his name unto Iedidiah To change this name the LORD did Nathan move To testifie that he the child did love When on his throne he was by good JOVAH Established to him came Bathshebah From Adonijah causer of much strife That he might have faire Abishag to wife Well well Solomon said I know that thing Aske also for him that he may be King Consider well and hearken what I say Adonijah surely shall die this day Benaiah come and hearken to my word Vaine Adonijah now kill with the sword To Abiathar the Priest said the King I will not now these stroaks upon thee bring Which thou deserves because thou had a part In troublous times of my deare fathers smart Thou with my foes against me was too stout Therefore thou shalt from thy place be thrust out To povertie thy race shall beggars be Thus was fulfil'd Gods word against Eli. When Ioab heard of all was past and done Unto Gods house in feare he fled right soone There as the practice of some had him taught Of Gods altars the hornes with hands he caught Then Benajah directed by the King Went unto him with these few words Saying Thus saith the King Thou Ioab thou must come foorth It is not seemly for a man of worth Unto the hornes of Altars for to flee No not said Ioab heere I minde to die Then Benajah brought the King word againe That Ioab would at the Altar still remaine Then said the King Go fall upon him fall For the two Captains famous in Israel Abner Amasa men of dignitie Did kill and boutcher by his treacherie Now let their blood returne upon his head But peace shall be on Davids house and seed Then Benaiah to Joab in distresse Came and him kill'd and in the wildernesse In his own house him buri'd In short space Captaine Benaiah was put in his place After because of Adonijah jarre Zadok was Priest in roome of Abiathar Then for Shimei the King in all haste sent And gave to him this strait commandement To build and dwell in faire Salem anone But if said he thou passe the brook Kidron To go abroad Let this be knowne to thee None shall thee save for thou shalt surely die Three yeers after he forgetting this charge Did seeke his servants with a licence large Hee past thee brook and the Kings charge forgot Therefore with death stout Benaiah him smot Remember now said the King to Shimei How thou my father revil'd bitterly Thy wickednesse shall come upon thine head But I and mine shall be blessed indeede After he thus had slaine these men of strife King Pharos daughter he took for his wife He loved God and with his heart him fear'd In Gibeon the Lord to him appear'd In dreame by night to him in great mercie The Lord said Aske what I shall do thee Then Solomon unto the Lord did say Great kindnesse hast thou showne to me this day Thou hast me chosen for Gods people King That I with wisedome may them rule and reigneâ— I am a child who am but to begin I know not how to go out or come in Of my desirs this is the cheefest part That thou would give an understanding heart To me thy servant by thy grace made glade Whereby I may discerne twixt good and bad When God this heard he rested well content He said unto him at this Parliament Thou hast not asked riches or long life Nor yet revenge against the men of strife Thy foes but hast desired a wise heart To rule my people well in ev'ry part Therefore both riches and honour to thee Will I now give with wisedome in plentie If thou godly will walk in Davids wayes In great mercy I will lengthen thy dayes By him in sleep these things were heard and seen When he awoke Behold it was a dreame Then came two harlots who before him stood Each one striving to make her cause seeme good Behold O King said one Wee two women In one house were deliv'red of children I bare a son after it came to passe Three dayes after that she delivered vvas Wee vvere in house as seem'd vvithout danger For in the house vvith us vvas no stranger Behold O King her childe dead in the night By her ov'rlaid then cunningly with flight She rose from bed and vvith great treacherie Came to my bed and stall my son from me Alas O King What heart can this abide For my sweet son this dead lump at my side She laid when I arose my son to feed With my two breasts behold he was cold dead Judge yee O King how great then was my smart When his cold lips did touch me neere the heart But when the light more clearely let me see I saw I was jugled with treacherie The dead child is hers but the living mine Thou the whole matter as Judge now define But Oh the other with tears in her eyes Said All she saith is full stuffed with lies Believe her not she hath a brasen brow She can right vvell false lyes as truth avow Let not thine heart incline to take her part Though in her speach she hath now the forestart A judge must know he hath an ear and ear That after one the other he may hear Alas O King the Lords vvisedome divine Doth clearly knovv the living son is mine The other said I am not such a beast Anothers childe to bring up on my breast If this my son vvere dead and hers living I vvould not of him novv make a changling His dry dead bones should dearer be to me Then her son living full of rare beautie While thus the two reason'd before the King The King did cry a sword now to me bring When it was brought the King said so and so With sword the living childe divide in two No man such doubts can now discusse by art Divide divide let each one have her part When this was said and ready to be done The mothers bowels yerned upon her son My Lord the King let not this sword now fall Upon my childe but to her give it all Not said th' other the judge must now define Let it be cut and so not mine nor thine Then said the King in words both wise and milde This is the mother give to her the childe When all Isra'l this wise judgement did hear Their hearts were mov'd King Solomon to fear This man was great and full of Majestie Great pleasure was his orders for to see Some were his Scribes and others were Recorders Some rul'd the Hoast some were his Priests by orders Some officers and some ov'r the tribute Were set and also some did distribute Some Officers twelve moneths in the yeer Twelve men did serve each man a month entire Provided for the King and his houshold The best victuals for uses manifold His house by day as Gods word doth reveale Spent fourescore ten measures of floure and meal Ten Oxen fat and twenty from Pastures Were for his house each foure and
frame Worthy the praise of good Jehoshaphat Whom good Asa King of Judah begat As in his name as Scriptures do record So in his life the judgement of the LORD Unto all men most clearly did appâ—are That man is wise whose heart the LORD doth feare This godly King did serve GOD in his dayes Because he walked fast in the first wayes Of David he to Baalim not sought But idols worship with great might downe brought He willing did what GOD did him command Therefore the Kingdome stable in his hand Was made by GOD then Judah to him brought Most rich presents which they had dearly bought His heart encourag'd was in the Lords way High places groves with zeal he took away When he was rich and in honour highly With Ahab he did joine affinitie With him to go to battell he was mov'd For which he was deservedly reprov'd By good Jehu the son of Hanani Who said to him Should'st thou help th' ungodlie VVhat didst thou meane to bee by thought or word In league or love with them that hate the Lord Consider well and now take heed and see For wrath from God is posting upon thee Thee to correct but not thee to confound Because in thee good things the Lord hath found The idole groves thou hast taken away Thy heart thou hast prepar d to seeke alway The mighty Lord in great sincerity Therefore the Lord vvill not depart from thee To the Judges he gave commandement To take good heed because in the judgement The Lord was with them Doe now what yee can Said he to them for yee judge not for man But for the Lord If him ye do rgard He shall not faile you richly to reward Judge uprightly beware of shifts and drifts Respect not persons reject bribs and gifts Which blind the eye but let Gods holy fear Be upon you that so yee may forbeare To doe like these who with Horse leaches sing To their clients these doubled words Bring bring This counsell that the Judges from him gat Was worthy of the name of Joshaphat Which signifies Gods judgement most clearly In my judgement by way of prophesie After this done with zeal behold anone Against Josaphat Moab and Ammon A multitude great from beyond the Sea In Hazazon-Tamar call'd Engedi Conveen'd to fight in a bloody Battell Against Josaphat who to th'Eternell Had his refuge while he was thus agast He sought the Lord and did proclame a fast Then all Judah with one heart did accord From all cities to go and seek the Lord Good Josaphat troubled with fear that day Before Judah thus to the Lord did say Art thou not God in heaven who rulest all Art thou not he who is God eternall Hast thou not strength and great might in thine hand Where are the forces that can thee withstand Art thou not God who didst before Isra'l Drive out thy foes by thine arme eternall And gav'st their lands from a most loving minde Vnto the seed of Abraham thy frind Thou art a Lord both strong and righteous Thou promised vvhen men unto thine house Should come to thee in great trouble and feare That vvith great speede thou vvould them help and heare And novv behold both Moab and Ammon VVith these of Seir minde thy Judah anone For to invade and their lands to make bare Though at thy vvill vve did them save and spare And novv O Lord consider and regard Hovv vvith despight as foes they us revvard Our forces faint Our foes are most mightie But this comforts Our eyes are upon thee Then Judah all with wives and children dear Before the Lord stood in a trembling fear Then on Jahaziel son of Zechariah A divine Sprite came downe from Jehovah Who said All Judah and Josaphat King Hear novv glade tidings vvhich I to you bring From great Jovah vvho said you neede 〈◊〉 feare For I for you shall fight in all this vvarre When King and people had these comforâ— found They bow'd their heads with face unto 〈◊〉 ground The Levites high their singing voice did raise They stood all up the living God to praise They rose up early in the morning light To go to battell in their armour bright Now as they went Josaphat stood and said Heare me O Judah now beleeve in God Beleeue so that no doubt make you once whisper Beleeve his Prophets so shall yee all prosper When this was said the singers with gladnesse Did praise the beautie of his holinesse Then God most mighty in Battell arose Who set ambushments round about his foes He made each one another for to slay The Lord himself the battell fought that day Gods arme it wrought and not fortune or hap â—ot one of all their armie did escape â—fter that God had given them thus the foile â—is people were enricht with their great spoile â—ost rare jewels among the dead that day â—hey found yea more then they could bear away When this was done with Trumpets and with Harps They came to Salem with great joy of hearts And thanked God the great God Eternell Who had strongly their foes foil'd in Battell Thus the realme was quiet without shout Of warre to them God gave rest round about But after this Josaphat did purloine In that he did with Ahaziah joine Who was a King perverse in Israel Even Ahabs Son hated of th' Eternall Who awlesse lawlesse ' gainst the Lord did rage With him he ships made for a long voyage To Tarshish But the Prophet Dodavah Came to Josaphat from the great JOVAH Because said he thou hast fal'n in such slips The LORD himself hath broken all thy ships When he began he was of age thirtie And five thereafter he reigned twentie And five Of all he lived yeeres threescore A Godly Prince who did Gods law restore The Use If Princes would have peace and foile thâ— foes Let them in feare to serve the Lord rejoice If Princes would enjoy prosperitie Let them abhorre all profane companie 5. JEHORAM High LORD HIgh LORD in name but base in cariage For he his brethren all slew in his rage In great mischief and strife he spent his life For he had Ahabs daughter to his wife Then came to him writings from Elijah Who was the Prophet of the great JOVAH Because said he with vile idolatrie Thou hast thy selfe defiled filthilie Because with furie rage and great disdaine Most cruelly thou hast thy brethren slaine Who in Gods wayes had their heart more perfitâ— Then thine therefore with sore plagues I wiâ— smite Both thee and thine A plague without all doubt â—hall from thy belly thy bowels thrust out â—ight yeeres hee did reigne then great plagues conspir'd â—is death he died but was by none desir'd The Use Take heed O Kings make not your men to grone If ye would have men your death to bemone â—hese who in lewdnesse both end and begin â—hall beare the scars of wounds made by their sinne 6. AHAZIAH Possession of God â—LL mothers Sonne son of the wicked
Eli clearely understood It is the Lord said he what seemes him good Now let him do against both me and mine Against his sentence I will not repine What SAMUEL said to ELI more or lesse Upon ELI it shortly came to passe Then it was showne clearly by th' Eternel That Samuel was for to judge Israel The proud Philistins in his time came out Against Isra'l he put them to the rout He cri'd to God and God by thunder heard The Philistins under their feet he troad To shew his thanks to tell what God had done In the same place he wisely set a stone A stone of help for to declare Gods fame Eben-Ezer in Hebrew was its name In his old age when he was full of dayes His bribing sons did not walk in his wayes Then all the people greeved with this thing Cri'd with one voice Now let us have a King For now Samuel is old and full of dayes His bribidg sons doe not walk in his wayes Then God directed SAMUEL how to say That Isra'l had rejected God that day Go to go to hearken unto their voice Give them a King according to their choice Be plaine with them and hide from them nâ— thing Shew them clearely the manner of the King To war to till to reape in every point Of hard service your sons he will appoint Of your daughters who walk with lofty lookâ— He will make Bakeâ—s and vile sluttish cooks Your fields and yards which are the most pleâ—sant He will take and give to his owne servants The tenth of your sheep and seed he will crave Your stout young men to his worke will hee have In all this bondage ye shall howl and say Alas but God shall not you hear that day But all this speach to them no change could bring No not said they but we will have a King As this people rebelliously would have A King so GOD a King unto them gave When this was done Samuel did testifie Before all ISRA'L his integritie Now I am old said he see my gray head I have been with you from my young childhood Now heere I am I gladly do accord Witnesse against me heere before the LORD Be plaine I pray you and now hide no thing For heere we are in presence of the King Whose Oxe whose Asse have I by wrong possessed By violence whom have I once oppressed What bribe tooke I therewith to blinde mine eye If it be so now let you testifie Then said they all as they well understood We know nothing in thee but what is good No man we know hath beene opprest by thee No bribe was able for to blinde thine eye God be witnesse said he and understand That now ye have not found ought in mine hand After this said he did them terrifie With fearfull thunders piercing through the skie The people then to him quakeing did say We have sinned to JOVAH for us pray Fear not said he but comfort to you take For his people the LORD will not forsake If ye cry to him he will hear your voice For he of you hath onely made his choice As for me I will not leave off to pray For you I will al 's teach you the good way Onely take heed and serve the Lord with fear So ye his goodnesse shall both see and hear But if ye carelesse do the wicked thing Ye shall be consum'd both ye and your king After SAMUEL though he was old and gray The proud King Agag in Gilgal did slay He was a man faithfull in every point Before his death two Kings he did anoint The Use Let Judges learne by Samuels historie To take good heed that no bribe blinde their eye THE GARDEN OF ZION The Kings SAUL Seeking THis Son of KIS from seeking hath his name His life with vice he stain'd his end with shame When he began his calling was but base Before his Crowne he sought his fathers Asse When at the first from the stuffe he came out Then the people with their voice made a shout The wordes they said in their lovely shouting Were that the Lord would safely keep the King About this time Nahash the Ammonite Against Jabesh made war with great despite Then Iabesh said Spare us and let us be A Covenant we will now make with thee But cruell Nahash burning in a rage By no fair words could his great wrath asswage No friends no friends said he now will we be Except we first now thrust out your right eye Seven dayes they sought an answere for to give They sent to Saul that he might them relieve Then Saul armed with companies out three Threw Ammon downe with a great victorie Saul by this valour was confirmed King Then all the people desir'd him to reigne When he was King even in his second yeere The Philistines with forces did appeare They of Charets strong thirtie thousand were Six thousand foot also prepar'd for war But Israel which was cause of great fear Disarmed was without both Sword and Spear The Philistines triumphing them above Did craftily from them all Smiths remove Yet for the Forks Axe Coulters Goads this while To sharpen them the Hebrews had a file When Saul this saw he greatly was afraid In caves and rocks the people did them hide Then Saul in fear not waiting on Samuel The seventh day off'red to GOD in Gilgal Then Samuel angry with his foolish haste Made both his eares to tingle with this blast Thou hast rebell'd thou hast done foolishlie Thy Kingdome no more shall abide with thee Then Jonathan went after secretly Between Bozez and Seneh two rocks hie To his servant he said Let us pursue God can us save by many or by few Before we go by this we will them try If while they see us they shall say Tary Then will we stand but if their words be so Come up to us untill them will we go They said Come up and that by way of mock WheÌ„ this was heard they both did climb the rock In that conflict with Philistins children Stout Jonathan did there slay twentie men Terrours from GOD his foes hearts made to shake All th' Hoast trembled the very earth did quake The LORD in armes glist'ring did fight that day He made his foes like snow to melt away The LORD of Hoasts by his great power and might Made these his foes one ' gainst another fight When th' Isralits of this mercy heard tell From holes and bores they rushed to Battell These who before for fear themselves did hide Stoutly their foes did beat both back and side They fought like Lions but anone a jar A fasting oath the victory did mar They durst not eat and therefore faint and few They could not throughly their strong foes pursue While Isra'l thus did faint for fault of meat Jonathan of a hony comb did eat Assoone as he had taste of that honie His sprite reviv'd enlightned was his eye What he did then it was by ignorance For he knew
melodie The people did worship and singers sing Trumpets founded so that the house did ring This did continue GOD did it commend Till the burnt offering was brought to an end When the Trumpets most holy consecration Was finished the people great oblation Did offer gladely with a most free heart The Priests the Levites each man did his part So the service of GODS house pleasantly Was then in order set most suddenly Thus Hezekiah after all repar'd Rejoic'd in God who had his men prepar'd Then this good King by Gods divine counsell Ordain'd Judah and also Israel To keep passeover for great JEHOVAH At Salem from Dan to Beershebah The posts in hast with letters from the King Went through all parts for to declare this thing The summe was this that all men then shouâ— mourne For their trespasse and to the Lord returne If yee wrote he turne to this Lord of grace In wrath he will not from you turne his face But Ephraim and Manasse forlorne Israels men did laugh these posts to scorne Yet of Aser and of Manasse came Divers to worship the LORD at Salem The hand of God in Judah was mighty To give them one heart with sinceritie To celebrat that great Jehovahs feast â—hey all obey'd the greatest and the least â—ut in Israel numbers foolishly â—â—d beene carelesse themselves to sanctifie â—â—t this good King did pray for them anone â—â—e good Lord said he pardon ev'ry one â—ho doth his owne heart prepare sinceerely â—hough according to Jovahs Sanctuary â—e not cleansed This the Lord did please â—ho heal'd the people of their sore desease â—ea more Isra'l without all wearinesse â—id keepe the feast that day with great gladnesse â—hole fourteene dayes that feast which was holy â—bserved was in Salem Gods city â—he King and Princes did give much cattell â—o the people of Judah and Israel â—nce Solomon the son of David King â—as not in Salem ever seene such thing Then all the Priests and the Levits arose â—nd blest the people both with heart and voice â—hey pray'd to GOD with words filled with grace â—heir prayer came unto Gods dwelling place When this was done by these of both nation â—hey all intended a reformation â—hey cut the groves the images they brake â—he Altars and high places they did sacke That done Isra'l in a good motion Return'd quickly to their possession Then the Priests course the King with diligeâ—â— Ordred and al 's provided maintenance For that great work that preachers of the woâ—â— Might have courage in the Law of the Lord The people willing corne wine oyle holy With tiths of all did bring aboundantly Thus Hezekiah did throughout Judah Good right and truth before the great Jovah He wrought such was his great sincerity The Lord he sought with all his heart truely Then Sen'cherib King of Assyria With great forces entred into Judah When Hezekiah thus perceived them Resolv'd to fight against Jerusalem Then he this counsell from his Princes tooke Who the waters of fountaine and of brooke Will'd him to stop and so their host to scattâ—â— Why should our foes said they with wholâ—â— water Refreshed be So for his own defence Both darts and shields he made in aboundanâ—â— The broken walls up to the towres he rear'd In Davids city he Millo repair'd Captains of war he gath'red to Salem And thus he spake comfortably to them Be strong let not Senacheribs armie â—ith their great number your heartes terrifie â—ith him the armie of flesh the Eternell 〈◊〉 to help us and to fight our Battell After he had these comforts on them prest â—e people all upon his words did rest â—nnacherib after this sent some men â—om faire Lachish unto Jerusalem Vile Rabshakeh thus railed in his pride â—hereon trust yee Into what hole abide â—ill yee Now try and al 's well examine 〈◊〉 yee will die by thirst and sore famine â—t not your King trusting in his JOVAH â—eceive you Is not he Hezekiah â—ho Gods Altars and high places destroy'd â—ath that one Altar in Salem imploy'd Might be Be wise regard not his command â—ow yee not what unto all peoples land My Master hath done What Gods of Nations â—â—uld save their people in such vexations All these gods folks I overthrew at length â—ho is your God that I should fear his strength â—herefore in time consider and percieve Lest that your King vvith vaine vvordes fâ—â— deceive The people all in silence and in doole Did heare these wordes of that blasphemâ—â— foole Then Eliakim the son of Hilkijah Reported all unto Hezekiah Who hearing this was in great grief and smart He rent his cloathes and with his clothes hâ—â— heart Unto Esay the Prophet he did send Men in sackcloth his answere to attend These men unto the Prophet said truely Of trouble rebuke and of blasphemy This is a day the children to the birth Are come but there is no strength to bring forth Of Rabshakeh it may be God will heare The railing word which he voide of all feare Sent from his Master King of Assyria Did vomit out against the Lord Jovah O man of God thy duety doth thee bind To pray for these that are now left behind When these words came unto the Prophets eare He said let not your good Master now feare God in the Heavens most bright in Majestie Hath clearly heard that vile rogues blasphemie â—ehold saith God I in my wrath at last â—pon that man will send a fearfull blast â—f terrour great he shall a rumour hear â—Vhich shall his bones and bowels shake with fear â—ome he shall go trust and believe my word â—n his own land he shall fall by the sword After Rabshakeh had against JOVAH â—hus railed he unto the strong Libnah â—id go where his Master in brags most stout â—ith his armie encamped round about This King again sent to Hezekiah â—en to revile with other words JOVAH Let not said they O Hezekiah King â—hy God deceive thee with this vaine saying â—am the Lord the mighty God Jovah 〈◊〉 shall you save from all Assyriah â—ast thou not heard and understood clearly â—ow these great Kings have wasted utterly All lands None could escape their mightie hand â—â—d now shalt thou before their forces stand â—â—zan Haran Kezeph and Thelasar â—â—th strong Eden they have subdued by war VVhere are the Kings of Hena and Ivah Of Hamath Arpad Tell Hezekijah Where is the King of Sepharvaim strong Who could them match their gods or Kâ—â— among When this vile letter full of blasphemie Was read the King to Gods house speedilie Went up to summe the matter in a word That vile letter he spread before the Lord Then Hezekiah made to th' Eternell This prayer saying O God of Isra'l Which now dwellest betweene the Cherubines Thou art the Lord alone of all Kingdomes With great mercy O Lord bow downe thâ— eare And with regard my humble sute now heare Consider how with wordes sharpe like a good Thâ—y have the name pierc'd of the living
â—r in a journey or most fast asleepe â—hat he may heare now to him cry and weepe They cri'd aloud and cut themselves with knives â—nd lancets al 's with perrell of their lives â—ut when midday in such jangling was past â—ithout answere Then Elijah at last â—aid to the people come neere me right soone â—hen they came neere to see what should bee done Gods Altar he repair'd with courage stout â—e made a large trench the Altar about â—ill foure barrels with water then said he â—nd with it drench the sacrifice quicklie â—gaine againe yea third time do the like â—ill it passe ov'r the trinches highest dike â—hus did they all which was ordain'd by him â—hey made Altar and trench with water swim Then said Elijah O GOD of Isra'l â—et it be knowne that thou art th' Eternal Let it be knowne that thou art GOD and LORD And that these things I have done at thâ— word Heere me O LORD heare me now I theâ— pray That this people may surely know this day That thou art God who do'st them all maintaiâ— And that thou hast their heart turn'd bacâ— againe Whâ—n this was said from the great Eternel A sacred fire downe from the high Heav'ns fell This fire fall'n downe for the great GODS sâ—â—vice Did with all hast consume the sacrifice The wood and stones with dust it did consume The trench water it licked up right soone When this was done all men on face afraide The LORD is GOD the Lord GOD tâ— cri'd Then said Elijah take these Prophets vile See none escape see that none you beguile Then they tooke them and Elijah anone Did slay these Priests downe at the brooke shon When this was done good Elijah did say To King Ahab I have good news this day Go eat and drink my word it is not vaine 〈◊〉 heare a sound of aboundance of raine â—o Ahab went up to eat and to drink â—ut Elijah in himself thus did think 〈◊〉 will go up to the top of Carmel â—o see some signe of raine from th' Eternel Then he went up and there as might be seene Cast himselfe downe and put his face betweene His knees and said to his servant goe see â—f thou can spy some clouds upon the Sea Then he went up at the Prophets saying And turned back he said There is nothing â—even times againe to goe he did command At last he saw a cloud like a mans hands Then said Elijah go without delay And to Ahab this from Elijah say Now get thee down and thy Charet prepaire Before the raine as long as it is faire â—n the meane time heav'ns black with clouds and winde Powr'd downe great raine before and al 's behinde Then Ahab rode and went to Jezreel Elijah al 's strength'ned by th' Eternel Did gird his loines and before Ahab ran Ahab in Coache but Elijah foot man Thus the Prophet of the great Eternel Before the King did run to Jezreel Then to Jezabel Ahab every word Did tell plainly how that Elijahs sword Had slaine her Priests not having spared one And that besides the cursed brooke Kishon Then Jezabel this hard message did send To Elijah so the gods me defend For thy ill prats and for thy bloody crime Thy life shall passe the morrow at this time When he heard this he in great fear arose His heart trembled and could not well repose He in all hast went to Beershebah Which is a part of the land of Judah He left his servants there in his distresse A dayes journey he went in wildernesse There set downe under a Juniper-tree He did request the Lord that he might die I am not better then my fathers dear Said he now take my life from all this fear As he did ly under the Juniper Right fast asleepe to him there a dinner An Angel brought to refresh him with meat He touched him and said Arise and eat As he awoke behold a cake of bread Was on the coales and a cruse at his head Of water good Then Elijah to eat And drink began and after fell asleep The second time the Angel came againe â—ho did for him a new dinner ordaine â—rise said he and eat now speedily â—ecause the journey is too great for thee â—ee what great care the good Lord had that day â—hat Elijah should not faint by the way â—hus he arose to eate and drink quickly 〈◊〉 this foods strength he walked dayes fourty â—nd fourtie nights till to the mount of God â—oreb he came where he made some abode While he was there lodged in a poor cave â—he God of heav'n who takes delight to save â—is servants said to his Elijah dear â—hat now Elijah What now doest thou heare My heart said he hath beene verie jealous â—or the great God who is most righteous â—ll is now lost all thy servants away â—re taken now they seek me al 's to slay â—oe foorth said God and stand upon the Mount â—hee will I teach all dangers to surmount Behold at first a boistrous mighty winde â—hich brake the Rockes and all that it could finde After the winde rageing came an earthquake â—hich made Horeb from end to end to shake After the earthquake came a burning fire But in these three was not the Lords desire He was not there After came a small voiâ— Where to abide the Lord did much rejoice When Elijah heard this voice full of grace He in his mantle wrapped all his face He went out and stood before Jehovah Who said what do'st thou now heere Elijah My heart said he hath been very jealous For the great God who is most righteous Thine Altars Prophets and thy Covenant Throwne downe and slaine they have with grâ— contempt And al 's forsaken thy servants away Are taken Now they seeke me al 's to slay Goe said the Lord returne to Damascus And when thou comest to that desert thus Anoint Hazael King of Syria And Jehu for Isra'l al 's Elisha For Prophet in thy roome these all anoint For so these things to be I do appoint For the great sins acted by Israel ' Gainst them shall come the sword of Hazael Whom he shall spaire the mighty man Jehâ— â—all with his sword all into pieces hew 〈◊〉 any from Jehu escape away â—hem shall the sword of good Elisha slay â—t know Elijah for all thou heares and sees â—ven thousand who have not bowed the knees â—ave me left who have not done amisse â—r once so much to give Baal a Kisse When this was done from Horeb Elijah â—parted soone and found out Elisha â—hen he him saw with his twelve Oxen yoke â—wing on him quickly he cast his cloak â—en he left all and ran most speedilie â—ter Elijah saying now let me â—e that which to do can not be amisse â—t me my father and my mother kisse â—d then I promise most assuredlie â—ith all mine heart to follow after thee â—e back againe delay not goe right soone â—id Elijah for what now have I done â—is done
him that without wisdome is great foly is his joy But uprightly he walks who wise his wits doth well imploy 22 Great purposes do fail when they good counsell are without But stablish'd they by numbers are of Counsellours about 23 By th'answer of his mouth a man hath joy well understood A spoken word in season due sure is exceeding good 24 The way of life is high above to him that wisedome hath That so he may right speedily depart from hell beneath 25 The proud mans house God will destroy that it may not endure But of widowes the border he establish will most sure 26 The Lord abhors the thoughts of these that constant are in ill But the words of the pure in heart are words most pleasant still That man his own soul troubleth much that greedy is of gaine But he that doth hate bribes and gifts shall sure alive remaine 28 The righteous heart doth studie still to answere every houre But the mouth of the wicked sort still ill things out doth powre 29 Unto all such that wicked are the Lord will not come neere But of all these that righteous be the prayer he well doth hear 30 The light of th' eyes doth still rejoice the heart and it comfort And al 's the bones are all made fat even with a good report 31 The eare that the reproofe of life doth hear well and obey Delighteth much for to abide among the wise alway 32 He that instruction doth refuse his own soul doth despise But he that humbly hears reproof gets understanding wise 33 Gods fear is the instruction good of wisdome most surely Before the time that honour come is true humility Chap. 16. THe preparation of the heart in man both night and day â—nd al 's the answere of the tongue is from the Lord alway 2 All the wayes of a carnall man in his own eyes are clean â—ut God doth weigh the sprits which are of him most clearly seen 3 Unto the Lord commit thy works that they may well endure â—nd he the thoughts shall of thine heart establish still most sure 4 The Lord most wisely for himself things of all sort hath made â—â—st a for the day of great distresse the wicked and the bad 5 The Lord abhors the proud in heart what ever he think or say â—hough hand join hand unpunished he shall not be alway 6 By Mercy and Truth wickednesse is purged from the heart And by the true feare of the Lord men from all ill depart 7 When a mans wayes reformed well the mighty Lord doth please He maketh even his enemies all to be with him at peace 8 A little thing with righteousnesse is better in Gods sight Then revenewes both great and large obtain'd against all right 9 The heart of man that prudent is his way may well devise But all his steps directed are by God both good and wise 10 A divine sentence in the lips of the King oft is found His mouth well rul'd transgresseth not in judgement good and sound 11 A just weight and the ballance al 's unto the Lord belong The weights all of the bagge his work are all the earth among 12 Abomination unto Kings to practise wickednesse It is for stablish'd is the Throne most sure by righteousnesse 13 The righteous lips that shunne all lies of Kings are the delight â—nd they do much respect and love him that doth speak aright 14 The wrath of Kings most surely is as messengers of death â—t he that prudent is and wise will pacifie such wrath 15 In light of the Kings countenance life doth alwayes remaine â—s favour al 's is as a cloud ev'n of the latter raine 16 Much better then the gold is it to get wisdome divine â—nd to get understanding then the silver that is fine 17 The high way of the upright is from all ill to depart â—t that wisely doth keep his way preserves his soul and heart 18 Pride got'h before destruction still among both great and small â—nd likewise doth an hauty sprite before a shamefull fall 19 Humble to be it better is with these that lowly be Then to devide with lofty men the richest spoile we see 20 He that his matters wisely guides shall alway find good speed And who so trusteth in the Lord he happy is indeed 21 The wise in heart in all their wayes most prudent call they will Likewise the sweetnesse of the lips increaseth learning still 22 A well of life unto the wife is wisedome most surelie But of fooles the instruction all great folly semees to be 23 Of the wise man the prudent heart his mouth doth wisely teach And maketh learning of all sorts unto his lips to reach 24 Words pleasant are as hony combs unto the soule most sweet And also to the bruised bones for health they are most meet 25 There is a way which unto man seemes right but in Gods wrath The end thereof which fearfull is the ill wayes are of death 26 He that doth labour doth it all for him self for to have For his mouth in necessitie the same of him doth crave 27 A man ungodly in his wayes digs up ill with desire And in his lips set on mischeefe there is a burning fire 28 A man that hath a froward heart discord doth sow and strife â—nd whisperers do sep'rat soone the cheefest friends in life 29 A man that 's given to violence his neighbour doth entise â—nd leadeth him into the way of wicked and unwise 30 He shuts his eyes things froward to devise a great trespasse â—e moves his lips with fraud and guile and bringeth ill to passe 31 The hoary head a fair crowne is of glory and riches it be well and wisely found in wayes of righteousnesse 32 He that 's to anger slow excells the mighty all among And he that rul's his speach him that doth take a city strong 33 The lot is cast unto the lap as at peradventur But the disposing all thereof is of the Lord most sure Chap. 17. A Morsell dry much better is and quietnesse of life Then houses full of sacrifice with great debate and strife 2 A wise servant shall over rule a son that causeth shame And shall inherit them among who brethren are by name 3 The fining pot for silver is appointed by and by And furnace for the gold but God the hearts of men doth try 4 A wicked doer to fals lips attentively gives head A liar al 's doth give his eare to naughty tongues indeed 5 Who mocks the poore his maker doth reproch most shamefully â—e punish'd sure shall be that is glade at calamity Childrens children a blest off-spring of old men are the crowne And fathers al 's of children are the glory and renowne 7 Speach excellent becometh not the men that foolish be Much lesse becometh it a Prince with lying lips to lie 8 A gift in his eyes that it hath is as a precious stone Whethersoever it doth turne it prospreth well anone 9
