale& weake,but workcth, & as it were createth it in vsbeeingnone at all, and afterward alfonourilheth, cn- creafcthanddirecteththe fame. Yea, and that chefc ciuill and morall vertucs are found in diuers men, it is not to be a* fcribed to nature, but to the fpeciail bleffing of God , not re* ncwing& regenerating them (Tor this is a grace fupernatu* rail and belongeth onely to the children of Godjbut rcftray* ntng that natural corruption and mifchiefe in fuch fort, that notonclie they doe not as othcrs,breake out into enormout finncs,but comranwife labour,as much aslyethin them,to keepeorhers in order, and by psrfwafions or punimmcnts to recall them fro n vice and naughtinetfe. For thusmerci* fullie it p'c*fcth Godtodcalc with men, though ncuerfo vnchan' i. CHAP. OF I OB. Church. Nowe the venues of the godly (fuchaoneas/otis here described vntovs,) proceede from the fame fount aines in man,namcly, the vnderft and ing and the will; but yet they being by fpecsal grace cleanfed and fanc"tificd,both the mind being in fpiritc rcnewcd,E/>/;e/r4.i3. and the will conformed to hoIicobcdicnce.For which caufe they are called the fruits -not of the narurall or carnal! man, but of the fpihcuall man* Ncuenheles by reafon of the relicks of finne which remain* Inourflefli, and which continuallie fight againft the fpirite, *heworkesofrhe regenerate are force from that perfecti- on, which the Lawc rcquircth; and therefore arc not abfo. hitely to bccalled good, and much lefle of their ownc wor* thinefle doc they deferue any rewardc. Nowc then to re- turne to /^whcrcas'he is here faid to haue feared God,th« vprightnefle of his minde and honcft conucrfation of life i% difcerned from thefc vermes being oncly morally confide- red. Neither isic any marvel! that this is afcribed vnto Job, feeing he came of the ftockc of \Abraham> and was a true member of chc auncicnt Church, as hath bene before dc- •ckred. * *And eftbeved evil!) No marveJl therefore if Satan was fo malitioufly fee againft him, feeing that he hated him from his very foulc, astowhomethc name of cuili properly and in the higheft degree appcrtaineth. 1 his manner of fpcach is vfuall with the Hebrevzes, as Pfalmc 34.verfc 1 ?. Efcktw rvlll and doc good : and in the firft of Iohn, verfe 20. lobn is faid to haue confeffed and not to haue denyed that he was not Chrift. For although fuch be the nature of contraries, that by the affirming of the one,the other is vnderftoodc to be taken away, fo that to vfe both,may fecme fupcrfluous ; yet here it hath a good grace, & it maketh the fpeach more effc&uall. For itgiuethvstovnderftande,that Jot was not flackc in perfourming his ductie, but that he gaue him felfc wholly to the ftudie of true vcrtue and godlineticjn fo much that (as the Apoftlc Paul war neth vs) he abftaincd not only from that which was manifeftly euill , but as necre as he couldjcucn from all appearance of euilL V ER S E a. jinibt had f ding fault with this trade. sAnd bk fhmiliewa* very great] The Grecke writers diuer- fly tranflatc this place: fome thus, .And bis husbandrie wm great /6thers,^»d bis fervants were many : others by a circum* iocuu(m y and especially haue a care that our mindes may as well be rcfrefhed with godly talkc, as our bodyes with meatc and drmke. As for foch thmges as either of them fellies arc vn- lawfuli and vnhoneft,or through long abufc are growen pad remedie, and arc therefore iuftly accounted among thinges vnJawfull, they arc once for all to be banimed from the ta- bles of Chriftians. Of this forte arc very many fonges, and daunces of all kindc s 3 which if any man wil goe about in thefc day cs to bring into a due order or moderation, he (hall doc no more then if he endevoured to be mad with rcafon.Nowe whereas/^/ fonnes had feue rail houfes todwel intone apart - -from the other, this declareth not only the wckhineffe of that family, but alfo the good order & gouernment thereof: and withaU it lheweth that they were of ripe yeres and come to mens eftate, although they were as yetvnmarried. All which circum (ranees commend vnto vs both the carcfulnes of the father in bringing vp his children vertuoufly, and alfo their duxifull mindes being lb willing to be taught, and fo read/ to take inftr ui#wi/& my bands in inno- cencie, Lorde y & compape thine altar : And againe in rhc 3 3. Pfalme,vcrfe 1. It becommeth vprigbt men to be thanltfdl. And ro/e vp earelj in the morning] This circumftancc alio dcclareth with howc great care Job didthedutieof a good father, whereby all the godly are admonifhedboth whence they mould begin their daily laboursfwhithcr alfo belongeth that continuall morning facrificc vnder thcLaweJ and alfo to how great daunger they lay them fclues open ,who either being pricked by their own confcience,or warned by others, or mooued by Gods iudgc ment s,doe yet put off their repen- tance though it be but one minute of an hourc. For after the doorcs of mercie arc (hut, they may call and eric often, but the Lord will not heare them, Matth.7.vcrf.i7. There- fore that faying to all Chriftians ought to be moft prctious, Ma\e no delay es but tak$ time vbile hferueth. And offered burnt offerings e^.]Hc him fclfe was the Pticft^ as then was the cuftomem his ownc ho ufc. And here againe we i.CKAP. OF IOB. we fee that lob was no niggard i n the feruice of the true GoA % as who offered not peace offerings, but burnt offerings, and chat according to the number of his fonnes. By which ex- ample isreproouedthe fparingnes of diners meningiuing their al me s (Torthepoorcare vntovsinftecdeof analtar^ who are not vnhke to thofe, who in time paft offered in the temple their difcafed and fcabbed ftiecpej whereof the Pro. phets moil grieuouflie and moil iuftlic complaine. Of thefe men the Apoftle fpeaketh in the 2.Epiftlc toihe C&rintbxap. 9.VC.6. faying: He tbatfovtetbfpat'mgUe (fadlireape aifojpdrmgtie. Yet let vs remember that lib was bountifull in the feruice ©fthctrucGod¬ofidoles.Forthemoreamanbeftow* eth vpon fuperftitious worihip, the more grieuouflie is God difpleafcd. Notwithftading true it is that thofe which were (b lauifh & prodigall in honouring of their idolcs, (ha! rife vp in Judgement, & by their example condemne the niggardlincs of many, who profefle them fclues tobe true Chnftians. • For fob thought, it may be that my fonnes hane jmted] Louc is not fufpitious, as I fa id before ; neither had Job any mam* "fed caufewhy he mould fufpeft any fuch thing of his chil- dren: and therefore that claufe of doubting is added. But that which for the moft part falleth out in fuch bankcttings, kaftalfo it had happened amongeft them, he had good rea- ibnto fearc. Wherein he tooke another courfc, then men commonly are wont to do, who are fo farce from accufing f rather then excufing that which isdoubtfulin their fayings , & doings, that quite contrary they leaue not to flatter them felues in very palpable finnes. Now if Job was fo carefull to fceke for pardon for the fufpeftcd finnes of others,what doc wethinkehedidinhisownc cafe, when he had at any time offended God. And again,what an excellent example is here offred vnto vs that one of vs in true louc (hould procure tht falvation'of another?! he which dutie of loue hath fomtimes bene available ro deliucr many from dangers who were alto- gether vnworthy, as we read of the Sodmher. Gen.18.12.Sc of the whole people of God.Efa.5?.v.i^.fotnetrmcs arfohath dcliuered themes it bcfeJ vnto thofe whkh were m the fame ihip with Paul Aa.xy.v.H.Here tfcaralfoistobetAferued, that by tht word (Sirmed)m Ihts place is not meant wbatfoe- ucr IBEZA VPON THE ucris not fo done as it ought, or chat wherein a man howfo- cucr doch offend(for who is he that doth not thus finne cucxi vnwittingly?J but hereby lob would fignific that in thefc ban- kettings (bmewhat might happily hauc efcaped his children, by which they might greatly haUc offended the maicftic of God.But why doth he offer for cucry one of his fonnes ? For it might be that fome one of them had tranfgreiled, the reft not being priuy therto. I agreeibut the moft holy man would notfonecrely and cunningly debate the matter with God, knowing that there was caufc fjfficicnr, why he (hould need tocrauc mercy both for himfelfe,& for cucry particular pcr- fon in his houlhold. And as he was a ma of a very tender con* fcience,fb he was not ignorant that not they alone arc guilty offinne,whohaue themfeluestranfgieffcd cither in word or decdjbur they alio who arc any way confenting,&cofcquent- ]y who reprouc not thofc whom they fee offend. Therefore when Habotb was accufed,though wrongfully , of blafphemy againft God and the King, the Ifraelites albeit at that rime- they were falJe away fro the true God, did not without good c6fiderationproc!aime afa(t,i.king.*i.i2.And TWfharply" rcprehendeth the CorinthSot that they were not publikely fo- rowfull for the inceft of one vngodly perfon amongft them. *4ndbla(pbemed God in their hearts) According to the origi- nal thus,^M bane blejfedged in their barts y yet [the meaning is all one. For it is a comon thing with the Hebrues to vfe words by a contrary fignification.whcn the proper worde fignifieth fomc hainous matter,fuch as fcarcely ought to be named : as the Latins vfe this v/ordffacrti) which fignifieth holy or facrcd fovfexecrondfythat is,prophanc ordcteftablc.Now that is not without caufc addcd,J» their ^rif/,bccaufe if Ub had ncucr fo litlc fufpcdedjthat his fones had comitted any fuch offence in word or deed, he would not haue fpared any rebukes and chaftifemets,Neithcr is this to be vnderftood of that execra- ble blafphcmy but only of Gods honour empaircd by fome fi- niftcr thought & affeftion.Hcrc wc may gather that not only thofc things which wc fpeak or do othcrwifc then we oughr, but cue the very lighteft motios of the mind arc to be accou- tcd for finnes: & therfbrc that all finncs falbcit they be vnc- qualljdo of them fducs & without Chrift,with G od,againft whofc u CHAR OF IOB. whofemaicfticthey arc committed, dcferue c tern all deal h, feeing we (hall giuc account of cue ry idle and vnprofitable word. Which quite ouerthrowcth thatfalfe and damnable diftin&ion made by the fchooJc fophifters,offinncs VeniallSi finnes Mortal, being vndcrftbode after their ownc dodrine. Thus did lob eueiy day) That is,fo often as his fonncs thus by turnes feaftcd one another. Neither y e t is it to be douted, but that othcrwifc Gods feruicc was daily celebrated in this holic famibc,& efpeciallic eucry feuenth day kept holic vnto the Lord, as God had appointed from the beginning of the worldjGcn.Lj. But herby alfois (hewed, that Jobs ztale was not vnconftant,foonc hot & (bone cold, neither that this his holy care oucr his familic was vndcrtaken onely for famions fake. V Vhcrunto is to be referred that admonition fo often repeated in the holic Scriptures, that we (hould pray conti- nuaJJie and ncuer be wearie of.well doing. VERSE 6. Tiprv on a day vben the children of G*d cam j&ftoode before the Lord.Satan came alfo among them!] Hitherto i wchauc heard what fob did here vpon the earth; now is fee downe.what the Lord decreed about thefc things in he a- j ucn.Thc declaration wherof how neceflarie it is, appcarcth both by that earncft difputation between Job & his friends, ami alfo /ofo lamentable complaint, each of them fprmging from no other caufc,but from the ignorance of gods decree. Foralthoughnomanatany time (except a few men quite voide of rcafon,& going ftifiic againft the teftimonie of their owne confcicnccj denyed that all things created were vp- holdcn and ruled by Gods prouidencc: notwithftanding herein wefee that which the Apoftlc trulie witnefleth, Rom. J. 11. what befalleth men trufting to their owncwifdomc, nothing but this, that they become vainc in their owne ima- .ginations.VVho knowcth not the wicked opinion of the Epi- cures attributing all things to the concourfe or meeting of their fmall motes which they call J torn*) who knowcth not that the Stoicfy Aiding from one cxtreamc to another, hauc tied god by the chaines as it were,of midlc & fe condary cau- fes? who knowcth not that the Veripatetkfy the wittieft of all the rcft,haue (hut out the cue t of al things from Gods proui- dence? Neither hatic thefc things bene debated onely in the fchooks BEZA VPON THE fchooles of prophanc men, but eucn in the fchoolc of God; not whether the world were gouerned by Gods prouidence; whether hee freely,&as it belt plcafeth him felfe,yet al waies iuftlie, difpofethandordereththefecondcaufes andcfre&s of the fame ; Hnallie whether his heauenlie power and wor- king extend it fcJfe to cucry particular thing, eucn to the meanelt and bafeft that can be thought of > thefe things, I fay,haue not beenc called into queftionffor thereof fcarcely any but vngodly&vcry prophane wretches hauc cuer doub- tedjbut of thefe two maine points hath beenc al the contro- ucrfie: firtt,hovv it might ftand with Gods iuftice and cquitic that the eftatc of good men mould in this life.be fo wretched and miferablc:and contrariwifcthc condition of the wicked* be (bioyfull and profperous ; fecondlie, if nothing be done, but that which God willethand decreeth from all eremitic fFor he hath not decreed any thing either within the limits of time, becaufe he chaungeth not, Malach.3. 6. and with him there is m vmab'enes nor fhadomng by turning. lam. 1. 1 7. or againlt his wi!l,becaufe he is omnipotent) how we might free him from beeing the author of finnc,whomc neucrthcles we know to be an cue mie & rcucnger of al iniquitie. A bout this argument the moil holie and exercifed feruants of God haue had their mindes di (tracked into diuers and contra rie cogi- tations, as it appear etb particularlie in the 7$. Pfal.of Jfapk Habacuk. x. Icremie. if. verf. 10. And that we goe no further, in this very booke thofe things which are alleadged on cither fide, and by which lobs friends are caricd beyond the truth,yea,and Job him felfc is well nigh driucn to forget all patience, doe fufficientlie (hew that this is one of Saians chiefefleyts and pra&izes againft vs , fceking either out of hand and at once to ouerthrow the foundation of our faith and hope ,or elfeby little and little to (hake and weaken it, that he may in the end bring vs to difpairc. Seeing therefore that both thefe weightie queftions are in this (hort def crip. tion pcrfpicuouflie and plainlie laid forth and confirmed by a moft graue witnefle,namelie,by the expreffe wordes of lob, in this chapter and the next,which were put into him by the holie Ghoft; this place is worthie tobediligcntlicandac* curatclie handled. But here are cercaiue things before fcuc* raJIic i. CHAR OF IOB, rallicco bcobferued. Andfirftofall, whicthefeheauenlic matters arc fct ouc after an carthlic manner, that is, accor- ding co the vfe and cuftome of men. Sccondlic what things they arc , which in this figuratiuc defcripiion arc fpoken af- ter the fafliion of men, which cannot without impictie be at- tributed propcrlic to God. In the third place I will vnfold the particular things reprcfentedin this defcription. To beginne with the firft3 God to provide for the infirmi- tie of mam from the beginning, as it were, vifiblie rcucaled vnto the Fathers his graccfwhkh neither can nor ought any othcrwifc to be apprehended, then by the eye of the mindc; becaufc the inftrument of c onceiuing things fpirituall, mufl of ncccflitic be fpirituall,) by ccrtaine vifions repre fentcd to the outward fenfes, as it is cuident by manifold places of the facrcd Scriptures. Neither is it to be doubted, but that the Patriarkcs hauing learned the true knowledge of God , as alfo they who had receiued the fame by tradition from them, were lifted vp beyond thefc corporal! vifions to the con- temptation of things hcauenlie and eclcftial; efpeciallie fee- ing other vifions were both by night and by day exhibited to ^ the Prophets , by which the people of God were inftru&ed, that they might eafilic vnderftand the true vfe of fuchmi- fterics.Buc after that the knowledge of the true God began by little and little to be forgo tten,& that the dcuills by Gods iuft iudgement againft men, tookevponthemto fendeffe- cluall illusions and vainc apparitions to beguile men withal), it came to paflc > that men were no longer by thefe bodilie vifions carjed higher, namely, toconfiderof heaucnly mat- ters,but conrr ariwife, not concent to haue dcuided one Gcd into many, they transformed their Gods into the natures and properties of men. And yet neucrthclcflc this generall principle (till remained inuiolatc (except happelie any men grew paft all rcafonj that whatfoeuer was done here vpon earth, was firft decreed inhcauenthatitfliouldfocometo paflc. Hence arc thofc fidions in Hemer and others chat followed his fteppes, as namely that of Firgil, Vtnditur inttrtadomm Ommpotcntis Olympic But tbefc things which are of them dccipncrcd after a prophanc manner, as they arc in the holic Scriptures hand- led BEZA VPON THE led very rcuercntlie, fo arc they referred co a good and holie end; of which fort arc thofc defcriptions in the (ixt of Efay, Ezc.i.5ci.King.tt.i9.& this alfo which nbw we haucin had, fauingthat in the former the Lord appenreth oncly to his Prophets, but here are fet forth things done in the prefence and hearing of many, and that a farre off in the tribunal feat of God,as it wcrein the pallace of the high Emperour. Now in the fecond place let vs fee, what in thishguratiue defcrip* cion is fpoken after the vfe of men, which doth not any way agree properlic to God. Of this fort is that cfpcciallic , that thefe things were let down to be done vpon a certain day;as though with god there wcreccrten leetdaics,m which mat- ters were heard before his tribunal feat: that God is brought in, as it were fomc mightie king, hauinghis gard of Angels about him: that Satan alfo isfaid tohauecome thither, and chat God queftioned with him about this and that. For con- trariwife, almightie God is alwaies and cuery where prcfent anddifpoferh all things; all things both in heauen and in earth are at all times in his fight,neither needeth he td make? any enquirie into matters, who bcholdeth the things that are tocomc; feeing nothing (halbe,yca, and nothing can be, ' which he ruth not appointed and determined. NcuerthelcfJe true it is . that whatfocucr God hath in htm felfe before all times and from eternitie decreed , the fame he reuealeth both to his Angels, whome he vfeth as minillers to execute his wil,and alfo to men, when and in what manner it feemeth good vnto him. And it is not vnlikelie, that bythismeancs the deuills oftentimes foretold in thofc their oracles what fhould afterward come to pafle. Therefore thefe things arc notfotobevnderftood,as if they agreed toGodindeedcno more then a mouth, handes, feete/and a&ions belonging to men 3 as namelie to fpeake,to come,to dcparr,to be angrie,to repentjal which notwithstanding arc afcribed to god:but the things which we were not able otherwife to conceiue,are as it were by thefe re femblaces rcprcfcntcd vnto vs. It remaincth now to (hew.what may profitably be collected out of this dc- fcription. For this is the third thing which we propounded* Whereas it is in this hiftorie recorded, that Ub> iiich a man by Go h ownc tcftimonic, as for mfticc and righteout nes i. CHAP. OF I OB. nesnoneatthat time was like vnto him, furnimed with all manner goods both of bodieand minde, fuddenlie fell into (o extreame miferie and wretchednes, left any man might i- magine^that this came to paffe, as prophane men vfe to fay, by chaunce,as if the world were tofled to and fro, 1 know not by what violence of blinde fortune, or lcaft by this fuddeine chaunge any mould gather (as both his wife and his friends mod falflicfuraufedjthatall Jflfeholineffe and integritie, was but meere hypocrific, which God afterward punimed in fo feuerc manner : finalhe, leaft the godlie might want an example , whereby they might comfort them felues in affii- ftions,wnereunto in this life they of al men are moftfubieft, as the experience of all ages doth fufficientlic witnefle, ic was neceflarie that thefe things ihould firft be fet downe,be- fore we (houldhcare of that narration and difcourfe which followeth; to the end our mindes might be prepared to rcfift fuch prophane cogitations. Here therefore in briefewe arc taught, that nothing is done here vpon the earth , whe- ther ifgoc well with the godlie or ill with the wicked, or contrariwife , which God hath not moil iuftlie and wifelie decreed from all eternitie for his owne glorie, and both for the profit of the godlie and the iuft vengeance ofthe wicked. And here againe we learne another fecret, which maketh rery much for the exhibitingof due reuerence to God and patient bearing ofthe greatcft calamities that may befall rs, namely, that God, whether he vfe good or baddcinfrru- ments, alwaics dealeth iuftlie, and that it cannot otherwife be, but thar,if we wil patiently attend the end of Gods work, which may be vnto vs vnknovvne,but neucr vniuft,the thing itfelfc (hal make vs acknowledge, that be is alouerof righ- tcoufnes, which he bIerTeth ; and a hater of iniquitie, which hefofeuerelie punifheth.as the wife man tcachcthv$ 5 £^yr t.verfeio.St n.& \t it. Andlaftliehere weaietaugnt,that thefuricboth of Satan and of all the wicked, wherewith thcyare caricd againfr the children of God, isfobridclcd by the power and will of God, that they cannotgoe about, much leffcerTeft any thing, but onelyfofarreforthasGod giueth them lcaue, and this is alwaics done for the good P, U and BEZA VPON THE and profic of the godlie,whether he chaftcn them or prooue them for his owne glorie & their good, as in the end he will make knowne vnto them: whether he fet the wicked one a* gainft another, or by any other meancs togkher with Satan bring them to their dcferued deftru&ion. Now after what fort thefe things may fo be reconciled with Gods nature, that he neither be made the author of finnc, nor yet may rightlie be thought to fwcrue one iot from that eternal & im- mutable rule of his iufticc, ihalbe (hewedinthe zi.verfc of this Chapter. Thefe things being thus fet down, let vs come to the par- ticular expounding ot the words of the tcxt:Norvonadayvben &c I would not hauc this precifelie to be taken for fomc one day of the feafts,as namly that,in which labs children eating & drinking in their eldeft brothers houfe,by the fall thereof were all flaine. But touching this point, in refpeel; of God him felfe, we mutt foiowthatheinhisgouernmentandad- miniftration of all things is not (hut vp within any fpaces of time, as who hath created and ordeiried times and % feafoii$ not for him(elf,but for things which in time were crcated,& togirher with the time arc fubiect to change & alteration^ Andmoreouer this is moft certen.that God doth not decree any thing within the limits & copafle of time,but that things both in generall and in particular, both all and eucry one, hauc beene forcappointcd and determined by the fecrct and immutable counfellof God,cuen from all eternitic. Not* withltanding as he hath before the foundation of the world decreed all things; fo he hath fet and affigned the times or feafons, which he hath put in his owne power, ^#.1.7. vvhencuery thing (hall come to paflc,euen as him felfe hath appointcd-ncither is itpoffible that thefe times mould cither be haftencd or protracted one minute.Thcrefore God in this !>lace is not brought in,as if nowhetooke fomenew coun- cil concerning lob(ht he had ordcincd all things from cucr- Jailing,) but the rime now beeing come,whicn he prefixed for the actuall accomplishing of that he had decreed, he rc- uealed the fame to Satan, beeing before altogither ignorant thereof, as vrhome he had appointed to be the chiefe inflru- ment in executing this his will and purpofc, 7b t i.CHAP. OF I OB. Tbe children of God] So it is euident by very many places of Scripture that thofe blcfled fpirits arc feperated from o- thcr impure ipirits,which flood not ftedfaft in the truth : 3nd arc called the fonnesofGod,bothby reafonof Godswon- derfull blefling vpbn them fbecaufe to parents nothing can be more deare then their children^ and alfo for that moftc glorious cxcellencie, as to whome therefore thofe notable titles of powers, vermes and principalities arc attributed by the Apoftle, Ephef.i. ir. and in other places. That likewife is euident, that the fame title, albeit not for like reafon 3 is gi- utn to Magiftratesinrefpectofthe great authoritie which theyhaucouer others, VJal. 8 1.6. finallie God doth vouch- fafc that moft honourable title to his Saints chofenoutofc this worlde, both for that exceeding wonderfull adoption, John. 1. 1 2. as alfo for that eternall gJorie and incorruption, in which they fhalbe as the Angels which are in hcauen, Mar^.u. verje if. and fellowc heires with Chrift him felfc. RutjaUjhefe appellations arc to be diftinguifhed and refer- red to their true & proper vfe. Therefore as touching thofe Wefled fpirits, they are fetoutvntovs, asbeeingbewtifyed with a ccrtainc excellent and heaucnly clorie; yet onely as Gods minifters,and that alfo to the benefit and feruice of his faints,fo farrc as it pleafcth God to vfe their miniftric. They arcnot thereforcpropoundedvntovsjthat we fhould cal vp- on them,or worship them, which thing the Apoftle cxprefly forbiddeth,^/* a . 1 8.f for thcyfarc our fellow feruants,^/w. i9.ro.andz2.p ly ) but partly that we lhould glorifie God with them in holy agreement & common fbngs of thankfgiuing, and partly that we may be continually mindfull of Gods im- mefurablc goodnes towards vs, wherby it commeth to-paflc, that he defendeth vs by the minifrcric of thofe bleffed fpirits both againft Satan and other our aduerf3rics } P/£Z.34.8.H^r. 1 .14. which is alfo by many holie examples and hiftories of Scripture declared: finallie, that rcmembringhis feruant £- It^us of whomc mentionis made i.Kifig.6.1 6.8l lacobs vifion, Gen.i8.it.we may more valiantly perfeuere in all our wordly warfare.Ncither !sittobedoQtcd,butthat as Godhertoforc defended his Church by Angels, in that miferable flauerie, from infinite daungers J D*wo.2o«& 1 1 .x .fo now-alfo he doth E>. 2. defend BEZA VPON THE defend vsmiraculoufliefrom Antichrift and theconfpiracie of the whole world :fom time by confounding their language, otherwhilebyouerthrowingtyrantSjfometimcfromheauen laughing our enemies to fcornc/omecimeby blefling godlie Kings & Princes, yea, & miraculoufly preferuing Quecncs, nourcing mothers of the Churchiwherof if euer there was a manifeft exampIe,now it is to be fecn in that thrifc excellent princefle Queene Elizabeth o( England, \fhoixi Gods lingular prouidence hath deliucred from the infinite cntrappings of Satan, Antichrift and the Pope oiRome, euen in our age, and whome we trulie may call the common fanctuaric & refuge of the afflicted Church. And I pray youfincethefirft ciuill warres ftirred vp in France by thofe chofeninftruments of the deuil, who can doubt but that thofe worthie men protectors of the Trench Churches, were aflifted & garded by the An. gels^ Neither furely may we think that they were then forfa- ken of them , when as in the laft conflict being taken into hcauen they departed. And truly at this time no hyrnane forcc,butplaineheauenlie & cxtraordinarie,dothfafckeepe this heroicaJl & worthie king of Tyavarrethe fafegard of ih& French Church) and the noble Prince of £Wye,againft thole wicked cutthrotcs , confpiratours and enemies both to the Church and kingdome of France. But this honourable title giuen to Magistrates hitherto apperteineth,not that wc transferre the Jeaft iot of Gods honour to thcm(Tor onclic God is thelawgiuer toour confcience^w^.iavlbut thatwc obey them as Gods officers, fo farre as their authority ftret- chetb, not for neceilitic, but for confciencc fake, that is, not for the auoiding ofpunimment fctdowne bymanslawes, but becaufe God him felfedoth rule in his minifters; we o- bey them,I fay,meekely and of our owne accord, without any prciudiceto Gods right,Rd/».i3.i.2.&c. &that weearnefrlic pray for them, as themainteyners and defenders of the co- inon peace; which duties arc euen to prophane Princes and heathen gouernours in like manner to be performed, i . Tim* 2.2. Morcouer the true vfe of this title of the CM^n of God attributed vnto vs.is threefold.One,that we may oppofe this dignitic to the ignominic oftheCroflc, and to all thofe re- bukes which we fuffcring for the rightcoulhes of God , arc made ii CHAP. OF I OB. made conformable to Chrift our head, becing notoriety not difcouraged vnder the crofle of C h nft,but eucn reioyfing,as -we are taught by the precepts and examples of the Prophets and Apoftles. Another is, tharremembringthegrcatnes of Gods benefit in this our adoption , we may giue him conti- nual! thanks. The third, that we beeing the fonnes of iueh a father, and the brethren of fuch an elder brother, maybe a- fhamcdto forget what our duetie is toboth,ekhcr asfonnes, orasbrothers, and togreeuc theholie Spinte of adoption, Eph.4.10. but rather that we may (hun that grieuous repre- henfion ,Mal. i. 6.ffl be a father where is my honour} if a. Lardy vfberek myfeare } To conclude, th:s tide is to be obferued a- g2'md the Arrta?js y who blafphemouflie fay that the etcrnall fonnc of God, J oh. M . i. &c.and 5.io.and that onely begot- ten, not rafhlyfo called, /0k 1.14.18.&3.16.18.&1.J0/.U4.9. had a beginning in time, before which he was not : and the wicked Rabbines o( the lea f/, who dreame of a McfTias crea- ted before the world was maderwhome we doubt not as bee- ingTSod tothinkehim coequall and cocflentiaii with his fa-, ther , and as one God with the Father and theholie Ghofl with the fame worfbip to be honoured. Came and flood] One way are men and bodilie creatures mooumg them felucs, faid to come, another way fpirits, and another way God. For corporall things doe come andgoe circumfcripriuelie, and truhe chaunging places, as they fay: neither can itbetterbe, that atruc bodie may bcia more places togither, or other wife then locallie and definitiucJie, wherefoeuer its effenceis, then it can be, that a bodie be no bodie; no not Chrifts body excepted,though neucr fo much glorifyed, and now not abiding in earth, but placed, in the higheft heauens.of which iAuguftin difputing faith >I fa bodie, then in aplace y by reafon of the rume of a true bodie.VV hcrcfore nan Substantiation and confubftantiation, and much more that vb'tqmtie of Eutyches, by which the truth of Chrifts & cenfion and his commmg from hcauen, yea andthe very truth of Chrifts bodie is by a piaine contradiction quite ta- ken away, arc by fome defended of a blockim ignorance, by othersonelieof inexcusable obftinacie. But the AngeJls of whorae here is peculiar mention , are (aid to be in a place: D. 3. yet BEZA VPON THE yet eqmvochthatlsyzkct another manner then bodies, with* out touch of a mefurable quantitie,which is not at all in the, but definitiuelicbecaufc their effence is not infinite. Hence alfo it commethjthat therefore they can no more be in many places at once, then bodilie fubftances;neither yet is it pof- fible , that two Angels fhoulddefinitiuely be in one and the fame place togither. Hereof it is, that according to the di- fiance of placcs,rightlie and properlie God is faide to fende them , and they to be fent, and to goe and come; as,befbre the fchoole men,auncientdiuines,elpeciallic 'Didymus and &z///prooued by Scriptures, writing againft thofe hereticks, who maintained impious opinions concerning the holie fpi- ritc. But here that maybe demaunded, from what place god is faid to fend them. 1 anfwere that in fuch myfteries we are not to be wife aboue that which is mcete. Neucrthelcs,fith Angels are rightlic called heauenlie, I fay it may be lawfullic fet downc, thatthey haue allotted them to a dwelling place aboue the heauens them felues, fall of light and glorie,fuch as wee are not once able to conceiue ('into which, iifvh'ry' deede, and without any figuratiue kind of fpeach,Chri(b bo- die afccndcd,from whence alfo he (hall come at the lad day, and into which we (hall then in foule and bodie be aduallic taken, to reigne with him and thofe blefled fpiiits for cuer.) Trulie therefore and without any Metaphor they are faid to be fent from heauen to execute the will of God; neither is this a vaine & fantaftical opinion, as many eucn in our age, placing heauen & hell euery where, moft monftroufly hauc taught,beinginvery deed themfelues rather to be accoun- ted fan taftic all. Neither yet do we recken vp degrees bor- ders of Angells with Vionyfiu4>oi curioufly fearch what they doe: which things wee cannot by fearching attaine vn« to. If further it be obicftedj Sith God jseuery where, how then arc they faid to come to him or to goe from him ? I an- fwere,that this is a diftinctqueftionfrom the former. Ther- forc as they are properlie and without any Metaphor faid to goe and come, not by rcafon of any limited quantitic, but by the propricrie of their finite nature,and alfo in refpe& of the diftance of place$,to which they come and from which they goe : fo in regard of Gods fending them, who of him felfe is in- i. CHAP. OF I OB. iofinkCjthcy goc from place to place , fo that neuerrhcleffe they can not be faid at any time to be abfent from God. But becaufe God,albeit being euery wherc,nor only in his works, but alfo in eflence/mcomprehenfible and comprehending al things; yet for a peculiar and properrefpe&isfaidtobein the heauens,for that in them he both fetteth out vnto vs his incomparable glory, and after a fecret and fpiritual manner ruleth that molt glorious part of his kingdome; therforc alfo the Angels euery where in the Scriptures are fctdowne, not onely to fee the Fathers face,but to fee it in heaucn,and to be fent from God out of the heauens, and to defcend from his throne, and to afcend and returne againe into heaucn , and inhcauen topraifc and glorific God.But God him felfc after two forts is faid to goe and come, to afcend and defcende, to be prefent and abient. One, in the three perfons equallie in one and the fame common fubftance, & that in refcmblance of thofe affedions which are in man,namly,as he either exe- ^^ cuteth his iudgemets, or vfeth his mercy .-which thing I need »ot to proouc by alleadging places of Scriprurc.fecing euery - where th ey offer them felues. Another way,in the proper & peculiar pcrfo of the f Pord> that is, in refpeft of our humane nature perfon ally taken and vnitedto it; to which becaufe heisnotfimplyprefenr, as to other thinges created, or to bis cleft and faintes,( as 2^/?<7rj#*deuidjng Chrites perfon falfly mainteinedj but it is fo prefent, that that humanitie, which he rooke,isnot fubfiftentinitfelfe,butintheperfon of the Word; therforc he is faid to hauc come in the rlefh,to haue come down vnto vs in the forme of a fcruar,to haue bin madcAPtrTc" fbule with euery feuerall mans bodic, is in dcede perfonall (Tor fo all humane perfons arc made,and thus hitzMhanafi- m vfeth this fimilitudejbut it is fufficient that thofe two con- curre to make a third thing compounded of thofe two parts. as making a whole and an entire thing, beeing fcuerallie in them felues imperfeclijcopounded, 1 fay,as of a mattcrfwhich is the bodie)and a formef which is the foule:) and therefore of this compofition the whole arifeth. But the humanitie which the fonne of God took,cannot as a part be cqrj>poun- ded with the Godhead of the Word taking it : to which for the encrcafingit,nothing can be added, and from which, to thcdiminiQiingtherof,nothingcanbe taken,&with which as with the onlie infinite eflence nothing can in that mancr be conioyncd, which deitie, to conclude, cannot without great abfurditic be called the forme of any creature. It rcmaincth then that the vnion of the perfon of the Word with the hu- manitie affumcd,be calkdtypoftaticalyCo farre as it is grauted to the humanitie to be coupled with the diuinitie > and not to fubfift in it felfc.bu t in the Wordjn that fubfiftent ,which the very Angels cannot behold nor comprehend, ciilcdfmma- nucl i.CKAP. OF IOB. XMt/and dt«'y9ptti9r,that is,God with man.But hereof perhaps too much,if we confider what belongcth to this place, & yet not too much inrefpeel of old hercfies newly polifhed & fet abroach in this our age.Nowreturne we to our angels again. ^indfiood befire the Lood]This (landing doth not fignifie a bare prefence, feeing to God all things at all tiroes are pre- lcnt,butboth their ord nary function, and alfo a mod readic minde inthemtodifchargc whatfoeuer bclongeth to their office and dutie, which is neuer found in thofe vncleane fpi- rits, as who doe not euen then obey the will of God, when they doe his commaundement.and who,as it is to be feen in this ftorie, do not truelie ,fb much regard Gods authority,a« they greedilie catch at the power and licence which is giuen them to doc ill. 1 hercforc this obedience in the blefled fpi- rits is highlic commended, Vfal 1 03 . and in many other pla- ces.Hithertoalfobelongeth, that they haue appeared with wings, and thofe wings for the moftpart were fcureinnum- for£which things the Poets feygncd of their prophanc Mer- curtTJZnd that, as the Lordplainlic whneHeth in the 18. of M*tthew,thty alwaics behold the face of the Father which is inheauen , thereby condemning our flownesanddulnesin performing our duties. But this is alfo to be marked, that al- mightic God doth not vfe their miniiterieasifheneeded their feruicc in manner of kings and Princes , who alone, though they would, can doc but little. For he alone is perfed and all fufficient. And verelie as he created the world and al things therein , nor vpon any neccflitie, neither to take any profit thereby, but as he was molt good, that their might be fbmc thing which he might make partaker of his good- ncs, and in which he might be acknowledged , not for any commodities fake, which by encrcafe may redound to him felfe the creator, but contrariwife, which might be to their commoditic which fhould acknowledge him.loalfo he made ihofe blefled fpirits in whom e men might vew and be hoJde his power, might, wifdome and goodnes much more glori- ouflie then they can in this vifible world. Satan came alfo among them) That there is an huge multi- tude of vncleane fpirits jt appeareth by the legion of diuclJs, which poflcflcdoncman, Maitb. f. 9. But here alfo as in o- BEZA VPON THE ther matters , wee are to beware , that we kecpe our fcluet within the compare of Gods word. This furclie is manifeft, that they haue fome prince among them, whoinfpccialco- fideration Mat. zf.41.is called, Diabolus the deuill, and both in this and other places is termed Satan: both which titles bewray his defire and difpofition. For D/aMa* fignifieth an accufer, and Satan, a deadlie and fworne enemic, as wc may iee 1. Timothy. 1 4.and*Pet.i.i 9 8. Neither is heonely the ac- cufer and enemic ofmansfaluation, but of God alio, andc* fpccially of Chrift,as bceing the head of the Church,which he euermore feeketh to hurt. For how canhewarrcwith Gods fcruants, without taking armes againft their mafter* Both which things doe not in any hiftorie more clearely ap- peare,then in the defcription of \Adams fall,wherc he fetting both vpon God theworkeman, and vpon man, Gods molt excellent workemanftiip , the one he ouercame by belying of his maker, and from the other hee eftraunged him felfc more and more. And without doubt God had refpe^nwu this euerlafting and vnreconcileablc enmitie cuen where, (fetting vp a gallowes* as it were for the Dcuiljhc faith,/ *M put enmitie between* thee and the woman,Gcn.j .1 5 . Therfore it isfaidthat Satan himfelfecame,butnot asoneofthefonnes of God,but among them,to wit,not with the fame mind that they came^no out of doubt, but drawn thither vtterly againft his will, to the ende we may know that he with all his An- gels the mimlters of his malice, by their rebellion can not exempt them felues from Gods authoritie and iurifdidion. Therefore euen he alfo wasprcfent him felfe,andis now al- waics in Gods prefencef wholly inraged and fet on fire to do mifcheefe , yea and fwellingin hatred and mallice againft i;ood menjbut very (ore againft his wil, and oncly to obteine iccncc to doharmc, of him without whofe leatie he can not go about,much leffe effed any thing,as appeareth by the hi- ftorie of the fwine, i#fof.8.i/.3 1. But,will fome man fay,doth God vie his helpe, which doth nothing at any time but thac which is euill,bcing himfelfe alwaies moil iufttyea truly.Not that God doth any thing vniu ft ly,but he vfeth him,be he ne- uer fo wicked,as a tormcntor,that is^me time to deftroy & fubucrt the wicked,as Saule,$am.i 6. 14.2s facbvJ9b.13.iAnd many i. CHAP. OF IOB. many othcrs:fometime to chaften his feruants,as that woma who had her bodie bowed togithcr, lul^ 1 3 . 1 6, or clfc to trie andexcreife them,as Job in this (torie.In accomplifhingthc wil of God herein, fo often as Satan with his imps doe as it were put to their helping hands , they are not to be thought to doc it of any dutieful & obedient minde,but that they are delighted with that deftroying power, that god giueth them, to hurte and anoy his creatures. This doftrine is full of excellent comforre. For thereby we vnderftand, that by the power of our God, the rage of that hungne lion is abated and bridled, and that God will neuer fufier him to doe any thing againft his children, which inall not be to their good and profit, as the Apoftle telleth vs, Rom. S.verfe 28. and alfo teacheth vs by his owne example, 1. Qgr. 1**17. VERSE 7. Jndthe Lord fad vnto Satan whence commefi thou f ] Surelie the Lord knoweth all things and that from eternitic,& without any reafbningorenquiricinto matters. - ^Hc'tn ere fore asketh nothing as if he wereignorantineither ^ yet doth he in like manner queftion with this impure fpirit as in time paft with .Adam faying, Adam nkerc art thoa ? Gen. 3 .9. and with Came, Where U thy brother JbeU Gen. 4.9. He af- keth not of the as if he knew not, but to bring the one to the pathway of faluation,by the acknowledging and detefting of his finne : the other to deftruction,by condemning him felfc by the tefiimonie ofhis owne mouth.Tkit thefe things arp (poken after the manner of men, that wee may know that Satan himfelfe is coftraincd cue now to appcare before God, as his moft iuft iudgc, to whome he i. to giue account of all his wickedncs : and alfo to the end by this example wc may lcarne, that fo often ss God vfeth thefe ill inftru- meats, he puttcth not into them any inclination to euill f for that they hauc of themfelues through their corruption^ but he docth as it were fhrre vp the fame, the which he doth iuftlie and wel vfc afterward.,be the inftrument neuer foeuil. Ncuerthelefle thofe euill inftrurocnts,by them fclucs and of themfelues, work wickednefle euenthen,whenGod rightly and iufilic vfeth them,and (hal be iuftly puniQicd in the end, for BEZA VPON THE for that they doe the good and righteous workc of God vn- iuftlie, and not with that affe&ion which they ought, lerem* 48.ro. And Satan anfoered the Lorde faying, Trom compafjmg the earth toandfro> and from walkingin it) In deede doeing that which here he diffcmbleth, but Saint Peter tellcth vs in hisflrft Epiftle,Chap. ?. verfe 8. that he walkcth about like a roaring Lyon, fceking whome he may deuoure ; exerci- fing tyrannic vpon the world which hath willingly taken his yoke: in which (cnCc he is called cheprince of this world, & his angells wordlie gouernours.£pJ!;.tf. 12. butyetGodftill bridlcth and reftraineth their tyrannic. But here againc al- fo we arc to take heed, that we labour not to be wifcr then the word of God will haue vs. VERSE 8. And the Lordfald vnto Satan, Haft thou not fet thy hart vponmy fervant lob, how none U tikg him in the earthy an vpright and iuft man y onc thatfeareth God and efiheveth emlf\ What force and meaning thefe epithytshaue,hathbeenc_ fhewed in the firft verfe. To fet ones hart vpon a thing,figni- fyeth nothing elfe,but diligentlie and with attention to con - fidcr. For God kne w that none wcare more warilie and cu> cumfpeftlie watched of the deuill , then fuch as ftudic god- lines and finceritie of life, who are the onely men which withftand him; others heleadeth ouerthwartlie, whether he lift; they are taken of him at his will,t. Timoth.i. z6. But God thusjpeaketh to fting him, and as it were triumphing ouer his aduerfarie. For nothing greeueth the wicked Co much,as that they are not able to bring to paflc and accom- plish that which they goe about; As if God (hould fay;Satan I am not ignorant whereabout thou gocft, buthowfbeuer thou haft fped with others, yet at the length thou haft found a man,euen this lob, about whome all this while thou haftc laboured mvaine. VERSE 9. Then Satan anfvered the Lord, and faid 9 e ZX>th Job fiare God for nought ? ]See how crookedlic this fcr- pent crecpeth,neuer going ftraight,but diffembling what he could not denie; as they alfo are wont to doe who are led by this fpirite, Sophifters cfpeciallie, transferring their talkc from that which is inqueftion to other quiddities. So at this i. CHAP. OF I OB. this day ,when we asfee of the aduerfary, whether the papifti- call congregation be the Church, they beginnetodifpute of the Churches authoritic. And when Confubftantiation or Tranflubftantiation or the vbiquitie of Chrifts bodie is denyed, the Sophifters in fteedeof an anfwere, propound a queftion, whether God be not omnipotent, or whether Chrifts words be notofthemfcluestobebeJeeued. So the aduerfarics beeing conui&ed by the authoritic of the writ- ten word, doc make that common place of the traditions of the Church, a gcnerall anfwere to all controuerfics. But to the matter; Satan fpite of his nofe acknowledging that to be true,which God had propouded, yet doth not only not yeald to the truth (Tor how can the author of lyes doc that?) but alio fceketh an occafion of a ncwquarrcll, hoping that he may daunt, him by aduerfity, whomc profperitie could not change; fo that not without caufe Vaul warncth vs, that wc haoe to do with fuch cneroies,as aflaylfrvs both on the right and left hand, i.Cor.r.7. And here markc me, what can be more bolde and impudent then this our adueriarie? by how much the Je(Tc wee may maruell at fuch as are lead with his fpirit. For when he had heard cuen from gods own mouth, who cannot lye, that lobs pictye was true and vnfeigned,yet durft he on the contrary fidcfalfly accufc fob, as one not louing God. fincerely, but oncly for his commodities fake; which was all one as if he mould haue charged God to his face cither with ignorance or with falihod,* when as not pro- phanemen them fclues, arc ignoranr,that thofecan not be faid to be true fricnds,which mcafure friendftiip by their pri- uatcgayne, and to whome that oldc prouerbe agreeth,2fy fennie, noTater noffer. But to Jobhow great injuriethis flan- dcrerdocth, the thing it fclfe afterwardc declared, both to the greatglory of lob the vanquifher, and the iha me of Sa- tan the aflaylcr. Such is commonly the end of all the temp- tations {breed vp by Sathan againft the true fcruants of God. VERSE. 10. Haft thou not made an hedge about biitr, and about his houfe, and about all that be bath on eueryfidt fj Here agajnc the monftrous impudeneye ofthcvncleanefpi- ritc openeth it fclfc # who not content that he had gaine- faid BEZA VPON THE faid the witnetfe of God him felfe, as concerning/^, nowc alfodarethconfirmc his falle (launder, being the head ma- iter of all Sophiflers, with a playne fophifme, arguing as they fay A non caufa fro caufa y that is, putting that for acaufc which indeed is no caufc. For wh3t manner of condufion is this? Thou gardeftand (landed: about Job and his family, and heapeft all thy blcflings vpon him : therefore lob tea* reth,loueth,andobcyeththce,not for thy fakc^but for his owne. Two other wayes alfo Satan here bewrayeth his difpofitionjbcing enfiamed with continuall envie, and cary- cd with a defire to doe mifchiefe. For whence come all thefc things,but becaufe he is now grieued with the profpc- rous eftate of lob, as in time paft he was at the happinefle of our firft parents ? And to what ende tend thefe pradifes^but tofhewchis malice in throwing downe lob from that : fclici- tie, which he enioyed ? And thefe things are daily and dili- gently to be thought ofj and confidered of vs, partly that wee the bettc r acquaint our felues with the nature an/icuia^ t litie of this our enemie, to the ende we may haueit in grea- ter deteftation, and partly that we more warily (hunne and avoydcthe fleightesof Sophifters, who are nothing clfe but the very mouth and tongue of the deuill, lying in wayte a- gainft the trueth, and againft our falvation. Befides we are here to weigh diligently what this lying fpirit faith, not that we arc to learne the trueth of the father of lye* (for it cari not be denyed but that they are true and excellent thinges which he docth vcterj but to rcfell him by the wordes of his owne mouth. For feeing that this fotilc fpirit doeth fometime fpeake the trueth, not as defirous to maine- tains the trueth, but to colour a lye withafayrefheweof trueth; he is not, no not then, when hee (peaketh that which is true, fimplie to be heard, but rather tohauehi9 mouth (topped, as our SauiourChriftdealtwithhim in the firft Chap, of Markc, and the 24. v. and)?8#/hkewife in the j 6. Chapter of the Ades, and the r8. verfc. Neither ought we at any time more carefully to ftopp e our cafes againft the voice of that charmer, then when he transfbrmeth bim- fetfs into an Angell of tight, z. Corinth; Chapter ti. verfc 14. Neuerthcleffc goc to, let vs learne this leflbn of him, againft i. CHAP. OF I OB. againfthimfelfe,whichthc tructh wrung from him rand Ice vsbeafhamedto be ignorant of that, which the Doctor of ignorance him felfe was conftrained to acknowledge; namely, that our felues, our life, and whatfocucr good thing we haue alreadie, or hope for hereafter, dependcth altogether vpon the power andgoodnefie of God.VVhich being fo, what greater or more certen madnefle can there be, then to drcame with the worlde and worldlings, that either that which wee haue may be kept, or that which wee haue not, and yet defire to haue, may be got- ten by euill and vnlawfull meanes ? And yet who amongeft a thoufande liueth otherwifc? Nowc if this heaucnly fence and fortification doe not properly belong to one man, but is common to all the godlie, the whole num- ber of whome maketh the Church, of which the Lorde witnefleth, that He will be a wall of fire rounde about ber^s it is in the 2. Chapter of the Prophet Zacbarie, and verfe 5, and in the 66. Chapter,and verfe 1 2. of the Prophet Efay\ antfhatn not onely promifed to garde her with an armie of Angels, Tfalme 34.7. but alfo hath (hewed it fenfibly to the eyes, i.Kjnges, Chapter 6. yerie 17. howe (hall we fay it commethtopafie,thatfofewc flie into the bofome of the Church, and of thofe r who would feemeheretofeeke re* fuge, fo many are in bodie conuerfant in the Church, but haue their mindes occupied in the middelt of rhe worlde? what can we fay clfe,but that they are giuenvptoa repro- bate fenfe f in fo much that they belceuc not their ownc confcienccwitneffingtothem that none are in fafetie but fuch as God pr oteð, and that God proteð not thofe, who giue their mindes tofalfe and wicked dealing,yca here- in they credite not Satan him felfe, to whofc will they are o- therwife wholly addicted. They will not hear e him in this place fpeaking the trueth, but they will hearc him yainely and falfely boafting thus, M thefe thinges will I gine thee, if thou wilt fall down* and worfbifpe me> Matthc we chap.4. vcrfe^.But goctp, let vs returnc thefe wordes of Satan Vpon him felfe. Thou acknowledged Satan, that all they which fcare GO D, are by God him felfe fortified on all fides wkh araoft ftfc and inexpugnable bulwarked What BEZA VPON THE What then gctteft thou by thy continual arfaulting it? Sure- ly thou docft nothing elfe but more and more worke thine ownc moft allured deftru&ion : but the Church which thou wouideft fo faine dc(troy,thou rather buildcft,as which, the more egerly thou affayleft it, the more couragioufly reft- fleth thee i finally,againft thy will thou helpeft to cleanfe it from filth and vncleannclTe, which thou fwcepeft out of Gods houfc, fo often as hegiueth theeleauetobreakc the hedge and to enter. For there musl be herefie^ that they which are approovedmay betyior*en> t.Cor.u.vcrfc 19. And againc, Thofe which goc out from the Saint es, being drawenfiorth by thee 9 were not of the Samts 9 tAohn 1.19. Thou bafl bleffed the mrty ofbis handes, and hit fab ft am e it increafed in the lande.) What mcane ye therefore all ye co- uetous, guilefull , and defirous of gaine? If no other rcf* peel can move you, yet at the lcaft giue crcdite vnto Sa- tan, which giueth you warning before hande. For if God doe blefle thofe men, which arc of a holy and vertu^us life ( whereof you (hall heare an ample and large difcourfe Be* neathin the 2?.andji. Chapters) it rouft needes be, that the wrath of God doeth moft certalnely hang ouer your heades,and that they which (owe iniquitie can rcape naught elfe but deftru&ion, as is (hewed in the 4. Chapter, verfe 8. & Proverbs 22.8. But is he,whofocuer he be who followeth lobs godlinefle and intcgritie, foblerfed as was/afr f furcly no : For beholde, that I may paffe ouer many others, Teter a nd Iohn had neither golie norfiliter, A Aes ? . rerfe 6 . and Vanl by liuing on the worke of his handes, learned by his owne experience what it was to ftandc in ncede, 2.Cor.xi.8. and when as the rich glutton had all things at will, poore Laza- rus full of fores was fay'ne to begge, finding more curtefie in the dogs tongues, then in the rich mans hands, Luke irf.ip. yea in this our Iob>ws hauc a notable example both of a moft poofe,and of a mdft rich man togither. What therfore, hath riot godiinetfe the promifes both of this and the other life? 1 .Timot.4. 