The Dignity of Chivalry

THE DIGNITIE OF CHIVALRY; Set forth in a Sermon preached before the Artillery Company of London, 13. June 1626.

T He Dignity of Chiualry (a point very pertinent for this present appointment) is the Pearl that is enclosed in the casket of my Text. Hereof that you may take the better view, I will set open this casket in your sight. Be pleased therefore to take notice of the general Scope whereat the holy Ghost aimeth in this Chapter: thereby you may discern that the forenamed point, The dignity of Chiualry, is not violently wrested, but properly ariseth out of my Text. The Sum of this Chapter is A Declaration of the Magnificence of Solomon. Among other evidences thereof this is one, that his native Subjects, Children of Israel, THEY were MEN of WARRE. The original expresseth none but words of weight: Circumstantiall words, which are as bonds to knit word to word, it leaveth to be understood. There are therefore three only words in the original, all which set out the Dignity of Chiualry, and that by the Persons, their Property, and Part whereunto they were put,

The first word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 THEY noteth out Singular Persons.

The second, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 MEN, a Special Property.

The third, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 WARRE, a Select employment.

In the two verses before my Text, it is said, that there were left of the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizites, and the Hiuits, and the Jebusites, who were not of Israel: and that being left, they were so brought under, as Solomon made them to pay tribute. They might therefore have been put to any office or work that the King would: yet were not THEY MEN of WARRE. They were too mean and unmeet persons, for a function so high and honorable. On the contrary, in the words immediately before my Text, it is said, Of the children of Israel, did Solomon make no servants for his work. They being men of better note and name, were reserved for a more honorable employment, which my Text thus expresseth, THEY were MEN of WARRE: which words are inferred on the former, by way of opposition, with this adversative Particle BVT. They were no servants for work: BVT THEY were MEN of WARRE. As the meaner and baser sort were made servants for Work, so the better and excellenter sort were made Soldiers for War. THEY were MEN of WARRE. Nor Hittites, nor Amorites, nor Perizites, nor Hiuits, nor Jebusites, BVT Israelites, THEY were MEN of WARRE. No Slaues, no Captives, no Aliens, no Forrainers, but Fre men, Free-borno, Natiue Subjects, Natural Citizens, THEY were MEN of WARRE. Thus this relative Particle 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 THEY, as here it is used, is to be taken 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 with an excellency, as importing some eminency of the Persons here meant. This choice then of Persons, maketh much to the Dignity of Chiualry.

2. As there was choice made of persons in regard of their outward privilege, Israelites, Natiues, Citizens: so also in regard of their inward property. For the second word of my Text, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 MEN, though it be oft used for mortal men, subject to many miseries, yet is it also put for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 valorous men, and attributed to those choice men which were taken out of the twelve several Tribes of Israel, and sent to spy the Land of Canaan. Yea, this very word is twice used in that exhortation which the Philistines use to encourage one another, when they heard that the Ark of the LORD was brought into the host of the Israelites: and it is used to set out valor and courage in men. For thus, word for word, it may be translated, Be Men: some translate it thus, Play the MEN: Others thus, Quit you like MEN. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 by trāspositiō of a letter, are 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Men of place & power, Commanders, Captains. Thus the MEN here meant, may be distinguished from the vulgar, common sort of men. The Hebrew put such a difference betwixt 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 as the Grecians do betwixt 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , and the Latins betwixt Vir and Homo. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 importeth such an one as hath in him 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Fire, Life, and Spirit: but. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a man of the earth. Vir by the Latins is so called of virtue & prowess: but homo ab humo, as 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of the earth. In Greek, they most properly are styled 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 who are 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , virtuous, valorous, magnanimious: but all of all sorts 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . Our English is herein penurious, it wanteth fit words to express this difference: we call all, whether mighty or mean, Men: yet sometimes this word MEN in our tongue hath his Emphasis, as in these and such like phrases, They have played the MEN. They have shown themselves MEN. They are MEN indeed. Thus in the english translation of the Scripture it is used, 1 Cor. 16. 13. Quit you like MEN. And 2 Sam. 10. 12. Let us play the MEN. That the word here in my Text is so to be taken, is evident by comparing this with like places. Those valiant men that came out of sundry Tribes to David in Hebron, to turn the Kingdom of Saul to him, of whose courage and prouesse much is spoken, are styled with the words here in my Text, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Men of War. The Prophet Joel applieth these two phrases 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Mighty men, & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Men of War, to the same persons. Where the magnificence of Jehoshaphat is set out as Solomon's magnificence is here set out, in Jerusalem there are said to be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Men of War, and by way of exposition, they are further styled 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Mighty men of valor. They were therefore choice Men of courage, Men of valor, that are here meant in my Text: so as their Property doth further setout the Dignity of Chiualry, In that, though Natiues only and Israelites were deputed to the employment here mentioned, yet not all sorts of Natiues and Israelites, but such as were well reputed of for virtue and valor, and fit for their employment.

