painfull hours ESTHER Hid. Chap. 1. IT came to passe that Ahasuerus King When he was in the third yeere of his reign Did make a feast unto all his Princes And his servants Rulers of Provinces There he in pompe and royall dignitie Did shew the honour of his Majestie This feast to shew of his glory the rayes Did last an hundred and al 's fourescore dayes After this feast he to the people all A banket made both unto great and small In Shushan faire which was the Kings palace There many subjects did themselves solace With eating drinking merrinesse and playes This feast did last the whole space of seven dayeâ— Both white and greene and blue hangings we then Fastned most sure with cordes of fine linnen And costly purple to the silver rings Pillars of marble and such other things The beds were of fine silver and of gold Which were most pleasant alwayes to behold â—ichly upon a pavement they stood â—f red blue white and al 's black marble good 〈◊〉 gold vessels they drink unto them gave 〈◊〉 abundance as much as they could crave â—he law of drinking was none did compell â—or so the King had well appointed all â—is Officers who did no more require â—ut that each man dranke after his desire Also Vashti the Queen women did bring â—o feast with her in the house of the King 〈◊〉 the seventh day as Ahasuerus was â—errie with wine even as it came to passe â—hat he ordained without lesse or more â—hat Eunuchs should bring Vashti him before â—ith the crowne royall full of dignitie â—o shew unto the Princes her beautie â—or she was faire But Vashti did refuse â—o come unto the King who wroth did use â—reat rigour for her disobedience â—ecause they thought it drew in consequence â—hese of the Princes who were the most wise â—hought by this deed that women would despise â—heir husbands when of it once they should heare â—nd that the basest would no more forbeare â—herefore of this let there be a decree â—gainst the great pride of the Queen Vashti Seeing she hath contemn'd the royall state Of Ahasuerus let her whole estate Be given unto some other speedily Who shall by all be esteem'd more worthy That all women by her may stand in aw Let this decree be written for a law Which publishâ—d through out the Empire all Shall make wives honour husbands great anâ— small After the Princes had heard this saying They it approv'd so likewise did the King So letters were sent that all men might heare That each man in his owne house rule should beâ— Chap. 2. After these things when Vashti was away The Kings servants at last began to say Let fair young virgins be sought for the King And be committed to â—egaâ—s keeping And let the maid which plâ—aseth the kings eye Be placed Queene in stead of proud Vashti When this was said anone with the saying In every point well pleased was the King Now in Shushan there was a certaine Jew The son of Jaâ—r as the Scriptures shew A Benjamite his name was Moâ—decai He from Salem had been carri'd away â—o Babylon in the captivitie With Jechoniah there captive to be â—his man Hadassa which was good Ester His Uncles daughter brought up and al 's bare â—he whole charges he for her daughter took When she was orphan he her not forsook It came to passe at last when the decree Was heard that Ester was brought to Hegai Who keept the women he anone Esther Most fair in face to others did prefer Ester as yet most wisely did not shew That she by nation was a virgin Jew As she directed was by Mordecai She strave in all things humbly to obey The custome was these maids to purifie The space of twelve months that they thus might bee Well for the King prepar'd as was thought meet With oyle of myrre and other odours sweet But above all the rest Esther got place For in the Kings sight she obtained grace So that he set the Crowne upon her head For Vashti he did make her Queene indeed Then the King made a feast to his Princes And a release al 's to the Provinces And royally gave gifts of every thing According to the great State of the King In this meane time the worthy Mordecai Sate in the Kings gate waiting every day Esther had not yet shewed her kinred Nor her people as Mordecai indeed Had charg'd for she respected Mordecai As a daughter she him still did obey While Mordecai thus sate in the Kings gate Two chamberlens men given unto debate Bigthan Teresh of these that kept the door Who did intend to take the King therefore Mordecai knowing what by them had beene Plotted against the King soon told the Queen And Esther wise did then declare the same Unto the King in good Mordecais name When inquisition was made speedily It was so and they hang'd were on a tree And in the book of Chronicles this thing All this was written even before the King Chap. 3. AFter these things the King of Persia Did raise Haman son of Amedatha The Agagite and him advanced high Above all the Princes that were him with â—ll the Kings servants not