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Cromwell,  Oliver 

Soldier's  catechism 


CROMWELL'S  SOLDIER'S  CATECHISM 


CromtoeU's 
Catecjrism: 


WRITTEN   FOR    THE    ENCOURAGEMENT  AND 

INSTRUCTION    OF     ALL     THAT    HAVE 

TAKEN   UP  ARMS,   ESPECIALLY 

THE  COMMON  SOLDIERS. 


Facfimiled  from  one  of  the  only  two  copies 
known  to  exift. 


WITH  A  SHORT  PREFACE 

BY   ITS   POSSESSOR, 

REV.  WALTER   BEGLEY. 


LONDON : 
ELLIOT  STOCK,  62,  PATERNOSTER  ROW,  E.G. 

1900.  ., 

r 
"V 


DP 


Preface. 


^  t  ^HE  Puritan  is  not  a  soldier  by  choice,  quite  the  con- 
J.  trary;  he  has  the  strongest  aversion  to  bloody-minded 
nen,  and  would  desire  as  earnestly  as  ever  Gladstone  did  to 
)e  delivered  from  blood-guiltiness  ;  but  when  King  Charles  I. 
eft  no  other  door  open,  the  Puritan  went  boldly  through  in 
•he  fear  of  God  and  for  justice  as  between  man  and  man. 

But  many  of  these  men,  nay,  most  of  them,  had  what  we 
now  call  the  'Nonconformist  conscience,'  and  that  had  to  be 
iealt  with,  soothed,  satisfied,  convinced,  justified. 

This  was  the  work  of  the  '  Souldier's  Catechisme,'  and  I 
think  it  will  be  admitted  that  it  was  work  admirably  done, 
ind  exactly  suited  to  the  men  it  was  meant  for.  It  was  not 
written  above  their  Jieads,  as  so  many  a  learned  treatise  on 
the  King's  supremacy  ;  it  was  not  in  the  language  of  Babylon, 
which  their  soul  abhorred,  but  it  was  the  language  of  Zion, 
which  they  had  learned  and  loved  from  childhood. 

In  the  great  Civil  War  the  Press  was  a  very  powerful 
instrument,  the  advantage  strongly  lying  on  the  side  of  the 
Roundhead  Party,  as  their  pamphleteers  were  of  the  people, 
and  wrote  so  as  to  be  l  understanded  of  the  people.'  Two 
instances  will  make  this  clear.  In  1643,  just  before  the 
'  Souldier's  Catechisme '  was  issued  to  the  army,  there  appeared 

the 


vi  Preface. 

the  '  Rebett's  Catechism,'  composed  in  an  easy  and  familiar 
way,  to  let  them  see  the  heinousness  of  their  offence,  the 
weakness  of  their  strongest  subterfuges,  and  to  recall  them  to 
their  duties  both  to  God  and  man.  It  was  a  quarto,  much 
too  big  for  any  rebel's  pocket,  and  the  way  it  tried  to  recall 
them  to  their  duties  can  be  judged  by  some  of  the  marginal 
references,  viz.,  V.  Stanford's  Pleas,  cap.  2 ;  Coke  on 
Littleton,  1.  2,  c.  11,  §  200;  Stat.  25,  Ed.  3,  cap.  2; 
Eucher.  Ltigdunens,  et  alii ;  Bract.,  I.  i,  c.  3,  §  4,  etc. 
The  book  (penes  me)  is  anonymous,  but  is  attributed  to  Peter 
Heylin,  D.D.,  a  well-known  Royalist  controversialist. 
What  rebel,  I  wonder,  would  look  at  it  twice,  even  for 
curiosity  ? 

Next  year  (1644)  there  appeared  on  the  Puritan  side  '  The 
Cavalier's  New  Common  Prayer  unclasp 't.'  This  bitterly 
sarcastic  and  amusing  production  (penes  me)  with  a  strong 
spies  of  seeming  Puritanic  irreverence,  must  have  made  many 
a  Roundhead  give  way  to  laughter  '  holding  both  his  sides.' 
This  is  a  rare  pamphlet,  fetching  £$  1 8s.  at  Sotheby's  in  1 897. 
Being  \to.  size,  it  is  occasionally  found  bound  up  with  other 
pamphlets,  and  thus  copies  have  been  preserved  ;  binding  is 
often  the  only  chance  of  salvation  a  pamphlet  has  ;  and  pos- 
sibly the  uncommonly  small  size  of  the  '  Sonldier's  Catechismc ' 
and  the  character  of  the  people  who  carried  it  on  their  persons 
will  account  for  there  being  only  two  known.  For  these 
Puritans  were  not  bibliophiles,  although  they  were  given  to 
bibliolatry,  and  would  no  more  have  thought  of  binding  their 
soldiers'  guides  than  we  should  think  of  binding  our 
Bradshaws. 

However, 


Preface.  vii 

However,  the  point  is  that  the  Roundheads  were  by  far 
the  shrewdest  combatants  in  this  paper  war,  and  the  present 
little  book  was  one  of  their  most  effective  weapons. 

Like  the  Maccabees  of  old,  the  Puritan  warriors  of 
Cromwell's  time  had  the  sword  in  their  hand  and  the  praises 
of  God  in  their  mouth.  In  their  forced  marclies  and  rapid 
movements  they  could  not  be  burdened  with  many  impedimenta, 
but  there  would  be  room  under  the  commonest  soldier's  leathern 
jacket  for  his  little  Pocket  Bible  and  Catechism  which  had 
been  composed  for  him  and  had  received  the  '  imprimatur '  of 
the  Parliamentary  censors. 

The  literature  specially  designed  for  soldiers  is  very  limited 
both  in  amount  and  variety.  This  is  just  what  we  should 
naturally  expect.  A  soldier  on  active  service  was  supposed 
to  have  something  more  important  to  do  than  to  read.  If 
not  too  tired  he  might  fight  his  battles  o'er  again  round  the 
camp  fire,  he  might  argue,  discuss,  approve,  or  object,  but  a 
solitary  reader  would  be  scouted,  unless  his  book  were  a 
spiritual  guide  to  strengthen  him  in  the  fight,  i.e.,  God's 
Word,  or  something  strictly  founded  on  it.  But,  sliortly 
after  the  election  of  the  Long  Parliament,  and  especially  in 
the  years  1642-4,  it  began  to  be  clear  to  all  who  had  any 
foresight  that  the  common  soldiers  were  the  persons  who 
would  have  to  be  reckoned  with  eventually,  so  pamphlets  or 
rather  tracts,  as  we  should  call  them,  began  to  be  issued  for 
tJie  soldier's  religious  and  political  edification.  They  have 
most  of  them  quite  disappeared,  though  a  stray  copy  may  be 
found  here  and  there  in  our  great  libraries.  One  such  is 
1  TJte  Christian  Souldier ;  or  Preparation  for  Battaile, 

A  Legend 


viii  Preface. 

A  Legend  containing  true  rules  for  a  Souldier,  in  whom  at 
once  is  met  Religion  and  Resolution.'1  Published  by  a  well- 
wisher  to  the  Gown  and  Sword,  T.  /.,  1642,  in  ^to.  This 
is  Royalist  in  tendency.  Not  one  seems  to  be  issued  by  the 
authorities  except  the  '  Souldier' s  Catechisme.' 

