I reckned till morning that as a Lion so surelie He will my bones break Of me thou wilt make an end speedie 5 Like a poor cran in great distresse or a troubled swallow So did I chatter I did mourne as doth the simple dove My eyes do faile with looking up and very dimmed be O Lord I am oppressed sore now undertake for me 6 What shall I say He spoken hath and al 's hath done no lesse I shall go softly all my yeeres in my soules bitternesse 7 In all these things is the life of my Sprite they that believe Do live by them Recover me and so make me to live 8 Behold for a desired peace I had great bitternesse But thou in love hast sav'd me from the pit of rottenesse For thou who of afflicted men dost ever notice take In thy great mercie all my sinnes hast cast behinde thy back 9 For grave cannot thee praise and death can not celebrate thee They that goe to the pit can not hope for thy trueth surelie 10 The living the living he shall praise thee as I this day The fathers shall to their children make knowne thy truth alway 11 The Lord was ready me to save therefore we with accord To the string'd instruments will sing in the house of the Lord. The Use â—f Kings shall serve the Lord with all their heart â—n great trouble the Lord shall take their part But this the Lord of heav'n can not abide â—hat hearts of Kings be lifted up with pride 13. MANASSEH Forgetting JOseph comforted by Gods great mercy Which made him quite forget his misery From such forgetting he his first born Son Called Manasseh so for such reason â—t may be this King at first got his name He in his life was stain'd with sin and shame â—ike heathen men void of Gods feare and grace He in folie did build up the high place Which his father commanded to destroy He did it build with chearfulnesse and joy As though a God had not beene in Isra'l He madly rear'd up Altars for Baal He made a grove and with much folly driv'n He gave worship unto the host of Heav'n Observing times and using inchantments He did despise the Lords commandements He al 's provoking the Lord unto ire Made his own sons to passe through burning fiâ— He dealt with wizards and sin worthy death He did which did God much provoke to wraâ— In his folly worthy the name of rage He set in Gods house a most vile image This man practisde more vile abominations Then were done by profane heathen nations Who by the force of the great Eternell Destroyed were before his Israel At last the Lord full of compassions Abhorred such abominations Because this man said he hath plaide foole Defiling Judah with his vile idole Behold I bring such troubles and such feares Which shall cause tingle all the hearers earâ— â—r such doings wherein is no relish â—rusalem now wiped like a dish â—all be In red war their foes shall them foil â—hey shall to them become a prey and spoil â—r since from Egypt I brought them the way â—hat was most right they ever went astray Manasseh more in his furie most rude 〈◊〉 Salem did shed much innocent blood While Manasseh did not regard Gods check â—rong Babels captaine took him by the neck â—mong the thornes and him with fetters bound â—o the Lord did this vile man much confound Yet when he was in great affliction â—e ran to God with supplication â—efore the Lord he much humbled his heart â—e pray'd to God who heard him in his smart â—nd helped him and brought him back againe â—rom Babel for in Salem to remaine Then Manasseh did by experience â—ost surely know that God was his defence â—hen was his heart inflamed with gods love â—e all strange gods with idols did remove â—ll strange Altars he brake downe speedily â—ith zeal and cast them out of the city â—t last this King who to God gracious â—eturned was buri'd in his owne house The Use Let sinners learne for no sinne to despaire No sin there is but God can it repaire For witchcraft blood and vile idolatry Manasseh humble did obtaine mercy 14. AMON Faithfull true THis wicked man of two and twenty year Began to reigne He voide of all Gods feâ—â— Did reigne two years God made his Kingdoâ— short Because he made of wickednesse a sport He with Manassch in his wayes was bad But did not with Manasseh turne to God At last against this King unrighteous His servants rose and slew him in his house After this done the people all in ire Did kill these men who did his death conspirâ—â— The Use Let Kings beware of sin to make a sport For many sins doe cut their honours short â—â—t parents learne to feare to goe astray â—â—r their children often follow their way â—â—t Subjects learne to feare their Kings to kill â—â—r other shall not faile their blood to spill 15. JOSIAH The fire of the Lord. BEhold Josiah consider a part The fire of Zeale cleare burning in his heart â—â—ght years he was when he upon the Throne â—â—gan to sit he reigned thirty one â—â—e did with God most constantly abide â—â—om Davids wayes he turned not aside â—hen he was come to eighteene years of age â—ough young in years he was both grave and sage He sent scribe Shaphan to Priest Hilkijah â—â—at the silver for the house of JOVAH â—â—th'red at doores as GODS word did command â—ight be shortly put in the workemans hand Then to Shaphan said the Priest Hilkijah â—ave now found in the house of JOVAH â—ods law-Law-book Then Shaphan tooke it with speed And with great joy and gladnesse it did read After Shaphan this book did with him bring And it in haste did read before the King When he the words heard of that Testament For greef and sorrow the King his cloaths rent Then diverse men by him were set to looke To try right soone the meaning of the Booke A great wrath said he is against us kindled For our fathers against God have rebelled Then at the last