8. Truely it hath. But we muft here efpecially ob- lerue two things : one is, that the proper and peculiar felicity of the godly, forafmuch as it is euerlafting and vnchaunge- ablcis not of any ftcc«ffitic placed either in this life, or any goods i. [CHAP. OF IOB. goods which hauc fellowihip & partaking therewith: which both the thing it felfe rcquircth,and holy Scripture teach eth cuery where. I he other thing is, that riches and all the com- modities of this life, albeit in this refpeft that they were cre- ated of God, they be good, notwithstanding forafmuch as they be efteemed and reckoned of, by die vfage, they arc things indifferent, that is, to them that vfc them wcl, good, but to them that vfe them not aright, euill and naught. A nd feeing that men of their ownc nature be prone, and are as it were, carved headlong into euill, how hard a thing it is in great abundance to keepe meafurc,euen to thofc them felues that art led by the fpirit of God,wc are fufficiently taught by the example of Solomon him felfe, the wifeft of all men that euer were.. Hereupon it foiloweth,that Goddoeth beft pro- uide for thofc which be his, when he giueth them the com- modities of this life fparinglie (Tor nature is consent with a litle, neither docth any mans life ftandc vpon fupcrfluous ri- ches Luk&i 1. 1 f.^and on the contrarie fide,that he neuer pu- fiimeth tnc couetous and wicked men more feuerelie, then V, when he giueth them fbmewhat more then they de&e/PfiL 73*7. The fame is to be iudgedof the contraric,that is.of po- iiertie & other calamities of this life, which as things Iprung vp by the finnc of man,do keepe their nature as often as they arc intiifted vpon the wickcd,that they may in the end be ca- ryed away as it were from thefe fuburbesof hell, to hell ic felfc : but on the contrarie part, they do alter and chaungc their nature,(bofccn as the Lord doeth by them, being vfed in meafiirc without all cxtremiue, keepe vnder thofe which be his, when they begin to waxc wanton; or trie them, that they may be better knowen both to therafelues andtoo- thersj or clfc vfeth them as fingular tcftimorucs of his glorie vnder the crofic, when as the waight of eternall gJoric doth infinitlie execede all the afflictions which we fuffer, 2. Cor. 4. . 17. But what meane thofc wordes, to b r ejfetbevor\eoflobs handi?ls it this,that Job had begun to worke of him felfe,and thatonelytheifrueofthcworkewasofGod/' notfo. For it is God that giueth both the handes and all power to worke, in what things foeuer it be, to his children, Vfal.9 0.17. yea and that oflys (peciall goodncfle: whereof wc hauc a finga- BEZA VPON THE lar example in Befeleel^Exod. J i .3 . But much more ought we to acknowledge this in thofe things which not onely are fu- f>ernatural& abouc nature, but alfo ('if fo be wee refpeel: or ooke inco the corruption of our nature ) againft nature. Of this fort cfpecially is regeneration by the fpirit,wheras eucry mans eifenceorbccing,commethofhis natural generation. Neither yens the operation of that innTument,which God vfeth,fo abo!i(hed,but is diftinguimed from that work,which is wholly Gods owne,i.#w.3. 9.8c 9.1. In this order therefore i s that to be vnderltood, which is here faid, that God blefled the workeof lobs hands . Out of which phrafe or forme of fpeakingwe alfo muftlearne this leflbn, that although the hand of God be not to be tyed to thofe fecondarie caufes, which he hath appointed,as if we were to doubt of Gods pro- mifes, when the fecod caufes faile,or at the lead wife are not feenof vs,albeit I fay thefe things be fo, yet he may worthily feem to defpife the benefits of god,or to tept god, which neg- lectcth thofe meanes and inftrumcnts,which he hath orday- ned and appointed. Wilt thou therefore haue notfcilhment neceflfarie for this life to begiuenvrito thcefthen labour ana takepaines according to the order of thy place and calling, For he that is ydle and worketh not, isvnworthie toeate> 2.. Thejf.$. 10. although the Lord preferued Mofes and Ettas fourtie daies without meat. Wilt thou in thy fickneflehauc thy health reftored ? vfet hen the help of Phificke if thou art able,onelie take heede of this, that after the example of *Afa> thou put not thy whole truft in Phi(itions,6r altogithcr relie on them, i.Cron.i6. rz. TvulicPaul although he im- braced and receiued the promife of God concerning him felfe and all that were with him, that they (hould not pe- ri(h by iTiipwracke,yet when the marriners thought to leaue the {hippe and to prouide for theit fafetic , vnleffe faith he ; thefe men rema'me fill in the [hippe , ye can notbefaued. Wilt thouobtainecuerlafting faluation ? why then beleeue,but this faith or beleefe commeth by the hearing of the word of God, Zto/K.io. 17. Finallie to make an end, that which is here fpoken of the worhg of Jobs handsjs not fo precifelic or ftric"tly to be taken,asif lob him felf had put his hands to the plough, or done fome fuch like thing,which is of no likeliehood to be true, i. CHAP. OF I OB. truc,buc according to the manner of the Hebrucs^ll trauell either of minde or bodie,or both, is tearmed by the name of handle worke. For he like a wife and godly houfholder had in Co wealthie and great a familiebufinefie ynough, wherein co exercife him felfeboth day and night: and what thofe things were,wherein both night & day he trauclled-himfelfe as a fufficient witneffe will hereafter declare Chap.i9.&3 r. V E R 5 E ii. ButftretcboutTWwethinebandejWhcreas' Satan here asketh nothing which God doeth not afterward graut vnto him , it is manifeft that the wil of God & Sata do here concurre & meet togethcr,but in as diuers a manner as light HirTcreth from darknes. For that which Satan willeth and defireth, he doth it with a moft wicked & diuelifh mind &will,both againft J^whofedellruftiohefeeketh,& againfl God,hoping that lob by his prouocation woulde blafphemc his Creator.But that which God decreed from eternirieand now wil put in execurion,it pertaineth partly to his own glo- ry, as beting elpecially glorified in the conftancie of his fer- \iants,partlyitmakethtothegood of lot?, forafmuch as tri- bulation bnngcth forth patience, patiece experienc expe- rience hope,#0/».?.?.& laft ofall itlaieth forth to the view of the whole Church,a notable paterne of patience, & an hap- py iflue of a moft grieuous teptation,whercby the church of God may be inftruc"ted euen to the end of the world,as lam, teacheth,cap.4.to. God therfore is not the author of finne, although he be faid not fimplie to fuffer or pcrmit,but eue of his own wil & purpofe to worke by an euil infhumenr, which vnles we acknowledge,where fliall we lay the foudatio of our comfort in tribulation? & how fhall that faying otVcter flad, that the wil of God isfojbat vefhoiddfufferfor welldoing* i .Vet. 3 . i7.But this certenly is true, that the euil wil of an euill in- ftrument comethnot of God, but proceedeth wholly fro the yoluntarie motion of the wicked, which notwithftading God direð to his right end/etching light eue out of darknes, as it appeareth by Satans wordes. For God putteth not thefc things in his mindjwt he is his own prompter, through that old cankred malice which is in him ; and yet in this cafe one & the fame maner of dealing is not always feene. For in this place where it is handled of afflicting the godly, Satan firftmovcth the matter, and docth as it were enforce God, E. z. But BEZA VPON THE But in another place,where queft ion is of punifhing the wic- kcd,as namely in the i.Kjng.iz. 19. the Lord him felfc fpea- kcth firft^Jto/aith hcjhall entife Ahab that he may go &fall at Ramoth Gilcad?(o that it can not be denied, but that euill wils alib,a re rightly & iiiftly fct on by God to do this or that thing,asS.^«g///Zi«eexpreriyteachethinmanyplaces,butef. pccially inhis3.bookc againft J#/ww,cap.f. But why did not .Satan rather fay,fend forth me ,then ftreuhfoortb thine hand ? Verely becaufe he was enforced to confeffe that not onely he can not do any thing,cxccpt god giue him lcaue/out that nJfb all his pra&ilcs & endevours will altogether be vaine & to no purpofc.exccpt God do make them forcible and effec- tuall.-whereupon it came to pafTe that in that vifion, whereof 1 fpakc a litle before,the Lord faid, Thou fhalt entife him> and fljalt alCopreuatte. But what doth he call the hand of the Lord when he fo\th,ftretcb firth thine hand? truly,hc meancth him felfe. Is thcrfore the hand of Satan the hand of God?yea ve- rely,but not as it being euill moovcth it fclfc euillycfii com- mitteth (b many hainous fades againft lob and his Yamilic,* but as God vfeth it well,finning and offending as it doeth, that he might triumph in the patience of his fcruanr. In which fenfealfo he plainly callcth thcAflyrians the rod of his furic in chaftifing his peoplc,£/iy 4$ Jeremy a o. And touch all that he hath) From whence commeth this (b grcatandearneftdefire of doing mifchiefe? trucly firft and elpcciallyfrom that great and inrollerable malicioufneffc of that moft vncleane and cruell fpirit, who,if it were pofsible, andifhc werenotby God held in hard as it were with bittc & brid!e,would not fpare any creature. Secondly from that, that Satan hauing tryedthe flrength and courage of Job a thoufand times before in other temptations, defpaircd now of getting the vicloric ouer him by any loffc or grcevance, vnlefTc he were wounded by fuch a blovve, as (hould leaue him nothing in his familie: which that hefuf- pc&cd not lightly or without a cau(c,this one thing (heweth cuidently,that neither by this way could lob bevanquifhed. Vnleflehebleffethee to thy face.) Thacis,curfe thee, by an Antiphrafis, thztis to hy, a figure declaring the cleane con- contrary, as I {hewed aboue in this chap. verf. J. but there is CO i # CHAP. OF IOB. tobevnderftoodinfuchphrafesasthisis, according to the vfc of the Hebrue tongue,an imprecation 3 fomet mes exprel- fcd t asfiandfotbeLordcdoevntome: and fomerimes for comlinesoffpeachfake.prctcrmitted. But in this place Sara could wi(h vnto himfelfc no ftrange or nevve curfe,bcing al- together by him fclfe in all refpedes execrable. But abouc all the reft vvc arc here to enquire what that is, that Satan dareth fo prefumptuouily & confidently promise to him feJf concerning / not Co much as euer heard of. But in a worde, by ho we many the more, and by howe much the fitter inftru- ments Satan vfed, to throw lob headelonginto this hor- rible downcfall, and gaping goulfe of deftru&ion, (b much the more excellent is l0&rvi&ory,which he atchicved by the helpe of Gods fpirite; albeit fomewhat he feemed nowc and then a litie to dagger ; and fo much the more famous exam- ple we haue of the mcrcie and eoodnefTe of God,who neuer forfaketh thofe that are his faithfull feruants. ^ VERSE 12. Then the Lorde faidvnto Satan>loe,all that he hath kin thine hand.&c.l Therefore none of Jobs goods were in the power of Sata,before this graunt which the Lord madehim:which thing is focertainely true in the reft of the Saintes of God, that cuen all the haires of their heades be numbred, as our Sauiour Chrift tcacheth vsin the Gofpell of Luke 12. verfe 7. Yea he may not doe what him li- fteth, notfo much as againftthe wicked ones them felues, whole Prince notwithftanding he is faid to be, he may not 1 fay, worke his pleafure or will as to him (hall feeme beft, on them, no not although he be fayde to Ieade them captiues at his owne will, 2. Tim. Chap. v. 16. For God fuffereth with longpatience the vefteh of wrath prepared to deftruclion , Romanes Chapter9.i2. Butfhall we fay that God would pleafure or gratifie Satan, when he made this graunt vnto him ? No, god forbid.For what could be more vniu(r,then to deliucr vp his truftie and faithfull feruant into the hands of his deadly cnemieto be tormented of him ? therefore God permitting this to Satan, to fpeake properly, he gaue him nothing, but rather made him an inftrument of his owne fhame and infa- raicjwhenhegauehimyptobeyancjuiftied and ouercome by i. CHAP. OF I OB. by Iob:buz vnto his feruant he euen then prepared a notable, Sc a victorious triumphe.Finally we muft here learnc and knowethis one thing, that although God doe fpeake vndc- finitely, as it were giuing Satan power to determine wh&c he would otfobs goods, yet that Satan could neither deter- mine nor execute any thing, but that which God had de- creed; all feconde caufes together with their erFe&es, by a certaine hidden and fecret operation, being obedient vnro the will of God and his decree, without any exception; which thing can not be denyed, but the fpeciall prouidencc of God in euery particular thing muft wirhall be denied, which without finne and manifeft impietic can not be done. For that there is a particular, yea and a mod Angular & Spe- cial prouidence, is apparant by that,that not fo much as the fuccefle of hunting is exempted from it, Gtf/.chap. 17. v. 27- nor the falling of fparroweson the gcounde, Mat then 10.29. yea not Co much as a bough of a tree that is hewen, Deutcro- • nmi&ip.vciic 1 ?. And tell me I pray you, vnlefle the cafe floods thus,what (houlde be done vnco vs, yea to the whole worlde euery moment, if it were abfolutely fubieft to the ty- rannic of Satan. Onelyvpon him Jiljhflj alt thou not JJretch fiorth thine bande] Here we fee howe that God in trying and exercifing thofc that be his, doeth alwayes keepeagood meafure. For he knoweth our ftrength bceing indeede the authour of it him felfe, abouc the which he will neuer fuflfer vs to bee tempted. 1 herefore albeit he had decreed to deliuer vp lob into the handes of Satan, his life onely excepted, yet he graunted him as it were a truce to prepare and ftreng- then him felfe, that beeing conquerour in the firfl en- counter, he might come the readier, and become the more willing to fuftaine the feconde conflict. So in times paft when he woulde frame his Apoftlesin lerufalem by little and litle to fuffer euery extremitic, he did in the begin- ning fofarre keepe vnder the rage of his aduerfaries, that they durft doe nothing at all againft the Apoftles, A&es Chap.i.verfe43. afterwards he hcenfed them to draw them into prifon,but on this condition,that beyond threats,&mc- nages they au r ayednothing,^/.4.i S. being thus confirmed, £. 4. he BEZA VPON THE he laved them open to fcourgings, ^Atts 5.40. till at the length the matter came to flaughter,firftintheftoningof 5/^^aftervvardc in the murthering of J^Wi.Buthow few are there now a days,vvhich being touched but with one of the lead calamities which befel Ia^both fuddenly,& all as it were atone ciap^how few I fay be they,which will not ftrait- way crie out? O heauen, O earth,! am vndone, I am at my wits ende, what fhall I doe mifcrable wretch, whither (hal! I turne my felfe? The onely caufc hereof is this, that fomc there arc, whofe bellie is their god: fome hkewifc, who are not matters of their ownc goods,but their riches are ma- tters ouer them. But let vs contrariwifc learnc.Godhim felfc being the author of this letfon, not onely to diftinguifh, bur alfo to feuer our felues from thefe thinges which we pof- feffe, as often as it (hallieeme good to the will of God: nei- ther let vs thinkc our felues to be vndone, if thefe be taken from vs, yea and that all at one time, confidering that they are things altogether vainc and tranfitorie. And ivh&jraind we ougfit to be of, when we are brought to this paffe, letk not gricue vs to learne of holy /at hereafter in the 2i.verfc of this Chapter. So Satan departed from theprefence of the lor del That is,he immediatly betooke him felfe to that way, that by what means foeucr he could poflibly,he might fet vpon ro^, which diligence in cuil doing,howehappie were it if we could imi- tate in doing well .' but beholdc, whileft Chriftes enemies watch,and in the night fet them felues in readinefle to take him, his chiefc difciplcs doc not onely fnort and fleepe, but can not fo much as be awaked in the garden. But we are to learne here that this departing of Satan out of Gods pre* fence, is fo called figuratiucly according to the affection of man, when as nothing can be out of his fight, orbcabfent from him,which is euery where, and whofe eyes watch both ouer the righteous, and ouer the wicked, :P/i/.34.verf. 1^,17. VERSE 13. jindonadaywhen his finnes& his daugh- ters were eating and drinking wine in their eldcft brothers houfiH Now here it is declared vnto vs, what manner of one Satan (hewed him felfc to be, hauingrccciued power ouer all lobs goods and poffeffions * wherein wc are nrfi to obferue this, that i.CKAP. OF I OB. that it was not Satans purpofe or intent herein to obey the will of Godjbut that he was fet on with a defire only to hurt, or rather todefhoy lob. Whereby it is manifeft that there is 2 great difference betweene the feruiceof blcfled fpirits, as alio of thofe men which are godly indeede, by which they obey thecommaundements of God from their hearte, be- cause they loue hin^and are delighted with his t iufticc rcuea- led vnto them, f of which iuftice, his will is a perfite and all fufficient ruiej I fay there is a great differ ence betweene the feruice of thefe holy ones, and this counterfeit obedience of the deuils, which arifeth altogether from an envious hate of all good men, and an vnfatiablc defire and greedinefie to doe hurt and mifchiefe. For euery action is tobemeafured, not by the cucnt,but by the purpofe and cntent of the doer, as it is alfo rightly taught in the fchoolesof thepbilofo- phers. Letit be lawfull therefore for vs torfethis diftincri- on, that fome are called the feruantsof God a&iucly, and ^herefoior noweis done,or (hall hereafter be done, feeing that nothing can be done againft gods BEZA VPON THE gods will,or befides his knowledge, without either attributing imbecillitie vnto him,or cieane taking away his prouidence. And yet for all this God is not to be deemed the authour of euill by any ineanes>who alwaycs both rightly and iuftly de- creet]! and doeth cuery thing, yea euen then when he vfcth thofe inftruments which moouc them felues to euill purpo- fes. In another fignfication the will of God is or may be vn- derftoode in a more ftri& manner, - as he is fayde to will that which by it felfe is good, and agreeable to the nature of God him felfe, and therefore is commaunded of him: and likcwife to nill that which is euill in it felfe, repug- nant to the nature of G O D him felfe, and therefore by him forbidden; in which fenfe the La we of God is the fumme of this diuine will. But in which ofthefe two fignifications fo euer you take the will of God, whither in that which is more large and generall , or this which is more narrowe and particular ; that faying of the Prophet ftandeth faft, Tfalme f.iw/if. (which is euen by the veryc teftimonic of Tlato confirmed alfo and eftablilhed,) Thou art nof a God which loueU vvkigdncfie. But that alio is mofttrucasismanifeft by this example of fob, that God dccrceth euen thofe thinges which arc euill of their owne nature, and wherewith he is offended , but not as they are euill, but as it is good and expedient that there (hould be euill, by the which he docth at the length both iuftly punifh the wicked, and correcl; or trye the godly. But let vs returne to our purpofe. I fay therefore that the difpo- fition of thofe m oft impure and vnclcanc fpirites is heere fet foorth vnto vs in liuely and orient colours, that is to fay, their vnmcafurable greedie defire to deftroy men, which leaueth nothing vnafTayed , and woulde, vnleffe it were kept vndcr, and refrained mightilie by the pow- er of G O D, deftroy the whole worlde by a wonderfull Height they haue in the knowledge of mifchiefe, and inde- fatigable induftrie in committing thofe thinges which be euill, fo that Satan is not without his defert compared to an hungerftarued lyon, alwayes feeking whome he may de- uoure, as we read in the i .Epift. of the Apoftle Saint Peter, the fifth Chapter, and the eight vcrfc. Therefore he lea- ttcth x. CHAP. OF IOB. ueth not fo much as any oneparcellof/afo goods vn- touchcd, yea rather he fcattcreth and fpoylcth whatfo- cueris his, except thofe which he vfed as fittcft inftru- ments to afiayle lob, as firft his wife, then a fewc feruants, which were the meflengcrs of all his wofull tydingcs, beiidcsafeweof his houfhoulde, of whome he was moc- ked , as you mail heare him felfe hereafter complainc greeuouflie: and finallic his friendes which wereindeede his greateft foes , as who by their venemous fpeaches gavvled him euen to the very heart. Here alfo we may note his fubtiltie in obfcruing and watching his ftteit time, which was the day appointed to mirth and feafting, that lob might be ftrooken fo much the more fuddenly, and that not all at one blowe, but fucceftiuely, one mil- chiefe following after another, that the holy man might as it were dye fo manie fundric deathcs , as there were diucrs Troubles and crofles. Bcfides all this, that lob ► might* "perfwade him felfe, that all thefe thinges happe- ned not vnto him after the common condition of all flefli; but that he was a man as it were fingled out of God, to bee thus tormented by him as by a moft deadly cnemie, that through the extremitie of his griefe, and an- *guifh of his foulc, he might fall headlong into defpaire and open blafphemic. Satan vfeth no light kinde of dea- ling, onely by fending robbers to carric away his cattelL but he goeth more roundly to worke, and (haketh hca- uen and earth it felfe. To conclude, he differreth that bit- ter bereauing him of his children to the laft place, thin- king tohauefoundehim moft vnableto fuffer that blowe aboue the reft, being before wounded withfb many cala- mities and lofTes. Therefore we may not marvaile that lob in thefe vexations, being gricued and exafperated bc- fides with the moft vniuft andflaunderous allegations of his foolifh friendes, could not alwayes keepe that abfolutc mca- fure which heoughttohaue done. But let vs rather wonder at this,and make vfe of it to our felues,that he with fuch a vi» olentftreame ofmisfoi tune being caried as it were into the Very entrance of defperation, yet ftood faft vponthc truft of Godspowcr, whoncucr forfaketh thofc that be his; and that BEZA VPON THE that he did at the length carrjr away Co much the more excel- lent vi&orie & conqucft gotten oiier Satan &him fclfe by his inuinciblc conftancie, by how much the moreegcrliche was aflaulted on cuery fide. All which things concerning this our deadly encmie, are to that end fct before vsboth here and m many other places of the Scripture>not that we mould ycatd our felucs to the death, as beeing vnable to refill him, neither yet, that we (hould defpife and makefmall account of him, as if he wcare a weak and hartlcfle enemie:but that, ( knowing againft whome wewreftle, not againft ft c (hand b!ood,but againft fpiritual wickedncfles which arc in the hie places, and which arc not amiffe by the Apoftle called the Princes which rule in the aire, £^£22. &tf.i2. as it may in like manner out of this hiftorie be obferued^we fhould al- waies haue in a readines that fpirituall armour of God,wher~ by to defend our fclues againft all the force and pollicie of liich an enemie. And this we ought then moft of all to doc, when he feemcthto offer vs truce, defiring God that he • would endue vs with that heaucnlie conftancie.which may not fuffcrvs cither to be puffed vp with profperitic, or caft downe with aducrfitic. Finallie let vs be afliamed hcreof,that Satan is more diligent in doing mifchiefe, daily labouring to bring vs to definition, then wc arc carefull in the whole courfc of our life, to performe theducties of our vocation, andtokecpeoor fclues out of the daunger offodeadliean enemie. VERSE 14. There came a mejjinger vnto fob,and fad, The oxen were plowing and the ajjes were feeding at hand] That is on the right hand and on tnc left; namely, when we fat all quiet and wearc not farre off,neither did our herd dray in* to other mens grounds,when wc were diligent and intentiue about ourbufincflc, and looked for nothing lefle then that which happened. All which things arc to that end alleadged by this fcruant, that lob might pcrceiuc how all this loflc camenot through the negligence of his femants: but vyashy fome other meanes intended againft him. Which circum- ftance makcth this cafe the more lamentable. Now if Satan be (b nerc vs eucn themwhen wc arc moft watchful,& when we labour with our whole endeaucur and ftudic to difcharge that j. C H A P. OF I O B. that part of our duetic which the Lord hath laide rpen vs, what* I pray you, {hall become ofcUiTolutcandwrcrchlefTc pcrfbns?Letvs therefore moft (ufpect him when hcfecmeih to be fardeft from vs ; whereof we hauc a dolefull, but yet a very notable example in that excellent ApoilJc SaintT^r, whoeuen then denied his Lord^whcn he had fullie determi- ned ncucr to forfake him, Handing more vpon the confidtce of his owne ftrength, then acknowledging his weakencfTe, whereof he had becne forewarned. VERSE ij. *AndtbeSab*ameameviolentUe.andtook£ them: yea they bane flame the feruant* with the edgeoftbeferordc: But I one lie am efcaped alone to tell tbee^ Thefe Sabaans were a people of Arabia bordering vpon the lande of H«^to- wardes the South, fo called of Sbeba the nephew of KjthurOy Gen.ii. 5. of whomealfo mention is made, E?ecb.i7.z}. and not of Sheba thefonneof Chm^Cm.10.7, whofecuntrieis thought to haue becne Meroe in sAetbiopia not fane from ^Egypt,andthe Queenc whereof is mentioned3i.l1mg.10.! . * and Aitl.8.17. The people of Arabia hauc alwaies beene and are at this day infamous for violence and robberies, info much that Satan might eafilie prouoke and incite them to doc this outrage. What meanes Satan vfeth to drawe men vnto wickednefTc.wh ether he doth it onclie by outward obie&s,or by extraordinary virions and dreames in the nighc fcafon, or elfc byfbme fecret and hidden motion flirred vpinourmindes, Ilcauc to curious heades to be difcufled. Surclie, not without good caufe the Deuillisfaide to hauc cntred into the hart ofjudAS;znd there is great affinitie be- tweene thofe fpirits, and the fpirituall nature of our minde. But feeing it is apparant and cuident, how great the power of Satan is in leading andinforcingvstoallkindeofeuill, by what meanes fo cuer he creepeth into our bofemes, and feduceth vs, it bchoucth vs rather to laboure by all meanes to repulfc and driuc him frorovs, then to bufic ourfclues about fo difficult and ncedelefleaqueflion. Now whereas the Hebreves tell vs, that this meffengcr and the o- ther, of whome mention is made aftcrwarde, weare diucls fent and fuborned by Satan, it hath notfb much as any (ha- Jow of truth: and wc may iuftlic account it, amongft the fa- bles BEZA VPON THE bles of the Habbines. VERSE. \6. ^And whiles he was yet fpealyng, an 9* ther came , and [aide. The fire of God is fatten from the hex* uen y and hath bttrnt vp the fheepe and the feruants and dcuou- red than : but J onely am escaped alone to tell thee. ] Here Satan, the deadclie and profefled enemieof mankinde, doeth more and more bewraie both his greedie defireto doe mifchiefe , and alfo his fubtile wilineflc and craftie flights which he vfeth in hurting. For he ncucr thinketh he hath done hatme enough; his minde is neucrfatisfied; he maketh one wounde after an other, wiblie forefeeing this, that fo couragious a champion could not be brought vnder with one ftroke. Who feeth not that Satan hetem dealt very cunninglie , that he woundcth him not once for all, but giueth him one blowc after another, and that in fuch forte, that lob had no fpace to breath andrecouerhim felfe I Hence therefore let vs learne , that , although the Lorde fas the examples of all ages doe witneflc*) doeth mod comraonlic fo chaftife his children, whome he'heuer meaneth to cafte off, that he doeth not laie many afflicti- ons vpon them at the firft, or if he doe,it is to prepare them, beeing as yetnouefles, by light bickerings to beare out greater bruntes : and fufFereth with long patience the reprobate and fuch as are by iuft iudgement ordained to dcilruction, as the Apoftle teacheth vs, Rom. 9.11. not- withftanding I fay, wee may learne by this triall of lob y that God doeth not alwaiesdealeinthis manner. Let vs therefore arme our felues againft theworft. Butitbehoo- ueth them efpeciallie to confider this, who in many conflicts haue alreadie got the vpper hand of Satan. For fuch a one was this excellent man lob, who was then moft egerlie af- faulted, when he had oftentimes put Satan to the worfte, and had carried away diuerfe conqueftes and victories. Yet this {till remaineth mofte true, that GOD neuer fufFereth vs to be tempted aboue our ftrength, and fo to be vtterli$ ouerthrowne. It is good for all Chriftians here to learne, as they are much vnlike to this vncleane fpi- rite in other things , fo to be farre from all defirc or for- wardness to doe harme 3 lee them learne to bridle their an- i. CHAP. OF I OB. anger although they haueiuft caufeto be angrie; let them lcarne to be gentle, mecke, merciful!, and, following the example of our moftc bountifull Father, recompence e * uill with good. Moreouer this place (hewethvs, that thofc foule and impure fpirites are not without caufe called of the Apoftle, the princes of the ayrc: neither was it for nothing that the Grcekes and Latins were wont to at- tribute many epithits vnto their Jupiter , the prince and chiefc of the Deuills, as to terme him, The gathe- rer togither of the clovdes, the authour of tbundring ani lightning : and yet they are not able to moue any thing be it neuer fo finally either in heauen or in earth, vn- lcfle God giuc them leaue. But the Lorde, fb often as it plcafeth him, docth vfe them as inftrumentes to ftirre vp fuch tempeftes, and they, vntill fuch time as they be fente downe into the bottomlelTe pitte , bee- ing conucrfant in the ay re and other partes of the worlde, and taking greate delightc in the confufion # and diforder of all thmges, and efpeciallie in the de- struction and ouerthrowe of mankinde , beeing like- wife verie skilful! in all naturall caufes, which are requi- fitc to the cfFcfting of thefe and fuch like things, doe with greate willingneflc and fpeede atchieue fuch enterprises , as GOD docth either permitte , or eommaunde them to take in hande ; vfing alfb the meanes of witches and inchaunters of all fortes ro bring their purpofe to pafle. Concerning which thing, feeing it appeareth fo roanifeftlie as well by mani- foulde and mofle vndoubted teftimonies of the holie SCRIPTVRE, as alfo by the hiftories of all nations and in all ages, it may feemc marueilous and almofte incredible , that there fhould be founde a- araong Chriftians, and efpeciallie Magiftrates and Iudgcs, who are of opinion that thefe things are vainc and fay ned. Neither are they lefle to be reprehended, who where- as G O D doth by violent motions and rood fearefull fights in the ayre, warne vs of his iuft wrath conceiued againft vs, and thofe aduerfarie fpirits, haumg great power tho- rough GODS fufferancc to mooue and trouble all I thefe BEZA VPON THE thefc elements hang ouer our heades, doe thinke It a great point of courage and manhoode,notatallto fcare thunder and lightning, burcly nature it felfedoeth refute them, and common fenfe, yea and the expreflc authoriticof the holic Spirlte,cal!ingthundcrnot without caufc,the voice of God. Why Satan had this power giucn him, not onely to (hewc his cruelty in fl ay ing rhe brute beaftcs,but alio in deftroying thefc men being /o^feruants,we wil fhcwcf God willing) inthei8.vcrfe. VERSE 17. And Mies he was yet fpeatyng, mother c*me y and fade > The Chaldeans fet out three bandes y arid fell vpon the Camel* > aidhaue ta^en them y and hauefla'me theferuants with the edge of the fvordejbut J onely amefcaped alone to tell the.) Again:; lob hath no fpacc and lcafure giuenhim a to armc him felfe with patience againft thofc two former woundes which he hath recciued. And moreouer Satan doeth craf- tily proccede by degrecs,from fmaller calamities vnto grea- ter,andhc doeth alfo varicthe circumftances.tothccnd lob might thinke that he was ftrooken from heaucn^and that he ' was fet vpon on all fides, euen from cuery corner of* the earth.lt is manifeft that thefc Chaldeans were from the be- ginning,and euen nowe when thefe things were done, fas it appeareth by this place) a bafe and obfcurc pcople/ubicft to the ^IfiyriaiU) whome at the length they ouercamc and brought vnder their fubie&ion Thefe were alfo giuen to theft 3nd robbcrie, but they were as it appeareth, of grea- ter might and po wer then the Arabian ShebTbyfonnesand thy daughters veare eatingO* drinking wine m their eldeft brothers houfe, VERSE i?. Jnd behold, there came a great vindefiom beyond the wV.derm fie, and ftnote the fiver corners of the bohftyvhtchfillvpon the children jmd they axe dead, and J onefy am efcaped alone to tell thee. How and by what meanes Satan was able to raifc this trinde, namely, by Gods pcrmiflion and fufferancc, 1 haue (hewed a little before in the 1 6. verfe. This calamine was by fo much the more grieuous and doleful then the former, by how much chadren,are,cfpecially to godly parets,dearcr then al other thing* whatfoeuer. Therefore Satan refcrued this iniurie to the laft,that with this he mightbrcak the hart ©f /o£,and quite difpacch him, whom he had, as he thought before vtterlic difcouraged. And moreouer Satan here omitted no circumftancc at all in the atchieuing of this his curled enterprife,which might any way make this mifc- ry fcem greater & more grieuous. For it happened on a fud- den, cuen then, when they thought of nothing lefle then of their defrruftion. Neither did this befall them by any fuch chaunce.as is common & vfual amongft men,as if the houfe had bin ruinous & therefore like to fall, but as if Cod with his ownc hand had ouerthrowne it. And againe not one or two of his fonnes , but all were flayne with the fall of one •nd the fame houfe: neither doth Satan (pare his daughters, oranyofhislcruants,exceptonely one, who might carric thefc hcauie and dolefull tidings to his Matter. Ought we not then at all times and in all places diligentlie to ftandc vpon our watch.and to be readie prepared againft an enemy both fo mightie andfb fubtill? But here by the way three waightie queftions may bemoouedj thefirft,whethcr/(*; children and fcruants were to be accounted amongft thofc his goods^chesjandfubftancejwhich God put ouer kito the hands and power of Satan. Secondlie if this wearc fo,it may be asked with what right and iuftice, God, in this trial of Job, feemeth to make no better account of fo many men, then of bruit bcafies, forafmuch as here, both the one and the o- iher are flayac toother , without any difference. The F, u third BEZA VPON THE third qucftion is, what wc are to thmke of the faluation of Jobs children and feruants, bccing fo pitifullie deftroyed; vnto all which queftions, in order 1 make anfwcre after this .manner. Firffc therefore I fay, that Satan, althoughhebe a mod wicked cauilleranddeprauerof the truth to beguile men, for which caufe he was called Diabolus 3 yct did rightlie, and according to Gods meaning, vnderitand thofc wordes of his permiffion, Lo> all that he hathk m thine teafc other- wife God would neuer haue futferedhim, to haue donea- ny thing, though neuer fo little, without he had giuen him licence and authoritie to doe it. Moreouer by the common law and cuftome of al nations,it is euident,that feruants and children haue beene efteemed as parts of the goods & pof- feffions of their mafters and parentsjfo that mafters haue had authoritie of life and death oucr there feruants : the beginning whereof, as (hould ieeme, fprang from the cu- ftome of warre , in which it was lawfull cither to kill thofe which were vanquifhed, or to fpare their life vpon what condition foeuer it pleafcd the conquerour. Alfo fathers might fell their children, yea among the Romanes, three times one after another, as thelawes of their tenne tables doe teflifie: whereupon the forme of fetting children free had its beginning. And that caution which the Lord giueth Exod. zi. 7. doeth (hewe, that this was a vfuall thing among other nations alfo : in which place he doeth not abrogate that authoritie of parents in his people of the Icwes,but in the behoofe of the Hebrews children,which were lb fould, he onely in fbmc forte rcftrayneth the too greate power of Mafters oucr their feruants. And long after when this authority of mafters oucr their feruants & fathers ouer their children, had by diuerfe laws becne very much Ieflcned and brought to a kinde of moderation: Conflantine a Chriftian Emperour, gaue libcrtie to parents, in the time of extreme famine, to fell their children, but yet fo, that certcine con- ditions Ihould be agreed vpon, for the redeeming of them out of feruitude. Lw. 2. Cod* de Patrib.qui lib. diftraxertmt* Let this be graunted, will fome man Que, yet this fecmeth to be very hard dealing, and farre from that equitie and iultice which is in God* that he for the triallof one man, namelic i. CHAP. OF I OB. namelie/06, ihould giuc fo many men into the hands of Sa* tan togither with herdes of beaftes and cattell, to be flaine? in fo pittifull a manner , who otherwife are not charged with any faulte or offence by them committed: which thing furelie no man, vnleflehe were al togither fauadgc and had caftof all humanitie, would euer haue done. A- gainft this obiec"tion, letvsoppofe thcfetwomoftvnfalhble groundes , the one , that the mightie power of God the Creator, whereby he alone doeth rule all things which he hath made, is not contained within any boundes and li- mits, the other, that this will of God, by the which he de. crccth determineth, and ordayneth all thinges after his owne pleafure , doeth not depende vpon any other be- fide him felfe, and therefore is alwaies mofte righteous and iuft , forafmuch as this very power and will of his, is the rule and fquare of all things whatfoeuer, which arc rightlie decreed and done. For it can not pofliblie be, that anything of it felfe and in itsownenature,ihouldebe iuft, before that God will haue rtfo (for then God fhould beledde by the nature of things them fclues to decree any thing or not to decree it) but contrariwife all the decrees and counfels of God are iuft , becaufe they pleafe him. But men haue a rule prefcribed vnto them by the wordc of God, by the which they in their deliberations and couru cels, are to iudge and difcerne betwecne iuft and vniuft; which if they follow, then are they faide to iudge and to doe iuftlie, as alfo they are to be accounted vniuft, if neucr fo little either they exceede or come (hort thereof. Where- fore that faying, Stat proration voluntas, that is, my will and pleafure (haU flande fir reafonji it be attributed vnto men, is moft wicked & deteftable, yet it is very religiouflie afcribed rnto God.The caufe & reafbn of the counfells, decrees,and actions- of God is (bmctime manifeft, as namely, when he doth chafticc the finnes of thofe whomc he loucth for their good, or taketh vengeance of his enemies to their de- ft rudtion, fometime again it is hidden from vs,but it is neuer vniuft, and becaufe itpafleththe capacitie euen of the An- gells them felues, therefore it is alwaies to be referenced and adored! and neucr curioufly to be featched into^leaft we F. %. be BEZA VPON THE be overwhelmed with the glorie and maicftie thereof. Let ir therefore fuffice vs to know thus much, that almightic God might rightlic and iuftlie vfc at his owne plcafurc both the life of Jobs children, and alio of his feruants,toouer* come Satan by his owne crueltie, to declare his power to- githcr with his mercie in preferuing thofc whomc he loueth, to leau e an example to the Church of molt Angular patiecc; and finallie to make knowne the glorie of his owne name in this fo worthie a triumph and conqueft ouer Satan. The fame may be faidcof all thofe continuall conflicts vnder the croflTe, which although they were for the time moft bloo- die and crucll, yet they prooucd in the end moft glorious monuments of vidoric, of which Saint Teter writing in his firft epiftle and 3. Chapter, verfe 17. faith not, that the Church was without a caufeor againftthewillofGodfub- iccl to the furie of Satan & earthly tyrants; but, Jt is better t faith h e, (if the will of God befo) thatyefufferfvY well doting then fireuilldoeing. Like wife in the 44. Pfal. the Church of God greatly complaining of her miferablc condition in this life, & of the afflictions which (hec fuffereth, at the length brea- keth forth into thefe words, All this is come vpon vs,yet doe we not forget tbeejieither deals we julflycocerning thy couenant.Novt therefore concerning the faluation or deftru&ion of thefe, whome Satan in this fort flue, not without the xuft permifli- on of Godjthere is no caufe why we mould thinke,that God tooke the* out of the world in his wrath & indignation,& that they were as reprobates ordcined to eternal death. Charitie biddeth vs to cocciue better of the,& to perfwade our lelues, that God herin dealt very mercifully & louingly with them, cfpecially with frfa children, who had bin foholily & religi- oufly brought vp vnder fuch a father. God drowned the olde trorld for the infinite finnes of the men of that age,8.perfons oncly cxccpted,yet god forbid we mould fay or thinke that al they were condemned who periflied with the waters. Farre alfo be it from vs to thinke, that thofe threefcore & 3. thow- fand mcn,who were flain by the hand of God for the offence which David committed in numbring the people, were al pu- niihed with euerlafting dcftru&ion: or, that, fo often as the Lord doth reuenge the ft ubborncflc & rebejlio of the world with z. CHAP. OF IOB. With the fcourges of plague, peftilcnce, famine, or warres,all which die in this manncr,doc vttcrly perifh; or elfe that god docth in his wrath and furic fas impotent men are wont to doc Jftrike on cuery fide, and giue dcadlie woundes to them that are next at hand. VERSE 20. Then lob arofe, and rent )ns garment, and fbaued hi* head,&fcll down vpon theground>& bowed him f elfe.'] We haue heard hetherto, both what power God gauc Sa- tan oucr lob , and what Satan by the helpe of his minifters ' hath done againft fob. Now likewifelct vs hcare how fob bc- haued him felfc, and what a kindeof manhefhewedhim fclfc,hauing receiued fb many andfo grieuous woundes. Go to then,let vs firft fcucrallie confidcr and weigh thefc things: and afterward fee from what affeftion they did proceed.And firft of al it is faid that lob arofe, which word of the Hcbreves'is vfed, for the taking in hand & the addreffing our felues to begin any new worke:but here it is oppofed to that quietnes & tranquilitie wherein lob before was, whether he receiued thole moft fbrowful tidings ftanding,or fitting at home in his houfe. Asfor the tearing of the garmcnts,thc fhauingof the head & falling on the ground, all thefe were vfuall fignes of mourning in that countrie, which God did afterward mode- rate in his people, Lev.i9.17.8cD ent.i+j. Hereof alfb many things are fpoken in the 22. chap. otEcclef. Now that which is added in the laft place, to wit, that he boxed bim ft Ife, docth fhew, that this his falling to the ground, did not proceedc from any impatiencie, but contrariwife from a mind, which although it were full of fbrrowes, reucrently and religioufiy fubmitted it (elfe vnto the will of God, as lobs owne wordes, which afterwarde he vfcth, doc fufficiently prooue. For by that worde of falling vnto the grounde, which the Latins call Vrocidere, is meant not cueric inclination or bending of the bodie, but fuch as properlie be- longeth cyther to ciuill or religious worlhip. And thus much for the thinges them felues. Nowe let vs ftewc that thefc geftures in lob were not tokens of any irn- paciencic of minde, as fomc man may eafilic gather, but of moderate grcefc ioyned with a reucrcnt and re- ligious fcarc of GOD; and further let vs fhevre that F. 3. thefc BEZA VPON THE thcfe dartcs which Satan wich all his power thre we againft fob, were of this valiant champion not onely receiued with an invincible courage,vpon the impenetrable fliield of faith, butalfo turned backevpon Satan to bis no fmall dammage. Firft therefore let vs call to minde, that fob did not arifc at the firft fecondorthirde merlage, but hauing heard the three firft meflTengcrs wich a quiet & contented minde,ac the fourth meflage he rifeth vp, not as on altogether difcou- raged and amafcd, but as one raifedby thehandeofGod, and warned, as it were by fomc inwarde and heaucnlie motion, to ihewefoorth and make knowen his godlineflc and patience ; neither did he arife to this ende, that with a ftoutand (tubburnegefture of thebodic,he might withftand God, as is the manner of them, who obftinately ftriue with God, and druggie to ridde themfeluesoutof hishandes; but contrariwife, that thereby he might with greater low* linefle and humilitie, difpofe and frame him felfc to the wodhippe of God. Nowe, to gather into a briefefumme, and at once as it were to confider all thofe thinges which happened to fob > fas Cyprian doeth itverie notabliej who can but maruaile,that he which was fpoyled of his goods, bereft of all his children,which were fo many in number, and fo deare vnto him, beeing rich in fubftaunce, but much more riche in children, fo fucldenlie looting both the name of a Maftcr, and the name of a Father, that he, 1 faye,in fo iuft a caufe of forrowe and lamentation, did not in any of thefc refpe&cs, eyther offende againft God, or againft man, or againft him felfe/ Concerning which matter wee will fpcake more at large in the next verfe. Great is the forrowe which fob makethj not^ withftanding he is fb farre from finning in this, that if he had bene nothing mooued at all, he had deferued moft iuft reprehenflon. For who knovveth not that moft iuft complaint , which the Prophet feremie makcth Chap. f. verfe $. Thou fir ifes! them, but they ham not forrowed: thou haB confumedthem, but they haue refufed to receiue correction : they haue made their faces harder then a ftone> & haue refufed to veturne. VVhcthertherforewcbechaftifed forourfinne, or whether God doth lay his hand vpon ys for the triall of our faith, i. CHAP. OF I OB. faitb,yea,if we be afflicted when we doe well, i.Tet.i.io. let vs obey that faying of Saint "Peter in his i.Epiftlc and fifth Chapter, verf.6. Humble your felues vnder the migbtie horde of Codytbat be may exalt you in due time. The fame counfell James alfogiueth vs cha p. f.verf.n.fetting before vs this verie ex- ample of lob. Thereforethc StoicJ(es 9 condemning all affe- ctions in that their wife «wtf,who,as fa*™ in one place verie well faith, as yet was neuer foimde :hauc done great iniuric not onely to nature, but aifo to God the authour thereof. And Gregorie writing vpon this place very truely affirmeth, that lob m mournining and taking thcfe thinges hcauilie, was fo farre from doing amitTe,that he did all this according to the prefcriptof Gods Lawc,both inrefpectof thefirft and of the fecond Table,declaring both his loue towardes God, in that he rcfted vpon his will, and his fatherly affection to- wardes his children, togithcrwith a godly and louing care, which as a matter he had oucr his feruants. Therefore the doctripe of the Tcripatetic^es is much more true, who teach, that affections are ingrafted in vs by nature, without which men fboulde become itockes and ftones 3 fo that they will not haue affections quire taken away, but onely brought vnto a mediocritie . And thefe men alio hauc left vs manie excellent prcceptes , howe to rule and go- uerne our affections, and yetfb, as that all humane wife- dome is herein alfo diuers wayes vnperfitc. For neyther hauc they futficientlie knowen the chiefe naturall affe- ctions, neither yet rightlie made a difference betweene thofe which aie naturallie fettled invs, and thofe,which the corruption of nature hath brought in, being altoge- ther ignorant of the fountaine and original! of this e- uill, and much letfe knowing what remedie tovfe againft thefe vices, and by what meanes nature may bee refto- red to its former perfection and integritie. For onely the worde of God teacheth, and the Spiriteof G O D wor- keth thefe thinges in their heartes, who are no more vnder Smne> but vnder grace. /to.Chap. 6. yerf.r 4. Galat.czp. J.i 8-. Nowe the examples of holie men, which are left vnto vs,that we mayfollowe them, in lacop>fafepb y Dauid 3 leremte^ai manie others,doe ihew,that natural affections, F„ 4. efpeci- BEZA VPON THE cfpcciallie thofc affections of Ioue,mercic, and filch like, are not fimplie euill, but oncly fo farre as they fauour of the contagion of the ftefti.Hither wc muft refcrrc that faying of Paul, i.Cor.i i.2?. Which of you is offended, andlburnemt? And furely we mutt necdes make Chrift him felfe a (inner, fwhich God forbid any man mould thinkejif,to be touched with an inward feeling of compaffion,and to weepe ouer the dead,are to be accounted vices and difeafes of the minde; a doctrine more fit for Stoickes then for Chriftians.What the cuftome and manner was of the auncicnt Church, when as yet it was more pure, in folcmnizing the funerals of the Saintes and in mourning for the dead, it may appeare ouc of their owne writings.Concerning which thirig£bryfoftome hath written at la rge,and that very notably, though in fome poinces not purely ynough,in his Homilies vpon John 84. vp» on the EpifUe to the Theffalonians 6. Alfo in his 41. Homilie vpon the firft Epiftle to the Corinthians y lo\> (Kaith he^wept in deede, but no more then a father louing his children* and haui.ng a care of the being d ead, mould do. But we muft not followe this auncient father in making prayers for the dead, which thing is not oncly not confirmed by the worde of God, or by the pure Primitiue Church, but is alfo fuffici- ently confuted by the authoritic of the fathers them fclues, deliuering thofe things,to which no credence is to be giucn, and which fall to the grounde of their owne accorde. But hereof we (hall haue occafion to fpeake more, when we come to the third Chapter of this booke. V E R S E 2i. And hefaid,2va^rf came I out of my mo- then wembe andnakgdfhaU Ireturne thitber y the Lordgaue^and the Lordhath ta\m avay* blejfed be the name of the Lord. Now in thefe wordeswc may fee, whence proceeded, and to what ende tended that tearing of his garments, mauing of his head,and calling downe of him felfe vpon the ground,fure- lynotof impatiencic, and muchIefTeofdefpaire(asH0j0tf defcribeth MhiUes at the death of his fncndTatroclw vesr. ing himfelfe without al meafurejbut of a moft grievous fee* ling of the hand of God vpon him; yet with fuch moderate on and patiencie, that,notwithftanding the bewailing his fo great and fo fudden loffcs, he d wh not onely comfort him fejfc i. CKAP. OF I OB. felfewith the hope of a better life, as afterward he plainlic fliewcth eucn in the vcrie height and extrc mitie of his nai- leries, but alfo he kreaketh foorth intothankefgiuing: fo farre was he from accufing God of crueltie and vniuft dea- ling's Satan his aduerfaric hoped would come to pafTe. All which heauenly and wonderfull vertucs are particularlic, and by them fellies to be weighed and confidered of. For this ipeach of his ftandeth in fewe wordes, but thofe verie pithic and fignificant; albeit it is likely that lobs fpeach was by bim,who wrote this hiftory,rather thus comprifed in * (hort fummcthen fct downc wordc for wor dc, as by Job it was vttered. Andbefaid] He was not therefore fodifmayed/although hehadreceiued fomany jrieuous woundes, and fuftaincd fourc hard and bloodie aflaultesj chat he became as dumbe as a ftonc,hkc to that 2^taf mentioned 1Sam.1l.37* or as the Poets haue feigned ofl^jobe: neither yet was he turned into a mad dogge»as the faid Poets haue fabulouilie written of Hecuba; but cafting hisbodie vpon the ground,and letting his minde vpon God,forgetting as it were his prefent mife- ries,and that fudden change and alteration which had hap* pened,bcing fid of the faith and hope of another lifche be- gannc tovttcr moft godly andhcauenly fpeaches. To ccn- clude,euen then he became a Preacher, and a Btfkeppe in bis tvne faw/f getting foorth vnto all his houftiolde, Gods power vnfeparably vnited with his iuftice.although he was not able to fee the rcafbn thercofc This is the thing of all other, that 5a tan lead looked for. Tiatydcamjoutofmymothersvombe^ In this place firft of all we muft fpeake of nakedneflc, of which we findc two fortes in the Scripture : one, outwardeor external!, which conccrneth partly our bodie, and partly all other commodi- ties of this life. The other, inwarde, which betokencthan abfence or want of the true goods and graces of the minde. That lob meaneth notricre this Iatter,it is apparant by the whole courfe of this his fpeach, whereby we may gather, that he neuer was richer in the good giftesofthc minde, namely, in faith, in the hope of cternall life, in a true zeale •f Gods glorie, then when he was brought cocxtrccmepo- ucrtic, BEZA VPON. TH;E uertie and want of all other external! thinges. Therefore let vs nowe confider of the former kinde of nakedneiTe, whereof Mofis fpeakech thus fien.i.i^. And they were both tia- tyd,the man and his wifejtndrvere not afbamed. And no marvel, forafmuch as, till fuch time as finne entred into the worlde, there was nothing in any part of the workemanihippc of the worlde whereof we might be amanaed, efpecially in man, whofe moil excellent beautie and comehnefle, euen tho- rough all hisbodie and euery part thereof, from the toppe of his headrnto the fole of his foote , did commende the wifedome of his maker : neither was there as yet any fuch vntemperatenes of the elemepts,that they ftood in neede of appareil to couer them felues withall. Therefore thofc men are in a great errour, who thinkc that our firft parents frees, andfuch 10$, [he hath giuen diuers couerings, and as it were clothinges of their ovne : as namely, fhelles, tydes, bri- files, baire,ftatkers, fcales, fleeces; andhath alfo defended trees from coldeand heat e with a barfe, yea, and fometimes vitha double barfe : but man onely (he fendeth into the vror'de naked, and ajfoone as he is borne, casleth him ipon the baregounde. Thus much faith Vl'mie, who peraduenture might be par- doned, though he did not knowe the beginning of this cuill and the caufe thereof; if that the verie ignorance of this thing were not a punifhment iuftly layde vpon man- kinde : but herein he may not be pardoned, that, although hedoeth fet nature in the place of God, yet whereas fhe» whome he will hauc to be the maker of all thinges,cculde not cither hate or envie that workc, which was not yet begunne, or be foundc vnable in making any worke or creature; truely he ought to haue fufpec"led and gathe- red, that neither man, nor thofe things which were made for mans fake, did continue in that ftate, which they had in the beginning recciucd of their maker. And moreo- uer, whereas it is much better to hauc our choife of fo many remedies, which God hath of his free will giuen vn- to vs for the helping of our nakedncfie, from among fb many of his creatures, to whome hee hath giuen coue- rings for the vfe and benefittc of man, then to bee con- ftrayned whether we will or no, to be content with one couering; furely this nakednefie of ours, although finnc were the caufe thereof, doe th not make man more mife- rable then other creatures. Which thing the verie crea- tures them felues, if they were able to fpeake , wouldc moil manifefily declare, and woulde convince thefc prophane and wicked men of great impietie. But that wee may returne to fpecakc of Job, this is the fame kinde of naicdneUc which is meant in this place • but BEZA VPON THE but notwithftanding, it muft be taken in a more large figni- fication. For Jb^when as he faith, Naked came I &c. docth not oncly meane 9 vnapparelled and without garment came 1 out of my mothers wombe y but we muft vndcrftande by this worde (Na\ed) the lofle and want of all thofe goods, which lob pof- fcfling together With a good name and great rcputation,was the chief e man, and beft efteemed in all that countrie. But let vs confider what all men ("except a vcrie fewe) arc wont to doe, when as they fuftaine any fmall dammage, and fo /hall we the better perceiue,howe great this courage offob and valour was. T^akgd (faith he^ came lout of my mothers wombe: as though he (houlde fay, I fee that I am not fud- denly of a very rich man, become altogether a begger, butindeede I fee, that I am brought to fomepouertie and want: yea, thefe things which hauefbfuddenly happened vnto me from heauen, and not by the hande of man,doe threaten the taking away euen of thofe fewe thinges, which I haue left. But put cafe it mould fo come to pafTe; trolie this is no ftrange thing vnto me, but then rather thcLordemy maker did worke a ftraungc thing vpon me, when as he did couer me being borne naked into this worlde,and did after* warde heape vpon me fo many and lb great bleffings of this life. Nowe therefore fincc he, withdrawing thefe thinges from mc.doeth call me to my firft and olde eftatc wherein I was borne, why mould I be grieucdhereat,what(bcucr caufe hath mooued and prouoked him to doe it? Surely this is the condition of vs all, wherein wc arc borne : therefore it is good for me to be put in mindc thereof, Icaft that fo great plentie & abundance of all things,might make me to forget my mortalitie & the life to come, which is much better then this. Thus fpeakethjifr, not cxpoftulating the matter with God, nor defiling to bercftorcd to his former felicitie, nor regarding the remnant of his life which was bchinde; but ta- king thofe things which were paft in good part, and making vfe and profite of this fudden alteration and chaunge,yea,& as it were drawing light out of darkencfle it felfe.Thereforc very well faith one, that lob forgoing his wealth and fub- ftancc without griefe, did fufficiently ftievve that he did not pofleffethcmwidlthaUQUC! ftoguht which thefpirite of 6©d I. CHAP. OF IOB. Cod cuery where doeth dchorte vs in the holie Scripture* TiakfdfhaMJreturne thither^ What (hall he rcturnc into Jiis mothers wombe ? Nofurelie: vnlefle peraduenture wc fay that lob by the name of mother vnderftandeth the Earth, which is called of prophanc writers ^Magnamater^ that isfiur peat mother in refpeft of our firft creation, which was out of the earth. But it is better to vfe this wordc (thither) not as hauing refpecl: to any wordc before exprefled, but to fomc other already fufficicntly knowen ; as Mercer well noteth the like manner of fpeach in that place of Ecchfiafies* czp.