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
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
not knew â—hom your fathers did never fear because they were but new 18 Thou art unmindfull of the Rock that did thee once beget And the Lord God that formed thee thou did'st alwayes forget IIII. PART AND when the Lord saw it he did ahhorre them all anone Because of the provokeing of both Daughter and of Son 20 He said I will my face from them hide and I will now see Their end they are a froward race in whom no faith can be 21 With that which is not god they have me mov'd to jealousie They have me to anger provok'd with their great vanitie I them also to jealousie with such as are no flock Will move them to anger with fooles I surely will provoke 22 For in my wrath fire kindled is such as no tongue can tell â—t shall not cease alwayes to burne even to the lowest hell And shall consume the earth with her increase poor mans desire And the foundations of the mount shall surely set on fire 3 A heap of mischiefs upon them I certainly will send also upon them in wrath mine arrovves vvill novv spend 4 They shall consumed be and burnt vvith paine of hunger great â—nd suddainly shall be devour'd vvith a most burning heat â—nd vvith bitter destruction I vvill al 's on them thrust â—he teeth of beasts vvith the poyson of serpents of the dust â— The svvord vvithout terrour vvithin shall destroy and not spare â—â—e young man virgin the suckling vvith the man of gray haire â— I said I vvould into corners them quickly scatter then I would make their rememberance to cease from among men 27 Were it not that I the great wrath fear'd of the enemie Lest their vaine adversaries should behave themselves strangly And lest that they puft up with pride should say these wordes right soone Our hand is now high and the Lord hath not all this work done 28 For they are a vaine nation of wholesome counsell voide Neither in their hearts foolish doth understanding abide 29 O that they were wise so that they this clearely understood That they would now their latter end consider for their good 30 How should but one a thousand chase and two al 's put to flight Ten thousand if their Rock had not then sold and shut up right 32 For their rock in no way is as our Rock that is mightie â—ee seeke no other this to judge but our owne enemie â—2 Of Sodom and Gomorrahs field their vine I truely call â—heir great clusters are most bitter their grapes are grapes of gall â—3 Their wine is Dragons poison which from these grapes doth distill And is the deadly venime of most cruell Aspes that kill â—4 Is not this wickednesse laid up in store there to abide And seal'd up among my treasures like that which one doth hide IIII. PART TO me belongeth vengeance and recompence for their crime Their wicked foot shall surely slide in due appointed time For their day of calamitie is surely neere at hand And the things that shall come on them make haste and shall not stand 36 For the Lord shall his people judge and for his folks repent When he sees all their power gone and altogether spent 37 And he in his great wrath shall say Where are their gods of might Their rock in whom they trusted much they come not now in sight 38 Which ate fatlings and wine off'rings in drinke did not reject Let them rise up and with their strength you help and al 's protect 39 See now that I am he even I no god there is with me I kill I also make alive I wound and heal safely Neither is there among the gods any by Sea or Land That by their strength deliver can out of my mighty hand 40 For I my hand unto the Heav'n do now lift up and heave In signe that I this great oath make for ever as I live 41 If I my glitt'ring Sword whet and judge in severitie will surely reward vengeance to my foes that hate me â—2 I will mine arrowes in my wrath which is now kindled sore Make drunk with blood and my Sword shall their filthie flesh devore â—nd that with the blood of the slaine and of captives that be â—rom the beginning of revenge upon the enemie â—3 Rejoice yee nations with his folke for he who doth not change Will the blood of his servants dear most speedily avenge And to his adversaries will render a vengeance full And to his land and his people will be most mercifull The Use He who desires like good Moses to be In all Gods house let him serve faithfullie He who vvith Moses vvould be a Divine Must speak vvith God untill that his face shâ— None is so good but he vvill get assaults Love Moses vertues but flee from his fault To circumcise his Son he did delay At Meribah he also vvent astray At these vvaters he failed in his faith For vvhich he might not tread in Canans paâ— See vvhat it is to sin against the Lord Who Moses sin to spare vvould not accord God hateth sin in best men as yee see Though they be dear as th' apple of his eye AARON Prince of praise THis Prince of praise was Moses brother 〈◊〉 Elder then MOSES the space of three yâ— These brethren two were men of great requeâ— MOSES was King but Aaron was the Priest 〈◊〉 He was design'd such by the Almond rod Mouth to MOSES to him Moses as God When God by him as high Priest was ador'd His body was with these garments decor'd A girdle mitter and a broidred coat â—ob an Ephod and a rich breast-plate â—ith URIM TUMMIM an excellent thing â—s incense censer in his hand did hing â—â—elve precious stones on his breast were without â—lls Pomegranats his Ephod hang about â—â—on his brow there was a plate of gold â—â—aring these words HOLINES TO THE LORD 〈◊〉 the Holy of Holys thus he stood â—â—fore the Lord with a bason of blood â—nce in his life alas he playd the foole â—hen he the Calf form'd with a graving toole â—fter he saw it this he added more â—e rashly built an Altar it before â—ecause at MASSAH he fail'd in his faith â—f Canaan he might not tread the path â—ripe off his garments put them on his Son â—or he in office no more may remaine â—pon mount HOR death him of life bereaved â—ho fourtie yeares in wildernesse had lived â—hen God him tooke from this earths miserie â—f age he was an hundred twentie three â—his holy man most upright in his wayes â—as after death lamented thirty dayes The Use Most happy he who hath his breast within â—hat which without was sealed by Tummim Let no man a vaine people for to please Doe that which may the mighty Lord displeâ— MIRIAM Bitternesse THis MOSES sister daughter of AMRAM From bitternesse was called MIRIAM Elder then Moses at the river side She watcht the Boat wherein they did him 〈◊〉 At the red sea when MOSES men among Did
