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 fâll 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 âo 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 âd they that stumbled now are girt with force and divine strength They that were full in plentie have hir'd out themselves for bread âd they that were in hunger great securly ceasd indeed e that was barren and contemn'd hath borne sev'n great and small âd 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 âast 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 Tâe 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
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 âouchsafe on me in thy mercy a look âhat with thy praise I may embosse my book ây heart anone shall godly matter frame ãâã thou shalt glade it with thy glowing flame ãâã shine on me with thy bright countenance ând make thy beams through my bowels to glance ãâã let not from me thy good sprit depart âhat 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 âke Zion hill in a faire May morning âangled with dew that I thy praise may sing ãâã purge my soul my drossie sprits refine âne empty breast fill with thy breath divine âonceive in me and after bring to birth âerses most sweet which I may warble forth âouble thy sprit on me LORD I thee call ââjah like let mercies mantle fall ây verse begot in paine and borne in pleasure âât 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 heâre 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 âithin this clay immortall life He placed âf 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 âmmortall 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 ân 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 âe cooped up in a cold heap of stones âh 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 âo 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 âhy browe did fall with an envious eye âecause the Lord prefer'd Abel to thee âhou of Abel a bloody murderer âecamst who should have beene his best keeper âecause his blood doth cry aloud to me âhou on the earth a vagabound shall be The Use ây Cains madnesse thou may clearely try What monsters lurke in the sinne of envy âinne soone is done but after comes the smart ãâã vagabound all trembling at the heart âen sinne in secret but God keeps account ãâã his exchequer how their sinnes do mount ABEL Vanitie THou second Sonne thy name is vanitie Thy Hebrew name did so foretell to thee âhy cruel brother through envy and strife ãâã thy faire youth bereft thee of thy life âods holy worship thou didst not neglect ãâã thy service JEHOVAH had respect âhough in thy youth of death thou trod the path âât 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 gâant 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 ân Hebrew tongue was called GILEAD âut this great heap in words of SYRIA âABAN called Jegar Sahadutha âfter kissing and blessing for a space âis children LABAN return'd to his place âhen this was past behold ESAU with boast âut God did meet his servant with an hoast âhen this was done the great God eternall ârestled with Jacob long in Peniel âhey strove all night unto the light of day âow let me go to JACOB God did say âo said JACOB a blessing first appoint âo me whose thigh thou hast thrust out of joint âhy name said God hence ISRAEL shall be ârevaile with man thou hast prevail'd with me âehold now Esau with foure hundred men âehold 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 hoâse 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 ãâã serve how God of twins can one forsake âd th' other choose ev'n for his mercies sake ãâã one he did love because it did him please ãâã th' other he abhorr'd to cast his eyes ãâã hated infant an abhorr'd Esau âefore that ever this worlds light he saw ãâã Jacob learne to get thee hastilie ârre from an Esaus wicked companie âith staffe in hand where God shall thee direct âr wicked men most hurtfully infect ãâã Jacob learne when thou begins to pray ãâã wrestle well and not let God away âll he thee blesse though it were all the night âcob prevail d not till the day vvas light ãâã Jacob learne if thou a Laban serve âost vvatchfully his goods all to preserve âhough he churlish have not to thee regard âhou shalt not faile to get the LORDS revvard âearne heere to look for sable clouds of grief âfore 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 ãâã shed much blood he gladly did rejoice ãâã get of SICHEM his cruell intent ãâã vilely did abuse GODS Sacrament ãâã any reading hardly can I try âhy MOSES blessing the rest past him by The Use âere learne in wrongs thine anger to asswage âODS pen doth curse all sinfull wrath and rage ât men beware either to do or think ât which may make their parents name to stinke LEVI Joining BIrth of Children in husbands breasts doth coine âew love which makes their tender hearts to joine âr this chiefe cause as in the historie ãâã manifest LEAH call'd him LEVI âmong 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 âe shall be LORD his shall be the Kingdome ântill the time that great SHILOH shall come âhis is the man enrich'd with gifts divine âeth white with milk and al 's eyes red with wine âoth grave and wise he was as may appeare ãâã that his speach made for Benjamin dear âis was his fault from vice he was not pure âe lay with TAMAR masked like a whoore The Use âet men heere learne who have received grace ãâã feare to faile and fall into disgrace ãâã men be loose when as they should be chest âhey 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 âis younger sonne then ISSACHAR and yet âe was before him at the blessing set ãâã rich merchant appointed for to be ãâã 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 ãâã passe Betweene two burdens thou crouch'd like an asse The Use Take heed beware this is a great disease To
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 heaât 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 hâs 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 aspâring 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
