Of Peace.

WHich is one of the Sove­reign Blessings of this Life, as being the Treasury of temporal Felicities, and is as Youth to Age, Light to Dark­ness, and as Health is in opposi­tion to Sickness: It is the Hea­venly Blessing, and was our Sa­viour's last Legacy, my Peace I give unto you. The Angels could not find a better Wish for Man­kind in their Anthem to the Shepheards, than that of Peace, which is the Calm in opposition to Tempest, and order to Confu­sion, and is the Summer that [Page 4]makes every thing Florish. This Sovereign Blessing, where it is extended, spreadeth its Wings not only over particular Persons, but even whole Nations are In­fluenced so by it, that their Ri­vers Flow with Milk and Ho­ney; and through its bonds of Concord, and Union, People and Countries are kept and linked together in Amity; and every thing where it Reigns is thereby increased so, that each may in­joy themselves, and their Fami­lies under the Shadow of their own Vine, and Reap the bene­fit of their Labours, and so Live on the Fatness of the Earth, by which they are Nou­rished and Maintained; whereas War is the Consumer and De­stroyer of all. Peace is so Va­luable, that Triumphs are not to be compared to it, which though [Page 5]it were an unjust one, yet is it more desirable than a just War; so that they who have two Dwel­lings, would part with one to procure it, that thereby they may Live in quiet. This Peace is a Blessing never valued till gone: It is like harmony in Mu­sick, the Disturbers of which, ought to be Cut off as Enemies to Mankind, and numbered a­mongst the Wicked, whose Death is the safety of the Good. No Treasure can be better im­ployed than for its Preservation; such only desire not Peace, that would profit by Fishing in troub­led Waters: It makes small things increase, when by discord Men are hurried and precipitated to the greatest Destruction.

They deserve Censure that in­volve themselves in an uncertain War in expectation of an uncer­tain [Page 6]Good; by changing Peace for War, in expectation of a com­mon Good, they expose to Mi­sery all that are Imbarked in it with them. This is turning our backs against our own Happi­ness, and opening a Door to Destruction. But such is Man's unhappy transitory State, that there is nothing so desirable but time may find a cause to dislike it; nor is any so in Health, nor so Strong, but they may expect a change: There is not such a pre­servative in Nature that can ba­nish Corruption, but it will grow in the Body politick as well as in the Humane; so that one Hour hath sometimes produced great alterations: Therefore as the one hath its Prescriptions for Health, so hath the other its Preservative which is Religion; wherefore it is here recommended, as the best [Page 7]bottom, to establish the Health and Peace of the Commonweale; for where Religion does Reign, there good Government and Peace is likliest to Florish.

Though there be no fence a­gainst Vicissitudes, yet a well-constituted Government may conduce much to prevent alter­ations, whether in respect of its

Ecclesiastical, Civil, or Mili­litary State. All which have a natural Dependence on each o­ther; and though Religion be out of the Province of a Sol­dier, yet shall I adventure to Speak my Thoughts of its use, as being so necessary an ingredi­ent to obtain the desired End, viz. good Government.

Religion is the foundation of a Commonwealth, without which, a Government cannot Subsist, but will fall to Decay; there can [Page 8]be no surer sign of its Ruine, than when it is Contemned: It is the true and well-tempered Cement that links, unites and binds together, and ought to be the first thing that should be imbibed by Men. Without Religion, there can be no settled Government Established, which may sufficiently evidence its Ne­cessity.

Therefore those that intend to be obeyed, must before all things prefer the settling Religi­on in their Country, as being that which hath the greatest in­fluence upon the Spirits of the People to charm them to Submis­sion; It is a holy Policy to make Men stoop to the Magistrates, and is the Bridle, and a Restricti­on even to Heathens, who are more Zealous Observers of their Laws, and more obedient, which [Page 9]may same Christian Rulers as well as People. It may not be a Digression to observe here, That though a Prince may dis­sent in matters of Religion from his Sujects, yet Prudence requir­eth of him, for his and their in­terest, to suffer the Religion of the Country; for Mens Consci­ence are gently to be let, not driven and imposed on. The little Foxes that spoil the Vine­yard are to be taken, not des­troyed, Arguments, and good Examples are better Nets to take the Multitude, than Fire and Faggots; the imposing on Mens Consciences is a sort of Tyranny, and a vain attempting to scale Heaven by wordly Ladders. But where a Prince is bigotted by his Levites, he is carried away even to the eclipsing and un­manning of his Person, by whose [Page 10]Instigations he becomes a Ty­rant over Consciences, and is an Usurper of God's Prerogative, who will only Reign there. A Prince ought not to be possessed with the Spirit of Persecution, as being not at all becoming his Character: For there is no Reli­gion that hath not those that would not Sacrifice their all in testimony of the Truth, of what they profess; and though they differ, yet they all agree in this, that their Scope and ulti­mate End is Heaven; neither is it material whether we go one way, or the other, so we get but thither. To shew a Traveller the best and safest way to his Journey's end, is not to use Com­pulsion or Blows; but with Hu­manity and Gentleness, and by well-wishing Motives, shewing the advantages of the one, and [Page 11]the dangers, and inconveniences of the other, and rest there, without being so anxiously con­cerned that any particular Sen­timents be followed above the rest. Also it may be an induce­ment to consider, That the Tole­ration of Religion is a great be­nefit to trading Countries. If you disturb the Bees, they will leave of carrying in Wax and Honey, and betake themselves to another Place, where they may do it with more safety. Thus, as by not suffering Liberty, many florishing Countries have been Impove­rished and Depopulated; so, on the other hand, Liberty is the Inricher and Incourager of Na­tions, and the Increaser of Wealth, and number of People, in which consists a Prince's Riches, as well as Safety.

And to speak as a Man of the World unacquainted with ten­der Sentiments for Piety that Duty requires, who beholds all Religions a like, and looks upon them to be no more than a jol­ly Invention, contrived to muz­zle the Subjects, and keep them in Awe, yet ought he not to slight those sacred Artifices, though his Conscience may not move, yet let Policy induce him. For it is a Prince's Worldly, as well as Spiritual interest to be moderete in injoyning his Senti­ments in matters of Religion; and if he thinks that Religion is prejudicial to his Prerogative, yet let him at least retain the shadow of it, and consider that external Holiness procures awful Regards, and that it is both an inward and outward Charmer. Therefore let a Countrey always [Page 13]have such Spiritual Leaders as are true, and not pretended Chaplains to the Prince of Peace; such Torches as are saving Lights, not Firebrands, whose Tempers are mild and soft, and whose Breathings are pacificatory.

A good Government is a good foundation for Peace, which is likeliest to florish, where Reason and Religion Reigns; it requires no less Prudence to preserve Peace, than Valour to obtain it. That Countrey is likliest to be best preserved, where the Prince knows how to Govern, and the People to Obey: That place is Happiest where the Subject feareth to of­fend, without which restraint, Commonwealths would prove but so many unweildly ungo­vernable Bodies. In order to a well constituted State, two things are requir'd, viz.

Rewards and Punishments.

WIthout a due Distributi­on of which, according to the Merit or Demerits of the Persons concerned, Virtue will flag, and Vice predominate. That Prince who Rewads nothing, Pur­chases nothing: Where Valour and Merit meets not with due incouragements, Men will be unwilling to attempt notwith­standing all their Courage; for it is certain, that Benefits well be­stowed establish a Kingdom, when Services unrewarded unhinge it: For as Wisdom and Courage be­gets admiration in a Prince, so Veracity, Courtesie, and Libera­lity do stir up and awaken the Subjects Affections.

Also Princes and Magistrates should incourage noble Actions, [Page 15]Arts and Inventions, and pro­mote Trade, as being the true means to inrich the People. Thus the Princes and Subjects Interest should be the same, without by respects; the Princes good being the Peoples, and the Peoples the Princes.

He Reigns best that Reigns as he ought, and though placed a­lost in the seat of Soveraignity, yet should he condescend, and take cognizance, and look down on the Humble and Oppressed; the redressing whose Grievances is as much his Honour as Safety. His Ear should be always open to the Cries of Complainants, to de­liver them from the rapine of Oppressors, and his Heart full of Compassion; lending one Hand to support, and the other to a­venge their Injuries. It is a most unhapy thing for a Prince, when [Page 16]the People are always upon the complaining Key; he must needs be in a perpetual Anxiety and Fear, and constantly upon the Tenters, seeking ways to secure himself. For God hath been so Merciful to Mankind, that no­thing is safe for a Prince, but what is Honest and Just; whose Security depends on his good Government, by which means Glory is acquired, and his world­ly Interest secured: When on the contrary, from Evil conduct accrue Disgrace and Shame, and thereby all is exposed to Ruine. It is very justly, that good or evil Managements are attribu­ted to the Prince; he being the Soul to the Body, from whom the rest of the Members receive Light and Vigour, or as the Spring that gives Motions to the rest of the Work.

In order to Reign Peaceably and Honourably, with security to both Prince and People; there must be a strict Hand of Justice Maintained: For where that is Obstructed there necessa­rily follows a depravation of Manners, and a justling out of Faith, Honour and Morality; by which a Door is opened to Licentiousness; to prevent which Trajanus's Example is a great expedient, who would make choice of none to sit at the Helm, but the Wise, Pru­dent and Good; nor would he place in Military Imployments any, but such as were experienced, and of known Courage and Conduct: Even his Courtiers had the Character of being Mo­dest, Debonair and Courteous.

But it is too Common to have such put in Places of Trust as are [Page 18]Unfit; the Observation of which caused Caligula to propose the making his Horse Burgermaster of Rome; alledging, That so beau­tiful a Beast might as well become that Station, as some of those plac­ed there; and would be a less detri­ment to the Publick, whose Faults they need not fear would hurt the Citizens. A modest Reproof, and an Advertisement for time to come, to make choice of more fit Instruments, than that of Men that act like Beasts. Experience hath shewn in all Ages, how fa­tal the Choice of unfit Instru­ments hath been to the common Good, of which the Avarice of those that have had the disposal of Places was the occasion: For as they have purchased at a dear Rate, and came in without con­sideration of personal Merit; so they sell Offices by retail: Thus [Page 19]Money is the Qualification, and the greatest Ignorants may thus be preferred before Men of de­sert: But great Good accrues to that Government where useful Instruments are chosen, whose Business shall be to promote the publick Good, in opposition to Flatterers, such who are unby­assed, whose Fidelity neither pro­mises, nor Threats can unhinge. But where those Caterpillers, cal­led Flatterers, bear sway, no Good can be expected; much better it is to fall amongst ravenous Birds, than into the Clutches of such Harpies: It may be said of some, as it was said of Caesar, that he govern'd the World, but that Fostina govern'd him; so Flat­terers, when they have gained an ascendant over the Prince, that though he governs the People, yet they over-rule him. It was [Page 20]Pope Pius II.'s complaint on his Death-bed, when his Sycophants gave him hopes of Recovery, that the misery that attended Princes was great, since they could not hear Truth from those about them, though at a time when the Knowledge of it was most useful. These flattering Hypo­crites are the Plagues of Princes Courts, and with Justice deserve the Epithet, as having no Reli­gion but Self-interest, and wor­ship for God their Mammon, to whom they are more faithful than to their Soveraign. It is to that Idol, and to Greatness, that they pay Adoration, nor will they Know any other Deity, but they make them their ultimate End. How do Princes hereby make themselves contemptible? And are expos'd to the censure of being pusillanimous for being thus led [Page 21]at pleasure; which speaks their want of Courage as well as a Deficiency of other Regal and Princely Qualifications; which occasions that Remisness, and Lenity by which they are exposed to be cheated: It is also an inlet to Irregularities, that gives an occasion to think as if they feared to do Justice, lest they offend thereby their Parasites; thus not only the in­jured Subject suffers, but also the Prince in the Opinion of his Subjects.

It is also very essential to the Preservation of the Peace, and Prosperity of a People, that Prin­ces be their example of good, as being their Looking-glass, whose Examples are Precepts, whether good or evil; which work more upon the Vulgar than National Laws. Therefore they should be [Page 22]bright and shining Lights, to lead the way to Virtue; the same should be all those they intrust with Power, without which they will be but so many Ignes fatui, that lead the Ignorant a-stray; where Virtue is not the Standard, there Common-wealths are made the feat of Vice, which might have been the stage of Virtue.

It is the Stay of a Common­wealth, that the Magistate knows to use his Authority; for the Eyes of each are on him as a publick Dial that regulates adja­cent Clocks; so Subjects steer their Actions according to their Morals; and though there may be Reasons for repealing and changing Laws, yet while they stand in force, they should not be suffered to be broken, that it give not occasion to have them contemned; and so become of [Page 23]no more effect, than so many Scare-crows with which those Birds, whom they should banish, become familiar even to pearch upon the Head of what before was their terror; having by ex­perience learned, That they are no more than toothless Bug­bears. It is not sufficient to have wholesome Laws, but they must be put in practice to restrain the Disorderly. For there are a sort of restless Men never satify­ed, no not even with their own Choice, such who like the Rain­bow always oppose the Sun Be the Government what it will, they are for contradiction still, aspiring after what they enjoy not. These are the eternal Ex­claimers against all reigning Es­tablishments, and are the Dis­eases in a Common-wealth, which, as gangrened Members, ought to [Page 24]be removed, or cut off for the good of the Body. They are the Vermine, Excrements, and Nu­sances, of whom Nature should discharge itself as of a common grievance; following the presi­dent of that Prince who, would have that Horse killed, whose fiery Temper gave disquiet to his Camerades. With more Rea­son, factious Men ought to be examplarily punished, as being the more dangerous sort of Brutes, whose restless Tempers would be of worse consequence were they suffered to take Root, there­fore should be early mowed down, or nipt in their Bud: Or at least their Sting should be ta­ken from them, that their Poy­son may not swell that Part they would affect. Lenity in a Prince on such Occasions, may be of ill consequence to the Publick; and [Page 25]as Tyranny may be fatal, so may Lenity be the ruin of a Govern­ment: And though a Prince may not find it necessary to see, nor hear all he may see, or hear, and that Prudence will, that he dis­semble the Knowledge of many Things; yet there is a time that Justice must take Place, That evil may be restrained, but so as to prevent Despair; lest the Exas­perated finding all hopes exclud­ed should awaken Revenge to the desperately overturning all be­fore them: For as Oppression weakens the Government, so that Prince loses his Reputation, when he retaineth no more of the Re­gal Qualities than the name, and pomp of State, that outward appearence gives him. Where a Prince is loved, feared and obey­ed, there the Government thriv­eth and Florishes; for in Union [Page 26]consists the Strenght of the Bo­dy Politick, who as our Bodies are composed of several Parts, each having assigned them their different Offices for the good of the Whole, to which order they all submit and agrees; so that if one Part or Member is offended, the other participates, and are not angry at each others Acts: But if a foreign Power wound an Eye, tread on a Toe, or hurt a Finger, the whole Body shall be affected so, as to discover each their Resentments. How will the Eye shew its anger, the Nose shrink, the Mouth exclaim, and the Hands fly to the assistance of the grieved Part? The Feet, even the whole Body, according to the danger, take the alarm. Thus each Part sympathises, in the common Good or Evil that relate to the whole: Thus each one [Page 27]should be concerned for the common Good of that Repub­lick of which they are Members. It is observable, That amongst irrational Creatures, there is not found that discord as amongst Men; they do not devour and destroy those of their own kind, in which Men are worse than the worst of Brutes; for they tear and devour each other, in which their Shame they glory.

For the promoting this Union, the Prince should be circumspect, patient, and quick in dispatches, shewing his Power and Justice to some, and his Humanity and lenity to others, and not fly out when Things answer not the proposed Ends, but to be armed against Disappointments: For no Ship, though steered by a skillful Pilot, will in bad Weather always an­swer the Helm.

Therefore since every Coun­trey hath its mixtures of good and bad, such Caution ought to be taken, as to connive at what cannot be helped; and seem not to see, when seeing may eclipse Authority if not exercised. It was our Saviour's Advice in the para­ble, That the Tares should not be rooted out, lest it indamaged the Wheat. Therefore Prudence would rather yield to Fate, and shut the Eye and Ear, and bend rather than hazard breaking. The Emblem of Hercules his boisterous managing the Rud­der till it broke, may be of use to shew how the Steersman may spoil the Ship's sailing for the want of a prudent compliance; and yielding to the circumstances of times, is the interest both of Prince, and People. Machiavel tells us, That he who cannot [Page 29]dissemble knows not how to reign; not that Insincerity and Hypocrisy is proposed to be the Standard for the Prince to walk by: But here is intended such a Compliance only as may consist with Honour, and the Peoples Interest. There is an honour­able Condescension, or yielding, till a fitter Opportunity may offer it self. Princes sometimes deal with their Subjects as with Children, whose weaknesses are born with, till can be got from them that hurtful Play-thing, they so passionately cry after.

Neither should a Prince heap riches to the unease of his Peo­ple; let them shear, but not flea their Sheep. Where is the Hon­our to have a beggerly Subjects? As he is the Head of the Body, he ought to have a Regard, that they that represent his Authority, do [Page 30]not abuse it by wounding the Feet; for when they are infeeb­led what shall support the whole? To prevent which, Covetousness is to be discouraged; for a Prince is never so rich as when he hath his Peoples Hearts, then he needs not question their Purses. The publick Interest is to have none placed in Authority, but such as are deserving; none should be impowered for favour nor af­fection; and when the Prince hath made a fit choice, they should have due incouragements to an­swer the Character they bear in the Government; That to sup­port their Grandeur, want may not tempt to take Bribes. But where Virtue is found, there sui­table Rewards ought to be given according to the Character born; that the Salary and liberality may be spurs to Virtue, as their Princes [Page 31]favours are incouragements: There is no greater balk to E­mulators, than to see Recom­penses wrong placed on the Heads of the Undeserving: It is a great incouragement when a Prince shall of himself make Observati­ons of the fidelity of his Subjects. To accumulate riches on the Rich, because they are such, is like car­rying Water to the Rhine, or Gold to Peru. But Wisdom will direct when and where to place Favours proportionable to the Character of the giver and Per­son to whom the Largess is made, that exceptions may not be taken that merit was not recompensed, and that regard was rather had to Favour, and By-respects, than to Desert; which is not only a shame to the giver, but a Dis­couragement to such that have deserved well. Thus regard is [Page 32]to be had both how, and to whom, as well as what, gifts are disposed of: For such may libe­ralities be, That the giver may be impoverished, and instead of gaining Friends may draw up­on himself Enmity; so that even those to whom he hath been liberal to save their Stakes may join with Exclaimers, and turn to ridicule that bounty shewn them; and that Gift they called liberality, when they received it, shall with the common Vogue be styled a profuse wasting that Treasure, that might have been preserved for better purposes: Such lavishings merit rather the Name of Squanderings than Li­beralities, and in a Prince, as con­demnable as Covetousness: But where liberality is guided with prudence, it redounds to the be­nefit of both Prince and People.