to give offencé â—id bow to him and give him reverence â—ut Mordecai who did him not allow â—efused alwayes unto him to bow â—or this Haman incensde with great fury â—tended to destroy most speedily â—oth Mordecai and all his nation â—ecause he made not due submission In the first moneth the moneth Nisan 〈◊〉 the Kings twelfth year before proud Haman â—hey cast Pur that is lot from day to day â—ow that they might the Jews all sweep away Then Haman said to Ahasuerus King â—ake heed and hearken unto my saying â—eer is a people that stands not in aw â—roud and perverse who keepe not the Kings law â—herefore it hurts the profite of the King â—hat they within thy bounds have abiding 〈◊〉 it shall please the King them to destroy 〈◊〉 will ten thousand talents surely pay â—f good silver and give it speedily â—o these that have charge of the treasury Then thus perswaded Ahasuerus King 〈◊〉 continent took from his hand his ring â—nd said to him Take these folk speedily â—nd do with them as seemeth good to thee Then letters from the King anone were sent To all Provinces for the same intent That all the Jews without faile in one day Should from the earth like doung be sweept awâ— The posts went out and runnig made great hast To execut what Haman had purchast The King and Haman then drank merrilie But poor Shushan was in perplexitie Chap. 4. WHen what was done was seene by Mordecâ— He rent his cloaths and bitterly did cry He put on sack-loth with ashes and went And to the Kings gate came incontinent In every province then was great mourning Among the Jews with wailing and fasting Yea thus perplexed many night and day In vilest sack-cloth and in ashes lay When Esthers maids thus Mordecai had
seen Clothed with sack they told it to the Queene Who greeved much unto Mordecai sent To change his sackcloth with costly raiment But he the same from their hands would noâ— take Then Esther wondring why he thus did make So strange with her she for Hatah did call â—hat he should know what was it great or small â—hat greeved had the heart of Mordecai 〈◊〉 that he did weare sackcloath day by day So Hatah went to him unto the street â—f the citie even before the Kings gate â—nd Mordecai him told with great annoy â—hat Haman minded the Jews to destroy â—e gave him al 's the copie of writing â—f the decree seal'd by the Kings owne ring â—hat he unto Esther might shew the same â—hat she might know what evil her foes did frame â—nd that she should go quickly to the King â—o make request for to prevent this thing 〈◊〉 Hatah came with diligence that day â—nd told Esther the words of Mordecai Then Esther sent Hatach to him againe â—o speake these words she wise did him ordaine â—he Kings servants and people all doe know â—hat the Kings Lawes most strict doe not allow â—hat to the inner court come great or small â—t such as those for whom the King shall call â—othing but death for him who is so bold As to approach except the King out hold His golden scepter thereby to give leave To come to him none but such after live But I have not beene call'd unto the King These thirty dayes tell Mordecai this thing And they againe did tell to Mordecai The words which Esther unto them did say Then Mordecai commanded this answere Quickly for to be given to Queene Esther Think not with thy self I tell thee for newâ— That thou escape shalt more then other Jeâ— For if at this time thou dost hold thy peace Enlargement shall come from another plâ— Vnto the Jewes but thou most certainly With thy fathers house shalt destroyed be Who knowes but thou by providence divine Art to the Kingdome come for such time When this was told then bade the gâ— Esther To Mordecai soone returne this answere Goe quickly and well gather every man Among the Jewes present within Shushan And fast yee for me the space of three day I also and my maids will fast likewise And so to goe I will not stand in aw Vnto the King though not after the Law To get good speed now from my heart I wish But if I perish then let me perish So what Esther commanded Mordecai Resolved well to do it by and by Chap. 5. IT came to passe after on the third day That Esther richly cloath'd without delay In th'inner court of the Kings house then stood When Ahasuerus King this understood To shew both his favour and her surety His golden Scepter he held out quickly So Esther drew neere and with diligence Touch'd the top of the Scepter of the Prince What wilt thou Queene Esther then said the King What is thy request now in any thing It shall be given to ask now boldly come I will it give though halfe of the Kingdome Then Esther said If it shall please the King I onely seeke ye grant me this saying Let the King and Haman together come To the banket I have prepar'd for him Then the King said at the banket of wine Unto Ester what is that sute of thine And thy request unto me boldly come I will it give though half of the