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
above the oâ— Whose restlsse dance no stop at all disturbsâ— Be like Abel that yee abode may make In shineing robs above the Zodiack LAMECH Diminished or depauperat THou bragging LAMECH of vaine Cains To boast and kill thou didst thy self solaâ— Thou fear'd not God nor shamefull infamiâ— Of all thou first liv'd in polygamie Foole with two wives thou led a sinfull lifeâ— ZILLAH the shaddow but ADAM the wife The Use In these hardly great courage shall yee fiâ— Whose words are brags and vaine bubb vvind â—he deepest floods do run most quietlie â—ith silver streames to carry to the sea â—ut naughty brookes in broken streames do gush â—nd roaring dovvne the horned cliff do rush SETH Set or appointed NOw welcome SETH for ADAM a third Son Set and appointed to fill ABELS roome â—hy godlinesse did many soules refresh â—f thee came Christ our Lord after the flesh The Use â—od rich in comforts can his Saints relieve â—f he take one he can another give â—f crosses come vvhich do our comforts marre â—od can anone send joyes to ease our farre ENOCH Sorrovvfull O Deare to God with sorrow in thy name Thy heart was griev'd to see the worlds shame While CAINS race provoked God right sore Thou walk'd with God and so was seen no mâ— The Use Learne heere thy life at Gods service to speâ— An holy life brings to an happie end Balam may vvish the righteous death to 〈◊〉 But he profane that day shall never see METHUSELAH Emission dart or death THy name is death emission or dart By it ENOCH foretold the worlds smart As some esteeme the last yeere of thy life God with a flood did end this worlds strife To longest life of all thou didst attaine Nine hundred yeares thou liv'd and sixtie nineâ— The Use Let all men learne their few years well to speâ— For longest life at last will have an end He who strouts now in grave shall soone be coâ— What is mans life but a tale that is told NOAH Rest or comfort SOn of LAMECH Son of METHUSELAH Thou for GODS comforts called was NOAH â—he LORD said LAMECH cursde hath sea and land This Son shall be a resting for our hand â—n this mans time the bad and faithfull seed To mariage most vilely did proceed While all men spoil'd were with corruption This man was just in his generation God with his comforts did his soul refresh When he intended the end of all flesh Thy vertues NOAH I can not expresse Thou wise preacher herauld of righteousnesse Whil'st in the deep all others death did suffer Thou safely lived in an Ark of Gopher Thy self thy wife also thy children three With their three wives were in that house of tree The haughty streame this house did high exalt Which at the last on Ararat did halt The Rav'n the Dove NOAH did forth command Two scouts to spy if there was any land At last the Dove to tell him of reliefe Brought in her mouth of an olive a leafe When floods were past by Gods mercy divine NOAH began to plant a pleasant vine But Oh that great herauld of righteousnesse Was plunged in most filthy drunkennesse Against JEHOVAHS great commandement He voide of sense lay naked in his tent Nine hundred and al 's fiftie yeeres he liv'd Just in two worlds at last by death bereav'd The Use Let good men learne all sins alwayes to shuâ— And not to staine a life that 's well begun Fy oh alas that for a drinke of wine This great Herauld whose vertues bright dâ— shine Should have forgot his GOD so spedilie VVho had him sav'd within his house of tree Fy that he should have blotted his good naâ— By lying naked in his tent with shame Before the face of his three children deare VVhose life should them have taught the Lorâ— to feare Behold how sâ—one the life of the godlie VVith sin as with a damp may darkned bâ— â—f one fault let not drunkards make a safeguard â—r once drunke makes not man to bee a drunkard SEM. JAPHET Fame Beautie SEM Son of NOAH first in dignitie The noble Jew hath his descent from thee â—hy Godlinesse thy Glory and thy Fame â—y JOVAHS pen are written in thy name â—APHET Beautie thou hast the second place â—o dwell with SEM the LORD GOD grant thee grace â—wo blest Brethren right noble was your fact â—n cov'ring NOAH yee turned your back â—ight worthy Sonnes eternall is your fame â—n modestie yee hid your fathers shame The Use â—eere children learne your parents to respect God shall you blesse and all your wayes direct And you preserve that no man do you wrong â—n earth he shall your happy dayes prolong HAM Hote or black HOt as hells fire coal-black even like tâ— devill Profane villain taught onely to do evill O cursed HAM thou full of wickednesse Because thou spy'd thy fathers nackednesse Because his shame thou scorned with thine eye Servant of servants thou shalt ever be The Use Curs'd is that sonne that ever he was born That sets himself his parents for to scorne An Elf not man he called well may be Who takes delight his parents shame to seâ— NIMROD A Rebell NIMROD thy name is as much as rebell Whom some esteeme cheef builder of Baâ— This man of HAM as holy writs record A mighty hunter was before the LORD The Use â—on this earth thou be a mighty man â—eware with Nimrod to play the tyran â—hough men set up most high and stately towrs â—uch Castles will not keep them from GODS showres ABRAM Father high ABRAHAM Father of a multitude BEhold the Sonne of ancient TERAH The faithfull husband of godly SARAH This Father high was first called ABRAM For multitude turn'd into ABRAHAM Looke up said GOD and count these starr's most hie Of thy Children such shall the number be Be perfect walk in my commandement I mind with thee to make a Covenant When Amraphel was King of great Shinar The mightie Arioch King of Ellasar Chedorlaomer of faire Elam King And Tidal Prince of Nations did bring A great Armie with boast against Bera King of Sodom as al 's against Birsha Gomorrahs King and Admahs Shinab stout Who armed with great forces then came out And al 's against the Zehoims Shemither And Belahs Prince came all these Kings togethâ— In bloody war these foure Kings against five Came to the fields and in battell did strive But Sodoms men were forc'd to turne the back Their foes some kill'd and some captives did taâ— Among whom was LOT nephew of ABRAM Who to help Sodom unto battell came When ABRAM heard this he in continent Did cry for armes and to the Battell went With his servants three hundred and eighteeâ— Who in his house well trained up had beene He among these as a stout Generall Did rout his foes and LOT rescu'd and all His goods and captives which they tooke awaâ— He back againe did bring without delay Then met him by a providence divine Melchisedeck who brought him
