Lovewell Lamented, Sermon
The Brave Lovewell, And several of his Company, LAMENTED.
II. Sam. I.27.
How are the Mighty fallen, and the Weapons of War perished!
THE Book before us is Entitled The Second of Samuel, not, that it was written by the Famous Prophet of that Name; (for it contains an History of what came to pass, after his Death; of which we've an account in the beginning of the XXV. Chap. of the former Book) but the latter part of the former, with the whole of this Book, is supposed to be written by Nathan or God; or by Hezekiah or Ezra. And probably it's call'd, The Second of Samuel, by the Hebrews, because It's a Continuation of the History began by him; and so, being a Supplement to the History of Samuel, it goes under his Name; as is usual in such cases now a days.
IN the Chapter before us, we've a very Celebrated Elegy; of which our Text is the Conclusion. And here we may observe. (1) WHO was the Author of this Elegy, or Funeral Poem; Namely, David. Agreably it's termed in our Psalm-Book, David's Elegy. The Sweet Psalmist of Israel was a Poet, as well as Musician; and has given us a noble Specimen of his admirable Poetick Genius, in the Mournful Poem before us. But we're to consider Him here, not only as a finish'd Poet, but as an Eminent Servant of GOD, even the Man after GOD's own heart: who duely considering the works of the Lord, and regarding the operations of His hands, has set us a very bright Example, how to behave upon, and what Improvement to make of, the Death of Useful Men; especially of such, as not only have Jeoparded their Lives unto the Death, but nobly laid down their Lives, in the high places of the Field, in the Service of their King & Country: David Lamented with this Lamentation. —
(2) OBSERVE the Subject & Occasion of this Elegy; viz. The Death of Saul and Ionathan; who with many of their Army fell down slain upon Mount Gilboa, 1 Sam. 31.1, 2, 3. Tidings of this Slaughter being bro't to David, he was greatly affected therewith, and (as was customary amongst the Hebrews on such sorrowful occasions) David, took hold on his clothes and rent them, and likewise all the men that were with him. And they mourned and wept and fasted until Even, for Saul and for Jonathan his Son, and for the people of the Lord, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the Sword. Context 11, 12. ver. And having done Justice on the young Amalekite, that brot' the News, who by his own Confession had stretched forth his hand to slay the Lord's anointed; He further gave vent to his Grief, in the Elegant Composition before us.
(3) OBSERVE the Matter and Substance of this Elegy: or, what David said on this great Occasion. And First, He utters this mournful assertion, The Beauty of Israel is Slain upon thy high places! ver. 19. Expert Soldiers are no inconsiderable part of the beauty of Israel. Then follows a very pathetical Exclamation, which is thrice repeated, v. 19.25, 27. and is the burthen of the Song, How are the Mighty fallen! We have then his Poetical Wish, with the Reason of it, That the Tragical News might not be published, v. 20. Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the Streets of Askelon: lest the Daughters of the Philistines rejoyce, lest the Daughters of the uncircumcised triumph. The Imperative Mood is used in the begining of the verse for the Optative, after the manner of passionate Mourners, who often wish for things impossible. And by this form of Speech David rather expresses his Detestatation of what was done, then forbids the doing of it: q. d. O that this Doleful Story had never been told in Gath! for so it surely was, 1 Sam. 31.8, 9, 10. And it came to pass on the morrow, when the Philistines came to strip the Slain, that they found Saul and his three Sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. And they cut off his head, and stripped off his Armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to publish it in the house of their Idols, and among the people. And they put his Armour in the house of Ashtaroth: and they sostened his Body to the Wall of Beth-shan. We have next David's Imprecation, on the place of the defeat, with the Reason of it. v. 21. Ye Mountains of Gilboa, … there be no Dew, neither let there be Rain upon you, nor fields of offerings▪ for there the shield of the Mighty is vilely cast away. — Some think this only a Figurative Speech, supposing the very Heavens and Earth had a kind of sense and feeling of this Calamity: Others think it a Prophetical Curse, that took effect accordingly, even as our Saviour's, denounc'd on the Barren Fig-Tree, a.Dr. Willet in loc & Peter Martyr, quoted by him, Poli Critica ▪But this is confuted by Brochard & others, that have been upon the place. We may therefore look upon it, as only an Hyperbolical Poetical Imprecation.
DAVID then goes on to commend Saul and Ionathan, for their wonderful Success at Arms, v. 22. From the Blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty. They were wont to be Victorious over their stoutest Enemies. And that it's otherwise now, and that these Valiant Men are fallen, argues that GOD is angry; which should awaken his people to Repentance. He further celebrates (as, their affection to one another and Union in Death, v. 23. so,) their Agility and Courage. They were swifter than Eagles, they were bolder than Lions. They were Swift and Nimble to pursue their Enemies, and to avoid danger; and Strong and Valiant to resist and overcome such as dare oppose them. Briefly, he commends Sau for his Royal Bounty to the Daughters of Israel, whom he calls upon to Lament him, v. 24. Ye Daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your Apparel. Even the Daughters of Israel had been wont to bear their part in Sauls Triumphs, and now it became them to mourn his Fall. As all share in common Calamities; so all should be suitably affected therewith.
Finally, DAVID particularly Laments over Ionathan, professing his deep Distress for him: the dear affection between them, and the pleasure he took in his Conversation, v 25, 26. O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thy high places. I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, possing the love of Women, who are commonly most affectionate.