Kingdome Then said Esther This onely sute I bring If I have found in the sight of the King Favour let the King and Haman quickly Come to my feast which shall prepared be Then the morrow as the King shall thinke best I shall plainely shew what is my request Then went Haman foorth from the King thâ— day Joyfull and glad but when he Mordecai Saw in the Kings gate that he up not stood With indignation kindled was his blood Neverthelesse proud Haman did refraine Himself untill he returned againe Unto his house where he incontinent For his wife Zeresh and for his friends sent And Haman told them of the great glory Of his riches and children which many In number were he told al 's every thing Wherein he had been honour'd by the King Who had in signe and token of his love Promoted him the Princes all above Yea moreover said he the Queene Esther Made a great feast whereat none at all were Except the King and I and to be plaine To morrow invited I am againe Yet all this glory availes me nothing As long as I see Mordecai sitting At the Kings gate Then said Zeresh his wife And all his friends we shall soone end this strife Let a gallous of fifty cubits hie For Mordecai right soone prepared be Speake to the King to morrow and anone Let Mordecai be hanged thereupon Then merrily go to the feast this said Well pleasd Haman and he a gallous made Chap. 6. ON that same night Ahasuerus the King Could not get sleep he caused to him bring The Chronicles that they the same might read Before the King thereto he took good heed There it was found written that Mordecai Had told how two vile traitours did betray The King Bigthana and Teresh they were Two Chamberlens the keepers of the doore Who sought on Ahasuerus for to lay Their hands this was reveal'd by Mordecay What honours for this got he said the King â—he servants said For him is done nothing In this meane time Haman without delay Was come to Court to cause hang Mordecai Then said the Kings servants unto the King That Haman stood in the court in him bring Said Ahasuerus who to Haman said What gifts shall be given or what honours laid Upon the man on whom the Kings delight Is to bestow honour with all his might Now proud Haman thought in his lofty heart That to him the King would this all impart Thus he answ'red let the apparell deare Which Ahasuerus useth for to weare Be brought with horse on which he King doth ride Let al 's the Crowne be set upon his head And thus in pompe let him even by the hand Of some great Prince be cloath'd then let command Be given that he most humbly with all speed Bring him on horseback and through the street lead And then proclame the rider there before Thus shall it be done without lesse or more Unto the man whom the Kings Majestie Delights to honour with great dignitie Then said the King unto Haman Make haste Now take my horse and my apparell best â—s thou hast said And do to Mordecai â—et nothing faile do all without delay Then Haman took th' apparell and the horse â—aving within his heart greef and remorse â—s the King had ordain'd without delay Haman did each thing unto Mordecay â—efore whose face he did proclaime this thing This is the man in whom our Prince and King Hath his delight and bids tell at this houre That his delight is this man to honour Then Mordecai
to the Kings gate return'd But Haman hasted to his house and mourn'd Having his head cov'red in signe of greefe â—nd told Zeresh his wife and these who cheefe Were of his friends what did to him befall Then said to him his wife and al 's friends all â—f Mordecai be of the Jews a man â—efore whom thou hast fall'n doe what thou can Against him surely thou shalt not prevaile â—ut shalt before him still fall without faile While they did speake the chamberlens in haste Came to bring Haman unto Esthers feast Chap. 7. SO King and Haman came with Esther Queene The second day at me banquet of wine And the King unto Esther said againe What is thy request Now with me be plaine Conceale nothing to ask now boldly come I will it give though half of my kingdome Then Esther Queene answ'red and said thâ— thing If in thy sight I have favour O King Found let my life now be given unto me And my peoples for we ordain'd surelie To be destroy'd are and al 's to be slaine So that none of us alive should remaine If they us for bondmen and bond women Had sold we all had keeped silence then Although in so doing the enemie The Kings domage could not repaire rightly Then said the King unto Queene Esther soone Who Where is he who durst such thing presume For to atchieve Then said Esther quickly This is Haman our wicked enemie Then Haman when he had the matter seene Was sore afraide before the King and Queene Then from the banket wroth when this was done The King arose into his garden soone He went then Haman stood to make request To Esther for his life for fear opprest His heart because he saw that an