be after him Who can him tell surelie 15 Fooles do themselves with labour great even weary every day Because they do not know so much as the broad cities way 16 Woe unto thee O wretched land when childish is thy king And thy Princes as gluttons eat early in the morning 17 Blest art thou land when thy King is come of a noble race And thy Princes eat soberly for strength not drunkenesse 18 By slothfulnesse the building all most quickly doth decay And through great idlenesse the house it droppeth through alway 19 A feast sure is for laughter made and wine makes merry men â—ut money answ'reth constantly all things both now and then 20 See that the King that rules the land thou curse not in thy thought And likewise curse thou not the rich to thy bedchamber brought For a bird of the aire the voice shall cary by and by That which hath wings the matter shall tell even as it doth ly Chap. 11. UPon the waters cast thy bread and spare it not alwayes For thou shalt sure it finde againe though after many dayes 2 To seven or eight a portion give and that most liberally For thou know'st not what hindrance soone upon the earth may be 3 If that the clouds of heaven above be filled well with raine They for the fruits upon the earth emptie themselves againe If towards south or yet the north at last shall fall the tree In the same place where it doth fall there also shall it be 4 He that too strict observ's the wind shall not well sow his seed He that too strict regards the clouds shall sheaves not reape with speed 5 The sprites way thou know'st not nor how bones in the womb do grow Even so thou not the workes of God who maketh all dost know 9 When it's morning then sow thy seed upon thy labour'd land And in the evening time also with hold thou not thine hand For whether this shall prosper well or that not understood It is by any who can tell if both alike be good 7 Truely the light is sweet and al 's a pleasant thing it seemes Unto the eyes for to behold the sunnes faire glistring beames 8 But if a man live many yeeres and in them more or lesse Rejoice let him remember well the dayes of great darknesse For they unpleasant surely shall in a great number be All that which comes under the sun is very vanitie 9 O young man in thy youth rejoice and let thy heart thee please Walk in the wayes of thy heart and in the sight of thine eyes But know thou this assuredly that even for every thing God in his justice thee at last will into judgement bring 10 Therefore all sorrow from thy heart see thou remove quicklie Put ill away for childhood and youth are but vanitie Chap. 12. THy Creator remember well in youth while the ill day Is not come nor the yeares draw nigh when thou shall surely say In all such things under the sun no pleasure I at all Have in my heart I loth such things yea whether great or small 2 While the Sun light or yet the Moone or the starres in their traine Be not darkned nor yet the clouds returne after the raine 3 In the day when the keepers of the house as in palsie Shall tremble and the strong men shall themselves bow faintingly The grinders then shall cease to be as mouldred all away And these that out at windowes looke al 's dark'ned be alway 4 And in the streetes the doores shall be shut when the grinding sound Is low he at the chirp of birds shall rise from sleep unsound His sprits also shall be so dull that he shall nothing know The daughters all of musick then shall be brought very low 5 Of high things they shall be afraid and feares al 's in the way Shall be and al 's the Almond tree shall flourish white alway Desire shall faile a grashopper a burden shall be so Because man dies the mourners then about the streetes doe go 6 Before al 's that the silver cord be loosed at the length Or that the golden bowle at last be broken with its strength Or that the pitcher broken be even at the maine fountaine Or yet that broken be the wheele that 's hard by the cisterne 7 Then shall the dust returne to earth as it was most vile dust Then shall the sprite returne to God who gave it at the first 8 Even vanitie of vanities the Preacher well doth call The things that are on earth below yea vanitie is all 9 Because the Preacher wise was he did teaâ—h the people still Yea he gave good heed and sought out wise Proverbes with great skill 10 The Preacher sought to find out wordes acceptable to heare What written was it was upright words to the truth most neere 11 Wise words are like to goads and nailes by preachers fastned well Which from one shepheard are all given who doth the same reveale 12 By these my son admonish'd be of makeing bookes no end There is much study al 's the flesh with wearinesse doth spend 13 Let us now heare the end of all feare God and as thou can His precepts keep for sure this is the duety all of man 14 For God in judgement every work most clearly shall reveale With every secret thing also yea whether good or ill The Use LET Men heere learne where all may clearly see Vnder the Welkin all but vanitie Heer tears in eyes and fears in heart as house With many sorrows have their Rendevouz Of earthly things the vast confused crowd Is now or then all cov'red with a clowd Though men on Thrones advanced have their Seat All 's nought except they be as Good as Great Loke not to see beneath the Firmament A state of life that heer gives full content A dying still is in poor queasie man His life at longest is but like a span It like a Post doth passe even in a streame And is anone forgotten like a dreame Gods holy Law is only pure and plain In life and death Christ is our only gaine Let us heer learn in time to turn our back On vanitie and quickly it forsake With bended knees and al 's with broken hearts Let us be carefull that we in all parts May fear the Lord and dayly on him call For this to do it is the end of all All other thoughts are surely vile and vaine A brood most base even of a burly braine Who so profane this earthly glory seeks Shall losse his life among such crooked creeks O happy he who hating vanitie Doth rest content Gods pensioner to be Not careing for the leeks and garlick fell Th' Egyptian hotch potch which Gods Israel Preferr'd to Man their whilom-Angels food Admir'd at first but well not understood â—hile it most sweet like Coriander round â— like hoare frost did ly upon the ground â— heav'n above is onely rest below he Trump of war doth still
and also Milcom These were the chief idols of Solomon Whith Chemos for which he made an high place With great contempt before the Temples face This also was the rage of Solomon He served Molech th' idol of Ammon He wise in youth did in his old folie Follow his wives in their idolatrie For this cause God in wrath did him despise As unthankfull unto whom clearly twise He had appear'd I will said God surely For thy great sins rend the Kingdome from thee Because thy father me sought in his wayes This great rent I will not make in thy dayes But after thee thy Son shall feele the smart And yet I will for Davids sake a part Of the Kingdome of Isra'l sure reserve That in his house a lamp I may preserve Then God to punish his idolatrie Stirr'd up Hadad for an adversarie To Solomon another call'd Rezon A great armie of men gath'red anone Hadad and Jeroboam stout also Unto Solomon did procure much wo At last he di'd after he had fourtie Yeers liv'd in peace and great tranquillitie Papists do doubt and make a question If Solomon obtain'd salvation That which them moves unto this hard sentence The Scriptures speak not of his repentance But let such know his repentance was true As his Sermons Ecclesiastes shew 2 Sam. 7.14 Yea God himself unto his father dear This promise made which takes away all fear If this thy Son commit iniquitie With rods and strips I will him most sharplie Correct and chasten for to vexe his heart But my mercy shall not from him depart As from King Saul who forsaking my path From his Kingdome was cast away in wrath The Use Let him that would shunne all idolatrie Flie farre from such that with it spotted be Where is the man that should not fear to fall When he thinkes what befell this Cedar tall This is the best when man hath gone astray With Solomon to returne to Gods way THE GARDEN OF ZION Of the Kings of Judah PROV 25.5 Take away the wicked from before the King and his throne shall be stablished in righteousnesse 1. Rehoboam 2. Abijah 3. Asa 4. Jehoshaphat 5. Jehoram 6. Ahaziah 7. Joash 8. Amaziah 9. Uzziah or Azaria 10. Jotham 11. Ahaz 12. Hezekiah 13. Manasseh 14. Amon. 15. Josiah 16. Jehoachaz 17. Eliakim called by Necho Jehojakim 18. Jehojachin 19. Mattaniah called by Nebuchadnezzar Zedekiah A Prayer O Thou great GOD call'd I AM THAT I AM Of all my verse be thou the chiefest theame What is my heart but a confused Masse A wilde Chaos untill thy sprite a space There move it self and upon this gulf brood Thoughts far beyond the reach of flesh and blood O drench my heart in Zions sacred springs And lead my hand to write of Judahs Kings And of their life and death such uses make That all thereby may good example take Their vice to shun to follow their vertue To learne thereby our lives for to renew O sprite of grace come with thy gentle gales Maugre envie with thy breath fill my sailes Now spread my Canvas and al 's guide the Helm And smooth the Seas lest that they overwhelm My brettle Boat which now among great Kings Is come to search their good and bad doings Come help me Lord and make no more delay The tide for none but thee alone doth stay 1. REHOBOAM Enlargeing or delaying the people THen all Isra'l conveened in Shechem To choose with haste their King Rehoboam There the people with one mouth to him said Thy dead father great burdens on us laid If thou our yoke will