Ionah the messenger of Ninevehs repentance Set forth in his calling, rebellion, and punishment. By H.S.

IONAH THE MESSENGER OF NINEVEHS Repentance . Set forth in his Calling , Rebellion , and Punishment .

By H. S.

LONDON , Printed by G. M. for G E. and are to be sold at the Grey-hound in Pauls Church-yard . 1637.

GOD sends the Prophet Ionah to proclaime His wrath , against the proud Affirian Dame , Arm'd him with thundring threats : the trembler sailes Soone towards Tharsis , but the storme prevailes And wrests the barke , whilest sleepy Ionah lies Secure : the jarring Saylors doe advise Who caus'd the tempest : 't was for Ionahs sin , They cast him o're : the seas grow calme agin ; ( When we cast off our sins how soone our God Will calme our waies and burne his angry rod ) The Whale receiv'd him ( thus did God contrive ) Then spu'd the three-daies prisoner our alive , ( O Lord if by thy Spirit thou wilt dwell With us , we shall be safe although in Hell ) Now to the great Metropolis he goes , Proclaimes his message , vents the dismall woes That should befall within twise twenty daies , Yet all repent , and so the judgement staies ( True contrite prayers , and such hea'nly charmes Are ropes so strong to tie th' Almighties armes ) Now peevish Ionah frets , and needs would die As if God sent him for to vent a lie . His pettish tricks are chek'd : and then the Lord Convinceth him of folly by his Gourd .

THE CALLING OF IONAH . IONAH 1. 1 , 2.

The word of the Lord came unto Ionah the Sonne of Amittai , saying ,

Arise , go to Nineveh that great City , and cry against it : for their wickednesse is come up before me .

I Shall not need to shew the authority of Prophets , but concerning their differences they were of three sorts . 1. Such as prayed for the people and received an answer , these were called Seers . Such was Samuel , 1 Sam. 10. 9. 2. Such as expounded the Law , as Isaiah , Ieremy and the rest . 3. Such as were since Christs time , as Agabus , Acts 11. 28. Ionah was of the second sort .

I might well chuse this Story , for ( besides the compendiousnesse and perspicuity ) it best suites the state of this sinnefull age .

Ionah lived in the time of wicked Ieroboam the Sonne of Ioash , 2 King . 14. 24. Yet kept his integrity .

His name Ionah , a Dove , teacheth Innocency , and his Fathers name Amittai , truth , that truth should bee every Preachers Father .

This History containes , First , Gods great mercy .

1. To the Ninevites in sending a Prophet to convert them that they might be spared .

2. To Ionah in preserving him notwithstanding his disobedience .

3. To the Mariners , in preserving them that they were then and for ever saved .

Secondly , Ionahs fall and rising againe .

In his fall observe 1. His sinne . 2. His punishment .

1. His sin , in Flying from God Murmuring . Iustifying himselfe . 2. His Punishment Manifold feares Casting into the Sea . Swallowed of a Whale . Reproofe and conviction .

In his rising consider , 1. His Repentance . 2. His Preservation . 3. His Faithfull discharge of his duty .

The word of the Lord came , &c.

Ionah went not without a speciall call and Commission . Obs. None should goe before they are sent , they must have their warrant as Aaron had , Heb. 5. 4. None may ascend to Moses chaire that have not Moses rod and Moses spirit .

Came.

The Prophets had not alwaies the Word with them , Obs. as Nathan spake of himselfe , 2 Sam. 7. 1 Chron. 17. and Elishaes ignorance of the Shunamites griefe , 2 King . 4. and Dan. 2. 30.

Arise

God findes us all sleeping , Obs. we had need bee wakened . Obs. They that call on others should first arise themselves , Luke 22. 30. Not like Taylors that deck others and goe bare themselves , but they must say follow me .

Goe .

God would not have any people untaught , Obs. Psal. 19. 1 , 2 , 3. Rom. 1. 19. Therefore he sent Noah to the old world , Lot to Sodome , Moses to Israel , and here Ionah to Nineveh .

To Nineveh .

They that greive the Spirit quench the Spirit . Obs ; . The Word was in Samaria , they refusing it , it went to Nineveh . The Gospell was at Ephesus , it is now come to England and it may depart from England , 1 Cor. 10. 12. The Prophets thus departing from Samaria to Nineveh , was 1 To shake off the dust of his feet against them for their obstinacy . 2 To shew them that Gentiles were more righteous then they ; for they repented at the voice of , 1 Prophet and 1 Sermon . 3 To prefigure their rejection and the Gentiles calling .

Great Citty .

Nineveh had 1500. towers and 120000. little children in it , Jonah 4. 1 as is noted in the end of this Story ; but the greater the more ungodly . Multitude being oftentimes a meanes of seducing one another .

And cry against it .

Every Prophet is a Cryer , Obs. as the Lord bids Isaiah , Isa. 48. 1. Lift up his voice . They must be plaine and bold as if they sate in judgement . Iohn Baptist was not onely a voice but the voice of a Cryer , Luke 3. therefore Acts 2. the Holy Ghost came downe in fiery tongues , but this fire is now quenched and these tongues tied up , but men though they cannot speake , can see a benefice when it falls though it be an 100. miles off ; and Pharaoh had more care of his sheepe , then they of soules .

If people were not deafe and dull of hearing Ministers need not cry , but are not yee commanded to heare as well as we to cry . The Cock crowes when men are asleepe . Yea the Cocke crowes and Peter still denies his Master , Mat. 26. 70 , 72 , 74.

It is sinne and sinne onely that provokes God to cry against us . Our sinnes doe buffet God on every side as the Iewes did Christ , therefore hee will not leave till hee have by crying slaine either you or your sinnes . When God therefore cryes we should weepe , considering wherefore he cries .

Reproofe is the necessariest office yet most abhorred , as if he hated us that reproves us . Yet God saith , Lev. 19. 7. Thou shalt not hate thy brother but reprove him . So that to flatter any in sinne is a manifest signe of hatred , what love soever wee pretend , since it tends to the hurt of their soules and offence of God . Yea if a Preacher reproove sinne hee is thought to do it of hatred or some particular grudge , expecting hee should preach the Gospell , and bid him keepe his Text , as if no Text in Scripture did reprove sinne : but let him preach darke mysteries , odd conceits , or brainesicke dreames he is well come . Balaams asse never spake but once and then he reprooved , then if Balaams asse reproved Balaam , how much more ought Balaam to reproove asses . But perswade your selves though we seeme angry , wee preach the Law to bring you to the Gospell , wee preach Iudgement that ye may finde Mercy , we preach Hell to bring you to Heaven .

Thus wee have heard Ionahs charge to cry , But what should he cry ? The Papists say it was for their neglect of traditions , which they gather out of the New Testament , Ioh. 16. 12. Ioh. 21. 25. Acts 1. 3. 1 Tim. 6. 20. 2 Tim. 1. 13. & 22. But his charge is expressed , Chap. 3. 2. O that none would cry but what God had commanded .

But what did God command him to cry ? even this , Yet forty daies and Nineveh shall bee destroyed , yea ancient Nineveh , faire Nineveh , proud Nineveh must bee destroyed .

No man sits so high but destruction sits above him . Iustice would have come without crying ; but the mercifull God cryes to them , that they hearing his cry , might cry themselves and God hearing their cry againe tooke pitty on them . Isaiah was commanded to cry . Isa. 40. 6 , 7. And Iohn was commanded in the spirit of Mat. 7 3. Eliah to cry ; and Ionah was commanded to cry , and he cryed . And all Preachers are commanded to cry aloud and not to spare , and to be faithfull in their message , 1 Cor. 4. 4. and woe to them that love the pleasures of sinne more then the glory of God .

For their wickednesse is come up .

Wee have heard the charge given , heavie newes . Now the cause is , Nineveh hath followed her lusts , satisfied her desires , forgotten Gods lawes , let her therefore prepare for destruction .

When God sends cryes unto a people it is a manifest signe their wickednesse is come up before him . Obs. And then if they will not repent while God continues crying amongst them , the Lord of Hosts will rise up in armes against them .

Nineveh was as full of sinne as people , prosperity , and security kissed each other , Nah. 2. 8.

Is come up .

Sinne mounts up on high and carries us up as the Tempter did Christ to the top of a pinacle to behold all the pleasures of the world at once : Obs. but a grievous thing it is to consider , what a man is doing while hee sinnes , and what sinne is doing at the barre of Gods just judgement , for nothing can stay sinne once committed from ascending up before the face of the Eternall God . An arrow is swift , the Sun is swifter , but sinne is swiftest of all , for in a moment it is committed on earth , comes before God and is condemned to hell . For though Nimrod could not climbe to Heaven , yet his sinnes flew up . When wee sinne wee are like the shell-fish which the Eagle carries into the ayre , le ts fall upon the rockes , dasheth in peeces and so devours it . So the wrath of God throwes us low upon the rockes of shame and contempt and terror of conscience , and then the grave and hell that double death devoures us .

Is come before me .

By sinnes comming before God is meant Gods beholding and seeing it . Wee fast as before him , we pray as before him , and doe every good duty as before him , because wee doe it freely not caring who lookes upon us , but we sinne as behind him , as loath to bee seene , and we suppose we sinne behind him , as if he saw us not , saying as Eliphaz accused Iob to have said Iob 2. 12 , 13 , 14. Is not God in the height of the heavens , and see the highnesse of the Starres how high they are , therefore how could God know it , &c. but then chiefly wee thinke

God beholds us not when men cannot see us , but be not deceived , God seeth not as man seeth . Man sees onely the outward act , but God seeth the secretest imaginations of the heart . Againe , Man seeth but one thing at once , and cannot see before and behind him with one looke , but God seeth all things at all times : for when wee speake evill hee is all eares to heare us , when wee doe evill he is all eyes to see us . Ananias might have gained by his craft if God had not seene his heart , Acts 5. Gehezi might have profited by his lye , and gained a bribe for his labour if God had not seene his fetches and turned his bribe into a Leprosie , 2 King . 5. The man that bad his soule bee merry , might have injoyed his pleasure many yeares had not God espied his security , Luke 12. Achan might have kept his gold had not God seene him . Achan would never have stollen , nor Gehezi taken bribes had they thought God beheld them ; will any steale the owner looking on , will any speake treason the King hearing it : Therefore marke but this part of my Sermon . Say when thy hand is at a sinne , I will not doe it because the Lord sees me . And as hee is all eyes to see sinne , and all hands to punish it , so if wee repent , hee is all mercy to forgive it . Now therefore repent of thy sinne , hye thee fast to the throne of Grace , and try if thy repentance will not as powerfully cry for pardon , as thy sinnes did vehemently cry for punishment . The Angell cryed not so loud Babylon is fallen , Revel. 18. 2. as the Spirit of truth shall assure thee thy sinnes are forgiven thee , Rom. 6. 14. Psal. 91. 10. 34. 10. 84. 11. Rom. 8. 28. Repent therefore and truly repent by flying all sinne with the occasion and appearances , and love the truth , and as much as is in you , have peace with all men , that the God of peace may give you peace in Christ . All this is grounded on this that God seeth whatsoever we doe . So Rev. 2. 2-9-13 . and 3-1-8 . I know thy workes , is spoken to incourage the Sardians and Laod ceans to repentance knowing that God is a liberall rewarder of them that seeke him , Heb. 11. 6.

