Eternall From GLASGOW the 28 of MAY 1644. Your humble servant Mr. ZACHARY BOYD PRAYERS TO GOD FOR HIS ASSISTANCE IN THIS WORK 1. AT Thee JOVAH this work I will begin Inspire mine heart and also guide my pen Teach me to teach and to publish the story Of thy most great workes to thy praise and glory â—ouchsafe on me in thy mercy a look â—hat with thy praise I may embosse my book â—y heart anone shall godly matter frame 〈◊〉 thou shalt glade it with thy glowing flame 〈◊〉 shine on me with thy bright countenance â—nd make thy beams through my bowels to glance 〈◊〉 let not from me thy good sprit depart â—hat with thy Saints I here may act my part 2. O Mighty GOD who all things underprops Refresh mine heart with thy cleare silver drops â—ke Zion hill in a faire May morning â—angled with dew that I thy praise may sing 〈◊〉 purge my soul my drossie sprits refine â—ne empty breast fill with thy breath divine â—onceive in me and after bring to birth â—erses most sweet which I may warble forth â—ouble thy sprit on me LORD I thee call â—â—jah like let mercies mantle fall â—y verse begot in paine and borne in pleasure â—â—t them containe of thy praises a Treasure Grant unto me that in my sacred layes I may expresse the glory of thy wayes O blessed Lord who hearts and reines dost try Make thou my thoughts to soare and cut the sky My musick meene accept and with a look Of mine incense receive this little smooke The widowes mites get thy more large report Then Hecatombes of the richest sort O Lord of love my soul with mercy fraught And take in good part this poore Char-coale draugâ— All foggie mists and sable clouds expell That I thy praise unto the world may tell Reveale to me Salvations sacred things Seal'd in the Casket of the King of kings O Jesus Christ be thou my sure refuge Who bare the doome of that Italian Judge 3. O gracious God now teach me to compile An usefull work with grace now steel my stile That whosoever reads this book he may Reape profite I comfort thou praise for ay The use of this Booke COnsider this who dost these verses read Heer is a Garden both with flowre and weed The pleasant Rose heâ—re smelleth fragrantly The stinking Hemlock thou may also see Heere learne with godly godly be in life Ahorre all these who have beene men of strife Example good follow but shun abuse By Gods wisedome of all these men make use THE GARDEN OF ZION ADAM Earth THis is the man who after sea and land Was made of Earth by great JEHOVAHS hand In his nostrils He breath'd the breath of life And of a rib Hee form'd for him a wife â—ithin this clay immortall life He placed â—f he by sin had not himself disgraced By divine favour He gave him a pledge True holinesse which was His own image He in great love did choose him as His heir And made him of so foule a masse so fair His great VICE-ROY yea His beloved Son Perfect and peerlesse even a Paragon But Oh alas he did not so abide But lost this image by his foolish pride And unbelief whereon as on a rock He made shipwrack a senselesse sottish block That learned Tree the Tree of good and ill Abusde by man did mankinde spoile and spill When he was well content he could not sit But lost us all by a forbidden bit The lofty wife and the crafty Serpent For Adams fall were Satans instrument The sprite apostat residing within That speckled beast with smooth damask skin The simple sexe deceived craftily Assuring her with GOD equall to be Poor Adam chiefly by her lost his life Who was his Phoenix Sister Daughter Wife The earth therefore for pleasant fruits and corneâ— Brought nothing foorth but nettles thistles thorne When man did look of fruits to get a feast The briers and burs did bristle up their breast The LORD on man no meat then would allow Till first the sweat should bubble on his brow He who before was holy meek and wise A fool by sin was thrust from paradise A glorious Park wherein without all tearm He might have dwelt if he had pay'd his Farm But now disgrac'd for disobedience To dwell in Eden he hath not licence The tree of life to him may not affoord Her fruit A Cherub boasts him with a sword Nine hundred and al 's thirty years he lived â—mmortall first at last for sin he died Thus he whom satan by sin did deceive A slimy Burgar was laid in his grave The Use When thou hast sinn'd beware thy selfe to hide â—n Adams fall behold the fruits of pride Of strong made weak of wise become a foole Gods character cancell'd with griefe and doole Great sweat of browes no rest untill our bones â—e cooped up in a cold heap of stones â—h that our sense as the spiders could be Which starts as soone as stirres the buzzing flie Within her web Oh that we could begin â—o feele to hate the least approach of sin EVAH Living ISHAH of man was after call'd