suppress_v it_o will_v rise_v but_o where_o it_o be_v encourage_v it_o insult_v &_o tyrannise_n it_o be_v more_o just_a that_o israel_n shall_v rise_v against_o benjamin_n then_o that_o benjamin_n shall_v rise_v for_o gibeah_n by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v better_a to_o punish_v offender_n then_o to_o shelter_v the_o offender_n from_o punish_v and_o yet_o the_o wickedness_n of_o benjamin_n speed_v better_o for_o the_o time_n than_o the_o honesty_n of_o israel_n twice_o be_v the_o better_a part_n foil_v by_o the_o less_o and_o worse_o the_o good_a cause_n be_v send_v back_o with_o shame_n the_o evil_a return_v with_o victory_n and_o triumph_n o_o god_n their_o hand_n be_v for_o thou_o in_o the_o fight_n and_o thy_o hand_n be_v with_o they_o in_o their_o fall_n they_o have_v not_o fight_v for_o thou_o but_o by_o thou_o neither_o can_v they_o have_v miscarry_v in_o the_o fight_n if_o thou_o have_v not_o fight_v against_o they_o thou_o be_v just_a &_o holy_a in_o both_o the_o cause_n be_v 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this_o fire_n after_o all_o the_o air_n in_o the_o desert_n michae_n mother_n will_v smell_v of_o egypt_n it_o have_v be_v better_o the_o silver_n have_v be_v steal_v then_o thus_o bestow_v for_o now_o they_o have_v so_o employ_v it_o that_o it_o have_v steal_v away_o their_o heart_n from_o god_n and_o yet_o while_o it_o be_v melt_v into_o a_o image_n they_o think_v it_o dedicate_v to_o the_o lord_n if_o religion_n may_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o intention_n there_o shall_v scarce_o be_v any_o idolatry_n in_o the_o world_n this_o woman_n love_v her_o silver_n enough_o and_o if_o she_o have_v not_o think_v this_o costly_a piety_n worth_a thanks_o she_o know_v which_o way_n to_o have_v employ_v her_o stock_n to_o advantage_n even_o evil_a action_n have_v ofttimes_o good_a meaning_n and_o those_o good_a meaning_n be_v answer_v with_o evil_a recompense_n many_o a_o one_o bestow_v their_o cost_n their_o labour_n their_o blood_n and_o receive_v torment_n in_o steed_n of_o thanks_o 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none_o of_o the_o holy_a tribe_n need_v to_o shift_v his_o station_n even_o where_o royal_a power_n second_v the_o claim_n of_o the_o levite_n the_o injustice_n of_o man_n shorten_v his_o right_n what_o shall_v become_v of_o the_o levite_n if_o there_o be_v no_o king_n and_o what_o of_o the_o church_n if_o no_o levites_n no_o king_n therefore_o no_o church_n how_o can_v the_o impotent_a child_n live_v without_o a_o nurse_n king_n shall_v be_v thy_o nurse_n father_n and_o queen_n thy_o nurse_n say_v god_n nothing_o more_o argue_v the_o disorder_n of_o any_o church_n or_o the_o decay_n of_o religion_n than_o the_o force_a straggle_v of_o the_o levite_n there_o be_v hope_n of_o growth_n when_o micha_n ride_v to_o seek_v a_o levite_n but_o when_o the_o levite_n come_v to_o seek_v a_o service_n of_o micha_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o gasp_a devotion_n micha_n be_v no_o obscure_a man_n all_o mount_n ephraim_n can_v not_o but_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o domestical_a go_n this_o levite_n can_v not_o but_o hear_v of_o his_o disposition_n of_o his_o mis-devotion_n yet_o want_n of_o maintenance_n no_o less_o than_o conscience_n draw_v he_o on_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o idolatrous_a patronage_n holiness_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o profession_n happy_a be_v it_o for_o the_o church_n if_o the_o clergy_n can_v be_v a_o privilege_n from_o lewdness_n when_o need_n meet_v with_o unconscionableness_n all_o condition_n be_v easy_o swallow_v of_o unlawful_a entrance_n of_o wicked_a execution_n ten_o shekel_n and_o a_o suit_n of_o apparel_n and_o his_o diet_n be_v good_a wage_n for_o a_o needy_a levite_n he_o that_o can_v bestow_v eleven_o hundred_o shekel_n upon_o his_o puppet_n can_v afford_v button_n to_o his_o priest_n so_o have_v he_o at_o once_o a_o rich_a idol_n and_o a_o beggarly_a priest_n whosoever_o affect_v to_o serve_v god_n good_a cheap_a show_n that_o he_o make_v god_n but_o a_o stale_a to_o mammon_n yet_o be_v micha_n a_o kind_a patron_n though_o not_o liberal_a he_o call_v the_o young_a levite_n his_o father_n and_o use_v he_o as_o his_o son_n &_o what_o he_o want_v in_o mean_n supply_n in_o affection_n it_o be_v happy_a if_o christian_n can_v imitate_v the_o love_n of_o idolater_n towards_o they_o which_o serve_v at_o the_o altar_n micha_n make_v a_o shift_n with_o the_o priesthood_n of_o his_o own_o son_n yet_o that_o his_o heart_n check_v he_o in_o it_o appear_v both_o by_o the_o change_n &_o his_o contentment_n in_o the_o change_n now_o i_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v good_a to_o i_o see_v i_o have_v a_o levite_n to_o my_o priest_n therefore_o while_o his_o priest_n be_v no_o levite_n he_o see_v there_o be_v cause_n why_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v good_a to_o he_o if_o the_o levite_n have_v not_o come_v to_o offer_v his_o service_n michae_n son_n have_v be_v a_o lawful_a priest_n many_o time_n the_o conscience_n run_v away_o smooth_o with_o a_o unwarrantable_a action_n and_o rest_v itself_o upon_o those_o ground_n which_o afterward_o 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be_v glad_a to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o priesthood_n if_o they_o have_v but_o go_v up_o to_o shilo_n they_o may_v have_v consult_v with_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n but_o worldly_a mind_n be_v not_o curious_a in_o their_o holy_a service_n if_o they_o have_v a_o god_n a_o ephod_n a_o priest_n it_o suffice_v they_o they_o have_v rather_o enjoy_v a_o false_a worship_n with_o ease_n then_o to_o take_v pain_n for_o the_o true_a those_o that_o be_v curious_a in_o their_o diet_n in_o their_o purchase_n in_o their_o attire_n in_o their_o contract_n yet_o in_o god_n business_n be_v very_o indifferent_a the_o author_n of_o lie_n sometime_o speak_v truth_n for_o a_o advantage_n &_o from_o his_o mouth_n this_o flatter_a levite_n speak_v
up_o himself_o must_v needs_o think_v he_o that_o can_v raise_v fire_n out_o of_o a_o stone_n can_v raise_v courage_n and_o power_n out_o of_o my_o dead_a breast_n he_o that_o by_o this_o fire_n have_v consume_v the_o broth_n and_o flesh_n can_v by_o the_o feeble_a flame_n of_o my_o fortitude_n consume_v midian_a gideon_n do_v not_o so_o much_o doubt_v before_o as_o now_o he_o fear_v we_o that_o shall_v once_o live_v with_o and_o be_v like_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o estate_n of_o our_o impotency_n think_v we_o can_v see_v a_o angel_n and_o live_v gideon_n be_v acknowledge_v for_o mighty_a in_o valour_n yet_o he_o tremble_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o angel_n peter_n that_o dare_v draw_v his_o sword_n upon_o malchus_n and_o all_o the_o train_n of_o judas_n yet_o fear_n when_o he_o think_v he_o have_v see_v a_o spirit_n our_o natural_a courage_n can_v be_v be_v we_o out_o against_o spiritual_a object_n this_o angel_n be_v homely_a &_o familiar_a take_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o time_n a_o resemblance_n of_o that_o flesh_n whereof_o he_o will_v afterward_o take_v the_o substance_n yet_o even_o the_o valiant_a gideon_n quake_v to_o have_v see_v he_o how_o awful_a and_o glorious_a be_v the_o god_n of_o angel_n when_o he_o will_v be_v see_v in_o the_o state_n of_o heaven_n the_o angel_n that_o depart_v for_o the_o wonder_n yet_o return_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o gideon_n