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
For Priests though villains and most reprobate Yea he himself a King voide of all grace Became a Priest to serve at an high place These were his great sins a most shamefull thinâ— Which cut him off from ruling more as King Thus voide of honour of glory and fame He liv'd and di'd with a most rotten name Then Jeroboam sent to Ahijah His wife to know if his son Abijah Then sick should live or die then she thus wise Before that blinde man did her self disguise At this same time the word came from JOVAH Which said unto the Prophet Ahijah Behold now coming Jeroboams wife To aske of thee concerning her sons life This know in time take heede and now be wise For when she comes she will her self disguise When she shall come her doubts for to discusse Then say to her in my words thus and thus When Ahija heard the sound of her feet Then coming in he spake as he thought meet Come in thou wife of Jeroboam vaine What mean'st thou some other thy self to faine Hard tidings for thee are from th'Eternell Goe and them quickly to thy husband tell Thus saith the LORD who rules both Land and Sea For as much as I have exalted thee And of a Servant hath made thee a Prince Ov'r my people yet hast thou ever since By thy vaine pride and vile idolatrie Done evill above all that were before thee Like basest men who do the LORD forsake Thou hast me cast proudly behinde thy backe Therefore I Lord who am most righteous Shall bring much evill on Jeroboams house From him I will cut off both great and small Not leaving one to pisse against the wall I will the remnant of his house destroy As a doung hill which men carie away These of his loines who die in the city Shall by vile dogs be rent most cruelly If any fall among the fields most faire Food they shall be to the Fowles of the aire Arise woman to thine owne house get thee For when thou enters into the Citie Thy childe shall die for him Isra'l shall weepe And him burie that he ingrave may sleepe Because in him as God hath said the word There is some good thing found toward thâ— LORD Moreover God for his glory and praise A worthy King in Israel shall raise Who Jeroboams wicked house that day Shall all cut off and sweepe like doung away But what Even now the Lord who is perfite As reeds in water shall Israel smite Because they heard not what he did command He shall them roote up out of this good land He shall them all scatter beyond the river Because by groves they stirred up his anger When this was said to Jeroboams wife She rose and went to Tirzah but the life Of her young child was then ended most sure When she came to the threshold of the doore They buri'd him and mourned as Jovah Had said before by Prophet Ahijah When Jeroboam years twenty and two Had reign'd he died a man of sin and woe The Use Let Kings heere learne that the great GOD most hie Shall root them out if with idolatrie They staine his land though for a time forborne They be at last none shall sit on their Throne Sprung from their loines the Lord shall them deface Both root and branch shall be cut from their race 2. NADAB A Prince or willing WHen Jeroboam most wicked was dead Then Nadab his son reigned in his stead Ill fathers son who walked in his way At Gibbethon Baasha did him slay Ill fathers son of a most wicked race He sway'd the Septer but for two years space The Use Let all men chiefly Kings heere learne and 〈◊〉 What are the fâ—uits of vile idolatrie Such in Gods love have rarely roome or place GOD pulls them downe and soone roots out thâ— race 3. BAASHA A doer Baasha smot Jerobo'ms house with death To him he left not any that had breath Thus Jeroboam for his great trespasse By Baasha shortly was made childelesse Though thus he did these wicked children slay He walked still in Jeroboams way To him Jehu the son of Hannani From GOD was sent to tell him this plainely I have exalted thee out of the dust My people hath beene subject to thy lust Thou hast walked in Jeroboams way Therefore the Scepter thou may no more sway With Jeroboam I Baashas race Will cleane root out and will wholly deface To Dogs and Fowles his children shall be meat They in the fields and cities shall them eate Last this ill man after he had twenty And foure years reign'd he in GODS wrath did die The Use To punish sin and not reformed be Is but a fruit of pride and vaine glory Let all these who mens manners would reforme Vnto GODS will their owne life so conforme 4. ELAH Strength AFter Baasha came his son Elah Who governed Israel in Tirzah While with Arzah hâ—s steward he did feast He drank himselfe more drunk then any beast While Elah was in drunkenesse filthie He killed was by his servant Zimri This filthie man to sobernesse a foe All his glory enjoy'd but poore years two The Use Beware to make of sin a play or sport It ends our dayes and cuts our honours short 5. ZIMRI A cutter THis ill servant after his Master slaine Did sway the Scepter and with great disdaiâ— Destroyed all the house of Baasha As Jehu had declared from JOVAH He kill'd his friends and alâ— hâ—s kinsfolk all He left not one to pisse against the wall The people hearing what in great furie To King Elah had beene done by Zimri Therefore against him with greef and disdaine They Crown'd King Omri a most brave Captain He with an armie then came speedilie And in fair Tirzah besieged Zimri When Zimri saw all these men so conspire He in his palace burnt himselfe with fire He for a Crowne walked in bloody wayes And yet his Kingdome lasted but seven dayes The Use Death of ill men the living doth exhort To feare the Lord and not in sin to sport Let subjects learne who have grace or reason For no respect to have hand in treason 6. OMRI Measure or handfull WHen the most part had Crowned KING Omri Halfe of the people did follow Tibni But the most part set Omri on the Throne So Tibni died and Omri reign'd alone Twelve yeeres he reign'd this ill King froâ— Shemer Samariahs hill for two talents silver Did buy On this hill he built a citie Which from that Shemer he ordain'd to be Called Samariah which great citie still Hath name from Shemer owner of that hill But this Omri wax'd wicked more and more Yea he did worse then all that were before Both King and Captaine wicked in his dayes He walked in all Jeroboams wayes This Omri di'd by the hand of JOVAH And buried was in his Samariah The Use Let Kings heere learne not to sinne more anâ— more Lest they waxe worse then all that were before 7. AHAB Beloved THis Son of
to Balak I a man Am come unto thee to do what I can Have I now power any thing to say What GOD me bids that shall I speak this day Then Balak went anone with Balaam And quickly to Kiriath-Huzoth they came There Balak oxen did offer with sheep He sent for BALAM whose science was deep The morrow after BALAM came quicklie To Baals high places that he might see From thence of GODS ISRA'L the utmost part That by his curse that whole people might smart And Balam said unto Balak Build me Heere sev'n altars and prepare heere quicklie Seven oxen faire and seven fat rams also Balak as Balam had spoken did so And Balak and Balam off'red quicklie On each altar for sacrifice to be A Bullock and a Ram Then Balam spake Unto this King that called was Balak Stand by thy burnt off'ring and I will go Peradventure GOD will come me unto And give counsell what he shall shew to me I will without failing all tell to thee Then Balaam unto an high place went And the Lord there met him incontinent Then he said I sev'n altars did prepare And there have off'red now to me declare What I shall say to Balak Moabs King Then GOD put in his mouth this word saying Returne unto Balak and thus boldlie To him thou shalt speake this message from me Then he return'd when he thus understood And went to Balak who with Princes stood And he tooke up his parable and said Balak the King This charge on me hath laid From Aram I have beene brought by this Kinâ— Out of the mountaines of the East saying Come curse me Jacob and Isra'l defy Whom God hath not curst how him curse shal For from the top of the rocks I him see And him behold from the hils that are hie Loe this people in a great number throng Shall dwell alone and nations among Shall not be reck'ned who can count or tell The dust of Jacob or fourth of Isra'l Let me the death of the righteous man die And let my last end like unto his be And Balak said unto Balaam soone What meanest thou What hast thou to me do Mine enemies to curse I did take thee Behold thou hast them blessed most surely Then Balaam said Think not this uncouth For I must speake what God puts in my mouth Then Balak said I pray now come with me Unto a place from whence thou may them 〈◊〉 The out most part thou shalt see and no more Come and curse me them all from thence theâ—â—fore He brought him to the field of ZOPHIM land To PISGAS top whether God did command MOSES to go the promisde land to see That so after that sight MOSES might die There Balam said to Balak Stand heere by Thy burnt off'ring untill that quickly I Do yonder meet the great Almighty Lord And the LORD met Balam and put his word In Balams mouth and likewise said that day Returne againe unto Balak and say When Balam came unto Balak the King Behold he there stood by his burnt off'ring There with him were Princes of MOAB land Then Balak said Now let me understand What the LORD GOD in this perplexitie Hath both reveal'd and spoken unto thee And he tooke up his parable and said Rise up Balak and heare an answere made Thou Son of Zippor hearken unto me The Lord is not a man that he should lie Nor the Son of man that he should repent To say one thing and after to relent Hath the Lord said and shall he not it do Hath he spoken and shall he it not to Perfection bring Behold I now must blesse God hath blessed and I can not reverse In Jacob he hath not iniquitie Beheld neither at any time hath he Seene perversenesse in all Isra'l about God is with him among them is a shout Of a King God from Egypt land forlorne Them brought He hath as of an Vnicorne The strength surely where God is still presâ— Against Jacob there is no enchantment Neither against the Lords most deare Isra'l Can divination once prevaile at all According to this time it shall be thought And said of Jacob what hath the Lord wroâ—â— Behold the people shall rise up anone As a great Lion and a young Lion Lifts up himselfe and lyes not downe again Vntill he eat and drink blood of the slaine And Balak said unto Balam that day Neither them curse nor yet blesse I thee pray Told I not thee said Balaam unto Balak all that GOD saith that I must doe Yet Balak said unto Balam that day Come now with me I do thee heartly pray I will bring thee unto another place Peradventure thou wilt from God get grace That thou may'st for my poor Kingdomes deâ—â— Powre on them all a heavy curse from thence Then King Balak brought Balaam anone To PEORS top that looks to JESHIMON And Balam said unto Balak Build me Heere sev'n altars prepare right speedily Heere sev'n bullocks and sev'n fat rams well fed And Balak did as Balaam had said There were off'red a Bullock and a Ram On each altar they did performe the same And when Balam saw that it pleas'd the LORD To blesse ISRA'L he did no more accord As heeretofore to go incontinent For by his art to seeke for enchantment But he perplex'd in Sprite with great distresse Did set his face toward the wildernesse Then Balaam his eyes aloft lifting Saw ISRAEL in his tents abiding According to their Tribes GODS Spirit anone With this parable came Balam upon Balam the Son of Beor hateing lies Hath said even the man who hath op'ned eyes He hath said which heard the LORDS words truely Which saw the vision of the Almighty Falling into a great trance but having His eyes open to discerne every thing How good thy tents are Jacob who can tell And thy fair tabernacles O Israel As the valleyes all spread forth do abide As greene gardens by the fair rivers side As ligne-aloes which is of sweetest smell As besides waters Cedars high and tall Out of his buckets be shall powre indeed The waters and in great waters his seed And his King higher then Agag shall be And his Kingdome shall be exalted hie God brought him out of Egypt land forlorne He hath the strength as of an Vnicorne Hee shall eat up all those that are his foe And break their bones and pierce them throâ— also With his arrowes he couched he lay downe As a Lion and as a great Lion Who shall him stirre up he that shall thee bleâ—â— Is blessed and cursed that shall thee curse Then Balaks anger kindled with despight Waâ— ' gainst Balam together he did smite His hands saying I called thee surely For to curse but thou hast blessd these times threâ— Therefore now flee unto thy place and lot I thought thee to great honour to promote But lo the Lord in this hath not beene slack â—n wrath he hath from honour keept thee back And Balam said unto Balak This thing Spake I
riches and in the ground it hid Then each man said This is a day of grace We do not well for this to hold our peace In good tidings If we to morning light â—y some mischiefe will upon us light â—w therefore come that we may go and tell Kings household what the great Eternel â—h done for us Then to the city soone â—y went and told perfectly was done When the King heard this he arose by night â—d said This is but policie and slight â—se men do know that we be much hungry â—refore to draw us from our strong city â—y hide themselves that when we are come out â—ey may surprise and compasse us about Then said one let five horse men goe and view 〈◊〉 see if what the lepers say be true â—ese five men as the King did them allow â—ent on horse back the Syrians to follow â—ey follow'd them unto the faire Jordan â—ong the Syrians there was not a man â—ho had a heart or hand to fight that day â—r hast their clothes and armes they cast away When the Messengers returned and told â—hat God had done by mercies manifold â—e people went and their rich tents did spoile â—us God himself did that day Syria foile Elisha had spoken of cheapnesse â—f flowre and barley so it came to passe But that great Lord who doubted in his hâ— The plentie saw but of it did not taste For while the people went out in a spate To get vivers they trode him in the gate Then said Elisha to the Shunamite Goe from thy place to another more meet For the LORD surely will for whole yeâ— seven Afflict Israel with a sore famine Then she arose at Elishas command And sojourned in the Philistines land At seven yeeres end she returned and said Unto the King Oh pitie thine handmaiâ— My house and land cause novv to mee store Grant mee mine ovvne O King I crave more In this meane time the King with Gehazi Did talke and say Now briefly tell to me What great wonders the mighty LORD JOVâ— Hath wrought by thy good Master Elisha As Gehazi all such things was telling Behold the woman comes before the King Whose Son he had restored unto life Then said Gehazi behold here the wife And this her Son whom by the Lords power Elâ—â—ha did from death to life restore When the King heard the womans petition â—t she might have of all restitution Officer he sent who went therefore â—d unto her her whole rents did restore Then to Damascus came good Elisha â—d Benhadad the King of Syria â—ng then sicke one came to him and told â—od Elisha the man of GOD behold â—hither come Then unto Hazael â—e Syrian King his minde did freely tell 〈◊〉 to the man said he and in thine hand â—ke him a present for so I command â—is also try for so it doth me please I recover shall of this disease Then Hazael with a most rich present â—to Elisha went incontinent â—urty Camels burden Hazael thus â—ought to Elisha from rich Damascus â—ho said Benhadad King of Syria â—th sent Hazael to thee Elisha 〈◊〉 try if now to tell him it the please 〈◊〉 he recover shall of this disease Go said Elisha to Benhadad say â—o recover most certainly thou may â—owbeit the Lord hath clearely shewed me â—hat at this time King Benhadad shall die When this was said he set his countenancâ— On Hazael on him his eyes did glance With piercing looks then in a sorrow deep Good Elisha the man of God did weep Then Hazael said I proy thee me tell Why weeps