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
frame Worthy the praise of good Jehoshaphat Whom good Asa King of Judah begat As in his name as Scriptures do record So in his life the judgement of the LORD Unto all men most clearly did appâ—are That man is wise whose heart the LORD doth feare This godly King did serve GOD in his dayes Because he walked fast in the first wayes Of David he to Baalim not sought But idols worship with great might downe brought He willing did what GOD did him command Therefore the Kingdome stable in his hand Was made by GOD then Judah to him brought Most rich presents which they had dearly bought His heart encourag'd was in the Lords way High places groves with zeal he took away When he was rich and in honour highly With Ahab he did joine affinitie With him to go to battell he was mov'd For which he was deservedly reprov'd By good Jehu the son of Hanani Who said to him Should'st thou help th' ungodlie VVhat didst thou meane to bee by thought or word In league or love with them that hate the Lord Consider well and now take heed and see For wrath from God is posting upon thee Thee to correct but not thee to confound Because in thee good things the Lord hath found The idole groves thou hast taken away Thy heart thou hast prepar d to seeke alway The mighty Lord in great sincerity Therefore the Lord vvill not depart from thee To the Judges he gave commandement To take good heed because in the judgement The Lord was with them Doe now what yee can Said he to them for yee judge not for man But for the Lord If him ye do rgard He shall not faile you richly to reward Judge uprightly beware of shifts and drifts Respect not persons reject bribs and gifts Which blind the eye but let Gods holy fear Be upon you that so yee may forbeare To doe like these who with Horse leaches sing To their clients these doubled words Bring bring This counsell that the Judges from him gat Was worthy of the name of Joshaphat Which signifies Gods judgement most clearly In my judgement by way of prophesie After this done with zeal behold anone Against Josaphat Moab and Ammon A multitude great from beyond the Sea In Hazazon-Tamar call'd Engedi Conveen'd to fight in a bloody Battell Against Josaphat who to th'Eternell Had his refuge while he was thus agast He sought the Lord and did proclame a fast Then all Judah with one heart did accord From all cities to go and seek the Lord Good Josaphat troubled with fear that day Before Judah thus to the Lord did say Art thou not God in heaven who rulest all Art thou not he who is God eternall Hast thou not strength and great might in thine hand Where are the forces that can thee withstand Art thou not God who didst before Isra'l Drive out thy foes by thine arme eternall And gav'st their lands from a most loving minde Vnto the seed of Abraham thy frind Thou art a Lord both strong and righteous Thou promised vvhen men unto thine house Should come to thee in great trouble and feare That vvith great speede thou vvould them help and heare And novv behold both Moab and Ammon VVith these of Seir minde thy Judah anone For to invade and their lands to make bare Though at thy vvill vve did them save and spare And novv O Lord consider and regard Hovv vvith despight as foes they us revvard Our forces faint Our foes are most mightie But this comforts Our eyes are upon thee Then Judah all with wives and children dear Before the Lord stood in a trembling fear Then on Jahaziel son of Zechariah A divine Sprite came downe from Jehovah Who said All Judah and Josaphat King Hear novv glade tidings vvhich I to you bring From great Jovah vvho said you neede 〈◊〉 feare For I for you shall fight in all this vvarre When King and people had these comforâ— found They bow'd their heads with face unto 〈◊〉 ground The Levites high their singing voice did raise They stood all up the living God to praise They rose up early in the morning light To go to battell in their armour bright Now as they went Josaphat stood and said Heare me O Judah now beleeve in God Beleeue so that no doubt make you once whisper Beleeve his Prophets so shall yee all prosper When this was said the singers with gladnesse Did praise the beautie of his holinesse Then God most mighty in Battell arose Who set ambushments round about his foes He made each one another for to slay The Lord himself the battell fought that day Gods arme it wrought and not fortune or hap â—ot one of all their armie did escape â—fter that God had given them thus the foile â—is people were enricht with their great spoile â—ost rare jewels among the dead that day â—hey found yea more then they could bear away When this was done with Trumpets and with Harps They came to Salem with great joy of hearts And thanked God the great God Eternell Who had strongly their foes foil'd in Battell Thus the realme was quiet without shout Of warre