$. verfa 7. There the Lorde (hall fudge all things. There , that is, in the loft iudgementyOr intbelaHage\ neither of which was ex- prefled in the wordes going before. So that here this wordc (V&rfor^Ggnificthasmuchas tothegraue: according to that which the Lord fpeakcth,Ge;i. $.verf.i 9. r Duft thou attend to duH (halt thou retorwe.Hereupon faith the Preacher, Ecclefi- tftes f .14. Ashe tame firth of his mothers beltie, be fhailreturne flawed y to goe as he came. And S.*py the great and mightie power of his worde : yet not- withftanding, % BEZA V.PON THE vy khUanding he hath made and ordeined caufcs, fuch and fo many as he thought good; whofe meanes he doeth vfe* not of anie ncceflitie fas the Stokkgs haue fondly dreamed? but moft freely, to cffeft whatfbeuer he will, cuen whenfoc- uer, and howfbeuer it plcafcth him fclfe. i. The inftruments and mearics which God doeth vfc, be threcfolde. For fome of them be altogether fajfiue, thac is, of them felues they can not mooue them felues, nor doe any thing, vnleffe they be mooued either immediately of God, or clfe of fome other fecondarie caufcs; and of this kinde,be all creatures which are without life. There areo. thcr things which are mooued outwardly, but fo, that they them felues doe moouc alfo, by a certaine naturall appetite, being guided and directed by no vndcrftanding or reafon; and therefore they can not properly be faid either to doc well or yll. Of this forte arc allbruitc beaftcs,in which there are diucrs degrees of motions » not needefull nowe to bee fpoken of. Otheryec arc Co outwardly mooued,that they be- ing endued with vnderftanding and rea(bn,haue fome parts of their owne in working, whereby they doe effect fome workc, which may cruely and properly be called their owne. I . All thefe laft kinde of inftruments, to wittc, Angells and men, haue bene good, and euerie one of them were fo made from the beginning. Neuerthelcfle, this goodncflein chem was fubied to chaunge and alteration; forafmuch as God onely is abfolutcly and alwayes good,without any mu- nition or chaunge. 4. Hereupon it came to pafle, (and that not without the decree of God,alwayes doing iuftly, who then did open the way to declare and (heevvc foorth,both his iuft feuerity, which (houldenfuc, and alfo his moft bountifull mercie in Chrift) hereupon,I fay,it came to paffe,that part of the An- gels, and all mankinde in Adam did fall, and that through their owne free will and inward motion. f . That fall did neither quite deftroy the nature of the Angels,nor yet of mankinde,but did onely depraue and cor- rupt it : yet fo, that their whole will and inward motion con- tinuing in that ftatc wherein it is no we, can notmooveand applie it fclfc to doc any thing but finfujly: and therefore ic <*9 i. CHAP. OF IOB. it can doe nothing, which may iuftly be accounted goodjbuc all whatfoeuer it doeth,is al way finfull and wicked. 6. This euill in thofe wicked Angels, God hath not as yet taken away, nor yet eucr will, as the holic fcripture tea- chethvs. But he hath* and doeth, and will more and more correct and amende it in thofe, whomc,through his infinite mercie, he hath chofen out of all mankinde, and whome he hath predeftinatc to faluation in Chrift and through Chrift; who hauing their mindes enlightened, and their will eflfeftuallie fanftificd by the holy Ghoft, as God worketh by them rightly, fo doe they alfo well and rightly mooue them fclucs- in fo much that both the workc of God moouing them, and the worke of them moouing them felucs, not ac- cording to the flcih but according to the fpiritc, is good and ftlft. 7. But that we. may make a difference betweenethe kift worke of God, wrought by thofe inftrudocnts which alfo mooue them felues,and that other worke or a&on,whcthcr good or euill of the inftruments them felues, in like manner moouing them felues ; the auncient fathers haue taught vs to difhnguifh Gods Jffivn from hhTtrmtJJkn: which di- ftinftion is as true andneceffarie if it be rightly vnderftood and accordingto their meaning, as itisfaife andlitleleffc then blafphemous,as it is abufed of the Sophiflers. 8. For they, who fearing leaft God {hould be made the authour of finne, doe feparate his permiflion from his will, by which all things,withouc exception,are that which they are : and who holde vs in hand, that thofe things which are wickedly done by euill and finnefull inftruments, are onely fore feene,and not decreed, they I fay, do firft of all very vn- wifely confound the workes of God,which are alwayes iuft, what inftruments foeuer hevfe, with the worke of thein- flruments, which doe not well and rightly mooue them felues. Againe they exempt the farre greateftpart of the thingei which are done in this worldc, from the decree and ordinance of God. feeing they are infinitely more,which are done illjthen which are done well; and fo they (hut vp into a very narrowe roome that power of God,by which he w or- kcthajidgcHierncthallthinges, andvpon which not onely G. ihc BEZA VPON THE the eucnt and iflue of euery thing,but euen the things them felues,togither with all their actions doe depend. Moreoucr they depnue the godly, being airlifted by Satan and his in- ftrumencs, of a moil lingular comfort, whereby we arc per- fuaded out of the Scriptures,that Satan and bis minifters are not able to take in hande>much lefTc to do any thing againft vs, vnlclle the Lorde both be willing and haue decreed the fame, Laftly, I fay it is manifett impietie, to thinkc that any thing, though neuerfofmall and contemptible, hath euer bene,or hereafter (hall come to paffe, which God (being al- wayes moit per fitly good and mlt, who alio is ignorant of nothing, who workcth all in all, and againft whofe will no- thing can be done ) hath not freely and of his ownc will de- creed from all etcrnitie. 9. Therefore as touching God him felfeand his proper or peculiar worke, he alwayes luftly willeth, decrceth, wor- keth whatfoeuer he doeth in this worlde, by whomfoeuer, wbenfoeuer,and howfoeuer he doe it : that is, whatfoeuer is done, or whatfoeuer commcth topafle in this worlde both in generall and in particular. Now in refped of the middle internments which are alio mooued of them felues, albeit alwayes he well and rightly mooue andvfe them, yet pro. pcrly is he faid to worke in good inftruments, that is to fay, which rightly mooue them felues, as namely in the good Ipirkcs, and in his regenerate : creating in them good mo. tions,which he afterwardecheriðand bringeth to good effect; fb that the whole glorie of that good worke which « wrought by thefe liucly and moouing inftruments, is to bee giuentoGodas the principall caufeand authour thereof. But as touching euill inftruments, and fuch as doe not well and rightly mooue them felues, namely the deuils and all thofe who are not regenerate,yea, the very regenerate them felues fo farrc as the flefti finncth in them ;God is not faid to worke in them,as who putteth not into them any inclinati- on and will to doc wickedly; but onely not reftraining that corruption which naturally he findeth in them,he fuffereth and giueth themleauc to mooue them felues and to doe ac- cording to their euill andnoughtie difpofition.AndyetGod a] waves vfeth well and to good and iuft purpofes thefe euill and i. CHAP. OF I OB. and finnefull inftruments, either as a moft iuft Judge fctting the wicked together by the eares,to workc one another* de- ftradion; or as a louing Father chafteninghis children euen by the hand of thofe wicked one^and fomenmes exercifing them as he thinketh beft, for his owne glorie and their proritc. All which things to denie, were uSamelefTe and incorri- gible impudencie 3 fuch as is rcprooued by the verie naturall knowledge of God, and conuinced almoft by eueryline in the* bible, and diligently confuted by Jugufline, and that of Jet purpofe in diuers of his writings, butefpeciallyinrris $> bookeagainft/«i/tf>i,cap.^. Now then, ail this which hath benefpokeu being vndoubtedly true, vvc can not be igno- rant wha: we are to iudge&thinke concerning this mat- ter. Notwithftanding learfl any man findc faulr,that all thefc groundes are taken front humane reafbn, and not from the words of God,let him anfwere me,whethcrGod himfclfc may not properly and without blafphcraie be faid, to haue fcntjojepb inco JEg > vpxfien.tf. to haue raifed v\>Pharao, vp- ori vvhome hardening his owne heart, he might fhewe his power,£ W-4.11.to haue giuen Daulds vviues to his fonnc Abfilom,i.Sam.ii)i i. to haue moouctl'Dauids heart to num- ber the people, z£am. 24.1. to haue bidden Sblmei tocurfc VauidyZjam. 1 6 a o. So the Lord callcth the M cdts and Tcr- j54«jhisfanftified,& the inftruments of his wraih,E/i? io.y, and 13.^. And the King of Babylon is compared to an axe, and to afive^Efay 10.15. In like manner the rebelling and falling away of the ten tribes from Reboboam, the Lord cal- led! his owne vvorke, iXhrmuii.^ So likcvvtfe the godly areaffli&ed by the will andforeappointmentofGod. And that we may not forget the moft excellent workc of all others, namely, marts redemption, that moft auncient, true, and Apoftolicke Church, not vttering any blafphe- mte, but fpcaking as it was mooued by thcholieGhoft, with one accotde crycthout,that Herode andVonim \Vilate with the Gentiles & people of 1 ft ael gathered them [dues together, to do v-ihatfoeuer the hand & comjell of God had determined be- fore tobedme.fy which tcftimonics,with infinit others,both that oppofirio & c&traricty betwenc gods permiflion & his wi/, G. z. betvveene BEZA VPON THE bctwccnc his decree and his Aftion, is confuted : and alfo the workes of God which are alwayes mod righteous and iuft, are tnicly difcerncd from the euill workes of naughtic and finnefull inftruments. Nowe,that God punifheth firnie with finnc,and that as a mod iuft ludgc by his rood erYc&u- all will and power (in which fenfe Jugufiine very well faitlyh at although euill is alwayes euill, yet it is good there fhould be euill, which God may afterward iuftly puni(h and reuengcj that God, I fay, punifheth one finne with ano- thcr, it is manifefr,!2^fow.9.37. where God is faidtogiuc wicked Kings for the finncs of the people : and in the 34. Chap;ofthisbookeverf.3o. to let the hipocritc raignc : to mingle the fpirite of errour^y^ 19.14. to harden the heart, and to make itobftinatc, toblindc the eyes, to make dftin- ken with the wine of giddinefTe, Exod 4.6.1 0.1 1 .1 4. Veut.z. *9,jfofu.\ i.2o.and i.Sam.i.z<>.& 1 Chron.zi.j.bL'PfaUoiA ?. In hke manner God punifheth the contempt of hismaieftie . giuing menouer into a reprobate fenfe, 'Rom. 1.18. fending ftrong delufjons that they mould beleeue ly cs, 1. Thejf.z.i 1. £^£.14.19. and alfo fending euill ipirites with a charge to hurt,and an erre&uall pbwerto deceiue, i.Xjng.iz.n. &*. Chrox.i2.2i. Finally, that we may at the length rcrurnc to Jobydid God cither as being vnwilling, or as one fitting full and doing nothing, thus anfwere Satan going about and in- tending to doe wickedneflc and mifchiefe, L oe.afl that he hath is in in thine hand? Doeth Job blariphemc, in that he at cribcth thofe thinges to God, which were wickedly done a- gainft him by Satan, by the Sabaans and £a!d\eans f or doeth he rather, raifing him felfe higher from thefe inftruments vnto God him felfe, acknowledge that there was no power in them as of them fclues to doc him any harme, and hereby alfo make a great difference betweene theworkeofGod, hi which he altogether refteth contented, albeit he couldc not fee any caufe or reafbn thereof, and the a&ion of Satan and his inftruments? But of this matter there necdeth no morctobefpoken. Before wc proccede to that which folIoweth,in this place we mull dilTdlue one doubt, which is of no fmal importance. The Lord (Taith lob) hcuh^nm and the Lord hath talpnaway. i. CHAP. OF I OB. What therefore is God mutable, his mindc beeing chaun- ged,as itcommonlie falleth out with mcn,whether for grea- ter or lighter caufes towardes their moil efpecial friendes ? Verily there is no change or alteration in Gods will, and therefore thefe and like fpeeches in the Scripture, are vn- proper and fpoken onely in refemblance of thofc affeftions which are in man. And although men both fee and feelc fearefull alterations,as well publique as priuate,which hap- pen through their owne fault, and becaufc they abufe Gods patience and long fuflTcring: yet we muft notin any wife thinke that there is any chaunge and mutabiliticjthough it be neuer fo fmall,in the will or in the decrees of God,but ra- ther that what things focuer arc changed ('and furely there is nothing vnder the heauen conftant & durable, as the wife man teacheth)arc therefore changcd,bccaufc God hath im- moueably and from all eternitie decreed that they mould be chaunged,when and how it pleafeth hira.Therefore fo farre isicthar God by changing other thinges is him fclfe chaun- ged.that quite contrary he might iuftly be efteemed vncon- ftant & mutab!e,vnlefle thofe things were indeedc changed, whereof the eternal & immutable decree of Goe is, that they fhould not alwayes continue in one & the fame ft arc. No wc therefore God only in him felfe & of him felfe is limply and altogether vnchangeable : as for thofe bleflcd Angels which kept their firft eftate and left not their owne habitation, al- beit they are immutable, yet they hauc not this by nature, but by the gift &ble(fingof God,beingby his power and ver- tuc continuallje preferucd and vpholden, that they may not fall. In like manner that immutabilitie of the eleft in the life to co me, we muft acknowledge that it is wholly from God, whonie it plcaieth,to giue them the fruition of cternall hap- pinefle, which through hope was onely begunne in them in this life. But this worlde with all thinges therein con- tended h turned vp and downe, and chaunged almoft eue- ry minute, as in Eeclefi*ffts\t\s&\ko\\Tk& at large. But of thofe thinges which are in this forte fubicd to alteration and chaunge, there isamanifolde difference. Forfbmeof them are fo chaunged, that neuertheleffe they (till rcmainc whole and fouiyje: as namely, the heauens and the ele- G. 3. ments BEZA VPON THE ments, which at the day of iudgement (hall onely be renew- ed: concerning which matter We muft notwithstanding nidge foberlie, and take hecde that we rove not boyondc the bonndes and precin&es of Gods worde. Other there are which vtterlic perifti, and (hall neuer be reftored ; fuch are all Angular thinges of all kindes,which doe here ask were by courier one after another rife and fall,growe vp and decay, as it pleafeth God to difpofe of them, and (hall at that day which God hath appointed, vtterly be aboli(hed: I except man,whofc foule as touching its fubftance, can not by death be diflblucd: yet the good qualitie or dhpofition thercofis by originall finne chaunged, corrupted and defa- ced : the bodic for a time death dilfolueth,which (hall after- ward either put on bleffed immortalitie, or elfe rernaine in hell torments for cuer & eucr.That which 1 faidof the world and all worldly things, is alfo to be vnderftood of all world- ly gouemmenr,and of al other things,which belong only to this life. Forhowe and to what ende (hould thefe continue, the whole courfe and periods of the worlde, together with this earthly life, being fully complete and ended. But the fpirituall and EccleliaslkaU gouernment of that fa- cred fellowfhippe and focietie of the- true wor(hippcrs of God,is not to be accounted in the number ofthefe worldly thinges which 1 fpake of, and which I faid were not only vn- conftant,but altogether vainc and tranfitorie. Neuerthelcs this alfb is fubieel to marueilous alterations, though not of its owne nature,but by the hand and will of God, hereby ey- therproouinghis children, as we are taught P/z/44.18. or elfe by his iuft iudgements chaftifing them.Hence therefore it commeth to parfc, that thofe outward markes and tokens of this holy fellowfhip, although they be alwayes inherent in the nature of the true Church, are notwithflanding at ibme time chaunged,interrupted,and broken off,in fo'much that they can not be feene and perceiued of men, but are onely feene and difcerncdofGod,iJ(itfg.T9.i8. Iudg.17.6. Our SauiourChrift foretolde that thefe things (houldcome to pafle in the latter dayes, into which we are fallen, Lu^ 1 8. 8. Hereof alfo Taul forewarned \s 9 i.TbeJf.i.}. 3cjfohn,ReueL 12.14. yetit is moft ccrtcn that fo long as this worldlafrcth, they i. CHAP. OF I OB. they canneucrvtterly be aboli(hccL For both experience & reafon do fufficiently prooue ic. Although the Church hath bene in the waues continually toffed to & fro, fo that often- times it fecmed to becjuitc ouerwhclmed, yet it hath rifen vp and (hall rife euen out of the roiddeft of the waues, be theyncuerfboutragious; being raifed as it were out of the bottomcof hellitfe]fe,by the hand of a mod mighty and mercifull Sauiour. Moreouer faith being defaced and quite taken away, it would neceflarilycometopafTe, that there fhould be no Church, that is, no kingdome of Chrift here vpon earth. Nowe faith commeth by hearing the vvorde preached, therefore fo Jong as theworldc ftandeth, there (ball be fome preaching more or lefle of the fauing worde. But this preaching is fometimes publicke, and to be feene of all thofe which will but open their eyes: fomeCHTies a- gaineit is rare and priuatc, either thorovve the negligence, or thorowc the vvickedneile of the Paftours, whereby ie commeth to paflc that the fpirite of errour preuaileth a- gainft'tbe trueth. Such a Church Samuel founde, i Sam.^.J. and Chrifl him felfe, A/^/b.9.36. But after that the number ofchc elect is fulfilled, and Ch rift fhall come in glorie and triumph, then doubtleffe all that fpirituall gouernment, be- ing ordained only for the gathering together of the Saints, fhall ceafe : for the Sonne hauing brought all things vndcr hisfubie&ion,(halldeliuervpthe kingdome to the Father, as the Apoftle rr.oft divinely tcachethji.^m/jrJki^.Nowe as touching thefe fpirituall and fupernatural! graces, of which the Apoftle fpeaketh, i.Cor.iz. fome of them arc onely to laftforatime,andfomcarcperpctualJ. And of this latter fort againc, fome onely continued to the endc of this life, and others are to continue for euer in thofe who are parta- kers of them. Thofe which are onely to laft for a feafbn. are fuchas are common to fome reprobates with the eled, as ic is mamfeft by the example ofBaUam^nd that faying, Matt. zz.i4.M0ny are called \but five are cbofen.ycz and thofe trucly arc not alwayes effectually called, whofe minifterie the Lord yfeth for a time to call his elect to the knowledge of falvatio. But all thole graces which the Lord beftowcth vpo thofe for the benefit of others,{haJl finally be withdrawen from them, G. 4. and BEZA VPON THE and they as reprobates and caftavvayes (hall eternally be condtnmcd,Mattb.7.*i. So the gift ofprophefie was taken from Saul, (ofudas the betrayer of Chrift,Iikc a vile wretch loft vene many excellent graces; many alfo fall away from the faith, 1 meane not any true and liuely faith, but fuch a faith ablaftcthonely for a time; and into thefemen,thedc- uill which went out of them, entreth with feuen worfe then him felfe, Mattb. i % 4?. So at this day the Church findeth no greater enemies, then thofc of whomethe Apoftlcfpca- keth,^#.Chap. 10.verf.z9, Yea in the godly veric manie times, when as they greeue the holy Spirite, thefc giftci fayle, and for a time fecrae as it were vtterly to be defaced and blotted out, as thatmoft lamentable example of D not as though their na« BEZA VPON TH'E ture were flitting and vnconftanr, but becaufe Call thofe thinges being no we finiihed and come to pafle, which the £k& in this life partly as being already paft, and partly as yet to come, bcleeucd and hoped for) there (hall then no longer be anyplace for Faith and Hope. But the \newlege of God, whereby, while we liue in this worlde, we knowe him onely in parte, (hall be made pcrfite in the worlde to come, when as wee (hall ftande in Gods prcfence, and fee him as it were face to face ; and Charitk> by which we Iouc God and our brethren in this life very coldely, by reafbn of that fight which is betweene the demand the Spiritc, mall af- ter a wonderfull manner, fuch as no tongue is able to ex* prcfle, vnite and ioyne vs with God and his bleffed Saintes, i.C0ri«f/.;.i3.verf.8,9,&c.and then (hall that prayer ofChrift take fuH effect, which he made euen then, when hee pre- pared him felfe to vndertake the death for our fakes, and which is recorded, loh. Chap. 17. verHz 1.23. &c. And con- cerning this poynt let itfuffice to hauefpoken thus much, both againft the daungerous errours of thofe men, who not content, in fteade of the Church beeing a pure vir- gine, to prcfent vs with a payntcd harlot, and abufing that faying, that the Church can neuer perime or bee aboliftied, woulde holde vs in hande, that that counter- feyte vizarde of theirs, is, and alwayes (hall be the true face of the Churchy herein deceiving them felues and others: and alio of them, who moft falfely teach that the holic Spirite and alfo true faith may often times not onely for a time bee hidden and lye as it were (mo- thered, but euen bee quite loft, and vtterlie extingui- (hed; thereby oucrthrowing that true and fure founda- tion of our Faith and Hope y by which wee are vpholden in moft greeuous temptations. Novve therefore to rc- turne to our Job, feeing as it appeareth by the wordes immediately following, he vttered thefc thinges beeing full of faith and hope, as whofc minde was whollic bent to praife and glorifie God, we may hereby gather that he fpeaketh heere onely of outwarde and externall goods, which the verie prophane philofbphers haue diftingui- (hed from thofe which they call inwarde or internall : and i. CHAP. OF IOB. and Ififietm in that his golden Enchiridion, (hewing that thefe are not in our power , draweth from thence many arguments, to perfwade men to beare patient- lie the lofle of thefe goods : yet none of them attayned or came neere this true wifedome of lob. For fbmc of them call thefe the goods of Fortune, as if rauMy and by chaunce they fhoulde come to vs and goe from vs: others onely confider in them a nature inconftanc and nothing permanent ; and Epiftetus frameth mens mindes rather to a blockifh and fenfelefTe careeleflencfle, then to true patience, grounded vpon good and fure rea- fons. But this our fob furnifhed with the knowledge of GOD, both naturall as alfo fpirituall and fupcrnatu- rall, (whereof the former confuteth the vaine and foo- lifh imaginations of the philofophers, which the Apoftle Saint Taul noteth in his Epiftle to the Romanes, the firft Chapter, andir. verfc. and the other doeth enlighten and make pcrfite this, beeing thorough originall finnc grcatlie darkened and obfeured ) and reliyng him fcJfe whollic vpon Gods prouidencc , hath left a mofl: lingular example of patience to be looked into, and fot Joned of vs, whenfoeuer we are tryed with the hke ca- lamities. For through impatiencie in thefe temptations, fome arc caryed into blafphemie, others to reuenge, others into diucrs fortes of turbulent and troublefomc afTeftions : finally Ibme arc violently borne vpon the rocke of deiperation ; for as much as they fct their whole miudc and cogitation vpon the thinges them- fclues which they hauc loir, and therefore they are greeued for the lofle of them, and burnc in hatred and defirc of reuengc againft thofc , whomc they imagine to haue done them this iniurie, and to bauc beene the caufe of all their miferic. Contrariwife they that are rightly perfwaded of the prouidence of G O D, and by the example of lob doe acknowledge God to bee the moft iulVand wile gouernour of all thinges, not one- lie in gencrall, but in particular , they of all others doc finde out that moll quiet and fafchauen, wherein, hauing bene firf BEZA VPON THE beene tolled with neucr (b violent ftormes of afflictions^ they doc quietlic rcmaine. Notwithftanding this conside- ration of God, doth not in like manner comfort and pacifie all men, as it did fob % which we fee in the like calamities doth come alfo into the minde of vcric wicked men. There- fore it is rcquifitc here wifelie to diftinguifti. For as it is not ynough for a man,who hath had any thine ftolne from him, to finde the theefe,cfpcciallie if he be fucn a onc,of whome he can not recoucr his loflcs.neithcr by force nor by law : (b not whofocuerbeeinginraiferie, thinketh that he hath to doe with God, docth hence by and by take comfort; but he oncly,who with rcucrcucc rightlie and religiouflie thinketh vpon God. Giuc me therefore a rich man,who is fuddenly fallen into pouertie , or any other vpon whome fomc far lighter affliction is laid, be it that he haue before his eyes & in his remembrance continually nothing elfcbut the power cf God in punifhing and reuenging finne, what mall you hearc come from him, but mccre blafphemies againft God himfelfe, & horrible outcries of a man defperate & forlorne? Alfb giuc me a man, who feeling the burden of finnes, by which he acknowlcdgeth Gods hand to be worthilie 1 aide vpon him, be it that the fame man ioyne with Gods power his iuft iudgementandgoe no further; I will marueile if he doe not follow the example o(Sau!e> or the tray tour ludas % or elfe paffe ouer his life in great wrctchednefle. And for chiscaufe the Scripture calleth a confeience wounded with finne , a going downe into the graue. i . Sam.i.6. What then is to be done ? Surelie, hec, who iudgeth him fclfc to be pu- nirtied for his finncs (as for the moft part we ought to pcr- fwade onr fclues^) muft ioyne with a true and inward feeling of Gods powers iuftice ,not onely that knowledge of Gods goodnes and mercie, which rcafon it fclfc tcachcth vsby in fini t teft i monie s, which with our eies we may eu cry where behold in his creatures both in heauen and in earth; but al» fo that allured perfuafion, which onely the holic G holt tca- chcth in the fchoolc of the Church* bearing witnefTe with the lpiritc of euery one of the elect, that God is there moft mcr* cifull Father, giuing them a hart broken with the fenfe and burdenofcheiriinnesjbutyet bylitile and ktlc through the mcr- j. C H A P. OF I O B. mcrcic of God taken hold of by faith, marueiloufiie recom- fortcd, and ac the length throughlie pacified. But if he be led by good coie&ures to thinke,that this affliction doth not befall him for any finne of hisfakhough in the meane time he confefle him fclfe a great finneObut thatGodby this meanes cyther tryeth him, or tcachcth him patience, or elfc vfethhimto the fcttingfonh & manifefting of hisownc glorie, then, no doubt looking direflhc vnto God, and ha- tiing his minde and cogitation wholliefctledvpon him, he forthwith findeth not onely matter qf great comfort, but of foy,which cannot be vttered. For what is it that a hilt man (hould rather defire, then to haue occaiion given him, to snake knowne the virtue and honeftie of his minde? what can a painefull fcholler rather wifh , then of through continuall ftudic and excrcife of a rude a.bcboyc to be- come a learned man? what may a man which loueth his owne health rather feeke, then byPhificke and Ci- ther good meanes to preuent thofe difeafes which other- wife hc*is likelie to fall into i finallie wherein doth a (tout 6c valiant (buldiour, defiring to maintaine and increafe the honour of his Captainc, wherein, I fay, doth he more re- ioyce, theneuen tpfpende his blood in his captaines be- halfc, to purchafe him a glorious vi&orie and triumph? In which kinde of conflict, this (peciall tiling is not to be forgotten , that there can be no more glorious conqueft then to dye in this fight: neither furelie is this fo much to be counted jl death , as an entrance into that moft crue,happie, and eucrlafting life. But whatiffas here wee lee it fallcth out with Job ) in fuch afflictions we be not at all pricked or troubled in confeien ce,if alfo we cannot perfwade our felues that God will laie fo harde a triail vpon vs, what I fay,if our minde be difquietcd, knowing nothing at all, why God (hould deale with vs in this maner ? what are we to do in this cafefTruly we muft leaue of alreafoning,and praife god with thankfgiuing, bee aufe although for fecret and hidden caufes he hath thus decreed of vs, notwithstanding he doeth nothing but moft wifely and moft iuftly , as beeing wifdome and iuftice it fclfe: yea andhowfoeuer it feeme othcrwife to ficfb and blood, docth not decree, nor yet willhauc any thing BEZA VPON THE thing done, but for the great good and profit of his children, as beeing vntothemamoft mercifull Father and redeemer in his Sonne Chrift. For all this lob acknowledged! in the vcrie extremitie of all his miferies, as afterward it flialbc ftiewed.Butto the end we may the better perceiue,thegreat- nes of fobs courage and conftancie, let vs a little more nere- lie confider, how many and how terrible monfters he o- uercame with this clubbe, that I mayfo caH it, of Gods Prouidcnce. Doubtleife the number of them hath al- waies beenc very finaljwho either wanting riches, haue not greedily fought after them,or elfe,who being borne or made richjhaue not put their truft and confidence in their riches. For which caufe our Sauiour Chrift telleth vs, that it is a marueilous hard thing for rich men to enter into the king* dom of hcauen>& Paul ndt in one place teacheth.that couc- toufnes is plaine idolatrie. But our Job doth in the 19. Chap- ter of this booke , manifeftlie witneflfe of him felfe, bee- ing conftrayned fo to doe through the bitter and impor- tunate accufations of his vncourteous friends, that riis hart was not fet vpon his riches, and that he pofleflcd them not with louc,as Gregorie fpcaketh; the loffe of which he did fo patientlie bcare, beeing at once and that of a fudden de- pnued of all. Behold therefore how the defire of riches in getting them, and the loiie of riches \n poflcfling them, two moft cruell monfters arc vanquilhed; fob enioyed great honours and dignities, from all which he was falne,as wee fliall afterward vnderftandby his owne teftimonie. Neuer- thelcffe he doeth not at all feeke after them. Behold there- fore two other moft fcarcfull and. deformed monfters, namclic ambition and pride, mattered and laid along at fobs feet. And no merueile , feeing he WholKe caftcth him felfe and refteth on the onelie will of God, who giueth and taketh away at his owne good pleafure. If he mould haue asked counfcll of He(h and blood in thefe euils, it would haue taught him to diftruft GOD, and fo confequent- !ie to fall into defperacion, or driuen him to all manner of wicked (hiftes and mifchieuous praftifes* But this vvat alwaics farre from his thought, as vvho had fetled all his hope in the prouidenceof God. Behold therefore a gloriouc viftorie i. CHAP. OF I OB. vi&orie and triumph both otier aprepcfiercus 'cue oftbU life & oucr diftruft the mother of all finne : vanquifhed both at ere time.Thc Jofieofbis io.childrenatonce,byfoi r udden&me a mifhappe, how farre might it hauc carried him beyond the bounds of aJ patience and modcrationfand yet fob fpeaketh not one word of it; although he were not voide of affection toward them, as appeareth by his carefull bringing of them vp. Behold therefore a naturall affection . that is, a moft tender fatherlie afFcclion,gouerned& ordered anght ac- cording to the rule of true mediocritie, wherein we fee very many (David him felfe fhalbc in the numberjdo offend one way or other, and that vnder the (he we of vertue. To conclude, this patience of fob was greate, wonderful!, and vnfpeakeablc , which GOD graunt vnto vs that we may in fome mcafurc imitate and cxprefle in our lelucs, Bkflidbethenameoftbe Lard.] See here I pray you, bow good lob doeth gloric oucr Satan, adding this as a princi- cipall triumph among the reft and aboue the reft of his (b manie former victories. For he is not onely contented to bearc fo great mifcries , calamities and affliftions , with a quiet and patient minde, and not to hauc once mur- mured againft God , but alfo , as if fo many miferies were fo many bleiTmgs, he yeldcth moft humble thanks to God,as if he had dealt moft bountifullie with him.For the fpirite of God did inwardlie teach him not following the direction of flefli and blood, that, that pur heauenlie Father con not pofliblie will the hurt of his children, amon^ft whome he had experience,that him feife was one: and ther- fore that, whatfoeuer he doth allot to his beJoued children, feeing in the end it turneth to their good, is not onely not to be accounted euill, but further to be reckoned among the bleffingsof God. Now it is not vnknownc that in the bookes ©iholie Scripture by the name efCod'is ynderftood God him fejfe, and that by an exprefle and fignificant manner of fpeaking, putting vs in mind that to true & perfit thankfc giumg is required not onely the faith of the harr,but alfo the tonfeffion of the xnouth. VER5B BEZA VPON THE V E R S E. :t. Jn all this did not lob firmed Seeing this teftimDnie of the holie Ghoft is true of lobs whole ipeach,fet downe in the former vcrfes, V3inely and to no purpofe doe fome men flee vnto that their falfe concrarie- tie, which they imagine betweene WiU and r PermifJion>to qualific this fpeach at their pleafure, God hatbta\en awaj. Nowe in this place we hauethe true definition of blafphc- mie,as itis retrained to the breach of the firft Table. For blafphemieis thatmoftgrieuous finne, which of fet purpofe in way of rcprochc and difhonour, either derractcth from God that which is proper and mod agreeable to his nature, or clfe artributeth fomewhat vnto him, which is difagree- ing or repugnant thereunto, which definition will afterward ftande vs in fome rteade to acquire Job of blafphemie in thofe farre greater eonfli&es which are bchindc. He there- fore is not to be accounted blafphemous, whofocuer (pea* fceth blafphemie, as it is one thing to be a lyar, faith Cicero^ and another thing to tell a lye. For a man can not iuftly be faid to be biafphemous, vnlefTe he bring with him a will and purpofe to blafphcme: as Afo/ergiueth vs to vnder- ftande by adding, the name y leuitxhap. 24.1 tf. He that blaf. fbemeth the name of the Lorde. And alfo by an hie hande, which fignifieth preemption, 2v#ai&.i?>*o. And Chrift him felfe witncfTcth Mzttb.iz- $1. that there are manic degrees of this finne, concerning which thing I (hall haue occafion to fpeakc in another place. Nowe where as the Greeke inter- preter, and the common Latine tranflation to the former part of this verfe adde this claufe, with bis tippet* it probably fcemcthtobetakenoutof the fo.verfeofthe Chapter fol- lowing. And herein I verie well like Mercers iudgement, who referreth the former part of this verfe ro the mind c, and the latter to the moutb,(hewing that lob neither thought in his heart, norvttered with his mouth any thing vnmecte and vnworthy of God, in fo much that both within and without^ he caryed away the viftoric and concjucftoucr Satan. CHAP. 3. CHAP. OF IOB. ^CHAPTER II. VERSE i. Ando*AccrtAine&ij the /owes of Gtd came and ftoode before the horde : and Satan came alfo in themiddettofthem, (that is, among xhctn) and ftoode before the horde. T mall not neede to'makeany rccicallof fuch thinges,as haue bene by vs generally deliuered in the former Chapter, concer- ning Gods prouidence, rcpre- fented &fetforthvntovs after the manner & fa(hion of men. Howbcit feeing it hath pleafed the holy Ghoft: here againeto repeatc the fame things, and in the fame forme of wordes, to bcarcvpon the fame point; JCJ may appcarc very euidently,thatwc are hereby put in mind, howe profitable and nccelfanc a thing it is for vs 5 moft efpe- cially in our greatcft and moft grieuous temptarions,ftili to hauc our mindes fixed vpon the drvrne Troiidcnce: that, whether we be chaftenedand corrected, we reft not in thofc lcourges,and inftruments which God vfethjbutconfidering that wc haue to dealewithGodhimfeife, lay afide aiidefirc of reuenge,afcer the example of T>auid i.Sam.i 6. 1 0,1 1 .and humble our felues vnder the mightie hand of God,i .Pet.^6 or whether the Lordeby this meanes makethtriallofvsfas here he did of Job) we doe followc this example of pati- ence and conftancie in lob: or whether £nallie wc are affli- cted for rhe glorie of his holy name, wc be fo farre from be- ing faint hearted or difcouraged, thar,cafting our ryes vpon our chicfe caprainc and gouernour, we be Mil red vp cuen to yeelde him moft heartie thankes, for that to vs itU given not onely tobeleeue, but alfo tofiffirforhisfakt, Vhilip.iw- All which comforts depend vpon the fence and feeling of Gods prouidencc, Ihcnaroingof aday in this place, and that of H. one BEZ A VPON THE one ccrtainc and peculiar day (for fo hath the originall tcxt^ docthnoc in any wife belongs wchaue faidc, vnto the de- cree and purpofc of God, which taketh placecuen in euery lingular and particular thing, ( forafmuch as this isctcrnall, and therefore goeth before all time^but it hath relation to the manifefiation and execution of that decree, whereunto the Lord hath prefcribed ccrtainc times and feafbns, which cannot be altercd.Which point is of vs diligently to be con- fidered,to the endewe may the better perfwadc our felues, not oncly that nothing happeneth vnto vs by chaunce, but alfb,that all thofc thinges which the Lord from all eremitic hath decreed, whether they concerne profperitie oraduer* fitie, arc begunne, continued, and ended in thofe very mo- ments of time,whichhc hathlikewifc appointed from eucr- lailingj that thus we neither be wearied with looking and hoping for good thinges, nor, fuffering affliction, offende through impatiencicorjafter the manner of the wicked, of whomethc Apoftlefpcaicth,iJP^3.9. dreamc or imagine that many thinges (hall neucr bc,bccaufe it is fo long before they come to pa(Te : but rather ftay our felues wholly vpon Gods molt wife & righteous will & pleafure,in whofe power alone are all opportunities of times and feafons. Finally, whereas Satan againe offers him felfc into this affemblie, it declareth vnto vs two thinges. The one is,that the children of God hauing efcaped the daunger of one tempeft, are not by and by to lookc for acalmc, but rather hauing receiued blowes more or lefie, to prepare and addrefle them felues to vndcrgoefarre greater, if it (hall fo plcafe the Lorde. The other is, that Satan and his miniftcrs can not goc one jote beyond the boundes and limits of their commiffion, no not euen then, when God doeth as it were let loofe the raynes vnto the,and alfo that he hauing finished his teptation,can notothcrwife chufc,but prefent him fclfe before the iudge- ment feat of God,from whorae he receiucdhis warrant. And this is it, which euen nowe I faid, that the execution of the decreesof Almightic God,not oncly beginncth at the time fet and appointed,as wehauc alreadic fecne, but alfo conti- nueth and goeth forward,as we fee, and at the length haue an cndc,as we (hall fee afterward in the 38. Chap. All which God 2. CHAP. OF IOB. God difpofcth at his owne pleafure,v[?0 mil notfufer bis to be tempted about that tbey are able,i.Cor> l o- 1 3 • neither yet will he atanynmcfufFcr vsibtobe prefTed downc, that we be by •ny mcanes ouerwhcIcned 5 i.£>r.4.8. VERSE a. Then the Urde faidevnto Satan, Whence commeH thou? and Satan anfaeredthe Lorde, andfaid y From compafmg the earth to & fro& from va'tyng in it. I VERSE 3 . jfnd the Lord [aid vnto Satan, Uafl tboufet thy heart vpen myferuant Job,howe(tbere is) nonefucb as be ("like him,) in the earth, an vpright and iufl man> one tittfhareth Cod and efcbwetb euil/ y as vboftilieontinii- tthmbisvprightnefle ? And yet then diddtsi mo&ne me with bmfzhat is^ainft him)thatl (hoMfwallov him vp vcitbout a caufc. IN this qucftion or deroaund compared with the an(were of Satan, wehauc very notably defcribed vnto vs 3 what ft the nature anq^ propertic ofthatvncleanefpirite, as alio of all thofe in whome he bcareth rule. For they are obftmateiy & rebcluoufly bent cither flatly to deny the tructh againft their owne confciencc,or elfc (hamelefly to diHemble that, which they know to be moft truc,both before God and man. So in •time paft this wicked fpirite and no other fpakc in the fer~ pent vnto the woman jea 3 ( hith hej bath Gcd indecde/aid, ye fbaUnoteateofeuery tree of the garden? ho wbeit this falfe de~ "ceiuerknewit right well. Stf»/,though conui&cd by his owne ^nfeffion and teitimonie,yct ceafeth not to perfecute Da- *ii,as a rcbeljor as one that lay in waight for the kingdome. So Jxdas$ox all that his treafon was fo often and fo plainely dete&ed by his Lord & Matter Chrifl fefaythc Sonne of the cternaIlGod:yet neucrthclefle (till he gocth forward & fee* keththemeaneshow to betray him. And there is nothing more furc,thcn that Satan doth infeft all mankind with this venerabaspoyfonofhi^asappearethby many wofull ex- amples ofmenotherwife very holy and religious For thus Sara denied that (he laughed, Gen.i8.if. Notwithstanding thefc and fuchKkc follies of Gods children howfbeuer in the IHues they arc euiU, yet they do not proccede of anyfiatred •f GodjOi of a wicked or reprobate mind ; but rather from a HL a. pre- BEZA~ VPON THE prfcpofterous feare,or from fome other like infirmitie,yrhicfc is the caufethac the godly can fuffer them felucs to be rc- prooued . and corrected. This is euident by the example pi Tettr. Letthisbeourleffon therefore, alwayes toimbrace and lay holde vpon the trueth, forafmuch as we are indued withthefpiriteoftrueth.and to abhorre aH falinood and lyes together with the father and authour thereof. Furthermore let vs not tane and looke while God cite vs before his featc ofiudgemencas here,he did Satan, and as it fared with Da- Mid XStun.iz.i 3 .but Jetting before our eyes dnorberfarre better and more commendable example of the fame Dauidj let vs freely and of our owne accord confefle and condemno our finnes,firft and principally to God, *P/2tf.3*.y.and t hen alfo vnto our neighbour, and that by the commaundement ofChnft,M^.5.*3.