But God to Nathan the next night did tell That in an house as yet he would not dwell But afterward should come a man of fame Who richly should build an house for his name A son of David whom he would correct If he should sin but not as Saul reject When David heard Nathan from God thus say With heart and harp he did both praise and pray After this done by an courage divine He boldly went and smote the Philistine From them he tooke Metheg and al 's Ammah For with him then was the great JEHOVAH After he had subdued the Philistine He smote Moab and measur'd with a line He after that smote the King of Zobah Being assisted by the great JOVAH After he strong routed the Syrian hoast Who came against him with great brags and boast King Toi hearing of his courage divine Sent to him Joram with a rich propine At last he did consecrate to the Lord Both spoile and presents conquer'd by his sword To Mephibosheth in his great distresse For Jonathan he shew him great kindnesse After all this his servants courtesly He sent to Hanun comforters to be For Nahash death but that fool could not spâ— He cut their coats and made their buttocks bare This al 's he did more for a greater scoff Of all their beards the half he shaved off These men for shame could not lift up their facâ— But on David redounded the disgrace When King Hanun did ponder well and thinkâ— He said this fact in Davids nose doth stinke Before he know we will make an armie To overthrow both him and his partie But David wise did to his captains tell That all should be prepar'd for the Battell That day JEHOVAH who is most mighty Gave unto David a great victory Both Syria and Ammon with their might That day by Isra'l were put to the flight David as yet remaining in his rage ' Gainst Ammon their towne Rabbah did besieâ— He sent Joab unto it for captaine But he himself in great ease did remaine At faire Salem while he did there abide It came to passe about the evening tide He rose from bed and to the roofe he went Where he forgot the Lords commandement With foolish heart and with a rolling eye He did perceive Bathshebahs great beautie Goe to said he you woman to me bring Make haste for what 's unlawfull for a King While David thus burning in lust did say Some vile servant was ready to obey She brought to bed by the King was defil'd Anone after she found her self with child Then in all haste she sent unto the King To see how he might wisely hide that thing Behold thought David a scandale and blot Will soone break foorth except I cloake this spot I see no way to hide from all the land This secret sin but by her own husband If he come home and once but with her ly My sin is hid hence no man shall it try Some servant goe tell to Joab quicklie That he in haste send Uriah to me Then Joab soone him sent when he was come With fair sweet words David made him welcome How Joab did at him he did inquire If all did goe after their hearts desire Then David said I thinke it now most meet Thou goe to thy house and there wash thy feet But these faire words the man not caring for Abode without and sleept at the Kings doore After that David to Usiah said Man with thy wife why didst thou not abide Uriah said The Arke and Israel Joab and Judah right well I can tell Abide in tents during this time of strife And should I now goe to sport with my wife I will not goe as thou livest O King I will not go I will not do such thing When David heard this he found out a wile With drunkenesse Uriah to beguile That being drunk the war he might forget And so go to his wife without all let But God above this thing did so provide At the Kings doore this man did still abide When David saw that for ought he could say To touch his wife this poore man did delay Then wickedly to thinke he did begin How by his blood he might then cloake his sin Bring pen and inke said he to me right soone When he is dead who shall know what is done His strange letter to Joab this did tell Set this man in the front of the Battell When at skirmish in danger ye him see Retire with speed that he may surely die This David wrot He wanting Gods true fear Made Uriah his death with him to bear Then Captaine Joab too too ready bent To pleasure Kings in their commandement Tooke this poor man with cruell craft and slight And set him where most valiant foes did fight Where men of Rabbah fiercely to Battell Came there they fought and there Uriah fell When David heard this he said All is well My secret sin no man shall now reveale After Bathshebah by mutuall accord Became his wife which displeased the Lord. Then God to him his Prophet Nathan sen To let him know that God was miscontent By parable he did himselfe expresse A holy wile to make David confesse His filthie fact and for it sore to weepe Who whole nine months in his vile sin did sleep Then said Nathan there was in one city Two men the one in richesse was mighty The other poore the rich upon his ground Had herds and flocks wherein he did abound But the poore man save an ewe lamb had nought Which he in strait with his poore meanes had bought And nourished with diligence indeed With his children he dayly did it feed Of his owne cup it dranke and of his meat Such as he had it welcome was to eat Yea in his bosome sweetly it did lye And was to him as daughter by and by But O behold unto the rich mans Inne A traveiler came to abide therein The naughty rich man his flocks for to spare Caught the poor lamb it kil'd for to prepare Meat for that man for him it he did dresse What think ye Sir should he not this redresse Then Davids wrath raging against the man Sore kindled was he said unto Nathan As God liveth who liveth most surely That beastly wretch for that vile fact shall die And unto that yet I will adde this more The Lamb fourefold he shall quickly restore This I ordaine no man it shall repeale It seemely is that Kings for God have zeale Then unto David said Prophet Nathan Even thou thy self O King thou art the man Thou wouldst for God seem to have zeal and love Thou hast done that which heere thou dost reprove Thus saith the Lord the God of Israel I unto thee this hard message will tell Ov'r Isra'l King I made thee for to be Out of Sauls hands I safe deliv'red thee Thy Masters house with thy Masters Kingdome I gave to thee his wives in thy bosome I made to lye yea I most liberallie Both Isra'ls
above the oâ— Whose restlsse dance no stop at all disturbsâ— Be like Abel that yee abode may make In shineing robs above the Zodiack LAMECH Diminished or depauperat THou bragging LAMECH of vaine Cains To boast and kill thou didst thy self solaâ— Thou fear'd not God nor shamefull infamiâ— Of all thou first liv'd in polygamie Foole with two wives thou led a sinfull lifeâ— ZILLAH the shaddow but ADAM the wife The Use In these hardly great courage shall yee fiâ— Whose words are brags and vaine bubb vvind â—he deepest floods do run most quietlie â—ith silver streames to carry to the sea â—ut naughty brookes in broken streames do gush â—nd roaring dovvne the horned cliff do rush SETH Set or appointed NOw welcome SETH for ADAM a third Son Set and appointed to fill ABELS roome â—hy godlinesse did many soules refresh â—f thee came Christ our Lord after the flesh The Use â—od rich in comforts can his Saints relieve â—f he take one he can another give â—f crosses come vvhich do our comforts marre â—od can anone send joyes to ease our farre ENOCH Sorrovvfull O Deare to God with sorrow in thy name Thy heart was griev'd to see the worlds shame While CAINS race provoked God right sore Thou walk'd with God and so was seen no mâ— The Use Learne heere thy life at Gods service to speâ— An holy life brings to an happie end Balam may vvish the righteous death to 〈◊〉 But he profane that day shall never see METHUSELAH Emission dart or death THy name is death emission or dart By it ENOCH foretold the worlds smart As some esteeme the last yeere of thy life God with a flood did end this worlds strife To longest life of all thou didst attaine Nine hundred yeares thou liv'd and sixtie nineâ— The Use Let all men learne their few years well to speâ— For longest life at last will have an end He who strouts now in grave shall soone be coâ— What is mans life but a tale that is told NOAH Rest or comfort SOn of LAMECH Son of METHUSELAH Thou for GODS comforts called was NOAH â—he LORD said LAMECH cursde hath sea and land This Son shall be a resting for our hand â—n this mans time the bad and faithfull seed To mariage most vilely did proceed While all men spoil'd were with corruption This man was just in his generation God with his comforts did his soul refresh When he intended the end of all flesh Thy vertues NOAH I can not expresse Thou wise preacher herauld of righteousnesse Whil'st in the deep all others death did suffer Thou safely lived in an Ark of Gopher Thy self thy wife also thy children three With their three wives were in that house of tree The haughty streame this house did high exalt Which at the last on Ararat did halt The Rav'n the Dove NOAH did forth command Two scouts to spy if there was any land At last the Dove to tell him of reliefe Brought in her mouth of an olive a leafe When floods were past by Gods mercy divine NOAH began to plant a pleasant vine But Oh that great herauld of righteousnesse Was plunged in most filthy drunkennesse Against JEHOVAHS great commandement He voide of sense lay naked in his tent Nine hundred and al 's fiftie yeeres he liv'd Just in two worlds at last by death bereav'd The Use Let good men learne all sins alwayes to shuâ— And not to staine a life that 's well begun Fy oh alas that for a drinke of wine This great Herauld whose vertues bright dâ— shine Should have forgot his GOD so spedilie VVho had him sav'd within his house of tree Fy that he should have blotted his good naâ— By lying naked in his tent with shame Before the face of his three children deare VVhose life should them have taught the Lorâ— to feare Behold how sâ—one the life of the godlie VVith sin as with a damp may darkned bâ— â—f one fault let not drunkards make a safeguard â—r once drunke makes not man to bee a drunkard SEM. JAPHET Fame Beautie SEM Son of NOAH first in dignitie The noble Jew hath his descent from thee â—hy Godlinesse thy Glory and thy Fame â—y JOVAHS pen are written in thy name â—APHET Beautie thou hast the second place â—o dwell with SEM the LORD GOD grant thee grace â—wo blest Brethren right noble was your fact â—n cov'ring NOAH yee turned your back â—ight worthy Sonnes eternall is your fame â—n modestie yee hid your fathers shame The Use â—eere children learne your parents to respect God shall you blesse and all your wayes direct And you preserve that no man do you wrong â—n earth he shall your happy dayes prolong HAM Hote or black HOt as hells fire coal-black even like tâ— devill Profane villain taught onely to do evill O cursed HAM thou full of wickednesse Because thou spy'd thy fathers nackednesse Because his shame thou scorned with thine eye Servant of servants thou shalt ever be The Use Curs'd is that sonne that ever he was born That sets himself his parents for to scorne An Elf not man he called well may be Who takes delight his parents shame to seâ— NIMROD A Rebell NIMROD thy name is as much as rebell Whom some esteeme cheef builder of Baâ— This man of HAM as holy writs record A mighty hunter was before the LORD The Use â—on this earth thou be a mighty man â—eware with Nimrod to play the tyran â—hough men set up most high and stately towrs â—uch Castles will not keep them from GODS showres ABRAM Father high ABRAHAM Father of a multitude BEhold the Sonne of ancient TERAH The faithfull husband of godly SARAH This Father high was first called ABRAM For multitude turn'd into ABRAHAM Looke up said GOD and count these starr's most hie Of thy Children such shall the number be Be perfect walk in my commandement I mind with thee to make a Covenant When Amraphel was King of great Shinar The mightie Arioch King of Ellasar Chedorlaomer of faire Elam King And Tidal Prince of Nations did bring A great Armie with boast against Bera King of Sodom as al 's against Birsha Gomorrahs King and Admahs Shinab stout Who armed with great forces then came out And al 's against the Zehoims Shemither And Belahs Prince came all these Kings togethâ— In bloody war these foure Kings against five Came to the fields and in battell did strive But Sodoms men were forc'd to turne the back Their foes some kill'd and some captives did taâ— Among whom was LOT nephew of ABRAM Who to help Sodom unto battell came When ABRAM heard this he in continent Did cry for armes and to the Battell went With his servants three hundred and eighteeâ— Who in his house well trained up had beene He among these as a stout Generall Did rout his foes and LOT rescu'd and all His goods and captives which they tooke awaâ— He back againe did bring without delay Then met him by a providence divine Melchisedeck who brought him
heard this divine sounâ— Pull off thy shoes for this is holy ground I am the great Almighty Lord he said To look on God then MOSES was affraid I have said God with much compassion Seene of my people the great affliction On Israels back the burdens deep furrowes Have made and now I pittie their sorrowes Go to that Tyran with thy little rod And tell that thou art sent from the great Goâ— How shall I goe said MOSES I thy name Know not if thy people enquire the same Say thou said God by my commandement I AM THAT I AM hath me surely sent Oh said Moses they will not believe me Where will they say did GOD appeare to the 〈◊〉 They shall said GOD know that I have thee â—ast downe thy rod and lo it a serpent â—gaine behold a rod it shall become â—nother signe shall be in thy bosome â—t in thine hand and see it white as snow â—â—d whole againe that they may clearely know â—â—at thou by GOD Almighty hast beene sent â—â—d what thou dost is by commandement â—as said Moses my words hardly flow â—er both my speach and al 's my tongue is slow 〈◊〉 are not said GOD let not that cause thee griefe â—â—rme the speach I make thee dumb and deaf 〈◊〉 said Moses mine heart I cannot frame 〈◊〉 go this earand to speake in thy name â—en GOD with Moses in great anger chod â—â—on a mouth shall be and thou as GOD 〈◊〉 as afterward these noble brethren two â—ent on and stood before the great Pharo â—â—mmanding him with great authoritie 〈◊〉 free GODS people from captivitie â—â—cause that this King thus hardned his heart â—â—ten great plagues his Kingdome felt the smart The ten plagues of Egypt contained in five Latine verse â—ma rubens unda Ranarum plaga secunda â—â—e culex tristis post Musca nocentior istis Quinta pecus stravit Authraces sexta â—vit Post sequitur grando post Bruchus dente fando Nona tegit solem primam nec at ultima proâ— The ten plagues of Egypt in English verse Blood first then frogs and third the lâ— filthie Fourth after all these came the noisom flie The fift upon the beasts vvas the murraiâ— Sixt lothsome boiles breakeing foorth vvâ— great blaine Seventh haile eight locusts and the ninâ— darkenesse Last on the first borne both death and distâ— In other verse Blood frogs and lice a mixed svvarme Murraine that beasts annoyde Boiles haile locusts and darknesse thick The first borne all destroyde VVHen this was done MOSES with his armie â—ent with all hast towards the deep red sea â—ere Israel enrich'd with great butin â—gainst MOSES began so to mutin â—n both sides mountaines and the sea before â—hold PHARO behind us to devore 〈◊〉 Moses now the cause of our distresse â—ou hast us brought to die in wildernesse 〈◊〉 and still said Moses stay your passion â—d ye shall see the Lords salvation â—retch out thy hand said God over the sea â—d by thy rod devided shall it be â—en Moses his hand of strong faith out-stretched 〈◊〉 an East wind the deep sea was divided â—hen Israel this great comfort had found â—mong waters they walked on drie ground â—e mighty Lord made way unto them all â—e waters were on every side a wall â—hen with an armie PHARO them pursu'd â—ut overwhelm'd with waves they were subdu'd â—y let us flee said they and turne the heeles â—ut great JOVAH tooke off their charet wheeles â—ODS Isra'l had in all this fearfull tide 〈◊〉 Cloud for sconce and al 's a Fire for guide At last Isra'l saved both lesse and more Saw Pharos hoast dead upon the Sea shore Then Moses with the people spake saying A song of praise to JOVAH let us sing The Song of Moses at the red Sea I Will novv sing unto the Lord for he hath gloriously Triumphed over all his foes novv drovvn'd in the red Sea 2 The Lord he is my Strength and Song and my Salvation I gladly vvill prepare for him an habitation 3 With frothy deepths God covered them this work he did alone His heavy wrath did presse them so they sanke down like a stone 4 Thy right hand O Lord is become most glorious in great power Thine arme and thy right hand thy foes have novv dasht all to povvder 5 Thou hast thy foes now overthrown in great excellencie â—hou sentest foorth thy fearfull wrath that they consum'd might be And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters gathered there he floods stood upright as an heap the deepths congealed were The en'my said I will pursue them will I overtake will divide the spoile my lust on them novv vvill I vvreake It is novv time to dravv my Svvord them vvill I all destroy purpose novv to make an end and this shall be my joy But thou O Lord vvith thy great vvinde most fearfully did blovv â—hey sanke as lead in vvaters deep the vvaves did overflovv Who is like unto thee O Lord amongst the greatest gods â—ho is like thee so glorious so mighty by thy rods 11 Thou stretchedst out thy strong right hâ— Earth swallowed them wholly In mercy thou led foorth thine owne whom thou hadst bought dearly 12 The people all shall heare of this and they shall be afraide The indwellers of Palestine with grief shall be dismaide 13 The Duks of Edom all amaz'd with Moab tremble shall The indwellers of Canaan shall melt away and fall 14 Both feare and dread shall fall on them by strength of thine army Vntill Isra'l passe over they still as a stone shall be 15 Thou strong shalt bring them in and them in thine holy place Even in thy sanctuary O Lord establish'd by thy grace 16 The Lord shall reigne for evermore most like a mighty King For he on Pharo and his host the loftie waves did bring 17 But as for his deare Israel in bottome of the Sea â—tweene two walls of waters deep they went both sure and dry Miriams song at the red Sea THen Miriam the Prophetesse the sister of Aaron â—anced with women skilfully playing Timbrels upon And Miriam thus answerde them praise God most joyfully or he the rider and his horse hath drown'd in the red Sea AFter all this Isra'l in wildernesse Of Shur by thirst did suffer great distresse â—hat shall we drink said they ah shall we die â—hen Moses cry'd and GOD shew'd him a tree â—ith this tree Moses direct'd by GODS sprite â—t Marah made the bitter waters sweet â—rom thence to Sin he did the people lead Who did murmur because they wanted breaâ— There God the Lord did feed that numbâ—â— hoast With sweet Mannah round small as the frost Againe for thirst Isra'l at Rephidim Did murmur against the great God of Heav'â— Then God his servant Moses did command To smite the rock with his rod in his hand For chiding striving heere with great Iovah The place was call'd Massah and Meribah God by Moses his people did protect In that great battell against Amalek His
