the_o agent_n yet_o israel_n and_o juda_n be_v now_o peece_v in_o friendship_n jehosaphat_n the_o good_a king_n of_o juda_n have_v make_v affinity_n with_o ahab_n the_o idolatrous_a king_n of_o israel_n and_o beside_o a_o personal_a visitation_n join_v his_o force_n with_o his_o new_a kinsman_n against_o a_o old_a confederate_n juda_n have_v call_v in_o syria_n against_o israel_n and_o now_o israel_n call_v in_o juda_n against_o syria_n thus_o rather_o shall_v it_o be_v it_o be_v fit_a that_o the_o more_o pure_a church_n shall_v join_v with_o the_o more_o corrupt_a against_o a_o common_a paganish_a enemy_n jehosaphat_n have_v match_v with_o ahab_n not_o with_o a_o divorce_n of_o his_o devotion_n he_o will_v fight_v not_o without_o god_n inquire_v i_o pray_v thou_o at_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o day_n have_v he_o do_v thus_o soon_o i_o fear_v athaliah_n have_v never_o call_v he_o father_n this_o motion_n be_v news_n in_o israel_n it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v inquire_v of_o baal_n the_o good_a king_n of_o judah_n will_v bring_v religion_n into_o fashion_n in_o the_o court_n of_o israel_n ahab_n have_v inquire_v of_o his_o counsellor_n what_o need_v he_o be_v so_o devout_a as_o to_o inquire_v of_o his_o prophet_n only_o jehosaphat_v presence_n make_v he_o thus_o godly_a it_o be_v a_o happy_a thing_n to_o converse_v with_o the_o virtuous_a their_o counsel_n and_o example_n can_v but_o leave_v some_o tincture_n behind_o they_o of_o a_o good_a profession_n if_o not_o of_o piety_n those_o that_o be_v true_o religious_a dare_v not_o but_o take_v god_n with_o they_o in_o all_o their_o affair_n with_o he_o they_o can_v be_v as_o valiant_a as_o timorous_a without_o he_o ahab_n have_v clergy_n enough_o such_o as_o it_o be_v four_o hundred_o prophet_n of_o the_o grove_n be_v reserve_v from_o appear_v to_o elijah_n challenge_v these_o be_v now_o consult_v by_o ahab_n they_o live_v to_o betray_v the_o life_n of_o he_o who_o save_v they_o these_o care_v not_o so_o much_o to_o inquire_v what_o god_n will_v say_v as_o what_o ahab_n will_v have_v they_o say_v they_o see_v which_o way_n the_o king_n heart_n be_v bend_v that_o way_n they_o bend_v their_o tongue_n go_v up_o for_o the_o lord_n shall_v deliver_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n false_a prophet_n care_v only_o to_o please_v a_o plausible_a falsehood_n pass_v with_o they_o above_o a_o harsh_a truth_n have_v they_o see_v ahab_n fearful_a they_o have_v say_v peace_n peace_n now_o they_o see_v he_o resolute_a war_n &_o victory_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a presage_n of_o ruin_n when_o the_o prophet_n conspire_v in_o assentation_n their_o number_n consent_n confidence_n have_v easy_o win_v credit_n with_o ahab_n we_o do_v all_o willing_o believe_v what_o we_o wish_v jehosaphat_n be_v not_o so_o soon_o satisfy_v these_o prophet_n be_v it_o be_v like_o obtrude_v to_o he_o a_o stranger_n for_o the_o true_a prophet_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o judicious_a king_n see_v cause_n to_o suspect_v they_o and_o now_o perceive_v at_o what_o altar_n they_o serve_v hate_v to_o rest_v in_o their_o testimony_n be_v there_o not_o here_o a_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n beside_o that_o we_o may_v inquire_v of_o he_o one_o single_a prophet_n speak_v from_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v more_o worth_a than_o four_o hundred_o baalite_n truth_n may_v not_o ever_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o poll_n it_o be_v not_o number_n but_o weight_n that_o must_v carry_v it_o in_o a_o council_n of_o prophet_n a_o solid_a verity_n in_o one_o mouth_n be_v worthy_a to_o preponderate_v light_a falsehood_n in_o a_o thousand_o even_o king_n ahab_n as_o bad_a as_o he_o be_v keep_v tale_n of_o his_o prophet_n and_o can_v give_v account_n of_o one_o that_o be_v miss_v there_o be_v yet_o one_o man_n michaiah_n the_o son_n of_o imlah_n by_o who_o we_o may_v inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n but_o i_o hate_v he_o for_o he_o do_v not_o prophesy_v good_a concern_v i_o but_o evil_a it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o micaiah_n be_v that_o disguise_a prophet_n who_o bring_v to_o ahab_n the_o fearful_a message_n of_o displeasure_n and_o death_n for_o dismiss_v benhadad_o for_o which_o he_o be_v ever_o since_o fast_o in_o prison_n deep_a in_o disgrace_n oh_o corrupt_a heart_n of_o self_n condemn_v ahab_n if_o micaiah_n speak_v true_a to_o thou_o how_o be_v it_o evil_a if_o other_o say_v false_a how_o be_v it_o good_a and_o if_o micaiah_n speak_v from_o the_o lord_n why_o do_v thou_o hate_v he_o this_o have_v wont_a to_o be_v the_o ancient_a lot_n of_o truth_n censure_n and_o hatred_n censure_v of_o the_o message_n hatred_n of_o the_o bearer_n to_o carnal_a ear_n the_o message_n be_v evil_a if_o unpleasing_a and_o if_o plausible_a good_a if_o it_o be_v sweet_a it_o can_v be_v poison_n if_o bitter_a it_o can_v be_v wholesome_a the_o distemper_n of_o the_o receiver_n be_v guilty_a of_o this_o misconceit_n in_o itself_o every_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v good_a so_o amiable_a every_o falsehood_n loathsome_a as_o evil_a a_o sick_a palate_n cry_v out_o of_o the_o taste_n of_o those_o liquor_n which_o be_v well_o allow_v of_o the_o healthful_a it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o good_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n when_o every_o verdure_n can_v receive_v his_o proper_a judgement_n wise_a and_o good_a jehoshaphat_n dissuade_v ahab_n from_o so_o hard_a a_o opinion_n and_o see_v cause_n so_o much_o more_o to_o urge_v the_o consultation_n of_o michaiah_n by_o how_o much_o he_o find_v he_o more_o unpleasing_a the_o king_n of_o israel_n to_o satisfy_v the_o importunity_n of_o so_o great_a and_o dear_a a_o ally_n send_v a_o officer_n for_o michaiah_n he_o know_v well_o belike_o where_o to_o find_v he_o within_o those_o four_o wall_n where_o unjust_a cruelty_n have_v dispose_v of_o that_o innocent_a seer_n out_o of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o prison_n be_v the_o poor_a prophet_n fetch_v into_o the_o light_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o confession_n of_o two_o king_n who_o think_v this_o convocation_n of_o prophet_n not_o unworthy_a of_o their_o great_a representation_n of_o state_n and_o majesty_n there_o he_o find_v zedekiah_n the_o leader_n of_o that_o false_a crew_n not_o speak_v only_o but_o act_v his_o prediction_n sign_n be_v no_o less_o use_v by_o the_o prophet_n than_o word_n this_o arch-flatterer_n have_v make_v he_o horn_n of_o iron_n the_o horn_n be_v forceable_a the_o iron_n irresistible_a by_o a_o irresistible_a force_n shall_v ahab_n push_v the_o syrian_n as_o if_o there_o be_v more_o certainty_n in_o this_o man_n hand_n than_o in_o his_o tongue_n if_o this_o son_n of_o chenaanah_n have_v not_o have_v a_o forehead_n of_o brass_n for_o impudence_n and_o a_o heart_n of_o lead_n for_o flexiblenesse_n to_o humour_n and_o time_n he_o have_v never_o devise_v these_o horn_n of_o iron_n wherewith_o his_o king_n be_v gore_v unto_o blood_n howsoever_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o he_o that_o he_o be_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v second_v all_o the_o great_a inquest_n of_o these_o prophet_n give_v up_o their_o verdict_n by_o this_o foreman_n not_o one_o of_o four_o hundred_o dissent_v vnanimitie_n of_o opinion_n in_o the_o great_a ecclesiastical_a assembly_n be_v not_o ever_o a_o argument_n of_o truth_n there_o may_v be_v as_o common_a and_o as_o firm_a agreement_n in_o error_n the_o messenger_n that_o come_v from_o micaiah_n like_o a_o carnal_a friend_n set_v he_o in_o a_o way_n of_o favour_n tell_v he_o what_o the_o rest_n say_v how_o they_o please_v how_o unsafe_a it_o will_v be_v for_o he_o to_o vary_v how_o beneficial_a to_o assent_v those_o that_o adore_v earthly_a greatness_n think_v every_o man_n shall_v