it such a disgrace as now men doe iudge Ieremie said to a Ier. 37. 14. Captaine of the Ward vniustly accusing him that it was falshood or a lye as it is in the Hebrew Text which he spake Gedaliah put the lye vpon Iohanan a Captain a high Ier. 40. 16. Note this and proud spirited man and valiant too yet none of these offered to any of them the stabbe nor did make a quarrell thereof nor did beastlike more then manlike rush vpon one another and kill one another for these quarrelsome fellowes and Spadassiues as one calleth them are not ever the best men Drunkennesse whoring swearing and no doubt but hereupon forswearing are no matters of disgrace to them but forsooth the tearme lye by which the father of all lies deludeth them to make them straine at a gnat and swallow Camels to seeme to detest a lye and yet in their vicious courses to be faithlesse to God and their owne soules Away away with this delusion of Sathan you that are truely valiant and right Christian Souldiers and suffer not your selues to be transported with this conceited disgrace to seeke revenge and so be guilty of bloud a crying sin before God XII Is carelesse negligence and slothfulnesse this is to be punished Ier 48. 10. 1 K. 20. 39 40. the Lord pronounceth a curse vpon him that doth his worke negligently and keepeth backe his sword from bloud when he may slay the Lords enemies It was death by negligence to let an enemy put into a mans custody to escape so for a watchman not to give Eze. 33. 6. Liv. 5. warning the watchman which suffered the Gaules to enter into the Capitol while he slept was thrown from the rocke of the Castle and so punished with death for it the valiant Commander Epaminoâ—das the Theban going the round slew the watchman Plutarch whom he found asleepe by the Roman Law it was death But this is to be meant in time of most necessary watching because of the enemy but noâ— els God forbid that the bloud of poore souldiers should be needlesly shed XIII Is cowardlinesse when a souldiâ—r dare not for feare performe his charge this is to be punished Cowards God put out of his campe when he sent his to warre and so did Machabeus Appius Clandius did behead those souldiers that throwing downe their armes fled from their enemies Licâ—rgus made a law among the Spartans that no man should returne Liv 2. home that turned his backe vpon his enemy Caesar put certaine Ensignes from their places because they lost their ground in an encounter with Pompey at Dirrhacâ—ium The Coward doth not only helpe the enemy but disheartneth his friends The Lacedemonian women would deliver shields to their sonnes exhorting them going to warre eyther to bring them againe or to dye valiantly There was among them one Damatria who hearing that her son had not fought like a Lacedemonian when he came â—lew him so much did women there detest a cowardly spirit XIV Is flying away out of the host to the enemy this is worthy severe punishment such base and traiterous spirits among all the souldiers in Israel I never read of to my remembrance not in all the warres of Iosua nor of the Iudges nor of Saul nor of Dauid The Romans punished such with death Caius Matienus comming â—lâ—ruâ— but home from the army in Spaine without leaue was beaten vnder a gibbet sold for one piece of mony to signifie the base esteeme of such a fugitiue to flye to the enemy is to further them very much by discouering to them the present state of those from whom they run and therefore is to be very sharpely punished XV. Is Fornication Whoredome and fleshly filthinesse in any kind not to be suffered God for this sinne slew in the campe of Israel in one day 24000. Num 25. Phineas in his zeale for this slew Zimry and Cozbie a Prince and Princesse Scipio the younger banished women out of his campe Before is shewed how Alexâ—nder punished this beastly filthinesse in souldiers This sinne is yet nothing now in the thoughts of unbridled lustfull souldiers which yet some haue well payed for The Sicilians enraged against the Gaâ—risons of souldiers for their adulteries Niâ— Gil. Vâ—l. 1. whoredomes and rapes in the reigne of Rodolphus the Emperour tooke armes and vpon Easter day set vpon them and slew them all The Emperour Aurelianus caused a souldier for committing adultery to be tyed by his feet to two trees bent to the earth which being let goe rent him in peeces halfe of him hanging on the one and the other halfe on the other tree XVI Discontentednesse with the allotted prouision convenient and lusting after belly-cheere This euill the great man of warre and discipliner of Armies the Lord God of hostes punished Num. 11. 4. 20. 33. in his Campe. Nothing lesse befits a souldier then the loue of his belly and ease some are like summer locusts which are all belly and live of spoyle strong in warme months but in pinching cold they are gone pind away and dy you haue heard before how basely Lucius Pius was esteemed of by the Romans for his gaining of the Sarmates to obedience with belly-cheere XVI Is theft filching rapine robbery Ios 7. 21. and sacriledge God punished Achans theft yet these are too common with souldiers now For many base fellowes fitter for the Gaole yea the Gallowes then the warres are no sooner prest and in the Kings service but are bold to lay hands vpon other mens goods which they carry away with many a bitter curse year curse is vpon the theefe and the Zach. 5. 3. swearer who also bringeth a curse vpon others as Achan did That one theefe caused the overthrow of the Armie oh what euill will then a multitude of theeves doe in an host Great care must be had of committing sacriledge and robbing of Churches Crassus the Roman for Sabellic li. 4 ca. 3. robbing the Temple of Ierusalem was soone after ouercome by the Parthians Cambyses the King of Persia his armie was destroyed by a tempest going to rob a Temple These by Draco the Athenian Lawgiuer was death So among the Hetrurians and Herod l. 1. Vapisc in vita Aurel. Vacceians The Locrians put out the theeves eyes Aurelianus the Emperor would not suffer his souldiers to take a pullet or chicken from country people his friends Tyberius made one of Suetonius in Tiber. his Guard to be put to death for taking a Peacocke out of a mans yard Tamberlaine caused a souldier to be slaine for taking a poore womans milke and some cheese and not paying for it The Romans vnder Marcus Theat hist Scaurus were so disciplined that they would not pluck the fruit of one tree as they passed by it and left it vntouched Pescenius Niger would haue put to death diuerse souldiers met together feasting themselues with that which they had stollen though
only thirty men slaine yet he tooke it to heart fell to humbling of himselfe to fasting and prayer for the same with the Elders of Israel and when he knew the sinne for which God was offended he found out the party and rewarded him with death that had caused by his sinne the death of the slaine and the Enemy to get the victory Thus should worthy Generals doe Esay reproveth it as Esay 42 25 an evill in the people when the strength of the battell was against them and they beaten that they did not lay it to heart Alas for our times where in too many mock at such humiliations scorne with disdaine to be so cast downe for the liues of men They know not that this is in them great contempt of Gods displeasvre It s not so much the losse of men which those Valiants bewailed as for sinne the cause of the defeaâ—e for Gods absence from them in his anger giving them into the power of the Enemie for the Enemies pride and triumph over Gods people for the dishonour which commeth to God therby for these things Iosua 2 Sam. 1. 11. 17-26 mourned David wept and other very valiant men lamented and not onely for the death of the slaine And yet in their sorrowes they neglected not to thinke of these as David did even of his Enemy Saul and his sons with his faithfull friend Ionathan being much grieved for the rejoycing of the Philistims Gods Enemies when they should know thereof This did he lay to heart as we should the Enemies of God his Church and his people glorying over vs at this day as if God had vtterly forsaken vs. But there is hope if we will seeke Gods favour cut off sinne repent and be reformed for doe we not reade how after Iosua's humiliation Ios 8. God was with him in the victory and wee may find vpon the Israelites true repentance their deepe sorrow with abundance of teares their putting away of Idols and preparing of their hearts to serve God after their 1 Sam 7. 3 miserable overthrow and the great slaughter of the people when Hophni and Phineas were slaine the Arke taken and 30000 put to the sword how graciously did God looke vpon Cap 4 10 â—â— them tooke Israels part and thundered with a great thunder vpon the Philistims and so discomfited them Cap â— 10 that from that time they came no more into the Coasts of Israel Therefore to make a conclusion Oh you valiant hearts you truly vâ—lorous you sonnes of the worthy you vndaunted spirits yet religious yet faithfull yet chast yet just in your man iâ—esse yet full of humanity even to the enemie and truly respectfull of your owne companions yea and common souldiers fellowes in affliction doe well bee reconciled to God craue his aid and he being with you goe forth with confidence and prosper Even so Amen FINIS ERRATA WHich for with page 3 line â—4 Then for their line 12. as for is pa 18. l. 21. haue for hatâ— pa 27. li 18. Munidians for Numiâ—ians pa. 70 li. 7. Adde men pa. 75. li 15 inâ—â— for infinite sâ—isime for sâ—ism pa 72. li 7. armieâ— for armâ—s pa 68. li 2. Put out And though pa 92. li. 15. you for them pa 9â— li 28. Narminius for Harmâ—nâ—uâ— p 128. l. 9. need for hâ—ed p 142 l 17. Puâ— out bâ— p 158. l 9. and mer. l. 11. Adde evill p. 162. l. 15. hake for lâ—ke p. 194 l 20 holden for holpen p. 190. li 4. ar for as p 199. l. 24. Inulia for Iuliâ—â— p. 203. l 8. Adde for p. 204. l. 18. Put out him l. 8. One for a p. 230 l 6 Salanus for Salamis p â—07 l 12. Numida for Munda p. 104. l. 12.
