2 Sam. 10. 12 Be of good courage and let us play the men for our people and for the Cities of our God and the Lord do that which seemeth him good.
Deut. 23. 9 When the Host goeth forth against thine enemies, then keep thee from every wicked thing.
Composed for the Parliaments Armie
Question. What Profession are you of?
Answer. I am a Christian and a souldier.
Q. Is it lawfull for Christians to be souldiers?
A. Yea, doubtlesse: we have Arguments enough to warrant it.
God calls himself man of war, and Lord of Hosts.
Abraham had a Regiment of 318. Trained men.
David was imployed in fighting the Lords battels.
The Holy Ghost makes honourable mention of Davids Worthies.
God himselfe taught David to fight.
The noble gift of valour is given for this purpose.
The New Testament mentioneth two famous Centurions.
The Baptist doth not require the souldiers to leave their profession, Luke 3.14.
Many comparisons are taken from this Calling in the New Testament.
There have been many famous Martyrs of this profession.
Q. What does our Saviour meane then by those words? Mat. 5.39.
A.
Christ there onely forbids private revenge and resistance.
Scripture is the best interpreter of Scripture: we know that other piaces of Scripture do warrant taking up of Arms in some cases.
Q. What side are you of, and for Whom do you fight?
A. I am for King and Parliament: or, in plainer termes;
I fight to recover the King out of the hands of a Popish Malignant Company, that have seduced His Majesty with their wicked Counsels, and have withdrawne him from his Parliament.
I fight for the Lawes and Liberties of my Countrey, which are now in danger to be overthrowne by them that have long laboured to bring into this Kingdome an Arbitrary, and Tyrannicall Government.
I fight for the preservation of our Parliament, in the being whereof (under God) consists the glory and welfare of this Kingdome; if this Foundation be overthrown, we shall soone bee the most slavish Nation in the Christian World.
I fight in the defence and maintenance the true Protestant Religion, which is now violently opposed and will be utterly suppressed in this Kingdome; and the Popish Religion again advanced, if the Armies raised against the Parliament prevaile.
Q. But is it not against the King that you fight in this Cause?
A. No surely: yet many do abuse the world with this base and absurd objection: our onely aime is,
To rescue the King out of the hands of his and the Kingdomes enemies; and to maintain his Honour and just Prerogatives.
We endeavour to defend that which the King is bound to defend, both by his Oath and Office.
Wee take up Armes against the enemies of Jesus Christ , who in His Majesties name make warre against the Church and People Of God.
If the King joine himself with them that seek the ruine of his people, and the overthrow of Religion, surely both We and all good Subjects, may lawfully stand in the defence of both; as the people did against the King Saul for the case of Jonathan, 1 King. 14.45.
We do no more then what our Brethren of Scotland did, when they came into this Kingdome with an Army some three or foure yeares since; whose Action the King and both Houses have cleared from all Rebellion, and they remaine justified in what they then did, to all posterity, by an Act of Parliament.
Q. Hath not the King published many Protestations that he will maintain our Lawes, Liberties, and Religion? why then do we feare the subversion of them?
A.
Many things have been published in his Majesties name, which in all probability he never saw or knew of.
Though the King himselfe may intend really and well, yet the Sonnes of Zervia are too strong for him.
It is not to be imagined that a Popish Army may will defend the Protestant Religion, or lawlesse Libertines, the Lawes of the Land.
We find by wofull experience that he hath many waies failed indivers of those large Promises and Protestations, not withstanding that God hath been so often called to witness.
They say it is a Maxime how at Court, that Faith is not to be kept with Hereticks, and such, doe some there, account all true Protestants.
Q. How can you that are Souldiers for the Parliament answer that that place of Paul, Rom. 13. 1, 2, 3, &c.
A.
That place requires not obedience to any unlawfull Commands, neither doth any other place of Scripture, we are no further to obey man, then may stand with the will of God.
They are grosly mistaken which say the King is the highest power; Indeed he is the highest person in his Dominions, but the Lawes and Courtes the Kingdom are above him in power, and the King himself is limited and subject to the meanest Court in the Land: Therefore surely the high Court of Parliament must needs be the higher Power, Which not to obey is to resist the Ordinance of God.
