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
twenty hours An hundred Sheep with Harts and fallow Deer Roe-buck and Foules for each day of the yeer Appointed were such was the Majesty Of Solomon who was wise and mighty He for Charets had fourtie thousand stalls Of Horses fair and as the Scripture tells Twelve thousand Horsemen skilfull and mighty Were for the glory of his Majesty In all his time the GOD of peace JOVAH Made peace from Dan even to Beershebah To him GOD gave with great largenesse of heart Much understanding in all sorts of art He was more wise then Ethan and Chalcol Then Heman Darda the sons of Mahol Of godly proverbs three thousand he spake A thousand and five songs were at their back Of trees he spake ev'n from the Cedars tall Unto the Hyssop that springs from the wall Of beasts of foules he spake of creeping things Of fishes al 's whose vertue profite brings To mortall men whose health and nourriture Depend much on the secrets of nature Then great Monarchs from all the earth did come To get from him some lessons of wisdome Then Hiram hearing Solomon made King From Tyre he sent men congratulating That Davids Son was set upon the throne Of Davids friends he was a speciall one Then Solomon to Hiram did declare How David could not in a time of warre Build for the Lord a house of Majestie Adorned with rarest things of beautie But now said he on every side is rest Therefore to build for God I think it best From thee Hiram the Cedar and the Fir Must now be had thy servants must now stir Their time and serve for none can skill to hew Timber like these of Sidon where they grew Then Hiram glad of Solomons designe Offred to do at his desire each thing My men said he these trees unto the sea Shall bring and my houshold furnish'd by thee With food shall be this shall be our bargaine Unto the end all things shall so remaine Then to Hiram he gave of victuall good Twentie thousand measures of wheat for food With twentie measures of oyle pure each year These two did make a league for peace and war When this was done wise Solomon did then Raise a levie of thirtie thousand men To Lebanon ten thousand were by course Sent each moneth to provide for Gods house To beare burdens threescore thousand and ten He had with these were fourscore thousand men Who on the mountains were for him hewers Besides other many cheefe officers Three thousand and three hundred did beare rule Over the rest who wrought with workmans tool They all busie each man wrought in his course To cut to hew to square to build Gods house The length thereof threescore the breadth twentie Were of cubits the height thereof thirtie All things before were so wisely prepar'd That in building no sound of toole was heard Then was that house with pomp and Majestie Adorned so that it was faire to see The Oracle spangled with golden sparres Was like the heav'n imboss'd with twinckliâ—â— starres For Gods presence it seem'd to be a shrine From end to end with glory it did shine The Ark was there of gold and shittim wood The Cherubins princely upon it stood This type of Heav'n with beauties manifold From top to ground was burnished with gold From end to to end from the base to seeling Seven yeers were spent in that painefull buildinâ— When all was finish'd Solomon that day Both bless'd the people and to God did pray Solomons Prayer O God the Lord who art most rich in grace Hearken all prayers made towards thâ— place If any man ' gainst his neighbour trespasse Then hear in heaven that justice may have place If by their foes Isra'l oppressed be Then heare in Heav'n and help them speedilie When heaven is shut up and there is no raine Then heare in Heaven a helper then remaine If thou shalt scourge with pest blasting mildew Then heare in heav'n when Isra'l to thee sue What ever plague be in thy peoples heart Then heare in Heaven and help them in their smart When poore sinners shall heere thee come unto Then heare in Heav'n frankly forgive and do If strangers come for heere to seeke thy grace Then heare in heav'n thy pleasant dwelling place If thy people heere ' gainst their foes compleane Then heare in heav'n and their good cause maintaine If sinners cry repenting from their heart Then heare in heav'n and ease them of their smart Thus Solomon this precious houre did spend â—n blessing praying so he made an end When this was done in the dedication Of Gods house he made a great oblation Of Oxen great twenty thousand and two An hundred thousand and twenty also Of sheep he offred at this great service Which was a great and royall sacrifice The Queene of Sheba hearing of his name Which