it_o be_v not_o the_o wont_a of_o god_n to_o leave_v his_o child_n in_o a_o maze_n but_o he_o bring_v they_o out_o in_o the_o same_o mercy_n which_o lead_v they_o in_o and_o will_v magnify_v his_o grace_n in_o the_o one_o no_o less_o than_o his_o power_n in_o the_o other_o now_o gideon_n grow_v acquaint_v with_o god_n and_o interchange_n pledge_n of_o familiarity_n he_o build_v a_o altar_n to_o god_n and_o god_n confer_v with_o he_o and_o as_o he_o use_v where_o he_o love_v employ_v he_o his_o first_o task_n must_v be_v to_o destroy_v the_o god_n of_o the_o midianite_n than_o the_o idolater_n themselves_o while_o baal_n altar_n &_o grove_n stand_v in_o the_o hill_n of_o ophrah_n israel_n shall_v in_o vain_a hope_n to_o prevail_v it_o be_v most_o just_a with_o god_n that_o judgement_n shall_v continue_v with_o the_o sin_n and_o no_o less_o mercy_n if_o it_o may_v remove_v after_o it_o will_v thou_o fain_o be_v rid_v of_o any_o judgement_n inquire_v what_o false_a altar_n &_o grove_n thou_o have_v in_o thy_o heart_n down_o with_o they_o first_o first_o must_v baal_n altar_n be_v ruin_v ere_o god_n be_v build_v both_o may_v not_o stand_v together_o the_o true_a god_n will_v have_v no_o society_n with_o idol_n neither_o will_v allow_v it_o us._n i_o do_v not_o hear_v he_o say_v that_o altar_n &_o grove_n which_o be_v abuse_v to_o baal_n consecrate_v now_o to_o i_o but_o as_o one_o who_o holy_a jealousy_n will_v abide_v no_o worship_n till_o there_o be_v no_o idolatry_n he_o first_o command_v down_o the_o monument_n of_o superstition_n and_o then_o enjoin_v his_o own_o service_n yet_o the_o wood_n of_o baal_n grove_n must_v be_v use_v to_o burn_v a_o sacrifice_n unto_o god_n when_o it_o be_v once_o cut_v down_o god_n detestation_n &_o their_o danger_n cease_v the_o good_a creature_n of_o god_n that_o have_v be_v profane_v to_o idolatry_n may_v in_o a_o change_n of_o their_o use_n be_v employ_v to_o the_o holy_a service_n of_o their_o maker_n though_o some_o israelite_n be_v penitent_a under_o this_o humiliation_n yet_o still_o many_o of_o they_o persist_v in_o their_o wont_a idolatry_n the_o very_a household_n of_o gideons_n father_n be_v still_o baalite_n and_o his_o neighbour_n of_o ophrah_n be_v in_o the_o same_o sin_n yea_o if_o his_o father_n have_v be_v free_a what_o do_v he_o with_o baal_n grove_n and_o altar_n he_o dare_v not_o therefore_o take_v his_o father_n servant_n though_o he_o take_v his_o bullock_n but_o command_v his_o own_o the_o master_n be_v best_a see_v in_o the_o servant_n gideons_n servant_n among_o the_o idolatrous_a retinue_n of_o joash_n be_v religious_a like_o their_o master_n yet_o the_o mis-devotion_n of_o joash_n and_o the_o ophrathite_n be_v not_o obstinate_a joash_n be_v easy_o persuade_v by_o his_o son_n and_o easy_o persuade_v his_o neighbour_n how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o plead_v for_o such_o a_o god_n as_o can_v speak_v for_o himself_o to_o revenge_v his_o cause_n that_o can_v not_o defend_v himself_o let_v baal_n plead_v for_o himself_o one_o example_n of_o a_o resolute_a onset_n in_o a_o note_a person_n may_v do_v more_o good_a than_o a_o thousand_o second_n in_o the_o proceed_n of_o a_o action_n soon_o be_v all_o the_o midianite_n in_o a_o uproar_n to_o lose_v their_o god_n they_o need_v not_o now_o be_v bid_v to_o muster_v themselves_o for_o revenge_n he_o have_v no_o religion_n that_o can_v suffer_v a_o indignity_n offer_v to_o his_o god_n gideons_n preparation_n and_o victory_n of_o all_o the_o instrument_n that_o god_n use_v in_o so_o great_a a_o work_n i_o find_v none_o so_o weak_a as_o gideon_n who_o yet_o of_o all_o other_o be_v style_v valiant_a natural_a valour_n may_v well_o stand_v with_o spiritual_a cowardice_n before_o he_o know_v that_o he_o speak_v with_o a_o god_n he_o may_v have_v just_a colour_n for_o his_o distrust_n but_o after_o god_n have_v approve_v his_o presence_n and_o almighty_a power_n by_o fetch_v fire_n out_o of_o the_o stone_n then_o to_o call_v for_o a_o watery_a sign_n of_o his_o promise_a deliverance_n be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o pour_v water_n upon_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o former_a trial_n god_n give_v unwished_v this_o upon_o gideons_n choice_n and_o entreaty_n the_o former_a miracle_n be_v strong_a enough_o to_o carry_v gideon_n through_o his_o first_o exploit_n of_o ruinate_v the_o idolatrous_a grove_n and_o altar_n but_o now_o when_o he_o see_v the_o swarm_n of_o the_o midianite_n and_o amalekite_n about_o his_o ear_n he_o call_v for_o new_a aid_n and_o not_o trust_v to_o his_o abiezrite_n and_o his_o other_o thousand_o of_o israel_n he_o run_v to_o god_n for_o a_o further_a assurance_n of_o victory_n the_o refuge_n be_v good_a but_o the_o manner_n of_o seek_v it_o savour_v of_o distrust_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o easy_a then_o to_o be_v valiant_a when_o no_o peril_n appear_v but_o when_o evil_n assail_v we_o upon_o unequal_a term_n it_o be_v hard_a and_o commendable_a not_o to_o be_v dismay_v if_o god_n have_v make_v that_o proclamation_n now_o which_o afterward_o be_v command_v to_o be_v make_v by_o gideon_n let_v the_o timorous_a depart_n i_o doubt_v whether_o israel_n have_v not_o want_v a_o guide_n yet_o how_o willing_a be_v the_o almighty_a to_o satisfy_v our_o weak_a desire_n what_o task_n be_v he_o content_a to_o be_v set_v by_o our_o infirmity_n the_o fleece_n must_v be_v wet_a and_o the_o ground_n dry_a the_o ground_n must_v be_v wet_a and_o the_o fleece_n dry_a both_o be_v do_v that_o now_o gideon_n may_v see_v whether_o he_o will_v make_v himself_o hard_a earth_n or_o yield_a wool_n god_n can_v at_o pleasure_n distinguish_v betwixt_o he_o and_o the_o midianite_n &_o pour_v down_o either_o mercy_n or_o judgement_n where_o he_o list_v and_o that_o he_o be_v set_v on_o work_n by_o that_o god_n which_o can_v command_v all_o the_o element_n and_o they_o obey_v he_o fire_n water_n earth_n serve_v both_o he_o and_o when_o he_o will_v he_o and_o now_o when_o gideon_n have_v this_o reciprocal_a proof_n of_o his_o ensue_a success_n he_o go_v on_o as_o he_o well_o may_v harness_v with_o resolution_n and_o be_v see_v in_o the_o head_n of_o his_o troop_n and_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o midianite_n if_o we_o can_v make_v up_o the_o match_n with_o god_n when_o we_o have_v our_o own_o ask_n we_o be_v worthy_a to_o sit_v out_o gideon_n have_v but_o thirty_o thousand_o soldier_n at_o his_o his_o heel_n the_o midianite_n cover_v all_o the_o valley_n like_o grasshopper_n and_o now_o while_o the_o israelite_n think_v we_o be_v too_o few_o god_n say_v the_o people_n be_v too_o many_o if_o the_o israelite_n must_v have_v look_v for_o victory_n from_o their_o finger_n they_o may_v well_o have_v say_v the_o midianite_n be_v too_o many_o for_o we_o but_o that_o god_n who_o thought_n and_o word_n be_v unlike_a to_o man_n say_v they_o be_v too_o many_o for_o i_o to_o give_v the_o midianite_n into_o their_o hand_n if_o humane_a strength_n be_v to_o be_v oppose_v there_o shall_v have_v need_v a_o equality_n but_o now_o god_n mean_v to_o give_v the_o victory_n his_o care_n be_v not_o how_o to_o get_v it_o but_o how_o not_o to_o lose_v or_o blemish_v the_o glory_n of_o it_o get_v how_o jealous_a god_n be_v of_o his_o honour_n he_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v deliverance_n to_o israel_n but_o the_o
