A practical exposition of the historical prophesie of Jonah delivering sundry brief notes in a cursory way concerning the mind of the Holy Ghost in the several passages. Imprimatur. June 5. 1665.

THE PROPHESIE OF JONAH .

JOnah in Hebrew signifies a Dove : Hieron . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Mar. 1.10 . and the Lord send upon us the good Spirit which descended on Christ as a Dove , that we may rightly and fruitfully treat of this Prophesie , which was written as all other Scripture , for our Instruction and consolation .

Of Jonah we read in two other Scriptures , 2 King . 14.25 . Mat. 12.39 , 40. Gath-Hepher was the place of his Birth , and one of the Cities that fell to the lot of Zebulon : and was so called , to distingush it from Gath Rimmon , and Gath of the Philistines . Note . Malice blinds . Where note the falseness of the blind and malicious Pharisee , who said , Out of Galilee ariseth no Prophet , Joh. 7.52 . Yes , Jonah the Prophet who was of Gath-Hepher , which was in the Province of Galilee . Malice doth many times bl●nd the eyes , even of understanding men , as the Pharisees generally were . Beware of malice , as thou wouldest not be mis-led into damning Errors , fatally and finally .

Jonah prophesied in the Reign of Jeroboam the second , or of Joash his Father , it may be of both : Princes that came of Jehu , who rooted out the Family of Ahab ; the Idolaters , but not the Idolatry : for which cause , Israel came into great affliction , which was very bitter , 2 King . 14.26 , 27. There was not any shut up , nor any left , nor any Helper for Israel .

Note . Idolatry ruines . Idolatry ever brings mischief to a State or Family , sooner or later : see Chap. 10.31 , 32 33. Beware of Idolatry and Idolaters , they are people of Gods Wrath and Curse ; what trials ye may have , ye do not know ; Remember and keep your selves from idols , 1 Joh. 5.21 . and from idolaters .

Now mark two things of Jonah , our Dove .

1. To afflicted Israel he comes with an Olive-branch of of Peace and Comfort , that the waste shall be restored , which had been taken away , ibid. according to the word of the Lord God of Israel , Note . Some favour to the worst . Use . which he spakes by the hand of his servant Jonah . God for a while is very gracious , and in temporals doth much for a wicked people ; it may be , by wicked instruments as Jeroboam was . Admire the passages of his providence , and look from men to God who works for the good of his Chosen , as , in the ten Tribes there were some true worshippers , and for their sake some deliverance was granted .

2. To Nineve he is sent with the mournful Voice of a Dove , proclaiming their destruction , Yet forty dayes and Nineve shall be destroyed ; but with an intent in the Master that sent him , to spare the City upon their Repentance and Amendment . The Lord in wrath remembers mercy , Note . In wrath , mercy . and sometimes blusters our judgments that sinners may bethink themselves , and repent , and be saved . Mark his divers dispensations , and attend the main , which is , that his patience and goodness should lead you to repentance , Rom. 2.4 .

Two Notes more . 1. Out of this Book of Jonah two things may be noted , by the exposition of our Saviour himself . 1. That Jonah was a Type of Christ , in respect of his Death and Resurrection ; as Jonah was three days and three nights in the Whales belly , and then came to land again ; so Christ was held in Death for a while , and the third day rose again . 2. That the people of Nineve are set for an example of Repentance , to you of after-ages ; which if it follow not , ye shall be the more deeply and severely damned ; and why ? for a greater then Jonah is here .

Allegorical sense of Scripture we shall ever admit , where warranted by some glimpse of Scripture ; as there are many such to be found through the whole body of it , Ribera . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Gal. 4.24 . The Jesuite needed not to have quarrelled about such sense of Scriptures : but , under pretence of Allegories , we must not run out into Fooleries as are many of their Allegories , much less into Errors as some of them are . Nor doth the similitude of things among themselves warrant us to take every Doctrine which the Fathers collected , but only where the Antecedents and Consequents give occasion , or some other Text of Scripture ; so far the man spake rightly : And it is good against the Familists , who turn all ( even plain Scriptures ) into Allegories .

Come we now to the Book it self ; Contents of this Book . This Book of Jonah contains many chief points concerning the Knowledge of God , and the Salvation of man .

1. For God , we may here see and admire his goodness , in sending to the Heathen Ninevites , that they might repent and be saved ; even at that time , when generally he took Israel for his only , peculiar , chosen people : Possibly a sign of the calling of the Gentiles , which should follow afterward . And the justice of God , who so severely revenged the disobedience of his own Servant Jonah ; after whom , all may learn to take heed of turning the grace of God into lasciviousness . And the power of God , who hath all the Creatures , even the rudest , at his own beck and disposal ; the Winds , the Sea , the Fishes , the Herbs and Plants , and all the Creation . And his providence , who provides both for the punishment and for the relief of Jonah ; and , by both of them , an wholsome instruction for him ; to be ruled by him for time to come , better then before ; and for us also , who need such Discipline .

2. For Man and his Salvation , we see by this Book , how far we are fallen into Sin and Misery ; even so far , that without the mighty and merciful hand of God we cannot recover our selves , no more then Jonah could . And , to them that are troubled at the sight of their sin and danger , there is Mercy in store by Jesus Christ , as there was for Jonah . And the way is , to believe the Preaching of the word , and repent , and turn from our evil wayes , as did the Ninevites . Here we have also the force of Prayer , the nature of Fear , the wages of Disobedience , the fruit of Repentance . Here we have Lots , Vows , singing of Psalms , History strange and wonderful , and a new kind of Creation , in the Gourd that rose up in a Night ; with other profitable Documents , as God shall bring us to them in order .

Parts . In the Book we have a first and second calling of Jonah to Preach to the Ninevites , with the things that followed upon both of them .

In the first Chapter we have the behaviour of Jonah , and of the Mariners .

Of Jonah we read these things , 1. the Message given him , v. 1.2 . 2 his declining of the Message , v. 3. 3. the apprehension of him when he was fugitive , ver. 4. 4. the execution , ver. 15.

The Message is set down , both generally , it was the word of the Lord ; and especially , Jonah must go to Nineve , and cry against it .

Ver. 1. Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah . Or , And the word of the Lord came ; that is , to Jonah as well as to the other Prophets . Or , This Message to Nineve as well as the other Messages to Israel , with all the circumstances here related . Jonah by his Calling was an ordinary Teacher of Gods people , but now extraordinarily he is sent to Preach among the Gentiles ; Note . Teaching us to abide in in our particular place and station till the Lord please to take us off , and send us elsewhere . Teachers in the Church ought not to wander up and down , or thrust themselves into other mens Offices , as the fashion of some is . It is the sin of some , scarce of ordinary gifts , to pretend an extraordinary Vocation . Use . It is certainly Zeal without Knowledge to undertake this work , and disturb the Peace of the Church : They should first have been sure , that the word of the Lord came to them ; and for satisfaction to Gods people , they should be able to make it appear to the Rulers of the Church ; which of late dayes was utterly rejected ▪ and all confusion thereby brake in upon us as a mighty flood .

The word of the Lord came unto Jonah ; Namely , by Inspiration of the Holy Ghost , 2 Pet. 1.20 , 21. and 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 is ascribed to the whole Scripture , 2 Tim. 3.16 . All Scripture is given by Inspiration of God . There are divers ways of manifestation , but all by one and the same Spirit , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Num. 12.6 . Heb. 1.1 . God in times past spake in divers manners ; suppose in a Vision , or in a Dream ; and sometime possibly by an audible Voice . So David tells us , 2 Sam. 23.2 . The Spirit of the Lord spake by me , and his word was in my tongue . Be assured hence ,

The writings of the Prophets are of Divine Authority , Doctr. Prophets from God wrote what we see . the word of the Lord , the Vision of the Lord , the burthen of the word of the Lord : He spake by the mouth of the holy Prophets from the beginning of the world , Luke 1.70 . and see Chapter 24.25 , 44. and 1 Pet. 1.10 11 , 12.

Which serves to comfort us concerning our Faith in all Use 1 the Articles of it ; they are all grounded in the Writings of the Prophets , therefore Divine , and may well be believed . The word of the Lord came unto Jonah , to Amos , to Hosea , and to the rest of the Prophets . We have a sure word of prophesie , yea more sure then Visions and Oracles , 2. Pet. 1.16 , 17 , 18 , 19. much more then Fancies of men , pretending the Spirit , and craking of a light in them , which must sway against the written word , Ministers and all . Blessed be God , who hath put a Bridle into their mouths , and restrained their Fury . For our part , we are sure all is right and straight whatever we believe according to the Prophets .

Use 2 2. It serves to convince the world of wickedness , in not receiving the word of the Prophets . We admire the obstinacy of the Jews , who were never the better though they had men sent among them with extraordinary Gifts and Graces , and immediate teachings of the Spirit : but stay , Is there not the same obstinacy in our people now-a days ? Ministers Preach over the same Doctrines again and again , and who almost regardeth ? Esa. 53.1 . Who hath believed our report ? Drunkards there be still , as in the Prophets time , Swearers , Liars , Sabbath-breakers , otherwise wicked . And the same judgments hang over the heads of our sinners , as the Prophets told their people . Faith and Repentance are Preached still as they Preached , and namely Jonah in this Book . Oh the invincible hardness of mens hearts , not to believe the Prophets and Preachers ! What do you think ? must we needs go to Nineve , to Preach and get Converts ? If we did , we might speed ; but wo be to unbelieving Christians , whom neither Prophets , nor Apostles , nor Holy men coming with their Doctrine can work to Repentance ! Certainly , seeing they believe not these , they would not believe though one should rise from the dead , Luke 16. ult.

Use 3 3. Take heed , I beseech you , and seeing the Prophets deliver the word of the Lord , let them be regarded accordingly : As thus ,

1. Take pains to know the meaning of the Prophets in their several Prophesies ; There are obscurities in them ; but search to understand them more fully and clearly ; Search the Scriptures , Joh. 5.39 . Read , Hear , Pray , Confer , Obey , any thing to get out the hidden treasure ; Be both frequent and earnest in searching out the meaning of places ; Dig , Cry , lift up your Voice for understanding ; plain Apostles feed the simple , hard Prophets exercise the more witty and understanding .

2. Be reverent in all your conversing with the word , whether by Reading or Hearing . King Eglon stood up to receive Ehuds Message from the Lord . Cornelius and his Company set themselves in the presence of God , to hear what should be spoken by Peter . The Congregation of Israel in hearing some Message from God , bowed their head and worshpped ; even so do ye ; take heed to the word of prophesie , give earnest heed to the things that are spoken .

3. Believe all that the Prophets have written ; not as the slow of heart , whom our Saviour reproved , or as those now-a-days who deserve to be reproved : King Agrippa , believest thou the Prophets ? I wish I could say of every one , I know thou believest . Certainly , the word doth no good , unless it be mingled with faith in them that hear it ; Heb. 4.2 . as Meat , except it be digested ; or Physick , except it be kept for a while . Faith implies knowledge , Consent , and Application .

4. Obey the Voice of the Prophets and Apostles , as being the Voice of the Lord . When God delivered the Commandements , Israel made account they must obey all that he said , and promised so to do , and ( said he ) Oh that there were such an heart in them ! It had been well for them , and it would be well for us , if so pliant and obedient : Consider our Reading , Hearing , Praying , Conferring , is all to be referred to obeying ; Obeying hath the promise , as is said , Blessed are they that hear the word of God , and keep it ; and , Hearers of the Law shall be blessed in the deed .

5. Be built upon the Foundation of the Prophets and Apostles , Eph. 2.20 . Building is , to add Stone to Stone , and Timber to Timber ; so you to your Gifts and Graces : Christians should not only be setled and established in the truth , but increase daily more and more . This is often required , 1 Thes. 4.1 . and 2 Pet. 3.18 . And it is required , that to the best of your skill and power ye suffer not the Doctrine of the Prophets to be gain-sayed , or corrupted .

6. Honor Jesus Christ , whom all the Prophets pointed at , Act 3.19 Jonah here is a Figure of his Death and Resurrection ; other Prophets tell of the place of his Birth , of the time of his Coming , of the holiness and glory of his Kingdom , and the like . Both the Prophets that went before , and the Apostles that followed after , all cryed Hosanna to the Son of David ! Let us also who come up in the Rear , give our Acclamations to honor Jesus Christ , especially in the way of obedience .

Take heed , let not Christ find honour and obedience among Indians , and lose it among Christians . Israels ingratitude was here upbraided by the Ninevites Repentance ; Rev. 2.5 . And a remove of the Gospel hath been long threatned , beware lest at last it be removed indeed : Jonah must go when God sends him , and so must other good Ministers .

Ver. 2. Arise , go to Nineve that great City , and cry against it ; for their wickedness is come up before me .

Here is the Prophets special Message , and in it three things , 1. His excitation to do work for God at Nineve , Arise , go to Nineve that great City , 2. His denunciation of Gods judgment against it , Cry against it . 3. Assignation of the reason , For their wickedness is come up before me .

Nineve . Nineve was the chief City of the Assyrians , as London to us English Nineve in the name of it sounds forth a fair and beautiful City ; In Moses time , and long before , it was a great City , Gen. 10.12 . Two places in this Book do intimate the greatness of it , Chap. 3.3 , 4. and 4.11 . Histories supply some particulars , It s greatness . Diod. Sic. v. c. that it was threescore Miles in compass ; that it had Walls exceeding high and broad , so that three Carts might meet and pass by one another ; that upon the Walls were fifteen hundred goodly Turrets , for Defence and Ornament ; that by continuation of Buildings four Cities were grown into one , as those two of London and Westminster ; that Babylon was a less City by the fourth part , and yet when part of it was taken by the Persians , Jer. 51.31 . Arist pol. some part knew not of the taking till three dayes after : That Nineve was eight years in Building , though ten thousand Work-men were employed at once about it ; that it was head of the first Monarchy for twelve hundred years together , and so had brought a world of Wealth and people into the City , out of the several Provinces which were spoiled , and Tributaries to Nineve ; as afterward did the Romans , who if they had been stript of their stollen Goods , Lactant. should return to their ancient Cottages and penury .

Now this could not be done without a great deal of Pride , Oppression , Blood-shed , and other wickedness ; Sinfulness . And it is very likely , that the Citizens grew very Lofty , Luxurious , Filthy , scarce tolerable one to another : But it is plain , that they were great enemies to the people of God , Esa. 10.5 . O Assyrian , the rod of mine anger . Ye have the History of Senacherib , and his rage against God and his people ; though Ashur came of Shem , the holy seed , yet he became a spit●ful and a blaspheming enemy , Gen. 10.22 .

Now to this Nineve is Jonah sent as an Herald of Arms , Danger . to denounce Destruction for their sins : One against many , and a mean one against the Potentates of the world ; An unequal encounter ; but the Lord tels him of it before-hand , that he may know the worst of it , and arm himself accordingly with faith and courage , to do his Message as he ought , stoutly and faithfully . Learn , and before-hand cast the cost of Religion ; Fore-seen darts are either avoided , or do the less harm .

Summons . Arise , and cry against it ; What the cry was , we see in Chap. 3.4 . Yet forty dayes , and Nineve shall be overthrown , concealing the rest as the secrets of God who makes his Servants of his Court , but not of his Counsel . The Lord meant by this thunder to awake the Ninevites , and bring them to Repentance , and by them to shame Israel , who after much Preaching remained hard-hearted and un-reformed ; And his usual manner is , to fore-tell a Plague before he inflicts it ; such is his goodness to his Creatures , and it should work upon people when they are fore-warned , to be also fore-armed : Woe if they be not .

Doctr. 1 Beware of weariness and cowardize . Three points come here to be observed for Edification .

That at the call of God we ought to stir up our selves , and settle to our duty ; Arise and go to the great City Nineve . Jonas might even be weary of Preaching to Samaria and the ten Tribes , where he did so little good ; and sit down as a man discouraged , which we read of Elias and Jeremy : therefore the Lord here bids him arise , Be not discouraged , nor sit slothful , but do the task which I appoint thee to do ; so to Jeremy , Chap. 1.17 . Gird up thy loins , and speak unto them all that I command thee ; And to Ezekiel , Chap. 2.1 . Stand upon thy feet , I will speak to thee , and thou shalt speak all my words to the house of Israel .

Use . Hear , and beware of Idleness , Security ; Discouragement , Carnal wisdom , Pretences of I know not what Difficulties and Dangers , and a base relinquishing of the work which God hath laid upon us to do ; Remember the charge laid upon Jonas , and how severely he was punished for not discharging his duty . Many a Minister and Housholder is even discouraged to see how little good he doth in his place . Esa. 49.4 . I have laboured in vain , said Isaiah ; Elias is weary of his life ; Jeremy will speak no more in the name of the Lord .

Here now is occasion to use this word of Excitation , Mot. 1 Arise and go to Nineve ; and we should consider , 1. It is the Lord that sets us on work , and requires our best diligence , 2. The work is his , and not ours originally or Mot. 2 chiefly , 3. The success is in his power ; Paul Plants , Apollos Mot. 3 Waters , but God gives the increase : And God sometimes gives better success then we men are aware ; we see it in the Repentance of the Ninevites , and in the seven thousand which had not bowed the knee to Baal . 4. Whatever the success be , the Christian shall be well Mot. 4 rewarded for his dilgence and faithfulness , Esa. 49.5 . Not only he delivers his own soul , but gets a Crown of Righteousness , and shall shine as the Firmament , and as the Stars of Heaven ; A faithful Ministers reward shall not be according to the success , but his zealous pains-taking .

Arise every one , and go to his task ; None of us but hath his Nineve to go unto ; the Magistrate hath his Government , and should zealously study a thorow Reformation of the place where he governs ; the Minister hath a charge of Souls , and must watch over them as one that must give an account ; the Parent and Master hath his Family to order in a Christian manner , not only civilly , but religiously ; and every particular person among us hath a precious soul to care for ; and it is Nineve , specious and beautiful in the eye of God ; why not in thine also ?

The saying was , for provoking of diligence , Spartam quam nactus es , hanc orxa ; so still , look well to thy charge ; there is a Province committed to thee , be a good Steward in thy administration ; thy line is fallen in a pleasant place , and thou hast a goodly heritage , a Nineve , Dan. 12.13 . 2 Tim. 1.14 . look well to it , Stand in thy lot , keep the good thing committed to thee ; Ever remember whose Voice this is , Arise and g● , and remember the account that is to be made one day , Luke 16 2. Amos 6.1 . Give an account of thy Stewardship , for thou mayest be no longer Steward , and remember the woe to them that live at ease , which killeth them , and their misery cometh as an armed man . Reprove sin zealously .

To the next point , It is the duty of Gods Ministers to Doctr. 2 be earnest in telling people of their sin and danger ; Go and cry against Nineve , Cry aloud ; lift up thy Voice like a Trumpet , Esa. 58.1 . with Chap. 40.6 . John Baptist was the Voice of one crying on the wilderness ; And the man of God cryed against the Altar in Bethel , 1 King . 13.1 , 2. where Note , this crying is not the Voice of rude men , Raging and Railing as they please ; but is opposed to the speaking of smooth and pleasant things , Esa. 30.10 . Jer. 5.31 . Ezek. 13.6 , 10 , 17. which carnal people desire should be spoken to them ; yet it is good for nothing but to continue their sin , and increase their danger , yea and hasten the vengeance of God upon them so much the sooner .

Reas. 1 But Ministers that will be faithful , ought thus to cry against sinners , 1. Because they are asleep , and need to be Reas. 2 awakened , as Baal , Cry aloud , it may be he sleepeth , 2. Because the cry of their sins goeth up before God , and calls for judgments to be poured upon them ; as here , Their wickedness is come up before me : wicked people need to be saved , as a brand that is snatched out of the burning , or as one that is ready to fall into the fire or water , where he should perish certainly .

Use 1 Which serves to justifie Godly and Zealous Ministers , who cry earnestly against the sins of their people , Zealous Ministers not to be blamed . and thunder out the judgments of God against them . These do well , and are not to be blamed for their earnestness ; These are the Boanerge● or Sons of thunder , which the Scripture speaks of , generally distasted by loose and vain hearers ; but there is no cause ; they go not awhit beside their Commission .

Prolepsis . True , some good Ministers are Barnabies , or Sons of Consolation , and speak more mildly in their course of Preaching : But 1. There are diversities of Gifts , and all of the same Spirit ; none to be blamed who deals faithfully . 2. The mildest and most comfortable Preachers use to limit their Consolations to them that fear God , and have other Notes of grace on them , so separating the precious from the vile . 3. Gentle Preachers , and with low voices use to denounce the heavy judgments of God against secure and impenitent sinners . Wo , wo , wo , said our Saviour , of whom it is written that he lifted not up his voice in the streets , Mat. 12.19 . 4. There is a mildness which is condemned in the Scripture , as when Eli said , It is no good report that I hear of you my Sons ; and he smarted for it ; applicable to indulgent Parents and Masters , who in love of quietness let their young people alone in their sins .

In some places it might be a word of Exhortation , that Use 2 Ministers cry against sinful places and people : Ministers may make bold with sinners . Jonah must not only cry in Nineve , which had been a great matter , and beside order , but against it , which was like to bring Hornets about his ears ; even so must we : And yet , in the mean time we should not Preach against our people but for the greatest good ; they may be brought to Repentance , and if it prove right , to heaven . As for the Hornets that may be raised , we must leave that care unto God ; do our duty , and trust in him ; do as Jonas did at his second sending to Nineve . 1. He took a long journey , it may be a hundred miles . 2. He cast himself upon the displeasure of a most mighty Monarch , and a most rich people , 3. At best he could look for no great entertainment , nor so much as to bear his charges , 4. He footed it up and down the City when he came there , and might spend much of his strength by travelling and crying all along : Learn we Ministers and people to settle to difficult , costly , and dangerous duties ; Are they not Gods Commandments ? did not he say , Arise and cry ?

To the third point ; The wickedness of a people doth go Doctr. 3 up and call for vengeance upon them ; Wickedness calls for vengeance . so did the blood of Abel against Cain , Gen. 4 10. So did the filthiness of the Sodomites against that City , Chap. 18.21 . So the cry of Servants wages detained , ●ames 5.4 . And here the Robbery and Oppression of the Assyrians , who had made slaughter of many Nations , and spoiled others to enrich themselves , together with the cries of Widows and Fatherless Children ; and their Pride , Idleness , Filthiness , Inchantments , other sins which were now grown so great , that the Earth was no longer able to hold the cry , but the Air and Heaven too did ring of their sinfulness , and , now it was high time for God to take vengeance .

The Lord sees when the iniquity of a man or people is ripe , and then proceeds to judgment ; as of the Amorites , It is not yet full ; but when it is , I will 〈◊〉 root them out , Gen. 15.16 , Every single sin comes up before God , and provokes wrath , Psal. 7.11 . but wickedness much more ; He is angry with the wicked every day , but defers to do execution till the measure of sin be filled up , and then he can forbear no longer .

Use 1 Admire the patience and long-suffering of the Almighty ; though he be wearied daily with the cries of mens sins , yet he bears all ; yea , though they be sins of whole Towns , whole Nations , or the whole world : He is not slack of his coming , but patient to us-ward , and waits for our Repentance , 2 Pet. 3.9 . No mans patience can be so exercised as Gods is ; yea , we see too often how even a godly man hath some adoo to keep patience on such and such provocations . Oh the goodness and long-suffering of our God , to whom our wickedness goeth up continually ! The Lord , the Lord , merciful and gracious , slow to wrath , abundant in goodness and truth !

Use 2 Admire also the worth and power of Christs mediation , which cries down the cry of our sins , and keeps off the vengeance which thereby we had deserved . The blood of Christ speaks better things then the blood of Abel , Heb. 12.24 . mercy and not judgment , and this secures both the persons and duties of Believers ; though they deserve a fulness of wrath , yet by the mediation all will be well with them .

Use 3 This shews people the sinfulness and danger of their estate , even when they are most secure . All the while their wickedness gets up before God , and would draw down vengeance upon then , when they are most jolly and brave in their worldly enjoyments , yet their extreme danger continues ; sin hath not lost his voice of crying , as here against the Ninevites ; yea , it cries more because of more light , and more means of grace ; so the men of Nineve shall rise up in judgment with this generation and condemn it .

Take heed of sin , if not for the foulness ( which should Use 4 be ) yet for the fearful after-claps ; and for the measure of your sins , lest that be filled up , and then the Vials of wrath be emptied upon you : Know , the Lord can overthrow England as well as Nineve ; and we have had warning , not only for forty years , but forty and forty , and more then that , it is now above a hundred years ; that the Gospel hath been preached among us with liberty and encouragement ; and ye know we have sins enough to hasten the overthrow ; Oaths and other abominations .

Consider and beware ; if there were no more mischief in sin but the losing of the Gospel , it were bad enough ; an intolerable loss to have the Candlestick removed out of his place , or to have your Jonahs sent from Israel to Nineve , or the righteous taken from the evil to come .

Ver. 3. But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord , and went down to Joppa , and he found a ship going to Tarshish ; so he payed the Fare thereof , and went down into it to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord .

Here the Prophet declines the Lords message of going to Nineve , by going a quite contrary way . Why Jonah fled to Tarshish . His ground he tells us in Chap. 4.2 . Namely , a carnal fear , lest he should be ashamed and accounted a false Prophet , if within forty dayes Nineve were not overthrown : A great matter with the proud nature of man , which cannot endure the least disparagement .

Other reasons Jonah might have for not going to Nineve .

So peter , Act. 1● . 1. The strangeness of the thing . No Prophet had ever been sent to the Gentiles before Jonah ; All of them were sent to the house of Judah or of Israel ; and should Jonah be the first man that should be sent to the sinners , the Gentiles ? God goes beside his ordinary method , and Jonah thinks strange of it .

2. What hope could there be of doing good among the Heathen , seeing he had so little good among Gods own people ? should Ninevites be converted , and Israel not converted ? how can things go quite in a new Road which was never heard of ?

3. Might not Jonah fear what would become of him among a Company of Infidels , who were also rich and proud , and knew not God ? he one , and they many ; he a poor man , and they the Potentates of the world . What should one Lamb do among a thousand Wolves ?

4. For the Errand which Jonah was to deliver , what likelihood that Nineve should be overthrown within forty days , seeing no enemy appeared before it , and it had now flourished twelve hundred years in great prosperity ? what wise man would go and publish impossibilities ?

No sound reason at all . Yet all this is but carnal fear , and Jonah sinned greatly in flying to Tarsus . 1. He left the Command and calling of the great God of Heaven , which is the only rule of all our obedience . 2. He left the Land of Israel wherein his main business lay for all his life-time . 3 He thought poorly of God as if he could not meet with him at Tarsus as well as Samaria . 4. He shewed little pity to thousands of souls that might receive benefit by his preaching .

All shewing the great corruption of mans nature , even after grace received , and how watchful we need to be , and keep close to our rule , and to the calling wherewith we are called ; not regarding the crooked rules of humane reason and wisdom which Jonah too much followed .

He rose up to flee to Tarsus , The chief City of Cilicia , Expos. 1. St. Pauls Country , a Citizen of no mean City , Act. 21.39 . Some say Jonah went to be a Merchant there another while . But it is not good to fasten more sins to the good man , then we are sure of . It is most likely , that as a man astonished he knew not well which way to turn himself .

To flee from the presence of the Lord ; twice set down , to shew what a miserable shift Jonah was put unto , and how much he was troubled with divers thoughts , haling him this way and that way , and no way finding rest for the soal of his foot .

From the presence of the Lord ; that is , 2. Piscator . Deut. 10.8 . 1 King . 17.1 . Psal. 73.28 . from the Land of Israel , where the Lord dwelt among his people . Or , from doing service to the Lord according to his duty ; so the phrase signifies sometimes ; the Child Samuel ministred before the Lord ; David and Levi shall not want a man to stand before me , &c. So godly men are said to draw near to God , and , to be a people near to him . In which respect the wicked are said to go far from him , namely , in respect of his special presence , and of their own unbelieving hearts , Heb. 3.12 . take heed of the evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God : As for the general presence of God , Jonah could not be so dull-witted as to think he could flee from that , for he is Omnipresent , he is not far from any of us ; whether should I go from thy presence ? &c.

Six brief Notes may hence be collected .

1. The Divinity of the Scripture appears , in that the Doctr. 1 Writers discover many things against themselves ; Divinity of Scripture . which other Authors use not to do , but tell the good , and leave out the rest . Jonah and other holy men wrote by another Spirit : And observe it in two things ,

1. That they tell of their sins , though it tend to their shame ; it makes for the glory of God in pardoning and restoring them , and therefore they care not though they lay load upon themselves ; so did Jonah here . Moses wrote of his unbelief and hastiness , David of his Murder and Adultery , Paul how he had been a Blasphemer , a Persecutor , and injurious . That God may forget , it is good for us to remember and confess our sins ; And the Church receives instruction by the fall of the Saints , as well as by their good examples , and comfort to them that have fallen .

2. That they tell of their obscure beginnings . Moses tells how he kept sheep at the mount Sinai . Amos how he had been an Herdsman , and a gatherer of Sycomore fruits . Matthew how he had sate at the Receipt of Custom .

No matter how poor and mean a man was at his beginning , if afterward he be endued with the grace of God , and set upon work to do for his Majesty . Let none despise a faithful servant of God for former obscurities , or defaults that were made ; Who hath despised the day of smal things ? Zech. 4.10 .

Use . Now let this renew the former Exhortations , duly to regard the writings of the Prophets and Apostles . Do they not breath forth a Divine Spirit ? if it were only humane , they would never have so described their Sins and Errours , nor yet Obscurities : and if it be Divine , close with it , reverence it , believe it , obey it , take comfort and direction by it . Nothing of God but yields benefit , and ought to be regarded .

Doctr. 2 2. As Jonah sins , so he confesseth his sin , and in writing makes it known to all the world ; Confess sin as Jonah . and so will all godly men do ; there is great difference between such and others .

How . 1 1. The wicked conceal their sins as much as they can ; deny , defend , excuse , put them off to others , and when they must needs own them , it shall be as they are drawn to a business they like not : but the godly are a willing people , Psal. 110.3 . who are content to shame themselves so that God may be glorified .

2. The wicked rest in generals , All are sinners ; None How . 2 but doth evil , no not one : but the godly descend to particulars , my Unbelief , my Passion , my Earthliness , my Pride , or other evil ; Jonah and Tarsus , David and Bathsheba , Paul and Persecutor .

3. The wicked want the right Qualifications of Christian How . 3 Confession ; sorrow for sin , forsaking of sin , zeal in time to come , profitableness in their place , and the like ; all which a godly man hath , and those in 2 Cor. 7.11 . He is a new creature , and makes as much amends as he can . Use .

Those therefore offend greatly , who can be content to err as Jonah and other holy men , but not to confess and shame themselves as those did ; that were a shame indeed , & goes quite against the hair ; it is as death to come to confession . We are fallen into an Age wherein it is no shame to do evil , but it is a foul shame to confess and give glory to God ; or to say to an offended Brother , I repent , forgive and let us be at peace , Luke 17.4 . Were they ashamed when they had done wickedly ? no , they were not ashamed , neither could they be ashamed : And this is a plain sign , that men love their sins more then they love God , their Souls , or their Brethren .

3. Note how a man by leaving his calling doth flee Doctr. 3 from the presence of God , as did Jonah . Leave thy calling , thou leavest God . 1. The Calling of the Ministery ; a Minister that turns to odd employments , or sits idle at home , or pleaseth himself meerly with his speculations , sinneth in so doing ; he should go on with Gods plough as he had begun , or else he offendeth , Luke 9.62 . and is in danger . 2. Another Calling whatever it be , evey one ought to abide in the Calling wherein he is Called , 1 Cor. 7.24 . Therein abide with God , a plain proof of the Doctrine ; and , Ye serve not men , but the Lord Christ ; and , whatever ye do , do it as to the Lord .

The reason is , because God hath appointed every one Reas. 1 his particular station and calling ; man is born to labour as the sparks flie upward ; In the sweat of thy brows shalt thou eat bread all the dayes of thy life ; no man may walk disorderly , but work and eat his own bread . God is the God of order , and not of confusion ; and likes not that the order which he hath set , should be violated and confounded .

And our Calling well followed is a means to keep us out of harms-way ; from many sins which otherwise we should fall into , and from many sorrows we deserve to fall into : It is in our way that the Angels are charged to keep us , Psal. 91.11 . So only he is bound by promise to be with us , and do us good ; being otherwise an Omnipresent God , able and willing , even out of our way to give a common blessing .

Use . Take heed , and be not fugitive : True , there be cases for a Minister to remove from one place to another ; and it is lawful for Christians in a private way to change their Callings on certain conditions : But it will not be lawful for any to flee from God ; that is , to live without some honest Calling or other , wherein he may spend his time and pains , and advance the common good , or of the Society wherein he lives . Be warned by Jonah and his stepping aside from the Message he had to deliver . Know , it is a bootless thing , to think of flying from the Lord ; He fills Heaven and Earth , and can meet thee at every turn , and fetch thee back to thy task ; and if thou belong to him , will do it : It was well for Jonah , that by a storm and Whale he was brought back to Nineve . Know also , that none but the special presence of God will prove comfortable to the last ; I mean , spiritual here , and glorious hereafter . He is present with those in Hell , but in Justice only , and with all his terrors .

Doctr. 4 4. Note how occasions of sinning are many times near at hand to them that are willing . Jonah was set upon an evil jorney , and see , he finds a Ship going to Tarsus ; when the heart is set upon wickedness , opportunity will scarce be long wanting .

Take heed , and commit thy way unto the Lord ; Use . pray him not to give thee over at any time that thou shouldest be swayed by thy own Lusts ; and for occasions of sinning , remember the sixt Petition of the Lords Prayer , that he would either keep off the Temptations , or not suffer thee to fall by those Temptations .

5. Of Jonah we may learn a Lesson of Equity ; to pay Doctr. 5 those that labour for us , as he the Mariners : Pay dues . It is one of the crying sins , by fraud to keep back the hi●e of Labourers who have reaped down your Fields , Jam. 5.4 . So of any sort of work-men , it will be a great sin in due season not to let them have their pay , or servants their wages ; Their heart is to it , and they need it , and so it should not be detained .

Pay therefore , and do it quickly ; Use . mark the commands in Prov. 3.27 , 28 , 29. Withhold not good from them to whom it is due , when it is in the power of thy hand to do it ; Say not unto thy Neighbour , Go , and come again , and to morrow I will give , when thou hast it by thee ; devise not evil against thy Neighbour , seeing he dwelleth securely by thee .

Lastly , note in Jonah how willing some men are to part Doctr. 6 with their money in an evil matter , Willing to part with money for evil . to flee from the presence of the Lord , to have Christ betrayed to the Jews and High-Priests , to have it reported abroad that his Disciples came by night and stole him away . They that can find no money for a pious and charitable use , can find money enough for gaming , or a Suit of Law . Oh the excuses that shall be made , and the Allegations that shall be brought to save their Purses ! hard Times , ill Trading , great Taxes , many Children ; no end of pleading to keep all to themselves : But for Pride of Life . Bravery of Apparel , or House-Furniture , Feeding of Lusts , or maintaining of Quarrels at Law , let the Pieces flee , spare no cost , they will not be put down by any , they have vowed and will be as good as their word .

Use . Take heed ( Christians ) and remember the rule , Honor the Lord with thy substance , Prov. 3.9 . He looks for his portion out of all the Wealth he gives thee ; namely , in those good uses , which in the word he hath assigned for thee to mind : And he would have us to be rich in good works , as well as others ; or rather in these , then in worldly wealth ; And he calls him a fool , who is rich to himself , and not to God . And there is a cutting phrase , A man and his money may perish together , as Act. 8. And , the rust of the Silver and Gold goes up before God , and cryes for Vengeance . And , if so for not doing of good , what will come of doing evil with thy Wealth ? It hath been seen many a man could not have been so wicked , nor could be now , if he were not so wealthy ; Jonah could not have fled to Tarsus , if he had had no money to pay the Fare .

Ver. 4. But the Lord sent out a great Wind into the Sea , and there was a mighty Tempest in the Sea , so that the Ship was like to be broken .

Opposition b●tween God and sinners . But note these Adversative Particles ; Jonah was sent to Nineve , but fled to Tarsus ; Jonah went by Sea to Tarsus , but the Lord sent a Wind and Tempest after him , to tell him of his offending . There is much thwarting between God and a sinner ; God commands one thing , and the sinner doth another ; and therefore no marvel if God proceed contrary to the welfare and comfort of the sinner ; and the sooner the better ; Jonah was the dear Child and Minister of God ; and in the end must be saved , notwithstanding his great Imperfections ; therefore presently the Lord sent upon him a great Wind and Tempest , that he was like to be drowned ; and this great danger was the means of putting him into his way again , that in Conclusion he might be saved ; so still , 1 Cor. 11.31 , 32. If we would judge our selves , we should not be judged ; but when we are judged , we are chastened of the Lord , that we should not be condemned with the world .

As for them that amend not by their afflictions , they shall know it shall be the worse for them ; God will not in vain wear out his Rods upon them ; John 5.14 . Hos. 4.1 . The worse thing is coming toward them : The Controversie for sin continues , and will surely burn to the nethermost hell .

More , if a sinner find none of these cross proceedings of God toward him , so much the worse ; Prov. 1.32 . even prosperity undoes such simple ones : Better a great deal that they had been pursued with Winds and Tempests , and drowned in the bottom of the Sea .

The History of our Text is plain , and needs no Exposition .

Two Points may be observed .

1. How the Providence of God reacheth unto all particulars that are done in the world ; Nothing more common Doctr. 1 then great Winds to arise at Sea , Gods providence extends to all . and mighty tempests thereby , and Ships to be broken : Yet all this is here ascribed unto God , The Lord sent a great Wind , so in ver. 17. The Lord prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah , and Chap. 2.10 . The Lord spake to the fish , and it Vomited out Jonah upon the dry Land , and Chap. 4.6 The Lord prepared a gourd , and ver. 7. God prepared a worm to smite and wither the gourd .

So in the Plagues of Egypt , The Lord sent the Frogs , Flies , Lice , Locust● , Thunder , Darkness , and all the rest . And generally , Amos 3.6 . Shall there be any evil in the City , and the Lord hath not done it ?

And we saw heretofore in the Doctrine of Gods Providence . 1. How it intermedles in the smallest matters , as the Feeding of Beasts and Ravens , Psalm 147.9 . and the falling of Sparrows to the ground , or the hairs of our head , Mat. 10.29 , 30. yea and the colour of the hair , Chap. 5.36 . 2. How it orders contingent things ; that is , where in mans reason there is no connexion between the cause and the effect ; yet ordered by God , and fall out infallibly as Lots , Prov. 16.33 . The lot is cast into the lap , but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord : And the killing of a man by an Axe , no hatred , only the head slippeth from the helve ; it is said , That God delivers him into the hand of his Neighbour , Exod. 21.13 . The like of fore-telling things , whereof there was no sign among the Creatures .

Use 1 Which serves to reprove Heathenish Christians , who look not up to God in these Affairs of the world to give him glory , Reproof . or carry themselves as those that live under a Providence ; but Rage , and Chafe , and cry out of Fortune , ill Luck , cross Times , I know not what Planets and mischiefs . Yet the Heathen ascribed the stirring of Winds and Seas to their Idol-Gods , Aeolus and Neptune ; and these Heathens in the Text looked up , every one to his God , to be saved and delivered from this great danger ; and Jonah who is the Writer , saith expresly , The Lord sent out a great wind into the Sea . And those now-a-days who read such Writings , might thereby be enured to better Thoughts and Language concerning Winds , Tempests , and other sad Accidents .

Use 2 More , if Providence work in all these , it follows that our God is a wonderful God every way , and accordingly to be admired . He sends forth the Winds at his pleasure , he holds the Winds in the hollow of his Fist , he ruleth the Raging of the Seas , and sitteth upon many Waters ; Fishes , Worms , Gourds , all Creatures are at his disposal , to be or not to be , to do us good or not to do us good . None so great , but he over-rules it ; None so small , but he acts it ; therefore , O Lord , our Lord , how Excellent is thy Name in all the Earth !

When Christ had stilled that great storm upon the Lake , The men marvelled , saying , What manner of man is this , that even the Winds and Sea obey him ? And it is likely , that the men in the Ship with Jonah came by this Miracle to some knowledge of the God of Israel ; So did Naaman the Syrian , 2 King . 5.15 . Behold , now I know that there is no God in all the Earth , but in Israel . However , we that have the word to instruct us of God , and to Expound his Providences to us , should be led by Winds , Seas , and other strange workings of our God , to a due Admiration of him ; that he is wonderful in his power , bidding them do this and they do it ; and in his wisdom so disposing ordinarily so innumerable , and so rude things , and in his graciousness , doing all for his Elect , though sometime in seeming Contrarieties as here to Jonah .

Next , divers duties may be urged by this concurrence Use 3 of Gods Providence . Lessons to be learned .

1. To be patient under cross Providences ; when Winde and Weather are against us , and we suffer exceedingly , we should like all that he doth , because he doth it ; and say , It is the Lord , let him do what pleaseth him , 1 Sam. 3.18 . The creatures could not come if he did not send them : Shimei could not curse , if he did not bid him curse .

2. To wait with patience if he delay the help which we would fain have , Psal. 40.1 . I waited patiently for the Lord , and he inclined unto me , and heard my cry ; when his appointed time is come which is the best time , we are sure to be relieved . The Vision is yet for an appointed ; wait and at last it will speak and satisfie . Remember the saying , Hab. 2 3. Esa 28.16 . He that belives , must not make haste .

3. To pray for seasonable and moderate Weather ; Winds and Rains , Zech. 10.1 . and all other things being at Gods disposal . Ask and ye shall have ; Ask the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain , so the Lord shall make bright clouds , and give them showers of rain ; to eve●y one grass in the Field : But pray still with resignation to his Will and Wisdom , because he knows best what is fit to be done ; and is able to alter the most setled Weather , that soon all may turn to the quite contrary . Stars and their Influences must go by his direction ; if the Stars rule men , yet our God ruleth the Stars .

4. To pray for Sea-faring men , who are most subject to the injury of Winds and Tempests . Psal 107.24 . These men see the wonders of God in the deep ; up to Heaven , down to Hell , and sometimes are at their wits end ; therefore should be remembred by us at Land , while our selves are in safety . Though we cannot help them , there is one that can , and him we must pray unto .

5. To praise God when our businesses are fitted by Land or Water ; he did it , and he must have the glory , he sent sweet gales of Winds , he caused that there were no Tempests upon the Sea , nor Blasts upon the Land ; by his goodness we escaped such a Thunder and Lightning , and mischiefs that fell upon others ; therefore him we must glorifie and be really thankful , Psal. 107.31 . Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness , and for his wonderful works to the Children of men !

6. To keep the Lord sure on our side , I mean in an holy way ; because he , and he alone can make all go well on our side . No wonder if Windes and Tempests be let loose upon Jonah , when Jonah is fled from the Lord : We may thank our selves for sundry terrible storms , and unseasonable times that come upon us ; our foolishness hath so armed the justice of God against us .

Satan can raise winds and tempests . And take this for a Motive ; The Devil and his Instruments can raise turbulent Winds and Tempests to do us a displeasure . If they have leave from God , we see in Jobs case what they are able to do : Not that he can create Winds and Tempests ; but ●f there be any in all the world , he can bring them together ●● and direct them to such an House , or to such and such ●ersons . He is the Prince of the air , Eph. 2.2 . and is perm●tted to do great mischiefs against sinners ; yea , and against the Saints of God , Luke 13.18 . Satan had bound a Daughter of Abraham eighteen years ; Others were possessed of Devils , and suffered exceedingly ; Others had their swine Choaked in the waters . Our Saviour himself was hurried of the Devil from place to place .

Books have been written De Praestigiis Daemonum . Wierus . But besides these , there are real storms and mischiefs that are done by wicked Spirits ; whereof two Notes are given . 1. That they are raised on a suddain , even in the fairest and quietest weather that is . 2. That on a suddain all is husht and gone ; as if there had been no such commotion at all , with other Discourses not much to our purpose .

