delighteth Gal. 6. 10. this is the faith the Gospell praiseth Gal. 5. 6. 4. It walks and works by rule a divine Canon 6. 16. 1. In Religion and worship of God it minds and credits the word of God 't is fully for the Scripture all that is in the Scripture it is for as Paul confessed I worship God beleeving all things which are written in the law it dislikes unwritten traditions it disallowes no divine institutions it is well pleased to be ruled by Gods will it will not accept mans lust for a law nor except against any law of Christ Acts 24. 14. 2. In reformation it minds the word as a patterne most perfect as Moses had his patterne not a pin was left to his discretion in that great work of the tabernacle yet he was prudent he was pious but he is charged to attend to directions of God See that thou make all things according to the patterne shewed to thee Heb. 8. 5. the word is our pattern in the day of grace the man of God is to hold fast the forme of sound words as 2 Tim. 1. 13. measure all by this patterne in this our new building Ezek. 43. 10. Learne all the formes all the ordinances and all the lawes of this house and doe them verse 11. A faithfull man is to mind that too Ezra 7. 18. Doe after the will of your God command or commend nothing but by divine warrant whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven let it bee diligently done for the house of the God of heaven verse 23. Gods words is a perfect rule feare him doe nothing without beside or against the word of God Gods commands containe a mans whole duty Eccl. 12. 13. Faith is to beleeve no more then may bee preached but the preachers may and must preach not what men invent but whatsoever Christ commands Mat. â—8 20. Gods word will furnish a man with all that is profitable 2 Tim. 3. 16. and will perfect a man in all things doctrinall and in all things practicall more then is in that perfect word needs neither be knowne taught nor done in the Church of God verse 17. 2. Procure that which is the speedy way to remove all obstacles in your work your good work 2 even this wonder-working faith Mark 11. 22. Have faith in God this will remove mountaines great and seemingly setled impediments beleeve what God doth say and you may have what you shall say verse 23. Christ doth ascertaine us of it neither is it spoken of miraculous faith which removes these mountaines it is an usefull instruction unto beleevers now Mat. 21. 21. 22. 1. Governours yee most noble Senatours trust in the Lord this will make you incomparable succesfull free-men as Hezekiah a godly King trusted in the Lord so that none was like him 2 Kings 18. 5. and he prospered whither soever he went verse 7. it is a glory to be a beleever and a counsellour a beleever and a Parliament man Bee wise now and kisse the sonne of God with faith 't is your wisdome the beleever is the wise man it will bee your happinesse to trust in Christ the beleever is a blessed man Psal. 2. 11,12 2. The Governed people who desire to doe any good at this day when difficulties be many this work sticks ô 't is want of faith beleeve in the Lord beleeve down these walls these high walls when others put to their hands have yee faith in your hearts Beleeve in the Lord and prosper 2 Chron. 20. 20. Now yee Right Honourable who love our nation and whose hearts are to build us synagogues who meeet with many oppositions and discern many obstructions and such dangerous distractions in this crazy State and diseased Church 1. Promote preaching of the word of faith which is so powerfull to remove impediments men must heare if they would beleeve and how shall they heare without preachers Rom. 10. 14. 'T is preaching is a notable alarme against God-forsakers although as Church-Papists may doe they keep their Church and will not bee called Church-forsakers 2 Chron. 13. 12. Preachers be the strength of a Land the Charets of Israel and horsemen thereof 2. Kings 13. 14. It is more needfull to set up Preachers then garrisons in townes let them have maintenance countenance continuance Exalt ye Christs Kingdome it will downe with all contrary Kingdomes Satans and Antichrists power failes and is broken where Christ is known as King Dan. 2.44 Christ is that stone breaks some and grinds others to powder Mat. 21.44 Let Christ the object of faith be the head albeit the builders in place name not in 1 act 2 nature refused him Psal 118.22 What is to be expected in Counties where little or no word of faith is there the enemies swarme and triumph What good can you find in men either toward righteousness or religion where meÌ„ are as the mountains of Gilboa no rain nor dew of the doctrine of faith fals on them Let your hearts be lift up in the way of the Lord to doe according to that your pious resolution of establishing a Preaching Minister through out all the whole â—ingdome for faith comes by the word preached Rom. 10. 17. 2 Provoke unto prayer Prayer is a way to have an addition to faith Luke 17.5 Lord increase our faith restraine not prayer by any decree for any time as they wickedly did Dan. 6. 12. Let them that can pray pray men are to be excited to cover earnestly the best gifts and not to rest in a dull devotion but to pray in the holy Ghost a perfect help to prayer a blessed mean of more faith Iud. v. 20. 3 Provide that the seales of the Covenant of God may be purely administred as helps of faith this excellent grace Rom. 4.11 Let your wisedome search the book of God and study the will of God that according to the counsell of the Lord Ministers and members in all our assemblies may be sanctified sufficiently for this 2 Chron. 30. 2. Till men be sufficiently sanctified they cannot come to the Lords supper no more then keep the passeover vâ— 3. Remove in this all obstacles all superstitions profanations v. 14. O that all mighâ— be according to the Word of the Lord in Pastors and peopâ—e 35.6 God is the God of order in his owne ordinances Worship him we must after the due order lest in stead of a blessing we meet with a blow as David discovered and reformed 1 Chron. 15. 2.13 Motives to this faith in God 1. Preaching by it profits men How good is a word a sermon a promise beleeved it works effectually in them that beleeve 1 Thes. 2.13 whereas the Gospell full of glad tydings profits not being not mixt with faith in them that heare it Heb. 4. 2. 2. Prayer then prevailes when it is the prayer of faith What is fasting without prayer prayer being a speciall duty more to bee mending on a fast day or prayer without
