But surely we see that his continual wealth made
him fall into wanton folly, first in multiplying wives to a
horrible number, contrary to the commandment of God, given in the
law of Moses, and secondly in taking to wife among others some who
were infidels, contrary to another commandment of God's written
law. Also we see that finally, by means of his infidel wife, he
fell into maintenance of idolatry himself. And of this we find no
amendment or repentance, as we find of his father. And therefore,
though he were buried where his father was, yet whether he went to
the rest that his father did, through some secret sorrow for his
sin at last--that is to say, by some kind of tribulation--I cannot
tell, and am content therefore to trust well and pray God that he
did so. But surely we are not so sure, and therefore the example of
Solomon can very little serve you. For you might as well lay it for
a proof that God favoureth idolatry as that he favoureth
prosperity; for Solomon was, you know, in both.
As for Job, since our question hangeth upon prosperity that is
perpetual, the wealth of Job, which was interrupted with so great
adversity, can, as you yourself see, serve you for no example. And
that God gave him here in this world all things double that he
lost, little toucheth my matter, which denieth not prosperity to be
God's gift, and given to some good men, too; namely, to such as
have tribulation too.
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