THIS Chapter contains a Song, occa­sion'd by a glorious Victory obtained over Jabin King of Canaan, and is entitled, The Song of Deborah and Barak; The former was a Prophetess in Israel; the latter by an immediate Call from GOD, was General of the Army at that Time; and they both did worthily in their Places. Deborah was truly a Mother in Israel, by being a Mother to Israel; thoughtful and industri­ous, even as a tender Mother, to deliver the People, as tho' her own Children, from Oppression, and to save them from Ruin: Yea, and altho' it does not appear, that, in the Day of Battle, she fought with her Hand, yet her pious Soul was in Exercise, being lifted up to GOD in the Heavens, and doubtless contri­buted more by her fervent Prayers to the vanquishing of the Enemy, than Barak by his Martial Weapons; and therefore says she, "My Soul thou hast trodden down Strength": Not but that the General acted his Part prudently, and with a Spirit of true Courage, and had the Praise of it: And not at that Time only, but moreover, he is celebrated by the Author of the [Page 6] Epistle to the Hebrews, as Israel's Deliverer, and a Man eminent for his Faith.—And it may not pass un­observed, that the Governours of Israel offer'd them­selves, at that Juncture, to serve in the War; and by so doing won the Heart of the Prophetess, and she gave GOD the Praise of it; as also, because the Peo­ple offer'd themselves so very willingly.—Particular Mention is here made of the several Tribes which assisted, as Ephraim and Benjamin, Machir and Zebu­lon, Issachar and Napthali: But then, alas! some there were which declin'd the Service, as Reuben, partly, because of the Divisions among them, but whether the Contest was between themselves, or with the other Tribes, is uncertain; and partly, by Reason of their secular Occasions, or because they chose to pursue their own private, rather than to promote the public Inte­rest: And truly, a contentious, as also a covetous and worldly Spirit, very often proves the unhappy Occa­sion of Persons refusing to lend a Hand to promote the public Weal. Dan and Asher also declined; but Meroz is especially condemned and cursed; and the Curse, it seems, took effect, for we read no more of it: Not, that GOD wanted their help; No; for rather than not accomplish his own Work, "the Stars from Heaven must fight in their Courses"; which may probably refer to the Thunder, Lightning, and Storms of Hail sent at that Time, and on that Occasion: Yea, and not the Heavens only, but also the Waters under the Heavens, and in particular, the ancient River Kishon ministred to the Salvation of Israel, by sweeping away and drowning a Multitude of the Ene­my, who probably essay'd to pass over to the other Side, and so escape.—And then, the Prophetess goes on to give Jael, her Sister-Heroe, the Praise of her valorous Act, in putting a full End to Sisera's troubling of Israel, by Means of her deadly Nail and Hammer: And having spoken of the Disappointment, which [Page 7] would thereby ensue to his Mother and the other Ladies of the Court, she concludes with a pathetick Request to GOD, for the like Destruction of all his Enemies; and for the Encouragement and Salvation of all true Israelites.

AND now, O how much does it redound to the Honour of this Mother in Israel, that she disclaimed all Right to the Honour of that great Exploit! As she had been first in the Action, so also she now leads in the Thanksgiving, saying in effect, "Not unto me, Not unto us, but to thy Name, O LORD, be the Glory." Verses 2d and 3d, "Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the People willingly offered them. Hear O ye Kings, give Ear O ye Princes, I, even I will sing unto the LORD, I will sing Praise unto the LORD GOD of Israel."—And truly, all the People had abundant Reason, for a long Time after, to remember this Victory with repeated Thanksgivings; for, it not only brought them a pre­sent happy Peace and Quiet, but moreover, the whole Land had Rest for the Space of Forty Years.

BUT Zebulon and Napthali seem to have distin­guished themselves, on that Day, by their Boldness and Activity: They were the first that offered for that Service, moved thereunto, it's probable, partly from the Consideration of Barak's belonging to one of those Tribes, viz. that of Napthali; but much more from the Sense which they had, above any other, of the Hardship of enduring the Yoke, they lying nearest to the Oppressor: These People being spirited from above, chose rather to die like Men, than to live any longer like Vassals to the vilest of Men; and therefore, fir'd with Zeal for GOD, and their Coun­try, they soon listed into the Service, and being thus enter'd, they would not baulk so good a Cause, but in the Day of Battle, jeoparded their Lives to the Death in the high Places of the Field; or, in the plain and [Page 8] open Field.—Indeed Barak's Orders were to take Ten Thousand Men out of these two Tribes, and then pro­ceed; but because some out of some of the other Tribes willingly offered themselves, therefore they were accepted: However, Zebulon and Naphtali were doubtless the Van-guard, appointed to that Place by their General, yea and choosing it rather than any other, altho' the Place of greatest Danger: And be­hold, they did not, in the Day of Battle, shrink back nor seek to flee, but like Men filled with heroick Courage, push'd on, and having set their Faces like a Flint, they encounter'd even the Chariots of Iron with­out dread of Danger, and disdain'd the King of Ter­rors himself in so just a Cause.—It is said indeed, that they jeoparded their Lives—; but the goodness of their Cause made them quite unmindful of their Dan­ger, being fully determined either to conquer, or die on the Spot.

AND now, it is obvious to us all, that this was spoken, and is here recorded, by way of Commenda­tion to them, that they were thus forward and valorous; and also, as a great Favour of GOD to Israel, that they had such Men among their Tribes: So that, we may take this for our OBSERVATION,

THAT when a Number of Men do in a just Cause, and there is urgent Necessity for it, jeopard their Lives to the Death, in behalf of their Country, it affords Matter of Thanksgiving unto GOD, and Com­mendation to such Men.

AND our Observation will hold true, as to those who jeopard their Lives upon the mighty Waters, as well as to such who do so in the Field of Battle.

AND this may be spoken to, as the Time shall admit, under Four General Heads.

[Page 9] I. THAT the Church and People of GOD have Enemies to Encounter.

II. IT is lawful, and sometimes highly necessary, for the People of GOD, some of them at least, to take up Arms and go forth to War.

III. A Soldier's Life is in very great Jeopardy, especially in the Field of Battle.

IV. THAT when a Number of Men do in a just Cause, and there be Necessity for it, jeopard their Lives to the Death, in behalf of their Country, it affords Matter of Thanksgiving unto GOD, and Commendation to such Men.

SOMETHING I shall say to Each of these; then, offer a few Words by way of Address to the honourable Artillery Company; and then conclude with some Advice to those, who are about to engage in the Spiri­tual Warfare under Him who is stronger than the strong Man armed.—And all with my usual and affected Plainness of Speech.

First, THE Church and People of GOD have Enemies to Encounter.

PARTICULAR Christians have their Enemies, and meet with their Troubles in the World, viz. Personal Troubles both inward and outward; and sometimes Domestick Troubles of one kind and another, too many, yea, and some of them too bad, to be here re­cited:—And besides these, the People of GOD have oftentimes open and professed Enemies to encounter; so that the Church on Earth may fitly be stiled the Church militant, to distinguish from the Church tri­umphant. It is true indeed, GOD's People do not delight in War, or to breed and continue Strifes with their Fellow-Mortals; No; but they are oftentimes obliged to strive and fight, to kill or be killed.

[Page 10] AND as for their Enemies at this Day, they are such as are not only Enemies to their outward Prospe­rity, seeking to impoverish them by preying on their Substance and making Spoil of their Estates; as also, Enemies to their Liberty, seeking to captivate and sometimes to retain them in Slavery and cruel Bon­dage: But moreover, they are Enemies also, to that pure and holy Religion which they make Profession of, and accordingly use their utmost Endeavours to bring the true Worshippers to a false Way and Man­ner of Worship, even to pay divine Homage unto Creatures not able to help and save: Yea, they would destroy, if they could, even to the Foundation, such as have not their Mark, and do disclaim the Pope's Supremacy; their Language is much like that of the Children of Edom in the Day of Jerusalem's Trouble, in Psal. 137. 7. Rase it, rase it even to the Founda­tion: And this leads me to say, that they are Ene­mies to the very Lives of GOD's People: Their tender Mercies are Cruelty, and that the rather, be­cause they are instructed, and do embrace it as an Article of their Creed, That to destroy Protestants is to do GOD and the Church good Service.

AND truly, not only now, but even all along, the Church of GOD has had her Enemies, namely, the Egyptians, the Canaanites, the Babylonians, the Greci­ans, and the Romans, of old:—And as for the Primi­tive Christians, they were persecuted by the Heathen Emperors, at no less than Ten several Periods; which were no sooner over, but the Arians arose, who altho' they called themselves Christians, yet persecuted the Orthodox worse than ever professed Pagans had done; insomuch, that the Church was in imminent Hazard of being swallowed up by that Flood. And after­wards Antichrist arose, known by the Name of the Man of Sin, who has persecuted more than all that were before him: Yea, and as the Quarrel between [Page 11] the Kingdom of GOD and the Kingdom of Satan among Men, commenced from the Day of the first and grand Apostacy, so we may depend upon it, that as long as there is a Pope in Rome, there will be Days of Trouble to the Church of GOD on Earth.