they might best prevaile gave this answer that the meanes to overcome was to vse their full strength 3. Thus ever did Saâ—l and also David and other Kings in Israel and Iudah when they went against an enemy 1 Sam. 11 8. 15. 4. 2 Sam. 10. 7. they led out mighty forces Saul against the Amalekiâ—es conducted an host of 310000 David sent against the Ammonites all the host of mighty men which were many thousands 4. The Romans in their warres sent forth strong Armies against their enemies 50 thousand or 24 thousand the least 15000 or 12000 as their stories shew The benefit of a strong Army is great it striketh feare where it commeth and if not presently resisted it enricheth it selfe with spoyles if it get the victory it will maintaine it selfe vpon the enemy and abide without feare Caesar maintained his warres in France vpon the French nine yeares Hannibal his Army vpon Italy sixteene yeares Scipio his host vpon Spaine all the time of his stay a strong power prevailing gets confederates to giue ayde and to help with supplyes yea through feare it gaineth from the enemy many falling off from him to the strongest side as the Kings which were servants to Hadarezer did when Daviâ— overcame 2 Sam. 10 19. his host One victory got with a full army is the winning almost of a Country Caesars victory at Alexia drew almost all France to him The French by one victory recovered the Kingdome of Naples It s necessary therefore to put to our strength in warre if we hope to prevaile and not daâ—ly with our Enemy to our owne hurt but yet we must avoide two evils 1. Not to presume of our great strength against a weake enemy as Benhadad the king of Syria and his 1 K. â—0 32. Kings with him did when he came against Ahab which great host of his was overthrowne so was Zerah with his ten hundred thousand 2 Ch. 14. Anno 1588 â— Mach. 3 16. And how soone was the Armado of Spaine called invincible scattered and brought to naught here in our coasts For victory standeth not in the multitude of an host but strength commeth from heaven 2. Not vtterly to despaire if we be inforced to fight with a small power against a proud boasting enemy For in such cases God strangely giveth victory as shall be declared Chap. 18. Thus much for the number Now when an Army of men for the number is resolved vpon necessaries must be provided answerably thereto I. There must be great store of armes such of Zebuâ—un Reubâ—â— God 1 Ch. 12. 33. 37. 2 Ch 26. 14. and Manisses as came to helpe David were furnished with all instruments of warre for battle King â—zzâ—aâ— provided for his men of warre throughout their hosts weapons of warrâ— such as were then vsed spears shields bowes slings and other Armes Gorgius host was strong and well harnessed as the story relateth Scipio going into Africke against the 1 Mac. 4. 7 Liv. 29. Carthaginians any made exceeding prouision of Armes II. Provision of victuals Of this Iud. 20. 10 the Israelites had care before they warred vpon Gibeah Holophernes Iud. 2. 17 18. his great host had plenty of victuals and carriages for all provision that they might not want for indeede hungry bellies can neither fight nor observe order Saul by his rash restraining of his Armie from taking food made them to faint and after through hunger to flye vpon the 1 â—am 14. 24 30 32 33. spoyle and by eating bloud to sinne against God Fames severior est bellâ— Hunger is more sharpe then the sword Alasse how can they have courage that pine with hunger How can they stand against an enemy that want strength to goe vpright Good leaders should take to 2 K. 3. 9 10 heart the distresse of their companie in such a case as even Idolatrous lehoram did But some are like the 1. Sam. 30. 13. Amalekâ—e who left his poore weak Egyptian servant to helpe himselfe or to dye for hunger Alas what service can poore hunger-starved souldiours doe or how can they bee made obedient when belly hath no Bel. Gal Liv. 29 eares Therefore famous Generals have ever seene to this Caesar would not once moove towards the Enemie before hee had provision Scipio landing in Afrike had his store-houses filled with provision Cyrus in his expedition against Xenoâ—h exâ— Cyâ— 1. his brother had besides his ordinarie Carts foure hundred Waggons loaden with victuals not to be spent but in time of necessitie Where provision is not to prevâ—nt famine there the host is overcome without dint of the sword To have victuals bring store be moderate from the first day in the vse give free safe paâ—sage to Marchants and Victuallers to bring and make ready payment what is gotten from the Enemy store it vp procure from confederates fauour â—o make supply in this kind and to summon as a strong Army goeth along the Townes and Villages to bring in victualls and provision vnlesse they would be ruinated III. There must be sufficient money to helpe every way all wants money is the sinewes of warre Holophernes with plenty of food had very Iudeth 2. 8 2 Mac. 3. 28 much gold and silver King Antiâ—châ—s opened his treasure and gaue his souldiers pay for a yeare Souldiers well payed have the better courage councell and money prevaile where force cannot effect By gold Tacius the Captaine of the Sabines got the Capitoll of Rome Asdrubal with money Celtâ—berâ—ans from the Romans Mony may hire souldiers buy victuals and supply what is wanting for the most How to make provision for money reade Dr. Sutchss his booke of war ca. 2. pa. 18. part therefoer wise warriers were not in this carelesse the Carthaginians had in their new Carthage in Spaine a treasure to serve for the wars there Caesar had for his store in Noviodunum For his warres in France But though there be store of mony yet must the Generall see to it that poore souldiers be paid the fraud in Officers must be prevented and severely punished money is not to be turned into provand of which deceit See Sr. Iâ—hâ— Smith preface to hiâ— booke oâ— this cousenage Liv. 28. 2 a skilfull Commander hath written at large Neither should Captaines be paymasters to souldiers least they be as they have beene notoriously abused Scipio in Spaine paid his souldiers man by man Porsena Commander of the Hetruscians stood by while every souldier tooke his owne pay and so were they such that every one had his due see what evils haue hapned by non-payment or slacke paying of Pa. 74. châ— 4. part 9. souldiers in Dr. Sutcliffe his booke CHAPTER XVII Of meanes abroad to be vsed before the warres begin ON Prince nor Nation may presume vpon their owne strength worth and power The Kings of olde time making warre had beside their owne ayde from othere Gen. 14. 1 24. and had
considered and care had of marching on The Lord himselfe set an order in going forward and in marching to his people first he himselfe went before them in a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to Exo 13. 21 leade their way but when the enemy with a mighty host was behinde them then the Lord got himselfe betweene his people and the Egyptians to overthrow them for as a Generall he cared for the safety of his Army which he had brought out of Exo. 14. 19 24. Deu. 20. 9. Num. 2. 34 with verse 2 Num. 2. 17. Ioel 2. 7 8. Chro 12. 33. 3. 5. See the margin Deut. 25. 18. Egypt with a powerful hand 2. He appointed that Captains chosen should leade the people 3. That the people should set forward every one after their families according to the houses of their fathers with the Ensigne thereof the cloâ—d being taken vp 4. Before they marched the trum pets sounded and in marching they kept ranke observing order the weakest went hindermost The Heathen also did see to this They could march every one in his way not breaking rankes not thrusting one another but every one walking in his path so they kept an equall distance from one another If they be too neâ—re they are trouble some to themselues that they cannot vse their weapons if too far asunder they make way for the Enemy to breake in vpon them disorderly marching may not be endured Scipio corrected Flor exit Liv. 58. 34. such as hee espied out of ranke so did Cato who would strike them with his leading staffe and commanded the Captaines to chastise them In going on spies were wont to be sent forth before to discover the 1 Sam â—3 22 23. Enemie This did Saul when he went against David Iosâ—a sent spies into Ios 2. 1. 9. the land before him to know how the people were affected For to heare of feare and terrour in the Enemie is a great heartening to goe forward This whetted on Godeon to set Iud 7 10 â—1 13 vpon the Midianites and much strengthened his heart This sending forth or going to learne somewhat from the enemie was commanded Gideon by God himselfe So David sent out spies to vnderstand what â— Sa 26. 4 1 Mach 5 38 12 20 Saul did And Machabeus sent spies into the host of the Enemies and so did Ionathan It s wisedome to haue some with the Enemy to discouer his purposes and designements if it may be as David had Hushai with Absolom and men secretly in Ierusalem to bring him newes Gabrias the Athenian Pluta Apotheg Liv 122 Captaine said that he deserved no then me of a Generall that vnderstood not the estate of his Enemies Livie reporteth that Hannibal vnderstood what was done in the Enemies Campe as well as they partly by espialls sent into the Campe and partly by his owne diligence God 2 K. 6. 9. himselfe sometime by his Prophet did extraordinarily reveale the secret counsel of the Syrian vnto the King of Israel to prevent mischiefes From God and man Generals are taught to learne and see and vnderstand what their Enemies doe When they march and doe secure themselues from ambushments and dangerous passages they must consider 2 K 6. 8. well where to encamp as the Syrian King did warring with Israel The encamping of Israel by the Lords direction was fouresquare and the Tabernacle in the midst with Priests Num 2. and Levites to attend their office There were foure standards pitched the first of Iudah Eastward the second of Reuben Southward the third of Ephraim Westward and the fourth of Dan Northward To every of these belonged two Tribes so as three Tribes was vnder one standard and the whole host of all three numbred together Then were there ensignes which were pitched also by the standards which were the ensignes of their Fathers houses In marching Num 10. 5 6 14 18 22 25. they kept this order 1. the East side went forward and then the South-side then the West and then the North before all which went the Arke to search out a resting place for them and when if set forward or rested a holy speech was vttered by Moses either time this was the Num 10 33. 36. manner of encamping and marching in the wildernesse But they had also another kinde and forme of entronching which was round as appeareth by the manner of speech according to Innius and Tremelius translation David is said â— Sa 17. 20 to come ambitu plaustrorum so asthey lay it may seeme intrenched round with carts They had a care to lodge safely by intrenching themselues Gorgias campe was strong 2 Mach. 4. â— compassed about with expere horsemen This Caesar had speciall care of he would not neglect this worke at any hand nor bee deterred by his Bel. Gal. 2. Civ 1. Liv. 27. enemies sending to offer battell to hinder the same Fulvius the Proconsul neglecting this was suddenly set vpon by Hannibal and overthrowne and all his company So was Lodâ—wike Nassa brother to the Prince of Orange slaine and most Anno 1568 of his company through idlenesse and want of skill withall to entrench well themselues In Israel the Generall was ever in the Camp Saul was alwayes in the Campe so was Moses and Iosua Ioab in the 2 Sam 11 11. 1 Mach. 4. 4. host and Gorgias in his Campe. Heroicall hearts should disdaine to follow pleasure though lawfull when they should be in the field this contempt of pleasure was in Vriah one of Dauids Worthies because the General and the host lay in their Tents They did encampe in as convenient Num 21. Exod 15. 27. 16. 12. 15 1 Sa 29. â— Iud. 7. 1. places as they could by wells of water and trâ—es as Israelites did and as did the Philistims by a fountaine 〈◊〉 by the well of Harad and Timotheus the wicked Heathen and Ionathan at the water of Gennesar 1 Mach 5. 37. 11. 67. Exod 18. 6 19. 2. 1 Sa 26. 3. 28 4. 31. 1. Nu 21. 12. 22. 1. Deut 10 7 Iudg 6 33. 7. 8. 1 Chro 11. 15 vpon or by a hill or mountaine as Moses with Israel did and Saul vpon Hachilah and on Mount Gilboah Also in vallies and plaines as Israelites did in the valley of Zared and in the plaines of Moab neere Iordan and in Iothah a land of rivers of water The host of Midian pitched in the valley of Iezreel and the Philistims in the valley of Rephaim which a strong host may dare to doe Wheresoever they encamped they Iud 7. 8 2 K 7 7 1 Mach. 9 2 4. 20 Iudg 7 11 2 K 7 8 10 1 Mach 4 23 had their tents to lye in every one had his tent not onely Israelites in their owne land but also the Heathen so had the Syrians and Demâ—trius host vnder Bachides and the lewd Aleimus and
