WILLIAM L. CLEMENTS
LIBRARY OF
AMERICAN HISTORY
UNIVERSITYF MICHIGAN




568.

An Eſſay to revive and encourage Military
Exerciſes, Skill and Valour among the Sons
of God's People in New England.
A SER MON
Preached before the
Honourable Artillery-Company
In Boſton, June 5th. 1732.
Being the Day of their
Election of Officers ;
And now made Publick at their Requeſt, and at the
Defire of many Others.
By Oliver Peabody, A. M.
Paftor of the Church in Natick.
Gen. 14. 14. And when Abraham heard that his
Brother was taken Capriwe, he armed his trained
SOLDIERS, born in his own Houſe, three hundred
and eighteen, and purſued them unta Dan
Cant. 3. 7, 8. Behold bis Bed, which is Solomons,
threeſcore valiant Men are about is, of the valiant
of Iſrael. They all hold Swords, being expert in
War, every Man bath his Sword upon his Thigh,
becauſe of Fear in the Night.
BOSTON: Printed by F. Fleet, for 3 Eliot at the South
End, and 7. Phillips near the Town Dock, 17324

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2
ESSA Y
To revive
Military Exerciſes,
Skill and Valour.
2 S A M. I. 18.
Alſo be bad them teach the Children of Judab
the Uſe of the Bow.
SA Got
woll
N the latter part of this Chapter, we
have a mournful and yer manly Poem,
which was compoſed by David; who
was not only a mighty valiant Man, a
man of War, but alſo the ſweet Pfalmift of If-
rael, an accompliſhed Poet, and one that could
play well on an Inſtrument.
HE wrote this Military Elegy, on the
mournful Occaſion of the overthrow and
flaughter of ſome of the People of the Lord,
and

6 An Artillery-Ele&ion
a
and particularly the tragical Death of Saul
King of Iſrael, and his beloved Jonathan the
King's Son.m
There was War berween the Philiſtines,
who were a valiant warlike People, and the
Children of Iſrael.
Saul the King, (as becomes a brave General)
led forth his Armies himſelf to the War . He
marched and (as we may ſuppoſe) fought at
the head of his armed Soldiers : He alſo took
his Sons with him into the Camp and Field of
Battle, and mer the Forces of the Philiſtines.
There enſued a bloody Battle between theſe
a
gallant Armies: and alas! the Race is not to
the ſwift, nor the Battle to the ſtrong.
The Armies of the uncircumciſed prevailed
and
got the Day, and Iſrael fled before thens,
and fell down ſain on the Mountains of Gilboa.
I Sam. 3r. begin.
The Philiſtines well knowing how to pur-
ſue an Advantage, followed after Iſrael, and
flew the valiant and worthy Sons of the King,
even Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchiſhua ; and
;
they wounded Saal the Lord's anointed with
an Arrow.
Now when Saul ſaw the downfall of his
heroic Sons, and many of his valiant Sol-
diers, the overthrow of his Armies, and him-
ſelf wounded, and had in vain, asked his
Armour-bearer to put an end to his Life, and
ſo to his Anguilh and Miſery, he fell on his
own

SERMON. 2
own Sword and died, as if he had not been
Anointed with Oyl*. un
When the News of this was brought to
David in Zicklag, by a young Amalekite,
David and the Men that were with him rent
their Cloths, and they mourned and wept and
faſted until evening, for Saul and for Jonathan
his Son, and for the People of the Lord, and for
the Houſe of Iſrael, becauſe they were fallen by
the Sword. Verſe 11 & 12 of our Context.
And when David had done Juſtice on the
Amalekite, and was retired, he gave further
Vent to his noble Paſſions, in this mournful
and yer ſublime Funeral Song, at the begin-
ning of which ſtand the Words of our Text.
In which he celebrates the Military Accom.
pliſhments and Archievements of theſe Heroes,
and laments their Death.
The Elegy is intirely Military, as one ob-
ferves t, and 'tis plain the deſign of it was,
to fire the Ambition of the Militia of Judah,
and ſtir up in them à Martial Spirit, to quick-
en them by Military Exerciſes, to endeavour
to excel in warlike Skill and Accompliſhments 3
that they might equal and excel the Skil}
and Valour of thoſe Worthies, and riſe up in
their ſtead, and boldly carry on the War 2-
gainſt their Enemies, and avenge the Deach
of their King, his Sons, and the other valiane
Sam. 31. 4. 5. & 21 v. of the Confexi. Rev. Mr.
Synimes, in his Lovel lamented,
Soldiers

8 An Artillery-Ele&tion
Soldiers that fell with them; and recrieve
the Honour and Credit they had loſt by this
overthrow.
Agreably,
In the Text, he bad them teach the Chil-
dren of Judah the Uſe of the Bow.
“ This, as Junius obſerves, expreſſes the
“ Deſign of David, that this Song might ex-
“ cite and provoke them to addict themſelves
co Martial Exerciſes, and to acquire Skill
in the uſe of the Bow, which is here
put
for
all warlike Weapons then in Faſhion”.
And for the ſame Reaſon and with the
fame View he tells them, that good Soldiers
are the Beauty of Iſrael; he minds them of
the Valour, of the Honour and Succeſs of
Saul and Jonathan, and mentions other things
in the Elegy.
David was now upon the Death of Saul,
not only Generaliſſimo of the Forces of Iſrael,
and Captain of the Lord's Hoſts, but the King
of Iſrael, cho' not yet in poſſeſſion of the
Throne by the Act of Coronation.
And notwithſtanding his Mourning, he was
not forgetful of his Dury, nor unmindful of
che Safety and Felicity, the Honour and
Repucation of his Kingdom and People.
But at the ſame time that he publiſhes this
Song, he fends forth this wife and proper
Order and Command, or publiſhes this Law
(as one calls it) therewith, to the Officers of
che Troops and trained Bands, and to all o-
there

SERMON.
9
thers concerned in thoſe Affairs in the Tribe
of Judah; (as I may have occaſion to ob-
ſerve hereafter that they ſhould take care
that the Soldiers ſhould be taught the Arr,
Skill and Practice of War, the Uſe of Martial
Weapons.
He that writes this Hiſtory mencions this
Order, as he enters on the Recitation of the
Song, to the Honour of this great King,
And I think our Text may well be under-
ſtood in this Senſe, both becauſe of the Con-
nection & Deſign of this Story and Elegy, and
becauſe of the Idiom and Phraſe of the Hebrew,
(as far as I can judge of it) tho' there are great
Men that ſuppoſe this Expreſſion, He bad
them teach the Children of Judah the Bow,
means, he bad them teach them this Song, to
which he prefixes the Title, Kaſheth, or the
Bow.
I can't ſatisfy my ſelf with that Expofi-
tion; but allowing it, yer even the Parrons
of it, allow the Poem to have the fame View
and Deſign, and ſo the former Senſe is ſtill
good; and having good Authority on my
ſide, I may be allowed to take my Text in
that Senſe.
- And underſtanding it 10, we may obſerve
here,
1. Firſt, Who it was, and what Character he
Suſtained, who iſſued out this Order or Command.
Now 'twas the valiant and expert David,
(who as was faid) cho' taken from she Sheep-
B
folds
DIE
07