It  should  never  be  forgotten,  most  of  all  in  this  material 
semi- pagan  age  in  which  we  live,  or  to  which  we  are 
apparently  drifting,  that  Puritanism  is  a  permanent  element 
in  human  nature.  One  might  even  say,  in  spite  of  its 
frequent  exaggerated  forms,  that  it  is  one  of  the  strongest, 
noblest  and  most  valuable  elements  that  help  to  build  up  the 
ordinary  citizen.  It  is  of  this  stuff  that  great  and  enduring 
nations  are  made.  It  is  this  sober,  serious,  honest,  religious 
frame  of  mind  that  has  so  greatly  helped  to  make  both 
England  and  New  England  the  great  countries  tlicv  now 
are.  A  sense  of  justice  and  right  living  combined  -until  c, 
serious  mew  of  life  would  form  its  chief  characteristics. 
Privilege  and  tyranny  are  the  object  of  its  bitterest  hate,  more 
especially  in  things  spiritual. 

Its  influence  has  been  mostly  of  the  silent  sort.  Not  much 
chronicled  in  the  records  of  the  court,  the  castle,  or  the  camp ; 
an  alien,  as  a  rule,  to  the  great  conquerors,  diplomats  and 
historic  personages  who  fill  up  the  roll  of  fame,  but  chiefly 
dwelling  in  the  homes  and  the  hearts  of  humbler  men  of  whom 
the  world  hears  little. 

There  have  been  exceptions,  when  '  the  hour '  has  brought 
forth  '  the  man,'  and  typical  of  these  are  such  men  as 
Cromwell  and  Juda,s  Maccabeus — patriots  and  soldiers  and 
puritans  '  par  excellence.'' 

The 


Preface.  ix 

The  author  of  this  little  book  is  unknown.  It  was  most 
probably  written  to  order  at  the  suggestion  of  the  chiefs  of 
the  Puritan  Party  connected  with  the  Parliament's  army, 
where  now  Cromwell  was  a  rising  and  leading  commander. 
It  was  evidently  meant  to  be  a  companion  to  what  is  known 
as  Cromwell's  Pocket  Bible  of  the  year  before  (1643).  Books 
written  to  order  were  by  no  means  unusual  with  the  Puritan 
Party.  Milton's  '  Eikonoklastes,'  and  his  ( Pro  Populo 
Anglicano  Defensio,'  were  both  written  at  the  express  com- 
mand of  Cromwell  and  the  other  leaders  in  the  Council  of 
State. 

It  has  been  said  with  a  great  degree  of  truth  that  if 
1  Eikon  Basilike '  had  been  issued  only  a  few  weeks  earlier,  it 
would  have  kept  the  King's  head  on  his  shoulders.  It  is  an 
equally  just  observation  that  this  little  '  vade  mecum '  for  the 
Roundhead  soldiers  helped  considerably  to  catechise  the  King's 
head  '  off'  his  shoulders,  for  if  it  had  not  been  for  the  strong 
feeling  in  the  predominant  portion  of  the  army,  fostered  by 
such  a  skilfully -worded  religious  primer  as  this  Soldier's 
Catechism  is,  the  chiefs  of  the  Republican  Party  would  never 
have  dared  to  '  slay  the  Lord's  anointed  '  openly  in  the  pre- 
sence of  thousands  of  his  subjects. 

As  I  stated  in  the  prospectus,  this  literary  curiosity  has 
been  practically  unknown  for  more  than  300  years.  No  his- 
torians, delighting  in  local  colour,  have  ever  brought  this 
little  book  on  the  scene,  for  the  good  reason  that  they  did  not 
know  of  its  existence.  Only  one  notice  of  it  has  come  to  my 
knowledge,  and  that  was  more  than  zoo  years  ago — viz.,  in 
1684 — when  a  certain  John  Turner,  referring  to  Charles  II 

and 


x  Preface. 

and  the  Soldier's  Catechism,  writes :  '  It  was  without  ques- 
tion none  of  the  meanest  instruments  in  bringing  his  royal 
father  to  the  block' 

How  strange  that  a  printed  historical  document, 

'  Big  with  the  fate  '  of  King  and  State, 
Should  thus  be  brought  to  light  so  late  ! 

I  offer  this  fac-simile  of  one  of  the  rarities  of  my  library 
to  the  consideration  of  the  historical  student  and  the  general 
public,  ending  this  brief  preface  on  the  day  when  the  news- 
papers have  scattered  far  and  wide  the  patriotic  Chatham 
speech  of  Lord  Rosebery,  himself  eulogist  and  admirer  of 
our  Cromwell.  In  it  he  tells  Englishmen  everywhere  that 
they  are  in  the  midst  of  '  the  most  formidable  war '  ouv 
country  has  ever  engaged  in,  a  war  rendered  still  more 
formidable  by  the  unanimous  opinion  of  all  Europe  being 
arrayed  against  us. 

He  bids  us,  however,  not  fear  for  the  issue,  and  with  the 
quiet  steady  confidence  of  a  veteran  Ironside,  adds  this- 
cheering  remark,  '  They  have  not  got  to  the  bottom  of  Old 
England's  resources  yet.' 

If  we  cherish  the  serious  God-fearing  resolution  of 
Cromwell's  '  Souldiers  '  they  never  will.  So  may  it  be. 

WALTER  BEGLEY. 

HAMPSTEAD,  January  24,  1900. 


«» 


4tt*H4Htt*****, 
THE 

O  U  L  DIE  RS 

CATECHISME: 

Corqpofed  for 
tThe  Parliaments 


Confiding  of  two  Parts  :  wherein 
arc  chiefly  taughc  : 


i  Tkt  S 

Written  for  the  Incouragement  and  In- 

ftrudion  of  all  that  have  taken  up  Ar.m«  in 

this  Caufc  of  God  and  his  People;  efpe- 

daily  the  common  Souldiets. 

_  *  _  _______  _ 

2  Sa.'D.IO.  12.  Be  of  g9od  courage  i  ancllertu 
pLiy  the  men  for  our  pcop/rt  Aid  far  the  Ci- 
tics  of  oar  Godt  and  the  Lor  'd  do  tint  Vvhich 
ff  erne  th  htm  good. 

.  When  the  Haft  gofth  forth  Agftinft 
thins  e»emiejt  then  keep?  Thee  from  ei-ery 
thing. 


Imprimatur.    J  A  .  CR  A  N  F  o  R  D. 


Printed  for  J.Wright  in  the 


.  I 


THE 

SOULDI  ERS 

CATECHISM  E: 
Compofed  for  the  ^Parliaments 


Queftion. 
Hat  ProfeflioH  are  yott  tof  ? 

Anfaer.  I  am  a  Chrifean  and 
a  fouldier. 

<^Js  it  lavfftK  for  Ckriftitni 
to  be  faultier  s  ? 

A.  Yeadoubtlefle:  we  have 
Arguments  enough  to  warrant  it. 

i  .  God  calls  tumfelfs  man  of  war,  and  Lord 
ofHofts. 

a.  Ahrakam  had  a  Regiment  of  j  I  S.Tramcd 

men. 

3  .  David  was  imployed  in  fighting  the  Lords 
battels. 

4.  The  Holy  Ghoft  makes  honourable  men- 
tion of  Davids  Worthies. 

A  a  {.  God 


1         Tlit  Souldiers  Cattffafme. 

J   God  himfelfe  taught  D*v id  to  fight. ; 

4.  Thenoble  gift  pf  valour  is  given  for  this 
fcmrpofe. 

j.  The  New  Tcfhnvent  mentioneth  two  fa- 
mous CcnftJfionS. 

'3.  Thr  Bap  ill  doth  net  require  the  fouldi- 
*rs  to  leave  tJidrprofeffion,  4*r£?  3-I4' 

p.  Wanv  compnnfons  are  taken  from  this 
O$irtg  in rhe New  Tc&mient. 

10.  Tliere  have  been  many  famous  Martyrs 
of  this  profcflioa. 

^  Q^fPhtf  dors  our  Saviour  me Ane  then  by  thofe 
vords  ?  Mat. 5. 3 p. 

exf.  i .  Chnft  i  here  oncly  forbids  private  re- 
venge and  rcfiftance. 

