Ioshua . 6.

And Iericho was shut vp and closed , because of the children of Israel , neither might any man goe out or in .

2. And the Lorde saide vnto Ioshua , behold , I haue giuen into thine hand , Iericho , and the King thereof , and the strong men of warre .

3. And yee shall compasse all the Citie &c.

IN diuers maners god spake & opened himselfe to our fathers : by visions & dreames , by sacraments , by angels , by plaine expresse words , by allegories , by secret & mystical vnderstanding , where one thing is couered vnder another . And al this did he that he might condescende to our capacitie : that wee might bee conuerted and saued : that we might be guyded in the right way , and not goe aside , neither to the right hande nor to the left . By vision GOD spake to Ezechiel , as appeareth in the firste Chapter of his prophecie , The wheeles which he saw were horible to behold , they were ful Ezek. 1. of rings , and the rings were full of eyes : the foure beasts were also terrible , they had faces like a man , like a lion , like a bullock , and like an eagle . In dream God spake to Samuel , saying , Beholde I wil doe a thing in Israel , 1. Sam. 3. wherof whosoeuer shal heare , his two eares shall tingle &c. Touching Sacramentes God him selfe saith , Thou shalt shew thy Sonne in Exod. 13. that day , saying this is done , because of that which the Lord did vnto me when I came out of Egipt , thou shalt set apart vnto the lord al that first openeth the wombe &c. And when thy sonne shal aske thee to morrow , saying , What is this ? thou shalt then say vnto him , with a mighty hande the Lorde brought vs out of Egypt , out of the house of bondage . For when Pharao was hard hearted agaynst our departure , the Lord then slue al the first borne in the lande of Egypt , from the first born of man , euen to the first born of beast : therefore I sacrifice vnto the Lorde all the males that first open the wombe , but al the first borne of my sonnes I redeeme . Sometimes he spake by Angels , as by sundrye examples it may appeare . Sometimes by him selfe in his owne person , as he spake to Moses face to face . Sometimes by playne expresse wordes , Thou shalt loue the Lorde thy God with all Deut. 6. thy heart , and with all thy soule , and with all thy might . And againe , Thou shalt haue Deut. 5. none other goddes before my face , thou shalt make thee no grauen image &c. These are playne woordes : these are the woordes which our Lord GOD hath spoken . Some tymes he expressed his holy will , not in words , or visions , or in such sort as I haue shewed , but onely by some mysticall or secret Allegory , by some deede which the people sawe done before their eyes : of which kynd is this which we haue now to consider . Therefore Esai . 5. hath God sayde by the Prophet , What coulde I haue done any more to my vineyard , that I haue not done vnto it ? What shoulde I doe , but it hath byn done ? What shoulde I say , but it hath been sayde ? what warning shoulde I giue , but it hath byn giuen ? I haue byn carefull for my people , that they shoulde repent and turne to me , that all Israel shoulde be saued . If they perish , I am free from their destruction they perishe in their owne wilfulnesse , they haue none excuse .

Now touching an Allegory , whereof we are at this present to say : God opened his minde sometimes not by wordes , but by some notable kinde of deede : and the people heard GOD speak vnto them not with their eares , but with their eyes . The people of Israel as they were passing through the wildernesse , lacked water to drinke , and were like to perishe , there stood a mighty great Rocke of harde stone whiche Moses smote with his rodde , it opened and yelded out a great streame of water , the whole people dranke of it , and was refreshed : the same people being likewise in the same wildernesse vtterly voyde of bread , and all other substenance , was like to famish , God sent them Manna from heauen aboue , they gathered it , they ground it , and they ate of it : it was sweet and delicate , and full of comfort .

This was an Allegorie , that is to say , a secret and mysticall kinde of vtterance . For , by this Manna , and by this Rocke , the people was ledde to vnderstand and thinke on that bread and that water that should come from heauen . Saint Paul saith , the Rocke was Christ : his side was clouen , his blood issued out , it is a water springing 〈◊〉 . Cor. 10. vp into euerlasting life , we drink of it , and liue for euer .

So likewise that Manna was the bodie of Christ , the people did eate of it , and liued by it . Christ had not yet taken vppon him a naturall bodye , yet they did eate his bodie : he had not yet shedde his blood , yet they dranke his blood . Saint Paule saith , all did eate the same 1. Cor. 10. spirituall meate , that is , the body of Christ : and all did drinke of the same spirituall drinke : that is , the blood of Christ , and that as verily and as truely as we doe nowe , and who so euer then did so eate Christ , liued for euer , not because the rocke was turned into his flesh , or the water into his blood : it was an Allegory , as al other Sacramentes be : the people hereby was taught to consider of other things .

When the people was strong with Serpentes in the wildernesse , and were swollen , and heaued vp , and perished in the wildernesse without hope of cure , Moses erected vp a brasen serpent vppon a pole : the people beheld it , their anguish abated , their swelling slaked , and they were healed : Christ was this serpent , he was lifted vpon the crosse , who so trusteth in him shal neuer be ashamed .

In certaine of their sacrifices they had a Lambe , they stickte him , they killed him , and made sacrifice of him , this Lambe was Christ the Sonne of GOD , he was killed , stickt , and made a sweete smelling Sacrifice for our sinnes . Of him sayeth God himselfe , This is Mat. 3. my beloued Sonne in whom I am well pleased . Of him saith Iohn , Beholde the Lambe Ihon. 1. of God , which taketh away the sins of the world . Of him Saint Peter speaketh , among men there is none other name giuen vnder Actes . 4. heauen , whereby we must be saued . In his righteousnesse onely we are receyued as righteous , his blood clenseth vs from all sinne , there is no other sacrifice wherewith we may be reconciled to GOD our heauenly Father : all these were Allegories , that is to say , certaine resemblaunces and significations of secrete matters . That striking of the Rocke , that feeding vppon Manna , that lifting vp of the Serpent , that killing of the Lambe , were certayne mysticall kinds of speaking . And let no man thinke these things are impertinent or from the purpose : they are incident vnto the matter , and grow necessarily of the things we haue to speake of .

When Iosuah that noble and worthy Captayne by Gods speciall conducte had past thorow the water of Iorden , and taken possession in the Lande of Canaan , a Land flowing with mylke and hony , there to plant the people of Israel according to the promises that GOD had made them : the Citizens of Hiericho that stoode in the frontiers of the Countrey , rampyred their wall , and placed their artillerie , and appoynted them selues to resist him , and to withstand his force . To assault this City , Iosuah practised a straunge kynd of battery . He commaunded that the Arke of Gods Maiesty shoulde be carried reuerently about the Walles seuen dayes together , and that the whole hoste in armour shoulde goe before it : that after them shoulde followe seuen Priestes with seuen Trumpets : that all the rest of the people shoulde followe after the Arke : and that thus they should doe euery day once . The seuenth day he encreased their labour , and bade them to goe about seuen times in like order . The people within laughed them to scorne to see their folly . At the seuenth and last turne , Iosuah commaunded them all to make a showte . Straight way after so long silence , they lifted vp their voyces , and showted with a greate showte , so many hundred thousands of men , women , and children : the Trumpets blewe in euery corner , the whole Heauen and earth was ful of their noyse , and the Wall fell downe flat .

Here let vs consider , and glorifie the power of God : there was neyther mine , nor ramme , nor other engine , nor warlike force , nor worldly pollicy practised : onely at this roare and sounde of Trumpets , and voyces of men , the rampyers were broken , the walles fell downe , and sunke , and were made euen with the grounde : the Souldiers went ouer and slewe without mercy , man , woman , and child , and cattell , and whatsoeuer creature they found before them , they fired the citie , and consumed it , and burnt it to ashes .

Then Ioshua sware at that time , saying , Cursed be the man before the Lorde , whosoeuer hence foorth shall take in hande to restore this City of Hiericho : let him lay the foundation thereof in the death of his eldest sonne , and in the death of his youngest childe let him close vp and finishe the gates : let him neuer more reioyce in the fruite of his bodie , but let him liue as a manne accursed in the middes of the people : let his name and memorie , and all his posterity perish with him : this was the tenure of Ioshuas curse .

Sixe hundred yeeres after in the time of the wicked King Achab , one Hiel ( hauing 1. King . 16. no regarde to this curse ) set vppon to restore Hiericho : and it came to passe euen as it was foresaide by Ioshua , Gods curse fell vppon him , he buryed his eldest sonne , bee huryed his youngest sonne , hee was left without comforte euen as a man that the Lorde had cursed : for Gods will was that Hiericho : shoulde lye waste , and desolate for euer , as an euerlasting remembraunce of his wrath , that all people should feare to withstand his wil. This is the plaine story onely , according to the letter .

But as touching the Allegorie , or the matter which therein lyeth couered , it hath a farre deeper meaning . This Hiericho whereof the story speaketh , was a citie in Canaan , in a lowe , sowre , barren ground , in the middest of a rotten 2. King . 2 and pestilent water , by reason whereof before the same water was cured by the Prophet Elizeus , the men that dranke thereof died of sundry diseases , & the women also became vnfruitfull . This citie withstoode the people of God , and laboured to keepe them from their inheritaunce that God had giuen them .