It is also conducible to the publick wellfare that proper In­struments for council be chosen, such as are wife and faithful, in whom Covetousness doth not pre­dominate; for where that reigns no good can be expected, as being the Gangrene of the mind, that eateth out Love, Duty, and Honour; therefore should have no more a Place at the Helm than Pride, or Envy: Also such ought to be removed as shall not from a peak and spite, in oppo­sition to an others sense, seek out Reasons to overthrow the best advice given, and that because it was not first proposed by them­selves. Where there is passion there is bandying, and clashing with Words; and no good suc­cess can be expected from these, no more than from those that can not see, but with such Spectacles [Page 34]as are handed to them at the Board by some leading Oracle, without further weighing mat­ters; being wholly Byassed by the Opinion they conceive of their Friends Parts, though many times the wisest may not always be in the right. There are also some that see no farther than that Counsel they take upon trust: These are Ecchos, while others are for fetching Reasons a far off, in order to the effecting what is proposed, overlooking more easy methods at hand. These know not how to approve any thing, that carrieth not some thing of extraordinary in it. But none are more dangerous at the Coun­cill Board than these that waite to catch at the Prince's Sense, which they are sure right or wrong to approve, and make his Thoughts Theirs. These [Page 35]Flatterers ate not sufferable in that station where none but the unbiassed and sincere should take Place, and not Sycophants. But there are few Princes whose Courts swarm not whith these; also who have not their particular Achitophels, yet will not believe they are so influenced. But a too over-weeing Opinion of any, how acute soever, may befatal. But there are others so opinionative of their own Sense, that they will call a Council only for fomality sake; though at the same time they resolve to take no Measures, but what their own Judgement dic­tates: Methinks I hear such say, with Xerxes, I called you that I might not seem to follow my own Advice, but it is rather to injoin your obedience than ask Counsel. There are also some that, with St. Peter, after the act [Page 36]is over, are for consulting, and with him crying out, Shall 1 draw? When before he had cut of Malchus's Ear, but none are so wise but may need advice; for in the multitude of Counsellers there is safety. For Strength, Riches, and Diligence do not always succeed, but it is by Coun­sel? and Prudence, that great things are compassed. Such Persons therefore should be made use of, as are skilled in the Nature and Distemper of the Body Po­litick; such that like true Phy­sicians of State may prevent Weeds from taking root, that the publick Peace be not destroy­ed; such as can foresee State-Diseases by their Symptoms, be­fore they become incurable o­therwise than by violent Reme­dies. Such as are of Frederic the Third's Stamp and Approbation, [Page 37]who valued those Counsellors most, that feared God more than himself, who had for end, the Peace and Welfare of his Em­pire. There is no greater safety for a Prince, than to have the Government stored with such: Then will he be obeyed, and Peace secured; which Peace, how desirable in it self soever it may be; yet it hath attending it Pride, Idleness, and Danger: For un­der a long Peace, Princes and Subjects become secure, and Effeminacy, Lust, and Prodiga­lity creep in; so that even the most disciplined Armies lying still may degenerate, and like the best of Horses pampered; and through want of exercise, do loose their good Qualities. Nothing contributes to ruin a Nation, like lust, and Pleasure: When Princes grow potent un­der [Page 38]a long Peace, they usually confide in their Strength, and are tempted to unjust Enterprises, whose sinister Effects fail not to follow sooner, or later.

Thus far of Peace, how it may be kept at home against the Snakes of their own Bosom, which may prevent War from abroad; yet something may be spoken in particular of Peace, as it relates to neighbouring Princes.

He that will live in Peace with his powerfull Neighbours espe­cially, must suffer, and not take every thing in the worst Sense; but give a grateful Twine to that, which at another Time, and under other Circumstances, might be called an Injury; there­fore all Occasions of Contentions are cautiously to be avoided. Also he that will injoy Peace with his Neighbours, must always be [Page 39]prepared for War: The Hedge­hog is ever armed against his Ene­mies, and there are few. Ani­mals that carry not their offen­sive and defensive weapon about them: As the Ox his Horn, the Bear his Tooth, and the Lion his Paw.

The prudent Prince will lay up Treasures against the time of need, by such insensible Methods, that the People be not oppressed, and that occasion of Discontent be not given, and that what shall be accumulated, be not wasted by worthless Persons, not misimployed in fruitless, and un­profitable Contrivances; but re­gard is to be had, that all Oppor­tunities be improved: Loose no time, was great Caesar's Motto, for delays are dangerous; and as Health, and fair Weather, are succeeded by Sickness and Storms; [Page 40]so War succeeds Peace. Solomon tells us, of a time for every Thing; therefore when Peace gives lei­sure, store your Magazines with warlike Munitions, that nothing be wanting upon a Surprise. It is the Security of a State, always to have an Eye on War, in time of Peace. Keep therefore a Nursery of Officers of Known personal Merit: It is the unhap­py Fate of many deserving, to be laid aside in Peace, as if never more to be needed; and like Stoves in Summer, are not re­garded. But though the Sun shines now, yet stormy Weather is to be expected, and a regard ought to be had to past Deserts. Also an Inspection ought to be made into the Condition of the standing Forces, that there be no imposing false Musters: A minute Account should be had of them, as [Page 41]also of the Stores, and that from time to time aview be made, also tryals, and draughts should be fre­quent, the better to know what is to be relied on. Thus to preserve Peace at home and abroad, is to be always ready, and by the help of able Ministers, Inconveniences may be forseen, and approaching Dangers prevented, by administ­ering Sutable Remedies answera­ble to the present Pressures

Also in peaceable Times to fortify Places, may secure the Countrey from Wars at home and abroad; the Reputation of being armed, may prevent both. It is strange how. Men are dif­fident of God, yet dare confide in sinful Men; and by a Remis­ness in that kind, give Opportu­nities to their Countries Ruin. It is the simplicity of the Lamb, or Goose, that lets them fall into [Page 42]the Wolf and Fox's Paws. The Tortoise, diffident of a foreign Shelter, carryeth her House, by Sea and Land, wherein she places her safety. It is not in our Days as in Noah's, Ark where Men and Beasts could sociably Live and trust each others; he that never trusts, stands on a Guard, and is not easily deceived. It is obser­vable, That Peace lasts no lon­ger than it consists with the As­pirers Interest. There are some restless Spirits that will not be quiet till beaten into good Man­ners, to the unease of their un­happy Subjects. But we must not only consider Peace as a long injoyed Rest, where there hath been for many Years no Hosti­lities, but as it immediately suc­ceeds War; and shew, how after both sides are wearied by War, the usual Methods of procuring it, are by the project of Treaties.

Of Treaties, and Negotiati­ons of Peace.

TO manage which, such proper Instruments are to be chosen, such as are well ac­quainted with their Neighbours Interest as well as their own; and also with the Genius of those they have to treat with. If it be a powerful State that holds the Rod over you, then a Con­federacy of neighbouring Princes is necessary to prevent being swallowed up a prey to Ambiti­on. There are some Ministers so well versed in politick Strokes, and Conter-pates to know how to turn and wind matters, that they shall gain more by Treaties, than Conquerors shall effect by Feats of Arms. Many times [Page 44]Peace hath retrieved those Ad­vantages, which the Sword had lost: But in Treaties Clergy-men are the worst choice; who, like evil Spirits, ought to be conjured out of the circle of Negotiations, and from having a share in ma­naging the Civil Government, lest they confound all measures of Peace: For they make the worst Statesmen, who though they have the Voices of Doves, and have nothing less than Peace in their Mouths; yet they bear Stings in their Tails; they come with Olive-branches in their Beaks, but Experience hath taught that wherever they come to sit at the Helm, they occasion Discord and Confusion.

Many times to serve a turn, Sham Treaties are set on Foot to gain time, where much is offered, though little intended more than delusory Amusements to compass [Page 45]By-ends; of these blinds, the pru­dent Plenipotentiary is watchful, lest instead of a Cordial, he meet with a purgative Potion. All State-engines ought to be considered, as so many Buyers of Wares, who to compass their desired Com­modities, seldom speak as they think; but this our Statesman, being acquainted with the Inte­rest of each Power, and the Po­liticks by which they steer their course, will know how to turn the Mill that way, that may best answer that Quarter the Wind sits in. Lesser Potentates should Act with potent Neighbours circumspectly; especially when they have to do with such whose Maxims are, That their Princes ought not to be Slaves to their Word; and that Truth and Sincerity are but vulgar Vertues: It is those that are to be suspect­ed, let their manner of acting [Page 46]appear never so frank and oepn: For such can stteer their course by all Winds, and will scruple at no means, how illegitimate so­ever, to compass their Designs of crushing others, and clothing themselves with their Dominions. These are they, whose Ambition hath no Bounds, but what ne­cessity compels them too; against whom, as Common Enemies to Property, all adjacent Potentates should arm and unite, to support each others Interest. Nothing can be more uneasy, than when a Prince, or State, is placed be­tween two Emulators for Em­pire; to carry even betwixt them, and to give jealousy to neither, is a hard Game to play; and those so concerned run a Hazard of being ground in pieces be­tween such Rocks. It is therefore requisite to be always in good [Page 47]Intelligence with those they may have occasion to use as Confe­derates, or Mediators, that the power of over-growing Greatness may be balanced; that they may not, after the example of grea­ter Fishes, devour the lesser fry of States, that lie in their way; which, if suffered, may be of ill consequence to such, as stand by as Spectators; lest their turn be next to put on that Yoke they suffer their Neighbours to be yoked with. It is surely the com­mon Interest of Princes, to be jea­lous of Incroachers and Incro­achments; being evil Presidents that in time may affect them­selves as well as their Neighbours, who by stopping that current they serve themselves. If two Powers, Emulators for Empire, should jar and justle each other; then it is the common Interest to [Page 48]let them clash and contend to their weakening, provided stand­ing Spectators lay not a Foun­dation for future Breaches. Such surely was the reserved Policy of Innocent X. when desired to me­diate a Peace betwixt two Con­tenders for Empire, gave Car­dinal Panzirolo to remark out of his Window, two Porters fight­ing, whom he would not suffer to be parted till they thought fit to leave off themselves; say­ing, Thus will the contending Princes do, when wearied, they will leave off without a Medi­ator.

Amongst the many Cautions to those that treat, something might be said of the Interest of such lesser States as have contests with Neighbours of their own Rank, who ought to avoid jang­lings, so as their Differences [Page 49]arise not to an open Rupture. Some proper Mediator therefore ought to be found, to accom­modate Differences; so as the Honour of each may be pre­served: For if the Contest arise to Hostility, it may prove of fa­tal consequence to both, and give occasion for a predominant Power to profit by the Diffe­rence, and annex them both to his Dominions; and serve them as the Bird of prey in the Fable did the Frog and Mouse, who seized of both. Neither should lesser States call a superior to be an Assistant, least he serve him­self, and not the Proprietor; of which History hath on Record various Examples, of those that made ill use of such Opportuni­ties, and instead of serving the Interest of those that called them as Assistants, they made them­selves [Page 50]Masters. Therefore it is best to avoid all Occasions of difference, and not be obstinate to wreak a Spite, but to accept of such Terms as may be obtain­ed, and suffer the loss of a part rather than expose the whole.

But there are sometimes such Peaces proposed, that an open War is more desirable, and less to be feared. Neither can Peace founded on unjust Conditions be long-lived; which are like ill cu­red wounds that fester and prove the Patients greater Disease.

Neither is a new reconciled Enemy to be trusted, especially if he hath been the Aggressor; for such seldom pardon the In­juries they have done themselves; because they believe they can not be forgiven. Let the Fox cover himself never so artificially with a Lamb's Skin, yet the wary [Page 51]will dread him. Neither let any Inducement charm the Sword into its Scabbard, nor perswade to a too early disband­ing Forces: That Shepherd de­serves Censure, that will hearken to the Wolf to send away his Dogs.

Having said something of Peace at Home, and of preserv­ing it by necessary Cautions with neighbouring Potentates, and of security by Treaties, the desired hope; and though occasionally something hath been hinted at about making Leagues, yet it may be necessary to make further some addition on the same Sub­ject.

Of Leagues.

ALthough Alliances are good yet those are to be pitied that stand in need of them; and should consider with whom Leagues Offensive, and Defen­sive are made. Unequal Powers in affinity may be of ill Conse­quence; for the weaker Lies at the mercy of the stronger, and is tempted to seek redress from another Power capable to pro­tect him: For Confederates have divers Faces; it is their Tails only that are twisted together. When the Sheep become the Lions Associates, their Skins usually pay for it; for between Unequals there can be no equal Confede­racy. The Great have great Designs, the Lesser such as are [Page 53]sutable to their different Stations; one gives, the other takes. Dis­parity makes the unwilling un­willingly condescending, and as with the dividing the Spoil got in hunting, in a common Con­federacy of the Beasts, the Lion will claim so many Parts and pretended Rights, that he will leave his Companions to stand by as Spectators, silently to dispense with their Rights, and suffer their irremediable Losses, without discovering the least Resentment. For what can be alledged, when the Character of a King, Merit and Prowess is pleaded, and after that of his Will not to be controlled? What can his modest Companions do less than make a Vertue of neces­sity, and suffer their Rights to be disposed of, how unjustly soever Ravished from them? Thus the [Page 54]powerful profits to the loss of the weaker Competitor. This comes by being tyed to the Interest of a Potent Allye; who instead of a Helper finds a Master, such will know no Partners. There­fore it is of ill consequence for lesser Powers to be reduced to joyn with the Stronger; though it may sut a present occasion. Alliances with such Confederates contribute to Augment that Power, that when time serves, may be made use of, to inslave themselves: For when such Con­federates have secured their ends, what can they expect more than that Fate, that Polyphemus gave Ʋlysses, of being Devoured the last?

Another Inconveniency an­nexed to lesser Powers, when im­barked in League with a more powerful, is that, whenever [Page 55]the same greatness comes to justle, and contend as Competi­tor with another of equal might; then the lesser by Virtue of the Confederacy, is exposed to all the Streights and Desolations, that attend Hostilities. And if the formidable Power suffers, and bends under the Weight of the Adversaries Arms, what less can be expected, than to be Sunk, and Buried in his Ruins? There­fore a prudent Diffidence is to be had of all Compacts, wherein Safety is Exposed. It is true, that to prevent foreseen Evils, neces­sity doth sometimes oblige to Imbrace for Allye a more power­ful Party; and when a Prince's Word is once Ingaged; it is confessed, That it is very Disin­genuous, not to say worse, to break Covenants Solemnly Sti­pulated; but that is not here the [Page 56]Question: For as they can not be justified, so shall I not wholly Condemn the Breaking those Leagues, which incroaching Con­federates have Necessitated: For there may be such Reasons drawn from Self-preservation, and the hard Termsimposed, that though the breach of Oaths can not be justified; yet they may admit of a most favourable Construction: For Oppression and necessity may extort such Terms, that the Prince would Sin against his Person and Subjects, should he inviolably keep them, so that though the making them at first was an evil; yet the breaking of them seems a less, than that of their keeping: So that although the breaking sin­ful Oaths may not be Scrupled; yet the making any Illegitimate ones is to be Condemned; as be­ing [Page 57]that which with Honour and Justice can not be Maintained.

It may be observable, That those with whom Leagues are made, ought to be such, that we may be assured they are Friends, that in distress will be a recipro­cal Help, and not be Biassed by Fear or Lucre. A true Friend, like Blood, springs forth as soon as the Wound is made. It is observed, That Swine, when they hear their Follows cry, will fly to their assistance in Danger: Therefore the Lion would make no League but with that Herd, that in Necessity is so faithful. Leagues are never so likely to be Religiously observed, as when made with such, as are not too much superiour in Power; they are nice Things, and though a Remedy against Danger; yet themselves are a Danger, though [Page 58]present Circumstances sometimes call for them. In such Junctures, the Prince is to arm himself with Caution, that he repent not, and seek to break Compacts so solemnly exchanged. But God ought to be consulted; for if he ties not the knot, the bond of Peace will soon be unloosed.

Of War.

AS Peace vanishes, so War takes Place, each followeth the Heels of the other; as the one sets, the other overspreads the Horizon; and as Darkness suc­ceeds Light, so War succeeds Peace.

Amongst the many infinite per­fections God discovered of him­self to Man, that of Immuta­tability [Page 59]is only peculiar to the Deity; since no created Beings, how excellent soever in their Nature, but were made liable to change, and left to a possibility of falling from that State in which they were placed. Thus Lucifer from a glorious Angel became a Devil; it is matter of Astonishment, That in Heaven, where he was placed in the high­est Orb of Happiness and Peace; that he could not be content, but must rebell against his Ma­ker. It is matter of Wonder, That even Heaven, where the God of Peace reigns, should not be exempt from Rebellion, and since the Fall, it seems, as if Op­position were the very Essence of all created Beings. How are the Elements in Hostility? How doth the Earth quake? The Sea roar? the Air thunder, and the [Page 60]Brutes wage War against each other? The Greater devouring the Lesser. And no wonder, That Men are drawn in, having such Prompters as the Devil, and their own perverse Natures, that they can not without jarring, live in neither City, nor Neighbour­hood. How early did this En­mity shew it self? For, even in the Womb, Jacob and Esau struggled for Mastery, and when born, what fewds were there be­twixt these two Twins in their Father's Family? That, not a­greeing, they were forced to be separated, till lenghth of Time had worn out their Animosities. Also a Father and Son, David and Absalon; a Kingdom could not contain them, but one must Rival the other for Empire: And which is more, Cain and [Page 61] Abel, though they had the World betwixt them; yet was their Dis­cord Fatal. Thus Satan as from the beginning, so to this Day, he persists in fomenting Dissen­sions; setting Man against Man, Family against Family, and Nation against Nation; putting all into Confusion by Broils and Wars; through which Riches are ex­changed for Poverty, and Sorrows are introduced in lieu of those Delights that accompany Peace; who as it is the Health of a State, and a Nourisher and Incourager of Arts; so is War its Sickness, and the Discouragement of In­genuities: For in the midst of Noise and Hurry, none can ex­pect sutable returns of Vertue, where Dissoluteness seems to be let loose, to make way for Pride, Strife and Contentions, and where every one labours to make [Page 62]his Neighbour his Prey. Thus where War is, there Misery over­flows, like an impetuous Torrent, carrying away even to the very marks of Prosperity that Peace had formerly left its Inhabitants.

There are two kinds of War, viz. Civil, and Foreign.

CIVIL War is usually the Daughter of a bigotted Zeal for a publick Good, and feigned Liberty and Property; it is from intestine Broils that proceeds Irreverence and Diso­bedience, and through the depra­vetness of Nature and manners justice, Majesty and Laws are trodden under Foot to make way for Spoil, and setting up some private Interest; or to wreak [Page 63]some conceived spite: Such are like those Fishers that find advan­tage by casting their Nets in troubled Waters. Intestine Heats, if not timely quenched, may prove the Destruction of Em­pires, and are worse than foreign Wars. And as Diseases within the Body, are more to be feared than remoter Griefs; so Civil War is attended with more sinis­ter Effects, than that from Ene­mies abroad; for where the Bowels of a State are disaffected, there the Father is against his Son, and every Man's Sword against his Fellow; and as a House divided cannot stand; so the Ruin of that State may be expected, where one Member wounds the other, to the Hurt of the Whole. These Wars, called Civil, are the most Un­civil; for then is laid aside all [Page 64]respect and consideration, with reference to Affinity, Consan­guinity or Friendship; for Friend knows not his Friend, nor Re­lation Relation, neither doth the Son know his Father, nor Ser­vant his Master, no more than the Subject knows his Prince. Thus States and Common-wealths have their Diseases as well as Men. It is the wise Physician's part, to find out its Cause; for when known, the Maladie is half cured: And as Purging and Bleeding is requisite to full Bo­dies, where Bloud abounds, and ill Humours are grown to a ferment; so Phlebotomy in a State, is necessary when Male­contents are risen up, and be­come the Disease of the Place, so as to affect the Body Politick. Let the Evil proceed from what cause soever, it matters not; nei­neither [Page 65]is it material from what quarter the Wind Blows, if it indangers the House. There­fore let the Discord proceed from what Cause or Persons soever; whether from a foreign design­ing Power or from Poverty, Op­pression or Idleness, or from the popularity of some particular indeared One to the People, as Absalom was in his time; all which being so many Rock's or Shelves, the Pilot, who sits at the Helm, ought to steer his Ship so as to avoid the threaten­ed Danger; and though he hath formerly escaped, yet is he not to rest secure; for though every Vapour may not turn to a Storm, yet it is good that the Ship's Tack­ling be ready to weather the Tempest, that she may be safely steered into the Harbour of Peace.