Take heed and fear , not these wicked ones whose power is limited , though their Malice be unlimited ; but God who is the watch-man of Israel , Psal. 121. Psal. 91.11 . Luke 12.4 . and hath these Lions in Chains that they can hurt none but as he pleaseth ; I say unto you fear him . Remember the keeping of us in our way ; and , The way of the Lord is strength to the upright , Proverbs 10.29 .

So of the former point .

2. Note how one sinner brings a whole Company in danger ; one Jonah , one Achan , one Colloquintid , mar●d Doctr. 2 all the good Herbs that were in the Pot. One sinner endangers many . David numbred the people , and seventy thousand of them dyed of the Plague .

But how can this stand with the Justice and Mercy of God ? Answ. How .

1. The Justice of God cannot lightly miss of Objects to work upon ; Israel had sins enough by which God was offended , and might justly diminish them by the Pestilence ; So had these who Sailed with Jonah , though Jonah had not been among them . Divine Justice might righteously for sin have laid them in the bottom of the Sea ; Who can say he is righteous , or suffers at any time without sin provoking Gods anger ?

2. The Mercy of God appears in Affliction , as well as in Favours bestowed : v. c. that both Jonah and his Companions escaped the danger of the Sea , and the Mariners came hereby to the Knowledge of the true God . It is good for me to be afflicted , that I may learn thy statutes ; Others are in Occulto Coronati , as Tertullian said of some Confessors who died in Prison ; still in good hands , when they are most judged according to the world .

Use . 1 Now if one sinner can endanger many , into how great dangers do many sinners cast a poor Town or Nation ? many sorts of sin , and many Offendors of each sort , and many acts of every Offendor ; as for example , in the sin of Drunkenness , or Swearing ; No marvel if we have had such civil Tempests , Divisions , Confusions , Diseases , other Evils . The greatest marvel indeed is , that our House and Kingdom is not already laid desolate ; This is only by the long-suffering of our most patient and loving Lord God .

Use . 2 2. If so , a sinner is no such good Neighbour as he may think he is ; Though he be of a loving Nature , and do some good in his place , Num. 16.46 . yet he hurts more another way : He provokes God to anger , and so the Plague begins in one kind or other . Jonah was an honest man , yea a godly man ; he served the God of the Hebrews , and he paid his Fare when he entred into the Ship ; yet see what a burthen he becomes , and how he endangers both the Vessel and the Goods , and all the Passengers together with himself . In Religion it is a meer Delusion , to think a bad man can be a good Citizen as to God ; he is a very Pest to Church and State .

Use . 3 3. If so , see how studiously and eagerly Magistrates should set upon the work of Reformation ; Zealous Reformers turn away wrath . to shame and punish sinners and lessen the number of them , that so wrath may be turned away . It was high time to cast Jonah overboard , that so possibly there might be some hope . Israel could not stand before the men of Ai , till Achan was stoned ; when a man is sick of a Pleurisie , there is no rest to be expected till the corrupt blood be voided away ; so here : And a wise Surgeon must come sometimes with his Causticks , where remember the saying , Foolish pity marres the City ; An idle Governour hastens wrath .

4. If so , be not such a sinner as for thine own sake ; so for others to whom thou art related , and with whom thou art engaged in Society .

1. In Charity to others a man should be Religious , fear and serve God , pray , keep Sabbaths , do all duty , not only in way of Piety and Charity ; that so he may not hurt , but help his Brethren . This Case of Jonah tells us , that a sinner though he be but one , yet may wrong many ; and other Scriptures tell how one good man may profit many , and though he be a private man , yet he may be a publick good . Joseph was a Blessing to all Potiphars house , and to all the Land of Egypt .

All this while we say nothing of Charity to a mans own Soul , which in an holy way might be saved ; or of pleasing God in the way of Holiness , which ought chiefly to be minded ; or of crediting our holy Profession , to which every Christian ought to be an Ornament . The only comfort is to put all these together , and carry our work cleaverly before us .

2. Let a Religious man take heed of stepping out of his way , which would endanger both himself and others , as Jonah here ; and David in numbring the people . He that opens a sluce , may drown many others as well as himself . Somewhat is the matter , that judgment begins at the House of God , and that the Righteous shall scarce be saved ; saved they shall be , but so as by Fire . And by this account scarce any strictness can be esteemed too much , I mean in the holy ways of God .

Ver. 5. Then the Mariners were afraid , and cryed every man unto his god ; and cast forth the Wares that were in the Ship into the Sea , to lighten it of them : But Jonah was gone down into the side of the Ship , and he lay , and was fast asleep .

Here be two things . 1. The Prophet by divers circumstances sets forth the greatness of the danger whereinto they were brought . 2. He tells of his own deep security in the mean time . True grace ever notes and confesses its own Imperfections .

There needs little or no Exposition : But we have four points to be briefly handled .

Doctr. 1 1. God hath terrible works to do , which sometime affright the stoutest and rudest sinners that are . Stout sinners , how to be over-awed . Sea-faring men who converse much in Dangers and Commotions in the Air , use to be Fearless men , and altogether desperate in their way ; yet at this time we see how they are afraid , and fall to their Prayers ; so still , some are desperate enough and care for nothing ; but in some great judgment of God their spirit fails them , and they melt away into effeminate passions ; so Belshazzar , Dan. 5.5 . so Caligula at the hearing of Thunder , so in 2 King . 7.6 . A noise in the Air chased away an Army of the Syrians .

Reas. 1 The Reason is , some things are terrible above man ; that is , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Arist. beyond the Power and Wisdom of man to withstand them , especially in the concurrence of those three things ; Grievous Judgments , an Awakened Conscience , and Sin set in order before the guilty Soul : These meeting together make foul work sometimes with a very stout sinner . Art thou come to call my sin to remembrance this day , 1 King . 17.18 . Act. 24.25 . and to slay my Son ? and while Paul discoursed of Temperance , Righteousness , and Judgment to come , Judge Felix trembled .

True , some under much guilt , and in the midst of terrible Judgments fear nothing ; why ? because Conscience is not yet awakened ; A sleeping Lion troubles not : But when this begins to wamble , then the Sea waxeth turbulent and dangerous , Esa. 57.20 , 21. The wicked are like the troubled Sea , when it cannot rest , whose waters cast up mire and dirt ; there is no peace ( saith my God ) to the wicked . Sometime the trouble enters in a Plague year , sometime in the loss of a Dear Friend , sometime in the approach of Death , and sometime in other amazing occasions . When ever God begins to reckon with a sinner , or any way hides comfort from him on which he presumed ; now begins the Tempest to be black indeed . A wounded spirit who can bear ?

Let none therefore trust to the hardness or bigness of his spirit , but learn to fear in a right and holy manner . Use . In vain to be hardned against God . There is a false valour wherewith some set up their sails , and swell above all reason against God , his word and works ; It may be it lasteth for a long time , till Death , or in Death through self-delusion : But this is not the way to prosper as to God , and for safety to the Soul ; At farthest , Job 9.4 . Jer. 20.3 . in the day of judgment he shall be Magor-Missabib , fear round about , astonied and swallowed up of despair .

The only safe way is , to turn all Natural and worldly fear into Spiritual ; that is , to fear God whom by sin we offended ; To take sin off the score by getting into Jesus Christ ; To follow the doggings of a guilty Conscience far enough , namely to get washed in the Fountains of Israel . By temporal judgments to take warning concerning eternal , and prevent that great mischief ; Otherwise , it is not a little tempest that will serve the turn , or Pestilence , or Pleurisie , or the like ; but in Hell there will be seven times more vengeance , yea seventy times seven ; All present Evils are nothing to this , when God shall cast both Body and Soul into Hell ; therefore say I , Fear him , Luke 12.4 , 5.

And if it be the right fear of God , it will teach to depart from evil , as Job , Joseph , and the Midwives of Egypt , Job 28.28 . It will introduce a real holiness , Psal. 111.10 . It is the beginning of wisd●m ; And it will lead the man along in an holy way toward Perfection , 2 Cor. 7.1 . To perfect holiness in the fear of God .

Doctr. 2 2. Note how in great distress great sinners will pray after their fashion ; The worst will pray in great danger . as these Heathenish Idolaters , they knew there is a God , and that he is to be called upon , but let him alone till they be brought into this extremity of danger . Notions of God , and Prayer , and Duty lie asleep in a natural man , till roused by some extraordinary trouble and amazement , Hos. 5.15 . In their affliction they will seek me early . And here we see , that when they miss of the true God , they will betake themselves to gods of their own making ; Every one to his god , they will have many gods rather then no god , when reduced into straights .

Reason . Self-love can do all this . Nature is willing to escape out of great dangers , or get out of great troubles , or obtain his own ends ; Fruits of the Earth , Peace , Liberty , other good things of the world . Hos. 7.14 . They have not cryed unto me with their heart , when they howled upon their beds ; they assemble themselves for Corn and Wine , and they rebell against me ; so that , not God is sought for Gods sake , but meerly to serve ones own turn ; which when it is done , God shall be let alone till they have more need of him .

Use . Not the right kind of prayer . Yet this is usually esteemed Prayer , in death or deadly troubles call upon God , and it is abundant Devotion , though neither before not afterward ; live a sinner , and die a sinner , yet with a few good words he is sure to go to heaven ; Though he learn not righteousness , nor the Laws and conditions of prayer , Esa. 26.10 , 11.

There be numbers that make not one good prayer all their long life ; Know not what it is to ask according to the will of God , which they mind not ; Ordinarily quench and grieve the Spirit , and so cannot pray in the Spirit ; Jude ●0 . Never take care to get into Christ , and so cannot pray in the Name of Christ ; Never mind the main matters of Prayer , as about Holiness , Temptation , doing Duty holily and spiritually , living profitably in their places , advancing Gods glory and the good of souls : All for a present shift , and to get out of a storm as well as they can .

Object . What , would you not have us to call upon God in our trouble ? is it not commanded ? Answ. 1. It is commanded , and so are many other conditions too Psal. 50.14 . Call upon me in the day of trouble ; but it follows , ver. 16. Unto the wicked God saith , What hast thou to do to declare my statutes ? 2. There be many places of Scripture that discard the prayers of the wicked , Prov. 15 8. John 9 31. they are abomination to the Lord ; God heareth not sinners , Incense is abomination . 3. There be many adjuncts of acceptable prayer ; v. c. to use the means of obtaining , to use no indirect means , to stand in a way of capacity for receiving such and such favours , to use them well afterward , and the like ; which numbers little think of , and so their prayers are not accepted . 4. There be many dayes of trouble beside these outward and worldly afflictions ; and if ye will pray ever when ye are in trouble , ye must pray every day , and several times in the day : why ? a godly man every day finds himself troubled with Temptations , and is never out of danger of the great Tempest , nor of his own corrupt heart . Paul besought the Lord thrice against the thorn of the flesh , and approved himself on both sides by the armour of Rigteousness : No part of our life is void of these dangers ; therefore every part of our life must be fenced with prayers . And one condition of prayer is , it must be constant , Eph. 6.18 . Col. 4.2 . we must pray with all perseverance , we must continue instant in prayer , &c.

To the third point ; There be cases wherein a mans Doctr. 3 worldly wealth will be nothing set by ; as here , in case of Shipwrack , and Act. 27.19 . They lightened the ship , and with their own hands they cast out the tackling of it ; When the life comes into question , let it all go ; or in times of war , a man fares the worse because he hath something to lose , Ezek. 7.19 . They shall cast their Silver into the streets , and their Gold shall be removed : Or in a great fit of sickness , all the wealth is lookt on with an heavy eye . And in death , what is all the wealth of the world to a man ? It is but the more vexation in parting .

Use 1 Yet this is the folly of many , immoderately and inordinately to affect the wealth of the world . They seek it , and take pains for it , though it be with the loss of their Souls ; and yet when they have it , it is in much danger to be stollen , or mastered by Fire , or forfeited , or to be cast away with ones own hands ; and , Oh that I had never know peny of this ill-gotten Goods ! Mat. 16.26 . what profit ? what recompence ? beside those cases of meeting a murderous Theef ; Take my Goods and save my Life . And mark how expresly the way of worldlings is called folly , Psal. 49.13 . This their way is their folly , with Jer. 17.11 . He that getteth riches and not by right , shall leave them in the midst of his days , and at his end shall be a fool .

Use 2 Take heed , Christians , and adventure not Souls for Goods ; It were no reasonable exchange . 1. Mark these Heathens ; if they prefer their Lives before their Goods , let not Christians who know better and higher things , cast away their precious and Immortal Souls for a little Commodity ; no not if it were never so great . Certainly there is no proportion between a Soul and the whole world . 2. We read of some Philosophers , that they cast away their wealth and worldly business , that they might the better attend the getting of Learning and Wisdom ; so did Crates , and Thales by buying up the Vineyards in the Country , when he fore-saw a Scarcity , by Philosophy , and made good advantage of it , shewed how easily a Philosopher might get wealth if he minded it . And if such mind it not , why should Christians mind it so much ?

What then , may some say , Object . Answ. would you have me cast my wealth into the River ? I see no such need , Sir . Answ. 1. There is need to make restitution of Goods that have been ill-gotten , as did Zacheus . 2 There is need to be free for pious and charitable uses according to ability , 1 Cor. 16.2 . as God hath prospered a man . 3. There is need while we hold these temporals , to hold them with a moderate mind and affection ; not to mind Earthly things , but to have the conversation in Heaven , Phil. 3.19 , 20. not to set the affections on things below , but things above , Col. 3.1 , 2. and our rule is , not to Treasure in Earth , but in Heaven ; Mat. 6.20 . and when we have any riches , to refer them to the right ends they were given for ; as is said , Honour God with thy substance : Prov. 3.9 And still they should be used as encouragements in his service . Ver. 15. 4. There is need above all our getting to labour for the better and enduring substance , Heb. 10.34 . to be rich in faith and good works , to get saving wisdom which is better then Rubies and Diamonds ; to have a stock of prayer going in Heaven ; without all question great is the gain of godliness , 1 Tim. 6.6 . though worldlings esteem it not .

Where note , these two Loves do much hinder and waste one another . If a man earnestly , and as he ought , shall mind the spiritual wealth , it will in great part take him off from his mudling in the world . Is he not in the prosecution of better things ? A Prince that seeks a Kingdom , will purchase no Cottage . On the other side , he that eagerly pursues the world , shall either neglect Religion altogether , or pursue it very indifferently ; worldly-mindedness hath been the ma●ring of many an hopeful Professor . Demas embraced the world , 2 Tim. 4.10 . and left the Apostle .

To the fourth point ; We are apt to be very secure even Doctr. 4 in the greatest danger .

1. Good men , as Jonah , In great danger apt to be secure . who was very shortly to be cast into the Sea , and yet fast asleep in the side of the Ship ; and David who after his sin with Batsheba lay securely for awhile , without renewing peace with God , till the Sword was threatned to come against his house , and never go from it . Only with this difference , the security of a godly man is neither total nor final : At the worst he hath some motions of God in his heart , and at last he runs to him with full speed , Cant. 5.2 I sleep , but my heart waketh ; And oil is ready in his Lamp , to go forth and meet the Bridegroom .

2. Carnal and worldly men , These say , Peace and Safety , when suddain destruction comes upon them unawares , 1 Thes. 5.3 . And the man with gall of bitterness saith he shal have peace , when the smoak of Gods wrath is arising against him , Deut. 29. So said they of the old world , till the flood came and drowned them all ; and the men of Sodom , till the fire fell from Heaven and consumed them . Every natural man sleeps the sleep of death , and he never awakes till he be dropping into Hell .

Use . 1 Whereby note a cursed and dangerous effect of sin ; as it brings a man into extreme danger of losing God and all happiness , A fruit of sin . and of falling into the everlasting torments of Hell , so it is ready to make and keep him secure , and altogether insensible of his danger till he know not what to do w●th himself . Esa 6.10 . He hath a gross heart , eyes to see and not perceive , ears to hear and not understand ; and he hath an impenitent heart , Rom. 2.5 . whom all the goodness and patience of God cannot lead to repentance ; so little cause there is to be in love with sin as many are , or to refuse the Exhortations of zealous Ministers .

Use 2 2. Note and admire the wonderful mercy of God , who watcheth over us for good , The mercy of God . and in due time awakenes us out of our deep and deadly sleep , by giving faith and repentance . O the rich and invaluable grace of Conversion ! how are we bound unto God , that now we stand up from the dead , Eph. 5.14 . and live for ever ! We were asleep sometimes ; yea , dead in sins and trespasses ; but now Christ hath given us the light of Life . It is onely of his discriminating grace , for which we must ever remember to be thankful .

3. Awake unto duty . Christian watchfulness is a duty Use 3 often commanded in Scripture . Be sober , be vigilant , watch , 1 Pet. 5.1 . for ye know not the hour when the Son of man cometh ; Mat. 25.13 . and saith Christ , what I say unto you , I say unto all , watch , Mar. 13.37 . For Motives , consider how it is made a Note of wisdom , to watch till the Bridegrome comes , as did the wise Virgins . How the wise as well as the foolish are apt to slumber and sleep . How the Bridegrome comes in a time when he is least expected ; at mid-night . Ver. 5.6.10.12.13.14.19 . How the wise Virgins enter with him into the glorious Bride-Chamber . How others are excluded , though they knock and call for admission . And how hereupon our Saviour inferreth the Exhortation , Watch therefore , together with another Parable to the same purpose ; There will be a day of reckoning with the Servants about their Talents and Employments , therefore watch and do duty .

Ver. 6. So the Ship-Master came to him , and said unto him ; What meanest thou , O sleeper ? Arise , call upon thy God , if so be that God will think upon us , that we perish not .

In every Society of men there must be order . Here in Note 1 a Ship there is a Ship-master ; in a Navy , Order in every Society . there is an Admiral ; in an Army , there is a General ; in an House , Town , or Nation , there is a Governour : So in the Church , there ought to be Order and Government , or else all comes to Confusion . We see what mischief is befallen since Government ceased , and should see more mischief , if Civil Government ceased as well as Ecclesiastical . In both it is true , better a bad Government then no Government . Tyranny is very bad , but Anarchy is far worse , and more intolerable .

For our Ship-master , he comes to Jonah and reproves him for sleeping . It is likely , that in this great distress of weather he bestir'd him to the uttermost , to save the Vessel and all that were in it ; sometimes under Deck , sometimes above , sometimes among the Ropes and Cables , sometimes in the Keel or sides of the Ship , to see what must be done to that purpose . And here , in the side of the ship he finds Jonah fast asleep , and rouseth him up , What meanest thou , O sleeper ?

Note 2 Great diligence must be used of every one in his Place and Calling , Look to the main chance . to save the main chance ; for the Body , for the present Life , for the onward Estate ; but especially for the Soul and Eternity : So for Church and Common-wealth , do thy best to save a Barque ready to perish . If Prayers can do any thing , if Tears , Sighs , Zeal for Reformation , Mourning for the Abominations , let us not want thy helping-hand . We should not give all for lost , till there be no Remedy , and we be now sinking . This Ship-Master by his diligence saved his Vessel , and so may we .

Note 3 What meanest thou , O sleeper ? A secure sinner can have no good meaning with him . Naturalists mean not well . I suppose he hath no such meaning as to damn himself and his Companions , or to ruine the Church and State . It is not the thing which he doth purposely intend , yet he may be well asked the question , What meanest thou ? It is not yet in his thoughts and purposes to do any good , either in publick or private . In present he minds nothing but a sinful and sensual enjoyment .

Use . Carnal people say they have good meanings , but it is much to be doubted . For , how can meanings be good , when they are only General , Blind , Lazie , and not Operative according to the Exigents of Church and State , or of the precious soul ? should these be called good meanings ? It is a meer delusion . We shall further question them , as here the ship-master , what meanest thou , O sleeper ?

Arise , call upon thy God . It is our duty to rouse up secure Note 4 sinners , Rouse up secure sinners . that they may escape the great danger wherein they are ; as the danger of losing a Vessel , Life and Goods , so and much more the losing of a precious and Immortal soul ; Exhort , Admonish , Reprove , pull them out of the Fire , save them with Fear , and use Compassion . As we would call upon a sleeping Master , when his house is all on Fire ; so , and much more should we in soul-dangers . Consider , our Brethren whom we help now , may help us another time in our drowsiness and sleepiness . And , none of us but is apt to be sleepy ; we are of a corrupt Nature , and have taken a dram of hellish Opium , so all possible help will be little enough . Consider , Charity requires helpfulness , and this is a work of the truest Charity . And why should not eternal danger quicken us , as well as common danger ?

Call upon thy God . Carnal people can wish for a part in Note 5 all good prayers ; as here , All would share in good prayers . the Mariners before had cryed every one unto his god ; Possibly there might be an hundred Passengers in the ship , and an hundred several gods that were called upon ; yet see how the ship master bespeaks Jonah for his Prayers too , that if it be possible , they may escape this danger . And possibly , they that never made good Prayers in all their Lives , yet will beg the Prayers of the godly in their distress , and God send them a part in all good prayers !

Take heed , Christians , and blunder not along in these Use 1 wild and idle wishes ; as ye desire the benefit of other mens prayers , so ye must learn to pray your selves . There is not only prayer in common ; suppose with a Family , or in a Congregation ; but it is said distributively , Every one that calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved ; and personallly , when thou prayest , enter into thy Closet .

The reason is , every one of us hath a soul to save , and every one hath personal sins , personal corruptions , personal temptations , wants , afflictions ; and every one that is truly godly , Zech. 12.10 . hath the Spirit of grace and supplications poured upon him . And why shouldest not thou make account to pray for others , as well as that others should pray for thee ? is it not one duty of the Communion of Saints ? as Feeding and Cloathing are duties for the good for the Body . No member in the natural Body but must help his Fellows , and there is the same reason for the Members of the Mystical Body of Jesus Christ . And , why should any put so great a matter upon the Adventure , whether others remember him in their prayers or no ? every one is his own nearest Neighbour ; And every one shall give account of himself unto God , Rom. 14.12 .

Use 2 Every Christian therefore that is able to pray , should stir up his gift , Be much in prayer . and improve his interest at the Throne of Grace , for his own good and the good of others . There is something in this advice to the ship-master , Call upon thy God ; and in the other , Every one in the Ship cryed unto his god , Mic. 4.5 . all people will walk , every one in the Name of his god , and we will walk in the Name of the Lord our God for ever and ever . Why not we devout in a true way , as they in a false ?

Mot. 1 Consider the word of appropriation , thy God . Jehovah is thy God in a Covenant of grace , bound to thee both by Promise and Oath ; and daily solicited by Jesus Christ to shew thee favour according to thy Prayers and Necessities . Now then make bold with him ; every one may make bold with his own ; but Jehovah is thy God , therefore go boldly to him , and doubt not of acceptance . It is a Miserly trick to have Gold and Silver in store , and want Provisions of Food and Physick ; and it is worse , to have a loving Lord God to pray unto , and be a stranger to him .

Mot. 2 Consider also the Name of thy God ; it is lovely , and invites thee to come to him . As it is a glorious and terrible Name , Deut. 28.58 . Exod. 34.6 . The Lord thy God , so it is an amiable Name , and may win sinners to seek to him ; The Lord , the Lord merciful and gracious . The Kings of Israel were accounted merciful Kings , and much more is this King of Israel .

If so be that God will think upon us ; Note . 6. Thoughts of love to the godly . The Lord hath thoughts of Love and Peace toward his people , Jer. 29.11 . I know the thoughts of peace that I think toward you , saith the Lord , thoughts of peace , and not of evil , to give you an expected end : Namely , out of the counsel of peace which he had within himself before the foundation of the world , Zech. 6.13 . The counsel of peace shall be between them both ; that is , Christs Kingly and Priestly Office .

Or , it may be a phrase referring to the sense of man . We are apt in great distress to think that God hath forgotten us , and will he be no more gracious ; Psal. 77.8 , 9. hath he shut up his loving kindness in everlasting displeasure ? and , if he did but think upon us , in what a sad case we are , he would certainly arise and do for us ; So these here , Oh that the God of Heaven would think of us for good ! and elsewhere , Ar se O Lord , O Lord , stir up thy strength , hide not thy face , leave us not , come and save us .

Otherwise , in absolute consideration , the Lord thinks on all men and Affairs in the world . His providence reacheth to all , and to every particular : He sent this Tempest upon the Mariners , and saw in what distress they were . But their Prayer is , they would have mercy , that they might well get out of their distress . He saw the affliction of Israel in Egypt , and meant to bring them out of it . Use . A means to settle faith .

Now this is good and comfortable for each doubting Christian , who conceits sometimes in his weakness to be rejected and forsaken of God , but indeed is not , the Lord at worst thinking of a deliverance or supply , and what is the best way and time to effect it . A Nurse sees her Ch●ld to be too venturous , and seems to leave it to it self , but her eye is full upon it ; even so doth our God . And though Nurses and Mothers should be unnatural , yet will not the Lord , Esa. 49.14 , 15 , 16. Good words to settle the peace of a troubled spirit , but may also serve our turn in great distresses of the world ; Tempests at Sea , Commotions at Land , troubles in the private Estate , all threatning our Ruine , and then we begin to question the Love and Providence of God ; Judg 6.13 . If the Lord be with us , why is it thus ? But check this unbelief ; we need not put it upon this supposition , if so be that God will think upon us ; he will most certainly think , and do , and delever in due time ; and in the mean time support our hearts with comforts of his Spirit ; he is a God of ●udgment , Esa. 30.18 . and knows our frame , and when a deliverance will be most seasonable .

Note 7. God able to save in great distress . Thank upon us , that we perish not . God is able in great distress to keep us from perishing , and will , if he see it good for us . These heathen Mariners saw , that if they could get God on their side , they should not perish , though it were a terrible , boisterons , threatning tempest : And we see in the end , that they did not perish . So in these dayes , amidst all our civil Tempests , our Land hath not yet perished ; and , so long as God thinks thoughts of peace towards us , it shall not perish , though winds and storms beat upon our Bark never so violently .

Use , Hear and believe , and say as Psal. 46 , 1 , 2 , 3. God is our refuge and strength , a very present help in trouble ; Therefore will we not fear , though the Earth be removed , and though the Mountains be carried into the midst of the Sea : Though the waves thereof roar and be troubled , though the Mountains shake with the swelling thereof . Say as those that were going into the fiery furnace , Dan. 3.17 . Psal. 42.11 . Our God is able to deliver us . Rate away all unbelief as David did , Why art thou cast down O my soul ? and why art thou so disquieted within me ? still trust in God , who is thy help , and the light of of thy countenance . Mark what our Saviour saith , Let not your hearts be troubled ; ye believe in God , believe also in me , John 14.1 .

Note 8. Carnal ones are all for temporals . That we perish not . All the care of carnal people is to be delivered from temporal evils ; from Ship-wrack , from Pestilence , from Losses and Crosses of the world ; so Pharaoh , Deliver me from this death only ; ye may apply it to every particular Plague which comes and threatens us . Let people escape , and presently they are as bad as ever ; All the care is , to get out of Gods hand for the present . Israel in want would fain have Bread or Water , and be delivered from the fiery flying Serpents , or get through the red Sea ; but when their turn was served , presently they were as bad as ever .

Oh no ( may some say ) we mind our Souls too , Object . we would get them saved , we were undone else . Answ.

Answ. 1. No doubt but ye have good wishes to that purpose ; wicked Balaam would fain die the death of the Righteous ; when people are so far enlightned with Principles of Religion as our people are , no wonder if they desire to be saved . Heaven is better then Hell ; better be happy when they die , then go to Hell to be tormented in those flames . 2. That they are but wishes , appears by their negligence . For temporal deliverance they will take any pains , be at any cost , use all the Friends they can make , and never be quiet till they be delivered . We see what these Mariners did , not to perish ; they prayed , they cast their Goods into the Sea , they rowed hard to bring the ship to Land ; and so do our people now-a-days for Temporals : But , what diligence do they give to make their Calling and Election sure ? where is the man that works out his Salvation with fear and trembling ? how few are they that set themselves into a serious course of Religiousness ? There needs the most pains to be taken , but very few are willing take those pains .

Christians , take most pains not to perish everlastingly ; Use . Mind spirituals God hath done much to that purpose , and Christ hath suffered much . Ye see it in John 3.16 . God so loved the world , that he gave his only begotten Son , that whosoever believeth in him , should not perish , but have everlrsting life . And ye have the means to believe ; namely , the Preaching of the word , Rom. 10.17 . Faith comes by hearing , and hearing by the word of God ; And ye have had rousing summons in these times to awaken security ; winds and storms of State arose very high , and some Earthquake continue to this very day ; A marvel we are not perished already , and by our sins and security we deserved to perish eternally : Only there is some respite granted , and matters may be so handled as to escape the great ship-wrack of souls .

Oh for care and wisdom , that our precious souls may not be cast away !

This is the only safety that is worth having , commonly called Salvation ; And those that mind this as they ought , shall never be accounted carnal , but spiritual , holy , wise unto Salvation . They are of an heavenly extract , and gone beyond all Naturalists , Mariners , and all Nominal Christians whatsoever . Jonah saved his soul , and all his Fellow-passengers saved their Lives , and them only so far as is revealed .

Ver. 7.

And they said every one to his Fellow , Come and let us cast lots , that we may know for whose cause this evil is come upon us ; So they cast lots , and the lot fell upon Jonah .

Parts . Hereof are two parts . 1. The Mariners enquire of the cause of this great Tempest ; let us cast lots , and they did cast lots . 2. The success of their Consultation , the lot fell upon Jonah .

Search out the cause of afflictions . For the former , we learn of the Mariners , in every great affliction to search and find out the cause , that so we may be humbled and reformed , and the evil may cease ; we may be sure that sin is the cause , and so should fall foul upon that . And if there be a special token of Gods displeasure , we should pray with Job , Shew me for what thou contendest with me . The Tribes in their quarrel with filthy Benjamin never thrived , till they fasted and mourned before the Lord , nor shall we in like cases .

For the lots which these Mariners used to find the cause of their distresse and danger , thus Augustine saith ; What a lot is . A lot is such a thing as in the doubts of men doth shew the will of God : Or , A lot is an Ordinance of God , whereby we put that unto God which men could not decide . It is commonly by Divines referred to the third Commandement , as part of Gods Name which must not be taken in vain . We know a man by his Name , and by a lot we come to know the mind and will of God in a matter which we cannot know by our selves , nor by others .

Of a lot I deliver these particulars , Particulars . that the nature of the Ordinance may be the more manifest .

1. The matter of casting lots must be a weighty and grave matter ; which is well worth the finding , and well becomes the Majesty of the great God to be employed about , not in every triflle , as in drawing of Cuts ; So here , a great tempest was upon the Mariners , and thereby great danger ; a great offence had caused it ; they knew not what the offence was ; they desired deliverance ; life and all was in question , and now they go to casting of lots ; not as knowing it to be an Ordinance of God , but only led by the dim Light of Nature , which suggsted this might be a way to find out the truth , as in the event it proved . So in an Oath , which is the end of Controversies .

2. This weighty matter must be such as none but God doth know and can determine ; and herein differs from an Oath , that he who swears , knows the thing he affirms or denies to be a very truth , and calls God to witness of it ; but in a lot none knows but God alone , as here , who among them should be the cause of this tempest ; the Mariners knew nothing of it till the lot fell upon Jonah ; and Jonah must tell what he had done . So in other instances of Scripture , v. c. about Achan and Jonathan .

3. We read how all the determination of lots is from God , Prov. 26.33 . The lot is cast into the lap , but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord . God is not wanting to his own Ordinance ; but when he is sought by his people , he will be found of them ; this also appears by the same instances , and other of the like nature .

4. We read what is the end of casting lots ; to wit , quietly to determine businesses which could not be otherwise decided without strife of several parties . Prov. 18.18 . The lot causeth contentions to cease , and parteth between the mighty ; as if it be in deliberation , which of these Nobles shall be sent Ambassadour to such a Prince ? which of these Warriors shall be put upon such a sk●rmish , to lead on the men ? sundry would have the honour to do the service ; therefore now comes the lot and quiets all parties .

5. There are three sorts of lots , according to the threefold use of them ; two of them lawful , the third unlawful , wicked , divelish . Take heed , and east lots as Christians .

1. Sortes Divisionis ; when Houses , or Lands , or other Goods are to be divided between man and man , about which otherwise contention would arise ; so Joshua by lot divided the Land of Canaan among the Tribes of Israel ; so Merchants sometimes divide their parcels of Wares , and Neighbours divide their Acres of Ground ; Lot-Acres , as Salomon said , The lot causeth contentions to cease .

2. Sortes Consultationis ; when we advise together what is fit to be done , but in Conclusion cannot agree because things stand in the Equality of Reason : Here it is referred to God by lot , and so all parties are contented . So the Church of Jerusalem by lot chose Matthias to be an Apostle , Act. 1.26 . So these Mariners by lot would know who brought this great Tempest upon them in their Voyage . Though there might be superstition in their , doing it , yet the thing for substance was good and lawful .

3. Sortes Divinationis ; when wicked men inquire into fortunate and infortunate dayes for a journey that is to be taken , or a business that is to be done ; if they draw a white lot it will be lucky ; if black , unlucky ; Est. 3.7 . so Haman cast lots for the destruction of the Jews , and , how cross the lucky dayes fell out to him , appears by the Feast of Purim ; even the blackest dayes that ever Haman and his Complices met withall .

A sinful abuse of Gods Ordinance ; Abuse . as it is also to turn lots into sports , or to fore-tell things for gain , as do the Gipsies ; and those that ascribe the issue of lots to Fortune , The Goddess of Fools ; Te facimas fortuna deam , coeloque locamus . whereas indeed the whole disposition of it is of the Lord ; and these three cases evidently shew the truth of the things so ordered ; Jonathan , Achan , and Jonah .

Application of this Doctrine take thus .

1. Note and admire the Providence of God , who ordereth Use 1 these most fortuitous and contingent things to the right , both for truth and equity . Oh what a wonderful and glorious Lord God do we serve ! how ought we to adore his Omnipresence , Wisdom , and over-ruling Providence ! how should we come before him in fear , and walk humbly with him in all our course ! both for dependance and obedience !

2. If it be so , then in casting lots the parties interessed Use 2 should lift up a prayer , and intreat the Lord in mercy to manifest his good pleasure toward them . In no point may the Name of God be taken in vain , so not in this . And as every creature must be sanctified by the word and prayer , so must this . Remember , and fear the judgment of God upon them that take his Name in vain . If any object that the occasion and Company will not bear prayer ; I answer , at least let there be an Ejaculation .

3. If it be so , be thankful for any good that is received by lot ; looking up to the hand of God who hath cast it upon thee , and not upon another . The whole disposing of it was of the Lord ; therefore let him have all the glory . It was not Luck and Fortune , but God must be acknowledged ; Especially when the Lord himself is the lot and portion of thy soul , as David said , Thou art the lot of mine inheritance , remember much and often to bless the Lord , as he did , Psal. 16.5 , 6 , 7 , 8.

Use 4 4 When lots cross a man , let him learn to be as Jonah , patient and contented . Say , it is the Lord that hath thus disposed of the business ; 1 Sam. 3.18 . it is the Lord , let him do what seemeth him good ; should I desire any thing which the Lord sees not good for me ? or , when he hath declared his mind , should I wriggle , or murmure , or carry my self otherwise then becomes the Child of God ? I will not do it .

Come and let us cast Lots , that we may know for whose cause this evil is come upon us .

Note . In great affl●ctions we look at great sins . It is the Nature of man to think there is some great sin where they see a great judgment of God . Who did sin , this man or his Parents , that he was born blind ? And those that suffered those great Evils , were accounted greater sinners then all the Galileans , or all that were in Jerusalem , Luke 13.1 , 2 , 4. Where Christ assures us of the contrary , I tell you nay , ●ohn 9.2 . but except ye repent , ye shall all likewise perish , v. 5. And if these Mariners had been asked , whether each of them had not deserved this horrible Tempest to die by it , they would have shrunk at it , and not have confessed . And , every one would save one ; therefore they put off the danger to others : Otherwise there needed no lots to be cast , but every one confess his guiltiness , be humbled , reformed , and give satisfaction to his god who was offended .

Use . 1 Take heed of this spice of Nature , and of the Pharisees . Talk not of great sinners and little sinners , nor censure them that suffer great Evils as if they were the greatest Offenders . Possibly they may be great Offenders , but what is that to thee ? Thy rule is , not to judge , that thou be not judged ; and , judge nothing before the time ; and , Mat. 7.1 . 1 Cor. 4 5. Rom. 14.4 . who art thou that judgest another mans servant ? and , The greater sinner the man is , the more he needs thy pity and prayers , not thy censure and disdain .

2. In a common danger let every one recount his own Use . 2 guiltiness , and do what lies upon him to do for delivering his own soul . Remember who said , Except ye repent , Luke 13.3 . ye shall all perish ; whether ye escape the danger , or no ; ye may escape temporally , and perish eternally . These Mariners did all escape the temporal evil , better then Jonah : but without hearty and fruitful repentance they escaped not the eternal vengeance of their sins . Jonah upon his humiliation and amendment might escape better then they all .

3. This Example tells us , that the sin of a godly man Use . 3 may become grievous and provoking , more then the sins of many others ; as Jonah , to hazard the casting away of many that were in the ship . What ? the Child of God do so and so ? what , one that hath received so much light , so many Teachings of the Spirit , so many checks of Conscience , so many opportunities of glorifying God , and of giving good example to others ? he to flee from God , and cast off duty ? Take heed , ye that fear God , and keep even reckonings with him . Be humbled for what is past , and watch better hereafter .

And the Lot fell upon Jonah .

Wicked men sometimes in this life are discovered , Note . and brought to their deserved punishment . God hath means and ways enough to it ; sometimes by lot , as here to Jonah ; sometimes by the Birds of heaven , Eccles ▪ 10.20 . as the Cranes revealed the murderers of the Poet ●●icus ; sometimes by the Confession and horror of the guilty persons ; sometimes by blood ●ssuing afresh out of a slain body ; sometimes a Friend hath blabbed forth a bloody business before he was aware ; sometime a Confederate hath turned Enemy , and told all the truth . Divers ways the Lord hath to bring to light the hidden things of darkness ; at farthest , in the day of judgment Eccles. 12.14 . 1 Cor. 4.5 .

Reason . 1 The Reason is . 1. God is Omnipresent and Omniscient , and is able to discover the greatest secrets ; as here , in ordering these lots , he observed every motion of Jonah , to Joppa , and to the ship ; yea , the very first motion of his heart in departing from the living God : All is naked to Reason . 2 the eyes of him with whom we have to do . 2. God makes these discoveries for his own glory , and for bringing about his own most holy ends ; as here , he meant to have his work done by Jonah , in the message that was to be delivered at Nineve . And he was glorified in the eyes of these Mariners by this discovery of Jonah , ver . 10. Jonah made the Lord known to them , and ver. 14 ▪ they said , Thou Lord hast done as it pleased thee ; and ver. 16. The men feared the Lord exceedingly ; and possibly , some of them were truly Converted .

Quest. But are lots a lawful way to discover Malefactors , when they are to be punished with Death for Felony or Treason ?

Answ. Ans. It were very dangerous ( without Gods command ) in this case to put any to the casting of lots for his life , except it be certain that divers well deserve to die ; but the Prince of his grace intends to spare some , by decimating the Army , or others that have made a Mutiny .

Use 1 But if the point in hand stand true , it appears vain to sin in hope of secrecy ; This induceth some to horrible wickednesses . The Thief and the Adulterer and other wicked ones hate the light as Death it self , and chuse Darkness for acting their Villanies ; but all in vain as to God , whose eyes are in every place , Prov. 15 3. beholding the evil and the good . Yea , the Hypocrisie of idle Professors is fully discerned by him ; and in this life sometimes they are uncased for Hypocrites as they ever were , falling into some scandalous course , or from the main truths of the Gospel . But at the last day all secrets will be fully discovered and punished ; Though they dig deep into Hell to hide their counsels and escape the hand of man , yet the hand of God they shall not escape .

Be wise then , and never go about to cover sin in an undue Use 2 way and manner . Mark two things . Away to hide sin . Esa 30.1 . 1. Wo to them that cover with a covering , but not of my Spirit , that they may adde sin to sin ; namely , by denying what they have done , by excusing , defending , or putting it off to others ; or by close conveyance ; so did Adam in the Thicket , and with his Fig-leaves : A detestable sin , as Job 31.33 . If I covered my transgression as Adam , by hiding my iniquity in my bosome . 2. Blessed is the man whose sin is covered , Psal. 32.1 . namely by justification , under the mantle of Christs Righteousness , when a soul takes warning and flees unto him for shelter , and so the evil passeth away ; So the godly is said to hide himself from the Plague he fore-sees , namely under the wings of the Almighty , not from God , but with God ; Psal. 91.1 . and Prov. 22.3 .

Ver. 8.9 , 10.

Then said they unto him , Tell us we pray thee , for whose cause this evil is upon us ; what is thine Occupation ? and whence comest thou ? what is thy Country ? and of what people art thou ?

And he said unto them , I am an Hebrew , and I fear the Lord the God of Heaven , which hath made the Sea and the dry Land .

Then were the men exceedingly afraid , and said unto him , Why hast thou done this ? for the men knew that he had fled from the presence of the Lord , because he had told them .

Parts . In these three Verses we have three things to be considered and improved . 1. The humanity of these Mariners toward guilty Jonah , ver. 8.2 . The Confession of Jonah upon the examination of the Mariners , ver. 9.3 . The Mariners reverent respect of God , and chiding of Jonah , ver. 10.

For the first of these , though the Mariners saw Jonah was taken tardy by a token from God himself , yet they do not rashly fall foul upon him , to rail at him , or throw him overboard as some now-a-days would do ; but first they question him in many things , that they may find out the truth to the bottom , and so proceed judiciously in what is to be done , as the God of Heaven shall will , and declare to be his mind .

Mot. Be gentle to all , even offenders . Hearken , Christians , and learn humanity of these Heathens . Be not rash and head-long toward any whom ye conceive to be offenders ; Though ye think ye have reason on your side , yet take heed and question the matter a little farther . Conjectures and probabilities there be , and it is very likely there is a fault made ; but conjectures are uncertain , and sometimes deceive ; and though a thing be likely to be true , yet it may prove otherwise : If it be true , it is well done to enquire and find out the whole truth : If false , we avoid he sin and danger of rash judgment ; namely , to be judged of the Lord . However , deliberation will do well .

Which serves greatly to reprove those that are rash in punishing , Use . Reproof to the rash , or harsh . or in passing their Verdict upon persons accused ; either through an hasty spirit , which Salomon saith exalteth folly , or through intemperate zeal which exceeds the bounds of discretion . Zealous we ought to be , and it is good to be alway zealously affected ; but first be sure it be in a good matter , Gal. 4.18 . And offenders ought to be reproved or punished according to the merit of their cause ; but first be sure both of the fact , and of the manner of doing , and in what degree of wickedness the offence standeth . Jonah shall be punished sufficiently , but first he shall be questioned in many things ; what , who , whence , what occupation , and of what Country ? And we all know how passion is apt to exceed the measure of Reason and Equity .

Fi● upon rash and harsh Christians , Especially toward strangers . who in their suspicions , or upon odd informations , shew no moderation to accused Brethren , but break out suddainly both to condemn and execute all in a fury ; and not only Brethren , but Strangers who should be more pitied . In some there is an enmity to Forraigners , and if they offend them never so little , they use them Rigorously , Unjustly , Tyrannically . Yet these Mariners used Jonah courteously and gently though unknown to every of them , and now designed by God as guilty unto punishment . A shame to violent and unreasonable Christians , who profess acquaintance with God .

Mostly where the life is questioned . But the greatest sin is to be rash and violent in the matter of Life and Death ; Judges , Jury-men , Witnesses , Officers of every sort , should be very tender in this case , and not rush head-long toward a sentence . Consider the matter , consult and give sentence , Judg. 19.30 . consider of it , take advice , and speak your mind ; when God was going to destroy Sodom , he told Abraham he would first go down , and see whether they had done altogether according to the cry of their sins . Now be followers of God as dear Children , saith the Apostle ; as otherwise , so in this .