not to thy messengers saying If Balak of silver and gold also Would me his house full give I cannot go Beyond the great Gods will in any kind For to do good or bad of mine own mind But what it shall please the great God to say To me that I will speak without delay And now I to my people go quicklie Come therefore and I will advertise thee What this people most blessed shall alwayes Doe to thy people in the latter dayes And he took up his parable anone And said thus wise Balam of BEOR sonne Hath said and the man who doth hate all lies Who hath at all times cleare and open eyes He hath said which hath heard Gods word truelie And knew al 's the knowledge of the most Hie Which of th' Almightie saw the vision Falling into a trance with eyes open Though not at this time yet I shall him see Though not nigh I behold him shall clearlie Out of Jacob there shall come a starre bright Out of Isra'l a scepter with great might Shall rise and corners of Moab annoy And all the Children of Sheth shall destroy And Edome a possession shall be Seir also shall be for his enemie A large possession and Israel also With courage great right valiantly shall do Out of good Jacob shall come he that shall Have great and large Dominion over all And shall by his great power Almighty Destroy him that remains of the city And when on curs'd Amalek he did looke He deep thinking his parable up tooke And said strong is thy dwelling place surely Thou putt'st thy nest in a rocke for safety Neverthelesse the Kenite wasted shall Be till Ashur thee carie captive all And he tooke up his parable saying Alas who shall live when the Lord this thing Shall do and ships with threatning and wiâ— boast Shall come in numbers from the Chittim coaâ— And shall afflict Ashur and also Eber And he alwayes sure perish shall for ever So Balam rose up and without delay Went to his place al 's Balak went his way Whether Balam did go it 's not certaine But for his wicked counsell he was slaine By ISRAEL as MOSES did command In their journey towards the holy land The Use Let Prophets heere learne not for gaine or ease To seeke Princes by ill counsell to please For if in this sort they the Lord offend They vvith Balam shall get a fearfull end CALEB As heart CALEB his name was Heart which did not faile He was the spy who encourag'd ISRA'L With JOSHUAH the other ten afraide By ill report the Lords people betray'd Behold heere written for their blot and shame Of all these ill spyes every man by name Shammah Shaphat Igal and Gaddiel Palti Sethur Gaddi and Ammiel Nahby Gevel These were the ill spyes ten Who did cast down the hearts of ISRALS men But stout CALEB descended of Judah And of EPHRAIM godly JOSHUAH The trembling hearts of ISRA'L did comfort To have courage they did them all exhort For this cause of all ISRAEL these two Got leave from GOD to Canaan to go The Use The man that would have heaven for his reward In Gods battels must not be a Coward He who is sent a matter for to try For no respect must deal unfaithfully JOSHUAH A Saviour THou worthy man first called OSHEAH By MOSES wast called JEHOSHUAH Type of JESUS a Saviour by command Thou ledst Isra'l unto the holy land This Son of NUN stout was full of wisdome For MOSES had laid his hands him upon From SHITTIM he sent two men secretly To view the land and Jericho to spy Though King and Laws to do such things forbid Rachab these spyes close in her chamber hid Not fearing thing that could to her befall By a coard She let them downe from the wall After good Joshuah all these things had done He went to Jordan from Shittim anone When the Priests feet in that river did stand JORDANS passage became like the dry land There twelve stones were for a memoriall Set Other twelve were pitched in Gilgal For to declare to all posteritie What GOD had done by his hand Almighty Then good Joshuah with great affection By knives began the circumcision Then Manna ceas'd An Angel did appear To Joshuah who was GODS servant deare What art thou said he friend or fo with boast A friend a friend the Captaine of Gods host The Angel said I am not for offence I bear the Sword for thee and thines defence Go to beseege the citie Jericho For great Canons Trumpets of Ram hornes blo Down down their walls with power I wil bring Let all beware of the accursed thing When JOVAH these walls had brought to the ground Amongst Isra'l a cursed man was found Achan the theef provokeing GOD to ire First was stoned and after burnt with fire In GODS good will this thief made such a crack That Isral's host at Ai did turne the back When by his death the LORD began to be Content the men of AI began to flie Then GODS people in furie and in ire Entred the Citie and set it on fire After that JOSHUAH had burnt this Citie The King of Ai he hanged on a tree The Gibeonites hearing of this report To save themselves found out this crowned sport Get clouted shooes old bottels garments rent Old mouldie bread that we a covenant May make with ISRA'L for we are afraid That by their force our countrey be destroyd Then ISRA'L made with them a sure accord Neglecting to seeke counsell from the LORD When all was known ISRA'L began to grieve But for their oath they suffred them to live Now cursed be ye base hewers of wood Drawers of water for the house of God Such shall ye be such shall ye be eachone Said JOSHUAH to these of Gibeon When this was done five Kings of Cananites With ire conspir'd against these Gibeonites Because without their knowledge and consent They had with ISRAL made a covenant Then JOSHUAH to help poor GIBEON Chased these Kings along to Bethoron The LORD himself for to crush all their bones Threw downe from heav'n on this armie great stones Till all was done the Sun in Gibeon Stood still and al 's the Moone in Ajalon That JOSHUAH full victory might have Five Kings he tooke and closed in a cave After he had fulfill'd his victorie He took them out and hang'd them on a tree To keep Isra'l from strife and anger hote He did divide to them the land by lot When all was done when death and grave were near He spake ISRA'L that they the LORD should feare Serve him in trueth serve him in fear said he All idole gods cast far away from thee The people all with one voice did accord To passe from idols and to serve the LORD This man of GOD before his life was spent With Gods people made a sure Covenant In Shechem there he raised up a stone For a witnesse of all was said and done At last this man
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
this was said their was a skirmish rude By the two armies made in Ephraim wood Like a great wind boistrous with stormy puff Men fought in spight with mutuall counterbuff That day Joab with Judahs brave children Of Isra'l slew downe twentie thousand men The people was sore scatt'red in the wood Which did devoure more people then the sword There Absalom a Rebell and a Foole Among the rest was riding on a Mule By his long haire a branch caught him that day There he did hing when the Mule went away Then Joab with his three darts came anone And thurst them through the heaâ—t of Absalom Then Cushi came and cri'd Tidings O King To the great God now praises may thou sing The LORD of Hoasts in Battell most mightie Of all thy foes hath now avenged thee Then David troubled said unto Cushi Is Absalom the young man in safetie Then Cushi said Let all thy foes indeed Be like Absalom who is surely dead When David heard this wounded was his heart From sight of men quickly he did depart To an high chamber for to mourne alone The tragick death of his deare Absolon His sorrow such was in his wounded heart That forc'd he was to weep and go apart With teares of grief doubling My son my son He wish'd his owne death had sav'd Absalon For Davids murder and adulterie Shebah arose who was son Bichri A Benjamite he with sterne countenance Most proudly said Now what inheritance Have we in David Let us make a rent Let every man returne unto his tent So Isra'l did with this son of Bichri But Judah clave to David heartily Then David said to valiant Amasa Assemble me the