The holy court in five tomes, the first treating of motives which should excite men of qualitie to Christian perfection, the second of the prelate, souldier, states-man, and ladie, the third of maxims of Christianitie against prophanesse ..., the fourth containing the command of reason over the passions, the fifth now first published in English and much augemented according to the last edition of the authour containing the lives of the most famous and illustrious courtiers taken out of the Old and New Testament and other modern authours / written in French by Nicholas Caussin ; translated into English by Sr. T.H. and others.

BEhold here an admirable Courtier that was never of the number of those flatterers of the Court that keep Truth in Iron-Chains, and give to vices the colour of virtue. Elijah was a Prophet that included the name of God and of the Sun in his Name, and who all his life-time bare the perfections of them both, as being a true child of Light, of Fire, and a visible image of the invisible beauties. As he was yet hang∣ing at his mothers breast, his father had a vision, by which it seemed to him that his son sucked fire in stead of Milk, and nourished himself with a most pure flame, which without offending him, furnished him with an Aliment as delicious as possible. So was he all his life a Man of Fire, and as it seemed that that King of E∣lements followed the course of his words and will, so he burnt also in the Interiour with that fire that kindles the heart of Angels.

He was the first of men that set up the Standart of Virginity, that consecrated it upon his body when it was unknown and despised in the World, who made an Angelicall order of the Mount Carmel to which he hath transmitted his spirit through a long and sweet posterity that hath found sources of contemplation which he derived to the world to water the barrennesse of the Earth, that hath traced the Originals of all his virtues upon that fair Carmel, upon that sacred solitude that was his first Terrestriall Paradise.

His Speech was Thunder, and his Life Lightning, his Example a School of great Actions, his Zeal a Devouring fire, his Negotiations the affairs of Eter∣nity, His Conversation an Idea of the Contemplative and Civil Life, his Translation a Miracle without peer. I leave to those that have undertaken to write his Life the retail of his Virtues and of his Miracles, staying onely upon his Actions that he did at Court, treating with the Kings Ahab, Jehu, Ahazias, and the wic∣ked Queen Jezabel.

He flourished nine hundred years before the Nati∣vity of our Lord in the Kingdome of Israel, which was then divided both by Religion and by Policy from that of Judah and Jerusalem. Ahab the son of Am∣ri, an ill Crow of an ill Egge, held then the Empire, and being married to a Sidonian the daughter of the King of Sidon which was called Jezabel, an haughty and malicious woman, he was totally governed by her, and to render himself complacent to her humours caused a Temple to be erected to the God Baal, and near that Temple a Grove to be Planted, where were committed all the Abominations ordinary to Idolaters.

Elijah that burned with the Zeal of the honour of God was touched with a most sensible grief by so scan∣dalous an action, and was stireed up by his great Ma∣ster to destroy that Mystery of Iniquity. Now, he knowing that it was hard to Preach efficaciously the Truth to Spirits froliking it in the middest of the smi∣ling prosperities of the world thought, by the order of the God of the Universe, that it was best to afflict that wicked people by a long famine and great adversities to make them reflect upon themselves, and return to the worship of the true Religion. He sware then a∣loud and publickly before Ahab for the punishment of his Idolatry, that there should not be during three years either rain or dew upon the earth, and that the Heavens should become Brasse to chastise that Age of Iron, and that he should not expect that it should be opened during that time, unlesse it were by the words of his mouth.

As soon as he had said this in the presence of wit∣nesses, he went away to the Eastern Coast; and hid himself at the Brook of Carith over against Jordan, where God nourished him by Ravens that brought

him orderly every day his portion. In the mean while the drought failed not to raise a great famine on the earth, and chiefly in the Kingdome of Israel, where one could see nothing but people crying with hunger; But the Heavens took in hand to revenge the God of Hea∣ven, and the Clouds, that are as the Breasts of the Earth, had no water for a people that abused the Elements and all the Creatures to the prejudice of the Creatour.

In the mean while, God that spares not alwayes the Lands and Goods of his Servants in a common havock, that they may not amuse themselves on the vain prosperities of the World, permitted that that Brook that furnished the Prophet with water, should grow dry as well as the rest. But as the Ocean which retires it self out of one River, swells it self in another, so this great Nursing-father of Elias that seemed to fail in matter of that little Rivulet, recompensed it by the miraculous liberality of a poor widdow. He forsook not that station that Providence had assigned him, al∣though barren, before he had orders for it from God his Master, who sent him to the Countrey of Si∣don to Sarepta, assuring him that he had already pro∣vided for his nourishment.

