bargain_n i_o see_v she_o run_v to_o the_o prophet_n door_n and_o grateful_o acknowledge_v the_o favour_n and_o humble_o depend_v on_o his_o direction_n as_o not_o dare_v to_o dispose_v of_o that_o which_o be_v so_o wondrous_o give_v she_o without_o the_o advice_n of_o he_o by_o who_o powerful_a mean_n she_o have_v receive_v it_o her_o own_o reason_n may_v have_v sufficient_o suggest_v what_o to_o do_v she_o dare_v not_o trust_v it_o but_o consult_v with_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n if_o we_o will_v walk_v sure_o we_o must_v do_v nothing_o without_o a_o word_n every_o action_n every_o motion_n must_v have_v a_o warrant_n we_o can_v no_o more_o err_v with_o this_o guide_n than_o not_o err_v without_o he_o the_o prophet_n set_v she_o in_o a_o right_a way_n go_v sell_v the_o oil_n and_o pay_v thy_o debt_n and_o live_v thou_o and_o thy_o child_n on_o the_o rest_n the_o first_o care_n be_v of_o her_o debt_n the_o next_o of_o her_o maintenance_n it_o shall_v be_v gross_a injustice_n to_o raise_v mean_n for_o herself_o and_o her_o charge_n ere_o she_o have_v discharge_v the_o arerage_n of_o her_o husband_n none_o of_o the_o oil_n be_v she_o till_o her_o creditor_n be_v satisfy_v all_o be_v she_o that_o remain_v it_o be_v but_o stealth_n to_o enjoy_v a_o borrow_a substance_n while_o she_o have_v nothing_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o owe_v but_o when_o once_o her_o vessel_n be_v full_a she_o can_v not_o have_v be_v guilt_n less_o if_o she_o have_v not_o pay_v before_o she_o store_v god_n and_o his_o prophet_n be_v bountiful_a after_o the_o debt_n pay_v they_o provide_v not_o only_o against_o the_o thraldom_n of_o her_o charge_n but_o against_o the_o want_n it_o be_v the_o just_a care_n of_o a_o religious_a heart_n to_o defend_v the_o widow_n and_o child_n of_o a_o prophet_n from_o distress_n and_o penury_n behold_v the_o true_a servant_n and_o successor_n of_o elijah_n what_o he_o do_v to_o the_o sareptan_a widow_n this_o do_v to_o the_o widow_n of_o a_o prophet_n that_o increase_n of_o oil_n be_v by_o degree_n this_o at_o once_o both_o equal_o miraculous_a this_o so_o much_o more_o charitable_a as_o it_o less_o concern_v himself_o he_o that_o give_v kindness_n do_v by_o turn_n receive_v they_o elisha_n have_v relieve_v a_o poor_a woman_n be_v relieve_v by_o a_o rich_a the_o shunamite_n a_o religious_a and_o wealthy_a matron_n invite_v he_o to_o her_o house_n and_o now_o after_o the_o first_o entertainment_n find_v his_o occasion_n to_o call_v he_o to_o a_o frequent_a passage_n that_o way_n move_v her_o husband_n to_o set_v up_o and_o furnish_v a_o lodging_n for_o the_o man_n of_o god_n it_o be_v his_o holiness_n that_o make_v her_o desirous_a of_o such_o a_o guest_n well_o may_v she_o hope_v that_o such_o a_o inmate_n will_v pay_v a_o blessing_n for_o his_o house-rent_n oh_o happy_a shunamite_n that_o may_v make_v herself_o the_o hostess_n of_o elisha_n as_o no_o less_o dutiful_a than_o godly_a she_o impart_v her_o desire_n to_o her_o husband_n who_o her_o suit_n have_v draw_v to_o a_o partnership_n in_o this_o holy_a hospitality_n bless_v of_o god_n be_v that_o man_n who_o bed_n yield_v he_o a_o help_n to_o heaven_n the_o good_a shunamite_n desire_v not_o to_o harbour_v elisha_n in_o one_o of_o her_o wont_a lodging_n she_o solicit_v her_o husband_n to_o build_v he_o a_o chamber_n on_o the_o wall_n apart_o she_o know_v the_o tumult_n of_o a_o large_a family_n unfit_a for_o the_o quiet_a meditation_n of_o a_o prophet_n retiredness_n be_v most_o meet_a for_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o seer_n neither_o will_v she_o bring_v the_o prophet_n to_o bare_a wall_n but_o set_v ready_a for_o he_o a_o bed_n a_o table_n a_o stool_n and_o a_o candlestick_n and_o what_o ever_o necessary_a utensil_n for_o his_o entertainment_n the_o prophet_n do_v not_o affect_v delicacy_n she_o take_v care_n to_o provide_v for_o his_o convenience_n those_o that_o be_v true_o pious_a and_o devout_a think_v their_o house_n and_o their_o hand_n can_v be_v too_o open_a to_o the_o messenger_n of_o god_n and_o be_v most_o glad_a to_o exchange_v their_o earthly_a commodity_n for_o the_o other_o spiritual_a superfluity_n shall_v not_o fall_v within_o the_o care_n of_o a_o prophet_n necessity_n must_v he_o that_o can_v provide_v oil_n for_o the_o widow_n can_v have_v provide_v all_o needful_a help_n for_o himself_o what_o room_n have_v there_o be_v for_o the_o charity_n and_o beneficence_n of_o other_o if_o