Revel. 6. 2. Dagon will fall before the Ark 1 Sam. 5. 3. 2. In praying coveting the best gifts to lift up a prayer not in their hand but in their heart for Zions happy deliverance not in a formall customary bedulling manner but watching thereunto according to all occasions and seasons wee having the same spirit of prayer as Isaiah had let us lift a prayer as Isaiah was bid 2 King 19.4 3. In our examples as patterns bee patterns of beleevers in spirit 1 Tim. 4. 12. be as the Hee-Goates before the flocks Ier. 50. 8. The Priests circuited Iericho goe into the gap stand in the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battell in this day of the Lords controversie with England Ezek. 13. 5. 3. People be active for God 1. By their portions Honour the Lord with your substance now when his enemies would rob us of Religion let your Merchandize be holinesse to the Lord Isay 23. 18. Prov. 3. 9. 2. By their persons power and lives it is a glory in â—ebulon and Naphtali they jeoparded their lives Iud. 5. 18. 3. By prayer earnest prayer was made by the Church in a troublous time Acts 12. 5. that God would remember Church-enemies Edomites Psal. 137. 7. 1. The manner of this Activenesse 1. Obedientially doe all according to Gods will rule and call else a man may smart for it as Iehu did Hosâ— 1 4. Iehu reformed after his owne and not Gods heart and God would bee revenged on the house of Iehu Doe all according to the law of God and then let all obeyâ— as Artaxerxes to Ezra Ezra 7 25,26 Gods lawes are not new but old wayes his law is not novelty but the best antiquity Aske for the old way Ier. 6. 16. Away cast up of God to goe in Isay 57. 14. Thus peace shall bee to you in doing as God commands you Exod. 18. 23. 2. Diligently the Israelites goe about Iericho seven dayes and seven times the seventh day most of all on the Sabbath enemies receive greatest blowes and the Church greatest help blessing victories on that day Be not weary of your work albeit it cost you many dayes work not slothfully He is cursed who doth the work of the Lord negligently Ier. 48. 10. 3. Vnanimously they all compassed it unity is happy in the people in the Preachers in the Parliament all as one man all one way Neâ—em â— 1. no divisionsâ— Are yee not Members in this High Court both Houses one Parliament all vote for the truth for holinesse for justice against iniquity scâ—ndall Popery it is the good haâ—d of God to our joy to give you one heart 2 Chron. 30. 12. with your magnanimity to grace you with unanimity You call to mind this day wee have one Covenant and Protestation to maintain truth to withstand evill be enlarged in covenanting as of Iehoiada 't is writ He made a covenant between the Lord and the King and the people that they shoulâ— be the Lords people when this was then all the people of the land brakâ— down throughly Baal his house altars and images to pieces unanimity works effectually to cast downe iniquity 2 Kin. 11. 17 18. 4. Patiently 1. in tarrtance for a fit time the Lords time wee see nothing done wee call great things nothing who the other yeare would have been glad of some of those many things bee now effected at many dayes work as they in compassing Iericho many times 12 times saw never a stone falne yet it will succeed well in the end and all will downe Though the vision tarry wait for it at the end it shall speak and not lye it will surely come it will not tarry Hab. 2. 3. 2. In silence mutter not in this compassing of Iericho not one spake a word till the last day and then yee shall shout Joshuah 6. 10. Stand still feare not hold your peace Exod. 14. 13. 14. Wait ye for the salvation of the Lord 2 Chron. 20. 17. 5. Confidently by faith an active grace valiaâ—tly be strong in the Lord who will not deceive Heb. 11. 34. Stagger not at the promise Rom. 4. 20. call to mind ye mighty men the Magistrates must have Lyon-like courage in every pâ—ssage of their work all the steps of Solomons throne were sâ—ppâ—rted with Lyons 1 Kings 10. 19. 20. 6. Constantly till the wall be downe the work bee done and way bee made for the Lords peoplâ— to passe on toward their inheritance wait on God till mercy come Psal. 123. 1 2. till the Lord lâ—ok down upon us Lam. 3. 49 50. as Israelites wâ—astling till we have a blessing Gen. 32. 26. nevâ—r hâ—ld your peace day nor night keep not silence give the Lord no rest till he establish and make Jerusalem a praise in the earth Isay 62. 6 7. 2. The motives to this Activenesse 1. In regard of the enemies 1. They are active a busie world it is they lay their heads together to plot mischiefe and as Sampsons foxes turned taile to taile to burn up all they are set on fire Iud. 15. 4. they take crafty counsell they consult shall they stirre against good for evill and we sit still and not move against evill for good Psal. 83. 