A17683:228
The lectures or daily sermons, of that reverend divine, D. John Calvin, pastor of…The lectures or daily sermons, of that reuerend diuine, D. Iohn Caluine, pastor of…
The lectures or daily sermons, of that reverend divine, D. John Calvin, pastor of the Church of God in Geneva, upon the prophet Jonah, by N.B. student in Divinity. Whereunto is annexed an excellent exposition of the two last epistles of S. John, done in Latin by that worthy doctor, August. Marlorate, and englished by the same N.B.The lectures or daily sermons, of that reuerend diuine, D. Iohn Caluine, pastor of the Church of God in Geneua, vpon the prophet Ionas, by N.B. student in Diuinitie. Whereunto is annexed an excellent exposition of the two last epistles of S. Iohn, done in Latin by that worthy doctor, August. Marlorate, and englished by the same N.B.
London: printed by J. Charlewood for Edward White, 1578
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Jonah although he were not only like a dead man, but almost condemned, yet persuaded with him self that God for all this, notwithstanding would be merciful unto him, if he fled for succour unto him.
Ionas although he were not onelie lyke a deade man, but almost condempned, yet perswaded with him selfe that God for all this, notwithstanding woulde be mercifull vnto him, if he fledde for succour vnto him.
We see therefore that Jonah by chance as hypocrites are wont to have the name of God in their mouths, when they be oppressed: but he prayed seriously: because he was persuaded that God would be merciful unto him. Now it is to be marked that the prayer of Jonah was not uttered in these words which here are mentioned: but Jonah while he was in the belly of the Whale meditated with himself these cogitations.
We sée therefore that Ionas by chaunce as hypocrites are woont to haue the name of God in their mouthes, when they be oppressed: but he prayed seriously: because he was perswaded that God woulde be mercifull vnto him. Nowe it is to be marked that the prayer of Ionas was not vttered in these wordes which here are mencioned: but Ionas while he was in the belly of the Whale meditated with himselfe these cogitations.
After what sort therefore he was affected, he declareth in this Canticle, and we shall certainly see that he was drawn every way: as in temptations it must needs be that our minds should be moved hither and thither. For the servants of God enjoy not the victory without great trouble, we must therefore play the soldier & that valiantly, ⟨p. 33⟩that we may get the victory. Jonah therefore in this Canticle showeth that he was tossed with great disquietness & sharp torments: but with all he showeth that this principle was steadfastly fixed in his mind, that God must be sought unto, and again, that he seeketh him not in vain, because he is always ready to help those that be his, as often as they shall cry unto him. And therefore he saith: I cried unto the Lord when I was in trouble, and he answered me. There is no doubt but that Jonah mentioneth after he came out of the belly of the Whale, what happened unto him, & gave thanks to God. This first verse therefore containeth two parts. First that Jonah in his distress, fled for succour unto God: The second part containeth a thanksgiving for that, marvellously and contrary to all fleshly imagination he was delivered: I have cried (saith he) in my tribulation unto the Lord, I cried out of the belly of hell, and thou heardest my voice. Jonah as we shall hereafter see, not without great contention directed his prayer unto God: he strived with many difficulties: but howsoever many impediments did concur, yet went he forward and stayed not from prayer.