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 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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
turn_v rehoboam'_v brass_n into_o gold_n some_o of_o these_o vessel_n it_o seem_v abijam_n asaes_n father_n have_v dedicate_v to_o god_n but_o after_o his_o vow_n inquire_v yea_o withhold_v they_o asa_n like_o a_o good_a son_n pay_v his_o father_n debt_n &_o his_o own_o it_o be_v a_o good_a sign_n of_o a_o well-meant_a devotion_n when_o we_o can_v abide_v it_o chargeable_a as_o contrary_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o god_n a_o niggardly_a hand_n argue_v a_o cold_a and_o hollow_a heart_n all_o these_o be_v noble_a and_o excellent_a act_n the_o extirpation_n of_o sodomy_n the_o demolition_n of_o idol_n the_o removal_n of_o maachah_n the_o bounteous_a contribution_n to_o the_o temple_n but_o that_o which_o give_v true_a life_n unto_o all_o these_o be_v a_o sound_a root_n asaes_n heart_n be_v perfect_a with_o the_o lord_n all_o his_o day_n no_o less_o laudable_a work_n than_o these_o have_v proceed_v from_o hypocrisy_n which_o while_o they_o have_v carry_v away_o applause_n from_o man_n have_v lose_v their_o thanks_n with_o god_n all_o asaes_n gold_n be_v but_o dross_n to_o his_o pure_a intention_n but_o oh_o what_o great_a and_o many_o infirmity_n may_v consist_v with_o uprightness_n what_o allay_v of_o imperfection_n will_v there_o be_v find_v in_o the_o most_o refine_a soul_n four_o no_o small_a fault_n be_v find_v in_o true-hearted_a asa_n first_o the_o high-place_n stand_v still_o unremoved_a what_o high_a place_n there_o be_v some_o dedicate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n these_o asa_n take_v away_o there_o be_v some_o mis-devoted_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n these_o he_o let_v stand_v there_o be_v gross_a idolatry_n in_o the_o former_a there_o be_v a_o weak_a will-worship_n in_o the_o latter_a while_o he_o oppose_v impiety_n he_o wink_v at_o mistake_n yet_o even_o the_o variety_n of_o altar_n be_v forbid_v by_o a_o express_a charge_n from_o god_n who_o have_v confine_v his_o service_n to_o the_o temple_n with_o one_o breath_n do_v god_n report_v both_o these_o the_o high-place_n be_v not_o remove_v yet_o nevertheless_o asaes_n heart_n be_v perfect_a god_n will_v not_o see_v weakness_n where_o he_o see_v truth_n how_o please_v a_o thing_n be_v sincerity_n that_o in_o favour_n thereof_o the_o mercy_n of_o our_o just_a god_n digest_v many_o a_o error_n oh_o god_n let_v our_o heart_n go_v upright_o though_o our_o foot_n slide_v the_o fall_n can_v through_o thy_o grace_n be_v deadly_a how_o ever_o it_o may_v shame_v or_o pain_n us._n beside_o to_o confront_v his_o rival_n of_o israel_n baasha_n this_o religious_a king_n of_o judah_n fetch_v in_o benhadad_n the_o king_n of_o syria_n into_o god_n inheritance_n upon_o too_o dear_a a_o rate_n the_o breach_n of_o his_o league_n the_o expilation_n of_o the_o temple_n all_o the_o wealth_n wherewith_o asa_n have_v endow_v the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v little_a enough_o to_o hire_v a_o edomite_n to_o betray_v his_o fidelity_n and_o to_o invade_v israel_n league_n may_v be_v make_v with_o infidel_n not_o at_o such_o a_o price_n upon_o such_o term_n there_o can_v be_v no_o warrant_n for_o a_o wilful_a subornation_n of_o perfidiousness_n in_o these_o case_n of_o outward_a thing_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n dispense_v with_o our_o true_a necessity_n not_o with_o the_o affect_a o_o asa_n where_o be_v thy_o piety_n while_o thou_o rob_v god_n to_o corrupt_v a_o infidel_n for_o the_o slaughter_n of_o israelite_n o_o prince_n where_o be_v your_o piety_n while_o you_o hire_v turk_n to_o the_o slaughter_n of_o christian_n to_o the_o spoil_n of_o god_n church_n yet_o which_o be_v worse_a asa_n do_v not_o only_o employ_v the_o syrian_a but_o rely_v on_o he_o rely_v not_o on_o god_n a_o confidence_n less_o sinful_a cost_n his_o grandfather_n david_n dear_a and_o when_o hanani_n god_n seer_n the_o herald_n of_o heaven_n come_v to_o denounce_v war_n against_o he_o for_o these_o sin_n asa_n in_o stead_n of_o penitence_n break_v into_o choler_n fury_n sparkle_v in_o those_o eye_n which_o shall_v have_v gush_v out_o with_o water_n those_o lip_n that_o shall_v have_v call_v for_o mercy_n command_v revenge_n how_o ill_o do_v these_o two_o agree_v the_o heart_n of_o david_n the_o tongue_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la that_o holy_a grandfather_n of_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v so_o when_o god_n messenger_n reprove_v he_o for_o sin_n he_o condemn_v it_o and_o himself_o for_o it_o i_o see_v his_o tear_n i_o do_v not_o hear_v his_o threat_n it_o ill_o become_v a_o faithful_a heart_n to_o rage_n where_o it_o shall_v sorrow_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o submission_n to_o persecute_v sometime_o no_o difference_n appear_v betwixt_o a_o son_n of_o david_n and_o the_o son_n of_o nebat_fw-la any_o man_n may_v do_v ill_a but_o to_o defend_v it_o to_o outface_v it_o be_v for_o rebel_n yet_o even_o upright_o asa_n imprison_v the_o prophet_n and_o crush_v his_o gainsayer_n it_o be_v pity_n that_o the_o best_a man_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o every_o of_o his_o action_n and_o not_o by_o all_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n must_v either_o allow_v or_o condemn_v we_o not_o these_o sudden_a eruption_n as_o the_o life_n so_o the_o deathbed_n of_o asa_n want_v not_o infirmity_n long_a and_o prosperous_a have_v his_o reign_n be_v now_o after_o forty_o year_n health_n and_o happiness_n he_o that_o imprison_v the_o prophet_n be_v imprison_v in_o his_o bed_n there_o be_v more_o pain_n in_o those_o fetter_n which_o god_n put_v upon_o asa_n than_o those_o which_o asa_n put_v upon_o hanani_n and_o now_o behold_v he_o that_o in_o his_o war_n seek_v to_o benhadad_n not_o to_o god_n in_o his_o sickness_n seek_v not_o to_o god_n but_o to_o physician_n we_o can_v easy_o put_v upon_o god_n a_o great_a wrong_n than_o the_o alienation_n of_o our_o trust_n earthly_a mean_n be_v for_o use_v not_o for_o confidence_n we_o may_v we_o must_v employ_v they_o we_o may_v not_o rely_v upon_o they_o well_o may_v god_n challenge_v our_o trust_n as_o his_o peculiar_a which_o if_o we_o cast_v upon_o any_o creature_n we_o deify_v it_o whence_o have_v herb_n and_o drug_n and_o physician_n their_o be_v and_o efficacy_n but_o from_o that_o divine_a hand_n no_o marvel_n then_o if_o asaes_n gout_n strike_v to_o his_o heart_n and_o his_o foot_n carry_v he_o to_o his_o grave_n since_o his_o heart_n be_v miscarry_v carry_v for_o the_o cure_n of_o his_o foot_n to_o a_o injurious_a misconfidence_n in_o the_o mean_n with_o neglect_n of_o his_o maker_n elijah_n with_o the_o sareptan_a who_o shall_v be_v match_v with_o moses_n in_o the_o hill_n of_o tabor_n but_o elijah_n surely_n next_o after_o moses_n there_o be_v never_o any_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n more_o glorious_a than_o he_o none_o more_o glorious_a none_o more_o obscure_a the_o other_o prophet_n be_v not_o mention_v without_o the_o name_n of_o their_o parent_n for_o the_o mutual_a honour_n both_o of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n elijah_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o son_n of_o the_o earth_n come_v forth_o with_o the_o bare_a mention_n of_o the_o place_n of_o his_o birth_n meanness_n of_o descent_n be_v no_o block_n in_o god_n way_n to_o the_o most_o honourable_a vocation_n it_o matter_n not_o who_o son_n he_o be_v who_o god_n will_v grace_v with_o his_o service_n in_o the_o great_a honour_n that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o god_n forget_v our_o parent_n as_o when_o we_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o to_o a_o glorious_a life_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o respect_n have_v to_o the_o loin_n whence_o we_o come_v so_o it_o be_v proportional_o in_o these_o spiritual_a advancement_n these_o time_n be_v fit_a for_o a_o elijah_n a_o elijah_n be_v fit_a for_o they_o the_o eminent_a prophet_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o corrupte_v age_n israel_n have_v never_o such_o a_o king_n as_o ahab_n for_o impiety_n never_o so_o miraculous_a a_o prophet_n as_o elijah_n this_o elijah_n be_v address_v to_o this_o ahab_n the_o god_n of_o spirit_n know_v how_o to_o proportion_v man_n to_o the_o occasion_n and_o to_o raise_v up_o to_o himself_o such_o witness_n as_o may_v be_v most_o able_a to_o convince_v the_o world_n a_o mild_a moses_n be_v for_o the_o low_a estate_n of_o afflict_a israel_n mild_a of_o spirit_n but_o mighty_a in_o wonder_n mild_a of_o spirit_n because_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o a_o persecute_a and_o yet_o a_o tetchy_a and_o perverse_a people_n mighty_a in_o wonder_n because_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o a_o pharaoh_n a_o grave_n and_o holy_a samuel_n be_v for_o the_o quiet_a consistence_n of_o israel_n a_o fierie-spirited_n elijah_n be_v for_o the_o desperate_v declination_n of_o israel_n and_o if_o in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o the_o deprave_a condition_n of_o his_o church_n god_n have_v raise_v up_o some_o spirit_n that_o have_v be_v more_o warm_a and_o
themselves_o all_o thy_o aramite_n shall_v not_o carry_v away_o one_o corn_n of_o sand_n out_o of_o israel_n except_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o sole_n of_o their_o foot_n in_o their_o shameful_a flight_n it_o be_v well_o if_o they_o can_v carry_v back_o those_o skin_n that_o they_o bring_v thither_o let_v not_o he_o that_o gird_v on_o his_o harness_n boast_v himself_o as_o he_o that_o put_v it_o off_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o fear_v that_o man_n that_o trust_v in_o himself_o man_n may_v cast_v the_o dice_n of_o war_n but_o the_o disposition_n of_o they_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n ahab_n be_v lewd_a but_o benhadad_n be_v insolent_a if_o therefore_o ahab_n shall_v be_v scourge_v with_o the_o rod_n of_o benhadad_n fear_n benhadad_o shall_v be_v smite_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o ahabs_n revenge_n of_o all_o thing_n god_n will_v not_o endure_v a_o presumptuous_a and_o selfe-confident_a vaunter_n after_o elijah_n flight_n and_o complaint_n yet_o a_o prophet_n be_v address_v to_o ahab_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n host_z thou_o see_v all_o this_o great_a multitude_n behold_v i_o will_v deliver_v it_o into_o thy_o hand_n this_o day_n and_o thou_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v wonder_v enough_o at_o this_o unweariable_a mercy_n of_o god_n after_o the_o fire_n and_o rain_n fetch_v miraculous_o from_o heaven_n ahab_n have_v promise_v much_o perform_v nothing_o yet_o again_o will_v god_n bless_v and_o solicit_v he_o with_o victory_n one_o of_o those_o prophet_n who_o he_o persecute_v to_o death_n shall_v comfort_v his_o dejection_n with_o the_o news_n of_o deliverance_n and_o triumph_n have_v this_o great_a work_n be_v wrought_v without_o premonition_n either_o chance_n or_o baal_n or_o the_o golden_a calf_n have_v carry_v away_o the_o thanks_n before_o hand_n therefore_o shall_v ahab_n know_v both_o the_o author_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o victory_n god_n for_o the_o author_n the_o two_o hundred_o thirty_o two_o young_a man_n of_o the_o 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want_v faith_n we_o be_v sure_o there_o can_v be_v no_o want_n in_o thy_o power_n or_o mercy_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o benhadad_n pavilion_n but_o drink_n and_o surfeit_v and_o jollity_n as_o if_o wine_n shall_v make_v way_n for_o blood_n security_n be_v the_o certain_a usher_n of_o destruction_n we_o never_o have_v so_o much_o cause_n to_o fear_v as_o when_o we_o fear_v nothing_o this_o handful_n of_o israel_n dare_v look_v out_o upon_o the_o prophet_n assurance_n to_o the_o vast_a host_n of_o benhadad_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o that_o proud_a pagan_a to_o sit_v still_o and_o command_v among_o his_o cup_n to_o defile_v their_o finger_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o so_o few_o seem_v no_o mastery_n that_o act_n will_v be_v inglorious_a on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o victor_n more_o easy_o may_v they_o bring_v in_o three_o head_n of_o dead_a enemy_n than_o one_o alive_a imperious_o enough_o therefore_o do_v this_o boaster_n out_o of_o his_o chair_n of_o state_n and_o ease_n command_n 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executioner_n than_o what_o he_o find_v in_o their_o own_o bosom_n we_o be_v not_o the_o master_n of_o our_o own_o courage_n or_o fear_n both_o be_v put_v into_o we_o by_o that_o overruling_a power_n that_o create_v we_o stay_v now_o o_o stay_v thou_o great_a king_n of_o syria_n and_o take_v with_o thou_o those_o forget_a handful_n of_o the_o dust_n of_o israel_n thy_o god_n will_v do_v so_o to_o thou_o and_o more_o also_o if_o thy_o follower_n return_v without_o their_o vow_a burden_n learn_v now_o of_o the_o despise_a king_n of_o israel_n from_o henceforth_o not_o to_o sound_v the_o triumph_n before_o the_o battle_n not_o to_o boast_v thyself_o in_o the_o gird_v on_o of_o thy_o harness_n as_o in_o the_o put_n off_o i_o hear_v not_o of_o either_o the_o public_a thanksgiving_n or_o amendment_n of_o ahab_n neither_o danger_n nor_o victory_n can_v change_v he_o from_o himself_o benhadad_n and_o he_o though_o enemy_n agree_v in_o unrepentance_n the_o one_o be_v no_o more_o move_v with_o mercy_n than_o the_o other_o with_o judgement_n neither_o be_v god_n any_o changeling_n in_o his_o proceed_n towards_o both_o his_o judgement_n shall_v still_o follow_v the_o syrian_a his_o mercy_n israel_n mercy_n both_o in_o forewarn_v and_o re-delivering_a ahab_n judgement_n in_o overthrow_v benhadad_o the_o prophet_n of_o god_n come_v again_o and_o both_o foretell_v the_o intend_a reencounter_n of_o the_o syrian_a and_o advise_v the_o care_n and_o preparation_n of_o israel_n go_v strengthen_v thyself_o and_o mark_v and_o see_v what_o thou_o do_v for_o at_o the_o return_n of_o the_o year_n the_o king_n of_o syria_n will_v come_v up_o against_o thou_o god_n purpose_v the_o deliverance_n of_o israel_n yet_o may_v not_o they_o neglect_v their_o fortification_n the_o merciful_a intention_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o may_v not_o make_v they_o careless_a the_o industry_n and_o courage_n of_o the_o israelite_n fall_v within_o the_o decree_n of_o their_o victory_n security_n be_v the_o 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have_v hear_v of_o eliahs_n altar_n upon_o mount_n carmel_n and_o now_o they_o sottish_o measure_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o power_n by_o the_o place_n of_o the_o worship_n as_o if_o he_o that_o be_v omnipotent_a on_o the_o hill_n be_v impotent_a in_o the_o valley_n what_o doltish_a conceit_n do_v blind_a paganism_n frame_v to_o itself_o of_o a_o godhead_n as_o they_o have_v many_o god_n so_o finite_a every_o region_n every_o hill_n every_o dale_n every_o stream_n have_v their_o several_a god_n and_o each_o so_o know_v his_o own_o bound_n that_o he_o dare_v not_o offer_v to_o encroach_v upon_o the_o other_o or_o if_o he_o do_v abvye_v it_o with_o loss_n who_o will_v think_v that_o so_o gross_a blockishness_n shall_v find_v harbour_n in_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n a_o man_n do_v not_o alter_v with_o his_o station_n he_o that_o wrestle_v strong_o upon_o the_o hill_n lose_v not_o his_o force_n in_o the_o plain_a all_o place_n find_v he_o alike_o active_a