Eli clearely understood It is the Lord said he what seemes him good Now let him do against both me and mine Against his sentence I will not repine What SAMUEL said to ELI more or lesse Upon ELI it shortly came to passe Then it was showne clearly by th' Eternel That Samuel was for to judge Israel The proud Philistins in his time came out Against Isra'l he put them to the rout He cri'd to God and God by thunder heard The Philistins under their feet he troad To shew his thanks to tell what God had done In the same place he wisely set a stone A stone of help for to declare Gods fame Eben-Ezer in Hebrew was its name In his old age when he was full of dayes His bribing sons did not walk in his wayes Then all the people greeved with this thing Cri'd with one voice Now let us have a King For now Samuel is old and full of dayes His bribidg sons doe not walk in his wayes Then God directed SAMUEL how to say That Isra'l had rejected God that day Go to go to hearken unto their voice Give them a King according to their choice Be plaine with them and hide from them nâ— thing Shew them clearely the manner of the King To war to till to reape in every point Of hard service your sons he will appoint Of your daughters who walk with lofty lookâ— He will make Bakeâ—s and vile sluttish cooks Your fields and yards which are the most pleâ—sant He will take and give to his owne servants The tenth of your sheep and seed he will crave Your stout young men to his worke will hee have In all this bondage ye shall howl and say Alas but God shall not you hear that day But all this speach to them no change could bring No not said they but we will have a King As this people rebelliously would have A King so GOD a King unto them gave When this was done Samuel did testifie Before all ISRA'L his integritie Now I am old said he see my gray head I have been with you from my young childhood Now heere I am I gladly do accord Witnesse against me heere before the LORD Be plaine I pray you and now hide no thing For heere we are in presence of the King Whose Oxe whose Asse have I by wrong possessed By violence whom have I once oppressed What bribe tooke I therewith to blinde mine eye If it be so now let you testifie Then said they all as they well understood We know nothing in thee but what is good No man we know hath beene opprest by thee No bribe was able for to blinde thine eye God be witnesse said he and understand That now ye have not found ought in mine hand After this said he did them terrifie With fearfull thunders piercing through the skie The people then to him quakeing did say We have sinned to JOVAH for us pray Fear not said he but comfort to you take For his people the LORD will not forsake If ye cry to him he will hear your voice For he of you hath onely made his choice As for me I will not leave off to pray For you I will al 's teach you the good way Onely take heed and serve the Lord with fear So ye his goodnesse shall both see and hear But if ye carelesse do the wicked thing Ye shall be consum'd both ye and your king After SAMUEL though he was old and gray The proud King Agag in Gilgal did slay He was a man faithfull in every point Before his death two Kings he did anoint The Use Let Judges learne by Samuels historie To take good heed that no bribe blinde their eye THE GARDEN OF ZION The Kings SAUL Seeking THis Son of KIS from seeking hath his name His life with vice he stain'd his end with shame When he began his calling was but base Before his Crowne he sought his fathers Asse When at the first from the stuffe he came out Then the people with their voice made a shout The wordes they said in their lovely shouting Were that the Lord would safely keep the King About this time Nahash the Ammonite Against Jabesh made war with great despite Then Iabesh said Spare us and let us be A Covenant we will now make with thee But cruell Nahash burning in a rage By no fair words could his great wrath asswage No friends no friends said he now will we be Except we first now thrust out your right eye Seven dayes they sought an answere for to give They sent to Saul that he might them relieve Then Saul armed with companies out three Threw Ammon downe with a great victorie Saul by this valour was confirmed King Then all the people desir'd him to reigne When he was King even in his second yeere The Philistines with forces did appeare They of Charets strong thirtie thousand were Six thousand foot also prepar'd for war But Israel which was cause of great fear Disarmed was without both Sword and Spear The Philistines triumphing them above Did craftily from them all Smiths remove Yet for the Forks Axe Coulters Goads this while To sharpen them the Hebrews had a file When Saul this saw he greatly was afraid In caves and rocks the people did them hide Then Saul in fear not waiting on Samuel The seventh day off'red to GOD in Gilgal Then Samuel angry with his foolish haste Made both his eares to tingle with this blast Thou hast rebell'd thou hast done foolishlie Thy Kingdome no more shall abide with thee Then Jonathan went after secretly Between Bozez and Seneh two rocks hie To his servant he said Let us pursue God can us save by many or by few Before we go by this we will them try If while they see us they shall say Tary Then will we stand but if their words be so Come up to us untill them will we go They said Come up and that by way of mock WheÌ„ this was heard they both did climb the rock In that conflict with Philistins children Stout Jonathan did there slay twentie men Terrours from GOD his foes hearts made to shake All th' Hoast trembled the very earth did quake The LORD in armes glist'ring did fight that day He made his foes like snow to melt away The LORD of Hoasts by his great power and might Made these his foes one ' gainst another fight When th' Isralits of this mercy heard tell From holes and bores they rushed to Battell These who before for fear themselves did hide Stoutly their foes did beat both back and side They fought like Lions but anone a jar A fasting oath the victory did mar They durst not eat and therefore faint and few They could not throughly their strong foes pursue While Isra'l thus did faint for fault of meat Jonathan of a hony comb did eat Assoone as he had taste of that honie His sprite reviv'd enlightned was his eye What he did then it was by ignorance For he knew
