dwell Of the people nine parts they did ordaine In other Cities to dwell and remaine The people blessd all these who willingly Offred to dwell in Salems fair city Chap. 12. HEre are the Priests Levits of Israel Which came up with worthy Zerubabel Heere is al 's the hie Priests succession Recorded with the dedication Of Salems walls the office of the Priests Appointed for to keep the Solemne feasts Chap. 13. WHen we unto GODS Law gave audience We found it written that for no pretence The Ammonite or Moabite should come For ever in Gods congregation Because they met not Israel with bread But hired Bala'm against them indeed That he them should blast with bitter cursing Which God by grace turn'd into a blessing It came to passe now when they understood The law they did the mixed multitude From Israel so sever and disperse That they with them should have no more commerce Then Nehemiah caused speedilie Cleanse all the chambers which were set to be Prepared for Tobiah by th' hie Priest Eliashib who at his earnest request Being alli'd to him then did prepare A great chamber a great shame even there where The Levits laid incense and tithes of corne And wine and oyle which thitherto we borne For this greeved was good Nehemiah Who cast foorth all the stuffe of Tobiah Moreover he perceiving the Levits Whose charge was for the ceremonious rites Defrauded of their wonted portion Had with the Rulers great contention Hee said to them Fy on you how can yee Make GODS house thus through extreame povertiâ— To be forsaken by the Levits who By your vile greed are wronged so and so After that done he a man full of grace Made the Levits to returne to their place Then all Judah soon brought the tith of conâ— And the new wine and oyle were also borne With diligence unto the treasuries Which brought to Levits great commodities Treasurers likewise Nehemiah try'd Shelemiah Priest and al 's Zadok the scrib And of Levits Pedajah and Hanan The Son of Zaccur of these every man Was counted faithfull these did distribute What cheerefully others did contribute Then Nehemiah said Remember me Concerning this O my GOD graciously And wipe not out my good deeds I thee pray Which I have done for my GODS house the day In these dayes said the good Nehemiah 〈◊〉 saw others in the land of Judah Who on the Sabbath wine presses did tread Who brought in sheaves and their Asses did load Others wine grapes and burdens great did lay Upon beasts backs and on the Sabbath day Them brought to Salem and cornes openly Did sell but I gainst them did testifie There men also dwelt who brought fish from Tyre With divers wares which were costly and deare And on the sabbath these men most profaine Made their markets in GODS Jerusalem Then with the Nobles great men of Judah 〈◊〉 did contend for the great Jehovah What evill is this yee doe then did I say That yee profaine thus the LORDS sabbath day Against the LORD did not your fathers thus And did not our GOD bring all this on us And on this citâ—e yet ye bring more wrath On Isra'l by profaining the Sabbath It came to passe tâ—at when I did remarke That Salems gates began for to be darke Before the sabbath then I did command That all the gates should by my servants hand Be surely shut I straitly charg'd that they Should not be opned till the sabbath day Was fully past and so for this effect I at the gates some of my servants set And them directed most straitly that they Should not permit upon the sâbbath day Men to bring burdens so my servants wise Made the merchands for to lodge once or twise Without the wals then did I testifie Against these men and said for certaintie Why lodge yee thus about the wall profain Assure your self if yee do so againe On you most vile I will lay hands therefore From that tyme on sabbaths they came no more The Levites I ordain'd without delay To keep the gates even for the sabbah day Concerning this my GOD remember me And spare in the greatnesse of thy mercie I saw then Jewes who marri'd of Ashdod Wives and of Ammon and els of Moab Their children spake half in the Ashdods speach But of Hebrew they could not speake a which Then with them I severely did contend And did them curse and of them in the end I also smot some whom I did not spare In wrath also I plucked off their haire And by the Lord I made them for to sweare Saying yee shall not give your daughters dear Vnto their sons nor yet their daughters take Nor with them shall yee any mariage make Did not Solomon one of Isra'ls Kings Against the LORD sinne greatlie by these things Among many none was like unto him Outlandish women yet him causde to sin Will yee then with this ill defile your lives Even to transgresse by marying strange wives And then one of the sons of Joiada Son of Eliashib hie Priest of Jovah Sanballats daughter mari'd wickedly Therefore in haste I chased him from me Remember them my GOD because that they Thy holy Priest-hood have defil'd this day Thus I them cleansed from the wickednesse Of strangers and then in their businesse The priests and Levites I did well appoint Precise to keep their wards in every point Both for the first fruites and offring of wood Remember me O my GOD now for good THE USE By Zerubabel GOD in his mercy Did build the Temple and Salems city By Ezra scribe even to his lawes conforme The peoples manners he did well reforme And which indeed was not a comfort small By Nehemiah he built Salems wall See how the Lord his mercies doth inlargâ— By imposing to every man his charge That so his Church may on this earth endurâ— Divers he ordaines its well to procure Some to do this and some that at his wiâ— Which his favour demonstrates and his skill As he makes birds by pleasant quaverings Like nimble Thumbs which strike on diveâ— strings Renew their note and in diversitie Rejoice mans heart with a sweet melodie Even so the Lord with divers gifts doth decâ— That he thereby his people may protect And beautifie and so them may advance From under the Bushell of ignorance See how God doth his divers comforts seal Both for the church and al 's the commonwell THE GARDEN OF ZION The Booke of Esther A Prayer 〈◊〉 Now must speak of Ahasuerus King And of Haman who on a tree did hing And likewise of the godly Mordecai Who for the well of Gods church did apply His heart for to her happinesse procure That she from danger might abide most sure Of this good Esther with goody intent Was by God made a blessed instrument Now come good God and with thy breath divine â—nspire mine heart my drossie sprits refine Powre in my breast thy sacred divine powrs And teach me how to spend my
heavy hands Aaron and Hur did stay By his prayers Isra'l prevail'd that day By his prayers they got the victory He built the Altar Jehovah Nissi At Horeb where before he did keep sheepe Iethro him brought his wife and children eke When Iethro had to him counsell imparted To his owne land from Moses he departed Then Moses went up to God on Sinai Who did direct him all these words to say What I have done in Egypt yee did see On Eagles wings I bare you tenderlie Now therefore if yee will obey my voice Above all people ye shall be my choise 〈◊〉 Priests to me ye shall be a kingdome 〈◊〉 treasure deare an holy Nation â—at said Moses a man filled with grace â—id all these words before the peoples face â—en all the people answ'red him unto 〈◊〉 that the Lord hath spoken we will doe â—e to goe to to Moses God did say 〈◊〉 â—pare Israel to morrow and to day 〈◊〉 the third day with glory and renown â—â—fore Isra'l I minde for to come downe â—ke heed for if man or heast that have breath â—t touch the mount they shall be put to death 〈◊〉 any touch the mount they shall be then â—ot throw or stoned whether beasts or men â—t to come up to them it shall belong â—hen they shall heare the Trumpet sounding long 〈◊〉 the third day thundrings and lightnings past â—â—e cloud and Trumpet made them all agast â—â—en smoak and fire on SINAH for a space â—â—cended as the smoak of a furnace â—â—en all the people trembled fearfully â—â—a the mount SINAH quaked all greatly â—en God came down whom MOSES heard and saw â—â—d in two Tables wrot his fierie Law â—hile MOSES was upon the mount with God â—â—ey made a calf as if they had beene mad Of Egypts spoile to make it they were bold Even of Gods gifts they had no other gold They ate they dranke and then rose up to pâ— Behold thy gods foole ISRAEL could say Go get thee downe said God to MOSES thâ— For thy people are rather beasts then men Let me alone intreat not for this fall For in furie I will consume them all Oh said Moses why doth thy wrath wax Against Isra'l thine heritage and lot Think on Abraham Isaac and Isra'l On thy people let not thine anger fall While this grief Moses in his heart did feele The Lord in hast repented of the evill Then Moses swiftly from the mount went doâ— And brought with him the worthie sonne of 〈◊〉 While he and Moses from the Camp were farâ— Good Joshuah said I heare a noise of war But old Moses with his discerning eare Said not but voice of singing do I heare When he came neere and saw that filthie blot A golden idol not Gods childrens spot He brake Gods Tables in his kindled ire The golded Calf he burnt into the fire He ground it small and straw'd it in their driâ— That they an idole not God might it think Then Moses wroth unto the Levits cri'd 〈◊〉 every man his sharpe sword by his side â—e through the camp your brethren gorre and slay â—at the great God you all may blesse this day â—â—en the Levits these wicked men had slaine â—to the mount Moses return'd againe God be said alas while I behold a'l hath made unto them gods of gold â—ve mercy Lord with eyes of pitie looke â—â—don or else me blot out of thy Booke â—â—w goe said God as I shall give thee grace â—duct Isra'l unto my promis'd place â—â—aite my time when once I shall begin 〈◊〉 visit they shall suffer for their sinne â—ter this MOSES faithfull full of grace â—â—d great desire to see the Lords sweet face â—â—HOVAH good to hear him was not slack 〈◊〉 spare his life he let him see his back What verse what pen can paint this great Divine â—hose face JOVAH made with his face to shine â—ith God on SINAH fourtie dayes he past â—l this time he kept a most solemne fast â—here of JOVAH whose wisedome doth excell â—e learn'd the Laws which he taught Israel 〈◊〉 him God most excellent gifts did give â—e was the meekest that on earth did live Of yeeres he liv'd a hundred and twentie Without weaknesse and dâ—mnesse of the eye Because at MASSAH he fail'd in his faith Of CANAAN he might not tread the path To climb NEBO the LORD did him commanâ— That he might see from thence the holy land When this was done this man of GOD did die In MOAB land where GOD did him burie Before or after came none in his place Who knew JOVAH so clearly face to face The Song of Moses before his death THE PREFACE O Pleasant heavens that are above with diligence give eare And I will speake O earth below the wordes of my mouth heare 2 My doctrine shall drop as the raine my speach as dew shall passe As small raine on the tender herbe and showres upon the grasse 3 Because I surely will publish the blest name of the Lord 〈◊〉 greatnesse therefore to Gods name ascribe with one accord I. PART HEE is the rock his worke perfect all his wayes judgement be 〈◊〉 God of trueth and without sin most just and right is He They have corrupt themselves their spot is not the spot alwayes his children they are perverse a race of crooked wayes Vnwise people doe yee the Lord thus requite is not He â—y father buyer hath he not made and establish'd thee Remember ye the dayes of old yeeres past consider well â—ke thy father he will thee shew thy Elders will thee tell When the most High for nations did heritage divide Sufficient bounds for Israel he wisely did provide 9 For the Lord for his portion hath his people without blot Jacob is his inheritance appointed as by lot 10 He found him in a desert land and waste wildernesse hee Him led instructed and him kept as th' Apple of his eye 11 As an Eagle stir 's up her nest fluttreth her young upon Her wings doth spread and taketh them to carry them thereon 12 So the good Lord alone did him lead in all wayes safelie And there with him was no strange god in all that company 13 He made them ride on Canaan high that he th' increase might eat He made him sucke honey and oyle that were in rocks most sweet 14 Butter of kine and milk of sheepe he gave to every man â—ith fat of Lambes and also Rams of the bread of Bashan â—e gave them goats vvith the fat of Kidneyes of Wheat right good â—nd thou didst of the svveet grapes drink the pure Wine red like blood II. PART BVt Jeshurun vvho should have beene most righteous did kick â—â—ou art exceeding vvaxed fat thou art also grovvn thick â—â—ou covered art vvith fatnesse then His Maker he forsook â—nd of his sure salvations rock no care at all he took With strange gods they provoked Him unto great jealousie â—ith great abominations they mov'd Him to be angrie They sacrificed unto dev'ls to gods whom they
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
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
last of all â—y Nehemiah thou made up the wall â—f fair Salem O make us all to feel â—ithin our hearts such burning holy zeal NEHEMIAH The consolation of the Lord. Chap. 1. AS I was in Shushan there came to me One of my brethren called Hanani With certaine men of Judah of whom I â—hat was the state of the poor Jewes did try â—hat had escapt from among dangers great â—nd which of the captivity were left And they againe together said to me â—he remnant left of the captivitie â—e in reproach and great affliction And Salems wall is also broken downe Our foes most fierce who ' gainst us did coâ—spire The gates thereof have all now burnt with firâ— It came to passe when I these words did heâ— From great mourning I could no more forbeaâ— While that my heart greev'd to and fro wâ— driven I did both fast and pray the GOD of Heav'n I said O LORD of Heav'n I beseech thee Great and terrible that keepeth mercie And Covenant for them that do him love And keep the precepts of the Lord above Unto thy servant give attentive eare That thou thy servants prayer well may heare Which before thee I pray both day and night Israels sins confessing in thy sight Not onely so but oh alas both I And al 's my fathers house have sinn'd greatly Against thee wee have most corruptly dealt For which great grief and sorrows we have feâ— Thy statuts and thy most righteous judgementâ— We have not keept which thou by thy servant Moses did give Remember I pray thee What thou in justice and al 's in mercie Spake by Moses saying If yee transgresse I will you scatter but if yee confesse Humblie your sinne and returne timeously â—o me I will you gather most quickly 〈◊〉 our enemies also I will defame â—nd will you bring where I will set my name Now these are thy most faithfull servants and â—eople whom thou by thy Almighty hand â—edeemed hast O LORD my GOD now grant â—n eare attentive unto thy servant â—nd to thy servants prayer now give eare â—ho thy great name alwayes desire to feare â—hat I intend now prosper I thee pray â—hat I may find thine assistance this day 〈◊〉 the sight of this man me mercy grant â—or I cupbearer was the Kings servant Chap. 2. THe twenty year of Artaxerxes King I his cupbearer wine to him did bring 〈◊〉 his presence I had not beene before â—s I was then in great sadnesse wherefore â—he King himself thus looking on me said â—hat aileth thee and why art thou so sad â—eeing with sicknesse thou not troubled art This nothing else is but sorrow of heart When by the King these wordes were to 〈◊〉 said Then I anone was very sore afraid When at this time fear made my lips to quiver Unto the King I said King live for ever Why should I not be sad and all agast When the city of Salem lieth wast The place of my fathers sepulchres deare Its gates are burnt from greefe who can forbeare Then said the King to me See what is best For what dost thou now greeved make request Then lifting up my heart I did soone pray Unto the Lord and to the King did say If it the King please and if thy servant Have in thy sight found favour to me grant That I be sent unto Judahs citie That it anone may builded be by me Then said the King the Queene al 's sitting bâ— For how long shall be this thy great journey And when wilt thou againe to us returne Now set a time it keep and not adjourne When I this heard I set to him a time To let me go the King did well incline Moreover I said to the King humblie If it the King shall please let soone to me Letters be given for them that do govern Beyond the river that they well may learn That thy will is for th' honour of JOVAH â—hat they convey me over to Judah â—lso a letter to get I thought best â—o Asaph the keeper of the forrest â—hat he timber should give for beams quickly â—o make the gates of palace house city â—hat I did seek that did the king command â—ccording as on me was GODS good hand â—hen I beyond the river came quickly â—ving Captaines which the king sent with me When Sanbalat the wicked Horonite â—d Tobiah the servant Ammonite â—eard of it it them greev'd exceedingly â—hat any sought the good of GODS City So GOD who me did save in all my wayes â—ought me to Salem where I was three dayes 〈◊〉 the night tyme when sleep sad on men falls 〈◊〉 went and viewd the ruine of the wals Thereafter I the Jews did all invite 〈◊〉 build the wals and that even in despite 〈◊〉 all their foes Ye know said I what 's past â—rusalem GODS City lyeth waste â—a what our greatest foes did most require â—e wals are down the gates are burnt with fire â—en I to them declared most clearly â—w that the good hand of GOD was on me â—d how the king before I did depart Spake to me words which did comfort my heaâ— Let us rise up and build couragiously So GOD their hearts made stout and hands readâ— But when that Sanballat the Horonite And Tobiah the servant Ammonite And Geshen the Arabian did hear They at our work began to laugh and gyre And us despise what is this great doing Said they Will ye rebell against the king Then unto them I most boldly did say The God of Heaven will prosper us this day Therefore we now his servants will arise And build but you who Gods servants despise In Gods Salem have no memoriall You have no portion yea no right at all Chap. 3. IN this Chapter we have the names of all These who did build fair Salems broken wall Chap. 4. BUT after when that wicked Sanballat Heard that we did so build the wall and thâ— We courage had he wroth with indignation Did scoffe and mock the whole Jewish nation Before his brethren and of Samaria â—e armie he said laughing with Ha ha â—hese feeble Jewes what Will they fortifie â—emselves Or what Will they most foolishly 〈◊〉 sacrifice Will they even in a day â—d all this work Will they revive I say â—e stones out of their bruised rubbish heape â—hich are all burnt Now was the Ammonite â—obiah by him who said scornfully â—l that they build will fall down by and by 〈◊〉 that a Foxe but leap upon their wall â—e shall it break down and make all to fall Heare LORD how wee despised are indeed â—nd their reproach turn upon their own head â—nd make them all at last a prey to be â—en in the land of their captivity â—nd cover not their great sins lesse or more â—r thee to anger the builders before â—ey have provocked so we did anone â—ild all the wall till all was fully done But when Sanballat and Tobiah vain â—ith Ammonits Arabians profane â—nd Ashdodites that Salems wall did hear â—as
