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
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
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
feare thy name They vvith idols thy vvorship did abuse Of their ill lives teach me to make good use 1. JEROBOAM Contending or striving vvith the people THis wicked man at first but a servant To Solomon did scorne Gods Covenant This Son of Nebat stinketh filthilie His name is rotten by idolatrie None Like to him in Scripture I can find For none as he made Gods if a'l to sin At first Solomon for his industrie This young man set up in a high degree For his valour and for his brave courage Of Josephs house he gave to him the charge But after that the Prophet Ahâ—jah Did clearly shew from the great Jehovah That Jeroboam ten Tâ—ibes should command But two as Lamps for Davids house should stand Because Solomon by idolatrie To a great wrath had provok'd the most hie When Solomon heard that he should be King He sought by death such honours downe to bring But he to the King of Egypt anone Fled and was there untill King Solomon Did end his dayes then after he came back From Egypt King who called was Shishak The Isra'lits assembled at Schechem To Crowne with pomp the young Rehoboam By Jeroboams instigation Were mov'd to make for relexation 〈◊〉 sute to him who answ'red them roughly Therefore according to the Prophecy Of Abijah ten Tribs were quickly rent â—rom Davids house then they incontinent â—onsid'ring what strength they had of men â—o Jeroboam sent of their brethren â—im for to Crowne soone King of Israel â—his purpose was from the great Eternel When Rehoboam was come to Salem An hundred fourescore thousand chosen men He gath'red for in a bloody Battell To fight against the house of Israel By force of war this ill advised King Thought well the Kingdome backe againe 〈◊〉 bring But then unto the Prophet Semajah There came a word from the great Jehovah Who said to Rehoboam and his hoast It is not time either to fight or boast Let not now Judah against Israel Come for to fight in a bloody Battell This matter is from the Lord righteous Let ev'ry man therefore turne to his house Then they GODS word did hear with huâ—â—â— heart And so they all returning did depart Then Jeroboam Shechem and Penuel Most Princely built and al 's in them did dwell He proud in sprit said these words in his heart I feare at last that Davids house depart From me and mine to turne unto their Lord And so me kill in furie with the sword If they go up for the great GODS service To do at Salem dayly sacrifice Then Jeroboam with his bad counsell Two calves of gold made against th'Eternell It is too much said he for you to goe Vp to Salem both paine and cost also It is to go so farre to th' Eternell See heere more near thy gods O Israel Of these two calves in Bethel he set one At Dan another which brought down his Throne Thus did this vile man his Kingdome begin With dead idols which thing became a sin Before these calves the people speedily Did worship with most vile idolatrie He vile houses of hie places did make And base Priests that were not of Levis stock On Bethels Altar which was great offence He sacrificed and al 's burnt incense While this he did behold anone a jar A man from GOD thus cri'd Altar Altar â—hus saith the LORD a childe of Davids house â—osiah King a man most righteous He in a zeale and godlie jealousie â—hall such Priests bones most cursed burne on thee â—ee now a signe the Altar shall be rent â—he ashes shall be powred out and spent When Jeroboam heard from th' Eternel What this man said ' gainst th' Altar in Bethel From the Altar he did put forth his hand Saying lay hold on this man I command But GOD dri'd up the arme of this profane So that he could not pull it in againe GOD rent th' Altar and ashes powred out Then the King trembling who before was stout Said to GODS man a man of gift and grace Pray thou for me and now intreat Gods face That he to me my hand would now restore When he did pray it became as before Then said the King I will thee now reward Come home with me but he did not regard All the Kings gifts for the halfe of thine housâ— Said he I will not in this untimeous Time go with thee a man voide of all grace I will not eat neither drink in this place For no request to go I will accord For so it was me charged by the LORD At this same time as Scriptures to us tell There dwelt an old Prophet at this Bethel His sons him told what great things had beeâ— done By the Prophet at Bethel then right soone To them he said now saddle me mine Asse He rode thereon and to him where he was Under an Oake sitting softly he came â—nd said to him tell me if thou the man â—f GOD art whom the great LORD JEHOVAH â—nt to our King