(4) OBSERVE some of the Properties of this Elegy. And, First, It is extremely fine and elegant. The Ideas are very bright, and well adapted: the Phrases are very Expressive and Emphatical, and hence the whole Poem is very moving and pathetical. And particularly, where he speaks of his Friend Ionathan, nothing can be more soft and tender, and express'd with a greater Pathos. And what more passionate, than his Repeated Exclamation? How are the Mighty fallen! Those Valiant and Renowned Commanders, Saul and Ionathan, with their brave and undaunted Soldiers, that fell with them. So that the Weapons of War are perished i. e. those that wielded them are dead. And what will Weapons do, without Men of Skill and Courage to handle them, for their Countrie's Preservation and Defence, and the Suppression and Extirpation of their Enemies!
Again, THE whole Poem is sufficiently Brave and Manly. David shows himself a Man of a great Soul, now, that Saul's day was come to die, & GOD had delivered him out of his hands; and Saul could now no longer persecute and hunt him as a Partridge on the Mountains, as he'd a long while done (for as in the Grave the weary Servants of GOD, are at rest, so, Blessed be GOD! when the Wicked are lodg'd there, they cease from troubling) I say tho' David was now delivered, he scorns to trample with insulting feet on the Monument of the Dead, and crow over a Breathless Corpse; But buries all the faults of Saul in perpetual oblivion, in the land of forgetfulness, lays aside all Spleen, and heartily mourns his Countrie's Reproach and Loss, tho' the very means of his own deliverance and advancement, (a Noble instance of Public Spiritedness) and commemorates what was commendable, even in Saul. For, De mortuis, nil nisi bonum. None that are Men after GOD's own heart, will unnecessarily rip up the faults of others; and speak evil of those that can't speak for themselves. Those that are not thus tender of the Reputation of others, may justly fear that others will be as free with them, when they are silent in the Grave.
BUT then, it's also a Martial Poem, 'tis written with a Martial Air. The Subject is intirely Military. He Laments his Heroes, considered in their Military Character. He Celebrates their Military Accomplishments and Atchievments. And he Dedicates it to the Militia of Iudah, as in the Parenthesis in the Preface, 18. v. also he bade them teach the Children of Judah the use of the Bow: Whence it's evident, That David in the midst of his mourning, is not unmindful of what was necessary for the good of the Common Wealth: Teaching us, not to be so overcome with Grief, on such sorrowful occasions, as to forget our Duty and neglect means for our own or our Countries safety.
Furthermore, THIS Elegy is very Ancient. 'Twas written about Eight and Twenty Hundred Years ago. And according to some Chronologies, before the Famous Iliads of Homer, who was the very Father of all the Heathen Poets, and said to be born in the Reign of Solomon the Son of David. *Ductor H….It is then one of the first-born of Elegies, and venerable for it's Antiquity. It's said to be Recorded in the Book of Iasher ▪ which is tho't to be a General Chronicle of the Acts of the Jewish Nation: a.Dr. Willet in loc. & alii.and call'd Iesher, i. e. the Iust or Upright. We read of it Iosh. 10.13. It's suppos'd this Book was continued from Age to Age, as a Collection of State Poems, (say some) or of the Memorable Acts of GODs Worthies, and tho' laid up at length in the Temple (as Iosephus reports) yet being not Canonical, is now lost.
Finally, TO remark no more Characters of this Poem, It's a Scripture-Elegy, for tho' we don't suppose it at first written by inspiration; yet being agreeable to the Will of GOD, was adopted (if I may so express it) by the Holy Spirit, who inspired those that inserted it in the Sacred Pages, so that it is now a part of Canonical Scripture. And thus it's probable the Penman of the Chronicles collected many things out of the Book of Iasher, being guided therein by the unerring Spirit of GOD. And tho' the Name of GOD is not to be found in this Elegy, yet it is consonant to Religion, and approved by GOD; and we hence learn, that what is spoken or written by the Servants of GOD, may be very agreable to the Will of GOD and for his Glory, tho' the Name of GOD or CHRIST is not to be found therein. Thus the Book of Esther wherein are no less than Ten Chapters, has not the Name of GOD in it.
(5) OBSERVE the main Scope and Design of this Elegy And there are two things more especially that David had in view, after the Glory of GOD, his Ultimate End. First, to perpetuate the Memory of Saul, and his Dearly Beloved Ionathan, his Bosom Friend. Great indeed was the Love between Damon and Pythias; for when Dionysius the Tyrant, had on some occasion, signifi'd his Resolution, that one of them should Die; and permitted Damon to go home and settle his Affairs before his Death, provided he could find one to be Surety for his return; Pythias forthwith offered voluntarily, and put himself in the Tyrants power. Damon coming back precisely at the time appointed, Dionysius did so much admire their mutual Fidelity, that he Pardon'd both, & pray'd that he might be admitted the Third into their Friendship. a.Collier's Dictionary.But the Love of David and Ionathan was more Divine and Excellent, than that of these brave Heathen Philosophers. We've the account of it's Commencement, 1 Sam. 18. begin. And it came to pass when he [David] had made an end of speaking to Saul, that the Soul of Jonathan was knit with the Soul of David, and Jonathan loved him, as his own Soul. And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his Fathers house. Then Jonathan and David made a Covenant, because he loved him as his own Soul. And Jonathan stript himself of the Robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments even to his Sword and to his Bow, and to his Girdle. For such a Friend one would even dare to die. To be sure, David would have the Memory of this Just Man Blessed. He would have him had, in Everlasting Remembrance. And he here does his part, that it might be so, and the event was agreable to his pious desire, for wherever the BIBLE is enjoyed, this Elegy is still to be found on Record for a Memorial of him.