AND now, If it be enquired, Who it is that stirs up Men to appear as Enemies to the Church of GOD? I reply; That the LORD of Hosts orders and over rules in this Matter: The Sword is one of GOD's sore Judgments; and agreably, we often read, that it was the LORD who stirred up one Nation and another to vex and disturb his People Israel: And even so it is at this Day.—But then, it is proper to add, that altho' the Enemies of GOD's People seek to impoverish and even to extirpate them, yet, the most High has wise and good Ends herein: He does it for his own Honour and Glory, to magnify his Name, and to make glorious his Attributes, and more especially his Holiness, for hereby he clearly and aw­fully testifies his Hatred of Sin, and his sore Displea­sure against Sinners: Also at such a Time, he takes the Opportunity to glorify his Wisdom and Power in preserving his Church amidst so many Dangers, which may well be look'd upon as one of the great Won­ders of divine Providence, and even like the Bush burning and yet not consumed: Yea, and I may truly add, that the People of GOD themselves are wont to glorify him in Days of Adversity more than at other Times: In the primitive State of the Christian Church, which was a Time of much Tribulation, how greatly was the Kingdom of CHRIST advanced, and his interest promoted in the World, beyond what it was when a prosperous State came on.—In a Word, GOD Almighty's Intent is not to destroy his Church, No, but rather that the Faith and Patience, Courage and Fidelity of his Servants may for a Season be prov'd and improv'd, and be found to Praise and [Page 12] Honour and Glory: And doubtless, the Judge of all the Earth is Righteous in these his Dispensations, for the very best of Men need to be purged that so they may bring forth more Fruit; and as for the People of GOD in general, they stand in need of Correction in Order to their Reformation.—And it may not be amiss to add, that the glorious God has an Eye herein to his People's Enemies also, even to weaken and waste, and sometimes utterly to destroy them, or a considerable Branch of their Power.

HENCE then we may infer, That External Peace and Prosperity is not a sure Evidence of a true Church.—Some have been too apt to break Charity with particular Persons, because they have been exercised with many and grievous afflictions in the World; Job's Friends (for Instance) were inclined to censure and even condemn him on this very Account, but they were upon a wrong Foundation, and were soon convinced of it: And truly, it was Matter of Stum­bling to the holy Psalmist, to observe, that, ordinarily, good People had a larger Share of Trouble dispensed to them than others had, "until he went into the Sanctuary of GOD, where he soon understood what was to be the End of the wicked, namely, that they were exalted, that so their Fall might be the more grievous and infamous."—And as it is a Truth with respect to particular Persons, that the Righteous may be in Adversity, and the Wicked in Prosperity, so also as to Societies; and therefore, a true Church may be afflicted and persecuted, and even almost destroyed; and at the same Time, a false Church may be in great Power and Splendor.—If we review the State of the Church of GOD under the Old Testament, how fre­quently and how grievously was she afflicted. Psal. 129. 1, 2, 3. "Many a Time have they afflicted me from my Youth may Israel now say; many a Time have they afflicted me from my Youth,—the [Page 13] Plowers plowed upon my Back, they made long their Furrows." And so, if we consider again the State of the Church under the New Testament, we shall find, that many a Time "she was killed all the Day long, and, for CHRIST'S sake, was counted as Sheep for the Slaughter." The Primitive Christians (tho' in Reality, the best, yet) were represented to the World as the very worst of Men, and accordingly, unto them was given the most barbarous Treatment; so that the Continuance of the true Christian Religion down to this Day, deserves, as was before noted, to be look'd upon as a standing Miracle: Yea, when we revolve in our Minds, how Earth and Hell combin'd, what a mighty Force was raised, what Books were written, and what Laws were made, against the Church, even in its Infancy, we must needs say, It is the LORD'S doing that she is preserved, and it ought to be mar­vellous in our Eyes: Behold, "This is GOD'S He­ritage, which hath been as a speckled Bird, and which all the Birds round about have been, and still are, against:" Nor may the Church expect to be at Rest for any considerable Space of Time together, until the Man of Sin be taken out of the Way.—True indeed, it was the Expectation of the generality of GOD's ancient People, that the Kingdom of the Messiah would be a Temporal Kingdom, attended with worldly Pomp and Power, and that all Nations would, speedily after his appearing, be subdued under him, and that there would be and continue to be a universal Peace; and not only so, but moreover, that the People of the Jews would be Chief and Princess among the Nations: But, this was no other than a vain Dream, for altho' it is true, that there was an universal Peace in the Empire when the true Messiah was born, and therefore the Temple of Janus was then shut; yet, our Saviour himself expresly said, "My Kingdom is not of this World," and cautioned [Page 14] his Disciples, saying, "Think not that I am come to send Peace," i. e. External Peace and Prosperity: Yea, and he foretold, "that there would be great Commotions among the Nations, Wars, and Rumours of Wars," which Prediction of his has been since abundantly verified, and is so at this Day.—A way then with that false Position, namely, That External Peace and Grandeur is a sure Note of the true Church:—And let not any vainly imagine, that by listing under CHRIST'S Banner, they shall be exempt from outward Troubles, or get out of the reach of persecuting Foes; No, No; for says our Saviour, "in the World you shall have Trouble;" and "who­soever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his Cross and follow me:" Christians must expect not only inward and spiritual, but also outward and bodily Troubles, even Troubles from the World as well as from the Flesh and Devil: Which I here mention, not to discourage any of you from walking in the right Ways of the LORD, but that you may not be surprized when such Days of Trouble come on, and to desert that good Cause which you profess to espouse: Your best way is to expect and prepare for Troubles of one kind and another, that so you may glorify GOD in and under them, and may also see a glorious Issue of the same; that is, either be deli­ver'd from them to your own spiritual Advantage, or be deliver'd by them out of the reach of all Evils both moral and paenal.—Which leads me to say, Oh! How much more desireable is Heaven than Earth! And, Oh! how ardently should the Saints of the most High long to be there, and be giving all Diligence to make their Calling and Election sure! You may be sure that there are no Contests there; No; for the Inhabitants of that better Country are cordial Friends to one another, and unfeignedly delight in each other's Society. There is nothing at all to offend or [Page 15] disturb you in that holy Mountain, nay, but there is Fulness of Joy and Pleasures evermore; and good Reason for it, seeing the Saints shall be perfect in Ho­liness, and be confirm'd in that State.

I proceed now to the Second general Head, viz. That it is lawful, and sometimes highly necessary, for the People of GOD, some of them at least, to take up Arms and go forth to War.

I HAVE not Time to prove this at large, neither is there so much Need of it, seeing it has been suffi­ciently done in your hearing, on the like Occasion, at one Time and another: And therefore, I shall say in a few Words only:—And,

THAT it is a Thing lawful on some Occasions to go forth to War, is undeniable; inasmuch as we not only find the People of GOD so doing in Days of old, but moreover, that they were directed and com­manded by the most High himself to do so: I sup­pose I need not stand to cite Texts of Scripture for the Proof of this; any Child that has read the Histo­rical Part of the Holy Bible can't but know that there are very many to this Purpose: Neither is it counter-manded by any Text in the New-Testament. And,

NOT only is it lawful, but sometimes highly ne­cessary to go forth to War; namely, that so the Peo­ple of GOD may preserve and defend the pure Wor­ship of GOD among themselves against bold Corrup­ters: As also, that they may deliver such as are perse­cuted for Righteousness sake from violent Oppressors: And it is even sometimes necessary for the recovering, and so for the defending of Lands and Goods; but rather for the defending of Lives and Liberties, and the recovering of Captives:—But then, when-ever we take up Arms, either for the Defence or the Recovery [Page 16] of our Cities and People, we should learn to consider them not only as ours, but as the Cities and People of our GOD.

YEA, it may be sometimes necessary for People to take up Arms against their own Country-men; I mean, against such as go about to destroy the pure Religion, and to introduce and impose the worshipping of false Gods.—Also, against such as resist public Justice, or those who will not deliver up, but protect, notorious Offenders, and so prevent their receiving condign Punishment; for, such Persons are Enemies to a Country or Nation, and deserve to be treated as such: And it was for this Reason that the other Tribes in Israel made War with Benjamin, yea, and they had Warrant from GOD himself to do so.—Also, such as wickedly rebel against their lawful Prince, and try to dethrone him, are to be subdued by Force of Arms: And for this Reason King David made War first against Ishbosheth and his Party; and afterwards against his Son Absolom and those that adher'd to him.—And in a Word, this is necessary, when a Nation cannot otherwise preserve or recover its just Rights; and more especially, when the Enemy is more bold and daring than common, and threatneth speedily to waste and destroy, and there is Information given of a mighty Host either come, or coming forth on that Design.

BUT without these, or some of these Grounds and Reasons, the People of GOD may not, as I conceive, take up Arms for War: The Provocation must be just, and the Call of Providence clear, otherwise, by making War, People take a ready Course to bring Mischief upon themselves; even as King Josiah, tho' a very good Man, yet was slain in Battle and his Army routed, when he too rashly engaged against Pharaoh-necho, who had neither done, nor designed him any wrong.

[Page 17] AND to what has been said it may be proper to add, That it belongs to the Heads and Rulers of a People to make and appoint a War: Men in a pri­vate Capacity plainly transgress if they pretend to make a War, or knowingly do any Thing which leadeth thereunto, contrary to the Commandment, or without the Knowledge, of their Civil Rulers; That is to say, unless those Rulers do so violate their Oath, as to become a People's avowed Enemies, and do very apparently join with such as seek their Ruin: For, altho' I constantly teach "Submission to the King as Supreme, and unto the Governour as unto him that is sent," yet, I see no Reason to exhort Peo­ple to passive Obedience, and Non-Resistance, in the utmost Latitude of the same.

