Have daily exercises of piety in the Camp prayer at least and reading of Scriptures also if it may be evening and morning as both the motions or journeyings and rest of the Arke and cloud and Hoste of Israel were sanctified by prayer before the people might either set forward or pitch their Tents Numb 10.35 36. When the Arke set forth Moses said rese up Lord and let thine enemies be scattered for prayer will raise God and move him to goe with his people against their enemies if he late before and awaken him if he was asleepe before and stir him up to scatter enemies if hee permitted them to gather before Prayer in an Armie awakens and raiseth God to the preseruation of the Arme and destruction of the Enemies So when the Aâ—ke rested Moses prayed to God to returne and remain among them for in his presence is joy and safety rest and security 3 Let it be the care of the Commanders in chiefe to chuse both good Officers and good Souldiers for good Materians will make a good Bunding How can an Armiebe good if the Soulderie be bad Holinesse is the Head-prece both of Commandere and Souldrers Piety is the chiefest praise of born as of Moses the great Commander in Israel That he was the servant of God And the Centurion in the Gospel Luke 7.9 that Christ found not so great saith as in him no not in Israel and the Centurion in the Act. 10.1 2. Cornelius who was a devout man and one that feared God with aâ—â— his house and of them that wâ—yted on him conlimally one was adevout Souldier ver 7. here note Devotion is the Commendation of a Souldier Religion shipires the principles and Spirit of true Valour they raise an 〈◊〉 report of it and slander it excedingly they say Religion makes men Cowards 4. Set up strict discipline in the Carsiple Pumsh such us Transtesse and make some exemplary that the rest may see or heart and feare and not dare to doe any such wickednesse Many Souldiers are no better then Discipline makes them Camp-discipline is as one saith the Soule of an Armie which organizeth the whole body and keeps all within due limits and compasse as well for Carriage and Manners as for Postures and Quarters The very name of a Campe implies Discipline as one saith a Dista 〈◊〉 eastra quasi casta eo quòd ibi castraretur libide Discipline is a fruit of Necessity bred up by the exorbitancie of mans Nature and the evils incident to a Military life It was exactly exercised in Israels Campe as appears in the censure of Achan and others Give me leave to distribute what remains of these reforming directions to the Officers and Souldiers feverally 1 To the Commanders and Officers You our Worthy Leaders who have shewed your selves the Sonnes of Valour and beene a wall unto us both by night and day and adventured your lives to save ours The Lord fasten these two things upon your hearts for promoting holinesse in your Armie 1 Be Zealous for God his Name and Glory Numb 25.11 as Phinchas was with the zeale of God who thrust Zimri and Cozbi through in the Tent for their fornication God hath made some of you a great Name like unto the Name of the great Men that are in the Earth 2 Sam. 7 9. and honoured you to bee Field-Saviours to Us On shew your selves tender of his glory that his Name may not be dishonoured nor Mercies abused nor Sabbaths prophaned nor his Laws violated by any under your Command so fat as it is in your power any way to prevent or redresse the same Commanders in the Campe should be a Terror to evill-doers and a Praise to them that coe well there as Rulers are in the Common-wealth Rom. 13 3. that Souldiers may be afraid of the power of Martiall Discipline as Subjects are or ought to be of Magistraticall Imitate Job Iob 29.25 who when he sate chiese and drest as a King in the Armiâ— over his people for he was a great Eastern Prince as one â—hal comforteth the Mourners he chose out their way for them that is â— 11. 〈◊〉 hee not onely had them at Command but regulated their course tempering severity with elemencie comands with comforts and 〈…〉 you doe who sit chiefe in the 〈…〉 way for them as Job did for 〈…〉 would have them câ—â—â—y well this is the way to be both beloved and feared by them 2 Be exemplary for piety and vertue as devotion temperance righteousnesse moderation as well as for valour vigilance diligence to your Souldiers saying to them as Gideon did to his in another case Iudges 7.17 Look on us do likewise carry your selves as we do If Officers be bad it is rare to finde the Common Souldiers good for very example will spoil them 1 Sam. 25.28 Remember Abigals speech to David The Lord will certainly make my Lord asure house because my Lord fighteth the battels of the Lord and evill hath not been in thee all thy dayes Gods Military servants shall finde a good reward at Gods hands if in them God hath not found evill This is the easiest and honourablest way of Reformation to take vice away out of the Campe scil rather