but_o such_o entertainment_n with_o the_o jebusite_n whither_o be_v the_o posterity_n of_o benjamin_n degenerate_v that_o their_o gibeah_n shall_v be_v no_o less_o wicked_a than_o populous_a the_o first_o sign_n of_o a_o settle_a godlessness_n be_v that_o a_o levite_n be_v suffer_v to_o lie_v without_o door_n if_o god_n have_v be_v in_o any_o of_o their_o house_n his_o servant_n have_v not_o be_v exclude_v where_o no_o respect_n be_v give_v to_o god_n messenger_n there_o can_v be_v no_o religion_n gibeah_n be_v a_o second_o sodom_n even_o there_o also_o be_v another_o lot_n which_o be_v therefore_o so_o much_o more_o hospital_n to_o stranger_n because_o himself_o be_v a_o stranger_n the_o host_n as_o well_o as_o the_o levite_n be_v of_o mount_n ephraim_n each_o man_n know_v best_a to_o commiserate_v that_o evil_a in_o other_o which_o himself_o have_v pass_v through_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v countryman_n and_o yet_o stranger_n here_o below_o how_o cheerful_o shall_v we_o entertain_v each_o other_o when_o we_o meet_v in_o the_o gibeah_n of_o this_o inhospitall_n world_n this_o good_a old_a man_n of_o gibeah_n come_v home_o late_o from_o his_o work_n in_o the_o field_n the_o sun_n be_v set_v ere_o he_o give_v over_o and_o now_o see_v this_o man_n a_o stranger_n a_o israelite_n a_o levite_n a_o ephraimite_n and_o that_o in_o his_o way_n to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o take_v up_o his_o lodging_n in_o the_o street_n he_o proffer_v he_o the_o kindness_n of_o his_o houseroom_n industrious_a spirit_n be_v the_o fit_a receptacle_n of_o all_o good_a motion_n whereas_o those_o which_o give_v themselves_o to_o idle_a and_o loose_a course_n do_v not_o care_v so_o much_o as_o for_o themselves_o i_o hear_v of_o but_o one_o man_n at_o his_o work_n in_o all_o gibeah_n the_o rest_n be_v quaff_v and_o revel_v that_o one_o man_n end_v his_o work_n in_o a_o charitable_a entertainment_n the_o other_o end_v their_o play_n in_o a_o brutish_a beastliness_n &_o violence_n these_o villain_n have_v learn_v both_o the_o action_n and_o the_o language_n of_o the_o sodomite_n one_o unclean_a devil_n be_v the_o prompter_n to_o both_o &_o this_o honest_a ephraimite_n have_v learn_v of_o righteous_a lot_n both_o to_o entreat_v and_o to_o proffer_v as_o a_o perplex_a mariner_n that_o in_o a_o storm_n must_v cast_v away_o something_o although_o precious_a so_o this_o good_a host_n rather_o will_v prostitute_v his_o daughter_n a_o virgin_n together_o with_o the_o concubine_n than_o this_o prodigious_a villainy_n shall_v be_v offer_v to_o a_o man_n much_o more_o to_o a_o man_n of_o god_n the_o detestation_n of_o a_o foul_a sin_n draw_v he_o to_o overreach_v in_o the_o motion_n of_o a_o lesser_a which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v accept_v how_o can_v he_o have_v escape_v the_o partnership_n of_o their_o uncleanness_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o his_o daughter_n ravishment_n no_o man_n can_v wash_v his_o hand_n of_o that_o sin_n to_o which_o his_o will_n have_v yield_v bodily_a violence_n may_v be_v inoffensive_a in_o the_o patient_a voluntary_a inclination_n to_o evil_n though_o out_o of_o fear_n can_v never_o be_v excusable_a yet_o behold_v this_o wickedness_n be_v too_o little_a to_o satisfy_v these_o monster_n who_o will_v have_v look_v for_o so_o extreme_a abomination_n from_o the_o loin_n of_o jacob_n the_o womb_n of_o rachel_n the_o son_n of_o benjamin_n can_v the_o very_a jebusite_n their_o neighbour_n be_v ever_o accuse_v of_o such_o unnatural_a outrage_n i_o be_o ashamed_a to_o say_v it_o even_o the_o worst_a pagan_n be_v saint_n to_o israel_n what_o avail_v it_o that_o they_o have_v the_o ark_n of_o god_n in_o shiloh_n while_o they_o have_v sodom_n in_o their_o street_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v in_o their_o sringe_n while_o the_o devil_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n nothing_o but_o hell_n itself_o can_v yield_v a_o worse_a creature_n than_o a_o deprave_a israelite_n the_o very_a mean_n of_o his_o reformation_n be_v the_o fuel_n of_o his_o wickedness_n yet_o let_v speed_v so_o much_o better_a in_o sodom_n than_o this_o ephraimite_n do_v in_o gibeah_n by_o how_o much_o more_o holy_a guest_n he_o entertain_v there_o the_o guest_n be_v angel_n here_o a_o sinful_a man_n there_o the_o guest_n save_v the_o host_n here_o the_o host_n can_v not_o save_v the_o guest_n from_o brutish_a violence_n those_o sodomite_n be_v strike_v with_o outward_a blindness_n and_o defeat_v these_o beniamite_n be_v only_o blind_v with_o lust_n and_o prevail_v the_o levite_n come_v forth_o perhaps_o his_o coat_n save_v his_o person_n from_o this_o villainy_n who_o now_o think_v himself_o well_o that_o he_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o redeem_v his_o own_o dishonour_n with_o his_o concubine_n if_o he_o have_v not_o love_v she_o dear_o he_o have_v never_o seek_v she_o so_o far_o after_o so_o foul_a a_o sin_n yet_o now_o his_o hate_n of_o that_o unnatural_a wickedness_n overcome_v his_o love_n to_o she_o she_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o furious_a lust_n of_o barbarous_a ruffian_n and_o which_o he_o misdoubt_v not_o abuse_v to_o death_n oh_o the_o just_a and_o even_o course_n which_o the_o almighty_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n hold_v in_o all_o his_o retribution_n this_o woman_n have_v shame_v the_o bed_n of_o a_o levite_n by_o her_o former_a wantonness_n she_o have_v thus_o far_o go_v smooth_o away_o with_o her_o sin_n her_o father_n harbour_v she_o her_o husband_n forgive_v she_o her_o own_o hart_n find_v no_o cause_n to_o complain_v because_o she_o smart_v not_o now_o when_o the_o world_n have_v forget_v her_o offence_n god_n call_v she_o to_o reckon_v and_o punish_v she_o with_o her_o own_o sin_n she_o have_v voluntary_o expose_v herself_o to_o lust_n now_o be_v expose_v forcible_o adultery_n be_v her_o sin_n adultery_n be_v her_o death_n what_o smile_v soever_o wickedness_n cast_v upon_o the_o heart_n while_o it_o solicit_v it_o will_v owe_v we_o a_o displeasure_n and_o prove_v itself_o a_o faithful_a debtor_n the_o levite_n look_v to_o find_v she_o humble_v with_o this_o violence_n not_o murder_v and_o now_o indignation_n move_v he_o to_o add_v horror_n to_o the_o fact_n have_v not_o his_o heart_n be_v raise_v up_o with_o a_o excess_n of_o desire_n to_o make_v the_o crime_n as_o odious_a as_o it_o be_v sinful_a his_o action_n can_v not_o be_v excuse_v those_o hand_n that_o may_v not_o touch_v a_o carcase_n now_o carve_v the_o corpse_n of_o his_o own_o dead_a wife_n into_o morsel_n and_o send_v these_o token_n to_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n that_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v these_o gobbet_n of_o the_o body_n murder_v the_o more_o