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
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
this was said their was a skirmish rude By the two armies made in Ephraim wood Like a great wind boistrous with stormy puff Men fought in spight with mutuall counterbuff That day Joab with Judahs brave children Of Isra'l slew downe twentie thousand men The people was sore scatt'red in the wood Which did devoure more people then the sword There Absalom a Rebell and a Foole Among the rest was riding on a Mule By his long haire a branch caught him that day There he did hing when the Mule went away Then Joab with his three darts came anone And thurst them through the heaâ—t of Absalom Then Cushi came and cri'd Tidings O King To the great God now praises may thou sing The LORD of Hoasts in Battell most mightie Of all thy foes hath now avenged thee Then David troubled said unto Cushi Is Absalom the young man in safetie Then Cushi said Let all thy foes indeed Be like Absalom who is surely dead When David heard this wounded was his heart From sight of men quickly he did depart To an high chamber for to mourne alone The tragick death of his deare Absolon His sorrow such was in his wounded heart That forc'd he was to weep and go apart With teares of grief doubling My son my son He wish'd his owne death had sav'd Absalon For Davids murder and adulterie Shebah arose who was son Bichri A Benjamite he with sterne countenance Most proudly said Now what inheritance Have we in David Let us make a rent Let every man returne unto his tent So Isra'l did with this son of Bichri But Judah clave to David heartily Then David said to valiant Amasa Assemble me the brave men of Judah Then he went out Captaine of that armie Jaob him met with heart full of envie Cov'red with smiles his right hand made a wound Which all his bowels shed out to the ground Then Amasa in mids of the high way Bath'd in his blood did thus wallow that day This done Joab pursued speedily After Shebah who was son of Bichri When Joab came to the city Abel This Shebahs head was throwne downe from the wall When these of Abel had perform'd this thing Joab in haste returned to the King When all his foes were round about supprest To sing to GOD due praises he thought best Yet once againe Gods wrath ' gainst Israel In Davids time upon this people fell He stirr'd by Satan would know in his pride How many men in his land did abide To Joab he gave this direction Who liked not the Kings commission But yet obey'd the Kings word did prevaile Therefore he went and numbred Israel In Isra'l were eight hundred thousand men Five hundred thousand Judah their brethren In number were Of all as saith Gods word Were thirteene hundred thousand that drew sword When this was done then Davids heart him smot Gods wrath therefore was shortly kindled hot Alas O Lord said he now pitie me For I confesse I have done foolishly When David did arise in the morning The prophet Gad this word to him did bring Advise and chuse one of these judgements three If seven yeeres of famine shall trouble thee Or if thou wilt three moneths chuse and take Before thy foes to flee and turne the back Or if thou wilt have this great patience Three dayes to hazard on the pestilence When David saw the Lords wrath thus appeare Hee said to Gad I am in a great feare Yet in Gods hand I pray thee let me fall For his mercies are over his works all Then JEHOVAH in wrath to strike began And kill'd of Isra'l seventy thousand men To Jerusalem then the Angel went With sword in hand but God he did repent Him of the evill Th' Angel he did command To sheath his sword and so to stay hâ—s hand Then Gad from God to David thus did say Reare up an Altar to the Lord this day Let this Altar be set for JEHOVAH Where is the treshing floore of Araunah Then David as JEHOVAH did command Did buy the floore and in Araunahs hand He laid thirty shekels silver for price And there to God offred his sacrifice When this was done and David was wax'd old Absaloms brother ADONIjAH bold Helped by JOAB and ABIATHAR In his great pride made a most fearefull jarre A goodly man he was and faire in face But proud in Sprit a man of litle grace David him spilt he would not him displease Him to reprove at all times he did cease Puft up by Joab in vaine aspâ—ring He thought no more but surely to be King After David these three Nathan Zadok Benaiah for Solomon undertooke With Bathshebah David without delay Declard who should Israels Scepter sway After his death The man who shall alone Said he be King is my son Solomon When time drew nigh that good David should die He Solomon charged most carefully I go said he the way of all the earth I must