The Prophet arriving at the destined place, found at the City-gate a poor Widow-woman, the mother of a little sonne, and forasmuch as he knew that the Famine was great every where, that he might not a∣stonish her at first, he desired of her onely a glasse of water, which she gave him with a good will, after which, he prayes her to add to it a morsell of bread; but the good woman sware to him that she had but one handfull of Meal left in the great rigour of Fa∣mine, and that she was going to gather two or three small sticks, to make a little fire and to bake a Cake, which would be the last that she and her sonne should eat in all their lives, for after that repast they must re∣solve to dye. Yet for all this Elijah orders her to make him a little Loaf baked under the Ashes, and to think afterward upon her self and sonne, and assure her self that neither her Meal, nor Oyl should diminish any thing till such time as the Famine should be past.

It was a strong proof of the faith of this Sidonian that commanded her to take away the Bread from her self and her sonne to give it to a stranger, and quitting that which she had in her hands to rest upon uncer∣tainties: Yet she obeyed in that great necessity, yiel∣ding more to a man that she knew not, for the esteem that she had of his virtue, and the opinion which she had that he was the servant of the great God, then to her own Life. So true it is That the Considerations of Religion and of Religious persons touch even the souls of Pagans and of Infidels. So was she worthily re∣quited, having a little inexhaustible treasure in her house, which was sufficient for her Prophet, for her self and for her child; and this was a particular mercy of the Sovereign power to her, that called her to his know∣ledge by this miracle, and would not that Elijah should eat alone the bread which he multiplyed by the words of his mouth, but that he should give part of it to the poor, as our Saviour did afterward; God ordaining that good miracles should be never vain, but profita∣ble to the soul and body of men created after the image of God. While he stayed in this house, the sonne of the Dame of it dyed of a burning Feaver, whereof this poor afflicted woman laid the fault upon Elijah, saying that he had renewed the memory of her sinnes before God; and Elijah complained of God for that he had afflicted his Hostesse. But that great Master did all for his own glory, for Elijah having three times contracted himself upon the dead body of the child, breathed into him the spirit of life, and restored him to his mother.

Three years being now passed in the great angui∣shes of hunger, God commanded Elijah to present himself again to Ahab, and was resolved to sent some Rain. When the extremity of the evil was very great, and no inventions could be found to appease the scourge, Ahab a carnall man, instead of having re∣course to Prayers and Supplications to ease his subjects, thought on nothing but preserving his Horses and his Mules. He had at his service and at his Court in qua∣lity of a superintendent of his House, and of his Le∣vies, a great and good man named Abdias who mode∣rated the furies of that wicked Court, saved the Pro∣phets of God when they were persecuted, and great∣ly comforted the People. Ahab resolved to go one way, and send him the other, to seeek some herbage to feed his Cattle.

As Abdias was going along his way, he met with Elijah the Prophet, whom the King had caused to be searched after in his own territories, and through all the neighbouring Kingdoms without being ever able to learn any news of him. And therefore he was ve∣ry much amazed at that accost, and asked him if he were Elijah, whereto he answered, that he was the ve∣ry same, and that he should go and give Ahab in∣formation of his comming. The other making him a low Reverence with his face to the Earth, replyed, wherein have I ever offended you, that you should deliver me into the hands of Ahab with an intention to cause me to be put to death? For it is true that there is no Kingdome nor Nation, whither my Master hath not sent to inquire news of you, without ever getting any light of you; and now if I should go tell the King of your arrivall, and the spirit of God should carry you away (as it doth ordinarily) to transport you into some other part, I should be found a Lyar, and the King would take away my Life. What good would it do you to be the cause of my death, seeing that I have feared God even from mine infancy, and have alwayes honoured his servants so farre as to pre∣serve an hundred Prophets from the horrours of the Persecution, and nourish them secretly at mine own charge in Caves wherein they were hidden? Do not deprive your self now of a servant that is most gain∣ed unto you. The Prophet assured him, and sware to him that he would appear before Ahab.

By which I find that this Abdias was very prudent in that he would not rashly carry a news to his Ma∣ster that should be without effect; because that great ones are easily incensed, when men are so light as to promise them what they ask, and answer not their ex∣pectation; besides that if they are frustrated of their desire, they think themselves to be slighted, and are angry even at the times, and elements that do not ap∣ply themselves to their humours. When therefore he was assured by the inviolable oath of a Prophet, he went to the King, and told him that he had met with Elijah who was ready to present himself to his Ma∣jesty.

This Prince that burned with a passion to see him stayed not till he could come to see him, fearing lest he should steal away again, but went to meet him in per∣son, and having found him, asked him with disdain, whether he was not the man that embroiled all his Kingdome? The Prophet as bold as a Lyon answer∣ed him, that he had never embroiled any thing but that the trouble came from his Fathers house, and from him, for that they had forsaken God and followed Baal; and that if he would know by experience the errour wherein he was, that he should make an Assembly on Mount Carmel of all the People of Israel, and sum∣mon thither the four hundred and fifty false Prophets that are every day fed at Queen Jezabels Table,

and that there should be decided the businesse of Re∣ligion.

