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
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
shall_v arise_v from_o the_o loin_n from_o the_o grave_n of_o abijam_n he_o shall_v revive_v david_n and_o reform_v judah_n the_o gloomy_a time_n of_o corruption_n shall_v not_o last_v always_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n shall_v at_o length_n break_v out_o and_o bless_v the_o sad_a heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a it_o be_v a_o wonder_n how_o asa_n shall_v be_v good_a of_o the_o seed_n of_o abijam_n of_o the_o soil_n of_o maachah_n both_o wicked_a both_o idolatrous_a god_n will_v have_v we_o see_v that_o grace_n be_v from_o heaven_n neither_o need_v the_o help_n of_o these_o earthly_a conveyance_n shall_v not_o the_o child_n of_o good_a parent_n sometime_o be_v evil_a and_o the_o child_n of_o evil_a parent_n good_a virtue_n will_v seem_v natural_a and_o the_o giver_n will_v lose_v his_o thanks_n thus_o we_o have_v see_v a_o fair_a flower_n spring_v out_o of_o dung_n and_o a_o well-fruited_n tree_n rise_v out_o of_o a_o sour_a stock_n education_n have_v no_o less_o power_n to_o corrupt_v than_o nature_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o just_a praise_n of_o asa_n that_o be_v train_v up_o under_o a_o idolatrous_a maachah_n he_o maintain_v his_o piety_n as_o contrary_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o those_o that_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o precept_n and_o example_n of_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n to_o fall_v off_o to_o lewdness_n or_o superstition_n there_o be_v four_o principal_a monument_n of_o asaes_n virtue_n as_o so_o many_o rich_a stone_n in_o his_o diadem_n he_o take_v away_o sodomy_n and_o idol_n out_o of_o judah_n who_o can_v wonder_v more_o that_o he_o find_v they_o there_o than_o that_o he_o remove_v they_o what_o a_o strange_a incongruitie_n be_v this_o sodom_n in_o jerusalem_n idol_n in_o judah_n sure_o debauch_a profession_n prove_v desperate_a admit_v the_o idol_n you_o can_v doubt_v of_o the_o sodomy_n if_o they_o have_v change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o uncorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_o to_o corruptible_a man_n and_o to_o bird_n and_o fourfooted_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o uncleanness_n through_o the_o lust_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o dishonour_v their_o own_o body_n between_o themselves_o if_o they_o change_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n into_o a_o lie_n and_o worship_v and_o serve_v the_o creature_n more_o than_o the_o creator_n who_o be_v bless_v for_o ever_o no_o marvel_n if_o god_n give_v they_o to_o vile_a affection_n to_o change_v the_o natural_a use_n into_o that_o which_o be_v against_o nature_n burn_v in_o lust_n one_o towards_o another_o man_n with_o man_n work_v that_o which_o be_v unseemly_a contrary_o admit_v the_o sodomy_n you_o can_v doubt_v of_o the_o idol_n unnatural_a beastliness_n in_o manner_n be_v just_o punish_v with_o a_o sottish_a dotage_n in_o religion_n bodily_a pollution_n with_o spiritual_a how_o shall_v the_o soul_n care_v to_o be_v chaste_a that_o keep_v a_o stew_n in_o the_o body_n asa_n begin_v with_o the_o banishment_n of_o both_o scour_v judah_n of_o this_o double_a uncleanness_n in_o vain_a shall_v he_o have_v hope_v to_o restore_v god_n to_o his_o kingdom_n while_o these_o abomination_n inhabit_v it_o it_o be_v just_o the_o main_a care_n of_o worthy_a and_o religious_a prince_n to_o clear_v their_o coast_n of_o the_o foul_a sin_n oh_o the_o unpartial_a zeal_n of_o asa_n there_o be_v idol_n that_o challenge_v a_o prerogative_n of_o favour_n the_o idol_n that_o his_o father_n have_v make_v all_o these_o he_o deface_v the_o name_n of_o a_o father_n can_v protect_v a_o idol_n the_o duty_n to_o his_o parent_n can_v win_v he_o to_o a_o like_n to_o a_o forbearance_n of_o his_o mis-devotion_n yea_o so_o much_o the_o