brave men of Judah Then he went out Captaine of that armie Jaob him met with heart full of envie Cov'red with smiles his right hand made a wound Which all his bowels shed out to the ground Then Amasa in mids of the high way Bath'd in his blood did thus wallow that day This done Joab pursued speedily After Shebah who was son of Bichri When Joab came to the city Abel This Shebahs head was throwne downe from the wall When these of Abel had perform'd this thing Joab in haste returned to the King When all his foes were round about supprest To sing to GOD due praises he thought best Yet once againe Gods wrath ' gainst Israel In Davids time upon this people fell He stirr'd by Satan would know in his pride How many men in his land did abide To Joab he gave this direction Who liked not the Kings commission But yet obey'd the Kings word did prevaile Therefore he went and numbred Israel In Isra'l were eight hundred thousand men Five hundred thousand Judah their brethren In number were Of all as saith Gods word Were thirteene hundred thousand that drew sword When this was done then Davids heart him smot Gods wrath therefore was shortly kindled hot Alas O Lord said he now pitie me For I confesse I have done foolishly When David did arise in the morning The prophet Gad this word to him did bring Advise and chuse one of these judgements three If seven yeeres of famine shall trouble thee Or if thou wilt three moneths chuse and take Before thy foes to flee and turne the back Or if thou wilt have this great patience Three dayes to hazard on the pestilence When David saw the Lords wrath thus appeare Hee said to Gad I am in a great feare Yet in Gods hand I pray thee let me fall For his mercies are over his works all Then JEHOVAH in wrath to strike began And kill'd of Isra'l seventy thousand men To Jerusalem then the Angel went With sword in hand but God he did repent Him of the evill Th' Angel he did command To sheath his sword and so to stay hâ—s hand Then Gad from God to David thus did say Reare up an Altar to the Lord this day Let this Altar be set for JEHOVAH Where is the treshing floore of Araunah Then David as JEHOVAH did command Did buy the floore and in Araunahs hand He laid thirty shekels silver for price And there to God offred his sacrifice When this was done and David was wax'd old Absaloms brother ADONIjAH bold Helped by JOAB and ABIATHAR In his great pride made a most fearefull jarre A goodly man he was and faire in face But proud in Sprit a man of litle grace David him spilt he would not him displease Him to reprove at all times he did cease Puft up by Joab in vaine aspâ—ring He thought no more but surely to be King After David these three Nathan Zadok Benaiah for Solomon undertooke With Bathshebah David without delay Declard who should Israels Scepter sway After his death The man who shall alone Said he be King is my son Solomon When time drew nigh that good David should die He Solomon charged most carefully I go said he the way of all the earth I must shortly walk in the path of death Be strong therefore and shew thy self a man And keep the charge of the Lord as thou can Walk in his wayes keep his commandements His testimonies and al 's his judgements So shalt thou prosper both by sea and land All shall go well that thou shalt take in hand Remember well how Joab greeved me When he slew Abner with great treacherie And Amasa and how the blood of war He shed in peace when no cause was of jar And how he put the blood of Abner sweet In the vile shooes that were upon his feet I know thou canst thy self wisely behave Let not his hoare-head in peace go to grave Unto Barzillais sons shew great kindnesse For they were kind to me in my distresse Behold with thee the cursed Shimei Who curst me sore in my calamitie To him humbled I sware by the great Lord I will not put thee to death with the sword Because he was so fierce in my distresse Therefore take heede thou hold him not guiltlesse I know thou canst thy self wisely behave His hoary-head with blood bring to the grave So David with his fathers sleept softly And after buri'd was in his city The Use By David learne what after sin remaines The fruits of sin are sorrowes and great paines By David learne if thou hast gone astray To turne to God and walk in the right way By David learne to teach your children deare How in their time they should live in GODS feare Too many speak of Davids filthie fall To shroud their sins and so to make them small Too many to their vile lusts licence give As though to rot were the way to revieve But few there be that weigh well in their heart How greatly David for his sins did smart SOLOMON Peaceable who is at peace with all men GODS Sprit begins to move my pen anone To draw some lines concerning Solomon A worthy man most excellent in fame At home abroad from peace he had his name Good Nathan sent from the great JEHOVAH Changed
Gods Word did direct His heart with God the Lord was not perfect When warre arose he unto the Lord sought ' Gainst Jeroboam he a Battell fought Foure hundred thousand were with Abijah Eight hundred thousand were against Judah For Jeroboam In the fields were then An armie of twelve hundred thousand men Then Abijah standing on Zemaraim Which is a part of faire mount Ephraim VVith a loud voice cri'd unto Israel VVhy come ye foorth against me to Battell VVhat God hath join'd why go ye now to seveâ— For the whole land the Lord hath given for ever To Davids house without a let or halt This was made sure by Covenant of salt Yet Jeroboam Solomons servant Doth what he can to breake this Covenant Gathred unto him are men of Belial Who are novv come to provoke to Battell And novv ye think the Kingdome to vvithstand VVhich should remaine sure in Davids sons hand VVith you is a great multitude of men VVith golden Calves of false Jeroboam Have yee not cast out the Priests of the Lord That for vile gaine yee might with one accord Make unto you Priests that vvould take in hand To serve strange gods that vvere from other Lands But as for us the Lord vvith us vvill be VVho have vvith us the Priests sons of Levi VVho morne and even vvaite upon all service Enjoyn'd by GOD the dayly sacrifice VVe with our heart keep the charge of the Lord. But ye have him all left vvith one accord Behold hovv God is vvith us for Captaine His Priests vvith Trumpets to sound an alarme Against you VVherefore novv vvith one accord Conveene yee thus to fight against the Lord Leave off leave off proceed no more this vvay For your armie shall not prosper this day But Jeroboam free of feare and doubt Judahs armie did compasse all about When Judah saw them compass'd in Battell They with strong prayers cri'd to th' Eternall The Priests began with their Trumpets to sound Judah did shout Which made th' Echos rebound Then God arose to shew himself by might He Jeroboam put unto the flight The flight was fierce bloody was the Battell Five hundred thousand that day to Isra'l Were kill'd But Judah prevail'd by and by Because with faith they to the Lord did cry Thus Jeroboam curbed in his wayes Recov'red not strength in Abijahs dayes But Abijah wax'd more and more mighty With fourteene wives he begat sons twenty Because he was not perfect in his wayes Of his Kingdome the Lord shortned the dayes He in his wayes walked not uprightly