He that transgressions covreth close most wisely seeketh love But he that matters doth repeat doth friendship soon remove 10 Into a wise man a reproofe to teach him entreth more Then strips into a foolish man in number to five score 11 A wicked man in all his wayes rebellion seeks onely Therefore against him shall be sent men with great cruelty 12 Let a Bear robbed of her whelps a man in fury meet Much rather then a ramping fool in his most rageing heat 13 Who so rewardeth ill for good at last shall feel the smart For ill at any time shall not once from his house depart 14 Strife new begun is as when one to water gives a way Therefore leave off contention all before ye go astray 15 He that the just man doth condemne and wicked justifie They both abomination great are to the LORD surely 16 A wealthy fool by all his baggs doth surely hope in vaine To get wisdome since he hath not a heart it to attaine 17 A wise and worthy friend alwayes doth love most constantly And like wise a dear brother is borne for adversity 18 A man of understanding voide most rashly striketh hands â—nd in the presence of his friends goes into sureties bands 19 He that doth love debate and strife doth love transgression And he that proud exalts his gate doth seeke destruction 20 He that hath a most froward heart doth finde no good at all And he that hath a tongue perverse into mischief doth fall 21 He that begets a fool it doth unto his grief and smart The father al 's of furious fooles no joy hath in his heart 22 A merry heart doth good alwayes like medicine most sweet But all the bones are dryed up even by a broken sprite 23 Out of the bosome craftily a man profane in heart Doth take a gift that he the wayes of judgement may pervert 24 Wisdome is alwayes him before that understanding hath But of a fool the eyes are in the ends of all the earth 25 A fool unto his father is great grief and al 's distresse And unto her that bare him he is also bitternesse 26 To punish the just and upright it seemes not good to be Nor yet to rashly Princes strike for right and equitie 27 He that hath knowledge spareth much his wordes with wise intent And he that understanding hath hath a sprite excellent 28 A foole when he doth hold his peace is counted wise by men When man is silent he is thought a man of knowledge then Chap. 18. A Man who through desire to learne doth set him self apart Doth seeke and intermedle with wisdome with all his heart 2 In understanding any way a fool hath no delight But that his heart discover may it self in all mens sight 3 Wheresoever the wicked come then comes contempt quicklie And upon mans face comes reproach with great ignominie 4 The words of a mans mouth are as deep waters every way And the well-spring of wisdome is a flowing brook alway 5 It is not good the person of the wicked to allow And that for in judgement corrupt good men to overthrow 6 A vaine fooles lips enter into contention great and small And his mouth full of naughty wordes for strokes doth quickly call 7 A fooles mouth his destruction is his lips that can not spare â—o speak idly are of his soul a most deceitfull snare 8 Talebearers words are even as wounds and they down quickly go â—nto the bellies in most parts all fill'd with grief and wo. 9 He that lives slouthfull in his work not caring to come speed Is brother unto him that is a waster great indeed 10 A strong towre is the name of GOD both unto rich and poor The righteous man doth run to it and is most safe and sure 11 The rich mans wealth is his refuge and city of defence And as a wall in his conceit which is voide of all sense 12 Before destruction come on man his heart is most hauty And also before honour come is true humility 13 He who before the matter heard doth quickly answere frame It is most certainly to him both folly great and shame 14 The sprite of courage will sustaine a mans infirmity But who is strong to bear a sprite that deeply wounded be 15 The heart of him that prudent is doth understanding get And to seek knowledge of the wise the ear is alwayes set 16 The gift of man doth make a roome for him in every place And him before great men doth bring without shame or disgrace 17 He that in his owne cause is first doth seeme most just to be â—ut after him his neighbour comes him searching narrowlie 18 The lot doth cause contentions all to cease in ev'ry heart â—etweene the mighty of the earth the portions it doth part 19 A city is more easy winne then brethren in their jarres â—nd their contentions are most like the strongest castle barres 20 The fruit of a mans mouth well shall his belly satisfie â—nd with the increase of his lips he shall well filled be 21 In power of mans tongue alwayes is death and life most sweet â—â—d they that love it with their heart the fruit thereof shall eat Who findes a wife a good thing