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

Out of this text also we learn what difficulty & hardness is in the office of preaching, if it be truly and well done: continually whether it happen and come to pass that he speaketh, or it come not to pass, the preacher standeth in danger of obloquy and contempt: We may see an example hereof in Jonah that preached by the word of God, the destruction of Nineveh: which if it had come so to pass, they would have called Jonah a cruel tyrant, and ⟨p. clxvii⟩seeker of blood. And now that he seeth the city spared, he feareth least he should be accounted a false prophet: not only among his own countrymen the Israelites, but also among the Gentiles, and then all his preaching should be taken for a mockery. This contempt so sore feareth Jonah, and is therewithal so troubled, that he offendeth God grievously. I may accommodate y• same fortune unto my self and others right well. When we speak for a reformation of the church, schools, and policies, In to the church we wish to be put such ministers as can & would teach the doctrine of the apostles, and that they should not be known by their vestments, ⟨image 177⟩and shavings, but by their doctrine: Then, such as would minister the sacraments gravely, religiously, and simply, as Christ and his Apostles did. In Baptism, nothing to be used but the word and the simple and bare water. In the supper of the Lord, to use the Ceremonies and Rites of Christ and his Apostles, and all occasions of superstition to be avoided. But although this doctrine be as true as Christ & his Apostles be, yet I perceive displeasure, & great enmity rise here upon to me & to other: yea, not only unto us that be subjects, but also to the kings majesty & his most honourable council. But the lord keep us out of temptation, & give grace and strength to do all things ⟨p. clxviii⟩to y• glory of God, & to pray for our enemies. And as touching schools, specially y• universities, they must be amended, and good heads & rulers appointed in the Colleges, or else the word of god should be hindered always by such as ought most to set it forth. Such godly men as have wherewithal should help & provide to have schools to bring up youth in every where, through this realm: & then should godly & learned children occupy the place of superstitious & ignorant men, wherewithal this realm of England is sore, & to much (god amend it) pestered & hurt withal: