II. Jonah was a prophet of the gentiles. God’s word came to him, saying, “Rise quickly, take the way to Nineveh. Say that which I shall put in thine heart. Wickedness dwells in that city. Go swiftly and carry my message.” Jonah is full of wrath. He is afraid that the shrews will put him in the stocks, or put out his eyes. He thinks that God desires his death. He determines not to go near the city, but fly to Tarshish. Grumbling, he goes to port Joppa. He says that God will not be able to protect him. Jonah reaches the port, finds a ship ready to sail. The seamen catch up the cross-sail, fasten the cables, weigh their anchors, and spread sail. A gentle wind wafts the ship along. Was never a Jew so joyful as was Jonah then. He has, however, put himself in peril, in fleeing from God. The words of David. Does He not hear, who made all ears? He is not blind that formed each eye. Jonah is now in no dread. He is, however, soon overtaken. The wielder of all things has devices at will. He commands Eurus and Aquilo to blow. The winds blow obedient to His word. Out of the north-east the noise begins. Storms arose, winds wrestled together, the waves rolled high, and never rested. Then was Jonah joyless. The boat reeled around. The gear became out of order. Ropes and mast were broken. A loud cry is raised, Many a lad labours to lighten the ship. They throw overboard their bags and feather beds. But still the wind rages, and the waves become wilder. Each man calls upon his god. Some called upon Vernagu, Diana, and Neptune, to the sun and to the moon. Then said one of the sailors: “Some lawless wretch, that has grieved his God, is in the ship. I advise that we lay lots upon each man. When the guilty is gone the tempest may cease.” This is agreed to. All are assembled, from all corners of the ship, save Jonah the Jew, who had fled into the bottom of the boat. There he falls asleep. Soon he is aroused, and brought on board. Full roughly is he questioned. The lot falls upon Jonah. Then quickly they said: “What the devil hast thou done, doted wretch? What seekest thou on the sea? Hast thou no God to call upon? Of what land art thou? Thou art doomed for thy ill deeds.” Jonah says: “I am a Hebrew, a worshipper of the world’s Creator. All this mischief is caused by me, therefore cast me overboard.” He proves to them that he was guilty. The mariners are exceedingly frightened. They try to make way with their oars, but their endeavours are useless. Jonah must be doomed to death. They pray to God, that they may not shed innocent blood. Jonah is cast overboard. The tempest ceases and the sea settles. The stiff streams drive the ship about. At last they reach a bank. The seamen thank God, and perform solemn vows. Jonah is in great dread.