findes even help and pleasant gaine And of the mercy of the Lord great favour doth obtaine 23 The poor man in his want doth use intreaties most humbly But the churle rich in worldly wealth doth answere him roughly 24 A man that friends hath must himself unto them friendly shew Then any brother closer sticks a friend that 's fast and true Chap. 19. THe poor is better that doth walk in his integritie Then he that is in lips perverse and seemes a fool to be 2 That the soule without knowledge be it is not good or meete And he doth sinne in many wayes that hasteth with his feet 3 The foolishnesse of vaine proud man perverteth all his way And his hard heart against the Lord in rage doth fret alway 4 By great wealth many friends are made which helpeth in our smart But from his neighbour dear the poor is alwayes set apart 5 A man that is a witnesse fals shall not unpunish'd be And he also shall not escape that vainely speakes a lie 6 A Princes favour many will most humbly still entreat And all men are a friend to him that gifts oft giveth great 7 The poore mans brethren hate him all much more goe far away â—is friends he them pursues with words who wanting are alway 8 He that gets wisedome surely doth his owne soule dearly love He that doth understanding keep shall find good from above 9 A false witnesse indeed shall not unpunish'd be alway And he that speaketh lies most false shall perish and decay 10 Delight a vaine and foolish man beseemeth not at all Much lesse a servant rule to have ov'r Princes great or small 11 The great discretion of a man his anger doth delay And a transgression to
to Balak I a man Am come unto thee to do what I can Have I now power any thing to say What GOD me bids that shall I speak this day Then Balak went anone with Balaam And quickly to Kiriath-Huzoth they came There Balak oxen did offer with sheep He sent for BALAM whose science was deep The morrow after BALAM came quicklie To Baals high places that he might see From thence of GODS ISRA'L the utmost part That by his curse that whole people might smart And Balam said unto Balak Build me Heere sev'n altars and prepare heere quicklie Seven oxen faire and seven fat rams also Balak as Balam had spoken did so And Balak and Balam off'red quicklie On each altar for sacrifice to be A Bullock and a Ram Then Balam spake Unto this King that called was Balak Stand by thy burnt off'ring and I will go Peradventure GOD will come me unto And give counsell what he shall shew to me I will without failing all tell to thee Then Balaam unto an high place went And the Lord there met him incontinent Then he said I sev'n altars did prepare And there have off'red now to me declare What I shall say to Balak Moabs King Then GOD put in his mouth this word saying Returne unto Balak and thus boldlie To him thou shalt speake this message from me Then he return'd when he thus understood And went to Balak who with Princes stood And he tooke up his parable and said Balak the King This charge on me hath laid From Aram I have beene brought by this Kinâ— Out of the mountaines of the East saying Come curse me Jacob and Isra'l defy Whom God hath not curst how him curse shal For from the top of the rocks I him see And him behold from the hils that are hie Loe this people in a great number throng Shall dwell alone and nations among Shall not be reck'ned who can count or tell The dust of Jacob or fourth of Isra'l Let me the death of the righteous man die And let my last end like unto his be And Balak said unto Balaam soone What meanest thou What hast thou to me do Mine enemies to curse I did take thee Behold thou hast them blessed most surely Then Balaam said Think not this uncouth For I must speake what God puts in my mouth Then Balak said I pray now come with me Unto a place from whence thou may them 〈◊〉 The out most part thou shalt see and no more Come and curse me them all from thence theâ—â—fore He brought him to the field of ZOPHIM land To PISGAS top whether God did command MOSES to go the promisde land to see That so after that sight MOSES might die There Balam said to Balak Stand heere by Thy burnt off'ring untill that quickly I Do yonder meet the great Almighty Lord And the LORD met Balam and put his word In Balams mouth and likewise said that day Returne againe unto Balak and say When Balam came unto Balak the King Behold he there stood by his burnt off'ring There with him were Princes of MOAB land Then Balak said Now let me understand What the LORD GOD in this perplexitie Hath both reveal'd and spoken unto thee And he tooke up his parable and said Rise up Balak and heare an answere made Thou Son of Zippor hearken unto me The Lord is not a man that he should lie Nor the Son of man that he should repent To say one thing and after to relent Hath the Lord said and shall he not it do Hath he spoken