of blessings manifold Went from this earth fivescore and ten yeeres old After his death this man of great account With grief was buri'd on Ephraim Mount The Use Worthy Captaine who will not thee commend A godly life makes ay a godly end Who fights for GOD with never fading baye◠Shall have his Temples trimmed and with laye◠Men and women his praises shall extoll His name famous shall be in Jovahs roll THE GARDEN OF ZION The Judges 1. Othniel 2. Ehud 3. Shamgar 4. Barak 5. Gideon 6. Abimelech 7. Tolah 8. Jair 9. Jephte 10 Ibsan 11. Elon 12. Abdon 13. Samson 14. Micah 15. Eli 16 Samuel 1. OTHNIEL The time of God WHen divers had afflicted Israel In a fit time the Lord sent Othniel By him great things in his lifetime were done Come of Kenaz good Calebs brother Son In Kiriath-sepher for vent'ring his life Caleb him gave his faire Achsah to wife King Chusan Rishataim he supprest By him Israel fourtie yeers had rest The Use In greatest troubles and in dangers prime The Lord will send comfort in fittest time 2. EHUD Excellent WHen Isra'l sin'd Moab with Amalek Were rais'd by GOD his people to correct But when they mourn'd and cryed to JOVAH He sent them Ehud first Son of Gerah This man left handed was of Benjamin His sharp dager he hid his cloathes within With sword at side with present in his hand He went to Eglon King of Moab land He said O King take heed give ear to me I have from God a great message for thee When he heard that he rose out of his seat With one stroke Ehud ended the debate While thus Eglon did wallow in deaths shade The dirt came out the fat inclos'd the blade By him the host of Moab was supprest After Isra'l had fourscore yeers of rest The Use Here learne that such a rare and single fact Is not set downe in Scripture for an act To teach men thus this Ehud to follow Each man to stob the Lord doth not allow 2. SHAMGAR Throwing downe THis Shamgar was a man of great renown With an Oxe-gaod six hundred he th◠down The Use Heere learne that great is our eternall God Who can save us either by sling or goad 4. DEBORAH A Bee BARAK Lightning DEare DEBORAH thy name a honey Bee Who can expresse the praise that 's du◠thee A Prophetesse sweet thou was in thy life A Judge in ISRA'L though for sexe a wife In her time Jabin ISRA'L had opprest Captaine Sisera did them sore molest Then DEBORAH at God the Lords command Said to BARAK JABIN into thine hand I will deliver by mine arme mighty Be stout and doubt not of the victory Oh said BARAK he is a mighty fo Go thou with me if not I will not go I will said she now surely go with thee But unto thee this no honour shall be Up up now BARAK said stout DEBORAH Take courage for with us is great JOVAH In that great day the LORD in ISRA'LS sight Put Siserah with all his host to flight He fled to Jahel there hid with a vaile She pierc'd his temples with a bloody naile According to DEBORAHS prophecie A wife not BAKAR got that victorie When the great GOD had wrought out this great thing DEBORAH BARAK then began to sing The Song of DEBORAH and BARAK PRaise ye the LORD for th' avenging of his own Israel When the people offred gladely themselves unto Battell 2 Heare Kings and Princes I even I will sing unto the Lord Vnto the Lord God of Isra'l I will praises afford 3 Lord when thou went'st from Seir when thou did march from Edom land The Earth trembled the Heav'ns dropped the Clouds they did disband 4 The Mountaines melted from before the Lord God Eternall Even that Sinai from before thee Lord God of Israel 5 In Shangars dayes Son of Anath in the dayes of Jael The high wayes were unoccupied they went in by wayes all 6 The indweller of villages in Israel did cease Vntill that I Deborah rose a mother to make peace 7 They chose new gods then in their gates was warre was their a shield Or speare among fourty thousand in all Israels field 8 My heart to Isral's Governours is that vvith one accord Offred themselves most willingly to Battell blesse the Lord. 9 Speake ye that ride on white asses In cheefe rulers aray And yee that sit in judgement and that travel by the way 10 And yee the poorest of the land whose tread was still to drawe Waters who for fear of Archers did greatly stand in awe Yee from this feare delivered Gods great workes magnifie Who hath given justice and traffiique in village and citie 11 Awake awake awake awake Deborah sing anone Arise Barak and lead captive thou of Ahinoan Son 12 He that remaines he made to rule ov'r the Nobilitie Ov'r the people the Lord me gave rule over the mighty 14 Of Ephraim ' gainst Amalek there was a root worthie Also among this great people Benjamin after thee From Machir of Manasse came governours goodly men To this service came Zebulon scribes that handle the pen 15 And the most mighty Princes of strong Issachar that day Were with Deborah in the field ev'n Issachar I say Also Barak to the valley sent on foot did depart For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart 16 Why would not thou from the sheep folds go for to act thy part For the divisions of Reuben were great searching of heart 17 Beyond Jordan Gilead abode and why did Dan remaine In ships Asher on the Sea shore in his breaches sought gaine 18 Zebulon and Naphtali were armed with speare and shield Their lives they jeoparded in the high places of the field 19 The Kings of Cana'n came and fought Jabin for to maintaine In Tana'ch neere to Megiddo but thereby did not gaine 20 The clouds and wind'gainst Sisera did fight from the heav'ns hie The Stars in their courses also fought most couragiouslie 21 The river Kishon even Kishon did sweepe them all away O thou my soule thou hast dovvntrode great strength vvithout delay 22 Then vvere the strong horse hoofs broken in great rage and furie By the means of the pransings even pransings of the mightie 23 Curse yee Meros most bitterly yea curse 〈◊〉 the Angel Because against these foes they did not help the Eternall 24 The Wife of Heber Jael shall blest above Women be She shall be blest above Women in the tent most surely 25 He asked vvater and she gave him milke of svvet relish She also vvisely butter brought foorth in a lordly dish 26 She vvith a hammer and a naile smote Sisera indeed VVhen she had pierced his temples she did smite of his head 27 He bovv'd and fell and lay dovvne h◠at her feet hovv'd and fell VVhere he bovv'd there he fell downe dead at the feet of Jahel 28 Sisera's mother looked out at vvindovves and did cry Through the lattesse vvith joy of heart
me a man of noble fame Most angel-like he told me not his name He said unto me when he did appear Behold a son thou shalt conceive and bear No rasor shall at all come on his head For he shall be a Nazarite indeed LORD said Manoah Let the man of GOD Now come and tell us what with this young lad We have to do for we are ignorant That we may follow thy commandement The LORD him heard the Angel came anone And told them both all that was to be done Then Man'oah said I pray thee now tary Till we in haste prepare a kid for thee I am a sprite said he I eat no bread With sacrifice unto the LORD proceed What is thy name said Manoah tell me It is secret said he now let it be When he heard thus the Angel him forbid A meat-offring he offred for a kid Unto the LORD as the sacred story Tels us the Angel did most wondrously Behold th'angel who had the secret name Of the offring ascended in the flame Alas said he unto his worthy wife We have seen GOD we shall both losse the life No not said she we need not for to fear Because GODS Angel to us did appear If to kill us this had been his earand He had disdain'd the offring in our hand Then young Samson the Sprite of GOD began At times to move in the great camp of Dan At last he did require a Philistine For wife which he at Timnah had new seen His parents to this could not well accord For they knew not that it was of the LORD While he to Timnah went a beast did roar As though he would the young Samson devore But he anone him pulling by the beard Rent him as though he would have rent a kid The LORD did this who made the sea and land For young Samson had nothing in his hand Returning after to his wife he sees In the dead Lion a fair swarm of bees The honey comb most sweet he took to eat For this to him in mister was for meat When Philistines his feast began to taste Then he this riddle did propone in haste Out of the eater said he came there meat Out of the strong came that which was most sweet Seven dayes they had at this riddle to guesse But the meaning thereof could not expresse With furie great they were puft up in rage Because they saw they were to losse their pledge Of thirtie shirts and thirtie garments dear These great charges they had not will to bear Then said they all unto strong Samsons wife If we these cloaths losse thou shalt losse the life Entise him soone the doubt try by request Why should we losse so much at his fair feast Then did she presse him by day and by night Untill he had declar'd his riddle right Then said these men in words not to be long Sweet is the honey and the lion strong Then said he With my heifer have ye plow'd Who hath unto you my dark riddle shew'd Then GODS good Sprite this strong man came upon Who in his strength went down to Askelon Thirty Philistins he kild in that place Whose garments pay'd for his riddels disgrace Then his fair wife her father took him fro And gave her to his friend who was his fo Then he bethinking how he might revenge This wrong he did three hundred foxes range Knut tail to tail with a burning fire-brand Which did consume the cornes upon the land When all was known the Philistins in ire Burnt the Timnite and Samsons wife with fire This is no mends yet aveng'd will I be Said Samson I will smite them hip and thigh The Philistins who did like lions ramp In JUDAH LEHI soon did pitch their camp What means this war to them Judah did say To binde Samson with ropes and thongs said they Then of Judah went three thousand anone To Etams top where was the strong Samson To him they said What hast thou brought to passe We all will smart for this thy great trespasse To these men I have done no wrong said he I did to them as they have done to me We will thee binde said they with cords and bands After we will put thee into their hands Swear to me said he by GOD that made all That ye your selves will not upon me fall Truely said they thy blood we must not spill Thou needs not fear that Judahs men thee kill But unto this we with one voice accord To binde thine hands fast with these two new coar◠Then when his foes saw him bound at Lehi For joy they cry'd and shouted mightily Upon him then came a Sprite from the LORD With great power hee brake both bands and coards When he himself did thus shake in his ire His bands became like flaxe burnt in the fire When GOD had this great work thus brought to passe Strong Samson found the jaw-bone of an asse No sword he had no other weapons then With that asse-bone he slew a thousand men After this battel sore troubled with thirst Upon his eyes he felt of death the mist Thou hast me helped greatly LORD said he Oh suffer not me now for thirst to die Then GOD did cleave of the jaw the hollow From this bone soone great waters out did flow Because that bone by GOD was made a Well Samson that place Enhakore did call The Word signifieth the Well of him that called or cryed SAMSON in Gaza went to an harlot His foes it heard and they in anger hote Laid wait for him in their great strength might Resolv'd they were to kill him in that night But he the gates of their Gaza did take With the two posts and barre upon his back He thence them cari'd to fair Hebron hill Thus the Gazits could not strong Samson kill Againe Samson in Sorek land did love Delilah fair who dayly would him move With her fair words decit and flattery To tell wherein his greatest strength did ly First wit hs then coards then with the web and 〈◊〉 To her such answers thus he did begin But at the last for which he suffred smart He unto her revealed all his heart A Nazarite said he from my youth-head I have been no rasor upon mine head Hath come If any cut mine hair from me Like other men I surely weak shall be When she saw that Samson had thus reveal'd That which from her he had so long conceal'd The Philistins she spake and cald apart Come now said she for I know all his heart Then these proud lords came up in a great band And brought to her much money in their hand Then she him made upon her knees to sleep And from his head his seven locks she did swee◠Up up said she arise Samson quickly Behold the strong Philistins be on thee I will arise said Samson and me shake As heretofore of strength I have no lake But Oh Samson this did not understand That GOD the LORD had left him
in their hand Then these proud men bitter like angrie bees Took poor Samson and put out both his eyes With hard fetters of brasse they did him bind In a prison as horse they made him grind Soon after that his hair began to spring These lords him brought to Dagons house their king Dagon said they the god of sea and land Hath now inclosed Samson in our hand Then all the people greatly did rejoice And praised Dagon with a joyfull voice Then all merry and glad they did exhort To call for Samson for to make them sport When he was come Lad take me by the hand Said he Lead me where the pillar doth stand Upon the which the house is founded sure That I thereon may lean my body poor The house was full three thousand on the roofe To see Samson of sporting give a proofe Then Samson pray'd unto the Lord with cryes Now grant me Lord a revenge for mine eyes Twixt the pillars with his left hand and right He pull'd them downe by great JEHOVAHS might Such was the end of his dayes full of strife At death he slew mo then he slew in life The Use Heere wee may learne yea clearely wee may seâ— That cruell men are met with crueltie Heere is a lesson for to guide our life Not to reveale great secrets to a wife 14 MICAH Who is like the Lord. THe word of God most clearely doth reveale How MICAH did his mothers silver steele Yea which was worse and did merite the rods Of it he made graven and molten gods A Teraphim he had and an Ephod And so became Apostate from his God A wandring Levite he hir'd for his Priest His house for idols he made like a beast Now I know well that God will do me good Said MICAH who was most foolish and rude The LORD will lodge both in mine house and breast Because I have a Levite for my Priest In these dayes which was a most fearefull thing â—n all Isra'l was neither judge nor King â—he DANITS then seeking inheritance Came to the house of this Micah by chance His Levite and his silver gods they tooke When this was done MICAH began to looke To run and cry aloud after the men In number five come from the tribe of DAN What aileth thee said they What and wherefore My gods said he are stoll'n what have I more Let not thy voice now be heard us among Said they lest ill fellows upon thee throng It may fall out that if we come to strife Both thou and thine this day may losse the life Thus foolish MICAH Priest and gods that day Did losse and so the DANITS went their way The Use Let all men learne in Gods excellent schools Who worship idols are most brutish fooles Of the Levite and his Concubine IN these dayes which was a most feareful thing In all Isra'l was neither Judge nor King In these ill dayes what man could it endure A Levite had a wife that play'd the whoore She not fearing the terrours of JOVAH Ranne to her Father dwelling in JVDAH Foure whole moneths with him she did remaâ—â— Her husband went to bring her back againe There he with his father in law abode Where chearefully he was most welcomed From day to day he sought to turne againe But by his father was urg'd to remaine At last the fift day after all was done Hee went away well neere the afternoone Then parted he with his wife and servant They neere to JEBVS found the day far spenâ— The servant said In JEBUS let us lodge The Levite said To do such things I grudge We will not turne aside to that citie We will not lodge with these that strangers be We will passe over unto GIBEAH For there we trust is the fear of JOVAH When unto GI'BAH they were thus nâ— come The Sunne in his Horizon was gone downe Then he went in and sat downe in a streete But no man there with kindnesse did him greeâ— At last an old man lifting up his eye Come from the field did there perceive tâ— three Whence come ye said he Whether will yee We goe said they the house of God unto From BETHLEHEM we have both bread 〈◊〉 wine If thou us lodge we shall take none of thine Then said that old man Peace be now with thee Welcome thy want shall all lie upon me As they were eating with their hearts merrie Behold the vile villaines of that city Swarm'd in numbers of most vile rogues a rout The old mans house they compassed about Bring forth the man that came into thine house Cry'd they of him we will make carnall use This vice so vile with words I can not name Behold in Isra'l of SODOM the shame The old man said unto them most gravely I pray you cease oh cease from this folly This man is come under my house shadow Such great vilenesse the Lord cannot allow His wife my daughter if so be it must Abuse with man abhorre to spend your lust But for all this these men could not forbeare Raging in lust such words they would not hear When this was done and all remeed was past The Levite brought to them his wife at last These vile villains not trembling at Gods sight In their mad lust abus'd her all the night When darknesse past the cleare spring of the day Appear'd then these vile villains went away Then she whom they had handled like a whoore In the dawning fell downe dead at the doore At last the man op'ning the doore behold Her fall'n downe dead her hands on the thâ—â—shold Then to her thus lying her Lord did say Up up let us make ready for the way While he looked that she should rise with speâ— Behold his wife upon the threshold dead When the man saw what then was come to paâ— He tooke the corps and laid it on his asse When he her brought unto his house at home He with a knife cut her through flesh and bonâ— That the dead parts the wrong might clearly teâ— Twelve parts hee made and sent through ISRAEL They that this saw said A sinne of this kinde We have not seene advise and speake your minâ— Then all the land for this great sin much grieveâ— From end to end at MISPEH were conveened In number clearly set downe by GODS pen They there were foure hundred thousand foâ— men There the Levite in anguish and distresse At their desire declard the wickednesse This heard they all with one consent began To go to work to arise as one man Then said they all kindled with anger hot To the battell we will go up by lot Against vile Gib'ah to fight bitterly That they may smart for their unheard folly First through Benjamin speedy posts they sent That Gib'ahs men might suffer for their rent We seeke no more but when ye heare us then Ye send to us these vile and wicked men But Benjamin in a most foolish rage With mouth awry scorned the whole message Twentie six