are still in righteousnesse No froward thing there is at all in them or yet perverse 9 They are all plaine to him that hath an understanding mind They are also all right to them that wisely knowledge find 10 Care not for silver but receive instruction manifold And carefully for knowledge seek more then the choisest gold 11 For wisedome Rubies is above and all the things most faire That may by men desired be can not with it compare 12 I wisedome with prudence alway do dwell most pleasantly And of inventions knowledge find that grave and wittie be 13 The feare of God is for to hate evill pride arrogancy And the evill way and froward mouth doe I hate all greatly 14. Counsell is mine and wisedome sound as men shall know at length I understanding am indeed I have no lake of strength 15 By me the mighty Kings do reigne who sit on benches hie And mighty Princes in their place do justice al 's decree 16 By me the Princes rule with might and Nobles by my grace Even all the Judges of the earth from me receive their place 17 I with my heart do love all these that have a love to me And these most surely shall me finde that earely seekers be 18 Continually I have with me both honour and richesse Yea riches dureable that are and also righteousnesse 19 My fruit is better then the gold yea then fine gold that glitter My rev'nue al 's is far above the fine and choicest silver 20 I all men that resort to me lead in the righteous way In the midst al 's of judgments paths that they go not astray 21 That I may cause all these that do me love and honour still Well to inherite wealth and I will all their treasures fill 22 The mighty Lord possessed me with mercies manifold In the beginning of his way before his works of old 23 From everlasting I set up was by his mighty hand From the beginning of all things or ever there was land 24 I was brought foorth when were no deepths even flowing on the ground When no fountaines there were which did with water great abound 25 Before the mountaines setled were before the hilles of worth Yea even from all eternitie I was indeed brought foorth 26 While as the earth and pleasant fields the Lord that 's wise and just Had not yet made nor highest part of all the worlds dust 27 When I prepar'd the heav'ns I was there in my holy place When he a compasse set upon the depths excellent face 28 When he established above the clouds as in a heap When he strengthned by his strong arme the fountaines of the deep 29 When to the sea he gave decree not for to passe a point His precepts when he of the earth the ground stone did appoint 30 Then I by him as one brought up with him was every day I his delight was and did joy before his face alway 31 Rejoiceing in these parts of earth which were indwelled then And my pleasure and cheefe delights were with the sonnes of men 32 Now therefore hearken unto me ye children young in dayes â—or they indeed most blessed are that wisely keep my wayes 33 Be wise and good instruction al 's be most glade for to hear And see that thou do not refuse unto it to give eare 34 Blest is the man that heareth me and watcheth at my gates â—nd of my doores waits at the posts as poor men in such seats 35 For who so findeth me doth find life which is greatest gaine â—nd he of the LORD GOD above much favour shall obtaine 36 But he that against me forlorne himself to sin doth move Much wrongs his owne soul yea all they that hate me death do love Chap. 9. VVIsedome her faire house builded hath which seemly is to see She hath hew'n out her pillars seven as ornaments to be 2 She killed hath the beast she hath mingled her costly wine She furnish'd hath her table rich with dainties good and fine 3 Her maidens that attend her she hath sent foorth by and by Upon the highest places of the citie she doth cry 4 Let simple men turne hither in and that without delay And as for him that wanteth wit she to him thus doth say 5 Come eat of my most blessed bread as I do you command And drink of the wine which I have well mingled with my hand 6 All these that foolish be forsake that happy so thou may Live a blest life and also goe in understandings way 7 He that reproves a scorner gets shame to himselfe and spot And he that wicked men rebukes doth get himself a blot 8 To shunne all hatred see that thou a scorner not reprove But a wise man rebuke and he will thee most surely love 9 Give to the wise instruction good and he will wiser be Teach a just man and he increase in learning will by thee 10 GODS fear is the beginning of wisdome that maketh wise The knowledge of the holy is ev'n wisedome sound alwayes 11 For thy dayes in great mercy shall be multipli'd by me â—nd the years of thy blessed life shall sure increased be 12 If thou be wise thou shalt be wise for thy selfe this now heare â—ut if thou scornest thou alone the smart thereof shalt beare 13 A woman that is clamorous and troubleth all the land â—e simple is and nothing knowes as she should understand 14 For at the doore she of her house sits idly on a seat the high places which are of the city large and great 15 To call the simple Passengers to make them go astray When for their worldly businesse they go right on their way 16 Who so is simple let him turn now hither for to sit And also she doth say to him that wanteth sprituall wit 17 The stoln waters of carnall lust are delicate and sweet And bread in secret corners are most pleasant for to eat 18 But he knows not that there the dead are though the Lord it tell And that her mad and foolish guests are in the depths of hell Chap. 10. A Wise son to his fathers heart doth cause joy and gladnesse But to his mother dear a fool brings grief and heavinesse 2 The treasures of great wickednesse no profite bring to man But righteousnesse deliv'reth sure from death that 's pale and wan 3 The Lord will not let good mens souls both famish and decay â—ut he the goods of wicked men in wrath doth cast away He that with a slack hand doth deale anone becometh poor â—t of the diligent the hand enricheth men most sure He that in Summer gathreth is a wise son worthy fame â—t he that sleeps in harv'st is sure a son that causeth shame Great blessings are upon the head of men without offence â—t the mouth of the wicked is cov'red with violence The memory of the just man who lives without a spot â—â—st blessed is but sure the name of wicked men shall rot The wise
him that without wisdome is great foly is his joy But uprightly he walks who wise his wits doth well imploy 22 Great purposes do fail when they good counsell are without But stablish'd they by numbers are of Counsellours about 23 By th'answer of his mouth a man hath joy well understood A spoken word in season due sure is exceeding good 24 The way of life is high above to him that wisedome hath That so he may right speedily depart from hell beneath 25 The proud mans house God will destroy that it may not endure But of widowes the border he establish will most sure 26 The Lord abhors the thoughts of these that constant are in ill But the words of the pure in heart are words most pleasant still That man his own soul troubleth much that greedy is of gaine But he that doth hate bribes and gifts shall sure alive remaine 28 The righteous heart doth studie still to answere every houre But the mouth of the wicked sort still ill things out doth powre 29 Unto all such that wicked are the Lord will not come neere But of all these that righteous be the prayer he well doth hear 30 The light of th' eyes doth still rejoice the heart and it comfort And al 's the bones are all made fat even with a good report 31 The eare that the reproofe of life doth hear well and obey Delighteth much for to abide among the wise alway 32 He that instruction doth refuse his own soul doth despise But he that humbly hears reproof gets understanding wise 33 Gods fear is the instruction good of wisdome most surely Before the time that honour come is true humility Chap. 16. THe preparation of the heart in man both night and day â—nd al 's the answere of the tongue is from the Lord alway 2 All the wayes of a carnall man in his own eyes are clean â—ut God doth weigh the sprits which are of him most clearly seen 3 Unto the Lord commit thy works that they may well endure â—nd he the thoughts shall of thine heart establish still most sure 4 The Lord most wisely for himself things of all sort hath made â—â—st a for the day of great distresse the wicked and the bad 5 The Lord abhors the proud in heart what ever he think or say â—hough hand join hand unpunished he shall not be alway 6 By Mercy and Truth wickednesse is purged from the heart And by the true feare of the Lord men from all ill depart 7 When a mans wayes reformed well the mighty Lord doth please He maketh even his enemies all to be with him at peace 8 A little thing with righteousnesse is better in Gods sight Then revenewes both great and large obtain'd against all right 9 The heart of man that prudent is his way may well devise But all his steps directed are by God both good and wise 10 A divine sentence in the lips of the King oft is found His mouth well rul'd transgresseth not in judgement good and sound 11 A just weight and the ballance al 's unto the Lord belong The weights all of the bagge his work are all the earth among 12 Abomination unto Kings to practise wickednesse It is for stablish'd is the Throne most sure by righteousnesse 13 The righteous lips that shunne all lies of Kings are the delight â—nd they do much respect and love him that doth speak aright 14 The wrath of Kings most surely is as messengers of death â—t he that prudent is and wise will pacifie such wrath 15 In light of the Kings countenance life doth alwayes remaine â—s favour al 's is as a cloud ev'n of the latter raine 16 Much better then the gold is it to get wisdome divine â—nd to get understanding then the silver that is fine 17 The high way of the upright is from all ill to depart â—t that wisely doth keep his way preserves his soul and heart 18 Pride got'h before destruction still among both great and small â—nd likewise doth an hauty sprite before a shamefull fall 19 Humble to be it better is with these that lowly be Then to devide with lofty men the richest spoile we see 20 He that his matters wisely guides shall alway find good speed And who so trusteth in the Lord he happy is indeed 21 The wise in heart in all their wayes most prudent call they will Likewise the sweetnesse of the lips increaseth learning still 22 A well of life unto the wife is wisedome most surelie But of fooles the instruction all great folly semees to be 23 Of the wise man the prudent heart his mouth doth wisely teach And maketh learning of all sorts unto his lips to reach 24 Words pleasant are as hony combs unto the soule most sweet And also to the bruised bones for health they are most meet 25 There is a way which unto man seemes right but in Gods wrath The end thereof which fearfull is the ill wayes are of death 26 He that doth labour doth it all for him self for to have For his mouth in necessitie the same of him doth crave 27 A man ungodly in his wayes digs up ill with desire And in his lips set on mischeefe there is a burning fire 28 A man that hath a froward heart discord doth sow and strife â—nd whisperers do sep'rat soone the cheefest friends in life 29 A man that 's given to violence his neighbour doth entise â—nd leadeth him into the way of wicked and unwise 30 He shuts his eyes things froward to devise a great trespasse â—e moves his lips with fraud and guile and bringeth ill to passe 31 The hoary head a fair crowne is of glory and riches it be well and wisely found in wayes of righteousnesse 32 He that 's to anger slow excells the mighty all among And he that rul's his speach him that doth take a city strong 33 The lot is cast unto the lap as at peradventur But the disposing all thereof is of the Lord most sure Chap. 17. A Morsell dry much better is and quietnesse of life Then houses full of sacrifice with great debate and strife 2 A wise servant shall over rule a son that causeth shame And shall inherit them among who brethren are by name 3 The fining pot for silver is appointed by and by And furnace for the gold but God the hearts of men doth try 4 A wicked doer to fals lips attentively gives head A liar al 's doth give his eare to naughty tongues indeed 5 Who mocks the poore his maker doth reproch most shamefully â—e punish'd sure shall be that is glade at calamity Childrens children a blest off-spring of old men are the crowne And fathers al 's of children are the glory and renowne 7 Speach excellent becometh not the men that foolish be Much lesse becometh it a Prince with lying lips to lie 8 A gift in his eyes that it hath is as a precious stone Whethersoever it doth turne it prospreth well anone 9
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.
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
came to Laban in the night and said Take heede to speake to Jacob good or bad My daughters to Jacob was Labans word Are like poore captives taken by the sword What hast thou done wherefore didst thou flee In so doing thou hast done foolishly Behold one thing which meriteth the rods Thou art a theefe why hast thou stolne my gods Why hast thou thus of my love made a rent Behold they are stolne and hid in thy tent From tent to tent last he came to Rachel But where thy were these dumb gods could not tell At last Laban no more would Iacob grieve But to returne resolv'd to take his leave For Rachels sake and Leahs he did gâ—ant To make with Iacob a sure Covenant Of many stones they made a goodly heape Upon the which they did together eate This heape of witnesse by godly Jacob â—n Hebrew tongue was called GILEAD â—ut this great heap in words of SYRIA â—ABAN called Jegar Sahadutha â—fter kissing and blessing for a space â—is children LABAN return'd to his place â—hen this was past behold ESAU with boast â—ut God did meet his servant with an hoast â—hen this was done the great God eternall â—restled with Jacob long in Peniel â—hey strove all night unto the light of day â—ow let me go to JACOB God did say â—o said JACOB a blessing first appoint â—o me whose thigh thou hast thrust out of joint â—hy name said God hence ISRAEL shall be â—revaile with man thou hast prevail'd with me â—ehold now Esau with foure hundred men â—ehold also the love of these brethren Behold JACOB seven times hee bowes knee ESAU him meets and kisseth lovingly They weepe they kisse in others armes goe ESAU content will be no more a foe Is this feare past a new sorrow doth come His dear Dinah defil'd by Hamors sonne How his two sons did make his name to stinâ— By Sichems blood it hurts my heart to thinkâ— He purg'd his hoâ—se of all idolatrie Their idole gods he hide under a tree As he did passe f'om Ephrath to Bethel Death came and tooke from him his fair Racâ— From this sorrow having a little breath Behold another by his fathers death REUBEN his sonne defiled had his bed As though with bread he was with sorrâ— fed This prickt his heart and this his bowels smâ— When he did see good JOSEPHS bloody coat This holy man so toss'd with griefe and strife Past so the few and ill yeares of his life At last on bed most ready for to die To all his sonnes he left a Legacie To some reproofs to some comforts most swâ— When he had done he gathred up his feet The Use 〈◊〉 serve how God of twins can one forsake â—d th' other choose ev'n for his mercies sake 〈◊〉 one he did love because it did him please 〈◊〉 th' other he abhorr'd to cast his eyes 〈◊〉 hated infant an abhorr'd Esau â—efore that ever this worlds light he saw 〈◊〉 Jacob learne to get thee hastilie â—rre from an Esaus wicked companie â—ith staffe in hand where God shall thee direct â—r wicked men most hurtfully infect 〈◊〉 Jacob learne when thou begins to pray 〈◊〉 wrestle well and not let God away â—ll he thee blesse though it were all the night â—cob prevail d not till the day vvas light 〈◊〉 Jacob learne if thou a Laban serve â—ost vvatchfully his goods all to preserve â—hough he churlish have not to thee regard â—hou shalt not faile to get the LORDS revvard â—earne heere to look for sable clouds of grief â—fore death bring full and finall releefe REUBEN See a sonne HEre see a Sonne for REUBEN is his naâ— With vile incest he did himselfe defame Because his sinne was grievous in Gods sight Of thâ— first-borne this REUBEN lost the right LEVI Judah and JOSEPH for his spot His Crown portion and al 's his Priesthood goâ— Because he weept with a repenting eye Let Reuben live said MOSES and not die The Use Great losse by sin yet if we can repent The LORD in mercy shall make up our rent Beware of sin flee farre from it anone Lest that thou heare thy dignitie is gone SIMEON Hearing BEcause the LORD did LEAHS prayer heareâ— She call'd him SIMEON when She did hiâ— beare In MOSES writs so faâ— as they us tell Of his brethren he was the most cruell Hâ— heard not GOD nor yet good JACOBS voice 〈◊〉 shed much blood he gladly did rejoice 〈◊〉 get of SICHEM his cruell intent 〈◊〉 vilely did abuse GODS Sacrament 〈◊〉 any reading hardly can I try â—hy MOSES blessing the rest past him by The Use â—ere learne in wrongs thine anger to asswage â—ODS pen doth curse all sinfull wrath and rage â—t men beware either to do or think â—t which may make their parents name to stinke LEVI Joining BIrth of Children in husbands breasts doth coine â—ew love which makes their tender hearts to joine â—r this chiefe cause as in the historie 〈◊〉 manifest LEAH call'd him LEVI â—mong these tribes this LEVI was the priest With Vrim Tummim on his holy breast Because he bare the Sword of crueltie His race in JACOB scattred was to be The Use Learne this before to doe ill thou begin Divide and scatter are the fruits of sin The sins of men great Tribes do spoile aâ— spill For this cause sorrowes them pinch pierce thrill If we feare GOD hee such griefs shall presse Yea kill our cares and calme stormes distresse But if we joine with Levi to shed blood To rage and roare as men in a mad mooâ— Wee shall at last with confusion be cloatheâ— Wrapped in shame dispersde despisde and thed JUDAH Praise THis is the King the great God will him raiâ— This is the man whom his brethren shall praise â—e shall be LORD his shall be the Kingdome â—ntill the time that great SHILOH shall come â—his is the man enrich'd with gifts divine â—eth white with milk and al 's eyes red with wine â—oth grave and wise he was as may appeare 〈◊〉 that his speach made for Benjamin dear â—is was his fault from vice he was not pure â—e lay with TAMAR masked like a whoore The Use â—et men heere learne who have received grace 〈◊〉 feare to faile and fall into disgrace 〈◊〉 men be loose when as they should be chest â—hey may at last fall into vile incest ZEBULON Dwelling THis is the sixt a rich and good dowry Said LEAH JACOB now will dwell with mee â—is younger sonne then ISSACHAR and yet â—e was before him at the blessing set 〈◊〉 rich merchant appointed for to be 〈◊〉 stately ships sailling on the deep sea The Use Observe heere how the great Jovah commanâ— Some to be King some Priest and somâ— Merchands ISSACHAR An hire FIft Sonne of LEAH thy name is a hire Great rest and ease were chiefly thy desire When rest and ease to thee were brought 〈◊〉 passe Betweene two burdens thou crouch'd like an asse The Use Take heed beware this is a great disease To