through the earth was exalted with fame Came with great pomp hard questions to move That she thereby his great wisedome might prove But he all doubts that then were in her heart Resolv'd clearely before she did depart When she his glory did right well consider Her sprite within did faile her altogether When she reviv'd was from her wondring sowne She high extoll'd Solomons great wisedome Now doe I know said shee most perfectlie The truth of these things which I heard of thee I heard great things of thy most glorious name But thy presence doth far surpasse thy fame Most happy are thy men and most happy Are thy servants that may thee heare dayly Blessed be God the great God eternall Who hath thee made the Prince of Israel Then Shebas Queene before she tooke her leave To him rich stones spices with gold did give And he againe gave unto her richly Great things of worth most precious and coastly He was enrich'd with blessings manifold He made two hundred targets of fine gold Three hundred shields of beaten gold he made Which in his house of Lebanon were laide He also made a Throne of yvorie And ov'rlaid it with fine gold most richlie Six golden Lions on each side were set A Lion placed was at every step His drinking vessels were all of pure gold He was enrich'd with blessings manifold In wealth all Kings on earth he did surmount In his time silver was in no account Silver like stones Cedars like Sycomore Were base and vile yea so were more and more But oh alas what could this wise man move Women of Moab and Edom to love With Pharaohs daughter women of Ammon He had with Hittits women of Sidon Women also he had concerning such In mariage the Lord forbade to touch Seven hundred wives three hundred concubins He had for pleasure but oh by this meanes When he was old his wisedome did depart These wives from God did turne away his heart The true worship of God he did reject His heart was not like his fathers perfect As though he had not learned in Gods schoole With goddesses and gods he play'd the fool He serv d Ashtoreth
frame Worthy the praise of good Jehoshaphat Whom good Asa King of Judah begat As in his name as Scriptures do record So in his life the judgement of the LORD Unto all men most clearly did appâ—are That man is wise whose heart the LORD doth feare This godly King did serve GOD in his dayes Because he walked fast in the first wayes Of David he to Baalim not sought But idols worship with great might downe brought He willing did what GOD did him command Therefore the Kingdome stable in his hand Was made by GOD then Judah to him brought Most rich presents which they had dearly bought His heart encourag'd was in the Lords way High places groves with zeal he took away When he was rich and in honour highly With Ahab he did joine affinitie With him to go to battell he was mov'd For which he was deservedly reprov'd By good Jehu the son of Hanani Who said to him Should'st thou help th' ungodlie VVhat didst thou meane to bee by thought or word In league or love with them that hate the Lord Consider well and now take heed and see For wrath from God is posting upon thee Thee to correct but not thee to confound Because in thee good things the Lord hath found The idole groves thou hast taken away Thy heart thou hast prepar d to seeke alway The mighty Lord in great sincerity Therefore the Lord vvill not depart from thee To the Judges he gave commandement To take good heed because in the judgement The Lord was with them Doe now what yee can Said he to them for yee judge not for man But for the Lord If him ye do rgard He shall not faile you richly to reward Judge uprightly beware of shifts and drifts Respect not persons reject bribs and gifts Which blind the eye but let Gods holy fear Be upon you that so yee may forbeare To doe like these who with Horse leaches sing To their clients these doubled words Bring bring This counsell that the Judges from him gat Was worthy of the name of Joshaphat Which signifies Gods judgement most clearly In my judgement by way of prophesie After this done with zeal behold anone Against Josaphat Moab and Ammon A multitude great from beyond the Sea In Hazazon-Tamar call'd Engedi Conveen'd to fight in a bloody Battell Against Josaphat who to th'Eternell Had his refuge while he was thus agast He sought the Lord and did proclame a fast Then all Judah with one heart did accord From all cities to go and seek the Lord Good Josaphat troubled with fear that day Before Judah thus to the Lord did say Art thou not God in heaven who rulest all Art thou not he who is God eternall Hast thou not strength and great might in thine hand