3. Philistines could animate one another Be strong quit your selves like men against the Israel of God 1 Sam. 4. 9. they encourage themselves in an evill matter Psal. 64. 5 6. 2. They would ruine all Ierusalem must so they have their will down to the ground Rase it rase it even to the foundation Psal. 137. 7. they would have the name of Israel no more in remembrance 83.4 They would cut off Ireland that none might remember the Lord any more May not this provoke mens zeale to see the wicked devoure the men more righteous then themselves to help Ireland with all forwardnesse alas for it the day is great cruell men have shed blood the blood of Saints the blood of Prophets and in justice they must have blood to drink for they are worthy Rev. 16.5,6 Reward Babylon as she hath rewarded you double to her double in the cup she hath filled fill to her double 18. 6. 3. They be spiritlesse faint and fearfull they flye away follow on the Canaanites hearts melted before the armies of Israel Iosh. 5. 1. and no courage left in Iericho 2. 11. near a ruine they are dead 6.21 A hornet of feare is before their fall feare not them who are halfe dead men Exod. 23. 27 28. 4. They are falne Babylon is falne is falne it is repeated it is certain Revel. 18.8 falne 1. in dominion Kings and people fall from them 2. In doctrine her folly is manifested 3. In credit for religion and holinesse which made them feared and honoured 4. In rich revenues taken away by the power of the Gospell the whore is a withered that once was a well favoured harlot the beasts Kingdome is full of darknesse a Scottish myst is falne on Episcopacy the
viall is on them and yet they repent not Goe on and prosper in your work and the Lord hasten Babylons full and finall fall Rev. 18. 2. 2. In regard of the work 1. It is high an Angelicall work who but Angells powre out the vialls May not men work Rev. 15. 1 6. 2. It is holy a divine work you work as Gods you have a divine title in office Gods Psal. 82. 6. You work for the King and the Kingdome for your countries and our consciences your and our Eternity You work for Christ and his Kingdome you work for the Lord 2 Chron. 19. 6. 3. It is a happy it is a blessed work happy you in rewarding Babylon as shee hath served us you may by just censure doe to her what she in her agents hath done to us in unjust sentence Psal. 137. 8. You work here but you and yours have many a prayer every day prayer oft in the day prayer Christs servants in the Ministery pray for you Christs people his beloved ones pray for you all that can pray pray for youâ— the blessing of the poore the prisoner the exiled the persecuted the oppressed the just is upon you that you may be as the Sun when it goeth in his strength over all mountaines and sublunary impediments Much honoured you may well work you are under many a prayer with many a teare powred out to God the hearer of prayers that you and your work may prosper it will wither any most flourishing bay tree to have the Church pray against it it will put vigour and spirit into any gracious heaâ—t to have Gods children pray for it Iud. 5. 31. 4. It is Honourable a work full of credit Ioshuah is by this made famous in the world upon this fall his fame was noised throughout all the countrey Josh. 6. 27. Great is and greater will be the glory of this Englands Parliament albeit you meet with ill requitall by an unworthy and unthankfull people yet your work will redound to ages to posterity that will know your name you continue Israels name yea Christs name among us you shall bee called the friends of nations the healers of the Kingdome deliverers raised up Saviours come up on mount Sion the repairers of the breach the restorers of the path to dwell in Isay 58. 12. Work the Lords work study his name and glory hee will mind your memory and honour your name shall be blessed Prov. 10. 7. 3. In regard of good to many 1. The King shall raign in honour and happines all impediments removed a loving King over a liâ—gâ— peopleâ—his throne will be established iâ— righâ—â—ousnesse Prov. 25. 5. the evill the King sitting on the throne of judgement will bee scattered away with his eyes 20. 8. His Crowne will be in safety and His Person in dignity verse 21. His Subjects many to His Honour 14. 28. His Countenance as life to them 16. 15. and His Favour as the cloud of the latter raine yea as dew upon the grasse 19. 22. to the joy of his people by justice 29. 2. 2 The way to Canaan heaven opened and by the preaching of the Gospell made plaine which by impediments was shut up the Temple of God was open Revel. 11. 19. After much ignorance truth shall be knowne more clearly the little book will be open the vaile will be taken away Revel. 10. 2. which was marvellously over-spread Isay 25. 7. downe with these walls and then many may goe on more comfortably hopefully speedily to the promised land 3 Liberty for Gods chosen to come out of the fellowship of Canaanites to hold communion with true Israelites as Rahab was freed from Iericho when the walls fell and it was taken She was saved alive and dwelt in Israel many now greatly afflicted with the company of the evill doers when the work of reformation comes to an end shall be able to live in communion of Saints Ioshua 6. 25. 4 An addition to the Church of God of many distressed who by humane vanities and inhumane persons could not dwell in the land who will come home and fall in to us abundantly by a reformation many went away but went not from us but were scattered they love the assembly of Saints without separation from them when offences bee taken away they being driven away will be gathered we shall lose none but gaine many whereas mens former wayes have scattered Saints and increased Papists and superstitions have over-spread the face of Religion in many places our study to continue the Church in peace by vaine ceremonies hath increased distractions in it and the will and wit of man to content and convert Papists with May-poles and Morris-dances is both vitious and ridiculous King Asa his serious reformation in putting downe Idols and in setting up Gods worship brought in men 2 Chron. 