WHEN we are called to enter upon any thing that is very arduous or difficult, it is commonly of no small advantage to consult the lives of the wise and good, and carefully observe how they conducted on similar occasions.

A variety of beautiful examples as well as ad­mirable rules for the regulation of our conduct in life, so as to be ornaments to society, and blessings to our fellow creatures, are scattered in the divine oracles.

Among the numerous examples of this kind, scarce any are either more lovely in themselves, or more worthy of our observation, especially at the present day, than those wherein the saint and the soldier were united.

[Page 6]A character like this shines with a peculiarly charming lustre.

What can give us a more exalted idea of hu­man nature, than to see Moses, Joshua, David, and others of a like nobleness of soul going forth un­dauntedly against their enemies, with the word of God in their mouths, as well as a two-edged sword in their hands?

One but little inferior▪ to them, either as to holi­ness or heroism, is presented us in our text, which is part of a concise or short prayer to heaven.

In speaking to the words, I shall by divine leave consider particularly, though very briefly, the character of the person who makes this pray­er;—the occasion upon which he prays;—and also the prayer itself.

The person, who thus solemnly addresses him­self to heaven, is the excellent and renowned king Jehoshaphat.—A prince very rich, prudent and powerful, of an amiable disposition and unble­mished character.

The sacred Historian observes, that▪ in the beginning of his reign, he strengthened himself a­gainst Israel, and placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken.

This was acting a very prudent and commenda­ble part; but sensible however of this eternal truth, that there was no wisdom or counsel against the Lord; it is added, that he sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments: Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Johoshaphat pre­sents, and he had riches in abundance.

[Page 7]He now sets upon the very pinacle of honour, in a situation extremely critical. For in honor of preferment, there is something intoxicating, which is commonly too much for weak heads.

But how is it with Jehoshaphat? How does he behave himself in this exalted station, and un­der the richest smiles of prosperity?

'Tis said, that hereupon his heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord.

Little contracted souls would have been lifted up with pride; but the noble Prince was of too generous and exalted a make to be guilty of su­percilious haughtiness. His heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord. A sublime elation of spirit this!

Jehoshaphat's pleasantness and affability to his soldiers, is also worthy of remark.

When they rose up early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tek [...]a to battle; as they went forth, he stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye stand; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, that should praise the beauty of holiness▪ as they went out before the Army, and to say, Praise the Lord, for his mercy endureth forever.

Such an apparent tenderness toward his men, accompanied with professed confidence in the divine protection▪ was doubtless of very happy conse­quence, filling them with great love and respect to their generous commander, and raising their spirits to a sublime pitch.

[Page 8]How beautiful to see intrepidity, without rash­ness or pride? Courage guided by counsel and wisdom, and an air of dignity softened by gentleness and sweetness of behaviour! But I can recollect scarce any thing recorded of this good king that does him more honor than the prayer in our text; the occasion whereof was this—A very nu­merous host, consisting of the inhabitants of Am­mon, Moab and Mount Seir, had come up against him, and invaded his dominions.

Upon receiving intelligence of which, Jehosha­phat set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a Fast throughout all Judah: And Judah gathered themselves together to ask help of the Lord.

And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, be­fore the new Court.

When I figure to myself the pious and amiable Monarch, standing on the brazen Scaffold which Solomon had erected for that purpose, and in the midst of a very numerous assembly, spreading forth his hands, and solemnly addressing the blessed and only Potentate, in behalf of himself and his be­loved people, I confess I am struck with admira­tion.

Behold, on one side, the young, the delicate and fair, sinking under distress and fear at the present alarm; on another stand the venerable Judges and Elders of Israel, whose heads were whitened with age.

On one side are fathers anxious for the safety of their dear families and country; on another, tender afflicted mothers, with their little children.

Here, with countenances sedate, stand rows of statesmen and politicians; there, a numerous [Page 9] throng of brave and gallant soldiers: All in deep­est silence, and with their eyes fixed on their greatly beloved and much respected Prince, listen­ing to hear him begin his solemn address to heaven.

