The dignitie of chiualrie set forth in a sermon preached before the Artillery Company of London, Iune xiij. 1626. By William Gouge, B. of Diuinity and preacher of Gods Word, in Black-friers London.

THE DIGNITIE OF CHIVALRY ; Set forth in a Sermon preached before the Artillery Company of London , 13. Iune 1626. 2 CHRON. 8. 9.

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

THEY were MEN of WARRE .

THe Dignity of Chiualry The Sum of Text , & Sermon . ( a point very pertinent for this present appointment ) is the Pearle that is enclosed in the casket of my Text. Hereof that you may take the better view , I will set open this casket in your sight . Bee pleased therefore to take notice of the generall Scope whereat the holy Ghost aimeth in this Chapter : thereby you may discerne that the forenamed point , The dignity of Chiualry , is not violently wrested , but properly ariseth out of my Text. The Summe of this Chapter is A Declaration of the Magnificence of Salomon . Among other euidences thereof this is one , that his natiue Subiects , Children of Israel , THEY were MEN of WARRE . The originall expresseth none but words of weight : Circumstantiall words , which are as bonds to knit word to word , it leaueth to bee vnderstood . There are therefore three onely words in the originall , all which set out the Dignity of Chiualry , and that by the Persons , their Property , and Part whereunto they were put ,

The first word 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 THEY noteth The Parts of the Text. out Singular Persons .

The second , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 MEN , a Speciall Property .

The third , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 WARRE , a Select imployment .

THEY were MEN of WARRE .

In the two verses before my Text , it is said , that there were left of the 2 Chron. 8. 7 , 8. Hittites , and the Amorites , and the Perizites , and the Hiuits , and the Iebusites , who were not of Israel : and that being left , they were so brought vnder , as Salomon made them to pay tribute . They might therefore haue beene put to any office or worke that the King would : yet were not THEY MEN of WARRE . They were too meane and vnmeet persons , for a function Who not fit for Warre . so high and honourable . On the contrary , in the words immediately before my Text , it is said , Of the children 2 Chron. 8. 9. of Israel , did Salomon make no seruants for his worke . They being men of better note and name , were reserued for a more honourable imployment , which my Text thus expresseth , THEY were MEN of WARRE : which words are inferred on the former , by way of opposition , with this aduersatiue Particle BVT . They were no seruants for worke : BVT THEY were MEN of WARRE . As Who fit for Warre the meaner and baser sort were made seruants for Worke , so the better and excellenter sort were made Souldiers for Warre . THEY were MEN of WARRE . Nor Hittites , nor Amorites , nor Perizites , nor Hiuits , nor Iebusites , BVT Israelites , THEY were MEN of WARRE . No Slaues , no Captiues , no Aliens , no Forrainers , but Fre men , Free-borno , Natiue Subiects , Naturall Citizens , THEY were MEN of WARRE . Thus this relatiue Particle 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 THEY , as here it is vsed , is to be taken 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 with an excellency , as importing some eminency of the Persons here meant . This choice then of Persons , maketh much to the Dignity of Chiualry .

2. As there was choice made of The property of men of Warre . persons in regard of their outward priuiledge , Israelites , Natiues , Citizens : so also in regard of their inward property . For the second word of my Text , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 MEN , though it be oft vsed for mortal men , subiect to many miseries , yet is it also put for 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 valourous men , and attributed to those choice men which were taken out of the twelue seuerall Tribes of Israel , Numb. 13. 2 , 3. and sent to spie the Land of Canaan . Yea , this very word is twice vsed in that exhortation which the Philistims vse to encourage one another , when they heard that the Arke of the LORD was brought into the hoste of the Israelites : and it is used to set out valour and courage in men . For thus , word for word , it may be translated , 1 Sam. 19. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 est●te viri . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Situ viri . Be Men : some translate it thus , Play the MEN : Others thus , Quit you like MEN. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 by trāsposition of a letter , are 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Men of place & power , Commanders , Captaines . Thus the MEN here meant , may be distinguished from the vulgar , common sort of men . The Hebrew put such a difference betwixt 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 as the Grecians doe betwixt 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , and the Latines betwixt Vir and Homo . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 importeth such an one as hath in him 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Fire , Life , and Spirit : but. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 a man of the earth . Vir by the Latines is so called of virtue & prowesse : but homo ab humo , as 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Herod . in Poly●● . of the earth . In Greeke , they most properly are stiled 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 who are 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , virtuous , valorous , magnanimious : but all of all sorts 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Our English is herein penurious , it wanteth fit words to expresse this difference : we call all , whether mighty or meane , Men : yet sometimes this word MEN in our tongue hath his Emphasis , as in these and such like phrases , They haue played the MEN. They haue shewed themselues MEN. They are MEN indeed . Thus in the english translation of the Scripture it is vsed , 1 Cor. 16. 13. Quit you like MEN. And 2 Sam. 10. 12. Let vs play the MEN. That the word here in my Text is so to be taken , is euident by comparing this with like places . Those valiant men that came out of 1. Chr. 12. 23. sundrie Tribes to Dauid in Hebron , to turne the Kingdome of Saul to him , of whose courage and prouesse much is spoken , are stiled with the words here in my Text , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Men of — Ver. 38 Ioel 2. 7. Warre . The Prophet Ioel applieth these two phrases 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Mighty men , & 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Men of War , — 3. 9. to the same persons . Where the magnificence of Iehosaphat is set out as Salomons 2. Chr. 17. 13. magnificence is here set out , in Ierusalem there are said to bee 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Men of Warre , and by way of exposition , they are further stiled 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Mighty men of valour . They were therefore choice Men of courage , Men of valour , that are here ment in my Text : so as their Propertie doth further setout the Dignity of Chiualry , In that , though Natiues onely and Israelites were deputed to the imployment here mentioned , yet not all sorts of Natiues and Israelites , but such as were well reputed of for virtue and valour , and fit for their imployment .

