absalom_n obedience_n david_n be_v king_n of_o all_o israel_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v unto_o he_o the_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o caesar_n custom_n tribute_n reverence_n loyalty_n and_o dutiful_a allegiance_n have_v he_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o zedekiah_n yet_o be_v he_o the_o breath_n of_o their_o nostril_n and_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v treat_v as_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o lord_n lam._n iu._n 20._o have_v he_o be_v as_o wicked_a as_o nero_n yet_o he_o be_v god_n vicegerent_n and_o his_o subject_n be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v not_o only_o he_o as_o supreme_a but_o also_o his_o minister_n as_o send_v by_o he_o and_o this_o under_o no_o less_o a_o penalty_n than_o damnation_n have_v he_o be_v the_o great_a oppressor_n and_o most_o cruel_a tyrant_n yet_o who_o have_v any_o right_a to_o say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o eccles_n viii_o 4._o for_o against_o a_o king_n there_o be_v no_o rise_v and_o who_o can_v stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n against_o the_o lord_n be_v anoint_v and_o be_v guiltless_a prov._n xxx_o 31._o 1_o sam._n xxxvi_o 9_o be_v it_o fit_a say_v elihu_n to_o say_v to_o a_o king_n thou_o be_v wicked_a and_o to_o prince_n you_o be_v ungodly_a be_v it_o comely_a nay_o be_v it_o not_o high_o impious_a to_o reproach_n the_o footstep_n of_o god_n anoint_v job_n xxxiv_o 16._o psal_n lxxxix_o 51._o and_o as_o we_o must_v not_o blaspheme_n the_o sacred_a person_n of_o king_n with_o our_o word_n or_o assault_v they_o with_o our_o action_n so_o neither_o must_v we_o murmur_v against_o they_o or_o curse_v they_o no_o not_o in_o our_o thought_n those_o who_o do_v so_o rebel_n not_o only_o against_o they_o but_o against_o the_o king_n of_o king_n who_o have_v reserve_v unto_o himself_o the_o prerogative_n of_o judge_v rebuke_v and_o punish_v his_o representative_n thus_o have_v david_n be_v one_o of_o the_o wicked_a king_n of_o israel_n yet_o every_o soul_n be_v bind_v to_o reverence_n his_o royal_a person_n and_o instead_o of_o oppose_v he_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n be_v oblige_v to_o make_v it_o part_n of_o his_o daily_a prayer_n unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v the_o king_n a_o long_a life_n even_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o neh._n ii_o 3._o but_o if_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o most_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a wise_a and_o prudent_a just_a and_o righteous_a king_n this_o do_v huge_o aggravate_v the_o gild_n of_o those_o rebellious_a israelite_n he_o resemble_v god_n not_o only_o in_o power_n but_o also_o in_o mercy_n wisdom_n and_o justice_n with_o which_o his_o government_n be_v so_o admirable_o temper_a that_o his_o subject_n have_v no_o cause_n to_o complain_v of_o those_o mischief_n which_o usual_o accompany_v that_o prince_n reign_n which_o be_v manage_v with_o barbarous_a cruelty_n unworthy_a cunning_n and_o licentious_a toleration_n what_o therefore_o shall_v move_v they_o to_o rebel_n against_o he_o who_o in_o virtue_n as_o well_o as_o dignity_n of_o place_n be_v the_o light_n of_o israel_n and_o worth_a ten_o thousand_o of_o they_o o_o foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a do_v you_o thus_o requite_v your_o great_a deliverer_n and_o benefactor_n shall_v david_n who_o have_v destroy_v the_o mighty_a man_n and_o preserve_v you_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o philistine_n shall_v he_o who_o have_v save_v you_o as_o well_o as_o himself_o from_o the_o jaw_n of_o the_o lion_n and_o the_o paw_n of_o the_o bear_n shall_v he_o who_o god_n have_v miraculous_o protect_v for_o your_o good_a shall_v he_o be_v depose_v by_o you_o who_o live_v thrive_v and_o prosper_v under_o the_o kind_a influence_n of_o his_o benign_a favour_n do_v you_o first_o judge_v he_o unfit_a to_o govern_v and_o then_o resolve_v to_o rend_v his_o kingdom_n from_o he_o but_o where_o have_v god_n make_v you_o judges_z f_z your_o prince_n ability_n and_o by_o what_o prophet_n have_v he_o pulick_o denounce_v that_o his_o kingdom_n shall_v not_o continue_v to_o what_o man_n of_o god_n have_v he_o give_v commission_n to_o appoint_v another_o during_o his_o reign_n as_o he_o do_v to_o samuel_n to_o anoint_v david_n whilst_o saul_n possess_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n if_o the_o house_n of_o saul_n by_o god_n express_a order_n be_v reject_v for_o his_o rebellion_n against_o god_n shall_v therefore_o good_a king_n david_n without_o positive_a command_n from_o heaven_n be_v dethrone_v by_o the_o people_n god_n