this was said their was a skirmish rude By the two armies made in Ephraim wood Like a great wind boistrous with stormy puff Men fought in spight with mutuall counterbuff That day Joab with Judahs brave children Of Isra'l slew downe twentie thousand men The people was sore scatt'red in the wood Which did devoure more people then the sword There Absalom a Rebell and a Foole Among the rest was riding on a Mule By his long haire a branch caught him that day There he did hing when the Mule went away Then Joab with his three darts came anone And thurst them through the heaât of Absalom Then Cushi came and cri'd Tidings O King To the great God now praises may thou sing The LORD of Hoasts in Battell most mightie Of all thy foes hath now avenged thee Then David troubled said unto Cushi Is Absalom the young man in safetie Then Cushi said Let all thy foes indeed Be like Absalom who is surely dead When David heard this wounded was his heart From sight of men quickly he did depart To an high chamber for to mourne alone The tragick death of his deare Absolon His sorrow such was in his wounded heart That forc'd he was to weep and go apart With teares of grief doubling My son my son He wish'd his owne death had sav'd Absalon For Davids murder and adulterie Shebah arose who was son Bichri A Benjamite he with sterne countenance Most proudly said Now what inheritance Have we in David Let us make a rent Let every man returne unto his tent So Isra'l did with this son of Bichri But Judah clave to David heartily Then David said to valiant Amasa Assemble me the brave men of Judah Then he went out Captaine of that armie Jaob him met with heart full of envie Cov'red with smiles his right hand made a wound Which all his bowels shed out to the ground Then Amasa in mids of the high way Bath'd in his blood did thus wallow that day This done Joab pursued speedily After Shebah who was son of Bichri When Joab came to the city Abel This Shebahs head was throwne downe from the wall When these of Abel had perform'd this thing Joab in haste returned to the King When all his foes were round about supprest To sing to GOD due praises he thought best Yet once againe Gods wrath ' gainst Israel In Davids time upon this people fell He stirr'd by Satan would know in his pride How many men in his land did abide To Joab he gave this direction Who liked not the Kings commission But yet obey'd the Kings word did prevaile Therefore he went and numbred Israel In Isra'l were eight hundred thousand men Five hundred thousand Judah their brethren In number were Of all as saith Gods word Were thirteene hundred thousand that drew sword When this was done then Davids heart him smot Gods wrath therefore was shortly kindled hot Alas O Lord said he now pitie me For I confesse I have done foolishly When David did arise in the morning The prophet Gad this word to him did bring Advise and chuse one of these judgements three If seven yeeres of famine shall trouble thee Or if thou wilt three moneths chuse and take Before thy foes to flee and turne the back Or if thou wilt have this great patience Three dayes to hazard on the pestilence When David saw the Lords wrath thus appeare Hee said to Gad I am in a great feare Yet in Gods hand I pray thee let me fall For his mercies are over his works all Then JEHOVAH in wrath to strike began And kill'd of Isra'l seventy thousand men To Jerusalem then the Angel went With sword in hand but God he did repent Him of the evill Th' Angel he did command To sheath his sword and so to stay hâs hand Then Gad from God to David thus did say Reare up an Altar to the Lord this day Let this Altar be set for JEHOVAH Where is the treshing floore of Araunah Then David as JEHOVAH did command Did buy the floore and in Araunahs hand He laid thirty shekels silver for price And there to God offred his sacrifice When this was done and David was wax'd old Absaloms brother ADONIjAH bold Helped by JOAB and ABIATHAR In his great pride made a most fearefull jarre A goodly man he was and faire in face But proud in Sprit a man of litle grace David him spilt he would not him displease Him to reprove at all times he did cease Puft up by Joab in vaine aspâring He thought no more but surely to be King After David these three Nathan Zadok Benaiah for Solomon undertooke With Bathshebah David without delay Declard who should Israels Scepter sway After his death The man who shall alone Said he be King is my son Solomon When time drew nigh that good David should die He Solomon charged most carefully I go said he the way of all the earth I must shortly walk in the path of death Be strong therefore and shew thy self a man And keep the charge of the Lord as thou can Walk in his wayes keep his commandements His testimonies and al 's his judgements So shalt thou prosper both by sea and land All shall go well that thou shalt take in hand Remember well how Joab greeved me When he slew Abner with great treacherie And Amasa and how the blood of war He shed in peace when no cause was of jar And how he put the blood of Abner sweet In the vile shooes that were upon his feet I know thou canst thy self wisely behave Let not his hoare-head in peace go to grave Unto Barzillais sons shew great kindnesse For they were kind to me in my distresse Behold with thee the cursed Shimei Who curst me sore in my calamitie To him humbled I sware by the great Lord I will not put thee to death with the sword Because he was so fierce in my distresse Therefore take heede thou hold him not guiltlesse I know thou canst thy self wisely behave His hoary-head with blood bring to the grave So David with his fathers sleept softly And after buri'd was in his city The Use By David learne what after sin remaines The fruits of sin are sorrowes and great paines By David learne if thou hast gone astray To turne to God and walk in the right way By David learne to teach your children deare How in their time they should live in GODS feare Too many speak of Davids filthie fall To shroud their sins and so to make them small Too many to their vile lusts licence give As though to rot were the way to revieve But few there be that weigh well in their heart How greatly David for his sins did smart SOLOMON Peaceable who is at peace with all men GODS Sprit begins to move my pen anone To draw some lines concerning Solomon A worthy man most excellent in fame At home abroad from peace he had his name Good Nathan sent from the great JEHOVAH Changed
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 appâare 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 ãâã 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 ãâã 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 âot one of all their armie did escape âfter that God had given them thus the foile âis people were enricht with their great spoile âost rare jewels among the dead that day âhey 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 âhall from thy belly thy bowels thrust out âight yeeres hee did reigne then great plagues conspir'd âis 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 âhese who in lewdnesse both end and begin âhall beare the scars of wounds made by their sinne 6. AHAZIAH Possession of God âLL mothers Sonne son of the wicked
liveth what unto me Jovah ãâã his good Sprite at this time shall reveale âhat from King Ahab I shall not conceale When he was come the King said so and so Micajah tell if we to Battell go âall against Ramoth or shall we forbeare âhat is thy minde Let me an answere heare Go and prosper said Micajah in scorne âod in thine hand shall that people forlorne âeliver now speake trueth I thee adjure âid Ahab for I cannot scorne endure âhen said Micajah the trueth I will tell âpon the hills I saw all Israel As wandring sheepe that have not a sheepheard âhen this I saw then the Lord to me said âhese have no master this is mine advice âhat every man goe to his house in peace âehold said Ahab to Josaphat King âid I not rightly conjecture this thing âhat this Micajah in his prophecie âould say no good in what concerneth me âhen said Micajah heare now thou therefore ãâã the Lords Prophet yet will tell thee more ãâã 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 Frâm that Battell the Lord hath not by me âken at all This is most sure I tell ârken O people and consider well âo the King Ahab and Josaphat both âth their great Armie went up to Ramoth ân Ahab King resolved by advise âhe Battell he did him selfe disguise ãâã he had said unto Josaphat King ãâã on thy robes in time of the fighting âhe King of Syria had his thirtie two âtaines commanded saying so and so ãâã that ye fight neither with great nor small âe onely with the King of Israel When the Captaines Josaphats rich clothing ãâã see they thought he had been Isra'ls King ân they aside turned with all their might âinst Josaphat with forces to fight âhen King Josaphat with a mighty shout âong his foes in danger cried out âen the Captaines in that bloody Battell ãâã that he was not the King of Isra'l ây turned back and quickly went him fro âeek Ahab who was their cheefest foe âhen at a venture a man drew a bow ãâã hurt Ahab with a deadly arrow ân said Ahab to him who his coch drave ãâã 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 âng Ahaziah through a lattesse fell âom an high chamber whereby he made sick âom Ba'lzebub his life and health did seeke Then an Angel sent from the great Jovah âid to his Prophet faithfull Elijah âise go up and the Kings servants meet âd say unto them in these words most meet ãâã it not because that in all Isra'l âere is no GOD that thou go'st to Baal âw therefore heare that which the LORD hath said âou shalt not therefore come downe from thy bed âhen this message Elijah had imparted ãâã went his way and from these men departed Then messengers unto the King came back âho said unto them why are ye so slack ãâã to returne from the way I you sent âom Ba'lzebub who onely can content ãâã troubled heart Then answer'd they the King ãâã man us met who sent us back saying ãâã tell your Prince who hath you foolishlie ât to idoles wherein is no safetie âit not because that in all Isra'l There is no God that thou go'st to Baal Now therefore heare what the Lord God ãâã said Thou shalt not therefore come downe from ãâã 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 âr to come downe as had been said before âese words they spake to fright him more and more âey said Thus saith the man that beares the Crovvne âou man of GOD see that thou soone come dovvne Elijah said if man of God I be ât fire comedowne and thee and thy fiftie ânsume and slay with these words fell a fire âhich did as good Elijah did desire He sent againe a Captaine of fifty âho came and at Elijahs feet humbly âd supplicat that he his favour might ând that his life might be deare in his sight Then said th' Angel Elijah now go downe âare not the face of him that beares the Crown âen he arose and went unto the King ând said This is the mighty Lords saying ãâã as much as thou to Baalzebub âst sent a disgrace on the LORD to rub âerefore I tell thee what GOD unto me âth said in wrath is it not certainly âit not because that in all Isra'l âere is no GOD that thou unto Baal âuld send Therefore from thy bed certainly Thou shalt not come downe but shalt surely Thus after two yeers that
slaine The Song of Hezekiah afteâ GOD had healed him of his sicknesse and promised unto him fifeteene yeeres of life ISA. 38. vers 10. IN cutting off of my short dayes I said I shall now go Unto the grave I am depriv'd of my few yeeres also 2 I said that in the livings land the Lord I shall not see I shall no more see man with these that heere indwellers be 3 Mine age is parted and remov'd by troubles and great strife Like sheepheards tents I veaver like have ev'n cut off my life With sicknesse he will cut me off what ever I pretend From day ev'n unto night wilt thou of me soone make an end 4 I rekned till morning that as a Lion so will he Break all my bones from day to night thou 'l make an end of me Like a poore Cran in great distresse or a troubled swallow âo did I chatter I did mourne as doth the simple Doue My eyes do fail 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 ãâã shall go softly all my yeers in my souls bitternesse 7 In all these things is of my sprite the life 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 mercy all my sins hast cast behind thy back 9 The grave can not thee praise and death can not thee magnifie They that go to the pit can not in hope rest well on thee 10 The living yea the living shall thee praise as I this day The fathers to their children al 's shall teach 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 Song of Jonah Containing a Prayer and Thanks for his delivârance out of the belly of the Whale wherein hee had beene three dayes and three nights JONAH 2. vers 1. I Cry'd to God and he me heard out of hells belly I Did cry aloud and thou my voice even heardest by and by 2 For thou hadst cast me in the deep in the midst of the Sea âe flouds me compassd and thy waves did all passe over me Then said I I out of thy sight am cast with great disdaine ât to thy holy Temple I will surely look againe Ev'n to the soul the waters did me compasse with all speed âe deepth me closde about the weeds were wrapt about my head To the bottomes of mountaines steep I went down speedily ãâã earth for ever with her barres did alwayes compasse me hast thou from corruptions pit by mercies me upon âord my God and Saviour dear my life brought up anone The Lord I did remember when my soul thus within me faint into thy Temple came my prayer ev'n unto thee âhey that do lying vanities observe in any way Their owne mercy most foolishly they do forsake alway 8 But I to thee with thankfull voice will sacrifice afford What I have vow'd I minde to pay salvation's of the Lord. The Song and Prayer of Hâbakkuk wherein he declaretâ his trembling at GODS Majestie and also the confidence of his faith while the Caldeans afflicted GODS people HABBAK 3. vers 2. O Lord God full of Majesty I thy servant have heard Thy speach in wordes of gravity and I was sore afraid 2 In midst of yeers revive O Lord thy work and ever still Make known al 's in thy burning wrath remember mercy well 3 From TEMAN and from PARAN mount came God the Holy one His glory cov'rd the heavens his praise was all the earth upon His brightnesse was as light he had Hornes coming from his hand âhere was the hiding of his great power which none did understand Before him went the pestilence and hoat coales at his feet He stood and measur'd all the earth as it did seeme most meet âe did behold and also drove asunder nations all ând th' everlasting mountaines were scattred both great and small âhe hills perpetuall in their place did humbly stoup and bow His wayes are everlasting all as we do clearly know Of Cushan in affliction great I saw tents great and small âhe Curtaines of the Midian land did also tremble all Was the Lord God displeased much against the Rivers clear âas thine anger incensed thus ' gainst Rivers far or neer Against the sea was thy wrath so that thou didst fiercely ride Upon the horses and charets that safety might abide 9 Thy bow all naked quite was made that men there might beleeve Thou sware unto the Tribes thou didst the earth with waters cleave 10 The hills thee saw and trembled all the water passed by The deep his voice did utter and lift up his hands on hie 11 The Sun and Moon stood in their place even at thine arrowes clear They at the light went and the shine of thy most glittring spear 12 Thou furious didst march through the land in indignation great Thou also didst the heathen thresh even in thine anger hot 13 For thy peoples salvation thou went'st foorth without all fear Even for salvation of great worth with thine anointed dear Out of the wicked house didst thou with power great wound the head Discov'ring the foundation all unto the neck with speed 14 Thou by thy hand Almighty of his villages the head Even with his staves did strike anone with fiercenesse great indeed They came out all as a whirlewind and that to scatter me Their joy was all as to devore the poor most secretly 15 With thine horses which were most strong thou didst walk through the Sea Even through the heap of waters great as men did clearly see 16 My belly trembled when I heard and at the voice anone My lips quiv'red and rottenesse did enter in my bone I trembled in my self that I might rest in dayes most sad When he comes to the people he with troupes them will invade 17 Though the figtree not blossome shall nor fruites in Vines shall be The labour of the Olive fat shall fade most certainly The fields shall not yeeld any meat the flock shall from the fold Be cut off and there shall no head in stalles be young or old 18 Yet will I in the mightie Lord rejoice in every part In the Lord God my Saviour dear I joy will with my heart 19 The Lord God is my strength and will make my feet swift to be Like Hindes feet and will make me walk upon my places hie The Song of Marie in the house of Zacharias after Elizabeth had told her that at her salutation the childe in her wombe had leaped for joy LUKE 1. vers 46. MY soul now all with gladnesse fill'd the LORD doth magnifie My sprite rejoiced hath in God a saviour
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 ãâã Priests to me ye shall be a kingdome ãâã treasure deare an holy Nation âat said Moses a man filled with grace âid all these words before the peoples face âen all the people answ'red him unto ãâã that the Lord hath spoken we will doe âe to goe to to Moses God did say ãâã âpare Israel to morrow and to day ãâã the third day with glory and renown ââfore Isra'l I minde for to come downe âke heed for if man or heast that have breath ât touch the mount they shall be put to death ãâã any touch the mount they shall be then âot throw or stoned whether beasts or men ât to come up to them it shall belong âhen they shall heare the Trumpet sounding long ãâã the third day thundrings and lightnings past ââe cloud and Trumpet made them all agast ââen smoak and fire on SINAH for a space ââcended as the smoak of a furnace ââen all the people trembled fearfully ââa the mount SINAH quaked all greatly âen God came down whom MOSES heard and saw ââd in two Tables wrot his fierie Law âhile MOSES was upon the mount with God ââey 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 ãâã 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 ãâã every man his sharpe sword by his side âe through the camp your brethren gorre and slay âat the great God you all may blesse this day ââen the Levits these wicked men had slaine âto the mount Moses return'd againe God be said alas while I behold a'l hath made unto them gods of gold âve mercy Lord with eyes of pitie looke ââdon or else me blot out of thy Booke ââw goe said God as I shall give thee grace âduct Isra'l unto my promis'd place ââaite my time when once I shall begin ãâã visit they shall suffer for their sinne âter this MOSES faithfull full of grace ââd great desire to see the Lords sweet face ââHOVAH good to hear him was not slack ãâã spare his life he let him see his back What verse what pen can paint this great Divine âhose face JOVAH made with his face to shine âith God on SINAH fourtie dayes he past âl this time he kept a most solemne fast âhere of JOVAH whose wisedome doth excell âe learn'd the Laws which he taught Israel ãâã him God most excellent gifts did give âe was the meekest that on earth did live Of yeeres he liv'd a hundred and twentie Without weaknesse and dâmnesse 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 ãâã greatnesse therefore to Gods name ascribe with one accord I. PART HEE is the rock his worke perfect all his wayes judgement be ãâã 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 ây father buyer hath he not made and establish'd thee Remember ye the dayes of old yeeres past consider well âke 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 âith fat of Lambes and also Rams of the bread of Bashan âe gave them goats vvith the fat of Kidneyes of Wheat right good ând 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 ââou art exceeding vvaxed fat thou art also grovvn thick ââou covered art vvith fatnesse then His Maker he forsook ând of his sure salvations rock no care at all he took With strange gods they provoked Him unto great jealousie âith great abominations they mov'd Him to be angrie They sacrificed unto dev'ls to gods whom they
not knew âhom 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 ât 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 ând suddainly shall be devour'd vvith a most burning heat ând vvith bitter destruction I vvill al 's on them thrust âhe teeth of beasts vvith the poyson of serpents of the dust â The svvord vvithout terrour vvithin shall destroy and not spare ââe 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 âee seeke no other this to judge but our owne enemie â2 Of Sodom and Gomorrahs field their vine I truely call âheir great clusters are most bitter their grapes are grapes of gall â3 Their wine is Dragons poison which from these grapes doth distill And is the deadly venime of most cruell Aspes that kill â4 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 â2 I will mine arrowes in my wrath which is now kindled sore Make drunk with blood and my Sword shall their filthie flesh devore ând that with the blood of the slaine and of captives that be ârom the beginning of revenge upon the enemie â3 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 ãâã Elder then MOSES the space of three yâ These brethren two were men of great requeâ MOSES was King but Aaron was the Priest ãâã 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 âob an Ephod and a rich breast-plate âith URIM TUMMIM an excellent thing âs incense censer in his hand did hing ââelve precious stones on his breast were without âlls Pomegranats his Ephod hang about ââon his brow there was a plate of gold ââaring these words HOLINES TO THE LORD ãâã the Holy of Holys thus he stood ââfore the Lord with a bason of blood ânce in his life alas he playd the foole âhen he the Calf form'd with a graving toole âfter he saw it this he added more âe rashly built an Altar it before âecause at MASSAH he fail'd in his faith âf Canaan he might not tread the path âripe off his garments put them on his Son âor he in office no more may remaine âpon mount HOR death him of life bereaved âho fourtie yeares in wildernesse had lived âhen God him tooke from this earths miserie âf age he was an hundred twentie three âhis holy man most upright in his wayes âas after death lamented thirty dayes The Use Most happy he who hath his breast within âhat 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 ãâã At the red sea when MOSES men among Did
to these that passed by VVhy is his Charet so long dâ coming VVhat is the let VVhy tary thus the most svvift vvheeles of his princely Charet 29 VVhen her vvise Ladies heard these vvords they did not long defer To give answer yea to her selfe she return'd this answer 30 Have they not well sped in battell have they not all also Parted the prey to every man a Dam sell or two To Sisera a most rich prey who did his strong foes foile A colour d prey of needle work for these that take the spoil 31 So let thy foes perish O Lord but who with heart upright Love him let them be as the Sun going foorth in his might After these forces were by God represt Gods Israel had fourtie yeers of rest The Use Heere we may learne how Gods great Majestie Can by a wife obtaine a victorie 5. GIDEON Cutting off GReat GIDEON my verse now come to thâ A cutting off thy name doth signifie The great God in mercy sent thee a man To save Isra'l from cruell MIDIAN This son of JOASH in Isra'ls distresse Was threshing Wheat besides his owne Wiâ presse To him an Angel said with great favour The Lord is with thee thou man of valour Alas O Lord moved with grife said he That God is with us Oh it cannot be Where are the wonders our fathers us told By Midian we crosses manifold Do suffer oh our miseries they scoff The Lord in wrath his people hath cut off To him said God Now go in this thy might Against these men thou shalt for Isra'l fight O Lord said he what power can I have Wherewith I may thy people ISRA'L save In MANASSEH my familie is poore My fathers house such paines can not endure Goe to goe to said God do what thou can I shall thee help to smite them as one man If thou O Lord said GIDEON wouldst me To fight a signe first I desire to see According to this godly mans desire God by his staffe from the hard rock a fire Brought forth which did consume incontinent Both flesh and broth and caks GID'ON present When he thus saw he trembling said Alas Gods Angel now I have seene face to face Feare not said God let nothing trouble thee I give thee peace thou surely shalt not die Then he an altar did build without cease JEHOVAH-SHALOM the Lord God send peace When this was done which was his great renowne Baals altar with great zeal he threw downe Because he fear'd his foes that were of might He not by day but did it in the night When this was done the city all agast Unto JOASH his father quickly past Bring out thy Son that vile villaine quickly Soone bring him out for he shall surely die Then Joash said Your brags are but scorning He shall be kill'd while it is yet morning Who darre for BAAL onely speak a word If he be God now let him plead by sword Therefore JOASH from such pleading did call His godly sonne by name JERUBBAAL Then MIDIAN with AMALEK in ire With an great host against him did conspire With deaw and drienesse the Lord on the fleece Encouragd him from battell not to cease Then JOVAH said The men that are with thâ Be too many to give you victorie Who so is fearefull and of courage bad Let him returne now from Mount Gilead When Gideon stout these words proclamed tââ Returned twentie and two thousand men Then ten thousand were in Gods host that day Yet is the Haost too many God did say Go to the waters see what lapers be These are the men that I will send with thee Three hundred men lapped upon the brink But all the rest bow'd downe their heads to dââ This being done behold one did proclaime Unto his fellow in the host a dreame A barley kake said one tumbled our tent Another said this a fearfull rent Our mighty army shall both faint and fall Before GIDEON called JERUBBAAL When Gideon heard the telling of the dreamâ Hee worshipped the mighty God of heaven Then with all hast his host he did command Trumpets pitchers with lamps to take in haââ When I the Trumpet blow then blow each oâ âry Sword of the LORD and of GIDEON âhey brake pitchers the lamps in their left hand âhey blew Trumpets as GIDEON did command âhile Isra'l did these Princely Trumpets blow ââery mans Sword was against his fellow âhe Lord himselfe that great Battell did fight âhen all MIDIAN were turned to the flight âhile they this armie hotely did pursue âhey OREB ZEEB two great Princes slew ânto his hand likewise great JEHOVAH âeliv'red ZEBAH and stout ZALMUNNAH âhe flesh of SUCCOTH and PENUEL in feare ââter this done with sharpe thornes did he teare âut he at last forgetting the great God âf rich earerings made an idole Ephod âf lawfull sons he had threescore and ten And ABIMELEH of a concubine The Use Heere for a space men may GODS cause defend And yet at last with idoll Ephods end Blest is he vvho serves GOD with heart entire And like the Sun about Heav'ns Bandeleere Galopping still doth not faint in his race With Gods children that tread the paths oâ grace 6. ABIMELECH My Father King MY Father King ABIMELECH thy ââ Doth signifie a bastard full of shame This villaine full of fearfull crueltie Upon one stone did kill nine and fiftie Of his brethren in number like a hive Onely JOTHAM the youngest left alive He with silver vaine men and light did hire Against his brethren he did thus conspire His mothers friends of SHECHEM he did bâ Who with the house of MILLO made him Kâ Then JOTHAM went unto Gerizim hill And cried down this pricking parable The trees went forth on a time to annoint A king the Olive first they did appoint The Olive then said Nothing I doe lake For crownes I will not my fatnesse forsake Then with one voice they said to the fig-tree Come thou and now receive the dignitie The fig-tree then said Nothing I do lake For crowns I will not my sweetnesse forsake Then all the trees the crowne like a propine With one consent offred unto the Vine The Vine tree then said Nothing I do lake For crownes I will not my liquour forsake Then all the trees did to the Bramble bring The crowne who was content for to be King Well said the Bramble well I you allow Come now and put your trust in my shadow If not let fire come from the Bramble soone Of Lebanon the Cedars to consume Well well said Jotham O unthankfulnesse Soone have ye forgot my fathers kindnesse His life for you he did adventure far And now of his children ye murdrers are Ye Shechem Millo lewdly did conspire Yee for such things shall be consum'd with fire When Abimelech reigned had yeeres three The Lord to punish his great crueltie Sent an ill Sprite betwixt him and Shechem Who helped him to murder his brethren Then Gaal with other Shechemites stout Desir'd that
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 rewaâd 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 boâst Gods eyes throughout the earth run to and âro 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 foâth thou shalt have warre When Asa heard these words of Hanani A fierie wrath did kindle his furie Take this villaine said he this Bâlials 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