they_o may_v detest_v the_o murderer_n himself_o put_v on_o cruelty_n to_o the_o dead_a that_o he_o may_v draw_v they_o to_o a_o just_a revenge_n of_o her_o death_n action_n notorious_o villainous_a may_v justly_o countenance_v a_o extraordinary_a mean_n of_o prosecution_n every_o israelite_n have_v part_n in_o a_o levit_n wrong_n no_o tribe_n have_v not_o his_o share_n in_o the_o carcase_n and_o the_o revenge_n the_o desolation_n of_o benjamin_n these_o morsel_n can_v not_o choose_v but_o cut_v the_o heart_n of_o israel_n with_o horror_n and_o compassion_n horror_n of_o the_o act_n and_o compassion_n of_o the_o sufferer_n and_o now_o their_o zeal_n draw_v they_o together_o either_o for_o satisfaction_n or_o revenge_n who_o will_v not_o have_v look_v that_o the_o hand_n of_o benjamin_n shall_v have_v be_v first_o upon_o gibeah_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v ready_o send_v the_o head_n of_o the_o offender_n for_o a_o second_o service_n after_o the_o gobbet_n of_o the_o concubine_n but_o now_o instead_o of_o punish_v the_o sin_n they_o patronize_v the_o actor_n and_o will_v rather_o die_v in_o resist_a justice_n then_o live_v and_o prosper_v in_o further_a it_o sure_o israel_n have_v one_o tribe_n too_o many_o all_o benjamin_n be_v turn_v into_o gibeah_n the_o son_n not_o of_o benjamin_n but_o of_o belial_n the_o abet_v of_o evil_a be_v worse_a than_o the_o commission_n this_o may_v be_v upon_o infirmity_n but_o that_o must_v be_v upon_o resolution_n easy_a punishment_n be_v too_o much_o favour_n to_o sin_n connivance_n be_v much_o worse_o but_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o that_o unto_o blood_n be_v intolerable_a have_v not_o these_o man_n be_v both_o wicked_a and_o quarrellous_a they_o have_v not_o draw_v their_o sword_n in_o so_o foul_a a_o cause_n peaceable_n disposition_n be_v hardly_o draw_v to_o fight_v for_o innocence_n yet_o these_o beniaminites_n as_o if_o they_o be_v in_o love_n with_o villainy_n and_o out_o of_o charity_n with_o god_n will_v be_v the_o wilful_a champion_n of_o lewdness_n how_o can_v gibeah_n repent_v they_o of_o that_o wickedness_n which_o all_o benjamin_n will_v make_v good_a in_o spite_n of_o their_o conscience_n even_o where_o sin_n be_v
suppress_v it_o will_v rise_v but_o where_o it_o be_v encourage_v it_o insult_v &_o tyrannise_n it_o be_v more_o just_a that_o israel_n shall_v rise_v against_o benjamin_n then_o that_o benjamin_n shall_v rise_v for_o gibeah_n by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v better_a to_o punish_v offender_n then_o to_o shelter_v the_o offender_n from_o punish_v and_o yet_o the_o wickedness_n of_o benjamin_n speed_v better_o for_o the_o time_n than_o the_o honesty_n of_o israel_n twice_o be_v the_o better_a part_n foil_v by_o the_o less_o and_o worse_o the_o good_a cause_n be_v send_v back_o with_o shame_n the_o evil_a return_v with_o victory_n and_o triumph_n o_o god_n their_o hand_n be_v for_o thou_o in_o the_o fight_n and_o thy_o hand_n be_v with_o they_o in_o their_o fall_n they_o have_v not_o fight_v for_o thou_o but_o by_o thou_o neither_o can_v they_o have_v miscarry_v in_o the_o fight_n if_o thou_o have_v not_o fight_v against_o they_o thou_o be_v just_a &_o holy_a in_o both_o the_o cause_n be_v thou_o the_o sin_n in_o manage_v of_o it_o be_v their_o own_o they_o fight_v in_o a_o holy_a quarrel_n but_o with_o confidence_n in_o themselves_o for_o as_o presume_v of_o victory_n they_o ask_v of_o god_n not_o what_o shall_v be_v their_o success_n but_o who_o shall_v be_v their_o captain_n number_n &_o innocence_n make_v they_o too_o secure_a it_o be_v just_a therefore_o with_o god_n to_o let_v they_o feel_v that_o even_o good_a zeal_n can_v bear_v out_o presumption_n and_o that_o victory_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o cause_n but_o in_o the_o god_n that_o own_v it_o who_o can_v imagine_v how_o much_o the_o beniaminites_n insult_v in_o their_o double_a field_n and_o day_n and_o now_o begin_v to_o think_v god_n be_v on_o their_o side_n those_o sword_n which_o have_v be_v teach_v the_o way_n into_o forty_o thousand_o body_n of_o their_o brethren_n can_v fear_v a_o new_a encounter_n wicked_a man_n can_v see_v their_o prosperity_n a_o piece_n of_o their_o curse_n neither_o can_v examine_v their_o action_n but_o the_o event_n soon_o after_o they_o shall_v find_v what_o it_o be_v to_o add_v blood_n unto_o filthiness_n and_o that_o the_o victory_n of_o a_o evil_a cause_n be_v the_o way_n to_o ruin_v and_o confusion_n i_o shall_v have_v fear_v lest_o this_o double_a discomfiture_n shall_v have_v make_v israel_n either_o distrustful_a or_o weary_a of_o a_o good_a cause_n but_o still_o i_o find_v they_o no_o less_o courageous_a with_o more_o humility_n now_o they_o fast_o &_o weep_v and_o sacrifice_n these_o weapon_n have_v be_v victorious_a in_o their_o first_o assault_n benjamin_n have_v never_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o pride_n for_o over_o come_v if_o this_o humiliation_n of_o israel_n have_v prevent_v the_o fight_n it_o be_v seldom_o see_v but_o that_o which_o we_o do_v with_o fear_n prosper_v whereas_o confidence_n in_o undertake_v lay_v even_o good_a endeavour_n in_o the_o dust_n wickedness_n can_v never_o brag_v of_o any_o long_a prosperity_n nor_o complain_v of_o the_o lack_n of_o payment_n still_o god_n be_v even_o with_o it_o at_o the_o last_o now_o he_o pay_v the_o beniaminites_n both_o that_o death_n which_o they_o have_v lend_v to_o the_o israelite_n and_o that_o wherein_o they_o stand_v indebt_v to_o their_o brotherhood_n of_o gibeah_n and_o now_o that_o both_o be_v metre_n in_o death_n there_o be_v as_o much_o difference_n betwixt_o those_o israelite_n and_o these_o beniaminites_n as_o betwixt_o martyr_n and_o malefactor_n to_o die_v in_o a_o sin_n be_v a_o fearful_a revenge_n of_o give_v patronage_n to_o sin_n the_o sword_n consume_v their_o body_n another_o fire_n their_o city_n whatsoev_a become_v of_o their_o soul_n now_o may_v rachel_n have_v justly_o weep_v for_o her_o child_n because_o they_o be_v not_o for_o behold_v the_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n of_o her_o wicked_a tribe_n be_v cut_v off_o only_o some_o few_o scatter_a remainder_n run_v away_o from_o this_o vengeance_n and_o lurk_v in_o cave_n and_o rock_n both_o for_o fear_n and_o shame_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n but_o life_n betwixt_o their_o brethren_n and_o they_o the_o earth_n cover_v they_o both_o yet_o unto_o they_o do_v the_o revenge_n of_o israel_n stretch_v itself_o and_o vow_n to_o destroy_v if_o not_o their_o person_n yet_o their_o succession_n as_o hold_v they_o unwoorthy_a to_o receive_v any_o comfort_n by_o that_o sex_n to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v so_o cruel_a both_o in_o act_n and_o maintenance_n if_o the_o israelite_n