and shall he it not to Perfection bring Behold I now must blesse God hath blessed and I can not reverse In Jacob he hath not iniquitie Beheld neither at any time hath he Seene perversenesse in all Isra'l about God is with him among them is a shout Of a King God from Egypt land forlorne Them brought He hath as of an Vnicorne The strength surely where God is still presâ— Against Jacob there is no enchantment Neither against the Lords most deare Isra'l Can divination once prevaile at all According to this time it shall be thought And said of Jacob what hath the Lord wroâ—â— Behold the people shall rise up anone As a great Lion and a young Lion Lifts up himselfe and lyes not downe again Vntill he eat and drink blood of the slaine And Balak said unto Balam that day Neither them curse nor yet blesse I thee pray Told I not thee said Balaam unto Balak all that GOD saith that I must doe Yet Balak said unto Balam that day Come now with me I do thee heartly pray I will bring thee unto another place Peradventure thou wilt from God get grace That thou may'st for my poor Kingdomes deâ—â— Powre on them all a heavy curse from thence Then King Balak brought Balaam anone To PEORS top that looks to JESHIMON And Balam said unto Balak Build me Heere sev'n altars prepare right speedily Heere sev'n bullocks and sev'n fat rams well fed And Balak did as Balaam had said There were off'red a Bullock and a Ram On each altar they did performe the same And when Balam saw that it pleas'd the LORD To blesse ISRA'L he did no more accord As heeretofore to go incontinent For by his art to seeke for enchantment But he perplex'd in Sprite with great distresse Did set his face toward the wildernesse Then Balaam his eyes aloft lifting Saw ISRAEL in his tents abiding According to their Tribes GODS Spirit anone With this parable came Balam upon Balam the Son of Beor hateing lies Hath said even the man who hath op'ned eyes He hath said which heard the LORDS words truely Which saw the vision of the Almighty Falling into a great trance but having His eyes open to discerne every thing How good thy tents are Jacob who can tell And thy fair tabernacles O Israel As the valleyes all spread forth do abide As greene gardens by the fair rivers side As ligne-aloes which is of sweetest smell As besides waters Cedars high and tall Out of his buckets be shall powre indeed The waters and in great waters his seed And his King higher then Agag shall be And his Kingdome shall be exalted hie God brought him out of Egypt land forlorne He hath the strength as of an Vnicorne Hee shall eat up all those that are his foe And break their bones and pierce them throâ— also With his arrowes he couched he lay downe As a Lion and as a great Lion Who shall him stirre up he that shall thee bleâ—â— Is blessed and cursed that shall thee curse Then Balaks anger kindled with despight Waâ— ' gainst Balam together he did smite His hands saying I called thee surely For to curse but thou hast blessd these times threâ— Therefore now flee unto thy place and lot I thought thee to great honour to promote But lo the Lord in this hath not beene slack â—n wrath he hath from honour keept thee back And Balam said unto Balak This thing Spake I
counsâ—ll He is most sure that God relyes upon All other things will shrink and sinke anone Men for a time may their sad hearts solace With sound of harp which soone will have no place If Kings with Saul of Gods word make no count He will them meet upon Gilboah mount These who care not their lives for to amend Do often come unto a tragick end The LORD to each man his owne worke repayes And makes him finde according to his wayes If men be gracelesse though never so great God shall anone set others in their seat So at the last they shall get shame and losse When God shall crowne these men whom they did crosse DAVID Beloved THE spirit of God begins my heart to move To sing of David whom he Lord did love When God him sought to make him Isra'ls King He was an herd keeping the ewes with young Of Jesses sons he was the least and last As by the story is most manifest When God his servant Samuel did appoint To goe and one of Jesses sons annoint The first he saw was Eliab faire in face This said Samuel is he who by Gods grace Should be the King No not this shall not be Said God for God seeth not as men doe see The outward barck men see of countenance But Gods bright eye through all the heart doth glance Abinadab Shammah he would not chuse David he tooke the rest he did refuse When he rudie came the Lord did appoint Samuel with horne of oyle him to annoint When that was done Gods spirit came him upon He hated Saul and left him his alone When God from him had his good sprit of grace Remov'd the divell came quickly in his place He sore troubled thus to his men did say Provide a man that cunningly