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Of Zebulun, such as went forth to Battel, expert in War, with all Instruments of War, fifty thousand, which could keep Rank: they were not of double Heart.
THE Relations in which the All-wise GOD, the Supreme and Absolute Monarch of the Universe, is pleased in His Adora|ble Sovereignty to place the Children of Men to this state of Probation. And the Powers, He sees meet to furnish them with, for the Service of their Generation in
their respective Posts, are very many and various: yet all of them are Essential, or at+least Useful and Needful to the Well-Being of the Body Politick; Insomuch, that the Mechanick can't say to the Civil Magistrate, I have no need of thy Conduct and Protection: nor can the Civil Magistrate say to the La|bouring Tribes of Zebulon and Issachar, I have no need of your Obedience, and the Fruits of your Painful Industry; seeing even Crowned Heads themselves do (under God) depend continually on them for their Estab|lishment, Preservation, and Supplies.
AND as it is GOD, the Fountain of Honour, who in His uncontroulable and mysterious Providence maketh Men to differ; setting up one, and pulling down another; and distributing Gifts to them, as to kind and degree, according to His Holy Will: So He requires and expects, that every Man should abide in his Calling, and seek to excel in his own Sphaere, in the Improvement of all his Endowments and Enjoyments for the Honour of GOD, his Bountiful Benefactor, and the Interest of his Prince and Country.
INDEED Men may seek to Excel, and may really do so, in some respects; and yet how much so-ever They may value them|selves on the score of their Foreign Excel|lencies,
They deserve little Commendation, because they don't seek to Excel in their proper Business: or because they have no higher view, than their own Credit or Secular Interest, in such their seeking to Excel.
THUS, for a Clergy-man to be an Ingenious Mechanick, or a considerable States-man, but a Mean Divine, a poor Clerk; or to seek to Excel, because he loves to have the Pre-eminence: or for an Advocate to be able to play skilfully on a Musical Instru|ment, while he is a Weak Disputant, and a Dull Orator; or to seek to Excel in the Art of Pleading, merely to draw the more Clients, and fill his own Coffers: In a Word, for a Professor of the Art of War, to be a Great Astronomer, but unacquainted with the Mysteries of his own Profession; to be Timorous, or False-hearted; or to seek to Excel in this Art, merely to gra|tify an Ambitious Humour,—How Dishonour|able and Unbecoming is This!
WHEREAS for Those, that are set at the Upper End of the World, and hold the Reins of Government, to seek, that they may Excel in the Secret Mysteries of State-Policy, and in all their Publick Administrations, of Civil Power, to the Happiness, and (as far
as may be) to the Satisfaction of the Com|mon-Wealth: And for such, as Wait at God's Altar, to seek, that they may Excel (according to their Advantages) in Mini|sterial Gifts, and in Grace, to the Edifying of the Church, the Salvation of their own Souls, and the Souls of those that hear them: For those that are Employ'd in Educating of Youth, to seek, that they may Excel in Learning, and in the Art of Teaching, to the Softning the Manners, and Greatning the Minds of Youth, and Form|ing them for Publick Service; still Train|ing them up in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord: And for all Men of Business, and all Sorts of Relatives to seek, that they may Excel in their various Capacities and Stations for the Publick Good: Briefly, for such, as are called to Learn, and as occa|sion serves, to Practise the Art Military, to seek, that they may Excel in all Mar|tial Accomplishments and Atchievments, for the Security and Preservation of the Lives, Liberties, and Properties of the People of GOD; This is Good and Accep|table in the sight of GOD our Saviour.
AGREEABLY in the Sacred Oracles we find Good Soldiers, still mentioned with Ho|nour: And particularly in our Text, the
Soldiers belonging to the Tribe of Zebulun are commended, as being Men that Excel'd in Martial Qualifications.
IN this Chapter before us we've an Ac|count of Two Musters of the Militia of Israel.
THE First, which was partly at Ziklag, and more fully at Hebron, was very consi|derable: for we're told, ver. 22. that there came to David to help him, until it was a Great Host, like the Host of God: i. e.
innumera|ble, like the Stars or Angels, which are emirently GOD's Hosts.
THE Second was a General Muster at Hebron. Agreeably we read, Chap. II. 1. All Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron—.
Now, Here let usobserve the Great and Noble Design, the Glorious Occasion, and Joyful Issue of these Musters.
THE Design of the Former Muster was to make David, King over Judah; which they effected to very good Purpose, and great Satisfaction, and Advantage: and David reigned over that Tribe only Seven Years; during which, there was a long War between the house of Saul and the house of David:
But David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker, 2 Sam. 3. 1. David rose gradually; being first Anointed King in Reversion; then in Possession of One Tribe only, and at last of All the Tribes. And thus (says the Pious and Excellent HENRY) "The Kingdom of the Messiah, the Son of David, is set up by De|grees: He is Lord of all by Divine De|signation, but we see not yet all things put under Him, Heb. 2. 8. But, Lord, How Long!
