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
THE GARDEN OF ZION Wherein the life and death of godly and wicked men in Scriptures are to be seene from Adam unto the last of the Kings of Judah and Israel with the good uses of their life and death In this Garden consider and take heed The fragrant flower growes hard beside the weed A precept for the right use of this Booke â—ove these who have their race in Gods fear runne â—t rogues as rockes in sea see that thou shunne Printed at GLASGOW by George Anderson 1644. TO THE HIGH AND MIGHTY MONARCH OUR DEAR AND DREAD SOVERAIGNE CHARLES By the Grace of GOD King of great Britaine France and Ireland Defender of the Faith all Peace and Happinesse Most gracious Soveraigne YOur MAJESTIES so loving acceptance of my former workes presented to You the day before Your corronation emboldens me againe to intreat for Your Patronage countenance and gracious aspect towards this little piece of poesie full of most fruitfull matter In it Ye may clearely see the lives of most remarkable men in Scripture and with them the lives of all the Kings of Judah and of Israel with the uses which wee should make either of their life or death Note Such things are needfull to bee considered by all men but chiefly by Kings whose actions for the most part whether good or bad are put in Chronicles the Registers of time ad futuram rei memoriam Where after ages beholding what hath been done in such and such a Kings reigne will freely without fear give out their verdict concerning either their vertues or their vices so that while the memorie of the just shall be blessed Prov. 10.7 the name of the wicked shall rot But mens sayings are of little moment the God above with whom is no respect of persons will one day before the eyes of all the world Act. 10.34 in a most open view let it be seene what every man hath done in his life before his judgement seat all flesh that day must compeare In all the lives of the Kings of Judah and Israel observe that the sinne of Idolatrie provocked GOD most The basest idole of the world is the Idole of the Masse a god of dowe Ezek. 22 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which goeth to the draught The Hebrews call idols Gilloulim that is muck or doung Beware of that new god of bread Dij stercores for if it get place in Your Majesties Dominions Yee need never looke for a sound and solide peace according to that saying of Deborah They choose new gods Judg. 5.8 then war was in their gates the Ark and Dagon will not faile to fight Consider well these words and make use of them for Your good as Yee would wish to have the Lords blessing upon Your government O whence hath come such a fearfull blood-shed in all Your three Kingdomes Whence is all this bloody war the maine cause is the new Goâ— the idol of the Masse set up in Chappell 1 Kings 11.7 hard beside Gods Temple like that high place which Solomoâ— builded for Chemos the abomination of Moab in the hill that waâ— before Jerusalem directly forâ— against Gods house which hee haâ— builded for which doing afterwarâ— the Lord made a rent in his Kingdome whereof his posteritie got thâ— least part O happie shall Your Majestie bee if with good King Josiah Yee reneâ— the Covenant of the Lord in all youâ— Dominions and put away the idolatrous Priests and take avvay all thâ— high places vvith all the monumentâ— of idolatrie that so all your Dominions may be pleasant and fruitfull like the mount of Olives vvhich for idolatrie lost its name 2 Kings 23.13 and vvaâ— called the Mount of Corruption O vvhat a contentment to GOD vvho made you a King O vvhat a comfort to all your good subjects O vvhat a good and vvhat a glory to your self that it bee said in all ages following that King CHARLES like a pearle in a ring hath beene a blessed Josiah among all the Kings of Britaine Novv the Lord God of Gods blesse your Majestie and make You a Defender of the Faith as well in trueth as in title that in the great day of the LORD vvith David Jehoshaphat Hezekiah Josiah and other gracious Kings yee may stand before the Son of man that great King vvho hath vvritten on his thigh The King of kings Rev. 19.17 and Lord of lords From GLASGOW the 28 of MAY 1644. Your MAIESTIES most humble subject and servant M. ZACH BOYD. TO THE HIGH AND MIGHTY PRINCE CHARLES Prince of Walles GOD who hath made your Highnesse a Prince shall by his grace as we hope one day make you a king yea and more which shall be like a rich Diamond on the top of your crowne A DEFENDER of the Faith It is now time for you to begin to be busie to learne to stirre the rudder before Yee be made a pilot to undertake the great charge even the government of three kingdomes For this great worthy and weighty worke Yee have great need to be wise but so it is Prov. 1.7 that the feare of the LORD is the beginning of wisedome All other wisedome without this is but follie It was a good saying that King David said to Prince Solomon his sonne If thou seeke him 1 Chro. 28.9 he will be found of thee but if thou forsake him he will cast thee off for ever The best way to learne your Princely Lessons to consider well the life and death of kiâ— who have ruled among Gods people whâ— vertues and vices are set downe by Gâ— own pen to be followed or else to avoided For such ends I have penned this poeâ— of most mens lives in Scripture with 〈◊〉 best uses I have beene able to make thâ— of which heere I dedicate to your Hâ—nesse in all humilitie as being my Mâ—mite Accept of this little with my blâ—sing an old Servant of GOD nâ— drawing neere my threescore From GLASGOW the 28 of MAY 1644. Your Highnesse mâ—â—â— humble Servant Mr. ZACH. BOYD. A WATCHWORD TO THE GENERALL ASSEMBLIE Right Reverend OUr Schooles and Countrey are stained yea pestered with idle Bookes your children are fed on fables love songs badry Ballads Heathen husks youths poyson It much concerneth you to see to this and carefully to banish out of the land all the names of the Pagan gods and goddesses which as God hath expreslie told us should not be taken in our lips Psal 16.4 These words of God in Exodus are very considerable Ezo 23.13 In all things that I have said to you bee circumspect 〈◊〉 make no mention of the names other gods neither let it be heâ— out of thy mouth Seeing this by God him self required it lyeth upon you to â—daine by the visitors of School that all these monuments of idâ—latrie be removed and that oâ— such Bookes have place that mâ— help children to know GOâ— and Christ his Son Iohn 17. which is 〈◊〉
not his fathers ordinance But when the matter he did understand He said My father hath troubled the land For want of meat mens hearts so weakened be That they can not pursue the victorie Still fight said Saul and do all that ye can Spoile and destroy of them leave not a man But first to GOD to seeke response they went To see what should be his sacred intent But God in wrath for ought that they could say Would not make answere to Isra'l that day Go to said Saul there is some man of sin By Divine lot I trust I shall him finde Give perfect lot said Saul to GOD I pray That we may see by what great sin this day Thou hast beene griev'd though it my Son should bee Stout Jonathan he shall now surely die Then curiously Saul seeking out this spot Upon Jonathan fell the Divine lot Tell tell said Saul tell me what thou hast done Prepare for death for thee mercy is none Alas said he I hungry wanting meat In a faire wood of hony combs did eat That which I did was done ignorantlie Behold Jonathan must now surely die No more said Saul thou hast broken the oath Of great JOVAH prepare thy self for death What said Isra'l shall stout Jonathan die Who hath for GOD now fought so valiantly As God liveth who ever lives indeed No thing shall aile the least haire of his head Thus the people walking in the right way Good Jonathan they did rescue that day Then unto Saul went godly Samuel To him from GOD this message did he tell Remember now how Amalek laid wait For Isra'l by the way in his great strait Now go and smite and utterly destroy Beast Man and Maid unto the suckling Boy When this was said King Saul with all his might Against Aamalek stoutly went to fight He slew these men and tooke Captive the King With him best beasts he sav'd alive which thing Acted by him ' gainst Gods Commandement The faire kingdome of Isra'l from him rent Then Samuel said Where is Agag the King See ye in haste that Tyran to me bring When he was come he hew'd in pieces all Agag the King before GOD in Gilgal After this sin the LORD to Samuel said Go and anoint for King the herd David Because for Isra'l he ventur'd his life Against Goliah he got for his wife Michal Sauls daughter that great victorie Brede in Sauls breast displeasure and envie This soulesse Saul by Doegs villenie Was mov'd to slay at Nob with crueltie Fourescore and five servants of the great GOD Who for armour had but linnen EPHOD Because to David in hunger and need They had vouchsav'd some peece of GODS shew-bread At divers times Saul fill'd with rage and strife Hunted David like a flea for his life Whiles like a Lion cruel he did roar Enrag'd at DAVID whiles like a wild boar He did him hunt most like a bloody hound Who cannot rest untill his prey be found But God at last to make of him an end A great armie of Philistins did send The Philistins at Shunem were gath'red Isra'ls armie in Gilboah pitched When Saul that hoast of Philistins did see He trembled all his heart did quake greatly Then he in feare unto the Lord did cry But God to him no answere would reply Neither by dreames by URIM or Prophet When Saul saw this his heart within did fret If God will not the Divell I will desire To help said he of him I will enquire There is a witch which doth at Endor dwell Said they She can all secrets to thee tell Then Saul went to that wicked wife by night Desiring her to bring to him in sight Whom he should name who ever was the man Then unto him thus answerd the woman Right well thou knowst no sprit familiar Is now approv'd make not for me a snare As God liveth said Saul now â—or this thing Thou shalt not smart Tell mee whom I shall bring Up unto thee said she now to me tell Bring up to me said he old dead Samuel When the woman perceived this dead man Arise from grave to tremble she began She said to Saul Thou hast deceived me That thou art Saul I know now certainly Feare not said Saul no ill to thee I meane Declare me plainely all that thou hast seene I have said she now perceiv'd a strang thing Gods wonderfull from the earth ascending What is his forme said Saul now tell to me A mantled old man said she I now see When the woman these things to Saul did tell He then perceiv'd that it was Samuel He having all things in such order found He bow'd himself and stouped to the ground Then Samuel said Why hast thou troubled me I am said Saul distressed heavily God hath me left and answeres me no more To seek thy help I am constrain'd therefore In vaine said Samuel comest thou to me Who can be friend where God is enemie The Lord at first of thee for King made choise But thou stubborne would not obey his voice ' Gainst Amalek to do the Lords command Therefore the Kingdome is rent from thine hand Thy foes shall fight thine hoast shall fall and flee Thou and thy sons the morne shall be with me Then Saul afraid fell straight way all along Upon the earth the witch and men among No strength in him in him there was no might For he had fasted both the day and night When this was done the witch prepared meat She brought it to him and mov'd him to eat Behold anone the Philistines armie Ready to fight as Isra'l was to flie The Archers shot the battell went full sore The shafts did flee their rage did more and more Increase then Saul to his servant did say Draw out thy sword and quickly now me slay Take courage do let not this trouble thee Though thou me spare yet will I surely die My feare is that th'uncircumcised band Come and abuse me vilely with their hand But the servant who his Prince fear'd and lov'd To kill the King by no words could be mov'd Then Saul with rage and godlesse furie prest With his own sword did peirce through his own breast Jonathan Abinadab Malchishuah Sauls three sons with Saul fell on Gilboah The Philistins after finding Saul dead Upon the mount they cut from him the head The body of that stout and valiant man They fastned to the strong wall of Bethshan Among the rest this was the sharpest rod His armour bright unto their idol god Ashtaroth they brought with great pomp and glory As though their god had given them this victory When Jabesh heard what to dead Saul was done With one consent they all armed right soone The bodies of Saul and of Jonathan They pulled downe from the walls of Bethshan To save them sure with fire they did them burne Seven dayes they fasting for their death diâ— mourne The Use This history to all men well may tell That none shall speed that seeks the divels
