his name unto Iedidiah To change this name the LORD did Nathan move To testifie that he the child did love When on his throne he was by good JOVAH Established to him came Bathshebah From Adonijah causer of much strife That he might have faire Abishag to wife Well well Solomon said I know that thing Aske also for him that he may be King Consider well and hearken what I say Adonijah surely shall die this day Benaiah come and hearken to my word Vaine Adonijah now kill with the sword To Abiathar the Priest said the King I will not now these stroaks upon thee bring Which thou deserves because thou had a part In troublous times of my deare fathers smart Thou with my foes against me was too stout Therefore thou shalt from thy place be thrust out To povertie thy race shall beggars be Thus was fulfil'd Gods word against Eli. When Ioab heard of all was past and done Unto Gods house in feare he fled right soone There as the practice of some had him taught Of Gods altars the hornes with hands he caught Then Benajah directed by the King Went unto him with these few words Saying Thus saith the King Thou Ioab thou must come foorth It is not seemly for a man of worth Unto the hornes of Altars for to flee No not said Ioab heere I minde to die Then Benajah brought the King word againe That Ioab would at the Altar still remaine Then said the King Go fall upon him fall For the two Captains famous in Israel Abner Amasa men of dignitie Did kill and boutcher by his treacherie Now let their blood returne upon his head But peace shall be on Davids house and seed Then Benaiah to Joab in distresse Came and him kill'd and in the wildernesse In his own house him buri'd In short space Captaine Benaiah was put in his place After because of Adonijah jarre Zadok was Priest in roome of Abiathar Then for Shimei the King in all haste sent And gave to him this strait commandement To build and dwell in faire Salem anone But if said he thou passe the brook Kidron To go abroad Let this be knowne to thee None shall thee save for thou shalt surely die Three yeers after he forgetting this charge Did seeke his servants with a licence large Hee past thee brook and the Kings charge forgot Therefore with death stout Benaiah him smot Remember now said the King to Shimei How thou my father revil'd bitterly Thy wickednesse shall come upon thine head But I and mine shall be blessed indeede After he thus had slaine these men of strife King Pharos daughter he took for his wife He loved God and with his heart him fear'd In Gibeon the Lord to him appear'd In dreame by night to him in great mercie The Lord said Aske what I shall do thee Then Solomon unto the Lord did say Great kindnesse hast thou showne to me this day Thou hast me chosen for Gods people King That I with wisedome may them rule and reigneâ— I am a child who am but to begin I know not how to go out or come in Of my desirs this is the cheefest part That thou would give an understanding heart To me thy servant by thy grace made glade Whereby I may discerne twixt good and bad When God this heard he rested well content He said unto him at this Parliament Thou hast not asked riches or long life Nor yet revenge against the men of strife Thy foes but hast desired a wise heart To rule my people well in ev'ry part Therefore both riches and honour to thee Will I now give with wisedome in plentie If thou godly will walk in Davids wayes In great mercy I will lengthen thy dayes By him in sleep these things were heard and seen When he awoke Behold it was a dreame Then came two harlots who before him stood Each one striving to make her cause seeme good Behold O King said one Wee two women In one house were deliv'red of children I bare a son after it came to passe Three dayes after that she delivered vvas Wee vvere in house as seem'd vvithout danger For in the house vvith us vvas no stranger Behold O King her childe dead in the night By her ov'rlaid then cunningly with flight She rose from bed and vvith great treacherie Came to my bed and stall my son from me Alas O King What heart can this abide For my sweet son this dead lump at my side She laid when I arose my son to feed With my two breasts behold he was cold dead Judge yee O King how great then was my smart When his cold lips did touch me neere the heart But when the light more clearely let me see I saw I was jugled with treacherie The dead child is hers but the living mine Thou the whole matter as Judge now define But Oh the other with tears in her eyes Said All she saith is full stuffed with lies Believe her not she hath a brasen brow She can right vvell false lyes as truth avow Let not thine heart incline to take her part Though in her speach she hath now the forestart A judge must know he hath an ear and ear That after one the other he may hear Alas O King the Lords vvisedome divine Doth clearly knovv the living son is mine The other said I am not such a beast Anothers childe to bring up on my breast If this my son vvere dead and hers living I vvould not of him novv make a changling His dry dead bones should dearer be to me Then her son living full of rare beautie While thus the two reason'd before the King The King did cry a sword now to me bring When it was brought the King said so and so With sword the living childe divide in two No man such doubts can now discusse by art Divide divide let each one have her part When this was said and ready to be done The mothers bowels yerned upon her son My Lord the King let not this sword now fall Upon my childe but to her give it all Not said th' other the judge must now define Let it be cut and so not mine nor thine Then said the King in words both wise and milde This is the mother give to her the childe When all Isra'l this wise judgement did hear Their hearts were mov'd King Solomon to fear This man was great and full of Majestie Great pleasure was his orders for to see Some were his Scribes and others were Recorders Some rul'd the Hoast some were his Priests by orders Some officers and some ov'r the tribute Were set and also some did distribute Some Officers twelve moneths in the yeer Twelve men did serve each man a month entire Provided for the King and his houshold The best victuals for uses manifold His house by day as Gods word doth reveale Spent fourescore ten measures of floure and meal Ten Oxen fat and twenty from Pastures Were for his house each foure and
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
daunce with women she had al 's her soâ— She did her selfe in godly words expresse With gifts adorn'd she was a Prophetesse She had her faults in her most holy life She greeved MOSES by her words of strife She with ARON the ill quarel began For ZIPPORAH the Ethiopian Tush tush said they hath God spoken onâ— By MOSES and not by us as plainely This Moses heard but being very meek From God in wrath he no revenge did seeke But God in wrath when he these things did Unto them cri'd Come out come out ye three Though I my wrath against you have delay'd To greeve Moses how were ye not afraide 〈◊〉 proud in heart inferiour in place 〈◊〉 you by dreams to him I speake by face â—hen GOD had showne how they had gone astray 〈◊〉 kindled wrath and rage he went away â—â—en this was done behold a great sorrow â—â—RIE became leprous white as the snow â—â—er her flesh was consum'd by the Lord â—â—ses did pray and then she was restor'd â—â—cause God was provoked by her sinne 〈◊〉 died in the wildernesse of ZIN â—â—nsider heere two brethren and MARIE â—pointed guids for Israel to be â—â—cause by sinne they stirred up Gods wrath Canaan they might not tread the path 〈◊〉 on HOR Moses at NEBO steep â—â—y in Zin by death did softly sleep 〈◊〉 wildernesse AMRAMS three children deare â—â—eir life did finish in the fourtie yeere The Use â—ost godlie hearts vaine pride doth whiles assault â—â—ey live not heere that live without a fault â—th carefulnesse let men and vvomen try 〈◊〉 â—t in their hearts no place bee for envy BALAK A Robber BALAAM A Devorer After that Isra'l in battell fighting Had overcome strong Og of Bashan Kâ— BALAK king of Moab son of ZIPPOR Sent men for Bala'm the son of BEOR Who dwelt in Pethor to him they did say Behold from Egypt in battell aray A people is come who is most mighty In number great for to fight against me Come now therefore I pray thee without Curse Israel that so I may prevaile For this I wot that he whom thou shalt bleâ— Shall be blessed and curs'd whom thou curse So the Elders that were of Moab land Departed with great rewards in their hand They came unto BALAAM and thus spake Unto him the words of their King BALAK He said to them Lodge heere this night suâ— I shall you tell what the Lord saith to me And God came unto BALAAM and said What men are these that doe with thee abiâ— And Bala'm said to God Balak surelie The son of ZIPPOR hath sent unto me Bâ—hold saith he from Egypt a great band 〈◊〉 souldiers that cover all the land â—me curse me them peradventure I shall â—able for to overcome them all â—d God said to BALA'M Thou shalt not goe â—th them thou shalt not curse the people so â—r they are bless'd BALA'M in the morning â—se up and went to BALAKS men saying â—e Princes of King BALAK get ye now â—o your owne land for to go with you â—e mightie Lord will not give leave to me â—en the Princes of Moab most early â—se up and unto their King BALAK went â—d said BALA'M for thy commandement â—â—th no wise care hee proud of his wisedome â—ainely refuseth with us for to come â—d Balak sent againe by the same way â—inces that were more respectfull then they â—ho said to him Balak son of Zippor â—ith great desire hath us all sent thee for 〈◊〉 bids us say Let nothing I pray thee â—ee hinder from now coming unto me 〈◊〉 will promote thee for thy great wisedome â—herefore to curse this people shortly come â—hen to Balaks servants Bala'm most bold â—id If Balak of silver and of gold Would his house full me give I not therefore Could go beyond the Lords word lesse or mâ— Yet all this night heere tary I you pray That I may know what more the LORD will And GOD came unto Balaam at night And said to him What was most just and rigâ— If these men come againe for to call thee Rise up and al 's go with them speedilie But yet the word that I shall to thee say That shalt thou do most carefully alway And Balaam rose up in the morning And on his asse went unto Moabs King But Gods anger was then incontinent Kindled because he with these Princes went And the Angel of the great God that day For adversarie stood there in the way Thus on his asse he rode Balak unto