3. These Natiues of name, select Subjects, Men of mighty minds, to what employment were they appointed? Even to War. They were Men of WARRE. What need might there then be thought to be of Men of War? Had all the Nations round about proclaimed War against Israel, as in Joshua's time? Or was War within their gates, as before Deborahs days? Or were their enemies Rulers over them, as when Sampson began to be a Judge in Israel? No such matter. What then? Was this the time to take revenge of Israel's enemies for former wrongs, to secure the Land of them, and to bring them under subjection? Surely no: All that was sufficiently done by David, that mighty man of War. Solomon now reigned. Solomon that Prince of Peace. His name proported Peace. For Solomon had his denomination from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Peace. Peace also was promised to be in his days. Both the forenamed Name of Peace, and also the promise of Peace are expressly mentioned by God himself, where he thus speaketh to David, Behold a Son shall be borne to thee, who shall be a man of rest: and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon: and I will give peace and quietness to Israel all his days. This Salomō was herein an especial Type of the great Prince of Peace, Christ Jesus, who is Our Peace. In that then, where there was no fear of danger, nor any instant, urgent necessity required, in a time and place of Peace, under the reign of a Prince of Peace, They, of whom you heard before, They were Men of WARRE. Surely preparation for War, Exercises thereto, Martial discipline, Artillery tacticks, and Military trainings are matters of moment, commendable and honorable, not to be rejected or neglected, but duly to be respected, and daily practiced, at all times, in all places whether of peril or peace. This third and last branch therefore (as it is here set down) even the Part which the forenamed Persons performed, amplifieth the Dignity of Chiualry. For, They were Men of WARRE.

Thus have I cleared the general scope of my Text, and laid open to your view this promised Pearl, the Dignity of Chiualry: by showing how every word of my Text eyeth that mark, and every part and particle thereof much advanceth the same. With your good patience I purpose to dive yet more deeply into the depth of my Text. For the three Parts raised out of the three words thereof, as they have been opened before you, (namely,

• 1. The singular Persons, THEY,
• 2. Their special Property, MEN,
• 3. Their select Employment. WAR.

These three points I say, afford to our heedful consideration these three useful Observations.

• 1. The Artilery profession is an honorable function.
• 2. Military men must be of mighty minds.
• 3. In peace to prepare for War, is a principal part of prudence.

Of these in order: And first of the first.

The Artillery profession is an honorable function.