race ãâã Of ill Ahab nothing he did possesse ãâã Gods grace but contemning th' Eternell âe walked after the wicked counsell âf Ahabs house which did him sore annoy âor him with it stout Jehu did destroy âe went with Joram for to take his part âgainst 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 âee cannot prosper because yee have now âorsaken God he hath forsaken you âhen wicked men commanded by the King ât Zechariah stones with spight did fling âhis man of God they slew with one accord ân the faire court of the house of the Lord âhus Joash king killing Zechariah âorgot the kindnesse of Jehojadah âe not remembring what that man had done âor him in straite but after kill'd his son When he was dyeing this was his desire âord looke upon it and also require After this fact neere the end of the year âoash with his men were troubled with feare âhe Syrian armie in number but small âpon his hoast with great fiercenesse did fall Who ' gainst Joash did execute judgement âor his transgressing Gods commandement After this King Joash in great sicknesse Was left because in blood he did transgresse âis owne servants who at his table fed âere cruelly did kill him on his bed âne of these servants had this name Zabad âhe others name was call'd Jehozabad âf seven years old a childe by Jehovah âade 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 thââ 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
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 âecause after his foes he had ov'rcome âe sought after the idols of Edom. âhus these two Kings did fight in good aray âut Amaziah was routed that day ân that Battell he was taken alive âor all his boast he was Joash captive âhis Joash spoil'd the house of great Jovah ând carried all unto Samariah âast Amaziah by conspiracie âas slaine in Lachish with great felonnie The Use Though Kings be strong and in Battell mighty âhey 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 Dâshonour thou shalt have by this folly Then Uzzia a censer in his hand Took to burne incense ' gainst the Lords coâmand 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 coââpassed 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 âo trouble hissing and astonishment âe them deliv'red for hating his word âur dear fathers have fallen by the sword And which greatly augments our miserie âur sons daughters are in captivitie âow let us make a covenant I pray âith God the Lord that he may turn away ârom his fierce wrath cast off all negligence âor 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
Goâ Most true it is and easy to enquire That they false gods have burnt into a fire For these gods no gods were but vvorke hands Dead vvood and stone are gods of other laââ Therfore O Lord vve thee beseech humbly Save us novv from that tyrants cruelty âhat all the Kingdomes of the earth anone May knovv that thou the great God art alone Then the Lords Prophet faithfull Isaiah âent to the King even good Hezekiah âhis comfort Thus saith the God of Isra'l âhen in thy prayer thou didst to me call âhee did heare Concerning him that day âhis is the vvord that God the Lord did say âhe virgin the dear daughter of Zion ââhee hath despised and laughed to scorne âârusalem hath novv most tauntingly âith great disdaine shaken her head at thee ãâã beastly man vvhom hast thou novv nick-named âou knovvest not vvhom thou hast so blasphemed âainst vvhom thy voice and eyes novv canst thou tell âst thou lift up Even the God of Isra'l ãâã thy messengers both in thought and word ââsphemously thou hast reproch'd the Lord ãâã people deare thou hast boasted with threats âem to destroy with numbers of charets âou hast boasted that thou their Cedars tall Shall cut untill they to the ground shall fall Because thou hast of men great assistance Thou hast in number put thy confidence When before thee many did melt like snow Not thou but I these men did overthrow Thou overcame neither by Speare or Shielâ But I them made like the grasse of the fielâ Like the green herb or grasse on the house tâ Or corne blasted before it be growne up But thy abode and comming against me Thy pride and rage is known most certainly Because thy tumults to mine eares come up Therefore into thy proud nose now a hooke I will put al 's my bridle in thy lips Thy vaine glory shall suffer an Ecclipse Though now thou boast and bragge with furie Thou shalt turne backe and flee most sâ fullie But as for Judah it shall surely spring And pleasant fruits in plenty shall foorth Gods foes the truth of this saying shall fââ The Lord of hosts shall doe it by his zeale As for that vile and vaine blasphemous Aâainst this City he shall doe nothing ât may it hurt no arrow he shall shut âem to him shall not be for a But âen this is done yee shall Jehovah thank â'gainst Salem no man shall cast a bank ân home againe with shame I will now send ãâã my right hand this City shall defend âhat same night the mighty Eternell ãâã in all haste send an armed Angell âo in one night slew at the Lords command hundred fourescore and al 's five thousand âen they arose in the morning early âold like doung their dead bodies did lye Then this vaine King who scorned th' Eternell âurn'd with shame in Niniveh to dwell ãâã shortly after it thus came to passe ât God him punish'd for his vile trespasse Nisrochs house which ended all the strife ãâã owne two sons bereav'd him of his life Some dayes after the good King Hezekiah âs sicke to him the Prophet Isaiah âme with this message Thou shalt surely die âow thine house in order speedilie Then he his face turned unto the wall âd thus he said unto the Eternall Remember Lord how I have before thee Walked in trueth and great sinceritie Remember now in my great grief and smart How I thee have serv'd with a perfect heart Remember Lord how I with all my might Have done that which is pleasant in thy sighâ While thus he spake and added speaches mâ Good Hezekiah did weep very sore The LORD him heard and his Prophet câ back And sent him for this lease of life to make Tell Hezekiah that worthy Captaine That he yet King fifeteene yeeres shall remainâ Thy prayer heard have I and seene thy teares I will tâee heale therefore lay down thy fearâ Yea more to thee this promise I will make I will this citie save for mine owne sake Then the Prophet in this time full of toile A lump of figs laid upon the Kings boile So for the well of Judahs common wealth The King by GOD restored was to health The King unto the Prophet thus did say How shall I know that I on the third day Shall to GODS house goe and his service see What shall the signe be now tell thou to me Well said the Prophet choise novv as please ãâã the Sun back or foreward ten degrees âhall goe For to goe forevvard said the King âo see shadovves it is no vveighty thing âet the Lord novv for his great mercies sake Make the shadovv by his might to turne back âhen the Prophet as he desired said ând GOD him heard according as he prai'd âhe Sun went back with his swift sweating Horse âull ten degrees as one that hath remorse When on his journey going like the wind âe him bethinks his purse is left behind âhen back againe he wheeles most speedilie âhus went the Sun as men that day might see âials went false and Forrests shadowes black Wondred to see themselves turne and goe back Then Berodach-Baladan of Babel âing sent to him letters thus for to tell How glade he was of all his peace and wealth ând that he was fully restor'd to health But Hezekiah in pride of his heart Did that shortly which did procure his smart Unto these men of Babel foolishly His silver gold spices armour did he Then shew yea all the treasures that he had ân his vaine pride before their eyes he laid Then came againe the Prophet Isaiah With this new message from the great Jovah He said to them what said these men to thee What 's in mine house said he I let them see Among my treasures all there is nothing Which these men sent from the great Babâ King Have not now seene Well well said Isaiah Heare a message from the great JEHOVAH All thy treasures gath'red unto this day By Babels men shall be cari'd away Thy dearest sons that shall issue from thee In Babels court they base Eunuchs shall bee Then to the Prophet said Hezekiah Good is the word that thou brings from Jovah I looke for mercy from my God alwayes Let peace and trueth he stable in my dayes Last Hezekiah who all his life did fear The Lord his God sleept with his fathers deare In the chiefest sepulchre of David This worthy King was with honour buri'd The Song of Hezekiah IN cutting off of my short dayes I said I shall now goe Vnto the grave I am depriv'd of my few yeares also 2 I said I shall not see the Lord in the Land of living I shall behold man no more with these that have heere dwelling 3 Mine age is parted and remov'd among trouble and strife Like sheepheards tents I have cut off like a weaver my life He with sicknesse will cut me off what ever I pretend From day ev'n unto night wilt thou of me soone make an end 4
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 ãâã This at the last shall surely come to passe He shall with shame be buri'd like an Asse âe shall be drawne and cast foorth filthily âeyond the gates of Salem Gods city The Use âet 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 âis foolish father He had these names three âehojachin Jechonias al 's he âhonias was called When he began âo reigne he was of eighteene yeeres a man In his time Nebuchadnezzar quicklie ârom Babylon did send a great armie âerusalem in great furie and rage âhese men of Babel stoutly did besiege ât last the King Jehojachin came out âith mother servants princes him about âhus 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 Soâââmon 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 ãâã word For I that speakes am the Almighty Lord Write him chidelesse a man of no vertue This Jechoniah shall not have issue Tâis is enacted qy the great Jovah âe of his feed shall be King in Judah The Use Kângs follow their wicked fathers trace âe Lord them shall pluck shortlie from their place âhe King who with Coniah playes the foole ãâã 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 ãâã Jehojachins Uncle the great JOVAH âe did contemne he humbled not his heart âhen 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 coââfort 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 âme with great forces he with rage and ire âds house and the Kings palace burnt with fire âis Babylonish army strong and stout âake downe the walls of Salem round about âus that city with all that there was found âith GODS house al 's was brought unto the ground âebuzaradan in Judah left then ââely vine dressers and poor husband men âe men of might with all their wealth that day âât of their land were carried all away The Use âhen King or people thus live voide of grace âhe Lord shall them soone remove from their place âho want Gods help their foes shall soone them foile ââem captives take and their rich treasures spoile âr Judahs sins the mighty Lord that day âng Crowne Scepter and carried all away âr their trespasse he would not them defend âât 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
Omri wicked more and more Did worse then all the Kings that were before When he was once advanced to be King âo him it seem'd to be but a light thing âo walk in Jeroboams wicked way âut also he would farther go astray Ethbals daughter who was of Zidon King âaine Jezabel for wife he did home bring âith her vile gods forsakeing th' Eternall âe like a beast went and did serve Baal âe made a grove he GOD provoked more âhen all the Kings of Isra'l did before In his dayes Hiel building Jericho âaid 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 âgainst 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 âhou of the Brooke shalt drinke vvaters most fresh ãâã 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 âhereof these three persons eat many dayes After these things this womans son fell sick âll breath was past then she began to seek âlijahs help what I to doe with thee âave man of GOD said shee that thou from me ây son should take and for a sore vengeance âhould call my sin now to remembrance âive me thy son to the widow said he ârom her bosome unto a loft quicklie âe cari'd him and as the sprit him led âe laid that child softly on his owne bed ânto the LORD he cri'd what hast thou done âlas O LORD why hast thou slaine her son âhen this was said upon the child times three ãâã stretch'd himselfe and cried mightily ãâã to the LORD O LORD I humbly pray âstore the soule unto this childe the day The Lord from hearing then could not refraine ât sent the childs soul into him againe âen Elijah the living child brought low âom the high loft and to the poore widow âstor'd her son who said to Elijah âw do I know that thou art from Jovah âd that the word of the LORD in thy lips ârueth 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 foâtaine 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 ãâã 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 coâââdence 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 âr he his foes fiercely is pursueing
speake by Elijah Then Jehu by a goodly stratageme âth'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 Tâere they from Baals house incontinent âught the images which they in great ire ãâã breake and burne in the midst of a fire âey Baals house brake downe without delay âich a draught-house they made unto this day âus Jehu strength'ned by the Eternel âstroyed Baal out of Israel Then to Jehu the Lord made a promise âcause he had ' gainst Ahab done service âat the fourth man that should come of his race âould sit as King and rule into his place ât to walk justly Jehu tooke no heed âr his vaine heart was not upright indeed Ahabs slaughter he did greatly faile âr what he did was not in holy zeale âr Gods glory but for commendation âr Throne Scepter and vaine ostentation ãâã zeal he seem'd to do for th' Eternel âd yet did still worship calves at Bethel ãâã last Jehu with his fathers softlie âid sleep deaths sleep and in the faire citie âf Samaria after his last breath âas 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 ât he did that which was ill in his sight âeastly man by the calves of Bethel âth Jeroboam he the Eternel âd much provoke Al 's in Samaria âere stood a grove which greeved Jehovah âr this the anger of the Eternel âas kindled much against all Israel ãâã Hazael and also Benhadad ârr'd up to plague this people that was bad Then Jeho'haz unto the Lord did pray âho heard his sute and that without delay âr God was moved with compassion âhen he did see their great oppression ãâã man was found by the hand of Jovah âho took from Isra l the yoke of Syria âor this Kings sins God made his forces small âftie horsemen with ten charets for all âen thousand foot he had a most poore King âis men were made like the dust by threshing The Use âet Kings heere learne that vile idolatrie ãâã a great foe to all prosperitie ãâã 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 memârie 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 âhis Jeroboam Ieroboams sin âid well allow and also walk'd therein âccording to the word of great Jovah âhich he did speake by the Prophet Ionah âe did restore Israels coast and gaine ârom Hamath unto the sea of the plaine âor the Lord saw Isra'ls affliction âas very bitter and had compassion âor at this time none was shut up or left âoor Israel of all help was bereft âhe Lord said Not that he from under heaven Would wholly blot out his owne Isra'ls name âut would them save as it then came to passe ây Ieroboam the Son of Ioash âhis man as by the historie appeares âid reigne the space of fourtie and one yeeres The Use âet Kings heere learne that vile idolatrie âmong 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
From Ieroboams sins did not depart At last came Pul the great Assyrian King Against the land great forces he did bring Then Menahem great summes to him did pay So Pul with all his forces went away Ten yeeres he did reigne and after by death This King he went the way of all the earth The Use Let Kings beware to staine their memorie With vile murder and blood of crueltie To kill women it is most inhumane In such doings is neitheir glore nor gaine 17. PEKAJAH The opning of GOD or brought out by GOD THen Menahems son called Pekajah Began to reigne in faire Samaria He fear'd not GOD for he wicked in heart From Jeroboams sins did not depart Then Pekah the son of Remalia A captaine stout did against Pekajah Conspire whom he without mercie or grace Did with the sword kill in his owne palace âith Argob Arieh and other fiftie âf Gileadites who felt his crueltie The Use ât Kings here learne that sin is not a sport âends their dayes it cuts their honours short ãâã to their children they seeke glore or gaine ânlawfully such things shall not remaine Menahem could looke hiâ of his grave âkajah might say Nothiâg now I have ãâã all thy conquest Thus it is not good ãâã come to Thrones by shedding humane blood 18. PEKAH Open. âFter that Pekah the Son of Remalia Had with the sword slaine the King Pekajah ãâã force of armes this wicked man anone âd then usurpe Israels Crowne and Throne âis murtherer was most profane in heart âm the vile idoles he would not depart âich Jeroboam at Bethel and Dan âd set up At last the King Assyrian Tiglath Pilezer with an armie strong Tooke Kedesh-Hazor Galile Jion Abel-Beth Ma'chah of faire Naphtali The bravest men he in Captivitie Cari'd away unto Assyria At last Hoshea the son of Ela Against Pekah made a conspiracie He wounded Pekah so that he did die Thus King Pekah most cruell and profane In the yeere twentiââf his reigne was slaine The Use Let Kings heere learne whose charets are thâ swords That they shall reckon for their deads ãâã wordes If they usurpe Crowne Scepter or the Thrâ The LORD shall come with great vengeâ anone As Peka slew Pekajah to be King So Hoshea that Pekah downe did bring Killers of men rarely this favour have From GOD to goe in peace unto tâ grave 19. HOSHEA A saviour IN Ahaz twelft yeere King of fair Judah Began to reigne this man son of Elah âow Israel were come to their last cast âf all their Kings Hoshea was the last âe served not Jovah with all his might âut foolishly did evil into his sight âet was he not so vaine nor yet so vile âs other Kings had beene in Israel At last came up against this Hoshea âhalmanezer King of Assyria ânto this King Hoshea a servant âecame To him he gave costly presents âut afterward to be free of this foe âe messengers sent to the mighty So âng of Egypt Then Shalmanezer soone âd shut him up and bound him in prison âhus Hoshea a man of Elahs line âd sway the Scepter the space of years nine At this same time Isra'l was gone astray âey were profane not caring for GODS way âey vainly feared gods that were no GOD âherefore God scourg'd them with th' Assyrian rod Yea more this vile people with all their migâ Did secretly these things that were not right They built High places in ev'ry citie They like the Heathen with idolatrie Provok'd the LORD yea like most fooâ fooles They tooke pleasure to serve most vile idols Yet ' gainst Isra'l the LORD did testifie And said Isra'l yet returne unto me From your ill wayes if my name ye will feâ Yee yet to me shall be a people deare But from their ill wayes they would not part Their neck they stifned and hardned their heâ In their mad course they follow'd vanitie Running themselves in vile idolatrie Molten images calves and groves they made Heav'ns host also as though they had beene maâ They did worship and for to hast their fall They did oppoint great service for Baal Yet further to provoke the Lord to ire They made their children to passe through fire For these their sins the LORD by his great miâ All Israel remov'd out of his sight Heere for the sins of vile idolatrie Yee see the end of Isra'ls Monarchie âgs of Israel heere did end their race âause they were profane and voide of grace The Use Prince and people meditate Gods law ãâã to provoke see that they stand in awe Kings pride 'gainst him stiffen their necke âir Crownes and Thrones and Scepters hee will breake Nations against the LORD be stout ãâã will both King and people al 's root out ãâã mightie LORD great Jovah hath said this âee sinne yee and your King shall perish A WATCH WORD Concerning the fourty and one Kings that did reigne over GODS people âet Princes learne by these one and fourty How rare it is both good and Prince to be âs most cleare that it is a heard thing ãâã be both good and honou'rd as a King âeed lust and pride do cogge most easily âemselves in hearts poison'd with flatterie THE GARDEN OF ZION The Booke of Ezra A Prayer WHen night on men dumb silence shaâ distill When wearied bones them selves witâ sleep do fill When gloomy darknesse husheth every thing Then let thy sprit verses of vertue bring Into my mind well stored with thy gra e Which may the hearts of worthy men solace While nights blacke mantle covreth a greâ part ât thine Aurora shine bright in mine heart âhen depths appeare where through I cannot ride ãâã thy great Barge me togh against the tide In Babylon thy people years seventie âere we arid much with long captivitie âpon them thou of thy wrath had the flashes ârought and had burnt their Temple Towne to ashes âut thou who never thy people forsook âith mercies eyes at last did on them look These verses LORD now through thy strainer passe And make them cleane as is the clearest glasse âhat by them may appeare even to the least âow thou by Ezra who was scribe and Priest âeclared hast how good Zorobabel âho in great vertue highly did excell âebuilt the Temple and how by a jar âods peoples foes that worthy worke did mar ãâã Cyrus time untill Darius King ânto the cope oedain'd the house to bring EZRA An helper CHAP. 1. AFter that Salems Temple had liâ long Burnt in ashes and the Jewes hâ among Their foes beene captives GOâ made Cyrus King Of Persia to care for rebuilding Of Gods fair house for this occasion He causd publish a proclamation When this was heard these who before diâ mourne With joy in hast provided to returne Then to Sheshbazzar in a plenteous store The Temples vessels Cyrus did restore Chap. 2. OF the people returned three thousand Six hundred and thirty with ready hand To build the house which burnt before had been Of Priests
My doores I opned unto these that travail'd by the way 33 If I my great transgressions al 's did cover craftily As Adam and did closely cloak my vile iniquity 34 Did fear of many or contempt of men me terifie That I keept silence and not went out at my doores straitly 35 O that one among mortall men could happily be found Who would me heare and of my words consider well the ground That the Lord God would answere me this is my cheefe desire And that my foe would wickedly to write a booke conspire 26 I it upon my shoulder would most gladely take and beare And as a crowne upon mine head I dayly would it weare 37 Of all my steps the number I would unto him declare I as a Prince would goe to him and all my wrongs repaire 38 But if my land for my misdeeds against me cry amaine Or that the furrowes al 's indeed likewise thereof complaine 39 If I once of the fruits thereof without money made use Or yet have caused wickedly their life the owners losse 40 Let pricking thistles grow in stead of most excellent wheat And cockle even most noisome weeds for barley be my meat Heere Job did pause Chap. 32. SO these three men to answere Job incontinent did cease Because they hopelesse saw that he was righteous in his eyes 2 Then of the wrath of Elihu sore kindled was the flame This Buzite son of Barachel was of the race of Ram Against poor Job he was in rage because his words implyd That he himself more then the LORD even alwayes justifyd 3 Against his three friends kindled was his wrath because they had No answere found to him and yet they had condemned Job 4 Now Elihu had waited long In his great modestie Till Job had spoken because they were elder all then he 5 When Elihu saw that these three to answere Job surceast His wrath then with a burning zeal was kindled in his breast 6 Then answred he and said I am right young and ye are old Wherefore to shew to you my mind I durst not well be bold 7 I said within my heart that dayes were fit to take the speach And that the multitude of yeares should surely wisedome teach In man indeed a sprit there is but that he things can sift With understanding good it is of GOD a speciall gift 9 They surely are not alwayes wise who are great in the land Nor yet doe these that are of age good judgement understand 10 Therefore I at the last did say Now hearken unto me I also mine opinion will unto you shew freely 11 Behold I for your words did wait I gave good ear alway While by your wisdome yee profound did search out what to say 12 Yea unto you I did attend even as unto a Prince But none of you could answer Job or yet his words convince 13 Lest yee should say We have now found great wisdome as a crown GOD by his strong and mighty arme and not man thrusts him down 14 Now he hath not his hauty words directed against me Nor yet mine answer unto him shall with your speaches be 15 They altogether were amaz'd they answerd me no more They being all thus in the dumps left off to speak therefore 16 When I had waited long with grief for they all could not speak But stood still they like naughty fools their answer had to seek 17 I said unto them At the last I answer will my part I also mine opinion all unto you will impart 18 For I am full of matter wise as clearly yee shall see The sprite that lodgeth me within it now constraineth me 19 Behold as wine my belly is which can not get a vent Like bottels new it ready is to be in pieces rent 20 I will now speak so that I may thereby refreshed be My lips anone I open will and answer speedily 21 I humbly pray you let me not mens persons now accept Nor let me flattring give to men the titles of respect 32 For flattring titles surely I unto men can not give If I did so my maker would me not permit to live Chap. 33. VVHerefore I pray thee Job now heare me with attentive head And hearken well unto the words that from my mouth proceed 2 Behold I surely now my mouth have opned at the last In my mouth spoken hath my tongue and told how things are past 3 Of my hearts perfect uprightnesse my words shall surely be And al 's my lips great knowledge shall even utter most clearly 4 The sprite of God who makes all things by his strength made me hath And the Almighty hath to me given life even by his breath 5 If thou by thy great wisedome canst me answere lesse or more Stand up now and well set thy words in order me before 6 I am according to thy wish even in Gods stead the day I also am as others are form'd of the dust and clay 7 So for my terrour thou needst not greatly affrighted be My hand be well assur'd shall not upon thee heavy be 8 Thou in my hearing spoken hast which I have heard clearly 9 I am without transgression all no sin there is in me 10 He doth against me quarrels pick he counts me for his fo 11 He in the stocks doth put my feet he marks my paths also 12 Behold in this thou just not art to thee now well I can Make answer this I may affirm GOD greater is than man 13 Why dost thou this most foolishly against him contend and strive For of his matters he a count will not to any give 14 For God speakes once yea twise yet man perceives not what is said 15 In dreame or vision or deep sleep or slumbrings on the bed Then opneth he the ears of men and doth instruction seale 17 That he may stop men from his worke and pride from man conceale 18 His soule and life he from the pit and sword doth safe maintaine 19 He chastned is upon his bed his bones all suffer paine 20 So that his life through troubles great abhors his bread to eat His soul also doth still refuse to take most dainty meat 21 His flesh consumed is away that it cannot be seene His bones that were all hid stick out his body is so leane 22 In this meane time his troubled soul drawes neer unto the grave And his life likewise unto these that still destruction crave 23 If with him be a messenger on choise of a thousand To shew to man his uprightnesse and make him understand 24 Then he is gracious unto him and saith anone him save From going to the pit for I a ransome now found have 25 Then than a childes flesh certainly shall fresher be his flesh Unto the dayes of lustie youth he shall returne afresh 26 He shall then pray and GOD to him shall favour shew and he Shall see his face with joy to man hee 'l render righteouslie 27 He lookes on men If any