BUT then David had a further reach than barely to Embalm the Name of his Friend, and perpetuate the Remembrance of Saul, for his Relation to Ionathan and to his Country: For, by this Elegy, or Funeral Song, David design'd to fire the ambition of his Contemporaries & Successors, to seek to excel in Chivalry; and to fire them also with Zeal to prosecute the War against the Barbarous Philistines, and to avenge the Death of their Sovereign, and several of the Royal Family, and many other Gallant Soldiers; and to defend themselves, against their Insults and Depredations. Agreably in the Parenthesis before mentioned, v. 18. He bade them teach the Children of Judah the use of the Bow.— The best Interpretation of which Passage (says Iunius) is, That it expresses the design of David, that this Song, being put into the hands of Iudah, it might serve to excite and provoke them to addict themselves to Martial Exercises, and to acquire Skill in the use of the Bow, which is here put for all Warlike Weapons then in fashion. And may the same use be made of the Discourse, you are now Reading, to provoke all among us, of a Military Character, to inure themselves to the use of the GUN, and all such Exercises as may accomplish them for Service in the Doleful War, we're unhappily involved in.
Having, Observ'd these things in General in this Elegy, I come now to remark from the Conclusion of it.
THAT the Full of Brave and Successful Warriours in the Field of Battle; is very much to be Lamented by the People of GOD, in whose immediate Service they Lost their Lives. We should Lament over them with this Lamentation, How are the Mighty fallen, and the Weapons of War perished!
First, IT is sometimes the Lot of the Bravest Warriours, and of such as have been very Successful, to fall at last, or be slain in the Field of Battle▪ Saul had been a Brave Warriour and did worthily in the beginning of his Reign. The History of his deliverance of Iabesh-Giliad when Nahash the Ammonite came up & Encamped against it, is very noble and brave, 1 Sam. 11. begin. He discover'd both Great Courage and Conduct, in that whole action, at the 11th. we read, Saul put the people in three Companies, and they came into the midst of the Host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites, until the heat of the day: and it came to pass that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together. Thus he effectually raised the Seige of poor Iabesh-Giliad, and delivered the City. And then some Hot-headed people, proposed to Samuel, that the Male-contents should be put to Death, who had said, shall SAUL reign over us? Saul very Generously suppress'd the Motion, and snub'd those that too officiously propos'd it; saying, There shall not a man be put to Death this day! And as he was once returning from the slaughter of the Philistines, the Women came out of all the Cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with Tabrets, with Joy and with Instruments of Musick: and the Women answered one to another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands. We read also of Ionathan, that he smote the Garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, 1 Sam. 13.3. And in the beginning of the 14 Chapter, wer'e inform'd how Ionathan and his Armour-Bearer, did miraculously smite the Philistines. And in the Context, ver. 22. David gives 'em this encomium, From the Blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the Bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the Sword of Saul returned not empty. And he calls them, the Mighty, and the Flower or Beauty of Israel Now these Brave, Successful Soldiers, were Slain in Battel at last, upon mount Gilboa.
AND (not to mention any other instance) Thus Gustavus Adolphus, Stiled the Great King of Sweden, who took for his Motto, If GOD be for us, who can be against us — And who was an incomparable Warriour, … sometimes even without … and especially in War, would neglect his Life and perform rather the Duty of a Soldier than of a General; and to excuse himself would say, That Armies slight the Danger they share in with their King; and that if Generals don't act in Person they can never atchieve a Glittering Reputation: And that such as shun Death, meet it oftner, than they that seek it: That Iulius Caesar was never wounded in Battle, tho' he ever fought in the foremost Ranks of his Troops: and that Alexander the Great mark'd out the way with his own Blood, that led him to the Empire of the East; and that to be as Famous as these Great Men, he ought to be no more timerous than they: this Great Man, after he'd obtain'd divers Victories over the Danes & Poles & Muscovites, and received Thirteen Wounds before those of which he died, was at length Slain in a Battle with the Germans, having first almost got the Victory, which his Army compleated after his Death. And thus the Great Gustavus Died, in the 38th. Year of his Age, Anno Domi. 1632. whilst Victory (as one expresses it) lay a bleeding by his side.a.Colliers Dict. Clarks Lives.
Secondly, THE Fall of Brave and Successful Soldiers is very much to be Lamented by the People of GOD, especially by those in whose immediate Service they Sacrific'd their Lives. For,
First, THIS is very Decent and Becoming the People of GOD. There's a time to weep, as well as a time to laugh. And every thing is beautiful in it's season. Now when Brave and Seuccessful Soldiers are Slain in Battle, who have been improv'd by Providence as Instruments of Checking the Pride and Insolence, and Weakning the Force, and Thinning the Number, and Discouraging the Hearts of the Enemies of GOD's People; and of preserving the Lives, Liberties and Properties of the Israel of GOD: and might if GOD had spared them, been a further Scourge to the Enemy, and Defence to the People of GOD, by contending with the Enemy in Battle. It's very proper and highly reasonable, such especially in whose immediate Service they've Couragiously ventur'd and undauntedly laid down their Lives, should Lament their Death. And the Contrary, is, how indecent? how Sottish? how Stupid and Unreasonable? Now whatsoever things are lovely, decorus, and of good report, Christians should love and practise these things, Phil. 4.8. The Civiliz'd Heathen will rise up in Judgment against Christians, yea and the Barbarians also, if they don't do such deserving Persons the Honour of Lamenting their untimely Death. It's Humane and Manly to do so: but the contrary is indeed, inhumane, and worse than Heathenish.