they come death shall close up thine eyes â—â—ter these men heard such words of comfort â—ey to the King the message did report Then Josiah with the men of Judah â—ent up unto the house of great Jovah â—th him there were the Priests and Prophets all â—ere al 's the people were both great and small 〈◊〉 them he read the Lords booke ev'ry word â—ich had been found in the house of the Lord â—n this good King who Gods word understood 〈◊〉 serve the Lord hard by a pillar stood 〈◊〉 with the people all with one accord â—d make a Covenant there before the Lord Gods presence all ill wayes they forsooke â—â—lling to doe according to that Book Then the King in the name of great Jovah â—mmanded soone the high Priest Hilkijah â—â—th other keepers whether great or small â—ring quickly the vessels made for Ba'l 〈◊〉 for the grove out of Gods Temple faire That he GODS house might cleanse and alâ— paire When this was done in the field of Kidron He in great zeal there them did burne each onâ— And to fulfull the word of th'Eternell The ashes he did carry to Bethel Vile Priests there were who with idolatrie Defiled had both Temple and Citie To Sunne Moone Planets and al 's to Baal They sacrificed and to Heavens host all These vile men he desiring God to please In his great zeal put downe and made to ceâ—â— The grove also which was idolatrous The King with speed brought out from the Lâ—â— house At Kidron he it burnt and stamped small To small powder and cast that powder all Upon the graves of these who foolishly Had beene defiled with idolatrie The Sodomiteâ— far from Gods house he drâ—â— And these who did weave hangings for the gâ—â— He with the rest Topheth defil'd anone Which was in the vile valley of Hinnon So that no man thereafter durst aspire To make his Son for Molech passe the fire Thus he persisting as he had begun Tooke the horses which were given to the Suâ—â— By Kings of Judah which made Priests to mourn The Suns Charets he in a fire did burne He did beat down and break most speedily The Altars which in vile idolatie Manasseh Ahaz when they God forsooke Did build the dust thereof in the base Brooke Of Kidron he did cast High places vile â—or Ashtoreth Chemosh Milcome defile â—e did That bad Abomination â—ard at mount Olives mount of corruption Which Solomon did build in Israel Whereby he much provocked th'Eternell â—as by Josiah destroy'd speedily â—ch was his zeal for the great Gods glory This good King al 's the images brake then â—e cut the groves and with the bones of men â—â—e places fill'd the Altar at Bethel 〈◊〉 Jeroboam made who mov'd Isra'l 〈◊〉 sin he brake downe it to dust he drove â—â—d stampt it small and also burnt the grove The King turning him self at last did spy â—vers Sepulchers wherein dead did ly â—ke up these bones said he in his great ire â—â—on this Altar burn them all with fire â—w do for God who doth my crowne uphold â—â— this long since by God hath beene foretold Then said the King come now and tell to me What title is among the graves I see The men of that city said to the King Heere lyes the Prophet which message did bâ—â— That great Jovah the God of Israel Should do such things to th' Altar of Bethel Then said the King this man whom GOD love Let him alone see no man his bones move Likewise this Prince sent from the great VAH Reform'd the cities of Samariah Their Priests he slew with his sword in his irâ—â— And on their Altars their bones burnt with firâ—â— Then King and people all with one accorâ—â— A great Passeover did keep to the Lord The like whereof before had never bene Among the Kings or yet the Judges sene Yet more the workers with familiar sprits With wizards idols and all idle rits He spied out and wholly put away Thus he Gods house reform'd without delayâ— Unto the Lord this King just and upright With all his heart with all his soul and mighâ— Turned himselfe in great zeal more and morâ— He had no match after or yet before But oh alas the great wrath of Jovah Could not be turn'd from the sins of Judah Manasses sins both cruel and unkind â—ld not go out of great Jehovahs minde 〈◊〉 will said God withdraw now my great love â—m all Judah them now I will remove 〈◊〉 of my sight as I did t' Israel Salem al 's like judgements I will tell 〈◊〉 wrath ' gainst it here plainly I declare â—ugh I had said my name shall ay be there â—hen good Josiah King after all this â—ne with his men to fight at Carchemish â—inst Necho of Egypt land the King â—o did with him a mighty armie bring â—ho to him Embasadors did send â—ell him that he came not for this end â—hurt Josiah either neere or far 〈◊〉 others at whom he intended war â—d hath him sent therefore now let him passe 〈◊〉 afterward thou smart for thy trespasse â—hou Necho in this Gods warre annoy Lord is with him who shall thee destroy â—ut for all this Josiah with Necho â—olv'd to fight him neere to Megiddo â—n he disguised came to that Battell Archers shot and there Josiah fell â—n said the King sore wounded I this day Battell am have me therfore away â—â—e desir'd so they this wounded King From the battell unto Salem did bring In a Charet There this good man he died There he also was with his fathers buried After his death all these that did sojourne In Judah did for him lament and mourne Yea for his death the Prophet Jeremie With words of greefe lamented bitterlie The Use Behold O Kings who minde to please Jovaâ— Of zeale a patterne was this good Josiah This man by halfes did not idolatrie Reforme but purged all most perfectly High places groaves images idols vaine Hill Altars he did cut break and disdaine 16. JEHOACHAZ The possession of God JEhoachaz Son of good Josiah Was after him crowned King of Judah He fear'd not God he in Jehovahs sight Follow'd the trace of wayes that were not râ— Him Phar'oh Necho King of Egypt land Tooke and with fetters strong at Riblah band Wee yeeres of age he was and al 's twentie â—en he was crown'd and reign'd but moneths three The Use Kings here learn not in their sinnes to sport â—angers God who cuts their honours short 17 ELIAKIM called also JEHOJAKIM GOD ariseing â—Fter that Necho King of Egypt land Deposed had by strong and mighty hand â—oachaz he sent for Eliakim â—ose name he chang'd into Jehojakim â—s was the second son of Josiah â—o by Necho was made King of Judah 〈◊〉 age this King was eighteene yeeres and seven â—â—en he began he reigned but eleven 〈◊〉 fear'd not God he in JEHOVAHS sight â—low'd the trace of wayes that were not right â—n his dayes Nebuchanezzar the King 〈◊〉 Babylon Jehojakim did bring â—o