3. These Natiues of name , select Preparation for warre vnder a Prince of peace . Subiects , Men of mighty minds , to what imployment were they appointed ? Euen to Warre . They were Men of WARRE . What need might there then bee thought to bee of Men of Warre ? Had all the Nations round about proclaimed Warre against Israel , as in Ioshuahs time ? Or was Ios. 5. 8. Warre within their gates , as before Deborahs daies ? Or were their enemies Iudg. 5. 8. Rulers ouer them , as when Iudg. 15. 11 Sampson began to be a Iudge in Israel ? No such matter . What then ? Was this the time to take reuenge of Israels enemies for former wrongs , to secure the Land of them , and to bring them vnder subiection ? Surely noe : All that was sufficiently done by Dauid , 2 Sam. 8. 1. &c. that mighty man of War . Salomon now raigned . Salomon that Prince of Peace . His name proported Peace . For Salomon had his denomination from 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Peace . Peace also was promised to be in his daies . Both the forenamed Name of Peace , and also the promise of Peace are expresly mentioned by God himselfe , where he thus speaketh to Dauid , Behold a 1 Chron. 12. 9. Sonne shall be borne to thee , who shall be a man of rest : and I will giue him rest from all his enemies round about : for his name shall be Salomon : and I will giue peace and quietnes to Israel all his daies . This Salomon was herein an especiall Type of the great Prince of Isa. 9. 6. Ephes. 2. 14 Peace , Christ Iesus , who is Our Peace . In that then , where there was no feare of danger , nor any instant , vrgent necessity required , in a time and place of Peace , vnder the raigne of a Prince of Peace , They , of whom you heard before , They were Men of WARRE . Surely preparation for Warre , Exercises thereto , Martiall discipline , Artillery tacticks , and Military trainings are matters of moment , commendable and honourable , not to be reiected or neglected , but duly to be respected , and daily practised , at all times , in all places whether of perill or peace . This third and last branch therefore ( as it is here set downe ) euen the Part which the forenamed Persons performed , amplifieth the Dignity of Chiualry . For , They were Men of WARRE .

Thus haue I cleared the generall scope of my Text , and laid open to your view this promised Pearle , the Dignity of Chiualry : by shewing how euery word of my Text eyeth that marke , and euery part and particle thereof much aduanceth the same . With your good patience I purpose to diue yet more deepely into the depth of my Text. For the three Parts raised out of the three words thereof , as they haue beene opened before you , ( namely , 1. The singular Persons , THEY , 2. Their speciall Property , MEN , 3. Their select Imployment . WAR. THEY were MEN of WARRE )

These three points I say , afford to our heedfull consideration these three vsefull Obseruations .

1. * * The three principall points of the Text. a C● Phormio de Imperatoris essi ●o . & omni re militari sic dixisset , vt caeteri qui illum audirent vehementer es sent dele●lati , Annibal inte●●gatus quid de illo Philosopho iudicaret , respondit , ●●●oltos se deliros senes sapè vidisse , sed qui magis quam Phormio deliraret , vidisse neminem . Cic. de Orat. lib. 2. The Artilery profession is an honorable function . 2. Military men must be of mighty mindes . 3. In peace to prepare for Warre , is a principall part of prudence .

Of these in order : And first of the first .

The Artillery profession is an honourable function .

To treate much of the Artillery profession , before this Artilery Company would be to act Phormio his part before so many Anniballs as are here present . You all know that the Artilery Profession is a Military Discipline , whereby choice persons are instructed and enabled well to manage weapons of Warre , orderly to march in their due place , wisely to encampe , and skilfully to embattaile . That to bee trained vp hereto , and well exercised herein , is an honourable function , belongeth to me , and to the matter in The souldiers profession , and honourable function . hand , to proue . How it appeareth by my Text to be an honourable function yee haue heard . Hittites , Amorites , Perizites , Hiuites , Iebusites , and such like seruile persons comming from a base ofspring were counted vnworthy hereof . In Israel Israelites , Children of the euer renowned Patriarchs , Abraham , Isaak , and Iaakob , Men of highest and greatest esteeme , THEY were Men of Warre . That function whereof base people were counted vnworthy , and whereunto Men of best account must be deputed , is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 without contradiction an honourable function . To like purpose it is noted that Abraham himselfe , that Prince of God ( as hee is for excellency sake Gen. 23. 6. — 14. 14. stiled ) trained vp in Artillery exercises , not bond slaues , bought with his money , but such as were borne and brought vp in his house , whom he had in high esteeme . THEY were Men of Warre . Where as old Ishai , an vnderstanding and wise man had eight sonnes , the three most honourable of 1 Sam 17. 12 , 13. them all , euen the three eldest , were trained vp in an Artillery profession , THEY were Men of Warre . And though Dauid , being the youngest of all , were by his Father deputed to be a shepheard , yet his braue minde affecting more honourable imployments , 1 Sam. 17. 32. &c. whereunto also he was incited by diuine instinct , hee would needs proue to be a man of War , & indeed proued to be an approued Man of War . Saul himselfe though a King , Ionathan , that -18. 27 30. Who of old were men of Warre . louely Ionathan , the Kings Sonne and heire , other of his brethren , all Kings Sons , THEY were Men of Warre . Of old , the best of a Nation , best in blood and birth , as Kings , Princes , Nobles , their children & kindred : best in stature & propernes of body , as the three talle , proper sons of Ishai : best in courage , valour , and strength , as they whom Saul 1 Sam. 14. 52. chose to follow him : best any other way , THEY were Men of War . What shall I more say ? For the time would faile mee to speake in particular of Iosuah , Gedeon , Iepthah , Dauid , Iehosaphat , Hezekiah , Iosiah , and otherlike worthies , royall persons , that were trained vp in the Artillery profession , and thereupon waged many battailes valiantly & victoriously . THEY were Men of War . We reade of few battails in Scripture , wherein Kings , or other chiefe Gouernors had not their place & part . In Assyria , Persia , Greece and Rome the foure great Monarchies of the World , & the most famous States that euer were among the Heathen . all that in any excellency surpassed others , & were chosen to high & honourable places , for the most part , THEY were Men of Warre . The like may be noted of other well disciplined and well gouerned polities . Most of our Dignities and Titles of honour haue risen from Artillery exercises , and Military imployments . Imperatores , Emperors were at first Generalls of armies : Duces Dukes , were Captaines of Titles of honour most due to men of warre . bands : Comites Earles , were Lieftenants , or Prouosts-Marshalls : Milites , Knights were choice Souldiers : Equites , Esquires were horsemen in Warre . These and other like honourable titles were at first giuen to men , because THEY were Men of Warre . The honour of Knight-hood is knowne properly to belong to such as haue well deserued in Warre . Our Ancestors got their greatest renowne Maiores nostri summam rebus bellicis retulere glo ria . Amb. Offic. l. 1. c. 35. by warlike affaires . Can any now denie the Artillery profession to haue beene accounted an honourable function ? Many honourable parts and endowments are requisite to make a man expert in the Artillery profession , as Soundnesse of iudgement , Sharpenesse Things requisite to make men fit sro War . of wit , Quicknesse of conceit , Stoutnesse and courage of minde , Vndantednesse in danger , Discretion mixed with passion , Prudence , Patience , Ability and Agility of body , and of the seuerall parts thereof , with the like : all which doe demonstrate that the function whereunto they are required , is an honourable function .