To treat much of the Artillery profession, before this Artilery Company would be to act Phormio his part before so many Anniballs as are here present. You all know that the Artilery Profession is a Military Discipline, whereby choice persons are instructed and enabled well to manage weapons of War, orderly to march in their due place, wisely to encamp, and skillfully to embattaile. That to be trained up hereto, and well exercised herein, is an honorable function, belongeth to me, and to the matter in hand, to prove. How it appeareth by my Text to be an honorable function ye have heard. Hittites, Amorites, Perizites, Hiuites, Jebusites, and such like servile persons coming from a base offspring were counted unworthy hereof. In Israel Israelites, Children of the ever renowned Patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Men of highest and greatest esteem, THEY were Men of War. That function whereof base people were counted unworthy, and whereunto Men of best account must be deputed, is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 without contradiction an honorable function. To like purpose it is noted that Abraham himself, that Prince of God (as he is for excellency sake styled) trained up in Artillery exercises, not bond slaves, bought with his money, but such as were borne and brought up in his house, whom he had in high esteem. THEY were Men of War. Whereas old Jesse, an understanding and wise man had eight sons, the three most honorable of them all, even the three eldest, were trained up in an Artillery profession, THEY were Men of War. And though David, being the youngest of all, were by his Father deputed to be a shepherd, yet his brave mind affecting more honorable employments, whereunto also he was incited by divine instinct, he would needs prove to be a man of War, & indeed proved to be an approved Man of War. Saul himself though a King, Jonathan, that lovely Jonathan, the Kings Son and heir, other of his brethren, all Kings Sons, THEY were Men of War. Of old, the best of a Nation, best in blood and birth, as Kings, Princes, Nobles, their children & kindred: best in stature & propernes of body, as the three talle, proper sons of Jesse: best in courage, valor, and strength, as they whom Saul chose to follow him: best any other way, THEY were Men of War. What shall I more say? For the time would fail me to speak in particular of Joshua, Gideon, Iepthah, David, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, Josiah, and otherlike worthies, royal persons, that were trained up in the Artillery profession, and thereupon waged many battles valiantly & victoriously. THEY were Men of War. We read of few battails in Scripture, wherein Kings, or other chief Governors had not their place & part. In Assyria, Persia, Greece and Rome the four great Monarchies of the World, & the most famous States that ever were among the Heathen. all that in any excellency surpassed others, & were chosen to high & honorable places, for the most part, THEY were Men of War. The like may be noted of other well disciplined and well governed polities. Most of our Dignities and Titles of honor have risen from Artillery exercises, and Military employments. Imperatores, Emperors were at first Generalls of armies: Duces Dukes, were Captains of bands: Comites Earls, were Lieftenants, or Prouosts-Marshalls: Milites, Knights were choice Soldiers: Equites, Esquires were horsemen in War. These and other like honorable titles were at first given to men, because THEY were Men of War. The honor of Knight-hood is known properly to belong to such as have well deserved in War. Our Ancestors got their greatest renown by warlike affairs. Can any now deny the Artillery profession to have been accounted an honorable function? Many honorable parts and endowments are requisite to make a man expert in the Artillery profession, as Soundnesse of judgment, Sharpenesse of wit, Quicknesse of conceit, Stoutnesse and courage of mind, Vndantednesse in danger, Discretion mixed with passion, Prudence, Patience, Ability and Agility of body, and of the several parts thereof, with the like: all which do demonstrate that the function whereunto they are required, is an honorable function.

Matter both of Enducement and also of Encouragement doth this first observation afford.

Enducement to men of place, power, and parts, to Governors, to Nobles, to Rich men, to all that can any way add any honor to this profession, to do what they can to the advancement of that which is in it self so honorable as hath been shown, and worthy of all the honor that can be done unto it. The Apostle maketh mention of a double honor. That double honor is Countenance and Maintenance: both which are most due to this profession: and most meet it is that both be given thereto. By this double honor have all professions in all ages been brought to that perfection whereunto in any kind they have attained. The respect and reward which of old hath been afforded to valorous, & courageous, well exercised, and well experienced Captains and Soldiers in the four forenamed Monarchies made them so abound with Men of War, as the whole world was made to tremble at the hear-say of them. When once a question was moved, why after Uirgils time there were no more such excellent Poets as he was, such an answer as this was made.

An answer very pertinent to the point in hand: and fitly it may be applied to Captains & Soldiers, who undoubtedly will abound in number, and grow very expert in all warlike exercises where they are plentifully sustained, and highly honored. Were Artillery Gardens, and Military Fields for Martial discipline and warlike trainings, fostered and honored thorough-out this land, as it is meet they should be, Greece could have no cause to boast before England of her Achilles, Diomedes, Themistocles; Pericles, Pyrrhus, &c. nor Rome of her Scipioes, Horatij, Fabij, Pompeis, or Caesar's. Means among us are more wanting then Men, or Minds. Oh that this Enducement might prevail with Men of Means to afford the honor of Regard, and honor of Reward to this Artillery profession which is so worthy of double honor!

The Encouragement concerneth you, the Commanders and other Members of this commendable and honorable Company. Howsoever your Profession and practice be rejected or neglected by such as ought most to respect it, yet it being honorable in it self, be encouraged to go on therein. The practice of a good thing is then most commendable, when, for the goodness of it, it is practiced. The puissant Princesse Deborah, that rose up a Mother in Israel, and a Judge therein, with admiration said, of such as offered themselves willingly, My heart is on them. Had your Mother London, or your Grand-mother England a tongue to express her mind, she would with like approbation say to you, that show yourselves not only 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 willing, but all 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 forward to all Martial exercises, My heart is on you: yea the heart of him that loveth them that do good things cheerfully and willingly, and can and will honor them that honor him, his heart is on you. He accepteth the good things which are done of the doers own accord, without compulsion by others, or remuneration from others, he accepteth them as done for his own sake. For that which is done for conscience sake, is done for the Lord's sake. In this respect it is said of Amasiah the son of Zichri a great Captain and Commander of two hundred thousand mighty men of valor, under King Jehoshaphat, that he willingly offered himself unto the Lord: that is, he undertaking his function willingly, he did it as to the Lord. Thus of you that are of the same mind it may be said, ye offer yourselves willingly to the Lord. And will not the Lord graciously accept such? Abraham who in this kind nor expected nor accepted reward of man, heard God thus speaking to him, Fear not, Abraham: I am thy shield, and thine exceeding great reward.