Whereupon, with the greatest solemnity, he at length breaks forth in these pertinent and moving expressions, O Lord God of our fathers, art not thou God in Heaven? And rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? And in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?

How lovely to see a Prince earnestly interceed­ing at the throne of grace for his people, and the people all joining in the intercession, no less anxi­ous for the preservation of their prince!

The most noble king Jehoshaphat, upon some special occasions, did not disdain or refuse to offi­ciate as Chaplain.

Far from thinking this beneath his dignity (as too many others have done who were unworthy to loose the latchet of his shoes) he rather accounts it a great honour and privilege, that he who feels himself to be but dust, is permited to speak to the supreme, infinite Majesty.

But I now proceed to a particular consideration of Jehoshaphat's prayer, more especially that part of it which our text contains; wherein these four things are very observable:

He pleads the goodness and righteousness of his cause, appeals to God to judge between him and his enemies, acknowledges his utter inability without divine assistance, either to conquer or with­stand them, and professes to repose an entire trust and confidence in God.

[Page 10]First, He pleads the goodness and righteous­ness of his cause. Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit. In the preceeding verse, he intimates that his people had always behaved inoffensive toward these invaders; never giving them any occasion thus to commence hostilities. And now behold, says he, the children of Ammon, and Moab, and Mount Seir, whom thou wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Epypt; but they turned from them and de­stroyed them [...].

Moses in the second chapter of Deuteronomy relates that God had forbidden Israel to destroy or distress these nations, commanding them to live peaceably by them as neighbours and brethren.

This prohibition or command, they had care­fully and religiously observed; insomuch that when the haughty Kings of these nations refused to grant them leave to march through their terri­tories into the land of Canaan, instead of making them feel the bitter effects of their resentment, they turned from them and went to their promised possession another way.

And now what vile returns are made by the children of Ammon, Moab, and Edom, for this indulgence? Living nigh, they knew full well what wonders God had wrought for Israel; how he had destroyed the heathen before them, and gi­ven them the land of Canaan for their inheritance.

They could not fail of knowing likewise, that unless propitious Heaven had forbid, they them­selves, no less than the nations round about them, would have been destroyed by Israel's conquering sword.

[Page 11]Their very existence was, in a great measure, owing to this, that the hearts of this victorious people were softened and drawn out in benevo­lence toward them, so as to let them live quietly by their very borders, while they crushed and ut­terly extirpated others.

Why therefore this invasion? What an unpro­voked injury are the invaders guilty of?

Who gave them the licence to seize the land of Israel, or endeavour to dispossess this highly sa­voured people of the inheritance which their God had bequeathed them? Or who provoked them thus to over-leap their own boundaries?

Jehoshaphat and his people stood in a good cause; in the just defence of every thing that was dear and sacred, while their enemies acted the part of bloody villains and robbers.

And by the way, 'tis of the last importance that when engaged in matters of great consequence, we be thoroughly convinced that our cause is just; so fully convinced of this that we may with humble boldness bring it to the throne of grace, and plead and vindicate it there.

This necessarily gives life and animation, amidst difficulties and dangers; for though we should chance to die in defence of such a cause, allowing it to be sufficiently important and prudently mana­ged, our lives would not be foolishly thrown away, but honorably laid down in obedience to a divine call.

But secondly, The good King Jehoshaphat ap­peals to God to judge between him and his ene­mies.—

O! our God, wilt thou not judge them?

[Page 12]As if he had said, is it consistent with the honour of thy wise and righteous government to suffer such high handed injustice and wickedness to go off triumphant? while these avaricious and grasp­ing nations, not content with their own pleasant allotments, have without the least provocation, confederated together in order to deprive us of this goodly land, of our privileges and every thing that is dear, can thy thunders sleep? can vengeance be inactive? With respect to the righteousness of our cause, Lord, we humbly ap­peal to thee. Thou knowest that we are injured and unjustly invaded. Self-preservation is a law of thine, ingraven on our hearts, and written in thy word; a violation of which would be highly sin­ful. Therefore not only interest but our own consciences forbid us to relinquish this cause: And wilt Thou not plead and vindicate it, by putting our enemies to shame and confusion?

