THE Great God, condeſcends to wear the Title of a MAN OF WAR; and Princes, His Vicegerents here below, are commanded, not to bear the Sword in vain.—When the Faith of Treaties is violated, the Rights of a Community invaded, all Propoſals of Accommodation obſtinately rejected,—it becomes the immediate Duty of the ſupreme Magiſtrate, to have Recourſe to Arms; that he may eſtabliſh Peace, protect Innocence, humble the Proud Oppreſſors of the Earth, and put a Stop to the Progreſs of Tyranny and Uſurpation.

THE only Queſtion is,— How we ſhall behave, when call'd to War, ſo as not to violate the Obligation of our Chriſtian Profeſſion, or injure the Rights of our fellow Creatures,—but maintain the Character of good Soldiers of Jeſus Chriſt, and ſucceſsful Servants of the Common-wealth?—In this the Word of God is profitable to direct.

THE Apoſtle cauſes the illuſtrious Heroes of the Jewiſh Church, to paſs in Review before us; and propoſes their noble Example, for the Imitation of the People of God in all Ages. By Faith, they paſſed thro' the ſevereſt Trials, ſurmounted the moſt terrifying Dangers, waxed valiant in Fight, put to Flight the Armies of the Aliens.

THE Apoſtle, in this Chapter, ſpeaks of Faith in the moſt extenſive Signification of the Word.—He intends that divine Principle, which inclines us to adore the Perfections of the infinite Deity, to reſign ourſelves to the Government of His Providence, to believe the Revelations of His Word, to depend on the Promiſes of his Grace, to obey his ſovereign Orders,—in Times of the greateſt Difficulty and Danger,—notwithſtanding the Terrors and Allurements of this preſent evil World.—This is that Faith which animated theſe ancient Worthies▪ and enabled them to perform theſe mighty Exploits, which were the Glory of the paſt, and will be the Admiration of future Ages. The ſame Faith ſhould animate the Breaſts of the military Gentlemen of the preſent Day, if they would receive the Honors▪ and enjoy the Succeſs of their illuſtrious Predeceſſors. To ſhow

HOW admirably this Faith is calculated to produce this happy Effect, is the Deſign of my preſent Diſcourſe. Faith teaches us to engage in War upon the nobleſt Principles,—it inclines us to proſecute it with intrepid Valour,—It ſecures us the moſt powerful Aſſiſtance,—It promiſes us the moſt glorious Reward. —This is the Plan of my Diſcourſe, the Subject of your ſerious Attention.—

FIRST, Faith teaches us, to engage in War upon the nobleſt Principles.

WHAT was the Spirit, that animated the Pompey's▪ and Caeſar's, and other celebrated Warriors of the Heathen World?— What is the Spirit, that animates many of our Modern Heroes?—Their Characters are ſurrounded with a falſe Blaze of Glory; their Names are traſmitted to Poſterity, in flattering Titles of Honor; they are profanely ſtiled invincible Conquerors, Arbiters of Peace and War, Diſpoſers of the Fate of Kingdoms.—Thus the Truth is diſguiſed by their ſervile Dependants; and their ſecret Deſigns conceal'd, by all the Refinements of Art and Eloquence.—But if we examine their Conduct, with an unprejudiced Mind, we ſhall immediately find, the fatal Influence of inſatiable Avarice,—inſolent Pride, —unbounded Ambition.

FAITH inſpires its Heroes with nobler Motives, agreable to the Dignity of human Nature, and the Sanctity of our Chriſtian Profeſſion.—A ſupreme Regard to the Glory of God, a ſincere Deſire to eſtabliſh Peace among Mankind, a diſintereſted Zeal for the publick Welfare▪ influence their Conduct.—The Call of God▪ and their Country▪ brings them into the Field of Battle.—The Enemies they oppoſe▪ are Pride, Perfidy, and Violence:—Theſe they fight againſt without Revenge, conquer without Haughtineſs, triumph over without Inſolence.—Undiſſembled Love reigns in their Breaſts▪ when engaged▪ in the moſt terrible Acts of publick Vengeance: Their Bowels melt, with the tendereſt Compaſſion▪ when their Hands are ſtained with Blood: They devoutly adore the Creator, when obliged by ſad Neceſſity to deſtroy His Creatures.