to these that passed by VVhy is his Charet so long dâ— coming VVhat is the let VVhy tary thus the most svvift vvheeles of his princely Charet 29 VVhen her vvise Ladies heard these vvords they did not long defer To give answer yea to her selfe she return'd this answer 30 Have they not well sped in battell have they not all also Parted the prey to every man a Dam sell or two To Sisera a most rich prey who did his strong foes foile A colour d prey of needle work for these that take the spoil 31 So let thy foes perish O Lord but who with heart upright Love him let them be as the Sun going foorth in his might After these forces were by God represt Gods Israel had fourtie yeers of rest The Use Heere we may learne how Gods great Majestie Can by a wife obtaine a victorie 5. GIDEON Cutting off GReat GIDEON my verse now come to thâ— A cutting off thy name doth signifie The great God in mercy sent thee a man To save Isra'l from cruell MIDIAN This son of JOASH in Isra'ls distresse Was threshing Wheat besides his owne Wiâ— presse To him an Angel said with great favour The Lord is with thee thou man of valour Alas O Lord moved with grife said he That God is with us Oh it cannot be Where are the wonders our fathers us told By Midian we crosses manifold Do suffer oh our miseries they scoff The Lord in wrath his people hath cut off To him said God Now go in this thy might Against these men thou shalt for Isra'l fight O Lord said he what power can I have Wherewith I may thy people ISRA'L save In MANASSEH my familie is poore My fathers house such paines can not endure Goe to goe to said God do what thou can I shall thee help to smite them as one man If thou O Lord said GIDEON wouldst me To fight a signe first I desire to see According to this godly mans desire God by his staffe from the hard rock a fire Brought forth which did consume incontinent Both flesh and broth and caks GID'ON present When he thus saw he trembling said Alas Gods Angel now I have seene face to face Feare not said God let nothing trouble thee I give thee peace thou surely shalt not die Then he an altar did build without cease JEHOVAH-SHALOM the Lord God send peace When this was done which was his great renowne Baals altar with great zeal he threw downe Because he fear'd his foes that were of might He not by day but did it in the night When this was done the city all agast Unto JOASH his father quickly past Bring out thy Son that vile villaine quickly Soone bring him out for he shall surely die Then Joash said Your brags are but scorning He shall be kill'd while it is yet morning Who darre for BAAL onely speak a word If he be God now let him plead by sword Therefore JOASH from such pleading did call His godly sonne by name JERUBBAAL Then MIDIAN with AMALEK in ire With an great host against him did conspire With deaw and drienesse the Lord on the fleece Encouragd him from battell not to cease Then JOVAH said The men that are with thâ— Be too many to give you victorie Who so is fearefull and of courage bad Let him returne now from Mount Gilead When Gideon stout these words proclamed tâ—â— Returned twentie and two thousand men Then ten thousand were in Gods host that day Yet is the Haost too many God did say Go to the waters see what lapers be These are the men that I will send with thee Three hundred men lapped upon the brink But all the rest bow'd downe their heads to dâ—â— This being done behold one did proclaime Unto his fellow in the host a dreame A barley kake said one tumbled our tent Another said this a fearfull rent Our mighty army shall both faint and fall Before GIDEON called JERUBBAAL When Gideon heard the telling of the dreamâ— Hee worshipped the mighty God of heaven Then with all hast his host he did command Trumpets pitchers with lamps to take in haâ—â— When I the Trumpet blow then blow each oâ— â—ry Sword of the LORD and of GIDEON â—hey brake pitchers the lamps in their left hand â—hey blew Trumpets as GIDEON did command â—hile Isra'l did these Princely Trumpets blow â—â—ery mans Sword was against his fellow â—he Lord himselfe that great Battell did fight â—hen all MIDIAN were turned to the flight â—hile they this armie hotely did pursue â—hey OREB ZEEB two great Princes slew â—nto his hand likewise great JEHOVAH â—eliv'red ZEBAH and stout ZALMUNNAH â—he flesh of SUCCOTH and PENUEL in feare â—â—ter this done with sharpe thornes did he teare â—ut he at last forgetting the great God â—f rich earerings made an idole Ephod â—f lawfull sons he had threescore and ten And ABIMELEH of a concubine The Use Heere for a space men may GODS cause defend And yet at last with idoll Ephods end Blest is he vvho serves GOD with heart entire And like the Sun about Heav'ns Bandeleere Galopping still doth not faint in his race With Gods children that tread the paths oâ— grace 6. ABIMELECH My Father King MY Father King ABIMELECH thy â—â— Doth signifie a bastard full of shame This villaine full of fearfull crueltie Upon one stone did kill nine and fiftie Of his brethren in number like a hive Onely JOTHAM the youngest left alive He with silver vaine men and light did hire Against his brethren he did thus conspire His mothers friends of SHECHEM he did bâ— Who with the house of MILLO made him Kâ— Then JOTHAM went unto Gerizim hill And cried down this pricking parable The trees went forth on a time to annoint A king the Olive first they did appoint The Olive then said Nothing I doe lake For crownes I will not my fatnesse forsake Then with one voice they said to the fig-tree Come thou and now receive the dignitie The fig-tree then said Nothing I do lake For crowns I will not my sweetnesse forsake Then all the trees the crowne like a propine With one consent offred unto the Vine The Vine tree then said Nothing I do lake For crownes I will not my liquour forsake Then all the trees did to the Bramble bring The crowne who was content for to be King Well said the Bramble well I you allow Come now and put your trust in my shadow If not let fire come from the Bramble soone Of Lebanon the Cedars to consume Well well said Jotham O unthankfulnesse Soone have ye forgot my fathers kindnesse His life for you he did adventure far And now of his children ye murdrers are Ye Shechem Millo lewdly did conspire Yee for such things shall be consum'd with fire When Abimelech reigned had yeeres three The Lord to punish his great crueltie Sent an ill Sprite betwixt him and Shechem Who helped him to murder his brethren Then Gaal with other Shechemites stout Desir'd that
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
thousand they in armour bright Prepar'd in Battell ' gainst Isra'l to fight From Gibeah in that armie were then Expert in war seven hundred chosen men Left handed strong who to fight would not spare They with their sling stones well could hit an haire Against all these the Israelites had then In readinesse foure hundred thousand men They went to GOD first to seeke his counsell To know which of them first should give Battell To them this answere came from great JOVAH Unto the Battell first shall go Judah Then Israel right stoutly did begin To go to battell against Benjamin And they againe all in armour full bright Prepar'd them selves against Isra'l to fight Brave warriours all glistring with harnesse Threw downe that day Isra'l with great distresse Twentie six thousand joined with some few Unto Isra'l twentie two thousand slew To GOD againe they went to seek counsell If they should give to Benjamin battell Go up said GOD your anger to fulfill Go up why not if so it be your will The second day came Israel to fight Against Benjamin but were put to flight Of that great armie of Isral's children Destroyed down were eighteene thousand men Then Israel perceiving at the last Great numbers nought they ran to GOD by fasâ— They weeped sore and powred out their heart Then GOD was moved for to take their part Up up said God to war I you command To morrow I will put them in your hand On the third day Israel did begin A bloody battell against Benjamin At the first meeting which was with furie Of Isral's brave men were then slaine thirtie Then Benjamin uplifting his proud crist Cri'd they are smitten down as at the first Then Israel by GOD himself made wise Said Let us flie and draw them to high wayes At Baal Tamar they all in good array Prepar'd themselves to fight stoutly that day Liers in wait came out of hole and bore Ten thousand chosen made the battell sore The LORD Captaine this great host did command Therefore Benjamin that day could not stand Before behinde Israel did them hew Twentie five thousand and five score they slew The Use See what is lust consider how therefore Were slaine sixtie five thousand and five score Let men also when they their armies send Heere learne not on great numbers to depend THE GARDEN OF ZION RUTH Watered WIth famine prest these persons went anone Elimelech Naomi with Mahlon And Chilion their sons from Bethlehem To MOAB land that they might their remaine ELIMELECH Naomis best beloved At last by pale death was from her removed Then her two sons their hearts for to rejoice Of RUTH and ORPAH made their onely choisâ— But in their mariage this was a great spot These women were from the incest of Lot For Moab was against all divine order His mothers sonne and also his owne brother After ten yeares in mariage were past These two young men both died at the last Then poore Naomi deliv'red from dread Hearing how God had given to Isra'l bread Said to Orpah and Ruth her daughters dear Goe to your owne for I must hence retire The Lord in mercy deale with you kindlie As ye have dealt with the dead and with me The Lord in mercy work all to your best That with your husbands each of you finde rest Then kissing them they weeped bitterlie They said surely we will returne with thee Naomi said My daughters turne again For now with me ye can no more remaine The Lord mo sons on me doth not allow Which I for husbands might give unto you Then all did weepe then Orpah tooke her leâ— But to NAOMI RUTHS heart fast did cleave Not so Naomi said Behold Orpah Best thou returne with thy sister in law Intreat me not said Ruth I pray humblie For to returne from following after thee Both going lodging people and our God Shall all be one with thee mine whole abode I mind to make to live and die indeed With thee I minde and al 's to be buri'd From thee I will by no meanes now depart Nothing but death on earth shall us two part When she her saw so stedfastly persist She said to Ruth to speake more I desist Then they two went with little meanes with them Unto her city called BETHLEHEM Unto her many came where she abade Is this Naomi each to other said No more that name said she belongs to me Call me Marah because God bitterlie Hath dealt with me the LORD hath more and more Against me wrought and hath afflicted sore Beside her dwelt Booz a wealthie man A neere and deare friend of her dead husband The barley harv'st was Ruth desired then In great mister some ears of corne to gleane She went to fields God did direct her chose She came unto the reaperâ— of Booz When Booz knew Ruth the Moabitesse His melting heart did pitie her distresse Then did Booz speake friendly to her heart See from this field that thou do not depart When thou gleanest abide neere the women Concerning thee I shall direct the men That they thee touch not when thou art a thirst Go to the vessels and take of the best After that Ruth had such great fovour found She bowed humbly even unto the ground Saying thou art a rich man high in place And â— a stranger in thine eyes finde grace Then Booz said It hath been shown to me How kind thou hast beene unto Naomi The LORD of love who doth all things remark Reward thee full and recompence thy worke Then loving Booz in things of all sort Left no thing undoone that might Ruth comfort Both meet and drink she got while she did gleane Booz handfulls the reapers did ordaine To leave of purpose that for coming foorth Shee might returne home with some thing of worth When she had eaten she put up a part Which shee brought home with a most loving heart Unto Naomi who blest the most Hie Who had made her to finde such charitie Then said Naomi I will do my best Eor thee my daughter to seeke out a rest I trust my hope shall take some good effect Wash thee therefore and do as I direct Though thou be Ruth a silly widow poor Feare not to go unto his threshing floore When he hath ended both to drinke and eat Marke where he lyes last uncover his feet Waite well thy time and after lay thee downe And he will tell thee what is to be done As Naomi her daughter had informed All was by Ruth so in due time performed Then Booz to bed with a merry heart Went after Ruth past softly to her part She well resolv'd not fearing hurt or scorne Lay down with Booz neere an heap of corne At midnight houre when his first sleep did passe He was afraid and wondred who it was Who can this be Who art thou then he said I am said she even Ruth thine owne hand maid I come to thee in all humilitie My neere kinsman now spread thy skirt on
Eli clearely understood It is the Lord said he what seemes him good Now let him do against both me and mine Against his sentence I will not repine What SAMUEL said to ELI more or lesse Upon ELI it shortly came to passe Then it was showne clearly by th' Eternel That Samuel was for to judge Israel The proud Philistins in his time came out Against Isra'l he put them to the rout He cri'd to God and God by thunder heard The Philistins under their feet he troad To shew his thanks to tell what God had done In the same place he wisely set a stone A stone of help for to declare Gods fame Eben-Ezer in Hebrew was its name In his old age when he was full of dayes His bribing sons did not walk in his wayes Then all the people greeved with this thing Cri'd with one voice Now let us have a King For now Samuel is old and full of dayes His bribidg sons doe not walk in his wayes Then God directed SAMUEL how to say That Isra'l had rejected God that day Go to go to hearken unto their voice Give them a King according to their choice Be plaine with them and hide from them nâ— thing Shew them clearely the manner of the King To war to till to reape in every point Of hard service your sons he will appoint Of your daughters who walk with lofty lookâ— He will make Bakeâ—s and vile sluttish cooks Your fields and yards which are the most pleâ—sant He will take and give to his owne servants The tenth of your sheep and seed he will crave Your stout young men to his worke will hee have In all this bondage ye shall howl and say Alas but God shall not you hear that day But all this speach to them no change could bring No not said they but we will have a King As this people rebelliously would have A King so GOD a King unto them gave When this was done Samuel did testifie Before all ISRA'L his integritie Now I am old said he see my gray head I have been with you from my young childhood Now heere I am I gladly do accord Witnesse against me heere before the LORD Be plaine I pray you and now hide no thing For heere we are in presence of the King Whose Oxe whose Asse have I by wrong possessed By violence whom have I once oppressed What bribe tooke I therewith to blinde mine eye If it be so now let you testifie Then said they all as they well understood We know nothing in thee but what is good No man we know hath beene opprest by thee No bribe was able for to blinde thine eye God be witnesse said he and understand That now ye have not found ought in mine hand After this said he did them terrifie With fearfull thunders piercing through the skie The people then to him quakeing did say We have sinned to JOVAH for us pray Fear not said he but comfort to you take For his people the LORD will not forsake If ye cry to him he will hear your voice For he of you hath onely made his choice As for me I will not leave off to pray For you I will al 's teach you the good way Onely take heed and serve the Lord with fear So ye his goodnesse shall both see and hear But if ye carelesse do the wicked thing Ye shall be consum'd both ye and your king After SAMUEL though he was old and gray The proud King Agag in Gilgal did slay He was a man faithfull in every point Before his death two Kings he did anoint The Use Let Judges learne by Samuels historie To take good heed that no bribe blinde their eye THE GARDEN OF ZION The Kings SAUL Seeking THis Son of KIS from seeking hath his name His life with vice he stain'd his end with shame When he began his calling was but base Before his Crowne he sought his fathers Asse When at the first from the stuffe he came out Then the people with their voice made a shout The wordes they said in their lovely shouting Were that the Lord would safely keep the King About this time Nahash the Ammonite Against Jabesh made war with great despite Then Iabesh said Spare us and let us be A Covenant we will now make with thee But cruell Nahash burning in a rage By no fair words could his great wrath asswage No friends no friends said he now will we be Except we first now thrust out your right eye Seven dayes they sought an answere for to give They sent to Saul that he might them relieve Then Saul armed with companies out three Threw Ammon downe with a great victorie Saul by this valour was confirmed King Then all the people desir'd him to reigne When he was King even in his second yeere The Philistines with forces did appeare They of Charets strong thirtie thousand were Six thousand foot also prepar'd for war But Israel which was cause of great fear Disarmed was without both Sword and Spear The Philistines triumphing them above Did craftily from them all Smiths remove Yet for the Forks Axe Coulters Goads this while To sharpen them the Hebrews had a file When Saul this saw he greatly was afraid In caves and rocks the people did them hide Then Saul in fear not waiting on Samuel The seventh day off'red to GOD in Gilgal Then Samuel angry with his foolish haste Made both his eares to tingle with this blast Thou hast rebell'd thou hast done foolishlie Thy Kingdome no more shall abide with thee Then Jonathan went after secretly Between Bozez and Seneh two rocks hie To his servant he said Let us pursue God can us save by many or by few Before we go by this we will them try If while they see us they shall say Tary Then will we stand but if their words be so Come up to us untill them will we go They said Come up and that by way of mock WheÌ„ this was heard they both did climb the rock In that conflict with Philistins children Stout Jonathan did there slay twentie men Terrours from GOD his foes hearts made to shake All th' Hoast trembled the very earth did quake The LORD in armes glist'ring did fight that day He made his foes like snow to melt away The LORD of Hoasts by his great power and might Made these his foes one ' gainst another fight When th' Isralits of this mercy heard tell From holes and bores they rushed to Battell These who before for fear themselves did hide Stoutly their foes did beat both back and side They fought like Lions but anone a jar A fasting oath the victory did mar They durst not eat and therefore faint and few They could not throughly their strong foes pursue While Isra'l thus did faint for fault of meat Jonathan of a hony comb did eat Assoone as he had taste of that honie His sprite reviv'd enlightned was his eye What he did then it was by ignorance For he knew