Secondly, IT is Just and Equal, for the People of GOD to Lament the Death of Brave and Successful Soldiers Slain by the Enemies, and in their Service. Tears and proper Lamentations are a Debt we owe them. They've dearly merited this piece of Respect from their People. a.It's but just, to shed Tears for them that have shed their Hearts Blood for us.And surely if they deserv'd the Applause and Commendation of all while they Liv'd; they ought to be Honour'd with the Lamentations of all when they're Slain in the high places of the Field. And the Law of Equity calls for it. Surely 'tis to do as we would be done by; or, as we should desire any of our Dear Relatives should be treated, in like circumstances. If it had been the Lot of any very nearly Related to us (and it has been so *Capt Ave… of H…ve…hill; and Mr. Edward Car…eton of …. Aug. …9 1708. and the Authors Grandfather, and … Graves in the Dutch War.) to be Slain in Battle, or Sea-Fight, playing the Man for their People, and for the Cities of their GOD; surely a due notice taken of their Death, by the People of GOD, would be what we should expect and be pleased with. Now whatsoever we would that men should do to us, we should do the same to them, or, we transgress a Golden Rule. But if this Rule be out of fashion with any; yet
Thirdly, AGREABLE Lamentations for Expert and Successful Soldiers Slain in War, are very useful and advantagious. It's a Comfort to their Bereaved Relatives, when they observe that the People of GOD, do greatly bewail the Death of their Friends, and heartily Sympathize with them, tho' their Loss may possibly be in some respects Irreparable; yet this should and will contribute not a little, to alleviate their sorrow, ease their distressed minds, and dry up their Tears.
AND then, its a Spur to Virtue. When Surviving Soldiers (and particularly such as have been Eye-Witnesses of the Fall of their Brethren, and fought with uncommon Bravery, and were either Wounded, or, Equally Exposed in the same Battle, with those that are Slain) take Notice that the Death of their Officers or Fellow-Soldiers, is deeply resented by the People of GOD, that they still speak of them with great Honour in their Lamentations, this will Animate them, we hope, to do Worthily, and rather Die with Honour, if call'd to Battle, than live with Disgrace; and for their Cowardice, have the offer of a Wooden Sword, and be Branded with the Infamous Character of a Coward, even by the Weaker Sex.
WEHREAS, on the other hand, it's a great Aggravation of the Affliction of destressed Mourners, when they observe that the Generality, only give the News of their Friends Death, the hearing, but seem as Stoical and unconcern'd about it, as if their Lives were of no value, and their Death what does no way concern them. Such Ingratitude and Inhumanity is very Exercising to Ingenious minds and such as have any sense of Honour. Besides such a Sordid Insensibleness, is very Discouraging to our Brave Soldiers. Who would be willing to venture their Lives for such ungreatful People!
Finally, It's Pious and Scriptural to bewail the Death of such Brave and Successful Soldiers, whose Lot it is, to be Slain at last in the Field of Battle. GOD expects we should lay to heart the Death of all our fellow Creatures, That is the end of all men, and the living will lay it to his heart, Eccl. 7.2. And particularly, we'r oblidg'd to Lament the Death of Eminently useful Men, tho' they Die quietly in their Beds; and come to their Graves in a good Old Age, like as a shock of Corn comes in, in it's season. How much more should we mourn their loss, when Slain in Battle, in the midst of their Days, or in the very Flower of their Age, while their Breasts were full of milk, and their Bones were moistned with marrow. It's a sore Judgment when GOD suffers such to fall by, and into the hand of the Enemy; and does not cover their heads in the day of Battle. This is an aweful Frown and argues the great displeasure of GOD. Hence He threatned the men of Anathoth, that said to the Prophet Ieremy, Prophesy not in the Name of the Lord, that their Young men should die by the Sword, Jer. 11.21, 22. and a like threatning he denounc'd against Moab, Jer. 48.15. — His chosen young men are gone down to the slaughter, saith the King, whose Name is the LORD OF HOST. And when the Wrath of the LORD was risen against Israel, for their measure-filling Sin, in mocking the LORD's Messengers, despising his words and misusing his Prophets, it's said, 2 Chron. 36.17. Therefore he brought upon them, the King of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the Sword. Now what greater cause of Mourning and Lamentation than the Manifestations of GOD's displeasure? If the Lion roar who will not tremble? but alas, who can stand when GOD is angry! And he highly resents it, when his people are insensible under the Tokens of his holy anger: if they cry not, when he corrects them. He says to such, why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more, Isa. 1.5. and again, they are not humbled unto this day, Jer. 44.10.
BESIDES, We've many Scripture Precepts and Examples, that teach us to Lament, on the occasion under consideration. When GOD threatn'd Israel, by the weeping Prophet, that a People should come from the North Country, that should lay hold on Bow and Spear, being Cruel, and having no Mercy: Jer. 6.22, 23. It's added, ver. 26. O Dau'ter of my People gird thee with Sackcloth, and wallow thy self in ashes: make thee Mourning as for an ONLY SON most bitter Lamentation; — Surely then, there should be a proportionable Lamentation, when several chosen Young Men, and some very promising and hopeful, are actually Slain by Men of the Chaldean Character. Another instance we have, Jer. 9.17. — Consider ye, and call for the mourning women. — Let them make hast — that our eyes may run down with tears, and our eye-lids gush out with waters — And teach your Dau'ters wailing and every one her neighbours lamentation. For Death is come up, — to cut off the Young Men from the streets▪ And even the Carcases of men shall fall as dung upon the open field — and none shall gather, or, BURY them. This Evinces, that GOD calls to mourning when Young Men fall by the Sword, & the Mighty in the Battle. And then to mention no other Scriptures, our Text and Context is a full & direct proof of our Doctrine. For, as was observ'd before, this Mournful Song was Davids Lamentation over those that were slain by the Philistines on Mount Gilboa.