15 8. And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin and the strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasses and out of Simeon for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance when they saw that the Lord his God was with him verse 9. 4 In regard of God 1 His word 1 Calling you his choice ones to doe his work as to Solomon God hath chosen thee to build him a Sanctuary take heed Gods providence was in your choice people set their hearts on you gave voice and hand for you to doe this work you see your call mind your duty authority opportunity and doe as God hath called you 1 Chron. 28. 10. 2 Commanding you to doe his work bee strong and of good courage doe it v. 20. 2. His reward to you your work shall be rewarded so did Obed assure Asa 2 Chron. 15. 7. you shall not lose your labour in Gods service Ierem. 31. 16. God will not be a man as Nebuchadnezzar lack his wages for his Army Ezek. 29. 19. but the Lord said I have given him the land of Egypt for his labour wherewith he served against it Tyre because they wrought for me saith the Lord verse 20. Then he will give his voluntary servants a plenary reward 2 John 8. 1 Internall peace joy hope the fruit of well-doing in your pure consciences inward friends very fast and faithfull to you without falshood or flattery 2 Cor. 1. 12. 2 Externall in your houses God will blesse you and build your families take care of Gods house his worship Religion children let God alone with your housholds you are from them for to wait on God God will be with them to wait to doe you good mind Gods house now at this dayâ— this time God will care for yours for time to come as to David the Lord will build thee an house 1 Chr. 17. 10. David said in thankfulnesse to his God thou hast spoken of thy servants house for a great while to come verse 17. 3 Eternall the reward of faith the salvation of the soule 1 Peter 1. 9. God will never give lesse then a Kingdome ô be faithfull in
this Kingdome you shall have a call to inherit a prepared Kingdom Ye blessed inherit ye it Mat. 25 34. 3 His presence behold him Moses saw him hence is your ability sufficiency safety successe think on it every day to meet with God in your Honourable assembly God is among you gods God judgeth among the Gods Hebrews 11. 27. with Psal. 82.1 1 To work before you God wrought on the Ierichuntines ere Ioshua came to them Rahab told the spies The Lord hath given you the land your terrour is fallen on them they faint because of you Ioshua 2.9 God hath wrought before you in Scotland an honoured nation our dearest brethren a loyall people most faithfull subjects You have had your feet on the neck of the enemy follow on in justice and holinesse so shall God doe to all your and his enemies God will cleare your righteousnes as the light and your judgement as the noon day Psal. 37. 6. 2 To work for you God will work all your works for you to your hand when they may be too hard for you Isay 26. 12. Christ that man with a drawne sword comes in for his as a captain of the Lords host to fight for them when Ioshua could not tell which way to assault Iericho Ioshua 5. 13 14. 3 To work with you as with Gedeon The Lord is with thee thou mighty man of valour Iud. 6. 12. the sword of the Lord and Gedeon will make the enemies run cry and fly away 7. 20 21. 4 To be rereward to you to gather you up the Lord will regard the faint and weary he will help his on he will shield his from feare of the enemies and hurt of evill The Lord shall goe before you and the God of Israel shall be your rereward Isai 52. 12. 4 His praise and glory your ultimate end your chiefe desire when the walls be down the people shout Ioshua 6. 20. the Church will praise God when Babylon falls much people in heaven the Church reformed and redeemed from the earth were saying Allelujah Salvation and glory and honour and power unto the Lord our God Revel. 19. 1. for he hath judged the great whore and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand verse 2. againe Allelujah verse 3. all the company of Saints say againe Allelujah verse 4. a voice charging meâ— to praise God vers. 5. Allelujah for the Lord God omnipâ—tent raigneth verse 6. Let the feare of the Almighty fall upon all your hearts who come this day to lay your selves low before him goe from this duty with renewed purposes and confirmed resolutions to be for the Lord and his work with all activenes Think on the enemies of the Church Be they active and not you Would they ruine all and not you study to preserve all Be they spiritlesse may not you have heartinesse Bee they falne will you feare them Consider what may carry you on in your work it is high and holy happy and honourable be of good courage and doe it ponder in your hearts the good you may doe in your work the Kings Honour the Subjects peace the way to heaven more opened the liberty of the Church procured and an addition to the Church of many scattered all call upon you and under God depend on you With deepest thoughts regard Gods word calling and commanding you Gods reward internall externall and eternall for you Gods preâ—enâ—e to work before you for you with you and to bee rereward to you Gods praise the greatest good the chiefest fruit of all your work who will allow you comfort and take the glory to himselfe vow this day to the Lord and performe it Say every soule I am the Lords that it may bee evident you have fasted to the Lord prayed to the Lord beleeved in the Lord while you work for the Lord then the Lord will turn our Trouble into Peace our Crosses into Comforts our Fasting into Feasting our Prayer into Praise our Sorrow into Ioy and our Mourning into a good day FINIS a Micah 5. 