For the second , I observe a two-fold confession that Jonah makes . G●n. 18.11 . Eph 5.1 . 1. Of his Faith , ver. 9. I am an Hebrew , and fear the Lord the God of heaven . 2. Of his Fault , ver 10. He told them how he had fled from the presence of the Lord .

For the Confession of Faith which Jonah makes , it is like that of Paul in the like danger of ship-wrack , Act. 27.23 . This night there stood by me the Angel of God , whose I am , and whom I serve . The Note to be observed is this : It is the property of a good heart , to own God however .

Note . Own God however things go . 1. In the midst of all his guiltiness , though he hath sinned greatly , as here Jonah , he had not carried himself as one that feared the God of Heaven ; but the contray , and now he might well be ashamed to say he feared the Go● of heaven . But a believing heart knows no sin breaks off the relation between him and his God ; Though it make a great gash , yet the wound is not mortal , and all the breach will shortly be made up again , as between God and Jonah . Renewing of Repentance makes all well again .

2. In the visible tokens of Gods displeasure for sin ; which at this time lay heavy upon Jonah , and upon Heman , Psal. 88.1 . A Believer hath got his Lesson by heart , Hab. 3.2 . that in wrath the Lord remembers mercy , and that his anger is but as the waters of Noah , soon passing away , Esa. 54.7 , 8 , 9. And he concludes , here is a dark hour , but the Sun will break forth again ; Sorrow may endure for a night , but joy cometh in the morning ; why ? because of the Covenant and Promises made to Believers , and will hold at the lowest .

3. In grievous Scourges which the hand of God hath laid upon him ; as here , this destroying Tempest upon Jonah ; whose stiff and disobedient spirit was hereby broken , that now he began to relent , and yield to his great Master . And this is the fruit of Gods fatherly chastisement to the faithful , that they learn his statutes ; and when they are corrected , they are instructed out of his Law , Psal. 94.12 . This is all the fruit , Esa. 27.9 . Jonah now will go and do his Errand . But this is wanting in the wicked , still stubborn .

4. Among a Company of wicked men , it may be enemies of God and Religion . Jonah here is amidst a number of Infidels , and see what a profession he makes of his faith ; the true God is avowed , and they led to the acknowledgement of him , and afterward they offer sacrifice to him . 1 Pet. 3.15 . 1 Tim. 6.12 , 13. This also is our duty , Give a reason of the hope that is in thee , witness a good Confession . And this among other Articles , I believe in the God of Heaven that made the Sea and dry Land .

Remember , Christians , Use . and own God openly and against all discouragements , or amidst all tokens of wrath ; fear him , as Jonah here professeth , and remember what are the effects of fearing God ; and that fear is put for the whole worship of God . Mal. 3.16 . they that feared the Lord spake often one to another , which may well be , because no part of his worship may be void of an holy fear and reverence toward the God of Heaven ; serve the Lord with fear , Psal. 2.11 . Heb. 12 28. and rejoyce with trembling , serve him acceptably with reverence and godly fear , pray with an awful regard of his great Majesty , tremble at his word ; Phil. 2.12 . And all must work out their salvation with fear and trembling .

Now from Jonahs Confession of his fault before the Mariners , we learn , It must be the humility and modesty of Christians , Note . Confess faults one to another . to confess their faults one to another ; so is the Commandment , Jam. 5.16 . confess you faults one to another , and pray one for another . Not only confess to God as in the serious exercises of Repentance , but to men whom it concerns to know what evil we have done ; as here , it behoved Jonah to declare what fault he had committed , which caused this Tempest ; God hath pointed him out for a Malefactor , and he must acknowledge wherein .

So this Confession must be twofold .

1. Publick if the offence hath been publick and scandalous ; when the whole Congregation hath been offended , the whole Congregation must receive satifaction ; namely , by an open testifying of shame and sorrow : So the incestuous Corinthian had punishment inflicted on him by many , 2 Cor. 2.6 . so should our scandalous members be served that by the shame they may be brought to repentance , and their souls saved ; that the Venom of the bad example may be stopt , and go no farther ; that the mouths of Idolaters may be stopt , and they not occasioned to blaspheme ; that others may fear , and not do the like ; that the Plaister may be as wide as the wound ; that the love of the Congregation may be gained to the offendor ; and their prayers , and a Brotherly converse together .

2. Private if the offence hath been private . It shall suffice in such a case that the party offending acknowledge the fault he hath made , and the party offended ought to accept of his confession , Luke 17.3 , 4. Take heed to your selves ; if thy Brother trespass against thee , rebuke him ; if he repent , forgive him . And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day , and seven times in a day come again to thee , saying , I repent , thou shalt forgive him . So in the fift Petition of the Lords Prayer , Forgive us as we forgive ; and our Saviours Exposition , Mat. 6.14 , 15. If ye forgive men their trespasses , your heavenly Father will also forgive you ; but if ye forgive not men their trespasses , neither will your Father forgive your trespasses .

Object . It were a shame to come to Confession . Answ. 1. It is a Duty . 2. There is a Prophesie , that Converts in the New Testament should be ashamed and confounded for their sins , Ezek. 16.61 . and 20.43 . 3. This prophesie is fulfilled in Rom. 6.21 . What fruit had ye in those things whereof ye are now ashamed ? 4. There ought to be that humility and modesty in true Christians , as to take their shame and blame home to them ; saying , Dan. 9.7 , 8. To us belongs nothing but shame and confusion of face . 5. We have an example of Gods own directing of Delinquents to Confession before the party offended , Job 42.7 , 8 , ● . Jobs friends had gone awry in rebuking him ; and therefore they must go and humble themselves before him , gain his prayers for them , and so be fully reconciled to God and him .

Hear , Christians , Use . and learn of Jonah to confess your faults one to another ; Though it be against the Haire , and against thy Credit , yet be contented . Go in Gods way , and that is the course to set all at rights , as here Jonah ; though for a while cast into the Sea , yet after a while he recovered well enough . Numbers learn by the failings of godly men , to offend and go astray as they did ; but learn thou to confess , and mourn , and amend as they did ; there they are set for an example , and not in the other : Non cadendi exemplum , &c. That we should not lust after evil things , as they lusted , 1 Cor. 10.6 . And that we should take off the offence that hath been given to Children , Servants , Neighbours , Ministers .

It was a rare example of the worthy Knight , Sir A. Cope . in prayers with the Family to confess his own personal sins and failings ; A matter of shame , but withall may work much upon the hearers to be like-minded , and follow the good example , every one in his own private Devotions .

For the third ; Then were they exceedingly afraid . They were afraid before because of the Tempest , and of their danger thereby ; but now they fear none , because they know more fully how the case standeth ; they know the true God distinctly ; they know him the cause of this tempest and danger ; they see an offender discovered in an extraordinary manner ; they see he is a just God , and bears not with sin in his own servant , and will see more of him shortly , when he sends a calm at Jonahs casting forth , and they escape through his mercy .

Note . Stand in awe of Gods judgments . The more discoveries we have of God in his Mercy and Justice , the more we should be stricken with fear toward him ; fear to offend him , care to please him , be the better for his tempests and terrible works among us ; and by his cords of Love and Bounty be held the closer to him in Duty , Job 37 23 , 24 Touching the Almighty , we cannot find him out ; he is excellent in power , and in judgment , and in plenty of justice ; he will not afflict . Men do therefore fear him , be respecteth not any that are wise of heart ; see also Jer. 5.21 , 22 , 23 , 24.

Use . Then worse then Barbarians are those Christians , who in all the terrible storms and shakings of the times live securely and fear nothing ; God , nor Hell , nor Curse of the ●aw , nor Pestilence , nor any of the Judgments which befall others , and may befall them they know not how soon . Such should consider , that as stout men as they have feared exceedingly in seeing the fearful signs of Gods displeasure for sin ; witness these Mariners , stout and sturdy men as that kind useth to be , but in this gr●at Tempest ye see how they buckle ; Dan 5.6 . and ye read in Daniel , How at the sight of the hand writing Belshazzars countenance was changed , and his thoughts troublod him ; so that the joynts of his loyns were loosed , and his knees smote one against another . And all the Sons of Pride the Lord knows to abase . c. 4. 37.

Consider , as stout as thou art , upon a great fit of sickness or some other stinging cross , thou mayest be brought to fear exceedingly in spite of thy heart , as Pashur in Captivity , Jer. 20 4. He became a terror to himself and to all his Friends ; even he that was so lusty , to put Jeremy into the stocks . An hard-hearted sinner thou art , but hast not the strength of Steel , or of Stones . Beware , when Conscience once awakes , and sin is set in order before thee , Psal. 50.21 . all thy hardiness will prove but as Stubble when it is put to the Fire .

And think of the terrors of the day of Judgment , a day of darkness , and of gloominess , when men shall be at their wits ends , even the greatest of sinners , Rev. 6.16 . Better to take thy part of fear here , where it may be improved to Conversion . Hereafter there will be nothing but torment in thy fear , as 1 John 4.18 . fear hath torment . Then comes the great mischief which never was feared , but now shall be felt for ever and ever .

Lastly , for these mens chiding of Jonah , Note . Why hast thou done this ? and before ver. 6. What meanest thou , O sleeper ? arise , and call upon thy God . Most justly do they fall under the lashes of mens tongues , who slip their necks from the obedience they owe to God . Not only Ministers fall foul upon them , but rude and barbarous men , Jeerers , Mockers , Slanderers , injurious men , wrongly perhaps ; Use . but it is just with God whose yoke formerly by you was rejected . If ye had kept in with him better , ye might better have escaped their Viperous and base tongues . Ye wonder at mens unreasonableness , but look upward , and there ye will find some just occasion given ; who had Shimei to Curse ?

Ver. 11.12 . Then said they unto him , What shall we do unto thee , that the Sea may be calm unto us ? ( for the Sea wrought and was Tempestuous . ) And he said unto them , Take me up and cast me forth into the Sea ; so shall the Sea be calm unto you ; for I know , that for my sake this great Tempest is upon you .

Parts . Two things here meet us . 1. How the Mariners advise with Jonah , what is to be done in this extremity , ver. 11.2 . What course Jonah adviseth them to take for avoiding the danger , ver. 12. He gives faithful counsel , though it be against himself as we also ought to do .

For the former of these ; The Mariners had consulted with God before , Consult with God , and the godly● inquiring his mind by casting of lots ; and now they consult with Jonah , whom they perceive to be the servant of God , though at this time a bad servant ; wonderful pity and charity , and discretion in both ! Oh for care and Conscience in Christians , to take up this example of honest heathens !

What made these men so gentle . But whence this their gentleness in treating with Jonah ? Answ .

1. No question but it was of Gods over-awing and over-ruling their spirits , that they should not mischief no hurt his servant Jonah . He that restrained Esau and Laban from speaking or doing evil to Jacob , did restrain these men also . Moral Vertues are of Gods implanting in the heart Prudence , Meekness , Quietness of spirit , judiciousness in proceedings ; and , even fierce spirits use to be tamed by storms and other hideous worke of God .

2. They take notice of the God of the Hebrews , who had made himself of a long time famous in all those adjoyning Countries ; how he is now pursuing his fugitive servant , and do●h not spare him , but send wind and tempest after him . It is time to be moved with fear , and take a wise course for escaping his wrath . Heb. 11 7. Noah moved with fear , prepared an Ark for saving himself and his Family .

3. As they were moved with Reverence toward the Master , so with some Reverence toward the Servant , who had told them the plain truth ; how he was a Prophet and ministred unto the Lord , but at this time had basely declined the service imposed ; so in Gen. 20 7. Abimelech must restore Abraham his Wife ; why ? For he is a Prophet , and he shall pray for thee . Respect is to be had to every one according to his Place and Degree , most to Gods Messengers .

Note hence , Note . Treat gen●ly with off●nders with what Gentleness and Humanity we ought to treat with our Christian Brethren , even when they acknowledge themselves offenders ; as these with Jonah . Titus 3.2 . speak evil of no man , no brawlers , but gen la , shewing all meekness unto all men . 2 Tim. 2.24 . The servant of the Lord must not strive , but be gentle unto all men ; not only to the good and kind , but to the froward and faulty .

1. That in the quietness of our spirits we may the better Reason . 1 find out the way wherein God would have us to go , which is not discerned in Passion ; He that is of an ●asty spirit exalteth folly ; and , He is as a City without Walls an● Gates .

2. That a due mean may be observed in the punishment that is to be inflicted . We ought not to fly upon offenders rashly and furiously , but with deliberation ; and it may be with prayer that we may be moderate , and that the punishment may be sanctified .

3. The Delinquents have precious and Immortal souls which should be tenderly regarded , instructed , wrought to Repentance , fitted to receive the intended punishment , and so saved ; not die before they be fit to die if it be possible .

Oh the price of souls , not to be redeemed but by the blood of Jesus Christ !

Use 1 Put on gentleness . Now be perswaded to this Humanity and Gentleness . A man may learn good of any whoever they be ; of the Crane and Swallow , to know and improve the seasons of grace ; of the Mariners , not to be rash or harsh to offenders ; yea , of the Devil himself , who bestirs him the more because he hath but a short time , and he trembles at the judgment to come , which sundry of ours do not .

Ob. Sol. Say some , This man deserves exemplary punishment ; it is a plain case , there is no doubt to be made . To whom I answer , Jonahs case was plain enough , not only by the tokens of Gods wrath , but by his own confession ; he told them how he had fled from the presence of the Lord , and he had deserved the worst punishment that could be inflicted ; to be thrown overboard , or to have his brains beat out with a Batt . But it will be far more fair and clear , proceeding , when himself shall presently pronounce the sentence , Take me , and cast me forth into the Sea .

Ob. Sol. Others may say , These are Rake-hells , not awhit like unto the good man Jonah ; he was a Prophet , and worthy of all respect ; but these & c ! To whom I say ,

1. Jonah at this time might seem to these Infidels to be as very a Rake-hell as any went upon the ground . What knew they whether he were a Prophet , or no ? or what was a Prophet to them ? A grievous sinner he was , even by his own confession .

2. The worse any Delinquent is , the more tenderly he ought to be handled , pitied , instructed , besought with tears , prayed for , that he may not desperately cast away his soul ; but when he loseth a natural Life , he may find an Eternal .

A great sin therefore it is , and heavily to be admired , that Christians are grown so harsh toward faulty persons , Use 2 whether Children , Servants , or others . Some there be that toss , and fling , and pull and lay about them like Bedlams in their fury , and if it were not for the Gallows , would lay them dead in the place . Did these Mariners so to Jonah ? or doth God so deal by thee ? or if Christ had been no more meek and patient , where had thy salvation layen ? Remember the Apostles obtestation , 2 Co● . 10 1. I beseech you by the meekn●ss and gentleness of Christ ; and remember Christs invitation to be like-minded , Mat. 11.29 . learn of me , for I am meek and lowly of heart , and ye shall find rest to your souls .

Only one caution ; we must not so be meek and gentle , Caution . So be gentle , as to use due severity . as altogether to neglect the punishing of offending Brethren Magistrates bear not the Sword in vain ; and Housholders have Authority given them over naughty Children and Servants , not only to chide and reprove them , but inflict corporal punishment upon them . It was El es sin and down-fall , that he restrained not his vile Sons ; and the overthrow of Laish , that there was no Officer to make them ashamed .

On the other side , the execution of judgment hath appeased the wrath of God , as we see in the example of Phineas ; and of casting Jonah into the Sea , with those examples , Jos. 7.12 . 2 Sam. 21.1 . Isr●el could not stand before the men of Ai till Achan was stoned to death ; The Famine ceased not till the bloody house of Saul was punished for slaying the Gibeonites : And because Ahab let go a man worthy to die , his life must go for his life . Execute judgment in the gate , and I will let you dwell in this place ; we fare the better because some justice is done upon offenders , and should fare better , if more were done

For the latter , Ver. 12. Take me , and cast me forth in to the Sea . H●w Jonah would be cast into the Sea .

Understand this aright ; Jonah speaks not this as a desperate man who regards not his life , or cares not what becomes of him ; much less , as one that chuseth death rather then life , or one that would countenance the horr●ble sin of self murder , expresly forbidden in the Commandement , Thou shalt not kill ; but thus , seeing Gods Huy and Cry after him by a storm , and designing o● him to punishment by lot , he begins now to appear in his own c●lours ; a godly and a worthy man , and one that truly repents of his great sin in flying to Tarsus ▪ and reliquishing his Lords work ; with two graces that now put themselves forth .

1. He is an Example of Charity to our Neighbour . Rather then those in the ship should perish for his sake , he is contented to lose his own life as he had deserved . He was but one , and they many ; and why should many be cast away for one mans fault ? Only he will not desperately leap into the Sea , but let them cast him forth , and he will be contented . Call me forth , namely as a sacrifice to God which shall redeem the lives of you all .

2. He is an example of patience in undergoing the punishment which his sin had deserved . He sees that he is found out by God , and that all the Company takes notice of him as a grand Delinquent , who deserves the severest punishment : Therefore quietly and patiently he submits to the execution of the Sentence , which the Lord by lot hath past on him . Learn Christians , in all tokens of Gods displeasure patiently to abide his will ; so did David , Psal. 3● . 9 . I was dumb , and not opened my mouth , because thou didst it ; and Christ when his hour was come , was as a sheep before the shearer , not opening his mouth .

Note . But I observe more in this voice of Jonah ; Cast me forth . Methinks he now begins to be an evident Type and Figure of Christ , Christ willingly dyed for his . as Christ himself gives the Parallel , Mat. 12.39 , 40. As Jonah Voluntary delivered himself to death for saving the Mariners and Passengers from drowning ; so Christ of his own accord gave himself to the death for saving the souls of sinners whose persons and causes he had undertaken . I lay down my life for the sheep ; no man taketh it away , but I lay it down of my self , Joh. 10.18 .

Accordingly he went forth when they came to apprehend him , c. 18.4 , 5 , 6 , 7. and he forbad Peter in his defence to strike with the sword , ver. 11. More , we read of an earnest desire to eat the last Passeover with his Disciples , Luke 22.15 . More , how am I straightned till this my suffering be accompl●shed ? c. 12. 50. More , he delighted to suffer the good pleasure of his Father , Psal. 40.8 . with Heb. 10.5 , 6 , 7.

Only he put not himself unto Death , Yet by the hand of men . but yielded himself into the hands of others to do it ; as here , Jonah into the hand of the Mariners . And this was done by the determinate counsel of his Father , Act. 2.23 . and 4 , 27 , 28. So the Passion of Christ was every way a free-will offering , and thereby acceptable to God , and accepted in behalf of others whom he meant to redeem ; for their sake he sanctified himself , that is , freely set himself apart to work out their Redemption ; as Sampson to deliver Israel from the Philistines .

Which yields instruction unto thankfulness , Use . Magnifie Christ in life and death . that we magnifie Jesus Christ who thus freely offered himself to the death , that we might live by him . We are the Passengers who have escaped the shipwrack of our souls ; and Christ is the only One , by whom we have escaped : Meditate and strive to be really thankful . And take these Motives :

1. A greater then Jonah is here ; a glorious Person who is God as well as man ; of an infinite worth must such a Person needs be ; and by the infinite worth of the Person there is an infinite worth in his sufferings . Christ is as much above Jonah in value and Dignity , as Jonah was above the meanest Skipper . Such a Saviour and Redeemer we needed , and found ; and could find in none but Christ : Not all the Angels of Heaven , nor men on Earth , that could have saved us from this shipwrack .

2. Consider throughly the greatness of the storm , which thy sin had raised against thee ; not a Tempest of wind and sea , but of the infinite and everlasting wrath of the great God ; Who knows the power of his wrath ? None but Christ , Psal 90.11 . and the damned , and souls in desertion . Now the greater our danger is , and rightly apprehended , the more we hold our selves bound to thankfulness ; but rightly apprehended it cannot be without deep and earnest Meditation . Think a little in what a woful case these Mariners were during the Tempest ; then compare the infinite waath of the great God , which burns to the nethermost hell ; and all by reason of those pleasant and profitable sins thou so much doatest upon .

3. Consider the sweet and comfortable calm which Jesus Christ hath brought by his suffering ; even all the benefits of justification by faith , Rom. 5.1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 sin pardoned , person accepted , soul saved , prayer heard , affliction sanctified , & every mercy received in mercy . And now Satan is disappointed and disabled in the main : Possibly he may raise great tempests against the Saints ; that is , persecutions smaller or greater , as against Job and his Children , and Cattel ; but in the point of salvation he can do us no hurt at all ; yea , all shall fall out for good in the end , chap. 8.28 .

Christians , stir up your selves to a due thankfulnes● ; we may hear shortly how these Mariners upon deliverance offered a sacrifice unto the Lord , and made vows , ver. 16. If they for a temporal , what should we for a spiritual and eternal deliverance ? As the mercy is greater , so must the thankfulness be .

1. We should offer our sacrifice to the Lord , even spiritual sacrifice , acceptable to God by Jesus Christ , 1 Pet. 2.5 . I mean praise and thanksgiving , alms , works of Righteousness in our common Calling ; prayer , all holy services of Religion , and suffering if we be called thereunto , as Phil. 2.17 . If I be offered upon the sac●●●●●e and service of your faith , I joy , and rejoice with you all .

2. We should make vows , and pay them to the Lord our God , Psal. 76.11 . and do it without any farther delay , Eccles. 5.4 . When thou vowest a vow unto God , defer not to pay it ; Especially the vows that were made in affliction , Psal. 66.13 , 14. I will pay thee my vows , which my lips have uttered , and my mouth had spoken when I was in trouble . Most of all , those that were made in affliction of spirit , in conversion , or afterward in going to a Sacrament , Psal. 116.13 , 14. I will pay my vows unto the Lord , now , in the presence of all his people .

Ver. 13.14 .

Nevertheless , the men rowed hard to bring it to the Land , but they could not ; for the Sea wrought , and was tempestuous against them .

Wherefore they cryed unto the Lord , and said , We beseech thee , O Lord , we beseech thee , Let us not persh for this mans life , and lay not upon us innocent blood ; for thou , Lord , hast done as it pleased thee .

Though Jonah had desired them to cast him into the sea , and all should be well ; yet see how loving and tender-hearted the men are to spare his life . Nevertheless , the men rowed hard , they digged the sea , saith the Hebrew ; they took as hard pains as he that goes to ditching and delving : A wonderful matter in Seamen , and those heathens ; but he that gave Joseph favour in the fight of Potiphar , and the Keeper of the prison , gav● Jonah favour in the sight of these Mariners , that though he said , Cast me forth into the sea , yet they rowed hard to bring the ship to dry land .

Note . Be tender of mans life . The example teacheth us , as far as we can possibly to spare the life of our Neighbour ; life is a precious thing , better then all a man hath beside ; Skin for skin , and all that a man hath , he will give for his life ; it ought therefore to be preserved and cherished to the uttermost ; and if we can do any thing thereunto , we are bound in conscience to do it . He that said , Thou shalt not kill , meant moreover we should prolong life to the best of our skill and power .

Use . Remember , Christians , and take example by these heathen Mariners ; together with grounds of Christianity , to save the life of any , in any of your relations , or within any compass of your Calling . The Son of man came not to destroy , but to save life , and so should we . The Lord by his general providence preserves both man and beast , and so should we . And , a good man is merciful to the life of his beast , much more to his Brother .

What is it then ? thy Brother , or Friend , or Child is in danger of his life . 1. Learn of these Mariners to take pains for saving him ; run , ride , send , call in help , use friends , do all that may be done to keep him alive . By using means we have seen those to live , whom we thought very likely to die .

2. If there be a plot against the life of any , discover and prevent the mischief , as did Pauls Sisters Son , Act. 23. much more , if it be levelled against the lives of many , in bringing a Nation to confusion . As by prayer , so by prudence , we must put our selves into the breach , and prevent the overthrow .

3. Supply food and raiment , and all that is requisite to keep Nature alive , not only in Children and near Friends , but in them that are farther off . For this see Jam. 2.14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18.

Object . He is naught .

Answ. Preserve his humanity , that he may have time to wax better .

4. If he be sick , let him have physick and other cherishing as the occasion requireth . The Syrophenicean woman went to Christ in behalf of her distressed Daughter , and the Nobleman in behalf of his sick Sonne , John 4.46 .

5. Worldly sorrow causeth death ; therefore grieve no man over much ; vex not , make him not weary of his life ; do rather what may be comfortable , and chear his spirits against his affliction ; especially with spiritual consolations and instructions ; say , Faint not , nor be weary when thou art corrected , Heb. 12.

Neither should a man grieve himself for losses or crosses , whereby his life and health may be endangered , as is too usual ; and it is a sin : It thrusts God out of his place , denies his Soveraignty , Impeaches his Providence , prescribes against his Wisdom , and arrogates to ones self the way and praise of finding contentment for his life ; therefore most justly , in stead of contentment , a man hastens his own death , and goes the sooner to give account to God for his impatience and foolishness . Take heed , and be moderate .

They rowed hard to bring the ship to Land , Note . All pains nothing without God . but they could not .

All mans Industry without Gods leave and blessing avails nothing . Except the Lord build the house , and keep the City , all that men do will be in vain , Psal. 127.1 , 2. And there be many grounds of it , as Gods displeasure , Mans sin , and insensibleness of his sin , and of Gods displeasure for crossing him ; then Gods insisting still on his own way , bringing about his own ends , blasting of our endeavours and hopes , disabling of the creatures , disgracing of mans wisdom , and intention to bring the sinner to his own bent ; as is said , Man lives not by bread only , Deut. 8.3 . but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God .

Use . Tradesmen see how they decay . Many a man doth his true endeavour , and takes faithful pains in his Calling , and yet can make nothing of it when all is done ; rows hard , and yet cannot bring his Vessel to land ; is ready to break , and gives over his Calling . What is the matter ? the Lord hath sent a storm upon him , and it cannot be got to cease ; the Sea works still and is tempestuous against him ; do what he can he doth no good upon it . Why ? the Lord is offended with his earthliness , and neglect of a religious course : Civil he is , and observes a form of Religion , and toils enough , and too much ; but , he is fugitive from God , therefore is in great straights .

Here the man might take notice of Gods displeasure against him , and seek to remove it . Such cross providence is esteemed a judgment , Hab. 2.33 . Behold , is it not of the Lord of hosts , that the people shall labour in the very fire , and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity ? so in Hag. 1.5 , 6. Consider your wayes ; ye have sown much , and bring in little ; ye eat , but ye have not enough ; ye drink , but ye are not filled with drink ; ye cloath you , but there is none warm ; and he that earneth wages , earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes . So now-a-days , men make Cloth and cannot sell it ; would work , but cannot provide Wool to set them on work ; or , the inferiour Cloth-workers must be paid , but the Master scarce knows how to get bread .

Great straights ! one would think , that in this leisure-time men would addict themselves more to Religion , which in an hurry of businesses used to be too much neglected . But I doubt much , whether it be so done , or no : I doubt much of earthly hearts , which as yet are alienated from the life of God ; thence this working sea which continues tempestuous against you .

Oh no , that is not the cause ; Object . some have as little Religion as we and yet have good trading , get money , and live finely .

Answ. 1. Some of them live upon the quick stock , Answ. which makes them pine , and fret within themselves , but they cannot help it . Mat. 5 ●5 2. For the prosperity of worldings , some of them very wicked , it may be meer Atheists , there is little comfort in it : It is only of the general providence of God , whose Sun shines , and Rain falls upon good and bad ; And without repentance there is coming forth against them a tempest which shall lay them in the bottom of the sea of his fiery indignation . 3. It were good for Tradesmen in these tempests to think of Gods intention toward them ; namely , of industrious , civil , and well-natured men to make them Religious men , which all this while they have not been to purpose . See , ye have time enough , only find hearts , seek God , be religious in earnest , and then the tempest may cease , there may be a great calm , Cloathing may be as quick as ever it was .

Wherefore they cryed unto the Lord , we beseech thee , we beseech thee .

Mark how these mariners profit in Religion by little and little . At first they cryed every one to his God , to be delivered in that great distress ; but now they leave their Idol gods , and cry to Jehovah , the God of the Hebrews whom Jonah had preached to them ; they heard his word , and they saw his terrible works which made them afraid ; and now they call on him alone for mercy and deliverance , and afterward we shall hear more of their piety , ver. 16.

This is the progress of Religion in true Converts , Note . that by little and little they grow very good and zealous , like leaven in three pecks of meal , working on till the whole lump be leavened ; or like Corn sown in the field , still growing on ; first the blade , then the ear , after that the full corn in the ear , Mark 4.28 . Though their beginning be but small , yet their latter end encreaseth exceedingly . 2 Pet. 3.18 . 1 Thes. 4.1 . So we are commanded , Grow in grace , and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ ; and , As ye have received how ye ought to walk and please God , so increase more and more .

Reason . Phil. 1 6. Col. 2.19 . Phil. 1.19 . The reason is , He that begun a good work in them , will finish it to the day of Christ ; it is a Divine conception , the seed of God abideth in them ; and we read of increasing with the increase of God and of Christ the Head , whereby all the body so increaseth ; and of the supply of the spirit , carrying on the work with power .

Ye may conceive these degrees .

1. The Convert lives in none of his old sins , though pleasant and profitable . He is cleansed from all his idols , and all his filthiness . These Mariners left their gods which their Fathers worshipped , and called upon the God of the Hebrews ; so Naaman , Thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt-offering nor sacrifice unto other gods , but unto the Lord , 2. King . 5.17 .

2. A true Convert improves and grows both by the word and works of God ; as these by the preaching of Jonah , and by the dangerous tempest that lay upon them . Grace turns all into the nourishment of it self ; Ordinances , Providences , Mercies , Afflictions , yea sins too ; to be more humble , and stand better upon the guard , and turn unto God that smites them .

3. A true Convert presently falls upon a course of prayer , so to get more strength , wisdom , and hold of the love of God ; so did Paul presently upon his conversion , Act. 9.11 . behold , he prayeth . These mariners pray to Jehovah , that the blood of Jonah may not be laid to their charge ; and that with earnestness , We beseech thee , we beseech thee .

4. A true Convert studies the point of thankfulness for the great mercy of God in saving his soul ; as these , for saving their lives , ver. 16. they offered a sacrifice unto the ●ord ; and we must come before God with our spiritual sacrifices , thinking what may be done for his honor ; What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits toward me ? and stirring up all that is within us , not to forget any of his benefits . Temporal mercies bind not firmly , but spiritual do .

5 A true Convert binds himself to God by honest and faithful purposes , even after a mercy received ; as these , when the calm had taken them off from their danger , ver. 16. they made vows . A carnal Christian is full of good words during his sickness or other danger , but the true Christian is for ●after-times ; Esa. 42. hears for the time to come , prayes , partakes of a Sacrament , all to become better , and to live afterward more carefully and profitably .

Hear , ye that begin to mind Religion , Use . and see that ye profit in these particulars , and in all other . The course of Gods Children is as the course of our Children , to grow strong by little and little : And as a man after a great fit of sickness desires daily to pick up his crumbs more and more ; so must thou upon this recovery out of the estate of sin and wrath : Mind and grow .

Let us not perish for this mans life , and lay not upon us innocent blood .

Even rude and barbarous people have abhorred murther as a grievous sin ; as these Infidels , Note . Murder a hainous sin in the eye of heathens . and those Barbarians in Act. 28.4 , 6. And some for expiation of their murthers have in the guiltiness of their consciences , put themselves voluntarily into banishment or other sorrows , as it were so many pennances . Use . 1

The more shame to this cruel and bloody age wherein we live , which sets nothing by the life of a man ; yea of many men ; it may be many hundreds and thousands of men slain in battel ; possibly in meer malice or corrupt affection , possibly for Pay only , so much a week to kill men . No matter whether it be innocent blood or no , no deprecation of the wrath of God , We beseech thee , we beseech thee . No making account that they may perish for those mens lives ; As if the Law were not made for murtherers ; or , as if murderers should ever inherit the Kingdom of God , 1 Tim. 1.9 . Rev. 21.8 . contrary to the express words of Scripture .

Use . 2 Take heed , Christians , both of the sin , and of those corrupt affections which lead to the sin . Remember the Commandment , Thou shalt not kill ; Remember the argument used , in the Image of God created he man ; Remember the threat , He that takes the sword , shall perish by the sword ; Remember the expiation of blood in the time of the Law , and the Cities of refuge , and how no price might be taken to save the life of a murtherer , Numb , 35.31 . And those heathens confess they need Gods mercy for casting Jonah into the sea , though a guilty person , both by his own confession , and by the judgement of God who discovered him by lot .

But how then do the Mariners talk of innocent blood ?

Answ. It was innocent as to them , or for any quarrel they had to him ; but in respect of God he was not innocent . Jonah had confessed his guiltiness , and desired them to cast him into the sea ; whence that clause in the Verse , For thou O Lord hast done as it pleaseth thee .

Note . God alone or ders the death of evil doers . None but the will of God can justifie the putting of any to death ; He is the Soveraign Lord of life and death , and provoked by the sins of his people , so as sometimes he calls for their blood to make some part of satisfaction ; And this he doth by the Magistrates , into whose hand he hath committed the sword of justice , and he must not bear the sword in vain ; and , He that sheds mans blood , by man shall his blood be shed .

In vain therefore do some talk , Use . that no man ought to be put to death for any cause whatsoever . A very foolery , so to extoll mercy , as to take away justice ; Solomon pronounceth them equally abominable to God , who acquit the wicked and condemn the righteous . We know the example of Saul , who lost his Kingdom because he spared the King of the Amalekites ; and of Ahab , whose life must go for Benhadads life , because he let go a man worthy to die : Wholsome severity is as necessary as mercy and kindness ; that offendors be punished according to the nature of their wickedness .

Ver. 15.

So they took up Jonah , and cast him forth into the Sea , and the Sea ceased from her raging .

We have here . Parts . 1. the execution of Gods sentence against Jonah , he was cast into the sea . 2. the consequent of it , the sea ceased from raging . A plain demonstration of the case , That the Lord in wrath remembers mercy ; and yet strange withall , wrath to his servant , mercy to the heathen In some case the wicked may fare better then the godly ; innocent heathens fare better then faulty Jonah

For the former of these , though the mariners were very loth to cast Jonah into the sea , yet now that they see ●he will of God expresly revealed for it , they do it though sore against their wills .

M●morandum , for many reasons they were unwilling to cast Jonah into the sea : He had not wronged them in the least , he had paid the Fare , and committed himself to their Custody ; and trust ought not to be deceived ; he had professed his faith in the true God ; and such ougbt not to be violated : he had confessed his fault , and was sorry for it ; and what would they have more ? he submitted to the punishment which was to be inflicted , though to the losse of his life . He prophesied , that upon his punishment all should do well , the tempest should cease , and so it did .

Yet fain would they save him if they could possibly : Sulcarunt , they made furrows in the Sea , and rowed hard to bring the ship to dry land .

But now when they consider on the other side , that God hath plainly designed him to drowning in the Sea ( thou O Lord , hast done as it pleased thee ) they give over their former deliberation , and propension to mercy , and do what the Lord leads them to do : teaching this ,

Note . Do Gods will though against reason . When we are sure of the will of God for a matter , we must lay aside all self-thoughts and motions , and set to do what God will have us to do . So Abraham went to offer up his son Isaac : so Christ offered himself . Not my will , but thy will be done : so the Martyrs left all , and endured those torments in the cause of God : joyfully suffered the spoyling of their goods : accepted not deliverance . Father and all must be forsaken , or we are not fit for Christ . An offendor must be forgiven , though it go quite against the hair . Difficult duties must be done : and costly : and dangerous .

Reas. The reason is : God is the soveraigne Lord of all flesh , us and others , and his wil is much superior to all the will of men , whosoever they be : and , he hath more reason for his matters then we are aware , as appears in the sequel of Jonahs history . And whereas we think our selves very mercifull and pitifull in some cases , Gods mercy is the truest mercy when all is done , as that which comprehends the soul as well as the body , and the publick good as well as a private interest ; not only Jonah , but Nineve , and all Jsrael beside .

Fearfully then do those offend , who in all their Use 1 course go by their own reason , and carnal considerations : no matter what God saith , or would have to be done , but they will proceed as themselves think good : not punish naughty children and servants : nor execute judgment upon Sabbath-breakers , swearers , drunkards , other malefactors : let them alone for pitie , we shall let our business , we shall be counted busie-bodies , &c. So did not Jonahs Mariners , but proceed , saying , Thou O Lord , hast done as it pleased thee . And he is noted for a fool , who is wise in his own eyes . And there be expresse commandements to the contrary , Prov. 3.5 , 6 , 7. Be not wise in thine own eyes , lean not to thine own understanding : and examples of resigning up our wills to the will of God : and our prayer sounds to that purpose , thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven .

Take then the word of exhortation , in those matters Use 2 not to consult with flesh and blood : and say as Cyprian , In holy matters there is no room for deliberation Let God be true , and every man a lyar . Let God be obeyed , and every meer man neglected . God ought to be obeyed rather then you : and do you judge your selves , whether this be not fitting . Such a one is a friend , and such a one is a friend : but God is a greater , and a better friend . Jonah was a very good man : but when he fell into the lurch with God , and God appointed him to punishment , out he must go into the Sea , even with his own approbation . So of a kind neighbour , a good Child , a profitable Servant : inflict a fitting punishment .

Only thus . 1. Be sure it be the will of God , Caution . that he suffer ; as these , Thou O Lord , hast done as it pleased thee . A man must execute no judgment , but the judgment of the Lord . The judgment is not yours , but Gods . Solomon sate on the throne of the Lord . The powers that be , are ordained of God : and such bear not the sword in vain .

2. Inflict the punishment , because it is the will of God that he suffer , not to wreak thy own displeasure , or passion of any kinde , but , the Lord hath designed him to punishment ; and tell him so , that he may see where his offence lies , and with whom chiefly he hath to do ; not man but God ; the most likely way to bring him to remorse for his offen●e , and making of peace with God , and amendment of life for the future : the chiefe matters which Christians should aime at in all their discipline .

Use . 3 Search out the will of God . Lastly , let this stir up all of us to study what is the good and acceptable will of God concerning us : and that both for the matter to be done , and for the manner of proceeding . Read , meditate , search the Scriptures , compare one place with another , any thing to be directed aright , what God would have us to do . And there is a rule , to enquire of the law at the Priests mouth , Mal. 2.7 . for he is the messenger of the Lord of Hosts : and to have the book of the law still by us for counsell , Deut. 17.18 . and Josh. 8. David , though he had good counsellors , yet consulted the word , Psal. 119.24 . Thy testimonies are my delight , and my counsellors . He had also the Prophets of the Lord about him to take advice withall ; Gad and Natha● . And the Jews must ever have their Levites to tell them Gods minde in matters : thou shalt not forsake the Levite all the days of thy l●fe .

It is utterly a fault in Christians , that generally they go on their own head , a●d advise not with the word or Ministers for managing an Office ▪ for following a calling , for ordering a familie , for arbitrating of differences between man and man , or for other particulars : Whence so many unchristian proceedings animosities , contentions , unjustice and cruelty : or if they hit upon the right , it is not in obedience to God , and so it is not thank worthy ; it may be they endure the lash of vile tongues , and can have little comfort because they minded not God in the good they did . It was but hab-nab , and verily I say unto you , they have their reward : but David in such contempt can comfort himself with this , It was before the Lord that I did this and this , 2 Sam. 6.21 . and became vile in thine eyes .

For the latter : upon the casting of Jonah into the Sea , The Sea ceased her raging : upon the due execution of judgment the wrath of God is pacified . Note . When Achan was stoned , Israel prevailed against the Canaanites as before . We noted this before : and may note farther concerning afflictions , that they are the Lords messengers , which when they have done their Errand , shall be called home again . When the raging Sea had devoured Jonah , presently it ceased from raging . Note . And therefore afflictions sometimes continue so long upon our backs , because they cannot be suffered to speed in the businesse which the Lord sent them upon , to wit , our humiliation and reformation .

Note farther how great and present the power of God is in ruling the waters of the Sea . Note . Gods power to he adored . Immediately when God hath satisfaction , the Sea ceaseth from her raging . As he set it on raging , so he restraines it from raging any more . So he drowned the whole world with a Sea of waters : and divided the red Sea , and the River Jordan . See Psal. 107.25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 It might be applyed to Eighty Eight : and was applyed to Theodosius in his battell with Infidels , where the winde and Sea fought for him .

Consider , Use . and adore the great God whom both the winde and Sea do obey , as those in Mat. 8.27 . The Sea is a rude and unwildy body , and yet findes ears to hear when the Lord hath a voice to utter . So had the ●eavers which Christ rebuked , and other diseases : with other passages of providence . We read of great matters attributed to the voice of God , Psal . 29. And those phrases , Command deliverance for Jacob : Speak the word only , and my Servant shall be whole : Man that lives not by bread only , but by every word of God .

But farther , if this be so , where are they that deny a Providence , and ascribe all to fortune , good luck , constellations , and co-operation of second causes ? such a Generation of Atheists there is in the world : but let them take heed : he that had stood upon the Sea-shore , and seen this sudden alteration of weather , with the concurrence of things that went along with it , would certainly confesse there was a most High God and Providence which made the change : and so did these Mariners , vers. 16. they feared the Lord exceedingly , and offered a sacrifice unto the Lord , and made vows . Take heed , and confesse a Providence : live by it , submitt to it , do as one that acknowledgeth a Providence , and as one that would have it to thee a sweet and gracious Providence .

But how rude are those among us , who acknowledge not the power and authority of God , whom even the windes and Seas do obey ? The Sea ceaseth from raging when God would have it to be quiet : but profane persons , as the fool , rage still and are confident : neither word nor works of God can reduce them to obedience ; nor Magistracy , nor any good means whatsoever . Others that are enemies of godly men , never cease from raging , jeering , abusing , or breathing out threats against them . Pharaoh will adventure into the midst of the Sea to overtake and destroy Israel . An implacable Generation of men there are , who will never cease from sinning till they be in Hell .

But let us a little re-mind our Type .

Note . Christ dying , Gods wrath ceased . As when Jonah was cast into the Sea , the Sea ceased from raging , so when Christ endured the cursed death of the Crosse , the wrath of God toward the Elect came to an end ; as was said from Heaven , This is my well beloved Son , in whom my Soul resteth . He was made a curse for us , that we might receive the blessing of Abraham through faith , Gal. 3.13 , 14.

This comes from the concurrence of these three Reason . 1 things . 1. The Person of Christ was of infinite worth , being God as well as man : and as God , he had power to still the raging of these Seas which our Sins had raised against us . 2. Christ as a surety had undertaken all Reason . 2 the Sins of his people , and all the dangers that accrewed thereby : stood for a time in the state of the greatest sinner that ever was : Esa. 53.6 . the Lord laid on him the iniquity of us Reason . 3 all , as on the Scape-Goat . 3. It was the agreement of the Father and Son from all eternity , that if the second Person in Trinity would take flesh and dye for sinners , all the wrath should cease , and there should be a full and finall friendship contracted . So by this Covenant the wrath of God ceased toward sinners , for whom Christ dyed .

Comfort to beleevers , against whom Sin had stirred up an Ocean of wrath and misery , Use . Comfort . to their Eternal condemnation ; infinitely more , and worse danger then ever Jonah and the Mariners were brought into . Christ hath dyed : therefore all the storm is over , and they may be sure it is over , and take comfort in the assurance . The Mariners were glad when the Sea ceased from her raging : and so may they be in the appeasing of Gods wrath . The same debt must not be discharged both by the surety , end by the principal debtor . Whence it is said , God is just to forgive us our sins : not mercifull only , but just . 1 Joh. 1.9 .

Hear , and get a weak faith strengthened . Peruse those grounds of reason in the reason of the point . Peruse the Covenant of grace and the tenor of it , Believe and thou shalt be saved . Peruse the promises , how free they are as well as universall , sure and precious : Esa. 55.1 . and Rev. 21.6 . And how these great mercies are sealed up in the Sacrament of the Supper : a crucified Saviour is here exhibited , and all for us : therefore conclude , we shall escape . He needed not to have suffered as for himself : for , what had the righteous man done ? no , To us he was given , and for us he was born .