of all wicked men shall quickly them destroy Because judgement aright to do they do refuse alway 8 The way of men it froward is and strange in good mens sight But as for the man pure in heart his work is good and right 9 Of the house top in corners high it better is to dwell â—hen in a wide house with a wife whose words are brawlings fell 10 The wicked man desireth ill which still is in his minde No favour in his cruell eyes his neighbours poor can finde 11 When punish'd is the scorner vaine the simple doth perceive And when the wise instructed is he knowledge doth receive 12 The righteous man the wickeds house considreth and doth know But GOD the wicked for their sin doth quickly overthrow 13 Who at the poor mans cry doth stop his eares with heart that 's hard He also in his grief shall cry but shall not then be heard 14 A gift that is in secret given doth anger pacifie And in the bosome a reward makes wrath away to flie 15 It is a great joy to the just judgement to do justly But great destruction for them is that worke iniquity 16 The man that wandreth from the way of understanding plaine Shall in the congregation of the dead alwayes remaine 17 He that too much his pleasures loves shall certainly be poor And he that loveth wine and oyle shall not long rich endure 18 A ransome for the righteous man the wicked man shall be And the transgressour for the man that walketh uprightlie 19 A man may in the wildernesse with more contentment dwell Then with a woman hauty that is most contentious still 20 The wise mans house rich treasure hath and oyle aboundantly But a man of a foolish heart it spends up needlesly 21 He that so after righteousnesse and mercy with his minde Doth follow righteousnesse and life and honour al 's shall finde 22 A wise man doth the city scale of men of great renowne And the strong confidence thereof unto the ground casts downe 23 Who so his mouth and al 's his tongue can wisely keep from strife That man his soul doth safely keep from troubles in his life 24 Who proud in sprit doth deal in wrath shall hear these words of shame A proud and haughty scorner al 's is his most shamefull name 25 The slouthfull mans desire will not him surely faile to kill For his hands full of idlenesse refuse to labour still 26 He all the day long greedily doth covet in his heart But he that is a righteous man spares not in any part 27 Of wicked men the sacrifice abhorred still we find How much more when he bringeth it with a most wicked mind 28 A false witnesse that loveth lies shall perish certainly But he that hears well what is said doth speak most constantly 29 A wicked man hardneth his face do what ye can or say But as for the upright in heart he doth direct his way 30 There is no wisdome among men nor counsell great or small Nor knowledge which against the LORD can well prevail at all 31 Against the day of Battell the horse is prepar'd with speed But safety from such dangers great is of the LORD indeed Chap. 22. A Good name rather is to be chosen then manifold Riches and loving favour more then silver and fine gold 2 The rich and poor together meet for so it doth befall But the Almighty LORD he is the maker of them all 3 A prudent man the ill forsees and hides himself wisely â—ut simple men passe on and are sore punish'd by and by By humblenesse and also by the GOD of heavens true fear â—re riches great and honour both and life which is most dear In the way of the froward man are thornes and snares laid deep He surely shall be far from them that doth his soul well keep 6 Traine up a childe in the way that he should go with his heart And when he 's old he surely will not from it once depart 7 The rich high ov'r the poor doth rule who must him still attend And he that borrowes fervant is unto him that doth lend 8 He that iniquity doth sow shall reap but vanity And the rod of his anger shall at last fail certainly 9 He that hath an eye bountifull shall blessed be most sure For he abundantly doth give his bread unto the poor 10 Cast out quickly the scorner and contention shall be gone Yea bitter strife and al 's reproach shall surely cease anone 11 He that the purenesse of the heart doth love with heart and minde For the grace of his lips most sure the King shall be his friend 12 The eyes of GOD do well preserve all these that do him know But of transgressours he the words doth alwayes overthrow 13 The slothfull man saith in this way in wordes that are but vaine Without there is a Lion I in the streets shall be slaine 14 The mouth of a strange woman is as a deep pit or gin The man abhorred of the LORD shall surely fall therein 15 Unto a childes heart foolishnesse is fastly bound alway But the rod of correction soone shall drive it far away 16 He that the poor molests to be even rich incontinent And he that giveth to the rich shall surely come to want 17 Bow down thine eare and hear the words of these that speak wisely And unto knowledge all thine heart see that thou well apply 18 For it is a most pleasant thing if thou them keep in thee They sure withall even in thy lips shall right well fitted be 19 That thy trust may be in the LORD I have to thee this day Made clearly known and manifest even unto thee I say 20 Have I not writen unto thee things that be excellent In counsels and knowledge also and that with good intent 21 That of the wordes of trueth I might thee make the certaintie To know that thou mightst answere well to them that send to thee 22 Robbe not the poor because he is a man of poor estate Nor yet him that 's afflicted sore oppresse thou in the gate 23 For the LORD GOD will surely plead their cause his wrath shall boile The foule of those that spoiled them he will not faile to spoile 24 With angrie men no friendship make which may procure thy woe And likewise with a furious man at all thou shalt not goe 25 Lest thou incline thine heart to learne his wayes that are not faire And so by walking in his wayes get to thy soul a snare 26 Be thou not one of them that hands strike unadvisedly Or of them that not taking heed for debt even sureties be 27 If thou hast nothing for to pay through thy great povertie Why should he take away by force thy bed from under thee 28 The land marke that most ancient is see thou it not remove Which thy fathers in former times have set for peace and love 29 Seest thou a man that 's
Tantara blow reat troops of ills as long as we are heere â—ill vex us still betweene both faith and feare â—t O when this our dismall time is past o all the godly joy shall come at last et us therefore returne to God with speede rom vanities and see that we take heede â— seeke the best part that we by his grace ike crawling Ivie may the Lord embrace et this our care be in these latter times rofession bare serves but to cloake our crimes THE HOLY SONGS OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT Dedicated to the Royall Lady Mary his Majesties Elder Daughter Princesse of ORANGE By M. Zacharie Boyd Printed at Glasgow by George Anderson 1645. To the Reader I As yet have known none that in poesi hath turned all the song of Scripture except Theodore Beze who hath done it very acurately in the French tongue Iâ— the Song of Songs and the Songs of Mosâ— Deborah Hannah Ezekiah Mary Simeoâ— and Zechariah and divers others be so heâ—venly as all may see it were to be wishâ— that in the Church they had place to be sun with the Psalmes of David unto the whic they are not inferiour TO THE MOST ROYALL LADY MARY His Majesties Elder Daughter Princesse of ORANGE MADAME IT was the saying of a KING PROV 18 16. a mans gift maketh roome for him before the great If there were no other way but by gifts I should come behind and not before how ever it be as S. Peter said to the creeple at the Temple gate called Beatifull Such as I have I give yea Act. 3.6 and that with a willing minde In dayes of mourning we must tâ— forget our spirituall mirth Chriâ— precept is that we rejoice ever more Women more then men are inclineâ— to singing 1 THES 5.16 as daylie practise dotâ— shew when David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine it is said that the women came out oâ— all the cities of Israel singing 1 SAM 18.7 Saâ— hath slaine his thousands and David his ten thousands no mention is made of men singers If your Highnesse desire spirituall recreations in hâ—ly songs I have heere tuned the Song of Songs in the first place and not without reason 〈◊〉 being so called by excellencie Vnâ— it are subjoined the other cheefe songs contained in the Old and New Testament as they ly in order The Apostle S. James hath given this precept JAM 5.13 COL 3.16 Iâ— any merry Let him sing S. Pauâ— ordaines that we sing with grace iâ— our hearts to the Lord In anotheâ— place he willeth that we be filled witâ— the spirit and that wee speake to our selves in Psalmes and Hymnes EPHES. 5.19 and Spirituall Songs makeing melodie in our heart to the Lord. The Lord grant your Highnesse such happinesse that yee may have many joyfull dayes to awake your glory that yee may chearfully sing the praises of the LORD Your Highnesse most humble servant Mr. Zachary Boyd From Glasgow the 20 of March 1645. THE GARDEN OF ZION The Song of Songs A Prayer O Great Jovah who art the Prince of mâ— Renew thy grace for to encheere my pen To praise thy name good matter now endite Make me thy Scribe this love Song for â— write A Song of Songs Let not thy vertue falâ— To stirre me up to be thy Nightingale That now and then in my most busie dayes With streins unwonted in sweet sugred layes I may expresse some of that sacred Love That thee to take the Church for spouse did move To wooe her with such wordes of heavenly art That would even melt the hardest marble heart While I this love Song put in Poesie Make thou my heart to fall in love with thee Let us not once with badry songs defile Our lips like these who to their vomite vile Do dayly turne O make us now afresh To hate the garment spotted with the flesh That I this Song of Songs may sweetly sing Make me to sip of thy immortall spring That Christ who did both hell and death destroy May still the Antheme be of all my joy THE SONG OF SONGS Which is Solomons CHAP. I. The Church speaketh to Christ. LET him me with the Kisses kisse of his mouth most divine For thy great love most certainlie far better is then wine 3 Because of thy good ointments smell as ointment most sweetly Thy name is powred foorth therefore the Virgins do love thee 4 O draw me with the cords of love we after thee will run The King he hath brought me unto the chambers of his Inne We will be glade and al 's rejoice in thee and also we Thee will remember more then wine the upright all love thee 5 Though I be black I comely am O Daughters of Salem As tents of Kedar and as the curtaines of Solomon 6 Look not on me because that I most blackish seeme to be Because the Sun hath with his beames long looked upon me My Mothers children angry were with me they keeper made Me of their vineyards but I not did keep mine owne vineyard 7 O thou whom my soul dearly loves I pray thee tell me soone Where thou dost feed and where thou mak'st thy flock to rest at noone For why should I be any way as one that turnes aside By flocks of thy companions all where ever they abide CHRIST 8 O fairest One if thou not know foorth by the footsteps go Of thy flock feed thy kids beside the sheepheards tents also 9 I have compared thee my Love unto a companie Of horses in Pharos charets which strong and lustie be 10 Thy cheekes are comely all with rowes of jewels manifold Thy neck richly adorned is with finest chaines of gold 11 I and my Father will thee make of fine gold borders good We also thee richly adorne will with the silver stude The Church 12 While the King who in Majestie most highly doth excell At table sits my spiknard then sends foorth thereof the smell 13 My welbeloved is of myrrhe a bundle unto me All the night long betwixt my breasts with pleasure lie shall he 14 My deare beloved is alwayes most excellent to me As clusters of Champhire are in vineyards of Engedi CHRIST 15 Behold thou art most faire my Love even with most rare beauties Thou art I say exceeding faire and hast pure chast Doves eyes The Church 16 Behold thou my beloved deare art faire and still hast beene Yea pleasant above others all our bed is also greene 17 The glorious beames of all our house are of the Cedar trees And of the pure and polish'd firre are made our galleries Chap. 2. CHRIST I Am the most sweet smelling Rose that growes on Sharon field And al 's the rarest Lillie which the fattest valleyes yeeld 2 As among pricking thornes and briers appeares the lillie rare So is among the daughters all my love perfectly faire The Church 3 As th' Apple tree among the trees of the wood thick and throng So likewise my
Eternall From GLASGOW the 28 of MAY 1644. Your humble servant Mr. ZACHARY BOYD PRAYERS TO GOD FOR HIS ASSISTANCE IN THIS WORK 1. AT Thee JOVAH this work I will begin Inspire mine heart and also guide my pen Teach me to teach and to publish the story Of thy most great workes to thy praise and glory â—ouchsafe on me in thy mercy a look â—hat with thy praise I may embosse my book â—y heart anone shall godly matter frame 〈◊〉 thou shalt glade it with thy glowing flame 〈◊〉 shine on me with thy bright countenance â—nd make thy beams through my bowels to glance 〈◊〉 let not from me thy good sprit depart â—hat with thy Saints I here may act my part 2. O Mighty GOD who all things underprops Refresh mine heart with thy cleare silver drops â—ke Zion hill in a faire May morning â—angled with dew that I thy praise may sing 〈◊〉 purge my soul my drossie sprits refine â—ne empty breast fill with thy breath divine â—onceive in me and after bring to birth â—erses most sweet which I may warble forth â—ouble thy sprit on me LORD I thee call â—â—jah like let mercies mantle fall â—y verse begot in paine and borne in pleasure â—â—t them containe of thy praises a Treasure Grant unto me that in my sacred layes I may expresse the glory of thy wayes O blessed Lord who hearts and reines dost try Make thou my thoughts to soare and cut the sky My musick meene accept and with a look Of mine incense receive this little smooke The widowes mites get thy more large report Then Hecatombes of the richest sort O Lord of love my soul with mercy fraught And take in good part this poore Char-coale draugâ— All foggie mists and sable clouds expell That I thy praise unto the world may tell Reveale to me Salvations sacred things Seal'd in the Casket of the King of kings O Jesus Christ be thou my sure refuge Who bare the doome of that Italian Judge 3. O gracious God now teach me to compile An usefull work with grace now steel my stile That whosoever reads this book he may Reape profite I comfort thou praise for ay The use of this Booke COnsider this who dost these verses read Heer is a Garden both with flowre and weed The pleasant Rose heâ—re smelleth fragrantly The stinking Hemlock thou may also see Heere learne with godly godly be in life Ahorre all these who have beene men of strife Example good follow but shun abuse By Gods wisedome of all these men make use THE GARDEN OF ZION ADAM Earth THis is the man who after sea and land Was made of Earth by great JEHOVAHS hand In his nostrils He breath'd the breath of life And of a rib Hee form'd for him a wife â—ithin this clay immortall life He placed â—f he by sin had not himself disgraced By divine favour He gave him a pledge True holinesse which was His own image He in great love did choose him as His heir And made him of so foule a masse so fair His great VICE-ROY yea His beloved Son Perfect and peerlesse even a Paragon But Oh alas he did not so abide But lost this image by his foolish pride And unbelief whereon as on a rock He made shipwrack a senselesse sottish block That learned Tree the Tree of good and ill Abusde by man did mankinde spoile and spill When he was well content he could not sit But lost us all by a forbidden bit The lofty wife and the crafty Serpent For Adams fall were Satans instrument The sprite apostat residing within That speckled beast with smooth damask skin The simple sexe deceived craftily Assuring her with GOD equall to be Poor Adam chiefly by her lost his life Who was his Phoenix Sister Daughter Wife The earth therefore for pleasant fruits and corneâ— Brought nothing foorth but nettles thistles thorne When man did look of fruits to get a feast The briers and burs did bristle up their breast The LORD on man no meat then would allow Till first the sweat should bubble on his brow He who before was holy meek and wise A fool by sin was thrust from paradise A glorious Park wherein without all tearm He might have dwelt if he had pay'd his Farm But now disgrac'd for disobedience To dwell in Eden he hath not licence The tree of life to him may not affoord Her fruit A Cherub boasts him with a sword Nine hundred and al 's thirty years he lived â—mmortall first at last for sin he died Thus he whom satan by sin did deceive A slimy Burgar was laid in his grave The Use When thou hast sinn'd beware thy selfe to hide â—n Adams fall behold the fruits of pride Of strong made weak of wise become a foole Gods character cancell'd with griefe and doole Great sweat of browes no rest untill our bones â—e cooped up in a cold heap of stones â—h that our sense as the spiders could be Which starts as soone as stirres the buzzing flie Within her web Oh that we could begin â—o feele to hate the least approach of sin EVAH Living ISHAH of man was after call'd EVAH From life by ADAM direct'd by JOVAH She of a rib was made the first woman Who by her pride brought many woes to man Mans other self his love his help his wife With the serpent was cause of all the strife For such a fault her poor condition Was paine in birth and great subjection But heere her comfort in her greatest need The womans seede shall bruise the serpents head The Son of Marie Jesus Christ our Lord 'Twixt God and man shall make a blest accorâ— The Use Let EVAHS fall vaine vvomen terrifie And teach them all to love humilitie Blest be her seede vvho us restor'd againe And of our sins unreel'd the snarled skain CAIN Possession FIrst borne of man name from possession A sacrificer by profession â—hy browe did fall with an envious eye â—ecause the Lord prefer'd Abel to thee â—hou of Abel a bloody murderer â—ecamst who should have beene his best keeper â—ecause his blood doth cry aloud to me â—hou on the earth a vagabound shall be The Use â—y Cains madnesse thou may clearely try What monsters lurke in the sinne of envy â—inne soone is done but after comes the smart 〈◊〉 vagabound all trembling at the heart â—en sinne in secret but God keeps account 〈◊〉 his exchequer how their sinnes do mount ABEL Vanitie THou second Sonne thy name is vanitie Thy Hebrew name did so foretell to thee â—hy cruel brother through envy and strife 〈◊〉 thy faire youth bereft thee of thy life â—ods holy worship thou didst not neglect 〈◊〉 thy service JEHOVAH had respect â—hough in thy youth of death thou trod the path â—â—t still thou lives renowned for thy faith The Use It is no wonder by envie and wrath To see just men unjustly put to death Most blest is he whose heart base slimy he Surmounting towards his creature leaps Strive vvith Abel to dwell
good Abraham not to feare To give to GOD what is to us most deare He was renown'd both for his workes and faiâ— Let all men strive to walk in the same path That they at last may get a heavenly crowne And with Abraham at Table sit downe SARAI My Mistresse SARAH Mistresse of a multitude MY Mistresse Sarai Sarah multitude The letter H a promise doth include â—en thou was untill thy customes past 〈◊〉 great JOVAH brought Isaac at the last â—en GOD did speake thou leugh behinde the doore â—s was thy fault thou was reprov'd therefore â—er thy Smiling Smelling of thy scorn â—D made thee laugh after Isaac was borne â—s grave matron in house the most time spent â—ere is Sarah behold her in the tent Kiriatharbah Sarah sick and pale â—ast by death laid down her mortall vale The Use 〈◊〉 women all both old and young heere learne 〈◊〉 love their tent more then the wine taverne 〈◊〉 is most seemely that when any come 〈◊〉 seek them then they finde them at their home The whoores marke is as Solomon hâ— try'd Within the house her feet do not abide ISHMAEL God shall heare ABRAHAMS Son which Hagar first bear Doth signifie that God the Lord shall heare In younger yeares to scorne thou soone began To persecute to live like a wild man Cast out said Sarah this fool full of rage For with Isaac he shall have no partage The Use Take heede O Youth bee not like this 〈◊〉 lorne Who wanting grace eartly began to scorn Fyon vaine man who to scoff slily slips VVith mouth awry and his wide yavvniâ— lips No surer signe to be burnt vvith hells fire Than on this earth to sit in scorners chire ISAAC Laughter or joy BEhold and see Isaac a joyfull name Which brings laughter to all that heare the same â—r from his loins as Scripture doth record â—me JESUS CHRIST our onely KING and LORD â—D was his fear he liv'd a holy life â—o concubine Rebeccah was his wife â—s first Son Esau by his venison â—id still conquere his best affection â—t great JOVAH by Jacobs Kids did move â—im to bestow the blessing on his love â—o blesse Esau he doth what he best can â—t his blinde eyes can not discerne the man â—is hearing eare soone Jacobs voice did know â—ut the Kid-skinnes said sure this is Esau â—e living long after his eyes were lost â—ld full of dayes at last gave up the ghost The Use â—o be profaine to ravell eke forbeare â—earne of good Isaac the great God to fear Too many luske in sloath and lose that gaiâ— At first they wex at last they do but wainâ— Let us therefore our false hearts sift so neerâ— That of such guilt the Lord may hold us clâ— In good Isaac this comfort men may finde That good men may be dumb or deaf or blâ— REBEKAH Fat lustie REBEKAH fat and in body lusty A wife for Isaac pleasant to the eye Bethuels Labans fathers brothers love Her heart to stay from Isaac could not move Heare now said they the Damsells yea or no I will said She most gladly to him go Shee meeting Isaac in the evening tide Under a vaile her comely face did hide She lighted down with most hearty submission Her vaile declar'd her most humble subjection She feared GOD She loved the right path Her soule abhor'd the vile idoles of Heth The Sprite of GOD her holy heart did move To like the Lad whom GOD himself did loâ— Isaac lov'd Esau She lov'd Jacob best The man whom GOD allowed to be blest 〈◊〉 wonder how a woman this could finde â—herein Isaac God seer was so blinde The Use â—hold how GOD to baser will reveale â—hat which he will from cleare seers conceale â—is graces where he likes do spring and sprout â—ost free he is else where to send them out â—he weakst vessell he for his service â—n steele and strengthen without prejudice ESAU Made perfected BEhold ESAU made perfect like a Lade Of greater strength not weakly like a Babe 〈◊〉 his great strength a passage he did finde â—nd left poor Jacob at his heels behinde â—ed he was now heare the exposition â—holerick cruell without all compassion â—he red Dragon to all did signifie â—hat rednesse is a signe of crueltie â—hile other babes are borne both smooth and bare â—ll of him was like mantle of haire What others say from you I will not hide The Greek translateth all like a rough hide This man profane as is in Scripture told His birthright spent yea it for potage sold This Belly-god to his eternall shame From red potage got Edom for his name Hated of GOD profane in all his cariage With godlesse Heth he matched in his mariagâ— He liv'd a Prince sojourning in Mount Seir He turn'd his back upon his fathers fear The Use Beware with Esau for an earthlie thing For back or belly to losse the blessing Better it is in open field to ly Quiv'ring for cold no cov'ring but the sky Pinch'd with famine like a pale feeble wigâ— Then for this earth Gods good blessings to sliâ— JACOB The heele HEere is the man so called from the heele Who for wrestling was called Israel Belov d of GOD as soone as he began Prince with God that should prevaile with man â—e youngest twin beloved of his mother â—t for GODS grace dâ—sdained of his brother â—hen he blessed perceiv'd his brothers eye â—arkling with fire to Laban he did flie 〈◊〉 lodge at home for him it was not safe 〈◊〉 past Jordan a poore man with his staffe 〈◊〉 this journey he lighted on a place â—z called Bethel because of GODS grace 〈◊〉 ladder there he saw in his good dreame â—ose top did reach unto the Starrie Heav'n 〈◊〉 this ladder the Angels Sprits of love â—ent down and up JEHOVAH stood above â—m thence he spake to Iacob in his dreame â—m thy GOD who am the GOD of Hâ—av'n â—s land shall thee and al 's thy children feede 〈◊〉 will give to thee and to thy seede â—ill thee blesse with great posteritie 〈◊〉 all the earth in thee shall blessed be â—ile this wrestler who in wrestling did weep â—rd thus GOD speak he wakened out of sleepe 〈◊〉 heart trembled and pale was all his face 〈◊〉 said afraide how dreadfull is this place â—mble all most fearfull is this dreame 〈◊〉 is Gods house this is the gate of Heav'n At last he came unto the land of Padan Where for a space he served uncle Laban In faith and truth he serv'd with all his mighâ— Spent with dayes heat and with the frost night For labour Laban did his daughter sell But blear'd Leah he gave for fair Rachel To serve seven yeeres the bargan had made For beautie but the bleare eyes came to bed Jacob at last to make all oddes even Resolv'd for Rachel to serve other seven Of Labans service at last he wearie With both his wives constrained was to flie Then uncle Laban hotly him pursu'd But great IEHOVAH his servant rescu'd GOD
heavy hands Aaron and Hur did stay By his prayers Isra'l prevail'd that day By his prayers they got the victory He built the Altar Jehovah Nissi At Horeb where before he did keep sheepe Iethro him brought his wife and children eke When Iethro had to him counsell imparted To his owne land from Moses he departed Then Moses went up to God on Sinai Who did direct him all these words to say What I have done in Egypt yee did see On Eagles wings I bare you tenderlie Now therefore if yee will obey my voice Above all people ye shall be my choise 〈◊〉 Priests to me ye shall be a kingdome 〈◊〉 treasure deare an holy Nation â—at said Moses a man filled with grace â—id all these words before the peoples face â—en all the people answ'red him unto 〈◊〉 that the Lord hath spoken we will doe â—e to goe to to Moses God did say 〈◊〉 â—pare Israel to morrow and to day 〈◊〉 the third day with glory and renown â—â—fore Isra'l I minde for to come downe â—ke heed for if man or heast that have breath â—t touch the mount they shall be put to death 〈◊〉 any touch the mount they shall be then â—ot throw or stoned whether beasts or men â—t to come up to them it shall belong â—hen they shall heare the Trumpet sounding long 〈◊〉 the third day thundrings and lightnings past â—â—e cloud and Trumpet made them all agast â—â—en smoak and fire on SINAH for a space â—â—cended as the smoak of a furnace â—â—en all the people trembled fearfully â—â—a the mount SINAH quaked all greatly â—en God came down whom MOSES heard and saw â—â—d in two Tables wrot his fierie Law â—hile MOSES was upon the mount with God â—â—ey made a calf as if they had beene mad Of Egypts spoile to make it they were bold Even of Gods gifts they had no other gold They ate they dranke and then rose up to pâ— Behold thy gods foole ISRAEL could say Go get thee downe said God to MOSES thâ— For thy people are rather beasts then men Let me alone intreat not for this fall For in furie I will consume them all Oh said Moses why doth thy wrath wax Against Isra'l thine heritage and lot Think on Abraham Isaac and Isra'l On thy people let not thine anger fall While this grief Moses in his heart did feele The Lord in hast repented of the evill Then Moses swiftly from the mount went doâ— And brought with him the worthie sonne of 〈◊〉 While he and Moses from the Camp were farâ— Good Joshuah said I heare a noise of war But old Moses with his discerning eare Said not but voice of singing do I heare When he came neere and saw that filthie blot A golden idol not Gods childrens spot He brake Gods Tables in his kindled ire The golded Calf he burnt into the fire He ground it small and straw'd it in their driâ— That they an idole not God might it think Then Moses wroth unto the Levits cri'd 〈◊〉 every man his sharpe sword by his side â—e through the camp your brethren gorre and slay â—at the great God you all may blesse this day â—â—en the Levits these wicked men had slaine â—to the mount Moses return'd againe God be said alas while I behold a'l hath made unto them gods of gold â—ve mercy Lord with eyes of pitie looke â—â—don or else me blot out of thy Booke â—â—w goe said God as I shall give thee grace â—duct Isra'l unto my promis'd place â—â—aite my time when once I shall begin 〈◊〉 visit they shall suffer for their sinne â—ter this MOSES faithfull full of grace â—â—d great desire to see the Lords sweet face â—â—HOVAH good to hear him was not slack 〈◊〉 spare his life he let him see his back What verse what pen can paint this great Divine â—hose face JOVAH made with his face to shine â—ith God on SINAH fourtie dayes he past â—l this time he kept a most solemne fast â—here of JOVAH whose wisedome doth excell â—e learn'd the Laws which he taught Israel 〈◊〉 him God most excellent gifts did give â—e was the meekest that on earth did live Of yeeres he liv'd a hundred and twentie Without weaknesse and dâ—mnesse of the eye Because at MASSAH he fail'd in his faith Of CANAAN he might not tread the path To climb NEBO the LORD did him commanâ— That he might see from thence the holy land When this was done this man of GOD did die In MOAB land where GOD did him burie Before or after came none in his place Who knew JOVAH so clearly face to face The Song of Moses before his death THE PREFACE O Pleasant heavens that are above with diligence give eare And I will speake O earth below the wordes of my mouth heare 2 My doctrine shall drop as the raine my speach as dew shall passe As small raine on the tender herbe and showres upon the grasse 3 Because I surely will publish the blest name of the Lord 〈◊〉 greatnesse therefore to Gods name ascribe with one accord I. PART HEE is the rock his worke perfect all his wayes judgement be 〈◊〉 God of trueth and without sin most just and right is He They have corrupt themselves their spot is not the spot alwayes his children they are perverse a race of crooked wayes Vnwise people doe yee the Lord thus requite is not He â—y father buyer hath he not made and establish'd thee Remember ye the dayes of old yeeres past consider well â—ke thy father he will thee shew thy Elders will thee tell When the most High for nations did heritage divide Sufficient bounds for Israel he wisely did provide 9 For the Lord for his portion hath his people without blot Jacob is his inheritance appointed as by lot 10 He found him in a desert land and waste wildernesse hee Him led instructed and him kept as th' Apple of his eye 11 As an Eagle stir 's up her nest fluttreth her young upon Her wings doth spread and taketh them to carry them thereon 12 So the good Lord alone did him lead in all wayes safelie And there with him was no strange god in all that company 13 He made them ride on Canaan high that he th' increase might eat He made him sucke honey and oyle that were in rocks most sweet 14 Butter of kine and milk of sheepe he gave to every man â—ith fat of Lambes and also Rams of the bread of Bashan â—e gave them goats vvith the fat of Kidneyes of Wheat right good â—nd thou didst of the svveet grapes drink the pure Wine red like blood II. PART BVt Jeshurun vvho should have beene most righteous did kick â—â—ou art exceeding vvaxed fat thou art also grovvn thick â—â—ou covered art vvith fatnesse then His Maker he forsook â—nd of his sure salvations rock no care at all he took With strange gods they provoked Him unto great jealousie â—ith great abominations they mov'd Him to be angrie They sacrificed unto dev'ls to gods whom they
not to thy messengers saying If Balak of silver and gold also Would me his house full give I cannot go Beyond the great Gods will in any kind For to do good or bad of mine own mind But what it shall please the great God to say To me that I will speak without delay And now I to my people go quicklie Come therefore and I will advertise thee What this people most blessed shall alwayes Doe to thy people in the latter dayes And he took up his parable anone And said thus wise Balam of BEOR sonne Hath said and the man who doth hate all lies Who hath at all times cleare and open eyes He hath said which hath heard Gods word truelie And knew al 's the knowledge of the most Hie Which of th' Almightie saw the vision Falling into a trance with eyes open Though not at this time yet I shall him see Though not nigh I behold him shall clearlie Out of Jacob there shall come a starre bright Out of Isra'l a scepter with great might Shall rise and corners of Moab annoy And all the Children of Sheth shall destroy And Edome a possession shall be Seir also shall be for his enemie A large possession and Israel also With courage great right valiantly shall do Out of good Jacob shall come he that shall Have great and large Dominion over all And shall by his great power Almighty Destroy him that remains of the city And when on curs'd Amalek he did looke He deep thinking his parable up tooke And said strong is thy dwelling place surely Thou putt'st thy nest in a rocke for safety Neverthelesse the Kenite wasted shall Be till Ashur thee carie captive all And he tooke up his parable saying Alas who shall live when the Lord this thing Shall do and ships with threatning and wiâ— boast Shall come in numbers from the Chittim coaâ— And shall afflict Ashur and also Eber And he alwayes sure perish shall for ever So Balam rose up and without delay Went to his place al 's Balak went his way Whether Balam did go it 's not certaine But for his wicked counsell he was slaine By ISRAEL as MOSES did command In their journey towards the holy land The Use Let Prophets heere learne not for gaine or ease To seeke Princes by ill counsell to please For if in this sort they the Lord offend They vvith Balam shall get a fearfull end CALEB As heart CALEB his name was Heart which did not faile He was the spy who encourag'd ISRA'L With JOSHUAH the other ten afraide By ill report the Lords people betray'd Behold heere written for their blot and shame Of all these ill spyes every man by name Shammah Shaphat Igal and Gaddiel Palti Sethur Gaddi and Ammiel Nahby Gevel These were the ill spyes ten Who did cast down the hearts of ISRALS men But stout CALEB descended of Judah And of EPHRAIM godly JOSHUAH The trembling hearts of ISRA'L did comfort To have courage they did them all exhort For this cause of all ISRAEL these two Got leave from GOD to Canaan to go The Use The man that would have heaven for his reward In Gods battels must not be a Coward He who is sent a matter for to try For no respect must deal unfaithfully JOSHUAH A Saviour THou worthy man first called OSHEAH By MOSES wast called JEHOSHUAH Type of JESUS a Saviour by command Thou ledst Isra'l unto the holy land This Son of NUN stout was full of wisdome For MOSES had laid his hands him upon From SHITTIM he sent two men secretly To view the land and Jericho to spy Though King and Laws to do such things forbid Rachab these spyes close in her chamber hid Not fearing thing that could to her befall By a coard She let them downe from the wall After good Joshuah all these things had done He went to Jordan from Shittim anone When the Priests feet in that river did stand JORDANS passage became like the dry land There twelve stones were for a memoriall Set Other twelve were pitched in Gilgal For to declare to all posteritie What GOD had done by his hand Almighty Then good Joshuah with great affection By knives began the circumcision Then Manna ceas'd An Angel did appear To Joshuah who was GODS servant deare What art thou said he friend or fo with boast A friend a friend the Captaine of Gods host The Angel said I am not for offence I bear the Sword for thee and thines defence Go to beseege the citie Jericho For great Canons Trumpets of Ram hornes blo Down down their walls with power I wil bring Let all beware of the accursed thing When JOVAH these walls had brought to the ground Amongst Isra'l a cursed man was found Achan the theef provokeing GOD to ire First was stoned and after burnt with fire In GODS good will this thief made such a crack That Isral's host at Ai did turne the back When by his death the LORD began to be Content the men of AI began to flie Then GODS people in furie and in ire Entred the Citie and set it on fire After that JOSHUAH had burnt this Citie The King of Ai he hanged on a tree The Gibeonites hearing of this report To save themselves found out this crowned sport Get clouted shooes old bottels garments rent Old mouldie bread that we a covenant May make with ISRA'L for we are afraid That by their force our countrey be destroyd Then ISRA'L made with them a sure accord Neglecting to seeke counsell from the LORD When all was known ISRA'L began to grieve But for their oath they suffred them to live Now cursed be ye base hewers of wood Drawers of water for the house of God Such shall ye be such shall ye be eachone Said JOSHUAH to these of Gibeon When this was done five Kings of Cananites With ire conspir'd against these Gibeonites Because without their knowledge and consent They had with ISRAL made a covenant Then JOSHUAH to help poor GIBEON Chased these Kings along to Bethoron The LORD himself for to crush all their bones Threw downe from heav'n on this armie great stones Till all was done the Sun in Gibeon Stood still and al 's the Moone in Ajalon That JOSHUAH full victory might have Five Kings he tooke and closed in a cave After he had fulfill'd his victorie He took them out and hang'd them on a tree To keep Isra'l from strife and anger hote He did divide to them the land by lot When all was done when death and grave were near He spake ISRA'L that they the LORD should feare Serve him in trueth serve him in fear said he All idole gods cast far away from thee The people all with one voice did accord To passe from idols and to serve the LORD This man of GOD before his life was spent With Gods people made a sure Covenant In Shechem there he raised up a stone For a witnesse of all was said and done At last this man