my Lord Alas for Israel Said Elisha for I now clearely see What great mischief shall to Isra'l by thee Be done their strong holds thou shalt sâ— fire Their young men slay thou shalt in rage ire Their children dash thou shalt al 's their wâ— With child rip up when this was all said 〈◊〉 Hazael said this is a hard saying Am I a dogge that I should do such thing Then to him said the Prophet Elisha GOD saith thou shalt be King of Syria Then he came to Benhadad speedily Who said what said Elisha unto thee He told me said he that thou should'st recovâ— Of this disease so he did not discover What he had heard shortly it came to passe That he a thick cloth spred upon his face So after Benhadad the King was dead His servant Haza'l reigned in his stead After Elisha had anointed King â—u who downe ill Ahabs house did bring â—ehus sons time who call'd was Joash â—ha fell in a deadly sicknesse â—en to Elisha came Joash the King â—o said these words over his face weeping â—y father my father whom Isra'l â—ir strong Charet and Horsemen well did call Then said Elisha take to thee a bow â—d arrowes al 's on shooting to bestow â—en he did as Elisha did command â—ha put his hand upon his hand â—en the window and now shoot a shot â—d Elisha so the King as by lot â—ected well did shoot This sharp arrow â—d Elisha to thee declares that now â—is is the arrow of Gods deliv'rance â—m Syria whereon he shall vengeance â—ke by his might Againe unto the King â—sha had this Prophetick saying â—ke now thine arrowes and smite on the ground â—r in Gods eyes Isra'l hath favour found â—en he smote thrise but afterward did stay â—r this Elisha most wroth said that day five or six times thou hadst well the ground â—itten thou hadst a full victory found â—ainst Syria who do you much despise Whereas thou shalt smite Syria but thrise Then God by death Elisha tooke away And Israel was invaded that day By Moabits they bearing a dead man Afraide by troops to Elishas grave ran And let him downe As soone as he the shee And bones did touch he stood upon his feet The Use Let Prophets learne by Elishas practice Plough and Oxen to quite for GODS serviâ— Who serves the Lord hee great advantâ— hath Advantage both in life and al 's in death Let Prophets learne by Elishas desire A doubled sprit of grace for to require Silver and gold at last men shall disdaine And shall confesse that grace is onely gaine 10. JEHU Subsisting or advanced WHen Elisha an young man did appoint To go with oyle Jehu for to anoint Tâ—e young man went to Ramoth Gilead â—d did all as good Elisha him bade â—hen hee there came the Captaines were sitting â—en he to Jehu addressd this saying To thee O Captaine I have an earand â—hich thee to tell Elisha did command â—en he arose and went into an house â—ith this young man who with oyle precious â—d him anoint subjoining this saying â—ou art by GOD appointed to be King â—e bloody house of Ahab thou shalt smite â—r his great sins of malice and despite â—e blood and whooredome of vile Jezebel â—all be avenged by the Eternell â—r the whole house of Ahab shall perish â—OD shall leave none against the wall to pisse â—is house shall be saith the great
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
above the oâ— Whose restlsse dance no stop at all disturbsâ— Be like Abel that yee abode may make In shineing robs above the Zodiack LAMECH Diminished or depauperat THou bragging LAMECH of vaine Cains To boast and kill thou didst thy self solaâ— Thou fear'd not God nor shamefull infamiâ— Of all thou first liv'd in polygamie Foole with two wives thou led a sinfull lifeâ— ZILLAH the shaddow but ADAM the wife The Use In these hardly great courage shall yee fiâ— Whose words are brags and vaine bubb vvind â—he deepest floods do run most quietlie â—ith silver streames to carry to the sea â—ut naughty brookes in broken streames do gush â—nd roaring dovvne the horned cliff do rush SETH Set or appointed NOw welcome SETH for ADAM a third Son Set and appointed to fill ABELS roome â—hy godlinesse did many soules refresh â—f thee came Christ our Lord after the flesh The Use â—od rich in comforts can his Saints relieve â—f he take one he can another give â—f crosses come vvhich do our comforts marre â—od can anone send joyes to ease our farre ENOCH Sorrovvfull O Deare to God with sorrow in thy name Thy heart was griev'd to see the worlds shame While CAINS race provoked God right sore Thou walk'd with God and so was seen no mâ— The Use Learne heere thy life at Gods service to speâ— An holy life brings to an happie end Balam may vvish the righteous death to 〈◊〉 But he profane that day shall never see METHUSELAH Emission dart or death THy name is death emission or dart By it ENOCH foretold the worlds smart As some esteeme the last yeere of thy life God with a flood did end this worlds strife To longest life of all thou didst attaine Nine hundred yeares thou liv'd and sixtie nineâ— The Use Let all men learne their few years well to speâ— For longest life at last will have an end He who strouts now in grave shall soone be coâ— What is mans life but a tale that is told NOAH Rest or comfort SOn of LAMECH Son of METHUSELAH Thou for GODS comforts called was NOAH â—he LORD said LAMECH cursde hath sea and land This Son shall be a resting for our hand â—n this mans time the bad and faithfull seed To mariage most vilely did proceed While all men spoil'd were with corruption This man was just in his generation God with his comforts did his soul refresh When he intended the end of all flesh Thy vertues NOAH I can not expresse Thou wise preacher herauld of righteousnesse Whil'st in the deep all others death did suffer Thou safely lived in an Ark of Gopher Thy self thy wife also thy children three With their three wives were in that house of tree The haughty streame this house did high exalt Which at the last on Ararat did halt The Rav'n the Dove NOAH did forth command Two scouts to spy if there was any land At last the Dove to tell him of reliefe Brought in her mouth of an olive a leafe When floods were past by Gods mercy divine NOAH began to plant a pleasant vine But Oh that great herauld of righteousnesse Was plunged in most filthy drunkennesse Against JEHOVAHS great commandement He voide of sense lay naked in his tent Nine hundred and al 's fiftie yeeres he liv'd Just in two worlds at last by death bereav'd The Use Let good men learne all sins alwayes to shuâ— And not to staine a life that 's well begun Fy oh alas that for a drinke of wine This great Herauld whose vertues bright dâ— shine Should have forgot his GOD so spedilie VVho had him sav'd within his house of tree Fy that he should have blotted his good naâ— By lying naked in his tent with shame Before the face of his three children deare VVhose life should them have taught the Lorâ— to feare Behold how sâ—one the life of the godlie VVith sin as with a damp may darkned bâ— â—f one fault let not drunkards make a safeguard â—r once drunke makes not man to bee a drunkard SEM. JAPHET Fame Beautie SEM Son of NOAH first in dignitie The noble Jew hath his descent from thee â—hy Godlinesse thy Glory and thy Fame â—y JOVAHS pen are written in thy name â—APHET Beautie thou hast the second place â—o dwell with SEM the LORD GOD grant thee grace â—wo blest Brethren right noble was your fact â—n cov'ring NOAH yee turned your back â—ight worthy Sonnes eternall is your fame â—n modestie yee hid your fathers shame The Use â—eere children learne your parents to respect God shall you blesse and all your wayes direct And you preserve that no man do you wrong â—n earth he shall your happy dayes prolong HAM Hote or black HOt as hells fire coal-black even like tâ— devill Profane villain taught onely to do evill O cursed HAM thou full of wickednesse Because thou spy'd thy fathers nackednesse Because his shame thou scorned with thine eye Servant of servants thou shalt ever be The Use Curs'd is that sonne that ever he was born That sets himself his parents for to scorne An Elf not man he called well may be Who takes delight his parents shame to seâ— NIMROD A Rebell NIMROD thy name is as much as rebell Whom some esteeme cheef builder of Baâ— This man of HAM as holy writs record A mighty hunter was before the LORD The Use â—on this earth thou be a mighty man â—eware with Nimrod to play the tyran â—hough men set up most high and stately towrs â—uch Castles will not keep them from GODS showres ABRAM Father high ABRAHAM Father of a multitude BEhold the Sonne of ancient TERAH The faithfull husband of godly SARAH This Father high was first called ABRAM For multitude turn'd into ABRAHAM Looke up said GOD and count these starr's most hie Of thy Children such shall the number be Be perfect walk in my commandement I mind with thee to make a Covenant When Amraphel was King of great Shinar The mightie Arioch King of Ellasar Chedorlaomer of faire Elam King And Tidal Prince of Nations did bring A great Armie with boast against Bera King of Sodom as al 's against Birsha Gomorrahs King and Admahs Shinab stout Who armed with great forces then came out And al 's against the Zehoims Shemither And Belahs Prince came all these Kings togethâ— In bloody war these foure Kings against five Came to the fields and in battell did strive But Sodoms men were forc'd to turne the back Their foes some kill'd and some captives did taâ— Among whom was LOT nephew of ABRAM Who to help Sodom unto battell came When ABRAM heard this he in continent Did cry for armes and to the Battell went With his servants three hundred and eighteeâ— Who in his house well trained up had beene He among these as a stout Generall Did rout his foes and LOT rescu'd and all His goods and captives which they tooke awaâ— He back againe did bring without delay Then met him by a providence divine Melchisedeck who brought him
loiter and to seeke our carnall ease DAN Judgement THe mightie God his peoples cheefe refuge Hath set apart this DAN to be a JUDGE His enemies he shall pull downe and slay Mighty by wiles an Adder in the way 〈◊〉 teeth in heeles of horse he fixeth fast â—ill flatlings the rider fall at last The Use â—at good for God we cannot doe by might â—e must performe it by a holy slight GAD A troup an armie â—AD in thy name is both troup and armie Yet for a space thou shalt distressed be 〈◊〉 time shall come when thy dangers are past â—t thou thy foes shall overcome at last The Use â—re not to see good men goe under foot 〈◊〉 last the bad shall perish branch and root ASHER Blessing VVOrthy ASHER I can not passe from thee 〈◊〉 name containes blesse and felicite None shall be able thy blessings to spoile Thy bread is fat thou dips thy feete in oyle The Use Heere learne that Jovah riches doth bestoâ— On some making their Cup to overflow NAPHTALI My wrestling VVHile I behold this wrestler in my miâ— I see him swift light-footed liâ— a Hinde When in Battell he prevailed by Swords In praise to GOD he gave right goodly Words The Use Heere learne when GOD in war gives victâ— With goodly words to praise him thankfullâ— JOSEPH Adding I Adde to speak of JOSEPH the first borne Of faire RACHEL whom grace did muâ— adorne This is the Lad consider well and try â—or dreams and coat the object of envy â—rom doing ill his brethren could not fit â—ast Master Dreamer now into a pit â—y Reubens mercie this poore Isralite â—as drawne out and sold to an Ismalite â—fter by GODS assistance Singular â—n Egypt he was sold to Potiphar 〈◊〉 that land by GODS mercy and great might â—e found great favour in his Masters sight 〈◊〉 are in beautâ—e he was and chastitie â—s vile Mistresse on him did cast an eye â—ut no propins could him allure or move â—o yeeld unto that most vile strumpets love â—ecause of this by a sort of trâ—ason â—haste JOSEPH was cast into a prison â—herefore a space he did abide much griev'd â—y dreams againe he shortly was reliev'd â—y the first Dreame he restor'd the Butler â—ut by the next he hanged the Baker â—y so doing he conquer'd a great name â—o that Pharo was moved with his fame â—he ears of corne and kine both fat and leane â—ade Pharao seeke the meaning of his dreame â—hough many there in learning did excell â—et none but JOSEPH could the meaning tell â—hen was he high lift up to dignitie The voice of all was ABRECH bow the 〈◊〉 When he had to this honour great attain'd His father and his brethren he maintain'd At last his father on the bed of death Pow'd out this blessing with a holy breath JACOBS Blessing for JOSEPH TO thee JOSEPH my heart did muccline Thou art the bough of a most fruitfull Vine His brethen Mistresse causers of his smart Like bloody Archers sorely griev'd his heart But faith his bow and armes of vertues stroâ—â— Abode in strength these enemies among It was not his strength but the arme of Goâ— The hands of the mighty God of JACOB Blessings below and heav'ns blessings sureliâ— Blessings of breasts and wombe belong to thâ— God shall not faile my blessings to fullfill Sure shall they be unto the outmost hill Eternall blessings shall come with gâ—eat speed Like glorious garlands for to crown thine heaâ— Father ISAAC gave great blessings to me But greater blessings I shall give to thee The Use â—hough many sorrowes godly hearts do wound â—et at the last great comforts shall abound â—hough men to prison go and to the stocks 〈◊〉 tossed be as ships among great rocks â—r be so greev'd that they can not a little â—v'n but get leave to swallow dovvne their spettle â—et if on God their faith shall fix its eye â—hey with Joseph a good outgate shall see BENJAMIN Son of the right hand AT thy bitth Rachel was in hard labour Therefore thy name was son of my dolour â—t thy birth JACOB his deare RACHEL lost â—hen thou wast borne she yeelded up the ghost â—ot sonne of sorrow JACOB did command â—hee to be cal'd but sonne of the right hand â—ow BENjAMIN come hither unto me â—hat thou may heare what thy blessing shall be â—hou strong in war thy fiercest foes shall foile â—irst overcome and last divide the spoile The Use Without children Rachel she vvould but 〈◊〉 Hovv brittle are such pleasures heere yee 〈◊〉 In this blessing let all men learne thus faâ— That it is God that makes men stout in 〈◊〉 MOSES Dravvn out THis Sonne of AMRAM and of JOCHEBâ—â— Gods good people through many danâ—led When he was borne he was a goodly child In all his life he was both meeke and milde From drawing out at first he got his name His vertues after spread abroad his fame With JOCHEBED three months he did abidâ— For PHAROS fear she durst him no more hidâ— Poore mothers bowels heere behold and maâ— She made for him of Bulrushes an Arke She made great haste and stirred well her timâ— The Arke with pitch she dawbed and with shâ—â— Thus was good Moses set upon the River In a poore Boat without an Oare or Ruther While proud Nilus her brinks did overflow This young Boat-man could neither stirre nor roâ— Judge ye what griefe poore Jochebed did feele â—hile she thought of the Nilus Crocodile â—hen Moses thus did ly among the rush â—ing Pharos daughter came her self to wash â—mong the flags the Ark she did espy â—herein babe Moses did weep bitterly â—las said she with great compassion â—his is some Babe of th' Hebrew Nation 〈◊〉 soone as Miriam heard this good saying â—e ready was an Hebrew Nurse to bring â—en Pharos daughter earnst'ly did desire â—â—chebed nurse and she to pay the hire When he was growen one day he did espy 〈◊〉 man of Egypt smiting bitterly 〈◊〉 Israelite both with his foot and hand â—oses him slew and hid him in the sand â—t afterward he perceiving two other 〈◊〉 Israelite even smiting his own brother 〈◊〉 th' one he said God doth not this allow â—â—ou art perverse in smitting thy fellow â—ho made thee Judge answ'red this perverse man â—ilt thou me kill as thou didst th' Egyptian 〈◊〉 is matter said MOSES is come to light 〈◊〉 refuge is to save my life by flight â—n MOSES from the land of Egypt fled 〈◊〉 to the land of Midian where he fed The flock of JETHRO in a painfull life Who gave to him his ZIPPORAH for wife In this meane time as by GODS word we seâ— PHARO the tyran of Egypt did die Gods people then their burdens did bemone God with respect did heare their sighs and groâ— As MOSES fed the flock at Mount SINAH There in a fire appear'd the great JOVAH The fire the bush did burne but not consume VVith shooes on feet MOSES did then presâ— For to draw neere he