alike_o valorous_a yet_o these_o 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and_o go_v meet_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n that_o he_o may_v save_v our_o soul_n how_o well_o do_v this_o habit_n become_v insolent_a and_o blasphemous_a benhadad_n and_o his_o follower_n a_o rope_n and_z sackcloth_z a_o rope_n for_o a_o crown_n sackcloth_n for_o a_o robe_n neither_o be_v there_o less_o change_n in_o the_o tongue_n thy_o servant_n benhadad_n say_v i_o pray_v thou_o let_v i_o live_v even_o now_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n say_v to_o benhadad_n my_o lord_n o_o king_n i_o be_o thou_o tell_v my_o lord_n the_o king_n all_o that_o thou_o do_v send_v for_o to_o thy_o servant_n i_o will_v do_v now_o benhadad_o send_v to_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n thy_o servant_n benhadad_n say_v i_o pray_v thou_o let_v i_o live_v he_o that_o be_v erewhile_o a_o lord_n and_o king_n be_v now_o a_o servant_n and_o he_o that_o be_v a_o servant_n to_o the_o king_n of_o syria_n be_v now_o his_o lord_n he_o that_o will_v blow_v away_o all_o israel_n in_o dust_n be_v now_o glad_a to_o beg_v for_o his_o own_o life_n at_o the_o door_n of_o a_o despise_a enemy_n no_o courage_n be_v so_o haughty_a which_o the_o god_n of_o host_n can_v easy_o bring_v under_o what_o be_v man_n or_o devil_n in_o those_o almighty_a hand_n the_o great_a the_o dejection_n be_v the_o strong_a be_v the_o motive_n of_o commiseration_n that_o halter_n plead_v for_o life_n and_o that_o plea_n for_o but_o a_o life_n stir_v the_o bowel_n for_o favour_n how_o ready_o do_v ahab_n see_v in_o benhadad_n sudden_a misery_n the_o image_n of_o the_o instability_n of_o all_o humane_a thing_n and_o relent_v at_o the_o view_n of_o so_o deep_a and_o passionate_a a_o submission_n have_v not_o benhadad_o say_v thy_o servant_n ahab_n have_v never_o say_v my_o brother_n seldom_o ever_o be_v there_o loss_n in_o humility_n how_o much_o less_o can_v we_o fear_v disparagement_n in_o the_o annihilate_v of_o ourselves_o before_o that_o infinite_a majesty_n the_o drown_a man_n snatch_v at_o every_o twig_n it_o be_v no_o 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the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n not_o yet_o in_o his_o own_o form_n but_o disguise_v both_o in_o fashion_n and_o complaint_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a suit_n of_o a_o prophet_n smite_v i_o i_o pray_v thou_o many_o a_o prophet_n be_v smite_v and_o will_v not_o never_o any_o but_o this_o wish_a to_o be_v smite_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o fellow_n be_v glad_a to_o say_v save_v i_o this_o only_a say_v smite_v i_o his_o honest_a neighbour_n out_o of_o love_n and_o reverence_n forbear_v to_o strike_v there_o be_v too_o many_o think_v he_o that_o smite_v the_o prophet_n though_o i_o refrain_v what_o wrong_a have_v thou_o do_v that_o i_o shall_v repay_v with_o blow_n have_v thou_o sue_v for_o a_o favour_n i_o can_v not_o have_v deny_v thou_o now_o thou_o sue_v for_o thy_o hurt_n the_o denial_n be_v a_o favour_n thus_o he_o think_v but_o charity_n can_v excuse_v disobedience_n have_v the_o man_n of_o god_n call_v for_o blow_n upon_o his_o own_o head_n the_o refusal_n have_v be_v just_a and_o thankworthy_a but_o now_o that_o he_o say_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n smite_v i_o this_o kindness_n be_v deadly_a because_o thou_o have_v not_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n behold_v assoon_o as_o thou_o be_v depart_v from_o i_o a_o lion_n shall_v slay_v thou_o it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o examine_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o almighty_a be_v they_o never_o so_o harsh_a or_o improbable_a if_o they_o be_v once_o know_v for_o his_o there_o be_v no_o way_n but_o obedience_n or_o death_n not_o to_o smite_v a_o prophet_n when_o god_n command_v be_v no_o less_o sin_n than_o to_o smite_v a_o prophet_n when_o god_n forbid_v it_o be_v the_o divine_a precept_n or_o prohibition_n that_o either_o make_v or_o
holy_a care_n of_o other_o but_o idle_o scrupulous_a the_o king_n of_o israel_n can_v not_o choose_v but_o see_v that_o only_a god_n prohibition_n lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o design_n not_o the_o stomach_n of_o a_o froward_a subject_n yet_o he_o go_v away_o into_o his_o house_n heavy_a and_o displease_v and_o cast_v himself_o down_o upon_o his_o bed_n and_o turn_v away_o his_o face_n and_o refuse_v his_o meat_n he_o have_v take_v a_o surfeit_n of_o naboth_n grape_n which_o mar_v his_o appetite_n and_o threat_v his_o life_n how_o ill_o can_v great_a heart_n endure_v to_o be_v cross_v though_o upon_o the_o most_o reasonable_a &_o just_a ground_n ahabs_n place_n call_v he_o to_o the_o guardianship_n of_o god_n law_n and_o now_o his_o heart_n be_v ready_a to_o break_v that_o this_o parcel_n of_o that_o law_n may_v not_o be_v break_v no_o marvel_v if_o he_o make_v not_o dainty_a to_o transgress_v a_o local_a statute_n of_o god_n who_o do_v so_o shameful_o violate_v the_o eternal_a law_n of_o both_o table_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o the_o spleen_n or_o the_o gall_n of_o ahab_n be_v more_o affect_v whether_o more_o of_o anger_n or_o grief_n i_o can_v say_v but_o sick_a he_o be_v and_o keep_v his_o bed_n and_o balk_v his_o meat_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v die_v of_o no_o other_o death_n than_o the_o salad_n that_o he_o will_v have_v have_v o_o the_o impotent_a passion_n and_o insatiable_a desire_n of_o covetousness_n ahab_n be_v lord_n and_o king_n of_o all_o the_o territory_n of_o israel_n naboth_n be_v the_o owner_n of_o one_o poor_a vineyard_n ahab_n can_v enjoy_v israel_n if_o naboth_n enjoy_v his_o vineyard_n beside_o samaria_n ahab_n be_v the_o great_a lord_n paramount_n of_o damascus_n and_o all_o syria_n the_o victor_n of_o he_o that_o be_v attend_v with_o two_o and_o thirty_o king_n naboth_n be_v a_o plain_a townsman_n of_o jezreel_n the_o good_a husband_n of_o a_o little_a vineyard_n whether_o be_v the_o wealthy_a i_o do_v not_o hear_v naboth_n wish_v for_o any_o thing_n of_o ahab_n i_o hear_v ahab_n wish_v not_o without_o indignation_n of_o a_o repulse_n for_o somewhat_o of_o naboth_n riches_n and_o poverty_n be_v more_o in_o the_o heart_n than_o in_o the_o hand_n he_o be_v wealthy_a that_o be_v content_v he_o be_v poor_a that_o want_v more_o oh_o rich_a naboth_n that_o care_v not_o for_o all_o the_o large_a possession_n of_o ahab_n so_o thou_o may_v be_v the_o lord_n of_o thy_o own_o vineyard_n oh_o miserable_a ahab_n that_o care_v not_o for_o thy_o own_o possession_n while_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o naboth_n vineyard_n he_o that_o cause_v the_o disease_n send_v he_o a_o physician_n satan_n know_v of_o old_a how_o to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o helper_n jezebel_n come_v to_o ahabs_n bedside_n and_o cast_v cold_a water_n in_o his_o face_n and_o put_v into_o he_o spirit_n of_o her_o own_o extract_v do_v thou_o now_o govern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n arise_v eat_v bread_n and_o let_v thy_o heart_n be_v merry_a i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o vineyard_n of_o naboth_n ahab_n want_v neither_o wit_n nor_o wickedness_n yet_o be_v he_o in_o both_o a_o very_a novice_n to_o this_o zidonian_a dame_n there_o need_v no_o other_o devil_n than_o jezebel_n whether_o to_o project_v evil_a or_o to_o work_v it_o she_o chide_v the_o pusillanimity_n of_o her_o deject_a husband_n and_o persuade_v he_o his_o rule_n can_v be_v free_a unless_o it_o belicentious_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o bound_n for_o sovereignty_n but_o will_v already_o have_v she_o contrive_v to_o have_v by_o fraud_n and_o force_n what_o be_v deny_v to_o entreaty_n nothing_o need_v but_o the_o name_n but_o the_o seal_n of_o ahab_n let_v she_o alone_o with_o the_o rest_n how_o present_a be_v the_o wit_n of_o the_o weak_a sex_n for_o the_o devise_v of_o wickedness_n she_o frame_v a_o letter_n in_o ahabs_n name_n to_o the_o senator_n of_o jezreel_n wherein_o she_o require_v they_o to_o proclaim_v a_o fast_n to_o suborn_v two_o false_a witness_n against_o naboth_n to_o charge_v he_o with_o blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o the_o king_n to_o stone_n he_o to_o death_n a_o ready_a payment_n for_o a_o rich_a vineyard_n who_o indignation_n rise_v not_o to_o hear_v jezebel_n name_v a_o fast_a the_o great_a contemner_n of_o the_o most_o important_a law_n of_o god_n yet_o can_v be_v content_a to_o make_v use_n of_o some_o divine_a both_o statute_n and_o custom_n for_o their_o own_o advantage_n she_o know_v the_o israelite_n have_v so_o much_o remainder_n of_o grace_n as_o to_o hold_v blasphemy_n worthy_a of_o death_n she_o know_v their_o manner_n be_v to_o expiate_v those_o cry_a sin_n with_o pulike_a humiliation_n she_o know_v that_o two_o witness_n at_o least_o must_v cast_v the_o offender_n all_o these_o she_o urge_v to_o her_o own_o purpose_n there_o be_v no_o mischief_n so_o devilish_a as_o that_o which_o be_v cloak_v with_o piety_n simulation_n of_o holiness_n double_v a_o villainy_n this_o murder_n have_v not_o be_v half_o so_o foul_a if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v thus_o mask_v with_o a_o religious_a observation_n beside_o devotion_n what_o a_o fair_a pretence_n of_o legality_n be_v here_o blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o his_o anointed_n may_v not_o pass_v unrevenged_a the_o offender_n be_v convent_v before_o the_o sad_a and_o severe_a bench_n of_o magistracy_n the_o justice_n of_o israel_n allow_v not_o to_o condemn_v a_o absent_a a_o unheard_a malefactor_n witness_n come_v forth_o and_o agree_v in_o the_o intentation_n of_o the_o crime_n the_o judge_n rend_v their_o garment_n and_o strike_v their_o breast_n as_o grieve_v not_o more_o for_o the_o sin_n than_o the_o punishment_n their_o very_a countenance_n must_v say_v naboth_n shall_v not_o die_v if_o his_o offence_n do_v not_o force_v our_o justice_n and_o now_o he_o be_v no_o good_a subject_n no_o true_a israelite_n that_o have_v not_o a_o stone_n for_o naboth_n jezebel_n know_v well_o to_o who_o she_o write_v have_v not_o those_o letter_n fall_v upon_o the_o time_n of_o a_o woeful_a degeneration_n of_o israel_n they_o have_v receive_v no_o less_o strong_a denial_n from_o the_o elder_n than_o ahab_n have_v from_o naboth_n god_n forbid_v that_o the_o senate_n of_o jezreel_n shall_v forge_v a_o perjury_n belie_v truth_n condemn_v innocency_n break_v corruption_n command_v just_a thing_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v in_o the_o zeal_n of_o our_o obedience_n we_o dare_v not_o imbrue_v our_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o innocent_a but_o she_o know_v who_o she_o have_v engage_v who_o she_o have_v mar_v by_o make_v conscious_a it_o be_v strange_a if_o they_o who_o can_v countenance_v evil_a with_o greatness_n shall_v want_v factor_n for_o the_o uniust_a design_n miserable_a be_v that_o people_n who_o ruler_n in_o stead_n of_o punish_v plot_n and_o encourage_v wickedness_n when_o a_o distillation_n of_o evil_n fall_v from_o the_o head_n upon_o the_o lung_n of_o any_o state_n there_o must_v needs_o follow_v a_o deadly_a consumption_n yet_o perhaps_o there_o want_v not_o some_o colour_n of_o pretence_n for_o this_o proceed_n they_o can_v not_o but_o hear_v that_o some_o word_n have_v pass_v betwixt_o the_o king_n and_o naboth_n haply_o it_o be_v suggest_v that_o naboth_n have_v secret_o over-lashed_n into_o saucy_a and_o contemptuous_a term_n to_o his_o sovereign_n such_o as_o neither_o may_v be_v well_o bear_v nor_o yet_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o privacy_n legal_o convince_v the_o bench_n of_o jezreel_n shall_v but_o supply_v a_o form_n to_o the_o just_a matter_n &_o desert_n of_o condemnation_n what_o be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o give_v their_o hand_n to_o this_o obscure_a midwifery_n of_o justice_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o their_o king_n be_v a_o accuser_n and_o witness_n of_o that_o wrong_n which_o only_o their_o sentence_n can_v formal_o revenge_v all_o this_o can_v wash_v their_o hand_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o blood_n if_o justice_n be_v blind_a in_o respect_n of_o partiality_n she_o may_v not_o be_v blind_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o execution_n have_v naboth_n be_v a_o blasphemer_n or_o a_o traitor_n yet_o these_o man_n be_v no_o better_a than_o murderer_n what_o difference_n be_v there_o betwixt_o the_o stroke_n of_o magistracy_n and_o of_o manslaughter_n but_o due_a conviction_n wickedness_n never_o speak_v out_o of_o a_o throne_n and_o complain_v of_o the_o defect_n of_o instrument_n naboth_n be_v it_o seem_v strict_o conscionable_a his_o fellow_n citizen_n lose_v and_o lawless_a they_o be_v glad_a to_o have_v get_v such_o a_o opportunity_n of_o his_o dispatch_n no_o clause_n of_o ahabs_n letter_n be_v not_o observe_v a_o fast_o be_v warn_v the_o city_n be_v assemble_v naboth_n be_v convent_v accuse_v confront_v sentence_v stone_v his_o vineyard_n be_v escheat_v to_o the_o crown_n ahab_n take_v speedy_a and_o
so_o do_v not_o they_o stick_v to_o reprove_v king_n for_o his_o sake_n thus_o much_o freedom_n they_o must_v leave_v to_o their_o successor_n that_o we_o may_v not_o spare_v the_o vice_n of_o they_o who_o person_n we_o must_v spare_v just_o be_v jehoram_n turn_v off_o to_o the_o prophet_n of_o his_o father_n and_o the_o prophet_n of_o his_o mother_n it_o be_v but_o right_n and_o equal_a that_o those_o which_o we_o have_v make_v the_o comfort_n and_o stay_v of_o our_o peace_n shall_v be_v the_o refuge_n of_o our_o extremity_n if_o our_o prosperity_n have_v make_v the_o world_n our_o god_n how_o worthy_o shall_v our_o deathbed_n be_v choke_v with_o this_o exprobration_n neither_o will_v the_o case_n bear_v a_o apology_n nor_o the_o time_n a_o expostulation_n jehoram_n can_v excuse_v he_o can_v complain_v he_o find_v that_o now_o three_o king_n three_o kingdom_n be_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o one_o prophet_n it_o be_v time_n for_o he_o to_o speak_v fair_a nothing_o sound_v from_o he_o but_o lamentation_n and_o entreaty_n nay_o for_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v these_o three_o king_n together_o to_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o moab_n jehoram_n have_v so_o much_o grace_n as_o to_o confess_v the_o impotency_n of_o those_o he_o have_v trust_v and_o the_o power_n of_o that_o god_n who_o he_o have_v neglect_v every_o sinner_n can_v see_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o his_o suffering_n already_o have_v the_o distress_a prince_n gain_v something_o by_o this_o misery_n none_o complain_v so_o much_o as_o he_o none_o feel_v so_o much_o as_o he_o all_o the_o rest_n suffer_v for_o he_o &_o therefore_o he_o suffer_v in_o they_o all_o the_o man_n of_o god_n who_o well_o see_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o jehorams_fw-mi humiliation_n lay_v on_o yet_o more_o load_n as_o the_o lord_n live_v before_o who_o i_o stand_v sure_o be_v it_o not_o that_o i_o regard_v the_o presence_n of_o jehoshaphat_n the_o king_n of_o judah_n i_o will_v not_o look_v towards_o thou_o nor_o see_v thou_o behold_v the_o double_a spirit_n of_o elijah_n the_o master_n be_v not_o more_o bold_a with_o the_o father_n than_o the_o servant_n be_v with_o the_o son_n elisha_n be_v a_o subject_n and_o a_o prophet_n he_o must_v say_v that_o as_o a_o prophet_n which_o he_o may_v not_o as_o a_o subject_n as_o a_o prophet_n he_o will_v not_o have_v look_v at_o he_o who_o as_o a_o subject_n he_o will_v