thousand they in armour bright Prepar'd in Battell ' gainst Isra'l to fight From Gibeah in that armie were then Expert in war seven hundred chosen men Left handed strong who to fight would not spare They with their sling stones well could hit an haire Against all these the Israelites had then In readinesse foure hundred thousand men They went to GOD first to seeke his counsell To know which of them first should give Battell To them this answere came from great JOVAH Unto the Battell first shall go Judah Then Israel right stoutly did begin To go to battell against Benjamin And they againe all in armour full bright Prepar'd them selves against Isra'l to fight Brave warriours all glistring with harnesse Threw downe that day Isra'l with great distresse Twentie six thousand joined with some few Unto Isra'l twentie two thousand slew To GOD againe they went to seek counsell If they should give to Benjamin battell Go up said GOD your anger to fulfill Go up why not if so it be your will The second day came Israel to fight Against Benjamin but were put to flight Of that great armie of Isral's children Destroyed down were eighteene thousand men Then Israel perceiving at the last Great numbers nought they ran to GOD by fasâ— They weeped sore and powred out their heart Then GOD was moved for to take their part Up up said God to war I you command To morrow I will put them in your hand On the third day Israel did begin A bloody battell against Benjamin At the first meeting which was with furie Of Isral's brave men were then slaine thirtie Then Benjamin uplifting his proud crist Cri'd they are smitten down as at the first Then Israel by GOD himself made wise Said Let us flie and draw them to high wayes At Baal Tamar they all in good array Prepar'd themselves to fight stoutly that day Liers in wait came out of hole and bore Ten thousand chosen made the battell sore The LORD Captaine this great host did command Therefore Benjamin that day could not stand Before behinde Israel did them hew Twentie five thousand and five score they slew The Use See what is lust consider how therefore Were slaine sixtie five thousand and five score Let men also when they their armies send Heere learne not on great numbers to depend THE GARDEN OF ZION RUTH Watered WIth famine prest these persons went anone Elimelech Naomi with Mahlon And Chilion their sons from Bethlehem To MOAB land that they might their remaine ELIMELECH Naomis best beloved At last by pale death was from her removed Then her two sons their hearts for to rejoice Of RUTH and ORPAH made their onely choisâ— But in their mariage this was a great spot These women were from the incest of Lot For Moab was against all divine order His mothers sonne and also his owne brother After ten yeares in mariage were past These two young men both died at the last Then poore Naomi deliv'red from dread Hearing how God had given to Isra'l bread Said to Orpah and Ruth her daughters dear Goe to your owne for I must hence retire The Lord in mercy deale with you kindlie As ye have dealt with the dead and with me The Lord in mercy work all to your best That with your husbands each of you finde rest Then kissing them they weeped bitterlie They said surely we will returne with thee Naomi said My daughters turne again For now with me ye can no more remaine The Lord mo sons on me doth not allow Which I for husbands might give unto you Then all did weepe then Orpah tooke her leâ— But to NAOMI RUTHS heart fast did cleave Not so Naomi said Behold Orpah Best thou returne with thy sister in law Intreat me not said Ruth I pray humblie For to returne from following after thee Both going lodging people and our God Shall all be one with thee mine whole abode I mind to make to live and die indeed With thee I minde and al 's to be buri'd From thee I will by no meanes now depart Nothing but death on earth shall us two part When she her saw so stedfastly persist She said to Ruth to speake more I desist Then they two went with little meanes with them Unto her city called BETHLEHEM Unto her many came where she abade Is this Naomi each to other said No more that name said she belongs to me Call me Marah because God bitterlie Hath dealt with me the LORD hath more and more Against me wrought and hath afflicted sore Beside her dwelt Booz a wealthie man A neere and deare friend of her dead husband The barley harv'st was Ruth desired then In great mister some ears of corne to gleane She went to fields God did direct her chose She came unto the reaperâ— of Booz When Booz knew Ruth the Moabitesse His melting heart did pitie her distresse Then did Booz speake friendly to her heart See from this field that thou do not depart When thou gleanest abide neere the women Concerning thee I shall direct the men That they thee touch not when thou art a thirst Go to the vessels and take of the best After that Ruth had such great fovour found She bowed humbly even unto the ground Saying thou art a rich man high in place And â— a stranger in thine eyes finde grace Then Booz said It hath been shown to me How kind thou hast beene unto Naomi The LORD of love who doth all things remark Reward thee full and recompence thy worke Then loving Booz in things of all sort Left no thing undoone that might Ruth comfort Both meet and drink she got while she did gleane Booz handfulls the reapers did ordaine To leave of purpose that for coming foorth Shee might returne home with some thing of worth When she had eaten she put up a part Which shee brought home with a most loving heart Unto Naomi who blest the most Hie Who had made her to finde such charitie Then said Naomi I will do my best Eor thee my daughter to seeke out a rest I trust my hope shall take some good effect Wash thee therefore and do as I direct Though thou be Ruth a silly widow poor Feare not to go unto his threshing floore When he hath ended both to drinke and eat Marke where he lyes last uncover his feet Waite well thy time and after lay thee downe And he will tell thee what is to be done As Naomi her daughter had informed All was by Ruth so in due time performed Then Booz to bed with a merry heart Went after Ruth past softly to her part She well resolv'd not fearing hurt or scorne Lay down with Booz neere an heap of corne At midnight houre when his first sleep did passe He was afraid and wondred who it was Who can this be Who art thou then he said I am said she even Ruth thine owne hand maid I come to thee in all humilitie My neere kinsman now spread thy skirt on
not his fathers ordinance But when the matter he did understand He said My father hath troubled the land For want of meat mens hearts so weakened be That they can not pursue the victorie Still fight said Saul and do all that ye can Spoile and destroy of them leave not a man But first to GOD to seeke response they went To see what should be his sacred intent But God in wrath for ought that they could say Would not make answere to Isra'l that day Go to said Saul there is some man of sin By Divine lot I trust I shall him finde Give perfect lot said Saul to GOD I pray That we may see by what great sin this day Thou hast beene griev'd though it my Son should bee Stout Jonathan he shall now surely die Then curiously Saul seeking out this spot Upon Jonathan fell the Divine lot Tell tell said Saul tell me what thou hast done Prepare for death for thee mercy is none Alas said he I hungry wanting meat In a faire wood of hony combs did eat That which I did was done ignorantlie Behold Jonathan must now surely die No more said Saul thou hast broken the oath Of great JOVAH prepare thy self for death What said Isra'l shall stout Jonathan die Who hath for GOD now fought so valiantly As God liveth who ever lives indeed No thing shall aile the least haire of his head Thus the people walking in the right way Good Jonathan they did rescue that day Then unto Saul went godly Samuel To him from GOD this message did he tell Remember now how Amalek laid wait For Isra'l by the way in his great strait Now go and smite and utterly destroy Beast Man and Maid unto the suckling Boy When this was said King Saul with all his might Against Aamalek stoutly went to fight He slew these men and tooke Captive the King With him best beasts he sav'd alive which thing Acted by him ' gainst Gods Commandement The faire kingdome of Isra'l from him rent Then Samuel said Where is Agag the King See ye in haste that Tyran to me bring When he was come he hew'd in pieces all Agag the King before GOD in Gilgal After this sin the LORD to Samuel said Go and anoint for King the herd David Because for Isra'l he ventur'd his life Against Goliah he got for his wife Michal Sauls daughter that great victorie Brede in Sauls breast displeasure and envie This soulesse Saul by Doegs villenie Was mov'd to slay at Nob with crueltie Fourescore and five servants of the great GOD Who for armour had but linnen EPHOD Because to David in hunger and need They had vouchsav'd some peece of GODS shew-bread At divers times Saul fill'd with rage and strife Hunted David like a flea for his life Whiles like a Lion cruel he did roar Enrag'd at DAVID whiles like a wild boar He did him hunt most like a bloody hound Who cannot rest untill his prey be found But God at last to make of him an end A great armie of Philistins did send The Philistins at Shunem were gath'red Isra'ls armie in Gilboah pitched When Saul that hoast of Philistins did see He trembled all his heart did quake greatly Then he in feare unto the Lord did cry But God to him no answere would reply Neither by dreames by URIM or Prophet When Saul saw this his heart within did fret If God will not the Divell I will desire To help said he of him I will enquire There is a witch which doth at Endor dwell Said they She can all secrets to thee tell Then Saul went to that wicked wife by night Desiring her to bring to him in sight Whom he should name who ever was the man Then unto him thus answerd the woman Right well thou knowst no sprit familiar Is now approv'd make not for me a snare As God liveth said Saul now â—or this thing Thou shalt not smart Tell mee whom I shall bring Up unto thee said she now to me tell Bring up to me said he old dead Samuel When the woman perceived this dead man Arise from grave to tremble she began She said to Saul Thou hast deceived me That thou art Saul I know now certainly Feare not said Saul no ill to thee I meane Declare me plainely all that thou hast seene I have said she now perceiv'd a strang thing Gods wonderfull from the earth ascending What is his forme said Saul now tell to me A mantled old man said she I now see When the woman these things to Saul did tell He then perceiv'd that it was Samuel He having all things in such order found He bow'd himself and stouped to the ground Then Samuel said Why hast thou troubled me I am said Saul distressed heavily God hath me left and answeres me no more To seek thy help I am constrain'd therefore In vaine said Samuel comest thou to me Who can be friend where God is enemie The Lord at first of thee for King made choise But thou stubborne would not obey his voice ' Gainst Amalek to do the Lords command Therefore the Kingdome is rent from thine hand Thy foes shall fight thine hoast shall fall and flee Thou and thy sons the morne shall be with me Then Saul afraid fell straight way all along Upon the earth the witch and men among No strength in him in him there was no might For he had fasted both the day and night When this was done the witch prepared meat She brought it to him and mov'd him to eat Behold anone the Philistines armie Ready to fight as Isra'l was to flie The Archers shot the battell went full sore The shafts did flee their rage did more and more Increase then Saul to his servant did say Draw out thy sword and quickly now me slay Take courage do let not this trouble thee Though thou me spare yet will I surely die My feare is that th'uncircumcised band Come and abuse me vilely with their hand But the servant who his Prince fear'd and lov'd To kill the King by no words could be mov'd Then Saul with rage and godlesse furie prest With his own sword did peirce through his own breast Jonathan Abinadab Malchishuah Sauls three sons with Saul fell on Gilboah The Philistins after finding Saul dead Upon the mount they cut from him the head The body of that stout and valiant man They fastned to the strong wall of Bethshan Among the rest this was the sharpest rod His armour bright unto their idol god Ashtaroth they brought with great pomp and glory As though their god had given them this victory When Jabesh heard what to dead Saul was done With one consent they all armed right soone The bodies of Saul and of Jonathan They pulled downe from the walls of Bethshan To save them sure with fire they did them burne Seven dayes they fasting for their death diâ— mourne The Use This history to all men well may tell That none shall speed that seeks the divels
house and Judahs gave to thee If in thine eyes that too little had beene I would moreover unto thee have given Even such and such things great renowne and fame Which I bestow on these that feare my name Why hast thou beene so foolish and unwise As Gods precepts thus to tread and despise Most wickedly to do evill in his sight To seeme godly and yet to use such slight Poore Uriah the Hittite in a word Thou cruelly hast killed with the sword Thou first defil'd and now hast tae'n to wife His deare ewe-lamb and reft him of his life Thou lives secure as though no ill were done Thou hast him slaine with the sword of Amon. Now after sin shall surely come the smart Hence from thine house the sword shal not depart Because by blood and vile adulterie Two scandals great thou hast despised me Thus saith the Lord who is most righteous I will against thee out of thine house Raise up much evill I will before thine eyes Even take thy wives and give them for to please Thy neighbour who with them shall openly Before the Sunne in beastly manner lye These most vile sins in secret thou hast done But this before all Israel and the sun Shall be see what shall be in end thy luck When for such sinnes such sorrowes thou shalâ— truck And so exchange that for thy filthie lust Thou shalt still smart untill thou turne to dust Ev'n as a bird greev'd in a wierie gail Doth lowring droop and hang the wing anâ— taile Even so shalt thou the rest of all thy time Perplexed be for thy most bloody crime Then David pierced through the very heart Of his folies began to feel the smart He was so lively touched for his sin That how to speak or how his speach begin He doubted much whiles this whiles that did sound Within his breast his thoughts did him confound At last with teares his mouth utt'red this word I have alas sinned against the Lord By my fleshly and most uncleane desire I like a swine have wallow'd in the mire I like a beast have not well understood What guiltinesse comes by shedding of blood Heere in thy presence to thy Holinesse Against my self my sin I do confesse These bloods alas are ever in presence They weigh down sore upon my conscience How can I hence before thee lift my face Who have profest and yet practisd disgrace Against thee who me from the ewes did take And of a sheepheard me a King did make Most justly may thy wrath with loudest raps Ev'n through my heart thrill roaring thunder claps But oh O Lord forget my hainous sin Take mercies kyes and let my soul come in Though I have sinn'd yet will I still beleeve That thou in mercy wilt my sins forgive Then Nathan said The Lord thy sinnes surelie Hath put away fear not thou shalt not die From death eternall I will thee protect But justice willeth that I thee correct Thy sinne therefore I will visit in hast Ev'n blood for blood for adulterie incest Thou shalt not faile to feel a greevous smart For from thine house the sword shall not depart Because thy sinne hath caused blasphemie Therefore thy Sonne shall now most surely die When Nathan was departed to his house Then God the Lord who is most righteous Did strike the child with great and sore sicknesse Then David God besought in his goodnesse That he would not remove the child by death For this he fasting lay upon the earth The Elders came and urged him to eat But he would not refresh himself with meat When it was told him that the child by death Removed was he quickly rose from th' earth He wash'd himself and chang'd his countenance To the Lords house he went with diligence From thence to his owne house there he sought meate They gave him bread and he began to eat What thing is this then did his servants say While thy childe liv'd thou did both fast and pray But when the child was knowne for to be dead Thou rose from earth with courage to eat bread Then answ'red he While the childe was alive I did then pray that God would let him live But now h 'is dead God would it so to be I know he will no more returne to me After his death Bathshebah bare a son To David who did call him Solomon But Nathan sent from the great JEHOVAH Changed his name unto Jedidiah A man of peace beloved of the Lord Of both the names the clear sense doth afford In this meane time the great GOD JEHOVAH Remembred what had beene done to Vriah Then his threatnings began to take effect Great plagues were sent David for to correct Amnon defil'd his dear sister Tamar For this Absalom Amnons life did mar This man who did excell in great beautie In Hebron made a lewd conspiracie To slay David both his father and King That after he upon his throne might reigne He not ceasing from this ill work begun His fathers wives defil'd before the Sun He wanting the true feare of th'Eternell ' Gainst his father fiercely went to battell At Bahurim that vile rogue Shimei Like a cur dog did raile most bitterly Crying Come out thou man of Belial A bloody man thou shalt now pay for all The Lord at last who is most wise and good Hath upon thee returned all the blood Of King Sauls house in whose stead than dost reigne Thy son shall rule thou shalt no more be King The LORD hath plagued thee with shame and griefe Behold thou art taken in thy mischief Then stout Abishai son of Zerviah Davids sister not knowing that JOVAH Made David smart said Why should this dogg dead So curse th King I will take off his head He said to David Let me go anone That for his fault I may fall him upon But David knowing the minde of JOVAH Said What with you the sons of Zerviah Have I to do Let him now curse he said For upon him the LORD this taske hath laid That he David should curse who then shall say Wherefore hast thou vile man so done this day Yea more David unto Abishai said A greater grief upon my heart is laid Behold the son of my bowels is come To seeke my life and to take my Kingdome How much more may this beastly Benjamite Do what he doth with a despightfull sprite Seeing I am so wronged by my Son I pray you all to let this man alone Let him curse still touch him not with youâ— hand For what he saith it is by GODS command It may be that God with compassion Will looke upon my great affliction And that he will though he a space delay Requite me good for his cursing this day Then Davids armie ready with great might Prepar'd themselves ' gainst Absalom to fight When David view'd the march of his armie He said to Joab and Abishai Deare friends I pray deal gently with my Son Deal gently with the young man Absalom When
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-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