others And in these tents they lay by rankes by which they tyed their horses and Asses and in which they laid vp their victualls treasure and such things as they had For in them were found golde silver raiment blue silke purple and great riches Before they remooved there was Ios 1. 10 11. 3 2 3 4 Iud 7 19 1 Mach 12 27. warning given throughout the whole host and it was tolde them what they should doe Till they remooved they set diligent watch and carefully keepe it especially when they thought an enemie ready to set vpon them CHAPTER XXI Of ordering an host in drawing neere to the Enemie and what is else to bee done and considered of before the comming of the battell DAvid sending out an Army to subdue his proud rebellious son Absolom divided the whole host into 3. 2 Sa. 18. 2. parts and set principall Commanders over the same Ioab over one Abishai over the other and Ittai over the third So did Iudas divide his Army into three Companies 1 Mach 5. 33. 2 Mach 8. 21. and sometimes into foure parts Against Cendebeus he divided his men and set his horse in the midst of the foote because the Enemies horse were very many Bachides in his battell against Iudas divided his horse into two troupes and put his slingers Ca. 16. 7. and Archers before the host and in the foreward were all the mighty men and Bachides himselfe in the right wing Wise and experienced 1 Mach 9. 11 12. Commanders know how to order and embattaile their men The Enemy the place the occasion offered are in this matter seriously to bee weighed Hanuibal ordered his Army some time one way and sometime Liv 30. 31. 23. 29. another as reason led him And so did the Romanes Caesar and others Saul set his battaile in aray against the Philistims but the manner how is not â—et dovvne 1 Saâ—â— 7. 2. 23. Before the joyning of battell foresight and great vvisedome is required For 1. here lyeth at stake the precious liues of men 2. These â—â—â— errour may bring great damage 3. The due commendarions of all former preparations deliberations and wary proceedings is here reteined or lost 4. The victory procureth renowne and causeth triumph and ioy 5. But the overthrow bringeth sorrow disgrace and the prisoners taken captiue to be at their enemies will the very conceit whereof in some hath beene so contrary to their minds as they rather haue desired death then to fall into an enemies hand This made Saul to kill himselfe which he did saith Iosephus In the wars of the Iews because he was a faint-hearted coward Ziâ—ri did burne his pallace over his owne head And Razis acted 2 Mach 14. 42. 46. a desperate part vpon this ground In Numantia where 4000 souldiers who held out â—4 yeares against many thousand Romanes yet wearied at length they resolved vpon a strange and desperate end which was to gather all their Armes monies and goods together and to set them on fire and to burie themselues in the flame that so Scipio might not haue any of them captiues to triumph over This maketh many stout courages in battell desperate to fight like Lyons and will not yeeld till the fatall wound come and they be deprived of life Great consideration therefore must be had before a Generall put all to hazard 1. Of his owne number and strength and then of his Enemies 2. Of the quality and condition of his souldiers whether young and raw or old and experienced for it s not number but valour and skill which chiefly prevaileth 3. Of their fitnesse to fight if it be after travell when they be hungry thirst and Liv. 44. weary perhaps against fresh liuely and a well prepared Enemie Aemilius would not charge vpon Xenâ—ph in exped Cyr. Perseus in Macedonia because of his souldiers vnfitnes by travell though they desired to fight vntill the next day Clearchus would not set vpon his enemie because he perceived his souldiers to bee saint and hungry Therefore the Romanes before they Liv 28 21 entred battell refreshed well their men with victualls and rest as Vespatian did when he encamped about Warres of the Iewes Iorpata where in Iosephus was So Hannibal would haue his men dine well to lye warme and take rest before they fought with the Romanes at Trebia Such commonly as haue fought when their Army was wearied with travell for want of â—est or faint for food haue miserably perished As did Asdrubals army at Metaurus and so the Gaules Historia de troubl de Fra. l. 13. by the Romanes Puigallâ—re his men were cut off by La Nove when he would needes set vpon the Protestants after two dayes and nights continuall march 4. The Generall is to consiâ—er whether feare possesse the hearts of his souldiers It s Liv 26. 37. a great hinderance to the victory It s threatned as a punishment fainting of heart seized vpon the Canaanites Ios 2. 9. 24. and gaue courage and assurance of victory to Iosua A trembling through feare is a signe of destruction We never reade of Sauls daunt of spirit and fearfulnesse in 1 Sa 28. 5 all his many battells but onely before the last in which he and his were overthrowne then it s said that he was afraid and his heart greatly trembled Some feare may possesse the heart of a Commander sometime but a sodaine and vnwonted feare in a General as Saul is an ill token as it was in one of the Kings of Hungary when he put on his helmet to goe against the great Turk In which battell he lost his life and the chiefe City of the Kingdome A great feare over a whole host at the sight of the Enemy foretelleth their overthrow as it happened with the host of Timotheus consisting of 120000 foote and 2500 horse at the sight of Iudas 2 Mach 12 20 22. with a handfull and as it hapned to the Army of Sigismund vpon which fell a panick feare when Zisca was but comming neere Till feare was removed Caesar would not set forward against Ariovistus and the Germanes Iudas Machibeus would needs fight when many of his company was in feare and conveyed theÌ„selues out of the host but it cost him his life 1 Mach 9. 6. 10 18. Therefore to prevent or remoue feare the Lord himselfe spake to his Generals exhorting them not to feare to Moses to Iosua to Gideon yea he sent his Prophet sometime to encourage Deut 3 2 Ios 1 8. 10 8 11 6. Iud 6 4 2 Cro 20 Deut 20 3 4 them and appointed a sermon or set speech for the Priests to deliver before the host went out Hence it was that Kings made Orations to their Captaines and Souldiers and so did other Generals Histories humane are full of them and very many spâ—eches are recorded in the Bible the scope whereof was to remoue feare to encourage
offered to the 1 Sa. 11. â— men of Iabesh that so they might bring not onely base shame vpon the parties but a reproach vpon the whole nation It s better to dye then to hearken to such conditionr or to such as Benhadad propounded to Ahab 1 King 20 6. which made him adventure the battle as also did our blacke Prince with the King of France whom no reasonable conditions could satisfie moreover it must be weighed whether any succor may in conuenient time come to helpe in such a strait as the men of Iabesh did furthermore whether by adventuring life yet the enemy may receiue more losse by selling to them their deaths more deare then by yeelding and living they may profit-their country These and such like considerations must be had before yeelding but if the enemy be faithfull of his word and mercifull the conditions reasonable no hope remaining of helpe and the adventuring to fight it out in all likelihood to procure little hurt to the Enemy in reason it is better to save life then to lose it Very valiant spirits have yeelded sometimes without any disparagement vnto them CHAP. XXVIII Of getting fully the victory when the enemy is in part subdued AN Enemy may seeme to be overthrowne when he is not therefore to get a full victory I. Beware that the Emies giving way and seeming to flye be not a stratageme as it was in the Israelites to the Beniamites and Iosua with his company to the men of Ai and Bethel by which subtlety he did vtterly overthrow them when they were too confident of the victory Scanderbeg that Prince of Epirus thus overcame Amose his kinsman that had fled from him and brought against him 60000 Turkes from whom be seemed to flye and for feare to leave his country by which apparent flight so farre he made them secure and so after certaine dayes returned backe vpon them secredy overthrew them and tooke his trayterous kinsman prisoner II. If the enemy be routed then to pursue the victory as Abraham did in Gen 14. Ios 7. 25. 8. 11 12 1 Sam 14. 22. 1 Mach. 10 49 50. 4 15. 7. 45. chasing his enemies Gideon the many and mighty Kings with their hostes Saul the Philistims king Alexander sonne to Antiochus Epiphanes king Demetriâ—s host and as Iudas did Gorgias and Nicanors host Caesar obtaining the victory over the Helvetians so pursued them as hee left them not till all yeelded so having foyled Vercingetorix he followed him till he got into Alexia Scipio vanquishing Asdrubal pursued him to the De Bel. Gal l. 1. 7. vtmost coast of Spaine Hannibal in not pursuing his victory gotten at Cannas lost Rome he had skill to overcome but wanted wisedome to vse well the victory III. Yet in the pursuite 1. Beware it be not too heady disorderly and scattered least pursuers fall into Ambushments or come to neer some garrison or give so advantage to the flying Enemy to fall on againe recover their losses and become of Conquered suddenly Conquerours Philopoemen charging the Enemy that Liv 35 too eagerly did chase his men overthrew him Carus the Generall of Segadans having overcome Quintus Fulvius yet by disorderly pursuing and too securely lost his victory was by the same Fulvius horsemen charged suddenly and so Carus himselfe killed and sixe thousand more put to the sword Gaston de fois having foiled the Enemy at Ravenna by advancing himselfe too farre and ill followed lost his life Moses Scanderbegs Generall with other worthy Commanders by too forward pursuit Hist of Scanderbeg of the Turkes were taken prisoners And by Mahomet the mercilesse Tyrant were fleyed alive and that by little and little for the space of 15. dayes together Secondly take heed of pursuing one part routed that an other part of the enemy entire and strong remaine not behind to follow the pursuers This oversight cost worthy Machâ—beus 1 Mach 8. 14. 18 his life Thirdly not to follow too late Ioab followed Abner till night and Alexander 2 Sam 10. 49 50. 1 Mach 10. 49 50 Demetriâ—s but beware of darknesse it hideth many mischiefes not to bee foreseene nor prevented IV. The Enemy once scattered is not to be suffered to recollect his forces for thus Pyrrhus that Noble Warriour yet once herein ouerseene lost his victory over Valerius Lavinus The Carthaginians in Spaine after the deaths of the two Scipioes suffered the reliques of the Romans to Liv 24. breath and gather head againe where hereby at length they were vanquished themselves Alexamenâ—s having slaine Naâ—â—â— yet suffering the Euemy to gather head and to waxe strong was with all his company by them cut in pieces V. To abstaine from spoyle till the enemy be vtterly vanquished driven away and they secure from perill Of this Iudas forewarned his followers in chasing enemy which charge they 1 Mach 17. 23. well observed Hannibal lost a more full victory of the Romanes at Trebia because the Numidian horsemen hastened too soone to the spoyle The Dutch at Gunigast extorted the victory out of the hands of the French which almost they had gotten while they too hastily followed the spoyle The Italians at Taro had foyled the French but that at the beginning Anno 1596 they fell to spoyle the baggage The Germanes at the battle of Erlam in Hungarie having thrice defeated the Turkes were yet at last by vntimely falling vpon the spoile ouerthrowne Therefore Iehoram King of Israel in the strait Siedge of Samaria by the Syrians when hee heard that they were suddenly fled and 2 King 7. left greaâ— store of victuall and treasure behinde them though the Inhabitants were almost all famished yet did he withhold them from falling vpon the spoyle till he certainly vnderstood that hee might with safety doe so VI. Having gotten a full victory and none seene to make head against them yet it is good not to be over secure as were the Amalekites â— Sam 30. when they had burned Ziglag and carryed away all the Inhabitants captive For they beeing carelesse eating drinking dauncing and not suspecting any pursuite after them so farre were suddenly overcome by David The Captives were rescued the prey recovered and all the Enemies almost slaine and so David returned with ioy Neyther may they vnadvisedly while they be in their Enemies Country divide their armie one part from another This was the destruction of the Cimbri who being together three hundred thousand and having overthrowne Manlius and Cepiâ— two Consulls Marius let them passe by his Camp quietly but afterwards when for their easier march over the Alpes they fearing no Enemy divided themselves into three companies he severally set vpon them and put them to the sword CHAP. XXIX Of vsing religiously the Victorie WHen God hath given vs the victory wee should doe as did the Lords people in old times They did see and acknowledge the 2 Cro 20 26 2 Mach 15 29 Gen 14 20 Exod
