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 thâ—n 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
this was said their was a skirmish rude By the two armies made in Ephraim wood Like a great wind boistrous with stormy puff Men fought in spight with mutuall counterbuff That day Joab with Judahs brave children Of Isra'l slew downe twentie thousand men The people was sore scatt'red in the wood Which did devoure more people then the sword There Absalom a Rebell and a Foole Among the rest was riding on a Mule By his long haire a branch caught him that day There he did hing when the Mule went away Then Joab with his three darts came anone And thurst them through the heaâ—t of Absalom Then Cushi came and cri'd Tidings O King To the great God now praises may thou sing The LORD of Hoasts in Battell most mightie Of all thy foes hath now avenged thee Then David troubled said unto Cushi Is Absalom the young man in safetie Then Cushi said Let all thy foes indeed Be like Absalom who is surely dead When David heard this wounded was his heart From sight of men quickly he did depart To an high chamber for to mourne alone The tragick death of his deare Absolon His sorrow such was in his wounded heart That forc'd he was to weep and go apart With teares of grief doubling My son my son He wish'd his owne death had sav'd Absalon For Davids murder and adulterie Shebah arose who was son Bichri A Benjamite he with sterne countenance Most proudly said Now what inheritance Have we in David Let us make a rent Let every man returne unto his tent So Isra'l did with this son of Bichri But Judah clave to David heartily Then David said to valiant Amasa Assemble me the brave men of Judah Then he went out Captaine of that armie Jaob him met with heart full of envie Cov'red with smiles his right hand made a wound Which all his bowels shed out to the ground Then Amasa in mids of the high way Bath'd in his blood did thus wallow that day This done Joab pursued speedily After Shebah who was son of Bichri When Joab came to the city Abel This Shebahs head was throwne downe from the wall When these of Abel had perform'd this thing Joab in haste returned to the King When all his foes were round about supprest To sing to GOD due praises he thought best Yet once againe Gods wrath ' gainst Israel In Davids time upon this people fell He stirr'd by Satan would know in his pride How many men in his land did abide To Joab he gave this direction Who liked not the Kings commission But yet obey'd the Kings word did prevaile Therefore he went and numbred Israel In Isra'l were eight hundred thousand men Five hundred thousand Judah their brethren In number were Of all as saith Gods word Were thirteene hundred thousand that drew sword When this was done then Davids heart him smot Gods wrath therefore was shortly kindled hot Alas O Lord said he now pitie me For I confesse I have done foolishly When David did arise in the morning The prophet Gad this word to him did bring Advise and chuse one of these judgements three If seven yeeres of famine shall trouble thee Or if thou wilt three moneths chuse and take Before thy foes to flee and turne the back Or if thou wilt have this great patience Three dayes to hazard on the pestilence When David saw the Lords wrath thus appeare Hee said to Gad I am in a great feare Yet in Gods hand I pray thee let me fall For his mercies are over his works all Then JEHOVAH in wrath to strike began And kill'd of Isra'l seventy thousand men To Jerusalem then the Angel went With sword in hand but God he did repent Him of the evill Th' Angel he did command To sheath his sword and so to stay hâ—s hand Then Gad from God to David thus did say Reare up an Altar to the Lord this day Let this Altar be set for JEHOVAH Where is the treshing floore of Araunah Then David as JEHOVAH did command Did buy the floore and in Araunahs hand He laid thirty shekels silver for price And there to God offred his sacrifice When this was done and David was wax'd old Absaloms brother ADONIjAH bold Helped by JOAB and ABIATHAR In his great pride made a most fearefull jarre A goodly man he was and faire in face But proud in Sprit a man of litle grace David him spilt he would not him displease Him to reprove at all times he did cease Puft up by Joab in vaine aspâ—ring He thought no more but surely to be King After David these three Nathan Zadok Benaiah for Solomon undertooke With Bathshebah David without delay Declard who should Israels Scepter sway After his death The man who shall alone Said he be King is my son Solomon When time drew nigh that good David should die He Solomon charged most carefully I go said he the way of all the earth I must shortly walk in the path of death Be strong therefore and shew thy self a man And keep the charge of the Lord as thou can Walk in his wayes keep his commandements