Civil War ordinarily hath these following Pretences; as Re­ligion which is of great weight to influence a bigotted Commo­nalty, an invasion of Properties, which annexed to the former, will go a great way to unhinge all. Thus if Laws be broken, Privileges infringed, and Sub­jects oppressed, whether by Taxes, or by the Irregularity of Soul­diers. Also when Persons of no merit are impowered, any Thing will serve malecontents to exclaim and take occasion to gratify their Spite; though the secret Cause of their Inveterateness proceeds from their not being preferred, and that their imaginary Merit is not answered: But whatever the inducements may be, they are but a wild sort of Executors of Justice, who taking pet at the World, will chuse rather to re­venge [Page 67]themselves on themselves, than not gratify their Humour; but these hereby involve also the ignorant Commonalty, that like Tinder are subject to take Fire; such, rather than sit still, under those Bounds that Provi­dence hath prescribed them, will run the hazard of their own Destruction.

Also Princes Austerity to their Subjects may be a means to bring on themselves, as well as People, many Evils. The same may be said of private Fewds in great Families, that they are the Forerunners of Tumults in a State; especially when they arise to that height, as to forme them­selves into disorderly Assemblies, from such Sparks are often kind­led Civil Dissensions. Likewise want of Bread may be an occa­sion; for nothing makes more [Page 68]desperate than a Dearth, and the more, if there be no pros­pect of a Remedy.

The Remedies of Civil War may in some measure be effected; when its Causes are known, then sutable ways may be found to appease the incensed Ones. If the imperious Humour of the Prince be occasion, then let him change his Conduct; for such may be the churlish Auste­rity of a Master, that his Dogs may be so incensed, as to shew their Teeth, and Snarl, though they may not always Bite: Soft Words, and a debonaire Car­riage, cost nothing. Had Re­hoboam practised this Rule, he had not lost Ten Tribes; but if any publick Ministers abuse the Power they are intrusted with, then let them be removed, and made, publick Examples to deter [Page 69]others. Doth penury, and want of Bread, cause Exclaimers, and Hurricanes are thereby raised amongst the People? Then let Monopolisers of Provisions be obliged to bring forth their Stores, and Sell at a regulated Price; for private Interest should give way to the publick Good. In order to which let Husban­dry, Mechanicks, and Merchants be incouraged; and suffer not Money to lodge in a few Hands, but find ways to make it Circu­late, lest it be said, That Want reigns where Riches abound.

Common-wealths are compo­sed of two sorts of People, No­bility and Commonalty, under which general Heads are several Classes of Men. The latter is a great Body, slow of Motion; therefore as a spur to quicken them, the Nobility is necessary; [Page 70]not only to excite, but also to steer them in their right Biass, for the Example of the Nobili­ty doth wonderfully influence those more heavy Masses, and by a sort of Sympathy infuses in them new Spirits, and gives Courage to undertake, and exe­cute generous Enterprises: For the Nobility wanting Numbers can not effect, what necessity might require from more nume­rous Bodies. Thus Nature hath wisely ordered each degree of Men to be necessary to the other, that reciprocally they might be the stay and support of the Bo­dy Politick, without which Uni­on it could not subsist.

It is the Wisdom of those that sit at the Helm to use means to keep up that noble Heat, with which the Multitude may be inspired, and not suffer their [Page 71]laudable Resolutions to cool; in order to which, hopes of fu­ture Recompences are the great Engines of use on all occasions: For let Hopes dye, and you may bid farewell to Successes, and conclude that both will sink to­gether; for Hope is the life of Enterprises, it sets all Wheels on going, even from the crowned Head to the Dunghill; each have their Aims and Ends with which they flatter themselves into an imaginary Happiness, though they never live to see it com­passed.

But as hath been before hint­ed on an other occasion, That as all humane Bodies are subject to vicious Humours, so the Bo­dy Politick hath its Diseases and Tumors, which ought to be re­dressed by a timely prevention: For amongst the Nobility, of [Page 72]whom more reasonably might be expected fidelity from their Birth and Education, are found those that are drawn away, though they possess the Prince's Favour, or at least injoy his Presence, to which by their Quality they are intitled unto, that one would think might be sufficient to steer them in the right way. But unhappy for them, and also for the Govern­ment, where such Disorders hap­pen, for these prove the most dangerous Tools of Mischief, and the more, in that their Edu­cation hath given them acquired Qualifications by which they are capacitated to be more effectu­ally good, or evil Instruments: But let the Cause of Discontent be what it will however justifya­ble in the prepossessed Apprehen­sions of such disaffected Ones, [Page 73]that is not here the subject, but to shew how to quench, and ex­stinguish those Fire-brands, and Ring-leaders to mischief.

The first Remedy therefore proposed is, That the discontent­ed Party by fair means be drawn to their Duty and Allegiance, from a true apprehension of their own Interest, with that of their Countreys; in order to which, Reasons may be taken with res­pect to the one, and the other, and that by some proper In strument such honourable Satis­faction might be proposed as may consist with the Prince's Character of Soveraign, when he treats with his Subjects.

But if fair Means fail, and that the Offenders are inexora­ble, then ecclipse that supposed Merit, by which the Head of the Faction is boyed up in the Vul­gar's [Page 74]Opinion: To promote which, insinuate Fears and Jea­lousies, that the fervor with which the Tumult is excited to Sedition, may be cooled; to compass which, let the Prince have in his Eye such, whose known desert hath not made them the Subject of the Peoples envie; such, whose Integrity and Faith­fullness, annexed with their Ex­perience in military Affairs, may carry on awful fear, and vene­ration for their Person.

Also David's Policy may be of use, by sending a Hushai to coun­termine their Achitophels, that by Intelligence, and a Diffidence insinuated, the Enemy may be weakened, and divided into Factions; on such Occasions not only Policy, but Money may be a proper Bait: For what can not Gold effect? What hath [Page 75]it not done in such Cases? It is as Oil to the Wheel, that makes all Things Easy; opens Closet-doors, discloses Secrets, imposes Silence, or makes the Priests Mouth Speak; it inflames Zeal, creates Friends, and makes those that were Ene­mies, such, as they would sa­crifice all to carry on that In­terest, which before was their Aversion: So wonderfull is the operation of this Metal, that it blinds the Eyes of the Seeing, and opens those that before could not discern; and makes the dif­ficultest Enterprises easy by re­moving all Obstacles.

But when all Means fail, and that suppressing Sedition is the Question, then let a Door timely be opened to those that by Re­pentance shall come in, and take hold of Pardon; which, when proposed, ought most Religiously [Page 76]to be observed: Offenders are not to be abandoned to Despair; that makes those the inveteratest Enemies, which, by prudent Management, might have be­come usefull Friends. Let not Machiavel's Assertion be counte­nanced, That to the end Designs may not be abortive, it is neces­sary to be perfectly Wicked: But since Princes and Subjects are Mortal, why should their Pas­sions be immortal? Neither is it good to penetrate too far into the Nature of Offences, especially when the Sore is spreading. But as Corruptions increase, and ways found to evade the Law, so should Justice be awakened to the exstinguishing of growing Evils.

Of Foreign War.

FOreign War is a less Evil, and a generouser Conten­tion than the Civil, which may be reduced to that of Offensive, and Defensive.

The Offensive is either Un­just, or Just. The occasions taken for an Unjust War are sometimes so trivial, as may ra­ther be lamented than inquired into, and so with reason is called Offensive.

Of Ʋnjust, Offensive War.

THe Opinion, that Right consists in that we are stronger than our Neighbours, [Page 78]or that God takes the strongest Part, is a Tenent to be abhor­red: For he is a Supporter of justice, and the giver of Victory; which may be reasonablier ex­pected, when Justice and Necessi­ty compel to take Arms for Re­fuge. Having Self-preservation, and Peace for End, success may better be expected; but they have reason to be jealous of their good Fortune, when Ambition and Covetousness set them on work.

This Unjust, Offensive War is the legitimate off-spring of Pride and Ambition, and ma­naged by such who are Scourges in God's Hands by whose means Countries are depopulated, and Devastations made. Such are Beasoms in God's Hands, with which he sweeps Nations. This sort of War is, in its Nature, [Page 79]offensive to Mankind, whose Undertaker seems to design the Destruction of his Species.

This is the most unnatural of Enterprises, and looks as if Men had forgot they were Men, and that they had divested themselves of their Understanding and Hu­manity; and were become more cruel, each to other, than irra­tional Brutes are to those of their own Sort, who wage not War, one kind against those of the same. The Lion ordinarily tears not the Lion, nor the Tiger and Wolf those of their kind; they assemble not in Herds, and form not destructive Projects by ga­thering Parties against Parties. Also our Lord gives us to believe, That though the Devils are Ene­mies to Mankind, yet that they are not divided amongst them­selves; [Page 80]for if so, their Kingdom could not stand.

Is it not Folly and Frenzie to seek Occasions to be a Plague to the Age, and an Instrument of torment to others? To effect which, they will run through all Hazards by Sea and Land, and for Uncertainties court Death and Destruction; and with so much fierceness imbark others with themselves, to endeavour the Ruin of those they neither hate, nor know: As it is with every hired Souldier that invades the Persons and Properties of such who never gave him offense. Thus these mercenary Champi­ons contribute, as far as in them lies, to the promoting the Dis­order and sad Effects of such Debordements, even to which themselves they bear their share. Those mercenary Ones, who re­gard [Page 81]not the Justice of a Cause, but fight for the empty Name of being Valourous, and the incon­siderable recompences intailed on them, rather deserve to be styled Mad-men, who give them­selves up a Prey to the Sword, and hazard for trifles their All to the Mercy of incensed Ones; who will have no consideration to reduce such, either to their first Nothing, or to render them useless by loss of Members, which is more deplorable than Death it self: And this to serve the pas­sion of an ambitious One in an unjust Cause; and perhaps such an one, who neither knows, nor cares, for their Persons, farther than to obtain his End; nor would Scruple, when occasion offered, to serve himself of their dead Bodies, as a Pedestal to [Page 82]heighten his Stature to take the farther view.

But when God, and Reason, calls for the Defence of their Countrey, Prince, and Proper­ties, then to dye, or suffer, in such a cause, is honourable, and a Duty incumbent on the Subject. It is deplorable, the sad Reflecti­ons that may be made of the Effects incident to Wars; which in themselves are sufficient to deter the Promoters of unjust Ones. The hardening themselves against such Considerations are Aggravations of their Crimes; for from that time they are launched from the Shore of Peace, they also involve themselves, and others, into a Sea of Troubles, with whose angry Waves they wrestle, and are tossed, and hur­ried by the Wind of Fortune in­to a Gulph of Misery; which [Page 83]hath a Mouth wide like Hell, and refuses no Comers, but Preyes mostly on the Valiant, and such as are fittest for noble Atchieve­ments: The most robust and daring, and those likliest to live, are more immediately its Objects; and like the Lion, the King of Beasts, disdains a mean Prey, and as he spares none, but crushes all that come under his Paws. So this King of Terrours, when ri­ding in Triumph on his Chariot of War, then the impotent, the base, the Coward, are not so im­mediately the Object of his lure, as the bold and daring, such as with courage can look Death in the Face; thus like the generous Hawk, he takes his flight on the noblest Quarry.

But such is the misery inci­dent to Man, that sometimes God suffers in an Age a Scourge [Page 84]to arise, who being given up to a boundless Ambition, is unsa­tiable even to the ravishing his Neighbour's Properties; which after he calls his, and that for no juster reason than that such was his pleasure; and after an illegiti­mate Possession, claims a right to adjacent Places by virtue of their Reunion. Thus some Mens desires are boundless like the Ocean, and as the Grave are ne­ver satisfied; for presuming on their Power and Strength, they insult their Neighbours. But where is the generosity: To seek occasions of Contest where none is given, and that on frivolous, and often on no pretext surprise the disarmed, or at least upon such a disarity of Force as makes them no proper Objects for a generous Undertaker? But such run the Hazard of this Censure, [Page 85]That as the lesser Hectors, where, they have an advantage, will, on every slight Occasion, quar­rel, and draw; and wanting matter for Contest, will rake it out of nothing. Thus the greater to serve their turn wage War, and tell the reason after­wards. But so abstruse are the Inducements for their irregular Proceedings, that even Oedipus himself, how clear-sighted soe­ver, had he been living, could not have discovered whence, nor why were such Hostilities; yet such are the Parasitical Humours of many, that after a success ob­tained, they will sing the Enco­miums of Praises of those whom they know have dishonoured God, and done the Devil's Bu­siness.

Thus unwarrantable Actions take a new Name, and bury that [Page 86]of Usurpation in the Bowels of Victory, that it seems as if Suc­cess and Right were indissolvably knit together. Thus the Glory of overcoming, or being over­come, denominates the Enterprise good or evil; and, accordnig to the common acceptation of things, Fame Ecchoes forth Praise or Dispraise. Thus little Rob­beries are called Thefts, while those great ones of Principalities and Countries are styled Con­quests, and Heroick Actions. Thus Usurpation changes its Name, and the Usurper is be­come the lawful Prince; whose fortunate Success is adored by the gazing World, while the Sufferer is despised and contem­ned. Thus the small Fry in the Seas is made the prey to greater Fishes, and the lesser Fowl to Birds of prey. Thus powerful [Page 87]Princes imboldened by their strength like Wolves, seise on their Neighbours Flocks, and hug themselves with this impious Maxim, That wicked Enterprises change their Nature with their Names, and become Vertues, when attended with Success. Thus is he exalted to pride him­self whose Bloud boiling in a high Ferment of Glory, is imboldened to farther Insolencies though he runs the hazard of Eternal Ven­geance; for the all-powerful is not tied to Means, but with the Usurper's own Weapons, whet­ted to Destroy his Neighbours, he may thereby himself be made a Victim, and the measure he meated to others, may be accu­mulated on him.

But what can we expect, when the Reflections of a Superiour Vengeance will not take Place, [Page 88]that any more inferiour Consi­deration should be available? Or that he should be induced to moderation, from any Reason drawn from his Honour, that is eclipsed by oppressing such who have not might to Subsist, but under the shelter of a more Auspicious Wing. But it is not thus amongst irrational Animals; for the generous Lion disdains to make the Mouse his prey; nor will the Eagle catch Flies.

Of Just Offensive War.

IT may be presumed that none will undertake such Enter­prises, unless well-provided with necessary Requisites; it concerns not less such who have a legal Reason to begin a Just Offensive [Page 89]War, than those who want that Title to justify their Actions, es­pecially since Honour, Reason, and Justice alarm them to action.

It may be with justice deno­minated Offensive, yet not from the same Reason that the Unjust War is so called; for in this War Justice is implied, and is a Right that the Prince doth himself, and his People, who is supposed to be the Sufferer of wrong, either from omission of right expected, or from a Commission of wrong done. Thus, though cause be given for a Just Offensive War, yet before imbarking therein, let the reasons of the undertaking be scrutinously looked into, and not take fire at every alarm, though there may be Amusements, and that Returns of just Demands may be dilatory and delusory, and [Page 90]Incroachments may be made on various Pretences, and that Words in Treaties may be wrested: Also such may Circumstances of Time and Place be, as to furnish mat­ter for Contest; all which the Pru­dent Prince will not immedia­tely resent, and take the alarm at every disgust, but rather by moderation Calm Heats, using means to reconcile Misunder­standings, giving right Ideas of Things by placing matters indispute in their true Light; for the events of War are like casts at Hazard, where the Dice com­monly runs contrary to expecta­tion, in which Fate hath a grea­ter share than Reason: Though the Enterprise may be plausible, and easy at first Undertaking, yet there will be found Difficulties, and the End uncertain, if not Fatal; and oftentimes the Victor [Page 91]hath occasion to say with Pyr­rhus, when he had vanquished the Roman Forces, to those that congratulated his Success, That their Transports of Joy ought to be moderated by Silence, since such another Victory would have undone him. Thus it may hap­pen, that the Conquerour pro­fits not by his Conquest: Those are surely most unhappy Under­takings, where neither Party can promise themselves to profit by their Enterprises; but that there is an indubitable necessity, that both must be Losers; as it hap­pens in all warlike Undertakings; there being never Tears wanting in the greatest Solemnities of Triumphs. The Armour is soon put on, the City is soon in a Flame, but the Remedies of Con­flagration are not easily effected; and Fortune, who is inconstant, [Page 92]is never so eminently such, as in her dispensing her Laurels. Princes may be said to be like Fishers, who angle for a Prize, though they use the golden Hook, yet sometimes they not only miss the Prey, but even Bait-hook, and all are often lost; so that though the Gainer of the Bait hath dearly purchased the swal­lowing that Morsel, yet hath the Angler little Cause of Tri­umph; and many times gazing Spectators have seen their Heads crowned with unexpected Tro­phies and Honour, whom they expected should have been made Victims. It is very disingenu­ous not to say worse, on every slight Occasion, to place the welfare of the Subject on the Sword's Point. But some, like Gamesters, that have so itching an humour for Play, that rather [Page 93]than stand out, will hazard all.

It is not prudent, at all Times, to begin a just War, especially when the Evil that accrues by it, is greater than the Good that can be expected from a reasonable Compliance. Let soft and heal­ing means be used with such honourable Condescensions, as may consist with the Prince's Character. But if Necessity compels, and that Reason and Justice countenance his Cause, then let Diligence and Vigilancy be awakened, to prosecute ef­fectually what shall be begun. For since nothing less than Fire and Sword will be available, use them as the last Remedy to pro­cure that Peace, which fair means could not effect. Which having first essayed may give occasion with more reason to expect a a prosperous Success. By which [Page 94]we see how the use of Arms is necessary, and that the Military Profession ought to be honoured, and incouraged; but however laudable it is in itself, yet such ill use hath been made of it, as to give occasion for the unthink­ing Multitude to exclaim a­gainst it, as one of the Plagues of Mankind, and as a Science hatched in Hell for the Destructi­on of Humane Society. But as the best of Food turns to ill Hu­mours when it lights upon a vi­cious and a disaffected Stomack: So the military Profession may be misused; and as skill and Wea­pons in the Hands of Robbers are hurtful and destructive, but commendable, when lodged with the honest Traveller, who imploys them to defend his Person, and Effects.

Thus the Military Art, and its Professors, recommend themselves to the World as the stay of Lives, Laws, Liberties and Properties. There is no Profession so honour­able as the Military, nor more useful in its Place, when mana­ged by a prudent Conduct. It is noble in its Cause when legiti­mate, as also in its Execution, by which its Professors are innobled, and capacitated for the highest Honours; so that thereby they are adorned with Purples, and many times their Merit recom­penced with Crowns and Scep­ters. Even from private Centinels some have raised themselves to the highest pitch of Preferment, and by their Vertue and Prowess have commanded such, whom be­fore themselves have obeyed. No Characters of Men whatsoever, deserve more from the Hands of [Page 96]their Prince, not only in respect of their present Use, but also in regard of the Antiquity of their Profes­sion. For we read of Hostilities before Learning had polished, refined, and dignified Men; for after the Person of their Sove­raign, they are the noblest, and the more in this respect, That the Prince prides himself in the glorious Epithet of being stiled a Souldier; and it is the Prince's peculiar Province, to innoble and recompence Valour, by Military Honours. Also in many respects, they exceed the learned Heads, however crowned with Bays: For they are not only the preservers of Laws and Religion, and the Pro­tectors of Persons and Properties; but that Countrey, where the Military Art is incouraged, be­comes a Nursery of all Sciences, and under their Wing, Trade Flo­rishes, [Page 97]and Riches increase, to the Honour and Strength of that State and Government, where that Profession is kept on Foot; but where it lies dormant, a Door is opened to the first Ambititious One, that shall find himself at leisure to insult their Security.