of blessings manifold Went from this earth fivescore and ten yeeres old After his death this man of great account With grief was buri'd on Ephraim Mount The Use Worthy Captaine who will not thee commend A godly life makes ay a godly end Who fights for GOD with never fading baye◠Shall have his Temples trimmed and with laye◠Men and women his praises shall extoll His name famous shall be in Jovahs roll THE GARDEN OF ZION The Judges 1. Othniel 2. Ehud 3. Shamgar 4. Barak 5. Gideon 6. Abimelech 7. Tolah 8. Jair 9. Jephte 10 Ibsan 11. Elon 12. Abdon 13. Samson 14. Micah 15. Eli 16 Samuel 1. OTHNIEL The time of God WHen divers had afflicted Israel In a fit time the Lord sent Othniel By him great things in his lifetime were done Come of Kenaz good Calebs brother Son In Kiriath-sepher for vent'ring his life Caleb him gave his faire Achsah to wife King Chusan Rishataim he supprest By him Israel fourtie yeers had rest The Use In greatest troubles and in dangers prime The Lord will send comfort in fittest time 2. EHUD Excellent WHen Isra'l sin'd Moab with Amalek Were rais'd by GOD his people to correct But when they mourn'd and cryed to JOVAH He sent them Ehud first Son of Gerah This man left handed was of Benjamin His sharp dager he hid his cloathes within With sword at side with present in his hand He went to Eglon King of Moab land He said O King take heed give ear to me I have from God a great message for thee When he heard that he rose out of his seat With one stroke Ehud ended the debate While thus Eglon did wallow in deaths shade The dirt came out the fat inclos'd the blade By him the host of Moab was supprest After Isra'l had fourscore yeers of rest The Use Here learne that such a rare and single fact Is not set downe in Scripture for an act To teach men thus this Ehud to follow Each man to stob the Lord doth not allow 2. SHAMGAR Throwing downe THis Shamgar was a man of great renown With an Oxe-gaod six hundred he th◠down The Use Heere learne that great is our eternall God Who can save us either by sling or goad 4. DEBORAH A Bee BARAK Lightning DEare DEBORAH thy name a honey Bee Who can expresse the praise that 's du◠thee A Prophetesse sweet thou was in thy life A Judge in ISRA'L though for sexe a wife In her time Jabin ISRA'L had opprest Captaine Sisera did them sore molest Then DEBORAH at God the Lords command Said to BARAK JABIN into thine hand I will deliver by mine arme mighty Be stout and doubt not of the victory Oh said BARAK he is a mighty fo Go thou with me if not I will not go I will said she now surely go with thee But unto thee this no honour shall be Up up now BARAK said stout DEBORAH Take courage for with us is great JOVAH In that great day the LORD in ISRA'LS sight Put Siserah with all his host to flight He fled to Jahel there hid with a vaile She pierc'd his temples with a bloody naile According to DEBORAHS prophecie A wife not BAKAR got that victorie When the great GOD had wrought out this great thing DEBORAH BARAK then began to sing The Song of DEBORAH and BARAK PRaise ye the LORD for th' avenging of his own Israel When the people offred gladely themselves unto Battell 2 Heare Kings and Princes I even I will sing unto the Lord Vnto the Lord God of Isra'l I will praises afford 3 Lord when thou went'st from Seir when thou did march from Edom land The Earth trembled the Heav'ns dropped the Clouds they did disband 4 The Mountaines melted from before the Lord God Eternall Even that Sinai from before thee Lord God of Israel 5 In Shangars dayes Son of Anath in the dayes of Jael The high wayes were unoccupied they went in by wayes all 6 The indweller of villages in Israel did cease Vntill that I Deborah rose a mother to make peace 7 They chose new gods then in their gates was warre was their a shield Or speare among fourty thousand in all Israels field 8 My heart to Isral's Governours is that vvith one accord Offred themselves most willingly to Battell blesse the Lord. 9 Speake ye that ride on white asses In cheefe rulers aray And yee that sit in judgement and that travel by the way 10 And yee the poorest of the land whose tread was still to drawe Waters who for fear of Archers did greatly stand in awe Yee from this feare delivered Gods great workes magnifie Who hath given justice and traffiique in village and citie 11 Awake awake awake awake Deborah sing anone Arise Barak and lead captive thou of Ahinoan Son 12 He that remaines he made to rule ov'r the Nobilitie Ov'r the people the Lord me gave rule over the mighty 14 Of Ephraim ' gainst Amalek there was a root worthie Also among this great people Benjamin after thee From Machir of Manasse came governours goodly men To this service came Zebulon scribes that handle the pen 15 And the most mighty Princes of strong Issachar that day Were with Deborah in the field ev'n Issachar I say Also Barak to the valley sent on foot did depart For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart 16 Why would not thou from the sheep folds go for to act thy part For the divisions of Reuben were great searching of heart 17 Beyond Jordan Gilead abode and why did Dan remaine In ships Asher on the Sea shore in his breaches sought gaine 18 Zebulon and Naphtali were armed with speare and shield Their lives they jeoparded in the high places of the field 19 The Kings of Cana'n came and fought Jabin for to maintaine In Tana'ch neere to Megiddo but thereby did not gaine 20 The clouds and wind'gainst Sisera did fight from the heav'ns hie The Stars in their courses also fought most couragiouslie 21 The river Kishon even Kishon did sweepe them all away O thou my soule thou hast dovvntrode great strength vvithout delay 22 Then vvere the strong horse hoofs broken in great rage and furie By the means of the pransings even pransings of the mightie 23 Curse yee Meros most bitterly yea curse 〈◊〉 the Angel Because against these foes they did not help the Eternall 24 The Wife of Heber Jael shall blest above Women be She shall be blest above Women in the tent most surely 25 He asked vvater and she gave him milke of svvet relish She also vvisely butter brought foorth in a lordly dish 26 She vvith a hammer and a naile smote Sisera indeed VVhen she had pierced his temples she did smite of his head 27 He bovv'd and fell and lay dovvne h◠at her feet hovv'd and fell VVhere he bovv'd there he fell downe dead at the feet of Jahel 28 Sisera's mother looked out at vvindovves and did cry Through the lattesse vvith joy of heart
me a man of noble fame Most angel-like he told me not his name He said unto me when he did appear Behold a son thou shalt conceive and bear No rasor shall at all come on his head For he shall be a Nazarite indeed LORD said Manoah Let the man of GOD Now come and tell us what with this young lad We have to do for we are ignorant That we may follow thy commandement The LORD him heard the Angel came anone And told them both all that was to be done Then Man'oah said I pray thee now tary Till we in haste prepare a kid for thee I am a sprite said he I eat no bread With sacrifice unto the LORD proceed What is thy name said Manoah tell me It is secret said he now let it be When he heard thus the Angel him forbid A meat-offring he offred for a kid Unto the LORD as the sacred story Tels us the Angel did most wondrously Behold th'angel who had the secret name Of the offring ascended in the flame Alas said he unto his worthy wife We have seen GOD we shall both losse the life No not said she we need not for to fear Because GODS Angel to us did appear If to kill us this had been his earand He had disdain'd the offring in our hand Then young Samson the Sprite of GOD began At times to move in the great camp of Dan At last he did require a Philistine For wife which he at Timnah had new seen His parents to this could not well accord For they knew not that it was of the LORD While he to Timnah went a beast did roar As though he would the young Samson devore But he anone him pulling by the beard Rent him as though he would have rent a kid The LORD did this who made the sea and land For young Samson had nothing in his hand Returning after to his wife he sees In the dead Lion a fair swarm of bees The honey comb most sweet he took to eat For this to him in mister was for meat When Philistines his feast began to taste Then he this riddle did propone in haste Out of the eater said he came there meat Out of the strong came that which was most sweet Seven dayes they had at this riddle to guesse But the meaning thereof could not expresse With furie great they were puft up in rage Because they saw they were to losse their pledge Of thirtie shirts and thirtie garments dear These great charges they had not will to bear Then said they all unto strong Samsons wife If we these cloaths losse thou shalt losse the life Entise him soone the doubt try by request Why should we losse so much at his fair feast Then did she presse him by day and by night Untill he had declar'd his riddle right Then said these men in words not to be long Sweet is the honey and the lion strong Then said he With my heifer have ye plow'd Who hath unto you my dark riddle shew'd Then GODS good Sprite this strong man came upon Who in his strength went down to Askelon Thirty Philistins he kild in that place Whose garments pay'd for his riddels disgrace Then his fair wife her father took him fro And gave her to his friend who was his fo Then he bethinking how he might revenge This wrong he did three hundred foxes range Knut tail to tail with a burning fire-brand Which did consume the cornes upon the land When all was known the Philistins in ire Burnt the Timnite and Samsons wife with fire This is no mends yet aveng'd will I be Said Samson I will smite them hip and thigh The Philistins who did like lions ramp In JUDAH LEHI soon did pitch their camp What means this war to them Judah did say To binde Samson with ropes and thongs said they Then of Judah went three thousand anone To Etams top where was the strong Samson To him they said What hast thou brought to passe We all will smart for this thy great trespasse To these men I have done no wrong said he I did to them as they have done to me We will thee binde said they with cords and bands After we will put thee into their hands Swear to me said he by GOD that made all That ye your selves will not upon me fall Truely said they thy blood we must not spill Thou needs not fear that Judahs men thee kill But unto this we with one voice accord To binde thine hands fast with these two new coar◠Then when his foes saw him bound at Lehi For joy they cry'd and shouted mightily Upon him then came a Sprite from the LORD With great power hee brake both bands and coards When he himself did thus shake in his ire His bands became like flaxe burnt in the fire When GOD had this great work thus brought to passe Strong Samson found the jaw-bone of an asse No sword he had no other weapons then With that asse-bone he slew a thousand men After this battel sore troubled with thirst Upon his eyes he felt of death the mist Thou hast me helped greatly LORD said he Oh suffer not me now for thirst to die Then GOD did cleave of the jaw the hollow From this bone soone great waters out did flow Because that bone by GOD was made a Well Samson that place Enhakore did call The Word signifieth the Well of him that called or cryed SAMSON in Gaza went to an harlot His foes it heard and they in anger hote Laid wait for him in their great strength might Resolv'd they were to kill him in that night But he the gates of their Gaza did take With the two posts and barre upon his back He thence them cari'd to fair Hebron hill Thus the Gazits could not strong Samson kill Againe Samson in Sorek land did love Delilah fair who dayly would him move With her fair words decit and flattery To tell wherein his greatest strength did ly First wit hs then coards then with the web and 〈◊〉 To her such answers thus he did begin But at the last for which he suffred smart He unto her revealed all his heart A Nazarite said he from my youth-head I have been no rasor upon mine head Hath come If any cut mine hair from me Like other men I surely weak shall be When she saw that Samson had thus reveal'd That which from her he had so long conceal'd The Philistins she spake and cald apart Come now said she for I know all his heart Then these proud lords came up in a great band And brought to her much money in their hand Then she him made upon her knees to sleep And from his head his seven locks she did swee◠Up up said she arise Samson quickly Behold the strong Philistins be on thee I will arise said Samson and me shake As heretofore of strength I have no lake But Oh Samson this did not understand That GOD the LORD had left him
me Then Booz said the Lord his blessing send To thee whose kindnesse in the latter end To me an old man now doth most appeare Courage daughter thou need'st no thing to feare Thy praise is high above the common pitch Who seeks not young men whether poore or rich And now daughter see what thou most desires For I will doe each thing that thou requires In this city i'ts known to every man That thou art a good and vertuous woman The Lord he knowes thou art to me full deare But know this there is a kinsman more neere If he refuse and the neere match forsake I promise heere to wife I will thee take When Booz after did that man require His answere was that match I not desire Then Booz having ended all the strife Made choise of Ruth for to remaine his wife A little after all these things were done God blessed Ruth who bare to him a sonne His name OBED to many joy did bring He was grand father to David the King The Use Heere learne that Christ who of all men wâ— best Did come of Ruth who was from Lots incest Heere learne how God exalts the basest things From this poore gleaner did spring many Kingâ— THE GARDEN OF ZION The Bookes of Samuel ELKANAH The Lord is jealous THere was a man of faire mount Ephraim Whom Scripture calleth Elkanah by name His Hebrew name clearely doth signifie For some great thing JEHOVAHS jealousie Two wives he had Peninah and Hannah Yeerely he went to worship JEHOVAH In Shilo where the Arke of GOD did stand For so to do the LORD did them command Peninnah proud because of her children Provok'd Hannah because she was barren To her she was even like a trapping net Seeking alwayes to make her heart to fret While her husband perceiv'd her grief and smaâ— With these good wordes he did comfort her heâ— Why weepest thou for want of fair children I to thee shall be better then sons ten Then Hannah in great bitternesse of heart Went to Shiloh from GOD to ease her smart In her prayer she weeped bitterly She vow'd this vow unto the LORD most hie O LORD of Hoasts if thou now wilt indeed Looke on the grief of me thy poor handmaid If thou wilt give to thy servant a Son He shall be thine the rasor shall not come Upon his head he all his dayes shall be A faithfull servant consecrate to thee While she continued in prayers divine Priest Eli thought she had beene after wine How long said Eli wilt thou drunken be Arise arise and put thy wine from thee My LORD said she do not so of me think I am not drunk with wine nor such strong drinâ— In my great grief in anguish with great smart Before the LORD I have powr'd out my hearâ— Let not my LORD this thought in thy heart faâ— That thy handmaid is one of Belial From GOD I have been seeking some reliefe Who hath an eye to my complaint and grief Then Eli said with great affection The great GOD grant thee thy petition When this was said the woman went her way She eat her meat her face was fill'd with joy The son she sought from great GOD eternell From her asking was called Samuel This son her chear'd against Peninnahs strife Unto the Lord she lent him all his life The Use Let us learne heere our vaine pride to represse And not to grieve these that are in distresse Let us learne heere to judge in charitie Of others plungd in great adversitie Let us learne heere when ought doth us dismay To run to God and humbly him to pray The Song of Hannah MY heart rejoiceth in the Lord my horn exalt did he My mouth is greatly now inlarg'd for his goodnesse to me 2 There is none holy as the Lord there is none beside thee There is no rock that is like God our God the Lord most hie 3 Talke no more proudly as ye do speake not with arrogance For all our deeds the Lord doth weigh in his sacred ballance 4 The strong bowes of the mighty men are broken all at length And they that stumbled now are girt with force and divine strength 5 They that were full in plentie have hir'd out themselves for bread And they that were in great distresse from God have found remeed 6 The Lord by his strong arme doth kill and he also doth save He lifteth up he bringeth downe unto the stinking grave 7 By his power he doth make poore and also maketh rich He bringeth low and raiseth up unto a certaine pitch 8 He bringeth up out of the dust the poore from the dunghill To Princes seats the strong pillars of earth he makes stand still 9 He will keepe the feet of his saints the wicked in darknesse Shall all bee silent none by strength shall prevaile more or lesse 10 These fooles who do reject the Lord shall soone be broke to pieces With thunders shall he trouble them though they be great as Princes and strength give to his King His horne shall fill with holy oyle and make him long to reigne 15. ELI My God IN Isra'l Judge and Priest was old ELI My God his Hebrew name doth signifie He had two sons Hophni and Phineas Who did against the Lord greatly trespasse With greede and whooredome a most filthie vicâ— They made all men contemne Gods sacrifice Their father Eli in his words too smooth Preferr'd to God his sons in his reproof Therefore the Lord resolv'd them all to kill By fall in Battell he their blood did spill For Elis fault the Lord gave him this check He from his seat did fall and breake his neck As for his sons who in vice did excell They lost their life in a bloody battell The Use By Father Eli let all fathers heere Learne not to love too much their children dear Let Levits learne heere not to do or thinke That which may make Gods sacrifice to stinke 16 SAMUEL Asked of God Here is a Saint the Son of good Hannah Asked of God the most high Jehovah He was a man of a most holy heart He from the womb for God was set apart When he was young and Elis eyes were dim The Lord in Silo did appeare to him Foure times he cried unto him Samuel Before he knew that it was th' Eternall To him the Lord there great plagues did reveale Against Eli which he did not conceale My plagues said God I will upon him spend When I begin I al 's will make an end Him will I judge and his two sons most vile Against his house I will my wrath reveale After all this young Samuel went to bed Fearing to tell t' ELI what God had said The morning come said Eli to Samuel What God hath said see that thou now me tell But if thou faine if that thou doe not so God so to thee doe and much more also Then good Samuel told to him every whit Nothing from ELI did he keep secret When this old
not his fathers ordinance But when the matter he did understand He said My father hath troubled the land For want of meat mens hearts so weakened be That they can not pursue the victorie Still fight said Saul and do all that ye can Spoile and destroy of them leave not a man But first to GOD to seeke response they went To see what should be his sacred intent But God in wrath for ought that they could say Would not make answere to Isra'l that day Go to said Saul there is some man of sin By Divine lot I trust I shall him finde Give perfect lot said Saul to GOD I pray That we may see by what great sin this day Thou hast beene griev'd though it my Son should bee Stout Jonathan he shall now surely die Then curiously Saul seeking out this spot Upon Jonathan fell the Divine lot Tell tell said Saul tell me what thou hast done Prepare for death for thee mercy is none Alas said he I hungry wanting meat In a faire wood of hony combs did eat That which I did was done ignorantlie Behold Jonathan must now surely die No more said Saul thou hast broken the oath Of great JOVAH prepare thy self for death What said Isra'l shall stout Jonathan die Who hath for GOD now fought so valiantly As God liveth who ever lives indeed No thing shall aile the least haire of his head Thus the people walking in the right way Good Jonathan they did rescue that day Then unto Saul went godly Samuel To him from GOD this message did he tell Remember now how Amalek laid wait For Isra'l by the way in his great strait Now go and smite and utterly destroy Beast Man and Maid unto the suckling Boy When this was said King Saul with all his might Against Aamalek stoutly went to fight He slew these men and tooke Captive the King With him best beasts he sav'd alive which thing Acted by him ' gainst Gods Commandement The faire kingdome of Isra'l from him rent Then Samuel said Where is Agag the King See ye in haste that Tyran to me bring When he was come he hew'd in pieces all Agag the King before GOD in Gilgal After this sin the LORD to Samuel said Go and anoint for King the herd David Because for Isra'l he ventur'd his life Against Goliah he got for his wife Michal Sauls daughter that great victorie Brede in Sauls breast displeasure and envie This soulesse Saul by Doegs villenie Was mov'd to slay at Nob with crueltie Fourescore and five servants of the great GOD Who for armour had but linnen EPHOD Because to David in hunger and need They had vouchsav'd some peece of GODS shew-bread At divers times Saul fill'd with rage and strife Hunted David like a flea for his life Whiles like a Lion cruel he did roar Enrag'd at DAVID whiles like a wild boar He did him hunt most like a bloody hound Who cannot rest untill his prey be found But God at last to make of him an end A great armie of Philistins did send The Philistins at Shunem were gath'red Isra'ls armie in Gilboah pitched When Saul that hoast of Philistins did see He trembled all his heart did quake greatly Then he in feare unto the Lord did cry But God to him no answere would reply Neither by dreames by URIM or Prophet When Saul saw this his heart within did fret If God will not the Divell I will desire To help said he of him I will enquire There is a witch which doth at Endor dwell Said they She can all secrets to thee tell Then Saul went to that wicked wife by night Desiring her to bring to him in sight Whom he should name who ever was the man Then unto him thus answerd the woman Right well thou knowst no sprit familiar Is now approv'd make not for me a snare As God liveth said Saul now â—or this thing Thou shalt not smart Tell mee whom I shall bring Up unto thee said she now to me tell Bring up to me said he old dead Samuel When the woman perceived this dead man Arise from grave to tremble she began She said to Saul Thou hast deceived me That thou art Saul I know now certainly Feare not said Saul no ill to thee I meane Declare me plainely all that thou hast seene I have said she now perceiv'd a strang thing Gods wonderfull from the earth ascending What is his forme said Saul now tell to me A mantled old man said she I now see When the woman these things to Saul did tell He then perceiv'd that it was Samuel He having all things in such order found He bow'd himself and stouped to the ground Then Samuel said Why hast thou troubled me I am said Saul distressed heavily God hath me left and answeres me no more To seek thy help I am constrain'd therefore In vaine said Samuel comest thou to me Who can be friend where God is enemie The Lord at first of thee for King made choise But thou stubborne would not obey his voice ' Gainst Amalek to do the Lords command Therefore the Kingdome is rent from thine hand Thy foes shall fight thine hoast shall fall and flee Thou and thy sons the morne shall be with me Then Saul afraid fell straight way all along Upon the earth the witch and men among No strength in him in him there was no might For he had fasted both the day and night When this was done the witch prepared meat She brought it to him and mov'd him to eat Behold anone the Philistines armie Ready to fight as Isra'l was to flie The Archers shot the battell went full sore The shafts did flee their rage did more and more Increase then Saul to his servant did say Draw out thy sword and quickly now me slay Take courage do let not this trouble thee Though thou me spare yet will I surely die My feare is that th'uncircumcised band Come and abuse me vilely with their hand But the servant who his Prince fear'd and lov'd To kill the King by no words could be mov'd Then Saul with rage and godlesse furie prest With his own sword did peirce through his own breast Jonathan Abinadab Malchishuah Sauls three sons with Saul fell on Gilboah The Philistins after finding Saul dead Upon the mount they cut from him the head The body of that stout and valiant man They fastned to the strong wall of Bethshan Among the rest this was the sharpest rod His armour bright unto their idol god Ashtaroth they brought with great pomp and glory As though their god had given them this victory When Jabesh heard what to dead Saul was done With one consent they all armed right soone The bodies of Saul and of Jonathan They pulled downe from the walls of Bethshan To save them sure with fire they did them burne Seven dayes they fasting for their death diâ— mourne The Use This history to all men well may tell That none shall speed that seeks the divels
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
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
Gods Word did direct His heart with God the Lord was not perfect When warre arose he unto the Lord sought ' Gainst Jeroboam he a Battell fought Foure hundred thousand were with Abijah Eight hundred thousand were against Judah For Jeroboam In the fields were then An armie of twelve hundred thousand men Then Abijah standing on Zemaraim Which is a part of faire mount Ephraim VVith a loud voice cri'd unto Israel VVhy come ye foorth against me to Battell VVhat God hath join'd why go ye now to seveâ— For the whole land the Lord hath given for ever To Davids house without a let or halt This was made sure by Covenant of salt Yet Jeroboam Solomons servant Doth what he can to breake this Covenant Gathred unto him are men of Belial Who are novv come to provoke to Battell And novv ye think the Kingdome to vvithstand VVhich should remaine sure in Davids sons hand VVith you is a great multitude of men VVith golden Calves of false Jeroboam Have yee not cast out the Priests of the Lord That for vile gaine yee might with one accord Make unto you Priests that vvould take in hand To serve strange gods that vvere from other Lands But as for us the Lord vvith us vvill be VVho have vvith us the Priests sons of Levi VVho morne and even vvaite upon all service Enjoyn'd by GOD the dayly sacrifice VVe with our heart keep the charge of the Lord. But ye have him all left vvith one accord Behold hovv God is vvith us for Captaine His Priests vvith Trumpets to sound an alarme Against you VVherefore novv vvith one accord Conveene yee thus to fight against the Lord Leave off leave off proceed no more this vvay For your armie shall not prosper this day But Jeroboam free of feare and doubt Judahs armie did compasse all about When Judah saw them compass'd in Battell They with strong prayers cri'd to th' Eternall The Priests began with their Trumpets to sound Judah did shout Which made th' Echos rebound Then God arose to shew himself by might He Jeroboam put unto the flight The flight was fierce bloody was the Battell Five hundred thousand that day to Isra'l Were kill'd But Judah prevail'd by and by Because with faith they to the Lord did cry Thus Jeroboam curbed in his wayes Recov'red not strength in Abijahs dayes But Abijah wax'd more and more mighty With fourteene wives he begat sons twenty Because he was not perfect in his wayes Of his Kingdome the Lord shortned the dayes He in his wayes walked not uprightly Therefore his great pomp lasted but years three The Use Ill Kings from Thrones by a successive svvay Like chaffe by vvind shall soone be driven avvay 3. ASAH Healing BEhold a King most glorious like the Sun Whose end was good whose life was wâ— begun A man of health is he who strives to please The Lord and doth what is good in his eyes This worthy King with holy jealousie Brake downe the Altars of Idolatrie Set up for strange gods he the high places With groves cut downe and brake the images With great zeale he commanded all Judah To do the Law and turne unto Jovah Because the Lords Law he did not forget The Kingdome was long before him quiet At last ZERAH the Ethiopian Came with an host of a thousand thousand ASAH the King thus troubled very sore Conveen'd five hundred thousand and fourescore Thus fifteene hundred thousand men that day With fourscore thousand in Battell aray Were set Then Asah cri'd unto the Lord That in that strait his help he would afford Help us O Lord help us O Lord said he Thou canst well help with few or with many Against this host we now goe in thy name Make now our foes to turne their back with shame When God this heard he rose in anger hot And with his sword this huge armie he smot His wrath like waters wheesing out did foyle The proud Zerah then Judah got their spoile When this was done the Prophet Azariah Was sent from God for to meet King Asah God is vvith you said he vvhile ye vvith him His love with you most ready to confirme If yee forsake him he will forsake you now If yee seek him he will be found of you Be strong therefore Gods service much regard For God the Lord your good work shall rewaâ—d When Asa heard these words he tooke courage The idole gods he did destroy with rage From Ephraim Manasseh and Simeon Unto Asa many did flock anone Then with one minde they were glade and content To make with GOD the LORD a Covenant By God they sware in a most sol mne oath That man woman great small should die the death Who should refuse the living God to seek Who to his Saints is mercifull and meek Then all the people with their whole desire Did seeke the Lord as Asa did require They sware to God with shouting and Trumpets With singing voice and also with Cornets They seeking God beleev'd and did not doubt And he unto them gave rest round about When this was done this worthy King Asah From being Queene his mother Maachah Remov'd because vaine idols she did love She had set up an idole in a grove This idole he did cut and stamp upon With fire he burnt it at the brook Kidron When this was done Ba'sha King of Isra'l Did build Ramah to make Asah to fall But Asah quickly sent to Benhadad For help which in the Lords eyes did seeme bad For this doing the Prophet Hanani Him told that he had done most foolishly What hadst thou said he to doe with Syria To hire their help Did not the great Jovah Make thee subdue the Ethiopian host With the Lubims who in their pride did boâ—st Gods eyes throughout the earth run to and â—ro To manifest his great might so and so He is ready with great power to smite The foes of these who towards him perfite Are in their heart Because in this right far Thou hast failed hence foâ—th thou shalt have warre When Asa heard these words of Hanani A fierie wrath did kindle his furie Take this villaine said he this Bâ—lials son Now bind him fast and cast him in prison Moreover he some people in distresse Without mercy severely did oppresse In his old age diseased in his feet To Medecins to seeke he thought more meet Then to the Lord who health and happinesse Hath ready for his servants in distresse Though diverse faults bee seen in this mans wayes Yet with the Lord his heart was all his dayes Perfect as the first book of Kings doth tell Written by the scrib of God Eternell He sway'd the Scepter years one and fourtie Though Kings be gods yet as men they must die The Use Our brightest life is like the Moone with spot Where is the life that is without a blot 4. JEHOSHAPHAT The judgement of the Lord. NOw fill mine heart LORD with thy glowing flame Raise up my Spirit and verses in me
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
Goâ— Most true it is and easy to enquire That they false gods have burnt into a fire For these gods no gods were but vvorke hands Dead vvood and stone are gods of other laâ—â— Therfore O Lord vve thee beseech humbly Save us novv from that tyrants cruelty â—hat all the Kingdomes of the earth anone May knovv that thou the great God art alone Then the Lords Prophet faithfull Isaiah â—ent to the King even good Hezekiah â—his comfort Thus saith the God of Isra'l â—hen in thy prayer thou didst to me call â—hee did heare Concerning him that day â—his is the vvord that God the Lord did say â—he virgin the dear daughter of Zion â—â—hee hath despised and laughed to scorne â—â—rusalem hath novv most tauntingly â—ith great disdaine shaken her head at thee 〈◊〉 beastly man vvhom hast thou novv nick-named â—ou knovvest not vvhom thou hast so blasphemed â—ainst vvhom thy voice and eyes novv canst thou tell â—st thou lift up Even the God of Isra'l 〈◊〉 thy messengers both in thought and word â—â—sphemously thou hast reproch'd the Lord 〈◊〉 people deare thou hast boasted with threats â—em to destroy with numbers of charets â—ou hast boasted that thou their Cedars tall Shall cut untill they to the ground shall fall Because thou hast of men great assistance Thou hast in number put thy confidence When before thee many did melt like snow Not thou but I these men did overthrow Thou overcame neither by Speare or Shielâ— But I them made like the grasse of the fielâ— Like the green herb or grasse on the house tâ— Or corne blasted before it be growne up But thy abode and comming against me Thy pride and rage is known most certainly Because thy tumults to mine eares come up Therefore into thy proud nose now a hooke I will put al 's my bridle in thy lips Thy vaine glory shall suffer an Ecclipse Though now thou boast and bragge with furie Thou shalt turne backe and flee most sâ— fullie But as for Judah it shall surely spring And pleasant fruits in plenty shall foorth Gods foes the truth of this saying shall fâ—â— The Lord of hosts shall doe it by his zeale As for that vile and vaine blasphemous Aâ—ainst this City he shall doe nothing â—t may it hurt no arrow he shall shut â—em to him shall not be for a But â—en this is done yee shall Jehovah thank â—'gainst Salem no man shall cast a bank â—n home againe with shame I will now send 〈◊〉 my right hand this City shall defend â—hat same night the mighty Eternell 〈◊〉 in all haste send an armed Angell â—o in one night slew at the Lords command hundred fourescore and al 's five thousand â—en they arose in the morning early â—old like doung their dead bodies did lye Then this vaine King who scorned th' Eternell â—urn'd with shame in Niniveh to dwell 〈◊〉 shortly after it thus came to passe â—t God him punish'd for his vile trespasse Nisrochs house which ended all the strife 〈◊〉 owne two sons bereav'd him of his life Some dayes after the good King Hezekiah â—s sicke to him the Prophet Isaiah â—me with this message Thou shalt surely die â—ow thine house in order speedilie Then he his face turned unto the wall â—d thus he said unto the Eternall Remember Lord how I have before thee Walked in trueth and great sinceritie Remember now in my great grief and smart How I thee have serv'd with a perfect heart Remember Lord how I with all my might Have done that which is pleasant in thy sighâ— While thus he spake and added speaches mâ— Good Hezekiah did weep very sore The LORD him heard and his Prophet câ— back And sent him for this lease of life to make Tell Hezekiah that worthy Captaine That he yet King fifeteene yeeres shall remainâ— Thy prayer heard have I and seene thy teares I will tâ—ee heale therefore lay down thy fearâ— Yea more to thee this promise I will make I will this citie save for mine owne sake Then the Prophet in this time full of toile A lump of figs laid upon the Kings boile So for the well of Judahs common wealth The King by GOD restored was to health The King unto the Prophet thus did say How shall I know that I on the third day Shall to GODS house goe and his service see What shall the signe be now tell thou to me Well said the Prophet choise novv as please 〈◊〉 the Sun back or foreward ten degrees â—hall goe For to goe forevvard said the King â—o see shadovves it is no vveighty thing â—et the Lord novv for his great mercies sake Make the shadovv by his might to turne back â—hen the Prophet as he desired said â—nd GOD him heard according as he prai'd â—he Sun went back with his swift sweating Horse â—ull ten degrees as one that hath remorse When on his journey going like the wind â—e him bethinks his purse is left behind â—hen back againe he wheeles most speedilie â—hus went the Sun as men that day might see â—ials went false and Forrests shadowes black Wondred to see themselves turne and goe back Then Berodach-Baladan of Babel â—ing sent to him letters thus for to tell How glade he was of all his peace and wealth â—nd that he was fully restor'd to health But Hezekiah in pride of his heart Did that shortly which did procure his smart Unto these men of Babel foolishly His silver gold spices armour did he Then shew yea all the treasures that he had â—n his vaine pride before their eyes he laid Then came againe the Prophet Isaiah With this new message from the great Jovah He said to them what said these men to thee What 's in mine house said he I let them see Among my treasures all there is nothing Which these men sent from the great Babâ— King Have not now seene Well well said Isaiah Heare a message from the great JEHOVAH All thy treasures gath'red unto this day By Babels men shall be cari'd away Thy dearest sons that shall issue from thee In Babels court they base Eunuchs shall bee Then to the Prophet said Hezekiah Good is the word that thou brings from Jovah I looke for mercy from my God alwayes Let peace and trueth he stable in my dayes Last Hezekiah who all his life did fear The Lord his God sleept with his fathers deare In the chiefest sepulchre of David This worthy King was with honour buri'd The Song of Hezekiah IN cutting off of my short dayes I said I shall now goe Vnto the grave I am depriv'd of my few yeares also 2 I said I shall not see the Lord in the Land of living I shall behold man no more with these that have heere dwelling 3 Mine age is parted and remov'd among trouble and strife Like sheepheards tents I have cut off like a weaver my life He with sicknesse will cut me off what ever I pretend From day ev'n unto night wilt thou of me soone make an end 4