evill thing Against him was determin'd by the King The King return'd found Haman on the bed Of Esther fall'n then to him the King said Will this Haman now also force my Queene Even in the house as heere now may be seene As the King this word had said With disgrace The men arose and cov'red Hamans face Then Harbonah a servant to the King To Ahasuerus said Think on this thing Behold this Haman made for Mordecai A gallowes high even of cubits fifty Whereon he minded to hang him anone Then said the King soone hang him thereupon So was Haman hang'd on a gallowes hie This did the Kings wrath fully pacifie Chap. 8. ON that day the great King Ahasuerus Unto Esther the Queene gave Hamans house Then Mordecai was brought unto the King And Ahasuerus gave to him his Ring Which he to Haman had giv'n in that day Ov'r Hamans house Esther set Mordecai Then Esther after Haman most perverse Was hang'd did sute his letters to reverse Which could not be but to Esther this thing Was granted by Ahasuerus the King Ev'n that the Jewes themselves might well defend ' Gainst the malice which their foes did intend So the posts rode and publish'd the decrees Permitting Jewes to kill their enemies Then Mordecai soone went out from the King Who unto him had given his royall Ring With apparell of blew and white and Crowne Of purest gold with garments hanging downe Of fine linnen and al 's of purple made Then the Citie of Shushan was most glade Then had the Jewes both light and great gladnesse With great honour and joyfull merrinesse In all places whether the Kings decree Did come the Jewes there had prosperitie With joy gladnesse a feast and a good day Then many people did without delay Even become Jews who then did much excell For of the Jews the fear upon them fell Chap. 9. IN the same day which Haman did ordaine That all the Jewes in each place should bee slaine The Jewes strengthned great forces did command So that none of their foes could them withstand Yea more the Rulers helped them right well Because the fear of Mordecai then fell Upon them all thus the Jews in a word Their enemies smot with stroke of the sword In the palace of Shushan the Jewes then Slew and destroyed there five hundred men With ten sons of Haman Parshandatha Dalphon Aspatha and al 's Poratha Aridatha Parsmashta Arisai Adalia Vaiezatha Aridai All these the Jews did slay they gave command That on the spoile they should not lay their hand Unto Esther the King he said againe The Jews in Shushan have destroy'd and slaine Five hundred men and Hamans sons ten Princes What have they done in the other Provinces But yet tell me what 's thy petition What would thou further and it shall be done Then said Esther If it shall please the King Unto the Jews in Shushan grant this thing To do the morrow also speedilie Even according unto this dayes decree And let Hamans ten sons now for his sake Be hang'd on the gallowes which he did make When this the King did heare he did anone Command right quickly it so to be done Then according unto the Kings decree Hamans tens Sons were hanged on a tree Thus all the Jewes that were then in Shushan Gath'red themselves together every man On the fourteenth day of Adar they then At Shushan quickly slew thee hundred men All these the Jewes did kill but gave command That on the spoile no man should lay his hand While other Jewes this matter understood Themselves they gath'red and right stoutly stood For their lives and had rest in all the land And of their foes slew seventie five thousand But as did others so likewise did they None of them all laide hands upon the prey The Jewes then the thirteenth and fourteenth day Did consecrate to feasting and to play But these at Shushan with these other two Did consecrate the fifteenth day also As a day of both feasting and gladnesse To praise the LORD who sav'd them from distresse The Jewes who in villages did remaine The fourteenth onely for this did ordaine To be a day of feasting and gladnesse Even a good day of shewing great kindnesse One to aâ—other this did Mordecai Write to the Jewes who gladly did obey To stablish this among them neere and far That the fourteenth and fifteenth of Adar Should yeerely keepe well in their memorie Because that they them from their enemie Did rest so that from sorrow that blacke day Was turned unto feasting and to play And sending portions one to other and Gifts to the poor who had nothing in hand Then with courage the Jewes did undertake As they had then begun there was no lake As Mordecai had written they did all Because Haman to put the Jewes in thrall Devised had to cast Pur or the lot That he them might destroy in anger hote But when Esther came to the King with speed Hamans device he ordain'd on his head For to returne and that he should quickly With his ten sons be hanged on a tree For this the Jewes after did not forbear Two dayes of Purim to keepe every yeer Yea that thereafter these two dayes indeed Should never perish 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