to_o he_o out_o of_o his_o obscure_a beer_n to_o see_v the_o fire_n out_o of_o this_o bramble_n to_o consume_v those_o tree_n the_o view_n of_o god_n revenge_n be_v so_o much_o more_o please_v to_o a_o good_a heart_n than_o his_o own_o by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v more_o just_a and_o full_a there_o be_v never_o such_o a_o pattern_n of_o unthankfulness_n as_o these_o israelite_n they_o which_o late_o think_v a_o kingdom_n too_o small_a recompense_n for_o gideon_n and_o his_o son_n now_o think_v it_o too_o much_o for_o his_o seed_n to_o live_v and_o take_v life_n away_o from_o the_o son_n of_o he_o that_o give_v they_o both_o life_n and_o liberty_n yet_o if_o this_o have_v be_v some_o hundred_o of_o year_n after_o when_o time_n have_v wear_v out_o the_o memory_n of_o jerub-baal_a it_o may_v have_v bear_v a_o better_a excuse_n no_o man_n can_v hope_v to_o hold_v pace_n with_o time_n the_o best_a name_n may_v not_o think_v scorn_n to_o be_v unknown_a to_o follow_v generation_n but_o ere_o their_o deliverer_n be_v cold_a in_o his_o coffin_n to_o pay_v his_o benefit_n which_o deserve_v to_o be_v everlasting_a with_o the_o extirpation_n of_o his_o posterity_n it_o be_v more_o than_o savage_a what_o can_v be_v look_v for_o from_o idolater_n if_o a_o man_n have_v cast_v off_o his_o god_n he_o will_v easy_o cast_v off_o his_o friend_n when_o religion_n be_v once_o go_v humanity_n will_v not_o stay_v long_o after_o that_o which_o the_o people_n be_v punish_v afterward_o for_o but_o desire_v he_o enjoy_v now_o be_v abimelec_n seat_v in_o the_o throne_n which_o his_o father_n refuse_v and_o no_o rival_n be_v see_v to_o envy_v his_o peace_n but_o how_o long_o will_v this_o glory_n last_o stay_v but_o three_o year_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v this_o bramble_n wither_v and_o burn_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v short_a and_o fickle_a a_o steal_a crown_n though_o it_o may_v look_v fair_a can_v be_v make_v of_o any_o but_o brittle_a stuff_n all_o life_n be_v uncertain_a but_o wickedness_n over-runne_v nature_n the_o evil_a spirit_n thrust_v himself_o into_o the_o plot_n of_o abimelechs_n usurpation_n and_o murder_n &_o wrought_v with_o the_o sechemite_n for_o both_o and_o now_o god_n send_v the_o evil_a spirit_n betwixt_o abimelec_n and_o the_o sichemite_n to_o work_v the_o ruin_n of_o each_o other_o the_o first_o can_v not_o have_v be_v without_o god_n but_o in_o the_o second_o god_n challenge_v a_o part_n revenge_n be_v he_o where_o the_o sin_n be_v we_o it_o have_v be_v pity_n that_o the_o sichemite_n shall_v have_v be_v plague_v by_o any_o other_o hand_n than_o abimelecs_n they_o raise_v he_o unjust_o to_o the_o throne_n they_o be_v the_o first_o that_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o his_o sceptre_n the_o foolish_a bird_n limb_n herself_o with_o that_o which_o grow_v from_o she_o own_o excretion_n who_o wonder_v to_o see_v the_o kind_a peasant_n sting_v with_o his_o own_o snake_n the_o breach_n begin_v at_o shechem_n his_o own_o countryman_n fly_v off_o from_o their_o promise_a allegiance_n though_o all_o israel_n shall_v have_v fall_v of_o from_o abimelec_n yet_o they_o of_o shechem_n shall_v have_v stick_v close_o it_o be_v their_o act_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v make_v it_o good_a how_o shall_v good_a prince_n be_v honour_v when_o even_o abimelecs_n once_a settle_v can_v be_v oppose_v with_o safety_n now_o they_o begin_v the_o revolt_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o israel_n yet_o if_o this_o have_v be_v do_v out_o of_o repentance_n it_o have_v be_v praiseworthy_a but_o to_o be_v do_v out_o of_o a_o treacherous_a inconstancy_n be_v unworthy_a of_o israelite_n how_o can_v abimelec_n hope_v for_o fidelity_n of_o they_o who_o he_o have_v make_v and_o find_v traitor_n to_o his_o father_n blood_n no_o man_n know_v how_o to_o be_v sure_a of_o he_o that_o be_v unconscionable_a he_o that_o have_v be_v unfaithful_a to_o one_o know_v the_o way_n to_o be_v perfidious_a and_o be_v only_o fit_a for_o his_o trust_n that_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v deceive_v whereas_o faithfulness_n beside_o the_o present_a good_a lay_v a_o ground_n of_o further_a assurance_n the_o friendship_n that_o be_v begin_v in_o evil_a can_v stand_v wickedness_n both_o of_o it_o own_o nature_n and_o through_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n be_v ever_o unsteady_a and_o though_o there_o be_v not_o a_o disagreement_n in_o hell_n be_v but_o the_o place_n of_o retribution_n not_o of_o action_n yet_o on_o earth_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n among_o the_o wicked_a whereas_o that_o affection_n which_o be_v knit_v in_o god_n be_v indissoluble_a if_o the_o man_n of_o shechem_n have_v abandon_v their_o false_a god_n with_o their_o false_a king_n and_o out_o of_o a_o serious_a remorse_n &_o desire_v of_o satisfaction_n for_o their_o idolatry_n &_o blood_n have_v oppose_v this_o tyrant_n &_o prefer_v jotham_n to_o his_o throne_n there_o may_v have_v be_v both_o warrant_n for_o their_o quarrel_n and_o hope_v of_o success_n but_o now_o if_o abimelec_n be_v a_o wicked_a usurper_n yet_o the_o shechemite_n be_v idolatrous_a traitor_n how_o can_v they_o think_v that_o god_n will_v rather_o revenge_v abimelecs_n bloody_a intrusion_n by_o they_o than_o their_o treachery_n &_o idolatry_n by_o abimelec_n when_o the_o quarrel_n be_v betwixt_o god_n &_o satan_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o the_o issue_n but_o when_o one_o devil_n fight_v with_o another_o what_o certainty_n be_v there_o of_o the_o victory_n though_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n have_v be_v good_a yet_o it_o have_v be_v safe_a for_o they_o to_o look_v to_o themselves_o the_o unworthiness_n of_o the_o agent_n many_o time_n curse_n a_o good_a enterprise_n no_o soon_o be_v a_o secret_a dislike_n kindle_v in_o any_o people_n against_o their_o governor_n than_o there_o be_v a_o gaal_n ready_a to_o blow_v the_o coal_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n if_o ever_o any_o faction_n shall_v want_v a_o head_n as_o contrary_o never_o any_o man_n be_v so_o ill_o as_o not_o to_o have_v some_o favourer_n abimelec_n have_v a_o zebul_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o shechem_n light_o all_o treason_n be_v betray_v even_o with_o some_o of_o their_o own_o his_o intelligence_n bring_v the_o sword_n of_o abimelec_n upon_o shechem_n who_o now_o have_v demolish_v the_o city_n &_o sow_v it_o with_o salt_n oh_o the_o just_a succession_n of_o the_o revenge_n of_o god_n gideons_n ephod_n be_v punish_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n be_v shed_v by_o the_o procurement_n of_o the_o shechemite_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o shechemite_n be_v shed_v by_o abimelec_n the_o blood_n of_o abimelec_n be_v spill_v by_o a_o woman_n the_o retaliation_n of_o god_n be_v sure_a and_o just_a &_o make_v a_o more_o due_a pedigree_n than_o descent_n of_o nature_n the_o pursue_v shechemite_n fly_v to_o the_o house_n of_o their_o god_n berith_n now_o they_o be_v safe_a that_o place_n be_v at_o once_o a_o fort_n and_o a_o sanctuary_n whether_o shall_v we_o fly_v in_o our_o distress_n but_o to_o our_o god_n and_o now_o this_o refuge_n shall_v teach_v they_o what_o a_o god_n they_o have_v serve_v the_o jealous_a god_n who_o they_o have_v forsake_v have_v they_o now_o where_o he_o will_v &_o rejoice_v at_o once_o to_o be_v revenge_v of_o their_o god_n &_o they_o have_v they_o not_o make_v the_o house_n of_o baal_n their_o shelter_n they_o have_v not_o die_v so_o fearful_o now_o according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jotham_n a_o fire_n go_v out_o of_o