counsâ—ll He is most sure that God relyes upon All other things will shrink and sinke anone Men for a time may their sad hearts solace With sound of harp which soone will have no place If Kings with Saul of Gods word make no count He will them meet upon Gilboah mount These who care not their lives for to amend Do often come unto a tragick end The LORD to each man his owne worke repayes And makes him finde according to his wayes If men be gracelesse though never so great God shall anone set others in their seat So at the last they shall get shame and losse When God shall crowne these men whom they did crosse DAVID Beloved THE spirit of God begins my heart to move To sing of David whom he Lord did love When God him sought to make him Isra'ls King He was an herd keeping the ewes with young Of Jesses sons he was the least and last As by the story is most manifest When God his servant Samuel did appoint To goe and one of Jesses sons annoint The first he saw was Eliab faire in face This said Samuel is he who by Gods grace Should be the King No not this shall not be Said God for God seeth not as men doe see The outward barck men see of countenance But Gods bright eye through all the heart doth glance Abinadab Shammah he would not chuse David he tooke the rest he did refuse When he rudie came the Lord did appoint Samuel with horne of oyle him to annoint When that was done Gods spirit came him upon He hated Saul and left him his alone When God from him had his good sprit of grace Remov'd the divell came quickly in his place He sore troubled thus to his men did say Provide a man that cunningly can play I cannot pray the divell will not depart My cheefe comfort must be by Musicks art A man with harpe to warble let me finde That he the divell may drive out of my minde Then David came who warbling did his best The divell departed then Saul got some rest After all this the Philistins with boast Against Isra'l came with a mighty host Among the rest a man of Gath Goliah A champion contemning great Jehovah Came forth with boasting a most mighty man Whose height was six great cubits with a span Both up and downe he thus armed did passe With coat of male and with helmet of brasse Graves on his legs a target he betweene His shoulders had his speare was like a beame Of a weever One with a shield before Went this strong man all Isra'l troubled sore He cri'd aloud to all Isra'l that day In vaine set ye your battell in aray Let one man come and fight me hand to hand What part prevails they shall the rest command If ye have hearts or hands I shall soone try All Isra'ls host this day I do defy On all Isra'l thus he did rub disgrace All men did flie but none durst turne the face Untill David encourag'd from above This question to the armie thus did move What shall be done to him who shall stoutly Kill this vile dogge that doth our God defy He then said they who shall performe this thing Shall have for wife the daughter of the King Let no mans heart said David now him faile I will now answere his foolish appeale I tremble not for all his strength and might The Lord gives heart I him resolve to fight Alas said SAUL thou greatly hast to feare Thou art a youth but he a man of warre Not said David I have experience I am acquaint with GODS strong assistance He made me kill a Lion and a Bear What needs me now this Philistine to fear Go to said Saul GODS blessing go with thee With coat of male and helmet armed be Thou must my Sword also gird by thy side That thou his stroaks the better may abide David thus armed all from top to toe Said with such things to fight I can not goe Off with his harnesse his staffe in hand he took In scrip five smooth stones chosen from the brook With sling in hand in a courage divine He stoutly went to fight the Philistine Then great Goliah came down to the field Armed with brasse before him a great shield was borne he lofty with a most proud look Disdain'd David scarce notice of him took This thing is strange it seems to me uncouth That in Isra'l there is none but this youth Faire and ruddy small token of courage To fight against a giant full of rage What art thou lad what meanest thou to doe Am I a dog that so thou com'st me to With staves and stones a dwarfe most unworthie By all my gods now cursed must thou be Come hither heard thy stones and staves now yeeld Thy flesh shall go to the beasts of the field Thou shalt well know that I am not a beast I minde to make thy flesh for foules a feast Words are but winde said David I not feâ— Thy sword or shield or yet thy brasse or spear I come to thee in the most mighty name Of great JOVAH whom thou hast thought tâ— shame Cease from thy brags no more to boast proceed I shall thee smite and from thee take the head Thou shalt soone know and others shall it tell That there is a great God in Israel The Lord God saveth not with spears or swords I feare nothing the Battell is the Lords This said David with a courage divine Ran in all haste to meet the Philistine With hand to bag from thence he tooke a stone Which pierc'd Goliah through both flesh and bone The stone with force throwen sanke in his forehead Then like an Ox to ground he fell down dead Then David ran with great courage divine And stood upon that beastly Philistine Him treading downe with feet he made great speed With his own sword from him he cut the head When the Philistins saw their man of might This way mangled they tooke them to the flight Thus wanting courage they both fled and fell Affrighted much for the men of Isra'l Last David after Goliah was dead To Jerusalem brought this monsters head In the way met him these songs of women For Sauls one thousand David hath slaine ten From that day and forward Saul did him eye Having his heart stuft with rage and envie Then Saul devised how to make him fall A bloody dowry he sought for Michal An hundred foreskins to David said he Of Philistins thou shalt bring unto me I seeke no more no more dowrie I crave Do this and thou Michal for wife shalt have By these his wordes which seemed to be faire He aim'd to draw David into a snaire But stout David brought in a bloody strife Two hundred foreskins and so wan his wife All these great things fild Sauls heart with envie Davids applause kindled his jealousie His wrath like fire in fewell did increase When he did hear of Davids good successe From
his name unto Iedidiah To change this name the LORD did Nathan move To testifie that he the child did love When on his throne he was by good JOVAH Established to him came Bathshebah From Adonijah causer of much strife That he might have faire Abishag to wife Well well Solomon said I know that thing Aske also for him that he may be King Consider well and hearken what I say Adonijah surely shall die this day Benaiah come and hearken to my word Vaine Adonijah now kill with the sword To Abiathar the Priest said the King I will not now these stroaks upon thee bring Which thou deserves because thou had a part In troublous times of my deare fathers smart Thou with my foes against me was too stout Therefore thou shalt from thy place be thrust out To povertie thy race shall beggars be Thus was fulfil'd Gods word against Eli. When Ioab heard of all was past and done Unto Gods house in feare he fled right soone There as the practice of some had him taught Of Gods altars the hornes with hands he caught Then Benajah directed by the King Went unto him with these few words Saying Thus saith the King Thou Ioab thou must come foorth It is not seemly for a man of worth Unto the hornes of Altars for to flee No not said Ioab heere I minde to die Then Benajah brought the King word againe That Ioab would at the Altar still remaine Then said the King Go fall upon him fall For the two Captains famous in Israel Abner Amasa men of dignitie Did kill and boutcher by his treacherie Now let their blood returne upon his head But peace shall be on Davids house and seed Then Benaiah to Joab in distresse Came and him kill'd and in the wildernesse In his own house him buri'd In short space Captaine Benaiah was put in his place After because of Adonijah jarre Zadok was Priest in roome of Abiathar Then for Shimei the King in all haste sent And gave to him this strait commandement To build and dwell in faire Salem anone But if said he thou passe the brook Kidron To go abroad Let this be knowne to thee None shall thee save for thou shalt surely die Three yeers after he forgetting this charge Did seeke his servants with a licence large Hee past thee brook and the Kings charge forgot Therefore with death stout Benaiah him smot Remember now said the King to Shimei How thou my father revil'd bitterly Thy wickednesse shall come upon thine head But I and mine shall be blessed indeede After he thus had slaine these men of strife King Pharos daughter he took for his wife He loved God and with his heart him fear'd In Gibeon the Lord to him appear'd In dreame by night to him in great mercie The Lord said Aske what I shall do thee Then Solomon unto the Lord did say Great kindnesse hast thou showne to me this day Thou hast me chosen for Gods people King That I with wisedome may them rule and reigneâ— I am a child who am but to begin I know not how to go out or come in Of my desirs this is the cheefest part That thou would give an understanding heart To me thy servant by thy grace made glade Whereby I may discerne twixt good and bad When God this heard he rested well content He said unto him at this Parliament Thou hast not asked riches or long life Nor yet revenge against the men of strife Thy foes but hast desired a wise heart To rule my people well in ev'ry part Therefore both riches and honour to thee Will I now give with wisedome in plentie If thou godly will walk in Davids wayes In great mercy I will lengthen thy dayes By him in sleep these things were heard and seen When he awoke Behold it was a dreame Then came two harlots who before him stood Each one striving to make her cause seeme good Behold O King said one Wee two women In one house were deliv'red of children I bare a son after it came to passe Three dayes after that she delivered vvas Wee vvere in house as seem'd vvithout danger For in the house vvith us vvas no stranger Behold O King her childe dead in the night By her ov'rlaid then cunningly with flight She rose from bed and vvith great treacherie Came to my bed and stall my son from me Alas O King What heart can this abide For my sweet son this dead lump at my side She laid when I arose my son to feed With my two breasts behold he was cold dead Judge yee O King how great then was my smart When his cold lips did touch me neere the heart But when the light more clearely let me see I saw I was jugled with treacherie The dead child is hers but the living mine Thou the whole matter as Judge now define But Oh the other with tears in her eyes Said All she saith is full stuffed with lies Believe her not she hath a brasen brow She can right vvell false lyes as truth avow Let not thine heart incline to take her part Though in her speach she hath now the forestart A judge must know he hath an ear and ear That after one the other he may hear Alas O King the Lords vvisedome divine Doth clearly knovv the living son is mine The other said I am not such a beast Anothers childe to bring up on my breast If this my son vvere dead and hers living I vvould not of him novv make a changling His dry dead bones should dearer be to me Then her son living full of rare beautie While thus the two reason'd before the King The King did cry a sword now to me bring When it was brought the King said so and so With sword the living childe divide in two No man such doubts can now discusse by art Divide divide let each one have her part When this was said and ready to be done The mothers bowels yerned upon her son My Lord the King let not this sword now fall Upon my childe but to her give it all Not said th' other the judge must now define Let it be cut and so not mine nor thine Then said the King in words both wise and milde This is the mother give to her the childe When all Isra'l this wise judgement did hear Their hearts were mov'd King Solomon to fear This man was great and full of Majestie Great pleasure was his orders for to see Some were his Scribes and others were Recorders Some rul'd the Hoast some were his Priests by orders Some officers and some ov'r the tribute Were set and also some did distribute Some Officers twelve moneths in the yeer Twelve men did serve each man a month entire Provided for the King and his houshold The best victuals for uses manifold His house by day as Gods word doth reveale Spent fourescore ten measures of floure and meal Ten Oxen fat and twenty from Pastures Were for his house each foure and
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
dwell Of the people nine parts they did ordaine In other Cities to dwell and remaine The people blessd all these who willingly Offred to dwell in Salems fair city Chap. 12. HEre are the Priests Levits of Israel Which came up with worthy Zerubabel Heere is al 's the hie Priests succession Recorded with the dedication Of Salems walls the office of the Priests Appointed for to keep the Solemne feasts Chap. 13. WHen we unto GODS Law gave audience We found it written that for no pretence The Ammonite or Moabite should come For ever in Gods congregation Because they met not Israel with bread But hired Bala'm against them indeed That he them should blast with bitter cursing Which God by grace turn'd into a blessing It came to passe now when they understood The law they did the mixed multitude From Israel so sever and disperse That they with them should have no more commerce Then Nehemiah caused speedilie Cleanse all the chambers which were set to be Prepared for Tobiah by th' hie Priest Eliashib who at his earnest request Being alli'd to him then did prepare A great chamber a great shame even there where The Levits laid incense and tithes of corne And wine and oyle which thitherto we borne For this greeved was good Nehemiah Who cast foorth all the stuffe of Tobiah Moreover he perceiving the Levits Whose charge was for the ceremonious rites Defrauded of their wonted portion Had with the Rulers great contention Hee said to them Fy on you how can yee Make GODS house thus through extreame povertiâ— To be forsaken by the Levits who By your vile greed are wronged so and so After that done he a man full of grace Made the Levits to returne to their place Then all Judah soon brought the tith of conâ— And the new wine and oyle were also borne With diligence unto the treasuries Which brought to Levits great commodities Treasurers likewise Nehemiah try'd Shelemiah Priest and al 's Zadok the scrib And of Levits Pedajah and Hanan The Son of Zaccur of these every man Was counted faithfull these did distribute What cheerefully others did contribute Then Nehemiah said Remember me Concerning this O my GOD graciously And wipe not out my good deeds I thee pray Which I have done for my GODS house the day In these dayes said the good Nehemiah 〈◊〉 saw others in the land of Judah Who on the Sabbath wine presses did tread Who brought in sheaves and their Asses did load Others wine grapes and burdens great did lay Upon beasts backs and on the Sabbath day Them brought to Salem and cornes openly Did sell but I gainst them did testifie There men also dwelt who brought fish from Tyre With divers wares which were costly and deare And on the sabbath these men most profaine Made their markets in GODS Jerusalem Then with the Nobles great men of Judah 〈◊〉 did contend for the great Jehovah What evill is this yee doe then did I say That yee profaine thus the LORDS sabbath day Against the LORD did not your fathers thus And did not our GOD bring all this on us And on this citâ—e yet ye bring more wrath On Isra'l by profaining the Sabbath It came to passe tâ—at when I did remarke That Salems gates began for to be darke Before the sabbath then I did command That all the gates should by my servants hand Be surely shut I straitly charg'd that they Should not be opned till the sabbath day Was fully past and so for this effect I at the gates some of my servants set And them directed most straitly that they Should not permit upon the sâbbath day Men to bring burdens so my servants wise Made the merchands for to lodge once or twise Without the wals then did I testifie Against these men and said for certaintie Why lodge yee thus about the wall profain Assure your self if yee do so againe On you most vile I will lay hands therefore From that tyme on sabbaths they came no more The Levites I ordain'd without delay To keep the gates even for the sabbah day Concerning this my GOD remember me And spare in the greatnesse of thy mercie I saw then Jewes who marri'd of Ashdod Wives and of Ammon and els of Moab Their children spake half in the Ashdods speach But of Hebrew they could not speake a which Then with them I severely did contend And did them curse and of them in the end I also smot some whom I did not spare In wrath also I plucked off their haire And by the Lord I made them for to sweare Saying yee shall not give your daughters dear Vnto their sons nor yet their daughters take Nor with them shall yee any mariage make Did not Solomon one of Isra'ls Kings Against the LORD sinne greatlie by these things Among many none was like unto him Outlandish women yet him causde to sin Will yee then with this ill defile your lives Even to transgresse by marying strange wives And then one of the sons of Joiada Son of Eliashib hie Priest of Jovah Sanballats daughter mari'd wickedly Therefore in haste I chased him from me Remember them my GOD because that they Thy holy Priest-hood have defil'd this day Thus I them cleansed from the wickednesse Of strangers and then in their businesse The priests and Levites I did well appoint Precise to keep their wards in every point Both for the first fruites and offring of wood Remember me O my GOD now for good THE USE By Zerubabel GOD in his mercy Did build the Temple and Salems city By Ezra scribe even to his lawes conforme The peoples manners he did well reforme And which indeed was not a comfort small By Nehemiah he built Salems wall See how the Lord his mercies doth inlargâ— By imposing to every man his charge That so his Church may on this earth endurâ— Divers he ordaines its well to procure Some to do this and some that at his wiâ— Which his favour demonstrates and his skill As he makes birds by pleasant quaverings Like nimble Thumbs which strike on diveâ— strings Renew their note and in diversitie Rejoice mans heart with a sweet melodie Even so the Lord with divers gifts doth decâ— That he thereby his people may protect And beautifie and so them may advance From under the Bushell of ignorance See how God doth his divers comforts seal Both for the church and al 's the commonwell THE GARDEN OF ZION The Booke of Esther A Prayer 〈◊〉 Now must speak of Ahasuerus King And of Haman who on a tree did hing And likewise of the godly Mordecai Who for the well of Gods church did apply His heart for to her happinesse procure That she from danger might abide most sure Of this good Esther with goody intent Was by God made a blessed instrument Now come good God and with thy breath divine â—nspire mine heart my drossie sprits refine Powre in my breast thy sacred divine powrs And teach me how to spend my
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 〈◊〉
bread and wine And blest him after he had given that feast For Salems King he was and the Lords Priest Unto him ABRAM in that blessed day With chearefull heart the tithes of all did pay But as for spoile nothing I will he said â—est SODOME say I ABRAM rich have made The Battel of Abraham against Amraphel King of Shinar Arioch King of Nations wherein he rescued his brother Son Lot who had beene taken prisoner by them This Paraphrase was made in verse by the Prince of English Poets JOSHUA SYLVESTER ABRAM perceiving now the Army neer By their own Fires 'gan thus his Troups to cheer Souldiers said he behold this happy Night Shall make amends for that dis-astrous Fight Was fought in Siddim and acquittance cry For Sodom's shame and Lot's captivitie adorn'd Me thinks already Victory With Bowes and Blades and Casks and Croâ— return'd From th' Enemie on our triumphant spears Erecteth Trophe is far more rich then theirs Me thinkes already on our glistring Crests The glorious Garland of the Conquest rests Our way to vertue lyes so smooth and plain With painelesse Honour and unvent'red Gain This hoast you see is not the valiant Troup That stript Gomorrha and made Segor stoop That Jordan Inde and Euphrates admire But a foule Heard of Swine wall'wing in mâ— Regard them as they are not as they were See but their sloath do not their number fear He that 's asleep is dead and he that 's dead Bites not they say What have we then dread Why stay we Lads already down they are Their throats be naked and their bosoms bare Their lives lie prostrate heer at our command And Fortune cals but for your helping hand Come follow me rather the Lord of Hoasts Terror of Tyrants who through all the Coasts with a trough Of all the Earth confoundeth All worldly power and brings mens plots nought Come happy Troup follow with one accord â—h'invincible brave Standart of the Lord. This said eft-soons I wot not what a grace What divine beam reflected on his face â—or as in March the Serpent having cast â—is old foule skin crawls from his hole full fast â—isses and stings and stares us in the face â—nd gold-like glistring glides along the grasse â—o Heav'n enspires fresh vigour in each part His blood renews his heart doth take new heart 〈◊〉 martiall furie in his breast there boyls His stature seems more taller then yer-whiles Youth paints his cheeks with Rose and Lilly Dies A lovely Lightning sparkels in his eyes So that his gallant Port and gracefull voice Confirms the faintest makes the sad rejoice Then on the Camp he sets where round about Lie mingled Carrs and Horse and Men that rout Rest seizeth all and wanting what is fed The fire it self slept in his ashy bed Th' Hebrews the-while laid-on on back or brest Or arm or side according at their rest To th'ground had bound them and those lives bereft The which Death's Image in an Image reft Heer one beheaded on a Trunk of Pine Pours-out at once his gore his ghost and wiâ—â— The full Helm hops and with a voice confuse Murmurs as if it his fell Fate accused Another taken by inchanting sleep Mid Pots and Cups and Flagons quaffing deâ— Doth at a wound given in his rattling gorge The Wine againe in his owne Cup dis-gorge Another while ingeniously he playes Upon his Lute some passing-pleasing Layes Sleep seales his eyes up with a gloomy cloud And yet his hand still quavers light and lowd But at the last it sinks and offring fair To strike the Base strikes but the empty aire His soul descending to th' Infernall Coasts Goes to conclude his Song unto the Ghosts Dolefull it was not for the Argument For 't was of Love but for the sad event Another wak'ned with those lowd alarms Starts-up and groapeth round about for arms Which ah too soon he findeth for his part For a keen poignard stabs him to the heart Like as a Tigress having with the gore Of Buls and Hiefers made her spots the more And pav'd a Plain with Creatures mangled limâ— Views on each side her valiant stratagems Treads on the vanquisht and is proudly-sad That no more Foes nor no more Maw she haâ— Thâ— th' Hebrew stalking round-about the slain â—raves but it boots not and would very fain â—hat those dead bodies might their ghosts re-gather â—r that those mountaines would produce him rather â—ome Foes more wakefull that more manfully 〈◊〉 blood-drown'd Valleyes might his valour try Amor's three sons did no lesse slaughter make â—bram for zeale they but for furies sake â—his nails a Souldier with his Sword to th'ground â—hat at a blow th' heads of two Heads discrownd â—his underneath a Chariot kils the driver â—hat lops off legs and arms and heads doth shiver The Tents already all in blood do swim â—ushing from sundry Corps from severall lim 〈◊〉 brief so many ravening Wolves they seem â—ithin whose breast fierce Famine biteth keen â—ho softly stealing to some fold of Sheep While both the Shepheard and his Cur doth sleep â—urbush their hungry teeth tear kill and prey â—pon the best to eat and bear-away Yet at the length the vanquished awake â—nd re-ary'd the Victors under-take â—utting the three proud Amorites to flight â—ho but for Abram had bin routed quite Sleep sleep poor Pagans sith you needs dye Go sleep again and so dye easily Dye yer ye think on death and in your Dreaâ— Gasp-out your soules Let not your dazled bâ— Behold the hauock and the horrour too Of th' Execution that our Swords shall doâ— Hacking your bodies to heaw-out your breatâ— Yer Death to fright you with a thousand deaâ— Said Abraham and pointing every word With the keen point of his quicke-whirled swâ— As swift in doing as in saying so More fiercely chargeth the insulting Foe Than ever storm-full cloud which fed 〈◊〉 water 's Thin moist-full fumes the snowy mountaâ—â— daughters Showr'd heaps of hail-shot or pour'd flood rain On slender stems of the new tender Grain Through bloud and blades through danger and death Through mangled Corps and carrs he traverseâ— And partly in the shock part with the blowes He breaketh in through thickest of his Foes And by his travell topsi-turneth then The live and dead and half-dead horse and 〈◊〉 â—is bright-keen Fauchin never threats but hits â—or hits but hurts nor hurts but that it splits â—ome privie postern whence to Hell in Post â—ome groaning Pagan may gaâ—p out his ghost â—e all assayls and him so brave bestow's â—hat in his fight he deals more deaths than blows As the North-winde re-clearing-up the front â—f cloudy Heav'ns towards the South doth hunt â—he showr's that Austers spungie thirst exhales â—ut of those Seas that circle Orans wals â—o where-so-e're our Hebrew Champion wield â—is war-like weapon and his glistring shield Whose glorious splendor darts a dreadfull light â—ll turn their backs and all be-take to flight â—orgetting Fame Shame Vertue Hope and all â—heir hearts are