Therefore his great pomp lasted but years three The Use Ill Kings from Thrones by a successive svvay Like chaffe by vvind shall soone be driven avvay 3. ASAH Healing BEhold a King most glorious like the Sun Whose end was good whose life was wâ— begun A man of health is he who strives to please The Lord and doth what is good in his eyes This worthy King with holy jealousie Brake downe the Altars of Idolatrie Set up for strange gods he the high places With groves cut downe and brake the images With great zeale he commanded all Judah To do the Law and turne unto Jovah Because the Lords Law he did not forget The Kingdome was long before him quiet At last ZERAH the Ethiopian Came with an host of a thousand thousand ASAH the King thus troubled very sore Conveen'd five hundred thousand and fourescore Thus fifteene hundred thousand men that day With fourscore thousand in Battell aray Were set Then Asah cri'd unto the Lord That in that strait his help he would afford Help us O Lord help us O Lord said he Thou canst well help with few or with many Against this host we now goe in thy name Make now our foes to turne their back with shame When God this heard he rose in anger hot And with his sword this huge armie he smot His wrath like waters wheesing out did foyle The proud Zerah then Judah got their spoile When this was done the Prophet Azariah Was sent from God for to meet King Asah God is vvith you said he vvhile ye vvith him His love with you most ready to confirme If yee forsake him he will forsake you now If yee seek him he will be found of you Be strong therefore Gods service much regard For God the Lord your good work shall rewaâ—d When Asa heard these words he tooke courage The idole gods he did destroy with rage From Ephraim Manasseh and Simeon Unto Asa many did flock anone Then with one minde they were glade and content To make with GOD the LORD a Covenant By God they sware in a most sol mne oath That man woman great small should die the death Who should refuse the living God to seek Who to his Saints is mercifull and meek Then all the people with their whole desire Did seeke the Lord as Asa did require They sware to God with shouting and Trumpets With singing voice and also with Cornets They seeking God beleev'd and did not doubt And he unto them gave rest round about When this was done this worthy King Asah From being Queene his mother Maachah Remov'd because vaine idols she did love She had set up an idole in a grove This idole he did cut and stamp upon With fire he burnt it at the brook Kidron When this was done Ba'sha King of Isra'l Did build Ramah to make Asah to fall But Asah quickly sent to Benhadad For help which in the Lords eyes did seeme bad For this doing the Prophet Hanani Him told that he had done most foolishly What hadst thou said he to doe with Syria To hire their help Did not the great Jovah Make thee subdue the Ethiopian host With the Lubims who in their pride did boâ—st Gods eyes throughout the earth run to and â—ro To manifest his great might so and so He is ready with great power to smite The foes of these who towards him perfite Are in their heart Because in this right far Thou hast failed hence foâ—th thou shalt have warre When Asa heard these words of Hanani A fierie wrath did kindle his furie Take this villaine said he this Bâ—lials son Now bind him fast and cast him in prison Moreover he some people in distresse Without mercy severely did oppresse In his old age diseased in his feet To Medecins to seeke he thought more meet Then to the Lord who health and happinesse Hath ready for his servants in distresse Though diverse faults bee seen in this mans wayes Yet with the Lord his heart was all his dayes Perfect as the first book of Kings doth tell Written by the scrib of God Eternell He sway'd the Scepter years one and fourtie Though Kings be gods yet as men they must die The Use Our brightest life is like the Moone with spot Where is the life that is without a blot 4. JEHOSHAPHAT The judgement of the Lord. NOw fill mine heart LORD with thy glowing flame Raise up my Spirit and verses in me
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
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
speake by Elijah Then Jehu by a goodly stratageme â—th'red the people and said unto them Ahab served but with a little touch Great god Baal but I will serve him much Therefore to me gather the Prophets all That I with them may serve the god Baal Let none be wanting at this gods service For I for Baal have a sacrifice Let this be done see that ye me believe If any come not he sure shall not live But Jehu all this did by subtilty That Baals service he might utterly Destroy Jehu commanded to proclaime That he a great assemblie did ordaine Then Baals men his service to defend Came to his house which they from end to enâ— Did fill when Jehu saw them all present Unto a servant he gave commandment To bring foorth the vestments for all quickly From Baals house where Baals men onely Could claime a roome When Baals men beg To sacrifice King Jehu did ordaine Fourescore of men who stood armed withouâ— To goe and slay and compasse them about If any said he of these ye let goe Your life surely shall be for his also Then the stout Captaines at King Jehus wâ— Did smite these men with the edge of the swoâ— And cast them out and to the city went Tâ—ere they from Baals house incontinent â—ught the images which they in great ire 〈◊〉 breake and burne in the midst of a fire â—ey Baals house brake downe without delay â—ich a draught-house they made unto this day â—us Jehu strength'ned by the Eternel â—stroyed Baal out of Israel Then to Jehu the Lord made a promise â—cause he had ' gainst Ahab done service â—at the fourth man that should come of his race â—ould sit as King and rule into his place â—t to walk justly Jehu tooke no heed â—r his vaine heart was not upright indeed Ahabs slaughter he did greatly faile â—r what he did was not in holy zeale â—r Gods glory but for commendation â—r Throne Scepter and vaine ostentation 〈◊〉 zeal he seem'd to do for th' Eternel â—d yet did still worship calves at Bethel 〈◊〉 last Jehu with his fathers softlie â—id sleep deaths sleep and in the faire citie â—f Samaria after his last breath â—as buried a way for all the earth The Use Let Kings heere learne when they with forâ— and might Doe serve the Lord to have an heart uâ— right If serving God men have another aime Their vaine glory at last shall end with shamâ— We may heere learne in Jehus historie That all is not zeal that seems zeal to be Men may do much as fight preach good mâ— save And yet for all be but a painted grave The use of Jezebels death Let Queenes heere also learne by Jezebel With vaine idoles not to greeve th Eternel For he there bones with Jezebels can dash And unto dogs also can give their flesh 11. JEHOAHAZ The possession of God THis Jehus son God to the Throne did brinâ— Who seventeene years of Israel was King Though God him set up by his power and might â—t he did that which was ill in his sight â—eastly man by the calves of Bethel â—th Jeroboam he the Eternel â—d much provoke Al 's in Samaria â—ere stood a grove which greeved Jehovah â—r this the anger of the Eternel â—as kindled much against all Israel 〈◊〉 Hazael and also Benhadad â—rr'd up to plague this people