from the land of Judah I am said he Come home said he with me â—efresh thy self with meat and be merrie â—o said Gods man this thing I may not do 〈◊〉 will not eat nor yet thy house goe to â—rom GODS precept I may not go astray 〈◊〉 must not eate nor returne by the way â—hat I came first But thou must not do so â—id the old man a Prophet I also â—m as thou art an Angel to me spake â—hat unto mine house I should bring thee back While they at Table were eating gladely â—he Sprite of GOD made the old Prophet cry â—nto the Prophet who came from Judah â—hus saith the LORD ev'n the great Jehovah â—ecause thou hast rebell'd this message have â—ith thy fathers thou shalt not lye in grave When this was said GODS man he went away â—n his journey a Lion by the way â—im met and kill'd but so it came to passe â—e did not eat the man nor yet the Asse Whereon he rode Behold men passing by â—nd seeing this came unto the city Where the old man was who at this report Was moved much and did his sons exhort To bring his Asse that he might ride and see To know the trueth of all that historie When he came there both Lion and the Asse Were standing neere the dead Prophets carcase He the dead corps upon his Asse did lay And with great grief brought it to the city There as a childe lamented by his mother He mourned and said Oh Alas my brother Then said this old man to his sons apart The mighty Lord this tells me in mine heart What this Prophet hath said against Bethell Shall all be done by the great Eternell When I am dead see that ye then me lay In this same grave wherein Gods man doth lyâ— Now Jeroboam with his healed hand Did not regard what Jovah did command Base Priests he made even of the basest sort He set them up GODS people to exhort Who did desire he did them consecrate
counsâ—ll He is most sure that God relyes upon All other things will shrink and sinke anone Men for a time may their sad hearts solace With sound of harp which soone will have no place If Kings with Saul of Gods word make no count He will them meet upon Gilboah mount These who care not their lives for to amend Do often come unto a tragick end The LORD to each man his owne worke repayes And makes him finde according to his wayes If men be gracelesse though never so great God shall anone set others in their seat So at the last they shall get shame and losse When God shall crowne these men whom they did crosse DAVID Beloved THE spirit of God begins my heart to move To sing of David whom he Lord did love When God him sought to make him Isra'ls King He was an herd keeping the ewes with young Of Jesses sons he was the least and last As by the story is most manifest When God his servant Samuel did appoint To goe and one of Jesses sons annoint The first he saw was Eliab faire in face This said Samuel is he who by Gods grace Should be the King No not this shall not be Said God for God seeth not as men doe see The outward barck men see of countenance But Gods bright eye through all the heart doth glance Abinadab Shammah he would not chuse David he tooke the rest he did refuse When he rudie came the Lord did appoint Samuel with horne of oyle him to annoint When that was done Gods spirit came him upon He hated Saul and left him his alone When God from him had his good sprit of grace Remov'd the divell came quickly in his place He sore troubled thus to his men did say Provide a man that cunningly can play I cannot pray the divell will not depart My cheefe comfort must be by Musicks art A man with harpe to warble let me finde That he the divell may drive out of my minde Then David came who warbling did his best The divell departed then Saul got some rest After all this the Philistins with boast Against Isra'l came with a mighty host Among the rest a man of Gath Goliah A champion contemning great Jehovah Came forth with boasting a most mighty man Whose height was six great cubits with a span Both up and downe he thus armed did passe With coat of male and with helmet of brasse Graves on his legs a target he betweene His shoulders had his speare was like a beame Of a weever One with a shield before Went this strong man all Isra'l troubled sore He cri'd aloud to all Isra'l that day In vaine set ye your battell in aray Let one man come and fight me hand to hand What part prevails they shall the rest command If ye have hearts or hands I shall soone try All Isra'ls host this day I do defy On all Isra'l thus he did rub disgrace All men did flie but none durst turne the face Untill David encourag'd from above This question to the armie thus did move What shall be done to him who shall stoutly Kill this vile dogge that doth our God defy He then said they who shall performe this thing Shall have for wife the daughter of the King