But God to Nathan the next night did tell That in an house as yet he would not dwell But afterward should come a man of fame Who richly should build an house for his name A son of David whom he would correct If he should sin but not as Saul reject When David heard Nathan from God thus say With heart and harp he did both praise and pray After this done by an courage divine He boldly went and smote the Philistine From them he tooke Metheg and al 's Ammah For with him then was the great JEHOVAH After he had subdued the Philistine He smote Moab and measur'd with a line He after that smote the King of Zobah Being assisted by the great JOVAH After he strong routed the Syrian hoast Who came against him with great brags and boast King Toi hearing of his courage divine Sent to him Joram with a rich propine At last he did consecrate to the Lord Both spoile and presents conquer'd by his sword To Mephibosheth in his great distresse For Jonathan he shew him great kindnesse After all this his servants courtesly He sent to Hanun comforters to be For Nahash death but that fool could not spâ— He cut their coats and made their buttocks bare This al 's he did more for a greater scoff Of all their beards the half he shaved off These men for shame could not lift up their facâ— But on David redounded the disgrace When King Hanun did ponder well and thinkâ— He said this fact in Davids nose doth stinke Before he know we will make an armie To overthrow both him and his partie But David wise did to his captains tell That all should be prepar'd for the Battell That day JEHOVAH who is most mighty Gave unto David a great victory Both Syria and Ammon with their might That day by Isra'l were put to the flight David as yet remaining in his rage ' Gainst Ammon their towne Rabbah did besieâ— He sent Joab unto it for captaine But he himself in great ease did remaine At faire Salem while he did there abide It came to passe about the evening tide He rose from bed and to the roofe he went Where he forgot the Lords commandement With foolish heart and with a rolling eye He did perceive Bathshebahs great beautie Goe to said he you woman to me bring Make haste for what 's unlawfull for a King While David thus burning in lust did say Some vile servant was ready to obey She brought to bed by the King was defil'd Anone after she found her self with child Then in all haste she sent unto the King To see how he might wisely hide that thing Behold thought David a scandale and blot Will soone break foorth except I cloake this spot I see no way to hide from all the land This secret sin but by her own husband If he come home and once but with her ly My sin is hid hence no man shall it try Some servant goe tell to Joab quicklie That he in haste send Uriah to me Then Joab soone him sent when he was come With fair sweet words David made him welcome How Joab did at him he did inquire If all did goe after their hearts desire Then David said I thinke it now most meet Thou goe to thy house and there wash thy feet But these faire words the man not caring for Abode without and sleept at the Kings doore After that David to Usiah said Man with thy wife why didst thou not abide Uriah said The Arke and Israel Joab and Judah right well I can tell Abide in tents during this time of strife And should I now goe to sport with my wife I will not goe as thou livest O King I will not go I will not do such thing When David heard this he found out a wile With drunkenesse Uriah to beguile That being drunk the war he might forget And so go to his wife without all let But God above this thing did so provide At the Kings doore this man did still abide When David saw that for ought he could say To touch his wife this poore man did delay Then wickedly to thinke he did begin How by his blood he might then cloake his sin Bring pen and inke said he to me right soone When he is dead who shall know what is done His strange letter to Joab this did tell Set this man in the front of the Battell When at skirmish in danger ye him see Retire with speed that he may surely die This David wrot He wanting Gods true fear Made Uriah his death with him to bear Then Captaine Joab too too ready bent To pleasure Kings in their commandement Tooke this poor man with cruell craft and slight And set him where most valiant foes did fight Where men of Rabbah fiercely to Battell Came there they fought and there Uriah fell When David heard this he said All is well My secret sin no man shall now reveale After Bathshebah by mutuall accord Became his wife which displeased the Lord. Then God to him his Prophet Nathan sen To let him know that God was miscontent By parable he did himselfe expresse A holy wile to make David confesse His filthie fact and for it sore to weepe Who whole nine months in his vile sin did sleep Then said Nathan there was in one city Two men the one in richesse was mighty The other poore the rich upon his ground Had herds and flocks wherein he did abound But the poore man save an ewe lamb had nought Which he in strait with his poore meanes had bought And nourished with diligence indeed With his children he dayly did it feed Of his owne cup it dranke and of his meat Such as he had it welcome was to eat Yea in his bosome sweetly it did lye And was to him as daughter by and by But O behold unto the rich mans Inne A traveiler came to abide therein The naughty rich man his flocks for to spare Caught the poor lamb it kil'd for to prepare Meat for that man for him it he did dresse What think ye Sir should he not this redresse Then Davids wrath raging against the man Sore kindled was he said unto Nathan As God liveth who liveth most surely That beastly wretch for that vile fact shall die And unto that yet I will adde this more The Lamb fourefold he shall quickly restore This I ordaine no man it shall repeale It seemely is that Kings for God have zeale Then unto David said Prophet Nathan Even thou thy self O King thou art the man Thou wouldst for God seem to have zeal and love Thou hast done that which heere thou dost reprove Thus saith the Lord the God of Israel I unto thee this hard message will tell Ov'r Isra'l King I made thee for to be Out of Sauls hands I safe deliv'red thee Thy Masters house with thy Masters Kingdome I gave to thee his wives in thy bosome I made to lye yea I most liberallie Both Isra'ls
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
frame Worthy the praise of good Jehoshaphat Whom good Asa King of Judah begat As in his name as Scriptures do record So in his life the judgement of the LORD Unto all men most clearly did appâ—are That man is wise whose heart the LORD doth feare This godly King did serve GOD in his dayes Because he walked fast in the first wayes Of David he to Baalim not sought But idols worship with great might downe brought He willing did what GOD did him command Therefore the Kingdome stable in his hand Was made by GOD then Judah to him brought Most rich presents which they had dearly bought His heart encourag'd was in the Lords way High places groves with zeal he took away When he was rich and in honour highly With Ahab he did joine affinitie With him to go to battell he was mov'd For which he was deservedly reprov'd By good Jehu the son of Hanani Who said to him Should'st thou help th' ungodlie VVhat didst thou meane to bee by thought or word In league or love with them that hate the Lord Consider well and now take heed and see For wrath from God is posting upon thee Thee to correct but not thee to confound Because in thee good things the Lord hath found The idole groves thou hast taken away Thy heart thou hast prepar d to seeke alway The mighty Lord in great sincerity Therefore the Lord vvill not depart from thee To the Judges he gave commandement To take good heed because in the judgement The Lord was with them Doe now what yee can Said he to them for yee judge not for man But for the Lord If him ye do rgard He shall not faile you richly to reward Judge uprightly beware of shifts and drifts Respect not persons reject bribs and gifts Which blind the eye but let Gods holy fear Be upon you that so yee may forbeare To doe like these who with Horse leaches sing To their clients these doubled words Bring bring This counsell that the Judges from him gat Was worthy of the name of Joshaphat Which signifies Gods judgement most clearly In my judgement by way of prophesie After this done with zeal behold anone Against Josaphat Moab and Ammon A multitude great from beyond the Sea In Hazazon-Tamar call'd Engedi Conveen'd to fight in a bloody Battell Against Josaphat who to th'Eternell Had his refuge while he was thus agast He sought the Lord and did proclame a fast Then all Judah with one heart did accord From all cities to go and seek the Lord Good Josaphat troubled with fear that day Before Judah thus to the Lord did say Art thou not God in heaven who rulest all Art thou not he who is God eternall Hast thou not strength and great might in thine hand Where are the forces that can thee withstand Art thou not God who didst before Isra'l Drive out thy foes by thine arme eternall And gav'st their lands from a most loving minde Vnto the seed of Abraham thy frind Thou art a Lord both strong and righteous Thou promised vvhen men unto thine house Should come to thee in great trouble and feare That vvith great speede thou vvould them help and heare And novv behold both Moab and Ammon VVith these of Seir minde thy Judah anone For to invade and their lands to make bare Though at thy vvill vve did them save and spare And novv O Lord consider and regard Hovv vvith despight as foes they us revvard Our forces faint Our foes are most mightie But this comforts Our eyes are upon thee Then Judah all with wives and children dear Before the Lord stood in a trembling fear Then on Jahaziel son of Zechariah A divine Sprite came downe from Jehovah Who said All Judah and Josaphat King Hear novv glade tidings vvhich I to you bring From great Jovah vvho said you neede 〈◊〉 feare For I for you shall fight in all this vvarre When King and people had these