have_v not_o hold_v marriage_n &_o issue_n a_o very_a great_a blessing_n they_o have_v not_o thus_o revenge_v themselves_o of_o benjamin_n now_o they_o account_v the_o withholding_a of_o their_o wife_n a_o punishment_n second_o to_o death_n the_o hope_n of_o life_n in_o our_o posterity_n be_v the_o next_o contentment_n to_o a_o enjoy_n of_o life_n in_o ourselves_o they_o have_v swear_v and_o now_o upon_o cold_a blood_n repent_v they_o if_o the_o oath_n be_v not_o just_a why_o will_v they_o take_v it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v just_a why_o do_v they_o recant_v it_o if_o the_o act_n be_v lustifiable_a what_o need_v these_o tear_n even_o a_o just_a oath_n may_v be_v rash_o take_v not_o only_a injustice_n but_o temerity_n of_o swear_v end_n in_o lamentation_n in_o our_o very_a civil_a action_n it_o be_v a_o weakness_n to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o will_v after_o reverse_v but_o in_o our_o affair_n with_o god_n to_o check_v our_o self_n too_o late_o and_o to_o steep_v our_o oath_n in_o tear_n be_v a_o dangerous_a folly_n he_o do_v not_o command_v we_o to_o take_v voluntary_a oath_n he_o command_v we_o to_o keep_v they_o if_o we_o bind_v ourselves_o to_o inconvenience_n we_o may_v just_o complain_v of_o our_o own_o fetter_n oath_n do_v not_o only_o require_v justice_n but_o judgement_n wise_a deliberation_n no_o less_o than_o equity_n not_o conscience_n of_o their_o fact_n but_o commiseration_n of_o their_o brethren_n lead_v they_o to_o this_o public_a repentance_n o_o god_n why_o be_v this_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o day_n one_o tribe_n of_o israel_n shall_v want_v even_o the_o just_a revenge_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o pity_n insultation_n in_o the_o rigour_n of_o justice_n argue_v cruelty_n charitable_a mind_n be_v grieve_v to_o see_v that_o do_v which_o they_o will_v not_o wish_v undo_v the_o smart_n of_o the_o offender_n do_v not_o please_v they_o which_o yet_o be_v thorough_o displease_v with_o the_o sin_n and_o have_v give_v their_o hand_n to_o punish_v it_o god_n himself_o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n yet_o love_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n as_o a_o good_a parent_n whip_v his_o child_n yet_o weep_v himself_o there_o be_v a_o measure_n in_o victory_n and_o revenge_n if_o never_o so_o just_a which_o to_o exceed_v leese_v mercy_n in_o the_o suit_n of_o justice_n if_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o their_o severity_n it_o need_v no_o excuse_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o fault_n it_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o excuse_n yet_o as_o if_o they_o mean_v to_o shift_v off_o the_o sin_n they_o expostulate_v with_o god_n o_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n why_o be_v this_o come_v to_o pass_v this_o day_n god_n give_v they_o no_o command_n of_o this_o rigour_n yea_o he_o twice_o cross_v they_o in_o the_o execution_n and_o now_o in_o that_o which_o they_o entreat_v of_o god_n with_o tear_n they_o challenge_v he_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a injustice_n to_o lay_v the_o burden_n of_o our_o sin_n upon_o he_o which_o tempt_v no_o man_n nor_o can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a while_o we_o will_v so_o remove_v our_o sin_n we_o double_v it_o a_o man_n that_o know_v not_o the_o power_n of_o a_o oath_n will_v wonder_v at_o this_o contrariety_n in_o the_o affection_n of_o israel_n they_o be_v sorry_a for_o the_o slaughter_n of_o benjamin_n and_o yet_o they_o slay_v those_o that_o do_v not_o help_v they_o in_o the_o slaughter_n their_o oath_n call_v they_o to_o more_o blood_n the_o excess_n of_o their_o revenge_n upon_o benjamin_n may_v not_o excuse_v the_o man_n of_o gilead_n if_o ever_o oath_n may_v look_v for_o a_o dispensation_n this_o may_v plead_v it_o now_o they_o dare_v not_o but_o kill_v the_o man_n of_o jabesh_n gilead_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v leave_v upon_o themselves_o a_o great_a sin_n of_o spare_v then_o punish_v jabesh_n gilead_n come_v not_o up_o to_o aid_n israel_n therefore_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n must_v die_v to_o exempt_v ourselves_o whether_o out_o of_o singularity_n or_o stubbornness_n from_o the_o common_a action_n of_o the_o church_n when_o we_o be_v lawful_o call_v to_o they_o be_v a_o offence_n worthy_a of_o judgement_n in_o the_o main_a quarrel_n of_o the_o church_n neutral_n be_v punish_v this_o execution_n shall_v make_v amends_o for_o the_o former_a of_o the_o spoil_n of_o jabesh_n
abode_n have_v get_v some_o tincture_n of_o our_o language_n manner_n religion_n what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o they_o what_o have_v they_o to_o do_v with_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n sith_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o either_o remove_n god_n altar_n to_o we_o or_o remove_v our_o patrimony_n to_o the_o altar_n the_o pattern_n of_o the_o altar_n shall_v go_v with_o we_o not_o for_o sacrifice_n but_o for_o memorial_n that_o both_o the_o posterity_n of_o the_o other_o israelite_n may_v know_v we_o be_v no_o less_o derive_v from_o they_o than_o this_o altar_n from_o they_o &_o that_o our_o posterity_n may_v know_v they_o pertain_v to_o that_o altar_n whereof_o this_o be_v the_o resemblance_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o the_o present_a but_o posterity_n may_v both_o offer_v and_o receive_v prejudice_n if_o this_o monument_n be_v not_o it_o be_v a_o wise_a &_o holy_a care_n to_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o ensue_a time_n and_o to_o settle_v religion_n upon_o the_o succeed_a generation_n as_o we_o affect_v to_o leave_v a_o perpetuity_n of_o our_o bodily_a issue_n so_o much_o more_o to_o traduce_v piety_n with_o they_o do_v we_o not_o see_v good_a husband_n set_v and_o plant_v those_o tree_n whereof_o their_o grandchild_n shall_v receive_v the_o first_o fruit_n &_o shade_n why_o be_v we_o less_o thrifty_a in_o leave_v true_a religion_n entire_a to_o our_o child_n child_n ehud_n and_o eglon._n as_o every_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o his_o own_o sorrow_n these_o israelite_n breed_v mischief_n to_o themselves_o it_o be_v their_o mercy_n that_o plague_v they_o with_o those_o canaanite_n which_o their_o obedience_n shall_v have_v root_v out_o if_o foolish_a pity_n be_v a_o more_o humane_a sin_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o less_o dangerous_a than_o cruelty_n cruelty_n kill_v other_o unjust_a pity_n kill_v ourselves_o they_o have_v be_v lord_n alone_o of_o the_o promise_a land_n if_o their_o commiseration_n have_v not_o over-swayed_n their_o justice_n and_o now_o their_o enemy_n be_v too_o cruel_a to_o they_o in_o the_o just_a