THE SOLDIERS CATECHISM: Composed for The Parliaments Army: Consisting of two Parts: wherein are chief taught: 

1 The justification of our Soldiers.  
2 The Qualification of our Soldiers.    
Written for the Encouragement and Instruction of all that have taken up Arms in this Cause of God and his People; especially the common Soldiers.  2 Sam. 10.12. 
Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the Cities of our God, and the Lord do that which seemeth him good.  Deut. 23.9. 
When the Host goeth forth against thine enemies, then keep thee from every wicked thing.  

Imprimatur.  
JA. CRANFORD.   
Printed for J. Wright in the Old-Baily. 1644   

THE SOLDIERS CATECHISM: Composed for the Parliaments Army.  
Question. WHat Profession are you of?  
Answer. I am a Christian and a soldier.  
Q. Is it lawful for Christians to be soldiers?  
A. Yea doubtless: we have Arguments enough to warrant it.  
1. God calls himself a man of war, and Lord of Hosts.  
2. Abraham had a Regiment of 318. Trained men.  
3. David was employed in fight the Lords battles.  
4. The Holy Ghost makes honourable mention of David's Worthies.  
5. God himself taught David to fight.  
6. The noble gift of valour is given for this purpose.  
7. The New Testament mentioneth two famous Centurions.  
8. The Baptist doth not require the soldiers to leave their profession, Luke 3.14.  
9 Many comparisons are taken from this Calling in the New Testament.  
10. There have been many famous Martyrs of this profession.  
Q. What does our Saviour mean then by those words? Mat. 5.39.  
A. 1. Christ there only forbids private revenge and resistance.  
2. Scripture is the best interpreter of Scripture: we know that other places of Scripture do warrant taking up of Arms in some cases.  
Q. What side are you of, and for whom do● you fight?  
A. I am for King and Parliament: or, in plainer terms;  
1. I fight to recover the King out of the hands of a Popish Malignant Company, that have seduced His Majesty with their wicked Counsels, and have withdrawn him from his Parliament.  
2. I fight for the Laws and Liberties of my Country, which are now in danger to be overthrown by them that have long laboured to bring into this Kingdom an Arbitrary, and Tyrannical Government.  
3. I fight for the preservation of our Parliament, in the being whereof (under God) consists the glory and welfare of this Kingdom; if this Foundation be overthrown, we shall soon be the most slavish Nation in the Christian World.  
4. I fight in the defence and maintenance of the true Protestant Religion, which is now violently opposed, and will be utterly suppressed in this Kingdom; and the Popish Religion again advanced, if the Armies raised against the Parliament prevail.  
Q. But is it not against the King that you fight in this Cause?  
A. No surely: yet many do abuse the world with this base and absurd objection: our only aim is,  
1. To rescue the King out of the hands of his and the Kingdom's enemies; and to maintain his Honour and just Prerogatives.  
2. We endeavour to defend that which the King is bound to defend, both by his Oath and Office.  
3. We take up Arms against the enemies of Jesus Christ, who in His Majesty's name make war against the Church and People of God.  
4. If the King will join himself with them that seek the ruin of his people, and the overthrow of Religion, surely both we and all good Subjects, may lawfully stand in the defence of both; as the people did against King Saul in the case of jonathan, 1 King. 14.45.  
5. We do no more than what our Brethren of Scotland did, when they came into this Kingdom with an Army some three or four years since; whose Action the King and both Houses have cleared from all Rebellion, and they remain justified in what they then did, to all posterity, by an Act of Parliament.  
Q. Hath not the King published many Protestations that he will maintain our Laws, Liberties and Religion? why then do we fear the subversion of them?  
A. 1. Many things have been published in his Majesty's name, which in all probability he never saw or knew of.  
2. Though the King himself may intent really and well, yet the Sons of Zervia are too strong for him.  
3. It is not to be imagined that a Popish Army will defend the Protestant Religion, or lawless Libertines, the Laws of the Land.  
4. We find by woeful experience that he hath many ways failed in divers of those large Promises and Protestations, notwithstanding that God hath been so often called to witness.  
5. They say it is a Maxim now at Court, that Faith is not to be kept with Heretics, and such, do some there, account all true Protestants.  
Q. How can you that are Soldiers for the Parliament answer that place of Paul, Rom. 13.1, 2, 3. etc.  
A. 1. That place requires not obedience to any unlawful Commands, neither doth any other place of Scripture, we are no further to obey man, then may stand with the will of God.  