Of Defensive War.

HItherto War hath been our Subject, so far as regards the offensive Part, whether Just, or Un­just; in the latter the Innocent is assaulted, and reduced to defend himself. It is time now to give some Hints, with reference to the Defen­sive Part of War, where Self-preser­vation calls for the Vindication of invaded Rights of the Innocents, who are therein passive, and by an impulse of Fate hurried on to de­fend [Page 98]themselves; like those harm­less Clients, who fly to the Law for refuge from their litigious, vexati­ous Neighbours. It is from this verbal War, that the more bloudy one, made by Fire and Sword, may have derived its Name; and as a Metaphor, drawn from defending the Cause, hath taken its name of a Defensive War, when the assault­ed is necessitated to arm in his own Defence against the Aggressor.

It is Natural to all sublunary Creatures, animated with Life, to seek their Preservation; and God hath imprinted it in the very Nature of irrational Animals to preserve themselves from an invading Foe, and for that end hath furnished each with sutable Weapons: Some have their Horns, some are taught the use of the Heel, others have their Teeth and Claws for Weapons; even the very Reptiles and Insects [Page 99]have their Stings, which they use when provoked.

Since Self-defence is a Dictate of Nature amongst irrational Crea­tures; so it is in Man, even the Laws of Nations will that Force be repelled by Force: Yet some are of Opinion, That Self-defence is but a Faculty, and not properly termed a War; but we will not stick at the Name, but leave it as inserted, and call the Faculty of Self-defence to be a waging War. And as Fencers, where the one attacks, and the other paryeth, yet both are styled Fencers, and the Exercise is called Fencing. So those that wage a War offensive, and they that defend themselves, are reciprocal Wagers of War.

It is not to be questioned, but a Prince may take Arms to defend his own and Peoples Rights; for God, Man, and Reason, calls him to it, and are Incouragers of Self-preser­vation, and to have recourse to Ex­tremities. [Page 100]When nothing else will prevail, then the Offender must be Offended, and Force must repel Force. Yet though it be concluded reasonable, and a Duty incumbent upon each to defend themselves; nevertheless God hath indued Man with Wisdom, by which great­er Things have been effected than by Force; for Prudence finds ma­ny ways to wind it self out of Trou­ble, and suts Remedies to the Cir­cumstances then occurring. To give particular Observations for each case, is impossible since inter­vening Affairs can only direct, for New Accidents require New Coun­sel. But there are Methods always of use, as Beacons to direct Tra­vellers. Amongst the general Heads of Advices observe, That when you find you shall unavoidably be at­tacked, and that all Means for ac­commodation avail not, then begin the Game yourself, and by way of [Page 101]prevention, if possible, assault your Enemy; for the surest Defence, is Offence. Thus hurting, and being hurt, are near Neighbours. Be­sides what Measures Prudence may have directed, try also (even in the time of Action) what Money will do; part with it rather than with more Essentials. Let the Sheep be Shorn rather than part with their Skins; the Fruits of the Earth, and Mo­ney, are easilier retrieved, than Li­berties and Patrimonies. And though Ambition may not be charm­ed down by Money, yet through the Means of Favourites, a Change hath many Times been compassed: Therefore Plough with the Aspirers Heifers; for though the Ambitious one disdain, Golden Showers, yet he may be overcome by a Dalila, or some Favourite.

Use therefore Gold as being an Engine of great use; it is a most Soveraign Mistress that makes the [Page 102]Blind See, and gives Strength to the Weak, and Feet and Wings to the Slow. By it Peace is sometimes pur­chased, and it is the cause of much Good, and much Evil; it is the Spring that sets all Wheels on going, from the Prince to the meanest of his People.

The Prince therefore should not want this so admirable a Cordial sutable to all the Grievances incident to a languishing and threatened State, and is the best Bullwark to fence off approaching Evils; whe­ther Famine, Fire, or Sword; it is so desirable, that the Business of Mankind in all Ages hath been to acquire it. How hath it penetrated Rocks, Stony Hearts, melted Me­tals; and without other Key, hath caused to fly open the strongest Gates to pay it homage, though tyed up­on an Ass's Back?

If the Tempest cannot be divert­ed by Gold, then see what Stores [Page 103]and Provisions have been laid up. Lose no Time, it is an advantage to be soonest in the Field; and if there be no want of Money, Counsel, nor other Requisites, then he that gives the first Blow, being so provided, is liklier to renew his Stroak; than those whom a Surprise hath brought into disorder. Thus meet danger, else it will find you out, and give Reputation to your Courage and Strength; and may be of use to bring the Enemy to consider, That a War built on Injustice may indan­ger his own Ruin. But let not him who values himself for Might, Si­tuation, Numbers, Riches, and past Successes, be too assured; for Suc­cess doth not always serve the same Master, for sometimes it hath hap­pened that Victory hath waited on those, whose Forces were Inferiour to the Assailant, whose numerous Multitudes threatened to Swallow all before them; yet as the small [Page 104]Sands stop the Career of the raging Seas, and set bounds to its proud and insulting Waves, That so far they shall go and no farther, so should all bordering concerned Ones, nay even all Europe, indeavour to chain up the never-satisfied Lion with prey, that thereby he may be confined to his due Bounds: But some presume that Fortune will always favour their Purposes, so they continue Plagues in their Age.

But when neither Money, pru­dent Measures, nor Force can res­cue from Ruin, then the Giant must be let alone, and other Re­quisites used to calm that Heat: For when Courage is not available, a prudent Shelter from approaching Danger may be commendable, and ought not to be styled Cowardise; for though Vertue be most demon­strated by wrestling with the great­est Difficulties, and that Courage is ready to frame Ideas, That all [Page 105]Dangers are less, than what their Fears suggest them to be, whose false Images have often fetched Disasters from far, even to cause Armies to Fly when none Pursu'd; yet it is Fool-hardiness to run precipitately into them, rather than seek a timely Remedy answerable to Circumstan­ces, as by calling in Succours; which, if failing, then the Generous will chuse rather to dye gloriously, than tamely lye down to be inslaved; better it is to dye free by hazarding all in trusting Providence, than to be trodden under Foot. The All-powerfull is not tyed to Strength, or Numbers, but can place the Laurel on the Head of the weakest. And though Supplies be wanting, and that they exceed in number of Men, yet they may not in number of Soul­diers: For a good Cause, and Cou­rage, answers all Defects. As Al­manzor, Son of an Arabian King, told his Father, That no Weapon [Page 106]was too short for a Man of Cou­rage; since what it wanted in Length, it might be supplied by Valour, and stretching forth the Arm.

And though Expectations may not immediately be answered, yet the Generous will persevere in magna­nimous Resolutions to the last, and not prescribe a time for Deliverance; for he who is the Protector of the oppressed, usually takes the Oppor­tunity to deliver, when Extremity calls loudest. For there is no Fire, how great soever, but may be either quenched, or an entire Conflagrati­on prevented: Few Wounds but find Plaisters proper for their Sore. Besides, Time wonderfully changes the Face of Things, and makes our very Passions alter, that that which once was the Object of our Hate may in time become that of Love, or at least Indifferency; even the Persons of the Assailants are not im­mortal, [Page 107]though their Passions may appear so.

Thus Hopes should bear up the Courage of the Generous, what ei­ther is or may be in prospect, any thing rather than despair; imagine that the Assailant, or his Animo­sity may dye, or his Passion for Em­pire cease, or that some unforeseen Accident may turn the Scales; for though Towns, Cities, and Countreys may suffer, be Stormed, and Taken, yet they can not carry them away; and Time may either see them ren­dered, or retaken.

Neither is it morally impossible, but that even the Conquerours may be Conquered by those they oppres­ed; for the greatest Things are many times brought about by small Acci­dents: There needs but the want of Water, or a too great Inundation of the same, to change the face of things; for when God will deliver a People, his Methods are usually attended [Page 108]with surprising Circumstances, the better to shew that his Finger opera­ted therein. Yet let not the expecta­tion of some surprising Deliverance, render secure, but be armed for Ac­cidents, and use all probable means. However averse Fortune may appear to be, yet keep Courage awake, and persevere patiently: For there is no­thing more inconstant than the e­vents of War; the knowlegde of which, may be improved so, as in Prosperity never to be secure, nor in Adversity to sink. But hope still, and be diligent, and active as fire, and with the Eagle quick-sighted, Argus like, looking every way; and, as if posses­sed of Briareus's many Arms, bestir your self to frustrate all Enterprises.

The Fore-sight of events is neces­sary, and prevents many Evils, for by seasonable notices, Places are for­tifyed, and Peoples Effects secured. This may detect the Imprudence of those, who through a parsimo­nious [Page 109]Principle of sparing lye still, as the unconcerned Object of Prey to those, who are upon no other score an Enemy, than that their Ambition and Power makes them such. It concerns all who are Neighbours to such a Danger, to stand on their Guard, and to strengthen themselves by joint Confederacy, against a com­mon Oppressour, who hath given the World occasion to know, he will never want Pretences to offend, if thereby he may cloth himself with the Spoil of others; who is never in the wrong, nor yet true to his Pro­mises; and will never want insna­ring ways to involve the Unwary; who like the Fox, or Wolf are for making all a Prey they can Surprise. Therefore by Union, and Counsel strengthen each other; for some­times Counsel answers the want of Force. Being thus armed by Resolu­tion, go on and Prosper; for that is the best Armour of Proof.

Upon all occasions where Hostile Actions are necessary, as many use­ful Hands are to be secured as pos­sible; but let few Heads be privy to what shall be the Enterprise. Affairs of War ought to be deliberated by many, but the Results known to few. When all lies at Stake, as Life, Liberty and Safety, then it is high time to stand up for them; especially having to do with One, who regards not such trifles as Honour, and Conscience; and looks upon Justice, and the keeping Promises, to be plebeian Ver­tues, offensive to a squeemish Con­science, and a stop to the Career of ac­cummulating Provinces, as so many Annexes to his Territories; but how far it consists with Justice, that is never made the Question.

Thus it appears reasonable, that in time of Peace, Forces should be maintained, and Disciplined; who ought not to be considered by the Inhabitants, as their Disease; but ra­ther [Page 111]as those in whom consists their Safety and Happiness: For a com­petent number of standing Forces, kept in due order; instead of giv­ing Jealousies, and being a Terrour, ought to be considered as the Bull­warks of the Country; and as the great Incouragement to Industry. For what Courage can the Hus­band-man have to Plough and Sow, or the Merchant to venture his Stock, to Traffick, when they know not who shall reap the Fruit of their In­dustry? Thus under God the Souldier is the Subjects shelter, from Fears at home, and from Enemies abroad; by whose means Trade Florishes, and the Age is Crowned with Plenty. By what hath been said, it appears, That a standing Army kept in good Order and Discipline, may be a pro­moter of Justice, and the Protector of the Soveraign's Authority; by which he bears the Character of God's Vicegerent on Earth.

My spare Hours, have given me occasion to speak of Peace and War, which I intended for the private use of my Successors, who are not in E­lection tomeet with a favorabler Re­ception from the World, than my Predecessors, and self have had. I hope my Neighbouring Princes, from the same Inducement, may find Rea­son to join in Confederacy, against formidable Incroachers; in after Ages, as well as in these our times, which will strengthen this received rule, That from others Harms, and past Dangers; it is wisdom to take Warning: And most certain it is, That in the Union of lesser Powers consists their Strength. For though War, like some Physick is never to be Administered, but upon unavoi­dable Occasions; yet it is necessary to Bridle the exorbitant Desires of the Ambitious, and to preserve Peace. Thus War though a neces­sary Evil, yet hath this Good in it; [Page 113]in that it protects the Weak from threatened Violence, secures Justice to each Proprietor. Thus taking up Arms, may be sometimes a most ne­cessary Refuge; when by Tyranni­cal Inundations the Prince is Insulted.

I might here have concluded, but having observed the frailty of Peace when Unarmed; and that security is a temptation for Insulters to pro­fit by their lying so exposed: There­fore the use of Arms, is of absolute Necessity, even in time of Peace, and that the Military Art be incouraged. For which Reason, I shall further add some thing with reference to Military Professors, and will deci­pher the Qualifications requisite in each of its Members; for as the Mi­litary Imployment exceeds all others, so its Professors deserve the greatest Honours and Incouragements. There is no Virtue in Civil Society that heaps so much Glory on the Heads of those it adorns, as that of [Page 114]the Military, and Experience hath taught Men to know, That it is ne­cessary to have an established Policy, with sutable Incouragements answer­able to the great Undertakings of military Men; that according to the different Spheres they move in, they may have sutable Returns, without which few would be found to court so dangerous a Mistress, that cannot be obtained but by wading through Bloud, Sweat, and Labour, whose Rivals for Honour never florish so gloriously, nor ride in Triumph so pompously, as in the midst of Fire and Smoke. To proced, let some thing be first said of the Infantry in gene­ral, and after, of each of their Stati­ons in particular.

Of the use of Infantry.

THe Foot is useful in all Places, though rough, narrow, or straight Passages, whether Hilly, [Page 115]Rocky, or Boggy Grounds, and is of less charge in raising and keep­ing; and its Stores lye in less room, and require fewer Carriages, and are easilier disposed of, and secured, than Forage. When the Foot is well Disciplined, and in good Heart, they will maintain their Ground a­gainst the Horse, and are best in Com­bat, Sieges, and Ambushes, and will bear the brunt of the Day, with more Obstinacy; and though they are not so expeditious in gaining Victory, nor so useful in pursuing; yet they are not so soon vanquished, but will stand the hottest Brunts longer, and indure Fatigues, with Resolution and Patience; when the Horse-man can­not be Master of his own Intenti­ons, if hurryed away by these strong-headed Animals, to the dishonour of their Riders, and many times loss of Victory. In the Infantry are more Preferments, and is the readiest way to the highest Military Honours.

Of the Common Souldier.

HE is the Stock upon which all Cions are ingrafted, where the Product sometimes exceeds its Parent, who from thence have risen to the highest Degrees of Honour; even Princes have honoured that Station, either by shouldering the Musquet, or trailing the Pike.

The Common Souldier ought to be young and vigourous, of a heal­thy Constitution able to indure Fa­tigues; such who have been inured to Labour and Hardships are most desirable; the Climates that they are born under, may contribute much to indure Hardships; for more are killed for not being able to suffer Fatigues, than have lost their Lives by the Sword. His Stature should be rather tall than little; his Limbs clean and strong; his Feet good, and of a nimble and active Body; cleanly in his Person Cloths and [Page 117]Arms; well Shod, and careful of his Necessaries, That he may en­counter Want, with the longest. He must not hazard at Play, what he hath, lest it becomes another's Propriety, and so be tempted to ir­regular Ways, to supply his Wants; which may expose him to suffer mi­litary Discipline. Thus the bravest in a Heard have been untimely cut off, as Examples to others, which but for evil Presidents, hath been desired, that they might have been spared.

Also Wine and Women, are the bane of an Army, and unfit the Souldier for Duty; the first bereaves him of Senses, and the second of Strength, and both are Triflers away of time, and Obstructions to Advan­cement.

The Character of a Souldier is, That he have Courage as to dare Look Death and Danger, in the Face. One who is armed with Reso­lution, either to vanquish, or Dye. [Page 118]It hath been observed, That some Men, who have Courage in the Field, will fight like Heroes in a Crowd, when animated by numbers; yet will want that mettle in private Quarrels. It were to be desired, our Souldier were of that rugged Mould, not to suffer Affront, nor give oc­casion for Quarrels; but when in­sulted over, then let him only right himself by generous Repulses, there­by he gains esteem, and shuts the Door against after Broils and, Quarrels.

His Character is accomplished if he Knowes to carry himself de­bonairly to his Equals, obediently and humbly to his Superiours, and can give Instances of his Humanity to all.

He is haughty to the Proud and Insolent: With his Enemies stout and valiant; but is meek and gentle, and affable, when Time, Persons, and Place call for it.

He is also vigilant, and a strict Ob­server of his Duty, fearing to be sur­prised, either by his Superiours or Enemies, and never questions why, or what are the Reasons; but with an implicit Obedience, without murmuring, discharges those Com­mands injoined him.

He will keep his Arms in good order, and readiness; and, with the many good Qualities requisite, he is indued with Patience, a most ne­cessary Ingredient in a Souldier; so that Money is not more useful, to supply the Necessities of the Poor, nor Wisdom to answer the Defects of Folly, than Patience and Perse­verence is, in the course of a Military Life; for by this Vertue the greatest Difficulties are overcome.

Of the Corporal.

HE is promoted to that Stati­on, from that of the Com­mon Souldier; so ought to have his Qualifications, with improve­ments; as he exceeds him in Ttrust reposed; so he ought to go beyond him, in Diligence and Capacity. That he may the better discipline the private Centinels, and keep, Peace he is to give information of Things to his Superiours, and carry the List of such as are to mount the Guard. It is he that distributes Ammunition, and Provision, and provides neces­sary Fire and Candle, and gives the Word handed to him; and in a particular manner his Duty is, to be acquainted with the Persons, and merit of each Particular, that he may place them accordingly.

The Trust reposed in a Corporal, is of that consequence, That on his Fidelity, depends the Security of those Avenues where he is placed; for to have corps de gardes surpris­ed, is of that importance, that some­times it hath occasioned the Des­truction of an Army.

Of the Sergeant.

HE is one chosen by the Cap­tain, from amongst the best of his Men, for known Fidelity, Ex­perience, Courage, and Diligence; he is the Corporal's Elder Brother, whose Place differs in this, That he Hands to him his Instructions, and gives out those Ammunitions and Provisi­ons designed, and with the Corpo­ral, takes cognisance of the merit of each particular Person; and their Lodging, and Necessities, of which [Page 122]an Inspection ought to be taken, as also into their Behaviour; to assign Quarters, which he is to visit from time to time. The Care of the Company lies on him; he is the Captain's Eyes and Ears, by whom he receives Information of both Sick and Well, and other necessary Circumstances. In short, the Ser­geant ought to be brave and stout every where, Night and Day, mov­ing, walking the Rounds, visiting Centinels; and, when upon Duty, he is to be personally present with the Superiour Officers, at the open­ing, and shutting of the Gates.

Of the Ensign.

IT is a Post for a Gentleman; he ought to be endued with Sen­timents of Honour for his Country, and Person. He should be Young, [Page 123]a Man of Courage, well made, with a good Presence. His Duty is, to carry the Colours where com­manded, and chuse rather to part with his Life, than with them. In the absence of his Captain, and Lieutenant, his Duty is the same with theirs, whose Instructions be­ing in common these do refer.

Of the Lieutenant.

IN the Captain's Absence, he is his Representative; so requires all his Qualifications, their Duties being the same. He disciplineth the Men, hath regard that the Serge­ants discharge their Duty. The Care of the Company lieth in a great measure on him; therefore he should be Prudent, and a Man of Courage, as well as of Experience: For if the Captain falls in Combat, [Page 124]he leaves the rear to the next Ser­geant, to take his Sword and Post, at the Head of the Company. It is his great Interest to keep a good In­telligence with his Captain; being the way to Prefrement.