That Hiericho of whiche we haue nowe to consider , is a spirituall power of darknesse , that resteth onely in flesh , and in worldy promises , that withstandeth Gods people , and exalteth itselfe against God . For euen in this life , as there is a Ierusalem , so is there a Hiericho : as truth hath her house , so is there also a house wherein falshoode and errour dwelleth . As there is a glory of the light , so is there a power of darkenesse . This Hiericho of falsehood and darkenesse God ouerthroweth when it seemeth good in his sight , with the breath of his mouth , and with the blast of his holy woorde hee doeth ouerthrow it , and whosoeuer wil seek to restore it , shal be accursed .

Three things therfore I haue thought good by Gods sufferance to treate of .

1 First , how high this Hiericho is built , and how strongly it is fenced , and yet how easily it is ouerthrowen . 2 How vainely , and how miserably they loose their labour , that seeke by any meanes to restore it . 3 What good remedies may be deuised , that this Hiericho be not restored againe .

Whatsoeuer my simple learning or vtterance shal be , yet I doubt not , but the very bare consideration hereof , of it selfe , vnto the godly must needs be comfortable .

They that goe down to the sea in shippes , and occupy by the great waters , they see the Psal. 107. works of the lord , & his wonders in the deep . For God is maruelous in the surges and tempestes of the Sea : he is marueilous in the firmament of Heauen : but much more marueilous is he in the surges and stormy Tempestes of his Church . Here may we beholde the worke of his hands . This is the shop of his power , of his wisdome , of his light , and truth , and righteousnesse , and patience , and mercy . Here may we see the children of light , and the children of darknesse : the vessels of honour , and the vessels of shame : the assaultes of falshood , and the glory and victory of truth . Here shall we see how God leadeth euen into Hell , and yet bringeth safely backe : how he killeth , and yet reuiueth : howe he refuseth the full , and feedeth the hungrye : howe he is the ruine of many , and the resurrection of many . Here may we see the wonderfull wayes , and the vnsearcheable iudgments of GOD . It is a place full of terrour , and a place full of all comfort . In respect hereof the Prophete Dauid saith , O Lorde , our Lorde , how wonderful is thy name in al the world ? Psal. 8. Againe he saith , One thing haue I desired of the Lord , that I wil require , that I may dwel Psal. 27. in the house of the Lorde al the daies of my life , to behold the beauty of the Lorde , and to visit his Temple .

Hiericho was a mighty strong Towne , wel manned , well victualed , well walled , well fenced : and in affiaunce thereof it withstood the whole power of Gods army . Iosuah ( notwithstanding he had great force of armed men ) during the assaulte , suffered no man to vse his weapon : hee willed them all to walke quietly , and silent , without doyng violence : his strength was not in the number and courage of men , but onely in the Arke , that is in the presence and power of God .

Thus it fareth oftentimes in spirituall warfares : falsehood is armed , & truth goeth naked : falsehood maketh outcries , and trueth saith title : falsehood is bold , and truth is outfaced . Blindenesse of it selfe naturally is hardy and ventrous : and falsehoode is wyly and shifting . When the high priestes & captaines of the temple , & the elvers were come to lay handes on Christ , he said vnto them , This is your very houre , and the power of darknesse . Their hearts were darkened , Luke 22. their eyes were blynded , they saw not their wayes , they knewe not their daungers , they would not vnderstand , they woulde not be taught : malice and frowardnes had made them blinde , therefore the feare of God was not before their eyes . Herein stoode their power , therfore they were bolde , and sayde , Let vs breake their bandes , and cast their cordes from vs , Psal. 2. Therefore they sayde , Wee will not haue this man to raigne ouer vs . Therefore they sayde , Luke 19. The word that thou hast spoken to vs in the name of the Lorde , we will not heare it of Ierc. 44. thee . Thus cryed they , because of the blindnes which was in them , and because of the folly of their hearts .

Yet is there no souldier so stoute in defence of Hiericho , as hee that thinketh his cause is good , and that his doing pleaseth God well , and therefore is moued thereto in conscience . None so desperate and wilfull for the falsehoode and darkenes of Hiericho , as such who haue zeale without knowledge , as are blinde , and followe their blinde guides : who when they slaunder , or persecute , or kill others for righteousnesse sake , thinke they make a sacrifice vnto God , and that GOD is highly pleased with their doing . Such were they that cryed against Christ , Crucifie Iohn 19. Matth. 26. him , crucifie him : & , he hath blasphemed . Therefore Christe maketh his prayer for them , Father , forgiue them , for they know not Luke 23. what they do . They know not me , they knowe not whence I come , nor who it is that sent me , they take light for darkenesse , and darknesse for light . Therefore the wise man saith , Leane not Prou. 3. vnto thine own wisdom , do not the thinges that seem right in thine own eies . There is a Prou. 14. way which seemeth right to a man , but the issues therof are the waies of death . It seemeth Catholique , it seemeth holy , but the ende thereof leadeth to death . S. Paule saith of the Jewes . If 1. Cor. 2. they had known the wisdome of God , they would not haue crucified the Lord of glory . If their eyes had beene open to see him , if their heart and vnderstanding had been open to know him , they had not been guilty of innocent blood , they woulde not haue betrayed the Lord of glorie .

But Hiericho is not onely thus fensed with blinde zeale and wilfull ignoraunce : but also oftentimes hath helpe of mans strength , and the fauour and succour of worldly power . The Aegyptians had mighty Chariots , straked and barred with yron , in the strength whereof they put their trust . The people of Babylon built themselues a Tower as high as the Heauens , to shew forth their pryde , and get themselues a name . Hereof Dauid sayth , The kinges of the earth band themselues , and the Princes Psal. 2. are assembled together against the Lord , & against his Christ . He sayeth not , the vulgar people , or a sort of Raskals onely , but Kinges and Princes , and they which beare authoritye in the worlde , assemble them selues against the Lord , and in this power they thinke they are inuincible .

When Moses and Aaron did the message of God vnto Pharao , saying , Thus sayeth the Lorde God of Israel : Pharao sayd : Who is Exsd . 5. the Lord , that I should heare his voyce , & let Israel goe ? I know not the Lord , neither wil I let Israel goe . What is his power : what hurt can he doe : I knowe him not , I care not for him , Israel shall not depart my Countrey . So said Nabuchodonosor , who is that God , that can deliuer you out of mine hands ? In Dani. 3. like sort did Sennacherib king of the Assyrians vaunt himselfe in the pride of his strength , and bidde defiance against the God of Israel , Thus 1. king . 19. shal ye speake to Ezechiah king of Iuda , and say , Let not thy God deceiue thee , in whom thou trustest , saying , Ierusalem shal not be deliuered into the hand of the King of Asshur . Haue the gods of the heathen deliuered them which my fathers haue destroied ? And euen so doeth Saint Iohn bewray the folly of Babylon , She saith in her heart , I sit , being a Queene , Reue. 18. and am no widow , and shall see no mourning . In trust heereof they sayde sometymes , and commanded the Apostles , that in no wise Act. 4. they should speake or teach in the name of Iesus . They sayde , We are the children of Abraham , wee are the sonnes of the Prophetes . They sayde , we cannot erre , for it is written , The Priestes lippes should preserue knowledge , and they shoulde seeke the Law at his Malach. 2. mouth . In trust hereof they saide , Doeth any of the rulers or Pharisies beleue in him ? but Ioh. 7. this people which know not the law are cursed . In trust hereof they haue sayde : Let vs cut them out of the land of the liuing , let the name of Israel he had no more in remembraunce , this doctrine is schismaticall , this Religion is new , it hath no grounde , it shall not preuayle , it shall not stande . Such courage haue the Citizens of this ignoraunt Hiericho taken in the strength ofmannes arme , and in the helpe of worldely policy

Then they fell to sworde and persequution , and all kinde of tormentes and cruell death , the people despayred , the very electe beganne to faynte : Saint Paule sayeth , Wee are made a gasing stocke vnto the worlde , and to the Angels , and vnto men . The Prophet 1. Cor. 4. Dauid prayeth vnto GOD against suche , Arise , O God , mainteine thine owne cause : Psal. 74. remember thy dayly reproch by the foolish man . So strong is the holde of this spirituall Hiericho : and so stoutely it fighteth against the Lord .

Albeit Hiericho was so strong , and the walles thereof seemed inuincible , such as no power could pearce , yet at the sound of seuen trumpets , and the showt of the people , they fel downe flat to the ground . So mightily did God in such weake meanes shew foorth his wonderfull and fatherly care to woorke the r●st and peace of his people . Pharao had Israel euen in his mouth as a pray , the Sea was before them , and the hilles on eche side : they were vnarmed , he had the power , and all the pollicie of his countrie : it seemed vnpossible they shoulde euer bee able to escape that daunger : but marke the turning of Gods mighty hande , sodainly the Sea opened , Israel passed through the middes of it , as vppon dry land : Pharao followed after , and was swallowed , and drowned with all his men . Israel looked back and sawe the marueilous workes of God , howe it was now perfourmed which God had sayd vnto Pharao , Thou shalt perish Exod. 9 from the earth , and in deede for this cause haue I appointed thee to shew my power in thee , and to declare my name throughout all the world . Therfore they reioyced in God , and feared him , and made him sacrifice .

