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
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
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
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
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
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
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
I reckned till morning that as a Lion so surelie He will my bones break Of me thou wilt make an end speedie 5 Like a poor cran in great distresse or a troubled swallow So did I chatter I did mourne as doth the simple dove My eyes do faile with looking up and very dimmed be O Lord I am oppressed sore now undertake for me 6 What shall I say He spoken hath and al 's hath done no lesse I shall go softly all my yeeres in my soules bitternesse 7 In all these things is the life of my Sprite they that believe Do live by them Recover me and so make me to live 8 Behold for a desired peace I had great bitternesse But thou in love hast sav'd me from the pit of rottenesse For thou who of afflicted men dost ever notice take In thy great mercie all my sinnes hast cast behinde thy back 9 For grave cannot thee praise and death can not celebrate thee They that goe to the pit can not hope for thy trueth surelie 10 The living the living he shall praise thee as I this day The fathers shall to their children make knowne thy truth alway 11 The Lord was ready me to save therefore we with accord To the string'd instruments will sing in the house of the Lord. The Use â—f Kings shall serve the Lord with all their heart â—n great trouble the Lord shall take their part But this the Lord of heav'n can not abide â—hat hearts of Kings be lifted up with pride 13. MANASSEH Forgetting JOseph comforted by Gods great mercy Which made him quite forget his misery From such forgetting he his first born Son Called Manasseh so for such reason â—t may be this King at first got his name He in his life was stain'd with sin and shame â—ike heathen men void of Gods feare and grace He in folie did build up the high place Which his father commanded to destroy He did it build with chearfulnesse and joy As though a God had not beene in Isra'l He madly rear'd up Altars for Baal He made a grove and with much folly driv'n He gave worship unto the host of Heav'n Observing times and using inchantments He did despise the Lords commandements He al 's provoking the Lord unto ire Made his own sons to passe through burning fiâ— He dealt with wizards and sin worthy death He did which did God much provoke to wraâ— In his folly worthy the name of rage He set in Gods house a most vile image This man practisde more vile abominations Then were done by profane heathen nations Who by the force of the great Eternell Destroyed were before his Israel At last the Lord full of compassions Abhorred such abominations Because this man said he hath plaide foole Defiling Judah with his vile idole Behold I bring such troubles and such feares Which shall cause tingle all the hearers earâ— â—r such doings wherein is no relish â—rusalem now wiped like a dish â—all be In red war their foes shall them foil â—hey shall to them become a prey and spoil â—r since from Egypt I brought them the way â—hat was most right they ever went astray Manasseh more in his furie most rude 〈◊〉 Salem did shed much innocent blood While Manasseh did not regard Gods check â—rong Babels captaine took him by the neck â—mong the thornes and him with fetters bound â—o the Lord did this vile man much confound Yet when he was in great affliction â—e ran to God with supplication â—efore the Lord he much humbled his heart â—e pray'd to God who heard him in his smart â—nd helped him and brought him back againe â—rom Babel for in Salem to remaine Then Manasseh did by experience â—ost surely know that God was his defence â—hen was his heart inflamed with gods love â—e all strange gods with idols did remove â—ll strange Altars he brake downe speedily â—ith zeal and cast them out of the city â—t last this King who to God gracious â—eturned was buri'd in his owne house The Use Let sinners learne for no sinne to despaire No sin there is but God can it repaire For witchcraft blood and vile idolatry Manasseh humble did obtaine mercy 14. AMON Faithfull true THis wicked man of two and twenty year Began to reigne He voide of all Gods feâ—â— Did reigne two years God made his Kingdoâ— short Because he made of wickednesse a sport He with Manassch in his wayes was bad But did not with Manasseh turne to God At last against this King unrighteous His servants rose and slew him in his house After this done the people all in ire Did kill these men who did his death conspirâ—â— The Use Let Kings beware of sin to make a sport For many sins doe cut their honours short â—â—t parents learne to feare to goe astray â—â—r their children often follow their way â—â—t Subjects learne to feare their Kings to kill â—â—r other shall not faile their blood to spill 15. JOSIAH The fire of the Lord. BEhold Josiah consider a part The fire of Zeale cleare burning