have_v bow_v to_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n when_o god_n speak_v by_o he_o another_z when_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o that_o it_o may_v well_o appear_v his_o dislike_n of_o sin_n stand_v with_o his_o honour_n of_o sovereignty_n jehoshaphat_n go_v away_o with_o that_o respect_n which_o jehoram_n miss_v no_o less_o do_v god_n and_o his_o prophet_n regard_v religious_a sincerity_n than_o they_o abhor_v idolatry_n and_o profaneness_n what_o shall_v not_o be_v do_v for_o a_o jehoshaphat_n for_o his_o sake_n shall_v those_o two_o other_o prince_n and_o their_o vast_a army_n live_v and_o prevail_v edom_n and_o israel_n whether_o single_a or_o conjoin_v have_v perish_v by_o the_o drought_n of_o the_o desert_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o moah_n one_o jehoshaphat_n give_v they_o both_o life_n &_o victory_n it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o one_o good_a man_n to_o oblige_v a_o world_n we_o receive_v true_a though_o insensible_a favour_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o righteous_a next_o to_o be_v good_a it_o be_v happy_a to_o converse_v with_o they_o that_o be_v so_o if_o we_o be_v not_o better_v by_o their_o example_n we_o be_v blessed_v by_o their_o protection_n who_o wonder_v not_o to_o hear_v a_o prophet_n call_v for_o a_o minstrel_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o mournful_a distress_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n who_o will_v not_o have_v expect_v his_o charge_n of_o tear_n and_o prayer_n rather_o than_o of_o music_n how_o unseasonable_a be_v song_n to_o a_o heavy_a heart_n it_o be_v not_o for_o their_o ear_n it_o be_v for_o his_o own_o bosom_n that_o elisha_n call_v for_o music_n that_o his_o spirit_n after_o their_o zealous_a agitation_n may_v be_v sweet_o compose_v and_o put_v into_o a_o meet_a temper_n for_o receive_v the_o calm_a vision_n of_o god_n perhaps_o it_o be_v some_o holy_a levite_n that_o follow_v the_o camp_n of_o jehoshaphat_n who_o minstrelsy_n be_v require_v for_o so_o sacred_a a_o purpose_n none_o but_o a_o quiet_a breast_n be_v capable_a of_o divine_a revelation_n nothing_o be_v more_o powerful_a to_o settle_v a_o trouble_a heart_n than_o a_o melodious_a harmony_n the_o spirit_n of_o pprophecy_n be_v not_o the_o more_o invite_v the_o prophet_n spirit_n be_v the_o better_a dispose_v by_o please_a sound_n the_o same_o god_n that_o will_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o the_o prophet_n suggest_v this_o demand_n bring_v i_o a_o minstrel_n how_o many_o say_v thus_o when_o they_o will_v put_v god_n from_o they_o profane_a mirth_n wanton_a music_n debauch_n the_o soul_n and_o make_v no_o less_o room_n for_o the_o unclean_a spirit_n than_o spiritual_a melody_n do_v for_o the_o divine_a no_o prophet_n have_v ever_o the_o spirit_n at_o command_n the_o hand_n of_o the_o minstrel_n can_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n while_o the_o music_n sound_v in_o the_o ear_n god_n speak_v to_o the_o heart_n of_o elisha_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n make_v this_o valley_n full_a of_o ditch_n you_o shall_v not_o see_v wind_n neither_o shall_v you_o see_v rain_n yet_o that_o valley_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o water_n etc._n etc._n to_o see_v wind_n and_o rain_n in_o the_o height_n of_o that_o drought_n will_v have_v seem_v as_o wonderful_a as_o please_v but_o to_o see_v abundance_n of_o water_n without_o wind_n or_o rain_n be_v yet_o more_o miraculous_a i_o know_v not_o how_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o mean_n abate_v our_o admiration_n of_o the_o effect_n where_o no_o cause_n can_v be_v find_v out_o we_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v omnipotency_n elijah_n relieve_v israel_n with_o water_n but_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o cloud_n and_o those_o cloud_n rise_v from_o the_o sea_n but_o whence_o elisha_n shall_v fetch_v it_o be_v not_o more_o marvelous_a than_o secret_a all_o that_o evening_n all_o that_o night_n must_v the_o faith_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n be_v exercise_v with_o expectation_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o the_o morning_n sacrifice_v no_o soon_o do_v the_o blood_n of_o that_o oblation_n gush_v forth_o than_o the_o stream_n of_o water_n gush_v forth_o into_o their_o new_a channel_n and_o fill_v the_o country_n with_o a_o refresh_a moisture_n elijah_n fetch_v down_o his_o fire_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o the_o evening_n sacrifice_n elisha_n fetch_v up_o his_o water_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o the_o morning_n sacrifice_n god_n give_v respect_n to_o his_o own_o hour_n for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o our_o observation_n if_o his_o wisdom_n have_v set_v we_o any_o peculiar_a time_n we_o can_v keep_v they_o without_o a_o blessing_n the_o devotion_n of_o all_o true_a jew_n all_o the_o world_n over_o be_v in_o that_o hour_n combine_v how_o seasonable_o do_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n pick_v out_o that_o instant_n wherein_o he_o may_v at_o once_o answer_v both_o elishaes_n pprophecy_n and_o his_o people_n prayer_n the_o prophet_n have_v assure_v the_o king_n not_o of_o water_n only_o but_o of_o victory_n moab_n hear_v of_o enemy_n and_o be_v address_v to_o war_n their_o own_o error_n shall_v cut_v their_o throat_n they_o rise_v soon_o enough_o to_o beguile_v themselves_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o rise_a sun_n glister_v upon_o those_o vaporous_a and_o unexpected_a water_n carry_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o some_o moabite_n a_o semblance_n of_o blood_n a_o few_o eye_n be_v enough_o to_o fill_v all_o ear_n with_o a_o false_a noise_n the_o deceive_a sense_n mis-carries_a the_o imagination_n this_o be_v blood_n the_o king_n be_v sure_o slay_v and_o they_o have_v smite_v one_o another_o now_o therefore_o moab_n to_o the_o spoil_n civil_a broil_n give_v just_a advantage_n to_o a_o common_a 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the_o law_n of_o necessity_n have_v make_v delicate_a and_o precious_a the_o bone_n of_o so_o carrion_a a_o head_n can_v not_o be_v pick_v for_o less_o than_o four_o hundred_o piece_n of_o silver_n neither_o be_v this_o scarcity_n of_o victual_n only_o but_o of_o all_o other_o necessary_n for_o humane_a use_n that_o the_o belly_n may_v not_o complain_v alone_o the_o whole_a man_n be_v equal_o pinch_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n be_v neither_o exempt_v from_o the_o judgement_n nor_o yet_o yield_v under_o it_o he_o walk_v upon_o the_o wall_n of_o his_o samaria_n to_o oversee_v the_o watch_n set_v the_o engine_n ready_a the_o guards_z change_v together_o with_o the_o posture_n of_o the_o enemy_n when_o a_o woman_n cry_v to_o he_o out_o of_o the_o city_n help_v my_o lord_n o_o king_n next_o to_o god_n what_o refuge_n have_v we_o in_o all_o our_o necessity_n but_o his_o anoint_v earthly_a sovereignty_n can_v aid_v we_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o injustice_n of_o man_n but_o what_o can_v it_o do_v against_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o help_v thou_o whence_o shall_v i_o help_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o barn_n floor_n or_o out_o of_o the_o winepress_a even_o the_o great_a power_n must_v stoop_v to_o affliction_n in_o themselves_o how_o shall_v they_o be_v able_a to_o prevent_v they_o in_o other_o to_o sue_v for_o aid_v where_o be_v a_o utter_a impotence_n of_o redress_n be_v but_o to_o upbraid_v the_o weakness_n and_o aggravate_v the_o misery_n of_o those_o who_o we_o implore_v jehoram_n mistake_v the_o suit_n the_o suppliant_a call_v to_o he_o for_o a_o woeful_a piece_n of_o justice_n two_o mother_n have_v agree_v to_o eat_v their_o son_n the_o one_o have_v yield_v she_o to_o be_v boil_v and_o eat_v the_o other_o after_o she_o have_v
humour_n a_o rebel_n to_o reason_n a_o subject_n to_o passion_n fit_a to_o execute_v than_o to_o advise_v green_a wood_n be_v ever_o shrink_v and_o warp_a whereas_o the_o well-seasoned_n hold_v a_o constant_a firmness_n many_o a_o life_n many_o a_o soul_n many_o a_o flourish_a state_n have_v be_v ruin_v by_o undisciplined_a monitor_n such_o be_v these_o of_o rehoboam_n who_o great_a stomach_n tell_v they_o that_o this_o conditionate_v of_o subject_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o affront_n to_o their_o new_a master_n and_o suggest_v to_o they_o how_o unfit_a it_o be_v for_o majesty_n to_o brook_v so_o saucy_a a_o treaty_n how_o requisite_a and_o princely_a to_o crush_v this_o presumption_n in_o the_o egg_n as_o scorn_v therefore_o to_o be_v brave_v by_o the_o base_a vulgar_a they_o put_v word_n of_o greatness_n and_o terror_n into_o their_o new_a prince_n my_o little_a finger_n shall_v be_v thick_a than_o my_o father_n loin_n my_o father_n make_v your_o yoke_n heavy_a i_o will_v add_v to_o your_o yoke_n my_o father_n have_v chastise_v you_o with_o whip_n i_o will_v chastise_v you_o with_o scorpion_n the_o very_a word_n have_v sting_n now_o must_v israel_n needs_o think_v how_o cruel_a will_v this_o man_n hand_n be_v when_o he_o thus_o draw_v blood_n with_o his_o tongue_n man_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o speak_v out_o their_o worst_a who_o can_v endure_v the_o hope_n of_o he_o that_o promise_v tyranny_n there_o can_v be_v no_o good_a use_n of_o a_o indefinite_a profession_n of_o rigour_n and_o severity_n fear_n be_v a_o unsafe_a guardian_n of_o any_o state_n much_o less_o of_o a_o unsettle_a which_o be_v yet_o worse_o not_o the_o sin_n of_o israel_n be_v threaten_v nor_o their_o purse_n but_o their_o person_n neither_o have_v they_o desire_v a_o remission_n of_o justice_n but_o of_o exaction_n and_o now_o they_o hear_v of_o nothing_o but_o burden_n and_o scourge_n and_o scorpion_n here_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o people_n well_o meet_v i_o do_v not_o find_v they_o 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very_a name_n have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v temper_v their_o fury_n and_o to_o have_v contain_v they_o within_o the_o limit_n of_o obedience_n it_o be_v the_o father_n of_o rehoboam_n and_o the_o son_n of_o david_n that_o have_v lead_v israel_n into_o idolatry_n solomon_n have_v draw_v contempt_n upon_o his_o father_n and_o upon_o his_o son_n if_o israel_n have_v cast_v off_o their_o god_n be_v it_o marvel_v that_o they_o shake_v off_o his_o anointed_n irreligion_n be_v the_o way_n to_o disobedience_n there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a subjection_n but_o out_o of_o conscience_n they_o can_v make_v conscience_n of_o civil_a duty_n who_o make_v none_o of_o divine_a in_o vain_a shall_v rehoboam_n hope_v to_o prevail_v by_o his_o officer_n when_o himself_o be_v reject_v the_o person_n of_o prince_n carry_v in_o they_o character_n of_o majesty_n when_o their_o presence_n work_v not_o how_o shall_v their_o message_n if_o adoram_n solicit_v the_o people_n too_o late_o with_o good_a word_n they_o answer_v he_o with_o stone_n nothing_o be_v more_o untractable_a and_o violent_a than_o a_o enrage_a multitude_n it_o be_v time_n for_o rehoboam_n to_o betake_v himself_o to_o his_o chariot_n he_o see_v those_o stone_n be_v throw_v at_o he_o in_o his_o adoram_n as_o the_o messenger_n suffer_v for_o his_o master_n so_o the_o master_n suffer_v in_o his_o messenger_n have_v rehoboam_n be_v in_o adorams_fw-mi clothes_n this_o death_n have_v be_v he_o only_a flight_n can_v deliver_v he_o from_o those_o that_o may_v have_v be_v subject_n jerusalem_n must_v be_v his_o refuge_n against_o the_o conspiracy_n of_o shechem_n bless_a be_v god_n for_o lawful_a government_n even_o a_o mutinous_a body_n can_v want_v a_o head_n if_o the_o rebellious_a israelite_n have_v cast_v off_o their_o true_a sovereign_n they_o must_v choose_v a_o false_a jeroboam_fw-la the_o son_n of_o nebat_fw-la must_v be_v the_o man_n he_o have_v need_n be_v skilful_a and_o sit_v sure_a that_o shall_v back_o the_o horse_n which_o have_v cast_v his_o rider_n israel_n can_v not_o have_v any_o where_o meet_v with_o more_o craft_n and_o courage_n than_o they_o find_v in_o this_o leader_n rehoboam_n return_v to_o jerusalem_n light_a by_o a_o crown_n than_o he_o go_v forth_o judah_n and_o benjamin_n stick_v still_o fast_o to_o their_o loyalty_n the_o example_n of_o a_o general_a rebellion_n can_v make_v they_o unfaithful_a to_o the_o house_n of_o david_n god_n will_v ever_o reserve_v a_o remnant_n free_a from_o the_o common_a contagion_n those_o tribe_n to_o approve_v their_o valour_n no_o less_o than_o their_o fidelity_n will_v fight_v against_o their_o brethren_n for_o their_o prince_n and_o will_v hazard_v their_o life_n to_o reduce_v the_o crown_n to_o the_o son_n of_o solomon_n a_o hundred_o and_o fourscore_o thousand_o of_o they_o be_v up_o in_o arm_n ready_a to_o force_n israel_n to_o their_o deny_a subjection_n no_o noise_n sound_v on_o both_o part_n but_o military_a no_o man_n think_v of_o any_o thing_n but_o blood_n when_o sudden_o god_n send_v his_o prophet_n to_o forbid_v the_o battle_n shemaiah_n come_v with_o a_o message_n of_o cessation_n you_o shall_v not_o go_v up_o nor_o fight_v against_o your_o brethren_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n return_v every_o man_n to_o his_o house_n for_o this_o thing_n be_v from_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o word_n of_o one_o silly_a prophet_n dismiss_v these_o mighty_a army_n he_o that_o will_v not_o lay_v down_o the_o threat_n of_o his_o rigour_n upon_o the_o advice_n of_o all_o his_o ancient_a counsellor_n will_v lay_v down_o his_o sword_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o a_o seer_n shall_v we_o envy_v or_o shame_n to_o see_v how_o much_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n can_v do_v how_o little_a those_o of_o the_o new_a if_o our_o commission_n be_v no_o less_o from_o the_o same_o god_n the_o difference_n of_o success_n can_v go_v away_o