Nabuchodonosor when he fell vpon Iurie , made the whole countrie to shake with the terrour of his name . Hee was like to a mightye great tree , whose height reached to the heauens and the fight thereof through all the world : yet sodainly was this mightie tree hewen , downe , as the holy one that came downe from heauen had said , Hew downe the tree , & destroye it . Dan. 4. Nabuchodonosor was driuen from men , and had his dwelling with the beasts of the field & did eate grasse & fodder as the oxen , seuen yers , til his heares were growne as Eagles feathers , & his nailes like birds clawes . The power of Senacherib was terrible the people of Israel were not able to withstande it , hee did glory in the pride therof , he said no god was able to deliuer Ierusalem , nor to saue it out of his hands : yet sodenly the Angel of the lord , 2. King . 19. in one night smote in the campe of Asshur an hundred fourescore and fiue thousande of his men : he fled away with the rest , & was slayne by his sounes , and the people of God left at libertie .

Though Babylon said , she should neuer mourn , nor feele any heauenes : yet an Angell came Reue. 1● . downe from heauen , and cried out mightily with a loude voyce , saying , It is fallen , it is fallen , Babylon the great citie , and is become the habitation of Deuils , and the hold of al foule spirits , and a cage of euery vnclean & hateful bird . It were an infinite labour , and yet very comfortable , to consider , how marueilously God in the old times hath ouerthrowne his enemies , and deliuered his poore seruants .

Dauid to saue his life , was faine to run from 1. Sam. 23. king Saul and remained in a mountaine in the wildernes of Ziph , & Saul sought him euery day , but God deliuered hym not into his hand . Dauid was not only without ayde or hope of ayde , but also without sustenaunce , & looked when he should be taken , & thought it not possible to escape : for Saul & his men compassed Dauid & his men round about to take them . But there came a messenger to Saul , saying , hast thee , and come , for the Philistims haue inuaded thy Land . Wherfore Saul returned from pursuinge Dauid : and thus poore Dauid was deliuered . God is a helper in due season , he commeth with aide when things are desperate , hee helpeth when there is no hope of help els where , the counsels , attempts , & policies of the wicked are in vaine . He that dwelleth Psal. 2. in the heauens shal laugh them to scorn . The prophet Dauid found himselfe disquieted at the worldly prosperity of the wicked , & saith , As for mee , my feete were almost gone , my Psal. 73. steps had welneere slipt : for I fretted at the foolish when I saw the prosperitie of the wicked , &c. then thought I to know this , but it was to painful for me , vntil I went vp into the Sanctuary of God , them vnderstoode I their end . Surely thou hast set them in slipperie places , & castest them downe into desolation . How sodenly are thei destroied , perished , & consumed ? As for me , it is good to draw nere vnto god : therfore haue I put my trust in y● Lord god , that I may declare al thy workes .

A King is strong , a woman is stronge , and wine is stronge , but trueth dooth abyde and is stronge for euer . Truth is great and strongest . Whither may a man go from the spirit of the lord : or whither may a man fly from his presence , If he ascend vp into heauen , the lord is there : or if he descende into hell , the Lorde is there also . The face of the Lord is vpon them that doo euill . When they shal say , peace and safetie , then shal come vpon them sodaine destruction .

Let no man be deceiued , and think that these thinges are wrought by the power of starres , or by the pleasure of princes , it is God that ruleth the world , and not the starres . It was not Ioshuah that ouerturned the walles of Hiericho , nor the crie of the people , & sounde of the trumpets . It was neither Constantinus , nor Iouinian , nor Valentinian , nor Theodosius , that planted the Gospel , and changed the heartes of the people . These were vertuous and godly Emperours , yet those changes were not made by their power , but it was God which sent forth his spirite , and renewed the face of the earth . Christe Iesus the sonne of righteousnesse had looked vpon them : The morninge starre from an high , had risen ouer them . Good princes , and good rulers , are the good instruments by whom God setteth foorth his glory , their hearts be in the handes of God , hee ●endeth them , and enclineth them to his purpose : but the trueth of the Gospel is not planted , and setled in our hearts , neither by the wyll of man , nor by the authority of princes . No creature can claime part of this glory , this glory belongeth vnto God , but vnto vs , and to our fathers , to our kinges , and to our prophets , the confusion of our faces . This is the Lords doing , and it is maruelous in our eies . This is the day which the lord hath made Baruch . 1. Psal. 118. let vs reioyce & be glad in it . This is a change wrought not by the Starres , but by the righte hand of the most high . The sonnes of God euen Iohn . 1. they which beleeue in him , ar borne not of blood , nor of the wil of flesh , nor of the wil of man , but of god , as by the Prophet Ezechiel , God himself declareth , A new heart wil I giue Ezech. 36. you , & a new sprit wil I put within you , I wil put my sprit within you , & cause you to walk in my statuts . And by the prophet Ieremy , I wil put my law in their inward parts , & write it Iere. 31. in their harts , & wil be their God , and they shal be my people . Let vs then know this our selues : & of others let vs with the prophet Esay say , Therfore let them see and knowe & let Esai . 41. them consider and vnderstande together , that the hand of the Lorde hath done this .

Hee is able to set starres and heauens out of course , to set the Sunne backe , and to make it stand , to open the earthe , to deuide the sea , to make the drie rocke to yeelde water , to make the clouds to giue breade , to make Children to preach , to make an Asse to speak , to make the diuels to confesse his holy name , & to say , I know Luke 4. who thou art , euen the holy one of god . With this power he blew downe the walles of Hiericho , with this power he beateth downe whatsoeuer holde is built vp against god . This power 1. Cor. 1. standeth not in worldly strength , but is shewed in weakenesse . God hath chosen the weake thinges of the worlde , to confounde the mightie things , saith the Apostle Paule . Some trust in chariots , & some in horses : but wee will remember the name of the Lorde our Psal. 20. God . Our helpe is in the name of the Lorde , which hath made both heauen and earth . Thus is the prince of darknesse caste out , thus is the Gospell of Christe caried throughoute the world : this is the ouerthrowe of Hiericho : this is the might of Gods hande .

But , is Hiericho so layde flat , that no man wyl attempt or wishe to restore it ? Uerily , it was afterward restored in the dayes of Achab : but bee that restored it was accursed . Euen so it fareth with this spirituall Hiericho , it is neuer so blowne downe , but some woulde wyshe to rayse it vp . God deliuered his people out of Egypt , and yet there were that looked backe , and wisht to bee there agayne : and when they had Manna in their mouthes , they thought it a lothsome and a squamishe meate , and wisht for their Goordes and Ouyons : and hauinge the Angels of God to goe in visible forme before them to hee their guydes both daye and night , yet wyshed to bee vnder Pharao , in the house of bondage , to be tormented with labors , to liue in tyrannie and oppression , where they had their children slayne before their faces .

Notwithstandinge God had deliuered his people from the captiuitie of Babilon , yet the greatest part of them remayned still there , and would neuer returne to see Ierusalem .

Babylon the great citie is fallen , and is become the habitation of deuils : yet Iohn sayeth , Many shall mourne , and weepe , & lament and Reue. 18. cry ouer her , alas , alas the great citie Babilon the mightie citie Babilon , that was clothed in fine linnen and purple , & skarlet , & gylded with golde , & precious stone & pearles : What citie was like to this great citie ?

Dauid sayth , Their sounde is gone foorth Psal. 19. Esay . 52. through all that earth , & their words into the ends of the world . And the prophet Esaye , Howe beautifull vpon the mountaines are the feete of him that declareth & publisheth peace that declareth good tydings & publisheth saluation ? Rom. 10. Esai . 53. Yet S. Paul saith , They haue not al obeyed the gospel . And Esay , Lord who hath beleeued our report ? or to whom is the arme Esay 65. of the lord reueled ? And againe , I haue spred out my hands all the day vnto a rebellious people , whiche walked in a way that was not good , after their owne imaginations . The truth of god is not alway taken , & it is neuer so receiued , that euery man liketh thereof . The Lord knoweth who are his , and to whom he wil make himselfe knowne .

