A SERMON Preached before THE ARTILLERY COMPANY, AT St. Andrews Vndershaft, August the 30th 1670. And at their earnest Request, PUBLISHED. By WILLIAM DURHAM, B.D. Rector of St. Mildred's Breadstreet, London. Rei Militaris virtus coeteris praestat virtutibus; Multo plus adfert dignitatis Res Militaris, quam Juris Civilis Gloria. Cicero. Honestas idoneum militem reddit: Verecundia, dum prohibet fugere, facit esse victorem. Vegetius de re Milit. LONDON, Printed by T. R. for Samuel Gellibrand, at the Sign of the Golden-Ball in St. Paul's Churchyard, 1671. TO MY Very worthy, and much Honoured Friends, The Honourable Sir John Robinson Knight and Baronet, Lieutenant, of his Majesty's Tower of London, Alderman, and Precedent of the Artillery Company. Sir Joseph Sheldon, Knight and Alderman, Vice-President. Sir Thomas Player Knight, Leader. Colonel John Mews, Treasurer. Sir John Robinson Knights and Aldermen. Colonel John Mews Stewards. Sir George Waterman Knights and Aldermen. Capt. George Peryer Stewards. Sir Thomas Davies Knights and Aldermen. Major Tho. Gunston Stewards. Sir John Smith Knights and Aldermen. Capt. William Cooper Stewards. And to the whole Court of Assistants, Field-Officers, Captains, and Gentlemen, Professing and Exercising Arms in that Famous and Honourable Society. SIRS, 'T Was with much Reluctancy that I prevailed with myself, to Preach this Sermon, but with much more, to Print it. Not but that I had a great willingness to serve you in both; but because I judged myself unmeet for either. I was never, when Younger, fond of such Public Employments; Nor valued myself so high, as to think this busy World at leisure to concern themselves with any thing that I could publish. Much less can I cherish such vain thoughts now, when broken (to say nothing of hard usage) with Age and Infirmities. Might I have been left to mine own Beloved Privacies, you had never had the trouble, either to have Herd or Read this. But as I affect not Popularity, so I perfectly hate Incivility and Ingratitude. Your great kindness hath obliged me to gratify you in what I may; and your Importunity hath prevailed to have it Preached and Published. Importunity prevails with God; and what am I that I should stand out against so many Gallant men, and good Friends, who have pressed me till I was ashamed? May it find but the like Acceptance with you in the Reading, as it did in Preaching, it will be encouragement enough to screen it, against all the Censures it may meet withal. But I am very little solicitous for its defence, so long as Les Gens d'Armes, the whole Artillery of this Royal City, have invited and undertaken its Patronage. Indeed, not to defend so much it, as their own Judgements, who have pleased by their approving and desiring it, to make it their own. If it prove acceptable to you, and in any measure Serviceable to the Public, it will be abundant contentment and satisfaction, to Gentlemen, Your much obliged Friend and humble Servant, William Durham. October the 12th 1670. A SERMON Preached before the Artillery Company, at St. Andrews Vndershaft, August the 30 th'. 1670. I COR. XVI. 13. Watch ye, stand fast in the Faith, quit yourselves like men; be strong. THough Religion in itself be the sweetest thing in the World, all whose paths are pleasantness, and all her ways are peace; yet the Exercise of it in a Christian life is usually set forth by such things as are accompanied with pains and danger. A Christians life is compared to that of a Husbandman, who must endure all weather, the Summer's heat, and the Winter's cold; he must be at pains to Blow and Sow, if he intent to Reap. To a Travellers, who must expect all ways; sometimes he meets with high and craggy Rocks, and sometimes with swelling Brooks, and dirty Sloughs. To a Merchants, who ventures himself on the merciless Waves; now tossed as high as Heaven, now tumbled as low as Hell (as David speaks) always within an inch or two of death. To a Soldiers life, which is ever attended with fears and dangers; he walk● perpetually at the points of Swords, and mouth of Cannons, and always bears his life in his hand. A Christian life, then, is a spiritual Warfare, which is of all Wars the most dangerous; the Enemy being numerous, potent, subtle, within us; and that which lies at stake, the Soul, being infinitely more worth than all Alexander's Conquests; and in this lies our present Work. The terms of the Text are Military all, and so, suitable enough to the occasion, however they prove in the handling. You must not expect that I should deal with you at your own Weapons, having (as David said of saul's Armour) never proved them. Not that I should read a Military Lecture, being utterly unacquainted with the Learning of the Tactics, and never