An oversight, and deliberation upon the holy prophet JonahAn ouersight, and deliberacion vpon the holy prophete Ionas

¶The fifth Sermon upon Jonah, made by John Hopper.

¶The fifte Sermon vpon Ionas, made by Iohn Hoper.

¶The Preface.

There is no man that hath any respect or care at all of his heal the, that would not gladly his faith, knowledge, and faults should be approved and well taken of God. For he knoweth all labours & pains to be in vain, and lost, that are not commended by him. Yet in this behalf men grievously offend and goo out of the way, when the thing that god most esteemeth, is of our parts most neglected, and the thing ⟨image 108⟩that god hateth and is displeased withal, we most diligently do and exercise our selves in. Men be brought to this ignorance and contempt of god, and his word, that they judge every thing done of a good in tenciō, and well meaning, should please the Lord. From whence sprung this infinite, dangerous, and superstitious number of sacrifices, and other servings of god. But what thing after the tight judgement of the scripture chiefly pleaseth God? Obedience: that is to say, when every man in his state & his vocation doth the thing he is commanded to do. As it is written .i. Sa. xiii. I desire obedience & not sacrifice. Let no man therefore think he can do any ⟨p. c⟩thing acceptable unto the lord if he neglect the works necessary appointed unto his vocation. Here may princes take heed they go not about with liberality to make other men good for them, learned for them, virtuous for them, wise for them, and they them selves neglect study, prayer, pains, & labour, but to know and do all things them selves that is required to a princely office, by the express word of God. Study, wisdom, knowledge, and exercise is required in the prince him self. Let the bishops and priests beware they goo not about to please God with Mass, Dirige, Pardons, Rites, and ceremonies invented by men.