Elisha came incontinent â—nd with Elijah he went as servant Then came Benhadad strong from Syria â—ith thirty two Kings ' gainst Samaria â—s messengers he unto Ahab King 〈◊〉 to the City sent with this saying â—us saith Benhadad who darre now repine Thy Silver Gold Wives Children all aâ— mine To him Ahab answ'red my Lord O King What hast thou said it is a true saying For I am thine and all that I can have Grant me friendship no other thing I crave When Benhadad these words of courtesie Did heare his heart was lifted up proudly His messenger he back againe then sent Unto Ahab with this commandement I will to morrow my strong servants send Who all thine house shall search from eâ— to end What in thine eyes is most pleasant that daâ— They in their hands shall carie all away Then Ahab spake his Elders with great griefâ— See how this man now seeketh a mischeefe My silver gold my wives children freely I offred to him who doth as ye see Then the elders with such words not contenâ— Said to Ahab beware to give consent Regard him not Then Ahab made report To the messengers in words of this sort What the King first desired it unto I soone yeelded but this I cannot doe When the messengers had made their report Unto Benhadad in words of thss sort â—hen Benhadad sent backe unto the King His servants soone with these words of threatning The gods do so to me and more also â—f for the people that with me shall go The dust of all Samarias Citie Shall now suffice for them handfulls to be Then Ahab answ'red tell yee now your King We will not yeeld for all his great threatning Let not him that girdeth on the harnesse So boast himself as free of all distresse When they report made of all this saying Benhadad with his Kings were then drinking â—nto his tent To his servants that day He said be now all in Battell aray When this was heard his strong men speedilie Did rank themselves against that fair Citie Behold anone a Prophet from the LORD Who did King Ahab comfort with this word Thus saith the Lord this host without delay 〈◊〉 will deliver in thine hand this day Though Benhadad now boast much of his sword â—hab shall know that I am God the Lord. Then Ahab said by whom shall this be done â—he man of God gave him this answere soone By the young men of good worthy Princes Who mighty are among the Provinces Then said Ahab tell me from th' Eternell Who shall among us order the Battell To that the Prophet shortly did reply Even thou who art the Lord of the city Then Ahab call'd the young men him unto Who were numbred two hundred thirtie two The host it self which Ahab did command In number all were but poor seven thousand When these brave men went to battelâ— noone Benhadad drunk was in his pavillion With thirtie two Kings who this most did thâ— How their bellies might be filled with drink Then the young men of the Princes that day Before the rest went first in their aray When Benhadad the King of Syria Heard that these men were from Samaria He said whether they be for peace or warre Take them alive but to slay them beware When this was said armie against armie Began to fight but Syria to flie Made hast That day poor Israel with few Benhadads great host bravely overthrew To King Ahab the Prophet came againe And said mark well my counsell not disdain â—or surely at the returne of the yeer â—enhadad will with a new armie stir Then Benhadads servants to him did say â—heir gods are gods of hills therefore now they â—e stronger then we let us in the plaine â—gainst them fight and they shall soone bee slaine Doe this al 's if thou wouldst prevaile this day â—ake heede and take these drunken Kings away â—nd put Captaines with order in their place 〈◊〉 shalt thou soone thy strongest foes deface Make up an armie like that which thou lost â—haret for charet horse for horse to post â—nd runne them downe in some field that is plaine â—hen shall we see their armie foil'd and slaine It came to passe at the turne of the yeere â—hat Benhadad to fill mens hearts with fear â—ame with an host of charets and of men â—nto Aphek against Isral's children â—ke little Kids Isra'l was in aray â—ut Syrians fill'd the countrey that day While all in order were fet for battell 〈◊〉 man of God came unto Israel And said GOD saith because the Syrâ— boast That GOD on hills can onely help your host It shall be seene that such words are but vâ— For as on hills so am I in the plaine For good successe this day I give my worâ— And yee shall all know that I am the LOâ— Then these two armies fill'd with coâ— much Did sev'n dayes one against another pitch In the seventh day they joined the Battell An hundred thousand that day by Isra'l Of Syrians were slaine the rest did flie Unto Aphek and there in that citie Upon twenty sev'n thousand men a wall Fell with great noise which killed great small Then Benhadad who durst no more abide Came to the citie for himselfe to hide In some chamber there his servants did say Our foes by force have much prevail'd day But vve have heard vvhich comfort tâ— brings That mercifull are all Israels Kings Let us quickly seeing there be such hopes â—ut on sackcloth and bind our heads vvith ropes â—nd go to Abab vvith humilitie â—eradventure that King vvill pardon thee As they had said so quickly in these hopes â—ey got sackcloth and bound their heads with ropes â—en to Ahab adorn'd with Majestie â—ey came with these signes of humilitie King said they let there be no more strife â—ore Benhadad from thee doth beg his life â—hat Said the King is your Master not dead â—ell him that he my brother is indeed 〈◊〉 bring him forth that novv I may him see â—d that he may in Charet ride vvith me Then Benhadad said to Ahab therefore 〈◊〉 thee the Cities I will now restore â—hich my stout father tooke from Israel 〈◊〉 thy brave Captaines to thee may well tell â—hen said Ahab this Covenant this day â—all betwixt us So he sent him away Then came a Prophet with his owne accord â—ho to his neighboure in words of the Lord â—id smite me soone I pray thee now smite me â—hat Said the man wherefore should I smite thee Because said he thou wouldst not now obey GODS voice by me a Lion shall thee slay So as the Prophet said it came to passe A Lion slew him for this his trespasse Then the Prophet another found quickly And as before said to him smite thou me Then he not slack quickly a weapon found And did him smite which made a bloody wounâ— Thus the Prophet sore wounded went away And waited on King Ahab by the way He thus disguisd with ashes on his face Did cry to
From Ieroboams sins did not depart At last came Pul the great Assyrian King Against the land great forces he did bring Then Menahem great summes to him did pay So Pul with all his forces went away Ten yeeres he did reigne and after by death This King he went the way of all the earth The Use Let Kings beware to staine their memorie With vile murder and blood of crueltie To kill women it is most inhumane In such doings is neitheir glore nor gaine 17. PEKAJAH The opning of GOD or brought out by GOD THen Menahems son called Pekajah Began to reigne in faire Samaria He fear'd not GOD for he wicked in heart From Jeroboams sins did not depart Then Pekah the son of Remalia A captaine stout did against Pekajah Conspire whom he without mercie or grace Did with the sword kill in his owne palace â—ith Argob Arieh and other fiftie â—f Gileadites who felt his crueltie The Use â—t Kings here learne that sin is not a sport â—ends their dayes it cuts their honours short 〈◊〉 to their children they seeke glore or gaine â—nlawfully such things shall not remaine Menahem could looke hiâ— of his grave â—kajah might say Nothiâ—g now I have 〈◊〉 all thy conquest Thus it is not good 〈◊〉 come to Thrones by shedding humane blood 18. PEKAH Open. â—Fter that Pekah the Son of Remalia Had with the sword slaine the King Pekajah 〈◊〉 force of armes this wicked man anone â—d then usurpe Israels Crowne and Throne â—is murtherer was most profane in heart â—m the vile idoles he would not depart â—ich Jeroboam at Bethel and Dan â—d set up At last the King Assyrian Tiglath Pilezer with an armie strong Tooke Kedesh-Hazor Galile Jion Abel-Beth Ma'chah of faire Naphtali The bravest men he in Captivitie Cari'd away unto Assyria At last Hoshea the son of Ela Against Pekah made a conspiracie He wounded Pekah so that he did die Thus King Pekah most cruell and profane In the yeere twentiâ—â—f his reigne was slaine The Use Let Kings heere learne whose charets are thâ— swords That they shall reckon for their deads 〈◊〉 wordes If they usurpe Crowne Scepter or the Thrâ— The LORD shall come with great vengeâ— anone As Peka slew Pekajah to be King So Hoshea that Pekah downe did bring Killers of men rarely this favour have From GOD to goe in peace unto tâ— grave 19. HOSHEA A saviour IN Ahaz twelft yeere King of fair Judah Began to reigne this man son of Elah â—ow Israel were come to their last cast â—f all their Kings Hoshea was the last â—e served not Jovah with all his might â—ut foolishly did evil into his sight â—et was he not so vaine nor yet so vile â—s other Kings had beene in Israel At last came up against this Hoshea â—halmanezer King of Assyria â—nto this King Hoshea a servant â—ecame To him he gave costly presents â—ut afterward to be free of this foe â—e messengers sent to the mighty So â—ng of Egypt Then Shalmanezer soone â—d shut him up and bound him in prison â—hus Hoshea a man of Elahs line â—d sway the Scepter the space of years nine At this same time Isra'l was gone astray â—ey were profane not caring for GODS way â—ey vainly feared gods that were no GOD â—herefore God scourg'd them with th' Assyrian rod Yea more this vile people with all their migâ— Did secretly these things that were not right They built High places in ev'ry citie They like the Heathen with idolatrie Provok'd the LORD yea like most fooâ— fooles They tooke pleasure to serve most vile idols Yet ' gainst Isra'l the LORD did testifie And said Isra'l yet returne unto me From your ill wayes if my name ye will feâ— Yee yet to me shall be a people deare But from their ill wayes they would not part Their neck they stifned and hardned their heâ— In their mad course they follow'd vanitie Running themselves in vile idolatrie Molten images calves and groves they made Heav'ns host also as though they had beene maâ— They did worship and for to hast their fall They did oppoint great service for Baal Yet further to provoke the Lord to ire They made their children to passe