Christ himselfe was a stumblinge stone vnto the vnbeleeuinge Iewes , and a signe that should be spoken against . Saint Iohn saith , This is the condemnation , that light is come into the world , & men loued darknes rather than light , because their deedes were euill . The Gospel of Christ is the power of god to saluation , it is the sauour of life vnto life , yet is it also the sauour of death vnto death . For many wyll 2. Tim. not suffer wholesome doctrine , but hauing their eares itching , shal after their owne lust get them a heape of teachers , and shal turne their eares from the truth , and shal be giuen vnto fables , & shal giue heede vnto sprits of 1. Tim. 4. error , & doctrins of deuils . Because wisdom cannot enter into a wicked hart , nor dwell in a body that is subiect to sinne , the deuil , the prince of this worlde was cast foorth : yet S. Peter sayeth , He walketh about like a roaring lion seking 1. Pet. 5. whom he may deuour . And euen so standeth it with Ierusalem the Cittie of the Lorde , and that cursed Cittie Hiericho . Many refuse the blessinge of the Lorde in their deliuerance from vnder Pharao , and feedinge them with heauenly Manna , and giuinge them his Angels to be their guides : they wyll not returne home to their owne countrey out of their captiuitie in Babylon , though they see the iudgements of God done vpon proude Babilon , yet they mourne and lament ouer it , they looke not vpon the hands that are spread all the day vnto them , they obey not the gospel : Christe is vnto them a stumbling stone : and so seeke they to restore agayne Hiericho , which the Lord hath ouerthrowen , and which he would not haue built againe , but curseth them that shall seeke to restore it . And this doe they , because they knowe not how amiable the Tabernacles of the Lord are , because they did neuer taste and see howe sweete the Lord is .

Three speciall helpes the deuil hath vsed to further this purpose of restoring Hiericho . First , the hard heart , & blindnes of the people : secondly , the eloquence , and subtil perswasion of the learned : thirdly , the sworde and violence of tyrants . Of these three the first is the greatest , for blindnesse and stubburnnesse wyll preuayle , where cunning and tyranny can doo nothinge . Hereof the prophet Ieremy complayneth , My Ierem. 4. people is foolish , they haue not known me : they ar foolish children , & haue none vnderstanding : they ar wise to do euil , but to do wel they haue no knowledge . Of this sort our sauiour speaketh , This peoples heart is waxed Mat. 13. fat , & their eares are dul of hearing , & with their eies haue they winked , least they shuld see with their eies , & heare with their eares , and vnderstand with their hearts , & should Esay 30 returne , that I might heale them . Of this sort Esay reporteth , It is a rebellious people , lying children , and children that would not heare the law , of the Lorde whiche say vnto the Seers , see not : & vnto the prophets , prophecie not vnto vs right things : but speake flattering things vnto vs , prophesie errors , depart out of the way , goe out of the path , cause the holy one of Israel to cease from vs . Through blindnes & stubburnes , al the children of Israel murmured against Moses & Aaron ▪ Numb. 14. Wherfore now hath the lord brought vs to this land to fal vpon the sworde ? were it not better for vs to return into Egipt ? Therfore the lord said , I wil do to them as they haue spoken , they shal not see the lande , whereof I sware to their fathers , but their carcases shall fall in this wildernes , they shal not enter into my rest : with this blindnes , god doth punish those which obey not his word . The Lord shal smite thee ( sayth Moses ) with madnes & blindnes , & with astonyinge Deut. 28. of heart , thou shalt grope at noone daies , as the blinde gropeth in darknesse . I wil take my spirit from thee , I wyl command the cloudes , that they shal not giue thee raine : thou hast forsaken me & I wyl forsake thee : I wyll cause the sunne to go downe at noone : & I wyll darken the earth at cleare day , saith the Lorde . I will send a famine vpon the lande , not a famine of bread , nor a thirst for water , but of Amos. 8. hearing the word of the Lord : thei shal seek the word of the Lord and shal not finde it . Saint Paul tolde the Iewes at Antiochia , Seeing Act. 13. you put the word from you , and iudge your selues vnworththy of euerlasting life ▪ loe , we turne to the Gentiles , you shal be left in your filthines .

Now what shal be done to these hard hearted & blind builders of the spiritual Hiericho ? Christ telleth vs , it shal be easier in that day for than Luke 10. of Sodom , then for that citie , which wil not receaue the Disciples . And againe , Except ye Iohn . 8. beleeue that I am hee , you shall die in your sinnes . The ende of such is worse then the beginning . Al those plagues , & vtter destruction came vpon Hierusalem , because shee knew not the time of her visitation , euen the daye of Gods mercy , as they were foretolde by the Prophet Ieremy , Behold , that which I haue built will Ierem. 45. I destroy , & that which I haue planted wyll I pluck vp , euen this whole lande . So dooth god plague one sinne with another , & letteth than whiche are filthy grow in filthinesse , because of the hardenes of their hart which can not repent : wherby they heape vnto themselues vengeance against the day of the Lords wrath : such are not worthy to see Hierusalem : therefore are they left to perish in Hiericho .

As for the eloquence and deceitefull persuasion of the learned , I wyll say nothing . Notwithstanding it hath bene , and is so vsed to the restoringe of Hierico , that a blinde man may perceiue it , and all the world may rue it . One saide sometimes , that were the matter neuer so false , hee woulde prooue it by eloquence to bee true . Another sayde , the sunne and moone stand stil , and the earth goeth about . Another sayde , that snow is blacke , and that hee was able well to proue it , and there were many whiche beleeued them . Such were they of whom it is written in the Prophet Esay , that spake good of euill , & euil of good : which put darkenes Esay . 5. for light , and light for darkenesse , and put bitter for sweete , and sweet for sowre . So they mocked the eyes of the ignoraunt , and abused the giftes of God . Thy wysedome and thy knowledge ( saith the Prophet ) they haue Esay . 47. caused thee to rebel , and thou hast sayde in thine heart , I am , and none els : thou art wearyed in the multitude of thy Counsels : let now the Astrologers , the Starre gasers , and Prognosticatours stande vp , and saue thee from these thinges that shall come vpon thee .

We may answere such learned disputers , as Dauid answered the proud Goliah , thou com mest to me with a sword , and with a speare , 1. Sam. 17. and with a shield : that is , with great eloquence & shew of learning : but I come to thee in the Name of the Lord of hostes , the god of the host of Israel , whom thou hast rayled vpon . By the Prophet Ieremie thus sayeth the Lord. Let not the wise man glory in his wisdome , Ierem. 9. nor the strong man glorie in his strength , neither the rich man glorie in his riches : but let him that glorieth , glory in this , that he vnderstandeth and knoweth me . Agayne , it is written ( sayth the Apostle ) I wyll destroy the 1. Cor. 1. wisedome of the wise , & will cast away the vnderstanding of the prudent . And Eliphaz Iob. 5. saith , He taketh the wise in their craftines , & the counsel of the wicked is made foolish : he wyl open their errors , he will bewray theyr craftinesse , he will ouerthrow the cunning deuises of their wit : these helps shal not suffice to builde vp cursed Hiericho .

Now to speak of the third help , of the power of Princes , whom the wicked builders of this spirituall Hiericho haue in all ages deceiued . The authoritie of a prince is great , he is the seruant of God , he carieth the sword for God to take vengeance on hym that dooth euill . Salomon Pro. 16. saith , The wrath of a king is as messengers of death . Unto them these builders haue recourse , & accuse the seruants of the lord , which haue waited vpon Iosuah , and haue done the Lords wyll , vpon this wilfull and rebellious citie .

The Heathen and Infidels vsed this helpe against the Christians , they accused them before Kinges that they were wicked , that they worshipped strange gods , that they liued in adulterie , and incest , that they killed theyr Children , and dyd feede vpon mans flesh . Before them they charged the Christians with diuisions and schismes , sayinge , You Christians agree not among your selues , you haue so many sects , and one sect is at defiance with another , and condemneth one another : therefore your religion is not true , it is not of God . Since the time wee forsooke our Gods , these and these euils are come vpon vs . They charged Christians that they were stirrers vp of rebellion , and that they disquieted the mindes of the people . Let these Christians , said they , be cast to the Iyons . Such complayntes were brought before Kinges and Princes againste the Christians of the Primitiue Church , and these false charges haue bene thoughte true : therefore were there sharpe lawes made agaynst them . It was comaunded , that no man shoulde speake in the Name of Christ , and who did not obey this , shoulde dye the death .

Who is able to expresse the miseries , whiche followed in the execution of those Lawes ? There was no sworde nor weapen , no racke nor torment , no fire , nor water , but they were prepared for , and stayned with Christian blood , Souldiers were kept in whole garisons : princes made Leagues , kepte Councils , deuised new and cruell lawes , vsed conspiracies , practised al kindes of strange and terrible deathes for the defence of Hiericho : they kylled Christians by thousandes Maximianus burnt in one Temple twentie thousande , assembled together to celebrate the memorie of the Natiuity of Christ . Dioclesian made proclamation for the ouerthrowinge of the Christian Churches throughout all the Romane Empyre : hee caused the Bookes of holy Scripture to bee burned in the open Market place : and displaced with great ignomie suche Christians as were Magistrates , and all other that bare any office . These thought , that heerby the gospel of Christ should be abolished , and quite ouerthrowne .