do_v not_o now_o transfer_v kingdom_n from_o one_o to_o another_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o when_o he_o do_v so_o he_o never_o give_v any_o power_n to_o the_o people_n either_o to_o create_v or_o depose_v king_n when_o he_o have_v choose_v moses_n to_o be_v king_n in_o jesharun_n he_o abhor_v and_o be_v high_o offend_v at_o those_o factious_a levite_n and_o famous_a member_n of_o parliament_n man_n of_o renown_n who_o shall_v murmur_v and_o remonstrate_v against_o his_o proceed_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o severe_a judgement_n which_o god_n inflict_v upon_o corah_n and_o his_o rebellious_a associate_n absalon_n and_o ahitophel_n with_o their_o rebellious_a associate_n be_v confederate_n together_o with_o one_o consent_n against_o their_o lawful_a and_o most_o gracious_a sovereign_n iii_o and_o that_o they_o may_v put_v a_o good_a face_n upon_o their_o rebellious_a practice_n they_o declare_v that_o they_o very_o unwilling_o enter_v upon_o these_o violent_a course_n can_v they_o any_o other_o way_n have_v redress_v these_o grievance_n under_o which_o the_o whole_a nation_n lie_v most_o sad_o oppress_v alas_o they_o can_v easy_o bear_v the_o affront_v and_o indignity_n which_o david_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o evil_a counselor_n have_v put_v upon_o they_o but_o when_o they_o consider_v the_o oppression_n with_o which_o the_o poor_a people_n be_v harrass_v when_o their_o ancient_a liberty_n and_o just_a right_n and_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v most_o dear_a unto_o every_o true_a israelite_n their_o holy_a religion_n as_o reform_v by_o absalon_n and_o ahitophel_n at_o hebron_n lie_v at_o stake_n and_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v utter_o lose_v when_o israel_n condition_n be_v thus_o miserable_a they_o can_v not_o but_o endeavour_v to_o relieve_v their_o belove_a countryman_n and_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o all_o who_o have_v any_o love_n to_o their_o country_n or_o their_o religion_n will_v join_v with_o they_o in_o this_o righteous_a and_o holy_a cause_n they_o be_v very_o sensible_a that_o the_o follower_n of_o david_n will_v reproach_v they_o as_o rebel_n and_o traitor_n and_o appropriate_a unto_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o the_o loyal_a party_n but_o this_o do_v not_o move_v they_o who_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o brethren_n be_v ready_a not_o only_o to_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o but_o to_o sacrifice_v their_o very_a life_n and_o all_o their_o dear_a concern_v in_o this_o world_n and_o now_o what_o honest_a plain_a and_o simple_a israelite_n hear_v these_o fair_a pretence_n will_v not_o become_v a_o proselyte_n weep_v over_o the_o misery_n of_o his_o nation_n look_v upon_o these_o person_n as_o his_o only_a patriot_n and_o entire_o give_v up_o himself_o unto_o their_o conduct_n these_o sweet_a word_n and_o gloss_a harangue_n especial_o come_v from_o man_n famous_a in_o the_o assembly_n be_v enough_o to_o charm_v the_o common_a and_o vulgar_a though_o innocent_a and_o well-meaning_n people_n a_o upright_a man_n in_o who_o be_v no_o guile_n will_v not_o have_v suspect_v any_o in_o this_o declaration_n when_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o artificial_a persuasive_a to_o draw_v all_o sort_n of_o man_n into_o a_o most_o horrid_a and_o unnatural_a rebellion_n a_o cabal_n of_o republican_n atheist_n and_o fanatic_n meet_v together_o at_o hebron_n and_o agree_v under_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o property_n and_o public_a good_a liberties_n and_o the_o law_n religion_n and_o reformation_n to_o invite_v into_o the_o faction_n the_o honest_a and_o industrions_a the_o ingenuous_a and_o freeborn_a the_o pious_a and_o devout_a they_o be_v already_o assure_v of_o those_o who_o be_v like_a unto_o themselves_o in_o temper_n and_o principle_n and_o that_o they_o may_v catch_v other_o who_o in_o a_o lawful_a sense_n be_v friend_n to_o property_n liberty_n and_o religion_n they_o bait_v the_o hook_n with_o these_o glitter_v pretence_n see_v say_v absalon_n after_o he_o have_v examine_v each_o man_n case_n thy_o matter_n be_v good_a and_o right_a but_o there_o be_v no_o man_n depute_v of_o the_o king_n to_o hear_v thou_o or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n none_o will_v hear_v thou_o from_o the_o king_n downward_o 2_o sam._n xv._o 3._o david_n now_o begin_v to_o grow_v in_o age_n and_o therefore_o absalon_n take_v this_o occasion_n to_o render_v he_o odious_a and_o despicable_a unto_o the_o people_n when_o the_o king_n grow_v old_a the_o giddy_a multitude_n be_v easy_o