10
An Artillery-Ele&tion
folds of his father in Bethlehem *, was yer a
very brave couragious and skilful Soldier ;
he had approved himſelf ſuch an one, not
only in the celebrated Action of ſlaying Goliah,
the Champion of the Philiſtines, who was a
man of war from his Touth, when David was
but a ſtripling t, but alſo in bringing in two
hundred Foreskins of the Philiſtines at ano-
ther Timell, and now in the Slaughter of
the Amalekites tt, and many other noble Ex-
ploits which he had done.
And he was now the Captain General of
the ſtanding Forces of Iſrael, and the King
inſtead of Saul. It was this great Maſter of
the Art of War, and chief Commander, thac
gave forth his Command to teach his Soldi-
ers, his Subjects, the Military Art.
And with what Propriecy and Authority a
Command comes from ſuch an one! how
chearfully will it be received and obeyed by
Officers and Soldiers !
Generals and Captains ſhould be good Sol-
diers.
2. Secondly, Obſerve here, to whom this Or-
der was ſent.
And it plainly appears that it was not
primarily to Common Soldiers; but it was ei-
ther to the Magiſtrates of Judah, in whoſe
power it was, by the King's Approbation, to
make and execute the Martial Laws ;
*, Sam 16. 11. & 2 Sam. 7. 8. + 1 Sam. 17 chapa
1 - Sam, 18. 22. ++ Sam 30 chap:
eblos
Or

SERMON.
Il
Or to fuch Parents as had Sons capable
of learning the Art of War, and able to go
forth to War: Or rather to the Officers of the
Armies, the Colonels, Captains, Lieutenants,
and the like. * Præfe&ti rei Militaris, ſays a
Critick; the Officers, or thoſe that had the
overſight of Military Affairs.
Theſe were preſumed to be able to teach
others, and received Orders agreably.
3. Thirdly, Obſerve in the Text, the Perfors
to be taught, viz. the Children of Judah, the
Sons of Judah, as in the Original: The young
and effective Men, who were ſuitable to be
taught this Art.
Judab was the Tribe to which David be-
longed ; and his chief Dependance was upon
them for Martial Exploits, and for Conſtancy
and Fidelity to their Prince : They were alſo
a profeſſing and religious People.
They muſt then be firſt taught the Art of
War; not that the other Tribes were to be
neglected; a General will have his own
Company good Soldiers.
4. Fourthly, Obferve here, the Order, Com-
mand or Law it felf; Teach them the Bow, or,
the Uſe of the Bow. Some, tho' not all Ex-
poſitors, think this well ſupplied in our
Tranſlation, by adding the words the Uſe of,
and the Bow was a Martial Weapon, much
uſed in thoſe Days. Jonathan is celebrated
* vid. Poli Synop. in loc. So
B 2

12 An Artillery-Ele&tion
in this poem for his Skill in the uſe of it,
and the Exploits he had done by it. He had
before this, his Artillery and Bow. I Sam.20.40.
David himſelf doubtleſs well underſtood
it; and the Philiſtines were very expert
and
ſucceſsful in the uſe of it. By this they
gained the Victory juſt before mentioned o-
ver Iſrael: With the Bow they flew Saul and
his Sons.
'Tis poſſible Archery was not ſo much in
ufe now among the Children of Iſrael as it
had been; partly becauſe of the glorious Vic-
tory David had lately obrained over Goliah
with a Sling and Stone, and partly becauſe
Slings were cheaper.
But this was not out of Uſe; for ſome of
them who came to David to Zicklag, who were
mighty Men, and helpers of the War, were arm-
ed with Bows as well as Slings, i Chron: 12.
I, 2.
But on this Occaſion, that they might not
be inferiour to their Enemies in any part of
Military Skill, or the uſe of any Weapon, and
that they might fight and overcome the Ene-
mies with their own Weapons, they were to
be taught a more exact and perfect Skill
in the uſe of the Bow.
Or as is generally thought, by Bow here
is meant all Military Inſtruments, and ſo the
Command is in general, teach them all the
Art of War, and the uſe of every warlike
Weapon, but eſpecially ſuch as will be of moſt
Ad-

SERMON.
13
Advantage to fight againſt the bloody Philiſtines,
and enable them to avenge the Death of their
King, and the other brave Soldiers that fell
with him.
This experienced King and Commander
knew very well of how much Importance it
was to have a well diſciplined Army, of ſuch
as were expert and skilful in the uſe of all
Martial Weapons, to meet, fight and vanquiſh
an Enemy that was ſuch.
And 'tis not impoſſible but ſome defect of
Diſcipline and Skill among the Soldiers of
Judah, or fome dejection of Spirits on this
Overthrow, might excite him the more at
this Time to give out this Command.
And what was then reaſonable, honourable
and beautiful among a People, is ſo now. If
valiant and accompliſhed Soldiers were the
Beauty and Safety of a People then, they
are ſo in our Days.
In further ſpeaking to theſe Words, I ſhall
(by Divine Help) briefly conſider theſe three
Things, which naturally offer themſelves to
our Thoughts) viz.
Firſt, It is very dehrable, and what God's
People ought to take care of, that their Sons be
taught and trained up in the Military Art and
Skill; or that they be expert, accompliſhed
and valiant Soldiers.
Secondly, I ſhall conſider what Influence the
Example in our Text may have on thoſe who
have (in our Days) the Command of the Mili-
tia. And
Third-

14 An Artillery-Ele&tion
Thirdly, That it is deſirable that a People
be taught that Manner of warring, and Skill
in uſing thoſe Weapons of War, which
may
be
of moſt Service againſt the Enemies they have
moſt Apprehenfions from.
Firſt, I am to conſider, that 'tis very deſi-
rable, and what God's People ought to take
care of, that their Sons be taught and trained
up in the Military Art and Skill; or, that
they be expert, accompliſhed and valiant Sol-
diers.
We ſee this was one of the very firſt things
chis wiſe and prudent King took care of, af-
ter he became King, to give Orders that his
Subjects ſhould bring up their Sons in Mili-
tary Exerciſes, that they ſhould teach them
the Martial Art, and the uſe of warlike Wea-
pous. He would have their young Men early
taught it, and all grow more dexterous at it.
And he puts into their Hands at the ſame
Time this Poem, not only to eterniſe the Me-
mory of his Heroes, but to fire their martial
Courage, and ſtir them up to Emulation, and
to fill them with deſires of acquiring the Ho-
nour and Glory which belongs to skilful and
brave Soldiers.
Agreably he gives this Command, as we
may ſuppoſe, not only to Soldiers and Field-
Officers, but to the Civil Rulers, and to thoſe
Parents that had Sons fit to be educated
therein, as I have above obſerved.
And