Give me leave to extend this Encouragement, to such as are not yet of your Fraternity, nor have yet given their names to be of your Society, I mean such as are in the flower of their age, of sufficient stature and strength, well able to afford time and means for Artillery exercises, to offer themselves readily and cheerfully to this honorable service. The time which may be, and usually is spared from your particular callings cannot be better spent, (exceptis semper excipiendis, except duties of piety and charity, whereby all other things are seasoned and sanctified) I say vacant hours cannot better be spent then in the Artillery Garden, and in the practice of Martial discipline there exercised, as shall afterwards be more fully cleared.

But thus much of the first point, your honorable Function.

The next concerning your Ualourous Disposition, is this.

Military Men must be of mighty minds. They must be Men indeed, and able to play the Men. The sign of difference betwixt such as were fit, and unfit for War, that God caused Gideon to observe for retaining some, and dismissing others, tendeth to this purpose. The sign was this; They which lapped water with their tongues were entertained: They which kneeled down to drink were cashiered. The Reason was this. They that kneeled down to drink, manifested thereby a luskish, fluggish disposition, and desire to soope up their bellies full. The other that took up water in their hands, and lapped it with their tongues, shown that their mind was so on their work which they had to do, as they would nor tarry to kneel down; they would only lap and be gone, a little for present necessity, so much as might somewhat slack their thirst, and refresh them, was sufficient. God's appointing such only to be retained for War, proveth the point in hand. Much more the express precepts which by God himself and his Ministers, were given unto those that were set apart for War, to be valiant, and courageous. When God deputed Joshua to be General over all Israel, he gave him this express charge, Be strong and of a good courage: which he further thus enforceth, Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage: Be not afraid, neither be thou dismated. The like charge did Moses in the name of the Lord give to all Israel, that were deputed to War, in these words; Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them. Yea, God ordained it for a perpetual Law, that when his people were to go to War, this Proclamation should be made, What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted, let him go and return unto his house. This Law God commanded Gideon, to proclaim before his army. The equity thereof was so clearly discerned by the very light of nature, as many of the heathen put it in practice, by name Iphicrates the Athenian, and Epaminondas the Theban. If such as are fearful and saint-hearted be not fit for War, neither are they fit to be trained up in Martial exercises. Most meet it is that Military Men be of mighty minds. It is usual with the holy Ghost to set out such men as were trained up and set apart to War, to set them out by their power and prowess. Of those four hundred thousand men, that out of all the Tribes of Israel were chosen to fight against Benjamin and Gibeah, of everyone of them it is said that he was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Uir belli, a true Man of War, a valiant, a mighty man. Of those many hundred thousands which Joab numbered in David's time, it is said that they were valiant men that drew swords, even everyone of them (as the Hebrew phrase implieth.) And of those many hundred thousands also which out of Judah & Israel were gathered together in two armies to fight one against another in Abijahs, and Jereboam's time, it is said that they were valiant men of War, mighty men of valor: which commendation is also given to those many troops of trained soldiers which Jehoshaphat maintained in Jerusalem, 2 Chron. 17. 13. When David purposed to take vengeance of Ammon for the indignity and ignominy which was offered to his Ambassadors, he sent Ioah and all the Hoste of the Mighty men against them. Before the good Spirit of God left Saul, when he saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him unto him, namely to train him up in Martial discipline. Of David himself, and of such as followed him, it is said, that all Israel knew that he was a mighty man, and they valiant men. And of those that came to him in Ziklag it is said that they were Mighty Men, mighty men of valor, that could use both the right hand and the left: men of might; men of War; fit for the battle: that could handle shield and buckler: whose faces were like the faces of Lions, &c. Doth not this frequent mention of the might, and valor of such as were for War, show that they that take upon them to be Military men, must be of mighty minds: and that timorous, weak, and feeble persons are not fit for the Artillery profession? Where GOD first enacted the fore-named Law, that no fearful persons should go to War, he rendereth this Reason, Lest his brethren's heart fain like his. Lamentable experience hath given too great evidence of the truth hereof. A few white-liuerd, fainthearted Soldiers have oft been the ruin of a great strong Army, which hath been put to rout by reason of their fainting, and yielding. So as such men are more fit to stoop down to a scythe then to take up a sword, to lift a pitchforke then to toss a pick, to handle a mattock then to hold a musket, and to carry a bush-bill rather then a battle-axe. But on the other side, of such use are valiant men and valorous minds, as their courage may supply the want of number: and though they be but few, not fear the face of many. It is noted that Abraham armed three hundred and eighteen, to express not the number of many, but the worth of choice ones. Well weigh the mighty and great exploits that were achieved by David's Worthies, by reason of their valor and courage, and you shall find, that a few courageous men to great armies of cowards are as so many Lions to whole herds of deer: Five may chase an hundred, and an hundred put ten thousand to slight. Is it not then most meet that Military Men be of mighty minds 〈◊〉