And his two servants were with him also And the asse saw the Angel of the Lord In the way standing with a glistring Sword And the asse turn'd aside out of the way And went into the field without delay And Balam smote the asse with great disdaine To turne her soone into the way againe But the angel of the Lord in great wrath Of the vineyards stood in a narrow path Which on both sides was fenced with a wall 〈◊〉 when the asse for fear ready to fall 〈◊〉 the Angel of the Lord in the way â—till the Wall she did without delay â—sh Balams foot then he inflamed hote â—th staffe in hand the asse in fury smote â—en the Lord op'ned the mouth of the asse â—â—o said to Balam What is my trespasse â—â—y dost thou strike What have I done to thee â—at thou hast so me smitten these times three â—n Balam said unto the asse surely â—cause thou hast in the way mocked me â—ould there were a Sword in mine hand still â—r now I would in wrath thee surely kill â—en said the asse Am I not thine alway 〈◊〉 which thou hast ridden ev'n to this day â—as I before wont so to do to thee â—y said Balam thou didst not so to me â—en Balam's eyes the Lord without delay â—'ned who saw Gods Angel in the way â—ith his sword drawen then he in the same place â—w'd down his head and fell flat on his face â—en said the Angel For what great trespasse â—st thou these three times thus smitten thine asse â—â—hold I went out for to withstand thee â—â—cause thy way is perverse before me Thine asse a beast did well for thee provide She fearing me turned three times aside Unlesse she had from Me thus turn'd away I had her sav'd and had slain thee this day Then Balam said I have the LORDS commanâ— Broken by sin for that thou heer didst stand I did not know Now therefore without let If thou be wroth back soone I will me get No said the Angel unto Balam then Now take thine own will and go with the menâ— But only speak that which I speak to thee So Balam went towards Balak quickly When Balak heard this he incontinent To meet Balaam to a city went Of Moab land in borders of Arnon Which is the outmost coast lying alone Then Balak said unto Balam Did I Not send for thee to call thee by and by Wherefore came thou not at the first to me Am I not able for to honour thee And Balam said
secret wrath to open felonnie He went pursuing David cruellie For this David to Achish in Gath fled There he as mad the spittle on his beard Let fall in this most pitifull estate Forced like fools he scrabled on the gate From thence to Keilah from Keilah he past To Ziph where he almost by Saul was lost At Engedi where he revenge might have He spar'd Sauls life inclosed in a cave In wildernesse having provision small He was refused by churlish Nabal Of all Sauls house the worthy Jonathan Of Davids comforts onely was the man David at last fled to the land of Gath Untill God had puld Saul away by death His death which would have made another glad Made him to sigh and many teares to shed The lamentations of David for the death of Saul and Jonathan ALas my heart said David doth disdaine These vile villains who have unto us Slaine The Royall blood the beautie of Israel How they are fall'n beware in Gath to tell Or Askelon let no man heare your voice Lest the daughters of Philistins rejoice O Gilboa now cursed must thou be Let neither deaw nor raine fall downe on thee For there thee shields of men armed with might Were cast away like men that could not fight There Saul fell downe upon that cursed soile As though he had not been annoint with oyle Saul and Jonathan two men most mighty Your bow and sword returned not empty Saul and Jonathan in lyfe were lovelie They in there death would not divided be The Eagles Lions both in strength and flight Were overcome by these two men of might O daughters worthy the name of Isra'l Let floods of teares now bubble out and fall For worthy Saul whose purpose was still set To deck with gold and cloath you with scarlet It greeves my heart to think or yet to tell How these mightie did fall in the battell O Jonathan I must most weep for thee For thou a friend and brother was to me Thy love to me was more then love of men Yea it did passe the best love of women Of Davids Reigne OF Davids reigne clearely I will record Who was faithfull beloved of the Lord When Saul was slaine and Jonathan was dead The Crown of Judah was on Davids head In Hebron set Then he sent to Jabesh And thanked them for their loving kindnesse For taking downe from the walls of Bethshan The bodies of Saul and of Jonathan In this meane time which did great troubles bring Abner annointed Ishbosheth as king Joab for David was then cheefe captaine Against Abner who Sauls house did maintaine In that armie Abner began to say Let the young men now sport and rise to play Content said Joab then twelve on each side Arose to fight each man anothers head Caught in his hand and then most cruelly His sharp sword thrust in his brothers belly That day betweene Judah and Israel Was first a skirmish and then a battell A battell great last Abner in that fight Was beaten sore he sav'd himselfe by flight While he did flie Asahel did pursue But Abner straited swift Asahel slew Though Abners armie was in good aray Good David got the victory that day Though David was these great troubles among Yet by Gods arme he dayly was made strong Stout Abner who did Ishbosheth defend Unto David revolted in the end After this man by Joabs treachery Was slaine which moved David bitterly To weep and mourne while of it he did heare Last he himself mourning follow'd the biere Alas said he with sorrow and great doole Did valiant Abner die as doth a foole This great breach now can be made up hardly The sons of Zerviah be too strong for me Then Baanah and Rechab did conspire To slay Ishbosheth for to winne a hire These bloody men him stobbed on his bed And after that with haste to Hebron fled Where David was they thought to have good speed When they to him offred Ishbosheths head As God liveth said David who hath me Redeemed out of all adversitie Yee shall be slaine by a most fearfull death I shall you both take away from the earth Come out young men cut off their hands and feet And hang them up a judgement for them meet Then all Isra'l with one voice consenting Appointed David there captaine and King When he was crown'd of yeers he was thirtie His reigne continued the space of fourtie First seven in Judah after he did beare His faire Scepter for three and thirty yeere He tooke Jebus who thought as they were bold That blind and lame might surely keep their hold When the Philistines heard that he was King A great armie against him they did bring At Baal-Perazim he them overthrewe With great slaughter these Philistins he slew Their idols there they left their hearts desire Which David tooke and after burnt with fire Yet came againe the Philistins like bees Whom David smot at the Mulberie trees When rest was come he prepar'd speedily To have Gods Ark lodg'd in his owne city Of good duetie he did neglect no part He did prepare for it a new made cart While it was driv'n by Ahio and Uzzah Great mirth by all was made unto Jovah Timbrels and harps cymbals and psalterie With Cornets sweet made pleasant melodie While all was joy behold anone a jar A fearfull breach which all their mirth did mar It was both sore and suddain with terrour For God there smote Uzzah for his errour The Levits shoulders for to bear the Arke Ordained were and not an oxen cart The Levits might as the Lord did command It carie but not touch it with their hand At this great breach good David sore afraide Both Arke and Cart in this journey he staide In Obed-Edoms house he did it place Which in three moneths it did fill with grace When David heard of such grace and goodnessâ— To his City he brought it with gladenesse He was so glad that in all Isra's sight He danc'd before the Lord with all his might To be more nimble in his dance to God He was girded with a linnen Ephod As they came neere unto Davids citie Michal beheld all with a scorning eye When all was done with gladnesse manifold David returned to blesse his houshold Him Michal met and scorningly did say A beast a foole a vaine fellow this day Thou hast thee showne this was her bitter word What reck sad he it was before the Lord Thy taunting speach doth not sinke in my minde The Lord me hath preferr'd to thee and thine From holy zeal I will not now refile I purpose yet to be more base and vile Though thou me scorne and speake so tauntinglie By men and maids I shall hence honour'd be After great warres when David had got rest To build a house for God he thought it best In house of Cedar said he I now dwell But onely Curtains are for th' Eternell What shall I doe to Nathan did he say Go to said Nathan do without delay
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
they come death shall close up thine eyes â—â—ter these men heard such words of comfort â—ey to the King the message did report Then Josiah with the men of Judah â—ent up unto the house of great Jovah â—th him there were the Priests and Prophets all â—ere al 's the people were both great and small 〈◊〉 them he read the Lords booke ev'ry word â—ich had been found in the house of the Lord â—n this good King who Gods word understood 〈◊〉 serve the Lord hard by a pillar stood 〈◊〉 with the people all with one accord â—d make a Covenant there before the Lord Gods presence all ill wayes they forsooke â—â—lling to doe according to that Book Then the King in the name of great Jovah â—mmanded soone the high Priest Hilkijah â—â—th other keepers whether great or small â—ring quickly the vessels made for Ba'l 〈◊〉 for the grove out of Gods Temple faire That he GODS house might cleanse and alâ— paire When this was done in the field of Kidron He in great zeal there them did burne each onâ— And to fulfull the word of th'Eternell The ashes he did carry to Bethel Vile Priests there were who with idolatrie Defiled had both Temple and Citie To Sunne Moone Planets and al 's to Baal They sacrificed and to Heavens host all These vile men he desiring God to please In his great zeal put downe and made to ceâ—â— The grove also which was idolatrous The King with speed brought out from the Lâ—â— house At Kidron he it burnt and stamped small To small powder and cast that powder all Upon the graves of these who foolishly Had beene defiled with idolatrie The Sodomiteâ— far from Gods house he drâ—â— And these who did weave hangings for the gâ—â— He with the rest Topheth defil'd anone Which was in the vile valley of Hinnon So that