A good feast is appointed for cherishing the Guests that come to it : and so is this . Thou comest with a weak faith , and in much doubting : yet come , and it shall be strengthened . Other feasts are not sure to yeild a man nourishment : but this is . If thou beleevest , thou eatest ; and if thou eatest , thou shalt live , even for ever , Joh. 6.54 . Only come preparedly : Examine , mourn , renew repentance and covenant , hunger and thirst after righteousnesse : Blessed are all such , Mat. 5.6 .

When the Jews was to eat his Pascall Lambe , he must prepare him sower Herbs to eat it withall , intimating to us that Godly sorrow , which Communicants must bring along with them . And he that comes mournfully , is allowed to go away joyfully . He that sowes in tears , shall reap in joy . Blessed are they that mourn : for they shall be comforted . And mark : such are not only permitted , but commanded to rejoyce , Rejoyce in the Lord alwayes , and again I say rejoyce , Phil. 4.4 . Psal. 32.11 . rejoyce in the Lord ye righteous , be glad and shout for joy all ye that are upright in heart .

Where still remember the main ground of your joy : the storm of Gods wrath is over , ever since Christ dyed for his Chosen : by his stripes they are healed : therefore bid defiance to all hellish Enemies , as Rom. 8.34 .

Ver. 16.

Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly , and offered a sacrifice unto the Lord , and made vowes .

This is the Mariners thankfulnesse for the great mercy of deliverance : and it hath three Clauses . Parts . 1. For inward worship , they feared the Lord exceedingly : 2. For outward worship , They offered a sacrifice unto the Lord . These for the present . 3. For the future they made vowes , ] bound themselves to the service of the true God .

For the first of these : twice before it was said , that the Mariners were a fraid , vers. 5. and 10. once for the storm that was so dangerous to them ; another time for that they heard Jonah tell of the God of the Hebrews to be his master , and that he had declined his service : And now again they fear exceedingly when the storm is over , Jonah being cast into the Sea : A signe their fear of God was a work of grace in them : why ? they fear the Lord and his goodnesse , as Hos. 3.5 .

One would have thought it should have been said , That they rejoyced exceedingly , namely to see the Sea quiet , the danger past , and themselves set in safety : naturall men use to be frolick in such escapes , and poure out their hearts unto pleasures : it is a matter of ordinary observation : But ,

Grace teacheth a man not to rest in the works of God which are joyous and comfortable , Note . but to look up unto God himself ; to fear him , that is , by a part for the whole , to perform all worship to him , of Faith , Love , Joy , Desire , Zeal , other gracious affections , and actions that are sutable . Psal. 111.10 . So the fear of God is said to be the beginning of wisdome ; that is , an Introduction to all religious affection and behavior : Timor initialis , as the schooles say ; neither altogether ingenuous and Child-like as in setled Christians , nor altogether slavish as in natural men , who are only terrified with their sins and Gods judgments ; Felix for example ; but of a mixture of these , as useth to be in time of conversion ; 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Cl. Alex. a fear joyned with an holy reverence toward the great God , and it continues ever with a Christian once converted , to bring the work of grace to perfection , 2 Cor. 7.1 . perfecting hol●ness in the fear of God .

Such fear ( in all likelihood ) possessed the hearts of these Mariners ; namely , that now presently , upon the casting of Jonah into the Sea , such a calm followed : Oh the great Power , and Holiness , and Justice , and Mercy , of the God of the Hebrews ! how is he to be feared above all other Gods ! who can do as he alone ! therefore him alone will we fear and serve all our dayes . So say we at the end of a great Plague ; or of a great fit of sicknesse : or escaping a danger by Land or Water , Fire , War , other terrible matters : Oh feare the Lord , ye his Saints : for there is no want to them that fear him , Psal. 34.9 .

Use . It serves to reprove all gracelesse people , who never fear God that afflicteth , neither in the danger , nor after the danger , to be the better for any of their afflictions . Possibly they are afraid while the danger lasteth ; for the pain , or the losse they may sustain , and especially the losse of their lives ; it may be , it is Magor-Missabib , fear round about ; Jer. 20 3. they are ready to dye for fear before the evil comes near them ; sometimes more afraid then hurt ; but for God in whose power their breath is , and who can cast both Body and Soul into Hell , Signes of not fearing God . him they fear not ; though that be the only gracious fear commanded in Luk. 12.4 , 5.

1. For departing from evil , as did Job , Joseph , and the Midwives of Egypt : what fear of God is in those that live in the constant practice of one sin or other , drunkennesse or what ever it be ? sin is the greatest enemy that God hath , and yet numbers make a trade of is , according to the humor of each ; walk in the way of the wicked , or sit in the seat of the scornfull ; though they have been in great danger of life or estate , yet on they go in a tract of sinning . The danger is past , and they make account they live to do all their abominations .

2. For the beginning of wisdome ; Numbers have no signe of the fear of God in them . Sapientia dicitur quasi sapida scientia : but Numbers have no savor of God and Religion : Mercies , Afflictions , Ordinances , all passages of Providence , have no more savor then the white of an Egg : no heart to Prayer or other duty , or to accept a good motion that is made for edification . These Mariners that feared the Lord , offered him sacrifice : but where are these mens sacrifices ? great and precious mercies are received : but what return do they make in way of thankfulnesse ?

3. For perfecting holinesse in the fear of the Lord : how doth this agree to those , who fall back from the good way of God , either into Heresie or Profanesse or Worldly-mindednesse ? or those that stand at a stay in Religion ? A round of dutyes there is , and that is all : the space of many years makes no difference in their profession , unlesse it be for the worse : they would be troubled if they thrived no better in their outward estate ; but for the estate of their Souls , they minde no thriving .

4. For fearing the Lord exceedingly , as did these Mariners : Numbers profess to fear God , but they fear men more , Losses , Troubles , Dangers , Persecutions : excessive fear surpriseth them , that they are taken off from duty , Prov. 29.25 . and the way of God ; the fear of man is a snare , and catcheth many unto Atheism : Or , they fear the Lord , and the gods of the Land , as did the mungrel Samaritans , 2. King . 17.33 .

5. The fear of God hath a dash of holy joy with it , as Psal. 2.11 . rejoyce unto him with trembling : fear him as a glorious God , but rejoyce in him as a loving Father , reconciled and tenderly affected in Christ . So the Childe fears his Father , and the wife her Husband . But numbers mind no such relation between God and them : or care not to have it : or presume to have it , but get no comfort by it in a dark houre : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 their fear is an heavy passion of unbes●efe .

Adde outward worship to inward . 1 Cor. 6.20 . For the Second : They offered a sacrifice unto the Lord .

Outward worship must be added unto inward . As we must glorifie God with the Spirit , so also with the body : for both are God's , and both are bought with a price . And the same God made both Soul and body , and deserves to be served with both , commands and expects it .

What kinde of sacrifice these Mariners offered to the Lord , we read not , nor is it materiall to know . Only this : they had Learned by tradition of their neighbours , and by the neighbourhood of the Jews , that thank-offerings would do well in way of gratitude for deliverance : and so did all the Gentiles round about : therefore so do they .

Note . Express thankfulness in good actions . Our lesson is : In way of thankfulnesse for mercies received we must use holy expressions of Loyalty and duty to our good God : not only fear him , with other internal vertues as before , but with outward worship and service . Christians also have their sacrifices of righteousnesse appointed for them , as was prophesied Deut. 33.19 .

But what are they ? Answ. 1. A mans whole self , with all powers of Soul and Body , Rom. 12.1 . Present your selves a living sacrifice , holy , acceptable to God , which is your reasonable service . 2. Holy and hearty prayers , Pro. 15.8 . The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination to the Lord , but the prayer of the upright is his delight . 3. Hearty praises , with voice and life , Heb. 13.15 . By Christ let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually . 4. Works of love to the poor members of Jesus Christ , Ver. 16. With such sacrifices God is well-pleased . 5. Releif and comfort to good Ministers who need assistance , Phil. 4.18 . An odor of a sweet smell , a sacrifice acceptable , well pleasing to God . 6. Suffering in the cause of God , Ch. 2.17 . If I be offered upon the sacrifice of your faith , I joy and rejoyce with you all . 7. All parts of the publick or private worship of God , 1 Pet. 2.5 . A spiritual Priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ . 8. All dealings with men carried in a loving and righteous manner , Psal. 4.4 . Offer the sacrifices of righteousness , and put your trust in the Lord .

Whereby we see that none hath cause to say he wants Use . 1 a way and means to shew his thankfulness to God for great mercies and deliverances he hath received . None but may so express . Levitical sacrifices are ended in Christ ; and he is loth to offer sacrifice in a blind manner , as these Mariners did ; and I desire to testifie my thankfulness for escaping such a danger , or receiving such a mercy ; but what should I offer ?

Answ. He hath shewed thee O man what he requireth , and what he will accept as a gratuity , Mic. 6.8 . and the Map now delivered shews a great Bed-roll of Christian sacrifices : Peruse , and see if one way or other thou canst not offer a sacrifice to the Lord ; only find the Altar of an holy heart , and a sacrifice will quickly he had ; Out of the abundance of the heart will come forth much good .

A man possibly hath not wealth to distribute among the poor , or is not called to suffer for the truth and way of God ; cannot entertain Ministers , cannot build and endow Hospitals , repair Bridges , do other works of bounty as our fore-fathers were wont to do . Shall he therefore be wholly excused of offering to the Lord ? No , the poorest and meanest Christian that is , out of a gracious heart is able to pray , praise God , live holily , deal righteously , converse to the Edification one of another : Calves of the lips , spiritual sacrifice , a body prepared and fitted to do service , and a mind with meditations and affections .

Use . 2 Offer these and it shall suffice : The Jew that was not able to bring a Bullock , must bring a pair of ●urtle-doves or two young Pigeons ; so the Christian , let him do his best and it will go for currant . Only with this Caution , he that is able to offer a great sacrifice , shall not be excused by a less . Cursed be the deceiver , who hath a male in his flock and sacrificeth to the Lord a corrupt thing , Mal. 1.14 . or offers the torn , the lame , or the sick , shells of outward service , or old age that is now able to do nothing for God ; or meerly good meaning , without doing what might and ought to be done , as some do flatter themselves ; all such are deceivers , and draw a curse upon themselves instead of a blessing . These Mariners offered what they could , but so do not these .

For the third , they made vows . Not only in the present did these Mariners worship the Lord , but meant to worship him for time to come , and thereunto bound themselves by vows ; 2 King 5 17. so Naaman the Syrian , Hereafter I will serve no God but the God of Israel .

Note . This is the right use of afflictions , and of escaping out of them ; not only be Religious for a time , but for ever . Many can seem to be Religiously affected while they are under Gods rods , or when they are newly got out of his hands , but in a little space grow as bad as ever ; it may be more hardened , as iron that hath been heated and cold again .

Take heed of dodging with the God of Heaven . Use . He looks for plain and honest dealing of those he delivers , or to whom he vouchsafes mercy . It is a condition upon deliverance from enemies , To serve him in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life , Luke 1.74 , 75. The mercy lasteth alway , and so must the duty : and no reason can be alledged for ceasing from that duty . Go then , and learn what means to hear for the time to come , to pray continually , Esa. 42 , 23. to receive Sacraments often , even untill Christ come .

They made vows . What , we read not , nor matters it . Vows of Christians , what they are . But to our purpose ;

1. The main matter of Christian Vows is , that we bind our selves to the Lord in a Covenant that shall never be broken ; as Presper said , Seipsum voveas , seipsum reddat ; he that will vow to the Lord , let him devote himself , and render himself to his Majesty : and David said , Ps. 119.106 . I have sworn that I will keep thy Commandments ; not Counsels , but Precepts are the grounds and bounds of a Christians vows : Therefore not Monkish , nor any other will-worship .

2. The entrance into a lawful vow is at our Baptism , where we promised to be the Lords ; to believe , to obey , to renounce all his and our enemies , implyed in that phrase , Baptized in the Name of the Father , Son , and Holy Ghost ; that is , dedicated , devoted , set apart for his service and glory ; relinquishing all others , as a good Wife to cleave to her Husband alone .

3. The vow of Baptism is renewed many times afterward , either at a Sacrament of the Lords Supper , or in the time of danger ; and it ought to be Religiously remembred and observed , as Psal. 66.13 , 14. I will pay that my vows which my lips have uttered , and my mouth hath spoken when I was in trouble . Whether these Mariners kept their vows , we know not ; but are sure that we ought to keep ours .

Use . Remember , and make Conscience of performing these vows ; be as faithful in keeping them , as thou seemdst Religious in making them . Remember the fears , and pains , and cares of those sad hours , and what religious affections were then stirring ; mind all those passages , and now reduce all into act : Now is the time , now and ever . Take heed , it will be no safe mocking of God ; Gal. 6.7 . Be not deceived , God is not mocked : All the mocking would return upon thine own soul , to thy eternal damnation .

Where for better performance , remember that clause , not to put off the paying of vows , Eccl. 5.4 . When thou hast vowed a vow to God , defer not to pay . This delay is it which marres abundance of good purposes and resolutions ; while we think there is time enough , the motion dies , and no good effect follows . A deceitful heart , a subtle Devil , a flattering or encumbring world , vain or wicked Companions draw quite another way .

Ver. 17.

Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah , and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights .

Our Saviour calls it a Whale , Mat. 12.40 . Jonah was so long in the belly of the Whale : Whales and other great fishes . Possibly it is the Leviathan described in Job 41. Or , it may be the Crocodile . Histories tell of fishes of incredible bigness ; and our people have seen the Grampos , the Sturgeon , the Man-fish , the Mermaide , and other : and Navigators have seen the Sea-Horse , the Sea-Bull , and other strange Monsters , and of strange greatness . All made by God , and are at his beck , and serve to set forth his praise ; see Psal. 104.24 , 25 26.

At the Text it is said , that God prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah . Here is in wrath mercy : Though God will have his servant cast into the Sea , yet he will not have him drowned in the Sea . No , he loves him better then so , and hath more work for him to do ; which though he declined at first , yet afterward he shall be willing to do .

Note how the providence of God reacheth to the bottom of the Sea , and swayeth among the fishes . Note . God rules ever , fishes . He that sent a wind , and thereby a storm , and afterward caused the Sea to cease from her raging , now sets a fish in readiness to take Jonah to custody , and then restore him to land again . So he sent the fish to Peters hook , Mat. 17.27 . and a multitude of fishes to the Apostles nets , Luke 5.4 , 9. and John 21.3 , 8.

Now bless the Lord O my soul , Psal. 103.12 . in all places of his dominions ; Use . 1 Sea , Land , Fire , Air , Clouds , all made by him , and disposed of by him , and all for the good of his Chosen ; as those wondred at the huge draught of fishes , and saith the Text , they knew it was the Lord : none but the Lord could gather those fishes together . And it follows , Christ gathered them together , therefore Christ is God ; and accordingly he is to be feared , loved , honored , obeyed in all our course of life . Both Creation and gubernation are ascribed to him , therefore he is God . He made us , Use . 2 and he feeds us , therefore he is God .

Ps. 135.6 . Again , it is comfort to the good Subjects of his dominion , that he hath to do , and doth what he will both in Heaven and Earth , and in all deep places . When we travel in waters or occupy businesses in that Element , there he sits and overrules all . In the great and threatning waves of affliction he orders the Event for good to the faithful , Psal. 32.6 . Surely in the flouds of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him . Mat. 8.26 , 14 , 31. Rev. 20.13 . Esa. 43.2 . When thou passest through the waters , I will be with thee . For the Disciples he rebuked the wind and sea , and there was a great calm . And he took up sinking Peter into the ship , and one day the sea shall give up her dead .

There is comfort also in the preparations and provisions that the Lord makes for us both by sea and land● ! He that prepared a great fish for Jonah , prepares for us a multitude of fishes , both small and great ; precious for their usefulness , and pleasant by their variety ; Food , Physick , Oil , Bone , abundance of uses for the enriching of a Nation ; whereunto adde , that God first taught the art of making ships for Navigation : so Noah by his instruction , Heb. 11.7 . prepared an Ark for saving himself and his Use . 3 Family .

And if it be so , believe in God for supply of all your wants . In all straights say as Abraham , God will provide . He that appointed Jonah to be cast into the sea , prepared a fish to save him from drowning . He that sent a Famine upon Canaan , sent Joseph before into Egypt for a Caterer ; for us also he will provide what is wanting , and shall be expedient . Believe it , and beware of the chiding , Why did ye fear because ye brought no bread ?

Jonah was in the belly of the fist three days and three nights . Miraculous preservation of Jonah .

Here is miracle upon miracle : A storm raised , a calm restored , a fish prepared for safety , a man kept alive in his belly so long and no longer , and then set on dry land again ; wonders ! that the fish was so ready for him , that he escaped crushing between his teeth which stood in great rows as Sawes to knap him asunder , that the digestive force of the fishes stomack was so long restrained , that he was not choaked wi●h waters and weeds that came about him ; that he was tost from one side of the fish to another , that all this while he had no way of free breathing ; yet there he was , and there he prayed , and thence he was delivered : Admirable preservation !

Note the wonderful power of God , Note . And of others . who in the midst of dangers can preserve his people , even where no hope of safety appears . Jonah in the Whales belly , Israel amidst the red sea , and in Jordane , with bread from heaven , water out of a rock ; one sute of Apparel to serve a man for forty years together ; The three Jews to breathe and live in an hot fiery furnace , and come forth again ; Daniel to escape well enough in the den of Lions ; Noah in a world of waters and among all sorts of beasts ; all came to him , and the wildest were made tame , so to live with the rest .

Fables , will an Atheist say , who can believe ? Against Atheists . or how can these things be ?

Answ. 1. Ask sense and experien●e ; how lives the Child in the womb for some moneths together , where he neither breathes nor takes nourishment by the mouth ? yet a continual business , as appears in the Birth of Children .

John 20.29 . 2. He must needs be a gross Atheist , who will believe no more then he sees . Blessed is he that hath not seen , and yet hath believed ; Spiritual matters are as much above sense for perceiving , as they are for worth . The soul is far better then the body , yet not seen as the body is ; and God who is infinitely better then both .

3. Jesus Christ who is the true and faithful witness , hath given testimony to this History of Jonah and his Whale ; that he was three days and three nights in the belly of the fish . And whosoever shall infringe the truth of Christ in his assertions , shall never find him a Saviour . A Revenger he shall find him , but not a Saviour ; The wrath of God abideth on him .

4. Poets and Heathens have a fable of Ariou Methimnaeus carryed by Dolphins along the sea into his own Countrey ; no doubt but some glimmering of this History of Jonah ; Gualter . or rather a fable invented by the Devil to obscure this History , that it should not be credited ; as to render the Apostles suspicious , he cryed out , Act. 16.17 . These are the servants of the most High God , who shew unto us the way of salvation .

Use . Expect deliverance when least likely . Now remember this against times and cases of very great danger ; God is the same , and his power is the same , and his love , and his care , and his truth , and all his Attributes : and if thou be the same with Jonah in faith and holinesse , thou shalt find the same protection and deliverance , so far as shall be good for thee ; I am the Lord , I change not .

Object . There is the scruple ( may some say ) I am no whit like Jonah , that God should so take care of me .

Sol. Answ. 1. The least degree of true faith and holiness is accepted with God , and shall keep the head above water . Peter was a man of little faith , and yet by his little faith he was able to walk upon the sea ; and if he had held fast his confidence as he began , he should not have sunk in the least , nor cryed out for help as he did .

2. Though Jonah was a very good man , yet at this time he was very faulty , and in wrath cast forth into the sea . Hab 3.2 . Only the Lord in wrath remembers mercy toward him , and so he will toward thee . The gifts and calling of God are without repentance ; no unbelief of ours can make the faith of God of none effect , nor break off the tie between him and a believing soul .

Oh but my case is very grievous ! Object . A devouring evil lies upon me .

Answ. Thy case is not worse then Jonahs case was ; Sol. he was devoured by a Whale , and this devourer was the means of his preservation : Judg. 14.14 . Out of the eater came meat , and out of the strong came sweetness . Thou sayest I see no likely means of my deliverance ; no more did Jonah ; and yet he is delivered , even in a way quite contrary . God saves by means , without means , above means , or against means .

Oh but mine is a tedious affliction , Ob. Sol. it hath lain long upon me , and now what hope remains ? Answ. 1. Jonah was in the Whales belly three days and three nights ; no doubt but that he had sad thoughts all that while what would become of him ; he was not concocted by the Whale , nor ever likely to get to land again ; yet at last was restored , and so mayest thou be .

2. Lazarus was dead four days , and began to stink , yet was raised up to life as before . Four days , or four moneths , or four years are nothing to God who delivers when he pleaseth . To us men lingring diseases or other evils are terrible , but to our God they are as nothing to hinder deliverance .

3. Those that have lien in their graves four or five thousand years , shall be raised of God as easily as they that were buried the day before : which is made an Emblem of deliverance that seemed hopeless , Ezek. 37. with Hos. 6.1 , 2.

4. It hath been the case of Gods Children to lie under the burthen of afflictions for sundry years together . Luk. 13. Ps. 88.15 . A Daughter of Abraham was bound to Satan eighteen years ; Heman from his youth suffered the terrors of God with a troubled mind . The Church was seventy years in the captivity of Bab●lon , 430 in Egypt . The ten Tribes ( which yet have promises ) are not returned home after 2300 years .

Be quiet therefore , and hope perfectly or to the end : remembring these three things . 1. Patient waiting must put us in possession of the promises , Psal. 40.1 . I waited patiently for the Lord , and he inclined his ear unto me . And the old Believers , by faith and patience inherited the premises , Heb. 6.12 . 2. Gods appointed time which is the best time , shall never fail us , Hab. 2.3 . The vision is yet for an appointed time , at last it will speak and not lye . 3 A thousand years to God are but as one day , nor will he be slack concerning his promises , 2 Pet. 3.9 . And it hath been said , Every thing is beautiful in his own season .

But let us a little look to our Type :

Note . Christ three bays in the house of death As Jonah three days and three nights was in the belly of this great fish , so Christ for so long time was in the bowels of the earth : It is a Simile of his own framing , Mat. 12.40 . And the third day he rose again from the dead , 1 Cor. 15.4 . and this according to the Scriptures ; namely of these Types , of Jonah , who for three days was given for dead ; of Isaac , who in the purpose of his Father was so long offered up unto God ; of Joseph , Samson , David , who were shadows of Christ , first in suffering , then in recovering : whereunto we may adde those predictions , Psal. 16 10 Thou wilt not suffer thy Holy One to see corruption , and Esa. 53.10 , 11 , 12. When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin , he shall see his seed , he shall prolong his days , &c. and his own predictions , Mat. 17.23 . they shall kill him , and the third day he shall be raised again .

Adde these reasons also :

1. Christ so lon . lay in the grave , that it might appear Reas. 1 he was truly dead : that he might fully satisfie the justice , and appease the wrath of God ; that he might shew the cursed nature of sin , which so long held the only God under the power of death and the grave , and that he might overcome death and the Devil in his own hou●e : When himself was at weakest , and they in their full strength , yet he got out of their hands well enough at the time appointed .

2 He lay no longer then three days , because the desired Reas. 2 satisfaction was given , that the Holy One of God might not see corruption , that he might provide for the weak faith of his Disciples , who began to stag●er ; that he might set more fully to do the work of a Mediator , Fruits of Christs resurrection . and might apply to us the great fruits and benefits of his Resurrection ; such as these , 1. Forgiveness of sins , 1 Cor. 15.17 . If Christ be not raised , your faith is vain , ye are yet in your sins ; and they who are fallen asleep in Christ are perished . 2. Full justification , Rom. 4.25 . He rose again for our justification . 3. Hope to God-ward , 1 Pet. 1.3 . By the Resurrection of Christ from the dead ye are born again to a l●vely hope ; and ver. 21. ye believe in God who raised him up from the dead , and gave him glory that your faith and hope might be in God . 4. Regeneration to be planted together in the likeness of his resurrection ; we shall also live with him ; dead indeed unto sin , but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord , Rom 6.5 , 8 , 11. See also Eph. 2.4 , 5 , 6. 5. Resurrection of the body , 1 Cor. 15.20 , 21 ▪ now is Christ risen from the dead , and become the first fruits of them that sleep ; for since by man came death , by man came also the resurrection of the dead .

All which is matter of great comfort to all true Believers : Use . 1 Christ is risen , and they with him , and are advanced to all the dignity which he hath attained , Christs resurrection was the first degree of his exaltation , after all that humiliation wherewith he was humbled : Ascension followed , and session , and intercession , and powerful application of all his purchase , all for the Elect , and yields them strong consolation .

Use . 2 Phil. 20. Only ●et them remember to magnifie Christ in life and death , as one that stouped so low in their behalf ; and as one that had power to raise up himself , which Jonah could not do , John 10.18 . I have power to lay down my life , and I have power to take it up again ; and as one that by his resurrection was mightily declared to be the Son of God , Rom. 1.4 and as one that is now highly advanced above every Name , Cap 2.9 . so as every knee must bow unto him ; and by his resurrection obtained a special right to us , that we should be wholly his , and for his service chap. 14.9 . he therefore dyed , and rose again , and revived , that he m●ght be Lord of quick and dead .

Which while we study , we shall attain as the benefit of Christs resurrection , so also the vertue and power which stands in holiness and heavenly-mindedness , Phil. 3.8 , 9 , 10. and Col. 3.1 , 2.

CHAP. II.

Ver. 1.2 .

Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fishes belly : And said , I cryed by reason of mine affliction unto the Lord , and he heard me ; out of the belly of hell cryed I , and thou heardest my voice .

THis Chapter contains Jonahs repentance . Parts of the Chapter . His confession of the fault , and submission to the punishment we have seen already . And now having got out of the Whales belly , he relates how things had passed : 1. That he prayed for deliverance , and was heard in prayer , ver. 1.2 . 2. That he had hope of deliverance when he was at lowest , ver. 4. and 7.3 . That upon deliverance he promised thanksgiving , verse 9. 4. That at last he was actually delivered , ver. 10

Or we may conceive his prayer amplified four ways . Amplification of Jonahs prayer . 1. By the greatness of the danger whereinto he was brought ; the fishes belly , the belly of hell , the deep , the midst of the seas , bottoms of mountains , weeds , floods and billows . 2. By the anguish or straights arising out of the danger ; I cryed to the Lord , I said I am cast out of thy sight , my soul fainted within me . 3 By the hope he nourished all the while ; I will look again toward thy holy Temple ; I remembred the Lord , and my prayer came in unto the● into thine holy Temple . 4. By the good speed he found at last ; The Lord spoke unto the fish , and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land !

We must begin with Jonahs prayer , and the Audience he found with God , ver. 1.2 .

In the first Chapter , ver. 9. he professed to fear the Lord the God of heaven , which made the sea and the dry land ; and now to the same God as the only true God , he addresseth his prayer : not to Neptune as Heathens were wont to pray nor yet to true Saints who had traded much in waters ; as Noah was saved in the general flood of waters , or Moses who was drawn out of the waters while an infant , and led Israel through the red sea , and through Jordan ; or Elias who parted the waters this way and that way : whereby one would think they should have compassion on them that are in danger by water , according to the carnal reason of Idolaters in other things .

No , Jonah prayes only to the God of heaven who made the sea and the dry land .

God alone is an All-sufficient God , and he alone ought to be called upon . Prayer is one part of divine worship , whereof it is said , Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God , and him alone shalt thou serve , Mat. 4.10 . And it stands with reason , we must pray to none but one in whom we believe ; but we believe in God only , therefore to God only must we pray , Rom. 10.14 . how shall they call on him in whom they believe not ?

Use . Mark this against the Papists , and maintain the truth against them .

Note . Pray earnestly . Jonah prayed and cryed to the Lord : This crying notes his fervency in prayer , and it is twice set down , I cryed , I cryed , to the same purpose . Christians ought to be both frequent and fervent in prayer , Rom. 12.11 , 12. fervent in spirit , serving the Lord , and continuing instant in prayer , If one prayer will not fetch a mercy , try what another will do , and let the second be more earnest then the former , and the third more earnest then that . Paul besought the Lord thrice , and obtained grace sufficient . Jonah at last got out of the Whales belly .

Use . It is not every sluggish and short-breathed prayer that will obtain a mercy . Therefore continue instant in prayer , Col. 4.2 .

But I aim at another point , from the consideration of Jonahs prayer , as being now in a distressed condition . No doubt but in all this time , three days and three nights , he prayed often and earnestly for the pardon of his great sin ; for deliverance out of the Whales belly , and for the employment he had refused of going and preaching to Nineve : Oh that God would trust and enable him to do that seruice ! he would do it with all his heart , if he might be put upon it again .

Let the point be this : Doctr. In distress pray Gods children in their greatest and deepest afflictions should keep their hearts in a praying frame , to obtain grace and mercy to help in time of need ; we read a prayer of the afflicted when he is overwhelmed and poureth out his complaint before the Lord . Psal. 102 1. and 130.1 . Out of the depths have I cryed unto thee O Lord .

For reasons , thus . 1. There is a Commandment to Reason . 1 call upon God in the day of trouble , Psal. 50.15 . Not only in prosperity but adversity ; not only if it be likely we shall get out of trouble , but against all likelihood ; not only if means be present , but if no means appear likely to be had .

2. There cannot be such a case of sin , unworthiness , Reason . 2 and misery , but the mediation of Christ can help at a dead lift ; Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my Name , he will do it for you . The Father can deny nothing to the Son , nor to such as plead in his Sons merits .

3. The spirit of grace and supplication is given them Reason . 3 on purpose , that they should alway pray , Luke 18.1 . Rom. 8.26 . and not wax weary ; he helps their infirmities , not knowing what to pray as they ought the bears up their spirit , to hope to the end ; he raiseth sighs and groans which cannot be uttered .

4. No affliction whatsoever can break asunder the Reason . 4 tie between God and a Believer ; Jonah at this time wanted neither sin nor sorrow , nor fear , nor care , what would become of him ; yet mark the word of appropriation , he prayed to the ●ord his God .

5. The covenant and promises are made so , as to serve our turn in the worst condition that is , either of sin or sorrow . Of sins he hath said , I will blot out thine iniquities , I will scatter them as a mist , I will forgive their sin and remember it no more . Of sorrow he hath said , I will be with thee in six troubles , and in seven ; I will be with thee when thou passest through the fire , and through the water ; and in a word , I will not leave thee , nor forsake thee .

6. The greater a trouble or danger is , the more we need to flee to God , and keep close to him , and hide with him ; as he that is cast upon a rock at sea , the more the waves beat upon him , the more careful he is to keep to his rock see Psal. 61.1 , 2 , 3. so we , We are weak , but he is a strong God : we are helpless , but he is a friend good enough .

Use . 1 A fault to faint in prayer . All to reprove our foolishness , who in great afflictions suffer our selves to be so afraid with amazements , that we neglect the duty of prayer . The heart is even bound up and so straightned with fear , care and sorrow , that we cannot lift up a prayer to the God of our life and mercy : yet Jonah prayed out of the Whales belly , and amidst all those incumbrances . Moses cryed to the Lord at the red sea , when the people so murmured and were discontented . Daniel prayed in the den of Lions , where every moment he was ready to be devoured ; David prayed in caves , woods , mountains , in all his flight before Saul and Absalom . He longed to come to the Temple and pray , but could pray out of a Temple as well as in it : and Jonah here in great distresse looked toward the Temple , v. 4. no whit like those who can never pray but when they stumble into a Church , or when they are in some hope to receive what they crave .

Ob. Oh but my case is higher then worldly afflictions : I have many and great sins upon me , and much guiltiness which puts me out of heart . Sol. Answ. Jonah at this time had sinned hainously , and might be ashamed to look God in the face ; yet see how he ownes God for his God , and falls to prayer ; so did David , Daniel , Ezra , other Saints ; they ever prayed to God as to a God pardoning iniquity , transgression , and sin . Exod 34.7 . And he is glorified in this act of mercy , as well as in delivering out of trouble and danger ; and more , because it is an act of greater mercy , as he proclaimed before Moses .

Oh but mine is an amazing evil , Ob. Sol. and so puzzles me that I cannot pray . Answ. 1. Jonahs , case had as many amazements as any mans case lightly can have yet was not he puzzled . 2. It is a sinful infirmity in Saints that they were not able sometime to pray , and to lift up their heads ; and so they have confessed it , Psal. 77.10 . I said it is my infirmity . And they checked themselves for their unbelief , hastiness , saying , they were cast out of his presence , and he was angry with their prayer . Often we read in the Psalms how David upon these distempers fell to prayer again .

Oh but I am unworthy to pray , Ob. Sol. or to be heard in prayer . Answ. So was Jonah , and yet he prayed , and was heard . And the Centurion , who acknowledged his unworthiness , yet had his suit granted . And Gods Children when they fall upon this work , do not go as worthy persons , but in Christ they are accounted worthy ; and that is all their pleading . In true and proper speech none but the Lamb is worthy to receive honor and glory .

Oh could I see any door of hope open to me , Ob. Sol. I should be encouraged to pray Answ. 1. God is able to open a door , where in nature and in thy sense there is none at all . 2. Pray , and it shall be opened , and thou shalt see it , as Hagar who saw the we●l of water . Little did Jonah think that the Whale should vomit him out upon dry land . Little did Israel think that thy should go on foot through the red sea , or Jordan .

Ob. Sol. Oh but I am afraid God is angry with me , and will do nothing for such a wretch as I am . Answ. It is a certain rule , that God is sometimes angry with his Children , but never hates them ; as with Jonah , angry but loved him still . He ever loves his faithful ones , and in his love he will receive their prayers , as Jonahs . In Christ their persons are accepted , and in his mediation their prayers shall prevail .

Use 2 Hear thou afflicted , and never give over thy praying though in a forlorn case . Think what Jonah did in the Whales belly , and among the weeds , waves , billows , noysomeness . Think what it is to cry out of the deeps , when the floods of ungodliness made thee afraid , when the arrows of the Almighty stick fast in thee , when a plurisie comes or some dangerous disease : Try what an hearty prayer can do , do not restrain prayer from the Almighty , nor give all for lost : or if thou hast fainted as Jonah , yet pluck up thy spirits , and to it again .

Insignis mutatio , saith Mr. Gualter : He that before fled from the presence of the Lord , doth now upon his repentance hang on him , and will not let him go without a blessing ; even so do thou : Amend every error , and mark this notable change in the Penitent , 2 Cor. 7.11 . to sorrow after a godly sort works much carefulness , and fear , and zeal . Consider for encouragement to prayer , while a Christian finds an heart , God will find an ear to hear , and do , and save out of troubles ; and still the best is behind . Mark here what follows :

I cryed , and he heard me ; again , I cryed , and thou heardest me .

Doctr. 1 God will hear and regard all the moanings of his Children in prayer ; God hears all good prayers . why ? because he is a God hearing prayer ; it is one of his Attributes , because Jesus Christ appears for them , and is a powerful Mediator with his Father ; because good prayer i● the breath and voice of his own holy spirit in his Children ; because they cast themelves upon his mercy and faithfulness ; because hell and the world is all against them ; because they have an honest purpose to glorifie God with whatsoever mercies they shall receive at his hands , as here Jonah .

But mark how he hears prayer . 1. In the kind of mercy How . 1 which is desired , as Jonah to be delivered out of the Whales belly ; we out of sickness , danger , or any adversity . 2. In How . 2 something that is as good or better ; we shall have grace sufficient for us , strong consolation of his spirit ; hereafter it shall come , but not yet ; our posterity shall fare the better for those prayers : in the appointed time and manner all the promises of God shall most certainly be fulfilled .

Now take this as an encouragement to prayer : Ask and Use . 1 ye shall have , seek and ye shall find , knock and it shall be opened unto you . Cry as Jonah , and thou shalt be heard as Jonah ; every suitor at Court is not sure to speed of his Petition , but believers are sure to speed , 1 John 5.15 . we know that we have the Petitions that we desired of h●m . And a begger will know the door where he useth to get a good alms .

And if it be so , do not mis-conster Gods delays , as if Use . 2 they were denials ; sometimes he delays to give his answer , but he never denies his children . It was three days and three nights ere Jonah got out of the Whales belly : he prayed the first day , but came not forth till the third . The woman of Syrophenicia sped at last in her suit , but it was after some repulses . Every vision of comfort is for an appointed time , but at last it will speak and not lye .

But mark yet another thing : A godly man receives an Doctr. 2 outward mercy as a fruit of prayer ; We may know it . he sees in the effect that his prayer is answered , and takes the mercy as the income of prayer , he heard me ( saith Jonah ) and I am delivered ; so David , Psal. 120.1 . In my distress I cryed unto the Lord , and he heard me .

● vast difference then there is in the godly mans receiving Use 1 mercies , and others . He receives it upon prayer , and by vertue of a covenant , and p●omises ; and as a part of Christs purchase , who makes requests for us in heaven : prayer ascendeth , and grace descendeth . Others not so .

Use 2 And it teacheth godly Christians to look after their prayers , that they may observe what answer it pleaseth the Lord to give , as Psal. 85.8 . I will hearken what the Lord God will say . Praying is compared to sowing of seed , and the Husbandman useth now and then to look to his sowen fields . Only mark the last clause there , return not to folly : A godly man must keep himself a godly man , and do the work of a godly man , or else may miss of his answer , at least for a time , as here Jonah .

Ver. 3.4 , 5 , 6.

For thou hast cast me into the deep , in the midst of the seas , and the floods compassed me about ; all thy billows and thy waves passed over me . Then I said , I am cast out of thy fight ; yet I will look again toward thy holy Temple . The waters compassed me about even to the soul ; the depth closed me round about , the weeds were wrapt about my head . I went down into the bottoms of the mountains ; the earth with her bars was about me for ever ; yet hast thou brought my life from corruption , O Lord my God .

Amplificatio prima . Here the Prophet amplifies his prayer by the greatness of the danger whereinto he was brought , the fishes belly , the belly of hell , the deep , the midst of the seas , bottoms of mountains , weeds , floods and billows . Being escaped out of the danger , nevertheless he recounteth the danger wherein he had been , as every godly man also will do . Nature teacheth a man to be sensible of present evils , Note . Recount old sufferings . troubles and dangers ; but grace teacheth to mind old ones , as of which he hath a saving use to make , so did Jacob , Gen. 32.10 . with my staff I passed over this Jordan , a poor and desolate man ; and David , I followed the Ews great with young : and Amos tells how he had been an Herdman , and had gathered Sycomore fruits , chap. 7. Use . Benefits accrewing thereby .

Do so , Christian , now that thou art set in a large place out of thy troubles . There be these good uses to be made of this recounting former evils .

1. It will keep thee humble , and low in thine own eyes ; though now increased into two bands , mighty , high , preferred before many of thy brethren ; time was when thou wast low enough ; remember and be lowly-minded , as God seems to set it down for a remedy against perking , Deut. 8.2 . Thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness , to humble thee , and to prove thee , to know what was in thine heart , whether thou wouldest keep his Commandments or no. It is the great sin of many a man , that he is lifted up with present prosperity ; though sometime he was in a very low estate , yet now that he is got into a mountain , Psal 30.6 . he stands cracking as if he should never be moved : And none must mind him of his old poverty or meanness ; he that doth , doth break the peace , and sometime it comes to daggers drawing , and much ado there is to be reconciled as friends should be : Possibly there may be a fault in such twitting a man with his ancient poverty ; but yet a godly man should take it well , so to further his humility , which it is hard to retain .

2. It will make and keep thee thankful for the comfortable change which God hath made in thy estate ; as Jacob there confessed to the glory of God , and as Israel was required to do , Deut. 8.10 when thou hast eaten and art full , thou shalt bless the Lord thy God . Thankfulness is a grace that will wither as soon as any flower in our Garland , and needs to be thus watered . Remember the terrors of the late wars , so to be thankful for our present peace . Remember the terrors of thy burning feaver which thou hadst at such a time , the sleepless nights , tormenting fits of the Gout , or Stone , publick evils that lay upon the Church , or threatned it shrewdly , as in Queen Maries time , in eighty eight , in the Gunpowder-plot and others ; whereof we may say as the Psalmist , had not the Lord been on our side , Ps. 1●4 . 1 , 2. the proud waves had gone over our soul : blessed be his holy Name for so great deliverances .

3. It will help to bear up your faith in expectation of future deliverances , as the Apostle said , God hath delivered from great death , and doth deliver , and we trust also he will deliver , 1 Sam. 17. 2 Cor. 1.9 , 10. and David , He that delivered me from the Lion and the Bear , will deliver me also from this uncircumcised Philistine ; so one of us , God hath helped when I was as low as this comes to , this is not the first time that I was in want or danger : I remember such and such a straight , I cannot well be worse then I was at such a time ; and yet it pleased God in mercy to send seasonable supply or deliverance ; therefore in this case also I will not faint , nor cast away my confidence ; Esa. 59.2 . see Psal. 77.10 , 11 , 12. Gods ear is not heavy , nor his hand shortned , nor is he weary of bestowing benefits , therefore trust in him still . Still there are promises and a covenant of grace , and Christ a Mediator for me , and bowels of a Father , power , faithfulness , wisdom , all divine perfections ; therefore fear nothing ;

And note by the way one part of the great gain of godliness . Godliness takes advantage by every thing to promote the main , which is sanctification and salvation , that all shall work together for good to them that love God , Rom 8.18 . and are called according to his purpose : Afflictions past and present , yea and sins too , to be the more humble and more wary for time to come , whence we hear Jonah telling of his fleeing to Tarsus , and Paul telling how he had been a Persecutor , &c.

Thou hadst cast me into the deep .

Gods own Child may be cast into deep and great afflictions ; as Jonah , Joseph , David , Note . Saints sometimes deeply afflicted . other holy men who without all doubt were very dear unto God ; yea his own only begotten Son the Lord Jesus Christ ; he had one Son without sin , but none without affliction .

And why ? though he love them all well , Reas. yet he will not make fondlings of them : and though they be good in the main , yet they have their faults now and then , and they need correction ; witness Jonah at this time . And they have their corruptions , which need to be more mortified , and their graces must be tryed and made more conspicuous , which is not done but in the furnace of affliction : And the Devils mouth must be stopped , who will be apt to say as against Job , that they serve God meerly for prosperity , who yet was true to God when he was stript of all .

Therefore let no godly man misdeem his estate , because Use 1 he suffers such and such evils . Ecc. 9.1 . None can know love or hatred by all that is before him ; there be other tryals to know it , but affliction is no tryal . And mark how Jonah professeth his faith in God , even now when he thus amplifies his affliction . The best employment certainly in such a sad condition , is , to find out the sins which occasioned the breach , and those ends which God aimes at . This is our part to look unto , and let God alone to do his part which will be for good in the end . No Artist must have his work esteemed by some particular piece of it .

Neither misdeem the estate of others who are so deep Use 2 in suffering , as if they were smitten and rejected of God ; which hath been the practice of unbelievers , Esa 53.3 . or as if they were worse then others , which is expresly censured by our Saviour , Luke 13.1 , 2 , 3 , 4. There is such a censorious humor abroad , but ye see by this place how it is condemned : And ye see how David was wary not to offend this way , Psal. 73.15 . if I say , I will speak thus ( condemning the godly because of afflictions ) behold I should offend against the generation of thy children . And our rule is , to let every one stand or fall to his own Master , and who are thou that judgest another mans servan ?

Two things would be minded in these matters of prosperity and adversity .

1. A godly man is never the worse , nor in more danger for all his adversity . Gold is gold though it be in the fire , Jonah is Jonah though he be in the Whales belly ; only the godly should clear up his evidences at such a time , that he is indeed a godly man : Recount the old grounds he went upon and former experiences , and fortifie against unbelief , which in hard times is apt to be stirring ; and prepare for greater tryals then as yet he hath endured , and God may justly bring him unto : Old tryed blades may be put to more hardship then tender ones shall be .

2. A wicked man is never the better , nor in more safety for all his prosperity . Dross is dross though it be laid up in a silken bag . The Mariners escaped the storm , and Jonah was cast into the sea ; the only way for some in prosperity , is , to study this matter of godliness . If thou repent and become a sincere worshipper , all will do well , both prosperity and adversity : Aug de civit . Dei , lib. 1. it much avails not what a man suffers , but who it is that suffers ; and in the likeness of sufferings there is great unlikeness in them that suffer . Oh the great force of godliness !

