does not himself need a remembrancer to remind him of his duty ? Let this matter be duly considered amongst us ; and let us no longer, like Jonah, be indulging in sleep, when a whole world of sinners is calling for our utmost exertions0.]
2. For encouragement —
[The first verse of this chapter deserves particular atten- tion : it is spoken by the same person that speaks in our text : it is Christ himself, or, at least, the prophet in his name, who says, " For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burnetii." Now here is the very point which we ought supremely to desire, the conversion of the Jews, and the conse- quent conversion of the ivhole world : this is the true import of
that expression, " Jerusalem being a praise in the earth"
Does God then fix his eye upon this glorious object? and shall not we? Is he constantly intent upon it? and shall not we? Is he determined in his own mind to take no rest till he has accomplished it ? and shall not we be encouraged to pray to him respecting it ? If he were averse to it, we might despair of ever prevailing upon him to change his mind : but when we know how entirely his own mind is bent upon it, and that he is ordering every thing both in providence and grace with a view to it, we may well besiege the throne of grace, to remind him of his promises. Let us take courage then, and plead, if peradventure we may hasten forward the glorious day, and see, if not in the world at large, yet at least in our own immediate circle, Jerustilem to be indeed " a praise in the earth."]
0 Jonah i. 5, 6.