shortly walk in the path of death Be strong therefore and shew thy self a man And keep the charge of the Lord as thou can Walk in his wayes keep his commandements His testimonies and al 's his judgements So shalt thou prosper both by sea and land All shall go well that thou shalt take in hand Remember well how Joab greeved me When he slew Abner with great treacherie And Amasa and how the blood of war He shed in peace when no cause was of jar And how he put the blood of Abner sweet In the vile shooes that were upon his feet I know thou canst thy self wisely behave Let not his hoare-head in peace go to grave Unto Barzillais sons shew great kindnesse For they were kind to me in my distresse Behold with thee the cursed Shimei Who curst me sore in my calamitie To him humbled I sware by the great Lord I will not put thee to death with the sword Because he was so fierce in my distresse Therefore take heede thou hold him not guiltlesse I know thou canst thy self wisely behave His hoary-head with blood bring to the grave So David with his fathers sleept softly And after buri'd was in his city The Use By David learne what after sin remaines The fruits of sin are sorrowes and great paines By David learne if thou hast gone astray To turne to God and walk in the right way By David learne to teach your children deare How in their time they should live in GODS feare Too many speak of Davids filthie fall To shroud their sins and so to make them small Too many to their vile lusts licence give As though to rot were the way to revieve But few there be that weigh well in their heart How greatly David for his sins did smart SOLOMON Peaceable who is at peace with all men GODS Sprit begins to move my pen anone To draw some lines concerning Solomon A worthy man most excellent in fame At home abroad from peace he had his name Good Nathan sent from the great JEHOVAH Changed
speake by Elijah Then Jehu by a goodly stratageme â—th'red the people and said unto them Ahab served but with a little touch Great god Baal but I will serve him much Therefore to me gather the Prophets all That I with them may serve the god Baal Let none be wanting at this gods service For I for Baal have a sacrifice Let this be done see that ye me believe If any come not he sure shall not live But Jehu all this did by subtilty That Baals service he might utterly Destroy Jehu commanded to proclaime That he a great assemblie did ordaine Then Baals men his service to defend Came to his house which they from end to enâ— Did fill when Jehu saw them all present Unto a servant he gave commandment To bring foorth the vestments for all quickly From Baals house where Baals men onely Could claime a roome When Baals men beg To sacrifice King Jehu did ordaine Fourescore of men who stood armed withouâ— To goe and slay and compasse them about If any said he of these ye let goe Your life surely shall be for his also Then the stout Captaines at King Jehus wâ— Did smite these men with the edge of the swoâ— And cast them out and to the city went Tâ—ere they from Baals house incontinent â—ught the images which they in great ire 〈◊〉 breake and burne in the midst of a fire â—ey Baals house brake downe without delay â—ich a draught-house they made unto this day â—us Jehu strength'ned by the Eternel â—stroyed Baal out of Israel Then to Jehu the Lord made a promise â—cause he had ' gainst Ahab done service â—at the fourth man that should come of his race â—ould sit as King and rule into his place â—t to walk justly Jehu tooke no heed â—r his vaine heart was not upright indeed Ahabs slaughter he did greatly faile â—r what he did was not in holy zeale â—r Gods glory but for commendation â—r Throne Scepter and vaine ostentation 〈◊〉 zeal he seem'd to do for th' Eternel â—d yet did still worship calves at Bethel 〈◊〉 last Jehu with his fathers softlie â—id sleep deaths sleep and in the faire citie â—f Samaria after his last breath â—as buried a way for all the earth The Use Let Kings heere learne when they with forâ— and might Doe serve the Lord to have an heart uâ— right If serving God men have another aime Their vaine glory at last shall end with shamâ— We may heere learne in Jehus historie That all is not zeal that seems zeal to be Men may do much as fight preach good mâ— save And yet for all be but a painted grave The use of Jezebels death Let Queenes heere also learne by Jezebel With vaine idoles not to greeve th Eternel For he there bones with Jezebels can dash And unto dogs also can give their flesh 11. JEHOAHAZ The possession of God THis Jehus son God to the Throne did brinâ— Who seventeene years of Israel was King Though God him set up by his power and might â—t