more_o do_v the_o heart_n of_o asa_n rise_v against_o these_o puppet_n for_o that_o they_o be_v the_o sin_n the_o shame_n of_o his_o father_n do_v there_o want_v think_v we_o some_o courtier_n of_o his_o father_n retinue_n to_o say_v sir_n favour_v the_o memory_n of_o he_o that_o beget_v you_o you_o can_v demolish_v these_o statue_n without_o the_o dishonour_n of_o their_o erector_n hide_v your_o dislike_n at_o the_o least_o it_o will_v be_v your_o glory_n to_o lay_v your_o finger_n upon_o this_o blot_n of_o your_o father_n reputation_n if_o you_o listen_v not_o to_o allow_v his_o act_n yet_o wink_v at_o it_o the_o godly_a zeal_n of_o asa_n turn_v the_o deaf_a ear_n to_o these_o monitor_n and_o let_v they_o see_v that_o he_o do_v not_o more_o honour_v a_o father_n than_o hate_v a_o idol_n no_o dearness_n of_o person_n shall_v take_v off_o the_o edge_n of_o our_o detestation_n of_o the_o sin_n nature_n be_v worthy_a of_o forgetfulness_n and_o contempt_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n as_o he_o remove_v the_o idol_n of_o his_o father_n abijam_n so_o for_o idol_n he_o remove_v his_o grandmother_n maachah_n she_o will_v not_o be_v remove_v from_o her_o obscene_a idol_n she_o be_v therefore_o remove_v from_o the_o station_n of_o her_o honour_n that_o princess_n have_v age_v both_o in_o her_o regency_n and_o superstition_n under_o her_o rod_n be_v asa_n bring_v up_o and_o school_v in_o the_o rudiment_n of_o her_o idolatry_n who_o she_o can_v not_o infect_v she_o hope_v to_o over-awe_n so_o as_o if_o asa_n will_v not_o follow_v her_o god_n yet_o she_o presume_v that_o she_o may_v retain_v she_o own_o doubtless_o no_o mean_n be_v neglect_v for_o her_o reclamation_n none_o will_v prevail_v religious_a asa_n gather_v up_o himself_o and_o begin_v to_o remember_v that_o he_o be_v a_o king_n though_o a_o son_n that_o she_o though_o a_o mother_n yet_o be_v a_o subject_n that_o her_o eminence_n can_v not_o but_o countenance_n idolatry_n that_o her_o greatness_n suppress_v religion_n which_o he_o shall_v in_o vain_a hope_n to_o reform_v while_o her_o superstition_n sway_v forget_v therefore_o the_o challenge_n of_o nature_n the_o awe_n of_o infancy_n the_o custom_n of_o reverence_n he_o strip_v she_o of_o that_o command_n which_o he_o see_v prejudicial_a to_o his_o maker_n all_o respect_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n must_v be_v trample_v on_o for_o god_n can_v that_o long-setled_n idolatry_n want_v abettor_n questionless_a some_o or_o other_o will_v say_v this_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o your_o father_n abijam_n this_o of_o your_o grandfather_n rehoboam_n this_o of_o the_o latter_a day_n of_o your_o wise_a and_o great_a grandfather_n solomon_n this_o of_o your_o grandmother_n maachah_n this_o of_o your_o great_a grandmother_n naamah_n why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v you_o why_o shall_v you_o suspect_v either_o the_o wisdom_n or_o piety_n or_o salvation_n of_o so_o many_o predecessor_n good_a asa_n have_v learned_a to_o contemn_v prescription_n against_o a_o direct_a law_n he_o have_v the_o grace_n to_o know_v it_o be_v no_o measure_v truth_n by_o so_o modern_a antiquity_n his_o eye_n scorn_v to_o look_v so_o low_a raise_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o uncorrupt_a time_n of_o solomon_n to_o david_n to_o samuel_n to_o the_o judge_n to_o joshua_n to_o moses_n to_o the_o patriarch_n to_o noah_n to_o the_o religious_a founder_n of_o the_o first_o world_n to_o the_o first_o father_n of_o mankind_n to_o paradise_n to_o heaven_n in_o comparison_n of_o these_o maachahs_n god_n can_v overlook_v yesterday_o the_o ancient_a error_n be_v but_o a_o novice_n to_o truth_n and_o if_o never_o any_o example_n can_v be_v plead_v for_o purity_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o the_o precept_n be_v express_v he_o know_v what_o god_n say_v in_o sinai_n and_o write_v in_o the_o table_n thou_o shall_v not_o make_v to_o thyself_o