and Ammonites when they came against Iudah Some other 1 Sa. 14 20 though not such yet so prosperous by Gods protection and ayding power 2 Ch 20. to overcome as the like is no where recorded to omit the victories of Iosua against Og against Sihon against all the Kings of Canaan the victories of Iudah of Ehud Baruk Iudg. 1. Iephte of Saul of David Asa Ahab Amaziah and others I will mention but that one levied host of Israell in number 12000 only which went out against Midian and slew fiue Kings burnt all their Citties and Num. 21. 5 8. 10. 32. 35. 50 Verse 49. goodly Castells with fire and tooke prisoners 32000 persons brought away for bootie and spoyle besides Iewels of gold chaines braceletes rings earings and tabletts 675000 sheepe 72000 beeues and 61000 Asses and yet lost not one man in obteyning this victorie VII To these former may be added the great number of the valiant and matchlesse men not in any Nation vnder heaven to bee found at one time so many as was there There came to David to make him King at once 1222 Captaines and with them in number altogether 1 Ch. 12. 28. 32. 34. 339300 all men of warre very many thousands of them commended to be famous mightie men of valour expert in warr able to keepe ranke and to sett the Battell in aray Besides these there were in valour peerelesse all the 37 worthies of David with many other mighty men such 2 Sa. 2. 22. 1 Ch. 11 12. as could vse both the right and left hand for hurling stones and shoting arrowes out of a bowe yea men of might fit for warre that could handle sheild and buckler whose faces were like the faces of Lyons and as swift as the Roes vpon the mountaines Afterwards when David was settled and Ioab commaunded to number the people throughout the 12 Tribes besides Levy and Beniamin there were found 1570000 men that drewe sword and yet that Nation was not aboue 200 miles long and 50 miles broad not neere the halfe of England by much Yea when the Tribes were divided and onely Iudah Beniamin made a kingdome as much perhapps as two or three of the lesser shires of England yet could Abiiah raise vp of chosen men 400000 Asa had an army of 580000 all mighty men of valour to say nothing of Amaziah his host of 300000 nor of the 2600 chiefe of the Fathers 2 Ch. 26. very valiant men vnder whō was an army of 307500 which made warr with mightie power to helpe 2 Ch 17 King Vzziah against the enemy In the raigne of Iehosaphat was an host of 1160000 men mightie men of valour Of what Nation so little hath been or can be the like truely spoken Lastly the Nation was ever in military exercise by reason of continuall warres at home or abroad In the dayes of Iosua of the Iudges of Saule and David after the peaceable dayes of Salomon Israel Iudah being divided then began warres and almost perpetuall betweene the two kingdomes besides the warrs of forraigne Enemyes the Aegyptians Moabits Ammonites Edomites Philistims Ethiopians Sirians Assirians and Babylonians vntill both kingdomes perished and were led away captiue So as this people could not be but good souldiers for number many in skill by dayly vse exquisite in valour incomparable in braue leaders cheife Captaines and commanders not to bee matched And therefore why may not much art of Souldiary and military knowledge be collected hence at least in many maine points as well yea why not better then som other humaine writers Seeing the relations are most true matter to worke vpon plentifully administred the warrant from God the examples from the people of God which being set for examples before them will put souldiers in minde of the wayes of God to moue them to seeke helpe and ayd of God as those did against their enemyes when we goe out to battell The II. CHAP. Of the warrs of God with man WArre is the opposite to peace and is by the Prophet called evill being Esa 4 5 7 Lev 26 25. the fruite of sinne the punishment for sinne yea so fearefull as David once put to his choice desired rather 2 Sam 24. the pestilence then the sword of an enemy It bringeth with it for the most part innumerable evills even as well to the Conquerours as to the Conquered This warr is either of God with man or of man with man before I speake of the latter I thinke it very fit to say something of the former in the first place that men may consider of another kind of warre then vsually they dream of God hath warre with man yea he hath some where sworne that with some sorts hee will haue warre from one generation to another even for ever there is no peace to Ex 17 16. Esay 57. 21 Ex. 15 3. the wicked God therefore is pleased to be called vir belli a man of warre the Chaldee expresseth the title thus the Lord and victour of warres he causeth warres and maketh an end of them at his owne will Hence it is that he is sayd to be armed Rev. 19 11 Iudg. 5 8. Psal 46 9 Esay 59. 17. and to haue his Armorie which he openeth that hee bringeth forth the weapons of his indignation the Chariots and horse the Army and power that he rideth vpon horses and charets that he mustreth Hos 2. 18. Ier. 50. 25. Esai 43. 17 Hab. 3. 9. Iudg. ◠4. Esay 13. 4. 2 Ch. 25. 8 Esay 46. 10. 11. Ps 24. 8. his hoast and marcheth against his enemyes with assured victory for he hath power to help himselfe and to cast downe such as will resist him his councell doth ever stand what he purposeth that he can bring to passe and he will doe all his pleasure for hee is strong and mightie even the Lord mighty in battell Therefore hath hee the title of King of Kings of King of glory and the Lord of Hoasts a name given him by Esai and Ieremie aboue an hundred times and mentioned in the old Testament aboue 240. times so did the Lord in those times if I may so say giue himselfe to warres and thereby vexed the Nation◠and destroyed 2 Ch. 15. 6 them for their sinnes Now Gods host or army is either more generall or more speciall The more generall consists of foure Regiments The two first fall vpon his enemies covertly sodainely and at vnawares but the other openly in the view of the eye The first is of good Angells called Gen. 32. 2 Luk. 2 13. 2 K. 19 37 2 Ch. 32. 21 for the great numbers Gods host for their quality heavenly souldiers of which such is their power even one was able to sley in one night 185000. and amonge them all the mighty men of valour leaders and Captaines in the campe of the Assirians The Second Regiment is of bad Angels Ps 78. 49. with which hee
plagued the Aegyptians amonge whom he sent Iud. 9. these wicked evill spirits By one of these he vexed and set at odds Abimilech 2 Ch. 29. 23. 1 Sam. 14. 20 and the Sichemites to seeke by a furious and bloudy rage the vtter ruine and destruction of one another And by these it is very like he wrought the deaths of great Iud. 7. 22. Armies when they slew one another the Lord setting euery mans sword against his owne fellow throughout the host The third is of all other his creatures except man this is a very mighty strong and vnresistable Armie with these hee goeth forth in battell He set the starres in their Exo. 9. 23 24. 34. 1 Sa. 7. 10. Ios 10 11. Psal 11. 6. courses to fight against Sisera with thunder lightning raigne and haile mingled with fire he set vpon the Egyptians with great stones from heauen hee slew the Canaanites Iob 38. 22 23. Amos 4. 9. Hag. 2. 8. Num. 16. 35. 31 32. 1 Sa. 14 15 which hailestones he reserueth in his treasury against the time of warre with blâ—sting windes with fire with Earthquakes he consumeth ouerthroweth and deuoureth vp his enemies He shooteth out his arrowes hot thunderbolts with these hee smites them through yea saith the Prophet with thunder earthquake great noyse of storme and tempest Ps 18. 14. Esa 29. 6. 30 30. Ioel 2. 25. 2 Kin. 17. Deu. 32. 24 with the flame of deuouring fire he will rise vp against them and shew the lighting downe of his arme in the indignation of his anger with scattering and tempest and hailestones Hee commeth foorth with his great hosts as Ioel calleth them Canker-wormes locusts Cater-pilpillers and palmer-wormes He armeth the teeth of the beasts and Lyons to fight for him and vseth the poyson of serpents to vexe and slay his enemies Hee sendeth out Ios 24. 12. Exod. 8. frogges flyes and very lice to plague his enemies and hornets to driue them away before him so as he wanteth no meanes to annoy no power to worke the destruction of such as hee shall arme himselfe against The fourth Regiment is of men out Ioel 2. 11. Esa 10. 5. 13. 4 5. of his Church these are his armie or campe as they be tearmed as also the weapons of his indignation These he calleth forth and mustereth them ouer whom he hath appointed his generalls as once oue the Babylonians his Lieutenant and seruant Ier. 25. 9. Esa 45. 1 2 3. Nebuchadnezzar and ouer his host of Medes and Persians his Lieutenant and annoynted Cyrus These his armies of men hee imployeth diuersly as he pleaseth Sometimes seuerall Nations of them one against another as the Babylonians against the Assyrians Egyptians and other Countries the Medes and Persians against these the Grecians against them and the Romans against all So hee armes the Turke against the Persians and so to fight one against 2 Ch. 15. 6. another for when Nations rise against Nations and Cities against Cities Gods hand it is that vexeth them saith a Prophet Sometime hee letteth them agree together euen seuerall Nations and Kings to gather together against the Church and then sends an ill spirit among them to fall together by the eares one with another and vtterly to destroy one another as the 2 Ch. 20. 23. Moabites Ammonites and Edomites did Sometime the Armie of one and the same Nation he sets at oddes and the sword of euery man against his owne fellow as fell out in the great 1 Sam. 14. 20. Iud. 7. 22. host of the Philistims and those enemies against which Gideon went forth But this his host he doth not thus onely imploy one against another their owne selues but he vseth them against his owne people as appeareth by many examples in sacred storie Note this and heerein consider 1. That though these enemies Ioel 3. 11. seeme to come of their owne accord or are gathered together by ill instruments such as the vncleane spirits like frogs be in Reu. 16. 14. or by the diuell set on as Gog and Magog Reu. 16. 16 Ioel 3. 2. Iud. 4. 7. Reu. 20. 8. yet know wee must that God also gathereth them together where and whither he will He did draw Sisera with his Charets and multitude to come forth to the riuer Kishon Gods hand though the enemie thinkes not so is in their conduction 2. The number of the enemie is not at their own will to come forth Esa 13. 4. but the Lord numbereth and mustereth them and so knoweth to a man how many hee sendeth forth against his people 3. These enemies of his Church yet his host he gathereth together he numbreth and mustereth them and bringeth them out against his people for seuerall ends Sometime onely to terrifie his people to make them feare before him to humble themselues with fasting and prayer which being performed he will set himselfe against those their enemies and destroy them as hee did the three Nations 2. Ch. 20. which came against Iehosophat and as he did the proud Spaniards in their great Armado comming against Queene Elizabeth in the yeere 88. to their owne shame and the confusion of their conceited inuincible power Sometime it s to giue his people some glorious victory ouer their Enemies to let them see his power mercy and preseruation of them to stirre them vp to a more zealous seruice of him as he did in the dayes of Asa when the dreadfull host of Zerah the Ethiopian his tenne hundred 2 Ch 14. thousand came against Iudah and were vtterly discomfited Often the Lord hath hardened these enemies hearts against his people that those enemies might be overthrowne Exo 14. Num. 21. Ios 11. 19 20. so he hardened Pharaoh and his Egyptians to follow after Israel that he might drowne them in the sea So delt he with Og and Sihon and withall the King of Canaan that his people might vtterly destroy them In like sort hee dealt 2 Sam 5. 8. 10. with Dauids enemies who made war with him but to their owne ruine and ouerthrow and to the infinite inriching of Dauid and his people the Israelites But some other time he gathereth these Enemies to this end that they may indeede afflict and punish his owne people yea to rule ouer them making them to serue with rigour cruelty and great contempt Thus he sent out the King of Assyria and gaue him a charge to take the spoyle Esa 10. 6. and the prey yea and to tread them downe like the mire in the streetes Yet obserue in this hand of God 1. That the Enemies preuailing against the Lords people as from God Iud. 3. 8. 4. 2. 3 3. 12. Leu. 26. 36 37. himselfe He selleth them into the enemies hands he strengthneth the enemies to get the victorie and if people be weake fearfull fly away be ouercome spoyled it is he that doth it He turneth backe the weapons of