AND now, from what has been said, we may see the Mistake of such, who affirm that every kind of War is unlawful: They chiefly urge the Sixth Com­mandment for the Proof of their Assertion; but as I conceive, this is not at all to the Purpose; for doubt­less, the Intent of that Law is to prevent our killing an honest Man, for his Money's sake, and the like; as also, our slaying a Person privately, because of some Wrong which he has done us, for the Magistrate is GOD's Minister to execute Judgment.—And, in a Word, This Precept was given in order to preserve and maintain humane Society, by being tender of each other's Lives; but was never understood by the Church of GOD as enjoining them to spare the Lives of such, who evidently seek to destroy their Comforts and their Lives too; for indeed, this would be, in effect, to destroy themselves.—But then, it may not be thought amiss for me to add, That as it cannot be reasonably suppos'd, that a Protestant Prince will have Recourse to the Sword until all other Remedies fail; so neither is it consistent with our holy Religion, for People to proséute a War with a Spirit of Malice [Page 18] and Hatred, and as tho' we took delight in dispatch­ing Souls, unprepar'd for it, into Eternity. Violent Invaders and barbarous Oppressors may be punished, yea, and put to Death too, but then all this should be without Rancour and Malice in the Hearts of the Conquerors: Nay, we ought so far to love even our open Enemies, as to accept of any reasonable Capitu­lation; yea, and so as (suppose we are oblig'd to pro­ceed to Battle, then) to pray, that if any fall by our Hands, that GOD would be pleased to have Mercy on them.

Thirdly, THE next general Head is, that a Sol­dier's Life is in very great Jeopardy, and espe­cially in the Field of Battle.

IT is very true indeed, that every Man's Life is exposed, and that continually; for we have all of us forfeited our very Lives as well as the Comforts of the same: The Wages of Sin is Death, and it is of the LORD'S Mercies that we are not all consum'd before this Day; even because he delighteth not in the Death of Sinners, but waiteth that he may be gracious. Many, many Dangers does the most High deliver us out of, yea, and doubtless, many which at present we are not at all sensible of; we ought therefore to look upon our Preservation in the World as a Wonder of divine Goodness, and to give GOD the Praise of it, and study to live to his Glory. Oh! seeing we live from Day to Day on the Fruits of his Bounty, let us live to his Glory, and not give him Reason still to complain of us, that although "he has nourished and brought us up, yet we rebel against him." Surely it becomes and concerns us all to be humble, con­stant and sincere in the Way of Well-doing, and always upon our Watch, as not knowing at what Hour our LORD will come: It is a presumptuous boasting of to Morrow, that occasions Sinners to delay their [Page 19] Repentance, until they have neither Heart nor Oppor­tunity for it.

BUT then, all will grant that some Men's Lives are more exposed than others, and these at some Times more than at others; and a Soldier's Life in particular, and that more especially in the Field of Battle. This is a Time when many, very many are slain, and one seems to be in hazard as well as ano­ther: The Psalmist, most probably, consider'd himself in the Quality of a Soldier, and as a Man of War, when he said as in Psal. 119, 109. My Soul is conti­nually in mine Hand. Q. D. There is but a Step be­tween me and Death; and I look upon my Life to be in as great Danger, "as a valuable Treasure is of being violently taken away, which a Man carries in his Hand:" And yet, this Man of GOD did not ex­pire, either in the open Field, or by the Treachery of a dissembling Courtier, but in his Bed, and amidst his Friends: But, alas! Who can say, how many Thousands, and Ten Thousands, have come to their End by the Sword; some dispatch'd in a Moment, and others soon giving up the Ghost by Reason of their mortal Wounds.

BUT I need not stand upon the Proof of so evident a Truth; and therefore shall only add a few useful Reflections, and then proceed. And,

1. THIS teaches us that such Men are distinguishingly favour'd, whose Lives are preserv'd in the Day of Battle: They and their Friends with them should pay a very grateful Acknowledgment to the Preserver of Men, not only for what Exploit may have been done by their own and other Men's Hands, but also for that Preservation and Deliverance, which they in particular have experienced. Oh! never learn to say after the Manner of the Heathen, viz. It was our good Fortune to escape with our Lives; but extol the [Page 20] Name of GOD, and shout forth his Praises, because he hath covered your Heads in the Day of Battle. And,

2. HENCE let Soldiers be prevailed with to realize their Danger before they go forth to War. You may not imagine, that you are going, at such a Time, only to take a Walk, or a Voyage; nor that the Ex­pedition will be no other than a pleasant Diversion; Nay,—but expect to meet with Hardships, and con­sider well not only the Fatigue, but also the Hazard; and be perswaded "to set both House and Heart in Order, as not knowing but you may die and not live."—Yea, and while you are in the Service, keep up a lively Sense of your Danger, and indulge not (like many others) a secure, heedless Frame of Spirit; but very often, and in the most humble Manner, resign your Lives into the Hands of your Redeemer; and not your Lives only, but even your very Souls com­mit to him in the Exercise of Repentance towards GOD, and of Faith in our LORD JESUS CHRIST, earnestly entreating, that they, when-ever call'd for, may see his Salvation: And in an humble Expecta­tion of the same, "be of good Courage, and play the Men, for your People and for the Cities of your GOD, and the LORD do that which shall seem good in his Sight."

AND let me go on to say, Oh! how very desireable is it, that even all such as go forth to War be Sober­minded Persons?—Soldiers should not only labour to be satisfied, that a War be begun and prosecuted on just Grounds, (or at least, that the Grounds be not unjust and oppressive) and then be willing to go forth in the Service; but moreover, they ought to be giving all Diligence that they may be actually prepar'd for Death.—Say not, this is to act the Part of Cowards: For truly, it is not only the Way to die in Peace, [Page 21] but moreover, it is the very best Course to become valiant in fighting: The good Man, caeteris paribus, will certainly make the best Soldier; so then, all such as would be good Soldiers let them become good Men; that is, let them repent of their Sins, and make their Peace with GOD, and War against their Lusts, because these war against their Souls; for such as these are (as I said) most likely to be truly valiant in Battle. Death, you know, is styled the King of Terrors; well then, he who can with some Comfort look Death in the Face, needs not much fear the facing of any other Enemy: The religious Heroes who were very famous for Exploits, became (as is observ'd in Heb. 11.) valorous and victorious by Faith: For, "this emboldens Men's Minds by looking unto Things not seen, and by deriving Strength from above; yea, and it engages the LORD of Hosts on their Side."

AND suffer me to add, That as I am fully per­swaded, that neither our gracious Sovereign, nor his Excellency our Governour, will knowingly honour any Man with a Commission, who is noted among Men for persisting in some foul Immorality; so I should think, it highly concerns all such Gentlemen, who shall receive, or have received Commissions for prosecuting the War, to see to it likewise, that they don't (if possible to prevent it) admit any of the afore­said scandalous Character to serve as Soldiers under them; or, if they be admitted, then to oblige them to reform their Manners, "and for this End, it Lenitives will not answer, then to dispense the Cor­rosives of Martial Discipline;" and this not only in Pity to such Men, but also in Kindness to the whole Company or Army, lest GOD Almighty be pro­vok'd by Reason of the Offences of those bold Trans­gressors, and their Commander's Connivance at the same, to deliver all up to the Will of the Enemy. [Page 22] We find in Josh. 7. That the Host of Israel was put to Flight before the Men of Ai because of the Tres­pass of Achan: True indeed, his Trespass was great, for it was Sacrilege, which is the converting to a private Use, that which is devoted to the Glory of GOD; but then, this Sin of his was unknown to Joshua, and most probably to the People too, and yet they were forced to flee before their Enemies. Is it reasonable then to expect, that such Commanders shall prosper, who are fully 'acquainted with the foul Trans­gressions of these and those private Soldiers, and that they persist therein, and yet admit them to join in Bat­tle against the Enemy.

PERHAPS you'll say, if this Doctrine be received, we shall have but few Soldiers indeed: To which I reply, that if a due Care was taken about this Matter, it would most probably promote a Reformation of Manners both in the Army and Navy, and be a Means of Restraint unto many Persons, and to those at least who delight in nothing so much as to serve in the Wars: And as for such who refuse to be re­formed, what great Matter of Service can be expected from them? Will not a few Men under the Smiles of Heaven, do far greater Exploits than ten times that Number, who (the most of them) by their bold Transgressions, are continually bidding Defiance to Heaven it self?