EVAH From life by ADAM direct'd by JOVAH She of a rib was made the first woman Who by her pride brought many woes to man Mans other self his love his help his wife With the serpent was cause of all the strife For such a fault her poor condition Was paine in birth and great subjection But heere her comfort in her greatest need The womans seede shall bruise the serpents head The Son of Marie Jesus Christ our Lord 'Twixt God and man shall make a blest accorâ— The Use Let EVAHS fall vaine vvomen terrifie And teach them all to love humilitie Blest be her seede vvho us restor'd againe And of our sins unreel'd the snarled skain CAIN Possession FIrst borne of man name from possession A sacrificer by profession â—hy browe did fall with an envious eye â—ecause the Lord prefer'd Abel to thee â—hou of Abel a bloody murderer â—ecamst who should have beene his best keeper â—ecause his blood doth cry aloud to me â—hou on the earth a vagabound shall be The Use â—y Cains madnesse thou may clearely try What monsters lurke in the sinne of envy â—inne soone is done but after comes the smart 〈◊〉 vagabound all trembling at the heart â—en sinne in secret but God keeps account 〈◊〉 his exchequer how their sinnes do mount ABEL Vanitie THou second Sonne thy name is vanitie Thy Hebrew name did so foretell to thee â—hy cruel brother through envy and strife 〈◊〉 thy faire youth bereft thee of thy life â—ods holy worship thou didst not neglect 〈◊〉 thy service JEHOVAH had respect â—hough in thy youth of death thou trod the path â—â—t still thou lives renowned for thy faith The Use It is no wonder by envie and wrath To see just men unjustly put to death Most blest is he whose heart base slimy he Surmounting towards his creature leaps Strive vvith Abel to dwell
house and Judahs gave to thee If in thine eyes that too little had beene I would moreover unto thee have given Even such and such things great renowne and fame Which I bestow on these that feare my name Why hast thou beene so foolish and unwise As Gods precepts thus to tread and despise Most wickedly to do evill in his sight To seeme godly and yet to use such slight Poore Uriah the Hittite in a word Thou cruelly hast killed with the sword Thou first defil'd and now hast tae'n to wife His deare ewe-lamb and reft him of his life Thou lives secure as though no ill were done Thou hast him slaine with the sword of Amon. Now after sin shall surely come the smart Hence from thine house the sword shal not depart Because by blood and vile adulterie Two scandals great thou hast despised me Thus saith the Lord who is most righteous I will against thee out of thine house Raise up much evill I will before thine eyes Even take thy wives and give them for to please Thy neighbour who with them shall openly Before the Sunne in beastly manner lye These most vile sins in secret thou hast done But this before all Israel and the sun Shall be see what shall be in end thy luck When for such sinnes such sorrowes thou shalâ— truck And so exchange that for thy filthie lust Thou shalt still smart untill thou turne to dust Ev'n as a bird greev'd in a wierie gail Doth lowring droop and hang the wing anâ— taile Even so shalt thou the rest of all thy time Perplexed be for thy most bloody crime Then David pierced through the very heart Of his folies began to feel the smart He was so lively touched for his sin That how to speak or how his speach begin He doubted much whiles this whiles that did sound Within his breast his thoughts did him confound At last with teares his mouth utt'red this word I have alas sinned against the Lord By my fleshly and most uncleane desire I like a swine have wallow'd in the mire I like a beast have not well understood What guiltinesse comes by shedding of blood Heere in thy presence to thy Holinesse Against my self my sin I do confesse These bloods alas are ever in presence They weigh down sore upon my conscience How can I hence before thee lift my face Who have profest and yet practisd disgrace Against thee who me from the ewes did take And of a sheepheard me a King did make Most justly may thy wrath with loudest raps Ev'n through my heart thrill roaring thunder claps But oh O Lord forget my hainous sin Take mercies kyes and let my soul come in Though I have sinn'd yet will I still beleeve That thou in mercy wilt my sins forgive Then Nathan said The Lord thy sinnes surelie Hath put away fear not thou shalt not die From death eternall I will thee protect But justice willeth that I thee correct Thy sinne therefore I will visit in hast Ev'n blood for blood for adulterie incest Thou shalt not faile to feel a greevous smart For from thine house the sword shall not depart Because thy sinne hath caused blasphemie Therefore thy Sonne shall now