I reckned till morning that as a Lion so surelie He will my bones break Of me thou wilt make an end speedie 5 Like a poor cran in great distresse or a troubled swallow So did I chatter I did mourne as doth the simple dove My eyes do faile with looking up and very dimmed be O Lord I am oppressed sore now undertake for me 6 What shall I say He spoken hath and al 's hath done no lesse I shall go softly all my yeeres in my soules bitternesse 7 In all these things is the life of my Sprite they that believe Do live by them Recover me and so make me to live 8 Behold for a desired peace I had great bitternesse But thou in love hast sav'd me from the pit of rottenesse For thou who of afflicted men dost ever notice take In thy great mercie all my sinnes hast cast behinde thy back 9 For grave cannot thee praise and death can not celebrate thee They that goe to the pit can not hope for thy trueth surelie 10 The living the living he shall praise thee as I this day The fathers shall to their children make knowne thy truth alway 11 The Lord was ready me to save therefore we with accord To the string'd instruments will sing in the house of the Lord. The Use â—f Kings shall serve the Lord with all their heart â—n great trouble the Lord shall take their part But this the Lord of heav'n can not abide â—hat hearts of Kings be lifted up with pride 13. MANASSEH Forgetting JOseph comforted by Gods great mercy Which made him quite forget his misery From such forgetting he his first born Son Called Manasseh so for such reason â—t may be this King at first got his name He in his life was stain'd with sin and shame â—ike heathen men void of Gods feare and grace He in folie did build up the high place Which his father commanded to destroy He did it build with chearfulnesse and joy As though a God had not beene in Isra'l He madly rear'd up Altars for Baal He made a grove and with much folly driv'n He gave worship unto the host of Heav'n Observing times and using inchantments He did despise the Lords commandements He al 's provoking the Lord unto ire Made his own sons to passe through burning fiâ— He dealt with wizards and sin worthy death He did which did God much provoke to wraâ— In his folly worthy the name of rage He set in Gods house a most vile image This man practisde more vile abominations Then were done by profane heathen nations Who by the force of the great Eternell Destroyed were before his Israel At last the Lord full of compassions Abhorred such abominations Because this man said he hath plaide foole Defiling Judah with his vile idole Behold I bring such troubles and such feares Which shall cause tingle all the hearers earâ— â—r such doings wherein is no relish â—rusalem now wiped like a dish â—all be In red war their foes shall them foil â—hey shall to them become a prey and spoil â—r since from Egypt I brought them the way â—hat was most right they ever went astray Manasseh more in his furie most rude 〈◊〉 Salem did shed much innocent blood While Manasseh did not regard Gods check â—rong Babels captaine took him by the neck â—mong the thornes and him with fetters bound â—o the Lord did this vile man much confound Yet when he was in great affliction â—e ran to God with supplication â—efore the Lord he much humbled his heart â—e pray'd to God who heard him in his smart â—nd helped him and brought him back againe â—rom Babel for in Salem to remaine Then Manasseh did by experience â—ost surely know that God was his defence â—hen was his heart inflamed with gods love â—e all strange gods with idols did remove â—ll strange Altars he brake downe speedily â—ith zeal and cast them out of the city â—t last this King who to God gracious â—eturned was buri'd in his owne house The Use Let sinners learne for no sinne to despaire No sin there is but God can it repaire For witchcraft blood and vile idolatry Manasseh humble did obtaine mercy 14. AMON Faithfull true THis wicked man of two and twenty year Began to reigne He voide of all Gods feâ—â— Did reigne two years God made his Kingdoâ— short Because he made of wickednesse a sport He with Manassch in his wayes was bad But did not with Manasseh turne to God At last against this King unrighteous His servants rose and slew him in his house After this done the people all in ire Did kill these men who did his death conspirâ—â— The Use Let Kings beware of sin to make a sport For many sins doe cut their honours short â—â—t parents learne to feare to goe astray â—â—r their children often follow their way â—â—t Subjects learne to feare their Kings to kill â—â—r other shall not faile their blood to spill 15. JOSIAH The fire of the Lord. BEhold Josiah consider a part The fire of Zeale cleare burning in his heart â—â—ght years he was when he upon the Throne â—â—gan to sit he reigned thirty one â—â—e did with God most constantly abide â—â—om Davids wayes he turned not aside â—hen he was come to eighteene years of age â—ough young in years he was both grave and sage He sent scribe Shaphan to Priest Hilkijah â—â—at the silver for the house of JOVAH â—â—th'red at doores as GODS word did command â—ight be shortly put in the workemans hand Then to Shaphan said the Priest Hilkijah â—ave now found in the house of JOVAH â—ods Law-book Then Shaphan tooke it with speed And with great joy and gladnesse it did read After Shaphan this book did with him bring And it in haste did read before the King When he the words heard of that Testament For greef and sorrow the King his cloaths rent Then diverse men by him were set to looke To try right soone the meaning of the Booke A great wrath said he is against us kindled For our fathers against God have rebelled Then at the last the good Priest Hilkijah With others went to Prophetesse Huldah This woman in a Colledge at Salem Did dwell with wisedome she said unto them Thus saith the great Lord God of Israel Vnto the man that sent you yee shall tell Behold I will bring ill upon this place Th' inhabitants I will greatly disgrace All the plagues I will send without remeed Which good Josiah in that Booke did read My wrath against this place shall kindled bee Because of their most vile idolatrie But go and tell the good King Josiah This message from the mighty Lord Jovah Because thou had a trembling tender heart And for such sins did often weepe apart Because when I did speake against this place Thou rent thy cloaths with teares drenching thy face â—hold thou shalt now this great comfâ—rt have 〈◊〉 peace thou shalt be gath'red to thy grave â—ough dayes be coming full of miseries â—â—ore
bondage in this uncouth slaverie He was a servant the space of yeeres three But afterward as th' historie doth tell He turned and against him did rebell But for the sins of the Kings of Judah He got no help from the great JEHOVAH For the great sins done by their wicked hands Against Judah the Lord sent troups and bands From Syria from Moab and Ammon And also from the land of Babylon These he did send against Judah to fight For to remove Judah out of his sight For the great sins by King Manasse done The Lord in wrath would not the land pardon Last by Nebuchanezzar he was found Who straitly him in most strong fetters bound To Babylon to carry him that day He thought surely but died by the way Of his great faults we have the historie In twentie two chapter of Jeremie He was a man full of unrighteousnesse His eyes and heart were but for covetousnesse Oppression blood and also violence Did most vilely staine the hands of that Prince Therefore concerning King Jehojakim Thus said the LORD None shall lament for 〈◊〉 This at the last shall surely come to passe He shall with shame be buri'd like an Asse â—e shall be drawne and cast foorth filthily â—eyond the gates of Salem Gods city The Use â—et Kings beere learne for God their life to spend A sinfull life brings to a shamefull end 18 JEHOJACHIN The preparation or strength of GOD. THis wicked man called Jehojachin Follow'd the trace of ill Jehojakim â—is foolish father He had these names three â—ehojachin Jechonias al 's he â—honias was called When he began â—o reigne he was of eighteene yeeres a man In his time Nebuchadnezzar quicklie â—rom Babylon did send a great armie â—erusalem in great furie and rage â—hese men of Babel stoutly did besiege â—t last the King Jehojachin came out â—ith mother servants princes him about â—hus this ill man in th' eight yeere of his reigne Was taken captive by great Babels King Who with his rascals most unrighteous Did carry thence the treasures of GODS house He also rageing in wrongs manifold Cut in pieces the rich vessels of gold Which had beene made by wise King Soâ—â—â—mon In Gods Temple of these he left not one Ten thousand captives from Judah that day With crafts-men smithes he carried all away The poorer sort by his pride and disdaine Were onely suffred at home to remaine Jehojachin with Mother Wives that day And officers were carried all away ' Gainst this ill man the Prophet Jeremie Gods fearfull judgements declared plainly As I live said the Lord though Coniah Son of Jehojakim King of Judah Were neare and deare as signet on the hand Yet would I pluck him thence so that to stand Before my face this vaine and naughty fool Shall not have strength like a broken idol O Earth earth earth give eare and heare 〈◊〉 word For I that speakes am the Almighty Lord Write him chidelesse a man of no vertue This Jechoniah shall not have issue Tâ—is is enacted qy the great Jovah â—e of his feed shall be King in Judah The Use Kâ—ngs follow their wicked fathers trace â—e Lord them shall pluck shortlie from their place â—he King who with Coniah playes the foole 〈◊〉 in Gods eyes like a broken idole 19. MATTANIAH The gift of GOD. He after was by Nebuchanezzar King of Babylon called ZEDEKIAH The righteousnesse of GOD. THis was the third son of good Josiah 〈◊〉 Jehojachins Uncle the great JOVAH â—e did contemne he humbled not his heart â—hen Jeremie from God spake him apart ' Gainst Babels King he falsly did rebell Who made him sweare by the great Eternell Gods word to him gives this reprofe and checâ— His heart he hardned and stiffned his neck Therefore in the ninth yeare of his ill reigne God sent to him the host of Babels King Who ' gainst Salem pitched with courage stout And built strong forts against it round about Two years that seege continued hardly At last famine prevail'd in the city It to defend in it was no more might The men of war from it did flee by night The King himself who stood out long in vaine At last did flee by the way of the plaine Him the Caldees pursu'd with feet of Roe And overtooke him neere to Jericho Him they did bring unto the faire Riblah There they judgement upon Zedekiah Did give yea his sons there before his face These villains slew without mercy or grace When that was done in their most cruell spoâ— That this poore King should have no more coâ—â—fort By sight of eyes they this devise did find To put his eyes out and so make him blind Because against the Lord he did trespasse His foes him bound with strong fetters of brassâ— The ninteenth year of Nebuchanezzar Nebuzaradan his captaine from farre â—me with great forces he with rage and ire â—ds house and the Kings palace burnt with fire â—is Babylonish army strong and stout â—ake downe the walls of Salem round about â—us that city with all that there was found â—ith GODS house al 's was brought unto the ground â—ebuzaradan in Judah left then â—â—ely vine dressers and poor husband men â—e men of might with all their wealth that day â—â—t of their land were carried all away The Use â—hen King or people thus live voide of grace â—he Lord shall them soone remove from their place â—ho want Gods help their foes shall soone them foile â—â—em captives take and their rich treasures spoile â—r Judahs sins the mighty Lord that day â—ng Crowne Scepter and carried all away â—r their trespasse he would not them defend â—â—t of their Kingdome made a tragick end Behold how this people of great renowne Were spoil'd at last of Liberties and Crowne They angred God they did his Prophets scorne Therefore no Jevv did sit on Judahs Throne Let Kings heere learne vvho are set in high place That Kingdomes stand not by mens strength but grace Let Kings heere learne hovv for their sinne anone God brings to nought their Scepter Crovvne and Throne THE GARDEN OF ZION Of the Kings of Israel 1. Jeroboam 2. Nadab 3. Baasha 4. Elah 5. Zimri 6. Omri 7. Ahab 8. Ahaziah 9. Joram 10. Jehu 11. Jehoahaz 12. Jehoash 13. Jeroboam 14. Zechariah last of Ichus race 15 Shallum 16. Menahem 17. Pekajah 18. Pekah 19. Hoshea A Prayer O Well of life novv shovv thy golden source A silver pipe make my heart for its use In holy tearmes make me the praise expresse Which is most due unto thy holinesse I beg thy light and grace for to diserne That teaching others I my self may learne Ecclipse me not like the Coach of the Moone When it is black but turne my night to Noone My brest O Lord vvith sacred verses fill Which I may vvrite vvith a most nimble quil Of Judahs Kings as vve have understood Many vvere bad but fevv alas vvere good But Isra'ls Kings thy vvord them All doth blame Not one of them did truely
feare thy name They vvith idols thy vvorship did abuse Of their ill lives teach me to make good use 1. JEROBOAM Contending or striving vvith the people THis wicked man at first but a servant To Solomon did scorne Gods Covenant This Son of Nebat stinketh filthilie His name is rotten by idolatrie None Like to him in Scripture I can find For none as he made Gods if a'l to sin At first Solomon for his industrie This young man set up in a high degree For his valour and for his brave courage Of Josephs house he gave to him the charge But after that the Prophet Ahâ—jah Did clearly shew from the great Jehovah That Jeroboam ten Tâ—ibes should command But two as Lamps for Davids house should stand Because Solomon by idolatrie To a great wrath had provok'd the most hie When Solomon heard that he should be King He sought by death such honours downe to bring But he to the King of Egypt anone Fled and was there untill King Solomon Did end his dayes then after he came back From Egypt King who called was Shishak The Isra'lits assembled at Schechem To Crowne with pomp the young Rehoboam By Jeroboams instigation Were mov'd to make for relexation 〈◊〉 sute to him who answ'red them roughly Therefore according to the Prophecy Of Abijah ten Tribs were quickly rent â—rom Davids house then they incontinent â—onsid'ring what strength they had of men â—o Jeroboam sent of their brethren â—im for to Crowne soone King of Israel â—his purpose was from the great Eternel When Rehoboam was come to Salem An hundred fourescore thousand chosen men He gath'red for in a bloody Battell To fight against the house of Israel By force of war this ill advised King Thought well the Kingdome backe againe 〈◊〉 bring But then unto the Prophet Semajah There came a word from the great Jehovah Who said to Rehoboam and his hoast It is not time either to fight or boast Let not now Judah against Israel Come for to fight in a bloody Battell This matter is from the Lord righteous Let ev'ry man therefore turne to his house Then they GODS word did hear with huâ—â—â— heart And so they all returning did depart Then Jeroboam Shechem and Penuel Most Princely built and al 's in them did dwell He proud in sprit said these words in his heart I feare at last that Davids house depart From me and mine to turne unto their Lord And so me kill in furie with the sword If they go up for the great GODS service To do at Salem dayly sacrifice Then Jeroboam with his bad counsell Two calves of gold made against th'Eternell It is too much said he for you to goe Vp to Salem both paine and cost also It is to go so farre to th' Eternell See heere more near thy gods O Israel Of these two calves in Bethel he set one At Dan another which brought down his Throne Thus did this vile man his Kingdome begin With dead idols which thing became a sin Before these calves the people speedily Did worship with most vile idolatrie He vile houses of hie places did make And base Priests that were not of Levis stock On Bethels Altar which was great offence He sacrificed and al 's burnt incense While this he did behold anone a jar A man from GOD thus cri'd Altar Altar â—hus saith the LORD a childe of Davids house â—osiah King a man most righteous He in a zeale and godlie jealousie â—hall such Priests bones most cursed burne on thee â—ee now a signe the Altar shall be rent â—he ashes shall be powred out and spent When Jeroboam heard from th' Eternel What this man said ' gainst th' Altar in Bethel From the Altar he did put forth his hand Saying lay hold on this man I command But GOD dri'd up the arme of this profane So that he could not pull it in againe GOD rent th' Altar and ashes powred out Then the King trembling who before was stout Said to GODS man a man of gift and grace Pray thou for me and now intreat Gods face That he to me my hand would now restore When he did pray it became as before Then said the King I will thee now reward Come home with me but he did not regard All the Kings gifts for the halfe of thine housâ— Said he I will not in this untimeous Time go with thee a man voide of all grace I will not eat neither drink in this place For no request to go I will accord For so it was me charged by the LORD At this same time as Scriptures to us tell There dwelt an old Prophet at this Bethel His sons him told what great things had beeâ— done By the Prophet at Bethel then right soone To them he said now saddle me mine Asse He rode thereon and to him where he was Under an Oake sitting softly he came â—nd said to him tell me if thou the man â—f GOD art whom the great LORD JEHOVAH â—nt to our King from the land of Judah I am said he Come home said he with me â—efresh thy self with meat and be merrie â—o said Gods man this thing I may not do 〈◊〉 will not eat nor yet thy house goe to â—rom GODS precept I may not go astray 〈◊〉 must not eate nor returne by the way â—hat I came first But thou must not do so â—id the old man a Prophet I also â—m as thou art an Angel to me spake â—hat unto mine house I should bring thee back While they at Table were eating gladely â—he Sprite of GOD made the old Prophet cry â—nto the Prophet who came from Judah â—hus saith the LORD ev'n the great Jehovah â—ecause thou hast rebell'd this message have â—ith thy fathers thou shalt not lye in grave When this was said GODS man he went away â—n his journey a Lion by the way â—im met and kill'd but so it came to passe â—e did not eat the man nor yet the Asse Whereon he rode Behold men passing by â—nd seeing this came unto the city Where the old man was who at this report Was moved much and did his sons exhort To bring his Asse that he might ride and see To know the trueth of all that historie When he came there both Lion and the Asse Were standing neere the dead Prophets carcase He the dead corps upon his Asse did lay And with great grief brought it to the city There as a childe lamented by his mother He mourned and said Oh Alas my brother Then said this old man to his sons apart The mighty Lord this tells me in mine heart What this Prophet hath said against Bethell Shall all be done by the great Eternell When I am dead see that ye then me lay In this same grave wherein Gods man doth lyâ— Now Jeroboam with his healed hand Did not regard what Jovah did command Base Priests he made even of the basest sort He set them up GODS people to exhort Who did desire he did them consecrate
liveth what unto me Jovah 〈◊〉 his good Sprite at this time shall reveale â—hat from King Ahab I shall not conceale When he was come the King said so and so Micajah tell if we to Battell go â—all against Ramoth or shall we forbeare â—hat is thy minde Let me an answere heare Go and prosper said Micajah in scorne â—od in thine hand shall that people forlorne â—eliver now speake trueth I thee adjure â—id Ahab for I cannot scorne endure â—hen said Micajah the trueth I will tell â—pon the hills I saw all Israel As wandring sheepe that have not a sheepheard â—hen this I saw then the Lord to me said â—hese have no master this is mine advice â—hat every man goe to his house in peace â—ehold said Ahab to Josaphat King â—id I not rightly conjecture this thing â—hat this Micajah in his prophecie â—ould say no good in what concerneth me â—hen said Micajah heare now thou therefore 〈◊〉 the Lords Prophet yet will tell thee more 〈◊〉 saw the Lord sitting upon his Throne Before him there all heav'ns host came anone Then said the Lord who best among you all Can move Ahab for to goe up and fall At Ramoth One said this another that At last came foorth a spirit a reprobate Who stood before the mightie Lord and saiâ— I take in hand that I shall him perswade Then said the Lord unto that Spirit wherewiâ— With many lyes said he I will goe foorth And him deceive Goe foorth said GOâ— doe so Thou shalt perswade him and prevaile also But Zedekiah Son of Chenaanah Went neere and smote the cheeke of Micajah Which way said he the Sprite of God from me A Prophet went for to speake unto thee Then said Micajah for thy boast and pride The day shall come that thou thy selfe shalt hiâ— In inner chambers close Then said the King Take this Micajah and soone do this thing Put this fellow into some vile prison And feede him with bread of affliction And water al 's untill I come in peace From the Battell This well me now do please Said Micajah for if thou come safelie Frâ—m that Battell the Lord hath not by me â—ken at all This is most sure I tell â—rken O people and consider well â—o the King Ahab and Josaphat both â—th their great Armie went up to Ramoth â—n Ahab King resolved by advise â—he Battell he did him selfe disguise 〈◊〉 he had said unto Josaphat King 〈◊〉 on thy robes in time of the fighting â—he King of Syria had his thirtie two â—taines commanded saying so and so 〈◊〉 that ye fight neither with great nor small â—e onely with the King of Israel When the Captaines Josaphats rich clothing 〈◊〉 see they thought he had been Isra'ls King â—n they aside turned with all their might â—inst Josaphat with forces to fight â—hen King Josaphat with a mighty shout â—ong his foes in danger cried out â—en the Captaines in that bloody Battell 〈◊〉 that he was not the King of Isra'l â—y turned back and quickly went him fro â—eek Ahab who was their cheefest foe â—hen at a venture a man drew a bow 〈◊〉 hurt Ahab with a deadly arrow â—n said Ahab to him who his coch drave 〈◊〉 wounded if thou my life can save Delay no more with diligence make hast And carry me aside out of the host So Ahab died and in Samaria Was buried as the Prophet Micajah Before had told who it well understood They wash'd the coch the dogges did lick blood The Use Let Kings heer learne to shun ill company A Jezebel stain'd with idolatry Let Kings heere learne GODS Lawes foâ— regard Ahab did losse his Crowne for a vineyearâ— Let Kings heere learne GODS Micajah heare And not to base Placebos to give eare 8. AHAZIAH The possession of GOD. THis wicked son after Ahab was dead In wickednesse did unto him succeed He like his father did worship Baal And so provok'd the great God Eternal A few dayes after a great greif befell â—ng Ahaziah through a lattesse fell â—om an high chamber whereby he made sick â—om Ba'lzebub his life and health did seeke Then an Angel sent from the great Jovah â—id to his Prophet faithfull Elijah â—ise go up and the Kings servants meet â—d say unto them in these words most meet 〈◊〉 it not because that in all Isra'l â—ere is no GOD that thou go'st to Baal â—w therefore heare that which the LORD hath said â—ou shalt not therefore come downe from thy bed â—hen this message Elijah had imparted 〈◊〉 went his way and from these men departed Then messengers unto the King came back â—ho said unto them why are ye so slack 〈◊〉 to returne from the way I you sent â—om Ba'lzebub who onely can content 〈◊〉 troubled heart Then answer'd they the King 〈◊〉 man us met who sent us back saying 〈◊〉 tell your Prince who hath you foolishlie â—t to idoles wherein is no safetie â—it not because that in all Isra'l There is no God that thou go'st to Baal Now therefore heare what the Lord God 〈◊〉 said Thou shalt not therefore come downe from 〈◊〉 bed What man was he that came you up to meeâ— Said Ahaziah both troubled and sick He was said they a man old and hoary Who bade us turne and no longer tarry This hoary man who did us thus enjoine A leather girdle had about his loines The man that is clothed with that habite Is most surely Elijah the Tishbite Then did the King a Captaine of fiftie Send unto him sitting on an hill hie They said Thus saith the man that beares crowne Thou man of GOD see that thou soone câ— downe Elijah said if man of God I be Let fire come downe and thee and thy fiftie Consume and slay with these wordes fell fire Which did as good Elijah did desire Againe the King a Captaine with fiftie Sent to Elijah commanding quicklie â—r to come downe as had been said before â—ese words they spake to fright him more and more â—ey said Thus saith the man that beares the Crovvne â—ou man of GOD see that thou soone come dovvne Elijah said if man of God I be â—t fire comedowne and thee and thy fiftie â—nsume and slay with these words fell a fire â—hich did as good Elijah did desire He sent againe a Captaine of fifty â—ho came and at Elijahs feet humbly â—d supplicat that he his favour might â—nd that his life might be deare in his sight Then said th' Angel Elijah now go downe â—are not the face of him that beares the Crown â—en he arose and went unto the King â—nd said This is the mighty Lords saying 〈◊〉 as much as thou to Baalzebub â—st sent a disgrace on the LORD to rub â—erefore I tell thee what GOD unto me â—th said in wrath is it not certainly â—it not because that in all Isra'l â—ere is no GOD that thou unto Baal â—uld send Therefore from thy bed certainly Thou shalt not come downe but shalt surely Thus after two yeers that
he bare the crowne Unto the dust by death he was brought downe The Use Let all men learne in sicknesse and distreâ— To trust in God who ever good successe Grants unto these that upon him depend Who do not so shall feel it in the end Hear this who with shit children in your aâ— Run to witches to stithies salves and chaâ— 9. JEHORAM The highnesse of GOD KIng Ahaziah after him had none Who in Isra'l succeeded to his Throne But Jehoram his brother in that day Sat on the Throne and did the scepter sway Of this man who did from the LORD departâ— With an arrow Jehu did pierce the heart He was son of Ahab and Jezebel A race much hated of God Eternel The Use â—t all Kings heere learne not to go astray 〈◊〉 they in peace would long their scepter sway 〈◊〉 Kings from GOD in their folly depart â—D arrowes hath vvherewith to pierce their heart ELIJAH The mightie Lord. 〈◊〉 Jorams reigne Gods word in history â—nserts concerning Elijah worthy When to take up Elijah in his minde â—e Lord had purpose by a great whirlewinde â—en Elijah the Prophet from Gilgal â—ent with Elisha and to him did call â—d said Here tarry for the Eternel â—th me ordain'd for to go to Bethel â—sha said As the great God doth live 〈◊〉 no request will I Elijah leave â—en these two Prophets of the Eternel â—gether went down unto faire Bethel â—s of the Prophets there to Elisha â—d Knowst not thou thy Master Elijah Shall from thine head be pull'd away this day I know said he hold ye your peace I say Al 's Elijah said to Elisha so I pray thee tary for to Jericho The Lord hath sent me I must him obey But as for thee thou shalt do well to stay Elisha said as the great God doth live For no request will I Elijah leave When they were come unto fair Jericho The Prophets sons said to Elisha so Hast thou not heard that thy Master this day From thee by God should be pulled away Yea I it know said he most certainly Hold ye your peace and hencefoorth let me bâ— Elijah said to Elisha his man Now tarry here for God me to Jordan Hath sent As the most mighty Lord doth live Said Elisha I minde thee not to leave When Elijah this matter thought upon He yeelded then and so the two went on There fiftie men who then all Prophets were Stood ov'r against for to view them a farre There Elijah with Elisha his man Most gravely stood hard by the flood Jordan Then Elijah tooke his mantle anone With it by faith he strooke the flood upon â—y this the waters they divided found 〈◊〉 that these two went ov'r on the dry ground When they the Jordan together had past â—ijah said to Elisha at last â—â—ke now what thou desires I doe for thee â—fore by God I be lifted on hie â—ou hast me serv'd with respect and regard â—e what thou wouldst have now for thy reward Elisha said this is my sute to thee â—t thy good Sprite be doubled now on me â—hen Elijah heard Elishas saying â—e said thou hast now asked a heard thing â—everthelesse if thou shalt then me see â—hen the great God shall take me up on hie 〈◊〉 shall be so unto thee as thou would â—t not if then thou canst me not behold It came to passe as these two went on still â—hold a signe the promise to fulfill â—cording to good Elishas desire â—ere appeared a faire charet of fire â—ith great horses which parted them that day Elijah in whirlewinde went away When Elisha had seene all that befell 〈◊〉 father father charet of Isra'l â—d their horsemen he thus aloud did cry â—t he him saw no more after that day Then Elisha for grief incontinent Tooke his own clothes and in two pieces rent Last after this the Prophet Elisha Tooke up the mantle of good Elijah That fell on him and so went back anone And stood besides the bank of the Jordan With that mantle he smote the waters deep Which both above and beneath back did creep For Gods servant to make a ready way That good Elisha might passe through that day When the Prophets that were at Jericho Saw Elisha they all said so and so Behold the sprit of faithfull Elijah Doth rest upon his servant Elisha These came to meet him with all diligence And bow'd before him with great reverence Behold said they there be with us fiftie Strong men of worth let them goe we pâ— thee And seeke thy Master least peradventure The Sprite of God who had of him the cure Hath taken him and hath him cast upon Some high mountaine or low valley alone Then said Elisha your zeal I commend But my advise is that ye shall not send From their purpose he could them not reclamâ— They urged so that he did blush for shame Therefore he said if it be your will send â—ey sent therefore and three dayes to an end â—id seek and seek on valley and mountaine â—t nothing found and so return'd againe â—hen to Elisha they at Jericho â—me with report how they both to and fro â—d wandred to them Elisha did say â—old you that before ye went away The Use â—t Prophets learne vvho serve the great Jovah 〈◊〉 follovv the footsteps of Elijah 〈◊〉 spar'd not great Kings but did them rebuke â—hen they Jehovah most leudly forsooke â—ost Kings are slaine by the vile flatterie 〈◊〉 base fellowes who walk not uprightly â—t all Elijahs that walk in GODS way â—oke for GODS coch to carie them away ELISHA My GOD salvation â—Hen Elisha sojourn'd at Jericho The men of that city came him unto Who said behold a place that is pleasant But the water is nought and good ground scaâ— Then said Elisha bring me a new cruse Put salt therein whereof I may make use When this was done he went forth to the spriâ— Of these waters and cast the salt therein And said Thus saith the mighty LORD I have Healed these waters as yee may perceive Henceforth no death or any barren land Heer shall be seene for so doth GOD commanâ— Then Elisha from thence went to Bethel As he did go this Tragedie befell Some children came out of Bethels city Who said unto the Prophet tauntingly Go up thou bald head go up thou bald-head He turned back and cursed them with speed Then from the wood came Bears incontinent Who fourtie two all into pieces rent From thence to faire Carmel went Elisha And from Carmel unto Samaria Now Jehoram ill Ahabs second son In Samaria did sit on the Throne He did much ill in great Jehovahs sight Yet not like Ahab for this which was right He did Baals image he put away To which Ahab his father went astray But Jeroboams sins he could not leave â—o these idols his foolish heart did cleave In this time Mesha who of Moab King â—as a sheepmaster who much sheep did bring 〈◊〉 Ahabs dayes when once Ahab was dead
Jehovah â—ke Jeroboams or like Baasha â—ikewise in the portion of Jezreel â—he dogges shall eat the flesh of Jezebel â—r her vile sins and her most bloody furie â—hen shee is dead none shall her carcase burie When this young man had thus all these tâ— said The doore he op'ned and with speed he fled When this was done one said unto Jehuâ— Wherefore to thee came now this mad fellow Then said he this mans communication Yee well know I need no more expression All is most false said they which thou doâ— Now tell us truely what thou heard'st this 〈◊〉 I will not faine said he but will you tell He me anointed hath King of Isra'l When these men heard of Jehu this sayinâ— They trumpets blew and cri'd Jehu is Kinâ— So Jehu King ' gainst Joram did conspire To Jezreel he in wrath hot like fire Rod in charet for there Joram to slay With Ahazia who was come that day To see Joram who there cured his wounds Made by Hazael fighting in his bounds Then on a high tower in faire Jezreel Stood a watch-man who to the King did I clearely see a huge great company Then Joram said take an horseman quickly And send to meet them to them let him Is it for peace that ye come so this day When he thus said stout Jehu in a rage Said turne behinde me a most sure presage 〈◊〉 bloody warre The watchman this seeing â—ow all appear'd declar'd unto the King Yet once againe a horseman to them send â—id King Joram that what these men intend â—e may now know then went that second man â—ho one horseback to Jehus armie ran â—d said whether peace or war intend yee 〈◊〉 him Jehu al 's said Turne behind me â—en said the watchman in words true and plaine 〈◊〉 came to them but commeth not againe â—hink I see Jehu son of Nimshi â—r in driving he doth drive furiously Then Joram said make shortly ready now â—at in our charets we against Jehu â—y goe Then Joram armed went anone â—th Ahazia his own sisters Son â—g of Judah he went to that Battel â—d met Jehu in the plat of Jezre'l â—ere Naboth died When Joram saw Jehu â—cri'd aloud Is it peace for us now What peace said he as long as Jezebel â—ne ill mother with whooredomes doth rebell â—l al 's witchcrafts Then Joram turn'd quickly Ahaziah and said treachery Then Jehu drew a bow in anger hote 〈◊〉 Jehoram betweene the armes he shote The piercing arrow went out at his heart And he anone sanke downe in his charet Then said Jehu to Bidkar his Captaine Take up this corps and cast it with disdaine On Naboths field When we did serve Ahab We heard by God this burden on him laide Surely said God I have seene yesterday The blood of Naboth In this plat repay I will that murder in that plat of ground Let him be cast that the Lord may be found Both just and true When Ahaziah King This slaughter saw he in his heart fainting With all his might in his charet did flie And Jehu after follow'd him quicklie To smite him al 's his servants he did spurre With cryes who smote him going up to Guâ— Which is by Ibla'm he to Megiddo Did flie anone and there he died also Then Jehu came with haste to Jezreel Where was the witch and vile whoore Jezebâ— When she it heard she then painted her face And tyr'd her head with folies in that place She looked out and said unto Jehu Had Zimri peace who his own Master slew Then Jehu lifting up his face unto The window said who is on my side who To him three Eunuches looked out anone 〈◊〉 them he said see that ye throw her downe â—d so they did so that then from the wall â—r sprinkled blood on the Horses did fall â—ere King Jehu in zeale and anger hot â—eene Jezebel quickly troad under foot When he was come in for to eate and drinke Jezebel he began thus to thinke â—e see now this cursed woman said he â—r she is a Kings daughter verily â—e burie her they went at his commands â—t onely the skull feet palms of her hands â—ey found the greedy dogs got all the rest â—en Jehu heard this he esteemed best thinke of that which Propet Elijah â—d threatned from his Master Jehovah In the same place of pleasant Jezreel â—e dogs shall eate the flesh of Jezebel â—rvile carkase as doung upon the field â—all be no faird or force shall there it shield â—hile her dead bones scattred in Jezreel â—all be none shall say This is Jezâ—bel Thus this ill wife of wicked King Ahab â—st Queene last queane a vile and dirty drab â—as to the dogs by the Lord given for meat â—ho did her eat except skull palms and feet In Samria King Ahab had then Of sons that were in count threescore and ten Then Jehu wrote to these of Jezreel And Samaria see if ye expell My forces can Of Ahab take a Son And see if ye darre set him on the Throne They at these wordes were then exceeding lie Afraid and said it were to us folie To fight a man whose force and mighty hand Two great Kings were not able to withstand Therefore the Rulers sent unto Jehu Saying We are thy humble servants now What thou desirest now command and say With one consent we will Jehu obey Then Jehu wrote to them of the citie If ye be mine and will hearken to me Take the Sons of Ahab and Jezebel And send their heads to me in Jezreel Threescore and ten Sons of Ahab they slew Their heads in baskets they sent to Jehu What they had done men told unto the King Who said lay them in heaps till the morning So Jehu King direct'd by th' Eternel Slew all that Ahab had in Jezreel Both all his great men his kinsfolks and Priests None would he save for prayer or requests Then from Jezreel Jehu went away â—to Samaria there he by the way â—d meet comeing Ahazias brethren 〈◊〉 them he said who or what sort of men â—e ye said they we are of Royall blood â—e are come downe so it seems to us good â—ndly to sâ—e the children of the King â—d them salute we meane none other thing Then said Jehu take all these men alive â—ho are in number thirty seven and five â—ey to obey the precepts of Jehu â—d take them all and at a pit them slew After Jehu did meet Jehonadab â—ho was the Son of one called Rechab 〈◊〉 him he said Is thine heart right with me 〈◊〉 mine with thee He said it is truely â—en said Jehu give to me now thine hand â—ter my Coch as King I thee command â—w come said he according to my word â—d see what zeal I have had for the Lord. Then Jehu came unto Samaria 〈◊〉 the direction of the great Jovah 〈◊〉 Ahabs race he left not one at all â—ho after him did pisse against the wall â—us he fulfill'd the words of Jehovah â—hich he before did
