A heauenly harmonie of spirituall songes, and holy himnes, of godly men, patriarkes, and prophets

A Heauenly Harmonie of Spirituall Songes , and holy Himnes , of godly Men , Patriarkes , and Prophets .

Imprinted at London . 1610.

To the curteous Reader .

GEntle Reader , my meaning is not with the varietie of verse to feede any vaine humour , neither to trouble thee with deuises of mine owne inuention , as carieng an ouerweening of mine owne wit : but here I present thee with these Psalmes or Songes of praise , so exactly translated as the prose would permit , or sence would any way suffer me : which ( if thou shalt be the same in hart thou art in name , I mean a Christian ) I doubt not , but thou wilt take as great delight in these , as in any Poetical fiction . I speak not of Mars , the god of Wars , nor of Venus , the goddesse of loue , but of the Lord of Hostes , that made heauen and earth : Not of Toyes in Mount Ida , but of triumphes in Mount Sion : Not of Uanitie , but of Ueritie : not of Tales , but of Truethes .

Thus submitting my selfe vnto thy clemencie , and my labours vnto thy indifferencie , I wish thee as my selfe .

Thine , as his owne . M. D.

The Spirituall Songes and holy Hymnes , contained in this Book . 1 THe most notable Song of Moses , which he made a litle before his death . 2 The Song of the Israelites , for their deliuerance out of Egypt . 3 The most excellent Song of Salomon . Containing eight Chapters . 4 The Song of Annah , 5 The Praier of Ieremiah . 6 The Song of Deborah and Barach . 7 A Song of the Faithfull , for the mercies of God . 8 Another Song of the Faithfull . 9 A Song of thankes to God . 10. An other Song of the Faithfull . Other Songes and Praiers out of the bookes of Apocripha . 11 The Praier of Iudith . 12 The Song of Iudith . 13 A Praier in Ecclesiasticus of the Author . 14 The Praier of Salomon . 15 A Song of Ihesus the sonne of Sirach . 16 The Praier of Hester . 17 The Praier of Mardocheus . 18 A Praier in the person of the Faithfull . 19 A Praier of Tobias . FINIS .

The most notable Song of Moses , containing Gods benefites to his people , which he taught the Children of Israell , a litle before his death : and commanded them to learne it , and teach it vnto their children , as a witnesse betweene God and them . Deutronom . Chap. xxxii . YEe Heauens aboue , vnto my speach attend , And Earth below , giue eare vnto my will : My doctrine shall like pleasant drops discend , My words like heauenly dew shal down distil , like as sweet showers refresh the hearbs again Or as the grasse is nourish'd by the raine , I will describe Iehouahs name aright , And to that God giue euerlasting praise : Perfect is he , a God of woondrous might , With iudgment he directeth all his waies . He onely true , and without sinne to trust , Righteous is he , and he is onely iust . With loathsome sinne now are you all defilde , Not of his seed , but Bastards , basely borne : And from his mercie therefore quite exilde , Mischieuous men , through follie all forlorne . Is it not he which hath you dearly bought : Proportion'd you , and made you iust of nought ? Consider well the times and ages past . Aske thy forefathers , and they shall thee tell , That when Iehouah did deuide at last , Th' inheritance that to the Nations fel : And seperating Adams heires , he gaue the portion , his Israell should haue . His people be the portion of the Lord , Iacob the lot of his inheritance : In wildernesse he hath thee not abhorr'd , But in wild Deserts did thee still aduance . He taught thee still and had a care of thee , And kept thee as the apple of his eie . Like as the Eagle tricketh vp her neast , Therein to lay her litle birdes full soft , And on her backe doth suffer them to rest , And with her wings doth carie them aloft . Euen so the Lord with care hath nourisht thee , And thou hast had no other God but he . And great Iehouah giueth vnto thee , The fertilst soyle the earth did euer yeeld : That thou all pleasure mightst beholde and see , And tast the fruit of the most pleasant field : Honey for thee out of the flint he brought , And oile out of the craggie rocke he wrought . With finest butter still he hath thee fed , With milke of Sheep he hath thee cherished : With fat of Lambes , and Rammes in Bazan bred , With flesh of Goates he hath thee nourished . With finest wheat he hath refresht thee still , And gaue thee wine , thereof to drink thy fill . But hee that should be thankfull then for this , Once waring fat , began to spurne and kicke : Thou art so crancke , and such thy grosenesse is , That now to lust thy prouender doth pricke , That he that made thee , thou remembrest not , And he that sau'd thee thou hast clean forgot . With Idols they offend his gracious eies , And by their sinne prouoke him vnto yre : To deuils they doo offer sacrifice , Forsake their God , and other goddes desire . Gods whose beginnings were but strange & new , Whom yet their fathers neuer fear'd nor knew . He which begat thee is cleane out of mind , The God which form'd thee thou doost not regard : The Lord to angre was therewith inclinde , His sonnes and daughters should him so reward . And there he vow'd his chearfull face to hide , To see their end , and what would them betide . For faithlesse they and froward are become , And with no God moue me to ielousie : To angre they prouoke me all and some , And still offend me with their vanitie : And with no people I will mooue them then , And angre them with vaine and foolish men . For why ? my wrath is kindled like the fire , And shall descend to the infernall lake : The earth shall be consumed in mine ire , My flames shal make the mighty mountains quake With many plagues I wil them stil annoy , And with mine arrowes I will them destroy . With hunger , heat and with destruction , I wil them burne , consume and ouerthrow : They shal be meat for beasts to feed vppon , The ground invenom'd whereupon they goe . In field , in chamber stil my sword shall slay Man , maid & child , with him whose head is gray . And I will scatter them both far and neare , And hence foorth make their memorie to cease , Saue that the furious enemie I feare , And that his pride should thereby more increase . And they should say , and foorth this rumor ring , that they and not the Lord haue done this thing . They are a nation void of counsell quite , To vnderstand , there doth not one intend : But were they wise , in it they woule delite , And would consider of their latter end . Can one or two put thousands to the flight , Except the Lord do help them with his might ? For with our God their Gods may not compare , Our foes themselues will still the same confesse : Their Uines of Sodome and Gomorra are , Their grapes of gaule , clusters of bittenesse . Their wine is like to Dragons poison sure , or gaule of Aspes , that no man may endure . And haue not I laid vp in store this thing , Amongst my treasures doo I not it hide ? The recompence with vengeance wil I bring , And all in time their foot away shall slide . For their destruction ( loe ) is nowe at hand , And mischief here euen at their heels doth stand . For why ? the Lord doth iudge the earth alone , And to his seruants shew himselfe most kinde : When he shall see their power is past and gone , And none kept vp in hold nor left behind . when men shal say , let vs your goddes behold , Where be they now , whom ye so much extold ? Which oft did eat the fatted sacrifice , And dranke the wine of the drinke offering : Unto your helpe now let vs see them rise : Loe , I am God , and there is no such thing : I kil , giue life , I wound , make whole againe , Out of my handes no man can ought retaine . I lift my hands on high to heauen aboue , Immortall I , and onely liue for euer : My glittering sword I sharpe for my behooue , In righteous iudgment still I doo perseuer . I wil send vengeance on mine enemies , And many plagues on them which me dispise . Mine arrowes then of blood shal haue their fill , My sword shal eate the verie flesh of men : For such my Saintes as they doo slay and kill , And for the Captiues they imprison then . And when I once begin reuenge to take , From plague & vengeance then I will not slake . Ye nations all , honour his people then , He will reuenge his seruantes guiltlesse blood , And surely plague the vile and wicked men , Which stoutlie haue against him euer stood . He will shew mercie stil vnto his land , And on his people , brought foorth by his hand .