AND the Truth is, it becomes and concerns even a whole Land, before the Host goeth forth to War, to humble themselves, and turn to the LORD, and to implore the Pardon of their Sins, and the divine Presence to be vouchsafed to their Forces; and other­wise not to carry them hence. It is worthy of our Observation, "That the Men of Israel were defeated in their first and second Battle with the Benjamites, but in the third Engagement they obtain'd a compleat Victo­ry; for now at last, they came up to their Duty [Page 23] which they had before neglected: Indeed, they had before enquired of the LORD, Who shall go up first? And then again, Shall we go up? But the Third Time they fasted and prayed, and implored the divine Fa­vour, and then they had the desired Success." And doubtless, the People of GOD should also, in these Days, seek, and continue to seek, his Face in the Ways of his Appointment, as they would expect his Pre­sence to be with them.—A People's Cause may be good, and their Number great, but altho' they have both Right and Strength on their Side, yet these may not be depended upon, to the Neglect of the Duty of seeking, in the most solemn Manner, the Presence and Favour of the most High. Certainly, we have abundant Reason to humble our selves before GOD, because our Nation and Land, and our selves among others, have provoked Him to stir up a Nation of so mean a Character, ^* to disturb and impoverish us at the Rate they do: And O! that our Days of Prayer with Fasting, may be always duly attended, as know­ing, we have to do with that GOD who will not be mocked, and who hearkens whether Persons speak aright; that is to say, whether each one for himself enquireth, saying, What have I done? And then breaketh off from Sin, and casteth away his Trans­gressions, and returneth unto the LORD. Oh! that there were such an Heart in us! "Then would GOD quickly subdue our Enemies, and turn his Hand against our Adversaries; but our Times would en­dure."

COME we now to the

Fourth and last general Head, viz. That when a Number of Men do, in a just Cause, and there be Necessity for it, jeopard their Lives to the Death, [Page 24] in Behalf of their Country, it affords Matter of Thanksgiving unto GOD, and Commendation to such Men.

1. THIS is Matter of Commendation unto such Men. True indeed, it cannot be a pleasant Exercise, in it self consider'd, to any, but only those who are lost to the common Principles of Humanity, to de­stroy their Fellow-Creatures: But yet, for Persons to engage in Battle with an Eye to the Will and Glory of GOD, and for the Preservation of a Town or Country, this is Praise-worthy: They take, as we suppose, the most proper and effectual Method to secure and defend the Liberties, Properties, and what­soever else is precious unto a People: And without Doubt, all will readily acknowledge, That when some particular Persons from among themselves, do wil­lingly offer to expose and jeopard their Lives, for those good Ends and Considerations, they do worthily in their Day.—And as this has a direct Tendency to preserve a Country from Ruin, and to prolong the Lives and Liberties of the People, so also to extir­pate the Enemy; or at least to subdue them so far as to bring them to submit to proper Terms.

AND if I may be allow'd to make a particular Mention of the Aboriginal Natives, who have at one Time and another, from Generation to Generation, even compelled the People of this Land to take up Arms against them: There is (as I conceive) no Me­thod so likely to subdue, or to humble them, as to March forth in Quest of them; for, by so doing, they are not only prevented coming into our Towns, and slaughtering, or captivating the Inhabitants, and ma­king Spoil of their Goods; but moreover, they be­come weary of their usual Places of Resort, and find­ing that they can be no where secure, they are there­fore under a Necessity to petition for Peace.—And [Page 25] we may be sure, that such Men as shall (having pro­per Encouragement) voluntarily offer themselves for this Service, if there be again Occasion for it, (which we pray GOD to forbid!) are most likely to trace the Enemy carefully, and fight them valiantly: And the Truth of all this, I think, appears from the Instance of the brave LOVEWELL and his resolute Soldiers, in the last Indian War, whose Activity and Courage, I doubt not, was what, under Heaven, brought that War to a Period.

2. AND as it is Matter of Commendation to such Men, so also, and indeed much more, of Thanksgiving unto God; for surely, it is He who inclines and spirits them unto this difficult and dangerous Service: Yea, and it looks like a very signal Smile of Providence upon a Land, when a Number of its Inhabitants are so dispos'd: It may be hoped that the most High has not determin'd speedily to abandon such a Country, and to give it up to the Will of the Enemy; but that there is Mercy still in Reserve for such a People.

BUT I need not enlarge.—Only let me add a few Words by Way of Improvement: And here,

1. LEARN that such Men are worthy of Blame, who after they have engaged in this Service do desert and forsake it: Much better it is not to enter upon it, than afterwards to abscond, and so relinquish the Service of GOD and their Country.

2. THIS also teaches us, That it is just Matter of Lamentation, when such Men as offer themselves to this kind of Service, are either slain in Battle, or taken off in the Camp by some fatal Malady: They de­serve that Honour from their Country, even that their Fall be lamented: The Loss thereby sustained is con­siderable, and very ungrateful as well as stupid are [Page 26] such a People, who do not sorrowfully resent it: And I wish, we may not have many such Deaths e'er long to mourn over ^*. And further,

3. WHAT we have heard may afford some Satis­faction of Mind to those among us, who have been, or may be, in this Way, bereaved of desireable Re­latives: It should be some Allay to your Grief, to consider, that these your departed Friends died in the Service of GOD and their Country, and therefore died honourably, and will be remembred with Re­spect, as their Country's Friends and Benefactors: Yea, and if they were good Christians, then the LORD of Hosts himself will graciously reward their Desires and Endeavours to serve his Cause, and to advance his Interest in the World.

4. WHAT we have heard may also teach us, That it is but just and reasonable, that such as tarry at Home be helpful, all the Ways they can, to those who go forth to War.—And more especially in these two Ways, viz.

(1.) By Prayer to GOD on their Behalf. We are obliged by the Bonds both of Nature and Religion to pray one for another; but in a peculiar Manner for those of our Friends, who voluntarily hazard their Health, their Limbs, and even their very Lives, in the Country's Service: Pray therefore for them, that the LORD would go forth with them, to direct and safe-guard them, and to make them both valorous and victorious: We may not depend on their Conduct and Courage, their Number and Strength; No, No; but seek to engage the LORD of Hosts on our Side; and if he be for us, who can be against us? This is [Page 27] a safe, a cheap, and easy Way of helping them, and even the Handmaids of the LORD may in this Re­spect be very helpful in a Time of War. And truly, we shall all be very unkind to our Soldiers, yea, and to our selves too, if we either neglect or trifle in this Exercise. And,

(2.) WE must reform our Manners as well as pray for Success. See for this, Deut. 23. 9. When the Host goeth forth against thine Enemies, then keep thee from every wicked Thing: Not then only, but then without fail: Not some only, but all the People are hereby enjoined to keep themselves, not from some only, but from every wicked Thing.—And it concerns us all, at this Day, carefully to observe it, left GOD be provok'd to give the Victory to our Enemies. A Time of War, we all say, should be a Time of Reformation; and truly, we may not other­wise expect the holy One of Israel to hear and answer our Prayers for Success, (1 Sam. 7. 3.) Is it not our Wish, that GOD would be graciously present with our Brethren and Neighbours in the present War? But now, we do not in a suitable Manner de­sire this Thing, and our Prayers are no better than Mockery, unless we put away Iniquity far from our Tabernacles, and also endeavour every one to keep himself from his own Iniquity: Our Sins ( Sirs!) are our most deadly Enemies; these war against our own Souls; yea, and they are GOD's Enemies too, and consequently to repent of them, and to return unto the LORD, is the very best Way to prosper; for, as King David acknowledged, "Thine, O LORD, is the Greatness, and the Power, and the Victory."—And if there be any other Way wherein we can show Kindness to such as are already gone, or that may hereafter go forth in this Service, whether by send­ing a fresh Recruit of Men, or of Provisions, or by [Page 28] ministring Relief to the sick and wounded, and the like; O! let us not be wanting herein, but readily embrace the Opportunity; for both Humanity and Justice demand it of us.—And as for their being well rewarded, our honoured Rulers will not be Strait-handed in that Article: And Oh! that Heaven may graciously recompense them infinitely above what is in the Power of Man to do! To proceed,

5. IF such do well who freely jeopard their Lives when there is just Occasion for it, then it is not ad­viseable for any of us to go about to discourage such as offer themselves, and are suitably qualified for this Ser­vice: By those that are suitably qualified, I intend, such as are capable of weighing Matters, and acting prudently, and who, being Persons of a strong Con­stitution, are likely to undergo the Hardships of the Service, and who are Men of Courage and Activity, and are strongly inclined to this kind of Service; and especially, if they are also Religious Men: Yea, and such as are not bred to War (as the Phrase is) may not be discourag'd from going forth on this Occasion, they being spirited for such above any other Service, and having obtain'd a competent Degree of Skill for that End, also able to endure Hardness; and deserving the good Character of Sober-minded Persons: Thus, Deborah in our Context, Verse 14. takes particular Notice, that out of Zebulon came those to Battle, who handled the Pen of the Writer. And in a Word, to discourage suitable Persons from going forth on such an Occasion, is to prefer a private before the public Interest, which is a Thing that may not be indulged: Yea, and tender Parents have sometimes a Call to deny themselves in this Article; as, when their Sons discover that they have a very great Inclination to this kind of Service:—And yet, I would take the Opportunity to say unto Children who are so inclin'd, [Page 29] that I cannot advise you to break away, contrary to your Parents Mind: If they cannot be prevailed with to give their Consent, I should think you had better deny your selves, and by so doing, honour your Fa­ther and Mother, who are the Instruments of your Being, and by whom, under GOD, you have been also nourished and brought up.

