don and down their weapons fall 〈◊〉 if that any be so strangely-stout â—s not to faint but bravely yet hold out â—as it boots not for it cannot stop â—e victory but hast his own mishap â—ut in what Fence-schoole of what Master say â—ave Pearl of Souldiers learn'd thy handâ— to play at so sundry weapons such passados â—â—ch thrusts such foyns stramazos and stoccados â—en of that mighty God whose sacred might Made Heav'n and Earth and them so braâ— bedight Of meerely nothing of that God of Powr Who swore to be thy Target and thy Towr Of that high God who fortifies the weak Who teacheth his even steely bowes to break Who doth his Childrens zealous hearts inflamâ— But daunts the proud and doth their couâ— tame Thy Sword abates th'armed the strong stout Thou cleav'st thou kill'st The faint disarâ— rout The lightning of thine eyes thy voices thundeâ— And thy stern dreadfull port confounds wiâ— wonder Death and Despair Horror and Fury fight Under thine Ensignes in the dismall Night Thou slayest this and that thou threat'st as mâ— This thou pursu'st that thou disdain'st to touch In brief thou blest Knight brave thou qâ— at once Valiant and vile arm'd and unarmed ones Heer thine even hand even in a twinck trice In equall halves a Pagans head doth slyce Down on each shoulder looketh eyther half â—o gaze upon his gastly Epitaph â— lines of blood writ round about him fair â—nder the curtain of his parted hair â—eer through a Jerkin more than Musket proof â—ade twelve-fold double of East-countrey Buff â—lean through and through thy deadly shaft doth thrill â—gyants bulk the wounded hulk doth reel â—he head behind appears before the feathers â—nd th' Ethnick soul flies both waies out togethers â—eere thou dost cleave with thy keen fauchins force â—he Bards and Breast-plate of a furious Horse â—o sooner hurt but he recoyleth back â—riting his fortune in a bloody track â—hy barbed dart heer at a Chaldee flyes â—nd in an instant lardeth both his thighes â—hile he blaspheming his hard stars and state â—ops Like a Pie in stead of wonted gate Now LOT the while escapt from ELAMS hands â—ree from the burden of his yron bands â—ith just revenge retorts his taken wrong â—is feet grow swift his sinews wexen strong â—is heart revives and his revived heart â—upplies new spirits to all and every part And as a wilde and wanton Colt got out Of some great Stable staring scuds about Shakes his proud head and crest yerks out heels Butts at the ayre beats on the humble fields His flying shadow now pursues amaine Anone amaz'd flies it as fast againe Againe beholds it with self-proud delight Lookes on his legs sets his stiffe taile right And neighs so loud to Mares beyond the Mounâ— That with the noyse the neighbour hills reâ— sound So one while Lot sets on a Troop of Horse A band of Sling-men he anone doth force Anone he pusheth through a Stand of Pikes A wing of Archers off anon he strikes Anone he stalks about a steepfull Rock Where some to shun deaths never shunned stroak Had clambred-up at length a path he spyes Where up he mounts and doth their Mount sâ—â—prise Whence stones hee heaves so heavie and huge That in our Age three men could hardly bouge Under whose weight his flying Foes he dashes Aâ—d in their flesh bones stones and steele hee pashes â—metimes he shoots sometimes he shakes a Pike â—hich death to many dread to all doth strike â—me in the breast he wounds some in the backs â—me on the hanch some on the head he hacks 〈◊〉 heaws downe all and maketh where he stood Mount of bodies in a Moat of blood At length the PAGANS wholly left the place â—en both Sides ran these chased those to chase â—ese only use their heels those heels and hands â—ose wish but a fair way these that the sands â—ould quickly gape and swallow quick to Hell â—emselves that fled and them that châ—c't so fell â—ese render nought but blows those nought but blood â—oth sides have broak their ranks pel-mel they scud â—hoakt-up with dust disordered dis-aray'd 〈◊〉 either Command Threat nor Intreat obey'd Thou that late bragdst that thy whâ— Wormly brave Could dry-foot run upon the liquid Wave And on the sand leaving no print behinde Out-swifted Arrows and out-went the Winâ— With a steel Dart by ABRAH'M stifly sent Art 'twixt thy Cuirace and thy Saddle slent And thou that thrice neer Tigris silver source Hadst won the Bell as best in every Course Art caught by LOT and thrild from side side Loosest thy speed-praise and thy life beside It seems no Fight but rather as befals An execution of sad criminals Who-so escapes the sword escapes not so His sad destruction or if any tho Escap't at all they were but few at least To rue the fatall ruine