PATER COELESTIS. First they had fathers, then had they patriarchs, Then dukes, then judges, to their guides and monarchs. Now have they stout kings, yet are they wicked still, And will in no wise my pleasant laws fulfil. Always they apply to idol-worshipping, From the vile beggar to the anointed king.
ESAIAS PROPHETA. For that cause thou hast in two divided them, In Samaria the one, the other in Jerusalem. The king of Judah in Jerusalem did dwell, And in Samaria the king of Israel. Ten of the twelve tribes became Samaritans, And the other two were Hierosolimitans. In both these countries, according to their doings, Thou permittedst them to have most cruel kings. The first of Judah was wicked king Rehoboam, Of Israel the first was that cruel Jeroboam; Abijam then followed, and in the other Nadab, Then Baasha, then Etah, then Zimri, Jehoram, and Ahab.[294] Then Ahaziah, then Athaliah, then Jehoash; On the other part was Jotham and Ahaz. To rehearse them all that have done wretchedly In the sight of thee, it were long verily.
PATER COELESTIS. For the wicked sin of filthy idolatry, Which the ten tribes did in the land of Samaria. In space of one day fifty thousand men I slew, Three of their cities also I overthrew, And left the people in such captivity, That in all the world they wist not whither to flee. The other two tribes, when they from me went back To idolatry, I left in the hand of Sesack, The king of Egypt, which took away their treasure, Conveyed their cattle, and slew them without measure. In time of Ahaz, an hundred thousand and twenty Were slain at one time for their idolatry. Two hundred thousand from thence were captive led, Their goods dispersed, and they with penury fed. Seldom they fail it, but either the Egyptians Have them in bondage, or else the Assyrians. And alone they may thank their idolatry.
ISAIAS PROPHETA. Well yet, blessed Lord, relieve them with thy mercy. Though they have been ill by other princes' days. Yet good Zedekiah hath taught them goodly ways. When the prince is good, the people are the better; And as he is nought, their vices are the greater. Heavenly Lord, therefore send them the consolation, Which thou hast covenanted with every generation. Open thou the heavens, and let the lamb come hither, Which will deliver thy people altogether. Ye planets and clouds, cast down your dews and rain, That the earth may bear out healthful savour plain.