5. b {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Sept. ligator vulneram Chirurgus Reip. mediâ—us {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} ab {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} medela Cornâ—l à Lap. in Isai. 3.7 c {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} in alta omnia iverunt Melchior Adam vita Buceri p. 217. d Furere istâ—ic â—â—emere reges principes populos adversus Christum Domini foelix Omen puto ac melius quam si blandirenâ—ur c. Id. vita Lutheri p. 158. Id. vita Melan p. 358. Id. vita Zwing p. 36. Id. vita Luth p. 138. e Tanta reverentia aliquid petit ut cum Dâ—o tanta spe fide ut â—um patre amico se loqui sâ—ntiat p. 142. Lutherâ— animosa ep. de negotio Evangâ—lii ad Spalatin The Epistlâ— to the Hebrewes 1. It s author 2. Its matter Fidei documentum in toto populo ediâ—um Iun. Par. in Hebr. This text 1. Interpreted 2. Divided Nixi Dei Praecepio Promissione Par. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Observ. 1. Church-enemies helps will faile them Herodot. Xenoph. Decima persurbis est tota bodâ—erna Romae Pontificia M. Mede * The enemies vvalls 1. Principality 2. Prelacy Satans Vicar the Antichrist of Rome instigated Charles the most puissant Emperour to attempt war that by violence the doctrine of the Gospell and the liberty of Germany may be oppressed And the united Princes compelled to the service and observance of his wicked and devilish religion Sleid. Comment li 17. Exossatio non Physicè seâ— mysticè Contusiâ— Antistitum falsâ—m religionem â—â—entium Bran The defence of the enemies walls 1. Policy 1. Detected 2. defeated 2. Patrimony 3. Power of 1. One man 2. Many men Hanc urbis decimam casuram agro sibi pro patrimonio aâ—tributo spoliatam Pontiâ—ice vi iude pulso praerogativam dominium in urtes populos amissuram M. Mede Euphrates â—â—gnificat praecipua Babylonis Antichrist praesidia quibus ad tantam excrevit potentiam Et in vigore stetit hactenus Vrbs slumine qâ—à m muriâ—â—rat munitior Par. Reasons why the enemies wals will fall 1. The enemies 1. Impiety being 1. prayerlesse 2. ful of cursing 3. Idolatrouâ— 2 The vanity of their helps 1. Horses 2. Men 1. Faint 2. Fearfull 1. Kings 2. Merchants 3. Mariners Romanae sedis filii spirituales qui cum Papa perseverabunt Par. Nundinatores spirituales Camerae Pontificiae Quaestores Par. 2 God his 1. Contrariâ—ty 2. Commination 3. Promise 1 Exhort 1. Wicked men be not 1 Vain conâ—ident 2 Impenitent T.W. in his Dist. 2 Godly men 1. Come out from the enemies 2. Be not afraid of the enemies 2 Consolat Comfort when the enemies be 1. In power 2. In policy 3. In prosperity 2 When the Church is 1. In impotency of men 2. In the insufficiency of meanes God can cause
IERICHOES DOVVN-FALL As it was Presented in a Sermon preached in St. Margarets Westminster before the Honourable HOUSE of COMMONS At the late Solemne Fast Septemb. 28. 1642. By THOMAS WILSON Preacher of the word at Otham in Kent Published by Order from that HOUSE LONDON Printed for JOHN BARTLET and are to bee sold at the Gilt Cup near to S. Austins Gate 1643. Die Mercurii 28. Sept. 1642. IT is this day Ordered by the Commons House of Parliament that M. Hollis and Sr Robert Harley are appointed to returne thanks from this House to M. Hodges and M. Wilson for the great paines they have taken in the Sermons they preached this day at St. Margarets Westminster at the intreaty of this House And that they desire them to print their Sermons And that no man presume to print them but such as they shall appoint untill the House shall take farther Order H. ELSYNG Cler. Parl. D. Com. To the HONORABLE HOUSE of COMMONS Now Assembled in PARLIAMENT THE Great God the Lord your God God of Gods and Lord of Lords in pity to his people and mercy to this Land hath raised up in our great distresse a seven shepheards and eight principall men out of the severall divisions of the Kingdome when the enemy would come in like a flood the spirit of the Lord hath lift up a Sâ—andard against him God hath called you for such a thing as this at such a time as this to this Great Court your call is high your work is hard you know why you are borne for the benefit of many as Bucers Physitians said to him non sibi se sed multorum utilitati esse natum You are our deliverers from heavy burdens our reformers of great corruptions You find Church and State bruised and diseased You are our healers b What though Israel fret shall Moses faint when men of renown murmure at the instruments of good the Lord will shew who are Gods no man suffers so much injury as God doth contumely as Melanchthon said nullum hominem tantum sustinere malorum quantum contumeliarum Deus It is not strange that some preferre Egyptians Onionâ— to Canaan and its dainties yet their Caleb a noble spirit fully followed the Lord Bucer and Melanchthon framed a form of reformation with approbation of the Peeres and States but the Clergy in the Colledge of Colen wherein were some stood right affected but more were contrary c rejected with slander and affirmed they had rather live in Turky then under such a reformation sub imperio Turcico malle se vivere quà m sub Magistratâ— qui reformationem illam sequatur Nehemiah when he was in the Lords work was scorned resistedâ— accused threatned and by Nobles in Iudah sworn unto Tobiah deserted yet hee builds and prospers desists not his work defieth his adversaries factions dreads not words nor letters Mens d fury against Christ is a good Omen is better then their flattery they laugh at him weep not for it God laugheth at them Gods infinite providence the seven eyes upon â—ne stone Zechar. 