THE Religion of JESUS teaches its faithful Diſciples, to do no Violence▪ to advance their private Intereſt▪ to commit no Injury▪ to increaſe the Luſtre of their Reputation▪ to ſhed not a Drop of Blood, but what may be ſerviceable to the Cauſe of Truth and Juſtice — It requires us▪ to endeavour to ſubdue our Enemies▪ without deſtroying them▪ to reſiſt their hoſtile Attempts without violating the ſacred Obligations of Charity▪ to reduce them to Reaſon, by Methods the leaſt ſevere and angry —This is to act 〈…〉 OF JESUS CHRIST▪ to obey the benevolent Precepts of the GREAT CAPTAIN OF OUR SALVATION. When we engage in War, in this Diſpoſition of Mind.

SECONDLY▪ Faith enables us to proſecute it with intrepid Valor.

TRUE Valor. My Brethren▪ is not an indiſcreet Impetuoſity, which hurries us into the greateſt Dangers, without Tho't; and ventures upon immediate Death▪ without any Proſpect of Advantage.— But a noble Greatneſs of Mind▪ which inclines a Perſon to obey the Voice of God and His People, tho' it calls him to the moſt dangerous Enterprizes: Its Ardor is increaſed at the View of an Enemy▪ It riſes ſuperior to every Difficulty, that is found in the Path of Duty; and is ready to ſacrifice Life itſelf, rather than endanger the publick Safety.

THIS generous Fortitude never reſides in the Breaſts of the Wicked; the accuſtomed Practice of Vice deſtroys the Health of the Body, relaxes the Vigor of the Mind, makes Men capable only of mean and mercenary Deſigns.

OF this, we have numberleſs Examples, in ancient and modern Hiſtory. While the Romans continued uncorrupted, their Empire was ſtrong as Iron, according to the ſignificant Repreſentation of the Prophet Daniel.— The Severity of their Manners was the great Occaſion of the Rapidity of their Conqueſts— The Grandeur of their Common-wealth was the Reward of their national Juſtice and Temperence. But when their ancient Diſcipline was weakned; and the Vices of the conquered, corrupted the Hearts of the Conquerors—their Iron became, immediately mingled with Clay—the Foundations of their Government were ſoon overthrown, and their once victorious Legions, were eaſily put to Flight, by Troops of undiſciplin'd Barbarians.

NOW, the Principles of the Chriſtian Faith preſerve us from thoſe Vices, which deprave the ſound Conſtitution both of Body and Mind; and transform valiant Heroes, into effeminate Cowards.— It eſtabliſhes that ſtrict Government of the Paſſions, which is Health to the Navel, and Marrow to the Bones; and naturally forms us to every great and good Deſign.

UNDER the Influence of this Faith, the Chriſtian Soldier begins his Days with Prayer—exerciſes his Authority to ſuppreſs the Prevalence of Vice—employs his Power to protect the Liberties of Mankind. He invocates in every Danger the God of Armies; and ſanctifies the Violence of War, by the Purity of his Intentions, and the Deſire to procure an happy Peace.