not his fathers ordinance But when the matter he did understand He said My father hath troubled the land For want of meat mens hearts so weakened be That they can not pursue the victorie Still fight said Saul and do all that ye can Spoile and destroy of them leave not a man But first to GOD to seeke response they went To see what should be his sacred intent But God in wrath for ought that they could say Would not make answere to Isra'l that day Go to said Saul there is some man of sin By Divine lot I trust I shall him finde Give perfect lot said Saul to GOD I pray That we may see by what great sin this day Thou hast beene griev'd though it my Son should bee Stout Jonathan he shall now surely die Then curiously Saul seeking out this spot Upon Jonathan fell the Divine lot Tell tell said Saul tell me what thou hast done Prepare for death for thee mercy is none Alas said he I hungry wanting meat In a faire wood of hony combs did eat That which I did was done ignorantlie Behold Jonathan must now surely die No more said Saul thou hast broken the oath Of great JOVAH prepare thy self for death What said Isra'l shall stout Jonathan die Who hath for GOD now fought so valiantly As God liveth who ever lives indeed No thing shall aile the least haire of his head Thus the people walking in the right way Good Jonathan they did rescue that day Then unto Saul went godly Samuel To him from GOD this message did he tell Remember now how Amalek laid wait For Isra'l by the way in his great strait Now go and smite and utterly destroy Beast Man and Maid unto the suckling Boy When this was said King Saul with all his might Against Aamalek stoutly went to fight He slew these men and tooke Captive the King With him best beasts he sav'd alive which thing Acted by him ' gainst Gods Commandement The faire kingdome of Isra'l from him rent Then Samuel said Where is Agag the King See ye in haste that Tyran to me bring When he was come he hew'd in pieces all Agag the King before GOD in Gilgal After this sin the LORD to Samuel said Go and anoint for King the herd David Because for Isra'l he ventur'd his life Against Goliah he got for his wife Michal Sauls daughter that great victorie Brede in Sauls breast displeasure and envie This soulesse Saul by Doegs villenie Was mov'd to slay at Nob with crueltie Fourescore and five servants of the great GOD Who for armour had but linnen EPHOD Because to David in hunger and need They had vouchsav'd some peece of GODS shew-bread At divers times Saul fill'd with rage and strife Hunted David like a flea for his life Whiles like a Lion cruel he did roar Enrag'd at DAVID whiles like a wild boar He did him hunt most like a bloody hound Who cannot rest untill his prey be found But God at last to make of him an end A great armie of Philistins did send The Philistins at Shunem were gath'red Isra'ls armie in Gilboah pitched When Saul that hoast of Philistins did see He trembled all his heart did quake greatly Then he in feare unto the Lord did cry But God to him no answere would reply Neither by dreames by URIM or Prophet When Saul saw this his heart within did fret If God will not the Divell I will desire To help said he of him I will enquire There is a witch which doth at Endor dwell Said they She can all secrets to thee tell Then Saul went to that wicked wife by night Desiring her to bring to him in sight Whom he should name who ever was the man Then unto him thus answerd the woman Right well thou knowst no sprit familiar Is now approv'd make not for me a snare As God liveth said Saul now â—or this thing Thou shalt not smart Tell mee whom I shall bring Up unto thee said she now to me tell Bring up to me said he old dead Samuel When the woman perceived this dead man Arise from grave to tremble she began She said to Saul Thou hast deceived me That thou art Saul I know now certainly Feare not said Saul no ill to thee I meane Declare me plainely all that thou hast seene I have said she now perceiv'd a strang thing Gods wonderfull from the earth ascending What is his forme said Saul now tell to me A mantled old man said she I now see When the woman these things to Saul did tell He then perceiv'd that it was Samuel He having all things in such order found He bow'd himself and stouped to the ground Then Samuel said Why hast thou troubled me I am said Saul distressed heavily God hath me left and answeres me no more To seek thy help I am constrain'd therefore In vaine said Samuel comest thou to me Who can be friend where God is enemie The Lord at first of thee for King made choise But thou stubborne would not obey his voice ' Gainst Amalek to do the Lords command Therefore the Kingdome is rent from thine hand Thy foes shall fight thine hoast shall fall and flee Thou and thy sons the morne shall be with me Then Saul afraid fell straight way all along Upon the earth the witch and men among No strength in him in him there was no might For he had fasted both the day and night When this was done the witch prepared meat She brought it to him and mov'd him to eat Behold anone the Philistines armie Ready to fight as Isra'l was to flie The Archers shot the battell went full sore The shafts did flee their rage did more and more Increase then Saul to his servant did say Draw out thy sword and quickly now me slay Take courage do let not this trouble thee Though thou me spare yet will I surely die My feare is that th'uncircumcised band Come and abuse me vilely with their hand But the servant who his Prince fear'd and lov'd To kill the King by no words could be mov'd Then Saul with rage and godlesse furie prest With his own sword did peirce through his own breast Jonathan Abinadab Malchishuah Sauls three sons with Saul fell on Gilboah The Philistins after finding Saul dead Upon the mount they cut from him the head The body of that stout and valiant man They fastned to the strong wall of Bethshan Among the rest this was the sharpest rod His armour bright unto their idol god Ashtaroth they brought with great pomp and glory As though their god had given them this victory When Jabesh heard what to dead Saul was done With one consent they all armed right soone The bodies of Saul and of Jonathan They pulled downe from the walls of Bethshan To save them sure with fire they did them burne Seven dayes they fasting for their death diâ— mourne The Use This history to all men well may tell That none shall speed that seeks the divels
house and Judahs gave to thee If in thine eyes that too little had beene I would moreover unto thee have given Even such and such things great renowne and fame Which I bestow on these that feare my name Why hast thou beene so foolish and unwise As Gods precepts thus to tread and despise Most wickedly to do evill in his sight To seeme godly and yet to use such slight Poore Uriah the Hittite in a word Thou cruelly hast killed with the sword Thou first defil'd and now hast tae'n to wife His deare ewe-lamb and reft him of his life Thou lives secure as though no ill were done Thou hast him slaine with the sword of Amon. Now after sin shall surely come the smart Hence from thine house the sword shal not depart Because by blood and vile adulterie Two scandals great thou hast despised me Thus saith the Lord who is most righteous I will against thee out of thine house Raise up much evill I will before thine eyes Even take thy wives and give them for to please Thy neighbour who with them shall openly Before the Sunne in beastly manner lye These most vile sins in secret thou hast done But this before all Israel and the sun Shall be see what shall be in end thy luck When for such sinnes such sorrowes thou shalâ— truck And so exchange that for thy filthie lust Thou shalt still smart untill thou turne to dust Ev'n as a bird greev'd in a wierie gail Doth lowring droop and hang the wing anâ— taile Even so shalt thou the rest of all thy time Perplexed be for thy most bloody crime Then David pierced through the very heart Of his folies began to feel the smart He was so lively touched for his sin That how to speak or how his speach begin He doubted much whiles this whiles that did sound Within his breast his thoughts did him confound At last with teares his mouth utt'red this word I have alas sinned against the Lord By my fleshly and most uncleane desire I like a swine have wallow'd in the mire I like a beast have not well understood What guiltinesse comes by shedding of blood Heere in thy presence to thy Holinesse Against my self my sin I do confesse These bloods alas are ever in presence They weigh down sore upon my conscience How can I hence before thee lift my face Who have profest and yet practisd disgrace Against thee who me from the ewes did take And of a sheepheard me a King did make Most justly may thy wrath with loudest raps Ev'n through my heart thrill roaring thunder claps But oh O Lord forget my hainous sin Take mercies kyes and let my soul come in Though I have sinn'd yet will I still beleeve That thou in mercy wilt my sins forgive Then Nathan said The Lord thy sinnes surelie Hath put away fear not thou shalt not die From death eternall I will thee protect But justice willeth that I thee correct Thy sinne therefore I will visit in hast Ev'n blood for blood for adulterie incest Thou shalt not faile to feel a greevous smart For from thine house the sword shall not depart Because thy sinne hath caused blasphemie Therefore thy Sonne shall now most surely die When Nathan was departed to his house Then God the Lord who is most righteous Did strike the child with great and sore sicknesse Then David God besought in his goodnesse That he would not remove the child by death For this he fasting lay upon the earth The Elders came and urged him to eat But he would not refresh himself with meat When it was told him that the child by death Removed was he quickly rose from th' earth He wash'd himself and chang'd his countenance To the Lords house he went with diligence From thence to his owne house there he sought meate They gave him bread and he began to eat What thing is this then did his servants say While thy childe liv'd thou did both fast and pray But when the child was knowne for to be dead Thou rose from earth with courage to eat bread Then answ'red he While the childe was alive I did then pray that God would let him live But now h 'is dead God would it so to be I know he will no more returne to me After his death Bathshebah bare a son To David who did call him Solomon But Nathan sent from the great JEHOVAH Changed his name unto Jedidiah A man of peace beloved of the Lord Of both the names the clear sense doth afford In this meane time the great GOD JEHOVAH Remembred what had beene done to Vriah Then his threatnings began to take effect Great plagues were sent David for to correct Amnon defil'd his dear sister Tamar For this Absalom Amnons life did mar This man who did excell in great beautie In Hebron made a lewd conspiracie To slay David both his father and King That after he upon his throne might reigne He not ceasing from this ill work begun His fathers wives defil'd before the Sun He wanting the true feare of th'Eternell ' Gainst his father fiercely went to battell At Bahurim that vile rogue Shimei Like a cur dog did raile most bitterly Crying Come out thou man of Belial A bloody man thou shalt now pay for all The Lord at last who is most wise and good Hath upon thee returned all the blood Of King Sauls house in whose stead than dost reigne Thy son shall rule thou shalt no more be King The LORD hath plagued thee with shame and griefe Behold thou art taken in thy mischief Then stout Abishai son of Zerviah Davids sister not knowing that JOVAH Made David smart said Why should this dogg dead So curse th King I will take off his head He said to David Let me go anone That for his fault I may fall him upon But David knowing the minde of JOVAH Said What with you the sons of Zerviah Have I to do Let him now curse he said For upon him the LORD this taske hath laid That he David should curse who then shall say Wherefore hast thou vile man so done this day Yea more David unto Abishai said A greater grief upon my heart is laid Behold the son of my bowels is come To seeke my life and to take my Kingdome How much more may this beastly Benjamite Do what he doth with a despightfull sprite Seeing I am so wronged by my Son I pray you all to let this man alone Let him curse still touch him not with youâ— hand For what he saith it is by GODS command It may be that God with compassion Will looke upon my great affliction And that he will though he a space delay Requite me good for his cursing this day Then Davids armie ready with great might Prepar'd themselves ' gainst Absalom to fight When David view'd the march of his armie He said to Joab and Abishai Deare friends I pray deal gently with my Son Deal gently with the young man Absalom When
this was said their was a skirmish rude By the two armies made in Ephraim wood Like a great wind boistrous with stormy puff Men fought in spight with mutuall counterbuff That day Joab with Judahs brave children Of Isra'l slew downe twentie thousand men The people was sore scatt'red in the wood Which did devoure more people then the sword There Absalom a Rebell and a Foole Among the rest was riding on a Mule By his long haire a branch caught him that day There he did hing when the Mule went away Then Joab with his three darts came anone And thurst them through the heaâ—t of Absalom Then Cushi came and cri'd Tidings O King To the great God now praises may thou sing The LORD of Hoasts in Battell most mightie Of all thy foes hath now avenged thee Then David troubled said unto Cushi Is Absalom the young man in safetie Then Cushi said Let all thy foes indeed Be like Absalom who is surely dead When David heard this wounded was his heart From sight of men quickly he did depart To an high chamber for to mourne alone The tragick death of his deare Absolon His sorrow such was in his wounded heart That forc'd he was to weep and go apart With teares of grief doubling My son my son He wish'd his owne death had sav'd Absalon For Davids murder and adulterie Shebah arose who was son Bichri A Benjamite he with sterne countenance Most proudly said Now what inheritance Have we in David Let us make a rent Let every man returne unto his tent So Isra'l did with this son of Bichri But Judah clave to David heartily Then David said to valiant Amasa Assemble me the brave men of Judah Then he went out Captaine of that armie Jaob him met with heart full of envie Cov'red with smiles his right hand made a wound Which all his bowels shed out to the ground Then Amasa in mids of the high way Bath'd in his blood did thus wallow that day This done Joab pursued speedily After Shebah who was son of Bichri When Joab came to the city Abel This Shebahs head was throwne downe from the wall When these of Abel had perform'd this thing Joab in haste returned to the King When all his foes were round about supprest To sing to GOD due praises he thought best Yet once againe Gods wrath ' gainst Israel In Davids time upon this people fell He stirr'd by Satan would know in his pride How many men in his land did abide To Joab he gave this direction Who liked not the Kings commission But yet obey'd the Kings word did prevaile Therefore he went and numbred Israel In Isra'l were eight hundred thousand men Five hundred thousand Judah their brethren In number were Of all as saith Gods word Were thirteene hundred thousand that drew sword When this was done then Davids heart him smot Gods wrath therefore was shortly kindled hot Alas O Lord said he now pitie me For I confesse I have done foolishly When David did arise in the morning The prophet Gad this word to him did bring Advise and chuse one of these judgements three If seven yeeres of famine shall trouble thee Or if thou wilt three moneths chuse and take Before thy foes to flee and turne the back Or if thou wilt have this great patience Three dayes to hazard on the pestilence When David saw the Lords wrath thus appeare Hee said to Gad I am in a great feare Yet in Gods hand I pray thee let me fall For his mercies are over his works all Then JEHOVAH in wrath to strike began And kill'd of Isra'l seventy thousand men To Jerusalem then the Angel went With sword in hand but God he did repent Him of the evill Th' Angel he did command To sheath his sword and so to stay hâ—s hand Then Gad from God to David thus did say Reare up an Altar to the Lord this day Let this Altar be set for JEHOVAH Where is the treshing floore of Araunah Then David as JEHOVAH did command Did buy the floore and in Araunahs hand He laid thirty shekels silver for price And there to God offred his sacrifice When this was done and David was wax'd old Absaloms brother ADONIjAH bold Helped by JOAB and ABIATHAR In his great pride made a most fearefull jarre A goodly man he was and faire in face But proud in Sprit a man of litle grace David him spilt he would not him displease Him to reprove at all times he did cease Puft up by Joab in vaine aspâ—ring He thought no more but surely to be King After David these three Nathan Zadok Benaiah for Solomon undertooke With Bathshebah David without delay Declard who should Israels Scepter sway After his death The man who shall alone Said he be King is my son Solomon When time drew nigh that good David should die He Solomon charged most carefully I go said he the way of all the earth I must shortly walk in the path of death Be strong therefore and shew thy self a man And keep the charge of the Lord as thou can Walk in his wayes keep his commandements His testimonies and al 's his judgements So shalt thou prosper both by sea and land All shall go well that thou shalt take in hand Remember well how Joab greeved me When he slew Abner with great treacherie And Amasa and how the blood of war He shed in peace when no cause was of jar And how he put the blood of Abner sweet In the vile shooes that were upon his feet I know thou canst thy self wisely behave Let not his hoare-head in peace go to grave Unto Barzillais sons shew great kindnesse For they were kind to me in my distresse Behold with thee the cursed Shimei Who curst me sore in my calamitie To him humbled I sware by the great Lord I will not put thee to death with the sword Because he was so fierce in my distresse Therefore take heede thou hold him not guiltlesse I know thou canst thy self wisely behave His hoary-head with blood bring to the grave So David with his fathers sleept softly And after buri'd was in his city The Use By David learne what after sin remaines The fruits of sin are sorrowes and great paines By David learne if thou hast gone astray To turne to God and walk in the right way By David learne to teach your children deare How in their time they should live in GODS feare Too many speak of Davids filthie fall To shroud their sins and so to make them small Too many to their vile lusts licence give As though to rot were the way to revieve But few there be that weigh well in their heart How greatly David for his sins did smart SOLOMON Peaceable who is at peace with all men GODS Sprit begins to move my pen anone To draw some lines concerning Solomon A worthy man most excellent in fame At home abroad from peace he had his name Good Nathan sent from the great JEHOVAH Changed