In applying this point, I will give you a divine direction for attaining to that which hath been proved to be so requisite, valor and courage. The direction is grounded on one of Solomon's Proverb, which is this, The wicked sly when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a Lyon. Righteousness then maketh men valorous, wickedness timorous. They who know who are righteous, who wicked, cannot but acknowledge the truth of this proverb. A righteous man cannot be here thought to be such an one as hath in every part, point, and degree fulfilled the Law of righteousness according to the exact rule thereof. So there is none righteous: no not one. But in Gospel-phrase he is accounted righteous, that by true Faith applying to his soul the blood of Christ, for purging away all his unrighteousness, and laying hold on Christ's righteousness to be justified thereby, doth his utter most endeavor to keep a clear conscience before God and Man. This man of all others must needs be the most valorous, whose soul is fenced with the breast-plate of righteousness, and shield of Faith, as well as his body with armor and weapons of steel. He feareth nor Devil nor Man. His conscience will make him fight in none but a good cause. His Faith will make him courageous in that cause. If in his body he be wounded, he hath a Spirit to sustain his infirmity. No passion can so supply the want of blood and support a man, as this Spirit. Might of mind may overcome the force of fire. But if the earthen vessel of his body be so broken as it can no longer retain this spirit, then flieth it upward to the place of rest and triumph, passage being made for that righteous soul to ascend to the society of the souls of just men made perfect: so as the supposed conquest over such an one is the cause of his triumph, and maketh him more then a Conqueror. The death of his Saints is precious in the sight of the Lord. But in War so much more precious it is, by how much more glorious. Get Faith therefore and a good conscience, get them, and keep them, and they will keep you from faint heartedness: they will put life, and spirit, and virtue, and valor into you: they will make you fit for the Artillery profession: they will make you Men indeed, true military men, of mighty minds.

On the contrary side, A wicked man must not everyone be accounted, that hath committed any sin, (for All have sinned:) but such an one as loveth wickedness, and liveth therein, and that without true repentance. Faith which is accompanied with repentance, receiveth absolution from God. Absolution from God maketh sins to be as not committed. For the blood of Christ, which cleanseth us from all sin, cleanseth all that believe and repent. But infidelity, and impenitency lay all sins open to the wrath and vengeance of God. Knowledge and conscience thereof cannot but fill the soul with many fears and terrors: whence it cometh to pass that such wicked men fear & fly, when none pursueth them. Thus much is expressly threatened against such wicked men. I will send, saith God, a faintnes into their hearts, and the sound of a shaken lease shall chase them, and they shall fly as flying from a sword, and they shall fall when none pursueth, &c. It was the speech of the valorous Earl of Essex, that Sometimes in the field encountering the enemy, the weight of his sins lying heavy upon his conscience, being not reconciled to God, quelled his spirits, and made him the most timorous and fearful man that might be. Take heed therefore O ye Captains, Commanders, and other Members of the Artillery Company, take heed, as you would have your inward disposition fit for your outward profession, of suffering sin to lie upon your souls. Let your function be a motive to make you try the truth of your conversion. Be ye righteous, that you may be indeed courageous.