comforâ— found They bow'd their heads with face unto 〈◊〉 ground The Levites high their singing voice did raise They stood all up the living God to praise They rose up early in the morning light To go to battell in their armour bright Now as they went Josaphat stood and said Heare me O Judah now beleeve in God Beleeue so that no doubt make you once whisper Beleeve his Prophets so shall yee all prosper When this was said the singers with gladnesse Did praise the beautie of his holinesse Then God most mighty in Battell arose Who set ambushments round about his foes He made each one another for to slay The Lord himself the battell fought that day Gods arme it wrought and not fortune or hap â—ot one of all their armie did escape â—fter that God had given them thus the foile â—is people were enricht with their great spoile â—ost rare jewels among the dead that day â—hey found yea more then they could bear away When this was done with Trumpets and with Harps They came to Salem with great joy of hearts And thanked God the great God Eternell Who had strongly their foes foil'd in Battell Thus the realme was quiet without shout Of warre to them God gave rest round about But after this Josaphat did purloine In that he did with Ahaziah joine Who was a King perverse in Israel Even Ahabs Son hated of th' Eternall Who awlesse lawlesse ' gainst the Lord did rage With him he ships made for a long voyage To Tarshish But the Prophet Dodavah Came to Josaphat from the great JOVAH Because said he thou hast fal'n in such slips The LORD himself hath broken all thy ships When he began he was of age thirtie And five thereafter he reigned twentie And five Of all he lived yeeres threescore A Godly Prince who did Gods law restore The Use If Princes would have peace and foile thâ— foes Let them in feare to serve the Lord rejoice If Princes would enjoy prosperitie Let them abhorre all profane companie 5. JEHORAM High LORD HIgh LORD in name but base in cariage For he his brethren all slew in his rage In great mischief and strife he spent his life For he had Ahabs daughter to his wife Then came to him writings from Elijah Who was the Prophet of the great JOVAH Because said he with vile idolatrie Thou hast thy selfe defiled filthilie Because with furie rage and great disdaine Most cruelly thou hast thy brethren slaine Who in Gods wayes had their heart more perfitâ— Then thine therefore with sore plagues I wiâ— smite Both thee and thine A plague without all doubt â—hall from thy belly thy bowels thrust out â—ight yeeres hee did reigne then great plagues conspir'd â—is death he died but was by none desir'd The Use Take heed O Kings make not your men to grone If ye would have men your death to bemone â—hese who in lewdnesse both end and begin â—hall beare the scars of wounds made by their sinne 6. AHAZIAH Possession of God â—LL mothers Sonne son of the wicked
Thee will destroy for hateing his counsell Then to Joash King second from Jehu This Amaziah with great brags said now Come let us see each other in the face That we may fight for peace hath no more placâ— Then Joash scorned this Kings great follie As a Thistle a cartell to a tree Should send whose strength under a wilde beaâ— foot Is troden downe in top and al 's in root Lo thou hast smitten Seir Edoms great hoast Thus thy proud heart thee lifteth up to boast Abide at home cease from such vaine follie Why shouldst thou fall and al 's Judah with thee But Amaziah these words would not heare To go to Battell he would not forbeare It came of God most wise and most mighty Him to give ov'r unto his enemy â—ecause after his foes he had ov'rcome â—e sought after the idols of Edom. â—hus these two Kings did fight in good aray â—ut Amaziah was routed that day â—n that Battell he was taken alive â—or all his boast he was Joash captive â—his Joash spoil'd the house of great Jovah â—nd carried all unto Samariah â—ast Amaziah by conspiracie â—as slaine in Lachish with great felonnie The Use Though Kings be strong and in Battell mighty â—hey can not stand that love idolatry 9. UZZIA The strength of the Lord called also AZARIAH The help of the Lord. FRom help and strength this great King had his name For God by help and strength did spread his faâ— As long as he sincerely sought the Lord His greatest foes could not resist his sword God helped him against the Philistines Against th' Arabians and the Mehumins His name did spread to Egypt gloriously For he in God was strong exceedingly He fortifi'd Salem with towres and walls With great charges he digged many wells An armie of three hundred thousand men He did maintaine his countrey to defend But he made strong forgot Gods instruction His heart was puft up to his destruction For like a Priest by a fearfull offence He went to Temple for to burne incense But Azariah the Priest with courage Withstood the King in his folie and rage Cease cease said he cease from this great fence It is for Priests to offer Gods incense Goe out goe soone out of this sanctuary Dâ—shonour thou shalt have by this folly Then Uzzia a censer in his hand Took to burne incense ' gainst the Lords coâ—mand Then the great Lord him smote in the forehead With leprosie then all the Priests with speede Did thrust him out and he himself to flie Made hast because the Lord with leprosie Him smitten had for thus going astray He liv'd leprous untill his dying day All his lifetime to his great grief and smart He dwelt a leper privately apart The Use Let Kings heere learne in their pride and folly Not to meddle with Jovahs Sanctuary 10. JOTHAM Fatherlesse JOtham during his fathers leprosy Did in Judah as King the Scepter sway He gave his minde to do that which was right And pleasant in the great Eternells sight He builded much After in warre anone By force of armes he subdu'd strong Ammon He prospered well he was in vertues rare For he his wayes before God did prepare Twentie five yeeres he was when he began To reigne sixteene he did reigne in Salem Thus di'd Jotham of age one and fourty And buri'd was in Davids faire city The Use The King that would wisely his Scepter sway Before the Lord let him prepare his way 11 AHAZ Possessing THis vaine Ahaz who understood no right Did that which was most wicked in GOD sight He not regarding in heart th'Eternell Did walk in the ill wayes of Israel He images set up for Baalim Likewise in Hinnon incense was by him Burnt with his children in a fearfull fire To grieve GOD with Heathen he did conspire He was most bent unto idolatry On the high hils and under the green tree Because he did contemn the LORDS command The LORD him gave into his enemies hand The Syrians first after these of Isra'l Him overthrew thus fearfull was his fall Then valiant Pekah from the Syrian land Slew in Judah of men six score thousand Also Israel in a fearfull way Two hundred thousand captives took away Likewise Philistins with profane Edom Against the land in divers places come Thus the great GOD who to vengeance is slow For Ahaz sins brought Judahs kingdome low This wicked man when he was vexed sore With divilish spight did sin yet more and more The Scriptures plainly point at his trespasse While they thus say This is that King Ahaz This fool unto the false gods sacrificed Of Damascus which had him sore displeased Because said he the gods of Syria Hath helped them they shall be my Jovah The Temple doors he shut up in fury And gave himself to vile idolatry Both in Salem and also in Judah He set idols in contempt of Jovah Thus this ill man in wickednesse did die Therefore with Kings they would not him burie The Use Kings who their land staine with idolatry Shall often meet with wo and miserie 12. HEZEKIAH The strength of the LORD THis godly Son of most wicked Ahaz Did fear the LORD he most religious was This noble King a most worthy Divine In Judah land did reigne yeers twentie nine In his first yeer the doors of GODS house fair He opned and the breaches did repair The Priests and Levits which seem'd to him mâ— meet He together gath'red to the East street Hear me said he Now your selves sanctifie All filthinesse from th' holy place cary Our ill fathers have most vilely trespassed The divel them hath with wicked wiles coâ—â—passed They have forsaken God and gone astray Their faces from him they have turn'd away The Temple doors they have shut up about The clearest lamps of God they have put out Vnto the Lord they have burnt no incense They have not car'd what manner of offence They did to him therefore Gods heavy wrath Came on Judah treading that wicked path Because they scornd the Lords commandement â—o trouble hissing and astonishment â—e them deliv'red for hating his word â—ur dear fathers have fallen by the sword And which greatly augments our miserie â—ur sons daughters are in captivitie â—ow let us make a covenant I pray â—ith God the Lord that he may turn away â—rom his fierce wrath cast off all negligence â—or yee are set to serve and burn incense Then the Levits were gath'red carefully To cleanse GODS house from all impurity All th'uncleannesse within GODS house anone They cary'd out and cast it in Kidron When they had cleansed things of every sort To Hezekiah they made the report Then this good King in great zeal rose early And gath'red the Rulers of the city This good King and they all with one accord Went up in haste to the house of the LORD Divers offrings they offred to JOVAH For the kingdome the temple and Judah Levits with cymbals harps and psalterie The Priests with trumpets made sweet
melodie The people did worship and singers sing Trumpets founded so that the house did ring This did continue GOD did it commend Till the burnt offering was brought to an end When the Trumpets most holy consecration Was finished the people great oblation Did offer gladely with a most free heart The Priests the Levites each man did his part So the service of GODS house pleasantly Was then in order set most suddenly Thus Hezekiah after all repar'd Rejoic'd in God who had his men prepar'd Then this good King by Gods divine counsell Ordain'd Judah and also Israel To keep passeover for great JEHOVAH At Salem from Dan to Beershebah The posts in hast with letters from the King Went through all parts for to declare this thing The summe was this that all men then shouâ— mourne For their trespasse and to the Lord returne If yee wrote he turne to this Lord of grace In wrath he will not from you turne his face But Ephraim and Manasse forlorne Israels men did laugh these posts to scorne Yet of Aser and of Manasse came Divers to worship the LORD at Salem The hand of God in Judah was mighty To give them one heart with sinceritie To celebrat that great Jehovahs feast â—hey all obey'd the greatest and the least â—ut in Israel numbers foolishly â—â—d beene carelesse themselves to sanctifie â—â—t this good King did pray for them anone â—â—e good Lord said he pardon ev'ry one â—ho doth his owne heart prepare sinceerely â—hough according to Jovahs Sanctuary â—e not cleansed This the Lord did please â—ho heal'd the people of their sore desease â—ea more Isra'l without all wearinesse â—id keepe the feast that day with great gladnesse â—hole fourteene dayes that feast which was holy â—bserved was in Salem Gods city â—he King and Princes did give much cattell â—o the people of Judah and Israel â—nce Solomon the son of David King â—as not in Salem ever seene such thing Then all the Priests and the Levits arose â—nd blest the people both with heart and voice â—hey pray'd to GOD with words