child_n of_o israel_n he_o be_v repute_v the_o fair_a and_o therefore_o by_o the_o vulgar_a who_o judge_v more_o by_o sense_n than_o reason_n will_v be_v account_v the_o most_o deserve_a and_o indeed_o a_o beautiful_a and_o graceful_a visage_n be_v apt_a to_o beget_v a_o secret_a love_n and_o esteem_v in_o wise_a man_n virtuous_a habit_n shine_v more_o illustrious_o through_o a_o beautiful_a countenance_n and_o receive_v some_o additional_a grace_n from_o a_o well-proportioned_a body_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n nothing_o be_v more_o dangerous_a than_o paint_a sin_n for_o the_o deformity_n of_o vice_n cover_v over_o with_o a_o lovely_a mien_n will_v pass_v for_o the_o fair_a embellishment_n of_o virtue_n so_o that_o the_o unwary_a admirer_n of_o the_o one_o be_v soon_o taint_v with_o the_o other_o whilst_o his_o fancy_n be_v please_v his_o judgement_n be_v defile_v and_o he_o swallow_v the_o most_o poisonous_a drug_n under_o the_o name_n and_o colour_n of_o golden_a pill_n he_o therefore_o who_o abuse_v these_o gift_n of_o nature_n and_o use_v they_o not_o as_o recommendation_n of_o virtue_n but_o enticement_n unto_o sin_n do_v waste_v his_o talon_n and_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o hereafter_o he_o shall_v find_v the_o reward_n of_o a_o wicked_a and_o faithless_a servant_n these_o graceless_a servant_n who_o instead_o of_o improve_n do_v misemploy_v their_o endowment_n be_v high_o injurious_a unto_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v be_v miserable_o confound_v when_o he_o shall_v require_v his_o own_o with_o usury_n if_o none_o be_v to_o be_v so_o much_o praise_v as_o absalon_n for_o his_o beauty_n and_o none_o so_o much_o to_o be_v condemn_v for_o his_o uncomely_a quality_n if_o from_o the_o crown_n of_o the_o head_n to_o the_o sole_a of_o the_o foot_n there_o be_v no_o blemish_n in_o he_o and_o yet_o all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n be_v very_o ugly_a and_o foul_o mishapen_a the_o symmetry_n of_o his_o body_n will_v serve_v only_o to_o aggravate_v the_o irregularity_n of_o his_o mind_n if_o the_o pharisee'_v hand_n be_v wash_v when_o his_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o corruption_n he_o be_v still_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o shall_v receive_v the_o woe_n denounce_v against_o such_o hypocritical_a sinner_n for_o though_o he_o may_v deceive_v shortsighted_a man_n he_o can_v impose_v upon_o the_o all-seeing_a god_n he_o may_v cheat_v his_o neighbour_n who_o look_v only_o on_o the_o outside_n but_o not_o he_o who_o discern_v all_o the_o secret_n of_o our_o heart_n 3._o another_o advantage_n in_o absalom_n person_n be_v his_o plausible_a carriage_n and_o popular_a behaviour_n when_o any_o man_n come_v nigh_o he_o to_o do_v he_o obeisance_n he_o put_v forth_o his_o hand_n and_o take_v he_o and_o kiss_v he_o ch._n xv._o v._n 5._o a_o courteous_a and_o friendly_a deportment_n towards_o inferior_n if_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o natural_a temper_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o ingenuous_a disposition_n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o habit_n fix_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o morality_n and_o true_a religion_n be_v a_o admirable_a virtue_n and_o most_o attractive_a of_o common_a approbation_n he_o who_o be_v sensible_a that_o humanity_n and_o gentleness_n be_v a_o common_a debt_n will_v not_o confine_v his_o civility_n to_o they_o who_o be_v above_o but_o will_v suffer_v it_o to_o descend_v on_o those_o below_o he_o he_o will_v treat_v all_o person_n with_o temperate_a and_o calm_a language_n neither_o flatter_a his_o better_n nor_o despise_v those_o who_o move_v in_o a_o lesser_a sphere_n he_o know_v how_o to_o put_v a_o just_a value_n upon_o himself_o without_o the_o unjust_a contempt_n of_o other_o and_o do_v not_o think_v a_o disdainful_a and_o proud_a behaviour_n to_o be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o a_o accomplish_v gentleman_n he_o as_o much_o avoid_v the_o moroseness_n of_o the_o sullen_a stoic_a as_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o light_a epicurean_a have_v first_o seek_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o endeavour_v to_o approve_v himself_o unto_o god_n as_o he_o do_v not_o seek_v so_o he_o do_v altogether_o disdain_v other_o man_n esteem_n if_o he_o can_v please_v they_o for_o their_o good_a to_o edification_n or_o which_o by_o the_o way_n be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o edification_n can_v thereby_o build_v they_o up_o in_o their_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o one_o holy_a catholick-church_n