BUT I proceed to the APPLICATION. And,
First, IF it's sometimes the Lot of the most Valiant and Successful Soldiers, to be Slain at last in Battle; Then they that Gild on the Harness should nor boast as they that put it off. This was well observ'd by Ahab to Benhadad King of Syria, 1 Kings 20.11. All such Preposterous Boasting is evil; very foolish and ominous, and commonly followed with fatal consequents. Boasting Benhadad had cause and leisure in his inner Chamber to think of this wise caution, when he had seen his Army miserably broken a first time, & slain with a great slaughter, by a Company of Striplings, under the Command of Ahab their King: and a second time totally routed; an Hundred Thousand Footmen being slain in one Day by the Israelites; and Twenty Seven Thousand more by the falling of a Wall upon them; and he reduced to such abject circumstances, as to beg Quarter by his Ambassadors with Sackcloth on their Loyns and Ropes on their Heads. How was the Scene now changed, & his Tune turn'd, 1 Kin. 20. And thus we find the Swaggering Goliah, who defi'd the Armes of the Living GOD, one Minute Cursing David by his Gods, and disdainfully saying, Come to me and I will give thy flesh to the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field; and the next Minute tumbling headlong with his Face upon the Earth: and the Beauty of Israel cutting off his Head with his own Sword, 1 Sam. 17.1, —51.
GOD allows us indeed, in our Spiritual Warfare, (and in extraordinary cases, as, in David's, answering the Challenge of the Giant, in a Carnal Warfare also) to Triumph before the Battle and to say, Thanks be unto GOD, that giveth us the Victory, thro' our Lord Iesus Christ. For, in all these things we are more than Conquerors, thro' the Captain of our Salvation, whose is the Victory, and who hath loved us, and will give it to us!
BUT without particular Revelation, not now to be expected, none can tell, whither the many, or the few; the strong or the weak; the Righteous or the Wicked; the Friend or Enemy will get the Day in the Field of Battle. Boasting then, upon the going forth of Armies, is to be Condemned; both in such as go forth to War, and in such as tarry at home, on their Account.
Secondly, THE most Skilful, Dextrous, Couragious and Successful Soldiers, had need to be truly Religious and well prepared for Death; seeing they'r not Invulnerable, but as liable to Die as others. An Indian Bullet will kill a Hero, a Champion, as easily as a Faint-Hearted Coward: a Captain, or Chaplain, as soon as a Bringer-up of the Front half-Files; or the most inferiour Private Soldier. There must indeed be the Swiftness of the Eagle, the Subtilty of the Fox, the Strength and Boldness of the Lion, as well as the Grace of the Christian, to constitute a Brave Soldier; and every devout Christian, that's fit for Heaven, is not most fit to go forth to War. But, tho' such as are destitute of Grace may possibly be Stout Soldiers and Noble Commanders, and deserve well of their Prince and Country▪ and in answer to the Prayers of GOD's People, in whose cause they'r Employ'd, they may fight valiantly, and play the man for their People, and tread down the Enemy; yet if they'r Slain, they cannot groundedly expect Salvation. Seeing then our Soldiers carry their Lives in their Hands, when they go forth to War, and are still liable to be Ambush'd, wher'er they Travel in the vast Howling Wilderness, and, kill'd unexpectedly, as well as Slain in a pitch'd Battle; they'd need be always ready not only to Fight, but to Die, and make their Appearance before GOD. And in order thereto, they should now Believe in CHRIST and Repent of all their Sins, and so get into, and keep in good terms with GOD, who can easily preserve them, tho' a thousand fall at their side, and ten thousand at their right hand: and can cause one of them to chase a thousand, and two, to put ten thousand … flight.
THE Wretched Iesuites or Friers, are won't ('tis said) to absolve their deluded Proselytes, the Barbarous Indians, when they come forth to War against Us: & flatter 'em with the Promise of an immediate passage to Paradise, without any stop at Purgatory, if they fall in Battle: And these delusive Hopes may possibly animate them, to fight with great Fury in their Engagements with us. And many private Soldiers & Inferiour Officers in the Campaigns in Christendom, meerly from the prospect of Applause, Promotion, or filthy Lucre; or, from Thrift after Revenge, and a vain opinion that Fighting in a good cause, and on the right side, they shall surely be happy in the next World, if they'r kill'd in Battle, have possibly been led on to sight with undaunted Resolution, and the utmost Intrepidity. Surely then the Motives of pure Religion, such as serving GOD and their Country; having GOD to go before them, and fight for them, and either to cover their Heads, or, receive their departing Souls to the Blessed Mansions above where there is no Adversary nor Evil occurrent, where they shall rest from their labours and their works shall follow them, must needs be sufficient, by the Influence of the Holy Spirit that dwelleth in all real Christians, to cause them to wax Valiant in Fight, and to raise them above the fear of what Earth or Hell can do unto them.
SO then, A well grounded Perswasion of a Part in Christ, and an Interest in the favour of GOD, is what all that go forth to War, would do wisely to give all Diligence to obtain.
