pp. 232–2339 passages
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
II. *PRayer for good successe in warre is to be made by such as tarry at home. So did aSamuel. bElies waiting for newes out of the army, implieth that his prayer was not wanting. cThat solemne forme of thanks which David gave to God upon Ioabs returne with victory, giveth proofe of his praying for the armies. dSo doth Melchizedechs congratulation of Abrahams victory.
1. Gods honour is engaged in the success of such as profess Gods truth.
1. Gods honour is engaged in the successe of such as professe Gods truth.
2. Their cause ought to be accounted a common cause of all that are of the same profession.
3. Christian sympathy, and the Communion of Saints should make us account others dangers, and others success as our own.
3. Christian sympathy, and the Communion of Saints should make us account others dangers, and others successe as our owne.
4. If they which go out to war, be of our own country or nation, by their overthrow we incur hazard: by their victory the more safety is brought to us that tarry at home, yea we all partake of the benefit of the spoils which they make of enemies, the whole kingdom is enriched thereby if they be great.
4. If they which go out to warre, be of our owne country or nation, by their overthrow we incurre hazzard: by their victory the more safety is brought to us that tarry at home, yea we all partake of the benefit of the spoiles which they make of enemies, the whole kingdome is enriched thereby if they be great.
If these be not sufficient motives to enforce the equity of the fore-named duty, what can be sufficient?
Remember therefore what Uriah said, The Ark, and Israel, 1and Judah abide in tents, and my Lord Joab, and the servants ⟨p. 233⟩of my Lord are encamped in the open fields, shall I then go into my house to eat and to drink? He, when he was at home was as much affected with the armies in the field as if himself had been there. Can any then be so careless of them as not to pray for them?
Remember therfore what Vriah said, The Arke, and Israel, 1and Iudah abide in tents, and my Lord Ioab, and the servants ⟨p. 233⟩of my Lord are encamped in the open fields, shall I then go into my house to eate and to drinke? He, when he was at home was as much affected with the armies in the field as if himselfe had beene there. Can any then be so carelesse of them as not to pray for them?
Assuredly, if Magistrates, and Ministers, if great ones, and mean ones were more conscionable in performing this duty, better success might be expected. But so far are most from obtaining a blessing upon the armies that go forth, as rather on the contrary (Achan like) they trouble the armies 1that are sent out, by provoking Gods wrath against them, through their impiety, and profaneness, lewdness, and licentiousness. Such either pray not at all: or they make their prayers to be an abomination to the Lord. For, he that 2turneth away his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer shall be abomination. Thus wicked persons are betrayers of such as (out of the places where they dwell) go to war.
Assuredly, if Magistrates, and Ministers, if great ones, and meane ones were more conscionable in performing this duty, better successe might be expected. But so farre are most from obtaining a blessing upon the armies that go forth, as rather on the contrary (Achan like) they trouble the armies 1that are sent out, by provoking Gods wrath against them, thorow their impiety, and prophanesse, lewdnesse, and licentiousnesse. Such either pray not at all: or they make their prayers to be an abomination to the Lord. For, he that 2turneth away his eare from hearing the Law, even his prayer shalbe abomination. Thus wicked persons are betrayers of such as (out of the places where they dwell) goe to warre.