Matter both of Enducement and also of Encouragement doth this first obseruation afford .

Enducement to men of place , Double honour due to such as exercise Armes . power , and parts , to Gouernours , to Nobles , to Rich men , to all that can any way adde any honour to this profession , to doe what they can to the aduancement of that which is in it selfe so honourable as hath beene shewed , and worthy of all the honour that can be done vnto it . The Apostle maketh mention of a double honour . 1 Tim. 517. That double honour is Countenance and Maintenance : both which are most due to this profession : and most meete it is that both be giuen thereto . Honos alit artes . Cic. Tusc. quaest. lib. 1. By this double honour haue all professions in all ages beene brought to that perfection whereunto in any kinde they haue attained . The respect and reward which of old hath beene afforded to valourous , & couragious , well exercised , and well experienced Captaines and Souldiers in the foure forenamed Monarchies made them so abound with Men of Warre , as the whole world was made to tremble at the heare-say of them . When once a question was moued , why after Uirgils time there were no more such excellent Poets as he was , such an answer as this was made . Sint Me●anates non de●runt Flacce Marones : Virgiliumque tibi vel tua rura dabunt . Martial l. 8. Epigr. 56. Good Po●ts thriue where liberall Patrons liue . Their countries will another Virgil giue .

An answer very pertinent to the point in hand : and fitly it may be applied to Captaines & Souldiers , who vndoubtedly will abound in number , and grow very expert in all warlike exercises where they are plentifully sustained , and highly honoured . Were Artillery Gardens , and Military Fields for Martiall discipline and warlike trainings , fostered and honoured thorow-out this land , as it is meete they should be , Greece could haue no cause to boast before England of her Achilles , Diomedes , Themistocles ; Pericles , Pyrrhus , &c. nor Rome of her Scipioes , Horatij , Fabij , Pompeis , or Caesars . Meanes among vs are more wanting then Men , or Minds . Oh that this Enducement might preuaile with Men of Meanes to afford the honour of Regard , and honour of Reward to this Artillery profession which is so worthy of double honour !

The Encouragement concerneth Encouragement to Artillery Gét. you , the Commanders and other Members of this commendable and honourable Company . Howsoeuer your Profession and practise bee reiected or neglected by such as ought most to respect it , yet it being honourable in it selfe , be encouraged to goe on therein . The practise of a good thing is then most commendable , when , for the goodnesse of it , it is practised . The puissant Princesse Deborah , that rose vp a Mother in Israel , and a Iudge therein , with admiration said , of such as offered themselues willingly , My heart is on them . Iudg. 5. 9. Had your Mother London , or your Grand-mother England a tongue to expresse her minde , shee would with like approbation say to you , that shew your selues not onely 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 willing , but all 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 forward to all Martiall exercises , My heart is on you : yea the heart of him that loueth them that doe good things cheerefully and willingly , and can and will honour them that honour him , his heart is on you . Hee accepteth the good things which are done of the doers owne accord , without compulsion by others , or remuneration from others , hee accepteth them as done for his owne sake . For * * Compare Rom 13. 5 with 1 Pet. 2. 13. 2 Chron. 17 16. that which is done for conscience sake , is done for the Lords sake . In this respect it is said of Amasiah the sonne of Zichri a great Captaine and Commander of two hundred thousand mighty men of valour , vnder King Iehosaphat , that he willingly offered himselfe vnto the Lord : that is , he vndertaking his function willingly , he did it as to the Lord . Thus of you that are of the same minde it may bee said , yee offer your selues willingly to the Lord . And will not the Lord graciously accept such ? Abraham Quoniam sibi mercedem ab homine non quaesiuit , à deo accepit , sicut legimus &c. Ambr. de Abr. Pat. l. 1. c. 3. Motiue to draw more to the Artillery Garden . who in this kinde nor expected nor accepted reward of man , heard God thus speaking to him , Feare not , Abraham : I am thy shield , and thine exceeding great reward .