Let no mans heart said David now him faile I will now answere his foolish appeale I tremble not for all his strength and might The Lord gives heart I him resolve to fight Alas said SAUL thou greatly hast to feare Thou art a youth but he a man of warre Not said David I have experience I am acquaint with GODS strong assistance He made me kill a Lion and a Bear What needs me now this Philistine to fear Go to said Saul GODS blessing go with thee With coat of male and helmet armed be Thou must my Sword also gird by thy side That thou his stroaks the better may abide David thus armed all from top to toe Said with such things to fight I can not goe Off with his harnesse his staffe in hand he took In scrip five smooth stones chosen from the brook With sling in hand in a courage divine He stoutly went to fight the Philistine Then great Goliah came down to the field Armed with brasse before him a great shield was borne he lofty with a most proud look Disdain'd David scarce notice of him took This thing is strange it seems to me uncouth That in Isra'l there is none but this youth Faire and ruddy small token of courage To fight against a giant full of rage What art thou lad what meanest thou to doe Am I a dog that so thou com'st me to With staves and stones a dwarfe most unworthie By all my gods now cursed must thou be Come hither heard thy stones and staves now yeeld Thy flesh shall go to the beasts of the field Thou shalt well know that I am not a beast I minde to make thy flesh for foules a feast Words are but winde said David I not feâ— Thy sword or shield or yet thy brasse or spear I come to thee in the most mighty name Of great JOVAH whom thou hast thought tâ— shame Cease from thy brags no more to boast proceed I shall thee smite and from thee take the head Thou shalt soone know and others shall it tell That there is a great God in Israel The Lord God saveth not with spears or swords I feare nothing the Battell is the Lords This said David with a courage divine Ran in all haste to meet the Philistine With hand to bag from thence he tooke a stone Which pierc'd Goliah through both flesh and bone The stone with force throwen sanke in his forehead Then like an Ox to ground he fell down dead Then David ran with great courage divine And stood upon that beastly Philistine Him treading downe with feet he made great speed With his own sword from him he cut the head When the Philistins saw their man of might This way mangled they tooke them to the flight Thus wanting courage they both fled and fell Affrighted much for the men of Isra'l Last David after Goliah was dead To Jerusalem brought this monsters head In the way met him these songs of women For Sauls one thousand David hath slaine ten From that day and forward Saul did him eye Having his heart stuft with rage and envie Then Saul devised how to make him fall A bloody dowry he sought for Michal An hundred foreskins to David said he Of Philistins thou shalt bring unto me I seeke no more no more dowrie I crave Do this and thou Michal for wife shalt have By these his wordes which seemed to be faire He aim'd to draw David into a snaire But stout David brought in a bloody strife Two hundred foreskins and so wan his wife All these great things fild Sauls heart with envie Davids applause kindled his jealousie His wrath like fire in fewell did increase When he did hear of Davids good successe From
this was said their was a skirmish rude By the two armies made in Ephraim wood Like a great wind boistrous with stormy puff Men fought in spight with mutuall counterbuff That day Joab with Judahs brave children Of Isra'l slew downe twentie thousand men The people was sore scatt'red in the wood Which did devoure more people then the sword There Absalom a Rebell and a Foole Among the rest was riding on a Mule By his long haire a branch caught him that day There he did hing when the Mule went away Then Joab with his three darts came anone And thurst them through the heaâ—t of Absalom Then Cushi came and cri'd Tidings O King To the great God now praises may thou sing The LORD of Hoasts in Battell most mightie Of all thy foes hath now avenged thee Then David troubled said unto Cushi Is Absalom the young man in safetie Then Cushi said Let all thy foes indeed Be like Absalom who is surely dead When David heard this wounded was his heart From sight of men quickly he did depart To an high chamber for to mourne alone The tragick death of his deare Absolon His sorrow such was in his wounded heart That forc'd he was to weep and go apart With teares of grief doubling My son my son He wish'd his owne death had sav'd Absalon For Davids murder and adulterie Shebah arose who was son Bichri A Benjamite he with sterne countenance Most proudly said