most surely die When Nathan was departed to his house Then God the Lord who is most righteous Did strike the child with great and sore sicknesse Then David God besought in his goodnesse That he would not remove the child by death For this he fasting lay upon the earth The Elders came and urged him to eat But he would not refresh himself with meat When it was told him that the child by death Removed was he quickly rose from th' earth He wash'd himself and chang'd his countenance To the Lords house he went with diligence From thence to his owne house there he sought meate They gave him bread and he began to eat What thing is this then did his servants say While thy childe liv'd thou did both fast and pray But when the child was knowne for to be dead Thou rose from earth with courage to eat bread Then answ'red he While the childe was alive I did then pray that God would let him live But now h 'is dead God would it so to be I know he will no more returne to me After his death Bathshebah bare a son To David who did call him Solomon But Nathan sent from the great JEHOVAH Changed his name unto Jedidiah A man of peace beloved of the Lord Of both the names the clear sense doth afford In this meane time the great GOD JEHOVAH Remembred what had beene done to Vriah Then his threatnings began to take effect Great plagues were sent David for to correct Amnon defil'd his dear sister Tamar For this Absalom Amnons life did mar This man who did excell in great beautie In Hebron made a lewd conspiracie To slay David both his father and King That after he upon his throne might reigne He not ceasing from this ill work begun His fathers wives defil'd before the Sun He wanting the true feare of th'Eternell ' Gainst his father fiercely went to battell At Bahurim that vile rogue Shimei Like a cur dog did raile most bitterly Crying Come out thou man of Belial A bloody man thou shalt now pay for all The Lord at last who is most wise and good Hath upon thee returned all the blood Of King Sauls house in whose stead than dost reigne Thy son shall rule thou shalt no more be King The LORD hath plagued thee with shame and griefe Behold thou art taken in thy mischief Then stout Abishai son of Zerviah Davids sister not knowing that JOVAH Made David smart said Why should this dogg dead So curse th King I will take off his head He said to David Let me go anone That for his fault I may fall him upon But David knowing the minde of JOVAH Said What with you the sons of Zerviah Have I to do Let him now curse he said For upon him the LORD this taske hath laid That he David should curse who then shall say Wherefore hast thou vile man so done this day Yea more David unto Abishai said A greater grief upon my heart is laid Behold the son of my bowels is come To seeke my life and to take my Kingdome How much more may this beastly Benjamite Do what he doth with a despightfull sprite Seeing I am so wronged by my Son I pray you all to let this man alone Let him curse still touch him not with youâ— hand For what he saith it is by GODS command It may be that God with compassion Will looke upon my great affliction And that he will though he a space delay Requite me good for his cursing this day Then Davids armie ready with great might Prepar'd themselves ' gainst Absalom to fight When David view'd the march of his armie He said to Joab and Abishai Deare friends I pray deal gently with my Son Deal gently with the young man Absalom When
their ownâ— eyes For they at last perceived well and thought That this whole work of our great GOD waâ— wrought Moreover then the Nobles of Judah Sent many letters unto Tobiah And he to them for in Judah forlorne And wicked men had then unto him sworne And he to them for he was son in law To Shechaniah the son of Arah Also his son then called Johanan Had mar'd the daughter of Meshullam Also they did his good deeds before me Report that I to wrath might kindled be What wordes I spake they made him them 〈◊〉 heare And Tobiah wrot for to cause me feare Chap. 7. IT came to passe that when fair Salems wall Was builded and the doores were set up all When the porters and all the singers sweet With Levits were appointed as was meet 〈◊〉 to my brother called Hanani Over Salem then gave the charge quicklie As also to the good Hananiah Who was faithfull and did feare great Jovah 〈◊〉 said unto them See they not forgot That Salems gates untill the Sun was hote Should not be op'ned and that carefully Both day and night they should watch the câ—ty Now the city indeed was large and great But the people were very few in it The houses al 's were not in every part Well builded then my GOD put in mine heart To gather all the Nobles for to see To reckon evry mans genealogie So we found out the Register