of the rest For th' Uncle and the Nephew never lin Till out of CANAAN they have chec't thâ— clean Like to a Cast of Falcons that pursue A flight of Pigeons through the Welkin bleâ— Stooping at this and that that to their Louveâ— To save their lives they hardly can recoveâ— ABRAHAM after feasted Angels three Whom SODOMS cry brought from the Heavens hie â—ile he with GOD was walking in the way 〈◊〉 SODOM GOD thus in him self did say â—m this good man I will no more conceale 〈◊〉 whole purpose to him I will reveale â—s is mine earand SODOM to destroy 〈◊〉 their vile sins I can not heare the cry â—RAHAM at this speach began to plead â—r to save these that godly were indeed 〈◊〉 spake for SODOM in humilitie â—d brought the great GOD to ten from fiftie â—t LOT alone was found therefore in ire â—D burnt these villains with a brimstone-fire â—hile to this man GOD promisde a reward â—hold said he such things I not regard â—hat shall I do with great heaps of riches â—hat wilt thou give since that I go childlesse â—hat comfort have I to be heere or there â—his ELIEZER he must be mine heire â—ot so said God I speake the veritie â—s Stars in number so shall thy seed be â—irst unto him wilde ISHMAEL was borne â—ho was cast out both for his pride and scorne â—ut after him came ISAAC at the last 〈◊〉 Son after SARAHS custome was past GOD for ABRAHAMS faith to exercise Commanded him his Son to sacrifice He suddainly with timber fire and sword Went to obey his great Creators word While he did lift his hand to bring the stroake Spare spare cry'd GOD thine only Son ISAAâ— Thy faith to me hath shown what I would wâ— Give me the Ram that caught is in the bush Because heere God did ABRAHAM solace IEHOVAH-JIREH called was the place After that SARAH ended had her life He took KETURAH for to be his wife To her children he gave gifts for partage But for ISAAC reserv'd the heritage At last he di'd after that he had beene Of yeers a hundred threescore and fifeteene The Use Learne heere of
the Lord our God â—ey brought unto us men of knowledge good â—e sons of Mahli the sons of Levi number eighteene with other twentie â—en I proclaim'd a fast there said Ezra Even hard besids the river Ahava That we our selves there where me may abodâ— Might sore afflict before th' Almighty God To seek of him a way with diligence Both for our selves our sons and our substancâ— For I thought shame to seek from the King theâ— A band of Souldiers and al 's of Horsemen Us to protect against our foes for I Had to the King uttred this speach boldly The hand of GOD will surely their part taâ— That do him feare But these that him forsakâ— And with profane walk in the wicked path They surely shall feel the dint of his wrath So we besought the Lord with hunmble fast And he intreated was of us at last When this was done Ezra great quantitie Of silver gold and fine copper quickly Causd to be weighed to the Priests and them He ordain'd all to bring unto Salem On the twelft day of the first mon'th Ezra Departed from the river Ahava That we unto Jerusalem might goe GOD by his hand us sav'd from every foe So we unto Salem came in safetie Wherein the Temple we did clearly see The silver gold well weighed then anone We did deliver our commission Unto the Kings Livetenents whose abode â—as on this side of the river of God â—he house they did most carefully prepare â—hereby they did their diligence declare Chap. 9. â—Hen Ezra was kindled with holy rage Because the people had in mariage â—ken the daughters of a wicked race â—e holy seed thus did themselves disgrace 〈◊〉 among these most wicked Nations â—ey follow'd their abominations â—t let the commons of the people passe â—e great Princes were chiefe in this trespasse When I this thing did hear I quickly rent â—th greefe of heart my mantle and garment â—oni'd I sat downe my heart did bleed â—e haire I pluckt both off my beard and head Then came to me numbers with one accord â—o with their hearts did truely fear the LORD â—ey greeved were for their wicked practise â—te astoni'd till even sacrifice â—en I arose up from my heavinesse â—ing my mantle in my sore distresse â—t with my garment then upon my knees â—ll downe and to God did lift mine eyes Spreading my hands out to his Majestie And said O God to lift my face to thee I am asham'd for even over our head Our sins are greatly increased indeed And our trespasse against thy holy name Up to the Heav'ns is growen up to our shame Since the dayes of our fathers we have seen That we in great trespasse have surely been Unto this day and for our sins have we Our Kings our Priests been to captivitie And spoile deliv'red and to shame of face As we this day do