to them God gave rest round about But after this Josaphat did purloine In that he did with Ahaziah joine Who was a King perverse in Israel Even Ahabs Son hated of th' Eternall Who awlesse lawlesse ' gainst the Lord did rage With him he ships made for a long voyage To Tarshish But the Prophet Dodavah Came to Josaphat from the great JOVAH Because said he thou hast fal'n in such slips The LORD himself hath broken all thy ships When he began he was of age thirtie And five thereafter he reigned twentie And five Of all he lived yeeres threescore A Godly Prince who did Gods law restore The Use If Princes would have peace and foile thâ— foes Let them in feare to serve the Lord rejoice If Princes would enjoy prosperitie Let them abhorre all profane companie 5. JEHORAM High LORD HIgh LORD in name but base in cariage For he his brethren all slew in his rage In great mischief and strife he spent his life For he had Ahabs daughter to his wife Then came to him writings from Elijah Who was the Prophet of the great JOVAH Because said he with vile idolatrie Thou hast thy selfe defiled filthilie Because with furie rage and great disdaine Most cruelly thou hast thy brethren slaine Who in Gods wayes had their heart more perfitâ— Then thine therefore with sore plagues I wiâ— smite Both thee and thine A plague without all doubt â—hall from thy belly thy bowels thrust out â—ight yeeres hee did reigne then great plagues conspir'd â—is death he died but was by none desir'd The Use Take heed O Kings make not your men to grone If ye would have men your death to bemone â—hese who in lewdnesse both end and begin â—hall beare the scars of wounds made by their sinne 6. AHAZIAH Possession of God â—LL mothers Sonne son of the wicked
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
commands But who 's foolish doth pluck it downe ev'n with her owne two hands 2 He that walks in his uprightnesse feares God and so is wise But he that in his wayes perverse is doth him still despise In the mouth of the foolish is a scourge and rod of pride â—ut wise mens lips shall them preserve so that they shall not slide Where Oxen not remain to work the crib is clean at length â—ut much increase alwayes abounds even by the Oxes strength A faithfull Witnes fearing God he will be loath to lie â—ut a witnesse perverse and false a lyar still will be Scorners seek wisdome but to them God doth it not reveale â—ut knowledge easie is to him that understandeth well Go quickly from the presence of a fool thee from him save â—hen of knowledge in him the lips thou dost not well perceive The wisdome of the prudent is to understand his way â—ut of vaine fools the foly great deceit is every day Fools in their rage do make a mock at sin as at a sport But there among the righteous all is favour of each sort 10 Mans heart knows his own bitternesse which doth him most annoy A stranger also not at all doth meddle with his joy 11 Their house shall sure be overthrown who wickednesse fulfill But the upright mans dwelling place shall bud and flourish still 12 There is a way which seemeth right to man but in great wrath The end thereof are unto him the fearfull wayes of death 13 In laughter oft the heart is fild with sorrow and distresse And last the end of all that mirth is grief and heavinesse 14 The back-slider in heart shall be even fild with his own wayes A good man shall be from himself contented all his dayes 15 The simple every word believes that vain men to him tell But he that is a prudent man looks to his going well 16 A wise man fears and from all ill doth carefully depart â—ut the mad fool doth rage and is most confident in heart 17 He that is soon to anger mov'd doth deal most foolishly â—nd a man of devices bad he hated still shall be 18 The simple in his foolish wayes inherite folly shall â—ut these that prudent are in heart are crownd with knowledge all 19 The ill in heart before the good are forc'd to bow the knee â—nd wicked men even at the gates of righteous crouch we see 20 The poor even of his neighbour neer is surely hated much But many friends do still resort about him that is rich 21 Het that his neighbour doth despise a sinner great must be But he that mercy on the poor hath happy sure is he 22 These that devise ill and mischief do they not erre unwise But both mercy and truth shall be to them that good devise 23 In labour all and diligence there profite is in end But the vaine talk of idle lips to penury doth tend 24 The wise mens crownes their riches is which them doe much adorne But the great foolishnesse of fooles declares them all forlorne 25 A witnesse true delivereth soules from great peplexities But who in heart a witenesse is deceitfull speaketh lies 26 In the feare of the mighty Lord is a strong confidence His children all shall have a place in danger for defence 27 Of life a fountaine surely is the Lords