no man thereafter durst aspire To make his Son for Molech passe the fire Thus he persisting as he had begun Tooke the horses which were given to the Suâ—â— By Kings of Judah which made Priests to mourn The Suns Charets he in a fire did burne He did beat down and break most speedily The Altars which in vile idolatie Manasseh Ahaz when they God forsooke Did build the dust thereof in the base Brooke Of Kidron he did cast High places vile â—or Ashtoreth Chemosh Milcome defile â—e did That bad Abomination â—ard at mount Olives mount of corruption Which Solomon did build in Israel Whereby he much provocked th'Eternell â—as by Josiah destroy'd speedily â—ch was his zeal for the great Gods glory This good King al 's the images brake then â—e cut the groves and with the bones of men â—â—e places fill'd the Altar at Bethel 〈◊〉 Jeroboam made who mov'd Isra'l 〈◊〉 sin he brake downe it to dust he drove â—â—d stampt it small and also burnt the grove The King turning him self at last did spy â—vers Sepulchers wherein dead did ly â—ke up these bones said he in his great ire â—â—on this Altar burn them all with fire â—w do for God who doth my crowne uphold â—â— this long since by God hath beene foretold Then said the King come now and tell to me What title is among the graves I see The men of that city said to the King Heere lyes the Prophet which message did bâ—â— That great Jovah the God of Israel Should do such things to th' Altar of Bethel Then said the King this man whom GOD love Let him alone see no man his bones move Likewise this Prince sent from the great VAH Reform'd the cities of Samariah Their Priests he slew with his sword in his irâ—â— And on their Altars their bones burnt with firâ—â— Then King and people all with one accorâ—â— A great Passeover did keep to the Lord The like whereof before had never bene Among the Kings or yet the Judges sene Yet more the workers with familiar sprits With wizards idols and all idle rits He spied out and wholly put away Thus he Gods house reform'd without delayâ— Unto the Lord this King just and upright With all his heart with all his soul and mighâ— Turned himselfe in great zeal more and morâ— He had no match after or yet before But oh alas the great wrath of Jovah Could not be turn'd from the sins of Judah Manasses sins both cruel and unkind â—ld not go out of great Jehovahs minde 〈◊〉 will said God withdraw now my great love â—m all Judah them now I will remove 〈◊〉 of my sight as I did t' Israel Salem al 's like judgements I will tell 〈◊〉 wrath ' gainst it here plainly I declare â—ugh I had said my name shall ay be there â—hen good Josiah King after all this â—ne with his men to fight at Carchemish â—inst Necho of Egypt land the King â—o did with him a mighty armie bring â—ho to him Embasadors did send â—ell him that he came not for this end â—hurt Josiah either neere or far 〈◊〉 others at whom he intended war â—d hath him sent therefore now let him passe 〈◊〉 afterward thou smart for thy trespasse â—hou Necho in this Gods warre annoy Lord is with him who shall thee destroy â—ut for all this Josiah with Necho â—olv'd to fight him neere to Megiddo â—n he disguised came to that Battell Archers shot and there Josiah fell â—n said the King sore wounded I this day Battell am have me therfore away â—â—e desir'd so they this wounded King From the battell unto Salem did bring In a Charet There this good man he died There he also was with his fathers buried After his death all these that did sojourne In Judah did for him lament and mourne Yea for his death the Prophet Jeremie With words of greefe lamented bitterlie The Use Behold O Kings who minde to please Jovaâ— Of zeale a patterne was this good Josiah This man by halfes did not idolatrie Reforme but purged all most perfectly High places groaves images idols vaine Hill Altars he did cut break and disdaine 16. JEHOACHAZ The possession of God JEhoachaz Son of good Josiah Was after him crowned King of Judah He fear'd not God he in Jehovahs sight Follow'd the trace of wayes that were not râ— Him Phar'oh Necho King of Egypt land Tooke and with fetters strong at Riblah band Wee yeeres of age he was and al 's twentie â—en he was crown'd and reign'd but moneths three The Use Kings here learn not in their sinnes to sport â—angers God who cuts their honours short 17 ELIAKIM called also JEHOJAKIM GOD ariseing â—Fter that Necho King of Egypt land Deposed had by strong and mighty hand â—oachaz he sent for Eliakim â—ose name he chang'd into Jehojakim â—s was the second son of Josiah â—o by Necho was made King of Judah 〈◊〉 age this King was eighteene yeeres and seven â—â—en he began he reigned but eleven 〈◊〉 fear'd not God he in JEHOVAHS sight â—low'd the trace of wayes that were not right â—n his dayes Nebuchanezzar the King 〈◊〉 Babylon Jehojakim did bring â—o
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
bread and wine And blest him after he had given that feast For Salems King he was and the Lords Priest Unto him ABRAM in that blessed day With chearefull heart the tithes of all did pay But as for spoile nothing I will he said â—est SODOME say I ABRAM rich have made The Battel of Abraham against Amraphel King of Shinar Arioch King of Nations wherein he rescued his brother Son Lot who had beene taken prisoner by them This Paraphrase was made in verse by the Prince of English Poets JOSHUA SYLVESTER ABRAM perceiving now the Army neer By their own Fires 'gan thus his Troups to cheer Souldiers said he behold this happy Night Shall make amends for that dis-astrous Fight Was fought in Siddim and acquittance cry For Sodom's shame and Lot's captivitie adorn'd Me thinks already Victory With Bowes and Blades and Casks and Croâ— return'd From th' Enemie on our triumphant spears Erecteth Trophe is far more rich then theirs Me thinkes already on our glistring Crests The glorious Garland of the Conquest rests Our way to vertue lyes so smooth and plain With painelesse Honour and unvent'red Gain This hoast you see is not the valiant Troup That stript Gomorrha and made Segor stoop That Jordan Inde and Euphrates admire But a foule Heard of Swine wall'wing in mâ— Regard them as they are not as they were See but their sloath do not their number fear He that 's asleep is dead and he that 's dead Bites not they say What have we then dread Why stay we Lads already down they are Their throats be naked and their bosoms bare Their lives lie prostrate heer at our command And Fortune cals but for your helping hand Come follow me rather the Lord of Hoasts Terror of Tyrants who through all the Coasts with a trough Of all the Earth confoundeth All worldly power and brings mens plots nought Come happy Troup follow with one accord â—h'invincible brave Standart of the Lord. This said eft-soons I wot not what a grace What divine beam reflected on his face â—or as in March the Serpent having cast â—is old foule skin crawls from his hole full fast â—isses and stings and stares us in the face â—nd gold-like glistring glides along the grasse â—o Heav'n enspires fresh vigour in each part His blood renews his heart doth take new heart 〈◊〉 martiall furie in his breast there boyls His stature seems more taller then yer-whiles Youth paints his cheeks with Rose and Lilly Dies A lovely Lightning sparkels in his eyes So that his gallant Port and gracefull voice Confirms the faintest makes the sad rejoice Then on the Camp he sets where round about Lie mingled Carrs and Horse and Men that rout Rest seizeth all and wanting what is fed The fire it self slept in his ashy bed Th' Hebrews the-while laid-on on back or brest Or arm or side according at their rest To th'ground had bound them and those lives bereft The which Death's Image in an Image reft Heer one beheaded on a Trunk of Pine Pours-out at once his gore his ghost and wiâ—â— The full Helm hops and with a voice confuse Murmurs as if it his fell Fate accused Another taken by inchanting sleep Mid Pots and Cups and Flagons quaffing deâ— Doth at a wound given in his rattling gorge The Wine againe in his owne Cup dis-gorge Another while ingeniously he playes Upon his Lute some passing-pleasing Layes Sleep seales his eyes up with a gloomy cloud And yet his hand still quavers light and lowd But at the last it sinks and offring fair To strike the Base strikes but the empty aire His soul descending to th' Infernall Coasts Goes to conclude his Song unto the Ghosts Dolefull it was not for the Argument For 't was of Love but for the sad event Another wak'ned with those lowd alarms Starts-up and groapeth round about for arms Which ah too soon he findeth for his part For a keen poignard stabs him to the heart Like as a Tigress having with the gore Of Buls and Hiefers made her spots the more And pav'd a Plain with Creatures mangled limâ— Views on each side her valiant stratagems Treads on the vanquisht and is proudly-sad That no more Foes nor no more Maw she haâ— Thâ— th' Hebrew stalking round-about the slain â—raves but it boots not and would very fain â—hat those dead bodies might their ghosts re-gather â—r that those mountaines would produce him rather â—ome Foes more wakefull that more manfully 〈◊〉 blood-drown'd Valleyes might his valour try Amor's three sons did no lesse slaughter make â—bram for zeale they but for furies sake â—his nails a Souldier with his Sword to th'ground â—hat at a blow th' heads of two Heads discrownd â—his underneath a Chariot kils the driver â—hat lops off legs and arms and heads doth shiver The Tents already all in blood do swim â—ushing from sundry Corps from severall lim 〈◊〉 brief so many ravening Wolves they seem â—ithin whose breast fierce Famine biteth keen â—ho softly stealing to some fold of Sheep While both the Shepheard and his Cur doth sleep â—urbush their hungry teeth tear kill and prey â—pon the best to eat and bear-away Yet at the length the vanquished awake â—nd re-ary'd the Victors under-take â—utting the three proud Amorites to flight â—ho but for Abram had bin routed quite Sleep sleep poor Pagans sith you needs dye Go sleep again and so dye easily Dye yer ye think on death and in your Dreaâ— Gasp-out your soules Let not your dazled bâ— Behold the hauock and the horrour too Of th' Execution that our Swords shall doâ— Hacking your bodies to heaw-out your breatâ— Yer Death to fright you with a thousand deaâ— Said Abraham and pointing every word With the keen point of his quicke-whirled swâ— As swift in doing as in saying so More fiercely chargeth the insulting Foe Than ever storm-full cloud which fed 〈◊〉 water 's Thin moist-full fumes the snowy mountaâ—â— daughters Showr'd heaps of hail-shot or pour'd flood rain On slender stems of the new tender Grain Through bloud and blades through danger and death Through mangled Corps and carrs he traverseâ— And partly in the shock part with the blowes He breaketh in through thickest of his Foes And by his travell topsi-turneth then The live and dead and half-dead horse and 〈◊〉 â—is bright-keen Fauchin never threats but hits â—or hits but hurts nor hurts but that it splits â—ome privie postern whence to Hell in Post â—ome groaning Pagan may gaâ—p out his ghost â—e all assayls and him so brave bestow's â—hat in his fight he deals more deaths than blows As the North-winde re-clearing-up the front â—f cloudy Heav'ns towards the South doth hunt â—he showr's that Austers spungie thirst exhales â—ut of those Seas that circle Orans wals â—o where-so-e're our Hebrew Champion wield â—is war-like weapon and his glistring shield Whose glorious splendor darts a dreadfull light â—ll turn their backs and all be-take to flight â—orgetting Fame Shame Vertue Hope and all â—heir hearts are