feele with great disgrace And now the Lord to us with sorrowes prest A little space hath made grace manifest That we escape might danger and disgrace And get a naile in his most holy place That so our God might lighten cleare our eyes And in our bondage give a little ease For we who are Gods chosen heritage Among our foes were captives in bondage But God to us extended hath mercy Even in the sight of Kings who mightily In Persia rule that he so by this thing Might unto us even give a reviving For to set up GODS house with buildinâ— faire And desolations thereof well repaire â—nd so in Salem and al 's in Judah 〈◊〉 get a wall from the great JEHOVAH And now our GOD alas what shall we say â—r we thy precepts have despisd this day â—â—d cleane forsaken for in lustfull rage â—ith the heathen we have in mariage â—fil'd our selves in our trespasses we â—fore thy face at this time stand guiltie Chap. 10. VVHen Ezra thus did pray and weepe right sore â—d cast himselfe downe the LORDS house before â—en Jehiels son called Shechaniah 〈◊〉 answere soone and said unto Ezra â— have trespassd against the LORDS command have espousde the strange wives of the land for all this we truely heere may tell â—t touching this there 's hope in Israel â—herefore now let us make without delay â—h GOD a Cov'nant for to put away â—h all the wives and children most forlorne â—ch of these wives have hitherto been borne â—e Ezra for this matter to thee â—ngeth also we with thee will be Be of courage and do as ye now hear Then rose Ezra and made Isra'l to swear That they should do according to his word Then Ezra before the house of the LORD Rose and quickly into the chamber went Of Johanan where he was miscontent For their sins who had beene cari'd away He ate no bread no water in that day He drank at all and they proclaim'd quickly Unto the children of captivity Through all Judah and Salem that together They should themselves for this good purpoâ— gather Then within three dayes as they did ordaine They greatly mourn'd for their sinnes and fâ—raine Then Ezra Priest stood up and al 's did tell By wives yee have increasd sins in Isra'l Therefore unto your fathers God confesse To do his pleasure see that ye professe Sever your selves from the men of the land And from strange wives Then all did taâ— in hand While they heard Ezra speaking thus that day That as he said they gladly would obey That GOD might turne away his anger hote Which kindled was by such a filthie spot They gave their hands that they would put away â—heir wives and being most guilty that day â—s God ordained so it came to passe 〈◊〉 ramme they offred for their great trespasse The Use â—eere learne that though GOD with great miserie â—fflict his Church in long captivitie â—et at the last before that they be shent 〈◊〉 of the evil will surely him repent Zerubbabel with his precepts school'd 〈◊〉 can raise up Jerusalem to build â—r manners good he can finde out a scribe 〈◊〉 learn'd Ezra wise precepts to prescribe â—ee wil not want if it then needfull be good Haggai and faithfull Zacharie â—a Cyrus his ordinance recall Darius he for to build the wall â—n raise who by a most constant decree â—ll furnish all that thereto needfull be See how the LORD can wisely with a beck A winke a vvord the greatest things direct THE GARDEN OF ZION The Booke of Nehemiah A Prayer THy workes are wondrous as all men mâ— see Thy Phoebus bright careering on the sky Comes foorth pompous like a Bridgroomâ— light Thy starres like nailes of gold decore the nighâ— Thou sends thy winds justing among the clouds They roare they stirre the bubbling waâ— floods What god O GOD can be compar'd to thee ' â—ho art great Ruler both of land and sea â—rant unto me that in my sacred layes 〈◊〉 may expresse the glory of thy wayes By Zerubabel thou thy Temple faire â—ebuilt by Ezra thou didst well repaire â—hat was amisse in manners
seven times doth fall and riseth up againe But wicked men shall in mischeef both fall and there remaine 17 Rejoice not when thine enemie fierce in miserie doth fall And let not when he stumbleth downe thine heart be glad at all 18 Lest that it sore displease the Lord when he such things shall see And from him turne away his wrath to bring it upon thee 19 Because ill men advanced are thy self in no way fret Nor yet be thou envious at the wicked mans estate 20 For to the ill man no reward there shall be round about The candle of the wicked shall in darknesse be put out 21 My son the Lord fear and the King both mighty in revenge And see thou meddle not with them that still are given to change 22 For their fearfull calamitie most suddenly shall rise And who the ruine of them both