that was bad Then Jeho'haz unto the Lord did pray â—ho heard his sute and that without delay â—r God was moved with compassion â—hen he did see their great oppression 〈◊〉 man was found by the hand of Jovah â—ho took from Isra l the yoke of Syria â—or this Kings sins God made his forces small â—ftie horsemen with ten charets for all â—en thousand foot he had a most poore King â—is men were made like the dust by threshing The Use â—et Kings heere learne that vile idolatrie 〈◊〉 a great foe to all prosperitie 〈◊〉 King and Subjects doe what is unjust Their Thrones and States shall threshen bâ— to dust 12. JEHOASH Burning or distrusting THis second man from grand-father Jehu Did wicked Kings in wickednesse follow This man as by the historie appeares In Samaria did reigne sixteene yeeres He Amaziah in Battell alive Did take and al 's led him away captive After he spoil'd the house of great Jovah And cari'd all unto Samaria He ceased not from Ieroboams sin But like a foole rashly did walk therein In Samaria after his last breath He buri'd was a way for all the earth The Use Let Kings here learne who would in memâ—rie Have good report to shunne idolatrie Let Kings heere learne that spoilers of Gods house Shall not long after have state prosperous 13. JEROBOAM Contending or striveing with the people THis was the third from grand father Jehu He did ill Kings in wickednesse follow â—his Jeroboam Ieroboams sin â—id well allow and also walk'd therein â—ccording to the word of great Jovah â—hich he did speake by the Prophet Ionah â—e did restore Israels coast and gaine â—rom Hamath unto the sea of the plaine â—or the Lord saw Isra'ls affliction â—as very bitter and had compassion â—or at this time none was shut up or left â—oor Israel of all help was bereft â—he Lord said Not that he from under heaven Would wholly blot out his owne Isra'ls name â—ut would them save as it then came to passe â—y Ieroboam the Son of Ioash â—his man as by the historie appeares â—id reigne the space of fourtie and one yeeres The Use â—et Kings heere learne that vile idolatrie â—mong vertues ressembles a dead flee Such may doe good and seeme to have Gâ— favour But this dead flie sends out a stinking savâ— 14. ZECHARIAH The rememberance of the Lord. HEere Zechariah last of Iehus race Who on the Throne of Israel had place He fear'd not God for he wicked in heart From Ieroboams sins did not depart At last Shallum in rage and furie hot Before the people Zechariah smot He six moneths did reigne in Israel When that was done by Shallums hand he felâ— The Use Let Kings heere learne that sin is not a sport It ends their dayes and cuts their honours shâ— 15. SHALLUM Peace Prosperitie THen Shallum King who was Son of Iabeâ— Came to the Throne by his great wickedâ— A full moneth he did the Scepter sway Then Menahem this murderer did slay The Use Let Kings heere learne that sin is not a sport It ends their dayes and cuts their honours short Who for to rise make other men to fall Shall rush downe shortly like a trott'ring wall Let Kings heere learne that conquest is not good Which is obtain'd by shedding humane blood 16. MENAHEM A roarer THen Menahem with the sword smote Tipsah And also the coasts thereof from Tirzah Because to him they op'ned not their gates All that he found in all these bounds and feats With sword this Roarer smote most cruelly Of the women he did cut the belly Where children lay He most wicked in heart
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
are still in righteousnesse No froward thing there is at all in them or yet perverse 9 They are all plaine to him that hath an understanding mind They are also all right to them that wisely knowledge find 10 Care not for silver but receive instruction manifold And carefully for knowledge seek more then the choisest gold 11 For wisedome Rubies is above and all the things most faire That may by men desired be can not with it compare 12 I wisedome with prudence alway do dwell most pleasantly And of inventions knowledge find that grave and wittie be 13 The feare of God is for to hate evill pride arrogancy And the evill way and froward mouth doe I hate all greatly 14. Counsell is mine and wisedome sound as men shall know at length I understanding am indeed I have no lake of strength 15 By me the mighty Kings do reigne who sit on benches hie And mighty Princes in their place do justice al 's decree 16 By me the Princes rule with might and Nobles by my grace Even all the Judges of the earth from me receive their place 17 I with my heart do love all these that have a love to me And these most surely shall me finde that earely seekers be 18 Continually I have with me both honour and richesse Yea riches dureable that are and also righteousnesse 19 My fruit is better then the gold yea then fine gold that glitter My rev'nue al 's is far above the fine and choicest silver 20 I all men that resort to me lead in the righteous way In the midst al 's of judgments paths that they go not astray 21 That I may cause all these that do me love and honour still Well to inherite wealth and I will all their treasures fill 22 The mighty Lord possessed me with mercies manifold In the beginning of his way before his works of old 23 From everlasting I set up was by his mighty hand From the beginning of all things or ever there was land 24 I was brought foorth when were no deepths even flowing on the ground When no fountaines there were which did with water great abound 25 Before the mountaines setled were before the hilles of worth Yea even from all eternitie I was indeed brought foorth 26 While as the earth and pleasant fields the Lord that 's wise and just Had not yet made nor highest part of all the worlds dust 27 When I prepar'd the heav'ns I was there in my holy place When he a compasse set upon the depths excellent face 28 When he established above the clouds as in a heap When he strengthned by his strong arme the fountaines of the deep 29 When to the sea he gave decree not for to passe a point His precepts when he of the earth the ground stone did appoint 30 Then I by him as one brought up with him was every day I his delight was and did joy before his face alway 31 Rejoiceing in these parts of earth which were indwelled then And my pleasure and cheefe delights were with the sonnes of men 32 Now therefore hearken unto me ye children young in dayes â—or they indeed most blessed are that wisely keep my wayes 33 Be wise and good instruction al 's be most glade for to hear And see that thou do not refuse unto it to give eare 34 Blest is the man that heareth me and watcheth at my gates â—nd of my doores waits at the posts as poor men in such seats 35 For who so findeth me doth find life which is greatest gaine â—nd he of the LORD GOD above much favour shall obtaine 36 But he that against me forlorne himself to sin doth move Much wrongs his owne soul yea all they that hate me death do love Chap. 9. VVIsedome her faire house builded hath which seemly is to see She hath hew'n out her pillars seven as ornaments to be 2 She killed hath the beast she hath mingled her costly wine She furnish'd hath her table rich with dainties good and fine 3 Her maidens that attend her she hath sent foorth by and by Upon the highest places of the citie she doth cry 4 Let simple men turne hither in