he did that which was ill in his sight â—eastly man by the calves of Bethel â—th Jeroboam he the Eternel â—d much provoke Al 's in Samaria â—ere stood a grove which greeved Jehovah â—r this the anger of the Eternel â—as kindled much against all Israel 〈◊〉 Hazael and also Benhadad â—rr'd up to plague this people that was bad Then Jeho'haz unto the Lord did pray â—ho heard his sute and that without delay â—r God was moved with compassion â—hen he did see their great oppression 〈◊〉 man was found by the hand of Jovah â—ho took from Isra l the yoke of Syria â—or this Kings sins God made his forces small â—ftie horsemen with ten charets for all â—en thousand foot he had a most poore King â—is men were made like the dust by threshing The Use â—et Kings heere learne that vile idolatrie 〈◊〉 a great foe to all prosperitie 〈◊〉 King and Subjects doe what is unjust Their Thrones and States shall threshen bâ— to dust 12. JEHOASH Burning or distrusting THis second man from grand-father Jehu Did wicked Kings in wickednesse follow This man as by the historie appeares In Samaria did reigne sixteene yeeres He Amaziah in Battell alive Did take and al 's led him away captive After he spoil'd the house of great Jovah And cari'd all unto Samaria He ceased not from Ieroboams sin But like a foole rashly did walk therein In Samaria after his last breath He buri'd was a way for all the earth The Use Let Kings here learne who would in memâ—rie Have good report to shunne idolatrie Let Kings heere learne that spoilers of Gods house Shall not long after have state prosperous 13. JEROBOAM Contending or striveing with the people THis was the third from grand father Jehu He did ill Kings in wickednesse follow â—his Jeroboam Ieroboams sin â—id well allow and also walk'd therein â—ccording to the word of great Jovah â—hich he did speake by the Prophet Ionah â—e did restore Israels coast and gaine â—rom Hamath unto the sea of the plaine â—or the Lord saw Isra'ls affliction â—as very bitter and had compassion â—or at this time none was shut up or left â—oor Israel of all help was bereft â—he Lord said Not that he from under heaven Would wholly blot out his owne Isra'ls name â—ut would them save as it then came to passe â—y Ieroboam the Son of Ioash â—his man as by the historie appeares â—id reigne the space of fourtie and one yeeres The Use â—et Kings heere learne that vile idolatrie â—mong vertues ressembles a dead flee Such may doe good and seeme to have Gâ— favour But this dead flie sends out a stinking savâ— 14. ZECHARIAH The rememberance of the Lord. HEere Zechariah last of Iehus race Who on the Throne of Israel had place He fear'd not God for he wicked in heart From Ieroboams sins did not depart At last Shallum in rage and furie hot Before the people Zechariah smot He six moneths did reigne in Israel When that was done by Shallums hand he felâ— The Use Let Kings heere learne that sin is not a sport It ends their dayes and cuts their honours shâ— 15. SHALLUM Peace Prosperitie THen Shallum King who was Son of Iabeâ— Came to the Throne by his great wickedâ— A full moneth he did the Scepter sway Then Menahem this murderer did slay The Use Let Kings heere learne that sin is not a sport It ends their dayes and cuts their honours short Who for to rise make other men to fall Shall rush downe shortly like a trott'ring wall Let Kings heere learne that conquest is not good Which is obtain'd by shedding humane blood 16. MENAHEM A roarer THen Menahem with the sword smote Tipsah And also the coasts thereof from Tirzah Because to him they op'ned not their gates All that he found in all these bounds and feats With sword this Roarer smote most cruelly Of the women he did cut the belly Where children lay He most wicked in heart
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
thousand they in armour bright Prepar'd in Battell ' gainst Isra'l to fight From Gibeah in that armie were then Expert in war seven hundred chosen men Left handed strong who to fight would not spare They with their sling stones well could hit an haire Against all these the Israelites had then In readinesse foure hundred thousand men They went to GOD first to seeke his counsell To know which of them first should give Battell To them this answere came from great JOVAH Unto the Battell first shall go Judah Then Israel right stoutly did begin To go to battell against Benjamin And they againe all in armour full bright Prepar'd them selves against Isra'l to fight Brave warriours all glistring with harnesse Threw downe that day Isra'l with great distresse Twentie six thousand joined with some few Unto Isra'l twentie two thousand slew To GOD againe they went to seek