"This is the doctrine of the entire Holy Scripture, which is set forth in this passage in the example of Jacob, namely, that there are alternations of tribulation and consolation for this reason, that the body of sin may be mortified and that it may not be exalted by pride, and then that the spirit may not be devoured by sorrow and exhausted by terrors. It is God’s will that precautions be taken against both courses, that we should not be proud according to the flesh and not despair according to the spirit but that we should proceed by the middle way between sorrow and joy, between boasting and disgrace. For in this way the patriarch Jacob had many temptations, but after all these he received consolation when he saw God’s face and that of his brother appeased. For after he crossed Penuel, his life was preserved, the night was past, and the sun shone forth. A little later another temptation will follow. There is a second reason why the Holy Spirit set forth these matters, namely, to testify that all the works of the saints, however lowly and childish they may be, are pleasing and acceptable as good fruits in the sight of God. Included are not only those sublime theological virtues like contests with death, sins, and other temptations and the victories over the same fraught with great perils, but even those lowly, domestic, and humble services, so that we may learn to regulate our life in this manner that we may be certain that we are pleasing to God in all our acts of duty. I do not always pray, nor do I always meditate on the Law of the Lord and struggle continually with sin, death, and the devil; but I put on my clothes, I sleep, I play with the children, eat, drink, etc. If all these things are done in faith, they are approved by God’s judgment as having been done rightly."
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