and that without delay And as for him that wanteth wit she to him thus doth say 5 Come eat of my most blessed bread as I do you command And drink of the wine which I have well mingled with my hand 6 All these that foolish be forsake that happy so thou may Live a blest life and also goe in understandings way 7 He that reproves a scorner gets shame to himselfe and spot And he that wicked men rebukes doth get himself a blot 8 To shunne all hatred see that thou a scorner not reprove But a wise man rebuke and he will thee most surely love 9 Give to the wise instruction good and he will wiser be Teach a just man and he increase in learning will by thee 10 GODS fear is the beginning of wisdome that maketh wise The knowledge of the holy is ev'n wisedome sound alwayes 11 For thy dayes in great mercy shall be multipli'd by me â—nd the years of thy blessed life shall sure increased be 12 If thou be wise thou shalt be wise for thy selfe this now heare â—ut if thou scornest thou alone the smart thereof shalt beare 13 A woman that is clamorous and troubleth all the land â—e simple is and nothing knowes as she should understand 14 For at the doore she of her house sits idly on a seat the high places which are of the city large and great 15 To call the simple Passengers to make them go astray When for their worldly businesse they go right on their way 16 Who so is simple let him turn now hither for to sit And also she doth say to him that wanteth sprituall wit 17 The stoln waters of carnall lust are delicate and sweet And bread in secret corners are most pleasant for to eat 18 But he knows not that there the dead are though the Lord it tell And that her mad and foolish guests are in the depths of hell Chap. 10. A Wise son to his fathers heart doth cause joy and gladnesse But to his mother dear a fool brings grief and heavinesse 2 The treasures of great wickednesse no profite bring to man But righteousnesse deliv'reth sure from death that 's pale and wan 3 The Lord will not let good mens souls both famish and decay â—ut he the goods of wicked men in wrath doth cast away He that with a slack hand doth deale anone becometh poor â—t of the diligent the hand enricheth men most sure He that in Summer gathreth is a wise son worthy fame â—t he that sleeps in harv'st is sure a son that causeth shame Great blessings are upon the head of men without offence â—t the mouth of the wicked is cov'red with violence The memory of the just man who lives without a spot â—â—st blessed is but sure the name of wicked men shall rot The wise
in heart commandments good receive well one and all who is in his foolish talk â— prating fool shall fall He that walks upright walks surely not to be overthrown But he that doth pervert his wayes shall to his shame be known 10 He that so winketh with the eye doth sorrow cause and grief But he that is a prating foole shall fall into mischief 11 The mouth of him that righteous is is a faire well of life But violence cov'reth the mouth of all men given to strife 12 Hatred which is a bitter root doth strife stir up and move But on the other part all sins are cov'red well with love 13 In the lips of the man that 's wise wisdome doth still abide But rods are for his back that is of understanding voide 14 Wise men knowledge lay up with care which unto them is dear But the mouth of the foolish is unto destruction neer 15. The rich mans wealth which doth aboâ— is his most strong citie And the destruction of the poor is their own povertie 16 The labour of the righteous man to life attaines in end But the fruit of the wicked sort to sin doth alwayes tend 17 He that doth keep instruction good of life is in the way But he that doth refuse reproof doth erre and go astray 18 He that with vaine and lying lips his hatred evill doth hide And he that utt'reth slanders false in folly doth abide 19 In many words there wanteth not great sin that doth arise â—ut he that can his lips refraine may well be called wise 20 The just mans tongue like silver choice is when it cometh foorth â—ut the heart of a wicked man is sure of little worth 21 The prudent lips of righteous men as ye may clearly see â—oe many feed but wicked fooles for want of wisdome die 22 Gods blessing maketh surely rich of nothing he hath neede With it no sorrow he at all or grief doth adde indeed 23 Unto a fool to do mischief it is but thought a sport But a well understanding man hath wisdome to exhort 24 The wickeds fear shall come on him swift as a glaunce of fire But surely well shall granted be the righteous mans desire 25 The wicked like a whirle-winde is which soone doth passe away But the man that is righteous still is founded sure alway 26 As vineger is to the teeth and smoak unto the eye So is the sluggard unto them whose messenger is he 27 The fear of GOD it doth prolong the good mans happy dayes But of the wicked man the yeers shall shortned be alwayes 28 The hope of righteous men shall be both joy and gladnesse all But ill mens expectation sure shall perish great and small 29 The way of GOD is strength unto the upright man surely But for them shall destruction be that work iniquity 30 The righteous man shall never be removed with disgrace But wicked men upon the earth shall have no dwelling place 31 The mouth of just men wisdome doth bring foorth without all doubt But of the froward man the tongue at last shall be cut out 32 The lips of him that righteous is know what is fit to say But of the wicked folk the mouth speaks frowardnesse alway Chap. 11 TO GOD abomination is a ballance false and sleight But a just weight it is alwayes at all times his delight 2 When pride doth come with lofty looks then shame comes by its side But wisdome with the lowly still doth constantly abide 3 The upright mens integritie shall them guide with great joy But the perversnesse of the bad shall surely them destroy 4 Great riches do not profit much in stormy dayes of wrath But righteousnesse the godly man deliv'reth sure from death 6 The perfect man directed is ev'n by his righteousnesse But transgressours shall taken be in their owne naughtinesse 7 When by death is a wicked man removed far away His expectation perish shall his hope shall all decay 8 The righteous man deliv'red is from trouble and from dread And the perverse for all his wiles shall come into his stead 9 An hypocrite with his vile mouth his neighbour doth destroy But through knowledge the just man shall deliv'red be with joy 10 When it goth well with righteous men the city shall rejoice And when the wicked perish then there is a shouting voice 11 By blessings of the Upright man the city is well known â—o be extold by wicked mouths it quite is overthrown 12 A man that is of wisdome voide his neighbour doth despise â—ut he his peace doth hold that is of understanding wise 13 A tale-bearer that breadeth strife mens secrets doth reveale â—ut he that 's of a faithfull sprit the matter can conceale 14 Where no counsell is to be found the people poor do fall â—ut where good counsellers abound their safety is for all 15 Who for a stranger surety is shall surely for it smart â—â—d he is sure that suretyship doth heat with all his heart 16 A gracious woman that is wise retaineth honour sure â—nd strong men also richesse get which long time do endure 17 The man that 's mercifull