having (that I know of) so much as seen that Book of Jasher, which teaches the use of the Bow. If I can only make the Offices and Duties of a Soldier conduce to the illustration of our Christian Warfare, 'tis as much as I aim at, or can be reasonably expected from my Profession. And if herein I fall short (as 'tis more than probable) you have nothing to blame, but your own misguided choice. Miles Emeritus, a superannuated Soldier, was by the Law of Arms, exempted from public service. But being overruled in this Plea, I have no way left, but being short, to gratify you or myself: You, in relieving you from the inconvenience of your own Error; and myself, who being by your kindness, adjudged to run the Gauntlope, am obliged to make what haste I can in mine own defence. There's a Climax or Gradation in the words, each word importing more than that which went before it. 1. Watch ye, be vigilant, which is the least that can be expected of a Soldier; if he fail here, he certainly miscarries. 2. Stand fast; Stand to your Arms, keep your Ground, maintain that Post, that's given you to defend, which is likeliest done by being Watchful. 3. Quit yourselves like men; Not only stand fast, but fight, and worst your Enemies: Keep your own Ground, and win theirs. 4. Be strong; Go on to complete your Conquest, and having once subdued your Enemies, keep them under. I begin with the first of these; 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Watch ye; A Metaphor taken from Sentinels in an Army, whose office is to be upon their Watch-Tower, to observe the motions of the Enemy, that there be no sudden assault or irruption into the Camp or City, and to give the Alarm of any approaching danger. Indeed Watchfulness becomes every Soldier upon Duty; he must have his eyes in his head, not sleep at his work. When an Enemy is near the Camp, or Beleagures the Garrison, it becomes every Soldier not only to be awake, but to be circumspect and attend the Motions of the Enemy. Vigilance is requisite in a Soldier, nothing more. What a great oversight and what a desperate hazard it is to be found sleeping, we may see in the case of Saul and his Army, when David came and took away his Spear and his Pitcher, 1 Sam. 26. while he and his men were all fast asleep: Where we may observe by the way, Though God is said to have delivered Saul into David's hand, and this sleep to have fallen on the people from the Lord; Vers. 8.12. though David might have stuck him to the Earth with his own Spear, and spilt his blood, as easily as have poured out the water on the Ground, yet he neither would nor durst, but judges them worthy to die for their negligence, in keeping no better the Lords Anointed. Had he (as Abishai counseled him, Vers. 8. and other have done since) followed the Conduct of Providence, he might have quickly eased himself of his Adversary; but he had a more certain Rule to walk by, the unerring word, for who (saith he) can lift up his hand against the Lords Anointed, and be guiltless? but that by the way. The Church is an Army too, Cant. 6.4. an army with Banners; The Lord of Hosts is both her Van and Rear; Esa. 52.12. 2 Cor. 10.4. her Soldiers are Angels, Martyrs, Apostles, all Christians; her Weapons are not Carnal, but mighty; her Order and disposition Safe and Decent: Ezech. 3.17. She hath her Watchmen too. Son of man, I have made thee a Watchman over the House of Israel. These are the Pastors and Ministers that Watch over their Souls; their Office is to foresee dangers, and to give warning; if he do so, and they will not heed it, they shall perish in their sin, but he hath delivered his own Soul. But if he give no warning, the people's blood will God require at his hands. When the Church is resembled to an Army, than the Ministers are called Watchmen; when to a Flock, they are styled Shepherds. He doth but ill discharge the Office of a Watchman, who is never on the Guard but on Pay-days: nor he the Office of a Shepherd, who never sees his Flock but at Shearing time. An Army hath no greater Enemies than such Watchmen; nor can a Flock meet with verier Wolves than such Shepherds. 