daunce with women she had al 's her soâ— She did her selfe in godly words expresse With gifts adorn'd she was a Prophetesse She had her faults in her most holy life She greeved MOSES by her words of strife She with ARON the ill quarel began For ZIPPORAH the Ethiopian Tush tush said they hath God spoken onâ— By MOSES and not by us as plainely This Moses heard but being very meek From God in wrath he no revenge did seeke But God in wrath when he these things did Unto them cri'd Come out come out ye three Though I my wrath against you have delay'd To greeve Moses how were ye not afraide 〈◊〉 proud in heart inferiour in place 〈◊〉 you by dreams to him I speake by face â—hen GOD had showne how they had gone astray 〈◊〉 kindled wrath and rage he went away â—â—en this was done behold a great sorrow â—â—RIE became leprous white as the snow â—â—er her flesh was consum'd by the Lord â—â—ses did pray and then she was restor'd â—â—cause God was provoked by her sinne 〈◊〉 died in the wildernesse of ZIN â—â—nsider heere two brethren and MARIE â—pointed guids for Israel to be â—â—cause by sinne they stirred up Gods wrath Canaan they might not tread the path 〈◊〉 on HOR Moses at NEBO steep â—â—y in Zin by death did softly sleep 〈◊〉 wildernesse AMRAMS three children deare â—â—eir life did finish in the fourtie yeere The Use â—ost godlie hearts vaine pride doth whiles assault â—â—ey live not heere that live without a fault â—th carefulnesse let men and vvomen try 〈◊〉 â—t in their hearts no place bee for envy BALAK A Robber BALAAM A Devorer After that Isra'l in battell fighting Had overcome strong Og of Bashan Kâ— BALAK king of Moab son of ZIPPOR Sent men for Bala'm the son of BEOR Who dwelt in Pethor to him they did say Behold from Egypt in battell aray A people is come who is most mighty In number great for to fight against me Come now therefore I pray thee without Curse Israel that so I may prevaile For this I wot that he whom thou shalt bleâ— Shall be blessed and curs'd whom thou curse So the Elders that were of Moab land Departed with great rewards in their hand They came unto BALAAM and thus spake Unto him the words of their King BALAK He said to them Lodge heere this night suâ— I shall you tell what the Lord saith to me And God came unto BALAAM and said What men are these that doe with thee abiâ— And Bala'm said to God Balak surelie The son of ZIPPOR hath sent unto me Bâ—hold saith he from Egypt a great band 〈◊〉 souldiers that cover all the land â—me curse me them peradventure I shall â—able for to overcome them all â—d God said to BALA'M Thou shalt not goe â—th them thou shalt not curse the people so â—r they are bless'd BALA'M in the morning â—se up and went to BALAKS men saying â—e Princes of King BALAK get ye now â—o your owne land for to go with you â—e mightie Lord will not give leave to me â—en the Princes of Moab most early â—se up and unto their King BALAK went â—d said BALA'M for thy commandement â—â—th no wise care hee proud of his wisedome â—ainely refuseth with us for to come â—d Balak sent againe by the same way â—inces that were more respectfull then they â—ho said to him Balak son of Zippor â—ith great desire hath us all sent thee for 〈◊〉 bids us say Let nothing I pray thee â—ee hinder from now coming unto me 〈◊〉 will promote thee for thy great wisedome â—herefore to curse this people shortly come â—hen to Balaks servants Bala'm most bold â—id If Balak of silver and of gold Would his house full me give I not therefore Could go beyond the Lords word lesse or mâ— Yet all this night heere tary I you pray That I may know what more the LORD will And GOD came unto Balaam at night And said to him What was most just and rigâ— If these men come againe for to call thee Rise up and al 's go with them speedilie But yet the word that I shall to thee say That shalt thou do most carefully alway And Balaam rose up in the morning And on his asse went unto Moabs King But Gods anger was then incontinent Kindled because he with these Princes went And the Angel of the great God that day For adversarie stood there in the way Thus on his asse he rode Balak unto And his two servants were with him also And the asse saw the Angel of the Lord In the way standing with a glistring Sword And the asse turn'd aside out of the way And went into the field without delay And Balam smote the asse with great disdaine To turne her soone into the way againe But the angel of the Lord in great wrath Of the vineyards stood in a narrow path Which on both sides was fenced with a wall 〈◊〉 when the asse for fear ready to fall 〈◊〉 the Angel of the Lord in the way â—till the Wall she did without delay â—sh Balams foot then he inflamed hote â—th staffe in hand the asse in fury smote â—en the Lord op'ned the mouth of the asse â—â—o said to Balam What is my trespasse â—â—y dost thou strike What have I done to thee â—at thou hast so me smitten these times three â—n Balam said unto the asse surely â—cause thou hast in the way mocked me â—ould there were a Sword in mine hand still â—r now I would in wrath thee surely kill â—en said the asse Am I not thine alway 〈◊〉 which thou hast ridden ev'n to this day â—as I before wont so to do to thee â—y said Balam thou didst not so to me â—en Balam's eyes the Lord without delay â—'ned who saw Gods Angel in the way â—ith his sword drawen then he in the same place â—w'd down his head and fell flat on his face â—en said the Angel For what great trespasse â—st thou these three times thus smitten thine asse â—â—hold I went out for to withstand thee â—â—cause thy way is perverse before me Thine asse a beast did well for thee provide She fearing me turned three times aside Unlesse she had from Me thus turn'd away I had her sav'd and had slain thee this day Then Balam said I have the LORDS commanâ— Broken by sin for that thou heer didst stand I did not know Now therefore without let If thou be wroth back soone I will me get No said the Angel unto Balam then Now take thine own will and go with the menâ— But only speak that which I speak to thee So Balam went towards Balak quickly When Balak heard this he incontinent To meet Balaam to a city went Of Moab land in borders of Arnon Which is the outmost coast lying alone Then Balak said unto Balam Did I Not send for thee to call thee by and by Wherefore came thou not at the first to me Am I not able for to honour thee And Balam said
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
Abimelech should come out Then he anone came out most furiously And Gaal chasde even with all his armie The citie Sechem he sack'd for their fault He slew their men and sowed it with salt From Zalmon he brought branches in his ire With these he set their strongest towre on fire In that strong hold of the city Sichem He in his rage did burne a thousand men From thence this tyran with a speedy pace Went and encamped against fair Thebez The people all sore trembling in that houre With all their might fled unto their high towre ABIMELECH approaching in his ire Went neere the doore for to burne it with fire While them to yeeld he thought for to constraiâ— With a milstone a woman brake his braine Fy fy young man said he me stob and stay Lest by a woman I die shamefully While he was thus in a most shamefull smart The youth obey'd and thrust him through thâ— heart The Use Let all men heere consider well and see VVhat is the end of too great crueltie What Jotham said it is now come to passe Vengeance at last comes though vvith a sloâ—â— pace 7. TOLAH Crimsin O Worthy Tolah no war in thy time Defil'd the land with crueltie or crime GOD who the portion to all Princes measures Made him on smooth surges of seas of pleasures To saile He with meeknesse and mildnesse rather Then with rigour did govern as a father In the Scriptures we clearly learn this far He was come of the tribe of Issachar A godly Judge he ruled in GODS fear He judged Isra'l three and twentie year On Ephraim Mount they buried Tolah Where men had laid the corps of Joshua The Use Happie is he who dies with a good name Though volumes be not written of his fame 8. JAIR Shining enlightned BEhold heer Jair whose vertues divine Do sparkle bright and gloriously shine A Gileadite he ruled in GODS fear The holy people twentie and two year This worthy man of children had no lack For thirtie sons him follow'd at the back He thirtie cities as GODS word doth say Had Havoth-Jair cald unto this day At last after his dayes were spent and gone This worthy Judge was buried in Camon The Use Heer leare how Jovah in his great mercie Can blesse a man with great posteritie 9. JEPHTE From patach vvhich signifieth to open or dravv a Svvord THis Jephte was a mgihty man of war Drawing of swords in his name he doth beâ— Old Gilead this stout Jephte begot Unlawfully upon a vile harlot When Gileads sons began for to grow stout They hating Jephte anone thrust him out Depart from us said they now speedily A harlots son no heritage for thee Then Jephte from his cruell brethren fled And went in haste into the land of Tob. In this time Ammon did molest Isra'l For this cause for stout Jephte they did call Now Jephte said Ye seek me in distresse While ye suffer for your great wickednesse Behold said they We come again to thee That ' gainst Ammon thou may our captain be If said Jephte ye will make me your head Unto battel gladly will I proceed So be 't said they If otherwise we meane The great JOVAH be witnesse us betweene Then Jephte sent messengers with command To tell Ammon not to destroy his land But after speaches past both to and fro To battel both parties resolv'd to go Then GODS Sprite came on good Jephte quickly Reveng'd on Ammon he resolv'd to be If GOD said he the victory will allow Against Ammon I make a solemn vow If to my house I shall return in peace What first me meets shall be a sacrifice Or if not I most gladly do accord To consecrate it wholly to the LORD This said Jephte went foreward in great might Against the children of Ammon to fight To him that day the LORD great favour shew His foes with force he stoutly overthrew While he returned from the victory His daughter dear with timbrels merrily Came to meet him to this she was not slow Alas my daughter thou hast brought me low Said good Jephte I can not now go back I must perform the vow which I did make My father dear said she Now do to me What thou hast vow'd perform to the most Hie Only two moneths suffer me alone That I may my virginitie bemone What she requir'd her father did allow When that was done he performed his vow Not that he slew her as some think falsly But to GODS service her virginitie Did consecrate How can men thus surmise That good Jephte made such a sacrifice Paul in his writs unto the Hebrews saith He was a man renowned for his faith How could he make a sacrifice divine If he at first had met a dog or swine Durst a man who was both faithfull and good Bring to GOD that which chewed not the cud And now at last mens rashnesse to arreist If she was slain tell me who was the Priest In Jephte this I chiefly disallow That with Alas he did perform his vow After this battel Ephraim in ire Against Jephte with forces did conspire But Jephte stout with great numbers of men In great haste took the passage of Jordan There Ephraim who did the war denounce By Shibboleth which they could not pronounce In the battel their foes were knowne to be Sibboleth then made many men to die In that battell the cause of greefe and woe Ephraim there lost thousands fourtie two Then faithfull Jephte at the last deceased After he had Gods Isra'l six yeares judged The Use Heere vve may learne that bastards may get grace In faiths faire roll this Jephte had a place 10 IBSAN The father of a buckler AFter Jephte IBSAN of Bethlehem Was judge this man had threescore of children At last he died as in Scripture appeares When he Israel had judged seven yeares The Use Happie is he who dies with a good name Though volumes be not written of his fame 11 ELON Strength courag THen came ELON from the ZEBULONITS Who ten yeers well judged the Israelits The Use Happie is he who dies with a good name Though volumes be not vvritten of his fame 12 ABDON Worke service AFter ELON ABDON sonne of HILLEL Eight yeers did judge the tribs of Israel The Use Happie is he who dies with a good name Though volumes be not written of his fame 13 SAMSON Little sunne AFter Israels darknesse fourty yeers In great bondage this little Sunne appeares He was son of MANOAH a Danite A great comfort for the poore Isralite Before his birth his mother was barran In griefe without the comfort of children At last to her an Angel did appeare Who said to her Thou shalt conceive and beare A sonne no rasor shall come on his head For he shall be a Nazarite indeed A man for GOD set a-part from the womb Who Isra'ls foes shall send unto their tomb Then the woman said to her husband See A man of GOD hath appeared to me He seem'd to
in their hand Then these proud men bitter like angrie bees Took poor Samson and put out both his eyes With hard fetters of brasse they did him bind In a prison as horse they made him grind Soon after that his hair began to spring These lords him brought to Dagons house their king Dagon said they the god of sea and land Hath now inclosed Samson in our hand Then all the people greatly did rejoice And praised Dagon with a joyfull voice Then all merry and glad they did exhort To call for Samson for to make them sport When he was come Lad take me by the hand Said he Lead me where the pillar doth stand Upon the which the house is founded sure That I thereon may lean my body poor The house was full three thousand on the roofe To see Samson of sporting give a proofe Then Samson pray'd unto the Lord with cryes Now grant me Lord a revenge for mine eyes Twixt the pillars with his left hand and right He pull'd them downe by great JEHOVAHS might Such was the end of his dayes full of strife At death he slew mo then he slew in life The Use Heere wee may learne yea clearely wee may seâ— That cruell men are met with crueltie Heere is a lesson for to guide our life Not to reveale great secrets to a wife 14 MICAH Who is like the Lord. THe word of God most clearely doth reveale How MICAH did his mothers silver steele Yea which was worse and did merite the rods Of it he made graven and molten gods A Teraphim he had and an Ephod And so became Apostate from his God A wandring Levite he hir'd for his Priest His house for idols he made like a beast Now I know well that God will do me good Said MICAH who was most foolish and rude The LORD will lodge both in mine house and breast Because I have a Levite for my Priest In these dayes which was a most fearefull thing â—n all Isra'l was neither judge nor King â—he DANITS then seeking inheritance Came to the house of this Micah by chance His Levite and his silver gods they tooke When this was done MICAH began to looke To run and cry aloud after the men In number five come from the tribe of DAN What aileth thee said they What and wherefore My gods said he are stoll'n what have I more Let not thy voice now be heard us among Said they lest ill fellows upon thee throng It may fall out that if we come to strife Both thou and thine this day may losse the life Thus foolish MICAH Priest and gods that day Did losse and so the DANITS went their way The Use Let all men learne in Gods excellent schools Who worship idols are most brutish fooles Of the Levite and his Concubine IN these dayes which was a most feareful thing In all Isra'l was neither Judge nor King In these ill dayes what man could it endure A Levite had a wife that play'd the whoore She not fearing the terrours of JOVAH Ranne to her Father dwelling in JVDAH Foure whole moneths with him she did remaâ—â— Her husband went to bring her back againe There he with his father in law abode Where chearefully he was most welcomed From day to day he sought to turne againe But by his father was urg'd to remaine At last the fift day after all was done Hee went away well neere the afternoone Then parted he with his wife and servant They neere to