6. and lastly, I shall offer a few Words by Way of Direction to such as may hereafter offer themselves to be improv'd in this Service. And,

(1.) BE free and voluntary in this Matter: Not only pretend to it, but be so in the Sight of him who searcheth all Hearts: It is not proper to go forth meerly to gratify some particular Friend or Acquain­tance of yours, but let your own Spirits be free and chearful in this Affair, that you may be properly Voluntiers, and be reckon'd by Heaven as such. We read, "that the LORD loveth the chearful Giver," or, him who chearfully disposeth of Part of his Sub­stance to pious and charitable Uses; how much more, the Man who chearfully hazards his Life in the Ser­vice of GOD and his Country.—And it may be proper here to add, That such Men as are pointed out by lawful Authority, and prest by Order of the same, to go forth in this Service, they should not only, either go themselves, or provide others to go in their Room, but they should do it willingly; for they ought to look on themselves as call'd by Provi­dence to assist in the War, either in Person or by Proxy; and therefore may not so much as in their Hearts decline the Service, lest they expose themselves to that bitter Curse denounced in our Context, against such as came not to the Help of the LORD against the mighty.

[Page 30] (2.) GET well arm'd, as also well instructed in the Arts of War.—Be well arm'd with Instruments proper for the Service: Counsel and Strength for War are not enough without Weapons of War. We find in our Context, Verse 8. That there was not Shield or Spear seen among Four Thousand in Israel: And it was doubtless Policy in their Oppressors thus to disarm them, well knowing that unarmed Men are quite un­fit for Service, and an easy Prey to the Enemy: And, let your Armour be Armour of Proof, such as you know to be good by your own Experience; and such as you are used to, and so can the more readily manage it.—And labour to be expert in handling your Weapons; skilful and dexterous, that so you may be able the better to defend your selves, and annoy your Adversaries.—And I may not omit to advise you, to get well acquainted with the Way and Manner of the Enemy which you are to encounter, and how they commonly manage their Battles, whe­ther in the plain and open Field, or else by lurking in Swamps, and behind the Trees of the Woods, watching for an Opportunity to discharge unexpected­ly upon you; that so your Conduct may be agrea­ble.—And I shall still further add, That what Nation soever you shall be called forth to oppose and war against, you may not imagine that Stratagems of War are unlawful. We find in that fore-cited 20th Chap­ter of Judges, "That notwithstanding GOD had given to Israel an Assurance of Success, yet, they were not remiss and negligent, nay, but improv'd the best of their Skill for the effecting of what GOD had promised: In the two first Engagements they thought it needless to use any Art, or to form any Stratagem; but the third Time they made Use of some Policy, for they set Lyers in wait, and laid an Ambush, and so gain'd the Point, even as their Fa­thers had gain'd Ai, and that by divine Direction [Page 31] too." Josh. 8. So that Piety and warlike Policy do very well consist together, and may not be look'd upon as preventive or subversive of each other.

(3.) Put your Trust in the Hope of Israel and the Saviour thereof. Trust in him to lead you forth and inspire you with Courage; to teach your Hands to War, and to cover your Heads in the Day of Battle, and to grant you the desired Success. Tho' you be ever so well armed, yet trust not in your Armour; and tho' ever so well instructed in the Arts of War, and fully acquainted with the Manner of the Enemy as to their Way of Fighting, yet do not trust to your own Skill; and tho' ever so void of Fear, yet trust not to your own Prowess and Courage; and suppose your Leaders, as also your Fellow-Soldiers be ever so expert and valorous, yet do not place your Confi­dence in them; "For it is better to trust in the LORD than to put Confidence in Men, yea, than to to put Confidence in Princes." I beseech you to realize, that there is absolute Necessity of the divine Conduct to lead and guide an Army, and so also a Navy, in such an important Affair; for what is even an Achitophel but a Fool, and what is his Counsel but Foolishness, when GOD hideth Counsel from him? Yea, and there needs the divine Presence also to strengthen Men's Hands and to encourage their Hearts in the Day of Battle, because they have neither Strength nor Courage at Command; Self-Confidence therefore is but vain Confidence, "and he that trust­eth in himself is a Fool; yea, cursed is the Man that trusteth in Man, and that maketh Flesh his Arm; but blessed is the Man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose Hope the LORD is."—In a Word, you must labour (as I said before) to be well accoutred and in­structed for War, but yet, think not that your Gun or your Sword shall save you; No; but when you [Page 32] March, let your Trust be in GOD to direct your Path, and to safe-guard your Persons; and when you Watch, put your Trust in the Keeper of Israel, who never slumbereth nor sleepeth; and when you Fight, let your Trust be still in him to fight for you: And finally, by Faith in Prayer be casting all your Burdens on the LORD, and he will care for you.

(4.) SEE that your Aim and End be right in this hazardous Undertaking. Oh! do not aim chiefly at the gaining either of Honour, or Wealth; for what will it profit a Man, if he shall gain the whole World, and lose his own Soul? And how can you expect any other but the Loss of that, if your Hearts be not right with GOD? Go not therefore for Lucre­sake, but of a ready Mind, and with an hearty Desire to serve GOD and your Country; namely, by help­ing to pull down and destroy the Kingdom of Satan in the World, and so to make more Room for the Growth and Increase of the Kingdom of CHRIST.—Not that you may imagine, that the most High can­not accomplish his Purposes without you; No; but yet freely put your selves into his Hands, to be made Use of as Instruments for the subduing his Foes, and making the same to become his Footstool.

WHAT shall I say more?—Keep your selves from every wicked Thing: That is to say, Keep your Hearts with all Diligence; as also your Eyes that you may not covet; and your Hands that they may do Violence to no Man; your Tongues that they may neither curse Men, nor take the Name of the LORD your GOD in vain, nor utter any Thing false or re­proachful; shun Sloth and Luxury; and keep holy the Lord's Day, as you would expect to prosper (so far, I mean, as is consistent with your own Defence and Preservation): And be not of a mutinous and un­governable Spirit; but keep your Places, observe good [Page 33] Orders, and obey such as are, or may be, set over you; and keep faithful to one another: Be of one Heart, and stand by each other for mutual Relief and Succour; and fail not to keep a good Watch, consi­dering how many Lives depend upon it. ( Judg. 8. 11.) And above all, get and keep in good Terms with the LORD of Hosts; and behave in all Respects, as becomes those whose Souls are continually in your Hands, and yet, your Times are not so, but in the Hands of the LORD of the whole Earth.—Oh! be prevailed with to be in the Fear of the LORD every Day, yea and all the Day, for in that there is strong Confidence; but on the other Side, Sin takes off the Edge of Valour, and Guilt will make Men Cowards: All such as would look Death in the Face without Terror, must keep Peace with GOD, and preserve a Conscience void of Offence.—And finally, when-ever you shall prove victorious, give GOD the Praise, and in Token thereof, devote a Part of the Spoil you shall take from the Enemy, a Tenth at least, to pious and charitable Uses, after the Example of faithful Abra­ham, as you may find it recorded in Gen. 14. 20.

AND now, Brethren, our Prayer for you is, that when you go forth to War, then "the LORD JESUS, the Captain of our Salvation and the LORD our Righteousness may go before you, and the Glory of the LORD be your Rere-ward."

AND thus having spoken to the Four General Heads,

I AM now to proceed, as I proposed, to offer a few Words by Way of Address, with all due Respect, to the Ancient and Honourable Company, who have in­vited us hither this Day;

Gentlemen!

ALTHOUGH what has been said is design'd prin­cipally, tho' not solely, for you, and you have so [Page 34] much Goodness as to make a proper Application, yet give me Leave to add as follows, viz.

YOU are not ignorant, that three Years over and above a Century are now pass'd and gone since the giving forth of your Charter, containing certain valu­able Privileges and Immunities; whereby it evidently appears, that the Honourable General Court, being willing to encourage a Military Spirit in New-En­gland, did put great Honour upon this Company, even in the early Days of the Country; which, as it was a bright Instance of their Wisdom and Goodness, so, we are now thankful to the most High, that the Reputation and Honour of this Company has been so well preserved unto this Time; and the rather, because I can't but think, this same has been a good Means of casting the greater Dread upon those Na­tions which are no Friends to our Religion, and envy us the Possession of so good a Country:—Indeed, New-England in general has been famous abroad for the Spirit of Soldiery, and for setting apart several Days in a Year for Military Exercises; but, Sirs, Strangers as well as your own Country-men, all rea­dily acknowledge your selves to be the Flower and Choice of all our Forces: And we doubt not, but you will, the Smiles of Heaven continuing upon you, as we pray they may, still preserve the Credit of the Honourable Company, and keep alive our Hopes con­cerning it:—And in Order hereunto, there are Two Things which you will bear upon your Minds, and endeavour the Prosecution of.