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 âhey all obey'd the greatest and the least âut in Israel numbers foolishly ââd beene carelesse themselves to sanctifie âât this good King did pray for them anone ââe good Lord said he pardon ev'ry one âho doth his owne heart prepare sinceerely âhough according to Jovahs Sanctuary âe not cleansed This the Lord did please âho heal'd the people of their sore desease âea more Isra'l without all wearinesse âid keepe the feast that day with great gladnesse âhole fourteene dayes that feast which was holy âbserved was in Salem Gods city âhe King and Princes did give much cattell âo the people of Judah and Israel ânce Solomon the son of David King âas not in Salem ever seene such thing Then all the Priests and the Levits arose ând blest the people both with heart and voice âhey pray'd to GOD with words filled with grace âheir prayer came unto Gods dwelling place When this was done by these of both nation âhey all intended a reformation âhey cut the groves the images they brake âhe 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 diligeââ Ordred and al 's provided maintenance For that great work that preachers of the woââ 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 scattââ Why should our foes said they with wholââ water Refreshed be So for his own defence Both darts and shields he made in aboundanââ 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 âith their great number your heartes terrifie âith him the armie of flesh the Eternell ãâã to help us and to fight our Battell After he had these comforts on them prest âe people all upon his words did rest ânnacherib after this sent some men âom faire Lachish unto Jerusalem Vile Rabshakeh thus railed in his pride âhereon trust yee Into what hole abide âill yee Now try and al 's well examine ãâã yee will die by thirst and sore famine ât not your King trusting in his JOVAH âeceive you Is not he Hezekiah âho Gods Altars and high places destroy'd âath that one Altar in Salem imploy'd Might be Be wise regard not his command âow yee not what unto all peoples land My Master hath done What Gods of Nations ââuld save their people in such vexations All these gods folks I overthrew at length âho is your God that I should fear his strength âherefore in time consider and percieve Lest that your King vvith vaine vvordes fââ deceive The people all in silence and in doole Did heare these wordes of that blasphemââ 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 hââ 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 âehold saith God I in my wrath at last âpon that man will send a fearfull blast âf terrour great he shall a rumour hear âVhich shall his bones and bowels shake with fear âome he shall go trust and believe my word ân his own land he shall fall by the sword After Rabshakeh had against JOVAH âhus railed he unto the strong Libnah âid go where his Master in brags most stout âith his armie encamped round about This King again sent to Hezekiah âen to revile with other words JOVAH Let not said they O Hezekiah King âhy God deceive thee with this vaine saying âam the Lord the mighty God Jovah ãâã shall you save from all Assyriah âast thou not heard and understood clearly âow these great Kings have wasted utterly All lands None could escape their mightie hand ââd now shalt thou before their forces stand ââzan Haran Kezeph and Thelasar ââth 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 Kââ 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 Thây have the name pierc'd of the living
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 âf Kings shall serve the Lord with all their heart ân great trouble the Lord shall take their part But this the Lord of heav'n can not abide âhat 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 ât may be this King at first got his name He in his life was stain'd with sin and shame âike 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 âr such doings wherein is no relish ârusalem now wiped like a dish âall be In red war their foes shall them foil âhey shall to them become a prey and spoil âr since from Egypt I brought them the way âhat was most right they ever went astray Manasseh more in his furie most rude ãâã Salem did shed much innocent blood While Manasseh did not regard Gods check ârong Babels captaine took him by the neck âmong the thornes and him with fetters bound âo the Lord did this vile man much confound Yet when he was in great affliction âe ran to God with supplication âefore the Lord he much humbled his heart âe pray'd to God who heard him in his smart ând helped him and brought him back againe ârom Babel for in Salem to remaine Then Manasseh did by experience âost surely know that God was his defence âhen was his heart inflamed with gods love âe all strange gods with idols did remove âll strange Altars he brake downe speedily âith zeal and cast them out of the city ât last this King who to God gracious âeturned 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 feââ 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 conspirââ The Use Let Kings beware of sin to make a sport For many sins doe cut their honours short âât parents learne to feare to goe astray ââr their children often follow their way âât Subjects learne to feare their Kings to kill ââr 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 ââght years he was when he upon the Throne ââgan to sit he reigned thirty one ââe did with God most constantly abide ââom Davids wayes he turned not aside âhen he was come to eighteene years of age âough young in years he was both grave and sage He sent scribe Shaphan to Priest Hilkijah ââat the silver for the house of JOVAH ââth'red at doores as GODS word did command âight be shortly put in the workemans hand Then to Shaphan said the Priest Hilkijah âave now found in the house of JOVAH âods 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 âhold thou shalt now this great comfârt have ãâã peace thou shalt be gath'red to thy grave âough dayes be coming full of miseries ââore
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 sloââ 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
last of all ây Nehemiah thou made up the wall âf fair Salem O make us all to feel âithin 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 âhat was the state of the poor Jewes did try âhat had escapt from among dangers great ând which of the captivity were left And they againe together said to me âhe remnant left of the captivitie âe in reproach and great affliction And Salems wall is also broken downe Our foes most fierce who ' gainst us did coâspire 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 âo me I will you gather most quickly ãâã our enemies also I will defame ând will you bring where I will set my name Now these are thy most faithfull servants and âeople whom thou by thy Almighty hand âedeemed hast O LORD my GOD now grant ân eare attentive unto thy servant ând to thy servants prayer now give eare âho thy great name alwayes desire to feare âhat I intend now prosper I thee pray âhat I may find thine assistance this day ãâã the sight of this man me mercy grant âor I cupbearer was the Kings servant Chap. 2. THe twenty year of Artaxerxes King I his cupbearer wine to him did bring ãâã his