feare in the heart From the most cruell snares of death in wisedome to depart 28 A numbrous people doth right well the Kings honour advance But in the want of people is destruction to the Prince 29 He that is slow to wrath he is of understanding great â—ut he high folly doth exalt that hastie is of sprit 30 A heart that 's sound from fraud and guile the life is of the flesh â—ut envie is the rottennesse of bones that are not fresh 31 He that the poore man doth oppresse his maker he most sure â—eprocheth but who honours him hath mercy on the poore 32 The wicked in his wickednesse is driven away by wrath â—ut he that is a righteous man strong hope hath in his death 33 Wisedome rests in the heart of him that doth well understand â—ut what is in the midst of fooles is knowne to all the land 34 A nation by its righteousnesse exalted is with fame â—ut sinne is a most vile reproch to any peoples name 35 The Kings favour is great indeed for servants that are wise But against him that causeth shame in wrath he shall arise Chap. 15. AN answere soft with wisdome great fierce wrath doth turne away But grievous words that give offence stirre anger up alway 2 The good tongue of the wise man still doth knowledge use aright But the mouth of fooles foolishnesse powres out with all their might 3 The eyes of the Almighty Lord are sure in every place Beholding ill and al 's the good for blessing or disgrace 4 A tree of life sure is the tongue that wholsome words doth teach But wickednesse that is therein is in the sprit a breach 5 A foole his fathers teaching doth most foolishly despise But he that a reproof regards most prudent is and wise 6 In the house of the righteous man much treasure is and store 7 But in the wickeds revenewes Is greefe and trouble sore 8 The Lord abhors the sacrifice of men that wicked be But the prayer of upright men is his delight surelie 9 The Lord who holy is and just abhors the wickeds way But who goe after righteousnesse he loveth them alway 10 Correction to him grievous is that doth the way forsake And he that foolish hates reproof shall die with shame and lake 11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD how much more then Are patent to his eyes of fire the hearts of mortall men 12 A scorner one that him reproves doth hate and al 's despise He is so foolish that he will not goe unto the wise 13 A glade heart makes the countenance ev'n chearfull more and more But by the sorrow of the heart the sprit is broken sore 14 The heart of him that understands doth knowledge seek indeed But the mouth of vain fools also on foolishnesse doth feed 15 The dayes of the afflicted are evill and of no request But he that 's of a merry heart hath a continuall feast 16 Much better is a little with the true fear of the Lord Then treasure great which is with grief and vexing trouble stord 17 Much better is a dinner of hearbs joind with love and mirth Then is a stalled ox most fat and hatred still there with 18 A wrathfull man strife stirreth up and lets not men get ease But he that is to anger slow doth wisely strife appease 19 The wayes of him that slouthfull is as hedge of thornes remaine But the way of the righteous man is made both smooth and plaine 20 A father is made wondrous glad by a son that is wise But he that foolish is in heart his mother doth despise 21 To
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
don and down their weapons fall 〈◊〉 if that any be so strangely-stout â—s not to faint but bravely yet hold out â—as it boots not for it cannot stop â—e victory but hast his own mishap â—ut in what Fence-schoole of what Master say â—ave Pearl of Souldiers learn'd thy handâ— to play at so sundry weapons such passados â—â—ch thrusts such foyns stramazos and stoccados â—en of that mighty God whose sacred might Made Heav'n and Earth and them so braâ— bedight Of meerely nothing of that God of Powr Who swore to be thy Target and thy Towr Of that high God who fortifies the weak Who teacheth his even steely bowes to break Who doth his Childrens zealous hearts inflamâ— But daunts the proud and doth their couâ— tame Thy Sword abates th'armed the strong stout Thou cleav'st thou kill'st The faint disarâ— rout The lightning of thine eyes thy voices thundeâ— And thy stern dreadfull port confounds wiâ— wonder Death and Despair Horror and Fury fight Under thine Ensignes in the dismall Night Thou slayest this and that thou threat'st as mâ— This thou pursu'st that thou disdain'st to touch In brief thou blest Knight brave thou qâ— at once Valiant and vile arm'd and unarmed ones Heer thine even hand even in a twinck trice In equall halves a Pagans head doth slyce Down on each shoulder looketh eyther half â—o gaze upon his gastly Epitaph â— lines of blood writ round about him fair â—nder the curtain of his parted hair â—eer through a Jerkin more than Musket proof â—ade twelve-fold