of blessings manifold Went from this earth fivescore and ten yeeres old After his death this man of great account With grief was buri'd on Ephraim Mount The Use Worthy Captaine who will not thee commend A godly life makes ay a godly end Who fights for GOD with never fading baye◠Shall have his Temples trimmed and with laye◠Men and women his praises shall extoll His name famous shall be in Jovahs roll THE GARDEN OF ZION The Judges 1. Othniel 2. Ehud 3. Shamgar 4. Barak 5. Gideon 6. Abimelech 7. Tolah 8. Jair 9. Jephte 10 Ibsan 11. Elon 12. Abdon 13. Samson 14. Micah 15. Eli 16 Samuel 1. OTHNIEL The time of God WHen divers had afflicted Israel In a fit time the Lord sent Othniel By him great things in his lifetime were done Come of Kenaz good Calebs brother Son In Kiriath-sepher for vent'ring his life Caleb him gave his faire Achsah to wife King Chusan Rishataim he supprest By him Israel fourtie yeers had rest The Use In greatest troubles and in dangers prime The Lord will send comfort in fittest time 2. EHUD Excellent WHen Isra'l sin'd Moab with Amalek Were rais'd by GOD his people to correct But when they mourn'd and cryed to JOVAH He sent them Ehud first Son of Gerah This man left handed was of Benjamin His sharp dager he hid his cloathes within With sword at side with present in his hand He went to Eglon King of Moab land He said O King take heed give ear to me I have from God a great message for thee When he heard that he rose out of his seat With one stroke Ehud ended the debate While thus Eglon did wallow in deaths shade The dirt came out the fat inclos'd the blade By him the host of Moab was supprest After Isra'l had fourscore yeers of rest The Use Here learne that such a rare and single fact Is not set downe in Scripture for an act To teach men thus this Ehud to follow Each man to stob the Lord doth not allow 2. SHAMGAR Throwing downe THis Shamgar was a man of great renown With an Oxe-gaod six hundred he th◠down The Use Heere learne that great is our eternall God Who can save us either by sling or goad 4. DEBORAH A Bee BARAK Lightning DEare DEBORAH thy name a honey Bee Who can expresse the praise that 's du◠thee A Prophetesse sweet thou was in thy life A Judge in ISRA'L though for sexe a wife In her time Jabin ISRA'L had opprest Captaine Sisera did them sore molest Then DEBORAH at God the Lords command Said to BARAK JABIN into thine hand I will deliver by mine arme mighty Be stout and doubt not of the victory Oh said BARAK he is a mighty fo Go thou with me if not I will not go I will said she now surely go with thee But unto thee this no honour shall be Up up now BARAK said stout DEBORAH Take courage for with us is great JOVAH In that great day the LORD in ISRA'LS sight Put Siserah with all his host to flight He fled to Jahel there hid with a vaile She pierc'd his temples with a bloody naile According to DEBORAHS prophecie A wife not BAKAR got that victorie When the great GOD had wrought out this great thing DEBORAH BARAK then began to sing The Song of DEBORAH and BARAK PRaise ye the LORD for th' avenging of his own Israel When the people offred gladely themselves unto Battell 2 Heare Kings and Princes I even I will sing unto the Lord Vnto the Lord God of Isra'l I will praises afford 3 Lord when thou went'st from Seir when thou did march from Edom land The Earth trembled the Heav'ns dropped the Clouds they did disband 4 The Mountaines melted from before the Lord God Eternall Even that Sinai from before thee Lord God of Israel 5 In Shangars dayes Son of Anath in the dayes of Jael The high wayes were unoccupied they went in by wayes all 6 The indweller of villages in Israel did cease Vntill that I Deborah rose a mother to make peace 7 They chose new gods then in their gates was warre was their a shield Or speare among fourty thousand in all Israels field 8 My heart to Isral's Governours is that vvith one accord Offred themselves most willingly to Battell blesse the Lord. 9 Speake ye that ride on white asses In cheefe rulers aray And yee that sit in judgement and that travel by the way 10 And yee the poorest of the land whose tread was still to drawe Waters who for fear of Archers did greatly stand in awe Yee from this feare delivered Gods great workes magnifie Who hath given justice and traffiique in village and citie 11 Awake awake awake awake Deborah sing anone Arise Barak and lead captive thou of Ahinoan Son 12 He that remaines he made to rule ov'r the Nobilitie Ov'r the people the Lord me gave rule over the mighty 14 Of Ephraim ' gainst Amalek there was a root worthie Also among this great people Benjamin after thee From Machir of Manasse came governours goodly men To this service came Zebulon scribes that handle the pen 15 And the most mighty Princes of strong Issachar that day Were with Deborah in the field ev'n Issachar I say Also Barak to the valley sent on foot did depart For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart 16 Why would not thou from the sheep folds go for to act thy part For the divisions of Reuben were great searching of heart 17 Beyond Jordan Gilead abode and why did Dan remaine In ships Asher on the Sea shore in his breaches sought gaine 18 Zebulon and Naphtali were armed with speare and shield Their lives they jeoparded in the high places of the field 19 The Kings of Cana'n came and fought Jabin for to maintaine In Tana'ch neere to Megiddo but thereby did not gaine 20 The clouds and wind'gainst Sisera did fight from the heav'ns hie The Stars in their courses also fought most couragiouslie 21 The river Kishon even Kishon did sweepe them all away O thou my soule thou hast dovvntrode great strength vvithout delay 22 Then vvere the strong horse hoofs broken in great rage and furie By the means of the pransings even pransings of the mightie 23 Curse yee Meros most bitterly yea curse 〈◊〉 the Angel Because against these foes they did not help the Eternall 24 The Wife of Heber Jael shall blest above Women be She shall be blest above Women in the tent most surely 25 He asked vvater and she gave him milke of svvet relish She also vvisely butter brought foorth in a lordly dish 26 She vvith a hammer and a naile smote Sisera indeed VVhen she had pierced his temples she did smite of his head 27 He bovv'd and fell and lay dovvne h◠at her feet hovv'd and fell VVhere he bovv'd there he fell downe dead at the feet of Jahel 28 Sisera's mother looked out at vvindovves and did cry Through the lattesse vvith joy of heart
thousand they in armour bright Prepar'd in Battell ' gainst Isra'l to fight From Gibeah in that armie were then Expert in war seven hundred chosen men Left handed strong who to fight would not spare They with their sling stones well could hit an haire Against all these the Israelites had then In readinesse foure hundred thousand men They went to GOD first to seeke his counsell To know which of them first should give Battell To them this answere came from great JOVAH Unto the Battell first shall go Judah Then Israel right stoutly did begin To go to battell against Benjamin And they againe all in armour full bright Prepar'd them selves against Isra'l to fight Brave warriours all glistring with harnesse Threw downe that day Isra'l with great distresse Twentie six thousand joined with some few Unto Isra'l twentie two thousand slew To GOD againe they went to seek counsell If they should give to Benjamin battell Go up said GOD your anger to fulfill Go up why not if so it be your will The second day came Israel to fight Against Benjamin but were put to flight Of that great armie of Isral's children Destroyed down were eighteene thousand men Then Israel perceiving at the last Great numbers nought they ran to GOD by fasâ— They weeped sore and powred out their heart Then GOD was moved for to take their part Up up said God to war I you command To morrow I will put them in your hand On the third day Israel did begin A bloody battell against Benjamin At the first meeting which was with furie Of Isral's brave men were then slaine thirtie Then Benjamin uplifting his proud crist Cri'd they are smitten down as at the first Then Israel by GOD himself made wise Said Let us flie and draw them to high wayes At Baal Tamar they all in good array Prepar'd themselves to fight stoutly that day Liers in wait came out of hole and bore Ten thousand chosen made the battell sore The LORD Captaine this great host did command Therefore Benjamin that day could not stand Before behinde Israel did them hew Twentie five thousand and five score they slew The Use See what is lust consider how therefore Were slaine sixtie five thousand and five score Let men also when they their armies send Heere learne not on great numbers to depend THE GARDEN OF ZION RUTH Watered WIth famine prest these persons went anone Elimelech Naomi with Mahlon And Chilion their sons from Bethlehem To MOAB land that they might their remaine ELIMELECH Naomis best beloved At last by pale death was from her removed Then her two sons their hearts for to rejoice Of RUTH and ORPAH made their onely choisâ— But in their mariage this was a great spot These women were from the incest of Lot For Moab was against all divine order His mothers sonne and also his owne brother After ten yeares in mariage were past These two young men both died at the last Then poore Naomi deliv'red from dread Hearing how God had given to Isra'l bread Said to Orpah and Ruth her daughters dear Goe to your owne for I must hence retire The Lord in mercy deale with you kindlie As ye have dealt with the dead and with me The Lord in mercy work all to your best That with your husbands each of you finde rest Then kissing them they weeped bitterlie They said surely we will returne with thee Naomi said My daughters turne again For now with me ye can no more remaine The Lord mo sons on me doth not allow Which I for husbands might give unto you Then all did weepe then Orpah tooke her leâ— But to NAOMI RUTHS heart fast did cleave Not so Naomi said Behold Orpah Best thou returne with thy sister in law Intreat me not said Ruth I pray humblie For to returne from following after thee Both going lodging people and our God Shall all be one with thee mine whole abode I mind to make to live and die indeed With thee I minde and al 's to be buri'd From thee I will by no meanes now depart Nothing but death on earth shall us two part When she her saw so stedfastly persist She said to Ruth to speake more I desist Then they two went with little meanes with them Unto her city called BETHLEHEM Unto her many came where she abade Is this Naomi each to other said No more that name said she belongs to me Call me Marah because God bitterlie Hath dealt with me the LORD hath more and more Against me wrought and hath afflicted sore Beside her dwelt Booz a wealthie man A neere and deare friend of her dead husband The barley harv'st was Ruth desired then In great mister some ears of corne to gleane She went to fields God did direct her chose She came unto the reaperâ— of Booz When Booz knew Ruth the Moabitesse His melting heart did pitie her distresse Then did Booz speake friendly to her heart See from this field that thou do not depart When thou gleanest abide neere the women Concerning thee I shall direct the men That they thee touch not when thou art a thirst Go to the vessels and take of the best After that Ruth had such great fovour found She bowed humbly even unto the ground Saying thou art a rich man high in place And â— a stranger in thine eyes finde grace Then Booz said It hath been shown to me How kind thou hast beene unto Naomi The LORD of love who doth all things remark Reward thee full and recompence thy worke Then loving Booz in things of all sort Left no thing undoone that might Ruth comfort Both meet and drink she got while she did gleane Booz handfulls the reapers did ordaine To leave of purpose that for coming foorth Shee might returne home with some thing of worth When she had eaten she put up a part Which shee brought home with a most loving heart Unto Naomi who blest the most Hie Who had made her to finde such charitie Then said Naomi I will do my best Eor thee my daughter to seeke out a rest I trust my hope shall take some good effect Wash thee therefore and do as I direct Though thou be Ruth a silly widow poor Feare not to go unto his threshing floore When he hath ended both to drinke and eat Marke where he lyes last uncover his feet Waite well thy time and after lay thee downe And he will tell thee what is to be done As Naomi her daughter had informed All was by Ruth so in due time performed Then Booz to bed with a merry heart Went after Ruth past softly to her part She well resolv'd not fearing hurt or scorne Lay down with Booz neere an heap of corne At midnight houre when his first sleep did passe He was afraid and wondred who it was Who can this be Who art thou then he said I am said she even Ruth thine owne hand maid I come to thee in all humilitie My neere kinsman now spread thy skirt on
me Then Booz said the Lord his blessing send To thee whose kindnesse in the latter end To me an old man now doth most appeare Courage daughter thou need'st no thing to feare Thy praise is high above the common pitch Who seeks not young men whether poore or rich And now daughter see what thou most desires For I will doe each thing that thou requires In this city i'ts known to every man That thou art a good and vertuous woman The Lord he knowes thou art to me full deare But know this there is a kinsman more neere If he refuse and the neere match forsake I promise heere to wife I will thee take When Booz after did that man require His answere was that match I not desire Then Booz having ended all the strife Made choise of Ruth for to remaine his wife A little after all these things were done God blessed Ruth who bare to him a sonne His name OBED to many joy did bring He was grand father to David the King The Use Heere learne that Christ who of all men wâ— best Did come of Ruth who was from Lots incest Heere learne how God exalts the basest things From this poore gleaner did spring many Kingâ— THE GARDEN OF ZION The Bookes of Samuel ELKANAH The Lord is jealous THere was a man of faire mount Ephraim Whom Scripture calleth Elkanah by name His Hebrew name clearely doth signifie For some great thing JEHOVAHS jealousie Two wives he had Peninah and Hannah Yeerely he went to worship JEHOVAH In Shilo where the Arke of GOD did stand For so to do the LORD did them command Peninnah proud because of her children Provok'd Hannah because she was barren To her she was even like a trapping net Seeking alwayes to make her heart to fret While her husband perceiv'd her grief and smaâ— With these good wordes he did comfort her heâ— Why weepest thou for want of fair children I to thee shall be better then sons ten Then Hannah in great bitternesse of heart Went to Shiloh from GOD to ease her smart In her prayer she weeped bitterly She vow'd this vow unto the LORD most hie O LORD of Hoasts if thou now wilt indeed Looke on the grief of me thy poor handmaid If thou wilt give to thy servant a Son He shall be thine the rasor shall not come Upon his head he all his dayes shall be A faithfull servant consecrate to thee While she continued in prayers divine Priest Eli thought she had beene after wine How long said Eli wilt thou drunken be Arise arise and put thy wine from thee My LORD said she do not so of me think I am not drunk with wine nor such strong drinâ— In my great grief in anguish with great smart Before the LORD I have powr'd out my hearâ— Let not my LORD this thought in thy heart faâ— That thy handmaid is one of Belial From GOD I have been seeking some reliefe Who hath an eye to my complaint and grief Then Eli said with great affection The great GOD grant thee thy petition When this was said the woman went her way She eat her meat her face was fill'd with joy The son she sought from great GOD eternell From her asking was called Samuel This son her chear'd against Peninnahs strife Unto the Lord she lent him all his life The Use Let us learne heere our vaine pride to represse And not to grieve these that are in distresse Let us learne heere to judge in charitie Of others plungd in great adversitie Let us learne heere when ought doth us dismay To run to God and humbly him to pray The Song of Hannah MY heart rejoiceth in the Lord my horn exalt did he My mouth is greatly now inlarg'd for his goodnesse to me 2 There is none holy as the Lord there is none beside thee There is no rock that is like God our God the Lord most hie 3 Talke no more proudly as ye do speake not with arrogance For all our deeds the Lord doth weigh in his sacred ballance 4 The strong bowes of the mighty men are broken all at length And they that stumbled now are girt with force and divine strength 5 They that were full in plentie have hir'd out themselves for bread And they that were in great distresse from God have found remeed 6 The Lord by his strong arme doth kill and he also doth save He lifteth up he bringeth downe unto the stinking grave 7 By his power he doth make poore and also maketh rich He bringeth low and raiseth up unto a certaine pitch 8 He bringeth up out of the dust the poore from the dunghill To Princes seats the strong pillars of earth he makes stand still 9 He will keepe the feet of his saints the wicked in darknesse Shall all bee silent none by strength shall prevaile more or lesse 10 These fooles who do reject the Lord shall soone be broke to pieces With thunders shall he trouble them though they be great as Princes and strength give to his King His horne shall fill with holy oyle and make him long to reigne 15. ELI My God IN Isra'l Judge and Priest was old ELI My God his Hebrew name doth signifie He had two sons Hophni and Phineas Who did against the Lord greatly trespasse With greede and whooredome a most filthie vicâ— They made all men contemne Gods sacrifice Their father Eli in his words too smooth Preferr'd to God his sons in his reproof Therefore the Lord resolv'd them all to kill By fall in Battell he their blood did spill For Elis fault the Lord gave him this check He from his seat did fall and breake his neck As for his sons who in vice did excell They lost their life in a bloody battell The Use By Father Eli let all fathers heere Learne not to love too much their children dear Let Levits learne heere not to do or thinke That which may make Gods sacrifice to stinke 16 SAMUEL Asked of God Here is a Saint the Son of good Hannah Asked of God the most high Jehovah He was a man of a most holy heart He from the womb for God was set apart When he was young and Elis eyes were dim The Lord in Silo did appeare to him Foure times he cried unto him Samuel Before he knew that it was th' Eternall To him the Lord there great plagues did reveale Against Eli which he did not conceale My plagues said God I will upon him spend When I begin I al 's will make an end Him will I judge and his two sons most vile Against his house I will my wrath reveale After all this young Samuel went to bed Fearing to tell t' ELI what God had said The morning come said Eli to Samuel What God hath said see that thou now me tell But if thou faine if that thou doe not so God so to thee doe and much more also Then good Samuel told to him every whit Nothing from ELI did he keep secret When this old
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
house and Judahs gave to thee If in thine eyes that too little had beene I would moreover unto thee have given Even such and such things great renowne and fame Which I bestow on these that feare my name Why hast thou beene so foolish and unwise As Gods precepts thus to tread and despise Most wickedly to do evill in his sight To seeme godly and yet to use such slight Poore Uriah the Hittite in a word Thou cruelly hast killed with the sword Thou first defil'd and now hast tae'n to wife His deare ewe-lamb and reft him of his life Thou lives secure as though no ill were done Thou hast him slaine with the sword of Amon. Now after sin shall surely come the smart Hence from thine house the sword shal not depart Because by blood and vile adulterie Two scandals great thou hast despised me Thus saith the Lord who is most righteous I will against thee out of thine house Raise up much evill I will before thine eyes Even take thy wives and give them for to please Thy neighbour who with them shall openly Before the Sunne in beastly manner lye These most vile sins in secret thou hast done But this before all Israel and the sun Shall be see what shall be in end thy luck When for such sinnes such sorrowes thou shalâ— truck And so exchange that for thy filthie lust Thou shalt still smart untill thou turne to dust Ev'n as a bird greev'd in a wierie gail Doth lowring droop and hang the wing anâ— taile Even so shalt thou the rest of all thy time Perplexed be for thy most bloody crime Then David pierced through the very heart Of his folies began to feel the smart He was so lively touched for his sin That how to speak or how his speach begin He doubted much whiles this whiles that did sound Within his breast his thoughts did him confound At last with teares his mouth utt'red this word I have alas sinned against the Lord By my fleshly and most uncleane desire I like a swine have wallow'd in the mire I like a beast have not well understood What guiltinesse comes by shedding of blood Heere in thy presence to thy Holinesse Against my self my sin I do confesse These bloods alas are ever in presence They weigh down sore upon my conscience How can I hence before thee lift my face Who have profest and yet practisd disgrace Against thee who me from the ewes did take And of a sheepheard me a King did make Most justly may thy wrath with loudest raps Ev'n through my heart thrill roaring thunder claps But oh O Lord forget my hainous sin Take mercies kyes and let my soul come in Though I have sinn'd yet will I still beleeve That thou in mercy wilt my sins forgive Then Nathan said The Lord thy sinnes surelie Hath put away fear not thou shalt not die From death eternall I will thee protect But justice willeth that I thee correct Thy sinne therefore I will visit in hast Ev'n blood for blood for adulterie incest Thou shalt not faile to feel a greevous smart For from thine house the sword shall not depart Because thy sinne hath caused blasphemie Therefore thy Sonne shall now most surely die When Nathan was departed to his house Then God the Lord who is most righteous Did strike the child with great and sore sicknesse Then David God besought in his goodnesse That he would not remove the child by death For this he fasting lay upon the earth The Elders came and urged him to eat But he would not refresh himself with meat When it was told him that the child by death Removed was he quickly rose from th' earth He wash'd himself and chang'd his countenance To the Lords house he went with diligence From thence to his owne house there he sought meate They gave him bread and he began to eat What thing is this then did his servants say While thy childe liv'd thou did both fast and pray But when the child was knowne for to be dead Thou rose from earth with courage to eat bread Then answ'red he While the childe was alive I did then pray that God would let him live But now h 'is dead God would it so to be I know he will no more returne to me After his death Bathshebah bare a son To David who did call him Solomon But Nathan sent from the great JEHOVAH Changed his name unto Jedidiah A man of peace beloved of the Lord Of both the names the clear sense doth afford In this meane time the great GOD JEHOVAH Remembred what had beene done to Vriah Then his threatnings began to take effect Great plagues were sent David for to correct Amnon defil'd his dear sister Tamar For this Absalom Amnons life did mar This man who did excell in great beautie In Hebron made a lewd conspiracie To slay David both his father and King That after he upon his throne might reigne He not ceasing from this ill work begun His fathers wives defil'd before the Sun He wanting the true feare of th'Eternell ' Gainst his father fiercely went to battell At Bahurim that vile rogue Shimei Like a cur dog did raile most bitterly Crying Come out thou man of Belial A bloody man thou shalt now pay for all The Lord at last who is most wise and good Hath upon thee returned all the blood Of King Sauls house in whose stead than dost reigne Thy son shall rule thou shalt no more be King The LORD hath plagued thee with shame and griefe Behold thou art taken in thy mischief Then stout Abishai son of Zerviah Davids sister not knowing that JOVAH Made David smart said Why should this dogg dead So curse th King I will take off his head He said to David Let me go anone That for his fault I may fall him upon But David knowing the minde of JOVAH Said What with you the sons of Zerviah Have I to do Let him now curse he said For upon him the LORD this taske hath laid That he David should curse who then shall say Wherefore hast thou vile man so done this day Yea more David unto Abishai said A greater grief upon my heart is laid Behold the son of my bowels is come To seeke my life and to take my Kingdome How much more may this beastly Benjamite Do what he doth with a despightfull sprite Seeing I am so wronged by my Son I pray you all to let this man alone Let him curse still touch him not with youâ— hand For what he saith it is by GODS command It may be that God with compassion Will looke upon my great affliction And that he will though he a space delay Requite me good for his cursing this day Then Davids armie ready with great might Prepar'd themselves ' gainst Absalom to fight When David view'd the march of his armie He said to Joab and Abishai Deare friends I pray deal gently with my Son Deal gently with the young man Absalom When
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
race 〈◊〉 Of ill Ahab nothing he did possesse 〈◊〉 Gods grace but contemning th' Eternell â—e walked after the wicked counsell â—f Ahabs house which did him sore annoy â—or him with it stout Jehu did destroy â—e went with Joram for to take his part â—gainst Jehu for which he felt the smart For sins against God he could not forbeare Therefore his Kingdome lasted but a yeere The Use Let all men learne that sin is not a sport It ends our dayes and cuts our honours shoâ— Let these here learne who are made Kings grace To chuse their wives of good and godly race 7. JOASH The fire of the Lord. VVHen Athaliah did see that her Son King Ahaziah was by Jehu slaine She rose in rage her whole force to imploy The Royall race of Judah to destroy When she in furie cruel did conspire Against Judah then Joash from that fire By God was sav'd his Father Sister deare Jehoshabeath did hid him in that feare This good woman wife of Jehojadah Was appointed by the great Jehovah To save this Prince in these times of great feaâ— This Priest him hid the space of whole six yearâ— Jehojadah at last did him foorth bring By force of armes he Crown'd and made him King When Athaliah heard how all was done Shee rent her cloaths and said Treason treason When this was said up stood Jehojadah The Priest of the Almighty JEHOVAH Captaines said he have this vile woman foorth Of Gods house ranges though she by birth A Kings daughter now take her in disdaine Without the temple let her now be slaine When all things ord'red were in this estate They slew her at th'entring of the horse gate Then all were moved by Jehojadah To make a Covenant with great JEHOVAH Then the people went with all diligence To Baals house for to exact vengeance They brake it downe his Altars they down threw With Images Mattan the Priest they slew They offred burnt offrings and Psalmes did sing That done upon a Throne they set the King Of seven years old before he was a man Of strength and wit Joash to rule began He was a man well set for Jehovah During the dayes of good Jehojadah He in great zeale made all to contribut Great meanes which he at last did distribut For to prepare the house of great Jovah Which had been spoil'd by vile Athaliah Who to break downe Gods house did well alloâ— The spoile she did on Baalim bestow After this Hazael King of Syria Tooke Gath to the Citie of Jehovah He set his face to compasse it in round To make a breach and bring it to the ground But Joash fearing such forces that day Gave him the treasurs so he went away As long as Joash had Jehojadah He uprightly did walk with Jehovah But after this most worthy man was dead Who for his worth with the Kings was buri'd Joash the King with Princes of Judah Did leave the house of the great Jehovah Unto their sins they were most foolish slaves Who like heathens did serve idols and groves Yet he to them his holy Prophets sent To teach them his divine commandement Against them they did testifie sincere But they unto their words would not give eare Then the good sprit of the great Jehovah Came upon the Prophet Zechariah Jehojadahs son who stood up and said To the people Thus saith th' Almighty God Why doe ye thus the Lords precepts transgresse Why sin ye still stoutly without regresse â—ee cannot prosper because yee have now â—orsaken God he hath forsaken you â—hen wicked men commanded by the King â—t Zechariah stones with spight did fling â—his man of God they slew with one accord â—n the faire court of the house of the Lord â—hus Joash king killing Zechariah â—orgot the kindnesse of Jehojadah â—e not remembring what that man had done â—or him in straite but after kill'd his son When he was dyeing this was his desire â—ord looke upon it and also require After this fact neere the end of the year â—oash with his men were troubled with feare â—he Syrian armie in number but small â—pon his hoast with great fiercenesse did fall Who ' gainst Joash did execute judgement â—or his transgressing Gods commandement After this King Joash in great sicknesse Was left because in blood he did transgresse â—is owne servants who at his table fed â—ere cruelly did kill him on his bed â—ne of these servants had this name Zabad â—he others name was call'd Jehozabad â—f seven years old a childe by Jehovah â—ade King he raign'd fourty years in Judah Because Gods Prophet he slew cruelly God suffred not him in Kings graves to lye The Use He who for good with an unthanfull heart Shall render ill ill never shall depart From his house A murdrer though a greâ— King The Lord with blood unto the grave shall brinâ— 8. AMAZIAH The strength of the Lord. THis Amaziah as the historie Declareth did reigne yeers nine and twenâ— That he did good we have in holy write But in Gods sight his heart was not perfite These men he slew who had his father slaine But by Gods statutes spared their children Against Edom he three hundred thousand Of Judahs men had ready at command A hundred thousand he of Israel Did hire with him to go unto Battell But from the Lord a man came to the King Who him discharg'd Israels men to bring Unto his host for God with Israel Said he is not The Lord in this battell Will not thee help If thou them with thee take The Lord he shall both thee and thine forsake Then Amaziah unto him did say An hundred talents these men have this day Receiv'd from me Who shall these now restore The Lord said he will render thee much more Then Amaziah did command these men Who not of Judah but Irsa'ls children To turne back soone and to their home returne For which much wrath in their bosome did burn Then this King stout with Judahs men alone Ten thousand smot of the men of Edom Ten thousand al 's this King did leave alive Whom he by valoure did cary captive These he did bring to the top of a rock He threw them downe their bones in pieces brok But Fy fy fy this most unthankfull King Their idol gods unto Judah did brng He bow'd before these things that had no sense And al 's unto them he did burne incense Wherefore the anger of the great Jovah Sore kindled was against Amaziah He sent to him a Prophet for to tell That by idols he had greev'd th' Eternell Why hast thou said he sought of other lands The gods which their owne people from thâ—â— hands Could not rescue Where is respect and fear Then said the King I charge thee to forbeare To speak such words thou base man hast no placâ— Be silent lest they smite thee on the face Well said the Prophet at thy commandemeâ— I shall forbeare and shall remaine silent For now I know the great God Eternell