commands But who 's foolish doth pluck it downe ev'n with her owne two hands 2 He that walks in his uprightnesse feares God and so is wise But he that in his wayes perverse is doth him still despise In the mouth of the foolish is a scourge and rod of pride âut wise mens lips shall them preserve so that they shall not slide Where Oxen not remain to work the crib is clean at length âut much increase alwayes abounds even by the Oxes strength A faithfull Witnes fearing God he will be loath to lie âut a witnesse perverse and false a lyar still will be Scorners seek wisdome but to them God doth it not reveale âut knowledge easie is to him that understandeth well Go quickly from the presence of a fool thee from him save âhen of knowledge in him the lips thou dost not well perceive The wisdome of the prudent is to understand his way âut of vaine fools the foly great deceit is every day Fools in their rage do make a mock at sin as at a sport But there among the righteous all is favour of each sort 10 Mans heart knows his own bitternesse which doth him most annoy A stranger also not at all doth meddle with his joy 11 Their house shall sure be overthrown who wickednesse fulfill But the upright mans dwelling place shall bud and flourish still 12 There is a way which seemeth right to man but in great wrath The end thereof are unto him the fearfull wayes of death 13 In laughter oft the heart is fild with sorrow and distresse And last the end of all that mirth is grief and heavinesse 14 The back-slider in heart shall be even fild with his own wayes A good man shall be from himself contented all his dayes 15 The simple every word believes that vain men to him tell But he that is a prudent man looks to his going well 16 A wise man fears and from all ill doth carefully depart âut the mad fool doth rage and is most confident in heart 17 He that is soon to anger mov'd doth deal most foolishly ând a man of devices bad he hated still shall be 18 The simple in his foolish wayes inherite folly shall âut these that prudent are in heart are crownd with knowledge all 19 The ill in heart before the good are forc'd to bow the knee ând wicked men even at the gates of righteous crouch we see 20 The poor even of his neighbour neer is surely hated much But many friends do still resort about him that is rich 21 Het that his neighbour doth despise a sinner great must be But he that mercy on the poor hath happy sure is he 22 These that devise ill and mischief do they not erre unwise But both mercy and truth shall be to them that good devise 23 In labour all and diligence there profite is in end But the vaine talk of idle lips to penury doth tend 24 The wise mens crownes their riches is which them doe much adorne But the great foolishnesse of fooles declares them all forlorne 25 A witnesse true delivereth soules from great peplexities But who in heart a witenesse is deceitfull speaketh lies 26 In the feare of the mighty Lord is a strong confidence His children all shall have a place in danger for defence 27 Of life a fountaine surely is the Lords feare in the heart From the most cruell snares of death in wisedome to depart 28 A numbrous people doth right well the Kings honour advance But in the want of people is destruction to the Prince 29 He that is slow to wrath he is of understanding great âut he high folly doth exalt that hastie is of sprit 30 A heart that 's sound from fraud and guile the life is of the flesh âut envie is the rottennesse of bones that are not fresh 31 He that the poore man doth oppresse his maker he most sure âeprocheth but who honours him hath mercy on the poore 32 The wicked in his wickednesse is driven away by wrath âut he that is a righteous man strong hope hath in his death 33 Wisedome rests in the heart of him that doth well understand âut what is in the midst of fooles is knowne to all the land 34 A nation by its righteousnesse exalted is with fame âut sinne is a most vile reproch to any peoples name 35 The Kings favour is great indeed for servants that are wise But against him that causeth shame in wrath he shall arise Chap. 15. AN answere soft with wisdome great fierce wrath doth turne away But grievous words that give offence stirre anger up alway 2 The good tongue of the wise man still doth knowledge use aright But the mouth of fooles foolishnesse powres out with all their might 3 The eyes of the Almighty Lord are sure in every place Beholding ill and al 's the good for blessing or disgrace 4 A tree of life sure is the tongue that wholsome words doth teach But wickednesse that is therein is in the sprit a breach 5 A foole his fathers teaching doth most foolishly despise But he that a reproof regards most prudent is and wise 6 In the house of the righteous man much treasure is and store 7 But in the wickeds revenewes Is greefe and trouble sore 8 The Lord abhors the sacrifice of men that wicked be But the prayer of upright men is his delight surelie 9 The Lord who holy is and just abhors the wickeds way But who goe after righteousnesse he loveth them alway 10 Correction to him grievous is that doth the way forsake And he that foolish hates reproof shall die with shame and lake 11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD how much more then Are patent to his eyes of fire the hearts of mortall men 12 A scorner one that him reproves doth hate and al 's despise He is so foolish that he will not goe unto the wise 13 A glade heart makes the countenance ev'n chearfull more and more But by the sorrow of the heart the sprit is broken sore 14 The heart of him that understands doth knowledge seek indeed But the mouth of vain fools also on foolishnesse doth feed 15 The dayes of the afflicted are evill and of no request But he that 's of a merry heart hath a continuall feast 16 Much better is a little with the true fear of the Lord Then treasure great which is with grief and vexing trouble stord 17 Much better is a dinner of hearbs joind with love and mirth Then is a stalled ox most fat and hatred still there with 18 A wrathfull man strife stirreth up and lets not men get ease But he that is to anger slow doth wisely strife appease 19 The wayes of him that slouthfull is as hedge of thornes remaine But the way of the righteous man is made both smooth and plaine 20 A father is made wondrous glad by a son that is wise But he that foolish is in heart his mother doth despise 21 To
them all They all have one breath as the one so doth the other die Above a beast they have no place for all is vanitie 20 All things below unto one place do go as is most plaine All of the dust are and also all turne to dust againe 21 Who knowes the sprite of man that goes even upward to the heav'n And the sprit of the beasts that is unto the earth down driv'ne 22 Wherefore I see now that there is no better thing for choice Then that a man in all his workes should constantly rejoice For that is even his portion all alloted for to be And what shall be done after him who shall bring him to see Chap. 4. SO I returned in my sprite and did consider soone All the oppressions great that are heere done under the sunne Behold the teares of men opprest no comforter they had Their spoiling foes sure power had great but they had comfort bad 2 Wherefore the dead I praised much that were already dead Yea more then all the living which are yet alive indeed 3 Yea better then both they he is which hath yet never been Who the ill work done under sunne as yet hath never seene 4 Againe I did consider well and carefully remarke All travaile undergone by man and also every worke For this man of his neighbour is crossd greatly with envy This is vexation of the sprite and also vanity 5 The fool his hands folding will not work for to winne his meat Therefore he pinch'd with poverty is forc'd his flesh to eat 6 Much better is with quietnesse an handfull that is meet Then both hands full with travell and vexation of the sprite 7 Then I returned speedily to see all that was done And I saw a great vanitie that was under the Sun 8 Ther 's one alone and there is not a second or another Yea he is so alone that he hath neither childe nor brother Yet still he labours and can not for whom he labours tell This also is great vanitie yea it 's a sore travell 9 Together in societie two better are then one Because they have a good reward for all their labour done 10 For if they fall the one will lift his fellow but much wo To him that is alone for when he falls none helps him so 11 Againe if in a stormy time two shall together ly Then they have heat but how can one be warmed by and by 12 And if against him one prevaile on this he may rely Two shall withstand a threefold cord men break not easily 13 A poor and wise childe better is then an old foolish King Who will no more by counsell good admonish'd be to reigne 14 For out of prison he doth come to reigne in high degree But th' other in his kingdome borne comes all to povertie 15 The living which walk here below I did perceive indeed All walking with the second childe that shall stand is his stead 16 Th' inconstant people have no end of all that was before These that come after shall not please this is vexation sore Chap. 5. WHen thou go'st to the house of GOD as children to the schooles Then keep thy foot hear rather then give sacrifice of fooles For they in their great foolishnesse consider not wisely That while they do that outward work they do iniquity 2 See with thy mouth thou be not rash thine heart let it not be Swift for to utter any thing before GODS Majestie For GOD is in the Heaven above and thou with little shew Art upon earth therefore let all thy wordes be wise and few 3 A dreame comes through the multitude of carefull businesse A fools voice is well known when he doth many words expresse 4 When unto GOD thou vow'st a vow defer it not to pay For he no pleasure hath in fooles so pay without delay 5 Not to vow it far better is then that thou every day Should make fair vowes unto the LORD and them neglect to pay 6 Permit not once thy mouth to cause thy flesh for to trespasse Nor yet before the Angel say that it an error was Wherefore should GOD be at thy voice provok'd thee to annoy And after the work of thine hands in wrath thee to destroy 7 For in the mâltitude of dreames and many words there be A number great of vanities but fear thou the most Hie. 8 If thou th' oppression of the poor and judgement false dost see And justice in a Province al 's let it no marvell be For he that then the higest is higher without delay Regardeth such things and there be some higher even then they 9 The profit of the earth below moreover is for all The King is served by the field ev'n whether great or small 10 He that loves silver silver shall him not once satisfie Nor he that loveth great increase this al 's is vanitie 11 When goods upon this earth increase for wealth or yet for meat They also much increased are who all such things do eat And what good to their owners is among all companies Thay onely have this that they may behold them with their eyes 12 The work-mans sleep it is most sweet though he eat lesse or much But plenty great doth mar alwayes the sleep of him that 's rich 13 There is a sore ill which I have perceiv'd under the sun Ev'n riches for the owners kept to their great hurt therein 15 But these riches by travell ill do perish in the land And he begets a son and there is nothing in his hand 15 As he came from his mothers womb so without all delay He naked shall returne nothing he cary shall away 16 This is a sore ill that as he came even so shall he go That gaine hath he that for the wind he labour'd so and so 17 All the dayes of his life also he doth in darknesse eate nd he much sorrow hath and wrath when he is griev'd and sick 18 Behold what I have seene It 's good for one to drink and eat nd take part of that GOD hath giv'n to be his portion meet 19 This is GODS gift when of riches man learnes to make good use âd of his portion eats and in his labour doth rejoice For so his dayes in mirth do passe and seeme most short to be â GOD him answreth in the joy of his heart chearfully Chap. 6. UNder the Sun there is an ill which often now and then âve seen common for to be among the sonnes of men 2 A man to whom the Lord hath given wealth honour and richesse So that he wants not for his soul all that he would possesse Yet God him not the power then gives to eate thereof gladly But strangers it do eat This is disease and vanitie 3 If that a man yeers many live and children much beget So that the dayes even of his yeares be in a number great If his soul be not fil'd with good and al 's not buâied be I say
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 âor love as death and as the grave most strong is jealousie âven 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 âor yet can floods of troubles great by any force it drowne âf any largely of his house would give the substance all ât 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 âompanions hearken to thy voice cause me it al 's to heare The Church âake haste my Welbelov'd and be thou like unto a Roe ãâã 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 âhe 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 ây mightie hand with fearfull plagues shall surely them destroy 11 Thou didst blow with thy boistrous wind the sea them covr'd indeed âhey 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 âhe 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 ãâã praise GOD for now hath he âriumph'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
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 âove these who have their race in Gods fear runne ât 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. ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã 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 ãâã best uses I have beene able to make thâ of which heere I dedicate to your Hânesse in all humilitie as being my Mâmite Accept of this little with my blâsing an old Servant of GOD nâ drawing neere my threescore From GLASGOW the 28 of MAY 1644. Your Highnesse mâââ 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 ãâã 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 âdaine by the visitors of School that all these monuments of idâlatrie be removed and that oâ such Bookes have place that mâ help children to know GOâ and Christ his Son Iohn 17. which is ãâã
good Abraham not to feare To give to GOD what is to us most deare He was renown'd both for his workes and faiâ Let all men strive to walk in the same path That they at last may get a heavenly crowne And with Abraham at Table sit downe SARAI My Mistresse SARAH Mistresse of a multitude MY Mistresse Sarai Sarah multitude The letter H a promise doth include âen thou was untill thy customes past ãâã great JOVAH brought Isaac at the last âen GOD did speake thou leugh behinde the doore âs was thy fault thou was reprov'd therefore âer thy Smiling Smelling of thy scorn âD made thee laugh after Isaac was borne âs grave matron in house the most time spent âere is Sarah behold her in the tent Kiriatharbah Sarah sick and pale âast by death laid down her mortall vale The Use ãâã women all both old and young heere learne ãâã love their tent more then the wine taverne ãâã is most seemely that when any come ãâã seek them then they finde them at their home The whoores marke is as Solomon hâ try'd Within the house her feet do not abide ISHMAEL God shall heare ABRAHAMS Son which Hagar first bear Doth signifie that God the Lord shall heare In younger yeares to scorne thou soone began To persecute to live like a wild man Cast out said Sarah this fool full of rage For with Isaac he shall have no partage The Use Take heede O Youth bee not like this ãâã lorne Who wanting grace eartly began to scorn Fyon vaine man who to scoff slily slips VVith mouth awry and his wide yavvniâ lips No surer signe to be burnt vvith hells fire Than on this earth to sit in scorners chire ISAAC Laughter or joy BEhold and see Isaac a joyfull name Which brings laughter to all that heare the same âr from his loins as Scripture doth record âme JESUS CHRIST our onely KING and LORD âD was his fear he liv'd a holy life âo concubine Rebeccah was his wife âs first Son Esau by his venison âid still conquere his best affection ât great JOVAH by Jacobs Kids did move âim to bestow the blessing on his love âo blesse Esau he doth what he best can ât his blinde eyes can not discerne the man âis hearing eare soone Jacobs voice did know âut the Kid-skinnes said sure this is Esau âe living long after his eyes were lost âld full of dayes at last gave up the ghost The Use âo be profaine to ravell eke forbeare âearne of good Isaac the great God to fear Too many luske in sloath and lose that gaiâ At first they wex at last they do but wainâ Let us therefore our false hearts sift so neerâ That of such guilt the Lord may hold us clâ In good Isaac this comfort men may finde That good men may be dumb or deaf or blâ REBEKAH Fat lustie REBEKAH fat and in body lusty A wife for Isaac pleasant to the eye Bethuels Labans fathers brothers love Her heart to stay from Isaac could not move Heare now said they the Damsells yea or no I will said She most gladly to him go Shee meeting Isaac in the evening tide Under a vaile her comely face did hide She lighted down with most hearty submission Her vaile declar'd her most humble subjection She feared GOD She loved the right path Her soule abhor'd the vile idoles of Heth The Sprite of GOD her holy heart did move To like the Lad whom GOD himself did loâ Isaac lov'd Esau She lov'd Jacob best The man whom GOD allowed to be blest ãâã wonder how a woman this could finde âherein Isaac God seer was so blinde The Use âhold how GOD to baser will reveale âhat which he will from cleare seers conceale âis graces where he likes do spring and sprout âost free he is else where to send them out âhe weakst vessell he for his service ân steele and strengthen without prejudice ESAU Made perfected BEhold ESAU made perfect like a Lade Of greater strength not weakly like a Babe ãâã his great strength a passage he did finde ând left poor Jacob at his heels behinde âed he was now heare the exposition âholerick cruell without all compassion âhe red Dragon to all did signifie âhat rednesse is a signe of crueltie âhile other babes are borne both smooth and bare âll of him was like mantle of haire What others say from you I will not hide The Greek translateth all like a rough hide This man profane as is in Scripture told His birthright spent yea it for potage sold This Belly-god to his eternall shame From red potage got Edom for his name Hated of GOD profane in all his cariage With godlesse Heth he matched in his mariagâ He liv'd a Prince sojourning in Mount Seir He turn'd his back upon his fathers fear The Use Beware with Esau for an earthlie thing For back or belly to losse the blessing Better it is in open field to ly Quiv'ring for cold no cov'ring but the sky Pinch'd with famine like a pale feeble wigâ Then for this earth Gods good blessings to sliâ JACOB The heele HEere is the man so called from the heele Who for wrestling was called Israel Belov d of GOD as soone as he began Prince with God that should prevaile with man âe youngest twin beloved of his mother ât for GODS grace dâsdained of his brother âhen he blessed perceiv'd his brothers eye âarkling with fire to Laban he did flie ãâã lodge at home for him it was not safe ãâã past Jordan a poore man with his staffe ãâã this journey he lighted on a place âz called Bethel because of GODS grace ãâã ladder there he saw in his good dreame âose top did reach unto the Starrie Heav'n ãâã this ladder the Angels Sprits of love âent down and up JEHOVAH stood above âm thence he spake to Iacob in his dreame âm thy GOD who am the GOD of Hâav'n âs land shall thee and al 's thy children feede ãâã will give to thee and to thy seede âill thee blesse with great posteritie ãâã all the earth in thee shall blessed be âile this wrestler who in wrestling did weep ârd thus GOD speak he wakened out of sleepe ãâã heart trembled and pale was all his face ãâã said afraide how dreadfull is this place âmble all most fearfull is this dreame ãâã is Gods house this is the gate of Heav'n At last he came unto the land of Padan Where for a space he served uncle Laban In faith and truth he serv'd with all his mighâ Spent with dayes heat and with the frost night For labour Laban did his daughter sell But blear'd Leah he gave for fair Rachel To serve seven yeeres the bargan had made For beautie but the bleare eyes came to bed Jacob at last to make all oddes even Resolv'd for Rachel to serve other seven Of Labans service at last he wearie With both his wives constrained was to flie Then uncle Laban hotly him pursu'd But great IEHOVAH his servant rescu'd GOD
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 ãâã proud in heart inferiour in place ãâã you by dreams to him I speake by face âhen GOD had showne how they had gone astray ãâã kindled wrath and rage he went away ââen this was done behold a great sorrow ââRIE became leprous white as the snow ââer her flesh was consum'd by the Lord ââses did pray and then she was restor'd ââcause God was provoked by her sinne ãâã died in the wildernesse of ZIN âânsider heere two brethren and MARIE âpointed guids for Israel to be ââcause by sinne they stirred up Gods wrath Canaan they might not tread the path ãâã on HOR Moses at NEBO steep âây in Zin by death did softly sleep ãâã wildernesse AMRAMS three children deare ââeir life did finish in the fourtie yeere The Use âost godlie hearts vaine pride doth whiles assault ââey live not heere that live without a fault âth carefulnesse let men and vvomen try ãâã ât 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 Bâhold saith he from Egypt a great band ãâã souldiers that cover all the land âme curse me them peradventure I shall âable for to overcome them all âd God said to BALA'M Thou shalt not goe âth them thou shalt not curse the people so âr they are bless'd BALA'M in the morning âse up and went to BALAKS men saying âe Princes of King BALAK get ye now âo your owne land for to go with you âe mightie Lord will not give leave to me âen the Princes of Moab most early âse up and unto their King BALAK went âd said BALA'M for thy commandement ââth no wise care hee proud of his wisedome âainely refuseth with us for to come âd Balak sent againe by the same way âinces that were more respectfull then they âho said to him Balak son of Zippor âith great desire hath us all sent thee for ãâã bids us say Let nothing I pray thee âee hinder from now coming unto me ãâã will promote thee for thy great wisedome âherefore to curse this people shortly come âhen to Balaks servants Bala'm most bold âid 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 ãâã when the asse for fear ready to fall ãâã the Angel of the Lord in the way âtill the Wall she did without delay âsh Balams foot then he inflamed hote âth staffe in hand the asse in fury smote âen the Lord op'ned the mouth of the asse ââo said to Balam What is my trespasse âây dost thou strike What have I done to thee âat thou hast so me smitten these times three ân Balam said unto the asse surely âcause thou hast in the way mocked me âould there were a Sword in mine hand still âr now I would in wrath thee surely kill âen said the asse Am I not thine alway ãâã which thou hast ridden ev'n to this day âas I before wont so to do to thee ây said Balam thou didst not so to me âen Balam's eyes the Lord without delay â'ned who saw Gods Angel in the way âith his sword drawen then he in the same place âw'd down his head and fell flat on his face âen said the Angel For what great trespasse âst thou these three times thus smitten thine asse ââhold I went out for to withstand thee ââcause 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 ãâã The out most part thou shalt see and no more Come and curse me them all from thence theââfore 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 wroââ 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 deââ 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 bleââ 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 ân wrath he hath from honour keept thee back And Balam said unto Balak This thing Spake I
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 bayeâ Shall have his Temples trimmed and with layeâ 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 thâ 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 duâ 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 ãâã 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 hâ 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
in their hand Then these proud men bitter like angrie bees Took poor Samson and put out both his eyes With hard fetters of brasse they did him bind In a prison as horse they made him grind Soon after that his hair began to spring These lords him brought to Dagons house their king Dagon said they the god of sea and land Hath now inclosed Samson in our hand Then all the people greatly did rejoice And praised Dagon with a joyfull voice Then all merry and glad they did exhort To call for Samson for to make them sport When he was come Lad take me by the hand Said he Lead me where the pillar doth stand Upon the which the house is founded sure That I thereon may lean my body poor The house was full three thousand on the roofe To see Samson of sporting give a proofe Then Samson pray'd unto the Lord with cryes Now grant me Lord a revenge for mine eyes Twixt the pillars with his left hand and right He pull'd them downe by great JEHOVAHS might Such was the end of his dayes full of strife At death he slew mo then he slew in life The Use Heere wee may learne yea clearely wee may seâ That cruell men are met with crueltie Heere is a lesson for to guide our life Not to reveale great secrets to a wife 14 MICAH Who is like the Lord. THe word of God most clearely doth reveale How MICAH did his mothers silver steele Yea which was worse and did merite the rods Of it he made graven and molten gods A Teraphim he had and an Ephod And so became Apostate from his God A wandring Levite he hir'd for his Priest His house for idols he made like a beast Now I know well that God will do me good Said MICAH who was most foolish and rude The LORD will lodge both in mine house and breast Because I have a Levite for my Priest In these dayes which was a most fearefull thing ân all Isra'l was neither judge nor King âhe DANITS then seeking inheritance Came to the house of this Micah by chance His Levite and his silver gods they tooke When this was done MICAH began to looke To run and cry aloud after the men In number five come from the tribe of DAN What aileth thee said they What and wherefore My gods said he are stoll'n what have I more Let not thy voice now be heard us among Said they lest ill fellows upon thee throng It may fall out that if we come to strife Both thou and thine this day may losse the life Thus foolish MICAH Priest and gods that day Did losse and so the DANITS went their way The Use Let all men learne in Gods excellent schools Who worship idols are most brutish fooles Of the Levite and his Concubine IN these dayes which was a most feareful thing In all Isra'l was neither Judge nor King In these ill dayes what man could it endure A Levite had a wife that play'd the whoore She not fearing the terrours of JOVAH Ranne to her Father dwelling in JVDAH Foure whole moneths with him she did remaââ Her husband went to bring her back againe There he with his father in law abode Where chearefully he was most welcomed From day to day he sought to turne againe But by his father was urg'd to remaine At last the fift day after all was done Hee went away well neere the afternoone Then parted he with his wife and servant They neere to JEBVS found the day far spenâ The servant said In JEBUS let us lodge The Levite said To do such things I grudge We will not turne aside to that citie We will not lodge with these that strangers be We will passe over unto GIBEAH For there we trust is the fear of JOVAH When unto GI'BAH they were thus nâ come The Sunne in his Horizon was gone downe Then he went in and sat downe in a streete But no man there with kindnesse did him greeâ At last an old man lifting up his eye Come from the field did there perceive tâ three Whence come ye said he Whether will yee We goe said they the house of God unto From BETHLEHEM we have both bread ãâã wine If thou us lodge we shall take none of thine Then said that old man Peace be now with thee Welcome thy want shall all lie upon me As they were eating with their hearts merrie Behold the vile villaines of that city Swarm'd in numbers of most vile rogues a rout The old mans house they compassed about Bring forth the man that came into thine house Cry'd they of him we will make carnall use This vice so vile with words I can not name Behold in Isra'l of SODOM the shame The old man said unto them most gravely I pray you cease oh cease from this folly This man is come under my house shadow Such great vilenesse the Lord cannot allow His wife my daughter if so be it must Abuse with man abhorre to spend your lust But for all this these men could not forbeare Raging in lust such words they would not hear When this was done and all remeed was past The Levite brought to them his wife at last These vile villains not trembling at Gods sight In their mad lust abus'd her all the night When darknesse past the cleare spring of the day Appear'd then these vile villains went away Then she whom they had handled like a whoore In the dawning fell downe dead at the doore At last the man op'ning the doore behold Her fall'n downe dead her hands on the thââshold Then to her thus lying her Lord did say Up up let us make ready for the way While he looked that she should rise with speâ Behold his wife upon the threshold dead When the man saw what then was come to paâ He tooke the corps and laid it on his asse When he her brought unto his house at home He with a knife cut her through flesh and bonâ That the dead parts the wrong might clearly teâ Twelve parts hee made and sent through ISRAEL They that this saw said A sinne of this kinde We have not seene advise and speake your minâ Then all the land for this great sin much grieveâ From end to end at MISPEH were conveened In number clearly set downe by GODS pen They there were foure hundred thousand foâ men There the Levite in anguish and distresse At their desire declard the wickednesse This heard they all with one consent began To go to work to arise as one man Then said they all kindled with anger hot To the battell we will go up by lot Against vile Gib'ah to fight bitterly That they may smart for their unheard folly First through Benjamin speedy posts they sent That Gib'ahs men might suffer for their rent We seeke no more but when ye heare us then Ye send to us these vile and wicked men But Benjamin in a most foolish rage With mouth awry scorned the whole message Twentie six
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