ANIMATED by theſe ſublime Motives, he enters the Field of Battle with holy Magnanimity, encounters all Difficulties with a firm and undaunted Reſolution: He poſſeſſes his Soul in Peace, tho' ſurrounded with Enemies, and is not intimidated by their Power or Policy.—He adopts the grateful Language of the Pſalmiſt. Some truſt in Chariots and ſome in Horſes; Pſal. 20.7. but we will remember the Name of the LORD our GOD. The Providence of God, which governs the Affairs of this lower World in unerring Wiſdom, renders him ſecure in every Event.—The Promiſes of His Word, that no Evil ſhall happen to the Juſt, keep him undiſmayed in the moſt hazardous Situation.—What has that Man to fear? Who has infinite Wiſdom for his Guide—Almighty Power for his Defence—and an Aſſurance from the God of Truth, that all Things ſhall work together for his Good. This gave David that noble Fortitude in Seaſons of the higheſt Extremity and Diſtreſs. The LORD is on my Side. I will not fear: Pſal. 118.6. What can Man do unto me? Tho' an Hoſt ſhould encamp againſt me, Pſal. 27.3▪ my Heart ſhall not fear: Tho' War ſhould riſe againſt me, in this will I be confident. This brings to ſay,

THIRDLY, Faith ſecures us the moſt powerful Aſſiſtance.

IT is the Wiſdom of all Nations, to form a potent Alliance when engaging in War. Well cemented Confederacies, have a natural Influence to ſecure Succeſs to our Enterprizes. When different Nations join in Concert for their mutual Defence, and act with united Vigor; it makes the proud Oppreſſors of the Earth to tremble, and their royal Diadems totter on their Heads.

BUT after all, it muſt be acknowleded the Events of War are uncertain: the moſt wiſe and valiant Captains are not always crown'd with Victory, nor the moſt numerous and beſt diſciplin'd Troops favoured with Succeſs. The Race is not to the Swift, nor the Battle to the Strong. No King is ſaved by the Multitude of an Hoſt, 〈◊〉 it a mighty Man delivered by much Strength. The ſupreme Monarch of the Univerſe, directs the Fate of War according to His ſovereign and irreſiſtable Pleaſure.—It is equally eaſy with Him, to ſave by many or by few.

IT is, therefore, the higheſt Wiſdom to engage the Lord of Hoſts on our Side, and the Extremity of Folly to provoke Him to undertake the Cauſe of our Enemies. Now nothing is more acceptable to Him, than a firm Dependance on his Power—Providence— and Grace.— This is the Practice of the Chriſtian Warrior, and the ſure Way to Proſperity.

THE Wicked bid Defiance to Heaven▪ even when they ſtand in the greateſt Need of its Aſſiſtance — they affront the God of Battles ▪ when ſurrounded with the dreadful Artillery of His Wrath.—They depend on the Number of their Forces, the Valor of their Troops, the Depth of their Stratagems▪ to ſecure them the Fortune of the Day.— If they conquer, it is aſcrib'd to their ſuperior Strength and Wiſdom. They erect Altars to their own Glory, and burn Incenſe to their Ambition and Vanity.

BUT, Faith teaches the Followers of Chriſt to renounce all Self-dependance: to fix their Expectations upon the ſupreme Diſpoſer of all Things, and to give the Glory of all their Succeſs to Him, to whom it juſtly belongs.—If they march, they look to God their Director and Guide.— If they encamp▪ they know except God be their Protector, the Watchmen wake in vain.— If they fight, they are ſenſible from whence they derive all their military Strength. If they Conquer, they acknowledge that divine Hand, which alone crowns them with Victory and Triumph.

IN this devout Diſpoſition, we may form great Deſigns, and hope to execute them with happy Succeſs. For God is the Confederate of His People, He pleads their Cauſe againſt their haughty Oppreſſors▪ appoints ſhining Guards of Angels to incircle their Tents, and will finally enable them to tread upon the Necks of their Enemies—Their Enemies may indeed for a Time prevail— But the triumphing of the Wicked is 〈◊〉 the Proſperity of Fools accelerates their Ruin; while the God of 〈◊〉 rides upon the Heavens for their Help▪ and in his Excellency on the Sky, for the Salvation of his People.