bondage in this uncouth slaverie He was a servant the space of yeeres three But afterward as th' historie doth tell He turned and against him did rebell But for the sins of the Kings of Judah He got no help from the great JEHOVAH For the great sins done by their wicked hands Against Judah the Lord sent troups and bands From Syria from Moab and Ammon And also from the land of Babylon These he did send against Judah to fight For to remove Judah out of his sight For the great sins by King Manasse done The Lord in wrath would not the land pardon Last by Nebuchanezzar he was found Who straitly him in most strong fetters bound To Babylon to carry him that day He thought surely but died by the way Of his great faults we have the historie In twentie two chapter of Jeremie He was a man full of unrighteousnesse His eyes and heart were but for covetousnesse Oppression blood and also violence Did most vilely staine the hands of that Prince Therefore concerning King Jehojakim Thus said the LORD None shall lament for 〈◊〉 This at the last shall surely come to passe He shall with shame be buri'd like an Asse â—e shall be drawne and cast foorth filthily â—eyond the gates of Salem Gods city The Use â—et Kings beere learne for God their life to spend A sinfull life brings to a shamefull end 18 JEHOJACHIN The preparation or strength of GOD. THis wicked man called Jehojachin Follow'd the trace of ill Jehojakim â—is foolish father He had these names three â—ehojachin Jechonias al 's he â—honias was called When he began â—o reigne he was of eighteene yeeres a man In his time Nebuchadnezzar quicklie â—rom Babylon did send a great armie â—erusalem in great furie and rage â—hese men of Babel stoutly did besiege â—t last the King Jehojachin came out â—ith mother servants princes him about â—hus this ill man in th' eight yeere of his reigne Was taken captive by great Babels King Who with his rascals most unrighteous Did carry thence the treasures of GODS house He also rageing in wrongs manifold Cut in pieces the rich vessels of gold Which had beene made by wise King Soâ—â—â—mon In Gods Temple of these he left not one Ten thousand captives from Judah that day With crafts-men smithes he carried all away The poorer sort by his pride and disdaine Were onely suffred at home to remaine Jehojachin with Mother Wives that day And officers were carried all away ' Gainst this ill man the Prophet Jeremie Gods fearfull judgements declared plainly As I live said the Lord though Coniah Son of Jehojakim King of Judah Were neare and deare as signet on the hand Yet would I pluck him thence so that to stand Before my face this vaine and naughty fool Shall not have strength like a broken idol O Earth earth earth give eare and heare 〈◊〉 word For I that speakes am the Almighty Lord Write him chidelesse a man of no vertue This Jechoniah shall not have issue Tâ—is is enacted qy the great Jovah â—e of his feed shall be King in Judah The Use Kâ—ngs follow their wicked fathers trace â—e Lord them shall pluck shortlie from their place â—he King who with Coniah playes the foole 〈◊〉 in Gods eyes like a broken idole 19. MATTANIAH The gift of GOD. He after was by Nebuchanezzar King of Babylon called ZEDEKIAH The righteousnesse of GOD. THis was the third son of good Josiah 〈◊〉 Jehojachins Uncle the great JOVAH â—e did contemne he humbled not his heart â—hen Jeremie from God spake him apart ' Gainst Babels King he falsly did rebell Who made him sweare by the great Eternell Gods word to him gives this reprofe and checâ— His heart he hardned and stiffned his neck Therefore in the ninth yeare of his ill reigne God sent to him the host of Babels King Who ' gainst Salem pitched with courage stout And built strong forts against it round about Two years that seege continued hardly At last famine prevail'd in the city It to defend in it was no more might The men of war from it did flee by night The King himself who stood out long in vaine At last did flee by the way of the plaine Him the Caldees pursu'd with feet of Roe And overtooke him neere to Jericho Him they did bring unto the faire Riblah There they judgement upon Zedekiah Did give yea his sons there before his face These villains slew without mercy or grace When that was done in their most cruell spoâ— That this poore King should have no more coâ—â—fort By sight of eyes they this devise did find To put his eyes out and so make him blind Because against the Lord he did trespasse His foes him bound with strong fetters of brassâ— The ninteenth year of Nebuchanezzar Nebuzaradan his captaine from farre â—me with great forces he with rage and ire â—ds house and the Kings palace burnt with fire â—is Babylonish army strong and stout â—ake downe the walls of Salem round about â—us that city with