can play I cannot pray the divell will not depart My cheefe comfort must be by Musicks art A man with harpe to warble let me finde That he the divell may drive out of my minde Then David came who warbling did his best The divell departed then Saul got some rest After all this the Philistins with boast Against Isra'l came with a mighty host Among the rest a man of Gath Goliah A champion contemning great Jehovah Came forth with boasting a most mighty man Whose height was six great cubits with a span Both up and downe he thus armed did passe With coat of male and with helmet of brasse Graves on his legs a target he betweene His shoulders had his speare was like a beame Of a weever One with a shield before Went this strong man all Isra'l troubled sore He cri'd aloud to all Isra'l that day In vaine set ye your battell in aray Let one man come and fight me hand to hand What part prevails they shall the rest command If ye have hearts or hands I shall soone try All Isra'ls host this day I do defy On all Isra'l thus he did rub disgrace All men did flie but none durst turne the face Untill David encourag'd from above This question to the armie thus did move What shall be done to him who shall stoutly Kill this vile dogge that doth our God defy He then said they who shall performe this thing Shall have for wife the daughter of the King Let no mans heart said David now him faile I will now answere his foolish appeale I tremble not for all his strength and might The Lord gives heart I him resolve to fight Alas said SAUL thou greatly hast to feare Thou art a youth but he a man of warre Not said David I have experience I am acquaint with GODS strong assistance He made me kill a Lion and a Bear What needs me now this Philistine to fear Go to said Saul GODS blessing go with thee With coat of male and helmet armed be Thou must my Sword also gird by thy side That thou his stroaks the better may abide David thus armed all from top to toe Said with such things to fight I can not goe Off with his harnesse his staffe in hand he took In scrip five smooth stones chosen from the brook With sling in hand in a courage divine He stoutly went to fight the Philistine Then great Goliah came down to the field Armed with brasse before him a great shield was borne he lofty with a most proud look Disdain'd David scarce notice of him took This thing is strange it seems to me uncouth That in Isra'l there is none but this youth Faire and ruddy small token of courage To fight against a giant full of rage What art thou lad what meanest thou to doe Am I a dog that so thou com'st me to With staves and stones a dwarfe most unworthie By all my gods now cursed must thou be Come hither heard thy stones and staves now yeeld Thy flesh shall go to the beasts of the field Thou shalt well know that I am not a beast I minde to make thy flesh for foules a feast Words are but winde said David I not feâ— Thy sword or shield or yet thy brasse or spear I come to thee in the most mighty name Of great JOVAH whom thou hast thought tâ— shame Cease from thy brags no more to boast proceed I shall thee smite and from thee take the head Thou shalt soone know and others shall it tell That there is a great God in Israel The Lord God saveth not with spears or swords I feare nothing the Battell is the Lords This said David with a courage divine Ran in all haste to meet the Philistine With hand to bag from thence he tooke a stone Which pierc'd Goliah through both flesh and bone The stone with force throwen sanke in his forehead Then like an Ox to ground he fell down dead Then David ran with great courage divine And stood upon that beastly Philistine Him treading downe with feet he made great speed With his own sword from him he cut the head When the Philistins saw their man of might This way mangled they tooke them to the flight Thus wanting courage they both fled and fell Affrighted much for the men of Isra'l Last David after Goliah was dead To Jerusalem brought this monsters head In the way met him these songs of women For Sauls one thousand David hath slaine ten From that day and forward Saul did him eye Having his heart stuft with rage and envie Then Saul devised how to make him fall A bloody dowry he sought for Michal An hundred foreskins to David said he Of Philistins thou shalt bring unto me I seeke no more no more dowrie I crave Do this and thou Michal for wife shalt have By these his wordes which seemed to be faire He aim'd to draw David into a snaire But stout David brought in a bloody strife Two hundred foreskins and so wan his wife All these great things fild Sauls heart with envie Davids applause kindled his jealousie His wrath like fire in fewell did increase When he did hear of Davids good successe From
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