It was an high attempt, on which Elijah had never so much as dreamed, had he not had an expresse Re∣velation from God: for one ought not lightly to com∣mit the verity of the faith before the Court and the common people to uncertain disputes and doubtfull ac∣cidents from whence the Pagans and Hereticks may by chance draw some advantage. But the Prophet being well assured on his side; King Ahab exposed him∣self on His to cause a great revolt among his sub∣jects, and a manifest divorce with his wife. Yet God would have it so to disabuse him, and to bring him back to the true Religion.

As soon as he had then accepted the condition and commanded the assembly, there were gathered together an infinite number of people (there being nothing that so much tempts curiosity as the affairs of Religion) It was then, that one might see the assurance and vigour of a true servant of God; for he observing that the King and people who had not yet choaked all the seeds of Truth floated in divers opinions spake so∣lemnly to them, That it was no longer time to halt sometimes on one side, and sometimes on the other, and that if Baal were God they ought to follow him, but if there were no other God but that of Israel, cal∣led upon from all times by their Fathers, it was he to whom they ought to adhere with an inviolable fideli∣ty. To this the assembly made no answer, there be∣ing none that was willing to set himself forward upon an uncertainty. Then Elijah taking the word again said, Behold four hundred and fifty Prophets of Baal on one side, and I a Prophet of the true God all a∣lone on the other part in this place here; To make a tryall of our Religion, let there be two Oxen given us, for each of the two parties, let them be cut in pieces, and the pieces put upon a pile of wood without put∣ing any fire to them either on one side or on the other; we will expect it from heaven, and the Sacrifice upon which God shall make a flame appear from on high to kindle it, shall carry away the testimony of the true Religion.

To this all the people answered with a confused voyce, that it was a good Proposition. The Victims were brought, sacrificed, and put upon the wood to be consumed. The Priests of Baal began first to invoke the heavenly fire, and to torment themselves with great cryes, and a long time without any effect. It was al∣ready mid-day, and nothing had appeared to their ad∣vantage, whereat being very much astonished, they drew out their Razors, and make voluntary incisions upon themselves according to their custome, thinking that a prayer was never well heard, if it were not ac∣companied with their blood, which the evil Spirit made them shed in abundance to satiate his Rage.

This nothing advanced the effect of their Suppli∣cations, which gave occasion to Elijah to mock at the vanity of their Gods, saying, that Baal, that gave no answer, was asleep, or busie, or on a journey, or per∣haps drinking at the Tavern. He remained either with security amidst so many enraged Wolves, covered with the protection of the God of Hosts, and began to prepare his Sacrifice, taking twelve stones in me∣mory of the twelve Tribes of Israel, to erect an Altar to the name of God; after which he divided the Offer∣ing into divers parts, put them all upon the pile, and that none might have any suspition that there was fire hidden in some part of them, he caused abundance of buckets of water to be thrown upon the Sacrifice, and all about it, and then began to say, Great God, God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Israel, shew now that thou art the God of this people, and that I am thy servant. I have obeyed thee in all this resting my self upon thy word; Hear me, my God, my God hear me, and let this assembly learn this day of thee, that thou art the true God, and the absolute Master of all the universe, and that it is thou that art able to reduce their hearts to the true belief.

Scarce had he ended his prayer when the Sacred fire fell down from heaven upon his Sacrifice and devour∣ed the Offering and the Altar, to the admiration of all the People; who prostrating themselves on the ground began to cry, That the God of Israel was the true God. Take then sayes he, the false Prophets of Baal, & let not one sole man of them escape us. The People convinced by the Miracle and the voyce of Elijah, without expect∣ing any other thing, fall upon those false Prophets, takes them, and cuts them all in pieces. Ahab amidst all this stood so astonished that he durst not speak one onely word, nor any way resist the Divine Com∣mand.

The Prophet bad him take his refection, and go into his Coach, for the so much desired rain was near, and having said so, retired himself to the top of the Mount Carmel, and sent his servant seven times to the sea to see whether he could discover any clouds; but he saw nothing till the seaventh time, and then he per∣ceived a little cloud that exceeded not the measure of a hand; and yet he sends him to tell Ahab that it was time to Harnesse, if he would not be overtaken with the rain. He mounted instantly into his Coach to get to the City of Jezrael, and Elijah ran before as if he had wings.

In the mean time the Heavens grew black with darknesse, the clouds collect themselves, the wind blowes and the Rain falls in abundance. Ahab failed not to relate to Jezabel all that had been done, desi∣ring to make the death of those Prophets passe for a decree of heaven, for fear lest that imperious woman should upbraid him with the softnesse of his courage. But she not moved with those great miracles of fire and water, that were reported to her, began to foam with wrath, and to swear by all her Gods that she would cause Elijahs head to be laid at her feet by the morrow that time.