But the Lorde , which was mightie to saue Daniel in the middes of the lyons , and Ionas in the whales bellye , and his three seruantes in the flaming fire , and Israel in the redde Seat whose eyes are ouer the righteous , and whiche is nigh vnto all that call vpon hym : was also able to make his owne cause good , to giue courage to his Seruantes , & tremblinge and anguish of minde to their enemies . For the more his seruannts were deminished , the more they encreased : and the more tyrants preuailed , the more they were weakened . He that should die was bold and carelesse : he that shoulde kyl , was fearefully amazed : the tormentor mourned , the condemned reioyced : the dead had the glorie , the Tyrantes the shame : their sacrifices decayed , their Temples were forsaken , theyr Goddes laught to scorne , their Priestes were wood , and lacked their large offringes : the Lorde did let the curse fall vpon them , whiche he made by his seruant Ioshuah , and whiche shall come vpon al those that wyll seeke to raise vp Hiericho .

To rehearse the examples of Gods myghtye hande , and to declare what hee hath done in all ages , to shew foorth his power , no tongue is able : yet it is expedient to giue foorth one or two examples thereof . Licinius an vngodly Emperour , after hee had extended his force against the Christians to suppresse them , and gaue greatest shew of his fauour to such about him , as could best deuise new and straunge torments , felt the plagues of god , was sundry times vanquished by Constantinus , to whom he yeelded Tripart . hist. lib. 1. cap. 8. Carion . li. 3 himself , and led a priuate life in Thessalia , vntill at length hee which had beene before the enemy vnto al learning , was slayne by his own souldiers . The palme of the hande whiche Balthazar saw write vpon the plaster of the wall , Dan. 5. did more amaze him , his countenance was more changed , and his thoughts more troubled therwith , then if he dad bene assaulted with the force of a hundred thousand men .

King Pharaoh first saide to the messengers of God Moses & Aaron , I know not the Lord , I care not for him . But when he felt the smart of Gods hand , he cried out vnto them . The Lord is righteous , but I and my people are wicked : Exod. 9. pray ye vnto the Lord ( for it is enough ) that there be no more mighty thunders , & haile , and I wil let you goe , and you shal tarie no longer .

Antiochus placed idols in the Temple of God , and blasphemed his name , and brought Ierusalem 1. Mach. 1. into bondage , he burnt the bookes of the Lawe in the fire , and cut them in pieces , that so , the name of God might no more be remembred : but when the tormentes which God cast vpon him began to vexe him , then hee began to leaue off his great pride and selfe wil : when he was plagued , & came to the knowledge of him selfe with the scourge of God , when he himselfe might not abide his owne stinke , he said , It is meet to be subiect vnto God , & that a man 2. Mach. 9. which is mortal , should not thinke himselfe equall to God through pride . Then he prayed to the Lord , then he deliuered the Iewes , them he would restore the temple , then he would also become a Iew himselfe , and goe through al the world , and preach the power of God . Euseb. lib. 8 : c. 10. & 19.

Maximianus practising the like attemptes , was likewise striken : his fleshe was eaten with lice , his body rotted inwardly , hee was not able to abyde the smel of himselfe , Then hee confessed his errour , found his guilte , called in his proclamation , stayed his sword , and ( albeit it were against his mynd ) commaunded that the Christians shoulde haue their Bookes , and vse their Churches , and heare the Scriptures and call vppon the name of Christ , as they had done before .

Iuliane of all other began most politiquely and subtlely , and therefore most mightely to set vp Hiericho . He gaue commandement that no Christian mans childe should goe to schoole , deuising thereby to keepe them rude and barbarous , that no Christian shoulde beare office , or liue in any manner authoritye , thereby to make them vyle : that they should neuer be Captaynes or souldiers , that so they might be kept in weaknes , he remoued the Christians out of his court . He opened againe the temple of the Heathen , & did erecte Idolles in them , and the more to giue credit and countenaunce to the matter , he himselfe being the Emperour , tooke vpon him the office of a Bishop , and did offer sacrifice : many of the nobles , & many of the people , applied themselues to followe this example , and did the like . He licenced the Iewes to returne home again , & to build vp Ierusalem , he allowed them mony , he gaue them liberties , and all this onely in the despite of Christ : onelye to discredite and deface the glory of the sonne of God . Hereby the Heretikes vpbrayded and defied Christ : the faithfull were dismayed , and the church of GOD was brought to great confusion .

But now let vs enter into the sanctuary of the Lordes counsels , and behold the later end of these doinges . The Iewes fell to woorke , layd their foundation , prouided al thinges needefull , and began to buylde : sodainely brake out an earthquake , and ouerthrew their worke : lighteninges fel from heauen and burnt their tooles in their handes , and their coates on their backs . The print that the lightning made in their garments was a crosse , in token that they were the enemies of the crosse of Christe . Then was the name of Christ more glorious , and his Gospell more beautiful then before .

Iulian tooke his iourney into Persia , and had made great threates , that at his returne hee would consume the name of Christians , roote , out the name of the Galilaeans , and not leaue one Christian aliue , and would set vp the Image of Venus in all his Churches . But , being in the field , he was sodainely striken in the breast with an arrow from heauen : he pulled it out , the wound was deadly , he cursed Christ , hee tooke of the blood into his hande , threwe it vp into the ayre , and thus cried , Vicisti Galilaee , O thou Christ of Galilee , thou hast conquered . Thus sodenly the tyrant was s●aine , his attempts were accursed , his frame of Hiericho would not stand . The faithful Christians were set at liberty , they went to their Churches , they gaue God the glory , they made triumphs & were ioyful . Thus God looketh vpon his faithful : such is the power and readines of his hand .

The diuel himselfe confessed , that when any Christian was present , his mouth was musted , he could not speake , he could doe nothing . The like might be said of Nero , Caligula , Maximinus , Hist. tripar . li. 7. cap. 39. Dioclesian , Valerian , & others : they had ●ōquered Fraunce , Spain , Germany , England , Hungarie , Dalmatia , Arabia , India , Persia , & Scithia : they had the world at commandement , yet a few poore Christians , artificers , women , & maydens , ignorant and vnlearned people , they coulde neuer conquer . Nero had crucified Peter , and beheaded Paule that preached the Gospel , but the Gospel whiche they preached , they could not behead , they could not crucifie . Nero , Caligula , Commodus , and sundry others like ●yrants were slain . Dioclesian , as it is thought , was striken mad , made vnable to rule , and therfore left the Empire . Valerian was taken in the field by Sapores King of Persia , and tyed in a chaine , and being the Emperour of the worlde , was made to lie downe on all foure , that Sapores might set his feete on his shoulders , and so get to horsebacke .

Al this notwithstanding the Gospel of Christ grewe stil and went forwarde . Suche successe shal they haue , that take in hand to builde Hiericho . The Lorde wil smyte his enemies vpon the cheeke bone , he will breake the teeth of the wicked . Well may they barke , they shal not byte . God knoweth the way of the righteous , and the way of the wicked shal perish . God resisteth the proude , but giueth grace to the lowly . Yet a little while ( saith Dauid ) & the wicked shall not appeare , and thou shalt looke Psal. 37. after his place , and hee shall not be found : The remembraunce of him shall perish . Euery plant which our heauenly father hath not planted , shal be rooted out . Put not your trust then in princes , nor in the sonnes of men , which cannot saue themselues : their breath departeth , and they returne to their earth . It is God that is king of kings , which loueth the righteous , & ouerthroweth the way of the wicked . All flesh is grasse , Esay . 40. and al the grace thereof is as the floure of the field , the grasse withereth , the floure fadeth : but the word of our God shall stande for euer .

Was God able in those daies to auenge the cr●elty of Tyrantes , to withstand the proud , to defend the humble and lowlie , & shal we thinke that his hande is shortened ? great is our God , & his power is wonderfull , and there is no ende of his iudgements . O what leagues , and confederacies , what practises , & pollicies haue we seene defeyted ? what aboundaunce of blood hath been shed by sword , and by fire ? the workers thereof are gone , the end of many of them was horrible , yet the Gospel continueth , and encreaseth in all places . Aeneas Siluius , who was afterward Pope , and called Pius the seconde , sheweth in his storie of Bohemia , what great preparation was made to mainteyne the Church of Rome , Hist. Bohemica . cap. 48. and to destroy al those which professed the Gospel , whom they called Hussites and Calixtians , because they defended the receyuing of the cup , as well as of the bread in the Lordes Supper . Two Cardinals , the one of them Cardinall Beauford , an English man , & Bishop of Win , the other Iulianus , were sent into Germany to leauy power : at whose intreaty the Emperour and States appoynted three armies of men to fulfill the Popes purpose . But ( saith the story ) Non visum hostem fugerunt , They fled before they did see the enimie . And againe the second time , Priusquam hostis vllus daretur in cospectu , foedis sima caepta fuga , They fledde away with shame , before any enimy came to fight . here of one of the Cardinals Iulianus , writeth thus to Eugenius the fourth , Nonne videbitur hic digitus Dei ? Ecce , exercitus armatorum toties fugit à facie eorum , & nunc similiter Ecclesia vniuersalis fugit : ecce , nec armis , nec literis vinci poss●t . Videbitur miraculum Dei euideter , demonstrans illos ver a sentire , nos falsa . Is not the power of God here to be seene ? our armies of souldiers haue fled before them many times , and now the vuiuersal Church fleeth . They cannot be ouercome , neither by weapons , nor by learning . This must needs appeare a miracle wrought by God , to declare that their opinion is true , and ours false .