and_o austerity_n he_o fall_v upon_o his_o business_n and_o rob_v the_o poor_a widow_n house_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v sanctify_v by_o his_o religious_a performance_n iu_o by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a art_n as_o i_o have_v mention_v the_o conspiracy_n wax_v strong_a and_o the_o people_n increase_v continual_o with_o absalon_n 4._o absalon_n his_o majesty_n declaration_n etc._n etc._n p._n 4._o and_o as_o their_o number_n increase_v so_o do_v their_o boldness_n now_o they_o think_v that_o all_o be_v sure_a and_o therefore_o 6._o therefore_o ib._n 6._o trust_v no_o long_o to_o the_o slow_a method_n of_o sedition_n they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o arms._n and_o if_o ahitophel_n counsel_n have_v be_v take_v he_o with_o his_o 12000_o man_n will_v have_v master_v those_o soldier_n which_o attend_v the_o king_n and_o not_o only_o have_v seize_v but_o have_v kill_v the_o king_n himself_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o this_o height_n there_o be_v no_o look_v back_o or_o think_v of_o a_o reconcilement_n those_o who_o be_v engage_v in_o way_n of_o wickedness_n especial_o in_o this_o bewitch_v sin_n of_o rebellion_n endeavour_v to_o secure_v themselves_o by_o add_v one_o sin_n unto_o another_o hope_v for_o no_o protection_n for_o their_o small_a crime_n but_o by_o the_o commission_n of_o great_a the_o first_o beginning_n of_o treason_n be_v careful_o nourish_v till_o they_o break_v out_o into_o open_a defiance_n and_o what_o at_o first_o perhaps_o deserve_v only_o the_o more_o gentle_a name_n of_o ingratitude_n by_o degree_n increase_v into_o a_o most_o horrid_a conspiracy_n when_o the_o house_n be_v thus_o sweep_v and_o garnish_v and_o this_o one_o devil_n have_v take_v possession_n seven_o devil_n great_a than_o the_o first_o soon_o join_v themselves_o to_o his_o company_n rebel_n seldom_o have_v the_o grace_n to_o repent_v but_o proceed_v from_o one_o iniquity_n to_o another_o till_o treason_n grow_v big_a with_o revenge_n and_o the_o cloud_n which_o at_o first_o can_v scarce_o be_v discern_v swell_v till_o it_o fall_v upon_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o shower_n whirlwind_n and_o tempest_n of_o a_o civil-war_n when_o man_n have_v once_o cast_v off_o that_o allegiance_n which_o they_o owe_v unto_o god_n and_o the_o king_n they_o hold_v it_o ignoble_a to_o retreat_n but_o to_o persevere_v in_o their_o sin_n they_o account_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o generous_a disposition_n such_o a_o anti-christian_n policy_n be_v that_o by_o which_o rebellious_a counsel_n be_v manage_v and_o such_o false_a apprehension_n have_v they_o of_o shame_n and_o honour_n who_o seem_v so_o much_o concern_v lest_o they_o shall_v incur_v the_o one_o or_o lose_v the_o other_o ahitophel_n who_o have_v so_o long_o be_v the_o grand_a contriver_n scorn_v at_o last_o to_o become_v a_o puisney_n penitent_n but_o proceed_v to_o execute_v that_o fatal_a mischief_n which_o before_o he_o have_v project_v i_o will_v sudden_o say_v he_o fall_v upon_o david_n while_o he_o be_v weary_a and_o weak-handed_n ch._n xvii_o 2._o david_n and_o his_o man_n it_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v be_v tire_v with_o their_o long_a and_o hasty_a march_n and_o particular_o he_o be_v afflict_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o son_n vileness_n and_o the_o gild_n which_o he_o thereby_o have_v contract_v be_v it_o may_v be_v presume_v unfit_a for_o any_o action_n as_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n son_n become_v feeble_a when_o he_o hear_v of_o abner_n death_n ch._n iu._n 1._o so_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n this_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a assault_n will_v have_v put_v a_o period_n unto_o the_o king_n life_n and_o government_n for_o what_o resistance_n can_v languish_v and_o disconsolate_a weakness_n have_v make_v against_o confident_a and_o well_o appoint_v strength_n and_o it_o may_v be_v further_o observe_v that_o his_o counsel_n be_v as_o malicious_a as_o it_o be_v cunning_a and_o favour_v as_o much_o of_o transcendent_a wickedness_n as_o it_o do_v of_o complete_a subtlety_n what_o great_a baseness_n be_v there_o than_o to_o take_v advantage_n of_o man_n misfortune_n and_o to_o persecute_v those_o who_o god_n have_v smite_v but_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v to_o find_v either_o honesty_n or_o ingenuity_n in_o ahitophel_n counsel_n especial_o when_o his_o case_n seem_v desperate_a and_o require_v a_o immediate_a execution_n he_o be_v fearful_a lest_o delay_n may_v have_v bring_v he_o into_o danger_n he_o fear_v time_n will_v have_v discover_v the_o fallacy_n of_o absalom_n cause_n and_o have_v