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
heavy hands Aaron and Hur did stay By his prayers Isra'l prevail'd that day By his prayers they got the victory He built the Altar Jehovah Nissi At Horeb where before he did keep sheepe Iethro him brought his wife and children eke When Iethro had to him counsell imparted To his owne land from Moses he departed Then Moses went up to God on Sinai Who did direct him all these words to say What I have done in Egypt yee did see On Eagles wings I bare you tenderlie Now therefore if yee will obey my voice Above all people ye shall be my choise 〈◊〉 Priests to me ye shall be a kingdome 〈◊〉 treasure deare an holy Nation â—at said Moses a man filled with grace â—id all these words before the peoples face â—en all the people answ'red him unto 〈◊〉 that the Lord hath spoken we will doe â—e to goe to to Moses God did say 〈◊〉 â—pare Israel to morrow and to day 〈◊〉 the third day with glory and renown â—â—fore Isra'l I minde for to come downe â—ke heed for if man or heast that have breath â—t touch the mount they shall be put to death 〈◊〉 any touch the mount they shall be then â—ot throw or stoned whether beasts or men â—t to come up to them it shall belong â—hen they shall heare the Trumpet sounding long 〈◊〉 the third day thundrings and lightnings past â—â—e cloud and Trumpet made them all agast â—â—en smoak and fire on SINAH for a space â—â—cended as the smoak of a furnace â—â—en all the people trembled fearfully â—â—a the mount SINAH quaked all greatly â—en God came down whom MOSES heard and saw â—â—d in two Tables wrot his fierie Law â—hile MOSES was upon the mount with God â—â—ey made a calf as if they had beene mad Of Egypts spoile to make it they were bold Even of Gods gifts they had no other gold They ate they dranke and then rose up to pâ— Behold thy gods foole ISRAEL could say Go get thee downe said God to MOSES thâ— For thy people are rather beasts then men Let me alone intreat not for this fall For in furie I will consume them all Oh said Moses why doth thy wrath wax Against Isra'l thine heritage and lot Think on Abraham Isaac and Isra'l On thy people let not thine anger fall While this grief Moses in his heart did feele The Lord in hast repented of the evill Then Moses swiftly from the mount went doâ— And brought with him the worthie sonne of 〈◊〉 While he and Moses from the Camp were farâ— Good Joshuah said I heare a noise of war But old Moses with his discerning eare Said not but voice of singing do I heare When he came neere and saw that filthie blot A golden idol not Gods childrens spot He brake Gods Tables in his kindled ire The golded Calf he burnt into the fire He ground it small and straw'd it in their driâ— That they an idole not God might it think Then Moses wroth unto the Levits cri'd 〈◊〉 every man his sharpe sword by his side â—e through the camp your brethren gorre and slay â—at the great God you all may blesse this day â—â—en the Levits these wicked men had slaine â—to the mount Moses return'd againe God be said alas while I behold a'l hath made unto them gods of gold â—ve mercy Lord with eyes of pitie looke â—â—don or else me blot out of thy Booke â—â—w goe said God as I shall give thee grace â—duct Isra'l unto my promis'd place â—â—aite my time when once I shall begin 〈◊〉 visit they shall suffer for their sinne â—ter this MOSES faithfull full of grace â—â—d great desire to see the Lords sweet face â—â—HOVAH good to hear him was not slack 〈◊〉 spare his life he let him see his back What verse what pen can paint this great Divine â—hose face JOVAH made with his face to shine â—ith God on SINAH fourtie dayes he past â—l this time he kept a most solemne fast â—here of JOVAH whose wisedome doth excell â—e learn'd the Laws which he taught Israel 〈◊〉 him God most excellent gifts did give â—e was the meekest that on earth did live Of yeeres he liv'd a hundred and twentie Without weaknesse and dâ—mnesse of the eye Because at MASSAH he fail'd in his faith Of CANAAN he might not tread the path To climb NEBO the LORD did him commanâ— That he might see from thence the holy land When this was done this man of GOD did die In MOAB land where GOD did him burie Before or after came none in his place Who knew JOVAH so clearly face to face The Song of Moses before his death THE PREFACE O Pleasant heavens that are above with diligence give eare And I will speake O earth below the wordes of my mouth heare 2 My doctrine shall drop as the raine my speach as dew shall passe As small raine on the tender herbe and showres upon the grasse 3 Because I surely will publish the blest name of the Lord 〈◊〉 greatnesse therefore to Gods name ascribe with one accord I. PART HEE is the rock his worke perfect all his wayes judgement be 〈◊〉 God of trueth and without sin most just and right is He They have corrupt themselves their spot is not the spot alwayes his children they are perverse a race of crooked wayes Vnwise people doe yee the Lord thus requite is not He â—y father buyer hath he not made and establish'd thee Remember ye the dayes of old yeeres past consider well â—ke thy father he will thee shew thy Elders will thee tell When the most High for nations did heritage divide Sufficient bounds for Israel he wisely did provide 9 For the Lord for his portion hath his people without blot Jacob is his inheritance appointed as by lot 10 He found him in a desert land and waste wildernesse hee Him led instructed and him kept as th' Apple of his eye 11 As an Eagle stir 's up her nest fluttreth her young upon Her wings doth spread and taketh them to carry them thereon 12 So the good Lord alone did him lead in all wayes safelie And there with him was no strange god in all that company 13 He made them ride on Canaan high that he th' increase might eat He made him sucke honey and oyle that were in rocks most sweet 14 Butter of kine and milk of sheepe he gave to every man â—ith fat of Lambes and also Rams of the bread of Bashan â—e gave them goats vvith the fat of Kidneyes of Wheat right good â—nd thou didst of the svveet grapes drink the pure Wine red like blood II. PART BVt Jeshurun vvho should have beene most righteous did kick â—â—ou art exceeding vvaxed fat thou art also grovvn thick â—â—ou covered art vvith fatnesse then His Maker he forsook â—nd of his sure salvations rock no care at all he took With strange gods they provoked Him unto great jealousie â—ith great abominations they mov'd Him to be angrie They sacrificed unto dev'ls to gods whom they
not knew â—hom your fathers did never fear because they were but new 18 Thou art unmindfull of the Rock that did thee once beget And the Lord God that formed thee thou did'st alwayes forget IIII. PART AND when the Lord saw it he did ahhorre them all anone Because of the provokeing of both Daughter and of Son 20 He said I will my face from them hide and I will now see Their end they are a froward race in whom no faith can be 21 With that which is not god they have me mov'd to jealousie They have me to anger provok'd with their great vanitie I them also to jealousie with such as are no flock Will move them to anger with fooles I surely will provoke 22 For in my wrath fire kindled is such as no tongue can tell â—t shall not cease alwayes to burne even to the lowest hell And shall consume the earth with her increase poor mans desire And the foundations of the mount shall surely set on fire 3 A heap of mischiefs upon them I certainly will send also upon them in wrath mine arrovves vvill novv spend 4 They shall consumed be and burnt vvith paine of hunger great â—nd suddainly shall be devour'd vvith a most burning heat â—nd vvith bitter destruction I vvill al 's on them thrust â—he teeth of beasts vvith the poyson of serpents of the dust â— The svvord vvithout terrour vvithin shall destroy and not spare â—â—e young man virgin the suckling vvith the man of gray haire â— I said I vvould into corners them quickly scatter then I would make their rememberance to cease from among men 27 Were it not that I the great wrath fear'd of the enemie Lest their vaine adversaries should behave themselves strangly And lest that they puft up with pride should say these wordes right soone Our hand is now high and the Lord hath not all this work done 28 For they are a vaine nation of wholesome counsell voide Neither in their hearts foolish doth understanding abide 29 O that they were wise so that they this clearely understood That they would now their latter end consider for their good 30 How should but one a thousand chase and two al 's put to flight Ten thousand if their Rock had not then sold and shut up right 32 For their rock in no way is as our Rock that is mightie â—ee seeke no other this to judge but our owne enemie â—2 Of Sodom and Gomorrahs field their vine I truely call â—heir great clusters are most bitter their grapes are grapes of gall â—3 Their wine is Dragons poison which from these grapes doth distill And is the deadly venime of most cruell Aspes that kill â—4 Is not this wickednesse laid up in store there to abide And seal'd up among my treasures like that which one doth hide IIII. PART TO me belongeth vengeance and recompence for their crime Their wicked foot shall surely slide in due appointed time For their day of calamitie is surely neere at hand And the things that shall come on them make haste and shall not stand 36 For the Lord shall his people judge and for his folks repent When he sees all their power gone