Campanians who had put themselues vnder their protection This St. Ambrose saith is Iustice Caesar Ibucid 1. gaue succour to his friends in Gergovia for neglect hereof was held a kinde of treason and it was just cause of reproach to forsake friends Confederates and such as should be holden in their distresse God willeth Pro. 24. 11 vs to see to this alloweth of it commanding vs to helpe in such a case IV. It is lawfull if otherwise peaceably it cannot be obtained to make warre for passage of an armie to get it by the sword if passage be hindred This made Israel to fight with Sihon King of the Amorites and Deut. 2. 26. 30. Num. 21. 23. 24. 33. Deut. 29. 7 Iud. 11. 30. Ogg the King of Basan for that they hindred their way to Canaan This was the cause of the warre by Necho against Iosias because he rashly went out against him going against him going against another Enemie the King of Assyria For this thing Iudas 1 Mach. 5. 48. 51. destroyed the Cittie Ephron and the Inhabitants thereof because they could not be intreated to giue him and his host passage peaceably but stopped vp his way V. It was lawfull to the Israelites Num 25. 1 17 18 31. 1. 3. for religion sake to avenge the Lord vpon Idolaters which by wiles and inticements corrupted the people of God This is warranted by the Lord vpon this ground Israel sent an army against the Midianites Iosua and all the Elders held it lawfull vpon such a supposed ground had it been true to make warre against the two Tribes Ios 22. 12. 33. Iudges 20. and halfe Also the Chiefe in a State consenting to punish notorious offenders if they cannot get such delivered peaceably by warre may set vpon their maintainers as Israel did vpon the obstinate Beniamites VI. Indignities vnjustly offered vnto Ambassadours or messengers sent from one state to an other is just cause of warre for this did David set vpon the Ammonites handled them â— Sam. 10. 12. 30 31. Liv. 4. Florus Caes com Phil. Comm. with great severitie This wrong the Romanes revenged vpon the Fidenians Illirians Vâ—ians and Armoricaus Charles Duke of Burgundy put all the Castle of Nele to the sword to the See Dr. Sutcliffe his practice of the law of Armes sword for killing his messenger For Ambassadours or Messengers are priviledged by the Lawes of all Nations and suffered to passe safe among the poynts of weapons VII Reproches offered and injuries done to principall men in a State is just cause of warre This caused the warre betweene Ieptah and Iudg. 12. 4. Ephramites who called the Gileadites fugitiues whereof Ieptah was the head The taking away of Sampsons wife being a Iudge in Israel made him seeke revenge vpon the Philistims The Rhodians abusing the Romanes with insolent termes when they took part with Perseus cost them deare Frederick Barbarossa besieged and tooke Millan for a scorne offered to him Gideon for that he was contemned Iudg 8. sleighted of the Elders of Succoth and Penuel after his victorious returne did fall vpon them For high authority is sacred and the injurie reproach or contempt offered thereto is not to passe vnpunished VIII Vpon the injuries and wrongs vnjustly offered and spoyle made and subjects carried away Princes and States haue cause by warre to get satisfaction and recouer their right if otherwise they cannot bee righted This was Davids warre with the Amalekites to regaine from them their wiues children goods carried 1 Sam. 30. 1 Sam. 23. 1 2 5. away and with the Philistims robbing the threshing floores The Romanes with sharpe warres prosecuted Mithridates for that by one generall proclamation he had caused divers of their people to bee massacred They also warred vpon the Sabins for spoyling the Romane Merchants This was the cause of the Romanes third warre with the Carthaginians also with the Hetruscians and other neighbours for injuries done to subjects redoundeth to the Prince which he is to right and to cause restitution to be made which if reasonably offered is not to be refused IX Breach of Covenant and promise hath beene cause of warre Vpon 1 K. 22. 3. 21 34. this did Ahab warre vpon the King of Syria to recover Ramath in Gilead which Benhadad had promised before to restore to him for this cause the Romanes began their warres Liv. 42. with Perseus the King of Macedonia X. To get peaceable possession of a Crowne justly claymed as David did the Kingdome of Israel therefore he warred against Ishbosheth and 2 Sam. 2. 8 10. 3. 1. the house of Saul XI To revenge olde injuries offered by predecessours the same being continued in their posterities vpon this was the warre performed by Saul and commanded by God against Exo. 17. 8. 1 Sa. 15. 3. Deut 25. 17 18 19. the Amalekites for the evill they did to the Children of Israel comming out of Egipt And least this might seeme to be something hard vnto the present generation against whom Saul was sent we must know that the Amalekites continued Enemies to Gods people the Children living in the stepps of their forefathers from Iosua to the dayes of the Iudges and to the dayes of Saul yea Agag whom Saul tooke prisoner had made many a childe fatherlesse no doubt of Israel els olde Samuel Iudg. 3. 13 6. 3. 7. 12. 10. 12. 1 Sam. 30. 1. would not haue so laid to his charge nor so revenged it vpon him as he did They were ever taking part with the Enemies of Israel as all the cited places in the margin shew Now to take part with an enemie is just cause of warre vpon this the Romanes warred against Philip of Macedonia for that he aided the Carthaginians and joyned league with Hannibal against 2 Sam. 8. 3 them XII David made war vpon Hadadezer 1 Ch. 18. 3 King of Zobah and some thinke justly being jealous of his greatnesse comming with a great Armie to establish his Dominion and to border so neere vpon him as at the River Euphrates It is wisedome for Princes to looke vnto the dangerous attempts of high and aspiring spirits over much seeking to enlarge their power and Dominions Lastly warres haue beene justly made by Israel Gods people at Gods command to subdue Nations and to possesse their Kingdomes as they did the Kingdomes of Canaan and in herited them Thus also warred Nebuchadnezzar the Babylonian Cyrus the Persian Alexander the Grecian and afterwards the Romanes to subdue people vnder them and they vndertooke it and prospered but whether they had all of them and in all those warres that immediate divine warrant and did it lawfully I dare not affirme and therefore much lesse let any aspiring spirits now take liberty to doe so 1. The Israelites had a word of Deut. 2. 24. Ios 14. 6. Gen. 15. 18. 21. Command from God to subdue Sihon the
Lords command to Officers to give some leave to depart argueth their power otherwise to have reteined them The other sort are tearmed Voluntaries Deu. 20. 5. which are either Natiues or Foreigners That men may offer themselues to the warres and enter into the profession of a souldier it s not to be doubted Ehuds souldiers were all Voluntaries at the sound of a Trumpet So were the three sonnes of Iud. 3. 27. 5. 2. Iesse and such were Davids worthies which came and offered themselves and so was Ittai the Gittite Againe Deborah the Prophetesse praiseth the Voluntaries which came to help Baruk besides she complaineth of such 1 Sam 17. 13. as following their owâ—e private businesse neglected the warâ—es and withall cursed Meroz for not coming to Iud. 5. 14 15 18. helpe the Lord. Moreover that which may bee lawfull by pressing and compulsion may as well be lawfull for Voluntaries if there bee not very iust cause or impediment to hinder these It is the iudgement of Churches reformed beyond the Sea among whom some are trained vp for warre to goe as Voluntaries We know that Princes doe helpe their associates voluntarily what hindereth but that others in their due place and within their power may also freely offer themselves A lawfull calling may bee as well vndergone freely as by compulsion circumstances and other considerations well weighed aforehand And to conclude this how should Princes and States doe that haue not power to presse if Voluntaries might not in good conscience offer themselves But here Voluntaries must know and be resolved of some things 1. Of the calling of a souldier that it is lawfull and that a man may therein live and as well receiue wages as men doe for discharge of their duties in any other lawfull vocation Be content saith Iohn Baptist with Luk. 3. 14. your wages speaking to souldiers therefore may they serve for wages 2. Of the iustice and lawfulnesse of the warre into which hee thrusts himselfe seeing hee goeth not by command of supreame authority for this is another case when men goe not of their owne pleasure and will but when any so doth if the warre be iust a man may serve with a good conscience of his owne accord but if it be apparantly vniust let men beware that they embrew not their hands in bloud going Voluntaries If Princes command the case is altered for private persons may not sit and iudge of Princes actions not notoriously vniust as it was when Christian souldiers vvould not draw their swords against Christians vnder Iulian the Apostate though they served him vvillingly against others Sauls servants vvould not fall vpon the innocent Priests of the Lord to Liv. 12. contra Faust man ca. 7. slay them But vvhere the fact as in such cases is not notorious a good man saith Saint Augustine may serve vnder a sacrilegious Prince for the vniust command shall bind the Prince vvhen the duty of obedience shall make the souldier free 3. They must consider of vvhat religion those be that doe make the vvarre and whom they goe to serve vnder for Iehosophat vvaâ— in danger of his life and reprooued by a Prophet of God for helping Ahab an Idolater who was an hater of God as all Idolaters be though they themselves thinke better of themselues 4. They must haue the leaue of such as have soveraigne authority ouer them for a subiect to one cannot dispose of his owne person to 2. Ch. 19. 2 to the service of an other Prince without leaue but he may put himselfe voluntarily into the service of his owne Soueraigne whose subiect he is 5. Voluntaries are to weigh with themselues what special impediments they haue to vvithhold from going in respect of some particular calling requiring their owne person for discharge of the duties thereof or some charge of a family vvife and children depending vpon their personall being necessarily among them or vvhether apparently their being at home may doe more good to their countrey then their seruice in vvarre 6. Their end must be good Pro lege grege Christi as one saith for defence of religion of the Church of God for releeuing the vniustly oppressed for maintenance of right and such like and withall to learnâ— experience for the good of their country but not to runne in vnaduisedly out of male contentednesse nor of an idle humor nor of foolish vain-glory nor of a bloudie disposition nor of a base mind for prey and booty but as a man of valour for more praise-worthy and better ends Lastly that Voluntaries put themselues vnder the command of authority to doe seruice and to be subiect to rule and discipline obseruing order keeping their places from which they may not in certaine cases depart without leave of such Commanders as they have submitted themselves vnto For though they enter voluntarily yet being vnder authority they may not think themselues then free at all times to depart at their pleasure For if they should vpon necessarie service such wandering starres would fall of and such straglers would vtterly faile the expectation of their Commanders Thus with these considerations men may be Voluntaries and put themselues into military seruice and authority may admit of them as David did of Vriah of Ittai the Gittite with his followers And as others haue done as histories shevv But here yet the Generall and others with him must be caâ—telous and weigh what voluntaries they entertaine I. Beware of such as flye from the Enemy let them be tryed before they be trusted for we may reade in stories that such sometâ—mes have bin sent of the Enemy â—o doe mischiefe Two Spaniards fained themselves fugitiues â—â—iâ—â—iard to the Venetians with a purpose to kill Alvian their Generall So History of Scanderbag did certaine Turks with an intent to kill Scanderbag The Munidians which seemed to forsake Hanâ—ibal and to fall to the Romans in the battle of Canna were a great helpe to Hannibal to get the victory in turning against the Romans vpon a sodaine This wisedome was in the Philistims 1. Ch. 12. 19. going to battell against Saul they would not admit of David and his compâ—nie II. Not to goe too farr in admitting of friends and associates but only to entertaine so many as the Natiues and naturall subiects are able to command and ouerrule least they take advantage of the Natiues fewnesse and haue them in contempt and trusting to themselues make good their owne secret designements and revolt from them as the Gaules did from the Romans because they saw no strength in the Romane Army Tâ— cit 3. but that which was of strangers III. Never to hire or receiue any of a contrary religion Amaziah the 2. Ch. 25. king of Iudah was reprooued for hiring of Idolaters the Israelites to goe with him against Edom whom hee was commanded to cashiere for God is not with such as the Lord by his Prophet told him Before I end