all that there was found â—ith GODS house al 's was brought unto the ground â—ebuzaradan in Judah left then â—â—ely vine dressers and poor husband men â—e men of might with all their wealth that day â—â—t of their land were carried all away The Use â—hen King or people thus live voide of grace â—he Lord shall them soone remove from their place â—ho want Gods help their foes shall soone them foile â—â—em captives take and their rich treasures spoile â—r Judahs sins the mighty Lord that day â—ng Crowne Scepter and carried all away â—r their trespasse he would not them defend â—â—t of their Kingdome made a tragick end Behold how this people of great renowne Were spoil'd at last of Liberties and Crowne They angred God they did his Prophets scorne Therefore no Jevv did sit on Judahs Throne Let Kings heere learne vvho are set in high place That Kingdomes stand not by mens strength but grace Let Kings heere learne hovv for their sinne anone God brings to nought their Scepter Crovvne and Throne THE GARDEN OF ZION Of the Kings of Israel 1. Jeroboam 2. Nadab 3. Baasha 4. Elah 5. Zimri 6. Omri 7. Ahab 8. Ahaziah 9. Joram 10. Jehu 11. Jehoahaz 12. Jehoash 13. Jeroboam 14. Zechariah last of Ichus race 15 Shallum 16. Menahem 17. Pekajah 18. Pekah 19. Hoshea A Prayer O Well of life novv shovv thy golden source A silver pipe make my heart for its use In holy tearmes make me the praise expresse Which is most due unto thy holinesse I beg thy light and grace for to diserne That teaching others I my self may learne Ecclipse me not like the Coach of the Moone When it is black but turne my night to Noone My brest O Lord vvith sacred verses fill Which I may vvrite vvith a most nimble quil Of Judahs Kings as vve have understood Many vvere bad but fevv alas vvere good But Isra'ls Kings thy vvord them All doth blame Not one of them did truely
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
Jehovah â—ke Jeroboams or like Baasha â—ikewise in the portion of Jezreel â—he dogges shall eat the flesh of Jezebel â—r her vile sins and her most bloody furie â—hen shee is dead none shall her carcase burie When this young man had thus all these tâ— said The doore he op'ned and with speed he fled When this was done one said unto Jehuâ— Wherefore to thee came now this mad fellow Then said he this mans communication Yee well know I need no more expression All is most false said they which thou doâ— Now tell us truely what thou heard'st this 〈◊〉 I will not faine said he but will you tell He me anointed hath King of Isra'l When these men heard of Jehu this sayinâ— They trumpets blew and cri'd Jehu is Kinâ— So Jehu King ' gainst Joram did conspire To Jezreel he in wrath hot like fire Rod in charet for there Joram to slay With Ahazia who was come that day To see Joram who there cured his wounds Made by Hazael fighting in his bounds Then on a high tower in faire Jezreel Stood a watch-man who to the King did I clearely see a huge great company Then Joram said take an horseman quickly And send to meet them to them let him Is it for peace that ye come so this day When he thus said stout Jehu in a rage Said turne behinde me a most sure presage 〈◊〉 bloody warre The watchman this seeing â—ow all appear'd declar'd unto the King Yet once againe a horseman to them send â—id King Joram that what these men intend â—e may now know then went that second man â—ho one horseback to Jehus armie ran â—d said whether peace or war intend yee 〈◊〉 him Jehu al 's said Turne behind me â—en said the watchman in words true and plaine 〈◊〉 came to them but commeth not againe â—hink I see Jehu son of Nimshi â—r in driving he doth drive furiously Then Joram said make shortly ready now â—at in our charets we against Jehu â—y goe Then Joram armed went anone â—th Ahazia his own sisters Son â—g of Judah he went to that Battel â—d met Jehu in the plat of Jezre'l â—ere Naboth died When Joram saw Jehu â—cri'd aloud Is it peace for us now What peace said he as long as Jezebel â—ne ill mother with whooredomes doth rebell â—l al 's witchcrafts Then Joram turn'd quickly Ahaziah and said treachery Then Jehu drew a bow in anger hote 〈◊〉 Jehoram betweene the armes he shote The piercing arrow went out at his heart And he anone sanke downe in his charet Then said Jehu to Bidkar his Captaine Take up this corps and cast it with disdaine On Naboths field When we did serve Ahab We heard by God this burden on him laide Surely said God I have seene yesterday The blood of Naboth In this plat repay I will that murder in that plat of ground Let him be cast that the Lord may be found Both just and true When Ahaziah King This slaughter saw he in his heart fainting With all his might in his charet did flie And Jehu after follow'd him quicklie To smite him al 's his servants he did spurre With cryes who smote him going up to Guâ— Which is by Ibla'm he to Megiddo Did flie anone and there he died