by example then by punishment It is a great dishonour to you that are Commanders over others and Conquerors over enemies to be servants to sin yea slaves to your lusts and to rule your selves by your own wills while you order your Souldiers by Martiall Laws as it was for Alexander not to be able to conquer himselfe when hee had conquered a world I have done with the Commanders and Officers The Lord do them good by what hath been said Let me speake a few words of advice 2 To the Common Souldiers to further holinesse among you I commend unto you two things 1 Mutuall watchfulnesse and admonitions that you would observe and consider one another to provoke one another to feare God and depart from iniquity to mourne for sin and close with a Saviour to tell one another of what you see amisse saying as Lot did to the Sodomites when any of your fellow-souldiers sweare or drink immoderately or doe violence or mutiny and the like I pray you brethren doe not so wickedly Why was all Israel involved in the guilt of one mans sin scil Achans but because they did not warch over one another and over him in speciall He was a Cain that said Am I my brothers keeper Gen. 19.7 2 Fellowship in soule-edifying duties Your heart will cleave closer to Jesus Christ in faith and each to other in love and bee more deare and intimate mutually if you be Comrades in exercises as well of piety as of military postures and of Armes in praying reading conferring together as in quartering watching marching or in going upon any designe together Holy duties and communion in them are the meanes to make you holy men a godly Souldier a praying
courage and strength Ride on prosperously because of the greatnesse of your trust and the goodnesse of your cause Perfect what you have begun Your business which before lay scattered all this Countrey over over divers other Countries also you have now brought into a small compasse having driven your Antagonists as it were into a fold The good Lord perfect the work for you and us and stablish peace againe upon our borders Blessed be God for the marvellous things done for this sinking well-nigh ruined Kingdome and for our poor spoiled Countries by the Heads of our Worthies the sonnes of Honour that have sate in counsell and by the hands of you and others the sonsof Valour that have been imployed in action by whom as choice instruments in Gods hand mighty things are brought to passe even as it were a new Resurrection of our Kingdome and poor countrey in speciall out of the dust of ruine and trampling upon and a reduction of enemies into our room My feeble prayers are Militant for you and all yours daily that you may triumph and want no counsell nor strength nor successe which Heaven can afford you The Lord recompence into your bosome sevenfold all your diligence and faithfulnesse your indefatigable pains night and day extream hazards looking death oft in the face and your sore hardship serving the necessities of war He continue to blesse you and all under your command and make you still a blessing to your native Countrey and give you for your reward what he hath promised to him that overcommeth Rev. 2 17. Even the White stone and new name written which no man knowes save he that receiveth it and hidden Manna to eat So prayes he who is affectionately yours to serve you in the Gospel EDW. REYNER Orders from the LORD of Hostes FOR Regulating the Hostes of the LORD Deut. 23.14 For the Lord thy God walketh in the midst of thy Camp to deliver thee and to give up thine enemies before thee therefore shall thy Camp be holy that he see no unclean thing in thee and turn away from thee GOD requires his Israel should be a holy people as at home so abroad not in times of Peace only but of War also Because then humane laws are silent Silent loges inter arma and things are carried usually by force and violence not by reason or right Men take liberty to commit outrages greedily and shamelesly Wherefore God gave this command for the purity and sanctity of Israels army or souldiery for the decent and well-ordering of Israels Camp to prevent all pollution and exorbitancy therein Thy Camp shall be holy c. In the Text you may discern 1. A doctrine delivered 2. Reasons added to confirme and enforce it The Doctrine is this The Camp of Israel must be holy The Camp The originall word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies both Castra and Acies or Turba That is Tents where the souldiers lay And an Army a Camp is an Hoast or Army of souldiers which is as it were a walking Town City or Countrey it doth further signifie Tents pitcht for them or an army lodged The people of Israel were the Hosts of the Lord Gods Armies and this is the precept of the Lord of Hosts the God of Israel that their Camp shall be holy that is both the place and the persons Shall be holy 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is set apart for an holy use and separated or preserved pure from all pollution of flesh and spirit Holinesse is either Morall or Ceremoniall Morall is twofold 1. Privative that is Immunity or purity from sin 2. Positive holinesse is 1. Grace in Habit. 