The Prophet is constrained to fly suddenly to save himself not knowing to whom to trust; so that having brought with him but one young man to accompany him in the way, he quitted him, and went alone into the wildernesse, wherein having travelled a day he en∣tred into a great sadnesse, and laid him down under a Juniper-tree to repose himself, and there felt himself very weary of living any longer, and said to God with an amorous heart, My God, it is enough, take mee out of this life, I am not better then my fathers. It is a passion ordinary enough to good men to wish for death, that they may be no more obliged to see so many sinnes and miseries as are in the World, and to go to the place of rest to contemplate there the face of the living God. But this desire ought to be moderated according to the will of God.

As he was in that thought, sleep, that easily sur∣prises a melancholy spirit, and wearied with raving on its pains, slipt into his benummed members and gave some truce to his torments. But that great God that had his eyes open to the protection of so dear a per∣son dispatched to him his guardian Angell, who awa∣ked him, and shewed him near his head a cruse of wa∣ter and a loaf of bread baked under the ashes (for such are the banquets that the nursing Father of all Nature makes his Prophets not loving them for the delights of the body, but contenting himself to give them that which is necessary to life) he saw well that it was a Providence that would yet prolong his life. He

drank and ate, and at length being very heavy fell a∣sleep again. But the Angel that had undertaken the direction of his way waked him, and told him that it behooved him to rise quickly, by reason that he had yet a long way to go. Elijah obeyed, and being risen found that he had gained a merveilous strength, so that he journied fourty dayes and fourty nights being forti∣fied with that Angelicall bread, till such time as he came to the Mountain Horeb. There he retired him∣self into the hollow of a Rock, unknown to men, but well known to God that appeared to him and com∣forted him, asking of him what he made there? Whereto he answered That he was zealous with an ardent zeal for the God of Hosts, but the children of Israel had forsaken him, demolished his Altars, killed his Prophets, and that he alone remained, yet for all that they ceased not to seek his life to extinguish the whole service of God. Upon this God commanded him to come forth, and to stand upon the mountain to see great sights caused by the presence of God. And suddenly there came an impetuous whirlwind that o∣verturned the Mountains and brake the Rocks, but God was not therein; after that impetuous Wind came an Earthquake, but God was not therein; after the Earthquake devouring-Fire, but God was not in those flames; after the Fire, behold there came a small gracious gale, and God was in it. And there∣fore Elijah ravished with a profound respect covered his face with his Mantle, and kept himself at the en∣try of his Cave, where he heard a voyce that deman∣ded of him again what he did there? whereto he an∣swered as before, that he fled from the perfecution of those that would give him the stroke of death for the zeal which he had to the service of the Living God.

But the voyce commanded him to return, and to take again his way through the desert into Damascus, and gave him order to Anoint and declare two Kings, the one over Syria, which was Hazael, and the o∣ther over Israel, which was Jehu that should suc∣ceed his Persecutour. Furthermore, God informed him, that all was not lost, but that he had yet reser∣ved to himself seven thousand servants that had not bowed the knee to Baal, nor lifted up their hands to adore his Idol. He added yet farther, that he should take Elisha for his Companion and Successour, of whom he had reason to expect good effects.

Such was Elijahs Vision, and his discourse with God; and it seemed that this Sovereign Teacher of the Prophets, shewing him the representation of an impetuous wind, of an Earthquake, and of Fire, in which God was not, although he was in a little gen∣tle blast, and would signifie to him that His Spirit is not in those great commotions that would seem to o∣verturn all nature, but in a certain Calm that produ∣ces little noise, but much fruit filling the earth with blessings. So also would he make him hope, that af∣ter these violent persecutions, and those fatall Convul∣sions of Kingdoms, there should come a sweet and peacefull Messias; and that forasmuch as concerned him, Jezabels persecution should cease, and his soul after the toyles of that banishment should taste the sweetnesse of an anticipated Paradise.

He took then his way again according to the com∣mand of God without passing by Samaria, and fin∣ding Elisha plowing the ground with twelve yoak of Oxen, cast his Mantle on him, to signifie to him that he was called of God to that sacred ministery of Pro∣phecy, which the other understood, and quitting in∣stantly his Oxen ran to Elijah, whom he beseeched that he would permit him to go and give the kisse of peace to his Father and Mother, after that he would adhere to nothing, but render himself up to him; which Elijah having granted, he, when he had ac∣quitted himself of his duty, returned and sacrificed two Oxen which he boiled with the wood of his Plough, and made a Feast with them for the people; after which he ranged himself under the conduct of the Prophet, and was a perfect imitatour of his virtues.

