On what part of the shore of the Mediterranean Jonah was landed, we are not informed; but it was most probably on the Syrian coast, somewhere about the place that is now called the bay of Scanderoon: for, as he was forthwith to set out for Nineveh, his kind God would bring him to land, at a spot from whence he could most conveniently proceed on his journey. It is not unlikely, that even the fish which had the honour of being the instrument of his preservation, shared on this occasion in the goodness of God; and that, instead of being made to run ashore and perish, it was permitted, after delivering its charge, to return safely to its mansions in the deep.

It is of much more importance to observe, that, as Jonah's confinement was a type of Christ's burial, so was his deliverance a type of Christ's resurrection. Three days was the prophet entombed in his living grave, and on the third his grave was opened, at the command of God, and he came forth with joy and glory to the light of life: three days the Saviour lodged in the dark regions of the dead, and on the third his tomb was thrown open, by an order from heaven, through the ministry of angels, and he rose to life in glory and triumph. The tomb of Jesus, like that of Jonah, was one in which never man had lain : and as Jonah emerged from his dismal abode unhurt and joyful, ready to fulfil his ministry among the heathen at Nineveh; so did our Lord arise uninjured by the grave, freed from the effects of his Father's wrath, and prepared to publish salvation to the gentiles.

Brethren, while we view this memorable emblem of the resurrection of Jesus, let our hearts rise toward the things above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Why should we cleave to sublunary things, and neglect that exalted Saviour, to whom the prophets all bear witness, and in whom alone is all our salvation? His glory is set forth in the divine word, that we may believe in his name, and rejoice in his blessings; and the wonders now wrought for Jonah may well encourage our faith and hope, since they furnish a display of his power and grace towards helpless sinners. As Jonah was brought forth from his gloomy dungeon, to rejoice in the blessings of life, even so, if we flee to Jesus for refuge, he will bring our souls out of darkness to the light of life, and fill us with joy and peace in believing; nay, our bodies also, though they must lie for a time in darkness, shall at last be raised to everlasting light, by his almighty power. The prophet's release from his living grave, not only prefigured the resurrection: of Christ himself, but that of his people: for, as his grave was com manded to deliver him up in safety, so shall the grave of every believer, whether on land or at the bottom of the sea, be commanded to surrender him up, and he shall come forth, at the call of Christ, not only alive, but clothed with glory and immortality." He shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body."*

Philippiaus iii. 21.

LECTURE VII.

JONAH'S MINISTRY AT NINEVEH.

Chap. III. 1-4.

Ver. 1, 2. "And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee."

The book of Jonah is one of the shortest in the sacred volume, yet it abounds with striking events, displaying in a variety of ways the glory of the Lord. In the former part of the book, we have met with several of the wonders of his power; now we are about to contemplate the wonders of his grace: and we shall find the latter, like the former, manifested towards the heathen, as well as towards the prophet himself.

Jonah had disobeyed the voice of the Lord, and deserted his service; and hence it might naturally be supposed, that the word of the Lord would come to him no more, and that he would not again be employed in that honourable work, which he had shamefully abandoned. It is enough for the unfaithful servant to be pardoned; he must not hope to be trusted and patronized and we might naturally expect to hear, that

Jonah's commission, of which he had proved himself so unworthy, must be taken from him, and transferred to another. But "God's thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are our ways his ways for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are his ways higher than our ways, and bis thoughts than our thoughts."* He does not dismiss his servants for one offence, nay for many offences; and even such as have run off from his service he kindly restores to their place, and loads with his benefits. "The word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time," renewing his commission; and thus not only sealing his pardon, but encouraging him to hope for a blessing on his ministry, notwithstanding his recent disobedience. Perhaps he durst not have ventured to proceed to Nineveh without this fresh warrant, lest he should experience a disappointment like that of the Israelites at Kadesh-barnea, when they presumed of their own accord to attack the Canaanites, which they might have successfully done at the first in obedience to Godt Probably the word of the Lord now came to Jonah in the same way as before; but whether in a dream, or a vision; by the voice of the Spirit within, or of an angel without, is not recorded. In whatever way the communication was made, Jonah knew it to be from God; and was led to admire that rich grace which restored him fully to his honourable office.

Where and when the prophet received this message from heaven, we cannot say. It is possible that * Isaiah lv. 8, 9. † Numbers xiv. 40-45.

he might be permitted to go to the land of Israel, and pay his vows at God's holy temple, according to his wish; but it is far more likely, that this communication took place immediately after Jonah's release, and while he was yet near the shore on which the fish had thrown him. We may suppose that, by the good providence of God, he was landed at a place where, like Paul and his shipwrecked companions, he met with kiud treatment from the natives; and having refreshed himself among them, perhaps for a day or two, that he might be strengthened for his journey, he is commanded to proceed without further delay, to execute the service which he had formerly declined.

His orders were renewed in these terms; "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee." He must now hasten with God's message to the people of that great and wicked city; for their sins had come up before the Lord, vengeance was coming down against them with hasty steps, and some time had already been lost by the prophet's disgraceful flight. He had been penitently praying and vowing, in the fish's belly; and now he is required to prove the sincerity of his repentance, by a ready submission to the will of God. This is the test by which the reality of our faith and love, our humility and contrition, must be tried: for what are professions, or promises, or vows, without obedience?" If ye love me," says Christ, "keep my commandments.-He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me. Such of God's children, in * John xiv. 15, 21.