have_v absalom_n oblige_a carriage_n be_v found_v upon_o this_o principle_n and_o direct_v only_o to_o this_o end_n no_o wise_a man_n will_v have_v blame_v his_o conduct_n but_o when_o his_o popularity_n spring_v from_o a_o rot_a and_o corrupt_a heart_n and_o be_v design_v to_o inveigle_v man_n into_o a_o treacherous_a conspiracy_n when_o he_o complemented_a the_o people_n only_o in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o greatness_n and_o his_o father_n ruin_n all_o his_o fair_a word_n and_o take_v gesture_n be_v but_o so_o many_o artificial_a trick_n of_o leger-de-main_a whereby_o he_o steal_v away_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n from_o his_o father_n and_o of_o loyal_a subject_n transform_v they_o into_o revolt_a rebel_n as_o the_o lion_n be_v most_o couchant_a when_o his_o aim_n be_v most_o bloody_a so_o he_o put_v on_o the_o guise_n of_o the_o great_a meekness_n and_o humility_n that_o with_o great_a advantage_n he_o may_v seize_v upon_o his_o prey_n he_o fall_v down_o and_o humble_v himself_o that_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o poor_a may_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o captain_n psal_n x._o 11._o 4._o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o absalom_n stout_a courage_n and_o manly_a resolution_n prompt_v he_o to_o engage_v and_o promise_v unto_o himself_o success_n in_o such_o a_o dangerous_a undertake_n his_o high_a spirit_n can_v not_o well_o brook_v any_o equal_a much_o less_o a_o superior_a though_o it_o be_v his_o own_o father_n who_o by_o a_o triple_a right_n natural_a civil_a and_o religious_a may_v have_v command_v his_o obedience_n this_o threefold_a cord_n one_o will_v think_v may_v have_v bind_v his_o extravagant_a passion_n to_o their_o good_a behaviour_n but_o alas_o what_o obligation_n be_v strong_a enough_o to_o restrain_v the_o unruly_a effort_n of_o a_o hard-mouthed_a courage_n what_o signify_v reason_n law_n and_o duty_n on_o the_o one_o side_n or_o the_o prospect_n of_o danger_n on_o the_o other_o to_o a_o valiant_a heart_n inflame_v with_o the_o fire_n of_o ambition_n such_o a_o one_o see_v no_o obstacle_n either_o of_o conscience_n or_o difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n therefore_o he_o press_v on_o without_o either_o wit_n or_o fear_n and_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o he_o shall_v either_o find_v or_o make_v a_o easy_a passage_n unto_o his_o desire_a kingdom_n have_v absalon_n sit_v down_o and_o calm_o consider_v with_o himself_o what_o a_o horrid_a crime_n it_o be_v to_o depose_v his_o lawful_a sovereign_n and_o dear_a parent_n how_o hard_o a_o matter_n the_o subversion_n of_o a_o well_o settle_v kingdom_n be_v likely_a to_o prove_v how_o strong_o prince_n be_v guard_v by_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o how_o frequent_o the_o divine_a providence_n do_v detect_v and_o confound_v the_o design_n of_o disobedient_a son_n and_o rebellious_a subject_n have_v he_o serious_o weigh_v these_o thing_n he_o will_v have_v find_v that_o his_o fancy_v dominion_n and_o greatness_n in_o one_o scale_n be_v not_o able_a to_o counterbalance_n the_o sin_n and_o danger_n of_o this_o conspiracy_n in_o the_o other_o but_o what_o reason_n and_o consideration_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o brutal_a courage_n and_o arm_a madness_n from_o natural_a strength_n heat_v with_o the_o feverish_a imagination_n of_o crown_n and_o sceptre_n this_o high_a and_o dare_a disposition_n absalom_n politick-driver_n see_v and_o abuse_v his_o heady_a resolution_n and_o inconsiderate_a boldness_n make_v he_o they_o know_v very_o well_o the_o fit_a instrument_n to_o actuate_v their_o malice_n they_o give_v advice_n and_o he_o be_v to_o undertake_v the_o combat_n they_o contrive_v and_o he_o be_v to_o act_n within_o those_o line_n which_o they_o have_v chalked-out_a as_o his_o blood_n serve_v to_o countenance_n so_o his_o great_a spirit_n to_o animate_v their_o wicked_a intention_n out_o of_o his_o discontent_a passion_n his_o counsellor_n wrought_v their_o own_o end_n and_o as_o it_o often_o happen_v unto_o young_a and_o noble_a disposition_n entangle_v he_o in_o their_o old_a and_o most_o dishonourable_a design_n but_o such_o man_n shall_v sure_o answer_v not_o only_o for_o themselves_o but_o also_o those_o who_o they_o have_v seduce_v if_o absalon_n by_o the_o management_n of_o a_o faithful_a counsellor_n may_v in_o his_o station_n have_v become_v a_o ornament_n of_o his_o country_n and_o by_o ahitophel_n wicked_a insinuation_n be_v make_v the_o worst_a of_o subject_n such_o