to know shall be so wise 23 These things also belong unto the wise well understood To have respect of persons it in judgement is not good 24 He that unto the wicked saith thou art a righteous seede The people him and nations shall curse and abhorre indeede 25 But unto them that him rebuke shall surely be delight And a good blessing al 's shall come upon them day and night 26 Each good man sure shall kisse the lips with honour and respect Of him that answeres wisely can aright in wordes direct 27 Thy worke without prepare and make it for thee in the field And afterwards when that is done thine house right wisely build 28 Against thy neighbour without cause see thou no witnesse be With lying lips let none at all deceived be by thee 29 Say not I will do unto him as he hath done to me Surely according to his worke it shall now rendred be 30 By the bare field of slouthfull men I with attention went And by the vineyard of the man that is voide of judgement 31 And lo all was growne ov'r with thornes and nettles had the face Thereof cov'red and the stone wall was down in every place 32 Then I saw and considered well it as I did perceive And did look on it and also instruction did receive 33 A little sleep and slumber al 's the sluggard well can say A little folding of the hands to sleep while it is day So thy most fearfull poverty shall come do what thou can As one that travails and thy want as doth an armed man Chap. 25. THese also are the Proverbs of wise Solomon surely Which good King Hezekiahs men did copie carefully 2 It is the glory of the Lord things secret to conceale But a Kings honour is to search and matters to reveale 3 Great is the deepnesse of the earth and so the height of heaven The heart profound of Kings is al 's unsearchable to men 4 From the fine silver take away the dirtie drosse and rude And for the finer shall come foorth a vessell pure and good 5 From before the King take away men given to wickednesse And most surely his throne shall be stablish'd in righteousnesse 6 In a Kings presence put not foorth thy self most foolishly And likewise stand not in the place of these that great men be 7 For it is better that men say come to a higher place Then in the Princes presence to be put downe with disgrace 8 Goe not foorth hastily to strive lest in the end with blame Thou know not what to do when thee thy neighbour puts to shame 9 With thy neighbour debate thy cause as fitting is and meet And unto any other man reveale not a secret 10 Lest he that heareth it thee put to shame without delay And so thy shamefull infamie turne not from thee away 11 In season good a speach discreet that spoken is fitlie Like apples is of gold that in pictures of silver be 12 As gold earerings and ornaments of gold most fine and dear Even so is a reprover wise on an obedient eare 13 As cold snow in the heat of harv'st is to the reapers flesh So doth a faithfull messenger his masters soul refresh 14 Who of a false gift so doth boast as one both proud and vaine Is like unto the clouds and wind that void are of all raine 15 By long forbearing is a Prince perswaded and anone A soft tongue al 's with meeknesse great doth wisely break the bone 16 Hast thou found honie eat enough but let the rest remaine Lest thou therewith be filled much and vomit it againe 17 See that thou from thy neighbours house withdraw thy foot swiftly Lest of thee weary at the last he hate thy company 18 A man that beareth witnesse false against his neighboure dear Is like a hammer and a sword an arrow or a speare 19 To trust in trouble in a man not faithfull in each point â—s like a broken tooth in jaw and a foot out of joint 20 As one in cold takes cloths away as vineger among The nitre so is he that sings to heavy hearts a song 21 If hungry be thy fo him give of thy bread for to eat And give him if he thirstie be for drink water most sweet 22 For thou upon his head shall heap the coales of burning fire And the Lord God shall thee reward even to thine hearts desire 23 The north wind with a mighty gale doth drive away the raine So doth an angrie countenance backbiting tongues restraine 24 It better is in corners high of house tops to abide Then with a woman brawling still in a house that is wide 25 As cold waters do much refresh a thirsty soul so are Good newes which unto men alwayes come from a countrey far 26 A righteous man that falleth down before the wicked traine Is as a corrupt filthy spring and a troubled fountaine 27 It is not good for health of men much hony for to eat So al 's their own glory to search for men it is not meet 28 He that is weak and hath not ov'r his own sprite rule at all Is like a city broken down