2. Obedience in Act. When God is known feared served obeyed trusted and sin is hated and eschewed when there is the root of grace in the heart and the fruit of righteousnesse in the life then is a person or people holy Ceremoniall holinesse was a freedome or purification from Uncleannesses 1. Legall as Nocturnall pollutions ver 10.11 or contracted by leprosie or having an issue or touching the dead Numb 5.2 Lev. 21.1 2. Civill as mans excrements which was legall also to the Jewes For God made a law against it that uncleannesse by it should be avoided in the Host ver 12 13. My Text comes in as a Reason to presse and perswade purity from that as from all all other defilements in the Camp and Host of Israel Thou shalt have a place without the camp c. v. 12. Thou shalt have a paddle that is an iron instrument to dig an hole in the earth to bury their excrements in v. 13. Why so For the Lord thy God walks in the midst of thy camp c. Mans dung by the law was counted unclean and it defiled not only the place where it was laid uncovered but whatsoever thing it was used about as to bake Cakes therewith through want of other fewell Ezek. 4.12 13 14. All these kindes of Ceremoniall uncleannesses figured spirituall or morall pollutions by sin of our natures and actions The camp of Israel was to be holy both Morally no wickednesse might be committed in it Ceremonially all legall uncleannesse must be excluded out of it Hereby God taught Israel holinesse both of disposition and conversation to keep both their bodies and soules pure from all their iniquities God begins his charge or to give orders to the army of Israel at the 9. vers When the Host goeth forth against thine enemies then keep thee from every wicked thing that is from all uncleannesse morall or ceremoniall Therefore God gave command to the children of Israel That 1. The whole Camp of Israel should be purged of all Leapers and any other way unclean persons both Male and female Numb 5.2 3 4. Ainsworth There were three Camps as one observes 1. The Sanctuary call'd the Camp or Tents of the Lord 2 Chron. 31.2 2. The Camp of the Levites Num. 3. 3. The Camp of Israel the 12 Tribes Num. 2. No unclean person might enter into the Camp of the Lords Sanctuary that being most holy 2 Chro. 23.19 Nor stay in but was to be put out of both the Camp which Pitcht about the Sanctuary And which went to war against their enemies 2. A place should be designed without the Camp wherein to bury their excrements vers 12. Thus have I laid out the Doctrine vid. The camp of Israel must be holy and the sense of the tearms scil what is â—qant by Camp and what by Holy Quest But why should Israels Camp be holy Answ Take a short view I pray you of the reasons laid down in my text to prove the point and prosse the dâ—ty The reasons are five Reason 1. Because God is present in the camp of Israel the Lord of Hosts is with his Hosts even with the armies of Israel where ever they go therefore shall their camp be holy because He is a God of purer eyes then to behold evill Hab. 1.13 and he cannot look on
iniquity He is not a God that hath pleasure in wickednesse wither shall evill dwell with him Psal 5.14 Mark the phrase The Lord walks in the midst of thy camp 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it imports both the matter and manner of Gods presence The matter of it That he is there present in the Camp The manner thereof How he is God there 1. He walks not stands is not idle there God neither stands still in the Camp nor stayes behinde but goes along with them The Originall word is very emphaticall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Hithpael Verbs in that Conjugation as the studious in that tongue observe do connocate a reciprocation or reiteration of action and intimate a frequency thereof Tremellius translates the word indefinenter ambulare to walk assiduously continually without ceasing to expresse the emphasis of the conjugation so walks God in Israels Campe. But whereabout or in what part thereof 2. He walks in the midst of their camp not in the Front only as not knowing what is behinde nor in the Rear only as not knowing what is before but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the midst the word signifies also the most inward parts of intrals as belly heart bowels reins God walks in the midst that is in the bosome heart bowels reins of Israels army He walks in and through all these Therefore the Camp of Israel had need be holy even intus in cute in corde at the heart to the bottome and throughout Object Did not God walk all over Israels Camp was not be in every part as Van and Rear and midst or heart which is the Head Quarters Totus in toto all in all throughout the Camp He fils Heaven and Earth and not Israels Camp only Why then is God said to walk in the midst thereof Answ For two reasons as I conceive 1. To declare his perfect knowledge of and acquaintance with all Israels affairs and behaviour what be their councels and actions purposes and projects ends and aims God is in the heart of them all and privie to all even what they either do in the dark or speak in their Tents or think in their hearts Psal 139.1 to 6. 