his name unto Iedidiah To change this name the LORD did Nathan move To testifie that he the child did love When on his throne he was by good JOVAH Established to him came Bathshebah From Adonijah causer of much strife That he might have faire Abishag to wife Well well Solomon said I know that thing Aske also for him that he may be King Consider well and hearken what I say Adonijah surely shall die this day Benaiah come and hearken to my word Vaine Adonijah now kill with the sword To Abiathar the Priest said the King I will not now these stroaks upon thee bring Which thou deserves because thou had a part In troublous times of my deare fathers smart Thou with my foes against me was too stout Therefore thou shalt from thy place be thrust out To povertie thy race shall beggars be Thus was fulfil'd Gods word against Eli. When Ioab heard of all was past and done Unto Gods house in feare he fled right soone There as the practice of some had him taught Of Gods altars the hornes with hands he caught Then Benajah directed by the King Went unto him with these few words Saying Thus saith the King Thou Ioab thou must come foorth It is not seemly for a man of worth Unto the hornes of Altars for to flee No not said Ioab heere I minde to die Then Benajah brought the King word againe That Ioab would at the Altar still remaine Then said the King Go fall upon him fall For the two Captains famous in Israel Abner Amasa men of dignitie Did kill and boutcher by his treacherie Now let their blood returne upon his head But peace shall be on Davids house and seed Then Benaiah to Joab in distresse Came and him kill'd and in the wildernesse In his own house him buri'd In short space Captaine Benaiah was put in his place After because of Adonijah jarre Zadok was Priest in roome of Abiathar Then for Shimei the King in all haste sent And gave to him this strait commandement To build and dwell in faire Salem anone But if said he thou passe the brook Kidron To go abroad Let this be knowne to thee None shall thee save for thou shalt surely die Three yeers after he forgetting this charge Did seeke his servants with a licence large Hee past thee brook and the Kings charge forgot Therefore with death stout Benaiah him smot Remember now said the King to Shimei How thou my father revil'd bitterly Thy wickednesse shall come upon thine head But I and mine shall be blessed indeede After he thus had slaine these men of strife King Pharos daughter he took for his wife He loved God and with his heart him fear'd In Gibeon the Lord to him appear'd In dreame by night to him in great mercie The Lord said Aske what I shall do thee Then Solomon unto the Lord did say Great kindnesse hast thou showne to me this day Thou hast me chosen for Gods people King That I with wisedome may them rule and reigneâ— I am a child who am but to begin I know not how to go out or come in Of my desirs this is the cheefest part That thou would give an understanding heart To me thy servant by thy grace made glade Whereby I may discerne twixt good and bad When God this heard he rested well content He said unto him at this Parliament Thou hast not asked riches or long life Nor yet revenge against the men of strife Thy foes but hast desired a wise heart To rule my people well in ev'ry part Therefore both riches and honour to thee Will I now give with wisedome in plentie If thou godly will walk in Davids wayes In great mercy I will lengthen thy dayes By him in sleep these things were heard and seen When he awoke Behold it was a dreame Then came two harlots who before him stood Each one striving to make her cause seeme good Behold O King said one Wee two women In one house were deliv'red of children I bare a son after it came to passe Three dayes after that she delivered vvas Wee vvere in house as seem'd vvithout danger For in the house vvith us vvas no stranger Behold O King her childe dead in the night By her ov'rlaid then cunningly with flight She rose from bed and vvith great treacherie Came to my bed and stall my son from me Alas O King What heart can this abide For my sweet son this dead lump at my side She laid when I arose my son to feed With my two breasts behold he was cold dead Judge yee O King how great then was my smart When his cold lips did touch me neere the heart But when the light more clearely let me see I saw I was jugled with treacherie The dead child is hers but the living mine Thou the whole matter as Judge now define But Oh the other with tears in her eyes Said All she saith is full stuffed with lies Believe her not she hath a brasen brow She can right vvell false lyes as truth avow Let not thine heart incline to take her part Though in her speach she hath now the forestart A judge must know he hath an ear and ear That after one the other he may hear Alas O King the Lords vvisedome divine Doth clearly knovv the living son is mine The other said I am not such a beast Anothers childe to bring up on my breast If this my son vvere dead and hers living I vvould not of him novv make a changling His dry dead bones should dearer be to me Then her son living full of rare beautie While thus the two reason'd before the King The King did cry a sword now to me bring When it was brought the King said so and so With sword the living childe divide in two No man such doubts can now discusse by art Divide divide let each one have her part When this was said and ready to be done The mothers bowels yerned upon her son My Lord the King let not this sword now fall Upon my childe but to her give it all Not said th' other the judge must now define Let it be cut and so not mine nor thine Then said the King in words both wise and milde This is the mother give to her the childe When all Isra'l this wise judgement did hear Their hearts were mov'd King Solomon to fear This man was great and full of Majestie Great pleasure was his orders for to see Some were his Scribes and others were Recorders Some rul'd the Hoast some were his Priests by orders Some officers and some ov'r the tribute Were set and also some did distribute Some Officers twelve moneths in the yeer Twelve men did serve each man a month entire Provided for the King and his houshold The best victuals for uses manifold His house by day as Gods word doth reveale Spent fourescore ten measures of floure and meal Ten Oxen fat and twenty from Pastures Were for his house each foure and
Gods Word did direct His heart with God the Lord was not perfect When warre arose he unto the Lord sought ' Gainst Jeroboam he a Battell fought Foure hundred thousand were with Abijah Eight hundred thousand were against Judah For Jeroboam In the fields were then An armie of twelve hundred thousand men Then Abijah standing on Zemaraim Which is a part of faire mount Ephraim VVith a loud voice cri'd unto Israel VVhy come ye foorth against me to Battell VVhat God hath join'd why go ye now to seveâ— For the whole land the Lord hath given for ever To Davids house without a let or halt This was made sure by Covenant of salt Yet Jeroboam Solomons servant Doth what he can to breake this Covenant Gathred unto him are men of Belial Who are novv come to provoke to Battell And novv ye think the Kingdome to vvithstand VVhich should remaine sure in Davids sons hand VVith you is a great multitude of men VVith golden Calves of false Jeroboam Have yee not cast out the Priests of the Lord That for vile gaine yee might with one accord Make unto you Priests that vvould take in hand To serve strange gods that vvere from other Lands But as for us the Lord vvith us vvill be VVho have vvith us the Priests sons of Levi VVho morne and even vvaite upon all service Enjoyn'd by GOD the dayly sacrifice VVe with our heart keep the charge of the Lord. But ye have him all left vvith one accord Behold hovv God is vvith us for Captaine His Priests vvith Trumpets to sound an alarme Against you VVherefore novv vvith one accord Conveene yee thus to fight against the Lord Leave off leave off proceed no more this vvay For your armie shall not prosper this day But Jeroboam free of feare and doubt Judahs armie did compasse all about When Judah saw them compass'd in Battell They with strong prayers cri'd to th' Eternall The Priests began with their Trumpets to sound Judah did shout Which made th' Echos rebound Then God arose to shew himself by might He Jeroboam put unto the flight The flight was fierce bloody was the Battell Five hundred thousand that day to Isra'l Were kill'd But Judah prevail'd by and by Because with faith they to the Lord did cry Thus Jeroboam curbed in his wayes Recov'red not strength in Abijahs dayes But Abijah wax'd more and more mighty With fourteene wives he begat sons twenty Because he was not perfect in his wayes Of his Kingdome the Lord shortned the dayes He in his wayes walked not uprightly Therefore his great pomp lasted but years three The Use Ill Kings from Thrones by a successive svvay Like chaffe by vvind shall soone be driven avvay 3. ASAH Healing BEhold a King most glorious like the Sun Whose end was good whose life was wâ— begun A man of health is he who strives to please The Lord and doth what is good in his eyes This worthy King with holy jealousie Brake downe the Altars of Idolatrie Set up for strange gods he the high places With groves cut downe and brake the images With great zeale he commanded all Judah To do the Law and turne unto Jovah Because the Lords Law he did not forget The Kingdome was long before him quiet At last ZERAH the Ethiopian Came with an host of a thousand thousand ASAH the King thus troubled very sore Conveen'd five hundred thousand and fourescore Thus fifteene hundred thousand men that day With fourscore thousand in Battell aray Were set Then Asah cri'd unto the Lord That in that strait his help he would afford Help us O Lord help us O Lord said he Thou canst well help with few or with many Against this host we now goe in thy name Make now our foes to turne their back with shame When God this heard he rose in anger hot And with his sword this huge armie he smot His wrath like waters wheesing out did foyle The proud Zerah then Judah got their spoile When this was done the Prophet Azariah Was sent from God for to meet King Asah God is vvith you said he vvhile ye vvith him His love with you most ready to confirme If yee forsake him he will forsake you now If yee seek him he will be found of you Be strong therefore Gods service much regard For God the Lord your good work shall rewaâ—d When Asa heard these words he tooke courage The idole gods he did destroy with rage From Ephraim Manasseh and Simeon Unto Asa many did flock anone Then with one minde they were glade and content To make with GOD the LORD a Covenant By God they sware in a most sol mne oath That man woman great small should die the death Who should refuse the living God to seek Who to his Saints is mercifull and meek Then all the people with their whole desire Did seeke the Lord as Asa did require They sware to God with shouting and Trumpets With singing voice and also with Cornets They seeking God beleev'd and did not doubt And he unto them gave rest round about When this was done this worthy King Asah From being Queene his mother Maachah Remov'd because vaine idols she did love She had set up an idole in a grove This idole he did cut and stamp upon With fire he burnt it at the brook Kidron When this was done Ba'sha King of Isra'l Did build Ramah to make Asah to fall But Asah quickly sent to Benhadad For help which in the Lords eyes did seeme bad For this doing the Prophet Hanani Him told that he had done most foolishly What hadst thou said he to doe with Syria To hire their help Did not the great Jovah Make thee subdue the Ethiopian host With the Lubims who in their pride did boâ—st Gods eyes throughout the earth run to and â—ro To manifest his great might so and so He is ready with great power to smite The foes of these who towards him perfite Are in their heart Because in this right far Thou hast failed hence foâ—th thou shalt have warre When Asa heard these words of Hanani A fierie wrath did kindle his furie Take this villaine said he this Bâ—lials son Now bind him fast and cast him in prison Moreover he some people in distresse Without mercy severely did oppresse In his old age diseased in his feet To Medecins to seeke he thought more meet Then to the Lord who health and happinesse Hath ready for his servants in distresse Though diverse faults bee seen in this mans wayes Yet with the Lord his heart was all his dayes Perfect as the first book of Kings doth tell Written by the scrib of God Eternell He sway'd the Scepter years one and fourtie Though Kings be gods yet as men they must die The Use Our brightest life is like the Moone with spot Where is the life that is without a blot 4. JEHOSHAPHAT The judgement of the Lord. NOw fill mine heart LORD with thy glowing flame Raise up my Spirit and verses in me
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
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
there came a thousand and seven teene â—f Levites were a hundred thirty nine â—ith Nethinims all with courage divine â—ith them servants of Solomons children â—l for to build were well prepared then â—he Priests which could not shew their pedigree â—ere not permitted in priests place to be â—he Tirshatha who did the rest command â—ould not permit that any tooke in hand â—hat any should of holy things make feast â—ll with Urim and Tummim came a Priest â—he whole number were fourty two thousand â—hree hundred threescore Jews from Babels land â—sides servants and maids for service given â—ere seven thousand three hundred thirtie seven â—ith horses seven hundred six and thirty â—ith mules two hundred five and al 's fourty â—eir Camels were foure hundred thirty five â—ith them they did six thousand asses drive â—ith seven hundred and also twentie more â—e rich all freely offred to restore â—he house of GOD and build it in his place â—hey all offred as GOD gave them the grace 〈◊〉 thousand dramnes of gold without delay â—e thousand pound of silver they did pay A hundred Priests garments they did prepare Which their courage in building did declare Chap. 3. THen first of all came Prince Zerubabel With Jeshua Priest for the Eternel They for the Lord a faire Altar did reare To offer to him who was Isaks feare Their willingnesse clearely for to declare To offer then they in no way did spare The workmen well rewarded were no slack Each man his charge did gladly undertake When the foundations of Gods house were cast Some had great joy Others were all agast And weeped sore even these who first had seene What glory in Solomons works had beene Of joy andd weeping such was then the noise That hardly could one well discerne the voice Chap. 4 VVHen this great worke begun was 〈◊〉 Gods grace Then wicked men anone it to disgrace Rose up by craft deceit and policie Offring them selves with them builders to be But not accepted they in open way â—em for to hinder proudly did essay â—shlam Mithridath Tabeel and Rekum â—e Chancelor and Shimshai Scribe did come â—gether and against Jerusalem 〈◊〉 Artaxerxes they wrote letters then â—ewing that stubborne Jews who were proudly â—bellious were rebuilding their city â—en quickly back the King to them did write â—at they the work anone should interdite â—en ceasd the work untill the second yeare 〈◊〉 Darius King who Persias crowne did beare Chap. 5. â—Hen Zerubabel and Shealtiel both Whom GOD with vertue from above did cloath â—ey by Haggai and al 's by Zecharie â—ing stirr'd up did with all industrie â—t forward the great work they had in hand â—he rest obey'd and they did well command â—tnai and Shether-boznai were their foes 〈◊〉 hinder them they did a letter close â—d sent it to Darius Persias King â—ewing that Cyrus had done the like thing â—d now they this of Darius did desire â—hat he of Cyrus decree would enquire Who would not suffer this great house to be Rebuilded because of their mutinie Chap. 6. THen Darius the King made a decree That in the house of rolls a search should be Made by his servants with all diligence And there was found within the Medes Province A roll wherein was written a record Which did containe the decree word by word Which Cyrus made Gods house for to restore The height whereof should be cubits threescore The breadth as much and the expenses shall From the Kings owne house shall be taken all When Darius found this enrolled decree He it confirm'd and ordaind all to be Provided so that they should nothing want Which might them help either to build oâ— plant But yee Tatnai and Shetherboznai see That to this great work ye no hinder bee Also I have made a decree most fast That who soever alter this word past The timber from his house shall be pull'd dowâ— And shall be set up and he hang'd thereon And that the greater feare mens hearts may fill â—is house for this shall be made a dounghill â—nd God that hath his name causd there to dwell â—estroy shall all Kings and people that shall â—ut to their hand to Alter or destroy â—his house of GOD who doth me now employ â—or this great work for this I a decree â—ave made let all be done right speedilie â—hen this was heard the Jews with diligence â—id build and the King did pay the expence They prosp'red much through the sweet prophecie â—f Haggai and likewise of Zacharie In the sixt year of Darius the King â—he Jews GODS house unto the cope did bring â—he Priests having this good occasion â—id keep the feast of dedication â—nd the Passeouer with joy and gladnesse â—or God had looked on their sore distresse And made them joyfull for he turn'd the heart Of Darius great kindnesse to impart â—o the builders which he did still extend Untill that great worke was brought to an end Chap. 7. NOw in the seventh year of the happy reigne Of Artaxerxes of great Babel King Ezra the Scribe with his most cunning speacâ— Came from Babel to Salem for to teach Gods people where this good man found anâ— Gods gracious hand there to be him upon For Ezra had prepared well his heart To seeke and search Gods law in every part He Gods statutes and judgements al 's did preâ— Unto Israel both by workes and speach Unto Ezra great Artaxerxes King Commission gave that he with every thing Needfull for Gods house should be furnish'd wâ— This Ezra got under the Kings broad seal The King with his counsellers did agree Both gold and silver to give most freelie For that effect The King al 's did ordaine That what silver scribe Ezra could obtaine From People Priests all should be by and by Imployed for God rammes and lambes to buy For sacrifice and what should be wanting Should all be furnish'd by Darius King Who did with speede his Treasurers command To have all such things ready in their hand Even Silver Wheat and Salt and Oyle 〈◊〉 Wine To be for God from the King a propine For why said he Should God wrath fearful briâ— Against the realme or against the King When this was done Ezra rejoic'd greatlie â—at God had mov'd the King to beautifie â—s house in Salem and that he in end â—s mercy to him richly did extend â—â—en said he I was streth'ned mightilie 〈◊〉 the hand of the Lord was upon me â—â—en I did gather out of Israel â—o go with me ev'n men which did excell Chap. 8. â—Hen diverse from Babel with Ezra went Men who in vertue were most excellent â—en to the river that to Ahana â—oth run they were all gath'red by Ezra â—ere we abode in tents ev'n three dayes space â—t could not finde any of Levis race â—ter we had both Priests and people view'd â—erefore to diverse I would have it shew'd â—at they for Gods house should then quicklie bring â—en that were wise and fit for ministring Then by the good hand of