reduce_v the_o discontent_a commons_o to_o their_o former_a allegiance_n therefore_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o policy_n he_o will_v not_o let_v slip_v this_o critical_a opportunity_n upon_o mature_a deliberation_n the_o people_n may_v have_v see_v and_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o error_n and_o he_o who_o plot_v against_o the_o life_n of_o good_a king_n david_n by_o a_o legal_a trial_n may_v have_v lose_v his_o own_o he_o foresee_v that_o the_o verdict_n of_o a_o honest_a jury_n will_v have_v pronounce_v he_o guilty_a so_o that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v safe_a but_o by_o the_o present_a destruction_n of_o the_o lord_n anoint_v v._n but_o the_o divine_a providence_n which_o have_v hitherto_o preserve_v david_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n do_v at_o this_o time_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n show_v itself_o in_o the_o wonderful_a and_o gracious_a deliverance_n of_o he_o and_o his_o dear_a relation_n and_o all_o his_o love_a subject_n from_o this_o horrid_a and_o damnable_a conspiracy_n david_n all_o this_o while_n meditate_v no_o revenge_n against_o his_o enemy_n he_o use_v no_o other_o weapon_n but_o his_o prayer_n and_o tear_n he_o incessant_o beseech_v god_n that_o he_o will_v forgive_v his_o persecutor_n and_o slanderer_n and_o that_o he_o will_v turn_v their_o heart_n and_o god_n who_o accept_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o humble_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n hear_v his_o prayer_n and_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o sorrow_n of_o his_o break_a spirit_n for_o present_o after_o he_o have_v put_v up_o his_o earnest_a petition_n unto_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v turn_v the_o counsel_n of_o ahitophel_n into_o foolishness_n hushai_n the_o wise_a archite_a meet_v he_o with_o his_o clothes_n rend_v and_o ash_n upon_o his_o head_n as_o the_o manner_n of_o mourner_n be_v in_o those_o day_n here_o god_n begin_v to_o answer_v david_n prayer_n provide_v a_o man_n who_o wisdom_n qualify_v he_o to_o confound_v ahitophel_n and_o turn_v his_o stratagem_n into_o his_o own_o ruin_n hushai_n prompt_v by_o his_o loyalty_n and_o dutiful_a affection_n will_v have_v wait_v upon_o the_o king_n in_o his_o affliction_n but_o david_n know_v his_o ability_n and_o think_v he_o may_v do_v he_o more_o service_n at_o this_o time_n in_o absalom_n court_n than_o his_o own_o wherefore_o he_o order_v he_o to_o return_v to_o the_o city_n and_o to_o behave_v himself_o so_o as_o to_o gain_v absalom_n favour_n that_o have_v his_o countenance_n he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o defeat_v the_o counsel_n of_o ahitophel_n according_o hushai_n salute_v absalon_n as_o king_n tender_v his_o service_n unto_o he_o and_o be_v admt_v into_o his_o secret_n and_o now_o he_o and_o ahitophel_n be_v the_o two_o grand-counsellour_n and_o the_o whole_a business_n be_v to_o be_v transact_v by_o their_o direction_n after_o other_o lewd_a and_o damnable_a advice_n ahitophel_n give_v that_o most_o pernicious_a counsel_n before_o mention_v which_o be_v that_o he_o with_o 12000_o man_n shall_v pursue_v after_o david_n that_o very_a night_n but_o god_n who_o overrule_n the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n do_v move_v absalon_n not_o to_o resolve_v till_o he_o have_v also_o consult_v hushai_n about_o this_o weighty_a affair_n call_v now_o for_o hushai_n say_v he_o and_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o he_o say_v and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o propound_v the_o question_n to_o he_o shall_v we_o do_v after_o this_o manner_n if_o not_o speak_v thou_o ch._n xvii_o 5_o 6._o absalon_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v with_o what_o ahitophel_n have_v propound_v and_o to_o have_v consult_v hushai_n rather_o as_o one_o who_o he_o be_v unwilling_a to_o make_v his_o enemy_n than_o to_o trust_v as_o a_o friend_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v likely_a do_v put_v no_o great_a confidence_n in_o he_o let_v we_o however_o hear_v say_v he_o slight_o likewise_o what_o he_o say_v but_o when_o hushai_n have_v deliver_v his_o opinion_n he_o be_v strange_o please_v with_o it_o insomuch_o that_o he_o resolve_v to_o act_n according_a to_o his_o direction_n he_o represent_v the_o danger_n which_o may_v have_v arisen_a from_o a_o sudden_a surprise_n david_n man_n he_o tell_v he_o will_v fight_v it_o out_o to_o the_o last_o that_o to_o be_v sure_a david_n lie_v in_o ambush_n be_v hide_v in_o some_o pit_n or_o safe_a place_n and_o will_v certain_o