His testimonies and al 's his judgements So shalt thou prosper both by sea and land All shall go well that thou shalt take in hand Remember well how Joab greeved me When he slew Abner with great treacherie And Amasa and how the blood of war He shed in peace when no cause was of jar And how he put the blood of Abner sweet In the vile shooes that were upon his feet I know thou canst thy self wisely behave Let not his hoare-head in peace go to grave Unto Barzillais sons shew great kindnesse For they were kind to me in my distresse Behold with thee the cursed Shimei Who curst me sore in my calamitie To him humbled I sware by the great Lord I will not put thee to death with the sword Because he was so fierce in my distresse Therefore take heede thou hold him not guiltlesse I know thou canst thy self wisely behave His hoary-head with blood bring to the grave So David with his fathers sleept softly And after buri'd was in his city The Use By David learne what after sin remaines The fruits of sin are sorrowes and great paines By David learne if thou hast gone astray To turne to God and walk in the right way By David learne to teach your children deare How in their time they should live in GODS feare Too many speak of Davids filthie fall To shroud their sins and so to make them small Too many to their vile lusts licence give As though to rot were the way to revieve But few there be that weigh well in their heart How greatly David for his sins did smart SOLOMON Peaceable who is at peace with all men GODS Sprit begins to move my pen anone To draw some lines concerning Solomon A worthy man most excellent in fame At home abroad from peace he had his name Good Nathan sent from the great JEHOVAH Changed
in heart commandments good receive well one and all who is in his foolish talk â— prating fool shall fall He that walks upright walks surely not to be overthrown But he that doth pervert his wayes shall to his shame be known 10 He that so winketh with the eye doth sorrow cause and grief But he that is a prating foole shall fall into mischief 11 The mouth of him that righteous is is a faire well of life But violence cov'reth the mouth of all men given to strife 12 Hatred which is a bitter root doth strife stir up and move But on the other part all sins are cov'red well with love 13 In the lips of the man that 's wise wisdome doth still abide But rods are for his back that is of understanding voide 14 Wise men knowledge lay up with care which unto them is dear But the mouth of the foolish is unto destruction neer 15. The rich mans wealth which doth aboâ— is his most strong citie And the destruction of the poor is their own povertie 16 The labour of the righteous man to life attaines in end But the fruit of the wicked sort to sin doth alwayes tend 17 He that doth keep instruction good of life is in the way But he that doth refuse reproof doth erre and go astray 18 He that with vaine and lying lips his hatred evill doth hide And he that utt'reth slanders false in folly doth abide 19 In many words there wanteth not great sin that doth arise â—ut he that can his lips refraine may well be called wise 20 The just mans tongue like silver choice is when it cometh foorth â—ut the heart of a wicked man is sure of little worth 21 The prudent lips of righteous men as ye may clearly see â—oe many feed but wicked fooles for want of wisdome die 22 Gods blessing maketh surely rich of nothing he hath neede With it no sorrow he at all or grief doth adde indeed 23 Unto a fool to do mischief it is but thought a sport But a well understanding man hath wisdome to exhort 24 The wickeds fear shall come on him swift as a glaunce of fire But surely well shall granted be the righteous mans desire 25 The wicked like a whirle-winde is which soone doth passe away But the man that is righteous still is founded sure alway 26 As vineger is to the teeth and smoak unto the eye So is the sluggard unto them whose messenger is he 27 The fear of GOD it doth prolong the good mans happy dayes But of the wicked man the yeers shall shortned be alwayes 28 The hope of righteous men shall be both joy and gladnesse all But ill mens expectation sure shall perish great and small 29 The way of GOD is strength unto the upright man surely But for them shall destruction be that work iniquity 30 The righteous man shall never be removed with disgrace But wicked men upon the earth shall have no dwelling place 31 The mouth of just men wisdome doth bring foorth without all doubt But of the froward man the tongue at last shall be cut out 32 The lips of him that righteous is know what is fit to say But of the wicked folk the mouth speaks frowardnesse alway Chap. 11 TO GOD abomination is a ballance false and sleight But a just weight it is alwayes at all times his delight 2 When pride doth come with lofty looks then shame comes by its