Giue me leaue to extend this Encouragement , to such as are not yet of your Fraternity , nor haue yet giuen their names to be of your Societie , I meane such as are in the flowre of their age , of sufficient stature and strength , well able to afford time and meanes for Artillery exercises , to offer themselues readily and cheerefully to this honourable seruice . The time which may be , and vsually is spared from your particular callings cannot be better spent , ( exceptis semper excipiendis , except duties of piety and charity , whereby all other things are seasoned and sanctified ) I say vacant houres cannot better be spent then in the Artillery Garden , and in the practise of Martiall discipline there exercised , as shall * * Page 40. afterwards bee more fully cleared .

But thus much of the first point , your honourable Function .

The next concerning your Ualourous Disposition , is this .

Military Men must be of mighty mindes . They must bee Men indeed , Valour requisite for Souldiers . and able to play the Men. The signe of difference betwixt such as were fit , and vnfit for Warre , that God caused Gedeon to obserue for retaining some , and dismissing others , tendeth to this purpose . The signe was this ; They which lapped water with their tongues were entertained : Iudg. 7. 5. Expounded . They which kneeled downe to drinke were cashiered . The Reason was this . They that kneeled downe to drinke , manifested thereby a luskish , fluggish disposition , and desire to soope vp their bellies full . The other that tooke vp water in their hands , and lapped it with their tongues , shewed that their minde was so on their work which they had to doe , as they would nor tarry to kneele downe ; they would onely lap and be gone , a little for present necessity , so much as might somewhat slacke their thirst , and refresh them , was sufficient . Gods appointing such onely to bee retained for Warre , proueth the point in hand . Much more the expresse precepts which by God himselfe and his Ministers , were giuen vnto those that were set apart for Warre , to be valiant , and couragious . When God deputed Ioshuah to be Generall ouer all Israel , he gaue him this expresse charge , Bee Ios. 1. 6. strong and of a good courage : which he further thus enforceth , Haue not I — 9. commanded thee ? Be strong and of a good courage : Be not afraid , neither bee thou dismated . The like charge did Moses in the name of the Lord giue to all Israel , that were deputed to Warre , in these words ; Be strong and of a good courage , feare not , nor be Deut 31. 7 afraid of them . Yea , God ordained it for a perpetuall Law , that when his people were to goe to Warre , this Proclamation should be made , What Deut. 20. 8 man is there that is fearefull and faint-hearted , let him goe and returne vnto his house . This Law God commanded Gideon , to proclaime before his armie . Iudg. 7. 3. The equity thereof was so clearely discerned by the very light of nature , as many of the heathen put it in practise , by name Iphicrates the Athenian , and Epaminondas the Theban . If such as are fearefull and saint-hearted be not fit for Warre , neither are they fit to bee trained vp in Martiall exercises . Most meete it is that Military Men be of mighty mindes . It is vsuall with the holy Ghost to set De Israelitarum virtute in bellis gerendis lege Aug. de Mirab. S. Script . l. 2 c. 34. out such men as were trained vp and set apart to Warre , to set them out by their power and prowesse . Of those foure hundred thousand men , that out of all the Tribes of Israel were chosen to fight against Beniamin and Gibeah , of euery one of them it is said that he was 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Iudg 20. 17 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Uir belli , a true Man of Warre , a valiant , a mighty man . Of those many hundred thousands which Ioab numbred in Dauids time , it is said that they were valiant men that drew swords , euen euery one of them ( as the Hebrew phrase implyeth . ) And 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 of those many hundred thousands also which out of Iudah & Israel were gathered together in two armies to fight one against another in Abijahs , and Ieroboams time , it is said that they 2 Chron. 13. 3. were * * The Hebrew is very emphaticall , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the emphasis whereof being obserued by the LXX . is thus expressed . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 mighty in might . 2 Sam. 10. 17. 1. Sam. 14. 52. valiant men of Warre , mighty men of valour : which commendation is also giuen to those many troopes of trained souldiers which Iehosaphat maintained in Ierusalem , 2 Chron. 17. 13. When Dauid purposed to take vengeance of Ammon for the indignity and ignominy which was offered to his Ambassadours , he sent Ioah and all the Hoste of the Mighty men against them . Before the good Spirit of God left Saul , when hee saw any strong man , or any valiant man , hee tooke him vnto him , namely to traine him vp in Martiall discipline . Of Dauid 2 Sam. 17. 10. himselfe , and of such as followed him , it is said , that all Israel knew that he was a mighty man , and they valiant men . And of those that came to him in Ziklag it is said that they were 1 Chron. 12. 1. 2 8 , 21 Mighty Men , mighty men of valour , that could vse both the right hand and the left : men of might ; men of Warre ; fit for the battell : that could handle shield and buckler : whose faces were like the faces of Lyons , &c. Doth not this frequent mention of the might , and valour of such as were for War , shew that they that take vpon them to bee Military men , must bee of mighty mindes : and that timerous , weake , and feeble persons are not fit for the Artillery profession ? Where GOD first enacted the fore-named Law , that no fearefull persons should goe to Warre , he rendereth this Reason , Lest his brethrens heart faine like Deut. 20. 8. his . Lamentable experience hath giuen too great euidence of the truth Damage of timerous Souldiers . hereof . A few white-liuerd , faint-hearted Souldiers haue oft beene the ruine of a great strong Army , which hath beene put to rout by reason of their fainting , and yeelding . So as such men are more fit to stoope downe to a sythe then to take vp a sword , to lift a pitchforke then to tosse a picke , to handle a mattock then to hold a musket , and to carrie a bush-bill rather then a battle-axe . But on the other side , of such vse are Numerauit 318. Vi scias non quantitatem numeri sed meritum electionis expressum . Ambr. de Abr. Pair . l. 1. c. 3. 2 Sam. 23. 8 , 9. &c. 1 Chron. 12. 14. valiant men and valourous mindes , as their courage may supply the want of number : and though they bee but few , not feare the face of many . It is noted that Abraham armed three hundred and eighteene , to expresse not the number of many , but the worth of choice ones . Well weigh the mighty and great exploits that were atchieued by Dauids Worthies , by reason of their valour and courage , and you shall finde , that a few couragious men to great armies of cowards are as so many Lyons to whole heards of deere : Fiue may chase an hundred , Leuit. 26. 8 and an hundred put tenne thousand to slight . Is it not then most meete that Military Men bee of mighty mindes 〈◊〉