Thou hadst cast me into the deep . It might be objected , the Mariners cast forth Jonah into the sea ; how then doth he impute it unto God ? Answ. 1. It was by the appointment of Jehovah , that the Mariners cast Jonah into the sea ; God by lot so designed him to be cast forth . 2. In all the doings of men God hath an overruling hand , not only to permit what they do , but order all to the good of his Chosen ; as for Job , The Lord gave , and the Lord hath taken away ; and as in the passion of Christ , all was done according to the determinate will and counsel of God .

A godly man in all the doings of men against him looks up to the hand of God appointing the affliction ; thou hast cast me into the sea ; the Lord hath bid Shimei to curse , Note . Look from men to God who afflicteth . Amos. 3.6 . Esa. 10.5 . Reas. there is no evil in the City but the Lord hath done it . Ashur was the rod of his wrath , and the staff of indignation in his hand . A rod or staff moves not but by the motion of another ; nor the battel-axe .

This the godly man considers , because he is well grounded in the doctrine of Gods providence , how it reacheth to all things , small as well as great , evil as well as good , particulars as well as the general , contingent as well as natural and necessary , and voluntary actions as well as fortuitous : and , how the Lord leaves the evil to the Agents , but reserves the simple act to himself , and works out his own most holy and righteous ends which they never think of , as Joseph told his brethren , Ye meant it to evil , but God meant it for good , Gen. 50.20 .

Which is utterly against the course of many who look Use ; 1 only to the instrument of their smart and suffering in any kind , and wreak their displeasure there ; murmure , rail , or repine , it may be swear and curse , because such and such have damnified them , or otherwise stood in their light . Yet we read no such word come out of Jonahs mouth against his Mariners : no , thou hast cast me forth , and David was dumb because the Lord did it , Psal. 39.9 .

Oh but it is meer malice that leads my Adversary to say and do what he doth ; Ob. Sol. but the Mariners were fair conditioned men . Answ. 1. I suppose it was meer malice that led Shimei to rail at David , yet he espyed the hand of God in the business . And meer covetousness led the Chaldeans and Sabeans to plunder Job as they did ; yet he said , the Lord hath taken away . God is still righteous , who ordains thee a punishment , whatever the instruments be . 2. The more malicious thine Adversary is , the more testimony of innocency thou hast in thine own bosom , and so an argument of comfort , 2 Cor. 1.12 . our rejoycing is this , even the testimony of our conscience . David took comfort that his enemies persecuted him without cause , and so may others , John 15.25 .

Use ; 2 Learn then O Christian , by an holy abstraction to look farther and higher then the wrong dealings of men ; acknowledge God who hath let loose their tongues and hands ; it is he that permits them , or else they could not stir a whit : he that ordained thee a punishment , or if thou wilt , a chastisement , for thy earthliness , dulness in Religion , unmortified Passions , or other evils . True , the lot did not pass upon thee as it did upon Jonah , but in the affliction there was the determinate counsel of God so ordering : therefore say , Shall I not drink of the Cup which my Father hath put into my hand ? should I spurn against the pricks , either in doing or suffering ?

God Note . times some . Gods afraid of utmost wrath . Out of the belly of hell cryed I ; that is , out of a deep sense of the wrath and displeasure of God for my sins ; a good soul sometimes apprehends the wrath of the holy Lord God as due unto him for his sins : The pains of hell get hold on him , he suffers the terrors of God with a troubled mind . God seems to set him up as a Butt , against which he will shoot all the envenomed arrows of his .

Jonah here hath not only Gods waves and billows passing over his head , thy billows and thy waves , but ( as it were ) the devils billows and waves . In the bottom of the sea he is very near to the place of the damned ; only he is not adjudged thither finally , nor fastned there : so it hath been the case of some deserted souls to conceive ●hey were half in hell already ; very fire-brands , vessels of wrath , reserved to the judgment of the great day : My God , Psal. 22.1 . my God , why hast thou fors●ken me ? why standest thou afar off ? &c.

Reas. Thus can the sense of sin work , where there is not a present sense of mercy . And this is the force of a gu●lty Conscience , yea or of a tender Conscience , where the Spirit of comfort doth not presently do his office ; as it is sometimes suspended by the dispensation of Gods grace , for Discipline to be used among his Children ; We need the witness of his Spirit together with our spirits , to let us know we are his Children ; 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 and that our Consciences bear us witness in the holy Ghost , Rom. 8.16 . and chap. 9.1 .

But what then ? Despair two-fold . do godly men fall into despair sometimes ? Answ. Despair is either total and final as in Cain and Judas , or only partial and temporary , as in Heman and some other godly men . And godly men in their greatest despair can pray for mercy , as here Jonah out of the Whales belly , which he calls the belly of hell : and they shall find mercy as he , delivered out of all ; yea more , they had some mixture of comfort while they were in the belly of hell . Jonah remembred God when his soul fainted in him , verse 7. and even then he would look again toward his holy Temple , ver. 4.

All for the instruction of godly men , who see by this Use 1 how strictly and circumspectly they need to walk , lest the terrors of God fall upon them ; and if they be not cast into hell , yet shall be made to believe so : God sometimes holds them by one leg to hang over hell , as if he meant to throw them in , when they grow loose or idle in their course , and especially if they grow scandalous . Take heed , Heb. 10.31 . 1 Pet. 4.17 . it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God ; and judgment begins at the house of God , who never meant to make fondlings of his own children .

And if it be so , what will become of the sinner and the wicked ? Use 2 where shall they appear ? how shall they be cast into the belly of hell for ever , for all their impenitency and infidelity ? what other can be the fruit of all that security and hardness of heart , which possesseth many of our people ? It is an horror to think what their end will be . He that thinks deeply , would think it an horrible mischief to be three days and three nights with Jonah ●n a Whales belly , with weeds and noysomness . But what misery will ye think it to be for ever with devils , in the place where the worm dyes not , and the fire goes not out ?

I said , I am cast out of thy sight , and my soul fainted within me .

He that before made nothing of it to flee from the presence of the Lord , now complains that he is cast out of his sight ; and he that before was so hardy as to go directly against the word of the Lord , now tells how his soul fainted within him . No courage will hold out with a man which is not well founded in dependance on God , Note . and in obedience to him . Self-will and self-confidence will sooner or later leave a man in the suds , and in the mire . Peter who relied too much on his own strength , had cause afterward to weep bittely .

I said I am cast out of thy sight .

Note . A good soul is sometime jealous of Gods love to it : Oh I have rejected God , and God hath rejected me ; I doubt he will be no more grea●ous , but hath shut up his loving kindness in everlasting displeasure ; and Job said , He counteth me for his enemy .

Reas. Which comes to pass , partly by the weakness of faith which is in a Believer ; I believe , Lord help my unbelief : Partly by the guiltiness of some sin hitherto not repented nor pardoned , or the sense of pardon not yet come to his understanding ; Partly by the tenderness of his Conscience , loth to part with so great a good as the favour of God is ; reckoning and saying , In thy presence is fulness of joy , and the loving kindness of God is better then life , Psal. 16.11 . and 63 3.

Use . 1 For want of which tenderness of spirit , it is that vain and carnal Christians never doubt of the love of God toward them . They conclude it upon weak and insufficient grounds , and in the same presumption go on confidently , without fear or care to make sure their Election : brag how they are assured of Gods love to them , wonder at them that are of a troubled or distressed spirit , cry out upon the Ministery that hath been a means to wound them , or courses that have made them so melancholick ; So the fool rageth and is confident . Prov. 14.16 . Idle and formal Christians get more assurance ( such as it is ) then they that take most pains for it . A tender-hearted Christian comes drugling after almost out of breath , and much ado to keep up his spirit , when the other went before fearlesly , and holds on in a flaunting fashion , too fine to last alway . Our rule is , to work out our salvation with fear and trembling . Take heed , Phil. 2.12 . there have been those who have puffed or raged in prosperity , and yet have fainted in adversity ,

Let the exhortation be to good and discreet Christians ; Use . 2 2 Pet. 1.10 : Heb. 10. carefully follow the great business of making sure your Calling and Election , grow up more and more to the full assurance of faith , as in things indifferent , so about the love of God ; let every one be fully perswaded in his own mind : Rom. 14 6. what is wanting to a weak faith , get it supplyed by a conscionable use of the means of grace , such as the Word , Sacraments , Prayer , Covenant , Promises , all the grounds of confidence which God hath given to work us to strong consolation , Heb. 6.18 . Especially take heed of a scandalous sin , which gasheth conscience deeply ; and of casting thy self out of Gods sight by relinquishing duty , as here Jonah did : such may thank themselves for their desertions , sad eclipses and jealousies that arise in them ; how should it be otherwise ?

My soul fainted within me . Note .

A good soul sometimes hath his fainting fits in respect of faith and comfort ; so had Baruch , Jer. 45.3 . I fainted in my sighing ; so the Church , Lam. 5.17 . for this our heart is faint . And not only for corporal wants and dangers , as those that fainted for thirst , or for the sword ; but for spiritual considerations , Psal. 84.2 . my soul longeth , Amos 8 1● . Ezek. 21.7 , 15. yea even fainteth for the living God , and 119.81 . my soul fainteth for thy salvation .

The reason is . 1. The greatness or tediousness of an Reason . 1 affliction is apt to tire out the spirits of Gods children , who can bear no more , or no longer ; and if God come not timely to help , he would fail utterly , Esa. 57.16 Jonah was almost spent by lying so long in the Whales belly . 2. Where the guilt of sin and the wrath of God meet together in a soul , usually it makes foul weather , that it comes so far as to fainting . Pro. 18.14 . A wounded spirit who can bear ? And this is Jonahs case at this time ; we may hear afterward , that he fainted for the heat of the Sun : J●n . 4 8. but that was nothing to this , where sin intervenes and makes the sorrow far more intolerable

Use 1 Teaching us wisely and mercifully to consider them that are of a poor spirit , and ready to faint in the sight of their sins , or fear of Gods displeasure ; some are of a tender spirit , and should be handled tenderly . Rough speaking or doing would even quite over-set them and bring them to a despairing faintnesse . In such cases we should note and be tender , and pour in oyl to heal their wounds ; so did Christ , Esa. 50.4 . he spoke a word in season to him that was weary ; and it hath been said , nothing doth so discover a man to be spiritual , or according to the mind of Christ , as the gentle handling of another mans wounds .

Use 2 But let these careful souls help themselves by ways and means which the Lord hath appointed . Help against fainting fits . As against bodily faintings we get hot waters and other helps , so should we against these faintings of spirit : As thus ;

1. Get thy faith strengthned as much as may be . Faith is a special reviver of the soul in evil times , Ps. 27.13 . I had fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living ; as how ? because it draws vertue from Christ and from his intercession , who is a quickning Head : and from the promises and covenant which also have an enlivening power ; and it gives the poor soul a view of heaven to fetch life again , 2 Cor. 4.16 , 17 , 18. for which cause we faint not ; but though our outward man perish , yet the inward man is renewed day by day ; for our light affliction which is but for a moment , worketh for us a more exceeding and eternal weight of glory , while we look not at the things which are seen , but at the things which are not seen ; those temporal , these eternal .

2. Wait upon God in the diligent use of his Ordinances : Cant. 2. these are the flagons which stay a soul that is sick of love to Jesus Christ ; and see Esa. 40.29 , 30 , 31. he giveth power to the faint , and to them that have no might he increaseth strength ; Even the youths shall faint and be weary , and the young men shall utterly fa●l : But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength , they shall mount up with wings as Eagles ; they shall run and not be weary , and they shall walk and not faint . Christians , ye converse daily in Ordinances ; adde diligence and good conscience , and your faintings will wear off by little and little . No such Cordials as the Word and Sacraments well improved .

3. Pray and it shall be done . God is he that sendeth this faintness into the soul , and it is he that must take it away , Levit. 26.36 . I will send a faintness into their hearts ; and he that wounds must heal again . He that cast Jonah into the Whales belly , and into the fainting fits , did set all at rights again .

I will look up again toward thy holy Temple ; I remembred the Lord , and my prayer came in unto thee , unto thine holy Temple .

Here Jonah amplifies his prayer by the hope he nourished amidst his great danger : he was not without some hope , even when he fainted most , and thought himself cast out of Gods sight : And all these three days and nights he was well employed . A good soul at lowest hath some working toward God for comfort and deliverance , and ought to be well employed during the time of his affliction .

Yet I will look again toward thy holy Temple ; that is , Heaven .

A good soul from the belly of hell can look toward heaven , as here Jonah . No distance of place , Note . Out of hell se●● heaven . nor lowness of condition can hinder this prospect . Steven amidst the stones looked up and saw the heaven open , and Jesus standing on the right hand of God . Moses in Pharaohs wrath and threats saw him that is invisible , and endured all . Micaiah saw God on a throne , and was hardned against his meeting of wicked Ahab .

Reas. 1 All from the nature of faith , which is the evidence of things not seen . Heb. 11.1 . By faith Abraham saw the day of Christ , and rejoyced . By faith he and the old Believers embraced the promises . By faith Paul and his fellow Apostles looked not at things seen which are temporal , but at things not seen which are eternal : and , They walked by faith , not by sight ; that is , spiritual encouragements , not carnal .

Use . A good memen●o for a Saint in low condition , whether by sickness or otherwise . Upward , upward ; below all is black and uncomfortable , but upward all is clear and joyous : Make use of thy faith to carry thee far above all these tumults , fogs and confusions ; why a sword by the side , and not defend against a thief ? why faith in the heart , and not strengthned by it in threatning evils ? why as heartless and comfortless , as he that hath no faith to support himself ? Remember how David rated away his unbelief , Psal. 42. Why art thou cast down O my soul ? and remember how our Saviour chode Peter for fearing , Mat 14 31. Why didst thou doubt , O thou of little faith ?

Ob. Sol. Oh but I have something sticks by me that is of an higher importance ; my sins , which are many and great . Answ. So had Jonah ; at this time he had greatly sinned against God in refusing the service imposed , and said he was cast out of his sight : but mark the adversative , Yet I will look toward thy holy Temple ; he would not seal his disobedience with unbelief and impenitency , one sin to another . They say Judas did worse by despairing then in betraying his Master . And mark the word again ; he had conversed with God formerly , and found comfort while he held on in a course of duty ; but now upon this baulk made , the sweet communion was interrupted : therefore he saith , again ; so thou , though thy sins be many and great , yet return ; yea though they be relapses , yet again come to thy God by repentance ; there is a promise for healing our backslidings . Hos. 14 4. Though man will not pardon faults by recidivation , yet God will , Jer. 3 1. thou hast played the harlot with many lovers , yet return again to me , saith the Lord . And if comfort come not presently , yet look again as Jonah here : at thy first looking thou mayest misse of mercy , but look again , it will come at last ; at the last looking rain came according to the prayer of Elias .

When my soul fainted within me , I remembred the Lord .

A Believer finds a good remedy against his fainting fits , Note . Remedy against fainting fits . to remember the Lord . Where note , First , there is an head-remembrance which stands chiefly in speculation , as that there is a God , that he is able to help us in misery , that he sees and knows our estate and can put forth mercy and power for our relief ; If thou wilt , thou canst make me whole . Secondly , there is an heart-remembrance ; when we look upon God as our God and trust in him , and cast our selves upon his care and love , to do for us according to our need ; whether for soul , body or estate . 2 Tim. 1.12 . I know wh●m I have believed , the desire of our heart is to the rememb●ance of thy name .

Oh but David remembred God , and was troubled , Ob. Sol. Psal. 77.3 . Answ. David was now under a temptation , as appears by ver. 10. I said it is my infirmity . But I say more , there is something in God which may trouble even a good soul ; namely his justice , his displeasure at sin , his revence for sin , sometimes upon his own children ; and these arm his other Attributes against the soul of a sinner , viz. his holiness , his power , his wisdom , his soveraignty , his providence and government ; all terrible , where the guilt of sin lies upon the soul ; which possibly might be Davids case at this time , mine , or thine .

But let weak believers take this instruction : Use , when ye find these fainting fits coming , or already come upon you , remember the Lord , and stay your hearts on him ; remember him in that form , & in those relations , as he stands to a Believer . Remember him as the Lord in covenant , as the Lord thy righteousness , as the Lord merciful and gracious , as the Lord pardoning iniquity , transgression and sin , as the Lord that bears a most watchful eye of care and providence over thy person and estate ; that remembers his covenant , and thy frailty ; and knows when a deliverance will be most seasonable : Though a Mother forget her Child , yet will not I forget thee , saith the Lord ; yea though we forget duty as Jonah did at this time , yet will he remember to be gracious . And though we know not what to do for our own deliverance in any kind , yet he knows well enough and will do it for us : he knows to deliver the righteous out of trouble .

My prayer came in unto thee , into thine holy Temple .

Note . Good prayers use to come up before God , and get a merciful consideration ; as Jonahs , Salomons , Hezekiahs , Cornelius , others . The reason is , Christ takes the prayers and presents them to his and our Father , Rev. 8.3 , 4. It is one chief part of his Priestly Office , intercession as well as satisfaction , and he will be sure to do it to the uttermost ; he appears for us , and makes requests in our behalf .

Use 1 An encouragement to be much and often in prayer . Is it not a speedy way ? Every good husband will insist in the way wherein he may thrive apace : and so should a Christian in the way of praying . Audience in prayer is one of the priviledges which belong to a Believer ; and one of Gods Attributes is , that he is a God hearing prayer .

Use 2 And it teacheth a Believer when he hath made his prayer to the God of his life and mercy , to rest assured he shall prevail one way or other ; as here , My prayer came into thy Temple ; and elsewhere , We know we have the Petitions we ask of him , and he will speak peace to his people . For why ? it is his promise , Ask and ye shall receive , seek and ye shall find , &c.

Ver. 6.8 , 10.

Thou hast brought up my life from corruption , O Lord my God . They that observe lying vanities , forsake their own mercy . But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving , &c.

Here the Prophet amplifies his prayer by the effect it had , namely his deliverance out of that great danger ; Parts . Thou hast brought up my life from corruption , O Lord my God . And this is farther illustrated . 1. By the contray in Idolaters , who misse of mercy because they seek not to the true God , v 8. 2. By the thankfulnesse he means to shew for the deliverance , v. 9. 3 By the particularizing of the deliverance , and how it was effected , v. 10.

Thou hast brought up my life from corruption , O Lord my God .

There be many in this company that may truly say , Note . God hath brought up my life from corruption : at such a time I was very likely to die , I had one foot in the grave , I had made my Will and bid farwel to all the world ; yet it pleased God to add more time to , my days ; I am yet in the land of the living among old friends and neighbours ; and the time that remains in the flesh , I ought , and partly have promised to spend in the service of God , better then formerly . But

Whether do I speak those words in way of hearty and Use . 1 real thankfulnesse , or only in form ? Examine whether delivered in mercy . have I serious purposes indeed to improve this life of mine for the service and glory of God ? or , do I now think of those vows and purposes , to perform them effectua●ly ? If I do , do I put forth my best and truest endeavours to bring them into act ? when Jonah had escaped his great danger , he went and did the message though to as great a danger . When Hezekiah had been sick and recovered , he set to praise the Lord all the days of his life . Now these examples are written for our instruction to do the like ; as bad examples are to be avoided , so good examples are to be followed .

Whether by general mercy , or special . And if we do not , the deliverance out of danger will prove only a common mercy that comes of the general providence of God , whereby he saves man and beast , and his Sun shines and rain falls on good and bad . True , Jehovah raised thee out of thy great fit of sickness , or some other mischief ; but thou canst not yet say , the Lord my God : and yet that is the only right receiving of mercies , when one is able to say , Thou hast brought up my life from corruption , O Lord my God . There is a vast difference between these two , Saved by the true God , and saved by the Lord my God . Consider the word especially in 1 Tim 4.10 . he is the Saviour of all men , especially of them that believe .

And let all fall closely upon this point , to make it sure Use . 2 to our own souls , The Lord my God ; My Lord , and my God , said Thomas ; my Redeemer , said Job ; he loved me and gave himself for me . I pray what think ye ? is it not great difference to say , A good summe of Gold and Silver ; and , This is my Gold and Silver ? even so is it here . A man may be poor enough , though he see heaps and treasures of money ; so in spiritual treasure . Know the only happiness stands in the appropriation , my God ; Blessed are the people that have the Lord for their God , Psal. 144.15 .

In these Ordinances therefore the main design of Christians should be to make Christ sure to their souls , and so be able to say , my God , my Saviour , my Redeemer . Him we preach as the chief matter of our pains-taking , and in his Name we make offers of the favour of God to be thy God , and thine , 2 Cor. 6.1 . and thine ; Now receive not the grace of God in vai● ; be sure to do this business , which is the main business to be done ; Heb. 12.29 . and if it be not done , this thy God will one day prove a consuming fire , who though he hath brought up thy life from corporal corruption , yet not from eternal .

But come we now to the illustration from the contrary : Idolaters miss of mercy , because they seek not the true God ; They that observe lying vanities , forsake their own mercy Jehovah brought up Jonahs life from corruption , Jehovah heard his prayer and delivered him , of Jehovah is salvation ; the true God did all , but the idol-gods can do none of these things , they are vanities and teachers of lies , Hab. 2 18. and will deceive all those that trust in them and call upon them .

But I comprehend under the name of lying vanities . Lying vanities , what .

1. The idols of the Gentiles which the Mariners prayed unto , every one to his god . Had not Jonahs God delivered them , they had been all drowed in the sea ; none could save as the God of Jonah and of the Hebrews , who is also the God of us Christians .

2. Those carnal reasonings wherewith Jonah was swayed to leave Nineve and flee to Tarsus , whereof he tells us in chap. 4 2. and now he recants all , professing to adhere to the true God only . Such carnal reasonings we all have , and are to exalt high thoughts against the obedience of Christ . 2 Cor. 10.5 . Religion with many is measured by meer policy , credit , multitude , thriving in the world , and the like ; lying vanities all of them as to the soul , and in Gods matters .

Yet farther , all superstitions are lying vanities ; that is , humane inventions put for Gods worship , Psal 40.4 . They turn aside to lyes : And all Astrological predictions in Moon-prophets , who tell of lucky and unlucky dayes , Jer. 10.2 . And all forms of Religion in hypocrites , they compass God about with lyes , Hos. 11.12 . And all good things of this life in worldlings , who pursue them immoderately and inordinately ; Vanity of vanities , all is vanity . Eccl. 1.2 . And all lusts in profane persons called deceitful lusts , Eph. 4.22 . and we read of deceivablness of unrighteousness in them that perish , 2 Thes. 2.10 .

Now accordingly as these vanities are observed more or less , what the observing of them . so mercy is forsaken . Profane and impenitent persons observe these lying vanities totally and finally , and so they altogether lose the mercy of God , having their portion in this life ; Psal. 17.14 . but godly Christians who observe them but a little , and only for a while , do miss of some mercy they might enjoy ; as we see in this terrible balk which Jonah made .

Why their own mercy . But why is it called their own mercy ? Answ . Because it belonged to them , it was tendered to them , they might have had it , they should have taken it , and not let it go for the best advantage in the world . So the Jews are called the children of the Kingdom ; Mat. 8.12 . that is , those that belonged primarily to the Church and favour of God . But see the like opposition in Luke 16.10 , 11 , 12.

The words are a doctrine , They that observe lying vanities , Doctr. Reas. forsake their own mercy . The reason is , mercy is basely undervalued , and vanities preferred before it . Though it be a precious mercy , a soul saving Mercy , undeserved , free , rich , the fountain of all good in earth and heaven ; though it be renewed in a costly way of Christs bloud , which is more then the creation of man and the world ; though it be published and offered in the ministery , Take it , it is your own , be reconciled to God and all shall do well ; though God be very patient after many of your refusals , yet still vanities shall be observed , and pursued as the chief good : A just forfeit , the Lord will not endure the disparagement of his mercy ; Luke ●4 . 21 . the King was angry when the Guests would not come to his Supper , saying , Not one of them that were bidden shall taste of my Supper .

Use 1 Terror to s●nd Professors . Which may serve for great terror to many : Oh that they might be convinced of their great folly , and humbled , and work wisely hereafter for the welfare of their poor soul !

1. Here is extream folly shewed , thus , Mercy is magnified in general , but forsaken when it comes to particulars in the practice ; and when the main stroke is to be struck , it is left as no good bargain ; as if the salvation of a soul were not indeed a thing to be stood upon ; never is it weighed well till the day of judgment , when it will be too late . Christ and his salvation are liked well , and presumed on , but lost for trifles : and lost with a kind of wilfulness ; it is not said here that they lose mercy , but forsake it .

2. These vanities will one day be seen to be altogether unprofitable , that they cannot profit nor deliver , because they are vain , 1 Sam. 12 21. Vain to have had pleasure in this life , or scraped wealth together , or climbed up to honors , or to have so drudged about the world , as if Religion were no calling for a Christian . Then they will say , What hath pride profited us , or any of the other ? when the soul is lost , and the shame and misery comes , Rom. 6.21 . Rev. 6 , 16. they will call the mountains to fall upon them , and the hills to cover them : Oh hide us from the presence of the Lamb.

3. What a confounding lye will it appear , when these vanities appear in their own colours ? when the man finds himself disappointed of his hopes , and mercy lost too : no full contentment by his lusts and pleasures , when most fully enjoyed ; no solidity in all his cavils and carnal reasonings ; mercy pleaded to the losing of mercy , as here by Jonah . At that day mercy will be found to be the portion of good souls only , who love and fear God ; and at that day it will appear to have been limited wi●h certain conditions , which at present are overlooked , and altogether neglected . These conditions for receiving mercy were delivered warily by good Preachers , though others could daube and skin them over . And they were told what a mortal variance there is between mercy and these lying vanities , but would not lay it to heart .

Oh that now men and women were ashamed , as one day they must be ! now it would be to some purpose ; they might be converted and saved , as the Prophesie went of Converts in the latter days , Ezek. 16.63 . they shall be ashamed of their doings ; but in that great day it will be too late , it should have been done before-hand .

Use 2 Christians , be exhorted to be tender and chary of the mercy of God toward you , Work wisely to find mercy one day . and do not exchange it for vanities . Ye see it may be forgone and forsaken , and the way how it comes about ; beware of lying vanities ; no wise man will let go his Land for points and counters : and consider withall ,

1. This mercy is such a thing , as the worst among us Mot. 1 do seem to crave and magnifie ; Oh they hope God will be merciful to them ; and if he should not be merciful at last , they were in a sad case : Oh , mercy is all in all ; what should a sinner do without mercy ? it is our life , it is our salvation , it is our all . The more shame , if poor creatures let it go so slightly , as 't is to be feared many do .

Mot. 2 2. Consider the qualities of this mercy : It is infinite , it is tender , it is free , it is rich and abundant , and every way worth the keeping . The mercy of the most loving man or woman is cruelty in comparison . Gods mercy is the only saving way to raise up sinners : Luke 1.77 , 78 He gives knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins , through his tender mercy , or the bowels of his mercy . Now who of us would lose a dear friend for a few pins or points ? Beware of this extream foolery .

Mot. 3 3. Mercy cost the Lord dear , before he could make it your mercy , or you could call it your own mercy . Though it be free in respect of his love so ordering a way of reconciliation , yet it is not free in respect of Christ and his sufferings . It cost him great drops of bloud , scourges , fears , sorrows , manifold indignities ; he found it no easie matter to procure mercy for sinners . And should it now be prodigally squandred away , and all for trifles ? what , ma●e a great purchase by expending a great summe of money , and idly forfeit it again ?

Mot. 4 4 What a terror one day will it be , to have it as your own mercy and let it go ? to have it merited , offered , sealed , applyed , rejoyced in , yet lost when all is done ? Heb. 6.5 . to taste of the powers of the world to come , and yet fall away , and lose all for a little ease , or wealth , or other vanity ? what Boy hath a bird in his hand , and lets him fly away in hope to catch him again ? Oh who can pity or help that soul which thrusts away his own mercy ?

5. Worldly comforts are not our own in comparison , Mot. 5 nor worthy to be owned ; they are but clouts , and accidentals to speak off , they are easily and quickly put off , forfeited , lost , consumed , remembred with bitterness when they are gone . Riches take them wings , and fly toward heaven ; Prov. 23.5 . Pleasures many time end in pain , Honors go out with a snuff . And at best , these things give not contentment as they promised . There is a lye in my right hand , saith the Idolater , Esa. 44.20 . in my eye , sath the wanton ; in my heart saith , the covetous ; in my course of life , saith the profane , or the hypocrite .

6. If good things be such lying vanities , what shall we Mot. 6 say of lusts , of will-worships , star-gazings , and the like ? how will these lye , and deceive , and do a mischief ? what will be the end of gross and staring sins in many ? shall they find mercy at the hands of God ? it is impossible . God reserves mercy for them that make a better use of it : for vessels of mercy , in this life vessels of his praise , and by grace fitted for glory .

Lastly , for carnal reasonings , let all godly men take Mot. 7 heed by Jonahs example , who was almost drowned in Gods mercy , when it was perverted to declining of duty . Ye see how he fared ; beware of halting a little , or for a while .

Ver. 9.10 .

I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving , I will pay that that I have vowed ; salvation is of the Lord . And the Lord spake unto the fish , and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land .

Of sacrificing to the Lord we spake on chap. 1.16 . as also of making vows . And on v. 17. we spake of the powerful and present providence of God , how it reacheth to all the creatures , even the fishes of the sea . Therefore the less is to be spoken now .

Note . Difference of godly and ungodly . But for farther edification note thus : There is much difference between the purposes of the godly and the wicked in regard of afflictions . 1. The wicked purpose well while under the rod , and in great danger ; the godly when they have now escaped ; viz. Jonah was now got out of shipwrack , and saith he will sacrifice and pay vows : but of the Mariners we hear no more . A man hereby may guess something of the frame of his heart 2. The wicked make vows , but the godly say they will pay their vows . In case of revenge perhaps , or of some wickedness , a wicked man will do it because he hath vowed it , as he saith ; but in case of religiousness he will take more leisure ; and think of it ten times or an hundred times , before he will do it once . There is another tryal of your hearts .

I will sacrifice with the voice of thanksgiving .

So David sometimes , I will offer unto th●e bullocks and lamb● , and tell of all thy wondrous works : Come children , I will tell you what he hath done for my soul ; I will not hide his righteousness , and his doings from the great Congregation ; I will praise the Lord among the faithful , and in the assembly .

Note . ●se expressions of thankfulness . A godly man ought to be thankful for mercies , and to use expressions of his thankfulness . Indeed the marrow of thankfulness lies in the heart and they are hypocrites who are all in good words : but where the heart is right , and inditing a good matter , the tongue may well be allowed to be the pen of a ready writer ; yea , must interpret the mind in way of thankfulness .

Of this see something in Psal. 37.30 , 31. The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom , and his tongue talketh of judgement . The law of his God is in his heart ; none of his steps shall slide . Eph. 4 29. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth , but that which is good to the use of edifying , that it , may minister grace to the hearers . Col. 4.6 . Let your speech be alwayes with grace , seasoned with salt , that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man .

Which serves to reprove the barrenness of good speech that appears in some of the godly , Use . Reproof . thankful for ●he mercies of God , prize them , meditate on them , magnifie the love from which they come , and mean to follow on in a way of real thankfulness according to their calling ; but fail in this , that they utter not the voice of thanksgiving when and where it concerns them sometime to testifie their gratitude , or speak to the edification of others . Mat. 12.35 . A fault , and should be mended : A good man out of the treasure of his heart should bring forth good things ; not only actions , but speeches . How else shall the lips of the righteous feed many ? or how shall Idolaters be confronted , profane persons brow-beaten , or religious friends edified , excited unto the like thankfulness , provoked to be active as well as our selves ? but a meer dulness must lie upon our spirits , to be very little serviceable in our generation , or in the place of our abode .

I confess there is too much tattle among some that profess the best things ; either for censoriousness , or running over Town and Country in discourse , such as it is , and it were well if some talked less , except it were to the purpose , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 for edifying in godliness . Take heed , Christians of both sexes , and remember this voice of thanksgiving : either hold your peace , or speak things better then silence ; that is , things useful in one kind or other .

I will pay that that I have vowed .

Note . Fulfil gracious promises . A godly man is careful to do for God as he hath promised ; as he hath engaged by his word , so he remembers to answer his engagement . Now and then he runs in debt with God by promising , and is so honest as to pay his debts ; as Jonah here , so David in Psal. 119.106 . I have sworn , and I will perform it , that I will keep thy righteous judgment .

Reas. 1 The reason is , 1. God commands to be as honest in performing , as we seemed religious in promising ▪ Vow , Reas. 2 and pay to the Lord your God , Psal. 76.11 . 2. God expects the performance of lawful vows and promises ; as from Reas. 3 Jacob , G●● 5.1 . 3. A good soul feels it self bound with a bond to do as he hath said ; I have spoken , and cannot go back , Reas. 4 saith Jepihah ; see Num. 30.3 . 4. As it feels a bond tying , so it finds a grace enabling , and putting on to the performance . Believers are a willing people , each of them saith ; Thy law is within my heart ; Psal. 110.3 , 40 , 8. I will sing and give praise , and offer sacrifice .

Use 1 What Christians then are they who are free in their vowing , but slack in their performing ? for instance , the sick promises of sick men , who in danger of death talk of great matters if they may recover , but upon recovery do little or nothing as they said : the Minister and other neighbours can see no amendment , and their own consciences tell them they have but dodged with God ; and God who is greater then their consciences , knows they did but flatter with their double hearts and tongues : al was self , and the getting out of his hands . So they live to increase their sin , and his wrath for sin ; if they had dyed of that sickness , they had had less guilt upon their foul souls , and less punishment to be endured in hell .

Use 2 Take heed ▪ and receive the word of exhortation : If there be any truth in thy heart , shew it by paying what thou hast vowed . Upon recovery , or escape , or receiving of a child , or whatever drew forth thy vow , remember and be sure to do it . Jonahs example is here recorded for thy imitation ; Go , and do thou likewise . Luke 10 37. Thou sayest thou art honest ; now every honest man will pay his debts so far as he is able ; and so wilt thou if honest indeed .

And it is well known , that the thing vowed is fit to be done : As for example ,

1. Thy whole self , dedicated and devoted to God in Baptism ; and the vow is afterward renewed in affliction , or at the Lords Supper , or at a Fast , Neh. 9. ult. and it is a mercy that thou art engaged to God as one of his family , of which he takes care , and on which he hath setled many high priviledges ; and thou expectest all those benefits . But remember , covenants use to be reciprocal , and bind both parties ; so here , If God must be bound , thou must not be loose .

2. All the obedience which possibly thou canst yield unto God ; to be loved with all thy heart , and all thy soul , and all thy mind , and all thy strength . We place not lawful vows in Counsels , but Precepts ; all to be done conscionably , and in an entire manner , not lust with the heart , &c. And it will be both thy sincerity and safety , to aim at an universal obedience , Psal. 119.6 . Then shall I not be ashamed when I have respect to all thy Commandments .

What remains but that every one remember his vow , and pay it to the Lord his God ? And if any mean indeed to do it , let us have no more delays as formerly . When thou hast vowed a vow to God , defer not to pay it , Eccl. 5 4. Dely breeds danger . One place shall conclude this point , Deut. 23.21 , 22 , 23. When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God , thou shalt not slack to pay it ; for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee , and i● would be sin in thee . That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform , even a free-will offering according as thou hast vowed unto the Lord thy God , which thou hast promised w●th thy mouth .

Salvation is of the Lord . Or , Salvation belongeth unto the Lord , Note . God the Author of our salvation . Psal. 3.8 . Or , He is the God of our salvation , Psal. 68.19 . God is the Author of salvation to his people .

1. Temporal salvation , as here Jonah ; the good man confesseth with the voice of thanksgiving , that this his escape out of the sea and Whale is meerly of the goodness of God ; none could do it but God alone , nor for us when we are sick or otherwise grievously afflicted . God is , and beside him there is no Saviour , Esa. 40.11 . namely out of bondage in Egypt , out of the captivity of Babylon , and other dangers .

2. Spiritual and eternal salvation , as to all the Elect ; who were never in a Whales belly , but in a worse case by far , Heb. 5.9 . Christ became the Author of salvation to them that obey him . Mat. 1.21 . He is Jesus , and saves his people from their sins ; from the damnation of their sins , from the curse of the Law , the wrath of God , and the brimstone of hell .

Use . Which instructeth unto thankfulness , as here we see in Jonah , now delivered from death , who blesseth God for his deliverance . Psal. 68.19 . Say thou also , Blessed be the Lord who loadeth us daily with benefits , even the God of our salvation . 1. They are sweet and precious benefits ; health out of sickness , freedom from prison and other comfortable changes . 2. There is plenty of them , a load of benefits with great variety , and to our great contentment . 3. Their continuance , daily benefits , and more every day , and night , and hour , and moment of our lives . 4. The extent of them , or how far they reach us ; that is , all the people of God , and all the creatures in general . God is a great Benefactor and House-keeper , and ought accordingly to be magnified . Remember , and do . These are ravishing and filling meditations to them that shall duly consider the course of providence .

But especially to them that are heirs of eternal salvation . Think what it is to have Christ for a Saviour , and what it is to have escaped those hellish enemies , and damned mischiefs which befal Reprobates : Luke 1.46 . Say with Mary , My soul doth magnifie the Lord , and my spirit rejoyceth in God my Saviour ; Say as Paul , Eph. 1.3 . Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ , who hath blessed me with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in him ; and as Peter , Blessed be God who according to his abundant mercy hath begotten me again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead , to an inheritance incorruptible , &c. 1 Pet. 1.3 . These are good forms of thanksgiving : but the matters are infinitely precious , and highly to be prized .

2. It serves to comfort good and thankful souls ; as the Use 2 blessed Virgin rejoyced in God her Saviour . Comfort . There is comfort in an outward deliverance , such as 88. or 1605. but much more in a spiritual , from sin and Satan , and all those woful torments ; so the joy should be heartier , and purer , and enlarged abundantly toward the Author , Psal. 32.11 . Rejoyce in the Lord ye righteous , be glad and shout for joy , Phil. 4.4 . all ye that are upright in heart . Not simply the gift , but the Giver , to be highly magnified ; Rejoyce in the Lord alway , and again I say rejoyce . These are good discriminations from carnal joy , so to look to the benefit , and by it to the Founder ; as David , when he had sung the works of God , concluded , My meditation of him shall be sweet . Psal. 104.34 .

3. It serves to help our faith in dangers , and against Use . 3 temptations : Trust in this God of salvation , Confidence . both for soul and body ; we may well cast all our care on him , to secure both . And we need not doubt in the least , though hell raise many storms , and the world as many , and our own unbelieving hearts cast doubts now and then , yet fear nothing : he hath both devised and wrought salvation for us , and keeps it safely for us , 1 Pet. 1.5 .

Lastly , a soul that hath any sad thoughts and cares about Use 4 his salvation , sees hereby whether to look and turn , and where to speed of salvation ; look to Jehovah who is complete in all his Attributes , Promises , Relations , Ordinance , Dispensation ; especially in Christ the Mediator between God and man , and a most loving Saviour to distressed souls .

The Lord spake unto the fish , and it vomited out Jonah upon dry land .

The voice of the Lord is powerful and mighty in operation ; see Psal. 29.3 .

Note . Gods voice very powerful . 1. 1. This is utteted of the written word of God , Heb. 4.12 . In the hand of the Spirit it is able to convince of a bad estate , to convert , to confirm , to comfort , to recover out of great falls , and in fine to save a soul ; yea , by hundreds and thousands , Act. 2.

2. It is true also of the creation and providence of God ; he makes and upholds all things by the word of his power ; Heb. 1.3 . by the word of the Lord the heavens were created , and all the hosts of them : he sends forth his word , and they are made , and at his word they return to their dust .

Specially his providence to his Church and Chosen : Thou art our King O God , Psal. 44.4 . command deliverance for Jacob. He spake to Esau and Laban , and they refrained from Jacob ; he spake to the spirit of Cyrus , and he sent back the captivity of Judah ; he spake to the feavers in way of rebuke , and they left the sick persons ; Speak the word only , and my servant shall be healed . Here he spake to the fish , and Jonah came to dry land .

Use 1 Psal. 29.9 . Worthily therefore in his Temple doth every one speak of his glory , as a most fit Object of our admiration and adoration . None among the gods is to be compared to the Lord , none of them is like unto our God : holy and reverend is his Name ; Oh for hearts lifted up in his praises , and ravished with his glories !

Use 2 And Oh for hearts to trust in him amidst all our dangers and difficulties ! It is as easie for him to deliver if he please , as for us to let fall a word ; to restrain an enemy , to heal a disease , to supply our wants , to Comfort our hearts : Only believe , All things are possible to him that believeth .

So in those main truths of the Gospel .

1. That Christ rose again from the dead the third day , as here did Jonah ; the same God that spake to the fish , and Jonah got to dry land , did speak to death and the grave , and Christ got into the land of the living . Remember thy Type , and how it was answered ; As Christ rose again by his own power , so also by the power of his Father .

2. That we also shall rise again at the last day ; Ezek. 37.1 . we believe the resurrection of the dead . Why ? God will speak to dry bones , and they shall come bone to bone , and ●ive , and stand up , and be a great army . If we believe the Scriptures and the power of God , we will never stick to believe this Article .

3. That collapsed Churches shall be raised again , as there , Judah in captivity . Apply it to the Churches of Bohemiah , and other now fallen .

4. That distressed consciences shall be relieved in due time : God will speak peace to his people , and will revive the spirit of the contrite ones .

5. That broken Trades and Estates shall be restored when God pleaseth ; he will restore the years of the Locust and Caterpillar : Only if we believe and obey , Esa. 1.19 , 20. If ye be willing and obedient , ye shall eat the good of the land : but if ye refuse and rebel , ye shall be devoured with the sword , for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it .

CHAP. III.

Ver. 1.2 .

And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time , saying , Arise , and go to Nineve that great City , and Preach unto it the Preaching that Ibid thee .

OF this Chapter there be four parts . 1. A new order for Jonah to go and preach at Nineve , ver. 1.2 . 2. Jonahs obeying of that order , ver. 3.4 3. The Ninevites repenting at his preaching , ver. 5.6 , 7 , 8 , 9. 4. The mercy and forbearance of God upon their repenting , ver. 10.

Note . Penitents restored to their old standing . For the first of these : Jonah is here restored to his office of a Prophet , from which he might seem to have fallen , and that most justly ; so our Saviour restored ●eter to his office of an Apostle , after the great sin of denying his Master . Notable examples of Gods goodness in healing and restoring the Penitent as was said , I will heal their backsliding , I will love them freely , Hos. 14.4 .

Use 1 And they yield much comfort to afflicted consciences , which are troubled at their failings and backslidings . Fear not , nor be dismayed ; he that restored Jonah and Peter , will restore thee also , and set all at rights between him and thy soul .

Use 2 And learn you that are spiritual , to restore a Brother that is fallen , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . in the spirit of meekness , Gal. 6.1 . The word is , set him in joynt again . Care is taken for the body in that case , and should much more be taken for the soul .

Note . Without exprobration of failings . But mark the manner of restoring Jonah to his office ; the Lord never up raids him with his base and 〈◊〉 flying to Tarsus ; and how justly he had been served with the storm and the Whale , but meekly and quietly he sends him upon the old errand to Nineve , nor did Christ upbraid Peter with his threefold denial , but gives a threefold admonition , Feed my sheep , Feed my lambs , Feed my sheep , Joh. 21.15 . And of other holy simple souls it is said , that when they ask wisdom of God , he will not upbraid , but give liberally , Jam. 1.5 .

Mark this , and imitate . If a childe , or servant , or friend Use 1 repent of his fault , never hit him in the teeth with it any more , but close up the wound that was made , and do thy best to put him into the right way again , for doing his duty , as here Jonah .