in his heart â—â—ght years he was when he upon the Throne â—â—gan to sit he reigned thirty one â—â—e did with God most constantly abide â—â—om Davids wayes he turned not aside â—hen he was come to eighteene years of age â—ough young in years he was both grave and sage He sent scribe Shaphan to Priest Hilkijah â—â—at the silver for the house of JOVAH â—â—th'red at doores as GODS word did command â—ight be shortly put in the workemans hand Then to Shaphan said the Priest Hilkijah â—ave now found in the house of JOVAH â—ods Law-book Then Shaphan tooke it with speed And with great joy and gladnesse it did read After Shaphan this book did with him bring And it in haste did read before the King When he the words heard of that Testament For greef and sorrow the King his cloaths rent Then diverse men by him were set to looke To try right soone the meaning of the Booke A great wrath said he is against us kindled For our fathers against God have rebelled Then at the last the good Priest Hilkijah With others went to Prophetesse Huldah This woman in a Colledge at Salem Did dwell with wisedome she said unto them Thus saith the great Lord God of Israel Vnto the man that sent you yee shall tell Behold I will bring ill upon this place Th' inhabitants I will greatly disgrace All the plagues I will send without remeed Which good Josiah in that Booke did read My wrath against this place shall kindled bee Because of their most vile idolatrie But go and tell the good King Josiah This message from the mighty Lord Jovah Because thou had a trembling tender heart And for such sins did often weepe apart Because when I did speake against this place Thou rent thy cloaths with teares drenching thy face â—hold thou shalt now this great comfâ—rt have 〈◊〉 peace thou shalt be gath'red to thy grave â—ough dayes be coming full of miseries â—â—ore
From Ieroboams sins did not depart At last came Pul the great Assyrian King Against the land great forces he did bring Then Menahem great summes to him did pay So Pul with all his forces went away Ten yeeres he did reigne and after by death This King he went the way of all the earth The Use Let Kings beware to staine their memorie With vile murder and blood of crueltie To kill women it is most inhumane In such doings is neitheir glore nor gaine 17. PEKAJAH The opning of GOD or brought out by GOD THen Menahems son called Pekajah Began to reigne in faire Samaria He fear'd not GOD for he wicked in heart From Jeroboams sins did not depart Then Pekah the son of Remalia A captaine stout did against Pekajah Conspire whom he without mercie or grace Did with the sword kill in his owne palace â—ith Argob Arieh and other fiftie â—f Gileadites who felt his crueltie The Use â—t Kings here learne that sin is not a sport â—ends their dayes it cuts their honours short 〈◊〉 to their children they seeke glore or gaine â—nlawfully such things shall not remaine Menahem could looke hiâ— of his grave â—kajah might say Nothiâ—g now I have 〈◊〉 all thy conquest Thus it is not good 〈◊〉 come to Thrones by shedding humane blood 18. PEKAH Open. â—Fter that Pekah the Son of Remalia Had with the sword slaine the King Pekajah 〈◊〉 force of armes this wicked man anone â—d then usurpe Israels Crowne and Throne â—is murtherer was most profane in heart â—m the vile idoles he would not depart â—ich Jeroboam at Bethel and Dan â—d set up At last the King Assyrian Tiglath Pilezer with an armie strong Tooke Kedesh-Hazor Galile Jion Abel-Beth Ma'chah of faire Naphtali The bravest men he in Captivitie Cari'd away unto Assyria At last Hoshea the son of Ela Against Pekah made a conspiracie He wounded Pekah so that he did die Thus King Pekah most cruell and profane In the yeere twentiâ—â—f his reigne was slaine The Use Let Kings heere learne whose charets are thâ— swords That they shall reckon for their deads 〈◊〉 wordes If they usurpe Crowne Scepter or the Thrâ— The LORD shall come with great vengeâ— anone As Peka slew Pekajah to be King So Hoshea that Pekah downe did bring Killers of men rarely this favour have From GOD to goe in peace unto tâ— grave 19. HOSHEA A saviour IN Ahaz twelft yeere King of fair Judah Began to reigne this man son of Elah â—ow Israel were come to their last cast â—f all their Kings Hoshea was the last â—e served not Jovah with all his might â—ut foolishly did evil into his sight â—et was he not so vaine nor yet so vile â—s other Kings had beene in Israel At last came up against this Hoshea â—halmanezer King of Assyria â—nto this King Hoshea a servant â—ecame To him he gave costly presents â—ut afterward to be free of this foe â—e messengers sent to the mighty So â—ng of Egypt Then Shalmanezer soone â—d shut him up and bound him in prison â—hus Hoshea a man of Elahs line â—d sway the Scepter the space of years nine At this same time Isra'l was gone astray â—ey were profane not caring for GODS way â—ey vainly feared gods that were no GOD â—herefore God scourg'd them with th' Assyrian rod Yea more this vile people with all their migâ— Did secretly these things that were not right They built High