side But wisdome with the lowly still doth constantly abide 3 The upright mens integritie shall them guide with great joy But the perversnesse of the bad shall surely them destroy 4 Great riches do not profit much in stormy dayes of wrath But righteousnesse the godly man deliv'reth sure from death 6 The perfect man directed is ev'n by his righteousnesse But transgressours shall taken be in their owne naughtinesse 7 When by death is a wicked man removed far away His expectation perish shall his hope shall all decay 8 The righteous man deliv'red is from trouble and from dread And the perverse for all his wiles shall come into his stead 9 An hypocrite with his vile mouth his neighbour doth destroy But through knowledge the just man shall deliv'red be with joy 10 When it goth well with righteous men the city shall rejoice And when the wicked perish then there is a shouting voice 11 By blessings of the Upright man the city is well known â—o be extold by wicked mouths it quite is overthrown 12 A man that is of wisdome voide his neighbour doth despise â—ut he his peace doth hold that is of understanding wise 13 A tale-bearer that breadeth strife mens secrets doth reveale â—ut he that 's of a faithfull sprit the matter can conceale 14 Where no counsell is to be found the people poor do fall â—ut where good counsellers abound their safety is for all 15 Who for a stranger surety is shall surely for it smart â—â—d he is sure that suretyship doth heat with all his heart 16 A gracious woman that is wise retaineth honour sure â—nd strong men also richesse get which long time do endure 17 The man that 's mercifull with good his own soul doth refresh But he that cruell is alwayes doth trouble his own flesh 18 The wicked work deceitfull works but he that doth regard To sow the seed of righteousnesse shall get a sure reward 19 As righteousnesse doth tend to life so he that under wrath Pursueth evill pursueth it even unto his own death 20 A froward heart the LORD abhors but such as are upright In all their wayes before his face are surely his delight 21 Though hand in hand joine wicked men shall not go well away But the seed of the righteous shall deliv'red be alway 22 As of fine gold a jewell fair is in a vile swines snout So is a woman fair which is discretion all without 23 The desire of these that do walk into the righteous path Is good but th' expectation all of wicked men is wrath 24 Some scatter and do yet increase some more then 's meet withhold But it doth tend to poverty as well men may behold 25 The lib'rall soul shall be made fat where ever it shall go And he that watt'reth well shall be watt'red himself also 26 He that for gaine withholdeth corne the people curse him shall But blessing shall be on the head of him that doth it sell 27 He that seeks good procureth still much favour with wisedome But he that seeketh a mischief unto him shall it come 28 He that doth in his riches trust shall get a fearfull fall But righteous men even as a branch with beautie flourish shall 29 He that his owne house troubleth still inherit shall the wind The fool a servant to the wise himself shall surely bind 30 The fruit of righteous men is good who can it well despise It is a tree of life and he that winneth souls is wise 31 Behold the righteous in the earth shall get a
seven times doth fall and riseth up againe But wicked men shall in mischeef both fall and there remaine 17 Rejoice not when thine enemie fierce in miserie doth fall And let not when he stumbleth downe thine heart be glad at all 18 Lest that it sore displease the Lord when he such things shall see And from him turne away his wrath to bring it upon thee 19 Because ill men advanced are thy self in no way fret Nor yet be thou envious at the wicked mans estate 20 For to the ill man no reward there shall be round about The candle of the wicked shall in darknesse be put out 21 My son the Lord fear and the King both mighty in revenge And see thou meddle not with them that still are given to change 22 For their fearfull calamitie most suddenly shall rise And who the ruine of them both to know shall be so wise 23 These things also belong unto the wise well understood To have respect of persons it in judgement is not good 24 He that unto the wicked saith thou art a righteous seede The people him and nations shall curse and abhorre indeede 25 But unto them that him rebuke shall surely be delight And a good blessing al 's shall come upon them day and night 26 Each good man sure shall kisse the lips with honour and respect Of him that answeres wisely can aright in wordes direct 27 Thy worke without prepare and make it for thee in the field And afterwards when that is done thine house right wisely build 28 Against thy neighbour without cause see thou no witnesse be With lying lips let none at all deceived be by thee 29 Say not I