JV. THE PRIVATION OF EARTHLY COMFORTS 18 INTENDED TO LEAD MEN TO SEEK 'l'HEIBHIGHEST 0000 IN GoD. Such discipline docs not, indeed, produce t.his effec, upon all men; many are hardened, some are driven to despair, by adversity. But with regard to the truly pious, it may be said that., when the gourd withers, the Giver is aa firmly trusted and as warmly loved as when the shelter was thick and green. "Though vine nor fig tree neither Their wonted fruit should bear; Thnugh all the field should wither, Nor flock nor herd be there ; T et God the ea.me abiding, His praise shall tune my voice; For while in him confiding, I cannot bnt rejoice." Ver. 8.-Desire to die. Deep was the mortification, the disappointment, the dejection which, more than once, found expression in this wish. It is not an uncommon thing for those whose hearts are blighted, whose prospects are clouded, for whom life has bot· few attractions left, to wish rather to die than to live. I. THE EXPLANf TION OF THIS WISH.. 1. The burden or bodily suffering or weaknessr or of mental angu1Sh, may be such as 1s very hard to bear; and men may wish to lay it down even though with it they lay down the load of life. 2. 'fhe memory of trouble,. calamity, disaster, may be so distressing that even annihilation has been desired rather than an ineffaceable record or woe. The Christian cannot desire extinction of being,.. but he may hope that, in passing hence, he may steep his soul in Lethe's oblivious, waves. S. The apparent hopelessness of the earthly prospect tempts men to wish to- die. To many who are advanced in life, crippled in body, ruined in circumstances,. disappointed in life-plans, this earthly existence seems to present no prospects; death, seems a relief. IL T!IE BLAMABLE1''EBS OF THIS WISH. 1. It implies a habit of discontent and of mnrmuring. Our circumstances are appointed or permitted by a kind Providence ; to wish to escape them is to wish to avoid the discipline ordained for us by our heavenly Father. The Christian pilgrim should be prepared cheerfully, or at least patiently, to finish hie path, even to the journey's end. 2. It implies an undue desire for rest. Men's notions of heaven are often carnal and selfish; they look forward to release from labour and service ; and sometimes they wish to die that they may enjoy the sweets of repose. But it should be the desire and expectation of all Christians, that they may serve God day and night in his temple. Surely one attraction of the future state for the holy nature is this-it will afford opportunity for higher and purer service. IIL THE COUNTERACTIVE TO THIS WISH. This is to be found in perfect submissive- ness to the holy and perfect will of God. Whilst he has work for his people to do oa, earth, earth is the best place for them; when he wishes them to enter upon heavenly service, he himself will call them hence. Vera. 10, 11.-77ie ln-eadth of the Dit-ine pity. The close of this very remarkable book is deserving of attention and admiration, as evidently gathering up and exhibiting the purpose for which this composition was designed. Of all things apprehensible by- 11.6 nothing is equal in interest to the character of the Supreme Ruler and Lord. Thi& is depicted in this closing passage of the narrative and prophecy in the most attractive. encouraging, and glorious colour~. I. GoD'S PITY CONTBASTB WITH MAN'S HARDNESS AND SEVERITY. Jonah, though a prophet of the Lord, would have witnessed the destruction of Nineveh with equanimity and even satisfaction. It might have been supposed that a sinful and fallible being would have been more compassionate. But for the supreme illustration of pity we mu8t look to the Father of all. II. Goo's PITY 18 EXCITED BY THE SPECTACLE OP A GilEAT AND POPULOUS COM• :II.UNITY IN DANGER OF DESTRUCTION. Nineveh was at the other end of the scale, so to sr..,ak, frum the palmcrist which grew up and perished in a few hours. It was an ancient, vast, populous, powerful, famous city. "Should I not spare," asked God of .lone.h, ":Xineveh, that great city?" There is in this language something which. •011, IV, 1-11,] TIIE BOOK OF JONAH. 85
appeals to our heart. Goel is represent<>d in the most amiable ancl attractive light. -Such sentiments as these will be cherished by God-like men, by those Christ-like hearts that sympathize with him who beheld Jerusalem, and wept over it. 1 Ill. GoD'e PITY 18 INTENBIF!ED BY THE BPEOTACLE OF LITTLE CHILDREN EXPOSED •ro DEBTRUOTION. By those who are described as unable to discern between their right hand and their left we may well understand babes and young children who had not sinned. Yet these were in danger of being overtaken by the one common calamity and ruin. The tender heart of the All-Father was touched by the possibility of such a. ca.ta.etrophe. And when it was possible to avert it-in harmony with the principles -of the Divine government, and so as not to endanger the spiritual interests of humanity -it was a joy to the heart of God to spare the city and the babes of the city's household. APPLICATION. 1. Let the hearers of the gospel take advantage of the sparing mercy of the Lord. 2. Let the preachers of the gospel proclaim the sparing mercy of the Lord. 3. Let all Christians sympathize with, delight in, and imitate, the sparing mercy of the Lord.