counsell If they should give to Benjamin battell Go up said GOD your anger to fulfill Go up why not if so it be your will The second day came Israel to fight Against Benjamin but were put to flight Of that great armie of Isral's children Destroyed down were eighteene thousand men Then Israel perceiving at the last Great numbers nought they ran to GOD by fasâ— They weeped sore and powred out their heart Then GOD was moved for to take their part Up up said God to war I you command To morrow I will put them in your hand On the third day Israel did begin A bloody battell against Benjamin At the first meeting which was with furie Of Isral's brave men were then slaine thirtie Then Benjamin uplifting his proud crist Cri'd they are smitten down as at the first Then Israel by GOD himself made wise Said Let us flie and draw them to high wayes At Baal Tamar they all in good array Prepar'd themselves to fight stoutly that day Liers in wait came out of hole and bore Ten thousand chosen made the battell sore The LORD Captaine this great host did command Therefore Benjamin that day could not stand Before behinde Israel did them hew Twentie five thousand and five score they slew The Use See what is lust consider how therefore Were slaine sixtie five thousand and five score Let men also when they their armies send Heere learne not on great numbers to depend THE GARDEN OF ZION RUTH Watered WIth famine prest these persons went anone Elimelech Naomi with Mahlon And Chilion their sons from Bethlehem To MOAB land that they might their remaine ELIMELECH Naomis best beloved At last by pale death was from her removed Then her two sons their hearts for to rejoice Of RUTH and ORPAH made their onely choisâ— But in their mariage this was a great spot These women were from the incest of Lot For Moab was against all divine order His mothers sonne and also his owne brother After ten yeares in mariage were past These two young men both died at the last Then poore Naomi deliv'red from dread Hearing how God had given to Isra'l bread Said to Orpah and Ruth her daughters dear Goe to your owne for I must hence retire The Lord in mercy deale with you kindlie As ye have dealt with the dead and with me The Lord in mercy work all to your best That with your husbands each of you finde rest Then kissing them they weeped bitterlie They said surely we will returne with thee Naomi said My daughters turne again For now with me ye can no more remaine The Lord mo sons on me doth not allow Which I for husbands might give unto you Then all did weepe then Orpah tooke her leâ— But to NAOMI RUTHS heart fast did cleave Not so Naomi said Behold Orpah Best thou returne with thy sister in law Intreat me not said Ruth I pray humblie For to returne from following after thee Both going lodging people and our God Shall all be one with thee mine whole abode I mind to make to live and die indeed With thee I minde and al 's to be buri'd From thee I will by no meanes now depart Nothing but death on earth shall us two part When she her saw so stedfastly persist She said to Ruth to speake more I desist Then they two went with little meanes with them Unto her city called BETHLEHEM Unto her many came where she abade Is this Naomi each to other said No more that name said she belongs to me Call me Marah because God bitterlie Hath dealt with me the LORD hath more and more Against me wrought and hath afflicted sore Beside her dwelt Booz a wealthie man A neere and deare friend of her dead husband The barley harv'st was Ruth desired then In great mister some ears of corne to gleane She went to fields God did direct her chose She came unto the reaperâ— of Booz When Booz knew Ruth the Moabitesse His melting heart did pitie her distresse Then did Booz speake friendly to her heart See from this field that thou do not depart When thou gleanest abide neere the women Concerning thee I shall direct the men That they thee touch not when thou art a thirst Go to the vessels and take of the best After that Ruth had such great fovour found She bowed humbly even unto the ground Saying thou art a rich man high in place And â— a stranger in thine eyes finde grace Then Booz said It hath been shown to me How kind thou hast beene unto Naomi The LORD of love who doth all things remark Reward thee full and recompence thy worke Then loving Booz in things of all sort Left no thing undoone that might Ruth comfort Both meet and drink she got while she did gleane Booz handfulls the reapers did ordaine To leave of purpose that for coming foorth Shee might returne home with some thing of worth When she had eaten she put up a part Which shee brought home with a most loving heart Unto Naomi