make light and easie With one consent we thy servants will be Then said the King From me three dayes depart Then shall yee know the purpose of mine heart Then said the King unto the old and wise Consider well give counsell and advise What to this people thinke yee best to say Yee men of age now tell me I you pray Then these grave men to speake so did begin This people now with faire words thou must win If thou to them a servant be this day To thee good subjects they will he for ay After this said he turned to the youth To heare what counsell should come from their mouth What what said they what what is this saying Darre proude people speake thus unto their King Of thy deare father how darre they complaine Who now is dead to hear such words disdaine Frowne with thy brow speak unto them roughly That thy least finger thicker now shall be Then were his loines Tell what is in thine heart In speach most plaine and so let them depart This young counsell the young King pleased best To him the third day they came all in hast Now let us heare said they thy good answere Be plaine with us no longer it deferre Then with a frowne as youth did him direct He them beheld and did their sute reject What what said he what meaneth your saying How darre yee thus speake to your Lord and King Of my father how darre yee thus complaine VVho is now dead your speaches I disdaine The least finger that is in my bodie Then all his loines were thicker hence shall be When Isra'l heard this answere from the King Then with a noise they all had this saying What what portion or what inheritance Have we in David or vvhat maintenance Ovve vve to him novv David in this rent See to thine house O Isra'l to your tent This matter was from the great JEHOVAH As was foretold by Prophet Ahijah When he his cloaths into twelve peices rent Then Jeroboam of that new garment Got pieces ten the Prophet keeped two Which did declare that the rent should be so That Jeroboam ten tribs should command But two as Lamps for Davids house should stand In this great grudge the King Rehoboam Sent unto them his servant Adoram A man for tribut but with staffe and stones They in their great wrath did crush all his bones When this young King the peoples rage did see He in his Charet speedily did flee So ten tribs did rebell without delay Against the house of David to this day In this mans time King of Egypt Shishak All the treasures of gold away did take Which Solomon had richly made of gold In the Temple with carvings manifold The shields of gold with rich treasures that day Shishak the King did carry all away Thus was the Temple spoiled by Shishak Who gold and treasures all away did take Behold how soone golds glory doth decay See how rich treasures glaunce and passe away This man whose Mother was of Moab land Seventeene yeers King in Salem did command The Use By this young King more young in wit then age Let all Kings learne to shunne a peoples rage If they would wisely manage their affaires They must regard the counsell of gray haires 2. ABIJAH My father God HEere Abijah his fathers Son in sinne As he did end ill so did he beginne He did not that which
I will shew that I have yet to speak for th' Almighty 2 I will my knowledge fetch from far like a most learned scribe And to my Maker righteousnesse I surely will ascribe 4 This I may well say for a trueth my words false shall not be He that in knowledge perfect is is alwayes still with thee 5 Behold the Lord most mighty is he no man doth despise Most mighty he is in great strength and al 's he is most wise 6 The life of wicked men he not preserveth by his might He in his justice doth alwayes give to the poor his right 7 From righteous men he just doth noâ— withdrawe his eyes anone But with Kings high in dignitie they are upon the Throne Yea he by his Almighty power doth them establish fast And they high unto dignitie exalted are at last 8 And if they be in fetters bound and cords most like a slave 9 Then he their works and sins doth shew that rhey exceeded have 10 To discipline there eare also he opneth most wisely And them commands that they returne from their iniquity 11 If they obey and serve him thus and that unto the end Their dayes they in prosperity and yeers in joy shall spend 12 But if they will not him obey they by the sword surely Shall perish all and they likewise as fooles shall surely dye 13 But hypocrites who most abhord are men of double heart Still heap up wrath they cry not when he binds them till they smart 14 They die in their most lustie youth as often may be seene Their life is among Sodomites of all men most uncleane 15 The poor man he delivereth well in trouble and debate Their eares also he opneth wide in his oppression great 16 Even so would he thee from the place of straitnesse great made free And the rest of thy table rich of fatnesse full should be 17 The judgement of vile wicked men thou hast fulfill'd surely GODS judgement and his justice al 's they take now hold on thee 18 Sith wroth he is beware that he with stroakes take thee away Then shalt thou not delivered be though thou great ransome pay 19 In such a case will he esteeme thy great riches at length No not the finest gold nor all the forces of great strength 20 See that thou not desire alwayes to see the dismall night When people poor are in their place cut off by men of might 21 Take heed see that thou not regard most vile iniquitie For rather then affliction thou this chosen hast surelie 22 Behold GOD highly doth exalt even by his power supreme His understanding is so great that none can teach like him 23 Who among the most mighty hath enjoined him his way Or who dar say to him Thou hast most lewdly gone astray 24 Remember that thou magnifie his work which men behold 25 It is so cleare it may be seene both by the young and old 26 Lo GOD is great we know him not in all the land about Nor can the number of his yeeres be fully searched out 27 For he the drops of water makes to become very small According to their vapours they do make the raine to fall 28 Which the clouds in the firmament do cause drop down apace And upon man aboundantly distill in every place 29 Also the spreading of the clouds can any understand Or the noise of his Tabernacle set up by his own hand 30 Behold his gloriouâ— lâ—ght on it he spreadeth most brightlie And by this meanes he cov'reth all the bottome of the sea 31 For he by them the people doth judge as he thinketh meet In plenteous aboundance he gives unto them all their meat 32 With clouds he cov'reth all the light even by his power divine He by the cloud that comes betwixt forbiddeth it to shine 33 The noise thereof concerning it doth shew its furious rage Concerning vapours such also the cattell oft presage Chap. 37. AT this also with inward fear my heart doth all this space Even tremble still and troubled fore is mov'd out of its place 2 Hear of his voice attentively the great noise all about And al 's the rumbling sound that of his sacred mouth goes out 3 He mighty under the whole heaven directs it wisely foorth And al 's his lightning bright unto the ends of all the earth 4 After the lightning seene a sound doth roar most dreadfully He thundreth high even with the voice of his excellency And he the raine and thunder al 's by his strength will not stay When his voice is among the clouds by night heard or by day 5 GOD with his voice most wondrously doth fearfull thunder send Great things he surely doth which we can not well comprehend 6 He to the snow gives a command to cover all the plaine The same to do he doth appoint the small and mighty raine 7 The hand of each man he seals up that men his works may know 8 Then go the beasts unto their dens and rest in places low 9 Out of the chambers of the South the whirlewind cometh foorth And cold which chilleth every thing proceeds out of the North. 10 Even by the breath of God the frost is given at his command The breadth also of waters great is straitned by his hand 11 He gathreth vapours and them makes thick clouds by his great might To labour much he scattreth al 's his cloud that is most bright 12 And by his counsels that are wise it turn'd is round about That they may do what ever he bids even all this world throughout 13 He quickly causeth it to come by a most firme decree Whether for rod or for his land or else for great mercy 14 O Job now hearken at the last to all that I have said Stand still and now consider well the wondrous works of God 15 Knowst thou when God disposed then by his wisedome divine And causd the great light of his cloud most brightly for to shine The ballancings dost thou well know of clouds both great and small The wondrous workes of him who still perfectly knows things all 17 How thou thy garments thee upon to be right warme dost find When he the whole earth quiet makes by force of the south wind 18 Hast thou with him by thy great power spread out the spangled skie Most strong and as a looking glasse that 's molten by and by 19 Teach us now by thy wisedome great what we shall say to him For order we our speach can not we are so dark and dim 20 Shall it be told him what I speak of this he hath no need If any speak amisse he shall be swallow'd up indeed 21 And now the bright light in the clouds men do not clearly see But the wind with great force doth passe and cleanseth them quickly 22 Most from the North fair weather comes most clear as is the gold With GOD is wondrous Majestie more bright by manifold 23 Concerning the Almighty God we