An ill occasion embarked him again in a Com∣bat against Ahab and Jezabel, which was fatall to them both. The King had a mind to enlarge his Gar∣dens, and Naboths Vineyard was near his Palace, and for his advantage; he calls for him, and asks him very courteously for it, promising to pay him the price that it was worth, or to buy him a better inheritance in whatsoever place he would. The desire was very ci∣vill, and not like that of so many other Princes and Lords, that disposed at that time of the goods of their subjects as of their own, usurping by violence that which they could not have by right. Yet this good man, that measured all by the affection he bare his Vineyard and not by the submission he owed his Ma∣ster, was obstinate, and told him, That it was the wealth of his Fathers, which he would no way part with.

Ahab was much troubled at this denyall, and re∣turning to his Palace threw himself upon his bed, and would not eat at the ordinary hour of his repast. The Queen his wife being surprised at that accident goes to see him, and inquires after the cause of his indisposi∣tion, which he declared to her out of a desire he had to receive some ease. This Princesse which was a daughter of the King of Sidon, and who knew how her Father reigned absolutely over his subjects falls a laughing, and meaning to blame the weaknesse of her husband, said to him; It appears plainly, Sir, that you are a Prince of great authority, very worthy to go∣vern a Kingdome, since you receive affronts from your subjects, and revenge them upon your self by the losse of your dinner. But if that be all that hinders you, I pray, arise, be merry and eat, for I know the way to make you possessour of that Vineyard that you desire.

At the same instant that Imperious Queen takes her seal, writes a Letter to the Principall men of Jezreel, and commands them to call an Assembly, under co∣lour of a Fast and Publick Prayers, to call Naboth to it, to make him sit amongst the chief, and not to fail to suborn two witnesses against him, that should depose that he had blasphemed against God and his King, and thereupon indite him, and stone him.

Behold how so many Ministers of Iniquity use the Innocent, not seeing that at the same time as they lay snares against the honour, the goods, and the life of their neighbour, an invisible Hand draws up in Hea∣ven the decree of their ruine. This Letter being come to Jezreel, the principall men assemble themselves, and not seeking any delay or incident to sweeten a bad businesse, betray their conscience to avoid the fu∣ry of the King, executing that which was comman∣ded them, and before they are Judges render them∣selves Criminall. Thus go violent Reigns, where vir∣tue is abandoned by some through wvaknesse, and persecuted by others through fury. Miserable Naboth astonished at that wicked calumny, protests his in∣nocence in the face of Heaven and Earth, justifies, and defends himself by good reason; but the false Witnesses, which are the instruments of Satan, and the chief furies against the peace of mankind, urge and torment him; His Judges sold to iniquity con∣demned him; He is led out of the City, delivered to the fury of the people, overwhelmed, as a Blasphe∣mer of God and the King, with a bloody tempest of stones and flints, every hand making it self injurious

against him, some through a false zeal, and others through a compliance with the humours of Ahab and Jezabel.

The news of his death comes instantly to the Court, and Jezabel carries it to the King, without specifying to him any other thing, telling him onely that Naboth was out of the world, and that he might now enjoy his spoils all at leasure. To speak Truth, Great ones have great cause to make to God Davids Prayer, and to beseech him to deliver them from others sinnes, and from those that are hidden from them. Unfortu∣nate Ahab knew nothing of all that had passed, and takes not the pains to inform himself of the manner of that death; He trusted all to his wife, and gave her his signet, his authority his heart and Counsels. It was enough to make him guilty to put the Government of his Kingdome into the hands of that Sidonian wo∣man who, he might well know, had great inclinati∣ons to bloud and rapine. Princes do wisely not to re∣ly too much in every thing upon their Counsellours of State, without watching over their actions, and using all diligence to discover their deportments without be∣lieving any thing lightly either on one side or the o∣ther.

Ahab without taking any farther information was going to possesse himself of Naboths bloudy spoil; when the Prophet Elijah by the command of God came and found him upon the way, and began to roar against him as a Lyon, What, sayes he, Murther the Innocent, and take away his Inheritance bedewed with his bloud? After this what is there more to do? Know, Sir, that the Vengeance of God hangs over your head, and that in the same place as the Doggs licked the bloud of Naboth they shall lick yours. This unhappy Prince extreamly amazed at so thundering a speech was not incensed against the Prophet, but en∣deavouring to pacifie him, said to him, Wherein have I offended you? and in what have you found me your enemy, that you use me with all these rigours? You are enough mine enemy, sayes the Prophet, seeing you are Gods; and since yee have sold your selfe, through love to an Idolatrous woman, to serve her passions, and commit so many wicked acts in the face of God. In punishment of your crimes, He will ruine your House, and blot out your Posterity; the bloud of that mur∣thered Innocent will cost Jezabel dear, for she shall be caten up of Doggs in the field of Jezreel.