ahitophel_n policy_n defeat_v a_o sermon_n preach_v on_o the_o 9th_o of_o september_n be_v the_o day_n appoint_v by_o his_o majesty_n for_o a_o public_a thanksgiving_n for_o his_o and_o the_o kingdom_n great_a deliverance_n from_o the_o late_a treasonable_a conspiracy_n against_o his_o sacred_a person_n and_o government_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o enemy_n that_o reproach_v i_o than_o i_o can_v have_v bear_v it_o neither_o be_v it_o be_v that_o hate_v i_o that_o do_v magnify_v himself_o against_o i_o then_o i_o will_v have_v hide_v myself_o from_o he_o but_o it_o be_v thou_o one_o who_o i_o esteem_v as_o myself_o my_o guide_n and_o my_o acquaintance_n we_o take_v sweet_a counsel_n together_o psalm_n lv._o 12_o 13_o 14._o regum_fw-la exitus_fw-la si_fw-la reputaverimus_fw-la plures_fw-la à _fw-la suis_fw-la quà m_fw-la ab_fw-la hostibus_fw-la interemptos_fw-la reperiemus_fw-la quint._n curt._n l._n ix_o non_fw-la creditur_fw-la nisi_fw-la perpetratum_fw-la facinus_fw-la liv._o l._n xl._n london_n print_v for_o w._n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o s._n paul_n churchyard_n 1683._o 2_o sam._n xv._o 12._o and_o absalon_n send_v for_o ahitophel_n the_o gilonite_n david_n counsellor_n from_o his_o city_n even_o from_o giloh_n while_o he_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o the_o conspiracy_n be_v strong_a for_o the_o people_n increase_v continual_o with_o absalon_n we_o read_v in_o the_o xiii_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n that_o absalon_n have_v kill_v his_o brother_n ammon_n for_o defile_v his_o sister_n tamar_n present_o flee_v unto_o geshur_n in_o syria_n where_o he_o continue_v some_o time_n with_o king_n talmai_n his_o grandfather_n by_o the_o mother_n side_n ammon_n be_v elder_a brother_n and_o therefore_o consider_v absalom_n aspire_v genius_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o he_o commit_v this_o parricide_n rather_o out_o of_o a_o ambition_n he_o have_v to_o be_v the_o more_o near_o relate_v to_o the_o crown_n than_o any_o virtuous_a detestation_n of_o his_o brother_n sin_n such_o as_o god_n be_v sometime_o please_v to_o put_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o jewish_a zealot_n however_o he_o take_v this_o occasion_n to_o remove_v he_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o because_o he_o just_o fear_v that_o his_o father_n david_n will_v not_o let_v so_o foul_a a_o fact_n go_v unpunished_a he_o fly_v from_o his_o presence_n and_o return_v not_o again_o to_o jerusalem_n till_o about_o three_o year_n after_o when_o joab_n perceive_v the_o king_n affection_n towards_o his_o son_n by_o the_o parable_n which_o he_o put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o widow_n of_o tekoah_n prevail_v with_o the_o king_n to_o issue_v out_o order_n for_o bring_v he_o back_o again_o to_o the_o imperial_a city_n so_o joab_n arise_v and_o go_v to_o geshur_n and_o bring_v absalon_n to_o jerusalem_n ch._n fourteen_o v._o 23._o where_o after_o he_o have_v reside_v about_o two_o year_n he_o be_v permit_v to_o see_v the_o king_n face_n and_o be_v gracious_o receive_v into_o favour_n good_a king_n david_n can_v not_o cast_v off_o the_o bowel_n and_o tenderness_n of_o a_o father_n though_o he_o unnatural_a child_n abandon'_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o son_n for_o instead_o of_o repent_v for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v he_o second_v his_o former_a sin_n with_o another_o of_o a_o more_o heinous_a nature_n to_o murder_n he_o add_v rebellion_n and_o he_o who_o before_o have_v illegal_o kill_v his_o brother_n do_v now_o both_o against_o all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n wicked_o conspire_v against_o his_o own_o father_n for_o this_o purpose_n he_o prepare_v chariot_n and_o horse_n and_o fifty_o man_n to_o guard_v his_o body_n from_o the_o assault_n of_o his_o enemy_n that_o be_v the_o king_n friend_n and_o because_o he_o well_o know_v that_o his_o design_n will_v not_o take_v effect_n unless_o the_o multitude_n be_v draw_v into_o the_o design_n by_o fair_a speech_n and_o flatter_a insinuation_n he_o steal_v away_o the_o people_n heart_n from_o his_o father_n david_n and_o lest_o his_o secret_a machination_n shall_v be_v discover_v he_o resolve_v to_o quit_v jerusalem_n according_o he_o beg_v and_o obtain_v leave_v to_o depart_v and_o to_o cover_v his_o black_a design_n with_o a_o fair_a appearance_n he_o allege_v religion_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o removal_n i_o pray_v thou_o say_v he_o unto_o the_o king_n let_v i_o go_v and_o pay_v my_o vow_n which_o i_o have_v vow_v unto_o the_o lord_n in_o hebron_n the_o pious_a king_n be_v glad_a to_o find_v his_o son_n so_o well_o dispose_v hope_v that_o