through fire For these their sins the LORD by his great miâ— All Israel remov'd out of his sight Heere for the sins of vile idolatrie Yee see the end of Isra'ls Monarchie â—gs of Israel heere did end their race â—ause they were profane and voide of grace The Use Prince and people meditate Gods law 〈◊〉 to provoke see that they stand in awe Kings pride 'gainst him stiffen their necke â—ir Crownes and Thrones and Scepters hee will breake Nations against the LORD be stout 〈◊〉 will both King and people al 's root out 〈◊〉 mightie LORD great Jovah hath said this â—ee sinne yee and your King shall perish A WATCH WORD Concerning the fourty and one Kings that did reigne over GODS people â—et Princes learne by these one and fourty How rare it is both good and Prince to be â—s most cleare that it is a heard thing 〈◊〉 be both good and honou'rd as a King â—eed lust and pride do cogge most easily â—emselves in hearts poison'd with flatterie THE GARDEN OF ZION The Booke of Ezra A Prayer WHen night on men dumb silence shaâ— distill When wearied bones them selves witâ— sleep do fill When gloomy darknesse husheth every thing Then let thy sprit verses of vertue bring Into my mind well stored with thy gra e Which may the hearts of worthy men solace While nights blacke mantle covreth a greâ— part â—t thine Aurora shine bright in mine heart â—hen depths appeare where through I cannot ride 〈◊〉 thy great Barge me togh against the tide In Babylon thy people years seventie â—ere we arid much with long captivitie â—pon them thou of thy wrath had the flashes â—rought and had burnt their Temple Towne to ashes â—ut thou who never thy people forsook â—ith mercies eyes at last did on them look These verses LORD now through thy strainer passe And make them cleane as is the clearest glasse â—hat by them may appeare even to the least â—ow thou by Ezra who was scribe and Priest â—eclared hast how good Zorobabel â—ho in great vertue highly did excell â—ebuilt the Temple and how by a jar â—ods peoples foes that worthy worke did mar 〈◊〉 Cyrus time untill Darius King â—nto the cope oedain'd the house to bring EZRA An helper CHAP. 1. AFter that Salems Temple had liâ— long Burnt in ashes and the Jewes hâ— among Their foes beene captives GOâ— made Cyrus King Of Persia to care for rebuilding Of Gods fair house for this occasion He causd publish a proclamation When this was heard these who before diâ— mourne With joy in hast provided to returne Then to Sheshbazzar in a plenteous store The Temples vessels Cyrus did restore Chap. 2. OF the people returned three thousand Six hundred and thirty with ready hand To build the house which burnt before had been Of Priests
to these that passed by VVhy is his Charet so long dâ— coming VVhat is the let VVhy tary thus the most svvift vvheeles of his princely Charet 29 VVhen her vvise Ladies heard these vvords they did not long defer To give answer yea to her selfe she return'd this answer 30 Have they not well sped in battell have they not all also Parted the prey to every man a Dam sell or two To Sisera a most rich prey who did his strong foes foile A colour d prey of needle work for these that take the spoil 31 So let thy foes perish O Lord but who with heart upright Love him let them be as the Sun going foorth in his might After these forces were by God represt Gods Israel had fourtie yeers of rest The Use Heere we may learne how Gods great Majestie Can by a wife obtaine a victorie 5. GIDEON Cutting off GReat GIDEON my verse now come to thâ— A cutting off thy name doth signifie The great God in mercy sent thee a man To save Isra'l from cruell MIDIAN This son of JOASH in Isra'ls distresse Was threshing Wheat besides his owne Wiâ— presse To him an Angel said with great favour The Lord is with thee thou man of valour Alas O Lord moved with grife said he That God is with us Oh it cannot be Where are the wonders our fathers us told By Midian we crosses manifold Do suffer oh our miseries they scoff The Lord in wrath his people hath cut off To him said God Now go in this thy might Against these men thou shalt for Isra'l fight O Lord said he what power can I have Wherewith I may thy people ISRA'L save In MANASSEH my familie is poore My fathers house such paines can not endure Goe to goe to said God do what thou can I shall thee help to smite them as one man If thou O Lord said GIDEON wouldst me To fight a signe first I desire to see According to this godly mans desire God by his staffe from the hard rock a fire Brought forth which did consume incontinent Both flesh and broth and caks GID'ON present When he thus saw he trembling said Alas Gods Angel now I have seene face to face Feare not said God let nothing trouble thee I give thee peace thou surely shalt not die Then he an altar did build without cease JEHOVAH-SHALOM the Lord God send peace When this was done which was his great renowne Baals altar with great zeal he threw downe Because he fear'd his foes that were of might He not by day but did it in the night When this was done the city all agast Unto JOASH his father quickly past Bring out thy Son that vile villaine quickly Soone bring him out for he shall surely die Then Joash said Your brags are but scorning He shall be kill'd while it is yet morning Who darre for BAAL onely speak a word If he be God now let him plead by sword Therefore JOASH from such pleading did call His godly sonne by name JERUBBAAL Then MIDIAN with AMALEK in ire With an great host against him did conspire With deaw and drienesse the Lord on the fleece Encouragd him from battell not to cease Then JOVAH said The men that are with thâ— Be too many to give you victorie Who so is fearefull and of courage bad Let him returne now from Mount Gilead When Gideon stout these words proclamed tâ—â— Returned twentie and two thousand men Then ten thousand were in Gods host that day Yet is the Haost too many God did say Go to the waters see what lapers be These are the men that I will send with thee Three hundred men lapped upon the brink But all the rest bow'd downe their heads to dâ—â— This being done behold one did proclaime Unto his fellow in the host a dreame A barley kake said one tumbled our tent Another said this a fearfull rent Our mighty army shall both faint and fall Before GIDEON called JERUBBAAL When Gideon heard the telling of the dreamâ— Hee worshipped the mighty God of heaven Then with all hast his host he did command Trumpets pitchers with lamps to take in haâ—â— When I the Trumpet blow then blow each oâ— â—ry Sword of the LORD and of GIDEON â—hey brake pitchers the lamps in their left hand â—hey blew Trumpets as GIDEON did command â—hile Isra'l did these Princely Trumpets blow â—â—ery mans Sword was against his fellow â—he Lord himselfe that great Battell did fight â—hen all MIDIAN were turned to the flight â—hile they this armie hotely did pursue â—hey OREB ZEEB two great Princes slew â—nto his hand likewise great JEHOVAH â—eliv'red ZEBAH and stout ZALMUNNAH â—he flesh of SUCCOTH and PENUEL in feare â—â—ter this done with sharpe thornes did he teare â—ut he at last forgetting the great God â—f rich earerings made an idole Ephod â—f lawfull sons he had threescore and ten And ABIMELEH of a concubine The Use Heere for a space men may GODS cause defend And yet at last with idoll Ephods end Blest is he vvho serves GOD with heart entire And like the Sun about Heav'ns Bandeleere Galopping still doth not faint in his race With Gods children that tread the paths oâ— grace 6. ABIMELECH My Father King MY Father King ABIMELECH thy â—â— Doth signifie a bastard full of shame This villaine full of fearfull crueltie Upon one stone did kill nine and fiftie Of his brethren in number like a hive Onely JOTHAM the youngest left alive He with silver vaine men and light did hire Against his brethren he did thus conspire His mothers friends of SHECHEM he did bâ— Who with the house of MILLO made him Kâ— Then JOTHAM went unto Gerizim hill And cried down this pricking parable The trees went forth on a time to annoint A king the Olive first they did appoint The Olive then said Nothing I doe lake For crownes I will not my fatnesse forsake Then with one voice they said to the fig-tree Come thou and now receive the dignitie The fig-tree then said Nothing I do lake For crowns I will not my sweetnesse forsake Then all the trees the crowne like a propine With one consent offred unto the Vine The Vine tree then said Nothing I do lake For crownes I will not my liquour forsake Then all the trees did to the Bramble bring The crowne who was content for to be King Well said the Bramble well I you allow Come now and put your trust in my shadow If not let fire come from the Bramble soone Of Lebanon the Cedars to consume Well well said Jotham O unthankfulnesse Soone have ye forgot my fathers kindnesse His life for you he did adventure far And now of his children ye murdrers are Ye Shechem Millo lewdly did conspire Yee for such things shall be consum'd with fire When Abimelech reigned had yeeres three The Lord to punish his great crueltie Sent an ill Sprite betwixt him and Shechem Who helped him to murder his brethren Then Gaal with other Shechemites stout Desir'd that