Is come before me .

Sinne once committed comes presently before God : but the carnall hearted man like the faint Spies of Canaan , thinkes the way to Heaven hard and the journey further then hee is able to goe all his life : but when you send Faith , Hope and Love , those messengers of truth and peace , they will tell you that your fashions , pride , love of the world and other sins must be put off , as unbeseeming the fashion of that countrey , so that ere we come thither wee must leave them , like the shadow when we goe into the doore , wee must shake hands with them and bid them farrewell .

THE REBELLION OF IONAH . VER. 3. But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish , from the presence of the Lord , and went downe to Joppa , and he found a ship going to Tarshish : So hee payed the fare thereof , and went downe into it , to goe with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord .

IT followes now to shew how Ionah discharged the charge given unto him . First , he neglected it , afterwards being chastised and so repenting he faithfully discharged it .

First , of his Rebellion .

First , Ionah was sent to Nineveh to preach against their ungodlinesse , to reclaime them that they might repent , & so the wrath of God be turned away , how happy a message should this have beene that brought such blessed effects , but still one flie or other spoyles the boxe of ointment , Eccles. 10. 1. Satan stands up and sends him instead of Nineveh to Tarshish ; meaning thereby ,

First , to put him out of Gods favour , to bring upon him torment of conscience , decay of gifts and disreputation among the people .

Secondly , to harden the people in their sinnes and against Gods Prophets .

Thirdly , that the most populous and wealthy Citty in Assyria might be destroyed all dying unrepentant in their sins , that the very Angels in Heaven should mourne at it . So by urging the unkindnesse to his owne Nation and blood in leaving them to preach to strangers , as also the difficulty of doing good among such notorious sinners , and the danger of his owne person in bringing so unwellcome a message he getteth him to desist .

Thus Satan is ever crossing and tempting us when wee addresse our selves to the will of God . So was Moses , Ieremy , Ezekiel , Nehemiah and Christ himselfe tempted being about most notable workes , Exod. 3. 11. 4. 10. Ier. 1. 6. Ezek. 3. 14. Neh. 2. 19. Luke 22. 31. And Christ tells Peter , Satan desired to winnow him , Mat. 4. 1. Luke 4. 2. 4. 13. 1 Pet. 5. 8. So even Peter , Iames and Iohn . Therefore never dreame of a truce with Satan , for hee is perpetually seeking whom hee may devoure , either tempting us by flattery or terrible threatning : for whatsoever wee doe comes either from the spirit of Satan , of God or our owne spirit . Now our owne spirit is occupied about the pleasures of this world . The Spirit of God is gentle and meeke , not forcing , not threatning , as Luke 19. 23. If any one will follow me , not you shall follow me . So Cant , 5. 2 , 3. Open unto mee — Now Satan takes another course , if hee cannot allure to sinne hee threatens losse of pleasure , friends , goods , and by his Imps torments and death . Christ saith if you will follow mee , but he saith I will make you follow me or you shall have fire and faggot , so saith his eldest Sonne Antichrist . His order of tempting is first to make us doubt of the truth of Gods Word . Secondly , he falls to flat denying of it . Thirdly , hee comes in with his owne countermards and contrary assertions . Thus he saith advance your selves . God saith Love thy neighbour as thy selfe , Mat. 22. 39. hee saith , First , love little and outwardly . Secondly , love none but thy selfe . Thirdly , hate thine enemies , envy thy betters , disdaine thine equalls , despise thine inferiors .

Now the meanes the divell tempts with are arguments drawne from mans owne wit and reason , and so Ionah argues here , if the Iewes will not heare me , it is in vaine to preach to these Gentiles . Thus flesh and blood stands staggering , misdoubting troubles when it should doe any good , but in sinne never considereth the following woe . Yet this I confesse was a sore temptation for Ionah to preach to a heathen people this doctrine , that there is but onely one true God to them who have served a thousand , Deut. 6. 4. as if a Preacher were commanded to goe to Rome gates and preach against Antichrists jurisdiction , I feare hee would hardly doe it . Thus we regard rather to enter no great action for Gods glory and his Churches good , then to receive any opposition in our doings , Satan knowes from labour wee are easily brought to loyter , and from feare and paine to security and pleasure . Thus hee tempted our Saviour with the pleasures of the world , All this will I give thee . This gaine , this ease , this profit shalt thou have to leave the society of godly men and serve mee , not being scrupulous to sweare for your gaine , to lie for your pleasure , to cozen for riches , and so bee free from the reproaches and contempt wherewith professors are overwhelmed , but be rich and live in ease and estimation .

Thus Ionah is tempted to sinne but not constrained , urged , but not compelled , the divell can intice mightily , but not inforce violently . This is our comfot , our enemies power is in our Fathers hand , 1 Cor. 10. 11. Rom. 8. 35. Luke 22. 32. This may incourage us to Resist the divell and hee shall flie from us , Iames 4. 7. God hath made no such promise to the divell , that if hee tempt hee shall prevaile , what a shame is it then that Satan is bolder in tempting then we are in resisting . O that wee were as wise , as watchfull to withstand as Satan is diligent to assault . But doth Ionah now resist as manfully as Satan sets on him cunningly . Alas no , he as soone resolved as inticed , Gen. 1. It is said , God spake and it was done . Surely the divell but speakes and it is done , he is such an Orator as no man can denie him : for hee pretends to counsell as a most speciall friend , as an holy Angell jealous of Gods honour , therefore hee made not onely Gehezi to take a bribe , 2 King . 5. 22. Demas to imbrace the world , 2 Tim. 4. 10. Iudas to betray his Master , Mat. 26. 48. and Caine to kill his brother , Gen. 4. 8. but Rebecca also to perswade Iacob and Iacob to be bold by lying to seeke for the blessing , Gen. 27. 13. yea the Father of the faithfull to commit folly with Hagar , Gen. 16. 43. and here Ionah not to goe to Nineveh lest forsooth God should not be true of his words .

We have seene Satans malice and wilynesse in tempting , wee have sufficient armour to resist him , Ephes. 6. 11. and promise to prevaile , Iames 5. 7. Therefore wee forget our enemy , neglect the promise , or take not the armour , or like not that arrow-bearer humility , submit your selves to God , and then resist the divell : but are ready , so foolish are we , to joyne with our enemy as Balaam , Num. 22. 8. But would you , however Satan tempts . not bee foyled , then consider how shamefull it is having such encouragements to fight , to shew our selves cowards under our Captaine Christ , to yeeld to his enemy , how dangerous to be under so cruell a tyrant , that takes pleasure in our most bitter torments .

Object . But he comes often as a friend , as an Angell of light , how shall I descry him ?

Answ. It is hard indeed : but annoint thine eyes with eye-salve , Rev. 3. 18. thou must be filled with knowledge , Col. 1. 9. and watch and be sober , 1 Pet. 5. 8. and lastly , consider how thy spirit is moved : for the Spirit of God is soft and slow ; but Satans is boisterous and stout ; besides , consider if the thing tempted to , bee good or ill , for bee sure Gods Spirit prompts to no evill . Therefore get the Spirituall Sword , The Word of God ( Ephes. 6. 17. ) to dwell plenteously in us , Col. 3. 17. and cry still to God to open thine eyes , Psal. 119. 18.

But Ionah arose up to flie unto Tarshish .

Thus Ionah tempted repents not , but makes himselfe a run-away , leaves Nineveh still on the score . So Nineveh is still Nineveh , but Ionah is not like Ionah , for the Prophet is flying , and sinne is crying , and so all falls to confusion .

Hee first flies to Tarshish before he went to Nineveh . Sinne is borne first . Esau before Iacob , Gen. 15. 26 , 27. Evill may be said to bee ancienter , resist sinne at the first , nip it in the head , that the uncleane spirit may say here is no abiding for me , let us goe into yonder herd of Swine , Mat. 8. 31.

Ionah was sent to Nineveh , but he went toward Tarshish . And so it is alwaies with us , wee are ever doing that wee should not doe . For either wee doe nothing , or that which we are not commanded , or els otherwise then wee are commanded . Sometime most rebelliously wee doe that which wee know the Lord straitly forbiddeth . And as Ionah tooke Tarshish for Nineveh , so we take the divell for an Angell , light for darkenesse , &c.

But no marvell though Ionah fled to Tarshish when hee should goe to Nineveh , for his vocation is rejected by the children of this world , and every where kickt against : so that if you would aske for a painefull vocation , this is it ; if for a thanklesse vocation , this is it ; if for a contemptible vocation , this is it : for reprooving we are reprooved , blessing , wee are cursed : preaching peace wee make warre ; proclaiming liberty , wee are imprisoned ; doe what we can , we are persecuted : and for our worke worthy of love , wee receive of most hatred : of few , yea very few , not any more then a cold affection . Hereof it hath come to passe , that Moses and Ieremy called , excused themselves ; Ezekiel , having received his charge , went in bitternesse and indignation of his spirit , and seven daies neglected his charge as Ionah here doth his : and Moses , Eliah , and Ieremiah , at length complained ; and ( which to the best men is the greatest griefe ) it is as easy almost to wash a blacke-moore white , as to convert a sinner , because Satan is ever crossing men doing Gods will , but specially hindring the course of right preaching . For the Lord was not so earnest to stop the way of Balaam , lest hee should commit wickednesse , as the divell is earnest to stop the way of every Ionah , lest hee fullfill righteousnes , that is , cry against Nineveh , longing and earnestly labouring to convert it .

But who would have thought that such a Prophet should flie from the Lord , yea and then when he should doe him most service ? A fearefull example : therefore let him that standeth take heed lest hee fall : for the way is slippery wherein wee are to walke . When thou remembrest the fall of the Prophet , then consider that thou art much weaker then a Prophet , and therefore the easier to bee encountred and overthrowne , and the likelier to have a most grievous fall , except the Lord doe mightily uphold thee . Secondly , if thou see Ionah flie , Moses murmur , David fall to adultery , Salomon to idolatry , and Peter to forsweare his Master , then learne thou not to trust to thy owne strength , for it is weakenesse , nor to thy owne wisedome , for it is sinfull ; but seeke helpe and crave strength at the hand of Almighty God , who giveth indifferently to every one that asketh ; which doth not bruise the broken reed , nor quench the smoking flax , but doth rather increase our zeale then diminish it .