& 18.15. & la Itlyifit mail ib be need- ful^euen vntp the whole Church, ^Sr.i 9.1$. Haft tbou fit tby heart &c.'] The Lord vfed the verie fame wordes in that former a(fembly> whereof we haue fpoken in the chapter going before. But in this repetition is included a veriq bitter taunt & fharpe rcprehf nfion, as if God lhould haue faid, Artthou not afliamed, Satan,thus to anfwerc mc, as if I had forgotte, what 1 granted thee in our laft meeting? &thus in my prefencc todifTemble,that 1 am foud to be moll true of my worde,and thou a moft falfe and malitious flaun- dereri* I perceiue thou wilt alwayes be like thv felfe, whollic bent and fct vpon mifchief, though thou art notable towea* ken lobs faith and conftancic, which by fo many and fundric jmeanes thou haft aflaulted. From hence we may gather this obferuation, that the godly in their greatfcft and mod gric- iious temptations, howfoeuer it may ieeme that God layeth them open and naked ro the will and tyrannic of Satan and the whole world,yet haue God prcient with tjienvwho ^th their conflict; neither is he onely an idle beholder, but in- wardly he miniftreth vnto themftrength and courage. Hi- therto pertaineth that fayingof the Apoftle, ThUip^}^. J am able (faith he) 4 doe all thinges through the belfe of thrift > which Jkengthenefh me y as alfo that which he affirmeth of the crownc layed vp for him by the moft righteous iudgc, i-Ti- m i. CHAP. OF I OB. Yet tboHdiddejlrhowe me (that I (hould ftriue^ with hirn> to fraUopefow vp without a caufe.] The meaning of thefc words is: this. Although Ub be ioioiie and vertuous a man, yet thou haft left no meanesvnaifayed, that I being perfwa- Jed by thy falfe and forged accufations, might wholly at once deftroy him, and that as we nowe plainely fee, without any his defert. Hereanfetha doubt howe this can agree, f lfty,not with Satan that continuallie accufeth Gods chil- dren$ but with the cternall God, to tellifie fuch thngesas thefe of him felfe. For can we truely fay, that God,whe- ther be dealc in mercie or in iuftice,is ttiooued by any other meanes then of him felfe alone ? howe then may weaf- firmethat the LordeGod, at the requeft of Satan, was mooucd with difpleafure againft lob } and that vndeferued- \yl Tbthefirft diffitultic lanfwere thus. AlmigbtieGod ncucr did alfociate vnto him felfe any counfcHour for the determining of any thing: nay, ifwemallfpeake proper- he, he is nor, no not of him felfe mooued and Mined vp, af- ter the manner of men, to appoint and ordaine this thing I or that; but he is altogether in him felfe vnchaungeable from, all eremitic, -3nd hath alfo in him felfe and of him felfe frbnveuerlaiimg willed and decreed ail whatfoeuerhe* bath willed and decreed. But yet as hce hath appointed rimesand feafons, fo alio hath he ordained fecondaric cau- fes for the accompli (hing of thole hifc cternall decrees. So in the fourth of Genefis the Lorde teftifictb, that he is pro* udked by the crye of JbeU blood, to take vengeance vpon Cm. The like is recorded of the finnc of the Sodomites; and tiieinhabitauntsof Gotnorrha* Gen^io. Againeon. thcother fide, the Lorde declareth that he was mooned with the pitijfoll cVyes and complayntesof his people, to 4cliuer them out of rheir capmutic> Mxod.Chaf.y.rctf.j. SocbeeJne reconciled vnto vsby that folc and oncly. Mc- diatour CHRIST I E S V S , hee doefh ttfav beaid w,iadwaycs kecpe,' defende r , and protect vs. So likcwiferdocti hee manie nines, for the prayers of the gbdhc* eyther dirTerre or clie affwage and mittigate the punimmentd moil due vnto xhc wjeked and vngodlyy as may i>e movMty fuiidriciania^^ Ej. To BETA VPON THE To condude,fo doeth he fparethe penitent and repentant. Therefore in refpeft of middle caufes,whicb ferue as inftru- ments for the aftuall perfourming of his eternalr decree, and arc in their appointed times apparant,it may not vnfit- ly be faid,that the Lord is, after a manner proper tohimfelk mooued,both to (hew mercic, andalfo to execute bis rnoft raft ludgemcRis. NeuertheleiTe we muft here confider an exceeding great difference. Forfo often as he either fpa- reth the penitent, or bleffeth thofe who arecarefull in dif- charging their duetics, this his boumifulncflc is not to bee imputed cither to any jnans repentance, or to the merite of good workes, or to the excellencic and worthineffc of faith, but it is onely and whollic to bee afcribed to the free grace and mercic of God, becaufe from thefelfe farao fountains alfo doe flowe both repentance and faith, to- gether with all the fruites and efFec~tes of the fame. But where the queftion is concerning the punifhments due to finnc , wee muft acknowledge that the true and princt- pali caufe thereof is to be fought and to be found in rhefin- nersthemfelucs. The fecond doubt may thus be rcfolued; God doeth not fay that Satan did winne him by his perfwafions, todeftroy that innocent and iuft man/i, but that Satan went about to obtains this at his handes, by charging lob with many falfe and flaunderous accufations. For this can not trucly befaide of God, that as he lurTercth him felfe to be ledde by the prayers and fupplications of his 1 children, fo doeth healfbyceldcfomethingtotherequeftof Satan or his mi* niftcrs, (vnlcflc peraduenturc it be for their ownc deftru- ftion, as appcarcth by this hiftorie of lob) no not then, when as he doeth either whollie or in fomc parte permit and fuffcr that to be done, which the wicked moft earncftly defire. For he doeth not effect any fuch thing, becaufe hoc is willing to graunt their demauades, or elfc in any wife to grati fie them, but becaufe he hath before decreed to bring thefe tbinges to parte by their minifterie, and that to a good endc jjwhich they defire for a Yeric euill intent and a moft wicked purpofc,as might be (hewed by manifolde examples. VV e arc thcrforc thus to vndcrftandc that, which the Lorde both 2. CHAP. OF lOB. both before hath differed to be done againft ldb at the in- trcatic of Satan, and alfo that which afterwardc he (hall permit and fuffcr, oncly vpon an cntent to tryc and prooue his fcruaunt, and not vtterly to deftroy him, as Sarans de- firc was : yea,Gods purpofc herein is, in this his feruant to triumph ouer Satan : fo farrc is he from being willing for Satans pleafure, to fuffcr this good man lob to be cafr a- way,which thing trucly can not be fpoken without horrible blafphemie. VERSE 4, sAnd Satan anfocred the Lorde, and faide, Shinne fir sfynne, and wbatfoeuer is a mans^ ft hat is,whatfocuer a man hath) will bee glue firhk aft. IN that Satan fo manifeftly convi&cd , dares notwith- standing (till make anfwerc vnto the Lordc, itdeclareth howe greatly this vncleane fpirite is delighted with all man- ner of avickedncflc. From hence it commeth, that foraf- much as none caneafily be brought to renounce and for- fake that wherein he taketh fpeciall delight, hence 1 fay it commcth that he is neucr wcaryed with committing finne. And therefore he canneitherbe fayde to finne of infirmi- tie, neither yet can beeuer fo much as once bethinke him- fclfeof any amendement. To this nature and diuelifli di£ pofitionof 5atan, they of all other come neercft, whome the Scripture vfeth to call finners, that is to fay, fuch as make as it were an arte and occupation of finning: whofc hrart if it fhall continue vnpenitent to the endr, ' vndoubtedly their portion fhall bee all one with his in cuerlafringtteftru&ion. But we on the contrarie parte, if \*ebe the true children of G O D, albeit no man is free from finne; yet let vs, by the aydc and affiftance of that good Spirite which we hauc receiued, aboue allthinges be carefuli, that we finne not of malice againft the trueth, nor with a certaine hatred of venue and goodneue. For this is altogether dittelifh ; but if it fo fall out, that we hauc finned and fallen through mfirmitie, let vs offer vp vnto the Lordc a contrite heart, which is a gift proceeding eucn from him felfc vnto vs^and let vs in no; cafe rcfift his chaftif- H. 4. meats BEZA VPON THE rnents nnd correction. $l(wne for skinne] It is not to be doubted, but that this if aproverbiallkindeof fpeach, the true meaning and appli. cation whereof feemeth vnto me veryharde and difficult. For whereas many will hauc the fence to be this; that the life of eucry one is fo deare vnto him,that he will not fticke, to raunfbme and redecme his ownc skinne, though it bee with the skinne of another, that is to fay, if he mall come into ieopardie of his life,hc will be raoft forward and readie to bring another into perill of death,rather then to vndergo the daungerhim felfc;asif Satan in this fpeach had relation rnro the death of fobs children; 1 can not like of this their intcrpretation.becaufc that which verie fcldome fallethour, may hardly be thought to minifter occafion of a proucrbiall (peach. For what if fob, as a tender andmoft louing Fa- ther towardes his children, had rather bene readie toad- uenture him felfc for them eucn to the death, if it might fo haueplcafed the Lorded Surely if this were the true mea- ning of this place, in the originall mould hauc bene added this worde (bis) as well in the firft parte of the fentence, namely (For bis sk$me) as in the latter, (For his lijL) Nei- ther doe they yet content me, who alleadge further, that men wil not refufe, euen with the loffc of fome one of their members, to preferue the reft of their bodie aliue: which expofition fcemcth to mee leflc probable then the for- mer. For thus the fpeach mould not rife from the lefle to the greater,nor any thing at al be aggrauated, but rather di- miniihed; for fo much as it is a greater matter, for a man to redeemc his life with one of his members,then with all that hepoflefleth befidc. My iudgement therefore is, that Sa- tan in this prouerbe woulde fignific thus much, namely, that lob as yet had fuftercd nothing, but onely in his out- warde or cxteraall goods; thelofle whereof is a thing fo common to men of all eftatcs, that men doc oftentimes voluntariliefuftainconclofTcand dammagc, for the auoy- ding and efchewing of another. And the rather, becaufe thefe temporall goods arc fuch, as may againe without any great difficulde be rccoucrcd, yea,and fometimes the loflc of one commodity, may be an occasion of obtaining a farre greater ; 2. CHAP. OF I OB. greater: in which refped that worthie Them Recfa, when- as,becing banifhedoutof his owne coyntrey, hec had re- ceiued greater honours and wealth at the handes of Darius the King of Terfia^ then euer hee had cnioyed be- fore, was wont to faye, PerijjJem,mJ! pcriffem : that is, If J bad not loft all, J fhouldt Jurcly bate b!i all. Therefore by the name odkjnne in this place, wee muft after aprouerbiall manner of fpeaking, vhderftande the outwards goods which are belonging to a man, with the which he is as ic were, couered, and which are no parte of the man him fclfc: the lofle whereof in patte. men, if fo bee vrgent ncceflitie mall fo conftr3ine them, can in foroe forte fuf- fer without falling into defpairc: but yet for jfyme, and what is that ? fiirely this, that making much of that which is left, or at the lcaft, keeping their Hues out of daun- ger, they may afterwarde recoucr their lofles. But if the life it fclfe mall once come in icopardic > then men arc readie and willing without any exchaunge or recom- pence, to forgoc all whaefbeuer they poflefTe, without exception : as it commonly falleth out with mariners, when they arc in cxtreamc daunger of fhippewracke: and the reafbn is, becaufe men can not recoucr the lofle of their Hues, as they may the lofle of their goods. The drift therefore and fcope of Satan in this fpcach is (as wc hauc faydej nothing elle but thus to (hewc that Job was not yet touched to the quicke : that thofc blowes which he had hitherto receiucd, not onely fetched no blood, but fcarcely touched his skinne and fleih: that he rather re- ioyced for his owne fafctic and preferuation, then for- rowed for the lofles' he had fuftaincd, and therefore that ic was no marvaile, though he were not at all difcouraged, neither yet brake foorth inpo any bitter and expostula- ting fpeaches againft G O D, not for that he did feruc W worfliippe GOD from his heart, but partly for the louc hee bare vnto him felfe, and partly becaufe hee (Ml enioyinphis life and limmes, hoped in time to bee reftoredto his former, or to a much better cftate. There- fore here fliall be a double oppofition, namely, betwecne BEZA VPON THE s1pme 9 *ti& all which a manpojjefeth and for his ///9,thc fpcach as I faid,rifing from the lefle to the greater : Co that we may fecme more ficlie for (and all that is a mans,) to tranflate, (But all that is a mans.) Neither may this verfe in Trench vnfidie be exprctfed after this manner, Vnhommt donnerabienvne$cait pur vnepeau , mais ildonnera tout ce qu'Ha pour fauuer fa vie: that is,* man ml willingly giite skpinefir skinne,but be willgiue all that he hath tofaue his life. This Chrift confidering, Mattb. 6.i6. and iharplic reproouing this kinde of men, who make greater account of this life,then of any other thing whatfoe* uer, he fhewcth that none doe worfc prouide for them ielues , then they who making this their onclie care, howc they may preferue and cherilh this life, do thereby purchafe to them felues their owne mine and finall deftru&ion. Sa- tan therefore knowing right well, that this is a common vice 5n all vnregenerate men, as he,who had long before preuay- led againft JLdam by this temptation and made him,by pur- chafing Gods difplcafurc,to draw vengeance vpon his ownc head, Satan,! fay,dares, ("like a vile and defperate wretch as he isjaflure him fclfe, that Job >if he were fb farre forth vex- ed and tormented with fome grieuous and vntollerablc dit cafe or fickenes, that their might be no longer hope of life, would at the length difcouer and be wr ay e, now that all this time he had ferued God not of any true or vnfaigned zeale, noryctfortheloueofvertueandrightcoufncs, but becaufc he found by experience that this worfhippine of God was verie profitable and gainefull vnto him : which commoditie ceafing and all hope of life beeing quite taken away, he dou- ted not, but to prooue that prouerbe true,lv0 longer pennieji* longer Voter nojler. And yet notwithstanding /<*& in this trial and temptation of his , howfoeuer fby meanes that Satan had bewitched both his wife, and thofc frierides alfo that came to comfort him,to vfc fuch fpceches,as gricucd & vex- ed his righteous foulej howfoeuer, I fay, he oftentimes be- wrayed the infirmitie of flcfli and blood; ncucrtheleflc he was alwaies to farre from that, whereunto Satan laboured to bring him, that ftill in word and in deed he witnefled the cleane contrary. VERSE 3. CHAP. OF IOB. VERSE 5- But, fray thee y ttowftwcb out thine hand, and touch him to his bones, and to J^isfiefb: vu'effihee blaftheme thee to tbyfice. HErc therefore Satan ioeth confefle/tbough very much againft his will) that he hath no abilitic at all to burr, howfocuer this is the only thing he defireth, vnlefle he hath receiued power and licence from God. But here aJfo he playcth the fophiftcr,fb rcafoning, as if forfooth Gcd mould be the onclic dealer in this adion,or as if the vvorke of Satan him felfe were the very workeof God, wherewas notwith- standing fas we haue more fullic declared in the Chapter gocing bcforejinallfuch like wicked adiens, euellinftru- ments do not deferue fo much as the name of inftrianents, in refpec't of their ownc proper worke, fo farre as they doc that which they do of their free will and inward euill moti- on; but onely fo farre foorth as God vfeth them, beeing nc- ucr fo euill and finnefull inftrumcnts,for the effecting and bringing to pafle of his owne peculiar worke, which is al- waies moft iufh Here therefore are twohandes, very repugnant the one to the other, yet concurring to the one and the fame effect, namelie to giue Job many and grieueus woundes, but with a diuerie endandcieanecontrariepur- pofe. For Godftriketh /^not of any difpleafure or intent to doe him harme, but he propounded vnto him felfe this end in 7^/vifitation and trial], namelie, togct the conqueft oner Satan and all his mallice, and gloriouflie to triumph o- uer him in the conftancie of his lcruant ; whome alfohe would by this mcancs bring into the way ot a farre greater feliciric. In like manner Satan, he alfo ft nkcihjob: and why fo? furclie that he might compcll him toblafphemeGodto his vttcr vndoeing. This was it, which Satan attempted with great force & violence,but yet to fmall effect So then* Ms temptation is of Satan , but his trial! and inuincible corrfUncie.is of God the Lord. Vnkjfeht&aftbeme thee tottyfcee.'] This isnot to be con- pled with the former parrof the verfe, as if Satan did annc* fome condition to that his requeflj but he vfeth a rhctoricair kinde of concealing that, wbich mould follow vpon this- fpecch, and which neuerthelcfle he would haue to be vn- dcrftood, BEZA VPON THE derftood, as if wilhinga curfe vnto him felfc/although he were alreadieaccurfed,and fentence of eternall condemna^ tion Had long agoe pafled againft hina, which may neuer be recalled jhc mould fay thus. Lcc me be confounded, or, let me prefentlie be caft and thrownc downc headlong into the bottorneleflepitte,ifthis lob, whome thou fo entirely loucft, and whom thou efteemeft & alfo affirmed to be of fo found and faithfuilhart towardes thee,doe not as it were reproch- fullie fpit in thy face , and reuile the with open blafphemic. Where againe we may behold the vncorrigible impudencic ofthiscurfedfpirit,inthathcdurftinthisfort 3 and cucnin Gods prefence toreproouehimcyther of ignorance, or of a lye. By how much the more it (halbe our parts, to befeech the Lord .that he will not giuevsoueteyther to the power of Satan,or to our owne wicked and rebellious luftcs,to be gui- ded and ruled by them; confidering,that euen that faithfull fcruancofGod,7>*ttr ) was through an vnordinate fearc fo carried out of the right way{for we may not impute it to any vngodlie and wicked difpofition/chat with the falfe denial of his Lord and Mafterjieioynedamoftfcarefull imprecation and cur Ce>Matt.i6. 7 4. which as it may ferue,for a notable ex- ample of the great infirmitie and weakenesof man on the one part/o of the infinite and vnfpeakcablcloueof God on the other. Now Albeit we readofhoueraen»whohaucvfed the like imprecations ; yet they did it to a farre other ende and purpole, that is, eyther for' the auouching of truth, or gainefaying of fajihoode, alwaics keeping, as, an vp- 1 right & fincere confidence before God; fo a true and vnfay- nedloue towardes their brethren; but cfpccially herein theje forget not to vie all reucrence ductothemaicfticofGod which may appcare by this a that they eyth.cr wholy concealer the curie, or elfeexprefle it yndireftly and indefinitely, af- ter this manner, Soandfokt God Aoevntgme. Abominabfe therefore are rhofc fpeeches, which arctootoocommonin mens mouthes, when they wil make any protection , yea & tphen they know it to be moft falfc^which they would auowch to be true. Doe they not plainlic fnewe> that they arc more wicked and (hamelefle thenSatanhim felfe, whodurft not here vecer nor bring forth, that his curfe4 obtcftation / VERSE • s. CHAP. OF IOB. f E R S E 6. Tbtnth$ Lord [aid vnto Satar, lo> he Urn th'mt band : b nt fane bU life. •T'Hat which before we laid, here we may repeat againe, 1 namely that God,aJ though femetimes hefufTer that to ^do,ne,which Satan and the wicked men of this world doc carneflly defirc-, neucrthelctfe he doth not alow and accept of their praicr*,but only grauntcth vnto them (uch thmgs,as xedouruj to their hurt. And furcly God ) ealdeth not to their re^ueftsifor any loue he beamh thtm,or becaufe he would ^ratific them , but rather ir\grc at anger and chfpleaiurc to- wards them^fpr their owne on er throw and final deftrucuon, that they may become inftryrnents of their owne miferie. Therefore/it is very well and truly faide of Hefiodus, that euilJ counfcllis commonly mofthurtiull to them thatgiuc it; alfo another heathen writer greatly complaineth of theirfolhe, whot<$e,with which whe the forcerers of Egipt had bene ftrooken,as Mofes writeth.Ex^.io. they were made a wofull fpeftacle of Gods vengeance, which they had mod kiftly deferuedjin fo much that they were not able to ftande before Tbtrao. No we if any man aske the being not vnskilfull how • to vfe and imploy all naturall caufes, and alfo hauing pow«r giuen him- of God, could fofpeedily bring this to paffe. In which refpectrhe ApofHedoethnot without good caufe call him the Vrince of the aire. T herefbrc I doubt not at all* but that many contagious difcales doc verie often arifc without any influence of malignant ftarrcs,eitherimmediatly being fentofGodhimfelfe, orelfe ftirrcdvp byangeli whether good or bad,but alwayes God willing and decreeing to haue - itfo, as appeareth not onely out of this place, btitrnanyb. thcT$ i Ex&d:iz.i9.zSam.i4.'i6..r$}f.io.io. with which dif- . cafes Go*d ftrikcth thefe or thofc, as he feeth goody fome mortally, and other fbme in (uch wife as they may be cured. Now as touching internall orinwarde caulcs, feeing Satan kn&weth better then any phyiition, the conftitution & tem- perature of our bodyes,andby what conrrarie qualities they may be altcred,we can not de*ubr,but that thefe impure /pi- riteSjfooftasGodgiucththcm licence,haue great power to trouble and chaunge the fame tempcrature r albeit they doc not them (Hues parte through our bodyes. For whadhoulde let them to effeft this thinginour body es, feeing they haue I fo great force and power oucr mens mindes; as a afoely, to mooue andftirre vp all manner of wicked afFe&iorts. in the childrenbfdifobedienceyEp^/r2.z. To this purpofeattb ma- keth the example ofthar womanywho had her Ixkiybendeef togkhcr, arid whb,as our SauiourChrift witneffech, L^ij. i£. was bound of Satan eighteene yeeres: which kinde of <& feafe the Greekes call l/u^w^oirrof. NeuerthelelTe, farre be it front vs,that hereupon we Aould imagine all difeafes,' by which God puniiheth finne,to be procured and wrought by the meanes of wicked foirk*. For tnoft commonly they come of naturall andorinaric c*ufes, and tb^t of their 1, owne BEZA VPON THE ownc accorde, and therefore they are likewife cured by mecrc natural medicines,God giumg a blcfling to the fame; and yet the phifitions are many times compeli'ed,as appea. reth by thefe obferuations which they haue left vs in their Wricing$,to acknowledge that in fome difeafes there is fom- whatjlknowenot what,extraordinarie, and fuch>as is quite befide the courfc of allnaturallcaufcs. Here then we arc taught.howe ncccflarie a thing his for vs,fo to vfe naturall medicines, that ncucrthcleffe we put not our truft in them, not yet in the phifition. For by the example ofji'^a wee arc taught how greatly this finne difpleafeth almighuc God, z. Cbron.i6.ix. But (as the Apoftle lame s adraoniiheth, chap.j. 14.& asEigcbiashath taught ys by his examplc,i.j(i«g.20.x. & Efay$%.) the godly ought to fecke for helpe no where els, but at Gods hands; who only woundeth and hcaleth, who leadeth to the graue,and bringeth backe againc. Fromthefoleofbisfiote] Satan* end in dealing thus with Jab was,that this yrkefome and vnwonted deformitie of his bodiejinflamed withhote and burning byles, mighrappeare_ to b»e;an cxcraordinarieifpcSaclc of the manifeft iudgc- mct of God. And heregponit came topaflc,as we ftiallheare afterward^ that euery one, yea, and among othcrs,his vcric friendes,were afraid to bcholdc him, as if he had bene (bmo horrible &mi{hapjen raonfter. Hereof he complaineth moft lamentably in many placcs,&efpccially chap, 19, Notwith- {landing in faith & hope, he alwayes ftoode immoueable;as this invincible champion & conquerour of him felfe, giucth fufficiem proofe & teftimonic in the laft chap, of this bookc. VERSE 8. JLnd be toofe a pot/beard to /crape him, & befatedovmc among tbe afbes. HEre is declared by the crTefts,namely, loth(bme & filthy byles, out of which continually great abundance of cor- ruptio came forth, how grieuous thepaffions of this difeafe were. For although it might fecme that lob of his ownc ac- cord fate in the a(hes,as the vfage was of thofe that mour- ned; which were an cuident teftimonic of his patience & hu- militie, being in the bitternes of his affliction fo farre from breaking foorth into blafphemy : yet becaufe it is here faii that he tooke a potfherd to fcrape away the filth of his biles, which J. CHAP. OF IOB. which it is not likely he would haue done, if fo be in his owne houfe he had bene neucr (b little helped by his wife &hou- fliold feruats, as of good right he ought to haue bcnc-florad much as he had a houfe,& houihold ftuffe, and houthold fer* uancsyet remaining,) 1 rather agree to their iudgeraent,who thinkc that Job did all this conftraincd & ofneceffity, being forfake or" his wifc,feruants, & familiar acquaintance,yea, & by fome of them mocked & ieftcd at; which to fudden chage of al things,we (hal heare him afterward bewaile in mod pi* tifull manner. But fo much the more glorious in the end,wa« che vi&orie which he obtained.Such wasthecodition of the Apoftles thefelucs,& of the true Chriftian church vnder the emperors of Rome,perfecuters of the Chriftias, wheas they were rcuiled & accounted as the filth of the world* & the of- skouring of all things. And feeing at this day mighty princes & potenrats,beingfet on by that whore of Rome } do foloyf the; fteps of ihofe heathen perfecutcrs,thh worthy cxaple of lob may (tad vs in great ftcad,& therfore lamu doth not witbouc ~|food caufe wil vs to looke Yntoit^/rfw.f.u.Now wheras the Grceke tranflation in ftead of afhesor dup, metioncth dirt or dunlin rtbick Iobfate>& addcth further,that lob was laid with* out the city,as if for the llinke & ill fauour which came from him, he was not fuffered to abide in the citie j it is not at all foud in the Hebruc text, & in my iudgemet is to be rcieftccL VERSE 9. jindbKmfhfaidvntohim, r Dotjl thou com* nut in thine vprigbtnes? Blejk God\tnddic. Andbkmfe faidvnto him.'] We haue beard how Job in his great tormets fate downe in the duft, & taking a potmard in his handfVor peraducnture he could not vfe his naile sniped away the purrified matter ofhis biles^but we read not that he jpakc one word. Which filencc of his proceeded neither from any want of feeling either in his body or mindffor how could he chufebutbc touched to the quick with fo extreme griefsj aor yet fio aijy pridefwhich in fach eftate wil not furfer a ma to be filemjaad therefore Satan was hereat marueloufly of- fended, looking for nothing leffe, then that Job fhould ftill retaine that his former patience, without becing any whic moued whhlthcfc tormft^which fecrjned intollcrable. Herc- up6 he fendeth lobs j*ifc;who by her venemous words might copcl him at the lcaft to open his mouth,& Yttcr fore e thing, BEZX VPON THE To what purpofc he did this you (hall hcarc aftcrward.Now* itlhallbefufticicnt, to (hewe that Satan feemeth for three caufes to hauc made choifc of this woman,among the reft of Jobs friendes and feruants : whofe meancs he doeth in like manner vfc afcerwarde to bring about thefelfc fame pur- pofe. One caufc is,becaufe he had from, the beginning tried howc cafily this fcxe may be beguiled, and howc foonc they may be brought to bcgujlc others : another, becaufc no in- juries doe fo much vexe andgrieue vs, as thofe which arc done by thcm,at whole handes we rather looked for friend- fhippe and good will ; the thirdc and laft,that (hc,who vndcr Job bare the grcateft rule and authoritie in that houfc, as it were giuing the onfet, the reft of lobs feruants which were yet remaining, and likewifc his friendes,might be the rather incouraged tofollowe her euill example. Neither was Sa- tan therein decciucd : albeit v all was in vaine and to no e£ feci, as we (hall fee in that which followeth. But here let vs learne into what vnhappineffe mankinde is fallen, confide- ring that oftentimes we doe great hurt and difpleafure to" thofc, whome we defire moft of all to doe good vnto; as in the wofull example of this woman, and alfo of Jobs friends it rnoft euidently appcarcth.Whereforc that reft* rath. thar is, right and per ft c reafon, of the philofbphers, is in no wife fuf- ficient to rule and moderate our affections. For howfoeuer in generall fpeculations it may fee fomewhat, yet when it is applyed to particular a&ions, it giueth no true and certen direction. Therefore Gtegwie doeth vpon this place verie well aduife vs, not onely to confider what we doe, but alio with what wifedome anddifcretion we doe it. Voeflthouftill continue in thine vprigbtnefief] All the inter- preters which I could euer fee,albeit lome of them will haue this worde (Blefie) to be taken in its proper iignification,but yet by an ironic; others inaclcanccontraricfignification for (Biasjheme jall,I fay,dpe expound this placets if Jobs wife had openly gone about to perfwade her husbad to curfe god, to the end that dying,he might thus attheleair, eafehisfto- macke,as defperate men are wont to doc. Neither fijreiie do I denic, but that Satan,to bring Jtoi *nto«his point, vfed all manner of violence & torture, wtocfrpdfiWy be could with- out *. CHAP. OF IOB. wuc caking away his life, which God had exprefTelie com- ipaunded him not to touch. Notwithstanding tome ic fce- meth nothing probable, chac this matrone hauing the go- ucrnmentof 16 godly and well ordered afamilie,could fo ea- fily be broughcto yfe fuch a (hamcleflc fpcach vntohcr huf- band: feeing euen thofe who are moft wicked, vfe not wit- tingly andof fet purpofc to doc any fuchthing.but that they propound both to them felues and others, at the leaft, fome fheweof profit,which may redound vnto them ; yea, & what hope could Satan cone eiue, that Job would any whit be mo- lted with fo foolifh and (hamcleflc a perfwaficn, which none, wcrehe neucr fo wicked a wretch,would cuer y eeld vnto,vn- les ic were wilfully againft hisowne confcicncer And where- as the Grecketranflation hath many other thinges, which here are not mentioned, I fee not vpon what authoritie they are grounded, in fo much as they are not found in the He* bruc text. For it ftandeth with no probabilitic, that the He. bruc copies (hould in this place be thus vnperfite, efpecially .wanting fo many wordes,fceing the reft of thebooke is per- fect and vn corrupt. And moreouer the things them felues may feeme to be falfe, becaufc we do not read thatic^ fate vpon the dunghil, or abroade in the open aire, nor yet that lets ownc houfe wherein he dwelt, was ouerthrowen,or that his wife was caft out of her houfe : yea, the quite contrarie appeareth by lobs ownc wordes in the 7.chap. vcrf.4. Nowe then what (hall I (ay/ Surely for mine own part,without pre- judice to the iudgement of other interpreters,! dare affirm e that this woma doth briefly here handle the fclf fame caufe, which lobs friends more amply difcourfe of afterward. Nei- ther did (he this with any other wil, affection or inccnr,then they,being alfo mooued ncretoby the fame reafons. For (he menc nothing lefle, then of fet purpofe to vexe & grieue lob , or to incrcafc his torments,whicb were wirhour meafure, & greater then euer any mortal! man had before that time fu • ftained;but (he thought,that this was the onely meanesfor lob toobcaine Godsfauour, & to procure his ownefaluati- on(for of his life (he was altogether out of hopejif he would herein followe her aduifc & counfell. For doubtles her will was to counfell him for the beft, & not to perfwadehim any I. 3. way BEZA VPON THE way to offend the maieftie of God. Therefore albeit her in- tent was not wickedCas neitherthe intent of Jobs friendesj yet both (he and they decerned them felues, in fuppofing that lob was thus affli&ed for his finnes,& as one with whom God was highly difpleafcd : fo that this their dealing with lob was very vnaduifed and vnconfiderate, by which Satan tooke great aduantage againft him.Neither did any ineffecl: fo much further Satans entcrprifc againft lob, as they, who ncuerthelefle defired nothing more then to procure his fal- vation,as that difputation betweene lob and his friends doth manifeftly declare. It remainethnow that we confider,whac counfell this woman gaue to her husbande, what was her minde & purpofe,& what Satan endevoured by her meaner to bring to pafle. fobs wife agreeing, & according with her husband in his former temptation, or at the leaft not daring by her fpeach to (heweher felfe any way difcontentcd, (he feeing him foorthwith thus fearfully ftrooken, and rightly judging that all this could not fall out, vnles God had fo ap- pointed^ after an extraordinarie manner fb decreeditj yec-^ - herein deeming ami(fc, that God would neucr haue thus ordaincd^if he had not bin marueiloufly offended with lob-, finallie (he imagining him now to be hard at deaths doorcj firft, (he could not fufficiently wonder to fee him all this while fit fo (rill without fpeaking any word, fceming norr not any whit more troubled and difquieted in minde, then in time paft. Moreouer (he thought that this dcepe filencc, could not proceed of any other caufc, the of a certain hard- ne(Te& ftupiditie of confidence, namely her husband being bewitched with a vaine opinion of his ownc righteoufnes, and therefore not marking nor regarding the anger of God fallen vpon him for his (innes.Herupon it came to pafle that (he tooke & gaue the fame counfel or aduife,v vhich men for good caufc vfe to giue to guiltic perfbns, who are convi&ed and ready tofuffer the death, which they haue deferued^ & what is that ? Surely this, that acknowledging his finncs before God, together with an vttcrroifliking&deteftation of his former life, ffor this is nothing clfe but tobkjfe Cod, that is, to afcribe glorie to God, & nothing butftiamc and eonfufion to our felues for our finncs & tranfgreflions,as we may a. C H A P. OF I O B. may fcc,/^i.7.i9^and not retting hcrc,buc,bcfecchingGod to turnc away his difpleafurc and indignation) and to looke vpon him in his mercicdoeing I fav^ll this, as now it ftoode himinhand, he mould addrcfle himielfe to vndcrgoc the death which was not farre from him. Whereby it appeareth, thai this was theoneiy point, in which fhec was decerned, namely,in thinking that the miferies of this life,efpccially fo extrccmc and fo vnaccuftomcd,could not arife from any o* her originall,then from Gods anger : which to be moft falfe, the eftate of the Church in this world at all times doth fuffi- cicntly prooue, and'alfoprophanc hiftorics doe witneffeby diuers examples, in which we may fee, that they of all other haue becne moftmiferable and wretched in reipe&of all manner of aduerfitie,who haue had efpcciall regard in them felucs, of a iuft, honed, vpright, and vertuous conuerfation. Concerning which thing I (hall fpeake more at large when I come to the fourth Chapter. Verely nothing could be more vnwo^thely fpoken againft lob , nothing that coulde bee fb — viittcr and greeuous vnto him.in fo mucn, thatwhomency- ther lofle of fo many good things,nor the death of al his chil- dreiyior yet the tormenting griefes of his bodie, were able to diicouragcthis one iniune had well ncere driuen intode- fpcration, and debuered him vp,bceing vanquimed into the hands of Satan. For although it neuer came into lobs mind, to ftand vpon his ownc righteoufnes, or to rcpofe the hope of his falua tion in any thing clfe , feue in the mercie of the onely redeemer and Sauiour.which mould corac,as he fpea- keth afterwarde in the 19. Chapter verfeif. and although hauing rccciued fo many wounds, his thoughts were very much troubled about this; namely, what {hould be the caufe,why God mould thus deale more hardly with him, then with other mortall men: notwithhanding as it is ma nifeft by his wordes which he vfed in the 1. Chapter, verfc if. and as it mall appeare by the verfc immedi- ately following, the teftimonie of a good &Yprightcoriici* ence, did fo ftrcngthen and vpholde him in all his trou- bles and aduerfitics, that, making off all contrarie fari- fics, by a wonderfull conftancie and ftayedneffe of minde, he rcftcd in the will and pleafure of almighite God. I. 4* And ^ \\<*~ BEZA VPON THE And furely this was the oncly refuge which he had left him, and therefore Satan labourcth by al poflible meanes to take it from him,feeking by terrors of confcience,(then which there is nothing more terriblej ioyned with theloffeof his goods.and torments of his bodie, to make him forget all pa- tience:that fo being naked & without armour, he might get thevi&orie oucr him. In a word therfore,Iofer wife miferablf decerning her felfe, & albeit vnwittingly,yctftoutly fighting againft lob vnder Satans banner, woulde in effect fay thus much ; DoeU thou continue yet in thine vfrigbtne*? that is,why doeft thou,my husband,(it here fo filent,bcaring thy felfe vp- on an opinion of thine intcgritie ^Doeft thou not as yet pcr- ceiue how highly God isdtfpleafed withtheef Blefie God,thaz is,for fo much as thou haft but a very fhort time to liue, giuc the glorie vnto God,as to a iuft iudge, and hauing acknow- ledged the multitude of thine offences, by the greatneflc of the afflictions which he hath laid vpon thee,prcpare thy fclfc to make a godly endc. , VERSE 10. But hefaid unto her, thou fpeafyft /% * fiotifh woman : what ?{hall we receiuegoodat the hand of Godsflndnot receive euill? In all this did not lobfinne with his tippes. BV T btfmde vnto her, &£.'] Satan by the meanes and in- duftrie of this woman, hath gotten thus much, that lob is compelled to breakeoff his former filence, but yet not to Ioofe any whit of his patience and conftancie of minder yea, by this meanes itcameto pafle, (farre otherwife then Saran looked for) that/o^wasknowentobe victorious a* gainft Satan, not oncly in thevertueand vprightnes of his heart, but alio in the wifdome and godlincfleof his fpeach. And (ucely, this is the iffue of all Satans practifes againft the elect, to whomc, feeing all thingcs'fall out for the befr, (as the ApoftletelIethvs,&w*. 8. and daily experience alfo t eachethj fo often as the Lordc doeth deale with vs, as here he doeth with Job, why doe wc not, rather then that wee fhouldeexpoftulateandrcafonthe matter with God, why doe wcnot f lfay,cric out with Dauid, Tfal.119.71. ft is good fir me that 1 ham bene afflitted. But feldomc it i* feene that we bebaue 2.CKAP. OF I OB. behaue our (chics focouragiouflie, as this excellent man lob docth,and yet no man was cuer more cruelly and fearcc- lyaffayled by Satan then he; whofo got the viftoric oucr Saran,that as yet he rather Teemed tocontemnehis blowcs, then to vouchfafc once to mecte him in iuft ccmbatc,and to (hewe the vttermoft that he was able to doe. Neither herein alone was the vertuc of this our champion greatly to be ad- mired >in that he fo wifely defeated this fubtill enterprise of Saran,hischicfcenemie.{hewmg no leffe courage nowe in this, then before in patiently bearing and fuilainingfo great and extrearae gricfes : but this alfo is worthie of great ad- miration in him, that being fo vnkindcly dealt withall by her, who ought to haue loucd and honoured him abouc all others, and hauingfb great an inruric offered him by his wife* neuertheleffe he was not wrathful! againft her, nor (hewed any great token of anger: yea, he did fo moderate andquallifie this his anfwere,that in reproouingher, he nei- ther for gate that authoi itie,\* hich,as a huibande, he had o- •iser his wife, neither yet did quite lay afide all regarde of worn ans infirm i tic. Which good and godly moderation, if husbandes would keepe tow aides their wiues, parents to- war des their children, ma ft ers towardes their feruants, we ihould haue all rhinges both in priuate familics^nd in whole common wealthes, better and more quietlie ordered, then nowe they are. Albeit 1 doe not denie, but that men for the moft part,doe rather offende in the other cxtrcamc, that is tofay,inouermuchremiffenefleandlenitic. Nowe this an- fwcrCjdoeth coniift partly of an increpation or rebuke, and partly of a repulfe or confutation. As touching the incre- pation, I neither agree to them,who mollifie and mittigate it,by vndcrftanding this fpcach of fob interrogatiuely, as if Job fbould fay, May I thinke that thou wouldeft fpcake after the manner of foohfli women? neither) et am 1 of their opi- nion, who take (fcotijh) for roadde and wicked, albeit I con- feflc that the Hebrewc worde (Tifibai) hath icme times that fignification : and furely it woulde very wcJI agree co thi« woman, if (he had fo (hameleflely counfeBed her htubandc to curfe God ; whkh cxpofition 1 haue already confuted. ftotifb therefore in this place,isoppofcdto wifcaadcir- cum- BEZA VPON THE cumfpec":. For chat which lobs wife would pcrfwadc her huC band, was not (imply & in it felfe cuilljforafmuch as to thofe who are guikic and eonvic"rcd, no counfell can better be gi- tien,neither is any admonition more neccflaric. But in the application of thiscounfel,(he greatly trefpaflcd againft her husband, being nothing leifc thenfuch aone,asihe tookc him for-falfcly imagining,thathis wickcdneffe was anfwera- ble to the number and greatnesofhis calamities. What? (ball we receive good at the handeofGod,andnotre- €eiue evill? ] How many ftraunge & wondcrfull things dotb lob comprehend in very few words ? They arc wonderful in* dced,efpccially if we confider in what cafe he then was. For it is no ftrange thing to be thankfull for a good tur nc;but yec what man amongfta thoufand retcineth the memorie of re- cciucd benefits «*n ay .what one of a thoufand buricth nottha rcmebrace of al forepafled bcnefits,hauig receiued neper fo fmall an injuric ? lob did farre other wife, who in his former moft grieuous trials did not only not mur mure agaiqft God* taking awaywhatfbeuerbe had before beftowedvpon him, — but alfo gaue god thanks,as if the very lofle of his goods had bin a new benefice. But here he is fo much the more to be wondred at, by how much this blow was the more grieuous then all the formenin the beginning he was file t,which was a very great thing amid ft fuch horrible vexations: but after* warde, albeit an vniuft accufarion were added to thofe tor- mets,hc brake forth not into any blafphemous murmuring, but into pr aifing of God, fu ffici cmly declaring, what he had meditated vpon in all the time of his filence, to wit,Gods fo many bleflings beftowedon him, and thofe ioyned with the true knowledge and feare of God: by which things he being fully perfwaded that God was not his enemic, but efpccially fauorablc vnto him,the ma albeit a finner,yct hauing a good cofcience,did rightly gather,that this change,could not pro- ceed fro God,as hauing altered his mind; but for what caufc focuer he did it,yet that he was to reft only in his wil,who al. wayes prouideth for his children, and of whomc he hoped neuer to be forfaken. And that this was his refolution,as one not trufting to his owne righteoufnes, which neuer theleffe was vnfained, but relying vpon Gods good wij cowards him, confirmed si CHAP. OF lOB. confirmed by the teftimonie of true godlines & charity both inwardly and outwardly ;not only thefe his words domani- fcftJy (hew^but that alfo doth clcerly prove,that howfocucr he had fornwhat gone out of the way, being by the impor- tunity of his friends thereunto conftrained} yet he brake out into thefe v vords,chap.i 3 .1 5 jhcugb Cod (hou!d(ll fay. both in word &deed declarcd,who,albeit profperitic much differ fro aduerfity, yet (till as touching God,he rcteined the fame indifferencie & moderation of minde.For truly God is one & the fame to vs both in wealth & woe, nc uer chaging his fathc/ly good will towards vs, ncucr abufing his rule o» ■uer his children,no not then, when hcexercifcth the witk moft grievous mails to his ovvne glory; but moft liberally crowning their patience,as the end of this ftory doth (hew, Yet,as Cregorie the Romane Biihoppe excellently wrireth, from hence let euery man gather, what paines & torments they are to fuffcr whom God hate th, ifheTe hefo chafthe them whom heloueth; or how they {hall be puni(hed,who in iudgemet (halbe found guilty, when as their life is fo (ore afflicted, who by the witnes of their iudge are commedecL In all this didnot lobjkme with his lips*) Not to (inne,docth in this place by a rhetorical mimgat:on,fignifie all one,as fo to behaue him fclfe as he oughr,yea and that before God, fo farrc as man being regenerate is able to do iuftly .Therefore lob is not only thus acquitcd from doing cuiH, but alfo is co- mended, as one who did what became a true, godly & reli- gious man in all thefe troublcs.Forhe did not (imply refufe, to acknowledge him felfe a (inner, and call for mercy at his hands,whom he calleth his redeemer, but rightly and iuftfy denieth him fclfe tobe 3n hipocrite asncccftarily was to be gathered by his wiues fpeach: albeit afterward, being pro- uoked by the vniuft accufatios of his friends, & conftrained by the greames of his cormentSjbe kept not within c op as in auouching BEZA VPON THE auouching the finceritie and vprightnes of his paffedlifcj with the onelyteftimonie whereof he comforted himfclfc in his miferiej as him felfc acknowledgcth vnto God after- ward,Chap.42.4.andf. verfes. Thefc wordes therefore (f* all this) and (with his lip pes) arc oppofed to the conference, which folio weth in the reft of the Chapters, to the cndc of this hiftorie. But the Hebrews doc great iniuric to this ex- cellent and worthie man, who doe fo vnderftand this,as if in word he had not finned, but in minde had trefpaffed; when contrariwife,it is not to be doubted,but the mind gaue forth to the mouth,whatfocuer it fpake.But who can merucll,that they erred in this thing, who are not aftiamcd, tocondemne Job euery where in the expofition of this hiftoric,as an enc- mie toGodsprouidencc? I fay therfore on thecotrary fide, that therfore lob offended not in fpeak ing.be caufc he offen- ded not in being filent. And as touching his fpcach, it is ma- nifeft by the plainc words of this text. And what he thought holding hispeace,whcce,but by his fpeech,may it \>c vnder- ftood? But ye will fay, why then fpake he not him felfe,whcn he was not prouoked by his wife/ as though any more clearc and founding teftimonic of a deuout and peaceable mind to Godward.couldbegiuenout, then this very file nee amid ft fuch ca!amities,according to that,/ bane beldmy peace fl Lord % beemfe thouhafi done it: and that : who art thou that anfvvta- reflGodt VERSE n. Now when lobs three friendes bard of all this eueli Which was come vpon bim,they came eue • rieone from his owne place, Elepha\tbe Tbemanite,and Bildadthe Sbuite, and Tfiphar the Naamathite: fir they were agreed togither to come to lament wkbkim , mi to comfort him. VERSE ix. So when they Uftvp their eyes afkrre off they tyew him not : therefore they lift vp their voyce* and wept , and euery one of them rent bis garment, and Qrrinfyed dftfi vpon their beades towards the htaueiu I Agree to Mercer, who thinkcth that thefc three had their names of thofc,fro whom they tooke their difccnt:as that Blepha\ the Tbemmte was fo called of The mx y the firft born of £ty^the fonac of Efinficn.}6 § iv&Bildadfl{ S^thc fon of *. CHAP. OF IOB. o?JbrahmbyKetitra,Gen.i1.i:Tfopbdr ofTfopbut,Yihkh was alfo oncof the fonnesof that forenamed EHpha^ Gm.$ 6.1 1 . & h here called,for what caufc we know not^he Naamithitc: for thefc things, are very darke and obfeure. But it is clearer that both dries of their builders, and countries of their aun- cientcftandchicieft inhabitants, haue taken their names; thereupon often in the Scriptures, mention is made of the region Themti. In a word, the thing it felfc doctheuidentlie (hew, that thefe me n,as being Jobs nearcft & dcarcft friends &familiars,were eythcr ldumeans, or of the nearcft part of jfrabia* And wheras the Hebrues fay, that they were fo many Kings.tbat is but confidendic fpoken,as their manner is: ycc it is not to be doubted, that they were men of great name & credit,& rery famous for that true wifdoroc,which is defined to be the knowledge of heaucnlic and humane thinges, as (hall appeare by their fpe aches. And that they fincerciic lo- ued /(?/?> and camcouc of their countries with alouingdefirc to comfort him, all things declare, which here are fee downe: • albeit the cucnt of their purpofe, feJ outaltogither contrary, as who tormented lob, wei nigh as much, as Satan him fclfe, but yet of ignorance & vnwittrnglic, rather then of ill wilor malice. And although there is no mention of any more then • thefc three, who vpon the knowledge of fobs fudden afflicti- on, came to fee him: yet it is not to be doubted, fith this thing fell out fo vnlooke d for,an d that the name of Job was fo renowmed^md his authorise fo great among the people, bet that there Yf2$ great concourfe of people to behold this fpectacle, whofc iadgement were diners : & yet the greater pan detefting him as one hated of God; which is the com* mon peoples cuftome, to determine of the loue or hatred of God towardes any man, by the commodities or ^commo- dities of this life, and efpcciallie, when fuchebaunges fall out fuddenlie. Againe, great was the vnthankcfulnefTc of moft men, according to that prouerbe before mentioned, Jiofamie, noVaternofter. Whereof Job moft pidfuIHe com* plaincth in the Chapters 19.22.aod 30. But the hiftoriema* keth mention of thefc three by name, both for that they were men of great eftimation, as alfo byrcafon of their dit puration with Jpfc, whichis the chiefeft and grcareftpartc of this BEZA -VPON THE this book. And that thcfc fpeechcs were had in the prcfcnec & hearing of others, it appeareth out of the 31. cap. to the 37. where £#Jb#,of whofe comming nothing is here fpoke,i$ brought in with amoft grauc fpccch,reproouing both leb, as one, who fpake out of reafbn, & thefe three, as importunate and vnreafonable comforters. *Afkrre off. J That is,beforc they came very ncare, as the manner of friends isjmutually to imbraccone another,efpc- cialiie when they are affiifted andcaft downe; fo that hence by any ftrong reafon it cannot be collected, that Job bceing cad out of the citie,lay without dores, and vpon a dunghill, as fome will,and as the Greeke interpretation hath , which is confuted by Jobs owne words. Chap.7.1 3 . ♦ They kpew him 7toW] As bceing moreliketoavilc&ftin* king c arcade full of forcs,thcn to a liuc man; as he paintethr out him felfein moftliuely colours.Thcfe things that follow are brought in as tokens of a true companion andforrow according to the ctiftome of men in thofc times , when ey- ther them fclucs or their friends were fallen into fome great * miferie; whereof Afierttralleadgeth an example out of lof. j. 6. of cafting duft vpon the head. VERSE 13. So they fat dovnewitbhim, &c^i THat which is here added, hath yet greater force to the witncflmgof their true and vnfayned compallion. For thofe things before mentioned m ghtvery eafiliehaue bene done euen by his encmies.But this fcuen dayes continuance with /o&,beeing info (linking and filthic a condition, docth manifeltlie prooue, that thefe men thought nothing lefle, then % that which afterward fell out, fo grieuouflie to offende him,andalmoftco driue him intoablafphemousdefperati- on, whom rather to comfort they defired from their harts. Neither yet is it to be thought,«hat they ftaied there fo many dares & nights without meat or fleepe, ( which is incredible thatlofr him fclfc didjbutby this hyperbolicall kind of fpcccli is (hewedjtheir condancie in keeping companic with Iobfot fo much as they fat at his bed fide the great eft part of fo ma- ny daies and nights. On the ground.) That is to fay , at lobs bed, not as before, bceing in profpcrity,whenheJay as rich men doc,in acomo lie bcd.buc caft downe vpon a fillic couch. S»4 2. CHAP. OF IOB. And none fpak* a wordvnto Wa»]That is,they continued filet along amcWhere i.points arc nccefTarily tobccofidered;j. what cau fed them to be filet fo long, who were come for this cnd,that they might coforthim both in word &detd;x.what it was that they toiled in their filet thoughts, wheras 3 doubt- Jcs they them fellies would hauc broken offthis filence,if lob bad not prcucntcd them. Which cjuefrions,arc not only nc- ccllarie to knowe howcitcame topaile, that/^fogreate conftancie was turned into impatiencie, and their prepofi c- rous comforting turned into a mod bitter controuerfie: but alio arc very profitable, that by the crrour of Jobs friends wc may lcarnc a kinde of mcthodc and order in comforting; whichif it be not diligentlic vfcd,we flialbe fo farrc from at- taining to that, which wc defirc in comfot ting our friendes, namely, to cafe their milfrics: that contrariwife, wee (hall bring the moft patient men to impatiencie, and at length to mccre madneffc: which trulic had happened to this cur Job y to the great triumph of Satan, had not Elibu firft come be- , tweene, and then God him fclfc extraordinarily appearing, by his power and authoritic ended this controuerfie. The caufe then of this fo great (ilence, is fet downc to be this^inthac thefe men fa we lobs grief cs wonderfully to en- creafe; whereby it is fufficicntlie vndcrftood,that diey in the beginning held their peace, notonely for that they were a- ftonifhed at the ftraungencsofthe thing, but becaufc they thought to wait a while,vntill fuch time as, his gricfe beeing mitigated, he might be the more attenrinc to heare andre- cciue their fpeeches of comfort,as teftimonies of their good good will towards him.bceing kept clofe all the tnean while, no othcrwifcthen if them felues had felt this his mifcry .Nei- ther ought this their wifdome in cxfpc&ing a fit time.nor yec their apparent fignification of a true compaflion andliuelie feeling of this his calamine be blamed, but rather commen- ded. For as in curing bodilie difcafes,greatregardistobe had,both to the confiituticn of the ficke bodie,as alfo to the changing* and courfe of the difeafe,by the knowledge of the criticall daiesrfb in reproouing and giuing colnfort,by wbick we endcauour to cure the difcafes of the mindc, thecir- cumftances both of time, place and perfons, arc wife- fcc to be confidcrcd. Neythcr troclic doe th the Apoftle, willing BEZA VPON THE willing vs to fpcake alfo out of feafon, i. Timothy.!, thereby mesne to difanull chat, which he in another place expreffely commaunded,r.ri/z?.i.i. and alfo hath taught ?s by his own example, as who was made all things vnto all men : but he condemneth that falfe (hewe of wifdome, which withdraw- cth vs neuer folitle from doing our duetie. Nowe alfo the ve- rie fellowfhippe and focictic of griefe, doeth greatly eafe thofe,who are inheauincfle,forafmuchas othcrwife we may feemetobefbrfakenjandtobe fmaMy regarded of others in our miferics. Therefore they did not properly finnein do- ing either the one or the othennotwithftanding herein they trefpafled not a little, that in neither they kept a due mea- fure and moderation. For that i* moft true, which a lide be- fore we cited out of Gregorie>that we ought wifely toforcfee, not onely what we doe, but alfo m what manner we doc n y cuen when we doc that which ought to be done of vs,if fo be we will attaine to the true endc thereof. For that faying of the heathen Poet is verie notable and worthic to be remem- bred, although of moft men it be finally regarded. Eft modus in rebnsfint certi demfy fines, qm vltra utraq % nequit confijkre reffum. that is, Ea ch thing it* limits batbjvbich it m*f not exceed , Beyonde>or (hort of which, can be noperfite deedc. Firft of all therefore, is it the part of him whocommcth with the intent to comfort others, cuen at his firft entrance or comming, fo to be ftroken with the ftraungenes of that thing,which hathhappened,that he is not able to fpeake one word? But afterward to adde fo many teftimonies of forrow or hcauines , as if thou moulded: goe about, not fo much to eafe and comforte thy friend ftriuing and ftraggling vvirh griefe,as tomourne for hi m,bceing laid along and readie to giue vp the Ghoft, yea as if he were prefcntlie to be buried; what elfe could this breede in lobs mind,buc an increafe and doubling of his forrowcs.For it could not otherwife be, but that beholding that in others, whereof he wanted no fence and feeling inhimfelfc, all thofe thinges fhould the more dcepely and throughly be imprinted and fettled inhis hearr. Moreouerforfeuendayes fpace tofitlilentin fuch an order before a fickc man,what elfe was it,but to driue lobinzo deA paire? j. CHAP. OF TOB. pairc?