SERMON
15
And there is as much Reaſon why our
Sons at this Day ſhould be taught this Skill
and Art, as there was in the Days of David.
We have ſeen and felt by unhappy Expe-
rience, that a People's Enjoyment of Goſpel
Privileges, is no effectual Security againſt E-
nemies and Wars: The Time is not (we may
fear) yet come, when Men may beat their
Swords into Plow-fares, and their Spears into
Pruning-hooks; that Nation ſhall not lift up
Sword againſt Nation, neither ſhall they learn
War any more *. Nor may we expect it will,
till Men will be effe&tually perſwaded in the
day of Chriſt's Power, to lay down the Wea-
pons of their Rebellion againſt the Lord of
Hoſts, and lift chearfully under the Banner of
Chriſt, the great Captain of our Salvation to
and become his obedient and loyal Subjects,
and good Soldiers.
Neither is the Profeffion of Religion in the
leaſt inconſiſtent with a Military Spirit, and
the Art of War: The moſt holy and wiſe of
all Men have practiced War, and have been
famous for their Valour and Archievements
therein, as Abraham, Moſes, Joſhua, David and
ochers; and this Command was given to fu-
dah, God's own People. Further, the Life of
a Chriſtian is compared to a Warfare, and we
are commanded to put on the Armour of God.
and to be good Soldiers of Chriſt tt.
If# 2: 4. Mica. 4. 3. Sro Pfal. + Heb. 3. 19. Eph.
6 15 11 2 Tim. 3. 3.
Net

16 An Artillery-Ele&tion
Neither is this unfeaſonable at this Day :
alcho' thro' the abundant Goodneſs of GOD,
by his Bleſſing on the wife Counſels and well
ordered Negotiations of the beſt of Kings, our
renowned and moſt righrful and gracious Sove-
reign GEORGE, there is now Peace in Europe,
for which we bleſs GOD with all our Hearts.
Nor becauſe, by the Bleſing of God on the
wiſe Adminiſtrations and prudent Managements
of the Honourable Legiſlature of this Province,
we have Peace in our Borders at preſent, and
ſome proſpect of its continuance. Solomon
had, and took care to have, Men of War,
trained expert and valiant Soldiers, even in
his peaceful Reign. 1 King. 9. 22. Cant. 3. 7, 8.
And who can tell what Changes there are
in the right Hand of the Moſt High: or how
ſoon we may again hear the Alarm of War,
and be called forth to the field of Battle?
If we conſider our Backſlidings from, and
our provoking Sins againſt God, we ſhall ſee
but little Reaſon to hope for a long ſeries
of Peace and Proſperity. And if we view the
Actions and warlike Preparations of a Na-
tion, who ſeem to make Peace only to gain
Time to prepare for War; if we ſee what
they are doing even within the Limits of our
own Province (as is ſuppoſed) and then con-
ſider the Principles that act them with re-
fpect to us, whom they call Hereticks, tho
fallly, and the Incendiaries which are among
them, I believe all will allow, that this is
nor

SERMON.
17
not a Time to let the Military Spirit & Skill
intirely die and come to nothing among us;
ro ler our Swords ruſt in their Scabbords, and
our Guns grow unfit for Service, and be in-
tirely uncapable on any Occaſion to take
up Arms, or have no Men chat know how
to handle or uſe Arms.
And I hope that an ESSAY to revive
Martial Exerciſes, Skill and Valour among
us, will not be thought unſeaſonable, nor be
unacceptable, (tho' coming from the most un-
qualified of Chriſt's Miniſters) ſince I am called
to fuch a Service on this Occaſion.
It appears then, that even in our Days and
Land, God's People ought to take care to
have their Sons taught the Military Art.
And perhaps there is as much need thac
ſach a Command as our Text ſhould be giv-
en to the Field Officers and to the Parents of
New-England, as ever there was to any Peo-
ple: For where ever was the Martial Spirit
and Skill, and Military Exerciſes at a lower
Ebb, than among us? and where ever was
chere a People that appeared leſs concerned
about their own Defence and Safety, than we
in general are ? Unlefs it were the Men of
Laiſh, who became an caſy Prey to their E-
nemies. Judg. 18. 27.
And where ever was there a People more
envied and maligned by ocher Nations than
we are, except Ifrael?
It would be a moſt beautiful and deſirea.
C
ble

18 An Artillery-Ele&tion
ble thing, to ſee a Military Spirit revive a-
mong us ; and how neceſſary this may be
found we know not, but may be too late
convinced by the unhappy Conſequenrs of
the want of it. How delightful and deſirable
it is to have our Sons, Sons of Valour and Re-
nown, expert and brave Soldiers, our Oficers
becoming their Pofts, and honoured in them.
And as our Security gives Vigour and Cou-
rage to our Enemies, this would curb their
Pride and damp their Spirits, and the Terror
of our Arms might force them to be at Peace
with us. We have ſeen ſomething of this, by
the happy Conſequents of the valiant and
heroic Exploits of our late brave Captain
LOVEWELL, and his worthy Company,
whoſe Death we ſtill lament, and whoſe Me.
mory is precious, and ought to be immortal.
Our Sons then ſhould be acquainted with
Military Exerciſes, and learn the Art of War;
their Hands ſhould be caught to War, and
their Fingers to fight. Pſal. 144. 1. They
ſhould know how to uſe the Sword, the Spear,
the Gun, and all other Martial Weapons. They
ſhould learn to keep Rank, to March, to face
to their Leaders, and make good their Ground.
They ſhould be taught how to handle their
Arms, and be expert at it: They ſhould know
the Words of Command, and underſtand well
the Martial Beat of the Drum, and the re-
viving and animating Sound of the ſhril Trum-
pet: They ſhould be taught Obedience to their
Com-

SERMON.
19
Commanders, and alſo when to charge on their
Enemies with Advantage ; what Graund to
chooſe, when to advance, and when to re-
treat; how alſo to Encamp, and how to de-
fend themſelves by Intrenchments; how to
Fortify, our Caſtles, Forts and Garriſons, and
how to beſiege thoſe of our Enemies, and bat-
ter down their Walls, and break their Ram-
parts, and how to purſue an Advantage once
gained, and all other proper Stratagems of
War.
They ſhould be inſtructed how to furbiſa
their Swords, and keep all their Arms fic for
Service ; and how to endure Hardneſs as good
;
Soldiers.
Once more, their Martial Fire ſhould be
kindled and blown up, and they ſhould learn to
be cautious of running into needleſs Dangers,
but yet when there is need, to deſpiſe Dan.
ger, and face their Enemies without Fear or Cow-
ardiſe, and boldly to jeopard their Lives unto
the Death, (like Deborah's Soldiers, Judges,
Chap. 5.) in the high places of the Field, when
called to fight the Battles of the LORD, to
fight for their Lives, Liberties, Religion, and
Cities and People of their GOD. But
I am not here to teach the Art of War, nor
to enumerate the ſeveral parts of it, but to
ſhew that Soldiers are to be taught all the
parts thereof; and this is what a People
ought to take care to ſee accompliſhed.
And I ſhall ſay but few Words for the proof
of
C2