Thirdly, SINCE the Best of Soldiers are liable to be overcome and Slain in War, It ill becomes the People of GOD to put their trust in Man. Tho' it's their Duty and Wisdom to Employ and Encourage Expert Soldiers: yet it's their Sin and Folly to trust in them. As it's Idolatry for Soldiers to trust in their Arms, or in their Dexterity and Courage to handle them; or in one another: so it's Idolatry for the People of GOD, in whose Service they go forth to trust in them. For alas! What is man whose Breath is in his Nostrils, and wherein is he to be accounted off? His Breath goeth forth, he returneth to his Dust; in that very Day, all his Projections and Resolutions and Accomplishments for War, perish!
SURELY then, It's the greatest folly, for a People to trust in their Forces, how well soever Qualified, Spirited and Equipp'd: and how Successful soever they have been. For, Every Creature is that to us that GOD makes it to be; and unless GOD give Help, vain is the Help of Man, Jer. 3 23. Truly in vain is Salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains; truly in the Lord our God is the Salvation of Israel. And we know who has said, Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm — But Blessed is the man, that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is, Jer. 17.5, — 7. Agreably we find the People of GOD, resolving, in the Name of our GOD we will set up our Banners. And whilst some trust in Chariots and some in Horses, we will remember the Name of the Lord our God, Psal. 20.5, — 7. And again, Thro' thee we will push down our Enemies: Thro' thy Name we will tread them under that rise up against us, Psal. 40.5. and Psal. 60.12. Thro' God we shall do valiantly, for He it is, that shall tread down our Enemies.
MEN may fail us, be overcome, and utterly frustrate our expectations: But, if we trust in GOD, we may pray with Asa, when Zerah the Ethiopian came against him, with an Host of a Thousand Thousand, and three Hundred Chariots; LORD, (said he) It is nothing with thee to help, whither with many, or with them that have no power: help us O LORD our GOD, for we REST on thee, and in thy Name we go against this Multitude. O LORD thou art our GOD, let not Man Prevail against thee. The Lord of Hosts is Immortal, and Invincible; He has all Creatures at His Command, and can cause the Stars in their Courses to fight against the Enemies of his People; and sell Sisera into the hand of a Woman. In a word, whatsoever the Lord pleaseth that he doth; It is therefore better to trust in him, than to put Confidence in man, Psal. 118.8.
Fourthly, ARE the Bravest and most Successful Soldiers, liable to fall in Battle, Such then as are Preserv'd in Military Expeditions and Engagements, and Safely Return'd to their Families and Friends, are oblig'd to Study what they shall render to the Lord, and take heed, they dont forget his Benefits, but that all their days they perform their Vows. It is the LORD that has covered their heads in the Battle; It is the Lord that Redeemed their Lives from Destruction, when those, no more expos'd than they, are fallen, and gone down to the Grave and shall come up no more, and return to their Houses no more. O that all such as have Experienc'd the Destinguishing Favour of Heaven, would Praise Him for his Goodness, and not content themselves to desire thanks to be return'd for them in the Public Assemblies of GODs People, tho' that is commenable, but that they would endeavour to Live the Praises of GOD. It's very Displeasing to GOD, when his People don't render to him according to his Benifits, 2 Chron. 32.25. David Celebrates the Praises of GOD, for Preservation and Success in War, Psal. 18. & Psal. 144. begin.
Fifthly, HENCE the People of GOD ought to ascribe to Him the Glory of all their Success in War. His is the Victory & he gives it to whomsoever he will. He furnishes Men with Military Skill & Courage: Teaches their hands to War and their fingers to fight. He finds out the Enemy for his People, & gives a Presence of mind to their Forces; and if they are not swallow'd up quick, when men, vastly superiour in Number, and other advantages rise up against them, it's because the Lord is on their side, Psal. 124. Again, we find Deborah and Barak giving Glory to GOD, for avenging his People in the defeat of Sisera & his Host, Iudg. 5. and how often is David the Famous Warriour of Israel; Harping on this string, as we noted before.
GOD highly resents it, when his People Sacifice to their own Net, & burn incense to their own Drag: when they ascribe that to Instruments that is due to GOD alone. This no doubt often provokes GOD, to deprive a People of their Chosen Soldiers. For he is a very Jealous GOD, and will not give his Glory to another. And, as the former Pastor of this Church would say of Ministers, we may say of Soldiers, People kill them two ways: either, by ascribing too much, or too little to them: Idolizeing of them, or Detracting from them, and Despiing of them.
Finally, LET us all Religiously Lament the Fall of the Brave LOVEWELL, and several of his Gallant Company, that offered themselves willingly among the People. Let us take up this Lamentation over them, How are the Mighty fallen! And if we would herein approve our selves to GOD, let us consider that these Brave Men (tho' I hope, we've many left as capable of serving their Country, yet they) were no inconsiderable part of the Beauty and strength of New-England. Indeed, being wholly a Stranger to most of them, I can't pretend to give their Character; yet its evident to the Country, they were Men form'd and rais'd up by Providence to serve us in pursuing an Enemy, of whom we may say as of the wild Ass, The Wilderness yeildeth food for them and for their Children, Job 24.5.
THESE our Worthy Friends could endure Hardness as good Soldiers: And were well able to Encounter the Fatigues of Long Marches, both in Winter and Summer. Some of them were well acquainted with the Woods, & with the Customs and Lurking Places of the Enemy, & were mightily Spirited to pursue them, & GOD did graciously preserve & prosper them this Last Winter in Two Expeditions, First, Delivering Two Indians into their Hands, & then Ten Stout Fellows as you all Remember, whom they kill'd, without receiving any harm from them. This was the Lords doings and marvellous in our eyes! And in this Last Engagement, they were inspir'd with a great deal of Bravery and good Conduct, & their Company Crown'd with Wonderful Success. Now to lose such Experienc'd Soldiers, and Men so respected in the Country, is a great Loss.