Poor Ahab returns hanging down his head with∣out passing farther, tormented on one side by the remorse of his own Conscience, and on the other by the love he bare to his Sidonian, whom he would not any way displease. He said nothing to her of all that shee had done without his privity, in Naboth's busi∣nesse, whether through affection, or through fear of her wicked Spirit. He revenges himself upon him∣self, he rents his Clothes, he fasts, he covers him∣self with sackcloth, without putting it off even when he went to bed; which softned the heart of God, who ordained that the Kingdome should not be taken from him during his life, but that his Posterity should be deprived of it.

Three years were slipt away, and Elijah was ab∣sent, when Ahab resolved to proclaim warre with the King of Syria, to recover Ramoth one of his Cities that the other had usurped, and engaged Jehosaphat King of Juda to his party, making a new Alliance of Arms and Interests with him. When they were assem∣bled, Jehosaphat which had a zeal to the true Religion, said, That it would be good to consult with some Pro∣phet before they enterprised the warre; and Ahab to content him, called for four hundred, but they were the false Prophets of his wife, who were none of the best, and who foretold him all falsoly, that he should have an happy issue of his enterprise. King Jehosa∣phat asked Ahab, whether amongst that great num∣ber of Baals Prophets there were never a Prophet of the true God that one might hear speak, meaning by this to induce him to his duty, and to the knowledge of the true Religion. Ahab replyed that there was none at present, but a certain man named Michaiah, but he could not endure him, because he prophecied nothing but mischief to him. Jehosaphat said, that he ought not for that to hate him, but that it would be good to hear him, and instantly was sent away a Gen∣tleman of the Court to call him. This man ceased not to advise him upon the way to remit something of that rigour that was usuall to him, and to render himself complacent to the King as all the other Prophets had done; whereto he answered, That he could do nothing against the Spirit of God, nor against his conscience. When he was come, he perceived a great assembly of false Prophets, who all approved that warre. One among them named Zedechiah had made himself iron horns, to signifie to King Ahab that he should ran∣sack all Syria with a mighty power, and that no∣thing should resist his Arms. But Michaiah being asked, spake at first by fiction, as the other Pro∣phets, foretelling prosperities without end. Whereat the King being astonished that he did it against his cu∣stome, conjured him not to flatter him, and to tell him openly the truth. To which he answered, that he would not counsell him to hazard a battell against the King of Syria, for if he did, his whole army would be scattered; and added also, that God had given permission to the wicked spirit to deceive him, and that he had found no better way to do it, then to speak by the mouth of so many false Prophets that encom∣passed him. Whereupon Zedechiah being incensed at that speech gave him a blow, and the King comman∣ded his Person to be seized on, and to be put in prison, to be kept there fasting with bread of tribulation and water of anguish till his return. But the Prophet as∣sured him, that if he went he should never return a∣gain.

It is a strange thing that we cannot believe Truth that comes from the mouth of Gods servants, because it complyes not with our passion. It is also a mani∣fest punishment to those that despise it, not to consi∣der that God begins the ruine of their fortune by the blinding of their Counsels. Ahab obstinate to his mi∣serie marches with all his Army against the King of Syria; Jehosaphat engaged through inconsideration in that league pursues what he had ill begun, and thinks that there is no better means to justifie an errour, then Perseverance.

When the two Kings approached the enemy, and the Armies were ranged in Battell, the King of Syria gave expresse charge to his most resolute men to aim at the King of Israel, and to endeavour to carry him, it being the true means to dispatch the businesse and put an end to the warre. Ahab began to fear his un∣happinesse, and prayed Jehosaphat to go into the ming∣ling, putting him forward with courage out of a de∣sign, perhaps, to cause him to be destroyed, and to draw all the weight of the Army upon him, by di∣verting it from his person; And indeed, when the Sy∣rians thought that he that engaged himself so boldly was the most interressed, and that without doubt there was all likely hood that it was Ahab, they fell upon him with ardour, so that he thought he should have been hemmed in. But when he betook himself to cry∣ing out aloud, animating his souldiers to his defence, the enemies that had a mind to spare him retired to fall on Ahab; It happened that an Archer letting fly

an arrow at randome stroke him with a mortal wound: whereupon he commanded his Coach-man to turn a∣bout, and to draw out of the mingling well perceiving that he was grievously hurt. All the Army was im∣mediately scattered, and the Herald of Arms pro∣claimed that every man might return to his home. King Ahab dyed the same day, and his body was brought back to Samaria, where it happened, that as his Coach that was all bloody was a washing in a pool of the same City, the Dogs ran thither and licked up his bloud according to Elijahs prophecy.