Where are the forces that can thee withstand Art thou not God who didst before Isra'l Drive out thy foes by thine arme eternall And gav'st their lands from a most loving minde Vnto the seed of Abraham thy frind Thou art a Lord both strong and righteous Thou promised vvhen men unto thine house Should come to thee in great trouble and feare That vvith great speede thou vvould them help and heare And novv behold both Moab and Ammon VVith these of Seir minde thy Judah anone For to invade and their lands to make bare Though at thy vvill vve did them save and spare And novv O Lord consider and regard Hovv vvith despight as foes they us revvard Our forces faint Our foes are most mightie But this comforts Our eyes are upon thee Then Judah all with wives and children dear Before the Lord stood in a trembling fear Then on Jahaziel son of Zechariah A divine Sprite came downe from Jehovah Who said All Judah and Josaphat King Hear novv glade tidings vvhich I to you bring From great Jovah vvho said you neede 〈◊〉 feare For I for you shall fight in all this vvarre When King and people had these comforâ— found They bow'd their heads with face unto 〈◊〉 ground The Levites high their singing voice did raise They stood all up the living God to praise They rose up early in the morning light To go to battell in their armour bright Now as they went Josaphat stood and said Heare me O Judah now beleeve in God Beleeue so that no doubt make you once whisper Beleeve his Prophets so shall yee all prosper When this was said the singers with gladnesse Did praise the beautie of his holinesse Then God most mighty in Battell arose Who set ambushments round about his foes He made each one another for to slay The Lord himself the battell fought that day Gods arme it wrought and not fortune or hap â—ot one of all their armie did escape â—fter that God had given them thus the foile â—is people were enricht with their great spoile â—ost rare jewels among the dead that day â—hey found yea more then they could bear away When this was done with Trumpets and with Harps They came to Salem with great joy of hearts And thanked God the great God Eternell Who had strongly their foes foil'd in Battell Thus the realme was quiet without shout Of warre to them God gave rest round about But after this Josaphat did purloine In that he did with Ahaziah joine Who was a King perverse in Israel Even Ahabs Son hated of th' Eternall Who awlesse lawlesse ' gainst the Lord did rage With him he ships made for a long voyage To Tarshish But the Prophet Dodavah Came to Josaphat from the great JOVAH Because said he thou hast fal'n in such slips The LORD himself hath broken all thy ships When he began he was of age thirtie And five thereafter he reigned twentie And five Of all he lived yeeres threescore A Godly Prince who did Gods law restore The Use If Princes would have peace and foile thâ— foes Let them in feare to serve the Lord rejoice If Princes would enjoy prosperitie Let them abhorre all profane companie 5. JEHORAM High LORD HIgh LORD in name but base in cariage For he his brethren all slew in his rage In great mischief and strife he spent his life For he had Ahabs daughter to his wife Then came to him writings from Elijah Who was the Prophet of the great JOVAH Because said he with vile idolatrie Thou hast thy selfe defiled filthilie Because with furie rage and great disdaine Most cruelly thou hast thy brethren slaine Who in Gods wayes had their heart more perfitâ— Then thine therefore with sore plagues I wiâ— smite Both thee and thine A plague without all doubt â—hall from thy belly thy bowels thrust out â—ight yeeres hee did reigne then great plagues conspir'd â—is death he died but was by none desir'd The Use Take heed O Kings make not your men to grone If ye would have men your death to bemone â—hese who in lewdnesse both end and begin â—hall beare the scars of wounds made by their sinne 6. AHAZIAH Possession of God â—LL mothers Sonne son of the wicked