revenge_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v too_o merciful_a that_o god_n which_o in_o his_o reveal_v will_n have_v command_v all_o the_o canaanite_n to_o the_o slaughter_n yet_o secret_o give_v over_o israel_n to_o a_o toleration_n of_o some_o canaanite_n for_o their_o own_o punishment_n he_o have_v bid_v we_o cleanse_v our_o heart_n of_o all_o our_o corruption_n yet_o he_o will_v permit_v some_o of_o these_o thorn_n still_o in_o our_o side_n for_o exercise_n for_o humiliation_n if_o we_o can_v lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o our_o sin_n our_o soul_n shall_v have_v peace_n now_o our_o indulgence_n cost_v we_o many_o stripe_n &_o many_o tear_n what_o a_o continue_a circle_n be_v here_o of_o sin_n judgement_n repentance_n deliverance_n the_o conversation_n with_o idolater_n taint_v they_o with_o sin_n their_o sin_n draw_v on_o judgement_n the_o smart_n of_o the_o judgement_n move_v they_o to_o repentance_n upon_o their_o repentance_n follow_v speedy_a deliverance_n upon_o their_o peace_n and_o deliverance_n they_o sin_v again_o othniel_n calebs_n nephew_n have_v rescue_v they_o from_o idolatry_n and_o servitude_n his_o life_n and_o their_o innocence_n and_o peace_n end_v together_o how_o powerful_a the_o presence_n of_o one_o good_a man_n be_v in_o a_o church_n or_o state_n be_v best_a find_v in_o his_o loss_n a_o man_n that_o be_v at_o once_o eminent_a in_o place_n &_o goodness_n be_v like_o a_o stake_n in_o a_o hedge_n pull_v that_o up_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o loose_a and_o rot_a stick_n easy_o remove_v or_o like_o the_o pillar_n of_o a_o vault_a roof_n which_o either_o support_n or_o ruin_v the_o build_n who_o will_v not_o think_v idolatry_n a_o absurd_a and_o unnatural_a sin_n which_o as_o it_o have_v the_o few_o inducement_n so_o have_v also_o the_o most_o direct_a inhibition_n from_o god_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o these_o warning_n israel_n fall_v into_o it_o again_o neither_o affliction_n nor_o repentance_n can_v secure_v a_o israelite_n from_o redouble_v the_o worst_a sin_n if_o he_o be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o frailty_n it_o be_v no_o censure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o present_a sorrow_n by_o the_o event_n of_o a_o follow_a miscarriage_n the_o former_a cry_n of_o israel_n to_o god_n be_v unfeigned_a yet_o their_o present_a wickedness_n be_v abominable_a let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v no_o soon_o have_v he_o say_v israel_n have_v rest_n but_o he_o add_v they_o commit_v wickedness_n the_o security_n of_o any_o people_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o corruption_n stand_v water_n soon_o grow_v noisome_a while_o they_o be_v exercise_v with_o war_n how_o scrupulous_a be_v they_o of_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o idolatry_n the_o news_n of_o a_o bare_a altar_n beyond_o jordan_n draw_v they_o together_o for_o a_o rèuenge_n now_o they_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o their_o enemy_n they_o be_v at_o variance_n with_o god_n it_o be_v both_o hard_a &_o happy_a not_o to_o be_v the_o worse_a with_o liberty_n the_o sedentary_a life_n be_v most_o subject_a to_o disease_n rather_o than_o israel_n shall_v want_v a_o scourge_n for_o their_o sin_n god_n himself_o shall_v raise_v they_o up_o a_o enemy_n moab_n have_v no_o quarrel_n but_o his_o own_o ambition_n but_o god_n mean_v by_o the_o ambition_n of_o the_o one_o part_n to_o punish_v the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o other_o his_o justice_n can_v make_v one_o sin_n the_o executioner_n of_o another_o while_o neither_o shall_v look_v for_o any_o other_o measure_n from_o he_o but_o judgement_n the_o evil_a of_o the_o city_n be_v so_o his_o that_o the_o instrument_n be_v not_o guiltless_a before_o god_n have_v stir_v up_o the_o king_n of_o syria_n against_o israel_n now_o the_o king_n of_o moab_n afterward_o the_o king_n of_o canaan_n he_o have_v more_o variety_n of_o judgement_n than_o there_o can_v be_v offence_n if_o we_o have_v once_o make_v he_o our_o adversary_n he_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v we_o adversary_n enough_v which_o shall_v revenge_v his_o quarrel_n while_o they_o prosecute_v their_o own_o even_o those_o be_v idolater_n by_o who_o hand_n god_n plague_v the_o idolatry_n of_o israel_n in_o moab_n the_o same_o wickedness_n prosper_v which_o in_o god_n own_o people_n be_v punish_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o almighty_a can_v least_o brook_v evil_a in_o his_o own_o the_o same_o heathen_a which_o provoke_v israel_n to_o sin_n shall_v scourge_v they_o for_o sin_v our_o very_a profession_n hurt_v we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o innocent_a no_o less_o than_o eighteen_o year_n do_v the_o rod_n of_o moab_n rest_n upon_o the_o inheritance_n of_o god_n israel_n seem_v as_o bear_v to_o servitude_n they_o come_v from_o their_o bondage_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n to_o serve_v in_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n they_o have_v neglect_v god_n now_o they_o be_v neglect_v of_o god_n their_o sin_n have_v make_v they_o servant_n who_o the_o choice_n of_o god_n have_v make_v free_a yea_o his_o first_o bear_v worthy_a be_v they_o to_o serve_v those_o man_n who_o false_a god_n they_o have_v serve_v &_o to_o serve_v they_o always_o in_o thraldom_n who_o they_o have_v once_o serve_v in_o idolatry_n we_o may_v not_o measure_v the_o continuance_n of_o punishment_n by_o the_o time_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n one_o minute_n sin_n deserve_v a_o torment_n beyond_o all_o time_n doubtless_o israel_n be_v not_o so_o insensible_a of_o their_o own_o misery_n as_o not_o to_o complain_v soon_o than_o the_o end_n of_o eighteen_o year_n the_o first_o hour_n they_o sigh_v for_o themselves_o but_o now_o they_o cry_v unto_o god._n the_o very_a purpose_n of_o affliction_n be_v to_o make_v we_o importunate_a he_o that_o hear_v the_o secret_a murmur_n of_o our_o grief_n yet_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o hear_v we_o till_o our_o cry_n be_v loud_a &_o strong_a god_n see_v it_o best_o to_o let_v the_o penitent_a dwell_v for_o the_o time_n under_o their_o sorrow_n he_o see_v we_o sink_v all_o the_o while_n yet_o he_o let_v we_o alone_o till_o we_o be_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o when_o once_o we_o can_v say_v out_o of_o the_o depth_n have_v i_o cry_v to_o thou_o instant_o follow_v the_o lord_n hear_v i_o a_o vehement_a suitor_n can_v but_o be_v hear_v of_o god_n whatsoever_o he_o ask_v if_o our_o prayer_n want_v success_n they_o want_v hart_n their_o blessing_n be_v according_a to_o their_o vigour_n we_o live_v in_o bondage_n to_o these_o spiritual_a moabite_n our_o own_o corruption_n it_o discontent_v we_o but_o where_o be_v our_o strong_a cry_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n where_o be_v our_o tear_n if_o we_o can_v passionate_o bemoan_v ourselves_o to_o he_o how_o soon_o shall_v we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n some_o good_a motion_n we_o have_v to_o send_v up_o