filled with grace â—heir prayer came unto Gods dwelling place When this was done by these of both nation â—hey all intended a reformation â—hey cut the groves the images they brake â—he Altars and high places they did sacke That done Isra'l in a good motion Return'd quickly to their possession Then the Priests course the King with diligeâ—â— Ordred and al 's provided maintenance For that great work that preachers of the woâ—â— Might have courage in the Law of the Lord The people willing corne wine oyle holy With tiths of all did bring aboundantly Thus Hezekiah did throughout Judah Good right and truth before the great Jovah He wrought such was his great sincerity The Lord he sought with all his heart truely Then Sen'cherib King of Assyria With great forces entred into Judah When Hezekiah thus perceived them Resolv'd to fight against Jerusalem Then he this counsell from his Princes tooke Who the waters of fountaine and of brooke Will'd him to stop and so their host to scattâ—â— Why should our foes said they with wholâ—â— water Refreshed be So for his own defence Both darts and shields he made in aboundanâ—â— The broken walls up to the towres he rear'd In Davids city he Millo repair'd Captains of war he gath'red to Salem And thus he spake comfortably to them Be strong let not Senacheribs armie â—ith their great number your heartes terrifie â—ith him the armie of flesh the Eternell 〈◊〉 to help us and to fight our Battell After he had these comforts on them prest â—e people all upon his words did rest â—nnacherib after this sent some men â—om faire Lachish unto Jerusalem Vile Rabshakeh thus railed in his pride â—hereon trust yee Into what hole abide â—ill yee Now try and al 's well examine 〈◊〉 yee will die by thirst and sore famine â—t not your King trusting in his JOVAH â—eceive you Is not he Hezekiah â—ho Gods Altars and high places destroy'd â—ath that one Altar in Salem imploy'd Might be Be wise regard not his command â—ow yee not what unto all peoples land My Master hath done What Gods of Nations â—â—uld save their people in such vexations All these gods folks I overthrew at length â—ho is your God that I should fear his strength â—herefore in time consider and percieve Lest that your King vvith vaine vvordes fâ—â— deceive The people all in silence and in doole Did heare these wordes of that blasphemâ—â— foole Then Eliakim the son of Hilkijah Reported all unto Hezekiah Who hearing this was in great grief and smart He rent his cloathes and with his clothes hâ—â— heart Unto Esay the Prophet he did send Men in sackcloth his answere to attend These men unto the Prophet said truely Of trouble rebuke and of blasphemy This is a day the children to the birth Are come but there is no strength to bring forth Of Rabshakeh it may be God will heare The railing word which he voide of all feare Sent from his Master King of Assyria Did vomit out against the Lord Jovah O man of God thy duety doth thee bind To pray for these that are now left behind When these words came unto the Prophets eare He said let not your good Master now feare God in the Heavens most bright in Majestie Hath clearly heard that vile rogues blasphemie â—ehold saith God I in my wrath at last â—pon that man will send a fearfull blast â—f terrour great he shall a rumour hear â—Vhich shall his bones and bowels shake with fear â—ome he shall go trust and believe my word â—n his own land he shall fall by the sword After Rabshakeh had against JOVAH â—hus railed he unto the strong Libnah â—id go where his Master in brags most stout â—ith his armie encamped round about This King again sent to Hezekiah â—en to revile with other words JOVAH Let not said they O Hezekiah King â—hy God deceive thee with this vaine saying â—am the Lord the mighty God Jovah 〈◊〉 shall you save from all Assyriah â—ast thou not heard and understood clearly â—ow these great Kings have wasted utterly All lands None could escape their mightie hand â—â—d now shalt thou before their forces stand â—â—zan Haran Kezeph and Thelasar â—â—th strong Eden they have subdued by war VVhere are the Kings of Hena and Ivah Of Hamath Arpad Tell Hezekijah Where is the King of Sepharvaim strong Who could them match their gods or Kâ—â— among When this vile letter full of blasphemie Was read the King to Gods house speedilie Went up to summe the matter in a word That vile letter he spread before the Lord Then Hezekiah made to th' Eternell This prayer saying O God of Isra'l Which now dwellest betweene the Cherubines Thou art the Lord alone of all Kingdomes With great mercy O Lord bow downe thâ— eare And with regard my humble sute now heare Consider how with wordes sharpe like a good Thâ—y have the name pierc'd of the living
came to Laban in the night and said Take heede to speake to Jacob good or bad My daughters to Jacob was Labans word Are like poore captives taken by the sword What hast thou done wherefore didst thou flee In so doing thou hast done foolishly Behold one thing which meriteth the rods Thou art a theefe why hast thou stolne my gods Why hast thou thus of my love made a rent Behold they are stolne and hid in thy tent From tent to tent last he came to Rachel But where thy were these dumb gods could not tell At last Laban no more would Iacob grieve But to returne resolv'd to take his leave For Rachels sake and Leahs he did gâ—ant To make with Iacob a sure Covenant Of many stones they made a goodly heape Upon the which they did together eate This heape of witnesse by godly Jacob â—n Hebrew tongue was called GILEAD â—ut this great heap in words of SYRIA â—ABAN called Jegar Sahadutha â—fter kissing and blessing for a space â—is children LABAN return'd to his place â—hen this was past behold ESAU with boast â—ut God did meet his servant with an hoast â—hen this was done the great God eternall â—restled with Jacob long in Peniel â—hey strove all night unto the light of day â—ow let me go to JACOB God did say â—o said JACOB a blessing first appoint â—o me whose thigh thou hast thrust out of joint â—hy name said God hence ISRAEL shall be â—revaile with man thou hast prevail'd with me â—ehold now Esau with foure hundred men â—ehold also the love of these brethren Behold JACOB seven times hee bowes knee ESAU him meets and kisseth lovingly They weepe they kisse in others armes goe ESAU content will be no more a foe Is this feare past a new sorrow doth come His dear Dinah defil'd by Hamors sonne How his two sons did make his name to stinâ— By Sichems blood it hurts my heart to thinkâ— He purg'd his hoâ—se of all idolatrie Their idole gods he hide under a tree As he did passe f'om Ephrath to Bethel Death came and tooke from him his fair Racâ— From this sorrow having a little breath Behold another by his fathers death REUBEN his sonne defiled had his bed As though with bread he was with sorrâ— fed This prickt his heart and this his bowels smâ— When he did see good JOSEPHS bloody coat This holy man so toss'd with griefe and strife Past so the few and ill yeares of his life At last on bed most ready for to die To all his sonnes he left a Legacie To some reproofs to some comforts most swâ— When he had done he gathred up his feet The Use 〈◊〉 serve how God of twins can one forsake â—d th' other choose ev'n for his mercies sake 〈◊〉 one he did love because it did him please 〈◊〉 th' other he abhorr'd to cast his eyes 〈◊〉 hated infant an abhorr'd Esau â—efore that ever this worlds light he saw 〈◊〉 Jacob learne to get thee hastilie â—rre from an Esaus wicked companie â—ith staffe in hand where God shall thee direct â—r wicked men most hurtfully infect 〈◊〉 Jacob learne when thou begins to pray 〈◊〉 wrestle well and not let God away â—ll he thee blesse though it were all the night â—cob prevail d not till the day vvas light 〈◊〉 Jacob learne if thou a Laban serve â—ost vvatchfully his goods all to preserve â—hough he churlish have not to thee regard â—hou shalt not faile to get the LORDS revvard â—earne heere to look for sable clouds of grief â—fore death bring full and finall releefe REUBEN See a sonne HEre see a Sonne for REUBEN is his naâ— With vile incest he did himselfe defame Because his sinne was grievous in Gods sight Of thâ— first-borne this REUBEN lost the right LEVI Judah and JOSEPH for his spot His Crown portion and al 's his Priesthood goâ— Because he weept with a repenting eye Let Reuben live said MOSES and not die The Use Great losse by sin yet if we can repent The LORD in mercy shall make up our rent Beware of sin flee farre from it anone Lest that thou heare thy dignitie is gone SIMEON Hearing BEcause the LORD did LEAHS prayer heareâ— She call'd him SIMEON when She did hiâ— beare In MOSES writs so faâ— as they us tell Of his brethren he was the most cruell Hâ— heard not GOD nor yet good JACOBS voice 〈◊〉 shed much blood he gladly did rejoice 〈◊〉 get of SICHEM his cruell intent 〈◊〉 vilely did abuse GODS Sacrament 〈◊〉 any reading hardly can I try â—hy MOSES blessing the rest past him by The Use â—ere learne in wrongs thine anger to asswage â—ODS pen doth curse all sinfull wrath and rage â—t men beware either to do or think â—t which may make their parents name to stinke LEVI Joining BIrth of Children in husbands breasts doth coine â—ew love which makes their tender hearts to joine â—r this chiefe cause as in the historie 〈◊〉 manifest LEAH call'd him LEVI â—mong these tribes this LEVI was the priest With Vrim Tummim on his holy breast Because he bare the Sword of crueltie His race in JACOB scattred was to be The Use Learne this before to doe ill thou begin Divide and scatter are the fruits of sin The sins of men great Tribes do spoile aâ— spill For this cause sorrowes them pinch pierce thrill If we feare GOD hee such griefs shall presse Yea kill our cares and calme stormes distresse But if we joine with Levi to shed blood To rage and roare as men in a mad mooâ— Wee shall at last with confusion be cloatheâ— Wrapped in shame dispersde despisde and thed JUDAH Praise THis is the King the great God will him raiâ— This is the man whom his brethren shall praise â—e shall be LORD his shall be the Kingdome â—ntill the time that great SHILOH shall come â—his is the man enrich'd with gifts divine â—eth white with milk and al 's eyes red with wine â—oth grave and wise he was as may appeare 〈◊〉 that his speach made for Benjamin dear â—is was his fault from vice he was not pure â—e lay with TAMAR masked like a whoore The Use â—et men heere learne who have received grace 〈◊〉 feare to faile and fall into disgrace 〈◊〉 men be loose when as they should be chest â—hey may at last fall into vile incest ZEBULON Dwelling THis is the sixt a rich and good dowry Said LEAH JACOB now will dwell with mee â—is younger sonne then ISSACHAR and yet â—e was before him at the blessing set 〈◊〉 rich merchant appointed for to be 〈◊〉 stately ships sailling on the deep sea The Use Observe heere how the great Jovah commanâ— Some to be King some Priest and somâ— Merchands ISSACHAR An hire FIft Sonne of LEAH thy name is a hire Great rest and ease were chiefly thy desire When rest and ease to thee were brought 〈◊〉 passe Betweene two burdens thou crouch'd like an asse The Use Take heed beware this is a great disease To
