otherwise had belonged to them Those souldiers of Jesus Christ that valued not their lives to the death will shew themselves to be of the same spirit that Abram was that will not so much look at gain or reward of men as the advancement of a good Cause But to hint something to you from the words 1. From the occasion of Abrahams taking up arms When Abram heard his brother Lot was taken Captive or his Nephew he was his brothers son it was for the rescue of his Kinsman To take up arms for the defence of friends and Allies is lawfull To take up arms for such as are confederate with us for united Colonies or Provinces from this example of Abraham and his confederate that were engaged in a league offensive and defensive So Anar Eshcol and Mamre were confederate with him Though here be not an expression of such a league yet there was a great friendship and relation between him and Lot and through Abrams wisdome they parted lovingly though they did part and could not live together therefore Abram engageth in a War for the rescue of Lot and his Family 1. Hence our late War was justifiable though the Quarrel was firstly with our neighbours 2. Hence consequently it is lawfull by war to defend what we have lawfully obtained and come by as our possessions lands and inheritance here to which we have as fair a title as any ever had since Israels title to Canaan Theirs was not only a gift of Providence but of Promise Ours we can call only a gift of Providence but yet such as we may lawfully defend As Jephthah said to the Children of Ammon What Chemosh thy God gives thee to possess wilt thou not possess it So what God hath providentially given us without injury to others is that which we may lawfully defend There are commonly reckoned three causes of War 1. For defence of our selves 2. To recover what hath been taken away 3. To punish for injuries done But to pass by the occasions of the War through the goodness of God we have peace Abram armed his trained servants or Souldiers three hundred and eighteen the number was small to encounter with four Kings such as they were Chedarlaomer being supposed to be Nimrods's successor and Tidal King of Nations could not be a mean Prince or have a small number of Souldiers so that three hundred and eighteen men must in reason be but a very small handfull or number to encounter with such an Army an Army heightned with success flushed with victory over the five Kings of Sodom and Gomorrah and those neibouring cities They had a great Army for number in probability though it be not eâ—pressed they had an army that was heightned with success their spirit courage was which makes men abundantly more considerable Take men flushed with success they will undertake any thing though very hazardous Here was but a little handfull to goe out against such an army But what is it that a few men will not dare to doe if the Cause the Courage the Conduct be but like that of Abram But to note some things from the words Abram armed his trained Servants Abram was eminent in his place 1. For preparation before War his servants were trained men 2. For his carriage in the business and management of it when he undertook it I shall speak chiefly to the first of these Doctr. That the Training of Souldiers to be fit for War is a commendable practice yea a Duty of great Consequence or not of the lowest rank or thus Frequent Trainings for the instructing of men in military Discipline that they may be ready and expert for War is a commendable practice yea a Duty which God expecteth of all Gods Abrahams in their respective places that is by Gods Abrahams in their respectve places I mean such as are meerly civil Rulers to encourage such exercises by their authority and presence when convenient Such as are military officers it is their duty actually to instruct men such may be supposed to represent Abraham and God doth expect it from them that they should take care of this part which Abraham acted so happily to so good end And which is the consequent of this second Doctrine It is the duty of those that would be accounted of Abrahams Family to learn of them whom God requires to teach them the use of their weapons and order of War If it be Abrahams duty to teach it is the duty of Abrahams servants those that represent them to learn of those God sets over them the use of their weapons and the order of War that they may be expert for Warr. It is a commendation of a people or of souldiers to be expert for war that which the Scripture frequently mentioneth I shall look but to two places 1. Cron 12.33 35 36. in many verses of that Chapter of Zebulun such as went forth to battle expert for war with all instruments of war fifty thousand that could keep rank Here was Training up men to be expert and fit for War And so in the following verse of the Danites expert for War twenty eight thousand of Asher such as went forth to battle expert in War fourty thousand In that Song of Solomon Cant. 3.7 8. Behold his bed which is Solomons threescore valiant men are about it of the valiant of Israel they all hold swords being expert in War Every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night It is an high Commendation of any people when care is taken by Rulers and people are willing to learn and hearken to Rulers that they may be instructed to be expert in war It is a part of the general Calling whereto God calls every man that is capable not impotent men nor children but according to that time the Scripture reckoneth from twenty years and upward all that were ready to go forth to war It is not a thing by the by but that which men should make their business It is a duty and praise-worthy piece of skill to be expert for war To be good souldiers is a matter of praise or honour which made the Apostle use it in a spiritual sence therefore my Son endure hardness as a good souldier of Jesus-Christ 2. Tim. 2.3 It is a strange piece of dotage befallen this crazy headed Age that men should not use the sword the best of men have done it and it hath been reckoned among their most praiseworthy actions that they have used the sword Of some it is said that their hands did cleave to their swords they were so much in the use of it so happily for the advantage of the Church The Apostle to the Hebrews Cap. 11.33.34 when he makes mention of the Worthyes he mentioneth these two together Who through Faith subdued Kingdoms wrought righteousness they two may well go together that is reckoned one of the great works of their Faith there is not any thing wherein the glory of the
