The man of war. A sermon preached to the Artillery Company at Boston, on…

USE. III.

Let it be to excite all that belong to the Camp of Gods Israel to approve themselves good Soldiers of Jesus Christ. Whatsoever is among men justly accounted Commendable in a man of War, apply it Spiritually, and do likewise. Remember, your great General is called, Faithful and True; and be you like Him, following upon white Horses, and Clothed in fine Linen, white and clean, as it is represented in, Rev. 18.12, 14. Study much the Holy Scriptures, by which you may be furnished with the whole Discipline in which Christs Militia is to be trained. Be much in the Exercise of all the Graces of the Spirit, which are your Panoply, and with which you must fight, if you hope ever to overcome. Entangle not your selves with the Affairs of this Life, least you thereby unfit your selves for the Service of him, who hath chosen you to be Soldiers, 2 Tim. 2.4. Get your hearts fortified with an heroic resolution never to flinch in your Service, to desert your Post, much less to fly from your Colours, nor to love your lives unto the death, so you may discharge the trust reposed in you. Be not discouraged if you get a foil, but reinforce the battle, calling aloud for aid from heaven: Nor be secure when you win the Field, but be always ready for a ⟨p. 30⟩new onslaught. Remember, you must have no discharge in this War for age or infirmity: there are no Milites emeriti, or rude donati, in Christs Army, till the War ends. Remember, you have potent enemies, and very cruel, to cope withal, who are never wearied, but ever engaged to do you the greatest harm. Consider, you are not fighting for Counters and Goats hair; not for contemptible Crowns, and fading Laurels; but it is for your lives, and for your Souls, for an incorruptible Crown, an eternal weight of Glory. Remember, your Cause is good, and the issue is secured. Consider, That God, and Christ, and Angels look on, and the voice from Heaven is, Courage brave Soldiers; yet a few skirmishes, yet a battle or two more, and the War is at an end; and you shall rest from your labours, and your works shall follow you: You shall lodge your Colours, and hang up your Shields in Heavens Capitol; and exchange your purple and crimson Garments, for the white Robes of Glory. It is your faithful Leader who is thus animating of you; be thou faithful unto the death, and I will give thee a Crown of Life; and makes that Proclamation to you;