he bare the crowne Unto the dust by death he was brought downe The Use Let all men learne in sicknesse and distreâ— To trust in God who ever good successe Grants unto these that upon him depend Who do not so shall feel it in the end Hear this who with shit children in your aâ— Run to witches to stithies salves and chaâ— 9. JEHORAM The highnesse of GOD KIng Ahaziah after him had none Who in Isra'l succeeded to his Throne But Jehoram his brother in that day Sat on the Throne and did the scepter sway Of this man who did from the LORD departâ— With an arrow Jehu did pierce the heart He was son of Ahab and Jezebel A race much hated of God Eternel The Use â—t all Kings heere learne not to go astray 〈◊〉 they in peace would long their scepter sway 〈◊〉 Kings from GOD in their folly depart â—D arrowes hath vvherewith to pierce their heart ELIJAH The mightie Lord. 〈◊〉 Jorams reigne Gods word in history â—nserts concerning Elijah worthy When to take up Elijah in his minde â—e Lord had purpose by a great whirlewinde â—en Elijah the Prophet from Gilgal â—ent with Elisha and to him did call â—d said Here tarry for the Eternel â—th me ordain'd for to go to Bethel â—sha said As the great God doth live 〈◊〉 no request will I Elijah leave â—en these two Prophets of the Eternel â—gether went down unto faire Bethel â—s of the Prophets there to Elisha â—d Knowst not thou thy Master Elijah Shall from thine head be pull'd away this day I know said he hold ye your peace I say Al 's Elijah said to Elisha so I pray thee tary for to Jericho The Lord hath sent me I must him obey But as for thee thou shalt do well to stay Elisha said as the great God doth live For no request will I Elijah leave When they were come unto fair Jericho The Prophets sons said to Elisha so Hast thou not heard that thy Master this day From thee by God should be pulled away Yea I it know said he most certainly Hold ye your peace and hencefoorth let me bâ— Elijah said to Elisha his man Now tarry here for God me to Jordan Hath sent As the most mighty Lord doth live Said Elisha I minde thee not to leave When Elijah this matter thought upon He yeelded then and so the two went on There fiftie men who then all Prophets were Stood ov'r against for to view them a farre There Elijah with Elisha his man Most gravely stood hard by the flood Jordan Then Elijah tooke his mantle anone With it by faith he strooke the flood upon â—y this the waters they divided found 〈◊〉 that these two went ov'r on the dry ground When they the Jordan together had past â—ijah said to Elisha at last â—â—ke now what thou desires I doe for thee â—fore by God I be lifted on hie â—ou hast me serv'd with respect and regard â—e what thou wouldst have now for thy reward Elisha said this is my sute to thee â—t thy good Sprite be doubled now on me â—hen Elijah heard Elishas saying â—e said thou hast now asked a heard thing â—everthelesse if thou shalt then me see â—hen the great God shall take me up on hie 〈◊〉 shall be so unto thee as thou would â—t not if then thou canst me not behold It came to passe as these two went on still â—hold a signe the promise to fulfill â—cording to good Elishas desire â—ere appeared a faire charet of fire â—ith great horses which parted them that day Elijah in whirlewinde went away When Elisha had seene all that befell 〈◊〉 father father charet of Isra'l â—d their horsemen he thus aloud did cry â—t he him saw no more after that day Then Elisha for grief incontinent Tooke his own clothes and in two pieces rent Last after this the Prophet Elisha Tooke up the mantle of good Elijah That fell on him and so went back anone And stood besides the bank of the Jordan With that mantle he smote the waters deep Which both above and beneath back did creep For Gods servant to make a ready way That good Elisha might passe through that day When the Prophets that were at Jericho Saw Elisha they all said so and so Behold the sprit of faithfull Elijah Doth rest upon his servant Elisha These came to meet him with all diligence And bow'd before him with great reverence Behold said they there be with us fiftie Strong men of worth let them goe we pâ— thee And seeke thy Master least peradventure The Sprite of God who had of him the cure Hath taken him and hath him cast upon Some high mountaine or low valley alone Then said Elisha your zeal I commend But my advise is that ye shall not send From their purpose he could them not reclamâ— They urged so that he did blush for shame Therefore he said if it be your will send â—ey sent therefore and three dayes to an end â—id seek and seek on valley and mountaine â—t nothing found and so return'd againe â—hen to Elisha they at Jericho â—me with report how they both to and fro â—d wandred to them Elisha did say â—old you that before ye went away The Use â—t Prophets learne vvho serve the great Jovah 〈◊〉 follovv the footsteps of Elijah 〈◊〉 spar'd not great Kings but did them rebuke â—hen they Jehovah most leudly forsooke â—ost Kings are slaine by the vile flatterie 〈◊〉 base fellowes who walk not uprightly â—t all Elijahs that walk in GODS way â—oke for GODS coch to carie them away ELISHA My GOD salvation â—Hen Elisha sojourn'd at Jericho The men of that city came him unto Who said behold a place that is pleasant But the water is nought and good ground scaâ— Then said Elisha bring me a new cruse Put salt therein whereof I may make use When this was done he went forth to the spriâ— Of these waters and cast the salt therein And said Thus saith the mighty LORD I have Healed these waters as yee may perceive Henceforth no death or any barren land Heer shall be seene for so doth GOD commanâ— Then Elisha from thence went to Bethel As he did go this Tragedie befell Some children came out of Bethels city Who said unto the Prophet tauntingly Go up thou bald head go up thou bald-head He turned back and cursed them with speed Then from the wood came Bears incontinent Who fourtie two all into pieces rent From thence to faire Carmel went Elisha And from Carmel unto Samaria Now Jehoram ill Ahabs second son In Samaria did sit on the Throne He did much ill in great Jehovahs sight Yet not like Ahab for this which was right He did Baals image he put away To which Ahab his father went astray But Jeroboams sins he could not leave â—o these idols his foolish heart did cleave In this time Mesha who of Moab King â—as a sheepmaster who much sheep did bring 〈◊〉 Ahabs dayes when once Ahab was dead