the Lord our God â—ey brought unto us men of knowledge good â—e sons of Mahli the sons of Levi number eighteene with other twentie â—en I proclaim'd a fast there said Ezra Even hard besids the river Ahava That we our selves there where me may abodâ— Might sore afflict before th' Almighty God To seek of him a way with diligence Both for our selves our sons and our substancâ— For I thought shame to seek from the King theâ— A band of Souldiers and al 's of Horsemen Us to protect against our foes for I Had to the King uttred this speach boldly The hand of GOD will surely their part taâ— That do him feare But these that him forsakâ— And with profane walk in the wicked path They surely shall feel the dint of his wrath So we besought the Lord with hunmble fast And he intreated was of us at last When this was done Ezra great quantitie Of silver gold and fine copper quickly Causd to be weighed to the Priests and them He ordain'd all to bring unto Salem On the twelft day of the first mon'th Ezra Departed from the river Ahava That we unto Jerusalem might goe GOD by his hand us sav'd from every foe So we unto Salem came in safetie Wherein the Temple we did clearly see The silver gold well weighed then anone We did deliver our commission Unto the Kings Livetenents whose abode â—as on this side of the river of God â—he house they did most carefully prepare â—hereby they did their diligence declare Chap. 9. â—Hen Ezra was kindled with holy rage Because the people had in mariage â—ken the daughters of a wicked race â—e holy seed thus did themselves disgrace 〈◊〉 among these most wicked Nations â—ey follow'd their abominations â—t let the commons of the people passe â—e great Princes were chiefe in this trespasse When I this thing did hear I quickly rent â—th greefe of heart my mantle and garment â—oni'd I sat downe my heart did bleed â—e haire I pluckt both off my beard and head Then came to me numbers with one accord â—o with their hearts did truely fear the LORD â—ey greeved were for their wicked practise â—te astoni'd till even sacrifice â—en I arose up from my heavinesse â—ing my mantle in my sore distresse â—t with my garment then upon my knees â—ll downe and to God did lift mine eyes Spreading my hands out to his Majestie And said O God to lift my face to thee I am asham'd for even over our head Our sins are greatly increased indeed And our trespasse against thy holy name Up to the Heav'ns is growen up to our shame Since the dayes of our fathers we have seen That we in great trespasse have surely been Unto this day and for our sins have we Our Kings our Priests been to captivitie And spoile deliv'red and to shame of face As we this day do feele with great disgrace And now the Lord to us with sorrowes prest A little space hath made grace manifest That we escape might danger and disgrace And get a naile in his most holy place That so our God might lighten cleare our eyes And in our bondage give a little ease For we who are Gods chosen heritage Among our foes were captives in bondage But God to us extended hath mercy Even in the sight of Kings who mightily In Persia rule that he so by this thing Might unto us even give a reviving For to set up GODS house with buildinâ— faire And desolations thereof well repaire â—nd so in Salem and al 's in Judah 〈◊〉 get a wall from the great JEHOVAH And now our GOD alas what shall we say â—r we thy precepts have despisd this day â—â—d cleane forsaken for in lustfull rage â—ith the heathen we have in mariage â—fil'd our selves in our trespasses we â—fore thy face at this time stand guiltie Chap. 10. VVHen Ezra thus did pray and weepe right sore â—d cast himselfe downe the LORDS house before â—en Jehiels son called Shechaniah 〈◊〉 answere soone and said unto Ezra â— have trespassd against the LORDS command have espousde the strange wives of the land for all this we truely heere may tell â—t touching this there 's hope in Israel â—herefore now let us make without delay â—h GOD a Cov'nant for to put away â—h all the wives and children most forlorne â—ch of these wives have hitherto been borne â—e Ezra for this matter to thee â—ngeth also we with thee will be Be of courage and do as ye now hear Then rose Ezra and made Isra'l to swear That they should do according to his word Then Ezra before the house of the LORD Rose and quickly into the chamber went Of Johanan where he was miscontent For their sins who had beene cari'd away He ate no bread no water in that day He drank at all and they proclaim'd quickly Unto the children of captivity Through all Judah and Salem that together They should themselves for this good purpoâ— gather Then within three dayes as they did ordaine They greatly mourn'd for their sinnes and fâ—raine Then Ezra Priest stood up and al 's did tell By wives yee have increasd sins in Isra'l Therefore unto your fathers God confesse To do his pleasure see that ye professe Sever your selves from the men of the land And from strange wives Then all did taâ— in hand While they heard Ezra speaking thus that day That as he said they gladly would obey That GOD might turne away his anger hote Which kindled was by such a filthie spot They gave their hands that they would put away â—heir wives and being most guilty that day â—s God ordained so it came to passe 〈◊〉 ramme they offred for their great trespasse The Use â—eere learne that though GOD with great miserie â—fflict his Church in long captivitie â—et at the last before that they be shent 〈◊〉 of the evil will surely him repent Zerubbabel with his precepts school'd 〈◊〉 can raise up Jerusalem to build â—r manners good he can finde out a scribe 〈◊〉 learn'd Ezra wise precepts to prescribe â—ee wil not want if it then needfull be good Haggai and faithfull Zacharie â—a Cyrus his ordinance recall Darius he for to build the wall â—n raise who by a most constant decree â—ll furnish all that thereto needfull be See how the LORD can wisely with a beck A winke a vvord the greatest things direct THE GARDEN OF ZION The Booke of Nehemiah A Prayer THy workes are wondrous as all men mâ— see Thy Phoebus bright careering on the sky Comes foorth pompous like a Bridgroomâ— light Thy starres like nailes of gold decore the nighâ— Thou sends thy winds justing among the clouds They roare they stirre the bubbling waâ— floods What god O GOD can be compar'd to thee ' â—ho art great Ruler both of land and sea â—rant unto me that in my sacred layes 〈◊〉 may expresse the glory of thy wayes By Zerubabel thou thy Temple faire â—ebuilt by Ezra thou didst well repaire â—hat was amisse in manners
last of all â—y Nehemiah thou made up the wall â—f fair Salem O make us all to feel â—ithin our hearts such burning holy zeal NEHEMIAH The consolation of the Lord. Chap. 1. AS I was in Shushan there came to me One of my brethren called Hanani With certaine men of Judah of whom I â—hat was the state of the poor Jewes did try â—hat had escapt from among dangers great â—nd which of the captivity were left And they againe together said to me â—he remnant left of the captivitie â—e in reproach and great affliction And Salems wall is also broken downe Our foes most fierce who ' gainst us did coâ—spire The gates thereof have all now burnt with firâ— It came to passe when I these words did heâ— From great mourning I could no more forbeaâ— While that my heart greev'd to and fro wâ— driven I did both fast and pray the GOD of Heav'n I said O LORD of Heav'n I beseech thee Great and terrible that keepeth mercie And Covenant for them that do him love And keep the precepts of the Lord above Unto thy servant give attentive eare That thou thy servants prayer well may heare Which before thee I pray both day and night Israels sins confessing in thy sight Not onely so but oh alas both I And al 's my fathers house have sinn'd greatly Against thee wee have most corruptly dealt For which great grief and sorrows we have feâ— Thy statuts and thy most righteous judgementâ— We have not keept which thou by thy servant Moses did give Remember I pray thee What thou in justice and al 's in mercie Spake by Moses saying If yee transgresse I will you scatter but if yee confesse Humblie your sinne and returne timeously â—o me I will you gather most quickly 〈◊〉 our enemies also I will defame â—nd will you bring where I will set my name Now these are thy most faithfull servants and â—eople whom thou by thy Almighty hand â—edeemed hast O LORD my GOD now grant â—n eare attentive unto thy servant â—nd to thy servants prayer now give eare â—ho thy great name alwayes desire to feare â—hat I intend now prosper I thee pray â—hat I may find thine assistance this day 〈◊〉 the sight of this man me mercy grant â—or I cupbearer was the Kings servant Chap. 2. THe twenty year of Artaxerxes King I his cupbearer wine to him did bring 〈◊〉 his presence I had not beene before â—s I was then in great sadnesse wherefore â—he King himself thus looking on me said â—hat aileth thee and why art thou so sad â—eeing with sicknesse thou not troubled art This nothing else is but sorrow of heart When by the King these wordes were to 〈◊〉 said Then I anone was very sore afraid When at this time fear made my lips to quiver Unto the King I said King live for ever Why should I not be sad and all agast When the city of Salem lieth wast The place of my fathers sepulchres deare Its gates are burnt from greefe who can forbeare Then said the King to me See what is best For what dost thou now greeved make request Then lifting up my heart I did soone pray Unto the Lord and to the King did say If it the King please and if thy servant Have in thy sight found favour to me grant That I be sent unto Judahs citie That it anone may builded be by me Then said the King the Queene al 's sitting bâ— For how long shall be this thy great journey And when wilt thou againe to us returne Now set a time it keep and not adjourne When I this heard I set to him a time To let me go the King did well incline Moreover I said to the King humblie If it the King shall please let soone to me Letters be given for them that do govern Beyond the river that they well may learn That thy will is for th' honour of JOVAH â—hat they convey me over to Judah â—lso a letter to get I thought best â—o Asaph the keeper of the forrest â—hat he timber should give for beams quickly â—o make the gates of palace house city â—hat I did seek that did the king command â—ccording as on me was GODS good hand â—hen I beyond the river came quickly â—ving Captaines which the king sent with me When Sanbalat the wicked Horonite â—d Tobiah the servant Ammonite â—eard of it it them greev'd exceedingly â—hat any sought the good of GODS City So GOD who me did save in all my wayes â—ought me to Salem where I was three dayes 〈◊〉 the night tyme when sleep sad on men falls 〈◊〉 went and viewd the ruine of the wals Thereafter I the Jews did all invite 〈◊〉 build the wals and that even in despite 〈◊〉 all their foes Ye know said I what 's past â—rusalem GODS City lyeth waste â—a what our greatest foes did most require â—e wals are down the gates are burnt with fire â—en I to them declared most clearly â—w that the good hand of GOD was on me â—d how the king before I did depart Spake to me words which did comfort my heaâ— Let us rise up and build couragiously So GOD their hearts made stout and hands readâ— But when that Sanballat the Horonite And Tobiah the servant Ammonite And Geshen the Arabian did hear They at our work began to laugh and gyre And us despise what is this great doing Said they Will ye rebell against the king Then unto them I most boldly did say The God of Heaven will prosper us this day Therefore we now his servants will arise And build but you who Gods servants despise In Gods Salem have no memoriall You have no portion yea no right at all Chap. 3. IN this Chapter we have the names of all These who did build fair Salems broken wall Chap. 4. BUT after when that wicked Sanballat Heard that we did so build the wall and thâ— We courage had he wroth with indignation Did scoffe and mock the whole Jewish nation Before his brethren and of Samaria â—e armie he said laughing with Ha ha â—hese feeble Jewes what Will they fortifie â—emselves Or what Will they most foolishly 〈◊〉 sacrifice Will they even in a day â—d all this work Will they revive I say â—e stones out of their bruised rubbish heape â—hich are all burnt Now was the Ammonite â—obiah by him who said scornfully â—l that they build will fall down by and by 〈◊〉 that a Foxe but leap upon their wall â—e shall it break down and make all to fall Heare LORD how wee despised are indeed â—nd their reproach turn upon their own head â—nd make them all at last a prey to be â—en in the land of their captivity â—nd cover not their great sins lesse or more â—r thee to anger the builders before â—ey have provocked so we did anone â—ild all the wall till all was fully done But when Sanballat and Tobiah vain â—ith Ammonits Arabians profane â—nd Ashdodites that Salems wall did hear â—as
builded they had both great wrath and fear â—herefore together they did all conspire 〈◊〉 go and fight against Salem in ire And so to stop the work Neverthelesse We unto God did pray in our distresse Likewise because of their malice and might We set a watch against them day and night And Judah said The strength of bearers all Is much decay'd and for to build the wall We are not able for such quantity Of rubbish as ye all may clearly see Then said our foes Before they be aware We shall them slay and so their work shall matâ— From all places the Jews came and us told Even unto ten-tymes that our foes most bold With great forces provided would not fail To come and us with fury to assail Therefore to save the people from these fears I armed men set with bows swords and spears Then to the Nobles and Rulers I said Of these vain men see yee be not afraid Remember God and armed in his sight For your brethren and sonnes and daughteâ— fight From that time was their counsell brought tâ— nought Half of my servants in the work well wrought The other half against dangers and fears Held bows and shields and habergeons spears And other weapons which they best could finde 〈◊〉 Judahs house the Rulers stood behinde 〈◊〉 with one hand the builders in that fear â—d work and with the other held the spear 〈◊〉 each builder had his sword by his side â—e Trumpeter hard by me did abide Then to the Nobles and the People all â—aid The work is great and on the wall â—e far asunder building do remain â—erefore in time let us wisely ordain â—at in what place yee shall the trumpet hear â—e then to us with all haste shall draw near â—e fear not mens malice or yet their might â—r God the Lord himself for us shall fight Thus we labour'd and half did hold the spear â—om morning light till the stars did appear â—kewise I told that I it best did judge â—at every one with his servant should lodge â—ithin Salem that they the day-time might â—bour and be to us a guard by night 〈◊〉 none of us all put off our cloathing 〈◊〉 night or day but only for washing Chap. 5. AMong the People then was a great cry Because they were opprest by usury Which made them lands and houses all morgagâ— Then Nehemiah in fury and rage Reprov'd the Nobles for such usury He against them set a great assembly He said We have redeemed our brethren The Jewes which were sold unto the Heathen And will you even sell your brethren Or shall They unto us be sold and made slaves all When they heard this they all did hold their peace They found nothing to answer in that place Unto them all I boldly said also It is not good truely what ye now do Yee should fear God and shun iniquities For the reproach of Heathen enemies I likewise might exact of them money Let us now all leave off this usury To them their lands vineyards houses this day And olive-yards wine corn restore I pray Then said they all even without any more Unto our brethren we will all restore Then did I call the Priests and made them sweâ— That they should do as they had promisde heer Moreover I thus shook my lap and spake So from his house GOD every man shall shake And from his labour that doth not truely Perform this point GOD shall him make empty â—en all said AMEN and did praise the Lord â—e people did according to their word Moreover I these twelve years governour Judah have not for my hard labour â—en the bread due to these of my place â—t that I should GODS work marre or disgrace â—t these who had governed before me 〈◊〉 the people were chargable truely â—ey taken had both Silver Wine and bread â—a their servants bare rule ov'r them indeed 〈◊〉 did not I such things I would not hear â—cause that I the Lord resolv'd to feare 〈◊〉 also I for all that did befall â—ntinu'd in the work of Salems wall 〈◊〉 my Table a hundred and fiftie 〈◊〉 of Isra'l with heathen ate daily â—ly an oxe with six sheep for my fare â—th dainty foules my servants did prepare â—ce in ten dayes all sorts of wine with speed â—ey brought to me yet I did not the bread 〈◊〉 the governour eat for in that age â—on the people was heavy bondage â—cording as I have done uprightly 〈◊〉 this people now my God think on mee Chap. 6. THen Sanballat Geshem and Tobiah With all our foes who were against Jovah Perceiving that GODS favour so did reach That we the wall had reared and no breach Was left therein they quickly sent to me That in the plaâ—ne of Ono speedilie I should them meet in some village thereby But they mischeefe intended by and by Then I to them did quickly send saying A great work now I am surely doing So that to come to you I have no leasure For why should GODS work cease while I gâ— thither After this sort four times they sent to me And as before I answer'd them quickly Then Sanballat his servant did command The fifth time with a letter in his hand To come to me it open bare this thing That I intended alwayes to be King And that I did Prophets to preach appoint That all Judah should me for King annoint Then unto him I sent with this saying Thou speakest false sure there is no such thing These things thou hast sure from no other paâ— But from thy self feigned by thine own heart â—uch false purpose these men did undertake â—hat at the worke they might our hands make weake â—ow therefore Lord we intreat thee at length â—o fortifie our hands now by thy strength I afterward came unto Shemajah â—ho seemed to direct me from Jovah â—et us said he In the Temple this day â—s hide for they will come us for to slay â—ven in our house therefore for this purpose â—ithin GODS house we will our selves inclose â—nd shut the doores of GODS house for they will 〈◊〉 the night season come thee for to kill While he these speaches crafty did conceive â—at the last began for to perceive â—hat GOD had not him sent but that indeed â—his Prophesie was bred in his owne head â—r Tobiah and Sanballat in ire â—r this ill purpose dâ—d him basely hire â—e to affright that I should so begin 〈◊〉 do and by this meanes to fall in sinne â—d that they might raise up an ill report â—d me reproach with all these of my sort 〈◊〉 God think on Tobiah Sanballat â—hose workes are evil and who do lewdly prat 〈◊〉 Noadia false the Prophetesse â—th other Prophets who in great distresse Would have me put now also think upon For their deceit let them all smart anone In twenty fifth day of the mon'th Elul In fifty two dayes finish'd was the wall When this was heard and seene by our en'mies They were all much cast downe in
dwell Of the people nine parts they did ordaine In other Cities to dwell and remaine The people blessd all these who willingly Offred to dwell in Salems fair city Chap. 12. HEre are the Priests Levits of Israel Which came up with worthy Zerubabel Heere is al 's the hie Priests succession Recorded with the dedication Of Salems walls the office of the Priests Appointed for to keep the Solemne feasts Chap. 13. WHen we unto GODS Law gave audience We found it written that for no pretence The Ammonite or Moabite should come For ever in Gods congregation Because they met not Israel with bread But hired Bala'm against them indeed That he them should blast with bitter cursing Which God by grace turn'd into a blessing It came to passe now when they understood The law they did the mixed multitude From Israel so sever and disperse That they with them should have no more commerce Then Nehemiah caused speedilie Cleanse all the chambers which were set to be Prepared for Tobiah by th' hie Priest Eliashib who at his earnest request Being alli'd to him then did prepare A great chamber a great shame even there where The Levits laid incense and tithes of corne And wine and oyle which thitherto we borne For this greeved was good Nehemiah Who cast foorth all the stuffe of Tobiah Moreover he perceiving the Levits Whose charge was for the ceremonious rites Defrauded of their wonted portion Had with the Rulers great contention Hee said to them Fy on you how can yee Make GODS house thus through extreame povertiâ— To be forsaken by the Levits who By your vile greed are wronged so and so After that done he a man full of grace Made the Levits to returne to their place Then all Judah soon brought the tith of conâ— And the new wine and oyle were also borne With diligence unto the treasuries Which brought to Levits great commodities Treasurers likewise Nehemiah try'd Shelemiah Priest and al 's Zadok the scrib And of Levits Pedajah and Hanan The Son of Zaccur of these every man Was counted faithfull these did distribute What cheerefully others did contribute Then Nehemiah said Remember me Concerning this O my GOD graciously And wipe not out my good deeds I thee pray Which I have done for my GODS house the day In these dayes said the good Nehemiah 〈◊〉 saw others in the land of Judah Who on the Sabbath wine presses did tread Who brought in sheaves and their Asses did load Others wine grapes and burdens great did lay Upon beasts backs and on the Sabbath day Them brought to Salem and cornes openly Did sell but I gainst them did testifie There men also dwelt who brought fish from Tyre With divers wares which were costly and deare And on the sabbath these men most profaine Made their markets in GODS Jerusalem Then with the Nobles great men of Judah 〈◊〉 did contend for the great Jehovah What evill is this yee doe then did I say That yee profaine thus the LORDS sabbath day Against the LORD did not your fathers thus And did not our GOD bring all this on us And on this citâ—e yet ye bring more wrath On Isra'l by profaining the Sabbath It came to passe tâ—at when I did remarke That Salems gates began for to be darke Before the sabbath then I did command That all the gates should by my servants hand Be surely shut I straitly charg'd that they Should not be opned till the sabbath day Was fully past and so for this effect I at the gates some of my servants set And them directed most straitly that they Should not permit upon the sâbbath day Men to bring burdens so my servants wise Made the merchands for to lodge once or twise Without the wals then did I testifie Against these men and said for certaintie Why lodge yee thus about the wall profain Assure your self if yee do so againe On you most vile I will lay hands therefore From that tyme on sabbaths they came no more The Levites I ordain'd without delay To keep the gates even for the sabbah day Concerning this my GOD remember me And spare in the greatnesse of thy mercie I saw then Jewes who marri'd of Ashdod Wives and of Ammon and els of Moab Their children spake half in the Ashdods speach But of Hebrew they could not speake a which Then with them I severely did contend And did them curse and of them in the end I also smot some whom I did not spare In wrath also I plucked off their haire And by the Lord I made them for to sweare Saying yee shall not give your daughters dear Vnto their sons nor yet their daughters take Nor with them shall yee any mariage make Did not Solomon one of Isra'ls Kings Against the LORD sinne greatlie by these things Among many none was like unto him Outlandish women yet him causde to sin Will yee then with this ill defile your lives Even to transgresse by marying strange wives And then one of the sons of Joiada Son of Eliashib hie Priest of Jovah Sanballats daughter mari'd wickedly Therefore in haste I chased him from me Remember them my GOD because that they Thy holy Priest-hood have defil'd this day Thus I them cleansed from the wickednesse Of strangers and then in their businesse The priests and Levites I did well appoint Precise to keep their wards in every point Both for the first fruites and offring of wood Remember me O my GOD now for good THE USE By Zerubabel GOD in his mercy Did build the Temple and Salems city By Ezra scribe even to his lawes conforme The peoples manners he did well reforme And which indeed was not a comfort small By Nehemiah he built Salems wall See how the Lord his mercies doth inlargâ— By imposing to every man his charge That so his Church may on this earth endurâ— Divers he ordaines its well to procure Some to do this and some that at his wiâ— Which his favour demonstrates and his skill As he makes birds by pleasant quaverings Like nimble Thumbs which strike on diveâ— strings Renew their note and in diversitie Rejoice mans heart with a sweet melodie Even so the Lord with divers gifts doth decâ— That he thereby his people may protect And beautifie and so them may advance From under the Bushell of ignorance See how God doth his divers comforts seal Both for the church and al 's the commonwell THE GARDEN OF ZION The Booke of Esther A Prayer 〈◊〉 Now must speak of Ahasuerus King And of Haman who on a tree did hing And likewise of the godly Mordecai Who for the well of Gods church did apply His heart for to her happinesse procure That she from danger might abide most sure Of this good Esther with goody intent Was by God made a blessed instrument Now come good God and with thy breath divine â—nspire mine heart my drossie sprits refine Powre in my breast thy sacred divine powrs And teach me how to spend my
would let loose his hand and cut me off with speed 10 Then should I yet have comforts sweet in mine integrity Yea I my self in sorrow would harden most constantly â—et him still strike and never spare for this I know right well â—he words of the most Holy One I never did conceale 11 What is my strength that I should hope among such grief and strife What is mine end even that I should prolong my wretched life 12 Is my great strength the strength of stones which doth not quickly passe Or as I may here well subjoine is all my flesh of brasse 13 Is not my sprituall help in me well fixed even alway â—nd shall I say that wisedome is quite driven from me away 14 To the afflicted pitie should be from his friend most deare Shew'd but of the Almighty GOD he doth forsake the feare 15 My brethren have deceitfully dealt as a brook alway And as the streames of brookes they do most quickly passe away 16 Which blackish are by reason of the yee both hard and firme Which in cold seasons cover it the snow is hid therein 17 What time againe they do wax warme they vanish with disgrace When it is hote they are consum'd ev'n out of their owne place 18 The paths of their way at the last are turn'd aside also They perish quickly and in haste they all to nothing go 19 The troopes of Tema looked still with an attentive eye The companies of Shebas men did waite for them surely 20 Because they hoped had they were confounded all with shame Yea they ashamed greatly were when they all thither came 21 For now ye are nothing at all as may be tuely said Ye see clearly my casting downe and ye are sore affraid 22 Did I say ever unto you in my necessitie Vnto me bring or give rewards of your substance for me 22 Or that ye should from th' enemies hand most strong deliver me Or me once from the hand redeeme of these that mighty be 23 Teach me and I will hold my tongue and no more of you crave And cause me for to understand wherein I erred have 25 How forcible are the right wordes which do proceede from love But as for you tell me what doth your arguing thus reprove 26 Doe ye imagine to reprove wordes and the speaches find Of one that is most desperate which are light as the winde 27 Yea yee doe proudly overwhelme the poore and fatherlesse And also for your friend yee dig a pit of great distresse 28 Now therefore be content in mind and also look on me For unto you it 's evident if I do faine or lie 29 Returne I pray you let it not be still iniquitie Yea turne againe my righteousnesse is in it most furelie 30 Is there transgression in my tongue when I such things rehearse Can not my taste wisely discerne the things that are perverse Chap. 7. IS there not one appointed time for man on earth to goe Most like the dayes of an hireling are not his dayes also 2 As a servant the shadow doth desire most earnestly As an hireling looks for reward of his work constantly 3 So am I made for to possesse the months of vanitie And nights that are most wearisome appointed are for me 4 When I lye downe into my bed I often this do say When from this place shall I arise and when shall it be day 〈◊〉 full of tossing to and fro am troubled all the night And this continues ever still untill the day be light 5 My flesh with vile wormes clothed is and clods of dust also My skin is broken and become most loathsome me unto 6 My dayes go swifter in their course then weavers shittles slide They quickly without hope are spent and do not fix'd abide 7 Remember that my life is wind in all things heere mine eye Of any good that 's heere below shall no more ever see 8 The eye of him that hath me seene shall hence see me no more Thine eyes upon me fixed are and I am not therefore 9 As the great cloud consumed is and vanish doth away So he that goes downe to the grave shall rise no more for ay 10 He shall no more returne unto his house or yet his race Nor yet shall any more he be acknowledg'd by his place 11 I will therefore in anguish great no more my mouth refraine I in my soules great bitternesse most surely will complaine 12 Am I like an unruly Whale or like a boistrous sea That thou shouldst need to set a watch to watch thus over me 13 when I say in my great distresse whereby I become faint My bed shall comfort me my couch shall well ease my complaint 14 Then thou with night dreames most fearfulâ— dost skare and trouble me And through appearing visions dost still me terrifie 15 So that my poor afflicted soul in all this toile and strife Doth chuse strangling and death also yea rather then my life 16 I loth it I would not alway thus live in miserie â—et me alone for all my dayes are very vanitie 17 What is man that thou shouldest him in whole or yet in part â—hus magnifie and that thou shouldst upon him set thine heart 18 And that thou shouldest visit him in favour by and by â—ach morning and him narrowly at every moment try 19 How long wilt thou not from me Lord depart nor me alone â—t untill I my spittle may a little swallow downe I sinned have what shall I doe unto thee now or then 〈◊〉 thou who the preserver art even of all mortall men â—hy hast thou in thine anger set me as a marke ' gainst thee that I even unto my selfe a burden seeme to be 21 And why dost thou not pardon me my great transgression And take away th' iniquitie that lyes my soul upon For in the dust now shall I sleep and in the morning me Thou with great diligence shall seek but I then shall not be Chap. 8. THen Bildad the Shuhit did say unto poore Job How long 2 Wilth thou thus speak How long thy woâ— shall be like winde most strong 3 Darre thou be bold for to affirme that the Lord doth subvert The judgement Or th' Almighty God doth he justice pervert 4 If thy children ' gainst him have sinn'd and he without delay For their transgression in his wrath hath cast them all away 5 If thou unto the Lord betimes would'st in humilitie Seeke and make supplication ev'n unto th' Almightie 6 If thou were pure and upright sure he would for thee awake Thy righteous house most prosperous he would not faile to make 7 Though thy beginning was but small And pinch'd with great distresse â—n mercy yet thy latter end he greatly should increase 8 I pray thee of the former age enquire and do not spare And of their fathers to the search see thou thy selfe prepare 9 For we are but of yesterday and nothing surely know Because our dayes on earth do passe
can not him find out He excellent in power is in all the land about In judgement and in justice al 's he plenteous doth excell So that he will not sore afflict men whether great or small 24 Therefore men feare his Majesty yet he for their desert Doth not respect these men on earth who are most wise of heart Chap. 38. AT this time the Almighty Lord to Job an answere made Out of the blustring whirlewind and after this maner said 2 Who is this that presumptuously doth counsell overcloud With darknesse thick by foolish words not having knowledge good 3 Now like a man gird up thy loines for questions now of thee I will demand See if thou can an answere make to me 4 Where wast thou when I of the earth the ground-stone did lay fast Declare to me if at this time thou understanding hast 5 Now tell me if thou knows thereof who laid the measures out Or who upon it stretched hath the line even round about 6 The faire foundations all thereof I pray thee whereupon Fastned are they Or who of it did lay the corner stone 7 When as the morning stars above together sweetly sang And all the sons of GOD for joy their shoutings highly rang 8 Or who shut up the sea with doors that flowes the earth about When it brake foorth as if it had of the womb issu'd out 9 When I the cloud its garment made by my most mighty hand And darknesse thick for it also to be a swadling band 10 And also for it did break up the place of my decree And wisely set both barres and doores for it alwayes to be 11 And said Thou shalt come hitherto but shalt no further stray And heere thy proud and lofty waves thou shalt not faile to stay 12 Hast thou the morning since thy dayes had ever at thy beck Or hast thou at his wonted place the day caus'd spring to breake 13 That it take hold might of the ends of all the earth about And that the wicked might from it be quickly shaken out 14 By GODS hand it is turned all as to the seale the clay And as a garment good they stand in most pleasant aray 15 And from the wicked men their light is even with holden all And the hie arme of lofty ones shall then be broken small 16 Hast thou entred into the springs of the most rageing sea Or hast thou searched all the shelfs that in the great depth be 17 Unto thee all the gates of death have they wide op'ned beene Or of deaths shadow black the doores hast thou most clearly seene 18 By thy wisedome hast thou perceiv'd the breadth of this great ball Even of the earth declare it now if thou dost know it all 19 Teach me also where is the way where the cleare light doth dwell And as for darknesse where 's the place thereof if thou can tell 20 That thou shouldst take it to its bounds above or yet belowe And that the paths unto its house thou perfectly shouldst know 21 Because in that time borne thou wast perfectly know st thou it Or yet because the number of thy dayes is very great 22 Hast thou into the treasures great of snow even entred well Or hast thou seen the store house of the hard congealed haile 23 Which I for me have well reserv'd against the tyme of jarres Against the day of battell and the day of fearfull wars 24 Canst thou where the light parted is the way by wisedome find Which on the earth by violence doth scatter the East wind 25 Who hath the water spouts also divided for the raine Or yet the way for thunder claps whole sound doth roare amaine 26 To cause it raine upon the earth where no man is at all Yea on the wildernesse wherein is neither great nor small 27 To satisfie the desolate and waste ground of no worth And to cause buds of tender herbs most pleasant to spring foorth 28 If that the raine a father hath if thou canst to me shew Who among all begotten hath the pearly drops of dew 29 Out of whose womb did come the yce can thou a reason render As for the hoary frost of heaven who at first did it gender 30 The mighty waters flowing deep are hid as with a stone The face of all the deep through cold is frozen all anone 31 Of pleiades the influence canst thou bind with thine hands Or of the winter Orion canst thou well loose the bands 32 Canst thou bring foorth the Mazzaroth twelve signes in their seasons Or canst thou well Arcturus guide with his faire glistring sons 33 Of heaven thee ordinances all knowst thou perfectly well Canst thou set its dominion all upon the earth by skill 34 Canst thou lift up thy voice unto the clouds that are most hie That in abundance waters great may come and cover thee 35 Canst thou by thy great strength also the fearfull lightnings send That they may go and say to thee we all thee heere attend 36 Who is he that great wisedome hath put in the inward part Or who hath understanding given unto mans foolish heart 37 Who in wisedome the clouds above with skill well number may Or of the high heavens who can once the running bottels stay 38 When as the dust upon the earth doth into hardnesss grow And fast to together cleave the clods when all is dry below 39 Wilt thou even for the Lion fierce take paines to hunt the prey Or th' appetite of lions young to fill without delay 40 When they most craftilie do couch in dens most wide or strait And in the covert hid abide for there to ly in waite 41 Who for the Raven provides his food When his young still do cry Unto the LORD for lacke of meat they wander by and by Chap. 39. KNowes thou the time when the wilde goats and al 's the wanton hindes Bring foorth their young and tender calves according to their kindes 2 Canst thou the moneths number that they in their time fulfill Concerning times that they bring foorth hast thou perceiv'd with skill 3 They bow themselves then they bring foorth their young ones round about When that 's done by GODS providence their sorrowes they cast out 4 Their young ones are in liking good they prosper well and store With corne in plenty they go foorth and to them turne no more 5 Who hath the wilde asse free sent out or who hath loosde his bands 6 Whose house to dwell in I have made the wilde and barren lands 7 He scornes the Cities multitude when they do make a noise The crying al 's he not regards even of the drivers voice 8 The range of the high mountaines great his pasture is well seene He heere and there doth quickly search for every thing that 's green 9 Will th' Unicorne with all his strength stoupe down thee to obey Or will he come unto thy cribe to feast upon thy hay 10 Canst thou well the strong
