are gilded; whereby you are to understand, that as the horse is fearful of them, because he is pricked with them for his better direction on the way; in like manner be you fearful of going forth of your rank, and breaking the rules of your vow, by committing any dishonest action, or unfitting a knight: and they are also (thus gilded,) fastened to your feet, to the end that you should preserve honour before gold, or all the riches of the world. Rouse up your spirits, and dream no longer on earthly affairs; but be watchful in the faith of Jesus: and dispose yourself so, as if you were even at the last affront, and the very latest injury you were to receive in marching under the cross of our Lord." The candidate accepts all these conditions, with an oath to obey them; and SO "he puts on him the whole panoply of Christ *."

* However we may admire some of the ancient institutions of chivalry, yet (if men knew their best interests,) we need not greatly deplore their disuse.Every man who acknowledges Christ, is bound by obligations equally strong as the most solemn oaths:

3.

In a brave bosom, honour cannot be rocked asleep by affection.

and is excited to consistent action by a far nobler motive, even to please Him, after whose name he is called, and by whose example he is enjoined to model himself. He is taught to endure hardships as a good soldier; to achieve honour, with honesty; to be temperate in all things; to wear within him a heart of mercy, kindness, humbleness, meekness, long-suffering, forbearance of others; and above all, to put on charity, which is the bond of perfection. He is not to be overcome of evil, but he is to overcome evil with good. He is to put off unreasonable anger and wrath, and all malice, and blasphemy, and evil communications. In fine, he is called to approve himself as the soldier of God, and to be armed with righteousness on the right hand and on the left. Thus is he to fight the good fight, to encounter the world and the foes off kis own bosom; and during the whole of his warfare, he is animated by the most glorious of objects, the example of the Son of God, the author and reward of his faith and, encouraged by this gracious declaration,-"Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life!" The oath of chivalry was a kind of charge to this battle; was a reminder, a stimulater

4.

The brave man teacheth his son, at one instant, to promise himself the best, and to despise the worst.

Remark.

When a soldier gives himself to his country, he does it without reservation. He holds no secret clause in his heart, of retracting, if he meet with neglect and ingratitude, instead of triumphs and trophies. If we trafficked our time and blood for titles or wealth, we should basely sell, what we now give. A soldier has nothing to do, either with pride or vanity: the

to man, when through negligence he might have sunk into vice, and by the indolence of unassisted nature have forgotten that he had power to rise again. No man ought to despise any aids as superfluous, which may lead him from sin, or give him warning of its ap proach. The oath of chivalry had an effect similar to the marriage vow: though neither increases love towards duty, yet the marks of the contract, like the fairy's enchanted ring, reminds us to fulfil it.

highest title that can adorn a man, is that of a hero; and that is his own: and the only use of riches, is to be above want; to befriend the wretched; and to appear of consequence in the eyes we love. All these are powers which belong to the soldier, with his name. The brave commands nothing, if he cannot conquer artificial desires: his arm and his influence protect the weak, and give comfort to the miserable: and, when a man is so apparelled in virtue, which is the only true greatness, he needs not plumes nor embroidery, to appear charming in the eyes of lovely woman.

5.

Courage ought to be guided by skill, and skill armed by courage. Neither should hardiness darken wit, nor wit cool hardiness. Be valiant as men despising death, but confident as unwonted to be overcome.

6.

The first mark of valour is defence.

7.

Whosoever in great things will think to

prevent all objections, must be still and do nothing.

Remark.

Great includes the idea of danger; and wherever there is danger, an over-cautious or dastardly nature will start objections. Great actions are not to be consulted, but done. The soul of enterprize is confidence; and an extraordinary confidence endues us with a natural force, ensouls us with courage, and impels us forwards to the highest pitch of mortal daring. So wonderful a prepossession is the surest pledge of heroic achievements. An omen so suspicious commands us to substitute action for counsel, and boldness for deliberation. The refined wisdom and unseasonable caution of Hannibal quenched his own glory, and laid Carthage in ashes. If, immediately after the battle of Cannæ, he had marched to Rome, that panic-struck city would inevitably have been destroyed, and Carthage made mistress of the world. serted him; and he,

But here his genius dewho had hitherto shewn