THE Occasion of the Latter Muster was, to perfect the Translation of the Kingdom of Israel from the House of Saul, after, the Death of Ishbosheth, to the Illustrious House of David; or to make David King over All Israel, ver. 38.
Now the Service, thus done by the Israe|litish Regiments for their Prince and Country: occasioned Joy in Israel and many Thanks|givings to God: which, with their Military Skill, Obsequiousness, Courage, Loyalty and Faithfulness, is recorded to their Everlast|ing Praise, and for the Perpetual Instruction, Imitation, and Encouragement of that Order of Men: And also to teach the People of GOD, what Regards are to be paid to Men of their Character.
IN our Text we are informed, 1. Of the Quota of the Tribe of Zebulun, in this Gene|ral Muster; They were Fifty Thousand. 2. We have their Character, consisting of Divers Ar|ticles; which we may particularly Consider and Explain, in speaking to this Observation from the Words, as related to the Context: Scil,
THAT Good Soldiers are an Useful, and Honourable Order of Men, and a Great Blessing to their Prince, and Country.
SUCH Soldiers, as are described in our Text, are no little part of the Beauty and Strength of God's Israel. They're an Honour to their Prince and Country, and deserve well of both.
IN Discoursing this Point, I shall, First, consider the Duty and Character of Soldiers, so far as it is laid before us in our Text. Secondly, Endeavour to confirm the Truth of our Doctrine. Thirdly, Make some Practi|cal Reflections: and Conclude with a Brief Address to the Gentlemen, that have call'd me to this Service.
First. WE are to consider the Duty and Character of Soldiers, as Exhibited to us in
the Text: or What sort of Soldiers these Zebulinites were.
And here,
1. THEY were (what it is proper all, that profess themselves Soldiers, should be) Expert in War. Instructi ad Bellum. They were not Raw and Unacquainted with the very Rudiments of Soldiery: but were well Disciplin'd, and like Abraham's Servants, Trained up in the Art of War.
THE Field-Officers, and all under Autho|rity amongst them, were Men of Good Con|duct; knew the Business of their respective Posts, how to behave themselves, and how to govern in an Army, both in the Camp and in the Field of Battel, according to the Usage of those Ancient Times. To allude to what is said of the Men of Issachar, They had Understanding, in Military Affairs, to know what Israel ought to do. They were no Stran|gers to Martial Law, and knew well When, and How to put it in Execution.
THE Private Soldiers were Skilful, and Dextrous in Handling their Arms, and Obey|ing the Directions of their Commanders; so as to Defend themselves, and Destroy their
Enemies. It was the Commendation of those, that came to David at Z••klag, Ver. 2. that they could use both the Right Hand and the Left, in ••••••ing Stones, and shooting Arrows cut of a Bow: And of the G••dites, ver. 8. that they could handle Shield and Buckler: And of the Chosen Men of Benjamin, Jud. 20. 16, that they could every one sling Stones at an hair|breadth, and not miss: i. e. with great Exact|ness. Now it's Evident both from Reason and Scripture, that all, that are called to be Soldiers, are obliged, as far as possible, to imitate these Examples in Military Skill, and Expertness in War.
2. THEY were (what it's very desirable all Soldiers should be) Men that could keep Rank. 〈…〉〈…〉. They deserved order, which is the Beauty and Strength of an Army. The Officers could do their part, and the private Soldiers their's; that their Ranks might not be broken by the Enemy; or that the Army might Rally again immedi|ately, and repair any Breach that might hap|pen, and still make g•••••• their Front, and maintain their Ground, and prevent Disorder and Confusion in the Army, which often proves fatal in a Battle. Now this denotes and requires not only Skill, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Strength and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. They were
Men of Strong Bodies, able to endure Hard|ness, and perform great Exploits; Effective Men. They were also Men of Great Souls, that would die a Thousand Deaths, rather than play the Coward, and basely fly from their Colours, or desert their Posts: Men, that were not afraid to look their Enemy in the face; nor were they terrifyed with the Thunder of their Captains, or of their Shouting. Men, whose Hearts were inflam'd with a true Martial Fire, that many waters could not quench, nor the floods drown: Men, not dis|may'd, but animated by Difficulty, and resolved on all proper occasions with that brave Gene|ral, Joab, 2 Sam. 10. 12. To play the men for their People, and the Cities of their God; leaving the Event to Him, whose is the Victory.