anone Of them which first came out of Bayylon Habajahs sons were put from the Priest-hood Because that they by Register make good Could not to shew their right genealogie So they no more as Priests might reckned be The governour then said as was most meet That holy things these men no more should eate Till their stood up at last a faithfull Priest With Vrim and with Tummim on his breast At this time the people were lesse and more Fourty two thousand three hundred threescore Besides these were servants numbred rightly Seven thousand three hundred seven and thirty They had of men two hundred fourtie five And women who to sing sweetly did strive The Tirshatha at these occasions With others gave right large oblations So God forgetting their iniquities Made Israel to dwell in their cities Chap. 8. THen the people gathred from every tribe Came all unto Ezra the Priest and scribe Desireing h m that he would take in hand To read and make them for to understand The law of God So Ezra stood to read And to expound the people all gave head And that he might be better understood He stood upon a Pulpit made of wood Ezra there standing did blesse the Lord then The people all answ'red Amen Amen With lifted hands their heads they bowed dowâ— And dâ—d worship with faces to the ground Then Jeshuah Hodijah and Bani With others read Gods law book distinctly And gave the sence in each difficle thing And causd them to understand the reading Then Nehemiah the Tirshatha great With Ezra Levites who the people taught Said to the people Now with one accord Rejoice this day is holy to the Lord See that to mourne or weep yee stand in aw For all did weep when they did heare the Law Then said he to them as he thought most meet Goe eat the fat and also drinke the sweet Send portions let nothing now be spared To help these for whom nothing is prepared Be not now sory but rejoice at length For that the joy of the LORD is your strength Thus the Levits with their most holy skill So taught the people that they all were still Now hold your peace to them there they did say Neither be greev'd for holy is this day Then all the people as they thought most meet Did go away both for to drink and eat And to send portions and to make great mirth Because they had heard GODS word of great worth Then gathred were upon the second day Numbers to hear what Ezra scribe would say Both Priests Levits and people in a band Came unto Ezra for to understand The law of GOD then found they that Isra'l In booths of branches once a year should dwell And that they should with diligence the same In all the cities of the land proclame So all the people for to shun reproof As Ezra bade made booths upon the roof Of their houses and some made in the street Some in GODS court as they thought fit aâ— meet Since Joshuas dayes Isra'l had not done so Then all rejoic'd as was enjoin'd to do The people then forgetting their distresse Were filled all with joy and great gladnesse Then Ezra wise a worthy man indeed In the book of Gods law did dayly read Seven dayes the feast they keeped the eight daâ— Was most solemne that done they went away Chap. 9. NOw of this mon'th in the twentie fouâ— day The children of Isra'l without delay Assembled were with sackcloth and fasting And earth upon them a signe of mourning Then from all strangers Israels holy seed Did separate themselves and did indeed Confesse their sins before the Lord right soone And al 's the sins which their fathers had done â—hen as they were directed by GODS grace â—ith reverence they stood up in their place â—ne fourth part of the day they read Gods law â—nother fourth part they confessd with awe â—heir greevous sins and that with one accord â—hat done in feare they worshipped the Lord. Then on the staires the Levites by and by â—o standing up unto the Lord did cry â—hen other Levits said with one accord â—tand up and blesse for ever yee the Lord â—hy glorious name for ever blessed be â—hich is extoll'd above blessings most hie â—hou even thou art the mighty Lord alone â—y thee the Heav'ns the Heav'n of Heav'ns were done â—ith all their hoste the Earth and all that be â—herein with what doth swimme in the deep sea â—hou by thy power dost preserve them all â—hey at thy feet to worship thee downe fall Thou art the LORD who diddest choose Abram â—rom Vr of Calde whom thou Abraham Didst call after and foundest most surely His heart to be most faithfull before thee With him in mercy thou being contenâ— Made a most sure and solemne Covenant To give the land of wicked Cananits Of Hittits and the profane Perizzits And Ammorits and Girgashites by grace To these who should be of Abrahams race What Thou hast said Thou hast performed now For in all things most righteous art thou The troubles of our Fathers thou didst see And heardst their cry even hard by the 〈◊〉 sea And shewedst signes and wonders to Pharo And on his servants and people also For Thou didst knowe how that they deâ— proudly Against them so a Name Thou didst gâ— Thee As clearely it appeares to us this day Yea before Thee we must confesse aâ— say Thou before them the red sea didst divide So that the waves were walls on every side â—hey stood up straight as thou diddest command â—hat thy people might walke