In applying this point , I will giue Who valerous who timerous . you a diuine direction for attaining to that which hath beene proued to bee so requisite , valour and courage . The direction is grounded on one of Salomons Prouerbe , which is this , The Pro. 28. 1. wicked slie when no man pursueth : but the righteous are bold as a Lyon . Righteousnesse then maketh men valorous , Quis tam sortis quam sanctus . Amb. Offic. l. 1. c. 39. Who to be accounted righteous . wickednesse timerous . They who know who are righteous , who wicked , cannot but acknowledge the truth of this prouerbe . A righteous man cannot be heere thought to bee such an one as hath in euery part , point , and degree fulfilled the Law of Psal. 14. 3. Rom 3. 10 Impauidus profecto miles , & omni ex parte securus , qui vt corpus serro . sic animum fidei lorica induitur , vtriusque nimirum indutus armis , nee dae mone timet . nec hominem . Bern serm. ad Mil. Temp. c. 1. righteousnesse according to the exact rule thereof . So there is none righteous : no not one . But in Gospel-phrase hee is accounted righteous , that by true Faith applying to his soule the bloud of Christ , for purging away all his vnrighteousnesse , and laying hold on Christs righteousnesse to be iustified thereby , doth his vtter most endeauour to keepe a cleere conscience before God and Man . This man of all others must needs be the most valourous , whose soule is fenced with the brest-plate of righteousnesse , and shield of Faith , as well as his body with armour and weapons of steele . He feareth nor Diuell nor Man . His conscience will make him fight in none but a good cause . His Faith will make him couragious in that cause . If in his body he be wounded , hee hath * * Pro. 18. 14 a Spirit to sustaine his infirmity . No passion can so supply the want of bloud and support a man , as this Spirit . Might of minde may ouercome S Laurentius 〈…〉 ignis naturam . 〈◊〉 Ossic. l 1 c. 41 Fisi hostes no● perimant , ●ullum tamen ad animas periculum migrat &c. Crys Hom. 7. in 1 Tim c. 2. Siue in lecto , siue in bello qu● mo●●tur , preciosa e●t sine dubio in conspectu donum mors sinctorum . Caterum in bello taniò profecto pretiosior quant● gloriosior . Bern Loc. citat . the force of fire . But if the earthen vessell of his body bee so broken as it can no longer retaine this spirit , then flieth it vpward to the place of rest and triumph , passage being made for that righteous soule to ascend to the society of the soules of iust men made perfect : so as the supposed conquest ouer such an one is the cause of his triumph , and maketh him more then a Conqueror . The death of his Saints is pretious in the sight of the Lord . But in Warre so much more pretious it is , by how much more glorious . Get Faith therefore and a good conscience , get them , and keepe them , and they will keepe you from faint heartednesse : they will put life , and spirit , and virtue , and valour into you : they will make you fit for the Artillery profession : they will make you Men indeed , true military men , of mighty mindes .

On the contrary side , A wicked Who to be accounted wicked . man must not euery one bee accounted , that hath committed any sin , ( for All haue sinned : ) but such an one Rom 3 23. as loueth wickednesse , and liueth therein , and that without true repentance . Faith which is accompanied with repentance , receiueth absolution from God . Absolution from God maketh sinnes to bee as not committed . For the bloud of Christ , which 1 Iob. 1. 7. clenseth vs from all sinne , clenseth all that beleeue and repent . But infidelity , and impenitency lay all sinnes open to the wrath and vengeance of God . Knowledge and conscience thereof cannot but fill the soule with many feares and terrors : whence it commeth to passe that such wicked men feare & flie , when none pursueth them . Thus much is expresly threatned against such wicked men . I will send , saith God , a faintnes into their hearts , Leu. 16. 36 and the sound of a shaken lease shall chase them , and they shall flie as flying from a sword , and they shall fall when none pursueth , &c. It was the speech of the valourous Earle of Essex , that D. Barlow in his Sermon preached at Pauls Crosse , March 1. 1600. being the next Sunday after the execution of the late Earle of Essex . Sometimes in the field encountering the enemy , the weight of his sinnes lying heauy vpon his conscience , being not reconciled to God , quelled his spirits , and made him the most timerous and fearefull man that might bee . Take heede therefore O yee Captaines , Commanders , and other Members of the Artillery Company , take heede , as you would haue your inward disposition fit for your outward profession , of suffering sin to lie vpon your soules . Let your function bee a motiue to make you trie the truth of your conuersion . Be yee righteous , that you may bee indeede couragious .