fall_v upon_o some_o part_n of_o the_o army_n and_o defeat_v they_o put_v the_o other_o to_o flight_n then_o he_o suit_v his_o language_n to_o the_o proud_a humour_n of_o the_o vainglorious_a prince_n he_o counsel_v that_o all_o israel_n be_v gather_v together_o even_o from_o dan_n unto_o beersheba_n as_o the_o sand_n that_o be_v by_o the_o sea_n for_o multitude_n that_o he_o himself_o like_o a_o courageous_a general_n shall_v command_v they_o in_o person_n thus_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o may_v promise_v himself_o success_n such_o a_o numerous_a army_n will_v fall_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o dew_n upon_o the_o ground_n and_o if_o he_o be_v flee_v to_o any_o city_n will_v be_v able_a to_o draw_v he_o and_o the_o city_n itself_o and_o all_o his_o company_n into_o the_o river_n absalom_n youthful_a fancy_n be_v huge_o strike_v with_o these_o big_a word_n and_o hyperbolical_a expression_n so_o ahitophel_n advice_n not_o take_v effect_n david_n gain_v time_n to_o strengthen_v and_o prepare_v himself_o with_o necessary_a provision_n against_o the_o danger_n with_o which_o he_o be_v encompass_v hushai_n present_o acquaint_v zadok_v and_o abiathar_n with_o what_o have_v pass_v and_o lest_o absalon_n be_v fickle_a shall_v alter_v his_o resolution_n he_o advise_v they_o to_o send_v word_n unto_o david_n say_v lodge_v not_o this_o night_n in_o the_o plain_n of_o the_o wilderness_n but_o speedy_o pass_v over_o jordan_n in_o this_o management_n of_o hushai_n we_o may_v observe_v a_o rare_a mixture_n of_o obedience_n faithfulness_n and_o discretion_n treason_n be_v usual_o jealous_a of_o unexpected_a friendship_n and_o absalon_n take_v his_o new_o reconcile_a enemy_n for_o a_o spy_n may_v probable_o have_v deliver_v he_o over_o unto_o present_a execution_n but_o his_o clear_a spirit_n be_v not_o move_v with_o this_o consideration_n he_o fear_v not_o absalom_n displeasure_n when_o he_o act_n in_o obedience_n unto_o david_n command_n beside_o have_v he_o be_v a_o ahitophel_n and_o not_o a_o hushai_n have_v he_o be_v a_o wicked_a and_o not_o a_o honest_a politician_n absalom_n greatness_n may_v have_v tempt_v he_o to_o have_v quit_v david_n break_v fortune_n and_o have_v court_v the_o affection_n of_o his_o rise_a son_n but_o he_o like_o a_o faithful_a subject_n hate_v to_o be_v treacherous_a to_o his_o master_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o mourn_v with_o david_n in_o his_o affliction_n than_o triumph_n with_o his_o rebelious_a subject_n and_o as_o his_o obedience_n and_o fidelity_n be_v remarkable_a in_o this_o critical_a juncture_n so_o his_o conduct_n be_v exact_o discreet_a in_o this_o great_a and_o dangerous_a concern_v he_o do_v not_o like_o a_o officious_a politico_n intrude_v himself_o into_o absalom_n presence_n but_o wait_v a_o convenient_a opportunity_n and_o stay_v till_o he_o be_v ask_v and_o when_o he_o offer_v his_o counsel_n it_o be_v with_o all_o due_a submission_n unto_o ahitophel_n great_a wisdom_n only_o at_o this_o time_n he_o beg_v leave_n to_o dissent_v from_o he_o the_o counsel_n which_o ahitophel_n have_v give_v at_o this_o time_n be_v not_o good_a and_o after_o he_o perceive_v that_o absalon_n be_v of_o this_o opinion_n how_o careful_a be_v he_o to_o lose_v no_o time_n with_o what_o haste_n do_v he_o fly_v to_o the_o priest_n that_o they_o may_v immediate_o dispatch_v a_o messenger_n unto_o the_o king_n 2._o they_o extreme_o glad_a to_o hear_v so_o good_a news_n forthwith_o observe_v his_o instruction_n which_o be_v no_o doubt_n that_o they_o shall_v acquaint_v the_o king_n with_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o absalom_n affair_n as_o well_o as_o to_o desire_v he_o to_o provide_v for_o his_o own_o present_a safety_n this_o they_o do_v by_o a_o silly_a maid_n who_o tender_a age_n and_o sex_n make_v her_o unfit_a for_o such_o a_o piece_n of_o service_n have_v she_o not_o be_v a_o instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n who_o by_o the_o most_o contemptible_a mean_n do_v often_o confound_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a by_o strength_n alone_a no_o man_n can_v prevail_v the_o race_n be_v not_o always_o to_o the_o swift_a nor_o the_o battle_n to_o the_o strong_a king_n david_n at_o this_o time_n be_v not_o save_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o a_o host_n but_o by_o the_o despicable_a and_o unarmed_a weakness_n of_o a_o single_a woman_n abiathar_n be_v at_o this_o time_n the_o highpriest_n and_o zadok_v next_o in_o order_n to_o he_o but_o both_o of_o they_o david_n faithful_a servant_n they_o have_v not_o learn_v the_o new_a doctrine_n of_o resistance_n nor_o do_v they_o act_v by_o the_o politic_a rule_n of_o our_o modern_a laodicean_n who_o real_o neither_o espouse_v the_o king_n cause_n nor_o the_o