the_o bramble_n and_o consume_v these_o cedar_n and_o their_o eternal_a flame_n begin_v in_o the_o house_n of_o their_o berith_n the_o confusion_n of_o wicked_a man_n rise_v out_o of_o the_o false_a deity_n which_o they_o have_v dote_v on_o of_o all_o the_o conspirator_n against_o gideons_n son_n only_a abimelec_n yet_o survive_v and_o his_o day_n be_v now_o come_v his_o success_n against_o shechem_n have_v fill_v his_o hart_n with_o thought_n of_o victory_n he_o have_v cage_a up_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o tebez_n within_o their_o tower_n also_o and_o what_o remain_v for_o they_o but_o the_o same_o end_n with_o their_o neighbour_n and_o behold_v while_o his_o hand_n be_v busy_a in_o put_v fire_n to_o the_o door_n of_o their_o tower_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o high_a for_o then_o he_o can_v not_o have_v discern_v a_o woman_n to_o be_v his_o executioner_n a_o stone_n from_o a_o woman_n hand_n strike_v his_o head_n his_o pain_n in_o die_v be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o his_o indignation_n to_o know_v by_o who_o he_o die_v &_o rather_o will_v he_o die_v twice_o than_o a_o woman_n shall_v kill_v he_o if_o god_n have_v not_o know_v his_o stomach_n so_o big_a he_o have_v not_o vex_v he_o with_o the_o impotency_n of_o his_o victor_n god_n find_v a_o time_n to_o reckon_v with_o wicked_a man_n for_o all_o the_o arrearage_n
that_o bring_v we_o news_n of_o salvation_n by_o how_o much_o their_o errand_n be_v better_a that_o manoah_n may_v learn_v to_o acknowledge_v god_n in_o this_o man_n he_o set_v off_o the_o proffer_n of_o his_o thankfulness_n from_o himself_o to_o god_n and_o as_o the_o same_o angel_n which_o appear_v to_o gideon_n turn_v his_o feast_n into_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o now_o he_o be_v manoahs_n solicitor_n to_o better_a thanks_o than_o he_o offer_v how_o forward_o the_o good_a angel_n be_v to_o incite_v we_o unto_o piety_n either_o this_o be_v the_o son_n himself_o which_o say_v it_o be_v his_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o do_v his_o father_n will_n or_o else_o one_o of_o his_o spiritual_a attendance_n of_o the_o same_o diet_n we_o can_v never_o feast_v the_o angel_n better_o then_o with_o our_o hearty_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n why_o do_v not_o we_o learn_v this_o lesson_n of_o they_o who_o we_o propound_v to_o ourselves_o as_o the_o pattern_n of_o our_o obedience_n we_o shall_v be_v once_o like_o the_o angel_n in_o condition_n why_o be_v we_o not_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n in_o our_o disposition_n if_o we_o do_v not_o provoke_v and_o exhort_v one_o another_o to_o godliness_n and_o do_v care_n more_o for_o a_o feast_n than_o a_o sacrifice_n our_o appetite_n be_v not_o angelical_a but_o brutish_a it_o be_v a_o honest_a mind_n in_o manoah_n while_o he_o be_v address_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n yet_o not_o to_o neglect_v his_o messenger_n fain_o will_v he_o know_v who_o to_o honour_n true_a piety_n be_v not_o uncivil_a but_o while_o it_o magnify_v the_o author_n of_o all_o blessing_n be_v thankful_a to_o the_o mean_n secondary_a cause_n be_v worthy_a of_o regard_n neither_o need_v it_o detract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o agent_n to_o honour_v the_o instrument_n it_o be_v not_o only_a rudeness_n but_o injustice_n in_o those_o which_o can_v be_v content_a to_o hear_v good_a news_n from_o god_n with_o contempt_n of_o the_o bearer_n the_o angel_n will_v neither_o take_v nor_o give_v but_o conceal_v his_o very_a name_n from_o manoah_n all_o honest_a motion_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v yield_v to_o good_a intention_n be_v not_o always_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o condiscent_fw-la if_o we_o do_v sometime_o ask_v what_o we_o know_v not_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o we_o receive_v not_o what_o we_o ask_v in_o some_o case_n the_o angel_n of_o god_n tell_v his_o name_n unasked_a as_o gabriel_n to_o the_o virgin_n here_o not_o by_o entreaty_n if_o it_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n he_o have_v as_o yet_o no_o name_n but_o jehovah_n if_o a_o create_a angel_n he_o have_v no_o commission_n to_o tell_v his_o name_n &_o a_o faithful_a messenger_n have_v not_o a_o word_n beyond_o his_o charge_n beside_o that_o he_o see_v it_o will_v be_v of_o more_o use_n for_o manoah_n to_o know_v he_o real_o then_o by_o word_n oh_o the_o bold_a presumption_n of_o those_o man_n which_o as_o if_o they_o have_v long_o sojourn_v in_o heaven_n and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o holy_a legion_n of_o spirit_n discourse_n of_o their_o order_n of_o their_o title_n when_o this_o one_o angel_n stop_n the_o mouth_n of_o a_o better_a man_n than_o they_o with_o why_o do_v thou_o ask_v after_o my_o name_n which_o be_v secret_a secret_n thing_n to_o god_n reveal_v to_o we_o and_o our_o child_n no_o word_n can_v be_v so_o significant_a as_o action_n the_o act_n of_o the_o angel_n tell_v best_a who_o he_o be_v he_o do_v wonderful_o wonderful_a therefore_o be_v his_o name_n so_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o flame_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n ascend_v he_o mount_v up_o in_o the_o smoke_n of_o it_o that_o manoah_n may_v see_v the_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o messenger_n belong_v both_o to_o one_o god_n and_o may_v know_v both_o whence_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o message_n and_o whence_o to_o expect_v the_o performance_n gideons_n angel_n vanish_v at_o his_o sacrifice_n but_o this_o in_o the_o sacrifice_n that_o manoah_n may_v at_o once_o see_v both_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o the_o acceptation_n of_o his_o obedience_n while_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o perfume_v himself_o with_o that_o holy_a smoke_n &_o carry_v the_o send_v of_o it_o up_o into_o heaven_n manoah_n believe_v before_o and_o crave_v no_o sign_n to_o assure_v he_o god_n voluntary_o confirm_v it_o to_o he_o above_o his_o desire_n to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v where_o there_o be_v beginning_n of_o faith_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n will_v add_v perfection_n how_o do_v we_o think_v manoah_n and_o his_o wife_n look_v to_o see_v this_o spectacle_n they_o have_v not_o spirit_n enough_o leave_v to_o look_v one_o upon_o another_o but_o in_o steed_n of_o look_v up_o cheerful_o to_o heaven_n they_o fall_v down_o to_o the_o earth_n on_o their_o face_n as_o weak_a eye_n be_v dazzle_v with_o that_o which_o shall_v comfort_v they_o this_o be_v the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o be_v afflict_v with_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o joy_n to_o be_v astonish_v with_o our_o confirmation_n to_o conceive_v death_n in_o that_o vision_n of_o god_n wherein_o our_o life_n &_o happiness_n consist_v if_o this_o homely_a sight_n of_o the_o angel_n do_v so_o confound_v good_a manoah_n what_o shall_v become_v of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o the_o glorious_a tribunal_n of_o the_o god_n of_o angel_n i_o marvel_v not_o now_o that_o the_o angel_n appear_v both_o time_n rather_o to_o the_o wife_n of_o manoah_n her_o faith_n be_v the_o strong_a of_o the_o two_o it_o fall_v out_o sometime_o that_o the_o weak_a vessel_n be_v full_a and_o that_o of_o more_o precious_a liquor_n that_o wife_n be_v no_o helper_n which_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o give_v