Thus we see how vainly , and miserably they encumber themselues which take vpon them to restore Hiericho . God withstandeth them & defeateth their purpose , as wee may see this day . Let vs therfore reioyce in God , and let vs saye with the people of Israel , I will sing vnto the Exod. 15. Lord ; for he hath triumphed gloriously : the horse and him that rode vpon him hath he ouerthrowen in the sea .

It is not enough , that wee looke backe and gaze at this decayed citie of Hiericho , and beholde the rampiers loosed , the walles throwen downe , the houses burned , and the people thereof slayne . God can giue peace , God can withdrawe it : we haue seene the iudgements of the Lord vpon them , wee haue seene the turning of the Lords hand towards vs . That thing whiche hath bin done , may be done again . The Arke of God was taken by the Philistims , and God suffered his temple to be spoyled : not that he was offended with the Arke , or with the temple , but for the vnworthines of the people . He neuer forsaketh , but he is first forsaken . As he saith , Seeing ye haue forsaken mee , I wil also forsake you . God himself telleth vs by the prophet Ieremie , 〈◊〉 . Esd. 1. as you heard before . That which I haue built wil I destroy , & that which I haue planted wil I plucke vp . When Christ rebuked the vnthankfulnes of the Iewes , he said vnto them , The kingdom of God shal be taken from you , and shal be giuen to a nation , whiche shall Matt. 21 bring forth the fruites thereof . And agayne , The children of the kingdom shal be cast out into vtter darknes , for many are called , but Matt. 20. fewe are chosen . It behoueth vs not therfore , ouermuch to glory in victory . It is fickle , and casuall , and may be lost . Let vs humble our selues vnder the mighty hande of God , let vs acknowledge the woonderfull woorke that he hath wrought in our dayes , and praye him to continue the good thinge hee hath begunne among vs . In him we haue our lyuing , our mouing , and our being . We are nothing but claye before him , that he which reioyceth , may reioyce in the Lorde . Now it remaineth we consider what wholsome remedies may be deuised , that Hiericho be neuer againe restored . Here of I wil say somewhat , the time so requireth . Heere might wee marke the practises and policies of noble conquerors , what wayes they take to keepe themselues in safety , and their conquered subiectes from rebellion , Some when they had gotten a citie , thought it enough to ouerthrow the walles therof , Some razed al the castels , & threw down al the holdes . Others haue built strong places , and Towers , and furnished them with munition to bridle the people . Others haue spoyled them , and kept them poore . Others haue vnarmed them , & kept them from all weapon . Others to withdrawe them from vnquiet fancies , haue set them to Plough the ground , and to other bodily labour . Others haue cut off their captaines , and al such as might seem able to leade the people , and to moue rebellion . Some haue killed their male children . Some dissolued the old Lawes , and gaue them new . Others haue forbidden banquets & feasts , and al other conuenticles or assemblies , to make them strange one to another . Others haue purposely sowed and mainteined factions , & set city against citie , surname against surname , blood against blood , that no man might safely trust another . Some haue deuised othes and bands , of conscience : some haue deuised lawes martial , & other crueltie : some haue transported , and caried away the whole people , man , woman , and child : as Nabuchodonozor did the Iewes into Babilon , & put others in their place . By these , and such other like wayes , as much as wisedom and pollicie could deuise , they thought to keepe countries and nations in obedience .

But , as touching our spiritual Hiericho , Iosuah suffered nothing to stand , he burnt houses , and palaces , and killed man , woman , & child , & cattel without mercy , altogether . For so God had giuen him in commandement , and so is it often written of him , that where the Lord gaue any people into his hands , he left nothing remayning , no , were it neuer so little . Of this pollicie Moses speaketh . If you wil not driue out the inhabitants of the land before you , them those Num. 33. which ye let remaine of them , shal be pricks in your eies , & thornes in your sides , & shall vexe you in the land wherein ye dwell . Destroy not some onely , to leaue some : you shall leaue nothing , no not a little . If you doe leaue , you breake the commandement of God .

In religion , no part is to be called little . A heare is but little , yet it hath a shadowe . In the bodie , a little disquiet is oftentimes cause of death . The Ciniphes were but litle , yet are thei reckoned among the great plagues of God .

Metellus a noble man of Rome , by receiuing a haere in his milke , was choked with it , & died thereof . Some thinges are smal and do no hurt : some things though they be smal , do great hurt . Therefore doth God straightly charge his people to keepe the law saying , Thou shalte not Iosue . 1. & 6. Deut. 15. & 28. 1. Co. 5. turne awaye from it , neither to the right hand nor to the left . And S. Paul saith , A litle leauen leaueneth the whole lumpe .

I speake not this , because I thinke nothing at al may be left to any special purpose . For euen in Hiericho , where was made a general destruction , Iosue 6. God himselfe commanded , that all siluer & gold , and vessels of brasse & iron should be saued , & not saued only , but be brought into the Lords treasurie . How be it , the things that may bee reserued , must not be dust , or chaffe , or hay , or stubble : but gold , and siluer , & yron , and brasse , I meane , they may not be things meet to furnish and mainteine superstition , but such thinges as be strong , and may serue either directly to serue God , or els for comelines and good order . Such thinges may be reserued . notwithstanding they came out of the spoyle of Hiericho .

Now to stay the restoring of Hiericho , many good wayes may be deuised . For our consideration at this present , and because the time is farre spent , I will name onely foure vnto you . The first , Maintenaunce of schooles & learning . Secondly , vnderstanding of the cause : that is , that euery man may consider , what hee hath left , & what he hath receyued : out of what darknes , into what light he is come . Thirdly , kindnes towards God , & thankfulnes . Fourthly the discipline of the church . With these 4. by gods grace , we may keepe Hiericho from restoring . Of eche of these a few words , & so I wil end .

That learning and knowledge , is able to hinder the builders of Hiericho , it is so playne that it needeth no speech . In the time of Moses Law , Aaron the great Bishop and high Priest , had written in a tablet before his brest , doctrine , and truth : not onely learning , but also trueth : wherby was meant , that neither might be without other . For , as learning is daungerous and hurtfull without religion , so is religion vnable to defend it selfe , and to conuince the gaine sayers , without learning .

For this cause , the Heathen , when they erected temples in the honour of their gods , did also builde libraries , that is , places to keepe bookes : that by such meanes , their priests might grow in knowledge , & be better able to perswade others to their religion . Strabo writeth of the Smyrnians , that they builte a temple in the honour of Homer , and ioyned therto a library . Augustus the Emperour , built a temple and also a library in the honour of Apollo , Traianus in like maner built a library and called it Ulpia after his own name . At Rome in the Capitol , where al that gods ●ad a solemn place for to be worshipped in , there was also placed a library . Athens was a famous Uniuersitie , & had many colledges , and schooles ●f learning , Academia , S●oa , Lyc●um , Canopus , Pritanneum , Tempe , Cynosura , in whiche places were diuers sects of Philosophers . Such were ●n Persia the wise men , whom they called Ma●i : in Babylon , the Chaldees : in India , Brachma●es : in Aethiopia , Gimnosophistae : in Fraunce and England Druides , & others in other countries . In al times that kings & princes which did set forth religion , were also builders of schooles and colleges , & auācers of learning . The people of Israel were neuer in better state ( as P. Phagius , a ●earned man noteth out of their story ) then when they had in euery towne & village Bathe chenesioth , and Bathe medraschoth , that is , Synagogues wherein they assembled together , and places to preach in . The same Phagius reporteth of Hierusalem , that there were in it more then 4. hundred common schooles & Synagogues , in which the Law of God was taught . The Patriarke Iacob was called Minister domus doctrinae , a Minister of the house of learning , because he applied himself to the knowledge of the law of god , & to godlines . The Prophets of God had their schooles , to breed vp vnder them such as might after their death draw the people from idolatrye , and resist the false Prophets . They which were so taught by them , were called Filij Prophetarum , The sonnes of the Prophetes , Samuel taught in such sort at Rama . Elias and Elizeus the Prophetes , in suche sorte , taught the Law of God besides Hiericho . Saint Iohn the Euangelist , taught at Ephesus : and Eusebius reporteth out of Philo , that S. Marke had at Alexandria sundrye schollers , which gaue themselues to reading and reasoning , and expounding of the Scriptures . Others did the like at Antioche , and at other places . Out of such schooles it pleased God to take many excellent men , and place them in his Church , as Origen , Tertullian , Cyprian , Lactantius , Arnobius , Basilius , Nazianzenus , Chrysostomus , Hieronimus , Ambrosius , Augustinus , who were brought vp in al kind of learning , and became shyning starres , & bright lightes in the house of God , notable defenders of religion , ouerthrowers of idols , and confounders of Heretikes . Christian princes herein haue witnessed their zeale , in setting foorth the glory of God . After Charles the great had made his notable conquests , he erected fiue famous Uniuersities , one at Paris , another at Tolouse , another at Papia , another at Padua , & another at Prage .