Eli clearely understood It is the Lord said he what seemes him good Now let him do against both me and mine Against his sentence I will not repine What SAMUEL said to ELI more or lesse Upon ELI it shortly came to passe Then it was showne clearly by th' Eternel That Samuel was for to judge Israel The proud Philistins in his time came out Against Isra'l he put them to the rout He cri'd to God and God by thunder heard The Philistins under their feet he troad To shew his thanks to tell what God had done In the same place he wisely set a stone A stone of help for to declare Gods fame Eben-Ezer in Hebrew was its name In his old age when he was full of dayes His bribing sons did not walk in his wayes Then all the people greeved with this thing Cri'd with one voice Now let us have a King For now Samuel is old and full of dayes His bribidg sons doe not walk in his wayes Then God directed SAMUEL how to say That Isra'l had rejected God that day Go to go to hearken unto their voice Give them a King according to their choice Be plaine with them and hide from them nâ— thing Shew them clearely the manner of the King To war to till to reape in every point Of hard service your sons he will appoint Of your daughters who walk with lofty lookâ— He will make Bakeâ—s and vile sluttish cooks Your fields and yards which are the most pleâ—sant He will take and give to his owne servants The tenth of your sheep and seed he will crave Your stout young men to his worke will hee have In all this bondage ye shall howl and say Alas but God shall not you hear that day But all this speach to them no change could bring No not said they but we will have a King As this people rebelliously would have A King so GOD a King unto them gave When this was done Samuel did testifie Before all ISRA'L his integritie Now I am old said he see my gray head I have been with you from my young childhood Now heere I am I gladly do accord Witnesse against me heere before the LORD Be plaine I pray you and now hide no thing For heere we are in presence of the King Whose Oxe whose Asse have I by wrong possessed By violence whom have I once oppressed What bribe tooke I therewith to blinde mine eye If it be so now let you testifie Then said they all as they well understood We know nothing in thee but what is good No man we know hath beene opprest by thee No bribe was able for to blinde thine eye God be witnesse said he and understand That now ye have not found ought in mine hand After this said he did them terrifie With fearfull thunders piercing through the skie The people then to him quakeing did say We have sinned to JOVAH for us pray Fear not said he but comfort to you take For his people the LORD will not forsake If ye cry to him he will hear your voice For he of you hath onely made his choice As for me I will not leave off to pray For you I will al 's teach you the good way Onely take heed and serve the Lord with fear So ye his goodnesse shall both see and hear But if ye carelesse do the wicked thing Ye shall be consum'd both ye and your king After SAMUEL though he was old and gray The proud King Agag in Gilgal did slay He was a man faithfull in every point Before his death two Kings he did anoint The Use Let Judges learne by Samuels historie To take good heed that no bribe blinde their eye THE GARDEN OF ZION The Kings SAUL Seeking THis Son of KIS from seeking hath his name His life with vice he stain'd his end with shame When he began his calling was but base Before his Crowne he sought his fathers Asse When at the first from the stuffe he came out Then the people with their voice made a shout The wordes they said in their lovely shouting Were that the Lord would safely keep the King About this time Nahash the Ammonite Against Jabesh made war with great despite Then Iabesh said Spare us and let us be A Covenant we will now make with thee But cruell Nahash burning in a rage By no fair words could his great wrath asswage No friends no friends said he now will we be Except we first now thrust out your right eye Seven dayes they sought an answere for to give They sent to Saul that he might them relieve Then Saul armed with companies out three Threw Ammon downe with a great victorie Saul by this valour was confirmed King Then all the people desir'd him to reigne When he was King even in his second yeere The Philistines with forces did appeare They of Charets strong thirtie thousand were Six thousand foot also prepar'd for war But Israel which was cause of great fear Disarmed was without both Sword and Spear The Philistines triumphing them above Did craftily from them all Smiths remove Yet for the Forks Axe Coulters Goads this while To sharpen them the Hebrews had a file When Saul this saw he greatly was afraid In caves and rocks the people did them hide Then Saul in fear not waiting on Samuel The seventh day off'red to GOD in Gilgal Then Samuel angry with his foolish haste Made both his eares to tingle with this blast Thou hast rebell'd thou hast done foolishlie Thy Kingdome no more shall abide with thee Then Jonathan went after secretly Between Bozez and Seneh two rocks hie To his servant he said Let us pursue God can us save by many or by few Before we go by this we will them try If while they see us they shall say Tary Then will we stand but if their words be so Come up to us untill them will we go They said Come up and that by way of mock WheÌ„ this was heard they both did climb the rock In that conflict with Philistins children Stout Jonathan did there slay twentie men Terrours from GOD his foes hearts made to shake All th' Hoast trembled the very earth did quake The LORD in armes glist'ring did fight that day He made his foes like snow to melt away The LORD of Hoasts by his great power and might Made these his foes one ' gainst another fight When th' Isralits of this mercy heard tell From holes and bores they rushed to Battell These who before for fear themselves did hide Stoutly their foes did beat both back and side They fought like Lions but anone a jar A fasting oath the victory did mar They durst not eat and therefore faint and few They could not throughly their strong foes pursue While Isra'l thus did faint for fault of meat Jonathan of a hony comb did eat Assoone as he had taste of that honie His sprite reviv'd enlightned was his eye What he did then it was by ignorance For he knew
counsâ—ll He is most sure that God relyes upon All other things will shrink and sinke anone Men for a time may their sad hearts solace With sound of harp which soone will have no place If Kings with Saul of Gods word make no count He will them meet upon Gilboah mount These who care not their lives for to amend Do often come unto a tragick end The LORD to each man his owne worke repayes And makes him finde according to his wayes If men be gracelesse though never so great God shall anone set others in their seat So at the last they shall get shame and losse When God shall crowne these men whom they did crosse DAVID Beloved THE spirit of God begins my heart to move To sing of David whom he Lord did love When God him sought to make him Isra'ls King He was an herd keeping the ewes with young Of Jesses sons he was the least and last As by the story is most manifest When God his servant Samuel did appoint To goe and one of Jesses sons annoint The first he saw was Eliab faire in face This said Samuel is he who by Gods grace Should be the King No not this shall not be Said God for God seeth not as men doe see The outward barck men see of countenance But Gods bright eye through all the heart doth glance Abinadab Shammah he would not chuse David he tooke the rest he did refuse When he rudie came the Lord did appoint Samuel with horne of oyle him to annoint When that was done Gods spirit came him upon He hated Saul and left him his alone When God from him had his good sprit of grace Remov'd the divell came quickly in his place He sore troubled thus to his men did say Provide a man that cunningly can play I cannot pray the divell will not depart My cheefe comfort must be by Musicks art A man with harpe to warble let me finde That he the divell may drive out of my minde Then David came who warbling did his best The divell departed then Saul got some rest After all this the Philistins with boast Against Isra'l came with a mighty host Among the rest a man of Gath Goliah A champion contemning great Jehovah Came forth with boasting a most mighty man Whose height was six great cubits with a span Both up and downe he thus armed did passe With coat of male and with helmet of brasse Graves on his legs a target he betweene His shoulders had his speare was like a beame Of a weever One with a shield before Went this strong man all Isra'l troubled sore He cri'd aloud to all Isra'l that day In vaine set ye your battell in aray Let one man come and fight me hand to hand What part prevails they shall the rest command If ye have hearts or hands I shall soone try All Isra'ls host this day I do defy On all Isra'l thus he did rub disgrace All men did flie but none durst turne the face Untill David encourag'd from above This question to the armie thus did move What shall be done to him who shall stoutly Kill this vile dogge that doth our God defy He then said they who shall performe this thing Shall have for wife the daughter of the King Let no mans heart said David now him faile I will now answere his foolish appeale I tremble not for all his strength and might The Lord gives heart I him resolve to fight Alas said SAUL thou greatly hast to feare Thou art a youth but he a man of warre Not said David I have experience I am acquaint with GODS strong assistance He made me kill a Lion and a Bear What needs me now this Philistine to fear Go to said Saul GODS blessing go with thee With coat of male and helmet armed be Thou must my Sword also gird by thy side That thou his stroaks the better may abide David thus armed all from top to toe Said with such things to fight I can not goe Off with his harnesse his staffe in hand he took In scrip five smooth stones chosen from the brook With sling in hand in a courage divine He stoutly went to fight the Philistine Then great Goliah came down to the field Armed with brasse before him a great shield was borne he lofty with a most proud look Disdain'd David scarce notice of him took This thing is strange it seems to me uncouth That in Isra'l there is none but this youth Faire and ruddy small token of courage To fight against a giant full of rage What art thou lad what meanest thou to doe Am I a dog that so thou com'st me to With staves and stones a dwarfe most unworthie By all my gods now cursed must thou be Come hither heard thy stones and staves now yeeld Thy flesh shall go to the beasts of the field Thou shalt well know that I am not a beast I minde to make thy flesh for foules a feast Words are but winde said David I not feâ— Thy sword or shield or yet thy brasse or spear I come to thee in the most mighty name Of great JOVAH whom thou hast thought tâ— shame Cease from thy brags no more to boast proceed I shall thee smite and from thee take the head Thou shalt soone know and others shall it tell That there is a great God in Israel The Lord God saveth not with spears or swords I feare nothing the Battell is the Lords This said David with a courage divine Ran in all haste to meet the Philistine With hand to bag from thence he tooke a stone Which pierc'd Goliah through both flesh and bone The stone with force throwen sanke in his forehead Then like an Ox to ground he fell down dead Then David ran with great courage divine And stood upon that beastly Philistine Him treading downe with feet he made great speed With his own sword from him he cut the head When the Philistins saw their man of might This way mangled they tooke them to the flight Thus wanting courage they both fled and fell Affrighted much for the men of Isra'l Last David after Goliah was dead To Jerusalem brought this monsters head In the way met him these songs of women For Sauls one thousand David hath slaine ten From that day and forward Saul did him eye Having his heart stuft with rage and envie Then Saul devised how to make him fall A bloody dowry he sought for Michal An hundred foreskins to David said he Of Philistins thou shalt bring unto me I seeke no more no more dowrie I crave Do this and thou Michal for wife shalt have By these his wordes which seemed to be faire He aim'd to draw David into a snaire But stout David brought in a bloody strife Two hundred foreskins and so wan his wife All these great things fild Sauls heart with envie Davids applause kindled his jealousie His wrath like fire in fewell did increase When he did hear of Davids good successe From