And judge favourably of such as fall , for though Ionah fled , yet he returned againe ; and though David joyned murther with adultery , yet he repented .

And he found a ship going to Tarshish .

As soone as hee set forward to flie from God , Satan seconds his temptation with opportunity , hee findes a ship ready , hee fits Iudas with money and Ionah with a ship , if thou wilt flie from God , the divell will lend thee both spurres and a horse , yea a post-horse to carry thee hastily and swiftly to all ungodly lusts .

And he payed the fare .

This money was cast into the sea , many wast their money upon dice and unlawfull games , it were good for them if they had not a penny to loose , and so men care not what they pay for vanities and braveries , this also is cast into the sea , but they will give little or nothing to doe good withall , So Lazarus can get nothing , and David can get no meate , shall I give my bread and wine to one I know not ? saith churlish Naball . We can bee content to give and do any thing to win the world , but wee will give nothing , nor doe nothing , whereby to win the kingdome of God .

Ionah is entred into the ship and sleepes , sleepes soundly , and being wakened confessed not his sinne untill hee was forced to it by discovery of casting lots . Thus God sets out the stubbornenesse and disobedience of Ionah , in that this thing was not done upon a sudden , but upon deliberation and continuance , he had space and ley sure enough to have repented , but did not . Ionah first liftned to Satans assaults , liked them , consented to obey them , put them in practise , fled to Ioppa , hyred the ship , hoysed up sayles and went to sleepe , to shew that sinne runs on wheeles and posts downe hill , and never stayes till it arrive even in Hell . So sinnes follow one another like linkes of a chaine , till the tempest of destruction breake it in sunder : but if Ionah had considered the all-seeing eye of Almighty God , hee would have leaped out of the ship that carried him at once from God and from his duty , since the creature cannot hide it selfe from the Creator . All those that pitty Ionah let them pitty themselves , our sinnes are as many as his were , hee confessed freely and fully , so let us ; for this was written to admonish us that wee may stand where hee fell ; and when wee fall to confesse freely and fully to God alwaies , and to man also when wisdome commands .

FINIS .

THE PVNISHMENT OF JONAH . IONAH 1. 4 , 5 , 6. But the Lord sent out a great winde into the Sea , and there was a mighty tempest in the Sea , so that the ship was like to be broken , &c.

THe sinne being past the punishment followes . Wrath being ever the heavy companion of disobedience .

He saith not a winde arose , but the Lord sent a great winde , The winds obey GOD , though man will not obey him .

The Lord sent it . Then it was not by chance , or witchcraft , for the Mariners though Infidels , thought it to bee sent by some revenging power for some particular hainous fact and person , els why did they cast lots to find out him that had sinned , Psal. 10. 7-25 . to 31.

The Lord sent it . So the Lord sendeth winds to bring ships to land in safety , and the same Lord sendeth winds to drowne and sinke other ships , therefore Iob acknowledgeth both , Iob 1. 21. if some had so much losse by tempest as Iob , they would surely say with Iob , Blessed be the name of the Lord : but more ( it is to bee feared ) would say with Iobs wife , Curse God and die , Iob 2. 6.

And there was a tempest in the Sea .

God first spake gently to him , Arise Ionah , goe to Nineveh , then he would not goe : but now hee sends a strong tempest , to compell him to come in , that his head-strong sinne might have the foyle and God the victory .

He that sayles to Tarshish would have as good winde as he that sayles to Nineveh ; but hee that doth one thing for another , shall receive one thing for another , as Ahab hoped to goe up and prosper , but hee went up and perished . So the Spaniards thought to arrive in England , but their invincible power was soone destroyed .

And there was a great tempest in the Sea .

The ship went on roundly for a time , the Prophet sleeping , the Marriners sporting , their sayles flaunting , the waters calming . So merrily sinne goes on before the tempest comes : but suddenly the tempest rushes upon them and tumbles them up and downe . Hee thought to flie from God , but now it appeares hee fled not from God but to him . Therefore David saith , If I take the morning wings and flie aloft , &c. Whithersoever a rebellious sinner doth run , the hand of God will meete him to crosse him , and hinder his hoped for good successe .

What had hee offended the winds and waters that they bare him such enmity ? Surely they tooke Gods part against Ionah . So though man at first had power over the creatures , yet when man sinnes God gives them strength to bridle him .

If Ionah had foreseene this tempest , hee durst not have beene so bold . Sinne hath no eyes , The foole saith it is faire weather , while he is going to the stockes .

We have heard the cause of this tempest , The effects follow .

First , in the ship , which was so faire and goodly as might have endured many voyages , yet one tempest shivers it in peeces , and all because Ionah was in it . Such strife is alwaies betwixt Gods wrath and mans disobedience .

Secondly , in the Marriners 1. They were afraid . 2. They used meanes to appease this tempest .

Then the Marriners were afraid ,

Marriners are commonly men void of feare , venterous and contemners of dangers , yet these nought-fearing fellowes , being perswaded this was no ordinary storme , but a revenging tempest , doe quake like a young souldier that starts at the sound of a gun .

And cryed every man to his god and cast forth their wares into the Sea .

This one meanes to save themselves , shewes that the Heathen acknowledge there is a divine power governing the world : for they would not have prayed , but that they knew there was a God that could in extreamest danger deliver them . This man may by the light of nature , and by the multitude and excellency of creatures discerne . The wicked learne it by the disappointment of their enterprises , and are compelled to kneele to that God by fained shewes of humiliation in hope of helpe , whom otherwise they would never acknowledge .

Every one unto his god .

Among the Gentiles every nation had a severall god . Chamos of the Moabites , Baalzebub of the Eckronites , Diana of the Ephesians , 1 Sam. 5. 5. Acts 19. 35. and every one of us in our necessity have our severall gods . Some runne to their coffers , others to their delights and wanton sports , supposing no trouble so great that they will not cause them to forget it , others to their glorious attires and costly jewels , some to their dainty meates and soft beds . In sicknesse wee cry come Physitian , in heavinesse come musicke , ever leaving the Creator which is all goodnesse and power , and flie to the creature which have neither . Thus they did well that they prayed , but they prayed not well , for they prayed to fained gods , while none could helpe but one , they cryed to many , thus stirred they the tempest more , like Papists , from one Saint to another , thinking if one Saint doe not helpe , another will .

They cryed .

But this cry is often without faith , and let not the wavering minded man thinke to receive any good of the Lord , Iames 2. 7.

And they cast their wares into the Sea .

The Marriners are content to cast their wares into the Sea , in hope of some furtherance to save their lives thereby : for though many venture their lives for riches , yet they will rather part with all their riches , then with their lives . But the ship though it bee lighter is not the safer ; for it was sinne that procured the danger , which being cast away , would have saved all , but being retained , the tempest is not abated . If I regard wickednesse in my heart , ( saith David ) Psal. 66. 18. the Lord will not heare mee . And Paul saith , 1 Cor. 13. 3. Though I cast my life into the fire , If I have no charity , if I retaine malice in my heart , it profiteth me nothing . If I cast not away sinne , I cast away all . Some will give to the poore , and yet use extortion and usury to get money by : but God saith to such , that if they regard wickednesse in their hearts , it profiteth nothing ; though they part with all that they have , and bestow it upon never so good uses , they doe but as the Marriners did , cast all away their desire nothing satisfied : though they thinke themselves beneficiall to the poore thereby , and hope for a reward , yet God will accept of them but as Hypocrites , hee will none of their oblations , he abhorreth their very prayers , Pro. 15. 8.

And they cast , &c.

Observe here , that oftentimes many are punished for one mans sinne , as all the hoste of Israell were punished for the sinne of Achan , and heere all the Marriners and owners of ship or wares for Ionahs sinne , &c. to the end that men may learne thereby to admonish one another with love when they see them doe amisse , and not say with Caine , Am I the keeper of my brother ? for hee that is not carefull to keepe his brother from sinne , is not carefull to keepe himselfe either from sinne or from sorrow , therefore let us take heed that a wicked one bee not found amongst us unadmonished .

Further we may note that extremity is Gods opportunity : for when the winde had almost overturned all , and the waters had almost drowned all , then , and not afore , was Gods opportunity to set sorth his glory .

First , they used prayer unto the divine powers for assistance : then they used such ordinary meanes as they knew best in such a time ; which order is necessary to bee used of all Christians in their necessity . First , to seeke for aid and assistance from God , and then to use all such good meanes to helpe themselves , as God shall enable them too ; trusting that of his goodnesse hee will blesse their endeavours . God indeed is the last refuge , but hee is also the first refuge which is to bee sought unto : for hee will have us to acknowledge that man liveth not by bread onely , and an horse is but a vaine thing to save a man , and except the Lord keepe the Citty , the Watchman waketh but in vaine ; no meanes can helpe without his blessing . But then , hee will not have us negligent in using of lawfull meanes : for he never or very seldome worketh without means , when the meanes may bee used . Danger then wee have seene made them to feare , but feare astonished them not , but gathered their wits together , for they used meanes with wisdome to save themselves . But when the Lord sends calamity upon many of the ungodly , they have so guilty a conscience , that whilest they feele the great hand of God , they are even distraught of their wits , and made as it were senselesse , that they know not what they doe : yea when troubles come , it makes them like a headlesse Bee , which buzzeth about shee knowes not whither , or like the Swallow , which by compulsion of the winde , flieth backward and forward till it fall into the Sea : or like Caine , whose head was fraught with feares , so that hee knew not whither to goe , doubting to bee slaine of every one whom he saw . But whatsoever befalleth the childe of God , hee hath ever matter of consolation and some moderation of minde to beare it withall , expecting a joyfull issue of all . Therefore blessed is hee that hath the Lord for his God .

But Ionah was gone downe into the sides of the ship , &c.

Ionah was fast asleepe when hee should bee better occupied , to note our drowsinesse in hearing , and our security in sinne , that though the very senselesse ship seemed by rowling and cracking to cry to Ionah , yet was not hee once moved , but like one sicke of a Lethargy , deafe to all wakenings .

Ionah signifies a Dove . Hee was like Noahs Dove , that out of the Arke could finde no rest ; so Ionah could not sleepe being fled from God , but the Tempest will awake him .

And he was fast asleepe .

See how little Ionah is ashamed of his sinne . Though all smarted for it yet hee sleepes ; neither winds blowing , waters roaring , ships reeling , nor Marriners crying could wake him . Thus wee sleepe more deadly then Ionah , wee looke not backe on our sinnes and examine our selves throughly , that wee might finde release of our miseries .

If Ionah a Prophet , and such a Prophet as was the figure of Christ , could not withstand this one temptation , what cause have we to watch against sinne , to pray that wee be not led into temptation .

In Ionahs sleeping observe two things .