2.  So  iptnre  is  the  beft  interpreter  of  Scri- 
pture :  we  know  that  other  piaces  of  Scripture 
do  warrant  taking  upof  Arms  in.  fome  cafes. 

Q__  what  fide  Are  jot*  of,  and  for  Vfhom  dot 
you,  fight  ? 

A.  I  am  for  King  and  Parliament :  or ,  in 
plainer  tcrmes ; 

,  *.,I-jp^bt  to  re.cover  the  King  out  of  the  hands 
of  a  Popifli  Malignant  Company,  that  hate  fe- 
duced  His  Majefty  with  tlieir .wicked  Counfels, 
arxflia ve  tvithdrawne  him  from  his  Parliament. 
*  •  v  t  fight  for -the  Lawes  and  Liberties  of  rhy 
Count rey,  which  are  now  in  danger  to  be  over- 
thrown^ by  them  that  have  long  laboured  to 

bring 


TktS&uldiers  Cattchifmc.  - 

fcring  kito  this  Kingdome  an  A  i  bitrary  ,and  Ty  * 
rannicall  Government. 

3 .  I  fight  for  the  prefervation  of  0ur  Parlk- 
inentjn  the  being  whereof  fonder  Cod)  con- 
fifts  the  glory  and  welfare  of  this  Kingdome  $  if 
this  Foundation  be  overthrown,  we  fliaH  (bone 
bee  the  raoft  flavifh  Nation  in  the  Chriftian 
World. 

4<  I  fight  in  the  defence  and  maintenanceo? 
the  true  Proteftaot  Religion,  which  js  now  vior 
Jcptjy  oppefedj  and  will  be  utterly  fuppreftm 
this  Kingdome  ;  and  the  Popi(h  Religion  again 
idvancea,if  the  Armies  raifecfagainft  the  Parlia- 
ment prevaile. 

Q^  .Bnt  »  it  not  *gAi*ft  the.  King  that  yen 
fight  in  thu  Cauff  ? 

A.  No  furely  :  yet  many  do  abufe  the  worid 
with  this  bafe  and  abfurd  objection  :  our  onely 
aime  is, 

1 .  To  fefcuc  the  King  out  of  the  han'ds  of  his 
and  the  Kingdomes  enemies ••  and  to  ontintaiRB 
his  Honour  and  j'uft  Prerogatives. 

2.  We  endeavour  to  defend  that  which  the 
JCing  is  bound  to  defend,  boclv  by  his 
Office. 

3.  Wee  take  up  Annes  againft  the 
i   of  Jefus  Chrift ,  who  in  His  Ma/efties  name 
make  warre  agaiofl  the  Church  and  People  Of 
•God, 


4       -    Tfo  SMldien  Calecbif 

4.  tf  the  King  wiUJbinehimfelf  with  th 
that  feek  the  mine  of  his  people ,  and  the  over 
throw  ofRdigicm,  pjrely  both  We  and  all  good 
Subjects ,  may  lawfully  (land  in  the  defence  of 
both ;  as  the  people  did  agtiftft  King  Satl for  the 
cafe  of  lortnthflH)  I  Jf/*£.  14. 4$. 

5 .  We  do  no  more  then  what  our  Brethren 
of  Scotland  did  j   when  they  came  into  this 
Kingdoms  with  an  Army  foinc  three  or  fourc 
yeares  fince ;  wfcofe  Action  the  King  and  both 
HouCe*  have  cltered  fVotn  alt  RtbeUi'qn,artd  they 
remaine  juftified  in  what  they  then  d«J,t6  all  po* 
ftertty ,  by  an  Afl  of  Parliament. 

Q^Ffatti  not  the  King  publified  many 
ftAtionrtlirt  he  •sriUmOAntain  t#rL#» 
W<1  Religion  ?  why  then  do  tve^nrc  t 
bn  df  them  .* 

/t.  1  .Many  things  have  been  publifhed  in  his 
Majtflies  name, \vhich  in  all  probability  he  nevet 
ikw  or  knew  of. 

5.  Thoti*h  the  Kmgfumfdfe  may  intend  re 
ally  and  well,  yet  th*  Sonnts  of  Ztrvia  are  too 
flrong  fot  hhn. 

3 .  i i  is  not  t*  be  imagined  that  a  PopKh 
my  will  defend  theProtcftam  Religion j 
iefie  Libertines,  the  Lawts  of  the  Land. 

4.  We  find  by  wofutt  e\perie(Ke  that  bebatli 
many  waie*  fstkd  in -divers  of  jho&  hrrgc'  Pra- 
oufcs  and  Protections .  not  with tlaodine  tkak 

X  *•      A  •  f^      J 

*  t  A  Goa 


God  hath  been  fo  often  calkd  td  wirttefle. 

They  lay  it  is  a  M*xit»t  how  at  Court, 
that  Fakhisnottobakept  with  Hereticks,  and 
fuch,  doe  fpme  there,  account  all  true  P rote- 

hoes. 

Q.  HoW  can  yvU  that  *rr  Seuldicrs  for  the 
Parliament  ATI  freer  that  flace  cfPa*lt  Rom.  13. 

,1,3.  ate. 

A.  i .  That  place  requires  not  obedience  to  a- 
ny  unlawful!  Commands ,  neither  doth  anyo- 
rher  place  of  Scripture^ ,  we  are  no  further  to  o- 
bey  man,  then  may  ftand  with  the  will  of  God. 
f  i.  They  ire  groily  miftaken -which  fay  the 
King  is  the  highcft  power;Indeed  he  is  the  high* 
eft  pcrion  in  his  Dominions,  but  the  Lawes  and 
Coortsof  the  Kingdom  are  above  him  in  pow- 
er, and  the  King  himfelf  is  limited  and  fubject  ita 
thetnesneft  Court  in  the  Land :  There  fore  fur" 
ly  the  high  Court  of  Parliament  muft  needs  be 
the  higher  Power,  Which  not  to  obey , is  tu  rcfift 
the  Ordinance  of  God. 

J.  Si^ppofethe  King  were  thff  Higher  Pow 
er,  yet  if  he  ftiall  intend  or  permit  the  ruineo 
fiis'  Sufejefts,  both  £3aturcaud  grace  allowes  peo- 
ple to  prefer ve  themfdves. 

4.  If  the  King  be  the  highef  power  by  con« 
ftituti«m,yet  is  his  power  now  irt  other  h&nds-by 
'ufurpation.  The  Q^jeen,  lermm,  Bnftof,  rHgby^ 
^f,  Porter ,  and  maivyo- 
A  4  thers 


6  Ybc  Souldier s  Cfteehtfae. 

thers.'have  fora  long  tune,  and  do  ftfll  mannage 
thegreateft  affaires  of  the  Kmgdome;  fothat 
it  were  a  miferable  thing  to  be  fubje&ed  f;n  con* 
fcience  (as  that  Text  jmportSj  if  feme  mensex- 
pofition  might  pafle  for  orthodox  Divinity)  to 
inch  enemies  and  incendiaries  both  of  Church 
and  Commonwealth! 

Q.fVkat  *<  it  that  moves  you  to  t*k.f  up  Arn»s-j 
find  to  inga.£e  yettr  felfe  in  thu  Civitt  IVArre  ? 

jl.  i .  The  love  I  beare  to  my  Countrev. 

2.  The  prefer  vation  of  our  Parliament,  Laws 
and  Liberties. 

3.  Thedefenceof  our  Religion  againft  Po- 
perie. 

4.  The  care  of  our  Pofterity. 

5.  The  gei)crall  forwardnede  of  all- good 
people. 

.  6.  The  confenf ,  and  provocation  of  all  Gods 
Minifters. 