faction_n of_o his_o enemy_n but_o stand_v aloof_o off_o till_o they_o may_v with_o discretion_n join_v themselves_o to_o the_o strong_a side_n zadok_v and_o abiathar_n be_v as_o wise_a as_o they_o but_o more_o honest_a and_o though_o they_o be_v god_n priest_n yet_o continue_v the_o king_n loyal_a subject_n in_o his_o great_a distress_n and_o utmost_a extremity_n they_o be_v obedient_a unto_o david_n command_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o city_n though_o with_o no_o small_a hazard_n of_o their_o life_n though_o it_o be_v know_v that_o they_o be_v no_o friend_n unto_o absalom_n design_n i_o wish_v that_o some_o who_o term_v themselves_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v acquit_v themselves_o in_o this_o respect_n as_o well_o as_o these_o howsoever_o despise_v priest_n of_o the_o law_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o the_o immovable_a loyalty_n of_o our_o clergy_n to_o the_o crown_n be_v not_o the_o chief_a reason_n why_o they_o be_v treat_v by_o her_o enemy_n on_o both_o side_n with_o such_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n but_o if_o this_o be_v our_o only_a crime_n we_o own_o and_o glory_n in_o it_o and_o be_v no_o more_o ashamed_a to_o imitate_v the_o jewish_a priest_n in_o their_o christian_a virtue_n than_o we_o be_v to_o be_v call_v by_o their_o name_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o attend_v our_o lord_n the_o king_n whithersoever_o he_o go_v but_o if_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o order_v we_o to_o wait_v upon_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n in_o jerusalem_n we_o obey_v and_o shall_v there_o with_o zadok_n and_o abiathar_n serve_v he_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n as_o well_o with_o our_o daily_a action_n as_o constant_a prayer_n but_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o i_o do_v too_o much_o divert_v from_o my_o subject_n i_o shall_v therefore_o return_v and_o have_v observe_v hushai'_v prudent_a address_n zadok_v and_o abiathar_n watchful_a care_n for_o their_o prince_n safety_n in_o the_o next_o place_n this_o great_a deliverance_n must_v chief_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o who_o hand_n be_v the_o heart_n of_o king_n without_o the_o divine_a protection_n all_o humane_a mean_n be_v weak_a and_o insufficient_a it_o be_v god_n alone_o who_o turn_v the_o counsel_n of_o ahitophel_n into_o foolishness_n he_o bring_v hushai_n to_o david_n in_o this_o exigence_n move_v he_o to_o send_v he_o back_o into_o the_o city_n and_o incline_v absalon_n to_o follow_v his_o counsel_n though_o much_o worse_o for_o his_o purpose_n than_o ahitophel_n it_o be_v he_o who_o cause_v zadok_v and_o abiathar_n to_o remain_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o make_v they_o the_o happy_a instrument_n of_o the_o king_n deliverance_n without_o his_o providential_a care_n these_o watchman_n have_v wake_v but_o in_o vain_a these_o thing_n do_v not_o happen_v by_o fate_n or_o chance_n but_o by_o his_o appointment_n who_o give_v salvation_n unto_o king_n and_z sheweth_z mercy_n unto_o his_o anoint_v whatever_o man_n may_v propose_v unto_o themselves_o it_o be_v only_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o almighty_a to_o dispose_v the_o politician_n may_v consult_v and_o the_o soldier_n fit_v their_o arm_n but_o without_o god_n permission_n neither_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o weapon_n of_o the_o other_o can_v prevail_v against_o king_n david_n the_o pharisee_n consult_v how_o to_o put_v jesus_n to_o death_n and_o some_o profligate_v villain_n have_v swear_v to_o take_v away_o s._n paul_n life_n but_o neither_o can_v execute_v their_o malicious_a purpose_n when_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o interpose_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o injure_a innocence_n absalon_n with_o his_o great_a man_n may_v rebel_v and_o take_v counsel_n against_o the_o lord_n and_o against_o his_o anoint_v but_o he_o who_o dwell_v in_o heaven_n shall_v laugh_v the_o lord_n shall_v have_v they_o in_o derision_n he_o shall_v speak_v unto_o they_o in_o his_o wrath_n and_o vex_v they_o in_o his_o sore_a displeasure_n psal_n ii_o 2_o 4_o 5._o he_o hearken_v unto_o davi'd_n prayer_n and_o by_o hushai_n honest_a policy_n zadok_v and_o abiathar_n loyal_a piety_n together_o with_o the_o diligent_a industry_n of_o a_o silly_a maid_n turn_v absalom_n strength_n into_o weakness_n and_o