any_o grave_a image_n nor_o any_o similitude_n thou_o shall_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o they_o nor_o worship_v they_o if_o all_o the_o world_n have_v be_v a_o idolater_n ever_o since_o that_o word_n be_v give_v he_o know_v how_o little_a that_o precedent_n can_v avail_v for_o disobedience_n practice_n must_v be_v correct_v by_o law_n and_o not_o the_o law_n yield_v to_o practice_v maachah_n therefore_o go_v down_o from_o her_o seat_n her_o idol_n from_o their_o grove_n she_o to_o retiredness_n they_o to_o the_o fire_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o water_n woeful_a deity_n that_o can_v both_o burn_v and_o drown_v neither_o do_v the_o zeal_n of_o asa_n more_o magnify_v itself_o in_o these_o privative_a act_n of_o weed_n out_o the_o corruption_n of_o religion_n than_o in_o the_o positive_a act_n of_o a_o holy_a plantation_n in_o the_o fall_n of_o those_o idolatrous_a shrine_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n flourish_n that_o do_v he_o furnish_v with_o those_o sacred_a treasure_n which_o be_v dedicate_v by_o himself_o by_o his_o progenitor_n like_o the_o true_a son_n of_o david_n he_o will_v not_o serve_v god_n cost-free_a rehoboam_n turn_v salomon_n gold_n into_o brass_n asa_n
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
the_o agent_n yet_o israel_n and_o juda_n be_v now_o peece_v in_o friendship_n jehosaphat_n the_o good_a king_n of_o juda_n have_v make_v affinity_n with_o ahab_n the_o idolatrous_a king_n of_o israel_n and_o beside_o a_o personal_a visitation_n join_v his_o force_n with_o his_o new_a kinsman_n against_o a_o old_a confederate_n juda_n have_v call_v in_o syria_n against_o israel_n and_o now_o israel_n call_v in_o juda_n against_o syria_n thus_o rather_o shall_v it_o be_v it_o be_v fit_a that_o the_o more_o pure_a church_n shall_v join_v with_o the_o more_o corrupt_a against_o a_o common_a paganish_a enemy_n jehosaphat_n have_v match_v with_o ahab_n not_o with_o a_o divorce_n of_o his_o devotion_n he_o will_v fight_v not_o without_o god_n inquire_v i_o pray_v thou_o at_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o day_n have_v he_o do_v thus_o soon_o i_o fear_v athaliah_n have_v never_o call_v he_o father_n this_o motion_n be_v news_n in_o israel_n it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v inquire_v of_o 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much_o to_o inquire_v what_o god_n will_v say_v as_o what_o ahab_n will_v have_v they_o say_v they_o see_v which_o way_n the_o king_n heart_n be_v bend_v that_o way_n they_o bend_v their_o tongue_n go_v up_o for_o the_o lord_n shall_v deliver_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n false_a prophet_n care_v only_o to_o please_v a_o plausible_a falsehood_n pass_v with_o they_o above_o a_o harsh_a truth_n have_v they_o see_v ahab_n fearful_a they_o have_v say_v peace_n peace_n now_o they_o see_v he_o resolute_a war_n &_o victory_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a presage_n of_o ruin_n when_o the_o prophet_n conspire_v in_o assentation_n their_o number_n consent_n confidence_n have_v easy_o win_v credit_n with_o ahab_n we_o do_v all_o willing_o believe_v what_o we_o wish_v jehosaphat_n be_v not_o so_o soon_o satisfy_v these_o prophet_n be_v it_o be_v like_o obtrude_v to_o he_o a_o stranger_n for_o the_o true_a prophet_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o judicious_a king_n see_v cause_n to_o 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as_o evil_a a_o sick_a palate_n cry_v out_o of_o the_o taste_n of_o those_o liquor_n which_o be_v well_o allow_v of_o the_o healthful_a it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o good_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n when_o every_o verdure_n can_v receive_v his_o proper_a judgement_n wise_a and_o good_a jehoshaphat_n dissuade_v ahab_n from_o so_o hard_a a_o opinion_n and_o see_v cause_n so_o much_o more_o to_o urge_v the_o consultation_n of_o