the_o prophet_n shall_v have_v always_o maintain_v himself_o out_o of_o power_n the_o holy_a man_n be_v so_o far_o sociable_a as_o not_o to_o neglect_v the_o friendly_a offer_n of_o so_o kind_a a_o benefactor_n glad_o do_v he_o take_v up_o his_o new_a lodging_n and_o as_o well_o please_v with_o so_o quiet_a a_o repose_n and_o careful_a attendance_n he_o send_v his_o servant_n gebezi_n with_o the_o message_n of_o his_o thanks_n with_o a_o treaty_n of_o retribution_n behold_v thou_o have_v be_v careful_a for_o we_o with_o all_o this_o care_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o thou_o will_v thou_o be_v speak_v for_o to_o the_o king_n or_o to_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n a_o ingenuous_a disposition_n can_v receive_v favour_n without_o thought_n of_o return_n a_o wise_a debtor_n be_v desirous_a to_o retribute_v in_o such_o kind_n as_o may_v be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o his_o obliger_n without_o this_o discretion_n we_o may_v offer_v such_o requiral_n as_o may_v seem_v goodly_a to_o we_o to_o our_o friend_n worthless_a every_o one_o can_v choose_v best_a for_o himself_o elisha_n therefore_o who_o have_v never_o be_v want_v in_o spiritual_a duty_n to_o so_o hospital_n a_o friend_n give_v the_o shunamite_n the_o election_n of_o her_o suit_n for_o temporal_a recompense_n also_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o loose_a by_o his_o favour_n to_o a_o prophet_n it_o be_v a_o good_a hear_n that_o a_o elisha_n be_v in_o such_o grace_n at_o the_o court_n that_o he_o can_v promise_v himself_o access_n to_o the_o king_n in_o a_o friend_n suit_n it_o be_v not_o ever_o thus_o the_o time_n be_v when_o his_o master_n hear_v have_v thou_o find_v i_o o_o my_o enemy_n now_o the_o late_a miracle_n which_o elisha_n wrought_v in_o gratify_v the_o three_o king_n with_o water_n and_o victory_n have_v endear_v he_o to_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o now_o who_o but_o elisha_n even_o that_o rough_a mantle_n find_v respect_n among_o those_o silk_n and_o tissue_n as_o bad_a as_o jehoram_n be_v yet_o he_o honour_v the_o man_n of_o god_n he_o that_o can_v not_o prevail_v with_o a_o idolatrous_a king_n in_o a_o spiritual_a reformation_n yet_o can_v carry_v a_o civil_a suit_n neither_o do_v the_o prophet_n in_o a_o sullen_a discontentment_n fly_v off_o from_o the_o court_n because_o he_o find_v his_o labour_n unprofitable_a but_o still_o hold_v good_a term_n with_o that_o prince_n who_o he_o can_v reclaim_v and_o will_v make_v use_v notwithstanding_o of_o his_o countenance_n in_o matter_n whether_o of_o courtesy_n or_o justice_n we_o may_v not_o cast_v off_o our_o due_a respect_n even_o to_o faulty_a authority_n but_o must_v still_o submit_v and_o persist_v where_o we_o be_v repel_v not_o to_o his_o own_o advancement_n do_v elisha_n desire_v to_o improve_v the_o king_n favour_n but_o to_o the_o behoof_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o other_o if_o the_o shunamite_n have_v business_n at_o the_o court_n she_o shall_v need_v no_o other_o solicitor_n there_o can_v be_v a_o better_a office_n nor_o more_o beseem_v a_o prophet_n than_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o dumb_a to_o befriend_v the_o oppress_v to_o win_v greatness_n unto_o the_o protection_n of_o innocence_n the_o good_a matron_n need_v no_o shelter_n of_o the_o great_a i_o dwell_v among_o my_o own_o people_n as_o if_o she_o say_v the_o courtesy_n be_v not_o small_a in_o itself_o but_o not_o useful_a to_o i_o i_o live_v here_o quiet_o in_o a_o content_a obscurity_n out_o of_o the_o reach_n either_o of_o the_o glory_n or_o care_n of_o a_o court_n free_a from_o wrong_n free_a from_o envy_n not_o so_o high_a as_o to_o provoke_v a_o evil_a eye_n not_o so_o low_a as_o to_o be_v tread_v on_o i_o have_v neither_o fear_n nor_o ambition_n my_o neighbour_n be_v my_o friend_n my_o friend_n be_v my_o protector_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o main_a injury_n will_v not_o stick_v to_o be_v my_o advocate_n this_o favour_n be_v for_o those_o that_o either_o affect_v greatness_n or_o groan_n under_o oppression_n i_o do_v neither_o for_o i_o live_v among_o my_o own_o people_n o_o shunamite_n thou_o shall_v not_o escape_v envy_n who_o can_v hear_v of_o thy_o happy_a condition_n and_o not_o say_v why_o be_o not_o i_o thus_o if_o the_o world_n afford_v any_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
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