EVEN thus, Men, fit for Battel, are Men of Might, ver. 8. who have faces like the faces of Lions, and are as swift as Roes upon the Mountains, not to flic from, but to pursue their Enemy. It's desirable, they should, with David, be girded with Strength, that even the bow of Steel may be broken by their arms, Psal. 18. 34. Then tho' (the Race is not to the swift, nor the Battel to the strong, yet) Hu|manely speaking, it may be hop'd, that from the blood of the slain, and from the fat of the mighty, their Bow will not turn back, nor their Sword return empty.
3. THEY were (what it's highly reaso|nable and needful all Soldiers should be) Men, that were not of Double Heart. Absque Corde & Corde. They were True Men; Men of Integrity. Double-heartedness is oppos'd to Faithfulness. Psal. 12. init. Help Lord for the Faithful fail—with a double Heart do they speak: q. d.
They pretend a kind & upright Heart, while their heart is really cruel and deceitful.They have divers Setts of Tho'ts, and speak according to the Company they're with. Such double-minded Men, don't make good Soldiers; there's no trust|ing of them, no depending on such Unstable Souls.
THE Men of Zebulun were not so: they were not govern'd by private, sinister Views, like furious Jehu, pretending Zeal for the Lord of Hosts, Zeal for the Church, the Church; whilst his main design was to aggrandise Him|self and Family. No, they abhor'd every thing so mean and little, and had still the great Interests of their King and People very much at Heart.
[THEY were not of Double Heart,] This may intend, that they were faithful to one another. The Officers were faithful to each other; not striving to break one another
from Envy, Revenge or for filthy Lucre: And they were faithful to the Soldiers under them, not imposing on them unnecessary Burdens, nor betraying them to their Ene|mies (as Joab did Uriah,) not robbing them of, or detaining from 'em their Wages, or invading their Privileges; but carefully instructing them, by Precept and Example, in the Art of War: improving all their skill and interest for their safety and happiness, and to ren|der them serviceable.
THE Private Soldiers (we'll hope) were also faithful to their Commanders, and one to another. They chearfully observ'd the Laws of the Camp: were at their Officer's Commandment, vers. 32. And every one minded His own Business.
THUS it's needful that All military Men, whether Officers or private Soldiers, should be faithful to one another. That they should be of one heart, in promoting the great Ends of their Calling, (as the Israelites were of one heart, to make David King, ver. 38.) that they should stand by one another, and endea|vour to Preserve, Assist and Encourage one another. If Soldiers are not faithful to one another, if their heart be divided one from another, they'll soon be found faulty: they
may easily mischief, yea destroy one another, and it's well, if they don't do so.
AGAIN, The Zebulunites were not of double Heart, but loyal and faithful to their King, and Country. They all (at least by their Representatives) readily took the Oath of Allegiance at the King's Coronation. 2 Sam. 5. 3. And in taking of it, they sware in Truth, in Judgment, and in Righteousness; without any mental Reservation; for they came with perfect heart to Hebron, to make David King, ver. 38: And there David made a League with them. Considered collectively, they were not of double heart, i. e., They were not some for David, and others secretly against him. And considered distributively, they were not of double heart: i. e.
They did none of them pretend to be David's Friends, while in their hearts they favour'd the Family of Saul.In short, None of them (says the ingenious Mr. HENRY in Loc.)
had any seperate Interests, but were all for the Publick Good.
EVEN so, All Soldiers should be loyal to their rightful Sovereign, and faithful to their Country. Disloyalty and Rebellion in Sol|diers, especially in Officers, is an horrid Crime, and of wretched Consequence.
INDEED, we don't exhort to Passive Obedi|ence and Non-Resistance in the utmost Lati|tude, in which those Doctrines have been preach'd up by some, who (as the Pharisees and Lawyers did of old,) bind heavy Burdens on Men's shoulders, while they Themselves will not touch them with one of their fingers. For (as an Excellent Divine of the Church of England observes) We ought not to press on others, what in like circumstances we our+selves are unwilling to perform.* 1.1 But we've sufficient Warrant to put all our Hearers (and consequently Soldiers) in mind, To submit to the King, as Supreme; and to Governours, as unto them that are sent, 1 Pet. 2. 13, 14. To exhort every Soul, to be subject to the Higher Powers, Rom. 13. 1. Not to speak evil of Digni|ties. 2 Pet. 2. 10. Jude. 8. And especially, not to speak evil of the Ruler of their People, Act. 23. 5. but to fear God and honour the King, 1 Pet. 2. 17.
Now when Soldiers are thus loyal, as David was to Saul, while his Subject; and as Da|vid's Soldiers were to Him; that can say heartily to their Prince, as Amasai of old, ver. 18. Thine are we David, and on thy side, Thou son of Jesse: The very Hearts of pious Princes and Rulers will be knit to such a Mi|litia,
as David's was to those, that came to Him at Ziklag, ver. 17.