who blest the most Hie Who had made her to finde such charitie Then said Naomi I will do my best Eor thee my daughter to seeke out a rest I trust my hope shall take some good effect Wash thee therefore and do as I direct Though thou be Ruth a silly widow poor Feare not to go unto his threshing floore When he hath ended both to drinke and eat Marke where he lyes last uncover his feet Waite well thy time and after lay thee downe And he will tell thee what is to be done As Naomi her daughter had informed All was by Ruth so in due time performed Then Booz to bed with a merry heart Went after Ruth past softly to her part She well resolv'd not fearing hurt or scorne Lay down with Booz neere an heap of corne At midnight houre when his first sleep did passe He was afraid and wondred who it was Who can this be Who art thou then he said I am said she even Ruth thine owne hand maid I come to thee in all humilitie My neere kinsman now spread thy skirt on
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
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
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
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
recompence Much more shall wicked sinners get for all their fair pretence Chap. 12. VVHo so doth love instruction good he knowledge loves also But he that hateth a reproof like a bruit beast doth go 2 A good man hath Gods favour great who will not him contemne But a man of devices ev'll he surely will condemne 3 A man establish'd shall not be by his owne wickednesse But the root of the righteous shall not be mov'd more or lesse 4 A woman to her husband good is as Crownes set with stones But she that maketh him asham'd brings rotting in his bones 5 The thoughts all of the righteous man are right in GODS conceit But counsels all of wicked men are fraud and meer deceit 6 The words of ill men are to lie in waite for blood alone But the mouth of the upright shall deliver them anone 7 The wicked men are overthrown and are not to be found But the house of the righteous man shall stand fast on the ground 8 A man shall be commended much as men shall find him wise But him that is perverse in heart all good men shall despise 9 He that despised is and hath a servant is indeed Much better then who honour doth himself and lacketh bread 10 The righteous the life of his beast regardeth neer and far But the most tender mercies of the wicked cruell are 11 He that his land doth till shall be well satisfied with bread But he that followeth persons vaine is void of wit indeed 12 The wicked of ill men the net desire most earnestly But the root of the righteous men yeelds fruit aboundantly 13 The wicked by words of his lips is snared round about But he that in his wayes is just of trouble shall come out 14 A man by the fruit of his mouth with good shall filled be And of his hands the recompence shall rendred be surelie 15 The way of fooles in their owne eyes seemes to be just and right But who to counsell good gives eare is onely wise aright 16 A fooles wrath kindled as a fire is well known presently But he that is a prudent man doth cover shame wisely 17 He that alwayes doth speak the truth doth shew foorth righteousnesse But a fals witnesse in his words doth still deceit expresse 18 There many be that do speak like the pearcing of a sword But the tongue of the wise truely is health in every word 19 The lip of truth for ever shall establish'd be most sure But a tongue lying doth but for a moments space endure 20 Deceit is in the heart of them that forge ill to annoy But to the counsellours of peace is gladnesse great and joy 21 No ill shall happen to the just which may procure his greef But the men wicked and perverse shall fild be with mischeefe 22 The lying lips are to the Lord abomination right But they that truely in their wayes doe deal are his delight 23 A prudent man his knowledge great conceals in quietnesse But the hearts of the foolish men proclaime their foolishnesse 24 The good hand of the diligent shall beare rule over all But the man sloathfull in his wayes shall under tribute fall 25 While heavinesse is in the heart it maketh it to stoop But a good word it maketh glad and so no more doth droop 26 The righteous then his neighbour is more excellent alway But the way of the wicked doth seduce them every day 27 The sloathfull man he rosteth not which he took at his chase But the wealth of the diligent is good in every place 28 In the blest way of righteousnesse is life for great and small And in the fair path way thereof there is no death at all Chap. 13. A Fathers good instruction sure a wise son well doth hear But scorners unto wise rebuke will