spiritual_a comfort_n to_o her_o husband_n the_o reason_n be_v good_a and_o irrefragable_a if_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o kill_v we_o he_o will_v not_o have_v receive_v a_o burn_a offering_n from_o we_o god_n will_v not_o accept_v gift_n where_o he_o intend_v punishment_n and_o profess_v hatred_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n if_o we_o can_v find_v assurance_n of_o god_n acceptation_n of_o our_o sacrifice_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a he_o love_v our_o person_n if_o i_o incline_v to_o wickedness_n in_o my_o hart_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v i_o but_o the_o lord_n have_v hear_v i_o sampsons_n marriage_n of_o all_o the_o deliverer_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v none_o of_o who_o be_v report_v so_o many_o weakness_n or_o so_o many_o miracle_n as_o of_o samson_n the_o news_n which_o the_o angel_n tell_v of_o his_o conception_n and_o education_n be_v not_o more_o strange_a than_o the_o news_n of_o his_o own_o choice_n he_o but_o see_v a_o daughter_n of_o the_o philistines_n and_o fall_v in_o love_n all_o this_o strength_n begin_v in_o infirmity_n one_o maid_n of_o the_o philistines_n over-come_v that_o champion_n which_o be_v give_v to_o overcome_v the_o philistines_n even_o he_o that_o be_v diet_v with_o water_n find_v heat_n of_o unfit_a desire_n as_o his_o body_n be_v strong_a notwithstanding_o that_o fare_n so_o be_v his_o passion_n without_o the_o gift_n of_o continency_n a_o low_a feed_n may_v impair_v nature_n but_o not_o inordination_n to_o follow_v nothing_o but_o the_o eye_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o his_o wife_n be_v a_o lust_n unworthy_a of_o a_o nazarite_n this_o be_v to_o make_v the_o sense_n not_o a_o counsellor_n but_o a_o tyrant_n yet_o be_v samson_n in_o this_o very_a impotency_n dutiful_a he_o do_v not_o in_o the_o presumption_n of_o his_o strength_n ravish_v she_o forcible_o he_o do_v not_o make_v up_o a_o clandestine_v match_n without_o consult_v his_o parent_n but_o he_o make_v suit_n to_o they_o for_o consent_n give_v i_o she_o to_o wife_n as_o one_o that_o can_v be_v master_n of_o his_o own_o act_n though_o not_o of_o his_o passion_n and_o as_o one_o that_o have_v learn_v so_o to_o be_v a_o suitor_n as_o not_o to_o forget_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o son_n even_o in_o this_o deplore_a state_n of_o israel_n child_n dare_v not_o presume_v to_o be_v their_o own_o carver_n how_o much_o less_o be_v this_o tolerable_a in_o a_o wel-guided_n and_o christian_a commonwealth_n whosoever_o now_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o without_o their_o parent_n they_o do_v wilful_o un-child_n themselves_o and_o change_v natural_a affection_n for_o violent_a it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o manoah_n and_o his_o wife_n be_v astonish_v at_o this_o unequal_a motion_n of_o their_o son_n do_v not_o the_o angel_n think_v they_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o child_n shall_v be_v consecrate_v to_o god_n and_o must_v he_o begin_v his_o youth_n in_o unholy_a wedlock_n do_v not_o the_o angel_n say_v that_o our_o son_n shall_v begin_v to_o
and_o when_o upon_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o false_a answer_n he_o see_v so_o apparent_a treachery_n yet_o wilful_o betray_v his_o life_n by_o she_o to_o his_o enemy_n all_o sin_n all_o passion_n have_v power_n to_o infatuate_a a_o man_n but_o lust_n most_o of_o all_o never_o man_n that_o have_v drink_v flagon_n of_o wine_n have_v less_o reason_n than_o this_o nazarite_n many_o a_o one_o lose_v his_o life_n but_o this_o cast_v it_o away_o not_o in_o hatred_n of_o himself_o but_o in_o love_n to_o a_o strumpet_n we_o wonder_v that_o a_o man_n can_v possible_o be_v so_o sottish_a &_o yet_o we_o ourselves_o by_o tentation_n become_v no_o less_o insensate_a sinful_a pleasure_n like_o a_o common_a dalilah_n lodge_v in_o our_o bosom_n we_o know_v they_o aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o the_o death_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o will_v yield_v to_o they_o &_o die_v every_o willing_a sinner_n be_v a_o samson_n let_v we_o not_o inveigh_v against_o his_o senselesnes_n but_o our_o own_o nothing_o be_v so_o gross_a &_o unreasonable_a to_o a_o well_o dispose_v mind_n which_o tentation_n will_v not_o represent_v fit_a and_o plausible_a no_o soul_n can_v out_o of_o his_o own_o strength_n secure_v himself_o from_o that_o sin_n which_o he_o most_o detest_v as_o a_o hoodwinked_a man_n see_v some_o little_a glimmer_n of_o light_n but_o not_o enough_o to_o guide_v he_o so_o do_v samson_n who_o have_v reason_n enough_o leave_v he_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o dalilah_n by_o a_o crafty_a misinformation_n but_o not_o enough_o upon_o that_o trial_n to_o distrust_v and_o hate_v she_o he_o have_v not_o wit_n enough_o to_o deceive_v she_o thrice_o not_o enough_o to_o keep_v himself_o from_o be_v deceive_v by_o she_o it_o be_v not_o so_o great_a wisdom_n to_o prove_v they_o who_o we_o distrust_v as_o it_o be_v folly_n to_o trust_v they_o who_o we_o have_v find_v treacherous_a thrice_o have_v he_o see_v the_o philistines_n in_o her_o chamber_n ready_a to_o susprise_v he_o upon_o her_o bond_n and_o yet_o will_v needs_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o his_o traitor_n warn_v not_o take_v be_v a_o certain_a presage_n of_o destruction_n and_o if_o once_o neglect_v it_o receive_v pardon_n yet_o thrice_o be_v desperate_a what_o man_n will_v ever_o play_v thus_o with_o his_o own_o ruin_n his_o harlot_n bind_v he_o and_o calls-in_a her_o executioner_n to_o cut_v his_o throat_n he_o rise_v to_o save_v his_o own_o life_n and_o suffer_v they_o to_o carry_v away_o they_o in_o peace_n where_o be_v the_o courage_n of_o samson_n where_o his_o zeal_n he_o that_o kill_v the_o philistines_n for_o their_o clothes_n he_o that_o slay_v a_o thousand_o of_o they_o in_o the_o field_n at_o once_o in_o this_o quarrel_n now_o suffer_v they_o in_o his_o chamber_n unrevenged_a whence_o be_v this_o his_o hand_n be_v strong_a but_o his_o hart_n be_v effeminate_a his_o harlot_n have_v divert_v his_o affection_n whosoever_o slacken_v the_o reins_n to_o his_o sensual_a appetite_n shall_v soon_o grow_v unfit_a for_o the_o call_n of_o god._n samson_n have_v break_v the_o green_a withies_n the_o new_a rope_n the_o woof_n of_o his_o hair_n &_o yet_o still_o suffer_v himself_o fetter_v with_o those_o invisible_a bond_n of_o a_o harlot_n love_n and_o can_v endure_v she_o to_o say_v how_o can_v thou_o say_v i_o love_v thou_o when_o thy_o hart_n be_v not_o with_o i_o thou_o have_v mock_v i_o these_o three_o time_n whereas_o he_o shall_v rather_o have_v say_v to_o she_o how_o can_v thou_o challenge_v any_o love_n from_o i_o that_o have_v this_o thrice_o seek_v my_o life_n or_o can_v thou_o think_v my_o mock_n a_o sufficient_a revenge_n of_o this_o treachery_n but_o contrary_o he_o melt_v at_o this_o fire_n and_o by_o her_o importunate_a insinuation_n be_v wrought_v against_o himself_o weariness_n of_o solicitation_n have_v win_v some_o to_o those_o action_n which_o at_o the_o first_o motion_n they_o despise_v like_o as_o we_o see_v some_o suitor_n be_v dispatch_v not_o for_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o prosccution_n because_o it_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o yield_v not_o more_o reasonable_a it_o be_v more_o safe_a to_o keep_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o noise_n of_o suggestion_n then_o to_o stand_v upon_o our_o