â—r in a journey or most fast asleepe â—hat he may heare now to him cry and weepe They cri'd aloud and cut themselves with knives â—nd lancets al 's with perrell of their lives â—ut when midday in such jangling was past â—ithout answere Then Elijah at last â—aid to the people come neere me right soone â—hen they came neere to see what should bee done Gods Altar he repair'd with courage stout â—e made a large trench the Altar about â—ill foure barrels with water then said he â—nd with it drench the sacrifice quicklie â—gaine againe yea third time do the like â—ill it passe ov'r the trinches highest dike â—hus did they all which was ordain'd by him â—hey made Altar and trench with water swim Then said Elijah O GOD of Isra'l â—et it be knowne that thou art th' Eternal Let it be knowne that thou art GOD and LORD And that these things I have done at thâ— word Heere me O LORD heare me now I theâ— pray That this people may surely know this day That thou art God who do'st them all maintaiâ— And that thou hast their heart turn'd bacâ— againe Whâ—n this was said from the great Eternel A sacred fire downe from the high Heav'ns fell This fire fall'n downe for the great GODS sâ—â—vice Did with all hast consume the sacrifice The wood and stones with dust it did consume The trench water it licked up right soone When this was done all men on face afraide The LORD is GOD the Lord GOD tâ— cri'd Then said Elijah take these Prophets vile See none escape see that none you beguile Then they tooke them and Elijah anone Did slay these Priests downe at the brooke shon When this was done good Elijah did say To King Ahab I have good news this day Go eat and drink my word it is not vaine 〈◊〉 heare a sound of aboundance of raine â—o Ahab went up to eat and to drink â—ut Elijah in himself thus did think 〈◊〉 will go up to the top of Carmel â—o see some signe of raine from th' Eternel Then he went up and there as might be seene Cast himselfe downe and put his face betweene His knees and said to his servant goe see â—f thou can spy some clouds upon the Sea Then he went up at the Prophets saying And turned back he said There is nothing â—even times againe to goe he did command At last he saw a cloud like a mans hands Then said Elijah go without delay And to Ahab this from Elijah say Now get thee down and thy Charet prepaire Before the raine as long as it is faire â—n the meane time heav'ns black with clouds and winde Powr'd downe great raine before and al 's behinde Then Ahab rode and went to Jezreel Elijah al 's strength'ned by th' Eternel Did gird his loines and before Ahab ran Ahab in Coache but Elijah foot man Thus the Prophet of the great Eternel Before the King did run to Jezreel Then to Jezabel Ahab every word Did tell plainly how that Elijahs sword Had slaine her Priests not having spared one And that besides the cursed brooke Kishon Then Jezabel this hard message did send To Elijah so the gods me defend For thy ill prats and for thy bloody crime Thy life shall passe the morrow at this time When he heard this he in great fear arose His heart trembled and could not well repose He in all hast went to Beershebah Which is a part of the land of Judah He left his servants there in his distresse A dayes journey he went in wildernesse There set downe under a Juniper-tree He did request the Lord that he might die I am not better then my fathers dear Said he now take my life from all this fear As he did ly under the Juniper Right fast asleepe to him there a dinner An Angel brought to refresh him with meat He touched him and said Arise and eat As he awoke behold a cake of bread Was on the coales and a cruse at his head Of water good Then Elijah to eat And drink began and after fell asleep The second time the Angel came againe â—ho did for him a new dinner ordaine â—rise said he and eat now speedily â—ecause the journey is too great for thee â—ee what great care the good Lord had that day â—hat Elijah should not faint by the way â—hus he arose to eate and drink quickly 〈◊〉 this foods strength he walked dayes fourty â—nd fourtie nights till to the mount of God â—oreb he came where he made some abode While he was there lodged in a poor cave â—he God of heav'n who takes delight to save â—is servants said to his Elijah dear â—hat now Elijah What now doest thou heare My heart said he hath beene verie jealous â—or the great God who is most righteous â—ll is now lost all thy servants away â—re taken now they seek me al 's to slay â—oe foorth said God and stand upon the Mount â—hee will I teach all dangers to surmount Behold at first a boistrous mighty winde â—hich brake the Rockes and all that it could finde After the winde rageing came an earthquake â—hich made Horeb from end to end to shake After the earthquake came a burning fire But in these three was not the Lords desire He was not there After came a small voiâ— Where to abide the Lord did much rejoice When Elijah heard this voice full of grace He in his mantle wrapped all his face He went out and stood before Jehovah Who said what do'st thou now heere Elijah My heart said he hath been very jealous For the great God who is most righteous Thine Altars Prophets and thy Covenant Throwne downe and slaine they have with grâ— contempt And al 's forsaken thy