First , when we thinke our selves most at rest , then are wee in greatest danger , as Ionah asleepe neere his shipwracke . When Herod is vaunting then is hee stricken , Acts 12. 21. When Nebuchadnezzar is in his greatest pride then is hee turned out , Dan. 4. 27. When Belshazzar is banquetting , the hand writ his condemnation , Dan. 5. 4. When the rich man saith unto his soule , thou hast enough , Luke 12. 19. then his soule is taken from him .

Secondly , note here the nature of sinne , while it is in doing , like a Harlot , shewes nothing but her bravery , Witnesse Adams fruit , Noahs wine , Davids adultery , till Gods judgements overtake them , as the whirlewinde suddenly , unresistably . So though sin bee sweet in the mouth it is bitter in the belly .

Then the ship-master came unto him , &c.

Here Ionah is taken napping , the Marriners may doe him more good then the tempest , whom sinne should waken perill cannot .

Ionah is asleepe and the Marriners wake him , an Israelite wakened by an Infidell . Thus the Lord shames his servants , as hee reproved Abraham by Abimelech , Gen. 20. 9. Balaam , by an Asse , Numb. 22. 28.

This story Ionah writes of himselfe , that wee might bee warned by him to suppresse all evill motions that they take not effect .

What meanest thou , O sleeper .

Ionah being thus warned did not snap at him that wakened him , nor yet basely sit still but ariseth .

Many of you come to heare the Word , and here you fall asleepe , when you have most need to bee waking , but I am glad , I have now gotten a Text to waken you , for now I cannot reade my Text , but I must say , What meanest thou , O sleeper , Arise . If you marke not what is said unto you , you are asleepe , though your eyes bee open : but if you were as wise as Ionah , you would not sleepe here in the sight of all the people , but would rather get you to sleepe in some corner , for Ionah went under the hatches to sleepe , and would not sleepe in the sight of the Marriners . If you were as wise as Ionah , you would thank him that wakened you , as no doubt Ionah did ; Salomon saith , Pro. 28. 23. that hee which reproveth , shall have more favour of a wise man , than hee which flattereth . The Lord Iesus saith , Woe be unto that servant , that when his Master commeth hee shall finde sleeping , Canst thou not watch one houre , saith hee to Peter ? Can you not wake while I speake to you ? You would all be found in the Church when the Lord commeth , but you would not bee found sleeping in the Church . You are watched , and none of you can steale a nap and not bee espied , but when your eyes bee most shut , and see least , then most eyes bee upon you . I marvell how you can sleepe having so many eyes upon you , so many clamours in your eares , and God himselfe speaking unto you . If you should see a traitor sleepe on the hurdle , or men sleepe with meate in their mouthes , would you not marvell ? Yet even so doe you , while I denounce the great iudgements of God against you , and while I am feeding some of you , you fall asleepe , and so I preach in vaine . There is a Countrey whereof it is said , that it is night with them , when it is day with us . I thinke that Countrey is here , for how many are here which have lost their eyes and their eares since they came hither ? If all of you , were as many of you are ( I meane asleepe ) the strangers that come hither to heare , would thinke that you were all dead , and that I preached your funerall Sermon , therefore for shame leave your sleeping .

Arise and call upon thy God , if so bee hee will thinke upon us , &c.

This is another means which they use , Ionah being wakened , to appease the tempest , now that they see they cannot themselves allay the winds , nor asswage the waters , they desire , they exhort Ionah , to try what he can doe by calling upon his God .

Arise call upon thy God , &c.

After that the Ship-master had wakened Ionah , he bids him call upon his God , as if he had said , Watch and pray : hee speakes like a Saint , yet hee is an Infidell ; he said not , call upon gods : but call upon thy God . The ship-master , would not call upon his God : but ( saith hee ) call upon thy God , and it may bee hee will helpe us : if hee had said call upon our god , when hee said , call upon thy God : and if he had said , Hee will helpe us , when hee said , if so bee hee will helpe us , then hee had shewed some sparke of faith . Because he wanted helpe and comfort , hee bids him arise , and because hee was fearefull , hee bids him pray . It may bee ( saith he ) he will thinke upon us , that wee perish not . As if he had said , Ionah , we know that thou hast a God as well as wee , and therefore wee say , Call upon thy God , for now every god is to betried , therefore if ever thou didst pray in thy life fall to it now . Thus Satan leades men a blinde way with zeale , in hope of some reliefe being in trouble . They called upon them for helpe , which were neither willing to assist them , nor able to heare them , and when they perceived by wofull experience , that there was no kinde of succour to bee had that way , they flie to God , and then Satan laboureth to undermine the confidence and expectation of helpe , and to place in stead thereof doubtfullnesse and infidelity . Thus Satan will bee sure to lose nothing by this bargaine any way . Ionah ( say they ) call upon thy God , for if hee cannot helpe us , wee are all undone and lost , for wee have called upon our gods , we have laboured hard to amend our state , wee have cast away our goods to lighten the ship , but all in vaine , for wee are no whit the better , like the woman which had spent all her substance about Physicke , yet all could not helpe her till Christ came , Luke 8. 43. So the Papists while they are well , they pray unto every Saint and Angell for succour against the troublesome times , but in extremity , or at the point of death , none of them can helpe , so that then they are faine to flie unto God or be destitute , as like Idolaters , as one flie is like another : they are like the Heathen , which worship Iuno , Venus , Neptune , Pallas , Iupiter , and the rest : some hold on the one , and some on the other . Some say , if Ioon bee with mee , I care not for all the petty gods , because I hold him chiefe : so another saith , if Saint Gabriel bee with mee , I care not for the rest : and some raise great disputations , whether this Saint or that Saint , this Angell or that Angell bee better : whether our Lady of Bullen , or our Lady of Rome be surest : whether Saint Iames of Callis , or Saint Iames of Compostella be strongest : and so like beggers which run from doore to doore , they runne from one Saint to another . If one god will not helpe , another will , thinke these , as though the gods were contrary one to another , and where the one bids , the other forbids . So some thought that Venus was a friend to the Trojanes , and Pallas was not their friend ; as fooles thinke of Witches , one strikes , another heales .

Call upon thy God .

They bid him call upon his God , before they knew him , but the faithfull would not worship a false god , though they may be helped by him . By the example of these Marriners , if they thought that their god was the true God ( and why else did they worship him : ) wee may learne the substance of every temptation that doth undermine us , namely , that it will bid us doe this evill , that good may come of it : Marke whensoever thou art motioned to evill , if it doe not promise thee some goodnesse to come of it . But the servants of God ought not to doe that which is evill , though they were sure to gaine all things that can bee wished by so doing : for they have learned their lesson , and how to answer Satan at such times : Why temptest thou me Satan ? for it is written , Thou must not doe evill that good may come of it , Rom. 3. 8. and this is the armour called Scriptum est , wherewith the Lord overcame the divell in the wildernesse .

Here also wee may see the difference betweene the faithfull and Infidels : for Call upon thy God , saith the ship-master and the rest .

The Marriners bid Ionah pray to his God in their behalfe : but Ionah saith not to the Marriners , pray to your gods in my behalfe . And this is also manifest , that a Papist will say unto a Protestant , and one that lives well , Pray for me : but a Protestant if he be any thing zealous , will not say unto a Papist , Pray thou for me : knowing that when a Papist doth pray , hee doth it to Idols , Saints or Angels , or at least without faith , and therefore their prayers are abhominable in the sight of God , and therefore they will not bid them doe it because they will not doe evill , to the intent that good may come of it : whereby it is manifest , that our Religion is the true Religion , our Adversaries themselves being judges . And so Pharaoh , said to Moses pray for me : but Moses said not to Pharaoh , pray for me , Exod. 18. 27. &c. Saul said to Samuel , pray thou for me : but Samuel said not to Saul , pray thou for me , 1 Sam. 15. 25. therefore the Marriners had need of Ionah to pray for them : but Ionah had no need of ignorant Idolaters to pray for him . And why should not all pray to Ionahs God , and Pharaoh pray to Moses God , seeing God hath said , Call upon me in trouble and I will heare thee ? Call upon thy God ( say they ) when they cried and saw no helpe , they distrust their gods , they thought they would not helpe : indeed they could not : therefore they ran to another whom they knew not , hoping to bee helped by him , because they thought some god there was that could doe it . So the Papists run from one god to another , from S. Dominick to S. Francis , and why should they run from S. Dominick to S. Francis , but that they mistrusted Dominick ? they thinke hee will not heare them , and so they goe forward : but in the end the unknowne God is thought to be the best : yet the Lord taught not Peter one prayer , and Iohn another , but taught them all one prayer unto one onely God , and to wait still upon him , praying still , with assurance he will bee a helpe in due time .

If peradventure hee will thinke upon us that we perish not .

This if , perhaps , and peradventure , cost Adam Paradise , God said to Adam , If thou doest eate of this tree , thou shalt surely die . Then Evah reported these words , thus : least peradventure we die . The Serpent seeing her in such a minde , so carelesse or forgetfull of the commandement , hee came and quite changed the matter , and said ; You shall not die . Thus sin creepes upon us , while doubtfullnesse remaineth in us : so God saith , You shall be saved : the trembling flesh saith , peradventure I shall , &c. then commeth Satan , and hee saith , Thou shalt die : so that if you will aske what is the faith of sinners , or if you would have it defined , it is this : peradventure yea , peradventure no : if you will aske me whereupon this faith is grounded : it is upon ifs and ands : this is the faith of the ungodly , to say , If so bee God will helpe us : for they cannot assure themselves of any helpe . But wee may not doubt of our God , and say , It may be , or , If peradventure : for we may freely pray to our God with confidence : and may say , our God , and the God of Ionah will surely helpe us , and hath helped us . But yet let us know that we have sinned like infidels , and doe deserve to bee punished like the Egyptians .

If so be he will , &c.

Thus it commeth in like a little leaven , which sowreth the whole lump of dow , and like the moth , which eateth the whole wedding garment , and this same little theefe hath stolen away all the Papists faith : Therefore with them wickednesse lieth sicke in bed , and calleth to every one that commeth by , Call upon God , and pray for me , if so be hee will looke upon us and helpe us : and so their hope when the tempest commeth , is either an easelesse horrour , or a comfortlesse doubting .

If so he will thinke upon us .