Eternall From GLASGOW the 28 of MAY 1644. Your humble servant Mr. ZACHARY BOYD PRAYERS TO GOD FOR HIS ASSISTANCE IN THIS WORK 1. AT Thee JOVAH this work I will begin Inspire mine heart and also guide my pen Teach me to teach and to publish the story Of thy most great workes to thy praise and glory â—ouchsafe on me in thy mercy a look â—hat with thy praise I may embosse my book â—y heart anone shall godly matter frame 〈◊〉 thou shalt glade it with thy glowing flame 〈◊〉 shine on me with thy bright countenance â—nd make thy beams through my bowels to glance 〈◊〉 let not from me thy good sprit depart â—hat with thy Saints I here may act my part 2. O Mighty GOD who all things underprops Refresh mine heart with thy cleare silver drops â—ke Zion hill in a faire May morning â—angled with dew that I thy praise may sing 〈◊〉 purge my soul my drossie sprits refine â—ne empty breast fill with thy breath divine â—onceive in me and after bring to birth â—erses most sweet which I may warble forth â—ouble thy sprit on me LORD I thee call â—â—jah like let mercies mantle fall â—y verse begot in paine and borne in pleasure â—â—t them containe of thy praises a Treasure Grant unto me that in my sacred layes I may expresse the glory of thy wayes O blessed Lord who hearts and reines dost try Make thou my thoughts to soare and cut the sky My musick meene accept and with a look Of mine incense receive this little smooke The widowes mites get thy more large report Then Hecatombes of the richest sort O Lord of love my soul with mercy fraught And take in good part this poore Char-coale draugâ— All foggie mists and sable clouds expell That I thy praise unto the world may tell Reveale to me Salvations sacred things Seal'd in the Casket of the King of kings O Jesus Christ be thou my sure refuge Who bare the doome of that Italian Judge 3. O gracious God now teach me to compile An usefull work with grace now steel my stile That whosoever reads this book he may Reape profite I comfort thou praise for ay The use of this Booke COnsider this who dost these verses read Heer is a Garden both with flowre and weed The pleasant Rose heâ—re smelleth fragrantly The stinking Hemlock thou may also see Heere learne with godly godly be in life Ahorre all these who have beene men of strife Example good follow but shun abuse By Gods wisedome of all these men make use THE GARDEN OF ZION ADAM Earth THis is the man who after sea and land Was made of Earth by great JEHOVAHS hand In his nostrils He breath'd the breath of life And of a rib Hee form'd for him a wife â—ithin this clay immortall life He placed â—f he by sin had not himself disgraced By divine favour He gave him a pledge True holinesse which was His own image He in great love did choose him as His heir And made him of so foule a masse so fair His great VICE-ROY yea His beloved Son Perfect and peerlesse even a Paragon But Oh alas he did not so abide But lost this image by his foolish pride And unbelief whereon as on a rock He made shipwrack a senselesse sottish block That learned Tree the Tree of good and ill Abusde by man did mankinde spoile and spill When he was well content he could not sit But lost us all by a forbidden bit The lofty wife and the crafty Serpent For Adams fall were Satans instrument The sprite apostat residing within That speckled beast with smooth damask skin The simple sexe deceived craftily Assuring her with GOD equall to be Poor Adam chiefly by her lost his life Who was his Phoenix Sister Daughter Wife The earth therefore for pleasant fruits and corneâ— Brought nothing foorth but nettles thistles thorne When man did look of fruits to get a feast The briers and burs did bristle up their breast The LORD on man no meat then would allow Till first the sweat should bubble on his brow He who before was holy meek and wise A fool by sin was thrust from paradise A glorious Park wherein without all tearm He might have dwelt if he had pay'd his Farm But now disgrac'd for disobedience To dwell in Eden he hath not licence The tree of life to him may not affoord Her fruit A Cherub boasts him with a sword Nine hundred and al 's thirty years he lived â—mmortall first at last for sin he died Thus he whom satan by sin did deceive A slimy Burgar was laid in his grave The Use When thou hast sinn'd beware thy selfe to hide â—n Adams fall behold the fruits of pride Of strong made weak of wise become a foole Gods character cancell'd with griefe and doole Great sweat of browes no rest untill our bones â—e cooped up in a cold heap of stones â—h that our sense as the spiders could be Which starts as soone as stirres the buzzing flie Within her web Oh that we could begin â—o feele to hate the least approach of sin EVAH Living ISHAH of man was after call'd EVAH From life by ADAM direct'd by JOVAH She of a rib was made the first woman Who by her pride brought many woes to man Mans other self his love his help his wife With the serpent was cause of all the strife For such a fault her poor condition Was paine in birth and great subjection But heere her comfort in her greatest need The womans seede shall bruise the serpents head The Son of Marie Jesus Christ our Lord 'Twixt God and man shall make a blest accorâ— The Use Let EVAHS fall vaine vvomen terrifie And teach them all to love humilitie Blest be her seede vvho us restor'd againe And of our sins unreel'd the snarled skain CAIN Possession FIrst borne of man name from possession A sacrificer by profession â—hy browe did fall with an envious eye â—ecause the Lord prefer'd Abel to thee â—hou of Abel a bloody murderer â—ecamst who should have beene his best keeper â—ecause his blood doth cry aloud to me â—hou on the earth a vagabound shall be The Use â—y Cains madnesse thou may clearely try What monsters lurke in the sinne of envy â—inne soone is done but after comes the smart 〈◊〉 vagabound all trembling at the heart â—en sinne in secret but God keeps account 〈◊〉 his exchequer how their sinnes do mount ABEL Vanitie THou second Sonne thy name is vanitie Thy Hebrew name did so foretell to thee â—hy cruel brother through envy and strife 〈◊〉 thy faire youth bereft thee of thy life â—ods holy worship thou didst not neglect 〈◊〉 thy service JEHOVAH had respect â—hough in thy youth of death thou trod the path â—â—t still thou lives renowned for thy faith The Use It is no wonder by envie and wrath To see just men unjustly put to death Most blest is he whose heart base slimy he Surmounting towards his creature leaps Strive vvith Abel to dwell
bread and wine And blest him after he had given that feast For Salems King he was and the Lords Priest Unto him ABRAM in that blessed day With chearefull heart the tithes of all did pay But as for spoile nothing I will he said â—est SODOME say I ABRAM rich have made The Battel of Abraham against Amraphel King of Shinar Arioch King of Nations wherein he rescued his brother Son Lot who had beene taken prisoner by them This Paraphrase was made in verse by the Prince of English Poets JOSHUA SYLVESTER ABRAM perceiving now the Army neer By their own Fires 'gan thus his Troups to cheer Souldiers said he behold this happy Night Shall make amends for that dis-astrous Fight Was fought in Siddim and acquittance cry For Sodom's shame and Lot's captivitie adorn'd Me thinks already Victory With Bowes and Blades and Casks and Croâ— return'd From th' Enemie on our triumphant spears Erecteth Trophe is far more rich then theirs Me thinkes already on our glistring Crests The glorious Garland of the Conquest rests Our way to vertue lyes so smooth and plain With painelesse Honour and unvent'red Gain This hoast you see is not the valiant Troup That stript Gomorrha and made Segor stoop That Jordan Inde and Euphrates admire But a foule Heard of Swine wall'wing in mâ— Regard them as they are not as they were See but their sloath do not their number fear He that 's asleep is dead and he that 's dead Bites not they say What have we then dread Why stay we Lads already down they are Their throats be naked and their bosoms bare Their lives lie prostrate heer at our command And Fortune cals but for your helping hand Come follow me rather the Lord of Hoasts Terror of Tyrants who through all the Coasts with a trough Of all the Earth confoundeth All worldly power and brings mens plots nought Come happy Troup follow with one accord â—h'invincible brave Standart of the Lord. This said eft-soons I wot not what a grace What divine beam reflected on his face â—or as in March the Serpent having cast â—is old foule skin crawls from his hole full fast â—isses and stings and stares us in the face â—nd gold-like glistring glides along the grasse â—o Heav'n enspires fresh vigour in each part His blood renews his heart doth take new heart 〈◊〉 martiall furie in his breast there boyls His stature seems more taller then yer-whiles Youth paints his cheeks with Rose and Lilly Dies A lovely Lightning sparkels in his eyes So that his gallant Port and gracefull voice Confirms the faintest makes the sad rejoice Then on the Camp he sets where round about Lie mingled Carrs and Horse and Men that rout Rest seizeth all and wanting what is fed The fire it self slept in his ashy bed Th' Hebrews the-while laid-on on back or brest Or arm or side according at their rest To th'ground had bound them and those lives bereft The which Death's Image in an Image reft Heer one beheaded on a Trunk of Pine Pours-out at once his gore his ghost and wiâ—â— The full Helm hops and with a voice confuse Murmurs as if it his fell Fate accused Another taken by inchanting sleep Mid Pots and Cups and Flagons quaffing deâ— Doth at a wound given in his rattling gorge The Wine againe in his owne Cup dis-gorge Another while ingeniously he playes Upon his Lute some passing-pleasing Layes Sleep seales his eyes up with a gloomy cloud And yet his hand still quavers light and lowd But at the last it sinks and offring fair To strike the Base strikes but the empty