also Then Jehu came with haste to Jezreel Where was the witch and vile whoore Jezebâ— When she it heard she then painted her face And tyr'd her head with folies in that place She looked out and said unto Jehu Had Zimri peace who his own Master slew Then Jehu lifting up his face unto The window said who is on my side who To him three Eunuches looked out anone 〈◊〉 them he said see that ye throw her downe â—d so they did so that then from the wall â—r sprinkled blood on the Horses did fall â—ere King Jehu in zeale and anger hot â—eene Jezebel quickly troad under foot When he was come in for to eate and drinke Jezebel he began thus to thinke â—e see now this cursed woman said he â—r she is a Kings daughter verily â—e burie her they went at his commands â—t onely the skull feet palms of her hands â—ey found the greedy dogs got all the rest â—en Jehu heard this he esteemed best thinke of that which Propet Elijah â—d threatned from his Master Jehovah In the same place of pleasant Jezreel â—e dogs shall eate the flesh of Jezebel â—rvile carkase as doung upon the field â—all be no faird or force shall there it shield â—hile her dead bones scattred in Jezreel â—all be none shall say This is Jezâ—bel Thus this ill wife of wicked King Ahab â—st Queene last queane a vile and dirty drab â—as to the dogs by the Lord given for meat â—ho did her eat except skull palms and feet In Samria King Ahab had then Of sons that were in count threescore and ten Then Jehu wrote to these of Jezreel And Samaria see if ye expell My forces can Of Ahab take a Son And see if ye darre set him on the Throne They at these wordes were then exceeding lie Afraid and said it were to us folie To fight a man whose force and mighty hand Two great Kings were not able to withstand Therefore the Rulers sent unto Jehu Saying We are thy humble servants now What thou desirest now command and say With one consent we will Jehu obey Then Jehu wrote to them of the citie If ye be mine and will hearken to me Take the Sons of Ahab and Jezebel And send their heads to me in Jezreel Threescore and ten Sons of Ahab they slew Their heads in baskets they sent to Jehu What they had done men told unto the King Who said lay them in heaps till the morning So Jehu King direct'd by th' Eternel Slew all that Ahab had in Jezreel Both all his great men his kinsfolks and Priests None would he save for prayer or requests Then from Jezreel Jehu went away â—to Samaria there he by the way â—d meet comeing Ahazias brethren 〈◊〉 them he said who or what sort of men â—e ye said they we are of Royall blood â—e are come downe so it seems to us good â—ndly to sâ—e the children of the King â—d them salute we meane none other thing Then said Jehu take all these men alive â—ho are in number thirty seven and five â—ey to obey the precepts of Jehu â—d take them all and at a pit them slew After Jehu did meet Jehonadab â—ho was the Son of one called Rechab 〈◊〉 him he said Is thine heart right with me 〈◊〉 mine with thee He said it is truely â—en said Jehu give to me now thine hand â—ter my Coch as King I thee command â—w come said he according to my word â—d see what zeal I have had for the Lord. Then Jehu came unto Samaria 〈◊〉 the direction of the great Jovah 〈◊〉 Ahabs race he left not one at all â—ho after him did pisse against the wall â—us he fulfill'd the words of Jehovah â—hich he before did
last of all â—y Nehemiah thou made up the wall â—f fair Salem O make us all to feel â—ithin our hearts such burning holy zeal NEHEMIAH The consolation of the Lord. Chap. 1. AS I was in Shushan there came to me One of my brethren called Hanani With certaine men of Judah of whom I â—hat was the state of the poor Jewes did try â—hat had escapt from among dangers great â—nd which of the captivity were left And they againe together said to me â—he remnant left of the captivitie â—e in reproach and great affliction And Salems wall is also broken downe Our foes most fierce who ' gainst us did coâ—spire The gates thereof have all now burnt with firâ— It came to passe when I these words did heâ— From great mourning I could no more forbeaâ— While that my heart greev'd to and fro wâ— driven I did both fast and pray the GOD of Heav'n I said O LORD of Heav'n I beseech thee Great and terrible that keepeth mercie And Covenant for them that do him love And keep the precepts of the Lord above Unto thy servant give attentive eare That thou thy servants prayer well may heare Which before thee I pray both day and night Israels sins confessing in thy sight Not onely so but oh alas both I And al 's my fathers house have sinn'd greatly Against thee wee have most corruptly dealt For which great grief and sorrows we have feâ— Thy statuts and thy most righteous judgementâ— We have not keept which thou by thy servant Moses did give Remember I pray thee What thou in justice and al 's in mercie Spake by Moses saying If yee