dote_v upon_o their_o idol_n and_o hold_v no_o term_n too_o high_a for_o their_o ambitious_a purchase_n faithful_a micaiah_n scorn_v the_o motion_n he_o know_v the_o price_n of_o the_o world_n and_o contemn_v it_o as_o the_o lord_n live_v what_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o i_o that_o will_v i_o speak_v neither_o fear_n nor_o favour_n can_v tempt_v the_o holy_o resolute_a they_o can_v trample_v upon_o danger_n or_o honour_n with_o a_o careless_a foot_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v smile_v or_o frown_v on_o by_o the_o great_a dare_v not_o either_o alter_v or_o conceal_v their_o errand_n the_o question_n be_v move_v to_o micaiah_n he_o at_o first_o so_o yield_v that_o he_o contradict_v yield_v in_o word_n contradict_v in_o pronunciation_n the_o syllable_n be_v for_o they_o the_o sound_n against_o they_o ironies_n deny_v strong_a in_o affirm_v and_o now_o be_v press_v home_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o god_n have_v show_v he_o those_o sheep_n of_o israel_n shall_v ere_o long_o by_o this_o mean_n want_v their_o shepherd_n the_o very_a resemblance_n to_o a_o good_a prince_n have_v be_v affective_a the_o sheep_n be_v a_o helpless_a creature_n not_o able_a either_o
take_v her_o part_n of_o so_o prodigious_a a_o banquet_n withdraw_v her_o child_n and_o hide_v he_o from_o the_o knife_n hunger_n and_o envy_n make_v the_o plaintiff_n importunate_a and_o now_o she_o crave_v the_o benefit_n of_o royal_a justice_n she_o that_o make_v the_o first_o motion_n withhold_v her_o part_n of_o the_o bargain_n and_o fly_v from_o that_o promise_n who_o trust_n have_v make_v this_o mother_n childless_a oh_o the_o direful_a effect_n of_o famine_n that_o turn_v off_o all_o respect_n of_o nature_n and_o give_v no_o place_n to_o horror_n cause_v the_o tender_a mother_n to_o lay_v her_o hand_n yea_o her_o tooth_n upon_o the_o fruit_n of_o she_o own_o body_n and_o to_o receive_v that_o into_o her_o stomach_n which_o she_o have_v bring_v forth_o of_o her_o womb_n what_o shall_v jehoram_n do_v the_o match_n be_v monstrous_a the_o challenge_n be_v just_a yet_o unnatural_a this_o complainant_n have_v purchase_v one_o half_a of_o the_o live_a child_n by_o the_o one_o half_a of_o she_o dead_a the_o mother_n of_o the_o furuive_a infant_n be_v press_v by_o covenant_n by_o hunger_n restrain_v by_o nature_n to_o force_v a_o mother_n to_o deliver_v up_o her_o child_n to_o voluntary_a slaughter_n have_v be_v cruel_a to_o force_v a_o debtor_n to_o pay_v a_o confess_a arrearage_n seem_v but_o equal_a if_o the_o remain_a child_n be_v not_o dress_v for_o food_n this_o mother_n of_o the_o devour_v child_n be_v both_o rob_v and_o affamished_a if_o he_o be_v innocent_a blood_n be_v shed_v by_o authority_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o the_o question_n astonish_v the_o judge_n not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o demand_n as_o the_o horror_n of_o the_o occasion_n to_o what_o lamentable_a distress_n do_v jehoram_n find_v his_o people_n drive_v not_o without_o cause_n do_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n rend_v his_o garment_n and_o show_v his_o sackcloth_n well_o may_v he_o see_v his_o people_n brand_v with_o that_o ancient_a curse_n which_o god_n have_v denounce_v against_o the_o rebellious_a the_o lord_n shall_v bring_v a_o nation_n against_o thou_o of_o a_o fierce_a countenance_n which_o shall_v not_o regard_v the_o person_n of_o the_o old_a nor_o show_v favour_n to_o the_o young_a and_o he_o shall_v besiege_v thou_o in_o all_o thy_o gate_n and_o thou_o shall_v eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o own_o body_n the_o flesh_n of_o thy_o son_n and_o of_o thy_o daughter_n the_o tender_a and_o delicate_a woman_n her_o eye_n shall_v be_v evil_a towards_o her_o young_a one_o that_o come_v out_o from_o between_o her_o foot_n and_o towards_o the_o child_n which_o she_o shall_v bear_v for_o she_o shall_v eat_v they_o for_o want_v of_o all_o thing_n secret_o in_o the_o siege_n and_o straitness_n he_o mourn_v for_o the_o plague_n he_o mourn_v not_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o plague_n his_o sin_n and_o they_o i_o find_v his_o sorrow_n i_o find_v not_o his_o repentance_n the_o worst_a man_n may_v grieve_v for_o his_o smart_n only_o the_o good_a heart_n grieve_v for_o his_o offence_n in_o stead_n of_o be_v penitent_a jehoram_n be_v furious_a and_o turn_v his_o rage_n from_o his_o sin_n against_o the_o prophet_n god_n do_v so_o to_o i_o and_o more_o also_o if_o the_o head_n of_o elisha_n the_o son_n of_o shaphat_n shall_v stand_v on_o he_o this_o day_n alas_o what_o have_v the_o righteous_a do_v perhaps_o elisha_n that_o we_o may_v imagine_v some_o colour_n of_o this_o displeasure_n fore-threatned_n this_o judgement_n but_o they_o deserve_v it_o perhaps_o he_o may_v have_v avert_v it_o by_o his_o prayer_n their_o unrepentance_n disable_v he_o perhaps_o he_o persuade_v jehoram_n to_o hold_v out_o the_o siege_n though_o through_o much_o hardness_n he_o foresee_v the_o deliverance_n in_o all_o this_o how_o have_v elisha_n forfeit_v his_o head_n all_o israel_n do_v not_o afford_v a_o head_n so_o guiltless_a as_o this_o that_o be_v destine_v to_o slaughter_n this_o be_v the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n the_o lewd_a blame_n the_o innocent_a and_o will_v revenge_v their_o own_o sin_n upon_o other_o uprightness_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o this_o sad_a estate_n of_o samaria_n and_o these_o storm_n of_o jehoram_n the_o prophet_n sit_v quiet_o in_o his_o own_o house_n among_o his_o holy_a consort_n bewail_v no_o doubt_n both_o the_o sin_n and_o misery_n of_o their_o people_n and_o prophetical_o confer_v of_o the_o issue_n when_o sudden_o god_n reveal_v to_o he_o the_o bloody_a intent_n and_o message_n of_o jehoram_n and_o he_o at_o once_o reveal_v it_o to_o his_o fellow_n see_v you_o how_o this_o son_n of_o a_o murderer_n have_v send_v to_o take_v away_o my_o head_n oh_o the_o unimitable_a liberty_n of_o a_o prophet_n the_o same_o god_n that_o show_v he_o his_o danger_n suggest_v his_o word_n he_o may_v be_v bold_a where_o we_o must_v be_v awful_a still_o be_v naboths_n blood_n lay_v in_o jehorams_fw-mi dish_fw-mi the_o foul_a fact_n of_o ahab_n blemish_v his_o posterity_n and_o now_o when_o the_o son_n threat_v violence_n to_o the_o innocent_a murder_n be_v object_v to_o he_o as_o hereditary_a he_o that_o foresee_v his_o own_o peril_n provide_v for_o his_o safety_n shut_v the_o door_n and_o hold_v he_o fast_o at_o the_o door_n no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o tender_v his_o throat_n to_o a_o unjust_a stroke_n this_o bloody_a commission_n be_v prevent_v by_o a_o prophetical_a foresight_n the_o same_o eye_n that_o see_v the_o executioner_n come_v to_o smite_v he_o see_v also_o the_o king_n haste_v after_o he_o to_o stay_v the_o blow_n the_o prophet_n have_v be_v no_o other_o than_o guilty_a of_o his_o own_o blood_n if_o he_o have_v not_o reserve_v himself_o a_o while_n for_o the_o rescue_n of_o authority_n oh_o the_o inconstancy_n of_o carnal_a heart_n it_o be_v not_o long_o since_o jehoram_n can_v say_v to_o elisha_n my_o father_n shall_v i_o smite_v they_o now_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o smite_v he_o as_o a_o enemy_n who_o he_o honour_v as_o a_o father_n yet_o again_o his_o lip_n have_v no_o soon_o give_v sentence_n of_o death_n against_o the_o prophet_n than_o his_o foot_n stir_v to_o recall_v it_o it_o shall_v seem_v that_o elisha_n upon_o the_o challenge_n and_o expostulation_n of_o jehorams_fw-mi messenger_n have_v send_v a_o persuasive_a message_n to_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n yet_o a_o while_n to_o wait_v patient_o upon_o god_n for_o his_o deliverance_n the_o discontent_a prince_n fly_v off_o in_o a_o impotent_a anger_n behold_v this_o evil_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n what_o shall_v i_o wait_v for_o the_o lord_n any_o long_o