aright_o that_o can_v abide_v any_o competition_n with_o his_o maker_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o tribe_n no_o soon_o hear_v news_n of_o their_o new_a altar_n but_o they_o gather_v to_o shiloh_n to_o fight_v against_o they_o they_o have_v scarce_o breathe_v from_o the_o cananitish_a war_n and_o now_o they_o will_v go_v fight_n with_o their_o brethren_n if_o their_o brethren_n will_v as_o they_o suspect_v turn_v idolater_n they_o can_v hold_v they_o any_o other_o then_o canaanite_n the_o reubenite_n &_o their_o fellow_n have_v new_o settle_v the_o rest_n of_o israel_n in_o their_o possession_n and_o now_o ere_o they_o can_v be_v warm_a in_o their_o seat_n israel_n be_v up_o in_o arm_n to_o thrust_v they_o out_o of_o their_o own_o the_o hatred_n of_o their_o suspect_a idolatry_n make_v they_o forget_v either_o their_o blood_n or_o their_o benefit_n israel_n say_v these_o man_n be_v the_o first_o in_o our_o battle_n and_o shall_v be_v the_o first_o in_o our_o revenge_n they_o fight_v well_o for_o we_o we_o will_v try_v how_o they_o can_v fight_v for_o themselves_o what_o if_o they_o be_v our_o champion_n their_o revolt_n from_o god_n have_v lose_v they_o the_o thank_v of_o their_o former_a labour_n their_o idolatry_n shall_v make_v they_o of_o brethren_n adversary_n their_o own_o blood_n shall_v give_v handsel_n to_o their_o new_a altar_n o_o noble_a and_o religious_a zeal_n of_o israel_n who_o will_v think_v these_o man_n the_o son_n of_o they_o that_o dance_v about_o the_o melt_a calf_n that_o consecrate_v a_o altar_n to_o that_o idol_n now_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v or_o kill_v rather_o than_o endure_v a_o altar_n without_o a_o idol_n every_o overture_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v worthy_a of_o suspicion_n worthy_a of_o our_o speedy_a opposition_n god_n look_v for_o a_o early_a redress_n of_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o impiety_n as_o in_o treason_n or_o mutiny_n wise_a statesman_n find_v it_o safe_a to_o kill_v the_o serpent_n in_o the_o egg_n so_o in_o motion_n of_o spiritual_a alteration_n one_o spoonful_n of_o water_n will_v quench_v that_o fire_n at_o the_o first_o which_o afterward_o whole_a bucket_n can_v abate_v yet_o do_v not_o these_o zealous_a israelire_n run_v rash_o and_o furious_o upon_o their_o brethren_n nor_o say_v what_o need_v we_o expostulate_v the_o fact_n be_v clear_a what_o care_n we_o for_o word_n when_o we_o see_v their_o altar_n what_o can_v this_o mean_a but_o either_o service_n to_o a_o false_a god_n or_o division_n in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o true_a there_o can_v be_v no_o excuse_n for_o so_o manifest_a a_o crime_n why_o do_v we_o not_o rather_o think_v of_o punishment_n than_o satisfaction_n but_o they_o send_v ere_o they_o go_v and_o consult_v ere_o they_o execute_v phineas_n the_o son_n of_o eleazar_n the_o priest_n and_o ten_o prince_n for_o every_o tribe_n one_o be_v address_v both_o to_o inquire_v &_o dissuade_v to_o inquire_v of_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o fact_n to_o dissuade_v from_o that_o which_o they_o imagine_v be_v purpose_v wisdom_n be_v a_o good_a guide_n to_o zeal_n and_o only_o can_v keep_v it_o from_o run_v out_o into_o fury_n if_o discretion_n do_v not_o hold_v in_o the_o reins_n good_a intention_n will_v both_o break_v their_o own_o neck_n and_o the_o rider_n yea_o which_o be_v strange_a without_o this_o the_o zeal_n of_o god_n may_v lead_v we_o from_o god_n not_o only_o wisdom_n but_o charity_n move_v they_o to_o this_o message_n for_o grant_v they_o have_v be_v guilty_a must_v they_o perish_v vnwarn_v peaceable_n mean_n must_v first_o be_v use_v to_o recall_v they_o ere_o violence_n be_v send_v to_o persecute_v they_o the_o old_a rule_n of_o israel_n have_v be_v still_o to_o inquire_v of_o abel_n no_o good_a shepherd_n send_v his_o dog_n to_o pull_v out_o the_o throat_n of_o his_o stray_a sheep_n but_o rather_o fetch_v it_o on_o his_o shoulder_n to_o the_o fold_n sudden_a cruelty_n stand_v not_o with_o religion_n he_o which_o will_v not_o himself_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n how_o will_v he_o allow_v we_o either_o to_o bruise_v the_o whole_a or_o to_o break_v the_o bruise_a or_o to_o burn_v the_o break_a neither_o yet_o be_v here_o more_o charity_n in_o send_v than_o uncharitableness_n in_o the_o misconstruction_n they_o begin_v with_o a_o challenge_n &_o charge_v their_o brethren_n deep_o with_o transgression_n apostasy_n rebellion_n i_o know_v not_o how_o two_o contrary_a quality_n fall_v into_o love_n it_o be_v not_o natural_o suspicious_a &_o yet_o many_o time_n suggest_v jealous_a fear_n of_o those_o we_o affect_v if_o these_o israelite_n have_v not_o love_v their_o brethren_n they_o will_v never_o have_v send_v so_o far_o to_o restrain_v they_o they_o have_v never_o offer_v they_o part_n of_o their_o own_o patrimony_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v excessive_o jealous_a they_o have_v not_o censure_v a_o doubtful_a action_n so_o sharp_o they_o meet_v at_o shilo_n where_o the_o tabernacle_n be_v but_o if_o they_o have_v consult_v with_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n they_o have_v save_v both_o this_o labour_n &_o this_o challenge_n this_o case_n seem_v so_o plain_a that_o they_o think_v advice_n needless_a their_o inconsiderateness_n therefore_o brand_v their_o brethren_n with_o crime_n whereof_o they_o be_v innocent_a and_o make_v themselves_o the_o only_a offender_n in_o case_n which_o be_v doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a it_o be_v safe_a either_o to_o suspend_v the_o judgement_n or_o to_o pass_v it_o in_o favour_n otherwise_o a_o plain_a breach_n of_o charity_n in_o we_o shall_v be_v worse_o than_o a_o questionable_a breach_n of_o justice_n in_o another_o yet_o this_o little_a gleam_n of_o their_o uncharitable_a love_n begin_v at_o themselves_o if_o they_o have_v not_o fear_v their_o own_o judgement_n in_o the_o offence_n of_o reuben_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o have_v be_v so_o vehement_a the_o fearful_a revenge_n of_o their_o brother_n sin_n be_v still_o in_o their_o eye_n the_o wickedness_n of_o peor_n stretch_v not_o so_o far_o as_o the_o plague_n achan_n sin_v and_o israel_n be_v beat_v therefore_o by_o just_a induction_n they_o argue_v you_o rebel_n to_o day_n against_o the_o lord_n tomorrow_o will_v the_o lord_n be_v wroth_a with_o all_o the_o congregation_n they_o still_o tremble_v at_o