& fo long to behold the difeafe increafing,and more flit more growing, without (peaking any word or procuring re* medic for the fame,what was it elfe, but to imitate the Too- Iimphifitio^who lingercth toapplie phificke, till the fickc mans difcafe be growen incurable. But if peraduenturc they perceiuing this his fickenefle daily to become worfe & worfe, imagined the lame to be mortall, & that it could not other* wife be, but that his lifewouldma veriefhort timedepart from him-, why doe they not with all fpeed and diligence fct before his eyes thecouenant of cternall life, which is the oncly and fureft comfort againft the tcrrours of death, and of Gods iudgements ? for here it is,as thcolde faying gocth, A *ife (peach i* thephifition ofafickpfoule. What {hall we fay more? when they faw lob in fo great miferie, wherein he was attbatprefent,to teftifie his patience andcourage,by fcqui* Ct and peaceable a filence, hadit not rather bene their parts to rcioyce in this behalfe, that he remained (b conftant and faithfull.to Gpdward,then with this forowful habite, & with .fuch pitiful! geftures todifcouragehim, and to weaken the vertue and conftancieof bisminde? Therefore a great ro garde and wife con (idcration is to be had in this kind of due- tie, both of the difeafes them felues, whether of bodie or minde,as alfo of the perfons which are difeafed,that comfort may profitably be applyed.and in feafon. And this wifedome the holy Spirite of discretion teacheth vs; which forafmuch as it was wanting inthefe wife men, therefore they lacked little of yndoing their friend, and cafting him quite vndcr foot, as if they had bene agreed to helpe forward Satans en- terprife,whereas notwithftanding they were come together for noother intent but to eafe and comfort their fricnd.And thus much hitherto of the former queftion& the yfe there* of,(umTeth to haue bene fpoken. Nowe to come to the other queftion, what their imagi* nation was at their firft comming to lob, partly their filence, and partly their gefture (heweth : to wit, that they like men aftoni&ed were mamufe, cafting in their mirides, that it could hardly be,that any true godly and zealous man, fuch a one as lokttts alwayes accounted, mould fall into fuch mife« fie; and yet notwithftajiding being con vifled by thetefti- K, monie BEZA VPON THE monic of Jobs former life, wherewith they were throughly acquainted, chey fufpended this their iudgement tillfuca time as feeing his torments more and more to incrcafe,an4 hearing him at the length breakc foorth into fuch (peeches, as might rather befeeme a man defpera te and forlorne,then him,who had any, though neuer fo little wifedomein him; they were confirmed irt that their falfe and erronious iudge- ment. For otherwifc if they had onely mifliked fobs impati- encie, which out of doubt came cipecially through their fault, they would firft graucly haue reprooued and flayed the fame, (o farre as the nature and greatnefle of his gricfc might giue them leaue, and ftraightway haue turned their fpeach to other matters,counfcllinghim rather to continue in bearing all thinges wifely and patiently as he had begun, and to hope well of Gods goodnefle and mercie towardes hiwjwho neuer forfaketh his children. But they doe farrc otherwjfe.Efyta^beginhing, and the other following his ex- ample. For they do foiu Illy reprehend lob for his impat** encie.that here neucrtheleffe t hem Mues offende two man- ner of wayes. Firft.bccaufe they do not confider,that them fciucs by their feuen daies filencc, brought lob vnto this im- patiencie, who before did with wonderfull conftancie and moderation beare out his griefc. And againc,they offend not a little, for that they rebuke him more (harply & rigoroufly, then the extrcmitie of his paffions might well fuffer ; where- of lob a fterward,m akin g anfwerc to Elipba^doth moft grie* uoufly complaine. And yet thefe things are butfmaD, in companion of this, that in Read of fweete and comfortable (peaches, by which they ought to haue affwagedandmitti- gated his griefe,they do in fuch fort exhort him to call for mercie at Gods handes, as if they had to doc with a moft wicked man, and with a notable hypocrite, as with whomc Cod was for that caufc highly difpleafed. Was this* to com- fort a man of a good and vpright confeience, as God him fclfe giueth witnelTc of him f Was this to maintainc and ftrengthen him in that patience, which hitherto he had {hewed in thefe his troubles ? or was it not rather, to a man already moft cruelly afflicted, to addenewe vexations, and thofe trucly fo much the more intollerable, by howc much the i. CHAP. OF IOB. the terrors ofconfcience,vnto which they laboured to bring Uby are more grieuous then all torments of bodic whatfoe- uer ? Hereunto may be added a mod lull indignation,wherc- with it coulde not be, but Job inwardly was throughly gauled,when he heard him felfe to be accounted in the num- ber of mod wicked and deceitiull hipocrites - y fo that no man neede marvaile, how he could fall into this impatiencie, be- ing with fodiucrsand fo forcible engins affayled: nay ra- ther he may marucll, howe he could any way temper and moderate him lelfe,fothat he neither brake foorth into any bittcrandrcprochfiillfpcachesagainft thofeopen flaunde- rers,neithcryetreuiledand blafphemcd God, as Satan ho* ped to bring to paffe by thefc his temptations. All thefe things haue 1 more at large let downc, to the ende we may the better vnderftand the difputation following, as alfo that we ihould neither thinke fob altogether without fault, nor charge him more hardly then ismeete: forafmuch as God taking vp*this controuerfie,doeth fo reprooue^fe, as that of nis louingkindnes and mercie towardesthis his femant, he hideth and couereth his blemimes, yea and layeth almoft the whole fault of that wherein Job offended, vpon his three friendesj andlaftly crowneth this his champion, as hauing wonne the honor of the combate, with a glorious crownc of vi&oric. <*A Preface BEZA VPON THE A PREFACE VP- ON THE THIRD CHAPTER. Ithertowehaue heard bow Job dtdfi deceiue all the fierie dartes of Satan, that as yet it famed he could not be wounded : not that he wot without fenfe or feeling, but he re- ceiuedthem, as the Apoftle warneth v*>on the ijbkld offhitbandofa good confcience, where- 1 into wot added an efyeciaUfeareof God. But nowe let vs heare howe he ftriueth,not any more with thofe outward enemies, ofwhome he was of ailed, but with him fel&and that in fuch -manner, that he was very neere fainting vnder the burthen of his temptation, l^either ought we to marveUe at that, finceeuen in the rnofl holy men there remaineth aflrife betwixt the fie jh and the Spmte y whi(b k rleft oj Ged % euenin tbeEleft ( we do not regard that which was done while tU combzt !afted,but the end of the fight it felfo : wherein Ged inwardUe fiiengthened his fiiithfidlferuant,and though he was bardlie lay ed at, yet did be neuerfufier him to be tempted altogether above hisftrengeh* which be at conuenient times gauevnto him % And which of the Saints (1 pray yovjbath not had the experience of this, if we willfeucrah lie confiderwhat thinges haue bene faid and done by them ? Be it therfore that in Job theflefh didfinne: fir he was a man: notwith- ponding (God him felfo beingiudgt) he was neuer ouercome of the flefo,butjbough not without wounds which it received in the fight, tbefpiribein him gate the vpptr handSo CfjriftAoh.zi.i 8. (peaking ' of 'Peter him felfo »wbofe foitb did neuer vttcrfy foik^Whcnffaitb be) thou (halrbeoIde,thou ftiakitretch out thin eh3nds,and another (hall gird thec,and Jeadthee whither thou wouldeft not: fignifying by what death he fhouldeglorifieGcd. For furefy in thefe wordes is declared howe Peter did fo vndergoefor Christ the fame o f mar lir dome moft willingly and confianthe, that neuerthelefie in abiding thofepa>ncs wherein his foiritereioyced. there was not wanting the fiefo for it to finite withal/, which was moft vnwiUingtofuffer death. Andthusmuchletitfujficeto haue fpokgn once for all : not for this place alone, but for very many 0- theri,whichwefhalmeete with hereafter .'Now let vs hcarkpi what the fiefo here !pea\ethAob is grieuedfie firctteth , hegnafoeth his teeth.be howlet h : howe forte would he haue goneMd not thefpirit held him bac^e ffurely he would haue runne headlong intoblafphe- mie & deff>eration t as Satan hoped it would haue come to pajfo. And bereagainewe are prudently tomal^e adiffefence in this- fie fo it felfo. forin that lob finnetb not .that he being throughly galled with thefieiing of fo great torments in mind andbod)>,cneth cutfohicb is naturall for a man to do) but herein he finnetb ,rn that giu'mg the raines wholly to his griefo,and as it were fei ting afidefor a time all thinking of Godwin which notwithstanding he ought to haue abode, K. 3. he BEZA VPON THE \oe iscarkdaway without the boundeseuen of humane reafon. Tot who would count him in his wits>& net rather frantilpythai fhould ^bitterly raile vpon his birthday, whether it be that which is faft 9 wherein he was borne ^or that which commeth once aycre?&yet we fee that the fame or worfehappencd to kremy, cap.zi.v.i^. and many of Dauids eomplaintes in the Tfalmes are notfiirre behinde. See thenhowfhrre the violent & outragipm ajfeftions of our mind will (bone cane vs y which the philofephcrs would haue vs to rule by reafonjbis remedy truely of theirs being not altogether vnprofita- bkybutyet not offufficientfirce y euen in the leaft temptations. which the (pint of God alone lightning our vnderftanding^ doeth mimfter to vs in our difircfie. There is no man therefore without fmne : but thcyfmne one way in whom wiclgdneffe doth abfolutcly raigne, or who wholly and wilfidly giueoucr themfelues to commit fnruiand they another ^who dofofinne, that thejpirityet cry eth in thcm> howe that they do according to the fief h y that whith they would not doac* wording to thejpirit : whereof lob affbrdeth vs a notable exaplein this place & hereafter. ¥or who can choofe but wonder ^thap he in fa great vnquietnes of his mind^did notfo much as caft out one word % . either againfi bis wifijragainft his friedsjhat deitfo vnwifely rrith bim>or againft any other as me do Joeing out ofpatiece or rather mad? And tb&t(as appear eth by the to.verfjfofone as Cod came into his mind.tbeflefh was tberebyjbough not altogether, yetfo fine dauted that it \ept itfelfi with in the compafe of weeping & wailing. Tot whereas the Hebrue interpreters thinly very hardly of lob Jbme of them counting him a calculator of his natiuitie^as though he attri» buted thefe his calamities not to Godsprouidence^but tofome afpeft of malignant ftarres y & therefore curfed his birthday \ other feme in p'a'me termes calling him wicked & bUSfjhemousJlfbaU not need to fiend many words in refuting them^mce her after they are difproued by thefintece of God himfelfas it were fudging & determiningthe whole matter t whofinde(h fault with lobs fpeecbes fir being vnadui- fed, yea &fometimcs ranging beyond the precinSf of godlmes^yet fo that acquiting him fom all groffefinne and wickgdnesjbe crow* veth him with the garland of a famous vifiorie. There rema'me many thinges fir vs to examine in this Chapter, undfirfl of all this queflion may not vnfitly be mooued in this place, whether we ought fo to repofe ourfelues whollie in G ods wiU m bea- r'mgpat'tently what thinges focuery that we cannot without fmne wijhjhat thofe things whicfj are done alreadiepere either vnaone y eit 3 . CHAP. OF IOB. #r done tnherwife.J anfwerjhatfucb wifhesfmply arefo fare from being fane* ,that contrariwise we do fometimes heinouflyfinne, if we wife not with our harts that very many things done by vs or by other s^ hadneuer bene donejhough now they can not be undone agameJBor hereunto belongeth the true repentance of the, who condemne their life that i*p*fied:& therfbre Godh'imfelfe bewadmg^afwr the ma- Mr ofmen,tbefiubbornes ofvnthankfitll lfiael,after they had bene pumJbed.crictbout.PhLSi. 14.O that my people hadharkened vmom^rhat Ifrael had walked in my waxes. Noweby theft TPordjyWhich are attributed to God himfelfejve may eafilie coceiue in what refyetljwe hauing before our eyes the wifdome of God him felfe in gouemng this vniuerftll worlde, may without offence wifb thatfome thing had fallen out otherwife, and that is tbft^n regarde that thofe things diftleafk vs, whereby he isprouolgdto execute his iaft & feuere lodgement; fo notwithftanding>that we willingly hold Burfeiues content with that,wh'xh wee fee pleafeth him* eujen then, when not oneiy wee doe notjee the reafon of his docings^andoftl^e e- uents which plow tbereuponjout alfo when the Lordfeemethto our brainfic\ wifdom to dofomth'mg which they that as it were cite him so appear e before the ludgemetfeat of their own reafon,wouldiudge to be cleane contradeto his nature. They jherfbre principally offend infuch li\$ wifhes, who vmo the confederation of Gods gouemment m ordering the world both generally <,& e/ff daily in this or tlxitfuc- cefje ofmattersiningprtiudicate opmionslfruhedfro the florehoufe of humane arrogandewpon occafwwberoftbeyrafklyprye into gods iudgewnts 9 ¬ finding that which fatisfiethtbem from fuchpi-o- phane boldnes they run headlong into open impiety. Examples hereof are rife in all forts of writings of worldly wife men, efwheme Paul truly wriutb, that tiny became vatne m their imaginations ? *And from no other head fir the mo$ part haue rifen, & daily do rife wiU worfbips & here/Iesywkerby the church ceafetb not to be exerdfed, then from thUythat men. no: ondybeeing openly curious & ambiti- tus, but alfo decerning themfelues with acotmerfiit fbew of a de- uout confeience, do meafmeal things by ^aeir owne brain*, &foew their outragious boldnes no \effe in eji^bliping their owne deames, the in impugning what foe uer tficy mifliktjiot (faring god him felfe. But they are not to be reckoned amog tbefe,who not vpon a prophane curio{iiy x neitber bringing with thefe:uespreiudicate opinioiisjftky light vpon any thing in the daily worses of God which belongeth to their vocation fir them to fytowe, the caufes whereof they imowe K. 4, not, BEZA VPON THE not Jo that this their igporance holdeth their mmdes in fufpenei t being mooucd with a deuout afft clion, in thefe thoughtes of their s y firftto asfe counfell at the word of God, whereby they may hauea generall direclion in difcemingfuch matters: thenjhat by the nut knowledge of tbofe general! heades out of Gods worde, they may rightly in the feareofGod determine fuch particular cafes as they meete whhaU^andvndersland what they are to doe herein if it be about tbemfe'ues* they fearch their owne confciences • but if the queftion be about other menjhey doe carefullie and without refpeft of perfons fearch out the caufesfrom whence that proceeded, about which the doubt is mooued. Butifthey can not yet find that whtcb wilifatisfie them, yet this ground they alwayeshoide, that the M* mightie God is vnblameable & irrcprooueable.whofe will, whether it be man'tfefted to vs or hid fromvs.we are to honour without ex- ception. Be fides inpreftnt mifer'ies % whether they be our owne or other mens/ither publife orpriuate^ we haue liber tie aifo to bcwailt our eftate t to lament, and \to makgfhortjopowre out our gUfes in- to his bofome^and to befeech God that he would rid vs from, them : but thefe exceptions being obferuedjhat our complaints arife y nei- ther from the daftatd'inefieofour courage 9 nor from any prophane affeclion>nor as though we would ftriue with God : but that we at- wayes bringwith vs a minde y readie to beare patiently whatfoeuer fhalbelaidvpon vs. Jnd becaufe it would require a large treatife tofetfborth this do&rine by many examples Jet it fuffice vtfbr thU time to lay this matter open to our view in this one example of lob. I O B the mosl righteous manliuing y btcommeth on the fudden of all other the mo ft miferable:andyet not oncly humane reafon but alfo the very nature of the mosl righteous God feemeth nneffarilj to require jhat good things fbou\d be giuen togoodmenjuiU things to cut! men. This foundation then being laidjvbofoeuer they be that bofevponlob in this mosl miferable eslate, they concede that it musl needes be (or elfe Godfhould not deale iuflly) that there was at that time no man liuing more wicked then \ob jvho notwithfian- dingwent alwayesfvr amoft holy and iufi man. hereupon it com* meth to paffejhat he is reprooued of all that are about him.rphere- offome,ofwhome lob euery where complainetk y doe reuik him>as beingamoft damnable man : others being more indifferent, as hit wife and thofe threfiiendes of his. are put of hope of his life, but not ofhisfaluation: and when they fee him mafyng no mention of his fmnts> j. CKAP. OF I OB. fmnesdo nothing efethen matye proteftation of his vpright conftk encejbey labour earnefily in this, that bringing him from this cpi* nion of his owne innccencie, they may draw him to condemne his firmer iifi.and with the detection oj his notable hypocrifa to ash$ Cod mercie^which was the onely way that w& (eft him to procure bis deliuerance. But lob mafynganfwtre, though he acknowledge bimfe'fetobe amanjudfoafmner, yet hatting the tefimonie oj d good conference that there was no caufe on hispartjvhy God (hould dealt fo hardy with him aboue other men, ceafeth not in the be- ginning.howfoeuerthefboUfbreafonofmangainfayethit, mi'dely & quietly to fraife God,as being nisi. Yet at the length his tormets being wonderfully increafed, and being grieued to the heart at the feuendayesfilenceofhisfriendes, as though he were from thence foorth to looke fur no helpe at Gods hands-, moreouer euen then tof ftng in his mir.de how it might be that God fhouldfo pumfh him aboue other men : and yet for all that no not then conceiuing any fmifer opinion of God, he breaketh out into theje terrible cur- fmgs. . ' But before 'we heare lob powring out his grievous comp f aints & making his moft fittfidl lamentationahep'ace it ft fi fecmeth to re- quire* that fir fl we sjeaty fomewhat of that queftionjiamely^ howe fwnre and in what rejpefies a man may lawfitUiewifh rather to die then to Hue, For hereby we fball per ceiue how fane lob wasfhuit'te in this point ,and wherein he tranfgrefied. The vfe and fuition cf this life is doubtiefie the great gift and b'efjingof God, which to neglect or maty no account of>it were madneffe. Contrartwife death ^as it commethfrom finne,fo is it alfo an enemie to nature^ andfeemeth not without good caufe to be feared, fbrafmuib as di- uerfe godly menjnd among others Dauid ar.d Ezechias haue ear- neftly prayed againfi it y and Chnftbimfe'fi be'mgfeefrom tfo leaft blemifb of fmne, was thereof marueiloufyafratd.isiotwithflariding ifthisfhould /imply and without exception utyplace, it would fol- low j hat nothing were fo long as we Hue, more to be defiredofvs then this life ^nothing more to be feared then death. But this can in mmfebe. The whole true Church which is as it were a meere ftraunger m this worlde, and which thtrfleth after that better fife, yea and fo Uuetb heere zf on earth, asifalreadie its comer fation were mheauen.plainelyfheweth the contrc&ie. \And againe if rt wcrefo, kmulde takeaway theanhievingofmavy excellent tb'mges, !BEZA VPON THE thlngesy which can not be enterprifed without a rcfolute minde, not caring for death. That therefore which we hauefayde is true K if it he referred to the original! of lift and death, But he fides their origimlt condition, two thinges haue fince as an overplus bene ad" ded, which are here to be obferued. For through finne it k come to piffe y that this life is of all thinges become most wretched and miferable, which the firfi death (hortly after fucceeding, graunteth ash were a certaine truce vnto the bodie fir a time, namslie,afrecdome from griefe, whereof notwithftanding the bodie it felfe hath no feeling, but the foule it by and by fendetb to horrible paines and tormentes vntill fuch time as the feconde death adiudge both the one and the other to eternaU condem- nation. This is the fiat e of all men in generally except onefy tbofe, vpon whome God hath decreed tofhewt mcrcic through his in* finite goodnefte in Qiriflour Sauiour, And yet thefe alfo are fub+ reel to, the calamities of this prefent lift, and tafle them. as well as others: but it is for their good andprofite, whether by this meanes itpleafe God to chaHi%e them with his fatherly r t odde $ or dfe to exercife and trayne them vp, partly that they bee wed- . ned from the thinges of this worlde ? and partely that his vert tie and power mxy be feme in their infirmitie , who in the ende trowneth his viclorious champions with tternaU happineft* tZMoreouer they abide vnder the fame neceffitie of the firs! death, which fball befall them, when and in what manner it fhall feeme good to Gods heauenly wifedome. Neither yet proceedeth this from G D, as heeing any way angrie or difpleafed, but rather heeing verie tenderlie and louingly affected towardes them : fir their foule is fiorthwith ta\en into the participa- tion of euerlaUing blcjfednefie. The bodie, although it lye in the earth dead and rotten, yet it is not delivered to death to bee destroyed of it, but rather (which is vtterly ayi'mft the nature of death) to be fafely kept till the latter day, and then death it felfe fball be wholly fw allowed vp of moft blejkd im- rnortalitie. Thefe thinges ftanding thus y which are confirmed by moft certen and exprefe groundes out of Gods worde 9 and alfo by the teftimonie of this our IOB, it mufl needes follow e that the ftate of the wicked is both in life and in death moft miferable, and yet of both, death is rather to be wifhed thenRfe. For by horn much the longer time they Hue, and In greater p CKAP. OF I OB. wester abomdance inieye the gccds andflcafurcs of this w&ldf, *byfo much tin mire grievous fkall their funifiment be, either in this life or in the life to come, or in both : and furely this benefit t 4t the leaf they reafe by the fir ft death, that fir a time their bo* dyes are free pom all fence and feting ofgriefi Moreoucr Cbrift himfefi witneffcth that it had bene better fir them.neuer to haut hem borne : howe fo euer feme rcafin morefubtillie then found" fy, that it is better to be miferable, then not to bee at all, Upwt whereas we fee that it fillcth out fine othet wife, that the wic- J$d Account this life to be mo ft hop fie aud pretious, we ought to afcribe it to their owne madntffe, in that beeing bewitched with the fkafures of this Ufe, they tbmh$ not at all what fbaU become of them hereafter, and tkerefire we may beholde howe fome of them both Hue and dye lik$ belles: ethers, when any grkicus calamitie befilleth tl cm, breast ficrth into fiti fill la- mentations and bootee fie outer yes, and arc mo ft xnwiUing to firgoe this life : others, either beeing cuereomme with grealtxfic *f g r ' e fei or frookpt with aterrour of confidence through the fence and loathfemneffe of their finnes^ fill into delation, and runne headlong into the fame death, which cthawtje they are fo much a f aide of Toy they filfely imagine, that by ending this life, they jball ende all their troubles and miferies. Centrariwife both thu life and death alio itfefiisfiwectc & welcome to them ^who fie mindes are enlightened with the true Ipcwledge of Cod, arid whome Codfogounneth with his holy Sftrite in this l:fi, t)yat they are neither puffed vp with profperitic, nor dificouraged with aduer- fitie. Jnd lool^e at what time, and b) whatfoeuer meanesitplear feth Cod to ta\e them cut of this worlde, hefio whoUie filleth their foulei with a moft certaine hofe of hie fed immortalitie, whereof they fhali immediately he madepai takers, that they are no leffeioy- fiii at the home ofdeatbjhen the cay labouring man, vben hefeeth ihefunnc godowne,tyemng the time tpprocheth, in which he (hat receiue hi» nages, and gee refi him at heme in his owne houfe : or he who hatting with great trauelland dcunger a long time wan- dered abroade,(as the Tea Htmer fiigr.ed of hisWy Ctsnot vnwifety. albeit to another furpofie) deeth at the length be* holde a fine off the fmoty of bis owne chimney, beeing from thence forth to talpbU wifbed tcfie, and to reft from all his travail*. Therefore as J bane fiide. to the godUe neither lifenor death BEZA VPON THE death k amiffe: and yet death is more beneficiall to them then Ufr % end rather to be deftre d t no* hecaufe they are wearie of the troubles and difcommodities of this life, (a'beit euen in this refieft it be in it filfc nofinne at a 1 ! moderately to beseech God, to ta\e vs out of this life if it behisgoodpleafure) nor yet becaufe they direfflie feefe their owne good and profit (fir this we-re not to loue God fir him filfi, but rather fir vur owne fa\es\ which thing we will not allow- of in ourfriendesjbutpartlie, that tbey may once fir ally wholliebe fet free from fo miferab'e bondage offtnne, a* the ^ipoftletcachetb vs by his owne example > Kom.7^4. partlie aljo that they may be- hold him as it were face to face* yea and more right lie feme and ho- nour him, whom all their lift time they haue mo ft eameHlie fought* treading in the (leps of the fame Jpoftle, Phil 1 ,i$.Thefe things be- ing thuMremaineth now \to propound & declare certaine contrary examples, and then confequentUefhew wherein and how fine this deftre of death in lob pafted meafure>and wherin it was to be miflu fed. Therefore as touchingthe example ofDavidJPhltJ aud^o. lo.andu f .17. as alfo o^Ezechias, Efa. 38.19. if any man will dilligentlie conftderin what ft ate they were when as they defired Cod not to ta\e their Hues from them, he /hall finde that they prat- ed to be deliuered,notfo much from bodilie death,asfrom the wrath and anger of God, whome at that time they kpew and alfbfilt to tobeangrie and difrlerfed with them fir their finnes. For what J pray you can be more fiarefil then death,being ioynedwith the anger of God> moreouer it is manififlout of the places be fire alleadged, that the ?gale of fettlng forth Gods glory in his Church caufed them so pray in that manner t yea they were in flamed with fuch an ear- neft deftre of profiting the Church of God, infoneedefulla time, ac- cording to the dueties of their calling* that in this reftefythey were willingfira time to prolong the attaining and the fruition of their emmefaluation. For otherwife what could they haue rather wifhed then forthwith and out of hand tobereceiued into that heauenlie thkfPhkh their whole deftre was to come vnto? Hcbr. 1 1 . 1 6. and therefore Elias thinking that the whole Church of Jfrael was come to nought, and that he alone wasleft,isfo forte from being vnwilling to die, that hedefireth notbingmorejhinfyng verilie,that now there v>asnotanyplace& abidingfor him here vpo earth TS(eitheryetdid he thus for that he hated , and was fimplie wearie of this life* but becaufe he could not abide to Hue any longer amongfl the prophane j. C H A P. OF IOB. €QnMmnevJofGod 9 i.Kini>.i9.i2.Coffcerning]crcmie andlon&g ifballfpeakc afterward. 7S[pw as touching t)yat moft bomb \ a ;onit of faisl, there is a ffeciauand peculiar reafon , which u a and againe to be considered. Doubt Icjfe thrift by his mojt ear* mU prayer , which he made to his father , to remocue ft cm him that cuppe , meaning the dca.h which he was to fuffer, /hewed not him fife vnwilling to die, (for who could haue compelled him beeingvnwillingi 'andalfo how could it be true,that weave faued by bis obedience vnto the death, euen to the death of the croffe?) but while, the Godhead in him refted and wasftiU, as ]rameus not vnfttbe ftaaketb^ind while al his humane finfe/,bow- foeuerfree fromfinne and corruption, were whoL'ie occupied m t\>t horrible iudgement of God his father, which he war euen prefentjy tofuftaine, he brake forth into that petition, Matth 2 6.3*/. O my father, if it.be poffible let this cuppe pafTe from me. Tor he was notfimplie afraid of death, beeing the moft perfite and absolute patteme of alltrue fortitude, but in hisftefb hegreatlie feared to under goe that cur fe, from which be could neuer haue fafey eftajed* and much leffe haue deiiuered vs, if he had beene a meere man, yen though he had comein the name of an Jngell* There fire he feared for a time that heauie andvntollerable b*rden t to the end we might not any longer feare death, which he hathfo tbrongb J ie vanqui- shed, that neither wefee\efor life, nor yet can poffiblie finde it any where elfe, then in that his mofi\retious death. Tipw Jfuppofe it is time to come to lob himfefe, whome we can not denie x in this bis defire of death, diuers wayes to haue offended, yet in thispomte bis fall w,u mt extraordJnavlebut fuch a* is incident to humane fraJltie. For thofefteecbes which he vfeth, doe not proccedefrom « refolute andfetkd iudgement, but are in a manner conftrained, through thegreatnes ofhisgriefi, obfeuring for a time the light of his faith and vndtrftatdmg. For whereas he perfwadeth him fe\fe» that he can not otherwife be deiiuered out of thofe troubles, but by death, it arguetb that he didnot fufficientlie waigb the'mftmttnet efGods power: whereas he wifheth that epher he hadneuer beene tome, or. elfe had prefentlie dyed asfoone as he came out of his mo* v thers wombe, he playetb the part of a very vnconf derate mm, for^ getting fa many benefits which hehdd receiued,yea forgetting him feifijnd that excellent wife fpeecb winch he vfed'm theftrft Chop* ter , Shall we recciue good at the handes of God, and (hall 1 we BEZA VPON THE wcnorrcceiuceuill? Where ashe defer eth to be delivered fim all thefe miferies, and yet docth not in this behalfh povre out hi* frayers vnto God, itfkeweth that his minde was ahogither trou- bled and difauieted within him: whereas in all thefe wifhes which he ma'<£tb, be hath refpeft onely of his owne eafe and quietneffe, which hi thirtieth to finds in death, vnle fie >*s wejhallheare after- ward lobs owne words weare to the contrarie, he might feeme to be one of the number of them, who loo\e onely vnto this life,or not much to differ from the feci of Epicures, who imagine that nothing remaincth after death, but that the foule and boiie perifh togir ther. Notwithstanding as I /aid before, all thefe things were onely tokens ofmxns wea^enes and infermitie , as lob him fefe in the end ac fowled ^eth. Nowe if lob fo worthle and fi excellent a man fell In this fort, through the feailtie of bis nature-, bow care- fii'Ue and earnesllie ought we, rtho are fane from that perfection which wxs in lob t tobefeecb Godnight and day not to leade bs into temptationjiot to giue us otter to our owne tufts, nor at any time vtterlie toleaue andforfa\e vs ? Laft ofa% as touching the Vro~ phet Ieremie, albeit he vfeth fiwwordes-, yet, bemayfeemeto Jpeakg more vehementlie and in greater vexation ofipirite then lob here doeth, if their fpeeches be compared togither. But herein there isi very great difference , in that lob deakth onely for him feife & his own cauft^wherxs Ieremie could not abide that tbeglth yie of Godfbould in his mimfterie be contemned,and in this refpefi be complaineth out ofmeafure , and doeth as it were expoftulate and reafon the matter with God. The fame alfo happened to Ionas, who cared notfo much for his own estimation & credit ,as he feared leaft the authoritie of Gods truth and that his Vrophetical fimSfion jhmldbe called in aueHion. As therefore both of them are great lie to be commended for their rqale in promoting Gods glorie,fo here- in they are iuftlie to be rfyrooued, that, whereas jt ought to hone beene fuficient for them , foithfuUie difchargmg their due ties to kattethcfuccejfe to Godjbey proceed fofhnre beyond their bounds,* as if they could better tell what concerned Gods glorie, then God bimfelfe. Tb>u Peter alfo offended \whome Chrift rebukftbin fuch mmner y as that he feemeth not towards any to hauevfeda morefoarp andbhter reproofe, bidding him got from him,and ter* mingbimby the name of Satan : So hard a thing is it not onely to m*oid that which of its owne nature tieuiU but alfo to beware tha* m j. CHAP. OF IOB. wdoenotgrieuouflie offend through a prepofleroM & inordinate defire of doeingwell: which thing if it bad beene well and ittft'y obferued by many in theft times , otherwife very godly and learned men, neither the fmceritie of religion had beenethusmiferablit corrupted, nor the face of the Church wholUe deformed. CHAPTER III. VERSE i. J fier theft things Job opened bis mouth*and cur fed his day VERSE*. Jndjqb cried outjmdfaid; AFccrward Job breaking off thisfilece,and fhewing forth by his loud cryes 3 how greatliehewas tormented, be- gan in thefe words tolament,&complaine,ofthat miserable cftate and condition vndcr which he was borne, and lookc, what foeuer words the bitternefle of his griefe brought into his minde, the fame hepowred forth a gam ft his birth day. VERSE3. that, the day bad peri/bed wherein 1 wo* bori), and the night which faid, a man child * brought forth. I would to God that day had neuer beene, wherein I firft drue breatruior the night in which it was faid, a man chi.'de is borne into the world. V E R S E 4. let that day be darfyenedjet not Cod inquire af- ter it fiom abouejieither let the light /bine vpon it. O tnat this fovnluckie day, when foeuer intheyeareit returneth, may be wholly couered with darkenefle , O that God from heauen would not reckon it in the number of o- ther dayes, O, I fay, that the fonnc beames might neuer fall vpon it 3 nor any manner of brightnes be fcene therein. VERSE i. But let dar Irenes and tkeftadow of death foam It Jet the cloud rema'me vpon it : let tbem makg it ttrrible; turn a* tbeyfarc terrified,) who are bitter in theday, (that is, to vs hcrr.c thebeholding of the light isbitter.J Let darktnes pofleife it and a (hadow as black as death it felfe^that all men may know it to be an vnhappic day: let the cloudes couer it & make it as much hated & abhorred 3 as the light is irkfomc to the,to who their life is bitter & vnplefam; VERSE 6. BE2A VPON THE V E R S E 6. Let darhgnes pofcjfe that nightjetit not reloyei among the ddesMt it not come into the count of the moonesi^x. hyofthe moneths.) Let this night be without any clcarcneffc, be it ncucr fo fmall; let it not cnioy the benefit which other nights doe, namely,to be ioyned with the day that folio weth, and let it notftand for any of them, in which the moonc moncthly fi- nimeth her courfe. V E R S E 7. Lo, defolate be that night, and let no reioycing be found in it. Now,no w,euen now, I fay, let that night be nothing elfc, butdolefullfolitarinefle, let not be heard in it any mclodie, fuch as is vfed at marriages and banquets, let it be without the leaft token of comfort. V E K S E 8. Let them that curfe the dayjurfeiuthey which ate readk to renew their mourning. Let them detell this night aboue all other, whofbeuer hate the light,and who neuer make an end of theirjamen- tation. VERSE 9. Let tbeftarres of the twilight of it be dimmed: let it toofe for light, aad(let there bejnone, neither let it fee the eyelid f of the morning. Let the very beginning of its twilight be ouermadowed with dim menes: let the darkenes continue vponitjet it look in vaine for the other extreme, namely, for the dawning of the day.and for the day ftarrc the meffenger of light ^ which (hall neuer fucccedc it. VHRSH10. Becanfeit/butnotvpihedoreSiOJtdhidlaot) forrow from mine eyes. Becaufe it (hut not vp the doresof my mothers wombe and fuffered me to be borne into this world^to be made par- taker of fo many and fo grieuous miferies. VE^SEn. Why dyed J not in the wombe i why came J. not forth of the wombe, and dyed? VERSE iz. \Vhydidthe\ntesprmntm&yandwbyM Ifuckf the brefo} Alafle, why rather dyed I not in my mothers bellie before I had feenc light? Why dyed I not in the fame inftant, when I was borne ? 1 1. Why did the midwife raeece me comming forth 3 . CHAP. OF IOB. foortbinro the worlde, and take me vpon i:cr knees ? why were fhc brcaftes giucn me to fucke, feeing I was to dye in fiicfe'cxtreeme miferie. J 3 Forfijhould I nowe haue {left, and bent quiet* J fhouldt baueftef>t,Jfay,adeuen then fbouA J haue enioycdrcjL 1 4 With the l{jngi and rule's of the earthy which builde them' ftlues defolate places, i $ .And with the Princes who haue gold, sad who fill their houfes witbfdutr. For then, whereas nowc I fuffcr intollei ab T c gricfes, my bodiefhould haue reftcdin the grauerand although I (hou'd haue liued but a very (horc fcafcn, yet mould 1 in death haue flept fwcecly,and then mould I haue enioyedquierndfc: yea I (hould not haue bene any whit inferiour to tre Monarches and mightie men of the earth, who haue with great labour creeled ftrong towrcs, and built coflly and fumptuous pala- ces, in places before defolate and little frequented, which might rcmaine for monuments or their authoritie and pow- er ; yea I mould haue bene equal with the Princes,* ho had ^ great abundance ofgoldeand filuer, and who wanted no manner of riches. 1 6 Or a^an abortiue being hidden^ had neuer bene : Z% vnto thofe Uttk ones which neuer Jet tight. Or lying clofe in my mothers wombe, and not camming foorthjhad neuer bene or appeared : Like to thofe vntimcly birthesjwhich neuer fee light, much leile had 1 knowen this wretched and miferable life. 17 There tk% wicked ceafe from being terrible, and there they reft being we&te of doing violence. O howemuch is this quietnefle which death bringeth, more to be wifhed then life / For they that are in the graue (care noching.but reit quietly without any difturbance of the wicked ; and why? Euen they them felues, who were giea- left diftuibers of others m their life time > and tooke pleafurc Jftnothingfomuchasinoppreflion andtirannie, here are quiet enough, their llrength faileth them, and they holde their peace. 18 Thofe that are tyedtogitber in bonds are at reft, and bearc Wtbevoyceoftbeofpreffour. There thepoorc prik>ners,who were fettered together in L. J* Jinckes BEZA VPON THE Enkcs of y ron, and lay fad chayned in the prifon,reft quietly without fearc of (heir enemies, and care not a ru(he for the tyrants threats, or the wronges of the oppreflbur. 1 9 There are [mail and great, and the feruant is free from hk mafter. There death maketh the great cquall with thr fmall, and the fmall equall with the great : there is no difference be- tweene the fertnnt and the mafter. 20 PVbereJbreh the light yven to him that is m miferit? and lifi vnto them thathaue heame heartes? 21 Who long for death, and (it commcthjnot \and feety for it in bidden places? 22 fVhicbioyfirglainefe i (u\o)reh)ce, when the} finde the graue? 13 To the man ( I fay ) whofe way U hidde, and G od hath wth nen about him/ chat is, whom God bath fiedged in on cuery fide.; 20 But what mean I thus to take on,as if life were not the good bleffing of God, to thofe that can vfe it? Onlie this I lay, that it is fmall profite and lefle pleafure for any man, to bauelife grauntedvnto him , or the dayes thereof prolon« ged, when as he cannot liuc without continuall tormentes, and daily vexation and anguifh of fpirit. it. Tpwhome nothing is more bitter, then not to finde an ende of his life, although he defirc it as greedily, as fomc doc fearch for hid- den trcafures within the bowels of the earth; 22. And on the contrarie fide* who jsncucrfbglad,aswhen*hc fecth the houre of his death: 23. Finally, whome God hath befet on euery fide, fo that he is deftitute of all hope, helpc and coni- form and can notfinde any way toefcape. 24 Tormyfigbingcommeth before leate^andmyroaringes an pmred out li\e the water. And truely, fuch is my wretched and wofullefrate,thatI cannot tafte my mcate,but fighesand grones prcuentmec: nor take my repafte, but that forrowes come in my way and hinder me : andofmygroningSjwhichflowclikeariucrout of the veric bottome of my heart, there is no endc. it rortbctbmgjfearedjtcomevfonm* andtbttbmg 1»* afrayde of 2 it come vnto me* %6 J 3 . CHAP. OF I OB. %6 J was not carelefje y neither had ly eft .yet trouble is come. »f And how can I doe othcrwiic ? For that which in my j>rofperitie 1 feared moft. and was moil: carefuU toauoyde, namcly,lcaft through mine owne folly 2c negligence, I might 61 into any raifenejloe^thatis happenedvnto mc. i6 And although in my happie & flouriflung eirate, 1 ncy ther liucd carclefly,nor behaued my felfas thofe,whohauing al things at will, are afrayde of nothing; > et this aducrfitic, where- withoneuery fide I am tormented, is come vpoamc. fTHE SVMME AND ORDER of i he 4. Chapter. Hitherto we hauefeenejoow lobs friends by their wteafmabls fiUnce> beting nothing at all availc able to eafe andafiwagc lc&sgriifes, prouoi^ed him to impatiencie, a* hath appeared in the firmer Chapter , and as lob himfclfi afterward witneffeth, Chap. 6. it. Ngw wee frail heart how tliphaz layeth tbefbundatum of jhatwaightie controller fe and dijputation that fblloweth: how he doth not reprooue lobs immoderate complaints mfuch order as, he vught, hut thereby very vuwifelie ta\ethan occafon thoroughly to fling him: fo that by bUmcancs and the other two, which toolp part with biminhis accufation* lob y beeing ouer charged with their mo$ ft^fe and fonder ous allegations* was very neere driuen imo dejperation. Notvithftanding Jconfkffe>tbat this was not their in- tent and pwpofe. Tea rather on the contrarie part , they fuppo fed that this 19 as the onely way to helpe and redreffe all his miferiesjf 'they might bring him to the acknowledgement of hisfinnes t to a dc- testation of Wis life paffed^and humblie to crane nrrcie andfbrgiue- iteffeat Gods handes. Eutfirafmuch as they too\ea wrong conrfe> and ftoode vpon a fhlfe groitnd, it is no merueile, though they had veil neere ca[l him away , whome efpetiallie they defined to fim. Therefore that faying of Terence is not ahvaks true. Wee. that arc well , can giue good aduife to thofe that are fickc. for (as wee fee in this dolefull example) it is not enough for vs, when we wiU comfort others^ to bring a good and loving mindc* nor mfome generalltearmestoaduertife them aright y vn r effe more ■ ouer we obferue theft two th'mgr, Firft,that (as expert phi fuhns vft to dec in difeafs ofthebodtejwe labour to know the true and certen JL. z. cauji BEZA VPON THE cattfe ofthedifeafesofiheminde , not by anyhaftie andvntimrtk Judgement >not by eueryfolfe and lying conieclure , not by common, but by f roper and vnfoUibUftgnei Secondly, that when once we haue found out the truth and certentie of the difeafe, we hauefucha re- gardy as mere as we may, both to the per/on difiafed»and to the cir- cumjlances of time and place, that we temper fweet andfowre toge- ther, and with difcretionfo mixe our vineger withfugar, and our fugar with vineger jhat if we cbaunce to doe him no good,the jhult may lye whoJ/ie vpon the patient him felfr, and not vpon thepbtfiti" on. Therefore concerning the twofo'fl points, lobs friendesare ra- ther to be commended then otb&wije, who without any delayes came vnto him,in this his great extremity therby /hewing that they loued him vnfiunedty:& tbty reafonedmany things very wifelie & inamannerdiuinefy, concerning the acknowledging of our finnes, andvnfh'med repent ance,conceming God* wifedome \bn power, his foarefull Judgement j againft wicked and cbftinate perfons, bis info* nite merc'ie towards the humb'e and penitent But in the two latter, namely in making application to thepetfon of iob 9 they were mofi foulie dece'tuedyos* by the oration of bX^h^Zyin thefe two chapters may thus be made manifift . The fir ft verfi of this fourth Chapter, beting the entrance or be* ginning ofbUfoeachjs foil ofbittemes, and th erefore not agreeing with iobsperfon, nor with that time. For thofo immoderate com* plaints ofiob beingfoforre out offquare,were moft iuftly to be blar tnedfrutyet rather with companion, then with indignation. fn the $,w>6. verfesjhe reafoneth with lob after this manner: when others were in aduerftty ,thou waft wont to comfort them,and hereby thou gone ft no final commendation of godHnes.But now thou art not onely tofeel^e oftbofe comforts, which then thoudidp yeald vnto others y but thouartaUogitherdifcouragedandoutofharte. Therefore J perceiue thy godlinefte was but counterfeit: it is now manifift thatinferuing God, thou hadft refoefl rather to thine own commoditiejhen to God bimfelfoandbisgloric. This is afolfe \(ini ofreafoning, d non caufa, vc c2\ifa,jrom that which was not the caufoyas if it bad beene the true caufe. tor that which proceedetb from thebitternesofbisgriefiJ)e/b taketh,asifithadcomefroma hart foil ofwicfednes and vngodlintffe. In the 7. verfe* God( faith hejneuer firfaJ(etb thofe that are rsgh- xousyheneuer dtttroyetb the innocent and v fright man. Btalob Vjetk 4 . C H A P. OF I O B. cr^outandcQmpteputb y thatbeisfWfa1gn y and we fee it with our eyes: therefore i obs bolmeffe and integntie of life was but feig- ned and hypocritical/. The ajfumption or minor of tl>is argument ufalfe, for h was not Godspurpofe in afjlicling I ob, to cafl him of\\ cr to deftroybim,but rather in this hisferuant to tryumpb ouer Sa- tan: Jo that F.Jiphaz Jhoulder other haue reafoned thus: Godneuer deftrojetb true y godlie> virtuous, iuft and vpright men : But the wholcourfe of iobs former life dothgiuc vsfujficient proofs that he Ufuch a one : therefore lob hath no caufc to flinty or be difcouia- ged: neytherhath he poured forth thefe complaint es with any fit led and refotute Judgement Jbut as one difameted and ouer charged with the burden of his affiiftions : therefore we ought to rayfe him vpjmd to comfort him. Jn the 8. 9 . and i o. verfes he reafoneth thus. Looke what lilg- neffe and proportion there is betneene that vhicbis fowed and tljat which is reaped, the fame agreement is betweene the life ofette- ry oney& Gods iudgmentyby which he bleffeth the godly y&brmgetb the witkgd to their de/erued deftruftion. Now whofeeth noU that Goddealeth nootherwife with lvb,tbe he vfeth to do with moft vile and wicked men?tben fore do ub ties we haue bin decerned in him,he is not the man we too^e him for: but as of all men he U now mofl mi- ferab'eyfbisbeamoftprophanc and vngodly perfbn. But this or- gument is alfofhlfeandvtterly to be reieeled, which malfth the only caufeofaU troubles and grieuances 9 which befall mentn this life, to be no other y but tbefinnesofmen, together with Gods hatred and dfyleafure concerned again]} them for the fame . For feeing thefe miferiesare common to all fortes of men y whether they bee goodo-f badyyeay and itfofhlletb out for the mofl parte, that the better and motevertuous men are, the greater and more gricuout affticJions they fit fir in this life, and that fometimes alfo t to their verie dying day, as experience daylie teacheth: it mufl needs foHow that the con- clufion of fcliphaz is moft fife: and that it U mofl true which So- lomon fpealpthy that no man can nghtly determine ofGcds hue or kitred towardeshim, by profperitie or by aduerfitie. From the 1 1 verfevntoibeendeoftbecbapteryhebmgeth forth a certaiuevifimy which he bad from heauen: but it malpsb nothing againfi lob. For thereout this may and afo ought to be gathered, that monk nothing, if be be Compared with God : and that God can finde enough in everyone, both to diflikf and to ptmifh in him. L. $. But BEZA VPON THE But tte dueftion at this time was not concerning this point, but r*~ ther touching the fe controverts > namely \ whether Goddoeth not iayaffllSiiom v\on any manfirhis frnnes : and, whether we ought to iuoge of eueryma?it life and behaviour, by the greatnefie ofthofe troubles and miferies which he doetb fuffer. And therefore fcli- phaz. doeth here after a fort play the fopbifier>quite chaunging the pate of the qucftion. ^Fhefumme and order of the fifth Chapter. NO W m this chapter to the ende of thefeventh verfejbe eat* lethaltthe Saint es towitncfie with him dgainft lob ; and di- ners wayes charging lob vniuply* he goeth about to proove by dah iy experience, that God dealeth with him in fitch manner* cs he v- feth to doe with the wic\{cd,whome he abhorreth, and whome ne- uerthekjfe hefuffereth toflourifh and growe vp fir a time* to the ende their fall may afterwarde be the geater> and more grievous. But what is this to lob ? For if he woulde haue that reafon and conclufibn to taty place againsi lob^he ought firfi to haue prooued, that whofc wretched eftate is all one, their life alfo & behauior hath bin lil$:&yet this alfo is fulfe as well as the other. For we can not, neither may we iudge all me of Gods hue or hatred towardes thoji who haue both luted ably jindalfo bene partakers of the fame or the li\emferits.Tbe contrarie is daily jbewed by infinite examples but efpec'tallie of the two thee ues, both of them fir their mifdeedesfifr fiaimng the lu\e punifbment vpon the faffi* *xdy** the one of them thorowe themercie of God, by the crofk afcended into eter- tmUblefedneffe> the other by the wftiudgement of Cbrifi defen- ded from the croffe into euerlafting deflrutlion. El/phaz hauing fetdovne thefe thinges, eoncludeth that the wely meanesfir lob to procure Gods fhuout and his ownefalvati- en is this, namely > that Uauing off'tlxfe fruitlefk lamentations, be would in time hethinty him of % repent aunce% which might be aimfwerable to the number andgreatnejk of his finnes zfirafmuch as thewkkddQebm m vme. and to thwowne deftrufiion, re- beUiouf? j. CHAP. OF IOB. ieUioufyfiriui aga'wt} the great power of Cod, who is amofUuft tnd righteous iudge : Jndagaineon the contrarie fide, that the mercieof God is exceeding great towardei penitent finners % which may raife them vp t thougbthey be neuerfo much caft downed Therefore that lob Jboulde foone find* this to he true, and bane experience thereof in himfelfe, if he will at, the length be wife and fo Howe good coun fell. M which thinges are zerie true lie wiflly. and religioufly (pollen, notwithftanding thy are, as alfo the former were, altogether ynfittely afplyed to the per fan of lob. Aft CHAPTER IIII. VERSE i. Eliphaz, attfacred and andfaide. • THen Elipba\ alfb, becing both for his ye As, and for his authorise the chiefeft man of thofe Jobs friendes, brake of his filcncc , and aunfwered lob in thefe wordes. z Sballweaflay to commune with iheg thou wilt be grieued, but who can witbtyolde himfelfe from jpe* l(ing? Surely, I know not whether 1 may beginne to talke and to re a fbn with thee. For if I doe ir, thou wilt bee gricued; bat what rcmedie, thou mu ft impute it to thine ovtne foily : for who is he, who hearing thee fpeake in this manner, is able toholde his peace? 3 lebolde* thou baft taught many, and baft ftrengthencd the wear it bandes. Nowe, I pray you, whence commeth this fo great and fo fudden a chaunge f For beholde, howc manic heretofore haft thoU taught to be wife by thy good aduice and inftrucli- ons } Thou art the man that diddeft ftrengthen thofe who wercdifcouragcd,who were out of hope.and wearie of their life. 4 Thy wordes haue raifed vp thofe that werefolling > and thou faftftrengtbenedtbe weak* k™"- L. ^ Thou BEZA VPON THE Thou halt confirmed fuch as fainted andbeganne togiue ouer, thou halt vpholden thofe who were readie to fall. ? TS[nwe when it is come to thee y tbou fhllefl : when it touchetb tbeCytbou art troubled. But nowe when as the fame thing is come vpon thy felfe, in which thou waft accuftomed to encourage & ftrengthcii others, thou faintcft vndcr the burden, and art not able to fuftaineit: and nowc the cafe is thine owne, thy wife dome £uleth thee, thou lyeft aftonicd, and knoweft not which way to tu rne thee. 6 Thy feare fwas \t) not thy confidence ? and the vprightnu of thy tv ayes thy expetlaticn ? Therefore the thing it felfe doeth plainely mewe,thatthy feare of difplcafing God, whereof thou diddeft euen nowc vaunt thy felfe,and which is fb fuddenly departed from thee, proceeded not from any due regarde of God him felfe, or from any louing feare and reuerence of his maieftic: but did ariic from hence, becaufe herein thou layedft the grea- tefthope and confidence of thy profperirie, and the prefcr- vation and continuance of thine happic eftate : and that thou madeft a great fheweof vertucand integritie of life for no other C5>ufe,but becaufe thou diddeft exfpec\hope and looke for fomc profit and commoditie thereby, to redounde to thy ielfc. 7 Remttefjpray thee 9 who euer peri/bed being an innocent* *r where the vpvight were rooted out. And leaft happily thou maift fuppofe,that I am herein de- ceiuedjojputit to thine owne iudgemet,Iam content thou ihalt be.thine owne iudgc. thou thinkeft thy felfe tobevn- done,and to be vtterly forfaken. Call to mind all the exam* pies which euer thou haft fcene or heard ofj and of (b great a number if thou canft,(hew me butonc iuft man, fuch a one as thou efteemeft thy felfe to be.whom God hath caft away, fhew me,I fay,onc man of a godly and vpright life,who hath vtterlie bene cut off and deffroyed. 8 M Jbauefeenejbey that plough in/quitie, and five trou* bUsjreapethefamt. 9 With the breath of God they pmfh y and with the bkfi all my bones^owc many foeuer they be^ to tremble. xy ^ finite faffed before me, and tbe haireofmyflefbfioodc vf. 16 HefloodeftMtbtttl Ipiette not ht* countenance : an mage *hu before mm eyes ,1 heard filbtefe and a voyce ftbat is, a filcne orftillvoyce.; 13 At midnight,when our imaginations are more deeply fettled, forafmuch as men are then cucrtaken with a more found and he a uie flee pc, 14 I was ftrooken with fuch ex- j treme feare & horror, that my very bones from the head to the foote,did nothing cHe but quake & tremble. 1 5 A t that time a fpiritepafiedbciorc me.and witbthat fight the haircs throughout BEZA VPON THE throughout mybodieftoodc vprighr. \6 Then he ftoode ftill,buc (hape or figure I could fee none : only there was re» prefented a certaine image or fpe&aclc before mine eyes. There was great filence,and at length I heard this voyec. 17 Shall man be more tuft then Gad? orjhalla mm he move pure then his makjr? Howfbeuer it plcafeth God to deale with men, may it po(fiblybe,that any wretched mortal! man, the fame being alfo aiuft man,can complainc of God, as doing him wrong, or dealing vmuftly with him ?Andhowfbeuer one man may in vercue excel! all others, yet tell me I pray you, lhall he be more pure,thcn that hit maker ? Surely ye muft nccdes fay fo,if God did any man iniurie. And doubilefle he doeth kiiune,if hcpuniQiorafHid any vnworthily. 1 8 Beholde (God) relyethnot vpon thpfe hisfiruants^kbougb be hath put tight into thofeh is mejfengers. Beholde,almightie God,albeit he hath endued thofc blcf- fed fpints,whofc minifterie he vfeth, with a mod wonderfull light of vndcrftanding and wifedome: yet he trufteth not to their might or induftne,buroncly to him felfc, whenfoeuer be imployech them in his feruice. 19 Howe much lefte vpon them, mho dwell in houfes of clay, whofc foundation (is }in the duft,and who are confumed before the moth? (that is, the moth meeting with them J And may we thinke, that God in ordering and difpofing thofc thinges which he hath creatcd,and cuen in gouerning mankind, will fubmithis doings & his counfels to the iudge- ment and triall of wretched and miferable men, who dwell in clay houfcs,hauing their beginning out of the earth, and being fubiect to fo vile and bafe a condition, that they muft be meate for wormes, to be eaten and confumed by them. 10 They are wafted from the morning to the euerimg, and they ferifbfir euer y without any man regarding them. a 1 Is not all the exceUencie which (wasj in them, gone away with them ? they die>and not with wifedome. 20 Who in the morning when the funne rifah, Iiue andi flourim: and the fame day at night, before the funne falleth are deftroicd and laid in the graue;and who fuddenly pcriih, no man onte giuing heedc of looking after them, thcypc- rifli, j. CHAP. OF IOB. riffijl fay,and (hall ncucr fee this life any more, n More- oucr, all their honour which here they cnioyed, pcrilheth with them, they die, and no an or wifedomc can deliucr them from the death; neither yet are they by fo many ex- amples of this their mortalitic,made any whit the wifcr. ffi CHAPTER V. VERSE i. CaU wrv y will (zhcrcbc)a^ to aitfwer thee? ml to which of the Saint i wilt tboufiie? IN this manner fpake he vnto me, as it were by an hcauen- lie vifion. Nowc goe too, Job, crye out as loudeasthoa canft, yet whome (halt thou finde that will agree vnto thee: and to which of the Saints and holie men wilt thou betake thy felfc,for the defence of thy caufc. 