oh_o the_o desperate_a resolution_n of_o impatient_a mind_n they_o have_v stint_v god_n both_o for_o his_o time_n and_o his_o measure_n if_o he_o exceed_v either_o they_o either_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o he_o or_o fly_v in_o his_o face_n the_o position_n be_v true_a the_o inference_n deadly_a all_o that_o evil_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n they_o deserve_v it_o he_o send_v it_o what_o then_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v therefore_o argue_v he_o that_o send_v it_o can_v remove_v it_o i_o will_v wait_v upon_o his_o mercy_n under_o who_o justice_n i_o suffer_v impatience_n and_o distrust_n shall_v but_o aggravate_v my_o judgement_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n let_v he_o do_v what_o he_o will_v but_o now_o to_o despair_v because_o god_n be_v just_a to_o defy_v mercy_n because_o it_o linger_v to_o reject_v god_n for_o correction_n it_o be_v a_o presumptuous_a madness_n a_o impious_a pettishnesse_n yet_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o these_o provocation_n both_o of_o king_n and_o people_n elisha_n have_v good_a news_n for_o jehoram_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o morrow_n about_o this_o time_n shall_v a_o measure_n of_o fine_a flower_n be_v sell_v for_o a_o shekell_n and_o two_o measure_n of_o barley_n for_o a_o shekell_n in_o the_o gate_n of_o samaria_n miserable_a israel_n now_o see_v a_o end_n of_o this_o hard_a trial_n one_o day_n patience_n shall_v free_v they_o both_o of_o siege_n and_o famine_n god_n deliverance_n may_v over-stay_a our_o expectation_n not_o the_o due_a period_n of_o his_o own_o counsel_n oh_o infinite_a mercy_n when_o man_n say_v no_o long_o god_n say_v to_o morrow_n as_o if_o he_o will_v condescend_v where_o he_o may_v judge_v and_o will_v please_v they_o who_o deserve_v nothing_o but_o punishment_n the_o word_n seem_v not_o more_o comfortable_a than_o incredible_a a_o lord_n on_o who_o hand_n the_o king_n lean_v answer_v the_o man_n of_o god_n and_o say_v behold_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v window_n in_o heaven_n may_v this_o thing_n be_v prophecy_n before_o they_o be_v fulfil_v be_v riddle_n no_o spirit_n can_v aread_z they_o but_o that_o by_o which_o they_o be_v deliver_v it_o be_v a_o foolish_a and_o injurious_a infidelity_n to_o question_v a_o possibility_n where_o we_o know_v the_o message_n be_v god_n how_o
humour_n a_o rebel_n to_o reason_n a_o subject_n to_o passion_n fit_a to_o execute_v than_o to_o advise_v green_a wood_n be_v ever_o shrink_v and_o warp_a whereas_o the_o well-seasoned_n hold_v a_o constant_a firmness_n many_o a_o life_n many_o a_o soul_n many_o a_o flourish_a state_n have_v be_v ruin_v by_o undisciplined_a monitor_n such_o be_v these_o of_o rehoboam_n who_o great_a stomach_n tell_v they_o that_o this_o conditionate_v of_o subject_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o affront_n to_o their_o new_a master_n and_o suggest_v to_o they_o how_o unfit_a it_o be_v for_o majesty_n to_o brook_v so_o saucy_a a_o treaty_n how_o requisite_a and_o princely_a to_o crush_v this_o presumption_n in_o the_o egg_n as_o scorn_v therefore_o to_o be_v brave_v by_o the_o base_a vulgar_a they_o put_v word_n of_o greatness_n and_o terror_n into_o their_o new_a prince_n my_o little_a finger_n shall_v be_v thick_a than_o my_o father_n loin_n my_o father_n make_v your_o yoke_n heavy_a i_o will_v add_v to_o your_o yoke_n my_o father_n have_v chastise_v you_o with_o whip_n i_o will_v chastise_v you_o with_o scorpion_n the_o very_a word_n have_v sting_n now_o must_v israel_n needs_o think_v how_o cruel_a will_v this_o man_n hand_n be_v when_o he_o thus_o draw_v blood_n with_o his_o tongue_n man_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o speak_v out_o their_o worst_a who_o can_v endure_v the_o hope_n of_o he_o that_o promise_v tyranny_n there_o can_v be_v no_o good_a use_n of_o a_o indefinite_a profession_n of_o rigour_n and_o severity_n fear_n be_v a_o unsafe_a guardian_n of_o any_o state_n much_o less_o of_o a_o unsettle_a which_o be_v yet_o worse_o not_o the_o sin_n of_o israel_n be_v threaten_v nor_o their_o purse_n but_o their_o person_n neither_o have_v they_o desire_v a_o remission_n of_o justice_n but_o of_o exaction_n and_o now_o they_o hear_v of_o nothing_o but_o burden_n and_o scourge_n and_o scorpion_n here_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o people_n well_o meet_v i_o do_v not_o find_v they_o sensible_a of_o aught_o save_o their_o own_o profit_n they_o do_v not_o say_v religion_n be_v corrupt_v in_o the_o shut_n up_o of_o thy_o father_n day_n idolatry_n find_v the_o free_a favour_n of_o priest_n and_o temple_n and_o sacrifice_n begin_v thy_o reign_n with_o god_n purge_v the_o church_n demolish_v those_o pile_n of_o abomination_n abandon_v those_o idol-monger_n restore_v devotion_n to_o her_o purity_n they_o be_v all_o for_o their_o penny_n for_o their_o ease_n he_o on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v all_o for_o his_o will_n for_o a_o imperious_a sovereignty_n without_o any_o regard_n either_o of_o their_o reformation_n or_o satisfaction_n they_o be_v worthy_a of_o load_n that_o care_v for_o nothing_o but_o their_o back_n and_o he_o worthy_a of_o such_o subject_n who_o profess_v to_o affect_v their_o misery_n and_o torment_n who_o will_v not_o but_o have_v look_v any_o whither_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o evil_a rather_o than_o to_o heaven_n yet_o the_o holy_a god_n challenge_v it_o to_o himself_o the_o cause_n be_v from_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v perform_v his_o say_n by_o abijah_n the_o shilonite_n to_o jeroboam_fw-la as_o sin_n be_v a_o punishment_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o justice_n the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n do_v not_o abhor_v to_o use_v even_o the_o gross_a sin_n to_o his_o own_o just_a purpose_n while_o our_o will_n be_v free_a to_o our_o own_o choice_n his_o decree_n be_v as_o necessary_a as_o just_a israel_n have_v forsake_v the_o lord_n and_o worship_v ashtaroth_n the_o goddess_n of_o the_o zidonian_o and_o chemosh_fw-mi and_o milchom_n god_n owe_v they_o and_o solomon_n a_o whip_n the_o frowardness_n of_o rehoboam_n shall_v pay_v it_o they_o i_o see_v jeroboam'_v plot_n the_o people_n insolence_n the_o young_a man_n mis-aduice_n the_o prince_n unseasonable_a austerity_n meet_v together_o through_o the_o wise_a providence_n of_o the_o almighty_a unwitting_o to_o accomplish_v his_o most_o just_a decree_n all_o these_o may_v have_v do_v otherwise_o for_o any_o force_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o their_o will_n all_o will_v no_o more_o do_v otherwise_o than_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o predetermination_n in_o heaven_n that_o god_n may_v be_v magnify_v in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n while_o man_n witting_o perish_v in_o his_o folly_n that_o three_o day_n expectation_n have_v warm_v these_o smoke_a israelite_n and_o make_v they_o ready_a for_o a_o combustion_n upon_o so_o peremptory_a a_o resolution_n of_o rigour_n the_o flame_n burst_v out_o which_o all_o the_o water_n of_o the_o well_o of_o bethlehem_n can_v never_o quench_v the_o furious_a multitude_n fly_v out_o into_o a_o desperate_a revolt_n what_o portion_n have_v we_o in_o david_n neither_o have_v we_o inheritance_n in_o the_o son_n of_o jesse_n to_o your_o tent_n o_o israel_n now_o see_v to_o thy_o own_o house_n david_n how_o dare_v these_o seditious_a mouth_n mention_n david_n in_o defiance_n one_o will_v have_v think_v that_o very_a name_n have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v temper_v their_o fury_n and_o to_o have_v contain_v they_o within_o the_o limit_n of_o obedience_n it_o be_v the_o father_n of_o rehoboam_n and_o the_o son_n of_o david_n that_o have_v lead_v israel_n into_o idolatry_n solomon_n have_v draw_v contempt_n upon_o his_o father_n and_o