aire His soul descending to th' Infernall Coasts Goes to conclude his Song unto the Ghosts Dolefull it was not for the Argument For 't was of Love but for the sad event Another wak'ned with those lowd alarms Starts-up and groapeth round about for arms Which ah too soon he findeth for his part For a keen poignard stabs him to the heart Like as a Tigress having with the gore Of Buls and Hiefers made her spots the more And pav'd a Plain with Creatures mangled limâ— Views on each side her valiant stratagems Treads on the vanquisht and is proudly-sad That no more Foes nor no more Maw she haâ— Thâ— th' Hebrew stalking round-about the slain â—raves but it boots not and would very fain â—hat those dead bodies might their ghosts re-gather â—r that those mountaines would produce him rather â—ome Foes more wakefull that more manfully 〈◊〉 blood-drown'd Valleyes might his valour try Amor's three sons did no lesse slaughter make â—bram for zeale they but for furies sake â—his nails a Souldier with his Sword to th'ground â—hat at a blow th' heads of two Heads discrownd â—his underneath a Chariot kils the driver â—hat lops off legs and arms and heads doth shiver The Tents already all in blood do swim â—ushing from sundry Corps from severall lim 〈◊〉 brief so many ravening Wolves they seem â—ithin whose breast fierce Famine biteth keen â—ho softly stealing to some fold of Sheep While both the Shepheard and his Cur doth sleep â—urbush their hungry teeth tear kill and prey â—pon the best to eat and bear-away Yet at the length the vanquished awake â—nd re-ary'd the Victors under-take â—utting the three proud Amorites to flight â—ho but for Abram had bin routed quite Sleep sleep poor Pagans sith you needs dye Go sleep again and so dye easily Dye yer ye think on death and in your Dreaâ— Gasp-out your soules Let not your dazled bâ— Behold the hauock and the horrour too Of th' Execution that our Swords shall doâ— Hacking your bodies to heaw-out your breatâ— Yer Death to fright you with a thousand deaâ— Said Abraham and pointing every word With the keen point of his quicke-whirled swâ— As swift in doing as in saying so More fiercely chargeth the insulting Foe Than ever storm-full cloud which fed 〈◊〉 water 's Thin moist-full fumes the snowy mountaâ—â— daughters Showr'd heaps of hail-shot or pour'd flood rain On slender stems of the new tender Grain Through bloud and blades through danger and death Through mangled Corps and carrs he traverseâ— And partly in the shock part with the blowes He breaketh in through thickest of his Foes And by his travell topsi-turneth then The live and dead and half-dead horse and 〈◊〉 â—is bright-keen Fauchin never threats but hits â—or hits but hurts nor hurts but that it splits â—ome privie postern whence to Hell in Post â—ome groaning Pagan may gaâ—p out his ghost â—e all assayls and him so brave bestow's â—hat in his fight he deals more deaths than blows As the North-winde re-clearing-up the front â—f cloudy Heav'ns towards the South doth hunt â—he showr's that Austers spungie thirst exhales â—ut of those Seas that circle Orans wals â—o where-so-e're our Hebrew Champion wield â—is war-like weapon and his glistring shield Whose glorious splendor darts a dreadfull light â—ll turn their backs and all be-take to flight â—orgetting Fame Shame Vertue Hope and all â—heir hearts are
daunce with women she had al 's her soâ— She did her selfe in godly words expresse With gifts adorn'd she was a Prophetesse She had her faults in her most holy life She greeved MOSES by her words of strife She with ARON the ill quarel began For ZIPPORAH the Ethiopian Tush tush said they hath God spoken onâ— By MOSES and not by us as plainely This Moses heard but being very meek From God in wrath he no revenge did seeke But God in wrath when he these things did Unto them cri'd Come out come out ye three Though I my wrath against you have delay'd To greeve Moses how were ye not afraide 〈◊〉 proud in heart inferiour in place 〈◊〉 you by dreams to him I speake by face â—hen GOD had showne how they had gone astray 〈◊〉 kindled wrath and rage he went away â—â—en this was done behold a great sorrow â—â—RIE became leprous white as the snow â—â—er her flesh was consum'd by the Lord â—â—ses did pray and then she was restor'd â—â—cause God was provoked by her sinne 〈◊〉 died in the wildernesse of ZIN â—â—nsider heere two brethren and MARIE â—pointed guids for Israel to be â—â—cause by sinne they stirred up Gods wrath Canaan they might not tread the path 〈◊〉 on HOR Moses at NEBO steep â—â—y in Zin by death did softly sleep 〈◊〉 wildernesse AMRAMS three children deare â—â—eir life did finish in the fourtie yeere The Use â—ost godlie hearts vaine pride doth whiles assault â—â—ey live not heere that live without a fault â—th carefulnesse let men and vvomen try 〈◊〉 â—t in their hearts no place bee for envy BALAK A Robber BALAAM A Devorer After that Isra'l in battell fighting Had overcome strong Og of Bashan Kâ— BALAK king of Moab son of ZIPPOR Sent men for Bala'm the son of BEOR Who dwelt in Pethor to him they did say Behold from Egypt in battell aray A people is come who is most mighty In number great for to fight against me Come now therefore I pray thee without Curse Israel that so I may prevaile For this I wot that he whom thou shalt bleâ— Shall be blessed and curs'd whom thou curse So the Elders that were of Moab land Departed with great rewards in their hand They came unto BALAAM and thus spake Unto him the words of their King BALAK He said to them Lodge heere this night suâ— I shall you tell what the Lord saith to me And God came unto BALAAM and said What men are these that doe with thee abiâ— And Bala'm said to God Balak surelie The son of ZIPPOR hath sent unto me Bâ—hold saith he from Egypt a great band 〈◊〉 souldiers that cover all the land â—me curse me them peradventure I shall â—able for to overcome them all â—d God said to BALA'M Thou shalt not goe â—th them thou shalt not curse the people so â—r they are bless'd BALA'M in the morning â—se up and went to BALAKS men saying â—e Princes of King BALAK get ye now â—o your owne land for to go with you â—e mightie Lord will not give leave to me â—en the Princes of Moab most early â—se up and unto their King BALAK went â—d said BALA'M for thy commandement â—â—th no wise care hee proud of his wisedome â—ainely refuseth with us for to come â—d Balak sent againe by the same way â—inces that were more respectfull then they â—ho said to him Balak son of Zippor â—ith great desire hath us all sent thee for 〈◊〉 bids us say Let nothing I pray thee â—ee hinder from now coming unto me 〈◊〉 will promote thee for thy great wisedome â—herefore to curse this people shortly come â—hen to Balaks servants Bala'm most bold â—id If Balak of silver and of gold Would his house full me give I not therefore Could go beyond the Lords word lesse or mâ— Yet all this night heere tary I you pray That I may know what more the LORD will And GOD came unto Balaam at night And said to him What was most just and rigâ— If these men come againe for to call thee Rise up and al 's go with them speedilie But yet the word that I shall to thee say That shalt thou do most carefully alway And Balaam rose up in the morning And on his asse went unto Moabs King But Gods anger was then incontinent Kindled because he with these Princes went And the Angel of the great God that day For adversarie stood there in the way Thus on his asse he rode Balak unto And his two servants were with him also And the asse saw the Angel of the Lord In the way standing with a glistring Sword And the asse turn'd aside out of the way And went into the field without delay And Balam smote the asse with great disdaine To turne her soone into the way againe But the angel of the Lord in great wrath Of the vineyards stood in a narrow path Which on both sides was fenced with a wall 〈◊〉 when the asse for fear ready to fall 〈◊〉 the Angel of the Lord in the way â—till the Wall she did without delay â—sh Balams foot then he inflamed hote â—th staffe in hand the asse in fury smote â—en the Lord op'ned the mouth of the asse â—â—o said to Balam What is my trespasse â—â—y dost thou strike What have I done to thee â—at thou hast so me smitten these times three â—n Balam said unto the asse surely â—cause thou hast in the way mocked me â—ould there were a Sword in mine hand still â—r now I would in wrath thee surely kill â—en said the asse Am I not thine alway 〈◊〉 which thou hast ridden ev'n to this day â—as I before wont so to do to thee â—y said Balam thou didst not so to me â—en Balam's eyes the Lord without delay â—'ned who saw Gods Angel in the way â—ith his sword drawen then he in the same place â—w'd down his head and fell flat on his face â—en said the Angel For what great trespasse â—st thou these three times thus smitten thine asse â—â—hold I went out for to withstand thee â—â—cause thy way is perverse before me Thine asse a beast did well for thee provide She fearing me turned three times aside Unlesse she had from Me thus turn'd away I had her sav'd and had slain thee this day Then Balam said I have the LORDS commanâ— Broken by sin for that thou heer didst stand I did not know Now therefore without let If thou be wroth back soone I will me get No said the Angel unto Balam then Now take thine own will and go with the menâ— But only speak that which I speak to thee So Balam went towards Balak quickly When Balak heard this he incontinent To meet Balaam to a city went Of Moab land in borders of Arnon Which is the outmost coast lying alone Then Balak said unto Balam Did I Not send for thee to call thee by and by Wherefore came thou not at the first to me Am I not able for to honour thee And Balam said