Our God thought upon us in the time of trouble : hee thought upon us , and laid the tempest when our enemies called upon their gods , Saints and Angels . But what doe we meane , beloved , when mercy is come to send for judgement ? for though we be saved with Israel , we deserve to bee plagued with Pharaoh , because wee are not thankefull for this , namely that the Lord hath thought upon us in our distresse ; for hee travelleth with mercie , and laboureth till he be delivered , he goeth laded like a Bee , but wants a hive . There are two hands , a hand to give , and a hand to receive : Gods hand to give , and mans hand to receive : the hand of God is a bountifull and a mercifull hand , a hand loden with liberality , full of gracious gifts : therefore let us stretch forth the good hand to receive it , thankefully to embrace it , cheerefully to entertaine it , and carefully to keepe it , let us receive it by the hand of faith , the hand of love , and the hand of prayer , for who so commeth with his hand shal be filled , & who so commeth without it , shall go empty away , because they have despised the waies of God : for when I instructed them , they would not heare , and what I taught them they would not learne , saith the Lord , Pro. 1. 24 , 25. Ionah wakened thus , and thus exhorted to call upon his God , soone no doubt perceived his danger , and partly with the horrour of his sinne , partly for feare of the deserved , and thus threatned drowning and other punishments , without question was grievously vexed . For hee could not but see , that the very dumbe creatures were bent against him for his disobedience : the winde blowes , as though it would overturne all , the waters roare , as though they would drowne all , the ship tumbles , as though shee were weary of all , and albeit the Marriners had cryed , and cast out the wares , as though they would lose all , yet the tempest rageth still , their danger is greater than ever .

Wherefore now one might have said to Satan , Satan thou perswadest him to flie from his defence for his safety , and madest him beleeve that he should come safe to Tarshish , and there live at liberty and ease , enjoying all temporall benefits at his pleasure , but now thou hast brought him into the prison of the ship , and it is tost thus by this tempest likely to destroy him , thou leavest him in the greatest danger , and rejoycest that Ionah quaketh at the tempest , and hath his heart aking for feare of the danger thus threatned due to rebellion : yea , seekest also to drowne him , and that also in hell , howsoever thou pretendest a desire to preserve him from troubles , and procure him many pleasures , with much security : O most wretched and deceitfull lyer , he that trusteth his enemie , and hee that beleeveth thee , shall ever be deceived . And now might Ionah say , Beware by me , for thus hath the tempter deceived me , he hath allured mee with flattering fantasies , and perswaded me , that it was but an easie thing to flie from the presence of the Lord , that seeth alwaies all things , and from whom no man , no nor secret lurking in any mans heart can be hid , but all are alwaies in his presence . Hee made mee beleeve that light could be brought out of darknesse , that good may come of evill : for hee assureth mee , that if I would set forth toward Tarshish , I should not onely shun the presence of the Lord , but should live at ease like one unknowne , both for my vocation , and also for my behaviour in the execution thereof , and so I might creepe into a familiarity with these people , and enjoy the benefit of their society . Otherwise , if I went to Nineveh as the Lord commanded , they would hate and persecute me , yea , and so I should end my life in misery , both because they being Gentiles , and I a Jew , they cannot abide me , for the one holdeth the other in contempt : and also because of my message , namely , a Prophecy of destruction , grounded upon a reproofe of their vile and sinfull pleasures . Which message , Satan perswaded me would be so hainously taken , that no death , nor torment , that they could devise for mee , would bee thought sufficient , and so I should bee sure never to escape their hands alive , if I went : as though the eternall and most glorious God , which sent me thither , were not able to defend me from all evill when I came thither , as well as he did Daniel in the Den of Lyons , and Christ in the wildernesse among the savage beasts . And when Satan had thus perswaded me I beleeved him and so tooke my journey to flie from the presence of the Lord , if I could have performed my intention . But the Lord hath beheld the stubbornenesse and disobedience of my heart , and therfore followeth me with great displeasure : he hath sent out this tempest upon the sea , whereby we are like to be overwhelmed , and so neere as we are to the water , so neere wee are to death by all likely-hood .

THE PVNISHMENT OF JONAH . JONAH 1. 7. Afterwards they said every one to his fellow , Come and let us cast lots , that wee may know for whose cause this evill is come upon us , So they cast lots , and the lot fell upon Ionah .

NOw followeth another meanes which the Marriners use to appease the tempest .

They cast lots .

But first , they consult and consent to cast lots . The tempest was so strong that they concluded with themselves , it was the revenging power of some angry God , for the sin of some notorious wretch that was amongst them .

Seeing therefore neither they , nor Ionah praying , had appeased the tempest , but it was rather increased , and no man confessed he was the sinner , they take counsell , and agree to find him out by lots , wherein let us observe ; first , never a one of them is of Davids spirit , who when he saw the people plagued , said , Lord it is I : Every man excuseth himselfe : for every man would extenuate his own sin , and diminish it , and every one thinketh his sinne salved , when hee hath excused himselfe . Let Adam be his owne judge , and he will say . The woman tempted him to sin : and let the woman be her owne judge , and she will say , Yonder Serpent perswaded her to it . Let every one be his own judge , and there will be such posting off of sin , that never a one will be found guilty . There is none that will be so impudent , as to say he hath no sin at all , yet few that will freely confesse they have grievously sinned . Therfore these here say every man within himselfe , though he be a sinner , yet he is no great sinner . None are accounted sinners , unlesse they bee openly detected of some notable and hainous crime . If they be dicers , swearers , drunkards , brawlers , pickers , flatterers , prophaners of the Sabbath , sleepers at Church , and such like , they be not thought sinners : these actions are counted no sins , but rather recreations . For the multitude count none sinners , unlesse they be theeves , traytors , open and grosse Idolaters , and taken with such like capitall crimes : no more these neither , were it not for feare of the law : as none among the Iewes , but Publicans , were counted sinners , all the rest were good fellowes , and just men .

The Papists say , some thoughts , affections , words , and outward actions , not agreeing with the Law of God , are easily washt away with a little holy-water , &c. they are not deadly , they deserve not the wrath of God , they are but veniall . Did you ever read of these veniall sinnes in the Scripture ? But thinke you they have nothing but Scripture ? Yes they have Decrees , they have decretals , the Ceremonies whereof observed , these veniall sinnes are soone pardoned , & they have a Pope that can forgive any sins . Thus they lessen sinnes , thus they abate the price of sinnes , and they can buy out sins with money , or redeeme them with Masses , and by a little short pennance purchase a large and long pardon .

And as the Marriners , every man thought hee was no great sinner : so Ionah thought with himselfe , Though I bee a great sinner , yet am I not so grievous a sinner as these Idolatrous heathens : or if he throughly condemned himselfe , yet unwilling to bee knowne such a rebell , he thought it may be , it is most likely , they are many , I but one , peradventure therefore the lot will not fall upon me : like a theefe , which notwithstanding in his own heart hee acknowledge himselfe guilty of that wherewithall he is charged , yet will not confesse , untill the matter be throughly sifted , and so clearely proved to his owne face , in such sort , that he cannot for shame ( though with shame hee confesse , ) deny it . Therefore if God had not sifted out this sinner the better , Ionah would not have beene knowne the man , and the Marriners would still have contended who was the lesser sinner , therefore they consult to cast lots .

Let us cast lot .

They did not use to cast lots , this was no custome among the Marriners : but the tempest was so wonderfull , that it made them seriously to thinke of God , and willing to use the meanes prescribed by God for the ending of doubtfull matters , acknowledging that he ordereth all , and the lot is the sentence of God : by the falling of the lot , he revealeth the truth .

These like worldlings never confesse God , but when he commeth in a tempest : they will not see his mercy , untill his justice appeare : they will not acknowledge Gods governement , before he bring on them some judgement , like Pharaohs Sorcerers , who confessed not Gods majesty , while they lived at ease , but when the Lord plagued them , they cryed out , This is the finger of God .

Let us cast lots , that wee may know for whose cause this evill is come upon us .

Why ? what are they the better when they know him ? what would they doe with him on whom the lot should fall ? Surely they supposing , or rather cleerely seeing this tempest to be sent from some wrathfull power , and that for some one mans sinne amongst them , they determined having found him , to sacrifice him unto the God that was so offended by him , God turneth evill unto good , but the divell turneth good unto evill . The Gentiles had a custome in the time of the common plague , to sacrifice one for the rest . This custome they took by imitation of the Iewes , in offering beasts , and of Abraham in offering his sonne , the divell that father of lies and schoolemaster of all mischiefe teaching them . So the divell tooke advantage to doe evill by the service of God . In moving the Gentiles to worke abomination by offering men , imitating the Iewes commanded sacrifices . But if they had rightly knowne the true God , they would have taken their sins by the throat , and have sacrificed them .

Come , let us cast lots .

The Marriners were not so wise to prevent the tempest before it came , as they be diligent to allay the tempest when it may not be laid : we overtaken with Gods just judgements , are very carefull alwaies , to use all meanes to bee rid of them . But who keepeth a watch over his owne waies , and diligently laboureth to keepe himself free from that which necessarily draweth on it selfe Gods judgement ? who purgeth himselfe of his sinnes , lest hee bee sicke ? who letteth or fetcheth out his corrupt bloud of pride , lust , covetousnesse , lest hee before ? who keepes a good diet , and maketh his choise of holy exercises , godly companions , religious conferences ? &c. But know we , he is not safe that is sound , neither he sound that is intemperate .

So they cast lots .

Whether it be lawfull to cast lots , it is not evident by this example , because they were Gentiles , and therefore no president for us : but so farre may we use them , as the Word doth lead us , and no further .

There are two Goats brought to Aaron , Levit. 16. that hee might cast lots , to see which Goat should bee killed , and which should not , these Goats signifie Christ : for as he died he lived againe , and as he was buried , he rose againe . Againe the land of Canaan is parted by lots , Numb. 34. to see what part each Tribe should inhabite . Againe , that theefe Achan is found out by lots , Iosh. 7. first by his Tribe , then by his Family and lastly , by his particular person .

Againe it is said , that Saul was chosen King by lots , 1 Sam 10. and least any should have said , that it was his good lucke , his good lot or chance to bee King : therefore the Lord appointed that he should be annointed before hee was chosen by lots .

Againe , Matthias is chosen by lots to the Apostleship in stead of Iudas , Acts 1. so that it is lawfull in some causes to cast lots , so that they doe attribute nothing unto them , and acknowledge that the lot is cast into the lap , but the disposition thereof is from the Lord , Pro. 16. 33. for they must not say that it is their chance , fortune , or good lucke : for so they make an Idoll of it , and rob God of the honour due unto him . For it was not Sauls fortune to be King , but Gods mercy : it was not Achans chance to be caught , but Gods judgement . Lots may bee used to prevent strife , when all other meanes have beene used , and sometimes before all other meanes , when in wisedome it is thought the best meanes . Brethren often and godly at first divided their inheritance by lots , as the Children of Israel divided the land of Canaan . Therefore in the Church of Geneva there is an order , that in the time of plague , there should be an house set apart for the sick to lodge in , and least they should bee uncomforted , they chuse out a Mininister by lots to doe it .

So they cast lots .

Now we are come to put up our selves to the Court of Lawyers , to see if they will doe any thing for God , for conscience , or for love , viz. that they would end mens suits quickly , and let the poore Clients have equity . Some say that Lawyers bee good untill they bee Counsellers , like Lions , which will be gentle untill their tallons grow : bee not offended , but amend , for malice speakes not .

