IX. MILITARY MOURNING.

SOME may wonder at the strange incoherence in the words and actions, 2 Sam. i. 17:

And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son: also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow.

But the connection is excellent. For that is the most soldier-like sorrow, which in midst of grief can give order for revenge on such as have slain their friends.

Our general fast was first appointed to bemoan 113the massacre of our brethren in Ireland. But it is in vain to have a finger in the eye, if we have not also a sword in the other hand; such tame lamenting of lost friends is but lost lamentation. We must bend our bows in the camp, as our knees in the churches, and second our posture of piety with martial provisions.