(seq. 3)

to hearken to their [evil?] [?]. This hurried on a
war [?] speedily ; and the Amonites hired Assyrians
to join them & carry on a war against David ; and [we?]
find them very busy in this Matter, while David
& Israel were still, & quiet, Amnon went
& hired the Syrians of Beth Rehob ; & the Syrians
of Zoba, 20,000 footmen, & of King Maacah a
1.000 Men ; & of Ishtob 12,000 Men ; & prepared
for war against Israel ; and all this was done by
their Craft, Instigation & Subtility of [Honoured ?]
Counsellers, and without any just Provocation
from David or the People of Israel. But
when David heard of it, finding himself under
a necessity to make ready for a just Defence,
He directly commissions the Gallant Joab to go
forth with an Host of Mighty Men in the De-
-fence of their Country's Cause against the Ammonites ;
and Joab as a faithful Man undertakes, & con-
-ducts the whole affair, with Valour & Bravery.
And what noble Motives, & godlike sentiments
fired his Breast, and pushed him forward for the
Defence of Israel, & the [?] of God ! And how
did he animate his Brother Abishai, and the
whole Army with these invincible sentiments ;
directing their Minds to the publik welfare & safety
of the People ; in [which ?] the Glory of God was deeply
Interested, and their Religion at stake. Be of good
Courage, says he, as in the Text, & let us play
the Men, for what ? for Money ? for Honors ? for
Preferment ? No, But for our People, & for
these Cities of our God. [Mr?] Henry [Notes?] :
That [God?] & our Country was the word. Let us
be Valiant from a Principle fo Love to