For Priests though villains and most reprobate Yea he himself a King voide of all grace Became a Priest to serve at an high place These were his great sins a most shamefull thinâ— Which cut him off from ruling more as King Thus voide of honour of glory and fame He liv'd and di'd with a most rotten name Then Jeroboam sent to Ahijah His wife to know if his son Abijah Then sick should live or die then she thus wise Before that blinde man did her self disguise At this same time the word came from JOVAH Which said unto the Prophet Ahijah Behold now coming Jeroboams wife To aske of thee concerning her sons life This know in time take heede and now be wise For when she comes she will her self disguise When she shall come her doubts for to discusse Then say to her in my words thus and thus When Ahija heard the sound of her feet Then coming in he spake as he thought meet Come in thou wife of Jeroboam vaine What mean'st thou some other thy self to faine Hard tidings for thee are from th'Eternell Goe and them quickly to thy husband tell Thus saith the LORD who rules both Land and Sea For as much as I have exalted thee And of a Servant hath made thee a Prince Ov'r my people yet hast thou ever since By thy vaine pride and vile idolatrie Done evill above all that were before thee Like basest men who do the LORD forsake Thou hast me cast proudly behinde thy backe Therefore I Lord who am most righteous Shall bring much evill on Jeroboams house From him I will cut off both great and small Not leaving one to pisse against the wall I will the remnant of his house destroy As a doung hill which men carie away These of his loines who die in the city Shall by vile dogs be rent most cruelly If any fall among the fields most faire Food they shall be to the Fowles of the aire Arise woman to thine owne house get thee For when thou enters into the Citie Thy childe shall die for him Isra'l shall weepe And him burie that he ingrave may sleepe Because in him as God hath said the word There is some good thing found toward thâ— LORD Moreover God for his glory and praise A worthy King in Israel shall raise Who Jeroboams wicked house that day Shall all cut off and sweepe like doung away But what Even now the Lord who is perfite As reeds in water shall Israel smite Because they heard not what he did command He shall them roote up out of this good land He shall them all scatter beyond the river Because by groves they stirred up his anger When this was said to Jeroboams wife She rose and went to Tirzah but the life Of her young child was then ended most sure When she came to the threshold of the doore They buri'd him and mourned as Jovah Had said before by Prophet Ahijah When Jeroboam years twenty and two Had reign'd he died a man of sin and woe The Use Let Kings heere learne that the great GOD most hie Shall root them out if with idolatrie They staine his land though for a time forborne They be at last none shall sit on their Throne Sprung from their loines the Lord shall them deface Both root and branch shall be cut from their race 2. NADAB A Prince or willing WHen Jeroboam most wicked was dead Then Nadab his son reigned in his stead Ill fathers son who walked in his way At Gibbethon Baasha did him slay Ill fathers son of a most wicked race He sway'd the Septer but for two years space The Use Let all men chiefly Kings heere learne and 〈◊〉 What are the fâ—uits of vile idolatrie Such in Gods love have rarely roome or place GOD pulls them downe and soone roots out thâ— race 3. BAASHA A doer Baasha smot Jerobo'ms house with death To him he left not any that had breath Thus Jeroboam for his great trespasse By Baasha shortly was made childelesse Though thus he did these wicked children slay He walked still in Jeroboams way To him Jehu the son of Hannani From GOD was sent to tell him this plainely I have exalted thee out of the dust My people hath beene subject to thy lust Thou hast walked in Jeroboams way Therefore the Scepter thou may no more sway With Jeroboam I Baashas race Will cleane root out and will wholly deface To Dogs and Fowles his children shall be meat They in the fields and cities shall them eate Last this ill man after he had twenty And foure years reign'd he in GODS wrath did die The Use To punish sin and not reformed be Is but a fruit of pride and vaine glory Let all these who mens manners would reforme Vnto GODS will their owne life so conforme 4. ELAH Strength AFter Baasha came his son Elah Who governed Israel in Tirzah While with Arzah hâ—s steward he did feast He drank himselfe more drunk then any beast While Elah was in drunkenesse filthie He killed was by his servant Zimri This filthie man to sobernesse a foe All his glory enjoy'd but poore years two The Use Beware to make of sin a play or sport It ends our dayes and cuts our honours short 5. ZIMRI A cutter THis ill servant after his Master slaine Did sway the Scepter and with great disdaiâ— Destroyed all the house of Baasha As Jehu had declared from JOVAH He kill'd his friends and alâ— hâ—s kinsfolk all He left not one to pisse against the wall The people hearing what in great furie To King Elah had beene done by Zimri Therefore against him with greef and disdaine They Crown'd King Omri a most brave Captain He with an armie then came speedilie And in fair Tirzah besieged Zimri When Zimri saw all these men so conspire He in his palace burnt himselfe with fire He for a Crowne walked in bloody wayes And yet his Kingdome lasted but seven dayes The Use Death of ill men the living doth exhort To feare the Lord and not in sin to sport Let subjects learne who have grace or reason For no respect to have hand in treason 6. OMRI Measure or handfull WHen the most part had Crowned KING Omri Halfe of the people did follow Tibni But the most part set Omri on the Throne So Tibni died and Omri reign'd alone Twelve yeeres he reign'd this ill King froâ— Shemer Samariahs hill for two talents silver Did buy On this hill he built a citie Which from that Shemer he ordain'd to be Called Samariah which great citie still Hath name from Shemer owner of that hill But this Omri wax'd wicked more and more Yea he did worse then all that were before Both King and Captaine wicked in his dayes He walked in all Jeroboams wayes This Omri di'd by the hand of JOVAH And buried was in his Samariah The Use Let Kings heere learne not to sinne more anâ— more Lest they waxe worse then all that were before 7. AHAB Beloved THis Son of
Elishas feet â—â—e fell downe there and then began to weepe Then Gehazi came fast to thrust away â—he Shunamite in great distresse that day â—et her alone said Elisha behold â—reat grief of heart which GOD hath not me told She said did I desire a Son to have â—id I not say see thou me not deceive Then said Elisha unto Gehazi â—â—rd up thy loines and take my staffe quicklie â—e that no man thou salute by the way â—or do no thing that may procure delay â—hen thou art come with speede unto the place See that this staffe thou lay on the châ— face But the mother would not leave Elisha For so she sware by the great Jehovah Then she arose Elisha did follow All for to stint the Shunamits sorrow Then Gehazi the staffe upon the face Of the childe laide but during all that space Was neither voice nor yet any hearing Wherefore he turn'd to Elisha saying The childe is not awak'd there is no life Then Elisha came with that worthy wife And saw the childe laid dead upon his bed Then to them all the good Elisha said Retire your selfe and let me here alone Be with the childe then they retir'd anone Then Elisha with zeal began to pray He went up al 's and upon the childe lay He mouth to mouth and eyes to eyes did joiâ— And hands to hands and stretch'd himâ— upon The young dead childe there without hâ— harme Then the young childes flesh anone waâ— warme Then he return'd and walked to and fro And on the childe he stretched him also â—hen at the last the young childe seven times neesd 〈◊〉 eyes were opened and so was reviv'd 〈◊〉 calling for the Shunamite anone â—â—a said to her Take up thy Son â—â—n she went in and full of comforts sweet 〈◊〉 downe at the Prophet Elishas feet 〈◊〉 bow'd her self humbly unto the ground â—ling swetly for her great comforts found â—fter Elisha came unto Gilgal 〈◊〉 great dearth which troubled great and small 〈◊〉 on the great pot said he to make meat â—t the sons of the Prophets now may eat â—en the servant heard these Elishas words 〈◊〉 went and of a wild vine gathred gourds â—lap full which he shred into the pot 〈◊〉 at these herbs were that servant then knew not â—en the Prophets these herbs began to eat 〈◊〉 cryed out that death was in their meat 〈◊〉 Elisha bad his servants bring meal â—â—ch put in pot they did no more death feel â—hen Naaman great Captaine of the host Syria who would have spar'd no cost â—e helped of his vile leprosie â—rn'd of a maid who by captivitie 〈◊〉 in his house that in Samaria There was a Prophet called Elisha Who could him help and heale most perfectlie Of his disease of wofull leprosie Then said the King of Syria Go to I will now send a faire letter unto Jehoram King who guideth Israel Then the man went and tooke with him of alâ— Best things Of silver he tooke ten talents Six thousand pieces of gold of rayments Ten changes and so brought unto the King The Kings letter containing this saying Behold therewith I have sent unto thee Naaman to be heal'd of leprosie When King Jehoram heard this letter read He in amazement this utt'red and said Am I a God to kill or make alive Who in best Physick can so deeply dive Wherefore now see it is easie to tell That he now seekes against me a quarrell When Elisha had heard how that the King Had rent his clothes he sent him this saying Be not amaz'd let him now come to me And he shall know that a Prophet surelie Is in Isra'l So to Elishas doore Naaman came and stood there it before With horse charets in pompe and dignitie Then a servant Elisha sent quicklie With this message goe to the Jordan fair â—nd sev'n times wash thee in the water there â—o shall thy flesh againe come unto thee â—hou shalt be cleane and that most perfectly But Naaman was wroth and went away â—nd said Behold I thought the man this day â—ill surely come and pray unto his GOD And touch the place and cleanse me of this rod â—â—ana Pharpar right well I can tell â—e better rivers then these of Isra'l May I not wash in them and so be cleane â—us he turned and all in rage was seene Then came to him his servant thus saying My father if the Prophet some great thing â—d ordain'd thee wouldst thou not have it done 〈◊〉 much rather when thou thy health so soone â—y have by washing in water softlie â—sh and bee cleane hee saith no mere to thee â—t that wise word great Captaine Naaman â—waded was soone to wash in Jordan His flesh like childes flesh was then cleareâ— seene To be restord so Naaman was cleane Then he return'd with all his companie And stood before Elisha who did see What God had done then said Na'man behold I this in heart will all my lifetime hold And now I will heer in thy presence tell In all the earth but onely in Isra'l There is no GOD Therefore heare tâ— saying I pray thee take from me now a blessing What said Elisha no blessing I crave Of thy presents nothing I will receive And though he urged and request did make Yet Elisha his present would not take Then said Na'man Elisha I pray thee Let two Mules burdens of earth unto me Be given for hencefoorth I heere give mâ— word To quite all stranqe gods for to serve thâ— LORD In this thing the LORD thy servant pâ—don If I hencefoorth in the house of Rimmon Bow downe my selfe vvith my Master and King â—he LORD pardon thy servant in this thing Then said Elisha goe in peace this day Thus he departed and so went away But Gehazi did from his Master slide After the man he went to get a bribe 〈◊〉 will said he some earand to him make 〈◊〉 will now run and some what of him take When Naaman saw the man thus running He lighted downe and said What is the thing That thou desir'st What now Are all things well All well said he My Master bids thee tell Behold even now there be come unto me From Ephraim mount two young men most worthie Sons of the Prophets let them from thee have â—art of the present nothing more I crave But of good silver onely one talent And with that al 's two changes of raiment Then said Na'aman take two talents for one Them with the raiment he soone laid upon Two of his servants who bare them before Gehazi who fearing his Master sore Tooke the base bribe and sent them backe quicklie For so he thought to hide his villanie Then he went in and stood before his Lord Who said to him now tell me in a word Whence comest thou Tell me what thou hâ— done Thy servant went no whether said he soone Fy man said he went not mine heart wâ— thee When the man turn'd againe so speedilie From his charet to meet a craftie knave Who
brothers hall 19 But O behold what did befall a most fearfull distresse There came a strong and mighty winde even from the wildernesse The house four corners it did smite which on the young men fell They are all dead and I alone escaped am to tell 20 The Job arose his mantle he rent and did shave his head He down upon the ground did fall and worship did with speed 21 Then said he in his grief and smart Out of my mothers womb I naked came and shall return al 's naked to my tomb The LORD hath given and al 's the LORD hath taken all away The LORDS great name be blessed still for ever and for ay â—2 Yet worthy JOB most patient in all this misery â—id not offend nor charge his GOD with rigour foolishly Chap. 2. ANother day the sons of GOD came themselves to present Before the LORD Satan also among them there he went 2 Whence comes thou GOD to Satan said then Satan answred soon From going to and fro on Earth from walking up and down 3 Hast thou considred JOB said GOD that there is none him like One that feares GOD and evil eschewes perfect and upright eke Behold how still he holdeth fast even his integrity Although that him for to destroy thou without cause mov'dst me 4 Then Satan the LORD answerd soone JOB hath felt little strife But skin for skin all that man hath will he give for his life 5 Put foorth thine hand his bone and flesh touch and in little space He even out of all patience will curse thee to thy face 6 And the Lord unto Satan said Behold and now perceive He in thine hand given over is but see thou his life save 7 So from the presence of the Lord Satan went up and downe And smot poore Job with painefull boiles from the sole to the crowne 8 Then a potsheard to scrape himself he tooke all desolate Thus he perplexed in his mind among the ashes sate 9 Then said his wife Retain'st thou still thine old integritie What meanest thou O foolish man now curse thou GOD and die 10 But he againe said unto her his witlesse wife to schoole Thou speakest now thou knowes not what thou speakest like a foole Shall we receive good and not evill at the hand of the LORD â—n all this did not holy Job with lips sinne in a word 11 Now when Jobs three friends heard of all this evill and great disgrace That came on him they every one did come from his owne place The Temanite Eliphaz and al 's Bildad the Shuhite And Zâ—phar also joyn'd with them the wise Naamathite For they together had all made appointment of one sort To come and mourne with their deare freind and him for to comfort 12 But when they did lift up their eyes afarre they him no more Did know they lifted up their voice and weeped very sore And every man his mantle rent while thus they had it riven They sprinkled dust upon their heads toward the highest heaven 13 So seven dayes without speaking wordes and seven nights they down sate Upon the ground for they did see his grief was very great Chap. 3. THen op'ned Job his mouth anone and in greefe cursd his day And answ'ring with a wounded heart Job thus began to say 3 Cursd be the day that I was borne and let the night like have That it was said my mother did me a man childe conceive 4 Let that day be darknesse alwayes let not GODS eye divine Regard it neither let the light upon it ever shine 5 Let darknesse it and shadowes staine let a cloud stedfastly Dwell on it let the blacknesse of the day it terrifie 6 Let darknesse seaze upon that night to the dayes of the yeare Let it not come nor numbred be with moneths by men heere 7 Let that night in all times to come be solitarie still Let no voice at all come therein that is glade or joyfull 8 Let them it curse with all their heart that use to curse the day â—ho are still ready to raise up their great mourning alway 9 Let the starres of its twilight be darke let it looke for light â—ut have none neither let it see the faire dayes dawning bright 10 Because it of my mothers womb shut not the doores closely Nor in the dayes of troubles great hide sorrow from mine eye 11 Why died I not even from the womb which compassd me about Why did not I give up the ghost when from it I came out 12 Why did the midwives gentle knees me at my birth prevent Or why the breasts that I should suck gave milk for this intent 13 For now both still and quiet I should have been for my best I should have sleeped in the grave then had I been at rest 14 With Kings and also counsellers men of the earth most rare Who in places most desolate did build their houses faire 15 Or with Princes who glistring gold had in their treasures still Who their houses adorned well with silver fine did fill 16 Or as an hid untymly birth I surely had not beene As infants in their mothers wombe which light have never seene 17 There cease alwayes the wicked men From troubling the opprest And there from toile and carking care the weary be at rest 12 The prisoners there together rest they not at any houre Do heare the voice which doth proceed from the great opressour 18 These that be small and also gerat even there together be And the servant for toilsome taske is from his master free 20 Wherefore is light given unto him that is in miserie And life upon the earth to them that in soul bitter be 21 Which every day do long for death but it comes not therefore â—nd dig for it even more then for hid treasures and great store 22 Which doe exceedingly rejoice and alwayes gladnesse have â—n their greatest afflictions when they can find the grave 23 And why is light given to a man whose way is alwayes hid â—nd whom the Lord hath hedged in and from evill will not red 24 For my sighing before I eat doth come and me about â—y roarings loud like waters great are largely powred out 25 For that which I still greatly fear'd is come now upon me â—nd that whereof I was afraid is to me come surelie 26 In safety I was not alwayes nor yet still had I rest 〈◊〉 was far from all quietnesse yet troubles me opprest Chap. 4. WHen this was said then Eliphaz the Temanite that day Did forme an answer and to Job after this speach did say If we assay to speake with thee as friends and so be bold Will thou be greev'd But who from words can well himselfe withhold 3 Behold thou hast instructed well diverse in numbrous bands And thou by thy most wise comforts hast strengthned the weak hands 4 Thy words have well upholden him that was in miseries Straight falling and thou strengthned hast the weak and feeble
place 5 The brightest light of wicked men shall surely be put out Yea and the sparkle of his fire shall not shine him about 6 The light within his Tabernacle shall by judgement divine Be darke his candle shall with him be quench'd and never shine 7 The steps of all his greatest strength shall straitned be most fast And his own counsell still perverse shall quickly downe him cast 8 For he by his owne foolish feet is cast into a net And so he rashly walkes upon a snare that 's for him set 9 The grin that is laid downe for him shall take him by the heele And robbers by their violence against him shall prevaile 10 The snare for him is in the ground laid both by night and day And for him a deceitfull trap is still set in the way 11 Great terrours shall on every side him fearfully affright And shall even drive him to his feet with a most speedy flight 12 With pinching hunger ever shall be bitten all his strength And ready shall destruction be even at his side at length 13 The greatest strength it of his skin shall swallow lesse or more Yea even of death shall the first borne his greatest strength devore 14 His confidence out of his tent shall cleane be rooted out And it shall bring him to the King of terrours round about 15 It in his tent shall surely dwell because it s none of his Upon his habitation shall brimstone be scattred thus 16 His roots which seem'd great sap to have shall be dried up beneath His branch above shall be cut off together from the earth 17 From the earth his rememberance shall perish with great shame And he among men in the street shall not have any name 18 He from the light that shines on earth shall be to darknesse driven Out of the world he shall be chasd from the morne to even 19 He neither son nor nephew shall among his people have Nor any in his house to dwell when he goes to the grave 20 They that come after him shall be astonied at his day As they that went before him were affrighted sore alway 21 Surely such are the dwellings of the wicked wanting grace Of him that doth not know the LORD this is the very place Chap. 19. THen Job answer'd and said to them how long as with sharp swords 2 Will ye my soul thus vexe and cut in pieces with your wordes 3 These ten times ye reproached have me greatly to defame That you your selves make strange to me you are not touch'd with shame 4 And be it so indeede that I have err'd once and againe Mine errour truely with my self doth constantly remaine 5 If ye indeede against me will your selves thus magnifie As al 's against me my reproach plead most despightfully 6 Know now that GOD hath overthrowne me without any let And in my great distresse he hath me compass'd with his net 7 Behold out of my greevous wrong I doe cry by and by But am not heard no judgement is though I aloud do cry 8 He hath sure fenced up my way that I it cannot passe And he also hath darknesse black even set in all my paths 9 He hath me of my glory great cleane striped all indeed And he also the royall Crowne hath taken from mine head 10 On each side he me hath destroy'd as ye may clearly see My surest hope he hath also removed like a tree 11 He also kindled hath his wrath against me by and by And also counteth that to him an enemie am