have_v rather_o be_v selfe-condemned_n than_o wise_a and_o penitent_a as_o for_o that_o old_a seer_n it_o be_v like_o jeroboam_fw-la know_v his_o skill_n but_o doubt_v of_o his_o fincerity_n that_o man_n be_v too_o much_o his_o neighbour_n to_o be_v good_a ahijah_n truth_n have_v be_v try_v in_o a_o case_n of_o his_o own_o he_o who_o word_n be_v find_v just_a in_o the_o prediction_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v well_o worthy_a of_o credit_n in_o the_o news_n of_o his_o son_n experience_n be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n of_o our_o trust_n it_o be_v a_o good_a matter_n to_o be_v faithful_a this_o loadstone_n of_o our_o fidelity_n shall_v draw_v to_o we_o even_o heart_n of_o iron_n and_o hold_v they_o to_o our_o reliance_n as_o contrary_o deceit_n do_v both_o argue_n and_o make_v a_o bankrupt_a who_o can_v trust_v where_o he_o be_v disappoint_v o_o god_n so_o oft_o so_o ever_o have_v we_o find_v thou_o true_a in_o all_o thy_o promise_n in_o all_o thy_o performance_n that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o seek_v thou_o if_o we_o do_v not_o trust_v thou_o in_o the_o sequel_n we_o be_v worthy_a of_o our_o loss_n worthy_a of_o thy_o desertion_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o jeroboam_fw-la send_v to_o the_o prophet_n for_o his_o aid_n but_o for_o his_o intelligence_n curiosity_n be_v guilty_a of_o this_o message_n and_o not_o devotion_n he_o call_v not_o for_o the_o prayer_n not_o for_o the_o benediction_n of_o that_o holy_a man_n but_o for_o mere_a information_n of_o the_o event_n he_o well_o see_v what_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o prophet_n can_v do_v that_o which_o cure_v his_o hand_n may_v it_o not_o have_v cure_v his_o son_n yet_o he_o that_o say_v to_o a_o man_n of_o god_n entreat_v the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n that_o he_o may_v restore_v my_o hand_n say_v not_o now_o in_o his_o message_n to_o ahijah_n entreat_v thy_o god_n to_o restore_v my_o son_n sin_n make_v such_o a_o strangeness_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n that_o the_o guilty_a heart_n either_o think_v not_o of_o sue_v to_o god_n or_o fear_v it_o what_o a_o poor_a contentment_n it_o be_v to_o foreknow_v that_o evil_n which_o he_o can_v not_o avoid_v and_o who_o notice_n can_v but_o hasten_v his_o misery_n yet_o thus_o fond_a be_v our_o restless_a curiosity_n that_o it_o seek_v ease_n in_o the_o draw_v on_o of_o torment_n he_o be_v worthy_a of_o sorrow_n that_o will_v not_o stay_v till_o it_o come_v to_o he_o but_o go_v to_o fetch_v it_o who_o do_v jeroboam_fw-la send_n on_o this_o message_n but_o his_o wife_n and_o how_o but_o disguise_v why_o she_o and_o why_o thus_o neither_o dare_v he_o trust_v this_o errand_n with_o another_o nor_o with_o she_o in_o her_o own_o form_n it_o be_v a_o seceet_a that_o jeroboam_fw-la send_v to_o a_o prophet_n of_o god_n none_o may_v know_v it_o but_o his_o own_o bosom_n and_o she_o that_o lay_v in_o it_o if_o this_o have_v be_v noise_v in_o israel_n the_o example_n have_v be_v dangerous_a who_o will_v not_o have_v say_v the_o king_n be_v glad_a to_o leave_v his_o counterfeit_a deity_n and_o seek_v to_o the_o true_a why_o shall_v we_o adhere_v to_o they_o who_o he_o forsake_v as_o the_o message_n must_v not_o be_v know_v to_o the_o people_n so_o she_o that_o bear_v it_o must_v not_o be_v know_v to_o the_o prophet_n her_o name_n her_o habit_n must_v be_v change_v she_o must_v put_v off_o her_o robe_n and_o put_v on_o a_o russet_a coat_n she_o must_v put_v off_o the_o queen_n and_o put_v on_o the_o peasant_n in_o stead_n of_o her_o sceptre_n she_o must_v take_v up_o a_o basket_n and_o go_v a_o mask_a pilgrimage_n to_o shiloh_n oh_o the_o fondness_n of_o vain_a man_n that_o think_v to_o juggle_v with_o the_o almighty_a and_o to_o hide_v their_o counsel_n from_o that_o all-seeing_a ere_n if_o this_o change_n of_o habit_n be_v necessary_a at_o bethel_n yet_o what_o need_v it_o at_o shiloh_n though_o she_o will_v hide_v her_o face_n from_o her_o subject_n yet_o why_o will_v she_o not_o pull_v off_o her_o muffler_n and_o show_v herself_o to_o the_o prophet_n certain_o what_o policy_n begin_v guiltiness_n must_v continue_v well_o may_v she_o think_v there_o can_v be_v no_o good_a answer_n expect_v of_o the_o wife_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la my_o presence_n will_v do_v no_o less_o than_o solicit_v a_o reproof_n no_o prophet_n can_v speak_v well_o to_o the_o consort_n of_o a_o founder_n of_o idolatry_n i_o may_v perhaps_o hear_v good_a as_o another_o though_o as_o myself_o i_o can_v look_v for_o nothing_o but_o tiding_n of_o evil_a wicked_a heart_n know_v they_o deserve_v ill_a at_o god_n hand_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o avoid_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o displease_a justice_n and_o if_o they_o can_v do_v it_o by_o colour_n of_o dissimulation_n they_o will_v do_v it_o by_o imploration_n of_o shelter_n they_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o rock_n fall_v on_o we_o and_o cover_v us._n but_o oh_o the_o gross_a folly_n mix_v with_o the_o craft_n of_o wickedness_n can_v jeroboam_fw-la think_v that_o the_o prophet_n can_v know_v the_o event_n of_o his_o son_n disease_n and_o do_v he_o think_v that_o he_o can_v not_o know_v the_o disguise_n of_o his_o wife_n the_o one_o be_v present_a the_o other_o future_a this_o face_n be_v but_o wrap_v up_o in_o a_o clout_n that_o event_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n yet_o this_o politic_a head_n presume_v that_o the_o great_a shall_v be_v reveal_v where_o the_o lesser_a shall_v be_v hide_v there_o be_v never_o wicked_a man_n that_o be_v not_o infatuate_a and_o in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o hope_v most_o to_o transcend_v the_o reach_n of_o other_o ahijah_n shun_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o time_n be_v retire_v to_o a_o solitary_a corner_n of_o shiloh_n no_o place_n can_v be_v too_o private_a for_o a_o honest_a prophet_n in_o so_o extreme_a depravednesse_n yet_o even_o there_o do_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n take_v notice_n of_o his_o reclusion_n and_o send_v his_o wife_n to_o that_o poor_a cell_n lade_v with_o present_n present_n that_o dissemble_v their_o bearer_n have_v she_o offer_v jewel_n or_o gold_n her_o greatness_n have_v be_v suspect_v now_o she_o bring_v loaf_n and_o cracknel_n and_o honey_n her_o hand_n answer_v she_o back_o she_o give_v as_o she_o seem_v not_o as_o she_o be_v something_o she_o must_v give_v even_o when_o she_o act_v the_o poor_a client_n the_o prophet_n of_o god_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o have_v empty_a visitation_n they_o who_o hate_v bribe_n yet_o refuse_v not_o token_n of_o gratitude_n yea_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n who_o neither_o need_v our_o good_n nor_o be_v capable_a of_o our_o gratification_n yet_o will_v have_v no_o man_n to_o come_v to_o he_o giftlesse_a woe_n to_o those_o sacrilegious_a hand_n that_o in_o stead_n of_o bring_v to_o the_o prophet_n carry_v from_o they_o jeroboam_fw-la be_v a_o bad_a man_n yet_o as_o he_o have_v a_o towardly_a son_n so_o he_o have_v a_o obedient_a wife_n else_o she_o have_v not_o want_v excuse_n to_o turn_v off_o both_o the_o journey_n and_o the_o disguise_n against_o the_o disguise_n she_o have_v plead_v the_o unbeseemingnesse_n for_o her_o person_n and_o state_n against_o the_o journey_n the_o peril_n of_o so_o long_a and_o solitary_a a_o walk_n perhaps_o a_o lion_n may_v be_v in_o the_o way_n the_o lion_n that_o tear_v the_o prophet_n in_o piece_n perhaps_o robber_n or_o if_o not_o they_o perhaps_o her_o chastity_n may_v be_v in_o danger_n a_o unguarded_a solitariness_n in_o the_o weak_a sex_n may_v be_v a_o provocation_n to_o some_o force_a uncleanness_n she_o cast_v off_o all_o these_o shift_a projection_n of_o fear_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o her_o husband_n she_o change_v her_o raiment_n she_o set_v upon_o the_o journey_n and_o overcome_v it_o what_o need_v this_o disguise_n to_o a_o old_a prophet_n who_o dim_a eye_n be_v set_v with_o age_n all_o clothes_n all_o face_n be_v alike_o to_o a_o blind_a seer_n the_o vision_n of_o ahijah_n be_v inward_a neither_o be_v his_o bodily_a sight_n more_o dusky_a than_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v clear_a and_o pierce_a it_o be_v not_o the_o common_a light_n of_o man_n whereby_o he_o see_v but_o divine_a illumination_n thing_n absent_a thing_n future_a be_v no_o less_o obvious_a to_o those_o spiritual_a beam_n than_o present_a thing_n be_v to_o we_o ere_o the_o quick_a eye_n of_o that_o great_a lady_n can_v discern_v he_o he_o have_v espy_v she_o and_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o her_o foot_n she_o hear_v from_o he_o the_o sound_n of_o her_o name_n come_v in_o thou_o wife_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la how_o god_n laugh_v in_o heaven_n at_o the_o frivolous_a fetch_n of_o crafty_a
stir_v than_o those_o of_o common_a mould_n we_o can_v censure_v the_o choice_n when_o we_o see_v the_o service_n the_o first_o word_n that_o we_o hear_v from_o elijah_n be_v a_o oath_n and_o a_o threat_n to_o ahab_n to_o israel_n as_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n live_v before_o who_o i_o stand_v there_o shall_v not_o be_v dew_n nor_o rain_v these_o year_n but_o according_a to_o my_o word_n he_o come_v in_o like_o a_o tempest_n who_o go_v out_o in_o a_o whirlwind_n doubtless_o he_o have_v speak_v fair_a &_o peaceable_a invitation_n to_o israel_n though_o we_o hear_v they_o not_o this_o be_v but_o the_o storm_n which_o follow_v his_o repulse_n their_o obstinacy_n after_o many_o solicitation_n and_o warning_n israel_n be_v strike_v by_o the_o same_o tongue_n that_o have_v pray_v for_o it_o elijah_n dare_v avouch_v these_o judgement_n to_o their_o head_n to_o ahab_n i_o do_v not_o so_o much_o wonder_n at_o the_o boldness_n of_o elijah_n as_o at_o his_o power_n yea_o who_o so_o see_v his_o power_n can_v no_o whit_n wonder_v at_o his_o boldness_n how_o can_v he_o be_v but_o bold_a to_o the_o face_n of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v thus_o powerful_a with_o god_n as_o if_o god_n have_v lend_v he_o the_o key_n of_o heaven_n to_o shut_v it_o up_o and_o open_v it_o at_o pleasure_n he_o can_v say_v there_o shall_v be_v neither_o dew_n nor_o rain_n these_o year_n but_o according_a to_o my_o word_n oh_o god_n how_o far_o it_o have_v please_v thou_o to_o communicate_v thyself_o to_o a_o weak_a man_n what_o angel_n can_v ever_o say_v thus_o thy_o hand_n o_o lord_n be_v not_o shorten_v why_o be_v thou_o not_o thus_o marvelous_a in_o the_o minister_n of_o thy_o gospel_n be_v it_o for_o that_o their_o miracle_n be_v we_o be_v it_o for_o that_o thou_o will_v have_v we_o live_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o sense_n be_v it_o for_o that_o our_o task_n be_v more_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o more_o abstract_v from_o bodily_a help_n we_o can_v command_v the_o sun_n with_o joshua_n nor_o the_o thunder_n with_o samuel_n nor_o the_o rain_n with_o elijah_n it_o shall_v content_v we_o if_o we_o can_v fix_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n in_o the_o soul_n if_o we_o can_v thunder_v out_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n if_o we_o can_v water_v the_o earthen_a heart_n of_o man_n with_o the_o former_a and_o latter_a rain_n of_o heavenly_a doctrine_n elijah_n mantle_n can_v make_v he_o forget_v his_o flesh_n while_o he_o know_v himself_o a_o prophet_n he_o remember_v to_o be_v a_o man_n he_o do_v not_o therefore_o arrogate_v this_o power_n as_o his_o own_o but_o publish_v it_o as_o his_o master_n this_o restraint_n must_v be_v according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o that_o word_n be_v from_o a_o high_a mouth_n than_o his_o he_o speak_v from_o he_o by_o who_o he_o swear_v who_o word_n be_v as_o sure_a as_o his_o life_n and_o therefore_o he_o dare_v say_v as_o the_o lord_n live_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o rain_n man_n only_o can_v denounce_v what_o god_n will_v execute_v which_o when_o it_o be_v once_o reveal_v can_v no_o more_o fail_v than_o the_o almighty_a himself_o he_o that_o have_v this_o interest_n and_o power_n in_o heaven_n what_o need_v he_o flee_v from_o a_o earthly_a pursuit_n can_v his_o prayer_n restrain_v the_o cloud_n and_o not_o hold_v the_o hand_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o behold_v elijah_n must_v flee_v from_o ahab_n &_o hide_v he_o by_o the_o brook_n cherith_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a so_o to_o make_v a_o beat_a path_n of_o miracle_n as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o walk_v beside_o it_o he_o will_v have_v our_o own_o endeavour_n concur_v to_o our_o preservation_n elijah_n want_v neither_o courage_n of_o heart_n nor_o strength_n of_o hand_n and_o yet_o he_o must_v trust_v to_o his_o foot_n for_o safety_n how_o much_o more_o lawful_a be_v it_o for_o our_o impotency_n to_o flee_v from_o persecution_n even_o that_o god_n send_v he_o to_o hide_v his_o head_n who_o can_v as_o easy_o have_v protect_v as_o nourish_v he_o he_o that_o wilful_o stand_v still_o to_o latch_v danger_n tempt_v god_n in_o stead_n of_o trust_v he_o the_o prophet_n must_v be_v go_v not_o without_o order_n take_v for_o his_o purueyance_n oh_o the_o strange_a cator_z for_o elijah_n i_o have_v command_v the_o raven_n to_o feed_v thou_o there_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o have_v be_v more_o miraculous_a to_o preserve_v he_o without_o meat_n or_o to_o provide_v meat_n by_o such_o mouth_n the_o raven_n a_o devour_a and_o ravenous_a fowl_n that_o use_v to_o snatch_v away_o meat_n from_o other_o bring_v it_o to_o he_o he_o that_o can_v have_v feed_v elijah_n by_o angel_n will_v feed_v he_o by_o raven_n there_o be_v then_o in_o israel_n a_o hospital_n obadiah_n that_o keep_v a_o secret_a table_n in_o two_o several_a cave_n for_o a_o hundred_o prophet_n of_o god_n there_o be_v seven_o thousand_o faithful_a israelite_n in_o spite_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o have_v never_o bow_v knee_n to_o baal_n doubtless_o any_o of_o these_o will_v have_v have_v a_o trencher_n ready_a for_o elijah_n and_o have_v think_v himself_o happy_a to_o have_v defraud_v his_o own_o maw_n for_o so_o noble_a a_o prophet_n god_n rather_o choose_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o most_o unlikely_a fowl_n of_o the_o air_n than_o their_o bounty_n that_o he_o may_v give_v both_o to_o his_o prophet_n and_o we_o a_o pregnant_a proof_n of_o his_o absolute_a command_n over_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o win_v our_o trust_n in_o all_o extremity_n who_o can_v make_v question_n of_o the_o provision_n of_o god_n when_o he_o see_v the_o very_a raven_n shall_v forget_v their_o own_o hunger_n and_o purvey_v for_o elijah_n oh_o god_n thou_o that_o provide_v meat_n for_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n will_v make_v the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n provide_v meat_n for_o man_n rather_o than_o his_o dependence_n on_o thou_o shall_v be_v disappoint_v oh_o let_v not_o our_o faith_n be_v want_v to_o thou_o thy_o care_n can_v never_o be_v want_v to_o us._n elijah_n may_v have_v live_v for_o the_o time_n with_o bread_n and_o water_n neither_o have_v his_o fare_n be_v worse_o than_o his_o fellow_n in_o the_o cave_n of_o obadijah_n but_o the_o munificence_n of_o god_n will_v have_v his_o meal_n better_o furnish_v the_o raven_n shall_v bring_v he_o both_o bread_n and_o flesh_n twice_o in_o the_o day_n it_o be_v not_o for_o a_o persecute_a prophet_n to_o long_o after_o delicate_n god_n give_v order_n for_o competency_n not_o for_o wantonness_n not_o out_o of_o the_o dainty_a composition_n in_o jezebel_n kitchen_n nor_o out_o of_o the_o pleasant_a wine_n in_o her_o cellar_n will_v god_n provide_v for_o elijah_n but_o the_o raven_n shall_v bring_v he_o plain_a and_o homely_a victual_n and_o the_o river_n shall_v afford_v he_o drink_v if_o we_o have_v wherewith_o to_o sustain_v nature_n though_o not_o to_o pamper_v it_o we_o owe_v thanks_n to_o the_o giver_n those_o of_o god_n family_n may_v not_o be_v curious_a not_o disdainful_a ill_n do_v it_o become_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o high_a to_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o his_o palate_n doubtless_o one_o bit_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o raven_n be_v more_o please_v to_o elijah_n than_o a_o whole_a tablefull_a of_o ahab_n nothing_o be_v more_o comfortable_a to_o god_n child_n then_o to_o see_v the_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a care_n and_o providence_n the_o brook_n cherith_n can_v last_v always_o that_o stream_n shall_v not_o for_o elijah_n sake_n be_v exempt_v from_o the_o universal_a exsiccation_n yea_o the_o prophet_n himself_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o this_o drought_n which_o he_o have_v denounce_v it_o be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n with_o god_n to_o suffer_v his_o own_o dear_a child_n to_o be_v enwrap_v in_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o offender_n he_o make_v difference_n in_o the_o use_n and_o issue_n of_o their_o stripe_n not_o in_o the_o infliction_n the_o corn_n be_v cut_v down_o with_o the_o weed_n but_o to_o a_o better_a purpose_n when_o the_o brook_n fail_v god_n have_v a_o zarephath_n for_o elijah_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o raven_n a_o widow_n shall_v there_o feed_v he_o yea_o herself_o by_o he_o who_o can_v enough_o wonder_n at_o the_o pitch_n of_o this_o selective_a providence_n of_o the_o almighty_a zarephath_n be_v a_o town_n of_o sidon_n and_o and_o therefore_o without_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n povertie_n be_v the_o best_a of_o this_o widow_n she_o be_v a_o pagan_a by_o birth_n heathnish_o superstitious_a by_o institution_n many_o widow_n be_v in_o israel_n in_o the_o day_n of_o elijah_n when_o the_o heaven_n be_v shut_v up_o three_o year_n and_o six_o month_n when_o great_a famine_n be_v throughout_o all_o the_o land_n but_o unto_o