20 An Artillery-Ele&tion
of this, and that principally agreable to my
Text and Context.
Iſt Reaſon. And firſt, A People foould do
this, becauſe ſuch Soldiers are the Beauty of a
People.
King David begins this Martial Song with
this, the Beauty of Iſrael is ſain upon the high
places, V: 19. of our Context. The Beauty of
Ifrael, i. e. the expert and valiant Soldiers of
Ifrael. Good Soldiers, as one * hence obferves,
are no ſmall part of the Beauty of God's If-
rael. Such Soldiers are beautiful in chem-
ſelves, valuable, honourable, and highly to be
eſteemed. How mean and deſpicable doth a
Nacion appear, without a diſciplined and cou
ragious Soldiery? What a Figure did Laiſha
make, compared with the Armies of Iſrael?
And how awful was the Time in Iſrael, when
there was War in the Gates, and yet not a
Sword nor Spear ſeen among forty thouſand ! and
if there had, yer perhaps not one that could
uſe them. Fudg. 5. 8. Tho' an Army with Ban-
Hers, which implies Skill and Order, is terrible
to Enemies, yer 'tis beautiful and pleaſant to
thoſe for whole Defence and Safety 'tis ens
gaged.
Now undoubtedly it becomes a People to
countenance and encourage what is beauti,
ful and honourable among them.
2d. Reaſon. The Safety and Happineſs of a
Mr, Symmes.
Pco

SERMON..
21
People, under God, depends very much on a
skilful, valiant and diſciplined Militia.
Altho' David truſted not in his Bow nor
Sword", but on God for Safety, yer under God
he truſted to his Armies, his skilful and valiant
Soldiers. What can an unskilful and cowardly
.
People do, if an Enemy come againſt them
well diſciplined and armed? Tho' our Hope
muſt be in God, and our Dependance on him
for Salvation, yet we muſt make uſe of the
beſt and moſt proper and probable Means:
And it may be truly ſaid, that our Lives,
our Liberties, our Religion, and the ſafety of
our Wives and Children, and all that is dear
to us, in a great meaſure depends on skilful
and valiant Soldiers. Such a Militia often
prevents Wars; but if it doth nor prevent
them, yet it keeps the Enemies in fear, and
at a Diſtance, and it muſt be owned to be of
unſpeakable Service in a Day of Battle: Sure-
ly 'tis then defireable, and what any People
thould think themſelves concerned in, to
have ſuch a Soldiery among them.
Further to confirm this, I may add, were
this not defireable, King David would not
have taken ſo much Care and Pains to en-
courage it ; neither would the Holy Ghoſt have
left his Example on Record in facred Writ
for our Imitation. Neither further
, would
good Soldiers have been mentioned with ſuch
Pfal. 44. 6.
diftin.

22 An Artillery-Ele&tion
diſtinguiſhing Marks of Honour thro' the
whole Scriptures.
Further, this is evident, in that God himſelf
is pleaſed to take the Titles of, A Man of War*,
the Lord of Hofts, and the Lord God ſtrong and
mighty, the Lord mighty in Battle: And alſo
to claim the Honour of teaching this Art,
Pſal. 144. 1. forecited; and in that our Savi-
our appears in the Form of a glorious Captain
of the Lord's Hoft, Foſh. 5. 13, 14. and 6. 2,
and at another Time on a red Horſe in his
Martial Glory, Zech. I. 8. But this is ſo evi-
dent in it ſelf, and has been ſo fully and ela-
borately proved by ſuch as have ſtood here
before me on like Occaſions, that I need ſay
no more under this general Head.
Secondly, I proceed now Secondly to confi-
der, as I propoſed, What Influence the Exam-
ple in our Text may have on thoſe who have
(in our Day) the Command of the Militia.
And our Text ſeems to have a double Aſpect:
1. Firſt, The King's Example may refer to
ſuch as are honoured by God, ſo as to be placed
at the head of the Militia.
And as to them I may humbly fay, Will
they not be pleaſed to uſe their Influence and
Authority to encourage Military Exerciſes, and
ſo to revive a Martial Spirie and Skill in the
Art of War, among the Children of God's Peo-
ple:
• Exod. 15. 3. Pfal. 24.
Ву

SERMON.
23
By honouring and countenancing ſuch Exer-
ciſes with their Preſence, as they ſee meer ;
by endeavouring that good Laws be made and
provided for the Militia, and properly exe-
cuced. And
By advancing ſuch Perſons to the Honour of
bearing Commiſſions under Them, as are every
way qualified and accompliſhed therefor: Men
that will honour God and the King, and main-
tain the Dignity and Authority of their poſts,
and have a due regard to Order and Diſci-
pline ; and Men that are able to teach others
che Art of War, and the Uſe of Martial Wea-
pons. : Men of a publick and generous Spirit,
of known Probity and Faithfulneſs, and of
exemplary Temperance and Sobriety, who will
endeavour to promote Order, Temperance and
Vertue, as well as Military Skill and Valour
among their Soldiers. Pfal. 101. 6. Doubr-
leſs David's Eyes were on ſuch to dwell with
him in the Camp, as well as Court; and this
will have an happy Influence on the advance-
ment of Vertue and Religion, as well as che
Art and Skill of War.
Secondly, But the Example in our Text alſo
reſpects ſuch as are honoured with Commiſions
under the CAPTAIN-GENERAL and Chief
Commander.
The Command in the Text may be fup-
poſed to be given particularly to them; and
if it be incumbent on the chief Oficers and
the Legiſlature to give them Orders, Com-
mands

24
An Artillery-Ele&tion
mands and Laws for the Militia, ſurely they
ſhould pay a due Honour and Regard to them.
I may therefore with due deference fay,
this Matter belongs alſo to the other com-
manders of the Armies of this our Ifrael ; to
the Captains of thouſands, and the Captains of
Hundreds; or in the Language of the preſent
Day, to the Colonels, to the Majors, to the
Captains, &c. every one that bears a Commiſ-
fion in the Field, is to uſe his Endeavour to
revive and enconrage Military Exerciſes, and
the Martial Spirit, Art and Courage among
US.
And in order hereto, to labour to excel in
warlike Skill, and make himſelf an accompliſh-
ed Soldier, and Maſter of the Art of War,
which he is to teach others; to take care to
fill
up
and honour the Office he ſuſtains, and
maintain the Dignity and Authority of it.
If there be any Honour in your Commiſions,
as ſurely Sirs there is; then do not loſe it,
nor let it ſuffer, and be brought into Con-
rempt, by ſlighting & defpiſing it your ſelves,
and ſuffering others, or giving them Occafi-
on to trample on it.
1 may fay further, ſuch are to endeavour
to inſtruct their Soldiers in the Art of War,
and the Uſe of warlike Weapons, and make
chem expert therein: And in order hereto,
to attend with dure Care, and in the proper
Seaſons, on Military Exercies on Days of
Troopings, Trainings, &c. and this for che
true