Supposed the King were the Higher Power, yet if he shall intend or permit the ruine of his subjects, both nature and grace allowes people to preserve themselves.
If the King be the highest power by constitution, yet is his power now or in other hands by usurpation. The Queen, Jermin, Bristol, Digby, Cottington, Windebanke, Porter, and many others, have for a long time, and do still mannage the greatest affaires of the Kingdome; so that it were a miserable thing to be subjected in conscience (as That text imports, in some mens exposition might passe for orthodox Divinity) to such enemies and incendiaries both of Church and Commonwealth.
Q. What is it that moves you to take up Arms, and to ingage your selfe in this Civil Warre?
A.
The love I beare to my Countrey.
The preservation of our Parliament, Laws and Liberties.
The defence of our Religion against Poperie.
The care of our Posterity.
The generall forwardnesse of all good people.
The consent, and provocation of all Gods Ministers.
The command of the Parliament, which is the Higher Power.
The necessity that now lies upon all that feare God in the Land.
Q. What do you think then of those Protestants which sit still, and do not put forth themselves in these times?
A.
Either they are not convinced of the necessity.
Or they are but luke-warme Professors.
Or they are of base and private spirits.
Or they are faint-hearted cowards.
Or they are secret enemies to God and His Cause.
Q. What danger are such Newters in?
A.
God takes speciall notice of their disposition and carriage, and will deale with them accordingly.
In Gods account all such are enemies; they that are not with him are against him.
They deserve neither respect nor protection from Church or Commonwealth.
They are in danger to be spued out of Christs mouth, Rev. 3.16.
They are directly under that dreadful curse which the Angell of the Lord denounced against Merosh, Judg. 5.23.
Q. What say you then of those Protestants, which fight on the Other side, and joyne with the Enemies of our Religion, Parliament and Countrey?
A.
I say, that they are unworthy the name of Protestants.
I say, that they maintain the cause of Antichrist.
That they are the shame and blemishes of Religion.
That none of their weapons shall prosper, Isa. 54.17.
That God will utterly undoe them, Zeph. 3.19.
That their swords shall enter into their owne hearts, Psal. 37.15.
That all the blood that hath been shed lies upon their score.
That they are in the high-way to perdition, without repentance.
Q. What is the reason thinke you, that so many Protestants, of all degrees, joyne with our Popish enemies?
A.
Many are onely Protestants in names but indeed are Papists or Atheists in heart.
Many are drawne in to joyn with that Party our of a base feare of suffering in their estates, supporting the Kings side would be the safest.
Many to avoid the Justice of Parliament, have hazarded the ruine of their Countrey, to save themselves from their deserved punishment.
Many have ingaged themselves with the Kings Party, in hope to make up their broken fortunes.
Many for feare of Reformation, which they are not able to indure, and therefore joyne with them that oppose it.
Many out of a desperate spirit of Malignancy, and an implacable enmity against the people of God, and all goodnesse.
Q. What is it that you chiefly aime at this warre?
A.
At the pulling down of Babylon, and rewarding her as she hath ferved us, Psal. 137.8.
At the suppression of an Antichristian prelacy, consisting of Archbishops, Bishops, &c.
At the Reformation of a most corrupt, lazie, infamous, superstitious foule-murdering Clergy.
At the advancement of Christs Kingdome and the purity of his Ordinances.
At the bringing to Justice the enemies of our Church and State.
At the regulating of our Courts of Justice, which have been made the seats of iniquity and unrighteousness.
At the upholding of out Parliaments, which are the Subjects best Inheritance, and the Crowne of our Nation.
At the preservation, and continuing of the Gospell to our posterity, and the generations to come.
Q. What hopes have you of prevailing us this Cause?
A. We have incouragernents enough to assure us of good success: there be many arguments to confirm our hope.
From the justnesse and goodnesse of the Cause.
From the courte that hath been taken.
From the condition of those that are ingaged in the businesse.
From the quality of our enemies.
From the cheerfullnesse of most mens spirits in this Action.
From the many defeats and victories already given and obtained.
From the assistance of our Brethren of Scotland
From the Covenant which, all the wellaffected of the Kingdome have entred into.