no wayes give their ear 2 By the fruit of his mouth a man shall for a recompence â—â—at good things but the sinners soul shall still eat violence 3 He that his mouth keeps keeps his life that it may sure abide But he shall perish who his lips perversly opneth wide 4 The sluggards soul desireth much and hath nothing to spend But of the diligent the soul shall be made fat in end 5 5 righteous man doth alwayes hate and lying lips doth blame But he that 's wicked loathsome is and comes at last to shame 6 Sure righteousnesse keeps him that is upright in the good way â—ut wickednesse doth overthrow the men that goe astray 7 There is that maketh rich himself yet hath no thing to spend â—here is that al 's himselfe makes poor yet is found rich in end 8 The riches of the wealthy man are of his life most dear â—he ransome but a sharp rebuke the poore refuse to heare 9 The faire light of the righteous man rejoyceth every one But of the wicked man the lamp shall be put out anone 10 By pride onely that is most fierce great strife the land doth fill But with the well advised man is wisdome ever still 11 Wealth purchased by vanitie shall suddenly decrease But who by labour gathreth well shall in great wealth increase 12 Deferred hope makes sick the heart with lingring and delay But when desire is come it is a tree of life alway 13 Who so the word despiseth shall destroyed be surely But he that the commandment feares shall well rewarded be 14 Of life a fountaine is the law of him that 's wise in heart And likewise from the snares of death in great hast to depart 15 Good understanding in affaires doth favour give alway But hard and full of trouble is of transgressours the way 16 The man that surely prudent is with knowledge wisely deales But in his wordes and workes a fool his folly soone reveales 17 A messenger that wicked is doth fall into mischiefe But a faithfull ambassadour is health for mans releefe 18 Both shame and poverty shall be to him that doth refuse â—nstruction but he that regards reproofe shall honour chuse 19 Desire accomplish'd is most sweet unto the soul and heart â—ut foolish men abhorre alwayes from ill for to depart 20 He that with wise men walketh shall be surely wise anone â—ut a companion of the fooles shall be destroy'd and gone 21 Much ill doth sinners still persue but to the righteous sort â—ood at all times surely shall be repay'd to their comfort 22 A good man an inheritance to his children doth leave But sinners wealth is laid up for all those that justly live 23 Much food assuredly is in the tillage of the poor But there is that destroyed is for want of judgement sure 24 He that doth spare his rod doth hate his son that seemes most dear But he that loveth him betimes to smite will not forbear 25 The righteous eats and satisfied his soul doth know no scant But of the wicked men at last the belly sure shall want Chap. 14. EAch woman wise doth build her house right wisely she
commands But who 's foolish doth pluck it downe ev'n with her owne two hands 2 He that walks in his uprightnesse feares God and so is wise But he that in his wayes perverse is doth him still despise In the mouth of the foolish is a scourge and rod of pride â—ut wise mens lips shall them preserve so that they shall not slide Where Oxen not remain to work the crib is clean at length â—ut much increase alwayes abounds even by the Oxes strength A faithfull Witnes fearing God he will be loath to lie â—ut a witnesse perverse and false a lyar still will be Scorners seek wisdome but to them God doth it not reveale â—ut knowledge easie is to him that understandeth well Go quickly from the presence of a fool thee from him save â—hen of knowledge in him the lips thou dost not well perceive The wisdome of the prudent is to understand his way â—ut of vaine fools the foly great deceit is every day Fools in their rage do make a mock at sin as at a sport But there among the righteous all is favour of each sort 10 Mans heart knows his own bitternesse which doth him most annoy A stranger also not at all doth meddle with his joy 11 Their house shall sure be overthrown who wickednesse fulfill But the upright mans dwelling place shall bud and flourish still 12 There is a way which seemeth right to man but in great wrath The end thereof are unto him the fearfull wayes of death 13 In laughter oft the heart is fild with sorrow and distresse And last the end of all that mirth is grief and heavinesse 14 The back-slider in heart shall be even fild with his own wayes A good man shall be from himself contented all his dayes 15 The simple every word believes that vain men to him tell But he that is a prudent man looks to his going