slaine The Song of Hezekiah afteâ— GOD had healed him of his sicknesse and promised unto him fifeteene yeeres of life ISA. 38. vers 10. IN cutting off of my short dayes I said I shall now go Unto the grave I am depriv'd of my few yeeres also 2 I said that in the livings land the Lord I shall not see I shall no more see man with these that heere indwellers be 3 Mine age is parted and remov'd by troubles and great strife Like sheepheards tents I veaver like have ev'n cut off my life With sicknesse he will cut me off what ever I pretend From day ev'n unto night wilt thou of me soone make an end 4 I rekned till morning that as a Lion so will he Break all my bones from day to night thou 'l make an end of me Like a poore Cran in great distresse or a troubled swallow â—o did I chatter I did mourne as doth the simple Doue My eyes do fail with looking up and very dimmed be O Lord I am oppressed sore now undertake for me 6 What shall I say he spoken hath and al 's hath done no lesse 〈◊〉 shall go softly all my yeers in my souls bitternesse 7 In all these things is of my sprite the life they that believe Do live by them Recover me and so make me to live 8 Behold for a desired peace I had great bitternesse But thou in love hast sav'd me from the pit of rottenesse For thou who of afflicted men dost ever notice take In thy great mercy all my sins hast cast behind thy back 9 The grave can not thee praise and death can not thee magnifie They that go to the pit can not in hope rest well on thee 10 The living yea the living shall thee praise as I this day The fathers to their children al 's shall teach thy truth alway 11 The LORD was ready me to save therefore we with accord To the string'd instruments will sing in the house of the LORD The Song of Jonah Containing a Prayer and Thanks for his delivâ—rance out of the belly of the Whale wherein hee had beene three dayes and three nights JONAH 2. vers 1. I Cry'd to God and he me heard out of hells belly I Did cry aloud and thou my voice even heardest by and by 2 For thou hadst cast me in the deep in the midst of the Sea â—e flouds me compassd and thy waves did all passe over me Then said I I out of thy sight am cast with great disdaine â—t to thy holy Temple I will surely look againe Ev'n to the soul the waters did me compasse with all speed â—e deepth me closde about the weeds were wrapt about my head To the bottomes of mountaines steep I went down speedily 〈◊〉 earth for ever with her barres did alwayes compasse me hast thou from corruptions pit by mercies me upon â—ord my God and Saviour dear my life brought up anone The Lord I did remember when my soul thus within me faint into thy Temple came my prayer ev'n unto thee â—hey that do lying vanities observe in any way Their owne mercy most foolishly they do forsake alway 8 But I to thee with thankfull voice will sacrifice afford What I have vow'd I minde to pay salvation's of the Lord. The Song and Prayer of Hâ—bakkuk wherein he declaretâ— his trembling at GODS Majestie and also the confidence of his faith while the Caldeans afflicted GODS people HABBAK 3. vers 2. O Lord God full of Majesty I thy servant have heard Thy speach in wordes of gravity and I was sore afraid 2 In midst of yeers revive O Lord thy work and ever still Make known al 's in thy burning wrath remember mercy well 3 From TEMAN and from PARAN mount came God the Holy one His glory cov'rd the heavens his praise was all the earth upon His brightnesse was as light he had Hornes coming from his hand â—here was the hiding of his great power which none did understand Before him went the pestilence and hoat coales at his feet He stood and measur'd all the earth as it did seeme most meet â—e did behold and also drove asunder nations all â—nd th' everlasting mountaines were scattred both great and small â—he hills perpetuall in their place did humbly stoup and bow His wayes are everlasting all as we do clearly know Of Cushan in affliction great I saw tents great and small â—he Curtaines of the Midian land did also tremble all Was the Lord God displeased much against the Rivers clear â—as thine anger incensed thus ' gainst Rivers far or neer Against the sea was thy wrath so that thou didst fiercely ride Upon the horses and charets that