secret wrath to open felonnie He went pursuing David cruellie For this David to Achish in Gath fled There he as mad the spittle on his beard Let fall in this most pitifull estate Forced like fools he scrabled on the gate From thence to Keilah from Keilah he past To Ziph where he almost by Saul was lost At Engedi where he revenge might have He spar'd Sauls life inclosed in a cave In wildernesse having provision small He was refused by churlish Nabal Of all Sauls house the worthy Jonathan Of Davids comforts onely was the man David at last fled to the land of Gath Untill God had puld Saul away by death His death which would have made another glad Made him to sigh and many teares to shed The lamentations of David for the death of Saul and Jonathan ALas my heart said David doth disdaine These vile villains who have unto us Slaine The Royall blood the beautie of Israel How they are fall'n beware in Gath to tell Or Askelon let no man heare your voice Lest the daughters of Philistins rejoice O Gilboa now cursed must thou be Let neither deaw nor raine fall downe on thee For there thee shields of men armed with might Were cast away like men that could not fight There Saul fell downe upon that cursed soile As though he had not been annoint with oyle Saul and Jonathan two men most mighty Your bow and sword returned not empty Saul and Jonathan in lyfe were lovelie They in there death would not divided be The Eagles Lions both in strength and flight Were overcome by these two men of might O daughters worthy the name of Isra'l Let floods of teares now bubble out and fall For worthy Saul whose purpose was still set To deck with gold and cloath you with scarlet It greeves my heart to think or yet to tell How these mightie did fall in the battell O Jonathan I must most weep for thee For thou a friend and brother was to me Thy love to me was more then love of men Yea it did passe the best love of women Of Davids Reigne OF Davids reigne clearely I will record Who was faithfull beloved of the Lord When Saul was slaine and Jonathan was dead The Crown of Judah was on Davids head In Hebron set Then he sent to Jabesh And thanked them for their loving kindnesse For taking downe from the walls of Bethshan The bodies of Saul and of Jonathan In this meane time which did great troubles bring Abner annointed Ishbosheth as king Joab for David was then cheefe captaine Against Abner who Sauls house did maintaine In that armie Abner began to say Let the young men now sport and rise to play Content said Joab then twelve on each side Arose to fight each man anothers head Caught in his hand and then most cruelly His sharp sword thrust in his brothers belly That day betweene Judah and Israel Was first a skirmish and then a battell A battell great last Abner in that fight Was beaten sore he sav'd himselfe by flight While he did flie Asahel did pursue But Abner straited swift Asahel slew Though Abners armie was in good aray Good David got the victory that day Though David was these great troubles among Yet by Gods arme he dayly was made strong Stout Abner who did Ishbosheth defend Unto David revolted in the end After this man by Joabs treachery Was slaine which moved David bitterly To weep and mourne while of it he did heare Last he himself mourning follow'd the biere Alas said he with sorrow and great doole Did valiant Abner die as doth a foole This great breach now can be made up hardly The sons of Zerviah be too strong for me Then Baanah and Rechab did conspire To slay Ishbosheth for to winne a hire These bloody men him stobbed on his bed And after that with haste to Hebron fled Where David was they thought to have good speed When they to him offred Ishbosheths head As God liveth said David who hath me Redeemed out of all adversitie Yee shall be slaine by a most fearfull death I shall you both take away from the earth Come out young men cut off their hands and feet And hang them up a judgement for them meet Then all Isra'l with one voice consenting Appointed David there captaine and King When he was crown'd of yeers he was thirtie His reigne continued the space of fourtie First seven in Judah after he did beare His faire Scepter for three and thirty yeere He tooke Jebus who thought as they were bold That blind and lame might surely keep their hold When the Philistines heard that he was King A great armie against him they did bring At Baal-Perazim he them overthrewe With great slaughter these Philistins he slew Their idols there they left their hearts desire Which David tooke and after burnt with fire Yet came againe the Philistins like bees Whom David smot at the Mulberie trees When rest was come he prepar'd speedily To have Gods Ark lodg'd in his owne city Of good duetie he did neglect no part He did prepare for it a new made cart While it was driv'n by Ahio and Uzzah Great mirth by all was made unto Jovah Timbrels and harps cymbals and psalterie With Cornets sweet made pleasant melodie While all was joy behold anone a jar A fearfull breach which all their mirth did mar It was both sore and suddain with terrour For God there smote Uzzah for his errour The Levits shoulders for to bear the Arke Ordained were and not an oxen cart The Levits might as the Lord did command It carie but not touch it with their hand At this great breach good David sore afraide Both Arke and Cart in this journey he staide In Obed-Edoms house he did it place Which in three moneths it did fill with grace When David heard of such grace and goodnessâ— To his City he brought it with gladenesse He was so glad that in all Isra's sight He danc'd before the Lord with all his might To be more nimble in his dance to God He was girded with a linnen Ephod As they came neere unto Davids citie Michal beheld all with a scorning eye When all was done with gladnesse manifold David returned to blesse his houshold Him Michal met and scorningly did say A beast a foole a vaine fellow this day Thou hast thee showne this was her bitter word What reck sad he it was before the Lord Thy taunting speach doth not sinke in my minde The Lord me hath preferr'd to thee and thine From holy zeal I will not now refile I purpose yet to be more base and vile Though thou me scorne and speake so tauntinglie By men and maids I shall hence honour'd be After great warres when David had got rest To build a house for God he thought it best In house of Cedar said he I now dwell But onely Curtains are for th' Eternell What shall I doe to Nathan did he say Go to said Nathan do without delay
this was said their was a skirmish rude By the two armies made in Ephraim wood Like a great wind boistrous with stormy puff Men fought in spight with mutuall counterbuff That day Joab with Judahs brave children Of Isra'l slew downe twentie thousand men The people was sore scatt'red in the wood Which did devoure more people then the sword There Absalom a Rebell and a Foole Among the rest was riding on a Mule By his long haire a branch caught him that day There he did hing when the Mule went away Then Joab with his three darts came anone And thurst them through the heaâ—t of Absalom Then Cushi came and cri'd Tidings O King To the great God now praises may thou sing The LORD of Hoasts in Battell most mightie Of all thy foes hath now avenged thee Then David troubled said unto Cushi Is Absalom the young man in safetie Then Cushi said Let all thy foes indeed Be like Absalom who is surely dead When David heard this wounded was his heart From sight of men quickly he did depart To an high chamber for to mourne alone The tragick death of his deare Absolon His sorrow such was in his wounded heart That forc'd he was to weep and go apart With teares of grief doubling My son my son He wish'd his owne death had sav'd Absalon For Davids murder and adulterie Shebah arose who was son Bichri A Benjamite he with sterne countenance Most proudly said Now what inheritance Have we in David Let us make a rent Let every man returne unto his tent So Isra'l did with this son of Bichri But Judah clave to David heartily Then David said to valiant Amasa Assemble me the brave men of Judah Then he went out Captaine of that armie Jaob him met with heart full of envie Cov'red with smiles his right hand made a wound Which all his bowels shed out to the ground Then Amasa in mids of the high way Bath'd in his blood did thus wallow that day This done Joab pursued speedily After Shebah who was son of Bichri When Joab came to the city Abel This Shebahs head was throwne downe from the wall When these of Abel had perform'd this thing Joab in haste returned to the King When all his foes were round about supprest To sing to GOD due praises he thought best Yet once againe Gods wrath ' gainst Israel In Davids time upon this people fell He stirr'd by Satan would know in his pride How many men in his land did abide To Joab he gave this direction Who liked not the Kings commission But yet obey'd the Kings word did prevaile Therefore he went and numbred Israel In Isra'l were eight hundred thousand men Five hundred thousand Judah their brethren In number were Of all as saith Gods word Were thirteene hundred thousand that drew sword When this was done then Davids heart him smot Gods wrath therefore was shortly kindled hot Alas O Lord said he now pitie me For I confesse I have done foolishly When David did arise in the morning The prophet Gad this word to him did bring Advise and chuse one of these judgements three If seven yeeres of famine shall trouble thee Or if thou wilt three moneths chuse and take Before thy foes