that is without a wall Chap. 26. AS snow in summer and as raine is in a harvest day So great honour for foolish men not seemely is alway 2 As birds and swallowes flie away but not returne againe So the curse causelesse shall not come on such for to remaine 3 A whip for horse and for the asse which is both slow and slack 〈◊〉 bridle and a rod prepar'd is still for the fooles back According to his foly not answere a fool at all â—st thou also be like to him and so in foly fall According to the foly of fooles answere thou likewise â—st he puft up in his conceit him self think to be wise He that a message to direct by a fooles hand doth think like one that cuts off his feet and so doth dammage drink The men that in their legs are lame can not go equally â— is a parable in the mouth of such as foolish be As he that not
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-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
â—is man rebell'd against the Royall seed â—en Jehoram the King of Israel â—saphats help desired in Battell â—gainst Moab He said with horse and man â—gainst Moab I will do what I can â—or thee and thine Thus the King Jehoram â—ith Josaphat and the King of Edom â—ent to that war three Kings in company â—esolv'd to fight against Moab stoutly â—id of seven dayes journey fetch a compasse â—t had no water for man horse or asse â—as said Joram it is great pitie â—at we three Kings by Moabs great armie â—ould be destroy'd Then Josaphat did say 〈◊〉 there not heer some good Prophet this day Behold said one the Prophet Elisha â—hich water on the hands of Elijah â—id powre Then said Jehosaphat the King 〈◊〉 pleaseth me to heare of that saying â—or a good man he is in work and word â—et us him hear for with him is the Lord 〈◊〉 these three Kings went downe to Elisha 〈◊〉 know what he would say from Jehovah Then good Elisha to Jehoram King These words of wrath had unto him saying To speak to thee I have no great desire Go to thy fathers Prophets and enquire Were it not that I did regard surelie Jehoshaphat I would not look on thee But now that I what is to come may tell Bring unto me a most cunning Minstrell When he did play then soon it came to passâ— That on Elisha the hand of GOD was Then said Elisha make ditches quickly In great aboundance in this faire valley Thus saith the LORD yee neither wâ— nor raine Shall see and yet the ditches of the plaine Shall be filled with water that yee may Both yee and all your cattell drink this dayâ— This thing is light GOD may it soone câ—mand The Moabites he shall put in your hand And yee shall smite ev'ry fenced citie And al 's yee shall fell downe evry good trâ— Yee shall also their wells of water stop That in their thirst they receive not a drop As he had said so water came anone Wâ—th abundance by the way of Edom. When Moabites heard that the Kings that day â—re come to fight they in their best aray â—th armour bright then all stood in the border â—s for Battell these men were set in order When Moabites rose in the morning soon â—old the Sun upon these waters shone â—e Sun beames made these waters to seeme red â—e Moabites said surely it is blood â—e Kings surely have one another slaine â—e spoile for us now safely doth remaine â—en they came to the Camp of Israel â—e Israelites upon them fiercely fell â—hat they fled from Isra'l speedily â—o did them chase unto their own countrey â—eir cities fair they did beat down at last â—on their fields each man a stone did cast 〈◊〉 of his sling and stopped every well â—eir fairest trees also they did down fell When Moabs King saw the Battell too sore â—t him he tooke seven hundred men therefore 〈◊〉 break even throw unto great Edoms King 〈◊〉 finding that he could not do that thing 〈◊〉 eldest Son he tooke before them all â—hom for an offring he burnt on the wall â—is eldest Son belong'd to Edoms King Whom Moab had as Captive in keeping When Edom saw that for to save his Son Isra'l would not breake up that siege right soâ— He in his heart being full of fury Against Isr'al return'd to his country Then a certaine poor afflicted widow Came to Elisha with grief and sorrow Saying My husband a Prophet is dead Thou know'st right well that he the LOâ— indeed Did feare And now alas the creditour Is come to take my two sons at this hour To be bond men To her with great pitie Elijah said what shall I do for thee Tell me said he what hast thou in thine hoâ— A pot of oyle said she who had no spouse Goe said Elisha and vessels borrow From thy neighbours yea borrow not a few When thou comes in then shut the dooâ— hinde For Gods blessing on that oyle thou shalt find When she her pot in these vessels did powre All