The Soldier Defended and Directed

Assertion I. That Military Men, or Soldiers, are an Order of men allowable and proper in a Christian State.

This is a truth that everyone, who is not blinded by prejudice, must assent to as incontestable: Who can dispute the lawfulness of this Order, that do but take a view of those principles, which the God of Nature has originally implanted in humanity; who do consider the History and Doctrine both of the Veiled and Unveiled Gospel; and withal observe the Dispensations of Divine Providence in the world? Yet this has been confronted by the strongest efforts of Wit, and Art: Thus it has been assaulted by Socinus, and the main body of the Racovian Rout, together with many giddy Enthusiasts, who listed under their Banner to defy and fight against the Truths of the Living God.

It must indeed be acknowledged that War to which Military men bear a relation, is an evil to be deprecated: The tragical Records of all Ages do speak in bloody characters what fearful desolation it makes: and this is given by some as a reason why in the Sacred Records the same word is sometimes used to signify War, and Harvest: because in War men are reaped and mown down by the Sword; as Grass and Corn by the Scyth and Sickle. Every Battle, faith the Evangelical Prophet, is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood. Isa. 9.5. But yet this does not argue that War is Subversive of Christianity; or that this Order of men, who are to transact in this affair is not to be allowed in Gospel Days: for Soldiers are not only allowable, but proper and necessary in a Christian State. To state and illustrate this Assertion, let us remark.

1. That there would have been no occasion for men of Military Order, had man retained his primitive integrity. This was not from the beginning. The Original State or Nature is not a state of War. Had the Divine Image on man, which consisted in the inde • ective rectitude of all his powers, remained in its created brightness; had not the glory of human nature been sullyed by sin; there would have been no foundation for men of a Military quality. There would have been no Armies to confront or guard against; no Passes to be forced; no Seiges to be raised; no Garrisons to be Storm'd Unblemished Innocency would have preserved mankind in perfect Amity. This Order therefore is consequent upon the Apostasy: Had not man deserted that Past God at first placed him in, turned Revolter; and put himself under a foreign jurisdiction; and jovn'd with the Rebel Host of Apostate Spirits in the cursed conspiracy against God; there would have been no 〈◊〉 , nor discord among men. Had not Sin drawn the flaming Sword of Divine Justice, men would never have drawn the Sword against one another: The whole Earth would have been a Sanctuary of Peace, whereas Sin has now made it an Aceldama, a field of blood, a Stage on which the most bloody Tragedies have been acted.

2 Were the principles of Christianity fully en+tertained and acted upon in the world, there would be no need of Military men. Peace among men is one blessing which the Gospel of peace naturally tends to introduce. The holy principles of our blessed Religion are admirably adapted to inspire men with a Catholic love and tenderness to each other: They tend to remove the causes of Wars and Contentions. The Gospel when entertained gives check to men's malicious lusts, regulates and controuls their exorbitant passions: and these are they that draw the Sword, Jam. 4 1. From whence come wars, and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts, that war in your members? The blessed rules of Christ observed will mortify the inordinate Ambition of aspiring Monarchs, they will keep them from transgressing the boundaries of just and good, to enlarge their Territories, advance their Empire, and satiate their hellish Pride, to which whole Kingdoms many times fall devoted Victims. Were the perfect law of liberty universally and practically received as man's only Direction, that Prophesy would have a literal accomplishment, Isa. 2. 4 They shall beat their Swords into plow shares, and their Spears into pruning books; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation; nor shall any learn War anymore. We should be continually entertained with the soft Airs of Zion's pleasant Songs of Peace; and never be started with the sound of the Trumpet, & the alarm to War: The whole earth would be a Jerusalem; a vision of Peace.

3. This notwithstanding the Public weal requires such an order of men in a Christian state; & consequently they are by the rules of Christianity allowable and proper. The Gospel has not obtained such full entertainment in the world, as to make Wars to cease on the Earth. A Christian state is exposed to the insults and outrages of the sons of Violence: and this violence is to be repelled by men expert in martial accomplishments. It is high handed presumption for a Christian people to depend on God, by the miraculous interposition of his Providence, to shield them from ruin, while they neglect the proper means for their own security: For though God can, and sometimes do's save, without, nay contrary to means, yet his ordinary and stated way is to appear by his blessing on means for the Salvation of his Israel. Hence according to the ordinary Series of Providence, it is many times impossible for a People to maintain Peace at home, secure their Civil and Sacred Liberties from the invasion & encroachments of unreasonable men, unless the Sword be drawn. The public tranquility sometimes makes a War eligible: It is indeed a devourer, but out of that eater meat will come forth.