JEBVS found the day far spenâ— The servant said In JEBUS let us lodge The Levite said To do such things I grudge We will not turne aside to that citie We will not lodge with these that strangers be We will passe over unto GIBEAH For there we trust is the fear of JOVAH When unto GI'BAH they were thus nâ— come The Sunne in his Horizon was gone downe Then he went in and sat downe in a streete But no man there with kindnesse did him greeâ— At last an old man lifting up his eye Come from the field did there perceive tâ— three Whence come ye said he Whether will yee We goe said they the house of God unto From BETHLEHEM we have both bread 〈◊〉 wine If thou us lodge we shall take none of thine Then said that old man Peace be now with thee Welcome thy want shall all lie upon me As they were eating with their hearts merrie Behold the vile villaines of that city Swarm'd in numbers of most vile rogues a rout The old mans house they compassed about Bring forth the man that came into thine house Cry'd they of him we will make carnall use This vice so vile with words I can not name Behold in Isra'l of SODOM the shame The old man said unto them most gravely I pray you cease oh cease from this folly This man is come under my house shadow Such great vilenesse the Lord cannot allow His wife my daughter if so be it must Abuse with man abhorre to spend your lust But for all this these men could not forbeare Raging in lust such words they would not hear When this was done and all remeed was past The Levite brought to them his wife at last These vile villains not trembling at Gods sight In their mad lust abus'd her all the night When darknesse past the cleare spring of the day Appear'd then these vile villains went away Then she whom they had handled like a whoore In the dawning fell downe dead at the doore At last the man op'ning the doore behold Her fall'n downe dead her hands on the thâ—â—shold Then to her thus lying her Lord did say Up up let us make ready for the way While he looked that she should rise with speâ— Behold his wife upon the threshold dead When the man saw what then was come to paâ— He tooke the corps and laid it on his asse When he her brought unto his house at home He with a knife cut her through flesh and bonâ— That the dead parts the wrong might clearly teâ— Twelve parts hee made and sent through ISRAEL They that this saw said A sinne of this kinde We have not seene advise and speake your minâ— Then all the land for this great sin much grieveâ— From end to end at MISPEH were conveened In number clearly set downe by GODS pen They there were foure hundred thousand foâ— men There the Levite in anguish and distresse At their desire declard the wickednesse This heard they all with one consent began To go to work to arise as one man Then said they all kindled with anger hot To the battell we will go up by lot Against vile Gib'ah to fight bitterly That they may smart for their unheard folly First through Benjamin speedy posts they sent That Gib'ahs men might suffer for their rent We seeke no more but when ye heare us then Ye send to us these vile and wicked men But Benjamin in a most foolish rage With mouth awry scorned the whole message Twentie six
But God to Nathan the next night did tell That in an house as yet he would not dwell But afterward should come a man of fame Who richly should build an house for his name A son of David whom he would correct If he should sin but not as Saul reject When David heard Nathan from God thus say With heart and harp he did both praise and pray After this done by an courage divine He boldly went and smote the Philistine From them he tooke Metheg and al 's Ammah For with him then was the great JEHOVAH After he had subdued the Philistine He smote Moab and measur'd with a line He after that smote the King of Zobah Being assisted by the great JOVAH After he strong routed the Syrian hoast Who came against him with great brags and boast King Toi hearing of his courage divine Sent to him Joram with a rich propine At last he did consecrate to the Lord Both spoile and presents conquer'd by his sword To Mephibosheth in his great distresse For Jonathan he shew him great kindnesse After all this his servants courtesly He sent to Hanun comforters to be For Nahash death but that fool could not spâ— He cut their coats and made their buttocks bare This al 's he did more for a greater scoff Of all their beards the half he shaved off These men for shame could not lift up their facâ— But on David redounded the disgrace When King Hanun did ponder well and thinkâ— He said this fact in Davids nose doth stinke Before he know we will make an armie To overthrow both him and his partie But David wise did to his captains tell That all should be prepar'd for the Battell That day JEHOVAH who is most mighty Gave unto David a great victory Both Syria and Ammon with their might That day by Isra'l were put to the flight David as yet remaining in his rage ' Gainst Ammon their towne Rabbah did besieâ— He sent Joab unto it for captaine But he himself in great ease did remaine At faire Salem while he did there abide It came to passe about the evening tide He rose from bed and to the roofe he went Where he forgot the Lords commandement With foolish heart and with a rolling eye He did perceive Bathshebahs great beautie Goe to said he you woman to me bring Make haste for what 's unlawfull for a King While David thus burning in lust did say Some vile servant was ready to obey She brought to bed by the King was defil'd Anone after she found her self with child Then in all haste she sent unto the King To see how he might wisely hide that thing Behold thought David a scandale and blot Will soone break foorth except I cloake this spot I see no way to hide from all the land This secret sin but by her own husband If he come home and once but with her ly My sin is hid hence no man shall it try Some servant goe tell to Joab quicklie That he in haste send Uriah to me Then Joab soone him sent when he was come With fair sweet words David made him welcome How Joab did at him he did inquire If all did goe after their hearts desire Then David said I thinke it now most meet Thou goe to thy house and there wash thy feet But these faire words the man not caring for Abode without and sleept at the Kings doore After that David to Usiah said Man with thy wife why didst thou not abide Uriah said The Arke and Israel Joab and Judah right well I can tell Abide in tents during this time of strife And should I now goe to sport with my wife I will not goe as thou livest O King I will not go I will not do such thing When David heard this he found out a wile With drunkenesse Uriah to beguile That being drunk the war he might forget And so go to his wife without all let But God above this thing did so provide At the Kings doore this man did still abide When David saw that for ought he could say To touch his wife this poore man did delay Then wickedly to thinke he did begin How by his blood he might then cloake his sin Bring pen and inke said he to me right soone When he is dead who shall know what is done His strange letter to Joab this did tell Set this man in the front of the Battell When at skirmish in danger ye him see Retire with speed that he may surely die This David wrot He wanting Gods true fear Made Uriah his death with him to bear Then Captaine Joab too too ready bent To pleasure Kings in their commandement Tooke this poor man with cruell craft and slight And set him where most valiant foes did fight Where men of Rabbah fiercely to Battell Came there they fought and there Uriah fell When David heard this he said All is well My secret sin no man shall now reveale After Bathshebah by mutuall accord Became his wife which displeased the Lord. Then God to him his Prophet Nathan sen To let him know that God was miscontent By parable he did himselfe expresse A holy wile to make David confesse His filthie fact and for it sore to weepe Who whole nine months in his vile sin did sleep Then said Nathan there was in one city Two men the one in richesse was mighty The other poore the rich upon his ground Had herds and flocks wherein he did abound But the poore man save an ewe lamb had nought Which he in strait with his poore meanes had bought And nourished with diligence indeed With his children he dayly did it feed Of his owne cup it dranke and of his meat Such as he had it welcome was to eat Yea in his bosome sweetly it did lye And was to him as daughter by and by But O behold unto the rich mans Inne A traveiler came to abide therein The naughty rich man his flocks for to spare Caught the poor lamb it kil'd for to prepare Meat for that man for him it he did dresse What think ye Sir should he not this redresse Then Davids wrath raging against the man Sore kindled was he said unto Nathan As God liveth who liveth most surely That beastly wretch for that vile fact shall die And unto that yet I will adde this more The Lamb fourefold he shall quickly restore This I ordaine no man it shall repeale It seemely is that Kings for God have zeale Then unto David said Prophet Nathan Even thou thy self O King thou art the man Thou wouldst for God seem to have zeal and love Thou hast done that which heere thou dost reprove Thus saith the Lord the God of Israel I unto thee this hard message will tell Ov'r Isra'l King I made thee for to be Out of Sauls hands I safe deliv'red thee Thy Masters house with thy Masters Kingdome I gave to thee his wives in thy bosome I made to lye yea I most liberallie Both Isra'ls
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
and also Milcom These were the chief idols of Solomon Whith Chemos for which he made an high place With great contempt before the Temples face This also was the rage of Solomon He served Molech th' idol of Ammon He wise in youth did in his old folie Follow his wives in their idolatrie For this cause God in wrath did him despise As unthankfull unto whom clearly twise He had appear'd I will said God surely For thy great sins rend the Kingdome from thee Because thy father me sought in his wayes This great rent I will not make in thy dayes But after thee thy Son shall feele the smart And yet I will for Davids sake a part Of the Kingdome of Isra'l sure reserve That in his house a lamp I may preserve Then God to punish his idolatrie Stirr'd up Hadad for an adversarie To Solomon another call'd Rezon A great armie of men gath'red anone Hadad and Jeroboam stout also Unto Solomon did procure much wo At last he di'd after he had fourtie Yeers liv'd in peace and great tranquillitie Papists do doubt and make a question If Solomon obtain'd salvation That which them moves unto this hard sentence The Scriptures speak not of his repentance But let such know his repentance was true As his Sermons Ecclesiastes shew 2 Sam. 7.14 Yea God himself unto his father dear This promise made which takes away all fear If this thy Son commit iniquitie With rods and strips I will him most sharplie Correct and chasten for to vexe his heart But my mercy shall not from him depart As from King Saul who forsaking my path From his Kingdome was cast away in wrath The Use Let him that would shunne all idolatrie Flie farre from such that with it spotted be Where is the man that should not fear to fall When he thinkes what befell this Cedar tall This is the best when man hath gone astray With Solomon to returne to Gods way THE GARDEN OF ZION Of the Kings of Judah PROV 25.5 Take away the wicked from before the King and his throne shall be stablished in righteousnesse 1. Rehoboam 2. Abijah 3. Asa 4. Jehoshaphat 5. Jehoram 6. Ahaziah 7. Joash 8. Amaziah 9. Uzziah or Azaria 10. Jotham 11. Ahaz 12. Hezekiah 13. Manasseh 14. Amon. 15. Josiah 16. Jehoachaz 17. Eliakim called by Necho Jehojakim 18. Jehojachin 19. Mattaniah called by Nebuchadnezzar Zedekiah A Prayer O Thou great GOD call'd I AM THAT I AM Of all my verse be thou the chiefest theame What is my heart but a confused Masse A wilde Chaos untill thy sprite a space There move it self and upon this gulf brood Thoughts far beyond the reach of flesh and blood O drench my heart in Zions sacred springs And lead my hand to write of Judahs Kings And of their life and death such uses make That all thereby may good example take Their vice to shun to follow their vertue To learne thereby our lives for to renew O sprite of grace come with thy gentle gales Maugre envie with thy breath fill my sailes Now spread my Canvas and al 's guide the Helm And smooth the Seas lest that they overwhelm My brettle Boat which now among great Kings Is come to search their good and bad doings Come help me Lord and make no more delay The tide for none but thee alone doth stay 1. REHOBOAM Enlargeing or delaying the people THen all Isra'l conveened in Shechem To choose with haste their King Rehoboam There the people with one mouth to him said Thy dead father great burdens on us laid If thou our yoke will make light and easie With one consent we thy servants will be Then said the King From me three dayes depart Then shall yee know the purpose of mine heart Then said the King unto the old and wise Consider well give counsell and advise What to this people thinke yee best to say Yee men of age now tell me I you pray Then these grave men to speake so did begin This people now with faire words thou must win If thou to them a servant be this day To thee good subjects they will he for ay After this said he turned to the youth To heare what counsell should come from their mouth What what said they what what is this saying Darre proude people speake thus unto their King Of thy deare father how darre they complaine Who now is dead to hear such words disdaine Frowne with thy brow speak unto them roughly That thy least finger thicker now shall be Then were his loines Tell what is in thine heart In speach most plaine and so let them depart This young counsell the young King pleased best To him the third day they came all in hast Now let us heare said they thy good answere Be plaine with us no longer it deferre Then with a frowne as youth did him direct He them beheld and did their sute reject What what said he what meaneth your saying How darre yee thus speake to your Lord and King Of my father how darre yee thus complaine VVho is now dead your speaches I disdaine The least finger that is in my bodie Then all his loines were thicker hence shall be When Isra'l heard this answere from the King Then with a noise they all had this saying What what portion or what inheritance Have we in David or vvhat maintenance Ovve vve to him novv David in this rent See to thine house O Isra'l to your tent This matter was from the great JEHOVAH As was foretold by Prophet Ahijah When he his cloaths into twelve peices rent Then Jeroboam of that new garment Got pieces ten the Prophet keeped two Which did declare that the rent should be so That Jeroboam ten tribs should command But two as Lamps for Davids house should stand In this great grudge the King Rehoboam Sent unto them his servant Adoram A man for tribut but with staffe and stones They in their great wrath did crush all his bones When this young King the peoples rage did see He in his Charet speedily did flee So ten tribs did rebell without delay Against the house of David to this day In this mans time King of Egypt Shishak All the treasures of gold away did take Which Solomon had richly made of gold In the Temple with carvings manifold The shields of gold with rich treasures that day Shishak the King did carry all away Thus was the Temple spoiled by Shishak Who gold and treasures all away did take Behold how soone golds glory doth decay See how rich treasures glaunce and passe away This man whose Mother was of Moab land Seventeene yeers King in Salem did command The Use By this young King more young in wit then age Let all Kings learne to shunne a peoples rage If they would wisely manage their affaires They must regard the counsell of gray haires 2. ABIJAH My father God HEere Abijah his fathers Son in sinne As he did end ill so did he beginne He did not that which