presence I had not beene before âs I was then in great sadnesse wherefore âhe King himself thus looking on me said âhat aileth thee and why art thou so sad âeeing with sicknesse thou not troubled art This nothing else is but sorrow of heart When by the King these wordes were to ãâã 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 âhat they convey me over to Judah âlso a letter to get I thought best âo Asaph the keeper of the forrest âhat he timber should give for beams quickly âo make the gates of palace house city âhat I did seek that did the king command âccording as on me was GODS good hand âhen I beyond the river came quickly âving Captaines which the king sent with me When Sanbalat the wicked Horonite âd Tobiah the servant Ammonite âeard of it it them greev'd exceedingly âhat any sought the good of GODS City So GOD who me did save in all my wayes âought me to Salem where I was three dayes ãâã the night tyme when sleep sad on men falls ãâã went and viewd the ruine of the wals Thereafter I the Jews did all invite ãâã build the wals and that even in despite ãâã all their foes Ye know said I what 's past ârusalem GODS City lyeth waste âa what our greatest foes did most require âe wals are down the gates are burnt with fire âen I to them declared most clearly âw that the good hand of GOD was on me âd 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 âe armie he said laughing with Ha ha âhese feeble Jewes what Will they fortifie âemselves Or what Will they most foolishly ãâã sacrifice Will they even in a day âd all this work Will they revive I say âe stones out of their bruised rubbish heape âhich are all burnt Now was the Ammonite âobiah by him who said scornfully âl that they build will fall down by and by ãâã that a Foxe but leap upon their wall âe shall it break down and make all to fall Heare LORD how wee despised are indeed ând their reproach turn upon their own head ând make them all at last a prey to be âen in the land of their captivity ând cover not their great sins lesse or more âr thee to anger the builders before âey have provocked so we did anone âild all the wall till all was fully done But when Sanballat and Tobiah vain âith Ammonits Arabians profane ând Ashdodites that Salems wall did hear âas
like shades we know not how 10 Shall they not in their wisedome great thee teach well by their art ând 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 âut 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 ând like wise satisfie thy lips with great rejoicing still 22 They that thee hate with wicked hearts with shame shall clothed be âhe 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 judgemânt who shall set for me a time to plead 20 Mine owne mouth sure shall me condemneâd 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 âerfect and the wicked man GOD doth alike destroy 23 If that the scourge most suddenly men on the earth doth stay ãâã trials of the innocent he will laugh sport and play The earth is giv'n unto the hand of these that wicked be âe judges faces there he cov'rs if not where who is he Now swifter then a post my dayes as well is understood âey suddenly doe flee away and so they see no good As swiftest ships before the winde they passed are away âd as the Eagle in the aire that hasteth to her prey If I say I will my complaint forget that I may sport âill 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 vaâne 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 âew me wherefore thou dost contend with me so bitterly Is it good that thou should'st oppresse and the work of thine hands âespise 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 âf these who were my parents deare yet thou dost me destroy âemember now I thee beseech that thou me as thou canst âf clay hast made and wilt thou now bring me againe
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
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 âund 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 Conceâning 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 ând it by wilde beasts of the field shall down be troden all I also now will lay it wast it shall not pruned be âor digged but men briars and thornes anone come up shall see ãâã 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 âor when thy judgements in the earth us teach for to discerne âhen all the worlds inhabitants Gods righteousnesse will learne 10 Let favour great be shewed still unto the wicked man âet for all that he righteousnesse will neither learne or can âv'n in the land of uprightnesse unjustly will he deale ând of the Lord the Majestie behold no way he will 11 Lord when thy hand is lifted up they all refuse to see âut they shall see against their will though they do close their eye âecause thy people they envye asham'd they shall be sore âea the fire of thine enemies all shall quickly them devore 12 Lord thou wilt ordaine peace for us this still is in our thought âor 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 âith my dead body even revive and al 's arise they shall âe that in dust dwell now awake for thy dew is indeed âs 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 ânto thy chambers and with speede the doores about thee shute âhere for a little moment hide thy self far from the blast ântâll the indigâation great be safely over past 21 For lo the Lord out of his place doth come most speedily âo 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
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 âis holy Cov'nant made with us to make alwayes to stand Th' oath which he to Abraham sware that he to us most deare âould grant that we safe from our foes might serve him without feare Yea serve him in all holinesse and righteousnesse alwayes âot 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 âor thou before the Lord shalt goe his wayes for to prepare Thou knowledge of salvation shalt unto his people give ây the remission of their sins which he will all forgive âo Ev'n through the tender mercy of our God most prone to grace âhereby 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 âd 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 âhich in our ears deserve to have no place âhese divine songs sad hearts do well solace ând fill with joy yea and with capering foot âake souls to rise and dance where they did sit âithin our breasts like John at Marys voice âhich made him leap and chearfully rejoice To sing such songs let us our selves inure âill that we dance above the starry floore ând sing to Christ the Hallelujahs sweet âhere 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 âor 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.