I. 12 His troups together come and up their way against me raise My Tabernacle round about to compasse is their praise 13 He hath my brethren from me far put as ye now may see And mine acquaintance dearest all estranged are from me 14 My loving kinsfolke failed have in my necessitie And my familâ—ar friends most dear have all forgotten me 15 They that dwell in my house my maide me for a stranger right Do all account and so I am an aliant in their sight 16 My speciall servant I did call and he no answere gave I did intreat him with my mouth that comfort I might have 17 My breath unto my wife is strange though I alwayes did make My sute that she should rest content even for the childrens sake 18 Yea young children me did despise me as a mock to be I in displeasure soone arose and they contemned me 19 My most familiar inward friends they did abhorre me all They whom I most lov'd turned are against me great and small 20 My bone unto my skin and flesh doth cleave exceeding fast I am escaped with the skin ev'n of my teeth at last 21 O ye my friends have pitie now on me whom thus ye see For the hand of th' almighty GOD hath greatly troubled me 22 Why doe ye persecute as GOD not with my flesh content 23 Oh that my wordes were writen now Oh that they were in print 24 That they were all most clearely grav'n even with an yron pen And lead that in the rock for ay they might be seene by men 25 I know that my REDEEMER lives that at the latter day He shall then stand upon the earth his scepter for to sway 26 And though after my withred skine my body wormes quicklie Should all destroy yet trust I still GOD in my flesh to see 27 Whom I shall see even for my self and mine eyes shall behold And not another though my reines be all consum'd as old 28 But yee should say why persecute wee him upon the ground If we the maters root could see he guiltlesse should be found Chap. 20. THen said Zophar Namaathite my thoughts with great distaste 2 Cause me therefore to answere thee and for this I make haste 3 I of my most shamefull reproach have surely heard the check And my sprit that well understands me to answere doth make 4 Dost thou not of long time this know by great experince Since man was placed on the earth to have his residence 5 That wicked mens triumphing short incontinent is past And that the joyes of th'Hypocrite but for a moment last 6 Though his excellency to heaven do mount up by and by And though his head even reach unto the high clouds of the sky 7 Yet like his owne doung he for ay shall perish certainly They which have seene him brave before shall say Now where is he 8 He as a dreame shall flee away he shall not come in sight He shall be chasd away even as a vision of the night 9 The eye also which him clearly saw shall him no more know Nor yet shall his place any more behold him heere below 10 His children shall then seek to please the poor even more and more Yea he these ill extorted goods with his hands shall restore 11 His withred bones are full of sins of youth defil'd with lust Which surely shall lie downe with him in grave among the dust 12 Though
13 And yet thou say'st How doth the LORD all things know and remarke Can he by wisedome great discerne even through the cloud most darke 14 Thick clouds above so cover him that he can nothing see And in the circuit of the heaven he walketh gloriouslie 13 In wisedome hast thou not deserv'd the course that GOD of old Hath wont to take of these that are in wickednesse most bold 16 Which out of time by GODS great wrath were cut downe as they stood Whose foundation was overflowne as with a mighty flood 17 Which proudly said unto the LORD from us quickly depart What can from us th' Almighty doe to help us in our smart 18 Yet all their houses with good things he hath made full to be But counsell ill of wicked men is far away from me 19 The righteous men that live on earth it see and are most glad And th' innocent them laugh to scorne in their destruction sad 20 Whereas our substance permanent stands both by night and day Not cut downe but what rests to them the fire consumes away 21 Thy self now with him in thy wayes acquaint most carefullie And be at peace for sure thereby much good shall come to thee 22 I pray thee from his mouth receive the law in every part And see that thou lay up his wotds in th' inward of thine heart 23 If to th' Almighty thou returne thou shalt be built for ay Iniquitie thou from thy tent then shalt put far away 24 Then as the dust thou shalt the gold even lay up by and by The gold of Ophir as the stones which in the brookes do lye 25 Yea the almighty by his power thy sure defence shall be And as for silver thou shalt have of it a great plentie 26 For then in the Almighty thou shall by his saveing grace Have thy delight and unto GOD shalt glade lift up thy face 27 Thy prayer thou shalt unto him make with great zeale alway And he thee heare shall and thou shalt to him thy vowes all pay 28 Thou shalt a thing decree also and it establish'd all To thee shall be upon thy wayes the light shine clearely shall 29 When men are cast downe then thou shalt there 's lifting up well say The humble persone save he shall by his great power alway 30 For the sake of the innocent he will an Island save If that thy hands were such thou might from God like freedome have Chap. 23. THen Job answer'd to Eliphaz even to this day my mones Most bitter are my stroke it is more heavy then my grones 3 O that I knew where I him might finde in this wretched state That with all boldnesse I might come even to his justice seat 4 My cause before his Majesty I would well order still My mouth with arguments also I would most gladly fill 5 The wordes I would most surely know which he would answer me And understand what he would say in miserie to me 6 Will he against me with his power in wrath begin to plead No but he would in mercy great put strength in me indeed 7 There with him then the righteous might to dispute be most free So thus for ever from my Judge I should delivered be 8 Behold I foreward goe but he is not there as I crave I also backward go but I him can not then perceive 9 On the left hand where he doth work but him I not behold He hides himself on the right hand that I him see not should 10 But he the way that I do take most clearly doth behold And when he hath well tryed me I shall come foorth as gold 11 My foot his steps most constantly hath held also his way I keeped have and have not once from it declin'd away 12 I from his precepts start not back which are both grave and good His words I have esteem'd more then my necessary food 13 But what he hath once in his minde who can him turn therefro And what his soul desireth once even that he doth also 14 For he performes the thing that is appointed still for me And many such things are with him after his owne decree 15 Therefore I at his presence great am troubled very sore When I consider I of him afraide am more and more 16 For God by his most blessed hand doth soften all my heart And the Almighty troubleth me with painefull greefe and smart 17 Because before darkenesse I was not cut off in my place And that he had not cov'red well the darknesse from my face Chap. 24. VVHy seeing times not hidden are from th' almighty alwayes Doe they that wicked know him not yet see his judgements dayes 2 Some the fix'd land marks doe remove and take away indeede Their neighbours flocks with violence and stil upon them feed 3 The asse of the poore fatherlesse they quickly drive away The widowes oxe they also take for pledge as for a prey 4 The needy they out of the way where they did still abide Did turne the poor together they themselves closely did hide 5 Behold even as the asses wild in deserts wandring so They rising early for a prey foorth to their work do goe The wide and howling wildernesse as is well understood For them and for their children al 's doth yeeld a dayly food 6 Their neighbours corne upon the field with violence they reape Their vintage al 's they wickedly do gather in a heape 7 They cause the naked without clothes to lodge in their owne hold So that they in a storme have not a cov'ring for the cold 8 With showres of mountaines high they are thus wet in every place For want of shelters they are forc'd the hard rocks to embrace 9 The fatherlesse they from the breast do pluck as in a rage And of most poor distressed men they cruell take a pledge 10 They him spoild of his garments all cause naked for to go And from the hungry they the sheafe do take away also 11 Which oyl within their walls do make and their wine-presse with paine Do tread and yet do suffer thirst and nothing thereby gaine 12 Out of the city men do grone and wounded soules do cry Yet for this to them God layes not their folly by and by 13 Against the light they do rebell while they themselves would hide The wayes thereof they do not know nor in its paths abide 14 The murdrer rising with the light doth kill by great mischeef The poore and needy in the night he is a common thiefe 15 For the twilight th' adultrers eye doth still waite in his place No eye saith he shâ—ll now me see disguising all his face 16 In darke throw houses they do dig which they well by their sight Had marked for them in the day they brutish know not light 17 As deaths shaddow the morning is to them from GODS great wrath If one them know they surely are in terrous even of death 18 He curs'd on earth like
they flow by and by Againe by his almighty power they become wholly dry 5 As for the earth its surface doth yeeld bread for mans desire And under it there mater is combustible for fire 6 The stones thereof are al 's the place of Saphires in great store Abundantly among the dust it hath the golden ore 7 There is a path unknow'n to fooles not seene by vultures eye 8 The lions whelps have not it trode the lion pass'd not by 9 His hand upon the rockes he puts with sledge he slents them downe The steepest mountaines by the rootes he al 's doth overturne 10 Among the flintie rocks he doth great rivers soone cut out His eye sees every precious thing in all the land about 11 The floods that they not overflow he bindeth with his might The thing that is most secret hid he bringeth foorth to light 12 But whâ—re shall wisedome now be found where is its dwelling place 13 Its price men knowes not of the earth it is not on the face 14 It s not in me the gulfie depth doth most clearlie confesse It 's not with me al 's sith the sea yea neither more nor lesse 15 For gold that is most precious it can not gotten be Nor silver for the price thereof shall weighed be surelie 16 It can not so be valued well with gold of Ophir deaâ—e With the most precious Onix stone or with the Saphire cleare 17 The gold and Chrystall can not al 's with it equall compare Th' exchange of it shall not be for fine golden jewels rare 18 No mention of the corall shall or yet of pearles be made For wisedomes price is farre above the Rubies glauncing red 19 No Ethiopian Topaze shall it equall here or there The purest gold in furnace fin'd with it may not compare 20 But whence is then that wisdome comes where's understandings place 21 Since it from all the livings eyes and fouls hath hid its face 22 Death and destruction in their speach do alwayes say the same We only thereof with our ears have heard the noble fame 23 GOD by his wisdome great thereof doth understand the way He well doth know the place thereof where it abides for ay 24 For he unto the farrest ends of earth looks with his eyes What is under the cope of Heaven He it most clearly sees 25 He makes the weights for stormy windes according to his pleasure The waters also which run deep he weigheth all by measure 26 When for the rain by wisdome great He made a sure decree And for the Thunders lighning al 's a way appointed he 27 Then did he see it and declare and so did clear all doubt He it prepared wisely and it fully searched out 28 And unto man at last he said Beholds GODS only fear Is wisdome and to cease from ill is understanding dear Chap. 29. MOreover in his mourning Job to speak made no delay In parable he did proceed and thus began to say 2 Oh that I were as in dayes past when GOD preserved me 3 When his lamp on mine head did shine and I did walk safely 4 As I was in the former dayes before my youth was spent When of the LORD the secret was well seene upon my tent 5 When the Almighty by his grace was yet even still with me When all my châ—ldren with great joy I round about did see 6 When I my steps with butter wash'd without labour or toile And as the rock as in a showre powr'd out rivers of oile 7 When I did through the citie go and went upon my feet Out to the gate when I prepar'd my seate even in the street 8 The young men saw me excellent and under this pretence Did hide themselves the ag'd stood up to beare me reference 9 The Princes talking did refraine that they might understand My wise discourse and on their mouth they all did lay their hand 10 The nobles likewise held their peace and which was a great proof Of my wise wordes the tongues of all did cleave unto their roof 11 When that the ear of man me heard it surely me did blesse And when the eye me saw also it gave to me witnesse 12 Because I did deliver these who poore to me did cry The Orphans and him thar had none to help him by and by 13 Blessings of such as ready were to perish came on me And I did cause the widowes heart to sing most joyfully 14 I righteousnesse anone put on which as a glorious gowne Me cloth'd my judgement was a rob and a most stately crowne 16 I as the most cleare seeing eyes unto the blind became And al 's in humane charitie I feete was to the lame 16 I was a father to the poore in all the land about The cause which I not understood with care I searched out 17 The jawes of wicked men I brake and gave them all the foile And with a mighty arme did pluck out of their teeth the spoile 18 Then in my fond conceite I said I shall die in my nest My dayes as sand I 'le multiply and after goe to rest 19 Out by the waters blooming faire my root was spread anone And all the night the pleasant dew lay still my branch upon 20 My glory was still fresh in me as all did understand And al 's the bow of my great strength renu'd was in my hand 21 Unto me men most wise gave eare to heare what I would tell They waited well and silence keept when I did give counsell 22 After that they had heard my words they spake no more againe My speach upon them dropped all as doth a pleasant raine 23 As for the raine that fruitfull is they for me did abide As for the latter raine their mouth they op'ned very wide 24 If I did laugh on them then they beleev'd it not at all They were afraid to cause the light of my visage to fall 25 I sat as cheefe I choose their way most meekly without boast I dwelt even as a King that is amid an armed hoast And as a wise man that in time his comforts sweet powres out Amide thâ—se who for greef of minde are mourning him about Chap. 30. BUt now these young ones me deride whose ragged fathers I Would have disdain'd even with the dogs of my flock to set by 2 Yea of their hands whereto the strength could ever profite me In whom old age all perish'd was as all might clearly see 3 For want and famine desolate they were they did flee fast To wil fernesse in former times most barran all and waste 4 Who mallowes hungry do cut up by bushes heer and there And have no other thing for meat but roots of Juniper 5 From among men they were driven foorth as men given to mischief They cry'd aloud all after them even as after a thief 6 To dwell in the unpleasant clifts of valleyes like vile slaves And in the shelters of the rocks or shadows of the caves 7
Among the bushes lying they in misery did bray They under nettles gathred were together every day 8 They of vain fools the children were yea of men of no name Most base then earth they viler were to owne them men thought shame 9 And now their song am I become and by-word of disgrace 10 They me abhor they flee from me and spit even in my face 11 Because that he hath loosde my cord and me afflicted sore They have the bridle now let loose not sparing me before 12 Upon my right hand rise the youth my feet they push away The wayes of their destruction great they ' gainst me raise alway 13 Most bitterly they marre my path they most backward indeed Set foreward my calamitie of help they have no need 14 As a breaking of waters wide they all come upon me They in the desolation great did roll themselves fiercely 15 Upon me terrours turned are my soul puâ—sue do they Even as the winde my welfare al 's as clouds doth passe away 16 And now my Soul is powred out with terrours manifold The dayes of great afflâ—ction now on me have taken hold 17 In the night Season are my bones all pierc'd in me and prest My sinewes all are shrunk with paines that they can get no rest 18 By the great force of my disease my garment which is hote Is changd about it binds me as the collar of my coat 19 He hath by a great violence me in a deep myre thrust And I distressed am become like ashes and like dust 20 I cry to thee but thou dost not me hear in grief ensnaird When I stand up to look for help thou dost me not regard 21 Now thou art cruell also turnd unto me in the land Thy self gainst me thou dost oppose with strong and mighty hand 22 Up to the winde thou lifts me up and on it makes me ride Thou so dissolves my substance all that nothing doth abide 23 For I do this most clearly know that thou LORD me wilt bring To death yea to the houses that set for the living be 24 Howbeit his hand unto the grave Hee 'l not stretch by and by Though they in his destruction great continually should cry 25 For him that in great trouble was did I not weep right sore Was not my soul in misery much grieved for the poor 26 When I good things did well expect distresse came me upon And when I waited for the light there darknesse came anone 27 My bowels boiled with great paine they rested not surely The dayes of great affliction al 's most swift prevented me 28 I griev'd without the light of Sun went mourning by and by And in the congregation great with anguish I did cry 29 A brother I to dragons am with owles I do abide 30 My bones are burnt with scorching heat black is my withred hide 31 To mourning also turned is my harp that was most sweet My organ turn'd is in the voice of them that sadly weep Chap. 31. A Covenant sure then with mine eyes most carefully I made Why in great foly thus should I even thinke upon a maid 2 For what portion of GOD is there appointed from above Or al 's ' inheritance is there from the Almighties love 3 Is not destruction ordain'd to these that do wickedly Strange punishment is al 's for these that work iniquitie 4 Doth he not with his clearest eyes perfectly see my wayes He al 's with observation strict my steps counts all my dayes 5 If in my foolishnesse I have ev'n walk'd in vanitie Or if unto deceit my foot hath hasted wickedly 6 Then let me in an ballance even be weighed narrowly That the Almighty God may well know mine integritie 7 If my step turn'd hath from the way and my heart did believe Mine eyes and if unto my hand the least blot once did cleave 8 Then let me sow my precious seed in all my fields about And let another eat yea let my race be rooted out 9 If that my heart by women hath as by a snairing baite Deceived been or if I at my neighbours door laid waite 10 Then let my wife by recompence unto another grinde Let others al 's on her bow downe even in my sins own kinde 11 For this is a most hainous crime a great iniquitie Which righteous judges should correct with great severitie 12 For it a fire consuming is to wast ev'n round about All mine increase which I enjoy it would anone root out 13 If I al 's did despise the cause of manservant or maide When they in any humour hote with me contention made 14 What shall I do when that the LORD against me up shall rise And when he visits what shall I to answer enterprise 15 Did not he that made me him make as all may understand And did not one within the womb us fashion with his hand 16 If I by rigour have the poor withheld from their desire Or of the widow poor the eyes have causde to faile or tyre 17 Or if my morsell mine alone I eaten have apart So that the fatherlesse thereof not eaten have a part 18 For from my youth the fatherlesse was well brought up with me The widow from my mothers womb I guided carefully 19 If I for want of clothing warm have any perish seene Or any poor distrest that had without a covering beene 20 If his loins have not blessed me to keep me from all harm If by the soft fleece of my sheep he was not then made warm 21 If I against the fatherlesse have once lift up my hand When I my help even in the gate did see and understand 22 Then rotting from my shoulder-blade let fall mine arme anone Yea more I say even let mine arme be broken from the bone 23 For from GOD the destruction great a terrour was most sure By reason of his highnesse great I could it not indure 24 If I have made the gold my hope in any exigence Or have said to the finest gold Thou art my confidence 25 If I rejoic'd because my wealth was great as such and such Or yet because at any tyme mine hand had gotten much 26 If I beheld the shinning Sunne to worship with his light Or yet the Moone fair in the sky with glory walking bright 27 Or that my heart entised hath been secretly thereby Or that my mouth hath kissd mine hand on such for to rely 28 This al 's were an iniquitie which Judges should remove For I thus should denied have the God that is above 29 If I at the destruction great of him that hated me Rejoic'd or yet lift up my self at his great miserie 30 Or have I suffred once my mouth with libertie to sinne By wishing fearefull plagues and curse unto his soul within 31 If the men of my tabernacle yea said Not oh that we Had of his flesh Such are his wrongs he can not satisfie 32 The stranger surely did not lodge in open street alway