now_o he_o will_v serious_o repent_v of_o his_o former_a wickedness_n he_o therefore_o easy_o grant_v his_o request_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o go_v in_o peace_n so_o he_o arise_v and_o go_v to_o hebron_n when_o he_o be_v come_v thither_o he_o send_v for_o ahitophel_n that_o cunning_a politician_n and_o now_o wit_n and_o strength_n judgement_n and_o courage_n be_v unite_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o people_n daily_o flock_v to_o absalon_n and_o that_o great_a number_n continual_o list_v themselves_o into_o the_o conspiracy_n and_o absalon_n send_v for_o ahitophel_n the_o gilonite_n david_n counsellor_n from_o his_o city_n even_o from_o giloh_n while_o he_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o the_o conspiracy_n be_v strong_a for_o the_o people_n increase_v continual_o with_o absalon_n i_o shall_v consider_v the_o word_n with_o relation_n unto_o the_o context_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o strict_o bind_v myself_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o this_o verse_n but_o represent_v this_o conspiracy_n as_o it_o be_v more_o full_o describe_v in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a chapter_n where_o we_o have_v a_o account_n i._o of_o the_o head_n and_o chief_a promoter_n of_o it_o ii_o of_o the_o person_n against_o who_o it_o be_v design_v iii_o the_o pretence_n by_o which_o it_o be_v carry_v on_o iu_o the_o progress_n which_o be_v make_v in_o it_o and_o v._o how_o at_o last_o it_o be_v happy_o discover_v and_o defeat_v i._n the_o chief_a head_n and_o promoter_n of_o it_o be_v absalon_n and_o ahitophel_n two_o who_o qualification_n render_v they_o fit_a both_o to_o project_v and_o execute_v this_o horrid_a conspiracy_n for_o who_o among_o all_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n more_o likely_a to_o go_v further_o in_o a_o rebellion_n than_o absalon_n who_o birth_n and_o beauty_n plausible_a carriage_n and_o undauntd_v courage_n seem_v to_o speak_v he_o a_o king_n at_o the_o first_o sight_n and_o challenge_v the_o high_a place_n of_o honour_n as_o a_o reward_n natural_o due_a unto_o his_o great_a accomplishment_n 1._o by_o birth_n we_o find_v that_o he_o be_v the_o king_n son_n though_o not_o the_o immediate_a successor_n for_o david_n have_v another_o son_n elder_a than_o he_o be_v 2_o sam._n iii_o 3._o but_o no_o matter_n whether_o the_o title_n be_v lawful_a or_o no._n ambition_n stay_v not_o to_o examine_v such_o small_a punctilio_n in_o his_o own_o thought_n he_o be_v the_o most_o deserve_a and_o he_o be_v already_o crown_v in_o the_o people_n favour_n why_o shall_v he_o stand_v upon_o the_o nicety_n of_o law_n when_o his_o own_o merit_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o multitude_n have_v already_o declare_v he_o king_n and_o what_o consecration_n can_v be_v more_o sacred_a than_o this_o wherein_o intrinsic_a worth_n and_o external_n testimony_n do_v both_o concur_v shall_v the_o plea_n of_o hereditary_a succession_n be_v admit_v against_o a_o claim_n seal_v in_o heaven_n and_o proclaim_v on_o earth_n by_o god_n representative_n the_o people_n i_o be_o the_o king_n son_n as_o we_o may_v suppose_v absalon_n argue_v the_o case_n with_o himself_o and_o though_o there_o be_v another_o elder_a than_o i_o be_o yet_o be_v neither_o fit_a to_o govern_v nor_o belove_v of_o the_o people_n the_o privilege_n which_o he_o have_v by_o birth_n be_v cancel_v and_o therefore_o the_o right_n of_o succession_n devolve_v upon_o i_o who_o be_o the_o next_o in_o order_n i_o have_v the_o royal_a blood_n in_o my_o vein_n as_o well_o as_o he_o and_o none_o of_o those_o impediment_n which_o disannul_v his_o birthright_n and_o make_v he_o altogether_o uncapable_a to_o be_v king_n of_o israel_n thus_o we_o may_v suppose_v absalom_n ambitious_a thought_n rove_a beyond_o all_o the_o sacred_a bound_n of_o god_n law_n to_o find_v out_o new_a argument_n whereby_o he_o may_v prove_v that_o he_o and_o not_o his_o elder_a brother_n be_v by_o especial_a providence_n design_v to_o succeed_v in_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o father_n david_n 2._o and_o as_o by_o birth_n he_o be_v the_o king_n son_n so_o he_o have_v other_o advantage_n which_o do_v not_o a_o little_a encourage_v he_o in_o his_o treasonable_a attempt_n his_o fair_a and_o comely_a feature_n render_v he_o amiable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o do_v silent_o plead_v his_o cause_n with_o those_o who_o judge_n according_a to_o appearance_n and_o not_o righteous_a judgement_n among_o all_o the_o