servants away Are taken Now they seeke me al 's to slay Goe said the Lord returne to Damascus And when thou comest to that desert thus Anoint Hazael King of Syria And Jehu for Isra'l al 's Elisha For Prophet in thy roome these all anoint For so these things to be I do appoint For the great sins acted by Israel ' Gainst them shall come the sword of Hazael Whom he shall spaire the mighty man Jehâ— â—all with his sword all into pieces hew 〈◊〉 any from Jehu escape away â—hem shall the sword of good Elisha slay â—t know Elijah for all thou heares and sees â—ven thousand who have not bowed the knees â—ave me left who have not done amisse â—r once so much to give Baal a Kisse When this was done from Horeb Elijah â—parted soone and found out Elisha â—hen he him saw with his twelve Oxen yoke â—wing on him quickly he cast his cloak â—en he left all and ran most speedilie â—ter Elijah saying now let me â—e that which to do can not be amisse â—t me my father and my mother kisse â—d then I promise most assuredlie â—ith all mine heart to follow after thee â—e back againe delay not goe right soone â—id Elijah for what now have I done â—is done
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
sell 20 The wicked man doth all his dayes travell with paine not good To the oppressour of his yeares the number is well hid 21 In his years is a dreadfull sound in his prosperity The destroyer shall surely come upon him suddenly No meanes can make him to beleeve that he out of daâ—knesse Shall once returne the sword it waits for him in great distresse 23 For bread he wandreth saying thus Where is it in the land He knowes that the day of darknesse is ready at his hand 24 With trouble he shall be afraid and with much anguish so Gainst him they shall prevaile as Kings that unto battell goe 25 For ' gainst the God of heav'n above he stretcheth out his hand And ' gainst th' Almighty he himself doth strengthen in the land 26 He with a dâ—sp'rat violence upon the LORD doth run Even on his neck the bosses thick of his bucklers upon 27 Because his face he covreth wel with fatnesse even so that He collops maketh on his flanks which are both great and fat 28 He dwells in cities desolat and where no man can stay In houses ready to become great heaps of stone and clay 29 He impovrish'd all his substance shall not continue long His faâ—re and large estate he shall not on the earth prolong 30 From darknesse he shall not depart the flame shall soone up dry His branches surely by his breath he shall go soone away 31 Let not him trust in vanitie who being voide of sense Deceived is for vanitie shall be his recompense 32 Before his time it shall be cut his branch shall not be greene 33 As th' Olive he â—hall cast his flowre as unripe grapes the vine 34 For multitudes of hypocrites sure desolate shall be And fire shall soone consume the tent of all base briberie 35 They mischief in their heart conceive and bring foorth with much guile Great vanity their belly doth prepare deceit the while Chap. 16. THen Job anone him answerd thus 2 I have heard how befall Many such thinâ—s most naughty now comforters are yee all 3. Shall words of winde and vanitie at last have not an end What is this that imboldens thee such answers to intend 4 I could well speak if your souls were even in this my souls stead Against you I could heap up words and shake at you mine head 5 I with my mouth would strengthen you for your aid and releef The moving also of my lips should well asswage your grief 6 Though I do speak my grief is not asswadged any way And though in silence I forbear what am I easde thereby But now He hath me weary made in great perplexitie In wrath thou hast made desolate even all my company 8 With wrinkles as a witnesse thou hast fild me in disgrace My leannesse in me rising up beares witnesse to my face 9 He that me hates in wrath me tares his teeth still gnashing be Upon me this my cruell fo sharpneth his eyes on me 10 They gaped have they smitten al 's have me upon the cheek With great reproch they gathered were against me calme and meek 11 GOD in wrath hath delivered me to the ungodly band And of the wicked hath me turn'd ev'n over in their hands 12 I was at ease asunder he hath broke me by the neck He hath me ta'en and shaken sore and set me for his marke 13 His archers do me compasse round my reines asunder all He cleaves and doth not spare he powres out on the ground my gall 14 With breach upon breach at all times he breakes me all along He fiercely doth upon me run most like a gyant strong 15 I sackcloth on my skin have sowd which makes my heart to burst The horne of all my strength