places in ev'ry citie They like the Heathen with idolatrie Provok'd the LORD yea like most fooâ— fooles They tooke pleasure to serve most vile idols Yet ' gainst Isra'l the LORD did testifie And said Isra'l yet returne unto me From your ill wayes if my name ye will feâ— Yee yet to me shall be a people deare But from their ill wayes they would not part Their neck they stifned and hardned their heâ— In their mad course they follow'd vanitie Running themselves in vile idolatrie Molten images calves and groves they made Heav'ns host also as though they had beene maâ— They did worship and for to hast their fall They did oppoint great service for Baal Yet further to provoke the Lord to ire They made their children to passe through fire For these their sins the LORD by his great miâ— All Israel remov'd out of his sight Heere for the sins of vile idolatrie Yee see the end of Isra'ls Monarchie â—gs of Israel heere did end their race â—ause they were profane and voide of grace The Use Prince and people meditate Gods law 〈◊〉 to provoke see that they stand in awe Kings pride 'gainst him stiffen their necke â—ir Crownes and Thrones and Scepters hee will breake Nations against the LORD be stout 〈◊〉 will both King and people al 's root out 〈◊〉 mightie LORD great Jovah hath said this â—ee sinne yee and your King shall perish A WATCH WORD Concerning the fourty and one Kings that did reigne over GODS people â—et Princes learne by these one and fourty How rare it is both good and Prince to be â—s most cleare that it is a heard thing 〈◊〉 be both good and honou'rd as a King â—eed lust and pride do cogge most easily â—emselves in hearts poison'd with flatterie THE GARDEN OF ZION The Booke of Ezra A Prayer WHen night on men dumb silence shaâ— distill When wearied bones them selves witâ— sleep do fill When gloomy darknesse husheth every thing Then let thy sprit verses of vertue bring Into my mind well stored with thy gra e Which may the hearts of worthy men solace While nights blacke mantle covreth a greâ— part â—t thine Aurora shine bright in mine heart â—hen depths appeare where through I cannot ride 〈◊〉 thy great Barge me togh against the tide In Babylon thy people years seventie â—ere we arid much with long captivitie â—pon them thou of thy wrath had the flashes â—rought and had burnt their Temple Towne to ashes â—ut thou who never thy people forsook â—ith mercies eyes at last did on them look These verses LORD now through thy strainer passe And make them cleane as is the clearest glasse â—hat by them may appeare even to the least â—ow thou by Ezra who was scribe and Priest â—eclared hast how good Zorobabel â—ho in great vertue highly did excell â—ebuilt the Temple and how by a jar â—ods peoples foes that worthy worke did mar 〈◊〉 Cyrus time untill Darius King â—nto the cope oedain'd the house to bring EZRA An helper CHAP. 1. AFter that Salems Temple had liâ— long Burnt in ashes and the Jewes hâ— among Their foes beene captives GOâ— made Cyrus King Of Persia to care for rebuilding Of Gods fair house for this occasion He causd publish a proclamation When this was heard these who before diâ— mourne With joy in hast provided to returne Then to Sheshbazzar in a plenteous store The Temples vessels Cyrus did restore Chap. 2. OF the people returned three thousand Six hundred and thirty with ready hand To build the house which burnt before had been Of Priests
one the dry land â—s for our foes thou didst them all anone â—nto the deepes throw downe as a great stone Moreover thou them leddest in the day â—ven by a cloudy pillar thou the way â—hem shew by night by a pillar of fire â—hou didst them guide as their hearts could dâ—sire Thou camest dawne with great pompe and with might Vpon mount Sinai and from heav'ns most bright â—hou spak'st with them and gav'st them right judgements â—rue Lawes good statutes and commandements And madest them thy sabbaths understand And statutes Laws ordain'st by Moses hand And from the heav'n gav'st bread to them hungry And from the rock gav'st drink to them thirsty And promisedst that they should sure possesse The land which thou had by thy Holinesse Sworne them to give but they dealt most proudly As our fathers and hardned most stifly Their necks so they wicked stood not in aâ— They hearkned not unto thy blessed Law They stubburnly refused to obey The great wonders which they saw every dâ— They did forget their necks as in a rage They hardned and to turne to their bâ—dage They made a Captaine in rebellion But thou art a God ready to pardon Most gracious and unto anger slow Of kindnesse great which rich doth overflâ— Yea more when they a molten Calfe 〈◊〉 made And in great rage most wickedly had said This is thy GOD which from Egypt brougâ— thee By this they did the Lord provoke highly Yet thou in mercy them in their distresse Forsookest not even in the wildernesse The cloudy pillar with darknesse by day Them from their foes did hide while iâ— the way Of the red sea they march'd in the daâ—night 〈◊〉 fiery pillar went before with light â—hy good Sprit also unto them thou gave