alway His parts or yet his power I will not conceale or hide Nor his comely proportion all even as it doth abide 13 Who of his garment glorious well discover can the face Or who with double bridle can come to him in his place 14 Who can the wide doores of his face well open with his key His cruell teeth are round about most terrible to see 15 His scales his pride together are shut close as with a seale So neer they are together that twixt them none air can feele 17 Together they so joined are and stick so that therefore They by no force of strength once can be sundred lesse or more 18 By his neesings a light doth shine as hath beene often try'd His eyes are like the bright eye-lids even of the morning tyde 19 Out of his mouth go burning lamps and sparks of fire most hot 20 Out of his nostrils goes a smoak as from a seething-pot 21 His fyrie breath doth kindle coals when he doth with the same Out of his mouth send speedily a hote consuming flame 22 In his great neck remaineth strength no work can him annoy Thus paines and sorrow him before are turned into joy 23 The flakes of his flesh joined are no thing can them divorce They are so firme that they can not be mov'd by any force 24 His heart is as a stone most firme who could it clearly finde Yea hard as a Mils neather-stone which is laid for to grind 25 The mighy when he riseth up afraid are mightily By reason of such breakings they themselves do purifie 26 The sword of him is broken soone that fiercely layes him at The like befals to dart and spear and unto the breast-plate 27 He alwayes lightly doth esteeme the yron as the straw No more for brasse then rotten wood he fierce doth stand in aw 28 The arrows keen shot from the bow can not him put to flight The sling-stones are in his account most like the stubble light 29 Darts as the stubble counted are for them he hath no fear He with disdain still laugheth at the shaking of the spear 30 Sharp ragged stones are under him he spreads on mire and dirt Sharp pointed things which once his skin not able are to hurt 31 He like a pot doth make the deep to boile as it were hot He makes the sea as ointment al 's all seething in a pot 32 Where he hath past in greatest deepths he leaves upon the streames A shining path so that to all the Ocean hoary seemes 33 Upon the whole earth heer below sure there is not his like He is so made that trembling fear can not upon him strike 34 He doth behold all other beasts as no thing him beside He is the great and mighty king of all the sons of pride Chap 42. AFter that JOB heard this discourse most full of gravitie He to the LORD this answer made and said to him humbly 2 I know that thou canst every thing do whether great or small And that no thought can once from thee witholden be at all 3 Who is he Yea I am the man Who thought my self too holy I hid Gods counsell wise and good by reason of my foly 4 Hear I beseech thee and I will speake and demand of thee What I desire of thee to learne declare thou unto me 5 I often of thee have heard by the hearing of the eare But now I see thee with mine eye ev'n by thy grace made cleare 6 Wherefore I doe my self abhorre and now with full intent In vilest dust and ashes both I humbly do repent 7 And it was so that after GOD these wordes to Job had said To Eliphaze the Temanite the LORD thus answere made I wroth am with thee and thy friends for ye the thing that 's right Not spoken have as righteous Job my servant most upright 8 Therefore take Rammes and bullocks al 's which are both fat and faire And soone unto my servant Job see that yee all repaire A burnt offring bring for your selves for this to GOD is due And Job my servant fervently shall alwayes pray for you For surely will I him accept lest in my justice strict I for your folly at the last some judgement great inflict Because yee have not spoken so discreet in every part What 's right of me as Job hath done with a most upright heart 9 So Eliphaze the Temanite and the Shushite Bildade And Zophar the Naamathite did as the Lord them bade Also the Lord in mercy great when this was done and past Considered Job and cheaâ—efully him did accept at last 10 When for his friends he pray'd the Lord did heale his greefe and sore He unto JOB gave twise as much as ev'r he had before 11 Then came to him his brethren all his sisters and his kin And others all who had before of his acquaintance bin With him they bread ate in his house and they did him bemone And gave him comfort of the ills that GOD brought him upon Each man also incontinent did give as he best could A peece of money and also an earring of fine gold 12 So that the LORD in mercy great unto JOB did extend His gifts in the beginning great but larger in the end For he had fourteene thousand sheep and camels six thousand A thousand yoke of oxen al 's shee asses at command 13 Of Children JOB had at the last seven sons and daughters more In number three so did the LORD his family restore 14 The first he called Jemima and Kesia next the same Then Keren-happuch after her was al 's the third by name 15 In all the land no women were as Jobs daughters so faire Among their brethren Job them gave inheritance most rare 16 He after this an hundred yeers did live and al 's fouttie And saw his sons and his sons sons the fourth genealogie 17 So Job at last deceas'd when he unto old age was come And after he was full of dayes he went to his Long-bome The Use LET men heere learne that no thing heere is sure Who 's rich the day the morrow may be poor Let men heere learn not to feare Satans rage For God his own doth compasse with a hedge If he permit great troubles by and by Our patience they are but sent to try When wee are spoil'd let this bee still wish That patiently in all the Lord we blesse When wee see men deepe plung'd in troubâ—â— sore Let us beware them to condemne therefore It is for man a great temerity Him to condemn whom God doth justifie At last heere learne though godly men a grace Do suffer whiles At last their end is Peace FINIS THE GARDEN OF ZION The Booke of the PROVERBS A Prayer GReat Wisdomes Hall heer as I think I see Embroidred all with Divine-Tapestrie Heere Solomon hath Proverbs grave and wise None but vain fools such wisdome can despise Now great Jehovah with thy Heavenly fan Blow up my breast that I may
gravely scan These weighty words and their sense wisely reach Which Jedidiah thy servant did preach Now clear my sky even like Mantle blew How I may pen these Proverbs to me shew Within my heart now make thy Sprite divinâ— To work as doth in Caskes the finest wine Which by some chink if it get not a vent Blowes up the bung or doth the Hodghead rent As thou hast set me thy help before Reveale thy self to me yet more and more CHAPTER I. The Preface THe Proverbs that are words of weight of the wise Solomon Who was the king of Israel and of David the son 2 Their use is wisdome for to know good instruction reach To understanding words perceive which men discretion teach 3 Th' instruction wise for to receive in all humilitie Of wisdome justice and judgement and al 's of equitie 4 To give unto the simple folk a divine subtilty Unto the young man knowledge and discretion good thereby 5 A wise man will hear and also his learning will increase A wise man shall attaine unto wise counsels more or lesse 6 To understand a proverb and th'interpretation mark The weighty words of the wise al 's their sayings that are dark The beginning of the Proverbs 7. GODS fear is the beginning of knowledge that maketh wise But wisdome and instruction all fools wickedly despise 8 My son hear the instruction of thy father stand in aw And of thy mother dear see that thou not forsake the Law 9 For they of grace an ornament shall be unto thine head And they shall be about thy neck as chains most rare indeed 10 My dear son if to wickednesse vile sinners thee entise Consent thou not but from their course abstain if thou be wise 11 If they say Come with us Let us lay wait for humane blood Let us now lurk for these that be both innocent and good 12 Let us them swallow up alive as doth the greedy grave Even like to these that go to pit from which none can them save 13 We shall all precious substance finde as in a fertile soile We also in great plenty shall our houses fill with spoile 14 Among us now cast in thy lot and care not for a curse Let us rejoice and let us all have only but one purse 15 My son walk thou not in the way with them but them disdain From their path full of wickednesse see thou thy foot refrain 16 For their feet do most swiftly run to that which is not good And make great haste for by all means to spill and shed much blood 17 By the sight of the net well might the foolish bird be taught But she intent upon her food is heedlesly then caught 18 And for their own blood they lay wait and others think to slay And while they lurk thus privily their lives they still betray 19 So are the wayes of every one that greedie is of gaine Which of the owners takes away the life that is profane 20 She who the Fathers wisdome is doth cry aloud without Her voice to me she in the streets doth utter with a shout 21 She in the chief place of concourse even in the gates and way Doth cry She in the city doth these words most wisely say 22 How long will yee simplicity thus love without all skill And ye scorners delight to scorn and fools hate knowledge still 23 Turn you at my reproof behold into you I will powre My Sprite I will make known my words unto you every houre 24 Because I called have and yee refus'd to understand And no man hath regarded once when I stretch'd out my hand 25 But ye proudly have set at nought my counsell grave and wise And would hear none of my reproof but did it all despise 26 I al 's at your calamitie to laugh will not forbear I will you surely scorn and mock all trembling in your fear 27 When your fear and destruction great shall come as a whirlewinde When anguish and distresse shall come your hearts with grief to binde 28 Then shall they cry but I will not them answer when they call They shall me earely seek but they shall not me find at all 29 For that they hated knowledge which aboundeth in GODS word And foolishly refusd to chuse the true feare of the Lord. 30 They fooles would none of my counsell which might have made them wise They all the words of my reproofe most proudly did despise 31 Therefore of their owne way they shall the fruit eat ever still And their divices naughty all with folly shall them fill 32 For the eyes of the simple shall them slay and much annoy And the prosperitie of fooles shall quickiy them destroy 33 But who so hearkneth unto mâ— he shall most safely dwell And shall be quiet all his life from all the fear of ill Chap. 2. MY dear son if thou wilt receive my wise words reverently And if thou my commandment al 's wilt surely hide with thee 2 So that thou now thine ear unto GODS wisdome still incline And most humbly thy heart apply unto wisdome divine 3 Yea if thou after knowledge good dost cry as for thy choice And understanding for to get high liftest up thy voice 4 If thou with care for her dost seek as for the silver fine And for her as for treasures hid to search thou dost encline 5 Then shalt thou rightly understand of the LORD GOD the fear And finde the knowledge of the LORD which to all should be dear 6 For the LORD who is mercifull doth richly give wisdome Knowledge and understanding both out of his mouth do come 7 He sound wisedome lay'th up for these that doe live righteously He is a buckler unto them that doe walk uprightly 8 Of his most just judgement the paths he keepeth every day And of his Saints that serve him he preserveth well the way 9 Then righteousnesse and judgement al 's thou shalt well understand With equitie and al 's the path wherein thy foot shall stand 10 When worthy wisdome entreth in thy well prepared heart And knowledge pleasant to thy soule doth in no time depart 11 Discretion shall preserve thee well from danger all that be And understanding from the LORD most safely shall keep thee 12 Thee to deliver from the way of the man that ill brings From the pernicious wicked man that speaketh froward things 13 Who foolishly leave and forsake the paths of uprightnesse For in their foly great to walk in the wayes of darknesse 14 Who do rejoice for to do evill and that with all their might And in the wickeds frowardnesse have pleasure and delight 15 Whose wayes are crooked knowing not what is streight uprightnesse And they in their most wicked paths are full of frowardnesse 16 Thee from the strange woman to save more dangerous then swords From the stranger which flatt'reth much with her deceitfull words 17 Which the guide of her youth forsakes who still should be her love
And doth forget the Covenant all of her great GOD above 18 For her most vile house doth incline unto the doores of death And to the dead all slaine by sinne directly is her path 19 None of these all returne againe who foolishly are bold To go to her nor of the paths of life doe they take hold 20 That thou most constantly may walk with good men in the way And of the righteous keep the paths and feare to goe astray 21 For the upright shall dwell in lands which shall thee well maintain And these that be perfect in heart shall still therein remaine 22 But wicked men shall be cut off from all the earth about And the transgressours of GODS law shall be all rooted out Chap. 3. My deare son looke that thou my law do in no way forget But see that my commandments all thou keep with all thine heart 2 For length of dayes they shall to thee adde with a happy life And Peace and Plenty wonderfull far from debate and strife 3 Let not Mercy and Truth forsake thee binde them to thy neck Write them upon the table of thine heart which they shall deck 4 So shalt thou most sweet favour finde and an excellent light Of understanding good and that both in GOD and mans sight 5 Trust in thee LORD with all thine heart well purged and made cleane And unto thine owne wisdome see that in no way thou leane 6 In all thy wayes acknowledge him who shall thee still protect And thy paths through all dangers he shall safely all direct 7 Be thou not wise in thine own eyes take heed unto thine heart The mighty Lord see that thou fear and from all ill depart 8 It shall be to thy navill health and more then that alone It wattring and moistning shall be even marrow to thy bone 9 With thy substance honour the Lord even whether more or lesse And with the first and rarest fruits of all thy blest increase 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty of corne most fine Thy presses al 's abundantly shall burst out with new wine 11 My son the chastening of the Lord see that thou not despise Nor yet of his correction good be weary any wayes 12 For whom the Lord loves he corrects as he it thinketh right Even as a father doth his son in whom is his delight 13 Most happy is the man that doth Gods heavenly wisedome find And he that understanding good gets for to cleare his mind 14 For the rich merchandise thereof is better manifold Then silver and the gaine thereof then is the finest gold 15 She then Rubies more precious is which high esteemed are And all the things thou canst desire may not with her compare 16 In her right hand the length of dayes abide as in their seat And in her left hand also are riches and honour great 17 Her wayes are wayes of pleasantnesse which mens heart do solace And which should much stirre up our hearts ev'n all her paths are peace 18 She is a tree of life to them that on her hold do lay And ev'ry one that her retaines is happy ev'ry way 19 The Lord by wisdome founded hath the earth and made it sure By understanding he the heavens hath stablish'd to endure 20 By his knowledge are broken up the depths that are not few The lofty clouds GODS charets high drop downe the pleasant dew 21 My son let them not from thine eyes by any way depart See that thou keep discretion well and wisedome sound in heart 22 So shall they be unto thy soule as life thee to protect They likewise shall not faile to be as grace unto thy neck 23 Then thou protected by the Lord shalt safely in thy way With courage walk so that thy foot not stumble shall alway When thou lyes downe thou shalt not be afraid by danger deep Yea thou most safely shalt ly down and sweet shall be thy sleep 25 Let not thy heart be sore afraid of any sudden fear Nor of the desolation great when it doth come right neer 26 For GOD of thy sure confidence shall alwayes be the root From being taken in a girn he shall keep well thy foot 27 Withhold not good from them to whom it 's due as by a band When as to do the same it 's in the power even of thine hand 28 Say not unto thy neighbour Go and come againe to me And I to morrow will it give when it thou hast by thee 29 Against thy neighbour any way see thou devise not ill Since that he doth by thee alwayes ev'n most securely dwell 30 With any man without a cause strive not in any terme If so be that he innocent hath done to thee no harme 31 Vaine oppressours envie thou not who do poore men abuse And see that thou be very ware none of their wayes to chuse 32 For an abomination great the froward is alway Unto the Lord but his secret is with the righteous ay 33 GODS curse upon the wickeds house shall bring it all to dust But he most plenteously doth blesse the dwelling of the just 34 Surely he in his wrath doth scorne the scorners to their face But unto men of humble hearts he alwayes giveth grace 35 The wise shall all inherit still great glory in their name But the promotion of all fooles shall be nothing but shame Chap. 4. YEE children of a father hear the teaching wise and learn'd And to know understanding good with diligence attend 2 For I to you give doctrine wise that ye may stand in aw And walk in mine obedience and not forsake my law 3 For ev'n I was my fathers son his pleasure and delight Yea tender and beloved well in my dear mothers sight 4 He taught me al 's and said to me let thine heart now beleeve My words al 's my commandements all keep well that thou may live 5 Get wisdome understanding get most heavenly and divine Forget it not and from my words see that thou not decline 6 Forsake her not and so she shall most safe preserve thee still Love her with all thine heart and she shall keep thee from all ill 7 Wisedome as all men well may know in cheefest place is set Therefore get wisdome and with that good understanding get 8 Exalt her high and she shall thee promote in every place To honour great she shall thee bring when thou dost her embrace 9 She shall to thee an ornament of grace give lovingly A crown of glory sure she shall deliver unto thee 10 Hear O my son consider well and hear now lovingly My words and the years of thy life shall blest and many be 11 I have thee taught in Wisdomes way and that with all my might I also have thee straightly led in pathes that are most right 12 When thou shalt go thy steps shall not be straitned sore at all And when thou runnest thou shalt not once stumble for to fall 13 Take fast
are still in righteousnesse No froward thing there is at all in them or yet perverse 9 They are all plaine to him that hath an understanding mind They are also all right to them that wisely knowledge find 10 Care not for silver but receive instruction manifold And carefully for knowledge seek more then the choisest gold 11 For wisedome Rubies is above and all the things most faire That may by men desired be can not with it compare 12 I wisedome with prudence alway do dwell most pleasantly And of inventions knowledge find that grave and wittie be 13 The feare of God is for to hate evill pride arrogancy And the evill way and froward mouth doe I hate all greatly 14. Counsell is mine and wisedome sound as men shall know at length I understanding am indeed I have no lake of strength 15 By me the mighty Kings do reigne who sit on benches hie And mighty Princes in their place do justice al 's decree 16 By me the Princes rule with might and Nobles by my grace Even all the Judges of the earth from me receive their place 17 I with my heart do love all these that have a love to me And these most surely shall me finde that earely seekers be 18 Continually I have with me both honour and richesse Yea riches dureable that are and also righteousnesse 19 My fruit is better then the gold yea then fine gold that glitter My rev'nue al 's is far above the fine and choicest silver 20 I all men that resort to me lead in the righteous way In the midst al 's of judgments paths that they go not astray 21 That I may cause all these that do me love and honour still Well to inherite wealth and I will all their treasures fill 22 The mighty Lord possessed me with mercies manifold In the beginning of his way before his works of old 23 From everlasting I set up was by his mighty hand From the beginning of all things or ever there was land 24 I was brought foorth when were no deepths even flowing on the ground When no fountaines there were which did with water great abound 25 Before the mountaines setled were before the hilles of worth Yea even from all eternitie I was indeed brought foorth 26 While as the earth and pleasant fields the Lord that 's wise and just Had not yet made nor highest part of all the worlds dust 27 When I prepar'd the heav'ns I was there in my holy place When he a compasse set upon the depths excellent face 28 When he established above the clouds as in a heap When he strengthned by his strong arme the fountaines of the deep 29 When to the sea he gave decree not for to passe a point His precepts when he of the earth the ground stone did appoint 30 Then I by him as one brought up with him was every day I his delight was and did joy before his face alway 31 Rejoiceing in these parts of earth which were indwelled then And my pleasure and cheefe delights were with the sonnes of men 32 Now therefore hearken unto me ye children young in dayes â—or they indeed most blessed are that wisely keep my wayes 33 Be wise and good instruction al 's be most glade for to hear And see that thou do not refuse unto it to give eare 34 Blest is the man that heareth me and watcheth at my gates â—nd of my doores waits at the posts as poor men in such seats 35 For who so findeth me doth find life which is greatest gaine â—nd he of the LORD GOD above much favour shall obtaine 36 But he that against me forlorne himself to sin doth move Much wrongs his owne soul yea all they that hate me death do love Chap. 9. VVIsedome her faire house builded hath which seemly is to see She hath hew'n out her pillars seven as ornaments to be 2 She killed hath the beast she hath mingled her costly wine She furnish'd hath her table rich with dainties good and fine 3 Her maidens that attend her she hath sent foorth by and by Upon the highest places of the citie she doth cry 4 Let simple men turne hither in and that without delay And as for him that wanteth wit she to him thus doth say 5 Come eat of my most blessed bread as I do you command And drink of the wine which I have well mingled with my hand 6 All these that foolish be forsake that happy so thou may Live a blest life and also goe in understandings way 7 He that reproves a scorner gets shame to himselfe and spot And he that wicked men rebukes doth get himself a blot 8 To shunne all hatred see that thou a scorner not reprove But a wise man rebuke and he will thee most surely love 9 Give to the wise instruction good and he will wiser be Teach a just man and he increase in learning will by thee 10 GODS fear is the beginning of wisdome that maketh wise The knowledge of the holy is ev'n wisedome sound alwayes 11 For thy dayes in great mercy shall be multipli'd by me â—nd the years of thy blessed life shall sure increased be 12 If thou be wise thou shalt be wise for thy selfe this now heare â—ut if thou scornest thou alone the smart thereof shalt beare 13 A woman that is clamorous and troubleth all the land â—e simple is and nothing knowes as she should understand 14 For at the doore she of her house sits idly on a seat the high places which are of the city large and great 15 To call the simple Passengers to make them go astray When for their worldly businesse they go right on their way 16 Who so is simple let him turn now hither for to sit And also she doth say to him that wanteth sprituall wit 17 The stoln waters of carnall lust are delicate and sweet And bread in secret corners are most pleasant for to eat 18 But he knows not that there the dead are though the Lord it tell And that her mad and foolish guests are in the depths of hell Chap. 10. A Wise son to his fathers heart doth cause joy and gladnesse But to his mother dear a fool brings grief and heavinesse 2 The treasures of great wickednesse no profite bring to man But righteousnesse deliv'reth sure from death that 's pale and wan 3 The Lord will not let good mens souls both famish and decay â—ut he the goods of wicked men in wrath doth cast away He that with a slack hand doth deale anone becometh poor â—t of the diligent the hand enricheth men most sure He that in Summer gathreth is a wise son worthy fame â—t he that sleeps in harv'st is sure a son that causeth shame Great blessings are upon the head of men without offence â—t the mouth of the wicked is cov'red with violence The memory of the just man who lives without a spot â—â—st blessed is but sure the name of wicked men shall rot The wise
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
recompence Much more shall wicked sinners get for all their fair pretence Chap. 12. VVHo so doth love instruction good he knowledge loves also But he that hateth a reproof like a bruit beast doth go 2 A good man hath Gods favour great who will not him contemne But a man of devices ev'll he surely will condemne 3 A man establish'd shall not be by his owne wickednesse But the root of the righteous shall not be mov'd more or lesse 4 A woman to her husband good is as Crownes set with stones But she that maketh him asham'd brings rotting in his bones 5 The thoughts all of the righteous man are right in GODS conceit But counsels all of wicked men are fraud and meer deceit 6 The words of ill men are to lie in waite for blood alone But the mouth of the upright shall deliver them anone 7 The wicked men are overthrown and are not to be found But the house of the righteous man shall stand fast on the ground 8 A man shall be commended much as men shall find him wise But him that is perverse in heart all good men shall despise 9 He that despised is and hath a servant is indeed Much better then who honour doth himself and lacketh bread 10 The righteous the life of his beast regardeth neer and far But the most tender mercies of the wicked cruell are 11 He that his land doth till shall be well satisfied with bread But he that followeth persons vaine is void of wit indeed 12 The wicked of ill men the net desire most earnestly But the root of the righteous men yeelds fruit aboundantly 13 The wicked by words of his lips is snared round about But he that in his wayes is just of trouble shall come out 14 A man by the fruit of his mouth with good shall filled be And of his hands the recompence shall rendred be surelie 15 The way of fooles in their owne eyes seemes to be just and right But who to counsell good gives eare is onely wise aright 16 A fooles wrath kindled as a fire is well known presently But he that is a prudent man doth cover shame wisely 17 He that alwayes doth speak the truth doth shew foorth righteousnesse But a fals witnesse in his words doth still deceit expresse 18 There many be that do speak like the pearcing of a sword But the tongue of the wise truely is health in every word 19 The lip of truth for ever shall establish'd be most sure But a tongue lying doth but for a moments space endure 20 Deceit is in the heart of them that forge ill to annoy But to the counsellours of peace is gladnesse great and joy 21 No ill shall happen to the just which may procure his greef But the men wicked and perverse shall fild be with mischeefe 22 The lying lips are to the Lord abomination right But they that truely in their wayes doe deal are his delight 23 A prudent man his knowledge great conceals in quietnesse But the hearts of the foolish men proclaime their foolishnesse 24 The good hand of the diligent shall beare rule over all But the man sloathfull in his wayes shall under tribute fall 25 While heavinesse is in the heart it maketh it to stoop But a good word it maketh glad and so no more doth droop 26 The righteous then his neighbour is more excellent alway But the way of the wicked doth seduce them every day 27 The sloathfull man he rosteth not which he took at his chase But the wealth of the diligent is good in every place 28 In the blest way of righteousnesse is life for great and small And in the fair path way thereof there is no death at all Chap. 13. A Fathers good instruction sure a wise son well doth hear But scorners unto wise rebuke will no wayes give their ear 2 By the fruit of his mouth a man shall for a recompence â—â—at good things but the sinners soul shall still eat violence 3 He that his mouth keeps keeps his life that it may sure abide But he shall perish who his lips perversly opneth wide 4 The sluggards soul desireth much and hath nothing to spend But of the diligent the soul shall be made fat in end 5 5 righteous man doth alwayes hate and lying lips doth blame But he that 's wicked loathsome is and comes at last to shame 6 Sure righteousnesse keeps him that is upright in the good way â—ut wickednesse doth overthrow the men that goe astray 7 There is that maketh rich himself yet hath no thing to spend â—here is that al 's himselfe makes poor yet is found rich in end 8 The riches of the wealthy man are of his life most dear â—he ransome but a sharp rebuke the poore refuse to heare 9 The faire light of the righteous man rejoyceth every one But of the wicked man the lamp shall be put out anone 10 By pride onely that is most fierce great strife the land doth fill But with the well advised man is wisdome ever still 11 Wealth purchased by vanitie shall suddenly decrease But who by labour gathreth well shall in great wealth increase 12 Deferred hope makes sick the heart with lingring and delay But when desire is come it is a tree of life alway 13 Who so the word despiseth shall destroyed be surely But he that the commandment feares shall well rewarded be 14 Of life a fountaine is the law of him that 's wise in heart And likewise from the snares of death in great hast to depart 15 Good understanding in affaires doth favour give alway But hard and full of trouble is of transgressours the way 16 The man that surely prudent is with knowledge wisely deales But in his wordes and workes a fool his folly soone reveales 17 A messenger that wicked is doth fall into mischiefe But a faithfull ambassadour is health for mans releefe 18 Both shame and poverty shall be to him that doth refuse â—nstruction but he that regards reproofe shall honour chuse 19 Desire accomplish'd is most sweet unto the soul and heart â—ut foolish men abhorre alwayes from ill for to depart 20 He that with wise men walketh shall be surely wise anone â—ut a companion of the fooles shall be destroy'd and gone 21 Much ill doth sinners still persue but to the righteous sort â—ood at all times surely shall be repay'd to their comfort 22 A good man an inheritance to his children doth leave But sinners wealth is laid up for all those that justly live 23 Much food assuredly is in the tillage of the poor But there is that destroyed is for want of judgement sure 24 He that doth spare his rod doth hate his son that seemes most dear But he that loveth him betimes to smite will not forbear 25 The righteous eats and satisfied his soul doth know no scant But of the wicked men at last the belly sure shall want Chap. 14. EAch woman wise doth build her house right wisely she
commands But who 's foolish doth pluck it downe ev'n with her owne two hands 2 He that walks in his uprightnesse feares God and so is wise But he that in his wayes perverse is doth him still despise In the mouth of the foolish is a scourge and rod of pride â—ut wise mens lips shall them preserve so that they shall not slide Where Oxen not remain to work the crib is clean at length â—ut much increase alwayes abounds even by the Oxes strength A faithfull Witnes fearing God he will be loath to lie â—ut a witnesse perverse and false a lyar still will be Scorners seek wisdome but to them God doth it not reveale â—ut knowledge easie is to him that understandeth well Go quickly from the presence of a fool thee from him save â—hen of knowledge in him the lips thou dost not well perceive The wisdome of the prudent is to understand his way â—ut of vaine fools the foly great deceit is every day Fools in their rage do make a mock at sin as at a sport But there among the righteous all is favour of each sort 10 Mans heart knows his own bitternesse which doth him most annoy A stranger also not at all doth meddle with his joy 11 Their house shall sure be overthrown who wickednesse fulfill But the upright mans dwelling place shall bud and flourish still 12 There is a way which seemeth right to man but in great wrath The end thereof are unto him the fearfull wayes of death 13 In laughter oft the heart is fild with sorrow and distresse And last the end of all that mirth is grief and heavinesse 14 The back-slider in heart shall be even fild with his own wayes A good man shall be from himself contented all his dayes 15 The simple every word believes that vain men to him tell But he that is a prudent man looks to his going well 16 A wise man fears and from all ill doth carefully depart â—ut the mad fool doth rage and is most confident in heart 17 He that is soon to anger mov'd doth deal most foolishly â—nd a man of devices bad he hated still shall be 18 The simple in his foolish wayes inherite folly shall â—ut these that prudent are in heart are crownd with knowledge all 19 The ill in heart before the good are forc'd to bow the knee â—nd wicked men even at the gates of righteous crouch we see 20 The poor even of his neighbour neer is surely hated much But many friends do still resort about him that is rich 21 Het that his neighbour doth despise a sinner great must be But he that mercy on the poor hath happy sure is he 22 These that devise ill and mischief do they not erre unwise But both mercy and truth shall be to them that good devise 23 In labour all and diligence there profite is in end But the vaine talk of idle lips to penury doth tend 24 The wise mens crownes their riches is which them doe much adorne But the great foolishnesse of fooles declares them all forlorne 25 A witnesse true delivereth soules from great peplexities But who in heart a witenesse is deceitfull speaketh lies 26 In the feare of the mighty Lord is a strong confidence His children all shall have a place in danger for defence 27 Of life a fountaine surely is the Lords feare in the heart From the most cruell snares of death in wisedome to depart 28 A numbrous people doth right well the Kings honour advance But in the want of people is destruction to the Prince 29 He that is slow to wrath he is of understanding great â—ut he high folly doth exalt that hastie is of sprit 30 A heart that 's sound from fraud and guile the life is of the flesh â—ut envie is the rottennesse of bones that are not fresh 31 He that the poore man doth oppresse his maker he most sure â—eprocheth but who honours him hath mercy on the poore 32 The wicked in his wickednesse is driven away by wrath â—ut he that is a righteous man strong hope hath in his death 33 Wisedome rests in the heart of him that doth well understand â—ut what is in the midst of fooles is knowne to all the land 34 A nation by its righteousnesse exalted is with fame â—ut sinne is a most vile reproch to any peoples name 35 The Kings favour is great indeed for servants that are wise But against him that causeth shame in wrath he shall arise Chap. 15. AN answere soft with wisdome great fierce wrath doth turne away But grievous words that give offence stirre anger up alway 2 The good tongue of the wise man still doth knowledge use aright But the mouth of fooles foolishnesse powres out with all their might 3 The eyes of the Almighty Lord are sure in every place Beholding ill and al 's the good for blessing or disgrace 4 A tree of life sure is the tongue that wholsome words doth teach But wickednesse that is therein is in the sprit a breach 5 A foole his fathers teaching doth most foolishly despise But he that a reproof regards most prudent is and wise 6 In the house of the righteous man much treasure is and store 7 But in the wickeds revenewes Is greefe and trouble sore 8 The Lord abhors the sacrifice of men that wicked be But the prayer of upright men is his delight surelie 9 The Lord who holy is and just abhors the wickeds way But who goe after righteousnesse he loveth them alway 10 Correction to him grievous is that doth the way forsake And he that foolish hates reproof shall die with shame and lake 11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD how much more then Are patent to his eyes of fire the hearts of mortall men 12 A scorner one that him reproves doth hate and al 's despise He is so foolish that he will not goe unto the wise 13 A glade heart makes the countenance ev'n chearfull more and more But by the sorrow of the heart the sprit is broken sore 14 The heart of him that understands doth knowledge seek indeed But the mouth of vain fools also on foolishnesse doth feed 15 The dayes of the afflicted are evill and of no request But he that 's of a merry heart hath a continuall feast 16 Much better is a little with the true fear of the Lord Then treasure great which is with grief and vexing trouble stord 17 Much better is a dinner of hearbs joind with love and mirth Then is a stalled ox most fat and hatred still there with 18 A wrathfull man strife stirreth up and lets not men get ease But he that is to anger slow doth wisely strife appease 19 The wayes of him that slouthfull is as hedge of thornes remaine But the way of the righteous man is made both smooth and plaine 20 A father is made wondrous glad by a son that is wise But he that foolish is in heart his mother doth despise 21 To