michaiah_n by_o how_o much_o he_o find_v he_o more_o unpleasing_a the_o king_n of_o israel_n to_o satisfy_v the_o importunity_n of_o so_o great_a and_o dear_a a_o ally_n send_v a_o officer_n for_o michaiah_n he_o know_v well_o belike_o where_o to_o find_v he_o within_o those_o four_o wall_n where_o unjust_a cruelty_n have_v dispose_v of_o that_o innocent_a seer_n out_o of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o prison_n be_v the_o poor_a prophet_n fetch_v into_o the_o light_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o confession_n of_o two_o king_n who_o think_v this_o convocation_n of_o prophet_n not_o unworthy_a of_o their_o great_a representation_n of_o state_n and_o majesty_n there_o he_o find_v zedekiah_n the_o leader_n of_o that_o false_a crew_n not_o speak_v only_o but_o act_v his_o prediction_n sign_n be_v no_o less_o use_v by_o the_o prophet_n than_o word_n this_o arch-flatterer_n have_v make_v he_o horn_n of_o iron_n the_o horn_n be_v forceable_a the_o iron_n irresistible_a by_o a_o irresistible_a force_n shall_v ahab_n push_v the_o syrian_n as_o if_o there_o be_v more_o certainty_n in_o this_o man_n hand_n than_o in_o his_o tongue_n if_o this_o son_n of_o chenaanah_n have_v not_o have_v a_o forehead_n of_o brass_n for_o impudence_n and_o a_o heart_n of_o lead_n for_o flexiblenesse_n to_o humour_n and_o time_n he_o have_v never_o devise_v these_o horn_n of_o iron_n wherewith_o his_o king_n be_v gore_v unto_o blood_n howsoever_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o he_o that_o he_o be_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v second_v all_o the_o great_a inquest_n of_o these_o prophet_n give_v up_o their_o verdict_n by_o this_o foreman_n not_o one_o of_o four_o hundred_o dissent_v vnanimitie_n of_o opinion_n in_o the_o great_a ecclesiastical_a assembly_n be_v not_o ever_o a_o argument_n of_o truth_n there_o may_v be_v as_o common_a and_o as_o firm_a agreement_n in_o error_n the_o messenger_n that_o come_v from_o micaiah_n like_o a_o carnal_a friend_n set_v he_o in_o a_o way_n of_o favour_n tell_v he_o what_o the_o rest_n say_v how_o they_o please_v how_o unsafe_a it_o will_v be_v for_o he_o to_o vary_v how_o beneficial_a to_o assent_v those_o that_o adore_v earthly_a greatness_n think_v every_o man_n shall_v dote_v upon_o their_o idol_n and_o hold_v no_o term_n too_o high_a for_o their_o ambitious_a purchase_n faithful_a micaiah_n scorn_v the_o motion_n he_o know_v the_o price_n of_o the_o world_n and_o contemn_v it_o as_o the_o lord_n live_v what_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o i_o that_o will_v i_o speak_v neither_o fear_n nor_o favour_n can_v tempt_v the_o 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to_o guard_v or_o guide_v itself_o all_o the_o safety_n all_o the_o direction_n of_o it_o be_v from_o the_o keeper_n without_o who_o every_o cur_n chase_v and_o werry_n it_o every_o track_n seduce_v it_o such_o shall_v israel_n soon_o be_v if_o ahab_n be_v rule_v by_o his_o prophet_n the_o king_n of_o israel_n do_v not_o believe_v but_o quarrel_n not_o at_o himself_o who_o have_v deserve_v evil_a but_o at_o the_o prophet_n who_o fore-signified_n it_o and_o be_v more_o careful_a that_o the_o king_n of_o juda_n shall_v mark_v how_o true_a he_o have_v foretold_v concern_v the_o prophet_n than_o how_o true_a the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v concern_v he_o bold_a micaiah_n as_o no_o whit_n discourage_v with_o the_o unjust_a check_n of_o greatness_n double_v his_o prediction_n and_o by_o a_o second_o vision_n particularize_v the_o mean_n of_o this_o dangerous_a error_n while_o the_o two_o king_n sit_v majestical_o in_o their_o throne_n he_o tell_v they_o of_o a_o more_o glorious_a throne_n than_o they_o whereon_o he_o see_v the_o king_n of_o god_n sit_v while_o they_o be_v compass_v with_o some_o hundred_o of_o prophet_n and_o thousand_o of_o subject_n and_o soldier_n he_o tell_v they_o of_o all_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n