double of East-countrey Buff â—lean through and through thy deadly shaft doth thrill â—gyants bulk the wounded hulk doth reel â—he head behind appears before the feathers â—nd th' Ethnick soul flies both waies out togethers â—eere thou dost cleave with thy keen fauchins force â—he Bards and Breast-plate of a furious Horse â—o sooner hurt but he recoyleth back â—riting his fortune in a bloody track â—hy barbed dart heer at a Chaldee flyes â—nd in an instant lardeth both his thighes â—hile he blaspheming his hard stars and state â—ops Like a Pie in stead of wonted gate Now LOT the while escapt from ELAMS hands â—ree from the burden of his yron bands â—ith just revenge retorts his taken wrong â—is feet grow swift his sinews wexen strong â—is heart revives and his revived heart â—upplies new spirits to all and every part And as a wilde and wanton Colt got out Of some great Stable staring scuds about Shakes his proud head and crest yerks out heels Butts at the ayre beats on the humble fields His flying shadow now pursues amaine Anone amaz'd flies it as fast againe Againe beholds it with self-proud delight Lookes on his legs sets his stiffe taile right And neighs so loud to Mares beyond the Mounâ— That with the noyse the neighbour hills reâ— sound So one while Lot sets on a Troop of Horse A band of Sling-men he anone doth force Anone he pusheth through a Stand of Pikes A wing of Archers off anon he strikes Anone he stalks about a steepfull Rock Where some to shun deaths never shunned stroak Had clambred-up at length a path he spyes Where up he mounts and doth their Mount sâ—â—prise Whence stones hee heaves so heavie and huge That in our Age three men could hardly bouge Under whose weight his flying Foes he dashes Aâ—d in their flesh bones stones and steele hee pashes â—metimes he shoots sometimes he shakes a Pike â—hich death to many dread to all doth strike â—me in the breast he wounds some in the backs â—me on the hanch some on the head he hacks 〈◊〉 heaws downe all and maketh where he stood Mount of bodies in a Moat of blood At length the PAGANS wholly left the place â—en both Sides ran these chased those to chase â—ese only use their heels those heels and hands â—ose wish but a fair way these that the sands â—ould quickly gape and swallow quick to Hell â—emselves that fled and them that châ—c't so fell â—ese render nought but blows those nought but blood â—oth sides have broak their ranks pel-mel they scud â—hoakt-up with dust disordered dis-aray'd 〈◊〉 either Command Threat nor Intreat obey'd Thou that late bragdst that thy whâ— Wormly brave Could dry-foot run upon the liquid Wave And on the sand leaving no print behinde Out-swifted Arrows and out-went the Winâ— With a steel Dart by ABRAH'M stifly sent Art 'twixt thy Cuirace and thy Saddle slent And thou that thrice neer Tigris silver source Hadst won the Bell as best in every Course Art caught by LOT and thrild from side side Loosest thy speed-praise and thy life beside It seems no Fight but rather as befals An execution of sad criminals Who-so escapes the sword escapes not so His sad destruction or if any tho Escap't at all they were but few at least To rue the fatall ruine of the rest For th' Uncle and the Nephew never lin Till out of CANAAN they have chec't thâ— clean Like to a Cast of Falcons that pursue A flight of Pigeons through the Welkin bleâ— Stooping at this and that that to their Louveâ— To save their lives they hardly can recoveâ— ABRAHAM after feasted Angels three Whom SODOMS cry brought from the Heavens hie â—ile he with GOD was walking in the way 〈◊〉 SODOM GOD thus in him self did say â—m this good man I will no more conceale 〈◊〉 whole purpose to him I will reveale â—s is mine earand SODOM to destroy 〈◊〉 their vile sins I can not heare the cry â—RAHAM at this speach began to plead â—r to save these that godly were indeed 〈◊〉 spake for SODOM in humilitie â—d brought the great GOD to ten from fiftie â—t LOT alone was found therefore in ire â—D burnt these villains with a brimstone-fire â—hile to this man GOD promisde a reward â—hold said he such things I not regard â—hat shall I do with great heaps of riches â—hat wilt thou give since that I go childlesse â—hat comfort have I to be heere or there â—his ELIEZER he must be mine heire â—ot so said God I speake the veritie â—s Stars in number so shall thy seed be â—irst unto him wilde ISHMAEL was borne â—ho was cast out both for his pride and scorne â—ut after him came ISAAC at the last 〈◊〉 Son after SARAHS custome was past GOD for ABRAHAMS faith to exercise Commanded him his Son to sacrifice He suddainly with timber fire and sword Went to obey his great Creators word While he did lift his hand to bring the stroake Spare spare cry'd GOD thine only Son ISAAâ— Thy faith to me hath shown what I would wâ— Give me the Ram that caught is in the bush Because heere God did ABRAHAM solace IEHOVAH-JIREH called was the place After that SARAH ended had her life He took KETURAH for to be his wife To her children he gave gifts for partage But for ISAAC reserv'd the heritage At last he di'd after that he had beene Of yeers a hundred threescore and fifeteene The Use Learne heere of