2. They are grossly mistaken which say the King is the highest power; Indeed he is the highest person in his Dominions, but the Laws and Courts of the Kingdom are above him in power, and the King himself is limited and subject to the meanest Court in the Land: Therefore surely the high Court of Parliament must needs be the higher Power, which not to obey, is to resist the Ordinance of God.  
3. Suppose the King were the Higher Power, yet if he shall intent or permit the ruin of his Subjects, both nature and grace allows people to preserve themselves.  
4. If the King be the higher power by constitution, yet is his power now in other hands by usurpation. The Queen, Iermin, Bristol, Digby, Cottington, Windebanke, Porter, and many others have for a long time, and do still manage the greatest affairs of the Kingdom; so that it were a miserable thing to be subjected in conscience (as that Text imports, if some men's exposition might pass for orthodox Divinity) to such enemies and incendiaries both of Church and Commonwealth.  
Q. What is it that moves you to take up Arms, and to engage yourself in this Civil War?  
A. 1. The love I bear to my Country.  
2. The preservation of our Parliament, Laws and Liberties.  
3. The defence of our Religion against Popery.  
4. The care of our Posterity.  
5. The general forwardness of all good people.  
6. The consent, and provocation of all God's Ministers.  
7. The command of the Parliament, which is the Higher Power.  
8. The necessity that now lies upon all that fear God in the Land.  
Q. What do you think then of those Protestants which sit still, and do not put forth themselves in these times?  
A. 1. Either they are not convinced of the necessity.  
2. Or they are but lukewarm Professors.  
3. Or they are of base and private spirits.  
4. Or they are faint-hearted cowards.  
5. Or they are secret enemies to God and his Cause.  
Q. What danger are such Newters in?  
A. 1. God takes special notice of their disposition and carriage, and will deal with them accordingly.  
2. In God's account all such are enemies; they that are not with him are against him.  
3. They deserve neither respect nor protection from Church or Commonwealth.  
4. They are in danger to be spewed out of Christ's mouth, Rev. 3.16.  
5. They are directly under that dreadful curse which the Angel of the Lord denounced against Merosh, Judg. 5.23.  
Q. What say you then of those Protestants, which fight on the other side, and join with the Enemies of our Religion, Parliament, and Country?  
A. 1. I say, that they are unworthy the name of Protestants.  
2. I say, that they maintain the cause of Antichrist.  
3. That they are the shame and blemishes of Religion.  
4. That none of their weapons shall prosper, Isa. 54.17.  
5. That God will utterly undo them, Zeph. 3.19.  
6 That their swords shall enter into their own hearts, Psal. 37.15.  
7. That all the blood that hath been shed lies upon their score.  
8. That they are in the highway to perdition, without repentance.  
Q. What is the reason think you, that so many Protestants, of all degrees, join with our Popish enemies?  
A. 1. Many are only Protestants in name, but indeed are Papists, or Atheists in heart.  
2. Many are drawn in to join with that Party out of a base fear of suffering in their estates, supposing the King's side would be the safest.  
3. Many to avoid the Justice of Parliament, have hazarded the ruin of their Country, to save themselves from their deserved punishment.  
4. Many have engaged themselves with the King's Party, in hope to make up their broken fortunes.  
5. Many for fear of Reformation, which they are not able to endure, and therefore join with them that oppose it.  
6. Many out of a desperate spirit of Malignancy, and an implacable enmity against the people of God, and all goodness.  
Q. What is it that you chief aim at in this war?  
A. 1. At the pulling down of Babylon, and rewarding her as she hath served us, Psal. 137.8  
2. At the suppression of an Antichristian Prelacy, consisting of Archbishops, Bishops, &c  
3. At the Reformation of a most corrupt, lazy, infamous, superstitious, soule-murdering Clergy.  
4. At the advancement of Christ's Kingdom and the purity of his Ordinances.  
5. At the bringing to Justice the enemies of our Church and State.  
6. At the regulating of our Courts of Justice, which have been made the seats of iniquity and unrighteousness.  
7. At the upholding of our Parliaments, which are the Subjects best Inheritance, and the Crown of our Nation.  
8. At the preservation, and continuing of the Gospel to our posterity, and the generations to come.  
Q. What hopes have you of prevailing in this Cause?  
A. We have encouragements enough to assure us of good success: there be many arguments to confirm our hope.  
1. From the justness and goodness of the Cause.  
2. From the course that hath been taken.  
3. From the condition of those that are engaged in the business.  
4. From the quality of our enemies.  
5. From the chieerfulness of most men's spirits in this Action.  
6. From the many defeats and victories already given and obtained.  
7. From the assistance of our Brethren of Scotland.  
8. From the Covenant which all the well-affected of the Kingdom have entered into.  
Q. Explain these more particularly and in order, and first show me what hopes you conceive from the goodness of the Cause?  