and there is no possibility of curing these maladies but by these Chaly beats: Now Military men are necessary to apply this remedy to a sick & languishing State: Hence by the Law of self preservation, on, that fundamental Law of human nature, such an Order of men are to be upheld in a Christian Common Wealth: And if natural principles oblige hereto, Christianity will not prohibit it: Christianity does not subvert any of Natures Laws; but confirm and exalt them. Soldiers therefore being a proper medium to a laudable End, viz. the public good, it must be allowed the approbation of the true Religion, and of a duly regulated Conscience: There is no prohibition in Scripture against a Military Profession: were there; Why did not the Baptist disband the Soldiers in our Text? Why did not our Lord and Master deplume the Centurion that came to him? Why did he not command him to lay down his Commission, as inconsistent with that faith, which in Israel itself, had not its parallel? In a word, Why in Scripture are Monuments Erected in honor of such as have been remarkable for their Martial Atchievements; their names mentioned with the character of honor; by which they are consecrated to Posterity? By all which the Assertion before us is fixed as a principle readily to be granted, rather than a problem, to be disputed. We pass to the second Assertion, which challenges our thoughts, viz.

Assertion II. That there are Duties incumbent on Soldiers, which Christianity obliges and encourages them to the discharge of.

Designed brevity will permit me only to give a resolution to this Enquiry, viz.

What are those duties which Christianity does oblige & encourage Soldiers to the discharge of?

And here, I shall not insist on those duties, which are not only incumbent on Soldiers, but also on all in common, who are Entred into Christ's Muster roll.

There is but one way that leads to the City of the Living God; and in that way both the Prince and Peasant, bond and free, both Gown, and Sword men, must Storm the Kingdom of Heaven, and take it by violence.

But that my discourse may in some measure lie level to the occasion of the present day, I shall only consider the duties that our Religion obliges Soldiers unto, as such; which have an immediate aspect upon them in their Military Capacities. And that my thoughts here may be distinct, it seems not improper to distinguish between Soldiers only in preparation by their Military Exercises for real Service; and such as are actually called to real Service, to jeopardise their lives in the high places of the field. It seems to be no great decorum in treating Soldiers at home, in peace, with the same address as is suited to those that are engaged in War, actually confronting an insolent Adversary. Here then we may essay a short account of the duties, which by the Laws of Christianity, are incumbent on each. And.

1. As to the duties which Christianity obliges Soldiers to discharge, who are only by their Military Exercises at home in preparation for War. And the duties of these may be ranckt under five general heads: As,

1. Christianity obliges Soldiers to engage in these preparative Military Exercises for a right end, such as God may approve of. It is the Prerogative of man, by which he is raised above the level of the inferior Creation, to act upon deliberation, and free Election, as a cause by Counsel of his own actions: hence he must act for some End; which he is to have in his eye, and make the measure of his actions; which End ought to be something worthy and proportionable to those intellective and elective powers, with which human nature is Ennobled. And this is one principal hinge on which the moral good, or evil of his actions does turn. For though the Intention of a good End be not of itself sufficient to legitimate, or consecrate an action, as some have vainly asserted; yet the want of it will desecrate and profane the best.

Such therefore, as would engage in any affair, so as to observe therein the dictates of the Christian Religion, must look well to their end; that it be such, as may be approved of at the Tribunal of God, & the bar of unprejudiced reason; to both of which man stands accountable. Here then, by the rules of Christianity, the Soldier in these his preparatory Exercises stands obliged to have a good end in his intention. And this ought to be the same end with that, for which the Art Military was first contrived & instituted. In this affair that maxim of the Schools is not to take place, Non Idem finis Artis et Artificis: the end of the Art and Artist is not here to be distinguished: Now this end is as ultimately the honor of God, in the good and safety of the Common weal, so nextly to be prepared for real Service, when the public safety calls for it. Military Exercise is not to be looked on as a play fit for Children, but as a work & business for men: Men are to engage in these Exercises not merely for diversion, but with an actual design to get themselves ready to stand in the high places of the field, to speak with the Enemy in the gate, when Providence shall call them forth. This end, it is be feared, is far from the thought of the most, that put themselves under discipline: The most never dream of real Service; they think of an innocent diversion, to make a goodly appearance, to look big and strutt in Armor; and no wonder if such be crest fallen when an Enemy invades the Land, & danger approaches. By the want of this end the Christian Soldier violates his Christian obligation: without this design of real Service these Exercises, with what pomp so ever managed, are but a vain show; which according to the rules of Religion will deface the Character of a Martial Spirit. The Soldier, that has not this preparation for real Service in his Eye, can give no tolerable account why he appears in Arms; unless to fill up an empty space with something as empty and void: such are no better than Cyphers placed at the left hand of an Account, which no whit advances the Sum; they add not to the number of the chosen men of Israel, men prepared for war.