well 16 A wise man fears and from all ill doth carefully depart â—ut the mad fool doth rage and is most confident in heart 17 He that is soon to anger mov'd doth deal most foolishly â—nd a man of devices bad he hated still shall be 18 The simple in his foolish wayes inherite folly shall â—ut these that prudent are in heart are crownd with knowledge all 19 The ill in heart before the good are forc'd to bow the knee â—nd wicked men even at the gates of righteous crouch we see 20 The poor even of his neighbour neer is surely hated much But many friends do still resort about him that is rich 21 Het that his neighbour doth despise a sinner great must be But he that mercy on the poor hath happy sure is he 22 These that devise ill and mischief do they not erre unwise But both mercy and truth shall be to them that good devise 23 In labour all and diligence there profite is in end But the vaine talk of idle lips to penury doth tend 24 The wise mens crownes their riches is which them doe much adorne But the great foolishnesse of fooles declares them all forlorne 25 A witnesse true delivereth soules from great peplexities But who in heart a witenesse is deceitfull speaketh lies 26 In the feare of the mighty Lord is a strong confidence His children all shall have a place in danger for defence 27 Of life a fountaine surely is the Lords feare in the heart From the most cruell snares of death in wisedome to depart 28 A numbrous people doth right well the Kings honour advance But in the want of people is destruction to the Prince 29 He that is slow to wrath he is of understanding great â—ut he high folly doth exalt that hastie is of sprit 30 A heart that 's sound from fraud and guile the life is of the flesh â—ut envie is the rottennesse of bones that are not fresh 31 He that the poore man doth oppresse his maker he most sure â—eprocheth but who honours him hath mercy on the poore 32 The wicked in his wickednesse is driven away by wrath â—ut he that is a righteous man strong hope hath in his death 33 Wisedome rests in the heart of him that doth well understand â—ut what is in the midst of fooles is knowne to all the land 34 A nation by its righteousnesse exalted is with fame â—ut sinne is a most vile reproch to any peoples name 35 The Kings favour is great indeed for servants that are wise But against him that causeth shame in wrath he shall arise Chap. 15. AN answere soft with wisdome great fierce wrath doth turne away But grievous words that give offence stirre anger up alway 2 The good tongue of the wise man still doth knowledge use aright But the mouth of fooles foolishnesse powres out with all their might 3 The eyes of the Almighty Lord are sure in every place Beholding ill and al 's the good for blessing or disgrace 4 A tree of life sure is the tongue that wholsome words doth teach But wickednesse that is therein is in the sprit a breach 5 A foole his fathers teaching doth most foolishly despise But he that a reproof regards most prudent is and wise 6 In the house of the righteous man much treasure is and store 7 But in the wickeds revenewes Is greefe and trouble sore 8 The Lord abhors the sacrifice of men that wicked be But the prayer of upright men is his delight surelie 9 The Lord who holy is and just abhors the wickeds way But who goe after righteousnesse he loveth them alway 10 Correction to him grievous is that doth the way forsake And he that foolish hates reproof shall die with shame and lake 11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD how much more then Are patent to his eyes of fire the hearts of mortall men 12 A scorner one that him reproves doth hate and al 's despise He is so foolish that he will not goe unto the wise 13 A glade heart makes the countenance ev'n chearfull more and more But by the sorrow of the heart the sprit is broken sore 14 The heart of him that understands doth knowledge seek indeed But the mouth of vain fools also on foolishnesse doth feed 15 The dayes of the afflicted are evill and of no request But he that 's of a merry heart hath a continuall feast 16 Much better is a little with the true fear of the Lord Then treasure great which is with grief and vexing trouble stord 17 Much better is a dinner of hearbs joind with love and mirth Then is a stalled ox most fat and hatred still there with 18 A wrathfull man strife stirreth up and lets not men get ease But he that is to anger slow doth wisely strife appease 19 The wayes of him that slouthfull is as hedge of thornes remaine But the way of the righteous man is made both smooth and plaine 20 A father is made wondrous glad by a son that is wise But he that foolish is in heart his mother doth despise 21 To