the good Priest Hilkijah With others went to Prophetesse Huldah This woman in a Colledge at Salem Did dwell with wisedome she said unto them Thus saith the great Lord God of Israel Vnto the man that sent you yee shall tell Behold I will bring ill upon this place Th' inhabitants I will greatly disgrace All the plagues I will send without remeed Which good Josiah in that Booke did read My wrath against this place shall kindled bee Because of their most vile idolatrie But go and tell the good King Josiah This message from the mighty Lord Jovah Because thou had a trembling tender heart And for such sins did often weepe apart Because when I did speake against this place Thou rent thy cloaths with teares drenching thy face â—hold thou shalt now this great comfâ—rt have 〈◊〉 peace thou shalt be gath'red to thy grave â—ough dayes be coming full of miseries â—â—ore
they come death shall close up thine eyes â—â—ter these men heard such words of comfort â—ey to the King the message did report Then Josiah with the men of Judah â—ent up unto the house of great Jovah â—th him there were the Priests and Prophets all â—ere al 's the people were both great and small 〈◊〉 them he read the Lords booke ev'ry word â—ich had been found in the house of the Lord â—n this good King who Gods word understood 〈◊〉 serve the Lord hard by a pillar stood 〈◊〉 with the people all with one accord â—d make a Covenant there before the Lord Gods presence all ill wayes they forsooke â—â—lling to doe according to that Book Then the King in the name of great Jovah â—mmanded soone the high Priest Hilkijah â—â—th other keepers whether great or small â—ring quickly the vessels made for Ba'l 〈◊〉 for the grove out of Gods Temple faire That he GODS house might cleanse and alâ— paire When this was done in the field of Kidron He in great zeal there them did burne each onâ— And to fulfull the word of th'Eternell The ashes he did carry to Bethel Vile Priests there were who with idolatrie Defiled had both Temple and Citie To Sunne Moone Planets and al 's to Baal They sacrificed and to Heavens host all These vile men he desiring God to please In his great zeal put downe and made to ceâ—â— The grove also which was idolatrous The King with speed brought out from the Lâ—â— house At Kidron he it burnt and stamped small To small powder and cast that powder all Upon the graves of these who foolishly Had beene defiled with idolatrie The Sodomiteâ— far from Gods house he drâ—â— And these who did weave hangings for the gâ—â— He with the rest Topheth defil'd anone Which was in the vile valley of Hinnon So that no man thereafter durst aspire To make his Son for Molech passe the fire Thus he persisting as he had begun Tooke the horses which were given to the Suâ—â— By Kings of Judah which made Priests to mourn The Suns Charets he in a fire did burne He did beat down and break most speedily The Altars which in vile idolatie Manasseh Ahaz when they God forsooke Did build the dust thereof in the base Brooke Of Kidron he did cast High places vile â—or Ashtoreth Chemosh Milcome defile â—e did That bad Abomination â—ard at mount Olives mount of corruption Which Solomon did build in Israel Whereby he much provocked th'Eternell â—as by Josiah destroy'd speedily â—ch was his zeal for the great Gods glory This good King al 's the images brake then â—e cut the groves and with the bones of men â—â—e places fill'd the Altar at Bethel 〈◊〉 Jeroboam made who mov'd Isra'l 〈◊〉 sin he brake downe it to dust he drove â—â—d stampt it small and also burnt the grove The King turning him self at last did spy â—vers Sepulchers wherein dead did ly â—ke up these bones said he in his great ire â—â—on this Altar burn them all with fire â—w do for God who doth my crowne uphold â—â— this long since by God hath beene foretold Then said the King come now and tell to me What title is among the graves I see The men of that city said to the King Heere lyes the Prophet which message did bâ—â— That great Jovah the God of Israel Should do such things to th' Altar of Bethel Then said the King this man whom GOD love Let him alone see no man his bones move Likewise this Prince sent from the great VAH Reform'd the cities of Samariah Their Priests he slew with his sword in his irâ—â— And on their Altars their bones burnt with firâ—â— Then King and people all with one accorâ—â— A great Passeover did keep to the Lord The like whereof before had never bene Among the Kings or yet the Judges sene Yet more the workers with familiar sprits With wizards idols and all idle rits He spied out and wholly put away Thus he Gods house reform'd without delayâ— Unto the Lord this King just and upright With all his heart with all his soul and mighâ— Turned himselfe in great zeal more and morâ— He had no match after or yet before But oh alas the great wrath of Jovah Could not be turn'd from the sins of Judah Manasses sins both cruel and unkind â—ld not go out of great Jehovahs minde 〈◊〉 will said God withdraw now my great love â—m all Judah them now I will remove 〈◊〉 of my sight as I did t' Israel Salem al 's like judgements I will tell 〈◊〉 wrath ' gainst it here plainly I declare â—ugh I had said my name shall ay be there â—hen good Josiah King after all this â—ne with his men to fight at Carchemish â—inst Necho of Egypt land the King â—o did with him a mighty armie bring â—ho to him Embasadors did send â—ell him that he came not for this end â—hurt Josiah either neere or far 〈◊〉 others at whom he intended war â—d hath him sent therefore now let him passe 〈◊〉 afterward thou smart for thy trespasse â—hou Necho in this Gods warre annoy Lord is with him who shall thee destroy â—ut for all this