2. Christianity requires a due caution against all those things that are subversive of this end. That which obliges us to intend and will the end, obliges us to nill and refuse everything that tends to frustrate that end: If therefore the Soldier, while at home & in peace, is bound in his Military Exercises to aim at a preparation for real Service; it then naturally follows, that he is under the same engagement to take heed, that he avoid all that will impede this his preparation, or render him unfit for Service: left when Providence shall open the Campaign, and post him in the line of battle he be found faint hearted and dare not; or, undisciplined, and so knows not how to maintain his Post when vigorously assaulted. And there are many things, which the Soldier is obliged by Christianity to take heed against, as that which will subvert his end in these preparatory Exercises: we may hint at some of them.

Tbus the Soldier is obliged to take heed against luxury and debauchery. For these will emasculate and effeminate his Spirits, and so unfit him to enter the list against an hardy foe. He that striveth for mastery, faith the Apostle, is temperate in all things, 1 Cor. 9. 25. Intemperance enfeebles the body, and renders it unfit for heroic actions; it softens the mind, and so indisposes the man for any noble & great resolves; but prepares him to be an easy prey to an insulting Enemy. This proved fatal to Benhadad & his confederate Princes, I King. 20 16.

Again, Sloth and Idleness the Soldier at home is obliged to watch against. A Military life is a life of action; and whatever unfits for action unfits for that Service. Now sloth by a Physical efficiency abates the vigor, and damps the noble purposes of the Soul; it rusts the Spirits, and causes the faculties of operation to contract an unaccountable hebitude and dullness. Idleness is a sort of Lethargy that benums the active powers of the Soul, & lays them asleep. It renders the Soldier averse to undertake and incapable to undergo the fatigues of a Martial Expedition. The slothful is never like to blazon his own glory, defend his Country, or advance its renown by his Exploits in the field of War. 〈◊〉 therefore is to be condemned as destructive of the true end of Soldiery, and as such, prohibited by the rules of Christianity, What ever thine hands find to do, do with all thy might: Be not 〈◊〉 in business, &c. These are documents of Christianity.

Again, The Soldier must avoid everything that tends to nourish Security Security will keep him from due preparations; and expose to inevitable ruin, when danger approaches. This was that which laid Laish desolate Judge. 18. 27 She was quiet and secure, and so soon surprised into ruin; the inhabitants cut off by the Edge of the Sword, and the City burnt with fire

Again, Christianity obliges them to take heed that they do not over rate, and value the present life. An over value for life will unfit a Soldier for that Service, in which he must carry his life in his hand: it will indispose him to Sacrifice it in the field of honor, for the preservation of the public tranquility. The estimate, which Pomp • y made of life, was highly becoming the Character of a Christian Soldier, when with great violence 〈◊〉 by many from Embarquing in a violent storm, replied with in heroic bravery, My Voyage is necessary, my Life is not so.

Finally, Christians obliges that they take heed of an ungovernable Spirit. Such a Spirit in Soldiers threatens all with confusion: it is the spring from whence all mutinies, and insurrections proceed: when this spirit troubles the Camp, nothing but desolation is to be expected: it is the worst of plagues, that can invade an Army; it is infectious, & threatens the whole; it spread, like a gangrene; and is ordinarily cured by no lennives, but only by the sharpest corrosives of Martial discipline. Christianity therefore requires Soldiers while at home in peace in these Exercises, to take heed against this ungovernable spirit, as that which is obstructive to the true end of Souldery: And the prevailing of this Spirit is judged by persons of thought & observation to be not the least ill Omen that attends the Military affairs of this Land. Now against all these things, which are impedimental to the end of Military order, our Religion enters a caution.