absalom_n obedience_n david_n be_v king_n of_o all_o israel_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v unto_o he_o the_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o caesar_n custom_n tribute_n reverence_n loyalty_n and_o dutiful_a allegiance_n have_v he_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o zedekiah_n yet_o be_v he_o the_o breath_n of_o their_o nostril_n and_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v treat_v as_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o lord_n lam._n iu._n 20._o have_v he_o be_v as_o wicked_a as_o nero_n yet_o he_o be_v god_n vicegerent_n and_o his_o subject_n be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v not_o only_o he_o as_o supreme_a but_o also_o his_o minister_n as_o send_v by_o he_o and_o this_o under_o no_o less_o a_o penalty_n than_o damnation_n have_v he_o be_v the_o great_a oppressor_n and_o most_o cruel_a tyrant_n yet_o who_o have_v any_o right_a to_o say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o eccles_n viii_o 4._o for_o against_o a_o king_n there_o be_v no_o rise_v and_o who_o can_v stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n against_o the_o lord_n be_v anoint_v and_o be_v guiltless_a prov._n xxx_o 31._o 1_o sam._n xxxvi_o 9_o be_v it_o fit_a say_v elihu_n to_o say_v to_o a_o king_n thou_o be_v wicked_a and_o to_o prince_n you_o be_v ungodly_a be_v it_o comely_a nay_o be_v it_o not_o high_o impious_a to_o reproach_n the_o footstep_n of_o god_n anoint_v job_n xxxiv_o 16._o psal_n lxxxix_o 51._o and_o as_o we_o must_v not_o blaspheme_n the_o sacred_a person_n of_o king_n with_o our_o word_n or_o assault_v they_o with_o our_o action_n so_o neither_o must_v we_o murmur_v against_o they_o or_o curse_v they_o no_o not_o in_o our_o thought_n those_o who_o do_v so_o rebel_n not_o only_o against_o they_o but_o against_o the_o king_n of_o king_n who_o have_v reserve_v unto_o himself_o the_o prerogative_n of_o judge_v rebuke_v and_o punish_v his_o representative_n thus_o have_v david_n be_v one_o of_o the_o wicked_a king_n of_o israel_n yet_o every_o soul_n be_v bind_v to_o reverence_n his_o royal_a person_n and_o instead_o of_o oppose_v he_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n be_v oblige_v to_o make_v it_o part_n of_o his_o daily_a prayer_n unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v the_o king_n a_o long_a life_n even_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o neh._n ii_o 3._o but_o if_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o most_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a wise_a and_o prudent_a just_a and_o righteous_a king_n this_o do_v huge_o aggravate_v the_o gild_n of_o those_o rebellious_a israelite_n he_o resemble_v god_n not_o only_o in_o power_n but_o also_o in_o mercy_n wisdom_n and_o justice_n with_o which_o his_o government_n be_v so_o admirable_o temper_a that_o his_o subject_n have_v no_o cause_n to_o complain_v of_o those_o mischief_n which_o usual_o accompany_v that_o prince_n reign_n which_o be_v manage_v with_o barbarous_a cruelty_n unworthy_a cunning_n and_o licentious_a toleration_n what_o therefore_o shall_v move_v they_o to_o rebel_n against_o he_o who_o in_o virtue_n as_o well_o as_o dignity_n of_o place_n be_v the_o light_n of_o israel_n and_o worth_a ten_o thousand_o of_o they_o o_o foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a do_v you_o thus_o requite_v your_o great_a deliverer_n and_o benefactor_n shall_v david_n who_o have_v destroy_v the_o mighty_a man_n and_o preserve_v you_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o philistine_n shall_v he_o who_o have_v save_v you_o as_o well_o as_o himself_o from_o the_o jaw_n of_o the_o lion_n and_o the_o paw_n of_o the_o bear_n shall_v he_o who_o god_n have_v miraculous_o protect_v for_o your_o good_a shall_v he_o be_v depose_v by_o you_o who_o live_v thrive_v and_o prosper_v under_o the_o kind_a influence_n of_o his_o benign_a favour_n do_v you_o first_o judge_v he_o unfit_a to_o govern_v and_o then_o resolve_v to_o rend_v his_o kingdom_n from_o he_o but_o where_o have_v god_n make_v you_o judges_z f_z your_o prince_n ability_n and_o by_o what_o prophet_n have_v he_o pulick_o denounce_v that_o his_o kingdom_n shall_v not_o continue_v to_o what_o man_n of_o god_n have_v he_o give_v commission_n to_o appoint_v another_o during_o his_o reign_n as_o he_o do_v to_o samuel_n to_o anoint_v david_n whilst_o saul_n possess_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n if_o the_o house_n of_o saul_n by_o god_n express_a order_n be_v reject_v for_o his_o rebellion_n against_o god_n shall_v therefore_o good_a king_n david_n without_o positive_a command_n from_o heaven_n be_v dethrone_v by_o the_o people_n god_n do_v not_o now_o transfer_v kingdom_n from_o one_o to_o