Josiah with Necho â—olv'd to fight him neere to Megiddo â—n he disguised came to that Battell Archers shot and there Josiah fell â—n said the King sore wounded I this day Battell am have me therfore away â—â—e desir'd so they this wounded King From the battell unto Salem did bring In a Charet There this good man he died There he also was with his fathers buried After his death all these that did sojourne In Judah did for him lament and mourne Yea for his death the Prophet Jeremie With words of greefe lamented bitterlie The Use Behold O Kings who minde to please Jovaâ— Of zeale a patterne was this good Josiah This man by halfes did not idolatrie Reforme but purged all most perfectly High places groaves images idols vaine Hill Altars he did cut break and disdaine 16. JEHOACHAZ The possession of God JEhoachaz Son of good Josiah Was after him crowned King of Judah He fear'd not God he in Jehovahs sight Follow'd the trace of wayes that were not râ— Him Phar'oh Necho King of Egypt land Tooke and with fetters strong at Riblah band Wee yeeres of age he was and al 's twentie â—en he was crown'd and reign'd but moneths three The Use Kings here learn not in their sinnes to sport â—angers God who cuts their honours short 17 ELIAKIM called also JEHOJAKIM GOD ariseing â—Fter that Necho King of Egypt land Deposed had by strong and mighty hand â—oachaz he sent for Eliakim â—ose name he chang'd into Jehojakim â—s was the second son of Josiah â—o by Necho was made King of Judah 〈◊〉 age this King was eighteene yeeres and seven â—â—en he began he reigned but eleven 〈◊〉 fear'd not God he in JEHOVAHS sight â—low'd the trace of wayes that were not right â—n his dayes Nebuchanezzar the King 〈◊〉 Babylon Jehojakim did bring â—o
the Lord our God â—ey brought unto us men of knowledge good â—e sons of Mahli the sons of Levi number eighteene with other twentie â—en I proclaim'd a fast there said Ezra Even hard besids the river Ahava That we our selves there where me may abodâ— Might sore afflict before th' Almighty God To seek of him a way with diligence Both for our selves our sons and our substancâ— For I thought shame to seek from the King theâ— A band of Souldiers and al 's of Horsemen Us to protect against our foes for I Had to the King uttred this speach boldly The hand of GOD will surely their part taâ— That do him feare But these that him forsakâ— And with profane walk in the wicked path They surely shall feel the dint of his wrath So we besought the Lord with hunmble fast And he intreated was of us at last When this was done Ezra great quantitie Of silver gold and fine copper quickly Causd to be weighed to the Priests and them He ordain'd all to bring unto Salem On the twelft day of the first mon'th Ezra Departed from the river Ahava That we unto Jerusalem might goe GOD by his hand us sav'd from every foe So we unto Salem came in safetie Wherein the Temple we did clearly see The silver gold well weighed then anone We did deliver our commission Unto the Kings Livetenents whose abode â—as on this side of the river of God â—he house they did most carefully prepare â—hereby they did their diligence declare Chap. 9. â—Hen Ezra was kindled with holy rage Because the people had in mariage â—ken the daughters of a wicked race â—e holy seed thus did themselves disgrace 〈◊〉 among these most wicked Nations â—ey follow'd their abominations â—t let the commons of the people passe â—e great Princes were chiefe in this trespasse When I this thing did hear I quickly rent â—th greefe of heart my mantle and garment â—oni'd I sat downe my heart did bleed â—e haire I pluckt both off my beard and head Then came to me numbers with one accord â—o with their hearts did truely fear the LORD â—ey greeved were for their wicked practise â—te astoni'd till even sacrifice â—en I arose up from my heavinesse â—ing my mantle in my sore distresse â—t with my garment then upon my knees â—ll downe and to God did lift mine eyes Spreading my hands out to his Majestie And said O God to lift my face to thee I am asham'd for even over our head Our sins are greatly increased indeed And our trespasse against thy holy name Up to the Heav'ns is growen up to our shame Since the dayes of our fathers we have seen That we in great trespasse have surely been Unto this day and for our sins have we Our Kings our Priests been to captivitie And spoile deliv'red and to shame of face As we this day do feele with great disgrace And now the Lord to us with sorrowes prest A little space hath made grace manifest That we escape might danger and disgrace And get a naile in his most holy place That so our God might lighten cleare our eyes And in our bondage give a little ease For we who are Gods chosen heritage Among our foes were captives in bondage But God to us extended hath mercy Even in the sight of Kings who mightily In Persia rule that he so by this thing Might unto us even give a reviving For to set up GODS house with buildinâ— faire And desolations thereof well repaire â—nd so in Salem and al 's in Judah 〈◊〉 get a wall from the great JEHOVAH And now our GOD alas what shall we say â—r we thy precepts have despisd this day â—â—d cleane forsaken for in lustfull rage â—ith the heathen we have in mariage â—fil'd our selves in our trespasses we â—fore thy face at this time stand guiltie Chap. 10. VVHen Ezra thus did pray and weepe right sore â—d cast himselfe downe the LORDS house before â—en Jehiels son called Shechaniah 〈◊〉 answere soone and said unto Ezra â— have trespassd against the LORDS command have espousde the strange wives of the land for all this we truely heere may tell â—t touching this there 's hope in Israel â—herefore now let us make