at the door is commonly believed and therefore we should be exhorted to be the Servants waiting for our Lord. The Lord Jesus is not coming to send peace on the Earth but the Sword Reformation never went on yet without it Look at it in Germany or Holland or where ever else there hath been any attempt first or last there hath been something of a War for the defence of it or for laying the Foundation the Sword will be drawn upon Christs account and therefore that consideration should stir us up to keep up this military Skill or Exercises that we may be the better fitted for it 2. Our own greatest tryals seem to me to be behind that for several Reasons I apprehend we shall not live quiet long or at least we have no Reason to promise our selves that we shall on these accounts 1. There are none of the Princes of note in Europe that have any interest in America but have long had their Espyals upon us as I might easily demonstrate but the reason of the thing it self is sufficient to convince us of this no Merchant but observeth anothers motions and actions trading and advantage that he makes no Husbandman but hath his eye on his Neighbour to see how he profiteth by his labour and pains that he may do the like So it is in other things no Plantation goes on and thrives but they that have neighbouring plantations are looking or it and observing it our own dayly observation may be sufficient to make us believe this there is not a small Island in America but the Princes or States of Europe are striving for it as we see the other day for Tobage St. Christophers c. if these be looked after what can we expect 2. Rome will have no peace with you and you ought to have no peace with it and that Rome's Agents are abroad at work is plain from that sire-light we have seen in the world if the Beasts deadly wound should ever be healed that we read of in Rev. 13. we are like to feel the Influence of it if their Councels should happen to sway the world it is a vain thing for us to promise our selves peace 3. The sins of New-England increase iniquity doth abound and the Love of many doth wax cold and therefore trouble will be usually the sword is one means by which God punisheth this sin in his people and therefore probability yet of more of it 4. The Inhabitants of the land will not joyn or mix with us to make one Body which is the more likely they are preserved to be thorns in our sides When Hamor and Sechem propounded a firm peace with Jacobs Family they cry Let us marry together and make one nation or people a Policy used by the French at this day not far from us they may think thereby to escape some scourge that hangs over them the issue of which we must leave to God When God intended the Canaanites to be destroyed he did forbid Israel to marry with them they were to be thorns to them and Israel was to root them out in the conclusion therefore frequent trouble we may probably and rationally reckon of to meet with from the heathen Two Nations in are the womb and will be striving That is a second consideration we must either learn to defend our selves or resolve to be vassals It is a base spirit that of Issachar a strong Ass couching between two burdens he saw that rest was good and the land it was pleasant and bowed his shoulders to bear and became a Servant to tribute So servile are some that they will pay tribute to heathens rather then endure a little difficulty Low spirited men let them have Issachars lot that make his choice 3. The World however pride and lust dispose them to quarrel yet are not disposed to breed up souldiers there is such abounding of Intemperance or debauching that doth wound mens Consciences and in the day of danger and trouble will fly in their faces wounded Consciences will be felt then as it was in the case of Josephs brethren when they were in distress they cry we are verily guilty concerning our Brother many humane stories might be mentioned for the confirmation of this Take one A Captain in the Low Countryes challenged Major-General Skippon the Lord Veer hearing of it told them to morrow I intend to assault such a Town and then I shall see who will be the best Souldier accordingly a breach being made in the Wall this Bravado was commanded to enter but would not saying I am not fit to dye Conscience will fly in mens faces when they have eminent apprehensions of death a man that did not know how to put on his Spur right if an honest man was wont to be accounted a fitter person to make a Souldier then those that would cry God damn me at every word that slight and despise Hell and eternal Damnation Intemperance Luxury filthiness and uncleaness in the world doth so debauch men they are not like to breed up Souldiers for Christ to do service for Christ he that striveth for Mastery must be temperate in all things I will tell you how we breed up Souldiers both in old England and New every Farmers