Suidas reporteth of Leo the Emperour , Cum aliquando Eulogio Philōsopho stipendium dari iussisset , Suidas in Leone . &c. When Leo on a time commanded that E●logius a Philosopher shold haue his princely reward a noble man of his court saide , that that money would be better employed for maintenance of souldiers . Nay ( saith hee ) I would rather it might be brought to passe in my time , that the wages whiche are nowe bestowed vpon souldiers , might bee giuen to mainteyne Philosophers .

Alexander Seuerus so highly esteemed that famous and notable Lawyer Vlpian , that when Charion . Chronic. lib. lib. 3. Alex. Seue . certain of his souldiers ran fiercely vpon Vlpian purposing to slay him , the Emperor stept forth , and set himself between the body of Vlpian , and the furie of the souldiers , and couered him with his own roabes , that the souldiers might know how careful he was for the good estate of Vlpian .

As also for the contrarie , such as haue practised cruelty vpon learned men , and haue hated knowledge , are worthely discommended in the stories of all ages . I told you before of that wicked Apostata Iulian , how he forbad that Christians should bring vp their children in learning . Such an enemie to knowledge was also Licinius the Emperour , who called learning the poison and ouerthrowe of common weales . The like is reported of Caligula , Caracalla and Domitianus , that either they vtterly hated all maner of learning , or had some special malice against the writinges of some one notable man , and therefore sought to destroy them . Such was the policy of Satan , so thought he to get the vpper hande , & to restore againe his wicked Hiericho .

And were these the practises of Heathen princes onely ? May not we remember the like attempts wrought in our daies . Who wil cal to minde the time that is not farre past , shal finde that this ignoraunt Hiericho had many friends , who by all meanes drew men from knowledge : they gaue liberty rather to doe any thing , than to seeke vnderstanding , and yet suffered rather the vse and reading of fabulous & vncleane writers , then of the holy scriptures , and bookes whiche carried fruitful instruction .

Good letters , and studie to increase knowledge , are not to be neglected . Such as presume of Gods spirit ouer boldely , that without their endeuour to vse the wholesome meanes which he hath left vnto his Church they shal and do by special inspiration vnderstand his wil , do tempt God . The prophet Dauid prayed for the presence of Gods spirit , but to the purpose he might take profite & fruit of his reading in the law of God . Therfore he saith , Open mine eies , that I may see the wonders of thy law : and giue me vnderstanding , Psal. 119. and I wil keepe thy law . And againe , encline mine heart vnto thy testimonies . S. Paul taught the Corinthians . That no man 1. Cor. 12. can say that Iesus is the Lord , but by the holy Ghost : And in the 2. Chapter of his first Epistle , 1. Cor. 2. saith , Now we haue receiued , not the spirit of 1. Cor. 2. the world , but the spirt which is of god , that we might know the things that are giuen to vs Act. 9. of god . This spirit prepared the heart of Paul , yet sent him to Ananias , that by him it might be Actes 8. tolde him what he should do . This spirit prepared the hearts of the Eunuch , & of Cornelius : yet Actes . 10. sent vnto them Phillip and Peter to open the scriptures vnto them . Lydia heard Paul , & the Lord Actes . 16. opened her heart , that shee attended vnto the things that Paul spake . I haue planted , saith he , Apollos watred , but god gaue the increase . 1. Cor. 3. Thus are we taught , not to forsake the helps of reading , of hearinge , and such like : yet to know that neither of them can settle vs vnto godlinesse , without the especiall grace of Gods Hom. 3. de verbis Dom. second . Ioh. spirit . Augustin saith wel , Non verbis hominis fit vt intelligatur verbum Dei : facit Deus vt intelligatis . The wordes of man doe not cause that Gods worde is vnderstoode : God giueth the vnderstanding thereof . And Chrysostome In 3. cap. 2. ad Corint . vpon these wordes of the Apostle , Suche trust haue we through christ to god , not that we are sufficient of our selues to thinke any thing , as of our selues , but our sufficiency is of god , saith : Hoc est , non it a dicebam fiduciam habemus , vt id partim sit nostrum , partim sit deised totum illi tribuo , acceptumque fero : that is , I did not so say we haue trust , that this work is partly ours , & partly gods : but I allow it , & yeelde it wholly vnto God . The consideration hereof putteth vs in mind to ioyne humble and heartye prayer to our diligent reading & hearing , that God wil giue vs vnderstanding and knowledge .

Nowe to conclude this first remedy , whereby Hiericho may bee kept from buylding : we may say that of the vse of good learning , which S: Augustine speaketh against those that charge De ciuitat . dei . lib. 16. cap. 2. the scriptures with vnnecessary speeches : Solo vomere terra proscinditur : sed vt hoc fieri possit , etiam caetera aratri membra sunt necessaria . The share onelie renteth the grounde , but to helpe this woorke , the other partes of the plough are also needeful . We say , eloquence and other liberal artes are to be likened to that part of the Carpenters wimble , which turneth about , goeth rounde , and by litle and litle draweth in the iron , or steele bit . The wooden handle entreth not into the wood , but wreatheth in the pearser : so do these artes , if they be rightly vsed , further the vnderstanding of the worde of God . This vse Lactantins seemed to seeke when he Lib. 3. instit . cap. 1. said , Vellem mihi dari eloquentiam , vel quia magis credant homines ornatae veritati , vel vt ipsi suis armis vincantur , I would gladly haue the gift of eloquence , either because men might giue better credit to the trueth , when it is beautified : or els because the heathen may the sooner bee ouercome with their owne weapons . And in another place , he sheweth that this eloquence must serue and wayte vpon the wisedome of God : Circumliniatur poculum coe Lact. instit . lib. 5. cap. 1 lestis sapientiae melle , vt intelligamus non hominem loqui , sed Deum . Let the cup ( of your speech ) be seasoned with the hony of Gods wisdome , that we may know it is god that speaketh , and not man . Where this is not done but men giue them selues rather to bee curious in hearing eloquence and pleasantnes of speach , then desirous to learne the trueth , the woorde of God becommeth vnfruitfull , as it is to bee feared in many , that they litle account of the Gospell of Christ , but seeke to please their itchinge eares with fantasies of men . Augustine sayeth De doctrin . chr. lib 4. cap. 11. to such . Bonorum ingeniorum insignis est indoles , in verbis verum amare , non verba : Quid enim prodest clauis aurea , si aperire quod volumus non potest ? aut quid obest lignaea , si hoc potest ? quando nihil aliud quaerimus nisi vt pateat quod clausum est . Such as be of good disposition seek not after words but after the trueth : For what auaileth a key of gold , if it cannot open that we wold haue opened ? & what hurteth a key of wood if it can open ? seing we desire no other thing but that it be opened vnto vs , which is shut .

The seconde let or stay that Hiericho bee not restored , is , that the people may bee instructed , why it was ouerthrowne , & why God hath cursed them that shal seeke to restore it . This knowledge is a singular gift of god . When the Lord declared his fauour towardes Israel amonge other his speciall mercies hee spake in this sort : This shall be the couenant that I wil make with the house of Isarel : after those dayes , I Ierem. 31. will put my Lawe in their inwarde partes : and write it in their hearts , and will be their God , and they shal bee my people : and they shal teach no more euery man his neighbour , and euery man his brother , sayinge , Know the Lord : for they shall all know mee , from the leaste of them to the greatest of them , sayeth the Lorde . And agayne our Sauiour sayeth out of the prophet Esay . They shall all be taught of God . And in the seuententh of Saint Iohn , he sayeth , This is life eternall , that Ihon. 6. Iohn . 17. they knowe thee to be the onely very God , and whome thou hast sent Iesus Christ . To this ende , and for this cause , He gaue some to bee Apostles , and some Prophetes , and Ephe. 4. some Euangelistes , and some Pastours , and teachers , for the gathering together of the Saints , for the worke of the ministerie , and for the edification of the body of Christ : that we hencefoorth bee no more children wa●ering and caried about with euery wind of doctrine , by the deceit of men , & with craftines , whereby they lay waite to deceiue . Therefore doeth S. Peter cal vpon them that are of the church of god , in all places , that they shew foorth the mercies of God , that they witnesse vnto all the world , what the Lord hath done for them , in filling them with all spirituall knowledge and vnderstanding : Be readie alwayes I. Pet. 3. to giue an answer to euerie man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you . There fore doeth God giue charge to his people the children of Israel , to heare his Lawe and keepe his commaundements , not as an ordinance that shoulde stande good but for a season , whiche shoulde bee kepte onely by them : but also requireth that they teache the same to their posteritie , that so his great blessinges may neuer bee forgotten . For thus hee sayeth . These wordes which I commande thee this day , Deut. 9. shall bee in thine heart , and thou shalt rehearce them continually vnto thy children , and shalt talke of them , when thou taryest in thine house , and as thou walkest by the way , and when thou lyest downe , and when thou risest vp . Thus doeth God , by promise that hee wyll giue the Spirite of knowledge and of vnderstanding vnto his people , and by raysing vp labourers whom he hath sent foorth into his viniarde , Prophetes , Apostles , Euangelistes , and pastours , and teachers , and by his earnest commaundement that we giue eare to his woorde , and speake of his wonderfull kindenesse shewed vnto vs and our forefathers , make it appeare howe needefull a thinge it is , that we knowe his will . Without this knowledge we cannot loue hym as our father we can not feare him as our Lorde .