Of the Captain.

HE should be a Person of Hon­our, Courage, and Experi­ence; prudent in Matters, neither too rough, nor too indulgent, that he incur neither Hatred, nor Con­tempt. He ought to be informed of his Men's Names, and of their me­rit, and should know their Necessi­ties. He marches at the Head of his Company, and leads them on and off in Action, and he is to know the Quantity of Arms, Time when, and Place where, and all other Circumstances, according to [Page 125]the Nature of the Occasion Also he should be skilled in Fortifications.

This Post is the usual Step, by which the greatest military Hon­ours are ascended; therefore he ought to be a Man of worth, such as shall disdain the consulting his own Ease at a time when his Men are incommoded; he should be qualifyed with Wisdom, carrying always a Face of Prosperity, even in the midst of Discouragements, that none be disheartened. He should have a Spirit above mean Things, as that of making advantage of his Men by false Musters; but with the Centurion in the Gospel, keep his Company compleat; it being upon Record to his Honour, that he had a Hundred Men. By which it ap­pears, as if there had been no False Musters in those Days. Also to assist his Men by little Advances, may keep them from Irregularities, and gain their Love. He should [Page 126]be ambitious of honourable Under­takings, and not incourage by his Example any excess, but punish Drinking, and the Quarrelsome, with all Makers of Parties; Theft and the Seditious, are to be dis­couraged, or cut off for Example, by a solemn and publick Execution. Small Faults need not be observed, and when such as you would spare are guilty, so that the Eye cannot be shut, without incurring the Censure of being partial, then Severity is to be used, answerable to the Nature of the Crime without respect of Persons; and as a Parent, who, though he may have a secret ten­dency to some of his Children, above the rest; yet he wisely con­ceals it, and with Caution incour­ages all, and disobliges none.

Of the Major.

HIs Character is in common with other Commissiona­ted Officers, viz. That he have Courage, and be qualifyed with Knowledge; and that he be dili­gent, and active; for in the Major's Power is included that of all the Of­ficers in the Regiment, which gives him authority over the Captains, and other inferiour Officers, as well as Souldiers, in Garrisons, Villages, and in the Field. If there be not a Major in the Garrison; then he receives the Word, and directions from the Governour, as to Hours, Place and Quarters, which he communicates to the Ser­geants, the same as if in Villages, or in the Field, whose Duty, and In­structions vary, according to the disposedness of Places, and the time when, whether of Danger, or [Page 128]otherwise. He appoints detatch­ments, and Places for Rendezvous, and marks out their Incampments, and hands to the Officers their Or­ders, before whom he is to be at their assigned Quarters, where he detatches corps de Gardes, and appoints Places for Centinels. His Orders are not to be altered but by himself as be­ing the ordinary Conduit for con­veighing them, either from the Ge­neral, or his Colonel. He should discourage useless Persons, and see the Regiment march in due order, and that thy keep their Ranks, and carry their Arms, except weary, or sick; for whose relief, his care is, That carriages be provided to fol­low, that such as lag behind may be received. It is also his place to give out Provisions to each Com­pany their Dividend, and to answer the necessity of the Sick, by suta­ble supplies of Food, Physick, and Shelter.

In Sieges he advertises the Officers of his Regiment when to mount the Guard, and Trenches, and commands the bringing off and on La­bourers; he keeps a List of the Men, and takes Cogni­zance of the Officer's Bag­gage. He is obliged to be every where, and so for Ex­pedition's-sake rides; he should be often with his Su­periour Officers to receive Instructions. He sets Prizes on what Sutlers bring in the Camp, and provides for their safe Conduct, and that they may not want he doth in­courage their being paid.

His Business consists more in giving Orders, than in executing Exploits; and though the practical part be requisit, yet a thorow Know­ledge [Page 130]of the Theory is of ab­solute Necessity.

Of the Colonel.

HE is supposed to have eminently all the Qualifications of a brave Cap­tain, who hath gone through those Degrees of Command, which have capacitated him for that Post, lest a consci­enciousness of Demerit occa­sion his envying of more experienc'd Commanders that act under him. He is to at­tack, and defend, and lead his Regiment to ingage, to make Retreats and Intrench­ments; he relieves Posts, visits Works, causes Orders to be observed, and hath the [Page 131]Care of the wounded Officers. He hath Power to arrest, and suspend those in Commission under him. He should be of an attractive and obliging Comportment to gain Love, and to preserve his Esteem he must act with Bravery, Courage, and Prudence, and be ever armed with Fore­sight.

Of the Major-General.

HE is to the Army in a great Character that which a private Major is in a Regiment; he ought to have the General's Ear, and to be ready to receive, and with Expedition to convey Orders received.

Of the Field-Marshal.

IT is of absolute Necessity that he that moves in this Post should be a Person of Worth, Honour, and Ex­perience, since good or evil Accidents may happen, or be prevented, according to his managing his Orders re­ceived from the General: He appoints Guards, Con­voys, Parties and Marches, and distributes his Instru­ctions amongst the Majors. He should be informed of the Country through which the March is intended; the Care of lodging the Army lies on him, where he is to be the first and last mounted: This [Page 133]is so necessary and painful a Post, that in all Armies ac­cordingly as they are nume­rous an Augmentation of them is required, they being an Ease to the General, who are to see Orders kept, and Justice administered. As the Majors and other Officers Care are of those lesser Bodies under their Command, so the Field-Marshal's Care is required of the whole Ar­my; so that Experience and Conduct seems as necessary to one in this Post, as to that of the Lieutenant-Gene­rals.

He is also the Protector of Sutlers, the Moderator of Rates, that the one may be incouraged to bring Supplies, and yet the Soldier not op­pressed. He orders the [Page 134]Marches of Foot and Horse, their Quarters, and their Form of Battel, according to the then disposal of Things in reference to Place, Time, and numbers of Horse and Foot, the better to prevent what Evil may happen, or to make the best of the worst of Accidents. This Place of Field-Marshal is exposed to Envy, and Censure, so is a Station of more Honour and Care, than Satisfaction.

Of the Lieutenant-General.

THis Post, and the Ge­nerals, and Field-Mar­shals, have so great an Affi­nity, that there is requisite the same Capacity, Experi­ence and Qualifications; for what the General commands, the other executes, and that sometimes in separate Bodies, and on several Occasions, as with Flying Camps, at Sieges, Attacks, and with Detachments and Convoys. The General as the Spring doth cause the Motion of all the Wheels, the principal of which are the Lieutenant-Generals, so should be Per­sons of tried Fidelity, Cour­age, [Page 136]and Ability. Their Numbers are incertain, they act according to the General's Orders, which they hand to others, as in relation to Marches, assigning Incamp­ments, Decampments, or­dering Ingagements, com­manding Retreats and Pur­suits; therefore Foresight, Prudence, Courage, Know­ledge, and a presence of Mind in the greatest Hurry, are their requisite Qualifications.

OF THE CAVALRY.

HORSE is so requi­site in an Army, that good Success in a great mea­sure depends thereon, for all Places are first possessed by them, and those that exceed in their Numbers are likeliest to become Masters of the Field; for by them Garisons are victualled, the Army provided with Forrage, Con­voys, Parties, and Quarters beaten up, surprised, and sometimes carried away: By the Horse it is that the Enemy is streightened, the [Page 148]Country ravaged, and har­rassed by Incursions. There is not an Enterprize of Ha­zard and Difficulty where the Horse is not concerned; by their means Designs are com­passed, facilitated, and expe­dited.

The Horse being so neces­sary, so many of them are to be had as may answer the proportion of your Foot, as well as that of the Enemies. According to whose different Characters and Usefulnesses they are ordered, whether as Cuirassiers, Light-horse, Dragoons, Croates, or Heydukes. By these Passes are seized, Blocades made, and Contributions raised, Marches expedited, Pursuits and Surprises given; in the expeditious executing of which they are more [Page 139]necessary, and exceed the Foot, whose slow Motions are often Impediments, and cause Disappointments, while the Horse by their quick and long Marches are the great Advantage, though attended with Inconveniencies, as being a greater Care and Charge.

Of the Trooper.

THis Post, though the lowest, yet from thence some have ascended to the highest Degree of Honour in Military Imploys; and as the same Soil produces Grain of several sorts, so the Bush and the Palm hath the same Origine, for Virtue is not [Page 140]always found in elevated Fortunes, nor will that Illu­strious DAME be confined to Pallaces, but the Country Cottage doth sometimes af­ford the World Heroes, who from their Clods of Earth, their Ploughs and Spades, have ascended to the height of Honour.

These Considerations ought to quicken those in the most inferiour Station to be Emu­lators of those Ensamples of Virtue gone before them, and incourage themselves with Hopes, that by a patient per­severing in Well-doing, tread­ing in their Steps, having Incouragements with Oppor­tunities, they may justly aspire at that Honour and Glory, that others before them have compassed.

But as his Mind should be aspiring, and qualified with Courage and Bravery, being undaunted, fearing nothing but Shame; and as his Inside is adorned with generous Virtues, so his Outside should also have that of a comely Presence, strong and manly, rather tall than little, and used to the Fatigues of riding; not such as are taken from Towns or Cities, where, by an effeminate Life, they are made tender, and unfit for the Hardships of a Camp. He should be young in Years, from Twenty to Forty; for Nature gives such Impressions to Age, that ill Habits are not easily rectified; but an old Trooper is a useful Mem­ber if grown so under Ser­vice, whose Skill in Horse­manship [Page 142]need not be questi­oned, which Knowledge all should at first bring with them. As the choice of the Man is made, so should also the Horse in some measure correspond; who should nei­ther be young nor old, but strong-set, well-limbed, and not of a great heavy make, yet large, and full chested, short, and strongly coupled and jointed, of clean Limbs, and good Feet, such as will stand Fire: It is in Germany where Horses fit for Military Service most abound nor will any stand Fire like them.

As the Horseman is to be under the Command of his Superiour, so he ought to have the Command of his Horse, that neither Gun nor [Page 143]Drum shall disorder nor make him break his Rank. Our Trooper should be as careful of his Horse, as of himself, and by being diligent, careful and obedient to Order, fear­ing his Captain more than his Enemy, he may come to attain to that Preferment that his Merit calls for.

Of the Brigadier, or Corporal.

THE Captain singles him out from among the eldest of the Troopers, as judging him best qualified and experienced; he is to the Horse, what a Corporal or Serjeant is to the Foot; in the Quartermaster's Absence he supplieth his Place. To [Page 144]discharge his Duty well he must be no Stranger to Wri­ting: It is from him that the Captain expects an Ac­count of all Omissions and Disorders, with a List of the Horse and Men, and of the Condition they are in. When upon Duty, by the Major's Order, he sets the Vedetes, whom he directs; to prevent Remisness he often visits, and in due time relieves them. It is his Province to instruct the Troopers, also what For­rage and Provisions are hand­ed to him from the Quarter­master, he distributes.

Of the Quarter-master.

HE is as a Steward to the Troop, so should be prudent, intelligent and faithful, being intrusted with their Subsistence. Courage, Resolution and Diligence, ought to be his Qualifications; from him is expected a parti­cular List of the Mens Names, and Places from whence they are, with whom he is to reckon, pay, and discount. He sets down the Orders given him by his Officers, and vi­sits the Mens Quarters and Stables, and doth see that all be in Order from the Horse­man to the least of his Ac­couterments, that from the [Page 146]Bridle to a Girth there be no­thing wanting. The Ammu­nition also is his Care, which he distributes, whether in the Field or Garrisons, and takes Care that their Quarters be ready before their arrival. He is to be at the Captains Quarters Morning and Even­ing, to carry the Orders he hath received from his Major. He commands Detachments, and conducts them to their Place of Rendezvous.

His great Business is to see that the Troopers live in their Quarters in good order, and that Complaints be si­lenced, and Grievances re­dressed.

Thus by keeping good Quarter, and assigning Quar­ters, he hath given him the Name of Quarter-master.

Of the Cornet.

THis Post is the first Step to Honour, being ex­pensive is fit only for such as have Estates, or are Gentle­men. This Station is not so troublesome as honourable, and should be filled up by a Man of Quality, as his first Essay; and if he hath before made a Campaign as a Vo­lunteer, he is the fitter for this Post: But tho' Favour should have introduced him, yet if his Inclination were the moving Cause, Success may be expected; for where generous Sentiments do put upon quest for Glory, there Obedience will become easy, [Page 148]and he will readily execute his Superiour's Orders, and will set all his good Qualifi­cations on work to compass his desired end.

There is in a natural Pro­pensity to a desired Object an occult quality that leads Soul, Body, and all its Faculties, like a Torrent with Impetu­osity to it, so that when Mi­litary Honour is the Thing aimed at, from thence may reasonably be expected great Things.

It is the Cornet's Duty to carry the Standard when the Troop marches, as at Mu­sters, at the Guards, and in Battel he is to bear it himself, and Death should rather be his Choice, than part with that Badge of Honour, since his Personal Reputation, and [Page 149]that of his Troop, depends thereon. If at any time he suffers it to be carried, it ought to be by one of the stoutest, and comeliest in the Troop. In the Lieutenans's Absence he commands. He is to shew submissive Respects to his Superiors, and to carry himself obligingly to all; for to make Friends, and to have no Enemies, is the way to Preferment.

Of the Lieutenant.

HE is the Captain's Sub­stitute, in whose Ab­sence he hath the Care of the Troop, so should have Cour­age, Experience and Prudence to know how to act in his [Page 250]place. He gives Information of Omissions or Commissions, and of all that relates to the Troop. To make the better Inspection he visits the Men, and views their Horses, and recommends to them the care of their Arms as well as Horses, and should carry himself so as to be loved and feared. The Brigadier and Quarter-master are to be incou­raged and countenanced by him in performing their Du­ty, that nothing be suffered to be amiss.

Of the Captain of Horse.

VVIth the Qualificati­on of Courage and Conduct, he is to have Experience in his own, and others Business; he leads his Troop where commanded, and accordingly gives Orders to those under him; he in­structs, and leads his Men on, and off, and takes Care they be well mounted, and armed, that all be in good order. He discourages Debauchery as the Weakener of Purse and Body, and the inlet to Pilfer­ing and Effeminacy; to pre­vent which, hard Duty and frequent Exercises may be conducing. The good Cap­tain [Page 152]will therefore himself see that his Men be duly ex­ercised, that upon any sudden occasion they may be fit to be drawn out for Service▪ He will incourage Well doers, and give publick Marks of Favour to provoke Emula­tors to make themselves wor­thy of the like, by which means he will gain Love, es­pecially when his Men per­ceive that they are personally by Name taken notice of. Our Captain, if indued with a generous Soul, doth influ­ence those about him to give him Respect and Esteem; for whose Heart would not run after him that values Virtue and Honour more, than all the World besides, even than Life it self, which he regards not when the Publick Inte­rest [Page 153]and his Reputation is the Question?

It is not to be doubted but he that moves in this Station, hath by long Service and Per­sonal Merit attained this Post, where before having learned to obey, he knows the better to command, and upon all Occasions how to be­have himself whether under good or bad Events, so as that he will not give oppor­tunity, nor suffer any to be let slip, but will take hold of all Occasions, and give the Enemies none.

Being thus qualified he will be feared, and obeyed, which in Military Affairs is of ab­solute necessity; for though some Injunctions may seem to be but of small moment, and that their Non-observ­ance [Page 154]may appear to be a Mat­ter of no Consequence, yet little Omissions often prove fatal; therefore all Orders should be punctually ob­served,

Of the Colonel of Horse.

IT is expected he be a Man of Honour, Merit and Experience; if he hath for­merly commanded in the Foot Service, he is the fitter for this Station. He leads the Regiment to Action whe­ther in the Van, Rear-guard, or main Body; and if Merit hath introduced him, then he marches with the more assurance. His great Care should be, that all under his [Page 155]Command discharge their Duty, that nothing be wrongs, but that his Prince be well served, and that Things be so carried, that his Honour may not suffer any Refle­ction, therefore he will have the Men often drawn up, exercised, and mustered, and will rather have Supernume­raries, than that his Numbers should not be compleat.

It is the Honour of a Co­lonel that it should be so; it is his Credit to have his Regi­ment well Manned, mounted and armed; some would chuse rather to retrench from their own Property, than suffer any defect in their Power to redress: Which ho­nourable Pride is not preju­dicial to their particular In­terest; for when the time of [Page 156]disbanding comes, those Re­giments are likeliest to be re­tained, where each Man looks like an Officer, and each Officer like a General Commander; and upon a View they will have not on­ly honourable Encomiums from their Prince, but in like­lihood will be of those that shall be retained when other Regiments shall be broken. Thus by making others do their Duty, he discharges his own, and thereby deserves the Name of Colonel.

Of the Major-General of Horse.

IT is highly conducible for the good of the Army, that those in this Post be qualified, for the executive part depends on him, which is the more difficult from in­tervening Accidents, change of Place, and from Reports; therefore good Sense, Courage and Conduct, should not be wanting, for the receiving and giving Orders is his Pro­vince, and upon good Grounds he gives Information of all Proceedings even to small Accidents; all which, to prevent Mistakes, should be set down in writing.

Thus the Major-General must join with Force Wis­dom, and with his Courage Skill, and couple the Foxes Tail and Lyon's Skin toge­ther.

Of the Lieutenant-General of Horse.

HE should be a Person cut out by Nature for great Things, one whose Experience and Judgment should be such, that all Things may be easy to him, who being versed in every Man's Duty, and having Courage, is placed thereby above being in a Hurry tho' in the midst of Confusion; then it is that Judgment [Page 159]may be of greater use than the Sword.

When Persons are elevated to this Station, if they have Personal Merit their Autho­rity will be much more ad­vanced, than if Birth, Qua­lity, or Eldership had pre­ferred them. Persons thus qualified are deservedly stiled the Generals Eyes and Hands, for they do act as Occasion and Prudence requires, as well in reference to offend, as defend, or to secure the Camp, and answer Supplies. His Care is awake Night and Day for Camp and Quarters, to surprize or prevent Sur­prizes, which being regular­ly performed whatever the Success may be, yet he loses no Honour; and though En­vy speaks well of none, yet [Page 160]his Courtesie, Affability and Humanity to all, with Gene­rosity and seasonable Libera­lity, accompanied with a free and an open Table, will con­quer even Malice it self, and make the most malevolent join in Ecchoing forth the Commendations of this our Captain, who in this shews himself great, in that he acts and lives like himself, as well in Quality as Merit.

Of the General.

IT may be said, That he is not only one of ten thou­sand, but even sometimes the one of more than a hundred thousand; and so deserving he may be, as to be more worth than many thousands of the rest. Such was the Voice of the People in David's time, they very well knew that the Body must suffer in common with their Head, therefore their Care was in a particular manner to preserve that, as the Means on which their Preservation depended. As he is the greatest so he ought to be the most excellent in all Heroick Qualifications, [Page 162]and Noble by Birth. Tho' this Post may be conferred as a Recompence to Virtue and Merit, where noble Birth is not, yet this Place is best adorned when filled by a Per­son of Honour, and one that is born great, whose Quality shall give him a Reputation, which when therewith in­dued with Virtue, Experi­ence, Conduct, Liberality, and Affability, and these ac­companied with an awful Majestick Mean, he shall thereby influence Love and Fear in all concerned with him. As he is the greatest so he ought to be the most de­serving, which Desert will set a Lustre on all his Com­mands and Actions. This eminent Post in which he moves, makes all good and [Page 163]evil Successes to be most re­markably his, and as the Ho­nour, so the Faults lie at his door. There are few Faults, but the Consequences of them are small in comparison of those committed in Military Affairs; for where an Army is routed, and thousands cut down, Countries and Towns pillaged, destroyed and burnt, besides the dishonour of a shameful Flight, and sneak­ing into Holes and Corners, whilst the Enemy rides in Triumph over Bag and Bag­gage, and the Honour and Reputation of the Conquered, which sinister Accident is at­tended with so many Dis­couragements, that the Lost and Dishonour is seldom or never retrieved, except Des­pair gives new wings to Action.