ONCE more, May'nt we suppose, they were not of double heart, but faithful toward God? Some of them doubtless, and we hope many among fifty thousand, were Israelites in|deed, not only toward their Prince, but to|ward their God. However, we are sure that all Soldiers should be so. All Men should serve God with Uprightness and with Single|ness of heart. Their heart should be right with God, or they should be truly Religious. Soldiery is not inconsistent with the most eminent Vertue, the most shining Sanctity, the most elevated Piety.
I suppose, the Sun never shone on Three braver Warriers, than Abraham, Joshua and David: And yet who more Renowned for the Power of Godliness, than those Worthies? Cornelius, a Roman Captain, was a devout Man, and one that feared God with all his house. And he had a devout Soldier that waited on him continually, Act. 10. 2. 7.
THO' Men, in some sense, may be said to be G••od Soldiers, that are none of the Best Christians; yet the Better Men are, (Coeteris Paribus,) the better Soldiers they make. And verily such only are truly Religious, who
are Sincere, and in whose Spirits there is no allowed Guile. And such Soldiers may expect to have God on their side, (when call'd forth to Service) to cover their Heads, and fight their Battels, to help them to do valiantly, and to tread down their Enemies. And such Only may expect to have the Lord of Hosts with them and for them: and to have occasion to call upon one another, saying, Sing ye to the Lord, for He hath triumphed gloriously!
So then, Soldiers should be Good Men, and True: Faithful to one another, Loyal to their Prince, and Devout toward God. And truly such, as are not Upright toward God, it's to be fear'd, won't long be Loyal to their Prince. Neither do they deserve, nor can they expect, their Prince should be faithful to them: For such, as we are toward God, we may ex|pect others will be toward us. Psal. 18. 25, 26. David was an upright Man, a Man after God's own heart; and God bless'd Him with subjects, that were loyal and not of double Heart. But it's time to say,
4. THESE Zebulunites were (and it's necessa|ry all Soldiers, especially when call'd to Ser|vice, should be,) Well Arm'd. They appeared on this Occasion with all Instruments of War, (i. e. that were then in use and proper for that
Service) to suppress any Insurrection; and to put down and subdue such as might pre|sume to oppose the King's Coronation; to keep the publick Peace, and grace the So|lemnity.
SOLDIERS without Weapons are but naked Men. Counsel and Strength for War won't do well without Weapons of War. Indeed Wis|dom is better without Weapons of War, than Weapons of War without Wisdom. Eccl. 9. 18. But alas! tho' Men are as skilful as Abra|ham, as valiant as Joshua, and as loyal and de|vout as David, (who was a None-such for Faithfulness, 1 Sam. 22. 14.) yet unarm'd, they are unfit for Service, a meer and an easy Prey to their Enemies in ordinary Cases!
IT was great Policy in the Philistines of old, to suffer no Smith to dwell in the Land of Israel, (while they had Dominion over them) lest the Hebrews should make them Swords or Spears, 1 Sam. 13. 19. And it was no less Prudence in Abraham, not only to Train his three hun|dred and eighteen Men; but to have Arms ready to fit them for an Expedition on the least imaginable Warning. And sad was the Case of Israel, when in the day of Battel there was neither Sword nor Spear found in the Hand of any of the People.—1 Sam, 1••. 20.
SOLDIERS should then he Armed. But this is not all: They should have Armour suita|ble for them; Such as they are used to, and are capable of managing: otherwise their Condition will be like David's when going to encounter the great Goliah, in Saul's Armour: which because He had not prov'd, He wi••ely begg'd to be excus'd from wearing it. Briefly, They should have Armour, if it may be, adapted to the Circumstances of the Enemy, they're to fight with. Mr. HENRY observes on that Parenthesis in David's Elegy [Also he
had them teach the children of Judah the use of the Bow.]—That the Children of Judah knew before now how to use the Bow.—But of late they had made more use of Slings, because cheaper. Now David would have them see the Inconvenience of this, (for they were the Archers of the Philistines, that here so hard upon Saul,1 Sam. 31. 3. who could do Execution at a greater distance with their Bows, than Judah could with their Slings)
and to return to the use of the Bow, and so be able to out do theeir Enemies at their own Weapons. 'Twas pity (says he) but those, that had such good Heads, and Hearts, and Hands, as the Children of Judah:'Tis pity indeed, but that skilful, couragious, loyal, and devour Soldiers should be well Arm'd.