race 〈◊〉 Of ill Ahab nothing he did possesse 〈◊〉 Gods grace but contemning th' Eternell â—e walked after the wicked counsell â—f Ahabs house which did him sore annoy â—or him with it stout Jehu did destroy â—e went with Joram for to take his part â—gainst Jehu for which he felt the smart For sins against God he could not forbeare Therefore his Kingdome lasted but a yeere The Use Let all men learne that sin is not a sport It ends our dayes and cuts our honours shoâ— Let these here learne who are made Kings grace To chuse their wives of good and godly race 7. JOASH The fire of the Lord. VVHen Athaliah did see that her Son King Ahaziah was by Jehu slaine She rose in rage her whole force to imploy The Royall race of Judah to destroy When she in furie cruel did conspire Against Judah then Joash from that fire By God was sav'd his Father Sister deare Jehoshabeath did hid him in that feare This good woman wife of Jehojadah Was appointed by the great Jehovah To save this Prince in these times of great feaâ— This Priest him hid the space of whole six yearâ— Jehojadah at last did him foorth bring By force of armes he Crown'd and made him King When Athaliah heard how all was done Shee rent her cloaths and said Treason treason When this was said up stood Jehojadah The Priest of the Almighty JEHOVAH Captaines said he have this vile woman foorth Of Gods house ranges though she by birth A Kings daughter now take her in disdaine Without the temple let her now be slaine When all things ord'red were in this estate They slew her at th'entring of the horse gate Then all were moved by Jehojadah To make a Covenant with great JEHOVAH Then the people went with all diligence To Baals house for to exact vengeance They brake it downe his Altars they down threw With Images Mattan the Priest they slew They offred burnt offrings and Psalmes did sing That done upon a Throne they set the King Of seven years old before he was a man Of strength and wit Joash to rule began He was a man well set for Jehovah During the dayes of good Jehojadah He in great zeale made all to contribut Great meanes which he at last did distribut For to prepare the house of great Jovah Which had been spoil'd by vile Athaliah Who to break downe Gods house did well alloâ— The spoile she did on Baalim bestow After this Hazael King of Syria Tooke Gath to the Citie of Jehovah He set his face to compasse it in round To make a breach and bring it to the ground But Joash fearing such forces that day Gave him the treasurs so he went away As long as Joash had Jehojadah He uprightly did walk with Jehovah But after this most worthy man was dead Who for his worth with the Kings was buri'd Joash the King with Princes of Judah Did leave the house of the great Jehovah Unto their sins they were most foolish slaves Who like heathens did serve idols and groves Yet he to them his holy Prophets sent To teach them his divine commandement Against them they did testifie sincere But they unto their words would not give eare Then the good sprit of the great Jehovah Came upon the Prophet Zechariah Jehojadahs son who stood up and said To the people Thus saith th' Almighty God Why doe ye thus the Lords precepts transgresse Why sin ye still stoutly without regresse â—ee cannot prosper because yee have now â—orsaken God he hath forsaken you â—hen wicked men commanded by the King â—t Zechariah stones with spight did fling â—his man of God they slew with one accord â—n the faire court of the house of the Lord â—hus Joash king killing Zechariah â—orgot the kindnesse of Jehojadah â—e not remembring what that man had done â—or him in straite but after kill'd his son When he was dyeing this was his desire â—ord looke upon it and also require After this fact neere the end of the year â—oash with his men were troubled with feare â—he Syrian armie in number but small â—pon his hoast with great fiercenesse did fall Who ' gainst Joash did execute judgement â—or his transgressing Gods commandement After this King Joash in great sicknesse Was left because in blood he did transgresse â—is owne servants who at his table fed â—ere cruelly did kill him on his bed â—ne of these servants had this name Zabad â—he others name was call'd Jehozabad â—f seven years old a childe by Jehovah â—ade King he raign'd fourty years in Judah Because Gods Prophet he slew cruelly God suffred not him in Kings graves to lye The Use He who for good with an unthanfull heart Shall render ill ill never shall depart From his house A murdrer though a greâ— King The Lord with blood unto the grave shall brinâ— 8. AMAZIAH The strength of the Lord. THis Amaziah as the historie Declareth did reigne yeers nine and twenâ— That he did good we have in holy write But in Gods sight his heart was not perfite These men he slew who had his father slaine But by Gods statutes spared their children Against Edom he