without delay â—h GOD a Cov'nant for to put away â—h all the wives and children most forlorne â—ch of these wives have hitherto been borne â—e Ezra for this matter to thee â—ngeth also we with thee will be Be of courage and do as ye now hear Then rose Ezra and made Isra'l to swear That they should do according to his word Then Ezra before the house of the LORD Rose and quickly into the chamber went Of Johanan where he was miscontent For their sins who had beene cari'd away He ate no bread no water in that day He drank at all and they proclaim'd quickly Unto the children of captivity Through all Judah and Salem that together They should themselves for this good purpoâ— gather Then within three dayes as they did ordaine They greatly mourn'd for their sinnes and fâ—raine Then Ezra Priest stood up and al 's did tell By wives yee have increasd sins in Isra'l Therefore unto your fathers God confesse To do his pleasure see that ye professe Sever your selves from the men of the land And from strange wives Then all did taâ— in hand While they heard Ezra speaking thus that day That as he said they gladly would obey That GOD might turne away his anger hote Which kindled was by such a filthie spot They gave their hands that they would put away â—heir wives and being most guilty that day â—s God ordained so it came to passe 〈◊〉 ramme they offred for their great trespasse The Use â—eere learne that though GOD with great miserie â—fflict his Church in long captivitie â—et at the last before that they be shent 〈◊〉 of the evil will surely him repent Zerubbabel with his precepts school'd 〈◊〉 can raise up Jerusalem to build â—r manners good he can finde out a scribe 〈◊〉 learn'd Ezra wise precepts to prescribe â—ee wil not want if it then needfull be good Haggai and faithfull Zacharie â—a Cyrus his ordinance recall Darius he for to build the wall â—n raise who by a most constant decree â—ll furnish all that thereto needfull be See how the LORD can wisely with a beck A winke a vvord the greatest things direct THE GARDEN OF ZION The Booke of Nehemiah A Prayer THy workes are wondrous as all men mâ— see Thy Phoebus bright careering on the sky Comes foorth pompous like a Bridgroomâ— light Thy starres like nailes of gold decore the nighâ— Thou sends thy winds justing among the clouds They roare they stirre the bubbling waâ— floods What god O GOD can be compar'd to thee ' â—ho art great Ruler both of land and sea â—rant unto me that in my sacred layes 〈◊〉 may expresse the glory of thy wayes By Zerubabel thou thy Temple faire â—ebuilt by Ezra thou didst well repaire â—hat was amisse in manners
alway His parts or yet his power I will not conceale or hide Nor his comely proportion all even as it doth abide 13 Who of his garment glorious well discover can the face Or who with double bridle can come to him in his place 14 Who can the wide doores of his face well open with his key His cruell teeth are round about most terrible to see 15 His scales his pride together are shut close as with a seale So neer they are together that twixt them none air can feele 17 Together they so joined are and stick so that therefore They by no force of strength once can be sundred lesse or more 18 By his neesings a light doth shine as hath beene often try'd His eyes are like the bright eye-lids even of the morning tyde 19 Out of his mouth go burning lamps and sparks of fire most hot 20 Out of his nostrils goes a smoak as from a seething-pot 21 His fyrie breath doth kindle coals when he doth with the same Out of his mouth send speedily a hote consuming flame 22 In his great neck remaineth strength no work can him annoy Thus paines and sorrow him before are turned into joy 23 The flakes of his flesh joined are no thing can them divorce They are so firme that they can not be mov'd by any force 24 His heart is as a stone most firme who could it clearly finde Yea hard as a Mils neather-stone which is laid for to grind 25 The mighy when he riseth up afraid are mightily By reason of such breakings they themselves do purifie 26 The sword of him is broken soone that fiercely layes him at The like befals to dart and spear and unto the breast-plate 27 He alwayes lightly doth esteeme the yron as the straw No more for brasse then rotten wood he fierce doth stand in aw 28 The arrows keen shot from the bow can not him put to flight The sling-stones are in his account most like the stubble light 29 Darts as the stubble counted are for them he hath no fear He with disdain still laugheth at the shaking of the spear 30 Sharp ragged stones are under him he spreads on mire and dirt Sharp pointed things which once his skin not able are to hurt 31 He like a pot doth make the deep to boile as it were hot He makes the sea as ointment al 's all seething in a pot 32 Where he hath past in greatest deepths he leaves upon the streames A shining path so that to all the Ocean hoary seemes 33 Upon the whole earth heer below sure there is not his like He is so made that trembling fear can not upon him strike 34 He doth behold all other beasts as no thing him beside He is the great and mighty king of all the sons of pride Chap 42. AFter that JOB heard this discourse most full of gravitie He to the LORD this answer made and said to him humbly 2 I know that thou canst every thing do whether great or small And that no thought can once from thee witholden be at all 3 Who is he Yea I am the man Who thought my self too holy I hid Gods counsell wise and good by reason of my foly 4 Hear I beseech thee and I will speake and demand of thee What I desire of thee to learne declare thou unto me 5 I often of thee have heard by the hearing of the eare But now I see thee