Eli clearely understood It is the Lord said he what seemes him good Now let him do against both me and mine Against his sentence I will not repine What SAMUEL said to ELI more or lesse Upon ELI it shortly came to passe Then it was showne clearly by th' Eternel That Samuel was for to judge Israel The proud Philistins in his time came out Against Isra'l he put them to the rout He cri'd to God and God by thunder heard The Philistins under their feet he troad To shew his thanks to tell what God had done In the same place he wisely set a stone A stone of help for to declare Gods fame Eben-Ezer in Hebrew was its name In his old age when he was full of dayes His bribing sons did not walk in his wayes Then all the people greeved with this thing Cri'd with one voice Now let us have a King For now Samuel is old and full of dayes His bribidg sons doe not walk in his wayes Then God directed SAMUEL how to say That Isra'l had rejected God that day Go to go to hearken unto their voice Give them a King according to their choice Be plaine with them and hide from them nâ thing Shew them clearely the manner of the King To war to till to reape in every point Of hard service your sons he will appoint Of your daughters who walk with lofty lookâ He will make Bakeâs and vile sluttish cooks Your fields and yards which are the most pleâsant He will take and give to his owne servants The tenth of your sheep and seed he will crave Your stout young men to his worke will hee have In all this bondage ye shall howl and say Alas but God shall not you hear that day But all this speach to them no change could bring No not said they but we will have a King As this people rebelliously would have A King so GOD a King unto them gave When this was done Samuel did testifie Before all ISRA'L his integritie Now I am old said he see my gray head I have been with you from my young childhood Now heere I am I gladly do accord Witnesse against me heere before the LORD Be plaine I pray you and now hide no thing For heere we are in presence of the King Whose Oxe whose Asse have I by wrong possessed By violence whom have I once oppressed What bribe tooke I therewith to blinde mine eye If it be so now let you testifie Then said they all as they well understood We know nothing in thee but what is good No man we know hath beene opprest by thee No bribe was able for to blinde thine eye God be witnesse said he and understand That now ye have not found ought in mine hand After this said he did them terrifie With fearfull thunders piercing through the skie The people then to him quakeing did say We have sinned to JOVAH for us pray Fear not said he but comfort to you take For his people the LORD will not forsake If ye cry to him he will hear your voice For he of you hath onely made his choice As for me I will not leave off to pray For you I will al 's teach you the good way Onely take heed and serve the Lord with fear So ye his goodnesse shall both see and hear But if ye carelesse do the wicked thing Ye shall be consum'd both ye and your king After SAMUEL though he was old and gray The proud King Agag in Gilgal did slay He was a man faithfull in every point Before his death two Kings he did anoint The Use Let Judges learne by Samuels historie To take good heed that no bribe blinde their eye THE GARDEN OF ZION The Kings SAUL Seeking THis Son of KIS from seeking hath his name His life with vice he stain'd his end with shame When he began his calling was but base Before his Crowne he sought his fathers Asse When at the first from the stuffe he came out Then the people with their voice made a shout The wordes they said in their lovely shouting Were that the Lord would safely keep the King About this time Nahash the Ammonite Against Jabesh made war with great despite Then Iabesh said Spare us and let us be A Covenant we will now make with thee But cruell Nahash burning in a rage By no fair words could his great wrath asswage No friends no friends said he now will we be Except we first now thrust out your right eye Seven dayes they sought an answere for to give They sent to Saul that he might them relieve Then Saul armed with companies out three Threw Ammon downe with a great victorie Saul by this valour was confirmed King Then all the people desir'd him to reigne When he was King even in his second yeere The Philistines with forces did appeare They of Charets strong thirtie thousand were Six thousand foot also prepar'd for war But Israel which was cause of great fear Disarmed was without both Sword and Spear The Philistines triumphing them above Did craftily from them all Smiths remove Yet for the Forks Axe Coulters Goads this while To sharpen them the Hebrews had a file When Saul this saw he greatly was afraid In caves and rocks the people did them hide Then Saul in fear not waiting on Samuel The seventh day off'red to GOD in Gilgal Then Samuel angry with his foolish haste Made both his eares to tingle with this blast Thou hast rebell'd thou hast done foolishlie Thy Kingdome no more shall abide with thee Then Jonathan went after secretly Between Bozez and Seneh two rocks hie To his servant he said Let us pursue God can us save by many or by few Before we go by this we will them try If while they see us they shall say Tary Then will we stand but if their words be so Come up to us untill them will we go They said Come up and that by way of mock WheÌ this was heard they both did climb the rock In that conflict with Philistins children Stout Jonathan did there slay twentie men Terrours from GOD his foes hearts made to shake All th' Hoast trembled the very earth did quake The LORD in armes glist'ring did fight that day He made his foes like snow to melt away The LORD of Hoasts by his great power and might Made these his foes one ' gainst another fight When th' Isralits of this mercy heard tell From holes and bores they rushed to Battell These who before for fear themselves did hide Stoutly their foes did beat both back and side They fought like Lions but anone a jar A fasting oath the victory did mar They durst not eat and therefore faint and few They could not throughly their strong foes pursue While Isra'l thus did faint for fault of meat Jonathan of a hony comb did eat Assoone as he had taste of that honie His sprite reviv'd enlightned was his eye What he did then it was by ignorance For he knew
counsâll He is most sure that God relyes upon All other things will shrink and sinke anone Men for a time may their sad hearts solace With sound of harp which soone will have no place If Kings with Saul of Gods word make no count He will them meet upon Gilboah mount These who care not their lives for to amend Do often come unto a tragick end The LORD to each man his owne worke repayes And makes him finde according to his wayes If men be gracelesse though never so great God shall anone set others in their seat So at the last they shall get shame and losse When God shall crowne these men whom they did crosse DAVID Beloved THE spirit of God begins my heart to move To sing of David whom he Lord did love When God him sought to make him Isra'ls King He was an herd keeping the ewes with young Of Jesses sons he was the least and last As by the story is most manifest When God his servant Samuel did appoint To goe and one of Jesses sons annoint The first he saw was Eliab faire in face This said Samuel is he who by Gods grace Should be the King No not this shall not be Said God for God seeth not as men doe see The outward barck men see of countenance But Gods bright eye through all the heart doth glance Abinadab Shammah he would not chuse David he tooke the rest he did refuse When he rudie came the Lord did appoint Samuel with horne of oyle him to annoint When that was done Gods spirit came him upon He hated Saul and left him his alone When God from him had his good sprit of grace Remov'd the divell came quickly in his place He sore troubled thus to his men did say Provide a man that cunningly can play I cannot pray the divell will not depart My cheefe comfort must be by Musicks art A man with harpe to warble let me finde That he the divell may drive out of my minde Then David came who warbling did his best The divell departed then Saul got some rest After all this the Philistins with boast Against Isra'l came with a mighty host Among the rest a man of Gath Goliah A champion contemning great Jehovah Came forth with boasting a most mighty man Whose height was six great cubits with a span Both up and downe he thus armed did passe With coat of male and with helmet of brasse Graves on his legs a target he betweene His shoulders had his speare was like a beame Of a weever One with a shield before Went this strong man all Isra'l troubled sore He cri'd aloud to all Isra'l that day In vaine set ye your battell in aray Let one man come and fight me hand to hand What part prevails they shall the rest command If ye have hearts or hands I shall soone try All Isra'ls host this day I do defy On all Isra'l thus he did rub disgrace All men did flie but none durst turne the face Untill David encourag'd from above This question to the armie thus did move What shall be done to him who shall stoutly Kill this vile dogge that doth our God defy He then said they who shall performe this thing Shall have for wife the daughter of the King Let no mans heart said David now him faile I will now answere his foolish appeale I tremble not for all his strength and might The Lord gives heart I him resolve to fight Alas said SAUL thou greatly hast to feare Thou art a youth but he a man of warre Not said David I have experience I am acquaint with GODS strong assistance He made me kill a Lion and a Bear What needs me now this Philistine to fear Go to said Saul GODS blessing go with thee With coat of male and helmet armed be Thou must my Sword also gird by thy side That thou his stroaks the better may abide David thus armed all from top to toe Said with such things to fight I can not goe Off with his harnesse his staffe in hand he took In scrip five smooth stones chosen from the brook With sling in hand in a courage divine He stoutly went to fight the Philistine Then great Goliah came down to the field Armed with brasse before him a great shield was borne he lofty with a most proud look Disdain'd David scarce notice of him took This thing is strange it seems to me uncouth That in Isra'l there is none but this youth Faire and ruddy small token of courage To fight against a giant full of rage What art thou lad what meanest thou to doe Am I a dog that so thou com'st me to With staves and stones a dwarfe most unworthie By all my gods now cursed must thou be Come hither heard thy stones and staves now yeeld Thy flesh shall go to the beasts of the field Thou shalt well know that I am not a beast I minde to make thy flesh for foules a feast Words are but winde said David I not feâ Thy sword or shield or yet thy brasse or spear I come to thee in the most mighty name Of great JOVAH whom thou hast thought tâ shame Cease from thy brags no more to boast proceed I shall thee smite and from thee take the head Thou shalt soone know and others shall it tell That there is a great God in Israel The Lord God saveth not with spears or swords I feare nothing the Battell is the Lords This said David with a courage divine Ran in all haste to meet the Philistine With hand to bag from thence he tooke a stone Which pierc'd Goliah through both flesh and bone The stone with force throwen sanke in his forehead Then like an Ox to ground he fell down dead Then David ran with great courage divine And stood upon that beastly Philistine Him treading downe with feet he made great speed With his own sword from him he cut the head When the Philistins saw their man of might This way mangled they tooke them to the flight Thus wanting courage they both fled and fell Affrighted much for the men of Isra'l Last David after Goliah was dead To Jerusalem brought this monsters head In the way met him these songs of women For Sauls one thousand David hath slaine ten From that day and forward Saul did him eye Having his heart stuft with rage and envie Then Saul devised how to make him fall A bloody dowry he sought for Michal An hundred foreskins to David said he Of Philistins thou shalt bring unto me I seeke no more no more dowrie I crave Do this and thou Michal for wife shalt have By these his wordes which seemed to be faire He aim'd to draw David into a snaire But stout David brought in a bloody strife Two hundred foreskins and so wan his wife All these great things fild Sauls heart with envie Davids applause kindled his jealousie His wrath like fire in fewell did increase When he did hear of Davids good successe From
secret wrath to open felonnie He went pursuing David cruellie For this David to Achish in Gath fled There he as mad the spittle on his beard Let fall in this most pitifull estate Forced like fools he scrabled on the gate From thence to Keilah from Keilah he past To Ziph where he almost by Saul was lost At Engedi where he revenge might have He spar'd Sauls life inclosed in a cave In wildernesse having provision small He was refused by churlish Nabal Of all Sauls house the worthy Jonathan Of Davids comforts onely was the man David at last fled to the land of Gath Untill God had puld Saul away by death His death which would have made another glad Made him to sigh and many teares to shed The lamentations of David for the death of Saul and Jonathan ALas my heart said David doth disdaine These vile villains who have unto us Slaine The Royall blood the beautie of Israel How they are fall'n beware in Gath to tell Or Askelon let no man heare your voice Lest the daughters of Philistins rejoice O Gilboa now cursed must thou be Let neither deaw nor raine fall downe on thee For there thee shields of men armed with might Were cast away like men that could not fight There Saul fell downe upon that cursed soile As though he had not been annoint with oyle Saul and Jonathan two men most mighty Your bow and sword returned not empty Saul and Jonathan in lyfe were lovelie They in there death would not divided be The Eagles Lions both in strength and flight Were overcome by these two men of might O daughters worthy the name of Isra'l Let floods of teares now bubble out and fall For worthy Saul whose purpose was still set To deck with gold and cloath you with scarlet It greeves my heart to think or yet to tell How these mightie did fall in the battell O Jonathan I must most weep for thee For thou a friend and brother was to me Thy love to me was more then love of men Yea it did passe the best love of women Of Davids Reigne OF Davids reigne clearely I will record Who was faithfull beloved of the Lord When Saul was slaine and Jonathan was dead The Crown of Judah was on Davids head In Hebron set Then he sent to Jabesh And thanked them for their loving kindnesse For taking downe from the walls of Bethshan The bodies of Saul and of Jonathan In this meane time which did great troubles bring Abner annointed Ishbosheth as king Joab for David was then cheefe captaine Against Abner who Sauls house did maintaine In that armie Abner began to say Let the young men now sport and rise to play Content said Joab then twelve on each side Arose to fight each man anothers head Caught in his hand and then most cruelly His sharp sword thrust in his brothers belly That day betweene Judah and Israel Was first a skirmish and then a battell A battell great last Abner in that fight Was beaten sore he sav'd himselfe by flight While he did flie Asahel did pursue But Abner straited swift Asahel slew Though Abners armie was in good aray Good David got the victory that day Though David was these great troubles among Yet by Gods arme he dayly was made strong Stout Abner who did Ishbosheth defend Unto David revolted in the end After this man by Joabs treachery Was slaine which moved David bitterly To weep and mourne while of it he did heare Last he himself mourning follow'd the biere Alas said he with sorrow and great doole Did valiant Abner die as doth a foole This great breach now can be made up hardly The sons of Zerviah be too strong for me Then Baanah and Rechab did conspire To slay Ishbosheth for to winne a hire These bloody men him stobbed on his bed And after that with haste to Hebron fled Where David was they thought to have good speed When they to him offred Ishbosheths head As God liveth said David who hath me Redeemed out of all adversitie Yee shall be slaine by a most fearfull death I shall you both take away from the earth Come out young men cut off their hands and feet And hang them up a judgement for them meet Then all Isra'l with one voice consenting Appointed David there captaine and King When he was crown'd of yeers he was thirtie His reigne continued the space of fourtie First seven in Judah after he did beare His faire Scepter for three and thirty yeere He tooke Jebus who thought as they were bold That blind and lame might surely keep their hold When the Philistines heard that he was King A great armie against him they did bring At Baal-Perazim he them overthrewe With great slaughter these Philistins he slew Their idols there they left their hearts desire Which David tooke and after burnt with fire Yet came againe the Philistins like bees Whom David smot at the Mulberie trees When rest was come he prepar'd speedily To have Gods Ark lodg'd in his owne city Of good duetie he did neglect no part He did prepare for it a new made cart While it was driv'n by Ahio and Uzzah Great mirth by all was made unto Jovah Timbrels and harps cymbals and psalterie With Cornets sweet made pleasant melodie While all was joy behold anone a jar A fearfull breach which all their mirth did mar It was both sore and suddain with terrour For God there smote Uzzah for his errour The Levits shoulders for to bear the Arke Ordained were and not an oxen cart The Levits might as the Lord did command It carie but not touch it with their hand At this great breach good David sore afraide Both Arke and Cart in this journey he staide In Obed-Edoms house he did it place Which in three moneths it did fill with grace When David heard of such grace and goodnessâ To his City he brought it with gladenesse He was so glad that in all Isra's sight He danc'd before the Lord with all his might To be more nimble in his dance to God He was girded with a linnen Ephod As they came neere unto Davids citie Michal beheld all with a scorning eye When all was done with gladnesse manifold David returned to blesse his houshold Him Michal met and scorningly did say A beast a foole a vaine fellow this day Thou hast thee showne this was her bitter word What reck sad he it was before the Lord Thy taunting speach doth not sinke in my minde The Lord me hath preferr'd to thee and thine From holy zeal I will not now refile I purpose yet to be more base and vile Though thou me scorne and speake so tauntinglie By men and maids I shall hence honour'd be After great warres when David had got rest To build a house for God he thought it best In house of Cedar said he I now dwell But onely Curtains are for th' Eternell What shall I doe to Nathan did he say Go to said Nathan do without delay
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
melodie The people did worship and singers sing Trumpets founded so that the house did ring This did continue GOD did it commend Till the burnt offering was brought to an end When the Trumpets most holy consecration Was finished the people great oblation Did offer gladely with a most free heart The Priests the Levites each man did his part So the service of GODS house pleasantly Was then in order set most suddenly Thus Hezekiah after all repar'd Rejoic'd in God who had his men prepar'd Then this good King by Gods divine counsell Ordain'd Judah and also Israel To keep passeover for great JEHOVAH At Salem from Dan to Beershebah The posts in hast with letters from the King Went through all parts for to declare this thing The summe was this that all men then shouâ mourne For their trespasse and to the Lord returne If yee wrote he turne to this Lord of grace In wrath he will not from you turne his face But Ephraim and Manasse forlorne Israels men did laugh these posts to scorne Yet of Aser and of Manasse came Divers to worship the LORD at Salem The hand of God in Judah was mighty To give them one heart with sinceritie To celebrat that great Jehovahs feast âhey all obey'd the greatest and the least âut in Israel numbers foolishly ââd beene carelesse themselves to sanctifie âât this good King did pray for them anone ââe good Lord said he pardon ev'ry one âho doth his owne heart prepare sinceerely âhough according to Jovahs Sanctuary âe not cleansed This the Lord did please âho heal'd the people of their sore desease âea more Isra'l without all wearinesse âid keepe the feast that day with great gladnesse âhole fourteene dayes that feast which was holy âbserved was in Salem Gods city âhe King and Princes did give much cattell âo the people of Judah and Israel ânce Solomon the son of David King âas not in Salem ever seene such thing Then all the Priests and the Levits arose ând blest the people both with heart and voice âhey pray'd to GOD with words filled with grace âheir prayer came unto Gods dwelling place When this was done by these of both nation âhey all intended a reformation âhey cut the groves the images they brake âhe Altars and high places they did sacke That done Isra'l in a good motion Return'd quickly to their possession Then the Priests course the King with diligeââ Ordred and al 's provided maintenance For that great work that preachers of the woââ Might have courage in the Law of the Lord The people willing corne wine oyle holy With tiths of all did bring aboundantly Thus Hezekiah did throughout Judah Good right and truth before the great Jovah He wrought such was his great sincerity The Lord he sought with all his heart truely Then Sen'cherib King of Assyria With great forces entred into Judah When Hezekiah thus perceived them Resolv'd to fight against Jerusalem Then he this counsell from his Princes tooke Who the waters of fountaine and of brooke Will'd him to stop and so their host to scattââ Why should our foes said they with wholââ water Refreshed be So for his own defence Both darts and shields he made in aboundanââ The broken walls up to the towres he rear'd In Davids city he Millo repair'd Captains of war he gath'red to Salem And thus he spake comfortably to them Be strong let not Senacheribs armie âith their great number your heartes terrifie âith him the armie of flesh the Eternell ãâã to help us and to fight our Battell After he had these comforts on them prest âe people all upon his words did rest ânnacherib after this sent some men âom faire Lachish unto Jerusalem Vile Rabshakeh thus railed in his pride âhereon trust yee Into what hole abide âill yee Now try and al 's well examine ãâã yee will die by thirst and sore famine ât not your King trusting in his JOVAH âeceive you Is not he Hezekiah âho Gods Altars and high places destroy'd âath that one Altar in Salem imploy'd Might be Be wise regard not his command âow yee not what unto all peoples land My Master hath done What Gods of Nations ââuld save their people in such vexations All these gods folks I overthrew at length âho is your God that I should fear his strength âherefore in time consider and percieve Lest that your King vvith vaine vvordes fââ deceive The people all in silence and in doole Did heare these wordes of that blasphemââ foole Then Eliakim the son of Hilkijah Reported all unto Hezekiah Who hearing this was in great grief and smart He rent his cloathes and with his clothes hââ heart Unto Esay the Prophet he did send Men in sackcloth his answere to attend These men unto the Prophet said truely Of trouble rebuke and of blasphemy This is a day the children to the birth Are come but there is no strength to bring forth Of Rabshakeh it may be God will heare The railing word which he voide of all feare Sent from his Master King of Assyria Did vomit out against the Lord Jovah O man of God thy duety doth thee bind To pray for these that are now left behind When these words came unto the Prophets eare He said let not your good Master now feare God in the Heavens most bright in Majestie Hath clearly heard that vile rogues blasphemie âehold saith God I in my wrath at last âpon that man will send a fearfull blast âf terrour great he shall a rumour hear âVhich shall his bones and bowels shake with fear âome he shall go trust and believe my word ân his own land he shall fall by the sword After Rabshakeh had against JOVAH âhus railed he unto the strong Libnah âid go where his Master in brags most stout âith his armie encamped round about This King again sent to Hezekiah âen to revile with other words JOVAH Let not said they O Hezekiah King âhy God deceive thee with this vaine saying âam the Lord the mighty God Jovah ãâã shall you save from all Assyriah âast thou not heard and understood clearly âow these great Kings have wasted utterly All lands None could escape their mightie hand ââd now shalt thou before their forces stand ââzan Haran Kezeph and Thelasar ââth strong Eden they have subdued by war VVhere are the Kings of Hena and Ivah Of Hamath Arpad Tell Hezekijah Where is the King of Sepharvaim strong Who could them match their gods or Kââ among When this vile letter full of blasphemie Was read the King to Gods house speedilie Went up to summe the matter in a word That vile letter he spread before the Lord Then Hezekiah made to th' Eternell This prayer saying O God of Isra'l Which now dwellest betweene the Cherubines Thou art the Lord alone of all Kingdomes With great mercy O Lord bow downe thâ eare And with regard my humble sute now heare Consider how with wordes sharpe like a good Thây have the name pierc'd of the living
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 âf Kings shall serve the Lord with all their heart ân great trouble the Lord shall take their part But this the Lord of heav'n can not abide âhat 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 ât may be this King at first got his name He in his life was stain'd with sin and shame âike 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 âr such doings wherein is no relish ârusalem now wiped like a dish âall be In red war their foes shall them foil âhey shall to them become a prey and spoil âr since from Egypt I brought them the way âhat was most right they ever went astray Manasseh more in his furie most rude ãâã Salem did shed much innocent blood While Manasseh did not regard Gods check ârong Babels captaine took him by the neck âmong the thornes and him with fetters bound âo the Lord did this vile man much confound Yet when he was in great affliction âe ran to God with supplication âefore the Lord he much humbled his heart âe pray'd to God who heard him in his smart ând helped him and brought him back againe ârom Babel for in Salem to remaine Then Manasseh did by experience âost surely know that God was his defence âhen was his heart inflamed with gods love âe all strange gods with idols did remove âll strange Altars he brake downe speedily âith zeal and cast them out of the city ât last this King who to God gracious âeturned 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 feââ 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 conspirââ The Use Let Kings beware of sin to make a sport For many sins doe cut their honours short âât parents learne to feare to goe astray ââr their children often follow their way âât Subjects learne to feare their Kings to kill ââr 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 ââght years he was when he upon the Throne ââgan to sit he reigned thirty one ââe did with God most constantly abide ââom Davids wayes he turned not aside âhen he was come to eighteene years of age âough young in years he was both grave and sage He sent scribe Shaphan to Priest Hilkijah ââat the silver for the house of JOVAH ââth'red at doores as GODS word did command âight be shortly put in the workemans hand Then to Shaphan said the Priest Hilkijah âave now found in the house of JOVAH âods 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 âhold thou shalt now this great comfârt have ãâã peace thou shalt be gath'red to thy grave âough dayes be coming full of miseries ââore