2. 7)okbtleJft indignation kjlieth the fbolejtud anger flayetbbim tbatuimaduifid. Vcrilie enuic, indignation, and wrathfulneffe arc proper to fooles, and anger to vnaduifed idiots; wherby itcommcth topafle, thatbeeing caryed beyond the bounds of rcalbn, they bring vpon them felucs their owne deftrud ion. 3 / haue feeze thefioli(h veil rooted, but forthwith J curfcdhU babitatumjihsx is,him felfe and his familie.J Neither yetdo I denie that, which experience it felfe tea- chcth (and fee, lob, whether the fame be not manifeft in thy fclfe^ that this Judgement of God doth not alwaies by and by appeare. For furely I my felfe haue fcene when the foo- li(h hath liued in fo great profperi tie, that he might fecroe to haue taken deepe re ore, and that his boughes would fpred them felues farre and necre, whome notwithftanding, with all his in Ihort time 1 faw brought to that pafle, that my very foulc abhorred him. 4 UHchilArenarefhrrefrQmbeeinginfafitKfbq in rteg^e^m^tberc i*)none to defend them. For the children of fuch foolim wicked men, beeing defti- tute of all fuccour, openly and in theiudgement fcatcsare oppreflcd & trode vndc tfoot, & there is none to dcliuer the. J The BEZA VPON THE 1 The hungrie eatetb vp bis bamest^ and greedily taJteth it from among the tborntt : and the robber drinkftb vp bis fttb- ftanee. His corne after it is reaped is a pray ro the hungerftar- ucd, who creepe thoroweche middeftof thethornes and bu(hes to ftcalcitaway: and theeucs come one after ano- ther to make a fpoyle of their goods. 6 For mifchiefr commrth notfoorth of the duft, neither doetb vexation tyring out of the earth. For howfoeucr in outwardc appearance, they may fee me to take roote and to rife aloft, who enrich them fe)ucs,and procure their ownc commoditie,by working mifchiefcand greeuances to others, making other mens loifes their owne gaines,and other mens (brrowes their owne delightes:y et in trueth they ncuer rife from the ground,nor growc vp. 7 Jndy etymon is borne vnto trauaile & miferie>as thefonnc* of the burning code (chat is.the fparkes of fire) toflye. Although in the meane time I do not denie,but that man of him felfe, and by his owne nature,is fubieft to diuers mi- feries and calamities, which he can no more avoyd, then he can hinder the fparkes from flying vpward. 8 But I mould earnefily befeecb God>and turne my talke vnto God. Ncuerthelefle that all this is as I haue faid, 'yet oughteft thou not to be difc our aged, nor to be quite out of hope, as thou (he weft thy felfe to be. But I will tell thee what I would doe,if I were in thy cafe. I would lay afide thefe vain and vn- feemely complaints, and would humbly proftrate my felfe before that mod: mightie and raoft righteous God, asking pardon,and befeeching him ofmercie. 9 IVho doetb great thinges4nd(whichczn)not(bc)fiarched 9 and marvellous tb'mges without number. For as touching his might and ftrength, what madncfle were it for thee to ftriue and (land in contention with him, whofe infinite & vnfearcheable power appcareth, not only in thefe fo many great & cxccllet works of the creation, but is fecne alfo in fundrie extraordinary miraclcs,fuch as farre exceede the courfc of nature, and can not fufficiently be marvcilcd at; And as they are ftraunge, foarc they alfo ma- ny j. CHAP. OF I OB. ny and can not be numbrcd. 10 fVbogiuetb rayne vpon tbtfaceof the mix? , andfcndetb water vpon the fact of the waj es. Butifwercfpcct hismercie, it is bee, who giueth raync from hcaucn,to make the earth fiuitfull,and.by the/hpweis which falling vpon the ground,™ nne hither and thirherjicc deuidcththefieldcs^asitweTe^intofirfetcsand hie waves. 1 1 (Who,) to fit vp them that are brought love, azd that tfofi who are in beauties may be exalted tofaluatien, 1 2 Scat tenth the deuices of the craftic, and their bandu can not accomplice that which tbefdte cmerprife. x i He takfththe wife in their craftinefie^nd the txunfcll of tit wicked i* ouertlwovne. 1 4 They meete wbdarlpeffc in the day time, & grope at mom day a* in the night. \% Butbefaueththepoore from thefwrde % (*i\6)fr$m their mouthy and from the violent man. \6 Hen the hope oftkepoore, and the mouth of the viewed (ball .be flopped. ii.&i*. Now ifwclookevnto his iuftice, is there any; man, who can iuftly complaine and cxpoftulate with Godf For it is he, who raifcth vp thofe that arc throwne downe, & who are opprefTcd: & dcliucrcth thole who are in mourning and heauincfle : he dcftroycih and bringeth to nought the counfcls and craftie deuifes of men, ncythcr doth bee futfer them to bring their wicked purposes to pafle. 13 Neither is this any hard matter for him, as who can preucne thofe great and wonderful] wife men, and take them with their owne fubtilties,bringingto nought their endeuours by their felues,and by their ownemeanes. 14 Soth^t in thinges as clearc as the noone day, their blinde wifedome and fore* fight feeth nothing, and groping at noone day as it were at night, they cannot bring their endeuours to pafle. 1 5 and iS.And thus truly bee warranteth thcpoorc^iecdie & help- lcffc, to be fafc from the opprefllon and injuries of thofe, who are more mightie then thcy,lcaft peraducnture they fhouldfaintandbcdifcouraged,as ifthcy had no hope left: and alfo maketh the wicked to hold their tounguct as men fruftrate oftheir expectation, and hauing no mancr of pre- tence BE2A VPON THE tence to cloake their wickcdncflc withalK 1 7 Bebo J de,ha[>pie is the man whome God cbaflifetb, tberefbri refife not tbouthecorreftion of the Mmigbtie. But O happic man whome God oncly corfc&cth, when as he may iuftly deft roy him. Beware therijleaft continuing in thefe vnwife complaintes and outcries, and refufinghis chaftifcmencs, thou bring deftruction vpon thine owne head 1 8 For be ma\etb tbe wound jnd byndeth it vf : be fmitetb, and bis h Andes maty whole. For he alone and none clle hurteth & helpeth, woundeth tndhealeth; fo that nowe thou canft not doubt either by whomc,or for what caufc.or to what end thou halt rcceiucd this wound; nor where remedieistobefbught, nor what thou art to doe for the obtaining of this remcdic. 19 Hefbaldeliuer thee in fixe troubles, and in tbe feuenth >,tbe twllfhaUnot touch thee. Neither is ihcre any caufe,why thou (houldcft thinkc and perfwade thy felfe 9 that this thy affliction, howe great and gricuous focuer it be,is fuch,that there is no meanes or hope of rcdrcfle. For cucn being fixe times wounded, will he deli- ucr thee : yea the feuenth and Iaft wound being recciued, he wilifo reftore thee, that men (lull fcarcely belecue, that thou haft felt any affliction at all. zo In famine he jhallfaue thee from deaths and in tbe bastell from tbe bxndis ( that is, the power,) of tbefworde? Nowe on the contrarie fide,hearkcn what thy cftate and condition (hall be for the time to come, when as following this my aduifc andcounfell,thoulhaltbe deliuercdout of all this miferic and trouble. There is no kindc of daunger and cuill/m which thou (halt not feelc and find him prefent with thcerforwhen hunger (hall flay others, he (hall kcepethec aliue : and amiddeft the rage of warrc,hc (hall not fuffer the fworde to take away thy life. 1 1 TboufhxU be bid from tbe fcowrge of tbe tongue, and thou fry tit not be afraid ofdeflruBion when it commeth. Thou (hale not lye open to the tongue of the flaundcrcr, w1iomfosuerhebackebiteth,thou(haltbe fafc from him ;in tiras of delm&io he (hal mike 'thee fccqre & withoutfearc. xi Thou j. C H A P. OF IOB. 22 Thou/bah laugh at deft* uclton and decnh, andfial: not be ^aJdoftJxbea!i'S9ftheejtrtb.(thizis y yv'i]c]cbc2{\c>J Buz when dcftru&ion and dearth (hall make all thinges waftc and lamentable tobcholdc, thou (halt not want that which may make thee r$ioice,and thou malt nothing dread the rage and violence of wicked bcaftcs. 2 3 Moreouer thefUnes of the fielde ( mal 1 be,) in league with thee, and the beaftes of the field ((hall be J at peace with thee. And abroad God wtll to profper and bleife the labours of thy husbandmen, chat the veric (Ionic grounded mall fceme Co be confederate, and to haue made a league with thee: neither (hall any beaftes, which arc wont to fpoyleand hurt the rruitcsofthc earth, anyway docthecanv dammogc. 24 jind thoufhaU tyiowe that peace is in thy tabernacle : and thou /halt vifite thine b*bitation>and (halt not doe amiffe. At home likewife thou (halt finde all things peaceable 8c in good order,& in the gouernmetof thy goods & ftitftace, thou (halt wifely difpatch all things & with goodfucccile. t c thou /halt Ipiowe alfo that thy feede fhaii be great, and thy ' pftprtng (lhalbe) as thegraffe of the earth. Moreoucr,thou (bait behold thy children in great nuber t and thy pofteritie fhaibe marveiloufly incrcafed,as if it did grow & arife out of the earth : fo fane (hall it be from thee, for being forfaken in this loflc and want of thy children. 16 Thoupaltgoe tothy pane in a foliage, lileeaccrnejbcafi tnt dome in duefeafon. ' To conclude^hou (halt not only not die in this age,which yet thou perfwadeft thy felfc being in defpaire of thy life: but contrariwife thou fh alt not come to thy graue, before thou be an olde man *, eucn as corne when it is full ripe, is cut downc, and caricd into the bar nc. 27 Loiithjtwehaui fought out jmd fait is. Hem thit, (toA) le(thou) wife fir thyfelfe. Lo, Jciyhouhaft here in few wordes^that which by great diligence and experience 1 haue learned and-prooued to be true.Nowc therefore followc my aduicc,and fuftcr thy felfe to be perfwaded £ thou who diddefl heretofore fecme to be wife ininftrufting and ftrcngthening others, now lcarne to be wile for thyfelfe THE EEZA VPON THE fTHE SVMME AND ORDER of the VI. Chapter. 17^ the i. J.4. vetfes lobs anfwerejs oppofedto the aceufation of Eliphaz intbe 4. Chapter >verfe 2. Thefumme of the anfwer w, that his complaint es were not fmplie, and in them felues to bi confidered, but to be waighed together with the grievoufnes & bur- den of his torments, to the ende they might well and rightly be jud- ged offfoafmucb as they were rather the wordes of one that fob- bed, then that ft>ak$. To the 3.4. ?.*. verfes of the faid fourth Chapter, lob smfwe- tinginthe 5.6.7.8-9. 10. ii. 11. i;. verfes>faith,thatitnm marvell, either that hentofbre,no fkch wordes were euer heard to proc cede fr om him as who had conimmllie Uued in prosper 1 tie : or that in time paft comforting others, he can nowe finde no comfort in bis owne miferies. for that his misfortune is not common and ordinarie , but fucb and fo great, as that he may iuflly defpairt of his life: andyetneuetthelefte, that he fhall finde in death it fit fe> (though it be hynedwitb neuerfi great andimmeafurablt torments fuch as the nature of man is not able to beare) the comfort of a good conjciencc. Inthe reft of the Chapter vnto the ende (all which thinges are oppfifed to that which Eliphaz had fpokgn from the feuenthverfi of the i+Chapterjo the beginning oftheZ.verfe of the sXhapter)ht complaineth and findethhimfilfe greeued with his friendes flauth deroiiSy rather them comfortable jpeecher. avouching in few words his innocencie concerning that whereof he was accufed, namely* of hypocrifie, and of an euill coufcience, and withall /hewing, that thofe things which Eliphaz had (pokps, from the 8. verfe of the f> Chapter ,to the ende of the fame Chapter, did not at all touch anddeJlroyme>andletbisband goe and cut me off. Therefore 1 am not ralhly and much leffe wickedly caried againft God,as you falfly Jay to my chargc,but iudging as the thing it felfe conftraincth me, that this my wound is w mortalj I am fo farre from hoping to be rcftored to my health & for- mereftate,that cleanc contrarie,that which I defired of god heretofore and which you alfo ought with me to haue defi- red,! wil againe defire of him,to wir,that this his hand,which holdeth me fo (treight and lycthfo hard vpon me in this ex- tremitie of my miferies,may quite difpatch m« and make an end of all my troubles at once. i o Neuertheieffe I haue comfort fliL' y & 1 amftrengthened in my griefi in vhicb hefpareth me not, becaufe I haue not fuppreffed the words of the holy one. NeuertheleiTe, in this defpaire of this life of mine, I want not wherewith to refrcfh & comfort my fclfc>in this my cala- mine in which he fpareth me nothing at all : namely, that I haue alwaies outwardly profeffed &neuer denied true god- linefle, which the mohholy Godhim felfe hath taught me. 1 1 PVhatfirength(\s)in me that ljhould hope? and what is mint end,tbatIfhouldprolongmyUft? . But in the meanc time as touching this life, what ftrength is remaining in mc,to make meconceiucany hope?&beeing inuironed with thefc miferies, how may I thinke that my life can 6. C H A P. ; O F I O B. can be prolonged ? 1 z fs myflrength the flrength offlones ?oris myfUfhofbraffe. Thh-efore in the mcanc while how can I doe otherwifc then I doe,bewailmg this my wretched condition & defiring the deach?For what?is my frrength as the hardnes of (tones, vtterly without feeling? is this my wretched bodic made of brafle or of (rede? 1 1 h there any help fur me in my fclfe? but all help is t dee fro me, Some man peraduenture will fay that I am wanting to my lcjfe: as though there were any flrength left in me to helpc my felfc; andfurely if euer I had any fuch power in me, yet now is it quite taken away. 1 4 To him that is mforowfis duc)good will from bis neighbour, ttbervife he fha.ll firfake the fiare of the almightie. But as concerning you • who will feemc to haue come hi- ther for no other intent but to giuc me comfort, what (hall I fay clfe, but that a friend is bound not to be wanting in any kindc ofdutie towardes him whofe hart is broken, and as ic were refbJued into (brow : and he that doth not this I fay,he hath caft from him al fcare and reucrence of almighty God? i$ My brethren are vnfkithfuU to me as a, brookg> and as the ri- fitg oftheriuersytphich doc baftiliegoe away. 1 6 Which axe blucty/h (tha t is,not to be fccncjby reafon of the yceyOnd vpon which thefnow is heaped. 17 But at fuch time as the heat commeth y theybegnne tode- crea(i>and iftheyfeele the hot Sunne beames they art confumedout §ftheirplace. 18 They depart from the courfi of their wonted cbaneU to other placesythey afcendinto the*yre % andperifh. 19 The multitude of the Tkemanits, lookg after tbem and tbi ttoopet of the Sabaans waited fir them. 10 Thty were afbamed* becaufi they trufiedvpon them , they came thitheryondthey blufhed. if And trulieyou my kinfme.ought thus to haue donc:But contrariwife,you haue fo deceiued & beguiled me that I may well compare you to thofc brookes.which cary with the as it were mountaines of waters,& with their violence & fwifrnes doe great harmc,but which neuerthelefle do immediady de- crease; 16 And in the winter time beeinghiddcnvndcr the M. i. ycc BEZA VPON THE yce & couered with the fnow lying thick vpon them deceiuc thofc,who tread vpon the: 17 Butinthefuramcrwhenthe heat of the Sunnc beames falleth vponthe,they waxe lcflcr, and begin to be dryed vp ; 18 And being at it were cut in to diuerfe (mall riucrs running here & there by little & little becing rciblued into vapours, it length quite vani(h away J p. 20 Whi ch thing caufed great multitudes of the Tbema- nits and the Shabeans to blufh & to be afliamed , who going % great iourny vpon hope to find water in thofe brookes,whei they came thither, were difapointcd of that they looked for ii Fornow(yo\x hauc becne to mc)as nothing^ 'ouhauefeem my horrible p!ague,andyee were afraid. For furely you haue done me no more good » then if yot had bin no where,or not at all, in fo much as fo foone as ye< faw how I am broken & how horribly 1 am afRi&ed, for fcar< ye aboad without (peaking any word. 22 Did I fkjjbring vntome x &giuemearewardofyourfubflace 23 And to deliver me from the enemies bandy and you fallvpon shefhthrrlefie^andyou fiafi vponyour companion. Nay herein you doe all one, as if you (hould violently and iniurioufly dealc with thefatherleffc, & take delight of make, your fclucs merry in the calamitie of your friendes, feeing I am in greater diftreflc and miferie then the fatherlefle. 28 Jndtbeiefmevmchfafh now tolookevponme, and (conrT- derjwbetber f baue made a lie before your face. But now i befeech you hauefome regard of me, & letting mc before your eyes confider,wh ether euer I haue bin found a Iyer and duTemblcr . For you haue knowne mc this long time vqry neerely both within and without* 19 Returne fprayyou, and there fhalbe none mitfuith\ retwrne I fay, and my righteoufneffe fthalbe apparantjjg that btbalfe. Return I pray you from your crror,& you fhal find mc free from thefc orTcnccsJeavcoffl fay,falflie to accufcme,andin this matter you fhall fct me clcere. 30 (You (hall fecj whether there be any mckfdnefft mmy tongue, whether my mouth doe not difcerne mong matters. bo it will come to paflc, that you (hall eafilic perceiue, whether inthe former times of my profperitie,! thought one thing with my hart,and fpake another thing with my mouth; and whether J could iudge and difcerne right from wrong with the taft as it were of my minde. 1THE SVMME AND ORDER of the VI I. Chapter. IO B lettingpajfe bkfriendes whofe fklfeactufxtwns and aduifi, hefufftckmliejhewedytbat he vtterlie miflif^ed^rning hisfpeecb to God hmfelfiy in the fixe former verfes> in moft pitiful fort com- fkuneth tbtuhtii otherwjfe dealt withati,tben other men be: that M. 3. their BEZA VPON THE their traueilcs are neither continual! nor vnfruitfidl, but of his triije- ties there is no end y nor any hope tha t it ml euer be better hereafter. In the 7>8,9, i o. verfes> the wretched eftate of mortaUitit in it felfe bceingfet downe, he endeauoureth to draw God a* it were vnto this j that it would pleafe him to content him felfe with the firmer afflictions ^adding no more to the refi. Intbeii. verfe.andfoto the end of the 19. The flefjo ftriuing agamft thefpinte y doth wr eft out fomevhat immoderate complaints from lob, Such notwithftanding y as that at no time he breakfth fborthinto vngodlmeffe and blaff>bemie. Jn the zo< and zi .vcrfes, thefpirit repreffing and peeping downe the rage oftheflefh, lob camming againe vnto him felfe , doeth moft carneftlie craue pardon fir hisfinne, &fome mitigmo of his griefe. CHAPTER VII. 1 jfs there not a fetled y and appointed time of mam warrefirt here vpon earth: and are not his daies as the dales of an hireling ? BV T trulie fuch is the eftate of mortall men, that as fol- diers they be not in coatmuall Gghr,but that their y varre- fare is ended with peace, and then follovveth the receytof - their paye,vvhich is the end of their trauaile:which alfo doth appeare in other forts of hirelings, when theyhauefinifhed their taske. a Ai aferuant longethfir thefbadow>andas an hireling bo\eth (Tot the reward,) of his worl^e. So feruants wifti and wait forthedarkneffe ofthenight, which finiming their day labours,yeeldeth them a quiet reft; fo workmen in the euening attend to recciue their (c t wages. j So my lot hath beene the moneths ofvanitie(that is,pa inefull without profc,)andtroublefome night s baue bene appointed tome. But my eftate is farrc otherwife. For their laboures are fee out vnto them for the day times, but vnto me for whole mo* ncths, & fuch wherof no profit arifeth; & vnto the the nights are alotted for reft, but for trouble and anguifli vnto me. 4 if I laid me downe y Jfaid>wbenfhallJarife?and (when,) will the euening haue ended(hcv coutfc:)ondjam euen Jul with tofjing to andfiovnto the dawningoftbeday. For lying vpon my couch, I am fo farre from taking reft, chat 1 fay, when will the time come, that I may rife i howe long is it before thcoight will be endedfand being altogether without 7 . CHAP. OF I OB. withourreft, I do nothing elfc but tofle vp anddowne, vntill the morning. 5 My fie/he U clothed with wormes : and my s\(mne h rente gndriuen afunderwith the clottes ofdufl. My rlein is coucred ouer with wormes, as with a garment: myflemeiscutte.andasitwercdeuidcd intofmall cfottes. 6 My dayeshaue bene lighter then a weauers (buttle, md they areftent without hope. Moreouer, thole my beft and quieted dayes haue paffed away verie fuddenly and fwiftly, cuen as aweauers fhuttle glideth ouer the webbe; yea, and they are cleane gone with out any hope of cucr feeing them againc. 7 Remember that my life is but a blafi, and that mine eyes fh all not returne to fee that which is good. Remember, O God, that I am borne a man, who of him- felfc is mifcr^ble enough/although thou added no more af- fliction vnto him. For this life being common to me with all other Jiuing thinges, is nothing elfe but a breath orwindc •parting to and fro: and mine eyes becing once clofedand fliutte vp by dcath,{hajlneucr recciuc light to behold againc the pleafure of this life. 8 Theeyeofhimthjttfeethmee y ( thatis,of him thatde- fireth to fee me with his eyes ) /hall not fee me : thine eyes fiall be vjjon me, and I fhallbe no longer. 9 M t the cloude breadth and vanifoeth awayfo he thatgocth downe to thegraue, (hall come vp no more. i o He shall returne no more to his hoitfei neither /ball bis place kgow him any more. 8 It is fufficientthat death {hall /uddeinly ouertake me, {o that thou needeft not to callfor any other miferic to de- ftroy me withall.For being once dead, no manfhal eucrfind me againe;aIthough with his eieshe leaue no corner vnfear- ched ; yea,and if thou thy f^Kc wouldeft happily behold me, it mould be in vainc: for I inall not be a man any longer. 9 But as a cloude, after it is once difperfed, vanimeth away,(b s whofoeuerdefcendeth into the deepe graue,retui> neth not to Hue here againe in this worlde. io Neither (hall he come any more vnto his familic; nay, the remembrance of him fhallfo pcrifhin that placets if her M. 4 . had BEZA VPON THE had neucr bene fecne there. i u Wherefore. Jmllnotholdemy peace : / will ftca\e in the trouble ofmyforite: fmlJftea\em the bittcmejje of my joule. Which thinges being fo, I will, fo long as I am able to bringfoortha worde, with full mouth fpeake , whatfoeucr my trotiblcd fpirite and the moft bitter gricfe of my minde (hall giue me to vtter. 12. Um 1 a fea or whalefifhe, that thou \eepefi met m warded Ami the raging violence of the Sea, which can by no waight or force be kept vndcr, or as thofe vntaimed and fierce feamonfters, that thou fhouldcft fo hedge me in with euils on euery fide, as though thou were afraid leaft I (hould cfcape away from thee? i ; . When 1 hauefayde y my conchefhall relieue me % my bedde Jhali ffomewhatj eafewycomplayninges. 14. ThoufkareUme with dreames, and aflonifhefi met with vifions. 1$. Therefore 1 preferred fir angling before breathings and death before my bones. 1 1 . For if I haue at any rime fay de with my fclfe, It may be,that the night will bring fomc comfort vnto mee , when I am a bedde, and that my couche will caufc my moninges to ceafe. 14. Then am I wholy difmayed with dreames and vifions. 1 J. Infomuch that I thinke that thofe, who are ftranglcd,are to be accounted in cafe farre better, then is this moft mifcrable life of mine,& that I (houlde rather wilh to die, then to carrie about with me thefe my rotten bones. \6. Iamwearie(oflik) I fhallnot iiuea'way> withdraw thy hand from m>fbrmy dayes arevanitie. This life is loathfome vnto me, which verily , howfbeuer for a while thou continued the fame in this mifcrable eft ate, (hall not laft euer. Leauc off, I pray thee, any longer to torment him, who is appointed to dye, and can not cfcape death. 1 7. What U man, that thou doejl magnifie tiim^nd that thou fettefi thy heart vpon him? x 8. Mddoefi inquire after him euery mormng % & tryeft him euery 7. CHAP. OF I OB. euery mmenu 19. Howe long will it be f y er J thou depart from me?neitUt wilt thou let me alone jvhllej 1 baue [wallowed my fpettle. 17. 18. What is there in vile and bale man, that fomc rime thou (houldcft fo highly extoU him, and bee fo carefull for him, as I haue had experience of heretofore: fome- time againe caft him downe hcadlong,cucn thither, whither I , being altogether thruft out of my former cftate, am now fallen; to the ende thcumayeft,hauing by the breake of the day euery morning made inquifition againft him, with fuch fcueriticpuniGi both his thoughtes and decdesjand alfb call him to fo hard and ftreight accompt, euery minute of an houre? 19. And I pray thee, O God, when wilt thou, after all this while, holdc thy hand from ftriking me.^t the leaft, (b longtime, till 1 may, poore miferablc wretch that I am,but euen fwallow downe my. fpcttle? 20. • 1 haue finned, what /ball J doe vnto tbec>0 thou prefiruer ' of men? why haft thou fit me right agrinft tbee+cwd I can a burthen vnto thee? Loe, I confeifc and acknowledge my felfe to bee a finner ; What am I able to doc with thec * O thou that art fo care- full ouer mans faluation, and to whome the life of thy faints is fb dearc and precious, why haft thou fet mcc againft thee as a marke to fhoote at ? and why am I foburdenlbme vnto thec, that thou canft not beare and fuffer me any longer? 11. ^indwhydoeftnot thou takeaway my tranfgrejpon, and remouefrom me mine iniquities Tor now (kal! 1/Ieepe in the dujl 9 and if thou fake ft me betimes in the mornings J '/hall not be. Alas, why doeft thou not rather put away all mine often* ces, and make anende of thefe thy corrcftions? For, by the grieuoufneflc of this affli&ion , I am brought to fuch cxtremitie, that out of handc I (hall lye in the duft; and albeit thou yfc great diligence in fcekingmce out , yet (halt Aeu not findc me: becaufc henceforth, I (haljnotbc a man aiy longer. The BI k BEZA VPON THE f THE SVMME AND ORDER of the 8. Chapter. ► Ildad foUorvethtbefteppes a/Eliphaz, but he reuileth lob I more vnfriendlie, and vfeth greater bitterneffe of (peech: fo fhrre is he from amending that, wherein the other had exceeded meafure, albeit otberrvife in the thing itfelfo 7 he had not offended. Therefore in the z. verfe, be moft bitter lie findetb fault both with lohsfpeech andgefiure. Jnd in the 3. verfe, he wrefteth in a moft true pofition, butyetfucha one, as very little concerned this pre- ferit diftutation agam'l lob: and he doeth it withasfmall mfdome & difcretion,as with great pride and confidence . Tor doth it either argue lob an hypocrite & wicked man, or charge God with iniw fticejfit be faid that lob for hisfmnes was not fo affiled by God, (whereas he in the meane time denieth not himfelfo to beapnner % and to haue defer uei Gods heauy hand vpon him) but rather pr 00- ued&lriedby him according to his good pleafure.Yet Bildad goeth on as if he had done very veil, and in the 3 .verfe, in plaine, wordei boldly auouchetb* that lobs cbidrenwereby Gods iuft iudgement . defiroiedwith the fall of the boufe.Vor by this meaner he-thought be might bring lob into fome hope of appeaflng Gods wrath ( for that he had not fuidenly flame him as he had done tbemjand therefore in the ?. 6. 7. verfes bee aftureth him, as Elipha\did before, that all things /ball go well with himjfhe repent. Then generaltiehe reafo- nefh of the tranfitorie folicitie of the wicked and of the fur e and permanent happines of the righteous, by verie goodly fimllitudes y to the wicked verie fitlie but nothing at all agreeing to fob: and this he doth from the 6. verfe to the end of the if. all which heapplieth piainlievnto lob, verfe 2o.and 21.26. ^CHAPTER VII. I But Bildad the Suhite anfwered and faid, x Howling wilt thou, tatty of fuch th'mges, andthyfteeches (Khali be) as a mightie w'mde. BVt Bildad the Suhite hearing thefe complaintes which fob made, How long,faieth he.wilt thou talke in this ma- tter, or rather with full wrath fend foorth as it were this tem- peftofwordes. May it be that God pi ague th thee vnworthily without a- ny ?. C H A P. OF I O B. tiy thy defect; and foleauethof tobceGod>thacis, the au» thour and maintainer of iufticc and ecjtiitie. 4 If thy fonnes finne^ andhefint them out ("that is, expelled and gaue them ouer) into thehande (that is, to the power & arbkrimenr^ of their transgreffionr. 5 If thou wouldesl re fort vnto God earelv, (that is, now be- times an^earneftlyj and maty thy prayer to the almightie. 6 If thou wilt he pure andv fright, he wiUawakg ouer thee^ani will maty the habitation of thy rigkteoufhes, profperou*. 7 jindihy beginning fhallbe finally but that which fillowetb /ball be increafedvery much. Albeit, thy children by rcafon of their finne againftGod and for their owne tranfgreffions were ftroken with death, and arc to fuffer iuft and deferued puni foments, f. Not- withftanding yf thou (hakfpedilic and earneftlic fiic vnto God who hath as yctfparcd thy4i£e,-if lTay for (landing thus in contention with almightic God, and refilling his fatherly YifitatiQn, thou (halt craue pardon and befeech him of mcr- • cie; 6. and hereafter fh ale laboure to leade the reft of thy life in finceritic and righteounes^he will be moucd and fr- eaked by thy praiers and will blcflc that thy houfe and habN ration in which thou (halt fhewe foorth and make knownc thy virtue and godlines: 7. yea he will foe abound antlic poure out his Meflmgs vpon thee, that thy former profperi- tie {hall (eeme nothing comparable to this happie and flou- rifhing cftate, which (hall follow. 8 FjOr,lpray the % inquire of the firfi (that is, of the oldeftor mod auncient) times, and prepare (thy felfc) to fear eh of thevt fathers. 9 For we are yefterday(th2xh,arcbuto{ycRcrday) neither boue we any lqwurledgefeing our daks vpo earth are but ajbadow* 1 o Shallnot they teach thee, and tell thee, andvtter the wordei •f their hearts. 8 Butiffobeyowwillnor bcleciienjc, goe to fcarch the auncient hiftories from the beginning of the worlde: and confiderwhathath happened to thofcour auncetours and to the men ofoldc time. 3 Doth God perqert iufticc, doth the almigbtieflhy) fub- ucrt the thing that isright? 9 For BEZA VPON THE $ For we are as it were borne but y efterday, and the daiet of our parting away like a (hadow, we liue in great blindnes and ignorance. 10. But they doubtleflc will teach and inftruft thee, yea they wil not hold their peace, but wil bring forth thofc things which are mofte true and certen, out of the ftorchoufc of their heart. 1 1 . Will a bullrufh grow without mireior willgafie grow with- out water. ii. f While it isjyet in its greeneffejt is not cut downe, but it wither eth before any other hearb. 13. So are the pathes of all that forget God and the hope of the vngodly manfbaU perifh. 14. fVhofe hops is cutt off> and his confidence ( isj as the houfi efafpider. 1 5 . He leaneth vpon his houfe, but it doth notftand, he holdeth himfhft by it f but it doth not indure. 11. Neuerthelefle I denie nor, but that hipocritcs florifh for a time, and that through Gods lingular bountifulnefle, • butyet they are like to bulrufbcs and medow flowers which would neuer growe vnlcfle they were nourifhcd,thc former truly with mire, and the other with water. 12. & 13. But as thefe plants which fo long as they are greene are not gathered, but fuffred to growe, and yet not- withstanding they wither of their owne accord before o- thcrhearbs, & then are cut downe; fuch is the beginning, the proceeding and the end of all that forget God: and e- uen fo all the hope of hipocrits doth vanifh away and come co nought. 14. Their exfpeftatlon isdeceiucd, againe, I fay, their hope is cutt off, & their confidence is weaker then thefpi- derswebbe. 1 f . For leaning & trading vpon their riches which they haue layed vp in ftore at home, in the end they find them to be vaine and tranfitorie, and, howfbeuer he lay holdeon them flying from him, yet fuch is their weakenes that they can not vphold him from falling. ' i*. (B\xt)he is green before the funnejtnd his branches frredc themfelues ouer his garden. 17.M9 8. CHAP. OF I OB. 17. Hisrotfs are wrapped me the fbuntaine^andbe winded) bimfelf about tbeflome building. 18. Shall be be taken out vfbis place >wbkh may deme,fayinge 9 Jbaue not feene thee? 19. LoeihtsJhaUbe 'that toyeofbu way \euen out ofbismoulde /ball others gr owe. 16. Buchccontrarivvifc^namclyjwhoapplicthhis mind co virtue and godlines) is as a flounfhing tree which (lan- ding open to the fonnc, isfofarre from beeing parched or dried with the heat thereof, that thereby it is rather chcri- ihed and refrelhed in fuch fort , that it fpreadcth it fclfc on euerie fide in the place where it groweth , and that not in a- nymarifti or vnhusbanded ground, but in a fairc andplca- fant garden. 1 7. For it being watrcd with the ouerflowing fountainc of Gods bountifulnes, and the roots thereof deep within the ground furcly knittc and folded one within ano- ther, fprccdeth and twifleth its boughes round aboutthc fountainc vaulc, being ftronglie built with (tone. 1 8. Nei- . ther is it to be feared leaft being violently pulled vp, and ca- ried clcanc away no figncnor token thereof {hall appeareras if the place it fclfe where it flood fhould openly denie, that it eucr did behold it. 19. And this truly is the goodlie and flourifhing eft ate of him that loueth righteoufnes, who euen then when he departeth hence, is in this refpeft happic, bc- caufe his verie dull (hall liue and growe vp after him. 20. Behold god doth not abhorre an vpright man, neither doetb he ta\e the wicked by the hande. 2t. Jnfo much that he will fill thy mouth with laughter , and tbylippei with gladnejfe. 22. They that hate the /ball be clothed with Jhame y and the dwelling of the vngodlie (Ihall)wr (be ) 20. The fumme of all that 1 haue faide in effect is thus much.that God neuer reiefteth thofc who indeauour to Hue VDrightly,as alfo that he neuer rcachcth out his hand to help the wicked, ax. &*2. Now iudge your fclfc, by your ownc cafe, what manner of man you haue bcnc.But ifyou follow- ing our aduertifements, (hall repent, there is no caufc why you (hould diipairc. For contr ariwife it {hall come to paffc. that this your mourning (hall be turned into mirth , and thy mouth BEZA VPON THE mouth into execding gladnefle. All thy emmies (hall be pucro (hamc, and they that hate thee (hall come to confu- fion. fTHE SVMME AND ORDER of the 4. Chapter, ELipha\had accufed lobs lift, as being fitU of feigned hol'mepe andvprigbtnefie, and bad exhorted him to repentance, which might bee anfwerable to fo great an offence , vfing an argument drawne from the nature of God, which can not abide todcalefo vtu mercifkttie withatrue* godlie, and virtuous man: as Bildaddii Ukfwife com/laine, treading in the famefteppes , or rather, going fomewhat fitrther, and did in flat termesfinde fault with lob and his children, as it were cafling in his teeth their fudden deflrufti- on.Nov lob anfwearingfbr himfelfe, doth not onely acknowledge the infinite power of God, and his iuflice , beeing greater then that any exception can bee ta\en againft it y and that in a more plaine> excellent* and diuine manner, then either JLUpha^pr Bildact had done before him 1 but alfo returned} the verie fame argument, which wis brought aga'mflhimvponhis aduerfaries: rightly, wife- ' fy y and religiouflie deny ingthat conference, which they had gathe- red. Vorintheeleuen firfi verfes he fheweth that this power and iuslice of pod which daily offereth itfelfu to our view in his worles u fi great and infinite \that the reafon thereof can not he conceyved by man: fbrafmuch as hefetchethnot the caufes»fhis decrees and purpofes from the things which he gouemeth: but his will which is before all things k the rule of all iuftice* which he t cache th verfi 1 2 . CW ?. Jnd Paule had refpeti vnto this fifing a great deale higher, namely to the eternali decree of election and Reprobation, Rom.9. xo& 11.31. Afterward to the end of the z 1 . verfe, he doth verie mfe'y applie this doWineto himfdfe s flatlie denying, how hardlie fieuer he were deltwithall, that euer it came into his mind, either to charge God withany'miuftice,orfbo!ifbiy in his fight toauouch htmfelfi to be free from all finne- fo notwithstanding) that deeming of him felfb according to hisprefentfictyies and affliction Jbe denieth that there is any hope for him of recouering this life . Hereby wet mav eafilie perceiuc, how vaine andfiiuolous their Judgements are on both partsywho determine ofthefe matters according to the reach of mans braine. For fob friends hope , that which was indeed to come 9 . C H A P. OF I O B. eome topajfe as the euent frooued, that lob though he were brought to the/aft caft i neuertheleflefhouldbereflorcdagaine > euen to a fir better eft ate then euer be fire he had imoytd: but o\ the way bow he fbould be reflored> therein they judged ami (?e. fib on the contrarit fid* doth altogether difpaire of hi* rxcouerie, andwifieth to be deli* ueredfiom his afflictions by death: fhlfety deeming by the greotnes iff his miferie that G od hadfb determined: Then returning to the generaU pofhion, hefieweth that that was not true&bich his aduer- faries hadfet down concerning tbefudden defiru&ion of the wicked and the conftant profperitie of the godlie: which heproueth firfi in genaaQ verf. 22. 23, 24. and thin propounding his ewne example verfiz 5. 26.27.28. He further anfveareth from the i^.verfetothe end of the chapter y that he can not allow of then judgement in this point >tbat he fbould euer by any meanes obtaine to be rcftored znto bis firmer eftateo/id much lejje into better: becaufe all hope of this thing is cleane taken from him, Jnd laft of all trussing vpon the te* (iimonie of his innocent confcience y bee appeaieth vnto God him- felfi, and (fitting apart that maieftie of God , befire wbicb none is able toft&nd) is readie to plead his caufe againfi them , euen befire m G od who is mofte iuft. Bui as touching the names of thofe flares* which are mentioned verf 9. lam of their iudgement who thinly that the a.quartert of they ear e are flgnified thereby ^which the *A* firologians teach to bee gouerned by the influences as they terme sbem y ofcerta'meflarres. Therefore the learned inter fret ours baue not vnfitly tranflatedy HaSjArduruSjChafil, Orion; Chimah, Tlhdcs^orthefeuenftarres^andtbe Climates ofthefoutbjhefum- m'erfignes:gltogetherneglefting the toies of the vnleamed Rabin-s: whitbflarresor fignesare anfwtrable to .Auturne and winter , the firing ume andfummer. But I bad rather retainefliU the Hebrue wordsjben vfe the other > which bout benefo much abufedwitb glo- fure and imfure tales &deuices of the wictyd and propbane poets. #§ CHAPTER IX. V £ H S E 1. Then lob anjweredandfaidy * Jlenow verily that it itfo: fir bow fhall man compared with Godproouebimfelfi iuft. $ if he will contend with him y man could not anfwere him to in: ( that is, tocne thing of a thoufand .) 4 (Tor BEZA VPON THE 4. (For he is) wife in heart and mightie mflrengtb t »b$ fhall harden himfelfe againft bim, and (hall be in peace? j.t.T>Vt hereunto lob anfwered in thefc words. Harkemy XJ Trends whether you do rightly condemnc mc,as wic- ked and as an hipocritc.I yeld vnto you, when as you affirmc Godsiuftice to be very great and without end: ycaEliphaz I graunt fomwhat more then I could hcare or learne of you, when as you faid before (4.Chap.vcr£3 .) that man could not bee morciuft then God. For I fay farther, that none cucr cojld be found fo iuft, that he might any way be compared ynco God. 3. And this likewife I graunt to you Bildad, that nothing can be done of God cither againft his iuftice or againft his power: fo that I may without controlment af- firmc thus much, that if anie be fo madde that he would dif- pute with him about hisiudgements, he coulde not though he were neuer (b wife anfwere him one objection of a thou* (and. 4. For God is fuch a one who neither wanteth infi- nite wifdomc to decree, nor incomprchcnfiblc power to bring to paflc: neither (hall any man euer rebellioufly refift either his moft powcrfu 11 iuftice, or his moil iuft power, but that he (hall be puniflied moft feuercly. f. Heeremooueth mountains > and it isnotlpiowne when he $* uerthrowetb them in his wrath. 6. Hema\etb the earth to goeout of her placet and the pillars thereof to tremble . 7. Hcjpeal(etb to the Sunneand itarifetb not, andfealethvp theftarres. 8. He alone fpreadeth out the beauens and walfytb vponthe beightes ofthefea. 9 HemadeHas, Cbefl>*nd Chimah, and the fecret partes of the South. 10 He doth great th'mgs y fo that there can not (bz) finding out (of them) by fear cb, and wonderful thinges fb that there cannot (be) numbring fof themj 11 BeholdhefhaUgobymeandJfhallnotfeehim % andhefhall paffh by andjfhallnot perceiue him. f. For who is able to withftand his power?or who is able to compare with him in ftrength, who with fuch violecc re- moiicth huge mountaines, that being thorough his furie o- ucrthrowne, p. CHAP. OF I OB. ucrthrownc,thcy appcare not any where , neytber can they any more be fecne? 6 At whole commaundement the earth is mooued out of her place, yea the very piilcrs and foundations thereof are (h aken . 7 1 1 is he who hath made thcSunnc.togouerne the light in the day time,& theflarres colighten the darkenes of the night. Yetif hedothbutfpeak the *ord,the Sunnc pullethin his light,andil)incth no more then if it were not yet rifen ; and he clofeth vp the ftarres as it were vndcr a fignct,rhat they fhould giue no light. 8 Now the heauens which he hath made round, and which on eut ry fide, as a large and faire roofc,he hath fpred oucrour heads, doe frew forth, together with this his vnfcarchable power his noIeffewifoWe in the frame and gouernment offuch an excellent vvorkc. And he itishkcwifc, whoruleththc waucs and raging foutges of the fea. as it were walking in die middle of them. 9 Morcouer the whole skic from the North Pole, which lyethin our fight, to the South Pole be- neath vs,which is hidden from vs,the skie, 1 fay, decked and befct wiehfo many bright and glittering ftarres, which doc iftcr a fort goucrne the fovvre feafons of the ycare, docth it not reprefcnt, and in a manner ft t before out eyes, the wit dome of God, the Creator and gouernour of all thinges. xo Therefore mofttrueit is, that he is the worker and go- uernour of fo great and fo wonderfull things, that they can not either be fought out,ornumbred.i 1. Whom alfo 3 when he is ncere me and when he offercth himfelfc vnto me,I nei- ther can beholde with mine eies , nor comprehend in my gninde and vnderftanding. 1%. Behold, be it be bath tafen arjvtue* whofhallma^ehimtQ reflate (\\$) Who (hall fay vnto him, wbatdoeft tbou? 13. Cod will not withdraw bis anger : and tbe firong hel- pers [bdll ft tope vnder him. xi. Therefore that I may at the length come nccrer to my fclfe, feeing that he is the mofte mightie and the mode iuft gouernour of all things, if he (hall thinkc it good,as no if it hath happened to me, to take any mans goods , yea, or his life from him, who (hall com pell him , as a thee fe or robber to make reftitution .» yea, who (hall call him to account or bring him to bis anfwerc. For his will is the true and onely N mk B-EZA VPON THE rule ofiuftice it felfe. T$.Butifany man trufting to his owne powcr,(Tuch as are fomctimes found, loftie & hit>h minded mcnjj lhall Either attcempc any thing himfclfe againft God, or take part with them, with whome God isdifplcafcd, fo much the more will his anger be kindled againft them, nei- ther will heleaue till he hauc vtterly rafed them out. 1 4. How Much lefie/bail 1 anfweie him, and find out my word/ with him? /chat is, with meditate fpeectasfhallrcafonvmh him J r ?. Who though l were ittft 9 wuld not anfwere;yea 1 willma\e m y application to my iudge. 1 6. Iffjbou'd chalenge him> and he fiould anfoer mh l&iB notbeetiut, that he hath heard my -voice: x 7. Js who hath beaten me in pfsjces'with his thunderboltyOnd bath multiplied my wounds to dfiiUrwmbcr; 1 8 lS(eyther giueth me kaue to ta\e any. breath : but rather be filkth me with bitternes. 19. If 1 frail haue recourfe to force, beholdhe tyfltong, and if to the law, who willbri»£ me to plsxi with him? 20. If I [hall iufific my felfe > mine owne mouth (haU condemnt meifhaUle^ecffie my felfe perfite? hefhallperuert me (that is, he {hall conuince me to be a wicked doer.,) 2 1 . Shou Id J fay I wertperfite ? ifhbuld not tytow my fiule: *nd ljhalicondemne my life. 14 How much leffc ought 1, the moftc bafe and abicft of all other, torcfift his will, and to ftand in contention of wordes againft him , or to prepare my felfe to rcafbn with him? 1$. Verely my minde would neuer giue roc thus to doc,albeit I were free from the leaft blemilh of finrte , but I would rather craue mercie at his handcs,beeing my iudgr. 16. But bee it, that I durft challenge this of him, and hec (hould giue melcaue to fpeake for my felfe, and debate the matter with him, yet is it not likely that hce would iudge on my fide,riamcly,thathimfeKchatn dorie me any wrong. 17. & 18. For he is not changeable. And behold he hath not onely afflicled me,but cuen beaten me as it were to powder, notasbeeinga little difpleafcd, but (hooting thunderbolts fromheauen: neither hath he wounded me in one or two places, bu: he hath heaped blowes vpon blowes and that in fuch p. CHAP. OF I O B, luchfbrr,as if he would wrcakc his whole anger vpon me; in fo much that he hath nor giuen me any time to breath, buc hath whollie filled roe with bittcrnes and affliction , fo that I muitncedes difpaire of euer recoueringthofe things, which you willed me to hope for. 19. WhatMhall I oppofe force againft force, feeing he alone is mofte migbtie/ but if I (hall goe about to fuc him ac law, who fhal make him appeare or bringhim to his anfwer? 20. Andbceitjthathedoeperfonally appeare in Judge- ment, yet if I malpleadeguiltlefle,this one thingvcrily (hall difprouc raee,that I dare prcfume fo to fpeak in his prefence; if fobe.I fay, I fhall auouch my fclf to be perfect and blame- lefle.eucn herein he will conuince rae to bee wicked, 21. I fay againe,tf I (hall dreame,that I am pcrfit, I (hall not knowc my fclf, and when he (hall examine my life according to the pcrfit rule of rightcoufnes, I (hall bee compelled to abhorrc and dcteft my felfe, and mine owne filthines in his fight. 2 2. This is one fointe: therefore I faide> be dcslroietb both the righteous and the wicked. 1$. ?f(he take) thefcourge , he fbould flute fuddcnllc: bee laugheth at tlx triall of the innocent. 24. The earth is giuen into the hand of the mt\:d> he coueretb thejhees of the judges thereof Uf not , where is he or who is be? 22 All which things tend,to this end which 1 will not hide from you, namely that God doth alwaies vfc his power iuft- ly, and yet farre otherwifc then ycc imagine. For you fay, that i: ftandeth with Gods iuftice , either alwaies to bleife the godlie in this life, or elfe when they goe aftray and after- ward repent, to chafticc and correct them for a time, fo that he neuer fuffcr them to continue to the end of their life , in that mifcric and afflict ion, which hec hath laid vpon them: andcontrariwifc either forthwith to roote out the wicked,as whome he hateth and abhorreth,or elfe the more patient- lie he fuffereth them for a time , the more grieuouflie and fearfullie to punifh and tfke vengeance of them in this life. But I tell you that hereinyou arc deceiued. For if we confi- de r the courfe of this life, doubtleflc we can not determine cither of Gods iuftice or of mens merits, by thecommodi. tics or difcommoditics thereof. For miferics and afflictions N. 2. of BEZA VPON THE •fall forts, are common both to good and bad, with which one and the fame God will in this life bring to confufion both the one and the other. 23. Neither need we gofarrc to prooue this. For if it were as you fay, God as foone as hec takcth his fcourgc in his hand , would forthwith deftroj the wicked, fo that not one of them (houldbcleft : andagaineic fhould fuffice him, gently to chafticc the godlie,and then by and by to withdraw his hand from affii&ing them. Button* trariwife we fc verie manie vpright and virtuous men infuch fort afflicted, that,if you looke onely vnto the vfc of this life, hce may fecme to take delight & pUafurc in their mifcricsr namely,if any may giuc credit to your affertion. 24. And oil the other fide,the godlie being thus afflicted, doe we not fee and behold, howe the wicked doe not onely liue , but inioy profperirie, they fit in the throne of maieftic and rule ouec kingdomes and nations,and without any controlementpcr- uert all equitie and iuftice? Which things, if we fay they are done befidc the will and foreknowledge of God , we (hall thruft God our of the world ? and whome then (hall vv;c make the creatour and gouernour of the world.' 2 $. My dates haue beene more ftpift then a runner > they bout fled and hauefeene no good thing. 16. They are paffed with the moft fmft fbipt , and as the eagle which flyeth to the pr*yc. And contrari wife how flitting & vnconftant the profperity isoffuchasfollowe virtue, and endeauour toliue hone It lie and vprightlie in the feare of God, let my example witnes. For my former life replcniflicd with fo manie ble/fings, is fo fuddenly pafled away,that no pofte may in fwiftnes be com- Eared to it; and all thofe things were taken from me,almofl efore I had any feeling of them: finallie no (hip flieth more fwiftlie vnder faile, no eagle is caried more fwiftly to ceaze f pon her pray. 27. When I hauefald (that is , when I haue thus thought and determined with my felfej J will forget my complaining, 1 will ceafefrom my wrath ^ and comfort fmy felfe.J 28 . lam terrified with all my torment si J fyiov that thou wilt not matye me cleane . 27.28. But as my profperitic was foone gone and fudden* lie 1 BEZA VPON THE me? For there is not any to be an vmpirc& a iudge between vs. 3 4. let him withhold his rod! from me, and let not his terrour make inz afraid. 1S.J will (peake, neither wittjffiare him: becaufc lam -not f$ with myfelfe. 34. But go to,let me obtaine this one thing at his hands, that he graunt mefome trufc and refpite from thefe my tor- ments, and doe not terrific me with themaieftieof hisin- comprehenfible power and greatnes. * 7. For then, hauing rccouered my ftrengthj would be bold to plead my caufe ac GodsQwnc barre, againft your falfe and flaunderous accu- sations. For my conicicnce bcarcth me witnes,that I am not fuch a one, as you, againft all right and reafon, do cfteemc and account me. fTHE SVMME AND ORDER of the 1 ©.Chapter. 10 B hauing as it weave cited hi* felnds befire Gods iudgement feate.firji he proteslethy that he isdriuen to doe this which hee dothagainfi his will, as being contained by their fhlfe accusation to tak$ this courfe,vcrf 1 . and thence forward he beginneth to plead bis owne caufe, Jnd this one thing is in all thefe complaint* to bee obferued, that lobs purpofeisnot to prefent himfelfe before Gods iudgement feate, as if be werevside of allfnne (fir he doth both in veric manie places going before^ and in the whole firmer Chap' ter,and alfo in the Chapters following acknowledge the contrarie) but onelv to fee himfelfe from the wrongfidl and flaunderous accu- fation of his aduerfanes, who charged him with a diffemb'.ed holi- n:s and fear e of God , and with much wicked and vniufl dealing towards men: by which he haddrawne vpon himfelfe this txtraor* dinarie iudgement of God. Therefore he flandeth in the defence of a good caufe > and mainteineth a iufi qua*reU> howfoeuer part 'y the bitter nes ofhisgriefe^nd partlie the indtgnitie of this fhameleffi fiamderywrung from him feme fteeches which might bewray mans infimitiephich neuertbelejje he doth euernow and then mitigate. * This therefore bsingfet downe>wkich hee teflifeth in thelafl ver/i of the firmer Chapter > and in the j.vcrfeoftbU chapter 9 namely, that to. CHAP. OF I OB. ibatbereucrcnced and feared God from his verie heart \a< cording to bi^ power, as afterward in she 29. Copter be is compelled more fiainely to lay open, and that bee was fare from doing or honing done ank man iniurie : hereupon be reafoneth with bimfelfe t vcrje z.l j\ . v .6. bow itfhould comitopafie that G odfhouid dealt **orc hardly and more vnmercifiiuy with himsben with other moft wic- ked and vngodlie pe-jons: and finding no meanes to refoluc this doubt (which thing happened al/o to the Tropbets, as Tfit 73 Je* ran^/ibac.z. ) be laboureth to mooue Cod vnto compafjion byjun- dr'te arguments Mowing wholly of this life, &fometimes excee- ding meafure, butfo t that he alwaies confcfletb bimfelfe to depend vpon Gods will andbeaucntie fYOHidejice. && CHAPTER X. VE R S E i.Myfoxlelothetbmytife-.lvvilUeauemy fteecb vton myfclfe: I wMQea\z in the bitternes ofmyfoule. MY foule is v/earieof this fb mifcrable life : I willfuffer mycomplaintcs 10 haue their full fwinge, as touching thefe affections which are laid vpon me. I will vtter whatfo- euer the bitternes of my torments (hall put in mymindc. 1 . 2 if* ill 'fay vmo God^ condemn* me not: giue me to ynder- fland. what controuerjk thou haft with me. I wil fpcake vnro Go i In thismaner.Now,Ibcfecch thee, lecmc not bee pronounced guiltiejieicher giue fentencc of condemnation agan\ft me, till fuchtimc,as I may vndcr- Rand why, and for what caufe I am called vnto iudgemenr. 