I reckned till morning that as a Lion so surelie He will my bones break Of me thou wilt make an end speedie 5 Like a poor cran in great distresse or a troubled swallow So did I chatter I did mourne as doth the simple dove My eyes do faile with looking up and very dimmed be O Lord I am oppressed sore now undertake for me 6 What shall I say He spoken hath and al 's hath done no lesse I shall go softly all my yeeres in my soules bitternesse 7 In all these things is the life of my Sprite they that believe Do live by them Recover me and so make me to live 8 Behold for a desired peace I had great bitternesse But thou in love hast sav'd me from the pit of rottenesse For thou who of afflicted men dost ever notice take In thy great mercie all my sinnes hast cast behinde thy back 9 For grave cannot thee praise and death can not celebrate thee They that goe to the pit can not hope for thy trueth surelie 10 The living the living he shall praise thee as I this day The fathers shall to their children make knowne thy truth alway 11 The Lord was ready me to save therefore we with accord To the string'd instruments will sing in the house of the Lord. The Use â—f Kings shall serve the Lord with all their heart â—n great trouble the Lord shall take their part But this the Lord of heav'n can not abide â—hat hearts of Kings be lifted up with pride 13. MANASSEH Forgetting JOseph comforted by Gods great mercy Which made him quite forget his misery From such forgetting he his first born Son Called Manasseh so for such reason â—t may be this King at first got his name He in his life was stain'd with sin and shame â—ike heathen men void of Gods feare and grace He in folie did build up the high place Which his father commanded to destroy He did it build with chearfulnesse and joy As though a God had not beene in Isra'l He madly rear'd up Altars for Baal He made a grove and with much folly driv'n He gave worship unto the host of Heav'n Observing times and using inchantments He did despise the Lords commandements He al 's provoking the Lord unto ire Made his own sons to passe through burning fiâ— He dealt with wizards and sin worthy death He did which did God much provoke to wraâ— In his folly worthy the name of rage He set in Gods house a most vile image This man practisde more vile abominations Then were done by profane heathen nations Who by the force of the great Eternell Destroyed were before his Israel At last the Lord full of compassions Abhorred such abominations Because this man said he hath plaide foole Defiling Judah with his vile idole Behold I bring such troubles and such feares Which shall cause tingle all the hearers earâ— â—r such doings wherein is no relish â—rusalem now wiped like a dish â—all be In red war their foes shall them foil â—hey shall to them become a prey and spoil â—r since from Egypt I brought them the way â—hat was most right they ever went astray Manasseh more in his furie most rude 〈◊〉 Salem did shed much innocent blood While Manasseh did not regard Gods check â—rong Babels captaine took him by the neck â—mong the thornes and him with fetters bound â—o the Lord did this vile man much confound Yet when he was in great affliction â—e ran to God with supplication â—efore the Lord he much humbled his heart â—e pray'd to God who heard him in his smart â—nd helped him and brought him back againe â—rom Babel for in Salem to remaine Then Manasseh did by experience â—ost surely know that God was his defence â—hen was his heart inflamed with gods love â—e all strange gods with idols did remove â—ll strange Altars he brake downe speedily â—ith zeal and cast them out of the city â—t last this King who to God gracious â—eturned was buri'd in his owne house The Use Let sinners learne for no sinne to despaire No sin there is but God can it repaire For witchcraft blood and vile idolatry Manasseh humble did obtaine mercy 14. AMON Faithfull true THis wicked man of two and twenty year Began to reigne He voide of all Gods feâ—â— Did reigne two years God made his Kingdoâ— short Because he made of wickednesse a sport He with Manassch in his wayes was bad But did not with Manasseh turne to God At last against this King unrighteous His servants rose and slew him in his house After this done the people all in ire Did kill these men who did his death conspirâ—â— The Use Let Kings beware of sin to make a sport For many sins doe cut their honours short â—â—t parents learne to feare to goe astray â—â—r their children often follow their way â—â—t Subjects learne to feare their Kings to kill â—â—r other shall not faile their blood to spill 15. JOSIAH The fire of the Lord. BEhold Josiah consider a part The fire of Zeale cleare burning in his heart â—â—ght years he was when he upon the Throne â—â—gan to sit he reigned thirty one â—â—e did with God most constantly abide â—â—om Davids wayes he turned not aside â—hen he was come to eighteene years of age â—ough young in years he was both grave and sage He sent scribe Shaphan to Priest Hilkijah â—â—at the silver for the house of JOVAH â—â—th'red at doores as GODS word did command â—ight be shortly put in the workemans hand Then to Shaphan said the Priest Hilkijah â—ave now found in the house of JOVAH â—ods Law-book Then Shaphan tooke it with speed And with great joy and gladnesse it did read After Shaphan this book did with him bring And it in haste did read before the King When he the words heard of that Testament For greef and sorrow the King his cloaths rent Then diverse men by him were set to looke To try right soone the meaning of the Booke A great wrath said he is against us kindled For our fathers against God have rebelled Then at the last the good Priest Hilkijah With others went to Prophetesse Huldah This woman in a Colledge at Salem Did dwell with wisedome she said unto them Thus saith the great Lord God of Israel Vnto the man that sent you yee shall tell Behold I will bring ill upon this place Th' inhabitants I will greatly disgrace All the plagues I will send without remeed Which good Josiah in that Booke did read My wrath against this place shall kindled bee Because of their most vile idolatrie But go and tell the good King Josiah This message from the mighty Lord Jovah Because thou had a trembling tender heart And for such sins did often weepe apart Because when I did speake against this place Thou rent thy cloaths with teares drenching thy face â—hold thou shalt now this great comfâ—rt have 〈◊〉 peace thou shalt be gath'red to thy grave â—ough dayes be coming full of miseries â—â—ore
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
Ahab passing by that place Thy servant went out into the Battell While there I was this unto me befell Behold a man turning himselfe aside Who brought a man unto me and thus said Keep me this man for if he be missing Then for his life thy life shall be the thing Which shall be ransome or surely deliver Without delay a full talent of silver But as thy servant busie was anone This captive man away from me was gone When this was said then said to him the Kâ— Now thou thy self hast decided the thing Of that matter speak thou no more to me Thus hast thou done so shall thy judgement bee When that was said the Prophet in that place Hasted and took the ashes from his face â—hen did the King discerne there most clearely â—hat this man was come with some Prophecy â—hen said the Prophet Thus saith GOD the LORD â—ecause thou hast rebell'd against my word â—ecause thou hast let goe out of thine hand 〈◊〉 man whom I to destroy did command â—cause that thou refused to do this â—hy peoples life and thine shall go for his â—en King Ahab went to his house heavy â—hich then was in Samarias city After these things it befell in that place â—at good Naboth hard by Ahabs palace â—d a vineyard which was in Jezreel â—is man his vineyard was desir'd to sell Ahab King who offred him money 〈◊〉 a vineyard better then it could be But this answere to Ahab he did tell â—e LORD forbid that I to thee should sell â—at which I have for mine inheritance â—m my fathers and not by hap or chance Then Ahab to his house return'd heavy And laid him downe upon his bed sadly He turn'd away his face in his sick bed He freted so that he would eat no bread But Jezabel his wife came him unto Arise said she I know well what to doe Do'st thou not rule the Kingdome of Isra'l Art thou not King over both great and small Arise and eat and also be merrie For Naboths vineyard I will give to thee So to the Elders she in Ahabs name Sent Sealed letters a fast to proclame Set Naboth soone said she in some hâ— place Among the people set before his face Two wicked men who may witnesse this thinâ— That Naboth hath blaspheem'd GOD and King When that is done him carie out quickly Him stone with stones that he may surely diâ— Then the Elders ill Judges without grace Condemn'd Naboth to be ston'd in that place When he was dead they sent to Jezabel For to tell how all the matter befell When she this knew she unto sick Ahab Did cry arise for now Naboths vineyard 〈◊〉 in thy pow'r go take possession â—ho darre controll a great Kings action When AHAB heaâ—d that poore Naboth was dead â—e went unto his vineyard with great speed â—or of the same to take possession â—ho darre controll a great Kings action Then the Lord spake to Elijah saying Arise goe downe to meet Ahab the King â—ehold how he in his great wickednesse 〈◊〉 gone poore Naboths vineyard to possesse â—eake unto him by my direction â—ast thou killed and al 's possession â—ast taken now Where thou hast Naboth good â—illed with stones there dogges shall lick thy blood Then said Ahab to Elijah quickly â—ast thou me found O thou mine enemy â—ea said Elijah for with all thy might â—hou hast thee sold to do ill in GODS sight â—ehold I will bring fearefull plagues on thee â—hee will I spoile of all posteritie â—hem will I slay that pisse against the wall â—oth him that s shut up and left in Isra'l Behold also for thy vile bloody spot Thine house like that of the son of Nebat Shall be brought downe or like to Baasha Whose race was rooted out by Jehovah The LORD also spake this to Jezebel The dogs most vile shall her in Jezreel Eat Ahabs children shall destoyed be By soules in fields by dogs in the city Among the Kings which govern'd Israel None was like Ahab who himselfe did sell To work mischiefe in the course of his life To this he was by Jezebel his wife Most stirred up he like a raging foole Did give himselfe to Amorits idol When Ahab heard these words of Elijah Which threatningly he spake from Jehovah He rent his cloths and put sack on his flesh Then he with meat would not himself refresh This King did lye in great humilitie In sack also a mourner went softly Then came the word from the great Jehovaâ— Unto his faithfull Prophet Elijah To whom he said Behold how before me Ahab the King in sackloth most humblie Doth lye and fast I promise for this thing In his lifetime judgements I will not bring â—ut because I am a GOD righteous My plagues after shall come upon his house Then Israel living without all feare â—or three yeers space was free of bloody warre â—ith Syria The third yeer it befell â—saphat came to the King of Isâ—a'l â—ven King Ahab who to his servants said â—now ye not well that Ramoth in Gilead 〈◊〉 ours by right and yet we care no thing 〈◊〉 to rescue from the great Syrians King To Josaphat Ahab said so and so â—ilt thou O King to Ramoth with me go 〈◊〉 fight against the Syrian armie â—th horse and man at thy service shall be â—id good Josaphat But this I desire â—at thou this day at the Lords word enquire Then King Ahab gath'red together there â—s false Prophets the matter to declare 〈◊〉 them he said now give me your counsell â—'gainst Ramoth I shall goe in Battell 〈◊〉 up said they for so God doth command â—ho shall surely shute Ramoth in thine hand Josaphat said yet farther I desire 〈◊〉 there not heere of whom we may enquire Prophet of the Lord besides yet one â—ere is said Ahab Micajah the Son Imlah whom I hate for he for me Hath never good in all his prophesie Josaphat said Let not the King say so We heard the rest we will heare him also Thus Ahab sent for Micajah that day To heare also what he to them could say Then these two Kings sate in great dignitie Each on his Throne adorn'd with Majestie In the entrance of Samarias gate Waiting upon Micajah the Prophet Before he came the Prophets pleasantlie Unto these Kings did good things prophecie Zedekiah Son of Chenaanah With hornes of yron said Thus saith Jehovah With these yron hornes this I now give for doome The Syrians host thou shalt push and consume So likewise all the Prophets then by order Said unto him Goe to Ramoth and prosper The warre is Gods and good is thine earand The Lord shall Ramoth put into thine hand He that was gone for to call Micajah Said unto him Behold from Jehovah All the Prophets speake good with one accoâ— Vnto the King So also let thy word Be like to theirs be not too strict and rude But to the King speake thou that which is good Then him answer'd the Prophet Micajah â—s God
ran after a shamefull bribe to crave Is this a time money garments to seeke Oxen or sheep vineyards or servants eke Behold therefore Naamans leprosie To thee and thine shall cleave most speedilie When this was said that men GODS fâ— might know That villaine went out leper whit as snow Then the Prophets unto Elisha said We can not well in this strait roome abide Let us we pray thee go unto Jordan And there a great beame shall by ev'ry man Be cut that we GODS servants in Isra'l May have a place wherein that we may dwelâ— â—en said Elisha make ready to goe â—en said one thou with us must be also â—will said he and so with them he went â—nto Jordan where they incontinent â—id cut downe wood but as one did downe fell 〈◊〉 beame his Axe head in the water fell â—hen the man cri'd with great grief and sorrow â—as Master this axe I did borrow Elisha said I will thee now solace 〈◊〉 in Jordan thou canst point the right place â—here it did fall Which when he shew to him â—e by a sticke made the axe head to swimme â—o Elisha asswag'd his great sorrow â—y rendring th' axe which that man did borrow Then Syrias King against all Israel â—tended war by his servants counsell 〈◊〉 such and such a most fit place said he â—ncampad shall my greatest forces be â—hen Elisha unto Jehoram King â—nt speedy message to warne him faying â—ke heed that thou now passe not such a place â—or there in waite are foes thee to deface â—hen Jehoram hearkning this counsell wise â—id save himself there more then once or twise For this the King of Syrias heart was sore â—roubled his servants he did call therefore And said unto them can no man me tell Who traitours us to the King of Isra'l Then said one O King thinke not so I pray For what in thy bedchamber thou do'st say That Elisha can most perfectly tell To Jehoram the King of Israel Goe said the King spye mee where is tâ— man Behold said they he is now in Dothan Therefore the King sent thither with great boast Of horses charets a most mighty host Then came these men by night who were mâ— stout And compasse did the city round about When Elishas servant was up earely Behold an host did compasse the city Then he all trembling did speak so and so Alas good Master how now shall we do Then said Elisha thou needst not to feare For moe with us then with these men be heeâ— Then Elisha unto the Lord did pray That God his eyes would open in that day When GOD him heard as he did then desire His servant horses and charets of fire Did on the mountaine then most clearly see About Elisha for guard and safetie Then Elisha most bold in all distresse â—ntreated God to smite them with blindnesse â—nd so he did Then Elisha did say â—o these blind men this is not the right way â—f ye would the straight path unto these take â—hom ye now seek follow me at the back â—ut he them led unto Samaria â—hen to the Lord said Prophet Elisha â—pen the eyes of these me n I thee pray â—hat they may see where they remaine this day â—hen God op'ned their eyes and they did see â—hat they were in Samarias citie Then Jehoram as his heart did indite Cri'd Elisha my father shall I smite Sall I them smite No said Elisha spare For all these men now Gods prisoners are Would'st thou these smite whom thou by sword or bow Hast taken captive would thou that allow Set rather bread and water them before That they may eate and drink and come no more To fight with us so as GODS man did say The King he did and these men went away After Benhadad King of Syria Came with an host against Samaria The siege was sore great al 's was the famine An Asses-head which rarely hath been seene For fourescore pieces of silver was sold Doues doung was deare what one small kabbâ— could hold Cost there at that time no lesse then twenty Pieces such was the dearth in that citie Then Joram King upon the wall passing Heard a woman cry Help my LORD O King If GOD said he help thee not in distresse I cannot by Barne-floore or yet winepresse Yet said the King tell me what aileth thee This woman said she in fraud said to me We hunger sore give us thy son for meat The day and after we my son shall eat At her desire my poore son we first boil'd But on the nixt day she false me beguild She hid her sone this is a true saying This makes me cry help me my O Lord O King When the King heard these wordes of greâ— sorrow He rent his clothes these who did him follow Beheld and saw what cloths he had within Even base sackcloth neerest unto his skin Then said Joram the LORD do so and more To me if that Elishas head therefore Shall stand on him Elisha in his house Did sit when Joram most unrighteous A messenger sent swift from him before But ere he came Elisha grieved sore â—id to the Elders See this murth'rers seed â—ath sent a man to take away mine head â—hen he cometh let him no entrie finde â—ere with a sound his Master feet behinde â—en came the man with this blasphemous word â—e will no longer waite upon the Lord â—his ill from him is he will no help send â—e need not look that he us now defend Then said Elisha heare from Jehovah â—o morrow in the fair Samaria â—oth flowre and barley in a great cheapnesse â—all be for to relieve this great distresse Then said a Lord on whose hand lean'd the King â—his Prophet tells us a most scornefull thing â—hough GOD Heav'ns windowes by his arme mightie â—hould open wide this thing it could not bee â—hen said Elisha thou shalt see that meat â—ut God of it shall not give thee to eat While Samaria was in this estate â—oure leprous men were lying at its gate â—â—ch to other said in perplexitie If vvee sit heere vvee vvill not fail die Now let us goe unto the Syrian hoste Men pinch'd vvith hunger must not mens boast If they alive us save then shall we live If they us kill to be vvell vvee believe Then they rose up in the twilight most faire They to the camp came but found no man theâ— For the great Lord the Syrians in his boast Had troubled sore with noise of a great host For certaine said they the King of Isra'l Hath hired Hittits and Egyptians tall To come upon us wherefore they that day Troubled arose in hast and went away They left their tents their horses and their And al 's the camp and all that therein was When these lepers came to the Syrians caâ— With joyfull hearts they all both ate and draâ— When that was done these foure incontinenâ— Did carry thence both silver and raiment What they desir'd none did them there forbiâ— They got
riches and in the ground it hid Then each man said This is a day of grace We do not well for this to hold our peace In good tidings If we to morning light â—y some mischiefe will upon us light â—w therefore come that we may go and tell Kings household what the great Eternel â—h done for us Then to the city soone â—y went and told perfectly was done When the King heard this he arose by night â—d said This is but policie and slight â—se men do know that we be much hungry â—refore to draw us from our strong city â—y hide themselves that when we are come out â—ey may surprise and compasse us about Then said one let five horse men goe and view 〈◊〉 see if what the lepers say be true â—ese five men as the King did them allow â—ent on horse back the Syrians to follow â—ey follow'd them unto the faire Jordan â—ong the Syrians there was not a man â—ho had a heart or hand to fight that day â—r hast their clothes and armes they cast away When the Messengers returned and told â—hat God had done by mercies manifold â—e people went and their rich tents did spoile â—us God himself did that day Syria foile Elisha had spoken of cheapnesse â—f flowre and barley so it came to passe But that great Lord who doubted in his hâ— The plentie saw but of it did not taste For while the people went out in a spate To get vivers they trode him in the gate Then said Elisha to the Shunamite Goe from thy place to another more meet For the LORD surely will for whole yeâ— seven Afflict Israel with a sore famine Then she arose at Elishas command And sojourned in the Philistines land At seven yeeres end she returned and said Unto the King Oh pitie thine handmaiâ— My house and land cause novv to mee store Grant mee mine ovvne O King I crave more In this meane time the King with Gehazi Did talke and say Now briefly tell to me What great wonders the mighty LORD JOVâ— Hath wrought by thy good Master Elisha As Gehazi all such things was telling Behold the woman comes before the King Whose Son he had restored unto life Then said Gehazi behold here the wife And this her Son whom by the Lords power Elâ—â—ha did from death to life restore When the King heard the womans petition â—t she might have of all restitution Officer he sent who went therefore â—d unto her her whole rents did restore Then to Damascus came good Elisha â—d Benhadad the King of Syria â—ng then sicke one came to him and told â—od Elisha the man of GOD behold â—hither come Then unto Hazael â—e Syrian King his minde did freely tell 〈◊〉 to the man said he and in thine hand â—ke him a present for so I command â—is also try for so it doth me please I recover shall of this disease Then Hazael with a most rich present â—to Elisha went incontinent â—urty Camels burden Hazael thus â—ought to Elisha from rich Damascus â—ho said Benhadad King of Syria â—th sent Hazael to thee Elisha 〈◊〉 try if now to tell him it the please 〈◊〉 he recover shall of this disease Go said Elisha to Benhadad say â—o recover most certainly thou may â—owbeit the Lord hath clearely shewed me â—hat at this time King Benhadad shall die When this was said he set his countenancâ— On Hazael on him his eyes did glance With piercing looks then in a sorrow deep Good Elisha the man of God did weep Then Hazael said I proy thee me tell Why weeps my Lord Alas for Israel Said Elisha for I now clearely see What great mischief shall to Isra'l by thee Be done their strong holds thou shalt sâ— fire Their young men slay thou shalt in rage ire Their children dash thou shalt al 's their wâ— With child rip up when this was all said 〈◊〉 Hazael said this is a hard saying Am I a dogge that I should do such thing Then to him said the Prophet Elisha GOD saith thou shalt be King of Syria Then he came to Benhadad speedily Who said what said Elisha unto thee He told me said he that thou should'st recovâ— Of this disease so he did not discover What he had heard shortly it came to passe That he a thick cloth spred upon his face So after Benhadad the King was dead His servant Haza'l reigned in his stead After Elisha had anointed King â—u who downe ill Ahabs house did bring â—ehus sons time who call'd was Joash â—ha fell in a deadly sicknesse â—en to Elisha came Joash the King â—o said these words over his face weeping â—y father my father whom Isra'l â—ir strong Charet and Horsemen well did call Then said Elisha take to thee a bow â—d arrowes al 's on shooting to bestow â—en he did as Elisha did command â—ha put his hand upon his hand â—en the window and now shoot a shot â—d Elisha so the King as by lot â—ected well did shoot This sharp arrow â—d Elisha to thee declares that now â—is is the arrow of Gods deliv'rance â—m Syria whereon he shall vengeance â—ke by his might Againe unto the King â—sha had this Prophetick saying â—ke now thine arrowes and smite on the ground â—r in Gods eyes Isra'l hath favour found â—en he smote thrise but afterward did stay â—r this Elisha most wroth said that day five or six times thou hadst well the ground â—itten thou hadst a full victory found â—ainst Syria who do you much despise Whereas thou shalt smite Syria but thrise Then God by death Elisha tooke away And Israel was invaded that day By Moabits they bearing a dead man Afraide by troops to Elishas grave ran And let him downe As soone as he the shee And bones did touch he stood upon his feet The Use Let Prophets learne by Elishas practice Plough and Oxen to quite for GODS serviâ— Who serves the Lord hee great advantâ— hath Advantage both in life and al 's in death Let Prophets learne by Elishas desire A doubled sprit of grace for to require Silver and gold at last men shall disdaine And shall confesse that grace is onely gaine 10. JEHU Subsisting or advanced WHen Elisha an young man did appoint To go with oyle Jehu for to anoint Tâ—e young man went to Ramoth Gilead â—d did all as good Elisha him bade â—hen hee there came the Captaines were sitting â—en he to Jehu addressd this saying To thee O Captaine I have an earand â—hich thee to tell Elisha did command â—en he arose and went into an house â—ith this young man who with oyle precious â—d him anoint subjoining this saying â—ou art by GOD appointed to be King â—e bloody house of Ahab thou shalt smite â—r his great sins of malice and despite â—e blood and whooredome of vile Jezebel â—all be avenged by the Eternell â—r the whole house of Ahab shall perish â—OD shall leave none against the wall to pisse â—is house shall be saith the great