can not him find out He excellent in power is in all the land about In judgement and in justice al 's he plenteous doth excell So that he will not sore afflict men whether great or small 24 Therefore men feare his Majesty yet he for their desert Doth not respect these men on earth who are most wise of heart Chap. 38. AT this time the Almighty Lord to Job an answere made Out of the blustring whirlewind and after this maner said 2 Who is this that presumptuously doth counsell overcloud With darknesse thick by foolish words not having knowledge good 3 Now like a man gird up thy loines for questions now of thee I will demand See if thou can an answere make to me 4 Where wast thou when I of the earth the ground-stone did lay fast Declare to me if at this time thou understanding hast 5 Now tell me if thou knows thereof who laid the measures out Or who upon it stretched hath the line even round about 6 The faire foundations all thereof I pray thee whereupon Fastned are they Or who of it did lay the corner stone 7 When as the morning stars above together sweetly sang And all the sons of GOD for joy their shoutings highly rang 8 Or who shut up the sea with doors that flowes the earth about When it brake foorth as if it had of the womb issu'd out 9 When I the cloud its garment made by my most mighty hand And darknesse thick for it also to be a swadling band 10 And also for it did break up the place of my decree And wisely set both barres and doores for it alwayes to be 11 And said Thou shalt come hitherto but shalt no further stray And heere thy proud and lofty waves thou shalt not faile to stay 12 Hast thou the morning since thy dayes had ever at thy beck Or hast thou at his wonted place the day caus'd spring to breake 13 That it take hold might of the ends of all the earth about And that the wicked might from it be quickly shaken out 14 By GODS hand it is turned all as to the seale the clay And as a garment good they stand in most pleasant aray 15 And from the wicked men their light is even with holden all And the hie arme of lofty ones shall then be broken small 16 Hast thou entred into the springs of the most rageing sea Or hast thou searched all the shelfs that in the great depth be 17 Unto thee all the gates of death have they wide op'ned beene Or of deaths shadow black the doores hast thou most clearly seene 18 By thy wisedome hast thou perceiv'd the breadth of this great ball Even of the earth declare it now if thou dost know it all 19 Teach me also where is the way where the cleare light doth dwell And as for darknesse where 's the place thereof if thou can tell 20 That thou shouldst take it to its bounds above or yet belowe And that the paths unto its house thou perfectly shouldst know 21 Because in that time borne thou wast perfectly know st thou it Or yet because the number of thy dayes is very great 22 Hast thou into the treasures great of snow even entred well Or hast thou seen the store house of the hard congealed haile 23 Which I for me have well reserv'd against the tyme of jarres Against the day of battell and the day of fearfull wars 24 Canst thou where the light parted is the way by wisedome find Which on the earth by violence doth scatter the East wind 25 Who hath the water spouts also divided for the raine Or yet the way for thunder claps whole sound doth roare amaine 26 To cause it raine upon the earth where no man is at all Yea on the wildernesse wherein is neither great nor small 27 To satisfie the desolate and waste ground of no worth And to cause buds of tender herbs most pleasant to spring foorth 28 If that the raine a father hath if thou canst to me shew Who among all begotten hath the pearly drops of dew 29 Out of whose womb did come the yce can thou a reason render As for the hoary frost of heaven who at first did it gender 30 The mighty waters flowing deep are hid as with a stone The face of all the deep through cold is frozen all anone 31 Of pleiades the influence canst thou bind with thine hands Or of the winter Orion canst thou well loose the bands 32 Canst thou bring foorth the Mazzaroth twelve signes in their seasons Or canst thou well Arcturus guide with his faire glistring sons 33 Of heaven thee ordinances all knowst thou perfectly well Canst thou set its dominion all upon the earth by skill 34 Canst thou lift up thy voice unto the clouds that are most hie That in abundance waters great may come and cover thee 35 Canst thou by thy great strength also the fearfull lightnings send That they may go and say to thee we all thee heere attend 36 Who is he that great wisedome hath put in the inward part Or who hath understanding given unto mans foolish heart 37 Who in wisedome the clouds above with skill well number may Or of the high heavens who can once the running bottels stay 38 When as the dust upon the earth doth into hardnesss grow And fast to together cleave the clods when all is dry below 39 Wilt thou even for the Lion fierce take paines to hunt the prey Or th' appetite of lions young to fill without delay 40 When they most craftilie do couch in dens most wide or strait And in the covert hid abide for there to ly in waite 41 Who for the Raven provides his food When his young still do cry Unto the LORD for lacke of meat they wander by and by Chap. 39. KNowes thou the time when the wilde goats and al 's the wanton hindes Bring foorth their young and tender calves according to their kindes 2 Canst thou the moneths number that they in their time fulfill Concerning times that they bring foorth hast thou perceiv'd with skill 3 They bow themselves then they bring foorth their young ones round about When that 's done by GODS providence their sorrowes they cast out 4 Their young ones are in liking good they prosper well and store With corne in plenty they go foorth and to them turne no more 5 Who hath the wilde asse free sent out or who hath loosde his bands 6 Whose house to dwell in I have made the wilde and barren lands 7 He scornes the Cities multitude when they do make a noise The crying al 's he not regards even of the drivers voice 8 The range of the high mountaines great his pasture is well seene He heere and there doth quickly search for every thing that 's green 9 Will th' Unicorne with all his strength stoupe down thee to obey Or will he come unto thy cribe to feast upon thy hay 10 Canst thou well the strong
recompence Much more shall wicked sinners get for all their fair pretence Chap. 12. VVHo so doth love instruction good he knowledge loves also But he that hateth a reproof like a bruit beast doth go 2 A good man hath Gods favour great who will not him contemne But a man of devices ev'll he surely will condemne 3 A man establish'd shall not be by his owne wickednesse But the root of the righteous shall not be mov'd more or lesse 4 A woman to her husband good is as Crownes set with stones But she that maketh him asham'd brings rotting in his bones 5 The thoughts all of the righteous man are right in GODS conceit But counsels all of wicked men are fraud and meer deceit 6 The words of ill men are to lie in waite for blood alone But the mouth of the upright shall deliver them anone 7 The wicked men are overthrown and are not to be found But the house of the righteous man shall stand fast on the ground 8 A man shall be commended much as men shall find him wise But him that is perverse in heart all good men shall despise 9 He that despised is and hath a servant is indeed Much better then who honour doth himself and lacketh bread 10 The righteous the life of his beast regardeth neer and far But the most tender mercies of the wicked cruell are 11 He that his land doth till shall be well satisfied with bread But he that followeth persons vaine is void of wit indeed 12 The wicked of ill men the net desire most earnestly But the root of the righteous men yeelds fruit aboundantly 13 The wicked by words of his lips is snared round about But he that in his wayes is just of trouble shall come out 14 A man by the fruit of his mouth with good shall filled be And of his hands the recompence shall rendred be surelie 15 The way of fooles in their owne eyes seemes to be just and right But who to counsell good gives eare is onely wise aright 16 A fooles wrath kindled as a fire is well known presently But he that is a prudent man doth cover shame wisely 17 He that alwayes doth speak the truth doth shew foorth righteousnesse But a fals witnesse in his words doth still deceit expresse 18 There many be that do speak like the pearcing of a sword But the tongue of the wise truely is health in every word 19 The lip of truth for ever shall establish'd be most sure But a tongue lying doth but for a moments space endure 20 Deceit is in the heart of them that forge ill to annoy But to the counsellours of peace is gladnesse great and joy 21 No ill shall happen to the just which may procure his greef But the men wicked and perverse shall fild be with mischeefe 22 The lying lips are to the Lord abomination right But they that truely in their wayes doe deal are his delight 23 A prudent man his knowledge great conceals in quietnesse But the hearts of the foolish men proclaime their foolishnesse 24 The good hand of the diligent shall beare rule over all But the man sloathfull in his wayes shall under tribute fall 25 While heavinesse is in the heart it maketh it to stoop But a good word it maketh glad and so no more doth droop 26 The righteous then his neighbour is more excellent alway But the way of the wicked doth seduce them every day 27 The sloathfull man he rosteth not which he took at his chase But the wealth of the diligent is good in every place 28 In the blest way of righteousnesse is life for great and small And in the fair path way thereof there is no death at all Chap. 13. A Fathers good instruction sure a wise son well doth hear But scorners unto wise rebuke will no wayes give their ear 2 By the fruit of his mouth a man shall for a recompence â—â—at good things but the sinners soul shall still eat violence 3 He that his mouth keeps keeps his life that it may sure abide But he shall perish who his lips perversly opneth wide 4 The sluggards soul desireth much and hath nothing to spend But of the diligent the soul shall be made fat in end 5 5 righteous man doth alwayes hate and lying lips doth blame But he that 's wicked loathsome is and comes at last to shame 6 Sure righteousnesse keeps him that is upright in the good way â—ut wickednesse doth overthrow the men that goe astray 7 There is that maketh rich himself yet hath no thing to spend â—here is that al 's himselfe makes poor yet is found rich in end 8 The riches of the wealthy man are of his life most dear â—he ransome but a sharp rebuke the poore refuse to heare 9 The faire light of the righteous man rejoyceth every one But of the wicked man the lamp shall be put out anone 10 By pride onely that is most fierce great strife the land doth fill But with the well advised man is wisdome ever still 11 Wealth purchased by vanitie shall suddenly decrease But who by labour gathreth well shall in great wealth increase 12 Deferred hope makes sick the heart with lingring and delay But when desire is come it is a tree of life alway 13 Who so the word despiseth shall destroyed be surely But he that the commandment feares shall well rewarded be 14 Of life a fountaine is the law of him that 's wise in heart And likewise from the snares of death in great hast to depart 15 Good understanding in affaires doth favour give alway But hard and full of trouble is of transgressours the way 16 The man that surely prudent is with knowledge wisely deales But in his wordes and workes a fool his folly soone reveales 17 A messenger that wicked is doth fall into mischiefe But a faithfull ambassadour is health for mans releefe 18 Both shame and poverty shall be to him that doth refuse â—nstruction but he that regards reproofe shall honour chuse 19 Desire accomplish'd is most sweet unto the soul and heart â—ut foolish men abhorre alwayes from ill for to depart 20 He that with wise men walketh shall be surely wise anone â—ut a companion of the fooles shall be destroy'd and gone 21 Much ill doth sinners still persue but to the righteous sort â—ood at all times surely shall be repay'd to their comfort 22 A good man an inheritance to his children doth leave But sinners wealth is laid up for all those that justly live 23 Much food assuredly is in the tillage of the poor But there is that destroyed is for want of judgement sure 24 He that doth spare his rod doth hate his son that seemes most dear But he that loveth him betimes to smite will not forbear 25 The righteous eats and satisfied his soul doth know no scant But of the wicked men at last the belly sure shall want Chap. 14. EAch woman wise doth build her house right wisely she
commands But who 's foolish doth pluck it downe ev'n with her owne two hands 2 He that walks in his uprightnesse feares God and so is wise But he that in his wayes perverse is doth him still despise In the mouth of the foolish is a scourge and rod of pride â—ut wise mens lips shall them preserve so that they shall not slide Where Oxen not remain to work the crib is clean at length â—ut much increase alwayes abounds even by the Oxes strength A faithfull Witnes fearing God he will be loath to lie â—ut a witnesse perverse and false a lyar still will be Scorners seek wisdome but to them God doth it not reveale â—ut knowledge easie is to him that understandeth well Go quickly from the presence of a fool thee from him save â—hen of knowledge in him the lips thou dost not well perceive The wisdome of the prudent is to understand his way â—ut of vaine fools the foly great deceit is every day Fools in their rage do make a mock at sin as at a sport But there among the righteous all is favour of each sort 10 Mans heart knows his own bitternesse which doth him most annoy A stranger also not at all doth meddle with his joy 11 Their house shall sure be overthrown who wickednesse fulfill But the upright mans dwelling place shall bud and flourish still 12 There is a way which seemeth right to man but in great wrath The end thereof are unto him the fearfull wayes of death 13 In laughter oft the heart is fild with sorrow and distresse And last the end of all that mirth is grief and heavinesse 14 The back-slider in heart shall be even fild with his own wayes A good man shall be from himself contented all his dayes 15 The simple every word believes that vain men to him tell But he that is a prudent man looks to his going well 16 A wise man fears and from all ill doth carefully depart â—ut the mad fool doth rage and is most confident in heart 17 He that is soon to anger mov'd doth deal most foolishly â—nd a man of devices bad he hated still shall be 18 The simple in his foolish wayes inherite folly shall â—ut these that prudent are in heart are crownd with knowledge all 19 The ill in heart before the good are forc'd to bow the knee â—nd wicked men even at the gates of righteous crouch we see 20 The poor even of his neighbour neer is surely hated much But many friends do still resort about him that is rich 21 Het that his neighbour doth despise a sinner great must be But he that mercy on the poor hath happy sure is he 22 These that devise ill and mischief do they not erre unwise But both mercy and truth shall be to them that good devise 23 In labour all and diligence there profite is in end But the vaine talk of idle lips to penury doth tend 24 The wise mens crownes their riches is which them doe much adorne But the great foolishnesse of fooles declares them all forlorne 25 A witnesse true delivereth soules from great peplexities But who in heart a witenesse is deceitfull speaketh lies 26 In the feare of the mighty Lord is a strong confidence His children all shall have a place in danger for defence 27 Of life a fountaine surely is the Lords feare in the heart From the most cruell snares of death in wisedome to depart 28 A numbrous people doth right well the Kings honour advance But in the want of people is destruction to the Prince 29 He that is slow to wrath he is of understanding great â—ut he high folly doth exalt that hastie is of sprit 30 A heart that 's sound from fraud and guile the life is of the flesh â—ut envie is the rottennesse of bones that are not fresh 31 He that the poore man doth oppresse his maker he most sure â—eprocheth but who honours him hath mercy on the poore 32 The wicked in his wickednesse is driven away by wrath â—ut he that is a righteous man strong hope hath in his death 33 Wisedome rests in the heart of him that doth well understand â—ut what is in the midst of fooles is knowne to all the land 34 A nation by its righteousnesse exalted is with fame â—ut sinne is a most vile reproch to any peoples name 35 The Kings favour is great indeed for servants that are wise But against him that causeth shame in wrath he shall arise Chap. 15. AN answere soft with wisdome great fierce wrath doth turne away But grievous words that give offence stirre anger up alway 2 The good tongue of the wise man still doth knowledge use aright But the mouth of fooles foolishnesse powres out with all their might 3 The eyes of the Almighty Lord are sure in every place Beholding ill and al 's the good for blessing or disgrace 4 A tree of life sure is the tongue that wholsome words doth teach But wickednesse that is therein is in the sprit a breach 5 A foole his fathers teaching doth most foolishly despise But he that a reproof regards most prudent is and wise 6 In the house of the righteous man much treasure is and store 7 But in the wickeds revenewes Is greefe and trouble sore 8 The Lord abhors the sacrifice of men that wicked be But the prayer of upright men is his delight surelie 9 The Lord who holy is and just abhors the wickeds way But who goe after righteousnesse he loveth them alway 10 Correction to him grievous is that doth the way forsake And he that foolish hates reproof shall die with shame and lake 11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD how much more then Are patent to his eyes of fire the hearts of mortall men 12 A scorner one that him reproves doth hate and al 's despise He is so foolish that he will not goe unto the wise 13 A glade heart makes the countenance ev'n chearfull more and more But by the sorrow of the heart the sprit is broken sore 14 The heart of him that understands doth knowledge seek indeed But the mouth of vain fools also on foolishnesse doth feed 15 The dayes of the afflicted are evill and of no request But he that 's of a merry heart hath a continuall feast 16 Much better is a little with the true fear of the Lord Then treasure great which is with grief and vexing trouble stord 17 Much better is a dinner of hearbs joind with love and mirth Then is a stalled ox most fat and hatred still there with 18 A wrathfull man strife stirreth up and lets not men get ease But he that is to anger slow doth wisely strife appease 19 The wayes of him that slouthfull is as hedge of thornes remaine But the way of the righteous man is made both smooth and plaine 20 A father is made wondrous glad by a son that is wise But he that foolish is in heart his mother doth despise 21 To