Son when he goes to the Market-Town must have money in his purse and when he meets with his Companions they goe to the Tavern or Ale-house and seldome away before Drunk or well tipled It is rare to find men that we can call Drunkards but there are abundance of Tiplers in New-England This makes Youth effeminate and wanton besides the injury to mens Consciences this doth make men not so bold The Righteous are bold as a Lion Prov. 28.1 It hath been a question whether Athiesme or Piety have made the better Souldiers late experience as well as this of Abraham doth teach us that a well established Conscience is better then a seared Conscience to fill a man with Courage some fill themselves with drink to make them forget the fear of death but David that was a couragious Souldier knew no way so fit to animate his Spirit as to go to the promise of God to encourage himself in God fulness of Corn and wine cannot heighten and raise the spirits of men so as assurance of the love of God Psal 4.6 7. a well established Conscience Faith in the promises is above all such means as the poor simple sinfull world useth That Atheisme cannot do so much as a good Conscience may appear from two Reasons 1. Because an Atheist hath no assurance of a Reward whereas a Believer hath That should make a Believer more couragious because he is sure of a Reward when a man goes to the Battle it is uncertain whether he shall out-live the Battle and also it is uncertain whether he shall have the victory and if either of these happen an Atheist hath no reward if he loose the day or loose his life but a true Christian is assured of
other times 4. Our Military Strength is under God the appointed means or in the ordinary way of Providence is the proper and only means for our preservation therefore it is a duty to encourage Souldiers God can work miracles but when ordinary means may be had he will not work miracles When Israel came out of Egypt God did take the Battle into his own hand So frighted as they were with Egypts following of them in a better posture for VVar then they so low as their spirits were brought by hard bondage God did miraculously fight for them and destroy Pharaoh but when it is otherwise with the People of God that they have time to furnish themselves the Lord doth direct us to use them and they are the only means of our preservation they are the only walls and bulwarks of Gods Herititage here Gods vineyard hath no other walls but only our Souldiery that and our Poverty We have no walled towns as they have in other places our Forts and Castles are contemptible We have not any bank of money to hire souldiers our strength by Sea is small for friendship favour in the world with any that should help us is not much or our friends lye too far off to help us in time of need so that we have nothing left us but only this First that hedge which God made about Job 2. As to means it is only that wall of Bones as one calls it better then a wall of Stones our Souldiers which howsoever it may seem weak to some yet as when God made the fear of Jacob and his Family fall on the Nations not one of them durst to rise up to disturb Jacob and his Family The resolution that appear'd in Simeon and Levi together with the fear of God begat such an awe and dread of that little Family on the Country round about they knew they were resolute men and would sell their lives dear this as a means had a great influence upon all round about that none did dare pursue Jacob but this hath been our defence Souldiers have been the Wall the Strength the Glory of this little Commonwealth the name of our military Skill our readiness expertness in military exercises is that for which we have been famed abroad in other countryes both among Dutch and French What the Governour of Manadus saw in that little time when he was here gave us no small credit in Holland What made the Indians live quietly by us so long they had hatred to to us many years before it broke out What was the reason it did not break out they saw we had skill that Skill in Military Discipline which they understood not that was an awe and dread to them and is at this day that they dare not meet us on equal terms VSE 1. Hence it is no wayes unbecoming a Christian to learn to be a Souldier not only a Spiritual Souldier but in the true proper sence of the letter To be a Souldier is a Credit a praise and a glory to be a good Souldier it is so not only to men but to us as Christians to have this added to us to be good Souldiers It was a part of Abrahams praise and glory that he acted the part of a Souldier so honorably Nay it is a duty not a piece of indifferency but a point of Duty a praise worthy part he that learns and acts his part honorably There is such agreement between the Spiritual and temporal Warfare that every thing belonging to a Souldier is made use of to resemble some Grace or Duty of a Christian something belonging to a Christian Nothing of what is outward but what may be made some Spiritual and good use of As Solomon saith I beheld the Vineyard of the Slothfull from thence I learned Instruction There is nothing belonging to a Souldier but be sure some spiritual use may be made of it all the parts of his Armour every one doth exceedingly well set out some Grace or duty of a Christian put on the whole Armour of God there he shews how every thing belonging to a Souldier did set forth something which a good man should learn and have All his weapons all his motions policy in War are made use of to instruct a Christian in some act of Religion the Church Militant is therefore compared to an Army with Banners for Order and for terribleness Cant. 6.4 10. Again John Baptist gives direction to Souldiers on their