ahitophel_n wisdom_n into_o folly_n and_o now_o have_v thus_o far_o pursue_v the_o history_n of_o absalon_n and_o ahitophel_n i_o need_v not_o draw_v the_o parallel_n betwixt_o this_o unnatural_a rebellion_n and_o the_o treasonable_a conspiracy_n against_o his_o majesty_n sacred_a person_n and_o government_n late_o discover_v it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o they_o do_v much_o resemble_v one_o another_o not_o only_o in_o the_o principal_a conspirator_n but_o also_o the_o person_n against_o who_o they_o be_v design_v the_o pretence_n by_o which_o they_o be_v carry_v on_o the_o progress_n which_o be_v make_v in_o they_o and_o the_o happy_a instrument_n by_o which_o next_o under_o god_n they_o be_v discover_v i_o have_v rather_o that_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a shall_v make_v application_n unto_o themselves_o repent_v of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o for_o the_o future_a strive_v with_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n and_o israel_n who_o shall_v express_v the_o great_a duty_n and_o loyalty_n to_o the_o lord_n their_o king_n than_o by_o call_v to_o their_o remembrance_n the_o miserable_a end_n of_o absalon_n and_o ahitophel_n to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o divine_a vengeance_n which_o attend_v obdurate_a rebel_n if_o guilty_a englishman_n shall_v with_o shimei_n become_v sensible_a of_o their_o sin_n and_o make_v a_o unseigned_a submission_n i_o do_v not_o envy_v their_o admittance_n unto_o the_o king_n grace_n and_o favour_n but_o if_o they_o neither_o fear_v god_n nor_o the_o king_n shall_v still_o persist_v in_o the_o way_n of_o schism_n and_o sedition_n if_o they_o like_a simeon_n and_o levi_n shall_v still_o continue_v brethren_n in_o iniquity_n have_v not_o the_o innocent_a and_o the_o loyal_a reason_n to_o pray_v with_o good_a old_a jacob_n that_o their_o soul_n may_v not_o come_v into_o their_o secret_n nor_o their_o honour_n be_v unite_v unto_o their_o assembly_n that_o when_o dead_a the_o memory_n of_o their_o fierce_a anger_n and_o cruel_a wrath_n may_v be_v accurse_v and_o whilst_o alive_a that_o they_o may_v be_v divide_v in_o jacob_n and_o scatter_v in_o israel_n give_v i_o leave_v further_a to_o observe_v that_o as_o this_o english_a conspiracy_n do_v in_o most_o thing_n answer_v that_o of_o absalom_n insomuch_o that_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v transcribe_v from_o this_o original_a by_o those_o who_o abuse_v the_o scripture_n unto_o their_o own_o damnation_n so_o they_o do_v both_o agree_v in_o set_v aside_o the_o title_n of_o hereditary_a succession_n for_o absalon_n as_o have_v be_v observe_v have_v a_o elder_a brother_n who_o be_v the_o undoubted_a heir_n as_o long_o as_o king_n david_n have_v not_o nomintae_v nor_o god_n almighty_a appoint_v another_o successor_n absalon_n indeed_o be_v beget_v in_o lawful_a wedlock_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o then_o firm_o settle_v upon_o the_o right_n of_o hereditary_a succession_n as_o our_o english_a monarchy_n be_v and_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n in_o these_o respect_v absalon_n have_v a_o better_a plea_n than_o any_o pretender_n to_o the_o english_a crown_n can_v produce_v no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o those_o who_o plot_v against_o his_o sacred_a majesty_n shall_v also_o design_v to_o imbrue_v their_o wicked_a hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o royal_a highness_n his_o dear_a brother_n and_o only_o lawful_a successor_n have_v god_n permit_v this_o horrid_a conspiracy_n to_o have_v take_v effect_n i_o can_v sufficient_o express_v nor_o you_o full_o conceive_v the_o consequence_n which_o will_v have_v follow_v this_o bloody_a tragedy_n their_o golden_a pretence_n will_v have_v soon_o vanish_v into_o nothing_o and_o dismal_a confusion_n will_v have_v cover_v the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n our_o church_n will_v have_v be_v defile_v with_o the_o rave_a madness_n of_o fanatic_n instead_o of_o enjoy_v our_o just_a liberty_n slavery_n and_o imprisonment_n will_v have_v be_v our_o doom_n and_o property_n will_v have_v be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o unsatiable_a abyss_n of_o sacrilege_n and_o covetousness_n violence_n and_o strife_n will_v have_v domineer_v in_o the_o city_n mischief_n and_o injury_n will_v have_v reign_v in_o the_o country_n deceit_n and_o guile_n will_v have_v walk_v public_o in_o all_o our_o street_n in_o short_a the_o state_n will_v have_v be_v destroy_v by_o war_n and_o oppression_n the_o church_n will_v have_v be_v bury_v under_o the_o rubbish_n of_o heretical_a opinion_n and_o endless_a division_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o endeavour_v to_o number_v the_o misery_n which_o will_v have_v ensue_v have_v god_n suffer_v this_o execrable_a villainy_n to_o have_v be_v act_v i_o shall_v rather_o excite_v you_o to_o join_v with_o i_o in_o a_o