they come death shall close up thine eyes ââter these men heard such words of comfort âey to the King the message did report Then Josiah with the men of Judah âent up unto the house of great Jovah âth him there were the Priests and Prophets all âere al 's the people were both great and small ãâã them he read the Lords booke ev'ry word âich had been found in the house of the Lord ân this good King who Gods word understood ãâã serve the Lord hard by a pillar stood ãâã with the people all with one accord âd make a Covenant there before the Lord Gods presence all ill wayes they forsooke ââlling to doe according to that Book Then the King in the name of great Jovah âmmanded soone the high Priest Hilkijah ââth other keepers whether great or small âring quickly the vessels made for Ba'l ãâã for the grove out of Gods Temple faire That he GODS house might cleanse and alâ paire When this was done in the field of Kidron He in great zeal there them did burne each onâ And to fulfull the word of th'Eternell The ashes he did carry to Bethel Vile Priests there were who with idolatrie Defiled had both Temple and Citie To Sunne Moone Planets and al 's to Baal They sacrificed and to Heavens host all These vile men he desiring God to please In his great zeal put downe and made to ceââ The grove also which was idolatrous The King with speed brought out from the Lââ house At Kidron he it burnt and stamped small To small powder and cast that powder all Upon the graves of these who foolishly Had beene defiled with idolatrie The Sodomiteâ far from Gods house he drââ And these who did weave hangings for the gââ He with the rest Topheth defil'd anone Which was in the vile valley of Hinnon So that no man thereafter durst aspire To make his Son for Molech passe the fire Thus he persisting as he had begun Tooke the horses which were given to the Suââ By Kings of Judah which made Priests to mourn The Suns Charets he in a fire did burne He did beat down and break most speedily The Altars which in vile idolatie Manasseh Ahaz when they God forsooke Did build the dust thereof in the base Brooke Of Kidron he did cast High places vile âor Ashtoreth Chemosh Milcome defile âe did That bad Abomination âard at mount Olives mount of corruption Which Solomon did build in Israel Whereby he much provocked th'Eternell âas by Josiah destroy'd speedily âch was his zeal for the great Gods glory This good King al 's the images brake then âe cut the groves and with the bones of men ââe places fill'd the Altar at Bethel ãâã Jeroboam made who mov'd Isra'l ãâã sin he brake downe it to dust he drove ââd stampt it small and also burnt the grove The King turning him self at last did spy âvers Sepulchers wherein dead did ly âke up these bones said he in his great ire ââon this Altar burn them all with fire âw do for God who doth my crowne uphold ââ this long since by God hath beene foretold Then said the King come now and tell to me What title is among the graves I see The men of that city said to the King Heere lyes the Prophet which message did bââ That great Jovah the God of Israel Should do such things to th' Altar of Bethel Then said the King this man whom GOD love Let him alone see no man his bones move Likewise this Prince sent from the great VAH Reform'd the cities of Samariah Their Priests he slew with his sword in his irââ And on their Altars their bones burnt with firââ Then King and people all with one accorââ A great Passeover did keep to the Lord The like whereof before had never bene Among the Kings or yet the Judges sene Yet more the workers with familiar sprits With wizards idols and all idle rits He spied out and wholly put away Thus he Gods house reform'd without delayâ Unto the Lord this King just and upright With all his heart with all his soul and mighâ Turned himselfe in great zeal more and morâ He had no match after or yet before But oh alas the great wrath of Jovah Could not be turn'd from the sins of Judah Manasses sins both cruel and unkind âld not go out of great Jehovahs minde ãâã will said God withdraw now my great love âm all Judah them now I will remove ãâã of my sight as I did t' Israel Salem al 's like judgements I will tell ãâã wrath ' gainst it here plainly I declare âugh I had said my name shall ay be there âhen good Josiah King after all this âne with his men to fight at Carchemish âinst Necho of Egypt land the King âo did with him a mighty armie bring âho to him Embasadors did send âell him that he came not for this end âhurt Josiah either neere or far ãâã others at whom he intended war âd hath him sent therefore now let him passe ãâã afterward thou smart for thy trespasse âhou Necho in this Gods warre annoy Lord is with him who shall thee destroy âut for all this Josiah with Necho âolv'd to fight him neere to Megiddo ân he disguised came to that Battell Archers shot and there Josiah fell ân said the King sore wounded I this day Battell am have me therfore away ââe desir'd so they this wounded King From the battell unto Salem did bring In a Charet There this good man he died There he also was with his fathers buried After his death all these that did sojourne In Judah did for him lament and mourne Yea for his death the Prophet Jeremie With words of greefe lamented bitterlie The Use Behold O Kings who minde to please Jovaâ Of zeale a patterne was this good Josiah This man by halfes did not idolatrie Reforme but purged all most perfectly High places groaves images idols vaine Hill Altars he did cut break and disdaine 16. JEHOACHAZ The possession of God JEhoachaz Son of good Josiah Was after him crowned King of Judah He fear'd not God he in Jehovahs sight Follow'd the trace of wayes that were not râ Him Phar'oh Necho King of Egypt land Tooke and with fetters strong at Riblah band Wee yeeres of age he was and al 's twentie âen he was crown'd and reign'd but moneths three The Use Kings here learn not in their sinnes to sport âangers God who cuts their honours short 17 ELIAKIM called also JEHOJAKIM GOD ariseing âFter that Necho King of Egypt land Deposed had by strong and mighty hand âoachaz he sent for Eliakim âose name he chang'd into Jehojakim âs was the second son of Josiah âo by Necho was made King of Judah ãâã age this King was eighteene yeeres and seven ââen he began he reigned but eleven ãâã fear'd not God he in JEHOVAHS sight âlow'd the trace of wayes that were not right ân his dayes Nebuchanezzar the King ãâã Babylon Jehojakim did bring âo
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 Ahâjah Did clearly shew from the great Jehovah That Jeroboam ten Tâibes 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 ãâã sute to him who answ'red them roughly Therefore according to the Prophecy Of Abijah ten Tribs were quickly rent ârom Davids house then they incontinent âonsid'ring what strength they had of men âo Jeroboam sent of their brethren âim for to Crowne soone King of Israel âhis 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 ãâã 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 huâââ 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 âhus saith the LORD a childe of Davids house âosiah King a man most righteous He in a zeale and godlie jealousie âhall such Priests bones most cursed burne on thee âee now a signe the Altar shall be rent âhe 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 ând said to him tell me if thou the man âf GOD art whom the great LORD JEHOVAH ânt to our King from the land of Judah I am said he Come home said he with me âefresh thy self with meat and be merrie âo said Gods man this thing I may not do ãâã will not eat nor yet thy house goe to ârom GODS precept I may not go astray ãâã must not eate nor returne by the way âhat I came first But thou must not do so âid the old man a Prophet I also âm as thou art an Angel to me spake âhat unto mine house I should bring thee back While they at Table were eating gladely âhe Sprite of GOD made the old Prophet cry ânto the Prophet who came from Judah âhus saith the LORD ev'n the great Jehovah âecause thou hast rebell'd this message have âith thy fathers thou shalt not lye in grave When this was said GODS man he went away ân his journey a Lion by the way âim met and kill'd but so it came to passe âe did not eat the man nor yet the Asse Whereon he rode Behold men passing by ând 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 ãâã What are the fâuits 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 hâs 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 hâs 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
âr in a journey or most fast asleepe âhat he may heare now to him cry and weepe They cri'd aloud and cut themselves with knives ând lancets al 's with perrell of their lives âut when midday in such jangling was past âithout answere Then Elijah at last âaid to the people come neere me right soone âhen they came neere to see what should bee done Gods Altar he repair'd with courage stout âe made a large trench the Altar about âill foure barrels with water then said he ând with it drench the sacrifice quicklie âgaine againe yea third time do the like âill it passe ov'r the trinches highest dike âhus did they all which was ordain'd by him âhey made Altar and trench with water swim Then said Elijah O GOD of Isra'l âet it be knowne that thou art th' Eternal Let it be knowne that thou art GOD and LORD And that these things I have done at thâ word Heere me O LORD heare me now I theâ pray That this people may surely know this day That thou art God who do'st them all maintaiâ And that thou hast their heart turn'd bacâ againe Whân this was said from the great Eternel A sacred fire downe from the high Heav'ns fell This fire fall'n downe for the great GODS sââvice Did with all hast consume the sacrifice The wood and stones with dust it did consume The trench water it licked up right soone When this was done all men on face afraide The LORD is GOD the Lord GOD tâ cri'd Then said Elijah take these Prophets vile See none escape see that none you beguile Then they tooke them and Elijah anone Did slay these Priests downe at the brooke shon When this was done good Elijah did say To King Ahab I have good news this day Go eat and drink my word it is not vaine ãâã heare a sound of aboundance of raine âo Ahab went up to eat and to drink âut Elijah in himself thus did think ãâã will go up to the top of Carmel âo see some signe of raine from th' Eternel Then he went up and there as might be seene Cast himselfe downe and put his face betweene His knees and said to his servant goe see âf thou can spy some clouds upon the Sea Then he went up at the Prophets saying And turned back he said There is nothing âeven times againe to goe he did command At last he saw a cloud like a mans hands Then said Elijah go without delay And to Ahab this from Elijah say Now get thee down and thy Charet prepaire Before the raine as long as it is faire ân the meane time heav'ns black with clouds and winde Powr'd downe great raine before and al 's behinde Then Ahab rode and went to Jezreel Elijah al 's strength'ned by th' Eternel Did gird his loines and before Ahab ran Ahab in Coache but Elijah foot man Thus the Prophet of the great Eternel Before the King did run to Jezreel Then to Jezabel Ahab every word Did tell plainly how that Elijahs sword Had slaine her Priests not having spared one And that besides the cursed brooke Kishon Then Jezabel this hard message did send To Elijah so the gods me defend For thy ill prats and for thy bloody crime Thy life shall passe the morrow at this time When he heard this he in great fear arose His heart trembled and could not well repose He in all hast went to Beershebah Which is a part of the land of Judah He left his servants there in his distresse A dayes journey he went in wildernesse There set downe under a Juniper-tree He did request the Lord that he might die I am not better then my fathers dear Said he now take my life from all this fear As he did ly under the Juniper Right fast asleepe to him there a dinner An Angel brought to refresh him with meat He touched him and said Arise and eat As he awoke behold a cake of bread Was on the coales and a cruse at his head Of water good Then Elijah to eat And drink began and after fell asleep The second time the Angel came againe âho did for him a new dinner ordaine ârise said he and eat now speedily âecause the journey is too great for thee âee what great care the good Lord had that day âhat Elijah should not faint by the way âhus he arose to eate and drink quickly ãâã this foods strength he walked dayes fourty ând fourtie nights till to the mount of God âoreb he came where he made some abode While he was there lodged in a poor cave âhe God of heav'n who takes delight to save âis servants said to his Elijah dear âhat now Elijah What now doest thou heare My heart said he hath beene verie jealous âor the great God who is most righteous âll is now lost all thy servants away âre taken now they seek me al 's to slay âoe foorth said God and stand upon the Mount âhee will I teach all dangers to surmount Behold at first a boistrous mighty winde âhich brake the Rockes and all that it could finde After the winde rageing came an earthquake âhich made Horeb from end to end to shake After the earthquake came a burning fire But in these three was not the Lords desire He was not there After came a small voiâ Where to abide the Lord did much rejoice When Elijah heard this voice full of grace He in his mantle wrapped all his face He went out and stood before Jehovah Who said what do'st thou now heere Elijah My heart said he hath been very jealous For the great God who is most righteous Thine Altars Prophets and thy Covenant Throwne downe and slaine they have with grâ contempt And al 's forsaken thy servants away Are taken Now they seeke me al 's to slay Goe said the Lord returne to Damascus And when thou comest to that desert thus Anoint Hazael King of Syria And Jehu for Isra'l al 's Elisha For Prophet in thy roome these all anoint For so these things to be I do appoint For the great sins acted by Israel ' Gainst them shall come the sword of Hazael Whom he shall spaire the mighty man Jehâ âall with his sword all into pieces hew ãâã any from Jehu escape away âhem shall the sword of good Elisha slay ât know Elijah for all thou heares and sees âven thousand who have not bowed the knees âave me left who have not done amisse âr once so much to give Baal a Kisse When this was done from Horeb Elijah âparted soone and found out Elisha âhen he him saw with his twelve Oxen yoke âwing on him quickly he cast his cloak âen he left all and ran most speedilie âter Elijah saying now let me âe that which to do can not be amisse ât me my father and my mother kisse âd then I promise most assuredlie âith all mine heart to follow after thee âe back againe delay not goe right soone âid Elijah for what now have I done âis done
Elisha came incontinent ând with Elijah he went as servant Then came Benhadad strong from Syria âith thirty two Kings ' gainst Samaria âs messengers he unto Ahab King ãâã to the City sent with this saying âus saith Benhadad who darre now repine Thy Silver Gold Wives Children all aâ mine To him Ahab answ'red my Lord O King What hast thou said it is a true saying For I am thine and all that I can have Grant me friendship no other thing I crave When Benhadad these words of courtesie Did heare his heart was lifted up proudly His messenger he back againe then sent Unto Ahab with this commandement I will to morrow my strong servants send Who all thine house shall search from eâ to end What in thine eyes is most pleasant that daâ They in their hands shall carie all away Then Ahab spake his Elders with great griefâ See how this man now seeketh a mischeefe My silver gold my wives children freely I offred to him who doth as ye see Then the elders with such words not contenâ Said to Ahab beware to give consent Regard him not Then Ahab made report To the messengers in words of this sort What the King first desired it unto I soone yeelded but this I cannot doe When the messengers had made their report Unto Benhadad in words of thss sort âhen Benhadad sent backe unto the King His servants soone with these words of threatning The gods do so to me and more also âf for the people that with me shall go The dust of all Samarias Citie Shall now suffice for them handfulls to be Then Ahab answ'red tell yee now your King We will not yeeld for all his great threatning Let not him that girdeth on the harnesse So boast himself as free of all distresse When they report made of all this saying Benhadad with his Kings were then drinking ânto his tent To his servants that day He said be now all in Battell aray When this was heard his strong men speedilie Did rank themselves against that fair Citie Behold anone a Prophet from the LORD Who did King Ahab comfort with this word Thus saith the Lord this host without delay ãâã will deliver in thine hand this day Though Benhadad now boast much of his sword âhab shall know that I am God the Lord. Then Ahab said by whom shall this be done âhe man of God gave him this answere soone By the young men of good worthy Princes Who mighty are among the Provinces Then said Ahab tell me from th' Eternell Who shall among us order the Battell To that the Prophet shortly did reply Even thou who art the Lord of the city Then Ahab call'd the young men him unto Who were numbred two hundred thirtie two The host it self which Ahab did command In number all were but poor seven thousand When these brave men went to battelâ noone Benhadad drunk was in his pavillion With thirtie two Kings who this most did thâ How their bellies might be filled with drink Then the young men of the Princes that day Before the rest went first in their aray When Benhadad the King of Syria Heard that these men were from Samaria He said whether they be for peace or warre Take them alive but to slay them beware When this was said armie against armie Began to fight but Syria to flie Made hast That day poor Israel with few Benhadads great host bravely overthrew To King Ahab the Prophet came againe And said mark well my counsell not disdain âor surely at the returne of the yeer âenhadad will with a new armie stir Then Benhadads servants to him did say âheir gods are gods of hills therefore now they âe stronger then we let us in the plaine âgainst them fight and they shall soone bee slaine Doe this al 's if thou wouldst prevaile this day âake heede and take these drunken Kings away ând put Captaines with order in their place ãâã shalt thou soone thy strongest foes deface Make up an armie like that which thou lost âharet for charet horse for horse to post ând runne them downe in some field that is plaine âhen shall we see their armie foil'd and slaine It came to passe at the turne of the yeere âhat Benhadad to fill mens hearts with fear âame with an host of charets and of men ânto Aphek against Isral's children âke little Kids Isra'l was in aray âut Syrians fill'd the countrey that day While all in order were fet for battell ãâã man of God came unto Israel And said GOD saith because the Syrâ boast That GOD on hills can onely help your host It shall be seene that such words are but vâ For as on hills so am I in the plaine For good successe this day I give my worâ And yee shall all know that I am the LOâ Then these two armies fill'd with coâ much Did sev'n dayes one against another pitch In the seventh day they joined the Battell An hundred thousand that day by Isra'l Of Syrians were slaine the rest did flie Unto Aphek and there in that citie Upon twenty sev'n thousand men a wall Fell with great noise which killed great small Then Benhadad who durst no more abide Came to the citie for himselfe to hide In some chamber there his servants did say Our foes by force have much prevail'd day But vve have heard vvhich comfort tâ brings That mercifull are all Israels Kings Let us quickly seeing there be such hopes âut on sackcloth and bind our heads vvith ropes ând go to Abab vvith humilitie âeradventure that King vvill pardon thee As they had said so quickly in these hopes âey got sackcloth and bound their heads with ropes âen to Ahab adorn'd with Majestie âey came with these signes of humilitie King said they let there be no more strife âore Benhadad from thee doth beg his life âhat Said the King is your Master not dead âell him that he my brother is indeed ãâã bring him forth that novv I may him see âd that he may in Charet ride vvith me Then Benhadad said to Ahab therefore ãâã thee the Cities I will now restore âhich my stout father tooke from Israel ãâã thy brave Captaines to thee may well tell âhen said Ahab this Covenant this day âall betwixt us So he sent him away Then came a Prophet with his owne accord âho to his neighboure in words of the Lord âid smite me soone I pray thee now smite me âhat Said the man wherefore should I smite thee Because said he thou wouldst not now obey GODS voice by me a Lion shall thee slay So as the Prophet said it came to passe A Lion slew him for this his trespasse Then the Prophet another found quickly And as before said to him smite thou me Then he not slack quickly a weapon found And did him smite which made a bloody wounâ Thus the Prophet sore wounded went away And waited on King Ahab by the way He thus disguisd with ashes on his face Did cry to
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 ât all Kings heere learne not to go astray ãâã they in peace would long their scepter sway ãâã Kings from GOD in their folly depart âD arrowes hath vvherewith to pierce their heart ELIJAH The mightie Lord. ãâã Jorams reigne Gods word in history ânserts concerning Elijah worthy When to take up Elijah in his minde âe Lord had purpose by a great whirlewinde âen Elijah the Prophet from Gilgal âent with Elisha and to him did call âd said Here tarry for the Eternel âth me ordain'd for to go to Bethel âsha said As the great God doth live ãâã no request will I Elijah leave âen these two Prophets of the Eternel âgether went down unto faire Bethel âs of the Prophets there to Elisha âd 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 ây this the waters they divided found ãâã that these two went ov'r on the dry ground When they the Jordan together had past âijah said to Elisha at last ââke now what thou desires I doe for thee âfore by God I be lifted on hie âou hast me serv'd with respect and regard âe what thou wouldst have now for thy reward Elisha said this is my sute to thee ât thy good Sprite be doubled now on me âhen Elijah heard Elishas saying âe said thou hast now asked a heard thing âeverthelesse if thou shalt then me see âhen the great God shall take me up on hie ãâã shall be so unto thee as thou would ât not if then thou canst me not behold It came to passe as these two went on still âhold a signe the promise to fulfill âcording to good Elishas desire âere appeared a faire charet of fire âith great horses which parted them that day Elijah in whirlewinde went away When Elisha had seene all that befell ãâã father father charet of Isra'l âd their horsemen he thus aloud did cry ât 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 âey sent therefore and three dayes to an end âid seek and seek on valley and mountaine ât nothing found and so return'd againe âhen to Elisha they at Jericho âme with report how they both to and fro âd wandred to them Elisha did say âold you that before ye went away The Use ât Prophets learne vvho serve the great Jovah ãâã follovv the footsteps of Elijah ãâã spar'd not great Kings but did them rebuke âhen they Jehovah most leudly forsooke âost Kings are slaine by the vile flatterie ãâã base fellowes who walk not uprightly ât all Elijahs that walk in GODS way âoke for GODS coch to carie them away ELISHA My GOD salvation âHen 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 âo these idols his foolish heart did cleave In this time Mesha who of Moab King âas a sheepmaster who much sheep did bring ãâã Ahabs dayes when once Ahab was dead
âis man rebell'd against the Royall seed âen Jehoram the King of Israel âsaphats help desired in Battell âgainst Moab He said with horse and man âgainst Moab I will do what I can âor thee and thine Thus the King Jehoram âith Josaphat and the King of Edom âent to that war three Kings in company âesolv'd to fight against Moab stoutly âid of seven dayes journey fetch a compasse ât had no water for man horse or asse âas said Joram it is great pitie âat we three Kings by Moabs great armie âould be destroy'd Then Josaphat did say ãâã there not heer some good Prophet this day Behold said one the Prophet Elisha âhich water on the hands of Elijah âid powre Then said Jehosaphat the King ãâã pleaseth me to heare of that saying âor a good man he is in work and word âet us him hear for with him is the Lord ãâã these three Kings went downe to Elisha ãâã 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 câmand 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 Wâth abundance by the way of Edom. When Moabites heard that the Kings that day âre come to fight they in their best aray âth armour bright then all stood in the border âs for Battell these men were set in order When Moabites rose in the morning soon âold the Sun upon these waters shone âe Sun beames made these waters to seeme red âe Moabites said surely it is blood âe Kings surely have one another slaine âe spoile for us now safely doth remaine âen they came to the Camp of Israel âe Israelites upon them fiercely fell âhat they fled from Isra'l speedily âo did them chase unto their own countrey âeir cities fair they did beat down at last âon their fields each man a stone did cast ãâã of his sling and stopped every well âeir fairest trees also they did down fell When Moabs King saw the Battell too sore ât him he tooke seven hundred men therefore ãâã break even throw unto great Edoms King ãâã finding that he could not do that thing ãâã eldest Son he tooke before them all âhom for an offring he burnt on the wall âis 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 âo did appoint all the oyle to be sold ââay debt of the first and readiest ãâã after that to live upon the rest After all this it fell upon a day ât to Shunem Elisha had his way âere was a woman full of charitie ãâã him constrained her guest for to be ãâã so it was as oft as he did passe ãâã them he entred and no stranger was Then said she to her husband lovingly âs man of God which often passeth by ãâã a good man to us a matter small âill be for him to build on the wall âhamber with a table stoole a bed âd candlestick If such a guest be fed âo our house it shall be found our best âso we do the LORD vvill blesse the rest So it fell that Elisha on a day ãâã to this house of Shunem made his way âen said he to Gehazi his servant âs Shunamite call thou incontinent âhen she was come and did before him stand ãâã earnestly did desire t' understand âhat thing he might for her great care procure âth 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 ãâã is not new Moone nor yet sabbath day Yet let me go said she all shall be well âer asse she sadled and came to Carmel ânto Elisha so it came to passe âhen he her saw wondring what matter was âe said anone to servant Gehazi âhe Shunamite behold what can this be âo run and meet her from this mount Carmel ând know of her if all at home do well âll well said she then at
Elishas feet ââe fell downe there and then began to weepe Then Gehazi came fast to thrust away âhe Shunamite in great distresse that day âet her alone said Elisha behold âreat grief of heart which GOD hath not me told She said did I desire a Son to have âid I not say see thou me not deceive Then said Elisha unto Gehazi âârd up thy loines and take my staffe quicklie âe that no man thou salute by the way âor do no thing that may procure delay âhen thou art come with speede unto the place See that this staffe thou lay on the châ face But the mother would not leave Elisha For so she sware by the great Jehovah Then she arose Elisha did follow All for to stint the Shunamits sorrow Then Gehazi the staffe upon the face Of the childe laide but during all that space Was neither voice nor yet any hearing Wherefore he turn'd to Elisha saying The childe is not awak'd there is no life Then Elisha came with that worthy wife And saw the childe laid dead upon his bed Then to them all the good Elisha said Retire your selfe and let me here alone Be with the childe then they retir'd anone Then Elisha with zeal began to pray He went up al 's and upon the childe lay He mouth to mouth and eyes to eyes did joiâ And hands to hands and stretch'd himâ upon The young dead childe there without hâ harme Then the young childes flesh anone waâ warme Then he return'd and walked to and fro And on the childe he stretched him also âhen at the last the young childe seven times neesd ãâã eyes were opened and so was reviv'd ãâã calling for the Shunamite anone ââa said to her Take up thy Son âân she went in and full of comforts sweet ãâã downe at the Prophet Elishas feet ãâã bow'd her self humbly unto the ground âling swetly for her great comforts found âfter Elisha came unto Gilgal ãâã great dearth which troubled great and small ãâã on the great pot said he to make meat ât the sons of the Prophets now may eat âen the servant heard these Elishas words ãâã went and of a wild vine gathred gourds âlap full which he shred into the pot ãâã at these herbs were that servant then knew not âen the Prophets these herbs began to eat ãâã cryed out that death was in their meat ãâã Elisha bad his servants bring meal ââch put in pot they did no more death feel âhen Naaman great Captaine of the host Syria who would have spar'd no cost âe helped of his vile leprosie ârn'd of a maid who by captivitie ãâã in his house that in Samaria There was a Prophet called Elisha Who could him help and heale most perfectlie Of his disease of wofull leprosie Then said the King of Syria Go to I will now send a faire letter unto Jehoram King who guideth Israel Then the man went and tooke with him of alâ Best things Of silver he tooke ten talents Six thousand pieces of gold of rayments Ten changes and so brought unto the King The Kings letter containing this saying Behold therewith I have sent unto thee Naaman to be heal'd of leprosie When King Jehoram heard this letter read He in amazement this utt'red and said Am I a God to kill or make alive Who in best Physick can so deeply dive Wherefore now see it is easie to tell That he now seekes against me a quarrell When Elisha had heard how that the King Had rent his clothes he sent him this saying Be not amaz'd let him now come to me And he shall know that a Prophet surelie Is in Isra'l So to Elishas doore Naaman came and stood there it before With horse charets in pompe and dignitie Then a servant Elisha sent quicklie With this message goe to the Jordan fair ând sev'n times wash thee in the water there âo shall thy flesh againe come unto thee âhou shalt be cleane and that most perfectly But Naaman was wroth and went away ând said Behold I thought the man this day âill surely come and pray unto his GOD And touch the place and cleanse me of this rod ââana Pharpar right well I can tell âe better rivers then these of Isra'l May I not wash in them and so be cleane âus he turned and all in rage was seene Then came to him his servant thus saying My father if the Prophet some great thing âd ordain'd thee wouldst thou not have it done ãâã much rather when thou thy health so soone ây have by washing in water softlie âsh and bee cleane hee saith no mere to thee ât that wise word great Captaine Naaman âwaded was soone to wash in Jordan His flesh like childes flesh was then cleareâ seene To be restord so Naaman was cleane Then he return'd with all his companie And stood before Elisha who did see What God had done then said Na'man behold I this in heart will all my lifetime hold And now I will heer in thy presence tell In all the earth but onely in Isra'l There is no GOD Therefore heare tâ saying I pray thee take from me now a blessing What said Elisha no blessing I crave Of thy presents nothing I will receive And though he urged and request did make Yet Elisha his present would not take Then said Na'man Elisha I pray thee Let two Mules burdens of earth unto me Be given for hencefoorth I heere give mâ word To quite all stranqe gods for to serve thâ LORD In this thing the LORD thy servant pâdon If I hencefoorth in the house of Rimmon Bow downe my selfe vvith my Master and King âhe LORD pardon thy servant in this thing Then said Elisha goe in peace this day Thus he departed and so went away But Gehazi did from his Master slide After the man he went to get a bribe ãâã will said he some earand to him make ãâã will now run and some what of him take When Naaman saw the man thus running He lighted downe and said What is the thing That thou desir'st What now Are all things well All well said he My Master bids thee tell Behold even now there be come unto me From Ephraim mount two young men most worthie Sons of the Prophets let them from thee have âart of the present nothing more I crave But of good silver onely one talent And with that al 's two changes of raiment Then said Na'aman take two talents for one Them with the raiment he soone laid upon Two of his servants who bare them before Gehazi who fearing his Master sore Tooke the base bribe and sent them backe quicklie For so he thought to hide his villanie Then he went in and stood before his Lord Who said to him now tell me in a word Whence comest thou Tell me what thou hâ done Thy servant went no whether said he soone Fy man said he went not mine heart wâ thee When the man turn'd againe so speedilie From his charet to meet a craftie knave Who