Jehovah â—ke Jeroboams or like Baasha â—ikewise in the portion of Jezreel â—he dogges shall eat the flesh of Jezebel â—r her vile sins and her most bloody furie â—hen shee is dead none shall her carcase burie When this young man had thus all these tâ— said The doore he op'ned and with speed he fled When this was done one said unto Jehuâ— Wherefore to thee came now this mad fellow Then said he this mans communication Yee well know I need no more expression All is most false said they which thou doâ— Now tell us truely what thou heard'st this 〈◊〉 I will not faine said he but will you tell He me anointed hath King of Isra'l When these men heard of Jehu this sayinâ— They trumpets blew and cri'd Jehu is Kinâ— So Jehu King ' gainst Joram did conspire To Jezreel he in wrath hot like fire Rod in charet for there Joram to slay With Ahazia who was come that day To see Joram who there cured his wounds Made by Hazael fighting in his bounds Then on a high tower in faire Jezreel Stood a watch-man who to the King did I clearely see a huge great company Then Joram said take an horseman quickly And send to meet them to them let him Is it for peace that ye come so this day When he thus said stout Jehu in a rage Said turne behinde me a most sure presage 〈◊〉 bloody warre The watchman this seeing â—ow all appear'd declar'd unto the King Yet once againe a horseman to them send â—id King Joram that what these men intend â—e may now know then went that second man â—ho one horseback to Jehus armie ran â—d said whether peace or war intend yee 〈◊〉 him Jehu al 's said Turne behind me â—en said the watchman in words true and plaine 〈◊〉 came to them but commeth not againe â—hink I see Jehu son of Nimshi â—r in driving he doth drive furiously Then Joram said make shortly ready now â—at in our charets we against Jehu â—y goe Then Joram armed went anone â—th Ahazia his own sisters Son â—g of Judah he went to that Battel â—d met Jehu in the plat of Jezre'l â—ere Naboth died When Joram saw Jehu â—cri'd aloud Is it peace for us now What peace said he as long as Jezebel â—ne ill mother with whooredomes doth rebell â—l al 's witchcrafts Then Joram turn'd quickly Ahaziah and said treachery Then Jehu drew a bow in anger hote 〈◊〉 Jehoram betweene the armes he shote The piercing arrow went out at his heart And he anone sanke downe in his charet Then said Jehu to Bidkar his Captaine Take up this corps and cast it with disdaine On Naboths field When we did serve Ahab We heard by God this burden on him laide Surely said God I have seene yesterday The blood of Naboth In this plat repay I will that murder in that plat of ground Let him be cast that the Lord may be found Both just and true When Ahaziah King This slaughter saw he in his heart fainting With all his might in his charet did flie And Jehu after follow'd him quicklie To smite him al 's his servants he did spurre With cryes who smote him going up to Guâ— Which is by Ibla'm he to Megiddo Did flie anone and there he died also Then Jehu came with haste to Jezreel Where was the witch and vile whoore Jezebâ— When she it heard she then painted her face And tyr'd her head with folies in that place She looked out and said unto Jehu Had Zimri peace who his own Master slew Then Jehu lifting up his face unto The window said who is on my side who To him three Eunuches looked out anone 〈◊〉 them he said see that ye throw her downe â—d so they did so that then from the wall â—r sprinkled blood on the Horses did fall â—ere King Jehu in zeale and anger hot â—eene Jezebel quickly troad under foot When he was come in for to eate and drinke Jezebel he began thus to thinke â—e see now this cursed woman said he â—r she is a Kings daughter verily â—e burie her they went at his commands â—t onely the skull feet palms of her hands â—ey found the greedy dogs got all the rest â—en Jehu heard this he esteemed best thinke of that which Propet Elijah â—d threatned from his Master Jehovah In the same place of pleasant Jezreel â—e dogs shall eate the flesh of Jezebel â—rvile carkase as doung upon the field â—all be no faird or force shall there it shield â—hile her dead bones scattred in Jezreel â—all be none shall say This is Jezâ—bel Thus this ill wife of wicked King Ahab â—st Queene last queane a vile and dirty drab â—as to the dogs by the Lord given for meat â—ho did her eat except skull palms and feet In Samria King Ahab had then Of sons that were in count threescore and ten Then Jehu wrote to these of Jezreel And Samaria see if ye expell My forces can Of Ahab take a Son And see if ye darre set him on the Throne They at these wordes were then exceeding lie Afraid and said it were to us folie To fight a man whose force and mighty hand Two great Kings were not able to withstand Therefore the Rulers sent unto Jehu Saying We are thy humble servants now What thou desirest now command and say With one consent we will Jehu obey Then Jehu wrote to them of the citie If ye be mine and will hearken to me Take the Sons of Ahab and Jezebel And send their heads to me in Jezreel Threescore and ten Sons of Ahab they slew Their heads in baskets they sent to Jehu What they had done men told unto the King Who said lay them in heaps till the morning So Jehu King direct'd by th' Eternel Slew all that Ahab had in Jezreel Both all his great men his kinsfolks and Priests None would he save for prayer or requests Then from Jezreel Jehu went away â—to Samaria there he by the way â—d meet comeing Ahazias brethren 〈◊〉 them he said who or what sort of men â—e ye said they we are of Royall blood â—e are come downe so it seems to us good â—ndly to sâ—e the children of the King â—d them salute we meane none other thing Then said Jehu take all these men alive â—ho are in number thirty seven and five â—ey to obey the precepts of Jehu â—d take them all and at a pit them slew After Jehu did meet Jehonadab â—ho was the Son of one called Rechab 〈◊〉 him he said Is thine heart right with me 〈◊〉 mine with thee He said it is truely â—en said Jehu give to me now thine hand â—ter my Coch as King I thee command â—w come said he according to my word â—d see what zeal I have had for the Lord. Then Jehu came unto Samaria 〈◊〉 the direction of the great Jovah 〈◊〉 Ahabs race he left not one at all â—ho after him did pisse against the wall â—us he fulfill'd the words of Jehovah â—hich he before did
speake by Elijah Then Jehu by a goodly stratageme â—th'red the people and said unto them Ahab served but with a little touch Great god Baal but I will serve him much Therefore to me gather the Prophets all That I with them may serve the god Baal Let none be wanting at this gods service For I for Baal have a sacrifice Let this be done see that ye me believe If any come not he sure shall not live But Jehu all this did by subtilty That Baals service he might utterly Destroy Jehu commanded to proclaime That he a great assemblie did ordaine Then Baals men his service to defend Came to his house which they from end to enâ— Did fill when Jehu saw them all present Unto a servant he gave commandment To bring foorth the vestments for all quickly From Baals house where Baals men onely Could claime a roome When Baals men beg To sacrifice King Jehu did ordaine Fourescore of men who stood armed withouâ— To goe and slay and compasse them about If any said he of these ye let goe Your life surely shall be for his also Then the stout Captaines at King Jehus wâ— Did smite these men with the edge of the swoâ— And cast them out and to the city went Tâ—ere they from Baals house incontinent â—ught the images which they in great ire 〈◊〉 breake and burne in the midst of a fire â—ey Baals house brake downe without delay â—ich a draught-house they made unto this day â—us Jehu strength'ned by the Eternel â—stroyed Baal out of Israel Then to Jehu the Lord made a promise â—cause he had ' gainst Ahab done service â—at the fourth man that should come of his race â—ould sit as King and rule into his place â—t to walk justly Jehu tooke no heed â—r his vaine heart was not upright indeed Ahabs slaughter he did greatly faile â—r what he did was not in holy zeale â—r Gods glory but for commendation â—r Throne Scepter and vaine ostentation 〈◊〉 zeal he seem'd to do for th' Eternel â—d yet did still worship calves at Bethel 〈◊〉 last Jehu with his fathers softlie â—id sleep deaths sleep and in the faire citie â—f Samaria after his last breath â—as buried a way for all the earth The Use Let Kings heere learne when they with forâ— and might Doe serve the Lord to have an heart uâ— right If serving God men have another aime Their vaine glory at last shall end with shamâ— We may heere learne in Jehus historie That all is not zeal that seems zeal to be Men may do much as fight preach good mâ— save And yet for all be but a painted grave The use of Jezebels death Let Queenes heere also learne by Jezebel With vaine idoles not to greeve th Eternel For he there bones with Jezebels can dash And unto dogs also can give their flesh 11. JEHOAHAZ The possession of God THis Jehus son God to the Throne did brinâ— Who seventeene years of Israel was King Though God him set up by his power and might â—t he did that which was ill in his sight â—eastly man by the calves of Bethel â—th Jeroboam he the Eternel â—d much provoke Al 's in Samaria â—ere stood a grove which greeved Jehovah â—r this the anger of the Eternel â—as kindled much against all Israel 〈◊〉 Hazael and also Benhadad â—rr'd up to plague this people that was bad Then Jeho'haz unto the Lord did pray â—ho heard his sute and that without delay â—r God was moved with compassion â—hen he did see their great oppression 〈◊〉 man was found by the hand of Jovah â—ho took from Isra l the yoke of Syria â—or this Kings sins God made his forces small â—ftie horsemen with ten charets for all â—en thousand foot he had a most poore King â—is men were made like the dust by threshing The Use â—et Kings heere learne that vile idolatrie 〈◊〉 a great foe to all prosperitie 〈◊〉 King and Subjects doe what is unjust Their Thrones and States shall threshen bâ— to dust 12. JEHOASH Burning or distrusting THis second man from grand-father Jehu Did wicked Kings in wickednesse follow This man as by the historie appeares In Samaria did reigne sixteene yeeres He Amaziah in Battell alive Did take and al 's led him away captive After he spoil'd the house of great Jovah And cari'd all unto Samaria He ceased not from Ieroboams sin But like a foole rashly did walk therein In Samaria after his last breath He buri'd was a way for all the earth The Use Let Kings here learne who would in memâ—rie Have good report to shunne idolatrie Let Kings heere learne that spoilers of Gods house Shall not long after have state prosperous 13. JEROBOAM Contending or striveing with the people THis was the third from grand father Jehu He did ill Kings in wickednesse follow â—his Jeroboam Ieroboams sin â—id well allow and also walk'd therein â—ccording to the word of great Jovah â—hich he did speake by the Prophet Ionah â—e did restore Israels coast and gaine â—rom Hamath unto the sea of the plaine â—or the Lord saw Isra'ls affliction â—as very bitter and had compassion â—or at this time none was shut up or left â—oor Israel of all help was bereft â—he Lord said Not that he from under heaven Would wholly blot out his owne Isra'ls name â—ut would them save as it then came to passe â—y Ieroboam the Son of Ioash â—his man as by the historie appeares â—id reigne the space of fourtie and one yeeres The Use â—et Kings heere learne that vile idolatrie â—mong vertues ressembles a dead flee Such may doe good and seeme to have Gâ— favour But this dead flie sends out a stinking savâ— 14. ZECHARIAH The rememberance of the Lord. HEere Zechariah last of Iehus race Who on the Throne of Israel had place He fear'd not God for he wicked in heart From Ieroboams sins did not depart At last Shallum in rage and furie hot Before the people Zechariah smot He six moneths did reigne in Israel When that was done by Shallums hand he felâ— The Use Let Kings heere learne that sin is not a sport It ends their dayes and cuts their honours shâ— 15. SHALLUM Peace Prosperitie THen Shallum King who was Son of Iabeâ— Came to the Throne by his great wickedâ— A full moneth he did the Scepter sway Then Menahem this murderer did slay The Use Let Kings heere learne that sin is not a sport It ends their dayes and cuts their honours short Who for to rise make other men to fall Shall rush downe shortly like a trott'ring wall Let Kings heere learne that conquest is not good Which is obtain'd by shedding humane blood 16. MENAHEM A roarer THen Menahem with the sword smote Tipsah And also the coasts thereof from Tirzah Because to him they op'ned not their gates All that he found in all these bounds and feats With sword this Roarer smote most cruelly Of the women he did cut the belly Where children lay He most wicked in heart
alway His parts or yet his power I will not conceale or hide Nor his comely proportion all even as it doth abide 13 Who of his garment glorious well discover can the face Or who with double bridle can come to him in his place 14 Who can the wide doores of his face well open with his key His cruell teeth are round about most terrible to see 15 His scales his pride together are shut close as with a seale So neer they are together that twixt them none air can feele 17 Together they so joined are and stick so that therefore They by no force of strength once can be sundred lesse or more 18 By his neesings a light doth shine as hath beene often try'd His eyes are like the bright eye-lids even of the morning tyde 19 Out of his mouth go burning lamps and sparks of fire most hot 20 Out of his nostrils goes a smoak as from a seething-pot 21 His fyrie breath doth kindle coals when he doth with the same Out of his mouth send speedily a hote consuming flame 22 In his great neck remaineth strength no work can him annoy Thus paines and sorrow him before are turned into joy 23 The flakes of his flesh joined are no thing can them divorce They are so firme that they can not be mov'd by any force 24 His heart is as a stone most firme who could it clearly finde Yea hard as a Mils neather-stone which is laid for to grind 25 The mighy when he riseth up afraid are mightily By reason of such breakings they themselves do purifie 26 The sword of him is broken soone that fiercely layes him at The like befals to dart and spear and unto the breast-plate 27 He alwayes lightly doth esteeme the yron as the straw No more for brasse then rotten wood he fierce doth stand in aw 28 The arrows keen shot from the bow can not him put to flight The sling-stones are in his account most like the stubble light 29 Darts as the stubble counted are for them he hath no fear He with disdain still laugheth at the shaking of the spear 30 Sharp ragged stones are under him he spreads on mire and dirt Sharp pointed things which once his skin not able are to hurt 31 He like a pot doth make the deep to boile as it were hot He makes the sea as ointment al 's all seething in a pot 32 Where he hath past in greatest deepths he leaves upon the streames A shining path so that to all the Ocean hoary seemes 33 Upon the whole earth heer below sure there is not his like He is so made that trembling fear can not upon him strike 34 He doth behold all other beasts as no thing him beside He is the great and mighty king of all the sons of pride Chap 42. AFter that JOB heard this discourse most full of gravitie He to the LORD this answer made and said to him humbly 2 I know that thou canst every thing do whether great or small And that no thought can once from thee witholden be at all 3 Who is he Yea I am the man Who thought my self too holy I hid Gods counsell wise and good by reason of my foly 4 Hear I beseech thee and I will speake and demand of thee What I desire of thee to learne declare thou unto me 5 I often of thee have heard by the hearing of the eare But now I see thee with mine eye ev'n by thy grace made cleare 6 Wherefore I doe my self abhorre and now with full intent In vilest dust and ashes both I humbly do repent 7 And it was so that after GOD these wordes to Job had said To Eliphaze the Temanite the LORD thus answere made I wroth am with thee and thy friends for ye the thing that 's right Not spoken have as righteous Job my servant most upright 8 Therefore take Rammes and bullocks al 's which are both fat and faire And soone unto my servant Job see that yee all repaire A burnt offring bring for your selves for this to GOD is due And Job my servant fervently shall alwayes pray for you For surely will I him accept lest in my justice strict I for your folly at the last some judgement great inflict Because yee have not spoken so discreet in every part What 's right of me as Job hath done with a most upright heart 9 So Eliphaze the Temanite and the Shushite Bildade And Zophar the Naamathite did as the Lord them bade Also the Lord in mercy great when this was done and past Considered Job and cheaâ—efully him did accept at last 10 When for his friends he pray'd the Lord did heale his greefe and sore He unto JOB gave twise as much as ev'r he had before 11 Then came to him his brethren all his sisters and his kin And others all who had before of his acquaintance bin With him they bread ate in his house and they did him bemone And gave him comfort of the ills that GOD brought him upon Each man also incontinent did give as he best could A peece of money and also an earring of fine gold 12 So that the LORD in mercy great unto JOB did extend His gifts in the beginning great but larger in the end For he had fourteene thousand sheep and camels six thousand A thousand yoke of oxen al 's shee asses at command 13 Of Children JOB had at the last seven sons and daughters more In number three so did the LORD his family restore 14 The first he called Jemima and Kesia next the same Then Keren-happuch after her was al 's the third by name 15 In all the land no women were as Jobs daughters so faire Among their brethren Job them gave inheritance most rare 16 He after this an hundred yeers did live and al 's fouttie And saw his sons and his sons sons the fourth genealogie 17 So Job at last deceas'd when he unto old age was come And after he was full of dayes he went to his Long-bome The Use LET men heere learne that no thing heere is sure Who 's rich the day the morrow may be poor Let men heere learn not to feare Satans rage For God his own doth compasse with a hedge If he permit great troubles by and by Our patience they are but sent to try When wee are spoil'd let this bee still wish That patiently in all the Lord we blesse When wee see men deepe plung'd in troubâ—â— sore Let us beware them to condemne therefore It is for man a great temerity Him to condemn whom God doth justifie At last heere learne though godly men a grace Do suffer whiles At last their end is Peace FINIS THE GARDEN OF ZION The Booke of the PROVERBS A Prayer GReat Wisdomes Hall heer as I think I see Embroidred all with Divine-Tapestrie Heere Solomon hath Proverbs grave and wise None but vain fools such wisdome can despise Now great Jehovah with thy Heavenly fan Blow up my breast that I may
Eternall From GLASGOW the 28 of MAY 1644. Your humble servant Mr. ZACHARY BOYD PRAYERS TO GOD FOR HIS ASSISTANCE IN THIS WORK 1. AT Thee JOVAH this work I will begin Inspire mine heart and also guide my pen Teach me to teach and to publish the story Of thy most great workes to thy praise and glory â—ouchsafe on me in thy mercy a look â—hat with thy praise I may embosse my book â—y heart anone shall godly matter frame 〈◊〉 thou shalt glade it with thy glowing flame 〈◊〉 shine on me with thy bright countenance â—nd make thy beams through my bowels to glance 〈◊〉 let not from me thy good sprit depart â—hat with thy Saints I here may act my part 2. O Mighty GOD who all things underprops Refresh mine heart with thy cleare silver drops â—ke Zion hill in a faire May morning â—angled with dew that I thy praise may sing 〈◊〉 purge my soul my drossie sprits refine â—ne empty breast fill with thy breath divine â—onceive in me and after bring to birth â—erses most sweet which I may warble forth â—ouble thy sprit on me LORD I thee call â—â—jah like let mercies mantle fall â—y verse begot in paine and borne in pleasure â—â—t them containe of thy praises a Treasure Grant unto me that in my sacred layes I may expresse the glory of thy wayes O blessed Lord who hearts and reines dost try Make thou my thoughts to soare and cut the sky My musick meene accept and with a look Of mine incense receive this little smooke The widowes mites get thy more large report Then Hecatombes of the richest sort O Lord of love my soul with mercy fraught And take in good part this poore Char-coale draugâ— All foggie mists and sable clouds expell That I thy praise unto the world may tell Reveale to me Salvations sacred things Seal'd in the Casket of the King of kings O Jesus Christ be thou my sure refuge Who bare the doome of that Italian Judge 3. O gracious God now teach me to compile An usefull work with grace now steel my stile That whosoever reads this book he may Reape profite I comfort thou praise for ay The use of this Booke COnsider this who dost these verses read Heer is a Garden both with flowre and weed The pleasant Rose heâ—re smelleth fragrantly The stinking Hemlock thou may also see Heere learne with godly godly be in life Ahorre all these who have beene men of strife Example good follow but shun abuse By Gods wisedome of all these men make use THE GARDEN OF ZION ADAM Earth THis is the man who after sea and land Was made of Earth by great JEHOVAHS hand In his nostrils He breath'd the breath of life And of a rib Hee form'd for him a wife â—ithin this clay immortall life He placed â—f he by sin had not himself disgraced By divine favour He gave him a pledge True holinesse which was His own image He in great love did choose him as His heir And made him of so foule a masse so fair His great VICE-ROY yea His beloved Son Perfect and peerlesse even a Paragon But Oh alas he did not so abide But lost this image by his foolish pride And unbelief whereon as on a rock He made shipwrack a senselesse sottish block That learned Tree the Tree of good and ill Abusde by man did mankinde spoile and spill When he was well content he could not sit But lost us all by a forbidden bit The lofty wife and the crafty Serpent For Adams fall were Satans instrument The sprite apostat residing within That speckled beast with smooth damask skin The simple sexe deceived craftily Assuring her with GOD equall to be Poor Adam chiefly by her lost his life Who was his Phoenix Sister Daughter Wife The earth therefore for pleasant fruits and corneâ— Brought nothing foorth but nettles thistles thorne When man did look of fruits to get a feast The briers and burs did bristle up their breast The LORD on man no meat then would allow Till first the sweat should bubble on his brow He who before was holy meek and wise A fool by sin was thrust from paradise A glorious Park wherein without all tearm He might have dwelt if he had pay'd his Farm But now disgrac'd for disobedience To dwell in Eden he hath not licence The tree of life to him may not affoord Her fruit A Cherub boasts him with a sword Nine hundred and al 's thirty years he lived â—mmortall first at last for sin he died Thus he whom satan by sin did deceive A slimy Burgar was laid in his grave The Use When thou hast sinn'd beware thy selfe to hide â—n Adams fall behold the fruits of pride Of strong made weak of wise become a foole Gods character cancell'd with griefe and doole Great sweat of browes no rest untill our bones â—e cooped up in a cold heap of stones â—h that our sense as the spiders could be Which starts as soone as stirres the buzzing flie Within her web Oh that we could begin â—o feele to hate the least approach of sin EVAH Living ISHAH of man was after call'd EVAH From life by ADAM direct'd by JOVAH She of a rib was made the first woman Who by her pride brought many woes to man Mans other self his love his help his wife With the serpent was cause of all the strife For such a fault her poor condition Was paine in birth and great subjection But heere her comfort in her greatest need The womans seede shall bruise the serpents head The Son of Marie Jesus Christ our Lord 'Twixt God and man shall make a blest accorâ— The Use Let EVAHS fall vaine vvomen terrifie And teach them all to love humilitie Blest be her seede vvho us restor'd againe And of our sins unreel'd the snarled skain CAIN Possession FIrst borne of man name from possession A sacrificer by profession â—hy browe did fall with an envious eye â—ecause the Lord prefer'd Abel to thee â—hou of Abel a bloody murderer â—ecamst who should have beene his best keeper â—ecause his blood doth cry aloud to me â—hou on the earth a vagabound shall be The Use â—y Cains madnesse thou may clearely try What monsters lurke in the sinne of envy â—inne soone is done but after comes the smart 〈◊〉 vagabound all trembling at the heart â—en sinne in secret but God keeps account 〈◊〉 his exchequer how their sinnes do mount ABEL Vanitie THou second Sonne thy name is vanitie Thy Hebrew name did so foretell to thee â—hy cruel brother through envy and strife 〈◊〉 thy faire youth bereft thee of thy life â—ods holy worship thou didst not neglect 〈◊〉 thy service JEHOVAH had respect â—hough in thy youth of death thou trod the path â—â—t still thou lives renowned for thy faith The Use It is no wonder by envie and wrath To see just men unjustly put to death Most blest is he whose heart base slimy he Surmounting towards his creature leaps Strive vvith Abel to dwell
above the oâ— Whose restlsse dance no stop at all disturbsâ— Be like Abel that yee abode may make In shineing robs above the Zodiack LAMECH Diminished or depauperat THou bragging LAMECH of vaine Cains To boast and kill thou didst thy self solaâ— Thou fear'd not God nor shamefull infamiâ— Of all thou first liv'd in polygamie Foole with two wives thou led a sinfull lifeâ— ZILLAH the shaddow but ADAM the wife The Use In these hardly great courage shall yee fiâ— Whose words are brags and vaine bubb vvind â—he deepest floods do run most quietlie â—ith silver streames to carry to the sea â—ut naughty brookes in broken streames do gush â—nd roaring dovvne the horned cliff do rush SETH Set or appointed NOw welcome SETH for ADAM a third Son Set and appointed to fill ABELS roome â—hy godlinesse did many soules refresh â—f thee came Christ our Lord after the flesh The Use â—od rich in comforts can his Saints relieve â—f he take one he can another give â—f crosses come vvhich do our comforts marre â—od can anone send joyes to ease our farre ENOCH Sorrovvfull O Deare to God with sorrow in thy name Thy heart was griev'd to see the worlds shame While CAINS race provoked God right sore Thou walk'd with God and so was seen no mâ— The Use Learne heere thy life at Gods service to speâ— An holy life brings to an happie end Balam may vvish the righteous death to 〈◊〉 But he profane that day shall never see METHUSELAH Emission dart or death THy name is death emission or dart By it ENOCH foretold the worlds smart As some esteeme the last yeere of thy life God with a flood did end this worlds strife To longest life of all thou didst attaine Nine hundred yeares thou liv'd and sixtie nineâ— The Use Let all men learne their few years well to speâ— For longest life at last will have an end He who strouts now in grave shall soone be coâ— What is mans life but a tale that is told NOAH Rest or comfort SOn of LAMECH Son of METHUSELAH Thou for GODS comforts called was NOAH â—he LORD said LAMECH cursde hath sea and land This Son shall be a resting for our hand â—n this mans time the bad and faithfull seed To mariage most vilely did proceed While all men spoil'd were with corruption This man was just in his generation God with his comforts did his soul refresh When he intended the end of all flesh Thy vertues NOAH I can not expresse Thou wise preacher herauld of righteousnesse Whil'st in the deep all others death did suffer Thou safely lived in an Ark of Gopher Thy self thy wife also thy children three With their three wives were in that house of tree The haughty streame this house did high exalt Which at the last on Ararat did halt The Rav'n the Dove NOAH did forth command Two scouts to spy if there was any land At last the Dove to tell him of reliefe Brought in her mouth of an olive a leafe When floods were past by Gods mercy divine NOAH began to plant a pleasant vine But Oh that great herauld of righteousnesse Was plunged in most filthy drunkennesse Against JEHOVAHS great commandement He voide of sense lay naked in his tent Nine hundred and al 's fiftie yeeres he liv'd Just in two worlds at last by death bereav'd The Use Let good men learne all sins alwayes to shuâ— And not to staine a life that 's well begun Fy oh alas that for a drinke of wine This great Herauld whose vertues bright dâ— shine Should have forgot his GOD so spedilie VVho had him sav'd within his house of tree Fy that he should have blotted his good naâ— By lying naked in his tent with shame Before the face of his three children deare VVhose life should them have taught the Lorâ— to feare Behold how sâ—one the life of the godlie VVith sin as with a damp may darkned bâ— â—f one fault let not drunkards make a safeguard â—r once drunke makes not man to bee a drunkard SEM. JAPHET Fame Beautie SEM Son of NOAH first in dignitie The noble Jew hath his descent from thee â—hy Godlinesse thy Glory and thy Fame â—y JOVAHS pen are written in thy name â—APHET Beautie thou hast the second place â—o dwell with SEM the LORD GOD grant thee grace â—wo blest Brethren right noble was your fact â—n cov'ring NOAH yee turned your back â—ight worthy Sonnes eternall is your fame â—n modestie yee hid your fathers shame The Use â—eere children learne your parents to respect God shall you blesse and all your wayes direct And you preserve that no man do you wrong â—n earth he shall your happy dayes prolong HAM Hote or black HOt as hells fire coal-black even like tâ— devill Profane villain taught onely to do evill O cursed HAM thou full of wickednesse Because thou spy'd thy fathers nackednesse Because his shame thou scorned with thine eye Servant of servants thou shalt ever be The Use Curs'd is that sonne that ever he was born That sets himself his parents for to scorne An Elf not man he called well may be Who takes delight his parents shame to seâ— NIMROD A Rebell NIMROD thy name is as much as rebell Whom some esteeme cheef builder of Baâ— This man of HAM as holy writs record A mighty hunter was before the LORD The Use â—on this earth thou be a mighty man â—eware with Nimrod to play the tyran â—hough men set up most high and stately towrs â—uch Castles will not keep them from GODS showres ABRAM Father high ABRAHAM Father of a multitude BEhold the Sonne of ancient TERAH The faithfull husband of godly SARAH This Father high was first called ABRAM For multitude turn'd into ABRAHAM Looke up said GOD and count these starr's most hie Of thy Children such shall the number be Be perfect walk in my commandement I mind with thee to make a Covenant When Amraphel was King of great Shinar The mightie Arioch King of Ellasar Chedorlaomer of faire Elam King And Tidal Prince of Nations did bring A great Armie with boast against Bera King of Sodom as al 's against Birsha Gomorrahs King and Admahs Shinab stout Who armed with great forces then came out And al 's against the Zehoims Shemither And Belahs Prince came all these Kings togethâ— In bloody war these foure Kings against five Came to the fields and in battell did strive But Sodoms men were forc'd to turne the back Their foes some kill'd and some captives did taâ— Among whom was LOT nephew of ABRAM Who to help Sodom unto battell came When ABRAM heard this he in continent Did cry for armes and to the Battell went With his servants three hundred and eighteeâ— Who in his house well trained up had beene He among these as a stout Generall Did rout his foes and LOT rescu'd and all His goods and captives which they tooke awaâ— He back againe did bring without delay Then met him by a providence divine Melchisedeck who brought him
