Exposition of Jonah, Chapter 3

Exposition of Jonah · Chapter 3

p. 136CHAP. 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, foreign.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 p. 137ſtorm 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.Ps 25that 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.Jer 31:34I 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▪ p. 138and 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. 1We 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 2Citie: 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 p. 139ſins, 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 p. 140this 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 foreign, praeco the voice of a Cryer; alluding 1to 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.

22. 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.Acts 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.

33. 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 p. 141wrought 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.Eccl 5:1Acts 10:33 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.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.Isa 8:20it 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 p. 142them 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.Matt 28:202 Tim 1:13After 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.Gal 4:141 Thess 2:13and 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 p. 143to 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.Matt 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. p. 144Remember, 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, 12.1 Sam 3:101 Sam 3:12what 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 p. 145heart 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 3.9.1 John 3:9which 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, 3that 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;foreign. 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 p. 146upon 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.

11. 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.

22. 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.Gal 1:16and 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.Ps 50:130Ps 50:4Jude 1:41 Pet 4:17Conſider what that means, Judgment begins at the houſe of God, and the righteous ſhall ſcarce be ſaved.

33. 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.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 p. 147not what miſchief will come of it. But what ſaith the Spirit? fear not their fear, nor be diſmayed; Luke 12.4.Luke 12:4fear 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.Prov 29:25fear 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. p. 148Where 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.Song 8:62 Cor 5:14ſaith 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.

2But 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.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.

p. 149Yet 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.Prov 14:34but 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. 2.3.2 Pet 2:3and 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; p. 150even 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.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 p. 151of 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…Matt 12and 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, p. 152it may be ſooner:Eſa. 49.4, 5.Isa 49:4Isa 49:5 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 p. 153toward 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.Heb 4:12and 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.Isa 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.Matt 21:32 that they bel…eved not when they had heard the preaching of the p. 154Baptiſt. And the Apoſtles ſay, they could not enter becauſe of unbelief; Heb. 3.19. Rev. 21.8.Heb 3:19Rev 21:8and, 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 believedTake heed, Chriſtians, and believe your God when he ſpeaks by his Miniſters.

11. 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.Exod 34:7 but one day will find they have a juſt God to deal withall.

22. 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.

33. 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 1promiſes of God. We have no commiſſion to bid you believe p. 155theſe, 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.Ps 51:17Isa 61Matt 11:28Chriſt 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 2ſelves; 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 3the 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 4he 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.Joel 2:13and turn to the Lord their God; and Eſay at large deſcribeth and rejecteth p. 156their 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.Isa 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.Joel 2:16 ſo in Joel, Thoſe that ſuck the p. 157breaſts 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.Ps 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, p. 158to 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.Matt 6:17Certainly 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.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 PenitentsFor the abſtinence here required: Heathens newly converted could ſee theſe outward obſervations to be neceſſary, p. 159as 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 1allowance 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, 2and 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 3as 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, 4Dan. 10.3. God gives man Oil to make his face ſhine; Pſal. 104.15.Ps 104:15but 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.Matt 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 5thoſe 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. p. 160Anſw. 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 p. 161of 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 p. 162needs mighty crying to God, that we may defeat theſe enemies.

Remember this againſt a Faſt, and in your ordinary 2courſe 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 p. 163faſt 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, 2and 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.Matt 3:8Good 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, 1or 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 2for 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.

p. 16433. 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.Joel 2:12Joel 2:13ſaith 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 p. 165of 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 1in ſackcloth and aſhes, as theſe here;1 Cor 14.25.1 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.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….Matt 11:2And 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, 2God be merciful to me a ſinner; Luke 18.13. Pſal. 51.1.Luke 18:13Ps 51:1according 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 3his 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 p. 166off the old man, Eſa 1 16. Eph. 4 22.24.Isa 1:16Eph 4:22Eph 4:24put on the new. Paul when he was converted, preſently a sked, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?

44. 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 24Mark 9:24Rom 7:24but 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.Ps 2:11Phil 2:12and work out his ſalvation with fear and trembling; and, he that ere while was very confident, in little time begins to flag p. 167and 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.Heb 6:18God 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.Rom 8:341 Cor 15:55or 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 p. 1681,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.

22. 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.Ps 50:23Fear 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.Phil 2:12

33. 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.Ezek 11:19which the Lord by Covenant ſaid he would give his people; and, he will be their p. 169God, 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 1in 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.Zech 9:12Ever 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 2with God thereby. We hope well, becauſe we know whom we beleeve, and he is the hope of Iſrael, Jer. 17 13.Jer 17:13the 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 3in 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 4foul weather that lies upon the ſoul Heb. 6.18, 19. it is an anchor ſure and ſtedfaſt. By hope we have ſeen him p. 170to 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. 25.1 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.

55. 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.Acts 15:9Acts 15:26Acts 15:18 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. 1.12.2 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.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.Col 2:14nailing it to his Croſs. And we may have acceſs with holdneſs by the faith of him. We p. 171need 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.Isa 40:1Isa 40:2 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.Rom 2:4

In the words we have two parts. 1. The Lord takes notice of the Ninevites humiliation and reformation; He p. 172ſaw 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 p. 173threats 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.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, 1as 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; 2as 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 p. 174beholds the evil and good) but he ſaw their works, Prov. 15.3.Prov 15:3and 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 4.8.1 Tim 4:8Bring 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.Ps 51:17And 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. 2.29.2 Cor 6:42 Cor 6:10Rom 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 p. 175the world; and however it go,2 Sam. 6.22. Eſa. 49.5.2 Sam 6:22Isa 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 p. 176it; 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.Ps 85:8Jer 4:1And 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 p. 177puniſhment,Mat. 3.12.25.46.Matt 3:12Matt 3:25Matt 3:46 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.Job 33:28and 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.Exod 34:7The 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 everywhere 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 p. 178eſcape 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.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.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.