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
passe ov'r his glory is alway 12 As roaring of a Lion fierce so a Kings wrath doth passe But his favour most gracious is as dew upon the grasse 13 To his father a foolish son is great calamity And the contentions of a wife do drop continually 14 House richesse are th' inheritance which fathers do afford But he that hath a prudent wife her hath even from the LORD 15 Men into slumber and deep sleep are cast by slouthfulnesse A soul that 's idle suffer shall both hunger and distresse 16 He that keeps the commandment well his own soul keeps safely But he that doth despise his wayes undoubtedly shall dy 17 He that hath pitie on the poor unto the Lord doth lend â—nd that which he hath given will he in payment to him send 8 While there is any hope thy son ev'n chasten by and by â—et not thy soul him spare at all though he aloud do cry 9 A man of great wrath punishment shall suffer and sustaine â—or if thou him deliver yet thou must doe it againe 10 Hear wise counsell and also good instruction soone receive â—hat so thou in thy latter end may'st alwayes wisdome have 11 In a mans heart that is profound devices many be â—everthelesse the counsell of the Lord shall stand most free 12 Of a man worthy the desire his kindnesse is most sure â—â—d better then a lyar is a man though he be poore The fear of the Almighty LORD to life doth alwayes tend â—e that it hath is satisfi'd no ill shall him offend 24 In his bosome a slouthfull man doth hide his hand in vaine And will not so much as it bring unto his mouth againe 25 A scorner smite and simple men will sure beware therefore Also reprove the wise and he will be wise more and more 26 He that doth wast his father and his mother chase away Is a vile son that causeth shame and brings reproach alway 27 My son I counsell thee to cease th' instruction for to hear That causeth men alwayes to erre from wordes of knowledge dear 28 A wicked witnesse judgement all doth scorne both lesse and more And the mouth of the wicked doth iniquity devore 29 Judgements severe for scorners are prepared by Gods hand And sore stripes for the back of fooles that nothing understand Chap. 20. WIne is a mocker and strong drink is raging great alwayes â—nd whosoever is thereby deceived is not wise As roaring of a Lion so is of a King the fear Who him provokes to wrath doth sin ' gainst his own soul most dear It for a man an honour is to cease from strife quickly â—ut every foole of knowledge void therewith will medling be The sluggard will not plow because of cold showres that down fall â—herefore in harv'st time shall he beg and have nothing at all Counsell is in the heart of man like waters deep surelie â—ut one of understanding good will draw it out quickly Of men the most part will proclaime each one his own goodnesse â—ut who can by his wisdome finde â— a man of faithfulnesse 7 The man that is just wisely walks in his integrity His children deare are after him a blest posterity 8 A King that sitteth in the throne of judgement just alway With his owne eyes all wickednesse doth scatter cleane away 9 Who can in truth affirme and say my heart I have made sure Cleane from all sort of wickednesse I from my sin am pure 10 Weights diverse and such measure al 's though they much gaine afford They both abomination are alike unto the Lord. 11 Even a young child is knowne by that which he doth in mens sight Whether his work be good and pure and whether it be right 12 The eare that is inclin'd to heare and al 's the seeing eye The Lord hath even made both of them by his hand for to be 13 Love not long sleep lest that thou come to poverty with speed Thine eyes open and thou shalt be well satisfied with bread 14 The merchand saith it 's nought it's nought when he desires to buy But when from thence he is away he boasteth by and by 15 Of Gold and Rubies men esteeme but the lips that can say The words of wisdome are indeed a jewell rare alway 16 His garment take that surety is even for a strangers sake And of him for a woman strange see that a pledge thou take 17 Bread that is gotten be deceit unto a man seemes sweet But afterwards his mouth shall be with gravell fil'd for meat 18 Each purpose well establish'd is by counsell good and wise And when thou mindest to make war do it with good advice 19 Who bearing false tales goth about mens secrets with great slips Revealeth therefore haunt him not that flattreth with his lips 20 Who so his father curseth or his mother dear most sure His lamp shall be put out anone in darknesse most abscure 21 An heritage may at the first be gotten hastilie But out of doubt the end thereof shall no way blessed be 22 Say not when thou provoked art ill recompence I will But waite on God and he shall sure thee save from danger still 23 Weights diverse are unto the Lord abomination all And a false ballance is not good with either great or small 24 Mans goings all are of the Lord who ordreth them alway How can a man then understand to walk in the good way 25 It is a snare to him that doth the holy things devore And after his vowes for to make enquirie strick therefore 26 A King that cunning is and wise can ill men scatter well â—nd for a just judgement also bring over them the wheele 27 The sprit of man Gods candle is which shineth in our hearts 〈◊〉 of the belly searcheth still ev'n all the inward parts 28 Mercy and truth most safely do preserve the King alone â—y mercy to his subjects all upholden is his Throne 29 Of young strong men the glory great is their great strength indeed â—nd of old men the beautie is the gray and hoary head 30 The bluenesse of a wound surely the ill doth cleanse away 〈◊〉 of the belly th' inward parts stripes still do purg alway Chap. 21. THe Kings heart in the hand of GOD is as a river still â—le doth it turne by his great might whethersoever he will The way or work of every man in his owne eyes is right But the LORD pondreth well the hearts by his wisdome and might 3 To do judgement with upright heart and al 's to do justice Is more acceptable unto the LORD then sacrifice 4 A haughty look disdaining men a proud and lofty heart And plowing of the wicked men is sin in every part 5 All the thoughts of the diligent tend unto plenteousnesse But every one that hastie is to want and to distresse 6 The getting of great treasures by great lyes a vanitie Is tossed to and fro of them that seeke death foolishly 7 The robbery
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
hath Who in his fists the winde makes to remaine Who waters in a garment hath bound fast for to endure Who all the ends hath of the earth established most sure What is the name of such a man whereby thou dost him call And what is his sons name also if thou canst clearly tell 5 Ev'ry good word that doth proceed from God is cleane and pure He unto them that trust in him a shield is firme and sure 6 See that thou adde not to his words lest that he thee reprove And thou be found one who is set most wicked lies to love 7 Two things have I with all mine heart required Lord of thee Denie me them not I thee pray before the time I die 8 Take vanitie from me and lies give me not povertie Nor richesse feed me with the food convenient for me 9 Lest I full thee deny and say Who is God in disdaine Or lest I be poore and so steele and take GODS name in vaine 10 Unto his master a servant accuse not least he thee Curse bitterly and thou at last be guilty found to be 11 There is a generation that their father dear do curse And being fill'd with wickednesse there mother do not blesse 12 There is a generation al 's that in their eyes are pure And yet their filthinesse not wash'd doth still in them indure 13 There is a generation al 's how lofty are their eyes And their eye-lids are lifted up through their great pride and ease 14 There is a generation al 's whose teeth are as a sword And their jaw teeth as knives most sharp oppressours in a word 15 The base horseleach hath daughters two which give give still do cry Three things they are yea foure which yeâ— can never satisfie 16 The grave also the barren womb the earth that is not full Of water and the fire that doth cry for more fewell still 17 The eye that mocks his father and refuseth to obey His mother Ravens and Eagles it shall picke out for a prey 18 There be three things indeed which are too wonderfull for me Yea there be foure which I my self know not with certaintie 19 The markes that in the way appear of Eagles in the aire The serpents way when it upon a hard rock doth repaire The way al 's of a sailing ship in the midst of the sea A harlots way to spoile a maide of her virginitie 20 Such is the way of her that is a vile adulteresse She eats and wips her mouth saying I do not wickednesse 21 For three things is disquieted the earth both far and neere Yea and for foure which it can not be able for to bear 22 For a servant when he doth reigne and troad men under feet And al 's a fool when he is fill'd with good and dainty meat 23 For a woman that 's odious a poor husbands distresse And likewise an hand maid that is heire to her owne mistresse 24 There be foure things upon the earth which are of little price But by the great Gods providence they are exceeding wise 25 The Ants a people are not strong which in the earth repaire Their meat they in the summer time with diligence prepare 26 The little conies in the fields are but a feeble folk Yet they most cunningly do make their houses in the rock 27 The locusts in their armies all have no King that commands Yet go they foorth in order good even all of them by bands 28 The spider with her crooked hands doth heere and there take hold And to abide in palaces of great Kings she is bold 29 There be three things upon the earth which go right orderly Yea there are foure in number which in going are comely 30 A Lion which among all beasts is strongest for a prey â—nd for all these that him gainstand doth not turne once away 31 A gray hound with great speed and al 's a hee-goat and a King â—gainst whom by the force of men there is no uprising 32 If thou in lifting up thy self hast done things foolishly â—f thou hast thought ill lay thine hand upon thy mouth quickly 33 As churning of milk butter brings and wringing of the nose Brings blood the forcing so of wrath brings forth both strife and noise Chap. 31. THe words of good king Lemuel all the worthy prophecie That his dear mother did him teach that he might prudent be 2 What my deare sonne And what the son which I with paine did beare Into my wombe And what the son of all my vowes most deare 3 To woman vaine give not thy strength which shall thee much annoy Nor yet thy wayes to that which doth the mighty Kings destroy 4 O Lemuel it is not for Kings as thou may wisely think Nor yet for Princes foolishly strong wine to bibe and drink 5 Lest that they drink and then the law forget and al 's pervert The judgement of these men that are afflicted sore in heart 6 Give thou strong drink unto him that is in great greef and smart And also wine unto all these that be of heavy heart 7 Let him drink well and then forget his poverty therefore And so remember in his mirth his poverty no more 8 Thy mouth still open for the dumb even whether neer or far Ev'n in the cause of such that to destruction ordain'd are 9 Thy mouth with wisedome open well and judge thou righteously The cause of needy men and poor plead thou most faithfully 10 Who on earth can a woman find both vertuous good and wise â—he richest Rubies all above is her excellent price 11 Of her husband the heart in her doth trust without all toile â—o that he furnish'd well in all shall have no need of spoile 12 She loving him most heartily and fleeing from all strife â—ill do him good still and not ill ev'n during all her life 13 She seeketh wooll and also flax and that most carefully â—nd early with her hands and late she worketh willingly 14 She like the ships of merchands is which still procure much good â—e well directed from a far brings safely home her food 15 She riseth al 's while it is night and wisely giveth meat To her houshold a portion al 's for all her maids to eat 16 A field she doth consider and it buyes for fear of want With the fruit of her hands she al 's a vineyeard well doth plant 17 Her loines she girdeth well with strength her self for to addresse Unto her task she maketh strong her armes for businesse 18 She doth perceive her merchandise to be good in mens sight Her candle burning her before doth not go out by night 19 Her hands unto the spindle she most carefully doth lay Her hands also the distafe hold and so doth passe the day 20 Her hand unto these that be poor she stretcheth out richlie Yea more she reacheth foorth her hands to these that needie be 21 For her houshold she of the snow is not afraid
at all For with scarlet her houshold is well cloathed great and small 22 She cov'rings to her self doth make of richest tapestrie Her clothings of the finest silk and costlie purple be 23 Her husband in the gates is known by such attire most net â—hen he among the Elders doth sit in the judgement seat 24 She diligent the linnen fine doth make and al 's it sell â—e likewise doth fine girdles give unto the merchands all 25 Strength and honour her clothing are such is her great wisdome â—nd she by these her comforts shall rejoice in time to come 26 She with wisdome op'neth her mouth which makes all stand in aw â—â—d in her tongue governed well of kindnesse is the law 27 Unto the wayes of her houshold she wisely lookes indeed â—â—d being busie eateth not of idlenesse the bread 28 Her children rise up and her call most blest in all her dayes â—er husband also well content he praiseth her alwayes 29 Much daughters have most vertuously done as men well may tell But thou indeed them all above most highly dost excell 30 Deceitfull surely favour is and beautie is but vaine But a woman that feares the LORD her praise shall still remaine 31 Of her hands give her of the fruit which early work and late And let her own works with applause still praise her in the gate The Vse Let not the words of vaine men with their noâ— Outshrill the precepts of Gods divine voice But set thy heart their meaning for to finde And lay them up till brimefull be thy mindâ— While Wisdome thus stoups down poor maâ— teach Most wise Proverbs that we their sense may reâ— Let us still learne and carefull act our part That wisdomes words may get place in our heâ— Fy what a shame to hear in wisdomes schoole Such lessons wise and yet remaine a foole They double stripes are worthy who may finde â—his glorious light and yet are beetle blinde Away with these who in most furious fits â—ith earthly dregs do drench their wanton wits â—ch oft them selves most wise of all do deeme â—ike mummers which are not that which they seeme â—eer wisdome learne and strive for to be wise â—hese grave proverbs see that thou not despise â—hat thou thereby may learne to flie from sin â—ven Satans cobweb and his deadly gin â—herein he holds and doth al 's divers pull â— craftie meanes the simple for to gull 〈◊〉 fiery wrath shall make the Crowes and Pyes â—â—ck out the pride of Childrens scornefull eyes â—ho Mothers precepts lightly still set by A vengeance sure most heavy by and by â—all come on these who proverbs good and wise â—â—d precepts grave shall foolishly despise 〈◊〉 thou thy dueties well would learne and see â—his precious Pandect hold before thine eye THE GARDEN OF ZION The Booke of Ecclesiastes A Prayer OF Wisdomes precepts how to guide oâ— wayes We have last sung in our most sacred layes Now come Jovan my heart strings put in 〈◊〉 To warble how all things under the Sun Which heer in greatest estimation be Are nothing al 's but very vanitie All things below have an uncertaine seat See how Boats slide where ploughs did slicâ— late And ploughs now till where Boats before did slide â—nder the welkin what can fast abide Heere climbs one there on the top of the wheele Another stands anone up goes his heele And down his head then shuffled his designs All topsie turvie upside downe God brings â—ome are most base and some with toll and tax â—et up on hie do break poor peoples backs â—ome hunts for this and some for that at last Death all away doth cary with a blast â—hen where is man and where are his designs Lord draw our hearts far from such naughtie things To keep thy Law in doing what we can For this the duety is of every man Now by thy grace both purge our heart and heade From dirtie darnell sins vile cockleweede That while we hear of vaine things the discourse Without a curse we may run out our course CHAP. I. THese be the weighty words wise of preacher Solomon Who was King in Jerusalem and of David the Son 2 All vanitie of vanities the Preacher saith truelie Yea vanitie of vanities all is but vanitie 3 What profite hath a man of all his labour here begun Which he with a most carking care doth take under the Sun 4 One generation among men away doth quickly slide Another generation comes but th' earth doth still abide 5 The sun also ariseth and he goeth down quickly And hasteth to the place where he at morning rose earely 6 From South to North the wind doth go it whiles continualy According to its circuits it doth turne againe quickly 7 The rivers all run to the sea the sea yet is not full Unto the place from whence they come returne they thither still 8 Man can not utter how all things are full of labour here With sight th' eyes are not satisfi'd nor with hearing the ear 9 The thing that hath beene is which shall be and that which is done Is that which shall be and there is no new thing under Sun 10 Is there a thing whereof it may be said see this is new It hath already beene before of old time with some shew 11 No remembrance of former things there is nor shall there be Of things to come with these that shall come after us quicklie 12 The preacher I who cunningly in preaching did excell Was in the faire Jerusalem king over Israel 13 I gave my heart by wisdome to search all things that are done By such paine God doth exercise men here under the Sun 14 Under the Sun I have seene all the workes that done there be Behold all is vexation great of sprite and vanitie 15 That which is crooked can not be by men againe made straight And that which wanting is can not be numbred once aright 16 I pensed saying I am come to great estate and more Have gotten wisedome then all they that have been me before Yea my heart by the LORD inspir'd in every exigence Of wisedome and of knowledge had a great experience 17 I gave my heart wisedome to know and to know madnesse eke And foly I saw that this was vexation of the sprite 11 For in much wisdome surely is much grief and heavinesse And he that groves in knowledge great doth sorrow al 's increase Chap. 2. In mine heart said now go to with mirth I prove will thee â—ake pleasure therefore and behold this al 's is vanitie I deeply pensing in my thoughts of laughter said it's mad Of mirth like wise I did affirme that it is vaine and bad I in my heart did further seek to give my self to wine â—nd to lay hold on folly great ev'n by wisedome divine â—ll I might see what was that good for sonnes of men alwayes â—hich under heav'n they all should doe dureing their painfull dayes I made me great works I did build
them all They all have one breath as the one so doth the other die Above a beast they have no place for all is vanitie 20 All things below unto one place do go as is most plaine All of the dust are and also all turne to dust againe 21 Who knowes the sprite of man that goes even upward to the heav'n And the sprit of the beasts that is unto the earth down driv'ne 22 Wherefore I see now that there is no better thing for choice Then that a man in all his workes should constantly rejoice For that is even his portion all alloted for to be And what shall be done after him who shall bring him to see Chap. 4. SO I returned in my sprite and did consider soone All the oppressions great that are heere done under the sunne Behold the teares of men opprest no comforter they had Their spoiling foes sure power had great but they had comfort bad 2 Wherefore the dead I praised much that were already dead Yea more then all the living which are yet alive indeed 3 Yea better then both they he is which hath yet never been Who the ill work done under sunne as yet hath never seene 4 Againe I did consider well and carefully remarke All travaile undergone by man and also every worke For this man of his neighbour is crossd greatly with envy This is vexation of the sprite and also vanity 5 The fool his hands folding will not work for to winne his meat Therefore he pinch'd with poverty is forc'd his flesh to eat 6 Much better is with quietnesse an handfull that is meet Then both hands full with travell and vexation of the sprite 7 Then I returned speedily to see all that was done And I saw a great vanitie that was under the Sun 8 Ther 's one alone and there is not a second or another Yea he is so alone that he hath neither childe nor brother Yet still he labours and can not for whom he labours tell This also is great vanitie yea it 's a sore travell 9 Together in societie two better are then one Because they have a good reward for all their labour done 10 For if they fall the one will lift his fellow but much wo To him that is alone for when he falls none helps him so 11 Againe if in a stormy time two shall together ly Then they have heat but how can one be warmed by and by 12 And if against him one prevaile on this he may rely Two shall withstand a threefold cord men break not easily 13 A poor and wise childe better is then an old foolish King Who will no more by counsell good admonish'd be to reigne 14 For out of prison he doth come to reigne in high degree But th' other in his kingdome borne comes all to povertie 15 The living which walk here below I did perceive indeed All walking with the second childe that shall stand is his stead 16 Th' inconstant people have no end of all that was before These that come after shall not please this is vexation sore Chap. 5. WHen thou go'st to the house of GOD as children to the schooles Then keep thy foot hear rather then give sacrifice of fooles For they in their great foolishnesse consider not wisely That while they do that outward work they do iniquity 2 See with thy mouth thou be not rash thine heart let it not be Swift for to utter any thing before GODS Majestie For GOD is in the Heaven above and thou with little shew Art upon earth therefore let all thy wordes be wise and few 3 A dreame comes through the multitude of carefull businesse A fools voice is well known when he doth many words expresse 4 When unto GOD thou vow'st a vow defer it not to pay For he no pleasure hath in fooles so pay without delay 5 Not to vow it far better is then that thou every day Should make fair vowes unto the LORD and them neglect to pay 6 Permit not once thy mouth to cause thy flesh for to trespasse Nor yet before the Angel say that it an error was Wherefore should GOD be at thy voice provok'd thee to annoy And after the work of thine hands in wrath thee to destroy 7 For in the mâ—ltitude of dreames and many words there be A number great of vanities but fear thou the most Hie. 8 If thou th' oppression of the poor and judgement false dost see And justice in a Province al 's let it no marvell be For he that then the higest is higher without delay Regardeth such things and there be some higher even then they 9 The profit of the earth below moreover is for all The King is served by the field ev'n whether great or small 10 He that loves silver silver shall him not once satisfie Nor he that loveth great increase this al 's is vanitie 11 When goods upon this earth increase for wealth or yet for meat They also much increased are who all such things do eat And what good to their owners is among all companies Thay onely have this that they may behold them with their eyes 12 The work-mans sleep it is most sweet though he eat lesse or much But plenty great doth mar alwayes the sleep of him that 's rich 13 There is a sore ill which I have perceiv'd under the sun Ev'n riches for the owners kept to their great hurt therein 15 But these riches by travell ill do perish in the land And he begets a son and there is nothing in his hand 15 As he came from his mothers womb so without all delay He naked shall returne nothing he cary shall away 16 This is a sore ill that as he came even so shall he go That gaine hath he that for the wind he labour'd so and so 17 All the dayes of his life also he doth in darknesse eate nd he much sorrow hath and wrath when he is griev'd and sick 18 Behold what I have seene It 's good for one to drink and eat nd take part of that GOD hath giv'n to be his portion meet 19 This is GODS gift when of riches man learnes to make good use â—d of his portion eats and in his labour doth rejoice For so his dayes in mirth do passe and seeme most short to be â— GOD him answreth in the joy of his heart chearfully Chap. 6. UNder the Sun there is an ill which often now and then â—ve seen common for to be among the sonnes of men 2 A man to whom the Lord hath given wealth honour and richesse So that he wants not for his soul all that he would possesse Yet God him not the power then gives to eate thereof gladly But strangers it do eat This is disease and vanitie 3 If that a man yeers many live and children much beget So that the dayes even of his yeares be in a number great If his soul be not fil'd with good and al 's not buâ—ied be I say
be after him Who can him tell surelie 15 Fooles do themselves with labour great even weary every day Because they do not know so much as the broad cities way 16 Woe unto thee O wretched land when childish is thy king And thy Princes as gluttons eat early in the morning 17 Blest art thou land when thy King is come of a noble race And thy Princes eat soberly for strength not drunkenesse 18 By slothfulnesse the building all most quickly doth decay And through great idlenesse the house it droppeth through alway 19 A feast sure is for laughter made and wine makes merry men â—ut money answ'reth constantly all things both now and then 20 See that the King that rules the land thou curse not in thy thought And likewise curse thou not the rich to thy bedchamber brought For a bird of the aire the voice shall cary by and by That which hath wings the matter shall tell even as it doth ly Chap. 11. UPon the waters cast thy bread and spare it not alwayes For thou shalt sure it finde againe though after many dayes 2 To seven or eight a portion give and that most liberally For thou know'st not what hindrance soone upon the earth may be 3 If that the clouds of heaven above be filled well with raine They for the fruits upon the earth emptie themselves againe If towards south or yet the north at last shall fall the tree In the same place where it doth fall there also shall it be 4 He that too strict observ's the wind shall not well sow his seed He that too strict regards the clouds shall sheaves not reape with speed 5 The sprites way thou know'st not nor how bones in the womb do grow Even so thou not the workes of God who maketh all dost know 9 When it's morning then sow thy seed upon thy labour'd land And in the evening time also with hold thou not thine hand For whether this shall prosper well or that not understood It is by any who can tell if both alike be good 7 Truely the light is sweet and al 's a pleasant thing it seemes Unto the eyes for to behold the sunnes faire glistring beames 8 But if a man live many yeeres and in them more or lesse Rejoice let him remember well the dayes of great darknesse For they unpleasant surely shall in a great number be All that which comes under the sun is very vanitie 9 O young man in thy youth rejoice and let thy heart thee please Walk in the wayes of thy heart and in the sight of thine eyes But know thou this assuredly that even for every thing God in his justice thee at last will into judgement bring 10 Therefore all sorrow from thy heart see thou remove quicklie Put ill away for childhood and youth are but vanitie Chap. 12. THy Creator remember well in youth while the ill day Is not come nor the yeares draw nigh when thou shall surely say In all such things under the sun no pleasure I at all Have in my heart I loth such things yea whether great or small 2 While the Sun light or yet the Moone or the starres in their traine Be not darkned nor yet the clouds returne after the raine 3 In the day when the keepers of the house as in palsie Shall tremble and the strong men shall themselves bow faintingly The grinders then shall cease to be as mouldred all away And these that out at windowes looke al 's dark'ned be alway 4 And in the streetes the doores shall be shut when the grinding sound Is low he at the chirp of birds shall rise from sleep unsound His sprits also shall be so dull that he shall nothing know The daughters all of musick then shall be brought very low 5 Of high things they shall be afraid and feares al 's in the way Shall be and al 's the Almond tree shall flourish white alway Desire shall faile a grashopper a burden shall be so Because man dies the mourners then about the streetes doe go 6 Before al 's that the silver cord be loosed at the length Or that the golden bowle at last be broken with its strength Or that the pitcher broken be even at the maine fountaine Or yet that broken be the wheele that 's hard by the cisterne 7 Then shall the dust returne to earth as it was most vile dust Then shall the sprite returne to God who gave it at the first 8 Even vanitie of vanities the Preacher well doth call The things that are on earth below yea vanitie is all 9 Because the Preacher wise was he did teaâ—h the people still Yea he gave good heed and sought out wise Proverbes with great skill 10 The Preacher sought to find out wordes acceptable to heare What written was it was upright words to the truth most neere 11 Wise words are like to goads and nailes by preachers fastned well Which from one shepheard are all given who doth the same reveale 12 By these my son admonish'd be of makeing bookes no end There is much study al 's the flesh with wearinesse doth spend 13 Let us now heare the end of all feare God and as thou can His precepts keep for sure this is the duety all of man 14 For God in judgement every work most clearly shall reveale With every secret thing also yea whether good or ill The Use LET Men heere learne where all may clearly see Vnder the Welkin all but vanitie Heer tears in eyes and fears in heart as house With many sorrows have their Rendevouz Of earthly things the vast confused crowd Is now or then all cov'red with a clowd Though men on Thrones advanced have their Seat All 's nought except they be as Good as Great Loke not to see beneath the Firmament A state of life that heer gives full content A dying still is in poor queasie man His life at longest is but like a span It like a Post doth passe even in a streame And is anone forgotten like a dreame Gods holy Law is only pure and plain In life and death Christ is our only gaine Let us heer learn in time to turn our back On vanitie and quickly it forsake With bended knees and al 's with broken hearts Let us be carefull that we in all parts May fear the Lord and dayly on him call For this to do it is the end of all All other thoughts are surely vile and vaine A brood most base even of a burly braine Who so profane this earthly glory seeks Shall losse his life among such crooked creeks O happy he who hating vanitie Doth rest content Gods pensioner to be Not careing for the leeks and garlick fell Th' Egyptian hotch potch which Gods Israel Preferr'd to Man their whilom-Angels food Admir'd at first but well not understood â—hile it most sweet like Coriander round â— like hoare frost did ly upon the ground â— heav'n above is onely rest below he Trump of war doth still
instructed be I gladly would thee cause to drink of my well spiced wine And of the fair Pomegranates juice which pleasant is and fine 3 Under my head in lovely wayes his left hand laid should be And his right hand most tenderly likewise embrace should me 4 O daughters of Jerusalem I charge you that ye cease To stir up or awake my Love and that untill he please CHRIST Who is this from the wildernesse that comes up by and by And thus on her Beloved doth ev'n leaning still rely It is my Church I thee did raise up from the Apple tree Thy mother there thee did bring foorth she brought foorth that bare thee The beleeving Jewes Me as a seale set on thy heart and on thine arme set me â—or love as death and as the grave most strong is jealousie â—ven burning coales of hotest fire are the coales of the same Which kindled have a vehement and a most piercing flame True love can not be quench'd at all by waters flowing downe â—or yet can floods of troubles great by any force it drowne â—f any largely of his house would give the substance all â—t utterly contemned should be both by great and small We have a little sister which no breasts hath lesse or more What shall we do even in the day she shall be spoken for CHRIST If she continue firme and fast like to a mighty wall A silver Palace build on her we altogether shall And if she be even as a door to give eare to my words We will most safely her inclose with finest Cedar boards The beleeving Jewes 10 I am a wall my breasts also like towers are on the ground Then was I in his eyes as one that had his favour found CHRIST 11 At Baal-Hamon a vineyard king Solomon had set The vineyard unto keepers he for profite then had let Each one of these his servants for the sweet fruit of the vine A thousand pieces was to bring of silver good and fine 12 My vineyards fruits are all for me but thou O Solomon Must have a thousand and the rest the farmers live upon 13 Thou that in Gardens dwellest faire and livest in Gods feare â—ompanions hearken to thy voice cause me it al 's to heare The Church â—ake haste my Welbelov'd and be thou like unto a Roe 〈◊〉 to young Harts that on the mounts of spices quickly go THE SONG OF MOSES AT THE RED SEA After GOD had drowned Pharao and his whole hoast EXOD. 15. vers 1. Will now sing unto the LORD for he hath gloriously Triumph'd he horse and rider al 's hath throwen into the Sea The LORD he is my strength and song and my salvation sure An habitation I for him most gladly will prepare My fathers GOD he still hath been and that in every part I him therefore will now exalt and that with all my heart 3 The Lord who hath a mighty arme is as a man of war The Lord most surely is his name well known both neer and far 4 He Pharos charets and his hoast hath cast into the Sea In the red Sea even drowned all his chosen Captaines be 5 With frothy deepths GOD cov'red them this work he did alone Into the bottome they did sink even as a heavy stone 6 Thy right hand is become O LORD most glorious in great power Thine arme and thy right hand thy foes have dasht even all to powder 7 Thou hast thy foes all overthrown in great excellencie Thy wrath thou sent'st foorth which consum'â— them as the stubble dry 8 And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters gath'red there â—he floods stood upright as an heap the deepths congealed were Th enemy said I will pursue them will I overtake will divide the spoile my lust upon them will I wreak In my wrath most fierce will draw my sword them to annoy â—y mightie hand with fearfull plagues shall surely them destroy 11 Thou didst blow with thy boistrous wind the sea them covr'd indeed â—hey in the mighty waters all sank downe as heavy lead 12 Who 's like thee LORD among the gods who 's glorious like to thee â— holinesse and fearefull praise and wonders done by thee 13 Thou in thy fierce wrath stretchedst out thy right hand with great strength â—he earth opning her mouth did then all swallow up at length Thou in thy mercy hast led foorth thy people bought by thee Thou in thy strength them to thy house hast guided lovingly 14 The people all shall heare of this and they shall be afraid The indwellers of Palestine with grief shall be dismaide 15 The Duks of Edom all amaz'd with Moab tremble shall The indwellers of Canaan shall melt away and fall 16 By thy great Army feare and dread shall heavy on them fall They as a stone still shall be till thy people passe ov'r all O LORD till that thy people all passe ov'r with courage fine Which thou by thine Almighty hand hast purcha'd to be thine 17 Thou strong shalt bring them in and them plant in thy holy place Ev'n in thy pleasant Sanctuary establish'd by thy grace 18 The LORD shall reigne for evermore most like a mighty King 19 For he on Pharo and his house the lofty waves did bring But the children of Israel all who did the LORDS command They in the mids of all the sea went safely on dry land Miriams Song at the red Sea THen Miriam the Prophetesse the sister of A'ron Did daunce with women thankfully and Timbrels plaid upon And Miriam thus answer'd them 〈◊〉 praise GOD for now hath he â—riumph'd He horse and rider al 's hath throwne into the Sea The Song of Moses a little before his death DEUT. 32. vers 1. THE PREFACE O Pleasant heavens that are above with diligence give ear And I will speak O earth below the wordes of my mouth hear 2 My doctrine shall drop as the raine my speach as dew shall passe As small raine on the tender herb and showres upon the grasse 3 Because I surely publish will the blest name of the LORD Yee greatnesse to our GOD therefore ascribe with one accord The first Part. 4 He is the rock his work 's perfite his wayes all judgement be A God of Truth and without sin most just and right is He. 5 They have corrupt themselves their spot is not the spot alwayes Of his children they are perverse a race of crooked wayes 6 Unwise people do ye requite the Lord thus Is not He Thy Father buyer Hath he not made and establish'd thee 7 Remember ye the dayes of old yeeres past consider well Thy Father aske he will thee shew thy Elders will thee tell 8 When the most High to nations did th' inheritance divide When he the sons of Adam all did separate beside He by his wisdome set the bounds of all the people then According to the number of his Israels children 9 For the Lord for his portion hath his people without blot Jacob is his inheritance