this chapter it may A quest be here asked whether going into warres may spoyle the people of that State against whom they goe to war seeing many thousands of the people and families there liue harmelesly at home and desire to be there in peace and so forth I answer in a iust and Num. 21. 24 25 31. 10 11. necessary warre the conquered are in the hands of the Conquerours lands and goods are then at their disposition whatsoeuer they haue taken or won is iustly theirs God allowed Israel to take what they did wiâ—â—â—n then iust wars therefore 2 Sam. â— 11 12. they possessed the kingdome of Siâ—â—n and of Ogg they tooke the Midianites Pâ—â—oners carryed away infispoyle and burnt their townes and Cities with fâ—re David spoyled the Nations which he subdued It is accounted by the law of Nations a lawfull Lib. de Offiâ— 3. purchase and the practise of all people in time of warre For nothing is proper by nature but either by ancient possession or seisme or victory saith the Heathen Orator The Enemy that State can no otherwise be weakened but first in their Subjects the hands of all which though they be not in warre yet are they in heart and in contributing but if not neuerthelesse they are one body and therefore must bee content to suffer together till their Head make peace and satisfie for that which the iustice of the warre doth require and for which it vvas begun But if any be 1. Sam. 15 6. as were the Kenites among the Amalakites consideration is to bee had of them as Saul had of these for their preseruation and safetie IX CHAPTER Of mustering and the choyse of souldiers WHen a warre is resolued vpon as both iust and necessary thn must souldiers bee leuied a muster and view made of them and their armer The Kings in Israel were somtimes 1 Sam. 1 4. Num. 1. 19. 3 4 2. at the muster Saul gathered his souldiers together and numbred them So did David 2. Sam. 18. 1. So Moses numbred Israel And there was a principall Scribe Ier. 52. 25. of the host which mustered the people of the land for which mustering there was a command went forth to leuie men and to call them together as Saul did and as Dauid appointed 1 Sa. 11. 7 2 Sa. 20. 5. Esai 13. 4. Amasa to doe to this custome God alludeth in his word when he mustered his host In this they considered of the number which were to go into the wars sometimes more sometimes fewer Moses appointed but 12000 to go against Num. 31. 1 Sa. 11. 8. 15 4. 1 Sa. 18. 1. with cap. 17. 24. 1 K 20. 15. 2 K. 3 6. 2 Ch. 25 5 2 K. 20. 25 26. Midian vvhatsoeuer the number was the custome was to number them as Saul did his in Bezek and in Telaim David in Mahanaim Ahab in Samaria Iehoram hee numbered his and Amaziah his Armie and thus did also the Heathen Now in sending foorth an Armie great care must bee had what sorts of persons are to bee sent forth I. Let them bee Natiues and subiects liuing vnder that soueraigne authority that sends them our though they bee of seuerall countries yet subiect to the same power and it were well that they had something to take to at home or friends of whom they expect good For these souldiers are bound by the bond of nature to their King kinred and Countrie These are easie to bee corrected if they should happen to run away These wil therefore bee awed in the field and for feare to be punished at home become more obedient endure more constant be more loyall even when they feele want of necessaries and haue short pay then any other will doe not subjects or hauing nothing or no friends that they care for Israels hosts were of Israel and when the Tribes were diuided into two kingdomes either State furnished themselues of their owne subiects most vsually as may be seene in their battles II. Consider their yeeres such as the Lord held fit for warre were in Israel 20. yeeres old and vpward Num 1. 20 22. 26. 2 2 Ch 25. 5 and such did Amaziah take for younger are hardly growne vp to strength and aboue 46. except some old and expert souldier for skill are not to be admitted because strength decayeth as saith a learned experienenced souldier 3. Touching their bodies in Israel were chosen strong men able to 1 Sa. 14. 52 2 Ch. 17. 14. Deut. 20. 8 Iud. 7. 3. goe to warre men also of valour and courage so they must be stout and strong of a vigorous and couragious mind not fearfull for such were put out of the host by Gods appointment and this did also that valiant Iudas Machabeus for the fearefull the first 1 Mach 3. 56. in ranke of the damned crew what good will they doe but faile in performance Rev. 21. 8. make others to bee faint-hearted and so giue the victory to 2 Sa. 2. 9. 23 24. the enemy Men of a sharpe countenance sinowie armes and legges promise both strength and courage and not the great lusks fleshie lubbers though Pyrrhus and Marius chose men of big and great statures In Israel such as could runne well were commended men swift of foot actiue and nimble as was Asahel Ioabs brother and one of Davids worthis This was also a commendation in Achilles and in Papirius who was called for it the Rinmer In the Cursor Tribe of Gad were men for strength callen men of might for courage to 1 Ch. 12. 8. have had faces like Lyons and for footmanship as swift as the Roes vpon the mountaines IV. For their skill in armes raw and ignorant men are not to bee put sodainly to seruice for not a multitude but art and exercise getteth the victorie for the ignorant souldiers may not onely endanger himselfe but his fellowes too Therefore Iud 20 16. 1 Ch. 1. 40 12 35. 1 Ch 12. 2 ver 32 33. the souldiers in Israel were very expert men In Beniamin were 700. choyse men left-handed that is such as were so skilfull that they durst with their left hands vse their slings against their enemies and were so excellently cunning that they would cast stones at an hayre breadth and not misse In Asher were choise and mighty men of valour apt for warre 40000 In Sauls time were many which could vse both the right hand and the left in hurling of stones and shooting arrowes out of a bow In Issachar were men of great vnderstanding knowing what ought to 2 Ch. 12. be done whose Chiefetaines were 200. In Zabulon such as were expert in warre and could keepe ranke 50000. In Dan expert men 28600. also in the three Tribes beyond Iordan skilfull men there were an hundred and twentie thousand So they then brought no ignorant and raw souldiers into the field Skill heartneth a souldier and encreaseth his
nor been in the field to skirmish and fight in good earnest may faile the souldiours expectation Neverthelesse it is necessary that souldiours be made skilfull in the vse of armes and exercised in feates of actiuitiy to march to keep rankes to vse right their postures and to be ready at command to doe what they ought doe And this must be in time of peace as no doubt the Israelites were which made you so expert in time of need This care had Cassius Pacit 12. the Roman and Epaminondas the Theban And to say as it is though there were no enemies to be expected or scared yet cannot youths be better employed then in militarie exercises and vse of Armes XI CHAP. Of the Officers in VVar. WHen there is a good wise and fit choyse made of the souldidiers as of men of vnderstanding strong active and honest and also trained well then speciall care must be had of appointing such Captaines and Officers for them as may be worthy of such souldiours able to command in wisedome and to rule them well prudently When David had numbred the 2 Sa 18. 1. 2 Ch 25. 5. people as likewise Amaziah they placed Commanders ouer them Of which some were ouer thousands Num 31. 14. 48 1 Sa 8. 12 1 Mach 3. 5 some ouer hundreds some ouer fifties and some but ouer â—ens They were called Praefecti or Principes the Officers of the host Chiliarchi over thousands Centurions ouer hundreds Pentacoutaâ—chi ouer fifties and Decurions ouer tens called they were Captaines and Leaders The chiefe had command ouer many thousands some ouer 280000 some ouer 30â—000 All the sorts of them 1 Ch 13 1 2 Ch â—7 14. 15-18 1 Ch â—2 8 15 20. 21 32 33 were choise persons valiant men men of might skilfull in vse of armes anâ— fit for battle tryed souldiers in the field worthy their places They were wiâ—e valiant and not of a double heart not traiterously minded not disaffecting the State nor the professed religion They were such as set God before them and in the service of warre offered themselves 2 Ch 17 16 to the Lord as the learned Translator interpreteth the place Alacerrimo promptissimo animo ad bella gerenda eius with most lustie courages and most readily bent to fight the Lords battles Though all were worthy praise yet among them some excelled other some and were more renowned as 2 Sam. 23 were the speciall worthies of David and that without pride in themselves not contemning others and without enuy of the lesse famous for any thing the Scripture speaketh of These Leaders Captaines and Officers were none of them yong stripling raw and vnskilfull souldiers but all knowne men of might fit for battle If a David a yong man a youth a very stripling be advanced to bee Captaine ouer a thousand by Saul it was extra ordinem indeed because he was knowne and had sufficiently 1 Sam. 17 59 56 16. 18. 17. 34. 50. 51. 18 13 14. and often shewed himselfe to bee a valiant man a man of war prudent in speech and wise in his actions and behaviour For he had slaine a Lyon and a Bare and had ouercome the Gyant Goliah before this his advancement Such youths as he if any such were might well bee admitted to command Otherwise Adrian the Emperour is to be followed who expresly forbad beardlesse youthes to aspire to such a charge Alexander Lamprid. in vitâ— ciâ—â— in his expedition against Darius chose such for his Commanders as were experenced in his fathers service and of ripe iudgment Such as haue not attained to the grace of a manly countenance in such manlike services cannot procure authority sufficient to command braue spirits And such as procure their Places without desert dâ—sire to bee remooued Caesar being in Africa dismissed some Colonels and Captains with disgrace because they had got such places by fauour and not by iust deserving Buying and selling of places is base marchandizing and such as so come in will surely make poore souldiers pay dearely for it if they be not prevented It were a rare worthy Soveraigne authority that for every place in campe deserts should onely aduance all and every Officer such as be valiant loyall diligent men of skill and ayming at publike good true honour and not chiefly or onely at profit or at other courses vnbefitting a right souldier much lesse a sound Christian Worth in men advanceth the worke intended warres by Gods blessing will prosper souldiers will be more obedient and the whole host be better governed CHAP. XII Of the Generall over the whole Armie THough as hath been shewed that Kings in person vsually did go into the field with their hosts yet did 2 Sa. 2. 8. 1 Ch. 11. 6 2 Sam. 23. 37. 1 Sa. 14. 1. Iud 9. 54. 1 Sa. 16. 21 14. 1. 1 Ch. 19. 16. 1 Mach. 7. 8. 4. 100 they appoint one Chiefe Ruler over all called the Generall or Captaine over the host and Chiefe over all the rest who had his armour-bearer as it seemeth every great Commander had as well as Kings Abimelech had his Saul his in which office was David at the first Ionathan his which Armour-bearers were also valiant men The Heathen had also such Generals as Phicol was to Abimelech King of Gerar Shaphach to Hadadezer Naaman to the King of Syria Sisera to Iabin Bacchides to King Demetrius and so others to other Kings And when there was no King in Israel the Lord made Iosua his General to fight his battells and after him he raised vp Othniel Ehud Barak Gideon Iepthah and other Iudges This hath ever beene the constant order for preservation D. Sutcl ca. 4. pa. 51. of vnitie None had equall authority with them though others were of great place as was Abishai and Ittai vnder David who divided his host into three parts one to Ioab another to Abishai and the third to Ittai In Iehosophats time there were then foure that had divided among them into distinct numbers 1160000 a million an hundred and threescore thousand Sometime we reade how 2 Mach. 8. 9. the Heathen ioyned two together as Antiochus with Nicanor Gorgias as an adviser and a man of great expeâ—ience The Generals appointed by God were ever assisted by his spirit to become wise valiant and religious Kings choose their Generals sometime as nigh of blood but ever worthy men as Saul did Abner his vncle 1 Ch. 11. 6. one wise and hardie So David did chuse Ioab his sisters sonne but it was vpon his desert For if such be chosen as be without due desert valorous spirits in heart disdaine them whence disorders contentions disgraces and ill successe The Enemie being a wise Commander despiseth the power of such a Leader So did Caesar even the old Company of the De bellâ— civilâ— Spaniards because he knew Petreius and Afranius their Commanders to be men of no worth Braue Generals