with good his own soul doth refresh But he that cruell is alwayes doth trouble his own flesh 18 The wicked work deceitfull works but he that doth regard To sow the seed of righteousnesse shall get a sure reward 19 As righteousnesse doth tend to life so he that under wrath Pursueth evill pursueth it even unto his own death 20 A froward heart the LORD abhors but such as are upright In all their wayes before his face are surely his delight 21 Though hand in hand joine wicked men shall not go well away But the seed of the righteous shall deliv'red be alway 22 As of fine gold a jewell fair is in a vile swines snout So is a woman fair which is discretion all without 23 The desire of these that do walk into the righteous path Is good but th' expectation all of wicked men is wrath 24 Some scatter and do yet increase some more then 's meet withhold But it doth tend to poverty as well men may behold 25 The lib'rall soul shall be made fat where ever it shall go And he that watt'reth well shall be watt'red himself also 26 He that for gaine withholdeth corne the people curse him shall But blessing shall be on the head of him that doth it sell 27 He that seeks good procureth still much favour with wisedome But he that seeketh a mischief unto him shall it come 28 He that doth in his riches trust shall get a fearfull fall But righteous men even as a branch with beautie flourish shall 29 He that his owne house troubleth still inherit shall the wind The fool a servant to the wise himself shall surely bind 30 The fruit of righteous men is good who can it well despise It is a tree of life and he that winneth souls is wise 31 Behold the righteous in the earth shall get a
at all For with scarlet her houshold is well cloathed great and small 22 She cov'rings to her self doth make of richest tapestrie Her clothings of the finest silk and costlie purple be 23 Her husband in the gates is known by such attire most net â—hen he among the Elders doth sit in the judgement seat 24 She diligent the linnen fine doth make and al 's it sell â—e likewise doth fine girdles give unto the merchands all 25 Strength and honour her clothing are such is her great wisdome â—nd she by these her comforts shall rejoice in time to come 26 She with wisdome op'neth her mouth which makes all stand in aw â—â—d in her tongue governed well of kindnesse is the law 27 Unto the wayes of her houshold she wisely lookes indeed â—â—d being busie eateth not of idlenesse the bread 28 Her children rise up and her call most blest in all her dayes â—er husband also well content he praiseth her alwayes 29 Much daughters have most vertuously done as men well may tell But thou indeed them all above most highly dost excell 30 Deceitfull surely favour is and beautie is but vaine But a woman that feares the LORD her praise shall still remaine 31 Of her hands give her of the fruit which early work and late And let her own works with applause still praise her in the gate The Vse Let not the words of vaine men with their noâ— Outshrill the precepts of Gods divine voice But set thy heart their meaning for to finde And lay them up till brimefull be thy mindâ— While Wisdome thus stoups down poor maâ— teach Most wise Proverbs that we their sense may reâ— Let us still learne and carefull act our part That wisdomes words may get place in our heâ— Fy what a shame to hear in wisdomes schoole Such lessons wise and yet remaine a foole They double stripes are worthy who may finde â—his glorious light and yet are beetle blinde Away with these who in most furious fits â—ith earthly dregs do drench their wanton wits â—ch oft them selves most wise of all do deeme â—ike mummers which are not that which they seeme â—eer wisdome learne and strive for to be wise â—hese grave proverbs see that thou not despise â—hat thou thereby may learne to flie from sin â—ven Satans cobweb and his deadly gin â—herein he holds and doth al 's divers pull â— craftie meanes the simple for to gull 〈◊〉 fiery wrath shall make the Crowes and Pyes â—â—ck out the pride of Childrens scornefull eyes â—ho Mothers precepts lightly still set by A vengeance sure most heavy by and by â—all come on these who proverbs good and wise â—â—d precepts grave shall foolishly despise 〈◊〉 thou thy dueties well would learne and see â—his precious Pandect hold before thine eye THE GARDEN OF ZION The Booke of Ecclesiastes A Prayer OF Wisdomes precepts how to guide oâ— wayes We have last sung in our most sacred layes Now come Jovan my heart strings put in 〈◊〉 To warble how all things under the Sun Which heer in greatest estimation be Are nothing al 's but very vanitie All things below have an uncertaine seat See how Boats slide where ploughs did slicâ— late And ploughs now till where Boats before did slide â—nder the welkin what can fast abide Heere climbs one there on the top of the wheele Another stands anone up goes his heele And down his head then shuffled his designs All topsie turvie upside downe God brings â—ome are most base and some with toll and tax â—et up on hie do break poor peoples backs â—ome hunts for this and some for that at last Death all away doth cary with a blast â—hen where is man and where are his designs Lord draw our hearts far from such naughtie things To keep thy Law in doing what we can For this the duety is of every man Now by thy grace both purge our heart and heade From dirtie darnell sins vile cockleweede That while we hear of vaine things the discourse Without a curse we may run out our course CHAP. I. THese be the weighty words wise of preacher Solomon Who was King in Jerusalem and of David the Son 2 All vanitie of vanities the Preacher saith truelie Yea vanitie of vanities all is but vanitie 3 What profite hath a man of all his labour here begun Which he with a most carking care doth take under the Sun 4 One generation among men away doth quickly slide Another generation comes but th' earth doth still abide 5 The sun also ariseth and he goeth down quickly And hasteth to the place where he at morning rose earely 6 From South to North the wind doth go it whiles continualy According to its circuits it doth turne againe quickly 7 The rivers all run to the sea the sea yet is not full Unto the place from whence they come returne they thither still 8 Man can not utter how all things are full of labour here With sight th' eyes are not satisfi'd nor with hearing the ear 9 The thing that hath beene is which shall be and that which is done Is that which shall be and there is no new thing under Sun 10 Is there a thing whereof it may be said see this is new It hath already beene before of old time with some shew 11 No remembrance of former things there is nor shall there be Of things to come with these that shall come after us quicklie 12 The preacher I who cunningly in preaching did excell Was in the faire Jerusalem king over Israel 13 I gave my heart by wisdome to search all things that are done By such paine God doth exercise men here under the Sun 14 Under the Sun I have seene all the workes that done there be Behold all is vexation great of sprite and vanitie 15 That which is crooked can not be by men againe made straight And that which wanting is can not be numbred once aright 16 I pensed saying I am come to great estate and more Have gotten wisedome then all they that have been me before Yea my heart by the LORD inspir'd in every exigence Of wisedome and of knowledge had a great experience 17 I gave my heart wisedome to know and to know madnesse eke And foly I saw that this was vexation of the sprite 11 For in much wisdome surely is much grief and heavinesse And he that groves in knowledge great doth sorrow al 's increase Chap. 2. In mine heart said now go to with mirth I prove will thee â—ake pleasure therefore and behold this al 's is vanitie I deeply pensing in my thoughts of laughter said it's mad Of mirth like wise I did affirme that it is vaine and bad I in my heart did further seek to give my self to wine â—nd to lay hold on folly great ev'n by wisedome divine â—ll I might see what was that good for sonnes of men alwayes â—hich under heav'n they all should doe dureing their painfull dayes I made me great works I did build