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
knees 5 But now it is upon thee come thou faintest more and more It now thee toucheth in the quick and thou art troubled sore 6 This is thy fear and confidence which now is made to hop The uprightnesse of all thy wayes and even thy strongest hope Who ever perish'd innocent remember I thee pray O! where was ever the righteous man cut off in any way Even as I have seen surely they that plow iniquity â—nd sow the seed of wickednesse the same reape certainely They perish by the blast of GOD as by a bloody war â—nd by the breath of his nostriles they all consumed are 10 The roaring of the Lion and the voice of Lions fierce â—nd al 's of young Lions thee teeth are broken with disgrace 11 The old Lion doth perish for lack of his prey and food â—nd the stout Lions Whelps anone are scattred all abroad 12 A thing unto me by the Lord was brought most secretly little thereof by mine eare received was surely 13 In thoughts that come most strangely from the visions of the night When deep sleep falleth upon men depriv'd of sense or sight 14 A panick fear then came me on I then began to quake With this fear was a trembling which made all my bones to shake 15 In this meane time appear'd a sprite which passd my face before The haire of all my flesh stood up for I was troubled sore 16 It stood still there most stedfastly but what did then concerne The visage and the forme thereof I could not well discerne An image was before mine eyes there was a deep silence And I did clearly heare a voice speake these words in this sense 17 Shall any among mortall men more just then the Lord be Or shall a man whom GOD hath made yet be more pure then he 18 Behold in his servants most deare whom he with graces large Endewes he trusts not his Angels with folly he doth charge 19 How much lesse on all such that dwell in base houses of clay Whose ground is dust which crushed are before the moth alway 20 From morning to the evening they are certainly destroy'd They perish still without regard which they can not avoid 21 Doth not their great excellencie in them still go away And so without wisedome like fooles go to their dying day Chap. 5. CAll now if there be any that will surely answere thee To which of the Saints wilt thou turne thy selfe to justifie 2 For wrath from the Almighty God the foolish man doth kill And envie slayes the silly one without wisedome or skill 3 I have seene taking root anone the foolish without grace But in a moment suddenly I cursd his dwelling place 4 His children far from safety are they are crush'd in the gate There is none to deliver them before the judgement seat 5 Whose harv'st the hungry eateth up for their poor maintenance Even from the thornes the robber al 's devours their whole substance 6 Although affliction from the dust to come be not once found Neither do troubles great also even spring out of the ground 7 Yet poor man unto trouble great and fearfull miserie Is alwayes borne most like the sparks that still upward do flee 8 I unto the Almighty GOD would seek with all my heart And unto GOD would I commit my cause in every part 9 Which great things and unsearchable by his arme Almightie Doth work and things most marveilous which without number be 10 Who gracious upon the earth for watring giveth raine â—nd also water sends upon the fields of all the plaine 11 Hee in his wisedome sets on high men of most low degree â—hat those which mourne to safety may at last exalted be 12 The devices of crafty men he disappointeth wise â—o that their hands can not performe their wicked enterprise 13 He by his wisedome takes the wise their craftinesse among â—nd the counsell of froward men is cari'd all headlong 14 They in their course with darknesse meet in the dayes time of light And wandring in the noone day groop as in the darkest night 15 But he well saveth from the sword the poor of all the land And from their vile blasphemous mouth and from the mighties hand 16 So the most indigent and poor hath hope in misery And the great GOD doth stop the mouth of vile iniquity 17 Behold whom the Lord God corrects he sure is most happy Therefore the chastning not despise of him that 's Almighty 18 For he makes sore and bindeth up he woundeth but the hole He closeth up his hands againe do perfectly make whole 19 In troubles six by power great he shall deliver thee Yea in seven also by no evil thou shalt then touched be 20 In famine he shall thee redeeme from death and in a word In war he shall thee save even from the power of the sword 21 From the scourge of the wicked tongue thou safely hid shalt be Thou need'st not feare destruction when it comes suddenly 22 At famine and destruction thou safe shall laugh alway The raging beasts upon the earth thee shall not once afray 23 For with the stones of all the field thou in a league shalt be â—he beasts which in the field remaine shall be at peace with thee 24 Thou shalt know that thy Tabernacle shall alwayes be in peace Thy dwelling place thou visit shalt and from all sin shalt cease 25 Thou shalt know also that thy seed in all the land about â—hall be great and thine off spring as grasse that from earth doth sprout 26 Thou to thy grave at last shall come in a full age most like A shock of corne that commeth in in his season all ripe 27 Loe this we have search'd it is so That it well understood May be by thee now heare it well and know it for thy good Chap. 6. THen Job replyd Oh that my greef were even now throughly weigh'd And my suffrings together were all in a ballance laide For they should be of greater weight then the sand of the sea Therefore my wordes are swallow'd up that they no more should be 4 For of the great Almighty God the arrowes are in me The poison whereof doth my sprit drink up most speedily The fearfull terrours of the Lord against me every day Like squadrons in an army great set themselves in aray 5 The wilde Asse doth he lowdly bray if he hath grasse his fill Or lowes the Ox as in great greef if he hath fodder still 6 Unsavory things without relish who without salt can eat In whites of egges who can finde taste that they should be for meat 7 The things that in my plenty great my soul refusd to touch Are still now for my dainty meat while I for sorrow crouch 8 Oh that I might have my request and God would grant to me In his mercy the thing that I long dayly for to see 9 Even that it would now please the Lord me to destroy as dead â—nd that he
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
to dust 〈◊〉 Hast thou not in my mothers womb me powred out surely Ev'n as the milk and like the chease thou hast al 's crudded me 11 Thou hast me cloth'd with skinne and 〈◊〉 and for my sure defence Thou me with bones and sinewes both didst as with remparts fence 12 Thou hast me life and favour al 's given as I may observe Thy visitation doth my spirit at all times safe preserve 13 And these things thou hast in thine heart ev'n hid most secreetly I doubt not for I clearely know that all this is with thee 14 If I do sin against thy law then well thou markest me And thou wilt not once me acquit from mine iniquitie 15 If I be wicked in my wayes then wo to me indeed If I be righteous yet will I not once lift up my head In this my greef I surely am full of confusion Thereâ—ore thou in thy mercy see my great affliction 16 For it upon me day by day doth more and more increase â—hou huntest me from place to place even as a lion fierce 17 Thy witnesses thou dost renew ' gainst me on me thy wrath â—hou dost increase changes and war are still against me both 18 Wherefore then hast thou from the womb me brought foorth oh that I â—p given the ghost had and had not been seen by any eye 19 I should have beene as though I had not beene yea I should have â—none been caâ—ied from the womb unto my resting grave 20 Are not my dayes upon the earth then for thy mercies sake â—ease and me suffer that I may a little comfort take 21 Before I go whence I shall not unto the livings path â—eturne even unto darknesse black and the shadow of death 22 A land of darknesse as darknesse and of deaths darkest night Where order is not to be seene whereas darkenesse is light Chap. 11. THen Zophar the Naamathite said Should not such wordes be Answer'd and should a man of talk himself thus justifie 3 Should thy lies make men hold their peace though thou hath got a name And when thou mockest shall no man upon thee bring great shame 4 For thou hast said my doctrine's pure and cleane al 's in thine eye 5 But O that GOD with open lips would now speake against thee 6 And that he would his wisedome great make thee well to observe Know therefore that GOD lesse exacts then thy sins doe deserve 7 Canst thou by a most curious search finde out GOD in thy minde Or unto a perfection great canst thou th' Almighty find 8 It is as high as higest heav'ns what canst thou doe It 's low â—ea deeper then the deepest hell what of it canst thou know Its measure 's longer then the earth and broader then the Sea 10 If he cut off gather shut up what can his hinder be 11 For he vaine men doth know right well He sees their wickednesse Will he not then consider it to punish such excesse 2 For vaine and foolish man would seeme to be most wise in heart â—hough man upon this earth be borne like a wilde Asses colt 3 If thou thine heart prepare and stretch thine hand to him humbly 5 If wickednesse be in thine hand let it not dwell with thee 5 For then shalt thou lift up thy face which shall be without spote â—ea thou most stedfast shalt be then and shalt not feare a jot 6 Because thou shalt thy miserie For ever and for ay â—orget and it remember as the floods that passe away 17 And thine age shall be clearer then the noone day that 's most bright Thou shalt shine foorth clearly thou shalt be as the morning light 18 And thou shalt be secure because there is hope which is best Yea thou shalt dig about thee and in safety take thy rest 19 Also thou shalt lye downe secure from all adversitie None shall affright thee many shall make their sute unto thee 20 But the eyes of the wicked shall faile even till they be lost They shall not scape their hope shall be as giving up the ghost Chap. 12. ANd Job answ'red and said to them in great perplexitie 2 No doubt but yee the people are wisedome with you shall die 3 But I do understand as well as any of you all Yea who knowes not such things as these though of a judgement small I am like one by neighbours scorn'd who upon God doth call â—e answreth him the just upright is laugh'd to scorne by all He that is ready with his feet to slip he is most sure â—s lampes despised in the thought of these that leave secure The robbers houses prosper still and they that God provoke â—o live secure into whose hand God puts a wealthy stock But ask the beasts and they anone shall thee teach most clearelie â—d the foules fleeing in the aire and they al 's shall tell thee Speak to the earth and it surely shall teach thee lessons rare â—e fishes also of the sea shall unto thee declare Who knowes not that the hand of God hath wrought all of this kind In whose hand is the living soul and breath of all mankind Doth not the eare try words and al 's the mouth taste meat alwayes 12 With th' Ancient men great wisedome is and skill in length of dayes 13 In wisedome great and strength also he highly doth excell He both hath understanding great and excellent counsell 14 Behold he breaketh downe and it cannot be built againe He doth shut up and truely there can be no opening then 15 Behold the waters he withholds and they anone grow dry He sends them out they all the earth do turne ov'r by and by 16 With him is strength and wisedome great these who most simple be That are deceiv'd deceivers al 's all wisely ruleth he 17 He counsellers spoil'd leads away and judges fooles doth make 18 The bond of Kings he looseth soone and girds their loines with sack 19 He Princes spoiles and overthrowes the mighty men alway 20 The trusty speach the ageds skill he doth remove away 21 Upon the princes of the earth he powres contempt at length And of the great and mighty men he weakneth all the strength 22 He deepe things out of darknesse great discov'reth by his might The blackest shadow he of death dâ—â—â— bring out to the light 23 Tâ—â— nations he doth well increase and by him they are slaine The nations he doth all enlarge and straitneth them againe 24 The heart of cheefest people he on earth doth take away And makes them erre in wildernesse where there is not a way 25 They heere and there grope in the dark where there appeares no light â—nd he them like a drunken man makes stagger by his might Chap. 13 MIne eye hath all this seene mine eare hath heard and understood What ye know I doe know the like not under you in good 3 I unto the Almighty speak and reason with him would 4 But yee are all Physitians vaine to forge lies
ye are bold 5 O that yee all would hold your peace your wisedome it should be 6 My reasoning and pleadings of my lips hear patientlie 7 Will you for God speak wickedly and talk deceit in end 8 Wâ—ll ye accept his person thus will yee for God contend 9 Is it good that he should you search to mock him are yee set 10 He 'll you reprove if secretly ye persons do accept 11 Shall not his great excellencie with dread you all afray 12 Your remembâ—ance like ashes is your bodies are of clay 13 Now hold your peace that I may speak and come on me what will 14 Why in my teeth take I my flesh hazarding life to spill 15 Though he me slay yet will I trust in him even more and more â—ut I mine own wayes as I can maintaine will him before 16 He shall be my salvation for hypocrites surely â—hall not with their vaine shewes once come before his Majestie 17 My speach that fuâ—l of matter is with diligence now hear â—nto my declaration al 's see that ye all give eare 18 Behold now I by wisedome great my cause even most wisely â—ave ordred I know that I shall be justified thereby 19 Who is he among mortall men that will well plead with me 〈◊〉 or if I now be dumb I shall give up the ghost surelie 20 Onely do not two things to me and I will not me hide 21 Withdraw thine hand let not thy dread make me now sore afâ—id 22 Then call thou and I answere will or els answere thou me 23 How many are my greevous sins reveale thou unto me 24 Why dost thou hide from me thy face as if thy foe were I 25 Wilt thou thus breake a tossed leafe and pursue stubble dry 26 For thou against me bitter things dost write which is uncouth And mak'st me alwayes to possesse the great sins of my youth 27 Thou putt'st my feet al 's in the stocks and look'st to all my wayes Thou sett'st a print upon the heels ev'n of my feet alwayes 28 And poore man in his best estate is as a rotten cloth Consumed all as garments are all eaten with the moth Chap. 14 POore man that of a woman weake upon the earth is borne Is of few dayes he is also with troubles rent and torne 2 He doth come foorth ev'n like a flowre and is cut downe againe He as a shadow flies away and doth not long remaine 3 And dost thou so on such an one full of infirmitie Thy clear eyes open and me bringst into judgement with thee 4 Who can a clean thing heer on earth by his great power alone Bring out of that which is unclean no not there is not one 5 Determined his dayes are all and months numbred with thee His bounds thou hast appointed that he can not passe surely 6 In thy great mercy turn from him that heer well rest he may Untill that as an hireling he accomplish shall his day 7 For if a tree be cut there 's hope that it againe will sprout And that the tender branch thereof will not cease to bud out 8 Even though the root thereof on earth waxe old and so be found Yea more and that the stock thereof even die into the ground 9 Yet through the sent of water fresh it will most quickly bud And there bring foorth most pleasant boughes like plants beside a flood 10 But on earth poor man wasts away and after that must die Yea man he giveth up the ghost when that is where is he 11 As overflowing waters great faile from the deepest sea And floods decay and at the last from running become dry 12 So man lyes down and doth not rise Till the heav'ns be no more They not awake shall nor be raisd out of their sleepe therefore 13 O that thou wouldst in mercy great me hide in grave at last That thou al 's wouldst me secret keep untill thy wrath be past That thou wouldst in thy wisdome al 's appoint mâ— speedilie A set time foâ— my life and so at last remember me 14 If men die shall they live againe this should seeme very strange The dayes of my appointed time I 'll waite till come my change 15 Thou shalt call and I answere will as thou shalt me require Thou to the worke of thine owne hands will have a good desire 16 Dost thou not number all my steps and watch well ov'r my sin 17 My transgression is in a bag seal'd thou it sow'st therein 18 The mountaines falling come to nought and moulder all away The hardest rock removed is out from its place and stay 19 The waters still do weare the stones thou washest quite away These earthly things and thou destroy'st the hope of man alway 20 Against him still thou dost prevaile and he anone is past His countenance thou changes and him sends away at last 21 His sons come unto honour great and he it doth not know Likewise he doth not once perceive when they are brought downâ— low 22 But as long as â—is fiâ—sh on eaâ—th shall bear his soul about The soul within shall mourne the flesh shall have great paine without Chap. 15. THen Eliphaz the Temanite said Should man wise in minde 2 Speak vainly and his belly fill with the barran east winde 3 Should he thus with such iddle talk and words that are most rude Go reason or with speach wherewith he sure can do no good 4 Thou casts off feare by prayer al 's on GOD thou dost not call 5 Thy mouth speakes ill and thou dost choise the crafty tongue withall 6 Not I but thine own wicked mouth condemnes thee certainly And which is more yea thine owne lips against thee testifie 7 Art thou the first man that was borne and made the hills before 8 Gods secrets hast thou heard and dost esteeme thy wisedome more 9 What knowst thou which we do not knowâ— or yet not understand 10 With us are all the aged men the gray-heads of the land 11 Gods comforts with thee are they small are secret things with thee 12 Why doth thine heart thee cary and at what doth winke thine eye 13 That thou against th' Almighty God thy spirit turn'st so and so And lettest such most foolish words out of thy vaine mouth go 14 What is man that he should be cleane himself to justifie And he which of a woman borne that he should righteous be 15 Beâ—old no trust he in his saints doth put for all their might Yea the most cleaâ— and azurd heavens are not cleane in his sight 16 How much more loathsome and more vile is man as ye may think Who all sorts of iniquitie as water still doth drinke 17 I 'll shew thee heare I will declare even that which I have seene 18 Which wise men from their fathers told so hid it hath not beene 19 To whom alone the earth was given that therein they might dwell No stranger did among them passe either to buy or