Ahaziah his sonne succeeded him inheriting the superstition and misery of his father; for after he had reigned a very little while, he fell out at a window of his house, and grievously hurt himself, without being ever able to find a remedy to his evill. And having forsaken God, sent messengers to the God of Ekron to know if he should recover from that sicknesse; but the Prophet Elijah having met his Messengers upon the way rebuked them sharply, for that they went to consult with Idols, as if there were no God in Israel; and commanded them to tell their Master, that he should not be cured of his wound, but should dye with∣out ever rising out of the Bed wherein he lay. This Prince offended at this truth, causes the Prophet to be pursued, and sends one of his Captains with fifty soul∣diers to apprehend him: This man in mockery called him Man of God, and prayed him to descend from the mountain whither he had retired himself, but Eli∣jah persisting alwayes in his spirit of rigour, said, that he would give him proofs that should make him know that he was not a Man of God through vanity and irrision, and at the same instant he caused fire to descend from heaven, which consumed him and all his company. Ahaziah sends another of them for the same purpose, which meets also with the same successe. He charges again a third, the Captain of which gain∣ed Elijah by submission, and brought him to his Ma∣ster, to whom he spake constantly the truth, and adver∣tised him of his approaching death; and the other durst not do him any mischief, well knowing that he was under Gods protection.

The truth of the Prophecyed was manifest soon af∣ter by the death of Ahaziah, who had for successour his brother Joram, who reigned twelve years, and al∣though Elijah was already translated from this life that is but a passage to another estate, his Prophecy failed not to be accomplished particularly upon the house of Ahab, and the wicked Jezabel. For Elisha according to the order of God, and the command received from his Master, caused Jehu to be crowned to reign in Is∣rael. To this purpose he dispatched one of his Disci∣ples, put a violl in his hand, wherein was the oyl desti∣ned for his unction, giving him charge to go to Ra∣moth in Gilead, where Jehu one of Jorams principall Captains commanded, and besieged the city continu∣ing the siege that Joram had laid before it, whiles he went to Samaria, to be dressed of some wounds that he had received in the warre against the Syrians. Aboue all he recommended to him that the businesse should be kept very secret, and that when he should be arrived, he should call Jehu aside, and withdraw into some chamber, and there consecrate him King with that un∣ction that he had in his hand, making him know that God gave him his masters house and crown to revenge the bloud of the Prophets and servants of God upon the race of Ahab and on Jazabel.

This sonne of a Prophet sent by Elisha did all that was commanded him, and arriving at the Camp found Jehu environed with other Captains, and si∣gnified to him that he had a word or two to speak to him, which made him quit the company, and enter into a neighbouring chamber, where the other powred out the sacred oyle upon his head, said to him I have anointed you this day over the people of the God of Israel, and consecrated you King to ruine from God the house of Ahab your Master, and to revenge the bloud of the Prophets and servants of God upon Je∣zabel who shall be eaten up of Doggs and no body shall give her buriall. As soon as he had said this he opens the door and flies; Jehu comes forth, and shews himself to his Captains, who had a curiosity to know what had passed in that treaty, and asked of him what that mad-man meant that came to him. Jehu feigning that they well enough knew the cause of it, and need not go about to inform themselves, held them in expectation, and in fine declared to them that it was one of Elisha's desciples that had brought him the news that he should reign in Israel, and that such was the will of God.

It is a wonderfull thing that none of the chief men of the Army opposed themselves against it, but that all at that very instant laid down their Cloaks under Jehu's feet as it were to raise him a throne, and cryed out God save the King. The conspiracy against Jo∣ram being framed, he hinders any notice to be given him, and marches with a strong hand to the City to surprise him, and Ahaziah King of Judah together with him, that was come to visite him in his sicknesse. The sentinell that stood at the gate of the City told that he saw a body of Cavaliers coming in a right line to the City, whereupon the King ordered that one of his men should go out to discover it. This Scout was gained by Jehu, and ranged himself on his side. An∣other is sent out, which do••s also the same; whereat the King being much astonished takes his Coach, and and Ahaziah his, to see what the businesse was. As soon as he perceived Jehu, he said, What? are you not a man of peace? Whereto Jehu replyed, What peace, while the fornications and poysonings of Jeza∣bel your Mother are yet in full vigour? Joram saw plainly by his countenance, and by that answer, that there was mischief, and began to wheel about, saying to Ahaziah his companion We are betrayed, and see∣ing that he was no way prepared to make resistance to such a power betook himself to flight. But Jehu bend∣ing his Bow lets fly an Arrow at him that pierced him through and killed him in his Chariot. At the same instant he caused his body to be taken up to cast it on the road, in the field of Naboth, and pursued Aha∣ziah who having received a mortall wound as he fled gave up the Ghost at Megiddo, from whence he was carried to his Metropolis Jerusalem to be interred with his Fathers.

