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

But Jonah arose up to fly unto Tarshish, &c.

But Ionah arose vp to flie vnto Tarshish, &c.

Jonah was sent to Nineveh, but he went toward Tarshish. And so it is always with us, we are ever doing that we should not do. For either we do nothing, or that which we are not commanded, or else otherwise then we are commanded. Sometime most rebelliously we do that which we know the Lord straitly forbiddeth. And as Jonah took Tarshish for Nineveh, so we take the devil for an Angel, light for darkness, &c. But Jonah rose up, &c. They that should preach at Nineveh, are flying to Tarshish, and though he be like a drone, yet doth he, even the Non-resident, keep his benefice fasting, feasting himself: but wilt thou keep it still? go and preach at Nineveh as ye have been doubly commanded, or for shame leave your privilege and benefice: but they stand staggering, ashamed to keep it, and loth to leave it. For the sweet morsels of Baals priests are pleasant unto them, that they cannot find in their hearts to leave them, as long as they are able to keep them. But no marvel that Jonah fled to Tarshish, when he should go to Nineveh. For this is a stumbling vocation amongst men, yea rejected by the children of this world which alway kick against it: so that if you would ask for a painful vocation, this is it; if for a thankless vocation, this is it; if for a contemptible vocation, this it it: for reproving, we are reproved: blessing, we are cursed: preaching peace we make war: proclaiming liberty, we are imprisoned; do what we can, we are persecuted: & for our work worthy of love, we receive of the most, hatred: of few yea very few, not any more then a cold affection. Hereof it hath come to pass that Moses and Jeremiah called, excused themselves; Ezekiel having received his charge, went in bitterness & indignation of his ¹spirit, and seven days neglected his charge, as Jonah here doth his: and Moses, Elijah, and Jeremiah, at length complained: & (which to the best men is the greatest grief) ⟨image 66⟩