Q. Explain these more particularly and in order, and first shew me what hopes you conceive from the goodnesse of the Cause?
A.
A good Cause puts life and courage into mens hearts.
A good Cause hath GOD ever siding with it.
A good Cause daunts and dismays the adverse party.
A good Cause will undoubtedly prevails at last.
Q. What is your incouragement from the course that hath been taken?
A.
In that all faire and Christian waies before wee tooke up Armes.
In that the Lord was solemnly and generally sought unto before this businesse was undertaken
In that it was undertaken with good advice, and is guided by a multitude of counsellors.
In that it is still followed with the Prayers and humiliations of all the faithful in the land.
Q. What hope have you from them that are ingaged in this Warre?
A.
Because all the faithfull and godly Minister of this Kingdome do side with us in this Cause.
Because the most of our Commanders are men of disingaged and Publique Spirits.
Because our men generally are so full of courage and resolution.
Because we have so many godly and religious Souldiers in our Armies.
Q. What from the quality of your enemies?
A. Wee may conclude that God will not prosper them.
Because they are for the most part Papists and Atheists, with whom we have to deale.
Because they are generally the most horrible Cursers and Blasphemers in the World.
Because they are, for the most part, inhumane, barbarous and cruell.
Because they are enemies to God, and the power of goodnesse, and therefore the Lord will scatter them.
Q. What doe you gather from the cheerfulnesse of their spirits, that are of your party?
A.
‘Tis an Argument that God hath raised his servants to do some great worke, Psal. 149.5,9.
‘Tis an Argument that God will prosper those whom he hath made so willing, Judg. 5.2.
‘Tis in Argument that such as are so willing and cheerfull in this businesse, will goe on couragiously.
‘Tis an Argument that they are so well assured of the goodnesse of their Cause, that they will live and die in it.
Q. What doe you conclude from the goodnesse that you side hath already had?
A.
That Almighty God declares himselfe a friend to our Party.
That he hath already much abated the courage of our enemies.
That we have all the reason in the World to trust God for the future, who hath done so much for us.
That the Lord will glorifie himself more and more in his Churches behalf.
Q. What hopes have you from your Brethren of Scotland?
A.
We have cause to acknowledge Gods great mercy, in bringing them to our assistances this time.
Their numbers and preparations are great, and they a couragious and warlike Nation.
They have given sufficient testimony of late of their love and faithfullnesse towards our Nation.
They are as much concerned in this Quarrel as wee, and are resolved to joine with us in
Q. But what grounds have you to comfort your selves from the National Covenant, which you say so many have entered into?
A.
Because it is a testimony of our generall humiliation, and a good beginning of Reformation.
Because it is the joy and desire of all good Christians throughout the Land.
Because Popery never received so deadly a blow in this Kingdome, as by this Covenant.
Because all the Parliaments affaires have prospered well since the Covenant was taken, witnesse our many victories and successes: As 1. Glocester, 2. Newbury, 3. Winchby, neere Horne-Castle, 4. Hull, the same day, 5. Lincolne, 6. Gainsborough, 7. Arundell Castle, 8. Nantwich, 9. Alsford near Winchester, besides many other defeats given the enemy, and divers other places of letter note recovered, without any considerable losse on our side.
Q. But is it not a lamentable thing that Christians of the same Nation, should thus imbrne their hands in one anothers blood?
A. I confesse, it is: But as the case now stands there is an inevitable and absolute necessity of fighting laid upon the good people of the Land.
Is it not high time to stand upon our guard, when our enemies have drawn their Swords upon us, to invade our persons, and whatsoever is dear to us.
God now calls upon us to avenge the blood of his Saints that hath been shed in the Land, and those many outrages which have been committed against his servants.
The whole Church of God calls upon us to come in to the help of the Lord and his people against the mighty.
Our children and posterity call upon us to maintain those Liberties, and that Gospel, which we received from our fore-fathers.
We are not now to look at our enemies as Country-men or Kinsmen, or fellow-Protestants, but as the enemies of God and our Religion, and siders with the Antichrist; and so our eye is not to pitie them, nor our sword to spare them, Jer. 48.10.
Q. There are a great many on the Kings Party that have been held honest men, &c. will your sword make no difference between them and others?
A.