The judge of all the earth ever did and ever will do right; and whenever he suffers a righteous cause to be lost, it is through the mismanagement and wickedness of those who are concerned in it, and because they will not suitably implore his counsel and assistance, or walk agreeable to his rules and directions.

The third thing noted as worthy of observation in this excellent prayer of Jehoshaphat, is, that he acknowledges his utter inability, without divine assistance, either to conquer or withstand his inva­ding foes.

We have no might against this great company that cometh against us.

[Page 13]He does not say our own strength is small and insufficient; but we have no might—Of ourselves we are nothing and can do nothing.

And to the want of power be subjoins also his confession of their want of wisdom.

Neither know we what to do, says he.

Power and wisdom are two most essential things, which they who lack are indeed very poorly equipt for war.

But could Jehoshaphat with a good grace con­fess and plead his want of these?

The sacred, infallible history wherein his wor­thy deeds are recorded, mentions his having eleven hundred and sixty thousand mighty men of valour (if I rightly enumerated them) exclusive of those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah.

It is also there observed that he wared great exceedingly, building castles and cities of store in Judah; that the Philistines were tributary to him, and the Arabians brought him presents.

And 'tis universally confess'd that he was a wise prince, and had, no doubt, a number of choice and prudent councellors. How then could he say, we have no might and know not what to do?

This indeed is no paradox.

He very well knew, and piously and wisely considered that though his walls were never so lofty and impregnable, or his armies never so nu­merous and brave, he must quickly sink and fall, unless favoured by divine assistance.

Notwithstanding all his seeming might and prowess, he felt himself to be a weak and feeble creature, entirely dependant upon God for protec­tion and success.

[Page 14]Very far from any of us be the impious thought that we can possibly be under such advantageous circumstances in our warlike engagements as not to need the aids of Heaven.

To trust in our own bow, is not true courage, but madness.

But lastly, the pious king Jehoshaphat, in his prayer, professes to repose an entire trust and con­fidence in God.

Our eyes, he says, are upon thee.

We look to Thee, trust in Thee, and depend upon Thee alone.

Help, Lord, for vain is the help of man.

He seems entirely sensible of this truth, Cursed is the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm.

His chief strength, he well knew, did not lie in the wisdom of his politicians, or in the numbers and bravery of his soldiers.—These, of themselves, are but broken reeds.

People are apt to repose too great a share of their confidence in an arm of flesh, as if their own skill and power could do all for them; but [...] the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches.

Vain is the boasted power of creatures of the dust, who pride themselves in their craft and strength, and vain are all their designs and strata­gems, any further than, as they are, for wise and holy ends, [...]mited by him who is the high pos­sessor and sovereign ruler of Heaven and earth.

God can with infinite ease baffle and discon­cert the deepest laid schemes, or cause one to chase a thousand and ten to put ten thousand to flight.

[Page 15]Therefore it is the great wisdom and interest, as well as duty of a people or army, to put their entire trust in Him for deliverence and success, when under distressing difficulties, and especially if called forth in a righteous cause to war against their enemies.

For if they do this, they need not fear what man can do unto them.

Though surrounded by innumerable dangers, and all hopes of victory or escape, in an ordinary way of providence, should be cut off, still they have an unfailing refuge. Let them, with hearts sincere and duly affected, look up to Heaven and say, we have no might, neither know we what to do, but our eyes are upon Thee; and the numerous wheels of divine providence would doubtless soon be set in swift motion for their relief.

Nay, rather than they should fail of success, the very stars in their courses would fight for them, and the Lord would bring forth to the de­struction of their enemies, his treasures of hail, the thunder of his power, and the forky lightning, which he hath reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war.

You will now suffer me to offer a few reflections that may naturally arise from the subject, viewed in connection with the present solemn occasion, and your peculiar situation.

The tokens of divine displeasure that we lie under are too numerous for me to particularize:

A few of which were hinted at in the morning, when we were called to mourn a departing God. ^*

[Page 16]It would be painful to me to continue harping upon the plaintive string, especially when ad­dressing myself to those who share too deeply in our public troubles and distresses, not to have an impressive sense of them.