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
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
race 〈◊〉 Of ill Ahab nothing he did possesse 〈◊〉 Gods grace but contemning th' Eternell â—e walked after the wicked counsell â—f Ahabs house which did him sore annoy â—or him with it stout Jehu did destroy â—e went with Joram for to take his part â—gainst Jehu for which he felt the smart For sins against God he could not forbeare Therefore his Kingdome lasted but a yeere The Use Let all men learne that sin is not a sport It ends our dayes and cuts our honours shoâ— Let these here learne who are made Kings grace To chuse their wives of good and godly race 7. JOASH The fire of the Lord. VVHen Athaliah did see that her Son King Ahaziah was by Jehu slaine She rose in rage her whole force to imploy The Royall race of Judah to destroy When she in furie cruel did conspire Against Judah then Joash from that fire By God was sav'd his Father Sister deare Jehoshabeath did hid him in that feare This good woman wife of Jehojadah Was appointed by the great Jehovah To save this Prince in these times of great feaâ— This Priest him hid the space of whole six yearâ— Jehojadah at last did him foorth bring By force of armes he Crown'd and made him King When Athaliah heard how all was done Shee rent her cloaths and said Treason treason When this was said up stood Jehojadah The Priest of the Almighty JEHOVAH Captaines said he have this vile woman foorth Of Gods house ranges though she by birth A Kings daughter now take her in disdaine Without the temple let her now be slaine When all things ord'red were in this estate They slew her at th'entring of the horse gate Then all were moved by Jehojadah To make a Covenant with great JEHOVAH Then the people went with all diligence To Baals house for to exact vengeance They brake it downe his Altars they down threw With Images Mattan the Priest they slew They offred burnt offrings and Psalmes did sing That done upon a Throne they set the King Of seven years old before he was a man Of strength and wit Joash to rule began He was a man well set for Jehovah During the dayes of good Jehojadah He in great zeale made all to contribut Great meanes which he at last did distribut For to prepare the house of great Jovah Which had been spoil'd by vile Athaliah Who to break downe Gods house did well alloâ— The spoile she did on Baalim bestow After this Hazael King of Syria Tooke Gath to the Citie of Jehovah He set his face to compasse it in round To make a breach and bring it to the ground But Joash fearing such forces that day Gave him the treasurs so he went away As long as Joash had Jehojadah He uprightly did walk with Jehovah But after this most worthy man was dead Who for his worth with the Kings was buri'd Joash the King with Princes of Judah Did leave the house of the great Jehovah Unto their sins they were most foolish slaves Who like heathens did serve idols and groves Yet he to them his holy Prophets sent To teach them his divine commandement Against them they did testifie sincere But they unto their words would not give eare Then the good sprit of the great Jehovah Came upon the Prophet Zechariah Jehojadahs son who stood up and said To the people Thus saith th' Almighty God Why doe ye thus the Lords precepts transgresse Why sin ye still stoutly without regresse â—ee cannot prosper because yee have now â—orsaken God he hath forsaken you â—hen wicked men commanded by the King â—t Zechariah stones with spight did fling â—his man of God they slew with one accord â—n the faire court of the house of the Lord â—hus Joash king killing Zechariah â—orgot the kindnesse of Jehojadah â—e not remembring what that man had done â—or him in straite but after kill'd his son When he was dyeing this was his desire â—ord looke upon it and also require After this fact neere the end of the year â—oash with his men were troubled with feare â—he Syrian armie in number but small â—pon his hoast with great fiercenesse did fall Who ' gainst Joash did execute judgement â—or his transgressing Gods commandement After this King Joash in great sicknesse Was left because in blood he did transgresse â—is owne servants who at his table fed â—ere cruelly did kill him on his bed â—ne of these servants had this name Zabad â—he others name was call'd Jehozabad â—f seven years old a childe by Jehovah â—ade King he raign'd fourty years in Judah Because Gods Prophet he slew cruelly God suffred not him in Kings graves to lye The Use He who for good with an unthanfull heart Shall render ill ill never shall depart From his house A murdrer though a greâ— King The Lord with blood unto the grave shall brinâ— 8. AMAZIAH The strength of the Lord. THis Amaziah as the historie Declareth did reigne yeers nine and twenâ— That he did good we have in holy write But in Gods sight his heart was not perfite These men he slew who had his father slaine But by Gods statutes spared their children Against Edom he three hundred thousand Of Judahs men had ready at command A hundred thousand he of Israel Did hire with him to go unto Battell But from the Lord a man came to the King Who him discharg'd Israels men to bring Unto his host for God with Israel Said he is not The Lord in this battell Will not thee help If thou them with thee take The Lord he shall both thee and thine forsake Then Amaziah unto him did say An hundred talents these men have this day Receiv'd from me Who shall these now restore The Lord said he will render thee much more Then Amaziah did command these men Who not of Judah but Irsa'ls children To turne back soone and to their home returne For which much wrath in their bosome did burn Then this King stout with Judahs men alone Ten thousand smot of the men of Edom Ten thousand al 's this King did leave alive Whom he by valoure did cary captive These he did bring to the top of a rock He threw them downe their bones in pieces brok But Fy fy fy this most unthankfull King Their idol gods unto Judah did brng He bow'd before these things that had no sense And al 's unto them he did burne incense Wherefore the anger of the great Jovah Sore kindled was against Amaziah He sent to him a Prophet for to tell That by idols he had greev'd th' Eternell Why hast thou said he sought of other lands The gods which their owne people from thâ—â— hands Could not rescue Where is respect and fear Then said the King I charge thee to forbeare To speak such words thou base man hast no placâ— Be silent lest they smite thee on the face Well said the Prophet at thy commandemeâ— I shall forbeare and shall remaine silent For now I know the great God Eternell
Elisha came incontinent â—nd with Elijah he went as servant Then came Benhadad strong from Syria â—ith thirty two Kings ' gainst Samaria â—s messengers he unto Ahab King 〈◊〉 to the City sent with this saying â—us saith Benhadad who darre now repine Thy Silver Gold Wives Children all aâ— mine To him Ahab answ'red my Lord O King What hast thou said it is a true saying For I am thine and all that I can have Grant me friendship no other thing I crave When Benhadad these words of courtesie Did heare his heart was lifted up proudly His messenger he back againe then sent Unto Ahab with this commandement I will to morrow my strong servants send Who all thine house shall search from eâ— to end What in thine eyes is most pleasant that daâ— They in their hands shall carie all away Then Ahab spake his Elders with great griefâ— See how this man now seeketh a mischeefe My silver gold my wives children freely I offred to him who doth as ye see Then the elders with such words not contenâ— Said to Ahab beware to give consent Regard him not Then Ahab made report To the messengers in words of this sort What the King first desired it unto I soone yeelded but this I cannot doe When the messengers had made their report Unto Benhadad in words of thss sort â—hen Benhadad sent backe unto the King His servants soone with these words of threatning The gods do so to me and more also â—f for the people that with me shall go The dust of all Samarias Citie Shall now suffice for them handfulls to be Then Ahab answ'red tell yee now your King We will not yeeld for all his great threatning Let not him that girdeth on the harnesse So boast himself as free of all distresse When they report made of all this saying Benhadad with his Kings were then drinking â—nto his tent To his servants that day He said be now all in Battell aray When this was heard his strong men speedilie Did rank themselves against that fair Citie Behold anone a Prophet from the LORD Who did King Ahab comfort with this word Thus saith the Lord this host without delay 〈◊〉 will deliver in thine hand this day Though Benhadad now boast much of his sword â—hab shall know that I am God the Lord. Then Ahab said by whom shall this be done â—he man of God gave him this answere soone By the young men of good worthy Princes Who mighty are among the Provinces Then said Ahab tell me from th' Eternell Who shall among us order the Battell To that the Prophet shortly did reply Even thou who art the Lord of the city Then Ahab call'd the young men him unto Who were numbred two hundred thirtie two The host it self which Ahab did command In number all were but poor seven thousand When these brave men went to battelâ— noone Benhadad drunk was in his pavillion With thirtie two Kings who this most did thâ— How their bellies might be filled with drink Then the young men of the Princes that day Before the rest went first in their aray When Benhadad the King of Syria Heard that these men were from Samaria He said whether they be for peace or warre Take them alive but to slay them beware When this was said armie against armie