3. It obliges to diligence in the pursuit of this End by the most proper and accommodable means. He that is obliged to will the End, is obliged to choose, and diligently to pursue the means that lead to that End. Hence Soldiers being obliged in their present Exercises to make preparation for real Service, in order to the public repose; they stand obliged by the same rule, to use the most proper means to get ready. To this end Christianity requires, that the Soldier get furnished with proper Armor, or Martial Weapons: Without these he cannot be prepared for Service; neither to defend himself, nor to offend his Adversary. And it is no season to seek for Arms, when called into the Field. It is no wonder the uncircumcised Philistines did obtain an easy Triumph over Israel, when there was not a Shield or a Spear found among forty thousand of Israel, Judge 5. 8. As the Spiritual Soldier is not prepared to maintain his post against the Militia of Hell, unless arrayed with the whole Armor of God; so the proper Soldier will not be prepared to prevent, or repel the violence of his adversaries, unless provided with Arms. Religion and reason demand this provision And such trifle with duty, who neglect it.

Again, it obliges Soldiers to a due care that they may attain Military Science. Weapons are to no purpose without skill to use them. He that in these preparatory Exercises does not attain expertness therein, when called to Engage, will find his Armor almost as uneasy and useless, as the Stripling David did Saul's; and for the same reason because he had not proved it. Skill in the Art Military is a necessary medium to that End which Christianity propounds to the Soldier. And the most polite Nations have most endeavored after proficiency herein. It is the opinion of some verst in antiquity, that the Jews had their School for the Soldier, as well as the Prophet; by which they maintained their Glory. Sure we may be it was the wisdom of the Patriarch Abraham to discipline his Household. Gen. 14. 14. It was David's prudence, after Saul's defeat at Mount Githoa, to order the instruction of the men of Judah in the use of the bow, 2 Sam. 1. 18. Dexterity in this Art lays the foundation for Martial Glory. Without this skill an Army for number most formidable may be put to the rout by a few well disciplined Troops. We shall find abundant witness of this, if we consult the records of Antiquity: This it was that Crown'd Alexander with victorious Lawrels, and loaded him with the Spoils of his undisciplined Enemies: This advanced Caesar to a Triumphal Chariot: By this Rome enlarged her Dominions, and her Inhabitants vanquished in Battle double the number of Enemies, who possibly might equal, if not surpass them in natural strength and courage. The Glory of most Kingdoms has ebb'd and flowed with this skill. This therefore is a necessary medium to real Service: It is not therefore to be looked on as a matter of indifference, but of Christian obligation, in the present state of the world.

Another medium which tends to fit the Soldier for Service is Good Orders. Religion therefore obliges to due care for the preservation hereof. Order is the beauty of the Universe; the Strength and Glory of all Societies; without which they would disband and crumble into nothing: Without Order a Bethel will become a Babel, an Army a confused Rout. Now this Order among Soldiers consists in everyone's keeping to the duties of their respective places: When the Officers duly give out their Orders; and those under Command do not contest them; but with quick obedience move in the line of duty: It is fatal to a Military Body to have this Order broken: The preservation of it is one good step to make it unconquerable. Agreeably we have this description of an invincible Army. Joel 2 7. They march everyone in his way; and none shall break their ranks. The wisdom of all Nations has judged the greatest severity of Martial Discipline justifyable towards such, as break this Order. And the greatest Generals by the Execution of this Discipline, have in all Ages signalized their steady conduct. Memorable is the account we have of Papirius the Dictator, who was with great difficulty persuaded to spare the life of young Fabius, the Master of his Horse, for fighting, though successfully, in his absence, and against Order. Famous is the Story of Titus Manlius, who condemned his own brave Son to Death; for the like victorious attempt; being repugnant to Order. No Order, without indisputable Obedience; this therefore, as one says, is the Key stone of the Arch, which binds and sustains the whole fabric.

Now if Order be thus necessary to an Army when called abroad to fight, it follows that the maintenance of it at home is a necessary preparative to real Service. None can in these preparatory Exercises wink at a breach of this Order, but they betray that trust, which God and their Country have reposed in them. The mildest Commander must make conscience while at home, to preserve this Order by a due Execution of Discipline on such as violate it: Otherwise they will train up Soldiers, who, when called forth to Service, will be prepared, not to obey, but mutiny; not to fight, but run, to the reproach of their Leaders, scorn of their Enemies, and ruin of the Public.

4 Christianity requires that they get their minds arrayed with those Christian virtues which will qualify them for the attainment of this End. The former were external media, these internal. Let the Soldiers industry be never so great, his application never so close to the outward means, that tend to fit him for Service; yet there are Christian virtues, without which he will remain unready when the Signal is given, to take the Alarm, and arm for Battle.