and altogether spent 37 And he in his great wrath shall say Where are their gods of might Their rock in whom they trusted much they come not now in sight 38 Which ate fatlings and wine off'rings in drinke did not reject Let them rise up and with their strength you help and al 's protect 39 See now that I am he even I no god there is with me I kill I also make alive I wound and heal safely Neither is there among the gods any by Sea or Land That by their strength deliver can out of my mighty hand 40 For I my hand unto the Heav'n do now lift up and heave In signe that I this great oath make for ever as I live 41 If I my glitt'ring Sword whet and judge in severitie will surely reward vengeance to my foes that hate me â—2 I will mine arrowes in my wrath which is now kindled sore Make drunk with blood and my Sword shall their filthie flesh devore â—nd that with the blood of the slaine and of captives that be â—rom the beginning of revenge upon the enemie â—3 Rejoice yee nations with his folke for he who doth not change Will the blood of his servants dear most speedily avenge And to his adversaries will render a vengeance full And to his land and his people will be most mercifull The Use He who desires like good Moses to be In all Gods house let him serve faithfullie He who vvith Moses vvould be a Divine Must speak vvith God untill that his face shâ— None is so good but he vvill get assaults Love Moses vertues but flee from his fault To circumcise his Son he did delay At Meribah he also vvent astray At these vvaters he failed in his faith For vvhich he might not tread in Canans paâ— See vvhat it is to sin against the Lord Who Moses sin to spare vvould not accord God hateth sin in best men as yee see Though they be dear as th' apple of his eye AARON Prince of praise THis Prince of praise was Moses brother 〈◊〉 Elder then MOSES the space of three yâ— These brethren two were men of great requeâ— MOSES was King but Aaron was the Priest 〈◊〉 He was design'd such by the Almond rod Mouth to MOSES to him Moses as God When God by him as high Priest was ador'd His body was with these garments decor'd A girdle mitter and a broidred coat â—ob an Ephod and a rich breast-plate â—ith URIM TUMMIM an excellent thing â—s incense censer in his hand did hing â—â—elve precious stones on his breast were without â—lls Pomegranats his Ephod hang about â—â—on his brow there was a plate of gold â—â—aring these words HOLINES TO THE LORD 〈◊〉 the Holy of Holys thus he stood â—â—fore the Lord with a bason of blood â—nce in his life alas he playd the foole â—hen he the Calf form'd with a graving toole â—fter he saw it this he added more â—e rashly built an Altar it before â—ecause at MASSAH he fail'd in his faith â—f Canaan he might not tread the path â—ripe off his garments put them on his Son â—or he in office no more may remaine â—pon mount HOR death him of life bereaved â—ho fourtie yeares in wildernesse had lived â—hen God him tooke from this earths miserie â—f age he was an hundred twentie three â—his holy man most upright in his wayes â—as after death lamented thirty dayes The Use Most happy he who hath his breast within â—hat which without was sealed by Tummim Let no man a vaine people for to please Doe that which may the mighty Lord displeâ— MIRIAM Bitternesse THis MOSES sister daughter of AMRAM From bitternesse was called MIRIAM Elder then Moses at the river side She watcht the Boat wherein they did him 〈◊〉 At the red sea when MOSES men among Did
of blessings manifold Went from this earth fivescore and ten yeeres old After his death this man of great account With grief was buri'd on Ephraim Mount The Use Worthy Captaine who will not thee commend A godly life makes ay a godly end Who fights for GOD with never fading baye◠Shall have his Temples trimmed and with laye◠Men and women his praises shall extoll His name famous shall be in Jovahs roll THE GARDEN OF ZION The Judges 1. Othniel 2. Ehud 3. Shamgar 4. Barak 5. Gideon 6. Abimelech 7. Tolah 8. Jair 9. Jephte 10 Ibsan 11. Elon 12. Abdon 13. Samson 14. Micah 15. Eli 16 Samuel 1. OTHNIEL The time of God WHen divers had afflicted Israel In a fit time the Lord sent Othniel By him great things in his lifetime were done Come of Kenaz good Calebs brother Son In Kiriath-sepher for vent'ring his life Caleb him gave his faire Achsah to wife King Chusan Rishataim he supprest By him Israel fourtie yeers had rest The Use In greatest troubles and in dangers prime The Lord will send comfort in fittest time 2. EHUD Excellent WHen Isra'l sin'd Moab with Amalek Were rais'd by GOD his people to correct But when they mourn'd and cryed to JOVAH He sent them Ehud first Son of Gerah This man left handed was of Benjamin His sharp dager he hid his cloathes within With sword at side with present in his hand He went to Eglon King of Moab land He said O King take heed give ear to me I have from God a great message for thee When he heard that he rose out of his seat With one stroke Ehud ended the debate While thus Eglon did wallow in deaths shade The dirt came out the fat inclos'd the blade By him the host of Moab was supprest After Isra'l had fourscore yeers of rest The Use Here learne that such a rare and single fact Is not set downe in Scripture for an act To teach men thus this Ehud to follow Each man to stob the Lord doth not allow 2. SHAMGAR Throwing downe THis Shamgar was a man of great renown With an Oxe-gaod six hundred he th◠down The Use Heere learne that great is our eternall God Who can save us either by sling or goad 4. DEBORAH A Bee BARAK Lightning DEare DEBORAH thy name a honey Bee Who can expresse the praise that 's du◠thee A Prophetesse sweet thou was in thy life A Judge in ISRA'L though for sexe a wife In her time Jabin ISRA'L had opprest Captaine Sisera did them sore molest Then DEBORAH at God the Lords command Said to BARAK JABIN into thine hand I will deliver by mine arme mighty Be stout and doubt not of the victory Oh said BARAK he is a mighty fo Go thou with me if not I will not go I will said she now surely go with thee But unto thee this no honour shall be Up up now BARAK said stout DEBORAH Take courage for with us is great JOVAH In that great day the LORD in ISRA'LS sight Put Siserah with all his host to flight He fled to Jahel there hid with a vaile She pierc'd his temples with a bloody naile According to DEBORAHS prophecie A wife not BAKAR got that victorie When the great GOD had wrought out this great thing DEBORAH BARAK then began to sing The Song of DEBORAH and BARAK PRaise ye the LORD for th' avenging of his own Israel When the people offred gladely themselves unto Battell 2 Heare Kings and Princes I even I will sing unto the Lord Vnto the Lord God of Isra'l I will praises afford 3 Lord when thou went'st from Seir when thou did march from Edom land The Earth trembled the Heav'ns dropped the Clouds they did disband 4 The Mountaines melted from before the Lord God Eternall Even that Sinai from before thee Lord God of Israel 5 In Shangars dayes Son of Anath in the dayes of Jael The high wayes were unoccupied they went in by wayes all 6 The indweller of villages in Israel did cease Vntill that I Deborah rose a mother to make peace 7 They chose new gods then in their gates was warre was their a shield Or speare among fourty thousand in all Israels field 8 My heart to Isral's Governours is that vvith one accord Offred themselves most willingly to Battell blesse the Lord. 9 Speake ye that ride on white asses In cheefe rulers aray And yee that sit in judgement and that travel by the way 10 And yee the poorest of the land whose tread was still to drawe Waters who for fear of Archers did greatly stand in awe Yee from this feare delivered Gods great workes magnifie Who hath given justice and traffiique in village and citie 11 Awake awake awake awake Deborah sing anone Arise Barak and lead captive thou of Ahinoan Son 12 He that remaines he made to rule ov'r the Nobilitie Ov'r the people the Lord me gave rule over the mighty 14 Of Ephraim ' gainst Amalek there was a root worthie Also among this great people Benjamin after thee From Machir of Manasse came governours goodly men To this service came Zebulon scribes that handle the pen 15 And the most mighty Princes of strong Issachar that day Were with Deborah in the field ev'n Issachar I say Also Barak to the valley sent on foot did depart For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart 16 Why would not thou from the sheep folds go for to act thy part For the divisions of Reuben were great searching of heart 17 Beyond Jordan Gilead abode and why did Dan remaine In ships Asher on the Sea shore in his breaches sought gaine 18 Zebulon and Naphtali were armed with speare and shield Their lives they jeoparded in the high places of the field 19 The Kings of Cana'n came and fought Jabin for to maintaine In Tana'ch neere to Megiddo but thereby did not gaine 20 The clouds and wind'gainst Sisera did fight from the heav'ns hie The Stars in their courses also fought most couragiouslie 21 The river Kishon even Kishon did sweepe them all away O thou my soule thou hast dovvntrode great strength vvithout delay 22 Then vvere the strong horse hoofs broken in great rage and furie By the means of the pransings even pransings of the mightie 23 Curse yee Meros most bitterly yea curse 〈◊〉 the Angel Because against these foes they did not help the Eternall 24 The Wife of Heber Jael shall blest above Women be She shall be blest above Women in the tent most surely 25 He asked vvater and she gave him milke of svvet relish She also vvisely butter brought foorth in a lordly dish 26 She vvith a hammer and a naile smote Sisera indeed VVhen she had pierced his temples she did smite of his head 27 He bovv'd and fell and lay dovvne h◠at her feet hovv'd and fell VVhere he bovv'd there he fell downe dead at the feet of Jahel 28 Sisera's mother looked out at vvindovves and did cry Through the lattesse vvith joy of heart