7.  The  command  of  the  Parliament,  which 
is  the  Higher  Power. 

8  -The  nrcefiity  that  now  lies  upon  all  that 
fojre  God  in  the  Land . 

Q.  What  do  you  thin^.  *bfn  of  tbofc  Prote- 
fpaitt's  which  ft  ft  ill  y  and  do  not  pur  forth  thtm- 
ff/VfJ  i*  theft  times  ? 

t^f.  I .  Either  they  are  not  convinced  of  rhe 
ficceflity. 

^  a .  Or  they  arc  but  !uke-  warme  Profeflbrs. 

3.  OJ? 


The  Souldifrs  Catecfojfae.  f 

3,  Or  they  are  of  bafe  and  private  fpirity. 

4.  Or*they  are  faint-hearted  cowards. 

y.  Or  they  are  fe<!ret  enemies  to  God  and  Jiis 

Caufe. 

Q^  What  danger  are  fach  Niters  in  * 
cxf.  T.  God  takes  fpeciall  notice  of  their  di£ 

pofition  and  carriage,  and  will  dealer  with  them 

accordingly.  ; 

2.  In  Gods  account  all  fuch  are  enemies;  fhcy 
that  are  npt  with  him  are  againft  him. 

3.  They  defer ve  neither  relpecl1  nor  protecti- 
on from  Church  or  Cotfimonwealth. 

4.  They  are  in  danger  to  be  fpued  out  of 
Chnfts  mouth,  7^^.3.16. 

5.  They  aredireftty  under  that  dreadful  curfe 
which  the  Angell  of  the  Lord  denounced  againd 
Mfrofi,  Judg.j.25. 

Qc  Whrt  fay  you  then  of  tljoff  ProtrfianTt, 
•which  fight  on  the  Other  fide.  And  joyne  rritb  the 
Enemies  of  cttr  Religton ,  I'arlmmtnt  9  and 
Countrey  ? 

tsf.  i.  I  fav,  that  they  are  unworthy  the 
name  of  Prorcftants. 

2.  I  fay,thatthey  maintain  theciu^eof  An- 
tichrift. 

3.  That  they  are  the  (harne  and  blcmifhcsof 
Rrligion. 

4.  That  none  of  their  weapons  (hall  profper, 
7/^.54.17. 

S.  That 


Tkg  SwUiers  Cdtthifmi. 
f.  Thit  God  will  utte 

3  10 

6  That  their  fword*  (hall  enter  into  tSiek 
owne  hearts,  />/*/.  1  7.  1  J. 

7.  That  all  the  blood  that  htth  been  fhed  tics 
updn  their  (core. 

8  .  That  they  are  in  the  high  •  way  to  perditi- 
on, without  repentance. 

Q.;  What  u  the  rfsafon  think*  jo*.  tkxt  fo  ma- 
xj  Protrftantft  of  Mil  degrees  )  jojne  'with  our 


A.  i  .  Miny  are  onely  Proteftants  in  names 
but  indeed  *r.t  Papifts,  oj-  Atheifts  in  heart. 

*  2.  Many  are  drawfte  ki  to  joyfl  With  that 
Party  oti?  «Jf  a  bafe  feire  of  fufFering  in  thci?  e- 
ftates,  fuppding  the^  Kings  &k  WouJd  b«th<r 
faftft. 

.  ^.  ^vlanyv  to  avoid  tfee  Juftice  of  Parliament, 

hatelwzartkd  the  ruine  of  their  Countrey?  to 

J*v«  theinftivej  From  t&ir  deferred  punith- 

ment. 

•  4.  MfiiyJiaveingagedthemfelveS  with  the 

Kings  Party,  in  hope  to  makeup  their  broken 

fortunes. 

5  .  Many  for  fcare  of  Reformation  ,  Which 
they  are  not  able  to  indure,  and  therefore  joyns 
with  them  that  oppole  it. 

v  6.  Many  but  of  a  defpwate  fpirit  of  Malig- 
nancy ,and  an  implacable  cumity  againft  the  peo- 

ple 


tfke  Swldfas  Cctecktjme.          ^ 

pie  of  God,  and  all  goodneffc. 

^  JpJtatttitrlMt  ytxthirfly  attttat  intfa* 


A.  "ft  At  the  pulling  down  of  Babylon,  and 
arding  her  as  (he  hath  ferved  u*,  Pfit.  1  3  7.  g 

2.  At  the  fupprcfllon  of  an  Anffchriftisn 

hfift»ng  of  Archbiftiops,Biniops,&c 

3.  A,tthe  Reformation  of  a  moft  cotrupt, 
ie,  miamous,  fuperftitious-,  (bule-fliurdering 

Cleric. 

4.  At  the  advance  mefrt  of  Cfiritts  Kit^gdomc 
and  Ae  purity  of  his  Ordinance*. 

5.  At  the  bringing  to  Juft  ice  thccnemr«of 
ouf  Church  and  State. 

.  6  .  At  the  regulating  of  our  Courts  of  TofHce, 
which  have  been  nude  the  feats  of  toiqoity  and 
unrighteoufncffe. 

7.  At  the  upholding  of  out  Parlkmeots  , 
which  are  the  Sub/efts  beft  Inheritance,  wid  rfie 
Crowncof  our  Nation. 

8.  At  the  prefervation,  and  continuing  of  the 
Gofptli  to  pur  poftcrity  ,  and  the  generation*  to 
come. 

Q^  what  hoptt  have  j<ra  of  prwa%fi*£  w 

tkif  Cflufe  ? 

A.  We  have  incouragernents  enough  to  ttf-. 
ftjre  us  of  good  fuccdfe  :  there  be  mtny  argu- 
ments to  confirm  our  hope. 

i.  Frojgo  the  juftnciTe  tn^  goodne^of  ihe 
Caafc.  s.  FIOHI 


Id  The  Souldkrt  Cateckifrte. 

1.  From  the  couffe  that  hath  been  'tekefli 

•3  .  -From  the  condition  of  thofc  that  arc  inga- 
gea  in  the  bufinelfc. 

4'  .fyom  the  quality  of  our  en$nu>s. 

5-  FromthecheerfuHncfleOf  moftoiensfpi- 
Tits  in  this  Aftion. 

6.  From  the  many  defeats  and  victories  al 
ready  given  and  obtained. 

7.  From  the  afliftance  of  our  Brethren  *& 
Scpthnd. 

8.  From  the  Covenant  which,  all  tte  well- 
affcfted  of  the  Kiogdomehave  entrcd  into. 

Q^.Explaitic  the  fa  more  pjffjtularlj  and  in 
cyder  ,  undfirft  fbew  me  Vvhat  h*pts  .you  conceive 
fr.amthp  gf)odnc.$t  of.  fhr  Catifel 

4>  I  .  A  good,  Caufe  puts  life  an>i  courage 
into  mens  hearts. 

,  a..  A  good  Caufo  jiath  GOD  ever  Tiding 


3.  A  good  Caufe  daunts  and  difmays  tfic  ad- 
yetfep^rty. 

4.  A  good  Caufe  will  undoubtedly  prevails 
at  latt. 

QjPkat  ttywr  wcoaragemuiLfrom  thecwrfc 
thmfhath  Ijeck  td^en  ? 

.*/{.  i.  I  \\  that  ^lUaire  and  Chriftian  \naies 
have  been  atterapreii  .before  wee  tooke  up 
Artnts. 

^  io  that  the  Lord  was.  (bfcinnl/andg*- 

.  ncraliy 


The  Souldfers  Catfchifoc.          i  r 

neraJlyfowgfttttnto  before  this  bufincfic  Was  un- 
dertaken, 

3,  In  that  it  was  uncfmaken  with  good  ad- 
vice ,  and  is  guided  by  3  multitude  of*  t,oun(el- 
lors. 