Thus the Soldier should labor after a Public Spirit. That Soldier is unqualified for Service, that cannot lay claim to this Ornament of the Soul. A private Spirit, under the government of narrow and stingy principles, is not a Martial Spirit; it is a blemish to the Man of War. This will quash all just hopes of Service from such: Such will prefer their own private interest before the common tranquility: A man of a private Spirit, though very solicitous about the safety of his own Cabbine; yet is little thoughtful for the Welfare of the bottom, in which his all is Embarked. Such a one is not prepared to venture his Life in a generous & hazardous Enterprize for the common Weal. The Soldier therefore must labor after a public Spirit; a Spirit to resent all the calamities, and to be passionately concerned for the prosperity of his Country. With this Spirit we find those Worthies endued, Gid on, Baruch, Sampson, Jephthab, and David; and with this Armor they came prepared to fight the Lord's Battels.

Again, Magnanimity, or Greatness of Spirit, is another virtue, which qualifies for Service; & this Christianity commands; and the Soldier in his present preparations is to seek after. By Magnanimity the Soldier will be qualified to engage in any noble and generous attempt; and will choose rather to sacrifice his own life, than the public peace, or his own honor. The truly great spirited Soldier is prepared to bear up against all the hardships of the warmest Service, with an unbroken and erect mind; when the Cause of God and his People shall press him into their Service. This Spirit rested upon good Nehemiah, when he cried out, as Neh. 6. 11. Shall such a man as I fly? This Spirit inspired that noble General, who when deserted by his Army in heat of battle, thus did reprimand them: Go, says he, tell the Living that I dy FIGHTING; while I go and report to the Dead, that you live FLYING.

Finally, True Piety is a necessary qualification for a Soldier in his preparation for Service. The pious man, caeteris paribus, will be found most ready to engage in the most bloody Encounters for the public defense. Piety will secure the Soldier the proper protection of Divine Providence; which as an impenetrable helmet will defend him; it inflames the mind with the strongest resolution. Hence we find it the character of the Righteous. Prov 28. 1. The righteous are as bold as a lyon. It was by Faith that those Worthies waxed valiant in battle, subdued Kingdoms, and put to flight armies of Aliens, in Heb. 11. 34. A guilty and defiled Conscience is a bad preparation for Service. Such while under a stupefaction through inconsideration may be fool hardy, but not truly brave and valiant: But once they come to have their eyes opened, and take a view of themselves with respect to the future state; they will dread their Enemies Artillery as if charged with hell and damnation: God, as well as man will appear marching in the Camp to confront them; and no wonder then if their hearts saint, and they turn the back in the day of battle. These virtues are preparative qualifications. If therefore the Soldier would get ready for Service, he must endeavor to get his mind arrayed with these, Christianity obliges hereto: And the Camp is not the most proper School to learn them in.

5. It requires a dependence on God for his Blessing to make all means successful to the designed end. The Christian in all his ways owes a deference to God as the fountain and author of all blessings. It was the Wise man's advice, Prov. 3. 6. In all thy ways acknowledge him; and this the Soldier is bound to in these his Military Exercises; and this is done by a dependence on him for a blessing, that so he may not in vain attend this business, but may be prepared to fight the battle of the Lord against the mighty. It is God's prerogative thus to prepare the Soldier. Military skill, courage, and all other martial accomplishments, are his gift; hence David, that man of War, does ascribe to God the Glory, Psal. 144. 1. He teaches my hands to war, and my fingers to fight. Without this Divine blessing, all means will fall short, & leave the Soldier unready. They may make bright their Armor, and gather the Shields together, yet if God raise not up the Spirits of men, all will be to no purpose: The Soldiery will be only fit to adorn and advance their Enemies triumphs. Thus we have considered the duties of Soldiers at home, or in a time of peace, engaged in these preparatory Military Exercises; which duties not barely moral prudence, or state policy, but Christianity obliges to the discharge of. This is the work of the Lord: and there is a Curse Entailed on those, that do this work deceitfully, Jer. 48▪ 10. It remains that we pass to the second thing, viz.

2. We are to consider the duties incumbent on Military men, when called to real Service; and these duties may be disposed under these heads.