Again, LET us consider, that this is the Finger of GOD. Let not any Say Prophanely and Atheistically, It's the Fortune of War ▪ or, as a good Man said on a bad occasion, The Sword devoureth one as well as another, 2 Sam. 11.25. For tho it's true the Battle is not to the strong, and time and chance happens to all men, yet the hand of the Lord, is herein gone out against us, & therefore … of his Displeasure to be seen in this Affair. That this Brave Company, should be so weakned by leaving so great a Number with one that fall Ill▪ & that at so great a distance from them. That one of the Company should so unhappily leave them in the Beginning of the Fight, & bring such News to those left behind, that occasion'd their immediate Return; when their Continuance there, might have been such an unspeakable Advantage to those that Surviv'd the Battle. And … appears a Frown▪ that they should venture so far with so small a Number at that Season of the Year, when the Enemy are capable of better Subsisting in Bodies, than in the Winter Season. I say, the hand of the LORD appears in all this, that so many Brave Men should Descend into Battle and Perish.
BUT then, We'r also to consider. Why the Lords Anger against us is not turned away; but his hand is stretched out still. Have not our Sins as really Slain our Magnanimous Soldiers, as ever, David slew Uriah the Hittite by the Sword of the Children of Ammon? And should we not hear the Rod, and Him that hath appointed it: And consider in this Day of Adversity, what We have done; and humble our selves & Pray & seek GOD's Face? Thus did David and his Men, as in the Context. And the Men of Iab…sh Gilead, 1 Sam. ult.
SHOULD we not Endeavour to find out & put away the Accursed thing from the midst of us? and turn to him that smites us? Should we not be awakn'd by such Providences to get our Peace made with GOD, & engage and secure his Gracious Presence with us, under our present dark views?
HOW many calls have NEW-ENGLAND had, from the Pulpit, and by the Press also, from Year to Year; To Remember whence we are fallen and Repent & do our First Works! How many Election-Sermons have been Publish'd amongst us, fill'd with Solemn Warnings, most Earnest Exhortations & Ample Testimonies for GOD, & against the Provoking Evils of the Land! But alas, How many are still acting the part of the Deaf Adder, or as the Prophet expresses it, They refuse to hearken, they pull away the shoulder & stop the ear that they should not hear, Zech. 7.11. How many hate to be Reformed? Yea hate to be told by those that have good right, full power, & lawful Authority to do it, wherein We should be, and what's to be done that We may be, a Reformed People. How sad is it, if all the Notice taken by the Generality of People, of the Solemn Messages sent to them from the LORD GOD of their Fathers, is only to give them the hearing, and either Humm or Hiss the Preacher & his Performance, pretty much as they stand affected to him; and it may be, with some considerable Formality, give him thanks for his Sermon (and then he comes off mighty well!) However if they carry the Matter so far as to Print the Sermon, yet perhaps they don't put it in Practice! But now, dont they deceive themselves that hear, & read GODs Word, but do it nor? Or, what meaneth that saying, Jam. 1.22.
FURTHERMORE, By the sore Judgment of War, and Particularly by the Fall of our Brethren, we are now Weeping over, GOD is loudly calling upon us, to amend our ways & doings. And GOD expects we should all in our places endeavour a Reformation, that we should do Our part in this Work: and if we do so, whatever be the Event, GOD will set a Mark upon us, and our labour shall not be in vain in the Lord. Let not any then be Discouraged, because some proper Essays and Noble Efforts have Miscarried and prov'd Abortive. Necessity is laid upon us: NEW-ENGLAND must Reform, or without a Spirit of Prophecy, any one that observes the Signs of the times, may I think, Evidently foresee, that in one Twenty Years more, the Glory of New-England as New-England, will be much more than hitherto, if not TOTALLY Eclipsed. GOD in his Infinite, Sovereign Mercy prevent it!
BUT then, our Soldiers that are fit to go forth to War, & may probably be call'd forth, You my Brethren in an especial manner are oblig'd to take the Alarm given you by the late Intelligence. Be prevail'd with if you han't yet done so, to cast away the Weapons of your Rebellion against Heaven, (for there's no making peace Sword in hand) and come as with Ropes about your Necks, and lie in the dust, if there may be hope; and there is hope in Israel concerning you. Now's your time to make ready for Death. You'l have other work to do, when Engaged in Battle. And besides, Every Battle of the Warriour is with confused Noise, and Garments rol'd in Blood: hearing the hideous Yellings and Ejulations of the Enemy, and the Groanings of Deadly wounded Men, & seeing them lie all bath'd in their Gore, may awaken you to cry to GOD and make your Vows: But alas, that's no time for Consideration, & Confession, & Deliberate Resolution to forsake Sin & return to GOD. This should be done Now! And then as you should be excited by this Awakning Providence to yeild your selves to the Lord▪ To make hast and not delay to Believe in Christ, & secure an Interest in Him: So, you should be prevail'd with to see that you've good Arms and kept in good order, with good store of Ammunition, & inure your selves to Military Exercises, especilly to the Art of Shooting ▪ & be always ready, that you may Issue out at an Hours Warning, if Occasion be: and not live careless & secure, after the manner of the Zidonians.