If they join themselves with the malignant Party, we cannot know them from Malignants.
It is to be feared, that such were never of us, because they are so cruel against us: hypocrites commonly when they are unmasked, prove the most dangerous enemies.
Q. Who do you think were the Authors, and occasioners of this unnatural War?
A.
The Jesuits, those fire-brands of mischief, with all the Popish party.
The Bishops, and the rotten Clergy, with all the Prelatical party.
The Delinquents, that were not able to abide the triall of Justice, with all the Malignant party.
The formall Gospellers of the Kingdome, that hate a Reformation, with all the Atheistiall party.
Q. Do not many of them that you count your enemies, stand for Religion as well as you?
A.
Surely they are mad, that thinke the Papists will fight in defence of the Protestant Religion.
They are very simple, that expect any care of the true Religion from the Prelates and their party, who have beene the grand persecuters of it.
Neither is it to be imagined , that men so loose, lewd, and wicked, as most of your Cavaliers are, should really intend the preservation of Religion, or any thing else that is good.
We know the Earl of Newcastle pretends that he fight for Religion, yet his Army is for the most part Popish, and he said not long since, that men might talk of Religion, and so forth, but Religion of it selfe was but an ayerie thing.
Their rage and madnesse against those that they know to have been most zealous and forward in the maintenance and profession of the Protestant Religion, doth sufficiently shew how cordially they stand for Religion.
Indeed they do stand for Religion, but just as the Ephesians stood for Diana, Acts 17.
I. They stand for Popish Prelacie.
II. They stand for an Ignominious Clergie.
III. They stand for the foule-starving Service-Booke.
IV. They stand for a companie of stinking Ceromonies.
V. They stand for abominable Monuments of Idolaterie.
VI. They stand for unchristian liberty.
Q. Do you think that there will be a Reformation of these things before we shall enjoy any peace?
A. Yea, doubtlesse: and I gather it from these Reasons.
Because Gods anger is let loose upon this Nation for these things.
Because about this time hundred years Poperie, was suppressed in this Kingdome; and it is noted, that every Centurie, or hundred years, hath produced great alterations in the Church.
Because it is Reformation that our Enemies do most feare.
Because the Devill and his Instruments do so bestirre themselves at this time.
Becaufe all the reformed Churches in Christendome pray for and expect our Reformation.
Because the measure of our enemies iniquity is now full.
Because a solemne Oath and Covenant is taken to that purpose.
The Second Part of the Souldiers Catechisme
Q. What are the principall things required in a souldier?
A.
That hee bee religious and godly.
That he be couragious and valient.
That he be skillfull in the Militarie Profession
Q. How do you prove that our souldiers should be religious?
A.
By Scripture: Deut. 23.9.24 Luk. 3.14.
Besides, there be many Reasons to confirme it.
I. Because they lie so open to death.
II. They stand in continuall need of Gods assistance.
III. They fight for Religion and Reformation.
IV. God hath rais’d them up to execute justice.
V. Men may be as religious in this Profession as in any other.
VI. We read of brave souldiers that have been very religious.
VII. A well ordered Camp is a Schoole of Vertue, wherein is taught, 1. Preparation to death, 2. Continencie, 3. Vigilancie, 4. Obedience, 5. Hardnesse, 6. Temperance, 7. Humilitie, 8. Devotion, &c.
Q. Who do chiefly offend against this Rule?
A.
Such souldiers as give themselves to whoring and uncleannesse.
Such as use to sweare, and blaspheme the name of God.
Such as follow that swinish sin of drunkennesse.
Such as plunder and steale whatsoever they come neare.
Q. Are not these things tolerable in souldiers?
A. No more in them then other men: the Scripture saith generally to and of all men whatsoever:
That whoremongers and adulterers God Will judge, Heb. 13.5.
That the Lord will not hold him guiltlesse that taketh his Name in vaine.
That drunkards shall not inherit the Kingdome of God, 1. Cor. 6.9,10.
That he that doth wrong, shall receive for the wrong he hath done, and there is no respect of persons, Col. 3. ult.
Q. What is the reason then that there be so many lewd and wicked men in the Parliaments Army?
A.
Because Commanders in Chief are not more carefull in choosing godly Officers.