4.  In  that  it  is  ft  ill  followed  with  the  Pray. 
<ers  and  humiliations  pf  all  the  faithful!  in  the 
land. 

f  hope  haw  jottfrom  rhtm  thdt  Are  T»- 


A.  l  .  Becaufe  all  the  fairhfoll  and  gpilly  Mi- 
trifters  of  the-Kingdome/do  fide  witli  us  in  this 
Caufc. 

a.  Bectufe  fhe  moft  of  our  Commanders 
are  men  of  dif-ingaged  and  Publiquc  Spi- 
riw. 

3.  Becaitfe  ouf  men  Generally  arc  ib  full  of 
courage  and  refolution. 

4.  Becaufe  we  h  a  vefo  many  god\y  and  tdl- 
gious  Souldiers  in  our  Armies. 

C^,  WkJtfrom  the  qua/ity  of  jour  enemies  ? 
tsf.  Wee  may  conclude  that  God  will  not 
profper  them. 

1.  Becaufe  they  arc  fpr  the  moft  part  Pa- 
pifts  and"  Atheifcs,  \vith  whom  we  -have  to 
oeale. 

2.  Bccau(e  they  are  generally  the  moft 
horrible    Cuffers   and    Plafphemer's    in   the 
World. 

3.  Bccaufe 


Xfc  The  Souldiers  Ctttcbifme. 

3.  Betauf?  they  are,  for  the  moft  part,  i 
mane,  barbarous  and-  crucll. 

4.  Becaufe  they  are  enemies  to  God,  *nd  the 
power  cf  goodneflc-,and  therefore  the  Lord  will 
icatterthein. 

Q^  What  doe  you  gather  from  the  cheerftiUe^e 
ef  their  fpiritS)  thai  Are  of  jour  party  ? 

A.   I .  Tis  an  Argument  that  God  hath  rai 
fed  his  fervants  to  do  fome  great  worke,  PfaL 
I4P-  7.9- 

2.  'Tis  an  Argument  that  God  wiliprofper 
thofe  whom  hehath  made fo  w tiling, ludg.  5.2. 

3.  'Tis  in  Argument  that  fuch  as  are  (b  wil- 
ling and  cheer  full  in  this  bufindfe,  will  goe  on 
couragioafly. 

4.  'Tis  an  Argument  that  they  are  fo  well 
iflurcd  of  the  goodnefle  of  their  Caufc,  that  they 
will  live  and  die  in  it. 

Q,  what  doe  jctt  coxflxdt  from  the giodfuc- 
cefle  that  jour  fictf  hath  already  had  f 

A.  I .  That  Almighty  God  declares  himfelfe 
a  friend  to  our  Party. 

2.  That  he  harh  already  much  abated  the  coo* 
ngcof  our  enemies. 

3 .  That  we  have  all  the  reafon  in  the  World 
totruft  God  for  the  future ,  who  hath  done  f0 
much  for  us. 

4*  That  the  Lord  will glorifiehimfelf more 
2nd  more  in  his  Churches  behalf. 

what 


TTfc  Swldws  Cttttckijrrte,  j  5 

^_  What  hopes  haw  you  from  yoitr  Brethren 
of  Scotland  t 

A*  i.  We  have  caute  to  acknowledge  Gods 
great  mercy,  in  bringing  them  to  our  aCfiftsncees 
this  time- 

3.  Their  nun.bers  and  preparations  are  gfleat, 
they  a  couragious  and  warlike  Nation.- 

3.  They  have  gjven  fufficient  ttftjmdny  of 
htepF  their  love  and  faithiuline0e  towards  our 
Nation. 

4.  They  are  as  much  concerned  in  this  Quar- 
veH  as  wee ,  and  are  reiolved  to  joinc  with  US 
in  it. 

Q._5*r  what  grounds  hflve  jow  to  tomfort  J9IST 
f civ  it  front  the  Nttiotuil  Covenant jvhich yon  /4y 
fo  m#nj  have  rnt red  into  ? 

A.  i .  Becaufe  k  is  a  teftimony  of  our  gene* 
rail  humiliation,  and  a  good  beginning  of  Refer* 
mat  ion. 

a.  Becaufe  it  is  the  joy  and  defire  of  all  gcod 
Chriftians  throughout  the  Land. 

3.  Becaufe  Popery  never  received  fo  deadly 
a  blow  in  this  Khigdome ,  as  by  this  Cove- 
nant. 

4.  Becaufe  all  the  Parliaments  affaires  ha  v* 
profpered  well  fince  the  Covenant  was  taken, 
\vitnefte  our  many  vi&ories  and  fuccetfes  \  As 
i.  Glocefter,  2.  Newbury,  3.  Winchby ,  neene 
Hcrne-CafUcj  4.  Hull ,  the  fame  day,  j.  lui- 

colne- 


&  Gsoasborough,  7.  Aruqdcll  Caftle,  8. 
idii  p.  A&ford  near  Winchcftcr,  befldes 
lawny  otherdefeats  given  the  enemy,  and  divers 
fcther  places  of  letter  note  recovered,  without  a- 
ny  confidcrable  lofle  on  our  fide. 

^«  But  is  it  nor  a  foment  able  thi»g  that  Cbn- 
$  urns  of  ft*  fame  N*tiony  fooitld  thkf  imbrue 
tbeir  bxuds  in  our  anothcrs  blwd  ? 

esf.  I  confetfe-ifr  is  :  But  as  the  cafe  now 
fcsnds^here  is  an  inevitable  and  abiblute  neceffi- 
ty  cF  fighting'  laid  upon  t  he  good  people  of  :  t  he 


I.  Is  it  not  high  time  to  (land  upon  our  guard, 
'Whenonreneflnies  have  drawn  tt\eir  Swords  up- 
tm  us,  to  invade  OUF  perfon«,  and  whaltoever  is 
dear  to  us. 

a.  God  now  calls  upon  us  to  avenge  the 
fclood  of  his  Saints  that  hath  been  fhed  in  the 
Land,  and  thofe  many  outrjgcs  which  have  beeii 
committed  againfr,  his  fervants. 

3.  The  wno  e  Ghurth  of  God  calls  upon  us 
to  come  in  to  the  help  of  the  Loi  d  and  his  peo- 
ple againft  the  mighty. 

4  Our  chiiJre  n  and  pofterity  call  upon  u<?  to 
maintain  thofe  Libenics,and  thac  Cofpel,  which 
We  received  from  OUP  fore-fathers. 

j.  We  are  not  i!0\i/  to  look  at  our  enemies  as 
Counfrjr-men  or  llthTnien  ,  orfcllow-Protf- 
ftants,  but  as  the  cncrrties  of  God  and  cur  Rrli- 

gion, 


?fa  SwUiers  C&echifme.          15 

,  and  fiders  with  Antichrift  ;  and  fa  our  eye 
is  not  to  pitie  than  ,  nor  our  fword  to  fpare 
them,  1^.48.10. 

Q^  There  tire  A  great  many  on  the  Kings 
Puny  that  have  beene  held  hone  ft  men  9&c.  rnH 
jottr  ftfordmake  no  difference  bctvrsene  them  and 
tthfrs  ? 

A.  i .  If  they  joyn  themfelvcs  with  the  ma- 
lignant Party,  we  cannot  know  them  from  Ma- 
ligrants. 

a .  It  is  to  fee  feared,  that  fuch  were  never  of 
us ,  becaufe  they  are  So  cruell  againft  us :  hypo- 
crites commonly  when  they  are  unmaskt ,provc 
ths  moft  dangerous  enemies. 