To turn the bright side of things to view is much more pleasant and agreeable.

Let it suffice therefore to say that a dark cloud charged with fearful artillery, seems to be gather­ing and blackening around us; insomuch that the language of divine providence to our long and highly favoured land has of late been evidently this; Blow the trumpet in Zion, call a solemn as­sembly, proclaim a fast. The trumpet has been blown, solemn assemblies have been called, & such a fast is proclaimed as this land never before saw.

The peculiarly solemn day is now revolving, when humble confessions and fervent prayers from the numerous societies and assemblies, throughout all these United Colonies, (a much larger extent of territory than Jehoshaphat was possessed of) are ascending up to the Lord of Sabaoth.

The united voice of the colonies in setting apart this day for humiliation and prayer, as well as their remarkable and very happy union in other respects, I must interpret as an omen for good: for the infinitely compassionate God never said to the seed of Jacob, seek ye me in vain.

But of what avail would be to us to fast and cry to Heaven imploring divine assistance in an unjust and wicked cause?

It was a heavy charge against Israel that they fasted for strife and debate, and to smite with the fists of wickedness.

[Page 17]And are we also chargeable with this foul im­putation? Are we in real rebellion against our lawful sovereign? Have we risen up in opposition to his just and salutary laws, and without sufficient reason cast off his government?

And do we then pretend to seek God to aid and assist us in our traiterous proceedings?

Heaven daring assurance, monstrous impiety, would this be! But though a very guilty peo­ple; thanks be to those kind, divine restraints that have kept us from being guilty of this charge.

We not only think but know and feel that we have great reason to complain of oppression and ty­ranny; that our privileges civil and sacred, and our property are all at stake, and that we are loud­ly called upon to defend them at the risk of life.

If the sight be not too piteous and affecting, turn your eyes to our metropolis, once princess among these provinces, now a garrison of merce­nary British troops; and its miserable inhabitants exposed to the resentment and rage of those, whose very tender mercies are cruelty.

See those haughty ships of war: observe their hostile appearance, and consider their no less hostile designs. View the ashes of pleasant CHARLES­TOWN. Remember LEXINGTON, CHEL­SEA, and yonder never to be forgotten HILL, ^* lately bedewed by some of our richest blood.

Behold, I say, how our unnatural enemies re­ward us to come to cast us out of the possession which the Lord our God hath given us to inherit; the possession ▪ which our fore-fathers purchased with their blood and treasure.

[Page 18]O Britain, Britain! are these sufficiently kind returns for our having contributed long and largely to thy wealth and grandeur?

That England and not we, have been the ag­gressors is undeniably evident.

We used ever to consider their interest and hap­piness as intimately connected with our own.

Entirely content that they should preside in our government, so far as was agreeable to our charter-privileges, and aggrandize themselves by monopo­lizing our trade; we delighted to treat them with dutiful respect as a parent state; rejoicing at their rising glory, and pleased to see their lofty spires, though glittering with American gold.

But this was not enough —We must be all submission to the supremacy of parliament: a par­liament too the most corrupt and infamous that ever disgraced any nation.

We must be taxed without our consent.

In a word, we must be slaves, learn to grovel in the dust, and from thence look up to our impe­rious masters, in order to receive from their griping hands, the scanty pittance which they might please to afford us.—

Refusing obedience to these extraordinary man­datos, our charter was mutilated, or rather entirely vacated and destroyed: fleets and armies were sent to our capital, our trade was impeded, and almost every branch of business greatly distressed.

Violence and oppression daily increasing on one hand, and prudent measures being come into on the other, in order to obtain redress of our nume­rous grievances and evade the galling chains, that were prepared for us, the memorable period at length came, when open hostilities commenced.

[Page 19]That the Lexington battle was begun by the British troops, is what with us admits of no doubt.