the_o vengeance_n pass_v and_o find_v it_o time_n to_o prevent_v their_o own_o punishment_n in_o punish_v their_o brethren_n god_n proceed_n have_v then_o their_o right_a use_n when_o they_o be_v both_o careful_o remember_v and_o make_v pattern_n of_o what_o he_o may_v do_v have_v these_o reubenite_n be_v as_o hot_a in_o their_o answer_n as_o the_o israelite_n be_v in_o their_o charge_n here_o have_v grow_v a_o bloody_a war_n out_o of_o misprision_n but_o now_o their_o answer_n be_v mild_a and_o moderate_a and_o such_o as_o well_o show_v that_o though_o they_o be_v further_o from_o the_o ark_n yet_o no_o less_o near_o to_o god._n they_o think_v in_o themselves_o this_o act_n of_o we_o though_o it_o be_v well_o mean_v by_o we_o yet_o may_v well_o be_v by_o interpretation_n scandalous_a it_o be_v reason_v our_o mildness_n shall_v give_v satisfaction_n for_o that_o offence_n which_o we_o have_v not_o prevent_v hereupon_o their_o answer_n be_v as_o please_v as_o their_o act_n be_v dangerous_a even_o in_o those_o action_n whereby_o a_o offence_n may_v be_v occasion_v though_o not_o give_v charity_n bind_v we_o to_o clear_v both_o our_o own_o name_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o little_o do_v the_o israelite_n look_v for_o so_o good_a a_o ground_n of_o a_o action_n so_o suspicious_a a_o altar_n without_o a_o sacrifice_n a_o altar_n and_o no_o tabernacle_n a_o altar_n without_o a_o precept_n and_o yet_o not_o against_o god_n it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o measure_v all_o man_n action_n by_o our_o own_o conceit_n but_o rather_o to_o think_v there_o may_v be_v a_o further_a drift_n and_o warrant_v of_o their_o act_n than_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o see_v by_o that_o time_n the_o reubenite_n have_v commented_a upon_o their_o own_o work_n it_o appear_v as_o justifiable_a as_o before_o offensive_a what_o wisdom_n and_o religion_n be_v find_v in_o that_o altar_n which_o before_o show_v nothing_o but_o idolatry_n this_o discourse_n of_o they_o be_v full_a both_o of_o reason_n and_o piety_n we_o be_v sever_v by_o the_o river_n jordan_n from_o the_o other_o tribe_n perhaps_o hereafter_o our_o choice_n may_v exclude_v we_o from_o israel_n posterity_n may_v peradventure_o say_v jordan_n be_v the_o bound_n of_o all_o natural_a israelite_n the_o stream_n whereof_o never_o give_v way_n to_o those_o beyond_o the_o river_n if_o they_o have_v be_v we_o either_o in_o blood_n or_o religion_n they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v sequester_v in_o habitation_n doubtless_o therefore_o these_o man_n be_v the_o offspring_n of_o some_o stranger_n which_o by_o vicinity_n of_o
shameless_a unthankfulness_n to_o deny_v it_o when_o abraham_n have_v vanquish_v the_o five_o king_n &_o deliver_v lot_n and_o his_o family_n the_o king_n of_o salem_n meet_v he_o with_o bread_n and_o wine_n and_o now_o these_o son_n of_o abram_n after_o a_o equal_a victory_n ask_v dry_a bread_n and_o be_v deny_v by_o their_o brethren_n crafty_o yet_o &_o under_o pretence_n of_o a_o false_a title_n have_v they_o acknowledge_v the_o victory_n of_o gideon_n with_o what_o forehead_n can_v they_o have_v deny_v he_o bread_n now_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o their_o faithlesness_n or_o envy_v lie_v in_o their_o way_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o zeba_n and_o zalmunna_n in_o thy_o hand_n there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o prince_n of_o succoth_n and_o penuel_n but_o think_v themselves_o better_a man_n than_o gideon_n that_o he_o therefore_o alone_o shall_v do_v that_o which_o all_o the_o prince_n of_o israel_n dare_v not_o attempt_v they_o hate_v and_o scorn_v to_o hear_v it_o be_v never_o safe_a to_o measure_v event_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o instrument_n nor_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n who_o calling_n make_v the_o difference_n to_o measure_v other_o by_o ourselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o dangerous_a then_o in_o holy_a business_n to_o stand_v upon_o comparison_n and_o our_o own_o reputation_n since_o it_o be_v reason_n god_n shall_v both_o choose_v and_o bless_v where_o he_o list_v to_o have_v question_v so_o sudden_a a_o victory_n have_v be_v pardonable_a but_o to_o deny_v it_o scornful_o be_v unworthy_a of_o israelite_n carnal_a man_n think_v that_o impossible_a to_o other_o which_o themselves_o can_v do_v from_o hence_o be_v their_o censure_n hence_o their_o exclamation_n gideon_n have_v vow_v a_o fearful_a revenge_n and_o now_o perform_v it_o the_o taunt_n of_o his_o brethren_n may_v not_o stay_v he_o from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o midianite_n common_a enmity_n must_v first_o be_v oppose_v domestical_a at_o more_o leisure_n the_o prince_n of_o succoth_n fear_v the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o midianitish_a king_n but_o they_o more_o fear_v gideons_n victory_n what_o a_o condition_n have_v their_o envy_n draw_v they_o into_o that_o they_o be_v sorry_a to_o see_v god_n enemy_n captive_a that_o israel_n freedom_n must_v be_v their_o death_n that_o the_o midianite_n &_o they_o must_v tremble_v at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o revenger_n to_o see_v themselves_o prisoner_n to_o zeba_n and_o zalmunna_n have_v not_o be_v so_o fearful_a as_o to_o see_v zeba_n &_o zalmunna_n prisoner_n to_o gideon_n nothing_o be_v more_o terrible_a to_o evil_a mind_n then_o to_o read_v their_o own_o condemnation_n in_o the_o happy_a success_n of_o other_o hell_n itself_o will_v want_v one_o piece_n of_o his_o torment_n if_o the_o wicked_a do_v not_o know_v those_o who_o they_o contemn_v glorious_a i_o know_v not_o whether_o more_o to_o commend_v gideons_n wisdom_n and_o moderation_n in_o the_o proceed_n than_o his_o resolution_n and_o justice_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o business_n i_o do_v not_o see_v he_o run_v furious_o into_o the_o city_n and_o kill_v the_o next_o his_o sword_n have_v not_o be_v so_o drunken_a with_o blood_n that_o it_o shall_v know_v no_o difference_n but_o he_o write_v down_o the_o name_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o single_v they_o forth_o for_o revenge_n when_o the_o leader_n of_o god_n come_v to_o a_o jericho_n or_o ai_fw-fr their_o slaughter_n be_v unpartial_a not_o a_o woman_n or_o child_n may_v live_v to_o tell_v news_n but_o now_o that_o gideon_n come_v to_o a_o succoth_n a_o city_n of_o israelite_n the_o ruler_n be_v call_v forth_o to_o death_n the_o people_n be_v fright_v with_o the_o example_n not_o hurt_v with_o the_o judgement_n to_o enwrappe_v the_o innocent_a in_o any_o vengeance_n be_v a_o murderous_a injustice_n indeed_o where_o all_o join_v in_o the_o sin_n all_o be_v worthy_a to_o meet_v in_o the_o punishment_n it_o be_v like_a