came to Laban in the night and said Take heede to speake to Jacob good or bad My daughters to Jacob was Labans word Are like poore captives taken by the sword What hast thou done wherefore didst thou flee In so doing thou hast done foolishly Behold one thing which meriteth the rods Thou art a theefe why hast thou stolne my gods Why hast thou thus of my love made a rent Behold they are stolne and hid in thy tent From tent to tent last he came to Rachel But where thy were these dumb gods could not tell At last Laban no more would Iacob grieve But to returne resolv'd to take his leave For Rachels sake and Leahs he did gâ—ant To make with Iacob a sure Covenant Of many stones they made a goodly heape Upon the which they did together eate This heape of witnesse by godly Jacob â—n Hebrew tongue was called GILEAD â—ut this great heap in words of SYRIA â—ABAN called Jegar Sahadutha â—fter kissing and blessing for a space â—is children LABAN return'd to his place â—hen this was past behold ESAU with boast â—ut God did meet his servant with an hoast â—hen this was done the great God eternall â—restled with Jacob long in Peniel â—hey strove all night unto the light of day â—ow let me go to JACOB God did say â—o said JACOB a blessing first appoint â—o me whose thigh thou hast thrust out of joint â—hy name said God hence ISRAEL shall be â—revaile with man thou hast prevail'd with me â—ehold now Esau with foure hundred men â—ehold also the love of these brethren Behold JACOB seven times hee bowes knee ESAU him meets and kisseth lovingly They weepe they kisse in others armes goe ESAU content will be no more a foe Is this feare past a new sorrow doth come His dear Dinah defil'd by Hamors sonne How his two sons did make his name to stinâ— By Sichems blood it hurts my heart to thinkâ— He purg'd his hoâ—se of all idolatrie Their idole gods he hide under a tree As he did passe f'om Ephrath to Bethel Death came and tooke from him his fair Racâ— From this sorrow having a little breath Behold another by his fathers death REUBEN his sonne defiled had his bed As though with bread he was with sorrâ— fed This prickt his heart and this his bowels smâ— When he did see good JOSEPHS bloody coat This holy man so toss'd with griefe and strife Past so the few and ill yeares of his life At last on bed most ready for to die To all his sonnes he left a Legacie To some reproofs to some comforts most swâ— When he had done he gathred up his feet The Use 〈◊〉 serve how God of twins can one forsake â—d th' other choose ev'n for his mercies sake 〈◊〉 one he did love because it did him please 〈◊〉 th' other he abhorr'd to cast his eyes 〈◊〉 hated infant an abhorr'd Esau â—efore that ever this worlds light he saw 〈◊〉 Jacob learne to get thee hastilie â—rre from an Esaus wicked companie â—ith staffe in hand where God shall thee direct â—r wicked men most hurtfully infect 〈◊〉 Jacob learne when thou begins to pray 〈◊〉 wrestle well and not let God away â—ll he thee blesse though it were all the night â—cob prevail d not till the day vvas light 〈◊〉 Jacob learne if thou a Laban serve â—ost vvatchfully his goods all to preserve â—hough he churlish have not to thee regard â—hou shalt not faile to get the LORDS revvard â—earne heere to look for sable clouds of grief â—fore death bring full and finall releefe REUBEN See a sonne HEre see a Sonne for REUBEN is his naâ— With vile incest he did himselfe defame Because his sinne was grievous in Gods sight Of thâ— first-borne this REUBEN lost the right LEVI Judah and JOSEPH for his spot His Crown portion and al 's his Priesthood goâ— Because he weept with a repenting eye Let Reuben live said MOSES and not die The Use Great losse by sin yet if we can repent The LORD in mercy shall make up our rent Beware of sin flee farre from it anone Lest that thou heare thy dignitie is gone SIMEON Hearing BEcause the LORD did LEAHS prayer heareâ— She call'd him SIMEON when She did hiâ— beare In MOSES writs so faâ— as they us tell Of his brethren he was the most cruell Hâ— heard not GOD nor yet good JACOBS voice 〈◊〉 shed much blood he gladly did rejoice 〈◊〉 get of SICHEM his cruell intent 〈◊〉 vilely did abuse GODS Sacrament 〈◊〉 any reading hardly can I try â—hy MOSES blessing the rest past him by The Use â—ere learne in wrongs thine anger to asswage â—ODS pen doth curse all sinfull wrath and rage â—t men beware either to do or think â—t which may make their parents name to stinke LEVI Joining BIrth of Children in husbands breasts doth coine â—ew love which makes their tender hearts to joine â—r this chiefe