with mine eye ev'n by thy grace made cleare 6 Wherefore I doe my self abhorre and now with full intent In vilest dust and ashes both I humbly do repent 7 And it was so that after GOD these wordes to Job had said To Eliphaze the Temanite the LORD thus answere made I wroth am with thee and thy friends for ye the thing that 's right Not spoken have as righteous Job my servant most upright 8 Therefore take Rammes and bullocks al 's which are both fat and faire And soone unto my servant Job see that yee all repaire A burnt offring bring for your selves for this to GOD is due And Job my servant fervently shall alwayes pray for you For surely will I him accept lest in my justice strict I for your folly at the last some judgement great inflict Because yee have not spoken so discreet in every part What 's right of me as Job hath done with a most upright heart 9 So Eliphaze the Temanite and the Shushite Bildade And Zophar the Naamathite did as the Lord them bade Also the Lord in mercy great when this was done and past Considered Job and cheaâ—efully him did accept at last 10 When for his friends he pray'd the Lord did heale his greefe and sore He unto JOB gave twise as much as ev'r he had before 11 Then came to him his brethren all his sisters and his kin And others all who had before of his acquaintance bin With him they bread ate in his house and they did him bemone And gave him comfort of the ills that GOD brought him upon Each man also incontinent did give as he best could A peece of money and also an earring of fine gold 12 So that the LORD in mercy great unto JOB did extend His gifts in the beginning great but larger in the end For he had fourteene thousand sheep and camels six thousand A thousand yoke of oxen al 's shee asses at command 13 Of Children JOB had at the last seven sons and daughters more In number three so did the LORD his family restore 14 The first he called Jemima and Kesia next the same Then Keren-happuch after her was al 's the third by name 15 In all the land no women were as Jobs daughters so faire Among their brethren Job them gave inheritance most rare 16 He after this an hundred yeers did live and al 's fouttie And saw his sons and his sons sons the fourth genealogie 17 So Job at last deceas'd when he unto old age was come And after he was full of dayes he went to his Long-bome The Use LET men heere learne that no thing heere is sure Who 's rich the day the morrow may be poor Let men heere learn not to feare Satans rage For God his own doth compasse with a hedge If he permit great troubles by and by Our patience they are but sent to try When wee are spoil'd let this bee still wish That patiently in all the Lord we blesse When wee see men deepe plung'd in troubâ—â— sore Let us beware them to condemne therefore It is for man a great temerity Him to condemn whom God doth justifie At last heere learne though godly men a grace Do suffer whiles At last their end is Peace FINIS THE GARDEN OF ZION The Booke of the PROVERBS A Prayer GReat Wisdomes Hall heer as I think I see Embroidred all with Divine-Tapestrie Heere Solomon hath Proverbs grave and wise None but vain fools such wisdome can despise Now great Jehovah with thy Heavenly fan Blow up my breast that I may
Eternall From GLASGOW the 28 of MAY 1644. Your humble servant Mr. ZACHARY BOYD PRAYERS TO GOD FOR HIS ASSISTANCE IN THIS WORK 1. AT Thee JOVAH this work I will begin Inspire mine heart and also guide my pen Teach me to teach and to publish the story Of thy most great workes to thy praise and glory â—ouchsafe on me in thy mercy a look â—hat with thy praise I may embosse my book â—y heart anone shall godly matter frame 〈◊〉 thou shalt glade it with thy glowing flame 〈◊〉 shine on me with thy bright countenance â—nd make thy beams through my bowels to glance 〈◊〉 let not from me thy good sprit depart â—hat with thy Saints I here may act my part 2. O Mighty GOD who all things underprops Refresh mine heart with thy cleare silver drops â—ke Zion hill in a faire May morning â—angled with dew that I thy praise may sing 〈◊〉 purge my soul my drossie sprits refine â—ne empty breast fill with thy breath divine â—onceive in me and after bring to birth â—erses most sweet which I may warble forth â—ouble thy sprit on me LORD I thee call â—â—jah like let mercies mantle fall â—y verse begot in paine and borne in pleasure â—â—t them containe of thy praises a Treasure Grant unto me that in my sacred layes I may expresse the glory of thy wayes O blessed Lord who hearts and reines dost try Make thou my thoughts to soare and cut the sky My musick meene accept and with a look Of mine incense receive this little smooke The widowes mites get thy more large report Then Hecatombes of the richest sort O Lord of love my soul with mercy fraught And take in good part this poore Char-coale draugâ— All foggie mists and sable clouds expell That I thy praise unto the world may tell Reveale to me Salvations sacred things Seal'd in the Casket of the King of kings O Jesus Christ be thou my sure refuge Who bare the doome of that Italian Judge 3. O gracious God now teach me to compile An usefull work with grace now steel my stile That whosoever reads this book he may Reape profite I comfort thou praise for ay The use of this Booke COnsider this who dost these verses read Heer is a Garden both with flowre and weed The pleasant Rose heâ—re smelleth fragrantly The stinking Hemlock thou may also see Heere learne with godly godly be in life Ahorre all these who have beene men of strife Example good follow but shun abuse By Gods wisedome of all these men make use THE GARDEN OF ZION ADAM Earth THis is the man who after sea and land Was made of