safety might abide 9 Thy bow all naked quite was made that men there might beleeve Thou sware unto the Tribes thou didst the earth with waters cleave 10 The hills thee saw and trembled all the water passed by The deep his voice did utter and lift up his hands on hie 11 The Sun and Moon stood in their place even at thine arrowes clear They at the light went and the shine of thy most glittring spear 12 Thou furious didst march through the land in indignation great Thou also didst the heathen thresh even in thine anger hot 13 For thy peoples salvation thou went'st foorth without all fear Even for salvation of great worth with thine anointed dear Out of the wicked house didst thou with power great wound the head Discov'ring the foundation all unto the neck with speed 14 Thou by thy hand Almighty of his villages the head Even with his staves did strike anone with fiercenesse great indeed They came out all as a whirlewind and that to scatter me Their joy was all as to devore the poor most secretly 15 With thine horses which were most strong thou didst walk through the Sea Even through the heap of waters great as men did clearly see 16 My belly trembled when I heard and at the voice anone My lips quiv'red and rottenesse did enter in my bone I trembled in my self that I might rest in dayes most sad When he comes to the people he with troupes them will invade 17 Though the figtree not blossome shall nor fruites in Vines shall be The labour of the Olive fat shall fade most certainly The fields shall not yeeld any meat the flock shall from the fold Be cut off and there shall no head in stalles be young or old 18 Yet will I in the mightie Lord rejoice in every part In the Lord God my Saviour dear I joy will with my heart 19 The Lord God is my strength and will make my feet swift to be Like Hindes feet and will make me walk upon my places hie The Song of Marie in the house of Zacharias after Elizabeth had told her that at her salutation the childe in her wombe had leaped for joy LUKE 1. vers 46. MY soul now all with gladnesse fill'd the LORD doth magnifie My sprite rejoiced hath in God a saviour
still for me 2 For he regarded hath of his handmaide thâ— estate so small For loe all generations sure shall hence me blessed call 3 He strong hath done great things to me and holy is his name Who still him feare his mercy great shall alwayes be on them 4 He hath great strength shew'd with his arme the proud he in all parts Hath scattred in the vaine conceits of their most foolish hearts 5 He hath put downe ev'n from their seats these that most mighty be And also he exalted hath these of a low degree 6 The hungry well he filled hath with good things evry way These who are rich and wealthy he hath empty sent away 7 In remembrance of his mercy he holpen hath indeed His servant Isra'l as he spake t' Abraham and his seed The Song of Zacharias wherâ— his mouth was opened after he had been nine moneths dumb for not believing the Angel Gabriel who from God had promised him a Sonne LUKE 1. vers 68. LEt the LORD God of Israel for ever blessed be For visited his people all and al 's redeem'd hath he 2 And of salvation he for us hath raisd up gloriously Ane horne in worthy Davids house who serv'd him faithfully 3 As he spake clearly by the mouth of his dear Prophets all Which since the world began have beene ev'n whether great or small 4 That we should from our enemies all be saved in each part And from the hand of all these men that hate us with their heart 5 The mercy promisd to performe unto our fathers and â—is holy Cov'nant made with us to make alwayes to stand Th' oath which he to Abraham sware that he to us most deare â—ould grant that we safe from our foes might serve him without feare Yea serve him in all holinesse and righteousnesse alwayes â—ot for a little space of time but ev'n for all our dayes And thou child of the highest shalt be call'd the Prophet rare â—or thou before the Lord shalt goe his wayes for to prepare Thou knowledge of salvation shalt unto his people give â—y the remission of their sins which he will all forgive â—o Ev'n through the tender mercy of our God most prone to grace â—hereby the DAY-SPRING from on high hath shew'n to us his face 1 To give light unto them that sit in darknesse and deaths shade Into the way of holy peace our feet alwayes to guid The Song of Simeon After he had long looked for the Consolation of Israel he at last moved by the Holy Spirit went to the Temple and there finding the babe Christ he took him up in his armes and blessed GOD and said LUKE 2. vers 29. NOw letst thou in thy mercy great thine old servant O LORD At last by death in peace depart according to thy word 2 For after many dayes at last mine eyes though now worne dimme Thy