'Tis these men's Duties in a Special manner to Watch, but not theirs only; therefore what I say unto them I say unto all, Watch. Luke 13.37. This is the first thing required of us in our Spiritual Warfare, and that not without the highest reason; For 1. Inimicus obsidet. We are encompassed with Enemies which Watch all advantages against us to do us mischief. If you ask, who are they? The same that we abjured, when we were first listed into God's Artillery Ground, the Flesh, the World, and the Devil. The Flesh, an inbred and secret Enemy, and is thereby capable of doing us more mischief. The World batters us with Cannons on all sides, temptations of all sorts; temptations in our meat, drink, apparel, company, every thing. And the Devil who manages both these to his own advantage; would you know what an Enemy he is? Hear S. Paul, the Major General of the Heathen-Christian Army. Eph. 6.12. We wrestle not against Flesh and Blood, (terms of weakness and diminution) but against Principalities and Powers, against Spiritual wickedness in high Places. For their Number they are many, the words are all in the Plural, their Name is Legion; for their Condition, they are Great, Principalities and Powers; for their Nature, they are Spirits, who have got the advantage of the ground too, they are in high places; where as the Historian once said, Sallust. Non solum cum boast, sed cum loco dimicandum est. The Devil is an Active Enemy; he hath his Methods, wiles and stratagems of War; he is restless and indefatigable; when he is beaten off from one Gate, he assaults us at another; he flies from one extreme to another; when he fails in drawing us to one sin, he offers the contrary. There was much reason then in that Exhortation of St. 1 Pet. 5.8. Peter, Be Vigilant and sober, because your adversary the Devil goeth about night and day, like a roaring Lion, seeking whom be may devour. 2. 2 Sopo obrepit We are apt to be dull and drowsy in our best services. What between this indisposition, and the charms of the Devil, we are apt to sleep at our best duties. In that last and great conflict which the Captain of our Salvation had with the Prince of darkness, those great Commanders, Peter, James, and John, who had the honour and happiness to trial a Pike under his immediate conduct, were drowsy and fell asleep; though the spirit was willing, (the searcher of hearts being Judge) yet the flesh was weak, and therefore there was great reason for that following admonition; Mat. 26.41. Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation. 3. To which let me add, 3 Imperator inspicit. That the General himself duly walks the Round, and observes in what posture his Soldiers are. * Militibus Imperator, potius quam hestis ●etuendus est. Val. Max. He is always in the midst of the Golden Candlesticks, his Churches. He knows your works, your tribulation, patience, watchfulness, what they are, and will suddenly come to give every Soldier his pay, according to his works. The hour of his coming is uncertain, and therefore it behoves us to be still upon our Watch. He comes like a Thief in the night; and if the good man of the house had known at what hour the thief would have come, he would have watched. Such shall the coming of the Son of Man be. If he find you on your Guard, happy are ye; if not, you must expect what sleepy Soldiers use to suffer: Therefore Watch, because ye know not at what hour the Son of Man cometh, whether at midnight, or at the Cock-crowing, or at the dawning of the Day. Mat. 24.42. Give me leave only to touch upon the duties which are usually joined with Watching, and I shall dismiss this point. 1. Watch and be sober; the best means to preserve ourselves is to be vigilant; the best way to be watchful is to exercise sobriety, sobriety is a most necessary duty for a Soldier. A drunken Soldier cannot watch; and a sleepy Watchman betrays himself and his trust. What if the Trumpet give an Alarm to Battle, and thou hast not an care to hear it? What if thy General should come, and thou hast not an eye to see, nor tongue to answer him? What if the Enemy should approach, and thou hast neither a foo● to stand, nor a hand to fight? Take heed therefore lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and so that day come upon you unawares. Luck. 21.36. — Watch ye therefore, that ye may be able to stand before the Son of man. 2. Watch and Pray are usually joined together, we cannot subsist without prayer, we cannot pray without watchfulness. We stand not by our own strength, but must fetch supplies from him who sets us on work; Psalm 18.29. We never go forth in our own strength but we are worsted; seldom in his, but we prevail. It was by his help that David leapt over the wall, i.e. conquered all difficulties; when his Enemies thrust sore at him that he might fall, God was his strength, Psalm. 118.30. and that supported him. There's no man more obliged to prayer then the Soldier, because none conflicts with greater difficulties and dangers; therefore above all men they ought to continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving. That's the first part of a Soldiers Duty, Watch. Coll. 4.2. 2. We come to the second; [Stand fast in the Faith.] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: The word imports a firm and stable standing; it behoves the Soldier to keep his ground, to stand stoutly to it, and rather than fly, to die upon the Turf. A duty, than which nothing is more frequently commanded to a Christian Soldier; Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free. Stand fast in one spirit. Gal 5.1. 1. Phillip 21.1. Thes. 3.8. Stand fast in the Lord. And here, Stand fast in the Faith. 1. In fide Deodata; In that Faith which ye have given and plighted to God. There was among the Romans a Military Oath given to all their Soldiers, obliging them to be faithful to their Generals and their Cause. We have all of us taken Sacramentum Militiae; Our Baptismal vow engages us to be faithful Soldiers to God, and to renounce the World the Flesh and the Devil. Contestamur nos Diabolo renuntiare, pompae & Angelis suis, says Tertull. We have made our public protestation, and solemnly abjured the delights of the Flesh, the Pomp's and Vanities of the World, with the Devil and all his works; and all this we are engaged to, not only by promise, but by a solemn Vow made to God, before Angels and Men; we were not only unjust but forsworn, if we should not keep it. Remember that the Oath of God is upon you: Who is more odious than a Renegado who is sentenced as a Skellum, and hanged in effigy? What greater persidiousness then for a Soldier, transire in castra inimicorum, to run from his Colours into the Enemy's Camp, and to become a Soldier and Vassal to them, 1 Sam 22.7. whom he hath solemnly: abjured? What Saul said once to his People, Can the Son of Jesse give you Vineyards, and make you Captains of thousands? I may say on better grounds, Can the Devil give such rewards as God can, that you forsake God to serve him? What will you answer when the Devil shall plead with Christ for your souls at the last day? as Saint Cyprian brings him in, pleading his title to those who professed themselves Christians, and lived not answerable to their profession; the Question was, Whose they were, Gods or the Devils, and to whom they did belong? The Devil he urges; Lord, they say, that thou art a righteous Judge, and I appeal to thine own Judgement, whose these Souls are, thine or mine; for my part, Non crucem pectuli, non cruorem fudi, non coelum promisi, etc. I never suffered upon the Cross for these men, never shed one drop of blood for them, never promised them Heaven; nor did they ever promise or engage to be my Servants. All those things thou hast done for them, and this they have done to thee. Yet no sooner could I hold up my finger, but they would break all thy Laws, forget all their Vows and Obligations, and serve me, before thee: Be thou thyself a just Judge, and give sentence, whose they are, Thine or Mine. Consider, I beseech you, what defence you can make against such a Plea! 2. Stand fast] In fide a Deo accepta; In the Faith that was once delivered to the Saints: This is that which is chief meant in all the former Scriptures, and which Saint Judas bids us earnestly to contend for. Verse. 3. Be ye steadfast and unmoveable, saith Saint Paul, as to points of Faith; and as to matters of practice, 1 Cor. 15. Ult. always abounding in the work of the Lord; this is that he presses on the Ephesians, Ch. 4.14. that they be not as Children, tossed up and down by every wind of Doctrine; by the slight of men, and canning craftiness whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but grow up into him in all things who is the head, even Christ. I have read of one Philetas, Symsons Cron ●ad. An. Mundi 3721. an excellent Poet and Critic (who flourished in the days of Alexander the Great, and was Schoolmaster to Ptolomeus Philadelphus, that great Lover and Advancer of Learning) that he was so thin and spare of body that he was fain to sole his Shoes with thick Plates of Lead, lest every puff of wind should overturn him. How many are there that want such a poise and balance in matters of Religion? Perfect Moons-Men, who hardly appear two days in the same shape, of the same mind. Now they are of this persuasion, then of that, at last, of none; they begin in Scepticism, and (which is the genuine product) end in Atheism: But for you, being rooted and grounded in the Truth and the Love of it, hold fast the profession of your Faith firm unto the end. But, We must take notice, that 'tis not to be obstinate in an Heresy, to be stiff in a Schism that's here enjoined us: A man may be steadfast in his own opinion, peremptory for his Party, and yet fall short of this Duty; nay, if he happen to be in the wrong, the more tenacious he is, the greater is his sin. Constancy is an excellent thing if well placed; Perseverance an excellent Grace, but must still be engaged in that which is good. 