Now what inheritance Have we in David Let us make a rent Let every man returne unto his tent So Isra'l did with this son of Bichri But Judah clave to David heartily Then David said to valiant Amasa Assemble me the brave men of Judah Then he went out Captaine of that armie Jaob him met with heart full of envie Cov'red with smiles his right hand made a wound Which all his bowels shed out to the ground Then Amasa in mids of the high way Bath'd in his blood did thus wallow that day This done Joab pursued speedily After Shebah who was son of Bichri When Joab came to the city Abel This Shebahs head was throwne downe from the wall When these of Abel had perform'd this thing Joab in haste returned to the King When all his foes were round about supprest To sing to GOD due praises he thought best Yet once againe Gods wrath ' gainst Israel In Davids time upon this people fell He stirr'd by Satan would know in his pride How many men in his land did abide To Joab he gave this direction Who liked not the Kings commission But yet obey'd the Kings word did prevaile Therefore he went and numbred Israel In Isra'l were eight hundred thousand men Five hundred thousand Judah their brethren In number were Of all as saith Gods word Were thirteene hundred thousand that drew sword When this was done then Davids heart him smot Gods wrath therefore was shortly kindled hot Alas O Lord said he now pitie me For I confesse I have done foolishly When David did arise in the morning The prophet Gad this word to him did bring Advise and chuse one of these judgements three If seven yeeres of famine shall trouble thee Or if thou wilt three moneths chuse and take Before thy foes to flee and turne the back Or if thou wilt have this great patience Three dayes to hazard on the pestilence When David saw the Lords wrath thus appeare Hee said to Gad I am in a great feare Yet in Gods hand I pray thee let me fall For his mercies are over his works all Then JEHOVAH in wrath to strike began And kill'd of Isra'l seventy thousand men To Jerusalem then the Angel went With sword in hand but God he did repent Him of the evill Th' Angel he did command To sheath his sword and so to stay hâ—s hand Then Gad from God to David thus did say Reare up an Altar to the Lord this day Let this Altar be set for JEHOVAH Where is the treshing floore of Araunah Then David as JEHOVAH did command Did buy the floore and in Araunahs hand He laid thirty shekels silver for price And there to God offred his sacrifice When this was done and David was wax'd old Absaloms brother ADONIjAH bold Helped by JOAB and ABIATHAR In his great pride made a most fearefull jarre A goodly man he was and faire in face But proud in Sprit a man of litle grace David him spilt he would not him displease Him to reprove at all times he did cease Puft up by Joab in vaine aspâ—ring He thought no more but surely to be King After David these three Nathan Zadok Benaiah for Solomon undertooke With Bathshebah David without delay Declard who should Israels Scepter sway After his death The man who shall alone Said he be King is my son Solomon When time drew nigh that good David should die He Solomon charged most carefully I go said he the way of all the earth I must shortly walk in the path of death Be strong therefore and shew thy self a man And keep the charge of the Lord as thou can Walk in his wayes keep his commandements His testimonies and al 's his judgements So shalt thou prosper both by sea and land All shall go well that thou shalt take in hand Remember well how Joab greeved me When he slew Abner with great treacherie And Amasa and how the blood of war He shed in peace when no cause was of jar And how he put the blood of Abner sweet In the vile shooes that were upon his feet I know thou canst thy self wisely behave Let not his hoare-head in peace go to grave Unto Barzillais sons shew great kindnesse For they were kind to me in my distresse Behold with thee the cursed Shimei Who curst me sore in my calamitie To him humbled I sware by the great Lord I will not put thee to death with the sword Because he was so fierce in my distresse Therefore take heede thou hold him not guiltlesse I know thou canst thy self wisely behave His hoary-head with blood bring to the grave So David with his fathers sleept softly And after buri'd was in his city The Use By David learne what after sin remaines The fruits of sin are sorrowes and great paines By David learne if thou hast gone astray To turne to God and walk in the right way By David learne to teach your children deare How in their time they should live in GODS feare Too many speak of Davids filthie fall To shroud their sins and so to make them small Too many to their vile lusts licence give As though to rot were the way to revieve But few there be that weigh well in their heart How greatly David for his sins did smart SOLOMON Peaceable who is at peace with all men GODS Sprit begins to move my pen anone To draw some lines concerning Solomon A worthy man most excellent in fame At home abroad from peace he had his name Good Nathan sent from the great JEHOVAH Changed