3.9 is upon the Churches foundation all things below are wheeled about as the râ—ngs full of eyes infinitâ Dei providentiâ Iun. in Ezek. 1. 18. Build you God will prosper your work make up the hedge God hath sought you for it stand in the gap before the Lord that he may not destroy the Land who now visits our ingratitude as Luther to Melanchton valdè cupio ut sint adversus Satanae furores inaestimabiles aliquor reliqui qui se pro do mo Israel muros opponant in hoc die furoris Domini visitantis nostram sicut dignum est ingratitudinem You love our Nation your acts are nationall execute judgement and seek the truth thus love our Land and the Lord will pardon Ier. 5. 1. Doe men hate him that rebuketh in the Gate and abhorre him that spèaketh uprightly it is knowne by it it is an evill time you contend for peace and truth be constant and confident your warre is peace as Zwinglius de bello Helvetico writing to his friends Bellum cui nos instamus pax est nonbelluÌ„ they strove to preserv verity liberty of the Gospell Men may may be not hurt the body but they cannot reach not touch the soule that spirituall sparkle as Zwinglius his heart was whole cor illaesum when his body was turned into ashes Luther warmed Melanchthons spirit by a letter about the common cause then molested by Pontificall rage and Caesars fury I saith he about the publike cause have a quiet mind assured it is just true and unappalled I feare not the fierce and cruell Papists if we be overthrowne Christ shall be overthrowne with us and come what can malo ego cum Christo ruere quam cum Caesare stare I had rather fall with Christ then stand with Caesar You fast you pray you consult with the God of heaven who will answer in due time with good and comfortable words Zechary 1.13 Pray as e Luther was wont to doe with reverâ—nce as to a God and with confidence as to a friend and father The day of fasting allowes no ornaments in lesser things then Sermons it was only my purpose to speak something pertinent to the day fasting must have prayer prayer faith and faith activity What can be more necessary in the caâ—se of faith then faith in tantuÌ„ est opus fidei ne causa fidei sit sine fide your difficulties many faith which hath a kind of omnipotency will carry you through all tantum possumus quantum credimus In this service my study was that the word of truth propounded your hearts lift up in the way of the Lord to the work of the Lord might continue in their height and heat by the spirit of burning till all our filth and blood be purged and washed away till fasting be turned into feasting till men may use this speech in England concerning the State The Lord blesse thee ô habitation of justice and concerning the Church The Lord blesse thee ô mountaine of holinesse till there be one Lord and his Name one That this Parliament the repairer of the breaches the restorer of the Paths to dwell in by loyalty to our Soveraign fidelity to the Kingdome and zeale to Religion may be the joy of many Generations which is the prayer of Your devoted servant and daily Petitioner to the God hearing Prayer THOMAS WILSON JERICHO'S DOWN-FALL A SERMON PREACHED before the Honorable House of COMMONS at a solemn Fast Novemb. 28. 1642. HEB. 11. 30. By Faith the walls of Iericho fell downe after they were compassed about seven dayes THE authority of this Epistle depends not on the Writer but on the Authour not on Maâ— but on God whose Spirit of truth held and ruled the pen of the Writer It evidently sets forth 1. Christs 1. Person God and man and 2. Offices King Priest Prophet 2. The
faith this day ye fast this day yee pray this day yee beleeve and speed Asa cryed to God relyed on God 2 Chron. 14. 11. and the Ethiopians fled verse 12. 3. The souldiers by this triumph and the enemies fall faith is good in the field faith is the warriours Target the souldiers shield Trust in God will raise us and ruine his enemies Psal. 20. 7.8 4. God will doe much good for those who trust in him 1. God will effect what they commit to him trust to this Commissioner and he will bring all to passe works shall succeed and be prosperous when men rest on the Lord without faith things will be at a stâ—nd and not bee effected you would have all ended comfortably that is happily begun rest on the Lord and he will doe it to your hand Faith puts the businesse in and will not take it out of Gods hand as Psal. 37. 5. 2. God will carry beleevers thorow mids of manifold troubles and difficulties with great ease comfort and safety the red Sea was for beleevers made dry land Yee whose unparalleld paines have met with unheard of difficulties in your proceedings cast the eye of your faith upon the Lord to make your way plaine and passable that the Lords flock may goe albeit through the wildernesse Canaan-ward Heb. 11. 29. 