upon_o his_o son_n if_o israel_n have_v cast_v off_o their_o god_n be_v it_o marvel_v that_o they_o shake_v off_o his_o anointed_n irreligion_n be_v the_o way_n to_o disobedience_n there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a subjection_n but_o out_o of_o conscience_n they_o can_v make_v conscience_n of_o civil_a duty_n who_o make_v none_o of_o divine_a in_o vain_a shall_v rehoboam_n hope_v to_o prevail_v by_o his_o officer_n when_o himself_o be_v reject_v the_o person_n of_o prince_n carry_v in_o they_o character_n of_o majesty_n when_o their_o presence_n work_v not_o how_o shall_v their_o message_n if_o adoram_n solicit_v the_o people_n too_o late_o with_o good_a word_n they_o answer_v he_o with_o stone_n nothing_o be_v more_o untractable_a and_o violent_a than_o a_o enrage_a multitude_n it_o be_v time_n for_o rehoboam_n to_o betake_v himself_o to_o his_o chariot_n he_o see_v those_o stone_n be_v throw_v at_o he_o in_o his_o adoram_n as_o the_o messenger_n suffer_v for_o his_o master_n so_o the_o master_n suffer_v in_o his_o messenger_n have_v rehoboam_n be_v in_o adorams_fw-mi clothes_n this_o death_n have_v be_v he_o only_a flight_n can_v deliver_v he_o from_o those_o that_o may_v have_v be_v subject_n jerusalem_n must_v be_v his_o refuge_n against_o the_o conspiracy_n of_o shechem_n bless_a be_v god_n for_o lawful_a government_n even_o a_o mutinous_a body_n can_v want_v a_o head_n if_o the_o rebellious_a israelite_n have_v cast_v off_o their_o true_a sovereign_n they_o must_v choose_v a_o false_a jeroboam_fw-la the_o son_n of_o nebat_fw-la must_v be_v the_o man_n he_o have_v need_n be_v skilful_a and_o sit_v sure_a that_o shall_v back_o the_o horse_n which_o have_v cast_v his_o rider_n israel_n can_v not_o have_v any_o where_o meet_v with_o more_o craft_n and_o courage_n than_o they_o find_v in_o this_o leader_n rehoboam_n return_v to_o jerusalem_n light_a by_o a_o crown_n than_o he_o go_v forth_o judah_n and_o benjamin_n stick_v still_o fast_o to_o their_o loyalty_n the_o example_n of_o a_o general_a rebellion_n can_v make_v they_o unfaithful_a to_o the_o house_n of_o david_n god_n will_v ever_o reserve_v a_o remnant_n free_a from_o the_o common_a contagion_n those_o tribe_n to_o approve_v their_o valour_n no_o less_o than_o their_o fidelity_n will_v fight_v against_o their_o brethren_n for_o their_o prince_n and_o will_v hazard_v their_o life_n to_o reduce_v the_o crown_n to_o the_o son_n of_o solomon_n a_o hundred_o and_o fourscore_o thousand_o of_o they_o be_v up_o in_o arm_n ready_a to_o force_n israel_n to_o their_o deny_a subjection_n no_o noise_n sound_v on_o both_o part_n but_o military_a no_o man_n think_v of_o any_o thing_n but_o blood_n when_o sudden_o god_n send_v his_o prophet_n to_o forbid_v the_o battle_n shemaiah_n come_v with_o a_o message_n of_o cessation_n you_o shall_v not_o go_v up_o nor_o fight_v against_o your_o brethren_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n return_v every_o man_n to_o his_o house_n for_o this_o thing_n be_v from_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o word_n of_o one_o silly_a prophet_n dismiss_v these_o mighty_a army_n he_o that_o will_v not_o lay_v down_o the_o threat_n of_o his_o rigour_n upon_o the_o advice_n of_o all_o his_o ancient_a counsellor_n will_v lay_v down_o his_o sword_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o a_o seer_n shall_v we_o envy_v or_o shame_n to_o see_v how_o much_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n can_v do_v how_o little_a those_o of_o the_o new_a if_o our_o commission_n be_v no_o less_o from_o the_o same_o god_n the_o difference_n of_o success_n can_v go_v away_o
god_n be_v more_o tender_a than_o in_o approve_v the_o veracity_n of_o himself_o in_o his_o minister_n lewd_a ahab_n have_v a_o holy_a steward_n as_o his_o name_n be_v so_o be_v he_o a_o servant_n of_o god_n while_o his_o master_n be_v a_o slave_n to_o baal_n he_o that_o referue_v seven_o thousand_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n have_v reserve_v a_o obadiah_n in_o the_o court_n of_o israel_n and_o by_o he_o have_v reserve_v they_o neither_o be_v it_o likely_a there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o free_a heart_n in_o the_o country_n if_o religion_n have_v not_o be_v secret_o back_v in_o the_o court_n it_o be_v a_o great_a happiness_n when_o god_n give_v favour_n and_o honour_n to_o the_o virtuous_a elijah_n do_v not_o lie_v more_o close_o in_o sarepta_n than_o obadiah_n do_v in_o the_o court_n he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v so_o much_o service_n to_o the_o church_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v as_o secret_a as_o good_a policy_n and_o religion_n do_v as_o well_o together_o as_o they_o do_v ill_o asunder_o the_o dove_n without_o the_o serpent_n be_v easy_o catch_v the_o serpent_n without_o the_o dove_n sting_v deadly_a religion_n without_o policy_n be_v too_o simple_a to_o be_v safe_a policy_n without_o religion_n be_v too_o subtle_a to_o be_v good_a their_o match_n make_v themselves_o secure_a and_o many_o happy_a oh_o degenerate_v estate_n of_o israel_n any_o thing_n be_v now_o lawful_a there_o save_v piety_n it_o be_v well_o if_o god_n prophet_n can_v find_v a_o hole_n to_o hide_v their_o head_n in_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v hard_o drive_v when_o fifty_o of_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o crowd_n together_o into_o one_o cave_n there_o they_o have_v both_o shade_n and_o repast_n good_a obadiah_n hazard_v his_o own_o life_n to_o preserve_v they_o and_o spend_v himself_o in_o that_o extreme_a dearth_n upon_o their_o necessary_a diet_n bread_n and_o water_n be_v more_o now_o than_o other_o while_n wine_n and_o delicate_n whether_o shall_v we_o wonder_v more_o at_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o reserve_v a_o hundred_o prophet_n or_o in_o thus_o sustain_v they_o be_v reserve_v when_o do_v god_n ever_o leave_v his_o israel_n unfurnished_a of_o some_o prophet_n when_o do_v he_o leave_v his_o prophet_n unprovided_a of_o some_o obadiah_n how_o worthy_a be_v thou_o o_o lord_n to_o be_v trust_v with_o thy_o own_o charge_n while_o there_o be_v man_n upon_o earth_n or_o bird_n in_o the_o air_n or_o angel_n in_o heaven_n thy_o messenger_n can_v want_v provision_n goodness_n carry_v away_o trust_v where_o it_o can_v have_v imitation_n ahab_n divide_v with_o obadiah_n the_o surucy_a of_o the_o whole_a land_n they_o two_o set_v their_o own_o eye_n on_o work_n for_o the_o search_n of_o water_n of_o pasture_n to_o preserve_v the_o horse_n and_o mule_n alive_a oh_o the_o poor_a and_o vain_a care_n of_o ahab_n he_o cast_v to_o kill_v the_o prophet_n to_o save_v the_o cattle_n he_o never_o seek_v to_o save_v his_o own_o soul_n to_o destroy_v idolatry_n he_o take_v think_v for_o grass_n none_o for_o mercy_n carnal_a heart_n be_v ever_o either_o grovel_v on_o the_o earth_n or_o delve_v into_o it_o no_o more_o regard_v god_n or_o their_o soul_n than_o if_o they_o either_o be_v not_o or_o be_v worthless_a elijah_n hear_v of_o the_o progress_n and_o offer_v himself_o to_o the_o view_n of_o they_o both_o here_o be_v wisdom_n in_o this_o courage_n first_o he_o present_v himself_o to_o obadiah_n ere_o he_o will_v be_v see_v of_o ahab_n that_o ahab_n may_v upon_o the_o report_n of_o so_o discreet_a a_o informer_n digest_v the_o expectation_n of_o his_o meeting_n then_o he_o take_v the_o opportunity_n of_o ahabs_n presence_n when_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a jezebel_n be_v away_o obadiah_n meet_v the_o prophet_n know_v he_o and_o as_o if_o he_o have_v see_v god_n in_o he_o fall_v on_o his_o face_n to_o he_o who_o he_o know_v his_o master_n persecute_v though_o a_o great_a peer_n he_o have_v learned_a to_o honour_v a_o prophet_n no_o respect_n be_v too_o much_o for_o the_o precedent_n of_o that_o sacred_a college_n to_o the_o poor_a boarder_n of_o the_o sareptan_n here_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o