THIS divine Aſſiſtance▪ was the Source of all thoſe Succeſſes▪ 〈◊〉 attended God's ancient People the Poſterity of faithful▪ Abraham. When they were delivered from the Bondage of Pharaoh ▪ the inſulting Tyrant of Egypt ▪ they did not levy Armies, beſiege Cities, nor fight Battles: But God employ'd the Arm of Omnipotence in their Favour, commiſſioned Angels to be the Executioners of his Vengeance, and by an inviſible Hand▪ deſtroy'd the firſt-born of that populous Nation: This made Way for the triumphant Departure of Iſrael ▪ from the Land of their Oppreſſors.— When they were to paſs the Red-Sea, they had neither Boats nor Bridges, to facilitate their Paſſage; but God by a Miracle of Goodneſs, divided the Arabian Gulph, and conducted their numerous Tribes thro' the Boſom of the Sea.— When they conquer'd the City of Jerico, which oppos'd their Entrance into the promis'd Canaan, it was not, by the Valor of their Captains, nor the Swords of their common Soldiers; but the Lord of Hoſts, who reſided in the Ark, the Symbol of His majeſtick Preſence, overthrew its lofty Towers, and levell'd its Walls with the Duſt.— Therefore the inſpir'd Pſalmiſt tells them, they got the Land in Poſſeſſion, not by their own Swords, but by the Arm of the Lord.

THESE, it may juſtly be ſaid, were the Days of Miracles, but have we not ſeen?— have not heard of the extraordinary Interpoſitions of Heaven, in Behalf of his People, in theſe latter Ages?— To keep near Home— Was it not God that conducted the Siege of LOUISBOURG, thro' numberleſs Difficulties and Dangers, and open'd the Gates of that City, to a few unexperienced NEW-ENGLAND-Men. Vnder the Command of Sir WILLIAM PEPPERBELL. This gave a mighty Shock to the ambitious Deſigns of the French King, fir'd his Breaſt with Reſentment, determined him to take a ſevere Revenge.

TO this End, he ſoon collected a formidable Force, deſign'd not only to recover his Loſs, but ſcatter Deſtruction thro' the Coaſts of NORTH-AMERICA. We all remember, how greatly we were ſurpriſed when we heard their Fleet had actually ſail'd to execute this fatal Scheme— No wonder every Face gathered Paleneſs, every Heart was ſeiz'd with Terror. We had every Thing to fear, which the Bigotry of Rome— the Tyranny of France,— the Rage of provoked Enemies, could contrive or inflict. Had they ſucceeded, we had nothing to expect, but to ſee our Cities in Flames— our Habitations demoliſhed— our Virgins defloured—our Street delug'd with Blood,— and the Temples of our God proſtituted to Superſtition and Idolatry.

BUT, though deſtitute of human Aſſiſtance, our Help was in the Name of the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth.—God ſent a contagious Sickneſs among them, which diſpirited their Generals, and exceedingly diminiſh'd the Number of their Forces: —Unwilling to return, without executing ſome Part of their intended Miſchief, they ſummon'd all their Strength, and determined to make a reſolute Attack on ſome of our Eaſtern Settlements,—God ſent forth his Commiſſion to the Winds, they heard his Voice, and immediately gathered into a mighty Storm; and ſcattered their floating Caſtles, upon the Face of the great Deep.— This diſſipated all their Hopes;—a ſmall Remnant only return'd to their native Country, to tell the melancholly Story of their Loſſes and Diſappointments.

THUS, in the Day of our Extremity, the Name of the Lord alone was exalted. His right Hand obtain'd for us an eaſy Victory over our Enemies. Our Lives were preſerv'd—Our Liberties maintain'd — our valuable Enjoyments ſecur'd—Not by our own Swords and Bows, but by the ſignal Interpoſitions of Heaven. This ſhould engage us ſtill to place our Dependance, upon the ſame all-powerful Aſſiſtance. His Arm is not ſhortned that He cannot ſave, nor is his Ear heavy that he cannot hear. In his Name then, Let us ſet up our Banner, and play the Men, for our People and the •• ties of our God. For our Encouragement, I ſhall further add,

FOURTHLY, Faith aſſures us of a glorious Reward.