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 âen said Elisha make ready to goe âen said one thou with us must be also âwill said he and so with them he went ânto Jordan where they incontinent âid cut downe wood but as one did downe fell ãâã beame his Axe head in the water fell âhen the man cri'd with great grief and sorrow âas Master this axe I did borrow Elisha said I will thee now solace ãâã in Jordan thou canst point the right place âhere it did fall Which when he shew to him âe by a sticke made the axe head to swimme âo Elisha asswag'd his great sorrow ây rendring th' axe which that man did borrow Then Syrias King against all Israel âtended war by his servants counsell ãâã such and such a most fit place said he âncampad shall my greatest forces be âhen Elisha unto Jehoram King ânt speedy message to warne him faying âke heed that thou now passe not such a place âor there in waite are foes thee to deface âhen Jehoram hearkning this counsell wise âid save himself there more then once or twise For this the King of Syrias heart was sore âroubled 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 ântreated God to smite them with blindnesse ând so he did Then Elisha did say âo these blind men this is not the right way âf ye would the straight path unto these take âhom ye now seek follow me at the back âut he them led unto Samaria âhen to the Lord said Prophet Elisha âpen the eyes of these me n I thee pray âhat they may see where they remaine this day âhen God op'ned their eyes and they did see âhat 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 âid to the Elders See this murth'rers seed âath sent a man to take away mine head âhen he cometh let him no entrie finde âere with a sound his Master feet behinde âen came the man with this blasphemous word âe will no longer waite upon the Lord âhis ill from him is he will no help send âe need not look that he us now defend Then said Elisha heare from Jehovah âo morrow in the fair Samaria âoth flowre and barley in a great cheapnesse âall be for to relieve this great distresse Then said a Lord on whose hand lean'd the King âhis Prophet tells us a most scornefull thing âhough GOD Heav'ns windowes by his arme mightie âhould open wide this thing it could not bee âhen said Elisha thou shalt see that meat âut God of it shall not give thee to eat While Samaria was in this estate âoure leprous men were lying at its gate ââch 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 ây some mischiefe will upon us light âw therefore come that we may go and tell Kings household what the great Eternel âh done for us Then to the city soone ây went and told perfectly was done When the King heard this he arose by night âd said This is but policie and slight âse men do know that we be much hungry ârefore to draw us from our strong city ây hide themselves that when we are come out âey may surprise and compasse us about Then said one let five horse men goe and view ãâã see if what the lepers say be true âese five men as the King did them allow âent on horse back the Syrians to follow âey follow'd them unto the faire Jordan âong the Syrians there was not a man âho had a heart or hand to fight that day âr hast their clothes and armes they cast away When the Messengers returned and told âhat God had done by mercies manifold âe people went and their rich tents did spoile âus God himself did that day Syria foile Elisha had spoken of cheapnesse âf 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 Elââha did from death to life restore When the King heard the womans petition ât she might have of all restitution Officer he sent who went therefore âd unto her her whole rents did restore Then to Damascus came good Elisha âd Benhadad the King of Syria âng then sicke one came to him and told âod Elisha the man of GOD behold âhither come Then unto Hazael âe Syrian King his minde did freely tell ãâã to the man said he and in thine hand âke him a present for so I command âis also try for so it doth me please I recover shall of this disease Then Hazael with a most rich present âto Elisha went incontinent âurty Camels burden Hazael thus âought to Elisha from rich Damascus âho said Benhadad King of Syria âth sent Hazael to thee Elisha ãâã try if now to tell him it the please ãâã he recover shall of this disease Go said Elisha to Benhadad say âo recover most certainly thou may âowbeit the Lord hath clearely shewed me âhat 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 ãâã 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 âu who downe ill Ahabs house did bring âehus sons time who call'd was Joash âha fell in a deadly sicknesse âen to Elisha came Joash the King âo said these words over his face weeping ây father my father whom Isra'l âir strong Charet and Horsemen well did call Then said Elisha take to thee a bow âd arrowes al 's on shooting to bestow âen he did as Elisha did command âha put his hand upon his hand âen the window and now shoot a shot âd Elisha so the King as by lot âected well did shoot This sharp arrow âd Elisha to thee declares that now âis is the arrow of Gods deliv'rance âm Syria whereon he shall vengeance âke by his might Againe unto the King âsha had this Prophetick saying âke now thine arrowes and smite on the ground âr in Gods eyes Isra'l hath favour found âen he smote thrise but afterward did stay âr this Elisha most wroth said that day five or six times thou hadst well the ground âitten thou hadst a full victory found âainst 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 Tâe young man went to Ramoth Gilead âd did all as good Elisha him bade âhen hee there came the Captaines were sitting âen he to Jehu addressd this saying To thee O Captaine I have an earand âhich thee to tell Elisha did command âen he arose and went into an house âith this young man who with oyle precious âd him anoint subjoining this saying âou art by GOD appointed to be King âe bloody house of Ahab thou shalt smite âr his great sins of malice and despite âe blood and whooredome of vile Jezebel âall be avenged by the Eternell âr the whole house of Ahab shall perish âOD shall leave none against the wall to pisse âis house shall be saith the great
Jehovah âke Jeroboams or like Baasha âikewise in the portion of Jezreel âhe dogges shall eat the flesh of Jezebel âr her vile sins and her most bloody furie âhen 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 ãâã 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 ãâã bloody warre The watchman this seeing âow all appear'd declar'd unto the King Yet once againe a horseman to them send âid King Joram that what these men intend âe may now know then went that second man âho one horseback to Jehus armie ran âd said whether peace or war intend yee ãâã him Jehu al 's said Turne behind me âen said the watchman in words true and plaine ãâã came to them but commeth not againe âhink I see Jehu son of Nimshi âr in driving he doth drive furiously Then Joram said make shortly ready now âat in our charets we against Jehu ây goe Then Joram armed went anone âth Ahazia his own sisters Son âg of Judah he went to that Battel âd met Jehu in the plat of Jezre'l âere Naboth died When Joram saw Jehu âcri'd aloud Is it peace for us now What peace said he as long as Jezebel âne ill mother with whooredomes doth rebell âl al 's witchcrafts Then Joram turn'd quickly Ahaziah and said treachery Then Jehu drew a bow in anger hote ãâã 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 ãâã them he said see that ye throw her downe âd so they did so that then from the wall âr sprinkled blood on the Horses did fall âere King Jehu in zeale and anger hot âeene Jezebel quickly troad under foot When he was come in for to eate and drinke Jezebel he began thus to thinke âe see now this cursed woman said he âr she is a Kings daughter verily âe burie her they went at his commands ât onely the skull feet palms of her hands âey found the greedy dogs got all the rest âen Jehu heard this he esteemed best thinke of that which Propet Elijah âd threatned from his Master Jehovah In the same place of pleasant Jezreel âe dogs shall eate the flesh of Jezebel ârvile carkase as doung upon the field âall be no faird or force shall there it shield âhile her dead bones scattred in Jezreel âall be none shall say This is Jezâbel Thus this ill wife of wicked King Ahab âst Queene last queane a vile and dirty drab âas to the dogs by the Lord given for meat âho 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 âto Samaria there he by the way âd meet comeing Ahazias brethren ãâã them he said who or what sort of men âe ye said they we are of Royall blood âe are come downe so it seems to us good ândly to sâe the children of the King âd them salute we meane none other thing Then said Jehu take all these men alive âho are in number thirty seven and five âey to obey the precepts of Jehu âd take them all and at a pit them slew After Jehu did meet Jehonadab âho was the Son of one called Rechab ãâã him he said Is thine heart right with me ãâã mine with thee He said it is truely âen said Jehu give to me now thine hand âter my Coch as King I thee command âw come said he according to my word âd see what zeal I have had for the Lord. Then Jehu came unto Samaria ãâã the direction of the great Jovah ãâã Ahabs race he left not one at all âho after him did pisse against the wall âus he fulfill'd the words of Jehovah âhich he before did
the Lord our God âey brought unto us men of knowledge good âe sons of Mahli the sons of Levi number eighteene with other twentie âen 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 âas on this side of the river of God âhe house they did most carefully prepare âhereby they did their diligence declare Chap. 9. âHen Ezra was kindled with holy rage Because the people had in mariage âken the daughters of a wicked race âe holy seed thus did themselves disgrace ãâã among these most wicked Nations âey follow'd their abominations ât let the commons of the people passe âe great Princes were chiefe in this trespasse When I this thing did hear I quickly rent âth greefe of heart my mantle and garment âoni'd I sat downe my heart did bleed âe haire I pluckt both off my beard and head Then came to me numbers with one accord âo with their hearts did truely fear the LORD âey greeved were for their wicked practise âte astoni'd till even sacrifice âen I arose up from my heavinesse âing my mantle in my sore distresse ât with my garment then upon my knees âll 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 ând so in Salem and al 's in Judah ãâã get a wall from the great JEHOVAH And now our GOD alas what shall we say âr we thy precepts have despisd this day ââd cleane forsaken for in lustfull rage âith the heathen we have in mariage âfil'd our selves in our trespasses we âfore thy face at this time stand guiltie Chap. 10. VVHen Ezra thus did pray and weepe right sore âd cast himselfe downe the LORDS house before âen Jehiels son called Shechaniah ãâã 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 ât touching this there 's hope in Israel âherefore now let us make without delay âh GOD a Cov'nant for to put away âh all the wives and children most forlorne âch of these wives have hitherto been borne âe Ezra for this matter to thee ângeth 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 fâraine 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 âheir wives and being most guilty that day âs God ordained so it came to passe ãâã ramme they offred for their great trespasse The Use âeere learne that though GOD with great miserie âfflict his Church in long captivitie âet at the last before that they be shent ãâã of the evil will surely him repent Zerubbabel with his precepts school'd ãâã can raise up Jerusalem to build âr manners good he can finde out a scribe ãâã learn'd Ezra wise precepts to prescribe âee wil not want if it then needfull be good Haggai and faithfull Zacharie âa Cyrus his ordinance recall Darius he for to build the wall ân raise who by a most constant decree âll 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 ' âho art great Ruler both of land and sea ârant unto me that in my sacred layes ãâã may expresse the glory of thy wayes By Zerubabel thou thy Temple faire âebuilt by Ezra thou didst well repaire âhat was amisse in manners
last of all ây Nehemiah thou made up the wall âf fair Salem O make us all to feel âithin our hearts such burning holy zeal NEHEMIAH The consolation of the Lord. Chap. 1. AS I was in Shushan there came to me One of my brethren called Hanani With certaine men of Judah of whom I âhat was the state of the poor Jewes did try âhat had escapt from among dangers great ând which of the captivity were left And they againe together said to me âhe remnant left of the captivitie âe in reproach and great affliction And Salems wall is also broken downe Our foes most fierce who ' gainst us did coâspire The gates thereof have all now burnt with firâ It came to passe when I these words did heâ From great mourning I could no more forbeaâ While that my heart greev'd to and fro wâ driven I did both fast and pray the GOD of Heav'n I said O LORD of Heav'n I beseech thee Great and terrible that keepeth mercie And Covenant for them that do him love And keep the precepts of the Lord above Unto thy servant give attentive eare That thou thy servants prayer well may heare Which before thee I pray both day and night Israels sins confessing in thy sight Not onely so but oh alas both I And al 's my fathers house have sinn'd greatly Against thee wee have most corruptly dealt For which great grief and sorrows we have feâ Thy statuts and thy most righteous judgementâ We have not keept which thou by thy servant Moses did give Remember I pray thee What thou in justice and al 's in mercie Spake by Moses saying If yee transgresse I will you scatter but if yee confesse Humblie your sinne and returne timeously âo me I will you gather most quickly ãâã our enemies also I will defame ând will you bring where I will set my name Now these are thy most faithfull servants and âeople whom thou by thy Almighty hand âedeemed hast O LORD my GOD now grant ân eare attentive unto thy servant ând to thy servants prayer now give eare âho thy great name alwayes desire to feare âhat I intend now prosper I thee pray âhat I may find thine assistance this day ãâã the sight of this man me mercy grant âor I cupbearer was the Kings servant Chap. 2. THe twenty year of Artaxerxes King I his cupbearer wine to him did bring ãâã his presence I had not beene before âs I was then in great sadnesse wherefore âhe King himself thus looking on me said âhat aileth thee and why art thou so sad âeeing with sicknesse thou not troubled art This nothing else is but sorrow of heart When by the King these wordes were to ãâã said Then I anone was very sore afraid When at this time fear made my lips to quiver Unto the King I said King live for ever Why should I not be sad and all agast When the city of Salem lieth wast The place of my fathers sepulchres deare Its gates are burnt from greefe who can forbeare Then said the King to me See what is best For what dost thou now greeved make request Then lifting up my heart I did soone pray Unto the Lord and to the King did say If it the King please and if thy servant Have in thy sight found favour to me grant That I be sent unto Judahs citie That it anone may builded be by me Then said the King the Queene al 's sitting bâ For how long shall be this thy great journey And when wilt thou againe to us returne Now set a time it keep and not adjourne When I this heard I set to him a time To let me go the King did well incline Moreover I said to the King humblie If it the King shall please let soone to me Letters be given for them that do govern Beyond the river that they well may learn That thy will is for th' honour of JOVAH âhat they convey me over to Judah âlso a letter to get I thought best âo Asaph the keeper of the forrest âhat he timber should give for beams quickly âo make the gates of palace house city âhat I did seek that did the king command âccording as on me was GODS good hand âhen I beyond the river came quickly âving Captaines which the king sent with me When Sanbalat the wicked Horonite âd Tobiah the servant Ammonite âeard of it it them greev'd exceedingly âhat any sought the good of GODS City So GOD who me did save in all my wayes âought me to Salem where I was three dayes ãâã the night tyme when sleep sad on men falls ãâã went and viewd the ruine of the wals Thereafter I the Jews did all invite ãâã build the wals and that even in despite ãâã all their foes Ye know said I what 's past ârusalem GODS City lyeth waste âa what our greatest foes did most require âe wals are down the gates are burnt with fire âen I to them declared most clearly âw that the good hand of GOD was on me âd how the king before I did depart Spake to me words which did comfort my heaâ Let us rise up and build couragiously So GOD their hearts made stout and hands readâ But when that Sanballat the Horonite And Tobiah the servant Ammonite And Geshen the Arabian did hear They at our work began to laugh and gyre And us despise what is this great doing Said they Will ye rebell against the king Then unto them I most boldly did say The God of Heaven will prosper us this day Therefore we now his servants will arise And build but you who Gods servants despise In Gods Salem have no memoriall You have no portion yea no right at all Chap. 3. IN this Chapter we have the names of all These who did build fair Salems broken wall Chap. 4. BUT after when that wicked Sanballat Heard that we did so build the wall and thâ We courage had he wroth with indignation Did scoffe and mock the whole Jewish nation Before his brethren and of Samaria âe armie he said laughing with Ha ha âhese feeble Jewes what Will they fortifie âemselves Or what Will they most foolishly ãâã sacrifice Will they even in a day âd all this work Will they revive I say âe stones out of their bruised rubbish heape âhich are all burnt Now was the Ammonite âobiah by him who said scornfully âl that they build will fall down by and by ãâã that a Foxe but leap upon their wall âe shall it break down and make all to fall Heare LORD how wee despised are indeed ând their reproach turn upon their own head ând make them all at last a prey to be âen in the land of their captivity ând cover not their great sins lesse or more âr thee to anger the builders before âey have provocked so we did anone âild all the wall till all was fully done But when Sanballat and Tobiah vain âith Ammonits Arabians profane ând Ashdodites that Salems wall did hear âas
builded they had both great wrath and fear âherefore together they did all conspire ãâã go and fight against Salem in ire And so to stop the work Neverthelesse We unto God did pray in our distresse Likewise because of their malice and might We set a watch against them day and night And Judah said The strength of bearers all Is much decay'd and for to build the wall We are not able for such quantity Of rubbish as ye all may clearly see Then said our foes Before they be aware We shall them slay and so their work shall matâ From all places the Jews came and us told Even unto ten-tymes that our foes most bold With great forces provided would not fail To come and us with fury to assail Therefore to save the people from these fears I armed men set with bows swords and spears Then to the Nobles and Rulers I said Of these vain men see yee be not afraid Remember God and armed in his sight For your brethren and sonnes and daughteâ fight From that time was their counsell brought tâ nought Half of my servants in the work well wrought The other half against dangers and fears Held bows and shields and habergeons spears And other weapons which they best could finde ãâã Judahs house the Rulers stood behinde ãâã with one hand the builders in that fear âd work and with the other held the spear ãâã each builder had his sword by his side âe Trumpeter hard by me did abide Then to the Nobles and the People all âaid The work is great and on the wall âe far asunder building do remain âerefore in time let us wisely ordain âat in what place yee shall the trumpet hear âe then to us with all haste shall draw near âe fear not mens malice or yet their might âr God the Lord himself for us shall fight Thus we labour'd and half did hold the spear âom morning light till the stars did appear âkewise I told that I it best did judge âat every one with his servant should lodge âithin Salem that they the day-time might âbour and be to us a guard by night ãâã none of us all put off our cloathing ãâã night or day but only for washing Chap. 5. AMong the People then was a great cry Because they were opprest by usury Which made them lands and houses all morgagâ Then Nehemiah in fury and rage Reprov'd the Nobles for such usury He against them set a great assembly He said We have redeemed our brethren The Jewes which were sold unto the Heathen And will you even sell your brethren Or shall They unto us be sold and made slaves all When they heard this they all did hold their peace They found nothing to answer in that place Unto them all I boldly said also It is not good truely what ye now do Yee should fear God and shun iniquities For the reproach of Heathen enemies I likewise might exact of them money Let us now all leave off this usury To them their lands vineyards houses this day And olive-yards wine corn restore I pray Then said they all even without any more Unto our brethren we will all restore Then did I call the Priests and made them sweâ That they should do as they had promisde heer Moreover I thus shook my lap and spake So from his house GOD every man shall shake And from his labour that doth not truely Perform this point GOD shall him make empty âen all said AMEN and did praise the Lord âe people did according to their word Moreover I these twelve years governour Judah have not for my hard labour âen the bread due to these of my place ât that I should GODS work marre or disgrace ât these who had governed before me ãâã the people were chargable truely âey taken had both Silver Wine and bread âa their servants bare rule ov'r them indeed ãâã did not I such things I would not hear âcause that I the Lord resolv'd to feare ãâã also I for all that did befall ântinu'd in the work of Salems wall ãâã my Table a hundred and fiftie ãâã of Isra'l with heathen ate daily âly an oxe with six sheep for my fare âth dainty foules my servants did prepare âce in ten dayes all sorts of wine with speed âey brought to me yet I did not the bread ãâã the governour eat for in that age âon the people was heavy bondage âcording as I have done uprightly ãâã this people now my God think on mee Chap. 6. THen Sanballat Geshem and Tobiah With all our foes who were against Jovah Perceiving that GODS favour so did reach That we the wall had reared and no breach Was left therein they quickly sent to me That in the plaâne of Ono speedilie I should them meet in some village thereby But they mischeefe intended by and by Then I to them did quickly send saying A great work now I am surely doing So that to come to you I have no leasure For why should GODS work cease while I gâ thither After this sort four times they sent to me And as before I answer'd them quickly Then Sanballat his servant did command The fifth time with a letter in his hand To come to me it open bare this thing That I intended alwayes to be King And that I did Prophets to preach appoint That all Judah should me for King annoint Then unto him I sent with this saying Thou speakest false sure there is no such thing These things thou hast sure from no other paâ But from thy self feigned by thine own heart âuch false purpose these men did undertake âhat at the worke they might our hands make weake âow therefore Lord we intreat thee at length âo fortifie our hands now by thy strength I afterward came unto Shemajah âho seemed to direct me from Jovah âet us said he In the Temple this day âs hide for they will come us for to slay âven in our house therefore for this purpose âithin GODS house we will our selves inclose ând shut the doores of GODS house for they will ãâã the night season come thee for to kill While he these speaches crafty did conceive âat the last began for to perceive âhat GOD had not him sent but that indeed âhis Prophesie was bred in his owne head âr Tobiah and Sanballat in ire âr this ill purpose dâd him basely hire âe to affright that I should so begin ãâã do and by this meanes to fall in sinne âd that they might raise up an ill report âd me reproach with all these of my sort ãâã God think on Tobiah Sanballat âhose workes are evil and who do lewdly prat ãâã Noadia false the Prophetesse âth other Prophets who in great distresse Would have me put now also think upon For their deceit let them all smart anone In twenty fifth day of the mon'th Elul In fifty two dayes finish'd was the wall When this was heard and seene by our en'mies They were all much cast downe in
knees 5 But now it is upon thee come thou faintest more and more It now thee toucheth in the quick and thou art troubled sore 6 This is thy fear and confidence which now is made to hop The uprightnesse of all thy wayes and even thy strongest hope Who ever perish'd innocent remember I thee pray O! where was ever the righteous man cut off in any way Even as I have seen surely they that plow iniquity ând sow the seed of wickednesse the same reape certainely They perish by the blast of GOD as by a bloody war ând by the breath of his nostriles they all consumed are 10 The roaring of the Lion and the voice of Lions fierce ând al 's of young Lions thee teeth are broken with disgrace 11 The old Lion doth perish for lack of his prey and food ând the stout Lions Whelps anone are scattred all abroad 12 A thing unto me by the Lord was brought most secretly little thereof by mine eare received was surely 13 In thoughts that come most strangely from the visions of the night When deep sleep falleth upon men depriv'd of sense or sight 14 A panick fear then came me on I then began to quake With this fear was a trembling which made all my bones to shake 15 In this meane time appear'd a sprite which passd my face before The haire of all my flesh stood up for I was troubled sore 16 It stood still there most stedfastly but what did then concerne The visage and the forme thereof I could not well discerne An image was before mine eyes there was a deep silence And I did clearly heare a voice speake these words in this sense 17 Shall any among mortall men more just then the Lord be Or shall a man whom GOD hath made yet be more pure then he 18 Behold in his servants most deare whom he with graces large Endewes he trusts not his Angels with folly he doth charge 19 How much lesse on all such that dwell in base houses of clay Whose ground is dust which crushed are before the moth alway 20 From morning to the evening they are certainly destroy'd They perish still without regard which they can not avoid 21 Doth not their great excellencie in them still go away And so without wisedome like fooles go to their dying day Chap. 5. CAll now if there be any that will surely answere thee To which of the Saints wilt thou turne thy selfe to justifie 2 For wrath from the Almighty God the foolish man doth kill And envie slayes the silly one without wisedome or skill 3 I have seene taking root anone the foolish without grace But in a moment suddenly I cursd his dwelling place 4 His children far from safety are they are crush'd in the gate There is none to deliver them before the judgement seat 5 Whose harv'st the hungry eateth up for their poor maintenance Even from the thornes the robber al 's devours their whole substance 6 Although affliction from the dust to come be not once found Neither do troubles great also even spring out of the ground 7 Yet poor man unto trouble great and fearfull miserie Is alwayes borne most like the sparks that still upward do flee 8 I unto the Almighty GOD would seek with all my heart And unto GOD would I commit my cause in every part 9 Which great things and unsearchable by his arme Almightie Doth work and things most marveilous which without number be 10 Who gracious upon the earth for watring giveth raine ând also water sends upon the fields of all the plaine 11 Hee in his wisedome sets on high men of most low degree âhat those which mourne to safety may at last exalted be 12 The devices of crafty men he disappointeth wise âo that their hands can not performe their wicked enterprise 13 He by his wisedome takes the wise their craftinesse among ând the counsell of froward men is cari'd all headlong 14 They in their course with darknesse meet in the dayes time of light And wandring in the noone day groop as in the darkest night 15 But he well saveth from the sword the poor of all the land And from their vile blasphemous mouth and from the mighties hand 16 So the most indigent and poor hath hope in misery And the great GOD doth stop the mouth of vile iniquity 17 Behold whom the Lord God corrects he sure is most happy Therefore the chastning not despise of him that 's Almighty 18 For he makes sore and bindeth up he woundeth but the hole He closeth up his hands againe do perfectly make whole 19 In troubles six by power great he shall deliver thee Yea in seven also by no evil thou shalt then touched be 20 In famine he shall thee redeeme from death and in a word In war he shall thee save even from the power of the sword 21 From the scourge of the wicked tongue thou safely hid shalt be Thou need'st not feare destruction when it comes suddenly 22 At famine and destruction thou safe shall laugh alway The raging beasts upon the earth thee shall not once afray 23 For with the stones of all the field thou in a league shalt be âhe beasts which in the field remaine shall be at peace with thee 24 Thou shalt know that thy Tabernacle shall alwayes be in peace Thy dwelling place thou visit shalt and from all sin shalt cease 25 Thou shalt know also that thy seed in all the land about âhall be great and thine off spring as grasse that from earth doth sprout 26 Thou to thy grave at last shall come in a full age most like A shock of corne that commeth in in his season all ripe 27 Loe this we have search'd it is so That it well understood May be by thee now heare it well and know it for thy good Chap. 6. THen Job replyd Oh that my greef were even now throughly weigh'd And my suffrings together were all in a ballance laide For they should be of greater weight then the sand of the sea Therefore my wordes are swallow'd up that they no more should be 4 For of the great Almighty God the arrowes are in me The poison whereof doth my sprit drink up most speedily The fearfull terrours of the Lord against me every day Like squadrons in an army great set themselves in aray 5 The wilde Asse doth he lowdly bray if he hath grasse his fill Or lowes the Ox as in great greef if he hath fodder still 6 Unsavory things without relish who without salt can eat In whites of egges who can finde taste that they should be for meat 7 The things that in my plenty great my soul refusd to touch Are still now for my dainty meat while I for sorrow crouch 8 Oh that I might have my request and God would grant to me In his mercy the thing that I long dayly for to see 9 Even that it would now please the Lord me to destroy as dead ând that he