Earth by great JEHOVAHS hand In his nostrils He breath'd the breath of life And of a rib Hee form'd for him a wife â—ithin this clay immortall life He placed â—f he by sin had not himself disgraced By divine favour He gave him a pledge True holinesse which was His own image He in great love did choose him as His heir And made him of so foule a masse so fair His great VICE-ROY yea His beloved Son Perfect and peerlesse even a Paragon But Oh alas he did not so abide But lost this image by his foolish pride And unbelief whereon as on a rock He made shipwrack a senselesse sottish block That learned Tree the Tree of good and ill Abusde by man did mankinde spoile and spill When he was well content he could not sit But lost us all by a forbidden bit The lofty wife and the crafty Serpent For Adams fall were Satans instrument The sprite apostat residing within That speckled beast with smooth damask skin The simple sexe deceived craftily Assuring her with GOD equall to be Poor Adam chiefly by her lost his life Who was his Phoenix Sister Daughter Wife The earth therefore for pleasant fruits and corneâ— Brought nothing foorth but nettles thistles thorne When man did look of fruits to get a feast The briers and burs did bristle up their breast The LORD on man no meat then would allow Till first the sweat should bubble on his brow He who before was holy meek and wise A fool by sin was thrust from paradise A glorious Park wherein without all tearm He might have dwelt if he had pay'd his Farm But now disgrac'd for disobedience To dwell in Eden he hath not licence The tree of life to him may not affoord Her fruit A Cherub boasts him with a sword Nine hundred and al 's thirty years he lived â—mmortall first at last for sin he died Thus he whom satan by sin did deceive A slimy Burgar was laid in his grave The Use When thou hast sinn'd beware thy selfe to hide â—n Adams fall behold the fruits of pride Of strong made weak of wise become a foole Gods character cancell'd with griefe and doole Great sweat of browes no rest untill our bones â—e cooped up in a cold heap of stones â—h that our sense as the spiders could be Which starts as soone as stirres the buzzing flie Within her web Oh that we could begin â—o feele to hate the least approach of sin EVAH Living ISHAH of man was after call'd EVAH From life by ADAM direct'd by JOVAH She of a rib was made the first woman Who by her pride brought many woes to man Mans other self his love his help his wife With the serpent was cause of all the strife For such a fault her poor condition Was paine in birth and great subjection But heere her comfort in her greatest need The womans seede shall bruise the serpents head The Son of Marie Jesus Christ our Lord 'Twixt God and man shall make a blest accorâ— The Use Let EVAHS fall vaine vvomen terrifie And teach them all to love humilitie Blest be her seede vvho us restor'd againe And of our sins unreel'd the snarled skain CAIN Possession FIrst borne of man name from possession A sacrificer by profession â—hy browe did fall with an envious eye â—ecause the Lord prefer'd Abel to thee â—hou of Abel a bloody murderer â—ecamst who should have beene his best keeper â—ecause his blood doth cry aloud to me â—hou on the earth a vagabound shall be The Use â—y Cains madnesse thou may clearely try What monsters lurke in the sinne of envy â—inne soone is done but after comes the smart 〈◊〉 vagabound all trembling at the heart â—en sinne in secret but God keeps account 〈◊〉 his exchequer how their sinnes do mount ABEL Vanitie THou second Sonne thy name is vanitie Thy Hebrew name did so foretell to thee â—hy cruel brother through envy and strife 〈◊〉 thy faire youth bereft thee of thy life â—ods holy worship thou didst not neglect 〈◊〉 thy service JEHOVAH had respect â—hough in thy youth of death thou trod the path â—â—t still thou lives renowned for thy faith The Use It is no wonder by envie and wrath To see just men unjustly put to death Most blest is he whose heart base slimy he Surmounting towards his creature leaps Strive vvith Abel to dwell
their ownâ— eyes For they at last perceived well and thought That this whole work of our great GOD waâ— wrought Moreover then the Nobles of Judah Sent many letters unto Tobiah And he to them for in Judah forlorne And wicked men had then unto him sworne And he to them for he was son in law To Shechaniah the son of Arah Also his son then called Johanan Had mar'd the daughter of Meshullam Also they did his good deeds before me Report that I to wrath might kindled be What wordes I spake they made him them 〈◊〉 heare And Tobiah wrot for to cause me feare Chap. 7. IT came to passe that when fair Salems wall Was builded and the doores were set up all When the porters and all the singers sweet With Levits were appointed as was meet 〈◊〉 to my brother called Hanani Over Salem then gave the charge quicklie As also to the good Hananiah Who was faithfull and did feare great Jovah 〈◊〉 said unto them See they not forgot That Salems gates untill the Sun was hote Should not be op'ned and that carefully Both day and night they should watch the câ—ty Now the city indeed was large and great But the people were very few in it The houses al 's were not in every part Well builded then my GOD put in mine heart To gather all the Nobles for to see To reckon evry mans genealogie So we found out the Register anone Of them which first came out of Bayylon Habajahs sons were put from the Priest-hood Because that they by Register make good Could not to shew their right genealogie So they no more as Priests might reckned be The governour then said as was most meet That holy things these men no more should eate Till their