THE First is, The Original Design of forming the Artillery Company in this Town; even, that Gentle­men of the best Fashion, and of exalted Stations in the Militia, in every Part of the Province, as well as Persons of a lower Rank, might have the Opportu­nity to become more and more skilful in the Use of [Page 35] Martial Weapons.—You are very sensible, I con­clude, from the Appearance which you make this Day, that the happy Time is not yet come, wherein the Nations shall learn War no more; and therefore you judge it to be still needful as well as lawful to know how to use the Sword and Musket, and to un­derstand the whole Art of War in the various Parts of it, which, considering to whom I speak, I need not go about to enumerate; you will therefore, I trust, admit of scarce any Avocation, but will all, to a Man, constantly attend and diligently improve your Exercises at the appointed Seasons for the same, and more especially in this gloomy and dark Day; and that not only as a manly Diversion, but, on purpose that you may be still more expert for War, and so the better prepar'd (if there should be Occasion for it) either to Face the Enemy your selves, or to furnish the Country with expert Commanders for that End; "Each of them resembling the Son of a King."—And whereas it is now (as you well know) a Time of War, you will therefore the rather make Choice of such Gentlemen, this Day, for your Officers, as are most capable of leading you, and are most likely by their own Example to inspire you with Valour, and whom you have good Reason to think you can wil­lingly fight under.—And now, if there was Need to add any Thing by Way of Encouragement to pre­serve a Martial and Warlike Spirit, I should only put you in Remembrance of what you are not unacquain­ted with; namely, "That Skill and Experience in Arms has in all Ages been the Original of Nobility; and that many Persons, even of mean Extraction, have, by Feats of Arms, risen to the highest Honours which their Fellow-Soldiers were capable of conferring upon them."—But being Christians, and many of you, to the Praise of GOD be it spoken, some of the first Rank, therefore a Gospel Motive will be more [Page 36] acceptable; namely, that hereby you will be the bet­ter qualified for the special Service of The Man upon the Throne, who is no other than our LORD RE­DEEMER, whom to serve is Honour indeed; and all whose faithful Servants and loyal Subjects shall be crown'd with Glory and Honour immortal.

Secondly, THE other Thing which you will also bear in Mind, is, The true Design of setting up and still upholding these your Anniversary religious Solemni­ties; Namely, that so your Military Exercises may be sanctified by the Word of GOD and Prayer: And accordingly you will, doubtless, heedfully observe the good Instructions of the former, and follow our Pray­ers with and for you, with your best Endeavours, that so you may not, any of you, occasion any Blemish to your Profession and Character, whether as Soldiers, or as Christians; And therefore, will not only improve your Powers in order to excel in Military Skill, but also be upon your Watch that no corrupt Communi­cation may proceed out of your Mouths; and instead of approaching to the least Degree either of Intempe­rance or Extravagancy, you will labour to be making a religious use of your Military Exercises, which, in­deed, are capable of being improved to very great Advantage in your Spiritual Warfare; and by so doing will set a very bright Example before the Militia of the whole Country, (whose Eyes are much upon you) even of all Christian Vertues, as well as of Military Skill and Valour.—And truly, Gentlemen, I can't but hope, that you may be Instrumental to re­form the too general Abuse of our public Trainings; for, the Officers and Soldiers in our several Towns cannot, I think, for Shame, do any other but improve such Days to better Purposes than of late, when they shall behold your Order, and are given to understand, that even your whole Conduct both in and out of the [Page 37] Field, is such as well becomes Christian Soldiers.—I hope, Sirs, it may, and I have no Reason to think any other but it may, be truly said concerning the Honourable Artillery Company on this Day, as I find it was, on the like Occasion, just Fifty Years ago, namely, "Here is a large Band of Soldiers, among whom, this whole Day will not afford one Man drunk, nor one Oath sworn, nor one Curse drop'd, nor one observable Misbehaviour."—Oh! go on, go on, to excel.—

AND thus I have spoken to the Two Things which you are to bear in Mind:—And I need not enlarge—, for I make not the least Doubt, but that you will, to a Man, preserve and maintain a loyal Spirit and Be­haviour towards our rightful and gracious Sovereign KING GEORGE IId; As also, yield all due Subjecti­on to his Excellency; ^* as to him who personates His Majesty among us.—Nor have we any Reason at all, Gentlemen, to think any other, but that Love to your Town and Country mightily prevails in you; and are perswaded it will do so, to that Degree, as to constrain you voluntarily to devote your Estates, as also to jeo­pardise and even sacrifice your very Lives, for the Defence and Preservation of the same, if Need re­quires:—And how soon, My honoured Friends, your selves, and others with you, may be put upon so severe a Tryal, GOD Almighty knows; for when a People are seated on a good Soil, and are generally very soli­citous to heap up Wealth, and are so far succeeded as to be reckon'd flourishing, and at the same Time noted for being at Discord among themselves, me­thinks, they invite the Enemy to come in upon them like a Flood; and doubtless, they will the more rea­dily accept the Invitation, if there be no Danger of [Page 38] meeting with much Resistance:—And if this be indeed the present State of this Province, "O! Tell it not in Gath, left the Philistines rejoice, and the Uncircum­cised triumph."— Triumph, I said, as well they may, even before the Battle.—But why did I say, Tell it not abroad? Seeing the Enemy is already fully apprized of our Negligence, and justly have us in Derision on the Account thereof.—And indeed, we our selves ge­nerally acknowledge it to be a great Neglect, that the Province should be, and remain for so long a Time, and more especially in this Time of War, in so weak and unfortified a Posture; but yet, as I un­derstand it, People differ in their Sentiments as to the Cause of it, nor am I about to undertake to determine at whose Door it lies; but, I think, I can do no less than pray, that such Light may break forth upon us, as may speedily and effectually discover how to redress this Grievance; and that if any are Blame-worthy in the Matter, they may be convinc'd of it, whoever they be, and be led to the Discharge of that Duty, which they, in this Article, owe to GOD, their King and Country; and no longer leave so good a Land, and which has already cost so much Blood and Trea­sure, Naked and Defenceless.—Pray, Gentlemen, mistake me not, for I do not imagine, that it belongs to this Honourable Company to provide Walls and Bul­warks for us; nor do I intend to say much more upon it; for if a Man at a Distance may be allowed to conjecture, I am inclin'd to think, that it is a very tender Point; however, I shall take the Opportunity, and as I conceive, without giving just Offence to any, to make my affectionate Moon to you on this Head, as one deeply concern'd for New-England's Welfare, and to say in one short Sentence, viz. I am heartily sorry, that the Government can't unite in Mea­sures for our necessary Defence; and do as heartily wish, that there may be no more Occasion for this La­mentation: [Page 39] And I doubt not, but that each of you concur with me herein.—Not that I am come hither to teach you, that Means of Defence, suppose we were ever so well provided with them, may be con­fided in; No, No; but yet, I think, all will grant, that it is High-handed Presumption to live in the Neglect of proper Means, and at the same Time to expect Protection, unless we had a Promise made us of some miraculous Preservation, which I hope none among us are so ignorant and unwise as to pretend to.

BUT lest any should think that I discover more Zeal than Prudence, or, that I harp rather too long upon this String, I will cease from Man, and direct mine Eye to an Over-ruling and All-governing Pro­vidnece in this Matter: And, if our Day be almost expir'd, and our Part of the New-World (as America is sometimes call'd) has sinn'd away their Privileges, no Wonder that Things are thus, nay, but rather, that we are not all consum'd:—You are not igno­rant, that we have already run out, since the laying the Foundation of Plymouth Colony (so called) One Hundred and Twenty Years compleat; (it ended the last Winter) which, you know, was the very Space of Time granted by Way of Reprieve to the Old World, to repent in: I don't mean, that it from hence necessarily follows, that our Years are certainly num­ber'd and finish'd, and our Sands quite run down: And yet, if you will be at the Pains to consult the Historical Part of the Holy Scriptures, you may easily learn from thence, that because GOD's pro­fessing People would not be reformed, neither by the Judgments of his Mouth nor of his Hand, but per­sisted in their Rebellion, therefore he cast them off; yea, and this is written for our Warning; so that, without a Spirit of Prophecy, considering, that New-England has left her first Love, and not been pre­vail'd [Page 40] with to remember from whence she is fallen, and to repent, and do her first Works, it seems as tho', either a Reformation, or a Desolation, will come on before long.—And now, this leads me to say, Thanks be given to Zion's King, that there are so many at this Day, more especially in this Town, who are asking the Way to Zion with their Faces thither­ward, insomuch that the Kingdom of Heaven seems to suffer Violence, and as tho' People were deter­mined to take no Denial.—And yet, whether this be a Token for Good to the Land in general, or whether those particular Persons only shall save their own Souls, is what I must leave undetermin'd:—But whoever they be, Oh! let them still press forward, and hasten to the City of Refuge, before the Pursuer overtake them.—Such as these I am further to speak unto, when I have express'd my ardent Desire, that this Honourable Company may be a Nursery of re­nowned Soldiers, and that each Man may do worthily in his Day, "and come off at last more than a Con­queror;" and all of you together "stand before the Throne, and before the Lamb, cloathed with white Robes, and Palms in your Hands, and cry with a loud Voice, saying, Salvation to our GOD which sitteth upon the Throne, and to the Lamb for ever and ever;" Amen!

AND now I come, as you remember I proposed, and which I have my Eye and Heart more especially fixed on, viz. To offer something respecting the Christian's Spiritual Warfare; and direct my Speech more especially to such as are now under Convictions and awakenings.

AND if it be Praise-worthy for Soldiers to jeopard their Lives in a Time of War, in Defence of their Country, Then surely it is highly commendable for [Page 41] every Christian to engage in and prosecute the Spiri­tual (which is the more necessary) Warfare, under JESUS the Captain of our Salvation.—And for this End, suffer me to beseech and advise you as follows, viz.