3. God will shew beleevers his glory his glory of power to help of mercy to pity of truth to keep promise of wisdom to counsell them men without faith misse and meet not with God but bow the eare to that of Christ our Saviour Said I not unto thee that if thou wouldst beleeve thou shouldst see the glory of God Iohn 11.40 4. God can doe a world of good for men in a week he made a world in sixe dayes that may cause us to rest on him What great things can God doe in a day in your great councell for this sinfull Kingdome and corrupted Church mind what a day may bring forth or a week bring about and rest on the Lord who can work all our works for us were a matter as hard as to make a world yet God can by his owne hand he needs no inâ—truments who are all unactive without him plant the heavens and lay the foundation of the earth Isay 51.16 2. The manner of this fact they are diligent every day early compassing this city Iericho seven dayes having no rest till the work bee done the wals be down as the Lord had told them Faith in God is active for God till it have done the will of God the worke of God as Ioshua and Israel did as God bad them without ceasing so Caleb a man of a generous spirit having a regenerate heart when others would turne back he would on to Canaan in the act of faith he fully followed the Lord who promised them the land Numb. 14. 24. Faiths activenesse is 1. In removing stumbling-blocks as walls out of the way that Gods people may hold on in Gods way and not decline it is a command Prepare the way take up the stumbling-block out of the way of my people Isay 57. 14. 2. In restoring the worship of God that all divine institutions may be enjoyed in a right manner and due order thus David was solicitous and reckoned himselfe afflicted till the Ark of God was set in its proper place Psal. 132. 1. Davids afflictions his religious care to bring the Ark home before that breach upon Vzzah â—un he vowed and layd a solemne tye upon his soule an oath a forcible obligation verse 2. he would not give sleep to his eyes or slumber to his eye-lids ver. 4. in his new house which he had builded in the city of David verse 3. till he found out a place for the Lord represented by the Ark verse 5. In that faith is so active it may informe us 1 1. 'T is no wonder that many unwilling to bee good or wise to doe evill so hinder and oppose faith in the meanes of it the enemies have reason as they would be true to a cursed cause to resist it which will not rest till it have razed their walls ruined their building crossed their cause overthrowne their helps and dashed their hopes 1. The devill hinders faith that it be not preached to men Paul would have come to the Thessalonians for the furtherance of faith but Satan an adversary hindered 1 Thes. 2. 18. the devill in his instruments turns away men desirous to heare the word of God from the faith as Elymas the child of the devill dealt with the Deputy Sergius Paulus a prudent man Acts 13. 7,8,10 2. The world allowes and likes no beleevers they are all under the observation of an envious eye as â—ahab was in Iericho Ios. 22. the men of this world not men of God forbid preaching the word of faith and salvation 1 Thes. 2. 16. they are stiffe opposers as Apostaticall Alexander greatly withstood who had once stood for Pauls preaching 2 Tim. 4. 14 15. They put away shoulder and thrust out the word of God Acts 13.46 2. Many persons be wickeâ— men men of no faith as is evident by their non-activity for God for whom faith is active and of this sort are they 1. Who be pleaders for Baal and his wall that it should not down when it was down that men if they doe not stigmatize yet they particularize reformers eminent men as Gedeon a man well known in those corrupt times by his work of faith appointed to dye Baals Altar was cast down Iud. 6.28 they said Gedeon had done it verse 29. they willed his father Ioash to bring him forth that he may dye verse 30. a fitter censure for those who will plead for Baal he that will plead for him let him be put to death verse 31. 2. Who be neuters as luâ—e-warme most loathed persons who will not medle nor have a hand in any good as cursed Meroz a people who came not to the help of the Lord Iud. 5. 23. men bitterly cursed of God as the Reubenites meer worldlings minding their folds and flocks verse 16. lazy Gilead tarried at home verse 17. Dan tarried minded his trade his ships and traffick ibid. Asher on the Sea coast abode in his breaches to fortify himselfe as weak verse 17. and secure Iabesh Gilead yeelded sent in none to punish delinquents men of great folly and villany in Israel Iud. 21. 9. albeit it was by an ordinance of their Parliament in a generall Assembly 20. verse 2. 9 10. that the children of Belial might receive condigne punishment verse 13. 3. Who be active against the Church for the enemy with the enemies of Church and State as Edom Moah Ammon joyne with Philistines Tyrians Assyrians degenerate professors fit companions in service against the Church albeit they pretend the Church-service of lewdest persons Papists Atheists and men of flagitious lives Psalm 83. 5 6 7. This did Amelek feared not God but smote the Church
in its way for liberty Deut. 25. 17,18 These as Balaam hired to curse the Church of God can pray read a prayer yea preach against the children of God under the notion of heresie hypocrisie schisme rebellion treason Numb. 22. 17. 23. 8. 4. Who be builders of Ierichoes walls as the men who set up superstitions Altars images innovations they be knowne men God if they belong to him grant them repentance lest that curse be clapt upon them Cursed be the man before the Lord that riseth up and buildeth this city Iericho Ioshua 6. 26. Faith in God being so Active for God 2 as men perswaded of this bee active quit your selves like men as did Generall Ioab to his brother Abishai in that fight against Ammon and the Syrians Be of good courage and let us play the men for our people and for the cities of our God and the Lord doe that which seemeth him good 2 Sam. 10 11 12. receive that counsell put your selves in Aray against Babylon round about all ye that bend the bow shoot at her spare no arrowes for she hath sinned against the Lord Ier. 50. 