stood up at last a faithfull Priest With Vrim and with Tummim on his breast At this time the people were lesse and more Fourty two thousand three hundred threescore Besides these were servants numbred rightly Seven thousand three hundred seven and thirty They had of men two hundred fourtie five And women who to sing sweetly did strive The Tirshatha at these occasions With others gave right large oblations So God forgetting their iniquities Made Israel to dwell in their cities Chap. 8. THen the people gathred from every tribe Came all unto Ezra the Priest and scribe Desireing h m that he would take in hand To read and make them for to understand The law of God So Ezra stood to read And to expound the people all gave head And that he might be better understood He stood upon a Pulpit made of wood Ezra there standing did blesse the Lord then The people all answ'red Amen Amen With lifted hands their heads they bowed dowâ— And dâ—d worship with faces to the ground Then Jeshuah Hodijah and Bani With others read Gods law book distinctly And gave the sence in each difficle thing And causd them to understand the reading Then Nehemiah the Tirshatha great With Ezra Levites who the people taught Said to the people Now with one accord Rejoice this day is holy to the Lord See that to mourne or weep yee stand in aw For all did weep when they did heare the Law Then said he to them as he thought most meet Goe eat the fat and also drinke the sweet Send portions let nothing now be spared To help these for whom nothing is prepared Be not now sory but rejoice at length For that the joy of the LORD is your strength Thus the Levits with their most holy skill So taught the people that they all were still Now hold your peace to them there they did say Neither be greev'd for holy is this day Then all the people as they thought most meet Did go away both for to drink and eat And to send portions and to make great mirth Because they had heard GODS word of great worth Then gathred were upon the second day Numbers to hear what Ezra scribe would say Both Priests Levits and people in a band Came unto Ezra for to understand The law of GOD then found they that Isra'l In booths of branches once a year should dwell And that they should with diligence the same In all the cities of the land proclame So all the people for to shun reproof As Ezra bade made booths upon the roof Of their houses and some made in the street Some in GODS court as they thought fit aâ— meet Since Joshuas dayes Isra'l had not done so Then all rejoic'd as was enjoin'd to do The people then forgetting their distresse Were filled all with joy and great gladnesse Then Ezra wise a worthy man indeed In the book of Gods law did dayly read Seven dayes the feast they keeped the eight daâ— Was most solemne that done they went away Chap. 9. NOw of this mon'th in the twentie fouâ— day The children of Isra'l without delay Assembled were with sackcloth and fasting And earth upon them a signe of mourning Then from all strangers Israels holy seed Did separate themselves and did indeed Confesse their sins before the Lord right soone And al 's the sins which their fathers had done â—hen as they were directed by GODS grace â—ith reverence they stood up in their place â—ne fourth part of the day they read Gods law â—nother fourth part they confessd with awe â—heir greevous sins and that with one accord â—hat done in feare they worshipped the Lord. Then on the staires the Levites by and by â—o standing up unto the Lord did cry â—hen other Levits said with one accord â—tand up and blesse for ever yee the Lord â—hy glorious name for ever blessed be â—hich is extoll'd above blessings most hie â—hou even thou art the mighty Lord alone â—y thee the Heav'ns the Heav'n of Heav'ns were done â—ith all their hoste the Earth and all that be â—herein with what doth swimme in the deep sea â—hou by thy power dost preserve them all â—hey at thy feet to worship thee downe fall Thou art the LORD who diddest choose Abram â—rom Vr of Calde whom thou Abraham Didst call after and foundest most surely His heart to be most faithfull before thee With him in mercy thou being contenâ— Made a most sure and solemne Covenant To give the land of wicked Cananits Of Hittits and the profane Perizzits And Ammorits and Girgashites by grace To these who should be of Abrahams race What Thou hast said Thou hast performed now For in all things most righteous art thou The troubles of our Fathers thou didst see And heardst their cry even hard by the 〈◊〉 sea And shewedst signes and wonders to Pharo And on his servants and people also For Thou didst knowe how that they deâ— proudly Against them so a Name Thou didst gâ— Thee As clearely it appeares to us this day Yea before Thee we must confesse aâ— say Thou before them the red sea didst divide So that the waves were walls on every side â—hey stood up straight as thou diddest command â—hat thy people might walke