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
heavy hands Aaron and Hur did stay By his prayers Isra'l prevail'd that day By his prayers they got the victory He built the Altar Jehovah Nissi At Horeb where before he did keep sheepe Iethro him brought his wife and children eke When Iethro had to him counsell imparted To his owne land from Moses he departed Then Moses went up to God on Sinai Who did direct him all these words to say What I have done in Egypt yee did see On Eagles wings I bare you tenderlie Now therefore if yee will obey my voice Above all people ye shall be my choise 〈◊〉 Priests to me ye shall be a kingdome 〈◊〉 treasure deare an holy Nation â—at said Moses a man filled with grace â—id all these words before the peoples face â—en all the people answ'red him unto 〈◊〉 that the Lord hath spoken we will doe â—e to goe to to Moses God did say 〈◊〉 â—pare Israel to morrow and to day 〈◊〉 the third day with glory and renown â—â—fore Isra'l I minde for to come downe â—ke heed for if man or heast that have breath â—t touch the mount they shall be put to death 〈◊〉 any touch the mount they shall be then â—ot throw or stoned whether beasts or men â—t to come up to them it shall belong â—hen they shall heare the Trumpet sounding long 〈◊〉 the third day thundrings and lightnings past â—â—e cloud and Trumpet made them all agast â—â—en smoak and fire on SINAH for a space â—â—cended as the smoak of a furnace â—â—en all the people trembled fearfully â—â—a the mount SINAH quaked all greatly â—en God came down whom MOSES heard and saw â—â—d in two Tables wrot his fierie Law â—hile MOSES was upon the mount with God â—â—ey made a calf as if they had beene mad Of Egypts spoile to make it they were bold Even of Gods gifts they had no other gold They ate they dranke and then rose up to pâ— Behold thy gods foole ISRAEL could say Go get thee downe said God to MOSES thâ— For thy people are rather beasts then men Let me alone intreat not for this fall For in furie I will consume them all Oh said Moses why doth thy wrath wax Against Isra'l thine heritage and lot Think on Abraham Isaac and Isra'l On thy people let not thine anger fall While this grief Moses in his heart did feele The Lord in hast repented of the evill Then Moses swiftly from the mount went doâ— And brought with him the worthie sonne of 〈◊〉 While he and Moses from the Camp were farâ— Good Joshuah said I heare a noise of war But old Moses with his discerning eare Said not but voice of singing do I heare When he came neere and saw that filthie blot A golden idol not Gods childrens spot He brake Gods Tables in his kindled ire The golded Calf he burnt into the fire He ground it small and straw'd it in their driâ— That they an idole not God might it think Then Moses wroth unto the Levits cri'd 〈◊〉 every man his sharpe sword by his side â—e through the camp your brethren gorre and slay â—at the great God you all may blesse this day â—â—en the Levits these wicked men had slaine â—to the mount Moses return'd againe God be said alas while I behold a'l hath made unto them gods of gold â—ve mercy Lord with eyes of pitie looke â—â—don or else me blot out of thy Booke â—â—w goe said God as I shall give thee grace â—duct Isra'l unto my promis'd place â—â—aite my time when once I shall begin 〈◊〉 visit they shall suffer for their sinne â—ter this MOSES faithfull full of grace â—â—d great desire to see the Lords sweet face â—â—HOVAH good to hear him was not slack 〈◊〉 spare his life he let him see his back What verse what pen can paint this great Divine â—hose face JOVAH made with his face to shine â—ith God on SINAH fourtie dayes he past â—l this time he kept a most solemne fast â—here of JOVAH whose wisedome doth excell â—e learn'd the Laws which he taught Israel 〈◊〉 him God most excellent gifts did give â—e was the meekest that on earth did live Of yeeres he liv'd a hundred and twentie Without weaknesse and dâ—mnesse of the eye Because at MASSAH he fail'd in his faith Of CANAAN he might not tread the path To climb NEBO the LORD did him commanâ— That he might see from thence the holy land When this was done this man of GOD did die In MOAB land where GOD did him burie Before or after came none in his place Who knew JOVAH so clearly face to face The Song of Moses before his death THE PREFACE O Pleasant heavens that are above with diligence give eare And I will speake O earth below the wordes of my mouth heare 2 My doctrine shall drop as the raine my speach as dew shall passe As small raine on the tender herbe and showres upon the grasse 3 Because I surely will publish the blest name of the Lord 〈◊〉 greatnesse therefore to Gods name ascribe with one accord I. PART HEE is the rock his worke perfect all his wayes judgement be 〈◊〉 God of trueth and without sin most just and right is He They have corrupt themselves their spot is not the spot alwayes his children they are perverse a race of crooked wayes Vnwise people doe yee the Lord thus requite is not He â—y father buyer hath he not made and establish'd thee Remember ye the dayes of old yeeres past consider well â—ke thy father he will thee shew thy Elders will thee tell When the most High for nations did heritage divide Sufficient bounds for Israel he wisely did provide 9 For the Lord for his portion hath his people without blot Jacob is his inheritance appointed as by lot 10 He found him in a desert land and waste wildernesse hee Him led instructed and him kept as th' Apple of his eye 11 As an Eagle stir 's up her nest fluttreth her young upon Her wings doth spread and taketh them to carry them thereon 12 So the good Lord alone did him lead in all wayes safelie And there with him was no strange god in all that company 13 He made them ride on Canaan high that he th' increase might eat He made him sucke honey and oyle that were in rocks most sweet 14 Butter of kine and milk of sheepe he gave to every man â—ith fat of Lambes and also Rams of the bread of Bashan â—e gave them goats vvith the fat of Kidneyes of Wheat right good â—nd thou didst of the svveet grapes drink the pure Wine red like blood II. PART BVt Jeshurun vvho should have beene most righteous did kick â—â—ou art exceeding vvaxed fat thou art also grovvn thick â—â—ou covered art vvith fatnesse then His Maker he forsook â—nd of his sure salvations rock no care at all he took With strange gods they provoked Him unto great jealousie â—ith great abominations they mov'd Him to be angrie They sacrificed unto dev'ls to gods whom they
not knew â—hom your fathers did never fear because they were but new 18 Thou art unmindfull of the Rock that did thee once beget And the Lord God that formed thee thou did'st alwayes forget IIII. PART AND when the Lord saw it he did ahhorre them all anone Because of the provokeing of both Daughter and of Son 20 He said I will my face from them hide and I will now see Their end they are a froward race in whom no faith can be 21 With that which is not god they have me mov'd to jealousie They have me to anger provok'd with their great vanitie I them also to jealousie with such as are no flock Will move them to anger with fooles I surely will provoke 22 For in my wrath fire kindled is such as no tongue can tell â—t shall not cease alwayes to burne even to the lowest hell And shall consume the earth with her increase poor mans desire And the foundations of the mount shall surely set on fire 3 A heap of mischiefs upon them I certainly will send also upon them in wrath mine arrovves vvill novv spend 4 They shall consumed be and burnt vvith paine of hunger great â—nd suddainly shall be devour'd vvith a most burning heat â—nd vvith bitter destruction I vvill al 's on them thrust â—he teeth of beasts vvith the poyson of serpents of the dust â— The svvord vvithout terrour vvithin shall destroy and not spare â—â—e young man virgin the suckling vvith the man of gray haire â— I said I vvould into corners them quickly scatter then I would make their rememberance to cease from among men 27 Were it not that I the great wrath fear'd of the enemie Lest their vaine adversaries should behave themselves strangly And lest that they puft up with pride should say these wordes right soone Our hand is now high and the Lord hath not all this work done 28 For they are a vaine nation of wholesome counsell voide Neither in their hearts foolish doth understanding abide 29 O that they were wise so that they this clearely understood That they would now their latter end consider for their good 30 How should but one a thousand chase and two al 's put to flight Ten thousand if their Rock had not then sold and shut up right 32 For their rock in no way is as our Rock that is mightie â—ee seeke no other this to judge but our owne enemie â—2 Of Sodom and Gomorrahs field their vine I truely call â—heir great clusters are most bitter their grapes are grapes of gall â—3 Their wine is Dragons poison which from these grapes doth distill And is the deadly venime of most cruell Aspes that kill â—4 Is not this wickednesse laid up in store there to abide And seal'd up among my treasures like that which one doth hide IIII. PART TO me belongeth vengeance and recompence for their crime Their wicked foot shall surely slide in due appointed time For their day of calamitie is surely neere at hand And the things that shall come on them make haste and shall not stand 36 For the Lord shall his people judge and for his folks repent When he sees all their power gone and altogether spent 37 And he in his great wrath shall say Where are their gods of might Their rock in whom they trusted much they come not now in sight 38 Which ate fatlings and wine off'rings in drinke did not reject Let them rise up and with their strength you help and al 's protect 39 See now that I am he even I no god there is with me I kill I also make alive I wound and heal safely Neither is there among the gods any by Sea or Land That by their strength deliver can out of my mighty hand 40 For I my hand unto the Heav'n do now lift up and heave In signe that I this great oath make for ever as I live 41 If I my glitt'ring Sword whet and judge in severitie will surely reward vengeance to my foes that hate me â—2 I will mine arrowes in my wrath which is now kindled sore Make drunk with blood and my Sword shall their filthie flesh devore â—nd that with the blood of the slaine and of captives that be â—rom the beginning of revenge upon the enemie â—3 Rejoice yee nations with his folke for he who doth not change Will the blood of his servants dear most speedily avenge And to his adversaries will render a vengeance full And to his land and his people will be most mercifull The Use He who desires like good Moses to be In all Gods house let him serve faithfullie He who vvith Moses vvould be a Divine Must speak vvith God untill that his face shâ— None is so good but he vvill get assaults Love Moses vertues but flee from his fault To circumcise his Son he did delay At Meribah he also vvent astray At these vvaters he failed in his faith For vvhich he might not tread in Canans paâ— See vvhat it is to sin against the Lord Who Moses sin to spare vvould not accord God hateth sin in best men as yee see Though they be dear as th' apple of his eye AARON Prince of praise THis Prince of praise was Moses brother 〈◊〉 Elder then MOSES the space of three yâ— These brethren two were men of great requeâ— MOSES was King but Aaron was the Priest 〈◊〉 He was design'd such by the Almond rod Mouth to MOSES to him Moses as God When God by him as high Priest was ador'd His body was with these garments decor'd A girdle mitter and a broidred coat â—ob an Ephod and a rich breast-plate â—ith URIM TUMMIM an excellent thing â—s incense censer in his hand did hing â—â—elve precious stones on his breast were without â—lls Pomegranats his Ephod hang about â—â—on his brow there was a plate of gold â—â—aring these words HOLINES TO THE LORD 〈◊〉 the Holy of Holys thus he stood â—â—fore the Lord with a bason of blood â—nce in his life alas he playd the foole â—hen he the Calf form'd with a graving toole â—fter he saw it this he added more â—e rashly built an Altar it before â—ecause at MASSAH he fail'd in his faith â—f Canaan he might not tread the path â—ripe off his garments put them on his Son â—or he in office no more may remaine â—pon mount HOR death him of life bereaved â—ho fourtie yeares in wildernesse had lived â—hen God him tooke from this earths miserie â—f age he was an hundred twentie three â—his holy man most upright in his wayes â—as after death lamented thirty dayes The Use Most happy he who hath his breast within â—hat which without was sealed by Tummim Let no man a vaine people for to please Doe that which may the mighty Lord displeâ— MIRIAM Bitternesse THis MOSES sister daughter of AMRAM From bitternesse was called MIRIAM Elder then Moses at the river side She watcht the Boat wherein they did him 〈◊〉 At the red sea when MOSES men among Did
daunce with women she had al 's her soâ— She did her selfe in godly words expresse With gifts adorn'd she was a Prophetesse She had her faults in her most holy life She greeved MOSES by her words of strife She with ARON the ill quarel began For ZIPPORAH the Ethiopian Tush tush said they hath God spoken onâ— By MOSES and not by us as plainely This Moses heard but being very meek From God in wrath he no revenge did seeke But God in wrath when he these things did Unto them cri'd Come out come out ye three Though I my wrath against you have delay'd To greeve Moses how were ye not afraide 〈◊〉 proud in heart inferiour in place 〈◊〉 you by dreams to him I speake by face â—hen GOD had showne how they had gone astray 〈◊〉 kindled wrath and rage he went away â—â—en this was done behold a great sorrow â—â—RIE became leprous white as the snow â—â—er her flesh was consum'd by the Lord â—â—ses did pray and then she was restor'd â—â—cause God was provoked by her sinne 〈◊〉 died in the wildernesse of ZIN â—â—nsider heere two brethren and MARIE â—pointed guids for Israel to be â—â—cause by sinne they stirred up Gods wrath Canaan they might not tread the path 〈◊〉 on HOR Moses at NEBO steep â—â—y in Zin by death did softly sleep 〈◊〉 wildernesse AMRAMS three children deare â—â—eir life did finish in the fourtie yeere The Use â—ost godlie hearts vaine pride doth whiles assault â—â—ey live not heere that live without a fault â—th carefulnesse let men and vvomen try 〈◊〉 â—t in their hearts no place bee for envy BALAK A Robber BALAAM A Devorer After that Isra'l in battell fighting Had overcome strong Og of Bashan Kâ— BALAK king of Moab son of ZIPPOR Sent men for Bala'm the son of BEOR Who dwelt in Pethor to him they did say Behold from Egypt in battell aray A people is come who is most mighty In number great for to fight against me Come now therefore I pray thee without Curse Israel that so I may prevaile For this I wot that he whom thou shalt bleâ— Shall be blessed and curs'd whom thou curse So the Elders that were of Moab land Departed with great rewards in their hand They came unto BALAAM and thus spake Unto him the words of their King BALAK He said to them Lodge heere this night suâ— I shall you tell what the Lord saith to me And God came unto BALAAM and said What men are these that doe with thee abiâ— And Bala'm said to God Balak surelie The son of ZIPPOR hath sent unto me Bâ—hold saith he from Egypt a great band 〈◊〉 souldiers that cover all the land â—me curse me them peradventure I shall â—able for to overcome them all â—d God said to BALA'M Thou shalt not goe â—th them thou shalt not curse the people so â—r they are bless'd BALA'M in the morning â—se up and went to BALAKS men saying â—e Princes of King BALAK get ye now â—o your owne land for to go with you â—e mightie Lord will not give leave to me â—en the Princes of Moab most early â—se up and unto their King BALAK went â—d said BALA'M for thy commandement â—â—th no wise care hee proud of his wisedome â—ainely refuseth with us for to come â—d Balak sent againe by the same way â—inces that were more respectfull then they â—ho said to him Balak son of Zippor â—ith great desire hath us all sent thee for 〈◊〉 bids us say Let nothing I pray thee â—ee hinder from now coming unto me 〈◊〉 will promote thee for thy great wisedome â—herefore to curse this people shortly come â—hen to Balaks servants Bala'm most bold â—id If Balak of silver and of gold Would his house full me give I not therefore Could go beyond the Lords word lesse or mâ— Yet all this night heere tary I you pray That I may know what more the LORD will And GOD came unto Balaam at night And said to him What was most just and rigâ— If these men come againe for to call thee Rise up and al 's go with them speedilie But yet the word that I shall to thee say That shalt thou do most carefully alway And Balaam rose up in the morning And on his asse went unto Moabs King But Gods anger was then incontinent Kindled because he with these Princes went And the Angel of the great God that day For adversarie stood there in the way Thus on his asse he rode Balak unto And his two servants were with him also And the asse saw the Angel of the Lord In the way standing with a glistring Sword And the asse turn'd aside out of the way And went into the field without delay And Balam smote the asse with great disdaine To turne her soone into the way againe But the angel of the Lord in great wrath Of the vineyards stood in a narrow path Which on both sides was fenced with a wall 〈◊〉 when the asse for fear ready to fall 〈◊〉 the Angel of the Lord in the way â—till the Wall she did without delay â—sh Balams foot then he inflamed hote â—th staffe in hand the asse in fury smote â—en the Lord op'ned the mouth of the asse â—â—o said to Balam What is my trespasse â—â—y dost thou strike What have I done to thee â—at thou hast so me smitten these times three â—n Balam said unto the asse surely â—cause thou hast in the way mocked me â—ould there were a Sword in mine hand still â—r now I would in wrath thee surely kill â—en said the asse Am I not thine alway 〈◊〉 which thou hast ridden ev'n to this day â—as I before wont so to do to thee â—y said Balam thou didst not so to me â—en Balam's eyes the Lord without delay â—'ned who saw Gods Angel in the way â—ith his sword drawen then he in the same place â—w'd down his head and fell flat on his face â—en said the Angel For what great trespasse â—st thou these three times thus smitten thine asse â—â—hold I went out for to withstand thee â—â—cause thy way is perverse before me Thine asse a beast did well for thee provide She fearing me turned three times aside Unlesse she had from Me thus turn'd away I had her sav'd and had slain thee this day Then Balam said I have the LORDS commanâ— Broken by sin for that thou heer didst stand I did not know Now therefore without let If thou be wroth back soone I will me get No said the Angel unto Balam then Now take thine own will and go with the menâ— But only speak that which I speak to thee So Balam went towards Balak quickly When Balak heard this he incontinent To meet Balaam to a city went Of Moab land in borders of Arnon Which is the outmost coast lying alone Then Balak said unto Balam Did I Not send for thee to call thee by and by Wherefore came thou not at the first to me Am I not able for to honour thee And Balam said
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
twenty hours An hundred Sheep with Harts and fallow Deer Roe-buck and Foules for each day of the yeer Appointed were such was the Majesty Of Solomon who was wise and mighty He for Charets had fourtie thousand stalls Of Horses fair and as the Scripture tells Twelve thousand Horsemen skilfull and mighty Were for the glory of his Majesty In all his time the GOD of peace JOVAH Made peace from Dan even to Beershebah To him GOD gave with great largenesse of heart Much understanding in all sorts of art He was more wise then Ethan and Chalcol Then Heman Darda the sons of Mahol Of godly proverbs three thousand he spake A thousand and five songs were at their back Of trees he spake ev'n from the Cedars tall Unto the Hyssop that springs from the wall Of beasts of foules he spake of creeping things Of fishes al 's whose vertue profite brings To mortall men whose health and nourriture Depend much on the secrets of nature Then great Monarchs from all the earth did come To get from him some lessons of wisdome Then Hiram hearing Solomon made King From Tyre he sent men congratulating That Davids Son was set upon the throne Of Davids friends he was a speciall one Then Solomon to Hiram did declare How David could not in a time of warre Build for the Lord a house of Majestie Adorned with rarest things of beautie But now said he on every side is rest Therefore to build for God I think it best From thee Hiram the Cedar and the Fir Must now be had thy servants must now stir Their time and serve for none can skill to hew Timber like these of Sidon where they grew Then Hiram glad of Solomons designe Offred to do at his desire each thing My men said he these trees unto the sea Shall bring and my houshold furnish'd by thee With food shall be this shall be our bargaine Unto the end all things shall so remaine Then to Hiram he gave of victuall good Twentie thousand measures of wheat for food With twentie measures of oyle pure each year These two did make a league for peace and war When this was done wise Solomon did then Raise a levie of thirtie thousand men To Lebanon ten thousand were by course Sent each moneth to provide for Gods house To beare burdens threescore thousand and ten He had with these were fourscore thousand men Who on the mountains were for him hewers Besides other many cheefe officers Three thousand and three hundred did beare rule Over the rest who wrought with workmans tool They all busie each man wrought in his course To cut to hew to square to build Gods house The length thereof threescore the breadth twentie Were of cubits the height thereof thirtie All things before were so wisely prepar'd That in building no sound of toole was heard Then was that house with pomp and Majestie Adorned so that it was faire to see The Oracle spangled with golden sparres Was like the heav'n imboss'd with twinckliâ—â— starres For Gods presence it seem'd to be a shrine From end to end with glory it did shine The Ark was there of gold and shittim wood The Cherubins princely upon it stood This type of Heav'n with beauties manifold From top to ground was burnished with gold From end to to end from the base to seeling Seven yeers were spent in that painefull buildinâ— When all was finish'd Solomon that day Both bless'd the people and to God did pray Solomons Prayer O God the Lord who art most rich in grace Hearken all prayers made towards thâ— place If any man ' gainst his neighbour trespasse Then hear in heaven that justice may have place If by their foes Isra'l oppressed be Then heare in Heav'n and help them speedilie When heaven is shut up and there is no raine Then heare in Heaven a helper then remaine If thou shalt scourge with pest blasting mildew Then heare in heav'n when Isra'l to thee sue What ever plague be in thy peoples heart Then heare in Heaven and help them in their smart When poore sinners shall heere thee come unto Then heare in Heav'n frankly forgive and do If strangers come for heere to seeke thy grace Then heare in heav'n thy pleasant dwelling place If thy people heere ' gainst their foes compleane Then heare in heav'n and their good cause maintaine If sinners cry repenting from their heart Then heare in heav'n and ease them of their smart Thus Solomon this precious houre did spend â—n blessing praying so he made an end When this was done in the dedication Of Gods house he made a great oblation Of Oxen great twenty thousand and two An hundred thousand and twenty also Of sheep he offred at this great service Which was a great and royall sacrifice The Queene of Sheba hearing of his name Which through the earth was exalted with fame Came with great pomp hard questions to move That she thereby his great wisedome might prove But he all doubts that then were in her heart Resolv'd clearely before she did depart When she his glory did right well consider Her sprite within did faile her altogether When she reviv'd was from her wondring sowne She high extoll'd Solomons great wisedome Now doe I know said shee most perfectlie The truth of these things which I heard of thee I heard great things of thy most glorious name But thy presence doth far surpasse thy fame Most happy are thy men and most happy Are thy servants that may thee heare dayly Blessed be God the great God eternall Who hath thee made the Prince of Israel Then Shebas Queene before she tooke her leave To him rich stones spices with gold did give And he againe gave unto her richly Great things of worth most precious and coastly He was enrich'd with blessings manifold He made two hundred targets of fine gold Three hundred shields of beaten gold he made Which in his house of Lebanon were laide He also made a Throne of yvorie And ov'rlaid it with fine gold most richlie Six golden Lions on each side were set A Lion placed was at every step His drinking vessels were all of pure gold He was enrich'd with blessings manifold In wealth all Kings on earth he did surmount In his time silver was in no account Silver like stones Cedars like Sycomore Were base and vile yea so were more and more But oh alas what could this wise man move Women of Moab and Edom to love With Pharaohs daughter women of Ammon He had with Hittits women of Sidon Women also he had concerning such In mariage the Lord forbade to touch Seven hundred wives three hundred concubins He had for pleasure but oh by this meanes When he was old his wisedome did depart These wives from God did turne away his heart The true worship of God he did reject His heart was not like his fathers perfect As though he had not learned in Gods schoole With goddesses and gods he play'd the fool He serv d Ashtoreth
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
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