Q.  Wko  do  yen.  tbinkf  were  the  tsffttherS)  *n4 
occafioners  of  thif  unnAtxrallWarrc  ? 

A.  i .  The  Jefuites  ,  thofe  fire-brands  of 
mifchiefe ,  with  ail  the  Popifli  party. 

^.  The  Bifhops,  and  the  rotten  Clergie,With 
ill  the  Prelaticall  party. 

3.  The  Delinquents,  that  were  not  able  to 
abide  the  triall  of  Juftice  ,  with  all  the  Malig- 
nant party. 

4.  The  f  orraall  Gofpellers  of  the  Kingdbme, 
that  hate  a  Reformation ,  with  all  the  Atheifti- 

all  party.  , 

Q.  Do  net  many  of  them  that  you.cottnt  your 
enemies,  ft  and  for  Religion  as  well  as  you  ? 

I.  Surely  they  are  mad,  that  thinke  the 
B  Papifts 


«I6  The  Soulditrs  Cdtechifme. 

will  fight  in  defenceof  the  Proteftant 


2  .  They  are  very  fimple  ,  that  expeft  any 
care  of  the  trac  Religion  from  the  Prelates  and 
their  pai  ty,  who  have  beenc  the  grand  perfecu- 
tersof  it. 

3  .  Neither  is  it  to  be  imagined  ,  that  men  fo 
looie,  If  wd.and  wicked,  as  moft  of  your  Cava- 
Iters  are,fhoald  really  intend  the  prefer  vation  of 
Religion,  or  any  thing  elfe  that  is  good. 

4  We'knbw  the  Earl  of  Nevecaftle  pretends 
tKat  he  fk;ht  lor  Religion,  yet  his  Army  is  for 

*-th£  n:oft  part  Popifti,  and  he  faid  not  long  fince, 
That  men  might  talk  of  Religion,  and  fo  forth, 
but  Religion  of  it  ielfe  was  but  an  ayerie  thing. 

5  .  Their  ra{»e  and  madnefle  againfl  thofe  that 
t^iey  know  to  have  been  moft  zealous  and  for- 
ward in  the  maintenance  and  profeflion  of  the 
Proteftant  Religion,  doth  fufficiently  (hew  how 
ccrdi'illy  they  (land  for  Religion. 

6.   Indeed  they  do  ftand  for  Religion,  but  juft 
15  the-Ephefians  Aood  for  Diana,  A<5ls  ij. 

I.   The)k  ftand  fora  Popifti  Prekcie. 

«.  They  ftand  for  an  Ignominious  Clergie. 

3  .  1  hey  ftand  for  the  foule-fr.arv.ing  Serviee- 
Boi»ke. 

4.  They  ftand  for  a  companie  of  ftinking  Ce» 
rcir.onies. 

^5.  Thev  ftand  for  abominable  Monpment* 
•of  Idolatrie.  6.  Thf/ 


•  The  Swldiers  CAtcchifme .  \j 

6.  They  ftand  for  unchnftian  liberty. 

Q^  Do  you  thi»k.f^f  the"e  will  be  a  Reforma- 
tion of  tkefe  things  before  rrc  fhatt  injoy  any  peace? 

exf .  Yea  doubtlefle  :  'and  I  gather  it  from 
thcfe  Reafons. 

1.  Becaufe  Gods  anger  is  letloofe  upon  this 
Nation  for  thefe  things. 

2.  Becaufc  about  this  time  hundred  years  Po- 
perie,was  fupprefied  in  this  Kingdome;  and  it 
is  noted,  that  every  Centurie,  or  hundred  years, 
hath  produced  great  alterations  in  the  Church. 

3.  Becaufe  it  is  Reformation  that- our  Ene- 
mies do  mod  feare. 

4.  Becaufe  the  Devilland  his  Inftrumentsdo 
fo  beftirre  themfelves  at  this  time. 

5.  Becaufe  all  the   reformed   Churches  in 
Chriftendome  pray  for  and  expert  our  Refor- 
mation. 

J5  6.  Becaufe  the  meafure  of  our  enemies  ini- 
quity is  now  full 

7.  Becaufe  a  folemne  Oath  and  Covenant  is 
to  that  purpofe. 


B  i  The 


I* 


The  Second  Part  of  the  Soul- 

diers  Catechifme. 

Q^  "IT  JK  T  Hitt  itre  the  principa/l  things  requi- 
%/  ^/   red  in  a  Sottldicr  ? 

eA.  i.  That  hee  bee  rdigious 
and  godly. 

2.  That  ne  be  courageous  and  valiant. 

3.3.  That  he  be  skilfull  in  the  Militatie  Fr6- 
feffion. 

Q^Hovt  do  y  ott  prove  th<tt  oarfoittdiersjhonld 
be  religions  ? 

A.  i.  By  Scripture  :  Dfut.i$.  9.  Lft^.l^ 

2.  Befides  ,  there  be  many  Reafons  to  con- 
fir  me  it.  . 

i.  Becaufe  t&ey  L'e  fo  open  to  death. 

«  .  They  (land  in  continual!  need  of  Gods  afli- 
fiance. 

3  .  They  fight  for  Religion  and  Reformation. 

4.  God  hath  rais'd  them  up  to  execute  jufticc. 

5.  Men  may  be  as  religious  in  this  Profeflion 
as  io  any  other. 

6.  We  read  of  brave  fouldiers  that  have  been 
vety  religious. 

7.  A  well  ordered  Camp  is  a  Schoole  of  Ver- 

tne, 


Toe  SouUiers  Ctttcktfme. 

<  P 
taught,  i  .Prejaaration  to  death, 

2.  Contiocncicj  3.  Vigiiancfe ,  4. 
5.HardnefTe,  6.  Temperance,  7. 
8,  Devotion,  &c. 

Q^Who  do  chiefly  9ftntA$$pi%ft  this 

A,  i.  Such  fooldiers  as 
whoring  and  unql^annefic, 

2.  Suchasufetofweare,, 
name  of  God. 

3.  Such  as  follow  that  fwiniih  &uxf  drun- 
kenneflc. 

4.  Such  as  plunder  acd  fteak  whatever 
they  cosieneare. 

Q^  /f>*#  w«r  thefe  things  tvkrab/e  infouldiers? 

A*  No  more  in  them  then  other  men  :.  the 
Scripture  /aith  generally  to  and  of  all  men  whst- 
foever : 

i .  That  whoremongers  and  *dulfei?ers  God 
Will  judge,  Heh.  i  3. 5. 

* .  That  the  Lord  Witt  pot  nold  hitn 
that  taketh  his  Name  in  vainc. 

3 .  That  drunkards  lhall  not  inherit  the  King- 
dome  of  God,  i  Cor.6.9ylo. 

4.  That  he  that  doth  wroftg,{hall  receive  for 
the  wrong  he  hath  done^  and  there  is  no>  rcfpccl 
of  perfons,  Col.$.ult. 

Q^ff'hat  ij  the  reafon  thtn  that  there  befo  mA- 
»y  lewd  and  Vffiefyd  men  in  thf  Parfamfxts 

f 

'  B  3  A.  i .  Ba 


1O  The  SottUiers 

A*  I .  Becaufe  Commanders  in  Chief  are  net 
more  carcfuli  in  choofing  godly  Officers. 

9 .  Becaufe  hbneft  religious  then  arc  not  mora 
forward  t o  put  forth  themfelve*  in  thisfervicc 
of  God  and  his  Church. 

3.  Becaufe  Order  and  Difciplirie  is  not  more 
ftricllv  executed  by  Superiours. 

4 .  Becaufe  Officers  in  Towns  and  Countries 
timtoprefle  the  fcumme  and  refufe  of  men,  and 
fo  b>  eafing  themfelves ,   pefture  our  Armies 
With  bafe  conditioned  people. 