A. 1. A good Cause puts life and courage into men's hearts.  
2. A good Cause hath GOD ever siding with it.  
3. A good Cause daunts and dismays the adverse party.  
4. A good Cause will undoubtedly prevail at last.  
Q. What is your encouragement from the course that hath been taken?  
A. 1. In that all fair and Christian ways have been attempted before we took up Arms.  
2. In that the Lord was solemnly and generally sought unto before this business was undertaken.  
3. In that it was undertaken with good advice, and is guided by a multitude of Counsellors.  
4. In that it is still followed with the Prayers and humiliations of all the faithful in the Land.  
Q. What hope have you from them that are engaged in this War?  
A. 1. Because all the faithful and godly Ministers of the Kingdom, do side with us in this Cause.  
2. Because the most of our Commanders are men of disengaged and Public Spirits.  
3. Because our men generally are so full of courage and resolution.  
4. Because we have so many godly and religious Soldiers in our Armies.  
Q. What from the quality of your enemies?  
A. We may conclude that God will not prosper them.  
1. Because they are for the most part Papists and Atheists, with whom we have to deal.  
2. Because they are generally the most horrible Cursers and Plasphemers in the World.  
3. Because they are, for the most part, inhuman, barbarous and cruel.  
4. Because they are enemies to God, and the power of goodness, and therefore the Lord will scatter them.  
Q. What do you gather from the cheerfulness of their spirits, that are of your party?  
A. 1. 'Tis an Argument that God hath raised his servants to do some great work, Psal. 149.5.9.  
2. 'Tis an Argument that God will prosper those whom he hath made so willing, judg. 5.2.  
3. 'Tis an Argument that such as are so willing and cheerful in this business, will go on courageously.  
4. 'Tis an Argument that they are so well assured of the goodness of their Cause, that they will live and die in it.  
Q. What do you conclude from the good success that your side hath already had?  
A. 1. That Almighty God declares himself a friend to our Party.  
2. That he hath already much abated the courage of our enemies.  
3. That we have all the reason in the World to trust God for the future, who hath done so much for us.  
4. That the Lord will glorify himself more and more in his Church's behalf.  
Q. What hopes have you from your Brethren of Scotland?  
A. 1. We have cause to acknowledge Gods great mercy in bringing them to our assistance at this time.  
2. Their numbers and preparations are great, and they a courageous and warlike Nation.  
3. They have given sufficient testimony of late of their love and faithfulness towards our Nation.  
4. They are as much concerned in this Quarrel as we, and are resolved to join with us in it.  
Q. But what grounds have you to comfort yourselves from the National Covenant, which you say so many have entered into?  
A. 1. Because it is a testimony of our general humiliation, and a good beginning of Reformation.  
2. Because it is the joy and desire of all good Christians throughout the Land.  
3. Because Popery never received so deadly a blow in this Kingdom, as by this Covenant.  
4. Because all the Parliaments affairs have prospered well since the Covenant was taken, witness our many victories and successes: As 1. Gloucester, 2. Newbury, 3. Winchby, neete Hornecastle, 4. Hull, the same day, 5. Lincoln, 6. Gainsborough, 7. Arundel Castle, 8. Nantwich, 9 Alsford near Winchester, besides many other defeats given the enemy, and divers other places of lesser note recovered, without any considerable loss on our side.  
Q. But is it not a lamentable thing that Christians of the same Nation, should thus imbrue their hands in one another's blood?  
A. I confess it is: But as the case now stands, there is an inevitable and absolute necessity of fight laid upon the good people of the Land.  
1. Is it not high time to stand upon our guard, when our enemies have drawn their Swords upon us, to invade our persons, and whatsoever is dear to us.  
2. God now calls upon us to avenge the blood of his Saints that hath been shed in the Land, and those many outrages which have been committed against his servants.  
3. The whole Church of God calls upon us to come in to the help of the Lord and his people against the mighty.  
4. Our children and posterity call upon us to maintain those Liberties, and that Gospel, which, we received from our forefathers.  