I'll only add,
5. THESE Zebulunites were (and all Sol|diers should be) Men ready, when call'd thereto, to go forth to Battel: Or to improve their military Abilities for the Service of the Publick. They came up willingly to Hebron in Arms, to attend whatever Service there was for them to do There. And no doubt they were as ready afterward to serve David in his Wars, or to go out to Battel against the common Enemies of Israel. Thus in the days of Earak the Zebulunites were among those, that are commended in the triumphant Song of Deborah, the Israelitish Virago, for offering themselves willingly, and jeoparding their Lives unto the Death in the high Places of the Field, Jud. 5. 18.
ON some extraordinary Occasions Those, that are not bred to War, may be call'd forth to Battel: Thus that Heroine, Deborah, took notice, that out of Zebulun came those to fight against Sisera, that handle the Pen of the Writer: Then according to Sir Richard Blackmore's Paraphrase,
The Scribes of Zebulun, and Learned Men, To weild the Sword, laid down the Pen,
How much more should those, that are furnish'd with military skill and courage,
chearfully improve these Talents, when Pro|vidence gives them occasion; and fight for their Brethren, their Sons, and their Daughters, their Wives, and their Houses? Neh. 4.14.
INDEED, Soldiers are not always (it may be but seldom) call'd to list as Voluntiers in mili|tary Service; because it is reasonable, there should be an Equality: But when Soldiers are call'd forth by those in Authority, they should willingly engage in whatever Service, they're call'd to; and not chuse with the Reubenites to continue in the Sheepfolds, to bear the Bleatings of the Flocks; rather than venture into the Camp, to be regal'd with the martial sound of the Drum and Trum|pet: lest they expose themselves to the bitter Curse, denounced of old against such, as came not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the Mighty.
BUT thus I've considered the several. Ar|ticles, in the Character of these Zebulunitish Soldiers, with what brevity I could: and proceed now to the Second general Head of our Discourse, which (that I may'nt be guilty of Tediousness) I shall but touch upon.
LET us then consider,
Secondly, THE Evidence of this Truth; That the described Soldiers, or such as answer this Character, are an useful and honourable Order of Men, and consequently a Blessing to the Publick. Here,
1. WE may argue the Truth of our Ob|servation, from the honourable mention, made expresly or by way of allusion, of this Order of Men and of their office and work in the Sacred Oracles. Here we find the Lord Him|self in the Song of Moses, (Exod. 15. 3.) stiled a Man of War. Here also we find our Lord Jesus Christ, who is Co-essential & Co-equal with the Father, termed a Leader and Com|mander to the People; (Isai. 55. 4.) And Cap|tain of the Lord's Host, (Josh. 5. 14.) for it was doubtless He, that appear'd to Joshua at Jericho with a Sword drawn in his Hand.
IN a Word, Many of those, of whom the Apostle (in the Eleventh to the Heb.) tells us, the World was not worthy, were famous War|riours. And these Scripture-Heroe's are cele|brated, amongst other things, for this parti|cularly, (to the Immortal Honour of good Sol|diers, who are also good Men,) That thro' faith they subdued Kingdoms; stopped the mouths of Lions; and waxed valiant in fight, and turned to flight the armies of the Aliens.
2. WE may further argue the Truth of our Doctrine, from the Judgment of the Wisest and Best of Men; and from the Experience of the People of God in all Ages. If we con|sider the days of old, and read what is re|ported concerning Abraham, the Father of the Faithful, His arming his trained Sol|diers, that were born in his house, and con|sequently had their military Education under him; and the use He made of them: And if we consider, what is storied of David, (who is Himself frequently stiled a Man of War,) How He took Care and gave Order, at his first coming to the Throne, that his Sub|jects might be instructed in the Art of War: we may be satisfyed, what was Their Judg|ment in the Case. And if we search the Histories of succeeding Ages, we shall find a mighty Cloud of Witnesses to the present Truth.
BUT to look no further, than our own Land; The Magistracy & Ministry of the Country have from the Beginning acknowledged the Valuable|ness of this Order of Men. The Civil Magistrate, by granting Commissions to military Officers, and making good Laws for the Observation and Encouragement of frequent Trainings, Annually: And by countenancing and che|rishing for many Years, and even to this
Day, the ARTILLERY COMPANY in this Town: and the Ministers of the Gospel, by the many Sermons, they've Preach'd to this COMPANY, amongst other Tokens of their Regards for good Soldiers, have amply sig|nified their Judgment in this Case.