Began to fight but Syria to flie Made hast That day poor Israel with few Benhadads great host bravely overthrew To King Ahab the Prophet came againe And said mark well my counsell not disdain â—or surely at the returne of the yeer â—enhadad will with a new armie stir Then Benhadads servants to him did say â—heir gods are gods of hills therefore now they â—e stronger then we let us in the plaine â—gainst them fight and they shall soone bee slaine Doe this al 's if thou wouldst prevaile this day â—ake heede and take these drunken Kings away â—nd put Captaines with order in their place 〈◊〉 shalt thou soone thy strongest foes deface Make up an armie like that which thou lost â—haret for charet horse for horse to post â—nd runne them downe in some field that is plaine â—hen shall we see their armie foil'd and slaine It came to passe at the turne of the yeere â—hat Benhadad to fill mens hearts with fear â—ame with an host of charets and of men â—nto Aphek against Isral's children â—ke little Kids Isra'l was in aray â—ut Syrians fill'd the countrey that day While all in order were fet for battell 〈◊〉 man of God came unto Israel And said GOD saith because the Syrâ— boast That GOD on hills can onely help your host It shall be seene that such words are but vâ— For as on hills so am I in the plaine For good successe this day I give my worâ— And yee shall all know that I am the LOâ— Then these two armies fill'd with coâ— much Did sev'n dayes one against another pitch In the seventh day they joined the Battell An hundred thousand that day by Isra'l Of Syrians were slaine the rest did flie Unto Aphek and there in that citie Upon twenty sev'n thousand men a wall Fell with great noise which killed great small Then Benhadad who durst no more abide Came to the citie for himselfe to hide In some chamber there his servants did say Our foes by force have much prevail'd day But vve have heard vvhich comfort tâ— brings That mercifull are all Israels Kings Let us quickly seeing there be such hopes â—ut on sackcloth and bind our heads vvith ropes â—nd go to Abab vvith humilitie â—eradventure that King vvill pardon thee As they had said so quickly in these hopes â—ey got sackcloth and bound their heads with ropes â—en to Ahab adorn'd with Majestie â—ey came with these signes of humilitie King said they let there be no more strife â—ore Benhadad from thee doth beg his life â—hat Said the King is your Master not dead â—ell him that he my brother is indeed 〈◊〉 bring him forth that novv I may him see â—d that he may in Charet ride vvith me Then Benhadad said to Ahab therefore 〈◊〉 thee the Cities I will now restore â—hich my stout father tooke from Israel 〈◊〉 thy brave Captaines to thee may well tell â—hen said Ahab this Covenant this day â—all betwixt us So he sent him away Then came a Prophet with his owne accord â—ho to his neighboure in words of the Lord â—id smite me soone I pray thee now smite me â—hat Said the man wherefore should I smite thee Because said he thou wouldst not now obey GODS voice by me a Lion shall thee slay So as the Prophet said it came to passe A Lion slew him for this his trespasse Then the Prophet another found quickly And as before said to him smite thou me Then he not slack quickly a weapon found And did him smite which made a bloody wounâ— Thus the Prophet sore wounded went away And waited on King Ahab by the way He thus disguisd with ashes on his face Did cry to
there came a thousand and seven teene â—f Levites were a hundred thirty nine â—ith Nethinims all with courage divine â—ith them servants of Solomons children â—l for to build were well prepared then â—he Priests which could not shew their pedigree â—ere not permitted in priests place to be â—he Tirshatha who did the rest command â—ould not permit that any tooke in hand â—hat any should of holy things make feast â—ll with Urim and Tummim came a Priest â—he whole number were fourty two thousand â—hree hundred threescore Jews from Babels land â—sides servants and maids for service given â—ere seven thousand three hundred thirtie seven â—ith horses seven hundred six and thirty â—ith mules two hundred five and al 's fourty â—eir Camels were foure hundred thirty five â—ith them they did six thousand asses drive â—ith seven hundred and also twentie more â—e rich all freely offred to restore â—he house of GOD and build it in his place â—hey all offred as GOD gave them the grace 〈◊〉 thousand dramnes of gold without delay â—e thousand pound of silver they did pay A hundred Priests garments they did prepare Which their courage in building did declare Chap. 3. THen first of all came Prince Zerubabel With Jeshua Priest for the Eternel They for the Lord a faire Altar did reare To offer to him who was Isaks feare Their willingnesse clearely for to declare To offer then they in no way did spare The workmen well rewarded were no slack Each man his charge did gladly undertake When the foundations of Gods house were cast Some had great joy Others were all agast And weeped sore even these who first had seene What glory in Solomons works had beene Of joy andd weeping such was then the noise That hardly could one well discerne the voice Chap. 4 VVHen this great worke begun was 〈◊〉 Gods grace Then wicked men anone it to disgrace Rose up by craft deceit and policie Offring them selves with them builders to be But not accepted they in open way â—em for to hinder proudly did essay â—shlam Mithridath Tabeel and Rekum â—e Chancelor and Shimshai Scribe did come â—gether and against Jerusalem 〈◊〉 Artaxerxes they wrote letters then â—ewing that stubborne Jews who were proudly â—bellious were rebuilding their city â—en quickly back the King to them did write â—at they the work anone should interdite â—en ceasd the work untill the second yeare 〈◊〉 Darius King who Persias crowne did beare Chap. 5. â—Hen Zerubabel and Shealtiel both Whom GOD with vertue from above did cloath â—ey by Haggai and al 's by Zecharie â—ing stirr'd up did with all industrie â—t forward the great work they had in hand â—he rest obey'd and they did well command â—tnai and Shether-boznai were their foes 〈◊〉 hinder them they did a letter close â—d sent it to Darius Persias King â—ewing that Cyrus had done the like thing â—d now they this of Darius did desire â—hat he of Cyrus decree would enquire Who would not suffer this great house to be Rebuilded because of their mutinie Chap. 6. THen Darius the King made a decree That in the house of rolls a search should be Made by his servants with all diligence And there was found within the Medes Province A roll wherein was written a record Which did containe the decree word by word Which Cyrus made Gods house for to restore The height whereof should be cubits threescore The breadth as much and the expenses shall From the Kings owne house shall be taken all When Darius found this enrolled decree He it confirm'd and ordaind all to be Provided so that they should nothing want Which might them help either to build oâ— plant But yee Tatnai and Shetherboznai see That to this great work ye no hinder bee Also I have made a decree most fast That who soever alter this word past The timber from his house shall be pull'd dowâ— And shall be set up and he hang'd thereon And that the greater feare mens hearts may fill â—is house for this shall be made a dounghill â—nd God that hath his name causd there to dwell â—estroy shall all Kings and people that shall â—ut to their hand to Alter or destroy â—his house of GOD who doth me now employ â—or this great work for this I a decree â—ave made let all be done right speedilie â—hen this was heard the Jews with diligence â—id build and the King did pay the expence They prosp'red much through the sweet prophecie â—f Haggai and likewise of Zacharie In the sixt year of Darius the King â—he Jews GODS house unto the cope did bring â—he Priests having this good occasion â—id keep the feast of dedication â—nd the Passeouer with joy and gladnesse â—or God had looked on their sore distresse And made them joyfull for he turn'd the heart Of Darius great kindnesse to impart â—o the builders which he did still extend Untill that great worke was brought to an end Chap. 7. NOw in the seventh year of the happy reigne Of Artaxerxes of great Babel King Ezra the Scribe with his most cunning speacâ— Came from Babel to Salem for to teach Gods people where this good man found anâ— Gods gracious hand there to be him upon For Ezra had prepared well his heart To seeke and search Gods law in every part He Gods statutes and judgements al 's did preâ— Unto Israel both by workes and speach Unto Ezra great Artaxerxes King Commission gave that he with every thing Needfull for Gods house should be furnish'd wâ— This Ezra got under the Kings broad seal The King with his counsellers did agree Both gold and silver to give most freelie For that effect The King al 's did ordaine That what silver scribe Ezra could obtaine From People Priests all should be by and by Imployed for God rammes and lambes to buy For sacrifice and what should be wanting Should all be furnish'd by Darius King Who did with speede his Treasurers command To have all such things ready in their hand Even Silver Wheat and Salt and Oyle 〈◊〉 Wine To be for God from the King a propine For why said he Should God wrath fearful briâ— Against the realme or against the King When this was done Ezra rejoic'd greatlie â—at God had mov'd the King to beautifie â—s house in Salem and that he in end â—s mercy to him richly did extend â—â—en said he I was streth'ned mightilie 〈◊〉 the hand of the Lord was upon me â—â—en I did gather out of Israel â—o go with me ev'n men which did excell Chap. 8. â—Hen diverse from Babel with Ezra went Men who in vertue were most excellent â—en to the river that to Ahana â—oth run they were all gath'red by Ezra â—ere we abode in tents ev'n three dayes space â—t could not finde any of Levis race â—ter we had both Priests and people view'd â—erefore to diverse I would have it shew'd â—at they for Gods house should then quicklie bring â—en that were wise and fit for ministring Then by the good hand of