But allowing for once (though far from any colour of truth) that our party begun the fight, still, as the others went out with an avowed design to steal, and to rob us of our property, they in reality were the first aggressors; ‘for he that arms him­self to commit a robbery and demands the tra­veller's purse by the terror of instant death, is the first aggressor, though the other should take the advantage of discharging his pistol first and killing the robber.’ ^*

Matters being thus stated, does it not plainly follow that our cause is good and of the last im­portance, and that we may therefore humbly ap­peal to God, to judge between us and our enemies? — O our God, wilt thou not judge them? Wilt thou not graciously interpose in behalf of a much injured, afflicted and oppressed people, putting their unrighteous invaders and oppressors to shame and confusion?

Though utterly unworthy of so great a favor, we humbly hope and trust Thou wilt.

It is recorded of a Turkish general, that being called to engage a christian army, which had bro­ken through the most solemn ties, he stood up at the head of his troops, and then taking out the treaty that they had violated, and holding it up to view, thus addressed the throne of Heaven▪ ‘O Almighty Being, if thou art, as they say thou art, these christians God, thou lovest what is right and hatest perfidy; look down therefore and behold this treaty which they have broken, [Page 20] and as Thou canst not favor what is wrong, render their arms successless and make mine victorious.’ — He ended—immediately the sword was drawn— The two parties vigorously engaged, and the perfidious christians were beat­en off the field.

And may not we also hold up a broken charter, the cruel port bill and the most impious and in­famous Quebec bill; adding to these, the inhu­man▪ unequaled treachery exercised toward the distress'd inhabitants of Boston, as witnesses of the perfidy of our enemies, and what their designs upon us are?

Kind Heaven hath heard our cries owned the JUSTICE OF OUR CAUSE, and appeared for us in numerous ways almost miraculous.

The holy and mighty arm of God hath lately gotten us repeated and most surprizing victories

To Him is the glory due, who hath animated our soldiers with courage truly astonishing.

To Him is the glory due, who hath already crowned some of them with the brightest laurels of victory; and hath so dispirited our enemies there­by, that they are pining away in tormenting disap­pointment, almost forced to confess that there is no enchantment against Jacob, or divination against Israel.

What then remains, but that we repose our en­tire trust and confidence in this almighty, most kind and gracious Being, who hath thus begun to appear for us?

Blessed be God, if we look to second causes, we have wise and able politicians, gallant officers, and many thousands of as brave, undaunted soldi­ers as ever faced a foe; but still there is abundant [Page 21] reason to confess that of ourselves we have no might against our enemies, neither know what to do.

And to this confession, we may justly add an humble acknowledgment of our shameful back­slidings and sinfulness as a people, and our utter unworthiness of divine favors.

With hearts deeply affected under a sense of this, may we all break off our sins by repentance, saying with afflicted Israel, "Come and let us return unto the Lord; for he hath torn, and he will heal us, he hath smitten, and he will bind us up."

O, what a favourable prospect might be af­forded us by a universal reformation!—The whole face of nature would seem hereby to be changed, and to put on a chearful smile.

Our light would break forth as the morning, and our health spring forth speedily: our righteousness would go before us, and the glory of the Lord be our rereward.

As this therefore would be so beautiful in it­self, and productive of so many happy conse­quences, you will not be offended, gentlemen and soldiers, if upon this solemn occasion I earnestly urge it upon you, not forgetting that I myself also have great need of the exhortation.

You have come forth to jeopard your lives in defence of your friends and relations, your coun­try, religion, liberty, and almost every thing that is dear and sacred. In a nobler cause, mortals were never engaged

Of your cordial love to your country and gene­ral courage and resolution to defend it, none can entertain a doubt.

[Page 22]There is not, I presume, a single one among you all, who would not disdain to be guilty of cowardice, to desert his colours, or let his sword rest quietly in its scabbard, whenever the Lord gives it a charge against the invaders of Boston and the sea shore.

May your abhorrence of every vicious prac­tice, and strict adherence to the rules of virtue and religion, be no less conspicuous than your cou­rage and magnanimity.

What a pity 'tis, dear friends, that the camp should so commonly be a school of vice? that they who are most exposed to death, should be least careful to prepare for it?