will do unto him as he hath done to me Surely according to his worke it shall now rendred be 30 By the bare field of slouthfull men I with attention went And by the vineyard of the man that is voide of judgement 31 And lo all was growne ov'r with thornes and nettles had the face Thereof cov'red and the stone wall was down in every place 32 Then I saw and considered well it as I did perceive And did look on it and also instruction did receive 33 A little sleep and slumber al 's the sluggard well can say A little folding of the hands to sleep while it is day So thy most fearfull poverty shall come do what thou can As one that travails and thy want as doth an armed man Chap. 25. THese also are the Proverbs of wise Solomon surely Which good King Hezekiahs men did copie carefully 2 It is the glory of the Lord things secret to conceale But a Kings honour is to search and matters to reveale 3 Great is the deepnesse of the earth and so the height of heaven The heart profound of Kings is al 's unsearchable to men 4 From the fine silver take away the dirtie drosse and rude And for the finer shall come foorth a vessell pure and good 5 From before the King take away men given to wickednesse And most surely his throne shall be stablish'd in righteousnesse 6 In a Kings presence put not foorth thy self most foolishly And likewise stand not in the place of these that great men be 7 For it is better that men say come to a higher place Then in the Princes presence to be put downe with disgrace 8 Goe not foorth hastily to strive lest in the end with blame Thou know not what to do when thee thy neighbour puts to shame 9 With thy neighbour debate thy cause as fitting is and meet And unto any other man reveale not a secret 10 Lest he that heareth it thee put to shame without delay And so thy shamefull infamie turne not from thee away 11 In season good a speach discreet that spoken is fitlie Like apples is of gold that in pictures of silver be 12 As gold earerings and ornaments of gold most fine and dear Even so is a reprover wise on an obedient eare 13 As cold snow in the heat of harv'st is to the reapers flesh So doth a faithfull messenger his masters soul refresh 14 Who of a false gift so doth boast as one both proud and vaine Is like unto the clouds and wind that void are of all raine 15 By long forbearing is a Prince perswaded and anone A soft tongue al 's with meeknesse great doth wisely break the bone 16 Hast thou found honie eat enough but let the rest remaine Lest thou therewith be filled much and vomit it againe 17 See that thou from thy neighbours house withdraw thy foot swiftly Lest of thee weary at the last he hate thy company 18 A man that beareth witnesse false against his neighboure dear Is like a hammer and a sword an arrow or a speare 19 To trust in trouble in a man not faithfull in each point â—s like a broken tooth in jaw and a foot out of joint 20 As one in cold takes cloths away as vineger among The nitre so is he that sings to heavy hearts a song 21 If hungry be thy fo him give of thy bread for to eat And give him if he thirstie be for drink water most sweet 22 For thou upon his head shall heap the coales of burning fire And the Lord God shall thee reward even to thine hearts desire 23 The north wind with a mighty gale doth drive away the raine So doth an angrie countenance backbiting tongues restraine 24 It better is in corners high of house tops to abide Then with a woman brawling still in a house that is wide 25 As cold waters do much refresh a thirsty soul so are Good newes which unto men alwayes come from a countrey far 26 A righteous man that falleth down before the wicked traine Is as a corrupt filthy spring and a troubled fountaine 27 It is not good for health of men much hony for to eat So al 's their own glory to search for men it is not meet 28 He that is weak and hath not ov'r his own sprite rule at all Is like a city broken down that is without a wall Chap. 26. AS snow in summer and as raine is in a harvest day So great honour for foolish men not seemely is alway 2 As birds and swallowes flie away but not returne againe So the curse causelesse shall not come on such for to remaine 3 A whip for horse and for the asse which is both slow and slack 〈◊〉 bridle and a rod prepar'd is still for the fooles back According to his foly not answere a fool at all â—st thou also be like to him and so in foly fall According to the foly of fooles answere thou likewise â—st he puft up in his conceit him self think to be wise He that a message to direct by a fooles hand doth think like one that cuts off his feet and so doth dammage drink The men that in their legs are lame can not go equally â— is a parable in the mouth of such as foolish be As he that not