heard this divine sounâ— Pull off thy shoes for this is holy ground I am the great Almighty Lord he said To look on God then MOSES was affraid I have said God with much compassion Seene of my people the great affliction On Israels back the burdens deep furrowes Have made and now I pittie their sorrowes Go to that Tyran with thy little rod And tell that thou art sent from the great Goâ— How shall I goe said MOSES I thy name Know not if thy people enquire the same Say thou said God by my commandement I AM THAT I AM hath me surely sent Oh said Moses they will not believe me Where will they say did GOD appeare to the 〈◊〉 They shall said GOD know that I have thee â—ast downe thy rod and lo it a serpent â—gaine behold a rod it shall become â—nother signe shall be in thy bosome â—t in thine hand and see it white as snow â—â—d whole againe that they may clearely know â—â—at thou by GOD Almighty hast beene sent â—â—d what thou dost is by commandement â—as said Moses my words hardly flow â—er both my speach and al 's my tongue is slow 〈◊〉 are not said GOD let not that cause thee griefe â—â—rme the speach I make thee dumb and deaf 〈◊〉 said Moses mine heart I cannot frame 〈◊〉 go this earand to speake in thy name â—en GOD with Moses in great anger chod â—â—on a mouth shall be and thou as GOD 〈◊〉 as afterward these noble brethren two â—ent on and stood before the great Pharo â—â—mmanding him with great authoritie 〈◊〉 free GODS people from captivitie â—â—cause that this King thus hardned his heart â—â—ten great plagues his Kingdome felt the smart The ten plagues of Egypt contained in five Latine verse â—ma rubens unda Ranarum plaga secunda â—â—e culex tristis post Musca nocentior istis Quinta pecus stravit Authraces sexta â—vit Post sequitur grando post Bruchus dente fando Nona tegit solem primam nec at ultima proâ— The ten plagues of Egypt in English verse Blood first then frogs and third the lâ— filthie Fourth after all these came the noisom flie The fift upon the beasts vvas the murraiâ— Sixt lothsome boiles breakeing foorth vvâ— great blaine Seventh haile eight locusts and the ninâ— darkenesse Last on the first borne both death and distâ— In other verse Blood frogs and lice a mixed svvarme Murraine that beasts annoyde Boiles haile locusts and darknesse thick The first borne all destroyde VVHen this was done MOSES with his armie â—ent with all hast towards the deep red sea â—ere Israel enrich'd with great butin â—gainst MOSES began so to mutin â—n both sides mountaines and the sea before â—hold PHARO behind us to devore 〈◊〉 Moses now the cause of our distresse â—ou hast us brought to die in wildernesse 〈◊〉 and still said Moses stay your passion â—d ye shall see the Lords salvation â—retch out thy hand said God over the sea â—d by thy rod devided shall it be â—en Moses his hand of strong faith out-stretched 〈◊〉 an East wind the deep sea was divided â—hen Israel this great comfort had found â—mong waters they walked on drie ground â—e mighty Lord made way unto them all â—e waters were on every side a wall â—hen with an armie PHARO them pursu'd â—ut overwhelm'd with waves they were subdu'd â—y let us flee said they and turne the heeles â—ut great JOVAH tooke off their charet wheeles â—ODS Isra'l had in all this fearfull tide 〈◊〉 Cloud for sconce and al 's a Fire for guide At last Isra'l saved both lesse and more Saw Pharos hoast dead upon the Sea shore Then Moses with the people spake saying A song of praise to JOVAH let us sing The Song of Moses at the red Sea I Will novv sing unto the Lord for he hath gloriously Triumphed over all his foes novv drovvn'd in the red Sea 2 The Lord he is my Strength and Song and my Salvation I gladly vvill prepare for him an habitation 3 With frothy deepths God covered them this work he did alone His heavy wrath did presse them so they sanke down like a stone 4 Thy right hand O Lord is become most glorious in great power Thine arme and thy right hand thy foes have novv dasht all to povvder 5 Thou hast thy foes now overthrown in great excellencie â—hou sentest foorth thy fearfull wrath that they consum'd might be And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters gathered there he floods stood upright as an heap the deepths congealed were The en'my said I will pursue them will I overtake will divide the spoile my lust on them novv vvill I vvreake It is novv time to dravv my Svvord them vvill I all destroy purpose novv to make an end and this shall be my joy But thou O Lord vvith thy great vvinde most fearfully did blovv â—hey sanke as lead in vvaters deep the vvaves did overflovv Who is like unto thee O Lord amongst the greatest gods â—ho is like thee so glorious so mighty by thy rods 11 Thou stretchedst out thy strong right hâ— Earth swallowed them wholly In mercy thou led foorth thine owne whom thou hadst bought dearly 12 The people all shall heare of this and they shall be afraide The indwellers of Palestine with grief shall be dismaide 13 The Duks of Edom all amaz'd with Moab tremble shall The indwellers of Canaan shall melt away and fall 14 Both feare and dread shall fall on them by strength of thine army Vntill Isra'l passe over they still as a stone shall be 15 Thou strong shalt bring them in and them in thine holy place Even in thy sanctuary O Lord establish'd by thy grace 16 The Lord shall reigne for evermore most like a mighty King For he on Pharo and his host the loftie waves did bring 17 But as for his deare Israel in bottome of the Sea â—tweene two walls of waters deep they went both sure and dry Miriams song at the red Sea THen Miriam the Prophetesse the sister of Aaron â—anced with women skilfully playing Timbrels upon And Miriam thus answerde them praise God most joyfully or he the rider and his horse hath drown'd in the red Sea AFter all this Isra'l in wildernesse Of Shur by thirst did suffer great distresse â—hat shall we drink said they ah shall we die â—hen Moses cry'd and GOD shew'd him a tree â—ith this tree Moses direct'd by GODS sprite â—t Marah made the bitter waters sweet â—rom thence to Sin he did the people lead Who did murmur because they wanted breaâ— There God the Lord did feed that numbâ—â— hoast With sweet Mannah round small as the frost Againe for thirst Isra'l at Rephidim Did murmur against the great God of Heav'â— Then God his servant Moses did command To smite the rock with his rod in his hand For chiding striving heere with great Iovah The place was call'd Massah and Meribah God by Moses his people did protect In that great battell against Amalek His
to Balak I a man Am come unto thee to do what I can Have I now power any thing to say What GOD me bids that shall I speak this day Then Balak went anone with Balaam And quickly to Kiriath-Huzoth they came There Balak oxen did offer with sheep He sent for BALAM whose science was deep The morrow after BALAM came quicklie To Baals high places that he might see From thence of GODS ISRA'L the utmost part That by his curse that whole people might smart And Balam said unto Balak Build me Heere sev'n altars and prepare heere quicklie Seven oxen faire and seven fat rams also Balak as Balam had spoken did so And Balak and Balam off'red quicklie On each altar for sacrifice to be A Bullock and a Ram Then Balam spake Unto this King that called was Balak Stand by thy burnt off'ring and I will go Peradventure GOD will come me unto And give counsell what he shall shew to me I will without failing all tell to thee Then Balaam unto an high place went And the Lord there met him incontinent Then he said I sev'n altars did prepare And there have off'red now to me declare What I shall say to Balak Moabs King Then GOD put in his mouth this word saying Returne unto Balak and thus boldlie To him thou shalt speake this message from me Then he return'd when he thus understood And went to Balak who with Princes stood And he tooke up his parable and said Balak the King This charge on me hath laid From Aram I have beene brought by this Kinâ— Out of the mountaines of the East saying Come curse me Jacob and Isra'l defy Whom God hath not curst how him curse shal For from the top of the rocks I him see And him behold from the hils that are hie Loe this people in a great number throng Shall dwell alone and nations among Shall not be reck'ned who can count or tell The dust of Jacob or fourth of Isra'l Let me the death of the righteous man die And let my last end like unto his be And Balak said unto Balaam soone What meanest thou What hast thou to me do Mine enemies to curse I did take thee Behold thou hast them blessed most surely Then Balaam said Think not this uncouth For I must speake what God puts in my mouth Then Balak said I pray now come with me Unto a place from whence thou may them 〈◊〉 The out most part thou shalt see and no more Come and curse me them all from thence theâ—â—fore He brought him to the field of ZOPHIM land To PISGAS top whether God did command MOSES to go the promisde land to see That so after that sight MOSES might die There Balam said to Balak Stand heere by Thy burnt off'ring untill that quickly I Do yonder meet the great Almighty Lord And the LORD met Balam and put his word In Balams mouth and likewise said that day Returne againe unto Balak and say When Balam came unto Balak the King Behold he there stood by his burnt off'ring There with him were Princes of MOAB land Then Balak said Now let me understand What the LORD GOD in this perplexitie Hath both reveal'd and spoken unto thee And he tooke up his parable and said Rise up Balak and heare an answere made Thou Son of Zippor hearken unto me The Lord is not a man that he should lie Nor the Son of man that he should repent To say one thing and after to relent Hath the Lord said and shall he not it do Hath he spoken and shall he it not to Perfection bring Behold I now must blesse God hath blessed and I can not reverse In Jacob he hath not iniquitie Beheld neither at any time hath he Seene perversenesse in all Isra'l about God is with him among them is a shout Of a King God from Egypt land forlorne Them brought He hath as of an Vnicorne The strength surely where God is still presâ— Against Jacob there is no enchantment Neither against the Lords most deare Isra'l Can divination once prevaile at all According to this time it shall be thought And said of Jacob what hath the Lord wroâ—â— Behold the people shall rise up anone As a great Lion and a young Lion Lifts up himselfe and lyes not downe again Vntill he eat and drink blood of the slaine And Balak said unto Balam that day Neither them curse nor yet blesse I thee pray Told I not thee said Balaam unto Balak all that GOD saith that I must doe Yet Balak said unto Balam that day Come now with me I do thee heartly pray I will bring thee unto another place Peradventure thou wilt from God get grace That thou may'st for my poor Kingdomes deâ—â— Powre on them all a heavy curse from thence Then King Balak brought Balaam anone To PEORS top that looks to JESHIMON And Balam said unto Balak Build me Heere sev'n altars prepare right speedily Heere sev'n bullocks and sev'n fat rams well fed And Balak did as Balaam had said There were off'red a Bullock and a Ram On each altar they did performe the same And when Balam saw that it pleas'd the LORD To blesse ISRA'L he did no more accord As heeretofore to go incontinent For by his art to seeke for enchantment But he perplex'd in Sprite with great distresse Did set his face toward the wildernesse Then Balaam his eyes aloft lifting Saw ISRAEL in his tents abiding According to their Tribes GODS Spirit anone With this parable came Balam upon Balam the Son of Beor hateing lies Hath said even the man who hath op'ned eyes He hath said which heard the LORDS words truely Which saw the vision of the Almighty Falling into a great trance but having His eyes open to discerne every thing How good thy tents are Jacob who can tell And thy fair tabernacles O Israel As the valleyes all spread forth do abide As greene gardens by the fair rivers side As ligne-aloes which is of sweetest smell As besides waters Cedars high and tall Out of his buckets be shall powre indeed The waters and in great waters his seed And his King higher then Agag shall be And his Kingdome shall be exalted hie God brought him out of Egypt land forlorne He hath the strength as of an Vnicorne Hee shall eat up all those that are his foe And break their bones and pierce them throâ— also With his arrowes he couched he lay downe As a Lion and as a great Lion Who shall him stirre up he that shall thee bleâ—â— Is blessed and cursed that shall thee curse Then Balaks anger kindled with despight Waâ— ' gainst Balam together he did smite His hands saying I called thee surely For to curse but thou hast blessd these times threâ— Therefore now flee unto thy place and lot I thought thee to great honour to promote But lo the Lord in this hath not beene slack â—n wrath he hath from honour keept thee back And Balam said unto Balak This thing Spake I