address to him to be content with their wages or hire every one would know their duty their instruction was to be content with their hire the work was warrantable and instruction is given for the better ordering of it VSE II. Hence they are to blame that either wholly neglect or slight over this work If this be so becoming a Christian they are greatly to blame that do neglect it or slight it over do not make conscience of it in endeavouring to fit themselves or to teach others to be expert for War what we have suffered by it is a sufficient Argument to press this some have their Arms to seek when their houses or the Towns are beset others are so rusty they cannot be used these are uncomely things the want of Arms or the unfitness of them for the work and service God calls to It is a great evil to have them defective Abrahams Souldiers were ready immediately on notice they had not their arms to seek Abraham was not to buy them they were ready to pursue and follow the enemy they were not to Train then to learn to know their order and Rank but were fitted and prepared being Trained before VSE III. Of Exhortation to this Duty that Abraham was so carefull about the Training of his Servants under which 1. I would propound some Considerations yet further to excite and stir up to it 2. Some Directions more particularly 1. To such as represent Abraham Rulers in the Common-wealth both civil and military 2. To such as Abrahams Servants inferiour Officers and Souldiers 1. Some Considerations as a means to excite and stir up to this duty to be fit for War 1. The highest piece of Service that ever Souldiers were employed in is yet behind and is commonly believed not to be very far off the highest service that ever was done for the Lord Jesus Christ is yet behind the destruction of God and Magog so the enemies of the Church are called in Scripture whether it be Pope or Turk or whoever else is meant that shall oppose the advancement of the Kingdome of Christ God doth intend his Son shall be known and proclaimed as King of Nations as well as King of Saints he will take to him his great power and reign and the Kingdoms of this world shall become the Kingdoms of our Lord of his Christ the Lamb will have followers such as shall not love their lives to the death he hath work to do in the world and work that is even
his Reward He that doth what he doth as service to God we know our labour is not in vain in the Lord he must needs be the better spirited for his work 2. A true Christian is a gainer by Death it is not so with an Atheist To me to dye is gain Phil. 1 21. Therfore saith Solomon the day of Death is better then the day of a mans Birth viz. to the Saints because there is an end of all a mans sin and sorrow and the beginning of his never-ending Joy He that fighteth in the Faith of this must needs out doe one that hath no such expectation an Atheist reckoneth of nothing in the world to come he can believe for no reward in the world to come that thinketh there is no God He cannot be so adventurous in looking Death in the face as he that knows he shall be a Gainer by Death It is Hope that animateth all our work The heathen that had not true peace of Conscience yet had some sence of the natural Conscience excusing Non turbidus Auster c. Hor. and doe express it in a strange manner What is it such a man needs to fear it is not all the violent storms he can be in or hazzard by them not the cruelty of Tyrants nor though the world should rush together It is but an Heathen speech but expresseth a strange apprehension they had of the benefit of peace of natural Conscience they knew not peace with God A man that is whole and sound within may better look Death in the Face then any other from any other Consideration The Psalmist expresseth it in another manner Psal 1 12.7 He shall not be afraid of evil Tidings his heart is fixed trusting in the Lord. 2. To come to some Directions 1. To such as represent Abraham Rulers in the Commonwealth both Civil and Military God expecteth from you that you should act Abrahams part 1. I would speak a few words of Encouragement to you 2. By way of Direction For Encouragement 1. Through the goodness and favour of God you have a people under you that have Spirit and Courage enough that have a large share of that a great blessing to this country a mercy that we have all cause to bless God for there hath rather been an excess of Courage then defect or want of it most of our losses have been occasioned meerly by it You have men full of activity and Courage forward enough notwithstanding danger You have a People bred up in this Country that have the heart of Lions 1 Chron. 12.8 Or Lion-like men 1 Chron. 11.22 What is said of the Horse one may by way of similitude apply to men He mocks at fear he is not afraid neither turns he back from the sword Job 39 22-25 I speak this because I have seen and heard something my self of the Courage of Souldiers that hath been better and more refreshing then the greatest Daintyes or Feast could be to see the hearts of men raised in danger rather then cast down with it The spirits of men to be raised and heightned in danger if we had the Mines of Mexico and Peru it would not be such a mercy and blessing to the Country as this is 2. They can endure hardness that is another thing by way of encouragement to Rulers that is a great mercy A tender softly effeminate People is a curse and misery when God is pleased to frame a people to be such And by the way I might encourage Rulers Governours and Parents to train bring up their Children in such manner that they may endure Hardness Thô Isaac was a great Prince as the king of the Philistines acknowledged him yet when he sent away Jacob he