three hundred thousand Of Judahs men had ready at command A hundred thousand he of Israel Did hire with him to go unto Battell But from the Lord a man came to the King Who him discharg'd Israels men to bring Unto his host for God with Israel Said he is not The Lord in this battell Will not thee help If thou them with thee take The Lord he shall both thee and thine forsake Then Amaziah unto him did say An hundred talents these men have this day Receiv'd from me Who shall these now restore The Lord said he will render thee much more Then Amaziah did command these men Who not of Judah but Irsa'ls children To turne back soone and to their home returne For which much wrath in their bosome did burn Then this King stout with Judahs men alone Ten thousand smot of the men of Edom Ten thousand al 's this King did leave alive Whom he by valoure did cary captive These he did bring to the top of a rock He threw them downe their bones in pieces brok But Fy fy fy this most unthankfull King Their idol gods unto Judah did brng He bow'd before these things that had no sense And al 's unto them he did burne incense Wherefore the anger of the great Jovah Sore kindled was against Amaziah He sent to him a Prophet for to tell That by idols he had greev'd th' Eternell Why hast thou said he sought of other lands The gods which their owne people from thâ—â— hands Could not rescue Where is respect and fear Then said the King I charge thee to forbeare To speak such words thou base man hast no placâ— Be silent lest they smite thee on the face Well said the Prophet at thy commandemeâ— I shall forbeare and shall remaine silent For now I know the great God Eternell
Omri wicked more and more Did worse then all the Kings that were before When he was once advanced to be King â—o him it seem'd to be but a light thing â—o walk in Jeroboams wicked way â—ut also he would farther go astray Ethbals daughter who was of Zidon King â—aine Jezabel for wife he did home bring â—ith her vile gods forsakeing th' Eternall â—e like a beast went and did serve Baal â—e made a grove he GOD provoked more â—hen all the Kings of Isra'l did before In his dayes Hiel building Jericho â—aid ground and gates with much sorrow and woe On Abiram the first borne and Segub The ground and gates a great judgement did rub When Ahab was lying in wickednesse God sent Elijah to preach great distresse â—gainst the land This said he from the Lord No dew no raine according to my word These yeers shall be Then God said to this man Goe hide thy selfe at Cherith neere Jordan â—hou of the Brooke shalt drinke vvaters most fresh 〈◊〉 Ravens ordain'd have to feede thee with flesh And so he went and so the Ravens did bring Both bread and flesh at morne and al 's evening A little after the brook was dri'd up So that Elijah could not drink or sup Then came to him a word from th' Eternel To Zarephath of Zidon goe and dwell Obey my word which is not false or vaine A widow there shall surely thee maintaine So he arose to Zerephath to go When he was come Elijah found all so As God had said Behold a poor widow Gath'ring some sticks with much grief and row To her he said fetch me a drink I pray Of water with some bread without delay As GOD lives said she I have not a cakâ— But an handfull of meale which I must take With oyle in cruse and with sticks speedilie It dresse and with my son it eat and die Then to that widow good Elijah said Take courage now thou needst not be afraide But see that first for me thou dresse a cake And after for thee and for thy son make For thus saith the Lord God of Israel The poore handfull of meal in thy Barrell Shall not be spent nor yet the cruse of oyle Shall faile till raine hath made a fertile soilâ— Then she in hast prepar'd for Elijah Both cake and oyle as the word from Jovah Had said both meal and oyle did last alwayes â—hereof these three persons eat many dayes After these things this womans son fell sick â—ll breath was past then she began to seek â—lijahs help what I to doe with thee â—ave man of GOD said shee that thou from me â—y son should take and for a sore vengeance â—hould call my sin now to remembrance â—ive me thy son to the widow said he â—rom her bosome unto a loft quicklie â—e cari'd him and as the sprit him led â—e laid that child softly on his owne bed â—nto the LORD he cri'd what hast thou done â—las O LORD why hast thou slaine her son â—hen this was said upon the child times three 〈◊〉 stretch'd himselfe and cried mightily 〈◊〉 to the LORD O LORD I humbly pray â—store the soule unto this childe the day The Lord from hearing then could not refraine â—t sent the childs soul into him againe â—en Elijah the living child brought low â—om the high loft and to the poore widow â—stor'd her son who said to Elijah â—w do I know that thou art from Jovah â—d that the word of the LORD in