3 H* n ) g°°d fir t hee l that thou opprej]e> (that is, to vfe op- prcflion) (and) that tfou abborreft (that is to abhorre) the viorfe of thine hands: and to {hint v$on the counfell of the wic- ked? And ro the end it may not fecme ftraunge to any , tharl fhould craue this at thy hands; the matter it felfc doth com- pel! me thus to do.Forfarre bee it from me, once tothinke, thatthouart delighted with violent and wrongful! opprcfli- on of any man, or takeft pleafurc in the deftrudion of thine owne workc. For wicked iudges are accuftomed to take this N. 4. counfell BEZA VP6N THE counfell and to follow this courfe, whom thou being a mode iuft and righteous iudgc canft not confirme or incour age by thine own cxample,asit were by alight mining from abouc. 4.Ha1tboufle/bieeycj y ordoefIthou(eeas manfeeth? May I thmke that thou feeft into matters , no otheiwifc then wee vile and ignorant mortal! men , whofe carnall and bodiIieeyes,in beholding thefe outward and fenfible things doc fo ofcen deceiuc vs: and that therefore happily, thou cu thcr knoweft me not, or clfe art caned away with affeftionsj and not led by fare and well adufed iudgement? 1. *Jrethydayesasmansdaicj?aid(Mc) tbyyearesasthedaiet efman? 6. That thou maJpftfucb inquisition fir my whltedneu and fiareheft out my finne. Fin allie is thy life like to mans life , deuided into the fpa* cesof dales andyeres^ that to knowe whether I haue liucd lewdlie and wickedly, according as thefe men lay to my charge thou needeft fome refpite & time to confiderofthc njattci ,& that I muft needs bc,as it wcre,put vpon the rack, 7. Thou \nowtf that I amguiltUffe ofthofe crimes^andfyct) mho may deliuir me out * thine hande ? What then may I doe or whether may I turnc my felfe, wretch that I am f For truly thofe things arc not incident to thy nature. But thou knoweft that 1 am free from thatlewde and wicked life , whereof thefe men would make me guiltie, and yet doeft thou vfe me fo hardly and fharpclyvas that! haue no mcancs to efcape or rid my felfe out of thine hands. 8 Thy hands haue throughlie wrought me and haue fkfiionei mevvhollie round «bout>and wilt thou [wallow me vp? O my God thou art he,who with fo great care haft framed me with thine owne hands, andexa&lie fafhioned all my members. A lafle wilt thou fo violentlie deface thine owne worke, & deftroy that which tbou haft made? 9. Remember I pray thee that thou ha fi made [mee astheclaiv and wilt thou bring mee into the dupt againe? Kemcmber 1 befeech thee.thatof earth,Iikea potter,thou haft formed mee, and wilt rcfolue mee into duft againerfo that thou art not to (hew and trie thy power in deftroying ± i <% brittle^ fo weake a veffell, and which (hall rcturne in- to io. CHAP. OF IOB. to theduft ,fo fonc as thou fpeakcft the worde. i o Hafi thou not fozvred me out Ity m\\e, and turned me t% turds Uleecbeefe: n. Tboubajl c'othedmewithflejnne andflefb t and couered me with bones anfinewes. 11. Tboubajl dealt life and goodnefe vntome f that is, thou haft giucn me life accompanied with thy goodneffe & blef fings} andthyprouidence baib preferued me. i$ jindhait thou hid tbefe things in thine bart ? For J tyiovv that this (was ) fo with thee. xo & ii Thou truJy art he,who,when I was firft concerned in my mothers wombe, bceing as milke (trained, and after- tvarde like a cheefe put together, clothedft me with skinnc andflcfh.andioinedftmc together with bones and finewes. ix My life moreouer haft thou beautified with wonder- full blciiings, and daily preferued and watched ouer myfpi- rite. ij whence then procetdeth this change fofiiddeine& focontrarie^andhow couldeft thou both (hew thyfelfe fo bountiful towards me,andyet thefe things which now 1 feelc lie hidden inmyharte? for well I am allured, that thefe things had not happened vnto me, vnlcflc thou hadft both tvillcd and decreed that it (houlde be fo. 14 If lhaue famed, thou aifobaft looked vntome> and thou haft net eleanfedmefrort mine iniquities 15 If lam wiclftdy woe U me therefore : but if lam iufl J will not lift vp mine beade, beinge filled with fhame>and[eingc mine affliciwn. 14 Ihauefinned,Iconfeife,verie oftcn,and thou in like manner art wont to note mine offences, neither haft thou fuftered me to efcapc vnpunniihed. 1 J. But if 1 haue lewdelie and wickedly behaued my felfc, as thefe lay to my charge (whereof thou,0 Lord, of all other canft beft beare me witnesj 1 haue noc caufeat all nor rca- fontocomplainc:butifwith my whole power and indeuour I haue folowed and giuen my fclfc to virtue and godlines,I am therefore nothing exalted, yca,I am grcatlic difgraced and brought into this extreme mifery, which 1 feele. 16. for it rifeth aloft, (that is, it incrcafetty and as a Lyon ib$u hunieftme^&returne/f^Khii is thottdoublcft thy flrokesj and BEZA VPON THE and art made merueilous (thn is, fncwcft thy felfc merucilousj againftm\ 1 7. Thou brings*} frefo vvimes a^abd me, and thou multipli- ed thine anger vzon me: cbaunre*, ( that is,miferies one cxcce- dinge an othery and armies arc with me* 16. Foritincrcaieih more and more; infomuch, that e- uenas an eager andfauadgc feeker of his pray,thou feemeft to hunt me, continuallie purfuinge me as if thou hadil; deter- mined to mew thy might by my oucrthrow;for 1 haue fcarf- ly rccciucd one blowe, when thou with loade mrikefr on ano- ther: which may (land for witnes of thy feucritie which thou vfeft towardes me; In a worde, miferies doc affaile me by troupes, one fucceding and foloweingin theneckofa- nother. 1 8 Wherefore then haft thou brought me, out of the wombe ) (t would ^ I bad perifed, and that noe eye bad fern me. 19. That I were as though J had not bene, but brought from the wombe vnto thegraue. Didft thou therefore bring me out of my mothers womb, that I mould thus perifli t alas, why was it not rather thy pleafure that noe eye (houlde eucr beholdc me? 1 £. I would to God, I fay,l had foe bene borne,as if i had! ncucr bene, to wkr, caried from the wombe to the grauc. 20. ArenotmydxyesfkwUeaueofthenfiom me,andLfhalbe a title ftren&thened: ii. Before J goe and /ball not returne: into the landeofdarl^» net andfhadoveofdedth\ 22. The lande of darkenes, as it were the dar^nes ofthefhadow of death, and not of order > fchatis, vnpleafaunt and where no- thing is in order) and y where (chat which) fane th> is darfenes* 10. Finally fith the remainder of my daies is (hoit, I pray thee let me go,that I may eucn breathe a litlc 2 i.before 1 de- part out of this life, into which I (hall neucr returne againe, into that lande, where lothfbme darkenes dwcllcth,nat the darkenes of the night, but the vcrie darkenes of death, 21. that lande I fay, fo darkc as is darkenes it felfe; where the (hadowe of death pofTcffinge all things, there is no difference atallofdayornight,neitherofthc fcafonsofthc yerenor of dffWitU or fettin^ of the Suawhcrc.to conclude,there is *■ ' palpable ii. CHAP. OF I OB. palpable darkencfle, when the Sunne fhineth and giucth light vnco the whole world befides. THE SVMME AND ORDER cfthc xi.Chapcer. TSOTHJR the third of lobs friends, as he [pake lafl, fo a be herein mor* to be blamed then his foJlowes, that whereas he ought to haue vnderftood by Jobs anfwcrsjhat he was wrongfidiie accufed,he comrar'iwife beginning with a moft bitter invecliie ver. z.& 3. openly playeth the Sophijier, fo interpreting thofe things, which lob had [aid both before in the 6 Chap. ver. 10. & in the for- mer Chapter, verfej. in defence of bis innocencie, as if Job had maintained that he was free from aufmne, where** notnitbsfan ding he had not once or twife,but t, try often witneffed & confiffed bimfelfo to beafnneriinfo much that albeit he were without finne^ yet he could not be accounted clcare and pure in the fight of God* , But you will fay : whereof then did Job complaint f Surely for that tonietlurmg by the great neffe of his miferiesjbey charged him mojl falfely to be an vv godly hypocrite \and a very wicked man. #- batfo- tuer therefore Tfophar (pea^etb from the 4. verfe to the 13 . c one e r- Tting the mfraite and vnfearchable wifedome of God>is indeed very truely andgrauely difcourfed,but yet nothing fitly to convince lob : albeit lob here in had not kept within compafie, and therefore had deferued b-ame : becaufe he had more boldly then became him rea- foned with God^de firing that the caufe of this his fo extraordinarie vifetation,mi«bt be difclofed and made tywwen vnto him. yinda* mong other tbingSithat difcouereth Tfophar his vndifcrete rafhncs* that he durftfo prefumptuoufly iudge, that God if he fhould come andtyca\i face to foce with Job, wouid vtterly condemne him and pronounce him wortbie of double punifkment. Toreontrariwife God bim felfe appear'mgto lob> acquittetb bim y and ffareth thofe bn founds at lobs earneft sntreatiefortfcm. Seeing then that out of all theft aUi&ttwns from the \$. ver f to the endeoftbe Cbapttr,wbicb nothing at allconcerne Job, Tfophar conclude th nothing but that which Elipha^& Bildad had faid before him, namely t tbat this wat the only remedie left fir Job if he ackpvwledgmg bimfelfofotfucb. none as they aceufedbim to be \and fo earnef ly detejiing bimfefft, would BEZA VPON THE muldcraue pardon at Gods hands : itfiHoweth that Job coufinot follow this their council, vnlejje he would lie a&ainft bit own* co*~ fcknce. ^CHAPTER XL I tm T 4 Hen anfaered Tfopbar the Tfyamathhejndfdid, A 2 Should not he>tbatabonndithin words Jbe heard, (chat isjfhould not a man ful of words be an(wcrcd?)orJball x peat talker be abfohed < (chat is,ihall a prathngfcllowc carric away his caufe ?) 3 Shou 'd thy lies ma\e men hold their peace, and when thou moc\eftfhall there be none to mal?e thee ajhamed ? i and2. Whatthen,ihalnotacalkatiuemanbcanfwe«» red ? (hall any man by multitude of words obtaine to be ao counted iuft ? -}, Shall thefc thy lyes flop our mouthes, and mocking both God andvs, (halt thou findc no pan to make thee blufh.and to be afhamed thereof? 4 For thou bajl faid,my being (bath bene) pure : and 1 am eleane in thine eyes. 5 But oh that God would frealee, and open his lips with thee* 6 Jnd that he would (hew thee thefecrets of wifedome. For (they (hould bej double to that which is, fchat is, thofe things, whereof thou complained, (hould be twifc fo gricuous as thofe things which chou already fuffcreft^ «Jr kgowjbat God doeth not challenge thee according to thine iniquit'te; (that is, that God doth not exact, whatfoeuer thou owed, but only a little parcellof that punilhment, which thy finnes deferue.J 4 For we haue heard,when as (peaking to God him (elf, thou fay deft, that thou hadft continued pure & perfed.tho- rough the whole courfe of thy lifc,and diddeft terme him an cyewirneflcofthyvprightnes. s and 6. Andtruelyif it could be brought to pafcthat as thou durft defire of h:m,he would vouchsafe to fpeake vnto thee,and at thy raih &vn* aduifed requeft,rcvea!e the hidden fecrets of his wifedome, 1 tell thee thy ftatc would be twife as miferablc and wretched as nowc it is. For thus thou muft pcrfwade thy felfc, thac God doeth not cake fuch puniftuncnr and vengeance vpon chec n. CHAP. OF IOB. thce,asthy offences dcferuc, but oncly fome fma!I part and portion thereof. 7 PVilt thoufinde out tbefearching of God? wilt tbouattam to the perfiflnefc of the Jlmtghtie ? 8 (\ hey zrejtbe heautns I '•: eight ,wkat wilt thou do ? it isdee* per then J* ///that is,thc lowcft places vndcr the earth J home wilt thou {wtpfthem ?) 9 The meafure of it u longer then the earth, and it is broader then the fid. io W bttber be cut *ff,vr {but vpjr gather togetber> who fbaB witbfjandbim? 1 1 Double fe he beboldetb fhitblcfo men, befeetb wicked dea* tingttndfhalbe not regard it? 7 And what doc ft thou require more at Gods handes, feeing thefe things fo open and io manifeft, doe ynough,yea and more then ynough convince thee. For if God him felfe would vouchsafe to giue thee account of his fecretpurpo- fes, yet were thy minde able to conceiue and comprehende that wjfedome of Gcd? or couldeft thou by the profound- nefle of thy h»dgement,orquJckenefrcof thine vnderflan- (tanding reach vnto that moil abfolutc perfection of the At inightic ? 8 For he is higher then the higheft heauens, bow then canft thou a fillie man creeping on the eartb>come thither i His counfels lye hid more deeply then thofc things xi hich are buryed in the lowcft parts vnder the earth, howc canft thou findc them out by fearching ? $ and io. This hiswifedome ftretcheth it felfe far drier then the borders of the earth,anditis of greater breadth and coropafle then the wide Ocean. And who can let him to order and dilpofe all thefe things after his ownc pleafurc,or to turne them vpfide downe if it feeme good vnto him? And feeing thou canft notdenie,butthatthefal(hoodcofmen, and all wickedncs whatfoeucr Jyeth open to his eyes, tell me, I pray thec,fhaJl he not regard and punifh that which he feeth. ii lutvaine/ihitis, foo\ifr.)man is alfo made wife, though man be bourne as a wVde aftes colte. il J f Am freparefi thine heart, &ftretcbeft out the palmes of thy bands, 14 if therebt any iefraud'wgin thine land, and thou baft re- mioued BEZA VPON THE mouedhfrom sheet neither fuffereU wquitieto dwell in thy ta- bernacle. i ? Then truely jhalt thou lift vp thy face without (pot, & jhalt be ftable^and jhalt not fiare. 1 6 Doubtlefe thou jhalt fir get thy miferie,( and) remember it *s the renters , that haue pafted by. 1 7 -And thy time jh all arlfe aboue the noone tfoy/chat is,more bright then the cleared day,J thou jhalt {hine> thou jhalt be at the morning it felft. 1 8 jini thou mayeftbebolde,becaufe there jhalbehope,& thou fhaltdigge, fthac is, thou {halt buildetheea dwelling place ,) and thou jhalt flcepe quietly. 1 9 jind when thou lyefi doxene, none /ball ma\e thee afraide, and many a one [hall make fute vnto thee. 20 But the eyes of the viewed /hall fuile,and their refiige /hall perifh from them^and their hope /ball be the gluing vp of the Ghoft* u And fo men,who before were vaine andfoolifh, be- ing taught by their afflictions and chaftifements,bcgm to be wife, and who are borne by nature as wilde as an affes coke, are ramed and made gentle. What other helpc Therefore or remcdie is there left for thee but this, that fcttingaparc all wilfulne(Te,and redrafting thy mindetoa true and vnfained repentance, thou humble & proftrate thy feife before God. 13 And if fo be thou haue any thing which was illgotten, caft it away, neither fuffer thou any thing to rcmaine in thy houfe, which thou haft taken from any man by violence or oppreflion, 14 For then, doubt not,thou (halt be quiet and voide of feare, thou {halt haue a cheerefull coutenance, and all that filthinefle, wherewith it hath bene deformed, (hall be quite taken away. 1 f For a certaintie I fay, the rcmcmbranceofthefemiferieswill foorthwith vanifh, nei- ther (halt thou remember them any more, the waters which arc fuddenly pafled away. 17 A brightneflc more clearc then the noone day (hall arife to thee, and fcatter thisdark- nefle, and thou (haltfhine euen like the faire and pleafant morning, j8 Finally, a fare hope (hall facceede this thy defpaire, and thou (halt make to thy fcKc quiet &fafe dwel- ling places, ip In which thou mayeft take thy reft with- out feare,y e a and ail men (hall doe thee honour, zo But on i*. CHAP. OF I OB. on the contrarie fide.thatgrcedineffe of the wicked, whofc eyesdeuoure all things, (hall come to noughr, and deach comming vpon them at vnawarcSjlhai beguile them of their expectation. THE SVMME AND ORDER of the xii. Chapter. I OB bauingnowebenetfaifiprouoktdfirftby thexndifreet and vnftafoiuble refroofis of his two firmer friendtsjind nowewith the arrogant and loftie preface of Tfophar, begmnetb alfo him felji to deale roughly and roundly rritb them, partly fhewing in the ende lc, and al wifdome is hidden and laid vp within your brefts, b that when ye die , it alfo (hall decay and perifh with you, 3 Buthowhighlicfoeueryc efteemeofyourfelucs, lam of fomc vndcrftandmg as wcl as yee, and count my fclfe no- thing inferiour to y ou.Yea who is he , th a t knowcth not thefc things which ychaue (poken, and whereof ye make fucb brags in contempt of others, as if befide your feints none bad euer heard of them.' 4 fam as hefwho h)a laughing floclp to his companion , wh$ calleth vpon God andhee heareth him, the iuft(l by) and the vp* right(is)made a laughing flocl^e. ? He whofe feet begmne to faife vnder him $ u as a lampe deffii* fed tofthc manjthat liueth ateafe. 6 The tabernacles of robbers doe profper, and they fare) in fafetie t whoprouolie God>&nd into whofe hand God puttetbfwhat (6 euer they wifh, that is, God giueth whatfoeucr their heart cande/ire.J 4 And howfalfc that is which you repeat fo often, and neuerleaue fpeaking off,namely,that we mud iudge of a mas good or bad life by the prefent eftate wherein he is, I prouc mofte manifeillie by mine owne example, who beeing in the number of thofe,who call vpon God and whome God heareth , am neuerthelefle defpifcd of my companions and familiar friendes; and alfo in generall it is moil vndoubred- ly true, that men of an vpright an vncorrupt life, are com- monly had in derifion,and are made a laughing and a iefting ftockc vnto others. $ la like manner , he that begin- fletb 12. CHAP. OF IOB. hetht&fal,andwhofe (late declineth is no more accomptcd offwitbhimthatliuethathcartseafeand cnioycth profpc- ritie, then a fire brand that is halfe burnt, or a torch that is well nigh confumed. 6 In the mcane whiJe fpoilers and ©ppreflours of other, and Jiichas prouoke God with their finnes and wickcdnes Hue in fafetie, and God putting into their handes whatfoeuertheycanwiflifor, they remainein great pleafure andfecuritic. 7 But at\$ the beaflj eirfeuery one of them,) [ball teach thee: & the birds & eitery one ofthemfhaU /ei/(chee,thcfe things^ $ Or Speakf to the earth and it [hall teach thee: and the fijhes of tbefea frail certifie thee( of thefc thingsj 9 Who among all thefe Imoweth not, that the hand of the Lord bath done this f 10 in n>h fe hande is the foult of every living thing, and the heath of all mantynde. 7 And tell me, Ibefeechyou, what Ihaueheardofyou, who profeiTe fb great wifdome,which to know,I muft needes be fent to the fchoole to learne ir,as you will me, of thefe our aunce tours mod wife men. For there is no bcaft of the field if it could fpeake.and were asked the queftion, which would not tell thee thi s, no bird that would not declare it. 8 Yea the very earth can (he wit, and the fifties tell it thee, 9 to wit, that God is the maker of allandeuery one of thefe things, xo and that both the life of cueryhuingtRing,& the breath of man is in his hand and power. . 1 1 Doth not the eare trieftecbes>& the mouth taft meat fir itfelft ii Jn olde men there is mfdome, and in the number of year e$ vnderftandlnge. 11 And thefc things trulie are euidentto all men: but as ic auailethnot toheare a manfpeakc,vnlefle the eare difcern what is fpoken, neither relifheth the meate in a mans mouth if it be not tafted by the palate ;fo ought yee not thus rafhlie toiudgc of Gods doings, nor forthwith to defpife my fpee- ches, but wifelie and with vnderftanding to confide 4 and to weigh them, n Efpcciallic feeing yeeareoldmen,whom(aa ye rightly faidjit becommeth to be more difcrect & wife,the others, and by how much the longer they hauelxued, by fo much the more to be furnifhed with cxperiece & knowledge. O 13 With BEZA VPON THE i j With him is wifdome and ftrength : he hath counfeOand vnderftanding. But Gods workcs tcftific, that he hath a ccrtainc proper and peculiar wifdome to him felfe in decreeing; force and power in workingjknowledge and vnderftanding in ordering and gouerning all things, fuch as farre excccdcth the reach of mans capacitie. 14 Behold be (hall brea^e downe,a«d it cannot be built vp: bee fbattjhuta man vp>«ndit (hallnot be opened vnto him. And the fame power of his,is mexpugnable,in deftroying, when he pleafeth,thofe things which he hath made,as it was in making them: and the dole places in which he hath ihuc Vp any, can no man open. 1 5 Beholdhe (halt \eepe vnder the water s> and they [hall dric vpihefendeth them out, and they ouerwhelme the earth. The waters becing rcftrained by his commaundement that they flow not,are dried vp, and if he bid them flow, they deftroic the earth with inundations. 16 With him is ftrength and beting ; that which etretband that which mal{tth to erre^tre his. The ftrength and power or all things by which they are. and continue in their nature.is from him: and both the fame things declining from their ftate,& that which caufeth there to decline & go awry.dependvpon his beck &c cm aunde met, 1 7 He bringeth the wife men out of their wits, and ma\eth the iudgesfboks. 18 He leofeth the bond ofh\ngt , and tjeth a girdle about then loines. 19 He leadeth away the. princes as apray.and ouertbrovefl tbi mightie. 20 Hetafyth away the ffeech from eloquent men,anddi{apom+ teth the aged of their judgement. z \ He foureth contempt vpon the noble, andflacleeth tbegrrdlt cftheftrong: zz He difcouereth thofe things that lye deepelie hidden, and bringeth forth to light the [hadow of death, (chat is, fuch thinges asaremoftfecret.J 17 Hence is the oucrthrow of kingdomcs& mightie mo* oarches,which falleth not out by chaunce or for cune,bu t by the 12. CHAP. OF I OB. die hand and difpenfation of God. For he it is whoe with* draweth his bleffings, and taketh away the gift ot wifdomc fromthem,by whofe counfels they were wifelic and politik- lie ordered: he it is,that makcth the gouernoursand princes thereof foolcs , and like children without vndcrftanding. 18 He alfolooferh the bonds of kings, by which they kept the people in fubie&ion, and giucth them oucr to be bound, and to iufTer the yoke of others. 19 The noble men and Pecresof a countriehe dcfpoilethofall their ornaments, & deliucrcth them vp for a pray into the hands of the fpoylers: and fuch as are in greatcit honour and authoritie,he layeth intheduft. 20 He taketh away all eloquence of fpecch from the Orator, and depriueth the auncient or graue men of experience and ludgement. 21 Others alio , who hauc atchiued great and worthie matters, and thereby deferued hie renoune and commendation, he bringeth into contept: finallie he diflblueth the flrength of kingdomes and com- mon wealjhcs, with which they were girded, and by which they were vpholden and maintained. 21 Thofe thinges, which they thought were mod fecret and laie deepelie hid • den in darkenes, he difcouercth: thofe things which feemed to be buried in obfeuririe and in the (hadow of death , hec bringeth to light, fo that all men may openlie beholde and fee them. 25 He mrthiplieth the nations, and deflroyeth them : he in!ar~ geth the nations, and bringeth them in again*. 24 He tatyth away the heart of them } that be theheadesofthe people of the earth, and caufeth them to wander inthemldernetfe, where no manpajfeth. 2 f They qrope in the dar\e and(ihey hzuejno Ught^andhemor ktth them toftagger ttlg drunken men. 23 As common wcalths,fo people alfo and nations are in the hand of God to defpofe of them, as it feemeth good vn- tohim, whether it be his pleafure toincreafeor to deftroic them, to make them tomultiplic or to diminish and leffen them. 24 ForhecuttethorTtheirheads,tharis, he taketh from them their goucrnours , (bme times he driueth the out of their owne countrie, and maketh them to keep in vafte & folitarie wildcrneffes, whereno man dwclleth. 25 Fmallic Oi be b;e zavpon the he Icaueth thera deilitute of al counfcl,fo that they grope in the darke , and as drunken men they ftagger now one way,8c then another, and cannot any where findc any fure footing. fTHE SVMME AND ORDER ofthcxiii. Chapter. TSophar had befire in the it, chapter ver. t.verie confi- dently reproucd lob, fir that he had appealed vnto God y as if his intent therein had bene onlie this, name lie to pleade his caufc againft God. lob mafeth aunfwere, that not vpon any preemption but truftinge to the goodnes of biseaufe>and to theajjurance of an vprigjit confcience,he wasfofirr from recallinge that which he had once defired at Gods hands (and which m the ende he obtained be* yonde all exfpe&ation of his aduerfaries, as wee (ball heave after* warde in the 38. chapter)thathe wifieth noU nor fetytb fir any thinge more earneftlie: not that euer it came in his minde toftande in contention with God about his alwaks mofl iufl wifedome^or to frefent himfelfe befire Gods iudgement feat, as euery way guilt lei and vnreproueable, but becaufe he defired to defende his innocencie againft there ftanderom accufatiosjea & to maintain god* iuftice againft tbem y in the prefence and iudgement of God himfelfe. For hefbeweth that -heir opinion concerning God cannot ftand nor take place, wheras they attribute that to God, which cannot poffib* ly agree with his nature-, by how much more vniusllie they dealt withhimfklflie accufmghim y as if with horrible impietk he had charged God with iniuftice* ea\t to the almightie, and I defire to dilute with God. 4. Forindedeyearefirgersoflies^yearealljfay, phifitions of novalue. 5. thatyow would therfirc in holding your peace haue \e\t filence: fir that might haue bxievntoyow fir wifedome :(that is, aihewofwiidome^ 6. 1 fray yaw heare my confutation, and hearken to the argur tnentsofmyUpps. 3. 1 wiih,Tfophar,thatI might fpeake to God face to face, which if it fhoulde come topalfe, yowfayd,my myferie and affli&on would be double fo great as it is: but Iwouldeyow (hould know, that I am not at all difmaid with thefe wordes, but atneuen nowreadie to commune with God, neither do Iwifti any thing fo much as to pleade raycaufe before his iudgement feat,not that i raeane to accufc him,which neuer fo much as once came in my thought; butoncly todifprouc yourfalfe accufation. 4. For 1 fay that thofe things which yow charge mc with all, are meere lies,coulered with all the O 3 art BEZA VPON THE art and cunning which y ow could vfe: & that applying thefe plaifters and medicines to my fores, yow ihall beneucr able to giue me any eafc or comfort, howfocuer yow would feera for no other <. aufe to haue come vnto me. ?. Now then I would to God, yow had trill continued in that yourfeuer* daics filence,rather then yow mould haue broke foorth into thefe words. For fo ye might haue feemed to haue bene wife 6. But forasmuch as 1 haue heard your accufations.I befeech yow in like manner to giue me the hearing,whilcs I difproue and confute them, li(ten,l fay, what reafons & ar- guments lean bring for my felfe, and for the defence of tmneownecaufe, 7. fVi yee (peaty vmujllyfbr God> and [peaty deceit fir him? 8 IV li ye accept bis p:rfon y or will you contend for God? o Shall it be good fit you , that he call you to reckoning? willy t mocty him v$ one man moctyth another t xofN ay)be wold reprove youjfyott didfecretly accept his perfon. 1 1 Shall not bis brighmes maty y 'ouafi aide? and his fcarefhll vponyou? 1 1 Your fpeeches are the words of afbes, and yourftatelybul- wartysare but bulwark of clay. 7 For wharanvnfecmelie matter, and what vnorderlie proceeding is this / Ought you to defende Gods iufticcby vniuftlie accufing me ? or muft you needes fo free him from iniuftice,that ye muft charge me with hipochfie ? 8 What is this elie but after the manner of corrupt Iudges, fo to fa- uour one, that to gratifie or pleafurc him , ye flicked not to condemne, and opprefle the innocent? 9 Doeyouthink that God will allow your prcpofterous dealing for him, & that therefore he will beftow vpon you fbme great good turne,to reward your good will, when he (hall fearchthe fecrets of your hearts f and as it is no hard matter to mocke men, fo doe yee thtnke thn the will be mocked with thofe vaine cauills,and falfe accufations* 1 o Surelie in no wife, as who would not fuffer this partiahtie, thisrefpe&ing,/ fay,and accepting of his pcrfon,no not if it were done clofe- lie and without his knowledge. 1 1. If therefore the thing it felfe can not mouc you, yet his maieftie ought to make you crtmble l & his reuercne e ftrike a feare into you.xi.For thefe things i ? . CHAP. OF IOB. things which you alledge as matters gathered by longob- feruation, and which you thunder out againft me, as if they were moft certen & grounded axiomes, arc indeed no more found and fubftantiall then afhesjand thofc your hie forts as it were, & turrets out of which you aflaile me, are made but ofdurtandmire. 13. Leaue talking to meandlmllfpeafa and let come vpon me what will. Therefore for Gods fake, talke noc more to mee; thefe your wordes are a burden vnto me. But i will fpeakc for my lelfe, befall me what will. 1 4. Why Should 1 ta\e myflefh in my teeth , and put my foule hminehand? Doe you rightlie gather by thefe my outcries and com- plain tcs, that 1 was fo farre out of toy wittes , that tearing as it were my flefh with mine owne hands, I ment to vfe any violence andcruelne towaidsmy felfe, and willinglie tobc- traie mine owne life? j c *Loe let bimflaie mcjballl not hope? notmthftandingfwM defend my waies in his fight. Nay I am fo farre fromfecking mine owne deft ruftion by prouoking God, that on the contrarie fide,if by this mife- rieheedoenot oneJyatHiclme,buteucnkillme outright, notwithftandmg I will not leaue off to hope and looke for a better life at his hands, A nd yet neuerthelefle in the meane time, I thai] not be afraid to maintaine the incegritie of my former life before his tribunall feate. 1 6. For be a'fo him f elfe (hull be myfaluation : fir the hipocrite Jball not enter into bit fight. For he him felfe ihall be prcfent with me, that I maic not peri(h,and much leffe will he futfer me to be wrongfully op- preffed by you: which I durft neucr once to hope for, vnleife I •ftood aiTured vpon a good confcience/orafmuch as I know vcricwelthatalhipocrires are debarred from his prefencc. 17. in hearing liften to my wordes , and let your eare marine what Ivtter. 1 8 . Beholl now* I baue prepared me to judgement, I kpow thai ifhaUbeiuRified. 1 9. Who h he that will plead with me? if now I hold my tongue I fhall&e. 0. 4. 17. Hatkcn BEZA VPON THE 17 Harkea therefore, and diligenclie marke what I mall faic, not againft God, bur in mine owne defenfe againft your falfe accufations. 18 Loe, here 1 fraud readie pre pared to plead mine owne caufe.nothing at all doubting, buc that I {hail be cleered from your wrongful and vniuft accufa- tions. 19 Go to therefore , let there be no exception made for the prolonging of the matter; and come forth, which foeuerofyou dare ftand with me in law. For now bet- ter were it for mc to die, then by holding my peace to be- tray my caufc. 20 But doe not thefe two things with me»and then fjhall not bide my felfe from thy face. 21 Withdraw thine band from me, and let not thy fiare maty* me afraide. 2 1 either call thou, and f ml! anfaere, or let me fpeafa and an/were thou me. 20 But forafmuchfO Godjas I am to plead my caufe be- fore thee,l befeech the to graunt me two things, to tjic end Imayboldlie and without feare fpeake in mine owne de- fence. 21 The one , that thou wilt withold thine hand in the meane while from ftriking me in this manner ; the other, that thou bring not into iudgement that thy feare- full and terrible maieftie, to the deciding of this controuer* fie; but as it were laying it afide for the time , thou wouldeft deale mercifullie with me , and fo as the weakenes of mor- tall man is able to abide. 22 Put the cafe therefore, that 1 am to deale not with thefe men,but with thee,and that this whol matter is to be debated between vs,feing that thy hand hath wounded me, and the cjueftion is, whether thefe iudge aright,faying,that 1 haue deferued this miferie by my wicked and vngodlie life. Here I giue thee the choife whether thou wiltbeplaintife or defendant, 23 How many-are my offences and my finnes ? fhetvmeify tranfgrejjtons and my fhulu . 24 wherefore' Jkouldeft thou hide thy fhee, and u\e me for thine enenie S 23 .1 fay not nay,yea,I am very wel content that thou lay my rranfgreflions before my face , that I may fee how many waies I haue finned ei.her more lighrjie or more grieuouflie againft ij. CHAP. OF IOB. againft thee. 2* For I would gladJie vnderftand, what thofe hainous crimes are, by which thcu artfb inccnfed and prouoked againft me, that thou turneft thy face from me, 8C perfecuteft me,as if I were thine enemie. 2 f Doefl thou brea^e a leafe driuen to and fro? and doeft thou purfuethe drie ftubble P 2 5 How foeuer the cafe ftandeth, what I pray thee doeft thou elfe, dealing in this fort with me, but make triallof thy flrength againft a leafe, which with the leaft blaft of wind falieth to the ground ? doeft thou not labour todeftroy the ftubble, which is fo drie that it no fooner toucheth the fire, but of it felfe by and by flameth and is confumed * 2 6 Becaufe thou wrighteft bitter things againft me, and md* tffl me to inherite the fanes of my youth. 27 Thouputteftmy feet alfo in the foc^eSiOndlootf U narrow- tievnto allmypathes, and ingraueft thy felfe vpon therootes of my fiete. 28 But he li{e rottemvfie confumetb>and like a garment which is moth eaten. z6 Neither doe I fay this to make the thing fceme grea- ter then it is , as the vfe is of nice and tender perfbns. For thou pronounceft and dravveft forth againft me nothing elfc but forovvv andbitterncs, in fo much that thou fecmeft to punifti me for the olde tranfgrefTions of my youth, which came vnto me, as it vvere,by right of inheritance^ which long ago,/ thought had beene forgiuen me. 27 Yea as if thou fearedft leaft I mould efcape away , thou kcepeft mc faft in fetters , and d Iigentlie vvatcheft me which way fo euer Igo,& looke where / tread, there thcu fetteft alfo thy foot andfollovveft ftep by ftep after me. 28 And thus it commeth to pafle that filly lob being as a leafe driuen to & fro with the winde, and as the drie ftubble, putrifyeth and falieth awaie, and is confumed like a moth eaten garment, !THE SVMME AND ORDER of the xiiii.Chapter. 10 B truftmgandre'ying vpon the teftimonie of a good cenfei- enee 3 andbaumgprofefiedthat he was readie in this controuerfe tofiand to Gods iudgement and determination, not doubting at all, but BEZA VPON THE but that he would acquite him of the accufation y which his aduerfa* ties brought again) him: in this chapter he doth nothing elfe hut bewai 'e the miferie & wretch?dnes of mans lift, con/tdering itfome times in general! & fome timet againe particular lie in reftecl of his gvnemoft wofii'J and lamentable eftate, to moue God as it were to tafafomecompaffionofhim, ^nd yet in the meane time he hath here left vs amofifkguhr teftimonie oftheimmorta'itie of the fouU y hee is vnclcancj but what can he doe with all? Can a man be pure that commeth of vnclcanc parentcs, or becing borne in corruption is anic one able to make him felfe pure from all vncleanneffe? S 1 / 'bis day es are fit downe And the number of 'his montths(h) with i 4 .CHAP. OF IOB. +Hb tbety (&) thou haft Umitted his times which he (hall not pafc. 6 Tumeflom him and let him be quiet .till as an hireling he bath ended hi* day. 5 But foraimuch as thou haft determined the dayes of man, and haft in thine owne hand the number of moneths in which he is to hue, and finallie in the whole ftate and condi- tion of his. Lfe, haft appointed him boundes which he can not exceed, 6 At the leaft wife withhold this thy fcourge from him, which as an ouerplus thou addeft to ihcfe his na- turall mifenes, andgiue himleaue to en oy this (hort and •wretched life, till, as an hireling endcth his worke, fo hec likewife finifh thccourfeofhislifc. 7 For there is hope of a tree if it he c ut donne. Forftillit will jj>rou!,and and bring firth bought as a plant. i o But man dyeth and is cut off, and man /ball giue vp the ghost. and where is he? 7 For of a tree which is cut downe there is fbmc hope that it wil grow againe,& not quite pcrim. 8 Becaufehow- foeuer the rootc within the ground be o!de,yea & theftockc thereof be dead i 9 Notwithftanding fo fone as it hath as it were a certain fent of the watcr,it reviueth & bringeth forth boughcsagainetotobecutdown,asayongplant. xo But a, mans life being once lofr,is neuer retlored to him againe : & if he be once take away,where afterward maift thou find him 1 1 The waters paffe from thefea, and the flood decayeth and h dryed vp. I z Jnd man lyeth and rifeth not : till the heauens be no more theyfhali not arife againe nor awaty out of their flee pe. II As the waters of the fea are refbiucdinto vapours and vaniuS away; and as the riuer in time of drouth is dryed vp: 1a So man by death falJeth andperifl eth, fothat till the heauens are not any longer,thatis, neuer he (halbc rai- fed from the fleepe of dcath,nor awake to Hue in this worldc any more. 13 Q tint thou wouldefl hide mem the paste,& leeeptmefecret while BEZA VPON THE while thy wrath verepaft,& wouldeflfet me an appoimmet, (that Ss,a ccrtaine timtjand remember me. O that thou wouldeft hide me in fomc fccrcr caue within the carth,wherc I might abide either without feeling, or at die leaft wife be farre out of mens fight,til fuch time as thine anger were appealed towards me: this is my defire that thou wouldeft appoint me a ccrtaine terme, in which 1 may per* ceiue that thou hadft caft offal remembrance of me. * 4 ffa man die,fhati he Hue againe ?fhall I fiend all my dayet in waiting till my chaungmg be come, i ? When thoujbalt cail y and ljballma\e anfwere vnto thee : mdwhen thou fhaltas^e for the worlds of thine ome hands ? But fith neither this can poflibly bc,that a man after he is once dead mould be reftored againe to this life: nor thou doeft vfe to graunt that, which 1 ere while wifhed to haue, mull: I needcs,I pray, fo long abide in this intolerable eft ate I y till that other day be come, wherein at the length I (hall by thee be called out of this (hort and wretched life, & lhall make anfwere to thce,and wherein thou (hale require* thine owne workmanmip .which feemed to be vtterly blotted our, and then (hall I change this tranfitorie and miferable life with that other,which is euerlafting & moft bleffed ? i 6 For now thou mmbrefl wyfleps, neither doeft thou refer ut (any parrj ofmyfinne. 17 My tranfgrcjpon isfealed vpasina bag, and thou aide ft vnto mine w quit ie. 1 6 For thou dealeft fo rigoroufly with me, that I may Teeme not to haue at any time fo much as fet one foote for- ward,but that thou haft counted all my fteps, neither doeft thou remit any part of the punifhment,which is due to mine offences. 17. But thou feemeft rather to haue laid them vp in ftore,and to haue fealcd them as it were in a bag, that not any one of my tranfgreffions might be forgotten : and hereupon it is, that to take vengeance vpon me for thofe things wherein I haue finned againft thee, thou loadeft me with puni(hments,heaping them thicke and thrcefolde, and fending one in the necke of another. 1 8 jindfurely as the mountaine decaying falleth and She m\e is remaned from hi* place. 19 As 1 4 . CHAP. OF 10 B. 10 Jsthe waters breake tkeflones, and the duft of the earth tuerflowetb the things which growe out of the fame, and thou de- firoyeft the hope of man. 20 So thon prevaileft againft him afoayes, and be pa/fetb a* waychaunging his countenance And thou throw eli him out. 1 8. Finally (as may be fecne by this my fb fudden and fo violent a faflj euenasfome mountainc being mightdie fhaken falleth downe, howe furcly and firmely foeuer it fec- Died to (land ; and as rockes by Tome fudden and violent im- pulsion are mooued and earned out of their places. 1 9. & againe as the water dropping by little and little weareth the fiones, and the mould of the earth being by the inundation of waters caft vpon a hcape,fpoilcth & corruptcth the yong plants and fruits of the carth,depriuing the poore husband- man of all his hope : 20 So thou neucr ceafeft with thy might to caft downe miferable mortall men, till fuch time as they chaunging countenance and departing with a heauie & forowfull hcarr,thou violently take ft them out of this life. 21 His children /hall be exalted and (hcj/ball not hpowe it: §r brought lowejind hefhaUnot vnderfiand concerning them. 22 But hts fle/h vfonbimjballbeingpefty and his mindt within him fhall mourne. n Andir happily any be not (b by death vtterly fwepe away,but that they leaue children behind the: it muft needes be,that thefc either (ball be exalted to honour, or elfc they alfo (halbe brought lowe, and liue in penurie and affliction. But whether the one or the other befall thcm,this beloingeth nothing to their parents, forafmuch as they being dead know none of thefe things. 2 2 Neuertheleffe fo long as they liue .both their bodyes (hall be tormented with griefe,& their mindes (halbe oppreffed with great and manifoldc fo- lowest The/umme and order of the xv. Chapter. THU is tbefecondincounter of lobs friends, wherein they dot not offend as before through ignorance, but euen ofplaine wil- fdneffe and obfiinacie^lnd E lefba\fiiUmarchetb firfi andgiueth the BEZ A VPON THE the onfet, albeit he was the mofi graue andauncknt of his eompa< nions. So hard a thing is it efpechllie in disputing and reafoning to a toidfelfob ve y as euen in thefe times experience catty teacheth %u Tor it is God alone who can put into mensmindes, a true carneji defire of feeding the trutth y be onely is able to peri wade them that it u the beji and mofi glorio** \(inde of victor ie to giue place to the truth. Elipha\tberefore beginning with a taunting and bitter re- proofs in the i. and i.verfis, in the verie nec\e thereof wrefletb inno reafon y but a meere cauill, as though t whereas lob had fa'ide that the extreme mi feries of this life, are common to the godl'ie and the wicked, it fbould thereupon neceffar die follow that theferuice & worfbip of God is vnprofitable > & that it is altogether in vain to poure out our prayers vntobim: orelfe> whereas lob through the bitternejfeofhisgriefe^andvmeafona^lenejfe of his aduerfaries, vr.u fomewhat caryed beyond the boundes of that reuerence 9 which isduevntoGod, and reafoneth the matter fomewhat hotly with Codythat therefore be bewrayed bis manifift contempt of his mate* fliewothcrwife then the mofi rafcaU and fbamele fie fort of men vfe to doe. But that lob thought nothing leffe then this wherewith E r tpba\chargetbhim>lhauefhewed before. TfynveElipha^ the more he go eth forward, the farther is be caryed from the queftion which is in hand. Jnd firfl of all in the verfes 7 .8 .9 .1 o. he car- peth at lob, u if he did fondly ta\e to him felfo the name of a wife man, making no account at all ofhis friends, afterward hefubtil'ie or at theleaft vnconpderately vnderflandetb all that which fob bad fpo^ninhtsowne defence ^ as ifhe cleared him felfo from all Jinne \beforc the tribunall feate of God: whereas notwithftanding Job in expre/fe wordeshad witneffed that no man is clear e in Gods fights and alfo as i$d pardon fir his formes. Neither did he avouch h ; s owne innocencie in any other fort , then to frgnifie that his folendes did him great irimrie, iudgvng of his former UfobyhU prefent calamine. In the 1 7. vcrfe againe he vfeth a fbort, but yet a loftie prefhee : and thence forwarde he verie liuelie fetteth fborth the moftiufl andfeuereiudgements of God againft thofi whowor^ewicliednefie.notobfcure'y applying and wreHing them ggainfl lob, from which notwithflanding he (as God him felfo gi- ueth witnefoe ofhim) was of all other men rnofo free. C H A P. »5- CHAP. OF I OB. £$ CHAPTER XV. i TYPiEUpba^anfveredandfaid, D i Shall a wife man (peaty (Is it the part of a wife man to bring foorth ) tbetyiowledgecftbe windcandjbaltbefili ftofiiy bis beUiewitb the winde of the Eafl. 3 (* nd) to reafon in talkje which is nothing worth, and with wordeswbicb profite him not fwhich can doc him no good.j I & 2. Then fcliphaz hearing all that lob had fpoken, what, faith he, docth it become him who will fecmc to be fo wife and well aduiled,to vtrer words that are vaine and ligh- ter then the winde it fclfc, as if they conteincd great wife- dome ? yca,likc the Eaft winde,to blowe them foorth out of his (welling breaft? 3 For what mould let me thus to terme your vaine babling, your frivolous fpeeches,& wordes poured foorth ro fmall purpofe. 4 Surely thou taksft away fear* and reftrameft meditation be* 'fire God, s* For thy mouth teachetb mqwtie y and not f } feeing tbouhaH tbofen the tongue of the craftie. 6 Thy owne mouth condemneth tbee 9 andnot J: and thy lift tefiifie againjl thee. Yea, the things which thou fpeakcft,are not onely vaine and vnprofitablc, but euen fiich as take away all reuerence due vnto God,and leaue no place at al for prayer vnto God, and heauenly meditations. 7 and 6. For thou haft vtte- red with thy mouth horrible impictie, and thou talked euen as wilfull and outragious (bamclefle perfons vie to doc, fo that notl,but thine owne mouth (hall reproouc thee, nei- ther neede 1 any other witnefiesagainft thce 3 then thy felfc, 7 Jrt thou the fir ft man that was borne? and waft thou made before the HUes? 8 Haft thou heard the feeret of Codtondhafi thou refrained aOwifidometotbee} 9 tVbatipoweft tbouthat wetyiowenot ? and^vnierftandeft (which isj not with vs ? 1 o jimongft vj k the gay beaded & tbeamtcient man } wb$ BEZA VPON THE- u ofntoreyeares then thy faher. 1 1. Are the confohtionsof God title before thee ('chat is, riot good enough for theej and tieth there any thing hidden within thee? 7. Why ;you that chalcnge fb great wifdome to your felfe aboue other men : was the world and you made in one and the fame daie? were you fafhioned before the hilles? fo that you may not be taught of any, but all other men muft learnc of you? 8. Haueyou alone bene a fchollerin Godsfchole, and learned the fecrets, which are hidden from others, in fo much that you haue drawne al wifdome to your felfe.^.Nay, knoweft thou anie thing, of which we are ignorant? Or haft thou anie thing which we want? 1 o. I tell thee, in this com- panie there are fome with hoarie heares, and who in yeares come not anie whit behind thy father. 1 1. A nd yet forfooth, thefe comforts which wee bring thee , as it were,from God him felfe, they arc too flender and not for thy liking: doubt- lefle there lieth hidden in thee fome greater and more pro- found wifedome, then cuery manknoweth. x i. Why doth thine heart carte thee away ymd this winking with' thine eiejy what doth it meane? 13. ThattbyfpirhanfwerethtoGody and thou bringefi worde* out of thy mouthf 14. VJhatisman thathefhouldbecleane, and he that it borne of a woman,that hefiouldbeiufl* 1 $. Behold(God) reliethnotvponthofe his holy one*, yea the heauem are not dearie in his fight f that is, bceing compared with him.) 16. How much lefiiy an abhominable and vile mmpWicbdrin* \eth iniqultie 10$ water? 1 2.& r 3 . Now tell me I pray thee,what the reafon is, that thy mind in this fort is caried beyond all bounds of modeftief and what meane thefe ayming eyes? that with fo proude and loftie a fpirite thou (houldeft dare to reafon with God him- felfe, and chalenge him with thy wordes? 14. For what is man, that he may be accounted pure? man, I fay, borne of a woman, that hedare to avouch his owne righteoufnes? j?« Beholde,Godis foperfit, thatheneedeth not the helpeof thofe his bleffed fpirits, neither trufteth hce to their might and ly. CHAt\ OF I OB. %rinduftrie, butonelytohimfeifc, whcnfocucr heemplol- cth them in his (eruice; nay, the vericheauens thcmfelves arc not pure,if ihey be compared ro him,howfoeuer they arc free from this carthlie droffe and contagion. 16. And ihal man prefumc to efteeme him felfe pure and cleane,beeing a creature of him felfe filthic and abhominablc,who drinketh inwickednesas it were waters,euen til hefwelleth therwith. 17* Jwill tell thee. (I therefore will be thy guide or tea- cher,/ beare me: I will declare that which J haue feene. 1 8. Which rcife men bane told 3 and bane not hid being receiued from their fathers* 1 9 . To vhom done the land w*s giuen, and no praunger pa/fed through item. 17 Therefore let itfeeme no fhame to thee, to takemec For thy guide and teacher , and togiuc eare to that which I ihal] fpeake. For 1 ihall telhhecfoch things as both my felfc haue feencj 18. and which alfo men of excellent wifdome hauin^ heard and taken the fame from their ancetours,haue not bidden from vs. 19. 1 meane thofe, of all other mofte Worthy to be called wife, who both at home haue ruled the people vndcr their government mo ft wifelie:& abroad haue moll couragioufiy defended the,againftftragers& forriners. 20. A wic^dman torment etb himfelfi all the cities of bis Ufa mnd number of y:ares> which are hid vpfbr the violent ( roan .) 11. jS found of twouv is in bis cares, in peace the deflroier fall come vpon him. 22. He beleeueth not to returne (that he fhall returned out of dar^enes: fir the [word loofah vpon him. 23. Hewandreth fir bread (fceking^ where fit is ) be tyton- Jttb that the day ofdartymes is readie at hand. 14. Affguijh and di&reffe doe make him affraid (which) fhall preuai'e again/I hm^asa fang readie to thepege. 2 ? . Becaufe be bath fir etched out his band againfi God>& made hbmfelfi f}rong againfi the almightie. 26. (God^ [hall runnevponhim 9 vponbisneekf : vpon the thklptes efbis fbield/. 20 To make few wordsjob thus it is.as both heretofore I haue told thcc.and now thou findeft and feeleft in thy felfe, chat a wicked man is iwoft miserable. There is not one day P gocth BEZ A VPON THE goeth ouer his head, in which he doth not marueilouflic vex & torment him felfe, euen as the woman that is in trauaile: yea, & tor that whol fpace of yceres, which God in his hca- uenhewifedome, hath fet and appointed for tyrants &wic* ked cormorants, 21 His eares ring continuallie with hor- rible and fearcfull founds, and when he (hall thinkehim- felfe to be in greateft fafetie, euen then (hall the enemic corac vponhim,vtterlietodeftroiehim. 22 In aducrfitie he hath no hope at all to be deliuered, but defpaireth as if thcfwordalwaies hung ouer his head. 13 Howfociicrhe hathpraied vpon other mens goods, he (hall wander vp and downe to feeke hi s owne meat, knowing that the day is nerc and euen harde at hand, in which hefhallrccciue lufrpunu. ihment for his wickednes. 14 Beeing brought into great ftraightes^ hefhallremainein continuallfeareandanguifn, as if fomc mightie king ihould compaffehim in oncuerie fide, fo that there were no waie for him to cfcape. 25 For that he durft with violent hands aflaie,as it wcre,io pul God out of his feat, andrebclliouflie cake armes againft the al- mightie. 16 But God (hail violemlie rufh vpon him , and breaking his (hields, how manyorhowthicke foeucr they be, (hall dragge him by the necke as a miferable vanquifhed wretch. 27 lAhhoughhehatbcoueredhlsfhcewithhisfiitnes: &hath made mQuthes(thaz is,wrinkles)^p asafowre grape from th% vine ;and Jball be caft off>*s the flowre of the oliue. 17 For i j. CHAP. OF I OB. 27 For be it chat he giuehim felfe ro gluttonie , and in fuch fort pamper himfelfe, that his face be puffed vp and fwell with fatnes, and he carrie about collops in his flanks; 28 And to get him a name and rcnowne amongft nlti^hath reed:fied and built anew defolate and wafted cities, foifaken of the inhabitants,and fo wc! nere become a heap of ftones, 2p Neuerthelcflehc (hall not be rich, but his goods fhallgo from him fuddenlic , helhalinotknowhow, neither rtiall his glorie and renowne be fpread farrc vpon the earth, as tbcfe men dreamed it would come to pafle. 50 Formi r e- ries tru lie mall ouertakc him, fromwhich he (hall neuerrid him fclfe: God (hall raife a flame with the breath of his mouth to deft roie his familie. 31 And he himfelfe in his vanitie decerning him felfc,fhall die anvntimclic death. 32 &33 Hts ofipring llialbe cut oft before it come to any ripenes,as a ilorme pulleth the fowre grapes from the vine, or as the flowresoftheoiiue fall vpon the ground- 3 4 For the con gr e gat ion of the hiwrite fhalbe defolate>and fire foil deuoure the houfs of bribes. 37 Fortbey.conceiue mifebiefe, and bring firth vexation, and their entrali bane prepared deceit. 34 For whofoeuer makech a counterfeit (hew of verrue and goditncsjiis habitation ihalbe made fo!itaric,hisfami]ie thougltneuer fo great, and his clycnt> though neuerfoma- nie,lhall become as adrfolate wildcrnefTe,andthe fire (hall eonfume the houfes builded with bribes. 3? Forafmuch as thefe men doe nothing elfc but conceiue and imagine mifchiefe againift others, and bring foorth nought elfe but trouble and affliction, and their whole ftudie is, howe they »ay cunninglie deceiue others. T^hefumme and order of the xvi. Chapter. I'M this whole Chapter ,Iob feeing nothing inthefreechofEU-. fha\j tpberunto be bad not made anfwere befmema\eth a mojl gUuoui and lament able complaint) of the iniurie done vnto blm P z ggainji BEZAVPON THE agoing all the lawet of friend/hip : acknowledging indeede that hk miferie and affliction is great , and that it is laid vpon him by the band of God: yet denying himfelfo to be guiltie ofthofe crimes, wber» wish E/ipha^hadopenhe charged him, in which behalfe he vfeth X mofo earnest and amoft fearefullimpreca non. 2iotpinthei7. Chap* ter s bitminde beeing after his former jfeechfomewhat eafedand pacified, although he looked for nothingbut death, and that out of bandiyet he double th not, truftingto thegoodnejfe of his caufe, te challenge Elipba\a* it were vpon a wager to the iudgement feat efGodjohauetbe matter tried and determined by God himfelfo. By which thing beyond all hope and expectation , be reaped a doable benefite. Tor he was both acquitted by ths iudgement of God him* fclfe appearing vpon afudda'me (which thing, foir.fmichu'tt could not be done without a miracle^ he would notfd much as hope that it cucr would haue come to pa/jejand he had not onelie bit h altb and bis Ufo reftoredto himbut his eftate w>u made by mmy degrees bet* ter and more happy, then it was before. ^CHAPTER XVI; Verf. i. But Job anfweared and/aide, x I bauc heard many fuch thwTsjniferable cemfirtersfarc yce) all 3 Shall there be none end ofwordes ofwind?