14. 1. Rulers ye Worthies of our Israel called out of Noble families in the severall coasts of the Kingdome as they in Israel out of Ephraim Benjamin Machir Issachar Zebulon and Naphtali beâ— ye of raised and stirring spirits in the work of the Lord Iud. 5. 14 15 18. 1. In the civill State Most sage Senate touch the mountaines of proud incendiaries they will become a plaine before you Zechar. 4. 7. Scatter the everlasting mountaines of firme setled Canaanites make the perpetuall hills bow Hab. 3. 6. Remove the wicked from before they will rush into the presence of the as speciall servants and Chaplaines in Ordinary to the King that his throne may be established in righteousnesse take away the drosse from the silver impious persons be very pernicious to Princes as Darius counsellors Herods flatterers Pharaohs sorcerers Rehobâ—ams young companions with many Hamans to Ahasuâ—â—â—â— Dâ—â—gâ— to Saul who blemish the repuâ—ation of Princes as Shâ—bna did Hezeâ—iahs Prov. 25. 45. Leave no frogs that creep into Kings chambers provoking them by their croaking to make warre they are knowne by the gâ—â—ter whence they come out of the mouth of the Dragon out of the mouth of the beast and the false Prophet they are spirits of devils which goe forth unto the Kings of the earth to gather them to battell Prince against his Principality King against Parliament Kingdome against Kingdome nation against nation England against Scotland by Men like frogs impudent in croaking the frogs head like their caps quadrata ranarum capita frogs are an Egyptian plague Rev. 16. 13,14 Here is work for the power of a Parliament that the King may have no croakers in his Chamber or Court to be offensive to his Royall â—ares â—haâ—â—he Kingdome distracted and bleeding may have justice and peaceâ— this God commanding you so doe according to your wisdome given you of God 1. 〈…〉 binding 〈◊〉 any vanityâ— or burdens which lye heavy on the Church the Kings word was changed Dan. 3. 28. the decree â—ullified verse 10. as did Darius Dan. 6. 26. and Hamanâ— letters of Mart reversed by Ahasâ—â—râ—s to Esther and Mordecai Esther 8. 5. 8. 2 2. Contend with great oneâ— Nobles Judges Justâ—ces that be profanâ— themselves or countenâ—nce â—â—iquity in the Kingdome as did renowned Neâ—emiâ—â— with those men who profaned the Sabbath Nâ—hâ—m 13. 17 18. 3. Destroy the accursed dâ—aw the wheel over the wicked take away the accursed things else God will have a controversy with England and deny us his presence in all our proceedings away with Achans Iosh. 7.11 12. 2. In the Church 1. Cast out blockâ— stumbling blocks as Asa took courage and put awâ—y abominations out of the land 2 Chron. 15. 7 8. and Iehosophat took away the high places groves out of Iudah and did not leave them to please the people 17. 6. Shew you your integrity as that pious Prince 20. 32. let it bee the peoples blemish to affect and keep â—p high places verse 33. Remember the Prelates as that proud Primate Diotrephes with malicious words prating against and casting out good Church-members 3 Ioh. 10. Beare not but be impâ—tient with men who pretend to be Apostolicall and are Apostaticall lyers Rev. 2. 2. Forget not the odious sin of non-reâ—idency idle dumb and scandalous ministers which make the people loath the offerings of the Lord drive them out of Gods house for the wickednesse of their doings Hos. 9. 15. Regard the godly discipline of zealous Iosiah he put down idolatrous Prieâ—â—s 2 Kin. 23. 5. that they should not come up to the Altar of the Lord in Ierusalem verse 9. It is recorded what Nehemiah did in his zeale and reformation he cleansed the Chambers of intruders in the Courts of the house of our God Neheâ— 13. 7 8,9 and chaced away Saâ—ballats sons in law from him veâ— 28. These as the Ierichâ—nâ—iâ—esâ—hut their gates Iosh. 6. 1. hinder the passage of the people of God into the land of Canaan Mat. 23. 13. â—ee â—inder people be too slow but it is laid on the Priests as the impediment yee would not verse 37. It is considerable what was done to the leprous house 1. Take away the stones in which the plague is â— Take other stones and put in the place of them Lev 14. v. 42. If after the house be scraped and plaistered the plague come againe and break out in the house v. 43. then break down the house the stones of it and timber thereof and all the morter of the house it is a fretting leprosie verse 45. A leprosie was discovered in Queen Mary her dayes after that zealous Prince King Edward the sixt but all was new plaistered in the Raigne of that Englands Deborah Queen Elizabeth but the plague is broken out againe wherefore downe must the house leave not one stone upon another unthrowne downe For profanenesse from the Priests is gone out through all the land profanenesse superstitions are spread downe with their walls their builders their repairers their defenders as Ioash judged Iud. 6. 31. 2. Erect â— wall about the Church in building it up as Exod. 15. 2. prepare God an habitation with a stirring spirit doe the Lords work Hag. 1. 14. and then prosper in your work From this day will I blesse you consider what successe hath followed since the voting downe the Prelacy what blessing God gives you Hag. 2. 18 19. 2. Preachers be active to cast down Antichrist Popery in doctrine and worâ—hip the Churches be called Reformed not onely in doctrine true but in discipline pure 1. In preaching the word of truth Preachers must doe their work as well as Princes to cast down the man of sinne God casts him down with the spirit of his mouth 2 Thâ—s. 2. 8. preach the Gospell Christ conquers by it riding on the white horse