SERMON.
25
true and noble End thereof; not for Sport
and Mirth, nor to give magnificent Treats to
your Soldiers, which is ſo deſtructive to
Martial Skill and Valour, and ſo often fru-
ſtrates the great Ends of Trainings; but for
the advancement of Military Art and Skill,
and to fit your Soldiers for Actual Service.
I may ſay further, our Text may be con-
ceived to concern Parents and Maſters, they
are to ſend their Children and Servants to
Trainings, and by all proper Means endea-
vour to train them up in Military Exerciſes
and Skill.
And this Art and thefe Exerciſes are too
noble, manly and honourable, to be below or
unbecoming the Dignity of the greateſt
. The
excellent Example of our Father Abraham,
who trained up all his Servants in the Affairs
of War, Gen. 14. 14. ſhould excite us hereun-
7
And all Soldiers ought conſcientiouſly to
attend their Duty herein: If they are to be
taught, then they muſt endeavour to learn
War. They are not to flight, nor careleſly
.
neglect to attend, much leſs deſignedly avoid
the Exerciſes preſcribed by Law, for their E-
ducation in this manly and neceſſary Art.
They are not to come to the Field to mock
and deride their Officers, nor mecrly for
Spore and Diverfion; but with hearty deſires
and ſincere endeavours to acquaint themſelves
with all the Exerciſes, and every part of the
Art of War.
Bur
te.

An Artillery-Ele&tion
But 'tis time I proceed to the third and
laſt Thing I propoſed for clearing the Text,
viz.
Thirdly, That 'tis deſireable that a People
ſhould be taught that Manner of warring, and
the Uſe of thoſe Martial Weapons which may
be of moſt Service againſt thoſe Enemies that
they are moſt likely to have War with.
The Philiſtines were an Enemy that the
King and People of Iſrael at that time moſt
feared ; they had long been a Scourge to
them; and they had a well trained Army,
skilful in the Art, and expert in the Uſe and
handling of the Weapons of War; bold in ad-
venturing, and couragious in fighting.
Now a great part of their Strength lay in
their Dexterity and Skill in the uſe of the Bow;
they were expert Archers, as we learn from
the Account of the Battle with Saul and his
Armies, forecited 1 Sam. 31. and as has been
above noted.
And now being fluſhed with the late Victo-
ry, they were like to be undaunted in ano-
ther Onſet, and therefore David would have
his Soldiers now caught the uſe of the Bow ;
(but not ſo as to neglect the uſe of other Wea-
pons) that they might meer their Enemies
with the ſame Weapon, and excel them there,
in, and vanquiſh them therewith.
And this ſhows how proper and commend-
able 'tis for God's People to teach their Sol-
diers, if not the very fame Weapons that
their

SERMON.
27
their Enemies uſe, yet at leaſt ſuch as are of
moſt Service to fight againſt them with.
Our Sons are then not only to be taught
the Art of War in general, but that manner
of fighting and carrying on a War in particu-
lar, and the uſe of thoſe Weapons which are
moſt likely to ſucceed in proſecuting a War,(if
ever there be Occaſion, which God grant
there never may) againſt the Enemies we
have moft Reaſon to fear that we may have
War with. And the Cafe may be fo with a
People, that they may have Occaſion and
Need to have their Soldiers acquainted with
all ſorts of warring, all manner of fighting,
and the uſe of all kinds of Military Weapons ;
they may have Occaſion to acquaint them-
ſelves not only with the Weapons and Man-
ner of War with one, and that a neighbour-
ing Nation, but with different and diſtant
People: and may it not be ſo within this
Land ?
9
And he will be a finiſhed Soldier, that can
find, fight and conquer his Enemies in the
Thicker of the Woods; and immediately fall
into a marſhalled and regular Army, or into
a diſciplined Troop, and fight and overcome
in open Field; and alſo excel again on the
mighty Deep, and underſtand the beſt Man-
ner of fighting on the Sea And Soldiers
ſhould not only learn to handle their Arms,
nd uſe their Weapons, but it becomes them
co ſtudy their Enemies, to know the Weapons
of
a
D 2

28
An Artillery-Ele&tion
of War they uſe, and in which they are moſt
expert; to know where their Strength lies,
and ſo how they may with the greateſt Eaſe
defend themſelves, and annoy and vanquiſh
their Enemies.
In this lies a very conſiderable part of the
Accompliſhments of a Soldier.
The ſame Weapons, the fame Manner of
fighting that the diſciplined Armies of Europe
uſe and practice to Advantage, would not be
ſo ſerviceable againſt the Enemies that have
moſt troubled New-England. And ſo on the
contrary.
And ſince we are not ſure but we may a.
gain be moleſted by them, or others like
them; and ſince 'tis nor impoſſible that we
may be invaded by more regular Armies from
beyond the Seas, and be called to fight with
valiant and marſhalled Armies, and diſcipli-
ned Troops in the open Field; I would here
(as my Text leads me) humbly offer to Confi-
deration, whether it is not defireable, and
would not be prudent in this People of the
LORD, and that even now cho' in a Time of
Peace,
ift. That ſome of the young and valiant Sons
of New-England, ſhould be trained up in the
way of fighting, and the uſe of thoſe warlike In-
ftruments that would be of moſt Service in a
War

SERMON.
29
War againſt the Salvages of the Wilderneſs and
their Confederates *?
Might it not be of unſpeakable Service to
this Land, if ſome of our brave, hardy and
intrepid Youths, and others in our Frontier
Towns and elſewhere, might be encouraged
by fome Means to acquaint themſelves more
perfectly with the Woods, and that even in
the Land of thoſe that have been our Ene-
mies, and find out the Hants and lurking Pla-
ces of thoſe who have done us moſt hurt;
that if ever they ſhould be called forth, they
may know where and how to find out our
Enemies, and fight and conquer them even
when they are at home. That they inure them-
ſelves to Travel, and learn to enduré Hardneſs;
learn to travel in the Woods and Swamps, in
which there is a great Art; and to know the
Hills, Mountains and Rivers; that they may
not be any where at a loſs; and alſo to make
themſelves perfect in the uſe of thoſe Weapons
which are moſt adapted to ſuch Services.
We have ſeen ſomething of the Advantages
* 'Tis with fingular Satisfaction to me, that His
EXCELLENCY has in his great Wiſdom and Pater-
nal Concern and Care for the laſting Peace and Prol-
perity of this Province, recommended the fame
Thing that I have here humbly offered, to the Ho.
nourable General Aſſembly, as I find in his Speech
to the Honourable Court, on the iſt of June 1732.
which I was not ſo happy as to fee, till after the de-
livery of this Diſcourſe, it being printed the ſame
Day,
of

