Page 83
The eleventh Ascent. (Book 11)
MOses was a Person of a very high cou∣rage, himself, and every way accom∣plisht with parts requisite to a good Souldier; and he was no lesse curious in the choice of those whom he was to receive to serve under him as souldiers.* 1.1 For his own personal Courage it sufficiently appeared in his minority, when he slew an Egyptian, that was abusing of an Hebrew, one of his brethren: which was improved highly in his maturity, and was most visible, in his embracing so ma∣ny difficulties; as his frequent confrontings of Pharaoh, and all the fury of the Egyptians, and over-passing all the perverse oppositions of his own people. He was no lesse choise in the election, and approbation, of such as were to be made souldiers; as is to be seen in the rule that he gave for those which were to go to war: ordering, that those which were to go out with the Host against the enemy,* 1.2 should keep them∣selves clear from all wickednesse, nor so much as be stained with any uncleannesse, &c.