prostration_n and_o my_o lord_n elijah_n from_o the_o great_a high_a steward_n of_o israel_n those_o that_o be_v true_o gracious_a can_v be_v niggardly_o of_o their_o observance_n to_o the_o messenger_n of_o god_n elijah_n receive_v the_o reverence_n return_v a_o charge_n go_v tell_v thy_o lord_n behold_v elijah_n be_v here_o obadiah_n find_v this_o load_n too_o heavy_a neither_o be_v he_o more_o strike_v with_o the_o boldness_n than_o with_o the_o unkindness_n of_o this_o command_n boldness_n in_o respect_n of_o elijah_n unkindness_n in_o respect_n of_o himself_o for_o thus_o he_o think_v if_o elijah_n do_v come_v to_o ahab_n he_o die_v if_o he_o do_v not_o come_v i_o die_v if_o it_o be_v know_v that_o i_o meet_v he_o and_o bring_v he_o not_o it_o be_v death_n if_o i_o say_v that_o he_o will_v come_v voluntary_o and_o god_n shall_v alter_v his_o intention_n it_o be_v death_n how_o unhappy_a a_o man_n be_o i_o that_o must_v be_v either_o elijah_n executioner_n or_o my_o own_o be_v ahabs_n displeasure_n but_o smoke_v i_o may_v hope_v to_o quench_v it_o but_o now_o that_o the_o flame_n of_o it_o have_v break_v forth_o to_o the_o notice_n to_o the_o search_n of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n round_o about_o it_o may_v consume_v i_o i_o can_v extinguish_v it_o this_o message_n be_v for_o a_o enemy_n of_o elijah_n for_o a_o client_n of_o baal_n as_o for_o i_o i_o have_v well_o approve_v my_o true_a devotion_n to_o god_n my_o love_n to_o his_o prophet_n what_o have_v i_o do_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v single_v out_o either_o to_o kill_v elijah_n or_o to_o be_v kill_v for_o he_o many_o a_o hard_a plunge_n must_v that_o man_n need_v be_v drive_v to_o who_o will_v hold_v his_o conscience_n together_o with_o the_o service_n and_o favour_n of_o a_o tyrant_n it_o be_v a_o happy_a thing_n to_o serve_v a_o just_a master_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n no_o strain_n in_o such_o obedience_n but_o when_o the_o prophet_n bind_v his_o resolution_n with_o a_o oath_n and_o clear_v the_o heart_n of_o obadiah_n from_o all_o fear_n from_o all_o suspicion_n the_o good_a man_n dare_v be_v the_o messenger_n of_o that_o which_o he_o see_v be_v decree_v in_o heaven_n doubtless_o ahab_n startle_v to_o hear_v of_o elijah_n come_v to_o meet_v he_o as_o one_o that_o do_v not_o more_o hate_n than_o fear_v the_o prophet_n well_o may_v he_o think_v thus_o long_o thus_o far_o have_v i_o seek_v elijah_n elijah_n will_v not_o come_v to_o seek_v i_o but_o under_o a_o sure_a guard_n and_o with_o some_o strange_a commission_n his_o course_n mantle_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o my_o robe_n and_o sceptre_n if_o i_o can_v command_v a_o piece_n of_o the_o earth_n i_o see_v he_o can_v command_v heaven_n the_o edge_n of_o his_o revenge_n be_v take_v off_o with_o a_o doubtful_a expectation_n of_o the_o issue_n and_o now_o when_o elijah_n offer_v himself_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o ahab_n he_o who_o dare_v not_o strike_v yet_o dare_v challenge_v the_o prophet_n be_v thou_o he_o that_o trouble_v israel_n jeroboam'_v hand_n be_v still_o in_o ahabs_n thought_n he_o hold_v it_o not_o so_o safe_a to_o smite_v as_o to_o expostulate_v he_o that_o be_v the_o head_n of_o israel_n speak_v out_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o his_o people_n that_o elijah_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o their_o sorrow_n alas_o what_o have_v the_o righteous_a prophet_n do_v he_o tax_v their_o sin_n he_o foretell_v the_o judgement_n he_o deserve_v it_o not_o he_o inflict_v it_o not_o yet_o he_o smart_v and_o they_o be_v guilty_a as_o if_o some_o fond_a people_n shall_v accuse_v the_o herald_n or_o the_o trumpet_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o war_n or_o as_o if_o some_o ignorant_a peasant_n when_o he_o see_v his_o fowl_n bathe_v in_o his_o pond_n shall_v cry_v out_o of_o they_o as_o the_o cause_n of_o foul_a weather_n oh_o the_o heroical_a spirit_n of_o elijah_n he_o stand_v alone_o a_o mid_n all_o the_o train_n of_o ahab_n and_o dare_v not_o only_o repel_v this_o charge_n but_o retort_v it_o i_o have_v not_o trouble_v israel_n but_o thou_o and_o thy_o father_n house_n in_o that_o you_o have_v forsake_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o thou_o have_v follow_v baalim_fw-la no_o earthly_a glory_n can_v daunt_v he_o who_o have_v the_o clear_a and_o hearten_v vision_n of_o god_n this_o holy_a seer_n discern_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o our_o suffering_n to_o be_v our_o sin_n foolish_a man_n be_v plague_v for_o their_o offence_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a part_n of_o their_o plague_n that_o they_o see_v it_o not_o
be_v bestow_v shall_v now_o be_v glad_o devote_a to_o the_o celebration_n of_o that_o happy_a day_n wherein_o he_o be_v honour_v with_o so_o bless_a a_o employment_n if_o with_o desire_n if_o with_o cheerfulness_n we_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o work_n of_o our_o heavenly_a master_n they_o be_v not_o like_a to_o prosper_v in_o our_o hand_n he_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o this_o spiritual_a station_n who_o hold_v not_o the_o service_n of_o god_n his_o high_a his_o rich_a preferment_n contemplation_n upon_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o 19_o book_n wherein_o be_v ahab_n and_o benhadad_n ahab_n and_o naboth_n ahab_n and_o michaiah_n or_o the_o death_n of_o ahab_n ahaziah_n sick_a elijah_n revenge_v the_o rapture_n of_o elijah_n elisha_n heal_v the_o water_n curse_v the_o child_n relieve_v the_o three_o king_n elisha_n with_o the_o shunamite_n naaman_n and_o elisha_n elisha_n raise_v the_o iron_n blind_a the_o syrian_n the_o famine_n of_o samaria_n relieve_v to_o the_o right_n honourable_a edward_n lord_z denny_z baron_n of_o waltham_n my_o bountiful_a and_o dear_o honour_a patron_n right_o honourable_a none_o can_v challenge_v so_o much_o right_n in_o these_o meditation_n as_o your_o lordship_n under_o who_o happy_a shade_n they_o receive_v their_o first_o conception_n under_o this_o juniper_n of_o you_o have_v i_o not_o drive_v by_o force_n but_o draw_v by_o pleasure_n sleep_v thus_o long_o sweet_o safe_o and_o have_v receive_v these_o angelical_a touch_n how_o just_o may_v your_o lordship_n claim_v the_o fruit_n of_o your_o own_o favour_n your_o careful_a study_n in_o this_o book_n of_o god_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v exemplary_a which_o have_v so_o enrich_v you_o that_o your_o teacher_n shall_v gain_v in_o this_o reach_n of_o divine_a thought_n you_o shall_v see_v benhadad_n insolence_n take_v down_o by_o ahabs_n victory_n a_o humble_a though_o idolatrous_a israelite_n carry_v it_o from_o a_o insult_a pagan_n you_o shall_v see_v in_o ahab_n the_o impotent_a passion_n of_o greatness_n in_o naboth_n bleed_v honesty_n in_o jezebel_n bloody_a hypocrisy_n cruel_a craft_n plot_v from_o hell_n pretend_v from_o heaven_n you_o shall_v see_v the_o woeful_a success_n of_o a_o unjust_a mercy_n ahab_n forfait_v what_o he_o give_v kill_v by_o he_o who_o he_o shall_v have_v kill_v you_o shall_v see_v resolute_a michaiah_n oppose_v the_o mercenary_a synod_n of_o prophet_n a_o beat_a victor_n a_o imprison_a freeman_n you_o shall_v see_v ahaziah_n fall_v through_o his_o grate_n elijah_n climb_v up_o his_o mount_n mount_v up_o to_o his_o glory_n fetch_v fire_n from_o heaven_n fetch_v it_o by_o a_o fiery_a chariot_n to_o heaven_n elisha_n the_o heir_n of_o his_o mantle_n of_o his_o spirit_n no_o less_o marvelous_a in_o his_o beneficence_n in_o his_o revenge_n what_o do_v i_o foretell_v all_o i_o think_v i_o feel_v myself_o now_o too_o like_o a_o italian_a host_n thus_o to_o meet_v your_o lordship_n on_o the_o way_n and_o to_o promise_v beforehand_o your_o fare_n and_o entertainment_n let_v it_o please_v your_o lordship_n rather_o to_o see_v and_o allow_v your_o cheer_n indeed_o the_o feast_n be_v god_n and_o not_o i_o wherein_o