2. Because the Ark which was the signe and pledge of Gods speciall presence with Israel was placed in the midst of the Camp of Israel Num. 2.2.17 and 10. ch 14.21 All the Tribes were as a great army round about the Tabernacle * The order of Israels Camp is described in Numb 2. thus Iudah Issachar Zabulon encamped on the East of the Tabernacle v. 3.10 Ephâ—â—im 〈…〉 on the West v. 18 to 〈…〉 on the North v 23 to 32. The Levites encamped next unto the Tabernacle between it and the 〈…〉 in 4 quarters 〈…〉 3. thus Moses Aaron and the Priests encamped before the Tabernacle eastward v. 38. The Gorrâ—oâ—â—res behinde it westward v. 23. The Roâ—â—â—thites on the Southside v. 29. The Levites of Merari on the north side vers 35. which marched and incamped in the midst for the defence thereof Object But the Ark of the Covenant is said in Numb 10.33 to go before Israel to search out a resting place for them if before them then not in the midst Answ Not as if the Ark went in the head of the army for the Levites carried it in the midst of the Tribes Numb 10.14 21. But it s said to journey before them because Israels journeyes were guided by the Ark and the cloud that rested upon it when to move and when to rest Whether to set forward or to pitch their tents From the Ark God gave orders for all their marches or motions rests in the Wildernesse So much of the first Reason Israels camp must be holy because the Lord walks in the midst of it Reas 2. Which should have been the first because God owned Israel for his Ammi or peculiar people and acknowledged himself to be their God by Covenant or speciall right and relation Hos 2.1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Jehovah thy Elohim thy Almighties The Trinity of persons is thine O Israel Now the Lord is a holy God and a holy God desires after and delights in a holy people therefore shall thy camp be holy Reas 3. Because of Gods protection of Israel from their enemies and conquest over their enemies for them God walked not in the midst of Israels camp tanquam otiosus spectator as an idle looker on but 1. As a Saviour to deliver them from the hands of their enemies 2. As a conquerour to deliver up their enemies before their face or into their hands Are not these ingagements to holinesse and obedience throughout the camp of Israel Reas 4. Because any wickednesse in the camp is nakednesse Compare v. 9 with 14. When the Host goes forth keep thee froÌ„ every wicked thing and here that he see no unclean thing in thee 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is the nakednesse of any thing Nakednesse is uncomely filthy reproachfull shamefull exposed to all danger Every wicked thing suffered in Israels camp did defile it devest it or make it unclean and naked to its shame and ruine Reas 5. Because if there be any uncleannes or wicked thing in an army God will see it though never so secret as he did Achans plundered stuffe though hid in the earth in the midst of his tent Therefore shall thy camp be holy that he see no unclean thing in thee Iosh 7.21 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that he do not see in thee the nakeednesse or filthinesse of any thing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies not simply to see but curiose inspicere to look very diligently So doth God for sin even in an army What evill is there is commited in the very sight and presence of God a great aggravation thereof for he hath an All-seeing eye Reas 6. Lastly because sin in the camp will drive God out of the camp the sight of unclean things in Israel will make him turn away from Israel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from after thee i.e. from following accompanying watching keeping benefiting magnifying thee therefore shall thy camp be holy So much for the Analysis and explication of the Text. From the words we may gather 1. One generall doctrine as the sum and scope of the text 2. Some particular instructions as inferences from the text The generall Doctrine is this It is the duty and glory of an army to be holy that is to keep themselves from every wicked thing to suffer no uncleannesse filthinesse or prophanenesse to come or stay among them Therefore this was given as a law to the Camp of Israel to be holy which stands still in force for the morall-regulating of all armies especially those which fight the Lords battels or under his banner and go forth in his Name against their enemies God requires they should have a care of Holinesse not only in their persons and domesticall politicall or Ecclesiasticall relations and societies but in