thy lips â—rueth unfained withou lies or slips It came to passe then after many dayes GOD to Elijah walking in GODS wayes Came thus and said now go to Ahab King For I now raine upon the Earth will bring When GOD these words spake unto Elijah A sore famine was in Samaria In this famine by drougth Ahab the King With Obadiah for their beasts saving Went through the land seeking brook and foâ—taine For with water the poor beasts life maintaine Ahab this way but Obadiah tooke Another way to seek fountaine and brook As Obadiah walked in the way Behold Elijah who met him that day When he him knew he fell upon his face And said art thou Elijah By GODS grace I am said he go and to Ahab tell Elijah is heer from the Eternell Alas said he what have I done this day That now for thee King Ahab should me slay There is no Kingdome there is no countrey Whether my LORD hath not sent to seeke tâ— And when they answred that thou wast 〈◊〉 heer He tooke an oath and deeply made them swâ— That they thee found not now thou say'st go tell Ahab my LORD the great King of Israel Behold Elijah is come here surelie But oh Alas assoone as I from thee Am gone Gods sprite vvill carry thee avvay And then in rage King Ahab vvill me slay I speake the trueth no lie is in my mouth I thy servant fear the Lord from my youth Was it not told thee hovv from Jezabel I hid the Prophets of the Eternel With bread and vvater their life I did save An hundred men by fiftie in a cave And novv thou say'st goe to Ahab and tell Elijah is heere from the Eternel No said Elijah as God lives I say To Ahab I will shew my self this day As soone as King Ahab saw Elijah With great contempt he said to him Aha Art thou the man that troublest Israel Not I said he but thou vvho th' Eternell Hast novv forsaken vvith thy fathers house To follovv Baal in a vvicked course Therefore novv send and unto mount Carmel Gather to me the men of Israel The false Prophets eight hundred and fiftie See that they al 's unto me gath'red be Then Ahab sent unto all Israel And gathred all these Prophets to Carmel Then by the people Elijah well seene Said how long two opinions betweene Thus will ye halt If GOD be GOD allow Him for to serve if not Baal follow When hee these wordes spake with great coâ—â—â—dence Among the people there was deep silence Elijah said Gods cause I will maintaine For the LORD here I only one remaine But Baals Prophets a great number be Heere they are foure hundred men and fiftie Give two bullocks the true GOD to enquire Let him be GOD who shall answere by fire When the people that saying understood All with one voice they said the word is gooâ— Then Elijah to these Prophets did say Chuse an bullock and dresse it first this day For ye be many begin to enquire If your god can-now aswere you by fire Then they did take and there dresse a Bulloâ— They cri'd aloud and on their breast did knocâ— From morne to evening they did not forbeare To cry Baal but Baal could not heare No voice was heard nor any answere made On the Altar they leapt as they were madde At noone Elijah them began to mocke Now cry aloud now your breasts dump and knock He is a god either he is talking â—r he his foes fiercely is pursueing
liveth what unto me Jovah 〈◊〉 his good Sprite at this time shall reveale â—hat from King Ahab I shall not conceale When he was come the King said so and so Micajah tell if we to Battell go â—all against Ramoth or shall we forbeare â—hat is thy minde Let me an answere heare Go and prosper said Micajah in scorne â—od in thine hand shall that people forlorne â—eliver now speake trueth I thee adjure â—id Ahab for I cannot scorne endure â—hen said Micajah the trueth I will tell â—pon the hills I saw all Israel As wandring sheepe that have not a sheepheard â—hen this I saw then the Lord to me said â—hese have no master this is mine advice â—hat every man goe to his house in peace â—ehold said Ahab to Josaphat King â—id I not rightly conjecture this thing â—hat this Micajah in his prophecie â—ould say no good in what concerneth me â—hen said Micajah heare now thou therefore 〈◊〉 the Lords Prophet yet will tell thee more 〈◊〉 saw the Lord sitting upon his Throne Before him there all heav'ns host came anone Then said the Lord who best among you all Can move Ahab for to goe up and fall At Ramoth One said this another that At last came foorth a spirit a reprobate Who stood before the mightie Lord and saiâ— I take in hand that I shall him perswade Then said the Lord unto that Spirit wherewiâ— With many lyes said he I will goe foorth And him deceive Goe foorth said GOâ— doe so Thou shalt perswade him and prevaile also But Zedekiah Son of Chenaanah Went neere and smote the cheeke of Micajah Which way said he the Sprite of God from me A Prophet went for to speake unto thee Then said Micajah for thy boast and pride The