AND if you'r truly Religious, & thus Equipp'd for, & train'd to War, & GOD call you forth, He can easily, and we hope will, preserve and prosper you. He can make you swifter than Eagles, stronger and more couragious than Lions, as David elegantly describes his Heroes, and you need not fear all the Indians in America. For if you Fall in Battel, your Death is Brave, you Die in the Bed of Honour, and your Rest will be Glorious. It well becomes a Soldier to Die fighting, a Minister Preaching, & an Emperour standing. But commonly such Soldiers may take Caesar Motto, Veni, Vidi, Vici, I came, I saw, I overcame,
Again, IF we'd Religiously Lament on this occasion, we must not be Disheartned & cast down, because a Crew of Salvages have kill'd a few Brave Men. No verily! it's beneath a Man, much more a Christan, whose heart is fixed trusting in the Lord, to be thus affected with such Evil Tidings. Such News should not daunt and terrify a Soldier, but whet his Courage, and make his Blood boil in his Veins, and Especially, it should rouse 'em on such occasions, to Rally forthwith and come to March with utmost Expedition, to Recover if possible, our Dear Brethren that lie Wounded, and without Relief in a Howling Wilderness. That they may'nt Perish with Famine, or fall into the hands of a Barbarous Enemy, to be kill'd over again, & Tortur'd with Indian Cruelty. And also to give Christian Burial to the Remains of our Departed Heroes. How brave was it in the Men of Iabesh-Gilead, what an Instance of Gratitude and true Valour that we find recorded to their Immortal Honour and our Instruction, 1 Sam. 31.11, — And when the▪ Inhabitants of Iabesh-Gilead heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul: All the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Bethshan, and came to Iabesh, and burnt them there. And they took their bones and buried them under a tree at Iabesh, — Methinks the reading those words without a Comment, would fill a Soldier with Zeal sufficient to carry him with a sufficient Number, as far as Pigwacket, only to cover the Dust, the Valuaable Dust, of our Gallant Soldiers, that there kept the Field; lest the Dau'ters of the uncircumcised rejoyce.
Again, WE should amidst our Lamentations, be much in Prayer to GOD. If we would have Israel prevail, we must keep up, as well as lift up the hand of Prayer. If our Soldiers would constitute, a Thundring, they must be a Praying Legion. And we that tarry at home must get into the Mount and Pray for 'em. A Good Woman in her Closet, (tho' she's afraid to take a Gun in her hand) may serve her Country to very good purpose, even in respect of the War; as really, as the Magistrate at the Council Board; or the most daring and well advis'd Commander in the open Field in a thro' Engagement. For Prayer and Faith, always were, are, and will be the Churches Best Weapons.
Once more, WHILE we Lament our own and Countries Loss, we should not forget to Sympathize with the Distressed Relatives: The Widow and the Orphan, & such as mourn for an Only Son, or other near Relations. They are greatly to be pittied, and their case remembred in our Devotions. We should Pray for them, that GOD would give them Songs in the Night, & say unto them weep not! That he would comfort those that are cast down, would afford 'em those Divine Consolations that are not small, & refresh their Spirits, in the multitude of their perplexed tho'ts within them. That he would give them Patience to submit to his Holy Will, to bear his Indignation, to hold their peace & be still, knowing that he is GOD, who gives none account of his matters. — And that he would be a GOD to the Widow, a Father to the poor Fatherless Children: And better than Ten Sons to Disconsolate Parents.
Briefly, WHILE we Lament our Case is so Sad, let us be very thankful it is no worse, that it is so well. That we've such abundant cause to Sing of Mercy as well as Iudgment. For tho' we've lost some Brave Men, (and have cause to mourn on that score) yet, it's probable the Enemy have lost more than Treble the Number, & amongst them some of their Chiefs, & particularly their Bold Paugus, and a Remarkable Chec… …s given to their Insolence, and many Lives may be sav'd by this means. While therefore we cry out, How are the mighty fallen! Let us admire the Divine Goodness, that under all their Hazards, Hardships & Disadvantages, so many are Returned. That our Friends can't say as Iob's Messengers, I only am escaped alone to tell thee: But that so many are well, & give us the Joyful Account that our Little Army behav'd Bravely, Fought Manfully, & very Successfully; so that tho' our Loss is Great, yet our Enemies have no cause to Triumph▪ O let us magnify the Lord, & exalt his Name together, that the Enemy did not swallow them up quick, that in Wrath GOD has Remembred Mercy, & has not dealt with us after our Sins.
To have done, LET us yet Encourage our selves in the LORD our GOD. Let us return to the Almighty & he will build us up. He will soon subdue our Enemies, & give us Peace in our Borders His hand can find out our Enemies, & he that made 'em can make his Sword to approach unto them. Is the Brave Lovewell and other Brave Men Dead! who made them what they were? who Spirited and Enabled 'em to do what they did? It was the Lord of Hosts, who lives still, who has the Residue of the Spirit, & can easily raise up others & will do so, if there be occasion, & we answer his Expectation, and turn to him with all our Hearts.
WE may then Sing the CXXI, and CXXV, and XLVI Psalms, and say, GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will we not fear, tho' the Earth be removed, and tho' the Mountains are carried into the midst of the Sea: tho' the waters thereof roar and be troubled, and the Mountains shake with the swelling thereof. The Lord of Hosts is with us, the God of Iacob is our Refuge. Selah.
Tri-Uni Deo Gloria!
End of the text · Thomas Symmes, Lovewell Lamented (1725)