another_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o when_o he_o do_v so_o he_o never_o give_v any_o power_n to_o the_o people_n either_o to_o create_v or_o depose_v king_n when_o he_o have_v choose_v moses_n to_o be_v king_n in_o jesharun_n he_o abhor_v and_o be_v high_o offend_v at_o those_o factious_a levite_n and_o famous_a member_n of_o parliament_n man_n of_o renown_n who_o shall_v murmur_v and_o remonstrate_v against_o his_o proceed_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o severe_a judgement_n which_o god_n inflict_v upon_o corah_n and_o his_o rebellious_a associate_n absalon_n and_o ahitophel_n with_o their_o rebellious_a associate_n be_v confederate_n together_o with_o one_o consent_n against_o their_o lawful_a and_o most_o gracious_a sovereign_n iii_o and_o that_o they_o may_v put_v a_o good_a face_n upon_o their_o rebellious_a practice_n they_o declare_v that_o they_o very_o unwilling_o enter_v upon_o these_o violent_a course_n can_v they_o any_o other_o way_n have_v redress_v these_o grievance_n under_o which_o the_o whole_a nation_n lie_v most_o sad_o oppress_v alas_o they_o can_v easy_o bear_v the_o affront_v and_o indignity_n which_o david_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o evil_a counselor_n have_v put_v upon_o they_o but_o when_o they_o consider_v the_o oppression_n with_o which_o the_o poor_a people_n be_v harrass_v when_o their_o ancient_a liberty_n and_o just_a right_n and_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v most_o dear_a unto_o every_o true_a israelite_n their_o holy_a religion_n as_o reform_v by_o absalon_n and_o ahitophel_n at_o hebron_n lie_v at_o stake_n and_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v utter_o lose_v when_o israel_n condition_n be_v thus_o miserable_a they_o can_v not_o but_o endeavour_v to_o relieve_v their_o belove_a countryman_n and_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o all_o who_o have_v any_o love_n to_o their_o country_n or_o their_o religion_n will_v join_v with_o they_o in_o this_o righteous_a and_o holy_a cause_n they_o be_v very_o sensible_a that_o the_o follower_n of_o david_n will_v reproach_v they_o as_o rebel_n and_o traitor_n and_o appropriate_a unto_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o the_o loyal_a party_n but_o this_o do_v not_o move_v they_o who_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o brethren_n be_v ready_a not_o only_o to_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o but_o to_o sacrifice_v their_o very_a life_n and_o all_o their_o dear_a concern_v in_o this_o world_n and_o now_o what_o honest_a plain_a and_o simple_a israelite_n hear_v these_o fair_a pretence_n will_v not_o become_v a_o proselyte_n weep_v over_o the_o misery_n of_o his_o nation_n look_v upon_o these_o person_n as_o his_o only_a patriot_n and_o entire_o give_v up_o himself_o unto_o their_o conduct_n these_o sweet_a word_n and_o gloss_a harangue_n especial_o come_v from_o man_n famous_a in_o the_o assembly_n be_v enough_o to_o charm_v the_o common_a and_o vulgar_a though_o innocent_a and_o well-meaning_n people_n a_o upright_a man_n in_o who_o be_v no_o guile_n will_v not_o have_v suspect_v any_o in_o this_o declaration_n when_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o artificial_a persuasive_a to_o draw_v all_o sort_n of_o man_n into_o a_o most_o horrid_a and_o unnatural_a rebellion_n a_o cabal_n of_o republican_n atheist_n and_o fanatic_n meet_v together_o at_o hebron_n and_o agree_v under_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o property_n and_o public_a good_a liberties_n and_o the_o law_n religion_n and_o reformation_n to_o invite_v into_o the_o faction_n the_o honest_a and_o industrions_a the_o ingenuous_a and_o freeborn_a the_o pious_a and_o devout_a they_o be_v already_o assure_v of_o those_o who_o be_v like_a unto_o themselves_o in_o temper_n and_o principle_n and_o that_o they_o may_v catch_v other_o who_o in_o a_o lawful_a sense_n be_v friend_n to_o property_n liberty_n and_o religion_n they_o bait_v the_o hook_n with_o these_o glitter_v pretence_n see_v say_v absalon_n after_o he_o have_v examine_v each_o man_n case_n thy_o matter_n be_v good_a and_o right_a but_o there_o be_v no_o man_n depute_v of_o the_o king_n to_o hear_v thou_o or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n none_o will_v hear_v thou_o from_o the_o king_n downward_o 2_o sam._n xv._o 3._o david_n now_o begin_v to_o grow_v in_o age_n and_o therefore_o absalon_n take_v this_o occasion_n to_o render_v he_o odious_a and_o despicable_a unto_o the_o people_n when_o the_o king_n grow_v old_a the_o giddy_a multitude_n be_v easy_o