5. We are not now to look at our enemies as Countrymen, or Kinsmen, or fellow-Protestants, but as the enemies of God and our Religion, and siders with Antichrist; and so our eye is not to pity them, nor our sword to spare them, jer. 48.10.  
Q. There are a great many on the King's Party that have been held honest men, etc. will your sword make no difference between them and others?  
A. 1. If they join themselves with the malignant Party, we cannot know them from Malignants.  
2. It is to be feared, that such were never of us, because they are so cruel against us: hypocrites commonly when they are unmasked, prove the most dangerous enemies.  
Q. Who do you think were the Authors, and occasioners of this unnatural War?  
A. 1. The Jesuits, those firebrands of mischief, with all the Popish party.  
2. The Bishops, and the rotten Clergy, with all the Prelatical party.  
3. The Delinquents, that were not able to abide the trial of Justice, with all the Malignant party.  
4. The formal Gospelers of the Kingdom, that hate a Reformation, with all the Atheistiall party.  
Q. Do not many of them that you count your enemies, stand for Religion as well as you?  
A. 1. Surely they are mad, that think the Papists will fight in defence of the Protestant Religion.  
2. They are very simple, that expect any care of the true Religion from the Prelates and their party, who have been the grand persecuters of it.  
3. Neither is it to be imagined, that men so lose, lewd, and wicked, as most of your Cavaliers are, should really intent the preservation of Religion, or any thing else that is good.  
4. We know the Earl of Newcastle pretends that he fight for Religion, yet his Army is for the most part Popish, and he said not long since, That men might talk of Religion, and so forth, but Religion of itself was but an airy thing.  
5. Their rage and madness against those that they know to have been most zealous and forward in the maintenance and profession of the Protestant Religion, doth sufficiently show how cordially they stand for Religion.  
6. Indeed they do stand for Religion, but just as the Ephesians stood for Diana, Acts 17.  

1. They stand for a Popish Prelacy.  
2. They stand for an Ignominious Clergy.  
3. They stand for the soule-starving Service-Booke.  
4. They stand for a company of stinking Ceremonies.  
5. They stand for abominable Monuments of Idolatry.  
6. They stand for unchristian liberty.   
Q. Do you think that there will be a Reformation of these things before we shall enjoy any peace?  
A. Yea doubtless: and I gather it from these Reasons.  
1. Because God's anger is let lose upon this Nation for these things.  
2. Because about this time hundred years' Popery was suppressed in this Kingdom; and it is noted, that every Centurie, or hundred years, hath produced great alterations in the Church.  
3. Because it is Reformation that our Enemies do most fear.  
4. Because the Devil and his Instruments do so bestir themselves at this time.  
5. Because all the reformed Churches in Christendom pray for and expect our Reformation.  
6. Because the measure of our enemy's iniquity is now full.  
7. Because a solemn Oath and Covenant is taken to that purpose.  

The Second Part of the Soldier's Catechism.  
Q. WHat are the principal things required in a Soldier?  
A. 1. That he be religious and godly.  
2. That he be courageous and valiant.  
3. That he be skilful in the Military Profession.  
Q. How do you prove that our soldiers should be religious?  
A. 1. By Scripture: Deut. 23.9. Luk. 3.14.  
2. Besides, there be many Reasons to confirm it.  
1. Because they lie so open to death.  
2. They stand in continual need of God's assistance.  
3. They fight for Religion and Reformation.  
4. God hath raised them up to execute justice.  
5. Men may be as religious in this Profession as in any other.  
6. We read of brave soldiers that have been very religious.  
7. A well ordered Camp is a School of Virtue, wherein is taught, 1. Preparation to death, 2. Continency, 3. Vigilancy, 4. Obedience, 5. Hardness, 6. Temperance, 7. Humility, 8. Devotion, etc.  
Q. Who do chief offend against this Rule?  
A. 1. Such soldiers as give themselves to whoring and uncleanness.  
2. Such as use to swear, and blaspheme the name of God.  
3. Such as follow that swinish sin of drunkenness.  
4. Such as plunder and steal whatsoever they come near.  
Q. Are not these things tolerable in soldiers?  
A. No more in them then other men: the Scripture saith generally to and of all men whatsoever: 

1. That whoremongers and adulterers God will judge, Heb. 13.5.  
2. That the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain.  
3. That drunkards shall not inherit the Kingdom of God, 1 Cor. 6.9, 10.  
4. That he that doth wrong, shall receive for the wrong he hath done, and there is no respect of persons, Col. 3. ult.    
Q. What is the reason then that there be so many lewd and wicked men in the Parliaments Army?  
A. 1. Because Commanders in Chief are not more careful in choosing godly Officers.  
2. Because honest religious men are not more forward to put forth themselves in this service of God and his Church.  
3. Because Order and Discipline is not more strictly executed by Superiors.  
4. Because Officers in Towns and Country's aimto press the scum and refuse of men, and so by easing themselves, pesture our Armies with base conditioned people.  