if God be not against them further the victory mightily like Marius Coriolanus leading the Romanes Liv. got them the victory over the Volscians but after taking the Volscians Plutarch part he made them Conquerours over the Romanes It s better of the two that a Lyon lead an armie of Harts then a fearfull Hart an Host of Lyons For Câ—sars invincible souldiers â—â—llo Cir. 5 were by their cowardly Sabinus their leader overcome So as Princes had need of worthy Generals well qualified I. They should be religious for if this be required of all the souldiers if possible much more of the Chiefetayne the Generall that commandeth all Such God who is to be followed did chuse such a one was that valiant Iosua valiant Iudas Machabeus and others and they prospered II. They must be wise for wisdome Eccles 10. 10 12 saith Salomon is profitable to direct and a wise mans words are gracious A General should be as David behaving himselfe so wisely that 1 Sa. 18. 13 14 15. his Enemie may feare him his friends loue him and honour him And the Wiseman saith also that wisedome is better then weapons for warre for consideration and well foreseeing and wise managing of an Armie and finding out of stratagems may prevaile where meere force cannot Pyrrhus the Epirote and Scanderbag and Hannibal by wisdome and forecast obteiend great victories Courage and strength hath gotten many a glorious day but policie hath the preheminence It was by policie that Prince Edward King Edward the thirds sonne with 8000. overthrew the French Army of 60000. by policy Henry 5. prevailed with 15000 against all the power and Nobilitie of France likewise cunning contriving of matters winneth often where strength would faile So wise should a General be as that he should not need to be tyed to particular instructions but to be able to proceede wisely with large Commission and to vse it according to present occasions and difference in the times and variety of things falling out for advantage to him which he may lose by bridling instructions David wise and valiant prescribed not to Ioab what to doe how when nor where in particulars nor did so the Romane Senate to their Generals they were not limited see for the commodities herein and yet the cautions withall in Dr. Sutcliffes discourse of warre Cap. 4. part 4. III. Generalls should be as religious and wise so also very valiant men such as God chose were valiant the Angel called Gideon a valiant man such a one was Dauid Among the Heathen the Generals were found to be valiant Alexander the great performed many valiant Acts against the Persians and Indians and so did Iulius Caesar against the fierce Nervii and at the battle of Mumida he shewed himselfe most valiant in leaving his horse and setting himselfe foremost in the front of his foote to stir vp their courages Scanderbeg was wise and valiant so was Pirrhus for the fearefull soone turne Cowards and in Cowards is no trust for they will betray King Country Gods Cause even true Religion and all for bodies safety So hatefull are Cowards Rev. 21. 8. and the fearefull as they are the foremost in the ranke of the damned crue going to Hell IV. Generals should be courteous and affable to their souldiers not proud nor disdainfull courteous behaviour in a wise valiant and worthy Commander stealeth away the hearts of inferiours and knits them to him How did Absalom win all hearts in a manner to him which I note for the Courtesie not for his Craft therein which a Generall must be farre from least he proue a Traitour and find the Reward of such a one The â—ffâ—ble Courtesie here intended is the gaining of the hearts of souldiers to obey from loue rather then of feare Caesar would call vpon his souldiers and terme them by the name of companions and friends Disdaine is proper to a dunghill Knight Mithridates Cyrus Scipio yea great Alexander were very courteous and respectiue to their souldiers so also was Charles the fifth V. Generals should be faithfull of their words to performe what they promise or what others by their warrant doe promise for publick good this was the valiant worthy the religious Iosua very carefull of even to Ios 6. 22 23. 9. 19 the deceitfull Gibeonâ—tâ—â— as also afterwards to Rahab according to the Iud. 1. 15. 1 Sam. 30. 15. word of the spies and their promise vnto her and in like manner with the man of Luz the spies kept their word So David performed what he promised vnto an Amalekite It is much derogatory to the honour of a General to be found false on his word Alexander being advised by Parmenio on a time to breake his word said if I were Parmenio I should perhaps doe so but it s not lawfull for Alexander so to doe The Romane Commanders were most praise-worthy in this A General to be a treacherous Triphon to a Ionathan is odious to any noble and valiant heart and he detesteth to be a fedifragous Hamilcar the fâ—ith of a souldier 1 Mach. 12 42. 49. should be inviolable VI. Generals should be temperate sober chast vertues ever accompanying true graces we never reade of any of the valiant worthies such as Iosua Ehud Othniel or Davids worthies to be given to gluttonie drunkennesse or to filthy lusts of Adultery and fornication where reade we in Israel or in Iudah of valorous spirits to haue beene drunkards or to haue ravished women or maydeâ—s Indeed this was 1 K 20. 16. Lam. 5. 11. 1 K. 16. 9. Ioel 3 3 Iudeth 13 the course and custome of the Heathen and of some idolatrous Elah who in his drunkennesse lost his life as did drunken and lustfull Holofernes Ioab though otherwise bad enough yet we doe not reade of any drunken humour in him nor to be addicted to filthinesse nor yet his valiant brethren Indeede Sampson was something given to lust but he payed well for it even contempt losse of his eyes imprisonment and death This sinne of lust and drunkennesse in Captaines and souldiers is heathenish which yet some Heathen haue so detested as they may rise vp in iudgement against many called but vnworthily Christians Great Alexander vsed the wife and daughters of Darius and other beautifull women of Persia very honourably without any suspicion of vnchast behaviour yea so he hated filthy lusts that when two souldiers one Damon and an other Tymotheâ—s vnder Parmenio had forced mens wiues he commanded them to be put to death as brutish and wilde beasts Young Scipio the noble Romane not then aboue 22. yeare olde is praise-worthy in this also who commanded as Plutarch recordeth that women taken in warres should not be defiled and when a beautifull dâ—mosell was at a time presented to him he did not onely conteine himselfe from violating her chastity but sent her to the Noble man to whom she was betrothed with an enlargement of her dowrie behold these you
them to fight In Exod 14. 13 14. is Moses speech In Deu. 20. 2 3 4 the priests in Iud. 3. 28. Ehuds in chap. 5. 14. Deborahs in chap. 7. 15 18. Gideons in 2 Sam. 10. 12. 1 Chro. 19. 13. Ioabs in 2 Chro. 20. 15. 17. 20. Iehaziel and Iehosephats in Esai 7. 4. Esaiahs in 2 Chro. 32. 7 8. Hezekiahs in 1 Mach 3. 18. 22. 4. 8. 11. 2 Mach. 8. 16. 9. 44. 11. 7. 13. 14. 15. 8 10. Iuâ—as Machabeus his orations in 1 Mach 9. 44. Ionathans in ca. 13. 3. Simons Out of which may be gathered good matter for a General to speake vnto his souldiers CHAP. XXII Of many things to further the successe in the battell THere are noâ— a few things which may greatly helpe to gain the day if men must fight but if thou darest not then wisely prevent it or if the enemy will flye give him leave King Iohn of France found the mischiefe in forcing the blacke Prince to fight and so Charles the fift lost his armie by intercepting our Henry the fift Hereupon Themistocles would 〈◊〉 permit the Grecians to breake the bridge over Hollespent which Xerxes caused to be made least the enemy having a desire not to fight might want a meanes to retire backe and so bee forced to fight against their wills which will make Cowards valiant But if it be resolutely determined vpon to fight I. Foresee the secret traps layd and ambushments which may in the fight sodainely come vpon the souldiers when they 1 Mach 10 79. 80. 11-68 60 be fighting This Ionathan foresaw and so got the day though at another time not wary enough his host was scattered by an Ambush Hannibal by such a subtletie overthrew the Romans at Trebia and Thrasament bake and was hereby much holpen in the battle at Cannas II. Not to trust too much vpon Associates least they faile as the Celtiberians did the Scipioâ—s in Spaine and the Albanes Tullius Hostilius The Swizers which came in the ayde of Lewis Sforza sold them to his enemy Lewis the twelfth secondly doe not trust fugitives from the enemies for two Spaniards in the warres against the Venetians feigned themselves fugitives with intent to kill the Generall of the Venetians called Alvia as before is noted And 500 Numidian Horsemen at the first encounter betweene the Romans and Hannibal left Hannibal and fled to the Romans leaped from their horses threw away their apparent weapons and humbled themselves at the feet of the Romans who gaue them credit and entertainment but these not now mistrusted having weapons secretly when the Romans were busie in fight came vpon them behind vnexpected and so mightily furthered Hannibal to get the victory at Cannas Lastly trust not such as may iustly be suspected the Lords of the Philistims had learned this and therefore would at â—o hand admit 1 Ch. 12. 19. of David and his companie to goe into battle with them against Israel III. To strive for advantages as much as may be as 1. of the place the Syrians imputed much to the â— K. 20. place making a great difference betweene the hils and the vallyes our victory at Newport was much holden by the benefit of the place secondly of the wind behind them as it was to Hannibals host at Cannas but on the faces of the Romans which being Southeast and somwhat strong carryed the dust into the eyes of the Romans and so did them much hurt By the wind God helped Theodosius against the Tyrant Maximus thirdly get advantage of the Sunne if it be hot and shining foorth it is hurtfull to those that have it vpon Theod. hist Eâ—cl Liv. 35 their faces it fainted the Gaules fighting with the Romans Fourthly take advantage of the discord when it hapneth betweene Commanders and Captains in the Enemies camp By this the Aequians prevailed against the Romans This overthrew Liv. 4. Thucid 6. Slâ—idan the Athenian Army in Sicile this gave the victory to Charles the fift over the Protestants when the Duke of Saxonie and the Lansgrave of Hessen could not agree Through dissention of Captaines the French lost Naples and Amurathes the Turke got Nicopolis thorow the discord of the French and Hungarian Captaines Fiftly make advantage of the Army parted or 1 Mach 4. 1. 4. not the whole met together This advantage Iudas Machabeus tooke at Gorgius comming out from his campe So the Romans set vpon Asdubal to prevent his ioyning with Hannibal in Italy Sixtly when the enemy is out of order seventhly when he is setting his men in array Eightly in the time of encamping then to let vpon them as many wise Commanders have done These and such like advantages are to be observed taken and wisely pursued IV. To vse stratagems so did Ios 8. 2 K 3. 22 23. Iosua yea the Lord himself wrought so a worke miraculously as the host of Israel was refreshed thereby and the enemy strongly deceived by the sunne-shine vpon the water by stratagems Hannibal and Scanderbeg preuailed mightily for inventing whereof they both were very subtle But stratagems must bee such as are not to the breach of oath against godlinesse against the law of nature and nations V. To vse meanes to make the enemy secure that so they may bee surprized vpon a sodaine Thus those of Iabesh Gilead did with Nahash 1 Sam. 11. 3. 10. the king of the Ammonites till Saul came suddenly vpon them and vtterly discomfited them VI. To vse good expedition and suddenly to come vpon an enemy as Saul did upon Nabash Iosua vpon 1 Sam. 11. los 10. 9. 11. 7. 2 Mach 4 1 2. 2 Mach 13 1. the five Kings besieging Gibeon and so vpon foure Kings at an other time By this sodaine rushing vpon Iudas Gorgius hoped to have prevailed but was prevented But Iudas by a sodaine comming before day into the camp of Antiochus Eupater which consisted of an 110. thousand foot of horse 5300 Elephants 22 30 Charets armed with hookes he went to the Kings Tent. and with his company slew 4000 men and the chiefest of the Elephants and so filled the campe with feare and tumult returned with good successe Hannibal speedy comming from far vpon Flaccus overthrew him at Herdonea Sylanus by this Liv 26. 27 meanes chiefly vanquished his enemies in Spaine VII To be all of one heart for God for their King and Country and the safetie of the whole host and so of themselves faithfully endeavouring to performe the trust committed Iud. 20. 21. 8 11. 1 Sa 11. 7. to them every one in their place to the helping of one another for obtaining the victory The great host of 400000 Israelites were gathered together as one man and were knit together as one Israel came out to goe with Saul against Nahash Ios 2. 9. 2 Sam. 10. with one consent as one man The Canaanitish Kings and severall Nations of them could ioyne together as one