1. Weigh the Matter well in your own Minds: Not as tho' there is any just Reason to hesitate; but, that you may know and understand what you do, and may not be surprized and discouraged by Temp­tations when they come: Consider well, I say, what the Christian Religion will cost all such who espouse it, namely, "That they must deny themselves, and take up their Cross, and follow CHRIST.—Oh! cherish your Convictions, and pray over them, until you have good Reason to think that your Hearts are right with GOD: Now, Now if ever, you must be Voluntiers, for, "all the LORD's People are a wil­ling People."

2. BEING made not only sensible, but also weary, quite weary of your Slavery and Bondage, and fully determin'd to cast off the Devil's, and to take upon you the Yoke of CHRIST, then come and list under CHRIST's Banner, and yield up your selves to the LORD in an everlasting Covenant never to be forgot­ten. Let this be done first in Secret, between GOD and your own Souls; and then, in the public Assem­bly avouch the LORD to be your GOD, chearfully binding your selves out and off from Sin, all Sin; and as freely obliging your selves to serve the LORD, and to keep all his Commandments, always unto the End:—And that in order hereto, you will wage War with the World, Flesh and Devil: Which leads me to say,

3. GET and improve, yea, and be expert in the Use of the Spiritual Armour. No part may be left [Page 42] naked and expos'd without great Hazard, and there­fore the whole Armour of GOD must be put on: Thus for Instance, You must have on the Breast-Plate of Righteousness; namely, all Christian Graces, or the Love and Practice of universal Holiness: And your Loyns must be girt about with Truth; that is, be not Double-minded, or of a double Heart, but sincere and upright: And Faith acted on the Promise, Grace, and Righteousness of CHRIST, must be your Shield: And Hope, such as is well-founded, must be your Helmet: And you must take with you the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of GOD; for Scripture Arguments are the most powerful: And your Feet must be shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace; that is, You must be stock'd with Patience, and your Spirits steel'd with Resolution, that so you may walk on, in a steady Pace, amidst all your Difficulties and Temptations: And finally, You must pray always with all Prayer and Supplica­tion in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all Perseverance, and Supplication for all Saints.—I have not Time, you see, to say much of the several Parts of this divine Armour; nor may I stand to show you the Usefulness and Necessity of the same:—But this I would say, Stand your Ground, and be not discou­raged because you meet with Oppositions; for you must reckon upon it, that not only many a scoffing Ishmaelite, but moreover, a malicious, tempting Devil will often annoy and trouble you: Yea, it's probable, you will have it frequently suggested to your Minds, either, that there is no GOD; or, that He is unjust and unkind; or, that the Scriptures are not the Word of GOD; or, that you have committed the Unpar­donable Sin, and the like:—But marvel not at all at the Matter; for many, very many have already expe­rienced the like; yea, and as the Apostle expresses it, "There hath no Temptation taken you, but such as [Page 43] is common to Man;" at least to such Men, who are making their Flight from Sodom, or Egypt, spiritually so called, and are hastening towards the promised Land, the Heavenly Canaan.

BUT now, lest you should run into a fatal Mis­take; let me here caution you against looking upon every Reluctance against Sin, which you may find and feel in your own Breasts, as a sure Indication that you are really engaged in the Christian's Spiritual Warfare: For, there is certainly a very great Diffe­rence between that Reluctance which is in the unre­newed, and the Combate which is in the Regenerate; And that first, As to the Principle thereof; for in the unrenewed it arises from Love to Reputation, or Fear of Wrath, and the like; but in others, from a real Hatred of Sin, and a true Love to GOD.—And then, there's Difference as to the Seat of it; for in the Natural Man, the Combate is between one Faculty and another; thus, the Affections go one Way, and the Judgment and Conscience another; but now, in the Regenerate, there ariseth a War with every Faculty, as, the Judgment against the Judg­ment, the Will against the Will, &c. and the true Reason of it is, because there is Sin and Grace, Flesh and Spirit, co-habiting in every Faculty.—And then moreover, there is Difference as to the Extent of it; for the Unrenewed do combate only with some grosser Sins, but the Renewed with all Sins.—And finally, as to the Event and Issue of it; for in the Unregene­rate, there is, at best, no more than a temporary refraining from some Sins; but in others, their Lusts are more subdued, and they become still more con­stant and resolute in resisting Sin, and in serving GOD.—And now, from what has been said, if your Combate proves to be that of the true Christian's, Oh! be very thankful for it, and take Courage; fear not, but go on and prosper; for the LORD is with [Page 44] you while you be for him.—Yea, and if your Com­bate be no other than the Reluctance of an Enlightned Conscience, yet be not discouraged, saying, There is no Hope; Nay, but be thankful for the Convictions you are under, esteem them as a great Mercy, and cherish them as you would a dear Friend; hearken to the Voice of GOD in and by the same, and follow them with serious Meditation, also with fervent Prayer to the GOD of all Grace.—And thus, according to the very utmost of your Ability, open the Door to CHRIST, and then you may humbly hope that He will so display his mighty Power, as to open it effectually, and that he will come in, and set up his Throne in your Hearts. And this brings me to say,

4. HAVE your Eye to the Captain of your Sal­vation, even JESUS, whom the Father hath given to be a Leader, and a Commander to the People: Unto him must you look if you would be saved: That is to say, you must look and mourn, because you have by wilful Sin, as it were, crucified him afresh: And moreover, so look to him as to believe in him, that is, accept of his kind and gracious Invitation in such a Manner as to close with him and embrace him in all his Offices, chearfully depending on him both for Strength and Righteousness, and very gladly venture your Souls and their Salvation in his Hands. Yea, every Day be looking on him, and admire him as the Chief among Ten Thousands; and this will lead you to look and long after a further Acquaintance with him: Yea, and you must look and follow after him; that is, labour to imitate him in all his imitable Per­fections, and to be sincerely obedient to all his Words of Command. Also, Look and follow him in the Way of passive as well as active Obedience; Eye his Hand and Counsel under all afflictive Dispensations, [Page 45] and resign your Wills to his. And finally, with the Eye of Hope and Expectation, look and wait, until he shall fulfil all your Desire, and cause you to see his Salvation.

AND as you must look to your Leader in the fore­mentioned Respects, so also, you must take the utmost Care to aim aright in whatever you do, and so become good Marks Men in a spiritual Sense. Not only in your religious Performances, but moreover, in your natural and civil Actions, let the Glory of GOD be your Scope and Mark: Yea, and let Holiness unto the LORD be written upon all your Enjoyments, as well as your Employments: And in a Word, Let all be done as to the LORD and for the LORD, that so you may taste that he is gracious.— Not that you may be over-solicitous, as awaken'd Sinners com­monly are, to obtain speedy Comfort; No; but rather desire that you may become truly humble, and be pre­par'd for the Consolations of GOD; and learn to be very willing, that He should take his own Time to apply the same to you: And when-ever the good Spirit shall see meet to do this, I now solemnly cau­tion you against being puffed up, as also against a secure Frame of Spirit: Indeed, you must be very thankful, but then at the same Time be also very watchful, and be ye cloathed with Humility.

AND now, Is there any Need that I should tell you, that if you are Christians indeed, then, of what Age, Sex, or Quality soever you be, you are cer­tainly engaged in an holy War; yea, and nothing less than your future and everlasting Weal depends upon your fighting the good Fight of Faith under the glo­rious JESUS.—Neither are you unacquainted, and O! that you would keep it in Mind, that your Ene­mies are not only numerous, but also malicious, and [Page 46] very politick; yea, and unwearied in their Assaults: True indeed, if you resist them, stedfast in the Faith, then they will flee from you; but alas! they will soon rally again, and be upon you; either with the same, or with some new Temptations: And therefore, as says the Apostle, "Be sober, be vigilant;" Be sober; that is, Govern your selves, both the outer and inner Man, by the Rules of Temperance, Modesty and Mortification: And be vigilant, or watchful; that is, Not only in Prayer and other religious Exercises, but at all other Times, both when alone and in Com­pany.—And the Truth is, The Strength of our Adversary as to us, lies in our Treachery and False­ness; if we are but faithful to CHRIST, and true to our own Interest, we shall be in no Danger at all of being led Captive by the Prince of Darkness.— O! Beware, beware Children, of giving Place to the Devil, and of deserting, in any Measure, so good a Cause, and so kind a Saviour. Are not your Mini­sters, and your other godly Friends jealous over you, lest you should turn again to Folly, and, like too many others, begin in the Spirit and end in the Flesh: Wherefore, I beseech you, be not high-minded but fear; and yet, be not timerous and faint-hearted, but strong and very couragious; Go ye forth in the Name of the LORD of Hosts, and fight not as those that beat the Air, and only make a vain flourish; but be resolute and in good earnest, as those that must either conquer or be conquer'd, fight or die.