Thee will destroy for hateing his counsell Then to Joash King second from Jehu This Amaziah with great brags said now Come let us see each other in the face That we may fight for peace hath no more placâ— Then Joash scorned this Kings great follie As a Thistle a cartell to a tree Should send whose strength under a wilde beaâ— foot Is troden downe in top and al 's in root Lo thou hast smitten Seir Edoms great hoast Thus thy proud heart thee lifteth up to boast Abide at home cease from such vaine follie Why shouldst thou fall and al 's Judah with thee But Amaziah these words would not heare To go to Battell he would not forbeare It came of God most wise and most mighty Him to give ov'r unto his enemy â—ecause after his foes he had ov'rcome â—e sought after the idols of Edom. â—hus these two Kings did fight in good aray â—ut Amaziah was routed that day â—n that Battell he was taken alive â—or all his boast he was Joash captive â—his Joash spoil'd the house of great Jovah â—nd carried all unto Samariah â—ast Amaziah by conspiracie â—as slaine in Lachish with great felonnie The Use Though Kings be strong and in Battell mighty â—hey can not stand that love idolatry 9. UZZIA The strength of the Lord called also AZARIAH The help of the Lord. FRom help and strength this great King had his name For God by help and strength did spread his faâ— As long as he sincerely sought the Lord His greatest foes could not resist his sword God helped him against the Philistines Against th' Arabians and the Mehumins His name did spread to Egypt gloriously For he in God was strong exceedingly He fortifi'd Salem with towres and walls With great charges he digged many wells An armie of three hundred thousand men He did maintaine his countrey to defend But he made strong forgot Gods instruction His heart was puft up to his destruction For like a Priest by a fearfull offence He went to Temple for to burne incense But Azariah the Priest with courage Withstood the King in his folie and rage Cease cease said he cease from this great fence It is for Priests to offer Gods incense Goe out goe soone out of this sanctuary Dâ—shonour thou shalt have by this folly Then Uzzia a censer in his hand Took to burne incense ' gainst the Lords coâ—mand Then the great Lord him smote in the forehead With leprosie then all the Priests with speede Did thrust him out and he himself to flie Made hast because the Lord with leprosie Him smitten had for thus going astray He liv'd leprous untill his dying day All his lifetime to his great grief and smart He dwelt a leper privately apart The Use Let Kings heere learne in their pride and folly Not to meddle with Jovahs Sanctuary 10. JOTHAM Fatherlesse JOtham during his fathers leprosy Did in Judah as King the Scepter sway He gave his minde to do that which was right And pleasant in the great Eternells sight He builded much After in warre anone By force of armes he subdu'd strong Ammon He prospered well he was in vertues rare For he his wayes before God did prepare Twentie five yeeres he was when he began To reigne sixteene he did reigne in Salem Thus di'd Jotham of age one and fourty And buri'd was in Davids faire city The Use The King that would wisely his Scepter sway Before the Lord let him prepare his way 11 AHAZ Possessing THis vaine Ahaz who understood no right Did that which was most wicked in GOD sight He not regarding in heart th'Eternell Did walk in the ill wayes of Israel He images set up for Baalim Likewise in Hinnon incense was by him Burnt with his children in a fearfull fire To grieve GOD with Heathen he did conspire He was most bent unto idolatry On the high hils and under the green tree Because he did contemn the LORDS command The LORD him gave into his enemies hand The Syrians first after these of Isra'l Him overthrew thus fearfull was his fall Then valiant Pekah from the Syrian land Slew in Judah of men six score thousand Also Israel in a fearfull way Two hundred thousand captives took away Likewise Philistins with profane Edom Against the land in divers places come Thus the great GOD who to vengeance is slow For Ahaz sins brought Judahs kingdome low This wicked man when he was vexed sore With divilish spight did sin yet more and more The Scriptures plainly point at his trespasse While they thus say This is that King Ahaz This fool unto the false gods sacrificed Of Damascus which had him sore displeased Because said he the gods of Syria Hath helped them they shall be my Jovah The Temple doors he shut up in fury And gave himself to vile idolatry Both in Salem and also in Judah He set idols in contempt of Jovah Thus this ill man in wickednesse did die Therefore with Kings they would not him burie The Use Kings who their land staine with idolatry Shall often meet with wo and miserie 12. HEZEKIAH The strength of the LORD THis godly Son of most wicked Ahaz Did fear the LORD he most religious was This noble King a most worthy Divine In Judah land did reigne yeers twentie nine In his first yeer the doors of GODS house fair He opned and the breaches did repair The Priests and Levits which seem'd to him mâ— meet He together gath'red to the East street Hear me said he Now your selves sanctifie All filthinesse from th' holy place cary Our ill fathers have most vilely trespassed The divel them hath with wicked wiles coâ—â—passed They have forsaken God and gone astray Their faces from him they have turn'd away The Temple doors they have shut up about The clearest lamps of God they have put out Vnto the Lord they have burnt no incense They have not car'd what manner of offence They did to him therefore Gods heavy wrath Came on Judah treading that wicked path Because they scornd the Lords commandement â—o trouble hissing and astonishment â—e them deliv'red for hating his word â—ur dear fathers have fallen by the sword And which greatly augments our miserie â—ur sons daughters are in captivitie â—ow let us make a covenant I pray â—ith God the Lord that he may turn away â—rom his fierce wrath cast off all negligence â—or yee are set to serve and burn incense Then the Levits were gath'red carefully To cleanse GODS house from all impurity All th'uncleannesse within GODS house anone They cary'd out and cast it in Kidron When they had cleansed things of every sort To Hezekiah they made the report Then this good King in great zeal rose early And gath'red the Rulers of the city This good King and they all with one accord Went up in haste to the house of the LORD Divers offrings they offred to JOVAH For the kingdome the temple and Judah Levits with cymbals harps and psalterie The Priests with trumpets made sweet
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
they come death shall close up thine eyes â—â—ter these men heard such words of comfort â—ey to the King the message did report Then Josiah with the men of Judah â—ent up unto the house of great Jovah â—th him there were the Priests and Prophets all â—ere al 's the people were both great and small 〈◊〉 them he read the Lords booke ev'ry word â—ich had been found in the house of the Lord â—n this good King who Gods word understood 〈◊〉 serve the Lord hard by a pillar stood 〈◊〉 with the people all with one accord â—d make a Covenant there before the Lord Gods presence all ill wayes they forsooke â—â—lling to doe according to that Book Then the King in the name of great Jovah â—mmanded soone the high Priest Hilkijah â—â—th other keepers whether great or small â—ring quickly the vessels made for Ba'l 〈◊〉 for the grove out of Gods Temple faire That he GODS house might cleanse and alâ— paire When this was done in the field of Kidron He in great zeal there them did burne each onâ— And to fulfull the word of th'Eternell The ashes he did carry to Bethel Vile Priests there were who with idolatrie Defiled had both Temple and Citie To Sunne Moone Planets and al 's to Baal They sacrificed and to Heavens host all These vile men he desiring God to please In his great zeal put downe and made to ceâ—â— The grove also which was idolatrous The King with speed brought out from the Lâ—â— house At Kidron he it burnt and stamped small To small powder and cast that powder all Upon the graves of these who foolishly Had beene defiled with idolatrie The Sodomiteâ— far from Gods house he drâ—â— And these who did weave hangings for the gâ—â— He with the rest Topheth defil'd anone Which was in the vile valley of Hinnon So that no man thereafter durst aspire To make his Son for Molech passe the fire Thus he persisting as he had begun Tooke the horses which were given to the Suâ—â— By Kings of Judah which made Priests to mourn The Suns Charets he in a fire did burne He did beat down and break most speedily The Altars which in vile idolatie Manasseh Ahaz when they God forsooke Did build the dust thereof in the base Brooke Of Kidron he did cast High places vile â—or Ashtoreth Chemosh Milcome defile â—e did That bad Abomination â—ard at mount Olives mount of corruption Which Solomon did build in Israel Whereby he much provocked th'Eternell â—as by Josiah destroy'd speedily â—ch was his zeal for the great Gods glory This good King al 's the images brake then â—e cut the groves and with the bones of men â—â—e places fill'd the Altar at Bethel 〈◊〉 Jeroboam made who mov'd Isra'l 〈◊〉 sin he brake downe it to dust he drove â—â—d stampt it small and also burnt the grove The King turning him self at last did spy â—vers Sepulchers wherein dead did ly â—ke up these bones said he in his great ire â—â—on this Altar burn them all with fire â—w do for God who doth my crowne uphold â—â— this long since by God hath beene foretold Then said the King come now and tell to me What title is among the graves I see The men of that city said to the King Heere lyes the Prophet which message did bâ—â— That great Jovah the God of Israel Should do such things to th' Altar of Bethel Then said the King this man whom GOD love Let him alone see no man his bones move Likewise this Prince sent from the great VAH Reform'd the cities of Samariah Their Priests he slew with his sword in his irâ—â— And on their Altars their bones burnt with firâ—â— Then King and people all with one accorâ—â— A great Passeover did keep to the Lord The like whereof before had never bene Among the Kings or yet the Judges sene Yet more the workers with familiar sprits With wizards idols and all idle rits He spied out and wholly put away Thus he Gods house reform'd without delayâ— Unto the Lord this King just and upright With all his heart with all his soul and mighâ— Turned himselfe in great zeal more and morâ— He had no match after or yet before But oh alas the great wrath of Jovah Could not be turn'd from the sins of Judah Manasses sins both cruel and unkind â—ld not go out of great Jehovahs minde 〈◊〉 will said God withdraw now my great love â—m all Judah them now I will remove 〈◊〉 of my sight as I did t' Israel Salem al 's like judgements I will tell 〈◊〉 wrath ' gainst it here plainly I declare â—ugh I had said my name shall ay be there â—hen good Josiah King after all this â—ne with his men to fight at Carchemish â—inst Necho of Egypt land the King â—o did with him a mighty armie bring â—ho to him Embasadors did send â—ell him that he came not for this end â—hurt Josiah either neere or far 〈◊〉 others at whom he intended war â—d hath him sent therefore now let him passe 〈◊〉 afterward thou smart for thy trespasse â—hou Necho in this Gods warre annoy Lord is with him who shall thee destroy â—ut for all this Josiah with Necho â—olv'd to fight him neere to Megiddo â—n he disguised came to that Battell Archers shot and there Josiah fell â—n said the King sore wounded I this day Battell am have me therfore away â—â—e desir'd so they this wounded King From the battell unto Salem did bring In a Charet There this good man he died There he also was with his fathers buried After his death all these that did sojourne In Judah did for him lament and mourne Yea for his death the Prophet Jeremie With words of greefe lamented bitterlie The Use Behold O Kings who minde to please Jovaâ— Of zeale a patterne was this good Josiah This man by halfes did not idolatrie Reforme but purged all most perfectly High places groaves images idols vaine Hill Altars he did cut break and disdaine 16. JEHOACHAZ The possession of God JEhoachaz Son of good Josiah Was after him crowned King of Judah He fear'd not God he in Jehovahs sight Follow'd the trace of wayes that were not râ— Him Phar'oh Necho King of Egypt land Tooke and with fetters strong at Riblah band Wee yeeres of age he was and al 's twentie â—en he was crown'd and reign'd but moneths three The Use Kings here learn not in their sinnes to sport â—angers God who cuts their honours short 17 ELIAKIM called also JEHOJAKIM GOD ariseing â—Fter that Necho King of Egypt land Deposed had by strong and mighty hand â—oachaz he sent for Eliakim â—ose name he chang'd into Jehojakim â—s was the second son of Josiah â—o by Necho was made King of Judah 〈◊〉 age this King was eighteene yeeres and seven â—â—en he began he reigned but eleven 〈◊〉 fear'd not God he in JEHOVAHS sight â—low'd the trace of wayes that were not right â—n his dayes Nebuchanezzar the King 〈◊〉 Babylon Jehojakim did bring â—o
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
Omri wicked more and more Did worse then all the Kings that were before When he was once advanced to be King â—o him it seem'd to be but a light thing â—o walk in Jeroboams wicked way â—ut also he would farther go astray Ethbals daughter who was of Zidon King â—aine Jezabel for wife he did home bring â—ith her vile gods forsakeing th' Eternall â—e like a beast went and did serve Baal â—e made a grove he GOD provoked more â—hen all the Kings of Isra'l did before In his dayes Hiel building Jericho â—aid ground and gates with much sorrow and woe On Abiram the first borne and Segub The ground and gates a great judgement did rub When Ahab was lying in wickednesse God sent Elijah to preach great distresse â—gainst the land This said he from the Lord No dew no raine according to my word These yeers shall be Then God said to this man Goe hide thy selfe at Cherith neere Jordan â—hou of the Brooke shalt drinke vvaters most fresh 〈◊〉 Ravens ordain'd have to feede thee with flesh And so he went and so the Ravens did bring Both bread and flesh at morne and al 's evening A little after the brook was dri'd up So that Elijah could not drink or sup Then came to him a word from th' Eternel To Zarephath of Zidon goe and dwell Obey my word which is not false or vaine A widow there shall surely thee maintaine So he arose to Zerephath to go When he was come Elijah found all so As God had said Behold a poor widow Gath'ring some sticks with much grief and row To her he said fetch me a drink I pray Of water with some bread without delay As GOD lives said she I have not a cakâ— But an handfull of meale which I must take With oyle in cruse and with sticks speedilie It dresse and with my son it eat and die Then to that widow good Elijah said Take courage now thou needst not be afraide But see that first for me thou dresse a cake And after for thee and for thy son make For thus saith the Lord God of Israel The poore handfull of meal in thy Barrell Shall not be spent nor yet the cruse of oyle Shall faile till raine hath made a fertile soilâ— Then she in hast prepar'd for Elijah Both cake and oyle as the word from Jovah Had said both meal and oyle did last alwayes â—hereof these three persons eat many dayes After these things this womans son fell sick â—ll breath was past then she began to seek â—lijahs help what I to doe with thee â—ave man of GOD said shee that thou from me â—y son should take and for a sore vengeance â—hould call my sin now to remembrance â—ive me thy son to the widow said he â—rom her bosome unto a loft quicklie â—e cari'd him and as the sprit him led â—e laid that child softly on his owne bed â—nto the LORD he cri'd what hast thou done â—las O LORD why hast thou slaine her son â—hen this was said upon the child times three 〈◊〉 stretch'd himselfe and cried mightily 〈◊〉 to the LORD O LORD I humbly pray â—store the soule unto this childe the day The Lord from hearing then could not refraine â—t sent the childs soul into him againe â—en Elijah the living child brought low â—om the high loft and to the poore widow â—stor'd her son