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
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
For Priests though villains and most reprobate Yea he himself a King voide of all grace Became a Priest to serve at an high place These were his great sins a most shamefull thinâ— Which cut him off from ruling more as King Thus voide of honour of glory and fame He liv'd and di'd with a most rotten name Then Jeroboam sent to Ahijah His wife to know if his son Abijah Then sick should live or die then she thus wise Before that blinde man did her self disguise At this same time the word came from JOVAH Which said unto the Prophet Ahijah Behold now coming Jeroboams wife To aske of thee concerning her sons life This know in time take heede and now be wise For when she comes she will her self disguise When she shall come her doubts for to discusse Then say to her in my words thus and thus When Ahija heard the sound of her feet Then coming in he spake as he thought meet Come in thou wife of Jeroboam vaine What mean'st thou some other thy self to faine Hard tidings for thee are from th'Eternell Goe and them quickly to thy husband tell Thus saith the LORD who rules both Land and Sea For as much as I have exalted thee And of a Servant hath made thee a Prince Ov'r my people yet hast thou ever since By thy vaine pride and vile idolatrie Done evill above all that were before thee Like basest men who do the LORD forsake Thou hast me cast proudly behinde thy backe Therefore I Lord who am most righteous Shall bring much evill on Jeroboams house From him I will cut off both great and small Not leaving one to pisse against the wall I will the remnant of his house destroy As a doung hill which men carie away These of his loines who die in the city Shall by vile dogs be rent most cruelly If any fall among the fields most faire Food they shall be to the Fowles of the aire Arise woman to thine owne house get thee For when thou enters into the Citie Thy childe shall die for him Isra'l shall weepe And him burie that he ingrave may sleepe Because in him as God hath said the word There is some good thing found toward thâ— LORD Moreover God for his glory and praise A worthy King in Israel shall raise Who Jeroboams wicked house that day Shall all cut off and sweepe like doung away But what Even now the Lord who is perfite As reeds in water shall Israel smite Because they heard not what he did command He shall them roote up out of this good land He shall them all scatter beyond the river Because by groves they stirred up his anger When this was said to Jeroboams wife She rose and went to Tirzah but the life Of her young child was then ended most sure When she came to the threshold of the doore They buri'd him and mourned as Jovah Had said before by Prophet Ahijah When Jeroboam years twenty and two Had reign'd he died a man of sin and woe The Use Let Kings heere learne that the great GOD most hie Shall root them out if with idolatrie They staine his land though for a time forborne They be at last none shall sit on their Throne Sprung from their loines the Lord shall them deface Both root and branch shall be cut from their race 2. NADAB A Prince or willing WHen Jeroboam most wicked was dead Then Nadab his son reigned in his stead Ill fathers son who walked in his way At Gibbethon Baasha did him slay Ill fathers son of a most wicked race He sway'd the Septer but for two years space The Use Let all men chiefly Kings heere learne and 〈◊〉 What are the fâ—uits of vile idolatrie Such in Gods love have rarely roome or place GOD pulls them downe and soone roots out thâ— race 3. BAASHA A doer Baasha smot Jerobo'ms house with death To him he left not any that had breath Thus Jeroboam for his great trespasse By Baasha shortly was made childelesse Though thus he did these wicked children slay He walked still in Jeroboams way To him Jehu the son of Hannani From GOD was sent to tell him this plainely I have exalted thee out of the dust My people hath beene subject to thy lust Thou hast walked in Jeroboams way Therefore the Scepter thou may no more sway With Jeroboam I Baashas race Will cleane root out and will wholly deface To Dogs and Fowles his children shall be meat They in the fields and cities shall them eate Last this ill man after he had twenty And foure years reign'd he in GODS wrath did die The Use To punish sin and not reformed be Is but a fruit of pride and vaine glory Let all these who mens manners would reforme Vnto GODS will their owne life so conforme 4. ELAH Strength AFter Baasha came his son Elah Who governed Israel in Tirzah While with Arzah hâ—s steward he did feast He drank himselfe more drunk then any beast While Elah was in drunkenesse filthie He killed was by his servant Zimri This filthie man to sobernesse a foe All his glory enjoy'd but poore years two The Use Beware to make of sin a play or sport It ends our dayes and cuts our honours short 5. ZIMRI A cutter THis ill servant after his Master slaine Did sway the Scepter and with great disdaiâ— Destroyed all the house of Baasha As Jehu had declared from JOVAH He kill'd his friends and alâ— hâ—s kinsfolk all He left not one to pisse against the wall The people hearing what in great furie To King Elah had beene done by Zimri Therefore against him with greef and disdaine They Crown'd King Omri a most brave Captain He with an armie then came speedilie And in fair Tirzah besieged Zimri When Zimri saw all these men so conspire He in his palace burnt himselfe with fire He for a Crowne walked in bloody wayes And yet his Kingdome lasted but seven dayes The Use Death of ill men the living doth exhort To feare the Lord and not in sin to sport Let subjects learne who have grace or reason For no respect to have hand in treason 6. OMRI Measure or handfull WHen the most part had Crowned KING Omri Halfe of the people did follow Tibni But the most part set Omri on the Throne So Tibni died and Omri reign'd alone Twelve yeeres he reign'd this ill King froâ— Shemer Samariahs hill for two talents silver Did buy On this hill he built a citie Which from that Shemer he ordain'd to be Called Samariah which great citie still Hath name from Shemer owner of that hill But this Omri wax'd wicked more and more Yea he did worse then all that were before Both King and Captaine wicked in his dayes He walked in all Jeroboams wayes This Omri di'd by the hand of JOVAH And buried was in his Samariah The Use Let Kings heere learne not to sinne more anâ— more Lest they waxe worse then all that were before 7. AHAB Beloved THis Son of
Omri wicked more and more Did worse then all the Kings that were before When he was once advanced to be King â—o him it seem'd to be but a light thing â—o walk in Jeroboams wicked way â—ut also he would farther go astray Ethbals daughter who was of Zidon King â—aine Jezabel for wife he did home bring â—ith her vile gods forsakeing th' Eternall â—e like a beast went and did serve Baal â—e made a grove he GOD provoked more â—hen all the Kings of Isra'l did before In his dayes Hiel building Jericho â—aid ground and gates with much sorrow and woe On Abiram the first borne and Segub The ground and gates a great judgement did rub When Ahab was lying in wickednesse God sent Elijah to preach great distresse â—gainst the land This said he from the Lord No dew no raine according to my word These yeers shall be Then God said to this man Goe hide thy selfe at Cherith neere Jordan â—hou of the Brooke shalt drinke vvaters most fresh 〈◊〉 Ravens ordain'd have to feede thee with flesh And so he went and so the Ravens did bring Both bread and flesh at morne and al 's evening A little after the brook was dri'd up So that Elijah could not drink or sup Then came to him a word from th' Eternel To Zarephath of Zidon goe and dwell Obey my word which is not false or vaine A widow there shall surely thee maintaine So he arose to Zerephath to go When he was come Elijah found all so As God had said Behold a poor widow Gath'ring some sticks with much grief and row To her he said fetch me a drink I pray Of water with some bread without delay As GOD lives said she I have not a cakâ— But an handfull of meale which I must take With oyle in cruse and with sticks speedilie It dresse and with my son it eat and die Then to that widow good Elijah said Take courage now thou needst not be afraide But see that first for me thou dresse a cake And after for thee and for thy son make For thus saith the Lord God of Israel The poore handfull of meal in thy Barrell Shall not be spent nor yet the cruse of oyle Shall faile till raine hath made a fertile soilâ— Then she in hast prepar'd for Elijah Both cake and oyle as the word from Jovah Had said both meal and oyle did last alwayes â—hereof these three persons eat many dayes After these things this womans son fell sick â—ll breath was past then she began to seek â—lijahs help what I to doe with thee â—ave man of GOD said shee that thou from me â—y son should take and for a sore vengeance â—hould call my sin now to remembrance â—ive me thy son to the widow said he â—rom her bosome unto a loft quicklie â—e cari'd him and as the sprit him led â—e laid that child softly on his owne bed â—nto the LORD he cri'd what hast thou done â—las O LORD why hast thou slaine her son â—hen this was said upon the child times three 〈◊〉 stretch'd himselfe and cried mightily 〈◊〉 to the LORD O LORD I humbly pray â—store the soule unto this childe the day The Lord from hearing then could not refraine â—t sent the childs soul into him againe â—en Elijah the living child brought low â—om the high loft and to the poore widow â—stor'd her son who said to Elijah â—w do I know that thou art from Jovah â—d that the word of the LORD in thy lips â—rueth unfained withou lies or slips It came to passe then after many dayes GOD to Elijah walking in GODS wayes Came thus and said now go to Ahab King For I now raine upon the Earth will bring When GOD these words spake unto Elijah A sore famine was in Samaria In this famine by drougth Ahab the King With Obadiah for their beasts saving Went through the land seeking brook and foâ—taine For with water the poor beasts life maintaine Ahab this way but Obadiah tooke Another way to seek fountaine and brook As Obadiah walked in the way Behold Elijah who met him that day When he him knew he fell upon his face And