thousand they in armour bright Prepar'd in Battell ' gainst Isra'l to fight From Gibeah in that armie were then Expert in war seven hundred chosen men Left handed strong who to fight would not spare They with their sling stones well could hit an haire Against all these the Israelites had then In readinesse foure hundred thousand men They went to GOD first to seeke his counsell To know which of them first should give Battell To them this answere came from great JOVAH Unto the Battell first shall go Judah Then Israel right stoutly did begin To go to battell against Benjamin And they againe all in armour full bright Prepar'd them selves against Isra'l to fight Brave warriours all glistring with harnesse Threw downe that day Isra'l with great distresse Twentie six thousand joined with some few Unto Isra'l twentie two thousand slew To GOD againe they went to seek counsell If they should give to Benjamin battell Go up said GOD your anger to fulfill Go up why not if so it be your will The second day came Israel to fight Against Benjamin but were put to flight Of that great armie of Isral's children Destroyed down were eighteene thousand men Then Israel perceiving at the last Great numbers nought they ran to GOD by fasâ— They weeped sore and powred out their heart Then GOD was moved for to take their part Up up said God to war I you command To morrow I will put them in your hand On the third day Israel did begin A bloody battell against Benjamin At the first meeting which was with furie Of Isral's brave men were then slaine thirtie Then Benjamin uplifting his proud crist Cri'd they are smitten down as at the first Then Israel by GOD himself made wise Said Let us flie and draw them to high wayes At Baal Tamar they all in good array Prepar'd themselves to fight stoutly that day Liers in wait came out of hole and bore Ten thousand chosen made the battell sore The LORD Captaine this great host did command Therefore Benjamin that day could not stand Before behinde Israel did them hew Twentie five thousand and five score they slew The Use See what is lust consider how therefore Were slaine sixtie five thousand and five score Let men also when they their armies send Heere learne not on great numbers to depend THE GARDEN OF ZION RUTH Watered WIth famine prest these persons went anone Elimelech Naomi with Mahlon And Chilion their sons from Bethlehem To MOAB land that they might their remaine ELIMELECH Naomis best beloved At last by pale death was from her removed Then her two sons their hearts for to rejoice Of RUTH and ORPAH made their onely choisâ— But in their mariage this was a great spot These women were from the incest of Lot For Moab was against all divine order His mothers sonne and also his owne brother After ten yeares in mariage were past These two young men both died at the last Then poore Naomi deliv'red from dread Hearing how God had given to Isra'l bread Said to Orpah and Ruth her daughters dear Goe to your owne for I must hence retire The Lord in mercy deale with you kindlie As ye have dealt with the dead and with me The Lord in mercy work all to your best That with your husbands each of you finde rest Then kissing them they weeped bitterlie They said surely we will returne with thee Naomi said My daughters turne again For now with me ye can no more remaine The Lord mo sons on me doth not allow Which I for husbands might give unto you Then all did weepe then Orpah tooke her leâ— But to NAOMI RUTHS heart fast did cleave Not so Naomi said Behold Orpah Best thou returne with thy sister in law Intreat me not said Ruth I pray humblie For to returne from following after thee Both going lodging people and our God Shall all be one with thee mine whole abode I mind to make to live and die indeed With thee I minde and al 's to be buri'd From thee I will by no meanes now depart Nothing but death on earth shall us two part When she her saw so stedfastly persist She said to Ruth to speake more I desist Then they two went with little meanes with them Unto her city called BETHLEHEM Unto her many came where she abade Is this Naomi each to other said No more that name said she belongs to me Call me Marah because God bitterlie Hath dealt with me the LORD hath more and more Against me wrought and hath afflicted sore Beside her dwelt Booz a wealthie man A neere and deare friend of her dead husband The barley harv'st was Ruth desired then In great mister some ears of corne to gleane She went to fields God did direct her chose She came unto the reaperâ— of Booz When Booz knew Ruth the Moabitesse His melting heart did pitie her distresse Then did Booz speake friendly to her heart See from this field that thou do not depart When thou gleanest abide neere the women Concerning thee I shall direct the men That they thee touch not when thou art a thirst Go to the vessels and take of the best After that Ruth had such great fovour found She bowed humbly even unto the ground Saying thou art a rich man high in place And â— a stranger in thine eyes finde grace Then Booz said It hath been shown to me How kind thou hast beene unto Naomi The LORD of love who doth all things remark Reward thee full and recompence thy worke Then loving Booz in things of all sort Left no thing undoone that might Ruth comfort Both meet and drink she got while she did gleane Booz handfulls the reapers did ordaine To leave of purpose that for coming foorth Shee might returne home with some thing of worth When she had eaten she put up a part Which shee brought home with a most loving heart Unto Naomi who blest the most Hie Who had made her to finde such charitie Then said Naomi I will do my best Eor thee my daughter to seeke out a rest I trust my hope shall take some good effect Wash thee therefore and do as I direct Though thou be Ruth a silly widow poor Feare not to go unto his threshing floore When he hath ended both to drinke and eat Marke where he lyes last uncover his feet Waite well thy time and after lay thee downe And he will tell thee what is to be done As Naomi her daughter had informed All was by Ruth so in due time performed Then Booz to bed with a merry heart Went after Ruth past softly to her part She well resolv'd not fearing hurt or scorne Lay down with Booz neere an heap of corne At midnight houre when his first sleep did passe He was afraid and wondred who it was Who can this be Who art thou then he said I am said she even Ruth thine owne hand maid I come to thee in all humilitie My neere kinsman now spread thy skirt on
not his fathers ordinance But when the matter he did understand He said My father hath troubled the land For want of meat mens hearts so weakened be That they can not pursue the victorie Still fight said Saul and do all that ye can Spoile and destroy of them leave not a man But first to GOD to seeke response they went To see what should be his sacred intent But God in wrath for ought that they could say Would not make answere to Isra'l that day Go to said Saul there is some man of sin By Divine lot I trust I shall him finde Give perfect lot said Saul to GOD I pray That we may see by what great sin this day Thou hast beene griev'd though it my Son should bee Stout Jonathan he shall now surely die Then curiously Saul seeking out this spot Upon Jonathan fell the Divine lot Tell tell said Saul tell me what thou hast done Prepare for death for thee mercy is none Alas said he I hungry wanting meat In a faire wood of hony combs did eat That which I did was done ignorantlie Behold Jonathan must now surely die No more said Saul thou hast broken the oath Of great JOVAH prepare thy self for death What said Isra'l shall stout Jonathan die Who hath for GOD now fought so valiantly As God liveth who ever lives indeed No thing shall aile the least haire of his head Thus the people walking in the right way Good Jonathan they did rescue that day Then unto Saul went godly Samuel To him from GOD this message did he tell Remember now how Amalek laid wait For Isra'l by the way in his great strait Now go and smite and utterly destroy Beast Man and Maid unto the suckling Boy When this was said King Saul with all his might Against Aamalek stoutly went to fight He slew these men and tooke Captive the King With him best beasts he sav'd alive which thing Acted by him ' gainst Gods Commandement The faire kingdome of Isra'l from him rent Then Samuel said Where is Agag the King See ye in haste that Tyran to me bring When he was come he hew'd in pieces all Agag the King before GOD in Gilgal After this sin the LORD to Samuel said Go and anoint for King the herd David Because for Isra'l he ventur'd his life Against Goliah he got for his wife Michal Sauls daughter that great victorie Brede in Sauls breast displeasure and envie This soulesse Saul by Doegs villenie Was mov'd to slay at Nob with crueltie Fourescore and five servants of the great GOD Who for armour had but linnen EPHOD Because to David in hunger and need They had vouchsav'd some peece of GODS shew-bread At divers times Saul fill'd with rage and strife Hunted David like a flea for his life Whiles like a Lion cruel he did roar Enrag'd at DAVID whiles like a wild boar He did him hunt most like a bloody hound Who cannot rest untill his prey be found But God at last to make of him an end A great armie of Philistins did send The Philistins at Shunem were gath'red Isra'ls armie in Gilboah pitched When Saul that hoast of Philistins did see He trembled all his heart did quake greatly Then he in feare unto the Lord did cry But God to him no answere would reply Neither by dreames by URIM or Prophet When Saul saw this his heart within did fret If God will not the Divell I will desire To help said he of him I will enquire There is a witch which doth at Endor dwell Said they She can all secrets to thee tell Then Saul went to that wicked wife by night Desiring her to bring to him in sight Whom he should name who ever was the man Then unto him thus answerd the woman Right well thou knowst no sprit familiar Is now approv'd make not for me a snare As God liveth said Saul now â—or this thing Thou shalt not smart Tell mee whom I shall bring Up unto thee said she now to me tell Bring up to me said he old dead Samuel When the woman perceived this dead man Arise from grave to tremble she began She said to Saul Thou hast deceived me That thou art Saul I know now certainly Feare not said Saul no ill to thee I meane Declare me plainely all that thou hast seene I have said she now perceiv'd a strang thing Gods wonderfull from the earth ascending What is his forme said Saul now tell to me A mantled old man said she I now see When the woman these things to Saul did tell He then perceiv'd that it was Samuel He having all things in such order found He bow'd himself and stouped to the ground Then Samuel said Why hast thou troubled me I am said Saul distressed heavily God hath me left and answeres me no more To seek thy help I am constrain'd therefore In vaine said Samuel comest thou to me Who can be friend where God is enemie The Lord at first of thee for King made choise But thou stubborne would not obey his voice ' Gainst Amalek to do the Lords command Therefore