Gods Word did direct His heart with God the Lord was not perfect When warre arose he unto the Lord sought ' Gainst Jeroboam he a Battell fought Foure hundred thousand were with Abijah Eight hundred thousand were against Judah For Jeroboam In the fields were then An armie of twelve hundred thousand men Then Abijah standing on Zemaraim Which is a part of faire mount Ephraim VVith a loud voice cri'd unto Israel VVhy come ye foorth against me to Battell VVhat God hath join'd why go ye now to seveâ— For the whole land the Lord hath given for ever To Davids house without a let or halt This was made sure by Covenant of salt Yet Jeroboam Solomons servant Doth what he can to breake this Covenant Gathred unto him are men of Belial Who are novv come to provoke to Battell And novv ye think the Kingdome to vvithstand VVhich should remaine sure in Davids sons hand VVith you is a great multitude of men VVith golden Calves of false Jeroboam Have yee not cast out the Priests of the Lord That for vile gaine yee might with one accord Make unto you Priests that vvould take in hand To serve strange gods that vvere from other Lands But as for us the Lord vvith us vvill be VVho have vvith us the Priests sons of Levi VVho morne and even vvaite upon all service Enjoyn'd by GOD the dayly sacrifice VVe with our heart keep the charge of the Lord. But ye have him all left vvith one accord Behold hovv God is vvith us for Captaine His Priests vvith Trumpets to sound an alarme Against you VVherefore novv vvith one accord Conveene yee thus to fight against the Lord Leave off leave off proceed no more this vvay For your armie shall not prosper this day But Jeroboam free of feare and doubt Judahs armie did compasse all about When Judah saw them compass'd in Battell They with strong prayers cri'd to th' Eternall The Priests began with their Trumpets to sound Judah did shout Which made th' Echos rebound Then God arose to shew himself by might He Jeroboam put unto the flight The flight was fierce bloody was the Battell Five hundred thousand that day to Isra'l Were kill'd But Judah prevail'd by and by Because with faith they to the Lord did cry Thus Jeroboam curbed in his wayes Recov'red not strength in Abijahs dayes But Abijah wax'd more and more mighty With fourteene wives he begat sons twenty Because he was not perfect in his wayes Of his Kingdome the Lord shortned the dayes He in his wayes walked not uprightly Therefore his great pomp lasted but years three The Use Ill Kings from Thrones by a successive svvay Like chaffe by vvind shall soone be driven avvay 3. ASAH Healing BEhold a King most glorious like the Sun Whose end was good whose life was wâ— begun A man of health is he who strives to please The Lord and doth what is good in his eyes This worthy King with holy jealousie Brake downe the Altars of Idolatrie Set up for strange gods he the high places With groves cut downe and brake the images With great zeale he commanded all Judah To do the Law and turne unto Jovah Because the Lords Law he did not forget The Kingdome was long before him quiet At last ZERAH the Ethiopian Came with an host of a thousand thousand ASAH the King thus troubled very sore Conveen'd five hundred thousand and fourescore Thus fifteene hundred thousand men that day With fourscore thousand in Battell aray Were set Then Asah cri'd unto the Lord That in that strait his help he would afford Help us O Lord help us O Lord said he Thou canst well help with few or with many Against this host we now goe in thy name Make now our foes to turne their back with shame When God this heard he rose in anger hot And with his sword this huge armie he smot His wrath like waters wheesing out did foyle The proud Zerah then Judah got their spoile When this was done the Prophet Azariah Was sent from God for to meet King Asah God is vvith you said he vvhile ye vvith him His love with you most ready to confirme If yee forsake him he will forsake you now If yee seek him he will be found of you Be strong therefore Gods service much regard For God the Lord your good work shall rewaâ—d When Asa heard these words he tooke courage The idole gods he did destroy with rage From Ephraim Manasseh and Simeon Unto Asa many did flock anone Then with one minde they were glade and content To make with GOD the LORD a Covenant By God they sware in a most sol mne oath That man woman great small should die the