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[Ʋse 1] Use I. Hence Learn, that the Commanders and Officers in a Militia, who stand for Examples and Teachers to others ought in a special manner to be well qualified and accomplished for those places. Leaders should strive to be excelling persons; If they are to teach others to be Souldiers, then certainly themselves
should be Artists 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; A certaine Authour in his miscellaneous discourses occasionally speakes how Martial Leaders should be qualified, saith he, the Commanders in War and [as neer as can be Commanders in Trayning Companyes) ought to be built upon these three Virtues.
They should be Wise, Valiant, Experienced.
Wisdome in a General oftentimes Ends the War without War; of all the Victories the Romans, thought the best, which was least Stained with Blood, and they were content to let Camillut Triumph although he had not fought. In these times it is especially requisite since Stratagems and advantages are more in use then open and daring Valour: Yet,
Valiant he must be, else he growes Contemptible, looseth his Command, and by his own Fear infects his Troops with Co∣wardise. To the eternal Honour of Caesar, Cicero reports that in all his Commands of the field, there was not found an Ito, but a Veni, as if he had scorned in all his Onsets to be any thing but still a Leader, alwayes teaching by the strongest Authority his own Forwardness, his own Example: And though these be Ex∣cellencyes, they be all Lame without
Experience; Let him be never so Learned in a Paper plot where his eye hath all in View, he'l fall in a Leager where he seeth but a Limb at once: Besides, Experience puts a Credit upon his Actions, and makes him far more Prompt in undertakings.
[Ʋse 2] Use II. Then this should teach those that are or may be Teach∣ers, Leaders and Commanders of others (as much as in them lies) to be Carefull, Diligent and Conscientious in the performance of their Duty towards them that are to be Instructed by them: Believe it, the work is the Lords, it is his Ordinance, and you have a great account to give, or you are greatly accountable according to your well or ill management therof; The Lord is your Super∣visour, You that are in the Front, have not only mens but Gods eye upon you; and if there be as hath been proved so great a Dependance upon a well Ordered & Instructed Militia, consider that you will have but a bad & sore account to give for your neg∣lect & rem••sness in the discharge of your Duty: What Disaster and Calamity may come upon a Common wealth through your defect will cheifly center upon you in the End, & you are lyable
to a greater share in the Curse then other Inferiour Souldiers.
It behoves you in some sense more than others, ever to remem∣ber and keep in mind that dreadfull sentence against Deceitfull dealers in Gods service, Jer. 48.10. God who is a man of War hath a Curious and a skilfull eye. Labour then as alwayes in his presence to do your Dutyes carefully and skilfully.
The Dutyes of your places, I hope you know, (or I wish you did) better than I can tell you:
Labour (as indeed your places require) to be Grave, Serious setting good and edifying examples; especially keeping a good Command over those that are to be Commanded by you; and when you are upon the Exercise and Instructing them, be con∣scientious in spending those times and seasons to their best advan∣tage and edification in that Science: Quicken such as you observe backward, lazy and idle, let them be ashamed out of their Duncery, or be severely punished for it; Of all men you that are Officers and Commanders, FOREMEN, do you see to it, that you be alwayes Foreward and never backward in this great and solemn work.
[Ʋse 3] Use III. Another word may be of Exhortation, and that unto all that are Listed under Discipline and Command. Be Exhorted (in Obedience to God & safety to your selves) to put this Doc∣trine into practise, viz. Labour now with all Diligence (while you have the time & meanes for Instruction) to approve your selves skilfull and Expert Souldieres. It is the Duty of others to teach and it is as much your Duty to learn, therefore make progress:
Dread to be among the number of those that are ever learning and never come to the knowledg of this Truth; Loath to be low in the knowledg of that which is thy Profession. Oh! Press for∣ward, strive to become Expert, Renowned.