none_o of_o they_o be_v elias_n send_v save_v unto_o this_o sarepta_n a_o city_n of_o sidon_n unto_o a_o woman_n that_o be_v a_o widow_n he_o that_o first_o feed_v the_o prophet_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o unclean_a fowl_n will_v now_o feed_v he_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o heathenish_a hostess_n his_o only_a command_n sanctify_v those_o creature_n which_o by_o a_o general_a charge_n be_v legal_o impure_a there_o be_v other_o bird_n beside_o raven_n other_o widow_n beside_o this_o sareptan_a none_o but_o the_o raven_n none_o but_o the_o sareptan_n shall_v nourish_v elijah_n god_n choice_n be_v not_o lead_v in_o the_o string_n of_o humane_a reason_n his_o holy_a will_n be_v the_o guide_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o his_o election_n it_o be_v not_o in_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o in_o he_o that_o run_v but_o in_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n the_o prophet_n follow_v the_o call_n of_o his_o god_n the_o same_o hand_n that_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o gate_n of_o sarepta_n lead_v also_o this_o poor_a widow_n out_o of_o her_o door_n she_o shall_v then_o go_v to_o seek_v her_o stick_n when_o she_o shall_v be_v find_v of_o elijah_n she_o think_v of_o her_o hearth_n she_o think_v not_o of_o a_o prophet_n when_o the_o man_n of_o god_n call_v to_o she_o fetch_v i_o a_o little_a water_n i_o pray_v thou_o in_o a_o vessel_n that_o i_o may_v drink_v it_o be_v no_o easy_a suit_n in_o so_o droughty_a a_o season_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n the_o prophet_n dare_v second_v it_o with_o a_o great_a bring_v i_o a_o morsel_n of_o bread_n in_o thy_o hand_n that_o long_a drought_n have_v make_v every_o drop_n every_o crumb_n precious_a yet_o the_o prophet_n be_v embolden_v by_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n to_o call_v for_o both_o water_n and_o bread_n he_o have_v find_v the_o raven_n so_o officious_a that_o he_o can_v make_v doubt_n of_o the_o sareptan_a she_o stick_v not_o at_o the_o water_n she_o will_v not_o stick_v at_o the_o bread_n if_o necessity_n have_v not_o press_v she_o as_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n live_v i_o have_v not_o a_o cake_n but_o a_o handful_n of_o meal_n in_o a_o barrel_n and_o a_o little_a oil_n in_o a_o cruse_a and_o behold_v i_o be_o gather_v two_o stick_n that_o i_o may_v go_v in_o and_o dress_v it_o for_o i_o and_o my_o son_n that_o we_o may_v eat_v it_o and_o die_v if_o she_o know_v not_o the_o man_n how_o do_v she_o know_v his_o god_n and_o if_o she_o know_v not_o the_o god_n of_o elijah_n how_o do_v she_o swear_v by_o he_o certain_o though_o she_o be_v without_o the_o bound_n of_o israel_n yet_o she_o be_v within_o the_o border_n so_o much_o she_o have_v gain_v by_o her_o neighbourhood_n to_o know_v a_o israelite_n a_o prophet_n by_o his_o habit_n to_o know_v the_o only_a live_a god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o if_o this_o have_v not_o be_v it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o the_o widow_n know_v elijah_n since_o the_o raven_n know_v he_o it_o be_v high_a time_n for_o the_o prophet_n to_o visit_v the_o sareptan_n pooresoule_v she_o be_v now_o make_v her_o last_o meal_n after_o one_o mean_a morsel_n she_o be_v yield_v herself_o over_o to_o death_n how_o opportune_o have_v god_n provide_v succour_n to_o our_o distress_n it_o be_v his_o glory_n to_o help_v at_o a_o pinch_n to_o begin_v where_o we_o have_v give_v over_o that_o our_o relief_n may_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o welcome_a by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v less_o look_v for_o but_o oh_o what_o a_o trial_n be_v this_o of_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o weak_a proselyte_n if_o she_o be_v so_o much_o fear_v not_o go_v do_v as_o thou_o have_v say_v but_o make_v i_o thereof_o a_o little_a cake_n first_o and_o bring_v it_o to_o i_o and_o after_o make_v for_o thou_o and_o thy_o son_n for_o thus_o say_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n the_o barrel_n of_o meal_n shall_v not_o waste_v nor_o the_o cruse_a of_o oil_n fail_v till_o the_o day_n that_o god_n send_v rain_n upon_o the_o earth_n she_o must_v go_v spend_v upon_o a_o strange_a part_n of_o that_o little_a she_o have_v in_o hope_n of_o more_o which_o she_o have_v not_o which_o she_o may_v have_v she_o must_v part_v with_o her_o present_a food_n which_o she_o see_v in_o trust_n of_o future_a which_o she_o can_v not_o see_v she_o must_v rob_v her_o sense_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o her_o belief_n and_o shorten_v her_o life_n in_o be_v upon_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o protraction_n of_o it_o in_o promise_n she_o must_v believe_v god_n will_v miraculous_o increase_v what_o she_o have_v yield_v to_o consume_v she_o must_v first_o feed_v the_o stranger_n with_o her_o last_o victual_n and_o then_o after_o herself_o and_o her_o son_n some_o sharp_a dame_n will_v have_v shake_v up_o the_o prophet_n and_o have_v send_v he_o away_o with_o a_o angry_a repulse_n bold_a israelite_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n in_o this_o request_n be_v it_o thou_o a_o friend_n or_o a_o brother_n with_o what_o face_n can_v thou_o require_v to_o pull_v my_o last_o bit_n out_o of_o my_o mouth_n have_v i_o superfluity_n of_o provision_n thou_o may_v hope_v for_o this_o effect_n of_o my_o charity_n now_o that_o i_o have_v but_o one_o morsel_n for_o myself_o and_o my_o son_n this_o be_v a_o injurious_a importunity_n what_o can_v induce_v thou_o to_o think_v thy_o life_n a_o unknown_a traveller_n shall_v be_v more_o dear_a to_o i_o than_o my_o son_n than_o my_o own_o how_o uncivil_a be_v this_o motion_n that_o i_o shall_v first_o make_v provision_n for_o thou_o in_o this_o die_a extremity_n it_o have_v be_v too_o much_o to_o have_v beg_v my_o last_o scrap_n thou_o tell_v i_o the_o meal_n shall_v not_o waste_v nor_o the_o oil_n fail_v how_o shall_v i_o believe_v thou_o let_v i_o see_v that_o do_v before_o thou_o eat_v in_o vain_a shall_v i_o challenge_v thou_o when_o the_o remainder_n of_o my_o poor_a store_n be_v consume_v if_o thou_o can_v so_o easy_o multiply_v victual_n how_o be_v it_o that_o thou_o want_v do_v that_o beforehand_o which_o thou_o promise_v shall_v be_v afterward_o perform_v there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o my_o little_a but_o this_o good_a sareptan_n be_v wrought_v by_o god_n not_o to_o mistrust_v a_o prophet_n she_o will_v do_v what_o he_o bid_v and_o hope_v for_o what_o he_o promise_v she_o will_v live_v by_o faith_n rather_o than_o by_o sense_n and_o give_v away_o the_o present_a in_o the_o confidence_n of_o a_o future_a remuneration_n first_o she_o bake_v elijah_n cake_n than_o her_o own_o not_o grudge_v to_o see_v her_o last_o morsel_n go_v down_o another_o throat_n while_o herself_o be_v famish_v how_o hard_a precept_n do_v god_n lay_v where_o he_o intend_v bounty_n have_v not_o god_n mean_v her_o preservation_n he_o have_v suffer_v she_o to_o eat_v she_o last_o cake_n alone_o without_o any_o interpellation_n now_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o almighty_a purpose_v as_o well_o this_o miraculous_a favour_n to_o she_o as_o to_o his_o prophet_n require_v of_o she_o this_o task_n which_o flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v have_v think_v unreasonable_a so_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o put_v hard_a question_n to_o those_o scholar_n who_o we_o will_v promote_v to_o high_a form_n so_o in_o all_o achievement_n the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o enterprise_n make_v way_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o actor_n happy_a be_v it_o for_o this_o widow_n that_o she_o do_v not_o shut_v her_o hand_n to_o the_o man_n of_o god_n that_o she_o be_v no_o niggard_n of_o her_o last_o handful_n never_o corn_n or_o olive_n do_v so_o increase_v in_o grow_v as_o here_o in_o consume_v this_o barrel_n this_o cruse_a of_o she_o have_v no_o bottom_n the_o barrel_n of_o meal_n waste_v not_o the_o cruse_a of_o oil_n fail_v not_o behold_v not_o get_v not_o save_v be_v the_o way_n to_o abundance_n but_o give_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n crown_v our_o beneficence_n with_o the_o blessing_n of_o store_n who_o can_v fear_v want_n by_o a_o merciful_a liberality_n when_o he_o see_v the_o sareptan_n have_v famish_v if_o she_o have_v not_o give_v and_o by_o give_v abound_v with_o what_o thankful_a devotion_n must_v this_o woman_n every_o day_n need_v look_v upon_o her_o barrel_n and_o cruse_v wherein_o she_o see_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n renew_v to_o she_o continual_o doubtless_o her_o soul_n be_v no_o less_o feed_v by_o faith_n than_o her_o body_n with_o this_o supernatural_a provision_n how_o welcome_a a_o guest_n must_v elijah_n needs_o be_v to_o this_o widow_n that_o give_v her_o life_n and_o her_o son_n to_o she_o for_o his_o board_n yea_o that_o in_o that_o woeful_a famine_n give_v she_o and_o her_o son_n their_o board_n for_o his_o houseroom_n the_o dearth_n thus_o overcome_v
the_o mother_n look_v hopeful_o upon_o her_o only_a son_n promise_v herself_o much_o joy_n in_o his_o life_n and_o prosperity_n when_o a_o inexpected_a sickness_n surprise_v he_o and_o do_v that_o which_o the_o famine_n but_o threaten_v when_o can_v we_o hold_v ourselves_o secure_a from_o evil_n no_o soon_o be_v one_o of_o these_o sergeant_n compound_v withal_o than_o we_o be_v arrest_v by_o another_o how_o ready_a we_o be_v to_o mistake_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o affliction_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o upon_o false_a cause_n the_o passionate_a mother_n can_v find_v whither_o to_o impute_v the_o death_n of_o her_o son_n but_o to_o the_o presence_n of_o elijah_n to_o who_o she_o come_v distract_v with_o perplexity_n not_o without_o a_o unkind_a challenge_n of_o he_o from_o who_o she_o have_v receive_v both_o that_o life_n she_o have_v lose_v and_o that_o she_o have_v what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v with_o thou_o o_o thou_o man_n of_o god_n be_v thou_o come_v to_o i_o to_o call_v my_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n and_o to_o slay_v my_o son_n as_o if_o her_o son_n can_v not_o have_v die_v if_o elijah_n have_v not_o be_v her_o guest_n when_o as_o her_o son_n have_v die_v but_o for_o he_o why_o shall_v she_o think_v that_o the_o prophet_n have_v save_v he_o from_o the_o famine_n to_o kill_v he_o with_o sickness_n as_o if_o god_n have_v not_o be_v free_a in_o his_o action_n and_o must_v needs_o strike_v by_o the_o same_o hand_n by_o which_o he_o preserve_v she_o have_v the_o grace_n to_o know_v that_o her_o affliction_n be_v for_o her_o sin_n yet_o be_v so_o unwise_a to_o imagine_v the_o arerage_n of_o her_o iniquity_n have_v not_o be_v call_v for_o if_o elijah_n have_v not_o be_v the_o remembrancer_n he_o who_o have_v appease_v god_n towards_o she_o be_v suspect_v to_o have_v incense_v he_o this_o wrongful_a misconstruction_n be_v enough_o to_o move_v any_o patience_n elijah_n be_v of_o a_o hot_a spirit_n yet_o his_o holiness_n keep_v he_o from_o fury_n this_o challenge_n rather_o increase_v the_o zeal_n of_o his_o prayer_n than_o stir_v his_o choler_n to_o the_o offendent_n he_o take_v the_o dead_a child_n out_o of_o his_o mother_n bosom_n and_o lay_v he_o upon_o his_o own_o bed_n and_o cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n oh_o lord_n my_o god_n have_v thou_o bring_v evil_a also_o upon_o the_o widow_n with_o who_o i_o sojourn_v by_o slay_v her_o son_n in_o stead_n of_o chide_v the_o sareptan_n out_o of_o the_o fervency_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o humble_o expostulate_v with_o his_o god_n his_o only_a remedy_n be_v in_o his_o prayer_n that_o which_o shut_v heaven_n for_o rain_n must_v open_v it_o for_o life_n every_o word_n enforce_v first_o he_o plead_v his_o interest_n in_o god_n oh_o lord_n my_o god_n then_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o patient_a a_o widow_n and_o therefore_o both_o most_o distress_a with_o the_o loss_n and_o most_o peculiar_a to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o almighty_a then_o his_o interest_n as_o in_o god_n so_o in_o this_o patient_a with_o who_o i_o sojourn_v as_o if_o the_o stroke_n be_v give_v to_o himself_o through_o her_o side_n and_o last_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o punishment_n by_o slay_v her_o son_n the_o only_a comfort_n of_o her_o life_n and_o in_o all_o these_o imply_v the_o scandal_n that_o must_v needs_o arise_v from_o this_o event_n where_o ever_o it_o shall_v be_v noise_v to_o the_o name_n of_o his_o god_n to_o his_o own_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v loe_o how_o elijah_n entertainment_n be_v reward_v sure_o the_o prophet_n be_v either_o impotent_a or_o unthankful_a neither_o do_v his_o tongue_n move_v thus_o only_o thrice_o do_v he_o stretch_v himself_o upon_o the_o dead_a body_n as_o if_o he_o can_v wish_v to_o infuse_v of_o his_o own_o life_n into_o the_o child_n and_o so_o often_o call_v to_o his_o god_n for_o the_o restitution_n of_o that_o soul_n what_o can_v elijah_n ask_v to_o be_v deny_v the_o lord_n hear_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o prophet_n the_o soul_n of_o the_o child_n come_v into_o he_o again_o and_o he_o reviue_v what_o miracle_n be_v impossible_a to_o faithful_a prayer_n there_o can_v be_v more_o difference_n betwixt_o elijah_n devotion_n and_o we_o than_o betwixt_o supernatural_a and_o ordinary_a act_n if_o he_o therefore_o obtain_v miraculous_a favour_n by_o his_o prayer_n do_v we_o doubt_v of_o those_o which_o be_v within_o the_o sphere_n of_o nature_n and_o use_v what_o can_v we_o want_v if_o we_o do_v not_o slack_a to_o ply_v heaven_n with_o our_o prayer_n certain_o elijah_n have_v not_o be_v premonish_v of_o this_o sudden_a sickness_n and_o death_n of_o the_o child_n he_o who_o know_v the_o remote_a affair_n of_o the_o world_n may_v not_o know_v what_o god_n will_v do_v within_o his_o own_o roof_n the_o great_a prophet_n must_v content_v himself_o with_o so_o much_o of_o god_n counsel_n as_o he_o will_v please_v to_o reveal_v and_o he_o will_v sometime_o reveal_v the_o great_a secret_n and_o conceal_v the_o less_o to_o make_v good_a both_o his_o own_o liberty_n and_o man_n humiliation_n so_o much_o more_o unexpected_a as_o the_o stroke_n be_v so_o much_o more_o welcome_a be_v the_o cure_n how_o joyful_o do_v the_o man_n of_o god_n take_v the_o reviue_v child_n into_o his_o arm_n and_o present_v he_o to_o his_o mother_n how_o do_v his_o heart_n leap_v within_o he_o at_o this_o proof_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o he_o mercy_n to_o the_o widow_n