the_o citizen_n of_o succoth_n can_v have_v be_v glad_a to_o succour_n gideon_n if_o their_o ruler_n have_v not_o forbid_v they_o must_v therefore_o escape_v while_o their_o prince_n perish_v i_o can_v think_v of_o gideons_n revenge_n without_o horror_n that_o the_o ruler_n of_o succoth_n shall_v have_v their_o flesh_n tear_v from_o their_o back_n with_o thorn_n &_o brier_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v at_o once_o beat_v and_o scratch_v to_o death_n what_o a_o spectacle_n it_o be_v to_o see_v their_o bare_a bone_n look_v somewhere_o through_o the_o bloody_a rag_n of_o their_o flesh_n and_o skin_n and_o every_o stroke_n worse_o than_o the_o last_o death_n multiply_v by_o torment_n justice_n be_v sometime_o so_o severe_a that_o a_o tender_a beholder_n can_v scarce_o discern_v it_o from_o cruelty_n i_o see_v the_o midianite_n fare_v less_o ill_n the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n make_v a_o speedy_a and_o easy_a passage_n for_o their_o life_n while_o these_o rebellious_a israelite_n die_v linger_o under_o thorn_n and_o brier_n envy_v those_o in_o their_o death_n who_o their_o life_n abhor_v howsoever_o man_n live_v or_o die_v without_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n a_o wicked_a israelite_n shall_v be_v sure_a of_o plague_n how_o many_o shall_v unwish_a themselves_o christian_n when_o god_n revenge_n have_v find_v they_o out_o the_o place_n where_o jacob_n wrestle_v with_o god_n peni-el_a and_o prevail_v now_o have_v wrestle_v against_o god_n and_o take_v a_o fall_n they_o see_v god_n avenge_a which_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o deliver_v it_o be_v now_o time_n for_o zeba_n &_o zalmunna_n to_o follow_v those_o their_o troop_n to_o the_o grave_n who_o they_o have_v lead_v in_o the_o field_n those_o which_o the_o day_n before_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o hundred_o thirty_o five_o thousand_o follower_n have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o page_n now_o leave_v to_o weep_v for_o their_o death_n and_o have_v live_v only_o to_o see_v all_o their_o friend_n and_o some_o enemy_n die_v for_o their_o sake_n who_o can_v regard_v earthly_a greatness_n that_o see_v one_o night_n change_v two_o of_o the_o great_a king_n of_o the_o world_n into_o captive_n it_o have_v be_v both_o pity_n and_o sin_n that_o the_o head_n of_o that_o midianitish_a tyranny_n into_o which_o they_o have_v draw_v so_o many_o thousand_o shall_v have_v escape_v that_o death_n and_o yet_o if_o private_a revenge_n have_v not_o make_v gideon_n just_a i_o doubt_v whether_o they_o have_v die_v the_o blood_n of_o his_o brother_n call_v for_o they_o and_o awake_v his_o sword_n to_o their_o execution_n he_o both_o know_v and_o complain_v of_o the_o madianitish_a oppression_n under_o which_o israel_n groan_v yet_o the_o cruelty_n offer_v to_o all_o the_o thousand_o of_o his_o father_n son_n have_v not_o draw_v the_o blood_n of_o zeba_n and_o zalmunna_n if_o his_o own_o mother_n son_n have_v not_o bleed_v by_o their_o hand_n he_o that_o slay_v the_o ruler_n of_o succoth_n and_o penuel_n &_o spare_v the_o people_n now_o have_v slay_v the_o people_n of_o midian_a and_o will_v have_v spare_v their_o ruler_n but_o that_o god_n which_o will_v find_v occasion_n to_o wind_v wicked_a man_n into_o judgement_n will_v have_v they_o slay_v in_o a_o private_a quarrel_n which_o have_v more_o deserve_v it_o for_o the_o public_a if_o we_o may_v not_o rather_o say_v that_o gideon_n revenge_v these_o as_o a_o magistrate_n not_o as_o a_o brother_n for_o governor_n to_o respect_v their_o own_o end_n in_o public_a action_n and_o to_o wear_v the_o sword_n of_o justice_n in_o their_o own_o sheath_n it_o be_v a_o wrongful_a abuse_n of_o authority_n the_o slaughter_n of_o gideons_n brethren_n be_v not_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o the_o midianitish_a king_n this_o alone_a shall_v kill_v they_o when_o the_o rest_n expect_v a_o unjust_a remission_n how_o many_o lewd_a man_n have_v god_n pay_v with_o some_o one_o sin_n for_o all_o the_o rest_n some_o that_o have_v go_v away_o with_o unnatural_a filthiness_n &_o capital_a theft_n have_v clip_v off_o their_o own_o day_n with_o their_o coin_n other_o who_o bloody_a murder_n have_v be_v punish_v in_o a_o mutinous_a word_n other_o who_o suspect_a felony_n have_v pay_v the_o price_n of_o their_o unknown_a rape_n o_o god_n thy_o judgement_n be_v just_a even_o when_o man_n be_v unjust_a gideons_n young_a son_n be_v bid_v to_o revenge_v the_o death_n of_o his_o uncle_n his_o sword_n have_v not_o yet_o learned_a the_o way_n to_o blood_n especial_o of_o king_n though_o in_o iron_n deadly_a execution_n require_v strength_n both_o of_o heart_n and_o face_n how_o be_v those_o age_a in_o evil_a that_o can_v draw_v their_o sword_n upon_o the_o lawful_o anoint_v of_o god_n these_o tyrant_n plead_v not_o now_o for_o continuance_n of_o life_n but_o for_o the_o haste_n of_o their_o death_n fall_v thou_o upon_o us._n death_n be_v ever_o accompany_v with_o pain_n which_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o we_o
as_o i_o wonder_v the_o neck_n or_o the_o heart_n of_o old_a ely_n can_v hold_v out_o the_o report_n of_o that_o god_n swear_v he_o will_v judge_v elyes_n house_n and_o that_o with_o beggary_n with_o death_n with_o desolation_n and_o that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o house_n shall_v not_o be_v purge_v with_o sacrifice_n or_o offering_n for_o ever_o and_o yet_o this_o which_o every_o israelite_n ear_n shall_v tingle_v to_o hear_v of_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v old_a ely_n hear_v with_o a_o unmoved_a patience_n and_o humble_a submission_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n let_v he_o do_v what_o seem_v he_o good_a oh_o admirable_a faith_n and_o more_o than_o humane_a constancy_n and_o resolution_n worthy_a of_o the_o age_a presisident_n of_o shiloh_n worthy_a of_o a_o heart_n sacrifice_v to_o that_o god_n who_o justice_n have_v refuse_v to_o expiate_v his_o sin_n by_o sacrifice_n if_o ely_n have_v be_v a_o ill_a father_n to_o his_o son_n yet_o he_o be_v a_o good_a son_n to_o god_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o kiss_v the_o very_a rod_n he_o shall_v smart_v withal_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n who_o i_o have_v ever_o find_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o gracious_a and_o he_o can_v but_o be_v himself_o let_v he_o do_v what_o seem_v he_o good_a for_o whatsoever_o seem_v good_a to_o he_o can_v but_o be_v good_a howsoever_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o every_o man_n can_v open_v his_o hand_n to_o god_n while_o he_o bless_v but_o to_o expose_v ourselves_o willing_o to_o the_o afflict_a hand_n of_o our_o maker_n and_o to_o kneel_v to_o he_o while_o he_o scourge_v