And to take occasion from your external profession to put you in mind of your spiritual condition, which is, to be Soldiers of Christ's bands, under his colors, whose Artillery Garden is the Church Militant, where your Martial discipline in which you are daily trained up, is not for recreation and pastime, but in very good earnest, to conquer, unless you will be conquered, and that in a combat of great consequence, wherein no earthly, but an heavenly inheritance is fought for, and for attaining thereto not liberty of this world, but of the world to come, not a temporal, but eternal life is in great hazard. If ye overcome, ye are free forever, and gain an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven. If ye be overcome, ye are perpetual slaves to Satan, that malicious enemy, who will hold you with everlasting chains under darkness in torture and torment endless and ease-less, merci less and remediless. To put you in mind, I say, of this your spiritual condition, know that if valor, and the fore-mentioned ground thereof be so requisite, as hath been shown, against bodily enemies, which are but flesh and blood, how much more against spiritual enemies, which are not flesh and blood, but principalities and powers. These especially, we ought to resist steadfast in the Faith. The chief spiritual enemy of our souls, the Devil, from whom all our other spiritual enemies receive their strength and courage, is like a Wolf, and that as in fierceness, so in fearfulness. A Wolf, if he be stoutly resisted, will fly away: but if he be fearfully shunned or yielded unto, then he will the more fiercely assault, and more greedily devour. Even so the Devil: Resist the Devil and he will sly from you. Give place, and yield, and he will the more eagerly persue, and the more easily prevail. Neither, if he prevail, will he any whit the more spare thee for thy yielding to him, but rather the more proudly insult over thee. Wherefore, my Brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might: Put on the whole armor of GOD, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. Being thus armed, Watch ye, stand fast in the Faith, quit you like men, and be strong: stand courageously and ye shall stand victoriously.

Hitherto ye have heard of the Honor of your profession, and of the Valour required by virtue thereof. The last point noteth the necessity and benefit thereof, which is this,

In peace to prepare for War, is a principal part of prudence.

The most prudent Prince that ever governed people, put in practice this point of policy: even Solomon, to whom God said, I have given thee a wise & an understanding heart, so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like thee. This Solomon enjoyed much peace, & had a promise to enjoy peace all his days, and had no cause to fear any assaults or invasions of enemies, all the nations round about being brought under by his Father David: Yet this Prince of Peace built senced cities with walls, gates and bars, and chariot-cities, and cities of horsemen, and had his trained men of War, which are here noted in my Text; yea, to show his store of warlike provision, it is expressly noted, that he had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, a thousand four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horse men. The first Father of that stock, wise Abraham, whose house was a place of peace, (for the fear of God fell upon all nations round about him, they honored and reverenced him, they accounted him a Prince of God) yet had this Abraham his Artillery Garden, wherein were trained up and fitted for War, such as were borne and brought up in his house: the number of which Company, I suppose was greater then the number of your Company. For at once on a sudden he armed and led to the War more then three hundred trained men. And it is not likely that he left his house destitute of all defense. He had questionless many more of that his Artillery Company. Now note the benefit hereof. On a sudden, in a time of necessity, and case of extremity, he had them ready to rescue five Kings, that were overthrown by their enemies. To press this pattern yet further for the point in hand, the holy Ghost noteth that Melchizedek, King of Salem, whose name declared him to be a King of Righteousness, whose nation shown him to be a Prince of Peace, this Melchizedek King of Salem▪ met Abraham with his sorenamed troops, blessed him and them, gave good entertainment to them all, and congratulated their return, giving thereby an evident demonstration of his approbation of Abraham's providence and prudence in maintaining an Artillery garden for his house. The condition of Jehoshaphat's Kingdom (who was the fourth Son that by lineal descent came from Solomon, and sat on his Throne) was much like to Solomon's. For the fear of the Lord was upon all the kingdoms of the land that were round about Judah, so that they made no War against Jehoshaphat: But in testimony of amity, they sent him year after year many presents: Yet he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the Land, and had eleven hundred and threescore thousand Men of War, mighty men of valor that waited on him, besides those whom he put in the fenced cities thorough out all Judah. Admirable it is, and (but that the word of truth records it) incredible, that in so small a Kingdom as Judah was, there should be so many trained, expert, valiant men of War, as were in Jehoshaphat's time. When Judah and all Israel were joined together, even all the twelve Tribes in one Kingdom, that Kingdom was nothing so spacious as England is. For some of our shires are larger then some of their Tribes were: and yet our shires are in number above four times more then their Tribes were: For we have above four times twelve shires. How far then do the three Kingdoms under the Dominion of our Sovereign, England, Scotland and Ireland, how far do they exceed in spatiousnesse, the Kingdom of Jehoshaphat? Yet question may be made, whether in these three Kingdoms, there be so many score thousands of trained Soldiers, well disciplined men of War, mighty men of valor, as there were hundred thousands in Judah. We account twenty or thirty thousand a great Army: fifty thousand a royal Army. What then an hundred thousand? What an hundred thousand eleven times multiplied, and threescore thousand added thereto? All these were under their Captains, by name, Ready f • r War, Waiting on the King, to be sent forth at his command: and yet all the fenced cities, which were very many, well replenished with Garrisons, over and above those 1160000. Surely they counted it an honor and safety to their land to have store of trained soldiers, men expert, and ready for War at all times. Therefore frequent mention is made thereof. To omit other particulars, in David's time, Ioah gave up the number and sum of fineteene hundred and seventy thousand men of War, and yet left two Tribes vnnumbred. Surely there must needs be many Artillery Gardens, and they well replenished, Martial discipline must needs be there much exercised, where were so many thousands, yea hundred thousands trained up to War. If the wiseman might send men to the Ants to learn of them to provide meat in the summer, and to gather food in the harvest, much better may men be sent to such worthy patterns as were guided and approved by God, to be always provided with expert Soldiers trained up to War, even in times of peace. A main difference is herein put betwixt wisemen and footes. We have a prouer be that saith, A foot will take his cloak in fowl weather. But a wiseman takes it with him at all times. He knoweth that a bright sun-shine day may be soon turned into a cloudy rainy day. Peace is not like the rumoue able mountains, but rather like to the variable sky. Wisdom teacheth men to forecast the worst, that they may be provided against the word, yea and thereby prevent the worst. It in an old and true Motto, Pax armis, Peace is procured, prese • ued, se • ured by preparations and p • ouisions for War. Where are many Antillery Gardens, and they much frequented, and Martial discipline therein daily and duly exercised, Amitie with such Kingdoms will be earnestly desired, and welcomely embraced: Kings of such Kingdoms will be admired of their friends, and feared of their foes: Subjects of such Kingdoms will find lust and kind entertainment in foreign parts: Natiues and Allies will be s • cured: All manner of callings freely exercised: Lands & inheritances quietly enjoyed: Enemies dented: Inuasions and insurrections prevented: and many, many evils avoided. They who reverence nor God nor man, where they see or hear of an ou • r-mastering power, will be kept within compasset and though conscience do, not alter their inward disposition, yet constraint will order their outward conversation. But on the contrary, by fearless, and careless security, by neglect of Artillery and Military exercises, by want of men meet for War, whole Cities, and Kingdoms are oft made a bootie and prey to their enemies, and suddenly ruinated. Instance Laish, they were a people that were at quiet and secure, and the Danites on a sudden smote them with the edge of the sword, and burnt their Cities with fire. For a city and nation to be without Artillery Gardens, is as dangerous as for a traveler to be without a sword.