to flee and turne the back Or if thou wilt have this great patience Three dayes to hazard on the pestilence When David saw the Lords wrath thus appeare Hee said to Gad I am in a great feare Yet in Gods hand I pray thee let me fall For his mercies are over his works all Then JEHOVAH in wrath to strike began And kill'd of Isra'l seventy thousand men To Jerusalem then the Angel went With sword in hand but God he did repent Him of the evill Th' Angel he did command To sheath his sword and so to stay hâ—s hand Then Gad from God to David thus did say Reare up an Altar to the Lord this day Let this Altar be set for JEHOVAH Where is the treshing floore of Araunah Then David as JEHOVAH did command Did buy the floore and in Araunahs hand He laid thirty shekels silver for price And there to God offred his sacrifice When this was done and David was wax'd old Absaloms brother ADONIjAH bold Helped by JOAB and ABIATHAR In his great pride made a most fearefull jarre A goodly man he was and faire in face But proud in Sprit a man of litle grace David him spilt he would not him displease Him to reprove at all times he did cease Puft up by Joab in vaine aspâ—ring He thought no more but surely to be King After David these three Nathan Zadok Benaiah for Solomon undertooke With Bathshebah David without delay Declard who should Israels Scepter sway After his death The man who shall alone Said he be King is my son Solomon When time drew nigh that good David should die He Solomon charged most carefully I go said he the way of all the earth I must shortly walk in the path of death Be strong therefore and shew thy self a man And keep the charge of the Lord as thou can Walk in his wayes keep his commandements His testimonies and al 's his judgements So shalt thou prosper both by sea and land All shall go well that thou shalt take in hand Remember well how Joab greeved me When he slew Abner with great treacherie And Amasa and how the blood of war He shed in peace when no cause was of jar And how he put the blood of Abner sweet In the vile shooes that were upon his feet I know thou canst thy self wisely behave Let not his hoare-head in peace go to grave Unto Barzillais sons shew great kindnesse For they were kind to me in my distresse Behold with thee the cursed Shimei Who curst me sore in my calamitie To him humbled I sware by the great Lord I will not put thee to death with the sword Because he was so fierce in my distresse Therefore take heede thou hold him not guiltlesse I know thou canst thy self wisely behave His hoary-head with blood bring to the grave So David with his fathers sleept softly And after buri'd was in his city The Use By David learne what after sin remaines The fruits of sin are sorrowes and great paines By David learne if thou hast gone astray To turne to God and walk in the right way By David learne to teach your children deare How in their time they should live in GODS feare Too many speak of Davids filthie fall To shroud their sins and so to make them small Too many to their vile lusts licence give As though to rot were the way to revieve But few there be that weigh well in their heart How greatly David for his sins did smart SOLOMON Peaceable who is at peace with all men GODS Sprit begins to move my pen anone To draw some lines concerning Solomon A worthy man most excellent in fame At home abroad from peace he had his name Good Nathan sent from the great JEHOVAH Changed
and also Milcom These were the chief idols of Solomon Whith Chemos for which he made an high place With great contempt before the Temples face This also was the rage of Solomon He served Molech th' idol of Ammon He wise in youth did in his old folie Follow his wives in their idolatrie For this cause God in wrath did him despise As unthankfull unto whom clearly twise He had appear'd I will said God surely For thy great sins rend the Kingdome from thee Because thy father me sought in his wayes This great rent I will not make in thy dayes But after thee thy Son shall feele the smart And yet I will for Davids sake a part Of the Kingdome of Isra'l sure reserve That in his house a lamp I may preserve Then God to punish his idolatrie Stirr'd up Hadad for an adversarie To Solomon another call'd Rezon A great armie of men gath'red anone Hadad and Jeroboam stout also Unto Solomon did procure much wo At last he di'd after he had fourtie Yeers liv'd in peace and great tranquillitie Papists do doubt and make a question If Solomon obtain'd salvation That which them moves unto this hard sentence The Scriptures speak not of his repentance But let such know his repentance was true As his Sermons Ecclesiastes shew 2 Sam. 7.14 Yea God himself unto his father dear This promise made which takes away all fear If this thy Son commit iniquitie With rods and strips I will him most sharplie Correct and chasten for to vexe his heart But my mercy shall not from him depart As from King Saul who forsaking my path From his Kingdome was cast away in wrath The Use Let him that would shunne all idolatrie Flie farre from such that with it spotted be Where is the man that should not fear to fall When he thinkes what befell this Cedar tall This is the best when man hath gone astray With Solomon to returne to Gods way THE GARDEN OF ZION Of the Kings of Judah PROV 25.5 Take away the wicked from before the King and his throne shall be stablished in righteousnesse 1. Rehoboam 2. Abijah 3. Asa 4. Jehoshaphat 5. Jehoram 6. Ahaziah 7. Joash 8. Amaziah 9. Uzziah or Azaria 10. Jotham 11. Ahaz 12. Hezekiah 13. Manasseh 14. Amon. 15. Josiah 16. Jehoachaz 17. Eliakim called by Necho Jehojakim 18. Jehojachin 19. Mattaniah called by Nebuchadnezzar Zedekiah A Prayer O Thou great GOD call'd I AM THAT I AM Of all my verse be thou the chiefest theame What is my heart but a confused Masse A wilde Chaos untill thy sprite a space There move it self and upon this gulf brood Thoughts far beyond the reach of flesh and blood O drench my heart in Zions sacred springs And lead my hand to write of Judahs Kings And of their life and death such uses make That all thereby may good example take Their vice to shun to follow their vertue To learne thereby our lives for to renew O sprite of grace come with thy gentle gales Maugre envie with thy breath fill my sailes Now spread my Canvas and al 's guide the Helm And smooth the Seas lest that they overwhelm My brettle Boat which now among great Kings Is come to search their good and bad doings Come help me Lord and make no more delay The tide for none but thee alone doth stay 1. REHOBOAM Enlargeing or delaying the people THen all Isra'l conveened in Shechem To choose with haste their King Rehoboam There the people with one mouth to him said Thy dead father great burdens on us laid If thou our yoke will make light and easie With one consent we thy servants will be Then said the King From me three dayes depart Then shall yee know the purpose of mine heart Then said the King unto the old and wise Consider well give counsell and advise What to this people thinke yee best to say Yee men of age now tell me I you pray Then these grave men to speake so did begin This people now with faire words thou must win If thou to them a servant be this day To thee good subjects they will he for ay After this said he turned to the youth To heare what counsell should come from their mouth What what said they what what is this saying Darre proude people speake thus unto their King Of thy deare father how darre they complaine Who now is dead to hear such words disdaine Frowne with thy brow speak unto them roughly That thy least finger thicker now shall be Then were his loines Tell what is in thine heart In speach most plaine and so let them depart This young counsell the young King pleased best To him the third day they came all in hast Now let us heare said they thy good answere Be plaine with us no longer it deferre Then with a frowne as youth did him direct He them beheld and did their sute reject What what said he what meaneth your saying How darre yee thus speake to your Lord and King Of my father how darre yee thus complaine VVho is now dead your speaches I disdaine The least finger that is in my bodie Then all his loines were thicker hence shall be When Isra'l heard this answere from the King Then with a noise they all had this saying What what portion or what inheritance Have we in David or vvhat maintenance Ovve vve to him novv David in this rent See to thine house O Isra'l to your tent This matter was from the great JEHOVAH As was foretold by Prophet Ahijah When he his cloaths into twelve peices rent Then Jeroboam of that new garment Got pieces ten the Prophet keeped two Which did declare that the rent should be so That Jeroboam ten tribs should command But two as Lamps for Davids house should stand In this great grudge the King Rehoboam Sent unto them his servant Adoram A man for tribut but with staffe and stones They in their great wrath did crush all his bones When this young King the peoples rage did see He in his Charet speedily did flee So ten tribs did rebell without delay Against the house of David to this day In this mans time King of Egypt Shishak All the treasures of gold away did take Which Solomon had richly made of gold In the Temple with carvings manifold The shields of gold with rich treasures that day Shishak the King did carry all away Thus was the Temple spoiled by Shishak Who gold and treasures all away did take Behold how soone golds glory doth decay See how rich treasures glaunce and passe away This man whose Mother was of Moab land Seventeene yeers King in Salem did command The Use By this young King more young in wit then age Let all Kings learne to shunne a peoples rage If they would wisely manage their affaires They must regard the counsell of gray haires 2. ABIJAH My father God HEere Abijah his fathers Son in sinne As he did end ill so did he beginne He did not that which
