FOR USE IN
LIBRARY
ONLY
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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