There is a base petulancy in mans nature , to insult over Delinquents , and never have done with shaming them , and ripping up the old faults . So doth not God ▪ and ye should be followers of him as dear Children . I am sure ye would not have him to remember against you your old offences , Eph. ● . 1 . Ps. 25. that your consciences should be set upon the rack for sins of youth , or later sins : No , but according to the Covenant , I will remember their iniquity no more ; Jer. 31.34 . I will blot out their sins : I will chase away their transgressions as a cloud , and scatter them as a mist . It will be a sad case , when God comes to set a mans sins in order before him : Oh the roaring , and breaking of bones and horrible torture that such do endure !

Take heed ; be merciful as your heavenly Father is merciful ; and withall , remember to magnifie the love of such a Father , who freely , fully and finally forgives the sins of his people . We men use to admire and magnifie those that are of a generous and ingenuous disposition in passing by offences . It is the glory of a man , saith Salomon : and it should yield glory unto God , that he doth so graciously forgive the sins of his people . Note . Ordinances continued to a people .

Arise and go to Nineve .

This is spoken the second time to Jonah : the Lord sometimes continues his mercies and ordinances to a people ; that they shall have good preachers sent to them ▪ and the preachers shall go on with their work for the good of that people ; sermons , sacraments , sabbaths , precious liberties shall be afforded them from time to time . We see it here . 1. Jonah retaines his place , and is set upon the same office as before : though he had made a fowl fault , and had suffered terribly for his disobedience , yet he hath his commission again renewed to preach to the Ninevites , as Chap. 1.2 , Arise , and go to Nineve that great Citie : the same words as here at the text . 2. Though the the mercy of good preaching was withheld from Nineve for a while , yet it is again designed for them , Arise , go and preach to them : so still , Good preaching sometimes is delayed and kept back from a people , sometimes interrupted in the free passage of the Gospel , yet vouchsafed and continued where God hath a people to gather to himself ; as was said to Paul for his encouragement to preach at Corinth , Speak and hold not thy peace , for I have much people in this city Act. 18 10.

Use . Glorifie God who continues them . Now let God be glorified , whose kindenesse and love toward man so evidently appeareth ; that Magistrats are continued notwithstanding all their failings , and Ministers notwithstanding all their failing● , and the use of Ordinances notwithstanding all their failings in point of thankfulnesse and obedience : Sabbaths afforded , though little good use made of them : Abundance of good preaching , though among a glutted and surfetted people : Monthly sacraments , though many never come at them , others come very seldom , others very unprepared , and shew it too evidently by a foolish and fruitlesse conversation : and good Ministers dwell among them , but there be no cases of conscience to propose , nor comfortable fellowship between them and their people .

There be two things that might break off the course of these Ordinances .

1. The great sins of people , whereby they forfeit them into the hands of God , and if they be not grose and scandalous sins , yet there is horrible unfrutfulnesse , and unanswerablenesse to the wonderful mercy of God . Nineve was not so barren when once they heard good preaching : and in all likelyhoed the men of Nineve shall rise up in judgment with this generation , and condemn it . Certainly unfrutful Christians shall suffer heavily , though the good preaching continue among them . They neglect great salvation : and how should they escape ? and at last it will be said as of the fruitlesse fig-tree , Cut it down ; why should it cumber the ground ?

2. The great opposition of the devil and his instruments . Satan hindred Paul once and again from comming to the Thessalonians : and we see what persecutions the Jews raised in divers places to hinder the preaching of the word . Such malice still there is in Sectaries , and some profane persons .

Go to Nineve , and preach the preaching .

Preaching of the word is ordained of God to bring sinners to repentance , and so to salvation , as here ; Note . Preaching appointed to convert sinners . at this great city God could have sent an Angel to do this message , but useth the ministery of man ; as also Peters to Cornelius . Or God could have sent another Prophet to Nineve , but Jonah must be the man , now well subdued by his late affliction , and a man famous in Israel , both for good preaching , and for prophesying good to the ten Tribes , which came to passe . So still , God will have soules converted by men subject to like passions . It is his pleasure to have it so , 1 Cor. 1.21 . It pleased God by the foolishnesse of preaching to save them that believe . It is enjoynd earnestly to be done by men appointed for the work , 2 Tim. 4.1 , 2. I charge thee before God , and the Lord Jesus Christ , who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom : Preach the word , be instant in season , out of season , reprove , rebuke , exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine . It is urged with a wo and a reward , 1 Cor. 9.16 , 17. Wo is unto me if I preach not the Gospel : but if I do this thing willingly , I have a reward . And it is declared by the benefit to good Hearts , Rom. 1.16 . It is the power of God to salvation , to every one that beleeveth .

But what is preaching ? Ans. It is made up of three things .

It standeth in three things , 1. Publication of the word : a Preacher among the Greekes is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , praeco the voice of a Cryer ; alluding to a Town-cryer , who utters a Proclamation to the people . Gods will is , that the Minister should plainly and distinctly read his word to the Congregation : Act. 15.15 . After the reading of the Law and the Prophets .

2. Exposition : to give the meaning of the word , Neh. 8.8 . They read the book of the Law , and gave the sense . A thing needful to be done because of some obscuritie , Act. 8. as the Eunuch said , How can I understand without an interpreter ? and Paul was sent to the Gentiles to open their eyes , and to turn them from darknesse to light , Act. 26.18 .

3. Application ; for the several uses of instruction , exhortation , reprehension , consolation , confutation , and other occasions of Gods people as their case doth require : 1 Cor. 14.3 . 2 Tim. 3.16 . Mercy to whom mercy belongeth , and judgment to whom judgment . A steward in a great mans house giveth every one his portion : and so doth the Minister in the house of God .

Use . 1 Now if this be so appointed of God , away with all those cavils and exceptions which are brought against preaching , as in the preachers plea. The world is no changeling , but still accounts it the foolishnesse of preaching ; even the wise part of the world , where grace is wanting ; Oh a dry & barren ordinance to be so much attended , Use . 2 and none but simple soules do so regard it !

Make much of good preaching . Take heed , Christians , and duly stoop to this Ordinance of God . Remember it is his Ordinance , and therefore ought to be embraced with reverence and affection , and improved to the ends and purposes which he hath appointed ; to get sound knowledge , to get faith , to be wrought to repentance and conversion , to be able to pray acceptably , to walk in faith and obedience , and so be accepted of God , and saved , Rom. 10 13 , 17. Thence the need of preparation before ye come to preaching : Eccles. 5.1 Act. 10.33 . 1 Pet. ● . 1 , 2. Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God : Be all present before God to hear the things that shall be spoken : Lay aside all naughtinesse , and as new-born babes desire the sincere milk of the word to grow thereby . And thence the taxing of those that behave not themselves well at preaching , Ezek. 33.30 , 31 , 32. And a blessing on those that hear , Luke 11.28 . so as to believe and obey ; Blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it . And God esteemes it a great mercy , that he sends Preachers among a people ; therefore so should they esteem it ; or if they want the mercy , pray for it ; Amos 2.11 . and Mat. 19.38 .

The preaching that I bid thee .

All of us are bound up within certain laws and conditions in preaching ; that we may not preach at adventure , Note . Preachers limited in preaching . or what seemes good to our selves ; and , They that are faithful , hold themselves close to what the Lord appoints them to preach . I have received of the Lord that which I have delivered unto you , 1 Cor. 11.23 . Faithful Ministers dare not deliver for doctrins the commandements of men , dare not make sad the heart of the righteous , nor make glad the heart of the wicked ; dare not keep back any of the counsel of God : dare not corrupt or adulterate the Ordinances ; dare not seek their own things , but the things of Jesus Christ : and generally , they preach as those that must give an account , and think with themselves , What good would it do souls to be comforted , unlesse indeed they repent and believe the Gospel ?

1. A tryal of preachers , who are true , and who are false . Use 1 If they speak not according to this word , Esa. 8.20 . it is because there is no light in them . Though they pretend visions and revelations , they are not right . Though they come in a mortified garb , and with a great show of sanctity , beware of them Though they urge the authority of Fathers and other Ancients , yet look to your selves . They are deceivers , take heed of them . The Lord now tryes you , whether ye will cleave fast to the Lord your God . Still your course must be to the law and to the testimony .

Use 2 2. If the Lord bid us preach thus and thus , then your faith stands not in the authority of man , but of God . True , ye have such and such lessons by the hands of men , to direct you what to beleeve and obey ; but first and chiefly ye have them from God who sets the men on worke . Ye have them from God at the second hand . The Prophets were Preachers of old time ; but the word of the Lord came to Jonah , and to the rest of them . Afterwards the Apostles preached , but taught the nations ta observe and do what God commanded them . Mat. 28.20 . 2 Tim. 1.13 . After them the Evangelists and other good Teachers held fast the forme of wholsom words , as they had received them from God . And now adayes , whoever beleeve and obey according to this word , do follow God himself speaking by his Ministers ; as when an Embassador follows his instructions , the King his Master is regarded or neglected . Comfort by a sacrament is Sound comfort , because we deliver what God delivered to us , or comfort by promises applyed , because God promised , and in Christ all the promises are yea and amen .

Use 3 3 If it be so , see how ye ought to entertain the preachers and preaching of the word ; namely , as messages and messengers sent from God . So to do , was the commendation of the Galatians and Thessalonians : Gal. 4.14 . 1. Thes 2 13. and would be your commendation , People make an ill account when they go to hear a Sermon , and look no higher then the Preacher : thence they receive so litle good as they do : still remaining secure , impenitent , unbeleeving , unreformed . The only way to get good by all your hearing , were , to hear as from the great God of heaven . The preaching is by man , but he delivers what God bids him to deliver . Therefore fear , attend , believe , obey ; be afraid to forget or neglect the instructions ; if ye do , ye despise not man , but God ; and who are we , that ye murmure against us ? your murmurings are not against us , but against the Lord .

Ver. 3.4 .

So Jonah arose and went unto Nineve according to the word of the Lord . Now Nineve was an exceeding great City of three days journey . And Jonah began to enter into the City a days journey , and he cryed , and said , Yet forty days and Nineve shall be overthrown .

Here is Jonahs obedience ; the last and truest note of his repentance . Before we had his confession , his faith , his prayer , his thanks●iving and vowing ; but now we have the perfection of all , his obedience : Now what he promised freely , he performeth faithfully ; now he lays aside all his carnal reasonings , and sets to do according to the word of the Lord . So still , Note . Obedience the highest act of repentance . without obedience all other are but shews of repentance . Ahab and Judas are said to have repented , but no obedience followed ; nor others who are hypocrites : Approve thou thy sincerity by bringing forth fruits meet for repentance ; not leaves , but fruits ; Mat. 3 8. not shows , but substance .

Jonah arose and went unto Nineve .

This is that which he said , chap. 2.9 . I will pay that that I have vo●ed He had vowed ( it seems ) in the Whales belly , that if he might be delivered , he would do the message at Nineve whatever it cost him : and now he doth the message indeed . Though the danger were the same , by displeasing a mighty people ; though God were very merciful , and likely to spare Nineve ; Note . Do as well as vow . though thereby he should be accounted a false Prophet : Yet up he ariseth , and hies him to Nineve . Thus he pays what he had vowed . Remember , and do thou likewise ; it is written for thy instruction and imitation . In Baptism thou renouncedst the Devil , the World , and the Flesh , and wast devoted to the service of the true God , who is Father , Son , and Holy Ghost . Now at years of discretion , do as thou hast said , pay that that thou hast vowed ; especially one that hath been dangerously sick , and now recovered or in other great affliction ; remember the vows which thy lips then uttered , as Psal. 66.13 , 14. I will pay thee my vows which my lips have uttered , and my mouth hath spoken when I was in trouble . Shew whether thou hast indeed profited in the School of affliction ; whether as Christ , thou hast learned obedience by the things thou sufferedst ; or as David , It is good for me that I have been afflicted , that I might learn thy statutes . Do the duty , though it be difficult , costly , or dangerous ; as this to Jonah . Godly sorrow useth to work abundance of gracious effects , 2 Cor. 7.11 . Carefulness , Fear , vehement Desire , Zeal , &c.

Doctr. Penitents work for God . And note how it is said here , Jonah did according to the word of the Lord . A truly-penitent Christian sets himself to work for God according to his word : However he have declined the service , and turned aside to crooked wayes ; yet upon his better bethinking himself , especially upon his smart in one kind or other , he gets up and falls to his work again : so Jonah , David , Peter , other Saints whose falls were great ; but so was their amendment too , and the obedience they performed afterward . Why ?

1. He hears and acknowledges the voice of God commanding Reason . 1 his obedience , as here , Arise and go to Nineve . When young Samuel once knew the voice of the Lord , he presently said , Speak Lord , for thy servant heareth ; and he did all the message to the uttermost ; So did Paul at his conversion , Lord , 1 Sam 3.10 , 12. what wilt thou have me to do ? where think , why should not a Convert obey the word of God , as well as a Whale or a wind ? should man be more sensless then they ?

Reason . 2 2. There is a principle of grace and obedience in the heart of the truly-penitent ; as for example , Jonah was a godly man before this time , though now he failed foully and fearfully , therefore is awakened to his work , and sets presently to do it . In every true Christian there abides a seed of God , 1 John 3.9 . which will not suffer him to sin as the wicked doth . And such will say , We can do nothing against the truth , but for the truth ; and , We cannot but speak the things we have heard and seen .

3. The word of the Lord carries Authority with it , that the good soul holds it self bound to observe and do it . Though others are fast and loose , ye such will hold it , as David , My heart standeth in awe of thy word . And it hath the nature of a rule ; to do as the word directeth , so much and no more , and in such manner as it requires , Gal. 6.16 . As many as walk according to this rule , peace and mercy be upon them ; And so there is this force , both in the commanding word of God , and the forbidding word , and threatning , and promising , and comforting ; in all there is an eternal obligation and equity , and a believer will have a faithful respect to all , as is injoyned Deut. 12.32 . What thing soever I command you , observe and do it ; thou shalt not adde thereto , nor diminish from it .

It follows hence , that numbers among us never yet Use 1 truly repented of their sins ; why ? to this day they set not to do Gods business according to his word ; some being grosly disobedient , others partial in their obedience , others slight others unsetled and unconstant , others timerous and loth to appear where difficulty or danger appears . Numbers flee from God with Jonah , but few travel for God with Jonah ; yet will make themselves believe they have repented , which is impossible ; 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . for true repentance is ever a fruitful and effectual repentance : remember the fruits meet for repentance , Mat. 3.8 . and works meet for repentance , Act. 21.20 .

And if others will not , yet let true Christians justifie Use 2 and clear their repentance to be sound and sincere by falling upon the work which the Lord hath for them to do ; as ye have failed with Jonah , so be quickned and active with Jonah . Every one knows his fleeing , and wherein he hath been faulty : Now let every one be humbled for his failings , and return unto God in the same way he went from him .

How to set to do Gods work . Our Text imports three things , which may set a collapsed Christian upon his legs again .

1. Rowse up thy self out of that sluggishness which hath crept insensibly upon thee . Arise and go to Nineve . Up Sampson , the Phlistines be upon thee ; Say not , Yet a little sleep , Augustine . yet a little slumber , yet a little folding of the hands to sleep . This little and little will make a great deal at the last . Thy case is bad enough already , and such delay would make it far worse . He that is not fit for God and duty to day , will be less fit to morrow . There is more need by double diligence ●o redeem the time that is lost , and fetch after the work that should have been done .

2. Take heed of carnal reasonings , which swayed with Jonah to flee to Tarsus ; namely , the great mercy of God to repenting sinners . What of that ? ought not Jonah to have tryed therefore to bring the Ninevites to repentance ? If Christ be revealed in thee , yet beware of consulting with flesh and bloud ; Gal. 1.16 . and take heed of presuming on mercy ; as mercy is not to be straightned , so neither is it to be enlarged beyond the bounds prescribed of God , nor perverted to wrong ends ; but whereas he is very gracious , he should be feared the more ; even vessels of mercy are not allowed to turn grace into lasciviousness . Ps●l. 130.4 . Jude 4. 1 Pet. 4.17 . Consider what that means , Judgment begins at the house of God , and the righteous shall scarce be saved .

3. Cast not difficulties and dangers that would follow upon doing of duty , Jonah hath now unlearned that lesson , and puts on to his work whatever comes of it . Prov. 26.13 . The fool ( or wicked man ) saith there is a Lyon in the way , I shall be destroyed or damnified if I do this and this duty ; I know not what mischief will come of it . But what saith the Spirit ? fear not their fear , nor be dismayed ; Luke 12.4 . fear not them that can kill the body , and afterward can do no more : but fear him who can cast both body and soul into hell ; I say unto you , Prov 29 25. fear him . Solomon saith , the fear of man bringeth a snare ; that is , sometimes enwraps a man in that and that danger , which by faith he might have avoided ; as here Jonah , carnal fear threw him into the depth of the sea .

Now Nineve was an exceeding great City of three days journey ; that is such as a man could not pass in all the streets of it , and deliver a message as Jonah must do , under so much time allotted .

Of the bigness of this City we spake on Chap. 1. 2. and how Jonah was told of it before hand , that he might arm himself with courage accordingly .

And now meth●nks , when he sets upon obedience , it sets forth his courage and faithfulness , and tends to his high commendation , there being many difficulties which might hinder or encounter his honest resolution to do the service : As for instance ,

1. In Nineve which was the head of the Assyrian Monarchy , there was a potent and flourishing people who were Lords of the Eastern world ; and how angry would these be to hear a poor fellow cry out against them , Yet forty days and Nineve shall be overthrown ?

2. In what danger should he be to be torn in pieces among them , or to be beaten and sent away empty ? for so the Jews dealt with divers of their Prophets yet the only people of God : and how should heathenish Ninevites be expected to do better ?

3. If the Ninevites should be quiet , yet the good man had a shrewd task to do ; for three days together to trudge up and down in all their streets , and with such a message as none was likely to give him countenance or entertainment .

4. The message had no likelyhood to be performed . Where was any Army to beset and overthrow Nineve ? or , whence should the enemies come ? what , should they drop out of the sky ? or , what should be the Engines whereby it should be vanquished ?

Difficulties enough to hinder : Yet on he goes , and doth the message .

Note . No difficulties stand before zeal . Zeal for God will break through all difficulties , and do duty . Jonah had now got into his heart a burning love , and a strong fear of God ; and therefore falls on his work without forecasting of events , or hardships . So still , Love is strong as Death ; much water cannot quench love ; the love of Christ constrains us , Cant. 8.6 . 2 Cor. 5.14 . saith the Apostle .

Use 1 Those then have no true love or zeal of God , who are easily puzzled with difficult●es , and fly back from those duties which they know they should perform ; for example , the duties of mortification , duties of the family , of suffering for a good cause , of painful managing a calling , so as God may be glorified ; suppose in Magistracy or Ministery . Some mean well , but have no courage for the truth , or for righteousness , or reformation either of their families , or of the places where they live , Jer. 9.3 . They are not valiant for the truth upon earth . Hos. 7.11 . Ephraim is like a Dove , without heart , without understanding or courage for God .

But we shall ever commend those stout and resolute Champions , who fall on duty whatever it cost them , as here Jonah ; the three Jews that adventured into the fiery furnace ; Paul and other Apostles who amidst many and great persecutions went on with their preaching , and the Martyrs that followed them : Heb. 11.37 . they were sawn asunder , and diversly afflicted ; not nice and delicate of suffering as now-a-days , not afraid of threats , nor ashamed of Christ in an evil generation ; not swayed by carnal wisdom , or self considerations ; therefore one day Christ will not be ashamed of them , but own and honor them , saying , Well done good and faithful servant ; ye have been faithful in a little , now be rulers over much .

Yet forty dayes and Nineve shall be overthrown .

This was Jonahs Text , but it is likely he amplified it divers ways ; as for example , by telling of their great sins which had provoked the God of heaven against them , as chap. 1.2 . Cry against Nineve , for their wickedness is come up before me . And this God of heaven sent me on this errand , I am his servant , I come not on my own head ; he bade me come and do this message ; and because I declined the service , I was cast into a Whales belly for three days and three nights together ; and now I tell you this of a truth , that ye may repent and be saved ; if not temporally , yet at least spiritually and eternally .

The point to be stood upon is this ; Note . Sin overthrows great peoples . Sin is able to overthrow great Cities or Nations , and that sometimes very suddenly . Cities , Nineve , Sodom , Jerusalem , Samaria , other Nations ; as in the change of Monarchies , from the Assyrians to the Persians , from them to the Greeks , and from them to the Romans . Yea , the whole world , first by water , at last-by fire ; Righteousness exalteth a Nation , Prov. 14.34 . but sin is a reproach to any people , and out of other Scriptures I might adde a confusion .

Whereby we see in what danger we of England are , and Use . 1 we of Reading , because a sinful Nation , A people laden with iniquity , whose wickedness is gone up before God , and cryes for vengeance against us : Suppose there were none but the horrible sin of Drunkenness , it were enough to overthrow us ; but you may adde Heresies , Deceits , other wickednesses . None is safe long , who is so near unto danger ; The judgment of a sinful people lingereth not , 2 Pet. 2.3 . and their damnation slumbreth not .

It were well if the sinners among us would fall to quarrelling Use . 2 with those sins which threaten and endanger our Nation ; they have shrewdly shaken us already . Have we not felt the terrible Earthquakes of the times ? who almost but complains in one kind or other ? but this is not all the mischief which sin can or will do us ; there is a full and final overthrow to be expected without amendment ; even by these profitable and pleasurable sins which most men think good to maintain to the utmost . True , God is merciful , and we have found him such of a long time , and we hope so he will be still ; but what little cause have we to expect more mercy , and longer forbearance ? do we not know it should lead us to repentance ? And it is true , we cannot say as Jonah , Yet forty days , and such a sinful place shall be overthrown ; Rom. 2.1 . but we can say , Suddain destruction comes upon some unawares , 1 Thes. 5.3 . Beware ; there is no way to escape , but by doing as the Ninevites in the words following .

Ver. 5.6 , 7 , 8 , 9.

So the people of Nineve believed God , and proclaimed a Fast , and put on Sackcloth from the greatest of them , even to the least of them . For word came unto the King of Nineve , and he arose from his Throne , and laid his Robe from him , and covered him with Sackcloth , and sate in ashes . And he caused it to be proclaimed , &c.

Here we have the Ninevites repenting at the preaching of Jonah , which is first set down in geneal , ver. 5. and then declared in particulars , in the rest of the Verses . In general their repentance is set down two wayes . 1. By the cause that moved them , They believed God . 2. By the adjunct signs of it , which are three , Fasting , Sackcloth , and Ashes .

Note . Divers examples of repentance . Note out of the whole , how many examples of repentance we have in this Book ; we saw the Mariners repenting , and turning to God , and we saw Jonah repenting , with abundant testifications of the truth of it . But these were private acts of piety , which went little farther then the men themselves . At the Text we have a publick example of King , Lords and Commons , all humbled and reformed : And this example might go far and near , to do much good among the Nations that were subject to the large Empire of the Assyrians . People generally think it concerns them to do as their Rulers and Commanders do . Use .

Oh that all these examples might perswade our people to an effectual imitation ! Wherefore are they recorded but for our instruction , to do the like , and fare well as they did ? especially the example of the Ninevites , both because Chr●st proposeth it for our imitation , and because he saith they shall be our Judges at the last day , unless we repent : The men of Nineve repented at the preaching of Jonah , and shall rise in judgment with this generation , Mat. 12● and condemn it ; namely , for not repenting .

But most of all , this example concerns those that are Rulers in Church and State ; that they publickly repent and testifie their repentance , as they wish well to the people committed to their charge . Not only publish Decrees for humiliation , but themselves joyn in the duties of humiliation , and more turn from their own evil ways , and cause others to turn from theirs , Ezek. 18.30 . Repent , and turn your selves and others , from all your transgression .

Note more , Note . Most good do●● where least l●kely . how Jonah reapes most fruit of his labours where he least expected . He had preached long to the ten Tribes , and we read of no such repenting ; which without doubt could not chuse but grieve and trouble the good man : But now , where he was averse to preaching to a people , he finds a great crop of Penitents ; so the first shall be last , and the last shall be first ; the least likely are soonest converted . Publicans and Harlots go before the Pharisees into the Kingdom of Heaven .

Now such examples do hearten us along to preach the Gospel notwithstanding all discouragements . Use . We sow our seed in the morning , and withhold not our hand in the evening , because we know not which shall prosper , this or that ; and , the worst that are may be gained to God as soon as any , it may be sooner : Esa. 49.4 , 5. and , Though people be not gathered , yet shall we be glorious in the eye of God , and our reward is with him .

They believed God .

Note . Penitents look to God in preaching . They saw and heard Jonah , but they looked higher , to his and their great Master . A true Penitent looks up to God in the ministery of man . When the The●alonians were converted , they received Pauls preaching , Not as the word of man , but as it was in truth , the word of God , 1 Epist. 2.1.3 . So the Convert in 1 Cor. 14.25 . when the secrets of his heart were made manifest in preaching , he fell down before the Preachers , and said , God is in you of a truth .

Use . No wonder then , that so few are converted now-a-days ; for , we cannot get our people to see farther then us the Ministers : and why should they much regard weak men , like to themselves ? or , what have they to do , so to controul them for their sins ? Certainly we shall never do good to any purpose till we can perswade you to hear as from God ; and that is but fitting , as our Saviour hath said , He that heareth you , heareth me , Luke 10 16. and before the Text , Jonah preached the preaching which the Lord bad him to deliver .

They beli●ved God : That is .

They believed the threatning which God had denounced against them by Jonah . By Jonah they understood what manner of God the God of Jonah was ; not as the idol-gods of the Gentiles which did neither good nor hurt : but strong , and just , and true in his threatnings ; and the believing of this was t●e beginning of their repentance . They did not only believe Jona● , but the God of Jonah ; so Israel at the red sea , seeing their own escape , and drowning the Egyptians , They believed the Lord and his servant Moses , Doctr. Believing of threats works repentance . Exod. 14.31 .

To believe the threats and thunderings of Gods judgements against sin is a good means to work sinners to repentance ; Such faith is the first bending or ●nclining of the soul toward salvation . The people were awakened by John Baptists ministery , telling of the Axe laid to the root of the trees , J. Martyr . to come forth and ask what they should do to be saved , Mat. 3.7 , 18. and Luke 3.10 , 12 , 14. So the Goaler by the terrors set on him , Act. 16.30 . And those that were pricked at the heart , chap. 2.37 .

Why ? this is the power and efficacy of the word , Reas. where it is admitted into the heart : It is quick and powerful , Heb. 4.12 . and sharper then any two-edged sword , piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit , and of the joynts and marrow , and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart . The same voice of God that commanded the wind , and sea , and fish in Jonahs case , commands also the guilty consciences of sinners to stoop to the word , and yield to his directions : Threats come and shake the soul to pieces : then come promises , and heal the wounds which the threats had made ; and rules of life , to order the Convert according to the mind and pleasure of God . This is the Divine Nature of the word ; our profession is rightly called Divinity , because there goes with it the Majesty and Authority of God .

And it serves to condemn those nice and delicate hearers Use . 1 of the word , who must not be troubled or disquieted in the least with the denunciation of Gods judgements against them for their sins ; but say in effect , Esa. 30.10 . Prophesie unto us smooth things , Prophesie deceits . Yet the Lord sent Jonah with an harsh message to Nineve , and the Prophets came with many thundering pea●es against the drunkards of Ephraim and other sinners : yea , our Saviour doubled and trebled his woes against the secure in his time , Mat. 11. and 23.

And for them that believe not these threats , both Christ , the Prophets , and Apostles have opened the sad case of all such . First Esaiah complains , Lord , Chap. 53 , 1. who hath believed our report ? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed ? Our Saviour upbraids the Scribes and Pharisees , Mat. 21 32. that they bel●eved not when they had heard the preaching of the Baptist . And the Apostles say , they could not enter because of unbelief ; Heb. 3.19 . Rev. 21.8 . and , The unbelieving march with the formost into the lake that burnes with fire and brimstone for ever : and , Give him his portion , as with hypocrites , so with unbelievers . Yea more , He that believeth not , is condemned already . Unbelief is a damning sin , as well as any gross sin against the Law : and whereas the Law condemneth a sinner potentially , unbelief condemneth actually .

Use 2 What of God is to be believed Take heed , Christians , and believe your God when he speaks by his Ministers .

1. Believe the justice of God ; that he knows to be angry as well as to shew favour , to threaten as well as to promise , to damn as well as to save . He is very merciful , but will by no means clear the guilty . Men may dream what they please , Exod. 34.7 . but one day will find they have a just God to deal withall .

2. Believe the truth of God ; that all he hath threatned he will most certainly perform ( without true , unfained , effectual repentance . ) The words of God are pure words , as silver seven times purified in the fire . As the promises to the godly , so the threats against the wicked , not one falls to the ground .

3. Believe the power of God ; that he is able to execute the judgments he hath denounced against sinners . The Lord was able to overthrow Nineve within forty days ; yea , within the compass of one day : why not Nineve , as well as Sodom and neighbouring Cities ?

4. Believe the wisdom of God ; that the only way which he hath devised to turn away threats , is , to be found in Jesus Christ ; The wisdom of God , and the power of God to salvation : there is no salvation in any other ; by him wrath is appeased , and by him comes all saving good to repenting sinners .

Motive to believe threats . Consider for a Motive to believe the threats of God .

1. This is the only safe way to bid you believe the promises of God . We have no commission to bid you believe these , till ye be first overawed with his threats . The broken heart is the only sacrifice wherein the Lord delighteth . Psal. 51.17 . Esa. 61. Mat. 11.28 . Christ came to bind up the broken-hearted ; and said , Come all ye that labour and are heavy-laden , I will give you ease , ye shall have refreshment for your souls .

2. It is a mercy to be spoken unto by men weak as your selves ; as Israel said to Moses , Let not God speake to us lest we dye . Should God come and speak in his storms and tempests , who among us could abide the terror ? Moses at such a sight did exceedingly quake and tremble . Take heed , and abuse not his goodness to security , or to harden your hearts .

3. Mark how those two are joyned together , Believe the Lord , and believe his Prophets , 2 Chron. 20.20 . This ( saith he ) is the only way to prosper : We have this treasure in earthen vessels ; we are Stewards , and have the dispensing of holy things : and all know , in a great house there is no receiving of Pay or Diet , but by the allowance of the Steward .

4. How good was it for Nineve to believe God when he spake by the mouth of Jonah ? True , they feared , repented , put on sackcloth , refrained from diet , and cryed mightily to God for mercy ; but the sweetness of mercy made amends for all . And so it shall do for other Penitents .

And put on Sackcloth .

Christians must testifie the truth of their repentance by outward tokens of humility and humiliation . Note . Shew repentance by outward tokens . These were ordinary practices among the Jews in their fasting . Ahab put on sackcloth , and went softly ; and so did others , others rent their cloaths , others stript off their robes , and sate in the dust .

But because in process of time these forms became meer forms , and were taken up by hypocrites ; therefore Joel bad them rent their hearts , and not their garments , Joel 2.13 . and turn to the Lord their God ; and Esay at large describeth and rejecteth their hypocrisie , chap. 58.3 . and Zachary tells them they did but fast to themselves , not to God , chap. 7.3 , 7.

Yet thus far the Ceremony will reach us at this day .

1. On days of humiliation no fine nor gaish Apparel should be used , as hath been the fashion of some in these days . An humble heart must appear before the Lord , as alway , so especially on such days in the dress of mourners . No reason the habit should give the heart the lye , nor the heart the habit . Out of the abundance of the heart the dress will shape to be either lowly or phantastical .

2. Still there must be a rending of the heart , to bewail those sins which provoked God to wrath and indignation : yea , though it be a good and holy heart . Even godly men have an hand in the provocation , and therefore even godly men should bear their part in the lamentation , to turn wrath away ; even David after those failings did mightily humble himself before his God .

3. Out of that which is spared from the back and belly , allowan●e should be made to cloath the naked , and feed the hungry , and do works even of corporal mercy , and of civil righteousness . Esa. 58.6 . Is not this the fast that I have chosen ? saith the Lord .

Use . Thus fast , and then see what promises are made , Esa. 58.8 ▪ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12. Then shall thy light break forth as the morning , and thine health shall spring forth speedily , and thy righteousness shall go before thee , &c. One fast well kept might rid us of all our confusions .

And thus to fast , would well become all of us from the highest to the lowest , as here :

From the greatest of them to the least of them .

A duty for all . All are sinners , both in their nature and life , and all run into Arrear with God , and are in danger of remporal and eternal vengeance : If Nineve had been overthrown in those forty days , all had gone to wrack ; infants and sucklings as well as elderly people ; and therefore all must smart by this humiliation ; Joel 2.16 . so in Joel , Those that suck the breasts must want their milk for a while , and cry to God as well as they can . Yea , these Ninevites go farther , to the beast , the herd , and the flock ; no eating , no tasting , no drinking of water ; that the very lowing of the cattel may go up to heaven , and call ( in their language ) for mercy , as is said , Psal. 147.9 . He heareth the young Ravens when they cry .

If so , at such times let the greatest forget and lay aside their greatness ; and let the least among us bear their part in humiliation ; especially they that are least in the Kingdom of God : and they that think themselves less then the least of all Saints . All such may help to stand in the gap , and make up the breach , that we perish not .

Ver. 6.7 , 8.

Word came to the King of Nineve , and he arose from his Throne , and he laid his Robe from him , &c.

This is a farther Declaration of the Ninevites repentance .

First , it is declared by the good example of the King ; to whom the word of Jonahs preaching came , and he humbled Not. 1 himself thus extreamly . Great men must joyn with inferiors in the duties of humiliation ; yea , rather then be wanting , must go before them in good example . The reason is , Great men as well as others are sinners and have souls to save , or to damne ; yea , they sin double sins , that is , not only in act , but by their bad example which causeth others to stumble and fall .

Consider this , ye that are heads of the people , and be throughly humbled for all your sins . Be examples in humiliation and reformation , as well as in transgression . This is no place to exhort King and Nobles to those duties : but an equity lies upon Magistrates of a lower size , upon rich men , and all whom God hath set above others , to seek God by fasting and prayer for their good , and the good of underlings . Here is a special rule for that in Rom. 12.16 . Make your selves equal to them of the lower sort .

Secondly , the Ninevites repentance is declared by the Authority they had for their fasting : namely , The Decree of the King and his Nobles . The people proclaimed a fast , said the first verse ; but not of their own head , they had the sanction and stamp of civil Authority for their doings .

Not. 2 It was ever yet in the power of the civil Magistrate , to appoint publick Fasts for their people : so did Jehosaphat , and so did other good Princes ; and so they entermedled in ordering other matters of Religion ; as it is said , The Christian Magistrate is the Keeper of both Tables .

Use . Let us consider , and be orderly in all our religious performances ; still see Authority going before us : or , if the Magistrate neglect to call a Fast when just occasion requires , private Christians must betake themselves to their Families and Closets , That the Father who seeth in secret , may reward them openly . Mat. 6.17 . Certainly nothing may be done in Religion with contempt of Authority , or so as to disgrace Magistrates before their people . It is an evil and head-long devotion , which out-faceth or shameth Gods Vicegerents .

Contents of the Proclamation . Now in this Proclamation for a Fast at Nineve we have to consider , 1. The abstinence enjoyned , Not to eat or drink , or wear soft Apparel . 2. Prayer required , and that in a fervent manner , Let them cry mightily unto God . 3. Reformation of life exacted , Let every one turn from his evil way . All amplified by an hope to over-intreat God , as Jonah had preached : Joel 2.14 . just as the Prophet Joel framed his Motive , Who knoweth if he will return and repent , and leave a blessing behind him ? Categorical denunciations of judgements are ( with God ) secretly suspended with conditions ; for which see Jer. 18.7 , 8.

Outward humiliation required of Penitents For the abstinence here required : Heathens newly converted could see these outward observations to be necessary , as judging themselves unworthy of comfort by the creatures ; and the Jews in their fasts did five ways afflict their souls , saith Maymonides .

1. By abstaining from meat and drink ; which are the allowance and maintenance of nature , and nature will look for his due and refreshment , but must sometimes be restrained , so to give way to grace , and to the more earnest seeking of Gods favour ; there being pain in the want , and that pain provoking to the more devotion ; so here , and Judg. 20.26 .

2. By putting off fine Apparel , Ornaments , and Shoos , and wearing sackcloth which might put them to farther pain , and was used only in way of modesty ; otherwise confessing they deserved to be stript stark-naked of all comforts ; so here , and Exod. 33.4 , 6. 2 Sam. 15.30 . Psal. 35.13 .

3. By not washing themselves as they were wont , and as was good for them in those hot Countries , 2 Sam. 12.20 , 21. Abraham and Lot gave water to the strangers they entertained , that they might wash after their sore and scorching travel .

4. By not anointing themselves , as was ordinary , Dan. 10.3 . God gives man Oil to make his face shine ; Psal. 104.15 . but now there shall be a forbearance ; where if any object , that Christ bids anoint our face when we fast : the answer is easie ; Mat. 6.17 . Our Saviour speaks comparatively , and in opposition to hypocrites ; rather then appear to men to fast , anoint thy face and look pleasantly .

5. By forbearing the use of the Marriage-bed , and all those comforts which accompany that estate , 2 Sam. 11.11 . Joel 2.16 . Zech. 12.14 . 1 Cor. 7.5 . The order of grace must bear sway against the order of nature : and all say , A less good must give way to a greater .

Remember , Use . and do this on the day of a publick humiliation . Object . We have no such eminent occasion as the Ninevites had , Yet forty days and Nineve shall be overthrown . Answ. Danger may be as much eminent to us as it was to them . Ye know the contrary agitations of several parties bandying one against another , and ye know our sins are much greater then theirs , because of more abundant light , means of grace , offers of peace , patience and long-suffering of God , and offending after former humiliations .

But may I not eat a little on a fasting-day , by reason of my infirmity ? Answ. 1. In case of extraordinary danger all such infirmities should be forgotten , and the matter put to an adventure ; and so men will do sometime for their pleasure , in hunting or the like ; lose a meals-meat or more . 2. In our ordinary fasts which come of course as it were , it may be lawful for us to take some re-past against a notable infirmity ; as , of colick , or fainting fits . In such cases God will have mercy , and not sacrifie .

But were it not ridiculous to put sackcloth on our cattel , or cause them to fast ? Answ. 1. For the sackloth , none urgeth it as necessary either for them or our selves , nor yet ashes . They were the transient actions of those Countries . 2. If cattel were suffered to want for a while , it would do them no hurt : and in their mourning the Masters might well take notice of their own a● use of the creature , their riot , their excessive pleasure in hunting , &c. And if the cattel must be so pinched and pained for their sin , what must they be for their own sin ? But in truth these are meer Ceremonies , and no farther good then they testifie the humility of our spirits .

Fervent prayer needful to a Fast . For the fervent prayer here required , Let them cry mightily unto God : Hearty and fervent prayer is a chief matter at a Fast : the King of Nineve understood well , that those naked ceremonies could do little , unless such kind of prayer were added . The like we are to understand of all outward observations abstracted from true piety , they are nothing worth , 1 Tim. 4.8 . Bodily exercise profiteth little . Though the body were never so much macerated , and even brought to a Consumption , yet without contrition of spirit it would avail nothing . It is the fervent prayer of the righteous that availeth much , Jam. 5.16 .

And note by the way , how this King speaketh only of one God , namely , the God of the Hebrews whom Jonah had preached in the message he brought . The many gods which he had served before , began now to be vile in his eyes , as able to do him no good . Which is the guise of all true Converts , to reject idol-gods ; the belly , the Childe that is idolized , the wealth , &c.

See hence , why we make those long prayers on a day of Use 1 fasting . With some this may be accounted tedious , Apology . and hardly to be endured : But the case stands thus , Prayer is the chief work of the day , and all our preaching is but to prepare your hearts , and stir up your affections to cry mightily unto God , even with sighs and groans that cannot be uttered . And by that time we have duly confessed our own sins and the sins of the Land , together with supplications for mercy and forbearance , judge you whether it be not requisite to spend more time then ordinary . Adde thus :

1. These sins are mighty sins , and need mightily to be cryed down , Amos 5.12 . I know your manifold transgressions , and your mighty sins . Some sinners are mighty to pour in strong drink , to swear bloudily , to commit uncleanness , to oppress their brethren , and the like .

2. The mighty God is mightily offended , and provoked to wrath . Psal. 90 11. Who knoweth the power of thine anger ? it hath proved heavy to men and Angels : and so there needs a mighty cry to appease this wrath , and get judgements prevented , or removed . It had been too late for Nineve to pray , when once the forty days were exp●red .

3. The enemies of our peace and Gospel are mighty enemies , idolaters , profane persons , dissembling friends , real enemies . It is a wonder , that our house and Kingdom which is so divided , is not fallen asunder long ago . There needs mighty crying to God , that we may defeat these enemies .

Remember this against a Fast , and in your ordinary course of prayer . Wrestle , strive , continue instant in prayer , be fervent in spirit , serving the Lord . True Christians have both the gift and spirit of prayer , and should stir up the gift that is in them . Do as Jacob who wrestled with the Angel , and would not let him go without a blessing ; See how it is described in Hos. 12.3 , 4 , 5 , 6. By his strength he had power with God ; yea , he had power over the Angel , and prevailed : he wept and made supplications unto him . And the truly-godly are said to be a generation of people much of the same frame , Psal. 24.6 . This is the generation of them that seek him , that seek thy face , O Jacob. They are the Israel of God ; weak in themselves , but mighty in a spiritual consideration . The weapons of their warfare are not carnal , but m●ghty through God to throw down strong-holds .

Amendment needful to true Penitents . For the reformation of life here required : Amendment of life is necessary to all that repent and fast aright . Let them turn every one from his evil way , and from the violence that is in their hands . In Scripture a mans way is that course of life which a man steers for the pleasing of God , and saving of his soul ; And they that steer not aright , are said to go in an evil way , and need to turn out of it : And so to turn , is the true fast , and the true repentance . Sackcloth and all abstinence is nothing without crying to God by prayer , and all prayer is nothing without a real reformation . Esa. 58 6,7 . Is not this the fast that I have chosen ? to loose the bands of wickedness , to undo the heavy burthens , and to let the oppressed go free ? and that ye break every yoke ? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry , and that thou bring the poor that are cast out , to thine house ? when thou seest the naked , that thou cover him , and that thou hide not thy self from thine own flesh ? Zech. 7.7 . Should ye not hear the words which the Lord cryed by the former Prophets ?

Use 1 Whence it follows , that numbers never rightly kept a fast in all those years , nor truly repented of their sins . If they had , they would not be such swearers as they are , or drunkards , lyars , unjust , incontinent , otherwise ungodly . If they had , they would every one have turned from his evil way , and wrought righteousness before God . Sound reformation ever follows upon sound humiliation .

Those that would justifie their repentance for sound , and testifie the sincerity of their conversion , let them turn every one from his evil way . Never tell of the many fasts ye have kept , and how many tears ye have shed , or sighs , or groans , but make all good by a thorow reforming of things amiss . Bring forth fruits meet for repentance . Mat. 3.8 . Good apples argue the tree to be good ; and the works of p●ety , mercy , and righteousness argue the man who fasted , to be a man truly-godly .

But how shall I know , that I reform aright , Notes of right turning from sin . and in a saving manner ? Answ.

1. In true conversion there is a turning from every evil way ; though there be profit to be had by the sin , or pleasure , or content of any kind . David that was a true Penitent , hated every false way , Psal. 119.104 . The reason is , because all sin is displeasing to God , and dangerous to the soul : And no sin is forgiven but it cost Christ his dearest bloud , there is no other price of our redemption , 1 Pet. 1.18 , 19. We are not redeemed with corruptible things , as Silver and Gold ; but by the precious bloud of Christ as of a Lamb without spot .

2. In true conversion the special sin shall be singled out for censure , sorrow , and amendment ; as here the violence of these N●nevites : So David confessed his foul sins of filthiness and bloud-guiltiness . Zacheus confessed his forged cavillation . Matthew his sitting at the receit of custom . Jonah wrote the story of his flying from God , and declining the work which he had appointed him to do . All which things ( and the like ) are written for our instruction , to do the like .