In the mean while Jehu marches victoriously to the City of Jezreel, and the miserable Jezabel hearing of the death of her sonne by the conspiracy of his e∣nemy, and considering that there was no way to oppose him by arms had recourse to the charmes of her self sex. She was yet in such a condition as she thought her capable to enamour that new King. Instead of putting on mourning, she decks and paints her self, and places her self in a window of the City in sight of all the world to see that Conquerour passe by. But he having cast his eyes on high, asked who that woman was, not being able yet well to discern her so farre off, and when answer was made him that it was Jezabel the Queen, he commanded those that were in the window to throw her down, which they did without any farther delibera∣tion, and the miserable in falling bedewed the wall with her bloud, and expired the remainder of her life under the feet of horses. Jehu remembred as he was at sup∣per what had passed, and was touched with some re∣morse for the usage that had been shewed to Jezabel

his Mistresse, and said to his men, Look out the body of that wretched woman, and give it buriall, for she was a Kings daughter. And when they were come up∣on the place they found nothing but her head, with the ends of her feet and hands, the Doggs having eat up the rest. This history is horrible, and none can suffici∣ently imagine the vengeance of God upon those that violate Religion, and shed the bloud of sacred persons and other of Gods servants.

One cannot justifie Jehu for the bebellion against his Master, but in taking him for a scourge of the wrath of God who was an instrument of his Justice without for all that becomming just. For whatsoever pretence he made of Religion, he was pushed on by a tempestu∣ous and bloudy ambition, and made himself a Reven∣ger of Tyrants for no other end, but to be their succes∣sour, filling with crimes the place that he had voided by fury. He made use of the Prophets fo•• his own in∣terest, and left not to continue the Idolatry of the gol∣den Calves, to render himself pleasing to the most po∣werfull. He was an ambiguous spirit, and had as ma∣ny waters and folds, as he had pretensions. He caused his Mistresse to be killed more for the fear of his mind then for the zeal of Religion. This poor Sidonian that was a woman of a good understanding and courage, in∣stead of living quietly with her husband, was pricked on with a vanity to make her Gods be worshipped, and ceased not to persecute the Prophets, having sworn that she would cause Elijah to be murthered, making him to be followed and sought after in all places with∣out being able to entrap him. But on the contrary he ruined her with all her house, leaving a terrour to all great ones to enterprise any thing against those that are protected under the covert of the face of God.

As this Prophet had been a man of Prodigies in all his Life, so God limited his conversation amongst men with a strange miracle that since Enoch had not been practised in the world. It is said that an egg well emptied and filled with dew will mount on high, and follow the raies of the Sun that draws it. So Elijah by a long exercise of contemplation was purified from all earthly things, and filled with the unction of the Spirit of God. He thought on nothing but on Hea∣ven, where he had lodged the better part of himself. God had revealed to him that he should not dye after the manner of other men, but that he should be rapt and carried away into a place of peace and rest. He expected that most happy day, and thought to steal a∣way even from his own disciple Elisha that would ne∣ver quit him. They were walking both together after they had passed the river Jordan on dry foot, Elijah having divided it with his Mantle, when behold a burning Chariot drawn with Horses of fire comes to take up the Prophet. Elisha his disciple had earnestly begged of him, that his Spirit might be multiplyed in him, as well in what touches Prophecy as the gift of Miracles, and Elijah promised him that it should be granted to him, in case that he could see him when he should be taken up. And this is the reason for which that dear Disciple never went out of his sight so much as one moment, and when that Chariot surrounded with innocent flames presented it self, he saw his Master as∣cend who was on a sudden snatched up above the clouds of heaven in recompence of his zeal and most pure Virginity. Elisha looked upon him with tears in his eyes calling him his Father, the Chariot of Israel, and the Conductour of the people of God. In fine, when he appeared no longer, he rent his clothes wear∣ing mourning for a losse common to all the people of Israel, but very particular to him; and gathered up his Mantle as a precious Relique which he carefully kept, making use of it to divide the waters of Jordan, and to renew the miracles of his Master.

Elijah according to the common opinion was trans∣ported to the Terrestriall Paradise from which he is to come at the Renovation of the world. And as if in that dwelling of delights he had not yet cast away the care and direction of the Court; Joram King of Judah received a Letter from him nine years after his Translation, in which he chid sharply for his bad de∣portments, and foretold him the sicknesse that should happen to him. Some hold that that Letter was writ∣ten by Elijah before he was taken up by way of Pro∣phecy, and kept till that time by Elisha. Others as the Hebrews think that it came by Miracle and by the Ministery of an Angell, directed by Elijah at the same time, to teach us, That the Saints renounce not a Legitimate care of the Court, and of the Af∣fairs of the World, when they are to be directed to the glory of God, to whom the Living and the Dead ought to render the Homages of their Fi∣delity.