who said to Elijah â—w do I know that thou art from Jovah â—d that the word of the LORD in thy lips â—rueth unfained withou lies or slips It came to passe then after many dayes GOD to Elijah walking in GODS wayes Came thus and said now go to Ahab King For I now raine upon the Earth will bring When GOD these words spake unto Elijah A sore famine was in Samaria In this famine by drougth Ahab the King With Obadiah for their beasts saving Went through the land seeking brook and foâ—taine For with water the poor beasts life maintaine Ahab this way but Obadiah tooke Another way to seek fountaine and brook As Obadiah walked in the way Behold Elijah who met him that day When he him knew he fell upon his face And said art thou Elijah By GODS grace I am said he go and to Ahab tell Elijah is heer from the Eternell Alas said he what have I done this day That now for thee King Ahab should me slay There is no Kingdome there is no countrey Whether my LORD hath not sent to seeke tâ— And when they answred that thou wast 〈◊〉 heer He tooke an oath and deeply made them swâ— That they thee found not now thou say'st go tell Ahab my LORD the great King of Israel Behold Elijah is come here surelie But oh Alas assoone as I from thee Am gone Gods sprite vvill carry thee avvay And then in rage King Ahab vvill me slay I speake the trueth no lie is in my mouth I thy servant fear the Lord from my youth Was it not told thee hovv from Jezabel I hid the Prophets of the Eternel With bread and vvater their life I did save An hundred men by fiftie in a cave And novv thou say'st goe to Ahab and tell Elijah is heere from the Eternel No said Elijah as God lives I say To Ahab I will shew my self this day As soone as King Ahab saw Elijah With great contempt he said to him Aha Art thou the man that troublest Israel Not I said he but thou vvho th' Eternell Hast novv forsaken vvith thy fathers house To follovv Baal in a vvicked course Therefore novv send and unto mount Carmel Gather to me the men of Israel The false Prophets eight hundred and fiftie See that they al 's unto me gath'red be Then Ahab sent unto all Israel And gathred all these Prophets to Carmel Then by the people Elijah well seene Said how long two opinions betweene Thus will ye halt If GOD be GOD allow Him for to serve if not Baal follow When hee these wordes spake with great coâ—â—â—dence Among the people there was deep silence Elijah said Gods cause I will maintaine For the LORD here I only one remaine But Baals Prophets a great number be Heere they are foure hundred men and fiftie Give two bullocks the true GOD to enquire Let him be GOD who shall answere by fire When the people that saying understood All with one voice they said the word is gooâ— Then Elijah to these Prophets did say Chuse an bullock and dresse it first this day For ye be many begin to enquire If your god can-now aswere you by fire Then they did take and there dresse a Bulloâ— They cri'd aloud and on their breast did knocâ— From morne to evening they did not forbeare To cry Baal but Baal could not heare No voice was heard nor any answere made On the Altar they leapt as they were madde At noone Elijah them began to mocke Now cry aloud now your breasts dump and knock He is a god either he is talking â—r he his foes fiercely is pursueing
From Ieroboams sins did not depart At last came Pul the great Assyrian King Against the land great forces he did bring Then Menahem great summes to him did pay So Pul with all his forces went away Ten yeeres he did reigne and after by death This King he went the way of all the earth The Use Let Kings beware to staine their memorie With vile murder and blood of crueltie To kill women it is most inhumane In such doings is neitheir glore nor gaine 17. PEKAJAH The opning of GOD or brought out by GOD THen Menahems son called Pekajah Began to reigne in faire Samaria He fear'd not GOD for he wicked in heart From Jeroboams sins did not depart Then Pekah the son of Remalia A captaine stout did against Pekajah Conspire whom he without mercie or grace Did with the sword kill in his owne palace â—ith Argob Arieh and other fiftie â—f Gileadites who felt his crueltie The Use â—t Kings here learne that sin is not a sport â—ends their dayes it cuts their honours short 〈◊〉 to their children they seeke glore or gaine â—nlawfully such things shall not remaine Menahem could looke hiâ— of his grave â—kajah might say Nothiâ—g now I have 〈◊〉 all thy conquest Thus it is not good 〈◊〉 come to Thrones by shedding humane blood 18. PEKAH Open. â—Fter that Pekah the Son of Remalia Had with the sword slaine the King Pekajah 〈◊〉 force of armes this wicked man anone â—d then usurpe Israels Crowne and Throne â—is murtherer was most profane in heart â—m the vile idoles he would not depart â—ich Jeroboam at Bethel and Dan â—d set up At last the King Assyrian Tiglath Pilezer with an armie strong Tooke Kedesh-Hazor Galile Jion Abel-Beth Ma'chah of faire Naphtali The bravest men he in Captivitie Cari'd away unto Assyria At last Hoshea the son of Ela Against Pekah made a conspiracie He wounded Pekah so that he did die Thus King Pekah most cruell and profane In the yeere twentiâ—â—f his reigne was slaine The Use Let Kings heere learne whose charets are thâ— swords That they shall reckon for their deads 〈◊〉 wordes If they usurpe Crowne Scepter or the Thrâ— The LORD shall come with great vengeâ— anone As Peka slew Pekajah to be King So Hoshea that Pekah downe did bring Killers of men rarely this favour have From GOD to goe in peace unto tâ— grave 19. HOSHEA A saviour IN Ahaz twelft yeere King of fair Judah Began to reigne this man son of Elah â—ow Israel were come to their last cast â—f all their Kings Hoshea was the last â—e served not Jovah with all his might â—ut foolishly did evil into his sight â—et was he not so vaine nor yet so vile â—s other Kings had beene in Israel At last came up against this Hoshea â—halmanezer King of Assyria â—nto this King Hoshea a servant â—ecame To him he gave costly presents â—ut afterward to be free of this foe â—e messengers sent to the mighty So â—ng of Egypt Then Shalmanezer soone â—d shut him up and bound him in prison â—hus Hoshea a man of Elahs line â—d sway the Scepter the space of years nine At this same time Isra'l was gone astray â—ey were profane not caring for GODS way â—ey vainly feared gods that were no GOD â—herefore God scourg'd them with th' Assyrian rod Yea more this vile people with all their migâ— Did secretly these things that were not right They built High places in ev'ry citie They like the Heathen with idolatrie Provok'd the LORD yea like most fooâ— fooles They tooke pleasure to serve most vile idols Yet ' gainst Isra'l the LORD did testifie And said Isra'l yet returne unto me From your ill wayes if my name ye will feâ— Yee yet to me shall be a people deare But from their ill wayes they would not part Their neck they stifned and hardned their heâ— In their mad course they follow'd vanitie Running themselves in vile idolatrie Molten images calves and groves they made Heav'ns host also as though they had beene maâ— They did worship and for to hast their fall They did oppoint great service for Baal Yet further to provoke the Lord to ire They made their children to passe through fire For these their sins the LORD by his great miâ— All Israel remov'd out of his sight Heere for the sins of vile idolatrie Yee see the end of Isra'ls Monarchie â—gs of Israel heere did end their race â—ause they were profane and voide of grace The Use Prince and people meditate Gods law 〈◊〉 to provoke see that they stand in awe Kings pride 'gainst him stiffen their necke â—ir Crownes and Thrones and Scepters hee will breake Nations against the LORD be stout 〈◊〉 will both King and people al 's root out 〈◊〉 mightie LORD great Jovah hath said this â—ee sinne yee and your King shall perish A WATCH WORD Concerning the fourty and one Kings that did reigne over GODS people â—et Princes learne by these one and fourty How rare it is both good and Prince to be â—s most cleare that it is a heard thing 〈◊〉 be both good and honou'rd as a King â—eed lust and pride do cogge most easily â—emselves in hearts poison'd with flatterie THE GARDEN OF ZION The Booke of Ezra A Prayer WHen night on men dumb silence shaâ— distill When wearied bones them selves witâ— sleep do fill When gloomy darknesse husheth every thing Then let thy sprit verses of vertue bring Into my mind well stored with thy gra e Which may the hearts of worthy men solace While nights blacke mantle covreth a greâ— part â—t thine Aurora shine bright in mine heart â—hen depths appeare where through I cannot ride 〈◊〉 thy great Barge me togh against the tide In Babylon thy people years seventie â—ere we arid much with long captivitie â—pon them thou of thy wrath had the flashes â—rought and had burnt their Temple Towne to ashes â—ut thou who never thy people forsook â—ith mercies eyes at last did on them look These verses LORD now through thy strainer passe And make them cleane as is the clearest glasse â—hat by them may appeare even to the least â—ow thou by Ezra who was scribe and Priest â—eclared hast how good Zorobabel â—ho in great vertue highly did excell â—ebuilt the Temple and how by a jar â—ods peoples foes that worthy worke did mar 〈◊〉 Cyrus time untill Darius King â—nto the cope oedain'd the house to bring EZRA An helper CHAP. 1. AFter that Salems Temple had liâ— long Burnt in ashes and the Jewes hâ— among Their foes beene captives GOâ— made Cyrus King Of Persia to care for rebuilding Of Gods fair house for this occasion He causd publish a proclamation When this was heard these who before diâ— mourne With joy in hast provided to returne Then to Sheshbazzar in a plenteous store The Temples vessels Cyrus did restore Chap. 2. OF the people returned three thousand Six hundred and thirty with ready hand To build the house which burnt before had been Of Priests
one the dry land â—s for our foes thou didst them all anone â—nto the deepes throw downe as a great stone Moreover thou them leddest in the day â—ven by a cloudy pillar thou the way â—hem shew by night by a pillar of fire â—hou didst them guide as their hearts could dâ—sire Thou camest dawne with great pompe and with might Vpon mount Sinai and from heav'ns most bright â—hou spak'st with them and gav'st them right judgements â—rue Lawes good statutes and commandements And madest them thy sabbaths understand And statutes Laws ordain'st by Moses hand And from the heav'n gav'st bread to them hungry And from the rock gav'st drink to them thirsty And promisedst that they should sure possesse The land which thou had by thy Holinesse Sworne them to give but they dealt most proudly As our fathers and hardned most stifly Their necks so they wicked stood not in aâ— They hearkned not unto thy blessed Law They stubburnly refused to obey The great wonders which they saw every dâ— They did forget their necks as in a rage They hardned and to turne to their bâ—dage They made a Captaine in rebellion But thou art a God ready to pardon Most gracious and unto anger slow Of kindnesse great which rich doth overflâ— Yea more when they a molten Calfe 〈◊〉 made And in great rage most wickedly had said This is thy GOD which from Egypt brougâ— thee By this they did the Lord provoke highly Yet thou in mercy them in their distresse Forsookest not even in the wildernesse The cloudy pillar with darknesse by day Them from their foes did hide while iâ— the way Of the red sea they march'd in the daâ—night 〈◊〉 fiery pillar went before with light â—hy good Sprit also unto them thou gave â—uâ— didst provide that they might Manna have 〈◊〉 meat in thirst when they thee did provoke â—ou gavest water from the flinty rock 〈◊〉 fourty years thou in the wildernesse stained so that in greatest distresse â—ey lacked nothing they fear'd not the cold 〈◊〉 all that time their cloathes did not waxe old 〈◊〉 more in this GODS mercies did excell 〈◊〉 their marching their feete did never swell â—ou gav'st them Kingdomes and they did possesse â—th Sihons land and Ogs in wildernesse â—ou did them blesse and multiplie their seed â—s Starres in Heaven that were above their head â—fter they had past through the wildernesse â—e promisde land thou made them to possesse â—ou in their hands gave these Kingdomes and Kings And made them Masters for to rule all things Within these bounds and also to command Their strongest cities and their fattest land They did possesse houses full of all goods Vineyards and wells digged and Oliveyards And pleasant fruit trees in great abundance Which God apponited for their maintenance So they did eat they filled with fatnesse They lusty did delight in thy goodnesse Neverthelesse they disobedient Rebell'd proudly ' gainst thy commandemenâ— Behind their backs they did reject thy Law To slay thy Prophets they stood not in aw Because against them they did testifie That from their ill wayes they might turne 〈◊〉 thee But they wicked by their transgressions Against God wrought great provocations Therefore for their greevous iniquities Thou them delivere'dst to their enemies Who them did vex with much trouble and feare Yet when they cri'd thou from heav'n didst theâ— heare According to thy manifold mercies â—ou gav'st them saviours from their enemies â—em for to save but when prosperitie â—nd rest they got they rebell'd against thee â—herefore in wrath thou left them in the hand â—f cruel foes whom they could not gainstand â—et when returning they cri'd unto thee â—hou hard'st from Heav'n their grones of miserie By frequent rods thou mad'st them stand in awe â—hem for to bring againe unto thy Law â—et they dealt proudly and refus'd to heare â—hey sinned still ' gainst thy judgements severe â—ith hardned neck the shoulder they withdrewe â—nd would not hear nor yet their life renew â—et many yeers thou didst them still forbeare â—ea and reprov'd yet would they not give eare â—herefore in wrath thou gav'st them in the hands â—f the most cruell people of the lands â—everthelesse for thy great mercies sake â—hou utterly them wouldest not forsake Now therefore LORD who art great aâ— mighty Who Cov'nant keepest in thy great mercy Let not this greef seeme little thee before That on our kings princes and priests lyes sorâ— Al 's on our prophets fathers people all Not sparing any either great or small Since the tyme of the strong Assyrian kings Vnto this day such is the case of things Howbeit in all that is upon us brought Thou art most just and truely hast done nought But what is right and full of equity But we alas all have done wickedly Neither our kings our princes or our priests Did keep thy law or yet care for thy hests Or hearken unto thy Testimonie Wherewith thou didst against them testifie For in their kingdome they would not thee serve But still profanely from thy law did swerve Behold we are servants alas this day And for the land that thou didst give for ay To our fathers the fruit thereof to eat Behold in it as drudges we must sweat It yeeldeth much increase unto the kings Whom over us thou hast set for our sins Ov'r our bodies they domination have And cattell they us at their pleasure slave Thus we afflicted are in great distresse Because of this we all both more and lesse A Cov'nant sure both make and write it well And to it set our Priests and Princes seal Chap. 10. NOw these that sealed were Nehemiah The Tirshatha son of Hachaliah â—nd Zidkijah with Priests Levits Porters â—nd singers al 's Nethinims with others Who having knowledge to their brethren clave â—nd made an oath that they should so behave â—hemselves wisely to walk in the Lords Law â—nd that to sinne they all should stand in aw We also vow'd by counsell grave and sage â—either to take nor give in mariage â—ut to abhor the people of the land â—o do the same we made a solemne band â—so we did ordaine without delay â—ot to permit markets on sabbath day â—nd that also we would leave the seventh yeere â—nd from exacting of debts would forbeare Also we did ordaine to charge yearly Our selves with the third part of good money Of a shekel this was for the service Of GODS owne house made for his sacrifice Then we cast lots Levites and Priests among For the wood offrings which then did belong Unto GODS house on his Altars to burne According as GODS law ordain'd by turne Likewise to GODS house we ordain'd to bring The first fruâ—ts of all trees and every thing The first borne of our children and cattell We year by year brought unto th'Eternel With first of all things that Levits could crave The tithes in all wherein we tillage have Chap. 11. THen they ordain'd the tenth man of Isra'l To come and in Jerusalem to