Q.  H$vr  can  -»e  expc  El  a,  biffing  ttpo»  our  pre- 
parations, -when  fo  many  gtdlcftf  Vf  retches  are  tm- 
floyedin  our  t^frmics  ? 

<sf.  i  .-•  Truly  it  is  a  very  fad  thing,and  much 
lo  be  larrented,and  requires  thtcare  of  the  State 
to  remedy. 

2 .  Yet  (bjefed  be  God  )  we  have  multitudes 
of  godly  and  eminent  Chr iftians  that  are  ingu- 
grd  in  the  Parliaments  Service. 

3.  And  befides-,  we  know  that  God  can  make 
ofe  of  wicked  men  to  fervc  his  providence,  as 
he  doth  of  wicked  Angclls. 

4.  We  have  many  inftances  of  bad  men,  that 
feave  done  good  fervice  to  God  and  his  Church, 
as  SAX],  loftiy  &c.  -  : 

Q^  Isit^iftl  done  of  fame  cf  year  Soulditrs 
(^tohichftfm  to  hf  religious)  to  brc*k^  down  Crttf- 
ffj  and/magfj  Vektre  they  meet  with  an}  ? 


ThcStaldicrsC&tchtfas.        ^   21 

J.  i.  I  confetfc  tha(nothmg  ouglit  to  be 
done  in  a  tumultuous  manner. 

a.  But  feeing  God  harh  put, £&c  Swotdo? 
Reforaution  into  the  ScuJdiers  hand,  I  thinkc  k 
is  not  gmiffc  that  they  (hould  cancel!  and  demo- 
lifh  thofe  Monuments  of  Superftition  and  ido- 
latry, cfpecially  feeing  the  Magistrate  and  the 
Minifter  that  fhquld  have  done  it  formerly  ,neg.- 
leftedit. 

Q.  But  what  fyj  you  to  thsir  tearing  and  bur- 
ning the  Books  of  Common  Prtjer*  in  every  ipjnce 
vhere  they  come  ? 

;A.  Moch  may  be  faid  intheiriuftifiorion, 
who  IKew  themfdves  fo  zealous  agauiH  thaj 
Booke. 

1.  It  hath  been  the  fomeuter  of  a  mod  la 2 is 
lewd,  and  ignorant  Miniftr y . 

2.  It  hath  been  the  Nurfc  of  that  lamentable 
blindneffsr  and  ignorance,  which  hath  ovctfprcad 
many  parts  of  this  Kingdome. 

3.  It  is  a  great  caufc  of  our  prefent  calaqn- 
ties,  for  who  are  they  that  fide  with  our  Popifli 
Enemies,  but  Coinmon«Prayer  wen  ? 

4.  It  is  become  the  moft  abominable  Idbjl  in 
the.  Land,  people  generally  doe  doat  upon  it ,  a» 
much  as  the  Epheiians  upon  Diana  •  and  prefer 
it  before  Preaching  in  many  place$,being  ftraogc- 
)y  inraged  for  the  want  of  it. 

5.  It  is  high  time  therefore  to  remove  this 

B  4  Brazen 


Tfo  StMters 


Bnzen  Serpent,  and 

it  is  the  occafion  of  fb  much  eviSJ. 

6.  It  is  very  likely  therefofe  that  God  hath 
ftkred  up  the  fpirits  of  &mc  honeft  fouldiers  to 
be  his  Inftrunients  for  the  deftruftionof  that 
Idoll. 

7.  It  bdong«  to  the  Parliament  Souldiers,up- 
en  the  matter,  to  remove  all  fcandalous  things 
they  meet  with,  having  covenanted,  andinga- 
ged  themfelves  in  the  work  of  Reformation. 

Q^  fPbat  doe  jo*  fay  concerning  Vtloftr  and 
courage  ? 

•  ^*,x.  I  fay  ,  it  Js  a  moft  noble  and  fceroicall 
vcrtucjthat  makes  fbme  men  differ  front  others, 
tsmuch  as  all  men  differ  from  beads. 

1.  I  fay,  if  is  impofsible  for  any  to  be  t  goo4 
fouldier  without  it.  An  Army  of  Harts  led  by 
a  Lion,  is  better  then  an  Army  of  Linns  led  by 
a  Hart. 

3  .  1  fay,  that  one  valiant  man  in  an  Army,  is 
better  then  a  tfcolifand  cowards. 

4.  I  fay  ,  that  a  coward  degenerates  from 
man,  being  of  a  bafe  and  ignoble  nature. 

i  .  God  took  fpeciallcare,  that  all  raint*hear- 
ted  cowards  fhould  be  caflriiercc!  out  of  his  Ar- 
mies, Deut.  20.  8. 

2.  Cowards  ever  do  more  hurt  then  good,bc- 
icg  like  an  X  before  an  L, 

£.  And  for  the  molt  part  covyardscrifcar-jc 

fooncr 


*          23 

(boner  then  thofe  that  are  eouftgious. 

Q^  FPhat  are  the  chiefs  ArjKmsvts 
Aerations  fo  make  *  fonldicr  cottragisw  in 
?Arliav*ett1i  Service  ? 

A.  f.TwgpodneffcoffheCaufe, 
doubtedJy  is  Gods,  «nd  his  Churches. 

a.  TheproBufe  of  God ,  «o  help  Ids  Cfu^ 
and  People  agaiaft  his  and  his  Churches  Bsc- 
mics. 

3.  The  manifold  experiences  that  thepeoj^e 
of  God  have  had  in  former  agcsof  his  affifcanc& 

4.  The  manifold  experiences  of  Gods  fpedd 
odnefle  to  his  fervants  in  thefe  dieses. 

j. The  aflurance,  that  kot  a  hairc  carj  faE  from 
our  heads  without  the  providencemJ  pcrmilE, 
on  of  God. 

6.  The  danger  of  faint-heartcdnefie ;  ke  th$£ 
Would  fave  his  life  in  fuch  times  as  thrfc ,  (hill 
lofeit. 

7.  The  promife,  that  whofoever  fliaH  lofehis 
Hfe,  or  any  thing  els,  in  the  Caufc  of  Chrift  and 
his  GofpeH,  lhall  be  a  great  gainer  by  the  hand. 

8.  The  consideration  that  this  Warreis  fur- 
reminded  with  the  prayers  ancj  blcffingsof  al!  the 
good  people  of  the  Land. 

p.  fhc  multitude 6t  enrincnt  Chriilijns,of afl 
forts^  rhat  are  ingaged  in  this  bufine{&. 

to.  The  great  revvard  of  honoyr  here^nd  §Sa« 
ty  hsraftcr,  tint  flsati  bs  ghen 


44          Ifa  Sotldiws  C 

that  is  valiant  for  the  Lord. 

at  &€  the  frincipull  tnemitt  to  cow&ge 
* 

i.  Want  of  experience:  frefli-  water 
commonly  lain:  -hearted  fouWiers  ; 
wkrets  they  chat  have  been  ufed  to  the  Wsrres 
a*e»feaUy  of  undaunted  f  pints. 

a.  Want  of  metall  :  fome  mens  Spirits  ire 
piturallv  To  low  and  bale  ,  that  they  will  nc?er 
m^yegond  fouidier  s  :  as  it  is  with-cocks,  tats 
i  sniorgfl  men  :  thera  is  a  breed  and  gerjeration 
>f  cravens. 