BESIDES (as I said) the Experience of all Ages does also evince, that such Soldiers, as these Zebulunites, are very useful for the preservation and security of the People of God. They are useful to prevent mis|chief. Solomon's Life-Guard of valiant Men, had every Man his Sword on his Thigh, be|cause of fear in the Night. Cant. 3. 8. Again, They're useful to revenge Injuries, done to the Publick: to recover Captives and Spoil, taken by the Enemy. Thus Abraham with his Soldiers bro't back his Brother Let, and his Goods, and the Women also and the People, Gen. 14. 16. David with his men, they reco|vered all, that the Amalekites had carried away: and rescued his two Wives: there was Nothing lacking to Them—David recovered all. 1 Sam. 30. 18, 19. They're useful to suppress and destroy the Enemies of God's People. An Army with Banners is terrible to the Enemy. When all Nations compassed David, like Bees, He resolves, that in the name of the Lord▪ He would destroy them.
Finally, WE may argue, that such Sol|diers, as we've heard described, are a pub|lick Blessing, an useful and honourable Order of Men, from Their Contrary. However, this Consideration will illustrate the Truth before us, as it is the nature of Contraries to do. Not only undisciplin'd and cowardly, but disloyal, treacherous and mutinous Soldiers are a Reproach, and Plague to their Prince and Country.* 1.2 Such Soldiers are but Armed Enemies; a most dangerous Sort of Men, both to Church and State. They that are not for Us, are against Us; and the more expert in War, the more bold and daring, the more active and strong, so much the worse.
Too many recent Instances, in the British Empire, do sadly verify this Assertion. O that this might never have been to be told in Gath, and publish'd in the streets of Askelon!
BUT to mention no other Argument; I pass to make two or three Reflections on the preceeding Discourse. And,
First, FROM what we've heard, we may infer, Whether we are, and what we must be and do, if we would approve our selves,
good Soldiers of Jesus Christ. Why; we must answer the Character of these Zebulu|nites; be such Soldiers under Christ, as they were under David. If we are real Christians, we are listed under Christ's Banner; we're all, of whatever Age, Sex, or Quality, en|gag'd in a Holy War. Our Enemies are very many, politick, powerful, deceitful, malici|ous, and indefatigable. Our eternal Happi|ness depends on our being good Soldiers, under this our Glorious Captain, or Genera|lissimo of the Saints, in this our militant State.
Now if we are, and would approve our selves such, we must be his willing People, (Psal. 110. 3.) and serve Him not of constraint, but willingly: not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.
'DIVINES say indeed, that in Baptism Christ gives Men Press-Money to serve Him: but He would not have them do it against their wills. He draws his People with the Cords of a Man, and the Bands of Love, Hos. 11. 4. He directs his Embassadours to compel Men to serve Him, by force of Argu|ment, not by force of Arms. All Real Christi|ans offer themselves willingly, to serve in His War against their Ghostly Adversaries.
AGAIN, We must be cloathed with the whole Armour of God: of the several Parts of which the Apostle speaks in the 6th of Ephes.—We must put on, and keep on our whole Armour, Night and Day, during Life.
AGAIN, We must not be of double Heart. We must be faithful and charitable one to another. As we are One Body, we should study to be of One Mind; to be sure, of One Heart. If the Hearts of Christ's Sol|diers are divided, it is very lamentable. It pleases the Adversary; He has his wish: Divide & Impera, is an Old Maxim with Him.
THIS also grieves the faithful Servants of Christ: For the Divisions of Reuben there were great Searchings of Heart. It weakens the whole Army; And the more considerable the Persons, the more fatal. It wounds Religion; provokes God to withdraw from his People: But I forbear—. Christ's Soldiers should live peaceably one with another; and beware of making a mutiny in the Army: They must stand for, and stand by one another: forgive one another, and not fight with their Fellow-Soldiers: Mat. 18. ult. 24. c. ult. They should bear one another's Burdens: Gal. 6, 2. Rejoyce in each others Wealth; for by this it is, that all Men know we are
Christ s Disciples, His Soldiers, even by our loving one another, Joh. 13. 35.
AGAIN, We must be loyal and dutiful to Jesus Christ. We must be at his Command|ment, and follow Him, where-ever He calls us. We must heartily espouse, and as far as possible maintain his Cause, and not impru|dently betray it, or basely disown and desert it. We must therefore be strong and very couragious: not timorous and faint-hearted.
The fearful lead the Van amongst those, that shall be sent to the Bottomless Pit,Rev. 21. 8. We have to do with a restless Adversary, who (as was said of Marcellus, a Roman Commander,) is never quiet, Nec Victor, nec Victus, neither Conquering nor Conquered. We must therefore be in good Earnest, and resist him stedfastly in the Faith: and not fight, as those that beat the Air. It's not eno' to 'make a flourish with our Weap••ns, as that Phrase signifies. Slight Skirmishes won't serve the Turn; we must come to down-right blows; and either kill or be kill'd. And therefore,
Finally, WE had need be very skilful in spiritual Soldiery; Expert in this War. We must not be ignorant of the Devices, and Stra|tagems of Satan. We must know our selves▪
and realize the Vanity, the extreme Vanity of the World: And we must study to be more exact and accurate in managing our spiritual Weapons, in our spiritual Warfare.