liveth what unto me Jovah 〈◊〉 his good Sprite at this time shall reveale â—hat from King Ahab I shall not conceale When he was come the King said so and so Micajah tell if we to Battell go â—all against Ramoth or shall we forbeare â—hat is thy minde Let me an answere heare Go and prosper said Micajah in scorne â—od in thine hand shall that people forlorne â—eliver now speake trueth I thee adjure â—id Ahab for I cannot scorne endure â—hen said Micajah the trueth I will tell â—pon the hills I saw all Israel As wandring sheepe that have not a sheepheard â—hen this I saw then the Lord to me said â—hese have no master this is mine advice â—hat every man goe to his house in peace â—ehold said Ahab to Josaphat King â—id I not rightly conjecture this thing â—hat this Micajah in his prophecie â—ould say no good in what concerneth me â—hen said Micajah heare now thou therefore 〈◊〉 the Lords Prophet yet will tell thee more 〈◊〉 saw the Lord sitting upon his Throne Before him there all heav'ns host came anone Then said the Lord who best among you all Can move Ahab for to goe up and fall At Ramoth One said this another that At last came foorth a spirit a reprobate Who stood before the mightie Lord and saiâ— I take in hand that I shall him perswade Then said the Lord unto that Spirit wherewiâ— With many lyes said he I will goe foorth And him deceive Goe foorth said GOâ— doe so Thou shalt perswade him and prevaile also But Zedekiah Son of Chenaanah Went neere and smote the cheeke of Micajah Which way said he the Sprite of God from me A Prophet went for to speake unto thee Then said Micajah for thy boast and pride The day shall come that thou thy selfe shalt hiâ— In inner chambers close Then said the King Take this Micajah and soone do this thing Put this fellow into some vile prison And feede him with bread of affliction And water al 's untill I come in peace From the Battell This well me now do please Said Micajah for if thou come safelie Frâ—m that Battell the Lord hath not by me â—ken at all This is most sure I tell â—rken O people and consider well â—o the King Ahab and Josaphat both â—th their great Armie went up to Ramoth â—n Ahab King resolved by advise â—he Battell he did him selfe disguise 〈◊〉 he had said unto Josaphat King 〈◊〉 on thy robes in time of the fighting â—he King of Syria had his thirtie two â—taines commanded saying so and so 〈◊〉 that ye fight neither with great nor small â—e onely with the King of Israel When the Captaines Josaphats rich clothing 〈◊〉 see they thought he had been Isra'ls King â—n they aside turned with all their might â—inst Josaphat with forces to fight â—hen King Josaphat with a mighty shout â—ong his foes in danger cried out â—en the Captaines in that bloody Battell 〈◊〉 that he was not the King of Isra'l â—y turned back and quickly went him fro â—eek Ahab who was their cheefest foe â—hen at a venture a man drew a bow 〈◊〉 hurt Ahab with a deadly arrow â—n said Ahab to him who his coch drave 〈◊〉 wounded if thou my life can save Delay no more with diligence make hast And carry me aside out of the host So Ahab died and in Samaria Was buried as the Prophet Micajah Before had told who it well understood They wash'd the coch the dogges did lick blood The Use Let Kings heer learne to shun ill company A Jezebel stain'd with idolatry Let Kings heere learne GODS Lawes foâ— regard Ahab did losse his Crowne for a vineyearâ— Let Kings heere learne GODS Micajah heare And not to base Placebos to give eare 8. AHAZIAH The possession of GOD. THis wicked son after Ahab was dead In wickednesse did unto him succeed He like his father did worship Baal And so provok'd the great God Eternal A few dayes after a great greif befell â—ng Ahaziah through a lattesse fell â—om an high chamber whereby he made sick â—om Ba'lzebub his life and health did seeke Then an Angel sent from the great Jovah â—id to his Prophet faithfull Elijah â—ise go up and the Kings servants meet â—d say unto them in these words most meet 〈◊〉 it not because that in all Isra'l â—ere is no GOD that thou go'st to Baal â—w therefore heare that which the LORD hath said â—ou shalt not therefore come downe from thy bed â—hen this message Elijah had imparted 〈◊〉 went his way and from these men departed Then messengers unto the King came back â—ho said unto them why are ye so slack 〈◊〉 to returne from the way I you sent â—om Ba'lzebub who onely can content 〈◊〉 troubled heart Then answer'd they the King 〈◊〉 man us met who sent us back saying 〈◊〉 tell your Prince who hath you foolishlie â—t to idoles wherein is no safetie â—it not because that in all Isra'l There is no God that thou go'st to Baal Now therefore heare what the Lord God 〈◊〉 said Thou shalt not therefore come downe from 〈◊〉 bed What man was he that came you up to meeâ— Said Ahaziah both troubled and sick He was said they a man old and hoary Who bade us turne and no longer tarry This hoary man who did us thus enjoine A leather girdle had about his loines The man that is clothed with that habite Is most surely Elijah the Tishbite Then did the King a Captaine of fiftie Send unto him sitting on an hill hie They said Thus saith the man that beares crowne Thou man of GOD see that thou soone câ— downe Elijah said if man of God I be Let fire come downe and thee and thy fiftie Consume and slay with these wordes fell fire Which did as good Elijah did desire Againe the King a Captaine with fiftie Sent to Elijah commanding quicklie â—r to come downe as had been said before â—ese words they spake to fright him more and more â—ey said Thus saith the man that beares the Crovvne â—ou man of GOD see that thou soone come dovvne Elijah said if man of God I be â—t fire comedowne and thee and thy fiftie â—nsume and slay with these words fell a fire â—hich did as good Elijah did desire He sent againe a Captaine of fifty â—ho came and at Elijahs feet humbly â—d supplicat that he his favour might â—nd that his life might be deare in his sight Then said th' Angel Elijah now go downe â—are not the face of him that beares the Crown â—en he arose and went unto the King â—nd said This is the mighty Lords saying 〈◊〉 as much as thou to Baalzebub â—st sent a disgrace on the LORD to rub â—erefore I tell thee what GOD unto me â—th said in wrath is it not certainly â—it not because that in all Isra'l â—ere is no GOD that thou unto Baal â—uld send Therefore from thy bed certainly Thou shalt not come downe but shalt surely Thus after two yeers that
he bare the crowne Unto the dust by death he was brought downe The Use Let all men learne in sicknesse and distreâ— To trust in God who ever good successe Grants unto these that upon him depend Who do not so shall feel it in the end Hear this who with shit children in your aâ— Run to witches to stithies salves and chaâ— 9. JEHORAM The highnesse of GOD KIng Ahaziah after him had none Who in Isra'l succeeded to his Throne But Jehoram his brother in that day Sat on the Throne and did the scepter sway Of this man who did from the LORD departâ— With an arrow Jehu did pierce the heart He was son of Ahab and Jezebel A race much hated of God Eternel The Use â—t all Kings heere learne not to go astray 〈◊〉 they in peace would long their scepter sway 〈◊〉 Kings from GOD in their folly depart â—D arrowes hath vvherewith to pierce their heart ELIJAH The mightie Lord. 〈◊〉 Jorams reigne Gods word in history â—nserts concerning Elijah worthy When to take up Elijah in his minde â—e Lord had purpose by a great whirlewinde â—en Elijah the Prophet from Gilgal â—ent with Elisha and to him did call â—d said Here tarry for the Eternel â—th me ordain'd for to go to Bethel â—sha said As the great God doth live 〈◊〉 no request will I Elijah leave â—en these two Prophets of the Eternel â—gether went down unto faire Bethel â—s of the Prophets there to Elisha â—d Knowst not thou thy Master Elijah Shall from thine head be pull'd away this day I know said he hold ye your peace I say Al 's Elijah said to Elisha so I pray thee tary for to Jericho The Lord hath sent me I must him obey But as for thee thou shalt do well to stay Elisha said as the great God doth live For no request will I Elijah leave When they were come unto fair Jericho The Prophets sons said to Elisha so Hast thou not heard that thy Master this day From thee by God should be pulled away Yea I it know said he most certainly Hold ye your peace and hencefoorth let me bâ— Elijah said to Elisha his man Now tarry here for God me to Jordan Hath sent As the most mighty Lord doth live Said Elisha I minde thee not to leave When Elijah this matter thought upon He yeelded then and so the two went on There fiftie men who then all Prophets were Stood ov'r against for to view them a farre There Elijah with Elisha his man Most gravely stood hard by the flood Jordan Then Elijah tooke his mantle anone With it by faith he strooke the flood upon â—y this the waters they divided found 〈◊〉 that these two went ov'r on the dry ground When they the Jordan together had past â—ijah said to Elisha at last â—â—ke now what thou desires I doe for thee â—fore by God I be lifted on hie â—ou hast me serv'd with respect and regard â—e what thou wouldst have now for thy reward Elisha said this is my sute to thee â—t thy good Sprite be doubled now on me â—hen Elijah heard Elishas saying â—e said thou hast now asked a heard thing â—everthelesse if thou shalt then me see â—hen the great God shall take me up on hie 〈◊〉 shall be so unto thee as thou would â—t not if then thou canst me not behold It came to passe as these two went on still â—hold a signe the promise to fulfill â—cording to good Elishas desire â—ere appeared a faire charet of fire â—ith great horses which parted them that day Elijah in whirlewinde went away When Elisha had seene all that befell 〈◊〉 father father charet of Isra'l â—d their horsemen he thus aloud did cry â—t he him saw no more after that day Then Elisha for grief incontinent Tooke his own clothes and in two pieces rent Last after this the Prophet Elisha Tooke up the mantle of good Elijah That fell on him and so went back anone And stood besides the bank of the Jordan With that mantle he smote the waters deep Which both above and beneath back did creep For Gods servant to make a ready way That good Elisha might passe through that day When the Prophets that were at Jericho Saw Elisha they all said so and so Behold the sprit of faithfull Elijah Doth rest upon his servant Elisha These came to meet him with all diligence And bow'd before him with great reverence Behold said they there be with us fiftie Strong men of worth let them goe we pâ— thee And seeke thy Master least peradventure The Sprite of God who had of him the cure Hath taken him and hath him cast upon Some high mountaine or low valley alone Then said Elisha your zeal I commend But my advise is that ye shall not send From their purpose he could them not reclamâ— They urged so that he did blush for shame Therefore he said if it be your will send â—ey sent therefore and three dayes to an end â—id seek and seek on valley and mountaine â—t nothing found and so return'd againe â—hen to Elisha they at Jericho â—me with report how they both to and fro â—d wandred to them Elisha did say â—old you that before ye went away The Use â—t Prophets learne vvho serve the great Jovah 〈◊〉 follovv the footsteps of Elijah 〈◊〉 spar'd not great Kings but did them rebuke â—hen they Jehovah most leudly forsooke â—ost Kings are slaine by the vile flatterie 〈◊〉 base fellowes who walk not uprightly â—t all Elijahs that walk in GODS way â—oke for GODS coch to carie them away ELISHA My GOD salvation â—Hen Elisha sojourn'd at Jericho The men of that city came him unto Who said behold a place that is pleasant But the water is nought and good ground scaâ— Then said Elisha bring me a new cruse Put salt therein whereof I may make use When this was done he went forth to the spriâ— Of these waters and cast the salt therein And said Thus saith the mighty LORD I have Healed these waters as yee may perceive Henceforth no death or any barren land Heer shall be seene for so doth GOD commanâ— Then Elisha from thence went to Bethel As he did go this Tragedie befell Some children came out of Bethels city Who said unto the Prophet tauntingly Go up thou bald head go up thou bald-head He turned back and cursed them with speed Then from the wood came Bears incontinent Who fourtie two all into pieces rent From thence to faire Carmel went Elisha And from Carmel unto Samaria Now Jehoram ill Ahabs second son In Samaria did sit on the Throne He did much ill in great Jehovahs sight Yet not like Ahab for this which was right He did Baals image he put away To which Ahab his father went astray But Jeroboams sins he could not leave â—o these idols his foolish heart did cleave In this time Mesha who of Moab King â—as a sheepmaster who much sheep did bring 〈◊〉 Ahabs dayes when once Ahab was dead
â—is man rebell'd against the Royall seed â—en Jehoram the King of Israel â—saphats help desired in Battell â—gainst Moab He said with horse and man â—gainst Moab I will do what I can â—or thee and thine Thus the King Jehoram â—ith Josaphat and the King of Edom â—ent to that war three Kings in company â—esolv'd to fight against Moab stoutly â—id of seven dayes journey fetch a compasse â—t had no water for man horse or asse â—as said Joram it is great pitie â—at we three Kings by Moabs great armie â—ould be destroy'd Then Josaphat did say 〈◊〉 there not heer some good Prophet this day Behold said one the Prophet Elisha â—hich water on the hands of Elijah â—id powre Then said Jehosaphat the King 〈◊〉 pleaseth me to heare of that saying â—or a good man he is in work and word â—et us him hear for with him is the Lord 〈◊〉 these three Kings went downe to Elisha 〈◊〉 know what he would say from Jehovah Then good Elisha to Jehoram King These words of wrath had unto him saying To speak to thee I have no great desire Go to thy fathers Prophets and enquire Were it not that I did regard surelie Jehoshaphat I would not look on thee But now that I what is to come may tell Bring unto me a most cunning Minstrell When he did play then soon it came to passâ— That on Elisha the hand of GOD was Then said Elisha make ditches quickly In great aboundance in this faire valley Thus saith the LORD yee neither wâ— nor raine Shall see and yet the ditches of the plaine Shall be filled with water that yee may Both yee and all your cattell drink this dayâ— This thing is light GOD may it soone câ—mand The Moabites he shall put in your hand And yee shall smite ev'ry fenced citie And al 's yee shall fell downe evry good trâ— Yee shall also their wells of water stop That in their thirst they receive not a drop As he had said so water came anone Wâ—th abundance by the way of Edom. When Moabites heard that the Kings that day â—re come to fight they in their best aray â—th armour bright then all stood in the border â—s for Battell these men were set in order When Moabites rose in the morning soon â—old the Sun upon these waters shone â—e Sun beames made these waters to seeme red â—e Moabites said surely it is blood â—e Kings surely have one another slaine â—e spoile for us now safely doth remaine â—en they came to the Camp of Israel â—e Israelites upon them fiercely fell â—hat they fled from Isra'l speedily â—o did them chase unto their own countrey â—eir cities fair they did beat down at last â—on their fields each man a stone did cast 〈◊〉 of his sling and stopped every well â—eir fairest trees also they did down fell When Moabs King saw the Battell too sore â—t him he tooke seven hundred men therefore 〈◊〉 break even throw unto great Edoms King 〈◊〉 finding that he could not do that thing 〈◊〉 eldest Son he tooke before them all â—hom for an offring he burnt on the wall â—is eldest Son belong'd to Edoms King Whom Moab had as Captive in keeping When Edom saw that for to save his Son Isra'l would not breake up that siege right soâ— He in his heart being full of fury Against Isr'al return'd to his country Then a certaine poor afflicted widow Came to Elisha with grief and sorrow Saying My husband a Prophet is dead Thou know'st right well that he the LOâ— indeed Did feare And now alas the creditour Is come to take my two sons at this hour To be bond men To her with great pitie Elijah said what shall I do for thee Tell me said he what hast thou in thine hoâ— A pot of oyle said she who had no spouse Goe said Elisha and vessels borrow From thy neighbours yea borrow not a few When thou comes in then shut the dooâ— hinde For Gods blessing on that oyle thou shalt find When she her pot in these vessels did powre All the vessels were filled in that houre When all was sought there were no vessels mâ— In all the house the oyle did stay therefore How all was done she to the Prophet told â—o did appoint all the oyle to be sold â—â—ay debt of the first and readiest 〈◊〉 after that to live upon the rest After all this it fell upon a day â—t to Shunem Elisha had his way â—ere was a woman full of charitie 〈◊〉 him constrained her guest for to be 〈◊〉 so it was as oft as he did passe 〈◊〉 them he entred and no stranger was Then said she to her husband lovingly â—s man of God which often passeth by 〈◊〉 a good man to us a matter small â—ill be for him to build on the wall â—hamber with a table stoole a bed â—d candlestick If such a guest be fed â—o our house it shall be found our best â—so we do the LORD vvill blesse the rest So it fell that Elisha on a day 〈◊〉 to this house of Shunem made his way â—en said he to Gehazi his servant â—s Shunamite call thou incontinent â—hen she was come and did before him stand 〈◊〉 earnestly did desire t' understand â—hat thing he might for her great care procure â—th King Captaine whereof she might be sure Among mine owne people said shee I dwell Thou need'st not King nor yet the Captaâ— tell Of mine estate At last said Gehazi This is the point this is the veritie She hath no child in all her rich houshold To be their heire and al 's her Lord is old Then said Elisha about this season Of time of life thou shalt embrace a son Then said she to him Oh now do not lie To thine handmaid but speake the veritie So it befell that at the same season She did conceive and after bare a son When he was growne it fell upon a day That this young child with his father to play Went out among reapers at last he said Unto his father oh my head my head His father dear said to a lade shortly This sick child now to his mother cary When she him got she set him on her knee About the noone sicknesse made him to die Then she went up and laid him on the bed Of Elisha the dear servant of God On him she shut the doore and went away And to her husband thus and thus day say Send me I pray a young man with an asse That to Elisha I may shortly passe Why wilt thou go said he to her I pray 〈◊〉 is not new Moone nor yet sabbath day Yet let me go said she all shall be well â—er asse she sadled and came to Carmel â—nto Elisha so it came to passe â—hen he her saw wondring what matter was â—e said anone to servant Gehazi â—he Shunamite behold what can this be â—o run and meet her from this mount Carmel â—nd know of her if all at home do well â—ll well said she then at
the Lord our God â—ey brought unto us men of knowledge good â—e sons of Mahli the sons of Levi number eighteene with other twentie â—en I proclaim'd a fast there said Ezra Even hard besids the river Ahava That we our selves there where me may abodâ— Might sore afflict before th' Almighty God To seek of him a way with diligence Both for our selves our sons and our substancâ— For I thought shame to seek from the King theâ— A band of Souldiers and al 's of Horsemen Us to protect against our foes for I Had to the King uttred this speach boldly The hand of GOD will surely their part taâ— That do him feare But these that him forsakâ— And with profane walk in the wicked path They surely shall feel the dint of his wrath So we besought the Lord with hunmble fast And he intreated was of us at last When this was done Ezra great quantitie Of silver gold and fine copper quickly Causd to be weighed to the Priests and them He ordain'd all to bring unto Salem On the twelft day of the first mon'th Ezra Departed from the river Ahava That we unto Jerusalem might goe GOD by his hand us sav'd from every foe So we unto Salem came in safetie Wherein the Temple we did clearly see The silver gold well weighed then anone We did deliver our commission Unto the Kings Livetenents whose abode â—as on this side of the river of God â—he house they did most carefully prepare â—hereby they did their diligence declare Chap. 9. â—Hen Ezra was kindled with holy rage Because the people had in mariage â—ken the daughters of a wicked race â—e holy seed thus did themselves disgrace 〈◊〉 among these most wicked Nations â—ey follow'd their abominations â—t let the commons of the people passe â—e great Princes were chiefe in this trespasse When I this thing did hear I quickly rent â—th greefe of heart my mantle and garment â—oni'd I sat downe my heart did bleed â—e haire I pluckt both off my beard and head Then came to me numbers with one accord â—o with their hearts did truely fear the LORD â—ey greeved were for their wicked practise â—te astoni'd till even sacrifice â—en I arose up from my heavinesse â—ing my mantle in my sore distresse â—t with my garment then upon my knees â—ll downe and to God did lift mine eyes Spreading my hands out to his Majestie And said O God to lift my face to thee I am asham'd for even over our head Our sins are greatly increased indeed And our trespasse against thy holy name Up to the Heav'ns is growen up to our shame Since the dayes of our fathers we have seen That we in great trespasse have surely been Unto this day and for our sins have we Our Kings our Priests been to captivitie And spoile deliv'red and to shame of face As we this day do feele with great disgrace And now the Lord to us with sorrowes prest A little space hath made grace manifest That we escape might danger and disgrace And get a naile in his most holy place That so our God might lighten cleare our eyes And in our bondage give a little ease For we who are Gods chosen heritage Among our foes were captives in bondage But God to us extended hath mercy Even in the sight of Kings who mightily In Persia rule that he so by this thing Might unto us even give a reviving For to set up GODS house with buildinâ— faire And desolations thereof well repaire â—nd so in Salem and al 's in Judah 〈◊〉 get a wall from the great JEHOVAH And now our GOD alas what shall we say â—r we thy precepts have despisd this day â—â—d cleane forsaken for in lustfull rage â—ith the heathen we have in mariage â—fil'd our selves in our trespasses we â—fore thy face at this time stand guiltie Chap. 10. VVHen Ezra thus did pray and weepe right sore â—d cast himselfe downe the LORDS house before â—en Jehiels son called Shechaniah 〈◊〉 answere soone and said unto Ezra â— have trespassd against the LORDS command have espousde the strange wives of the land for all this we truely heere may tell â—t touching this there 's hope in Israel â—herefore now let us make without delay â—h GOD a Cov'nant for to put away â—h all the wives and children most forlorne â—ch of these wives have hitherto been borne â—e Ezra for this matter to thee â—ngeth also we with thee will be Be of courage and do as ye now hear Then rose Ezra and made Isra'l to swear That they should do according to his word Then Ezra before the house of the LORD Rose and quickly into the chamber went Of Johanan where he was miscontent For their sins who had beene cari'd away He ate no bread no water in that day He drank at all and they proclaim'd quickly Unto the children of captivity Through all Judah and Salem that together They should themselves for this good purpoâ— gather Then within three dayes as they did ordaine They greatly mourn'd for their sinnes and fâ—raine Then Ezra Priest stood up and al 's did tell By wives yee have increasd sins in Isra'l Therefore unto your fathers God confesse To do his pleasure see that ye professe Sever your selves from the men of the land And from strange wives Then all did taâ— in hand While they heard Ezra speaking thus that day That as he said they gladly would obey That GOD might turne away his anger hote Which kindled was by such a filthie spot They gave their hands that they would put away â—heir wives and being most guilty that day â—s God ordained so it came to passe 〈◊〉 ramme they offred for their great trespasse The Use â—eere learne that though GOD with great miserie â—fflict his Church in long captivitie â—et at the last before that they be shent 〈◊〉 of the evil will surely him repent Zerubbabel with his precepts school'd 〈◊〉 can raise up Jerusalem to build â—r manners good he can finde out a scribe 〈◊〉 learn'd Ezra wise precepts to prescribe â—ee wil not want if it then needfull be good Haggai and faithfull Zacharie â—a Cyrus his ordinance recall Darius he for to build the wall â—n raise who by a most constant decree â—ll furnish all that thereto needfull be See how the LORD can wisely with a beck A winke a vvord the greatest things direct THE GARDEN OF ZION The Booke of Nehemiah A Prayer THy workes are wondrous as all men mâ— see Thy Phoebus bright careering on the sky Comes foorth pompous like a Bridgroomâ— light Thy starres like nailes of gold decore the nighâ— Thou sends thy winds justing among the clouds They roare they stirre the bubbling waâ— floods What god O GOD can be compar'd to thee ' â—ho art great Ruler both of land and sea â—rant unto me that in my sacred layes 〈◊〉 may expresse the glory of thy wayes By Zerubabel thou thy Temple faire â—ebuilt by Ezra thou didst well repaire â—hat was amisse in manners
brothers hall 19 But O behold what did befall a most fearfull distresse There came a strong and mighty winde even from the wildernesse The house four corners it did smite which on the young men fell They are all dead and I alone escaped am to tell 20 The Job arose his mantle he rent and did shave his head He down upon the ground did fall and worship did with speed 21 Then said he in his grief and smart Out of my mothers womb I naked came and shall return al 's naked to my tomb The LORD hath given and al 's the LORD hath taken all away The LORDS great name be blessed still for ever and for ay â—2 Yet worthy JOB most patient in all this misery â—id not offend nor charge his GOD with rigour foolishly Chap. 2. ANother day the sons of GOD came themselves to present Before the LORD Satan also among them there he went 2 Whence comes thou GOD to Satan said then Satan answred soon From going to and fro on Earth from walking up and down 3 Hast thou considred JOB said GOD that there is none him like One that feares GOD and evil eschewes perfect and upright eke Behold how still he holdeth fast even his integrity Although that him for to destroy thou without cause mov'dst me 4 Then Satan the LORD answerd soone JOB hath felt little strife But skin for skin all that man hath will he give for his life 5 Put foorth thine hand his bone and flesh touch and in little space He even out of all patience will curse thee to thy face 6 And the Lord unto Satan said Behold and now perceive He in thine hand given over is but see thou his life save 7 So from the presence of the Lord Satan went up and downe And smot poore Job with painefull boiles from the sole to the crowne 8 Then a potsheard to scrape himself he tooke all desolate Thus he perplexed in his mind among the ashes sate 9 Then said his wife Retain'st thou still thine old integritie What meanest thou O foolish man now curse thou GOD and die 10 But he againe said unto her his witlesse wife to schoole Thou speakest now thou knowes not what thou speakest like a foole Shall we receive good and not evill at the hand of the LORD â—n all this did not holy Job with lips sinne in a word 11 Now when Jobs three friends heard of all this evill and great disgrace That came on him they every one did come from his owne place The Temanite Eliphaz and al 's Bildad the Shuhite And Zâ—phar also joyn'd with them the wise Naamathite For they together had all made appointment of one sort To come and mourne with their deare freind and him for to comfort 12 But when they did lift up their eyes afarre they him no more Did know they lifted up their voice and weeped very sore And every man his mantle rent while thus they had it riven They sprinkled dust upon their heads toward the highest heaven 13 So seven dayes without speaking wordes and seven nights they down sate Upon the ground for they did see his grief was very great Chap. 3. THen op'ned Job his mouth anone and in greefe cursd his day And answ'ring with a wounded heart Job thus began to say 3 Cursd be the day that I was borne and let the night like have That it was said my mother did me a man childe conceive 4 Let that day be darknesse alwayes let not GODS eye divine Regard it neither let the light upon it ever shine 5 Let darknesse it and shadowes staine let a cloud stedfastly Dwell on it let the blacknesse of the day it terrifie 6 Let darknesse seaze upon that night to the dayes of the yeare Let it not come nor numbred be with moneths by men heere 7 Let that night in all times to come be solitarie still Let no voice at all come therein that is glade or joyfull 8 Let them it curse with all their heart that use to curse the day â—ho are still ready to raise up their great mourning alway 9 Let the starres of its twilight be darke let it looke for light â—ut have none neither let it see the faire dayes dawning bright 10 Because it of my mothers womb shut not the doores closely Nor in the dayes of troubles great hide sorrow from mine eye 11 Why died I not even from the womb which compassd me about Why did not I give up the ghost when from it I came out 12 Why did the midwives gentle knees me at my birth prevent Or why the breasts that I should suck gave milk for this intent 13 For now both still and quiet I should have been for my best I should have sleeped in the grave then had I been at rest 14 With Kings and also counsellers men of the earth most rare Who in places most desolate did build their houses faire 15 Or with Princes who glistring gold had in their treasures still Who their houses adorned well with silver fine did fill 16 Or as an hid untymly birth I surely had not beene As infants in their mothers wombe which light have never seene 17 There cease alwayes the wicked men From troubling the opprest And there from toile and carking care the weary be at rest 12 The prisoners there together rest they not at any houre Do heare the voice which doth proceed from the great opressour 18 These that be small and also gerat even there together be And the servant for toilsome taske is from his master free 20 Wherefore is light given unto him that is in miserie And life upon the earth to them that in soul bitter be 21 Which every day do long for death but it comes not therefore â—nd dig for it even more then for hid treasures and great store 22 Which doe exceedingly rejoice and alwayes gladnesse have â—n their greatest afflictions when they can find the grave 23 And why is light given to a man whose way is alwayes hid â—nd whom the Lord hath hedged in and from evill will not red 24 For my sighing before I eat doth come and me about â—y roarings loud like waters great are largely powred out 25 For that which I still greatly fear'd is come now upon me â—nd that whereof I was afraid is to me come surelie 26 In safety I was not alwayes nor yet still had I rest 〈◊〉 was far from all quietnesse yet troubles me opprest Chap. 4. WHen this was said then Eliphaz the Temanite that day Did forme an answer and to Job after this speach did say If we assay to speake with thee as friends and so be bold Will thou be greev'd But who from words can well himselfe withhold 3 Behold thou hast instructed well diverse in numbrous bands And thou by thy most wise comforts hast strengthned the weak hands 4 Thy words have well upholden him that was in miseries Straight falling and thou strengthned hast the weak and feeble