I am perswaded , that if the lots were cast to see who troubles the ship , it would fall upon the Lawyers : bee not offended but amend , for malice speakes not . A poore Client commeth forth accusing one , and going home accuseth a hundred : for so many seeke to hinder him , so few seeke to further him , and so many seeke to hinder him , that all his gaine is but labour and losse .

For a small matter many will come to law , to strive for that , which with reason might easily be attained without such contention , and others seeke to enrich themselves with contending for a small matter with their neighbours , yet in the end lose that they sought , and that they had beside : and so they contend and strive about a thing commonly , till the Lawyer hath gained more by them , than the thing which is in controversie is worth . These are like the Mouse and the Frog , which strove so long about Marsh-ground , that at length the Kite came and took them both from it . Others will come up to law about a small matter , and therein so intangle themselves , that they cannot rid their hands of it , untill it have almost undone them , like a silly sheepe that is hunting a flie , which runneth from bush to bush , and every bush catcheth a locke of him , so that the poore sheepe is threed-bare ere he hath done , and hath not a fleece left him to cover himselfe withall . So hee runnes from Court to Court , to sue , to complaine , to plead , till he have spent his cloake , his coat : were it not better to have cast lots for the coat at first ? For the Law is like a Butlers box , play still on till all come to the Candlesticke . Therefore it is lawfull , to end any controversie in a hard matter , to use this meanes .

Now whether it bee lawfull to cast dice , if lots may not bee used ( as Salomons words , Prov. 18. 18. The lot causeth contention to cease , compared with Heb. 6. 16. prove ) but in hard matters and waighty causes , when the thing is doubtfull , and all good meanes are tried before to avoid strife : that question is decided , which none but voluptuous men make question of , namely , whether dice-play bee a meet exercise for a Christian soule . Salomon saith , the lot causeth contention to cease : therfore , lots are to end strife , but these lots make strife : for before thou takest the Dice , thou knowest thine owne , and no man striveth to take it from thee : but when thou castest the Dice , thou doest ( as it were ) aske whether thine owne be thine owne , and makest a strife of no strife . Art thou not worthy to lose the gifts of God , which venturest to lose them when thou needest not ? Doest thou not deserve to forgoe thine owne , which art so greedy of anothers , that thou wouldest have his living for nothing , but for turning of a Die ? Esau did not sell his birth-right so lightly , but hee had somewhat for it which refreshed his hunger , but God hath given thee a living , and thou spendest it for nothing . The Marriners did cast lots to finde out the sinner : they did not cast Dice to see who should winne , as Dicers doe : for to whom the lot falls , hee taketh all , which deserves to lose all as well as the other , and hath no right unto it by any law : for God hath not allowed one man to take anothers goods for the tripping of a Die , but either they must bee merited , or they must be given , or they must be bought , or else it is unlawfull , ungodly , unconscionable , to take them : Besides the brawles , the cosenages , the oathes annexed to this game , which would not agree with it , unlesse it had beene a meete companion for them . Thou takest another mans goods for nothing , whereas God hath appointed thee to get thy living , with the sweat of thy browes , for thou takest away that which others sweat for , and whereas thou shouldest live by working , thou seekest to live by playing , like as the Ape which lives by toying . Doth any Dicer thinke he doth well ? Tell me what thinkest thou ? for every sinner doth condemne in his prayer to God , that which he excuseth before men : if they which are Gamesters repent it , how can they which are Gamesters defend it ? Thou shouldest doe nothing , but that thou wouldest have God finde thee doing if hee should come to judgement : wouldest thou have him take thee at dice ? I am sure thou wouldest not have God see thee so vainely occupied : neither canst thou thinke , that Christ , or his Prophets , or Apostles , or Evangelists , were Dicers , for no such lots are named in the holy Scripture , and yet the Lords day is most prophaned with this exercise , Cards and Dice , as though they kept all their vanities to celebrate holy dayes , what hast thou to alledge for Dice , now evidence is given up against them ? hast thou any patron to speake for them , but thy vaine pleasure and filthy covetousnesse , which are condemned already , and therefore have no voice by Law ? Take away these , and take away Dice . The Patron condemnes the Clients , when one voyce condemnes another : if the exercise were lawfull , such Patrons as pleasure and covetousnesse would not speake for it . Take thy pleasure therefore in that which is good , and the Angels will rejoyce with thee : if this were good , God would prosper them better that use it : but neither winners nor loosers are gainers . I know not how , but there is not so much wonne as lost , as though the Divell did part stakes with them , and draw away with a blacke hand , when no man seeth , for the winner saith , he hath not wonne halfe so much as the looser hath lost . One would thinke that one of them should flow , when so many ebbe : there is never an ebbe without a flowing , never one loseth , but another winneth , but at Dice . What a cursed thing is this that turnes no man to good , which robs others , & beggars themselves ? The Schoole of deceit , the shop of oathes , and the field of vanities . Thou doest not onely hazzard thy money ( in this game ) but venturest thy salvation , and castest Dice with the divell , who shall have thy soule . For every thing that commeth well to man , he giveth thankes , but for that which commeth by Dice , hee is ashamed to give thankes ; which sheweth , that in conscience that gaine is evill gotten , and that hee sought it without God . Can this bee good when worst men use it most ? If it were good , the evill would like worse of it than the good : but the more a man savoureth of any goodnesse , the more he begins to abhorre it , and his Conscience doth accuse him for it as for sinne . They which doubt whether GOD doe allow it , need but looke how hee doth prosper them that use it : but they trust not in God , ( the termes of their occupation discrie ) for they call all their casts , chances , as though they relyed not upon God , but upon chance . Therefore if Dice make strife without cause , if they take away others goods for nothing , if wee may not live by playing , but by labour , if they which have beene Dicers , repent it among their sinnes , if the holy men never used this recreation , but the worst most delight in it , if thou wouldest not have God see thee when thou playest at Dice , nor take thee at it when he comes to judgement , if nothing but pleasure and covetousnesse speake for them , if they doe not prosper which take pleasure in it , if they trust not upon God , but relie upon chance , if thou doest not onely venture thy money , but hazzard thy soule , then the best cast at Dice is , to cast them quite away .

And the lot fell upon Ionah .

The lot fell upon Ionah , not because hee was the greatest sinner of them all , ( for so is the opinion of the common people , to censure them worst whom they see most afflicted : If any one bee seene to beare his crosse , then many will say , This is a wicked man , and so thinke well of themselves , supposing that God is not bent against them to punish them as well , ) but because Ionah should feele the hand of the Lord both punishing and preserving him , and be reformed : for God correcteth all , as hee did his Sonne , to learne them obedience . But if judgement begin with the house of God , what shall become of the ungodly ?

And the lot fell upon Ionah .

Now when the sinner that troubled the ship is taken , now Ionah can hide himselfe no longer . Now he might also feare to bee sacrificed by the Marriners presently . For the Marriners , partly for the paine they had endured , partly for the losse they had sustained , partly for the danger wherein they remained , were no doubt as the shee wolves robbed of their whelpes , out of measure furious and fully bent to sacrifice him on whom the lot fell , to appease the wrathfull God . But God stayed , and restrained the rage of the Marriners , and made them afterward willing to abide the tempest a while , and put themselves to more paine to save him , endevouring by rowing to recover land . For having heard of the true God , and though they lost their goods , having found who is all good , shall we ( say they ) destroy him that hath saved us ? Shall we give him up to death unnecessarily , that hath brought us to life , and assured us to reigne with God in all glory everlasting ? Surely the thanklesse are gracelesse : especially they that love not , and shew not forth the labour of love for their gracious guide to God : but therefore wee may see that the hearts of men are in the hands of God , and he turneth them which way he list , hee fashioneth their hearts every one , yea even Kings hearts , as rivers of water doth he turne , to water and make fruitfull his vine : to pitty and to persecute , to honour and to shame , to love and hate his people : to deliver their power to the beast , Revel. 17. 13. And againe to eate the Whores flesh , and to burne her with fire , Revel. 17. 16 , 17. Therefore let us never feare to performe our duties whatsoever , to whomsoever : for he formeth the hearts of all , who hath promised to honour them that honour him but to make them contemptible that doe despise him . Neither let us put confidence in man , nor in Princes , for their hearts are rivers of water of themselves , fleeting easily as they be led following : But especially let us not forget chiefly to make prayers , supplications , intercessions , and to give thankes for all those , 1 Tim. 2. 1. on the godlinesse or prophanenesse of whose hearts , the flourishing or defacing of the Gospell of Christ Jesus , and the chosen of God doth most depend .

And the lot fell upon Ionah .

Now Ionah could not deny hee was that sinner , unlesse he would accuse God of unrighteous judgement : for the lot is cast into the Lap , but the whole disposition thereof is of the Lord . Now therefore he must needs confesse it . The windes thundering , the waves tumbling , the ship cracking , the Marriners quaking , upon their gods crying , their wares forth casting , Ionahs prayers requested , to cast lots consulting , Ionah kept himselfe close , hee would not be thought that sinner . The winde said , I will overturne thee ; the water said , I will drowne thee : the ship said , I cannot hold thee : the Marriners said , Wee cannot helpe thee : his prayers said , Wee cannot profit thee : his conscience within bleeding , and God at the doore of his heart knocking , and the lots now ready for casting , said threatningly , For thee the tempest is come , thou fugitive , and wee will discover thee .

Yet Ionah conceales his sinne , so much did hee abhorre the shame of men , of strange men , a few men , fraile men , or the feare of the fury of the flesh . Therfore after the windes had roared , and also the waves raged , and the ship reeled , and the Marriners cryed , and the lot , his conscience , and God himselfe threatned him , the lot also condemned him , and the feare of being sacrificed by sinners to Satan terrified him , so that hee forthwith repented throughly , he declared it openly , and confessed his sin freely . Such a stirre hath God before hee can come by his owne : he must crosse us , and set himselfe and all his creatures against us , he must straine our bodies , or leave our soules , and constraine us to it , before wee will returne from our wicked waies and throughly humble our selves to yeeld him due obedience , O the goodnesse of the great God ? O long sufferance and bountifullnes unspeakeable , which not onely leadeth , but also in the chaines of love draweth us to true repentance .

It was Gods great goodnesse to Ionah , that the Marriners sacrificed him not : greater , that he truely repented : that God continueth in his calling , and blesseth his ( whose flying from God , deserved flinging to Satan ) not so much solemne Preaching , as sudden confession , and short denuntiation of vengeance , yea made it so powerfull , that it converted Idolatrous Heathens , most hardned Idolaters : first Marriners , then Ninevites .