alway His parts or yet his power I will not conceale or hide Nor his comely proportion all even as it doth abide 13 Who of his garment glorious well discover can the face Or who with double bridle can come to him in his place 14 Who can the wide doores of his face well open with his key His cruell teeth are round about most terrible to see 15 His scales his pride together are shut close as with a seale So neer they are together that twixt them none air can feele 17 Together they so joined are and stick so that therefore They by no force of strength once can be sundred lesse or more 18 By his neesings a light doth shine as hath beene often try'd His eyes are like the bright eye-lids even of the morning tyde 19 Out of his mouth go burning lamps and sparks of fire most hot 20 Out of his nostrils goes a smoak as from a seething-pot 21 His fyrie breath doth kindle coals when he doth with the same Out of his mouth send speedily a hote consuming flame 22 In his great neck remaineth strength no work can him annoy Thus paines and sorrow him before are turned into joy 23 The flakes of his flesh joined are no thing can them divorce They are so firme that they can not be mov'd by any force 24 His heart is as a stone most firme who could it clearly finde Yea hard as a Mils neather-stone which is laid for to grind 25 The mighy when he riseth up afraid are mightily By reason of such breakings they themselves do purifie 26 The sword of him is broken soone that fiercely layes him at The like befals to dart and spear and unto the breast-plate 27 He alwayes lightly doth esteeme the yron as the straw No more for brasse then rotten wood he fierce doth stand in aw 28 The arrows keen shot from the bow can not him put to flight The sling-stones are in his account most like the stubble light 29 Darts as the stubble counted are for them he hath no fear He with disdain still laugheth at the shaking of the spear 30 Sharp ragged stones are under him he spreads on mire and dirt Sharp pointed things which once his skin not able are to hurt 31 He like a pot doth make the deep to boile as it were hot He makes the sea as ointment al 's all seething in a pot 32 Where he hath past in greatest deepths he leaves upon the streames A shining path so that to all the Ocean hoary seemes 33 Upon the whole earth heer below sure there is not his like He is so made that trembling fear can not upon him strike 34 He doth behold all other beasts as no thing him beside He is the great and mighty king of all the sons of pride Chap 42. AFter that JOB heard this discourse most full of gravitie He to the LORD this answer made and said to him humbly 2 I know that thou canst every thing do whether great or small And that no thought can once from thee witholden be at all 3 Who is he Yea I am the man Who thought my self too holy I hid Gods counsell wise and good by reason of my foly 4 Hear I beseech thee and I will speake and demand of thee What I desire of thee to learne declare thou unto me 5 I often of thee have heard by the hearing of the eare But now I see thee with mine eye ev'n by thy grace made cleare 6 Wherefore I doe my self abhorre and now with full intent In vilest dust and ashes both I humbly do repent 7 And it was so that after GOD these wordes to Job had said To Eliphaze the Temanite the LORD thus answere made I wroth am with thee and thy friends for ye the thing that 's right Not spoken have as righteous Job my servant most upright 8 Therefore take Rammes and bullocks al 's which are both fat and faire And soone unto my servant Job see that yee all repaire A burnt offring bring for your selves for this to GOD is due And Job my servant fervently shall alwayes pray for you For surely will I him accept lest in my justice strict I for your folly at the last some judgement great inflict Because yee have not spoken so discreet in every part What 's right of me as Job hath done with a most upright heart 9 So Eliphaze the Temanite and the Shushite Bildade And Zophar the Naamathite did as the Lord them bade Also the Lord in mercy great when this was done and past Considered Job and cheaâ—efully him did accept at last 10 When for his friends he pray'd the Lord did heale his greefe and sore He unto JOB gave twise as much as ev'r he had before 11 Then came to him his brethren all his sisters and his kin And others all who had before of his acquaintance bin With him they bread ate in his house and they did him bemone And gave him comfort of the ills that GOD brought him upon Each man also incontinent did give as he best could A peece of money and also an earring of fine gold 12 So that the LORD in mercy great unto JOB did extend His gifts in the beginning great but larger in the end For he had fourteene thousand sheep and camels six thousand A thousand yoke of oxen al 's shee asses at command 13 Of Children JOB had at the last seven sons and daughters more In number three so did the LORD his family restore 14 The first he called Jemima and Kesia next the same Then Keren-happuch after her was al 's the third by name 15 In all the land no women were as Jobs daughters so faire Among their brethren Job them gave inheritance most rare 16 He after this an hundred yeers did live and al 's fouttie And saw his sons and his sons sons the fourth genealogie 17 So Job at last deceas'd when he unto old age was come And after he was full of dayes he went to his Long-bome The Use LET men heere learne that no thing heere is sure Who 's rich the day the morrow may be poor Let men heere learn not to feare Satans rage For God his own doth compasse with a hedge If he permit great troubles by and by Our patience they are but sent to try When wee are spoil'd let this bee still wish That patiently in all the Lord we blesse When wee see men deepe plung'd in troubâ—â— sore Let us beware them to condemne therefore It is for man a great temerity Him to condemn whom God doth justifie At last heere learne though godly men a grace Do suffer whiles At last their end is Peace FINIS THE GARDEN OF ZION The Booke of the PROVERBS A Prayer GReat Wisdomes Hall heer as I think I see Embroidred all with Divine-Tapestrie Heere Solomon hath Proverbs grave and wise None but vain fools such wisdome can despise Now great Jehovah with thy Heavenly fan Blow up my breast that I may
And doth forget the Covenant all of her great GOD above 18 For her most vile house doth incline unto the doores of death And to the dead all slaine by sinne directly is her path 19 None of these all returne againe who foolishly are bold To go to her nor of the paths of life doe they take hold 20 That thou most constantly may walk with good men in the way And of the righteous keep the paths and feare to goe astray 21 For the upright shall dwell in lands which shall thee well maintain And these that be perfect in heart shall still therein remaine 22 But wicked men shall be cut off from all the earth about And the transgressours of GODS law shall be all rooted out Chap. 3. My deare son looke that thou my law do in no way forget But see that my commandments all thou keep with all thine heart 2 For length of dayes they shall to thee adde with a happy life And Peace and Plenty wonderfull far from debate and strife 3 Let not Mercy and Truth forsake thee binde them to thy neck Write them upon the table of thine heart which they shall deck 4 So shalt thou most sweet favour finde and an excellent light Of understanding good and that both in GOD and mans sight 5 Trust in thee LORD with all thine heart well purged and made cleane And unto thine owne wisdome see that in no way thou leane 6 In all thy wayes acknowledge him who shall thee still protect And thy paths through all dangers he shall safely all direct 7 Be thou not wise in thine own eyes take heed unto thine heart The mighty Lord see that thou fear and from all ill depart 8 It shall be to thy navill health and more then that alone It wattring and moistning shall be even marrow to thy bone 9 With thy substance honour the Lord even whether more or lesse And with the first and rarest fruits of all thy blest increase 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty of corne most fine Thy presses al 's abundantly shall burst out with new wine 11 My son the chastening of the Lord see that thou not despise Nor yet of his correction good be weary any wayes 12 For whom the Lord loves he corrects as he it thinketh right Even as a father doth his son in whom is his delight 13 Most happy is the man that doth Gods heavenly wisedome find And he that understanding good gets for to cleare his mind 14 For the rich merchandise thereof is better manifold Then silver and the gaine thereof then is the finest gold 15 She then Rubies more precious is which high esteemed are And all the things thou canst desire may not with her compare 16 In her right hand the length of dayes abide as in their seat And in her left hand also are riches and honour great 17 Her wayes are wayes of pleasantnesse which mens heart do solace And which should much stirre up our hearts ev'n all her paths are peace 18 She is a tree of life to them that on her hold do lay And ev'ry one that her retaines is happy ev'ry way 19 The Lord by wisdome founded hath the earth and made it sure By understanding he the heavens hath stablish'd to endure 20 By his knowledge are broken up the depths that are not few The lofty clouds GODS charets high drop downe the pleasant dew 21 My son let them not from thine eyes by any way depart See that thou keep discretion well and wisedome sound in heart 22 So shall they be unto thy soule as life thee to protect They likewise shall not faile to be as grace unto thy neck 23 Then thou protected by the Lord shalt safely in thy way With courage walk so that thy foot not stumble shall alway When thou lyes downe thou shalt not be afraid by danger deep Yea thou most safely shalt ly down and sweet shall be thy sleep 25 Let not thy heart be sore afraid of any sudden fear Nor of the desolation great when it doth come right neer 26 For GOD of thy sure confidence shall alwayes be the root From being taken in a girn he shall keep well thy foot 27 Withhold not good from them to whom it 's due as by a band When as to do the same it 's in the power even of thine hand 28 Say not unto thy neighbour Go and come againe to me And I to morrow will it give when it thou hast by thee 29 Against thy neighbour any way see thou devise not ill Since that he doth by thee alwayes ev'n most securely dwell 30 With any man without a cause strive not in any terme If so be that he innocent hath done to thee no harme 31 Vaine oppressours envie thou not who do poore men abuse And see that thou be very ware none of their wayes to chuse 32 For an abomination great the froward is alway Unto the Lord but his secret is with the righteous ay 33 GODS curse upon the wickeds house shall bring it all to dust But he most plenteously doth blesse the dwelling of the just 34 Surely he in his wrath doth scorne the scorners to their face But unto men of humble hearts he alwayes giveth grace 35 The wise shall all inherit still great glory in their name But the promotion of all fooles shall be nothing but shame Chap. 4. YEE children of a father hear the teaching wise and learn'd And to know understanding good with diligence attend 2 For I to you give doctrine wise that ye may stand in aw And walk in mine obedience and not forsake my law 3 For ev'n I was my fathers son his pleasure and delight Yea tender and beloved well in my dear mothers sight 4 He taught me al 's and said to me let thine heart now beleeve My words al 's my commandements all keep well that thou may live 5 Get wisdome understanding get most heavenly and divine Forget it not and from my words see that thou not decline 6 Forsake her not and so she shall most safe preserve thee still Love her with all thine heart and she shall keep thee from all ill 7 Wisedome as all men well may know in cheefest place is set Therefore get wisdome and with that good understanding get 8 Exalt her high and she shall thee promote in every place To honour great she shall thee bring when thou dost her embrace 9 She shall to thee an ornament of grace give lovingly A crown of glory sure she shall deliver unto thee 10 Hear O my son consider well and hear now lovingly My words and the years of thy life shall blest and many be 11 I have thee taught in Wisdomes way and that with all my might I also have thee straightly led in pathes that are most right 12 When thou shalt go thy steps shall not be straitned sore at all And when thou runnest thou shalt not once stumble for to fall 13 Take fast
He that transgressions covreth close most wisely seeketh love But he that matters doth repeat doth friendship soon remove 10 Into a wise man a reproofe to teach him entreth more Then strips into a foolish man in number to five score 11 A wicked man in all his wayes rebellion seeks onely Therefore against him shall be sent men with great cruelty 12 Let a Bear robbed of her whelps a man in fury meet Much rather then a ramping fool in his most rageing heat 13 Who so rewardeth ill for good at last shall feel the smart For ill at any time shall not once from his house depart 14 Strife new begun is as when one to water gives a way Therefore leave off contention all before ye go astray 15 He that the just man doth condemne and wicked justifie They both abomination great are to the LORD surely 16 A wealthy fool by all his baggs doth surely hope in vaine To get wisdome since he hath not a heart it to attaine 17 A wise and worthy friend alwayes doth love most constantly And like wise a dear brother is borne for adversity 18 A man of understanding voide most rashly striketh hands â—nd in the presence of his friends goes into sureties bands 19 He that doth love debate and strife doth love transgression And he that proud exalts his gate doth seeke destruction 20 He that hath a most froward heart doth finde no good at all And he that hath a tongue perverse into mischief doth fall 21 He that begets a fool it doth unto his grief and smart The father al 's of furious fooles no joy hath in his heart 22 A merry heart doth good alwayes like medicine most sweet But all the bones are dryed up even by a broken sprite 23 Out of the bosome craftily a man profane in heart Doth take a gift that he the wayes of judgement may pervert 24 Wisdome is alwayes him before that understanding hath But of a fool the eyes are in the ends of all the earth 25 A fool unto his father is great grief and al 's distresse And unto her that bare him he is also bitternesse 26 To punish the just and upright it seemes not good to be Nor yet to rashly Princes strike for right and equitie 27 He that hath knowledge spareth much his wordes with wise intent And he that understanding hath hath a sprite excellent 28 A foole when he doth hold his peace is counted wise by men When man is silent he is thought a man of knowledge then Chap. 18. A Man who through desire to learne doth set him self apart Doth seeke and intermedle with wisdome with all his heart 2 In understanding any way a fool hath no delight But that his heart discover may it self in all mens sight 3 Wheresoever the wicked come then comes contempt quicklie And upon mans face comes reproach with great ignominie 4 The words of a mans mouth are as deep waters every way And the well-spring of wisdome is a flowing brook alway 5 It is not good the person of the wicked to allow And that for in judgement corrupt good men to overthrow 6 A vaine fooles lips enter into contention great and small And his mouth full of naughty wordes for strokes doth quickly call 7 A fooles mouth his destruction is his lips that can not spare â—o speak idly are of his soul a most deceitfull snare 8 Talebearers words are even as wounds and they down quickly go â—nto the bellies in most parts all fill'd with grief and wo. 9 He that lives slouthfull in his work not caring to come speed Is brother unto him that is a waster great indeed 10 A strong towre is the name of GOD both unto rich and poor The righteous man doth run to it and is most safe and sure 11 The rich mans wealth is his refuge and city of defence And as a wall in his conceit which is voide of all sense 12 Before destruction come on man his heart is most hauty And also before honour come is true humility 13 He who before the matter heard doth quickly answere frame It is most certainly to him both folly great and shame 14 The sprite of courage will sustaine a mans infirmity But who is strong to bear a sprite that deeply wounded be 15 The heart of him that prudent is doth understanding get And to seek knowledge of the wise the ear is alwayes set 16 The gift of man doth make a roome for him in every place And him before great men doth bring without shame or disgrace 17 He that in his owne cause is first doth seeme most just to be â—ut after him his neighbour comes him searching narrowlie 18 The lot doth cause contentions all to cease in ev'ry heart â—etweene the mighty of the earth the portions it doth part 19 A city is more easy winne then brethren in their jarres â—nd their contentions are most like the strongest castle barres 20 The fruit of a mans mouth well shall his belly satisfie â—nd with the increase of his lips he shall well filled be 21 In power of mans tongue alwayes is death and life most sweet â—â—d they that love it with their heart the fruit thereof shall eat Who findes a wife a good thing findes even help and pleasant gaine And of the mercy of the Lord great favour doth obtaine 23 The poor man in his want doth use intreaties most humbly But the churle rich in worldly wealth doth answere him roughly 24 A man that friends hath must himself unto them friendly shew Then any brother closer sticks a friend that 's fast and true Chap. 19. THe poor is better that doth walk in his integritie Then he that is in lips perverse and seemes a fool to be 2 That the soule without knowledge be it is not good or meete And he doth sinne in many wayes that hasteth with his feet 3 The foolishnesse of vaine proud man perverteth all his way And his hard heart against the Lord in rage doth fret alway 4 By great wealth many friends are made which helpeth in our smart But from his neighbour dear the poor is alwayes set apart 5 A man that is a witnesse fals shall not unpunish'd be And he also shall not escape that vainely speakes a lie 6 A Princes favour many will most humbly still entreat And all men are a friend to him that gifts oft giveth great 7 The poore mans brethren hate him all much more goe far away â—is friends he them pursues with words who wanting are alway 8 He that gets wisedome surely doth his owne soule dearly love He that doth understanding keep shall find good from above 9 A false witnesse indeed shall not unpunish'd be alway And he that speaketh lies most false shall perish and decay 10 Delight a vaine and foolish man beseemeth not at all Much lesse a servant rule to have ov'r Princes great or small 11 The great discretion of a man his anger doth delay And a transgression to