THE GARDEN OF ZION Wherein the life and death of godly and wicked men in Scriptures are to be seene from Adam unto the last of the Kings of Judah and Israel with the good uses of their life and death In this Garden consider and take heed The fragrant flower growes hard beside the weed A precept for the right use of this Booke â—ove these who have their race in Gods fear runne â—t rogues as rockes in sea see that thou shunne Printed at GLASGOW by George Anderson 1644. TO THE HIGH AND MIGHTY MONARCH OUR DEAR AND DREAD SOVERAIGNE CHARLES By the Grace of GOD King of great Britaine France and Ireland Defender of the Faith all Peace and Happinesse Most gracious Soveraigne YOur MAJESTIES so loving acceptance of my former workes presented to You the day before Your corronation emboldens me againe to intreat for Your Patronage countenance and gracious aspect towards this little piece of poesie full of most fruitfull matter In it Ye may clearely see the lives of most remarkable men in Scripture and with them the lives of all the Kings of Judah and of Israel with the uses which wee should make either of their life or death Note Such things are needfull to bee considered by all men but chiefly by Kings whose actions for the most part whether good or bad are put in Chronicles the Registers of time ad futuram rei memoriam Where after ages beholding what hath been done in such and such a Kings reigne will freely without fear give out their verdict concerning either their vertues or their vices so that while the memorie of the just shall be blessed Prov. 10.7 the name of the wicked shall rot But mens sayings are of little moment the God above with whom is no respect of persons will one day before the eyes of all the world Act. 10.34 in a most open view let it be seene what every man hath done in his life before his judgement seat all flesh that day must compeare In all the lives of the Kings of Judah and Israel observe that the sinne of Idolatrie provocked GOD most The basest idole of the world is the Idole of the Masse a god of dowe Ezek. 22 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which goeth to the draught The Hebrews call idols Gilloulim that is muck or doung Beware of that new god of bread Dij stercores for if it get place in Your Majesties Dominions Yee need never looke for a sound and solide peace according to that saying of Deborah They choose new gods Judg. 5.8 then war was in their gates the Ark and Dagon will not faile to fight Consider well these words and make use of them for Your good as Yee would wish to have the Lords blessing upon Your government O whence hath come such a fearfull blood-shed in all Your three Kingdomes Whence is all this bloody war the maine cause is the new Goâ— the idol of the Masse set up in Chappell 1 Kings 11.7 hard beside Gods Temple like that high place which Solomoâ— builded for Chemos the abomination of Moab in the hill that waâ— before Jerusalem directly forâ— against Gods house which hee haâ— builded for which doing afterwarâ— the Lord made a rent in his Kingdome whereof his posteritie got thâ— least part O happie shall Your Majestie bee if with good King Josiah Yee reneâ— the Covenant of the Lord in all youâ— Dominions and put away the idolatrous Priests and take avvay all thâ— high places vvith all the monumentâ— of idolatrie that so all your Dominions may be pleasant and fruitfull like the mount of Olives vvhich for idolatrie lost its name 2 Kings 23.13 and vvaâ— called the Mount of Corruption O vvhat a contentment to GOD vvho made you a King O vvhat a comfort to all your good subjects O vvhat a good and vvhat a glory to your self that it bee said in all ages following that King CHARLES like a pearle in a ring hath beene a blessed Josiah among all the Kings of Britaine Novv the Lord God of Gods blesse your Majestie and make You a Defender of the Faith as well in trueth as in title that in the great day of the LORD vvith David Jehoshaphat Hezekiah Josiah and other gracious Kings yee may stand before the Son of man that great King vvho hath vvritten on his thigh The King of kings Rev. 19.17 and Lord of lords From GLASGOW the 28 of MAY 1644. Your MAIESTIES most humble subject and servant M. ZACH BOYD. TO THE HIGH AND MIGHTY PRINCE CHARLES Prince of Walles GOD who hath made your Highnesse a Prince shall by his grace as we hope one day make you a king yea and more which shall be like a rich Diamond on the top of your crowne A DEFENDER of the Faith It is now time for you to begin to be busie to learne to stirre the rudder before Yee be made a pilot to undertake the great charge even the government of three kingdomes For this great worthy and weighty worke Yee have great need to be wise but so it is Prov. 1.7 that the feare of the LORD is the beginning of wisedome All other wisedome without this is but follie It was a good saying that King David said to Prince Solomon his sonne If thou seeke him 1 Chro. 28.9 he will be found of