be after him Who can him tell surelie 15 Fooles do themselves with labour great even weary every day Because they do not know so much as the broad cities way 16 Woe unto thee O wretched land when childish is thy king And thy Princes as gluttons eat early in the morning 17 Blest art thou land when thy King is come of a noble race And thy Princes eat soberly for strength not drunkenesse 18 By slothfulnesse the building all most quickly doth decay And through great idlenesse the house it droppeth through alway 19 A feast sure is for laughter made and wine makes merry men â—ut money answ'reth constantly all things both now and then 20 See that the King that rules the land thou curse not in thy thought And likewise curse thou not the rich to thy bedchamber brought For a bird of the aire the voice shall cary by and by That which hath wings the matter shall tell even as it doth ly Chap. 11. UPon the waters cast thy bread and spare it not alwayes For thou shalt sure it finde againe though after many dayes 2 To seven or eight a portion give and that most liberally For thou know'st not what hindrance soone upon the earth may be 3 If that the clouds of heaven above be filled well with raine They for the fruits upon the earth emptie themselves againe If towards south or yet the north at last shall fall the tree In the same place where it doth fall there also shall it be 4 He that too strict observ's the wind shall not well sow his seed He that too strict regards the clouds shall sheaves not reape with speed 5 The sprites way thou know'st not nor how bones in the womb do grow Even so thou not the workes of God who maketh all dost know 9 When it's morning then sow thy seed upon thy labour'd land And in the evening time also with hold thou not thine hand For whether this shall prosper well or that not understood It is by any who can tell if both alike be good 7 Truely the light is sweet and al 's a pleasant thing it seemes Unto the eyes for to behold the sunnes faire glistring beames 8 But if a man live many yeeres and in them more or lesse Rejoice let him remember well the dayes of great darknesse For they unpleasant surely shall in a great number be All that which comes under the sun is very vanitie 9 O young man in thy youth rejoice and let thy heart thee please Walk in the wayes of thy heart and in the sight of thine eyes But know thou this assuredly that even for every thing God in his justice thee at last will into judgement bring 10 Therefore all sorrow from thy heart see thou remove quicklie Put ill away for childhood and youth are but vanitie Chap. 12. THy Creator remember well in youth while the ill day Is not come nor the yeares draw nigh when thou shall surely say In all such things under the sun no pleasure I at all Have in my heart I loth such things yea whether great or small 2 While the Sun light or yet the Moone or the starres in their traine Be not darkned nor yet the clouds returne after the raine 3 In the day when the keepers of the house as in palsie Shall tremble and the strong men shall themselves bow faintingly The grinders then shall cease to be as mouldred all away And these that out at windowes looke al 's dark'ned be alway 4 And in the streetes the doores shall be shut when the grinding sound Is low he at the chirp of birds shall rise from sleep unsound His sprits also shall be so dull that he shall nothing know The daughters all of musick then shall be brought very low 5 Of high things they shall be afraid and feares al 's in the way Shall be and al 's the Almond tree shall flourish white alway Desire shall faile a grashopper a burden shall be so Because man dies the mourners then about the streetes doe go 6 Before al 's that the silver cord be loosed at the length Or that the golden bowle at last be broken with its strength Or that the pitcher broken be even at the maine fountaine Or yet that broken be the wheele that 's hard by the cisterne 7 Then shall the dust returne to earth as it was most vile dust Then shall the sprite returne to God who gave it at the first 8 Even vanitie of vanities the Preacher well doth call The things that are on earth below yea vanitie is all 9 Because the Preacher wise was he did teaâ—h the people still Yea he gave good heed and sought out wise Proverbes with great skill 10 The Preacher sought to find out wordes acceptable to heare What written was it was upright words to the truth most neere 11 Wise words are like to goads and nailes by preachers fastned well Which from one shepheard are all given who doth the same reveale 12 By these my son admonish'd be of makeing bookes no end There is much study al 's the flesh with wearinesse doth spend 13 Let us now heare the end of all feare God and as thou can His precepts keep for sure this is the duety all of man 14 For God in judgement every work most clearly shall reveale With every secret thing also yea whether good or ill The Use LET Men heere learne where all may clearly see Vnder the Welkin all but vanitie Heer tears in eyes and fears in heart as house With many sorrows have their Rendevouz Of earthly things the vast confused crowd Is now or then all cov'red with a clowd Though men on Thrones advanced have their Seat All 's nought except they be as Good as Great Loke not to see beneath the Firmament A state of life that heer gives full content A dying still is in poor queasie man His life at longest is but like a span It like a Post doth passe even in a streame And is anone forgotten like a dreame Gods holy Law is only pure and plain In life and death Christ is our only gaine Let us heer learn in time to turn our back On vanitie and quickly it forsake With bended knees and al 's with broken hearts Let us be carefull that we in all parts May fear the Lord and dayly on him call For this to do it is the end of all All other thoughts are surely vile and vaine A brood most base even of a burly braine Who so profane this earthly glory seeks Shall losse his life among such crooked creeks O happy he who hating vanitie Doth rest content Gods pensioner to be Not careing for the leeks and garlick fell Th' Egyptian hotch potch which Gods Israel Preferr'd to Man their whilom-Angels food Admir'd at first but well not understood â—hile it most sweet like Coriander round â— like hoare frost did ly upon the ground â— heav'n above is onely rest below he Trump of war doth still
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.