attend_v that_o other_o throne_n while_o they_o be_v deliberate_v of_o a_o war_n he_o tell_v they_o of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n just_o decree_a the_o judgement_n of_o a_o deadly_a deception_n to_o ahab_n this_o decree_n of_o the_o high_a be_v not_o more_o plain_o reveal_v than_o express_v parabolical_o the_o wise_a and_o holy_a god_n be_v represent_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n consult_v of_o that_o ruin_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o the_o wicked_a king_n of_o israel_n that_o increated_a and_o infinite_a wisdom_n need_v not_o the_o advice_n of_o any_o finite_a and_o create_v power_n to_o direct_v he_o need_v not_o the_o assent_n and_o aid_n of_o any_o spirit_n for_o his_o execution_n much_o less_o of_o a_o evil_a one_o yet_o here_o a_o evil_a spirit_n be_v bring_v in_o by_o way_n of_o vision_n mix_v with_o parable_n proffer_v the_o service_n of_o his_o lie_n accept_v employ_v successful_a these_o figure_n be_v not_o void_a of_o truth_n the_o action_n and_o event_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o decree_n the_o decree_n be_v shadow_v out_o by_o the_o resemblance_n of_o humane_a proceed_n all_o evil_a motion_n and_o counsel_n be_v original_o from_o that_o malignant_a spirit_n that_o evil_a spirit_n can_v have_v no_o power_n over_o man_n but_o by_o the_o permission_n by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o almighty_a that_o almighty_a as_o he_o be_v no_o author_n of_o sin_n so_o he_o ordinates_n all_o evil_a to_o good_a it_o be_v good_a that_o be_v just_a it_o be_v just_a that_o one_o sin_n shall_v be_v punish_v by_o another_o satan_n be_v herein_o no_o other_o than_o the_o executioner_n of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v as_o far_o from_o infuse_v evil_a as_o from_o not_o revenge_v it_o now_o ahab_n see_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o applaud_a consent_n of_o his_o rabble_n of_o prophet_n one_o evil_a spirit_n have_v no_o less_o deceive_v they_o than_o they_o their_o master_n he_o be_v one_o therefore_o he_o agree_v with_o himself_o he_o be_v evil_a therefore_o both_o he_o and_o they_o agree_v in_o deceit_n oh_o the_o noble_a and_o undaunted_a spirit_n of_o michaiah_n neither_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o king_n nor_o the_o number_n of_o the_o prophet_n can_v abate_v one_o word_n of_o his_o true_a though_o displease_v message_n the_o king_n of_o israel_n shall_v hear_v that_o he_o be_v mislead_v by_o liar_n they_o by_o a_o devil_n surely_n jehoshaphat_n can_v but_o wonder_v at_o so_o unequal_a a_o contention_n to_o see_v one_o silly_a prophet_n affront_a four_a hundred_o with_o who_o lest_o confidence_n shall_v carry_v it_o behold_v zedekiah_n more_o bold_a more_o zealous_a if_o michaiah_n have_v give_v he_o with_o his_o fellow_n the_o lie_n he_o give_v michaiah_n the_o fist_n before_o these_o two_o great_a guardian_n of_o peace_n and_o justice_n swagger_v zedekiah_n smite_v michaiah_n on_o the_o face_n and_o with_o the_o blow_n expostulate_v which_o way_n go_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o i_o to_o speak_v unto_o thou_o for_o a_o prophet_n to_o smite_v a_o prophet_n in_o the_o face_n of_o two_o king_n be_v intolerable_o insolent_a the_o act_n be_v much_o unbeseeming_a the_o person_n more_o the_o presence_n prophet_n may_v reprove_v they_o may_v not_o strike_v it_o be_v enough_o for_o ahab_n to_o punish_v with_o the_o hand_n no_o weapon_n be_v for_o zedekiah_n but_o his_o tongue_n neither_o can_v this_o rude_a presumption_n have_v be_v well_o take_v if_o malice_n have_v not_o make_v magistracy_n insensible_a of_o this_o usurpation_n ahab_n be_v well_o content_a to_o see_v that_o hate_a mouth_n beat_v by_o any_o hand_n it_o be_v no_o new_a condition_n of_o god_n faithful_a messenger_n to_o smart_v for_o say_v true_a falshood_n do_v not_o more_o bewray_v itself_o in_o any_o thing_n than_o in_o blow_n truth_n