they come death shall close up thine eyes â—â—ter these men heard such words of comfort â—ey to the King the message did report Then Josiah with the men of Judah â—ent up unto the house of great Jovah â—th him there were the Priests and Prophets all â—ere al 's the people were both great and small 〈◊〉 them he read the Lords booke ev'ry word â—ich had been found in the house of the Lord â—n this good King who Gods word understood 〈◊〉 serve the Lord hard by a pillar stood 〈◊〉 with the people all with one accord â—d make a Covenant there before the Lord Gods presence all ill wayes they forsooke â—â—lling to doe according to that Book Then the King in the name of great Jovah â—mmanded soone the high Priest Hilkijah â—â—th other keepers whether great or small â—ring quickly the vessels made for Ba'l 〈◊〉 for the grove out of Gods Temple faire That he GODS house might cleanse and alâ— paire When this was done in the field of Kidron He in great zeal there them did burne each onâ— And to fulfull the word of th'Eternell The ashes he did carry to Bethel Vile Priests there were who with idolatrie Defiled had both Temple and Citie To Sunne Moone Planets and al 's to Baal They sacrificed and to Heavens host all These vile men he desiring God to please In his great zeal put downe and made to ceâ—â— The grove also which was idolatrous The King with speed brought out from the Lâ—â— house At Kidron he it burnt and stamped small To small powder and cast that powder all Upon the graves of these who foolishly Had beene defiled with idolatrie The Sodomiteâ— far from Gods house he drâ—â— And these who did weave hangings for the gâ—â— He with the rest Topheth defil'd anone Which was in the vile valley of Hinnon So that no man thereafter durst aspire To make his Son for Molech passe the fire Thus he persisting as he had begun Tooke the horses which were given to the Suâ—â— By Kings of Judah which made Priests to mourn The Suns Charets he in a fire did burne He did beat down and break most speedily The Altars which in vile idolatie Manasseh Ahaz when they God forsooke Did build the dust thereof in the base Brooke Of Kidron he did cast High places vile â—or Ashtoreth Chemosh Milcome defile â—e did That bad Abomination â—ard at mount Olives mount of corruption Which Solomon did build in Israel Whereby he much provocked th'Eternell â—as by Josiah destroy'd speedily â—ch was his zeal for the great Gods glory This good King al 's the images brake then â—e cut the groves and with the bones of men â—â—e places fill'd the Altar at Bethel 〈◊〉 Jeroboam made who mov'd Isra'l 〈◊〉 sin he brake downe it to dust he drove â—â—d stampt it small and also burnt the grove The King turning him self at last did spy â—vers Sepulchers wherein dead did ly â—ke up these bones said he in his great ire â—â—on this Altar burn them all with fire â—w do for God who doth my crowne uphold â—â— this long since by God hath beene foretold Then said the King come now and tell to me What title is among the graves I see The men of that city said to the King Heere lyes the Prophet which message did bâ—â— That great Jovah the God of Israel Should do such things to th' Altar of Bethel Then said the King this man whom GOD love Let him alone see no man his bones move Likewise this Prince sent from the great VAH Reform'd the cities of Samariah Their Priests he slew with his sword in his irâ—â— And on their Altars their bones burnt with firâ—â— Then King and people all with one accorâ—â— A great Passeover did keep to the Lord The like whereof before had never bene Among the Kings or yet the Judges sene Yet more the workers with familiar sprits With wizards idols and all idle rits He spied out and wholly put away Thus he Gods house reform'd without delayâ— Unto the Lord this King just and upright With all his heart with all his soul and mighâ— Turned himselfe in great zeal more and morâ— He had no match after or yet before But oh alas the great wrath of Jovah Could not be turn'd from the sins of Judah Manasses sins both cruel and unkind â—ld not go out of great Jehovahs minde 〈◊〉 will said God withdraw now my great love â—m all Judah them now I will remove 〈◊〉 of my sight as I did t' Israel Salem al 's like judgements I will tell 〈◊〉 wrath ' gainst it here plainly I declare â—ugh I had said my name shall ay be there â—hen good Josiah King after all this â—ne with his men to fight at Carchemish â—inst Necho of Egypt land the King â—o did with him a mighty armie bring â—ho to him Embasadors did send â—ell him that he came not for this end â—hurt Josiah either neere or far 〈◊〉 others at whom he intended war â—d hath him sent therefore now let him passe 〈◊〉 afterward thou smart for thy trespasse â—hou Necho in this Gods warre annoy Lord is with him who shall thee destroy â—ut for all this Josiah with Necho â—olv'd to fight him neere to Megiddo â—n he disguised came to that Battell Archers shot and there Josiah fell â—n said the King sore wounded I this day Battell am have me therfore away â—â—e desir'd so they this wounded King From the battell unto Salem did bring In a Charet There this good man he died There he also was with his fathers buried After his death all these that did sojourne In Judah did for him lament and mourne Yea for his death the Prophet Jeremie With words of greefe lamented bitterlie The Use Behold O Kings who minde to please Jovaâ— Of zeale a patterne was this good Josiah This man by halfes did not idolatrie Reforme but purged all most perfectly High places groaves images idols vaine Hill Altars he did cut break and disdaine 16. JEHOACHAZ The possession of God JEhoachaz Son of good Josiah Was after him crowned King of Judah He fear'd not God he in Jehovahs sight Follow'd the trace of wayes that were not râ— Him Phar'oh Necho King of Egypt land Tooke and with fetters strong at Riblah band Wee yeeres of age he was and al 's twentie â—en he was crown'd and reign'd but moneths three The Use Kings here learn not in their sinnes to sport â—angers God who cuts their honours short 17 ELIAKIM called also JEHOJAKIM GOD ariseing â—Fter that Necho King of Egypt land Deposed had by strong and mighty hand â—oachaz he sent for Eliakim â—ose name he chang'd into Jehojakim â—s was the second son of Josiah â—o by Necho was made King of Judah 〈◊〉 age this King was eighteene yeeres and seven â—â—en he began he reigned but eleven 〈◊〉 fear'd not God he in JEHOVAHS sight â—low'd the trace of wayes that were not right â—n his dayes Nebuchanezzar the King 〈◊〉 Babylon Jehojakim did bring â—o
feare thy name They vvith idols thy vvorship did abuse Of their ill lives teach me to make good use 1. JEROBOAM Contending or striving vvith the people THis wicked man at first but a servant To Solomon did scorne Gods Covenant This Son of Nebat stinketh filthilie His name is rotten by idolatrie None Like to him in Scripture I can find For none as he made Gods if a'l to sin At first Solomon for his industrie This young man set up in a high degree For his valour and for his brave courage Of Josephs house he gave to him the charge But after that the Prophet Ahâ—jah Did clearly shew from the great Jehovah That Jeroboam ten Tâ—ibes should command But two as Lamps for Davids house should stand Because Solomon by idolatrie To a great wrath had provok'd the most hie When Solomon heard that he should be King He sought by death such honours downe to bring But he to the King of Egypt anone Fled and was there untill King Solomon Did end his dayes then after he came back From Egypt King who called was Shishak The Isra'lits assembled at Schechem To Crowne with pomp the young Rehoboam By Jeroboams instigation Were mov'd to make for relexation 〈◊〉 sute to him who answ'red them roughly Therefore according to the Prophecy Of Abijah ten Tribs were quickly rent â—rom Davids house then they incontinent â—onsid'ring what strength they had of men â—o Jeroboam sent of their brethren â—im for to Crowne soone King of Israel â—his purpose was from the great Eternel When Rehoboam was come to Salem An hundred fourescore thousand chosen men He gath'red for in a bloody Battell To fight against the house of Israel By force of war this ill advised King Thought well the Kingdome backe againe 〈◊〉 bring But then unto the Prophet Semajah There came a word from the great Jehovah Who said to Rehoboam and his hoast It is not time either to fight or boast Let not now Judah against Israel Come for to fight in a bloody Battell This matter is from the Lord righteous Let ev'ry man therefore turne to his house Then they GODS word did hear with huâ—â—â— heart And so they all returning did depart Then Jeroboam Shechem and Penuel Most Princely built and al 's in them did dwell He proud in sprit said these words in his heart I feare at last that Davids house depart From me and mine to turne unto their Lord And so me kill in furie with the sword If they go up for the great GODS service To do at Salem dayly sacrifice Then Jeroboam with his bad counsell Two calves of gold made against th'Eternell It is too much said he for you to goe Vp to Salem both paine and cost also It is to go so farre to th' Eternell See heere more near thy gods O Israel Of these two calves in Bethel he set one At Dan another which brought down his Throne Thus did this vile man his Kingdome begin With dead idols which thing became a sin Before these calves the people speedily Did worship with most vile idolatrie He vile houses of hie places did make And base Priests that were not of Levis stock On Bethels Altar which was great offence He sacrificed and al 's burnt incense While this he did behold anone a jar A man from GOD thus cri'd Altar Altar â—hus saith the LORD a childe of Davids house â—osiah King a man most righteous He in a zeale and godlie jealousie â—hall such Priests bones most cursed burne on thee â—ee now a signe the Altar shall be rent â—he ashes shall be powred out and spent When Jeroboam heard from th' Eternel What this man said ' gainst th' Altar in Bethel From the Altar he did put forth his hand Saying lay hold on this man I command But GOD dri'd up the arme of this profane So that he could not pull it in againe GOD rent th' Altar and ashes powred out Then the King trembling who before was stout Said to GODS man a man of gift and grace Pray thou for me and now intreat Gods face That he to me my hand would now restore When he did pray it became as before Then said the King I will thee now reward Come home with me but he did not regard All the Kings gifts for the halfe of thine housâ— Said he I will not in this untimeous Time go with thee a man voide of all grace I will not eat neither drink in this place For no request to go I will accord For so it was me charged by the LORD At this same time as Scriptures to us tell There dwelt an old Prophet at this Bethel His sons him told what great things had beeâ— done By the Prophet at Bethel then right soone To them he said now saddle me mine Asse He rode thereon and to him where he was Under an Oake sitting softly he came â—nd