death Who should refuse the living God to seek Who to his Saints is mercifull and meek Then all the people with their whole desire Did seeke the Lord as Asa did require They sware to God with shouting and Trumpets With singing voice and also with Cornets They seeking God beleev'd and did not doubt And he unto them gave rest round about When this was done this worthy King Asah From being Queene his mother Maachah Remov'd because vaine idols she did love She had set up an idole in a grove This idole he did cut and stamp upon With fire he burnt it at the brook Kidron When this was done Ba'sha King of Isra'l Did build Ramah to make Asah to fall But Asah quickly sent to Benhadad For help which in the Lords eyes did seeme bad For this doing the Prophet Hanani Him told that he had done most foolishly What hadst thou said he to doe with Syria To hire their help Did not the great Jovah Make thee subdue the Ethiopian host With the Lubims who in their pride did boâ—st Gods eyes throughout the earth run to and â—ro To manifest his great might so and so He is ready with great power to smite The foes of these who towards him perfite Are in their heart Because in this right far Thou hast failed hence foâ—th thou shalt have warre When Asa heard these words of Hanani A fierie wrath did kindle his furie Take this villaine said he this Bâ—lials son Now bind him fast and cast him in prison Moreover he some people in distresse Without mercy severely did oppresse In his old age diseased in his feet To Medecins to seeke he thought more meet Then to the Lord who health and happinesse Hath ready for his servants in distresse Though diverse faults bee seen in this mans wayes Yet with the Lord his heart was all his dayes Perfect as the first book of Kings doth tell Written by the scrib of God Eternell He sway'd the Scepter years one and fourtie Though Kings be gods yet as men they must die The Use Our brightest life is like the Moone with spot Where is the life that is without a blot 4. JEHOSHAPHAT The judgement of the Lord. NOw fill mine heart LORD with thy glowing flame Raise up my Spirit and verses in me
still for me 2 For he regarded hath of his handmaide thâ— estate so small For loe all generations sure shall hence me blessed call 3 He strong hath done great things to me and holy is his name Who still him feare his mercy great shall alwayes be on them 4 He hath great strength shew'd with his arme the proud he in all parts Hath scattred in the vaine conceits of their most foolish hearts 5 He hath put downe ev'n from their seats these that most mighty be And also he exalted hath these of a low degree 6 The hungry well he filled hath with good things evry way These who are rich and wealthy he hath empty sent away 7 In remembrance of his mercy he holpen hath indeed His servant Isra'l as he spake t' Abraham and his seed The Song of Zacharias wherâ— his mouth was opened after he had been nine moneths dumb for not believing the Angel Gabriel who from God had promised him a Sonne LUKE 1. vers 68. LEt the LORD God of Israel for ever blessed be For visited his people all and al 's redeem'd hath he 2 And of salvation he for us hath raisd up gloriously Ane horne in worthy Davids house who serv'd him faithfully 3 As he spake clearly by the mouth of his dear Prophets all Which since the world began have beene ev'n whether great or small 4 That we should from our enemies all be saved in each part And from the hand of all these men that hate us with their heart 5 The mercy promisd to performe unto our fathers and â—is holy Cov'nant made with us to make alwayes to stand Th' oath which he to Abraham sware that he to us most deare â—ould grant that we safe from our foes might serve him without feare Yea serve him in all holinesse and righteousnesse alwayes â—ot for a little space of time but ev'n for all our dayes And thou child of the highest shalt be call'd the Prophet rare â—or thou before the Lord shalt goe his wayes for to prepare Thou knowledge of salvation shalt unto his people give â—y the remission of their sins which he will all forgive â—o Ev'n through the tender mercy of our God most prone to grace â—hereby the DAY-SPRING from on high hath shew'n to us his face 1 To give light unto them that sit in darknesse and deaths shade Into the way of holy peace our feet alwayes to guid The Song of Simeon After he had long looked for the Consolation of Israel he at last moved by the Holy Spirit went to the Temple and there finding the babe Christ he took him up in his armes and blessed GOD and said LUKE 2. vers 29. NOw letst thou in thy mercy great thine old servant O LORD At last by death in peace depart according to thy word 2 For after many dayes at last mine eyes though now worne dimme Thy