suffer_v while_o error_n persecute_v none_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o boast_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o those_o that_o have_v the_o least_o as_o in_o vessel_n the_o full_a be_v silent_a innocent_a michaiah_n neither_o defend_v nor_o complain_v it_o will_v have_v well_o beseem_v the_o religious_a king_n of_o judah_n to_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o dumb_a to_o have_v check_v insolent_a zedekiah_n he_o be_v content_a to_o give_v way_n to_o this_o tide_n of_o peremptory_a and_o general_a opposition_n the_o helpless_a prophet_n stand_v alone_o yet_o lay_v about_o he_o with_o his_o tongue_n behold_v thou_o shall_v see_v in_o that_o day_n when_o thou_o shall_v go_v into_o a_o inner_a chamber_n to_o hide_v thyself_o now_o the_o proud_a baalite_n show_v himself_o too_o much_o ere_o long_o he_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o lurk_v unseen_a his_o horn_n of_o iron_n can_v bear_v off_o this_o danger_n the_o son_n of_o ahab_n can_v choose_v but_o in_o the_o zeal_n of_o revenge_v his_o father_n deadly_a seducement_n call_v for_o that_o false_a head_n of_o zedekiah_n in_o vain_a shall_v that_o impostor_n seek_v to_o hide_v himself_o from_o justice_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n he_o go_v away_o with_o honour_n michaiah_n with_o censure_n take_v micaiah_n and_o carry_v he_o back_o to_o amon_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o city_n and_o to_o joash_n the_o king_n son_n and_o say_v thus_o say_v the_o king_n put_v this_o fellow_n in_o prison_n and_o feed_v he_o with_o bread_n of_o affliction_n and_o with_o water_n of_o affliction_n until_o i_o come_v in_o peace_n a_o hard_a doom_n of_o truth_n the_o jail_n for_o his_o lodging_n course_n bread_n and_o water_n for_o his_o food_n shall_v but_o reserve_v micaiah_n for_o a_o further_a revenge_n the_o return_n of_o ahab_n shall_v be_v the_o bane_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o this_o he_o that_o advise_v benhadad_o not_o to_o boast_v in_o put_v on_o his_o armour_n as_o in_o the_o ungirding_n it_o and_o do_v he_o now_o promise_v himself_o peace_n and_o victory_n before_o he_o buckle_v it_o on_o no_o warning_n will_v dissuade_v the_o wilful_a so_o assure_v do_v ahab_n make_v himself_o of_o success_n that_o he_o threat_v ere_o he_o go_v what_o he_o will_v do_v when_o he_o return_v in_o peace_n how_o just_o do_v god_n deride_v the_o misreckoning_n of_o proud_a and_o foolish_a man_n if_o ahab_n have_v have_v no_o other_o sin_n his_o very_a confidence_n shall_v defeat_v he_o yet_o the_o prophet_n can_v be_v overcome_v in_o his_o resolution_n he_o know_v his_o ground_n can_v deceive_v he_o and_o dare_v therefore_o cast_v the_o credit_n of_o his_o function_n upon_o this_o issue_n if_o thou_o return_v at_o all_o in_o peace_n the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v by_o i_o and_o he_o say_v harken_v o_o people_n every_o one_o of_o you_o let_v he_o never_o be_v call_v a_o prophet_n that_o dare_v not_o trust_v his_o god_n this_o be_v no_o adventure_n therefore_o of_o reputation_n or_o life_n since_o he_o know_v who_o he_o believe_v the_o event_n be_v no_o less_o sure_a than_o if_o it_o have_v be_v past_a he_o be_v no_o god_n that_o be_v not_o constant_a to_o himself_o have_v he_o speak_v and_o shall_v he_o not_o perform_v what_o hold_v have_v we_o for_o our_o soul_n but_o his_o eternal_a word_n the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v not_o more_o sure_a than_o his_o promise_n than_o his_o sentence_n of_o judgement_n well_o may_v we_o appeal_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o world_n in_o both_o if_o there_o be_v not_o plague_n for_o the_o wicked_a if_o there_o be_v not_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a god_n have_v not_o speak_v by_o us._n not_o ahab_n only_o but_o good_a jehoshaphat_n be_v carry_v with_o the_o multitude_n their_o force_n be_v join_v against_o ramoth_n the_o king_n