He that transgressions covreth close most wisely seeketh love But he that matters doth repeat doth friendship soon remove 10 Into a wise man a reproofe to teach him entreth more Then strips into a foolish man in number to five score 11 A wicked man in all his wayes rebellion seeks onely Therefore against him shall be sent men with great cruelty 12 Let a Bear robbed of her whelps a man in fury meet Much rather then a ramping fool in his most rageing heat 13 Who so rewardeth ill for good at last shall feel the smart For ill at any time shall not once from his house depart 14 Strife new begun is as when one to water gives a way Therefore leave off contention all before ye go astray 15 He that the just man doth condemne and wicked justifie They both abomination great are to the LORD surely 16 A wealthy fool by all his baggs doth surely hope in vaine To get wisdome since he hath not a heart it to attaine 17 A wise and worthy friend alwayes doth love most constantly And like wise a dear brother is borne for adversity 18 A man of understanding voide most rashly striketh hands â—nd in the presence of his friends goes into sureties bands 19 He that doth love debate and strife doth love transgression And he that proud exalts his gate doth seeke destruction 20 He that hath a most froward heart doth finde no good at all And he that hath a tongue perverse into mischief doth fall 21 He that begets a fool it doth unto his grief and smart The father al 's of furious fooles no joy hath in his heart 22 A merry heart doth good alwayes like medicine most sweet But all the bones are dryed up even by a broken sprite 23 Out of the bosome craftily a man profane in heart Doth take a gift that he the wayes of judgement may pervert 24 Wisdome is alwayes him before that understanding hath But of a fool the eyes are in the ends of all the earth 25 A fool unto his father is great grief and al 's distresse And unto her that bare him he is also bitternesse 26 To punish the just and upright it seemes not good to be Nor yet to rashly Princes strike for right and equitie 27 He that hath knowledge spareth much his wordes with wise intent And he that understanding hath hath a sprite excellent 28 A foole when he doth hold his peace is counted wise by men When man is silent he is thought a man of knowledge then Chap. 18. A Man who through desire to learne doth set him self apart Doth seeke and intermedle with wisdome with all his heart 2 In understanding any way a fool hath no delight But that his heart discover may it self in all mens sight 3 Wheresoever the wicked come then comes contempt quicklie And upon mans face comes reproach with great ignominie 4 The words of a mans mouth are as deep waters every way And the well-spring of wisdome is a flowing brook alway 5 It is not good the person of the wicked to allow And that for in judgement corrupt good men to overthrow 6 A vaine fooles lips enter into contention great and small And his mouth full of naughty wordes for strokes doth quickly call 7 A fooles mouth his destruction is his lips that can not spare â—o speak idly are of his soul a most deceitfull snare 8 Talebearers words are even as wounds and they down quickly go â—nto the bellies in most parts all fill'd with grief and wo. 9 He that lives slouthfull in his work not caring to come speed Is brother unto him that is a waster great indeed 10 A strong towre is the name of GOD both unto rich and poor The righteous man doth run to it and is most safe and sure 11 The rich mans wealth is his refuge and city of defence And as a wall in his conceit which is voide of all sense 12 Before destruction come on man his heart is most hauty And also before honour come is true humility 13 He who before the matter heard doth quickly answere frame It is most certainly to him both folly great and shame 14 The sprite of courage will sustaine a mans infirmity But who is strong to bear a sprite that deeply wounded be 15 The heart of him that prudent is doth understanding get And to seek knowledge of the wise the ear is alwayes set 16 The gift of man doth make a roome for him in every place And him before great men doth bring without shame or disgrace 17 He that in his owne cause is first doth seeme most just to be â—ut after him his neighbour comes him searching narrowlie 18 The lot doth cause contentions all to cease in ev'ry heart â—etweene the mighty of the earth the portions it doth part 19 A city is more easy winne then brethren in their jarres â—nd their contentions are most like the strongest castle barres 20 The fruit of a mans mouth well shall his belly satisfie â—nd with the increase of his lips he shall well filled be 21 In power of mans tongue alwayes is death and life most sweet â—â—d they that love it with their heart the fruit thereof shall eat Who findes a wife a good thing findes even help and pleasant gaine And of the mercy of the Lord great favour doth obtaine 23 The poor man in his want doth use intreaties most humbly But the churle rich in worldly wealth doth answere him roughly 24 A man that friends hath must himself unto them friendly shew Then any brother closer sticks a friend that 's fast and true Chap. 19. THe poor is better that doth walk in his integritie Then he that is in lips perverse and seemes a fool to be 2 That the soule without knowledge be it is not good or meete And he doth sinne in many wayes that hasteth with his feet 3 The foolishnesse of vaine proud man perverteth all his way And his hard heart against the Lord in rage doth fret alway 4 By great wealth many friends are made which helpeth in our smart But from his neighbour dear the poor is alwayes set apart 5 A man that is a witnesse fals shall not unpunish'd be And he also shall not escape that vainely speakes a lie 6 A Princes favour many will most humbly still entreat And all men are a friend to him that gifts oft giveth great 7 The poore mans brethren hate him all much more goe far away â—is friends he them pursues with words who wanting are alway 8 He that gets wisedome surely doth his owne soule dearly love He that doth understanding keep shall find good from above 9 A false witnesse indeed shall not unpunish'd be alway And he that speaketh lies most false shall perish and decay 10 Delight a vaine and foolish man beseemeth not at all Much lesse a servant rule to have ov'r Princes great or small 11 The great discretion of a man his anger doth delay And a transgression to
judgement al 's by man not by and by Observed are therefore on him comes a great misery 7 For for to know the things to come he doth not so excell In wisdome great when it shall be who among men can tell 8 There is no man that any strength hath to retaine the breath He likewise hath no power at all when comes the day of death Of weapons there no casting is or in that war discharge Nor yet ill men shall wickednesse aâ— any time enlarge 9 This have I seene under the Sun and clearly understood Some time a man ov'r others rules against his proper good 10 Such a great man I have well seene with great pompe laide in grave So taken he was from his seat forgotten like a slave 11 Because GOD wrath not executs ' gainst wicked speedily Therefore mens hearts are fully set to do most wickedly 12 Though hundred times a sinner sin and death him still forbeare Yet sure it shall be well with them who GOD do truely feare 13 But wicked men shall not be so nor shall prolong their dayes Which as a shadow are because they feare not GOD alwayes 14 There is upon the earth below done a great vanitie Unto just men it happens as to these that wicked be Againe there be most wicked men to whom befals surely According as to righteous folk this al 's is vanitie 16 Then mirth I did commend because mans cheef thing under sunne Is to eate drink with merrinesse untill this life be done For of his labour that with him shall all his dayes abide Which GOD upon him doth bestow under the Heav'ns most wide 16 When I did wisedome seek to know and things on earth to see There were who neither day nor night did sleep once with their eye 17 Then I beheld the work of GOD that no man by his minde The worke that is done under sunne can clearely all out find Chap. 9. FOR all this I well in mine heart considered to declare That righteous and wise with their workes in GODS hand surely were No man upon the earth below doth either lesse or more Know love or hatred by all that which is heere him before 2 All things alike do come to all there is one event sure Both to the good and to the cleane and to him that 's impure To him that sacrificeth al 's in fervent zeal most hote And likewise to him that profane al 's sacrificeth not As is the good of godly life so is the sinner both And he that sweareth most profane as he that feares an oath 3 This is an ill all things among though they be great or small Under the Sun even that there is one event unto all Yea al 's the hearts of sonnes of men are full of ill indeed They live in madnesse after that they go unto the dead 4 For unto him that liveth heere there is hope more or lesse For better far a living dog then a dead Lion is 5 The living know that they shall die but dead both great and small Know nothing they have no reward they are forgotten all 6 Their love hatred and envie al 's is perish'd quite away Of all that 's done under the sunne no portion more have they 7 Now go and eate thy bread with joy and with a merrie heart Al 's drink thy wine for God thy workes accepteth in good part 8 Let all thy garments which thou weares be alwayes white and cleane Let not thy head at any time lake ointment that hath beene 9 With thy deare wife see all thy dayes thou live most joyfully For that thy portion in this life is most assuredly 10 What thing thine hand shall find to do it do with all thy might For neither work nor wisdome is in graves all void of light 11 I did returne and saw below the sonnes of men among That to the swift is not the race nor battells to the strong Nor bread nor riches nor favour unto wise men of skill But time and chance unto them all do happen ever still 12 For man also most ignorant knowes not his time that 's set As fishes all that taken are in a deceitfull net And as birds that are caught in snares so are the sons of men Snar'd in an ill time when it falls most quickly upon them 13 This wisedome worthy of respect have I seene with mine eye Under the Sun such was its worth it seemed great to me 14 A little city with few men there was and against it A great King came and it besieg'd and built his bulwarks great 15 There was in it a poor man found who by his wisdome great Did save the city yet no man remembred him a white 16 Then said I wisdome better is then strength neverthelesse The poor mans wisdome is despisde and his wordes more or lesse 17 In quiet wise mens wordes are heard as in most learned schooles More then the cry of him that rules among the lofty fooles 18 Then warriours weapons better is wisdome that bringeth joy But one sinner that wicked is much good will soone destroy Chap. 10. DEad flies do cause the ointment best of Apothecarie To send foorth even a savour vile stinking most filthilie So doth a little foly al 's most shamefully disgrace Him that for wisdome and honour among men hath a place 2 As the right hands of any men to worke most nimble be So is the wise mans heart but hearts of fooles like left hands be 3 Yea also when he that 's a foole walkes by the way anone His wisdome failes that hee 's a fool he saith to every one 4 If the sprite of the Ruler great shall rise up against thee â—eave not thy place for yeelding doth offences pacifie 5 There is an ill under the sun which I have seene indeed As an errour which surely from the Ruler doth proceed 6 Foly is set in dignity which is a great disgrace While these who truly able are do sit in a low place 7 I have on horses servants seene and after I anone Have Princes seene as servants base walking the earth upon 8 He that for others digs a pit shall surely in it fall And who so breaketh down an hedge a serpent bite him shall 9 Who so removeth stones shall be hurt therewith by and by And he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby 10 If that yron be blunt and he do not the edge well whet Then must he quick put to more strength but wisdome must direct 11 Except the serpent venemous by charmes inchanted be Sure bite he will a babler vaine no better is then he 12 Of a good wise mans mouth the wordes are gracious but the lip Of one that is a babling fool himself will swallow up 13 While he begins to speak his wordes are but meere foolishnesse Likewise the end of his discourse is nothing but madnesse 14 A fool is fill'd with wordes no man can well tell what shall be And what then shall
Tantara blow reat troops of ills as long as we are heere â—ill vex us still betweene both faith and feare â—t O when this our dismall time is past o all the godly joy shall come at last et us therefore returne to God with speede rom vanities and see that we take heede â— seeke the best part that we by his grace ike crawling Ivie may the Lord embrace et this our care be in these latter times rofession bare serves but to cloake our crimes THE HOLY SONGS OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT Dedicated to the Royall Lady Mary his Majesties Elder Daughter Princesse of ORANGE By M. Zacharie Boyd Printed at Glasgow by George Anderson 1645. To the Reader I As yet have known none that in poesi hath turned all the song of Scripture except Theodore Beze who hath done it very acurately in the French tongue Iâ— the Song of Songs and the Songs of Mosâ— Deborah Hannah Ezekiah Mary Simeoâ— and Zechariah and divers others be so heâ—venly as all may see it were to be wishâ— that in the Church they had place to be sun with the Psalmes of David unto the whic they are not inferiour TO THE MOST ROYALL LADY MARY His Majesties Elder Daughter Princesse of ORANGE MADAME IT was the saying of a KING PROV 18 16. a mans gift maketh roome for him before the great If there were no other way but by gifts I should come behind and not before how ever it be as S. Peter said to the creeple at the Temple gate called Beatifull Such as I have I give yea Act. 3.6 and that with a willing minde In dayes of mourning we must tâ— forget our spirituall mirth Chriâ— precept is that we rejoice ever more Women more then men are inclineâ— to singing 1 THES 5.16 as daylie practise dotâ— shew when David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine it is said that the women came out oâ— all the cities of Israel singing 1 SAM 18.7 Saâ— hath slaine his thousands and David his ten thousands no mention is made of men singers If your Highnesse desire spirituall recreations in hâ—ly songs I have heere tuned the Song of Songs in the first place and not without reason 〈◊〉 being so called by excellencie Vnâ— it are subjoined the other cheefe songs contained in the Old and New Testament as they ly in order The Apostle S. James hath given this precept JAM 5.13 COL 3.16 Iâ— any merry Let him sing S. Pauâ— ordaines that we sing with grace iâ— our hearts to the Lord In anotheâ— place he willeth that we be filled witâ— the spirit and that wee speake to our selves in Psalmes and Hymnes EPHES. 5.19 and Spirituall Songs makeing melodie in our heart to the Lord. The Lord grant your Highnesse such happinesse that yee may have many joyfull dayes to awake your glory that yee may chearfully sing the praises of the LORD Your Highnesse most humble servant Mr. Zachary Boyd From Glasgow the 20 of March 1645. THE GARDEN OF ZION The Song of Songs A Prayer O Great Jovah who art the Prince of mâ— Renew thy grace for to encheere my pen To praise thy name good matter now endite Make me thy Scribe this love Song for â— write A Song of Songs Let not thy vertue falâ— To stirre me up to be thy Nightingale That now and then in my most busie dayes With streins unwonted in sweet sugred layes I may expresse some of that sacred Love That thee to take the Church for spouse did move To wooe her with such wordes of heavenly art That would even melt the hardest marble heart While I this love Song put in Poesie Make thou my heart to fall in love with thee Let us not once with badry songs defile Our lips like these who to their vomite vile Do dayly turne O make us now afresh To hate the garment spotted with the flesh That I this Song of Songs may sweetly sing Make me to sip of thy immortall spring That Christ who did both hell and death destroy May still the Antheme be of all my joy THE SONG OF SONGS Which is Solomons CHAP. I. The Church speaketh to Christ. LET him me with the Kisses kisse of his mouth most divine For thy great love most certainlie far better is then wine 3 Because of thy good ointments smell as ointment most sweetly Thy name is powred foorth therefore the Virgins do love thee 4 O draw me with the cords of love we after thee will run The King he hath brought me unto the chambers of his Inne We will be glade and al 's rejoice in thee and also we Thee will remember more then wine the upright all love thee 5 Though I be black I comely am O Daughters of Salem As tents of Kedar and as the curtaines of Solomon 6 Look not on me because that I most blackish seeme to be Because the Sun hath with his beames long looked upon me My Mothers children angry were with me they keeper made Me of their vineyards but I not did keep mine owne vineyard 7 O thou whom my soul dearly loves I pray thee tell me soone Where thou dost feed and where thou mak'st thy flock to rest at noone For why should I be any way as one that turnes aside By flocks of thy companions all where ever they abide CHRIST 8 O fairest One if thou not know foorth by the footsteps go Of thy flock feed thy kids beside the sheepheards tents also 9 I have compared thee my Love unto a companie Of horses in Pharos charets which strong and lustie be 10 Thy cheekes are comely all with rowes of jewels manifold Thy neck richly adorned is with finest chaines of gold 11 I and my Father will thee make of fine gold borders good We also thee richly adorne will with the silver stude The Church 12 While the King who in Majestie most highly doth excell At table sits my spiknard then sends foorth thereof the smell 13 My welbeloved is of myrrhe a bundle unto me All the night long betwixt my breasts with pleasure lie shall he 14 My deare beloved is alwayes most excellent to me As clusters of Champhire are in vineyards of Engedi CHRIST 15 Behold thou art most faire my Love even with most rare beauties Thou art I say exceeding faire and hast pure chast Doves eyes The Church 16 Behold thou my beloved deare art faire and still hast beene Yea pleasant above others all our bed is also greene 17 The glorious beames of all our house are of the Cedar trees And of the pure and polish'd firre are made our galleries Chap. 2. CHRIST I Am the most sweet smelling Rose that growes on Sharon field And al 's the rarest Lillie which the fattest valleyes yeeld 2 As among pricking thornes and briers appeares the lillie rare So is among the daughters all my love perfectly faire The Church 3 As th' Apple tree among the trees of the wood thick and throng So likewise my