store_n strive_v with_o delicacy_n if_o my_o cookery_n hurt_v it_o not_o it_o be_v enough_o through_o your_o hand_n i_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n as_o i_o do_v your_o lordship_n and_o my_o honourable_a good_a lady_n to_o the_o gracious_a protection_n of_o the_o almighty_a just_o vow_v myself_o your_o lordship_n in_o all_o faithful_a observance_n for_o ever_o to_o command_v jos_n hall._n ahab_n and_o benhadad_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o dangerous_a for_o any_o state_n than_o to_o call_v in_o foreign_a power_n for_o the_o suppression_n of_o a_o homebred_a enemy_n the_o remedy_n have_v oft_o in_o this_o case_n prove_v worse_o than_o the_o disease_n asa_n king_n of_o judah_n implore_v the_o aid_n of_o benhadad_n the_o syrian_a against_o baasha_n king_n of_o israel_n that_o stranger_n have_v good_a colour_n to_o set_v his_o foot_n in_o some_o out-skirt-towne_n of_o israel_n and_o now_o these_o serve_v he_o but_o for_o the_o handsel_n of_o more_o such_o sweetness_n do_v that_o edomite_n find_v in_o the_o soil_n of_o israel_n that_o his_o ambition_n will_v not_o take_v up_o with_o less_o than_o all_o he_o that_o enter_v as_o a_o friend_n will_v proceed_v as_o a_o conqueror_n and_o now_o aim_v at_o no_o less_o than_o samaria_n itself_o the_o heart_n the_o head_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o hope_v for_o better_a success_n of_o so_o perfidious_a a_o league_n with_o a_o infidel_n who_o can_v look_v for_o other_o than_o war_n when_o he_o see_v ahab_n and_o jezebel_n in_o the_o throne_n israel_n in_o the_o grove_n and_o temple_n of_o baalim_fw-la the_o ambition_n of_o benhadad_n be_v not_o so_o much_o guilty_a of_o this_o war_n as_o the_o idolatry_n of_o that_o wicked_a nation_n how_o can_v they_o expect_v peace_n from_o earth_n who_o do_v wilful_o fight_v against_o heaven_n rather_o will_v the_o god_n of_o host_n arm_v the_o brute_n the_o senseless_a creature_n against_o a_o israel_n than_o he_o will_v suffer_v their_o defiance_n unrevenged_a ahab_n and_o benhadad_n be_v well_o match_v a_o idolatrous_a israelite_n with_o a_o paganish_a idumaean_a well_o may_v god_n plague_v each_o with_o other_o who_o mean_v vengeance_n to_o they_o both_o ahab_n find_v himself_o hard_o press_v with_o the_o siege_n and_o therefore_o be_v glad_a to_o enter_v into_o treaty_n of_o peace_n benhadad_o know_v his_o own_o strength_n and_o offer_v insolent_a condition_n thy_o silver_n and_o thy_o gold_n be_v i_o thy_o wife_n also_o and_o thy_o child_n even_o the_o goodly_a be_v i_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o be_v in_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o enemy_n in_o case_n of_o hostility_n might_n will_v carve_v for_o itself_o ahab_n now_o after_o the_o division_n of_o judah_n be_v but_o half_a a_o king_n benhadad_o have_v two_o and_o thirty_o king_n to_o attend_v he_o what_o equality_n be_v in_o this_o opposition_n wise_o do_v ahab_n therefore_o as_o a_o reed_n in_o a_o temâ—â—st_n stoop_v to_o this_o violent_a charge_n of_o so_o potent_a a_o enemy_n my_o lord_n o_o king_n according_a to_o thy_o say_n i_o be_o thou_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o overpowred_n to_o capitulate_v weakness_n may_v not_o argue_v but_o yield_v tyranny_n be_v but_o draw_v on_o by_o submission_n and_o where_o it_o find_v fear_n and_o dejection_n insult_v benhadad_n not_o content_a with_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o ahab_n good_n call_v for_o the_o possession_n ahab_n have_v offer_v the_o dominion_n with_o reservation_n of_o his_o subordinate_a interest_n he_o will_v be_v a_o tributary_n so_o he_o may_v be_v a_o owner_n benhadad_o imperious_o beside_o the_o command_n call_v for_o the_o propriety_n and_o suffer_v not_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n to_o enjoy_v those_o thing_n at_o all_o which_o he_o will_v enjoy_v but_o under_o the_o favour_n of_o that_o predominancie_n overstrained_n subjection_n turn_v desperate_a if_o condition_n be_v impose_v worse_a than_o death_n there_o need_v no_o long_a disputation_n of_o the_o remedy_n the_o elder_n of_o israel_n who_o share_n be_v proportionable_o in_o this_o danger_n hearten_v ahab_n to_o a_o denial_n which_o yet_o come_v out_o so_o fearful_o as_o that_o it_o appear_v rather_o extorted_a by_o the_o peremptory_a indignation_n of_o the_o people_n than_o proceed_v out_o of_o any_o generosity_n of_o his_o spirit_n neither_o do_v he_o say_v i_o will_v not_o but_o i_o may_v not_o the_o proud_a syrian_a who_o will_v have_v take_v it_o in_o foul_a scorn_n to_o be_v deny_v though_o he_o have_v send_v for_o all_o the_o head_n of_o israel_n snuff_n up_o the_o wind_n like_o a_o wild_a ass_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o brag_n and_o threat_n and_o swear_v the_o god_n do_v so_o to_o i_o and_o more_o also_o if_o the_o dust_n of_o samaria_n shall_v suffice_v for_o handful_n for_o all_o the_o people_n that_o follow_v i_o not_o the_o man_n not_o the_o good_n only_o of_o samaria_n shall_v be_v carry_v away_o captive_a but_o the_o very_a earth_n whereon_o it_o stand_v and_o this_o with_o how_o much_o ease_n no_o soldier_n shall_v need_v to_o be_v charge_v with_o more_o than_o a_o handful_n to_o make_v a_o valley_n where_o the_o mother_n city_n of_o israel_n once_o stand_v oh_o vain_a boaster_n in_o who_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o pride_n or_o folly_n be_v more_o eminent_a victory_n be_v to_o be_v achieve_v not_o to_o be_v swear_v future_a event_n be_v no_o matter_n of_o a_o oath_n thy_o god_n if_o they_o have_v be_v may_v have_v be_v call_v as_o witness_n of_o thy_o intention_n not_o of_o that_o success_n whereof_o thou_o will_v be_v the_o author_n without_o they_o thy_o god_n can_v do_v nothing_o to_o thou_o nothing_o for_o thou_o nothing_o for_o
to_o guard_v or_o guide_v itself_o all_o the_o safety_n all_o the_o direction_n of_o it_o be_v from_o the_o keeper_n without_o who_o every_o cur_n chase_v and_o werry_n it_o every_o track_n seduce_v it_o such_o shall_v israel_n soon_o be_v if_o ahab_n be_v rule_v by_o his_o prophet_n the_o king_n of_o israel_n do_v not_o believe_v but_o quarrel_n not_o at_o himself_o who_o have_v deserve_v evil_a but_o at_o the_o prophet_n who_o fore-signified_n it_o and_o be_v more_o careful_a that_o the_o king_n of_o juda_n shall_v mark_v how_o true_a he_o have_v foretold_v concern_v the_o prophet_n than_o how_o true_a the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v concern_v he_o bold_a micaiah_n as_o no_o whit_n discourage_v with_o the_o unjust_a check_n of_o greatness_n double_v his_o prediction_n and_o by_o a_o second_o vision_n particularize_v the_o mean_n of_o this_o dangerous_a error_n while_o the_o two_o king_n sit_v majestical_o in_o their_o throne_n he_o tell_v they_o of_o a_o more_o glorious_a throne_n than_o they_o whereon_o he_o see_v the_o king_n of_o god_n sit_v while_o they_o be_v compass_v with_o some_o hundred_o of_o prophet_n and_o thousand_o of_o subject_n and_o soldier_n he_o tell_v they_o of_o all_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n attend_v that_o other_o throne_n while_o they_o be_v deliberate_v of_o a_o war_n he_o tell_v they_o of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n just_o decree_a the_o judgement_n of_o a_o deadly_a deception_n to_o ahab_n this_o decree_n of_o the_o high_a be_v not_o more_o plain_o reveal_v than_o express_v parabolical_o the_o wise_a and_o holy_a god_n be_v represent_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n consult_v of_o that_o ruin_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o the_o wicked_a king_n of_o israel_n that_o increated_a and_o infinite_a wisdom_n need_v not_o the_o advice_n of_o any_o finite_a and_o create_v power_n to_o direct_v he_o need_v not_o the_o assent_n and_o aid_n of_o any_o spirit_n for_o his_o execution_n much_o less_o of_o a_o evil_a one_o yet_o here_o a_o evil_a spirit_n be_v bring_v in_o by_o way_n of_o vision_n mix_v