For what a blessing felt Ionah , God vouchsafing him of this honour , to offer them a lively , holy , and acceptable sacrifice to God , by whom hee presently before , greatly feared to have beene offered a dead , unholy , and so a delightfull sacrifice to Satan . This feare banished , and that joy possessing him , what a mercy of the Almighty did Ionah thinke it : But before hee converted the Ninevites , he was more to be humbled , fuller to be strengthened , better every way to be prepared . Therefore God would have the sea to wash him , the Whale to fast him , and yet miraculously safe to preserve him , that being purified , he might pray fervently : and being delivered , finde power , comfort , and courage abundantly . Therefore when by lot being taken , and by his owne confession found the man that procured the tempest , the Marriners in love and compassion of him , had assayed by rowing to get to land , but could not , the Sea raging more and more , and Ionah himselfe professed he knew the tempest was sent for his cause , and would bee layed , he being cast into the Sea . Ionah at length was cast out of the ship into the swelling surge of the tempestuous Sea . What hope of life then left ? Is there any ? to swallow up all , soone after hee is swallowed whole of a Whale . Here let us marke , that after the tempest had terrified Ionah , the Marriners reprooved him : when they had reprooved him , his conscience pricked him , when his conscience had pricked him , the consulting to cast lots grieved him : after griefe for consulting , their concluding to cast lots vexed him : vexed at the conclusion , the lot condemnes him : the lot having condemned him , in what an agony think we was Ionah ? partly , that he should bee held that notorious wretch that had brought this woe ? partly , lest they in their raging griefe , for their great trouble of body , losse of goods , and danger of life , should forthwith kill him for a sacrifice , to appease the unknowne angry God ? But after this agony , the terror of drowning followed , and after that the horror of that huge fish : first , lest it teare him in peeces , then lest it melt him , afterward , lest it poyson him : lastly , three daies and three nights the comfortlesse horror of darkenesse , and noysome stinke in the fishes belly tormented him .

First then see , the windes could not further him , the waters could not beare him , the ship could not hold him , the Marriners could not helpe him : and being cast out , lest all for him be cast away , the Whale would not spare him , the stinch would ill feed him , the darknesse would lesse glad him , and light might not visit him . Now see then what Ionah got by his journey , notwithstanding all the promises of which Satan assured him , and all the furtherances which the Serpent procured him , hee lost his labour , lost his money , lost his joy , lost his credit , lost his quiet , and saw no hope but to lose his life too , finding plentifully and bitterly feeling dreadfull feares . He trusted to the windes , the windes could not ▪ save him : hee trusted to the ship , the ship could not keepe him : he trusted to the Marriners , the Marriners could not hold him : he trusted to the lot , the lot would not spare him : he trusted to the waters , the waters could not beare him , neither would the Whale forbeare him , neither did any thing make shew of likelihood to save him . Therefore wee may see in Ionah , what it profiteth a man to flie from God , forsaking his calling , and so practising the evill motions of Satan in stead of the knowne will of God . Assuredly , if we follow his flatteries as Ionah did , we shall have as hee had , accusing consciences , fearefull hearts , and the wrath of God upon our heads . For hee hath nothing to give us , although he promise and make us beleeve hee hath Kingdomes . Yes indeed , he hath horror of minde for all that obey him , and hell for the reward of his , which will make all their hearts ake which receive it .

See secondly in this punishment of Ionah , the justice of God . The Bee , when shee hath once stung , doth leese her sting , so that shee can sting no more : So doth not Gods justice punishing sinne : for it retaineth power , it hath store of stings to vexe still : when one judgement is executed , hee ever hath other enow ready , either of the same kinde in another degree more sharpe , or of another sort : for all the creatures with their severall powers , are Gods darts to strike us when hee commands . Therefore if we be sicke , sicknesse is not dead with us : if we be poore , poverty endeth not : if we be in danger , danger is not therefore put downe for ever after : and if we be vexed , vexation hath not therefore lost his sting : his darts , his weapons also are as sharpe now as they were at the first , and sharper too , because wee are sinfuller . For according to the sicknesse is the medicine , and wounds more dangerous , require more dolourous plaisters .

And if thou be disobedient , then hee will lead thee through them all , untill he hath humbled thee , and made thee to glorifie him with obedience , or utterly destroyed thee .

Thirdly , let us not forget , neither lightly think of this that God knoweth how to punish for sinne , yea most severely to correct his children , though repenting . If our Prophet Ionah here may not keepe thee some good while in a due meditation of it , let that man after Gods owne heart , the sweet Prophet of Israel come to thy mind , and in him see , whether God cockereth his entirest friends , or something sharpely , if not bitterly , handleth them , setling themselves in their dregs , or securely serving the Lord , 2 Sam. 18. 6. 10. 27. 2 Sam. 12. 13 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20. Chap. Psal. 30. & 75. Hos. 6. 4.

Lastly , yet consider God is rich in mercy , and full of compassion , loth to punish unlesse too farre provoked , content to shake his rod over us , to make us feare onely , and keepe us free from feeling his stroaks , if that may have his due worke in us , that is , recall , reforme , and confirme us : for as the windes could not overthrow Ionah , nor the waters drowne him : so neither could the Whale consume , poyson or annoy him , or ought but feare him , though it had swallowed him : for Ionah remembring God , God shewed hee forgot not Ionah . Therefore when and where Ionah thought verily and speedily to have perished , then and there God caused him to bee three daies , and as many nights most safely preserved . O power omnipotent , O goodnesse all sufficient , in al things , at all times . God then as well knoweth to deliver his out of all distresse in due time , as to reserve the wicked to the day of judgement to be punished . And in what danger shall wee despaire ? In what extremities ought not wee to hope in our most mighty Saviour , remembring JONAH in the Whales belly , Ionah 2. 10. Ieremy in the mire of the deepe dungeon , Ier. 38. 13. Daniel among the fierce Lyons , Dan. 6. 24. his three companions in the hot burning Furnace , & 3. 26. nay , 600000. men of warre , and three times as many moe , men and women , young and old in the Wildernesse , lacking now drinke , then meate , Exod. 17. 6. and all these delivered out of all danger , these last miraculously satisfied with drinke out of the rocke , and with meate abundantly from heaven , Ex. 2. 15. 3. 10.

Secondly , though Ionah be cst into the troublous Sea , and swallowed of a huge Whale , yet hee must preach at Nineveh : though Moses flie out of Egypt , yet he must be the leader of Gods people thence , Gen. 29. 20. Ioseph is in prison , but he must bee the Lord of Aegypt , and preserve the Church alive , Gen. 41. 40. 45. 78. Who would have thought that Saul should become Paul , Acts 9. 1 , 2. or forswearing Peter a faithfull Preacher , Acts 4. 11 , 12. Suspend then thy judgement and wonder at Gods workes , whether of mercy , or justice , and thinke not the worse of a man though he were cast out of the Sea , as Ionah , Ionah 2. 10. or basely brought up as Amos , Amos 6. 14. for the deliverer of Israel was brought out of the flagges , Exod. 2. 3. and the converter of Nineveh out of a Whale , Ionah 2. 10. and the salvation of the whole world out of a stall , Luke 2. 17.

And the lot fell upon Ionah .

The lot fell upon Ionah , that hee might be cast out of the ship , that as the ship was almost broken , but not altogether : so Ionah might bee almost drowned , but not altogether : almost consumed , almost poysoned in the belly of the Whale , but not altogether : and that being in the double deepe duely humbled , and as gold in a Furnace , fined and fit for Gods workes , hee might thence in a miraculous manner come forth like Lazarus in his winding sheet , that hee might glorifie God once againe , and couragiously cry against Nineveh .

And the lot fell upon Ionah .

The lot fallen upon Ionah , the justice of God ( both manifesting the truth incorruptly , and chastising his disobedient servant severely ) did appeare but with all singular mercy shined , and the Marriners mindes were mollified , in that they sacrificed him not to Satan , but much more that he by that meanes truely repented . Insomuch that the old Idolatrous Marriners , presently by him were converted , and he cast into the Sea , was not drowned , swallowed of the whale , and three daies continuing therein perished not , but miraculously was preserved , and most graciously cast on land safe : and lastly , crying against Nineveh that sinnefull Cittie , had his Preaching so mightily prevailing , that he wonderfully humbled them all . This mercy was marvellous , this goodnesse of God to Ionah most glorious : For the Ninevites hearing , Yet forty daies and Nineveh shall bee overthrowne , Ionah 3. 5. first as the Marriners had before done , beleeved the Word of GOD , though they never heard it before ? If we heard the Word of God preached as the Marriners and Ninevites did with trembling hearts , in the sense of Gods Majesty , it would not be but wee should feele the power of it lively , and filled with all joy in beleeving speedily , but uneffectuall and fruitlesse is Preaching , because there is nothing almost but unreverent and senselesse hearing . And why should God teach the heedlesse to learne ? Why should hee give pearles to dung-hill Cockes , nay , to very swine ? But they beleeved the Word assoone as they heard it , though they never heard it before . What doth that argue ? Surely it sheweth , that the foolish and simple are more diligent and ready , both to heare and receive the Word of God , then those that are wise in their owne conceit , or also in the view of the world . What saith Christ ? The poore receive the Gospell , Mat. 11. 5. What saith Paul ? Not many rich , not many wise , 1 Cor. 1. 26. For though we have knowledge , if our knowledge be like the Pharisees , Mat. 23. 13 , 14 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28. that is , in shew of sincerity onely , in counterfeit holinesse , and hollow hearted friendship through hypocrisie , it had beene better for us that we had beene ignorant , for it will but leave us the more inexcusable , it will be found insufficient to save us , but sufficient the more fearefully to condemne us , because we know our Masters will and doe it not . Therefore as Peter said to Simon Magus , Thy money perish with thee , Acts 8. 20. So will the Lord say unto such , Thy knowledge perish with thee , seeing it is fruitlesse .

But when Nineveh had beleeved God , what did they secondly ? They speedily , they notably repented , they proclaimed a fast , they put on sack-cloth , they humbled themselves before the Lord , they earnestly besought him to turne away his wrath from this woefull Cittie . Ionah preached at Nineveh , crying against it , seemeth to have humbled them , and that without a miracle ( without which scant any doctrine is of credit among the Gentiles ) not onely within forty , but within foure daies , much within forty dayes , he converted Nineveh , ruffling Nineveh , old and Idolatrous Nineveh , long before forty dayes be ended , the seed is sowne , growne , increased mightily , and full ripe , in a soile in reason most barren . Sow therefore , yee Seedsmen , where you are set . If ye sow cheerefully , ye shall reape plenteously in due time : Faint not : say not I have a stony , or a starved , or a thorny ground : Nineveh repents in sackcloth .