Because honest religious men are not more forward to put forth themselves in this service of God and his Church.
Because Order and Discipline is not more strictly executed by Superiours.
Because Officers in Towns and Countries aim to presse the scumme and refuse of men, and to be easing themselves , pesture our Armies with base conditioned people.
Q. How can we expect a, blessing upon our preparations, when so many godlesse wretches are employed in our Armies?
A.
Truly it is a very sad thing, and much to be lamented, and requires the care of the State to remedy.
Yet (blessed be God ) we have multitudes of godly and eminent Christians that are ingaged in the Parliaments Service.
And besides, we know that God can make use of wicked men to serve his providence, as he doth of wicked Angells.
We have many instances of bad men, that have done good service to God and his Church, as Saul, Joab, &c.
Q. Is it well done of some of your Souldiers (which seem to be religious) to break down Crosses and Images where they meet with any?
A.
I confesse that nothing ought to be done in a tumultuous manner.
But seeing God hath put the Sword of Reformation into the Souldiers hand, I thinke is not amisse that they should cancell and demolish those Monuments of Superstition and idolatry, especially seeing the Magistrate and the Minister that should have done it formerly, neglected it.
Q. But what say you to their tearing and burning the Books of Common Prayer, in every place where they come?
A. Much may be said in their justification, who shew themselves so zealous against that Booke.
It hath been the fomenter of a most lazy, lewd, and ignorant Ministry.
It hath been the Nurse of that lamentable blindnesse and ignorance, which hath overspread many parts of this Kingdome.
It is a great cause of our present calamities, for who are they that side with our Popish Enemies, but Common-Prayer men?
It is become the most abominable Idoll in the Land, people generally doe doat upon it , as much as the Ephesians upon Diana • and prefer it before Preaching in many places, being strangely inraged for the want of it.
It is high time therefore to remove this Brazen Serpent and grind it to powder, seeing it is the occasion of so much evil.
It is very likely therefore that God hath stirred up the spirits of some honest souldiers to be his Instruments for the destruction that Idoll.
It belongs to the Parliament Souldiers, upon the matter, to remove all scandalous things they meet with, having covenanted, and ingaged themselves in the work of Reformation.
Q. What doe you say concerning valour and courage?
A.
I say, it is a most noble and heroicall vertue, that makes some men differ from others, as much as all men differ from beasts.
I say, if is impossible for any to be a good souldier without it. An Army of Harts led by a Lion, is better then an Army of Lions led by a Hart.
I say, that one valiant man in an Army, is better then a thousand cowards.
I say, that a coward degenerates from man, being of a base and ignoble nature.
I. God took speciall care, that all faint-hearted cowards should be cashiered out of his Armies, Deut. 20. 8.
II. Cowards ever do more hurt then good, being like an X before an L.
III. And for the most part cowards miscarrie sooner then those that are couragious.
Q. What are the chiefe Arguments and considerations to make a souldier couragious in the Parliaments service?
A.
The goodnesse of the Cause, which undoubtedly is Gods, and his Churches.
The promise of God , to help his Church and People against his and his Churches Enemies.
The manifold experiences that the people of God have had in former ages his assistance.
The manifold experiences of Gods special odnesse to his servants in these times.
The assurance, that not a haire can fall from our heads without the providence and permission of God.
The danger of faint-heartednesse; he that would save his life in such times as these, shall lose it.
The promise, that whosoever shall lose his life, or any thing els, in the Cause of Christ and his Gospell, shall be a great gainer by the hand.
The consideration that this Warre is surrounded with the prayers and blessings of all the good people of the Land.
The multitude of eminent Christians, of all sorts, that are ingaged in this businesse.
The great reward of honour here, and glory hereafter, that shall be given to every one that is valiant for the Lord.
Q. What are the principall enemies to courage and valour?
A.
Want of experience: fresh-water souldiers commonly faint-hearted souldiers; whereas they that have been used to the Warres are usually of of undaunted spirits.
Want of metall: some mens Spirits are naturally so low and base, that they will never prove good souldiers: as it is with cocks, so is it amongst men: there is a breed and generation of cravens.