But , when wee see the miserable blindenesse and ignoraunce in all places abroade , what hope may wee haue to see Hiericho suppressed and quite ouerthrowne ? It cannot be but great inconueniences shall followe in the Churche of God , as confusion of order , and dissolution of life , to the indangering of the state , vnlesse by godly care of the Magistrates , some helpe be prouided . This care must shewe it selfe in remouinge blinde watchmen whiche haue no knowledge , who are but dumme dogges that can not barke , who lye and sleepe , and delight in sleeping . These greedye Dogges can neuer haue enough ( sayeth the Prophet Esaye , ) Non residence and absence from their cure , is Esay . 56. a fault that woulde bee amended in the Sheapheardes of the Lordes flocke . Though they be neuer so able to instructe , and therefore worthie to haue the roumes in the Churche : yet , if they haue not a desire to do good , if they feede not Christes sheepe , if they be strangers to the people of their charge● , if they bee not at hande to giue their flockes their bread in due season , what let may there bee , but that ignorance and blindenesse shall growe and encrease in the people ?

Another fault no lesse hurtfull to the Church of God , is the sufferinge of pluralities , when one man taketh the profite of two or more benefices , whiche is not worthye of one . These Non residents and pluralitie men teache not , they knowe not , nor care for the People of their charge : they haue brought this confusion and shame into the house of God . They are blinde guides , they are the darkenesse of the world . Against those whiche are suche , GOD sheweth his heauy displeasure : My Sheep , sayeth Ezech. 34. he wandred through all the mountaines , and vpon euerie high hill ▪ yea , my flocke was scattered through al the earth , and none dyd seeke or searche after them . And againe , Neither did my shepheards seeke my shepe , Ibidem . but the shephardes fedde themselues , and not my sheepe . And by the Prophet Ieremie he Ierm. 2. saith : They that shoulde minister the law , knew me not . And againe , The Pastours are Ierem. 10. become Beastes , and haue not soughte the Lorde : therefore haue they none vnderstandinge : and all the flockes of their pastures are scattered . These either bee a remnant of the wicked Inhabitantes of Hiericho , that resist the passage of Gods people towardes the land of promise : or suche as haue forgotten the commaundement of the Lorde , and haue giuen themselues to doe the sinnes of the people , whom the Lord gaue ouer vnto them . These be they that seeke the restoringe of Hiericho , & the ouerthrow of Hierusalem therefore the curse of God wyll fall vppon them : the blood of Gods people shall be required at their handes , because they bring the abhomination of desolation into the holy place : because they suffer Christes flocke to perishe for lacke of knowledge , and to be caryed away after euery wynde of false doctrine . God graunt al such , that they may see with their eyes , and vnderstande in their heartes , and knowe the gratious goodnesse of the Lorde , that the people bee not through their negligence like Horse and Mule : but that they may descerne betweene darkenesse and lighte , and betweene Hiericho and Hierusalem : that they may bee able to giue a reason of the faith whiche is in them and that they may teache the same vnto their Children . So shall we be builte vpon a rocke , so shall we stande as firme as mount Sion , so shall wee neuer be confounded .

The thirde meanes to stay the buyldynge of Hiericho , is to bee thankefull for the benefites whiche God hath bestowed vpon vs : and in suche sorte to leade our life , that it may appeare wee bee his seruants . To this ende God hath giuen his holye worde : and to this ende hath he left his holy sacraments , that we should be put in minde of his kindenes , and not become vnmindefull or vnthankefull , and so receiue his grace in vayne ,

But , you wil say , What thanks shall I giue ? Some leade me one way , and some another : some saye heare is Christe , some saye there is Christe : I know not nor wherefore , nor howe to yeelde thankes , Hereto a short answere can not suffice , and a long woulde be tedious . Let vs call to remembrance the Lesson that was giuen vs in this place on Sunday last : Let vs search the scriptures . Esay the Prophet saith , To the Law , and to the testimonie , if they Esay . 8. spake not according to this worde , it is because there is no light in them . Chrisostome saith , Nullo modo cognoscitur quae sit vera Ecclesia Hom. 49 in opere imperfecto . Christi , nisi tantummodo per Scripturas . By no meanes may it by knowne , whiche is the true Church of Christ , but onely by the Scriptures . Without them our faith is no faith without the helpe of them wee cannot knowe Christ from Antichriste , wee cannot know the Church of Christ from the Sinagogue of Sathan . Hereby let vs learne to knowe Hierusalem , hereby let vs learne to knowe Hiericho . Certainely if the woorde of GOD , and the breathe of his mouthe bee not able to shewe this : tradition and custome shall be much lesse able .

It is a good thinge to bee thankefull , and to prayse the Name of the most high : the seruants of God finde cause of thankfulnes in consideration of the great & wonderful mercies continually powred vpon them . Moses comanded Nisan Exod. 12. to bee the firste moneth in the yeere , because God had deliuered Israell from the hande of Pharao in that month . In like sort Mardocheus the Iewe , and Esther the Queene , sent letters Ester . 9. vnto al the Iewes that were through all the prouinces of the king Assuerus both nere & farre , enioying them that they shoulde kepe the fourteenth day of the month Adir with ioy and feasting , for that vppon that daye God had deliuered them from the hande of Haman : and that they woulde not fayle to obserue the fame euery yeare .

Upon this day , euen vpon this day , I say , the xvii . of this moneth , God sent his handemaide , and deliuered vs . Let vs be kinde and thankfull vnto God for so great blessing . I say not , let vs make it the first day of the yeere . Yet this I say , let vs haue it in remembrance , let vs singe with the prophet , When the Lord brought againe the captiuitie of Sion , we were like them that dreme , them was our mouth filled with laughter , Psa. 126. and our tongue with ioy . The Lord hath done great things for vs , wherof we reioyce . Let no man be offended herewith , it is onely a remembrance of the mercy of God , it behoueth vs to remember it , it is good to speake of it . For if we haue eyes to see , and neglect not our owne saluation , wee haue nowe much greater cause to reioyce then Dauid had , because the things which are this daye restored vnto vs by the goodnesse of our God , are farre greater and worthyer then those , which Dauid and the people of Israell receiued in their deliuerance out of the capitiuitie of Babylon . For by howe much the heauens are greater then the earthe , and God is more excellent then a creature : so much doeth the knowledge of God , and his true worshippe , passe all worldly blessinge , and all other felicitie that can bee deuised vnder the Sunne . For what knoweth hee , which knoweth not God ? Or what worshippeth he , whiche worshippeth not God ? Hee that worshippeth not God , hath not the comforte of GOD : but hee that hath God , and knoweth God , and serueth God , hath a sure helpe and defence in all assayes . Let vs therefore bee glad and reioyce , let vs witnesse our ioye , and singe vnto the Lorde a new songe . Let vs kindle in our heartes the fire of the loue of God , and of our neighbour , and let the flame thereof breake out to the glory of God . Let vs decke the Altars of our heartes with the florishing branches of vertue , and good woorkes : let vs sacrifice and kill our lustes and affections . In this maner if wee shewe our thankefulnesse towardes GOD , wee shall hinder the wicked purpose of them that wish the restoring of Hiericho , we shal see the lande of Gods promise , and enter into his rest .

The fourth stay to hinder this buyldinge is discipline , whiche is so needefull , that neyther without it shall yee be able throughly to discomfort those that seeke to build vp Iericho againe , nor your selues happely and prosperously to goe on forward in setting foorth the glory and maiestie of our God , and to passe safely to the countrie promised . It is as the sinewes of the church to strengthen it , and to ioyne and knit the parts thereof together . But , because the time is passed and this matter weightie , and worthy of larger discourse , I wyll leaue it to your godly considerations , and for some other time .

And thou , O mercifull father , rise vp we beseeche thee , to iudge thine owne cause , stablishe the thinge thou hast begonne in vs , guide our feete in the way of peace , giue force vnto thy worde , blesse thine inheritance , blow downe the walles of Hiericho : so shal Hierusalem prospet , and her walles be made strong : so shall the daye starre lighten our hartes : so shall Israel reioyce , and all the people truly know thee , and prayse thy name for euer .

Amen .