WE must expect to meet with hard Things (as some of Us have done already! and) as Those have done, who are arriv'd, where the Wicked cease from troubling, and where the Weary are at rest: But let us not faint, nor be dismay'd; He who hath delivered us, doth deliver; and in him we trust, that He will yet deliver us, 2 Cor. 1. 10.
IF we are real Christians, we have a glorious Commander, and a good Cause: We've good Armour, and good Company: and if we overcome, (And we shall Overcome!) we shall then have a glorious Reward.
LET us then encourage our selves in the Lord our God, who hath given Leviathan to be Meat to his People inhabiting the wilderness. Our Enemies are already vanquish'd. Christ, our Captain, has overcome. We may there|fore triumph before the Battel; and with loudest Shouts of Joy cry out, Thanks be to God, who giveth us the Victory; nay, who maketh us more than Conquerors thro' Jesus Christ our Lord!
Secondly, HENCE 'tis evident, that it's desirable, that such Soldiers, as have been described, and the Methods and Exercises proper to train them up should by all means be encourag'd and countenanc'd.
SINCE such Soldiers are a Publick Blessing, the People of God should be thankful for them; show them due Respect; Give them deserved Praise; and not grudge them a plentiful Reward of their difficult and hazar|dous Services.
HENCE also it follows, not only that it is praise-worthy in Christian Legislators to make Laws to oblige all proper Persons to attend Trainings and military Exercises; and This even in Time of Peace, that they may learn the Art of War; seeing Preparation for War, may be a means to prevent it, or, how|ever, many pernicious Consequents of it: But also, that it's highly reasonable, that all in Authority, whether Migistratical or Military, should take Care, that those Laws are duly executed, and not trifl'd with and evaded; by Officers shifting off Trainings to the Edge of Winter, when the Days are short, and often cold, and little can be done; and then indulging the private Soldiers to come unseasonably, and to mispend their
Time, and abuse Themselves in Drinking some inebriating Liquor; and not to break up till late at Night; turning Trainings into vile, intemperate Frolicks.
I only enquire, whether such Trainings are not a scandalous Trifling with a Wise, Just and Good Law, and to be greatly Discounte|nanc'd? And wish to Heaven, that the Field-Officers in each New-English Regiment, or Those that ought to inspect that Affair, be they who they will, would always exert themselves, to prevent Disorders of this Kind; and add upon the whole, The good Lord pardon our Training-Day-Sins!
WHEREAS, Training-Days appointed and attended in season, and duly improv'd for the right Ends of Training, (Scil. to make Men expert in War, and prepare them for military Service) are agreeable to the Will of God, and pleasing to Jesus Christ, and of great advantage to the Common-Wealth, tending to furnish it with a well-disciplin'd Militia.
Finally, LET all my Hearers of the Mili|tary Order suffer a Word of Exhortation: Labour, I beseech you, to answer the Cha|racter of these Zebulunites; that has been set before you, as the Time would allow.
STUDY to be expert in War: To be able to keep Rank: And be not of double Heart. Let such especially, as are Officers or Com|manders, or that may probably be so, seek that they may excel in military Accom|plishments.
To this End, Let all, whether Officers or Private Soldiers, be diligent in the use of Means. Conscientiously attend Trainings. Use makes perfect, in handling Arms, and in all military Postures and Motions, as well as in other Things. Give your selves to Reading. Read frequently Histories of famous Warriers. The Scripture, and other Histories afford abundance of such Exam|ples. Read also the excellent Sermons (of which there is an abundant Supply in the Country, both ancient and modern) wherein Soldiers are counsel'd, encouraged, and taught what they should be and do.
AGAIN, Be much in Prayer to God. Military Skill, and Courage, and Faith|fulness are the good Gifts of God. The great God instructs the Husbandman to Discretion; He vouchsafes also to teach his Servants, whom he calls to such Ser|vice, the Art of War: And there is None
teacheth like Him. Now these good Gifts are to be obtain'd in a way of Prayer, Ask, and it shall be he given you: for every one, that asketh, receiveth.
ALL those famous Hero's of your Order, that you have read, or heard of, or seen. They have received all their Skill, and Cou|rage from GOD. David could say, Thou girdest me with strength. Psal. 18. 39. He tencheth my hands to war. 2 Sam. 22. 35.—Go then to God in the Name of Christ, who gives to all Men liberally, and upbraids no man; and what he sees good, he will give unto you.