(thax is>vainr^ of what makgthtbee boldto/pca{e? 4 Should I jpe^e as you dee, if your fou'e were inmyfoules fteede?(zn4) fhould Jheape vp words againftyo*, and jlake mine bead at you * 5 (tfav) tttouldfirengthenyoHwithmymoulb^andtbcmeuing of my lips (bouldaJfwage(y out forow./ i T> VT fob made anfweare to theft things after thit & iXJ manner. Is it any new thing which thou fpeakeft, or baud not heard thefe things verie often? Is this which ye doc, cuen all the forte of you, isrhis, I fay, to com forte your fricnd,or is it not rather to vexe andgricue him tothevcric heart? 3 Will ycncuerlcaue thus to babble to no purpofe, & to -foure out words which are lighter then the winde / and tell me. x6. CHAP. OF I OB. jnr, Eliphaz, what fubftantiall and furc grcundcs haft thou, which make thee thus boldlietopcrfift manfwering i 4 Should 1, if you were in my cafc/pcake as you doc ? ihould I inultiplic words againftyou?or itudicfor bitter fpeeches to gauk you withall?fhouldi thus in fcornc and deniion fhakc my nead at you ? j Surelic I would not doc ir: but I would labour to ftrengthen you with comfortable fpeeches , and with gentle words ro csfc and afiwage your grief e. 6 Iflfeall^c^mygiefewiUnetceafePand though lleaue eff(co fycakt)wbatJbaU depart pom me f Wha: then fhal 1 doe, or which way ftial I turnc my felfcf Forifi fpeakc,my torment wilnot thereby at allbchfTcned: and although I held my peace, how much mall my mifcric thereby be deminifhed ? 7 But now(Jo6)bathmade me vearic (and thouj haft wasted all my congrega'ion,(ih?t is,al) my fubftance.J 8 ( in ihar) thou baft mzde me fitll of minuet, it is a whnejfc thereof :and my leanenefle riftng vpin me, frail in my face fthat is, qpcnlejitesiifie the fame. 9 His wra:h hath tome me &beftriuetbagahtft me: hegnafh*' tth vpon me with bis tteth: mineenemie bathjbarpened bis eyes a* gainjlme. I o They haue opened their mouthes agabift me: they hone fait* ten me on the cbeekf with reproch: they are gathered together a- gainft me. II Cod hath frut me vp among the vngodliejuid bath made me t$ twrne into the handes of the wielded. II I was at reft but he hath broken me. he hath eatcbtd ho'dvp- enmynecfaajidbatbforeliebrufedme: andfet me^amar^ejbr btmfelfi. 1 j His archers compajfe me round about ,he hath cut my raines, end doth notfrare, he hath poured my gall vpon the ground. 14 He hath broken me with one brea^ngvpen an other, and is fjdlen v?on meUltea Gyant. 7 For whatloeuer kbe, and whatfbeucr I am able took Icadgc for my defence, God hath wearied me with mifcres and cucn ouerwhelmed me : thou,l fay, O God haft wafted and deltrokd both my felfe and all that I had. 8 And this neither can I,ncithcr will 1 deniej the wrinkles in my whole P 3 coun. BEZA VPON THE countenance, doe fufficientlie witnes it , and the leanneffe, .which disfigureth all my bodic, doth manifeftlie fhew it. 9. 7 he Lord hath fent the minifters of his anger, mightelie to aflaile me, to take holde vpon me, and to pull me in pceces: tognafhatme with their teeth, and to looke fiercely vpon roe with rheircies, which call: foorth asitwere fparklesof fire. 10. And they trulichaue leaped vpon me violentlic with open mouthes, as if they would fwallow me downe at one morfcll; and fetting vpon me all at once with mockes & rcuilings haue bufflttcd mee, and thumped mee about the face. 11. ThusithathplcafedGodtodeliuermevptoper- uerfe and wicked men, & to make me, departing out of that plaineandeafie waie wherein I walked, to turnc into bye waies, and to fall into their hands. 11. I was in peace and profpentie, when he cad mee downe, and crufhedme as it were in peeccs;when he tooke me by the neck andfhooke me, fo that I was greatlie brufed, and fet me againft himfelfe as a marke to fhootc a t: 13. he hath fet his archers round aboutmeoncuericfide,and I in the midft of them am peat- ccd and ftriken through: fo that, all pitie being laid afide, my verie bowels traile vpon the ground. 1 4. He hath giuen me one wound vpon another: finallie he hath rufhed vpon me with al his (trcngth,& hath (hewedthe Yttermoft of his pow- er againft me. 15./ have fitted a facecloth vpon my sl^in, and haue abafed my borne vnto the dufl. 16. My facets fouled ash werewhhdurtby reafon of r my wee- ping: and thefbadow of death (1 s) in mine eye lids. if. Andlfor all this, Eliphaz, hauenot (welled againft God,as thou falfely charged me;but I haue wrapped my skin in fackcloth,& ftraight way forgetting al my former worfhip & dignity, wherein I went before al others,I couered my fclfc with duftand afhes. 16. Neither did I this for a vainefhew, ashipocntcsdoe (howfbeuer thoudoeft moft vnworthelie account mee fuch aone^ feeing this my face is withteares continuallie trickling downe my cheekes, beflubbered as it were with durt: and my cie lids falling downe & waxing dim do reprefent the verie image of death being necre at hand. 17. Net fir anic mime in my hands: and my (raters are pure. 18. \6. CHAP. OF I OB. 1 2.0 trtbfouernot thou my b 'ood,& let my trying find no place. 1 9. Lot, cum r>o* my witnes (\s) in heauen > and my vitnejje is en he. 1 7. Neither is there any caufe why you thould inueigh a- gainft my former life. For chefc things are no: befallen mee For any iniuric vvhichlhaue done to ante man; and as tou- ching religion , 1 call vpon God in the afTurance of a good conscience. 18. And if I lie, thou, O earth, which haft born lob all his life time, doe not couer me being guikie of blood orofanie Yilanie committed againft anie man, neither lee thefe my cries be heard. 19. For doubtieife there is a witnes in the heauens ofmme innocencie, there is one,l fay,aboue, who will beare furc record againft your faifeaccufations. 20. my Rhetoricians, my companions ,mine eie powretb out tearer "vnto Sod. 21.0 that a man might dilute with God, as the forme of man with hi* friend. 2:. Ifr the yeares of number (thzus, which were afllgned and appointed for a\c) are at hand, and J go the way whence J jballnotreturne. 20 Neither doe I without caufe call God to witnes. For ] would you ihould know this,0 ye moft eloquent mcn,and my moft worthiecompanions, that thefe mine eyes tncke- ling down with teares, looke dire&ly not vpon you 3 but vpon God himfelfe. 21. A nd I would to God while I am yet aliue 1 might bee fufFercd to plead my caufe againft you before Gods tribunall featc, as the manner of men is one with an other. 12. But the terme of yeres which were appointed for mee to Hue, are now expired; snd loe, now I enter into the way, out of which, it is vnpoflible for me to returne. ^CHAPTER XVII. Perfe. 1 My breath fhiletb, my dales are put out 9 the grave (is iczdy) fir me. 2. Vnks there arc mockers with me and (Vnlcflej mine eye con- tinualiie watchetb in their prouocation. 2 . lay downe J pray thee and put me in fuertiefrr thee^TO is be that will touch mint band? P.4. i.Seing BEZA VPON THE X. Seing then chat my breath is parting out of my bodie,& I hauing now as it were finimed the courfe of my life, nothing rcmaineth, but that I bee laide in the graue: yet before I go hence with this infamous and rcprochfull marke of hipocri* ticall holines towards God, and counterfeit behauiour and honcftic towards men , whkh thou Eliphaz doeft fet vpon me , i. Come fooithnow, Joe herel doc commence an a&ion of iniurie againft thee, and cite thee to make anfwerc before God the high iudge, vnleflcyemocke me, and make noendofgrieuingrne night and daic, 3. I praie thee giue me thy hand and put me in furetie that thou wilt anfwer me at la we, which if thou refufe to doc,is there anic of you elfc will clap handes with me? 4. Be caufe thou haft hid their hearts from vnderflanding > there* fire fhalt thou not fet them vp on high. Neither doe I, OLord, without good reafon,foboldlie challenge them before that thy fearfull iudgement feat. For feing thou haft left them deftitute of a right iudgement and vnderftandingj I doubt not at all, but that, thou be eing the iudge and decider of this controuerfic, tbey (hall bee put to the worftc. f . (Hc)thatfJ>ea\eth globing wordes, (that is^flatterctty hii deareH friends, he, the eies of bis children jhallfaile. What then (happilie yee willfaiej hadft thou rather,Iob, chat we mould flatter thee , feing thou canft not abide , but art fo greatlie offended, when we freelie and louinglie tell theeofthyfaultss' God forbid. Nay, Iabhorrchim thatde- ceiueth his friends with faire and flattering wordsifuch a one bringeth Gods iuft iudgement both vpon him fclfe and vpon his children. 6. Trulle food) bath made me a byworde of the people x end Jam a nmbrtllto their fkces^ that is,before men J 7. Jnd mine eie is drawne together by reafon of indignation, & my whole creature, is as it were afbadowe. 8. The righteom at e aftonied at this, and the innocent [haH bee tnooued againft the hipocrite. 9 . But the righteous will hold his vale, and he whofe hands are pure (bafiincreafe hUftiength, (that is, (hall fo much the more follow virtue J 10. Return* i 7 . CHAP. OF I OB. io. Keturne there fore all of you, and come againe Ifraleyoit. m far 1 find rot one wife man amongyou. 6 This therefore is moil true, and neither will ^neither can I denie it, that lob is a byworde in euerie mans mouth, and a talking flock to aii the people , yea & as it were a tim- brel, whereat they make themfciues on err ic , and that this is befallen me,by the will and appointment of God. 7 Through griefe mine cits are become feeble, neither doc 1 now cat ie a bodie about me,but the uSadow of a bodie, and J JbaJlmafymy bed in the darlee. f 4. And fpea^ngznto the graue (I haue &\&)theu art my fa- ther, & to the gran ing of wo\ met, thou art my mother & my fi(ier. if. Where then /hall bee my h of e t and who {hall behold the tVmgthat flooded fori 1 6 (Thefe things ) (frail go dewne into the bottcme of the tit 9 fir *fm«eb as we/haUreft together in the du$. 1 1 For as touching the other part of your confolarion,in which ye bid raclookeforwondcrfull thinges,if fo be Khali dec after your counfcls,this alio is vaine & to Imall putpofe. For bez;a vpon the For ail my daies are gone, and what thinges foeuer I haue heretofore imagined vvicb my felfe , yea, and chofe thinges, which [thought lalreadie mode furelie poffcifed as mine owne, arc all in a moment taken from me. i z. The night,which is giuen to men to take their reft in, is to me become the daie appointed for labour and traueli; neither doe I reape any more pleafure or commoditie when the day light anfeth, then while the darkc night is pre- fent. 1 3 Therefore for fo much as I looke for nothing elfe, but to go do wne into the graue as it were into ahoufe , and there to he couered in darkened 1 4. and alreadie I haue called the pit by fhe name of father, and the gnawing of the wor- mes, by the name of mother and fifter: if. tellmelpray you, where (hall I cnioy the things which ye promife me,and v/ho (hall fee me in that happie and flourifhing eftate, which ye go about to put me in hope of. 1 6. Doubtlcs thefe things ihall accorapanie mee goring downe into the depth ,ofth« grauc, that there we may abide and reft togithcr. , fTHE SVMME AND QRDER of the 1 8.Chapter. IT Is mmfeft both by the freaking of EUpha\about the end of this conference (whereof afterward wee /hall heare) anibyverie mink places of this diftutation, together with diners probable cir- cumjlancej, that thefe fpeeches were not priuately vttered , but in the pre fence and hearing ofmanie. Hence it is that Bildadnowfte- mithxs it were to $ea.{e vnto the audi tor ie, though by and by hee turneth is talfe to lob: T^eitheryet is it vnlifaly, that amongothers heincludeth alfo his companions.lt greeued him to fe this communis tatioto lafl thus long & with arguing to &fro$ilto be continued^ especially about a matter as he thought and iudged y more cleere then that it needed anie great debating or fong disputation. For as onely 'vnsl^lfull and ignorant men areaccu$omed thus to doe (of whomt the Cornwall Voet fayth trulie> that nothing in the world is more vnrcafontble then an ignorant perfin, who thinhfth nothing welt done, I8.CHAP. OF IOB. done, but that which he docth himfe'ft) but alfo and (Hen mere ef peciaVie the),wl e by overmuch confidence in tbemfelua, cbufir.^ the knowledge andrvifedom which God hath giuen thcm : account it d great iniurie,if any dijfent from them in opinion and iudg:ment. jindfuch aone Bildad here fbeveth him felfetobe, vttcnng no- tbingagainfi poore Job, but moft bitter inve fines, and repeat ing thofe things which his companions had before ficfen concerning Gods iuji judgements againfi the viewed : which furely are vert* true andfxceUeotJpeecbestbutjet mojl falftly andwrongpdiit *rt~ fiedagainft lob. CHAPTER XVIII. x "O Vt Bildad the Sheuhite anjwered and/aid, D z How long will it be ^be fore ye wil bring thefe faeecbes U an ende? doe ye vnderfiand^andthen we will (peal$. j. i Then (pake Bildad, what ende will ye make, faith , he, of thefe your alterations and difcourfes to and fro t Let eucry one rather weigh diligently what is fpoken on both fides,fo (hall our fpceches be to the purpofe, and not rove at vneerten markes, and lo (hall we finde iome ende of this difputation. 3 IV by are ve counted as beaslesyond 'art vile iny our fight ? \Vhat i is it meete that this lob, whom to comfort we arc come hither, (houJd deipife vs and efteemc of vs no better then of beaftes,which want reafon and vnderltanding t and that our fpeeches mould feeme vnto you that are prefent, as bafe and of little value f 4 the man which tear etb his foule in his anger, jballtbt earth be forfa{en for tbee> and foall the recfes be re mooned out cf their places. But O thou,that forgetting thy fclfe to be a man,l;kc fome madde and furious bean\througb rage and impatiencie tea- reft thy felfc, canft thou make God afraid with thefe thy cries? will he,thinkeft thou, caft his fcepter outoi his bands? will he lcaueotfto rule & gouernc the earth ? will he for thy fake change the ordinarie ccurfc of nature, as to mccue ihc reckes out of their placcs.For furely thus it muft ncedes be, if BEZA VPON THE if cither in aducrfitie or in profperiry he'fhould make no dif- ference bctweenethc righteous, fuch aoncasthouflillre- putcft thy fe!fc,andchc wicked which hate God. ? Tea, the Light of the mcleed is quenched \ne\ther docth tbt fiarclee of his fire (chat is.of any of thern^w*. But howefaife this is,thou thy fclfe iob nowe findeft. For although God of his goodnefTe^do fometimes futfer the wic- ked as it were to Ihine in a prolperous and flourifaing cftate, yet that light is qu.xkely put out, neither doeth that fparkc of theirs fend foorth any beames. 6 The light is darkened in his tabernacles, dud hi* candle U futoutmthhim. And both he him felfe, and al! his houfe out of this light (hallfall into extreme darkenefle and miferic,by reafon that fuddenly his light (hall be put out, and in a moment he (hall loofe all hisbcautic and bnghtnerfe. 7 Theftept ofhisftrength (ball be brought intoftraightes 9 and his own* counfeUJhaUcaft him dome. Wheras before nothing feemed too hard for him which he durfl not take in hand, & which by his ftrength he could not atchieue and bring to pafle^nowe his heart (hall fade him.3c he (halbe brought into ftratghres, out of which while he fee- keth by manic pollicies and counfels to ridde him felfc, he draweth vpon him fclfe his owne dcftru&ton. 8 For his feeiefba\beu\tn in the net >and he JbaQ walk* vpon tbefnare. For his foote (halbe caught in the fnare, and which way focuer he gocth,hc (hall intangle him fclfe in the net. 9 The trennefhalltabthimbythebeeU) and the thiefi/haU tome vpon bim. Ashegoethonhiswaythegrenne (hall take him by the heclcandthrowe him tothe grounde, the thiefe (hall come vpon him,and he (hall lie at the mercic of the robbers. io ^fnareisUidfwbminthegroimde,but thaU albeit he defpaire of this lifcjiiuerthcleffeselying himfelfi vpon the power and goodneffe of God, how hardly foeuer now he dealeth » itb him Joe retaineihamoftfureandftedfifl hope of his refumcl'wnjfy of taking againe the verie fame flefh & body /her in to be made par* tak^r ofetemall'ifi, to enioy thefght and pr (fence of God hh re- dccmer.For 1 am out of doubt that this is the true meaning ofthU place % and fur ely the whole Scripture doeth notycelde vs a more no~ table or a more cleareand manifift tefiimonie to confnmeinto vs the refmeElion of our bodyes/hen this. CHAPTER XIX. I TyVt lob anfwered and fold. * JD z Howe long will ye vexe my foule ) and torment me withwordes? 3 Te haue nowe ten times reproched me, and are not a[hamed: je deale with me>as if I rrereaflraunger to you. i Then lob making anfwere to thefe things which were moft wrongfully laidc a gainfthimj i Thou demaundeft, Bildad,faith he,how long it will be, before 1 make an ende of alnfwering,but 1 fay toyou againe 3 when wilye Jeaue oft thus mifcrably to grieve me,and with thefe yourreprochful fpee* ches to kill my heart. 3 For now ten times one after an- other haue you not doubted moft fhamelefly to aflailcmc with bitter &taunanginve&ivcs,& ye take me vp fo fnort,as ifye dealt with a ftranger & forrener, and not with a friend. 4 And be it that 1 haue erred ; let mine err our remaine with me. And truely let k he granted,that thefe things haue happe- ned to me through mine own fault,& for mine own offences. Notwkhftading,lbefecchyou,let me alone,&giuemeleauc to bcare the puniihmcnt which God hath laid vpon me,and adde not you any more to theic afflictions, which alreadie I fctfer. 5 But BEZA VPON THE % Butfirafinuchasyeadvaunceyourfilues in wordes againjl m^and rebukg me fir my reprocb. 6 jQiowe now that God hath ouertbroiven me and hathfet his net roundabout againfi me, (chat is, hath comp ailed rac with his nct.J 5 But forafmuch as it plcafcth you to fct out my mile- rics with fuch (lately eloquencc,and to catch at this my mif- fortunc and vnhappic eftate, throughly togaulc me and re- proch me therewithal! : 6 I denie not that, which you fay,and I would haue you more and more to knowc it, that I am oucrthrowne and caft downe by Gods owne handc, and that with his nct,whtrcof thou Bildad diddeftfb often make mcntion,he doeth compare and hold me in on cucry fide. 7 Beholde> 1 crie out of violence Jbut lam not bcard,l crie,but there is no due moderation. Loe,l crie out,that I am oppreffed aboue my ftrcngth, 8c fhatmy affliction is greater, then that I am able to bcarc: yet can I obtaine no releafment : I crie aloude, yet am I nc- ucr a whit the better,or more gently dealt wi thaB. 8 He hath hedged vp my tray, and be bath fit dar^emfk in mypathes. What way (beuer I fecke to efeape, he hathbefct me with obltac I cs,which hinder me (b that 1 can not pafle: and I find all my wayes befct with darkeneifc. 9 Hehath/fxyledme of mine honour, and talfnthe ernvne mmayfrom my head, 1 confeffe.that he hath fpoyled measthou haft faid.of all the honour and dignkie,vnco whichhe hadadvaunced me, and that all the glory, wherewith as a Kmg he had crowned me,is (uddenly taken away. i o He hath deftroyed me on eueryjide,amt I am gone : and he bath remoouedmine hope like a tree. As a man that will pullvp a tree by the tootes, diggeth round about it till it be oucrthrowne and fal downe vpon the grounde; fo hath he dealt with me.fb that now I am vtterly vndone, neither is there any more hope forme torccouer, fas alfo I remember that thou diddeft fay^then for a tree that is once pulled vpby the rootes. ii Hebasbmadibis anger to kindle againfi me, and he hath counted xp. CHAP. OF I OB. taunted me^ns one of his enemies. i z His armies came togitber, and made then way again]} me $ and camped about my tabernacle. 1 1 Bering difpleafed with me, he hath poured out all his anger againft me, neither hath he otherwife dealt with me, the he vfetb to do with his greateft enemies. 13 His troupes areioynedin one tofet vpon me, they hauefet their waie a- gainft me,&haue pitched their te ts roud about my habitatio. 13 He hath remoued my brethren from me, and my \(msfblk$ are become ftranngers to me. 14 My ne't^jbounhauejvrfal^enrn^^ndmyfkmilicYshauefir'- gtttenme. 1 ? They thatdwel in minehoufe y andmy maides talgmefira ftraunger,(l foyjl am aftraunger in their eyes. 16 J called my feruant, but he would not anfwer> J /pake him fiire with my month. 17 My breath isftraunge vnto my tvifijbougb 1 befeech her fir the children* fak$ of mine owne bodie. 1 3 Yea, and as yet more harder & more greeuous things fiaue folio wed,he not beeing ignorant thereof, but ordering and difpofing all at his owne pleafurc. For my brethren hauc put them felues out of my fight, and thofe,who were mofte known vnto me, haue now eftraunged them felues from mc. 1 4 My kinfmen haue forfaken mc,my very familiar friendes hauc forgotten me. 1 f Thofe of my houfhold, yca,and my maides account me as a ftraunger, and Iooke vpon me with no other countenance, then vpon a forreiner and vnknown gueft. t6 My fcruants, though Icrietothem, although 1 intreat them and fpeake them raire, yet they will not hearc me, nor make anfwerc vnto me. 17 My vcrie wife docth loath my breath and cannot abide it,as beeing (traunge and vnpleafant,yca, euen when I befeech her by thofe common plcadges our children got betweene vs. (ga&ft ^ e * 18 The meaner fort defpife me> andrpbenf rifi they fyea\e a* 19 Mtbemenofmyfecretsdoeabhorreme y and they ^hornet loued are turned agamfl me. 1 8 Neither is my eftate any whit better abroad.forafmuch as euen thole,who both for their yeares & calling, arc mod bafc and contcmptibk,doc defpife me, and when I rife vp to Q_ them, thern,they reproch and reuilc me with words. 1 9 AD thofe, with whome before time I communicated my fecrets as with my deareft friends, doe now turnc their face from me,ney- thcr doe any deale more defpitefullie with me,then thofe of whome I haue beft deferued. 20 Myboneseleauetomysfomeandtomyflejb, and] haue e~ fcaped with the skjnne of my teeth. To be mort my skinne , which is all the flefli that is left me,cleaueth vnto my bonesjneither is there from the crown of my head tothcfbleof my f:et.any thing found in my body befide the skin of my gums,into which my teeth arc ingrafted. 21 Haue pine vpon me haue pitie vpon me, Oyce my friendes, lecaufe the hand of God hath touched me. {my flefh? 22 Why doc yee per fecit 'te measG od&nd are not fatufied with 21 And this moft miferable fpectade,ought it not,I pray you, rather mooue you to pitie mine tftatc, thoughyouf harts were as hard as flint, then in this fort to taunt, and re- uile me? if then yee be my true friendsjand vnlikc to thofe of whom 1 fpake before 5 if perfit loue & friendtliip hath brought you hither to me,takc pine of mo, againe I fay, take pitie of mc,whome yee behold thus gncuouily wounded by the hand of God. 22 For 1 befeech you.is not this hand oFGod hca- irie enough,but is it meet that yee altoafflift me? And albeir, I had through mine owne follie made you my deadlie ene- mies, ought not this plague, which yee fee with your owne eyes in this my bodie,fatisfic your hatred and malice? 23 that my words were now mitten, , lfay % that they were written e uen in abookg: (fbreuer. 24 Were grauen with an iron pen, either (in)lead(or) inftone 1% Neither forelie doe I here babble I can not tell what. but 1 would to god,I would to God,l fay,that thefe my words receiucd from my mouth were written, 24 or rather with an iron pen were ingraue in lcad,or in (tone to remain for eucr. * ? Jaifi l(nov,tbat my redeemer liueth, and that he (hall at the loft continue after the duft. 16 Jnd after my s\(mne is eaten, that J {hatineuerthekffe fee God in my flefh. 27 Whome ifhall behold for myfelfi,andmy eyes fball fee him, and not an otb$r(thou%h)my nines are confumed within me. %S But ip. C H A P. OF IOB. if But,!eaft happilieyee imagine, forafmuch as I am out of all hope as touching this life.that therefore I defpaire, as the wicked vfe to doe, orthatyce alone know, what is to be hoped and looked for after this life j I tel you that I affo know that he liueth for euer immortall, by whome I (halbe redee- med from death, who as he was before this dufr,as being the creator thereof, (o (hall he not be diffolued with it, but (hall remaine after it is deftroied and brought to nothing. 26 So that I,whome yeeiudge accurfcd.euen I, I fay, after my skin is confumed, and this not fo much my body, as the image of my body, is di(folued,(halIfec God ? hauingon this very fame fleih. 27 Whome Ifayjjeuenmy feife,and with thefc mine eyes,and not beeing tranfformed into any thing elfe,("hal be- hold: albeit, as now my flare is, whatfoeueris rcmamingof this hfc within me ,is fpent,cuen to my veric bowels. 28 Surel/eyee (hould hauefaidejvhy doe we perfecute him?F6r the root of the matur foallbc found in me. 29 Tafe heede of the fvcordiVor anger k among the iniquities of the fvordjhat yee male \now that their fhalbe aiudgement. 28 Surelie equitie it felfe and true friendfhip, ought ra*. ther to haue withheld you from reuiling and reprochingmc in this manner. For if yec wil diligentlie and with iudgemene weigh and confidcr thowhole matter , yce (hall finde that I ftande in a good quarrell and maintainc a caufe , which is iuft and which is (tronglie and deepelie rooted. 29 There- fore I fea re not that d eft rudion, which as thou faidfr, doeth hang oucr the heads of them who defpife God. Looke to your fclues rather, leaft God ftrikc you with his fword. For this your fpitcfull dealing with me,is no Jeffe wickednes^then if yee thould thruft me through with a fword:which I tel you to this end, that yee may thinke with your felues, that he to whome I appeale, will be a iuft and righteous iudge, before yee be conftrained to feele it. ?THE SVMME AND ORDER ofthe xx. Chapter. TSophar tafyig occafion by thisfieech of lob in which he /hould rather haue refted content (fo hard a matter it is for menfiif lie conceited, to lay ajide their opinions) vrgethandiepeateth the Qjt fami BEZA VPON THE fame things againe, to wit, partite the fuddenmffe, and partite the greatnes of Jobs mi/fries jvhich no man could doubt, but that they were laid vpon him by the hand of God: hereupon fhlflie gathering that God neither could nor yet v fed to deakfowith any other, then with moflvile and wicked wretches. But wbereunto tendesthk > Forfooth toproue thofe things fhlfejvhich Job had vttered c oncer- nmghis owm innocencle : and that therefore he was either; to be- think him of repentance, or efe that once fir aU,& that out ofhand % hefhould vtteriie be destroyed. But this isverie true, that nothing can either more rightlie or more grauelie be faide concerning the iuftpunifhments , which euen in this life God hath appointed fir the vrklied t ande/pecialiiefir hlpocrites and cuffemblerr, who came an outward (hew ofgodlines and venue % bee'mg indeed nothing leffe, i hen that which they fee me to be. $& CHAPTER XX. Ferf. i. Then anfwered Tfoplxtr the Ityamatbite andfaid, 2 For that caufe my thoughts call be bad^e (to fpeakej & here* upon (isjwy making haft: 3 I heare the correction of my reproch: But myfpirit (baUmafe anfverefir me out of my vnderftanding. i npHcn Tfophar the Naaraithitc hearing thefc wordes, 1 % I had thought, faith he, to haue let thee go , & not to haue calked or medled any more in this matter, but that thy wordes do compell me to take an other courfe; where- fore readilie thus I anfwerc thee, 3 And as 1 haue heard thy (harp reprehenfions and rebukes : fo my knowledge will attorde me, and put into my mindc fufficient matter to make the anfwere,and to pay thee home like for like. 4 Jtyoweft thou not this, (which hath beenej from the begin* rUnyand euerfmce mm was placed v^on the earth ? * (Namdicjthat the reioycing of the wicked is but hard bie:& that the pleafure of the bipocritefir a moment*. 6 Jfhis glorie mount vp to the heauens ,and his head reaebvnto the cloudes* 7 lifter he hath throwne dovnebimfelfeM (hall pmjb fire* uenand they that did fee him, fh all fay where is he} 8 HefbaUfiee may at a drcamejmdbe fhallmt befiund, and he io. CHAP. OF I OB. htjhallfajfe away as a vifion of the night. \ 9 The eye /ball behold him and fee him no more, neither (bal his place any more fee him. ^ 4 Andisitpo(Tible,Iob,that thou (houldcft be ignorant ofthis,whichis prooucd by experience of al ages, fince men began to inhabice the earth. % Namelie, that the pompc and triumps ofthe wicked cannot be fetched from the times of antiquitic,and that the ioyes ofhipocrites vaniih away in a moment. 6 7 For howfbeucr they may feemc to be lifted vp into hcaucn, and with the crowne ot their headc to couch the cloudes.yct within a very (lion time being thrown downe headlong, they (hall perifh foreuer, in fo much that they who erewhile faw them aloft, in the twinkling of an eye (hall inquire what is become or them. 8 For they flic away no othcrwife then adrcame, fo that they (bal not any where be found; as who vanithed awaie like a night vifion. 9 Fi- nallie, they who faw them today, (hall to morrow fee them no where, neither yet (hall the place where they liued any more acknowledge them. I o His fonHesfoali pacific thefwre, and his hands /ball refiore their robberies >( that is,thofe things which they haue taken a- waie by violence.,) For wheras fathers are wonr,as k were, to be borne anew intheirchildrcn, if it (b fall out that this man leaue any chil- dren behinde him, their ftate and condition (halbefomiic- rable,thatche poore,whome their father had opprefled, (hal thinke and acknowledge them felues fa tisfied: and hepaie dcarclie in theend,3llthat which before he had robbed and pilled,or by extortion and violence taken away from others. II His bones /ball be filled with bisyouth, and it frail reft with him in the dufl. The paiaes and puniihments which he hath procured & brought vpon himfclf, by the fins of his youtb,(hal eat vp his bones to the marow,& dial] lie downe with him in his graue. n BecaufeeuM was facet in his mouth, and he hid it vnder his tongue; 1 j Jnd /pared it>*nd would not forfitfe it, but fopf it thfewitb- inkis month. 14 His bread (ball be cbaunged in his bowels (and) the gall of CL3 «JP*s BEZA VPON THE stipes f (hall be) in his boivells. i ? Hefliall demure fubflance> but heejball vomit it .and God /ball pull it out of bis bellie. 1 6 Hejhallfuclt thegalofjfps, thevipers tongue fbalflay him. 12 And trulie in working mifchicfe he no lefle pleafeth him felfe, then he who kecpeth fweetmeate in his mouth. 1 3 , and holdcth it vnder his tongue, not with intent to fpic it out , but more and more to tail it,being delighted with the pleafantrcaliz thereof. 14 But this his food being forth- with in his bowells cleane changed, (hall become altogether vnfauerie,as the gall of Afpes. if He mall neuer digeft his goods, which he hath ill gotten and heaped vp, but with cxtreamc paine and torment he {hall caft them vp raw and vndigefted , God him felfe as it were pulling them violently out of his bellie. 16. So the end (hallprodue, that he hath flicked the poyfon of Afpes,& that he (hall die of the vcnc« roousfome,which proceeded* from the tongue of the viper. 1 7 Hee fballnot jee the riuerj of floods and flreamcsjf home and butter. 18 He fhaUrepaie his labour, and fballnot fvallow (it) (hee (hall repay it, I fay,) according to thefubflance of his chaunge 9 f that is, as he hath dealt with others, fo others againe (hall deale with himj neither fh all he reioke. 17 His goods ill gotten (hall haue no blefling; no (tore or plentie fh all thereof infue, whereas contrariwife God fo bleUeth holie& good men, that their houfesflow,as it were, with ftreames of honie and butter. 1 3 but he (hall be Co farre from this happincs, that he (hall repay and make good the damages done to others, without hauing time and fpace grauntcd him to fwallow them, and the courfe of things be- ing chaunged , as he hath dealt with others, Co others againe (hall deale with him,and he (hall not enioy the things which he hath gathered. x 9 Becaufe he hath vndone fathers ) andfbrfa\en thepoore: hath ta^en houfes by force* and hath not builded them, 2 o Becaufe, f fay, be hath not faowne reft in his bellie Jhe /ball not go awaywith tbathedefiretb. 1 1 'jyjytber ( were th e ve) ante remnants of his meat-, there* fire fbaU he not hofefbr bis good* ti When m CHAP. OF IOB. 1 1 When be /ball be filled with aboundance, he /ball be brought intoftreite* all the hands of the wicked (hall affaile him. i; (When; heejbaUhaue plentie to fillhis bellie,; God /hall find vpon him thefiercenes of his wrathmd fhaU raine vpon him, vpon bisfiefh. 19 And who feeth not, how God herein declareth him- fclfetobeiuft: For feeing this man hath vndone others and depriued them of all their goodsrhath built himfelfc no hou* fesbutfeaxed and taken pofleffion of houfes built with o- thcr mens coft and charges: 20 Morcouer,forafmuch as his gluttonous paunch could neuerbefatisfied, therefore (hall he likewife goe without that, which he withed and lon- ged for: .21 Andagaine,inthathis rauenous greedines hath been without all mcafure, fb that nothing is left him to dcuoure, he (hall not finde anie thing, whereby he maycon- ceiue hope of remedie,for this miferic. 22 For after hec hath fcratched and fcrapt together fo much s as might fatisfie the mpft greedic and couetous wretch, that liueth vpon the - cndleaue their offering behind them, abounding inaUmanntrof coods and blejjtngt \ pmeyningto this Ufi\ although while they //- uedboth their w or des and deedes didfufficientlie witnesthe'nr wic- jgdnes and impktie :^ind hereupon he truliegathereth , that ney - tberprojperitie is aniecerten tolgn ofgodUneJJe and fine iri tie; nor that ante man ought to be iudged and condemned fir aduerfitie winch is befallen him, be it neuer Jo grievous andjudden : but fir as much as neither frofieritie happeneth to the bad, nor aduerptie to tbevpody againft Gods mil or knowledge, therefore that Cod in puerning all humane affaire j y tyowetbbeft, why hee furpofeth, and effefieth euerie thing > whereas Job him felfi or any other is not able to conceiue the reafon of Cods counfelU : andfo he conclu- ded y that his allvaine and frivolous, which he hath heard of them. v_^ CHAPTER XXI. Verfi, But lob anfwered, and fold. x Harden in hearwgvnto my hordes, and this (ball be rout tonfolations. i.z.'HpHcn lob anfwered in this wife, I pray you diligent - 1 lie and attentiucly heare me what I (hall fay, that ic may indeedc appeare, thatyee came not hither tovexe and grieue me more and more, but to comforte and helpc me. 3. Suffer me,andl (kaUfreakg* and after Ibaiteftohfnfben woe kerne. Quietly,! faic, and with patience firft heare meefpeake, and then if ye pieafe and thinke it good, laugh me to fcorne, and fcoffe at my Ipeeches. 4 What I? ("that is, as touching my felfe^ is myfyeech Umen\a7idif(itbQci6,)bovvfiouldnot my ffirite beetron- bled? Nowe furely I hauc no controuerfie particularlie with ycu, neither doe wee nowe ftriuc about worldclie affaires, but BEZA VPON THE but at this time and in this place , I haue to dealc with the confcicnce, and I haue not to doe with men, but with Godt which being fo, doe yemaruell that I thus rather fob then fj>eakc,as it fareth with them whofe fpirite is troubled? 5 Loo\e vnto me and be abafhedyand lay your hand v fori) out mouth. Finallie hauing regard of mee, whome ye fee among all men to be the mod miferable, rather with aftonifhment and filencc, harken what I iliall faie, then vnpatientlie heare me /peaking in mine owne defence. 6 WhenJremember>J am afionijbed, and feare t^ethholde on myfiejh. 7 Wherfure do the wicked Uue.ro ax old, yea &grow in wealth. 8 Their feed is eflablifoed in their fight, and their generation flandetb before their eies . 9 In their houfes there U peace without fiareyand the rodde of Cody is not vpon them. i o Their bullock gendrethandfitdeth not, their Cow$atuetb 9 mdcafiethnothercalfi. 1 1 They fend fborth their title ones lil^Jheepeyand their fonnes leape vp and do me . 1 t They lift vp the voice Uk§ the tabret and harpy and reioke in the found of inflruments ofmuficlf. 1 3 Theyfrendtheir dales ingoody (chat is,in plcafure, ) and in a momtnt go downe to the graue. 14 Although they hauefaid vnto God> Depart from vsjmiwt will none of the knowledge ofthv xcaies. \% IVboisthealmightiethat wefbouldferue him- andwhat profit fha'l we haue if we prole vnto him? 6 Thou askedftofme, Tfophar, iflknewe not theft things, which continuall experience in all ages tcacheth. Verily Iknowethem right well, and lean not choofe but ftandasoneaftonimed , and tremble in euerie ioyntof my bodie, when I call them to minde; 7 For that which thou faieft concerning the fhorte and momemanic profperitic of the wicked in this life, and of their fudden downefall and de- finition, isdifyrooucd and confuted by verie manie ex- amples. And what (hall i faie to bee the caufe, why they are fuflfcrcd to liue, why to lenghthen out their daies to the vcric ai.CHAP. OF'IOB. Ycricvttcrmoft courfe ofnature,why to abound in all wealth and riches f 8 Morcouer,their children,howfoeuer thou doeft affirme thecontrary,remainein fafetiein theprefence ofthcir fathers, who behold them with their eyes, howe they growe vp in ftrength andluftinefle. 9 Their families arc peaceable,and without all fearc, neither doeth God chaftife them wkhhis fcourges. 10 By reafon their bullockes happily ingender, and their cowes neuer caft their calues, their catrell is wonderfully & mightily increafed. 11 Their little ones being brought vp at home by flockes.doe cheere- folly ancf mcrily skippc vp & downe. 1 a And pat tly they fing and tunc their voyces like the timbrels & the harpe,and partly they delight them felues with diuers inftruments of mufickc. 13 Finally,this life being thus pafled ouer in plea- fure,indelights,in mirth & paftime,ncuer being tormented with any long d;feafes,as it were in a moment they go downc vnto the graue. 14 And yet notwithstanding they brea- kinefoorth into open contempt of Gods maieftie, haue bid 1 to depart from them, to get him hence, and to bee pac- king, as if they had nothing to doe with him ; neither would they at any time fuffer them fclucs to be taught and inftru- £cdbyhim. if And which is yet more outragious,they haue not doubted to vtter thefe blafphemous and fearefufl Speeches, Who is the Almightie, that we Ihould yeelde and fubmit our felues vnto him ? and what good or profitc (hall wee reapc. by povvring out our prayers before him? 16 Beholde (notwithstanding) their food U not in their bande : let their ceunfell depxrt fhrreftom me. But behold, nothing of all this happeneth either againft the will, or without the knowledge of God: forafmuch as their happinefle ftandeth not in them felues, or in their owne power ; and therefore farre be it from me to confent to their vngodlineffe. But yctneuerthclekc, the foundation ofyour invc&:ues againft me,by this meanes fa He th to the ground. 17 ( Burj when (hall the lampe of the v>ic\ed be put out ? and (*hcn)/ka V theftornue fhower come vpon them, and fwhenj will (Q odj gktc them their portion in hU wrath ? 18 Jnd BEZA VPON THE 1 8 And fwhenj /ball (the wicked; be as tbeflubble before themnde>and as chaffe which the ftorme carr'mh away. 17 But as thou (aided, Bildad, the lampc of the wicked jfhalbe put out. Thou alfo,T(bphar,faideft,that God raineth vpon them in his anger: and that this heritage is allotted them from aboue. Ncuerthelefle ye fee, that itfallcthnot out thus with all, nor yet fo fiiddenly to the moft part of the, as ye affirm e.Thercforc define vnto me»if ye can,that I may knoweyetfbmevihatmoreccrtainclyof the matter, within what fpace of time this light of the wickedfhalbe put out, or this ftormie (houre (hall come vpon them, or God (hall dc- uide this portion among them in his wrath. 18 Finally tell me,when are theie made as ftubble before the winde, & as chairc fcattered with the force of a tempeft. J? God (yc will fay) trill lay vp his violence fir bis children: he fhould reward him^nd he fhould hpowe (it.) 20 His eyes fhould fee his own deflmc?ion> & he fhould drittlqe of the wrath of the Abmghtic. 21 Tor what affeblion fhall he bane towardes bis houfeyist^ bim, when the number f bis monethsk cutoff? 19 Doubtlcs ye wil take exception againft thefe things, that God doth refcrue for the children of that wicked man, the vengeance of his wrongs and oppreffions : ye fay well 5 but yet,if we (hal weigh thefe things according to mans rea- fon, asyc do, he oughtrather him fclfc to differ and feele the fmart or punishment of his owne finnes ; 20 and to be an eye witnes of his owne deftruclion, to drinkc the cup of the wrath of almightie God, which he had powred out for him. 21 For(7 pray youjwhat care and regard can he haue of his houfc and children, after he is dead and gone. 22 Shall (any man) teach Godfyowledg* ? Nay, it is be> who gouerneth the highefi thinges. But (hall any,e/pecially any of you.which labour to proue this, that the counfels of God arealwayesmanifeftinthis life, either by profperitie or els by aducrfitie; (hall any of you,I (ay,teach him, howc he is to rule and goucrne thinges here vpon earth beneath, feeing yc can notdenie but that he is the oncly goucrnour anddifpofer of all thinges in hca- uenabouc? %} On* ai. CHAP. OF IOB. % j OnefhaU die in the pride of hi* perfiffion, being in all eafe and profperitk. 24 His rml^e pai/es runne ouer with milke, and his bones are moiftencd with mar owe. i$ But another dyethinsbebittemejfeofbisfoule y neither did be euer eate with pleafure. 26 (Nowithftanding)tbeyjhallliebotbinthe dufi, and the wormes fball cotter them. 23 Here beholde,take vnto thee two, that are both toge* ther either good and vertuous,or euil and wicked 1 with one of them through the whole courfe of hishfc all things haue gone well, 24 His kine haue giucn great (lore and abun- dance of milke, he hath wanted no manner ofplcafuxeor delight, and at length he departed this life with great peace and checrcfulncflc. 2? But the other hauing neuer had any fmacke or raftc of the pleafures & commodities of this Iife,dyed alfo ful of forowc and heauineflc. 2 6 And yet for all their vnlikeneffe and inequalitie in this life, one and the fejfq.45flne death hath taken them both away ; they Jye both of* them in the graue,and are clothed with wormes. Now let me kno we, what ye can fay to this cafe,or what place is there left here to your carnall rcafons. 27 BeboldJ. kpoweyour thought es, and what ye take bolde of againftme. 28 F&yefayWbereistbeboiftoftbegreMtmanjWdrtbereu the tabernacle of the wicked* dwelling? 27 Butloe, I knowe full well what here commeth into your mindes, and what hold you will take againft me to put me befidcthis my caufc and defence. 28 For fay ye, Shelf vs^f thou canft, what is become of thofe great and h oncura- blemenshoufcs, and where are thofe ftately towres of the wicked,wherein heretofore they dwelt : as if forfooth the o- uerthrowc of their houfes were the ouerthrowe of mine opinion. 29/ButJ haue ye not enquired of thofe who fafebythevray, (that is,of waifainng men^) neither can ye denie their fignes. I o That in the day ofdeftruclion the wicked isprobibitedfthzt is,the wicked isfparcdj and in the day (\vhcrcinj vengeance is brought fiortb? *9 Bur BEZA VPON THE 19 But did ye ncucr aske of them that arc travailer$,anr thing concerning thefe matters ? Did yeneucrhcaretherti tell what monuments they haucmet withallby the waycs of the pompe and magnificence of thefe mightie men? 30 And who knowcth not that fuch men of all others are Ieaft fubie& to the misfortunes and outwarde calamities of this life ? and that they are efpcciallie fpared, when the teltimo- niesofGods wrath arc rife, and almoft cucry where to bee feenc vpon the earth? 31 Who fha'd declare his owne way tohu face, (that is, irt his prefence :) and who /hall rewarde him for that he hath done ? 3 z Therefore he jhalbe brought to the graue : and menfhall watch at (his,) tombe. 3 1 The fieepe places of the running ftreames fhaUbe fweete fr him, and he (hall drawe all men after bim, and there ( (hall goc) before him more then can be numbred. 3 1 Neither is it any marveile that this fb falleth oxttfar who dares reprouc the wicked man to his face for his finnes? who will take punilbmenton him for the iniuries which Jic hath done, & for his oppreffions? 32 Therefore fo farrc is he fro that end which you faid mould befall him, that on the contrarie fide,hauing peaceably departed this life, he is ho- nourably caryed to his graue, great lamentation is made at his buriall, and men are fet to watch his tombe. 33 And thus while he hued, he tooke delight and pleafure in his towres and ca(Mcs,built vpon the craggie valleyes of brooks andrunningtrreames: and being dead he is brought to the earth with great pompe & folemnitie, hauing a great trainc both goingbeforehim,andfollowing after him. 3 4 Howe then doe ye comfort me with vanitie, feeing} our tnfwers (zrejaftrayingfromtbetruetb, left (in the mindes of the hearers.^ To what ende therefore do ye propound thefe vaine and frivolous things to me, in fteadc of comfort and contenti- on ? whereas thefe your anfwers are naught elfe but lyes and a fwarving from the trueth, which they leaue in the mindes of the hearers? THE fit. CHAP. OF I OB. THE THIW E*(- counter of Jobs friends. THE SVMME AND ORDER of the xxii. Chapter. 10 B hauing bene by hisfriendes very gr'ieuoufly andvnadvifed- ly accufed,as though it muff needs fiUow,becaufe he waifo great- ly and fo fuddenly affliBcd/kat God therefore wa» highly disj leafed with him. us who is neuer angriewith men,znleffe their fennes pro* vo\ehim thereunto-.neitber being mooucd,doth any otherwise punifh tbem,then according to the qualnie of their offences : lobs friends, J fay, after they hadv cry fondly accused him. they brought the whole controuerjie to this point; That we are to fudge & efieeme of Gods hue or hatred toward any man, and confequently either of the inno- cent or^wickgd life of a man thereafter as we fee his efface in this "prejent lift to beflourifhing & happie,ormferable & wreuhed:& that as the punifh ment of thofe who lightly offend, is neither grie- mo'M nor continuall,but moderate: fo they who comit heinous finnes 7 are not lightly & font while \ but vtryfeuercly & a long time puni- fhed,yeaand znleffi they repent, vtterly deproyed.We bane heard therefore, howe lobsfriendes affirmed and held thefe things agalnft bim,& how he denycd& difyroovcdrtbe fame, femetime flanding vpon the innocencie of his firmer life, and appealing into the tribu- vallfeat ofGodbimfelfiagainft hisaccufers : fomctime afo {hew- ing in generall by examples a'leaged, how that thofe two grounds of their accufauon vere veryfiolifb & to nopurpofe : namely, that all calamities of this life proceed from Gods anger, as alfo that tbewic- Ifjtd are alwaies punifh ed in this life fir their tranfgnjfions. It was therefore great reafon, that thefe lobsfriendes Jkouldcitherjalie a- way this his exception (which they poffibly coulde not doe) or omit* t'tng that their general! treatife.fbould betake tbemfeluts to the par- ticular, andprooue by manifeft and certen teftimonies thofe thinges whereof they had accufed lob .or at the leaft change their mindes & leaue offtoaecufebimany longer.ButElipba%wefee,encoutring »9wc the }Jimt with lokdoeth quite contrarie, who boning either through BEZA VPON THE through forget folneffe^orflubbumely faffed ouer the queflion hfetfi % and taking an occafion of that f bat lob neither in defending his in • noeencie t when he was by their foarpe inveBiues prowled there un^ to : neither in bewailing his miferie y when he was almofi ouerwhel- med with thegreatneffeofanguifb both of body and minde, bad altpayss l^ept a tuft meafure y doethfirfl of all in the four e firmer ver~ fes very bitterly, fa fely 9 and without caufe gather \tbat certaincab- furdkies as it mere neceffarily follow ad vpon his fteeches. Further* morejhe doeth not nowe in the verfes ?. £.7.8.9.10. n. couertly 9 as he had done before, but openly accufefob, as if he had bene one, who hadvncivillieiCOvetoufly y anicruellie abufedbotb his autho- ritie and wealth ; yea,and euen to the zo.verfe hefo charge th him with impietie,and doeth in fuch bitter and taunting manner wreft and turne vpon Job htm felfe all ' thofi thinges which he had in the 14. 1 f . 1 6. verfes of the Chapter going before, very truely mdrelh gioufly fpotyn againfl prophane men, that now ehe feemetb (forfi- much as he neither by reafons nor teftimonies doeth avouch thefi hisfo bitter accufations) moft manifeflly to play the part ofafyite- fitlland reprochfUttfpeaker father then of an accufer. LaftofaUJte beginneth,as if he bad brought bis matters to an excellent paffe^W exhort lob that he would acknowledge tbefe things, and craue at Gods handes mercieforhis heinous finnes, putting him m hope that befhouldfurely be refiored vmo his former eflpte : affirming more* ouer, that following this his counfelljhefkouldnot onely be received agdmeinto Gods favour, but Godfhouldalfb heare him, if he made interceffionfor other men. And truely it is a wonder fill thing that El'tpha^did foretell wbatfkould afterward fall out : albeit he did it zgnorantlyandnot thinking any thing at ah of that which happe- ned.? or both lob him felfe againfl all expectation in this lifejjadan excellent endeofallthefe calamities : and Eliphayilfo with bis fol< lowes were by Jobs intercefjhn refiored into Godsfhuour. CHAPTER XXII. I KNdElipba?jheTbemanlteanfwerea\andfaid, Jl\ z MayamanprofiteGod ? Nayjbt that deaktb wife* fy profit eth him felfe. (l Isit) any pleafureto the Jllmigbtie, if thou fhab be right** OH4? 'm. CHAP- OF I OB. dus ? andfis it to biw) gaineif thou fhalt maty thy waicsvp* right? i But Eliphaz the Themanite bccing very angric to heare lobs words, anfwered him in this manner, i What meanes this, lob, faith he, that thou ftandeft fo much vpon thine owne vprightnes t Thou wouldtft haue menthinke, that God is greatlie beholding to thee for this thy intcgritic and iuR ice, fo that he may fee me to haue done thee wrong, in dealing thus hardlic with thee. But thou art decciued,if thoufuppofe that God can reape any benefit or commodi- tie at mans hands. Nay doubtlefle, but if any man doe well and wifelie , the good and profit redoundeth tohimfelfe. 3 Can the vertueand godlines of man doe God any plea- sure* wil it bring him fome dclighr,which before he wanted* or will any gaine arife thereof to the almightie, who in him- felfe and of him fclfe is moft happie and perfect? 4 Is itforfcare of thee that he accufetb theeforgoetb with thee into iudgement ? Bu.t what? (hall we thinke that he fearing Ieaft thou hap- pilie ihouldeft haue^ccufed him,vvould preuent thee by firft taking vpon him theperfbnofplainrife? 1 Js not thy wktydnefte great, and thine iniquities without tndef 6 For thou haft vnconfcionablk tatyn a fleadge of thy brethren^ and bad caufed them beeingftript out of their clothing togoe natyd. 7 To the wearie thou haft not giuenfo much as water: and haft withdrawn bread from the hungrie. 8 But the earth w*s the miotic mam : and the honourable per* finagefat(t\\&t is,bare vukjinit. 9 The widowes fnotwithftandingjta/? thoufent backf empty* and the arme* o f the father les were broken. io Therefbrefnares are round about tbeejndfiareamafed thee cnafudden. i x Or elfe thou feeft not the darkpe/fe, and the abundance of waters hash coueredtbee. 5 And what (hall I needc to vfe many words, when as the vcrie matter it felfe, roanifeftlic (heweth thy wkkedncflcto haue becne fo great, as that thou didft neucr ccafe to finnc. 6 For thou baft not bcene afraid to take a pleadge,wi thout R any BEZA VPON THE any regard of one more then an other,euen of thy poore an d needic kinsfolke,and haftbeene fo farrc from cloathing the beeing naked, that contrariwife,thou haft wrung from them that little apparcll which they had left. 7 Such as are wea- rie with trauading.thou haft not fo much as refrelhed with a cup of cold water, and asforthehungrie, thou haft not vouchfafed them fo much as one mouchfull of bread. 8 Nei- ther yet haft thou-herc any thing that thou maieft prctende. For thy power was fuch, as that all men were fubiecl there- unto^nfomuch as,thou hauingftollen their harts and good will , through thy falfe (howes of feigned vprightnes,they honoured thee like a king fitting in his throne* 9 But how; grcatlie thou didft abufe this authorise, the widowes ipoiled of their goods,and the fatherlefle children with violence op- preffedjdoefunicientJieteftifie. And this is thecaufe, lob, that god hath fo entangled and wrapped thee with fnares on cuery fide; hence proceedeth that fo fudden chaunge , which ftrikethand pearceth theeeuen to the very heart. 1 1. Vn- lefle peraduenture this darknes be fo great, that it hath,jpjutc taken away all the light of thy raindc : and vnleffe thou doell ' lie whollie ouerwhelmed with fuch grieuous calamities,asit were with a mightie and violent outflowing of waters. iz (ih)notGodin the height of the heauem? Jnd behold the, height of the flarres 3 how hye they are. 13 And thou wilt /hie , what doth God know} will he mdgt through thedarkneffi t 1 4 The clouds are his dennc,and be doth notfee\