MANY of the Pagan Heroes fir'd with a Love of Fame, perform'd aſtoniſhing Exploits, for the Glory and Greatneſs of their Country. It is to be fear'd, that many of the moſt ſucceſsful Captains in modern Times, have been influenc'd by no higher Motives in their military Atchievements.—When this is the Caſe, we erect Monuments to perpetuate the Remembrance of their Victories, but cannot enroll them among the Favourites of Heaven. While we celebrate their martial Honours, we ſhed Tears to think, that thoſe who have ſo nobly ſerv'd the Purpoſes of divine Providence, muſt remain the eternal Objects of His Juſtice.—

WHAT is this Fame! ſo ardently deſired, ſo impatiently purſued,—amidſt a Thouſand Deaths —thro' ten Thouſand Dangers!— An airy Dream—A gilded Phantom—deſtitute of Truth and Reality.

BUT the Chriſtian Soldier, animated with the Spirit of Faith and Charity, fights not for a Crown of fading Lawrels, but uncorruptible Glory; He receives the Applauſes, not of falſe and flattering Mortals, but of God the true Fountain of Honor.

ASCEND, O Chriſtian! above theſe Objects of Senſe which ſurround you; fix your Thoughts on the ETERNAL DIVINITY: Behold him ſeated on a Throne of Light, encircled with Angels, Arch-Angels, and the whole HIERARCHY OF HEAVEN—Hark,— how loud do their Triumphant Voices ſound!— with what tranſports of Joy do they aſcribe. Rev. 7.12. Bleſſing and Glory, and Honor and Power to our God forever and ever!

YET▪ a little while, O Chriſtian Soldier! and you ſhall be united to this ſhining Aſſembly, partake of their Joys, and join in their unceaſing HALLELUJAHS. After you have fought under the Banners OF THE CROSS, your appointed Time; Death ſhall give the final Diſcharge: Whether you fall by the Stroke of Violence in the Field of Battle; or deſcend to the Grave, in the common Courſe of Nature; your immortal Spirit, ſhall be ſafely convey'd to the Paradiſe of God.

THERE—the great CAPTAIN OF OUR SALVATION, ſhall addreſs you in the Language of ineffable Grace, Well done thou good and faithful Servant.—There— He will fulfil that Promiſe, which he now makes to all his loyal and obedient Subjects. To him that overcometh, Rev. 3.21. will I grant to ſit with me in my Throne, even as I alſo overcame, and am ſet down with my Father in His Throne.

WHAT is there, my Brethren, in the loud Applauſes of the Age—in the magnificent Trophies of human Vanity—in the ſparkling Diadems of Princes; that can be compar'd to the ſolid Honors, which are appointed for the Chriſtian Hero, and the Crowns of Glory which are prepared for them in a future World.

IT remains, that I apply this Diſcourſe to the Gentlemen in Arms, at whoſe Invitation we are now aſſembled in the Houſe of God.

GENTLEMEN OF THE ARTILLERY,

YOU appear, in the united Characters of Chriſtians and Soldiers—Characters of Honor and Uſefulneſs, which render you in an high Degree the Glory and Safety of the Community. The Deſign of the Inſtitution of your ancient and honourable Company, was not barely to qualify you to make an handſome Figure upon the Parade, and handle your Arms with Dexterity and Addreſs in a Review: But that you might be diſtinguiſh'd Proficients in the military Art, and fit to lead on the Armies of Iſrael to Battle, when the Defence of your Country ſhall ſummon you to Action.