AND Oh! How can you choose but be valorous, when you consider (and I hope you will often con­sider) the Goodness of your Cause; as also the Pre­sence, Skill, Power and Good-will of your HEAD and GENERAL; and moreover, that your Armour (it being such as the Gospel directs to and enjoins) is Armour of Proof; by the Improvement of which, [Page 47] great, very great is the Army which has, through our LORD JESUS CHRIST come off Conquerors: Yea, and you shall do so too, if you are not wanting to your selves.—And then, O then, What a glorious Reward shall be given you! No less than "to sit down with your glorious LORD on his Throne, even as he overcame, and is now set down with his Father on his Throne."—Yea, and let me tell you, that he has overcome, not only before you, but also for you, if you will but prove loyal to him; so then, what have you to do, but only to pursue the Victory under that glorious Conqueror, through whom your Weapons, which are not carnal but spiritual, shall be mighty for the pulling of strong Holds?—And if you should be, at any Time, through Surprize, obliged to Retreat; O! make haste and delay not to make good your Ground; and for that End, come on charg'd afresh with a greater Degree of Courage and Resolution; renewing (without fail) your Trust and Confidence in the Wisdom, Power and Goodness of your great Commander, and skilfully improving, more espe­cially, that particular Part of your Armour which you have Reason to think will be most serviceable at that Juncture.—And, what tho' the Devil be stiled the God of this World, yet be not dismayed, for he is so to those only who submit to him as such, and are led Captive by him at his Will; and both they and their god (such an one as he is) shall be cast toge­ther, they continuing in Bondage to him, into the Lake which burneth with Fire and Brimstone.—And this leads me to say, That as you would not be triumph'd over by the Prince of the Power of the Air, O! Beware of his Agents; I mean, Enticers to Sin, who are no other than Factors for Hell; shun their Company as you would a Pest-House; yea, and "have no Fellowship with any of the unfruitful Works of Darkness, but rather reprove them, for [Page 48] one Sinner oftentimes destroyeth much Good."—And let me go on to exhort you to be very watch­ful also, left the Things of the World prove a Snare to you; namely, the Honours, Pleasures and Profits of the same, all and every of which the Devil is wont to improve (or rather abuse) for the choaking the good Seed of the Word, and diverting the Soul from GOD and Duty: Watch therefore and Pray lest you be thus overcome by the evil one.—And not only shun and avoid all Appearances of and Approaches to Sin with your outer Man; but moreover, suppress and subdue the very first Motion to Sin which may at any Time arise in your own Breasts, lest it spread like the Cloud we read of, which at the first appeared no larger than a Man's Hand, but soon cover'd and blacken'd the whole Heaven: And thus with the best of your Skill endeavour to pull down the strong Hold of in-bred Lusts which war against your Souls, as well as to ward off surrounding Temptations; for (believe me) the Flesh, with its Affections and Lusts, must be crucified, otherwise you shall never obtain a Conquest over the World and Devil.—Yea, and not only your Inclination to Vice and Wickedness, but moreover, that Disposition which is in you to rely and depend upon your own supposed Vertues and ver­tuous Actions, must be subdued and abhorred, otherwise you will perish, after all your Labour and Pains, with a Lye in your Right Hand.—And I shall further add, that being sensible where your Weakness chiefly lies, and from what Quarter you are most in Hazard, you may not fail to double your Guard there, and to use all needful Precaution, lest you be surprized and taken.—And altho' at present, indeed, through the Goodness of GOD, you are not called to resist unto Blood, yet, you are always oblig'd to strive against Sin, "and especially, that Sin, or those Sins, which do more easily beset you, and [...] with Patience the [Page 49] Race set before you, looking (as I said before) unto JESUS the Author and Finisher of Faith: And by so doing, you will be in the Way to be pre­pared for all Events of Providence, even the Fiery Trial it self, and nothing shall be able to separate you from the Love of GOD: Nay, but having in the presence, and by the Assistance of GOD, CHRIST, and good Angels, acted your Part in the Field of this World, as becomes the Followers of the Lamb; you shall, without fall, be conducted by some of those benign and spotless Spirits, into the Presence-Chamber of the LORD of Glory, and shall live and reign with him for ever and ever.

MUCH, very much more might be said upon the Subject, and it is no easy Thing to forbear; but truly, I begin to feel something of a Rebuke in my own Mind, for having gone the Length I have, con­sidering that this People and their Children are under the Inspection and Guidance of several spiri­tual Leaders in the Church, and under CHRIST, who are eminently Men of GOD; have themselves, without Doubt, experienced the New-Birth, and are much more able than I am, Experimentally as well as Doctrinally, to lead you in the Paths of Righte­ousness: I hope you are thankful for, and very care­ful to improve those burning and shining Lights, which the great Head of the Church has here set up; otherwise, you may justly fear that Darkness will ere long come upon you.—Not that you may look on any Man or Council upon Earth, as the Father, Founder and Author of your Religion; No, No; but yet, you must follow the Footsteps of the Flock, under the Conduct of such who are eminently and really, as well as professedly, and by their Office, the Bridegroom's Friends; being themselves sound in the [Page 50] Faith, and preach up the Doctrines of Grace; and especially instruct you to build your Hope of Hea­ven and Happiness upon the Free Grace of GOD, and the Precious Merits of our Lord JESUS CHRIST, which are the only Pillars on which your Hope must stand, if you would not have it fail you in that Day when GOD shall take away your Souls: Yea, a Hope thus founded is necessary not only to your future Safety, but also to your present Fruitfulness and Flourishing:—And tho' I know but little, yet, so far as I do know any Thing of the Matter, I must needs say, that I am fully perswaded, that the more you adore and rely upon Free Grace through JESUS CHRIST, the more will your Souls be in Health and prosper: And let me intreat of you to make the Ex­periment.—True indeed, you must have Respect to all GOD's Commandments; this we constantly teach and affirm; yea, and you will, without Doubt, be careful to maintain good Works, if you have a good Principle within you: But what I say is this, that you may not have the least Dependance upon your Works of Righteousness, Charity, or Piety, to justify you before GOD, but must build on CHRIST, the Rock of Ages, and the Hope of all true Israel­ites: "He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life;" and (altho' there be some that can't relish it, yet) it is a certain Truth, "that there is no other Name under Heaven, given among Men, whereby we may be accepted and saved:"—Wherefore, as you love your own Souls, I beseech you, Let those three Words, which are often used in Military Exercises, and are more instructive than any other that I remem­ber to be in Use on such Occasions, Namely, To your Leader, be often sounding in your Ears; and let the same have their due Influence on your whole Man, and at all Times; so that whatever you do, see that [Page 51] you do it in the Name of CHRIST, and don't dare to perform any Duty, nor to stir one Step, without having your Eye to him for Guidance, Strength, and Righteousness; and so, let the Life which you live here in the Flesh, be by Faith in the Son of GOD, who has commanded, saying, " Look unto me, and be ye saved."

BUT tho' it be hard to forbear—yet, lest I should trespass too much upon your Patience, I shall now draw towards a Close.

AND notwithstanding I readily acknowledge, that it is the Duty of Christians firmly to adhere to all the Principles of our holy Religion, as revealed to us in the holy Scriptures, "and not be like Children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every Wind of Doctrine"; yet, I would advise you to hold fast, more especially, the Doctrine of Original Sin; and that of the Necessity and Nature of the New-Birth; that also of Justification by Faith, without the Works of the Law; and finally, that of The Decrees; to which I may add, that of the Saints Perseverance; viz. as the same have been taught by the godly Reformers, and as they now stand asserted and explained among the famous Articles of the Church of England: And which, whatever some may think of them, yet, being suitably improved, do mightily serve to promote prac­tical Religion, and vital Piety.—And in a Word; Oh! Let the Riches, the Riches of GOD's glorious Grace be daily admired, in providing a Saviour for perishing Sinners; and learn more and more the Need, the absolute Need, which you stand in of this mighty Saviour; and O let him in all his Offices, and with all his Benefits be precious, exceeding preci­ous to you: And seeing he has purchased spiritual [Page 52] Life for all such as will come to him for it, let your Dependance therefore be upon him, first, to bestow it; and then, to preserve and increase it in you and for you; and finally, to compleat it in Eternal Life.—And, as it becomes Fellow-Soldiers, you must be helpful to one another, encouraging and strengthening each other's Hands and Hearts, speaking often one to another concerning the Things which pertain to the Kingdom of GOD, and which have the most direct Tendency to promote one another's Salvation: Also praying one for another, that you may be healed and saved.

AND to conclude the Discourse; Let every true Christian here present, of what Order, Age, Relation, Complexion, or Language soever, be exhorted, in the Words of the Apostle, "to awake out of Sleep, be­cause now is your Salvation nearer than when you believed."—Let the Scoffers of the Age, and such as refuse to be reformed, mock on, if they please; but be you up and doing, and so get ready for your LORD'S Coming.—As the Damnation of impeni­tent, hardned Wretches draws daily nearer and nearer, and their Steps do even now take hold on Hell; and it won't be long before Almighty GOD will mock at their Calamity, even as now they mock at his Counsels: So does the Salvation of all those that love our LORD JESUS CHRIST in Sincerity draw near apace; and surely, O ye Children of the most High, as you draw nearer to the Centre of your Delight and Joy, so your Motion should be the more quick and lively, and your Souls more on the Wing of Faith and holy Love, and be going from Strength to Strength, until every one of you shall appear be­fore GOD your Saviour in the heavenly Zion, with Songs and everlasting Joy upon your Heads; and [Page 53] where you shall obtain Joy and Gladness, not only without Period, but also without Mixture or any In­terruption; for then all Sorrow and Sighing, by Reason of Sin, or on any other Account whatsoever, shall flee away, even as the Shadows of the Night before the rising Sun.

Amen and Amen.