cause as in the historie 〈◊〉 manifest LEAH call'd him LEVI â—mong these tribes this LEVI was the priest With Vrim Tummim on his holy breast Because he bare the Sword of crueltie His race in JACOB scattred was to be The Use Learne this before to doe ill thou begin Divide and scatter are the fruits of sin The sins of men great Tribes do spoile aâ— spill For this cause sorrowes them pinch pierce thrill If we feare GOD hee such griefs shall presse Yea kill our cares and calme stormes distresse But if we joine with Levi to shed blood To rage and roare as men in a mad mooâ— Wee shall at last with confusion be cloatheâ— Wrapped in shame dispersde despisde and thed JUDAH Praise THis is the King the great God will him raiâ— This is the man whom his brethren shall praise â—e shall be LORD his shall be the Kingdome â—ntill the time that great SHILOH shall come â—his is the man enrich'd with gifts divine â—eth white with milk and al 's eyes red with wine â—oth grave and wise he was as may appeare 〈◊〉 that his speach made for Benjamin dear â—is was his fault from vice he was not pure â—e lay with TAMAR masked like a whoore The Use â—et men heere learne who have received grace 〈◊〉 feare to faile and fall into disgrace 〈◊〉 men be loose when as they should be chest â—hey may at last fall into vile incest ZEBULON Dwelling THis is the sixt a rich and good dowry Said LEAH JACOB now will dwell with mee â—is younger sonne then ISSACHAR and yet â—e was before him at the blessing set 〈◊〉 rich merchant appointed for to be 〈◊〉 stately ships sailling on the deep sea The Use Observe heere how the great Jovah commanâ— Some to be King some Priest and somâ— Merchands ISSACHAR An hire FIft Sonne of LEAH thy name is a hire Great rest and ease were chiefly thy desire When rest and ease to thee were brought 〈◊〉 passe Betweene two burdens thou crouch'd like an asse The Use Take heed beware this is a great disease To
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
And doth forget the Covenant all of her great GOD above 18 For her most vile house doth incline unto the doores of death And to the dead all slaine by sinne directly is her path 19 None of these all returne againe who foolishly are bold To go to her nor of the paths of life doe they take hold 20 That thou most constantly may walk with good men in the way And of the righteous keep the paths and feare to goe astray 21 For the upright shall dwell in lands which shall thee well maintain And these that be perfect in heart shall still therein remaine 22 But wicked men shall be cut off from all the earth about And the transgressours of GODS law shall be all rooted out Chap. 3. My deare son looke that thou my law do in no way forget But see that my commandments all thou keep with all thine heart 2 For length of dayes they shall to thee adde with a happy life And Peace and Plenty wonderfull far from debate and strife 3 Let not Mercy and Truth forsake thee binde them to thy neck Write them upon the table of thine heart which they shall deck 4 So shalt thou most sweet favour finde and an excellent light Of understanding good and that both in GOD and mans sight 5 Trust in thee LORD with all thine heart well purged and made cleane And unto thine owne wisdome see that in no way thou leane 6 In all thy wayes acknowledge him who shall thee still protect And thy paths through all dangers he shall safely all direct 7 Be thou not wise in thine own eyes take heed unto thine heart The mighty Lord see that thou fear and from all ill depart 8 It shall be to thy navill health and more then that alone It wattring and moistning shall be even marrow to thy bone 9 With thy substance honour the Lord even whether more or lesse And with the first and rarest fruits of all thy blest increase 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty of corne most fine Thy presses al 's abundantly shall burst out with new wine 11 My son the chastening of the Lord see that thou not despise Nor yet of his correction good be weary any wayes 12 For whom the Lord loves he corrects as he it thinketh right Even as a father doth his son in whom is his delight 13 Most happy is the man that doth Gods heavenly wisedome find And he that understanding good gets for to cleare his mind 14 For the rich merchandise thereof is better manifold Then silver and the gaine thereof then is the finest gold 15 She then Rubies more precious is which high esteemed are And all the things thou canst desire may not with her compare 16 In her right hand the length of dayes abide as in their seat And in her left hand also are riches and honour great 17 Her wayes are wayes of pleasantnesse which mens heart do solace And which should much stirre up our hearts ev'n all her paths are peace 18 She is a tree of life to them that on her hold do lay And ev'ry one that her retaines is happy ev'ry way 19 The Lord by