But when Success follow­eth our Hero at the Heels how honourable is it in parti­cular to himself, and how useful to his Prince, and Country, which gives occa­sion for his being registered in History, where Posterity finds him a Monument of Fame left on Record for future Ages to imitate. In short, as his Faults are irreparable, and cause Sadnesses, Sorrows, Tears and Lamentations, Mi­series and Slaveries; so the contrary gives Joy even to Transports, and fills the Mouths of each with Accla­mations, and Expressions of Praise; and whereas the one hath Death and Desola­tions writ in the Countenance, so the other hath painted Joy and Gladness, to which every [Page 165]Motion of their Bodies are so many Contributes to express it.

Thus it appears requisite, That the General be not only great as to his Birth, but al­so as to his Personal Merit; and to say all, a Soldier, who with these Qualifications if attended with Success, will have his Head crowned with Honour. But if Fortune prove unconstant, then the most reasonable Attempts will be condemned, though he may deserve by his Con­duct more Honour than the Conqueror. But why speak I of Fortune, as if Provi­dence did not predominate over Human Affairs? This Fortune is no more than a Chimera, the Idol of Fools, for though Success be attri­buted [Page 166]to her, yet it is God that gives the Victory; it is not always, to the Wise, nor the Strong, nor yet to Num­bers, to whom Success is given, God reserves to him­self the disposal of Victory that none might boast. But single Instances of God's Pow­er are not to be relied on; for tho' he hath been pleased to give Victory by dispro­portionable Means, as that one should kill a thousand, and a few put ten thousand to Flight, yet in our Days we have no Reason to expect such Miracles, but rather Deliverances, by a course of means which God himself hath appointed, and recom­mended by his Examples to Mankind, not suffering his own Armies (among whom [Page 167]he had set up his Standard) to enter upon Action in their promised Land, till they were become a Multitude; and we may as well expect Health and length of Days, without Food and Phisick, as Preservation in War with­out necessary Preservatives; among which Preservatives, the wise General deserves the first Place, as being the chief Means, if qualified, and for those other Necessaries re­quired they must be had in readiness in time; thus be­ing well supplied, and ar­med, and the Duty wisely and faithfully discharged, the Success must be left to God.

Since Military Means are so necessary, and that the General is the Head, there­fore [Page 168]he is supposed to have Qualifications to fit him for Action, and to command People, and Countries at home and abroad, and that he have a Tincture of Literature and Arts, that he be not imposed on by bold Recommenders of Trifles▪ Also to be provi­dent and liberal, are requisite Qualifications. He should be a Prince in his Temper, yet sparing where Reason calls for it, not believing himself lessened by taking Cognizance of the minutest Things relating to good Hus­bandry, that Stores be not wasted: The preventing Spoil and Havock is as much the Province of a General, as those more sublime Acti­ons of Battels, Sieges and Surprises; by good Hus­bandry, [Page 169]and a provident Care, Multitudes may be preserv­ed from Want and sinister Accidents. Also the Gene­ral, with his other Acquire­ments, should know the Country where the Seat of War may be carried on, therefore in time of Peace Rural Recreations, as Hunt­ing and Hawking, may in­form his Knowledge; by which means he may be ac­quainted with Inclosures, Uneavenness of Ground, the Champion Country, Marches, Roads, narrow Passages, the Knowledge of which is use­ful to all Military Men. To be an accomplished Captain is obtained by great Labour and Industry; and though they may be born Soldiers, yet Experience is not attained [Page 170]but by Care and Application, as appears by the great Work he hath to do; on which depends his Care in reference to

Incampments, or Lodgings, Marches, Ingagements, Sieges, which are a mixture of Incamping and Ingaging.

All which fall to be spoken of in the next Place in their Order. And First

Of Incampments or Lodgings, of which there are three sorts.

THE First is when an Army is on the Wing, waiting every moment for Orders to march.

The Second is when an Army hath surrounded a Place in order to a Siege.

The Third Incampment is when the Army is in Appre­hensions of an Enemy, and so obliged to regulate its Motions with Caution; then where Nature is found defe­ctive, Art should supply by casting up proper Works for Security.

To which end he is to have in his Eye not only the Place where he is to Incamp, or Lodge, but also to consider the number of his Enemies with reference to his own, and to regulate his Motions to Offend and Defend; so that in Incampments or Lodg­ments he must have a regard to the Situation of Ground, whether Mountainous, Cham­pion, or replenished with Villages: It is not always in the choice of a General to incamp where he desires, but is necessitated to take such Measures as present Circum­stances will permit, though he aims at the being Master of rising Grounds, and to have the Benefit of Water and Wood, and if possible of all narrow Accesses situated near [Page 173]him, and accordingly he causes Intrenchments. A Champion Country is much more to be desired, than to have the Army dispersed in Villages, being more health­ful, and less exposed to In­cursions and Surprizes, and thereby better capacitated through the means of In­trenchments, to Offend and Defend. Also Incampments should be chosen for the Con­veniency of conveying Sup­plies; for Obstructions on such Occasions have caused the Ruin of great Bodies, and occasioned unseasonable Decampments, and so given that Victory to those, which otherwise might have least expected it, had the Passages been open and free.

Of Marches.

HERE is Secrecy re­quired, whether it be to surprise an Army, a Party, or Place, or that it be to prevent being surprised in Marching, to which Speed, Diligence and Secrecy is re­commended; for the being out-done, or the out-doing an Enemy in Marches, may prove the unhinging of Af­fairs for that Campaign to the one or the other, and sometimes proves the loss of advanced Troops, or of the Rear; and many ill Conse­quences attend such whose Unhappiness it hath been to be surprised. All Marches [Page 175]are regulated according to the Country, either in order of Battel, or in different Bodies; and if they cannot come to their appointed Place by se­veral Ways to lodge in one Body, then they are to lodge as they march, for sometimes Rivers and Hills, with o­ther Inconveniences of Ground, may cause a greater Compass to be made, than desired, so no express Rules can be given: Therefore Care is to be had in Marching for the Preservation of the Men, and Safety of the Ar­tillery and Carriages, and to be armed against any Acci­dent. It may be sometimes advisable to take different Roads; and if Decampments are made in the sight of the Enemy, then secure the Out-Quarters [Page 176]to prevent being surprised; and though the Enemy were distant, yet Caution and Diligence is to be used according to the Na­ture of the way the Army marches as if he were at hand; for the manner of Marches varies according to the Places through which they are to pass, with respect to the Enemies distance, and number of Carriages, no Rules can be given, such are the numerous intervening Accidents; though some have laid down Methods for all sorts of Marches, yet none can be tied up to them, so that they are increased or diminished as may best an­swer the ends of securing the whole. Also by Marches and Counter-marches, there [Page 177]may accrue to the General as much Honour, as if he had gained a Victory, for an Enemy may thereby be baffled without Fighting.

Of Ingagements.

THE Gain or Loss of a Battel is of the greatest Consequence, and is attended with such various Circum­stances, that it is hard to say any thing where so many Accidents may change the Scene, and call for new Me­thods.

Ingagements are not to be undertaken without the greatest Consideration, and that there be a Necessity drawn from Reason to defend [Page 178]or assault; the wise Captain will be always armed against Accidents, and if possible will secure such Ground as may best sute his Number of Horse and Foot, with the Advantages of being Master of Rivers, Woods, narrow Passes, rising Grounds; and if the Wind and Sun will fa­vour the Cause, it is so much the better. He will also have regard to the manner and form of Battel, and to the times of Ingagings whe­ther by Night or Day, good or bad Weather, and that with respect to the Place; also the Numbers and Condi­tion of the Enemy, with their manner of Practise.

But seeing nothing contri­butes more to a Conquest than Stratagems, therefore [Page 179]good Intelligence is necessary, and Spies useful, that Dis­coveries may be made of their Affairs and Motions, as the manner of their In­campments, their Numbers, Intentions, Supplies; also setting active Spirits a-work to disperse Reports and pro­mote Disorders, may be ne­cessary: No Mony is better imployed than what is spent on Spies and Guides, for by their Intelligence Measures are taken; and accordingly Horse and Foot are disposed so that they may best succour each other: To effect which, a Foresight and Presence of Mind, with an Eye every where, is requisite to regu­late Affairs for the Benefit and Security of the Army, which ought more to be re­garded [Page 180]than to offend an Ene­my by destructive Measures; a Fault of which some great Men have been guilty, not caring so they did but attain their Ends how dearly it was purchased, nor how many perished, so the Victory were but obtained.

What need more be said than that, whether there be occasion for retiring or pur­suing, there is always re­quired Virtue, Industry and Courage, never to appear but with such Resolution as may give Hopes though in the midst of Dispair? A regard also is to be had to the Pur­surers, and Pursued, of the Captives and Wounded, as well Enemies as Friends, for Mercy and good Quarters should ever be the Portion of the Unhappy.

After the Ingagement is over, Thanks should be re­turned by both Parties; for the greatest Sufferers may find Matter of Thanks, that Things are not worse, and that they are left Monu­ments of Mercy at a time when Death reigned so, that perhaps there mighc not have been left living sufficient to bury their Dead, which makes the return of Praise more reasonable in those that remain living.

As to Sieges, they are a mix­ture of Incamping and In­gaging.

TOWNS as well as Persons have a Fate that hangs over them; for as there is none which first or last have not been more or less besieged with Humane Infirmities incident to them, so there are few Towns that ever escaped the Fate of be­ing besieged, though Time may have worn out the Me­mory thereof. Such Designs ought to be carried on with Secresie, and feigned Marches and Counter-marches, amu­sing the Enemy by giving a [Page 183]Jealousie to adjacent Places, as if the Storm were to fall on them each in particular, that through Incertainties, not knowing where the Storm will fall, they may be obliged to divide their Forces, which may give opportunity to sur­prize the Enemy, when they shall not know where to send Supplies. After hav­ing secured the Avenues, then with Diligence proceed to Action, for the sudden setting down before a Place gives Terror; which being invirioned, then Egress and Regress is to be prevented, and the Camp is to be secured by Lines of Circumvalla­tion and Countervallation, which are a Shelter from the Enemies Sallies, and from Attacks from without. Also [Page 184]Provisions are to be secured coming to the Camp, which cannot well be effected if the Besiegers be not Masters of the Field.

Early Information is to be had of the Situation of the Place, how Manned, and stored, and of its various sort of Works and Avenues, with the manner how the Ground and Rivers lie, that Approaches may be Regular, and the Enemies prevented being relieved; that Heights be secured that the Camp be not annoyed. Also Portable Bridges are to be provided for passing Rivers, and to fa­cilitate Communication. The chief Commander being vers'd in the Inginier's Busi­ness, can the better satisfie himself in all Advances made, [Page 185]whether of Approaches, Lodgments and Works, of what Nature soever. As to Mines, though necessary, yet are they to be suspēcted, for Countermines make them perilous, and often prove the Grave of those who designed them for their Enemies De­struction. That Labour in that kind may not be lost, Care ought to be taken to dispose them so, that instead of being a Service, they may not prove a Prejudice to the Enterpriser. In all respects Precaution is necessary, whe­ther it be to carry on a vigo­rous Siege, or a lingering one by Blocade.

Believing our Commander accomplished, and that his Merit, not Character of Great only placed him in that Sta­tion [Page 186]of Trust, and that he hath more essential Virtues to re­commend him than barely his Birth, so needs no Inti­mations as to Particulars, for Methods daily vary according to Place and Times, new Meastures are taken, so that express Directions cannot be given. And every Age im­proves, and new Discoveries are made, that what may be advisable at this Day, may be laid aside in time to come; general Ideas are only here given. What follows to be spoke of is of defending Places when attacked.

Of defending Places.

THERE is no Place impregnable; for as was replied by a Warlike Prince, to one who boasted of the Strength of a Fortified Town, That he never questioned Success if open at the top. De­lays may be made, and by Courage and Resolution Time may be prolonged; but when an Army comes armed with Resolution and Strength, the strongest Place at last must yield; though many times Providence hath frustrated Intentions from the lateness of the Year, the coldness or wetness of the Season, and from unforeseen Wants or [Page 188]surprising Accidents. Neces­sity hath taught Men the Art of Fortification, to sup­ply the defects of Nature by additional Works, which Art hath from Time to Time improved; and though no Place can be made impregna­ble, yet Fortified Garrisons are Hindrances to the pro­gress of an Enemy.

Seeing Bulworks are thus necessary to Frontiers, and rubs in an Enemies way, which amuse while Time is gained: Therefore Fortified Places should be timely sup­plied with Necessaries, and such Governors as have Qua­lifications for their Trust, of known Fidelity and Merit. Favour and Affection ought not to take place in such Cases; a Soveraign may be [Page 189]deceived by a Favourite's Recommendation, who for Mony, or Affection to his Friends, may introduce unfit Objects, who as they bought their Trust with Mony, may sell the Place for the same Mettal; sometimes a Mule loaden with Gold hath taken such Fortresses, that have been reckoned amongst the number of impregnable ones. The Soveraign's own Expe­rience of the Governor ought to take place, he should be induced therefrom to make his Choice, for without Treachery Garisons are suffi­ciently exposed to Accidents; the Men may be wearied, spent, and sick, through over hard Duty. Also Magazines may be blown up, and Want may reign, that Friends [Page 190]within may become a part of the Danger, as well as the Enemies from without.

Another Inconveniency is that Princes are often de­ceived, and made believe that Places are better stored than they really are; therefore Inspection should be made, that what is intended as a Garranty against unforeseen Accidents, may not be im­ployed in Luxury and Often­tation; for such is the Pro­digality of some, and Cove­tousness of others in Trust, that to gratifie their Vice they will rather have full Bags, than see their Prince's Magazines well stored; and care not, though the Soldiers be clothed with Rags, and beg for that Bread that their detained Pay would have [Page 191]given them. But some will chuse rather profusely to spend, than supply the Wants of these miserable ones. It is not only Mony that is aimed at, but they exhaust the very Stores, and Powder, and that on Saint's Days, and at other times of Jollities also, without re­garding the Consequence to have Magazines emptied, whether through Covetous­ness, Vanity or Zeal, for some Tutelar Saint. But they hope the evil Day may not come in their time.

To prolong a Siege Out­works are necessary to keep the Enemy at a distance, in which one Man is sufficient to answer ten without. There should be a sufficient Strength of Horse and Foot, [Page 192]and proportionably Stores for both, with Requisits to make new Works, and for repair­ing Breaches. Let frequent Sallies be made, but by a few; it is better than with great Numbers, for it pre­vents Disorders in retiring. A few resolute Men in two Hours may destroy, what great Numbers cannot repair in many Days. They should be frequent, and at uncer­tain Hours; if vigorously carried on, they may keep the Enemy at a distance. All Fortifications without, and Provisions within, should be timely effected, that the Ene­my may find the Place pro­vided, and in good order. Let the useful Inhabitants be imployed, and the useless sent away; have a Scrutiny [Page 193]made into all Stores, and let Care be taken that nothing be concealed nor imbezel'd; that the Soldiery be spared from working, alloting them their Hours of Rest, with Incouragements to attack or defend their Works and Breaches.

When a Governour hath done all possible, and that no Succours comes, and that the Garrison is straightened, and no appearance how to pre­vent falling into the Enemy's Hands, having discharged his Trust, it is then his Duty timely to capitulate, as much as it was before to maintain the Place; after which he may with Honour appear be­fore his Prince, from whom he deserves Encomiums for his Fidelity and good Con­duct, [Page 194]and for his timely sav­ing himself, and those that remained with him by a timely Rendition, reserving himself and them for better Fortune, than to be exposed to be sacrificed in a Storm by the Enemy.

Faults in War are irrepa­rable, for the Commander hath but that moment of Action to manage, which if let slip, or is mis-implied is not retrievable, therefore he is concerned to consider what sort of People he hath to do with, that accordingly he may arm himself with Re­solution. There are some of such hot fiery Spirits, that to stand their first Brunt re­quires great Resolution, which Ardency being allayed, are much easilier managed. [Page 195]Such Furioso's meeting with Discouragements become so unspirited, that they often with their Courage lose the Honour of the Day; such can hardly if ever be got to rally again; while others more obstinate will weather their Difficulties, whose Courage increases by opposi­tion, and will maintain their Ground, or sell every Inch at a dear Rate.

Some Nations have signa­liz'd themselves in making brave Attacks, falling on with Vigour and Gallantry; and others by a persevering Obstinacy have shewn their Courage standing like Rocks, and bearing the Shock and Storms of the Assailants. As some have the Reputation for taking Places, so others [Page 196]have signaliz'd themselves in defending them. Also there are those which are very ex­peditious in making Incursi­ons and Inroads, of incredible lengths. Some make speedy Conquests, but let them go as soon; like the Northern People, who have over-run Nations, yet never establish­ed any Empire; they were great Enterprisers, but their Government like a Morning-Dew soon vanished, and like Thunder and Lightning they gave Terror and Amazement, but was of no continuance.

Of the Artillery, and the Officers belonging thereunto.

ARtillery in an Army is a great Contributer to Victory, though a Cumber and a Charge, that formerly the World was not acquainted with; but now is become so essential to the carrying on a War, that no Victory can be expected where it is not; therefore great Provisions are made of Guns and Powder, whose Invention surely was borrowed from Lightning and Thunder, both having the same effects to give Ter­ror and to do Mischief; but their Noise animates the Spi­rits of those ingaged in Action.

The Charge is great, for many are the Materials of which an Artillery is com­posed; for besides Guns of all sizes, with Powder and Ball, there are Mortars, Pe­tards, Bombs, Grenadoes, and other Ingines of Destruction, with Combustibles for Fire­works; all which require Carriages that have their Drivers, and Artificers at hand, as Gunners, Smiths, Carpenters, &c. Also Instru­ments for breaking Ground, raising Batteries, making Trenches and Mines, &c. And with the number of Ne­cessaries, there must be found Pontons, Ladders, &c. that whatever Accident arrives, there may ber nothing want­ing. Also for Subsistence there must be Grain of all [Page 199]sorts for Horse and Men, with Mills, and Ovens; all which, when together, swells to so great a Bulk, that this Warlike Retinue alone looks like an Army, and is under the Conduct

Of the General of the Artillery.

WHO ought to be a Man of Quality, having Experience of the par­ticular Offices and Business of every one under his Com­mand, and to know what is necessary for the under­taking any Enterprize, whe­ther in the Field, or at Sieges, among the rest that of the Duty of the Ingenier, there­fore he should be versed in [Page 200]the Mathematicks, the better to judge of the Merit of those in that Post; whether they have Courage as to dare ex­pose themselves; and also in Arts, if able to improve For­tifications, to mend Faults, and to make a true Judgment of Heights, Depths and Di­stances, and to point accord­ingly to the best: Advantage; also how to make Approaches and Lodgments, and to place and raise Batteries, and with safety advance his Works.

It is the General of the Artillery's Care that none be in Posts, but such as are ca­pable to discharge them; as also, that there be no want of necessary Munitions of War, nor Provisions of any sort; that Stores be not im­bezel'd nor decayed, but that [Page 201]timely Recruits be made in all Particulars.

Of Provisions.