say I have sinn'd grievously And al 's the right perverted have but did no profit see 28 He from the pit his soul will save his life shall see the light 29 Lo all these things the Lord with man workes often by his might 30 To bring back from the pit his soule for to enlightned be 31 Marke well O Job heare hold thy peace and I will speake to thee 32 If thou canst speak me answere for I would thee justifie 33 If not me hear and hold thy peace and I will now teach thee Chap. 34. YET Elihu still speaking said 2 Ye wise men sage and grave Now hear my words give ear to me all yee that knowledge have 3 For mans ear well all words doth try as the mouth tasteth food 4 Let us choose judgement unto us and let us know what 's good 5 For Job hath said most foolishly I righteous am alway And GOD the good right of my cause hath taken clean away 6 Should I against my right once lye he with a curelesse wound Hath striken me and yet for that no crime at all is found 7 What man in all the earth like Job himself so overthinks Who wilfully void of all sense great scorn as water drinks 8 Which is companion unto these that work iniquitie And in his carriage walketh with men that most wicked be 9 For he hath said it profits not a man to be upright That he with the Almighty GOD should still himself delight 10 Therefore ye wise men hearken now all wickednesse far be From GOD and from th' Almighty that he do iniquitie 11 Eor he the work of every man most justly will repay And shall cause every man to find according to his way 12 Yea surely GOD not wickedly will do in whole or part Nor yet will the Almighty once his judgement wise pervert 13 Who ov'r the earth hath unto him the weighty charge imposd And who but he by his great power the world all hath disposd 14 If he upon man set his heart in fury and in wrath If he shall gather to himselfe his sprite and al 's his breath 15 All flesh that dwells upon the earth together perish must And mortall man shall turne againe unto his former dust 15 If thou now understanding hast heare and hearken to me 17 Shall wicked rule and shall the just condemned be by thee 18 Beseems it to say to a King by way of great disdaine Thou wicked art to Princes al 's yee all are most profaine 19 Then how much lesse to him that can not Princes proud endure And who in justice not regards the rich more then the poor For they indeed are all alike the work even of his hands And therefore that which is for both he wisely still commands 20 They soone shall die the people shall be vex'd at midnight and The mighty men shall taken be away without a hand 21 For on mans wayes his eyes are still his going he doth see 22 The shadows dark can not these hide that work iniquitie 23 For he more then the right on man will not lay with his rod That he in judgement enter should with the Almighty GOD. 24 By multitudes he strongly shall in pieces break the great And pull them down and in their stead most quickly others set 25 Therefore he knoweth well their works and he them in the night Doth overturne so that they are destroyed out of sight 26 He strikes the wicked openly because that they did swerve And would not any of his wayes with conscience well observe 28 So that unto him of the poor they cause soone come the cry And he the cryes of troubled men doth hear still by and by 29 When quietnesse he gives to man who then dar be so bold To grieve him When he hides his face who can him then behold Whether against a nation all It be done publickly Or onely it against a man be done most privatly 30 That the most wicked hypocrite should not the Scepter sway Lest that the people foolishly ensnared be alway 31 It surely meet is to be said unto the LORD therefore I chastisement have borne offend I will not any more 32 That which I see not teach thou me that I hence may refraine If I have done iniquity I will not doe 't againe 33 Should it be after thine owne mind whether that thou doth chuse He will it surely recompence or whether thou refuse And not I I may well affirme even whether lesse or more What dost thou know most perfectly see thou it speak therefore 34 Let men of understanding good unto me plainely tell And let him hearken who alwayes in wisedome doth excell 35 Without knowledge Job spoken hath and that most foolishly Without all wisedome were his words as all may hear and see 36 That Job be tri'd unto the end this is my cheefe desire Because that for most wicked men his answers did conspire 37 Eor he to sin rebellion ads even while he feeles the rod He claps his hands and multiplies his words against the Lord. Chap. 35. YEt Elihu moreover said 2 Think'st thou this to be right That thou dost say my righteousnesse then God appeares more bright 3 For thou saidst what advantage will it unto thee now be And profit what shall I then have if from sin I be free 4 To thee and thy companions now this answere make will I 5 Look to the heavens see and behold the clouds high in the sky 6 What do'st thou vaine man him against if thou be given to sin If thou transgressions multiply what dost thou unto him 7 If thou be righteous in thy wayes what to him dost thou give Or from thine hand what what doth he at any time receive 8 Thy wickednesse may hurt a man that is like unto thee Thy righteousnesse to sons of men may alwayes helpfull be 9 Because of great oppressions they do make th' oppressed cry By reason of the mighties armes they cry out by and by 10 But none among them all doth say where is the GOD of might My maker who most graciously gives songs even in the night 11 Who teacheth us most carefully and hath us wisedome given More thân to all the beasts on earth or yet the foules of heaven 12 There they do cry but none at all gives eare or yet takes head Because of ill men who in pride most wickedly exceed 13 Most surely foolish vanitie by God shall not be heard The almighty who is above sure will it not regard 14 Though thou say thou shalt not him see yet he is alwayes just Therefore see that with all thine heart thou alwayes in him trust 15 But now because it is not so God in his anger hot Hath visited yet in great strait poor Job this knoweth not 16 Therefore doth Job most foolishly open his mouth in vaine Without knowledge he multiplies words while he doth complaine Chap. 36. ELihu yet proceeding said a little suffer me 2 And
I will shew that I have yet to speak for th' Almighty 2 I will my knowledge fetch from far like a most learned scribe And to my Maker righteousnesse I surely will ascribe 4 This I may well say for a trueth my words false shall not be He that in knowledge perfect is is alwayes still with thee 5 Behold the Lord most mighty is he no man doth despise Most mighty he is in great strength and al 's he is most wise 6 The life of wicked men he not preserveth by his might He in his justice doth alwayes give to the poor his right 7 From righteous men he just doth noâ withdrawe his eyes anone But with Kings high in dignitie they are upon the Throne Yea he by his Almighty power doth them establish fast And they high unto dignitie exalted are at last 8 And if they be in fetters bound and cords most like a slave 9 Then he their works and sins doth shew that rhey exceeded have 10 To discipline there eare also he opneth most wisely And them commands that they returne from their iniquity 11 If they obey and serve him thus and that unto the end Their dayes they in prosperity and yeers in joy shall spend 12 But if they will not him obey they by the sword surely Shall perish all and they likewise as fooles shall surely dye 13 But hypocrites who most abhord are men of double heart Still heap up wrath they cry not when he binds them till they smart 14 They die in their most lustie youth as often may be seene Their life is among Sodomites of all men most uncleane 15 The poor man he delivereth well in trouble and debate Their eares also he opneth wide in his oppression great 16 Even so would he thee from the place of straitnesse great made free And the rest of thy table rich of fatnesse full should be 17 The judgement of vile wicked men thou hast fulfill'd surely GODS judgement and his justice al 's they take now hold on thee 18 Sith wroth he is beware that he with stroakes take thee away Then shalt thou not delivered be though thou great ransome pay 19 In such a case will he esteeme thy great riches at length No not the finest gold nor all the forces of great strength 20 See that thou not desire alwayes to see the dismall night When people poor are in their place cut off by men of might 21 Take heed see that thou not regard most vile iniquitie For rather then affliction thou this chosen hast surelie 22 Behold GOD highly doth exalt even by his power supreme His understanding is so great that none can teach like him 23 Who among the most mighty hath enjoined him his way Or who dar say to him Thou hast most lewdly gone astray 24 Remember that thou magnifie his work which men behold 25 It is so cleare it may be seene both by the young and old 26 Lo GOD is great we know him not in all the land about Nor can the number of his yeeres be fully searched out 27 For he the drops of water makes to become very small According to their vapours they do make the raine to fall 28 Which the clouds in the firmament do cause drop down apace And upon man aboundantly distill in every place 29 Also the spreading of the clouds can any understand Or the noise of his Tabernacle set up by his own hand 30 Behold his gloriouâ lâght on it he spreadeth most brightlie And by this meanes he cov'reth all the bottome of the sea 31 For he by them the people doth judge as he thinketh meet In plenteous aboundance he gives unto them all their meat 32 With clouds he cov'reth all the light even by his power divine He by the cloud that comes betwixt forbiddeth it to shine 33 The noise thereof concerning it doth shew its furious rage Concerning vapours such also the cattell oft presage Chap. 37. AT this also with inward fear my heart doth all this space Even tremble still and troubled fore is mov'd out of its place 2 Hear of his voice attentively the great noise all about And al 's the rumbling sound that of his sacred mouth goes out 3 He mighty under the whole heaven directs it wisely foorth And al 's his lightning bright unto the ends of all the earth 4 After the lightning seene a sound doth roar most dreadfully He thundreth high even with the voice of his excellency And he the raine and thunder al 's by his strength will not stay When his voice is among the clouds by night heard or by day 5 GOD with his voice most wondrously doth fearfull thunder send Great things he surely doth which we can not well comprehend 6 He to the snow gives a command to cover all the plaine The same to do he doth appoint the small and mighty raine 7 The hand of each man he seals up that men his works may know 8 Then go the beasts unto their dens and rest in places low 9 Out of the chambers of the South the whirlewind cometh foorth And cold which chilleth every thing proceeds out of the North. 10 Even by the breath of God the frost is given at his command The breadth also of waters great is straitned by his hand 11 He gathreth vapours and them makes thick clouds by his great might To labour much he scattreth al 's his cloud that is most bright 12 And by his counsels that are wise it turn'd is round about That they may do what ever he bids even all this world throughout 13 He quickly causeth it to come by a most firme decree Whether for rod or for his land or else for great mercy 14 O Job now hearken at the last to all that I have said Stand still and now consider well the wondrous works of God 15 Knowst thou when God disposed then by his wisedome divine And causd the great light of his cloud most brightly for to shine The ballancings dost thou well know of clouds both great and small The wondrous workes of him who still perfectly knows things all 17 How thou thy garments thee upon to be right warme dost find When he the whole earth quiet makes by force of the south wind 18 Hast thou with him by thy great power spread out the spangled skie Most strong and as a looking glasse that 's molten by and by 19 Teach us now by thy wisedome great what we shall say to him For order we our speach can not we are so dark and dim 20 Shall it be told him what I speak of this he hath no need If any speak amisse he shall be swallow'd up indeed 21 And now the bright light in the clouds men do not clearly see But the wind with great force doth passe and cleanseth them quickly 22 Most from the North fair weather comes most clear as is the gold With GOD is wondrous Majestie more bright by manifold 23 Concerning the Almighty God we
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 cheaâefully 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 troubââ 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
gravely scan These weighty words and their sense wisely reach Which Jedidiah thy servant did preach Now clear my sky even like Mantle blew How I may pen these Proverbs to me shew Within my heart now make thy Sprite divinâ To work as doth in Caskes the finest wine Which by some chink if it get not a vent Blowes up the bung or doth the Hodghead rent As thou hast set me thy help before Reveale thy self to me yet more and more CHAPTER I. The Preface THe Proverbs that are words of weight of the wise Solomon Who was the king of Israel and of David the son 2 Their use is wisdome for to know good instruction reach To understanding words perceive which men discretion teach 3 Th' instruction wise for to receive in all humilitie Of wisdome justice and judgement and al 's of equitie 4 To give unto the simple folk a divine subtilty Unto the young man knowledge and discretion good thereby 5 A wise man will hear and also his learning will increase A wise man shall attaine unto wise counsels more or lesse 6 To understand a proverb and th'interpretation mark The weighty words of the wise al 's their sayings that are dark The beginning of the Proverbs 7. GODS fear is the beginning of knowledge that maketh wise But wisdome and instruction all fools wickedly despise 8 My son hear the instruction of thy father stand in aw And of thy mother dear see that thou not forsake the Law 9 For they of grace an ornament shall be unto thine head And they shall be about thy neck as chains most rare indeed 10 My dear son if to wickednesse vile sinners thee entise Consent thou not but from their course abstain if thou be wise 11 If they say Come with us Let us lay wait for humane blood Let us now lurk for these that be both innocent and good 12 Let us them swallow up alive as doth the greedy grave Even like to these that go to pit from which none can them save 13 We shall all precious substance finde as in a fertile soile We also in great plenty shall our houses fill with spoile 14 Among us now cast in thy lot and care not for a curse Let us rejoice and let us all have only but one purse 15 My son walk thou not in the way with them but them disdain From their path full of wickednesse see thou thy foot refrain 16 For their feet do most swiftly run to that which is not good And make great haste for by all means to spill and shed much blood 17 By the sight of the net well might the foolish bird be taught But she intent upon her food is heedlesly then caught 18 And for their own blood they lay wait and others think to slay And while they lurk thus privily their lives they still betray 19 So are the wayes of every one that greedie is of gaine Which of the owners takes away the life that is profane 20 She who the Fathers wisdome is doth cry aloud without Her voice to me she in the streets doth utter with a shout 21 She in the chief place of concourse even in the gates and way Doth cry She in the city doth these words most wisely say 22 How long will yee simplicity thus love without all skill And ye scorners delight to scorn and fools hate knowledge still 23 Turn you at my reproof behold into you I will powre My Sprite I will make known my words unto you every houre 24 Because I called have and yee refus'd to understand And no man hath regarded once when I stretch'd out my hand 25 But ye proudly have set at nought my counsell grave and wise And would hear none of my reproof but did it all despise 26 I al 's at your calamitie to laugh will not forbear I will you surely scorn and mock all trembling in your fear 27 When your fear and destruction great shall come as a whirlewinde When anguish and distresse shall come your hearts with grief to binde 28 Then shall they cry but I will not them answer when they call They shall me earely seek but they shall not me find at all 29 For that they hated knowledge which aboundeth in GODS word And foolishly refusd to chuse the true feare of the Lord. 30 They fooles would none of my counsell which might have made them wise They all the words of my reproofe most proudly did despise 31 Therefore of their owne way they shall the fruit eat ever still And their divices naughty all with folly shall them fill 32 For the eyes of the simple shall them slay and much annoy And the prosperitie of fooles shall quickiy them destroy 33 But who so hearkneth unto mâ he shall most safely dwell And shall be quiet all his life from all the fear of ill Chap. 2. MY dear son if thou wilt receive my wise words reverently And if thou my commandment al 's wilt surely hide with thee 2 So that thou now thine ear unto GODS wisdome still incline And most humbly thy heart apply unto wisdome divine 3 Yea if thou after knowledge good dost cry as for thy choice And understanding for to get high liftest up thy voice 4 If thou with care for her dost seek as for the silver fine And for her as for treasures hid to search thou dost encline 5 Then shalt thou rightly understand of the LORD GOD the fear And finde the knowledge of the LORD which to all should be dear 6 For the LORD who is mercifull doth richly give wisdome Knowledge and understanding both out of his mouth do come 7 He sound wisedome lay'th up for these that doe live righteously He is a buckler unto them that doe walk uprightly 8 Of his most just judgement the paths he keepeth every day And of his Saints that serve him he preserveth well the way 9 Then righteousnesse and judgement al 's thou shalt well understand With equitie and al 's the path wherein thy foot shall stand 10 When worthy wisdome entreth in thy well prepared heart And knowledge pleasant to thy soule doth in no time depart 11 Discretion shall preserve thee well from danger all that be And understanding from the LORD most safely shall keep thee 12 Thee to deliver from the way of the man that ill brings From the pernicious wicked man that speaketh froward things 13 Who foolishly leave and forsake the paths of uprightnesse For in their foly great to walk in the wayes of darknesse 14 Who do rejoice for to do evill and that with all their might And in the wickeds frowardnesse have pleasure and delight 15 Whose wayes are crooked knowing not what is streight uprightnesse And they in their most wicked paths are full of frowardnesse 16 Thee from the strange woman to save more dangerous then swords From the stranger which flatt'reth much with her deceitfull words 17 Which the guide of her youth forsakes who still should be her love
of all wicked men shall quickly them destroy Because judgement aright to do they do refuse alway 8 The way of men it froward is and strange in good mens sight But as for the man pure in heart his work is good and right 9 Of the house top in corners high it better is to dwell âhen in a wide house with a wife whose words are brawlings fell 10 The wicked man desireth ill which still is in his minde No favour in his cruell eyes his neighbours poor can finde 11 When punish'd is the scorner vaine the simple doth perceive And when the wise instructed is he knowledge doth receive 12 The righteous man the wickeds house considreth and doth know But GOD the wicked for their sin doth quickly overthrow 13 Who at the poor mans cry doth stop his eares with heart that 's hard He also in his grief shall cry but shall not then be heard 14 A gift that is in secret given doth anger pacifie And in the bosome a reward makes wrath away to flie 15 It is a great joy to the just judgement to do justly But great destruction for them is that worke iniquity 16 The man that wandreth from the way of understanding plaine Shall in the congregation of the dead alwayes remaine 17 He that too much his pleasures loves shall certainly be poor And he that loveth wine and oyle shall not long rich endure 18 A ransome for the righteous man the wicked man shall be And the transgressour for the man that walketh uprightlie 19 A man may in the wildernesse with more contentment dwell Then with a woman hauty that is most contentious still 20 The wise mans house rich treasure hath and oyle aboundantly But a man of a foolish heart it spends up needlesly 21 He that so after righteousnesse and mercy with his minde Doth follow righteousnesse and life and honour al 's shall finde 22 A wise man doth the city scale of men of great renowne And the strong confidence thereof unto the ground casts downe 23 Who so his mouth and al 's his tongue can wisely keep from strife That man his soul doth safely keep from troubles in his life 24 Who proud in sprit doth deal in wrath shall hear these words of shame A proud and haughty scorner al 's is his most shamefull name 25 The slouthfull mans desire will not him surely faile to kill For his hands full of idlenesse refuse to labour still 26 He all the day long greedily doth covet in his heart But he that is a righteous man spares not in any part 27 Of wicked men the sacrifice abhorred still we find How much more when he bringeth it with a most wicked mind 28 A false witnesse that loveth lies shall perish certainly But he that hears well what is said doth speak most constantly 29 A wicked man hardneth his face do what ye can or say But as for the upright in heart he doth direct his way 30 There is no wisdome among men nor counsell great or small Nor knowledge which against the LORD can well prevail at all 31 Against the day of Battell the horse is prepar'd with speed But safety from such dangers great is of the LORD indeed Chap. 22. A Good name rather is to be chosen then manifold Riches and loving favour more then silver and fine gold 2 The rich and poor together meet for so it doth befall But the Almighty LORD he is the maker of them all 3 A prudent man the ill forsees and hides himself wisely âut simple men passe on and are sore punish'd by and by By humblenesse and also by the GOD of heavens true fear âre riches great and honour both and life which is most dear In the way of the froward man are thornes and snares laid deep He surely shall be far from them that doth his soul well keep 6 Traine up a childe in the way that he should go with his heart And when he 's old he surely will not from it once depart 7 The rich high ov'r the poor doth rule who must him still attend And he that borrowes fervant is unto him that doth lend 8 He that iniquity doth sow shall reap but vanity And the rod of his anger shall at last fail certainly 9 He that hath an eye bountifull shall blessed be most sure For he abundantly doth give his bread unto the poor 10 Cast out quickly the scorner and contention shall be gone Yea bitter strife and al 's reproach shall surely cease anone 11 He that the purenesse of the heart doth love with heart and minde For the grace of his lips most sure the King shall be his friend 12 The eyes of GOD do well preserve all these that do him know But of transgressours he the words doth alwayes overthrow 13 The slothfull man saith in this way in wordes that are but vaine Without there is a Lion I in the streets shall be slaine 14 The mouth of a strange woman is as a deep pit or gin The man abhorred of the LORD shall surely fall therein 15 Unto a childes heart foolishnesse is fastly bound alway But the rod of correction soone shall drive it far away 16 He that the poor molests to be even rich incontinent And he that giveth to the rich shall surely come to want 17 Bow down thine eare and hear the words of these that speak wisely And unto knowledge all thine heart see that thou well apply 18 For it is a most pleasant thing if thou them keep in thee They sure withall even in thy lips shall right well fitted be 19 That thy trust may be in the LORD I have to thee this day Made clearly known and manifest even unto thee I say 20 Have I not writen unto thee things that be excellent In counsels and knowledge also and that with good intent 21 That of the wordes of trueth I might thee make the certaintie To know that thou mightst answere well to them that send to thee 22 Robbe not the poor because he is a man of poor estate Nor yet him that 's afflicted sore oppresse thou in the gate 23 For the LORD GOD will surely plead their cause his wrath shall boile The foule of those that spoiled them he will not faile to spoile 24 With angrie men no friendship make which may procure thy woe And likewise with a furious man at all thou shalt not goe 25 Lest thou incline thine heart to learne his wayes that are not faire And so by walking in his wayes get to thy soul a snare 26 Be thou not one of them that hands strike unadvisedly Or of them that not taking heed for debt even sureties be 27 If thou hast nothing for to pay through thy great povertie Why should he take away by force thy bed from under thee 28 The land marke that most ancient is see thou it not remove Which thy fathers in former times have set for peace and love 29 Seest thou a man that 's