And doth forget the Covenant all of her great GOD above 18 For her most vile house doth incline unto the doores of death And to the dead all slaine by sinne directly is her path 19 None of these all returne againe who foolishly are bold To go to her nor of the paths of life doe they take hold 20 That thou most constantly may walk with good men in the way And of the righteous keep the paths and feare to goe astray 21 For the upright shall dwell in lands which shall thee well maintain And these that be perfect in heart shall still therein remaine 22 But wicked men shall be cut off from all the earth about And the transgressours of GODS law shall be all rooted out Chap. 3. My deare son looke that thou my law do in no way forget But see that my commandments all thou keep with all thine heart 2 For length of dayes they shall to thee adde with a happy life And Peace and Plenty wonderfull far from debate and strife 3 Let not Mercy and Truth forsake thee binde them to thy neck Write them upon the table of thine heart which they shall deck 4 So shalt thou most sweet favour finde and an excellent light Of understanding good and that both in GOD and mans sight 5 Trust in thee LORD with all thine heart well purged and made cleane And unto thine owne wisdome see that in no way thou leane 6 In all thy wayes acknowledge him who shall thee still protect And thy paths through all dangers he shall safely all direct 7 Be thou not wise in thine own eyes take heed unto thine heart The mighty Lord see that thou fear and from all ill depart 8 It shall be to thy navill health and more then that alone It wattring and moistning shall be even marrow to thy bone 9 With thy substance honour the Lord even whether more or lesse And with the first and rarest fruits of all thy blest increase 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty of corne most fine Thy presses al 's abundantly shall burst out with new wine 11 My son the chastening of the Lord see that thou not despise Nor yet of his correction good be weary any wayes 12 For whom the Lord loves he corrects as he it thinketh right Even as a father doth his son in whom is his delight 13 Most happy is the man that doth Gods heavenly wisedome find And he that understanding good gets for to cleare his mind 14 For the rich merchandise thereof is better manifold Then silver and the gaine thereof then is the finest gold 15 She then Rubies more precious is which high esteemed are And all the things thou canst desire may not with her compare 16 In her right hand the length of dayes abide as in their seat And in her left hand also are riches and honour great 17 Her wayes are wayes of pleasantnesse which mens heart do solace And which should much stirre up our hearts ev'n all her paths are peace 18 She is a tree of life to them that on her hold do lay And ev'ry one that her retaines is happy ev'ry way 19 The Lord by wisdome founded hath the earth and made it sure By understanding he the heavens hath stablish'd to endure 20 By his knowledge are broken up the depths that are not few The lofty clouds GODS charets high drop downe the pleasant dew 21 My son let them not from thine eyes by any way depart See that thou keep discretion well and wisedome sound in heart 22 So shall they be unto thy soule as life thee to protect They likewise shall not faile to be as grace unto thy neck 23 Then thou protected by the Lord shalt safely in thy way With courage walk so that thy foot not stumble shall alway When thou lyes downe thou shalt not be afraid by danger deep Yea thou most safely shalt ly down and sweet shall be thy sleep 25 Let not thy heart be sore afraid of any sudden fear Nor of the desolation great when it doth come right neer 26 For GOD of thy sure confidence shall alwayes be the root From being taken in a girn he shall keep well thy foot 27 Withhold not good from them to whom it 's due as by a band When as to do the same it 's in the power even of thine hand 28 Say not unto thy neighbour Go and come againe to me And I to morrow will it give when it thou hast by thee 29 Against thy neighbour any way see thou devise not ill Since that he doth by thee alwayes ev'n most securely dwell 30 With any man without a cause strive not in any terme If so be that he innocent hath done to thee no harme 31 Vaine oppressours envie thou not who do poore men abuse And see that thou be very ware none of their wayes to chuse 32 For an abomination great the froward is alway Unto the Lord but his secret is with the righteous ay 33 GODS curse upon the wickeds house shall bring it all to dust But he most plenteously doth blesse the dwelling of the just 34 Surely he in his wrath doth scorne the scorners to their face But unto men of humble hearts he alwayes giveth grace 35 The wise shall all inherit still great glory in their name But the promotion of all fooles shall be nothing but shame Chap. 4. YEE children of a father hear the teaching wise and learn'd And to know understanding good with diligence attend 2 For I to you give doctrine wise that ye may stand in aw And walk in mine obedience and not forsake my law 3 For ev'n I was my fathers son his pleasure and delight Yea tender and beloved well in my dear mothers sight 4 He taught me al 's and said to me let thine heart now beleeve My words al 's my commandements all keep well that thou may live 5 Get wisdome understanding get most heavenly and divine Forget it not and from my words see that thou not decline 6 Forsake her not and so she shall most safe preserve thee still Love her with all thine heart and she shall keep thee from all ill 7 Wisedome as all men well may know in cheefest place is set Therefore get wisdome and with that good understanding get 8 Exalt her high and she shall thee promote in every place To honour great she shall thee bring when thou dost her embrace 9 She shall to thee an ornament of grace give lovingly A crown of glory sure she shall deliver unto thee 10 Hear O my son consider well and hear now lovingly My words and the years of thy life shall blest and many be 11 I have thee taught in Wisdomes way and that with all my might I also have thee straightly led in pathes that are most right 12 When thou shalt go thy steps shall not be straitned sore at all And when thou runnest thou shalt not once stumble for to fall 13 Take fast
are still in righteousnesse No froward thing there is at all in them or yet perverse 9 They are all plaine to him that hath an understanding mind They are also all right to them that wisely knowledge find 10 Care not for silver but receive instruction manifold And carefully for knowledge seek more then the choisest gold 11 For wisedome Rubies is above and all the things most faire That may by men desired be can not with it compare 12 I wisedome with prudence alway do dwell most pleasantly And of inventions knowledge find that grave and wittie be 13 The feare of God is for to hate evill pride arrogancy And the evill way and froward mouth doe I hate all greatly 14. Counsell is mine and wisedome sound as men shall know at length I understanding am indeed I have no lake of strength 15 By me the mighty Kings do reigne who sit on benches hie And mighty Princes in their place do justice al 's decree 16 By me the Princes rule with might and Nobles by my grace Even all the Judges of the earth from me receive their place 17 I with my heart do love all these that have a love to me And these most surely shall me finde that earely seekers be 18 Continually I have with me both honour and richesse Yea riches dureable that are and also righteousnesse 19 My fruit is better then the gold yea then fine gold that glitter My rev'nue al 's is far above the fine and choicest silver 20 I all men that resort to me lead in the righteous way In the midst al 's of judgments paths that they go not astray 21 That I may cause all these that do me love and honour still Well to inherite wealth and I will all their treasures fill 22 The mighty Lord possessed me with mercies manifold In the beginning of his way before his works of old 23 From everlasting I set up was by his mighty hand From the beginning of all things or ever there was land 24 I was brought foorth when were no deepths even flowing on the ground When no fountaines there were which did with water great abound 25 Before the mountaines setled were before the hilles of worth Yea even from all eternitie I was indeed brought foorth 26 While as the earth and pleasant fields the Lord that 's wise and just Had not yet made nor highest part of all the worlds dust 27 When I prepar'd the heav'ns I was there in my holy place When he a compasse set upon the depths excellent face 28 When he established above the clouds as in a heap When he strengthned by his strong arme the fountaines of the deep 29 When to the sea he gave decree not for to passe a point His precepts when he of the earth the ground stone did appoint 30 Then I by him as one brought up with him was every day I his delight was and did joy before his face alway 31 Rejoiceing in these parts of earth which were indwelled then And my pleasure and cheefe delights were with the sonnes of men 32 Now therefore hearken unto me ye children young in dayes â—or they indeed most blessed are that wisely keep my wayes 33 Be wise and good instruction al 's be most glade for to hear And see that thou do not refuse unto it to give eare 34 Blest is the man that heareth me and watcheth at my gates â—nd of my doores waits at the posts as poor men in such seats 35 For who so findeth me doth find life which is greatest gaine â—nd he of the LORD GOD above much favour shall obtaine 36 But he that against me forlorne himself to sin doth move Much wrongs his owne soul yea all they that hate me death do love Chap. 9. VVIsedome her faire house builded hath which seemly is to see She hath hew'n out her pillars seven as ornaments to be 2 She killed hath the beast she hath mingled her costly wine She furnish'd hath her table rich with dainties good and fine 3 Her maidens that attend her she hath sent foorth by and by Upon the highest places of the citie she doth cry 4 Let simple men turne hither in and that without delay And as for him that wanteth wit she to him thus doth say 5 Come eat of my most blessed bread as I do you command And drink of the wine which I have well mingled with my hand 6 All these that foolish be forsake that happy so thou may Live a blest life and also goe in understandings way 7 He that reproves a scorner gets shame to himselfe and spot And he that wicked men rebukes doth get himself a blot 8 To shunne all hatred see that thou a scorner not reprove But a wise man rebuke and he will thee most surely love 9 Give to the wise instruction good and he will wiser be Teach a just man and he increase in learning will by thee 10 GODS fear is the beginning of wisdome that maketh wise The knowledge of the holy is ev'n wisedome sound alwayes 11 For thy dayes in great mercy shall be multipli'd by me â—nd the years of thy blessed life shall sure increased be 12 If thou be wise thou shalt be wise for thy selfe this now heare â—ut if thou scornest thou alone the smart thereof shalt beare 13 A woman that is clamorous and troubleth all the land â—e simple is and nothing knowes as she should understand 14 For at the doore she of her house sits idly on a seat the high places which are of the city large and great 15 To call the simple Passengers to make them go astray When for their worldly businesse they go right on their way 16 Who so is simple let him turn now hither for to sit And also she doth say to him that wanteth sprituall wit 17 The stoln waters of carnall lust are delicate and sweet And bread in secret corners are most pleasant for to eat 18 But he knows not that there the dead are though the Lord it tell And that her mad and foolish guests are in the depths of hell Chap. 10. A Wise son to his fathers heart doth cause joy and gladnesse But to his mother dear a fool brings grief and heavinesse 2 The treasures of great wickednesse no profite bring to man But righteousnesse deliv'reth sure from death that 's pale and wan 3 The Lord will not let good mens souls both famish and decay â—ut he the goods of wicked men in wrath doth cast away He that with a slack hand doth deale anone becometh poor â—t of the diligent the hand enricheth men most sure He that in Summer gathreth is a wise son worthy fame â—t he that sleeps in harv'st is sure a son that causeth shame Great blessings are upon the head of men without offence â—t the mouth of the wicked is cov'red with violence The memory of the just man who lives without a spot â—â—st blessed is but sure the name of wicked men shall rot The wise
him that without wisdome is great foly is his joy But uprightly he walks who wise his wits doth well imploy 22 Great purposes do fail when they good counsell are without But stablish'd they by numbers are of Counsellours about 23 By th'answer of his mouth a man hath joy well understood A spoken word in season due sure is exceeding good 24 The way of life is high above to him that wisedome hath That so he may right speedily depart from hell beneath 25 The proud mans house God will destroy that it may not endure But of widowes the border he establish will most sure 26 The Lord abhors the thoughts of these that constant are in ill But the words of the pure in heart are words most pleasant still That man his own soul troubleth much that greedy is of gaine But he that doth hate bribes and gifts shall sure alive remaine 28 The righteous heart doth studie still to answere every houre But the mouth of the wicked sort still ill things out doth powre 29 Unto all such that wicked are the Lord will not come neere But of all these that righteous be the prayer he well doth hear 30 The light of th' eyes doth still rejoice the heart and it comfort And al 's the bones are all made fat even with a good report 31 The eare that the reproofe of life doth hear well and obey Delighteth much for to abide among the wise alway 32 He that instruction doth refuse his own soul doth despise But he that humbly hears reproof gets understanding wise 33 Gods fear is the instruction good of wisdome most surely Before the time that honour come is true humility Chap. 16. THe preparation of the heart in man both night and day â—nd al 's the answere of the tongue is from the Lord alway 2 All the wayes of a carnall man in his own eyes are clean â—ut God doth weigh the sprits which are of him most clearly seen 3 Unto the Lord commit thy works that they may well endure â—nd he the thoughts shall of thine heart establish still most sure 4 The Lord most wisely for himself things of all sort hath made â—â—st a for the day of great distresse the wicked and the bad 5 The Lord abhors the proud in heart what ever he think or say â—hough hand join hand unpunished he shall not be alway 6 By Mercy and Truth wickednesse is purged from the heart And by the true feare of the Lord men from all ill depart 7 When a mans wayes reformed well the mighty Lord doth please He maketh even his enemies all to be with him at peace 8 A little thing with righteousnesse is better in Gods sight Then revenewes both great and large obtain'd against all right 9 The heart of man that prudent is his way may well devise But all his steps directed are by God both good and wise 10 A divine sentence in the lips of the King oft is found His mouth well rul'd transgresseth not in judgement good and sound 11 A just weight and the ballance al 's unto the Lord belong The weights all of the bagge his work are all the earth among 12 Abomination unto Kings to practise wickednesse It is for stablish'd is the Throne most sure by righteousnesse 13 The righteous lips that shunne all lies of Kings are the delight â—nd they do much respect and love him that doth speak aright 14 The wrath of Kings most surely is as messengers of death â—t he that prudent is and wise will pacifie such wrath 15 In light of the Kings countenance life doth alwayes remaine â—s favour al 's is as a cloud ev'n of the latter raine 16 Much better then the gold is it to get wisdome divine â—nd to get understanding then the silver that is fine 17 The high way of the upright is from all ill to depart â—t that wisely doth keep his way preserves his soul and heart 18 Pride got'h before destruction still among both great and small â—nd likewise doth an hauty sprite before a shamefull fall 19 Humble to be it better is with these that lowly be Then to devide with lofty men the richest spoile we see 20 He that his matters wisely guides shall alway find good speed And who so trusteth in the Lord he happy is indeed 21 The wise in heart in all their wayes most prudent call they will Likewise the sweetnesse of the lips increaseth learning still 22 A well of life unto the wife is wisedome most surelie But of fooles the instruction all great folly semees to be 23 Of the wise man the prudent heart his mouth doth wisely teach And maketh learning of all sorts unto his lips to reach 24 Words pleasant are as hony combs unto the soule most sweet And also to the bruised bones for health they are most meet 25 There is a way which unto man seemes right but in Gods wrath The end thereof which fearfull is the ill wayes are of death 26 He that doth labour doth it all for him self for to have For his mouth in necessitie the same of him doth crave 27 A man ungodly in his wayes digs up ill with desire And in his lips set on mischeefe there is a burning fire 28 A man that hath a froward heart discord doth sow and strife â—nd whisperers do sep'rat soone the cheefest friends in life 29 A man that 's given to violence his neighbour doth entise â—nd leadeth him into the way of wicked and unwise 30 He shuts his eyes things froward to devise a great trespasse â—e moves his lips with fraud and guile and bringeth ill to passe 31 The hoary head a fair crowne is of glory and riches it be well and wisely found in wayes of righteousnesse 32 He that 's to anger slow excells the mighty all among And he that rul's his speach him that doth take a city strong 33 The lot is cast unto the lap as at peradventur But the disposing all thereof is of the Lord most sure Chap. 17. A Morsell dry much better is and quietnesse of life Then houses full of sacrifice with great debate and strife 2 A wise servant shall over rule a son that causeth shame And shall inherit them among who brethren are by name 3 The fining pot for silver is appointed by and by And furnace for the gold but God the hearts of men doth try 4 A wicked doer to fals lips attentively gives head A liar al 's doth give his eare to naughty tongues indeed 5 Who mocks the poore his maker doth reproch most shamefully â—e punish'd sure shall be that is glade at calamity Childrens children a blest off-spring of old men are the crowne And fathers al 's of children are the glory and renowne 7 Speach excellent becometh not the men that foolish be Much lesse becometh it a Prince with lying lips to lie 8 A gift in his eyes that it hath is as a precious stone Whethersoever it doth turne it prospreth well anone 9
passe ov'r his glory is alway 12 As roaring of a Lion fierce so a Kings wrath doth passe But his favour most gracious is as dew upon the grasse 13 To his father a foolish son is great calamity And the contentions of a wife do drop continually 14 House richesse are th' inheritance which fathers do afford But he that hath a prudent wife her hath even from the LORD 15 Men into slumber and deep sleep are cast by slouthfulnesse A soul that 's idle suffer shall both hunger and distresse 16 He that keeps the commandment well his own soul keeps safely But he that doth despise his wayes undoubtedly shall dy 17 He that hath pitie on the poor unto the Lord doth lend â—nd that which he hath given will he in payment to him send 8 While there is any hope thy son ev'n chasten by and by â—et not thy soul him spare at all though he aloud do cry 9 A man of great wrath punishment shall suffer and sustaine â—or if thou him deliver yet thou must doe it againe 10 Hear wise counsell and also good instruction soone receive â—hat so thou in thy latter end may'st alwayes wisdome have 11 In a mans heart that is profound devices many be â—everthelesse the counsell of the Lord shall stand most free 12 Of a man worthy the desire his kindnesse is most sure â—â—d better then a lyar is a man though he be poore The fear of the Almighty LORD to life doth alwayes tend â—e that it hath is satisfi'd no ill shall him offend 24 In his bosome a slouthfull man doth hide his hand in vaine And will not so much as it bring unto his mouth againe 25 A scorner smite and simple men will sure beware therefore Also reprove the wise and he will be wise more and more 26 He that doth wast his father and his mother chase away Is a vile son that causeth shame and brings reproach alway 27 My son I counsell thee to cease th' instruction for to hear That causeth men alwayes to erre from wordes of knowledge dear 28 A wicked witnesse judgement all doth scorne both lesse and more And the mouth of the wicked doth iniquity devore 29 Judgements severe for scorners are prepared by Gods hand And sore stripes for the back of fooles that nothing understand Chap. 20. WIne is a mocker and strong drink is raging great alwayes â—nd whosoever is thereby deceived is not wise As roaring of a Lion so is of a King the fear Who him provokes to wrath doth sin ' gainst his own soul most dear It for a man an honour is to cease from strife quickly â—ut every foole of knowledge void therewith will medling be The sluggard will not plow because of cold showres that down fall â—herefore in harv'st time shall he beg and have nothing at all Counsell is in the heart of man like waters deep surelie â—ut one of understanding good will draw it out quickly Of men the most part will proclaime each one his own goodnesse â—ut who can by his wisdome finde â— a man of faithfulnesse 7 The man that is just wisely walks in his integrity His children deare are after him a blest posterity 8 A King that sitteth in the throne of judgement just alway With his owne eyes all wickednesse doth scatter cleane away 9 Who can in truth affirme and say my heart I have made sure Cleane from all sort of wickednesse I from my sin am pure 10 Weights diverse and such measure al 's though they much gaine afford They both abomination are alike unto the Lord. 11 Even a young child is knowne by that which he doth in mens sight Whether his work be good and pure and whether it be right 12 The eare that is inclin'd to heare and al 's the seeing eye The Lord hath even made both of them by his hand for to be 13 Love not long sleep lest that thou come to poverty with speed Thine eyes open and thou shalt be well satisfied with bread 14 The merchand saith it 's nought it's nought when he desires to buy But when from thence he is away he boasteth by and by 15 Of Gold and Rubies men esteeme but the lips that can say The words of wisdome are indeed a jewell rare alway 16 His garment take that surety is even for a strangers sake And of him for a woman strange see that a pledge thou take 17 Bread that is gotten be deceit unto a man seemes sweet But afterwards his mouth shall be with gravell fil'd for meat 18 Each purpose well establish'd is by counsell good and wise And when thou mindest to make war do it with good advice 19 Who bearing false tales goth about mens secrets with great slips Revealeth therefore haunt him not that flattreth with his lips 20 Who so his father curseth or his mother dear most sure His lamp shall be put out anone in darknesse most abscure 21 An heritage may at the first be gotten hastilie But out of doubt the end thereof shall no way blessed be 22 Say not when thou provoked art ill recompence I will But waite on God and he shall sure thee save from danger still 23 Weights diverse are unto the Lord abomination all And a false ballance is not good with either great or small 24 Mans goings all are of the Lord who ordreth them alway How can a man then understand to walk in the good way 25 It is a snare to him that doth the holy things devore And after his vowes for to make enquirie strick therefore 26 A King that cunning is and wise can ill men scatter well â—nd for a just judgement also bring over them the wheele 27 The sprit of man Gods candle is which shineth in our hearts 〈◊〉 of the belly searcheth still ev'n all the inward parts 28 Mercy and truth most safely do preserve the King alone â—y mercy to his subjects all upholden is his Throne 29 Of young strong men the glory great is their great strength indeed â—nd of old men the beautie is the gray and hoary head 30 The bluenesse of a wound surely the ill doth cleanse away 〈◊〉 of the belly th' inward parts stripes still do purg alway Chap. 21. THe Kings heart in the hand of GOD is as a river still â—le doth it turne by his great might whethersoever he will The way or work of every man in his owne eyes is right But the LORD pondreth well the hearts by his wisdome and might 3 To do judgement with upright heart and al 's to do justice Is more acceptable unto the LORD then sacrifice 4 A haughty look disdaining men a proud and lofty heart And plowing of the wicked men is sin in every part 5 All the thoughts of the diligent tend unto plenteousnesse But every one that hastie is to want and to distresse 6 The getting of great treasures by great lyes a vanitie Is tossed to and fro of them that seeke death foolishly 7 The robbery