Want of Faith: when a man hath little or no confidence in God, his heart must needs faile him in undertakings of danger; whereas Faith feares not in the valley of the shadow of death. Psal. 23. 4.
Want of innocency, and a good conscience, Prov. 28. 1. It was the speech of the valorous Earle of Essex, our renowned Generals Father, (cited by D. Barlow in his Sermon at Pauls Cross, March 1. 1600) That sometimes in the field encountering the enemy, the weight of his sinnes lying heavie upon his conscience, being not reconciled to God quelled his spirits, and made him the most timerous man that might be.
Want of wisdome and consideration: for surely if men would seriously consider the evills of cowardice, and the excellency of valour, it would make them abhorre the one, and be ambitious of the other.
Q. Is there any great need of skill and cunning in this Profession?
A. Yea doubtlesse: for David doth thankfully acknowledge the Lords goodnesse, in teaching his hands to warre, and his fingers to fight, Psal. 144. 1.
Great wisdome, policie, and experience is required in Commanders.
And no lesse skill and dexterity in common souldiers; they must know how to handle their Armes, how to keep Ranks, &c.
Certainly a few well-trained Souldiers are better then a multitude of raw, unexperienced men.
Q. What should be done to make souldiers skillfull in their Art ?
A.
Officers should bee very diligent in teaching and exercising their men.
Common souldiers should make it their businesse to learn and get what cunning they can.
Every souldier should seeke to God by prayer, that he would instruct and teach them: for it is the blessing of God that makes men to profit in any profession.
Both Commanders, Officers, and common Souldiers may advantage themselves by reading and observing what hath been written by eminent Souldiers of this Act.
Q. How ought Commanders and Officers to carry themselves towards their Souldiers?
A.
Religiously, shewing them not evill example, but being a patterne to them of virtue and godlinesse.
Lovingly, not in a sterne rugged manner, considering that their Command is not over Beares, But men.
Discreetly, incouraging them most that deserve best, and avoiding so much familiarity as may breed contempt.
Justly, not defrauding them of their due, nor doing or suffering any injury to be done to the meanest.
Q. How should inferiour Souldiers demeane themselves toward their Commanders and Officers?
A.
They must acknowledge and honour them as Superiours, and account them as men set over them by the providence of God and wisdome of the State.
They must be exactly obedient to their command, ever for conscience sake, Rom. 13. 5.34 Of all men Souldiers are most strictly tyed to obedience, the want whereof may prove of very dangerous consequence.
Q. What say you of such Souldiers as are given to mutining?
A.
They are as dangerous Cattle as can belong to an Army.
They deserve severe punishment, and to be utterly cashiered.
They will hardly ever prove good Souldiers that are taynted with this humour.
Q. What your opinion of those Souldiers that run away from their Colours?
A.
Such are, by Martiall Law, to suffer death, and surely, they well deserve it.
‘Tis a most ignoble and base part to doe so, and they deserve to be branded with infamy for ever, that are guilty of it.
Nay it is a fowle wickednesse, being offensive both to God and man, Psal. 78. 9.
I. For such (if the Cause be just) doe abandon the Cause of God.
II. They deceive that trust which was reposed in them by the State.
III. As much as in them lies, they betray the Cause they have undertaken.
IV. They give dangerous example and may occasion the overthrow of an Army.
Q. How ought souldiers be incouraged and rewarded?
A.
They ought to be highly honoured, especially such as have been couragious and faithfull in their Countreyes Service.
They ought to be well maintained, with sufficient allowance, while they are abroad in imployment; for no man goeth on warfare at his own charges.
They that have received any hurt or losse by the warres, ought to be liberally provided for, and comfortably mantained all their dayes, by them that sent them forth .
Q. What Arguments have you to prove, that such honour and respect should bee done to our souldiers?
A.
They that fight against the Churches Enemies, are Gods helpers against the mighty, Judg. 5. 23.
They are the Instruments of Justice, and the Executioners of Gods Judgements, Psalme 149. 7, 9.
They shew themselves men of publike spirits, and true lovers of their Countrey.
They shew themselves valiant and couragious, which are very high deserving qualities.
No men undergoe such hardship and hazzard as the souldier doth.
None deserve better then they, either of Church, Commonwealth, or Posterity.
FINIS.
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