with_o parable_n proffer_v the_o service_n of_o his_o lie_n accept_v employ_v successful_a these_o figure_n be_v not_o void_a of_o truth_n the_o action_n and_o event_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o decree_n the_o decree_n be_v shadow_v out_o by_o the_o resemblance_n of_o humane_a proceed_n all_o evil_a motion_n and_o counsel_n be_v original_o from_o that_o malignant_a spirit_n that_o evil_a spirit_n can_v have_v no_o power_n over_o man_n but_o by_o the_o permission_n by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o almighty_a that_o almighty_a as_o he_o be_v no_o author_n of_o sin_n so_o he_o ordinates_n all_o evil_a to_o good_a it_o be_v good_a that_o be_v just_a it_o be_v just_a that_o one_o sin_n shall_v be_v punish_v by_o another_o satan_n be_v herein_o no_o other_o than_o the_o executioner_n of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v as_o far_o from_o infuse_v evil_a as_o from_o not_o revenge_v it_o now_o ahab_n see_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o applaud_a consent_n of_o his_o rabble_n of_o prophet_n one_o evil_a spirit_n have_v no_o less_o deceive_v they_o than_o they_o their_o master_n he_o be_v one_o therefore_o he_o agree_v with_o himself_o he_o be_v evil_a therefore_o both_o he_o and_o they_o agree_v in_o deceit_n oh_o the_o noble_a and_o undaunted_a spirit_n of_o michaiah_n neither_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o king_n nor_o the_o number_n of_o the_o prophet_n can_v abate_v one_o word_n of_o his_o true_a though_o displease_v message_n the_o king_n of_o israel_n shall_v hear_v that_o he_o be_v mislead_v by_o liar_n they_o by_o a_o devil_n surely_n jehoshaphat_n can_v but_o wonder_v at_o so_o unequal_a a_o contention_n to_o see_v one_o silly_a prophet_n affront_a four_a hundred_o with_o who_o lest_o confidence_n shall_v carry_v it_o behold_v zedekiah_n more_o bold_a more_o zealous_a if_o michaiah_n have_v give_v he_o with_o his_o fellow_n the_o lie_n he_o give_v michaiah_n the_o fist_n before_o these_o two_o great_a guardian_n of_o peace_n and_o justice_n swagger_v zedekiah_n smite_v michaiah_n on_o the_o face_n and_o with_o the_o blow_n expostulate_v which_o way_n go_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o i_o to_o speak_v unto_o thou_o for_o a_o prophet_n to_o smite_v a_o prophet_n in_o the_o face_n of_o two_o king_n be_v intolerable_o insolent_a the_o act_n be_v much_o unbeseeming_a the_o person_n more_o the_o presence_n prophet_n may_v reprove_v they_o may_v not_o strike_v it_o be_v enough_o for_o ahab_n to_o punish_v with_o the_o hand_n no_o weapon_n be_v for_o zedekiah_n but_o his_o tongue_n neither_o can_v this_o rude_a presumption_n have_v be_v well_o take_v if_o malice_n have_v not_o make_v magistracy_n insensible_a of_o this_o usurpation_n ahab_n be_v well_o content_a to_o see_v that_o hate_a mouth_n beat_v by_o any_o hand_n it_o be_v no_o new_a condition_n of_o god_n faithful_a messenger_n to_o smart_v for_o say_v true_a falshood_n do_v not_o more_o bewray_v itself_o in_o any_o thing_n than_o in_o blow_n truth_n suffer_v while_o error_n persecute_v none_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o boast_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o those_o that_o have_v the_o least_o as_o in_o vessel_n the_o full_a be_v silent_a innocent_a michaiah_n neither_o defend_v nor_o complain_v it_o will_v have_v well_o beseem_v the_o religious_a king_n of_o judah_n to_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o dumb_a to_o have_v check_v insolent_a zedekiah_n he_o be_v content_a to_o give_v way_n to_o this_o tide_n of_o peremptory_a and_o general_a opposition_n the_o helpless_a prophet_n stand_v alone_o yet_o lay_v about_o he_o with_o his_o tongue_n behold_v thou_o shall_v see_v in_o that_o day_n when_o thou_o shall_v go_v into_o a_o inner_a chamber_n to_o hide_v thyself_o now_o the_o proud_a baalite_n show_v himself_o too_o much_o ere_o long_o he_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o lurk_v unseen_a his_o horn_n of_o iron_n can_v bear_v off_o this_o danger_n the_o son_n of_o ahab_n can_v choose_v but_o in_o the_o zeal_n of_o revenge_v his_o father_n deadly_a seducement_n call_v for_o that_o false_a head_n of_o zedekiah_n in_o vain_a shall_v that_o impostor_n seek_v to_o hide_v himself_o from_o justice_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n he_o go_v away_o with_o honour_n michaiah_n with_o censure_n take_v micaiah_n and_o carry_v he_o back_o to_o amon_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o city_n and_o to_o joash_n the_o king_n son_n and_o say_v thus_o say_v the_o king_n put_v this_o fellow_n in_o prison_n and_o feed_v he_o with_o bread_n of_o affliction_n and_o with_o water_n of_o affliction_n until_o i_o come_v in_o peace_n a_o hard_a doom_n of_o truth_n the_o jail_n for_o his_o lodging_n course_n bread_n and_o water_n for_o his_o food_n shall_v but_o reserve_v micaiah_n for_o a_o further_a revenge_n the_o return_n of_o ahab_n shall_v be_v the_o bane_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o this_o he_o that_o advise_v benhadad_o not_o to_o boast_v in_o put_v on_o his_o armour_n as_o in_o the_o ungirding_n it_o and_o do_v he_o now_o promise_v himself_o peace_n and_o victory_n before_o he_o buckle_v it_o on_o no_o warning_n will_v dissuade_v the_o wilful_a so_o assure_v do_v ahab_n make_v himself_o of_o success_n that_o he_o threat_v ere_o he_o go_v what_o he_o will_v do_v when_o he_o return_v in_o peace_n how_o just_o do_v god_n deride_v the_o misreckoning_n of_o proud_a and_o foolish_a man_n if_o ahab_n have_v have_v no_o other_o sin_n his_o very_a confidence_n shall_v defeat_v he_o yet_o the_o prophet_n can_v be_v overcome_v in_o his_o resolution_n he_o know_v his_o ground_n can_v deceive_v he_o and_o dare_v therefore_o cast_v the_o credit_n of_o his_o function_n upon_o this_o issue_n if_o thou_o return_v at_o all_o in_o peace_n the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v by_o i_o and_o he_o say_v harken_v o_o people_n every_o one_o of_o you_o let_v he_o never_o be_v call_v a_o prophet_n that_o dare_v not_o trust_v his_o god_n this_o be_v no_o adventure_n therefore_o of_o reputation_n or_o life_n since_o he_o know_v who_o he_o believe_v the_o event_n be_v no_o less_o sure_a than_o if_o it_o have_v be_v past_a he_o be_v no_o god_n that_o be_v not_o constant_a to_o himself_o have_v he_o speak_v and_o shall_v he_o not_o perform_v what_o hold_v have_v we_o for_o our_o soul_n but_o his_o eternal_a word_n the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v not_o more_o sure_a than_o his_o promise_n than_o his_o sentence_n of_o judgement_n well_o may_v we_o appeal_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o world_n in_o both_o if_o there_o be_v not_o plague_n for_o the_o wicked_a if_o there_o be_v not_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a god_n have_v not_o speak_v by_o us._n not_o ahab_n only_o but_o good_a jehoshaphat_n be_v carry_v with_o the_o multitude_n their_o force_n be_v join_v against_o ramoth_n the_o king_n
