Jonah 1:3 But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish… I. ATTEND TO THE WHOLE OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES CONCERNED. By partial and distorted views the most magnificent objects may be rendered contemptible, and the most perfect propriety ridiculous. 1. In this world the wicked often succeed, while the righteous are involved in distress. If any man be exempted from trouble in the present state, we should expect it to be a wicked man. The present is, with respect to the wicked, the only season of forbearance, the only time of indulgence. If any labour under a peculiar series of sufferings, we should expect him to be a saint. Because the present is, to the believer, a state of discipline. We cannot, however, conclude either that all the afflicted are righteous, or that it is only the tabernacle of the robber that prospers. 2. All the success of the wicked is confined to external objects. It would be affectation to say that man is independent of these. 3. The success of the wicked is but momentary. Duration is an important measure of value. 4. The worst moral effects are produced by success on the conduct of the wicked. But consequences cannot always be considered as a Standard for regulating judgment. 5. The successful sinner would tremble did he look forward to the sufferings which must eventually overtake his crimes. II. THE GROUNDS ON WHICH DIVINE WISDOM PROCEEDS IN SUCH DISPENSATIONS. 1. Previous to such trials the sinner is already warned of his danger in the Word. It is to this men are to look for a regulating law. 2. Such trials are seldom permitted until conscience has been grossly violated. 3. No external obstacle can stop the career of the sinner. 4. Abused grace is properly and justly withdrawn. 5. These scenes of trial discover to others the dispositions that were previously in power. III. THE MARKS BY WHICH JUDICIAL MAY BE DISTINGUISHED FROM SANCTIFIED SUCCESS. If sanctified it follows you in a course of obedience to the Word. It is not a partial or incidental circumstance. It recognises God as its origin. The effects will show whence the prosperity proceeds. (James Simpson.) Parallel Verses KJV: But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. |
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