1. Christianity obliges them to see that their cause be just. No War is just but what is levied upon just reasons: The Sword of the Lord, as well as of Gideon, must be the signal to battle. What those things are, which are requisite to legitimate a War, is not my province to determine. To be sure it is just, when the necessary defense of Religion, the prevention of the ruin of the Civil State, do call for it. I shall not essay critically to 〈…〉 , men in private capacities are to inquire into the reason of making War: It would require more time to a just determination hereof, than is allowed me; not it is a case to be determined with great caution and tenderness; since all the reasons of 〈◊〉 , which will render a war lawful & necessary, do not lie level ordinarily to the capacities of private persons. However no private person can with a good Conscience engage in a War evidently unjust, and oppressive; To engage in it under such circumstances, is to engage in Rapine & Murder; and such combatants, if they fall in the battle, are in danger of the tragical Exit of those spoken of, Ezek. 32. 27. Who are said to descend to bell with their weapons of war. The light of nature, as well as Christianity, does require that there be a just cause of engaging in hostile attempts. The Romans of old seemed to have a just sense hereof; hence they instituted a College of Priests, who were termed Feciales, or Heralds at Arms; whose business it was to inquire into the reasons of War, and only on sufficient reasons to proclaim it: and until this was done, their Armies were to abstain from all acts of hostility. The justness of the cause of War is required in the jus feciale, or law of Arms, which is one branch of the law of Nations; and this the Soldier according to the regulation of Christianity must have regard to.

2. It requires that they have a sufficient Call to engage herein. Without this the justness of the cause will not avail; Some Casuists with no small vigor dispute, whether a Military employment do properly belong to a Christians general or particular Calling; whether it be institutum vitae, or munus, a profession of life or an office strictly speaking; but it seems a needless combat. All must own that it cannot be undertaken, as many other civil professions may, jure proprio, by a man's own original authority; but jure delegato, by authority derived from others who have sufficient authority, the power of life and death in their hands. Now since it is so, none are to engage in real Service but such, as have a sufficient call thereto. The Capital offender deserves death; yet none but such, as hold the Sword of Justice, can warrant his Execution. The reason is the same in the case before us, to kill in War ought to be only an Execution of Justice, which men must be authorized to: Indeed it is lawful may highly laudable and noble for men voluntarily to offer themselves to the public Service; but yet they must carry to receive their orders from such, as have authority to grant them: without this they will have no call to engage; unless forced to it in their own necessary defense.

3. It requires that in their Engagements they should quit themselves like men; and that on the principles of Christianity. It requires that they engage with that vigor, resolution, & courage, which becomes the Cause of God they are engaged in, and the hopes of a glorious immortality, which Christianity sets before them. When God's people of old were called forth to Battle; the Priests were commanded thus to address them. Deut. 20. 3. Let not your hearts faint fear not & do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them. The want of this courageous and manly deportment, Soldiers will betray the Cause of God and their Country, in which they are engaged; and bring a lasting reproach and infamy on their own names: The want of this resolution will procure the Soldier Captive Chains instead of Victorious Lawrels: Instead of Riding, it will cause him to be Led in Triumph, dragged at the Conquerors Chariot Wheels. The Soldier therefore in Battle must signalize an undaunted Spirit, as a defendant in bearing up against the force of the assailant; as an aggressor in giving the Enemy sufficient proof of his skill and strength. In all the Soldier must quit himself like a man; and this must be done on Christian principles; having an eye to the recompense of reward; to the Crown not of fading lawrels, but of immorcessible Glory, which before he had secured, through the merits of Christ a flawless title to: and with this prospect, which only Christianity can give, he may mock at fear, defy danger, and not give ground, when the quiver, the glittering spear, and the shield rattles against him: knowing that whether he stand or fall, he shall be Crown'd as Victor in the other World.

4. It requires that they watch against those Temptations that are more peculiar to their Post. Every Station, that Divine Providence places any of the Children of men in, is beset with its peculiar temptations. Hells policy, the Worlds flattery, the Hearts treachery, cause it to be thus. And the Station of a Soldier in the Camp is no ways exempted: while he breathes continually on the borders of the Territories of the King of Terrors; he walks amidst more dangerous snares, laid by the Destroyer, to take away the life of his Soul. He is beleagured by more Temptations, sworn Enemies to his Spiritual tranquility; than with Enemies to his outward peace: There are sins, which are peculiarly ready to trouble the Camp; and infect the Soldiery. Of this nature are those Evils which the Baptist in our Context warns the Soldiers against, viz. Do violence to no man; accuse no man faisly; and be content with your Wages. Now with respect to these Temptations, the life of a Soldier ought to be a life of circumspection. He should be always upon his guard, left he be surprised taken, bound, led in triumph, and made the sport and pastime of these Philistine Lusts, that war against the Soul. These not guarded against, will preserve some accursed thing, which will trouble the Camp of Israel.