their martiall combinations also they should be holy not only as Masters and Servants as Ministers and People as Magistrates and Subjects but as Commanders and Souldiers they should be not only a holy Family or a holy Church or Common wealth but a holy Army also To this end God appointed the Priests to go along with Israels army Deut. 20.1 2 3. 2 Chra 13 10 11 12. with the holy Trumpets Numb 10.9 31.6 as well to instruct and excite them to their duty towards God as to encourage them to fight the Lords battels against his and their enemies Iohn Baptist teacheth souldiers their duties Luke 3.14 which are branches of holinesse and obedience Do violence to no man neither accuse any falsly be content with your wages Quest Why should our Armies be holy Answ The same Reasons conclude the necessity of Holinesse for ours that did for Israels I will not repeat them only the first and adde some more Reas 1. Because of Gods speciall presence in an Army that fights under his banner the name of it may be Jehovah Shammah The Lord is there Look upon the Ark in the midst of the Camp of Israel Now God will be sanctified in all that draw near him Lev. 10.3 Be sanctified scil by holy upright reverentiall carriage in all that approach his presence as well Souldiers as Ministers in times of war as of peace He is the holy holy holy Lord God Almighty therefore where ever he comes sin must be gone or he will not stay God delights to manifest his presence where he sees holinesse promoted Gods goings are glorious as in the Sanctuary when it is purged and kept clean Christ walks in the midst of the Churches when those Candlesticks are of pure gold Rev. 1.12 13. So in the Army when it is well ordered God walks in the midst of it when the Camp is holy then God doth wondrous things and puts forth the excellency of his power wisdome and goodnesse for his people out-witting their enemies wherein they do craftily and over-powring them wherein they deal proudly and cruelly Because holines becomes every Person and thing that is Gods Reas 2. that bears the stamp or character of God upon them or that relate to God as Gods Church and Temple 1 Cor. 3.17 Gods House Ps 93.5 Gods Ministers 2 Tim. 2.21 22. and Gods Magistrate 2 Sam. 23.5 and all Gods people 1 Pet. 2.9 Titus 2.11 12. So Gods Hosts Camps Armies his Warriours and Souldiers Holinesse is an ornament as proper and comely for Souldiers and Armies as for any other of Gods Servants or Societies They that fight the Lords battle ought to be holy as well as they that bear the Lords vessels Compare Esay 52.11 with 1 Sam. 25.28 It s prophecied concerning the latter times in Zach. 14.20 21. That there shall be upon the Horses bridles HOLINES UNTO THE LORD in great Letters much more upon the Riders hearts and that every pot in Jerusalem and Judah shall be Holinesse unto the Lord much more should the drinkers be holy Holinesse is a Characteristicall distinguishing Mark of those that are the Lords in all the premised Relations from all others Besides God will see and own commend and reward Holinesse in an Army in any corner of it or person in it as soon as he wil spy any uncleannesse there to detest it and punish it God is as ready to observe what is good in his people as to mark what is amisse among them Yea hee will overlook many infirmities where he sees some sanctity and syncerity 3 Because though mens lawes be then silent Reas 3. yet Gods Law which commands Holinesse stands in force in time of war as full as in time of peace and in Armies as well as any where else God will not hold souldiers guiltesse if they take his Name in vain if they swear curse blaspheme oppresse rob be drunk commit uncleannesse no more then any others that offend Though the Laws of the Kingdome be then laid aside and the Laws of Military Discipline be not set up yet even then Gods Law hath a strong Tye upon all the Consciences of Commanders and Souldiers to obliege them unto holinesse and obedience under the penalty of eternall perdition Let such as think themselves lawlesse or at liberty to live as they list now because they are Souldiers and this is a Time of War I say let such prove if they can out of Gods Word by which they shall all be judged another day that God ever gave a Dispensation or Toleration to an Army or any in it whether Officers or common Souldiers to be disordered loose base outragious or injurious in their Courses or to be in any kinde or degree more vile and sinfull then other men or to be lesse carefull to feare God and keep his Commandements to seek after and set up Jesus Christ to eschew evill and do good in times of Warre then of Peace Because there is death in the Campe. Reas 4. Souldiers