transgresse I will you scatter but if yee confesse Humblie your sinne and returne timeously â—o me I will you gather most quickly 〈◊〉 our enemies also I will defame â—nd will you bring where I will set my name Now these are thy most faithfull servants and â—eople whom thou by thy Almighty hand â—edeemed hast O LORD my GOD now grant â—n eare attentive unto thy servant â—nd to thy servants prayer now give eare â—ho thy great name alwayes desire to feare â—hat I intend now prosper I thee pray â—hat I may find thine assistance this day 〈◊〉 the sight of this man me mercy grant â—or I cupbearer was the Kings servant Chap. 2. THe twenty year of Artaxerxes King I his cupbearer wine to him did bring 〈◊〉 his presence I had not beene before â—s I was then in great sadnesse wherefore â—he King himself thus looking on me said â—hat aileth thee and why art thou so sad â—eeing with sicknesse thou not troubled art This nothing else is but sorrow of heart When by the King these wordes were to 〈◊〉 said Then I anone was very sore afraid When at this time fear made my lips to quiver Unto the King I said King live for ever Why should I not be sad and all agast When the city of Salem lieth wast The place of my fathers sepulchres deare Its gates are burnt from greefe who can forbeare Then said the King to me See what is best For what dost thou now greeved make request Then lifting up my heart I did soone pray Unto the Lord and to the King did say If it the King please and if thy servant Have in thy sight found favour to me grant That I be sent unto Judahs citie That it anone may builded be by me Then said the King the Queene al 's sitting bâ— For how long shall be this thy great journey And when wilt thou againe to us returne Now set a time it keep and not adjourne When I this heard I set to him a time To let me go the King did well incline Moreover I said to the King humblie If it the King shall please let soone to me Letters be given for them that do govern Beyond the river that they well may learn That thy will is for th' honour of JOVAH â—hat they convey me over to Judah â—lso a letter to get I thought best â—o Asaph the keeper of the forrest â—hat he timber should give for beams quickly â—o make the gates of palace house city â—hat I did seek that did the king command â—ccording as on me was GODS good hand â—hen I beyond the river came quickly â—ving Captaines which the king sent with me When Sanbalat the wicked Horonite â—d Tobiah the servant Ammonite â—eard of it it them greev'd exceedingly â—hat any sought the good of GODS City So GOD who me did save in all my wayes â—ought me to Salem where I was three dayes 〈◊〉 the night tyme when sleep sad on men falls 〈◊〉 went and viewd the ruine of the wals Thereafter I the Jews did all invite 〈◊〉 build the wals and that even in despite 〈◊〉 all their foes Ye know said I what 's past â—rusalem GODS City lyeth waste â—a what our greatest foes did most require â—e wals are down the gates are burnt with fire â—en I to them declared most clearly â—w that the good hand of GOD was on me â—d how the king before I did depart Spake to me words which did comfort my heaâ— Let us rise up and build couragiously So GOD their hearts made stout and hands readâ— But when that Sanballat the Horonite And Tobiah the servant Ammonite And Geshen the Arabian did hear They at our work began to laugh and gyre And us despise what is this great doing Said they Will ye rebell against the king Then unto them I most boldly did say The God of Heaven will prosper us this day Therefore we now his servants will arise And build but you who Gods servants despise In Gods Salem have no memoriall You have no portion yea no right at all Chap. 3. IN this Chapter we have the names of all These who did build fair Salems broken wall Chap. 4. BUT after when that wicked Sanballat Heard that we did so build the wall and thâ— We courage had he wroth with indignation Did scoffe and mock the whole Jewish nation Before his brethren and of Samaria â—e armie he said laughing with Ha ha â—hese feeble Jewes what Will they fortifie â—emselves Or what Will they most foolishly 〈◊〉 sacrifice Will they even in a day â—d all this work Will they revive I say â—e stones out of their bruised rubbish heape â—hich are all burnt Now was the Ammonite â—obiah by him who said scornfully â—l that they build will fall down by and by 〈◊〉 that a Foxe but leap upon their wall â—e shall it break down and make all to fall Heare LORD how wee despised are indeed â—nd their reproach turn upon their own head â—nd make them all at last a prey to be â—en in the land of their captivity â—nd cover not their great sins lesse or more â—r thee to anger the builders before â—ey have provocked so we did anone â—ild all the wall till all was fully done But when Sanballat and Tobiah vain â—ith Ammonits Arabians profane â—nd Ashdodites that Salems wall did hear â—as