30 An Artillery-Ele&ion
*
of this; and it is much to be wiſhed, that we
might not be dejected, nor ler fuch a Spirit
die among us for want of Countenance and
Encouragement: And that altho' ſome fuch
mighty and valiant Soldiers * have fallen glo-
riouſly fighting for us in the fields of the
Woods.
And would it not alſo be of great Service
to us, if Troops, which have been ſuch a Ter-
ror to theſe Enemies, and ſuch a Safe-guard
to us in former Days, might be encouraged?
and that a proper Proportion of our Soldiers
might by ſuitably Exerciſes be made expert
and skilful in every part of the Art of ma-
naging of and fighting with the Horſe? of
which we have, thar Character given Job 39.
19. and on
The Advantage hereof might be unſpeaka-
ble. If it were known among thoſe Nations,
that we are every way prepared with expert
and valiant Troopers and other Soldiers, this
might happily prevent much Bloodſhed, and
perhaps prevent there ever being another
War. But if there ſhould be nothing of this
Nature, we may well fear that they who have
feldom or never been at Peace with us, but
becauſe they feared our Forces, or to ſerve
themſelves of us, will (when they ſee us
careleſs) again get Heart and Courage, and
moleft us.
viz. The expert and valiant Capt. Lovewell
, Robbins, Frye,
Harwood, Fullam, and ſcyeral others.
And
.

SERMON.
30
And may we not think, that ſome of the
Nations of the Indians have been (by God)
left to prove us by, that we might know and
20 teach us War, as ſome of the Nations of
Canaan were ? Judges 3. begin. And ought we
not to endeavour to anſwer God's juſt Ex-
pectations from us herein ?
I would juſt ſay, Is it not to be wiſhed,
that our Frontiers might be ſettled in a more
defenſive Poſture ? and that our Forts and
Garriſons might be always kept in due Repair?
ſtored with good Arms and Ammunition, and
manned with expert effective and valiant
Commanders and Soldiers ?
But after all, will it not be allowed in me,
if I take this opportunity unexpectedly put
into my Hands by God, to ſay thus publick-
ly, Is there not yet a more excellent Way ?
I mean to overcome and win over to us the
Indian Tribes, by obſerving ſtrict Juſtice in
our Commerce with them, and by not allow.
ing them large Quantities of ſpirituous Drink,
which is ſo deſtructive to moſt of that Peo.
ple? and by uſing all poſſible Means and
Methods to inſtruct them in and win them
over to, the true and holy Proteſtant Religion?
From what I know of that people, I am
fully perſwaded that ſuch Wiſdom would be
much better than Weapons of War with them,
and more effectually ſubdue them under us.
And it may be well worthy Conſiderati-
on and Enquiry, Whether we as & People,
have

32 An Artillery-Ele&tion
2
have done all that God expects of us in this
reſpect? and whether God has not formerly
fuffered them to be Pricks in our Eyes, and
Thorns in our Sides, to excite us to a greater
Care and Concern for their precious and im-
mortal Souls?
It is a lamentable Truth *, that the Engliſh
do much to debauch them, and in a dreadful
degree (by bad Counſel, and by giving and
ſelling them inebriating Liquors, notwith-
ſtanding the Laws of God, and the good Laws
of this Land againſt fo finful and deſtructive
a Practice) prevent the Efficacy that it might
be hoped the Goſpel might otherwiſe have
upon them, where they enjoy it. And ſhould
we not, as a People, do as much to ſave their
immortal Souls, as particular Perſons do to
ruin and deſtroy them?
And will it not be pleaſing to God, and
profitable even to us, if there be ſome effettual
Way found, to have proper and well qualified
Miſionaries ſent among them? and that there
be ſuch Encouragement given by thoſe who
have the Management of this Affair put into
their Hands by God, as would be effectaal
in ſome good meaſure, to excire ſuch among
the Sons of the Prophets in our Land, who are
Men well qualified with natural Strength of
Body, and accompliſhed with the Endowments
of good Literature and proper Diſpoſitions and
I ſay this, becauſe I know it by unhappy Experience.
Graces

SERMON.
33
Graces, to undertake a Service which will try
che Powers and Graces of the greateſt Men?
Tho' this be a Digreſſion, yet I hope my im-
mediate Concern for ſome of that Nation,
will be eſteemed a ſufficient Excuſe for me*.
I proceed to ſay,
2dly. Is it not very deſireable, and will it
not be very honourable and profitable, that others
be taught thoſe Military Exerciſes, and the uſe
of thoſe Weapons that may be moſt ſuitable to
encounter Regular Troops and diſciplined Armies
in the open Field ?
Indeed 'tis proper that all Soldiers ſhould
be taught this; and particularly thoſe chat
inhabit the Sea-Coaſts, and are moſt expoſed
to the Invaſion of any foreign Prince or Power.
Such ſhould be exerciſed and skilled in the
Manner of fighting, and the uſe of thoſe Infiru-
* Here again I cannot forbear (with the greatáſt
Gratitude to God) to expreſs my very great Joy,
to find in His EXCELLENCY's late Speech be-
fore-mentioned, a Paragraph, wherein the Encou-
ragement and Support of Millioneries among the
Eaſtern Indians is recommended to the Honourable
General Court. 'Tis with Admiration and Praiſe
to God, that I read and hear what pious and gene-
rous Perſons have done and are doing in England
and Scotland, for the Advancement of pure Religion
among the Indians here: And I cannot but ardents
ly wiſh and pray, that this Province may join (a.
greable to the pious Propoſal of his Excellency)
and do all that is proper for the Advancement of
that glorious Delign, wherein the Honour of God
and our own Felicity is ſo much concerned.
E
ments

34 An Artillery-Ele&tion
3
ments and that Armour which are moſt uſed
among the warlike Nations round about. .
This is alſo of very great Importance, and
'tis pity it ſhould ever be diſcountenanced,
diſcouraged or come to nothing.
And I cannot be pleaſed with the Reaſon-
ing of ſuch as argue, that becauſe this ho-
nourable Artillery Company are not caught the
Manner of fighting uſed by the Salvages in
the Wilderneſs, ſo much as the more noble
and manly Exerciſes of the more poliſhed and
civilized Nations; and becauſe they are not
called forth to fight in the Woods; that there-
fore they and their Exerciſes are to be ſligh-
ted and diſcountenanced ; and that 'tis too
great an Honour done to them annually, to
keep up the Solemnities of this Day.
Surely our honoured Fathers in the Civil
Government and the Miniſtry did not think ſo:
And if theſe Things were intirely laid aſide,
'cis much to be feared that in time our Caſe
would be like that of Laiſh before-mention-
ed. I can't think but theſe Things have and
may have an happy Influence on the Military
Affairs of the Province, as long as they have
the Smiles and Countenance of our honoura-
ble Legiſlature, and of the venerable Miniſtry
of the Province.
I may juſt add thirdly and laſtly,
3dly. Is it not proper and deſirable, that
Some among this people ſhould be taught the Me-
thods and the uſe of Inſtruments proper for Sca-
Fight?
Vali-

