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What all the saints make matter of [[joy]] and praise, Jonah makes the subject of reflection upon [[God]]; as if showing [[mercy]] were an imperfection of the [[Divine]] nature, which is the greatest [[glory]] of it. It is to his sparing, [[pardon]] ing [[mercy]], we all owe it that we are out of hell. He wishes for death: this was the language of folly, passion, and strong corruption. There appeared in Jonah remains of a proud, uncharitable spirit; and that he neither expected nor desired the welfare of the Ninevites, but had only come to declare and witness their destruction. He was not duly humbled for his own sins, and was not willing to [[trust]] the [[Lord]] with his credit and safety. In this frame of mind, he overlooked the good of which he had been an instrument, and the [[glory]] of the [[Divine]] [[mercy]]. We should often ask ourselves, Is it well to say thus, to do thus? Can I justify it? Do I well to be so soon angry, so often angry, so long angry, and to give others ill language in my anger? Do I well to be angry at the [[mercy]] of [[God]] to repenting sinners? That was Jonah's crime. Do we do well to be angry at that which is for the [[glory]] of [[God]], and the advancement of his kingdom? Let the conversion of sinners, which is the [[joy]] of heaven, be our joy, and never our grief.

Jonah went out of the city, yet remained near at hand, as if he expected and desired its overthrow. Those who have fretful, uneasy spirits, often make troubles for themselves, that they may still have something to complain of. See how tender [[God]] is of his people in their afflictions, even though they are foolish and froward. A thing small in itself, yet coming seasonably, may be a valuable blessing. A gourd in the right place may do us more service than a cedar. The least creatures may be great plagues, or great comforts, as [[God]] is pleased to make them. Persons of strong passions are apt to be cast down with any trifle that crosses them, or to be lifted up with a trifle that pleases them. See what our creature-comforts are, and what we may expect them to be; they are withering things. A small worm at the root destroys a large gourd: our gourds wither, and we know not what is the cause. Perhaps creature-comforts are continued to us, but are made bitter; the creature is continued, but the comfort is gone. [[God]] prepared a wind to make Jonah feel the want of the gourd. It is just that those who love to complain, should never be left without something to complain of. When afflicting providences take away relations, possessions, and enjoyments, we must not be angry at [[God]]. What should especially silence discontent, is, that when our gourd is gone, our [[God]] is not gone. Sin and [[death]] are very dreadful, yet Jonah, in his heat, makes light of both. One soul is of more value than the whole world; surely then one soul is of more value than many gourds: we should have more concern for our own and others' precious souls, than for the riches and enjoyments of this world. It is a great encouragement to [[hope]] we shall find [[mercy]] with the [[Lord]], that he is ready to show [[mercy]]. And murmurers shall be made to understand, that how willing soever they are to keep the Divine [[grace]] to themselves and those of their own way, there is one [[Lord]] over all, who is rich in [[mercy]] to all that call upon him. Do we wonder at the forbearance of [[God]] towards his perVerse perverse servant? Let us study our own hearts and ways; let us not forget our own ingratitude and obstinacy; and let us be astonished at [[God]]'s patience towards us.