thankful_a commemoration_n of_o god_n unspeakable_a mercy_n in_o protect_v from_o the_o fury_n of_o their_o cruel_a enemy_n our_o most_o gracious_a just_a and_o wise_a king_n his_o dear_a brother_n and_o with_o they_o the_o whole_a royal_a family_n all_o his_o loyal_a subject_n this_o apostolic_a church_n and_o sinful_a nation_n every_o good_a christian_a and_o loyal_a subject_n can_v but_o rejoice_v in_o secret_a for_o this_o signal_n deliverance_n much_o more_o will_v he_o cheerful_o and_o devout_o return_v his_o solemn_a thanks_o in_o public_a for_o the_o same_o and_o say_v bless_a be_v god_n who_o have_v hear_v the_o king_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o trouble_n and_o defend_v he_o from_o the_o insurrection_n of_o wicked-doer_n who_o have_v send_v he_o help_v out_o of_o his_o sanctuary_n and_o strengthen_v he_o out_o of_o zion_n who_o by_o his_o miraculous_a providence_n do_v reinstate_v he_o in_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o father_n who_o have_v all_o his_o life_n long_o protect_v he_o from_o danger_n and_o have_v so_o late_o in_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n deliver_v his_o soul_n from_o the_o battle_n which_o be_v against_o he_o who_o have_v prevent_v the_o design_n of_o bloodthirsty_a and_o deceitful_a man_n and_o have_v bring_v they_o into_o that_o pit_n of_o destruction_n which_o they_o have_v dig_v for_o his_o anoint_v bless_a be_v god_n who_o together_o with_o he_o have_v preserve_v his_o dear_a brother_n that_o they_o who_o be_v to_o have_v be_v companion_n in_o death_n do_v still_o live_v and_o rejoice_v together_o in_o sing_v praise_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o their_o salvation_n bless_a be_v god_n who_o have_v lift_v up_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n upon_o the_o whole_a royal_a family_n and_o have_v break_v the_o snare_n in_o piece_n which_o be_v lay_v for_o they_o who_o have_v smite_v their_o enemy_n upon_o the_o cheekbone_n and_o secure_v they_o from_o 10000_o be_v of_o the_o people_n who_o have_v set_v themselves_o against_o they_o round_o about_o bless_a be_v god_n who_o have_v look_v upon_o the_o hearty_a desire_n of_o his_o humble_a servant_n the_o king_n be_v loyal_a subject_n who_o have_v keep_v they_o from_o shame_n and_o rebuke_v and_o save_v they_o from_o their_o enemy_n who_o will_v have_v swallow_v they_o up_o quick_a when_o they_o be_v so_o wrathful_o displease_v at_o they_o bless_a be_v god_n who_o by_o defeat_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o wicked_a have_v prevent_v those_o punishment_n which_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o nation_n for_o their_o sin_n have_v just_o deserve_v who_o have_v not_o cut-off_a a_o sinful_a and_o ungrateful_a people_n in_o their_o iniquity_n but_o have_v give_v they_o time_n to_o repent_v and_o turn_v unto_o their_o god_n and_o their_o sovereign_a lord_n the_o king_n against_o who_o they_o have_v most_o grievous_o offend_v bless_a and_o for_o ever_o bless_v be_v our_o god_n who_o have_v behold_v and_o visit_v that_o vine_n which_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n have_v plant_v in_o these_o kingdom_n who_o have_v not_o suffer_v her_o hedge_n to_o be_v break_v down_o nor_o they_o which_o go_v by_o to_o pluck_v off_o her_o grape_n who_o have_v not_o permit_v the_o wild_a boar_n of_o the_o wood_n to_o root_v it_o up_o nor_o the_o wild_a beast_n of_o the_o field_n to_o devour_v it_o who_o have_v remember_v this_o congregation_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v of_o old_a the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o inheritance_n which_o he_o have_v redeem_v this_o mount_n zion_n wherein_o he_o have_v dwell_v who_o have_v not_o deliver_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o turtledove_n unto_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o wicked_a who_o have_v restrain_v his_o enemy_n from_o cast_v fire_n into_o his_o sanctuary_n and_o destroy_v the_o dwelling-place_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n 7._o to_o conclude_v who_o have_v defend_v our_o church_n from_o those_o who_o have_v say_v in_o their_o heart_n let_v we_o destroy_v she_o who_o do_v yet_o continue_v unto_o she_o and_o all_o her_o faithful_a child_n apostolic_a doctrine_n government_n and_o discipline_n together_o with_o her_o convenient_a possession_n so_o that_o heresy_n schism_n profaneness_n and_o sacrilege_n have_v not_o hitherto_o triumph_v in_o her_o ruin_n for_o these_o and_o all_o other_o mercy_n contain_v and_o employ_v in_o this_o great_a deliverance_n which_o we_o now_o commemorate_v bless_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a and_o let_v all_o the_o people_n say_v amen_n finis_fw-la