Q. How can we expect a blessing upon our preparations, when so many godless wretches are employed in our Armies?  
A. 1. Truly it is a very sad thing, and much to be lamented, and requires the care of the State to remedy.  
2. Yet (blessed be God) we have multitudes of godly and eminent Christians that are engaged in the Parliaments Service.  
3. And besides, we know that God can make use of wicked men to serve his providence, as he doth of wicked Angels.  
4. We have many instances of bad men that have done good service to God and his Church as Saul, joab, etc.  
Q. Is it well done of some of your Soldiers (which seem to be religious) to break down Crosses and Images where they meet with any?  
A. 1. I confess that nothing ought to be done in a tumultuous manner.  
2. But seeing God hath put the Sword of Reformation into the Soldier's hand, I think it is not amiss that they should cancel and demolish those Monuments of Superstition and Idolatry, especially seeing the Magistrate and the Minister that should have done it formerly, neglected it.  
Q. But what say you to their tearing and burning the Books of Common Prayer, in every place where they come?  
A. Much may be said in their justification, who show themselves so zealous against that Book.  
1. It hath been the fomenter of a most lazy lewd, and ignorant Ministry.  
2. It hath been the Nurse of that lamentable blindness and ignorance, which hath overspread many parts of this Kingdom.  
3. It is a great cause of our present calamities, for who are they that side with our Popish Enemies, but Common-Prayer men?  
4. It is become the most abominable Idol in the Land, people generally do dote upon it, as much as the Ephesians upon Diana; and prefer it before Preaching in many places, being strangely enraged for the want of it.  
5. It is high time therefore to remove this Brazen Serpent, and grind it to powder, seeing it is the occasion of so much evil.  
6. It is very likely therefore that God hath stirred up the spirits of some honest soldiers to be his Instruments for the destruction of that Idol.  
7. It belongs to the Parliament Soldiers, upon the matter, to remove all scandalous things they meet with, having covenanted, and engaged themselves in the work of Reformation.  
Q. What do you say concerning valour and courage?  
A. 1. I say, it is a most noble and heroical virtue, that makes some men differ from others, as much as all men differ from beasts.  
2. I say, it is impossible for any to be a good soldier without it. An Army of Hearts led by a Lion, is better than an Army of Lions led by a Hart.  
3. I say, that one valiant man in an Army, is better than a thousand cowards.  
4. I say, that a coward degenerates from man, being of a base and ignoble nature.  

1. God took special care, that all faint-hearted cowards should be cashiered out of his Armies, Deut. 20.8.  
2. Coward's ever do more hurt than good, being like an X before an L.  
3. And for the most part cowards miscarry sooner than those that are courageous.   
Q. What are the chief Arguments and considerations to make a soldier courageous in the Parliaments Service?  
A. 1. The goodness of the Cause, which undoubtedly is Gods, and his Churches.  
2. The promise of God, to help his Church and People against his and his Church's Enemies.  
3. The manifold experiences that the people of God have had in former ages of his assistance.  
4. The manifold experiences of Gods special goodness to his servants in these times.  
5. The assurance, that not a hair can fall from our heads without the providence and permission of God.  
6. The danger of faintheartedness; he that would save his life in such times as these, shall lose it.  
7. The promise, that whosoever shall lose his life, or any thing else, in the Cause of Christ and his Gospel, shall be a great gainer by the hand.  
8. The consideration that this War is surrounded with the prayers and blessings of all the good people of the Land.  
9 The multitude of eminent Christians, of all sorts, that are engaged in this business.  
10. The great reward of honour here, and glory hereafter, that shall be given to every one that is valiant for the Lord.  
Q. What are the principal enemies to courage and valour?  
A. 1. Want of experience: freshwater soldiers are commonly faint-hearted soldiers; whereas they that have been used to the Wars are usually of undaunted spirits.  
2. Want of metal: some men's spirits are naturally so low and base, that they will never prove good soldiers: as it is with cocks, so is it amongst men: there is a breed and generation of cravens.  