power_n to_o the_o child_n what_o life_n and_o joy_n do_v now_o show_v itself_o in_o the_o face_n of_o that_o amaze_a mother_n when_o she_o see_v again_o the_o eye_n of_o her_o son_n fix_v upon_o she_o when_o she_o feel_v his_o flesh_n warm_a his_o motion_n vital_a now_o she_o can_v say_v to_o elijah_n by_o this_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o man_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o thy_o mouth_n be_v truth_n do_v she_o not_o till_o now_o know_v this_o have_v she_o not_o say_v before_o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v with_o thou_o o_o thou_o man_n of_o god_n be_v not_o her_o cruse_n and_o her_o barrel_n sufficient_a proof_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n doubtless_o what_o her_o meal_n and_o oil_n have_v assure_v she_o of_o the_o death_n of_o her_o son_n make_v she_o to_o doubt_v and_o now_o the_o reviue_n do_v re-ascertaine_a even_o the_o strong_a faith_n sometime_o stagger_v and_o need_v new_a act_n of_o heavenly_a supportation_n the_o end_n of_o miracle_n be_v confirmation_n of_o truth_n it_o seem_v have_v this_o widow_n son_n continue_v dead_a her_o belief_n have_v be_v bury_v in_o his_o grave_n notwithstanding_o her_o meal_n and_o her_o oil_n her_o soul_n have_v languish_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v fain_o to_o provide_v new_a help_n for_o our_o infirmity_n and_o gracious_o condescend_v to_o our_o own_o term_n that_o he_o may_v work_v out_o our_o faith_n and_o salvation_n elijah_n with_o the_o baalite_n three_o yeeare_n and_o a_o half_a do_v israel_n lie_v gasp_v under_o a_o parch_a drought_n and_o miserable_a famine_n no_o creature_n be_v so_o odious_a to_o they_o as_o elijah_n to_o who_o they_o ascribe_v all_o their_o misery_n me_n think_v i_o hear_v how_o they_o rail_v on_o and_o curse_v the_o prophet_n how_o much_o envy_n must_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n undergo_v for_o their_o master_n nothing_o but_o the_o tongue_n be_v elijah_n the_o hand_n be_v god_n the_o prophet_n do_v but_o say_v what_o god_n will_v do_v i_o do_v not_o see_v they_o fall_v out_o with_o their_o sin_n that_o have_v deserve_v the_o judgement_n but_o with_o the_o messenger_n that_o denounce_v it_o baal_n have_v no_o few_o servant_n than_o if_o there_o have_v be_v both_o rain_n and_o plenty_n elijah_n safe_o spend_v this_o storm_n under_o the_o lee_n of_o sarepta_n some_o three_o year_n have_v he_o lie_v close_o in_o that_o obscure_a corner_n and_o live_v upon_o the_o barrel_n and_o cruse_v which_o he_o have_v multiply_v at_o last_o god_n call_v he_o forth_o go_v show_v thyself_o to_o ahab_n and_o i_o will_v send_v rain_n upon_o the_o earth_n no_o rain_n must_v fall_v till_o elijah_n be_v see_v of_o ahab_n he_o carry_v away_o the_o cloud_n with_o he_o he_o must_v bring_v they_o again_o the_o king_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n shall_v be_v witness_n that_o god_n will_v make_v good_a the_o word_n the_o oath_n of_o his_o prophet_n shall_v the_o rain_n have_v fall_v in_o elijah_n absence_n who_o can_v have_v know_v it_o be_v by_o his_o procurement_n god_n hold_v the_o credit_n of_o his_o messenger_n precious_a and_o neglect_v nothing_o that_o may_v grace_v they_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n not_o the_o necessity_n of_o seven_o thousand_o religious_a israelites_n can_v crack_v the_o word_n of_o one_o elijah_n there_o be_v nothing_o wherein_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 only_a common_a disturber_n of_o man_n family_n city_n kingdom_n world_n be_v sin_n there_o be_v no_o such_o traitor_n to_o any_o state_n as_o the_o wilful_o wicked_a the_o quiet_a and_o most_o plausible_a offender_n be_v secret_o seditious_a and_o stir_v quarrel_n in_o heaven_n the_o true_a messenger_n of_o god_n carry_v authority_n even_o where_o they_o be_v malign_v elijah_n do_v at_o once_o reprove_v the_o king_n and_o require_v of_o he_o the_o improvement_n of_o his_o power_n in_o gather_v all_o israel_n to_o carmel_n in_o fetch_v thither_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n baal_n be_v rich_a in_o israel_n while_o god_n be_v poor_a while_o god_n have_v but_o one_o hundred_o prophet_n hide_v close_o in_o obadiahs_n cave_n baal_n have_v eight_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o four_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o disperse_v over_o the_o village_n and_o town_n of_o israel_n four_o hundred_o at_o the_o court_n god_n prophet_n be_v glad_a of_o bread_n and_o water_n while_o the_o four_o hundred_o trencher-prophet_n of_o jezebel_n feed_v on_o her_o dainty_n they_o lurk_v in_o cave_n while_o these_o lord_n it_o in_o the_o pleasant_a grove_n outward_a prosperity_n be_v a_o false_a note_n of_o truth_n all_o these_o with_o all_o israel_n do_v elijah_n require_v ahab_n to_o summon_v unto_o carmel_n it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o king_n to_o command_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o prophet_n sue_v to_o the_o prince_n for_o the_o indiction_n of_o this_o synod_n they_o be_v injurious_a to_o sovereignty_n who_o arrogate_v this_o power_n to_o none_o but_o spiritual_a hand_n how_o be_v it_o that_o ahab_n be_v as_o ready_a to_o perform_v this_o charge_n as_o elijah_n to_o move_v it_o i_o dare_v answer_n for_o his_o heart_n that_o it_o be_v not_o draw_v with_o love_n be_v it_o out_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o one_o judgement_n and_o fear_v of_o another_o he_o smart_v with_o the_o dearth_n and_o drought_n and_o well_o think_v elijah_n will_v not_o be_v so_o round_o with_o he_o for_o nothing_o be_v it_o out_o of_o a_o expectation_n of_o some_o miraculous_a exploit_n which_o the_o prophet_n will_v do_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o israel_n or_o be_v it_o out_o of_o the_o overruling_a power_n of_o the_o almighty_a the_o heart_n of_o king_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o he_o turn_v it_o which_o way_n soever_o he_o please_v israel_n be_v meet_v together_o elijah_n rate_v they_o not_o so_o much_o for_o their_o superstition_n as_o for_o their_o unsetlednes_n and_o irresolution_n one_o israelite_n serve_v god_n another_o baal_n yea_o the_o same_o israelite_n perhaps_o serve_v both_o god_n &_o baal_n how_o long_o halt_v you_o between_o two_o opinion_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n follow_v he_o but_o if_o baal_n then_o follow_v he_o nothing_o be_v more_o odious_a to_o god_n than_o a_o profane_a neutrality_n in_o main_a opposition_n of_o religion_n to_o go_v upright_o in_o a_o wrong_a way_n be_v a_o less_o eyesore_n to_o god_n than_o to_o halt_v betwixt_o right_n and_o wrong_n the_o spirit_n wish_v that_o the_o laodicean_n be_v either_o hot_a or_o cold_a either_o temper_n will_v be_v better_o bear_v than_o neither_o than_o both_o in_o reconcileable_a difference_n nothing_o be_v more_o safe_a than_o indifferency_n both_o of_o practice_n and_o opinion_n but_o in_o case_n of_o so_o necessary_a hostility_n as_o betwixt_o god_n and_o baal_n he_o that_o be_v on_o neither_o side_n be_v the_o deadly_a enemy_n to_o both_o less_o hateful_a be_v they_o to_o god_n that_o serve_v he_o not_o at_o all_o than_o they_o that_o serve_v he_o with_o a_o rival_n whether_o out_o of_o guiltiness_n or_o fear_v or_o uncertainty_n israel_n be_v silent_a yet_o while_o their_o mouth_n be_v shut_v their_o ear_n be_v open_a it_o be_v a_o fair_a motion_n of_o elijah_n i_o be_o only_o remain_v a_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n baal_n prophet_n be_v four_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o let_v they_o choose_v one_o bullock_n let_v i_o choose_v another_o their_o devotion_n shall_v be_v combine_v my_o single_a the_o god_n that_o consume_v the_o sacrifice_n by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n let_v he_o be_v god_n israel_n can_v but_o approve_v it_o the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n can_v refuse_v it_o they_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o advantage_n in_o their_o number_n in_o the_o favour_n of_o king_n and_o people_n oh_o strange_a disputation_n wherein_o the_o argument_n which_o must_v be_v use_v be_v fire_n the_o place_n whence_o it_o must_v be_v fetch_v heaven_n the_o mood_n and_o figure_n devotion_n the_o conclusion_n death_n to_o the_o overcomne_n have_v not_o elijah_n by_o divine_a instinct_n be_v assure_v of_o the_o event_n he_o dare_v not_o have_v put_v religion_n upon_o such_o a_o hazard_n that_o god_n command_v he_o this_o trial_n who_o mean_v confusion_n to_o the_o author_n of_o idolatry_n victory_n to_o the_o truth_n his_o power_n shall_v be_v approve_v both_o by_o fire_n and_o by_o water_n first_o by_o fire_n then_o by_o water_n there_o be_v no_o less_o terror_n in_o the_o fire_n than_o mercy_n in_o the_o rain_n it_o be_v fit_a they_o shall_v be_v first_o humble_v by_o his_o terror_n that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v capable_a of_o his_o mercy_n and_o by_o both_o may_v be_v win_v to_o repentance_n thus_o still_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o law_n make_v way_n for_o the_o influence_n of_o grace_n neither_o do_v those_o sweet_a and_o heavenly_a dew_n descend_v upon_o the_o soul_n till_o way_n be_v madâ—_n for_o they_o by_o the_o terrible_a flash_n of_o the_o law_n just_o do_v elijah_n urge_v this_o trial_n god_n sacrifice_n be_v use_v to_o none_o but_o heavenly_a fire_n whereas_o the_o base_a and_o earthly_a religion_n of_o the_o heathen_a content_v itself_o with_o gross_a and_o natural_a flame_n the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n dare_v not_o though_o with_o faint_a and_o guilty_a heart_n but_o embrace_v the_o condition_n they_o dress_v their_o bullock_n and_o lay_v it_o ready_a upon_o the_o wood_n and_o send_v out_o their_o cry_n to_o baal_n from_o morning_n until_o midday_n o_o baal_n hear_v we_o what_o a_o yell_a be_v here_o of_o four_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o throat_n tear_v the_o sky_n for_o a_o answer_n what_o leap_v be_v here_o upon_o the_o altar_n as_o if_o they_o will_v have_v climb_v up_o to_o fetch_v that_o fire_n which_o will_v not_o come_v down_o alone_o mount_v carmel_n may_v give_v a_o echo_n to_o their_o voice_n heaven_n give_v none_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o roar_v out_o and_o weary_a themselves_o in_o implore_v a_o dumb_a and_o deaf_a deity_n grave_n and_o austere_a elijah_n hold_v it_o not_o too_o ligh_v to_o flout_v their_o zealous_a devotion_n he_o laugh_v at_o their_o tear_n and_o play_n upon_o their_o earnest_n cry_v aloud_o for_o he_o be_v a_o god_n either_o he_o be_v talk_v or_o he_o be_v pursue_v or_o he_o be_v travel_v or_o he_o be_v sleep_v and_o must_v be_v awake_v scorn_v and_o taunt_n be_v the_o best_a answer_n for_o serious_a idolatry_n holiness_n will_v bear_v we_o out_o in_o disdainful_a scoff_n and_o bitterness_n against_o wilful_a superstition_n no_o less_o in_o the_o indignation_n at_o these_o insult_a frump_n than_o zeal_n of_o their_o own_o safety_n and_o reputation_n do_v these_o idolatrous_a prophet_n now_o rend_v their_o throat_n with_o inclamation_n and_o that_o they_o may_v assure_v the_o beholder_n they_o be_v not_o in_o least_o they_o cut_v and_o flash_n themselves_o with_o knife_n and_o lancer_n and_o solicit_v the_o fire_n with_o their_o blood_n how_o much_o painfulness_n there_o be_v in_o mis-religion_n i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o true_a god_n ever_o require_v or_o accept_v the_o selfe-torture_n of_o his_o servant_n he_o love_v true_a inward_a mortification_n of_o our_o corruption_n he_o love_v the_o subdue_a of_o our_o spiritual_a insurrection_n by_o due_a exercise_n of_o severe_a restraint_n he_o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o our_o blood_n in_o our_o carcase_n they_o mistake_v god_n that_o think_v to_o please_v he_o by_o destroy_v that_o nature_n which_o he_o have_v make_v and_o measure_v truth_n by_o rigour_n of_o outward_a extremity_n elijah_n draw_v no_o blood_n of_o himself_o the_o priest_n of_o baal_n do_v how_o fain_o will_v the_o devil_n who_o these_o idolater_n adore_v have_v answer_v the_o suit_n of_o his_o suppliant_n what_o will_v that_o ambitious_a spirit_n have_v give_v that_o as_o he_o be_v cast_v down_o from_o heaven_n like_o lightning_n so_o now_o he_o may_v have_v fall_v down_o in_o that_o form_n upon_o his_o altar_n god_n forbid_v it_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n can_v no_o more_o show_v one_o flash_n of_o fire_n in_o the_o air_n than_o avoid_v the_o unquenchable_a fire_n in_o hell_n how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o almighty_a to_o cut_v short_a all_o the_o tyrannical_a usurpation_n of_o that_o wicked_a one_o
if_o his_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n do_v not_o find_v the_o permission_n thereof_o useful_a to_o his_o holy_a purpose_n these_o idolater_n now_o towards_o evening_n grow_v so_o much_o more_o vehement_a as_o they_o be_v more_o hopeless_a and_o at_o last_o when_o neither_o their_o shriek_n nor_o their_o wound_n nor_o their_o mad_a motion_n can_v prevail_v they_o sit_v down_o hoarse_a and_o weary_a torment_v themselves_o afresh_o with_o their_o despair_n and_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o better_a success_n of_o their_o adversary_n when_o elijah_n call_v the_o people_n to_o he_o the_o witness_n of_o his_o sincere_a proceed_n and_o take_v the_o opportunity_n both_o of_o the_o time_n the_o just_a hour_n of_o the_o evening_n sacrifice_n and_o of_o the_o place_n a_o ruin_a altar_n of_o god_n now_o by_o he_o repair_v convince_v israel_n with_o his_o miracle_n and_o more_o â—uts_v these_o baalite_n with_o envy_n than_o they_o have_v cut_v themselves_o with_o their_o lancer_n oh_o holy_a prophet_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o save_v this_o labour_n what_o need_v these_o unseasonable_a reparation_n be_v there_o not_o a_o altar_n be_v there_o not_o a_o sacrifice_n ready_a prepare_v to_o thy_o hand_n that_o which_o the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n have_v address_v stand_v still_o wait_v for_o that_o fire_n from_o thou_o which_o the_o founder_v threaten_v in_o vain_a the_o stone_n be_v not_o more_o impure_a either_o for_o their_o touch_n or_o their_o intention_n yet_o such_o be_v thy_o detestation_n of_o idolatry_n that_o thou_o abhorrede_v to_o meddle_v with_o aught_o which_o their_o wickedness_n have_v defile_v even_o that_o altar_n who_o ruin_n thou_o do_v thus_o repair_v be_v mis-erected_n though_o to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a god_n yet_o do_v thou_o find_v it_o better_a to_o make_v up_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o altar_n which_o be_v mis-consecrated_n to_o the_o service_n of_o thy_o god_n than_o to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o pile_n which_o be_v idolatrous_o devote_a to_o a_o false_a god_n it_o can_v be_v but_o safe_a to_o keep_v aloof_o from_o participation_n with_o idolater_n even_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o not_o only_o in_o nature_n but_o in_o use_n be_v unclean_a elijah_n lay_v twelve_o stone_n in_o his_o repair_v altar_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o the_o son_n of_o jacob_n alas_o ten_o of_o these_o be_v pervert_v to_o baal_n the_o prophet_n regard_v not_o their_o present_a apostasy_n he_o regard_v the_o ancient_a covenant_n that_o be_v make_v with_o their_o father_n israel_n he_o regard_v their_o first_o station_n to_o which_o he_o will_v reduce_v they_o he_o know_v that_o the_o unworthiness_n of_o israel_n can_v not_o make_v god_n forgetful_a he_o will_v by_o this_o monument_n put_v israel_n in_o mind_n