said art thou Elijah By GODS grace I am said he go and to Ahab tell Elijah is heer from the Eternell Alas said he what have I done this day That now for thee King Ahab should me slay There is no Kingdome there is no countrey Whether my LORD hath not sent to seeke tâ— And when they answred that thou wast 〈◊〉 heer He tooke an oath and deeply made them swâ— That they thee found not now thou say'st go tell Ahab my LORD the great King of Israel Behold Elijah is come here surelie But oh Alas assoone as I from thee Am gone Gods sprite vvill carry thee avvay And then in rage King Ahab vvill me slay I speake the trueth no lie is in my mouth I thy servant fear the Lord from my youth Was it not told thee hovv from Jezabel I hid the Prophets of the Eternel With bread and vvater their life I did save An hundred men by fiftie in a cave And novv thou say'st goe to Ahab and tell Elijah is heere from the Eternel No said Elijah as God lives I say To Ahab I will shew my self this day As soone as King Ahab saw Elijah With great contempt he said to him Aha Art thou the man that troublest Israel Not I said he but thou vvho th' Eternell Hast novv forsaken vvith thy fathers house To follovv Baal in a vvicked course Therefore novv send and unto mount Carmel Gather to me the men of Israel The false Prophets eight hundred and fiftie See that they al 's unto me gath'red be Then Ahab sent unto all Israel And gathred all these Prophets to Carmel Then by the people Elijah well seene Said how long two opinions betweene Thus will ye halt If GOD be GOD allow Him for to serve if not Baal follow When hee these wordes spake with great coâ—â—â—dence Among the people there was deep silence Elijah said Gods cause I will maintaine For the LORD here I only one remaine But Baals Prophets a great number be Heere they are foure hundred men and fiftie Give two bullocks the true GOD to enquire Let him be GOD who shall answere by fire When the people that saying understood All with one voice they said the word is gooâ— Then Elijah to these Prophets did say Chuse an bullock and dresse it first this day For ye be many begin to enquire If your god can-now aswere you by fire Then they did take and there dresse a Bulloâ— They cri'd aloud and on their breast did knocâ— From morne to evening they did not forbeare To cry Baal but Baal could not heare No voice was heard nor any answere made On the Altar they leapt as they were madde At noone Elijah them began to mocke Now cry aloud now your breasts dump and knock He is a god either he is talking â—r he his foes fiercely is pursueing
one the dry land â—s for our foes thou didst them all anone â—nto the deepes throw downe as a great stone Moreover thou them leddest in the day â—ven by a cloudy pillar thou the way â—hem shew by night by a pillar of fire â—hou didst them guide as their hearts could dâ—sire Thou camest dawne with great pompe and with might Vpon mount Sinai and from heav'ns most bright â—hou spak'st with them and gav'st them right judgements â—rue Lawes good statutes and commandements And madest them thy sabbaths understand And statutes Laws ordain'st by Moses hand And from the heav'n gav'st bread to them hungry And from the rock gav'st drink to them thirsty And promisedst that they should sure possesse The land which thou had by thy Holinesse Sworne them to give but they dealt most proudly As our fathers and hardned most stifly Their necks so they wicked stood not in aâ— They hearkned not unto thy blessed Law They stubburnly refused to obey The great wonders which they saw every dâ— They did forget their necks as in a rage They hardned and to turne to their bâ—dage They made a Captaine in rebellion But thou art a God ready to pardon Most gracious and unto anger slow Of kindnesse great which rich doth overflâ— Yea more when they a molten Calfe 〈◊〉 made And in great rage most wickedly had said This is thy GOD which from Egypt brougâ— thee By this they did the Lord provoke highly Yet thou in mercy them in their distresse Forsookest not even in the wildernesse The cloudy pillar with darknesse by day Them from their foes did hide while iâ— the way Of the red sea they march'd in the daâ—night 〈◊〉 fiery pillar went before with light â—hy good Sprit also unto them thou gave â—uâ— didst provide that they might Manna have 〈◊〉 meat in thirst when they thee did provoke â—ou gavest water from the flinty rock 〈◊〉 fourty years thou in the wildernesse stained so that in greatest distresse â—ey lacked nothing they fear'd not the cold 〈◊〉 all that time their cloathes did not waxe old 〈◊〉 more in this GODS mercies did excell 〈◊〉 their marching their feete did never swell â—ou gav'st them Kingdomes and they did possesse â—th Sihons land and Ogs in wildernesse â—ou did them blesse and multiplie their seed â—s Starres in Heaven that were above their head â—fter they had past through the wildernesse â—e promisde land thou made them to possesse â—ou in their hands gave these Kingdomes and Kings And made them Masters for to rule all things Within these bounds and also to command Their strongest cities and their fattest land They did possesse houses full of all goods Vineyards and wells digged and Oliveyards And pleasant fruit trees in great abundance Which God apponited for their maintenance So they did eat they filled with fatnesse They lusty did delight in thy goodnesse Neverthelesse they disobedient Rebell'd proudly ' gainst thy commandemenâ— Behind their backs they did reject thy Law To slay thy Prophets they stood not in aw Because against them they did testifie That from their ill wayes they might turne 〈◊〉 thee But they wicked by their transgressions Against God wrought great provocations Therefore for their greevous iniquities Thou them delivere'dst to their enemies Who them did vex with much trouble and feare Yet when they cri'd thou from heav'n didst theâ— heare According to thy manifold mercies â—ou gav'st them saviours from their enemies â—em for to save but when prosperitie â—nd rest they got they rebell'd against thee â—herefore in wrath thou left them in the hand â—f cruel foes whom they could not gainstand â—et when returning they cri'd unto thee â—hou hard'st from Heav'n their grones of miserie By frequent rods thou mad'st them stand in awe â—hem for to bring againe unto thy Law â—et they dealt proudly and refus'd to heare â—hey sinned still ' gainst thy judgements severe â—ith hardned neck the shoulder they withdrewe â—nd would not hear nor yet their life renew â—et many yeers thou didst them still forbeare â—ea and reprov'd yet would they not give eare â—herefore in wrath thou gav'st them in the hands â—f the most cruell people of the lands â—everthelesse for thy great mercies sake â—hou utterly them wouldest not forsake Now therefore LORD who art great aâ— mighty Who Cov'nant keepest in thy great mercy Let not this greef seeme little thee before That on our kings princes and priests lyes sorâ— Al 's on our prophets fathers people all Not sparing any either great or small Since the tyme of the strong Assyrian kings Vnto this day such is the case of things Howbeit in all that is upon us brought Thou art most just and truely hast done nought But what is right and full of equity But we alas all have done wickedly Neither our kings our princes or our priests Did keep thy law or yet care for thy hests Or hearken unto thy Testimonie Wherewith thou didst against them testifie For in their kingdome they would not thee serve But still profanely from thy law did swerve Behold we are servants alas this day And for the land that thou didst give for ay To our fathers the fruit thereof to eat Behold in it as drudges we must sweat It yeeldeth much increase unto the kings Whom over us thou hast set for our sins Ov'r our bodies they domination have And cattell they us at their pleasure slave Thus we afflicted are in great distresse Because of this we all both more and lesse A Cov'nant sure both make and write it well And to it set our Priests and Princes seal Chap. 10. NOw these that sealed were Nehemiah The Tirshatha son of Hachaliah â—nd Zidkijah with Priests Levits Porters â—nd singers al 's Nethinims with others Who having knowledge to their brethren clave â—nd made an oath that they should so behave â—hemselves wisely to walk in the Lords Law â—nd that to sinne they all should stand in aw We also vow'd by counsell grave and sage â—either to take nor give in mariage â—ut to abhor the people of the land â—o do the same we made a solemne band â—so we did ordaine without delay â—ot to permit markets on sabbath day â—nd that also we would leave the seventh yeere â—nd from exacting of debts would forbeare Also we did ordaine to charge yearly Our selves with the third part of good money Of a shekel this was for the service Of GODS owne house made for his sacrifice Then we cast lots Levites and Priests among For the wood offrings which then did belong Unto GODS house on his Altars to burne According as GODS law ordain'd by turne Likewise to GODS house we ordain'd to bring The first fruâ—ts of all trees and every thing The first borne of our children and cattell We year by year brought unto th'Eternel With first of all things that Levits could crave The tithes in all wherein we tillage have Chap. 11. THen they ordain'd the tenth man of Isra'l To come and in Jerusalem to
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
them all They all have one breath as the one so doth the other die Above a beast they have no place for all is vanitie 20 All things below unto one place do go as is most plaine All of the dust are and also all turne to dust againe 21 Who knowes the sprite of man that goes even upward to the heav'n And the sprit of the beasts that is unto the earth down driv'ne 22 Wherefore I see now that there is no better thing for choice Then that a man in all his workes should constantly rejoice For that is even his portion all alloted for to be And what shall be done after him who shall bring him to see Chap. 4. SO I returned in my sprite and did consider soone All the oppressions great that are heere done under the sunne Behold the teares of men opprest no comforter they had Their spoiling foes sure power had great but they had comfort bad 2 Wherefore the dead I praised much that were already dead Yea more then all the living which are yet alive indeed 3 Yea better then both they he is which hath yet never been Who the ill work done under sunne as yet hath never seene 4 Againe I did consider well and carefully remarke All travaile undergone by man and also every worke For this man of his neighbour is crossd greatly with envy This is vexation of the sprite and also vanity 5 The fool his hands folding will not work for to winne his meat Therefore he pinch'd with poverty is forc'd his flesh to eat 6 Much better is with quietnesse an handfull that is meet Then both hands full with travell and vexation of the sprite 7 Then I returned speedily to see all that was done And I saw a great vanitie that was under the Sun 8 Ther 's one alone and there is not a second or another Yea he is so alone that he hath neither childe nor brother Yet still he labours and can not for whom he labours tell This also is great vanitie yea it 's a sore travell 9 Together in societie two better are then one Because they have a good reward for all their labour done 10 For if they fall the one will lift his fellow but much wo To him that is alone for when he falls none helps him so 11 Againe if in a stormy time two shall