5. Lastly, It requires that they do all, that in them lies to Engage God's presence in their Camp. The best disciplined Army under the conduct of David' s Worthies, without this presence of God, will never render a people successful in War: The Race is not to the swift; nor the Battle to the strong. Eccles. 9. 11. God is the Lord of Hosts; the God of Battle. His presence will put life and vigor into the most feeble host, and cause them to do valiantly: With this presence the Thistle may challenge, and look in the face the Cedar of Lebanon. When God marcheth in the Camp, an handful of men shall vanquish puissant Armies; one shall chase a thousand, and ten put ten thousand to flight. Whatever side God takes shall prove victorious. This presence of God therefore the Soldier is obliged to Engage with him; as that which is necessary to his success. From a full persuasion of this it was, that whenever the people of Israel went out to Battle, the Ark, that Symbol of God's Presence, and the promised Messias, was carried into the Camp: On the presence of which they more depended than on their own strength, skill or number. And when ever an Army can Engage their Enemy with that triumphant Song in their mouths, Psal. 46 7. The Lord of Hosts is with us; and the God of Jacob our refuge. They need not fear the number, power, or policy of their adversaries. Such are immured in God, as in an impregnable fortress; a fortress that can never be taken by Storm or Battery; or betrayed by treachery or stratagem. This Divine 〈◊〉 , or Presence, it becomes the Soldier to secure; that so it may appear that the Battle is the Lord's.

USE I.

This teaches us. That the good Christian is like to make the best Soldier. Indeed others may be masters of as great or greater natural strength, courage, and policy; but yet the good Christian, when all other things are equal, is like to prove the best Martialist. For he is the best Soldier that best performs the duties that Christianity prescribes the Soldier; and consequently he is most like to prove the best Soldier, who is most like to observe these duties; & the Religious man will in all probability make most Conscience to observe these directions: Hence the Devout Soldier is like to make the greatest proficiency in Military Accomplishments, and so to be best prepared for Service: He is likely to achieve the greatest Exploits when called to look danger in the face. Antoninus the Emperor found this verified in that Thundering Legion of Christians under his conduct; who essayed and performed Miracles in Chivalry And happy is that Prince; happy is that State who have their 〈◊〉 filled with these; they shall not be ashamed to speak with the Enemy in the Gate.

USE II.

This teaches us who are fittest to be put upon real Service: viz. Such as are best prepared to perform the duties incumbent on the true Soldier: Such as have the greatest ability, obligation and fidelity to discharge the duties of their post. The halt, the lame, and the blind are as unfit to serve God in the Field, as at the Altar. Men, of no love to the public, of no interest in the State, of no honor nor conscience, of little Martial Skill, and of less Courage, are not fit to make up a detachment to Engage an Enemy, and fight the Lord's Battels: When such are culled out, and dispatched into the field, or posted in Garrisons, Forts, as good enough to serve in such important posts; the Common Weal is in effect betrayed, the most probable method pursued to secure the Enemies Triumph, and a people's own defeat, and ruin. Those that devote such as these unqualified ones to public Service, do but too much imitate the profane Priests of old, in their defective oblations; as if they were destined to the same design, viz. to Sacrifice. Yet this is an error that most places are apt to fall into.

And unless critical Observers are deceived, this Land cannot plead Not guilty, to such a charge. Are such our Chosen men, who are thus employed? Are they the most fit and proper for their Stations? Surely they are not the Chosen men of our Israel: if they be, it is an awful Judgment, which calls for the deepest lamentation. Tell it not in Gath, nor publish it in the Streets of Askelon; left the daughters of the Philistine rejoice; and the daughters of the Uncircumcised triumph.

USE. III. Let it be an Address, with all due Respect, to men of Military Order.

Gentlemen, You have pressed me to this Service; and I trust I shall not defeat your expectations, sure I am I shall not break my great Commanders Orders, by vigorously addressing you for your punctual regards to the duties of your Station. Quitting therefore the consideration of the duties of such asare in real Service, which through the in+dulgence of Heaven, is not our case this day: Be persuaded to comply with those duties, which you stand obliged to in these Military Exercises, which are Preparatory to Service. Let then real Service for the Cause of God, your King and Country, be your Aim: Watch against all that which is impedimental hereto: be diligent in your preparation: let all your present Exercises be adapted and leveled at this design: get those Divine v • r+tues, which will qualify you herefor; and seek God's Blessing and Acceptance herein. Enter the present Field of Exercise with this noble resolve, that when the Public Safety shall call you into the field of Blood, you will enter with inclination; Prove now your Armor, that you may not be forced to quit it in the day of Battle: This well becomes your Character.