them and their seed Then Esther the Queene and al 's Mordecay Dâ—d write agaâ—ne for keeping of that day For to confirme all that they did ordaine And that none of them should these dayes pâ—fane But should remember how GOD by and by Did see their fastings and al 's heard their cry These matters of Purim were by decree Confirm'd and written in a book clearelie Chap. 10. THen Ahasuerus the King did command To lay a tribut upon all the land And al 's upon the Isles of all the sea The like tribut he ordain'd for to be The noble acts of his â—reat power and might And Mordecais greatnesse in all mens sight Are they not written well with other things In Chronicles of all the Persian Kings Thus Mordecai exalted most highlie Unto the King was then next in degree â—e sought the wealth of his people indeed He likewise did speake peace to all his seed THE USE Heere learne how that the LORD in great mercie Rescues his Church in great adversitie When all things seeme to be destroy'd and gone Then doth the Lord for help rise up anone Though troubles great the Church greeve day by day GOD at the last can raise a Mordecai And though Haman who GODS folks death doth seal Be high the day on the top of the wheele And in his fury like a Boare doth range For to devore GOD can soone make a change In Princes hearts so that from high degree They shall such bring and hang them on a tree See here how GOD his Church can well defend And brings his foes unto a tragick end ADVOCATES ' LIBRARY EDINBURGH THE SECOND VOLUME OF THE GARDEN OF ZION Containing the Bookes of Job Proverbs Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs all in English Verse By M. ZACHARY BOYD. GLASGOW Printed by George Anderson 1644. To the most Royall Lady ELIZABETH His Majesties only Sister Princesse of Palatine of Rhine c. MADAME THE Tops of high Trees are mightily shaken by the windes while the lower branches suffer a more gentle wagging the thunder-bolts smiâ—e oftest upon the tops of â—eepest rocks while the base valleyes enjoy a â—lme in a gentle gale Your HIGHNES very eminent both in race and Place hath felt this in your time 〈◊〉 much as any other of the land As for the â—â—rticulars divers are big like Habbakuks viâ—n which was in so great letters Hab. 2.2 that men â—ight run and read the same I know none in Scripture except CHRIST â—ho hath beene more put to the proof of patience then holy Job his calamities were greâ—â— he was brought very low but GOD at last â—ter he had humbled him blessed his latter eâ—â— more than his beginning JOB 42.12 The Lord makâ— so with your Highnes when all those storâ— are past your end with the Righteous shall Peace PSAL. 37.37 Let it please your Highnes to take in part this little mite of my Muse with blessing and most fervent prayers to GOD soveraigne Comforts to cure all your Crosâ— and to wipe the teares of troubles from 〈◊〉 Eyes Your Comfort is like the Prophets â—sion Though it tarry waite for it becaâ— it will come HAB. 2.3 it will not tarry From GSASGOVV the 30. day of September 1644. Your HIGHNES most humble Servant M. ZACHARY BOYD. THE GARDEN OF ZION The Booke of JOB A Prayer O Son of GOD who from thy veines didst powre Vpon the Crosse that mostred crimson showre To save lost man me with thy Sprite inspire And in my breast kindle a sacred fire Conduct my pen cleanse both mine hand and heart That I thy Priest may safely touch thine Arke Teach me to tune the glory of thy Name How thou by Job did Sathan foully shame Though he with an insatiate furie fell Did go about him for to quaile and quell As thou favour to my Heroicks shew So for these Lyricks thy Graces renew JOB Sorrowfull or Hated INUZ a Man cald Jo there was both perfect and uâ— right Who feared GOD and dâ— eschew evill even with all hâ— might 2 And in that place where he did live in great prosperity By mariage were born to him seven sons and daughters three 3 His substance was seven thousand Sheep and Camels thousands three He also had five hundred yoke of Oxen most lusty Five hundred Shee-asses he had rich both in men and beast So that he was the greatest man of all those of the East 4 His sons did in their houses feast yea every one his day They cald their sisters there to eat and drink with them alway 5 It was so when their feasting dayes were gone about quickly Job did them sanctifie and rose up in morning early For each he offred sacrifice fearing his sons greatly That they had curs'd GOD in their hearts thus did good Job dayly 6 Now it befell upon a day when Angels in a throng Before GOD did present themselves Satan came them among 7 Then the LORD unto Satan said whence comes thou he anone From going to and fro on earth from walking up and down 8 Then the LORD unto Satan said Hast thou considred well My servant Job there 's none like him that on the earth doth dwell A perfect and an upright man like unto whom are few One that the mighty God doth feare and doth evil still eshew 9 Then Satan in his malice great to God this answere brought It is no wonder that so be doth Job feare God for nought 10 Hast thou not hedg'd him and his house where he may safe abide Hast thou not hedged all about he hath on every side Thou hast by thy grace infinite blest the work of his hand And his substance is mightily increased in the land 11 But now put foorth thy hand and touch what he hath in each place And he will most despitfully even curse thee to thy face 12 All that he hath is in thy power said God on him onely Lay not thine hand so Satan went out from the Lord quickly â—3 There was a day when his children who were indeed numbrous Were eating and wine drinking in their eldest brothers house â—4 At that time came a messenger unto good Job and said Th' oxen were plowing and th' asses were feeding them beside 15 The Sabeans have them all spoil'd thy servants they have slaine And I onely escaped have to tell to thee the same 16 While he yet spake another came and said most certainly The fire of the Almighty GOD is fall'n from the heav'ns hie It sheep and servants hath burnt up and they consumed be And I onely escaped am alone for to tell thee 17 While he yet speaking was there came another who did tell The Caldeans made out three bands and on the Camels fell Yea they them cari'd have away and thy servants have slaine And only I escaped have for to tell thee the same 18 While he thus spake another said Thy sons and daughters all Did eat and al 's drink wine into their eldest
sell 20 The wicked man doth all his dayes travell with paine not good To the oppressour of his yeares the number is well hid 21 In his years is a dreadfull sound in his prosperity The destroyer shall surely come upon him suddenly No meanes can make him to beleeve that he out of daâ—knesse Shall once returne the sword it waits for him in great distresse 23 For bread he wandreth saying thus Where is it in the land He knowes that the day of darknesse is ready at his hand 24 With trouble he shall be afraid and with much anguish so Gainst him they shall prevaile as Kings that unto battell goe 25 For ' gainst the God of heav'n above he stretcheth out his hand And ' gainst th' Almighty he himself doth strengthen in the land 26 He with a dâ—sp'rat violence upon the LORD doth run Even on his neck the bosses thick of his bucklers upon 27 Because his face he covreth wel with fatnesse even so that He collops maketh on his flanks which are both great and fat 28 He dwells in cities desolat and where no man can stay In houses ready to become great heaps of stone and clay 29 He impovrish'd all his substance shall not continue long His faâ—re and large estate he shall not on the earth prolong 30 From darknesse he shall not depart the flame shall soone up dry His branches surely by his breath he shall go soone away 31 Let not him trust in vanitie who being voide of sense Deceived is for vanitie shall be his recompense 32 Before his time it shall be cut his branch shall not be greene 33 As th' Olive he â—hall cast his flowre as unripe grapes the vine 34 For multitudes of hypocrites sure desolate shall be And fire shall soone consume the tent of all base briberie 35 They mischief in their heart conceive and bring foorth with much guile Great vanity their belly doth prepare deceit the while Chap. 16. THen Job anone him answerd thus 2 I have heard how befall Many such thinâ—s most naughty now comforters are yee all 3. Shall words of winde and vanitie at last have not an end What is this that imboldens thee such answers to intend 4 I could well speak if your souls were even in this my souls stead Against you I could heap up words and shake at you mine head 5 I with my mouth would strengthen you for your aid and releef The moving also of my lips should well asswage your grief 6 Though I do speak my grief is not asswadged any way And though in silence I forbear what am I easde thereby But now He hath me weary made in great perplexitie In wrath thou hast made desolate even all my company 8 With wrinkles as a witnesse thou hast fild me in disgrace My leannesse in me rising up beares witnesse to my face 9 He that me hates in wrath me tares his teeth still gnashing be Upon me this my cruell fo sharpneth his eyes on me 10 They gaped have they smitten al 's have me upon the cheek With great reproch they gathered were against me calme and meek 11 GOD in wrath hath delivered me to the ungodly band And of the wicked hath me turn'd ev'n over in their hands 12 I was at ease asunder he hath broke me by the neck He hath me ta'en and shaken sore and set me for his marke 13 His archers do me compasse round my reines asunder all He cleaves and doth not spare he powres out on the ground my gall 14 With breach upon breach at all times he breakes me all along He fiercely doth upon me run most like a gyant strong 15 I sackcloth on my skin have sowd which makes my heart to burst The horne of all my strength I have defiled in the dust 16 Great weeping in my troubles sore my face defiled hath And on mine eye-lids still abides the shadow dark of death 17 This is not for iniquitie wrought by hands all impure For I take head to all my wayes my prayer it is pure 18 O earth if I thus guilty be then cov'r thou not my blood â—et not my cry come unto thee for to be understood 19 Now also thâ—s I know right well behold my WITNES true Dwells in the heav'ns and my RECORD on high himself doth shew 20 My friends in mine affliction great me all do mock and scorne â—ut unto God mine eye powres out hudge teares both even and morne 21 O that one might with God on earth for men thus plainly plead â—s one that pleads for one that is his neighbour good indeed 22 When some few years upon the earth are quickly come and gone â—hen at last shall I goe the way whence I shall not returne Chap. 17. COrrupted is my breath my dayes extinct are certainely â—he graves also are now prepard and ready made for me 2 Are there not proud and wicked men that at me mock their fill In such provoking vaine doth not mine eye continue still 3 Lay downe a little put me now in surety well with thee Who is he among mortall men that will strike hands with me 4 For thou from understanding good hast hid their heart thou shalt Them not according to their mind to dignitie exalt 5 He that unto his dearest friends vaine flattery can speak Of his children the eyes shall faile when they in want shall seek 6 He as of babbling people vaine a by-word hath set me And to my foes in former times a tabret made to be 7 By reason of my sorrow great mine eye is dimme also My members as a shadow are all fill'd with greef and wo. 8 Men upright shall astonied be at this and which is meet The innocent himself shall stirre against the hypocrite 9 He that is given to righteousnesse shall al 's hold on his way And he that hath cleane hands shall be made stronger every day 10 But as for you all foolish men do ye returne and now Come for I cannot finde at all one that is wise with you 11 My dayes in vanitie are past for which I greatly smart My purposes are broken off even the thoughts of mine heart 12 My day of joy they changed have into the greef of night 13 Because of such a darknesse great they have made short my light 14 I have unto corruption said and to the wormes that crowle My father and my mother you and sister will I call 15 And where is now my hope As for my hope who shall it see 16 They to the pit shall go when in the dust we resting be Chap. 14 THen Bildad the Shuhite did say How long now will it be 2 Ere you end all your words Mark well and after speake will we 3 Wherefore are we as brutish beasts thus counted all the while And still reputed in your sight as naughty men and vile 4 In anger hote he tears himself shall the earth with disgâ—ace Be left for thee And shall the rock remov'd be from its
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
LORD do all things understand 6 Much better is the poor man that walks in his uprightnesse Then he that is perverse in heart though he swimme in richesse 7 Who well doth keep the Law of GOD is a son that is wise But he that likes the riotous men his father doth despise 8 He that his substance doth increase by gaine unjust most sure He shall it gather for the man that pitie will the poor 9 He that from GODS Law turnes his ear and will not hear gladlie His prayer abomination vile unto the LORD shall be 10 Who makes the righteous go astray he shall with great distresse Fall in his own pit but the just shall good things still possesse 11 The rich man in his own conceit is wise without all doubt â—ut the poor that well understands doth clearly search him out 12 When righteous men with heart rejoice great glory is to see â—ut when ill men to honour rise then good men hidden be 13 He that cov'reth his sins shall not well prosper in his dayes â—ut who shall them with heart forsake shall mercie have alwayes 14 Most happie he that feares alway GOD shall send him relief â—ut he that hardneth still his heart shall fall into mischief 15 As is a roaring Lion and as is a ranging Bear 〈◊〉 over a poor people doth a ruler ill appear 16 A Prince that wanteth wit is an oppressour in his wayes â—ut he that hateth covetousnesse shall well prolong his dayes 17 A man that by his violence doth any person slay By justice shall flee to the pit see that no man him stay 18 Who so in life walks uprightly that man he surely shall Be saved but he that in his heart perverse at once shall fall 19 He that painfull his land doth till shall of bread have plentie But he that followes persons vaine shall come to povertie 20 A faithfull man shall still abound with blessings permanent But he that hasteth to be rich shall not be innocent 21 To have respect of persons it is ill both more and lesse For for a peece of bread that man will certainly transgresse 22 He that makes hast for to be rich hath doubtlesse an ill eye And thinketh not that him upon shall come great povertie 23 He that a man rebuketh shall after more favour get Then he that falsly with the tongue to flatter still is set 24 Who so his parents robs and saith it is no fault at all The same of a destroyer we may the companion call 25 He that is of a hauty heart stirres up debate and strife But he that puts his trust in God shall be made fat in life 26 He that doth trust in his owne hâ—aâ—t most foolish is surely But he who wisely so doth walk shall well delivered be 27 He that doth give unto the poore shall not have any lake But he that hids his eyes shall have great curses on his back 28 When wicked ones do rise men hide themselves most secretly But when they die the righteous folk increase aboundantly Chap. 29. HE who reprov'd often his neck doth harden stubbornly Shall suddenly be all destroy'd without all remedy 2 When good men have authoritie the people all