consolation sure and fast have with great comfort seen 3 Which thou O Lord most lovingly ev'n by thy saving grace Prepared hast aboundantly before all peoples face 4 A precious light to lighten all the Gentiles far and neer â—d al 's the glory of Isra'l that is thy people dear This Song of Simeon is alwayes sung in the French Church for conclusion after they have received the Sacrament of the LORDS Supper The use of all the Songs THE songs of Larks Linots and Nightingals Compard to these are but like naughty tales â—hich in our ears deserve to have no place â—hese divine songs sad hearts do well solace â—nd fill with joy yea and with capering foot â—ake souls to rise and dance where they did sit â—ithin our breasts like John at Marys voice â—hich made him leap and chearfully rejoice To sing such songs let us our selves inure â—ill that we dance above the starry floore â—nd sing to Christ the Hallelujahs sweet â—here Sunne and Moone are pav'ment for our feet Far from the words of a most vile infection Which slute the body and al 's slave th' affection Oh that we could from vain words heer forbear Till of our life be ended the Career Fy on vile men whose badry songs a blot Defile the air come from their filthy throat Fy on these who in vanities do swim Who dance and leap and hold out any lim With nimble fet-locks but have not a word Of holy songs to laud and praise the Lord Such want a heart Christs love for to remark They can not sing or dance before the Ark. But as for us away with fleshly love And beastly songs which Gods word doth reprove Vaine idle words which in these latter dayes Are made the subject of mens sweetest layes Let Christ the fairest all the Saints among Be still the matter of our daily Song Let all our Ditties runne upon this string Let hearts and Harps in him rejoice and sing What is amisse let us it hence remove That we may sing of Christ our life and love FINIS Some few Christian Precepts WHat God the gives take in good part cease other to devoure Like Alexanders glutton net whose Kingdome Kinged foure When thou triumphs not lofty be but think upon a crosse â—or who the day is set on hie may soone his laurell losse Take heed in time and learne to fear the great Almighty God Who made Denis a King to beare for Scepter Pedants rod. Remember how that Prince of Spaine who for Europe did breath By Gods Almighty hand was slaine ev'n by a louzie death Remember how some in their pride Gods heavy hand did feele Their head on neck could not abide off chopt with whiffing steele 6 Think still on death for time doth slip though it seemes but to creep Man heer is as at sea his ship still sailes though men do sleep 7 While wind doth serve embark be wise to meet all haps before When death shall cut thine enterprise then thou shalt row no more 8 Take time in time for wind and tide will in a moment turne We heere sure will not long abide and gone will not returne 9 Looke not heer for true happinesse the place of our exile A bare and barren wildernesse where we live all this while 10 Look on thy body as on clay the soule is stuffe more fine A substance which weares not away a blast of breath divine 11 Luske not in sloath seeke not thine ease Moths gnow cloaths in a chest Swords also rust within their sheeths and so do souls in rest 12 Manure thy heart with diligence and it in sow good seed But still beware of negligence for earely grows the weed 13 All idlenesse disnatures wit but travell makes it quick Do nothing that disableth it by force or yet by trick 14 With constant eye still Christ behold and on him still repose As with the Sun the Mary gold doth open still or close 15 When death us summons to go hence we should not be dejected For from the same no more the Prince then Carters is protected 16 Our life 's a web of small and grosse this is us giv'n for doome That sorrowes are as threeds a Crosse in this our earthly loome 17 Let us abhore ambition content with that we have In grave in one condition are King Earle Sir and Slave 18 This earth is like a Chesse-board where some leap some limp anone Kings Pawnes Knights Aphens heere and there stand yet there wood is one 1 TIM 1. vers 17. Now unto the King eternall immortall invisible the onely wise GOD be honour and glory for ever and ever Amen Errata IF any of these verses go not so smoothly as thou wouldest know that I have tyed my self verie straitly to keep still the wordes of the Scripture Some escapes there be in the printing at some times a syllable more and some are lesse then should but the judicious Reader may easily take the matter up Pag. 272. Davids house is put for Isra'ls house Pag. 142. bribidge for bribing Pag. 265. qy for by Pag. 330. day say for did say Pag. 364. trotring for totring c.