And to take occasion from your Courage against spirituall enemies . externall profession to put you in minde of your spirituall condition , which is , to be Souldiers of Christs bands , vnder his colours , whose Artillery Garden is the Church Militant , where your Martiall discipline in which you are daily trained vp , is not for recreation and pastime , but in very good earnest , to conquer , vnlesse you will be conquered , and that in a combate of great consequence , wherein no earthly , but an heauenly inheritance is fought for , and for attaining thereto not liberty of this world , but of the world to come , not a temporall , but eternal life is in great hazard . If yee ouercome , yee are free for euer , and gaine an inheritance incorruptible , 1 Pet. 1. 4 and vndefiled , and that fadeth not away , reserued in heauen . If yee bee ouercome , yee are perpetuall slaues to Satan , that malicious enemie , who will hold you with euerlasting chaines vnder darkenesse in torture and torment endlesse and ease-lesse , merci lesse and remedilesse . To put you in minde , I say , of this your spirituall condition , know that if valour , and the fore-mentioned ground thereof be so requisite , as hath beene shewed , against bodily enemies , which are but flesh and blood , how much more against spirituall enemies , which are not flesh and blood , but principalities and powers . These especially , wee ought to resist stedfast in the Faith . The chiefe spirituall enemie of our soules , the Diuell , from whom all our other spirituall enemies receiue their strength and courage , is like a Wolfe , and that as in fiercenes , so in fearefulnesse . A Wolfe , if he be stoutly resisted , will flie away : but if he be fearefully shunned or yeelded vnto , then hee will the more fiercely Iam. 4. 7. Libentius te ins●●uitur aduersarius fugientem , qu●m sustineat repugnantem : & auda●ius infi●●● à tergo quam resistat in faciem . Bern. Epist. 1. ad Rob Nepot . suum . Ephes. 6. 10 11. assault , and more greedily deuoure . Euen so the Diuell : Resist the Diuell and he will slie from you . Giue place , and yeeld , and he wil the more eagerly persue , and the more easily preuaile . Neither , if he preuaile , will he any whit the more spare thee for thy yeelding to him , but rather the more proudly insult ouer thee . Wherefore , my Brethren , bee strong in the Lord , and in the power of his might : Put on the whole armour of GOD , that yee may be able to stand against the wiles of the Diuell . Being thus armed , Watch ye , stand fast in the Faith , quit you like 1 Cor. 16. 13. men , and be strong : stand couragiously and yee shall stand victoriously .

Hitherto ye haue heard of the Honour of your profession , and of the Valour required by virtue thereof . The last point noteth the necessity and benefit thereof , which is this ,

In peace to prepare for Warre , is a principall part of prudence . Warre to be prepared for in Peace .