and_o austerity_n he_o fall_v upon_o his_o business_n and_o rob_v the_o poor_a widow_n house_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v sanctify_v by_o his_o religious_a performance_n iu_o by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a art_n as_o i_o have_v mention_v the_o conspiracy_n wax_v strong_a and_o the_o people_n increase_v continual_o with_o absalon_n 4._o absalon_n his_o majesty_n declaration_n etc._n etc._n p._n 4._o and_o as_o their_o number_n increase_v so_o do_v their_o boldness_n now_o they_o think_v that_o all_o be_v sure_a and_o therefore_o 6._o therefore_o ib._n 6._o trust_v no_o long_o to_o the_o slow_a method_n of_o sedition_n they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o arms._n and_o if_o ahitophel_n counsel_n have_v be_v take_v he_o with_o his_o 12000_o man_n will_v have_v master_v those_o soldier_n which_o attend_v the_o king_n and_o not_o only_o have_v seize_v but_o have_v kill_v the_o king_n himself_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o this_o height_n there_o be_v no_o look_v back_o or_o think_v of_o a_o reconcilement_n those_o who_o be_v engage_v in_o way_n of_o wickedness_n especial_o in_o this_o bewitch_v sin_n of_o rebellion_n endeavour_v to_o secure_v themselves_o by_o add_v one_o sin_n unto_o another_o hope_v for_o no_o protection_n for_o their_o small_a crime_n but_o by_o the_o commission_n of_o great_a the_o first_o beginning_n of_o treason_n be_v careful_o nourish_v till_o they_o break_v out_o into_o open_a defiance_n and_o what_o at_o first_o perhaps_o deserve_v only_o the_o more_o gentle_a name_n of_o ingratitude_n by_o degree_n increase_v into_o a_o most_o horrid_a conspiracy_n when_o the_o house_n be_v thus_o sweep_v and_o garnish_v and_o this_o one_o devil_n have_v take_v possession_n seven_o devil_n great_a than_o the_o first_o soon_o join_v themselves_o to_o his_o company_n rebel_n seldom_o have_v the_o grace_n to_o repent_v but_o proceed_v from_o one_o iniquity_n to_o another_o till_o treason_n grow_v big_a with_o revenge_n and_o the_o cloud_n which_o at_o first_o can_v scarce_o be_v discern_v swell_v till_o it_o fall_v upon_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o shower_n whirlwind_n and_o tempest_n of_o a_o civil-war_n when_o man_n have_v once_o cast_v off_o that_o allegiance_n which_o they_o owe_v unto_o god_n and_o the_o king_n they_o hold_v it_o ignoble_a to_o retreat_n but_o to_o persevere_v in_o their_o sin_n they_o account_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o generous_a disposition_n such_o a_o anti-christian_n policy_n be_v that_o by_o which_o rebellious_a counsel_n be_v manage_v and_o such_o false_a apprehension_n have_v they_o of_o shame_n and_o honour_n who_o seem_v so_o much_o concern_v lest_o they_o shall_v incur_v the_o one_o or_o lose_v the_o other_o ahitophel_n who_o have_v so_o long_o be_v the_o grand_a contriver_n scorn_v at_o last_o to_o become_v a_o puisney_n penitent_n but_o proceed_v to_o execute_v that_o fatal_a mischief_n which_o before_o he_o have_v project_v i_o will_v sudden_o say_v he_o fall_v upon_o david_n while_o he_o be_v weary_a and_o weak-handed_n ch._n xvii_o 2._o david_n and_o his_o man_n it_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v be_v tire_v with_o their_o long_a and_o hasty_a march_n and_o particular_o he_o be_v afflict_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o son_n vileness_n and_o the_o gild_n which_o he_o thereby_o have_v contract_v be_v it_o may_v be_v presume_v unfit_a for_o any_o action_n as_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n son_n become_v feeble_a when_o he_o hear_v of_o abner_n death_n ch._n iu._n 1._o so_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n this_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a assault_n will_v have_v put_v a_o period_n unto_o the_o king_n life_n and_o government_n for_o what_o resistance_n can_v languish_v and_o disconsolate_a weakness_n have_v make_v against_o confident_a and_o well_o appoint_v strength_n and_o it_o may_v be_v further_o observe_v that_o his_o counsel_n be_v as_o malicious_a as_o it_o be_v cunning_a and_o favour_v as_o much_o of_o transcendent_a wickedness_n as_o it_o do_v of_o complete_a subtlety_n what_o great_a baseness_n be_v there_o than_o to_o take_v advantage_n of_o man_n misfortune_n and_o to_o persecute_v those_o who_o god_n have_v smite_v but_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v to_o find_v either_o honesty_n or_o ingenuity_n in_o ahitophel_n counsel_n especial_o when_o his_o case_n seem_v desperate_a and_o require_v a_o immediate_a execution_n he_o be_v fearful_a lest_o delay_n may_v have_v bring_v he_o into_o danger_n he_o fear_v time_n will_v have_v discover_v the_o fallacy_n of_o