IF ever this Land ſtood in Need of wiſe and valiant Commanders, it is in the preſent Day.—Was there ever a Time, when we were encompaſs'd on all Sides, with ſuch Numbers of Enemies?—Was there ever a Time, when ſuch ſhocking Cruelties were committed on the Frontiers of this, and the neighbouring Colonies? The Sound of War is continually heard in our Streets, and our choſen Troops, are daily marching forth to jeopard their Lives in the high Places of the Field. God's Voice to us is, Joel 3.9, 10. Prepare War; wake the mighty Man; let all the Men of War draw near; let them come up; beat your Plow-ſhares into Swords; and your Pruning-hooks into Spears.

NO ſooner was Peace proclaim'd, but France immediately prepar'd for the Commencement of a new War, the firſt favourable Opportunity; and fix'd upon North-America to be the Scene of its earlieſt Triumphs. To accompliſh their perfidious Schemes, they invaded our Lands, ſurrounded our Engliſh Settlements, with Forts from North to South: They artfully debauch'd our Indian Allies from their Allegiance to the CROWN OF GREAT BRITAIN, and inſinuated themſelves into their Affections, by the moſt villainous Falſhoods. In Conſequence of this— We now ſee numerous Tribes of different Languages, entering our unwalled Villages, committing thoſe Barbarities which are the Diſgrace of human Nature— the Abhorrence of the civilized Word. Theſe are the Policies of France— the Triumphs of a Prince, who abſurdly ſtiles himſelf, The MOST CHRISTIAN KING.

YET, O Enemies of GREAT-BRITAIN! you live to this Day, you keep Poſſeſſion of thoſe Places you have uſurp'd, in Violation of the moſt ſolemn Treaties. Chriſtian Charity forbids me to form a Wiſh for your Deſtruction.—May you only be bro't to acknowledge the Perfidy of your Conduct, the Injuſtice of your Uſurpations, and by the Tears of unfeigned Repentance, extinguiſh that War you have unhappily enkindled.

TILL God ſhall produce this happy Event, it becoms us. MY BRETHREN, to aſſert our Rights in every lawful Method; and with unſhaken Fortitude reſiſt the Injuſtice of our Enemies. When every Thing dear to us, as MEN,—ENGLISH-MEN— and CHRISTIANS, is in Danger, not to come out to the Help of the Lord againſt the Mighty ▪ would be the moſt infamous Cowardiſe, and a melancholly Symptom of approaching Ruin.

WITH what Spirit you are to enter on this Work, I have repreſented in the preceeding Diſcourſe.— Let it be your firſt Care to commit yourſelves to the Protection of the bleſſed JESUS, whom God had given to be a Commander and Leader to the People. Adore His Grace— confide in His Merits— obey his ſovereign Orders—Then with chearful Serenity, march wherever His Providence calls—Fear not the Power of 〈…〉 — nor the confederate Legions of the Prince of Darkneſs.

THE Cauſe of Truth and Righteouſneſs ſhall finally prevail, notwithſtanding all the Oppoſitions of Earth and Hell.—They that fall in the Combat, ſhall riſe to a glorious Immortality. Faith in the Name of Chriſt, forbids your Fears amidſt all the gloomy Horrors of War, and aſſures you the Victory in a future World.

This BLESSED Hope encouraged the happy Conquerors in my Text, chearfully to endure the Difficulties and Trials of their militant State; and kept them ſteady to the Cauſe of God and His People, in Times of the greateſt Temptation.— They had Reſpect to the Recompence of Reward, and look'd for a better Country, even an heavenly one.

LIFT up your Eyes, behold them ſeated upon radiant Thrones— crown'd with unfading Honour— cloth'd with darling Robes—ſhining like Stars in the Firmament of Glory. Lo! they look down upon you, who are ſtill encompaſſed with Enemies, and fighting the good Fight of Faith. They encourage you to go on, with invinſible Courage and Reſolution. By their Example they aſſure you, that if you are faithful unto the Death, you alſo ſhall receive a CROWN OF LIFE.—

To which, &c.