power_n of_o denial_n who_o can_v pity_v the_o loss_n of_o that_o strength_n which_o be_v so_o abuse_v who_o can_v pity_v he_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o lock_n which_o after_o so_o many_o warning_n can_v sleep_v in_o the_o lap_n of_o dalilah_n it_o be_v but_o just_a that_o he_o shall_v rise_v up_o from_o thence_o shave_a and_o feeble_a not_o a_o nazarite_n scarce_o a_o man_n if_o his_o strength_n have_v lyen_fw-we in_o his_o hair_n it_o have_v be_v out_o of_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o in_o his_o lock_n it_o be_v in_o his_o consecration_n whereof_o that_o hair_n be_v a_o sign_n if_o the_o razor_n have_v come_v soon_o upon_o his_o head_n he_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o nazarite_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n have_v at_o once_o cease_v with_o the_o call_n of_o god_n not_o for_o the_o want_n of_o that_o excretion_n but_o for_o the_o want_n of_o obedience_n if_o god_n withdraw_v his_o grace_n when_o he_o be_v too_o much_o provoke_v who_o can_v complain_v of_o his_o mercy_n he_o that_o sleep_v in_o sin_n must_v look_v to_o wake_v in_o loss_n and_o weakeness_n can_v samson_n think_v though_o i_o tell_v she_o my_o strength_n lie_v in_o my_o hair_n yet_o she_o will_v not_o cut_v it_o or_o though_o she_o do_v cut_v my_o hair_n yet_o shall_v i_o not_o lose_v my_o strength_n that_o now_o he_o rise_v and_o shake_v himself_o in_o hope_n of_o his_o former_a vigour_n custom_n of_o success_n make_v man_n confident_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o mistake_v a_o arbitrary_a tenure_n for_o a_o perpetuity_n his_o eye_n be_v the_o first_o offender_n which_o betray_v he_o to_o lust_n and_o now_o they_o be_v first_o pull_v out_o and_o he_o be_v lead_v a_o blind_a captive_a to_o azzah_n where_o he_o be_v first_o captive_v to_o his_o lust_n the_o azzahite_n which_o late_o see_v he_o not_o without_o terror_n run_v light_o away_o with_o their_o gate_n at_o midnight_n see_v he_o now_o in_o his_o own_o perpetual_a night_n struggle_v with_o his_o chain_n and_o that_o he_o may_v not_o want_v pain_n together_o with_o his_o bondage_n he_o must_v grind_v in_o his_o prison_n as_o he_o pass_v the_o street_n every_o boy_n of_o the_o philistines_n can_v throw_v stone_n at_o he_o every_o woman_n can_v laugh_v and_o shout_n at_o he_o and_o what_o one_o philistim_n do_v not_o say_v while_o he_o lash_v he_o unto_o blood_n there_o be_v for_o my_o brother_n or_o my_o kinsman_n who_o thou_o slay_v who_o can_v look_v to_o run_v away_o with_o a_o sin_n when_o samson_n a_o nazarite_n be_v thus_o plague_v this_o great_a hart_n can_v not_o but_o have_v break_v with_o indignation_n if_o it_o have_v not_o pacify_v itself_o with_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o just_a desert_n of_o all_o this_o vengeance_n it_o be_v better_a for_o samson_n to_o be_v blind_a in_o prison_n then_o to_o abuse_v his_o eye_n in_o sorek_n yea_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v he_o be_v more_o blind_a when_o he_o see_v licentious_o then_o now_o that_o he_o see_v not_o he_o be_v a_o great_a slave_n when_o he_o serve_v his_o affection_n than_o now_o in_o grind_v for_o the_o philistines_n the_o loss_n of_o his_o eye_n show_v he_o his_o sin_n neither_o can_v he_o see_v how_o ill_o he_o have_v do_v till_o he_o see_v not_o even_o yet_o still_o the_o god_n of_o mercy_n look_v upon_o the_o blindness_n of_o samson_n and_o in_o these_o fetter_n enlarge_v his_o heart_n from_o the_o worse_a prison_n of_o his_o sin_n his_o hair_n grow_v together_o with_o his_o repentance_n &_o his_o strength_n with_o his_o hair_n god_n merciful_a humiliation_n of_o his_o own_o be_v sometime_o so_o severe_a that_o they_o seem_v to_o differ_v little_a from_o desertion_n yet_o at_o the_o worst_a he_o love_v we_o bleed_v &_o when_o we_o have_v smart_v enough_o we_o shall_v feel_v it_o what_o thankful_a idolater_n be_v these_o philistines_n they_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o their_o bribe_n and_o their_o dalilah_n have_v deliver_v samson_n to_o they_o and_o yet_o they_o sacrifice_v to_o their_o dagon_n and_o as_o those_o that_o will_v be_v liberal_a in_o cast_v favour_n upon_o a_o senseless_a idol_n of_o who_o they_o can_v receive_v none_o they_o cry_v out_o our_o god_n have_v deliver_v our_o enemy_n into_o our_o hand_n where_o be_v their_o dagon_n when_o a_o thousand_o of_o his_o client_n be_v slay_v with_o a_o ass_n jaw_n there_o be_v more_o strength_n in_o that_o bone_n then_o in_o all_o the_o maker_n of_o this_o god_n and_o yet_o these_o vain_a pagan_n say_v our_o
but_o such_o entertainment_n with_o the_o jebusite_n whither_o be_v the_o posterity_n of_o benjamin_n degenerate_v that_o their_o gibeah_n shall_v be_v no_o less_o wicked_a than_o populous_a the_o first_o sign_n of_o a_o settle_a godlessness_n be_v that_o a_o levite_n be_v suffer_v to_o lie_v without_o door_n if_o god_n have_v be_v in_o any_o of_o their_o house_n his_o servant_n have_v not_o be_v exclude_v where_o no_o respect_n be_v give_v to_o god_n messenger_n there_o can_v be_v no_o religion_n gibeah_n be_v a_o second_o sodom_n even_o there_o also_o be_v another_o lot_n which_o be_v therefore_o so_o much_o more_o hospital_n to_o stranger_n because_o himself_o be_v a_o stranger_n the_o host_n as_o well_o as_o the_o levite_n be_v of_o mount_n ephraim_n each_o man_n know_v best_a to_o commiserate_v that_o evil_a in_o other_o which_o himself_o have_v pass_v through_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v countryman_n and_o yet_o stranger_n here_o below_o how_o cheerful_o shall_v we_o entertain_v each_o other_o when_o we_o meet_v in_o the_o gibeah_n of_o this_o inhospitall_n world_n this_o good_a old_a man_n of_o gibeah_n come_v home_o late_o from_o his_o work_n in_o the_o field_n the_o sun_n be_v set_v ere_o he_o give_v over_o and_o now_o see_v this_o man_n a_o stranger_n a_o israelite_n a_o levite_n a_o ephraimite_n and_o that_o in_o his_o way_n to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o take_v up_o his_o lodging_n in_o the_o street_n he_o proffer_v he_o the_o kindness_n of_o his_o houseroom_n industrious_a spirit_n be_v the_o fit_a receptacle_n of_o all_o good_a motion_n whereas_o those_o which_o give_v themselves_o to_o idle_a and_o loose_a course_n do_v not_o care_v so_o much_o as_o for_o themselves_o i_o hear_v of_o but_o one_o man_n at_o his_o work_n in_o all_o gibeah_n the_o rest_n be_v quaff_v and_o revel_v that_o one_o man_n end_v his_o work_n in_o a_o charitable_a entertainment_n the_o other_o end_v their_o play_n in_o a_o brutish_a beastliness_n &_o violence_n these_o villain_n have_v learn_v both_o the_o action_n and_o the_o language_n of_o the_o sodomite_n one_o unclean_a devil_n be_v the_o prompter_n to_o both_o &_o this_o honest_a ephraimite_n have_v learn_v of_o righteous_a lot_n both_o to_o entreat_v and_o to_o proffer_v as_o a_o perplex_a mariner_n that_o in_o a_o storm_n must_v cast_v away_o something_o although_o precious_a so_o this_o good_a host_n rather_o will_v prostitute_v his_o daughter_n a_o virgin_n together_o with_o the_o concubine_n than_o this_o prodigious_a villainy_n shall_v be_v offer_v to_o a_o man_n much_o more_o to_o a_o man_n of_o god_n the_o detestation_n of_o a_o foul_a sin_n draw_v he_o to_o overreach_v in_o the_o motion_n of_o a_o lesser_a which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v accept_v how_o can_v he_o have_v escape_v the_o partnership_n of_o their_o uncleanness_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o his_o daughter_n ravishment_n no_o man_n