The disciplined Soldier, that makes a figure at home, must not shrink back when Providence calls him to March abroad to confront a Public Enemy: It is not sufficient for a Trained Soldier to Excel in these Military Exercises at home; but when called must enter the list: he must not take up with Jehoash's taunting advice to Amaziah, 2 King. 14. 10. Glory in this, and tarry at home.

That Soldier, that has not a due regard to Service, is a disgrace to Chivalry: all the Encomiums that are given to the true Martial Spirit, are to him biting Sarcasms; every Panegyric an invective, a cutting Philippic.

To Enforce this Address, let two considerations be weighed.

1. In probability you will be called to real Service. The Clouds seem to be gathering from all quarters, on every side appear fearful Prognostics of an approaching Storm of War and Blood, and, if all Signs imaginable fail not, it will not be long before we shall see Hannibal at our gates. Remember that Balak King of Moab hath devised, and Bala •• , the son of Peor hath Counsel'd. The Enemies of our Religion, our King, Nation, and I and are in their triumph, and think the day is their own: In this dark day the Lord of Hosts seems aloud to utter that voice in our Ears. Joel 3. 9, 10. Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the Men of War draw near, let them come up: beat your Plow shears into Swords, and your Pruning books into Spears. Never more reason to raise those melancholy notes with the Prophet. Jer. 4. 19. My bowels, my bowels, I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise within me; I cannot hold my peace; because thou hast heard, O my Soul the sound of the Trumpet, and the Alarm to War. God seems in his Providence to be giving about the Cup of his Indignation, red with blood, and we in these Ends of the Earth, cannot expect but to drink deep of it. To be sure our gross abuse of the blessings of peace; our high handed iniquities, by which we have managed a fatal War against Heaven; give us no small occasion to expect it. And when this day comes, it will be seen who has proved his Armor.

II. God and man justly expect that you should be prepared. Man justly expects it; because this is the very design of your Military Appearances: and if we Enquire into the reason of first Erecting an Artillery; we shall find it to be this: viz. That the State might be furnished with a sufficient number of persons Expert in War, Each of them like the Son of a King, who might be fit to lead and command, when War invades the Land.

God expects this of you: for it is the duty that does naturally result from year Station, and without a design and endeavor to answer God's expectation herein, a day devoted to these Exercises will be no better than a day devoted to play and pastime; and to speak freely, there will be found no great decorum in a Prayer or a Sermon as a Prologue to such Ludicious Exercises. Labor therefore to get yourselves in all respects prepared for real Service, that you may not frustrate the just Expectations of God and man.

To wind up all:

Let me not be thought a deserter, if I add, while you are engaged in these Military Exercises, forget not your Spiritual Warfare: Remember you have Enemies, which must not only be contested with, but vanquished; Enemies whose malignity is inveterate, whose policy is deep, whose diligence is indefatigable, and stratagems almost unfathomable: Remember your safety lies in the Strength, Wisdom and Conduct of CHRIST your Leader. See that you be faithful in the discharge of this Warfare; and hereby you will be fitter for the Service of a proper Soldier among men. In the Name of the Lord of Hosts Erect your Banners, and do valiantly. And for your encouragement, know it; that if you be faithful in this work of the Lord, ere long you shall be honored not only with a Slight Ovation, but a proper Triumph. The City into which you shall Enter, a City whose foundations are precious Stones, all whose Gates are entire Pearls, whose Streets are paved with pure Gold, is already prepared. Into this City you shall make your Entrance, Riding in a Triumphal Chariot, attended with Glorious Hosts of bright Intelligences; here shall triumphal Arches be Erected as Trophies, and Monuments of your Prowess and conduct; Palms shall adorn your hands, Songs of Victory shall fill your Mouths, and Coronets of untarnisht Glory shall incircle your Victorious brows: The whole Consistory of Heaven shall do you honor, and your Names shall be had in Everlasting Remembrace. Saints and Angels at your Entrance shall renew and raise their HALLELU JAHS; with whom you will join with transports of joy, Saying,

AMEN, Blessing, Honor, Glory, Might and Dominion, to HIM that Sitteth on the Throne, and unto the Lamb for Ever and Ever; In whose service you are to fight; and in whose name you shall Overcome.