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

Thus Jonah is loath to lose his labour, and puts in a doubt where he needs not, because he considered not the great power of God in mens harts. The Ninevites are heathen people, and therefore (saith Jonah) why should I venture my self amongst them? For seeing my own countrymen kick against my words, and ⟨image 62⟩cannot abide to hear the word which cometh from the Lord to reprove sin, then how much more shall I be despised these, and persecuted to death? Thus flesh and blood standeth staggering when it should do any good, misdoubting troubles, jealous of his own ease: but when it goeth about to do any mischief, it never considereth the danger, it weighteth not the following woe: yet doing good, it is uncertain whether all will not according, or even above our hope succeed; it is more likely we should be kept safe: but doing evil, mischief most certainly is procured, not danger only, but loss of the best things commonly, peace of conscience or spiritual graces, of some blessings alway, or at least not receipt of those things which much would rejoice us. For sure this was a sore temptation, to bid a man (being in reasonable good estate touching his body and life) that he should go and preach unto a savage heathen people that never ¹heard of preaching, and that this doctrine; that there is but one only true God, to them who will serve a thousand, and cannot abide the contrary to be spoken.

Thus Ionah is loath to lose his labour, and puts in a doubt where he needes not, because he considered not the great power of God in mens harts. The Niniuites are heathen people, and therefore (saith Ionah) why should I venture my selfe amongst them? For seeing my owne countrymen kicke against my wordes, and ⟨image 62⟩cannot abide to heare the word which commeth from the Lord to reprooue sinne, then how much more shall I be despised these, and persecuted to death? Thus flesh and blood standeth staggering when it should doe any good, misdoubting troubles, iealous of his owne ease: but when it goeth about to doe any mischiefe, it neuer considereth the danger, it weighteth not the following wo: yet doing good, it is vncertaine whether all will not according, or euen aboue our hope succeede; it is more likelie we should be kept safe: but doing euill, mischiefe most certainely is procured, not danger onely, but losse of the best things commonly, peace of conscience or spirituall graces, of some blessings alway, or at least not receit of those things which much would reioyce vs. For sure this was a sore temptation, to bid a man (being in reasonable good estate touching his body and life) that hee should goe and preach vnto a sauage heathen people that neuer