the vessels were filled in that houre When all was sought there were no vessels mâ— In all the house the oyle did stay therefore How all was done she to the Prophet told â—o did appoint all the oyle to be sold â—â—ay debt of the first and readiest 〈◊〉 after that to live upon the rest After all this it fell upon a day â—t to Shunem Elisha had his way â—ere was a woman full of charitie 〈◊〉 him constrained her guest for to be 〈◊〉 so it was as oft as he did passe 〈◊〉 them he entred and no stranger was Then said she to her husband lovingly â—s man of God which often passeth by 〈◊〉 a good man to us a matter small â—ill be for him to build on the wall â—hamber with a table stoole a bed â—d candlestick If such a guest be fed â—o our house it shall be found our best â—so we do the LORD vvill blesse the rest So it fell that Elisha on a day 〈◊〉 to this house of Shunem made his way â—en said he to Gehazi his servant â—s Shunamite call thou incontinent â—hen she was come and did before him stand 〈◊〉 earnestly did desire t' understand â—hat thing he might for her great care procure â—th King Captaine whereof she might be sure Among mine owne people said shee I dwell Thou need'st not King nor yet the Captaâ— tell Of mine estate At last said Gehazi This is the point this is the veritie She hath no child in all her rich houshold To be their heire and al 's her Lord is old Then said Elisha about this season Of time of life thou shalt embrace a son Then said she to him Oh now do not lie To thine handmaid but speake the veritie So it befell that at the same season She did conceive and after bare a son When he was growne it fell upon a day That this young child with his father to play Went out among reapers at last he said Unto his father oh my head my head His father dear said to a lade shortly This sick child now to his mother cary When she him got she set him on her knee About the noone sicknesse made him to die Then she went up and laid him on the bed Of Elisha the dear servant of God On him she shut the doore and went away And to her husband thus and thus day say Send me I pray a young man with an asse That to Elisha I may shortly passe Why wilt thou go said he to her I pray 〈◊〉 is not new Moone nor yet sabbath day Yet let me go said she all shall be well â—er asse she sadled and came to Carmel â—nto Elisha so it came to passe â—hen he her saw wondring what matter was â—e said anone to servant Gehazi â—he Shunamite behold what can this be â—o run and meet her from this mount Carmel â—nd know of her if all at home do well â—ll well said she then at
one the dry land â—s for our foes thou didst them all anone â—nto the deepes throw downe as a great stone Moreover thou them leddest in the day â—ven by a cloudy pillar thou the way â—hem shew by night by a pillar of fire â—hou didst them guide as their hearts could dâ—sire Thou camest dawne with great pompe and with might Vpon mount Sinai and from heav'ns most bright â—hou spak'st with them and gav'st them right judgements â—rue Lawes good statutes and commandements And madest them thy sabbaths understand And statutes Laws ordain'st by Moses hand And from the heav'n gav'st bread to them hungry And from the rock gav'st drink to them thirsty And promisedst that they should sure possesse The land which thou had by thy Holinesse Sworne them to give but they dealt most proudly As our fathers and hardned most stifly Their necks so they wicked stood not in aâ— They hearkned not unto thy blessed Law They stubburnly refused to obey The great wonders which they saw every dâ— They did forget their necks as in a rage They hardned and to turne to their bâ—dage They made a Captaine in rebellion But thou art a God ready to pardon Most gracious and unto anger slow Of kindnesse great which rich doth overflâ— Yea more when they a molten Calfe 〈◊〉 made And in great rage most wickedly had said This is thy GOD which from Egypt brougâ— thee By this they did the Lord provoke highly Yet thou in mercy them in their distresse Forsookest not even in the wildernesse The cloudy pillar with darknesse by day Them from their foes did hide while iâ— the way Of the red sea they march'd in the daâ—night 〈◊〉 fiery pillar went before with light â—hy good Sprit also unto them thou gave â—uâ— didst provide that they might Manna have 〈◊〉 meat in thirst when they thee did provoke â—ou gavest water from the flinty rock 〈◊〉 fourty years thou in the wildernesse stained so that in greatest distresse â—ey lacked nothing they fear'd not the cold 〈◊〉 all that time their cloathes did not waxe old 〈◊〉 more in this GODS mercies did excell 〈◊〉 their marching their feete did never swell â—ou gav'st them