Elishas feet â—â—e fell downe there and then began to weepe Then Gehazi came fast to thrust away â—he Shunamite in great distresse that day â—et her alone said Elisha behold â—reat grief of heart which GOD hath not me told She said did I desire a Son to have â—id I not say see thou me not deceive Then said Elisha unto Gehazi â—â—rd up thy loines and take my staffe quicklie â—e that no man thou salute by the way â—or do no thing that may procure delay â—hen thou art come with speede unto the place See that this staffe thou lay on the châ— face But the mother would not leave Elisha For so she sware by the great Jehovah Then she arose Elisha did follow All for to stint the Shunamits sorrow Then Gehazi the staffe upon the face Of the childe laide but during all that space Was neither voice nor yet any hearing Wherefore he turn'd to Elisha saying The childe is not awak'd there is no life Then Elisha came with that worthy wife And saw the childe laid dead upon his bed Then to them all the good Elisha said Retire your selfe and let me here alone Be with the childe then they retir'd anone Then Elisha with zeal began to pray He went up al 's and upon the childe lay He mouth to mouth and eyes to eyes did joiâ— And hands to hands and stretch'd himâ— upon The young dead childe there without hâ— harme Then the young childes flesh anone waâ— warme Then he return'd and walked to and fro And on the childe he stretched him also â—hen at the last the young childe seven times neesd 〈◊〉 eyes were opened and so was reviv'd 〈◊〉 calling for the Shunamite anone â—â—a said to her Take up thy Son â—â—n she went in and full of comforts sweet 〈◊〉 downe at the Prophet Elishas feet 〈◊〉 bow'd her self humbly unto the ground â—ling swetly for her great comforts found â—fter Elisha came unto Gilgal 〈◊〉 great dearth which troubled great and small 〈◊〉 on the great pot said he to make meat â—t the sons of the Prophets now may eat â—en the servant heard these Elishas words 〈◊〉 went and of a wild vine gathred gourds â—lap full which he shred into the pot 〈◊〉 at these herbs were that servant then knew not â—en the Prophets these herbs began to eat 〈◊〉 cryed out that death was in their meat 〈◊〉 Elisha bad his servants bring meal â—â—ch put in pot they did no more death feel â—hen Naaman great Captaine of the host Syria who would have spar'd no cost â—e helped of his vile leprosie â—rn'd of a maid who by captivitie 〈◊〉 in his house that in Samaria There was a Prophet called Elisha Who could him help and heale most perfectlie Of his disease of wofull leprosie Then said the King of Syria Go to I will now send a faire letter unto Jehoram King who guideth Israel Then the man went and tooke with him of alâ— Best things Of silver he tooke ten talents Six thousand pieces of gold of rayments Ten changes and so brought unto the King The Kings letter containing this saying Behold therewith I have sent unto thee Naaman to be heal'd of leprosie When King Jehoram heard this letter read He in amazement this utt'red and said Am I a God to kill or make alive Who in best Physick can so deeply dive Wherefore now see it is easie to tell That he now seekes against me a quarrell When Elisha had heard how that the King Had rent his clothes he sent him this saying Be not amaz'd let him now come to me And he shall know that a Prophet surelie Is in Isra'l So to Elishas doore Naaman came and stood there it before With horse charets in pompe and dignitie Then a servant Elisha sent quicklie With this message goe to the Jordan fair â—nd sev'n times wash thee in the water there â—o shall thy flesh againe come unto thee â—hou shalt be cleane and that most perfectly But Naaman was wroth and went away â—nd said Behold I thought the man this day â—ill surely come and pray unto his GOD And touch the place and cleanse me of this rod â—â—ana Pharpar right well I can tell â—e better rivers then these of Isra'l May I not wash in them and so be cleane â—us he turned and all in rage was seene Then came to him his servant thus saying My father if the Prophet some great thing â—d ordain'd thee wouldst thou not have it done 〈◊〉 much rather when thou thy health so soone â—y have by washing in water softlie â—sh and bee cleane hee saith no mere to thee â—t that wise word great Captaine Naaman â—waded was soone to wash in Jordan His flesh like childes flesh was then cleareâ— seene To be restord so Naaman was cleane Then he return'd with all his companie And stood before Elisha who did see What God had done then said Na'man behold I this in heart will all my lifetime hold And now I will heer in thy presence tell In all the earth but onely in Isra'l There is no GOD Therefore heare tâ— saying I pray thee take from me now a blessing What said Elisha no blessing I crave Of thy presents nothing I will receive And though he urged and request did make Yet Elisha his present would not take Then said Na'man Elisha I pray thee Let two Mules burdens of earth unto me Be given for hencefoorth I heere give mâ— word To quite all stranqe gods for to serve thâ— LORD In this thing the LORD thy servant pâ—don If I hencefoorth in the house of Rimmon Bow downe my selfe vvith my Master and King â—he LORD pardon thy servant in this thing Then said Elisha goe in peace this day Thus he departed and so went away But Gehazi did from his Master slide After the man he went to get a bribe 〈◊〉 will said he some earand to him make 〈◊〉 will now run and some what of him take When Naaman saw the man thus running He lighted downe and said What is the thing That thou desir'st What now Are all things well All well said he My Master bids thee tell Behold even now there be come unto me From Ephraim mount two young men most worthie Sons of the Prophets let them from thee have â—art of the present nothing more I crave But of good silver onely one talent And with that al 's two changes of raiment Then said Na'aman take two talents for one Them with the raiment he soone laid upon Two of his servants who bare them before Gehazi who fearing his Master sore Tooke the base bribe and sent them backe quicklie For so he thought to hide his villanie Then he went in and stood before his Lord Who said to him now tell me in a word Whence comest thou Tell me what thou hâ— done Thy servant went no whether said he soone Fy man said he went not mine heart wâ— thee When the man turn'd againe so speedilie From his charet to meet a craftie knave Who