absalom_n cause_n and_o have_v reduce_v the_o discontent_a commons_o to_o their_o former_a allegiance_n therefore_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o policy_n he_o will_v not_o let_v slip_v this_o critical_a opportunity_n upon_o mature_a deliberation_n the_o people_n may_v have_v see_v and_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o error_n and_o he_o who_o plot_v against_o the_o life_n of_o good_a king_n david_n by_o a_o legal_a trial_n may_v have_v lose_v his_o own_o he_o foresee_v that_o the_o verdict_n of_o a_o honest_a jury_n will_v have_v pronounce_v he_o guilty_a so_o that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v safe_a but_o by_o the_o present_a destruction_n of_o the_o lord_n anoint_v v._n but_o the_o divine_a providence_n which_o have_v hitherto_o preserve_v david_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n do_v at_o this_o time_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n show_v itself_o in_o the_o wonderful_a and_o gracious_a deliverance_n of_o he_o and_o his_o dear_a relation_n and_o all_o his_o love_a subject_n from_o this_o horrid_a and_o damnable_a conspiracy_n david_n all_o this_o while_n meditate_v no_o revenge_n against_o his_o enemy_n he_o use_v no_o other_o weapon_n but_o his_o prayer_n and_o tear_n he_o incessant_o beseech_v god_n that_o he_o will_v forgive_v his_o persecutor_n and_o slanderer_n and_o that_o he_o will_v turn_v their_o heart_n and_o god_n who_o accept_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o humble_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n hear_v his_o prayer_n and_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o sorrow_n of_o his_o break_a spirit_n for_o present_o after_o he_o have_v put_v up_o his_o earnest_a petition_n unto_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v turn_v the_o counsel_n of_o ahitophel_n into_o foolishness_n hushai_n the_o wise_a archite_a meet_v he_o with_o his_o clothes_n rend_v and_o ash_n upon_o his_o head_n as_o the_o manner_n of_o mourner_n be_v in_o those_o day_n here_o god_n begin_v to_o answer_v david_n prayer_n provide_v a_o man_n who_o wisdom_n qualify_v he_o to_o confound_v ahitophel_n and_o turn_v his_o stratagem_n into_o his_o own_o ruin_n hushai_n prompt_v by_o his_o loyalty_n and_o dutiful_a affection_n will_v have_v wait_v upon_o the_o king_n in_o his_o affliction_n but_o david_n know_v his_o ability_n and_o think_v he_o may_v do_v he_o more_o service_n at_o this_o time_n in_o absalom_n court_n than_o his_o own_o wherefore_o he_o order_v he_o to_o return_v to_o the_o city_n and_o to_o behave_v himself_o so_o as_o to_o gain_v absalom_n favour_n that_o have_v his_o countenance_n he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o defeat_v the_o counsel_n of_o ahitophel_n according_o hushai_n salute_v absalon_n as_o king_n tender_v his_o service_n unto_o he_o and_o be_v admt_v into_o his_o secret_n and_o now_o he_o and_o ahitophel_n be_v the_o two_o grand-counsellour_n and_o the_o whole_a business_n be_v to_o be_v transact_v by_o their_o direction_n after_o other_o lewd_a and_o damnable_a advice_n ahitophel_n give_v that_o most_o pernicious_a counsel_n before_o mention_v which_o be_v that_o he_o with_o 12000_o man_n shall_v pursue_v after_o david_n that_o very_a night_n but_o god_n who_o overrule_n the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n do_v move_v absalon_n not_o to_o resolve_v till_o he_o have_v also_o consult_v hushai_n about_o this_o weighty_a affair_n call_v now_o for_o hushai_n say_v he_o and_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o he_o say_v and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o propound_v the_o question_n to_o he_o shall_v we_o do_v after_o this_o manner_n if_o not_o speak_v thou_o ch._n xvii_o 5_o 6._o absalon_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v with_o what_o ahitophel_n have_v propound_v and_o to_o have_v consult_v hushai_n rather_o as_o one_o who_o he_o be_v unwilling_a to_o make_v his_o enemy_n than_o to_o trust_v as_o a_o friend_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v likely_a do_v put_v no_o great_a confidence_n in_o he_o let_v we_o however_o hear_v say_v he_o slight_o likewise_o what_o he_o say_v but_o when_o hushai_n have_v deliver_v his_o opinion_n he_o be_v strange_o please_v with_o it_o insomuch_o that_o he_o resolve_v to_o act_n according_a to_o his_o direction_n he_o represent_v the_o danger_n which_o may_v have_v arisen_a from_o a_o sudden_a surprise_n david_n man_n he_o tell_v he_o will_v fight_v it_o out_o to_o the_o last_o that_o to_o be_v sure_a david_n lie_v in_o ambush_n be_v hide_v in_o some_o pit_n or_o safe_a place_n and_o will_v certain_o