The most prudent Prince that euer gouerned people , put in practise this point of policie : euen Salomon , to whom God said , I haue giuen thee a wise & an vnderstanding heart , so that 1 King 3. 12. there was none like thee before thee , neither after thee shall any arise like thee . This Salomon enioyed much peace , & had a promise to enioy peace all his daies , and had no cause to feare any assaults or inuasions of enemies , all the nations round about being brought vnder by his Father Dauid : Yet this Prince of Peace built senced cities with walles , gates and barres , 2 Chron. 8 5 , 6 , 9. and chariot-cities , and cities of horsemen , and had his trained men of War , which are heere noted in my Text ; yea , to shew his store of warlike prouision , it is expressely noted , that hee had forty thousand stalles of horses for 1 King 4. 26. 2 Chron. 1. 14. his chariots , a thousand foure hundred chariots , and twelue thousand horse men . The first Father of that stocke , wise Abraham , whose house was a Abrahams Artillery Garden . place of peace , ( for the feare of God fell vpon all nations round about him , they honoured and reuerenced him , they accounted him a Prince of God ) yet had this Abraham his Artillery Garden , wherein were trained vp and Gen. 14. 14 The number by Patent granted to the Artillery Company of London , is ●00 . which number was not full at the time of preaching this Sermon . fitted for Warre , such as were borne and brought vp in his house : the number of which Company , I suppose was greater then the number of your Company . For at once on a sudden he armed and led to the Warre more then three hundred trained men . And it is not likely that hee left his house destitute of all defence . He had questionlesse many more of that his Artillery Company . Now note the benefit hereof . On a sudden , in a time of necessity , and case of extremity , hee had them ready to rescue fiue Kings , that were ouerthrowne by their enemies . To presse this patterne yet further for the point in hand , the holy Ghost noteth that Melchizedeck , King of Salem , whose name declared him to be a King of Righteousnesse , whose nation shewed him to bee a Prince of Peace , this Melchizedeck King of Gen. 14. 18 19. 20. Heb 7. 1. 2 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Salem ▪ met Abraham with his sorenamed troopes , blessed him and them , gaue good entertainement to them al , and congratulated their returne , giuing thereby an euident demonstration of his approbation of Abrahams prouidence and prudence in maintaining an Artillery garden for his house . The condition of Iehosaphats Kingdome ( who was the fourth Son that by lineall descent came from Salomon , and sate on his Throne ) was much like to Salomons . For the feare of the Lord was vpon all the kingdomes of the land 2 Chron. 17. 10 , 11 , 13 &c. that were round about Iudah , so that they made no War against Iehosaphat : But in testimony of amity , they sent him yeere after yeere many presents : Yet he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Iudah , and set garrisons in the Land , and had eleuen hundred and threescore thousand Men of Warre , mighty men of valour that waited on him , besides those whom hee put in the fenced cities thorow out all Iudah . Admirable it is , and ( but that the word of truth records it ) incredible , that in so small a Kingdome as Iudah was , there should be so many trained , expert , valiant men of Warre , as were in Iehosaphats time . When Iudah and all Israel were ioyned together , euen all the twelue Tribes in one Kingdome , that Kingdome was nothing so spatious as England is . For some of our shires are larger then some of their Tribes were : and yet our shires are in number aboue foure times more then their Tribes were : For wee haue * * In England 39. ●n Wales 13. aboue foure times twelue shires . How farre then doe the three Kingdomes vnder the Dominion of our Soueraigne , England , Scotland and Ireland , how farre doe they exceede in spatiousnesse , the Kingdome of Iehosaphat ? Yet question may bee made , whether in these three Kingdomes , there be so many score thousands of trained Souldiers , well disciplined men of Warre , mighty men of valour , as there were hundred thousands in Iudah . We account twenty or thirty thousand a great Army : fiftie thousand a royall Army . What then an hundred thousand ? What an hundred thousand eleuen times multiplied , and threescore thousand added thereto ? All these were vnder their Captaines , by name , Ready f●r Warre , Waiting on the King , to bee sent forth at his command : and yet all the fenced cities , which were very many , well replenished with Garrisons , ouer and aboue those 1160000. Surely they counted it an honour and safety to their land to haue store of trained souldiers , men expert , and ready for Warre at all times . Therefore frequent mention is made thereof . To omit other particulars , in Dauids time , Ioah gaue vp the number and summe of fineteene hundred and seuentie thousand 1 Chron. 21. 5. men of Warre , and yet left two Tribes vnnumbred . Surely there must needs be many Artillery Gardens , and they well replenished , Martiall discipline must needs be there much exercised , where were so many thousands , yea hundred thousands trained vp to Warre . If the wiseman might send men to the Ants to learne of them to Pro. 6. 6. &c. prouide meate in the summer , and to gather foode in the haruest , much better may men be sent to such worthy patternes as were guided and approued by God , to bee alwaies prouided with expert Souldiers trained vp to War , euen in times of peace . A maine difference is herein put betwixt wisemen and footes . We haue a prouer be that saith , A foote will take his cloake in fowle weather . But a wiseman takes it with him at all times . He knoweth that a bright sun-shine day may bee soone turned into a cloudy rainy day . Peace is not like the rumoue able mountaines , but rather like to the variable skie . Wisedome teacheth men to forecast the worst , that they may be prouided against the word , yea and thereby preuent the worst . It in an old and true Motto , Pax armis , Peace is procured , prese●ued , se●ured by preparations and p●ouisions for War . Where are many Antillery Gardens , and they much frequented , and Martiall Benefits of Antillery Gardens . discipline therein daily and duly exercised , Amitie with such Kingdomes will be earnestly desired , and welcomely embraced : Kings of such Kingdomes will be admired of their friends , and feared of their foes : Subiects of such Kingdomes wil finde lust and kinde entertainement in forraine parts : Natiues and Allies will be s●cured : All manner of callings freely exercised : Lands & inheritances quietly enioyed : Enemies dented : Inuasions and insurrections preuented : and many , many euills auoided . They who reuerence nor God nor man , where they see or heare of an ou●r-mastering power , will be kept within compasset and though conscience doe , not alter their inward disposition , yet constraint will order their outward conuersation . But on the contrary , by The damage of neglecting Armes . fearelesse , and carelesse security , by neglect of Artillery and Military exercises , by want of men meete for War , whole Cities , and Kingdomes are oft made a bootie and prey to their enemies , and suddenly ruinated . Instance Laish , they were a people that were at Iudg. 18. 27. quiet and secure , and the Danites on a sudden smote them with the edge of the sword , and burnt their Cities with fire . For a citie and nation to bee without Artillery Gardens , is as dangerous as for a traueller to be without a sword .

If the fore-mentioned patternes of prudent Princes , and wise States-men , recorded & approued in Gods Word , for training vp armies of men in warlike exercises , and that in times and places of peace : If the many great benefits which thereby arise and acrue to a Land and Kingdome , and the many great mischiefes which are like to follow , vpon a carelesse neglect thereof , bee motiues of force , motiues of force are not wanting to proue , that , In peace to prepare for Warre , is a principall part of prudence .

The Application of this point , Iustification of Artiller ; exercises . doth as neerely concerne this Artillery Company , as any of the former , both for iustification , and also for approbation and commendation thereof . Were our daies more halcyon , more quiet , and peaceable then they are , or were they more free from feare of danger then they are , yet were your Artillery exercises lawfull , needfull , vsefull . True it is , that they are not in pitcht fields , pede pes , & cuspide cuspis , face to face , foot to foot , speare to speare against enemies . They are in a quiet Citie , in a time of peace among your selues . They are like the Olympian games ( instituted by potent and prudent Hercules ) and the Isthmian Plutarch . in Vita Thesei . sports ( ordained by Theseus in imitation of Hercules ) as delightsome preparations for Warre . They are like to the Pyrrick dancing which was inuented 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Athen. by Pyrrhus , called armed dancing , because it was performed by 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Plat. men clad in armour , and warlike dancing , because it was a representation of sundry kindes of battailes , and a meanes to make them well to weld their Armour in Warre . They are like those Warre-like sports and pastimes Xenoph. de Cyri. instit. lib. 1. Idem de Cyri min. Exped. l. 5. which were practised by Cyrus when he was a youth , and by his coequalls , and play-fellowes . They are delightsome recreations . But what then ? Are they therefore not lawfull ? Or not needfull ? Or not vsefull ? Hee is too seuere and censorious , and goeth beyond the liberty of Gods Word , that condemneth all recreations , all delightsome pastimes . He is too improuident and imprudent , that conceiueth nothing needfull or vsefull , whereof there is not necessary vse in that present and instant time wherein it is vsed . Were your Artillery exercises onely for recreation , they are the best recreations that can be vsed . Were there at this time no need or vse of them , they may bee hereafter of absolute necessity . Delight in the things which men doe , swalloweth vp the paines that is taken about them , makes men the more diligent and constant in their exercises , and bringeth them to the greater experience and perfection therein . Not onely expert souldiers , but experienced Captaines also are made by Military recreations vsed in Artillery Gardens . So as if suddenly Armies were to be raised of more men then all the Military Companies can afford , yeo might sufficient store of Captaines , and other Commanders and officers be taken out of your companies to gouerne and guide , to instruct and encourage such as for want of former exercising were altogether inexperienced . Of the fiftie thousand that out of Zabulen came to Dauid in Hebron , by way of commendation , it is said that they could set a battell in aray , & leade an Army . This implieth , 1 Chron. 12. 33 38. that by their practising of Artillery exercises , they were all able to leade , and order armies , to set them in aray , & goe before them Besides the policy of other nations and ages , our Ancestors well discerned the neede , vse , and benefit of such recreations as might fit men for Warre : which moued them to make such strict Statute Lawes for the exercise of shooting , as they did : For ,