'Tis no commendation to an old-Thief, that he will not be reclaimed from his former courses and company. Nor do I value the sufferings of a Romish Priest, though he hath the hardiness to die at Tyburn; he is not punished for obeying God, but for disobeying the just Laws of his lawful Prince. 1 Pet. 4.15. A man may suffer as a Busybody, or as an Euil-doer, and he hath the amends in his own hands, he hath his reward. 'Tis in vain to talk of sufferings, unless the Cause will bear it; 'tis not the suffering, but the Cause that makes the Martyr. 3. Stand fast; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in that Order, Place, and Station, wherein you are set by your Great General; which I add, because I find it joined with steadfastness of Faith, Col. 2.5. And the Apostle was much pleased to observe their Order, as well as their Steadfastness in the Faith. Elsewhere we find him troubled to see some that did walk disorderly. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 2 Thes. 3.6. 'Tis a Military word; they kept not Rank and File, nor regarded the Word of Command, as Soldiers are obliged to do. (a) Nihil magis in acis custodiendum est, quam ut omnes milites ordinem incedendi servant: Periculum enim ab hostibus semper gra●issimuin sustinet divisus & inordinatus exercitus.— Vegetius de re Milit. l. 7. If through ignorance, negligence, or perverseness, a Soldier forsakes his place, and breaks Discipline, he casts his Division, it may be the whole Company into Confusion, and makes an easier entrance for the Enemy. Mannius Curius, when Consul, was wont to say, Non opus est Reipublicae eo milite qui parere non potest. The Commonwealth had no need of that Soldier who knew not how to obey Orders. When the Holy Ghost would describe an Army that should be invincible, and bear all before them, Jul. 2.7. he says, that they should march every one in his way, and none should break their Ranks. The Church (as you heard) is an Army, and a terrible one too; Cant. 6.4. but 'tis while she marches with Banners, while due Order and Discipline is maintained, and every Soldier keeps his own place and station; so long the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against her. But when these are neglected, or trampled under foot, she is quite another thing (like Samson without his looks) she may be a Multitude, a Rout, but will hardly bear the name of an Army. Believe it, Sirs, Order is a precious thing, and Government a rare Jewel, which we ought to acknowledge as the greatest Blessings; without which all things would run into present Confusion, and the whole World would be nothing else, but Magnum Latrocinium, a great Nest of Thiefs and Robbers. 'Tis not in our choice to stand where we will, and do what we list in God's Army; but must faithfully discharge that Duty, and manage that particular place, which is committed to our trust. Every private Soldier must not snatch at the Leading-Staff, nor usurp a Command not regularly put into his hand. Every one that can Moot a Case at Law, may not presently erect a Tribunal, and pass sentence upon men's Lives and Fortunes; but he only who can answer that Question, Quis te constituit Judicem? Who hath made thee a Judge? Every one that can Exercise a small Party, may not presently Beat up his Drums, Array, and lead men to the Field, to destroy whomsoever he fancies to be an Enemy, till he have received a Commission. And yet how Common hath it been for one that hath gotten but the gift of the Tongue, a knack of talking, with a large stock of Confidence, to invade the Pulpit, and make himself an Officer and Teacher in the Church? He that was never so much as a Corporal in the Schools, will be a Captain in the Church, and every Lansprizado thinks himself a Colonel. He will obey no Orders but those of his own making; nor them long, it being as bad as death to him to be limited and confined. When he is commanded to March, he will Retreat; when to Wheel to the Right, ●●s. Ep 49. he will be sure to do it to the Left. As one once-complained, Ordo Militum nunc est Ordinem non tenere: As if the excellency of a Soldier consisted in contradicting and thwarting the Command of his Superior Officers. 3. But we go on; 'Tis not enough for a Soldier to stand his Ground, but he must behave himself valiantly on it; 'tis not enough to defend his own Post, but he must endeavour to force his Enemies from theirs. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. He therefore adds, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Quit yourselves like men; an expression we find 1 Sam. 4.9. where the Philistims encouraging their Men to Battle, use these words, Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistims. Estote Viri, so 'tis usually translated; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is translated by Virro, and both Words in their several Languages signify not any mean or ordinary Person, but a Man of Worth, Valour, and Prowess; so says David to Abner, Art not thou a Man, a valiant Man, 1 Sam. 26.15. a worthy Person, there is none like thee? But the Words import more; and are more properly rendered by others, Estote in Viros, a known Hebraism; As, ero tibi in Deum, I will be unto thee for a God; that is, Truly and effectually to all intents and purposes; so here, Be ye for Men, stand not for Ciphers, fill not up only the place of Soldiers, but be what you appear to be indeed. A form of speech, much like those frequently used in Scripture to excite and stir up, to animate and encourage Soldiers to behave themselves manfully and with undaunted Resolution. Thus Moses to Joshua, Be strong, and of a good courage; Jos. 1.6. 2 Chr. 32.7. thus Hezekiah to his Captains; Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed. There is some thing that is the peculiar virtue of every rank and condition of men, and that in a Soldier is Valour; Viriliter agere, to Act like a man, and that two ways, 1. Passively. 2. Actively. 1. Ferendo, in sufferance and bearing, 1. Hardships, 2. the impressions and assaults of his Enemies. 1. He must quit himself like a man in bearing hardships; Sufferance, which is a well compactedness and ability of Body, and a natural stoutness and resolvedness of mind, to bear hardness, is the first requisite to the making of a Complete Soldier. He must be able to feed low, to lie hard, to endure heat and cold, hunger, thirst, and nakedness. Effeminacy may sneak in a Court, but must not be admitted into the Camp. He that cannot sleep but in a Feather Bed, not eat but at a French Ordinary, nor break his sleep, will never do much service in a sharp War. He that spends his time between the Comb and the Glass; and (as Seneca said of such Carpet-Knights) Mallet rempublicam turbari quam comam, had rather an Army should be routed, than his Periwig be discomposed, will do no great feats nor service in the Field. 2. A Soldier must behave himself like a man, in receiving the Assaults, and bearing the Impressions of an Enemy; not like those delicate Youths in the History, who were no sooner touched in their tender Faces by their Enemy's Weapons but they threw down their own, and run away. Psalm. 78.9. Nor like the Children of Ephraim, who being harnessed, and carrying Bows, turned their Backs in the day of Battle. But like that Order of Ancient Knights in France, a part of whose Military Oath it was, That they should never turn their backs upon their Enemies. The Lacedaemonian Women were wont to charge their Sons when they went out to Battle, aut vivi cum armis in conspectum earum venirent, aut mortui in armis referrentur; that they should either return with their Arms, or die in them, Val. Max. l. 2. c. 2. Even the tender Mothers amongst the Romans, would not lament their Sons that fell in Battle, but rejoiced when their Wounds were in their fore parts and not in their backs. 2. Feriendo, * Disce feriri, Disce Mori; syllaba una brevis aut longior tua facta variabit, vel occides vel occides, ad utrumlibet horis locisque omnibus te paratum exh●be. Fr. Petrarch. in smiting; He must quit himself like a Man in Fight too; he must be as reato give as to receive blows: Their Commission runs, To Kill, Destroy, and do to Death: Like Samson, that Smote his Enemy's hip and thigh; or like David's Worthies, whose exploits, Judg. 15, 8. 2 Sam 23. were they not recorded in Scripture, would stagger our belief. In these lies the Gallantry of a Soldier, in Bearing hardship, enduring blows, and hewing down his Enemies. And in all these, the Christian Soldier must show his valour too. 1. ● Tim. 2.3. In sufferance of Hardship; Thou therefore endure hardness as a good Soldier of Jesus Christ. They must and will submit to any terms; be fed and clothed as their General pleases. No place so far, no ways so foul, no weather so sharp, but they will March, if their Commander give the word. No severities of Religion, how great soever, whether they be fastings, mortifications, pulling out of Right Eyes, cutting off of right hands, giving up their bodies to torments and to death itself, can terrify or affright them. They can live upon any thing, upon nothing, but a bare promise, and never mutiny for want of present pay. 2. He must show his valour too, in bearing the Impression of Enemies on every side; they are not daunted with the approach of Enemies but (like David toward Goliath) run half way to meet them. If temptations come, persecution come, death come, welcome what God sends; they stand their ground, receive and bear all with invincible courage. As Tertul. says of his Soldier. Russatus suo sanguine, totus de Apostolo armatus, Donativum Christi in Caelis expectat. Being died red in his own blood, Armed at all points with the Apostles Armour, he stands ready to encounter all difficulties, expecting his reward from Christ in Heaven. Lastly, He must show his valour in fight too. Ephes. 