instructed be I gladly would thee cause to drink of my well spiced wine And of the fair Pomegranates juice which pleasant is and fine 3 Under my head in lovely wayes his left hand laid should be And his right hand most tenderly likewise embrace should me 4 O daughters of Jerusalem I charge you that ye cease To stir up or awake my Love and that untill he please CHRIST Who is this from the wildernesse that comes up by and by And thus on her Beloved doth ev'n leaning still rely It is my Church I thee did raise up from the Apple tree Thy mother there thee did bring foorth she brought foorth that bare thee The beleeving Jewes Me as a seale set on thy heart and on thine arme set me â—or love as death and as the grave most strong is jealousie â—ven burning coales of hotest fire are the coales of the same Which kindled have a vehement and a most piercing flame True love can not be quench'd at all by waters flowing downe â—or yet can floods of troubles great by any force it drowne â—f any largely of his house would give the substance all â—t utterly contemned should be both by great and small We have a little sister which no breasts hath lesse or more What shall we do even in the day she shall be spoken for CHRIST If she continue firme and fast like to a mighty wall A silver Palace build on her we altogether shall And if she be even as a door to give eare to my words We will most safely her inclose with finest Cedar boards The beleeving Jewes 10 I am a wall my breasts also like towers are on the ground Then was I in his eyes as one that had his favour found CHRIST 11 At Baal-Hamon a vineyard king Solomon had set The vineyard unto keepers he for profite then had let Each one of these his servants for the sweet fruit of the vine A thousand pieces was to bring of silver good and fine 12 My vineyards fruits are all for me but thou O Solomon Must have a thousand and the rest the farmers live upon 13 Thou that in Gardens dwellest faire and livest in Gods feare â—ompanions hearken to thy voice cause me it al 's to heare The Church â—ake haste my Welbelov'd and be thou like unto a Roe 〈◊〉 to young Harts that on the mounts of spices quickly go THE SONG OF MOSES AT THE RED SEA After GOD had drowned Pharao and his whole hoast EXOD. 15. vers 1. Will now sing unto the LORD for he hath gloriously Triumph'd he horse and rider al 's hath throwen into the Sea The LORD he is my strength and song and my salvation sure An habitation I for him most gladly will prepare My fathers GOD he still hath been and that in every part I him therefore will now exalt and that with all my heart 3 The Lord who hath a mighty arme is as a man of war The Lord most surely is his name well known both neer and far 4 He Pharos charets and his hoast hath cast into the Sea In the red Sea even drowned all his chosen Captaines be 5 With frothy deepths GOD cov'red them this work he did alone Into the bottome they did sink even as a heavy stone 6 Thy right hand is become O LORD most glorious in great power Thine arme and thy right hand thy foes have dasht even all to powder 7 Thou hast thy foes all overthrown in great excellencie Thy wrath thou sent'st foorth which consum'â— them as the stubble dry 8 And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters gath'red there â—he floods stood upright as an heap the deepths congealed were Th enemy said I will pursue them will I overtake will divide the spoile my lust upon them will I wreak In my wrath most fierce will draw my sword them to annoy â—y mightie hand with fearfull plagues shall surely them destroy 11 Thou didst blow with thy boistrous wind the sea them covr'd indeed â—hey in the mighty waters all sank downe as heavy lead 12 Who 's like thee LORD among the gods who 's glorious like to thee â— holinesse and fearefull praise and wonders done by thee 13 Thou in thy fierce wrath stretchedst out thy right hand with great strength â—he earth opning her mouth did then all swallow up at length Thou in thy mercy hast led foorth thy people bought by thee Thou in thy strength them to thy house hast guided lovingly 14 The people all shall heare of this and they shall be afraid The indwellers of Palestine with grief shall be dismaide 15 The Duks of Edom all amaz'd with Moab tremble shall The indwellers of Canaan shall melt away and fall 16 By thy great Army feare and dread shall heavy on them fall They as a stone still shall be till thy people passe ov'r all O LORD till that thy people all passe ov'r with courage fine Which thou by thine Almighty hand hast purcha'd to be thine 17 Thou strong shalt bring them in and them plant in thy holy place Ev'n in thy pleasant Sanctuary establish'd by thy grace 18 The LORD shall reigne for evermore most like a mighty King 19 For he on Pharo and his house the lofty waves did bring But the children of Israel all who did the LORDS command They in the mids of all the sea went safely on dry land Miriams Song at the red Sea THen Miriam the Prophetesse the sister of A'ron Did daunce with women thankfully and Timbrels plaid upon And Miriam thus answer'd them 〈◊〉 praise GOD for now hath he â—riumph'd He horse and rider al 's hath throwne into the Sea The Song of Moses a little before his death DEUT. 32. vers 1. THE PREFACE O Pleasant heavens that are above with diligence give ear And I will speak O earth below the wordes of my mouth hear 2 My doctrine shall drop as the raine my speach as dew shall passe As small raine on the tender herb and showres upon the grasse 3 Because I surely publish will the blest name of the LORD Yee greatnesse to our GOD therefore ascribe with one accord The first Part. 4 He is the rock his work 's perfite his wayes all judgement be A God of Truth and without sin most just and right is He. 5 They have corrupt themselves their spot is not the spot alwayes Of his children they are perverse a race of crooked wayes 6 Unwise people do ye requite the Lord thus Is not He Thy Father buyer Hath he not made and establish'd thee 7 Remember ye the dayes of old yeeres past consider well Thy Father aske he will thee shew thy Elders will thee tell 8 When the most High to nations did th' inheritance divide When he the sons of Adam all did separate beside He by his wisdome set the bounds of all the people then According to the number of his Israels children 9 For the Lord for his portion hath his people without blot Jacob is his inheritance
still for me 2 For he regarded hath of his handmaide thâ— estate so small For loe all generations sure shall hence me blessed call 3 He strong hath done great things to me and holy is his name Who still him feare his mercy great shall alwayes be on them 4 He hath great strength shew'd with his arme the proud he in all parts Hath scattred in the vaine conceits of their most foolish hearts 5 He hath put downe ev'n from their seats these that most mighty be And also he exalted hath these of a low degree 6 The hungry well he filled hath with good things evry way These who are rich and wealthy he hath empty sent away 7 In remembrance of his mercy he holpen hath indeed His servant Isra'l as he spake t' Abraham and his seed The Song of Zacharias wherâ— his mouth was opened after he had been nine moneths dumb for not believing the Angel Gabriel who from God had promised him a Sonne LUKE 1. vers 68. LEt the LORD God of Israel for ever blessed be For visited his people all and al 's redeem'd hath he 2 And of salvation he for us hath raisd up gloriously Ane horne in worthy Davids house who serv'd him faithfully 3 As he spake clearly by the mouth of his dear Prophets all Which since the world began have beene ev'n whether great or small 4 That we should from our enemies all be saved in each part And from the hand of all these men that hate us with their heart 5 The mercy promisd to performe unto our fathers and â—is holy Cov'nant made with us to make alwayes to stand Th' oath which he to Abraham sware that he to us most deare â—ould grant that we safe from our foes might serve him without feare Yea serve him in all holinesse and righteousnesse alwayes â—ot for a little space of time but ev'n for all our dayes And thou child of the highest shalt be call'd the Prophet rare â—or thou before the Lord shalt goe his wayes for to prepare Thou knowledge of salvation shalt unto his people give â—y the remission of their sins which he will all forgive â—o Ev'n through the tender mercy of our God most prone to grace â—hereby the DAY-SPRING from on high hath shew'n to us his face 1 To give light unto them that sit in darknesse and deaths shade Into the way of holy peace our feet alwayes to guid The Song of Simeon After he had long looked for the Consolation of Israel he at last moved by the Holy Spirit went to the Temple and there finding the babe Christ he took him up in his armes and blessed GOD and said LUKE 2. vers 29. NOw letst thou in thy mercy great thine old servant O LORD At last by death in peace depart according to thy word 2 For after many dayes at last mine eyes though now worne dimme Thy consolation sure and fast have with great comfort seen 3 Which thou O Lord most lovingly ev'n by thy saving grace Prepared hast aboundantly before all peoples face 4 A precious light to lighten all the Gentiles far and neer â—d al 's the glory of Isra'l that is thy people dear This Song of Simeon is alwayes sung in the French Church for conclusion after they have received the Sacrament of the LORDS Supper The use of all the Songs THE songs of Larks Linots and Nightingals Compard to these are but like naughty tales â—hich in our ears deserve to have no place â—hese divine songs sad hearts do well solace â—nd fill with joy yea and with capering foot â—ake souls to rise and dance where they did sit â—ithin our breasts like John at Marys voice â—hich made him leap and chearfully rejoice To sing such songs let us our selves inure â—ill that we dance above the starry floore â—nd sing to Christ the Hallelujahs sweet â—here Sunne and Moone are pav'ment for our feet Far from the words of a most vile infection Which slute the body and al 's slave th' affection Oh that we could from vain words heer forbear Till of our life be ended the Career Fy on vile men whose badry songs a blot Defile the air come from their filthy throat Fy on these who in vanities do swim Who dance and leap and hold out any lim With nimble fet-locks but have not a word Of holy songs to laud and praise the Lord Such want a heart Christs love for to remark They can not sing or dance before the Ark. But as for us away with fleshly love And beastly songs which Gods word doth reprove Vaine idle words which in these latter dayes Are made the subject of mens sweetest layes Let Christ the fairest all the Saints among Be still the matter of our daily Song Let all our Ditties runne upon this string Let hearts and Harps in him rejoice and sing What is amisse let us it hence remove That we may sing of Christ our life and love FINIS Some few Christian Precepts WHat God the gives take in good part cease other to devoure Like Alexanders glutton net whose Kingdome Kinged foure When thou triumphs not lofty be but think upon a crosse â—or who the day is set on hie may soone his laurell losse Take heed in time and learne to fear the great Almighty God Who made Denis a King to beare for Scepter Pedants rod. Remember how that Prince of Spaine who for Europe did breath By Gods Almighty hand was slaine ev'n by a louzie death Remember how some in their pride Gods heavy hand did feele Their head on neck could not abide off chopt with whiffing steele 6 Think still on death for time doth slip though it seemes but to creep Man heer is as at sea his ship still sailes though men do sleep 7 While wind doth serve embark be wise to meet all haps before When death shall cut thine enterprise then thou shalt row no more 8 Take time in time for wind and tide will in a moment turne We heere sure will not long abide and gone will not returne 9 Looke not heer for true happinesse the place of our exile A bare and barren wildernesse where we live all this while 10 Look on thy body as on clay the soule is stuffe more fine A substance which weares not away a blast of breath divine 11 Luske not in sloath seeke not thine ease Moths gnow cloaths in a chest Swords also rust within their sheeths and so do souls in rest 12 Manure thy heart with diligence and it in sow good seed But still beware of negligence for earely grows the weed 13 All idlenesse disnatures wit but travell makes it quick Do nothing that disableth it by force or yet by trick 14 With constant eye still Christ behold and on him still repose As with the Sun the Mary gold doth open still or close 15 When death us summons to go hence we should not be dejected For from the same no more the Prince then Carters is protected 16 Our life 's a web of small and grosse this is us giv'n for doome That sorrowes are as threeds a Crosse in this our earthly loome 17 Let us abhore ambition content with that we have In grave in one condition are King Earle Sir and Slave 18 This earth is like a Chesse-board where some leap some limp anone Kings Pawnes Knights Aphens heere and there stand yet there wood is one 1 TIM 1. vers 17. Now unto the King eternall immortall invisible the onely wise GOD be honour and glory for ever and ever Amen Errata IF any of these verses go not so smoothly as thou wouldest know that I have tyed my self verie straitly to keep still the wordes of the Scripture Some escapes there be in the printing at some times a syllable more and some are lesse then should but the judicious Reader may easily take the matter up Pag. 272. Davids house is put for Isra'ls house Pag. 142. bribidge for bribing Pag. 265. qy for by Pag. 330. day say for did say Pag. 364. trotring for totring c.
waters swift doth quickly passe away Of vineyeards with great plenty blest he not beholds the way 19 Great drought and heat snow waters cold do most quickly consume So doth the grave these who are bold to stain their life with sin 20 The womb wherein he was conceiv'd shall him forget anone The filthy worm that creeps on earth shall sweetly feed him on He afterward sure shall no more by men remembred be All wickednesse shall at the last be broken as a tree 21 The barren that beares not he doth most cruelly intreat And to the widow doth not good before his judgement seat 22 The mighty also with his power he drawes with wrath and strife He riseth up with lofty lookes no man is sure of life 23 Though it be given him for to be in safety where alwayes He rests secure yet are his eyes even still upon their wayes 24 They for a little while on earth exalted are most hie But they anone are alwayes gone and made of low degree Out of the way as others are they are remov'd with scorne And suddenly are all cut off like tops of eares of corne 25 If this be not as I do say who boldly darre come foorth And by his words contend to make my speach of nothing worth Chap. 25. THen answred Bildad the Shuhite and thus he spake quicklie 2 Dominion and fear with him are he doth make peace on hie 3 The armies which he doth command by none can numbred be Upon whom doth not his fair light arise most pleasantlie 4 How then with God be justified can man who is forlorne Or how can he be cleane that is even of a woman borne 5 Behold even up unto the Moone and it not shineth bright Yea more the glistring starres above are not pure in his sight 6 How much lesse man that is a worme should he be reput so Or yet the son of man likewise which is a worme also Chap. 26. BUt Job answred incontinent how thou the weake at length Now helped hast How savest thou the arme that hath no strength 3 How hast thou counseld him at last who surely is unwise And clearly hast declard the thing even truely as it lyes 4 To whom hast thou uttred such words of foolish vanity And whose sprite with great gifts adornd did once proceed from thee 5 Dread things from under waters deep are form'd and who there dwell 6 Destruction is not cov'rd nor hid before him is the hell 7 The North laid ov'r the empty place he wisely doth extend He this hudge earth without a prop on nothing doth suspend 8 The waters in his thickest clouds he bindes incontinent And yet the cloud which seemes so weak them under is not rent 9 By his great strength he holdeth back the fair face of his throne And upon it most wondrously he spreads his cloud anone 10 He compass'd hath the waters great with bounds them to defend Untill that both the day and night shall come unto an end 11 The mountaines high which pillar like uphold the heavenly roofe Do tremble and astonish'd are at his angry reproofe 12 Ev'n with his power most excellent he doth divide the sea By understanding through the proud he smitteth valiantly 13 By his Almighty Spirit he hath the heav'ns adorn'd also His hand the serpent formed hath which crookedly doth goe 14 Loe these are but some parcells of his wayes that are supreme But little is that portion all that we doe heare of him But who among all mortall men can understand the thunders Of his great might which doth the earth fill with most fearfull wonders Chap. 26. MOreover yet afflicted Job in greevous troubles laid Continued as he did before his parable and said 2 As lives the Lord who taken hath my judgement clean away And th' Almighty who vexed hath my greev'd soul every way 3 While breath or GODS Sprite shall be in my nostrils all the while 4 My mouth not wickednesse shall speak nor yet deceit or guile 5 No GOD forbid that I should you once minde to justifie Untill I die I will not quite mine own integrity 6 My righteousnesse I still hold fast and will not let it go My heart shall not me while I live with this reproach also 7 As the most wicked on the earth let th' enemy to me Be and these that against me rise as the unrighteous be 8 For what hope hath the Hypocrite though he a wealthy prey Hath gained by his guile when GOD shall take his soul away 9 Will GOD in Heaven incline his ear once for to hear his cry When trouble great shall fiercely come upon him by and by 10 In th' Almighty will he himself with joyfulnesse delight Or will he alwayes call on GOD by day or yet by night 11 I by the mighty hand of GOD will teach you and reveale That which with the Almighty is I will not now conceale 12 Behold and now consider well it ye your selves have seene Why are ye then thus vaine as they who ever fools have beene 13 This is the wickeds portion all which he from GOD shall have Oppressours shall this heritage from th' Almighty receive 14 If multipli'd his children be it 's for the sword indeed His offspring begging still shall not be satisfi'd with bread 15 These that after remaine of him shall buri'd be in death And for disgrace his widowes shall not weepe for him on earth 16 Though he make rayment as the clay and silver heape as dust 17 The godly shall the silver get his robes shall cloth the just 18 If he build houses faire it is but lâ—ke the naughtie moth He shall at last consume his house as it doth fret the cloth His house also is like a booth which keepers set up soone And in the turning of an hand againe is pulled downe 19 The rich man shall anone lie downe but shall not gathred be Hee opneth clearely both his eyes but after where is he 20 As waters great so terrors doe take hold on him with might A tempest great him steals away in darkenesse of the night 21 Th' east winde away him caries still as by a fearefull chace And he departs and as a storme him hurles out of his place 22 For GOD in his fierce fury shall great weights upon him cast He shall not spare most faine would he out of his hand flâ—e fast 23 Men at him shall still clap their hands in signe of great disgrace They all combin'd with great disdaine shall hisse him from his place Chap. 28. SUrely there is a wealthly veine for silver that doth shine There is also a place for gold where they from drosse it fine 2 Iron out of earth with labour great is taken and anone The brasse into a purer masse is molten out of stone 3 To darknesse he wise sets an end and well he seaâ—cheth out Perfection all and makes good use of hid Mines all about 4 He so disposeth of the floods that