3. In true conversion there is a turning to God with all the heart , as the rule is given , Jer. 4.1 . If thou wilt return , O Israel , Joel 2.12 , 13. saith the Lord , return unto me . And Paul was sent to turn the Gentiles from the power of Satan unto God , Act. 26.18 . Otherwise the conversion doth not reach home : God is the party offended by sin , and in Christ must be pleased with us again , or else we do nothing . Remember this our ordinary Theme , and turn aright from your evil way .

Ver. 9.

Who can tell if God will turn and repent , and turn away from his fierce anger , that we perish not ?

This may be the voice of faith striving between hope and fear . The King and Nobles of Nineve hope well they may be spared upon their repentance , but they fear the worst ; they cannot tell what the event will be ; they will use the means , but are not sure what will be the success : Only they hope God may be over-intreated by their humiliation and reformation to save them from perishing . It is a temporal mercy which they crave , and Gods own Children are not sure alway to speed in such matters , viz. to escape the danger of war , to get out of a great fit of sickness , or the like : Yea , such is the modesty of godly men , that in the sense of their own unworthiness they will not prescribe to Gods wisdom concerning the length or strength of their afflictions , but quietly submit to his will and good pleasure ; I was dumb , and opened not my mouth , because thou didst it , Psal. 39.9 .

Yet methinks we may look higher , even to the forgiveness of sin , and salvation of the soul . Our Saviour saith of the Ninevites , that they repented at the preaching of Jonah : and in the former words we have seen three acts of repentance , and now the fourth will make up a competent description of repentance . Repentance is such a grace of God , as whereby we are humbled for sin , Description of repentance . pray for pardon , reform what is amiss , and have some hope of finding mercy at Gods hands . All these were in the Ninevites , and are in each true Convert .

1. A true Convert is humbled for sin , though not perhaps in sackcloth and ashes , as these here ; 1 Cor 14.25 . or though he do not fall down on his face , as he in the Corinthians ; yet his heart is pierced with godly sorrow for sin , which now begins to be very bitter and grievous to him : Jer. 2.19 . He finds it an evil and bitter thing to have forsaken the Lord his God . Sin now is grown burdensome to his soul as is implyed in those words , labour and are heavy laden : Mat. 11 . 2● . And now earthly comforts grow unsavory ; what joy can he have so long as he is under the guilt and condemnation of his sins ? especially the pleasures of sin , O odious and bitter to be thought on !

2. A true Convert prayes for the pardon of his sins , God be merciful to me a sinner ; Luke 18.13 . Psal. 51.1 . according to the multitude of thy mercies blot out my transgressions . So Daniel and Ezra in their humiliations : and these Ninevites cry mightily unto God . In the one and fiftieth Psalm we see Davids doubled and trebled Petitions for mercy ; just as a condemned Malefactor earnestly beseecheth the Judge to shew him mercy ; forgiveness of sins being the happiness of a sinner , Rom. 4.6 . and a chief mercy for which we should give thanks , Psal. 103.1 , 2 , 3. Oh how happy should I be ( thinks the distressed soul ) if I were released of my sins !

3. A true Convert reforms what is amiss : Turns from his evil way ; both Commissions , that the wickednesses shall not be done over and over , as heretofore ; and Om●ssions , that he will do the duties which formerly he neglected , pesonal and in the family ; not as our negative Christians , who rest contented if they be not so bad as sometime they were : No , God requires good to be done , as well as evil to be left undone . Cease to do evil , and learn to do w●ll ; Put off the old man , Esa 1 16. Eph. 4 22.24 . put on the new . Paul when he was converted , presently a sked , Lord , what wilt thou have me to do ?

4. A true Convert hath some hope of finding mercy at the hands of God ; who can tell whether he will turn and shew favor ? Though he cannot yet say his sin is pardoned ; yet he conceives it is pardonable ; To the Lord my God belong mercies and forgivenesses ; we have heard of this King of Israel that he is a merciful King , therefore we will nourish some hope amidst all our fears , and notwithstanding many discouragements .

Doctr. Mixture of hope and fear in Converts . The point is this : Gods own Children sometimes cannot well tell whether he will be merciful to them , that they perish not ; there is a Conflict of faith between hope and fear : we read of a bruised reed , and smoaking flax ; some fire , but much smoak . They can say with the poor man , I believe , Mark 9.24 . Rom 7 24 but say with tears too , Lord help my unbelief . They can say , Good is present with me ; but withall , who shall deliver me from this body of death ?

Now this holds both first and last .

1. At the beginning of conversion , a young Convert cannot tell whether his sins be forgiven him , and his soul set in safety by Jesus Christ ; as the Childe lives in the womb , but knows not that he lives . A man may be rich , and not know that he is rich ; so a● Christian is ignorant concerning his good estate toward God , till the Spirit of revelation be given him to know his happiness .

2. Afterward , all along in his course he hath his doubtings , fears , cares , jealousies concerning the love of God returning upon him now and then ; which comes to pass by the weakness of his faith , by the strength of temptations , by his remisness in using the means of grace , or by neglecting his religious course : Hath the Lord forgotten to be gracious ? &c. One way or other it comes to pass , that even a good Christian must rejoyce with trembling , Pas . 77. Psal 2 11. Phil 2.12 . and work out his salvation with fear and trembling ; and , he that ere while was very confident , in little time begins to flag and faint exceedingly ; I know that my Redeemer liveth , said Job , yet by and by he was quite carryed down the stream . Quest.

But may not a Christian tell whether Gods fierce anger be turned from him , or no ? Answ.

1. There be good and sufficient grounds for assurance ; Answ. as for example , the covenant of grace , the freeness and largeness of the promises , the powerful satisfaction and intercession of Jesus Christ , the word of reconciliation committed to Ministers , the Oath of God , the Seals of Sacraments , with other . Why all this , but to give us strong consolation ? Heb. 6.18 . God would not have his Children to doubt and be afraid ; and hath said , Why did ye doubt , O ye of little faith ? Be not faithless , but believing , &c. Assurance then is to be had , and those are the grounds of this assurance .

2. This assurance admits of degrees . In Scripture we read of assurance , much assurance , and full assurance of faith ; Some days are brighter then other , and the comforts of some Christians are more lively then of others . Yea in the same Christian there be lucida intervalla among all their evidences , dusky at times , but the cloud soon vanishes ; and after many wrestlings comes at last the triumph of faith , Who shall accuse , or condemn , Rom. 8.34 . 1 Cor. 15 55. or separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ ? Again , O death , where is thy sting ? O grave , whe●e is thy victory ? Which is seen sometimes of them that said heretofore , There is but a step between me and death , between me and hell .

All which makes against the vain confidence of idle Use 1 Christians , who presume to know Gods mercy toward them without any doubting : A thing which divers godly and serious men have not yet obtained , and sometimes fear they shall never obtain .

Here we will examine a little the fears of the one , Godly mens fears are hopeful . and the hopes of the other .

For the fears of the godly .

1. The Lord orders all their fears , and tenderness of spirit to their greatest good ; as here , the fear of these Ninevites ; first they are affrighted with the horror of a suddain overthrow , and this fear works them to repentance , that they shall escape the denounced overthrow : So still , generally it is the Lords method in bringing souls home to himself , first out of security to convince them of a bad estate , and so let them repent and seek after God : let them be sick , and see their need of a Physician ; let them be pricked at heart , and ask what they must do to be saved ; and , Did ye see him whom my soul loveth ? can ye give me any sure mark of my being in Christ ? can this or that stand with the truth of grace ? I am afraid I am not right in the main . I doubt that all this while I do but deceive my own soul . Of which tenderness the Lord makes this use , to bring forth judgement to victory : He will not break the bruised reed , nor quench the smoaking flax ; his power is manifested in his peoples weakness , and his grace shall be sufficient for them .

2. The fears of godly men put them into cares about the means of grace , and about such a course of religiousness as they may make their calling and election sure , 2 Pet. 1.10 . So pray , and so read , and so hear , and so receive Sacraments , and walk so strictly and orderly , as God may please to shew them his salvation . Psal. 50.23 . Timor facit consiliatives . Fear makes men Clients , so to secure their Estates by repairing to their learned Counsel : so here , for the estate of the soul . And a discreet man newly recovered out of great sickness , narrowly observes his diet , and so gets more health perhaps then a stronger man ; so here , and this is the phrase of working out salvation with fear and trembling . Phil. 2.12 .

3. This kind of fear hath the promise of blessedness , Prov 28 14. Blessed is the man that feareth alway ; namely , with a Childlike and holy fear , fear to offend , care to please , and perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord . The tenderness of such is the heart of flesh , Ezek. 11.19 . which the Lord by Covenant said he would give his people ; and , he will be their God , and they shall be his people ; he will forgive their sins , and remember their iniquity no more ; and will so put his fear into them , that they shall never depart from him .

But if carnal persons have any fears concerning their spiritual estate , it never works in such a manner ; all passeth away in flashes , Be rid of them as soon as ye can , and be merry while ye may ; away with this melancholy , and be jovial .

For the hopes of idle and vain Christans , Wicked mens hopes are fearful . who doubt not a whit of Gods love to them , I say thus ;

1. They are disgraced by the subject , that is , the persons in whom they are ; loose and vain persons . None but the godly have the right hope which will last in a sad houre . Pro. 14.32 . the righteous hath hope in his death . Such at worst are prisoners of hope . Zech 9.12 . Ever since they were converted , they have been in an hopeful condition . For others , their hope shall perish , it shall be as the spiders web , or as the giving up of the ghost . Profane persons and hypocrites , never went upon a good foundation , and so all their building lies in the dust .

2. True hope is grounded in faith , and in reconcilation with God thereby . We hope well , because we know whom we beleeve , and he is the hope of Israel , Jer. 17 13. the Saviour thereof in the time of need . So we are saved by hope , Rom. 8.24 . But this is skipped over by these persons , A general hope of mercy shall serve the turne .

3. True hope ariseth out of regeneration , and dwells in the new creature , 1 Pet. 1.3 . God begets us again to a lively hope . But numbers have all their hope from the first birth , beleeve in God ever since they can remember , never do bred since they were born ; Pitie he should live who doubts of his salvation ; which is too fine and easie to be good . Jonahs gourd sprung up in a night , and withered in a night . The like we may say of these Mushromes .

4. True hope yeelds the benefit of strong consolation in foul weather that lies upon the soul Heb. 6.18 , 19. it is an anchor sure and stedfast . By hope we have seen him to live , who was about to dye . David had fainted , but that hope held him up by the chinne , Ps. 27.13 . I had fainted , but that I hoped to see the goodnesse of the Lord in the land of the living But the heart of an hypocrite , 1 Sam. 25. when brought into great danger , dyes in him , as Nabals . The house built on the sand , when the windes and stormes came , fell quickly , and great was the fall thereof .

5. True hope fs cleanly wherever it comes , both as to the heart and life , 1 Joh. 3.3 . Every one that hath this hope , purifieth himself even as God is pure . It is of the same nature with the mother , Acts 15.9 , 26 , 18. which is Faith , and purifies the heart . Hope is neither sloven nor slut : but so is the hope of many ; expect much at the hands of God , but live in their sins : which is against all reason , as if a man should stand for preferme●t yet lives so as to be uncapable .

Use 2 Christians , be perswaded so to order your course , as ye may grow up to some comfortable assurance of Gods love to your soules : that though ye get not the full assurance of faith , yet ye may have much assurance ; or if not much yet some assurance : Do all that may help your faith against your feares , and that your hope in God may be cherished : which ye will find to be very good when you come to lie on your death-bed , or be cast into great affliction , to say , 2 Tim. 1.12 . I know whom I have believed , &c.

There be some that should think of the great change by conversion . Some have not yet repented , nor made their peace with God , and may well think that it is they who must repent , and not God . Repentance notes a change in the creature , Jan. 1 17. not the Creator ; With him is no variableness , nor shadow of turning . Therefore never think he will come to thy bent , but come thou to his . If not , know he hath a fierce anger to put forth upon thee ; nor can all men or Angels turn it away , Eph. 2 14. but only Jesus Christ : He is our peace , he hath taken away the enmity and hand-writing of Ordinances that was against us , 2.12 . Col. 2.14 . nailing it to his Cross . And we may have access with holdness by the faith of him . We need not say , Who can tell if God will turn , that we perish not ? I can tell ( saith Bernard ) and I will be surety for God that he will not burn forth in anger upon the truly Penitent . By promise he hath made himself our Debtor , Atqui ego novi , & fide-juss●r , sum Dei . and he will perform to the uttermost , so he did here to the Ninevites , as follows .

Ver. 10.

And God saw their works , that they turned from their evil way ; and God repented of the evil that he had said that he would do unto them , and he did it not .

The King of Nineve spake doubtingly , Who can tell if the Note 1 Lord will spare us ? and now the Lord gives a resolution of the doubt , They shall be spared ; So to doubting Christians , the Lord will step in with a timely satisfaction , for staying their hearts , and doing them good . Esa. 40.1 , 2. He will speak peace to his people , saying , Your iniquity is pardoned , your warfare is accomplished . Doth any repent , and seek the peace with his Majesty ? he will quickly say , I have found a ransome , he shall not dye . Note 2

Note again , the King doubted whether they should be spared , though they fasted , prayed , and amended their lives . But the world is grown far worse now-a-days ; that though men fast not , nor pray , nor amend , yet they can tell the Lord will spare , and be merciful to them . Though they keep violence in their hands , deceit , filthiness , other provocations , yet all shall do well ; they fear nothing . A note of desperate wickedness in the men , and of abundant long-suffering in God , who spares such a venturous and vile generation . Oh that the patience and goodness of God might once at last lead them to repentance ! Rom. 2.4 . Parts .

In the words we have two parts . 1. The Lord takes notice of the Ninevites humiliation and reformation ; He saw their works , that they turned from their evil way . 2. He grants them pardon and peace , He did not the evil that he said he would do unto them .

Quest. Answ. God true , though threats not excented . Out of the whole it might be asked , how the Lord is a true God , and yet performs not the threat which was denounced against Nineve . Answ . Categorical denunciations of judgment are ever secretly suspended with conditions , which the Lord keeps close to himself ; thus , Except Nineve repent within forty days , within forty days Nineve shall be overthrown . God being the Soveraign Lord of the world , is not bound to disclose his whole counsel . An earthly King hath his secrets ; and whatever of his pleasure he revealeth , yet he revealeth not all : Say the like of the King of Nations .

This our answer is cleared out of plainer places of Scripture , where God himself gives such an exposition ; as for example . 1. Concerning a particular sinner , against whom wrath and damnation is thundered : Yet if the wicked shall turn from all his sins , and keep all my statutes , he shall surely live , he shall not dye ; Ezek. 18 21 , 22 , 23. 2 Concerning a whole Nation , against which the faithful preachers have preached much and often ; yet upon humiliation all shall do well , Jer. 18 7 , 8. At what instant I shall speak concerning a Nation , and concerning a Kingdom , to pluck up , and to pull down , and to destroy it : If that Nation against which I have pronounced , turn from their evil , I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them . 3. Concerning the Jewish Nation , against which wrath had gone forth many a time , yet at the prayers of godly men they were a long time spared , Psal. 106.23 . He said that he would destroy them , had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach , to turn away his wrath , lest he should destroy them . In the like manner here against Nineve ; this change in them admits a change in Gods execution of his menaces , called repentance .

Quest. But it may be asked , Why doth God propound such threats absolutely ; that is , without the implyed conditions ? Answ. 1. Because of his absolute Soveraignty . Answ. 2. The conditions are sometimes exprest , as in those places , and in our Ministery . 3. When they are supprest , it is to rowse secure sinners the more effectually ; who may be startled to hear such terrible thundering peals shot off against them , and say , It is time to look about us , and consider what we have to do : Do we not hear the warning-pieces which God hath discharged to our great amazement ? So did Nineve at this time ▪

God saw their works , that they turned from their evil way . Doctr. 1

The Lord takes notice of the actions and behaviours of penitent and converted sinners , as of the Ninevites here ; Acts of Penitents observed of God . Luke 15.20 . of the Prodigal returning to his Father ; of Hezekiah weeping and praying , and so of others .

1. He looks to the counterfeit repentance of hypocrites , as in Ahabs case , 1 King . 21 29. Seest thou how he humble● himself before me ? and the repentance of Judah in Josiahs time , where was great humiliation and much reformation , but all was in a fained manner ; and so it is censured , Jer. 3 10. Judah hath not turned to me with her whole heart , but fainedly , saith the Lord . And Rehoboam was spared a while because after a sort he humbled himself , 2 Chron. 12.12 .

2. He looks to the sincere repentance of true Converts ; as of Mana●eh , and of Ephraim , Jer. 31.18 . I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself ; And Peter who went forth and wept bitterly ; And the Churches of Asia , whose works he knew . So in the Gospel , the Father that sees in secret , takes notice who fasts and prayes in secret ; and means to reward him openly : which is appliable to each true Penitent at this day ; One day all shall be rewarded openly .

Observe , it is not said that God saw the abstinence of these Ninevites , or heard their mighty crying ( though yet he heard and saw all this , being all eye , so as in every place he beholds the evil and good ) but he saw their works , Prov. 15.3 . and what a real reformation was come among them ; without which all the rest would have past away as idle and fruitless Ceremonies ; So are all forms without obedience . Bodily exercise profiteth little . 1 Tim 4.8 . Bring no more vain oblations , &c.

Yet amidst all doing remember one thing● : God first and principally hath an eye to the heart , whethet that be right with him or no : It is the broken heart which the Lord mainly respects in a penitent ; A broken and a contrite heart is the sacrifices of God . Psal. 51.17 . And then on the other side , where the heart is contrite , the life will conform ; there will be a turning of every one from his evil way , as also the working of righteousness . At Nineve a man now might have seen one making restitution of his ill-gotten goods , another giving satisfaction for the wrong he had done , a third paying his debts , a fourth exhorting his Children and Servants , all confessing their sins , bewailing them , and turning over a new leaf ; So with us , where any are truly penitent , we shall quickly see a great reformation .

Use . Encouragement to repent . But Gods notice taking may be a notable encouragement to all , both to repent , and to bring forth fruits meet for repentance . It encourageth a good servant to do duty , when the Master takes notice of his dutifulness . Be therefore , and do , as God may note thee for good ; so fast , and so pray , and so give alms , as the great and good God may like and approve ; no matter though men see not , so long as God sees ; and no matter if they scorn when they see . The approbation of God alone is far to be preferred before all suffrage of men whosoever they be . The Apostles in all the course of their ministery approved themselves to God , and then esteemed all to be well : and they said , 2 Cor. 6 4.10 18. Rom. 2.29 . Not he that commendeth himself is approved , but whom the Lord commendeth . And he is the true Jew ( or Christian ) whose praise is not of men , but of God . And such a one will say as David in doing duty , I will be more vile in the eye of the world ; and however it go , 2 Sam. 6.22 . Esa. 49.5 . yet in the eye of my God I shall be glorious . And certainly , the true and lasting honor is that which comes from above .

There be many hinderances of a true and effectual repentance , many Objections against it , and many Delusions about it . Objections against repenting

1. When a man is of the mind to repent and turn from his evil wayes , he meets with many Objections which may delay the matter , if not quite hinder him ; as for example , the sourness of the thing , the contrary course of the world , the subtilties of Satan , the pleasures or profits that are to be had by sin , the jeers of idle companions , or counsels , carnal reasonings , and the like : Against all which a man should arm himself with these considerations , My God oftentimes calls me to repentance , I have done enough and enough to repent most earnestly , I am in great danger unless I repent to the purpose ; and on the other side , if I repent truly and effectually , God will take notice of me for good ; as here to the Ninevites . On therefore I will go , breaking through all objections and difficulties . The Lord hold thee in that good resolution ! It is the ready way to life and salvation .

2. For Delusions ; Mistakes about it . many a man mistakes the business of repentance , thinking he hath repented when it is no such matter ; and so , that God is reconciled to him , when indeed he is not ; as for example , Those that deceive themselves with a few sighs or tears , as did Ahab : Those that lift up their voice on high , and hang the head like a Bulrush for a day , as in Esay ; And they that say they are sorrowful , but it appears not afterward , who all should remember Judas and other hypocrites , and the morning dew which is soon dryed up ; and honoring God with the lips when the heart is far from him , and the fruits or works meet for repentance . And they should remember how a naturall man would be willing to flee from the wrath to come , though he never take a thorow course thereunto . Self-love can do it ; that the worst that is would be loth to go to hell when he dyes , and desire to go to heaven : And they should remember what work is laid out for the truly-penitent , 2 Cor. 7.11 . Carefulness , Zeal , and the rest : With those notes of turning rightly from the evil way , every evil way ; the beloved evil way ; and that constantly , Ye must no more return to folly . Psal. 85.8 . Jer. 4 1. And to turn so far , as to get unto God , and walk with him in holiness .

Consider , and be not loth to repent , nor yet mistaken .

Mot. Know this is the only comfortable change for a poor sinner ▪ not God is changed when he is said to repent , but the sinner is changed . When God doth his great works of Creation and of Miracles , he sets forth his own glory : but when he works upon the creatures , he works for their commodity ; as here , for the benefit of Nineve which was sorely threatned . And the change was in the Ninevites , not God , either essence or purpose . Try it after them who will , he shall find that without the great change of conversion there is no good to be done with the great God of heaven : And upon such a change , God will turn frowns into smiles , and threats into promises , yea most gracious performances , as here ;

He repented of the ev●l , and did it not .

Doctr. 2 God merciful to the penitent . God pardons penitent sinners , and turns away their deserved punishment . For pardon , see Psal. 32 5. David was humbled , and confessed his transgressions , and the Lord forgave him the iniquity of his sin . And see Esa. 55.6 , 7. Seek ye the Lord while he may be found , call ye upon him a ●●le he is near ; Let the wicked forsake his way , and the unrighteous man his thoughts , and let him return unto the Lord , and he will have mercy upon him , and to our God , for he will abundantly pardon . So he did to the Ninevites , Jonah , Manasseh , the Prodigal , other great offenders . For punishment , distinguish .

1. There is an eternal punishment due for sin , according to the infinite Majesty of God who is offended ; everlasting punishment , Mat. 3.12.25.46 . unquenchable fire , the , 〈…〉 goes not out . Of this the Lord alway dischargeth the penitent ; He shall not dye ; namely for ever , not the second death : ●e dyes naturally , but lives eternally .

2. There is a temporal punishment ▪ suppose by Famine , Sword , Pestilence , and other calamities . Many and great and sore evils the Lord denounceth against sinners , to affright them and bring them out of their evil wayes ; to hide pride from them , Job 33.28 . and deliver their soul from going into the oil : And if they be reduced , God may be pleased to release them of the evil threatned , as these Ninevites . But this is not certain , nor always comes to pass : God● 〈◊〉 Children in the temporal part are sometimes grievously afflicted , they so far provoke him by securely and unthankfulness , that they cannot be excused , Jonah for three days and three nights must needs lodge in the belly of the Whale : Jer. 46.28 . I will make a full end of all the Nations ●●●ther I have driven thee , but I will not make a full and of thee , but correct thee in measure , yet I will not leave thee wholly unpunished .

Reasons why God so pardons the penitent , are plain . Reas. 1 1. Because he is very merciful , and abundantly , gracious ▪ Exod. 34.7 . The Lord , the Lord , merciful and gracious , forgiving iniquity , Reas. 2 transgression , and sin . 2. By Jesus Christ a ransome is found for the penitent ; justice satisfied , wrath appeased , fauour procured ; heaven opened . 3. Promises are made every-where Reas. 3 in Scripture for this kind of sinners ; and shall be made good to the full . 4. The work of repentance which Reas. 4 is begun in them , is a change wrought by Gods own Spirit , and therefore shall be honoured with the best fruits .

So here is more encouragement to repent . Ye see your Use 1 remedy , if judgements be to be prevented , More encouragement to repent . or to be removed ; be humbled before your God , and it may be done . Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites , namely to repent and be pardoned : As he , so they ; and as they , so we . All is for our instruction , that repenting as they did , we may escape as they did . And let none think to hold God to it , that though he repent not , yet he shall do well enough ▪ Verily , verily ( said our Saviour ) except ye repent , ye shall all perish . Luke 13.5 .

So when a tender heart casteth doubts , that his sins shall not be pardoned , nor indeed can be , set it flie to this remedy ; Grieve for thy sins , and confess them , and crave pardon for them , in the Name and for the merit of Jesus Christ ; afterward doubt not but a pardon will be had , and in time will be sealed up to thy foul . 1 John ● ▪ 1. He is our Advocate with the Father , and the propitiation for our sins ; He sits in his Pardon-office in heaven , and in time will issue forth a pardon for thee . Mark 1.15 . Repent , and believe the Gospel , are the two main graces of the Gospel .

Use 2 Lastly , let God be glorified in this Attribute of turning wrath away from penitent sinner● ; So doth the Church , Mic. 7.18 , 19. Who is a God like unto thee , that pardoneth iniquity , and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage the retaineth not his anger for ever , because he delighteth in mercy . He will turn again , he will have compassion upon us , he will subdue our iniquities ; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea . Subjects use to magnifie a loving Prince , who remits the penal laws , and grants pardon to offenders . So doth our God , and so ought we to honour him . Consider , this is his end in granting forgiveness of sins , Psal. 130.4 . That he may be feared . And this was the first and chief mercy which David commemorated in his thanksgiving , Ps. 105.3 . Who forgiveth all thine iniquities . As also Paul , Eph. 1.6 , 7. That we should be to the praise of the glory of his grace .

CHAP. IV.

Ver. 1.2 , 3.

But it displeased Jonah exceedingly , and he was very angry : And he prayed unto the Lord , and said , I pray thee O Lord , was not this my saying when I was yet in my Country ? therefore I fled unto Tarshish : for I knew that thou art a gracious God , and merciful , slow to anger , of great kindness , and repentest ▪ thee of the evil . Therefore now , O Lord , Take I beseech thee my life from me , for it is better for me to dye then to live .

THis Chapter sets forth the Events of Gods sparing of Nineve . Summe of the Chapter .

The Events are of two sorts ; a froward servant , and a gentle Master .

In Jonah we see the example of a froward and waspish Saint , who too much cleaves to his own reason , without due respect had to the will of God , or to the good of sinners . For a good man , he is as cholerick a man as lightly we shall read of . And we have his fellows , if not in goodness , yet in testiness and peevishness . Take heed , and do not imitate .

1. We see how ill he takes the sparing of Nineve , Parts . ver. 1. he is displeased and angry . 2. We hear him justifying his former flying , ver. 2. 3. We read a strange prayer he makes , ver. 3. Take my life from me . 4. We may hear more pevishness . ver. 9. I do well to be angry , even unto death .

For the first of these , What is was that displeased Jonah . we may not conceive Jonah displeased or angry at the repentance of the Ninevites ; this being quite contrary to the truth of grace which was in Jonah . Grace never opposeth grace in another , but first desires it , and then rejoyceth in it . But , it displeased him exceedingly ; that is , that the Lord did not the evil which he said he would do to Nineve . And why so ? because now he should be accounted a false Prophets and God who said Nineve should be overthrown , should be blasphemed as variable , and not true of his word ; as not only the heathens round about , but even the Israelites themselves would be ready to jeer at his coming home among them : A goodly messenger and message ! and hereafter we will not regard thee a whit .

It displeased Jonah exceedingly , and he was very angry .

Some say he was offended at the calling of the Gentiles , as those in Act. 11. and 22. and that by the spirit of prophesie he , foresaw the rejection of the Jews , into whose room the Gentiles were to succeed . But this is too far fetched , nor agrees with the Text and Argument here brought , nor with the goodness of an holy heart , such as Jonahs was . It is best to understand it as before .

Note . The godly have , and confess their infirmities . And we may observe : A godly man hath many and great infirmities ; but withall , confesseth them though to the shame of his own face , as doth Jonah here . Formerly , from the same ground , we concluded the Divinity of the Scriptures ; and now the sincerity of the Saints . Paul for them all ; I do not the good I would , and I do the evil I would not : O wretched man that I am , who shall deliver me !

Use . Remember this , ye Saints , and enure your selves to the duties of humiliation and mortification ; and where just occasion is , be not ashamed to confess and give glory to God . J●s . 7 19. Let God be true , and every man a lyar . To me belongs nothing but shame and confusion of face : with a lowly deportment , suitable to those humble conceits and speeches you use concerning your selves .

Lessons to be learned from Jonah . Then for mortification , learn by these failings of Jonah ,

1. Not to be wedded to thine own will , so as to set it before or above the will of God , as did he . Self denial is the first lesson that a Christian should take forth , and make use of it all along in his course : Be not wise in thine own eyes . Lean not to thine own understanding . Go not by thine own shallow reason , but which way the revealed will of God shall lead thee . Jonah had Gods mind fully revealed to him in this point . Go and preach to Nineve , and thereupon should have silenced his own reason utterly .

2. Having a desire to advance the glory of God , be sure to use right means thereunto ; not as Jonah , who for fear of Gods dishonor refused to do Gods Errand at Nineve . It is a goodly and specious colour for actions to talk of the glory of God : but if the course be 〈◊〉 a direct and warrantable course , in vain shall the glory of God be pretended , who will never account himself honoured but in a way of his own . Yea , it hath been the advancement of many a wickedness , to pretend so and so in order to 〈◊〉 ; and the course of Antichrist , to make a noise of acting in order to the Church .

3. Be tender of the life of man , and of his outward welfare ; I say not soul , but even the body and worldly condition , as Jonah was not , and we see how he is chid for it ▪ And we see how loving the Lord is , even in this respect , ver 11. Should not I spare Nineve a City so populous ? Remember the sixt Commandment , Thou shalt not kill , 1 Thes. 4.6 . no not in desire . Remember those commands , Let no man defraud or go beyond his Brother in any matter , for the Lord is the avenger of all such . And , be chary of thy Neighbours Oxe or Asse , much more of his life , and comfort of his life ; We are fallen into an hard , yea bloudy age , wherein the life of man is little regarded ; nor how well he shall go along in his course . Take heed , there remains a merciless judgement for them that shew no mercy . Jam. 2.13 .

4. Study the gaining of souls to God , and be glad when there is the least hope of grace begun in any . Here also was some fault in Jonah ; certainly he heard how they fasted and prayed , and turned from their evil wayes : which should have gladded him , and made him congratulate their repentance , and safety thereupon . Remember , and do so : Luke 15.10 . Convert any if thou mayest be so happy , and as there is joy in heaven for a sinner that repenteth , so let it be on earth . It was a wicked humour in the Pharisees , that they envyed the conversion of the Publicans . Beware thou , and be ambitious of the great honor of converting a soul , Dan. 12.3 . To shine as the Stars for ever and ever .

For the second particular : A marvel it is , that Jonah is so stout and sturdy after his great punishment , and all those terrors which God sent upon him . One would have thought he had had enough of his flying to Tarsus . Note . But so it is : Some godly men have stout and sturdy corruptions sticking by them which may humble them , and keep them upon their watch ; and because they watch not as they ought , God sometimes exerciseth them with strong afflictions , and sometimes with strong conflicts in sad hours . Take heed , Use . Christian , and take thy self in the manner for every unmortifyed lust , and every corrupt affection . Sturdy humors are sometimes punished with sharp temptations , or Visitations of the Almighty .

But I had rather put this humor of Jonah upon a way of carnal reasoning , which too much swayed with him at this time ; taken from the mercy of God , which he thought would never so far proceed , as to let Nineve be overthrown though he said it ; Was not this my saying , thou art merciful , & c ? Calvin . If Jonah had been sent to Nineve with an offer of mercy upon their repentance , as to the ten Tribes , we may verily think he would rather have offered his service , then declined it . But now he mutters against God for his meer denunciation of judgment , Note . Carnal reasonings mischievous . as if it could not agree with the nature of so merciful and gracious a Lord God : and this mis-leadeth him .

Carnal reasonings do sometimes lead us from God and duty .

1. Totally as in the ungodly : eve● the mercy of God undoeth them , as they misuse it , it is their bane . They know God is gracious , and merciful , and flow to 〈◊〉 , and of great kindnesse ; therefore live as they list , turn grace into wantonness , sin more that grace may abound more . As men make it , mercy is a common pack-horse for horrible wickednesses , and final impenitency . Why should they trouble themselves about repenting , when God is so merciful ?

2. Partially , in the godly , as here in Jonah ; he knew these Attributes , and therefore he left Nineve and went to Tarsus . It were well if we did not sometimes bear up our selves too much upon the mercy of God , and an interest in Christ , and certainty of salvation , and perseverance in grace , We hold these things right in the Doctrine , and miserably pervert them in the Use . And though we swim not with full Winde and Tyde , yet we sail too fast with a side-winde .

Take head , Christians , Use . Avoid them . and down with these carnal reasonings , which exalt themselves against the knowledge of God , and against the due obedience to Jesus Christ . The ministery intends the casting them down , and so do you , 2 Cor. 10.4 , 5. Never will Religion thrive , where such reasonings prevail . As it prevails more with any man , so he leaves them off , as Gal. 1.16 . Paul consulted not with flesh and bloud , but fell to his preaching-work .

Consider , there be many of these carnal reasonings taken from the multitude , from example , profit , pleasure , credit , safety , or the like : but none more dangerous then this from the mercy of God ; so long as God is merciful , on they go in their sins , and fear nothing . A miserable case !

God is gracious ; that is , freely for his own sake to forgive the sins of his people . And he is merciful ; that is , will relieve them against all their misery , spiritual , temporal , and eternal . And he is 〈◊〉 to anger ; that is , he is loth to empty the Vials of his displeasure upon sinners . And of great kindness ; that is , tenderly considers their case , and is willing to do them good .

But should this or any of these be abused to keep from repentance and amendment ? were not this the ready way to be drowned in a sea of mercy ? Jonah was almost drowned in such a sea ; though a godly man , yet almost undone by misapplication of the mercy of God : But thou , O man , a secure and hard-hearted wretch , wilt be quite drowned one day , look to it as well as thou wilt .

For the third particular , It is a strange prayer that Jonah here makes , both for the manner , and for the matter of it : He prayed unto the Lord , and said , Take my life from me .

Mark , this is spoken in haste , being exceedingly displeased , and very angry ; and he speaks it in a muttering and chiding manner , expostulating the case even with God himself , I pray thee O Lord , was not this my saying when I was yet in my Countrey ? as if he had said , I thought what thou wouldest do ; I had just cause to fly away and never do the Errand at Nineve ; I said what would come of it : A merciful God thou art , and by doing the Errand thou wouldest dishonor thy self , and I should go for a false Prophet .

Note . God hath strange prayers put up sometimes at the Throne of Grace , even by his own people ; in their passion they sometimes come before him in a tumultuating fashion . Our rule is , to pray without wrath , 1 Tim. 2.8 . and many good limitations there are for the ordering of our prayers .

Use . 1 Consider , Christians , and order your prayers aright , as for the matter , so also for the manner of them . Vent no passions before the great God of heaven . It will be ill-favoured prayer , which is so conceived and uttered And it must be a Divine patience that will bear with such a suppliant .

And let a Christian that observes his weaknesses , learn hereby to pray for his prayers ; not only for his Sins , Wants , Dangers , other evils , but even his prayers : O Lord hear , O Lord forgive , O Lord hearken and do , Dan. 9.19 . There is an iniquity that cleaves to our holy things , which needs to be pardoned . Christ is our High Priest to take them away , and we need his intercession for that purpose . Prayer is so far from being meritorious , that without mercy it should not be accepted .

But come we to the matter of Jonahs prayer : Take my life from me , for it is better for me to dye then to live ; so Elias would needs dye in all the haste for the wickedness of Israel , & for the persecution of Jezabel , 1 King . 19.4 . Elias cause was , better then Jonahs , who only stood upon his own Credit , and Gods truth in the message delivered : yet Eliah is reproved for it , ver. 9. What doest thou here , Elias ? and here , Doest thou well to be angry ? Note . Sinful to desire death , how .

It is sinful to desire death according to our own passionate humors , and may justly be reproved .

There be Cases wherein it is lawful to desire Death ; as for example , when we see God calling us out of the world ; when the Martyrs saw the truth of God lying at the stake ; when the Congregation of the faithful is in danger if betrayed ; when an eminent Minister or Brother is to be rescued , as Aquila and Priscilla laid down their necks for Paul , and we ought to lay down our lives for the Brethren .

But for irksomeness of living , or in any corrupt way whatsoever to desire death , is utterly faulty , and deserves to be reproved . Why ? Our life is the gift of God , vouchsafed for special uses which he hath appointed ; that he may be glorifyed in us , both living and dying , Phil. 1.20 . And therefore it may not be foregone till he please to take us off from our station . Rightly Paul , who in one respect desired to dye , but in another respect desired to live , ver. 21.22 , 23 , 24.

Take heed , Christians , and suppress all such way-ward Use . 1 and hasty humors of desiring to dye . Ye may be dead before ye are aware . And some have desired to dye , who were glad afterward that they were alive . And why should ye dye before ye have done your work ? Or why are ye so shie of suffering according to the will of God ? It comes to pass sometimes , that those desire death in their own way , who have basely and treacherously avoided death in the way of God : nice and fine while they get their own ends , but otherwise fool-hardy .

Use . 2 Take heed , and to thy power use life well while thou hast it ; in a Christian way say , It is better for thee to live then to dye : during life there is much good to be done for the service and glory of God ; The living , the living , he shall praise thee , Esa. 38.19 . Spoken in opposition to the state of the dead , from whom all occasion of praising God is cut off , ver. 18. So in Psal. 115.17 , 18.

Take heed , it may be in death thou wilt wish for more time to live : or that thou hadst done more work for God , or gotten more hold of his love , or were grown more fit to dye . Such cases have been , and such may be again . Walk in fear , and while thou dost live , live to some purpose .

Ver. 4.5 .

Then said the Lord , Doest thou well to be angry ? So Jonah went out of the City , and sate on the East-side of the City , and there made him a Booth , and sate under it in the shadow , till he might see what would become of the City .

In these two Verses we have two things to be considered . 1. Gods gentle chiding of Jonah , Doest thou well to be angry ? 2. Jonahs expectation of the Event , To see what would become of the City .

For the former , we may well admire the gentleness and goodness of God toward his froward servant . God doth not fall foul upon Jonah for his rash anger , nor take away his life as he had desired , nor throw him into the sea again , which he could easily have done : But debates the matter calmly with him , to bring him to a sight of his Errour , and set him into his right way again : Note . Teaching us how to treat with offending Brethren , Children or Servants ; not wreak our displeasure in a furious manner , but so deal with them as they may best recollect themselves , and take notice of their failings for amendment . It is a foolish zeal which so reproves , as withall it seeks not the Parties reformation .

And now we speak of zeal , we must remember that Jonah in his passion had a zeal of God after a fashion , being jealous lest his truth and glory should suffer by the sparing of Nineve , and himself accounted a false Prophet . Our zeal for God sometimes hath much mixture , Note . both of self ends , and self-seeking , and of excess in the venting of it . Sometimes we have a zeal of God , but not according to knowledge , as Rom. 10. ● . Take heed , and watch over this hot affection ; neither let it be dampened on the one side , nor too much inflamed in the other . Beware lest God have cause to chide for the excess , saying , Doest thou well to be angry ?

So of good meanings : A man may mean well , and yet make great faults . Jonah meant well when he was exceedingly displeased and angry . Saul meant well when he kept the best of the cattel for sacrifice . Note . Uzzah meant well when he stayed the Ark from falling . Take heed , nothing is more deceitful then mans judgment of his actions in the things of God . In all points we should look to the will of God , and the rule which he hath given in his word .

Doest thou well to be angry ? He saith not positively , Thou sinnest in being so angry , but puts him upon his own better thoughts , and would draw from him his own confession ; as if he had said , If I should make thy self judge , yet upon a serious consideration thou wouldest find thine errour , that thy mind is as the raging sea , all in a tumult . L●cha , weigh well within thy self whether there be not a foul fault in this thine anger . So the expostulation is far more emphatical and urging , then a plain affirmation , though a chiding .

Doest thou well to be angry ? If a man would Rhetorically defend Jonah in his anger , there might be many specious colours for it . Or if we would a little admit his excuses , something might be said for him with some handsomeness . Rom. 3. But , let God be true , and every man a lyar : We know the judgement of God is according to truth and equity ; And , a man shall never proceed safely and comfortably , unless he can satisfie his conscience by the word upon a just examination .

Doest thou well to be angry ? God could provide for his own glory without Jonahs care ; yea and for Jonahs reputation . And , if God were so merciful as Jonah said , why should he not shew it to repenting Nineve ? Or must God at Jonahs pleasure bacome severe and terrible ? must he be cruel , that Jonah might not seem a lyar ? must more regard he had of Jonahs Credit , then of Gods most holy Nature and glory ? Lastly , it seems scarce to be endured , that Gods doings should be so censured and misliked by a poor , weak , mortal sinner . One of us would scarce abide it . Yet God abides it day by day . God can scarce do any thing either for afflicting us , or out of the ordinary rode , but we are apt to mutter and complain ; suppose about the confusions of the times , &c. In general we confess he is righteous in his judgements , Jer. 12.1 . yet in particulars we will needs plead with him , and talk with him of his judgements , why and wherefore . Take heed , and submit better .

But the main point is this : Doctr. Say , Do I well to be angry ? A Christian when he finds anger stirring , should say , Do I well to be angry ? Anger is a natural affection , and very good use may be made of it . Without some anger there will be no zeal for God , nor against sin . And he must needs be blockish and senseless , who will not be angry when he ought . There is a quietness which is sinful , and dishonours God exceedingly , and drowns souls in security . But otherwise , we should look well to our anger ; suppose in case of Gods doings against us , or mans , or any cross , accident ; A beloved Child is taken away by death , I suffer great loss by my Neighbour , or the like ; my affections now are all in a hurry . But , Do I well to be angry ? Eph. 4.26 . my rule is to be angry and not sin ; the affection is good , but the distemper is evil . What is it ? where am I ? whether do I swerve from my rule or no ? I am apt to offend one way or other : therefore I must weigh well how I mannage my anger .

But how shall a man know , whether he do well to be angry ? Quest. Answ. Signs of allowed anger . Answ.

1. If there be just cause for thy anger , thou doest well to be angry ; suppose at thine own sin , or the sin of another : especially to see the wickedness of the world , and how corruptly things are carried among men . In these ca●es , godly men have shewed great anger , and were never disliked for it . Moses was very angry at their murmurings and idolatries : and Christ at the profanation of the Temple . Exod. 16.20.32 22. John ● . 17 . 1 Cor. 11. And in such cases we ought to judge our selves , that we may not be judged of the Lord ; to rate our selves for our ●illiness , and revenge on our selves , and undoe what we have done , to the best we can : there is just cause for it , because we were so fool●sh and ignorant , Psal 73.22 . and as a beast before God . Godly sorrow ever works indignation for errors committed , 2 Cor. 7.11 .

But there will never be just cause to be offended or angry with Gods doings against us , or against our opinion , as Jonah was in this place . All reason requires , that here we be dumb and complain not , and rest in this , There is more reason for it then we are aware .

2. Thou shalt not do well to be angry , unless the cause be we●ghty and of some importance , as well as just . A Christian must not spend his powder upon trifles , as the fashion of some is . It would argue neither love nor wisdom . Not love , for that covereth a multitude of sins , and is not easily provoked . 1 Pet. 4.8 . 1 Cor. 13.4 , 5 , 7. Jam 3.17 . Not wisdom : for , the wisdom which is from above , is first pure , then peaceable . True love and wisdom reserves it self for weighty matters , where God requires more of our anger and severity , then of our mildness .

3. Thou shalt not do well to be angry , if thou exceed the due measure of this affection more then the cause requires . There is a mean to be observed , and certain bounds beyond which we shall not do well . Even lawful anger if immoderate , degenerates into fleshly anger , it may be into fury ; more fit for a Beast or an Heathen , then for a Christian . Our rule is , to be merciful as our heavenly Father is merciful ; and we see how his mercy goes , Hab. 3.2 . in wrath he remembers mercy . Esa. 27.7 , 8. Imitate God in punishing a Child , a Servant , an evil doer . God corrects in measure , and so must we .