a heady and proud enemy puffed vp vaine-gloriously will needs ptovoke as Apollonius 1 Mac. 10. 69 82. Demetriâ—s his Generall did Ionathan may wisely encounter him and humble his pride with his overthrow as did also Hannibal proud Flaminius VI. Not to be circumvented by See exam for some of these in Dr Succl his hooke of warrs ca 14. of Stratagemâ— slights and policies of the Enemy by false rumours of more succours comming to them by feigned reâ—ait or counterfeit flying away by seeming to intend some other course by feigning sicknes by pretences of feare by colour of secret friendship by treaties of peace by vaine shewes by false fugitiues by secret intelligen geneers and such like which Scipio and other Romans and Harnibal also 1 Mac. 1. 10. 27. 2 Mac. 14. 22. 1 Mac. 12. 43 46. 13. 23. practised Bachides and Nicanor vsed deceits and vnder shew of friendship sought to have betraied Iudas but he was aware of them and also stood vpon his guard but honest Ionathan was ouertaken by Tryphons subtlety in feigned loue and slaine VII To take heed of an hyred Ismael Ier. 40 14. 2 Mac. 13 24. by whom good Gedaliah was cruelly and traiterously murthered so also beware of hauing any Rhodocus that giueth secret intelligence to the enemy Lastly make no delay vpon good resolved grounds to execute design ments for nothing is more hurtfull then delayes when aduantage is offered and necessity calleth on Iosua made no delay to helpe the Gibeonites nor Saul Iabesh Gilâ—ad And David vpon Bichri his rebellion held 2 Sa. 20 6 Bâ—â— Gal 2. 7 delay very dangerous Câ—sar his expedition prevented the Belgians in their conspiracy so did it the French at another time by his speedy comming among them On the contrary the Romans delaying to preuent Hannibals comming into Italy made them feele the misery of their â—olly and slacknes 16 yeares together afterwards To loose faire aduantages which are not alwayes offered may bring great losse to themselues which being taken might presse downe an Enemy Delay is a traytor to oportunity and such as either of purpose or of carelesnes or persuasions of others do make delaies may be blamed much and iudged sometime the sale-man of prosperous successe and purchasers of much losse and sorrow All these things are to be carefully auoided if we desire to thriue in our attempts CHAP. XXIV Of going foorth and ioyning battle AT the present going forward to charge the 2 Ch 13 14. Num. 10. 9 Iud. 7. 2 Chr. 13 1 Mach. 4. 13. 5. 31 7 45. 2 Sa. 2. 28 20 22. trumpets did sound This by God was appointed the onely instrument and these they vsed in on sets as did Gideon Abiiah Machabeus in the time of the battle in pursuite of the flying enemies and in a retreat to call back from pursuing The Heathen Romans also vsed trumpets but some other Nations as the Indians vsed Cymbals and Drummes The Saracens drums the Lacedemodians the flute and trumpet the Cretans the harpe Besides the trumpet they vsed their voyces as shouting in the very sight of the Enemy and first charge vttering words sometime as the host of Gideon did saying The 1 Sa 17 20. 4 5 2 Ch. 13. 15 sword of the Lord and Gideon They did shout at the rooting of the enemy and when they thought the enemy was come into their hands Thus the Philistims shouted when Sampson 1 Sa 17 5. 2 was brought bound to them and Warres of the Iewes Iud 15. 14 2 Mac 15 26. the Romans when they saw Iosephus taken taken and brought prisoner into their sight In the on-set they also cryed with prayers for helpe vnto the Lord when the Trumpets sounded When they went towards the Enemy before they came to charge they would sing Psalmes till they came neere him as Iehosophat 2 Chr. 13. 14. 1 Mac. 4. 13 5 33 2 Ch 20. did and Iudah with him yea the Heathen vsed to goe forward with trumpets and songs And least this might seeme a mockery of a too ouer religious Iehosophat who was foretold that he needed not to fight and therefore might well sing or that it might be iudged an act of an addle-headed Nicanor not to be regarded 2 Mac 15. 25. the renownest Lacedemonians vsed it the King after a sacrifice offered commanded all his armie to crowne their heads and the flutes to sound the measure of Castor then he the King himselfe began the Paean a song proper to Apollo and so Cap. Bing on Elians Tacticks pa. 70. went they on as one keeping measure in a stayed pace cheerefully and without astonishment It is to be observed that Iosua in all his Battles gave the first charge and so did Saul Dauid and Ioab his Generall It was the vse of the Romans commonly to begin the battle as doth appeare in the warres of Hist of the troub of France Caesar in France and Scipio in Spain and one noteth it of the Protestants in France that they alwaies preuailed more charging first the Enemy then abiding to be charged which course Dr. Sâ—ctel his booke pa. 177. ca. 22. as one saith is the best if there be a resolution to fight It argueth in those that begin the more courage They may the more easily take the advantages before mentioned and set vpon â—he Enemy where he is weakest yet this first charging must ever be considered thus as that the army be able to wage battle with the Enemy els by first charging they may iustly be charged with folly and pay well for their rashnesse CHAP. XXV Of that ' which os to be done in fighting THe people of God in their fighting had mind of God so as while they 1 Ch 5 20. 2 Mac. 15. 27. strucke him with hands they prayed to him in their hearts and trusted on him and so procured a blessing vpon their encounter They had care to vnderstand the mind and pleasure of their Generall whether manifested Ios 8. 18 19. by words or signes Thus those that were in ambush against Ai observed Ios 4. 7-8 Iosua his stretching out of his speare vnderstood his meaning and speedily executed his will For they remembred his instruction and charge before given to them being Ca. 6. 10 11 16 20 ever obedient to him doing as he would haue them as he himselfe did what God commanded him In the 2 Mac 12 50. 2 Sa. 10. 11 fight they encouraged one another and kept close together and were ready to helpe one another as need should require Here I thinke it not amisse to bring in the words of the Apostle spiritually intended but fetched from warfare and the duty of Captaines and souldiers in the battle against their enemies which omitting the Apostles scope I will handle it after the letter very fitly to this my purpose in hand The Apostle 1 Cor. 16. 13. setteth down foure 1 Cor.
15. 2. 10. Ios 10. 12. Iudg 5. 4. 15 18 hand of God therein and together blessed him for it Melchisedech said to Abraham when he was returned with victory Blessed be the most high Goâ— who hath delivered thine enemies into thine hand So did Moses ascribe all to God likewise Iosua Deborah Sampson and David And this their acknowledgment and thankefulnesse they expressed many wayes to shew it to bee true heartie and vnfeigned I. They made rehearsall of the 2 Sam â—â— 18. 30 40 41. 48 â—â— â—0 Iud 5. 11. righteous actes of the Lord in particular 2. They framed Psalmes and pious songs of deliverance as did Moses Miriam Delorah David and the valiant men of Machabeus 2 Mach â—0 38. company 3. They would somtimes put a remarkeable remembrance vpon the place where the victory was gotten giving to it a name as David 2 Sa 5 20. did calling it Baal Perâ—zim where he overcame the Philistims So Iehosopnat called the valley in which 2 Chro 10 26. they blesse God for the victory gotten Beracah 4. They would doe outward worship and service to God Exod 17. 14 15. Ios 8. 30. Iud 21. 4 Moses built an Altar vpon the ouerthrow of Amalek Iosua did so when he won Ai and so did the Israelites when they vanquished Beniamin built an Altar whereon they offered thanks-giving They gave the Altar sometimes a name as Moses called 2 Cron 29 26. his Iehuva Nesse that is the Lord my banner 5. They would repayre to the Temple with great ioy and reioycing as did Iehosophat and the people 1 Mach 4. 26. 5. 54. 2 Mach 8. 27. and he before them so did Iudas and his army carefully keeping the Sabboth yeelding exceeding prayse and thankes vnto God Yea the heathen Philistims would after victorie honour their Idols and had their Priests to make speeches thereof as we now doe sermons vnto the people in their Temples 6. They by their 1 Sa 30. 9. victories were the more mooved to advance true Religion and to roote out Idolatry marke this Thus did Asa and Iudah with him vpon the victory obtained against Zerah the Ethiopian 2 Cro 15. and after the Sermon preached by Azariah the Prophet the son of Oâ—ed they put away the abhominable Idols they entred into couenant to seeke the Lord and confirmed it with an oath and that with great ioy and vprightnes of heart Asa hereupon put downe Maâ—chah his mother from being Queene because she was an Idolatresse whose Idol in a grove be cut down stampt it and burnt it in the fire so dealt Dauid with the Images 2 Sa. 5. 21. of the Philistims after his victory he did not foolishly as Amaziah 2 Cro 25 did who having subdued the Edomites tooke their Idols and set them vp inludah to be worshipped both to his owne ruine and the destruction of the people 7. They tooke of the prey Num 3 50 and spoiles and thereof first offered part vnto God for his service the Captains of thousands and Captaines of hundreds in their great victory over the Kings of Midian gave freely besides 700 and odde head of cattle of gold jewels eare-rings bracelets rings and such like to the value of A shekel is 2 â— 6â— 16750 shekels Ioab Dauids Generall dedicated something vnto God and so other valiant worthies offered of 2 Sa 8. 11. the spoiles So David gave to God very much of his victories In like Gen. 14. 20 manner did Abraham vnto Melchisedech the Priest of God Thus these valiant warriours respected Religion and Gods service and therefore offered for the maintenance thereof As also for the Lords Priests and for the places wherein God was served and not herewith contented wee may reade what care some had of the poore for Iudas Machabens gave of 2 Mach. 8. 2â— the spoiles to the maimed to widdowes and Orphanes so these valorous worthies spent not all they got vpon themselves in braverie of apparell much lesse any of it in gluttonie drunkennesse whoring nor did they basely hoord vp all to enrich themselves To these courses valiant 1 Mach. 7. 48 49. spirits in those dayes were very strangers 8. And lastly they kept sometime a day of ioy and reioycing vnto the Lord for their victories obtained and kept it yearely for we may and Psal 58. 10 Pro 11. 10. Rev 18. 20. Ier 51 48 49 ought to reioyce ouer our enemies subdued and with ioyfull triumphing praise the Lord our God And thus should we vse religiously our victories CHAP. XXX Of the Generalls carriage towards the persons conquered and towards their Countrey when hee hath obtained a full Victory VIctorie as the heathen Orator saith Est sem per infolons it maketh mansheart haughtie if the Conquerour doth not know how to subdue his corrupt nature if he remember not the instabilitie of things here below that hee which is to day victorer may to morrow be vanquished if the great commander and Ruler of hostes bee so pleased to alter the course The people of God sometimes dealt with the subdued enemies very severely but this was vpon some speciall charge from God so to doe as we may see in Israels dealing with Ogg and Sâ—hon with all the Kings of Canaan and their people as also in Sauls destroying of Amalek these by Gods commandement were vtterly to bee destroyed Vpon speciall reason we may read how David took a sharpe course with the Ammonites in putting them vnder sawes yron Harrowes axes of yron and made 2 Sam 12 31. them passe through brick-kills because they had violated the law of Nations in abusing his messengers Cap 10. 2. 6. maliciously perverting his honest meaning They also first prepared warre against him gathering mighty powers of the neighbouring countries against him causelesly they caused hereby warre betweene Vers 15. 18 David and Hadarezer they were abhominable Idolaters in offering their children to the Idol Molech and therefore they wilfully standing out till perforce the City of Rabbah Deut 20. 12 13. was taken by the law of Moses their males were to be put to death if their offence had beene no greater But commonly Generals after victory should not be without humanitie but shew clemencie and mercy To be cruell is a signe of a savage nature Elisha onely foreseeing the brutish cruelty which Hazael would vse against the Israelites made him 2 King 8. to weepe yea Hazael himselfe seemed so to detest such inhumane carriage as he asked Elisha whether he held him to be a dogge or no. Oded the Prophet condemneth 2 Cro. 28. 9. the mercilesse slaughter that Israel made of Iudah in one day Pity and compassion is therefore to be shewed and respect had to all sorts Ezek. 39. 11 both of the dead and the living First for the dead they were allowed buriall Ios 10. 27. 8. 29 Warres of the Iewes so shall Israel doe to Gog