If the fore-mentioned patterns of prudent Princes, and wise States-men, recorded & approved in God's Word, for training up armies of men in warlike exercises, and that in times and places of peace: If the many great benefits which thereby arise and acrue to a Land and Kingdom, and the many great mischiefs which are like to follow, upon a careless neglect thereof, be motives of force, motives of force are not wanting to prove, that, In peace to prepare for War, is a principal part of prudence.

The Application of this point, doth as nearly concern this Artillery Company, as any of the former, both for justification, and also for approbation and commendation thereof. Were our days more halcyon, more quiet, and peaceable then they are, or were they more free from fear of danger then they are, yet were your Artillery exercises lawful, needful, useful. True it is, that they are not in pitched fields, pede pes, & cuspide cuspis, face to face, foot to foot, spear to spear against enemies. They are in a quiet City, in a time of peace among yourselves. They are like the Olympian games (instituted by potent and prudent Hercules) and the Isthmian sports (ordained by Theseus in imitation of Hercules) as delightsome preparations for War. They are like to the Pyrrick dancing which was invented by Pyrrhus, called armed dancing, because it was performed by men clad in armor, and warlike dancing, because it was a representation of sundry kinds of battles, and a means to make them well to weld their Armor in War. They are like those War-like sports and pastimes which were practiced by Cyrus when he was a youth, and by his coequalls, and play-fellows. They are delightsome recreations. But what then? Are they therefore not lawful? Or not needful? Or not useful? He is too severe and censorious, and goeth beyond the liberty of God's Word, that condemneth all recreations, all delightsome pastimes. He is too improvident and imprudent, that conceiveth nothing needful or useful, whereof there is not necessary use in that present and instant time wherein it is used. Were your Artillery exercises only for recreation, they are the best recreations that can be used. Were there at this time no need or use of them, they may be hereafter of absolute necessity. Delight in the things which men do, swalloweth up the pains that is taken about them, makes men the more diligent and constant in their exercises, and bringeth them to the greater experience and perfection therein. Not only expert soldiers, but experienced Captains also are made by Military recreations used in Artillery Gardens. So as if suddenly Armies were to be raised of more men then all the Military Companies can afford, yeo might sufficient store of Captains, and other Commanders and officers be taken out of your companies to govern and guide, to instruct and encourage such as for want of former exercising were altogether inexperienced. Of the fifty thousand that out of Zabulen came to David in Hebron, by way of commendation, it is said that they could set a battle in array, & lead an Army. This implieth, that by their practicing of Artillery exercises, they were all able to lead, and order armies, to set them in array, & go before them Besides the policy of other nations and ages, our Ancestors well discerned the need, use, and benefit of such recreations as might fit men for War: which moved them to make such strict Statute Laws for the exercise of shooting, as they did: For,