1. Euery Master of a Family ( except 9. Statute ●●33 . yeare of Hen 8. spirituall men , and Iustices of one Bench or other ) was to exercise shooting himselfe .

2. He was to keepe bowes and arrowes continually in his house .

3. Hee was to bring vp those that were in his house in the exercise of shooting .

4. If hee suffered any betwixt the age of seuen and seuenteene , sonne or seruant to abide in his house without bow or arrowes a moneth together , for euery such default hee was to pay forty shillings .

5. If a seruant tooke wages , his Master might buy him bow , and arrowes , and deduct the price out of his wages .

6. If any man-seruant betwixt the yeeres of seuenteene and threescore , that took wages , were a moneth without bow and arrowes , for euery such default hee forfeited six shillings and eight pence .

In those daies gunnes ( the sure and soare messengers of death ) were not so in vse as now they are . Strength and skill in shooting was it that made our english nation famous for Warre . Their exercise therof in time of peace , and that for recreation , made them so expert , as they were , therein , at times of Warre . The * * Gen 48. 22. Ios. 24. 12. 1 King . 22. 34. 2 King . 6. 22. — 9. 24. — 13 15. &c. 1 Chron. 5. 18. — 8 40. — 12. 2. — 17. 17. — 26. 14. — 35. 13. Psal. 44. 6. — 76. 3. frequent mention of bowes and arrowes , in Scripture , as instruments of Warre , sheweth that of antient time they haue beene vsed to that purpose : and a a 1 Sam. 20 20. Ionathans vsing his bow and arrowes for recreation , sheweth that of old among Gods people such recreations were vsed as might the better fit men to War . The men of Gibeah without question from their youth were exercised in sport , to sling stones at a marke , or else they could neuer haue attained to such extraordinary skill , as to b b Iudg. 20. 16. sling stones at an haires bredth and not faile . The skil which the men of Beniamin ( of which Tribe those Gibeonites were ) are after this noted to haue in slinging stones with the right and left hand , sheweth , 1 Chron. 12 2. that this was an vsuall exercise of the youth and men of that Tribe .

Such recreations in peace as are preparations vnto Warre , iustly deserue to be reckoned vp among those necessarie vocations whereby Polities are preserued : and while you are exercising your selues therein , you are imployed in your calling , and you goe on in that way , wherein God promiseth to giue his Angels charge ouer you , to Psal. 91. 11 12. beare you vp in their hands , least you dash your feete against a stone .

When I duely weigh that little which hath beene said , and withall consider how much more might bee said of , and for the warrant , honour , need , vse , and benefit of your Artillery profession , I cannot s●fficiently wonder at the blindnesse , carelesnesse , improuidence , and security of this our age , in neglecting and disrespecting a matter of so great consequence , so nearely concerning the glory , tranquillity , and safety of the whole land , and of all the societies and seuerall persons therein . Me thinkes that it is more then meete that euery Citie and Corporation , if not euery Towne and Village throughout the Land , should haue an Artillery Garden : and that the great populous Cities , especially LONDON , should haue as many Artillery Gardens , as it hath Wards : and that publique allowances should bee afforded to such as willingly offer themselues to these Militarie exercises . I haue heard of liberall legacies , & bountiful donations giuen for making Cawsies , mending High-waies , building Bridges , and other such like workes , but little or nothing for purchasing and maintaining Artillerie Gardens , and the Warre-like exercises appertaining thereto . I cannot therefore much wonder that there are no more such Companies , as yours is , and no more of your company . But because euery rare thing is pretious , I reioyce that you are of those , who , by Quiae omne rarum pretiosum , gaudeo te de illis esse , qui quan●o rariores , tanto apparebunt gloriosiores . Bern. ep. 1. ad Rob. ●●p . suum . how much the more rare they are , by so much the more glorious they appeare to be . By you it must be effected , if it be effected , that the antient english name and Renowne for Martiall discipline be preserued ( if not repaired also ) & propagated to posterity . Be not therefore now slacke in prosecuting that which you haue so wel begun . Be diligent to keepe your training daies , & to exercise your armes , that such as by much practise are well experienced may be presidents and patternes to others : and those others by like constant practise may attaine to answerable experience . Let no discouragements dismay you . The lesse encouragement you haue from others , the greater is your praise , that so willingly take such paines at your own cost to make your selues seruiceable for the defence , security , and safety of the Land & Kingdome where you liue . In you my Text is in our daies & Land verified ; for of you it may be truely said , THEY were MEN of WARRE .

FINIS .