brothers hall 19 But O behold what did befall a most fearfull distresse There came a strong and mighty winde even from the wildernesse The house four corners it did smite which on the young men fell They are all dead and I alone escaped am to tell 20 The Job arose his mantle he rent and did shave his head He down upon the ground did fall and worship did with speed 21 Then said he in his grief and smart Out of my mothers womb I naked came and shall return al 's naked to my tomb The LORD hath given and al 's the LORD hath taken all away The LORDS great name be blessed still for ever and for ay â—2 Yet worthy JOB most patient in all this misery â—id not offend nor charge his GOD with rigour foolishly Chap. 2. ANother day the sons of GOD came themselves to present Before the LORD Satan also among them there he went 2 Whence comes thou GOD to Satan said then Satan answred soon From going to and fro on Earth from walking up and down 3 Hast thou considred JOB said GOD that there is none him like One that feares GOD and evil eschewes perfect and upright eke Behold how still he holdeth fast even his integrity Although that him for to destroy thou without cause mov'dst me 4 Then Satan the LORD answerd soone JOB hath felt little strife But skin for skin all that man hath will he give for his life 5 Put foorth thine hand his bone and flesh touch and in little space He even out of all patience will curse thee to thy face 6 And the Lord unto Satan said Behold and now perceive He in thine hand given over is but see thou his life save 7 So from the presence of the Lord Satan went up and downe And smot poore Job with painefull boiles from the sole to the crowne 8 Then a potsheard to scrape himself he tooke all desolate Thus he perplexed in his mind among the ashes sate 9 Then said his wife Retain'st thou still thine old integritie What meanest thou O foolish man now curse thou GOD and die 10 But he againe said unto her his witlesse wife to schoole Thou speakest now thou knowes not what thou speakest like a foole Shall we receive good and not evill at the hand of the LORD â—n all this did not holy Job with lips sinne in a word 11 Now when Jobs three friends heard of all this evill and great disgrace That came on him they every one did come from his owne place The Temanite Eliphaz and al 's Bildad the Shuhite And Zâ—phar also joyn'd with them the wise Naamathite For they together had all made appointment of one sort To come and mourne with their deare freind and him for to comfort 12 But when they did lift up their eyes afarre they him no more Did know they lifted up their voice and weeped very sore And every man his mantle rent while thus they had it riven They sprinkled dust upon their heads toward the highest heaven 13 So seven dayes without speaking wordes and seven nights they down sate Upon the ground for they did see his grief was very great Chap. 3. THen op'ned Job his mouth anone and in greefe cursd his day And answ'ring with a wounded heart Job thus began to say 3 Cursd be the day that I was borne and let the night like have That it was said my mother did me a man childe conceive 4 Let that day be darknesse alwayes let not GODS eye divine Regard it neither let the light upon it ever shine 5 Let darknesse it and shadowes staine let a cloud stedfastly Dwell on it let the blacknesse of the day it terrifie 6 Let darknesse seaze upon that night to the dayes of the yeare Let it not come nor numbred be with moneths by men heere 7 Let that night in all times to come be solitarie still Let no voice at all come therein that is glade or joyfull 8 Let them it curse with all their heart that use to curse the day â—ho are still ready to raise up their great mourning alway 9 Let the starres of its twilight be darke let it looke for light â—ut have none neither let it see the faire dayes dawning bright 10 Because it of my mothers womb shut not the doores closely Nor in the dayes of troubles great hide sorrow from mine eye 11 Why died I not even from the womb which compassd me about Why did not I give up the ghost when from it I came out 12 Why did the midwives gentle knees me at my birth prevent Or why the breasts that I should suck gave milk for this intent 13 For now both still and quiet I should have been for my best I should have sleeped in the grave then had I been at rest 14 With Kings and also counsellers men of the earth most rare Who in places most desolate did build their houses faire 15 Or with Princes who glistring gold had in their treasures still Who their houses adorned well with silver fine did fill 16 Or as an hid untymly birth I surely had not beene As infants in their mothers wombe which light have never seene 17 There cease alwayes the wicked men From troubling the opprest And there from toile and carking care the weary be at rest 12 The prisoners there together rest they not at any houre Do heare the voice which doth proceed from the great opressour 18 These that be small and also gerat even there together be And the servant for toilsome taske is from his master free 20 Wherefore is light given unto him that is in miserie And life upon the earth to them that in soul bitter be 21 Which every day do long for death but it comes not therefore â—nd dig for it even more then for hid treasures and great store 22 Which doe exceedingly rejoice and alwayes gladnesse have â—n their greatest afflictions when they can find the grave 23 And why is light given to a man whose way is alwayes hid â—nd whom the Lord hath hedged in and from evill will not red 24 For my sighing before I eat doth come and me about â—y roarings loud like waters great are largely powred out 25 For that which I still greatly fear'd is come now upon me â—nd that whereof I was afraid is to me come surelie 26 In safety I was not alwayes nor yet still had I rest 〈◊〉 was far from all quietnesse yet troubles me opprest Chap. 4. WHen this was said then Eliphaz the Temanite that day Did forme an answer and to Job after this speach did say If we assay to speake with thee as friends and so be bold Will thou be greev'd But who from words can well himselfe withhold 3 Behold thou hast instructed well diverse in numbrous bands And thou by thy most wise comforts hast strengthned the weak hands 4 Thy words have well upholden him that was in miseries Straight falling and thou strengthned hast the weak and feeble
hold of instruction still let her not go away Keep her with all thine heart because she is thy life alway 14 Of wicked men see that the path thou enter not into And in the way of livers lewd see that thou never go 15 Avoid it well with all thine heart be wise passe not it by Turn from it with all diligence and quickly passe away 16 For they sleep not except they have mischief done great or small And their sleep soon doth passe away till they cause some to fall 17 For they the bread of wickednesse eat with all diligence And drunkards like they glut and drink the wine of violence 18 But the path of the Just is as the shining light alway That shineth more and more unto the clear and perfect day 19 The way of wicked men is as the darknesse of the night At what they stumble more or lesse they brutish know not right 20 My son with diligence attend unto my words divine Unto my wholesome sayings see that thou thine eare incline 21 By carelesnesse from thy two eyes let them no time depart But keep them as a treasure rich in the midst of thine heart 22 For unto these that do them finde they give life and refresh The hearts of men and are also even health to all their flesh 23 Keep thy heart with all diligence from wickednesse and strife For as a fountaine out of it the issues are of life 24 Put far away from thee a mouth that 's froward and averse From words of grace put far from thee the lips that are perverse 25 Let still thine eyes look right upon the things that they do see And let thine eye-lids be direct'd straight to look before thee 26 The path of thy feet ponder well that thou may still walk sure And also let thy wayes all be establish'd to endure 27 Unto the right hand nor the left turne not for wrath or love From the evill workes of wicked men see thou thy foot remove Chap. 5. MY son with diligence attend unto my wisedome now And to my understanding al 's thine ear incline and bow 2 That thou mayest discretion good in heart wisely regard And that thy lips may knowledge keep above all watch and ward 3 For of a strange woman the lips as hony drop and boile Her tongue and mouth much smoother are then is the finest oile 4 But as the woormwood bitter is so her end in a word Most bitter is yea sharp is it as a two edged sword 5 Her filthie feet go down to death which doth mans life expell Lest any be deceiv'd thereby her steps take hold on hell 6 Lest thou should weigh the way of life the same for to allow Her wayes are still so moveable that thou canst not them know 7 Therefore ye children now my voice well hear with all your heart And from the wise words of my mouth see that ye not depart 8 Remove thy way right far from her vile and unrighteous And take good heed that nigh the doore thou come not of her house 9 Lest to these thou thine honour give who are great foes to thee And the time of thy yeeres to these that fierce and cruell be 10 Lest strangers with thy richest wealth be filled plenteouslie