thee but if thou forsake him he will cast thee off for ever The best way to learne your Princely Lessons to consider well the life and death of kiâ— who have ruled among Gods people whâ— vertues and vices are set downe by Gâ— own pen to be followed or else to avoided For such ends I have penned this poeâ— of most mens lives in Scripture with 〈◊〉 best uses I have beene able to make thâ— of which heere I dedicate to your Hâ—nesse in all humilitie as being my Mâ—mite Accept of this little with my blâ—sing an old Servant of GOD nâ— drawing neere my threescore From GLASGOW the 28 of MAY 1644. Your Highnesse mâ—â—â— humble Servant Mr. ZACH. BOYD. A WATCHWORD TO THE GENERALL ASSEMBLIE Right Reverend OUr Schooles and Countrey are stained yea pestered with idle Bookes your children are fed on fables love songs badry Ballads Heathen husks youths poyson It much concerneth you to see to this and carefully to banish out of the land all the names of the Pagan gods and goddesses which as God hath expreslie told us should not be taken in our lips Psal 16.4 These words of God in Exodus are very considerable Ezo 23.13 In all things that I have said to you bee circumspect 〈◊〉 make no mention of the names other gods neither let it be heâ— out of thy mouth Seeing this by God him self required it lyeth upon you to â—daine by the visitors of School that all these monuments of idâ—latrie be removed and that oâ— such Bookes have place that mâ— help children to know GOâ— and Christ his Son Iohn 17. which is 〈◊〉
twenty hours An hundred Sheep with Harts and fallow Deer Roe-buck and Foules for each day of the yeer Appointed were such was the Majesty Of Solomon who was wise and mighty He for Charets had fourtie thousand stalls Of Horses fair and as the Scripture tells Twelve thousand Horsemen skilfull and mighty Were for the glory of his Majesty In all his time the GOD of peace JOVAH Made peace from Dan even to Beershebah To him GOD gave with great largenesse of heart Much understanding in all sorts of art He was more wise then Ethan and Chalcol Then Heman Darda the sons of Mahol Of godly proverbs three thousand he spake A thousand and five songs were at their back Of trees he spake ev'n from the Cedars tall Unto the Hyssop that springs from the wall Of beasts of foules he spake of creeping things Of fishes al 's whose vertue profite brings To mortall men whose health and nourriture Depend much on the secrets of nature Then great Monarchs from all the earth did come To get from him some lessons of wisdome Then Hiram hearing Solomon made King From Tyre he sent men congratulating That Davids Son was set upon the throne Of Davids friends he was a speciall one Then Solomon to Hiram did declare How David could not in a time of warre Build for the Lord a house of Majestie Adorned with rarest things of beautie But now said he on every side is rest Therefore to build for God I think it best From thee Hiram the Cedar and the Fir Must now be had thy servants must now stir Their time and serve for none can skill to hew Timber like these of Sidon where they grew Then Hiram glad of Solomons designe Offred to do at his desire each thing My men said he these trees unto the sea Shall bring and my houshold furnish'd by thee With food shall be this shall be our bargaine Unto the end all things shall so remaine Then to Hiram he gave of victuall good Twentie thousand measures of wheat for food With twentie measures of oyle pure each year These two did make a league for peace and war When this was done wise Solomon did then Raise a levie of thirtie thousand men To Lebanon ten thousand were by course Sent each moneth to provide for Gods house To beare burdens threescore thousand and ten He had with these were fourscore thousand men Who on the mountains were for him hewers Besides other many cheefe officers Three thousand and three hundred did beare rule Over the rest who wrought with workmans tool They all busie each man wrought in his course To cut to hew to square to build Gods house The length thereof threescore the breadth twentie Were of cubits the height thereof thirtie All things before were so wisely prepar'd That in building no sound of toole was heard Then was that house with pomp and Majestie Adorned so that it was faire to see The Oracle spangled with golden sparres Was like the heav'n imboss'd with twinckliâ—â— starres For Gods presence it seem'd to be a shrine From end to end with glory it did shine The Ark was there of gold and shittim wood The Cherubins princely upon it stood This type of Heav'n with beauties manifold From top to ground was burnished with gold From end to to end from the base to seeling Seven yeers were spent in that painefull buildinâ— When all was finish'd Solomon that day Both bless'd the people and to God did pray Solomons Prayer O God the Lord who art most rich in grace