I have defiled in the dust 16 Great weeping in my troubles sore my face defiled hath And on mine eye-lids still abides the shadow dark of death 17 This is not for iniquitie wrought by hands all impure For I take head to all my wayes my prayer it is pure 18 O earth if I thus guilty be then cov'r thou not my blood â—et not my cry come unto thee for to be understood 19 Now also thâ—s I know right well behold my WITNES true Dwells in the heav'ns and my RECORD on high himself doth shew 20 My friends in mine affliction great me all do mock and scorne â—ut unto God mine eye powres out hudge teares both even and morne 21 O that one might with God on earth for men thus plainly plead â—s one that pleads for one that is his neighbour good indeed 22 When some few years upon the earth are quickly come and gone â—hen at last shall I goe the way whence I shall not returne Chap. 17. COrrupted is my breath my dayes extinct are certainely â—he graves also are now prepard and ready made for me 2 Are there not proud and wicked men that at me mock their fill In such provoking vaine doth not mine eye continue still 3 Lay downe a little put me now in surety well with thee Who is he among mortall men that will strike hands with me 4 For thou from understanding good hast hid their heart thou shalt Them not according to their mind to dignitie exalt 5 He that unto his dearest friends vaine flattery can speak Of his children the eyes shall faile when they in want shall seek 6 He as of babbling people vaine a by-word hath set me And to my foes in former times a tabret made to be 7 By reason of my sorrow great mine eye is dimme also My members as a shadow are all fill'd with greef and wo. 8 Men upright shall astonied be at this and which is meet The innocent himself shall stirre against the hypocrite 9 He that is given to righteousnesse shall al 's hold on his way And he that hath cleane hands shall be made stronger every day 10 But as for you all foolish men do ye returne and now Come for I cannot finde at all one that is wise with you 11 My dayes in vanitie are past for which I greatly smart My purposes are broken off even the thoughts of mine heart 12 My day of joy they changed have into the greef of night 13 Because of such a darknesse great they have made short my light 14 I have unto corruption said and to the wormes that crowle My father and my mother you and sister will I call 15 And where is now my hope As for my hope who shall it see 16 They to the pit shall go when in the dust we resting be Chap. 14 THen Bildad the Shuhite did say How long now will it be 2 Ere you end all your words Mark well and after speake will we 3 Wherefore are we as brutish beasts thus counted all the while And still reputed in your sight as naughty men and vile 4 In anger hote he tears himself shall the earth with disgâ—ace Be left for thee And shall the rock remov'd be from its
judgement al 's by man not by and by Observed are therefore on him comes a great misery 7 For for to know the things to come he doth not so excell In wisdome great when it shall be who among men can tell 8 There is no man that any strength hath to retaine the breath He likewise hath no power at all when comes the day of death Of weapons there no casting is or in that war discharge Nor yet ill men shall wickednesse aâ— any time enlarge 9 This have I seene under the Sun and clearly understood Some time a man ov'r others rules against his proper good 10 Such a great man I have well seene with great pompe laide in grave So taken he was from his seat forgotten like a slave 11 Because GOD wrath not executs ' gainst wicked speedily Therefore mens hearts are fully set to do most wickedly 12 Though hundred times a sinner sin and death him still forbeare Yet sure it shall be well with them who GOD do truely feare 13 But wicked men shall not be so nor shall prolong their dayes Which as a shadow are because they feare not GOD alwayes 14 There is upon the earth below done a great vanitie Unto just men it happens as to these that wicked be Againe there be most wicked men to whom befals surely According as to righteous folk this al 's is vanitie 16 Then mirth I did commend because mans cheef thing under sunne Is to eate drink with merrinesse untill this life be done For of his labour that with him shall all his dayes abide Which GOD upon him doth bestow under the Heav'ns most wide 16 When I did wisedome seek to know and things on earth to see There were who neither day nor night did sleep once with their eye 17 Then I beheld the work of GOD that no man by his minde The worke that is done under sunne can clearely