of_o their_o own_o degeneration_n and_o forgetfulness_n he_o employ_v those_o many_o hand_n for_o the_o make_v a_o large_a trench_n round_o about_o the_o altar_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v fill_v with_o those_o precious_a remainder_n of_o water_n which_o the_o people_n will_v have_v grudge_v to_o their_o own_o mouth_n neither_o will_v easy_o have_v part_v with_o but_o as_o those_o that_o pour_v down_o a_o pail_n full_a into_o a_o dry_a pump_n in_o the_o hope_n of_o fetch_v more_o the_o altar_n the_o trench_n be_v full_a a_o barrel_n full_a be_v pour_v out_o for_o each_o of_o the_o tribe_n that_o every_o tribe_n may_v be_v afterward_o replenish_v ahab_n and_o israel_n be_v no_o less_o full_a of_o expectation_n and_o now_o when_o god_n appoint_v hour_n of_o the_o evening_n sacrifice_n be_v come_v elijah_n come_v confident_o to_o his_o altar_n and_o look_v up_o into_o heaven_n say_v lord_n god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o israel_n let_v it_o be_v know_v this_o day_n that_o thou_o be_v god_n in_o israel_n and_o that_o i_o be_o thy_o servant_n and_o that_o i_o have_v do_v all_o these_o thing_n at_o thy_o word_n hear_v i_o o_o lord_n hear_v i_o that_o this_o people_n may_v know_v that_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n god_n and_o that_o thou_o have_v turn_v their_o heart_n back_o again_o the_o baalite_n prayer_n be_v not_o more_o tedious_a than_o elijah_n be_v short_a and_o yet_o more_o pithy_a than_o short_a charge_v god_n with_o the_o care_n of_o his_o covenant_n of_o his_o truth_n of_o his_o glory_n it_o be_v elijah_n that_o speak_v loud_o oh_o strong_a cry_n of_o faith_n that_o pierce_v the_o heaven_n and_o irresistable_o make_v their_o way_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n israel_n shall_v well_o see_v that_o elijah_n god_n who_o they_o have_v forsake_v be_v neither_o talk_v nor_o pursue_v nor_o travel_v nor_o sleep_v instant_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o lord_n fall_v from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v the_o burn_a sacrifice_n the_o wood_n the_o stone_n the_o dust_n and_o lick_v up_o the_o water_n that_o be_v in_o the_o trench_n with_o what_o terror_n must_v ahab_n and_o israel_n needs_o see_v this_o fire_n roll_v down_o out_o of_o the_o sky_n and_o alight_v with_o such_o fury_n so_o near_o their_o head_n head_n no_o less_o fit_a for_o this_o flame_n than_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o elijah_n well_o may_v they_o have_v think_v how_o easy_o may_v this_o fire_n have_v dilate_v itself_o and_o have_v consume_v our_o body_n as_o well_o as_o the_o wood_n and_o stone_n &_o have_v lick_v up_o our_o blood_n as_o well_o as_o that_o water_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o have_v the_o grace_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n they_o can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o confess_v his_o power_n the_o lord_n be_v god_n the_o lord_n be_v god_n the_o iron_n be_v now_o hot_a with_o this_o heavenly_a fire_n elijah_n stay_v not_o till_o it_o cool_v again_o but_o strike_v immediate_o take_v the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n let_v not_o one_o of_o they_o escape_v this_o wager_n be_v for_o life_n have_v they_o prevail_v in_o procure_v this_o fire_n and_o elijah_n fail_v of_o effect_n his_o head_n have_v be_v forfeit_v to_o they_o now_o in_o the_o contrary_a success_n they_o be_v lose_v to_o he_o let_v no_o man_n complain_v that_o those_o holy_a hand_n be_v bloody_a this_o sacrifice_n be_v no_o less_o please_v to_o god_n than_o that_o other_o both_o the_o man_n and_o the_o act_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o lead_v by_o a_o peculiar_a instinct_n neither_o do_v the_o prophet_n this_o without_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n who_o be_v now_o so_o affect_v with_o this_o miraculous_a work_n that_o he_o can_v not_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o that_o conviction_n but_o allow_v the_o justice_n of_o such_o sentence_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o accuse_v god_n command_n or_o execution_n of_o cruelty_n it_o be_v the_o ancient_a and_o peremptory_a charge_n of_o god_n that_o the_o author_n of_o idolatry_n and_o seduction_n shall_v die_v the_o death_n no_o eye_n no_o hand_n may_v spare_v they_o the_o prophet_n do_v but_o move_v the_o performance_n of_o that_o law_n which_o israel_n can_v not_o without_o sin_n have_v omit_v it_o be_v a_o merciful_a and_o thankworthy_a severity_n to_o rid_v the_o world_n of_o the_o ringleader_n of_o wickedness_n elijah_n run_v before_o ahab_n fly_v from_o jezebel_n i_o hear_v no_o news_n of_o the_o four_o hundred_o prophet_n of_o the_o grove_n they_o lie_v close_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o jezebel_n under_o their_o please_a shade_n neither_o will_v be_v suffer_v to_o undergo_v the_o danger_n of_o this_o trial_n the_o carkeise_n of_o their_o fellow_n help_v to_o fill_v up_o the_o halfedry_n channel_n of_o kâ—shon_n justice_n be_v no_o soon_o do_v than_o ahab_n hear_v news_n of_o mercy_n from_o elijah_n get_v thou_o up_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o there_o be_v a_o sound_n of_o abundance_n of_o rain_n their_o meeting_n be_v not_o more_o harsh_a than_o their_o part_n be_v friendly_a it_o seem_v ahab_n have_v spend_v all_o that_o day_n fast_v in_o a_o eager_a attendance_n of_o those_o conflict_a prophet_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v late_a ere_o the_o execution_n can_v be_v do_v elijah_n part_n begin_v not_o till_o the_o evening_n so_o far_o must_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n be_v from_o take_v think_v for_o the_o massacre_n of_o those_o four_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o baalite_n that_o now_o he_o may_v go_v eat_v his_o bread_n with_o joy_n and_o drink_v his_o wine_n with_o a_o cheerful_a heart_n for_o god_n accept_v this_o work_n and_o testify_v it_o in_o the_o noise_n of_o much_o rain_n every_o drop_n of_o that_o idolatrous_a blood_n be_v answer_v with_o a_o shower_n of_o rain_n with_o a_o stream_n of_o water_n and_o plenty_n pour_v down_o in_o every_o shower_n a_o sensible_a blessing_n follow_v the_o unpartial_a stroke_n of_o severe_a justice_n nothing_o be_v more_o cruel_a than_o a_o unjust_a pity_n no_o ear_n but_o elijah_n can_v as_o yet_o perceive_v a_o sound_n of_o rain_n the_o cloud_n
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ahabs_n harness_n it_o be_v shoot_v at_o a_o venture_n fall_v by_o a_o destiny_n and_o there_o fall_v where_o it_o may_v carry_v death_n to_o a_o hide_a debtor_n in_o all_o action_n both_o voluntary_a and_o casual_a thy_o will_n o_o god_n shall_v be_v do_v by_o we_o with_o what_o ever_o intention_n little_o do_v the_o syrian_a know_v who_o he_o have_v strike_v no_o more_o than_o the_o arrow_n wherewith_o he_o strike_v a_o invisible_a hand_n dispose_v of_o both_o to_o the_o punishment_n of_o ahab_n to_o the_o vindication_n of_o michaiab_n how_o worthy_o o_o god_n be_v thou_o to_o be_v adore_v in_o thy_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n to_o be_v fear_v in_o thy_o judgement_n too_o late_o do_v ahab_n now_o think_v of_o the_o fair_a warning_n of_o michaiah_n which_o he_o unwise_o contemn_v of_o the_o painful_a flattery_n of_o zedekiah_n which_o he_o stubborn_o believe_v that_o guilty_a blood_n of_o he_o run_v down_o out_o of_o his_o wound_n into_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o chariot_n and_o pay_v naboth_n his_o arerage_n o_o ahab_n what_o be_v thou_o the_o better_a for_o thy_o ivory_n house_n while_o thou_o have_v a_o black_a soul_n what_o comfort_n have_v thou_o now_o in_o those_o flatter_a prophet_n which_o tickle_v thy_o ear_n and_o secure_v thou_o of_o victory_n what_o joy_n be_v it_o to_o thou_o now_o that_o thou_o be_v great_a who_o have_v not_o rather_o be_v michaiah_n in_o the_o jail_n than_o ahab_n in_o the_o chariot_n wicked_a man_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o way_n godly_a man_n of_o the_o end_n the_o chariot_n be_v wash_v in_o the_o pool_n of_o samaria_n the_o dog_n come_v to_o claim_v their_o due_n they_o lick_v up_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o great_a king_n of_o israel_n the_o tongue_n of_o those_o brute_n creature_n shall_v make_v good_a the_o tongue_n of_o god_n prophet_n michaiah_n be_v justify_v naboth_n be_v revenge_v the_o baalite_n confound_v ahab_n judge_v righteous_a be_v thou_o o_o god_n in_o all_o thy_o way_n and_o holy_a in_o all_o thy_o work_n ahaziah_n sick_a and_o elijah_n revenge_v ahaziah_n succeed_v his_o father_n ahab_n both_o in_o his_o throne_n and_o in_o his_o sin_n who_o can_v look_v for_o better_a issue_n of_o those_o loin_n of_o those_o example_n god_n follow_v he_o with_o a_o double_a judgement_n of_o the_o revolt_n of_o moab_n and_o of_o his_o own_o sickness_n all_o the_o reign_n of_o ahab_n have_v moab_n be_v a_o quiet_a tributary_n and_o furnish_v israel_n with_o rich_a flock_n and_o fleece_n now_o their_o subjection_n die_v with_o that_o warlike_a king_n and_o will_v not_o be_v inherit_v this_o rebellion_n take_v advantage_n as_o from_o the_o weak_a spirit_n so_o from_o the_o sickly_a body_n of_o ahaziah_n who_o disease_n be_v not_o natural_a but_o casual_a walk_v in_o his_o palace_n of_o samaria_n some_o grate_n in_o the_o floor_n of_o his_o chamber_n break_v under_o he_o and_o give_v way_n to_o that_o fall_n whereby_o he_o be_v bruise_v and_o languish_v the_o same_o hand_n that_o guide_v ahab_n shaft_n crack_n ahaziah_n lattesse_n how_o infinite_a variety_n of_o plague_n have_v the_o just_a god_n for_o obstinate_a sinner_n whether_o in_o the_o field_n or_o in_o the_o chamber_n he_o know_v to_o find_v they_o out_o how_o feareles_o do_v ahaziah_n walk_v on_o his_o wont_a pavement_n the_o lord_n have_v lay_v a_o trap_n for_o he_o whereinto_o while_o he_o think_v least_o he_o fall_v irrecoverable_o no_o place_n be_v safe_a for_o the_o man_n that_o be_v at_o variance_n with_o god_n the_o body_n of_o ahaziah_n be_v not_o more_o sick_a than_o his_o soul_n be_v graceless_a none_o but_o chance_n be_v his_o enemy_n none_o but_o the_o god_n of_o ekron_n must_v be_v his_o friend_n he_o look_v not_o up_o to_o the_o omnipotent_a hand_n of_o divine_a justice_n for_o the_o disease_n or_o of_o mercy_n for_o the_o remedy_n a_o idoli_fw-la be_v his_o refuge_n whether_o for_o cure_v or_o intelligence_n we_o hear_v not_o till_o now_o of_o baalzebub_a this_o new_a god_n of_o fly_n be_v perhaps_o of_o his_o make_n who_o now_o be_v a_o suitor_n to_o his_o own_o erection_n all_o these_o heathen_a deity_n be_v but_o a_o devil_n with_o change_n of_o appellation_n the_o influence_n of_o that_o evil_a spirit_n delude_v those_o miserable_a client_n else_o there_o be_v no_o fly_n so_o impotent_a as_o that_o outside_n of_o the_o god_n of_o ekron_n who_o will_v think_v that_o any_o israelite_n can_v so_o far_o dote_v upon_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o fiend_n time_n gather_v much_o credit_n to_o this_o idol_n in_o so_o much_o as_o the_o jew_n afterward_o style_v beel-zebub_a the_o prince_n of_o all_o the_o region_n of_o darkness_n ahaziah_n be_v the_o first_o that_o bring_v his_o oracle_n in_o request_n and_o pay_v he_o the_o tribute_n of_o his_o devotion_n he_o send_v messenger_n and_o say_v go_v inquire_v of_o baalzebub_a the_o god_n of_o ekron_n whether_o i_o shall_v recover_v of_o this_o disease_n the_o message_n be_v either_o idle_a or_o wicked_a idle_a if_o he_o send_v it_o to_o a_o stock_n if_o to_o a_o devil_n both_o idle_a and_o wicked_a what_o can_v the_o most_o intelligent_a spirit_n know_v of_o future_a thing_n but_o what_o they_o see_v either_o in_o their_o cause_n or_o in_o the_o light_n of_o participation_n what_o a_o madness_n be_v it_o in_o abaziah_n to_o seek_v to_o the_o postern_n while_o the_o foregate_n stand_v open_a can_v those_o evil_a spirit_n true_o foretell_v event_n no_o way_n pre-existent_a yet_o they_o may_v not_o without_o sin_n be_v consult_v the_o evil_a of_o their_o nature_n debar_v all_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o information_n if_o not_o as_o intelligencer_n much_o less_o may_v they_o be_v seek_v to_o as_o god_n who_o can_v blush_v to_o hear_v and_o see_v that_o even_o the_o very_a evangelicall_a israel_n shall_v yield_v pilgrim_n to_o the_o shrine_n of_o darkness_n how_o many_o after_o this_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o their_o loss_n in_o their_o sickness_n send_v to_o these_o infernal_a oracle_n and_o damn_v themselves_o wilful_o in_o a_o vain_a curiosity_n the_o message_n of_o the_o jealous_a god_n intercept_v they_o with_o a_o just_a disdain_n as_o here_o by_o elijah_n be_v it_o not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n in_o israel_n that_o you_o go_v to_o inquire_v of_o baalzebub_a the_o god_n of_o ekron_n what_o can_v be_v a_o great_a disparagement_n to_o the_o true_a god_n than_o to_o be_v neglect_v than_o to_o stand_v aside_o and_o see_v we_o make_v love_n to_o a_o hellish_a rival_n be_v there_o no_o god_n in_o israel_n in_o heaven_n what_o can_v we_o do_v other_o what_o worse_o this_o affront_n of_o what_o ever_o ahaziah_n can_v escape_v without_o a_o revenge_n therefore_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n thou_o shall_v not_o come_v down_o from_o that_o bed_n on_o which_o