Carry their lives in their hands and look death in the face daily they had need be holy if they would be happy For without Holinesse no man not a Souldier no more then any other man shall see the Lord Heb. 12.14 Souldiers stand in most need to be very Holy Men because they may be taken away very Suddainly and to have assurance of a better life because their present life hangs in suspence night and day They cannot be in a Capacity of happinesse or in preparation for death untill they bee in a Posture of Holinesse Because a holy Army is victorious and succesfull Reas 5. I do not mean when all and every one in an army is truly Godly for the best Armies that ever were were never so good but Denominatio est à Potiori when the Commanders Some of them at least and a Considerable part among the Souldiers are holy Such as can pray as well as fight and doe take Care to maintain Peace with God while they are in warre with Men to decline Tentations to sin as they would doe bullets or Thrusts that Come from their Enemies That a Holy army is victorions see the Experiment hereof in Israel in the dayes of Ioshua 23.8 9 10. They did cleave unto the Lord their God to this day sayth Joshua therefore God drave out from before them great and strong Nations and as for them no man hath been able to stand before them unto this day See the like in Iudah in the days of the Pious Kings as David Asa Iehosaphat Hezekiah What glorious successes hath God given when Commanders have been Vertuous in Marcus Aurelius his Army which had a Legion of Christians in it who by their prayer to God at the Emperours intreaty when the whole Army was in danger to perish through drought obtained from Heaven both Lightning upon their Enemies which put them to rout and ruine and plenty of rain upon themselves Eccles Hist lib. 5. cap 5.
A remarkable preservation and victory From that Time as Eusebius reports they had a peculiar appellation from the Emperour and were called Legio fulminea The thundring Legion Yea is not this to be cleerly seen as truly verified in our New-Modell wherein are so many reall godly Men Commanders in chief officers and souldiers how happy hath God made them and us by them through many great and glorious Deliverances Successes Victories given them by the good hand of our great God such as the world can scarce parallel and deserve to be sacred to all Posterity Though this New-Modell hath been much despised by Men chiefly I suspect for their piety yet highly advanced by the Lord as his Hoste chosen to fight his battles with prosperous and blessed successe to be Humane-Saviours unto this sinking Kingdome God crowns Piety with victory where ever he finds it especially in an Army 6 Lastly Reas 6. because there should be a suitablenesse betweene the Cause and the Manners of the Persons which have the Managing of it Great pitty a good Cause should be transacted by bad persons The Cause our Army hath in hand is holy just and good what manner of persons ought all those to be in holy Conversation and Godlinesse who have undertaken it Now have I done with the Generall Doctrine of the Text. It is the Duty and Glory of an Army to be holy In the next place let us consider what particular Instructions may be gathered from the Text. We may refer them to two Heads 1 for informing Iudgment 2 for regulating Practice 1 For information of Our Judgements the Text furnisheth us with these Particulars 1 That it is an Errour to thinke Instruct 1. it matters not what mens manners be or how an Army is ordered if they be but good Souldiers which they can scarce be in Gods sense unlesse they be good men If the Camp should be holy must not the Men in it be holy What makes a holy Camp but holy Commanders Officers and Souldiers How can a Fabrick be good if the Materials be bad You may as well say it is no Matter whether God own an Army or disclaim it be with them or against them deliver them or destroy them be amongst them or depart from them give Enemies up to them or give them up to their Enemy whether an Army be clean and clothed or be naked unclean and the filthy Nakednes thereof appear even in the sight of God or whether it prosper or perish 2 Instruct 2. It informs us what is the one thing needfull in an Army for the defence and successe thereof or what is the principall cause of all preservations and victories in it namely Gods presence God is in the midst of the Campe how as the Sun is in the midst of the Planets as the Heart in the midst of the body An Army without God amongst them is but a dark dead Company such as the world would be if it wanted the Sun or a body without a heart As 1 The shield of their help for defence against their Enemies to save his people from them 2 The sword of their Excellency for offence of their Enemies to assault and overcome them Deut. 33.29 3 The Captain of their Host to lead them on and fight for them Josh 5.14 2 Chron. 