SERMON.
35
Valiant and expert Admirals and Sea-Cap-
tains are as honourable and uſeful as Officers
in the Field ; and gallant Soldiers on the Seas
are Men highly to be eſteemed.
The Engliſh Navy, and the unequalled Sol-
diers in the Britiſh Fleet, have been no ſmall
part of the Glory and Safety of the Realm for
a long Time ; and 'cis pity we ſhould ever
loſe the Command of the Seas.
Would it not then be well, if our Sailors
and thoſe of our Brethren who are called to
do Buſineſs on the mighty Waters, might be
made expert Soldiers allo?
Thus I have (as God has enabled me )
conſidered this part of the holy Scriptures ;
and I think I have advanced nothing but
what (without Force) flowed from it, in the
Senſe I have underſtood it, and what is a-
greable to the Analogy of Faith, and in ſome
meaſure applicable to the Occaſion of this Day.
The Application ſhall be in few Words.
And in general, Let what has been offered,
ſerve to excite all the Lord's People to en-
deayour to revive a Martial Spirit among the
Children of New England; and do what they
can to encourage the teaching and acquiring
the Military Art, Skill and Valour.
This was the chief Deſign of our Text, and
of this Elegy, (as all agree) even to ſtir
warlike Spirit, Emulation and Valour, and
quicken to teach and learn the Art of War
among the Sons of Judah, as was before ob-
ſerved.
And
up a
E 2

36
An Artillery-Ele&ion
And my Deſign has been in this Diſcourſe,
to advance the Glory of God in promoting the
fame good End; and I ſhall think I have
been Inſtrumental in doing good Service for
God and this his People, if this imperfect
Diſcourſe may be bleſſed and made Service,
able to promote theſe Things.
And will every one be intreated and pre-
vailed with to do what is proper in his Place,
to promote Skill and Valour among our Sol-
diers :
And the noble Example of this valorous and
renowned General and King, is with Submiſſion,
humbly propoſed to Your EXCELLENCY.
And we truſt that the honourable General
Court will be intreated to join herein, if not
by making new Laws, even fuch as might
more effectually compel thoſe that are not to
be drawn by a ſenſe of Honour and Duty to
it, to endeavour to acquire Military Skill, by
increaſing the Fines on Delinquents.
Or if this be not thought proper, yer that
there be fome effectual Care taken, that the
good Laws already provided may be duly
executed ; and not ſhamefully ſlighted, neg.
lected or evaded by Officers or common Sol-
diers.
. Again, will ſuch of whom it is expected
that they make a Preſentation of the Names
of thoſe who may be ſer at the Head of
par-
ticular Companies, (as Captains, &c.) be
exhorted to take due Care therein, that they
pre-

SERMON . A 37
prefent ſuch as are every way qualified and
accompliſhed.
We would hope, that none will do
any
thing of that Importance for Favour or Par-
tiality, much leſs for the ſake of Gain: if
they do, they muſt in a very great meaſure
anſwer for the Defects of ſuch Officers, and
bear the Reproach of it.
For it is morally impoſſible for one Man
perſonally to know the Character of
every
Man in ſuch a Province as this is.
Further, Ler all who have or may have
the Honour to bear Commiſſions under the
King in the Militia, be exhorted to honour
your Poſts, whether higher or lower, and
faithfully perform the Duties of them: Endea-
vour to be expert, accompliſhed and moſt vali-
ant Soldiers your ſelves.
And here I would propoſe, Would it not
be of Advantage in order hereto, if more of
the Officers of the Militia would be pleaſed
to liſt into the ARTILLERY-COMPANY
This Honourable Company was undoubtedly
deſigned in its Original, to be a ſort of COL-
LEGE, to train up and Educate the Sons of
this. People in Military Skill, and make them
expert and valiant Soldiers *
.
And many of the Commiſſion Officers, the
a
See the Charter of this honourable Company, dated
April 24. 1638. Thus careful were our Fathers to
promole every thing that might be for the future
Peace and Happineſs of their Poſterity.
Co.

38
An "Artillery-Election
Colonels, Majors, Caprains, &c. of the ad:
jacent and fome of diſtant Regiments and
Companies formerly (as I am told) did be-
long to it; fo that it was a Seminary of ex-
pert Commanders, and was of extenſive Ser-
viceableneſs; and 'tis pity it ſhould not be
fo ſtill. Will then the Officers be intreated
to join themſelves to it, and by this and o-
ther Means accompliſh themſelves more and
more for the Offices they ſuſtain, and the
Services expected from them.
And then carefully and ſeaſonably attend
Military Exerciſes, Days of Training, and the
proper Buſineſs thereof; obſerve the Laws
of the Militia, and endeavour to teach thoſe
under you the Art of War: Maintain the Ho-
nour and Authority of your Poſts, and ſuffer
not your Selves and Offices to fall into Con-
tempt. Be known in your Offices, at leaſt in
the Field.
And beware of every thing that may in the
leaſt blemiſh your Character as Men of He-
nour and as Chriſtians. Once more, be pere
ſwaded to do what in you lies, by your Ex-
amples, Inſtructions and Authority, to keep
your Soldiers from Intemperance and Diſor-
ders on the Days fet apart for Military Ex-
erciſes, and on the Evenings following.
And let the Miniſters of Chriſt do what is
proper
for them in their place to encourage
chefe Things
And

SERMON.
39
And let Parents and Maſters alſo join here-
in; and let us not bring up our Children fo
tenderly and delicately, that they ſhall be
unable to endure Hardneſs on any Occaſion.
Finally, let all Soldiers be excited hence,
duly, ſeriouſly and conſcientiouſly to attend
Trainings, and all the Exerciſes in order to
become good Soldiers: Don't flight nor ſhun
them, nor attend them only for Diverſion,
but make a Buſineſs of them in their Seaſons
and endeavour to make your felves Maſters
of the Art of War. And O keep your felves
from Effeminacy and Intemperance, which has
been the ruin of ſo many Soldiers. .
All that now remains, is a more particular
'Application of theſe Things to the very anci-
ent and honourable Company who have called
me to ſpeak to them in the Name of the LORD
this Day.
Honoured and much Eſteemed,
What has been now laid, has a ſingular
Reference, and may (I think) with great
Propriety be applied to You.
Your Profeſion as Soldiers is truly Honour-
able, and much to be eſteemed; and alſo 10
be encouraged by all God's People in their
ſeveral Stations and Relations: and your
Exerciſes and Endeavours to make your
felves accompliſhed Soldiers are laudable, and
to be fmiled upon, countenanced and encou-
raged.
And