all out find Chap. 9. FOR all this I well in mine heart considered to declare That righteous and wise with their workes in GODS hand surely were No man upon the earth below doth either lesse or more Know love or hatred by all that which is heere him before 2 All things alike do come to all there is one event sure Both to the good and to the cleane and to him that 's impure To him that sacrificeth al 's in fervent zeal most hote And likewise to him that profane al 's sacrificeth not As is the good of godly life so is the sinner both And he that sweareth most profane as he that feares an oath 3 This is an ill all things among though they be great or small Under the Sun even that there is one event unto all Yea al 's the hearts of sonnes of men are full of ill indeed They live in madnesse after that they go unto the dead 4 For unto him that liveth heere there is hope more or lesse For better far a living dog then a dead Lion is 5 The living know that they shall die but dead both great and small Know nothing they have no reward they are forgotten all 6 Their love hatred and envie al 's is perish'd quite away Of all that 's done under the sunne no portion more have they 7 Now go and eate thy bread with joy and with a merrie heart Al 's drink thy wine for God thy workes accepteth in good part 8 Let all thy garments which thou weares be alwayes white and cleane Let not thy head at any time lake ointment that hath beene 9 With thy deare wife see all thy dayes thou live most joyfully For that thy portion in this life is most assuredly 10 What thing thine hand shall find to do it do with all thy might For neither work nor wisdome is in graves all void of light 11 I did returne and saw below the sonnes of men among That to the swift is not the race nor battells to the strong Nor bread nor riches nor favour unto wise men of skill But time and chance unto them all do happen ever still 12 For man also most ignorant knowes not his time that 's set As fishes all that taken are in a deceitfull net And as birds that are caught in snares so are the sons of men Snar'd in an ill time when it falls most quickly upon them 13 This wisedome worthy of respect have I seene with mine eye Under the Sun such was its worth it seemed great to me 14 A little city with few men there was and against it A great King came and it besieg'd and built his bulwarks great 15 There was in it a poor man found who by his wisdome great Did save the city yet no man remembred him a white 16 Then said I wisdome better is then strength neverthelesse The poor mans wisdome is despisde and his wordes more or lesse 17 In quiet wise mens wordes are heard as in most learned schooles More then the cry of him that rules among the lofty fooles 18 Then warriours weapons better is wisdome that bringeth joy But one sinner that wicked is much good will soone destroy Chap. 10. DEad flies do cause the ointment best of Apothecarie To send foorth even a savour vile stinking most filthilie So doth a little foly al 's most shamefully disgrace Him that for wisdome and honour among men hath a place 2 As the right hands of any men to worke most nimble be So is the wise mans heart but hearts of fooles like left hands be 3 Yea also when he that 's a foole walkes by the way anone His wisdome failes that hee 's a fool he saith to every one 4 If the sprite of the Ruler great shall rise up against thee â—eave not thy place for yeelding doth offences pacifie 5 There is an ill under the sun which I have seene indeed As an errour which surely from the Ruler doth proceed 6 Foly is set in dignity which is a great disgrace While these who truly able are do sit in a low place 7 I have on horses servants seene and after I anone Have Princes seene as servants base walking the earth upon 8 He that for others digs a pit shall surely in it fall And who so breaketh down an hedge a serpent bite him shall 9 Who so removeth stones shall be hurt therewith by and by And he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby 10 If that yron be blunt and he do not the edge well whet Then must he quick put to more strength but wisdome must direct 11 Except the serpent venemous by charmes inchanted be Sure bite he will a babler vaine no better is then he 12 Of a good wise mans mouth the wordes are gracious but the lip Of one that is a babling fool himself will swallow up 13 While he begins to speak his wordes are but meere foolishnesse Likewise the end of his discourse is nothing but madnesse 14 A fool is fill'd with wordes no man can well tell what shall be And what then shall
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