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
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
like shades we know not how 10 Shall they not in their wisedome great thee teach well by their art â—nd utter still most worthy words even out of their owne heart 11 Can the greene rush without the mire or moisture well up grow Or can the flag grow up and spring where waters do not flow 12 While it yet in his greenesse is and not cut downe alway Before all other herbs it doth even wither quite away 13 So are the paths of all these men that the Lord God forget So of all hypocrits the hope shall perish without let 14 Whose vaine yea and most foolish hope shall be cut off quicklie Whos 's idle and unconstant trust like spiders webs shall be 15 He shall then leane upon his house but it shall not stand sure He shall with both hands hold it fast but it shall not indure 16 He is most greene before the Sun his branches all about In his faire Gardens pleasantly with buds and bloomes shoot out 17 His rootes about the heap are wrapt and of stones see the place By force of their owne moisture they through rubbish have increase 18 If he destroy him from his place then shall it him deny I with mine eyes have not thee seene shall it say by and by 19 Behold of his way this the joy from such things still doth flow â—ut of the earth even surely heere shall others lately grow 20 Behold a good and perfect man God will not cast away either will he in mercy help the evill doers alway 21 Till he with laughing from great joy thy mouth in mercy fill â—nd like wise satisfie thy lips with great rejoicing still 22 They that thee hate with wicked hearts with shame shall clothed be â—he place where wicked men do dwell shall come to nought surelie Chap. 9. THen holy Job answ'red and said this to be truth I see But how should man who is perverse with God thus righteous be If he in rigour and in wrath with him would once contend can not answere him unto one point of a thousand 4 In heart he is wise and in strength is most mighty indeed Who ' gainst him hardned hath himselfe and after hath come speed 5 Which greatest mountaines doth remove and they know not surely Which overturns them in his wrath so that they cease to be 6 Which shakes the earth out of her place most like a rolling ball And the strong pillars makes thereof for feare to tremble all 7 Which by his power infinite commandeth the bright sunne So that at morne he riseth not he seales the starres anone 8 Which by his mighty arme alone doth spread out pleasantly The azurd heav'ns and treads upon the great waves of the sea 9 Which Arcturus and Orion that raging stormy youth Makes with the Plaiades and there faire chambers of the south 10 Which doth by his Almighty hand great things past finding out Yea and great wonders numberlesse in all the world about 11 Lo he goes by me so that him I by no meanes can see He doth passe on also but well hee 's not perceiv'd by me 12 Behold he takes away who can him hinder Who also Will unto him this boldly say What mindes thou now to doe 13 His anger God will not withdraw which makes his foes to droupe The proudest helpers that can come must under him all stoup 14 How much lesse by my wisedome small him answere well shall I To chuse my words out and with him the strongest reasons try 15 Whom though I were most righteous yet answere would not I But I would supplication make to my judge by and by 16 If I had call'd and he had given to me an answere choice Yet would I not beleev'd that he had hearkned to my voice 17 For with a temptest rageing sore he fiercely breaketh me And al 's my wounds without a cause he doth still multiplie 18 He will not suffer me my breath to take in great distresse But in his furious rageing wrath me fills with bitternesse 19 If I do speake of force and strength lo he is strong indeed And if of judgemâ—nt who shall set for me a time to plead 20 Mine owne mouth sure shall me condemneâ—d if I me justifie If I pleade perfect he me will prove most perverse to be 21 Though I were perfect yet I not would in a way unwise My soul know for to justifie my life I would despise 22 This is one thing therefore I it said in my great annoy The â—erfect and the wicked man GOD doth alike destroy 23 If that the scourge most suddenly men on the earth doth stay 〈◊〉 trials of the innocent he will laugh sport and play The earth is giv'n unto the hand of these that wicked be â—e judges faces there he cov'rs if not where who is he Now swifter then a post my dayes as well is understood â—ey suddenly doe flee away and so they see no good As swiftest ships before the winde they passed are away â—d as the Eagle in the aire that hasteth to her prey If I say I will my complaint forget that I may sport â—ill leave of my heavinesse and so my selfe comfort I of my sorrowes am afraid with griefe my heart is spent now that thou in judgement wilt not hold me innocent If I be wicked Why doe I then labour thuâ— in vaâ—ne If with snow water I me wash and make my hands most cleane 31 Yet shalt thou in the ditch me plunge and all my cleannesse marre And mine owne clothes me so defil'd shall surely me abhorre 32 For as I am hee 's not a man that I incontinent Should answere him and we should come together in judgement 33 Nor any dayes man yet there is betwixt us to command That might by his authoritie upon us lay his hand 34 Let him in his great mercy take his rod away from me And let not his most dreadfull feare me greatly terrifie 35 Then would I with great boldnesse and not feare him also But oh in this most troublous tyme it is not with me so Chap. 10. MY soul of my life weary is on me I my complaint Will leave I will in bitternesse speak of my soul all shent I boldly will say unto GOD See thou condemne not me â—ew me wherefore thou dost contend with me so bitterly Is it good that thou should'st oppresse and the work of thine hands â—espise And on the counsell shine of the most wicked bands Are thine eyes flesh or seest thou as a man on earth doth see Are thy dayes as the dayes of man or yeares as mans dayes be That after mine iniquitie and sin thou dost enquire Thou knowst that I not wicked am who can save from thine ire Thine hands have made and fashion'd me in all parts for the joy â—f these who were my parents deare yet thou dost me destroy â—emember now I thee beseech that thou me as thou canst â—f clay hast made and wilt thou now bring me againe