perfect_a contentment_n it_o be_v in_o a_o middle-estate_n equal_o distant_a from_o penury_n from_o excess_n it_o be_v in_o a_o calm_a freedom_n a_o secure_a tranquillity_n a_o sweet_a fruition_n of_o ourselves_o of_o we_o but_o what_o hold_n be_v there_o of_o these_o earthly_a thing_n how_o long_o be_v the_o shunamite_n thus_o bless_v with_o peace_n slay_v but_o a_o while_n you_o shall_v see_v she_o come_v on_o her_o knee_n to_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n pitiful_o complain_v that_o she_o be_v strip_v of_o house_n and_o land_n and_o now_o gehezi_n be_v fain_o to_o do_v that_o good_a office_n for_o she_o which_o be_v not_o accept_v from_o his_o master_n those_o that_o stand_v fast_o upon_o earth_n have_v but_o slippery_a foot_n no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o need_v friend_n modesty_n seal_v up_o the_o lip_n of_o the_o good_a shunamite_n she_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v her_o longing_n gehezi_n easy_o guess_v that_o her_o barrenness_n can_v not_o but_o be_v her_o affliction_n she_o be_v childless_a her_o husband_n old_a elisha_n gratify_v she_o with_o the_o news_n of_o a_o son_n about_o this_o season_n according_a to_o the_o time_n of_o life_n thou_o shall_v embrace_v a_o son_n how_o liberal_a be_v god_n by_o his_o prophet_n in_o give_v beyond_o her_o request_n not_o seldom_o do_v his_o bounty_n overreach_v our_o thought_n and_o meet_v we_o with_o those_o benefit_n which_o we_o think_v too_o good_a for_o we_o to_o ask_v greatness_n and_o inexpectation_n make_v the_o blessing_n seem_v incredible_a nay_o my_o lord_n thou_o man_n of_o god_n do_v not_o lie_v to_o thy_o handmaid_n we_o be_v never_o sure_a enough_o of_o what_o we_o desire_v we_o be_v not_o more_o hard_a to_o believe_v than_o loath_a to_o distrust_v beneficial_a event_n she_o well_o know_v the_o prophet_n holiness_n can_v not_o stand_v with_o wilful_a falsehood_n perhaps_o she_o may_v think_v it_o speak_v by_o way_n of_o trial_n not_o of_o serious_a affirmation_n as_o unwilling_a therefore_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v and_o willing_a to_o hear_v that_o please_a word_n second_v she_o say_v do_v not_o lie_v to_o thy_o handmaid_n promise_n be_v make_v good_a not_o by_o iteration_n but_o by_o the_o effect_n the_o shunamite_n conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n at_o the_o set_a season_n how_o glad_a a_o mother_n she_o be_v those_o know_v best_a that_o have_v mourn_v under_o the_o discomfort_n of_o a_o sad_a sterility_n the_o child_n grow_v up_o and_o be_v now_o able_a to_o find_v out_o his_o father_n in_o the_o field_n among_o his_o reaper_n his_o father_n now_o grow_v young_a again_o with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o sight_n and_o more_o joy_v in_o this_o spring_n of_o his_o hope_n than_o in_o all_o the_o crop_n of_o his_o harvest_n but_o what_o stability_n be_v there_o in_o these_o earthly_a delight_n the_o hot_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n beat_v upon_o that_o head_n which_o too_o much_o care_n have_v make_v tender_a and_o delicate_a the_o child_n complain_v to_o his_o father_n of_o his_o pain_n oh_o that_o grace_n can_v teach_v we_o what_o nature_n teach_v infant_n in_o all_o our_o trouble_n to_o bemoan_v ourselves_o to_o our_o heavenly_a father_n he_o send_v he_o to_o his_o mother_n upon_o her_o lap_n about_o noon_n the_o child_n die_v as_o if_o he_o will_v return_v his_o soul_n into_o that_o bosom_n from_o which_o it_o be_v derive_v to_o he_o the_o good_a shunamite_n have_v lose_v her_o son_n her_o faith_n she_o have_v not_o lose_v passion_n have_v not_o rob_v she_o of_o her_o wisdom_n as_o not_o distract_v with_o a_o accident_n so_o sudden_a so_o sorrowful_a she_o lay_v her_o dead_a child_n upon_o the_o prophet_n bed_n she_o lock_n the_o door_n she_o hide_v her_o grief_n lest_o that_o consternation_n may_v hinder_v her_o design_n she_o hasten_v to_o her_o husband_n and_o as_o not_o dare_v to_o be_v other_o than_o officious_a in_o so_o distressful_a a_o occasion_n acquaint_v he_o with_o her_o journey_n though_o not_o with_o the_o cause_n require_v of_o he_o both_o attendance_n and_o conveyance_n she_o post_v to_o mount_v carmel_n she_o can_v so_o soon_o find_v out_o the_o man_n of_o god_n as_o he_o have_v find_v she_o he_o see_v she_o a_o far_o off_o and_o like_o a_o thankful_a guest_n send_v his_o servant_n hasty_o to_o meet_v she_o to_o inquire_v of_o the_o health_n of_o herself_o her_o husband_n her_o child_n her_o errand_n be_v not_o to_o gehezi_n it_o be_v to_o elisha_n no_o messenger_n shall_v interrupt_v she_o no_o ear_n shall_v receive_v her_o complaint_n but_o the_o prophet_n down_o she_o fall_v passionate_o at_o his_o foot_n and_z forget_v the_o fashion_n of_o her_o bashful_a strangeness_n lay_v hold_v of_o they_o whether_o in_o a_o humble_a veneration_n of_o his_o person_n or_o in_o a_o fervent_a desire_n of_o satisfaction_n gehezi_n who_o well_o know_v how_o uncouth_a how_o unfit_a this_o gesture_n of_o salutation_n be_v for_o his_o master_n offers_z to_o remove_v she_o and_o admonish_v she_o of_o her_o distance_n the_o merciful_a prophet_n easy_o apprehend_v that_o no_o ordinary_a occasion_n can_v so_o transport_v a_o grave_n and_o well-governed_n matron_n as_o therefore_o pity_v her_o unknown_a passion_n he_o bid_v let_v she_o alone_o for_o her_o soul_n be_v vex_v within_o she_o and_o the_o lord_n have_v hide_v it_o from_o i_o and_o have_v not_o tell_v i_o if_o extremity_n of_o grief_n have_v make_v her_o unmannerly_a wise_a and_o holy_a elisha_n know_v how_o to_o pardon_v it_o he_o dare_v not_o add_v sorrow_n to_o the_o afflict_a he_o can_v better_o bear_v a_o unseemliness_n in_o her_o greeting_n than_o cruelty_n in_o her_o molestation_n great_a be_v the_o familiarity_n that_o the_o prophet_n have_v with_o his_o god_n and_o as_o friend_n be_v wont_v mutual_o to_o impart_v their_o counsel_n to_o each_o other_o so_o have_v the_o lord_n do_v to_o he_o elisha_n be_v not_o idle_a on_o mount_n carmel_n what_o be_v it_o that_o he_o see_v not_o from_o thence_o not_o heaven_n only_o but_o the_o world_n be_v before_o he_o yet_o the_o shunamite_n loss_n be_v conceal_v from_o he_o neither_o do_v he_o shame_n to_o confess_v it_o ofttime_n those_o that_o know_v great_a matter_n may_v yet_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o less_o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o any_o finite_a creature_n not_o to_o know_v something_o by_o her_o mouth_n will_v god_n tell_v the_o prophet_n what_o by_o vision_n he_o have_v not_o then_o she_o say_v do_v i_o desire_v a_o son_n of_o my_o lord_n do_v i_o not_o say_v do_v not_o deceive_v i_o deep_a sorrow_n be_v spare_v of_o word_n the_o expostulation_n can_v not_o be_v more_o short_a more_o quick_a more_o pithy_a have_v i_o beg_v a_o son_n perhaps_o my_o importunity_n may_v have_v be_v yield_v to_o in_o anger_n too_o much_o desire_n be_v just_o punish_v with_o loss_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o what_o we_o wring_v from_o god_n prosper_v not_o this_o favour_n to_o i_o be_v of_o thy_o own_o motion_n thy_o suit_n o_o elisha_n make_v i_o a_o mother_n can_v thou_o intend_v to_o torment_v i_o with_o a_o blessing_n how_o much_o more_o easy_a have_v the_o want_n of_o a_o son_n be_v than_o the_o miscarriage_n barrenness_n than_o orbation_n be_v there_o no_o other_o end_n of_o my_o have_v a_o son_n than_o that_o i_o may_v lose_v he_o o_o man_n of_o god_n let_v i_o not_o complain_v of_o a_o cruel_a kindness_n thy_o prayer_n give_v i_o a_o son_n let_v thy_o prayer_n restore_v he_o let_v not_o my_o dutiful_a respect_n to_o thou_o be_v repay_v with_o a_o aggravation_n of_o misery_n give_v not_o thy_o handmaid_n cause_n to_o wish_v that_o i_o be_v but_o so_o unhappy_a as_o thou_o find_v i_o oh_o woeful_a fruitfulness_n if_o i_o must_v now_o say_v that_o i_o have_v a_o son_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o the_o mother_n or_o the_o prophet_n be_v more_o afflict_v the_o prophet_n for_o the_o mother_n sake_n or_o the_o mother_n for_o her_o own_o not_o a_o word_n of_o reply_n do_v we_o hear_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o elisha_n his_o breath_n be_v only_o spend_v in_o the_o remedy_n he_o send_v his_o servant_n with_o all_o speed_n to_o lay_v his_o staff_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o child_n charge_v he_o to_o avoid_v all_o the_o delay_n of_o the_o way_n have_v not_o the_o prophet_n suppose_v that_o staff_n of_o his_o able_a to_o beat_v away_o death_n why_o do_v he_o send_v it_o and_o if_o upon_o that_o supposition_n he_o send_v it_o how_o be_v it_o that_o it_o fail_v of_o effect_n be_v this_o act_n do_v out_o of_o humane_a conceit_n not_o out_o of_o instinct_n from_o god_n or_o do_v the_o want_n of_o the_o mother_n faith_n hinder_v the_o success_n of_o that_o cure_n she_z not_o regard_v the_o staff_n or_o the_o man_n hold_v fast_o to_o
profit_n of_o their_o master_n some_o servile_a spirit_n will_v have_v care_v only_o to_o soothe_v up_o not_o to_o benefit_v their_o governor_n and_o will_v have_v encourage_v his_o rage_n by_o their_o own_o sir_n will_v you_o take_v this_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o base_a fellow_n be_v ever_o man_n thus_o flout_v will_v you_o let_v he_o carry_v it_o away_o thus_o be_v any_o harmless_a anger_n sufficient_a revenge_n for_o such_o a_o insolence_n give_v we_o leave_v at_o least_o to_o pull_v he_o out_o by_o the_o care_n and_o force_v he_o to_o do_v that_o by_o violence_n which_o he_o will_v not_o do_v out_o of_o good_a manner_n let_v our_o finger_n teach_v this_o saucy_a prophet_n what_o it_o be_v to_o offer_v a_o affront_n to_o a_o prince_n of_o syria_n but_o these_o man_n love_v more_o their_o master_n health_n than_o his_o passion_n and_o have_v rather_o therefore_o to_o advise_v than_o flatter_v to_o draw_v he_o to_o good_a than_o follow_v he_o to_o evil_n since_o it_o be_v a_o prophet_n from_o who_o he_o receive_v this_o prescription_n they_o persuade_v he_o not_o to_o despise_v it_o intimate_v there_o can_v be_v no_o fault_n in_o the_o sleightnesse_n of_o the_o receipt_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v no_o defect_n of_o power_n in_o the_o commander_n that_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o cure_n shall_v be_v in_o his_o obedience_n not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o remedy_n they_o persuade_v and_o prevail_v next_o to_o the_o prophet_n naaman_n may_v thank_v his_o servant_n that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o leper_n he_o go_v down_o upon_o their_o entreaty_n and_o dip_v seven_o time_n in_o jordan_n his_o flesh_n rise_v his_o leprosy_n vanish_v not_o the_o unjust_a fury_n and_o techinesse_n of_o the_o patient_n shall_v cross_v the_o cure_n lest_o while_o god_n be_v severe_a the_o prophet_n shall_v be_v discredit_v long_o enough_o might_n naaman_n have_v wash_v there_o in_o vain_a if_o elisha_n have_v not_o send_v he_o many_o a_o leper_n have_v bathe_v in_o that_o stream_n and_o have_v come_v forth_o no_o less_o impure_a it_o be_v the_o word_n the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o almighty_a which_o put_v efficacy_n into_o those_o mean_n which_o of_o themselves_o be_v both_o impotent_a and_o improbable_a what_o can_v our_o font_n do_v to_o the_o wash_n away_o of_o sin_n if_o god_n institution_n shall_v put_v virtue_n into_o our_o jordan_n it_o shall_v scour_v off_o the_o spiritual_a leprosy_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o shall_v more_o cure_v the_o soul_n than_o cleanse_v the_o face_n how_o joyful_a be_v naaman_n to_o see_v this_o change_n of_o his_o skin_n this_o renovation_n of_o his_o flesh_n of_o his_o life_n never_o do_v his_o heart_n find_v such_o warmth_n of_o in_o ward_n gladness_n as_o in_o this_o stream_n upon_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o recovery_n he_o do_v not_o post_v home_o to_o the_o court_n or_o to_o his_o family_n to_o call_v for_o witness_n for_o partner_n of_o his_o joy_n but_o thankful_o return_v to_o the_o prophet_n by_o who_o mean_n he_o receive_v this_o mercy_n he_o come_v back_o with_o more_o contentment_n than_o he_o depart_v with_o rage_n now_o will_v the_o man_n of_o god_n be_v see_v of_o that_o recover_v syrian_a who_o he_o will_v not_o see_v leprous_a his_o presence_n shall_v be_v yield_v to_o the_o gratulation_n which_o be_v not_o yield_v to_o the_o suit_n purposely_o do_v elisha_n forbear_v before_o that_o he_o may_v share_v no_o part_n of_o the_o praise_n of_o this_o work_n with_o his_o maker_n that_o god_n may_v be_v so_o much_o more_o magnify_v as_o the_o mean_n be_v more_o weak_a and_o despicable_a the_o miracle_n have_v his_o due_a work_n first_o do_v naaman_n acknowledge_v the_o god_n that_o wrought_v it_o then_o the_o prophet_n by_o who_o he_o wrought_v it_o behold_v now_o i_o know_v there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o all_o the_o earth_n but_o in_o israel_n oh_o happy_a syrian_a that_o be_v at_o once_o cure_v of_o his_o leprosy_n and_o his_o mes-prison_n of_o god_n naaman_n be_v too_o wise_a to_o think_v that_o either_o the_o water_n have_v cure_v he_o or_o the_o man_n he_o see_v a_o divine_a power_n work_v in_o both_o such_o as_o he_o vain_o seek_v from_o his_o heathen_a deity_n with_o the_o heart_n therefore_o he_o believe_v with_o the_o mouth_n he_o confess_v while_o he_o be_v thus_o thankful_a to_o the_o author_n of_o his_o cure_n he_o be_v not_o unmindful_a of_o the_o instrument_n now_o therefore_o i_o pray_v thou_o take_v a_o blessing_n of_o thy_o servant_n naaman_n come_v rich_o furnish_v with_o ten_o talent_n of_o silver_n six_o thousand_o piece_n of_o gold_n ten_o change_n of_o raiment_n all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o will_v the_o syrian_a peer_n have_v glad_o give_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o so_o noisome_a a_o disease_n no_o marvel_v if_o he_o importunate_o offer_v some_o part_n of_o they_o to_o the_o prophet_n now_o that_o he_o be_v deliver_v some_o testimony_n of_o thankfulness_n do_v well_o where_o all_o earthly_a recompense_n be_v too_o short_a the_o hand_n of_o this_o man_n be_v no_o less_o full_a of_o thanks_o than_o his_o mouth_n dry_v and_o barren_a profession_n of_o our_o obligation_n where_o be_v power_n to_o requite_v be_v unfit_a for_o noble_a and_o ingenuous_a spirit_n naaman_n be_v not_o more_o frank_a in_o offer_v his_o gratuity_n than_o elisha_n vehement_a in_o refuse_v it_o as_o the_o lord_n live_v before_o who_o i_o stand_v i_o will_v receive_v none_o not_o that_o he_o think_v the_o syrian_a gold_n impure_a not_o that_o he_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o take_v up_o a_o gift_n where_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o a_o benefit_n but_o the_o prophet_n will_v remit_v of_o naaman_n purse_n that_o he_o may_v win_v of_o his_o soul_n the_o man_n of_o god_n will_v have_v his_o new_a convert_n see_v cause_n to_o be_v more_o enamour_v of_o true_a piety_n which_o teach_v her_o client_n to_o contemn_v those_o worldly_a riches_n and_o glory_n which_o base_a worldling_n adore_v and_o will_v have_v he_o think_v that_o these_o miraculous_a power_n be_v so_o far_o transcend_v the_o valuation_n of_o all_o earthly_a pelf_n that_o those_o glitter_a treasure_n be_v worthy_a of_o nothing_o but_o contempt_n in_o respect_n thereof_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o who_o refuse_v not_o the_o shunamite_n table_n and_o stool_n and_o candlestick_n will_v not_o take_v naaman_n present_a there_o be_v much_o use_n of_o godly_a discretion_n in_o direct_v we_o when_o to_o open_v when_o to_o shut_v our_o hand_n he_o that_o will_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o give_v desire_v yet_o to_o take_v shall_v there_o not_o i_o pray_v thou_o be_v give_v to_o thy_o servant_n two_o mule_n load_v of_o earth_n for_o thy_o servant_n will_v henceforth_o offer_v neither_o burn_a offering_n nor_o sacrifice_n to_o other_o god_n but_o unto_o the_o lord_n israelitish_n mould_n lie_v open_a to_o his_o carriage_n without_o leave_n of_o elisha_n but_o naaman_n regard_v not_o to_o take_v it_o unless_o it_o may_v be_v give_v he_o and_o give_v he_o by_o the_o prophet_n hand_n well_o do_v this_o syrian_a find_v that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n have_v give_v a_o supernatural_a virtue_n to_o the_o water_n of_o israel_n and_o therefore_o suppose_v he_o may_v give_v the_o like_a to_o his_o earth_n neither_o will_v any_o earth_n serve_v he_o but_o elishaes_n else_o the_o mould_n of_o israel_n have_v be_v more_o proper_o crave_v of_o the_o king_n than_o the_o prophet_n of_o israel_n doubtless_o it_o be_v devotion_n that_o move_v this_o suit_n the_o syrian_a see_v god_n have_v a_o propriety_n in_o israel_n and_o imagine_v that_o he_o will_v be_v best_a please_v with_o his_o own_o on_o the_o sudden_a be_v naaman_n half_a a_o proselyte_n still_o here_o be_v a_o weak_a knowledge_n with_o strong_a intention_n he_o will_v sacrifice_v to_o the_o lord_n but_o where_o in_o syria_n not_o in_o jerusalem_n not_o the_o mould_n but_o the_o altar_n be_v that_o god_n respect_n which_o he_o have_v allow_v no_o where_o but_o in_o his_o choose_a zion_n this_o honest_a syrian_a will_v be_v remove_v god_n home_o to_o his_o country_n he_o shall_v have_v resolve_v to_o remove_v his_o home_n to_o god_n and_o though_o he_o vow_v to_o offer_v no_o sacrifice_n to_o any_o other_o god_n yet_o he_o crave_v leave_v to_o offer_v a_o outward_a courtesy_n to_o rimmon_n though_o not_o for_o the_o idol_n sake_n yet_o for_o his_o master_n in_o this_o thing_n the_o lord_n pardon_v thy_o servant_n that_o when_o my_o master_n go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o rimmon_n to_o worship_v there_o and_o he_o lean_v on_o my_o hand_n and_o i_o bow_v myself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o rimmon_n the_o lord_n pardon_v thy_o servant_n in_o this_o thing_n naaman_n go_v away_o resolute_a to_o profess_v himself_o a_o israelite_n for_o religion_n all_o the_o syrian_a court_n shall_v