LORD 9 Speake ye that ride on Asses white in Rulers chief aray And ye that sit in judgement and that travell by the way 10 And ye the poorest of the land whose trade was still to draw Waters from wells Of Archers ye did greatly stand in aw Yee from this feare delivered GODS great workes magnifie Who hath traffique and Iustice giv'n in village and citie 11 Awake awake awake awake DEBORAH sing anone Arise BARAK and lead Captive thou of AHINOAN son 12 Him that remaines he made to rule ov'r the Nobilitie Ov'r people al 's the LORD me gave rule over the mighty 13 Of EPHRAIM gainst AMALEK there was a worthy root And after thee stout BENjAMIN among thy people great rom MACHIR of MANASSE came governours goodly men o this service came ZEBULON scribes handling well the pen 15 And the most mighty Princes of strong ISSACHAR that day Were with DEBORAH in the field ev'n ISSACHAR I say here BARAK to the valley sent on foot did soone depart or the divisions of REUBEN there were great thoughts of heart 16 Why from the Sheepfolds wouldst not thou go for to act thy part or the divisions of REUBEN were searchings great of heart 17 Beyond JORDAN GILEAD abode and why did DAN remaine â— ships Asher on the sea shore sought in his breaches gaine 18 ZEBULON and NEPHTALI stout were arm'd with Spear and Shield hey jeoparded their lives all in high places of the field 19 The Kings of CANA'N came and fought JABIN for to maintaine In TANAH to MEGIDDO neere but thereby did not gaine ' Gainst SISERA the clouds and wind did fight from the Heav'ns hie The bright starres in their courses al 's fought most couragiouslie 21 The river KISHON ev'n KISHON did sweep them all away O thou my soul thou hast downe troad great strength without delay 22 Then the strong horsehoves broken were ev'n with their strongest bones By the meanes of the pransings great of the most mighty Ones 23 Curse yee MEROS the Angel said yea curse them bitterly Because they did not help the Lord ' gainst these that were mighty 24 JAEL the wife of HEBER shall blest above women be Above women she shall be blest in the tent most surely 25 He asked water and she gave him milk of sweet relish She also wisely butter brought foorth in a lordly dish 26 She with a hammer and a naile smote SISERA indeed When she his Temples pierced had she did smite off his head 27 He bow'd and fâ—ll and lay downe he at her feet bow'd and fell Where he bow'd there he fell downe dead at the feet of JAHEL 28 SISERAS mother looked out at windowes and did cry hrough the lattesse with joy of heart to these thar passed by Why taries his Charet so long What hinder doth it let Why tarie thus the wheeles most swift of his Princely Charet 29 When her wise Ladies heard these wordes they did not long defer â—o give answer yea to her self she return'd this answer 30 Have they not well in Battell sped have they not all also arted the prey to every man a damosell or two To SISERA a wealthy prey who his foes strong did foile A colour'd prey of needle work for these that take the spoile 31 So perish let thy foes O Lord but who with heart upright Him love let them be as the Sun when he goes foorth in might The Song of Hannah whicâ— She sang to GOD when Shâ— had borne Samuel after long barrennesse 1 SAM 2. vers 1. MY heart rejoiceth in the LORD my horne exalt did he My mouth is greatly now inlarg'd for his goodnesse to me 2 There is none holy as the LORD there is none beside thee There is no rock that is like God our God the Lord most hie 3 Talk no more proudly as ye do speak not with arrogance For all our deeds the Lord doth weigh in his sacred ballance The strong bowes of the mighty men are broken all at length â—d they that stumbled now are girt with force and divine strength They that were full in plentie have hir'd out themselves for bread â—d they that were in hunger great securly ceasd indeed e that was barren and contemn'd hath borne sev'n great and small â—d she that many children hath is waxed feeble all The LORD by his strong arme doth kill and he doth also save â— lifteth up he bringeth downe unto the stinking grave By his great power he doth make poore and also maketh rich â— bringeth low and raiseth up unto a certaine pitch He raiseth up out of the dust the poor from the dunghill He lifts the begger and him sets on Thrones with Princes still For the strong pillars of the earth unto the Lord belong And he by his great power hath set the world all them upon 9 He of his saints will keep the feet the wicked in darknesse Shall all be silent none by strength prevaile shall more or lesse 10 These fooles who do reject the Lord shall soone be broke to pieces With thunders shall he trouble them though they be great as Princes The Lord shall judge the earth below and strength give to his King The horne of his anointed he shall high exalt so reigne The Song of David which he sang to give thanks after that Nathan had promised him benefites and blessings but chiefly the Messiah to come of his seede 2 SAM 7. vers 18. O LORD my God now who am I that thou on me hast thought What is my house that thou in love me hitherto hast brought This was but small Lord in thy sight thou of thy servants house â—ast spoke for a great while to come as thou art righteous his truely Lord a mercy great I clearly now do see fter the maner of a man this seemes no way to be And what can David more to thee for this thy goodnesse say or thou Lord God who art most hie thy servant know'st alway 4 For thy wordes sake thou hast now done according to thy heart These things to make thy servants all thee know in every part 5 Thou Lord art great like thee is none no God is thee beside According to all things that we have heard on ev'ry side 7 What Nation one in all the earth is like thy people dear Even like Isra'l whom God redeem'd that he might them acquire To get a name and do great things for thy most holy land Before thy people which from Kings redeem'd are by thy hand 8 For to thy self thou hast confirm'd Isra'l to thee for ay A people and thou art become their Lord and God alway 9 What of thy servant and his house thou hast Lord spoken now As thou hast said it by thy grace establish and allow 10 And let thy name be magnified for ever and for ay Tâ—e Lord of Hosts is Isral's God let all the people say nd let the house of thy servant David for evermore e by thy mercy and thy might establish'd
thee before 11 For thou Lord God the Lord of hostes the God of Israel nto thy servant hast reveal'd thy mercies that excell will thee build an house thou saidst therefore I have this day â—und ev'n this prayer thus in my heart unto thee for to pray 12 And now O Lord that God thou art and thy wordes be most true nd thou this goodnesse promisde hast unto thy servants now Therefore be pleased for to blesse thy servants house alway hat it may so continue still before thee fast for ay or thou O Lord in mercy great hast spoken it to me ow let the house of thy servant for ever blessed be The Song of Isaiah Conceâ—ning the vineyard wherein Gods people is reproved for their barrennesse in good workes notwithstanding of all the paines were taken by the Prophets ISA. 5. vers 1. TO my belov'd I my belov'ds song will now sing with skill My welbelov'd a vineyard hath in a most fruitfull hill 2 He it did fence and gathred out its stones at every houre He planted it with choisest vine and in it built a Towre He al 's made a vine presse therein and look'd it should bring foorth Good grapes but foorth alwayes it brought wilde grapes of nothing worth 3 O ye indwellers of Salem and Judahs men alway Betwixt my vineyard and me now judge justly I you pray 4 What could I unto my vineyard do more then I have done While I for good grapes looked still it brought wilde grapes alone And now go to I will you tell what to my vineyard I Will do I will the hedge thereof away take by and by Then shall it all be eaten up I will break down its wall â—nd it by wilde beasts of the field shall down be troden all I also now will lay it wast it shall not pruned be â—or digged but men briars and thornes anone come up shall see 〈◊〉 also by my divine might the clouds all will command That they shall neither day nor night raine down upon the land â— For of the Lord the vineyard is the house of Israel And Judahs men his pleasant plant which others should excell And he for judgement looked well but O then by and by Oppression al 's for righteousnesse but O behold a cry A Song of thanks for the mercies of GOD. ISA. 12. vers 1. I Will thee praise O Lord though thoâ— with me most angry wast Thine anger is now turn'd away thou me comforted hast 2 Behold and well consider God is my salvation sure I will still trust and not afraid now will be lesse or more For the great Lord Jehovah is mâ— strength and al 's my song He my salvation is become to him it doth belong 3 Therefore out of salvations welles yee shall your selfe imploy Fine water in aboundance great to draw al wayes with joy 4 Then shall ye say praise ye the Lord and call upon his name His workes among the pople shew and high exalt his fame Unto the Lord sing thankfully for he hath things of worth Done by his mighty hand this well is know'n in all the earth Cry out and shout with a loud voice yee that indwellers be Of Zion Isra'ls holy one is great in midst of thee A Song inciting to confidence in God ISA. 26. vers 1. WEE have a city all made strong the Lord salvation will Appoint for to be mighty walles and bulwarkes ever still The glorious gates now open that the Nation void of sin Which constantly the truth doth keep may freely enter in Thou wilt him well preserve and keep in perfect peace to be Whose mind is still upon thee stay'd because he trustes in thee 4 For ever in the Lord trust yee for yee shall feele at length That in the Lord Jehovah is an everlasting strength 5 For he brings downe dwellers on high the lofty city low He layes it to the ground he brings even to the dust below 9 The foot shall basely tread it downe even the foot of the poore And the steps of the needy al 's shall ev'n the like procure 7 The justs way all is uprightnesse thou upright in thy wayes Of the just in the ballance thou dost weigh the path alwayes 8 Yea in thy judgements way O Lord we waited have for thee Our soules desires unto thy name and thy remembrance be 9 I with my soul have constantly desir'd thee in the night Yea with my sprite I early will thee seek with all my might â—or when thy judgements in the earth us teach for to discerne â—hen all the worlds inhabitants Gods righteousnesse will learne 10 Let favour great be shewed still unto the wicked man â—et for all that he righteousnesse will neither learne or can â—v'n in the land of uprightnesse unjustly will he deale â—nd of the Lord the Majestie behold no way he will 11 Lord when thy hand is lifted up they all refuse to see â—ut they shall see against their will though they do close their eye â—ecause thy people they envye asham'd they shall be sore â—ea the fire of thine enemies all shall quickly them devore 12 Lord thou wilt ordaine peace for us this still is in our thought â—or thou in us hast all our workes ev'n by thy finger wrought 13 O Lord besides thee other lords have rul'd us to our shame But by thee onely will we all make mention of thy name 14 Hence foorth these wicked shall not live who are now dead and slaine They at last all deceased are they shall not live againe Therefore thou visited hast them and them destroy'd alway And al 's hast made their memorie to perish quite away 15 The Nation well thou hast increasde thy glory shineth forth Thou hadst remov'd it far unto the ends of all the earth 16 Lord when they were in trouble they did visite thee anone They powr'd out prayers when thy rod was heavy them upon 17 Most like a woman at childe birth who in her pangs doth cry So have we Lord been in thy sight distressed by and by 18 We great with child have been in paine and have brought forth the winde To help out friends or foes defeat no strength at all we finde 19 Thy dead men shall most surely leave together well they all â—ith my dead body even revive and al 's arise they shall â—e that in dust dwell now awake for thy dew is indeed â—s dew of herbs and al 's the earth shall cast out all the dead 20 My people come now enter thou while as the time is fit â—nto thy chambers and with speede the doores about thee shute â—here for a little moment hide thy self far from the blast â—ntâ—ll the indigâ—ation great be safely over past 21 For lo the Lord out of his place doth come most speedily â—o punish all the men on earth for their iniquitie The earth shall al 's disclose the blood that in it did remaine And shall no more the meanes afford to cover close her
slaine The Song of Hezekiah afteâ— GOD had healed him of his sicknesse and promised unto him fifeteene yeeres of life ISA. 38. vers 10. IN cutting off of my short dayes I said I shall now go Unto the grave I am depriv'd of my few yeeres also 2 I said that in the livings land the Lord I shall not see I shall no more see man with these that heere indwellers be 3 Mine age is parted and remov'd by troubles and great strife Like sheepheards tents I veaver like have ev'n cut off my life With sicknesse he will cut me off what ever I pretend From day ev'n unto night wilt thou of me soone make an end 4 I rekned till morning that as a Lion so will he Break all my bones from day to night thou 'l make an end of me Like a poore Cran in great distresse or a troubled swallow â—o did I chatter I did mourne as doth the simple Doue My eyes do fail with looking up and very dimmed be O Lord I am oppressed sore now undertake for me 6 What shall I say he spoken hath and al 's hath done no lesse 〈◊〉 shall go softly all my yeers in my souls bitternesse 7 In all these things is of my sprite the life they that believe Do live by them Recover me and so make me to live 8 Behold for a desired peace I had great bitternesse But thou in love hast sav'd me from the pit of rottenesse For thou who of afflicted men dost ever notice take In thy great mercy all my sins hast cast behind thy back 9 The grave can not thee praise and death can not thee magnifie They that go to the pit can not in hope rest well on thee 10 The living yea the living shall thee praise as I this day The fathers to their children al 's shall teach thy truth alway 11 The LORD was ready me to save therefore we with accord To the string'd instruments will sing in the house of the LORD The Song of Jonah Containing a Prayer and Thanks for his delivâ—rance out of the belly of the Whale wherein hee had beene three dayes and three nights JONAH 2. vers 1. I Cry'd to God and he me heard out of hells belly I Did cry aloud and thou my voice even heardest by and by 2 For thou hadst cast me in the deep in the midst of the Sea â—e flouds me compassd and thy waves did all passe over me Then said I I out of thy sight am cast with great disdaine â—t to thy holy Temple I will surely look againe Ev'n to the soul the waters did me compasse with all speed â—e deepth me closde about the weeds were wrapt about my head To the bottomes of mountaines steep I went down speedily 〈◊〉 earth for ever with her barres did alwayes compasse me hast thou from corruptions pit by mercies me upon â—ord my God and Saviour dear my life brought up anone The Lord I did remember when my soul thus within me faint into thy Temple came my prayer ev'n unto thee â—hey that do lying vanities observe in any way Their owne mercy most foolishly they do forsake alway 8 But I to thee with thankfull voice will sacrifice afford What I have vow'd I minde to pay salvation's of the Lord. The Song and Prayer of Hâ—bakkuk wherein he declaretâ— his trembling at GODS Majestie and also the confidence of his faith while the Caldeans afflicted GODS people HABBAK 3. vers 2. O Lord God full of Majesty I thy servant have heard Thy speach in wordes of gravity and I was sore afraid 2 In midst of yeers revive O Lord thy work and ever still Make known al 's in thy burning wrath remember mercy well 3 From TEMAN and from PARAN mount came God the Holy one His glory cov'rd the heavens his praise was all the earth upon His brightnesse was as light he had Hornes coming from his hand â—here was the hiding of his great power which none did understand Before him went the pestilence and hoat coales at his feet He stood and measur'd all the earth as it did seeme most meet â—e did behold and also drove asunder nations all â—nd th' everlasting mountaines were scattred both great and small â—he hills perpetuall in their place did humbly stoup and bow His wayes are everlasting all as we do clearly know Of Cushan in affliction great I saw tents great and small â—he Curtaines of the Midian land did also tremble all Was the Lord God displeased much against the Rivers clear â—as thine anger incensed thus ' gainst Rivers far or neer Against the sea was thy wrath so that thou didst fiercely ride Upon the horses and charets that safety might abide 9 Thy bow all naked quite was made that men there might beleeve Thou sware unto the Tribes thou didst the earth with waters cleave 10 The hills thee saw and trembled all the water passed by The deep his voice did utter and lift up his hands on hie 11 The Sun and Moon stood in their place even at thine arrowes clear They at the light went and the shine of thy most glittring spear 12 Thou furious didst march through the land in indignation great Thou also didst the heathen thresh even in thine anger hot 13 For thy peoples salvation thou went'st foorth without all fear Even for salvation of great worth with thine anointed dear Out of the wicked house didst thou with power great wound the head Discov'ring the foundation all unto the neck with speed 14 Thou by thy hand Almighty of his villages the head Even with his staves did strike anone with fiercenesse great indeed They came out all as a whirlewind and that to scatter me Their joy was all as to devore the poor most secretly 15 With thine horses which were most strong thou didst walk through the Sea Even through the heap of waters great as men did clearly see 16 My belly trembled when I heard and at the voice anone My lips quiv'red and rottenesse did enter in my bone I trembled in my self that I might rest in dayes most sad When he comes to the people he with troupes them will invade 17 Though the figtree not blossome shall nor fruites in Vines shall be The labour of the Olive fat shall fade most certainly The fields shall not yeeld any meat the flock shall from the fold Be cut off and there shall no head in stalles be young or old 18 Yet will I in the mightie Lord rejoice in every part In the Lord God my Saviour dear I joy will with my heart 19 The Lord God is my strength and will make my feet swift to be Like Hindes feet and will make me walk upon my places hie The Song of Marie in the house of Zacharias after Elizabeth had told her that at her salutation the childe in her wombe had leaped for joy LUKE 1. vers 46. MY soul now all with gladnesse fill'd the LORD doth magnifie My sprite rejoiced hath in God a saviour
hold of instruction still let her not go away Keep her with all thine heart because she is thy life alway 14 Of wicked men see that the path thou enter not into And in the way of livers lewd see that thou never go 15 Avoid it well with all thine heart be wise passe not it by Turn from it with all diligence and quickly passe away 16 For they sleep not except they have mischief done great or small And their sleep soon doth passe away till they cause some to fall 17 For they the bread of wickednesse eat with all diligence And drunkards like they glut and drink the wine of violence 18 But the path of the Just is as the shining light alway That shineth more and more unto the clear and perfect day 19 The way of wicked men is as the darknesse of the night At what they stumble more or lesse they brutish know not right 20 My son with diligence attend unto my words divine Unto my wholesome sayings see that thou thine eare incline 21 By carelesnesse from thy two eyes let them no time depart But keep them as a treasure rich in the midst of thine heart 22 For unto these that do them finde they give life and refresh The hearts of men and are also even health to all their flesh 23 Keep thy heart with all diligence from wickednesse and strife For as a fountaine out of it the issues are of life 24 Put far away from thee a mouth that 's froward and averse From words of grace put far from thee the lips that are perverse 25 Let still thine eyes look right upon the things that they do see And let thine eye-lids be direct'd straight to look before thee 26 The path of thy feet ponder well that thou may still walk sure And also let thy wayes all be establish'd to endure 27 Unto the right hand nor the left turne not for wrath or love From the evill workes of wicked men see thou thy foot remove Chap. 5. MY son with diligence attend unto my wisedome now And to my understanding al 's thine ear incline and bow 2 That thou mayest discretion good in heart wisely regard And that thy lips may knowledge keep above all watch and ward 3 For of a strange woman the lips as hony drop and boile Her tongue and mouth much smoother are then is the finest oile 4 But as the woormwood bitter is so her end in a word Most bitter is yea sharp is it as a two edged sword 5 Her filthie feet go down to death which doth mans life expell Lest any be deceiv'd thereby her steps take hold on hell 6 Lest thou should weigh the way of life the same for to allow Her wayes are still so moveable that thou canst not them know 7 Therefore ye children now my voice well hear with all your heart And from the wise words of my mouth see that ye not depart 8 Remove thy way right far from her vile and unrighteous And take good heed that nigh the doore thou come not of her house 9 Lest to these thou thine honour give who are great foes to thee And the time of thy yeeres to these that fierce and cruell be 10 Lest strangers with thy richest wealth be filled plenteouslie And thy most painefull labours all in strangers houses be 11 And that thou a vaine fool at last to grieve and mourne begin When thy flesh and thy body both consumed are with sin 12 And say Oh how instruction good have hated I unwise And how did my most foolish heart such sweet reproofs despise 13 And the voice of my teachers all would not obey or hear Nor to them that did me instruct would I incline mine eare 14 Amidst the Congregation great most foolishly almost In all ill which did compasse me I perish'd was and lost 15 The waters of thine owne cisterne drink thou aboundantly And waters out of thine owne well that runne most pleasantly 16 Spare not thy fountaines full but them all largely still disperse To let thy rivers flow in streets see thou be not averse 17 Let them be onely for thy self and such as fear the Lord But unto strangers wicked men nothing at all afford 18 Let thy fountaine which is for thee be bless'd with heart and voice And with the dear wife of thy youth with gladnesse great rejoice 19 Let her be as the Hind and Roe which pleasantly do move And let her breast thee satisfie still ravisht with her love 20 My son why wilt thou ravish'd be thy self for to solace With a stranger and her bosome in thine armes to embrace 21 For all mans wayes are still before the eyes of th' Eternall And in his ballance wisely he pondreth his goings all 22 The wicked shall be taken with his own iniquitie And with the coards of his own sins he shall fast holden be 23 He shall without instruction sure come to his dying day And in his foly great he shall for ever go astray Chap. 6. If thou my son be for thy friend as surety for to stand If with a stranger by promise thou striken hast thine hand 2 Thou with the words of thine owne mouth art snared by and by Thou with thine owne wordes taken art which thou canst not deny 3 Do this my son and save thy self when thou art in the hand Of thy friend humble then thy self make sure I thee command 4 Beware that thou in any wayes unto thine eyes give sleep Or suffer slumber day or night on thine eye-lids to creep 5 Thy self deliver as a Roe from hunters hands quickly And as a bird al 's from the hand of these that foulers be 6 Thou Sluggard loit'ring on the downs whom good men should despise Go to the Ant consider well her wayes and then be wise 7 Which having none among the rest her guider for to be â—ea which hath none to rule at all or yet to oversee 8 In Summer with wisdome her meat she doth right well provide â—nd carefully doth gather all her food in the harv'st tide 9 How long wilt thou sleep and ly still O sluggard most unwise When wilt thou from thy slumber and thy drousie sleep arise 10 Yet wilt thou say A little sleep and slumber doth me please A little folding of the hands to sleep and be at ease 11 So shall come fast thy poverty do what thou may or can As one that travails and thy want as doth an armed man 12 A naughty person which can not in good things do or talk A wicked man that hates the Lord with froward mouth doth walk 13 He winketh with his wily eyes he speaketh with his feet He with his fingers fals doth teach such lyes as he thinks meet 14 Much frowardnesse is in his heart he mischeef doth devise Continually he doth discord both sow and enterprise 15 Therefore most sudden upon him shall his calamitie Come shortly shall he broken all be without remedie 16 These six things
doth the Lord God hate from which we should depart Yea an abomination great sev'n are unto his heart 17 A proud look and a tongue also in lying understood The wicked and the cruel hands that shed much sakelesse blood 18 A heart that doth most wicked things with a full aime and drift And also feet that to mischeef in running be most swift 19 A false witnesse that speaketh lies before the face of men And him that craftily doth sow discord among brethren 20 Thy dear fathers commandments all my son keep and in aw See that thou stand and not forsake thy loving mothers law 21 Bind them most sure continually Fastned upon thine heart And ty them fast about thy neck that they thence not depart 22 When thou shalt goe it shall thee lead and sleeping shall thee keep And it shall talk with thee when thou awakest out of sleep 23 For the commandment is a lamp the law is light as day And reproofs of instruction good are of our life the way 24 To keep thee from the wicked wife and safely thee preserve From flatt'ring of a woman strange which maks mens hearts to swerve 25 After her beauty fill'd with faird in thine heart never lust Nor let her twinkling eye lids once thus take thee under trust 26 For by a whoore a man is brought to a poore piece of bread And the adultresse for his life will hunt with all her speed 27 In his bosome can any man take such a kindled fire And shall not all his cloths be burnt with such a vaine desire 28 Can any man securely goe on burning coales with heate Can such a man so save him self that he burn not his feete 29 So he that to his neighbours wife doth go to make a rent What ever he be that doth her touch shall not be innocent 30 A theefe that steels his neighbours goods men do not so despise If hunger move him to such things when they doe him surprise 31 But if he be found he restore which is most righteous Shall seven fold more he shall give all the substance of his house 32 But who adultry so commits with her that is a wife He is a foole he that it doth destroyes his soule and life 33 Wounds and dishonour shall he get GOD shall him so repay And his shamefull and vile reproch shall not be wip'd away 34 For jealousie is of a man the rage he not therefore In the day of his vengeance great will spare thee lesse or more 35 He wroth no ransome will regard for to make up that rent Yea though that thou give many gifts will he so rest content Chap. 7. MY dear son keep thou well my words which thou dost hear from me And also my commandments all lay thou up now with thee 2 With care keep my commandments well and happy live thereby And also keep thou well my law as th' apple of thine eye 3 Upon thy fingers bind them fast and let them not depart Most carefully write them upon the table of thine heart 4 Say unto wisedome in these words Thou art my sister dear And understanding also call thy kins-woman most neere 5 That they thee from the woman strange more dangerous then swords May keep yea from the stranger which doth flatter with her words 6 For at the window of my house attentive as I went I did behold and constantly I look'd through the casement 7 Behold among the simple ones among rhe youth abide A young man I discerned well of understanding void 8 He through the street her corner neer passing without delay Unto her house that leads to death most quickly went the way 9 The times he went the evening was when it is the twilight And also at another time in the black and dark night 10 Behold a woman there him met in harlots vile attire Subtile in heart to catch the youth and kindle his desire 11 This is her fashion she is lowd and stubborne full of pride With her servants within her house her feet do not abide 12 Now she without now in the streets prepares for youth a baite At every corner shamlesly she lieth still in waite 13 So she caught him and did him kisse their hearts for to solace And then at last she said to him with a most shamelesse face 14 With me I have Peace-offrings now with all sorrows away To GOD I payed have my vows most perfectly the day 15 Therefore with diligence I came foorth for to meet with thee And now behold I have thee found who art full dear to me 16 I have my bed with cov'rings deckt of tapestrie that 's mine With carved workes and linnen clean of Egypt good and fine 17 My bed I well perfumed have As I may now thee tell With Myrrhe Aloes and Cinamom which have the sweetest smell 18 Come let us take our fill of love and each other embrace Untill the morning with loves sweet let us our selves solace 19 For the good man is not at home nor yet in the countrey He for his worldly businesse is gone a long journey 20 He taken hath a bag with him of money for his way And afterward he will come home at the appointed day 21 With much fair speech she caused him to yeeld without remorse With the fair flattring of her lips at last she did him force 22 As an oxe to the slaughter goth he go'th with her straight way Or as a foole unto the stocks correction to essay 23 Till a dart through his liver strake as a bird to the snare Makes haste not knowing that such things men for its life prepare 24 Unto me now hearken therefore ye children for your well And now attend unto the words which my mouth shall reveale 25 Let not thine heart by foolishnesse decline unto her way In her paths most pernicious see thou goe not astray 26 For she right many hath cast downe who wounded not againe Could rise yea many strong men al 's have thus beene by her slaine 27 Her house is most pernicious it is the way to hell A going to the chambers downe of death that 's eternell Chap. 8 MOst worthy wisdome for mans well aloud doth she not cry And understanding al 's put foorth her sweet voice by and by 2 She in the top of places high most openly doth stand Yea in the places of the paths to make men understand 3 Unto you all yee men of worth with my words do I call 4 And my voice to the sons of man directed is with all 5 Yee simple wisedome understand and yee fooles lest yee smart With diligence see yee be of an understanding heart 6 Heare for I of things excellent will speak with all my might And all the op'ning of my lips shall be of things most right 7 For my mouth shall most constantly speak truth and shall not slip And wickednesse shall not at all proceed once from my lip 8 All the words that come from my mouth
appointed as by lot 10 He found them in a desert land and wast wildernesse He Him led instructed and him keept as th'apple of his eye 11 As th' Eagle stirreth up her nest fluttreth her young upon Her wings doth spread and taketh them to carry them thereon 12 So the good Lord did him alone lead in all wayes safely And no strange god there was with him in all that company 13 He made them ride on Canaan high that he th' increase might eat He made him oile and hony suck from flintie rocks most sweet 14 Butter of Kine and milk of Sheep he gave to every man With fat of Lambs and also Rams of the breed of Bashan He gave them Goats with the fat of Kidneyes of wheat right good And of the sweet Grapes thou didst drink the pure wine red like blood The second Part. 15 But Jeshurun who should have beene most righteous then did kick Thou waxed art exceeding fat thou art growne very thick Thou cov'red art with fatnesse then his maker he forsooke And of his sure salvations rock no care at all he took 16 With strange gods they provoked him unto great jealousie With great abominations they him angry made to be 17 They sacrificed unto devils to gods whom they not knew Whom your fathers did never feare ev'n gods that were but new 18 Thou art unmindfull of the Rock which thee once did beget And the Lord God that formed thee thou didst alwayes forget The third part 19 And when the LORD saw it he did abhorre them all anone Because of the provoking great of Daughter and of Son 20 He said I will from them my face hide and I will now see Their end they are a froward race in whom no faith can be 21 With that which is not GOD they have me mov'd to jealousie â—o anger they have me provok'd with their great vanitie them also to jealousie with such as are no flock Will move to anger them with fools I surely will provoke 22 For in my wrath fire kindled is such as no tongue can tell It shall not cease alwayes to burne ev'n to the lowest hell It shall consume the earth all with her increase mans desire And the foundations of the mount shall surely set on fire 23 Upon them of mischeef a heap I certainly will send I also upon them in wrath mine arrowes now will spend 24 They shall consumed be and burnt with paine of hunger great And suddenly shall be devour'd with a most burning heat And with bitter destruction I will also on them thrust The teeth of beasts with poison al 's of serpents of the dust 25 The sword without terrour within destroy shall and not spare The young man Virgin Sucklings al 's with the man of gray haire 26 I said I into corners would them quickly scatter then I would make their rememberance to cease from among men 27 Were it not that I the great wrath fear'd of the enemie Lest their vaine adversaries should behave themselves strangly And lest that they puft up with pride should say these words anone Our hand now high is and the LORD this work all hath not done 28 For they all a vaine Nation are of wholesome counsell void No understanding good at all in them doth still abide 29 O that they were wise so that they this clearly understood That they would now their latter end consider for their good 30 How should but one a thousand chase and two al 's put to flight Ten thousand if their Rock had not them sold and shut up right 31 For their rock in no way is as our rock that mighty is We none but ev'n our enemies seek for to be Judge of this 32 Of Sodom and Gomorrahs field their vine I truely call Their clusters great most bitter are their grapes are grapes of gall 33 Their wine is Dragons poison which from these grapes doth distill And is the cruell venime of vile Aspes that men do kill 34 Is not this wickednesse laid up in a great store with me And up among my treasures al 's ev'n sealed secretlie The fourth Part. 35 To me belongeth vengeance and recompence for their crime Their foot shall slide assuredly in due appointed time For their day of calamitie is surely neere at hand And the things that shall come on them Make hast and shall not stand 36 For the Lord shall his people judge and for his folks repent When their great power hee sees all gone and altogether spent 37 And he in his great wrath shall say where are there gods of might Their rock in whom they trusted much they come not now in sight 38 Which ate fatlings and wine offrings in drink did not reject et them rise up and with their strength you help and al 's protect 39 See now that I am he ev'n I no god there is with me kill I also make alive I wound I heal safely here be not one among the gods by sea or yet by land hat by his strength deliver can out of my mightie hand 40 For I my hand unto the Heaven do now lift up and heave â— signe of a great oath and say for ever as I live 41 If I my glistring sword whet and judge in severitie vengeance surely will reward to my foes that hate me 42 I will mine arrowes in my wrath which is now kindled sore ake drunk with blood and my sword shall their filthie flesh devore And that with the blood of the slaine and men that captives be From the beginning of revenge upon the enemie 34 Rejoice ye nations with his folk for he who doth not change Will the blood of his servants dear most speedily avenge And to his adversaries will a vengeance render full And to his people and his land will be most mercifull THE SONG OF DEBORAH AND BARAK After the Victorie against th armie of Jabin King of Canaan who reigned in Hazor whose Captaine was Sisera whose head was cut off by Jahel the wife of Heber JUDGES 5. vers 2. PRaise ye the LORD for th' avenging of his own Israel so When as the people willingly did to the battell go Hear Kings and Princes I even I will sing unto the Lord nto the Lord God of Isra'l I praises will afford Lord when thou wentst from Seir when thou didst march from Edom land he Earth trembled the Heavens did drop the clouds they did disband The Mountaines melted from before the Lord God Eternell â—en that Sinai from God before the God of Israel In SHAMGARS dayes son of ANATH in the dayes of JAEL â—e high wayes were unoccupi'd they went in bywayes all The indwellers of villages in Israel did cease ntill that I DEBORAH rose a mother to make peace They chose new gods then in their gates was war was there a shield spear fourty thousand among in city or in field 8 My heart to Isra'ls Governours is that with one accord Offred themselves most willingly to Battell blesse the