WIthout Provisions great Bodies cannot be kept together, who are a continual Consumption of Stores, whose particular num­bers ought to be well known, and additional Allowances made, lest there be a falling short. That there may be no Waste, there is a Purveyor appointed who procures also Supplies, and appoints pro­per Places for Stores, with the times when they are to be delivered out; and that he see there be a proportionable number of Bakers, who with [Page 202]all the other Officers relating all the Stores, are under the Command of a

Commissary-General.

WHO ought to be a Man of Authority, not co­vetous, but faithful, vigi­lant, and skilled in buying and chusing the best, and dis­posing all to the best Advan­tage, for the Good, Ease, and Conveniency of the Army; and that what is procured may be conveyed under safe Convoy: This Care is the more necessary, in that the Welfare of an Army depends thereon; for Want destroys more than Fatigues, or rang­ed Battels. Therefore Sup­plies [Page 203]are made before the Ar­my march; and all Things are to be regulated, that there be no occasion for Com­plaint.

The ill managing this Trust may ruin the hope­fullest Enterprize; the Thoughts of finding Supplies on the Place are not to be re­lied on, but he is to arm him­self for the worst, for the Enemy may have either car­ried of or destroyed the Ef­fects. Therefore Magazines are to be dispersed for the best Advantage for the re­caption of Stores, of which there should be provided be­fore-hand in the Camp a com­petent Provision for a certain time, that Disappointments may not bring Disorder. Therefore Supplies should [Page 204]never move without strong Convoys, who should have their Marches appointed at uncertain times. Also Inspe­ction is to be taken that there be no Abuses from the Keep­ers, nor Deliverers of Stores, nor from Sutlers, and that such as are found Offenders in that kind be made publick Examples.

Of the Baggage

AS the Artillery is a cum­bersome Body, so we may say of the Baggage that it is a very troublesome Equi­page, which in some Places exceeds more than in others, and that from the Negligence of those that should see Abu­ses [Page 205]regulated, by reducing the Bulk to a less Compass.; to effect which, each Soldier with his Arms and Budget should carry some Days Pro­visions with him, for those most inured to Fatigue are the likeliest to obtain Victo­ry; for it is observable, that as those who can keep fresh Troops for Action to the last, so those that can weather Want, and indure Labour longest, are likeliest to obtain the Victory. But where Idle­ness reigns, so that every Soldier must have his On­hanger, what can be expected from such slothful Compa­nions? Therefore that loose Gang that follows Camps should be discouraged, for from these it is that Effemi­nacy, Want, and Diseases, [Page 206]are ingender'd. But seeing there is so great Trouble to preserve this so cumbersome Luggage, and that when lost is attended with so much Dis­honour, and is so prejudicial, bringing such irremediable Disorders, therefore it is ad­visable, that the Baggage be reduced to as small a Retinue as possible.

Of the Master of the Waggons.

HIS Business is to take charge of all Carri­ages, to order their Marches, to see them quartered, and supplied with Necessaries for Horse and Man. He should have under his Command Persons skilled in the Roads, [Page 207]and in driving with such a number of Artificers as may answer any Misadventure that may happen in the way.

He ought to have been brought up to driving, and himself to understand the Roads through which he is to pass. His Business is to take daily Inspection into his Crew, and timely to supply Defects of both Man and Horse, and that all be kept in good order.

Of the Subservients to the Army; as Aides de Camp, Chaplains, Physicians, Chirurgeons, Provosts, Guides, Spies.
Of Aides de Camp.

THIS is a Post for a Gentleman, whose Bu­siness is to attend the General. He is as an honourable Mes­senger that carrieth his Or­ders, which are not to be questioned. It is requisite that he have Courage, Wit, and Fidelity, which with the Annex of Prudence, by improving himself and be­ing [Page 209]faithful, he may procure his Advancement.

Of Chaplains.

THEY are Spiritual Guides to regulate the Immoralities. As there are Directors for the disciplining and using Arms; so each Re­giment should have its Chap­lain to direct them in Prin­ciples, and Conduct of good Manners. He ought to be a Man of good Example, one that carrieth in his Front the Character of Virtue, that his very Presence should be an Awe, and a Restraint to Li­centiousness.

Of Physicians, Apothecaries and Chirurgeons.

THEY are that to the Body which the Priest is to the Soul; for the Health of both they are consulted, with this difference, the one gives his Moral Lectures in Health, as well as Sickness, while the others Business is only when Sick or Wounded, then they make Applications, and apply their Remedies. Each Regiment should have of these a competent num­ber, as so many Supplements of Health, that none be neg­lected; that it be not said, That more die for want of Skill, Means, and due At­tendance, [Page 211]than by Sword or Shot. These Functions are honourable, and useful, and require suitable Incourage­ments; under which Head it may be no Digression to say, That it is the Phisician's Duty to have an Inspection into the Medicines, that he see they be good, and of Quantities sufficient to an­swer all Contingencies.

Of Spies and Guides.

THEY are so necessary that without them the General would be, in the dark, as to what Measures he should take in reference to he Enemy. There ought to be many of both sorts, each [Page 212]a Stranger to the other; and as one gives Information of the Country, its Ways and Passes, so the other doth of the Enemies Motions, and Actings, and what is in­tended; these ought to be incouraged, but their Intel­ligence should not much be relied on, for sometimes false Informations and sham In­tentions are spread abroad to amuse; and though among so great a number of Inform­ers some may be unfaithful, yet Truth may be picked out, and Use may be made of their different Informations; what Mony is spent on these Occa­sions should never be regreted.

Of the General-Provost.

IN the Army he is the Mi­nister of Justice, by him Vice is restrained, and the Irregular kept in order: He is both the Informer, and Punisher of Offences; it is in his Province to regulate the Prices of Goods. He ought to be of an even Temper, unbyassed, and one that dares do right without respect of Persons.

Of an Army.

IT is a confused Chaos of armed Hirelings, a mov­ing World, whole Business is to destroy; it is their Trade, and the Work which Nature seems to have cut them out for. This their so boisterous Imployment hath qualified them with unpo­lished Minds, as well as with rough Bodies, with which they are capacitated to assault, defend, and pursue; to carry on which Work there is re­quisite, with their Strength, personal Courage and Va­lour.

This unwieldy Bulk is a most unsatiable, ravenous [Page 215]Animal composed of Horse and Foot, under the Com­mand and Conduct of a Chief, by whose Care it is supported by the Use of Gold and Sil­ver, with Provisions for the Mouth, and War, without which Helps this great Bulk would soon melt and dwindle to nothing. Therefore the General's Care is to pay, and feed them, and to find them Action. But though they call them Men of Mettle, yet their Substance is neither Brass, Iron, nor Steel, for their Nature calls for a wherewith to support them answerable to their Stations, whether Foot or Horse, with­out which Courage will droop, and their Spirits will sink, and die with their hopes. But it is not sufficient [Page 216]to care for the Subsistence of this unwieldy Body; for it must be made useful by Dis­cipline, and to keep it in or­der, Justice must be exer­cised, without which Con­fusion will follow: Which leads us to the next Head, viz.

Military Discipline.

DIscipline is the Liga­ment that binds great Bodies and Societies, so that they hang together and be­come Corporate; the World could not continue without Discipline, it being in the Body-Politick as Nerves and Sinews are in the Body-Natural, that makes Bones, [Page 217]Joints and Limbs hang toge­ther, and thereby useful to the whole Man.

If Discipline in Civil So­ciety is necessary, it will ap­pear much more in reference to Armies, where are assem­bled such numbers of the Dregs of Mankind, many of them being such that it seems as if the Places where they lived had spued them out as Nusances, even as the Sto­mach doth that which offends it; for Armies are the com­mon Receptacle of all sorts, by which Ages from time to time are purged from their so vicious Humors. It may therefore then be asserted, That to such a Body that is composed of so many loose Corn and Chaff, (tho' there may be some good Grain a­mong [Page 218]them, yet seeing that the other makes the most numerous part) it is neces­sary there should be appoint­ed a rigorous Discipline, without which instead of being useful they would be­come the Plague, and Ruin of that Country and Place that raised them for their Safety. Therefore Military Laws should be kept up, that Vir­tue may be incouraged and recompensed, and Offenders find examplary Punishments; to prevent which Grievance, let the Soldiers be kept in Action, and be inured to the daily Practice of Military Exercises, as the several Motions of their Bodies, the Use of their Arms; which should be practised by Horse and Foot, as being essen­tially [Page 219]conducible to Vi­ctory.

It is of absolute Necessity that Soldiers be inured to Labour, for there by Health is preserved, and Mony not only spared, but gotten; let therefore their idle Hours be filled up by Labour, whe­ther in Fortifications or other Work; it is good in Peace or War to keep them imployed, thereby Wants may be supplied, and by often using their Arms they are kept from Rust: Also the Soldier by Labour and Exercise, is preserved from many Evils and Irregulari­ties, and sinful Shifts. By Industry not only Corporal Punishments are prevented, but even Death it self; for when Men are given up to [Page 220]Idleness, it exposes them to Shame and Extremity. But Labour is a bitter Root, tho' it bear happy Fruit, and hath Salutary Effects, for Vi­ctory is more likely to be the Lot of the Laborious, than the Effeminate and Idle; the former hath a right to it from Merit, it being the Portion of the Diligent and Industri­ous.

But to proceed further, the inducing Causes why such great Bodies are gather'd to­gether, are either from Ne­cessity, Ambition, Honour, or Lucre, and some through hopes thereby to live uncon­trolled licentiously, to bridle such, and that Necessities may be supplied, and Op­portunities given to gratifie Emulators of Honour, and [Page 221]that Virtue may not be un­recompensed, nor Vice un­punished. Therefore it is that Military Laws are made, and Obedience injoined, and a severe Discipline esta­blished, which cannot be in­fringed without the Offen­ders sinning against himself, and his own Interest, nor can any thing, go well without an observance to Order; for on that Hinge Obedience, it is that all the parts of that great Body do move, with­out which nothing can be effected, and for want of which all would go to Ruin and Confusion.

The Benefits of a Military Discipline consist in this, in that it injoins the observa­tion of Laws, prevents Dis­order, gives Honour and Re­compences [Page 222]compences to the Deserving. By the Terror of Punish­ments inflicted on Offenders it is that they are made to fear, by which means many are saved from Shame and Punishments; even Death hath thereby been prevented, for Fear, Shame and Death, are Barricades that prevent committing many Evils. But it is not reasonable that those who have listed them­selves, and receive their Prince's Pay, should be obe­dient and conformable to Or­ders, especially since thereby they are intitled to those Ad­vantages and Incouragements assigned as Recompences to Virtue; therefore it is but just that those Punishments, they draw on themselves by transgressing, should be [Page 223]their Portion for their De­merits.

But there are not wanting those, who are possessed with this Opinion, That in Camps the Laws lie dormant, as if the Sons of Mars and Mora­lity, were incompatible: They alledge, That Armies, for the generality, are com­posed of the Lees of the Peo­ple, such whom the Civil Government hath cast off as useless Members, and ungo­vernable: But this their Reason sheweth a greater ne­cessity for having an establi­shed Government to restrain the Vicious, that of useless they may become profitable Instruments, that what the Civil Law could not effect, the Military might produce: Some like Trees in good [Page 224]Ground are fruitless, but when transplanted (though to a more hungry Soil) be­come more beneficial to their Proprietors.

But in so mixt a Multi­tude there are always some found, who have had a Tin­cture of a generous Educa­tion, and are such as will despise sordid Presidents. Herein is the Use of Military Discipline, in that it restrains the Evil from bad Acts, and preserves the Good from a Degeneracy. Let it not seem to be a Digression to inveigh against that crying Evil, Swearing, that reigns among the Soldiery, and is one of the roaring Crimes in this Age, and calls for Ven­geance: It were well if the Officers would by Example [Page 225]refrain this so unprofitable a Vice, which is the less excu­sable in not having those In­ducements that attend other Sins, as Pleasure or Profit. But in Swearing there is nei­ther Honour nor Advantage, nor can there be expected less than some tremendous Judgment for defying Hea­ven, and calling for Confusion to themselves and others, and that upon every triffling occasion. What shall we say? the Murtherer gratifies his Revenge, the Adulterer his Lust, the Robber his Co­vetousness; but the Swearer and Curser sell their Souls at the cheapest rate of all other Sinners.

But to proceed; since Ar­mies are the common Recep­tacle of Libertines, and the [Page 226]Place (in the Opinion of most) where Vice rides in Triumph, therefore to rectify Disorders, a severe Discipline is set on foot to punish Vice, and incourage Virtue; for every one hath a natural Pro­pensity to desire Good to him­self, and to be preserved from Hurt, who being in­formed of proposed Rewards for generous Actions, and that a good Demeanor is the way to obtain Honour and Profit, and that thereby the Door is shut against Penal Inflictions; and as Trans­gressors meet with due Pu­nishments, so Virtue finds its Rewards, Thus by these Re­flections they incourage themselves in doing well, and hereby the Licentious in Armies are restrained, and [Page 227]Recompences made Inciters to Obedience. Therefore such as do well have Marks of Honour assigned them, and that with more Reason, when the Pay beareth no propor­tion with the Service per­formed, and for considerable Nothings they venture their Lives: Therefore that Prince that recompences not Cour­age shewn on perilous Occa­sions, may be said to have neither Ears, Eyes, nor In­genuity; much more those that refuse to give them their ordinary Pay, but instead of Praise and Money, recom­pence these unhappy ones with Hunger and Want, hav­ing served their turns, send them away with discouraging Disappointments. Such Dis­respects to Merit, may dis­courage [Page 228]courage their future exposing themselves. Also others, when they hear of such ill Usage, will never consent to list themselves, unless drawn in, for who will fetter them­selves to such Masters?

Those deserve the Epithet of Fools, who for the transi­tory Pleasures found in com­mitting Evil, expose them­selves to Justice; though in Obedience to Laws, particu­lar Criminals may be puni­shed with Regret, yet Mili­tary Chastisements must be executed without by respect, that others thereby may be deterred from Evil.

Every Man hath a natural Propensity by which he is byassed to his desired Object, whether Good or Evil, so ac­cordingly deserves Rewards [Page 229]or Punishments, as the pre­dominating Passion shall lead them; for to do Good or Evil are separate Acts of the Mind, and are as opposite one to the other, as that of looking up or down. It is thus accord­ingly to the Choice made, that Punishments or Rewards are intailed, though inflict­ed sometimes very unwil­lingly; yet as thePhysician orders Physick to recover Health, and to preserve Life, so Military Punishments, ac­cording to the Nature of the Fault, ought to be appointed for Chastisements, not Slaughters, in managing the which not only the Nature of the Offence, but the Cir­cumstances of the Person are to be considered; for with some Shame or a private Re­primand, [Page 230]will have a greater Influence to reform some, than more severe Corrections with others. But some are so hardened, that they are incorrigible, such are only fit to be made publick Exam­ples; to spare some sort of Offenders would be a Sin a­gainst the Publick, and a shewing Mercy to such as ought to be made Monu­ments of Terrour, which may be a President of fatal Con­sequence to the Publick; for unseasonable Mercies may be reckoned sinful Gommise­rations, which may occasion Repentance when the Evil is past being retrieved. Peace and War have hitherto been our Subject, let us now say something of that which par­ticipates of both, and is nei­ther [Page 231]which is that called a Truce.

Of a Truce.

A Truce is a Respite, or a Cessation of Arms li­mited for a certain Time, and for divers Ends, as to bury the Dead, or in order to Peace, &c. Some call it a Camp-Peace, or the Armies Holy-day, where Hostilities cease, though the War doth not. A Truce between Turks and Christians differs only in length of Time, and is in ef­fect a Peace, though it carries not the Name.

But with whom soever it is made, it ought to be reli­giously observed, though it [Page 232]is best to make no Truce at all, it being but to grant a breathing time to an Enemy that is weary, and desires lei­sure to recruit Strength, to pursue the War with more Vigour. Truce is neither Peace nor War, but partici­pates of both, and is as the Intervals between Night and Morning, and Day and Night, so it may be called the dawning of the Day, if a Peace succeeds. A Truce hath commonly a Pretence to be in order to a Peace, and to promote it is proposed, though little less is intended than to be a Stratagem to cir­cumvent. Also Experience hath shewn, That Fighting by Stratagems hath often had Success, when open Force could not prevail. Thus a [Page 233]Cessation of Arms hath been fatal to those, who by open Force were thought invinci­ble; these Intervals between Peace and War are not so de­sirable, could they be avoid­ed, since thereby no Peace is obtained, nor yet is Hostility suffered. This space of time between Peace and War is more vexatious and uneasy than War it self, so that even Extremities are more to be desired, than dilatory Truces,

I question whether it be not better to fall down right, than to hang in suspence? To go on with Resolution is better than to make a stop, since a Pause may not be less dangerous than a Fall; and those that seek a Cessation do give occasion to suspect they [Page 234]are in a miserable Condition, when reduced to that Neces­sity that they can suffer nei­ther Peace nor War.

In Offensive and Defensive War are two opposite Par­ties; but there is a third sort that espouses neither Inte­rest, but stand by as Spe­ctators, who are call'd Neuters.

Of Neutrality.

THOSE who will be Neuters will find Rea­sons to countenance their Neutrality. Some are influ­enced from private, and some from publick Motives. Also Ambition makes some Neu­ters, and Coveteousness o­thers, [Page 235]and there are those that from Necessity are so; and some are for blowing the Coals, and cause Clashings between Neighbours, that with the Frog and Mouse they may by the Bird of Prey be seized on with more Ease, and so reap the End designed of profiting by their diffe­rence, when wearied with Fighting. Thus, as is said, Coveteousness also may pro­mote Neutrality, having for end to monopolize to them­selves an uninterrupted Commerce, while their Neighbours are imbroiled; for which Reason it may be said, That they feed and pro­fit by their Neighbour's Hurt.

It is a most unhappy Case when Necessity compels to a [Page 236]Neutrality, that like Janus they are forced to carry two Faces. It is hard to be re­duced not to know on which Crutch to rest. They are very unhappy who through Necessity are obliged to a Neutrality, for thereby they run a hazard to lose all, through on over-desire to keep all Parties, that instead of securing a Friend they in­tail on themselves a certain Enemy, and become the Ob­ject of the Victor's next Con­quest. The Case is truly to be lamented when obliged to this hazardous Fate, either to sink or swim with one of the contending Parties, or else to be exposed to be crushed for standing by Spectator, in­stead of being useful to faci­litate the Conqueror's end. [Page 237]It may in some Cases be said, That those that are not a­gainst us are for us; yet it is not always so taken, for Oc­casions for Quarrel are usu­ally grounded from denying seasonable Assistances.

And the Truth is, Neuters are seldom counted otherwise than Enemies to both Par­ties, since for not siding with neither Party they are sure to have one for Enemy; though their Condition at present is sweet, yet like the Book given to eat was lusci­ous in the Mouth, but prov'd bitter in the Belly; yet however evenly Neuters may carry it, there will be al­ways secretly something of an Inclination to one side more than to the other.

It is to be confessed that sometimes a Prince is obliged in point of Honour to stand still, and not assist those whom, according to his In­clinations, he may be byassed to appear in their Favour; and such may be the Case, that Honour and Gratitude hath tyed his Hands so, that he cannot but stand Neu­ter.

It concerns those who find themselves thus hampered to carry evenly, and to use Pru­dence and Temper in so ticklish an Affair, waving all secret Tendencies that may be had to one more than to the other, that things be so managed that each Party be satisfied, and please them­selves with this Belief, that if byassed on any side, it is of theirs.