13.12 3 Instruct 3. It lets us see on the contrary what is the cause of ruine to an Army of Surprizals Blows Foils Defeats Routs Wickednesse in it is the Cause of all disasters that befall it of bad successe to it For sin in the Campe produceth 3 bad and sad effects It 1 Makes an Army naked to their shame and reproach As Aaron made Israel naked to their shame amongst their Enemies by making the molten Calf Exod. 32.25 And as King Abaz made Judah naked 2 Chron. 28.19 So doth Uncleannes and Unholines make an Army Naked that is 1 Unarmed men among their Enemies ready to be devoured by them 2 Deformed in themselves like a naked man whose deformity is great for want of clothes to cover his nakednesse Revel 3.18 16 17. 2 Makes God depart from an Army deprives it of his counsel and strength rescue and protection When Israel had sinned and taken off the accursed thing I well not be with you any more sayth God to them except yee destroy the accursed from amongst you Josh 7.11 12. The abomination which the house of Israel committed made God go far from his Sanctuary Ezek. 8.6 and as farre from his Army Ponder well the wofull effects of Gods departure from an Army When God is gone our defence and strength is gone then welye open to the Enemy we become bread for them If God cast us off and go not forth with our Armies then hee puts us to shame makes us to turn back from the enemy Ps 44.9 to 14. and they which hate us spotle for themselves he makes us a reproch to our neighbour a scorn and derision to them that are round about us Look upon the sad condition of the Hoste of Israel when smitten at Aâ— because God provoked by Achans plundered stuff withdrew his presence a little from them therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies Iosh 7.12 This made the hearts of the people to melt and become as water Verse 5. And Joshua with the Elders to fall to the earth upon their faces and to put dust upon their heads untill the eventyde Verse 6. 3 Yea sin in the Camp sets God against his own people Esay 63.10 Lament 2.5 and makes him become their enemies as sayth the Prophet Israelrebelled and vexed Gods holy Spirit therefore he was turned to be their enemy and fought against them Iudg. 2 14. Sin moves God to sell them into their enemies hands as he did Israel into the hands of their enemies round about so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies 4 Instruct 4. Out of this Text we may gather and learn the lawfulnesse of war It 's lawfull for Gods people to make war upon enemies in a just cause 1 Else God would not own Souldiers or a fighting people for his people as he did Israel when they were an Armie nor inâ—â—tle lumselfe to them as theirs by speciall right So he doth here The Lord thy God 2 Else would not God honour the Camp with his speciall prosence as to walke assiduously and continually in the midst of it 3 Else God would not doe such great things for his people in a Martiall way or in and by an Armie as to deliver them and subdue their enemies for them and to them God would not have walked in the midst of Israels Camp to have done this for them God hath done wonderous things by Armies for us of late even miraculous deliverances defeats discoveries victories immunities as he did for his ancient Hoste the Israelites in the dayes of old Are not these cleer evidences and pledges of
especially from those â—viâ—ls to which you 〈◊〉 most inclinâ—◠〈◊〉 may be most tempted Remember David Psal 18.23 It 〈◊〉 upright before 〈◊〉 â—nd I kept my selfe from wine iniqâ—â—ty◠〈…〉 God walkâ— in the midst of thy house and 〈◊〉 and nalling 〈…〉 as he 〈◊〉 in the midst of Israels camp to 〈…〉 and prosper thee Therefore should thy heam â—nd house and family and all thou hast be holy Then God will 〈…〉 mongst you his 〈…〉 noâ—unclean thing 〈…〉 clean actions speecheâ— looks 〈…〉 thoughts of miâ—◠〈…〉 health reeding within thee â—â—â—â—cleanness either in thy flesh or spiriâ— espâ—â—â—â—ly that he see 〈…〉 of uncleannesse in thee which loves and likes filthinesse and takes liberty yea delight to lye in the dung of sin and wickednesse If there be iniquity in thy hand Iob 11.14 and cap. 22.23 heart or house put it farre away else God will turn away from thee For God will be gone if thou wouldst have sin to stay Thou must either leave thy fins or lose thy God Let your principall study and endevour be to please God in all things and to be holy in all manner of conversation then Gods presence shall be with you where ever you goe as it was with our blessed Saviour Iohn 8.29 who said He that sent â—â—e is with me the Father hath not left me alone for I doe always those things that please him So much of the second Practicall Instruction which respects all Be holy keep your selves pure if you would keep God with you I come in the next place to apply these two Instructions to two sorts especially in regard of their publike Imployments which