gravely scan These weighty words and their sense wisely reach Which Jedidiah thy servant did preach Now clear my sky even like Mantle blew How I may pen these Proverbs to me shew Within my heart now make thy Sprite divinâ— To work as doth in Caskes the finest wine Which by some chink if it get not a vent Blowes up the bung or doth the Hodghead rent As thou hast set me thy help before Reveale thy self to me yet more and more CHAPTER I. The Preface THe Proverbs that are words of weight of the wise Solomon Who was the king of Israel and of David the son 2 Their use is wisdome for to know good instruction reach To understanding words perceive which men discretion teach 3 Th' instruction wise for to receive in all humilitie Of wisdome justice and judgement and al 's of equitie 4 To give unto the simple folk a divine subtilty Unto the young man knowledge and discretion good thereby 5 A wise man will hear and also his learning will increase A wise man shall attaine unto wise counsels more or lesse 6 To understand a proverb and th'interpretation mark The weighty words of the wise al 's their sayings that are dark The beginning of the Proverbs 7. GODS fear is the beginning of knowledge that maketh wise But wisdome and instruction all fools wickedly despise 8 My son hear the instruction of thy father stand in aw And of thy mother dear see that thou not forsake the Law 9 For they of grace an ornament shall be unto thine head And they shall be about thy neck as chains most rare indeed 10 My dear son if to wickednesse vile sinners thee entise Consent thou not but from their course abstain if thou be wise 11 If they say Come with us Let us lay wait for humane blood Let us now lurk for these that be both innocent and good 12 Let us them swallow up alive as doth the greedy grave Even like to these that go to pit from which none can them save 13 We shall all precious substance finde as in a fertile soile We also in great plenty shall our houses fill with spoile 14 Among us now cast in thy lot and care not for a curse Let us rejoice and let us all have only but one purse 15 My son walk thou not in the way with them but them disdain From their path full of wickednesse see thou thy foot refrain 16 For their feet do most swiftly run to that which is not good And make great haste for by all means to spill and shed much blood 17 By the sight of the net well might the foolish bird be taught But she intent upon her food is heedlesly then caught 18 And for their own blood they lay wait and others think to slay And while they lurk thus privily their lives they still betray 19 So are the wayes of every one that greedie is of gaine Which of the owners takes away the life that is profane 20 She who the Fathers wisdome is doth cry aloud without Her voice to me she in the streets doth utter with a shout 21 She in the chief place of concourse even in the gates and way Doth cry She in the city doth these words most wisely say 22 How long will yee simplicity thus love without all skill And ye scorners delight to scorn and fools hate knowledge still 23 Turn you at my reproof behold into you I will powre My Sprite I will make known my words unto you every houre 24 Because I called have and yee refus'd to understand And no man hath regarded once when I stretch'd out my hand 25 But ye proudly have set at nought my counsell grave and wise And would hear none of my reproof but did it all despise 26 I al 's at your calamitie to laugh will not forbear I will you surely scorn and mock all trembling in your fear 27 When your fear and destruction great shall come as a whirlewinde When anguish and distresse shall come your hearts with grief to binde 28 Then shall they cry but I will not them answer when they call They shall me earely seek but they shall not me find at all 29 For that they hated knowledge which aboundeth in GODS word And foolishly refusd to chuse the true feare of the Lord. 30 They fooles would none of my counsell which might have made them wise They all the words of my reproofe most proudly did despise 31 Therefore of their owne way they shall the fruit eat ever still And their divices naughty all with folly shall them fill 32 For the eyes of the simple shall them slay and much annoy And the prosperitie of fooles shall quickiy them destroy 33 But who so hearkneth unto mâ— he shall most safely dwell And shall be quiet all his life from all the fear of ill Chap. 2. MY dear son if thou wilt receive my wise words reverently And if thou my commandment al 's wilt surely hide with thee 2 So that thou now thine ear unto GODS wisdome still incline And most humbly thy heart apply unto wisdome divine 3 Yea if thou after knowledge good dost cry as for thy choice And understanding for to get high liftest up thy voice 4 If thou with care for her dost seek as for the silver fine And for her as for treasures hid to search thou dost encline 5 Then shalt thou rightly understand of the LORD GOD the fear And finde the knowledge of the LORD which to all should be dear 6 For the LORD who is mercifull doth richly give wisdome Knowledge and understanding both out of his mouth do come 7 He sound wisedome lay'th up for these that doe live righteously He is a buckler unto them that doe walk uprightly 8 Of his most just judgement the paths he keepeth every day And of his Saints that serve him he preserveth well the way 9 Then righteousnesse and judgement al 's thou shalt well understand With equitie and al 's the path wherein thy foot shall stand 10 When worthy wisdome entreth in thy well prepared heart And knowledge pleasant to thy soule doth in no time depart 11 Discretion shall preserve thee well from danger all that be And understanding from the LORD most safely shall keep thee 12 Thee to deliver from the way of the man that ill brings From the pernicious wicked man that speaketh froward things 13 Who foolishly leave and forsake the paths of uprightnesse For in their foly great to walk in the wayes of darknesse 14 Who do rejoice for to do evill and that with all their might And in the wickeds frowardnesse have pleasure and delight 15 Whose wayes are crooked knowing not what is streight uprightnesse And they in their most wicked paths are full of frowardnesse 16 Thee from the strange woman to save more dangerous then swords From the stranger which flatt'reth much with her deceitfull words 17 Which the guide of her youth forsakes who still should be her love