sent not so much as a Servant with him he took of the stones made a pillow of them it was a hard pillow had no feathers in it but when he had the hardest nights lodging he had the best nights rest He saw a Vision of a Ladder reaching to heaven it was as comfortable a night as ever Jacob had Isaac was a Prince acknowledged by the King of the Philistines yet he brings up Jacob in such a manner that he should not complain of this hardness to be sent out alone to lye in the woods have nothing but a stone for his pillow to have a piece of bread in his pocket and water to drink he did endure without murmuring and repining It is probable his Father did not bring him up deliciously One leaving of New-England did commend that to Parents You doe not know what hardness your Children may be called to By way of Advice two or three words 1. Require of all the exercise of Trainings or attendance upon them That Rulers should look unto that they may have Souldiers ready for any Expedition There are good Laws but there needs strictness in the execution of them 2. Keep up martial Discipline a Souldier is the worst of creatures that is not under Discipline and such as are Commanders should look to that You know the praise-worthy example of the Centurion I say to one goe and he goeth and to another come aend he cometh Mat. 8.9 Discipline is the life of the work Captains are greatly to blame that are softly men and do not hold their authority in the field That which would be no fault or might be winked at at home should not be suffered in the Field 3. Encourage your Horse those exercises also Foreign Princes know they can easily over-master you in Foot but know not how to over-master you in Horse They that have had an aking tooth at this place have been afraid of this that have Foot-Souldiers enough at our backs yet know not how to match us in Horse 4. Look with a favourable aspect upon and afford your presence as much as may be at such Meetings as are the work of this day Encourage Artilery-Trainings 1. It is a way and means to give encouragement to dilligent and expert Men by giving them titles answerable to their activity and skill In Grammar-Schools to be a Captain for a day makes young Schollars strive at their Books It is a way that affordeth opportunity to put honour and respect upon Men of activity as their Dilligence Valour and activity calls for it The Law of nature teacheth that the virtuous Skil of any doth call for honour 2. It is a Nursery for Officers beyond our common Trainings or a better means to accomplish those that are Officers Artilery Meetings consisting in a great measure of such It is also a proper means for trying the Skill of Souldiers beyond what is at other times 2. A few words to inferiour Officers and Souldiers to such as represent Abrahams Servants labour to be good Souldiers and to that end Fellow-Souldiers I would commend a few things 1. Something to you as Christian Souldiers 2. Something to you as Souldiers Literal or men 1. Something as Christian-Souldiers only these two words 1. Get Armour of proof put on the whole Armour of God that is the way to make a good Souldier to have his compleat Armour Armour for his inward man without there be a Guard to that there will be a Failing if the Conscience be wounded or be not safe if the Breast-plate of Righteousness be not on if men have guilty Consciences they will find and feel the sad effects of it when they come to be in danger Put on your spiritual Armour look to that Brest-plate of Righteousness I would commend the keeping of a good Conscience with that Brest-plate a man may look Death in the Face When the vitals are secured a man that hath any Courage or Spirit will not vallue a scratch in the arm or leg If a man have a good Brest-plate and large sufficient to defend his Vitals it will make a man bold he knows that ordinarily he is secured as for his life and he that hath any spirit will venture his Limbs Take care of your inward man therefore as you would make good Souldiers Look to your inward man the Heart that that be wel guarded and defended that you have a good Brest-plate for the defence of that Abraham first taught Piety Engage God with you and that would make a very coward fight For a man to have his Conscience against him in the day of Battle is a very sad thing it frighteth a man far more than the enemy God is departed from me and answerethme no more and the Philistines are upon me That made the Philistines as bad as so many Devils to him 2. Be Temperate and endure hardness do not live as if your great study were to please the flesh one that is given to appetite will never credit the profession of a Souldier nor himself 2. A hint or two to you as Souldiers 1. Be in subjection to Officers to those God sets over you to dispute commands is unbecoming a Souldier I am a man under Authority and say to one goe and he goes saith the Centurion Luk. 7.5 2. Goe to or attend upon Trainings as those that do not reckon it a Task but account it your Recreation and Priviledge as those that have a mind to be expert in war The Lord Jesus when he calls out any they shall not be bunglers it will not be long ere the Lord Jesus will call out Souldiers those that he will use shall be expert for War and therefore let us accustome our selves to this work that fatal blow at Black-point should make men love Training the unreadiness they were in there they were raw undisciplined let us labour to be expert for War to be like our General Iesus Christ The Lord is a man of War Lastly look to your Arms that becomes a Souldier to keep them fixed and to be expert in the use of them 2 Sam. 1.18 according to that of David be commanded to teach them the use of the Bow FINIS