5.  Want  of  Faith:  when  aawn  hath  littis 
or  no  confidence  in  God,  his  heart  muii  needs 
fiile  him  io  undertakinss  of  danger  ;  whereas 
Taithfeares  not  in  the  valley  of  the  fhadowof 
death.  P/i/.iju|, 

4.  Want  of  innoceccy  ,  and  a  good  cmfci- 
ence,  Prov.  28.  i  It  was  the  ipeech  of  the  vjfo~ 
row.Earle'of  id'V*'  ,  -pur  -renowned  Generals 
Fathc.  »  (cited  by  T>.$arlow  in  his  Sermon  at 
Pauls  C*nfftrAf4rcb  1.1.600  )  Thafciomtimcs 
in  tht  field  encountering  the  enemy,  tjic  weight 
of.hiriinoe^l-  in^heavie  upon  his  conscience, 
being  not  rtconciled  to  God  quelled  his  fpirits, 
made  him  the  moll  tinerous  iiMin 


tf»lght  be. 


5  <  Want  of  wjfiiome  and  confide  ration  :  for 
furely  if  men.  would  fcrioufly  confider  theovills 

of 


Sonl(fiers  Catechifmt.  j$ 

of  cowardice,  and  the  excellency  of  valour  ,  it 
would  make  them  abhorre  the  one,  and  beambi- 
tious  of  the  other. 

Q^/.r  there  any  great  need  of  sQll  and  cun* 
mng  in  this  Profejfion  ? 

A.  Yeadoubtlefle:  for  David  doth  thaok-. 
fully  acknowledge  the  Lords  goodnes,  in  nach.. 
ing  his  hands  to  warre,  and  his  fingers  to  fight, 


j  .  Great  wifdome,policie,  and  experience  is 
required  in  Commanders. 

2.  And  no  leffe  skill  and  dexterity  in  common 
fouldkrs  ;  they  muft  know  how  to  handle  theil 
Armcs,  how  to  keep  Ranks  ,&c. 

5  .  Certainly  a  few  well-trained  Souldiersare 
better  then  a  multitude  of  raw,  unexperienced 
rren. 

Q..  What}  fhtuld  be  done  to  make  fouldicrs 
skjlfttll  in  their  Art  ? 

*sf.  i.  Officers  fliould  bee  very  diligent  in 
teaching  and  exercifing  their  men. 

2.  Common  fouldicrs  Chould  make  it  their  bu- 
fifieflc  to  learn  and  get  what  cunning  they  can.  . 

3.  Every  fouldier  (hould  feeke  to  God  by 
prayer,  that  he  would  mftruft  and  teach  them  : 
for  it  is  the  blcflmg  of  God  that  makes  men  to 
profit  in  any  profc0ion. 

4.  Both  Commanders,  Officers,  andcoair 
mon  Souldiers  may  advantage  them/elves  by 

reading 


reading  tnd  ebferving  what  iiath  been  written 
by  emirwrit  Souldiers,  ot  this  Aft. 

Q-_  How  ought  Commanders  wd  Officers  to 
tarry' tktmfe  foes  towards  their  Soulditrs  ? 

*sf.  I.  Reli^ioufly,  faewingtbem  noeviil 
wctoiple,  but  being  a  pitt«rne  to  them  of  virtue 
an^godiineflfe. 

,  «*  ibovingly ,  i)ot  in  a  fterne  rugged  manner, 
confidering  that  their  Command  is  not  over 
Besres,  But  men. 

3.  Difcreetly,  incoarsging  them  moft  tfeat 
defer«e  beft ,  and  avoiding,  fo  much  familiarity  as 
cay  i-ireed  contempt. 

4.  Juftly,  not-defrauding  them  of  their  das, 
aordccro^f  fui&rirjg any  injury  Kobe  done  Co 
themearift-. 

Q^  Hoty  fhsitld  infe riottr  SouUiers  demtflxe 
(.iimrfilvcy  tcnsay&  t\xir  G*an»A04ers  and  Offi- 
cers ? 

At  l.  They  muft  acknowledge  and  honour 
them  as  Superk>urs,tnd  account  them  as  men  fct 
over  them  by  the-fusavidence  of  God  and  wii"- 
o'ome  cf  the  State. 

2,  They  muft  be  exactly  obedjenc  to  theic 
command,  eveo  forfoofcience  Take,  Kent.  1 3.  5. 
tf  all  men  Souldiers  afe  rnofi:  ftriftly  ty ed  to  o- 
bedience,  the  v&ot  whereat  may  prove  of  very 
jftngefcous  confeqn.eflce. 
C^_  What  ft]  jstt  offah  Softtdiers  as  wegivtv* 
*  A.  J.They 


The  Swldxrs  CAttcbtfme*  27 

i .  They  are  as  dangerous  Catt  te  ai  can 
bsfongtoan  Army. 

2.  They  defervefevcre  punishment ,  «nd  to 
be  utterly  cafhiercd. 

3 .  They  will  hardly  ever  prove  good  Soflldi* 
dicrs  that  are  taynted  with  this  humour, 

Q^What «  year  opinion  of  tfofe  SctUditn  th&t 
rtin  swuj  from  tkeir  Celcws  .' 

A.  i.  Such  are,  by  Martiall  La  w,  to  fu€«t 
death,  and  furely ,  they  well  defer ve  it: 

2.  TiS  a  tnoft  ignoble  and  bafc  part  w  doe  fo, 
and  they  deferve  to  be  branded  with  infamy  for 
CTcr,  that  arc  guilty  of  it. 

3.  N&y  it  is  a  btvle  wickedneffe,  being  often- 
five  both  to  God  and  man ,  Pf*l.  78.  9. 

1.  Forfuch  fif  the  Caufebe  juft^  docalbin- 
don  the  Caufc  of  God. 

2 .  They  deceive  thit  tr uft  which  w«8  rep<> 
fed  in  them  by  the  State. 

3 .  As  much  as  in  them  lies ,  they  betray  the 
Caufc  they  have  andertaken. 

4.  They  give  dangerous  example ,  and  may 
Occafion  theoverthrovv  of  an  Army. 

Q^HfTv  ou^ht  foxlditrs  to  he  inuottrxgcd  and 
rewarded  ? 

A.  i.  They  ought  to  be  highly  honoured ,  ef- 
pecially  fuch  as  have  been  couragious  and  faith- 
full  in  their  Countreyes  Service. 

a.  They  ought  tg  be  well  maintained,  with 

iufficicnt 


18      „     The  Souldtcfs  CAtcebtftxt. 

fatfickrtf  allowance  ,  while  they  are  abroad  in 
impioyment  ;  for  no  man  goeth  on  warfare  at 
his  own  charges. 

3.  They  that  have  received  any  hurt  or  loflfe 
by  the  warres,  ought  to  be  liberally  provided 
for,  and  comfortably  mamtained  all  their  dayes, 
fey  them  that  fent  them  forth  . 

Q^WhAt  Arguments  have  you  to  prove,  that 
fttch  honour  and  »efpett  footild  bee  done  te  our 
fonl&ers  9 

A*  I.  They  that  fight  againft  the  Churches 
Enemies,  arc  Cods  helpers  againft  tht  mighty, 


.  They  are  the  Inftrurnents  of  Jufticc  ,  and 
the  Executioners  of  Gods  Judgements,  Pfalme 

14P-7.P- 

j.  i  hey  (hew  themfelves  men  ofpublike  fpi- 
rits,  and  true  lovens  of  their  Countrey. 

4.  They  (hew  themfelves  valiant  [and  cotira- 
gious,  whkh  are  very  high  deferving  qualities. 

y  .  No  men  undergoe  (uch  hardship  and  haz- 
zard  as  the  fouldicr  doth. 

6.  None  defer  ve  better  then  they,  either  of 
Chardi,  Coo-  jaon  wealth,  or  Poftemy. 

FINIS. 


DA 
427 

A5 


Cromwell,  Oliver 

Soldier »s  catechism 


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