Will you not endeavour to wipe off this odium, which of late years, I am sorry to say, has with too much reason, been cast upon soldiers? If you are careful that your behaviour be virtuous and exemplary, those abandoned, dissolute troops, that disgrace Britain, instead of bringing a soldier's life hare into contempt, would be foils to set off your characters, and make them shine with a more beau­tiful lustre.

It has been frequently observed, to the signal honour of our present American forces, that in ge­neral, they are remarkably civil well-behaved, and free from drunkeness, prophaneness, or any other scandalous practices.

How goodly are thy tents. O Jacob, and thy ta­bernacles, O Israel! —How beautiful and lovely to see so large an army of men inspired with heroic sentiments, engaged in a glorious cause, animated therein by the most generous motives, and in a general view, strangers to the [Page 23] shameful vices, to which soldiers of the present age (our provincials excepted) have been com­monly and almost universally addicted!

That each day may set your respective charac­ters in a still fairer light, is the hearty prayer of every well-wisher to his country.—I beg and beseech you industriously to cultivate and promote union, peace, love, harmony and friendship among yourselves.— Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren, or soldiers in one common cause, to dwell together in unity!

With respect to those of you who are in office, may I be allowed, gentlemen, to say, I flatter myself that you will always endeavour to answer the just expectations of those, who have volunta­rily chosen you for their commanders, treating your men with affability, kindness and tenderness, setting before them examples of virtue, and using your utmost influence to suppress all vice and im­morality.

You, who are soldiers, will I trust do honour to yourselves and country, by being orderly and go­vernable, as well as bold and courageous always paying a due defference to the commands of your officers.

And may all of you, gentlemen and soldiers, in your several departments, exert yourselves to purge from the camp every accursed thing. Nor is it sufficient that you be negatively good or free from open, scandalous vices; but, if you would be safe and happy here, and at last enjoy the bright unfading glories of Heaven, you must be born again, washed, sanctified and justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by his spirit.

[Page 24]You must inlist under the great captain of sal­vation; and this should be done speedily or it may be too late. Let me, dear souls, "address you as a dying man to dying men."

To others and to all, it may with propriety be said, boast not yourselves of to-morrow; for ye know not what a day may bring forth: but who are so exposed as you, to be suddenly snatched out of time into eternity?

Think not that your being soldiers bold and brave secures you from the arrests of death. Is he that rides upon the pale horse afraid to ven­ture upon a soldier? The dying groans of millions who have fallen in battle, witness that he is not.

Think not that religion is unbecoming your profession.—A thousand things might be said, and numerous instances offered, to show that to join the christian to the soldier, is highly beautiful and ornamental.

Think not that true, vital piety, is unnecessary for a soldier. If you find yourselves fatally pier­ced with the instruments of death; if you feel the silver cord of life losing, and your souls gush­ing out in a flow of blood, you will be convinced of the contrary.

Let me be importunate in pressing upon you the one thing needful, or a preparation for death, by securing a saving interest in him, who is the resur­rection and the life.

As this is of the last importance, I beg and in­treat you by all that is dear and sacred, dreadful or delightful, not to neglect or postpone it.

[Page 25]What shall I further say?—I fear I have trespassed already too long upon your patience. Will therefore add but little more than my ardent wishes for your success and happiness. You have, dear brethren, the daily prayers of many thousands. Your ministers, your friends, and your whole country, endeared by every tender tie. (a very few only excepted) are anxious for your safety and success.

When, at a distance, we hear the cannons roar, we are paired with anxious concern for you; and our hearts replete with tenderness inexpressible, re-echo to every volley, "Heaven protect, de­fend and succeed the brave and generous guar­dians of our privileges and lives." The very infants, at their mothers breasts, I had almost said, lisp out a prayer for you.

May the infinitely gracious God hear the nu­merous petitions that are offered up in your be­half. May He screen you from al harm, render your arms victorious, and in his own time, gently waft you and all of us to those calm and peaceful regions, where the ear is not wounded with the confused noise of war nor the eye tormented with the piteous, affecting sight of mangled bodies, and garments rolled in blood; where joy unspeakably sublime forever dwells; where hateful tyrants, cruel oppressors, and traiterous villains, stained with the blood of their country, without repentance and a thorough change, can never come.