[God has given to us, as he did to Jonah, a work to do : and it is a work which we do not naturally affect : we are averse to engage in it : there are some considerations operating in our minds to deter us from it : we think it may expose us to difficulties, which we would gladly avoid ; and subject us to troubles, which we care not to encounter. Hence we "flee from the presence of the Lord ;" and are glad to go any where, and engage in any thing, that may afford us an excuse for our wilful neglect. In this state the curse of God follows us wherever we may go, his judgments hang over us, and " his wrath abides upon us." The children of disobedience, wherever they are, are objects of his heavy displeasure.
Yet, whilst under these circumstances, what is the state of our minds ? Are we striving like the mariners, to obtain mercy at his hands ? Are we not rather, for the most part, like Jonah, sunk down into a deep sleep ? Yes ; this is the case with the generality altogether ; with the better part of us, in great measure ; and with the best amongst us, in some degree.
Behold the generality, how careless are they and indifferent,
though on the brink and precipice of eternity! Even
the more considerate part have no such activity and earnest- ness as the occasion calls for And where is there one
amongst us, who does not fluctuate in his zeal for God, and sometimes, like the wise virgins, give way to slumbering and sleeping, when we should be watching for the coming of our Lord? ]
To all then may the reproof in our text be well administered —
[What meanest thou, O sleeper, whoever thou art ? Art thou not in danger ? Search the sacred records ; and see, whether the wrath of God be not revealed against all the children of disobedience ? What if thou be insensible of this danger ? art thou therefore the more safe ? Was Jonah's life the less in jeopardy because he was unconscious of his peril? Neither then is thy ruin a whit the less certain, because thou art not conscious of thine exposure to it.
Is there any ivay for thine escape, but that of crying mightily to God for mercy ? No other way is provided : all your own efforts will be as ineffectual as the mariner's labour was. Thou must betake thyself to prayer ; for none but an omnipotent arm can save thee : there is no deliverance from thy guilt, but through the blood and righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ, no acceptance with the Father, but through his beloved Son ; no other name given under heaven whereby you can be saved, but the name of Jesus Christ.
Once more — Is there not abundant encouragement to pray ? Look at the promises contained in Holy Writ : see how