perfect_a contentment_n it_o be_v in_o a_o middle-estate_n equal_o distant_a from_o penury_n from_o excess_n it_o be_v in_o a_o calm_a freedom_n a_o secure_a tranquillity_n a_o sweet_a fruition_n of_o ourselves_o of_o we_o but_o what_o hold_n be_v there_o of_o these_o earthly_a thing_n how_o long_o be_v the_o shunamite_n thus_o bless_v with_o peace_n slay_v but_o a_o while_n you_o shall_v see_v she_o come_v on_o her_o knee_n to_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n pitiful_o complain_v that_o she_o be_v strip_v of_o house_n and_o land_n and_o now_o gehezi_n be_v fain_o to_o do_v that_o good_a office_n for_o she_o which_o be_v not_o accept_v from_o his_o master_n those_o that_o stand_v fast_o upon_o earth_n have_v but_o slippery_a foot_n no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o need_v friend_n modesty_n seal_v up_o the_o lip_n of_o the_o good_a shunamite_n she_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v her_o longing_n gehezi_n easy_o guess_v that_o her_o barrenness_n can_v not_o but_o be_v her_o affliction_n she_o be_v childless_a her_o husband_n old_a elisha_n gratify_v she_o with_o the_o news_n of_o a_o son_n about_o this_o season_n according_a to_o the_o time_n of_o life_n thou_o shall_v embrace_v a_o son_n how_o liberal_a be_v god_n by_o his_o prophet_n in_o give_v beyond_o her_o request_n not_o seldom_o do_v his_o bounty_n overreach_v our_o thought_n and_o meet_v we_o with_o those_o benefit_n which_o we_o think_v too_o good_a for_o we_o to_o ask_v greatness_n and_o inexpectation_n make_v the_o blessing_n seem_v incredible_a nay_o my_o lord_n thou_o man_n of_o god_n do_v not_o lie_v to_o thy_o handmaid_n we_o be_v never_o sure_a enough_o of_o what_o we_o desire_v we_o be_v not_o more_o hard_a to_o believe_v than_o loath_a to_o distrust_v beneficial_a event_n she_o well_o know_v the_o prophet_n holiness_n can_v not_o stand_v with_o wilful_a falsehood_n perhaps_o she_o may_v think_v it_o speak_v by_o way_n of_o trial_n not_o of_o serious_a affirmation_n as_o unwilling_a therefore_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v and_o willing_a to_o hear_v that_o please_a word_n second_v she_o say_v do_v not_o lie_v to_o thy_o handmaid_n promise_n be_v make_v good_a not_o by_o iteration_n but_o by_o the_o effect_n the_o shunamite_n conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n at_o the_o set_a season_n how_o glad_a a_o mother_n she_o be_v those_o know_v best_a that_o have_v mourn_v under_o the_o discomfort_n of_o a_o sad_a sterility_n the_o child_n grow_v up_o and_o be_v now_o able_a to_o find_v out_o his_o father_n in_o the_o field_n among_o his_o reaper_n his_o father_n now_o grow_v young_a again_o with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o sight_n and_o more_o joy_v in_o this_o spring_n of_o his_o hope_n than_o in_o all_o the_o crop_n of_o his_o harvest_n but_o what_o stability_n be_v there_o in_o these_o earthly_a delight_n the_o hot_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n beat_v upon_o that_o head_n which_o too_o much_o care_n have_v make_v tender_a and_o delicate_a the_o child_n complain_v to_o his_o father_n of_o his_o pain_n oh_o that_o grace_n can_v teach_v we_o what_o nature_n teach_v infant_n in_o all_o our_o trouble_n to_o bemoan_v ourselves_o to_o our_o heavenly_a father_n he_o send_v he_o to_o his_o mother_n upon_o her_o lap_n about_o noon_n the_o child_n die_v as_o if_o he_o will_v return_v his_o soul_n into_o that_o bosom_n from_o which_o it_o be_v derive_v to_o he_o the_o good_a shunamite_n have_v lose_v her_o son_n her_o faith_n she_o have_v not_o lose_v passion_n have_v not_o rob_v she_o of_o her_o wisdom_n as_o not_o distract_v with_o a_o accident_n so_o sudden_a so_o sorrowful_a she_o lay_v her_o dead_a child_n upon_o the_o prophet_n bed_n she_o lock_n the_o door_n she_o hide_v her_o grief_n lest_o that_o consternation_n may_v hinder_v her_o design_n she_o hasten_v to_o her_o husband_n and_o as_o not_o dare_v to_o be_v other_o than_o officious_a in_o so_o distressful_a a_o occasion_n acquaint_v he_o with_o her_o journey_n though_o not_o with_o the_o cause_n require_v of_o he_o both_o attendance_n and_o conveyance_n she_o post_v to_o mount_v carmel_n she_o can_v so_o soon_o find_v out_o the_o man_n of_o god_n as_o he_o have_v find_v she_o he_o see_v she_o a_o far_o off_o and_o like_o a_o thankful_a guest_n send_v his_o servant_n hasty_o to_o meet_v she_o to_o inquire_v of_o the_o health_n of_o herself_o her_o husband_n her_o child_n her_o errand_n be_v not_o to_o gehezi_n it_o be_v to_o elisha_n no_o messenger_n shall_v interrupt_v she_o no_o ear_n shall_v receive_v her_o complaint_n but_o the_o prophet_n down_o she_o fall_v passionate_o at_o his_o foot_n and_z forget_v the_o fashion_n of_o her_o bashful_a strangeness_n lay_v hold_v of_o they_o whether_o in_o a_o humble_a veneration_n of_o his_o person_n or_o in_o a_o fervent_a desire_n of_o satisfaction_n gehezi_n who_o well_o know_v how_o uncouth_a how_o unfit_a this_o gesture_n of_o salutation_n be_v for_o his_o master_n offers_z to_o remove_v she_o and_o admonish_v she_o of_o her_o distance_n the_o merciful_a prophet_n easy_o apprehend_v that_o no_o ordinary_a occasion_n can_v so_o transport_v a_o grave_n and_o well-governed_n matron_n as_o therefore_o pity_v her_o unknown_a passion_n he_o bid_v let_v she_o alone_o for_o her_o soul_n be_v vex_v within_o she_o and_o the_o lord_n have_v hide_v it_o from_o i_o and_o have_v not_o tell_v i_o if_o extremity_n of_o grief_n have_v make_v her_o unmannerly_a wise_a and_o holy_a elisha_n know_v how_o to_o pardon_v it_o he_o dare_v not_o add_v sorrow_n to_o the_o afflict_a he_o can_v better_o bear_v a_o unseemliness_n in_o her_o greeting_n than_o cruelty_n in_o her_o molestation_n great_a be_v the_o familiarity_n that_o the_o prophet_n have_v with_o his_o god_n and_o as_o friend_n be_v wont_v mutual_o to_o impart_v their_o counsel_n to_o each_o other_o so_o have_v the_o lord_n do_v to_o he_o elisha_n be_v not_o idle_a on_o mount_n carmel_n what_o be_v it_o that_o he_o see_v not_o from_o thence_o not_o heaven_n only_o but_o the_o world_n be_v before_o he_o yet_o the_o shunamite_n loss_n be_v conceal_v from_o he_o neither_o do_v he_o shame_n to_o confess_v it_o ofttime_n those_o that_o know_v great_a matter_n may_v yet_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o less_o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o any_o finite_a creature_n not_o to_o know_v something_o by_o her_o mouth_n will_v god_n tell_v the_o prophet_n what_o by_o vision_n he_o have_v not_o then_o she_o say_v do_v i_o desire_v a_o son_n of_o my_o lord_n do_v i_o not_o say_v do_v not_o deceive_v i_o deep_a sorrow_n be_v spare_v of_o word_n the_o expostulation_n can_v not_o be_v more_o short_a more_o quick_a more_o pithy_a have_v i_o beg_v a_o son_n perhaps_o my_o importunity_n may_v have_v be_v yield_v to_o in_o anger_n too_o much_o desire_n be_v just_o punish_v with_o loss_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o what_o we_o wring_v from_o god_n prosper_v not_o this_o favour_n to_o i_o be_v of_o thy_o own_o motion_n thy_o suit_n o_o elisha_n make_v i_o a_o mother_n can_v thou_o intend_v to_o torment_v i_o with_o a_o blessing_n how_o much_o more_o easy_a have_v the_o want_n of_o a_o son_n be_v than_o the_o miscarriage_n barrenness_n than_o orbation_n be_v there_o no_o other_o end_n of_o my_o have_v a_o son_n than_o that_o i_o may_v lose_v he_o o_o man_n of_o god_n let_v i_o not_o complain_v of_o a_o cruel_a kindness_n thy_o prayer_n give_v i_o a_o son_n let_v thy_o prayer_n restore_v he_o let_v not_o my_o dutiful_a respect_n to_o thou_o be_v repay_v with_o a_o aggravation_n of_o misery_n give_v not_o thy_o handmaid_n cause_n to_o wish_v that_o i_o be_v but_o so_o unhappy_a as_o thou_o find_v i_o oh_o woeful_a fruitfulness_n if_o i_o must_v now_o say_v that_o i_o have_v a_o son_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o the_o mother_n or_o the_o prophet_n be_v more_o afflict_v the_o prophet_n for_o the_o mother_n sake_n or_o the_o mother_n for_o her_o own_o not_o a_o word_n of_o reply_n do_v we_o hear_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o elisha_n his_o breath_n be_v only_o spend_v in_o the_o remedy_n he_o send_v his_o servant_n with_o all_o speed_n to_o lay_v his_o staff_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o child_n charge_v he_o to_o avoid_v all_o the_o delay_n of_o the_o way_n have_v not_o the_o prophet_n suppose_v that_o staff_n of_o his_o able_a to_o beat_v away_o death_n why_o do_v he_o send_v it_o and_o if_o upon_o that_o supposition_n he_o send_v it_o how_o be_v it_o that_o it_o fail_v of_o effect_n be_v this_o act_n do_v out_o of_o humane_a conceit_n not_o out_o of_o instinct_n from_o god_n or_o do_v the_o want_n of_o the_o mother_n faith_n hinder_v the_o success_n of_o that_o cure_n she_z not_o regard_v the_o staff_n or_o the_o man_n hold_v fast_o to_o