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I shall take these words as a political maxim and moral precept comprehending these two propositions.

I. THAT HERE IS COUCHED A SUPPOSITION, THAT UPON JUST GROUNDS AND LAWFUL CAUSES ANY NATION MAY DECLARE AND MAKE WAR UPON ANOTHER, implied in the expression, "If they go out to war against their enemies, by the way that God should send them." The just grounds of war according to the Laws of Nations and Arms are —

1. Those that concern the maintaining the public faith.

2. Those that respect the vindication of the honour of the Crown.

3. Those that relate to the prevention of the great and apparent dangers that threaten the general peace.

II. THE POSITIVE DUTY AND OBLIGATION THAT ALL NATIONS LIE UNDER, IN CASE OF THE DECLARATION OF SUCH A WAR, TO SEEK GOD WITH A SOLEMN HUMILIATION AND REPENTANCE, FOR HIS ASSISTANCE AND SUCCOUR TO MAINTAIN THEIR CAUSE OR RIGHT.

1. Because war is an appeal to God for the justice of a national cause.

2. Because of the great dangers and uncertainties that attend war. How many armies have their designs and themselves ruined by the little advantage of ground, the pass of a river, a sudden surprise, an undermining stratagem, the alteration of the weather, the fall of snow or rain, the misunderstanding of a word given, the spreading a false rumour or alarm; nay, the start of a horse, the mere error of the eye, or the information of a deserter! Which has overturned all policy, made power impotent, and victory unexpected. How many fleets have been dissipated with a mist, broken and sunk with a storm, and blown up with a spark of fire! (Ecclesiastes 9:11; chap, 14:11; Leviticus 26:8).

3. Because it will engage God to be on our side, and to vindicate our cause.

4. Because this solemn invocation of the Divine assistance, joined with a public humiliation and repentance, will be a means to avert those judgments that were otherwise due to our sins, and which we should have reason to fear might prevent the success of our arms, and provoke God to give us up to the will of our enemies.

5. Because prayer is an absolutely necessary and conditional means to success in war.

(Henry Sacheverell, D. D.)

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KJV: If thy people go out to war against their enemies by the way that thou shalt send them, and they pray unto thee toward this city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name;

WEB: "If your people go out to battle against their enemies, by whatever way you shall send them, and they pray to you toward this city which you have chosen, and the house which I have built for your name;