we_o be_v peculiar_a only_o to_o the_o faithful_a if_o ever_o a_o good_a heart_n can_v have_v free_v a_o man_n from_o temporal_a punishment_n ely_n must_v needs_o have_v escape_v god_n anger_n be_v appease_v by_o his_o humble_a repentance_n but_o his_o justice_n must_v be_v satisfy_v elye_v sin_n and_o his_o son_n be_v in_o the_o eye_n and_o mouth_n of_o all_o israel_n his_o glory_n therefore_o shall_v have_v be_v much_o wrong_v by_o their_o impunity_n who_o will_v not_o have_v make_v these_o spiritual_a guide_v a_o example_n of_o lawlesnes_n and_o have_v say_v what_o care_v i_o how_o i_o live_v if_o elye_v son_n go_v away_o unpunished_a as_o not_o the_o tear_n of_o ely_n so_o not_o the_o word_n of_o samuel_n may_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n we_o may_v not_o measure_v the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n by_o his_o stripe_n many_o time_n after_o the_o remission_n of_o the_o sin_n the_o very_a chastisement_n of_o the_o almighty_a be_v deadly_a no_o repentance_n can_v assure_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o smart_v with_o outward_a affliction_n that_o can_v prevent_v the_o eternal_a displeasure_n of_o god_n but_o still_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a and_o good_a we_o shall_v be_v correct_v our_o care_n and_o suit_n must_v be_v that_o the_o evil_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v avert_v may_v be_v sanctify_v if_o the_o prediction_n of_o these_o evil_n be_v fearful_a what_o shall_v the_o execution_n be_v the_o presumption_n of_o the_o ill-taught_a israelite_n shall_v give_v occasion_n to_o this_o judgement_n for_o be_v smite_v before_o the_o philistines_n they_o send_v for_o the_o ark_n into_o the_o field_n who_o give_v they_o authority_n to_o command_v the_o ark_n of_o god_n at_o their_o pleasure_n here_o be_v no_o consult_v with_o the_o ark_n which_o they_o will_v fetch_v no_o inquiry_n of_o samuel_n whether_o they_o shall_v fetch_v it_o but_o a_o heddie_a resolution_n of_o presumptuous_a elder_n to_o force_n god_n into_o the_o field_n and_o to_o challenge_v success_n if_o god_n be_v not_o with_o the_o ark_n why_o do_v they_o send_v for_o it_o and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o come_n of_o it_o if_o god_n be_v with_o it_o why_o be_v not_o his_o allowance_n ask_v that_o it_o shall_v come_v how_o can_v the_o people_n be_v good_a where_o the_o priest_n be_v wicked_a when_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n that_o dwell_v between_o the_o cherubim_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o host_n though_o with_o mean_a and_o wicked_a attendance_n israel_n do_v as_o it_o be_v fill_v the_o heaven_n and_o shake_v the_o earth_n with_o shout_n as_o if_o the_o ark_n and_o victory_n be_v no_o less_o unseparable_a than_o they_o and_o their_o sin_n even_o the_o lewd_a man_n will_v be_v look_v for_o favour_n from_o that_o god_n who_o they_o care_v not_o to_o displease_v contrary_a to_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o deserve_n presumption_n do_v the_o same_o in_o wicked_a man_n which_o faith_n do_v in_o the_o holy_a those_o that_o regard_v not_o the_o god_n of_o the_o ark_n think_v themselves_o safe_a and_o happy_a in_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n vain_a man_n be_v transport_v with_o a_o confidence_n in_o the_o outside_n of_o religion_n not_o regard_v the_o substance_n and_o soul_n of_o it_o which_o only_o can_v give_v they_o true_a peace_n but_o rather_o than_o god_n will_v humour_v superstition_n in_o israelite_n he_o will_v suffer_v his_o own_o ark_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o philistines_n rather_o will_v he_o seem_v to_o slacken_v his_o hand_n of_o protection_n than_o he_o will_v be_v think_v to_o have_v his_o hand_n bind_v by_o a_o formal_a misconfidence_n the_o slaughter_n of_o the_o israelite_n be_v no_o plague_n to_o this_o it_o be_v a_o great_a plague_n rather_o to_o they_o that_o shall_v survive_v and_o behold_v it_o the_o two_o son_n of_o ely_n which_o have_v help_v to_o corrupt_v their_o brethren_n die_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o uncircumcised_a and_o be_v now_o too_o late_o separate_v from_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n by_o philistines_n which_o shall_v have_v be_v before_o separate_v by_o their_o father_n they_o have_v live_v former_o to_o bring_v god_n altar_n into_o contempt_n and_o now_o live_v to_o carry_v his_o ark_n into_o captivity_n and_o at_o last_o as_o those_o that_o have_v make_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o wickedness_n be_v slay_v in_o their_o sin_n ill_o news_n do_v ever_o either_o run_v or_o fly_v the_o man_n of_o benjamin_n which_o run_v from_o the_o host_n have_v soon_o fill_v the_o city_n with_o outcry_n and_o elye_v ear_n with_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o city_n the_o good_a old_a man_n after_o ninety_o and_o eight_o year_n sit_v in_o the_o gate_n as_o one_o that_o never_o think_v himself_o too_o age_a to_o do_v god_n service_n and_o hear_v the_o news_n of_o israel_n discomfiture_n and_o his_o son_n death_n though_o with_o sorrow_n yet_o with_o patience_n but_o when_o the_o messenger_n tell_v he_o of_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n take_v he_o can_v live_v no_o long_o that_o word_n strike_v he_o down_o backward_o from_o his_o throne_n and_o kill_v he_o in_o the_o fall_n no_o sword_n of_o a_o philistim_n can_v have_v slay_v he_o more_o painful_o neither_o know_v i_o whether_o his_o neck_n or_o his_o heart_n be_v first_o break_v oh_o fearful_a judgement_n that_o ever_o any_o israelite_n ear_n can_v tingle_v withal_o the_o ark_n lose_v what_o good_a man_n will_v wish_v to_o live_v without_o god_n who_o can_v choose_v but_o think_v he_o have_v live_v too_o long_o that_o have_v overlive_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n presence_n with_o his_o church_n yea_o the_o very_a daughter_n in_o law_n of_o ely_n a_o woman_n the_o wife_n of_o a_o lewd_a husband_n when_o she_o be_v at_o once_o travel_v upon_o that_o tiding_n and_o in_o that_o travel_n die_v to_o make_v up_o the_o full_a sum_n of_o god_n judgement_n upon_o that_o wicked_a house_n as_o one_o insensible_a of_o the_o death_n of_o her_o father_n of_o her_o husband_n of_o herself_o in_o comparison_n of_o this_o loss_n call_v she_o then_o unseasonable_a son_n ichabod_n and_o with_o her_o last_o breath_n say_v the_o glory_n be_v depart_v from_o israel_n the_o ark_n be_v take_v what_o care_v she_o for_o a_o posterity_n which_o shall_v want_v the_o ark_n what_o care_v she_o for_o a_o son_n come_v into_o the_o world_n of_o israel_n when_o god_n be_v go_v from_o it_o and_o how_o willing_o do_v she_o depart_v from_o they_o from_o who_o god_n be_v depart_v not_o 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