4. Thou shalt not do well to be angry , if thou keep wrath over long , as it seems Jonah did , Eph. 4.26 . ver. 9. I do well is be angry , even unto death . Our rule is , not to let the Sun go down upon our wrath . As we must not be quickly angry , so , when we are angry , we must be quickly pleased again ; Else our anger may be turned into malice : And the Devil will watch the occasion to work us to farther ungodliness ; as there , ver. 27. neither give place to the Devil . With a malicious man the Devil lies down at night , and goes to bed with him . Pure Wine is corrupted , if it stand too long upon the Lees.

5. Thou shalt not do well to be angry , if thou grow into hatred of the sinners person : for , right anger is bended at the sin rather then the person , as Mark 3.5 . He looked about on them with anger , and grieved for the hardness of their hearts . Impenitency is the principal object of our grief and anger ; And there are certain rules , that we must neither approve the sin for the offenders sake , nor hate the offender for the sins sake : Only in his great wickedness he must be either shunned and avoided , or else reproved .

6. Thou shalt not do well to be angry , unless thou quarrel with thine own sins as well as the sins of others ; and , unless thou be angry in Gods cause as well as thine own : in both which , numbers of people , bewray much corruption . So did not Moses , Num. 12.3 . the meekest man on earth in his own cause , when spoken against by Aaron and Miriam , but in point of idolatry nothing but killing and slaying . And for our own sins , we see what our Saviour saith of M●tes and Beames in the eye , Mat. 7 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5. Certainly every man hath most business to do at home : And those shall ever go for hypocrites , who strain at a Gnat , and swallow a Camel .

Christians , bring your anger to these rules , Use . or know ye do not well to be angry . I confess it is hard to do , but say withall , it may be done : therefore Watch , Pray , strive against all excess and irregularity in your anger . And , the better to express it , suppress all the causes of disorderly anger , as Pride , Envy , Self love , Covetousness , Curiosity , Credulity , and all the bellows that use to blow up anger into a flame and combustion . Stop the cause , and the effect will cease .

For Motives , consider how the Lord here chides Jonah for his excess , Doest thou well to be angry ? consider how it is forbidden in Scripture , Eph. 5.31 . Put away all Bitterness , and Wrath , and Anger . The same again , Col. 3.8 . Consider how much sin this anger breedeth Jam. 1.20 . It works not the righteousness of God . Consider the danger that comes of unadvised anger , Mat. 5.22 . a man shall be culpable of judgment . Consider thy own infirmities , and how thy self would not be handled angrily . Consider , the Lord here useth Jonah withall the gentleness and moderation that can be ; and we ought to be followers of God as dear Children , Eph. 5.1 .

Note . For the latter , note the wonderful strength of corruption , though it be in part subdued by grace . Though Jonah was a good man , and but now reproved of God for his anger , yet still he goes on in his way-wardness , and nothing will content him but to see the ruine of Nineve . Horrible stubbornness , which even makes him worthy to perish instead of the City .

Use . Hear ye that have the truth of grace , and bend all your forces to the mortifying of Lusts more and more . Fear by Jonahs example , to be obstinate or stiff in any of your resolutions ; especially when the word gives some inkling to the contrary . Natural corruption is a sturdy old man , which will hardly be subdued .

He went out of the City , and sate on the East-side of it .

One would have thought rather he should have stayed in the City , to have given them more instructions , now that they were upon the point of conversion . If he had met with such a crop of Converts in Israel , he would have been glad of the occasion , and stayed among them with all his heart .

But thus it is ; Note . Blind passions and Corrupt affections hinder us from doing the good which we might and ought to do . Many a man might be very profitable in his place , were it not for his carnal conceits and foolish reasonings . He hath fair opportunity by the Office he is in , or by his relation , to beat down sin , but build up grace , to reform abuses of the Sabbath , to do good service in his generation : but by his self-conceitedness he sits still , and doth no good at all . Use .

Take heed , and mortifie the remainders of thy corruption ; There be Canaanites yet abiding in the land : take them in hand , and subdue them more and more . It was the fault of Israel , that they sate still , and rooted not out the Remnant of the Nations : and therefore they proved pricks in their sides , and thorns in their eyes , to vex and trouble them from time to time , so it is still : Christians suffer by their corruptions , because they take not pains to root them out . And we see the contray , how when Paul prayed thrice against the thorne in the flesh , 2 Cor. 12.7.9 . he found a grace sufficient for him .

He sate in the shadow of his Booth , till he might see what would become of the City .

Calvin . Jonah was too literal a Teacher , and did not reach the whole mind of God , who , however he denounced destruction against Nineve , yet still left place for repentance ; that if they humbled themselves , they should be spared ; which Jonah understood well in preaching to Israel ; but here in his prejudicate opinions he cannot remember , and so is justly kept doubtful of the Event , with enduring of scorching heat , and the losse of his Gourd .

Note . Our corrupt humors do many times keep us in the dark , that we cannot see duty or comfort as we ought and should do . Every man is tempted when he is drawn aside with his own lust , and enticed , Jam 1.14 .

Use . Take heed , and subdue these odd humors , and pray for the Spirit of truth , who will both teach thee all saving truth , and bring all to thy remembrance . Had Jonah remembred the tenor of his former preaching , he had not expected Nineves destruction so pertinaciously .

Ver. 6.7 .

And the Lord God prepared a Gourd , and made it come up over Jonah that it might be a shadow over his head , to deliver him from his grief ; So Jonah was exceeding glad of the Gourd . But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day , and it smote the Gourd that it withered .

Here the Lord seeks to correct Jonahs Errour by a real instruction , namely of a gourd , which , Argument . being comfortable to him , Jonah would have spared : but Nineve was far better then a gourd , and therefore the Lord most righteously will have it to be spared .

The Simile is in five Verses , the Application in the last .

For the former : we have , 1. Gods providence , in ordering of such an help for Jonah against the heat of the Country ; he prepared a guard . 2. Jonahs comforting with such a help ; he was exceeding glad of the gourd . 3. The withering of it , which was a great grief to him .

Of the gourd ; no such grow in these Northern Countries , A gourd , what Dioscorides . but in the Eastern Countries a gourd is a shrub with broad , black , and smooth leaves , and hath a Pod with seeds which resemble some creature of that Climate . Such a shurb the Lord now provides for Jonah , that he may be sheltered from the scorching of the Sun . But here is something extraordinary in it ; namely , that so tall and useful a creature should start up in a night , and that it should grow just to Jonahs Booth , and so strengthen the weak shelter he had provided for himself . So it is a kind of miracle : and miracles have seldom been done for a particular mans use and benefit , though a dear Servant and Child of God . The greater mercy is this to Jonah .

Observe here the providence of God reacheth to the Note . 1 smallest things that are , even to plants and Worms . We have seen it formerly in the matter of Tempest , Sea , and Whale , which are eminent works of God ; and now we see it in a base shrub which God prepares for Jonah , and in a silly worm which he prepares to wither the shrub . So of little sparrow , and hairs of the head Mat. 10.29 , 30. All are numbred , and not one falls to the ground without the will of our heavenly Father , who also telleth the number of the Stars : And upon Egypt he sent the Flies , Lice , Frogs , Locusts , other Plagues , and took them away when he pleased .

Now bless the Lord who humbles himself to behold things Use 1 on earth , Psal. 147 5. Psal. 113.6 . We may well admire and adore this glorious Lord God ; his understanding is infinite , his Power , Presence , Wisdom , Mercy , care of his people , preservation of the creatures , even the meanest . Jonah was much bound to be thankful , that when the Ninevites yielded him no entertainment , and he provided a simple one for himself , the Lord prepared this gourd for him . Which is also our case not seldom .

Use 2 Learn also in the smallest turns of providence to look upward , and ascribe all to the right causes . Whether it be for mercy as this gourd , or for affliction as the worm , it is all of God : he prepared the one , and the other ; and so he doth still : It is not luck , or meer chance , or second causes , but God provides and orders all these supplies , with all the events , and all the crosses : It is the Lord ; be patient , 1 Sam 3.18 . Job 1 21. or be thankful ; The Lord gave , and the Lord took away , blessed be the Name of the Lord . It is not our own how or sword , but the right hand of out God . If it be a little drug or potion that doth me good , an obscure friend , a small accident , a little help to stand me in stead , it comes of God and he shall have the glory of the thing , Dan. 11.34 . They shall be holpen with a little help .

This would be of singular use in our whole course , to live as Christians : to acknowledge a dependance on heaven , to see by faith the Soveraign Lord of the world ; to breed contentment in that little which is allotted to us , to make us thankful for small favours shewed , or patient when a small matter falls out and crosseth us . The Lord prepares the gourd and the worm : not only the Whale , but the Worm . We are apt in great matters to think God hath an hand , but in small matters we scarce look so high : take heed , and look upward even in small matters .

Observe again , how powerful the providence of God is Note . 2 in these small matters . 1. In erecting a gourd , it came up in a night ; in the common course of Nature it should have been growing up a quarter of a year together , to a just tallness and bigness : but God makes it shoot up in a night . The Lord sometimes on a suddain shews light and comfort to his people , when and where they least expect it ; at the Red sea , out of a Rock , in the midst of Jordan . He stirred up the spirit of Cyrus , to send his people home to their own land . He delivered them from Haman in a way which they least thought on . 2. In taking the gourd away : he prepared a worm which smote it , and it withered . He could have blasted it without a worm , but pleased to use such a vile creature for our instruction . Small things can cross us when God bids them : Grashoppers , Amos 7.1 . Flies and Lice pestered Pharaoh exceedingly . A small cut in the flesh hath gangrened and killed . Little David slew the mighty Goliah .

Learn to see a powerful God in a weak creature ; Use . 1 Cor. 1 27 , 21. Weak things of the world to confound the mighty . By the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe . To uphold a weak Christian against Principalities and powers , 2 Cor. 12.9 . My strength is made perfect in weakness ; Water in Baptism to set forth Christs blood , and cleansing from sin . Bread and Wine in the Lords Supper to set forth the body and blood of Christ , and to nourish the believing soul to life eternal . So of old , the sword of the Lord and of Gideon ; his Barly-cake overthrew the Tents of the Mid●anites , Lamps and Pitchers confounded their mighty host . Trumpets of Rams-horns demolished the walls of Jericho . Moses his Rod divided the Sea . All pointing at the wonderful power of God , working by such silly means . Where glorious means are used , we are apt to doat on the means ; but where the means are so simple , we are forced to look up unto God .

Note 3 Observe yet more : God provides for his ill deserving servants ; God provides well for ill deservers . as here for cholerick Jonah ; he lives whereas he desired to dye , and beside , hath a gourd prepared which affords him much comfort . Though we believe not , yet he abideth faithful , he cannot deny himself , 2 Tim. 2.13 . Gods Children sometimes deserve full ill at his hands , and are ready to draw down wrath upon themselves , but in mercy he forbears , and continues a gracious providence toward them .

Use . Mark these footsteps of his goings with you , and strive to be thankful . In our passions sometimes we make faults enough , and forfeitures , and open a sluce to let in judgements : but the Lord stops the Damme , and we are not drowned . Admire his goodness , and be enlarged unto thankfulness . He doth good to them that deserve it not , yea to them that deserve ill at his hands ; more , to them that are drawing mischief upon themselves .

Note . Small matters sometimes very comfortable . Come we now to see how Jonah . comforteth himself with his gourd ; he was exceeding glad of the gourd . Small matters sometimes are very comfortable to us ; a Cup of cold water , water out of a Rock , Manna out of a congeled dew . Naamans washing seven times in Jordan . A few Figs and Raisins to the fainting Amalekite . A bunch of Figs to Hezekiahs Bile . Barly-loaves to thousands of people . And , to an hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet .

Whereby we see what poor and weak creatures we are , Use 1 and what a silly life the life of Nature is ; sustained and cherished by those small matters . And if so , be humble , meek , thankful , heavenly-minded , affected earnestly toward a spiritual and eternal life . It is time to get Christ to be our life , who said , I am the way , the truth , and the life ; John 14.6 . to get the Spirit of life , to enter into the way of life , to nourish an hope of life everlasting . Life of the soul is infinitely better then the life of the body , and so are all the means that maintain it . Outward things commonly are prized according to their worth , and what they will yield , and so should the means of grace be mightily prized . The wise-men were very glad of the Star that led them to Christ , Mat. 2.10 . teaching us to prize gracious means which first lead us to Christ , and afterward confirm us in him .

And we learn in small matters to take notice of a great Use 2 love which affordeth them , and much comfort by them . Mercies commonly are best seen in the want , but it were better to esteem them by the use and benefit of them ; it would argue more ingenuity , it may be the truth of grace . It were base not to discern the benefit of our Limbs and parts , but only by the Tooth-ach , loss of a Joynt , breaking of Bones , or the like : Nature can do this , but grace looks higher , to a great God in a small favour ; Oh it is no small love , nor small purchase , nor small pledge : Sleep , digestion of Meat , Sun-shine , Seasons of the Year , are ordinary and come of course , and they are small to see to , and of daily use ; but should not therefore be the less prized , nor improved for God . Inest sun gracia parvis .

For the latter , the withering of the gourd , to the great grief of Jonah .

God hath wayes and means to blast our greatest comforts ; as here , Note . God can soon blast our comforts . the gourd whereof Jonah was so exceeding glad , a worm was bespoken to smite and wither it . So we read of blasting and meldew , Locusts , Caterpillars , Canker-worms , Palmer-worms , Grashoppers , other Destroyers of Gods providing ; whereby an hopeful crop in the Spring comes to very little in the harvest ; all of the Lords doing , Hag. 1.6 , 9 , 10 , 11. Psal. 107.33 , 34.

Uses . 1 And it teacheth us .

1. Whither to look in all calamities of the year ; as for example , the worm which God prepares , the East-wind , Red wind , Black wind , other evils that come and blast our hopes : They come not without the Lords sending , therefore this is his Controversie , therefore for sin , therefore be humbled , make peace , get into his favour , walk more carefully for time to come . Excellent instructions for all of us : Do we not all live of the field ? and who must prosper the fruits of the field , harvest or vintage , but only God ? and if it be not prosperous , who is it that blasted it ? the common saying is , My Garden or Field was likely to yield a good Crop , but a scurvy worm came and destroyed all ; I shall scarce be able to pay my Rent , or maintain my Charge . Nay but , O man , who prepared that worm , or sent that East-wind , or other spoiler ? Affliction springeth not out of the dust , there is an higher cause , look thither , and see what is to be done in a Religious way .

2. To check and moderate our joy in these earthly things while they last with us , as knowing they may be soon blasted and taken away . The Grass withereth , and the Flower of the Field fadeth away ; Even so i● the glory of the world . 1 Cor. 7.30 . Therefore rejoyce as not rejoycing . Comfort may be taken , but take it in a moderate manner . Some are taxed , Jude 12. that they fed themselves without fear ; and they are a great generation now-a-days of men that are wholly in their natural enjoyments . It is noted for part of Jobs piety , that he was jealous over his Childrens Feasting , and it would be piety in others to be jealous over themselves .

3. To improve the comfort we have by the creatures , Use 3 to the glory of God who gave and preserved them , 1 Cor. 10.31 . Drut . 28.47 , 48. and must bless them to us . Whether ye eat or drink , or whatever ye do , do all to the glory of God . In his hands our breath is , and all our times , and all our comfortable enjoyments . It were good to keep in with him , that these mercies may be continued , as also blessed to us . The chief Motive is , to have comfortable Communion with our good God ; but it is one Motive , to have an holy and wholsome use of the creatures . While the Rent or Service is duly paid , the Tenant enjoyes all quietly .

4. To foresee changes that may quickly come upon Use 4 our natural contentments . Jonah should have thought , it is a pretty accommodation to have such a gourd ; but , may not a worm soon smite it , and cause it to wither ? Certain it is , that God never lets us a long Lease of these temporals , but we shall have and hold them at his pleasure . A great change there will be at the last , and we should ever wait for it : but before that time there may be many changes , Job 14.14 . and it will be our wisdom to make account of them . It will be far easier to say , The evil that I feared , is come upon me . He was wise and holy who said , All the days of my appointed time will I wait till my change shall come .

5. In all such changes that happen , we should be patient and submit to the will of God ; as dumb , Psal. 39 9. and not open Use 5 the mouth . This was one of Jonahs faults , that when his gourd withered , he was angry , and said he did well to be angry to the death . Take heed ; by much wrigling we may make our burthen heavier then it would have been . But by patience an evil becomes much lighter , which could not be prevented , nor afterward shaken off .

6. Above all blasts take heed of a blast upon thy soul , Use 6 and upon the Ordinances , and left that voice come forth , Never fruit grow on the tree more ; Mat. 21. Ez●k. 24.13 . Rev. ●● . 11 . or that , Thou wouldest not be cleansed , thou shalt not be cleansed ; or that , Be filthy still , be unrigh●eous still . These are heavy judgments of God , and lie upon the spirits of many for their unthankfulness and unfruitfulness under the means of grace . They are worse then Famine , War , or any temporal judgements , as the foul is more excellent then the body : Yet inflicted on many , because they have long sate under the dews of heaven , and are still a barren heath ; nigh unto a Curse , whose end is to be burned , Heb. 6.8 .

Take heed , Christians , lest God in wrath blow upon these Ordinances , and for your sluggishness make them altogether ineffectual . This is come upon some already , no whit moved by all the good instructions and exhortations they have heard in the ministery . And some have lost the fine and ripe parts which sometimes they had , and are become very sots . Others are quite fallen away either to Profaness or Heresie , as the Dog to the Vomit , or the Sow that was washed , to wallow in the mire : or as the Salt which hath lost his favour , and good for nothing but the Dunghil .

There be some sorts of men specially that should beware of these spiritual blasts . 1. Young people , who are newly looking into the world . 2. Those that come out of dark Countries to a place of light and warmth , by good preaching . 3. Those that had their Consciences rowsed by a fit of sickness , and took up good resolutions . Beware lest for negligence the Lord swear in his wrath that ye shall not enter into his rest , Psal. 95.11 .

Ver. 8.9 .

And it came to pass when the Sun did rise , that God prepared a vehement East-winde , and the Sun beat upon the head of Jonah , that he fainted , and wished in himself to dye , and said , It is better for me to dye then to live . And God said to Jonah , Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd ? And he said , I do well to be angry , even unto death .

Two things are proposed in these two Verses . Parts . 1. A farther tryal of Jonahs patience which is found to be small . 2. A new chiding him for his anger about the gourd , together with his stout reply , ver. 9.

For the former : God is pleased farther to try the patience of Jonah by adding a new affliction ; he not only blasts his gourd and takes that away , but increaseth the vehemency of the Sun-shine which faints him up , and makes him even weary of his life .

So with us : Note . Loss of good , smart of evil . God sometimes not only takes away our natural comfort and worldly accommodations , but sends upon us smart and grievous afflictions ; droughts , scorching weather , distempers in the Air , thereby distempers in the body , fiery and acute Diseases , as Agues , Fevers , Inflammations , Leprosie , Calenture , &c. which are one of the threats for disobedience , Deut. 28.21 . Or if it be not so bad , yet the hot season shall make us faint , and weary of our lives , as here Jonah .

But why did not Jonah return into Nineve , and get Quest. 1 shelter there ? or remove into some Village near hand , where he might be protected from this hot weather ? Answ. 1. Because he was of a stout and sturdy spirit , Answ. and would not seem in the least to be beholden to the Ninevites , or any of their Neighbours . 2. Because he expected every day the ruine of Nineve , which he would be glad to see with all his heart for his Credit fake which he took to be much engaged in the business . And what should he do in a ruinous house , which was likely in short time to come tumbling upon his head ?

Quest. 2 Another question may be , why the Lord doth thus follow him with more and greater afflictions . Answ. Answ. Because he had a mind to break and subdue this sturdy humor in Jonah : which the meer loss of the gourd could not do , as ver 9. he was angry for the gourd ; and fears not to tell God , that he doth well to be angry , even unto death . So there needs a farther and stronger Purge to carry away this extreamly peccant humor ; as with us also , whom lighter afflictions do little prevail withall .

Uses . 1 Take we hence these instructions .

1. To justifie God in all his sharp dealings with us ; when not only he takes away our Children , Wealth , Corn , Cattel , comforts of this life , but sends Famine , Sword , Pestilence , new Diseases , Pox , Agues , other evils ; Say , Psal. 145.17 . The Lord is righteous in all his wayes , and holy in all his works . We are apt to sit in judgment upon his doings , and charge him foolishly , as too severe ; but should rather clear him , and lay the blame where it ought to be laid , Psal. 51.4 . That thou mightest be justified when thou speakest , and be clear when thou judgest .

Uses . 2 2. To lay all the blame of our sufferings upon our selves ; as Pharaoh at last was taught to do , The Lord is righteous , but I and my people have sinned . And when we finde our selves apt to mutter against God for feverity , we should take our selves in the manner , and say , Why do we complain when the cause is in our selves ? Wherefore doth a living man complain , Lam. 3.39 , 40. a man for the punishment of his sins ? Let us search and try our ways , and turn again to the Lord . And if we had our due , we should be utterly consumed , yea cast into hell long before this time ; as in the same place , It is the Lords mercies that we are not consumed , because his compassions fail not .

3. To mortifie those wretched corruptions which God Uses . 3 would have to be weakned , as here , this stoutness of Jonah ; and to break off those sins which most agree with our crooked nature , and odd occasions of offending . A sharp winter useth to kill the weeds and vermine and cherish the Corn that is bidden . So let it be with our failings in one kind or other .

Jonah fainted , and wished in himself to dye .

He that will wish himself dead so often as he hath sore occasion , shall have more occasions then one so to wish . Note . Idle wishes . Jonah had prayed this before ver. 3. I beseech thee , take away my life from me . And now seeing God pleased not thus to gratifie him , he falls to wishing which is a lighter kind of desire . And whereas at first he only thus wished in himself , afterward he uttered his mind , saying . It is better for me to dye then to live , as ver. 3. So David in Psal. 39.3 . My heart was not within me , while I was musing the fire burned then spake I with my tongue .

Take heed , Christians , Use . and smother these hot and unquiet , affections at the first arising mark them , consure them , suppress them , use means to subdue and vanquish them , as for instance . Get abundance of faith and patience , which may keep you from this fainting and wishing : so did the Apostles and Martyrs , and other holy men in great and lingring afflictions , 2 Cor. 4.16 , 17 , 18. For which cause we faint not but though our outward man perish , yet the inward man is renewed day by day . For our light affliction which is but for a woman , worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory : While we look not at the things which are seen , but at the things which are not seen ; for the things which are seen , are temporal ; but the things which are not seen , are eternal . And consider it is not a manly thing , to desire death so often as strong afflictions shall urge ; and we saw on ver. 3. how we may desire death , and how not .

Whether it be better to dye then to live . But let us a little examine the truth of this saying of Jonah , It is better for me to dye then to live . Is it indeed better to dye then to live ? Answ. 1. Within the limits formerly mentioned it is better , namely , when God calls us away , or the like , Eccl. 7.1 . The day of death is better the day of ones birth . 2. Without such cautions it is not better ; and mark , it is neither better for godly men , nor for others .

1. Godly men may do much good in the Church while they live , which if they were dead , they could not do ; as for example , while Paul continued among his Converts , he abode with them for their furtherance and joy of faith , Phil. 1.25 . and this consideration put him into a straight , Phil 1.23 . whither he should be dissolved which was far better for him in his own particular , or live yet longer . A godly Minister while alive , may be a means of converting , confirming , or recovering many . So a godly parent ; or master . Yea , in respect of a mans own self : he may get the more hold of Gods love , and do more good to put upon his accounts in that day , and see his charge of Children well bred up , and entred into the world ; with counsel to them where they erre , or to neighbours between whom peace is to be made ; and divers good offices .

2. Wicked men of all other should not desire to dye , whatever their suffering be in the world , because their peace is not yet made with God ; they are not yet in Christ , they have not yet repented , nor ordered their way so as to be fit to dye : And if they dye before they he fit , they have infinitely worse sufferings remaining for them . It is for such to fear death , and get it put off as long as they can . Why ? then they shall keep out of hell so much the longer . Prov. 14.32 . None but the righteous hath hope in his death . Others , by well using the means of grace , and accepting the offers of grace , should labour to become righteous ; namely by justification and sanctification .

For the latter : God gently chides Jonah for his anger about the gourd , and Jonah stoutly replyes upon God in way of justifying himself . Two strange passages ! see a little what instruction they yield us , to glorifie God , and condemn sinful self .

For Gods gentleness , he doth not take Jonah at his word , when he wished to dye , but only gives him a gentle chiding , as ver. 4. Doest thou well to be angry ? but there he was angry for sparing of Nineve , Chide gently . here for losing of the gourd . Both times God is very meek to him ; chides him , but as gently as may be . Imitate , chide as occasion requires , but chide with mildness , and in a treatable manner ; try whether ye cannot reprove sin with some love to the sinner : use milde words and strong arguments ; we ought to be follower of God as dear Children . Eph. 5.1 .

Doest thou well to be angry ? and he said , I do well to be angry , even unto death .

Note the strength of affections ; When we are angry , Note . Affections unruly . we are apt to be angry to death . When we grieve , our worldly sorrow causeth death . When we desire , we are all on fire , and dye if we be not satisfied . When we love , we fall to doating : and so in other particulars , Cant. 8.6 . Love is strong as death , jealousie is cruel as the grave .

See hereby how much need there is to bridle affections with reason , especially with Religion . Use . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Well are they called unreasonable , and need to be carefully ordered . We have our affections common to us with the beasts , but have reason to curb them as beasts have not ; and as Christians , we have rules of Religion where natural reason can do little ; and even those that are religious , finde enough to do in mortifying their passions , and regulating their affections matter of much and constant care before-hand , and of sorrow afterward . Jonah was a godly man , and yet ye see in what a pickle he is , and with how much grief he is likely to return into his own Country .

But mark how God expresseth the object of Jonahs great anger ; the gourd , a filty shrub , for which he had not laboured , nor made it to grow ; it came up in a night , and perished in a night : yet he is angry , even unto death , and tells God he doth well to be angry . Note . Apt to be angry for small matters . We are sometimes apt to be very angry for small matters ; things not worth the joy while we have them , nor the grief or anger when we forgoe them ; as for example , If we sustain a little loss , If a small cross befall us , If a little discredit light upon us , or an opinion of difered it ; &c. Weak minds and strong fancies do us much ruth in these cases . Our hearts are set too much upon them , Reas. and we are too much wedded to our own wills : and in present think we shall never be recruited of such comfortable accommodations ; so take on , as if there were no comfort to be had : as Hagar , when a well of water was near unto her . And here , no doubt but there were other shrubs thereabouts , to which Jonah might have repaired : or if not , this is not the first time that shrubs and Trees too have been blasted .

Use . be patient . Take heed , Christians , and bewray not such weakness about these trifles . Say , if I keep patience so little in these poor things , what shall I do when God comes to take away my life ? what , if my house should fall on fire , and all my goods consumed to ashes ? what , if all my Children were slain at a clap , as Jobs were even there I must submit , and be patient , possess my soul , and inherit the promises : much more in the matter of shrubs .

Object . Answ. 1 Oh it was a witty Child , and a towardly ! Answ. Whatever it was , it was not too good for him that took it away , and he saw thy doating ; and he intended good by the affliction . No doubt but some of Jobs Children were pretty and towardly : and we read they were very loving one to another . And we easily conceive , that a gourd to a Booth was a pretty accommodation .

Oh I shall never get the like comfort if I live never so long . Answ. 1. Thou doest not know ; if not in kind , yet thou mayest have as good , or better . 2. To a good soul one God is better then ten Sons , an hundred houses , millions of gourds , or the best of creatures .

Oh there is the question , whether God love me or no : I am sure he takes away my comforts , but I am not certain that in Jesus Christ he is become my God . Answ. 1. The assuring of Gods love to the soul is a business to be done at all times ; not only in troubles , losses , and afflictions , but even in our greatest prosperity , and when we have gone farthest about our evidences . Even Believers themselves must give diligence to make sure their Calling and Election , 2 Pet. 1.10 . 2. Certain it is , that neither the enjoying of earthly comforts is a sign of Gods love , not the losing of them a sign of his wrath or hatred ; Eccl. 9.2 . None can know love or hatred by all that is before him . Yet this is a case wherein some godly Christians do sometimes too puzzle and perplex themselves .

But I conclude with this stout reply of Jonah upon God : Reply not against God . Doest thou well to be angry ? yea , I do well to be angry , even unto death . He shewed strange weakness before , that he was so angry for a trifle ; but now he bewrays some wickedness , that he answers God so stubbedly , and with some degree of blasphemy . We might say as Rom. 9.20 . Nay but , O man , who art thou that replyest against God ? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it , Why hast thou made me thus ▪ We have little now to say for Jonah and his goodness , but only that , first , he writes these things of himself though to his own great shame in the Church for ever ; secondly , he gives God the last word , as yielding at last to the equity of spiring Nineve . Go , and do thou likewise . Luke 1

Note . Use . And let us all learn to be wise , especially those that are apt to be hasty and cholerick .

Passions in the strength of them do tend unto blasphemy .

Observe them how they come upon thee , and be exceeding watchful against them . Augustus for staying his anger was counselled to say over his Greek Alphabet distinctly . Theodosius in the like case must stay forty dayes between a bloudy decree and the execution . Some for want of such deliberation have broken forth into horrible Butcheries . Others into horrible blasphemies , Cursing and Swearing . And David blessed God for staying him in his bloudy intentions against Nabal and his family . 1 Sam. 25 32.

Ver. 10.11 .

Then said the Lord , Thou hast had pity on the gourd , for the which thou hast not laboured , neither madest it grow , which came up in a night , and perished in a night . And should not I spare Nineve , that great City , wherein are more then sixscore thousand persons , that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand , and also much cattel ?

Drift of the words . In this Conclusion of the Book the Lord applies the former Simile ; shewing that not the gourd was intended in the erecting or withering of it , but something else . So in other temporals : We live in the world , we eat , and drink , and sleep , and do business ; but must so order our matters , as we may finally attain the life eternal . And in spirituals , so much good Preaching is not intended meerly for hearing of Sermons , Rom. 10.17 . but by hearing to get faith , and to walk with God in an holy obedience ; the receiveing of Sacraments is not meerly for the refreshment of the body , but that the soul may be strengthned in faith , comfort of the holy Ghost , and way of obedience . Remember , and aim aright , and put not asunder what God would have joyned together .

But mark the inference which the Lord makes ; Argument . how he draws an Argument from the less to the greater ; If Jonah may be pitiful , why not the God of heaven ? and if the gourd may be spared , why not Nineve much more ? God is infinitely greater then Jonah , and Nineve is almost infinitely better then a gourd . Therefore all the reason in the world requires , that Nineve be spared , seeing God pleased to have it so ; say Jonah , is it not reason ? And this convinceth him , that he hath no more to object ; we shall not hear one reply more ; he yields to the equity of sparing Nineve .

It were good , that all sinners would thus be silenced , Note . Yield to holy convictions . and yield to the convictions of the Ministery ; as the man that was convinced in Preaching , and fell down on his face , saying , God in you of a truth , 1 Cor. 14.24 , 25. Augustine faith , It is good for a man to be overcome by the truth ; for , if he be unwilling , it will overcome him howsoever . Whatever defences a wicked man makes for his sins , hereafter he shall be non-plused , and have nothing to say for himself ; as the Guest who had not on a Wedding Garment , questioned , stood silent , and could make no defence , Mat. 22.11 . He was speechless ; or , he was choaked . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . And so , out of the sinners own mouth he shall one day be condemned .

Beware , and yield to a convincing Ministery , Use . both as concerning some act of sin , and concerning the estate of sin . Say it is a sin , when the word saith it is a sin , whether Drunkenness or the like ; therefore to be repented and forsaken , and peace to be made with God . Say it is a sinful and damnable estate when Conscience so Items thee in hearing a good Sermon ; therefore give all diligence to make it a good estate , as the Client that fears a flaw in his Title , or the Patient that doubts his Disease may prove mortal : to make sure work in soul matters , is far better then either of these .

Parable , what it is . Still mark , what kind of Doctrine the Lord useth , to make Jonah come to himself ; namely , a parable ; so Nathan by a parable brought David to a sight of his sins , and to repentance : and it was ordinary with our Saviour , by earthly things to instruct about heavenly . Without a parable he spake nothing : Mat. 13.35 . I will open my mouth in a parable : A familiar kind of teaching , whereby a man of Art and Wisdom convinceth the judgement and Conscience of his Hearers concerning heavenly matters by occasion of earthly . And it is well , if men of Art and Wisdom do come down sometimes from lofty Themes , to treat with plain people in a plain and familiar manner . Some cases have shewed , that this course hath taken when grave and weighty Discourses hath prevailed little , as being much transcendent to vulgar capacities . University-men grew not profitable Preachers , till they learned to Lispe and Halt with plain people . And some have adventured to say , Efope . that the man in his Fables shewed as much wisdom as any of the Philosophers . I am sure God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise , 1 Cor. 1.27 .

Use . Then embrace and improve this plain teaching by similitudes . Despise it not because it is plain , but make much of it because it is profitable . It profited Jonah , and so let it profit thee . And beware , lest if thou profit not , it rise up in judgment to condemn thee the more heavily . Judg 9. Jotham by a parable reproached the Sichemites with their ingratitude and treachery ; Christ the Jews with their unfruitfulness and unthankfulness , by a Vineyard let out to Husbandmem : Which to this day affordeth instruction to barren Christians , lest at the last they be deprived of the Gospel .

For farther observations , gather up these gleanings .

Note . 1 1. That the Lord saith , the gourd for the which thou hast not laboured . Many of us enjoy mercies and comforts , We enjoy mercies for which we laboured not . for which we never laboured , houses which we never built , wells which we never digged , friends which we never deserved , it may be never thought on them . Heirs have lands they never purchased . All live of the field though they never plowed . Children feed and are cloathed though they take no care nor pains for their living : and all of us live at Gods finding though we deserve nothing , but rather the contrary ; Man lives not by bread onely , but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God : and , Mans life consisteth hot in the abundance of the things he possesseth .

Whereby see the free and undeserved goodnesse of God , Use . 1 who is a great House-keeper , and gives us all things liberally to enjoy ; many without our labour , some without our thinking , all without our deserving , His providence waketh while we sleep , and worketh for us while we take our leisure . In the night-time he caused the gourd to spring up for Joaah : he cast a Kingdome upon Saul while he sought Asses : and upon David while he kept Sheep . Every morning Israel gathered bread in their Tents , which the dew of the night had baked . Who of us but can say , we have received mercies which we little thought on ? we had mean beginnings , and sorry proceedings , and yet we are increased into two Bands .

Then for gracious Christians , how hath God prevented them with his graces , not willing , yea resisting ? Eph. 2.12 . aliens to the commonwealth of Israel : enemies in their minds : rebels to all spirituall good : yet called and brought home , justified and sanctified , and in a fair way to be glorified . God is greater then they , and so they were overcome . God be thanked that ye were the servants of sin , but have obeyed from the heart he d●ctrine delivered , Rom. 6.17 . An argument there , to urge a real holinesse : to dye to sin , and live to righteousnesse .

Learn also to do good with those temporalls , which God Use 2 hath cast upon you so unexpectedly . Honor the Lord with thy substance , Do good with such mercies the rather . Pro. 3 9. Deut. 8.11.26.5 . Psal. 116.12.103.1 . and with the first fruits of all thy increase . When thou hast eaten and art full , forget not the Lord thy God . Hence the offering of the first fruits in the Law , and the paying of Tythes , and the confession , A Syrian ready to perish was my Father : and Jacohs confession , With my staff I went over this Jordan , and now I am become a rich man : and Davids deliberation with himself , What shall I render to the Lord for all his henefits ? Blesse thou the Lord , O my soul , and all that is within me , blesse his holy Name . And the censuring of the unthankful Lepers when cleansed , Ten were cleansed , but where are the nine ? Luc. 17.17 .

Here let none take up an evil thought , as if excused because he hath faithfully laboured for what he hath gotten . Other Scriptures require it of the painfull and laborious ; or tell how God gives strength to get substance , Deut 8 18. and , how without the blessing of God all a mans labor will com to nothing , Ps. 127.1 , 2. Still therefore he is the great Benefactor , and must be so acknowledged . Without him , and some grace from him , thou hadst been idle , rash , undiscreet a spend-thrift , or crost in thy way of getting .

Much lesse think , What need I labour if God gives his blessings to them that labour not ? Not so : for he hath set an order from the beginning of the world , that in the sweat of our brows we must eat our bread . Man is born to labour , as the sparkes fly upward . Be not slothfull in businesse . None may walk disorderly , but labour with his hands the thing that is good . So that Gods preventing us with goodnesse is no warrant for any to be idle , and cast care away . Idlenesse is a sin , and such are threatened to be cloathed with rags .

So in spiritual things : all are bound to a diligent and conscionable use of the means of grace , whereby they may get into the favor of God , and be saved . Lie at the pool to be healed of spiritual maladies . Wash in Jordan to be cured of the leprosie of thy soul . Dives his brethren were sent to Moses and the Prophets , to beleeve them if they meant to escape the place of torment .

2 The Lord tells of sixscore thousand infants in Nineve , Note 2 Our infants regarded of God . which argues the hugenesse of the citie : twice before called a great citie , and now we see it must needs be so ; by this proportion what were all the Citizens put together ?

The Lord sees and respects the multitudes of people that are in the world , young and old , infants and all that know not the right hand from the left ; one hundred and twenty thousand of them , millions in Constantinople , in Grand Cairo , Paris , other great Cities ; one hundred thousand families of Jews in Alexandria beside the other Citizens , four hundred twenty and eight thousand heads at Rome upon a just accompt ; so of others , London , York , Bristol , all particular Towns and Countreys . He that calleth the stars by their names , and counts the number of them , keeps accounts also of young children : And as he feeds the Ravens when they cry , so he provides for us and our little ones . He told Abraham , Psal. 147.3 . how his posterity should be as the stars of heaven , and as the sands of the sea-shore for multitude , and how he meant to advance them .

The reason whereof is taken from the infinitenesse of his divine perfections : He makes all , Reas. and he preserves all as a Creator : and as a Father , he undertakes by covenant for the godly and their seed , saying , I will be thy God , and the God of thy seed . These Nivevites were heathens , Gen. 17.7 . and yet their little ones were thus respected . What then shall we say of Believers and their off-spring ?

Now magnifie God in this his large , and yet special providence . Use 1 In that Psalm it stands among the arguments of praise and thanksgiving . Ahasuerus by his great and long Feast did shew forth the Majesty of his Kingdome : yet we read of no children among the guests : but our great Feast-maker gives entertainment continually to young and old , even all the millions in severall countreys . Meditate , and see how the glory of God will swell in thine eyes . We admire great House-keepers , who keep many in family , and provide for every one decently , and in very order . The Queen of Sheba was ravished in mfnd , to see the order and glory , and provisions of Solomons houshold . But behold , a greater then Solomon is here , infinitely more guests , and better provisions .

Use 2 Again , this affords comfort to believing Parents , whom God hath blessed with abundance of Children , Comfort to Parents . and sometimes they have careful and heavy thoughts how to provide for them ; especially what will become of them when themselves are dead and gone ; alass poor creatures , what will they do ? If they were grown up , and able to shift for themselves , I should care the lesse : but they are young and tender , and my heart is much troubled for them . Now remember wbo looked upon Nineve , and there noted six score thousand who could not discern between the right hand and the left . And he is the same God still , infinite in all his Attributes , and as loving to our little ones as ever he was to these of Nineve : one of them far better then all the Ravens in the world , and yet God feeds every of them : and the Angels have a charge of our Children as well as of our selves , Mat. 18.10 . and it hath been seen , that God hath raised poor mens Children , and set them among Princes , Psal. 113.7 , 8.

Onely let Parents be advised in three things .

1. To lay hold upon the Covenant for themselves and their little ones : get God to be thy God , and the God of thine . A carelesse Parent in this respect is but a sorry friend to his poor Babes . Mark to whom the blessing is entailed , Psal. 103 17 , 18. The mercy of nhe Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him , and his righteousnesse unto childrens children : To such as keep his covenant , and to those that remember his commandements to do them .

2. To pray for their Children , that they may be respected in special love , and find mercy with the Lord ; as did Father Abraham , Oh that Ismael might live in thy sight ! Gen. 17. He that can pray , should exercise his gift in praying for his poor Children . As for the Church , State , health , harvest , other interests , so specially for the souls of his Children , and their eternal welfare .

3. To give them religious education : bringing them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord , as Parents are commanded , Eph. 6.4 . It must not be onely civil education , but religious . So did Father Abraham , and found it the way to obtain a blessing , Gen. 18.19 . That the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him . So did David to Solomon . So did Lois and Eunice to Timothy . And so do thou to thine .

And when this is done , be quiet , commit them to God and his providence , hope well of them even in dying : his seed shall inherit the blessing . Or if they miscarry , it is their own fault , who fell from their good education , and forfeited your prayers , and Gods blessing withall .

3. We saw on Chap. 3. that even the least in Nineve Note 3 joyned in the Fast , yea and the very Cattel : Humbled ones shall be saved . all cryed mightily unto God to be spared : and now we see in the grant that is made , how the little Children and Cattel are mentioned .

They that bear a part in dayes of humiliation and fasting , shall find mercy with God in an evil time . Fasts shall be turned into joyful Feasts for them , Zach. 8.19 . They that humble themselves under the mighty hand of God , in due time shall be lifted up , Jam. 4.9 , 10. They that mourn , shall be comforted , Mat. 5.4 . They that sow in teares , shall reap in joy , Psal. 126.5 . Sorrow endures for a night , but joy comes in the morning , Psal. 30.5 .

Observe here : the Jews had a solemn Fast once every year , wherein they were to afflict their souls for sin , that they might find favour in the sight of God : And of this day two things are affirmed .

Lev. 23.27 . 1. That it was a day of atonement , that is , they should have their sins pardoned , namely in the blood of Christ who should come , figured in the blood of the sacrifices : Christ is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world . Now this forgivenesse of sins is the blessednesse of a man , as Paul saith out of David , Rom. 4.6 . So that the everlasting welfare of a sinful soul depends upon the due humiliation for sin .

2. That in the evening of that day the Trumpet sounded for beginning the year of Jubilee ; wherein every servant became a free-man , and every one returned to his land which he had any way alienated , Lev. 25.8 . and when the Church of the New Testament was to be shewed in vision to Ezekiel , it was on the same day of the same moneth , Chap. 40.1 .

Reas. 1 And thus the Lord shews favour to them that humble themselves in fasting : 1. Because of those promises ; not that there is merit in their humiliations : though the body should be pined with fasting , yet no merit : bodily exercise profiteth little . 2. Those that truly humble themselves , are brought to Gods bent , and are become such people as he would have them to be , Believers , new creatures , reformed , and walk with him in holinesse . He knows we cannot be perfect : but when he sees us rightly set , it sufficeth and gives content : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Mat. 3.17 . In Christ he is well-pleased , and so with them .

Use 1 Those then wrong themselves , who distaste our dayes of humiliation . They share not in the atonement , or the forgivenesse of their sins . They miss of many temporal mercies which might be had . And they smart with divers afflictions , which to them are so many curses : as also are all outward blessings , Mal. 2.2 . I have cursed your blessings . And see Zach. 14.16 , 17 , 18 , 19.

Use 2 And if so , let all be willing to joyn in dayes and duties of humiliation , prescribed by authority : and do them in a right manner ; that is , 1. With a broken heart , cast down for sin , Joel 2.12 , 13. 2. With forsaking those sins which are confest and lamented , Pro. 28.13 . He that confesseth and forsaketh them , shall find mercy . 3. With doing the works of holinesse , righteousnesse and mercy , which are quite contrary , Esa. 58.5 , 6. Then follow large and precious promises , vers. 8. And all other are accounted but hypocrites , when they fast never so much , or never so often , Zach. 7.5 , 6 , 7.

Consider , and remember the afflicting of the soul in fasting : and what the Infants and Cattel could not do for want of understanding but meerly by force , do you perform voluntarily , and do it sincerely , really , effectually . Such is the Fast which God hath chosen : and this is the way to find favour with God . After humiliation comes exaltation .

FINIS .