said to him tell me if thou the man â—f GOD art whom the great LORD JEHOVAH â—nt to our King from the land of Judah I am said he Come home said he with me â—efresh thy self with meat and be merrie â—o said Gods man this thing I may not do 〈◊〉 will not eat nor yet thy house goe to â—rom GODS precept I may not go astray 〈◊〉 must not eate nor returne by the way â—hat I came first But thou must not do so â—id the old man a Prophet I also â—m as thou art an Angel to me spake â—hat unto mine house I should bring thee back While they at Table were eating gladely â—he Sprite of GOD made the old Prophet cry â—nto the Prophet who came from Judah â—hus saith the LORD ev'n the great Jehovah â—ecause thou hast rebell'd this message have â—ith thy fathers thou shalt not lye in grave When this was said GODS man he went away â—n his journey a Lion by the way â—im met and kill'd but so it came to passe â—e did not eat the man nor yet the Asse Whereon he rode Behold men passing by â—nd seeing this came unto the city Where the old man was who at this report Was moved much and did his sons exhort To bring his Asse that he might ride and see To know the trueth of all that historie When he came there both Lion and the Asse Were standing neere the dead Prophets carcase He the dead corps upon his Asse did lay And with great grief brought it to the city There as a childe lamented by his mother He mourned and said Oh Alas my brother Then said this old man to his sons apart The mighty Lord this tells me in mine heart What this Prophet hath said against Bethell Shall all be done by the great Eternell When I am dead see that ye then me lay In this same grave wherein Gods man doth lyâ— Now Jeroboam with his healed hand Did not regard what Jovah did command Base Priests he made even of the basest sort He set them up GODS people to exhort Who did desire he did them consecrate
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
they flow by and by Againe by his almighty power they become wholly dry 5 As for the earth its surface doth yeeld bread for mans desire And under it there mater is combustible for fire 6 The stones thereof are al 's the place of Saphires in great store Abundantly among the dust it hath the golden ore 7 There is a path unknow'n to fooles not seene by vultures eye 8 The lions whelps have not it trode the lion pass'd not by 9 His hand upon the rockes he puts with sledge he slents them downe The steepest mountaines by the rootes he al 's doth overturne 10 Among the flintie rocks he doth great rivers soone cut out His eye sees every precious thing in all the land about 11 The floods that they not overflow he bindeth with his might The thing that is most secret hid he bringeth foorth to light 12 But whâ—re shall wisedome now be found where is its dwelling place 13 Its price men knowes not of the earth it is not on the face 14 It s not in me the gulfie depth doth most clearlie confesse It 's not with me al 's sith the sea yea neither more nor lesse 15 For gold that is most precious it can not gotten be Nor silver for the price thereof shall weighed be surelie 16 It can not so be valued well with gold of Ophir deaâ—e With the most precious Onix stone or with the Saphire cleare 17 The gold and Chrystall can not al 's with it equall compare Th' exchange of it shall not be for fine golden jewels rare 18 No mention of the corall shall or yet of pearles be made For wisedomes price is farre above the Rubies glauncing red 19 No Ethiopian Topaze shall it equall here or there The purest gold in furnace fin'd with it may not compare 20 But whence is then that wisdome comes where's understandings place 21 Since it from all the livings eyes and fouls hath hid its face 22 Death and destruction in their speach do alwayes say the same We only thereof with our ears have heard the noble fame 23 GOD by his wisdome great thereof doth understand the way He well doth know the place thereof where it abides for ay 24 For he unto the farrest ends of earth looks with his eyes What is under the cope of Heaven He it most clearly sees 25 He makes the weights for stormy windes according to his pleasure The waters also which run deep he weigheth all by measure 26 When for the rain by wisdome great He made a sure decree And for the Thunders lighning al 's a way appointed he 27 Then did he see it and declare and so did clear all doubt He it prepared wisely and it fully searched out 28 And unto man at last he said Beholds GODS only fear Is wisdome and to cease from ill is understanding dear Chap. 29. MOreover in his mourning Job to speak made no delay In parable he did proceed and thus began to say 2 Oh that I were as in dayes past when GOD preserved me 3 When his lamp on mine head did shine and I did walk safely 4 As I was in the former dayes before my youth was spent When of the LORD the secret was well seene upon my tent 5 When the Almighty by his grace was yet even still with me When all my châ—ldren with great joy I round about did see 6 When I my steps with butter wash'd without labour or toile And as the rock as in a showre powr'd out rivers of oile 7 When I did through the citie go and went upon my feet Out to the gate when I prepar'd my seate even in the street 8 The young men saw me excellent and under this pretence Did hide themselves the ag'd stood up to beare me reference 9 The Princes talking did refraine that they might understand My wise discourse and on their mouth they all did lay their hand 10 The nobles likewise held their peace and which was a great proof Of my wise wordes the tongues of all did cleave unto their roof 11 When that the ear of man me heard it surely me did blesse And when the eye me saw also it gave to me witnesse 12 Because I did deliver these who poore to me did cry The Orphans and him thar had none to help him by and by 13 Blessings of such as ready were to perish came on me And I did cause the widowes heart to sing most joyfully 14 I righteousnesse anone put on which as a glorious gowne Me cloth'd my judgement was a rob and a most stately crowne 16 I as the most cleare seeing eyes unto the blind became And al 's in humane charitie I feete was to the lame 16 I was a father to the poore in all the land about The cause which I not understood with care I searched out 17 The jawes of wicked men I brake and gave them all the foile And with a mighty arme did pluck out of their teeth the spoile 18 Then in my fond conceite I said I shall die in my nest My dayes as sand I 'le multiply and after goe to rest 19 Out by the waters blooming faire my root was spread anone And all the night the pleasant dew lay still my branch upon 20 My glory was still fresh in me as all did understand And al 's the bow of my great strength renu'd was in my hand 21 Unto me men most wise gave eare to heare what I would tell They waited well and silence keept when I did give counsell 22 After that they had heard my words they spake no more againe My speach upon them dropped all as doth a pleasant raine 23 As for the raine that fruitfull is they for me did abide As for the latter raine their mouth they op'ned very wide 24 If I did laugh on them then they beleev'd it not at all They were afraid to cause the light of my visage to fall 25 I sat as cheefe I choose their way most meekly without boast I dwelt even as a King that is amid an armed hoast And as a wise man that in time his comforts sweet powres out Amide thâ—se who for greef of minde are mourning him about Chap. 30. BUt now these young ones me deride whose ragged fathers I Would have disdain'd even with the dogs of my flock to set by 2 Yea of their hands whereto the strength could ever profite me In whom old age all perish'd was as all might clearly see 3 For want and famine desolate they were they did flee fast To wil fernesse in former times most barran all and waste 4 Who mallowes hungry do cut up by bushes heer and there And have no other thing for meat but roots of Juniper 5 From among men they were driven foorth as men given to mischief They cry'd aloud all after them even as after a thief 6 To dwell in the unpleasant clifts of valleyes like vile slaves And in the shelters of the rocks or shadows of the caves 7
passe ov'r his glory is alway 12 As roaring of a Lion fierce so a Kings wrath doth passe But his favour most gracious is as dew upon the grasse 13 To his father a foolish son is great calamity And the contentions of a wife do drop continually 14 House richesse are th' inheritance which fathers do afford But he that hath a prudent wife her hath even from the LORD 15 Men into slumber and deep sleep are cast by slouthfulnesse A soul that 's idle suffer shall both hunger and distresse 16 He that keeps the commandment well his own soul keeps safely But he that doth despise his wayes undoubtedly shall dy 17 He that hath pitie on the poor unto the Lord doth lend â—nd that which he hath given will he in payment to him send 8 While there is any hope thy son ev'n chasten by and by â—et not thy soul him spare at all though he aloud do cry 9 A man of great wrath punishment shall suffer and sustaine â—or if thou him deliver yet thou must doe it againe 10 Hear wise counsell and also good instruction soone receive â—hat so thou in thy latter end may'st alwayes wisdome have 11 In a mans heart that is profound devices many be â—everthelesse the counsell of the Lord shall stand most free 12 Of a man worthy the desire his kindnesse is most sure â—â—d better then a lyar is a man though he be poore The fear of the Almighty LORD to life doth alwayes tend â—e that it hath is satisfi'd no ill shall him offend 24 In his bosome a slouthfull man doth hide his hand in vaine And will not so much as it bring unto his mouth againe 25 A scorner smite and simple men will sure beware therefore Also reprove the wise and he will be wise more and more 26 He that doth wast his father and his mother chase away Is a vile son that causeth shame and brings reproach alway 27 My son I counsell thee to cease th' instruction for to hear That causeth men alwayes to erre from wordes of knowledge dear 28 A wicked witnesse judgement all doth scorne both lesse and more And the mouth of the wicked doth iniquity devore 29 Judgements severe for scorners are prepared by Gods hand And sore stripes for the back of fooles that nothing understand Chap. 20. WIne is a mocker and strong drink is raging great alwayes â—nd whosoever is thereby deceived is not wise As roaring of a Lion so is of a King