To hinder Neutrality is as impossible, as it is for some to avoid the Shame and Dan­ger they incur thereby. There are also such that de­sire to stand Spectators, that they may the better see which way the Game will go: There are those that will con­demn with an artificial Gri­mace the Rupture made, cen­suring the one as well as the other, as wanting Foresight and Moderation, though it may be themselves have been the secret Incendiaries: Such Reflections surely were the Cause that the Romans would never allow any to be Neu­ters, but they must either make themselves declared Friends, or be proclaimed publick Enemies.

It is confessed that those that are Neuters, while in that State, seem to have the Advantage of the upper and neather Springs to inrich themselves, while their Neighbours are exhausting each other; but to hold the Scale so even requires Art, and may be of great Advan­tage, if they can perform offi­cious Favours that are allow­able to one, yet inoffensive to another, and so obliging in Deportment to both, that may give occasion to say, these are the Neuters, that nei­ther lose their Friends, nor procure to themselves Ene­mies.

Of GERMANY; its Strength and Power.

GErmany is a vast Body composed of many Pro­vinces, and replenished with a Warlike, Strong-bodied People: It lies in the Heart of Europe, and looks upon the rest of his Neighbours with Disdain, as so many lopped off Members, and Ʋpstart Powers, its Haughtiness will not allow a Corrival; though its Fate be such, that it hath for Emulator France, between whom great Contest hath been for Empire, they being the two most transcendent Powers of Europe, who give Peace or War to their Neigh­bours, [Page 242]and are the two Cor­rivals for Empire, who for Ages have had Contests to the alarming all Europe, who were glad to take their Mea­sures according to their Rise, or Fall, ever labouring to support the sinking State of the Decliner.

Had Germany the same Ad­vantage that attends France, of being under one absolute Sovereign, it needed only its own Strength to support its Grandeur; but where there are many Heads, there the Feet are uneasy; neither can that Country be rich, where the Commonality is kept at under; which Grievance, if remedied in Germany, that Country would be richer, and the People more easy▪ It is to be wished, That the Con­dition [Page 243]of those who labour under such Difficulties, were made more tolerable.

In times past Germany was the Romans Terror, but since the Seat of Empire hath been transferred to that Warlike People, who are the Bul­work of Europe, and the Turks Dread, who but for them might long since have over­run all Europe.

Did this great Continent know how its Strength con­sists in the Union of its Parts, it would be no less a Terror to Europe, than if under one Sovereign; for Germany hath all the Advantages for War within it self, beyond any Nation in the World; what in respect of its great Num­bers of Men, Arms, and Horse, with their long Expe­rience [Page 244]from many Ages, and natural Disposition to War, that even Nature seemeth to have cut them out for that purpose, having given them strong brawny Bodies capa­ble to indure Hardships; who are also bold, couragi­ous, and fearless in Danger. Cornelius Tacitus tells us in his 13th Book, Tat no Nation exceeds the Germans in War­like Exploits, and down­right Honesty. They are Lovers of Honour, and have had since many Ages, the Character of a most Noble and Heroick People. They were Rome's Plague, and gave that Mistress of the World more Disquiet for many Cen­turies than the Carthagenians, or any other of her Enemies.

They have within them­selves the Sinews of War, viz. Mines of Gold and Silver, and other Minerals, with all necessary Munitions for Men and Horse. And what is most admirable is, That not­withstanding their many Discouragements, yet they persist unweariedly in sup­porting their Miseries, even for thirty Years together, and that in their own Bowels; which had they been united, they might with much more Advantage to themselves have directed their Strength against their common Ene­my the Turk, or his Confede­rate, though the latter be the more formidable for Situa­tion, Strength and Disci­pline. And though upon extraordinary Occasions they [Page 246]have called to their Assistance the Northern Crowns, who for that Reason may be stiled the Germans little Tartars, yet probably that they were cal­led to Assistance, was more Policy, than Necessity. For it is not only the Common­alty of Germany, but the No­bility, and their Princes also, have at all times been re­nowned for War, having never wanted occasion to sig­nalize themselves, either through the Differences that arose among themselves, or from what Work was cut out for them by these two formidable Powers the Turk and France, between whom they are seated; the latter following his Ancestor's Steps, who ever opposed the Austrian Family, as having [Page 247]a Jealousy of its Greatness, so used Means to foment a Suspicion of the Growth of that Power, lest it should swallow all like a common Inundation; for which end, to keep it under, Leagues were contracted with the Turks. Thus did Francis the French King enter into League with Solyman, and under pre­tence to save himself, he pleaded Necessity, seeing that the Netherlands, Spain, and part of Italy, became so many Members of its Greatness, which were the Pretences with which he varnished over his so unchristian-like Policy of joining with Infi­dels, to shelter himself from a supposed Danger; how­ever, it is this Confederacy, and the Fears thereof, that [Page 248]have restrained Germany from putting in execution those great Designs it had framed.

Also Henry the Son of the said Francis followed the same Methods, who by such Leagues indeavoured to di­vert the German Arms. And this present King, though for a different end, doth the same; for he knoweth that to keep his Subject's active Spirits busied abroad, is the way to prevent their looking for Matter to work on at home; for his Subjects be­ing numerous and poor, and the Nobility many, he finds ways to give them Imploy­ment, and by keeping them low, their Fortunes depend on their Sword, and the King's Favour, who having in his Hands the absolute [Page 249]Government of Persons, and disposal of Estates, he is ca­pacitated thereby arbitrarily to take such Measures as may best answer his Ends; and having these Advantages a­bove his Neighbours, it is no wonder that his Dominions and Power is increased as it is at this Day, which has given him occasion to let the World know the Native and Intrinsick Strength of France, which till this King's Reign was not known, no not to it self.

But what Satisfaction and Honour can oppressed Sub­jects have to see their num­ber of Slaves is increased? Can Conquests be due, where Acquests are made by Breach of Faith? Surely those [Page 250]Countries that are taken ille­gitimately, ought to have another Name given them than that of Conquests. It may be said of some, That they are to Europe, what Han­nibal was once said to be to Rome, and Scipio to Carthage, that they were their Ham­mer, and Scourge.

It is to be lamented, That Christians cannot be content with those Boundaries that God and Nature seems to have assigned them, but they must make Incroachments. Is not the Turk an Enemy sufficient to bandy against? but that there must be found out Pretences to cloak ambi­tious Ends, to join in Confe­deracy with him. It were to be desired rather, that all [Page 251]Christian Powers would join as One against that so com­mon Enemy the Turk, of whom it may be said with much more Justice what was spoke of Antony, That he de­lighted to Mangle, Murther, and Wallow in the Blood of Innocents. How can Christian Princes so long indure that Power to reign, that holds their Christian Brethren in the Chains of Servitude? Would France join in this so good a Work, or at least stand Neuter, the Controversy would soon be decided; but that great Prince is so intent on the accumulating Tro­phies of Honour, and ag­grandizing his Fame and Do­minions, that there seems not room left for any other [Page 252]Thoughts to take place, than what tends to the gratifying that his so aspiring a Passion for Glory.

MAXIMS.

NOne without just Pro­vocation, and Reasons drawn from a good Cause, should enter into open Ho­stility.

To seek Peace by War, is like Angling for Fish with a golden Hook.

When-Ambition is the Foundation of War, Success may be doubted.

Those necessitated to defend themselves, may more rea­sonably expect Success than the Aggressor.

Hasty Enterprizes are re­pented of at leisure.

A General hath not only to contend with Men, but with Contingencies, as Want, Hunger, and Discontent, which are Enemies hardly to be vanquished.

It is safer to build on pru­dent Measures, than on For­tune.

He that hazards least, plays the safest Game.

It is better to defend a Country by Justice, than to conquer one by Force.

By Circumspection in Peace the Disasters of War may be escaped.

The noblest Conquest is where Love and good Offices obtain the Victory.

He conquers that doth good Offices, and those are van­quished which receive them.

He that defends his Coun­try by the Sword deserves Honour, but he that main­tains it in Peace deserves more.

Good Counsel and Intelli­gence is sometimes of more use than Arms.

War seldom answers the proposed end.

Purchase Peace with Mo­ney, rather than acquire it by a long War.

An Enemy is not to be con­temned.

The Conqueror ought not to refuse Proposals of Peace.

Enemies ought not to be slighted, tho' few in num­ber.

Contempt had of an Ene­mies Strength or Merit, should not cause Security.

Tho' an Enemy be weak in Power, yet is he not to be undervalued, for an anima­ted Atome may incommode the stoutest Man.

A desperate Enemy is not easily beaten.

Enemies in Despair are to be feared, though they are inferiour in number.

Necessity hath no Law; when compelled to Action to stand deliberating then is out of doors, there being only a Presence of Mind required, which being backed with Re­solution, the Undaunted, in the midst of Discourage­ments, doth dare boldly aspire to Victory.

Disgrace is augmented if overcome by a lessened Ene­my, and no Honour is gain­ed by such a Victory; there­fore [Page 257]despise not an Adver­sary, least you increase your Shame if overcome by him, or lose that Honour which might have been gained by Conquest; which are neces­sary Consequences.

Know an Enemy before thou despise him.

He that feareth not an Enemy knows not what War is.

Prudence is necessary in undertaking, and Resolution in execution.

Preparations secure a last­ing Peace, and make way for Victory.

Never use Arms where you can conquer with Money.

Overcome your Enemy by Policy rather than Fight.

When an Enemy cannot be opposed, then tolerable [Page 258]Conditions of Peace are wel­come.

To penetrate the Designs of an Enemy is a Mark of a piercing Capacity, but to conceal our own is to excell in Prudence.

Wise Parlies do sometimes more than armed Forces.

He that will not hear Rea­son is not fit to reign.

That Prince deserves to reign long, whose good Acti­ons exceed his Works.

He that hath no Friend, cannot be said to reign.

Vice make Princes odious, when the meanest Man is made honourable by Virtue.

Those that excell not in Virtue, deserve not to com­mand.

Good Actions recommend more than Riches.

Examples of Virtue are of greater efficacy than Instru­ctions.

A good Opinion is of more use than Riches.

He that will be esteemed must always do well.

A Kingdom may be thought invincible, when Immoralities are banished.

A Prince ought to be armed against all Accidents.

One may begin a War, but the Victorious only can end it.

A prudent Jealousie is a commendable Qualification, the excess is of ill conse­quence.

That Prince may do what he pleases, when he wills no­thing but what he ought.

That Prince that compasses his ends by Treaty, deserves [Page 260]more Honour than he that overcomes by Battel.

Where a Prince hath lost his Authority, there Obedi­ence cannot be expected.

Revenge is not laudable in a Chief, and often is the cause of fatal Consequences.

A good Prince makes good Subjects.

A Friend in an Enemies Council, is more advantagious than thousands in the Field.

All Contests, like Cocka­trices Eggs, are to be crush'd in the Shell.

Opprobrious Words may incense, but not beat an Ene­my.

Let a Door be open for a desperate Enemy to enter, either by Composition or Quarter.

Severity as well as Clemen­cy are prejudicial, and may excite Rebellion.

Enemies are not to be in­sulted, nor triumph'd over.

Let your Enemies arming cause you to arm.

Use as Friends those you would make yours, for Fire and Sword doth but quicken Resistance.

Some profit by Differences fomented among Neighbour­ing Princes.

Small Shrubs by bending weather a Storm, when great sturdy Oaks are torn up by the Roots.

There is neither Prudence nor Profit in being of too open a Conduct.

Great Souls, like Rocks, are immoveable.

There is no Policy in hav­ing more Enemies than one at once.

Expose not to hazard more than what cannot be avoid­ed.

Right Intelligence is requi­site, as well in reference to ones own, as the Enemies Strength.

Set a good Face on a bad Matter, in the greatest Exi­gencies shew Courage and Constancy.

To be first ready is advan­tagious.

Ambition and Coveteous­ness break Leagues and awa­ken War.

Fortune sporteth it self in making great little, and little great.

To boast over an Enemy is insulting, and provokes to In­surrection.

Where Want reigns, no Discipline is observed.

The Commonalty is more prompt to Rebellion, than Battel; and apter to Talk, than Fight.

It is the Bane of Armies when Quality, and not Me­rit, are the Foundation of Preferment.

Trust not where you have been deceived.

It is needless to declare War against those prone to it from former Successes.

Breakers of honest Confe­deracies deserve Censure.

He is in the wrong that gives the Cause of War, not he that seeks Redress.

Delays in Danger are the Mother of insuing Evils.

Failings of Superiours make [Page 264]them in the Eyes of Inferi­ours contemptible.

Well-weigh'd Counsel sel­dom fails.

There is a happy Minute more worth, than all the Po­licies of War.

Fortune is no where so in­constant, as in War.

One Hours Distaster may overthrow the Honour got­ten, and ruin future Expe­ctations.

Faults in War are irrepa­rable.

Though Money be the Si­news of War, yet by Science, Prudence, and Personal Va­lour, Victory is obtained.

Success is not to be expected where Money is scant, and Enemies abound.

He that gets by Conquest [Page 265]doth much, but he that can keep what he hath gotten doth more.

Numbers are little avail­able where Fear reigns.

The Captain's end should be Glory, not to be a Scourge, seeking by Conquest to build up, not to confound.

Those that are unfaithful to their own Interest, will not be true to anothers.

Awe makes Tyrants obey­ed, and Love Soveraigns.

Many Things are lost for not being attempted.

Courage and Courtesie are great Ornaments to a Cap­tain.

As Rewards are necessary, so are Chastisements.

A Captain ought to be di­ligent, watchful, and of a resolute Spirit; wise to com­mand, [Page 266]liberal to reward, and valiant to defend.

Happy is that Country where Men of Merit are not discouraged, and where Fa­vours are not ill placed.

It is Valour's Badge neither to fear, nor to be too confi­dent.

Fortune never waits on the Fearful.

Fear stifles generous Un­dertakings in their birth.

Fear is honourable when it proceeds not from a perso­nal Concern, but for the wel­fare of the whole.

Tameness in Officers is a Discouragement, and causes Deserters.

Nothing unarms a People like Effeminacy, Lust, Plea­sure, and Idleness.

Fortune and Prudence are usually Companions.

He that is feared by many, hath reason to fear many.

He hurts the Good that spares the Ill▪

Though a Wound may be cured, yet the Scar remains.

No Danger is overcome without Danger.

Despair sets on edge Cour­age, and makes Cowards va­liant, and spirits them in Combat.

The Effects of Despair are surprising, and have the same product which true Courage hath in others.

Great Souls are capable of great Things; and if Power be annexed, then may be reasonably expected great Per­formances.

The Soldier should not on­ly be daring, and bold, but have also a Faculty of con­triving; for Invention is as necessary as Valour.

It is not safe to Disband Forces, while the Enemies are on foot.

When an Enemy is secure, then attack him.

Let the Intelligence of your Enemies Motions be at hand, tho' they be far off.

Early inure an Army to Hardships, before Necessity reduces them to it.

Let Courage increase with Danger; for by losing the one, you hazard all.

It is necessary in Officers to have a natural Propensity to great Actions.

To stand the Enemies first Fury is the way to overcome.

Fortresses should be Nur­series to undisciplined Soldi­ers.

The more Enemies the more Honour.

Cowards have Lyons Mouths, but Hearts like Hares.

A prudent Retreat is as ho­nourable as a Victory.

Spend not time in Plunder till the Work is done.

The Generous will not be discouraged, tho' their Merit meets not with due Ap­plause.

He deserves not the Name of Victor, that conquers basely.

Generosity is never so com­mendable, as when exercised towards an Enemy.

Victory moderated by Pru­dence, is splendid and safe.

The falling on the Spoil hath often been the Bane of Armies.

To be sedate in a Hurry, and calm in Confusion, to preserve a Presence of Mind in the greatest Exigencies, are necessary Requisits in a General.

Disciplined Soldiers, with­out good Officers, will not answer the end.

Temerity is seldom suc­cessful; but upon necessity Boldness exceeds Counsel.

Incounter not Enemies in their height of Fury.

Those have gained Honour from the want of Courage in an Adversary, that else would have had Disgrace.

Ill use is made of Victory when none is spared.

Old Veteran Troops ought not to be chosen for desperate Enterprizes, but young Years, and boiling Youth, who have no Thought but that of Success and Glory.

He that hath most Courage is least cruel.

Private Men should have publick Marks of Honour, as a President to incite others to desire that their Heads may be crown'd with such Laurels.

There may be as great Cru­elty in sparing all, as to spare none.

Victory should not thirst after Blood, nor be cruel to obtain it.

What Power and Policy cannot bring about, Gold may effect.

The Question ought rather to be where the Enemies are, than how many, least it give to think that Fear, rather than Valour, made the Query.

The Sword dispatches quickly, but Fear strikes down like Thunder.

He is soonest hurt, who feareth most.

Great Souls, in glorious Enterprises, have no sense of Danger.

The more Danger the more Glory.

The Foundation of Mili­tary Knowledge should be laid even from Youth.

The time for Battel is, when Men are most spirited for Action.

An Army kept idle de­generates, and are trouble­some [Page 273]Guests where quarter­ed.

Never be confident of Vi­ctory, nor yet despair of Suc­cess.

Intestine Animosities ruin the greatest Bodies.

Aim at Numbers, but trust not in them.

Courage makes all Enter­prizes easy.

Delays may turn the Scales, so that the Conqueror may become the Conquered.

It is an unprofitable Vi­ctory that is obtained by the Ruin of ones own Country.

That Victory is not perfect where the Heart is not made Captive as well as the Body.

To overcome by Clemency is more honourable, than to subdue by the Sword.

Courage is shown more in the choice to die free, than to suffer a languishing Capti­vity in an Enemies Coun­try.

An unlimited Power is of great use to capacitate the General to do great Things, which he that waits for Or­ders cannot effect.

There is Incouragement to attempt a Siege, when the Governour is known to be ca­pable of being corrupted.

The Knowledge of a Gar­risons being over-stored, may as soon draw on a Siege, as when its Wants are disco­vered.

Palliate Disgraces, and call Flights Retreats.

Let Spies be rather your Enemies Subjects than your own.

Spies are the Generals Fer­rets which are gained by Mo­ney, and preserved by Hope.

Fortified Places, Armies and Fleets, are vain Things, when God lends not a Hand.

Perjury calls for Judgment, but more eminently when found in Princes.

He that can turn Revenge into Mercy, and Hatred into Love, is Praise-worthy.

A mean spirited Prince is rather the Object of Con­tempt than Fear.

Religion is the usual Cloak for Rebellion.

Furious Spirits are seldom appeased by soft Words, nor Submissions.

It is best for Princes to judge only according to Equi­ty, [Page 276]to do nothing but what is expedient, and labour not so much to shew their Au­thority, as their Justice.

Vindicative Spirits are their own Tormenters.

No Game is too great for Lookers on, say Neuters.

Greatness and Care are Twins.

Soveraigns are Judges here, yet they are judged them­selves, and arraigned at the Tribunal of every private Mans Censure.

Though Soveraigns are Gods on Earth, yet they see and hear with others Eyes, and Ears, and are obliged ac­cordingly to take Measures.

The Wise proceed to Acti­on with Caution, but the Un­experienced are rash in their Enterprizes.

Sometimes Temerity is of more Use, and a greater Ad­vantage, than more prudent Measures.

The General's Staff is an Ornament, but it loads as well as it adorns.

The Enemies Quarters are easilier beat up and surprized, when their Distances have made them secure.

Let Ambushes be a Secret, least the being circumvented make designed for the place of Victory.

The Wise never wonder, nor are surprized, for no­thing happens to them, but what they expected, and are armed for its reception.