the Kingdome is rent from thine hand Thy foes shall fight thine hoast shall fall and flee Thou and thy sons the morne shall be with me Then Saul afraid fell straight way all along Upon the earth the witch and men among No strength in him in him there was no might For he had fasted both the day and night When this was done the witch prepared meat She brought it to him and mov'd him to eat Behold anone the Philistines armie Ready to fight as Isra'l was to flie The Archers shot the battell went full sore The shafts did flee their rage did more and more Increase then Saul to his servant did say Draw out thy sword and quickly now me slay Take courage do let not this trouble thee Though thou me spare yet will I surely die My feare is that th'uncircumcised band Come and abuse me vilely with their hand But the servant who his Prince fear'd and lov'd To kill the King by no words could be mov'd Then Saul with rage and godlesse furie prest With his own sword did peirce through his own breast Jonathan Abinadab Malchishuah Sauls three sons with Saul fell on Gilboah The Philistins after finding Saul dead Upon the mount they cut from him the head The body of that stout and valiant man They fastned to the strong wall of Bethshan Among the rest this was the sharpest rod His armour bright unto their idol god Ashtaroth they brought with great pomp and glory As though their god had given them this victory When Jabesh heard what to dead Saul was done With one consent they all armed right soone The bodies of Saul and of Jonathan They pulled downe from the walls of Bethshan To save them sure with fire they did them burne Seven dayes they fasting for their death diâ— mourne The Use This history to all men well may tell That none shall speed that seeks the divels
But God to Nathan the next night did tell That in an house as yet he would not dwell But afterward should come a man of fame Who richly should build an house for his name A son of David whom he would correct If he should sin but not as Saul reject When David heard Nathan from God thus say With heart and harp he did both praise and pray After this done by an courage divine He boldly went and smote the Philistine From them he tooke Metheg and al 's Ammah For with him then was the great JEHOVAH After he had subdued the Philistine He smote Moab and measur'd with a line He after that smote the King of Zobah Being assisted by the great JOVAH After he strong routed the Syrian hoast Who came against him with great brags and boast King Toi hearing of his courage divine Sent to him Joram with a rich propine At last he did consecrate to the Lord Both spoile and presents conquer'd by his sword To Mephibosheth in his great distresse For Jonathan he shew him great kindnesse After all this his servants courtesly He sent to Hanun comforters to be For Nahash death but that fool could not spâ— He cut their coats and made their buttocks bare This al 's he did more for a greater scoff Of all their beards the half he shaved off These men for shame could not lift up their facâ— But on David redounded the disgrace When King Hanun did ponder well and thinkâ— He said this fact in Davids nose doth stinke Before he know we will make an armie To overthrow both him and his partie But David wise did to his captains tell That all should be prepar'd for the Battell That day JEHOVAH who is most mighty Gave unto David a great victory Both Syria and Ammon with their might That day by Isra'l were put to the flight David as yet remaining in his rage ' Gainst Ammon their towne Rabbah did besieâ— He sent Joab unto it for captaine But he himself in great ease did remaine At faire Salem while he did there abide It came to passe about the evening tide He rose from bed and to the roofe he went Where he forgot the Lords commandement With foolish heart and with a rolling eye He did perceive Bathshebahs great beautie Goe to said he you woman to me bring Make haste for what 's unlawfull for a King While David thus burning in lust did say Some vile servant was ready to obey She brought to bed by the King was defil'd Anone after she found her self with child Then in all haste she sent unto the King To see how he might wisely hide that thing Behold thought David a scandale and blot Will soone break foorth except I cloake this spot I see no way to hide from all the land This secret sin but by her own husband If he come home and once but with her ly My sin is hid hence no man shall it try Some servant goe tell to Joab quicklie That he in haste send Uriah to me Then Joab soone him sent when he was come With fair sweet words David made him welcome How Joab did at him he did inquire If all did goe after their hearts desire Then David said I thinke it now most meet Thou goe to thy house and there wash thy feet But these faire words the man not caring for Abode without and sleept at the Kings doore After that David to Usiah said Man with thy wife why didst thou not abide Uriah said The Arke and Israel Joab and Judah right well I can tell Abide in tents during this time of strife And should I now goe to sport with my wife I will not goe as thou livest O King I will not go I will not do such thing When David heard this he found out a wile With drunkenesse Uriah to beguile That being drunk the war he might forget And so go to his wife without all let But God above this thing did so provide At the Kings doore this man did still abide When David saw that for ought he could say To touch his wife this poore man did delay Then wickedly to thinke he did begin How by his blood he might then cloake his sin Bring pen and inke said he to me right soone When he is dead who shall know what is done His strange letter to Joab this did tell Set this man in the front of the Battell When at skirmish in danger ye him see Retire with speed that he may surely die This David wrot He wanting Gods true fear Made Uriah his death with him to bear Then Captaine Joab too too ready bent To pleasure Kings in their commandement Tooke this poor man with cruell craft and slight And set him where most valiant foes did fight Where men of Rabbah fiercely to Battell Came there they fought and there Uriah fell When David heard this he said All is well My secret sin no man shall now reveale After Bathshebah by mutuall accord Became his wife which displeased the Lord. Then God to him his Prophet Nathan sen To let him know that God was miscontent By parable he did himselfe expresse A holy wile to make David confesse His filthie fact and for it sore to weepe Who whole nine months in his vile sin did sleep Then said Nathan there was in one city Two men the one in richesse was mighty The other poore the rich upon his ground Had herds and flocks wherein he did abound But the poore man save an ewe lamb had nought Which he in strait with his poore meanes had bought And nourished with diligence indeed With his children he dayly did it feed Of his owne cup it dranke and of his meat Such as he had it welcome was to eat Yea in his bosome sweetly it did lye And was to him as daughter by and by But O behold unto the rich mans Inne A traveiler came to abide therein The naughty rich man his flocks for to spare Caught the poor lamb it kil'd for to prepare Meat for that man for him it he did dresse What think ye Sir should he not this redresse Then Davids wrath raging against the man Sore kindled was he said unto Nathan As God liveth who liveth most surely That beastly wretch for that vile fact shall die And unto that yet I will adde this more The Lamb fourefold he shall quickly restore This I ordaine no man it shall repeale It seemely is that Kings for God have zeale Then unto David said Prophet Nathan Even thou thy self O King thou art the man Thou wouldst for God seem to have zeal and love Thou hast done that which heere thou dost reprove Thus saith the Lord the God of Israel I unto thee this hard message will tell Ov'r Isra'l King I made thee for to be Out of Sauls hands I safe deliv'red thee Thy Masters house with thy Masters Kingdome I gave to thee his wives in thy bosome I made to lye yea I most liberallie Both Isra'ls
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
Gods Word did direct His heart with God the Lord was not perfect When warre arose he unto the Lord sought ' Gainst Jeroboam he a Battell fought Foure hundred thousand were with Abijah Eight hundred thousand were against Judah For Jeroboam In the fields were then An armie of twelve hundred thousand men Then Abijah standing on Zemaraim Which is a part of faire mount Ephraim VVith a loud voice cri'd unto Israel VVhy come ye foorth against me to Battell VVhat God hath join'd why go ye now to seveâ— For the whole land the Lord hath given for ever To Davids house without a let or halt This was made sure by Covenant of salt Yet Jeroboam Solomons servant Doth what he can to breake this Covenant Gathred unto him are men of Belial Who are novv come to provoke to Battell And novv ye think the Kingdome to vvithstand VVhich should remaine sure in Davids sons hand VVith you is a great multitude of men VVith golden Calves of false Jeroboam Have yee not cast out the Priests of the Lord That for vile gaine yee might with one accord Make unto you Priests that vvould take in hand To serve strange gods that vvere from other Lands But as for us the Lord vvith us vvill be VVho have vvith us the Priests sons of Levi VVho morne and even vvaite upon all service Enjoyn'd by GOD the dayly sacrifice VVe with our heart keep the charge of the Lord. But ye have him all left vvith one accord Behold hovv God is vvith us for Captaine His Priests vvith Trumpets to sound an alarme Against you VVherefore novv vvith one accord Conveene yee thus to fight against the Lord Leave off leave off proceed no more this vvay For your armie shall not prosper this day But Jeroboam free of feare and doubt Judahs armie did compasse all about When Judah saw them compass'd in Battell They with strong prayers cri'd to th' Eternall The Priests began with their Trumpets to sound Judah did shout Which made th' Echos rebound Then God arose to shew himself by might He Jeroboam put unto the flight The flight was fierce bloody was the Battell Five hundred thousand that day to Isra'l Were kill'd But Judah prevail'd by and by Because with faith they to the Lord did cry Thus Jeroboam curbed in his wayes Recov'red not strength in Abijahs dayes But Abijah wax'd more and more mighty With fourteene wives he begat sons twenty Because he was not perfect in his wayes Of his Kingdome the Lord shortned the dayes He in