For the time would fail me to speak in particular of Joshua, Gideon, Jephthah, David, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, Josiah, and other like worthies, royal persons, that were trained up in the Artillery Profession, and thereupon waged many battles valiantly and victoriously. THEY were Men of War. We read of few battles in Scripture, wherein Kings, or other chief Governors had not their place and part. In Assyria, Persia, Greece, and ⟨p. 416⟩Rome, the four great Monarchies of the World, and the most famous States that ever were among the Heathen, all that in any excellency surpassed others, and were chosen to high and honourable places, for the most part, THEY were Men of War. The like may be noted of other well disciplined and well governed polities. Most of our Dignities and Titles of honour have risen from Artillery exercises, and Military employments. Imperatores Emperors, were at 1first Generals of armies: Duces Dukes, were Captains of bands: Commits Earls, were Lieutenants, or Provosts-Marshals: Milites Knights, were choice Soldiers: Equites Esquires, were horsemen in War. These and other like honourable titles were at first given to men, because THEY were Men of War. The honour of Knight-hood is known properly to belong to such as have well deserved in War. Our Ancestors got their greatest renown by warlike affairs. Can any now deny the Artillery profession to have 2been accounted an honourable function? Many honourable parts and endowments are requisite to make a man expert in the Artillery profession, as, Soundness of judgement, Sharpness of wit, Quickness of conceit, Stoutness and courage of mind, Undauntedness in danger, Discretion mixed with passion, Prudence, Patience, Ability and Agility of body, and of the several parts thereof, with the like: all which do demonstrate that the function whereunto they are required, is an honourable function.
For the time would faile me to speake in particular of Ioshua, Gedeon, Iepthah, David, Iehosaphat, Hezekiah, Iosiah, and other like worthies, royall persons, that were trained up in the Artillery Profession, and thereupon waged many battels valiantly and victoriously. THEY were Men of Warre. We read of few battels in Scripture, wherein Kings, or other chiefe Governours had not their place and part. In Assyria, Persia, Greece, and ⟨p. 416⟩Rome, the foure great Monarchies of the World, and the most famous States that ever were among the Heathen, all that in any excellency surpassed others, and were chosen to high and honourable places, for the most part, THEY were Men of Warre. The like may be noted of other well disciplined and well governed polities. Most of our Dignities and Titles of honour have risen from Artillery exercises, and Military imployments. Imperatores Emperours, were at 1first Generals of armies: Duces Dukes, were Captaines of bands: Comites Earles, were Lieftenants, or Provosts-Marshalls: Milites Knights, were choice Souldiers: Equites Esquires, were horsemen in Warre. These and other like honourable titles were at first given to men, because THEY were Men of Warre. The honour of Knight-hood is knowne properly to belong to such as have well deserved in Warre. Our Ancestours got their greatest renowne by warlike affaires. Can any now deny the Artillery profession to have 2been accounted an honourable function? Many honourable parts and endowments are requisite to make a man expert in the Artillery profession, as, Soundnesse of judgement, Sharpenesse of wit, Quicknesse of conceit, Stoutnesse and courage of mind, Vndauntednesse in danger, Discretion mixed with passion, Prudence, Patience, Ability and Agility of body, and of the severall parts thereof, with the like: all which do demonstrate that the function whereunto they are required, is an honourable function.
- 1Titles of honour most due to men of War.Titles of honour most due to men of Warre.
- 2Mayors nostri summam rebus bellicis retulere gloriam. Ambr. Offic. l. 1. c. 35. Things requisite to make men fit for War.Maiores nostri summam rebus bellicis retulere gloriam. Ambr. Offic. l. 1. c. 35. Things requisite to make men fit for Warre.
