(seq. 9)

(8)
Love to Mankind, a Regard to Posterity;
A Nobleness of Soul to hand down a valuable
Legacy to after Generations. This Principle
is clearly held forth in our text; let us, says
Joab, with a Noble Soul, play {the} Men, for
Our People: for our People: Such was his
Regard for Israel, for his Country, {that} his Soul
was animated with Courage & Valour in {their}
Defence. And such a Principle should
reign in every Mind, and range {them} when
{the} Case calls for it; with invincible [Engaged?]
to defend {their} Country's Cause. - Wherefore
2. People should consider what {they} have to
defend, and in Proportion to {the} Worth &
Value {thereof}, so {they} should exert {themselves}.
Israel had a great Interest to defend {against}
{the} Invasions of {the} Ammonites. All {their} Pri-
vileges both civil & religious were now
to defend: and these were very precious, &
dear to {them}. - This is {the} Case with us, if
we were but truly sensible of it, it would
be well. Our Privileges are very great,
{they} are truly Valuable: and it is highly
necessary {that} we defend {them}, now {they} are
Attacked. We have no Right, yea, I will
venture to say, {God} forbid, we should give
{them} up to {the} Demands of Tyranny. We are
in Duty bound to {God}, & our country to
defend {them} to the last Extremity; & we