Hearken all prayers made towards thâ— place If any man ' gainst his neighbour trespasse Then hear in heaven that justice may have place If by their foes Isra'l oppressed be Then heare in Heav'n and help them speedilie When heaven is shut up and there is no raine Then heare in Heaven a helper then remaine If thou shalt scourge with pest blasting mildew Then heare in heav'n when Isra'l to thee sue What ever plague be in thy peoples heart Then heare in Heaven and help them in their smart When poore sinners shall heere thee come unto Then heare in Heav'n frankly forgive and do If strangers come for heere to seeke thy grace Then heare in heav'n thy pleasant dwelling place If thy people heere ' gainst their foes compleane Then heare in heav'n and their good cause maintaine If sinners cry repenting from their heart Then heare in heav'n and ease them of their smart Thus Solomon this precious houre did spend â—n blessing praying so he made an end When this was done in the dedication Of Gods house he made a great oblation Of Oxen great twenty thousand and two An hundred thousand and twenty also Of sheep he offred at this great service Which was a great and royall sacrifice The Queene of Sheba hearing of his name Which through the earth was exalted with fame Came with great pomp hard questions to move That she thereby his great wisedome might prove But he all doubts that then were in her heart Resolv'd clearely before she did depart When she his glory did right well consider Her sprite within did faile her altogether When she reviv'd was from her wondring sowne She high extoll'd Solomons great wisedome Now doe I know said shee most perfectlie The truth of these things which I heard of thee I heard great things of thy most glorious name But thy presence doth far surpasse thy fame Most happy are thy men and most happy Are thy servants that may thee heare dayly Blessed be God the great God eternall Who hath thee made the Prince of Israel Then Shebas Queene before she tooke her leave To him rich stones spices with gold did give And he againe gave unto her richly Great things of worth most precious and coastly He was enrich'd with blessings manifold He made two hundred targets of fine gold Three hundred shields of beaten gold he made Which in his house of Lebanon were laide He also made a Throne of yvorie And ov'rlaid it with fine gold most richlie Six golden Lions on each side were set A Lion placed was at every step His drinking vessels were all of pure gold He was enrich'd with blessings manifold In wealth all Kings on earth he did surmount In his time silver was in no account Silver like stones Cedars like Sycomore Were base and vile yea so were more and more But oh alas what could this wise man move Women of Moab and Edom to love With Pharaohs daughter women of Ammon He had with Hittits women of Sidon Women also he had concerning such In mariage the Lord forbade to touch Seven hundred wives three hundred concubins He had for pleasure but oh by this meanes When he was old his wisedome did depart These wives from God did turne away his heart The true worship of God he did reject His heart was not like his fathers perfect As though he had not learned in Gods schoole With goddesses and gods he play'd the fool He serv d Ashtoreth
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
are still in righteousnesse No froward thing there is at all in them or yet perverse 9 They are all plaine to him that hath an understanding mind They are also all right to them that wisely knowledge find 10 Care not for silver but receive instruction manifold And carefully for knowledge seek more then the choisest gold 11 For wisedome Rubies is above and all the things most faire That may by men desired be can not with it compare 12 I wisedome with prudence alway do dwell most pleasantly And of inventions knowledge find that grave and wittie be 13 The feare of God is for to hate evill pride arrogancy And the evill way and froward mouth doe I hate all greatly 14. Counsell is mine and wisedome sound as men shall know at length I understanding am indeed I have no lake of strength 15 By me the mighty Kings do reigne who sit on benches hie And mighty Princes in their place do justice al 's decree 16 By me the Princes rule with might and Nobles by my grace Even all the Judges of the earth from me receive their place 17 I with my heart do love all these that have a love to me And these most surely shall me finde that earely seekers be 18 Continually I have with me both honour and richesse Yea riches dureable that are and also righteousnesse 19 My fruit is better then the gold yea then fine gold that glitter My rev'nue al 's is far above the fine and choicest silver 20 I all men that resort to me lead in the righteous way In the midst al 's of judgments paths that they go not astray 21 That I may