Kingdomes and they did possesse â—th Sihons land and Ogs in wildernesse â—ou did them blesse and multiplie their seed â—s Starres in Heaven that were above their head â—fter they had past through the wildernesse â—e promisde land thou made them to possesse â—ou in their hands gave these Kingdomes and Kings And made them Masters for to rule all things Within these bounds and also to command Their strongest cities and their fattest land They did possesse houses full of all goods Vineyards and wells digged and Oliveyards And pleasant fruit trees in great abundance Which God apponited for their maintenance So they did eat they filled with fatnesse They lusty did delight in thy goodnesse Neverthelesse they disobedient Rebell'd proudly ' gainst thy commandemenâ— Behind their backs they did reject thy Law To slay thy Prophets they stood not in aw Because against them they did testifie That from their ill wayes they might turne 〈◊〉 thee But they wicked by their transgressions Against God wrought great provocations Therefore for their greevous iniquities Thou them delivere'dst to their enemies Who them did vex with much trouble and feare Yet when they cri'd thou from heav'n didst theâ— heare According to thy manifold mercies â—ou gav'st them saviours from their enemies â—em for to save but when prosperitie â—nd rest they got they rebell'd against thee â—herefore in wrath thou left them in the hand â—f cruel foes whom they could not gainstand â—et when returning they cri'd unto thee â—hou hard'st from Heav'n their grones of miserie By frequent rods thou mad'st them stand in awe â—hem for to bring againe unto thy Law â—et they dealt proudly and refus'd to heare â—hey sinned still ' gainst thy judgements severe â—ith hardned neck the shoulder they withdrewe â—nd would not hear nor yet their life renew â—et many yeers thou didst them still forbeare â—ea and reprov'd yet would they not give eare â—herefore in wrath thou gav'st them in the hands â—f the most cruell people of the lands â—everthelesse for thy great mercies sake â—hou utterly them wouldest not forsake Now therefore LORD who art great aâ— mighty Who Cov'nant keepest in thy great mercy Let not this greef seeme little thee before That on our kings princes and priests lyes sorâ— Al 's on our prophets fathers people all Not sparing any either great or small Since the tyme of the strong Assyrian kings Vnto this day such is the case of things Howbeit in all that is upon us brought Thou art most just and truely hast done nought But what is right and full of equity But we alas all have done wickedly Neither our kings our princes or our priests Did keep thy law or yet care for thy hests Or hearken unto thy Testimonie Wherewith thou didst against them testifie For in their kingdome they would not thee serve But still profanely from thy law did swerve Behold we are servants alas this day And for the land that thou didst give for ay To our fathers the fruit thereof to eat Behold in it as drudges we must sweat It yeeldeth much increase unto the kings Whom over us thou hast set for our sins Ov'r our bodies they domination have And cattell they us at their pleasure slave Thus we afflicted are in great distresse Because of this we all both more and lesse A Cov'nant sure both make and write it well And to it set our Priests and Princes seal Chap. 10. NOw these that sealed were Nehemiah The Tirshatha son of Hachaliah â—nd Zidkijah with Priests Levits Porters â—nd singers al 's Nethinims with others Who having knowledge to their brethren clave â—nd made an oath that they should so behave â—hemselves wisely to walk in the Lords Law â—nd that to sinne they all should stand in aw We also vow'd by counsell grave and sage â—either to take nor give in mariage â—ut to abhor the people of the land â—o do the same we made a solemne band â—so we did ordaine without delay â—ot to permit markets on sabbath day â—nd that also we would leave the seventh yeere â—nd from exacting of debts would forbeare Also we did ordaine to charge yearly Our selves with the third part of good money Of a shekel this was for the service Of GODS owne house made for his sacrifice Then we cast lots Levites and Priests among For the wood offrings which then did belong Unto GODS house on his Altars to burne According as GODS law ordain'd by turne Likewise to GODS house we ordain'd to bring The first fruâ—ts of all trees and every thing The first borne of our children and cattell We year by year brought unto th'Eternel With first of all things that Levits could crave The tithes in all wherein we tillage have Chap. 11. THen they ordain'd the tenth man of Isra'l To come and in Jerusalem to