And thy most painefull labours all in strangers houses be 11 And that thou a vaine fool at last to grieve and mourne begin When thy flesh and thy body both consumed are with sin 12 And say Oh how instruction good have hated I unwise And how did my most foolish heart such sweet reproofs despise 13 And the voice of my teachers all would not obey or hear Nor to them that did me instruct would I incline mine eare 14 Amidst the Congregation great most foolishly almost In all ill which did compasse me I perish'd was and lost 15 The waters of thine owne cisterne drink thou aboundantly And waters out of thine owne well that runne most pleasantly 16 Spare not thy fountaines full but them all largely still disperse To let thy rivers flow in streets see thou be not averse 17 Let them be onely for thy self and such as fear the Lord But unto strangers wicked men nothing at all afford 18 Let thy fountaine which is for thee be bless'd with heart and voice And with the dear wife of thy youth with gladnesse great rejoice 19 Let her be as the Hind and Roe which pleasantly do move And let her breast thee satisfie still ravisht with her love 20 My son why wilt thou ravish'd be thy self for to solace With a stranger and her bosome in thine armes to embrace 21 For all mans wayes are still before the eyes of th' Eternall And in his ballance wisely he pondreth his goings all 22 The wicked shall be taken with his own iniquitie And with the coards of his own sins he shall fast holden be 23 He shall without instruction sure come to his dying day And in his foly great he shall for ever go astray Chap. 6. If thou my son be for thy friend as surety for to stand If with a stranger by promise thou striken hast thine hand 2 Thou with the words of thine owne mouth art snared by and by Thou with thine owne wordes taken art which thou canst not deny 3 Do this my son and save thy self when thou art in the hand Of thy friend humble then thy self make sure I thee command 4 Beware that thou in any wayes unto thine eyes give sleep Or suffer slumber day or night on thine eye-lids to creep 5 Thy self deliver as a Roe from hunters hands quickly And as a bird al 's from the hand of these that foulers be 6 Thou Sluggard loit'ring on the downs whom good men should despise Go to the Ant consider well her wayes and then be wise 7 Which having none among the rest her guider for to be â—ea which hath none to rule at all or yet to oversee 8 In Summer with wisdome her meat she doth right well provide â—nd carefully doth gather all her food in the harv'st tide 9 How long wilt thou sleep and ly still O sluggard most unwise When wilt thou from thy slumber and thy drousie sleep arise 10 Yet wilt thou say A little sleep and slumber doth me please A little folding of the hands to sleep and be at ease 11 So shall come fast thy poverty do what thou may or can As one that travails and thy want as doth an armed man 12 A naughty person which can not in good things do or talk A wicked man that hates the Lord with froward mouth doth walk 13 He winketh with his wily eyes he speaketh with his feet He with his fingers fals doth teach such lyes as he thinks meet 14 Much frowardnesse is in his heart he mischeef doth devise Continually he doth discord both sow and enterprise 15 Therefore most sudden upon him shall his calamitie Come shortly shall he broken all be without remedie 16 These six things
doth the Lord God hate from which we should depart Yea an abomination great sev'n are unto his heart 17 A proud look and a tongue also in lying understood The wicked and the cruel hands that shed much sakelesse blood 18 A heart that doth most wicked things with a full aime and drift And also feet that to mischeef in running be most swift 19 A false witnesse that speaketh lies before the face of men And him that craftily doth sow discord among brethren 20 Thy dear fathers commandments all my son keep and in aw See that thou stand and not forsake thy loving mothers law 21 Bind them most sure continually Fastned upon thine heart And ty them fast about thy neck that they thence not depart 22 When thou shalt goe it shall thee lead and sleeping shall thee keep And it shall talk with thee when thou awakest out of sleep 23 For the commandment is a lamp the law is light as day And reproofs of instruction good are of our life the way 24 To keep thee from the wicked wife and safely thee preserve From flatt'ring of a woman strange which maks mens hearts to swerve 25 After her beauty fill'd with faird in thine heart never lust Nor let her twinkling eye lids once thus take thee under trust 26 For by a whoore a man is brought to a poore piece of bread And the adultresse for his life will hunt with all her speed 27 In his bosome can any man take such a kindled fire And shall not all his cloths be burnt with such a vaine desire 28 Can any man securely goe on burning coales with heate Can such a man so save him self that he burn not his feete 29 So he that to his neighbours wife doth go to make a rent What ever he be that doth her touch shall not be innocent 30 A theefe that steels his neighbours goods men do not so despise If hunger move him to such things when they doe him surprise 31 But if he be found he restore which is most righteous Shall seven fold more he shall give all the substance of his house 32 But who adultry so commits with her that is a wife He is a foole he that it doth destroyes his soule and life 33 Wounds and dishonour shall he get GOD shall him so repay And his shamefull and vile reproch shall not be wip'd away 34 For jealousie is of a man the rage he not therefore In the day of his vengeance great will spare thee lesse or more 35 He wroth no ransome will regard for to make up that rent Yea though that thou give many gifts will he so rest content Chap. 7. MY dear son keep thou well my words which thou dost hear from me And also my commandments all lay thou up now with thee 2 With care keep my commandments well and happy live thereby And also keep thou well my law as th' apple of thine eye 3 Upon thy fingers bind them fast and let them not depart Most carefully write them upon the table of thine heart 4 Say unto wisedome in these words Thou art my sister dear And understanding also call thy kins-woman most neere 5 That they thee from the woman strange more dangerous then swords May keep yea from the stranger which doth flatter with her words 6 For at the window of my house attentive as I went I did behold and constantly I look'd through the casement 7 Behold among the simple ones among rhe youth abide A young man I discerned well of understanding void 8 He through the street her corner neer passing without delay Unto her house that leads to death most quickly went the way 9 The times he went the evening was when it is the twilight And also at another time in the black and dark night 10 Behold a woman there him met in harlots vile attire Subtile in heart to catch the youth and kindle his desire 11 This is her fashion she is lowd and stubborne full of pride With her servants within her house her feet do not abide 12 Now she without now in the streets prepares for youth a baite At every corner shamlesly she lieth still in waite 13 So she caught him and did him kisse their hearts for to solace And then at last she said to him with a most shamelesse face 14 With me I have Peace-offrings now with all sorrows away To GOD I payed have my vows most perfectly the day 15 Therefore with diligence I came foorth for to meet with thee And now behold I have thee found who art full dear to me 16 I have my bed with cov'rings deckt of tapestrie that 's mine With carved workes and linnen clean of Egypt good and fine 17 My bed I well perfumed have As I may now thee tell With Myrrhe Aloes and Cinamom which have the sweetest smell 18 Come let us take our fill of love and each other embrace Untill the morning with loves sweet let us our selves solace 19 For the good man is not at home nor yet in the countrey He for his worldly businesse is gone a long journey 20 He taken hath a bag with him of money for his way And afterward he will come home at the appointed day 21 With much fair speech she caused him to yeeld without remorse With the fair flattring of her lips at last she did him force 22 As an oxe to the slaughter goth he go'th with her straight way Or as a foole unto the stocks correction to essay 23 Till a dart through his liver strake as a bird to the snare Makes haste not knowing that such things men for its life prepare 24 Unto me now hearken therefore ye children for your well And now attend unto the words which my mouth shall reveale 25 Let not thine heart by foolishnesse decline unto her way In her paths most pernicious see thou goe not astray 26 For she right many hath cast downe who wounded not againe Could rise yea many strong men al 's have thus beene by her slaine 27 Her house is most pernicious it is the way to hell A going to the chambers downe of death that 's eternell Chap. 8 MOst worthy wisdome for mans well aloud doth she not cry And understanding al 's put foorth her sweet voice by and by 2 She in the top of places high most openly doth stand Yea in the places of the paths to make men understand 3 Unto you all yee men of worth with my words do I call 4 And my voice to the sons of man directed is with all 5 Yee simple wisedome understand and yee fooles lest yee smart With diligence see yee be of an understanding heart 6 Heare for I of things excellent will speak with all my might And all the op'ning of my lips shall be of things most right 7 For my mouth shall most constantly speak truth and shall not slip And wickednesse shall not at all proceed once from my lip 8 All the words that come from my mouth