In which willing submission of theirs , and speedy lively repentance at the words of the Prophet , ( after hee had beene three daies and three nights in the Whales belly ) the calling of the Gentiles by Christ , ( after hee had beene three daies and three nights in the bowels of the Earth ) might well bee signified . For they no lesse willingly than the Ninevites , submitted themselves to the Gospell preached no lesse speedily , and peradventure more truely repented . For though they now thus wonderfully humbled themselves , not the fearefull multitude onely , but the richest and greatest , the Nobles and King also , and so all escaped now : soone after they returned to their vomit , and never ceased to adde sinne to sinne , till they were by open warres miserably weakned , and at length fulfilling the Prophecy of Nahum , ( Nah. 3. 16. ) utterly consumed . Therefore first , for the comfort of the godly , since Ahab humbled himselfe before the Lord , ( 1 King . 22. 26 , 27 , 29. ) Ahab , I say , that had done exceeding abhominably , in following Idols , and sold himselfe to worke wickednesse in the sight of the Lord , submitted himselfe under the hand of God , fasting in sackecloth , though hee did all in hypocrisie : had not the evill threatned brought upon him in his daies : seeing Rehoboam ( and the Princes of Israel who had forsaken the Lord ) and the whole Tribe of Iudah , which wrought wickednesse in the sight of the Lord , and provoked him more with their sinnes than all that their Fathers had done humbling themselves before the Lord , and confessing him just , had not the wrath of the Lord powred upon them , by Shishak King of Egypt were not destroyed , but shortly delivered , yea also things prospered in Iudah , though the Lord had threatned to leave them in the hands of Shishack , albeit they truely repented not : lastly , for as much as Nineveh that bloudy Citty full of lies and robbery , the beautifull harlot , with multitude of fornications , that Mistresse of Witchcrasts , which sold the people through her whoredomes , and the nations through her witch-craft , humbling themselves with fasting , and putting on of sackcloth , the Lord repented of the evill he had threatned them , and did it not : how assured may wee bee that whatsoever judgement the Lord threatneth us , and howsoever he threaten it , it shall not light on us , when wee unfainedly humble our selves in true fasting , turning from our evill waies , and from the heart vowing to serve God in all holinesse ? For this is the cleare promise of the faithfull God ; 2 Chron. 7. 13 , 14. If I shut the Heaven that there bee no raine , or if I command the Grashopper to devoure the land , or if I send pestilence amongst my people , if my people , among whom my Name is called upon , doe humble themselves , and pray and seeke my presence , and turne from their wicked waies : then will I heare in Heaven , and bee mercifull to their sinnes , and heale their land . Againe , as generally most plainely saith just Iehovah ; Ier. 18. 7 , 8. I will speake suddenly against a Nation , or against a kingdome , saying , I will plucke it up , and root it out , and destroy it , but if this Nation against which I have pronounced this , turne from their wickednesse , I will repent of the plague that I thought to bring upon them . Let us then , O beloved of the Lord , whosoever love the Lord Iesus , be carefull to fulfill the condition , and then confident not doubting of the performance of the promise , by so much the more , by how much the fewer we be , and by how much the longer and clearer the Lord hath threatned most terrible judgements .

Now for the terror of the ungodly , as many of them as repent onely when Gods hand is upon them , and then humble themselves outwardly onely , and that but onely when the fiercenesse of his wrath appeareth , or else after they have escaped the feared judgement , fall to their wonted wickednesse againe : let them bee sure the strong and just God , that consumed Nineveh slidden backe , will overtake them also in wrath , and for ever turne them over to ceaselesse woe . For the greatnesse , the beauty , the strength , and riches of Nineveh , could not withstand the hand of God , or keepe it from destruction , but rather furthered and hastened it . For with the more excellent ornaments that it was adorned by the Lord , the more hainous and grievous in his sight was the abuse of them . Therfore the hugenesse , or the strength of this , or any other Cittie cannot save it from the judgement of God , being sinnefull in his sight .

Great Sodome is destroyed , Gen. 19. great Iericho is destroyed , Iosh. 6. great Nineveh is destroyed : great Ierusalem is destroyed , 1 King . 24. 25. and great Rome , ( Rev. 18. 2. ) the roome of all uncleane spirits , stayeth for her destruction , like a whore that stayeth for her punishment till shee bee delivered : and these were and shall bee punished for unthankfullnesse and contempt of the Word of God . Yet Nineveh , Iericho , Sodome , nor Rome , have had halfe the Preaching that we have had , yet we are unthankfull too , then what have wee to looke for ? but when Sodome was burned , Zoar stood safe , Gen. 19. 21. when Ierusalem was destroyed , Bethlehem stood still , Ier. 41. 17. So the Lord doth alwaies provide for his people , though he make never so great a slaughter and destruction amongst his enemies . For the Lord because of his covenant doth alwaies provide for his chosen , although they be but a remnant , like the gleaning after harvest , or like a cluster of Grapes on the top of the vine after the vintage , and though there be never so great calamity or ttouble , as wee see in the Booke of Gen. 45. Chap. when there was a great time of dearth and scarcity to come upon the land where Iacob was , the Lord had sent Ioseph to provide for his Father Iacob , lest hee should want bread , hee or any of his sonnes and folkes , and so ordered the matter , that Ioseph was Treasurer over all the Corne in Aegypt . And so among the Turkes , and Spaniards , and Infidels , the Lord will finde meanes to do them good , which unfainedly love him , and in the dungeon , in prison , and in bonds , yea , and in death , the godly shall finde GOD.

FINIS .

Morning Prayer .

O Eternall God , and mercifull Father , which art the light that no man can attaine unto , and yet by thy marvailous lightnesse , drivest away the darknesse of the night , and shaddow of death , and by thy grace enlightnest all those , that being in darknesse come unto thee : I thy unworthy servant , doe blesse and praise thy most holy Name , for all the mercies and gracious benefits , that from time to time I have received from thee ; and most humbly thanke thee , that thou hast vouchsafed me this favour , to passe this night in so quiet and comfortable rest , and hast brought me againe to see and enjoy the light of the Morning . And now , I beseech thee , O Lord , of thy infinite goodnesse and mercy , by the merits of my blessed Saviour , that thy mercifull compassion may this day be extended to me , that being enlightened with thy grace , I may not be carried away by the power of darkenesse , to spend this day after the lust and pleasures of my owne corrupt mind ; but that I may with all care and conscience , follow thy Fatherly will , which thou hast revealed unto me in thy holy Word . Increase in me ( O Lord ) all spirituall gifts and graces , and beat downe in mee all carnall and corrupt affections : enable me by thy blessed Spirit , in some measure , both to withstand that which is evill , and to performe what is good and pleasing unto thee ; and that neither by my owne negligence , nor the power of any temptation , which either the World , the Flesh , or the Divell shall present unto mee , I bee driven away from a true faith , but may lay hold of those gracious promises , that thou hast made unto mee in Jesus Christ my Saviour . Disperse ( O Lord ) the thicke mists and clouds of my sinnes , which corrupt my soule , and darken my understanding , and wash them away ( I most humbly beseech thee ) in the precious bloud of thy Sonnes Passion , that so I may be acknowledged for one of thine Elect , when I shall appeare before thy Iudgement seate . Give mee a will carefully to follow my vocation , and let thy blessing bee upon me in the same : blesse me in my body , in my soule , and in whatsoever belongs unto mee : lighten my minde , and inflame my heart with a love of those things that are good ; and as my body ( by thy power ) is risen from sleepe , so my soule may daily be raised from the slumber of sinne , and the darknesse of this world , and so both together may enjoy that everlasting light which thou hast provided for thy Saints , and purchased with the bloud of thy deare Sonne our Saviour Iesus Christ : to whom with thee , O Father , and the blessed Spirit , be all honour and glory for evermore , Amen .

Evening Prayer .

O Almighty and everlasting God , the Father of mercy , and God of all consolation , that by thy mercifull Providence , defendest all those that walke before thee , and put their trust in thee : I poore and miserable sinner ( unworthy of the least of thy favours ) doe yet presume ( in the name and mediation of Iesus Christ ) to present my selfe before thee , and to offer up this poore sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving unto thee , that thou hast nourished and preserved me by thy power , and hast guided and governed me by thy Word and Spirit : and ( as for all other thy blessings ) so for that mercy that hath this day accompanied me , whereby I have both beene preserved from many sinnes , that the wickednesse of my nature was inclined unto , and also delivered from many punishments , that the sinnes that I have committed have deserved : I most humbly beseech thee , in the merits of Christ Iesus , to pardon and forgive mee all my sinnes , which eith●● in thought , word , or deed , I have this day , or any time heretofore committed against thee ; whether they be the sins of my youth , or of my age , the sinnes of omission or commission , whether wittingly or ignorantly committed : good Lord , pardon them unto me , and let them not cause thee this night ( as justly thou maist doe ) to take vengeance of me , but bee mercifull unto mee , O Lord , in forgiving the evill I have committed , in supplying the good that I have omitted , in restoring mee to that which I have lost , in healing my sores , in lightning my blindnesse , in clensing my filthinesse , and in altering the whole course of my corrupt minde , that I may bee delivered from that which is evill , and enabled to performe that which is agreeable to thy blessed Will and Word . And Lord , as thou hast this day preserved and kept mee in safety , so I most humbly beseech thee to protect mee this night from all danger , both bodily and ghostly , and to give mee such quiet and comfortable rest , as may enable mee to walke on in that vocation , wherein thou hast placed me , and that I may both bee delivered from the darkenesse of this present night , and may also escape that everlasting darkenesse , which thou hast provided for those , that without Repentance continue in their sinnes : from which , good Lord , deliver me , and all those that belong unto thee ; and that for the merits of the death and passion of my blessed Saviour Iesus Christ : in whose Name I continue my prayers for my selfe , and thy whole Church , saying , as he hath taught us . Our Father . &c.

O Lord , prepare our hearts to Prayer .

O Lord God our heavenly Father , wee thy poore and wretched creatures , give thee most humble and hearty thankes for our quiet and safe sleepe , and for raising us up from the same . We beseech thee , for Jesus Christs sake , to prosper us this day in our labour and travell , that it may be to the discharging of our duty in our vocations , principally to thy glory ; next , to the profit of this Church and Common-weale ; and last of all , to the benefit and content of our Masters . Grant , deare Father , that wee may cheerefully and conscionably doe our businesse and labours , not as men-pleasers , but as serving thee our God , knowing thee to bee the chiefe Master of us , and that thou seest and beholdest us with thy Fatherly eyes , who hast promised reward to them that faithfully and truely walke in their vocation , and threatned everlasting death and damnation to them , that deceitfully and wickedly doe their workes and labours . Wee beseech thee , O heavenly Father , to give us the strength of thy Spirit , that godly and gladly wee may overcome our labours , and that the tediousnesse of that irkesome labour , which thou for our sinnes hast powred upon all mankinde , may seeme to us more delectable and sweet . Fulfill now , O Lord , these our requests , for thy Sonne our Saviours sake , in whose Name wee pray , as he himselfe hath taught us .

Our Father which art in Heaven , &c. FINIS .

Notes, typically marginal, from the original text

Notes for div A12360-e430