â—uâ— didst provide that they might Manna have 〈◊〉 meat in thirst when they thee did provoke â—ou gavest water from the flinty rock 〈◊〉 fourty years thou in the wildernesse stained so that in greatest distresse â—ey lacked nothing they fear'd not the cold 〈◊〉 all that time their cloathes did not waxe old 〈◊〉 more in this GODS mercies did excell 〈◊〉 their marching their feete did never swell â—ou gav'st them Kingdomes and they did possesse â—th Sihons land and Ogs in wildernesse â—ou did them blesse and multiplie their seed â—s Starres in Heaven that were above their head â—fter they had past through the wildernesse â—e promisde land thou made them to possesse â—ou in their hands gave these Kingdomes and Kings And made them Masters for to rule all things Within these bounds and also to command Their strongest cities and their fattest land They did possesse houses full of all goods Vineyards and wells digged and Oliveyards And pleasant fruit trees in great abundance Which God apponited for their maintenance So they did eat they filled with fatnesse They lusty did delight in thy goodnesse Neverthelesse they disobedient Rebell'd proudly ' gainst thy commandemenâ— Behind their backs they did reject thy Law To slay thy Prophets they stood not in aw Because against them they did testifie That from their ill wayes they might turne 〈◊〉 thee But they wicked by their transgressions Against God wrought great provocations Therefore for their greevous iniquities Thou them delivere'dst to their enemies Who them did vex with much trouble and feare Yet when they cri'd thou from heav'n didst theâ— heare According to thy manifold mercies â—ou gav'st them saviours from their enemies â—em for to save but when prosperitie â—nd rest they got they rebell'd against thee â—herefore in wrath thou left them in the hand â—f cruel foes whom they could not gainstand â—et when returning they cri'd unto thee â—hou hard'st from Heav'n their grones of miserie By frequent rods thou mad'st them stand in awe â—hem for to bring againe unto thy Law â—et they dealt proudly and refus'd to heare â—hey sinned still ' gainst thy judgements severe â—ith hardned neck the shoulder they withdrewe â—nd would not hear nor yet their life renew â—et many yeers thou didst them still forbeare â—ea and reprov'd yet would they not give eare â—herefore in wrath thou gav'st them in the hands â—f the most cruell people of the lands â—everthelesse for thy great mercies sake â—hou utterly them wouldest not forsake Now therefore LORD who art great aâ— mighty Who Cov'nant keepest in thy great mercy Let not this greef seeme little thee before That on our kings princes and priests lyes sorâ— Al 's on our prophets fathers people all Not sparing any either great or small Since the tyme of the strong Assyrian kings Vnto this day such is the case of things Howbeit in all that is upon us brought Thou art most just and truely hast done nought But what is right and full of equity But we alas all have done wickedly Neither our kings our princes or our priests Did keep thy law or yet care for thy hests Or hearken unto thy Testimonie Wherewith thou didst against them testifie For in their kingdome they would not thee serve But still profanely from thy law did swerve Behold we are servants alas this day And for the land that thou didst give for ay To our fathers the fruit thereof to eat Behold in it as drudges we must sweat It yeeldeth much increase unto the kings Whom over us thou hast set for our sins Ov'r our bodies they domination have And cattell they us at their pleasure slave Thus we afflicted are in great distresse Because of this we all both more and lesse A Cov'nant sure both make and write it well And to it set our Priests and Princes seal Chap. 10. NOw these that sealed were Nehemiah The Tirshatha son of Hachaliah â—nd Zidkijah with Priests Levits Porters â—nd singers al 's Nethinims with others Who having knowledge to their brethren clave â—nd made an oath that they should so behave â—hemselves wisely to walk in the Lords Law â—nd that to sinne they all should stand in aw We also vow'd by counsell grave and sage â—either to take nor give in mariage â—ut to abhor the people of the land â—o do the same we made a solemne band â—so we did ordaine without delay â—ot to permit markets on sabbath day â—nd that also we would leave the seventh yeere â—nd from exacting of debts would forbeare Also we did ordaine to charge yearly Our selves with the third part of good money Of a shekel this was for the service Of GODS owne house made for his sacrifice Then we cast lots Levites and Priests among For the wood offrings which then did belong Unto GODS house on his Altars to burne According as GODS law ordain'd by turne Likewise to GODS house we ordain'd to bring The first fruâ—ts of all trees and every thing The first borne of our children and cattell We year by year brought unto th'Eternel With first of all things that Levits could crave The tithes in all wherein we tillage have Chap. 11. THen they ordain'd the tenth man of Isra'l To come and in Jerusalem to