day shall come that thou thy selfe shalt hiâ— In inner chambers close Then said the King Take this Micajah and soone do this thing Put this fellow into some vile prison And feede him with bread of affliction And water al 's untill I come in peace From the Battell This well me now do please Said Micajah for if thou come safelie Frâ—m that Battell the Lord hath not by me â—ken at all This is most sure I tell â—rken O people and consider well â—o the King Ahab and Josaphat both â—th their great Armie went up to Ramoth â—n Ahab King resolved by advise â—he Battell he did him selfe disguise 〈◊〉 he had said unto Josaphat King 〈◊〉 on thy robes in time of the fighting â—he King of Syria had his thirtie two â—taines commanded saying so and so 〈◊〉 that ye fight neither with great nor small â—e onely with the King of Israel When the Captaines Josaphats rich clothing 〈◊〉 see they thought he had been Isra'ls King â—n they aside turned with all their might â—inst Josaphat with forces to fight â—hen King Josaphat with a mighty shout â—ong his foes in danger cried out â—en the Captaines in that bloody Battell 〈◊〉 that he was not the King of Isra'l â—y turned back and quickly went him fro â—eek Ahab who was their cheefest foe â—hen at a venture a man drew a bow 〈◊〉 hurt Ahab with a deadly arrow â—n said Ahab to him who his coch drave 〈◊〉 wounded if thou my life can save Delay no more with diligence make hast And carry me aside out of the host So Ahab died and in Samaria Was buried as the Prophet Micajah Before had told who it well understood They wash'd the coch the dogges did lick blood The Use Let Kings heer learne to shun ill company A Jezebel stain'd with idolatry Let Kings heere learne GODS Lawes foâ— regard Ahab did losse his Crowne for a vineyearâ— Let Kings heere learne GODS Micajah heare And not to base Placebos to give eare 8. AHAZIAH The possession of GOD. THis wicked son after Ahab was dead In wickednesse did unto him succeed He like his father did worship Baal And so provok'd the great God Eternal A few dayes after a great greif befell â—ng Ahaziah through a lattesse fell â—om an high chamber whereby he made sick â—om Ba'lzebub his life and health did seeke Then an Angel sent from the great Jovah â—id to his Prophet faithfull Elijah â—ise go up and the Kings servants meet â—d say unto them in these words most meet 〈◊〉 it not because that in all Isra'l â—ere is no GOD that thou go'st to Baal â—w therefore heare that which the LORD hath said â—ou shalt not therefore come downe from thy bed â—hen this message Elijah had imparted 〈◊〉 went his way and from these men departed Then messengers unto the King came back â—ho said unto them why are ye so slack 〈◊〉 to returne from the way I you sent â—om Ba'lzebub who onely can content 〈◊〉 troubled heart Then answer'd they the King 〈◊〉 man us met who sent us back saying 〈◊〉 tell your Prince who hath you foolishlie â—t to idoles wherein is no safetie â—it not because that in all Isra'l There is no God that thou go'st to Baal Now therefore heare what the Lord God 〈◊〉 said Thou shalt not therefore come downe from 〈◊〉 bed What man was he that came you up to meeâ— Said Ahaziah both troubled and sick He was said they a man old and hoary Who bade us turne and no longer tarry This hoary man who did us thus enjoine A leather girdle had about his loines The man that is clothed with that habite Is most surely Elijah the Tishbite Then did the King a Captaine of fiftie Send unto him sitting on an hill hie They said Thus saith the man that beares crowne Thou man of GOD see that thou soone câ— downe Elijah said if man of God I be Let fire come downe and thee and thy fiftie Consume and slay with these wordes fell fire Which did as good Elijah did desire Againe the King a Captaine with fiftie Sent to Elijah commanding quicklie â—r to come downe as had been said before â—ese words they spake to fright him more and more â—ey said Thus saith the man that beares the Crovvne â—ou man of GOD see that thou soone come dovvne Elijah said if man of God I be â—t fire comedowne and thee and thy fiftie â—nsume and slay with these words fell a fire â—hich did as good Elijah did desire He sent againe a Captaine of fifty â—ho came and at Elijahs feet humbly â—d supplicat that he his favour might â—nd that his life might be deare in his sight Then said th' Angel Elijah now go downe â—are not the face of him that beares the Crown â—en he arose and went unto the King â—nd said This is the mighty Lords saying 〈◊〉 as much as thou to Baalzebub â—st sent a disgrace on the LORD to rub â—erefore I tell thee what GOD unto me â—th said in wrath is it not certainly â—it not because that in all Isra'l â—ere is no GOD that thou unto Baal â—uld send Therefore from thy bed certainly Thou shalt not come downe but shalt surely Thus after two yeers that