can_v wash_v his_o hand_n of_o that_o sin_n to_o which_o his_o will_n have_v yield_v bodily_a violence_n may_v be_v inoffensive_a in_o the_o patient_a voluntary_a inclination_n to_o evil_n though_o out_o of_o fear_n can_v never_o be_v excusable_a yet_o behold_v this_o wickedness_n be_v too_o little_a to_o satisfy_v these_o monster_n who_o will_v have_v look_v for_o so_o extreme_a abomination_n from_o the_o loin_n of_o jacob_n the_o womb_n of_o rachel_n the_o son_n of_o benjamin_n can_v the_o very_a jebusite_n their_o neighbour_n be_v ever_o accuse_v of_o such_o unnatural_a outrage_n i_o be_o ashamed_a to_o say_v it_o even_o the_o worst_a pagan_n be_v saint_n to_o israel_n what_o avail_v it_o that_o they_o have_v the_o ark_n of_o god_n in_o shiloh_n while_o they_o have_v sodom_n in_o their_o street_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v in_o their_o sringe_n while_o the_o devil_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n nothing_o but_o hell_n itself_o can_v yield_v a_o worse_a creature_n than_o a_o deprave_a israelite_n the_o very_a mean_n of_o his_o reformation_n be_v the_o fuel_n of_o his_o wickedness_n yet_o let_v speed_v so_o much_o better_a in_o sodom_n than_o this_o ephraimite_n do_v in_o gibeah_n by_o how_o much_o more_o holy_a guest_n he_o entertain_v there_o the_o guest_n be_v angel_n here_o a_o sinful_a man_n there_o the_o guest_n save_v the_o host_n here_o the_o host_n can_v not_o save_v the_o guest_n from_o brutish_a violence_n those_o sodomite_n be_v strike_v with_o outward_a blindness_n and_o defeat_v these_o beniamite_n be_v only_o blind_v with_o lust_n and_o prevail_v the_o levite_n come_v forth_o perhaps_o his_o coat_n save_v his_o person_n from_o this_o villainy_n who_o now_o think_v himself_o well_o that_o he_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o redeem_v his_o own_o dishonour_n with_o his_o concubine_n if_o he_o have_v not_o love_v she_o dear_o he_o have_v never_o seek_v she_o so_o far_o after_o so_o foul_a a_o sin_n yet_o now_o his_o hate_n of_o that_o unnatural_a wickedness_n overcome_v his_o love_n to_o she_o she_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o furious_a lust_n of_o barbarous_a ruffian_n and_o which_o he_o misdoubt_v not_o abuse_v to_o death_n oh_o the_o just_a and_o even_o course_n which_o the_o almighty_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n hold_v in_o all_o his_o retribution_n this_o woman_n have_v shame_v the_o bed_n of_o a_o levite_n by_o her_o former_a wantonness_n she_o have_v thus_o far_o go_v smooth_o away_o with_o her_o sin_n her_o father_n harbour_v she_o her_o husband_n forgive_v she_o her_o own_o hart_n find_v no_o cause_n to_o complain_v because_o she_o smart_v not_o now_o when_o the_o world_n have_v forget_v her_o offence_n god_n call_v she_o to_o reckon_v and_o punish_v she_o with_o her_o own_o sin_n she_o have_v voluntary_o expose_v herself_o to_o lust_n now_o be_v expose_v forcible_o adultery_n be_v her_o sin_n adultery_n be_v her_o death_n what_o smile_v soever_o wickedness_n cast_v upon_o the_o heart_n while_o it_o solicit_v it_o will_v owe_v we_o a_o displeasure_n and_o prove_v itself_o a_o faithful_a debtor_n the_o levite_n look_v to_o find_v she_o humble_v with_o this_o violence_n not_o murder_v and_o now_o indignation_n move_v he_o to_o add_v horror_n to_o the_o fact_n have_v not_o his_o heart_n be_v raise_v up_o with_o a_o excess_n of_o desire_n to_o make_v the_o crime_n as_o odious_a as_o it_o be_v sinful_a his_o action_n can_v not_o be_v excuse_v those_o hand_n that_o may_v not_o touch_v a_o carcase_n now_o carve_v the_o corpse_n of_o his_o own_o dead_a wife_n into_o morsel_n and_o send_v these_o token_n to_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n that_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v these_o gobbet_n of_o the_o body_n murder_v the_o more_o they_o may_v detest_v the_o murderer_n himself_o put_v on_o cruelty_n to_o the_o dead_a that_o he_o may_v draw_v they_o to_o a_o just_a revenge_n of_o her_o death_n action_n notorious_o villainous_a may_v justly_o countenance_v a_o extraordinary_a mean_n of_o prosecution_n every_o israelite_n have_v part_n in_o a_o levit_n wrong_n no_o tribe_n have_v not_o his_o share_n in_o the_o carcase_n and_o the_o revenge_n the_o desolation_n of_o benjamin_n these_o morsel_n can_v not_o choose_v but_o cut_v the_o heart_n of_o israel_n with_o horror_n and_o compassion_n horror_n of_o the_o act_n and_o compassion_n of_o the_o sufferer_n and_o now_o their_o zeal_n draw_v they_o together_o either_o for_o satisfaction_n or_o revenge_n who_o will_v not_o have_v look_v that_o the_o hand_n of_o benjamin_n shall_v have_v be_v first_o upon_o gibeah_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v ready_o send_v the_o head_n of_o the_o offender_n for_o a_o second_o service_n after_o the_o gobbet_n of_o the_o concubine_n but_o now_o instead_o of_o punish_v the_o sin_n they_o patronize_v the_o actor_n and_o will_v rather_o die_v in_o resist_a justice_n then_o live_v and_o prosper_v in_o further_a it_o sure_o israel_n have_v one_o tribe_n too_o many_o all_o benjamin_n be_v turn_v into_o gibeah_n the_o son_n not_o of_o benjamin_n but_o of_o belial_n the_o abet_v of_o evil_a be_v worse_a than_o the_o commission_n this_o may_v be_v upon_o infirmity_n but_o that_o must_v be_v upon_o resolution_n easy_a punishment_n be_v too_o much_o favour_n to_o sin_n connivance_n be_v much_o worse_o but_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o that_o unto_o blood_n be_v intolerable_a have_v not_o these_o man_n be_v both_o wicked_a and_o quarrellous_a they_o have_v not_o draw_v their_o sword_n in_o so_o foul_a a_o cause_n peaceable_n disposition_n be_v hardly_o draw_v to_o fight_v for_o innocence_n yet_o these_o beniaminites_n as_o if_o they_o be_v in_o love_n with_o villainy_n and_o out_o of_o charity_n with_o god_n will_v be_v the_o wilful_a champion_n of_o lewdness_n how_o can_v gibeah_n repent_v they_o of_o that_o wickedness_n which_o all_o benjamin_n will_v make_v good_a in_o spite_n of_o their_o conscience_n even_o where_o sin_n be_v
have_v the_o more_o child_n but_o barren_a annah_n have_v the_o most_o love_n how_o much_o rather_o can_v elkanah_n have_v wish_v peninnah_n barren_a and_o annah_n fruitful_a but_o if_o she_o shall_v have_v have_v both_o issue_n and_o love_n she_o have_v be_v proud_a and_o her_o rival_n despise_v god_n know_v how_o to_o disperse_v his_o favour_n so_o that_o every_o one_o may_v have_v cause_n both_o of_o thankfulness_n and_o humiliation_n while_o there_o be_v no_o one_o that_o have_v all_o no_o one_o but_o have_v some_o if_o envy_n and_o contempt_n be_v not_o thus_o equal_o temper_v some_o will_v be_v over_o haughty_a and_o other_o too_o miserable_a but_o now_o every_o man_n see_v that_o in_o himself_o which_o be_v worthy_a of_o contempt_n and_o matter_n of_o emulation_n in_o other_o and_o contrary_o see_v what_o to_o pity_v and_o dislike_v in_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o what_o to_o applaud_v in_o himself_o and_o out_o of_o this_o contrariety_n arise_v a_o sweet_a mean_a of_o contentation_n the_o love_n of_o elkanah_n be_v so_o unable_a to_o free_a anna_n from_o the_o wrong_n of_o her_o rival_n that_o it_o procure_v they_o rather_o the_o unfruitfulnesse_n of_o anna_n have_v never_o with_o so_o much_o despite_n be_v lay_v in_o her_o dish_n if_o her_o husband_n heart_n have_v be_v as_o barren_a of_o love_n to_o she_o envy_n though_o it_o take_v advantage_n of_o our_o weakness_n yet_o be_v ever_o raise_v upon_o some_o ground_n of_o happiness_n in_o