wisdome founded hath the earth and made it sure By understanding he the heavens hath stablish'd to endure 20 By his knowledge are broken up the depths that are not few The lofty clouds GODS charets high drop downe the pleasant dew 21 My son let them not from thine eyes by any way depart See that thou keep discretion well and wisedome sound in heart 22 So shall they be unto thy soule as life thee to protect They likewise shall not faile to be as grace unto thy neck 23 Then thou protected by the Lord shalt safely in thy way With courage walk so that thy foot not stumble shall alway When thou lyes downe thou shalt not be afraid by danger deep Yea thou most safely shalt ly down and sweet shall be thy sleep 25 Let not thy heart be sore afraid of any sudden fear Nor of the desolation great when it doth come right neer 26 For GOD of thy sure confidence shall alwayes be the root From being taken in a girn he shall keep well thy foot 27 Withhold not good from them to whom it 's due as by a band When as to do the same it 's in the power even of thine hand 28 Say not unto thy neighbour Go and come againe to me And I to morrow will it give when it thou hast by thee 29 Against thy neighbour any way see thou devise not ill Since that he doth by thee alwayes ev'n most securely dwell 30 With any man without a cause strive not in any terme If so be that he innocent hath done to thee no harme 31 Vaine oppressours envie thou not who do poore men abuse And see that thou be very ware none of their wayes to chuse 32 For an abomination great the froward is alway Unto the Lord but his secret is with the righteous ay 33 GODS curse upon the wickeds house shall bring it all to dust But he most plenteously doth blesse the dwelling of the just 34 Surely he in his wrath doth scorne the scorners to their face But unto men of humble hearts he alwayes giveth grace 35 The wise shall all inherit still great glory in their name But the promotion of all fooles shall be nothing but shame Chap. 4. YEE children of a father hear the teaching wise and learn'd And to know understanding good with diligence attend 2 For I to you give doctrine wise that ye may stand in aw And walk in mine obedience and not forsake my law 3 For ev'n I was my fathers son his pleasure and delight Yea tender and beloved well in my dear mothers sight 4 He taught me al 's and said to me let thine heart now beleeve My words al 's my commandements all keep well that thou may live 5 Get wisdome understanding get most heavenly and divine Forget it not and from my words see that thou not decline 6 Forsake her not and so she shall most safe preserve thee still Love her with all thine heart and she shall keep thee from all ill 7 Wisedome as all men well may know in cheefest place is set Therefore get wisdome and with that good understanding get 8 Exalt her high and she shall thee promote in every place To honour great she shall thee bring when thou dost her embrace 9 She shall to thee an ornament of grace give lovingly A crown of glory sure she shall deliver unto thee 10 Hear O my son consider well and hear now lovingly My words and the years of thy life shall blest and many be 11 I have thee taught in Wisdomes way and that with all my might I also have thee straightly led in pathes that are most right 12 When thou shalt go thy steps shall not be straitned sore at all And when thou runnest thou shalt not once stumble for to fall 13 Take fast
13 And yet thou say'st How doth the LORD all things know and remarke Can he by wisedome great discerne even through the cloud most darke 14 Thick clouds above so cover him that he can nothing see And in the circuit of the heaven he walketh gloriouslie 13 In wisedome hast thou not deserv'd the course that GOD of old Hath wont to take of these that are in wickednesse most bold 16 Which out of time by GODS great wrath were cut downe as they stood Whose foundation was overflowne as with a mighty flood 17 Which proudly said unto the LORD from us quickly depart What can from us th' Almighty doe to help us in our smart 18 Yet all their houses with good things he hath made full to be But counsell ill of wicked men is far away from me 19 The righteous men that live on earth it see and are most glad And th' innocent them laugh to scorne in their destruction sad 20 Whereas our substance permanent stands both by night and day Not cut downe but what rests to them the fire consumes away 21 Thy self now with him in thy wayes acquaint most carefullie And be at peace for sure thereby much good shall come to thee 22 I pray thee from his mouth receive the law in every part And see that thou lay up his wotds in th' inward of thine heart 23 If to th' Almighty thou returne thou shalt be built for ay Iniquitie thou from thy tent then shalt put far away 24 Then as the dust thou shalt the gold even lay up by and by The gold of Ophir as the