6.11. A Christian must take to himself the whole Armour of God; He hath his offensive as well as his defensive Weapons; his Sword as well as his Target, the sword of the Spirit as well as the buckler of Faith, and the Helmet of Salvation, whereby he may be able to stand and to withstand in the evil day. 1 Pet. 5.9. 'Tis not enough to defend ourselves, but we must also repulse our Enemies: Jam. 4.7. not only be vigilant against the wiles of Satan, but resist him too. And for our comfort St. James tells us, that he is but a Coward, if we bear up to him; Resist the devil and he will fly. We must fight if we expect the Crown. In all those Epistles to the seven Churches where Heaven is promised under several Metaphors, still, Vincenti Dabitur, Rev. 2.3. the hidden Manna, the white stone, etc. is given to him that overcometh. 4. But I hasten to the last thing in the Text, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. show yourselves strong by keeping your Enemies under, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is fortiter impero, to command and rule, like a man of wisdom and courage. Having subdued his Enemies, the Soldiers next and greatest care must be to Rule them, and keep them in obedience. 'Tis as much skill to know how to use and enjoy a Victory, as to obtain it. Neither is it less virtue to defend what we have gotten, then to get it. Hence it hath been the care of all Prudent Commanders so to settle their new acquisitions, as to take away all possibilities and hopes of future insurrections and rebellions. When the Philistims had conquered Israel, 1 Sam. 13.19. they left them neither Sword nor Spear, nor so much as a Smith amongst them to sharpen their Axes or their Ox goads. So Cyrus in Justin, having conquered the Rebellious Lydians, & arma & equos ademit, took away both their Horses and Arms, and effeminated their Spirits, by employing them in mean and sordid work, that they might neither have courage nor advantage to give him further trouble. And this also must be the great care of the Christian Soldier; Rom. 8.15. Being delivered from the bondage of Corruption into the glorious liberty of the Sons of God, he should stand fast, and not be entangled again with the yoke of Bondage; 2. Pet. 2.19. For if after he hath escaped the pollutions of the World, he be again entangled therewith, his latter end is worse than the beginning. Hast thou been a Swearer, Drunkard, unclean person? hath God opened thine Eyes to see thy faults? Given thee a heart to repent of them, grace to break their yoke from off thy neck? now make use of thy best wisdom and valour to keep them under. Be not again entangled with them, nor overcome by them, 2. ●et. 2.21. For it had been better not to have known the way of Righteousness, then after thou hast known it, to turn aside from the holy Commandment. Of all Postures, none so ill becomes the true Convert, as Faces about, and as you were, which is but according to the Proverb, to return with the Dog to his vomit, and with the Sow to her wallowing in the mire. Keep a watchful eye over your Corruptions, and let not your lusts get head again. Withdraw all incentives and fuel, keep ammunition and provision, from these Enemies, and starve them out. For these are your greatest Enemies. The Devil indeed is a cunning and sore Enemy, but he could not so eassly hurt us, were there not a false party in our bosoms, which were ready to invite him, and to open the Gates to let him in. Consider, I beseech you, how unreasonable a thing it is, that Man, a Noble Creature, made after the likeness of God, should so far degenerate, is to have his ear boared, and become a willing slave to the Prince of darkness. How unseemly a thing it is to see Hercules spinning at Omphale's distaff? Samsons head lolling in Dalilah's lap? and him, who could snap asunder the strongest coards like twine threads, held captive with one of her Locks? how unmanly a sight it is to see him who can command men, to be conquered by women? and those who have subdued Armies, to be mastered by their own brutish Lusts. And now me thinks, it should be time to sound a Retreat: Give me leave only to make one running March over the ground, read over my Text again, and then we shall Lodge the Colours. Gentlemen Soldiers, You who are under God and the King, the Walls and Bulwarks of the City, and that Famous Nursery, whence have sprung so many Noble Souls; and may every year add to their number, that may serve God, their King and Country in the present and Succeeding Generation! 