his wayes walked not uprightly Therefore his great pomp lasted but years three The Use Ill Kings from Thrones by a successive svvay Like chaffe by vvind shall soone be driven avvay 3. ASAH Healing BEhold a King most glorious like the Sun Whose end was good whose life was wâ— begun A man of health is he who strives to please The Lord and doth what is good in his eyes This worthy King with holy jealousie Brake downe the Altars of Idolatrie Set up for strange gods he the high places With groves cut downe and brake the images With great zeale he commanded all Judah To do the Law and turne unto Jovah Because the Lords Law he did not forget The Kingdome was long before him quiet At last ZERAH the Ethiopian Came with an host of a thousand thousand ASAH the King thus troubled very sore Conveen'd five hundred thousand and fourescore Thus fifteene hundred thousand men that day With fourscore thousand in Battell aray Were set Then Asah cri'd unto the Lord That in that strait his help he would afford Help us O Lord help us O Lord said he Thou canst well help with few or with many Against this host we now goe in thy name Make now our foes to turne their back with shame When God this heard he rose in anger hot And with his sword this huge armie he smot His wrath like waters wheesing out did foyle The proud Zerah then Judah got their spoile When this was done the Prophet Azariah Was sent from God for to meet King Asah God is vvith you said he vvhile ye vvith him His love with you most ready to confirme If yee forsake him he will forsake you now If yee seek him he will be found of you Be strong therefore Gods service much regard For God the Lord your good work shall rewaâ—d When Asa heard these words he tooke courage The idole gods he did destroy with rage From Ephraim Manasseh and Simeon Unto Asa many did flock anone Then with one minde they were glade and content To make with GOD the LORD a Covenant By God they sware in a most sol mne oath That man woman great small should die the death Who should refuse the living God to seek Who to his Saints is mercifull and meek Then all the people with their whole desire Did seeke the Lord as Asa did require They sware to God with shouting and Trumpets With singing voice and also with Cornets They seeking God beleev'd and did not doubt And he unto them gave rest round about When this was done this worthy King Asah From being Queene his mother Maachah Remov'd because vaine idols she did love She had set up an idole in a grove This idole he did cut and stamp upon With fire he burnt it at the brook Kidron When this was done Ba'sha King of Isra'l Did build Ramah to make Asah to fall But Asah quickly sent to Benhadad For help which in the Lords eyes did seeme bad For this doing the Prophet Hanani Him told that he had done most foolishly What hadst thou said he to doe with Syria To hire their help Did not the great Jovah Make thee subdue the Ethiopian host With the Lubims who in their pride did boâ—st Gods eyes throughout the earth run to and â—ro To manifest his great might so and so He is ready with great power to smite The foes of these who towards him perfite Are in their heart Because in this right far Thou hast failed hence foâ—th thou shalt have warre When Asa heard these words of Hanani A fierie wrath did kindle his furie Take this villaine said he this Bâ—lials son Now bind him fast and cast him in prison Moreover he some people in distresse Without mercy severely did oppresse In his old age diseased in his feet To Medecins to seeke he thought more meet Then to the Lord who health and happinesse Hath ready for his servants in distresse Though diverse faults bee seen in this mans wayes Yet with the Lord his heart was all his dayes Perfect as the first book of Kings doth tell Written by the scrib of God Eternell He sway'd the Scepter years one and fourtie Though Kings be gods yet as men they must die The Use Our brightest life is like the Moone with spot Where is the life that is without a blot 4. JEHOSHAPHAT The judgement of the Lord. NOw fill mine heart LORD with thy glowing flame Raise up my Spirit and verses in me
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
be after him Who can him tell surelie 15 Fooles do themselves with labour great even weary every day Because they do not know so much as the broad cities way 16 Woe unto thee O wretched land when childish is thy king And thy Princes as gluttons eat early in the morning 17 Blest art thou land when thy King is come of a noble race And thy Princes eat soberly for strength not drunkenesse 18 By slothfulnesse the building all most quickly doth decay And through great idlenesse the house it droppeth through alway 19 A feast sure is for laughter made and wine makes merry men â—ut money answ'reth constantly all things both now and then 20 See that the King that rules the land thou curse not in thy thought And likewise curse thou not the rich to thy bedchamber brought For a bird of the aire the voice shall cary by and by That which hath wings the matter shall tell even as it doth ly Chap. 11. UPon the waters cast thy bread and spare it not alwayes For thou shalt sure it finde againe though after many dayes 2 To seven or eight a portion give and that most liberally For thou know'st not what hindrance soone upon the earth may be 3 If that the clouds of heaven above be filled well with raine They for the fruits upon the earth emptie themselves againe If towards south or yet the north at last shall fall the tree In the same place where it doth fall there also shall it be 4 He that too strict observ's the wind shall not well sow his seed He that too strict regards the clouds shall sheaves not reape with speed 5 The sprites way thou know'st not nor how bones in the womb do grow Even so thou not the workes of God who maketh all dost know 9 When it's morning then sow thy seed upon thy labour'd land And in the evening time also with hold thou not thine hand For whether this shall prosper well or that not understood It is by any who can tell if both alike be good 7 Truely the light is sweet and al 's a pleasant thing it seemes Unto the eyes for to behold the sunnes faire glistring beames 8 But if a man live many yeeres and in them more or lesse Rejoice let him remember well the dayes of great darknesse For they unpleasant surely shall in a great number be All that which comes under the sun is very vanitie 9 O young man in thy youth rejoice and let thy heart thee please Walk in the wayes of thy heart and in the sight of thine eyes But know thou this assuredly that even for every thing God in his justice thee at last will into judgement bring 10 Therefore all sorrow from thy heart see thou remove quicklie Put ill away for childhood and youth are but vanitie Chap. 12. THy Creator remember well in youth while the ill day Is not come nor the yeares draw nigh when thou shall surely say In all such things under the sun no pleasure I at all Have in my heart I loth such things yea whether great or small 2 While the Sun light or yet the Moone or the starres in their traine Be not darkned nor yet the clouds returne after the raine 3 In the day when the keepers of the house as in palsie Shall tremble and the strong men shall themselves bow faintingly The grinders then shall cease to be as mouldred all away And these that out at windowes looke al 's dark'ned be alway 4 And in the streetes the doores shall be shut when the grinding sound Is low he at the chirp of birds shall rise from sleep unsound His sprits also shall be so dull that he shall nothing know The daughters all of musick then shall be brought very low 5 Of high things they shall be afraid and feares al 's in the way Shall be and al 's the Almond tree shall flourish white alway Desire shall faile a grashopper a burden shall be so Because man dies the mourners then about the streetes doe go 6 Before al 's that the silver cord be loosed at the length Or that the golden bowle at last be broken with its strength Or that the pitcher broken be even at the maine fountaine Or yet that broken be the wheele that 's hard by the cisterne 7 Then shall the dust returne to earth as it was most vile dust Then shall the sprite returne to God who gave it at the first 8 Even vanitie of vanities the Preacher well doth call The things that are on earth below yea vanitie is all 9 Because the Preacher wise was he did teaâ—h the people still Yea he gave good heed and sought out wise Proverbes with great skill 10 The Preacher sought to find out wordes acceptable to heare What written was it was upright words to the truth most neere 11 Wise words are like to goads and nailes by preachers fastned well Which from one shepheard are all given who doth the same reveale 12 By these my son admonish'd be of makeing bookes no end There is much study al 's the flesh with wearinesse doth spend 13 Let us now heare the end of all feare God and as thou can His precepts keep for sure this is the duety all of man 14 For God in judgement every work most clearly shall reveale With every secret thing also yea whether good or ill The Use LET Men heere learne where all may clearly see Vnder the Welkin all but vanitie Heer tears in eyes and fears in heart as house With many sorrows have their Rendevouz Of earthly things the vast confused crowd Is now or then all cov'red with a clowd Though men on Thrones advanced have their Seat All 's nought except they be as Good as Great Loke not to see beneath the Firmament A state of life that heer gives full content A dying still is in poor queasie man His life at longest is but like a span It like a Post doth passe even in a streame And is anone forgotten like a dreame Gods holy Law is only pure and plain In life and death Christ is our only gaine Let us heer learn in time to turn our back On vanitie and quickly it forsake With bended knees and al 's with broken hearts Let us be carefull that we in all parts May fear the Lord and dayly on him call For this to do it is the end of all All other thoughts are surely vile and vaine A brood most base even of a burly braine Who so profane this earthly glory seeks Shall losse his life among such crooked creeks O happy he who hating vanitie Doth rest content Gods pensioner to be Not careing for the leeks and garlick fell Th' Egyptian hotch potch which Gods Israel Preferr'd to Man their whilom-Angels food Admir'd at first but well not understood â—hile it most sweet like Coriander round â— like hoare frost did ly upon the ground â— heav'n above is onely rest below he Trump of war doth still