LORD do all things understand 6 Much better is the poor man that walks in his uprightnesse Then he that is perverse in heart though he swimme in richesse 7 Who well doth keep the Law of GOD is a son that is wise But he that likes the riotous men his father doth despise 8 He that his substance doth increase by gaine unjust most sure He shall it gather for the man that pitie will the poor 9 He that from GODS Law turnes his ear and will not hear gladlie His prayer abomination vile unto the LORD shall be 10 Who makes the righteous go astray he shall with great distresse Fall in his own pit but the just shall good things still possesse 11 The rich man in his own conceit is wise without all doubt â—ut the poor that well understands doth clearly search him out 12 When righteous men with heart rejoice great glory is to see â—ut when ill men to honour rise then good men hidden be 13 He that cov'reth his sins shall not well prosper in his dayes â—ut who shall them with heart forsake shall mercie have alwayes 14 Most happie he that feares alway GOD shall send him relief â—ut he that hardneth still his heart shall fall into mischief 15 As is a roaring Lion and as is a ranging Bear 〈◊〉 over a poor people doth a ruler ill appear 16 A Prince that wanteth wit is an oppressour in his wayes â—ut he that hateth covetousnesse shall well prolong his dayes 17 A man that by his violence doth any person slay By justice shall flee to the pit see that no man him stay 18 Who so in life walks uprightly that man he surely shall Be saved but he that in his heart perverse at once shall fall 19 He that painfull his land doth till shall of bread have plentie But he that followes persons vaine shall come to povertie 20 A faithfull man shall still abound with blessings permanent But he that hasteth to be rich shall not be innocent 21 To have respect of persons it is ill both more and lesse For for a peece of bread that man will certainly transgresse 22 He that makes hast for to be rich hath doubtlesse an ill eye And thinketh not that him upon shall come great povertie 23 He that a man rebuketh shall after more favour get Then he that falsly with the tongue to flatter still is set 24 Who so his parents robs and saith it is no fault at all The same of a destroyer we may the companion call 25 He that is of a hauty heart stirres up debate and strife But he that puts his trust in God shall be made fat in life 26 He that doth trust in his owne hâ—aâ—t most foolish is surely But he who wisely so doth walk shall well delivered be 27 He that doth give unto the poore shall not have any lake But he that hids his eyes shall have great curses on his back 28 When wicked ones do rise men hide themselves most secretly But when they die the righteous folk increase aboundantly Chap. 29. HE who reprov'd often his neck doth harden stubbornly Shall suddenly be all destroy'd without all remedy 2 When good men have authoritie the people all rejoice But when the wicked rule doth beare then is a mourning voice 3 Who wisdome loves he joyfull makes his fathers countenance But who with harlots still abides doth spend his whole substance 4 The King that 's wise by judgement doth establish well the land But it is overthrowen by him that hath a bribing hand 5 A man that with his flattring wordes his neighbour still doth feed He for his feet in all his wayes a net doth surely spread 6 In the transgression of ill men there surely is a snare But righteous men sing and rejoice with joy and gladnesse rare 7 The righteous man considreth well the poor mans cause apart But wicked men to know it once regard not in their heart 8 Men scornefull bring a city in a fearfull snare alway But wise men through their wisdome great do turne all wrath away 9 If wise wen with a foolish man into contention fall Whether he rage or yet he laugh there is no rest at all 10 The blood thirsty doth hate the man that upright is in life But the just man contrarily seeks to preserve his life 11 A foolish man doth utter all his mind most foolishly But a wise man till afterwards it keeps in cunningly 12 If eare to lies a ruler give which do mens names defame His servants all to slanders al 's their tongues will surely frame 13 The poor and the deceitfull man by the LORDS power divine Together meet the LORD on both doth make his sunne to shine 14 The King upright in all his wayes that judgeth faithfullie The poore his throne for evermore shall sure establish'd be 15 Rods and reproofs great wisdome give but which is worthy blame A foolish childe left to him self his mother brings to shame 16 When wicked men are multiplied transgression doth increase But righteous men shall see them fall in danger and distresse 17 Correct thy son and he shall give thee rest both day and night Yea prudent he unto thy soul shall surely give delight 18 The people where no vision is do perish speedily But he that well thâ— law doth keep most happy sure is he 19 Servants corrected will not be by wordes that men can say For though they well do understand yet will they not obey 20 A man most sudden in his wordes and hasty dost thou see There is more hope of any fool nor of him there can be 21 He that a servant from a childe up brings too tenderly Shall at the length have him most sure as his own son to be 22 An angry man doth strife stir up with a most troubled sound Men furious in transgressions great do alwayes still abound 23 A mans own pride shall bring him low under his neighbours feet But honour shall uphold alwayes the man of humble sprite 24 Who so is partner with a theef his own soul hates alway He doth hear men urg'd with great oathes and doth them not bewray 25 The fear of man doth bring a snare but who for to endure In safety trusteth in the LORD he shall be safe and sure 26 The Rulers favour many seek which may them help afford But the judgement of Judges doth depend upon the LORD 27 The man unjust abhorred is by the just man alway The wicked is even loth'd by him that 's upright in the way Chap. 30. WIse Agurs words son of Jakeh even the sweet prophesie The man spake unto Ithiel and Vcall certainly 2 Surely I am more brutish then all other men can be And understanding of a man I have not as ye see 3 I neither wisdome good did learne which wise men well do teach Nor yet to holy knowledge I am able for to reach 4 Who hath ascended up to heaven Or who from thence againe Descended
at all For with scarlet her houshold is well cloathed great and small 22 She cov'rings to her self doth make of richest tapestrie Her clothings of the finest silk and costlie purple be 23 Her husband in the gates is known by such attire most net â—hen he among the Elders doth sit in the judgement seat 24 She diligent the linnen fine doth make and al 's it sell â—e likewise doth fine girdles give unto the merchands all 25 Strength and honour her clothing are such is her great wisdome â—nd she by these her comforts shall rejoice in time to come 26 She with wisdome op'neth her mouth which makes all stand in aw â—â—d in her tongue governed well of kindnesse is the law 27 Unto the wayes of her houshold she wisely lookes indeed â—â—d being busie eateth not of idlenesse the bread 28 Her children rise up and her call most blest in all her dayes â—er husband also well content he praiseth her alwayes 29 Much daughters have most vertuously done as men well may tell But thou indeed them all above most highly dost excell 30 Deceitfull surely favour is and beautie is but vaine But a woman that feares the LORD her praise shall still remaine 31 Of her hands give her of the fruit which early work and late And let her own works with applause still praise her in the gate The Vse Let not the words of vaine men with their noâ— Outshrill the precepts of Gods divine voice But set thy heart their meaning for to finde And lay them up till brimefull be thy mindâ— While Wisdome thus stoups down poor maâ— teach Most wise Proverbs that we their sense may reâ— Let us still learne and carefull act our part That wisdomes words may get place in our heâ— Fy what a shame to hear in wisdomes schoole Such lessons wise and yet remaine a foole They double stripes are worthy who may finde â—his glorious light and yet are beetle blinde Away with these who in most furious fits â—ith earthly dregs do drench their wanton wits â—ch oft them selves most wise of all do deeme â—ike mummers which are not that which they seeme â—eer wisdome learne and strive for to be wise â—hese grave proverbs see that thou not despise â—hat thou thereby may learne to flie from sin â—ven Satans cobweb and his deadly gin â—herein he holds and doth al 's divers pull â— craftie meanes the simple for to gull 〈◊〉 fiery wrath shall make the Crowes and Pyes â—â—ck out the pride of Childrens scornefull eyes â—ho Mothers precepts lightly still set by A vengeance sure most heavy by and by â—all come on these who proverbs good and wise â—â—d precepts grave shall foolishly despise 〈◊〉 thou thy dueties well would learne and see â—his precious Pandect hold before thine eye THE GARDEN OF ZION The Booke of Ecclesiastes A Prayer OF Wisdomes precepts how to guide oâ— wayes We have last sung in our most sacred layes Now come Jovan my heart strings put in 〈◊〉 To warble how all things under the Sun Which heer in greatest estimation be Are nothing al 's but very vanitie All things below have an uncertaine seat See how Boats slide where ploughs did slicâ— late And ploughs now till where Boats before did slide â—nder the welkin what can fast abide Heere climbs one there on the top of the wheele Another stands anone up goes his heele And down his head then shuffled his designs All topsie turvie upside downe God brings â—ome are most base and some with toll and tax â—et up on hie do break poor peoples backs â—ome hunts for this and some for that at last Death all away doth cary with a blast â—hen where is man and where are his designs Lord draw our hearts far from such naughtie things To keep thy Law in doing what we can For this the duety is of every man Now by thy grace both purge our heart and heade From dirtie darnell sins vile cockleweede That while we hear of vaine things the discourse Without a curse we may run out our course CHAP. I. THese be the weighty words wise of preacher Solomon Who was King in Jerusalem and of David the Son 2 All vanitie of vanities the Preacher saith truelie Yea vanitie of vanities all is but vanitie 3 What profite hath a man of all his labour here begun Which he with a most carking care doth take under the Sun 4 One generation among men away doth quickly slide Another generation comes but th' earth doth still abide 5 The sun also ariseth and he goeth down quickly And hasteth to the place where he at morning rose earely 6 From South to North the wind doth go it whiles continualy According to its circuits it doth turne againe quickly 7 The rivers all run to the sea the sea yet is not full Unto the place from whence they come returne they thither still 8 Man can not utter how all things are full of labour here With sight th' eyes are not satisfi'd nor with hearing the ear 9 The thing that hath beene is which shall be and that which is done Is that which shall be and there is no new thing under Sun 10 Is there a thing whereof it may be said see this is new It hath already beene before of old time with some shew 11 No remembrance of former things there is nor shall there be Of things to come with these that shall come after us quicklie 12 The preacher I who cunningly in preaching did excell Was in the faire Jerusalem king over Israel 13 I gave my heart by wisdome to search all things that are done By such paine God doth exercise men here under the Sun 14 Under the Sun I have seene all the workes that done there be Behold all is vexation great of sprite and vanitie 15 That which is crooked can not be by men againe made straight And that which wanting is can not be numbred once aright 16 I pensed saying I am come to great estate and more Have gotten wisedome then all they that have been me before Yea my heart by the LORD inspir'd in every exigence Of wisedome and of knowledge had a great experience 17 I gave my heart wisedome to know and to know madnesse eke And foly I saw that this was vexation of the sprite 11 For in much wisdome surely is much grief and heavinesse And he that groves in knowledge great doth sorrow al 's increase Chap. 2. In mine heart said now go to with mirth I prove will thee â—ake pleasure therefore and behold this al 's is vanitie I deeply pensing in my thoughts of laughter said it's mad Of mirth like wise I did affirme that it is vaine and bad I in my heart did further seek to give my self to wine â—nd to lay hold on folly great ev'n by wisedome divine â—ll I might see what was that good for sonnes of men alwayes â—hich under heav'n they all should doe dureing their painfull dayes I made me great works I did build
me houses pleasantly planted also with great paines me vineyards as ye see I made me pleasant gardens and oâ—chards with flowers and roots also planted trees in them even of all kinds of fruites 6 I made me pooles of water deep as though they had been seas To water therewith pleasantlie the wood with goodly trees 7 With silver I did servants buy and also maidens faire I had borne also in mine house in vertue servants rare I had possessions great also of cattell lesse and more Above all these that did excell in Salem me before 8 Silver and gold I gath'red al 's with great dexteritie And the peculiar treasure of Kings and Provinces hie Men singers and maid singers I and the delights of men With instruments most musicall of all sorts got I then 9 So I increased more then all that in Salems city Were me before my wisdome al 's remained still in me 10 And whatsoever thing that was desired by mine eye did it not keep back from them that they it should not see y heart I not with held from joy for my heart did rejoice all my labour and this was my portion and my choice 11 Then did I look on all the workes that my hand had wrought so â—d on the labour that I had much labour'd for to do ehold vexation of the sprite and vanitie was all nder the Sun there surely was no profite great or small When this was done I speedily my self did turne againe â—sdome and madnesse to behold and al 's mans foly vaine or what can do the man that comes after the mightie king â—en that which hath already been done even the self same thing Then did I see that wisdome did all folly far excell s far as light doth darknesse black when it doth it expell 14 The wise mans eyes are in his head but men of judgement small Walk all in darknesse One event doth happen to them all 15 Then I anone said in my heart when I this thing did see As it doth happen to the fool so hapneth it to me And why was I more wise then they who were thought fooles to be Then I againe said in my heart this al 's is vanitie 16 For there no more remembrance is of the wise no thing differ Then of the fool that nothing knowes all is forgot for ever Seeing that which is at this time shall be in latter dayes Forgot And how as foolish men likewise do die the wise 17 Therefore I hated life because all work under the Sun Is grievous yea is vanitie and a vexation 18 Yea I did hate my labour all which I below did see Because I should leave it to him that should come after me And who by his intelligence can know whether he shall man be unto wisdome given or one of judgement small â—t of my painfull labours all he shall the master be â— that I have he shall command this al 's is vanitie Therefore thus pensive in my minde I went about with care all the labour which I tooke to cause my heart despaire For on the earth there is a man whose labour seemes to be wisdome and in knowledge great and al 's in equitie â—t shall he leave it to the man who labour'd not a white his also is a vanitie and a great ill of sprite For of his labour what hath man that may content his heart herein he hath under the Sun sore toil'd in every part 23 For all his dayes are sorrowes great travaile and greef surely Yea his heart rests not in the night this al 's is vanitie 24 There is no better thing for man then eat drink and the good Of his labour well to enjoy as from the hand of God 25 For who among the Princes all hath power great more then I To eat Or who can heerunto more hasten by and by 26 Fâ—r God doth give unto the man that doth himself imploy In good he gives him wisdome and great knowledge with much joy But he to sinners travel gives to gather and up heap For good men This is vanitie a vexing of the sprite Chap. 3. TO every thing surely there is a season set to be And to each purpose is a time under the heav'n most hie 2 There is a time for to be borne and al 's a time to die A time to plant and to pluck up things that now planted be 3 There is a time also to kill a time to heal the slaine There is a time for to break downe a time to build againe 4 A time to weep a time to laugh with chearfull countenance There is a time also to mourne and a time for to daunce 5 A time for stones to cast away and gather them againe Time to embrace and also from embracing to refraine 6 A time to get a time to losse nothing stands at a stay There is also a time to keep and time to cast away 7 A time there is to make a rent and to sow for to seek A time there is to keep silence and al 's a time to speak 8 A time to love a time to hate each time it hath its place A time there is for fearfull war and al 's a time for peace 9 He that doth work with greatest paines what is his profit sweet In that wherein he labours much with painfull toile and sweate 10 The travaile which GOD gives to men I have seen with mine eyes For such is his good pleasure still men so to exercise 1â— The LORD who in all wisedome is most excellent and prime Hath by his hand made beautifull each thing in i'ts owne time He also hath the world set in their heart all about That none of all the sons of men GODS great work can find out 12 I know there is no good in them but for man far from strife With all his heart for to rejoice and do good in his life 13 And that each man should eat and drink and al 's enjoy the good Of all his labours on the earth it is the gift of GOD. 14 What ever God doth that I know shall even for ever be No thing put to nor yet from it can taken be surely And God by his Almighty hand It worketh lesse or more That all men with a great respect should still fear him before 15 That which hath been is now and that which is to be hath beene And God requires that which is past which men have heard or seene 16 More I of judgement saw the place that there was wickednesse And that iniquitie was in the place of righteousnesse 17 The bad and righteous God shall judge I said then in mine heart â—or for each purpose is a time and al 's for every worke 18 I in mine heart of mens estate said God might easily â—hem manifest and that they might themselves see beasts to be 19 For that which all the sonnes of men befalleth doth befall Unto the beasts even one thing doth befall unto
instructed be I gladly would thee cause to drink of my well spiced wine And of the fair Pomegranates juice which pleasant is and fine 3 Under my head in lovely wayes his left hand laid should be And his right hand most tenderly likewise embrace should me 4 O daughters of Jerusalem I charge you that ye cease To stir up or awake my Love and that untill he please CHRIST Who is this from the wildernesse that comes up by and by And thus on her Beloved doth ev'n leaning still rely It is my Church I thee did raise up from the Apple tree Thy mother there thee did bring foorth she brought foorth that bare thee The beleeving Jewes Me as a seale set on thy heart and on thine arme set me â—or love as death and as the grave most strong is jealousie â—ven burning coales of hotest fire are the coales of the same Which kindled have a vehement and a most piercing flame True love can not be quench'd at all by waters flowing downe â—or yet can floods of troubles great by any force it drowne â—f any largely of his house would give the substance all â—t utterly contemned should be both by great and small We have a little sister which no breasts hath lesse or more What shall we do even in the day she shall be spoken for CHRIST If she continue firme and fast like to a mighty wall A silver Palace build on her we altogether shall And if she be even as a door to give eare to my words We will most safely her inclose with finest Cedar boards The beleeving Jewes 10 I am a wall my breasts also like towers are on the ground Then was I in his eyes as one that had his favour found CHRIST 11 At Baal-Hamon a vineyard king Solomon had set The vineyard unto keepers he for profite then had let Each one of these his servants for the sweet fruit of the vine A thousand pieces was to bring of silver good and fine 12 My vineyards fruits are all for me but thou O Solomon Must have a thousand and the rest the farmers live upon 13 Thou that in Gardens dwellest faire and livest in Gods feare â—ompanions hearken to thy voice cause me it al 's to heare The Church â—ake haste my Welbelov'd and be thou like unto a Roe 〈◊〉 to young Harts that on the mounts of spices quickly go THE SONG OF MOSES AT THE RED SEA After GOD had drowned Pharao and his whole hoast EXOD. 15. vers 1. Will now sing unto the LORD for he hath gloriously Triumph'd he horse and rider al 's hath throwen into the Sea The LORD he is my strength and song and my salvation sure An habitation I for him most gladly will prepare My fathers GOD he still hath been and that in every part I him therefore will now exalt and that with all my heart 3 The Lord who hath a mighty arme is as a man of war The Lord most surely is his name well known both neer and far 4 He Pharos charets and his hoast hath cast into the Sea In the red Sea even drowned all his chosen Captaines be 5 With frothy deepths GOD cov'red them this work he did alone Into the bottome they did sink even as a heavy stone 6 Thy right hand is become O LORD most glorious in great power Thine arme and thy right hand thy foes have dasht even all to powder 7 Thou hast thy foes all overthrown in great excellencie Thy wrath thou sent'st foorth which consum'â— them as the stubble dry 8 And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters gath'red there â—he floods stood upright as an heap the deepths congealed were Th enemy said I will pursue them will I overtake will divide the spoile my lust upon them will I wreak In my wrath most fierce will draw my sword them to annoy â—y mightie hand with fearfull plagues shall surely them destroy 11 Thou didst blow with thy boistrous wind the sea them covr'd indeed â—hey in the mighty waters all sank downe as heavy lead 12 Who 's like thee LORD among the gods who 's glorious like to thee â— holinesse and fearefull praise and wonders done by thee 13 Thou in thy fierce wrath stretchedst out thy right hand with great strength â—he earth opning her mouth did then all swallow up at length Thou in thy mercy hast led foorth thy people bought by thee Thou in thy strength them to thy house hast guided lovingly 14 The people all shall heare of this and they shall be afraid The indwellers of Palestine with grief shall be dismaide 15 The Duks of Edom all amaz'd with Moab tremble shall The indwellers of Canaan shall melt away and fall 16 By thy great Army feare and dread shall heavy on them fall They as a stone still shall be till thy people passe ov'r all O LORD till that thy people all passe ov'r with courage fine Which thou by thine Almighty hand hast purcha'd to be thine 17 Thou strong shalt bring them in and them plant in thy holy place Ev'n in thy pleasant Sanctuary establish'd by thy grace 18 The LORD shall reigne for evermore most like a mighty King 19 For he on Pharo and his house the lofty waves did bring But the children of Israel all who did the LORDS command They in the mids of all the sea went safely on dry land Miriams Song at the red Sea THen Miriam the Prophetesse the sister of A'ron Did daunce with women thankfully and Timbrels plaid upon And Miriam thus answer'd them 〈◊〉 praise GOD for now hath he â—riumph'd He horse and rider al 's hath throwne into the Sea The Song of Moses a little before his death DEUT. 32. vers 1. THE PREFACE O Pleasant heavens that are above with diligence give ear And I will speak O earth below the wordes of my mouth hear 2 My doctrine shall drop as the raine my speach as dew shall passe As small raine on the tender herb and showres upon the grasse 3 Because I surely publish will the blest name of the LORD Yee greatnesse to our GOD therefore ascribe with one accord The first Part. 4 He is the rock his work 's perfite his wayes all judgement be A God of Truth and without sin most just and right is He. 5 They have corrupt themselves their spot is not the spot alwayes Of his children they are perverse a race of crooked wayes 6 Unwise people do ye requite the Lord thus Is not He Thy Father buyer Hath he not made and establish'd thee 7 Remember ye the dayes of old yeeres past consider well Thy Father aske he will thee shew thy Elders will thee tell 8 When the most High to nations did th' inheritance divide When he the sons of Adam all did separate beside He by his wisdome set the bounds of all the people then According to the number of his Israels children 9 For the Lord for his portion hath his people without blot Jacob is his inheritance
appointed as by lot 10 He found them in a desert land and wast wildernesse He Him led instructed and him keept as th'apple of his eye 11 As th' Eagle stirreth up her nest fluttreth her young upon Her wings doth spread and taketh them to carry them thereon 12 So the good Lord did him alone lead in all wayes safely And no strange god there was with him in all that company 13 He made them ride on Canaan high that he th' increase might eat He made him oile and hony suck from flintie rocks most sweet 14 Butter of Kine and milk of Sheep he gave to every man With fat of Lambs and also Rams of the breed of Bashan He gave them Goats with the fat of Kidneyes of wheat right good And of the sweet Grapes thou didst drink the pure wine red like blood The second Part. 15 But Jeshurun who should have beene most righteous then did kick Thou waxed art exceeding fat thou art growne very thick Thou cov'red art with fatnesse then his maker he forsooke And of his sure salvations rock no care at all he took 16 With strange gods they provoked him unto great jealousie With great abominations they him angry made to be 17 They sacrificed unto devils to gods whom they not knew Whom your fathers did never feare ev'n gods that were but new 18 Thou art unmindfull of the Rock which thee once did beget And the Lord God that formed thee thou didst alwayes forget The third part 19 And when the LORD saw it he did abhorre them all anone Because of the provoking great of Daughter and of Son 20 He said I will from them my face hide and I will now see Their end they are a froward race in whom no faith can be 21 With that which is not GOD they have me mov'd to jealousie â—o anger they have me provok'd with their great vanitie them also to jealousie with such as are no flock Will move to anger them with fools I surely will provoke 22 For in my wrath fire kindled is such as no tongue can tell It shall not cease alwayes to burne ev'n to the lowest hell It shall consume the earth all with her increase mans desire And the foundations of the mount shall surely set on fire 23 Upon them of mischeef a heap I certainly will send I also upon them in wrath mine arrowes now will spend 24 They shall consumed be and burnt with paine of hunger great And suddenly shall be devour'd with a most burning heat And with bitter destruction I will also on them thrust The teeth of beasts with poison al 's of serpents of the dust 25 The sword without terrour within destroy shall and not spare The young man Virgin Sucklings al 's with the man of gray haire 26 I said I into corners would them quickly scatter then I would make their rememberance to cease from among men 27 Were it not that I the great wrath fear'd of the enemie Lest their vaine adversaries should behave themselves strangly And lest that they puft up with pride should say these words anone Our hand now high is and the LORD this work all hath not done 28 For they all a vaine Nation are of wholesome counsell void No understanding good at all in them doth still abide 29 O that they were wise so that they this clearly understood That they would now their latter end consider for their good 30 How should but one a thousand chase and two al 's put to flight Ten thousand if their Rock had not them sold and shut up right 31 For their rock in no way is as our rock that mighty is We none but ev'n our enemies seek for to be Judge of this 32 Of Sodom and Gomorrahs field their vine I truely call Their clusters great most bitter are their grapes are grapes of gall 33 Their wine is Dragons poison which from these grapes doth distill And is the cruell venime of vile Aspes that men do kill 34 Is not this wickednesse laid up in a great store with me And up among my treasures al 's ev'n sealed secretlie The fourth Part. 35 To me belongeth vengeance and recompence for their crime Their foot shall slide assuredly in due appointed time For their day of calamitie is surely neere at hand And the things that shall come on them Make hast and shall not stand 36 For the Lord shall his people judge and for his folks repent When their great power hee sees all gone and altogether spent 37 And he in his great wrath shall say where are there gods of might Their rock in whom they trusted much they come not now in sight 38 Which ate fatlings and wine offrings in drink did not reject et them rise up and with their strength you help and al 's protect 39 See now that I am he ev'n I no god there is with me kill I also make alive I wound I heal safely here be not one among the gods by sea or yet by land hat by his strength deliver can out of my mightie hand 40 For I my hand unto the Heaven do now lift up and heave â— signe of a great oath and say for ever as I live 41 If I my glistring sword whet and judge in severitie vengeance surely will reward to my foes that hate me 42 I will mine arrowes in my wrath which is now kindled sore ake drunk with blood and my sword shall their filthie flesh devore And that with the blood of the slaine and men that captives be From the beginning of revenge upon the enemie 34 Rejoice ye nations with his folk for he who doth not change Will the blood of his servants dear most speedily avenge And to his adversaries will a vengeance render full And to his people and his land will be most mercifull THE SONG OF DEBORAH AND BARAK After the Victorie against th armie of Jabin King of Canaan who reigned in Hazor whose Captaine was Sisera whose head was cut off by Jahel the wife of Heber JUDGES 5. vers 2. PRaise ye the LORD for th' avenging of his own Israel so When as the people willingly did to the battell go Hear Kings and Princes I even I will sing unto the Lord nto the Lord God of Isra'l I praises will afford Lord when thou wentst from Seir when thou didst march from Edom land he Earth trembled the Heavens did drop the clouds they did disband The Mountaines melted from before the Lord God Eternell â—en that Sinai from God before the God of Israel In SHAMGARS dayes son of ANATH in the dayes of JAEL â—e high wayes were unoccupi'd they went in bywayes all The indwellers of villages in Israel did cease ntill that I DEBORAH rose a mother to make peace They chose new gods then in their gates was war was there a shield spear fourty thousand among in city or in field 8 My heart to Isra'ls Governours is that with one accord Offred themselves most willingly to Battell blesse the