they_o who_o it_o emulate_v it_o be_v ever_o a_o ill_a effect_n of_o a_o good_a cause_n if_o abel_n sacrifice_n have_v not_o be_v accept_v and_o if_o the_o acceptation_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n have_v not_o be_v a_o blessing_n no_o envy_n have_v follow_v upon_o it_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a of_o another_o wherein_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o rejoice_v but_o his_o envy_n and_o this_o be_v worthy_a of_o our_o joy_n and_o thankfulness_n because_o it_o show_v we_o the_o price_n of_o that_o good_a which_o we_o have_v and_o value_v not_o the_o malignity_n of_o envy_n be_v thus_o well_o answer_v when_o it_o be_v make_v the_o evil_a cause_n of_o a_o good_a effect_n to_o we_o when_o god_n and_o our_o soul_n may_v gain_v by_o another_o sin_n i_o do_v now_o find_v that_o anna_n insult_v upon_o peninnah_n for_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o her_o husband_n love_n as_o peninna_n do_v upon_o she_o for_o her_o fruitfulness_n those_o that_o be_v true_o gracious_a know_v how_o to_o receive_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n without_o contempt_n of_o they_o that_o want_v and_o have_v learned_a to_o be_v thankful_a without_o overlinesse_n envy_n when_o it_o be_v once_o conceive_a in_o a_o malicious_a heart_n be_v like_o fire_n in_o biller_n of_o juniper_n which_o they_o say_v continue_v more_o year_n than_o one_o every_o year_n be_v anna_n thus_o vex_v with_o her_o emulous_a partner_n and_o trouble_v both_o in_o her_o prayer_n and_o meal_n amid_o all_o their_o feast_n she_o feed_v on_o nothing_o but_o her_o tear_n some_o disposition_n be_v less_o sensible_a and_o more_o careless_a of_o the_o despite_n and_o â—â—â—ties_n of_o other_o and_o can_v turn_v over_o unkind_a usage_n with_o contempt_n by_o how_o much_o more_o tender_a the_o heart_n be_v so_o much_o more_o deep_o be_v it_o ever_o affect_a with_o discourtesy_n as_o wax_n receive_v and_o retain_v that_o impression_n which_o in_o the_o hard_a clay_n can_v be_v see_v or_o as_o the_o eye_n feel_v that_o mote_n which_o the_o skin_n of_o the_o eielid_n can_v not_o complain_v of_o yet_o the_o husband_n of_o anna_n as_o one_o that_o know_v his_o duty_n labour_v by_o his_o love_n to_o comfort_v she_o against_o these_o discontentment_n why_o weep_v thou_o be_o not_o i_o better_o to_o thou_o then_o ten_o son_n it_o be_v the_o weakness_n of_o good_a nature_n to_o give_v so_o much_o advantage_n to_o a_o enemy_n what_o will_v malice_n rather_o have_v then_o the_o vexation_n of_o they_o who_o it_o persecute_v we_o can_v better_o please_v a_o adversary_n then_o by_o hurt_v ourselves_o this_o be_v no_o other_o then_o to_o humour_n envy_n to_o serve_v the_o turn_n of_o those_o that_o malign_v we_o and_o to_o draw_v on_o that_o malice_n whereof_o we_o be_v weary_a whereas_o carelessness_n put_v ill_o will_v out_o of_o countenance_n and_o make_v it_o withdraw_v itself_o in_o a_o rage_n as_o that_o which_o do_v but_o shame_n the_o author_n without_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o patient_a in_o causeless_a wrong_n the_o best_a remedy_n be_v contempt_n she_o that_o can_v not_o find_v comfort_n in_o the_o love_a persuasion_n of_o her_o husband_n seek_v it_o in_o her_o prayer_n she_o rise_v up_o hungry_a from_o the_o feast_n and_o hie_v she_o to_o the_o temple_n there_o she_o power_v out_o her_o tear_n and_o supplication_n whatsoever_o the_o complaint_n be_v here_o be_v the_o remedy_n there_o be_v one_o universal_a receipt_n for_o all_o evil_n prayer_n when_o all_o help_n fail_v we_o this_o remain_v and_o while_o we_o have_v a_o heart_n comfort_v it_o here_o be_v not_o more_o bitterness_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o anna_n than_o fervency_n she_o do_v not_o only_o weep_v and_o pray_v but_o vow_v unto_o god_n if_o god_n will_v give_v she_o a_o son_n she_o will_v give_v her_o son_n to_o god_n back_o again_o even_o nature_n itself_o have_v consecrate_v her_o son_n to_o god_n for_o he_o can_v not_o but_o be_v bear_v a_o levite_n but_o if_o his_o birth_n make_v he_o a_o levite_n her_o vow_n shall_v make_v he_o a_o nazarite_n &_o dedicate_v his_o minority_n to_o the_o tabernacle_n the_o way_n to_o obtain_v any_o benefit_n be_v to_o devote_v it_o in_o our_o heart_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o god_n of_o who_o we_o ask_v it_o by_o this_o mean_n shall_v god_n both_o pleasure_n his_o servant_n and_o honour_n himself_o whereas_o if_o the_o scope_n of_o our_o desire_n be_v carnal_a we_o may_v be_v sure_a either_o to_o fail_v of_o our_o suit_n or_o of_o a_o blessing_n ely_z and_o anna._n old_a ely_n sit_v on_o a_o stool_n by_o one_o of_o the_o post_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n where_o shall_v the_o priest_n of_o god_n be_v but_o in_o the_o temple_n whether_o for_o action_n or_o for_o oversight_n their_o very_a presence_n keep_v god_n house_n in_o order_n and_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n keep_v their_o heart_n in_o order_n it_o be_v oft_o find_v that_o those_o which_o be_v themselves_o conscionable_a be_v too_o forward_o to_o the_o censure_v of_o other_o good_a ely_n because_o he_o mark_n the_o lip_n of_o annah_n to_o move_v without_o noise_n chide_v she_o as_o drunken_a and_o uncharitable_o misconstrue_v her_o devotion_n it_o be_v a_o weak_a ground_n whereon_o to_o build_v so_o heavy_a a_o sentence_n if_o she_o have_v speak_v too_o loud_o and_o incomposed_o he_o may_v have_v have_v some_o just_a colour_n for_o this_o conceit_n but_o now_o to_o accuse_v her_o silence_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o tear_n which_o he_o see_v of_o drunkenness_n it_o be_v a_o zealous_a breach_n of_o charity_n some_o spirit_n will_v have_v be_v enrage_v with_o so_o rash_a a_o censure_n when_o anger_n meet_v with_o grief_n both_o turn_n into_o furieâ—_n but_o this_o good_a woman_n have_v be_v enure_v to_o reproach_n and_o beside_o do_v well_o see_v the_o reproof_n arise_v from_o mesprison_v and_o the_o mesprison_v from_o zeal_n and_o therefore_o answer_v meek_o as_o one_o that_o have_v rather_o satisfy_v then_o expostulate_v nay_o my_o lord_n but_o i_o be_o a_o woman_n trouble_v in_o spirit_n hely_n may_v now_o learn_v charity_n of_o annah_n if_o she_o have_v be_v in_o that_o distemper_n whereof_o he_o accuse_v she_o his_o just_a reproof_n have_v not_o be_v so_o easy_o digest_v guiltiness_n be_v common_o clamorous_a and_o impatient_a whereas_o innocence_n be_v silent_a and_o careless_a of_o misreport_n it_o be_v natural_a unto_o all_o man_n to_o wipe_v off_o from_o their_o name_n all_o aspersion_n of_o evil_a but_o none_o do_v it_o with_o such_o violence_n as_o they_o which_o be_v faulty_a it_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o horse_n be_v gall_v that_o stir_v too_o much_o when_o he_o be_v touch_v she_o that_o be_v censure_v for_o drunken_a censure_v drunkenness_n more_o deep_o than_o her_o reprover_n count_v not_o thy_o handmaid_n for_o a_o daughter_n of_o belial_n the_o drunkard_n stile_n begin_v in_o lawlesuesse_n proceed_v in_o unprofitablenesse_n end_v in_o misery_n and_o all_o shut_v up_o in_o the_o denomination_n of_o this_o pedigree_n a_o son_n of_o belial_n if_o hannah_n have_v be_v taint_v with_o this_o sin_n she_o will_v have_v deny_v it_o with_o more_o favour_n and_o have_v disclaim_v it_o with_o a_o extenuation_n what_o if_o i_o shall_v have_v be_v merry_a with_o wine_n yet_o i_o may_v be_v devout_a if_o i_o shall_v have_v over-ioy_v in_o my_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n one_o cup_n of_o