heare me this day To wit our Senatours and Souldiers 1 A Particular Application To our Senatours the Heads of our Tribes and the Men of our Counsel The Right Honourable The Committee of Lords and Commons here present who consult the Peace and Safety of these poore ruined Countries and carry on our great affaires with them advice Would you have your Counsels wholsome and saving profitable and effectuall then 1 Interesse and ingage Gods presence with you in all your consultations and debates Consist with God severally what shal I and I propound or offer that may mainly conduce to the Conâ—â—â—â—â— weâ—lâ— which is committed to our Custody as he Counsell of God joyntly what shall wee conclude and resolve Make God your wisdome eveâ—â—oâ—e set God at Board-end as present yea Presâ—dent in all your Counsels For God stands in the Congregation of Privees and he judgâ—th among the Gods 2 Tâ—â—e heed God see no 〈…〉 in you or among you least he depart from you then wisdome will perish from the wise and understanding cease from the prudent Counsels are blasted by men when Counsellours are described by God Oh be carefull to keep both your heads and hearts pure and God will delight to breath sound wisdom and the knowledge of witty inventions into you Prov. 8 12. Eccles 9.15 16 17 18 Prov. â—0 18 how to save your spoyled undone Countreys Wisdome saith the Preacher is better then strength then weapons of warre No Statecounsell stands more need to be good then that which manageth the Affairs of Wars With good advice make warre saith Solomon If War be a building then forces and weapons are the Walls But Counsell is the foundation Happy be the Designes which are carried on the Wings of wholsome Counsell Now I have spoken to our Counsellours let mee direct the same word of Instruction 1 To our Souldiers to teach them these two Principall Lessons 1 Be earnest with God for his presence with you 2 Advance holmesse in your Campe First Lesson Be very earnest with God for his speciall presence with you in your Camp in all your Military Motions Postures and Designes to have God stay with you in your Quarters and goe with you when you â—â—â—ch and when you engage Renew Moses his request to God very often upon every fresh occasion If thy presence go not not with us let us not goe forth against the Enemy either in a party or in a body When Israel were going to march on in the Wildernesse towards Canaan they begd Gods presence for the whole Host For when the Arke set forward and the Host rose up to march Num. 10.35 36 Moses said seil in the Name and on the behalf of them all Rise up Lord and â—et thine Enemies be sâ—aâ—ered and when the Arke rested he said Return ô Lord unto the Ten thousand-thousands of Israel as if he had said Let God go along with us and dectare his presence among us Whether we maâ—ch or â—nâ—ampe This should be the earnest desire of good Commanders for themselves and their Souldiers as it was of Moses Exod. 33.15 that Gods presents may go forth and come in with them of Souldiers not only for themselves but for their 〈…〉 as 〈◊〉 was of Isâ—â—â—â— for Joshua Ioshua 1.17 As we have barkned unto Moses in all things say they so will wee harken unto thee only the Lord thy God 〈…〉 aâ— hee was with Moses Let me inlarge this Lesson by two Particulars 1 The Manner of his presence in the Camp 2 Motives to seek it As for the Meanes to obtain it The Manner of Gods presence in the Camp As a God of Counsell Iudg. 7.16 that is the Purport of the second Lesson 1 The Manner How is God in an Army or how should you desire him to be with you Answ 1 As a God of Counsell to advise you what to do to teach you the Policies of War as he did Gedeon his stratagem of Trumpets Lamps and Pitchers Ioshua his ambushment at Ai Ioshua 7. And David which way to set upon the Philistines with most advantage 2 Sam. 5.22 23 scil to fetch a compasse behind them and come upon them over against the Mulbery Trees 2 As a man of War As a Man of War or Captain for the Scripture sets forth the 1 Father as Generall Exod. 15.3 2 Son as Captaine Ioshua 5.14 3 Holy Ghost as Ensigne Esâ—y 59.19 1 To exercise you Psal 18.4 Psal 18.32 39. or teach you the Art of War as he did David your hands to fight and fingers to war 2 To strengthen you for It is God saith David that girdeth me with strength unto the battle 3 To incourage you â— Chron. 12.8 hee infuseth undauntednesse of spirit and heroick valour God can make you swift as Roes bold as Lions like the Gadites and put mettle and courage into you when you are exanimate 4 To lead you forth and fight for you as Moses told Israel Deut. 1.29 30. 2 Chron. 13.12 Isa 58.8 52.12 Numb 10.25 The Lord your God which goeth before you he shall fight for you 5. To gather you up or be your Reye-ward as the Tribe of Dan was the Gathering Hoste that came last and gathered up the weak ones and hindmost and such as were left behind So God not