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

¶Preface unto the Prophet.

¶Preface vnto the Prophet.

IT is the office and duty of every good child, that studiously laboureth to obey and follow his fathers commandment, before all things, to know perfectly the nature and condition of his fathers will. Whereof if he be ignorant: many times in the same things he judgeth best of, he most offendeth, and the ⟨image 12⟩things most pleasant and acceptable, as things most displeasant and unacceptable unto his father: he flieth, and refuseth. Even so we that be subjects and the children of God the father almighty, can do nothing gratefully and acceptable unto his Majesty, except we first know his good will and pleasure towards us: or else we shall there most offend him, where as we mind most to please him. And again happily to improve as pernicious and heretical, that his wisdom approveth to be most Godly and profitable. Wherefore as the first point of a loving Child, is to know, what pleaseth, and what displeaseth, what contenteth and what discontenteth ⟨p. ii⟩his father, least he should by ignorance displease, where as his sonlike affection by natural zeal would please: so is it the second point of a good Child (his fathers will once truly known) diligently to observe and keep the same, least he should by negligence or contempt be seen wilfully to contemn the thing he hath with diligence and study obediently submitted him self unto. And in case (as such cases be most common and daily) that infirmities or other occasion led the son from the obedience of his father: The third point of his duty is, speedily to acknowledge his offence, and desire pardon & mercy for his transgression, ⟨image 13⟩As the prodigal and disobedient son did. Luke. xv. And David. ii. Samuel. and so after the remission and pardon obtained, to be more circumspect and wise how he fall and transgress again.