40 An Artillery-Ele&tion
your felves.
And as this Company was many Years fince
erected, and very much honoured by the
Magiſtrates of that Day, and favoured and
countenanced by the Miniſtry; ſo it may be
ſtill, if it be not in ſome meaſure owing to
The Honourable General Court put great
Honour upon this Company in the begin-
ning *, and ſince; and they have lately puc
ſingular Marks of Reſpect on you; nor are
the Ambaſadors of Chriſt wanting in ſhowing
you all that Regard that is proper for Men
of our Character.
GOD himſelf has alſo honoured your Pro-
feſſion, not only in the great Regards ſhown
to expert and valiant Soldiers in the Sacred
Oracles, but by taking to himſelf the Name
of a Man of War, the Lord of Hoſts, the God
of Armies, the Lord mighty in Battle, and the
like.
And hence it may be ſaid to you, undoubt-
edly God and Man expect ſomething ſingular
and extraordinary in and from you: You are
to be skilful, expert and valiant Soldiers : 'tis
expected that
you
be expert in the uſe of the
Bor, or all Martial Weapons; that you la-
bour to revive theſe Exerciſes, and the Art
of War; and if a warlike Spirit decays every
where elſe, we would hope to find it in the
Artillery.
* In the Privileges granted to it, and ſome Lands
given to defray the Charges.
We

SERMON.
41
We lament every thing in this Company,
that looks like a drawing back from that
Martial Spirit Skill and Valour that was once
your Glory.
And 'tis much to be wiſhed, that more of
the Commiſſion-Officers of the Regiments and
Companies in the Country did belong to
your Company, that they might be well (and
chey can't be too well) qualified and accom-
plifhed for the Pofts they ſuſtain, and the
Service they are called to.
And is not a Military Spirit, and a Love
and Regard to the warlike Exerciſes and Art
very much decay'd even in this Company? Are
not your Days of Training very much difre-
garded, and thinly attended? have you not
very many Delinquents ?
And have all that do attend, a due regard
to promote Expertneſs in the Military Art in
themſelves and others ?
Sirs, Conſider, you are Voluntiers herein,
and you have Power by your Charter in ſome
meaſure to regulate theſe Things.
You will then (I truſt) ſuffer me to ſay,
Will it not be for the Honour of GOD, and of
your Company, and help to revive and
pro-
mote Military Skil, which is the profeſſed
Deſign of this. Honourable Company, for you
to take care that you admit nor any to the
Honoars and Privileges of your company, but
,
ſuch as appear truly deſirous to learn War,
F
and

42 An Artillery-Ele&tion
and are effe&tive Men, Men of known Loyalty,
Vertue and Temperance ?
And when you chooſe your Officers, that
you
elect thoſe that are Men of a Marſhal
and valiant Spirit, ſuch as you will willingly
fight under if called to it ; Men that are able
to reach you the Art of War, and will do it ;
and ſuch as you may think can and will
march before you, and lead you into the
Field of Battle, and fight at the Head of your
Company, and teach you Courage, and in
fpire you with Valour by their own Exam
ple?
And ſuch as may be choſen, are to labour
to be well qualified for what is juſtly ex-
pected from them in ſuch Pofts and Scations.
Further, as Endeavours to gain Dexterity
and Expertneſs in the Art of War are truly
laudable, ſo you are all to be exhorred, with
Diligence to attend every Opportunity puc
into your Hands for the Advancement there-
of.
'Tis really diſhonourable for any of this
Company to be Delinquents, when it may be
helped.
You may make Laws in a great meaſure
for governing your ſelves; and 'tis in your
Power to augment the Fines: and might it
not be well to do it, if you ſhall find chat a
fenſe of Honour and a love to theſe Exerciſes,
and a deſire of the Glory of being expert and
brave

SERMON.
43
Brave Soldiers, prove Motives too weak to
fill up your Ranks and Files ?
You are alſo in the Name of GOD to be
exhorted, to purſue thefe Things for righe
Ends ; even for the Glory of GOD, and that
you may be better qualified and accompliſh-
ed (if called thereto) to fight the Battles of
the LORD, and play the Men for the Lives,
Liberties, Religion, and the Cities of God.
You ought to have this in your View, to
qualify your felves for actual Service.
And you ought to confider, whether you
can anſwer it, if you have no higher Views
than to beat the Air with your Weapons, and
to make your Days of Exerciſe, Days of Sport
and Diverſion ; ſince the Divine Aids are ſo
ſolemnly implored for you, and the Divine
Bleſſing upon you, (at your deſire at leaſt)
once a Year; and you come into the Houſe
of God, that you and theſe Exerciſes may be
fanctified by the Word and Prayer.
Laſtly, and above all,
Lift under the Banner of the glorious
Captain of your Salvation : ſtudy your Spiri-
tual Warfare : prove your Spiritual Armour :
put on the whole Armour of God; and be ex-
pert in the Uſe of every Weapon therein ;
and your Weapons in this are not Carwal bui
Spiritual, and mighty thro' God, for the pulling
down of ſtrong bolds. Again, ftudy your Ene-
mies, and be por ignorant of their Devices.
Learn

44 An Artillery-Ele&tion
Learn how to meet and how to vanquillo
them. And be of good Courage herein ; play
the Man for your precious Souls ; never give
Ground, nor cowardly quit the Field : be al-
ways on your Guard, and compleatly armed:
Face to your glorious Leader, looking to JE-
SUS, who always rides forth in his Royalty
ar the Head of his Armies, with his Banners
diſplayed, and he will give them the Victo-
ry.
Your Calling ſhould mind you of this
Warfare, and it may greatly ſerve you in it:
And co be an expert and valiant Soldier in o-
ther Wars, and unskild and cowardly in this,
is inexcuſable.
And here tho' you fight againſt Principa-
lities and Powers, and tho' all the Forces and
gloomy Regiments of the Prince of the power
af the Air are ſet in Bartle array againſt you,
yet be not diſmayed, but truſt in your Cap-
tain; who has ſpoiled Principalities and Pow-
ers, and made a few of them openly. And if
you ſtudy and become Maſters of the Art
of this War, and do not ſhamefully fly your
Colours, nor defert the Service of your Cap-
tain, but prove your ſelves expert, valiant
and loyal Soldiers; and if you hold out to
the End, you ſhall be more than Conquerors
thro' Chriſt who has loved you.
And this part of the Exhortation belongs
to all.
Every

SERMON.
45
Every one, Male and Female, muft lift
Voluntiers in this War; and we muſt herein
fight ; fight manfully, or die eternally. Let eve-
ry one then fo manage this Spiritual Warfare
now, wherein you muſt fight, not as one that
beats the Air, but very couragiouſly, and be
always in actual Service, and take the King-
dom of Heaven by a holy Violence; that you
may, when encountring Death, the King of
Terrors, the laſt Exemy, be able to ſay joy-
fully and triumphantly, with him 1 Tim. 4.
7, 8. I have fought a good Fight, I have finiſh-
ed my Courſe, I have kept the Faith; hence-
forth there is laid up for me a Crown of Righ-
teouſneſs, which the LORD the righteous Judge
Mall give me at that Day.
Laus Deo.
Amen.
FI N I S.

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302
ca.
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Peabody, Oliver

Pe
DUTTON & CO.NY.
GEORGER.DYER
EX LIBRIS
ED