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
LORD 9 Speake ye that ride on Asses white in Rulers chief aray And ye that sit in judgement and that travell by the way 10 And ye the poorest of the land whose trade was still to draw Waters from wells Of Archers ye did greatly stand in aw Yee from this feare delivered GODS great workes magnifie Who hath traffique and Iustice giv'n in village and citie 11 Awake awake awake awake DEBORAH sing anone Arise BARAK and lead Captive thou of AHINOAN son 12 Him that remaines he made to rule ov'r the Nobilitie Ov'r people al 's the LORD me gave rule over the mighty 13 Of EPHRAIM gainst AMALEK there was a worthy root And after thee stout BENjAMIN among thy people great rom MACHIR of MANASSE came governours goodly men o this service came ZEBULON scribes handling well the pen 15 And the most mighty Princes of strong ISSACHAR that day Were with DEBORAH in the field ev'n ISSACHAR I say here BARAK to the valley sent on foot did soone depart or the divisions of REUBEN there were great thoughts of heart 16 Why from the Sheepfolds wouldst not thou go for to act thy part or the divisions of REUBEN were searchings great of heart 17 Beyond JORDAN GILEAD abode and why did DAN remaine â— ships Asher on the sea shore sought in his breaches gaine 18 ZEBULON and NEPHTALI stout were arm'd with Spear and Shield hey jeoparded their lives all in high places of the field 19 The Kings of CANA'N came and fought JABIN for to maintaine In TANAH to MEGIDDO neere but thereby did not gaine ' Gainst SISERA the clouds and wind did fight from the Heav'ns hie The bright starres in their courses al 's fought most couragiouslie 21 The river KISHON ev'n KISHON did sweep them all away O thou my soul thou hast downe troad great strength without delay 22 Then the strong horsehoves broken were ev'n with their strongest bones By the meanes of the pransings great of the most mighty Ones 23 Curse yee MEROS the Angel said yea curse them bitterly Because they did not help the Lord ' gainst these that were mighty 24 JAEL the wife of HEBER shall blest above women be Above women she shall be blest in the tent most surely 25 He asked water and she gave him milk of sweet relish She also wisely butter brought foorth in a lordly dish 26 She with a hammer and a naile smote SISERA indeed When she his Temples pierced had she did smite off his head 27 He bow'd and fâ—ll and lay downe he at her feet bow'd and fell Where he bow'd there he fell downe dead at the feet of JAHEL 28 SISERAS mother looked out at windowes and did cry hrough the lattesse with joy of heart to these thar passed by Why taries his Charet so long What hinder doth it let Why tarie thus the wheeles most swift of his Princely Charet 29 When her wise Ladies heard these wordes they did not long defer â—o give answer yea to her self she return'd this answer 30 Have they not well in Battell sped have they not all also arted the prey to every man a damosell or two To SISERA a wealthy prey who his foes strong did foile A colour'd prey of needle work for these that take the spoile 31 So perish let thy foes O Lord but who with heart upright Him love let them be as the Sun when he goes foorth in might The Song of Hannah whicâ— She sang to GOD when Shâ— had borne Samuel after long barrennesse 1 SAM 2. vers 1. MY heart rejoiceth in the LORD my horne exalt did he My mouth is greatly now inlarg'd for his goodnesse to me 2 There is none holy as the LORD there is none beside thee There is no rock that is like God our God the Lord most hie 3 Talk no more proudly as ye do speak not with arrogance For all our deeds the Lord doth weigh in his sacred ballance The strong bowes of the mighty men are broken all at length â—d they that stumbled now are girt with force and divine strength They that were full in plentie have hir'd out themselves for bread â—d they that were in hunger great securly ceasd indeed e that was barren and contemn'd hath borne sev'n great and small â—d she that many children hath is waxed feeble all The LORD by his strong arme doth kill and he doth also save â— lifteth up he bringeth downe unto the stinking grave By his great power he doth make poore and also maketh rich â— bringeth low and raiseth up unto a certaine pitch He raiseth up out of the dust the poor from the dunghill He lifts the begger and him sets on Thrones with Princes still For the strong pillars of the earth unto the Lord belong And he by his great power hath set the world all them upon 9 He of his saints will keep the feet the wicked in darknesse Shall all be silent none by strength prevaile shall more or lesse 10 These fooles who do reject the Lord shall soone be broke to pieces With thunders shall he trouble them though they be great as Princes The Lord shall judge the earth below and strength give to his King The horne of his anointed he shall high exalt so reigne The Song of David which he sang to give thanks after that Nathan had promised him benefites and blessings but chiefly the Messiah to come of his seede 2 SAM 7. vers 18. O LORD my God now who am I that thou on me hast thought What is my house that thou in love me hitherto hast brought This was but small Lord in thy sight thou of thy servants house â—ast spoke for a great while to come as thou art righteous his truely Lord a mercy great I clearly now do see fter the maner of a man this seemes no way to be And what can David more to thee for this thy goodnesse say or thou Lord God who art most hie thy servant know'st alway 4 For thy wordes sake thou hast now done according to thy heart These things to make thy servants all thee know in every part 5 Thou Lord art great like thee is none no God is thee beside According to all things that we have heard on ev'ry side 7 What Nation one in all the earth is like thy people dear Even like Isra'l whom God redeem'd that he might them acquire To get a name and do great things for thy most holy land Before thy people which from Kings redeem'd are by thy hand 8 For to thy self thou hast confirm'd Isra'l to thee for ay A people and thou art become their Lord and God alway 9 What of thy servant and his house thou hast Lord spoken now As thou hast said it by thy grace establish and allow 10 And let thy name be magnified for ever and for ay Tâ—e Lord of Hosts is Isral's God let all the people say nd let the house of thy servant David for evermore e by thy mercy and thy might establish'd
thee before 11 For thou Lord God the Lord of hostes the God of Israel nto thy servant hast reveal'd thy mercies that excell will thee build an house thou saidst therefore I have this day â—und ev'n this prayer thus in my heart unto thee for to pray 12 And now O Lord that God thou art and thy wordes be most true nd thou this goodnesse promisde hast unto thy servants now Therefore be pleased for to blesse thy servants house alway hat it may so continue still before thee fast for ay or thou O Lord in mercy great hast spoken it to me ow let the house of thy servant for ever blessed be The Song of Isaiah Conceâ—ning the vineyard wherein Gods people is reproved for their barrennesse in good workes notwithstanding of all the paines were taken by the Prophets ISA. 5. vers 1. TO my belov'd I my belov'ds song will now sing with skill My welbelov'd a vineyard hath in a most fruitfull hill 2 He it did fence and gathred out its stones at every houre He planted it with choisest vine and in it built a Towre He al 's made a vine presse therein and look'd it should bring foorth Good grapes but foorth alwayes it brought wilde grapes of nothing worth 3 O ye indwellers of Salem and Judahs men alway Betwixt my vineyard and me now judge justly I you pray 4 What could I unto my vineyard do more then I have done While I for good grapes looked still it brought wilde grapes alone And now go to I will you tell what to my vineyard I Will do I will the hedge thereof away take by and by Then shall it all be eaten up I will break down its wall â—nd it by wilde beasts of the field shall down be troden all I also now will lay it wast it shall not pruned be â—or digged but men briars and thornes anone come up shall see 〈◊〉 also by my divine might the clouds all will command That they shall neither day nor night raine down upon the land â— For of the Lord the vineyard is the house of Israel And Judahs men his pleasant plant which others should excell And he for judgement looked well but O then by and by Oppression al 's for righteousnesse but O behold a cry A Song of thanks for the mercies of GOD. ISA. 12. vers 1. I Will thee praise O Lord though thoâ— with me most angry wast Thine anger is now turn'd away thou me comforted hast 2 Behold and well consider God is my salvation sure I will still trust and not afraid now will be lesse or more For the great Lord Jehovah is mâ— strength and al 's my song He my salvation is become to him it doth belong 3 Therefore out of salvations welles yee shall your selfe imploy Fine water in aboundance great to draw al wayes with joy 4 Then shall ye say praise ye the Lord and call upon his name His workes among the pople shew and high exalt his fame Unto the Lord sing thankfully for he hath things of worth Done by his mighty hand this well is know'n in all the earth Cry out and shout with a loud voice yee that indwellers be Of Zion Isra'ls holy one is great in midst of thee A Song inciting to confidence in God ISA. 26. vers 1. WEE have a city all made strong the Lord salvation will Appoint for to be mighty walles and bulwarkes ever still The glorious gates now open that the Nation void of sin Which constantly the truth doth keep may freely enter in Thou wilt him well preserve and keep in perfect peace to be Whose mind is still upon thee stay'd because he trustes in thee 4 For ever in the Lord trust yee for yee shall feele at length That in the Lord Jehovah is an everlasting strength 5 For he brings downe dwellers on high the lofty city low He layes it to the ground he brings even to the dust below 9 The foot shall basely tread it downe even the foot of the poore And the steps of the needy al 's shall ev'n the like procure 7 The justs way all is uprightnesse thou upright in thy wayes Of the just in the ballance thou dost weigh the path alwayes 8 Yea in thy judgements way O Lord we waited have for thee Our soules desires unto thy name and thy remembrance be 9 I with my soul have constantly desir'd thee in the night Yea with my sprite I early will thee seek with all my might â—or when thy judgements in the earth us teach for to discerne â—hen all the worlds inhabitants Gods righteousnesse will learne 10 Let favour great be shewed still unto the wicked man â—et for all that he righteousnesse will neither learne or can â—v'n in the land of uprightnesse unjustly will he deale â—nd of the Lord the Majestie behold no way he will 11 Lord when thy hand is lifted up they all refuse to see â—ut they shall see against their will though they do close their eye â—ecause thy people they envye asham'd they shall be sore â—ea the fire of thine enemies all shall quickly them devore 12 Lord thou wilt ordaine peace for us this still is in our thought â—or thou in us hast all our workes ev'n by thy finger wrought 13 O Lord besides thee other lords have rul'd us to our shame But by thee onely will we all make mention of thy name 14 Hence foorth these wicked shall not live who are now dead and slaine They at last all deceased are they shall not live againe Therefore thou visited hast them and them destroy'd alway And al 's hast made their memorie to perish quite away 15 The Nation well thou hast increasde thy glory shineth forth Thou hadst remov'd it far unto the ends of all the earth 16 Lord when they were in trouble they did visite thee anone They powr'd out prayers when thy rod was heavy them upon 17 Most like a woman at childe birth who in her pangs doth cry So have we Lord been in thy sight distressed by and by 18 We great with child have been in paine and have brought forth the winde To help out friends or foes defeat no strength at all we finde 19 Thy dead men shall most surely leave together well they all â—ith my dead body even revive and al 's arise they shall â—e that in dust dwell now awake for thy dew is indeed â—s dew of herbs and al 's the earth shall cast out all the dead 20 My people come now enter thou while as the time is fit â—nto thy chambers and with speede the doores about thee shute â—here for a little moment hide thy self far from the blast â—ntâ—ll the indigâ—ation great be safely over past 21 For lo the Lord out of his place doth come most speedily â—o punish all the men on earth for their iniquitie The earth shall al 's disclose the blood that in it did remaine And shall no more the meanes afford to cover close her
slaine The Song of Hezekiah afteâ— GOD had healed him of his sicknesse and promised unto him fifeteene yeeres of life ISA. 38. vers 10. IN cutting off of my short dayes I said I shall now go Unto the grave I am depriv'd of my few yeeres also 2 I said that in the livings land the Lord I shall not see I shall no more see man with these that heere indwellers be 3 Mine age is parted and remov'd by troubles and great strife Like sheepheards tents I veaver like have ev'n cut off my life With sicknesse he will cut me off what ever I pretend From day ev'n unto night wilt thou of me soone make an end 4 I rekned till morning that as a Lion so will he Break all my bones from day to night thou 'l make an end of me Like a poore Cran in great distresse or a troubled swallow â—o did I chatter I did mourne as doth the simple Doue My eyes do fail with looking up and very dimmed be O Lord I am oppressed sore now undertake for me 6 What shall I say he spoken hath and al 's hath done no lesse 〈◊〉 shall go softly all my yeers in my souls bitternesse 7 In all these things is of my sprite the life they that believe Do live by them Recover me and so make me to live 8 Behold for a desired peace I had great bitternesse But thou in love hast sav'd me from the pit of rottenesse For thou who of afflicted men dost ever notice take In thy great mercy all my sins hast cast behind thy back 9 The grave can not thee praise and death can not thee magnifie They that go to the pit can not in hope rest well on thee 10 The living yea the living shall thee praise as I this day The fathers to their children al 's shall teach thy truth alway 11 The LORD was ready me to save therefore we with accord To the string'd instruments will sing in the house of the LORD The Song of Jonah Containing a Prayer and Thanks for his delivâ—rance out of the belly of the Whale wherein hee had beene three dayes and three nights JONAH 2. vers 1. I Cry'd to God and he me heard out of hells belly I Did cry aloud and thou my voice even heardest by and by 2 For thou hadst cast me in the deep in the midst of the Sea â—e flouds me compassd and thy waves did all passe over me Then said I I out of thy sight am cast with great disdaine â—t to thy holy Temple I will surely look againe Ev'n to the soul the waters did me compasse with all speed â—e deepth me closde about the weeds were wrapt about my head To the bottomes of mountaines steep I went down speedily 〈◊〉 earth for ever with her barres did alwayes compasse me hast thou from corruptions pit by mercies me upon â—ord my God and Saviour dear my life brought up anone The Lord I did remember when my soul thus within me faint into thy Temple came my prayer ev'n unto thee â—hey that do lying vanities observe in any way Their owne mercy most foolishly they do forsake alway 8 But I to thee with thankfull voice will sacrifice afford What I have vow'd I minde to pay salvation's of the Lord. The Song and Prayer of Hâ—bakkuk wherein he declaretâ— his trembling at GODS Majestie and also the confidence of his faith while the Caldeans afflicted GODS people HABBAK 3. vers 2. O Lord God full of Majesty I thy servant have heard Thy speach in wordes of gravity and I was sore afraid 2 In midst of yeers revive O Lord thy work and ever still Make known al 's in thy burning wrath remember mercy well 3 From TEMAN and from PARAN mount came God the Holy one His glory cov'rd the heavens his praise was all the earth upon His brightnesse was as light he had Hornes coming from his hand â—here was the hiding of his great power which none did understand Before him went the pestilence and hoat coales at his feet He stood and measur'd all the earth as it did seeme most meet â—e did behold and also drove asunder nations all â—nd th' everlasting mountaines were scattred both great and small â—he hills perpetuall in their place did humbly stoup and bow His wayes are everlasting all as we do clearly know Of Cushan in affliction great I saw tents great and small â—he Curtaines of the Midian land did also tremble all Was the Lord God displeased much against the Rivers clear â—as thine anger incensed thus ' gainst Rivers far or neer Against the sea was thy wrath so that thou didst fiercely ride Upon the horses and charets that safety might abide 9 Thy bow all naked quite was made that men there might beleeve Thou sware unto the Tribes thou didst the earth with waters cleave 10 The hills thee saw and trembled all the water passed by The deep his voice did utter and lift up his hands on hie 11 The Sun and Moon stood in their place even at thine arrowes clear They at the light went and the shine of thy most glittring spear 12 Thou furious didst march through the land in indignation great Thou also didst the heathen thresh even in thine anger hot 13 For thy peoples salvation thou went'st foorth without all fear Even for salvation of great worth with thine anointed dear Out of the wicked house didst thou with power great wound the head Discov'ring the foundation all unto the neck with speed 14 Thou by thy hand Almighty of his villages the head Even with his staves did strike anone with fiercenesse great indeed They came out all as a whirlewind and that to scatter me Their joy was all as to devore the poor most secretly 15 With thine horses which were most strong thou didst walk through the Sea Even through the heap of waters great as men did clearly see 16 My belly trembled when I heard and at the voice anone My lips quiv'red and rottenesse did enter in my bone I trembled in my self that I might rest in dayes most sad When he comes to the people he with troupes them will invade 17 Though the figtree not blossome shall nor fruites in Vines shall be The labour of the Olive fat shall fade most certainly The fields shall not yeeld any meat the flock shall from the fold Be cut off and there shall no head in stalles be young or old 18 Yet will I in the mightie Lord rejoice in every part In the Lord God my Saviour dear I joy will with my heart 19 The Lord God is my strength and will make my feet swift to be Like Hindes feet and will make me walk upon my places hie The Song of Marie in the house of Zacharias after Elizabeth had told her that at her salutation the childe in her wombe had leaped for joy LUKE 1. vers 46. MY soul now all with gladnesse fill'd the LORD doth magnifie My sprite rejoiced hath in God a saviour