BRIEFLY, Give God the glory of all your military Attainments, and Exploits; and improve them for his Glory. Thus did David, Psal. 144. 1, Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war: and my fingers to fight. His is the Glory: And He is worthy to receive it; And expects that what we win by Prayer, we should wear with Praise. This is the way to have our Gifts encreased, and continued with Com|fort. Let not then the strong Man glory in his Strength; nor the valiant Man glory in his Courage: nor the skilful in his Con|duct: But let him, that glorieth, glory only
in the Lord, who is the Glory of all His People, and particularly of the Mi|litary Order.
LO these Things, we have searched them, so they are; hear them, and know them for your Good, Job. 5, 27.
I shall now conclude with a brief Ad|dress to the Ancient and Honourable Company who have called me to preach the Word at this time.
GENTLEMEN,
I easily believe, there is no need of disswading Men of your Character from the horrid Vices, by which too many of the military Order in our Days have made Themselves Infamous. And I please my self, that you need no Arguments to prevail with you to continue loyal to the wisest and best of Kings upon Earth, our rightful and gracious Sovereign, King GEORGE: or to submit to His Excellency, the GOVERNOUR, whom GOD hath set over us: and to love your Country, and to
be ready, if call'd thereto, to sacrifice your Lives for it's Preservation and Pros|perity.
INDEED, Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Blessed and the only Potentate, who has the absolute Power of Peace and War, has for the present caused Wars to cease to the Ends of the Earth. And we shall have great cause to praise the Name of the Lord, if there may still be Truth, and Peace in our days: and to say, Let King GEORGE live for ever, by whose wise and powerful Influence, under GOD, we enjoy great Quietness.
BUT alas, What Changes are in the Right Hand of the most High, is beyond Humane View. This we know, that it is a sinful, contentious World, we live in: That the Time is not come, when the Nations shall learn War no more: That (as a grave Divine, now with God, would sometimes say,)
We can't expect any long settled Peace; but must look for frequent Tumbling and Over|turning, till the Man of Sin become a Son of Perdition; and His Kingdom come (The Lord hasten it!) wherein there shall be no Adversary, nor evil Occurrent.
AND verily if we consider, how Iniqui|ty abounds, even the Iniquities foretold by the Apostle (2 Tim. 3. init.) to be the Sins of the last Times: and see how the Love of Many to Jesus Christ, His Church, the Ministers of the Gospel, and to one ano|ther, waxeth cold; We may justly expect perillous Times, yea that a Day of Trouble is near.—Deus avertat Omen!
I do therefore beseech you, (Brethren, and all the Sons of Mars amongst us,) that you will attend your Military Exercises from time to time, not only as an ingenious, laudable, and manly Recreation; but as a Preparation for War. Were your Martial Exercises indeed only for Diversion; yet considering the Nature of them; and how often the Christian Life is in Scripture com|pared to a Warfare; what Occasion they minister for noble and very useful Re|flections; and especially when I consider, how often the inspired Doctor of the Gentiles in his incomparable Epistles, does allude to the Grecian Games: I must be excus'd, if I can see no Reason to ••••n|demn, but rather to applaud Your Custom of having a Sermon annually preach'd to you; wherein you may be minded, how you ought to govern your selves in res|pect of your Exercises, and what spiritual
Use you, and others may make of them. How much more obvious is the Propriety of these your Anniversary religious So|lemnities, if we consider their Original, and I suppose still professed Design of upholding them?
I beseech you then, to remember what you have received and heard, from Year to Year, from many faithful and eminent Ministers of the Gospel, who thro' the Goodness of GOD do several of them remain unto this present, but I suppose the greater part are fallen asleep.
AND I will only add, (for alas, what shall He say, that comes after so many Masters of Reason and Divine Oratory!) Remember, that how strong, and coura|gious, and skilful, and well-arm'd, how rich, and honourable, and learned, how vertuous, and useful, and well-beloved soever you are, still at your best Estate you are every one of you altoge|ther vanity. You are mortal, and must die like other Men. You are accountable to the Judge of all the Earth, who is no Respecter of Persons, for all that is done by you on this Stage of Action. And if you are not good Christians, Israelites indeed, as well as good Soldiers, you will be mise|rable thro' eternal Ages.
SEE to it then, that you are not of Double Heart; but be faithful unto Death, and whatever you do, and particularly in your Military Exercises, Do all to the glory of GOD, and in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Verily I say unto you Blessed are those Soldiers, yea Blessed for ever, are all they, whom the Lord, when He cometh, (and He will come quickly,) shall find so doing.
AND now the Lord of Hosts, who is the God of Peace, and Captain of our Salvation, be with you, and all His People. AMEN!
Mr. Burket.
Contraria juxta se posita, cla|ruis elucescunt.