From Ieroboams sins did not depart At last came Pul the great Assyrian King Against the land great forces he did bring Then Menahem great summes to him did pay So Pul with all his forces went away Ten yeeres he did reigne and after by death This King he went the way of all the earth The Use Let Kings beware to staine their memorie With vile murder and blood of crueltie To kill women it is most inhumane In such doings is neitheir glore nor gaine 17. PEKAJAH The opning of GOD or brought out by GOD THen Menahems son called Pekajah Began to reigne in faire Samaria He fear'd not GOD for he wicked in heart From Jeroboams sins did not depart Then Pekah the son of Remalia A captaine stout did against Pekajah Conspire whom he without mercie or grace Did with the sword kill in his owne palace â—ith Argob Arieh and other fiftie â—f Gileadites who felt his crueltie The Use â—t Kings here learne that sin is not a sport â—ends their dayes it cuts their honours short 〈◊〉 to their children they seeke glore or gaine â—nlawfully such things shall not remaine Menahem could looke hiâ— of his grave â—kajah might say Nothiâ—g now I have 〈◊〉 all thy conquest Thus it is not good 〈◊〉 come to Thrones by shedding humane blood 18. PEKAH Open. â—Fter that Pekah the Son of Remalia Had with the sword slaine the King Pekajah 〈◊〉 force of armes this wicked man anone â—d then usurpe Israels Crowne and Throne â—is murtherer was most profane in heart â—m the vile idoles he would not depart â—ich Jeroboam at Bethel and Dan â—d set up At last the King Assyrian Tiglath Pilezer with an armie strong Tooke Kedesh-Hazor Galile Jion Abel-Beth Ma'chah of faire Naphtali The bravest men he in Captivitie Cari'd away unto Assyria At last Hoshea the son of Ela Against Pekah made a conspiracie He wounded Pekah so that he did die Thus King Pekah most cruell and profane In the yeere twentiâ—â—f his reigne was slaine The Use Let Kings heere learne whose charets are thâ— swords That they shall reckon for their deads 〈◊〉 wordes If they usurpe Crowne Scepter or the Thrâ— The LORD shall come with great vengeâ— anone As Peka slew Pekajah to be King So Hoshea that Pekah downe did bring Killers of men rarely this favour have From GOD to goe in peace unto tâ— grave 19. HOSHEA A saviour IN Ahaz twelft yeere King of fair Judah Began to reigne this man son of Elah â—ow Israel were come to their last cast â—f all their Kings Hoshea was the last â—e served not Jovah with all his might â—ut foolishly did evil into his sight â—et was he not so vaine nor yet so vile â—s other Kings had beene in Israel At last came up against this Hoshea â—halmanezer King of Assyria â—nto this King Hoshea a servant â—ecame To him he gave costly presents â—ut afterward to be free of this foe â—e messengers sent to the mighty So â—ng of Egypt Then Shalmanezer soone â—d shut him up and bound him in prison â—hus Hoshea a man of Elahs line â—d sway the Scepter the space of years nine At this same time Isra'l was gone astray â—ey were profane not caring for GODS way â—ey vainly feared gods that were no GOD â—herefore God scourg'd them with th' Assyrian rod Yea more this vile people with all their migâ— Did secretly these things that were not right They built High places in ev'ry citie They like the Heathen with idolatrie Provok'd the LORD yea like most fooâ— fooles They tooke pleasure to serve most vile idols Yet ' gainst Isra'l the LORD did testifie And said Isra'l yet returne unto me From your ill wayes if my name ye will feâ— Yee yet to me shall be a people deare But from their ill wayes they would not part Their neck they stifned and hardned their heâ— In their mad course they follow'd vanitie Running themselves in vile idolatrie Molten images calves and groves they made Heav'ns host also as though they had beene maâ— They did worship and for to hast their fall They did oppoint great service for Baal Yet further to provoke the Lord to ire They made their children to passe through fire For these their sins the LORD by his great miâ— All Israel remov'd out of his sight Heere for the sins of vile idolatrie Yee see the end of Isra'ls Monarchie â—gs of Israel heere did end their race â—ause they were profane and voide of grace The Use Prince and people meditate Gods law 〈◊〉 to provoke see that they stand in awe Kings pride 'gainst him stiffen their necke â—ir Crownes and Thrones and Scepters hee will breake Nations against the LORD be stout 〈◊〉 will both King and people al 's root out 〈◊〉 mightie LORD great Jovah hath said this â—ee sinne yee and your King shall perish A WATCH WORD Concerning the fourty and one Kings that did reigne over GODS people â—et Princes learne by these one and fourty How rare it is both good and Prince to be â—s most cleare that it is a heard thing 〈◊〉 be both good and honou'rd as a King â—eed lust and pride do cogge most easily â—emselves in hearts poison'd with flatterie THE GARDEN OF ZION The Booke of Ezra A Prayer WHen night on men dumb silence shaâ— distill When wearied bones them selves witâ— sleep do fill When gloomy darknesse husheth every thing Then let thy sprit verses of vertue bring Into my mind well stored with thy gra e Which may the hearts of worthy men solace While nights blacke mantle covreth a greâ— part â—t thine Aurora shine bright in mine heart â—hen depths appeare where through I cannot ride 〈◊〉 thy great Barge me togh against the tide In Babylon thy people years seventie â—ere we arid much with long captivitie â—pon them thou of thy wrath had the flashes â—rought and had burnt their Temple Towne to ashes â—ut thou who never thy people forsook â—ith mercies eyes at last did on them look These verses LORD now through thy strainer passe And make them cleane as is the clearest glasse â—hat by them may appeare even to the least â—ow thou by Ezra who was scribe and Priest â—eclared hast how good Zorobabel â—ho in great vertue highly did excell â—ebuilt the Temple and how by a jar â—ods peoples foes that worthy worke did mar 〈◊〉 Cyrus time untill Darius King â—nto the cope oedain'd the house to bring EZRA An helper CHAP. 1. AFter that Salems Temple had liâ— long Burnt in ashes and the Jewes hâ— among Their foes beene captives GOâ— made Cyrus King Of Persia to care for rebuilding Of Gods fair house for this occasion He causd publish a proclamation When this was heard these who before diâ— mourne With joy in hast provided to returne Then to Sheshbazzar in a plenteous store The Temples vessels Cyrus did restore Chap. 2. OF the people returned three thousand Six hundred and thirty with ready hand To build the house which burnt before had been Of Priests