rejoice But when the wicked rule doth beare then is a mourning voice 3 Who wisdome loves he joyfull makes his fathers countenance But who with harlots still abides doth spend his whole substance 4 The King that 's wise by judgement doth establish well the land But it is overthrowen by him that hath a bribing hand 5 A man that with his flattring wordes his neighbour still doth feed He for his feet in all his wayes a net doth surely spread 6 In the transgression of ill men there surely is a snare But righteous men sing and rejoice with joy and gladnesse rare 7 The righteous man considreth well the poor mans cause apart But wicked men to know it once regard not in their heart 8 Men scornefull bring a city in a fearfull snare alway But wise men through their wisdome great do turne all wrath away 9 If wise wen with a foolish man into contention fall Whether he rage or yet he laugh there is no rest at all 10 The blood thirsty doth hate the man that upright is in life But the just man contrarily seeks to preserve his life 11 A foolish man doth utter all his mind most foolishly But a wise man till afterwards it keeps in cunningly 12 If eare to lies a ruler give which do mens names defame His servants all to slanders al 's their tongues will surely frame 13 The poor and the deceitfull man by the LORDS power divine Together meet the LORD on both doth make his sunne to shine 14 The King upright in all his wayes that judgeth faithfullie The poore his throne for evermore shall sure establish'd be 15 Rods and reproofs great wisdome give but which is worthy blame A foolish childe left to him self his mother brings to shame 16 When wicked men are multiplied transgression doth increase But righteous men shall see them fall in danger and distresse 17 Correct thy son and he shall give thee rest both day and night Yea prudent he unto thy soul shall surely give delight 18 The people where no vision is do perish speedily But he that well thâ— law doth keep most happy sure is he 19 Servants corrected will not be by wordes that men can say For though they well do understand yet will they not obey 20 A man most sudden in his wordes and hasty dost thou see There is more hope of any fool nor of him there can be 21 He that a servant from a childe up brings too tenderly Shall at the length have him most sure as his own son to be 22 An angry man doth strife stir up with a most troubled sound Men furious in transgressions great do alwayes still abound 23 A mans own pride shall bring him low under his neighbours feet But honour shall uphold alwayes the man of humble sprite 24 Who so is partner with a theef his own soul hates alway He doth hear men urg'd with great oathes and doth them not bewray 25 The fear of man doth bring a snare but who for to endure In safety trusteth in the LORD he shall be safe and sure 26 The Rulers favour many seek which may them help afford But the judgement of Judges doth depend upon the LORD 27 The man unjust abhorred is by the just man alway The wicked is even loth'd by him that 's upright in the way Chap. 30. WIse Agurs words son of Jakeh even the sweet prophesie The man spake unto Ithiel and Vcall certainly 2 Surely I am more brutish then all other men can be And understanding of a man I have not as ye see 3 I neither wisdome good did learne which wise men well do teach Nor yet to holy knowledge I am able for to reach 4 Who hath ascended up to heaven Or who from thence againe Descended
instructed be I gladly would thee cause to drink of my well spiced wine And of the fair Pomegranates juice which pleasant is and fine 3 Under my head in lovely wayes his left hand laid should be And his right hand most tenderly likewise embrace should me 4 O daughters of Jerusalem I charge you that ye cease To stir up or awake my Love and that untill he please CHRIST Who is this from the wildernesse that comes up by and by And thus on her Beloved doth ev'n leaning still rely It is my Church I thee did raise up from the Apple tree Thy mother there thee did bring foorth she brought foorth that bare thee The beleeving Jewes Me as a seale set on thy heart and on thine arme set me â—or love as death and as the grave most strong is jealousie â—ven burning coales of hotest fire are the coales of the same Which kindled have a vehement and a most piercing flame True love can not be quench'd at all by waters flowing downe â—or yet can floods of troubles great by any force it drowne â—f any largely of his house would give the substance all â—t utterly contemned should be both by great and small We have a little sister which no breasts hath lesse or more What shall we do even in the day she shall be spoken for CHRIST If she continue firme and fast like to a mighty wall A silver Palace build on her we altogether shall And if she be even as a door to give eare to my words We will most safely her inclose with finest Cedar boards The beleeving Jewes 10 I am a wall my breasts also like towers are on the ground Then was I in his eyes as one that had his favour found CHRIST 11 At Baal-Hamon a vineyard king Solomon had set The vineyard unto keepers he for profite then had let Each one of these his servants for the sweet fruit of the vine A thousand pieces was to bring of silver good and fine 12 My vineyards fruits are all for me but thou O Solomon Must have a thousand and the rest the farmers live upon 13 Thou that in Gardens dwellest faire and livest in Gods feare â—ompanions hearken to thy voice cause me it al 's to heare The Church â—ake haste my Welbelov'd and be thou like unto a Roe 〈◊〉 to young Harts that on the mounts of spices quickly go THE SONG OF MOSES AT THE RED SEA After GOD had drowned Pharao and his whole hoast EXOD. 15. vers 1. Will now sing unto the LORD for he hath gloriously Triumph'd he horse and rider al 's hath throwen into the Sea The LORD he is my strength and song and my salvation sure An habitation I for him most gladly will prepare My fathers GOD he still hath been and that in every part I him therefore will now exalt and that with all my heart 3 The Lord who hath a mighty arme is as a man of war The Lord most surely is his name well known both neer and far 4 He Pharos charets and his hoast hath cast into the Sea In the red Sea even drowned all his chosen Captaines be 5 With frothy deepths GOD cov'red them this work he did alone Into the bottome they did sink even as a heavy stone 6 Thy right hand is become O LORD most glorious in great power Thine arme and thy right hand thy foes have dasht even all to powder 7 Thou hast thy foes all overthrown in great excellencie Thy wrath thou sent'st foorth which consum'â— them as the stubble dry 8 And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters gath'red there â—he floods stood upright as an heap the deepths congealed were Th enemy said I will pursue them will I overtake will divide the spoile my lust upon them will I wreak In my wrath most fierce will draw my sword them to annoy â—y mightie hand with fearfull plagues shall surely them destroy 11 Thou didst blow with thy boistrous wind the sea them covr'd indeed â—hey in the mighty waters all sank downe as heavy lead 12 Who 's like thee LORD among the gods who 's glorious like to thee â— holinesse and fearefull praise and wonders done by thee 13 Thou in thy fierce wrath stretchedst out thy right hand with great strength â—he earth opning her mouth did then all swallow up at length Thou in thy mercy hast led foorth thy people bought by thee Thou in thy strength them to thy house hast guided lovingly 14 The people all shall heare of this and they shall be afraid The indwellers of Palestine with grief shall be dismaide 15 The Duks of Edom all amaz'd with Moab tremble shall The indwellers of Canaan shall melt away and fall 16 By thy great Army feare and dread shall heavy on them fall They as a stone still shall be till thy people passe ov'r all O LORD till that thy people all passe ov'r with courage fine Which thou by thine Almighty hand hast purcha'd to be thine 17 Thou strong shalt bring them in and them plant in thy holy place Ev'n in thy pleasant Sanctuary establish'd by thy grace 18 The LORD shall reigne for evermore most like a mighty King 19 For he on Pharo and his house the lofty waves did bring But the children of Israel all who did the LORDS command They in the mids of all the sea went safely on dry land Miriams Song at the red Sea THen Miriam the Prophetesse the sister of A'ron Did daunce with women thankfully and Timbrels plaid upon And Miriam thus answer'd them 〈◊〉 praise GOD for now hath he â—riumph'd He horse and rider al 's hath throwne into the Sea The Song of Moses a little before his death DEUT. 32. vers 1. THE PREFACE O Pleasant heavens that are above with diligence give ear And I will speak O earth below the wordes of my mouth hear 2 My doctrine shall drop as the raine my speach as dew shall passe As small raine on the tender herb and showres upon the grasse 3 Because I surely publish will the blest name of the LORD Yee greatnesse to our GOD therefore ascribe with one accord The first Part. 4 He is the rock his work 's perfite his wayes all judgement be A God of Truth and without sin most just and right is He. 5 They have corrupt themselves their spot is not the spot alwayes Of his children they are perverse a race of crooked wayes 6 Unwise people do ye requite the Lord thus Is not He Thy Father buyer Hath he not made and establish'd thee 7 Remember ye the dayes of old yeeres past consider well Thy Father aske he will thee shew thy Elders will thee tell 8 When the most High to nations did th' inheritance divide When he the sons of Adam all did separate beside He by his wisdome set the bounds of all the people then According to the number of his Israels children 9 For the Lord for his portion hath his people without blot Jacob is his inheritance
appointed as by lot 10 He found them in a desert land and wast wildernesse He Him led instructed and him keept as th'apple of his eye 11 As th' Eagle stirreth up her nest fluttreth her young upon Her wings doth spread and taketh them to carry them thereon 12 So the good Lord did him alone lead in all wayes safely And no strange god there was with him in all that company 13 He made them ride on Canaan high that he th' increase might eat He made him oile and hony suck from flintie rocks most sweet 14 Butter of Kine and milk of Sheep he gave to every man With fat of Lambs and also Rams of the breed of Bashan He gave them Goats with the fat of Kidneyes of wheat right good And of the sweet Grapes thou didst drink the pure wine red like blood The second Part. 15 But Jeshurun who should have beene most righteous then did kick Thou waxed art exceeding fat thou art growne very thick Thou cov'red art with fatnesse then his maker he forsooke And of his sure salvations rock no care at all he took 16 With strange gods they provoked him unto great jealousie With great abominations they him angry made to be 17 They sacrificed unto devils to gods whom they not knew Whom your fathers did never feare ev'n gods that were but new 18 Thou art unmindfull of the Rock which thee once did beget And the Lord God that formed thee thou didst alwayes forget The third part 19 And when the LORD saw it he did abhorre them all anone Because of the provoking great of Daughter and of Son 20 He said I will from them my face hide and I will now see Their end they are a froward race in whom no faith can be 21 With that which is not GOD they have me mov'd to jealousie â—o anger they have me provok'd with their great vanitie them also to jealousie with such as are no flock Will move to anger them with fools I surely will provoke 22 For in my wrath fire kindled is such as no tongue can tell It shall not cease alwayes to burne ev'n to the lowest hell It shall consume the earth all with her increase mans desire And the foundations of the mount shall surely set on fire 23 Upon them of mischeef a heap I certainly will send I also upon them in wrath mine arrowes now will spend 24 They shall consumed be and burnt with paine of hunger great And suddenly shall be devour'd with a most burning heat And with bitter destruction I will also on them thrust The teeth of beasts with poison al 's of serpents of the dust 25 The sword without terrour within destroy shall and not spare The young man Virgin Sucklings al 's with the man of gray haire 26 I said I into corners would them quickly scatter then I would make their rememberance to cease from among men 27 Were it not that I the great wrath fear'd of the enemie Lest their vaine adversaries should behave themselves strangly And lest that they puft up with pride should say these words anone Our hand now high is and the LORD this work all hath not done 28 For they all a vaine Nation are of wholesome counsell void No understanding good at all in them doth still abide 29 O that they were wise so that they this clearly understood That they would now their latter end consider for their good 30 How should but one a thousand chase and two al 's put to flight Ten thousand if their Rock had not them sold and shut up right 31 For their rock in no way is as our rock that mighty is We none but ev'n our enemies seek for to be Judge of this 32 Of Sodom and Gomorrahs field their vine I truely call Their clusters great most bitter are their grapes are grapes of gall 33 Their wine is Dragons poison which from these grapes doth distill And is the cruell venime of vile Aspes that men do kill 34 Is not this wickednesse laid up in a great store with me And up among my treasures al 's ev'n sealed secretlie The fourth Part. 35 To me belongeth vengeance and recompence for their crime Their foot shall slide assuredly in due appointed time For their day of calamitie is surely neere at hand And the things that shall come on them Make hast and shall not stand 36 For the Lord shall his people judge and for his folks repent When their great power hee sees all gone and altogether spent 37 And he in his great wrath shall say where are there gods of might Their rock in whom they trusted much they come not now in sight 38 Which ate fatlings and wine offrings in drink did not reject et them rise up and with their strength you help and al 's protect 39 See now that I am he ev'n I no god there is with me kill I also make alive I wound I heal safely here be not one among the gods by sea or yet by land hat by his strength deliver can out of my mightie hand 40 For I my hand unto the Heaven do now lift up and heave â— signe of a great oath and say for ever as I live 41 If I my glistring sword whet and judge in severitie vengeance surely will reward to my foes that hate me 42 I will mine arrowes in my wrath which is now kindled sore ake drunk with blood and my sword shall their filthie flesh devore And that with the blood of the slaine and men that captives be From the beginning of revenge upon the enemie 34 Rejoice ye nations with his folk for he who doth not change Will the blood of his servants dear most speedily avenge And to his adversaries will a vengeance render full And to his people and his land will be most mercifull THE SONG OF DEBORAH AND BARAK After the Victorie against th armie of Jabin King of Canaan who reigned in Hazor whose Captaine was Sisera whose head was cut off by Jahel the wife of Heber JUDGES 5. vers 2. PRaise ye the LORD for th' avenging of his own Israel so When as the people willingly did to the battell go Hear Kings and Princes I even I will sing unto the Lord nto the Lord God of Isra'l I praises will afford Lord when thou wentst from Seir when thou didst march from Edom land he Earth trembled the Heavens did drop the clouds they did disband The Mountaines melted from before the Lord God Eternell â—en that Sinai from God before the God of Israel In SHAMGARS dayes son of ANATH in the dayes of JAEL â—e high wayes were unoccupi'd they went in bywayes all The indwellers of villages in Israel did cease ntill that I DEBORAH rose a mother to make peace They chose new gods then in their gates was war was there a shield spear fourty thousand among in city or in field 8 My heart to Isra'ls Governours is that with one accord Offred themselves most willingly to Battell blesse the