3. Want of Faith: when a man hath little or no confidence in God, his heart must needs fail him in undertake of danger; whereas Faith fears not in the valley of the shadow of death, Psal. 23.4.  
4. Want of innocency, and a good conscience, Prov. 28.1. It was the speech of the valorous Earl of Essex, our renowned General's Father, (cited by D. Barlow in his Sermon at Paul's Cross, March 1.1600) That sometimes in the field encountering the enemy, the weight of his sins lying heavy upon his conscience, being not reconciled to God, quelled his spirits, and made him the most timorous man that might be.  
5. Want of wisdom and consideration: for surely if men would seriously consider the evils of cowardice, and the excellency of valour, it would make them abhor the one, and be ambitious of the other.  
Q. Is there any great need of skill and cunning in this Profession?  
A. Yea doubtless: for David doth thankfully acknowledge the Lord's goodness, in teaching his hands to war, and his fingers to fight, Psal. 144.1.  
1. Great wisdom, policy, and experience is required in Commanders.  
2. And no less skill and dexterity in common soldiers; they must know how to handle their Arms, how to keep Ranks, etc.  
3. Certainly a few well-trained Soldiers are better than a multitude of raw, unexperienced men.  
Q. What; should be done to make soldiers skilful in their art?  
A. 1. Officers should be very diligent in teaching and exercising their men.  
2. Common soldiers should make it their business to learn and yet what cunning they can.  
3. Every soldier should seek to God by prayer, that he would instruct and teach them: for it is the blessing of God that makes men to profit in any profession.  
4. Both Commanders, Officers, and common Soldiers may advantage themselves by reading and observing what hath been written by eminent Soldiers, of this Act.  
Q. How ought Commanders and Officers to carry themselves towards their Soldiers?  
A. 1. Religiously, showing them no evil example, but being a pattern to them of virtue and godliness.  
2. Lovingly, not in a stern rugged manner, considering that their Command is not over Bears, But men.  
3. Discreetly, encouraging them most that deserve best, and avoiding so much familiarity as may breed contempt.  
4. Justly, not defrauding them of their due, nor doing or suffering any injury to be done to the meanest.  
Q. How should inferior Soldiers demean themselves toward their Commanders and Officers?  
A. 1. They must acknowledge and honour them as Superiors, and account them as men set over them by the providence of God and wisdom of the State.  
2. They must be exactly obedient to their command even for conscience sake. Rom. 13.5. of all men Soldiers are most strictly tied to obedience, the want whereof may prove of very dangerous consequence.  
Q. What say you of such Soldiers as are given to mutining?  
A. 1. They are as dangerous Cattle as can belong to an Army.  
2. They deserve severe punishment, and to be utterly cashiered.  
3. They will hardly ever prove good Souldidiers that are tainted with this humour.  
Q. What is your opinion of those Soldiers that run away from their Colours?  
A. 1. Such are, by Martial Law, to suffer death, and surely, they well deserve it.  
2. 'Tis a most ignoble and base part to do so, and they deserve to be branded with infamy for ever, that are guilty of it.  
3. Nay it is a fowl wickedness, being offensive both to God and man, Psal. 78.9.  

1. For such (if the Cause be just) do abandon the Cause of God.  
2. They deceive that trust which was reposed in them by the State.  
3. As much as in them lies, they betray the Cause they have undertaken.  
4. They give dangerous example, and may occasion the overthrow of an Army.   
Q. How ought soldiers to be encouraged and rewarded?  
A. 1. They ought to be highly honoured, especially such as have been courageous and faithful in their Country's Service.  
2. They ought to be well maintained, with sufficient allowance, while they are abroad in employment; for no man goeth on warfare at his own charges.  
3. They that have received any hurt or loss by the wars, aught to be liberally provided for, and comfortably maintained all their days, by them that sent them forth.  
Q. What Arguments have you to prove, that such honour and respect should be done to our soldiers?  
A. 1. They that fight against the Church's Enemies, are God's helpers against the mighty, judg. 5.23.  
2. They are the Instruments of Justice, and the Executioners of God's Judgements, Psalm 149.7, 9  
3. They show themselves men of public spirits, and true lovers of their Country.  
4. They show themselves valiant and courageous, which are very high deserving qualities.  
5. No men undergo such hardship and hazard as the soldier doth.  
6. None deserve better than they, either of Church, Commonwealth, or Posterity.   
FINIS.