Among the bushes lying they in misery did bray They under nettles gathred were together every day 8 They of vain fools the children were yea of men of no name Most base then earth they viler were to owne them men thought shame 9 And now their song am I become and by-word of disgrace 10 They me abhor they flee from me and spit even in my face 11 Because that he hath loosde my cord and me afflicted sore They have the bridle now let loose not sparing me before 12 Upon my right hand rise the youth my feet they push away The wayes of their destruction great they ' gainst me raise alway 13 Most bitterly they marre my path they most backward indeed Set foreward my calamitie of help they have no need 14 As a breaking of waters wide they all come upon me They in the desolation great did roll themselves fiercely 15 Upon me terrours turned are my soul puâ—sue do they Even as the winde my welfare al 's as clouds doth passe away 16 And now my Soul is powred out with terrours manifold The dayes of great afflâ—ction now on me have taken hold 17 In the night Season are my bones all pierc'd in me and prest My sinewes all are shrunk with paines that they can get no rest 18 By the great force of my disease my garment which is hote Is changd about it binds me as the collar of my coat 19 He hath by a great violence me in a deep myre thrust And I distressed am become like ashes and like dust 20 I cry to thee but thou dost not me hear in grief ensnaird When I stand up to look for help thou dost me not regard 21 Now thou art cruell also turnd unto me in the land Thy self gainst me thou dost oppose with strong and mighty hand 22 Up to the winde thou lifts me up and on it makes me ride Thou so dissolves my substance all that nothing doth abide 23 For I do this most clearly know that thou LORD me wilt bring To death yea to the houses that set for the living be 24 Howbeit his hand unto the grave Hee 'l not stretch by and by Though they in his destruction great continually should cry 25 For him that in great trouble was did I not weep right sore Was not my soul in misery much grieved for the poor 26 When I good things did well expect distresse came me upon And when I waited for the light there darknesse came anone 27 My bowels boiled with great paine they rested not surely The dayes of great affliction al 's most swift prevented me 28 I griev'd without the light of Sun went mourning by and by And in the congregation great with anguish I did cry 29 A brother I to dragons am with owles I do abide 30 My bones are burnt with scorching heat black is my withred hide 31 To mourning also turned is my harp that was most sweet My organ turn'd is in the voice of them that sadly weep Chap. 31. A Covenant sure then with mine eyes most carefully I made Why in great foly thus should I even thinke upon a maid 2 For what portion of GOD is there appointed from above Or al 's ' inheritance is there from the Almighties love 3 Is not destruction ordain'd to these that do wickedly Strange punishment is al 's for these that work iniquitie 4 Doth he not with his clearest eyes perfectly see my wayes He al 's with observation strict my steps counts all my dayes 5 If in my foolishnesse I have ev'n walk'd in vanitie Or if unto deceit my foot hath hasted wickedly 6 Then let me in an ballance even be weighed narrowly That the Almighty God may well know mine integritie 7 If my step turn'd hath from the way and my heart did believe Mine eyes and if unto my hand the least blot once did cleave 8 Then let me sow my precious seed in all my fields about And let another eat yea let my race be rooted out 9 If that my heart by women hath as by a snairing baite Deceived been or if I at my neighbours door laid waite 10 Then let my wife by recompence unto another grinde Let others al 's on her bow downe even in my sins own kinde 11 For this is a most hainous crime a great iniquitie Which righteous judges should correct with great severitie 12 For it a fire consuming is to wast ev'n round about All mine increase which I enjoy it would anone root out 13 If I al 's did despise the cause of manservant or maide When they in any humour hote with me contention made 14 What shall I do when that the LORD against me up shall rise And when he visits what shall I to answer enterprise 15 Did not he that made me him make as all may understand And did not one within the womb us fashion with his hand 16 If I by rigour have the poor withheld from their desire Or of the widow poor the eyes have causde to faile or tyre 17 Or if my morsell mine alone I eaten have apart So that the fatherlesse thereof not eaten have a part 18 For from my youth the fatherlesse was well brought up with me The widow from my mothers womb I guided carefully 19 If I for want of clothing warm have any perish seene Or any poor distrest that had without a covering beene 20 If his loins have not blessed me to keep me from all harm If by the soft fleece of my sheep he was not then made warm 21 If I against the fatherlesse have once lift up my hand When I my help even in the gate did see and understand 22 Then rotting from my shoulder-blade let fall mine arme anone Yea more I say even let mine arme be broken from the bone 23 For from GOD the destruction great a terrour was most sure By reason of his highnesse great I could it not indure 24 If I have made the gold my hope in any exigence Or have said to the finest gold Thou art my confidence 25 If I rejoic'd because my wealth was great as such and such Or yet because at any tyme mine hand had gotten much 26 If I beheld the shinning Sunne to worship with his light Or yet the Moone fair in the sky with glory walking bright 27 Or that my heart entised hath been secretly thereby Or that my mouth hath kissd mine hand on such for to rely 28 This al 's were an iniquitie which Judges should remove For I thus should denied have the God that is above 29 If I at the destruction great of him that hated me Rejoic'd or yet lift up my self at his great miserie 30 Or have I suffred once my mouth with libertie to sinne By wishing fearefull plagues and curse unto his soul within 31 If the men of my tabernacle yea said Not oh that we Had of his flesh Such are his wrongs he can not satisfie 32 The stranger surely did not lodge in open street alway