the fear Who him provokes to wrath doth sin ' gainst his own soul most dear It for a man an honour is to cease from strife quickly â—ut every foole of knowledge void therewith will medling be The sluggard will not plow because of cold showres that down fall â—herefore in harv'st time shall he beg and have nothing at all Counsell is in the heart of man like waters deep surelie â—ut one of understanding good will draw it out quickly Of men the most part will proclaime each one his own goodnesse â—ut who can by his wisdome finde â— a man of faithfulnesse 7 The man that is just wisely walks in his integrity His children deare are after him a blest posterity 8 A King that sitteth in the throne of judgement just alway With his owne eyes all wickednesse doth scatter cleane away 9 Who can in truth affirme and say my heart I have made sure Cleane from all sort of wickednesse I from my sin am pure 10 Weights diverse and such measure al 's though they much gaine afford They both abomination are alike unto the Lord. 11 Even a young child is knowne by that which he doth in mens sight Whether his work be good and pure and whether it be right 12 The eare that is inclin'd to heare and al 's the seeing eye The Lord hath even made both of them by his hand for to be 13 Love not long sleep lest that thou come to poverty with speed Thine eyes open and thou shalt be well satisfied with bread 14 The merchand saith it 's nought it's nought when he desires to buy But when from thence he is away he boasteth by and by 15 Of Gold and Rubies men esteeme but the lips that can say The words of wisdome are indeed a jewell rare alway 16 His garment take that surety is even for a strangers sake And of him for a woman strange see that a pledge thou take 17 Bread that is gotten be deceit unto a man seemes sweet But afterwards his mouth shall be with gravell fil'd for meat 18 Each purpose well establish'd is by counsell good and wise And when thou mindest to make war do it with good advice 19 Who bearing false tales goth about mens secrets with great slips Revealeth therefore haunt him not that flattreth with his lips 20 Who so his father curseth or his mother dear most sure His lamp shall be put out anone in darknesse most abscure 21 An heritage may at the first be gotten hastilie But out of doubt the end thereof shall no way blessed be 22 Say not when thou provoked art ill recompence I will But waite on God and he shall sure thee save from danger still 23 Weights diverse are unto the Lord abomination all And a false ballance is not good with either great or small 24 Mans goings all are of the Lord who ordreth them alway How can a man then understand to walk in the good way 25 It is a snare to him that doth the holy things devore And after his vowes for to make enquirie strick therefore 26 A King that cunning is and wise can ill men scatter well â—nd for a just judgement also bring over them the wheele 27 The sprit of man Gods candle is which shineth in our hearts 〈◊〉 of the belly searcheth still ev'n all the inward parts 28 Mercy and truth most safely do preserve the King alone â—y mercy to his subjects all upholden is his Throne 29 Of young strong men the glory great is their great strength indeed â—nd of old men the beautie is the gray and hoary head 30 The bluenesse of a wound surely the ill doth cleanse away 〈◊〉 of the belly th' inward parts stripes still do purg alway Chap. 21. THe Kings heart in the hand of GOD is as a river still â—le doth it turne by his great might whethersoever he will The way or work of every man in his owne eyes is right But the LORD pondreth well the hearts by his wisdome and might 3 To do judgement with upright heart and al 's to do justice Is more acceptable unto the LORD then sacrifice 4 A haughty look disdaining men a proud and lofty heart And plowing of the wicked men is sin in every part 5 All the thoughts of the diligent tend unto plenteousnesse But every one that hastie is to want and to distresse 6 The getting of great treasures by great lyes a vanitie Is tossed to and fro of them that seeke death foolishly 7 The robbery
beloved is the sonnes of men among 4 Under his shadow I sat downe with great delight in hast And his fruit which most pleasant is was sweet unto my taste 4 He brought me to the banket house his sprit so did me move His banner that was over me was altogether love 5 O stay me me now with flagons and with apples that are sweet Me comfort for I surely am of love exceeding sick 6 His left hand in a loving way is fast under my head And his right hand embraceth me most lovingly indeed 7 By Roes and Hindes O Salems maids I charge you that ye cease Either to stirre or yet awake my love untill he please 8 Behold my dear beloveds voice he comes most speedilie Upon the mountaines leaping and skipping on hills most hie 9 Hee 's like a Roe or a young Hart he stands behind our wall He looketh foorth and shewes himself ev'n through the lattesse all 10 My Welbeloved said to me rise up without delay My love and al 's my faire one now make hast and come away 11 For lo past is the winter all with its most stormy blast The raine also which spoiles the wayes is over gone and past 12 The flowres on earth do now appeare the birds do sweetly sing The Turtle in our land is heard as in a pleasant spring 13 The fig-tree her green figs puts foorth Vines tender grapes alway Most sweetly smell Arise my love my faire One come away 14 O my deare Dove that art now hide in the clifts of the rock Even in the secret places of the staires where thou dost lurke Let me now see thy countenance and let me thy voice heare For sweete is thy voice and also thy countenance is cleare 15 Take us the foxes yea take al 's foxes that little be That spoile the vines for tender grapes our vines have as yee see 16 My Welbeloved sure is mine and I am his indeed Among the lillies smelling sweet he pleasantly doth feed 17 Untill day break and shadowes passe turne my belov'd and be Thou like a Roe or a young Hart on Bethers mountaines hie Chap. 3. BY night on my bed carfully I sought with all my minde Him whom my soul loves I sought him but I him could not finde 2 I will now rise and go about in streets of the city And in the broad wayes will him seeke whom my soul loves dearly I sought him very carefully and that with all my minde But though I sought him night and day yet could I not him finde 3 The watchmen that still go about the city then found me To whom I said Have ye him found whom my soule loves dearly 4 It but a little was that I from them did passe away But I him whom my soul doth love did finde without delay I held him and would not him let go till I quickly had Him to the house and chambers brought of her that me conceiv'd 5 I charge you Salems daughters by Roes and Hinds that you cease Either to stir or yet awake my Love untill he please 6 Who 's this that like pillars of smoke comes out of wildernesse Perfum'd with frankincense and myrrhe and merchants powders al 's 7 Behold his bed which far above doth Solomons excell About it of most valiant men are threescore of Isra'l 8 Expert in war they all do hold swords in their hands most bright Each man his sword upon his thigh because of fear by night 9 King Solomon in his great pomp himself did make a bed A charet which of Lebanon was of the choicest wood 10 Its pillars were of silver and its bottome was of gold The covering was of purple fine most rich for to be hold The midst thereof most gloriously well paved was with love For the fair daughters of Salem as it them did behove 11 Go foorth with admiration great ye daughters of Zion And with respect and reverence behold King Solomon With crown wherewith his mother crown'd in his espousals day And in the day his heart was fill'd with gladnesse great and joy Chap. 4. CHRIST BEhold my love thou art most faire most fair is all thy skin The pure and chast eyes of the Dove thou hast thy lockes within Thy haire thy outward ornament doth shine and glister clear Even like a flock of goats that from mount Gilead do appeare 2 Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorne perfite As when they from the washing come they are both cleane and white Each one of them most fertile is and bear twins in a throng Not one that is of all the flock is barren them among 3 Thy pleasant lips are alwayes like unto a scarlet threed And when thou speak'st then all thy speach is comely still indeed Thy temples al 's within thy lockes do blush so modestly That of Pomegranates they a peece most surely seeme to be 4 Thy neck is like King Davids tower built for an armory Wherein a thousand bucklers hang and shields of men mightie 5 Thy two breasts full of dainty food are like two Roes indeed Young that are twiâ—nes which well among the pleasant lillies feed 6 Untill the day most clearly break and shaddowes flee from hence I 'll get me to the mounts of myrrhe and hâ—lls of frankincense 7 My Church my Love thou art all faire and so thou seemes to me Thou art so washen and made cleane there is no spot in thee 8 My spouse with me from Lebanon from Lebanon with me Come looke from tops of Amana Shemir and Hermon hie Come from thy persecutors all even from the Lions dennes And also from the Leopards that haunt the high mountaines 9 My sister spouse my heart thou hast ravish'd thou hast my heart With one of thine eyes ravish'd with one chaine upon thy neck 10 How faire 's thy Love my Sister Spouse how better much then wine And the smell of thine ointments sweet then spices good and fine 11 Thy lips my spouse as th' hony comb drop hony milk alone Under thy tongue thy garments smell most sweet as Lebanon 12 My sister spouse a Garden is which is inclosed well A spring shut up a fountaine al 's whereon is set a seale 13 Thy pleasant plants an orchard are of Pomegranats most faire With pleasant fruits the Champhire sweete with spiknard that is rare 14 Spiknard Saffron and Calamus and Cinamon and tree Of frankincens Myrrhe Aloes with spices cheefe that be 15 A fountaine for to water well the gardens all anone A well of living waters and faire streemes from Lebanon The Church 19 O Norrh wind quickly now awake and come thou South about Upon my Garden blow that so its spices may flow out Let my beloved come at last into his Garden sweet That he there even most chearfully his pleasant fruites may eat Chap 5. CHRIST I Am into my Garden come my Spouse and Sister wise I gathrâ—d have my pleasant Myrrhe with my delicious spice eaten have my