hath Who in his fists the winde makes to remaine Who waters in a garment hath bound fast for to endure Who all the ends hath of the earth established most sure What is the name of such a man whereby thou dost him call And what is his sons name also if thou canst clearly tell 5 Ev'ry good word that doth proceed from God is cleane and pure He unto them that trust in him a shield is firme and sure 6 See that thou adde not to his words lest that he thee reprove And thou be found one who is set most wicked lies to love 7 Two things have I with all mine heart required Lord of thee Denie me them not I thee pray before the time I die 8 Take vanitie from me and lies give me not povertie Nor richesse feed me with the food convenient for me 9 Lest I full thee deny and say Who is God in disdaine Or lest I be poore and so steele and take GODS name in vaine 10 Unto his master a servant accuse not least he thee Curse bitterly and thou at last be guilty found to be 11 There is a generation that their father dear do curse And being fill'd with wickednesse there mother do not blesse 12 There is a generation al 's that in their eyes are pure And yet their filthinesse not wash'd doth still in them indure 13 There is a generation al 's how lofty are their eyes And their eye-lids are lifted up through their great pride and ease 14 There is a generation al 's whose teeth are as a sword And their jaw teeth as knives most sharp oppressours in a word 15 The base horseleach hath daughters two which give give still do cry Three things they are yea foure which yeâ can never satisfie 16 The grave also the barren womb the earth that is not full Of water and the fire that doth cry for more fewell still 17 The eye that mocks his father and refuseth to obey His mother Ravens and Eagles it shall picke out for a prey 18 There be three things indeed which are too wonderfull for me Yea there be foure which I my self know not with certaintie 19 The markes that in the way appear of Eagles in the aire The serpents way when it upon a hard rock doth repaire The way al 's of a sailing ship in the midst of the sea A harlots way to spoile a maide of her virginitie 20 Such is the way of her that is a vile adulteresse She eats and wips her mouth saying I do not wickednesse 21 For three things is disquieted the earth both far and neere Yea and for foure which it can not be able for to bear 22 For a servant when he doth reigne and troad men under feet And al 's a fool when he is fill'd with good and dainty meat 23 For a woman that 's odious a poor husbands distresse And likewise an hand maid that is heire to her owne mistresse 24 There be foure things upon the earth which are of little price But by the great Gods providence they are exceeding wise 25 The Ants a people are not strong which in the earth repaire Their meat they in the summer time with diligence prepare 26 The little conies in the fields are but a feeble folk Yet they most cunningly do make their houses in the rock 27 The locusts in their armies all have no King that commands Yet go they foorth in order good even all of them by bands 28 The spider with her crooked hands doth heere and there take hold And to abide in palaces of great Kings she is bold 29 There be three things upon the earth which go right orderly Yea there are foure in number which in going are comely 30 A Lion which among all beasts is strongest for a prey ând for all these that him gainstand doth not turne once away 31 A gray hound with great speed and al 's a hee-goat and a King âgainst whom by the force of men there is no uprising 32 If thou in lifting up thy self hast done things foolishly âf thou hast thought ill lay thine hand upon thy mouth quickly 33 As churning of milk butter brings and wringing of the nose Brings blood the forcing so of wrath brings forth both strife and noise Chap. 31. THe words of good king Lemuel all the worthy prophecie That his dear mother did him teach that he might prudent be 2 What my deare sonne And what the son which I with paine did beare Into my wombe And what the son of all my vowes most deare 3 To woman vaine give not thy strength which shall thee much annoy Nor yet thy wayes to that which doth the mighty Kings destroy 4 O Lemuel it is not for Kings as thou may wisely think Nor yet for Princes foolishly strong wine to bibe and drink 5 Lest that they drink and then the law forget and al 's pervert The judgement of these men that are afflicted sore in heart 6 Give thou strong drink unto him that is in great greef and smart And also wine unto all these that be of heavy heart 7 Let him drink well and then forget his poverty therefore And so remember in his mirth his poverty no more 8 Thy mouth still open for the dumb even whether neer or far Ev'n in the cause of such that to destruction ordain'd are 9 Thy mouth with wisedome open well and judge thou righteously The cause of needy men and poor plead thou most faithfully 10 Who on earth can a woman find both vertuous good and wise âhe richest Rubies all above is her excellent price 11 Of her husband the heart in her doth trust without all toile âo that he furnish'd well in all shall have no need of spoile 12 She loving him most heartily and fleeing from all strife âill do him good still and not ill ev'n during all her life 13 She seeketh wooll and also flax and that most carefully ând early with her hands and late she worketh willingly 14 She like the ships of merchands is which still procure much good âe well directed from a far brings safely home her food 15 She riseth al 's while it is night and wisely giveth meat To her houshold a portion al 's for all her maids to eat 16 A field she doth consider and it buyes for fear of want With the fruit of her hands she al 's a vineyeard well doth plant 17 Her loines she girdeth well with strength her self for to addresse Unto her task she maketh strong her armes for businesse 18 She doth perceive her merchandise to be good in mens sight Her candle burning her before doth not go out by night 19 Her hands unto the spindle she most carefully doth lay Her hands also the distafe hold and so doth passe the day 20 Her hand unto these that be poor she stretcheth out richlie Yea more she reacheth foorth her hands to these that needie be 21 For her houshold she of the snow is not afraid
LORD 9 Speake ye that ride on Asses white in Rulers chief aray And ye that sit in judgement and that travell by the way 10 And ye the poorest of the land whose trade was still to draw Waters from wells Of Archers ye did greatly stand in aw Yee from this feare delivered GODS great workes magnifie Who hath traffique and Iustice giv'n in village and citie 11 Awake awake awake awake DEBORAH sing anone Arise BARAK and lead Captive thou of AHINOAN son 12 Him that remaines he made to rule ov'r the Nobilitie Ov'r people al 's the LORD me gave rule over the mighty 13 Of EPHRAIM gainst AMALEK there was a worthy root And after thee stout BENjAMIN among thy people great rom MACHIR of MANASSE came governours goodly men o this service came ZEBULON scribes handling well the pen 15 And the most mighty Princes of strong ISSACHAR that day Were with DEBORAH in the field ev'n ISSACHAR I say here BARAK to the valley sent on foot did soone depart or the divisions of REUBEN there were great thoughts of heart 16 Why from the Sheepfolds wouldst not thou go for to act thy part or the divisions of REUBEN were searchings great of heart 17 Beyond JORDAN GILEAD abode and why did DAN remaine â ships Asher on the sea shore sought in his breaches gaine 18 ZEBULON and NEPHTALI stout were arm'd with Spear and Shield hey jeoparded their lives all in high places of the field 19 The Kings of CANA'N came and fought JABIN for to maintaine In TANAH to MEGIDDO neere but thereby did not gaine ' Gainst SISERA the clouds and wind did fight from the Heav'ns hie The bright starres in their courses al 's fought most couragiouslie 21 The river KISHON ev'n KISHON did sweep them all away O thou my soul thou hast downe troad great strength without delay 22 Then the strong horsehoves broken were ev'n with their strongest bones By the meanes of the pransings great of the most mighty Ones 23 Curse yee MEROS the Angel said yea curse them bitterly Because they did not help the Lord ' gainst these that were mighty 24 JAEL the wife of HEBER shall blest above women be Above women she shall be blest in the tent most surely 25 He asked water and she gave him milk of sweet relish She also wisely butter brought foorth in a lordly dish 26 She with a hammer and a naile smote SISERA indeed When she his Temples pierced had she did smite off his head 27 He bow'd and fâll and lay downe he at her feet bow'd and fell Where he bow'd there he fell downe dead at the feet of JAHEL 28 SISERAS mother looked out at windowes and did cry hrough the lattesse with joy of heart to these thar passed by Why taries his Charet so long What hinder doth it let Why tarie thus the wheeles most swift of his Princely Charet 29 When her wise Ladies heard these wordes they did not long defer âo give answer yea to her self she return'd this answer 30 Have they not well in Battell sped have they not all also arted the prey to every man a damosell or two To SISERA a wealthy prey who his foes strong did foile A colour'd prey of needle work for these that take the spoile 31 So perish let thy foes O Lord but who with heart upright Him love let them be as the Sun when he goes foorth in might The Song of Hannah whicâ She sang to GOD when Shâ had borne Samuel after long barrennesse 1 SAM 2. vers 1. MY heart rejoiceth in the LORD my horne 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 Talk no more proudly as ye do speak not with arrogance For all our deeds the Lord doth weigh in his sacred ballance The strong bowes of the mighty men are broken all at length âd they that stumbled now are girt with force and divine strength They that were full in plentie have hir'd out themselves for bread âd they that were in hunger great securly ceasd indeed e that was barren and contemn'd hath borne sev'n great and small âd she that many children hath is waxed feeble all The LORD by his strong arme doth kill and he doth also save â lifteth up he bringeth downe unto the stinking grave By his great power he doth make poore and also maketh rich â bringeth low and raiseth up unto a certaine pitch He raiseth up out of the dust the poor from the dunghill He lifts the begger and him sets on Thrones with Princes still For the strong pillars of the earth unto the Lord belong And he by his great power hath set the world all them upon 9 He of his saints will keep the feet the wicked in darknesse Shall all be silent none by strength prevaile shall 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 The Lord shall judge the earth below and strength give to his King The horne of his anointed he shall high exalt so reigne The Song of David which he sang to give thanks after that Nathan had promised him benefites and blessings but chiefly the Messiah to come of his seede 2 SAM 7. vers 18. O LORD my God now who am I that thou on me hast thought What is my house that thou in love me hitherto hast brought This was but small Lord in thy sight thou of thy servants house âast spoke for a great while to come as thou art righteous his truely Lord a mercy great I clearly now do see fter the maner of a man this seemes no way to be And what can David more to thee for this thy goodnesse say or thou Lord God who art most hie thy servant know'st alway 4 For thy wordes sake thou hast now done according to thy heart These things to make thy servants all thee know in every part 5 Thou Lord art great like thee is none no God is thee beside According to all things that we have heard on ev'ry side 7 What Nation one in all the earth is like thy people dear Even like Isra'l whom God redeem'd that he might them acquire To get a name and do great things for thy most holy land Before thy people which from Kings redeem'd are by thy hand 8 For to thy self thou hast confirm'd Isra'l to thee for ay A people and thou art become their Lord and God alway 9 What of thy servant and his house thou hast Lord spoken now As thou hast said it by thy grace establish and allow 10 And let thy name be magnified for ever and for ay Tâe Lord of Hosts is Isral's God let all the people say nd let the house of thy servant David for evermore e by thy mercy and thy might establish'd
thee before 11 For thou Lord God the Lord of hostes the God of Israel nto thy servant hast reveal'd thy mercies that excell will thee build an house thou saidst therefore I have this day âund ev'n this prayer thus in my heart unto thee for to pray 12 And now O Lord that God thou art and thy wordes be most true nd thou this goodnesse promisde hast unto thy servants now Therefore be pleased for to blesse thy servants house alway hat it may so continue still before thee fast for ay or thou O Lord in mercy great hast spoken it to me ow let the house of thy servant for ever blessed be The Song of Isaiah Conceâning the vineyard wherein Gods people is reproved for their barrennesse in good workes notwithstanding of all the paines were taken by the Prophets ISA. 5. vers 1. TO my belov'd I my belov'ds song will now sing with skill My welbelov'd a vineyard hath in a most fruitfull hill 2 He it did fence and gathred out its stones at every houre He planted it with choisest vine and in it built a Towre He al 's made a vine presse therein and look'd it should bring foorth Good grapes but foorth alwayes it brought wilde grapes of nothing worth 3 O ye indwellers of Salem and Judahs men alway Betwixt my vineyard and me now judge justly I you pray 4 What could I unto my vineyard do more then I have done While I for good grapes looked still it brought wilde grapes alone And now go to I will you tell what to my vineyard I Will do I will the hedge thereof away take by and by Then shall it all be eaten up I will break down its wall ând it by wilde beasts of the field shall down be troden all I also now will lay it wast it shall not pruned be âor digged but men briars and thornes anone come up shall see ãâã also by my divine might the clouds all will command That they shall neither day nor night raine down upon the land â For of the Lord the vineyard is the house of Israel And Judahs men his pleasant plant which others should excell And he for judgement looked well but O then by and by Oppression al 's for righteousnesse but O behold a cry A Song of thanks for the mercies of GOD. ISA. 12. vers 1. I Will thee praise O Lord though thoâ with me most angry wast Thine anger is now turn'd away thou me comforted hast 2 Behold and well consider God is my salvation sure I will still trust and not afraid now will be lesse or more For the great Lord Jehovah is mâ strength and al 's my song He my salvation is become to him it doth belong 3 Therefore out of salvations welles yee shall your selfe imploy Fine water in aboundance great to draw al wayes with joy 4 Then shall ye say praise ye the Lord and call upon his name His workes among the pople shew and high exalt his fame Unto the Lord sing thankfully for he hath things of worth Done by his mighty hand this well is know'n in all the earth Cry out and shout with a loud voice yee that indwellers be Of Zion Isra'ls holy one is great in midst of thee A Song inciting to confidence in God ISA. 26. vers 1. WEE have a city all made strong the Lord salvation will Appoint for to be mighty walles and bulwarkes ever still The glorious gates now open that the Nation void of sin Which constantly the truth doth keep may freely enter in Thou wilt him well preserve and keep in perfect peace to be Whose mind is still upon thee stay'd because he trustes in thee 4 For ever in the Lord trust yee for yee shall feele at length That in the Lord Jehovah is an everlasting strength 5 For he brings downe dwellers on high the lofty city low He layes it to the ground he brings even to the dust below 9 The foot shall basely tread it downe even the foot of the poore And the steps of the needy al 's shall ev'n the like procure 7 The justs way all is uprightnesse thou upright in thy wayes Of the just in the ballance thou dost weigh the path alwayes 8 Yea in thy judgements way O Lord we waited have for thee Our soules desires unto thy name and thy remembrance be 9 I with my soul have constantly desir'd thee in the night Yea with my sprite I early will thee seek with all my might âor when thy judgements in the earth us teach for to discerne âhen all the worlds inhabitants Gods righteousnesse will learne 10 Let favour great be shewed still unto the wicked man âet for all that he righteousnesse will neither learne or can âv'n in the land of uprightnesse unjustly will he deale ând of the Lord the Majestie behold no way he will 11 Lord when thy hand is lifted up they all refuse to see âut they shall see against their will though they do close their eye âecause thy people they envye asham'd they shall be sore âea the fire of thine enemies all shall quickly them devore 12 Lord thou wilt ordaine peace for us this still is in our thought âor thou in us hast all our workes ev'n by thy finger wrought 13 O Lord besides thee other lords have rul'd us to our shame But by thee onely will we all make mention of thy name 14 Hence foorth these wicked shall not live who are now dead and slaine They at last all deceased are they shall not live againe Therefore thou visited hast them and them destroy'd alway And al 's hast made their memorie to perish quite away 15 The Nation well thou hast increasde thy glory shineth forth Thou hadst remov'd it far unto the ends of all the earth 16 Lord when they were in trouble they did visite thee anone They powr'd out prayers when thy rod was heavy them upon 17 Most like a woman at childe birth who in her pangs doth cry So have we Lord been in thy sight distressed by and by 18 We great with child have been in paine and have brought forth the winde To help out friends or foes defeat no strength at all we finde 19 Thy dead men shall most surely leave together well they all âith my dead body even revive and al 's arise they shall âe that in dust dwell now awake for thy dew is indeed âs dew of herbs and al 's the earth shall cast out all the dead 20 My people come now enter thou while as the time is fit ânto thy chambers and with speede the doores about thee shute âhere for a little moment hide thy self far from the blast ântâll the indigâation great be safely over past 21 For lo the Lord out of his place doth come most speedily âo punish all the men on earth for their iniquitie The earth shall al 's disclose the blood that in it did remaine And shall no more the meanes afford to cover close her
still for me 2 For he regarded hath of his handmaide thâ estate so small For loe all generations sure shall hence me blessed call 3 He strong hath done great things to me and holy is his name Who still him feare his mercy great shall alwayes be on them 4 He hath great strength shew'd with his arme the proud he in all parts Hath scattred in the vaine conceits of their most foolish hearts 5 He hath put downe ev'n from their seats these that most mighty be And also he exalted hath these of a low degree 6 The hungry well he filled hath with good things evry way These who are rich and wealthy he hath empty sent away 7 In remembrance of his mercy he holpen hath indeed His servant Isra'l as he spake t' Abraham and his seed The Song of Zacharias wherâ his mouth was opened after he had been nine moneths dumb for not believing the Angel Gabriel who from God had promised him a Sonne LUKE 1. vers 68. LEt the LORD God of Israel for ever blessed be For visited his people all and al 's redeem'd hath he 2 And of salvation he for us hath raisd up gloriously Ane horne in worthy Davids house who serv'd him faithfully 3 As he spake clearly by the mouth of his dear Prophets all Which since the world began have beene ev'n whether great or small 4 That we should from our enemies all be saved in each part And from the hand of all these men that hate us with their heart 5 The mercy promisd to performe unto our fathers and âis holy Cov'nant made with us to make alwayes to stand Th' oath which he to Abraham sware that he to us most deare âould grant that we safe from our foes might serve him without feare Yea serve him in all holinesse and righteousnesse alwayes âot for a little space of time but ev'n for all our dayes And thou child of the highest shalt be call'd the Prophet rare âor thou before the Lord shalt goe his wayes for to prepare Thou knowledge of salvation shalt unto his people give ây the remission of their sins which he will all forgive âo Ev'n through the tender mercy of our God most prone to grace âhereby the DAY-SPRING from on high hath shew'n to us his face 1 To give light unto them that sit in darknesse and deaths shade Into the way of holy peace our feet alwayes to guid The Song of Simeon After he had long looked for the Consolation of Israel he at last moved by the Holy Spirit went to the Temple and there finding the babe Christ he took him up in his armes and blessed GOD and said LUKE 2. vers 29. NOw letst thou in thy mercy great thine old servant O LORD At last by death in peace depart according to thy word 2 For after many dayes at last mine eyes though now worne dimme Thy consolation sure and fast have with great comfort seen 3 Which thou O Lord most lovingly ev'n by thy saving grace Prepared hast aboundantly before all peoples face 4 A precious light to lighten all the Gentiles far and neer âd al 's the glory of Isra'l that is thy people dear This Song of Simeon is alwayes sung in the French Church for conclusion after they have received the Sacrament of the LORDS Supper The use of all the Songs THE songs of Larks Linots and Nightingals Compard to these are but like naughty tales âhich in our ears deserve to have no place âhese divine songs sad hearts do well solace ând fill with joy yea and with capering foot âake souls to rise and dance where they did sit âithin our breasts like John at Marys voice âhich made him leap and chearfully rejoice To sing such songs let us our selves inure âill that we dance above the starry floore ând sing to Christ the Hallelujahs sweet âhere Sunne and Moone are pav'ment for our feet Far from the words of a most vile infection Which slute the body and al 's slave th' affection Oh that we could from vain words heer forbear Till of our life be ended the Career Fy on vile men whose badry songs a blot Defile the air come from their filthy throat Fy on these who in vanities do swim Who dance and leap and hold out any lim With nimble fet-locks but have not a word Of holy songs to laud and praise the Lord Such want a heart Christs love for to remark They can not sing or dance before the Ark. But as for us away with fleshly love And beastly songs which Gods word doth reprove Vaine idle words which in these latter dayes Are made the subject of mens sweetest layes Let Christ the fairest all the Saints among Be still the matter of our daily Song Let all our Ditties runne upon this string Let hearts and Harps in him rejoice and sing What is amisse let us it hence remove That we may sing of Christ our life and love FINIS Some few Christian Precepts WHat God the gives take in good part cease other to devoure Like Alexanders glutton net whose Kingdome Kinged foure When thou triumphs not lofty be but think upon a crosse âor who the day is set on hie may soone his laurell losse Take heed in time and learne to fear the great Almighty God Who made Denis a King to beare for Scepter Pedants rod. Remember how that Prince of Spaine who for Europe did breath By Gods Almighty hand was slaine ev'n by a louzie death Remember how some in their pride Gods heavy hand did feele Their head on neck could not abide off chopt with whiffing steele 6 Think still on death for time doth slip though it seemes but to creep Man heer is as at sea his ship still sailes though men do sleep 7 While wind doth serve embark be wise to meet all haps before When death shall cut thine enterprise then thou shalt row no more 8 Take time in time for wind and tide will in a moment turne We heere sure will not long abide and gone will not returne 9 Looke not heer for true happinesse the place of our exile A bare and barren wildernesse where we live all this while 10 Look on thy body as on clay the soule is stuffe more fine A substance which weares not away a blast of breath divine 11 Luske not in sloath seeke not thine ease Moths gnow cloaths in a chest Swords also rust within their sheeths and so do souls in rest 12 Manure thy heart with diligence and it in sow good seed But still beware of negligence for earely grows the weed 13 All idlenesse disnatures wit but travell makes it quick Do nothing that disableth it by force or yet by trick 14 With constant eye still Christ behold and on him still repose As with the Sun the Mary gold doth open still or close 15 When death us summons to go hence we should not be dejected For from the same no more the Prince then Carters is protected 16 Our life 's a web of small and grosse this is us giv'n for doome That sorrowes are as threeds a Crosse in this our earthly loome 17 Let us abhore ambition content with that we have In grave in one condition are King Earle Sir and Slave 18 This earth is like a Chesse-board where some leap some limp anone Kings Pawnes Knights Aphens heere and there stand yet there wood is one 1 TIM 1. vers 17. Now unto the King eternall immortall invisible the onely wise GOD be honour and glory for ever and ever Amen Errata IF any of these verses go not so smoothly as thou wouldest know that I have tyed my self verie straitly to keep still the wordes of the Scripture Some escapes there be in the printing at some times a syllable more and some are lesse then should but the judicious Reader may easily take the matter up Pag. 272. Davids house is put for Isra'ls house Pag. 142. bribidge for bribing Pag. 265. qy for by Pag. 330. day say for did say Pag. 364. trotring for totring c.
not to thy messengers saying If Balak of silver and gold also Would me his house full give I cannot go Beyond the great Gods will in any kind For to do good or bad of mine own mind But what it shall please the great God to say To me that I will speak without delay And now I to my people go quicklie Come therefore and I will advertise thee What this people most blessed shall alwayes Doe to thy people in the latter dayes And he took up his parable anone And said thus wise Balam of BEOR sonne Hath said and the man who doth hate all lies Who hath at all times cleare and open eyes He hath said which hath heard Gods word truelie And knew al 's the knowledge of the most Hie Which of th' Almightie saw the vision Falling into a trance with eyes open Though not at this time yet I shall him see Though not nigh I behold him shall clearlie Out of Jacob there shall come a starre bright Out of Isra'l a scepter with great might Shall rise and corners of Moab annoy And all the Children of Sheth shall destroy And Edome a possession shall be Seir also shall be for his enemie A large possession and Israel also With courage great right valiantly shall do Out of good Jacob shall come he that shall Have great and large Dominion over all And shall by his great power Almighty Destroy him that remains of the city And when on curs'd Amalek he did looke He deep thinking his parable up tooke And said strong is thy dwelling place surely Thou putt'st thy nest in a rocke for safety Neverthelesse the Kenite wasted shall Be till Ashur thee carie captive all And he tooke up his parable saying Alas who shall live when the Lord this thing Shall do and ships with threatning and wiâ boast Shall come in numbers from the Chittim coaâ And shall afflict Ashur and also Eber And he alwayes sure perish shall for ever So Balam rose up and without delay Went to his place al 's Balak went his way Whether Balam did go it 's not certaine But for his wicked counsell he was slaine By ISRAEL as MOSES did command In their journey towards the holy land The Use Let Prophets heere learne not for gaine or ease To seeke Princes by ill counsell to please For if in this sort they the Lord offend They vvith Balam shall get a fearfull end CALEB As heart CALEB his name was Heart which did not faile He was the spy who encourag'd ISRA'L With JOSHUAH the other ten afraide By ill report the Lords people betray'd Behold heere written for their blot and shame Of all these ill spyes every man by name Shammah Shaphat Igal and Gaddiel Palti Sethur Gaddi and Ammiel Nahby Gevel These were the ill spyes ten Who did cast down the hearts of ISRALS men But stout CALEB descended of Judah And of EPHRAIM godly JOSHUAH The trembling hearts of ISRA'L did comfort To have courage they did them all exhort For this cause of all ISRAEL these two Got leave from GOD to Canaan to go The Use The man that would have heaven for his reward In Gods battels must not be a Coward He who is sent a matter for to try For no respect must deal unfaithfully JOSHUAH A Saviour THou worthy man first called OSHEAH By MOSES wast called JEHOSHUAH Type of JESUS a Saviour by command Thou ledst Isra'l unto the holy land This Son of NUN stout was full of wisdome For MOSES had laid his hands him upon From SHITTIM he sent two men secretly To view the land and Jericho to spy Though King and Laws to do such things forbid Rachab these spyes close in her chamber hid Not fearing thing that could to her befall By a coard She let them downe from the wall After good Joshuah all these things had done He went to Jordan from Shittim anone When the Priests feet in that river did stand JORDANS passage became like the dry land There twelve stones were for a memoriall Set Other twelve were pitched in Gilgal For to declare to all posteritie What GOD had done by his hand Almighty Then good Joshuah with great affection By knives began the circumcision Then Manna ceas'd An Angel did appear To Joshuah who was GODS servant deare What art thou said he friend or fo with boast A friend a friend the Captaine of Gods host The Angel said I am not for offence I bear the Sword for thee and thines defence Go to beseege the citie Jericho For great Canons Trumpets of Ram hornes blo Down down their walls with power I wil bring Let all beware of the accursed thing When JOVAH these walls had brought to the ground Amongst Isra'l a cursed man was found Achan the theef provokeing GOD to ire First was stoned and after burnt with fire In GODS good will this thief made such a crack That Isral's host at Ai did turne the back When by his death the LORD began to be Content the men of AI began to flie Then GODS people in furie and in ire Entred the Citie and set it on fire After that JOSHUAH had burnt this Citie The King of Ai he hanged on a tree The Gibeonites hearing of this report To save themselves found out this crowned sport Get clouted shooes old bottels garments rent Old mouldie bread that we a covenant May make with ISRA'L for we are afraid That by their force our countrey be destroyd Then ISRA'L made with them a sure accord Neglecting to seeke counsell from the LORD When all was known ISRA'L began to grieve But for their oath they suffred them to live Now cursed be ye base hewers of wood Drawers of water for the house of God Such shall ye be such shall ye be eachone Said JOSHUAH to these of Gibeon When this was done five Kings of Cananites With ire conspir'd against these Gibeonites Because without their knowledge and consent They had with ISRAL made a covenant Then JOSHUAH to help poor GIBEON Chased these Kings along to Bethoron The LORD himself for to crush all their bones Threw downe from heav'n on this armie great stones Till all was done the Sun in Gibeon Stood still and al 's the Moone in Ajalon That JOSHUAH full victory might have Five Kings he tooke and closed in a cave After he had fulfill'd his victorie He took them out and hang'd them on a tree To keep Isra'l from strife and anger hote He did divide to them the land by lot When all was done when death and grave were near He spake ISRA'L that they the LORD should feare Serve him in trueth serve him in fear said he All idole gods cast far away from thee The people all with one voice did accord To passe from idols and to serve the LORD This man of GOD before his life was spent With Gods people made a sure Covenant In Shechem there he raised up a stone For a witnesse of all was said and done At last this man