1. Watch ye, (as I doubt not but you will) against whatsoever Enemies to the Public Peace, Ne aliquid detrimenti capiat respublica, that the Commonweal incur no damage, as far as lies in your place or power to prevent it. Be Watchful over your own Hearts and Lives; Beware of the Stratagems and Ambushments of Satan; Lest, when you have been Instruments to preserve the Nations Peace, you break your own; and when you have saved others, yourselves perish. Stand fast, in your Faith given to God when you were first listed into the Muster-Roll amongst his Soldiers. There's nothing more ignominious to a Soldier than to break his Paroll. Stand fast, in that Faith which was once delivered to the Saints, which is as purely professed here as in any Nation in the World. Count every Article of Religion as well worth contending for as a Crown, and that it would be your honour (should you be called to it) to follow the Noble Army of Martyrs, which is marched before you, giving Testimony to the Gospel, by their dearest blood. Stand fast in your Faith and Allegiance to our Gracious Sovereign, and become not upon any solicitations or pretences, either Authors or Fauters of any faction. Meddle not with those who are given to change. Quit yourselves like men, in all your undertake; Let not rashness hurry you to any thing that is unjust or misbecoming you: Nor let pusillanimity withhold you from any necessary Duty. Conquer yourselves first, (which is the greatest conquest.) And bring down every high thought to the obedience of Christ. Receive the Impressions of your spiritual Enemies with Patience, and repel them with courage; Put on the whole Armour of God, get into God's way, and keep there; and than you may say with David, Though an host of men were encamped against me, yet would I not fear, or (as he once) though every Tile in the City were a Devil, you need not be afraid. And be strong; strong in Faith, strong in God's grace, and in the power of his might; in Conquering go on to Conquer. Having once routed your Enemies, let them rally no more; having dismantled their Garrisons, let them lie under the Curse of Jericho, and never be rebuilt, Judg. 6. Ult. but Rule over them with a Rod of Iron; while you are doing such work (which is purely Gods) to use Hezechias words, you need not be afraid, nor be dismayed, but be strong and courageous, for the Lord your God is with you to help you, and to fight for you. Thus fight, you may live with Comfort, and die with Confidence, and say with St. Paul, I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, henceforth is Laid up for me a Crown of righteousness; The Conflict may be sharp, but the Reward is great and certain. We must run ere we can win the Garland; Fight and Conquer, ere we can receive the Crown. There's nothing more August and splendid in the Eyes of men than a Crown. What will not an ambitious man venture, what will he not do to gain it? He will venture Limbs, Life, Estate, Friends, Body, Soul, all. He will break faith with God and man; he will dig his way to it, through the Bowels of his nearest relations; and swim to it through a Sea of blood. Yet this is the reward of every good and faithful Soldier in Gods Camp. Every Soldier that fights in Earthly Battles, wears not a Crown, nor must he expect it. There must be many hands to win that Crown, which one only Head must wear. But here every Soldier shall have a Crown. The Crown is not only for me (saith the Apostle) but for every one, that fights and conquers? And what manner of Crown is it? 'Tis not, A Crown or Chaplet of withering Flowers, Tertull. de Coronâ Milit. c. 13.14. such as were wont to be given to the Victors in the Grecian Games; Not, A Crown of Grass, which was to be given (amongst the Romans) to him that had raised a Siege and delivered a City; Anlus Gellius. l. 5. c. 6. Not, A Crown of Oak, which was given to him who had rescued a Roman Citizen when he was taken Captive, and slain him that took him in the place: Not, A Crown of Myrtle, which was given in their Ovations; Nor of Laurel, which was given to their greatest Conquerors, in their most stately triumphs: nay further yet. Not, A Crown of Gold, which is usually bestudded with anxious thoughts, and doth not so much adorn the head, as overburden, with Cares, the heart of him that wears it. But what is it then? 'Tis, A Crown of Righteousness, a Crown of Life, a Crown of Glory. To the enjoyment of which Crown, he of his infinite mercy bring us, who is the Captain of our Salvation, who was Crowned with Thorns, and suffered death for our sakes, even the Lord Jesus Christ, God blessed for ever; to whom with the Father, and the holy Spirit, three Persons and one God, be given, as is due, all Honour and Glory, Now and for Ever. Amen. FINIS.