Two sermons preached by Master Henry SmithTvvo sermons preached by Master Henry Smith

Therefore he comes to Jonah, he flatters him, he tempts him, thus he begins with him: It is good that men look before they leap, haste makes waste, words are not always to betaken as they properly signify: one thing is often spoken, and another meant: but thinkest thou God meaneth thou shouldest go to Nineveh? Why? doth he regard idolaters, and his professed enemies, so that to have them admonished of their ruin, he will bring shame upon his own people? for the very going of a Prophet from Israel to preach to Nineveh, must needs proclaim that there is more hope of most sinful Gentiles, then of natural Israelites. And how couldest thou seem so to think of thine own Nation, thine own brethren, thine own blood, the chosen of God? Or if thou do, shalt thou not thereby procure their utter hatred ⟨image 60⟩for ever, and make them to detest both thy person, and whatsoever thy preaching, whatsoever thou hast heretofore, or hereafter shalt teach them?

Therefore he comes to Ionah, he flatters him, he tempts him, thus he begins with him: It is good that men looke before they leape, haste makes waste, words are not alwaies to betaken as they properly signifie: one thing is often spoken, and another meant: but thinkest thou God meaneth thou shouldest goe to Niniuy? Why? doth he regard idolaters, and his professed enemies, so that to haue them admonished of their ruine, he will bring shame vpon his own people? for the very going of a Prophet from Israel to preach to Niniuy, must needs proclaime that there is more hope of most sinfull Gentiles, then of naturall Israelites. And how couldest thou seeme so to thinke of thine owne Nation, thine owne brethren, thine owne blood, the chosen of God? Or if thou doe, shalt thou not thereby procure their vtter hatred ⟨image 60⟩for euer, and make them to detest both thy person, and whatsoeuer thy preaching, whatsoeuer thou hast heeretofore, or heareafter shalt teach them?

What? for thy faithful prophesying here among Gods people, will God, thinkest thou, recompense thee, thee whom he hath made reverend, and to be honoured of Kings and Princes of Israel: recompense, I say, thee with shame and contempt among heathens, yea, with a cruel death, or with a more miserable life? For what other success may be hoped for at the Ninevites hands of such a message by thee? For thou knowest they have all Jews in contempt: therefore when thou shalt come among them, and tell them not these few words only, and in this form which God hath spoken them in; for if thou so do, who will not count thee rather a mad-man then Gods Prophet? But at large, that there is one all-seeing, most just, almighty, and everliving God, and no moe? and so all their gods are no gods but idols: and that they above all other have given his glory to stocks and stones, worshipping them for gods, alluring and enforcing others likewise to dishonour him: that they have abused his blessings most unthankfully, most ungodly to all excess, and are most proud contemners of their betters, & most notorious drunkards, gluttons, fornicators, adulterers, thieves, oppressors, witches, murderers, and the like; & therefore have so provoked him that is most merciful & patient, that he will without all pity destroy man, woman, young and old, high and low amongst them; yea, their very City also, and all that is therein, whereby they have been so wicked, and that within forty days.