together ly Then they have heat but how can one be warmed by and by 12 And if against him one prevaile on this he may rely Two shall withstand a threefold cord men break not easily 13 A poor and wise childe better is then an old foolish King Who will no more by counsell good admonish'd be to reigne 14 For out of prison he doth come to reigne in high degree But th' other in his kingdome borne comes all to povertie 15 The living which walk here below I did perceive indeed All walking with the second childe that shall stand is his stead 16 Th' inconstant people have no end of all that was before These that come after shall not please this is vexation sore Chap. 5. WHen thou go'st to the house of GOD as children to the schooles Then keep thy foot hear rather then give sacrifice of fooles For they in their great foolishnesse consider not wisely That while they do that outward work they do iniquity 2 See with thy mouth thou be not rash thine heart let it not be Swift for to utter any thing before GODS Majestie For GOD is in the Heaven above and thou with little shew Art upon earth therefore let all thy wordes be wise and few 3 A dreame comes through the multitude of carefull businesse A fools voice is well known when he doth many words expresse 4 When unto GOD thou vow'st a vow defer it not to pay For he no pleasure hath in fooles so pay without delay 5 Not to vow it far better is then that thou every day Should make fair vowes unto the LORD and them neglect to pay 6 Permit not once thy mouth to cause thy flesh for to trespasse Nor yet before the Angel say that it an error was Wherefore should GOD be at thy voice provok'd thee to annoy And after the work of thine hands in wrath thee to destroy 7 For in the mâ—ltitude of dreames and many words there be A number great of vanities but fear thou the most Hie. 8 If thou th' oppression of the poor and judgement false dost see And justice in a Province al 's let it no marvell be For he that then the higest is higher without delay Regardeth such things and there be some higher even then they 9 The profit of the earth below moreover is for all The King is served by the field ev'n whether great or small 10 He that loves silver silver shall him not once satisfie Nor he that loveth great increase this al 's is vanitie 11 When goods upon this earth increase for wealth or yet for meat They also much increased are who all such things do eat And what good to their owners is among all companies Thay onely have this that they may behold them with their eyes 12 The work-mans sleep it is most sweet though he eat lesse or much But plenty great doth mar alwayes the sleep of him that 's rich 13 There is a sore ill which I have perceiv'd under the sun Ev'n riches for the owners kept to their great hurt therein 15 But these riches by travell ill do perish in the land And he begets a son and there is nothing in his hand 15 As he came from his mothers womb so without all delay He naked shall returne nothing he cary shall away 16 This is a sore ill that as he came even so shall he go That gaine hath he that for the wind he labour'd so and so 17 All the dayes of his life also he doth in darknesse eate nd he much sorrow hath and wrath when he is griev'd and sick 18 Behold what I have seene It 's good for one to drink and eat nd take part of that GOD hath giv'n to be his portion meet 19 This is GODS gift when of riches man learnes to make good use â—d of his portion eats and in his labour doth rejoice For so his dayes in mirth do passe and seeme most short to be â— GOD him answreth in the joy of his heart chearfully Chap. 6. UNder the Sun there is an ill which often now and then â—ve seen common for to be among the sonnes of men 2 A man to whom the Lord hath given wealth honour and richesse So that he wants not for his soul all that he would possesse Yet God him not the power then gives to eate thereof gladly But strangers it do eat This is disease and vanitie 3 If that a man yeers many live and children much beget So that the dayes even of his yeares be in a number great If his soul be not fil'd with good and al 's not buâ—ied be I say
still for me 2 For he regarded hath of his handmaide thâ— estate so small For loe all generations sure shall hence me blessed call 3 He strong hath done great things to me and holy is his name Who still him feare his mercy great shall alwayes be on them 4 He hath great strength shew'd with his arme the proud he in all parts Hath scattred in the vaine conceits of their most foolish hearts 5 He hath put downe ev'n from their seats these that most mighty be And also he exalted hath these of a low degree 6 The hungry well he filled hath with good things evry way These who are rich and wealthy he hath empty sent away 7 In remembrance of his mercy he holpen hath indeed His servant Isra'l as he spake t' Abraham and his seed The Song of Zacharias wherâ— his mouth was opened after he had been nine moneths dumb for not believing the Angel Gabriel who from God had promised him a Sonne LUKE 1. vers 68. LEt the LORD God of Israel for ever blessed be For visited his people all and al 's redeem'd hath he 2 And of salvation he for us hath raisd up gloriously Ane horne in worthy Davids house who serv'd him faithfully 3 As he spake clearly by the mouth of his dear Prophets all Which since the world began have beene ev'n whether great or small 4 That we should from our enemies all be saved in each part And from the hand of all these men that hate us with their heart 5 The mercy promisd to performe unto our fathers and â—is holy Cov'nant made with us to make alwayes to stand Th' oath which he to Abraham sware that he to us most deare â—ould grant that we safe from our foes might serve him without feare Yea serve him in all holinesse and righteousnesse alwayes â—ot for a little space of time but ev'n for all our dayes And thou child of the highest shalt be call'd the Prophet rare â—or thou before the Lord shalt goe his wayes for to prepare Thou knowledge of salvation shalt unto his people give â—y the remission of their sins which he will all forgive â—o Ev'n through the tender mercy of our God most prone to grace â—hereby the DAY-SPRING from on high hath shew'n to us his face 1 To give light unto them that sit in darknesse and deaths shade Into the way of holy peace our feet alwayes to guid The Song of Simeon After he had long looked for the Consolation of Israel he at last moved by the Holy Spirit went to the Temple and there finding the babe Christ he took him up in his armes and blessed GOD and said LUKE 2. vers 29. NOw letst thou in thy mercy great thine old servant O LORD At last by death in peace depart according to thy word 2 For after many dayes at last mine eyes though now worne dimme Thy consolation sure and fast have with great comfort seen 3 Which thou O Lord most lovingly ev'n by thy saving grace Prepared hast aboundantly before all peoples face 4 A precious light to lighten all the Gentiles far and neer â—d al 's the glory of Isra'l that is thy people dear This Song of Simeon is alwayes sung in the French Church for conclusion after they have received the Sacrament of the LORDS Supper The use of all the Songs THE songs of Larks Linots and Nightingals Compard to these are but like naughty tales â—hich in our ears deserve to have no place â—hese divine songs sad hearts do well solace â—nd fill with joy yea and with capering foot â—ake souls to rise and dance where they did sit â—ithin our breasts like John at Marys voice â—hich made him leap and chearfully rejoice To sing such songs let us our selves inure â—ill that we dance above the starry floore â—nd sing to Christ the Hallelujahs sweet â—here Sunne and Moone are pav'ment for our feet Far from the words of a most vile infection Which slute the body and al 's slave th' affection Oh that we could from vain words heer forbear Till of our life be ended the Career Fy on vile men whose badry songs a blot Defile the air come from their filthy throat Fy on these who in vanities do swim Who dance and leap and hold out any lim With nimble fet-locks but have not a word Of holy songs to laud and praise the Lord Such want a heart Christs love for to remark They can not sing or dance before the Ark. But as for us away with fleshly love And beastly songs which Gods word doth reprove Vaine idle words which in these latter dayes Are made the subject of mens sweetest layes Let Christ the fairest all the Saints among Be still the matter of our daily Song Let all our Ditties runne upon this string Let hearts and Harps in him rejoice and sing What is amisse let us it hence remove That we may sing of Christ our life and love FINIS Some few Christian Precepts WHat God the gives take in good part cease other to devoure Like Alexanders glutton net whose Kingdome Kinged foure When thou triumphs not lofty be but think upon a crosse â—or who the day is set on hie may soone his laurell losse Take heed in time and learne to fear the great Almighty God Who made Denis a King to beare for Scepter Pedants rod. Remember how that Prince of Spaine who for Europe did breath By Gods Almighty hand was slaine ev'n by a louzie death Remember how some in their pride Gods heavy hand did feele Their head on neck could not abide off chopt with whiffing steele 6 Think still on death for time doth slip though it seemes but to creep Man heer is as at sea his ship still sailes though men do sleep 7 While wind doth serve embark be wise to meet all haps before When death shall cut thine enterprise then thou shalt row no more 8 Take time in time for wind and tide will in a moment turne We heere sure will not long abide and gone will not returne 9 Looke not heer for true happinesse the place of our exile A bare and barren wildernesse where we live all this while 10 Look on thy body as on clay the soule is stuffe more fine A substance which weares not away a blast of breath divine 11 Luske not in sloath seeke not thine ease Moths gnow cloaths in a chest Swords also rust within their sheeths and so do souls in rest 12 Manure thy heart with diligence and it in sow good seed But still beware of negligence for earely grows the weed 13 All idlenesse disnatures wit but travell makes it quick Do nothing that disableth it by force or yet by trick 14 With constant eye still Christ behold and on him still repose As with the Sun the Mary gold doth open still or close 15 When death us summons to go hence we should not be dejected For from the same no more the Prince then Carters is protected 16 Our life 's a web of small and grosse this is us giv'n for doome That sorrowes are as threeds a Crosse in this our earthly loome 17 Let us abhore ambition content with that we have In grave in one condition are King Earle Sir and Slave 18 This earth is like a Chesse-board where some leap some limp anone Kings Pawnes Knights Aphens heere and there stand yet there wood is one 1 TIM 1. vers 17. Now unto the King eternall immortall invisible the onely wise GOD be honour and glory for ever and ever Amen Errata IF any of these verses go not so smoothly as thou wouldest know that I have tyed my self verie straitly to keep still the wordes of the Scripture Some escapes there be in the printing at some times a syllable more and some are lesse then should but the judicious Reader may easily take the matter up Pag. 272. Davids house is put for Isra'ls house Pag. 142. bribidge for bribing Pag. 265. qy for by Pag. 330. day say for did say Pag. 364. trotring for totring c.