1. Every Master of a Family (except spiritual men, and Justices of one Bench or other) was to exercise shooting himself.

2. He was to keep bows and arrows continually in his house.

3. He was to bring up those that were in his house in the exercise of shooting.

4. If he suffered any betwixt the age of seven and seventeen, son or servant to abide in his house without bow or arrows a month together, for every such default he was to pay forty shillings.

5. If a servant took wages, his Master might buy him bow, and arrows, and deduct the price out of his wages.

6. If any man-servant betwixt the years of seventeen and threescore, that took wages, were a month without bow and arrows, for every such default he forfeited six shillings and eight pence.

In those days gunnes (the sure and soar messengers of death) were not so in use as now they are. Strength and skill in shooting was it that made our english nation famous for War. Their exercise thereof in time of peace, and that for recreation, made them so expert, as they were, therein, at times of War. The frequent mention of bows and arrows, in Scripture, as instruments of War, showeth that of ancient time they have been used to that purpose: and Jonathan's using his bow and arrows for recreation, showeth that of old among God's people such recreations were used as might the better fit men to War. The men of Gibeah without question from their youth were exercised in sport, to sling stones at a mark, or else they could never have attained to such extraordinary skill, as to sling stones at an hairs breadth and not fail. The skil which the men of Benjamin (of which Tribe those Gibeonites were) are after this noted to have in slinging stones with the right and left hand, showeth, that this was an usual exercise of the youth and men of that Tribe.

Such recreations in peace as are preparations unto War, justly deserve to be reckoned up among those necessary vocations whereby Polities are preserved: and while you are exercising yourselves therein, you are employed in your calling, and you go on in that way, wherein God promiseth to give his Angels charge over you, to bear you up in their hands, least you dash your feet against a stone.

When I duly weigh that little which hath been said, and withal consider how much more might be said of, and for the warrant, honor, need, use, and benefit of your Artillery profession, I cannot s • fficiently wonder at the blindness, carelessness, improvidence, and security of this our age, in neglecting and disrespecting a matter of so great consequence, so nearly concerning the glory, tranquility, and safety of the whole land, and of all the societies and several persons therein. Me thinks that it is more then meet that every City and Corporation, if not every Town and Village throughout the Land, should have an Artillery Garden: and that the great populous Cities, especially LONDON, should have as many Artillery Gardens, as it hath Wards: and that public allowances should be afforded to such as willingly offer themselves to these Militarie exercises. I have heard of liberal legacies, & bountiful donations given for making Cawsies, mending High-ways, building Bridges, and other such like works, but little or nothing for purchasing and maintaining Artillery Gardens, and the War-like exercises appertaining thereto. I cannot therefore much wonder that there are no more such Companies, as yours is, and no more of your company. But because every rare thing is precious, I rejoice that you are of those, who, by how much the more rare they are, by so much the more glorious they appear to be. By you it must be effected, if it be effected, that the ancient english name and Renowne for Martial discipline be preserved (if not repaired also) & propagated to posterity. Be not therefore now slack in prosecuting that which you have so well begun. Be diligent to keep your training days, & to exercise your arms, that such as by much practice are well experienced may be presidents and patterns to others: and those others by like constant practice may attain to answerable experience. Let no discouragements dismay you. The less encouragemēt you have from others, the greater is your praise, that so willingly take such pains at your own cost to make yourselves serviceable for the defense, security, and safety of the Land & Kingdom where you live. In you my Text is in our days & Land verified; for of you it may be truly said, THEY were MEN of WARRE.