stones which in the brookes do lye 25 Yea the almighty by his power thy sure defence shall be And as for silver thou shalt have of it a great plentie 26 For then in the Almighty thou shall by his saveing grace Have thy delight and unto GOD shalt glade lift up thy face 27 Thy prayer thou shalt unto him make with great zeale alway And he thee heare shall and thou shalt to him thy vowes all pay 28 Thou shalt a thing decree also and it establish'd all To thee shall be upon thy wayes the light shine clearely shall 29 When men are cast downe then thou shalt there 's lifting up well say The humble persone save he shall by his great power alway 30 For the sake of the innocent he will an Island save If that thy hands were such thou might from God like freedome have Chap. 23. THen Job answer'd to Eliphaz even to this day my mones Most bitter are my stroke it is more heavy then my grones 3 O that I knew where I him might finde in this wretched state That with all boldnesse I might come even to his justice seat 4 My cause before his Majesty I would well order still My mouth with arguments also I would most gladly fill 5 The wordes I would most surely know which he would answer me And understand what he would say in miserie to me 6 Will he against me with his power in wrath begin to plead No but he would in mercy great put strength in me indeed 7 There with him then the righteous might to dispute be most free So thus for ever from my Judge I should delivered be 8 Behold I foreward goe but he is not there as I crave I also backward go but I him can not then perceive 9 On the left hand where he doth work but him I not behold He hides himself on the right hand that I him see not should 10 But he the way that I do take most clearly doth behold And when he hath well tryed me I shall come foorth as gold 11 My foot his steps most constantly hath held also his way I keeped have and have not once from it declin'd away 12 I from his precepts start not back which are both grave and good His words I have esteem'd more then my necessary food 13 But what he hath once in his minde who can him turn therefro And what his soul desireth once even that he doth also 14 For he performes the thing that is appointed still for me And many such things are with him after his owne decree 15 Therefore I at his presence great am troubled very sore When I consider I of him afraide am more and more 16 For God by his most blessed hand doth soften all my heart And the Almighty troubleth me with painefull greefe and smart 17 Because before darkenesse I was not cut off in my place And that he had not cov'red well the darknesse from my face Chap. 24. VVHy seeing times not hidden are from th' almighty alwayes Doe they that wicked know him not yet see his judgements dayes 2 Some the fix'd land marks doe remove and take away indeede Their neighbours flocks with violence and stil upon them feed 3 The asse of the poore fatherlesse they quickly drive away The widowes oxe they also take for pledge as for a prey 4 The needy they out of the way where they did still abide Did turne the poor together they themselves closely did hide 5 Behold even as the asses wild in deserts wandring so They rising early for a prey foorth to their work do goe The wide and howling wildernesse as is well understood For them and for their children al 's doth yeeld a dayly food 6 Their neighbours corne upon the field with violence they reape Their vintage al 's they wickedly do gather in a heape 7 They cause the naked without clothes to lodge in their owne hold So that they in a storme have not a cov'ring for the cold 8 With showres of mountaines high they are thus wet in every place For want of shelters they are forc'd the hard rocks to embrace 9 The fatherlesse they from the breast do pluck as in a rage And of most poor distressed men they cruell take a pledge 10 They him spoild of his garments all cause naked for to go And from the hungry they the sheafe do take away also 11 Which oyl within their walls do make and their wine-presse with paine Do tread and yet do suffer thirst and nothing thereby gaine 12 Out of the city men do grone and wounded soules do cry Yet for this to them God layes not their folly by and by 13 Against the light they do rebell while they themselves would hide The wayes thereof they do not know nor in its paths abide 14 The murdrer rising with the light doth kill by great mischeef The poore and needy in the night he is a common thiefe 15 For the twilight th' adultrers eye doth still waite in his place No eye saith he shâ—ll now me see disguising all his face 16 In darke throw houses they do dig which they well by their sight Had marked for them in the day they brutish know not light 17 As deaths shaddow the morning is to them from GODS great wrath If one them know they surely are in terrous even of death 18 He curs'd on earth like