consolation sure and fast have with great comfort seen 3 Which thou O Lord most lovingly ev'n by thy saving grace Prepared hast aboundantly before all peoples face 4 A precious light to lighten all the Gentiles far and neer â—d al 's the glory of Isra'l that is thy people dear This Song of Simeon is alwayes sung in the French Church for conclusion after they have received the Sacrament of the LORDS Supper The use of all the Songs THE songs of Larks Linots and Nightingals Compard to these are but like naughty tales â—hich in our ears deserve to have no place â—hese divine songs sad hearts do well solace â—nd fill with joy yea and with capering foot â—ake souls to rise and dance where they did sit â—ithin our breasts like John at Marys voice â—hich made him leap and chearfully rejoice To sing such songs let us our selves inure â—ill that we dance above the starry floore â—nd sing to Christ the Hallelujahs sweet â—here Sunne and Moone are pav'ment for our feet Far from the words of a most vile infection Which slute the body and al 's slave th' affection Oh that we could from vain words heer forbear Till of our life be ended the Career Fy on vile men whose badry songs a blot Defile the air come from their filthy throat Fy on these who in vanities do swim Who dance and leap and hold out any lim With nimble fet-locks but have not a word Of holy songs to laud and praise the Lord Such want a heart Christs love for to remark They can not sing or dance before the Ark. But as for us away with fleshly love And beastly songs which Gods word doth reprove Vaine idle words which in these latter dayes Are made the subject of mens sweetest layes Let Christ the fairest all the Saints among Be still the matter of our daily Song Let all our Ditties runne upon this string Let hearts and Harps in him rejoice and sing What is amisse let us it hence remove That we may sing of Christ our life and love FINIS Some few Christian Precepts WHat God the gives take in good part cease other to devoure Like Alexanders glutton net whose Kingdome Kinged foure When thou triumphs not lofty be but think upon a crosse â—or who the day is set on hie may soone his laurell losse Take heed in time and learne to fear the great Almighty God Who made Denis a King to beare for Scepter Pedants rod. Remember how that Prince of Spaine who for Europe did breath By Gods Almighty hand was slaine ev'n by a louzie death Remember how some in their pride Gods heavy hand did feele Their head on neck could not abide off chopt with whiffing steele 6 Think still on death for time doth slip though it seemes but to creep Man heer is as at sea his ship still sailes though men do sleep 7 While wind doth serve embark be wise to meet all haps before When death shall cut thine enterprise then thou shalt row no more 8 Take time in time for wind and tide will in a moment turne We heere sure will not long abide and gone will not returne 9 Looke not heer for true happinesse the place of our exile A bare and barren wildernesse where we live all this while 10 Look on thy body as on clay the soule is stuffe more fine A substance which weares not away a blast of breath divine 11 Luske not in sloath seeke not thine ease Moths gnow cloaths in a chest Swords also rust within their sheeths and so do souls in rest 12 Manure thy heart with diligence and it in sow good seed But still beware of negligence for earely grows the weed 13 All idlenesse disnatures wit but travell makes it quick Do nothing that disableth it by force or yet by trick 14 With constant eye still Christ behold and on him still repose As with the Sun the Mary gold doth open still or close 15 When death us summons to go hence we should not be dejected For from the same no more the Prince then Carters is protected 16 Our life 's a web of small and grosse this is us giv'n for doome That sorrowes are as threeds a Crosse in this our earthly loome 17 Let us abhore ambition content with that we have In grave in one condition are King Earle Sir and Slave 18 This earth is like a Chesse-board where some leap some limp anone Kings Pawnes Knights Aphens heere and there stand yet there wood is one 1 TIM 1. vers 17. Now unto the King eternall immortall invisible the onely wise GOD be honour and glory for ever and ever Amen Errata IF any of these verses go not so smoothly as thou wouldest know that I have tyed my self verie straitly to keep still the wordes of the Scripture Some escapes there be in the printing at some times a syllable more and some are lesse then should but the judicious Reader may easily take the matter up Pag. 272. Davids house is put for Isra'ls house Pag. 142. bribidge for bribing Pag. 265. qy for by Pag. 330. day say for did say Pag. 364. trotring for totring c.