cause all these that do me love and honour still Well to inherite wealth and I will all their treasures fill 22 The mighty Lord possessed me with mercies manifold In the beginning of his way before his works of old 23 From everlasting I set up was by his mighty hand From the beginning of all things or ever there was land 24 I was brought foorth when were no deepths even flowing on the ground When no fountaines there were which did with water great abound 25 Before the mountaines setled were before the hilles of worth Yea even from all eternitie I was indeed brought foorth 26 While as the earth and pleasant fields the Lord that 's wise and just Had not yet made nor highest part of all the worlds dust 27 When I prepar'd the heav'ns I was there in my holy place When he a compasse set upon the depths excellent face 28 When he established above the clouds as in a heap When he strengthned by his strong arme the fountaines of the deep 29 When to the sea he gave decree not for to passe a point His precepts when he of the earth the ground stone did appoint 30 Then I by him as one brought up with him was every day I his delight was and did joy before his face alway 31 Rejoiceing in these parts of earth which were indwelled then And my pleasure and cheefe delights were with the sonnes of men 32 Now therefore hearken unto me ye children young in dayes â—or they indeed most blessed are that wisely keep my wayes 33 Be wise and good instruction al 's be most glade for to hear And see that thou do not refuse unto it to give eare 34 Blest is the man that heareth me and watcheth at my gates â—nd of my doores waits at the posts as poor men in such seats 35 For who so findeth me doth find life which is greatest gaine â—nd he of the LORD GOD above much favour shall obtaine 36 But he that against me forlorne himself to sin doth move Much wrongs his owne soul yea all they that hate me death do love Chap. 9. VVIsedome her faire house builded hath which seemly is to see She hath hew'n out her pillars seven as ornaments to be 2 She killed hath the beast she hath mingled her costly wine She furnish'd hath her table rich with dainties good and fine 3 Her maidens that attend her she hath sent foorth by and by Upon the highest places of the citie she doth cry 4 Let simple men turne hither in and that without delay And as for him that wanteth wit she to him thus doth say 5 Come eat of my most blessed bread as I do you command And drink of the wine which I have well mingled with my hand 6 All these that foolish be forsake that happy so thou may Live a blest life and also goe in understandings way 7 He that reproves a scorner gets shame to himselfe and spot And he that wicked men rebukes doth get himself a blot 8 To shunne all hatred see that thou a scorner not reprove But a wise man rebuke and he will thee most surely love 9 Give to the wise instruction good and he will wiser be Teach a just man and he increase in learning will by thee 10 GODS fear is the beginning of wisdome that maketh wise The knowledge of the holy is ev'n wisedome sound alwayes 11 For thy dayes in great mercy shall be multipli'd by me â—nd the years of thy blessed life shall sure increased be 12 If thou be wise thou shalt be wise for thy selfe this now heare â—ut if thou scornest thou alone the smart thereof shalt beare 13 A woman that is clamorous and troubleth all the land â—e simple is and nothing knowes as she should understand 14 For at the doore she of her house sits idly on a seat the high places which are of the city large and great 15 To call the simple Passengers to make them go astray When for their worldly businesse they go right on their way 16 Who so is simple let him turn now hither for to sit And also she doth say to him that wanteth sprituall wit 17 The stoln waters of carnall lust are delicate and sweet And bread in secret corners are most pleasant for to eat 18 But he knows not that there the dead are though the Lord it tell And that her mad and foolish guests are in the depths of hell Chap. 10. A Wise son to his fathers heart doth cause joy and gladnesse But to his mother dear a fool brings grief and heavinesse 2 The treasures of great wickednesse no profite bring to man But righteousnesse deliv'reth sure from death that 's pale and wan 3 The Lord will not let good mens souls both famish and decay â—ut he the goods of wicked men in wrath doth cast away He that with a slack hand doth deale anone becometh poor â—t of the diligent the hand enricheth men most sure He that in Summer gathreth is a wise son worthy fame â—t he that sleeps in harv'st is sure a son that causeth shame Great blessings are upon the head of men without offence â—t the mouth of the wicked is cov'red with violence The memory of the just man who lives without a spot â—â—st blessed is but sure the name of wicked men shall rot The wise