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
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
instructed be I gladly would thee cause to drink of my well spiced wine And of the fair Pomegranates juice which pleasant is and fine 3 Under my head in lovely wayes his left hand laid should be And his right hand most tenderly likewise embrace should me 4 O daughters of Jerusalem I charge you that ye cease To stir up or awake my Love and that untill he please CHRIST Who is this from the wildernesse that comes up by and by And thus on her Beloved doth ev'n leaning still rely It is my Church I thee did raise up from the Apple tree Thy mother there thee did bring foorth she brought foorth that bare thee The beleeving Jewes Me as a seale set on thy heart and on thine arme set me â—or love as death and as the grave most strong is jealousie â—ven burning coales of hotest fire are the coales of the same Which kindled have a vehement and a most piercing flame True love can not be quench'd at all by waters flowing downe â—or yet can floods of troubles great by any force it drowne â—f any largely of his house would give the substance all â—t utterly contemned should be both by great and small We have a little sister which no breasts hath lesse or more What shall we do even in the day she shall be spoken for CHRIST If she continue firme and fast like to a mighty wall A silver Palace build on her we altogether shall And if she be even as a door to give eare to my words We will most safely her inclose with finest Cedar boards The beleeving Jewes 10 I am a wall my breasts also like towers are on the ground Then was I in his eyes as one that had his favour found CHRIST 11 At Baal-Hamon a vineyard king Solomon had set The vineyard unto keepers he for profite then had let Each one of these his servants for the sweet fruit of the vine A thousand pieces was to bring of silver good and fine 12 My vineyards fruits are all for me but thou O Solomon Must have a thousand and the rest the farmers live upon 13 Thou that in Gardens dwellest faire and livest in Gods feare â—ompanions hearken to thy voice cause me it al 's to heare The Church â—ake haste my Welbelov'd and be thou like unto a Roe 〈◊〉 to young Harts that on the mounts of spices quickly go THE SONG OF MOSES AT THE RED SEA After GOD had drowned Pharao and his whole hoast EXOD. 15. vers 1. Will now sing unto the LORD for he hath gloriously Triumph'd he horse and rider al 's hath throwen into the Sea The LORD he is my strength and song and my salvation sure An habitation I for him most gladly will prepare My fathers GOD he still hath been and that in every part I him therefore will now exalt and that with all my heart 3 The Lord who hath a mighty arme is as a man of war The Lord most surely is his name well known both neer and far 4 He Pharos charets and his hoast hath cast into the Sea In the red Sea even drowned all his chosen Captaines be 5 With frothy deepths GOD cov'red them this work he did alone Into the bottome they did sink even as a heavy stone 6 Thy right hand is become O LORD most glorious in great power Thine arme and thy right hand thy foes have dasht even all to powder 7 Thou hast thy foes all overthrown in great excellencie Thy wrath thou sent'st foorth which consum'â— them as the stubble dry 8 And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters gath'red there â—he floods stood upright as an heap the deepths congealed were Th enemy said I will pursue them will I overtake will divide the spoile my lust upon them will I wreak In my wrath most fierce will draw my sword them to annoy â—y mightie hand with fearfull plagues shall surely them destroy 11 Thou didst blow with thy boistrous wind the sea them covr'd indeed â—hey in the mighty waters all sank downe as heavy lead 12 Who 's like thee LORD among the gods who 's glorious like to thee â— holinesse and fearefull praise and wonders done by thee 13 Thou in thy fierce wrath stretchedst out thy right hand with great strength â—he earth opning her mouth did then all swallow up at length Thou in thy mercy hast led foorth thy people bought by thee Thou in thy strength them to thy house hast guided lovingly 14 The people all shall heare of this and they shall be afraid The indwellers of Palestine with grief shall be dismaide 15 The Duks of Edom all amaz'd with Moab tremble shall The indwellers of Canaan shall melt away and fall 16 By thy great Army feare and dread shall heavy on them fall They as a stone still shall be till thy people passe ov'r all O LORD till that thy people all passe ov'r with courage fine Which thou by thine Almighty hand hast purcha'd to be thine 17 Thou strong shalt bring them in and them plant in thy holy place Ev'n in thy pleasant Sanctuary establish'd by thy grace 18 The LORD shall reigne for evermore most like a mighty King 19 For he on Pharo and his house the lofty waves did bring But the children of Israel all who did the LORDS command They in the mids of all the sea went safely on dry land Miriams Song at the red Sea THen Miriam the Prophetesse the sister of A'ron Did daunce with women thankfully and Timbrels plaid upon And Miriam thus answer'd them 〈◊〉 praise GOD for now hath he â—riumph'd He horse and rider al 's hath throwne into the Sea The Song of Moses a little before his death DEUT. 32. vers 1. THE PREFACE O Pleasant heavens that are above with diligence give ear And I will speak O earth below the wordes of my mouth hear 2 My doctrine shall drop as the raine my speach as dew shall passe As small raine on the tender herb and showres upon the grasse 3 Because I surely publish will the blest name of the LORD Yee greatnesse to our GOD therefore ascribe with one accord The first Part. 4 He is the rock his work 's perfite his wayes all judgement be A God of Truth and without sin most just and right is He. 5 They have corrupt themselves their spot is not the spot alwayes Of his children they are perverse a race of crooked wayes 6 Unwise people do ye requite the Lord thus Is not He Thy Father buyer Hath he not made and establish'd thee 7 Remember ye the dayes of old yeeres past consider well Thy Father aske he will thee shew thy Elders will thee tell 8 When the most High to nations did th' inheritance divide When he the sons of Adam all did separate beside He by his wisdome set the bounds of all the people then According to the number of his Israels children 9 For the Lord for his portion hath his people without blot Jacob is his inheritance