A Song of Moses and the Israelites , for their deliuerance out of Egypt . The xv . Chap. of Exodus . I Will sing praise vnto the Lord for aie , Who hath triumphed gloriously alone , The horse and rider he hath ouerthrowen , And swallowed vp euen in the raging sea . He is my strength , he is my song of praise , He is the God of my saluation . A Temple will I build to him alone , I will exalt my fathers God alwaies . The Lord Iehouah is a man of warre , Pharao , his chariots , and his mightie hoste Were by his hand in the wilde waters lost , His Captaines drowned in red Sea so farre , Into the bottom there they sanke like stones , The mightie depthes our enemies deuour , Thy owne right hand is gloorious in thy power , Thy owne right hand hath bruised al their bones . And in thy glorie thou subuerted hast The rebels rising to resist thy power , Thou sentst thy wrath which shall them all deuour , Euen as the fire doth the stubble wast . And with a blast out of thy nostrilles The flowing flood stood still as any stone , The waters were congealed all in one , And firme and sure as any rockes or hilles . The furious foe so vainly v●●●teth stil , And voweth to pursue with endlesse toile , And not returne til he haue got the spoile , With fire and sword they wil destroy and kill . Thou sentst the wind which ouerwhelm'd them all , The surging seas came sousing in againe , As in the water , so with might and maine , Like lead , vnto the bottome downe they fall . Oh mightie Lord , who may with thee compare ? Amongst the Gods I find none like to thee : whose glorie 's in holines , whose feares in praises be whose chiefe delights in working woonders are . Thou stretchest out thy right and holy arme , And presently the earth did them deuour : And thou wilt bring vs by thy mightie power , As thou hast promist without further harme . And for thy people ( Lord ) thou shalt prouide , A place and seat of quietnesse and rest : The nations all with feare shall be opprest , And Palestina quake for all her pride . The Dukes of Edom shal hang downe the head , The Moabites shall tremble then for feare , The Cananites in presence shall appeare , Like vnto men whose fainting heartes were dead , And feare and dread shall fall on them alas , Because thou helpest with thy mighty hand : So stil as stoues amazed they shal stand , Oh mightie Lord , while thine elect doo passe . And thou shalt bring thy chosen and elect , Unto the mount of thine inheritance : A place prepared thy people to aduance , A Sanctuary there thou shalt erect , Which thou ( oh Lord ) establish'd hast therefore , And there thy name shal raigne for euermore .

The most excellent Song which was Salomons , wherein is declared the true and vnfained loue betweene Christ and his Church , containing , viii . Chapters .

Chap. 1. LEt him imbrace his Deare , with many a friendly kisse , For why ? thy loue than any wine to me more pleasant is : In smel thou art most like , sweet odors vnto me , thy name like precious ointment is , so sweet as sweet may be Therefore the Uirgins al , of thee enamored are , Entice me on to follow thee , loe , we our selues prepare : The King hath brought me in , to chamber richly dight , He is my ioy , his loue is sweet , the good in him delight . Ye daughters of Ierusalem , although that browne I bee , Than Arras rich or Cedars fruits , I seemlier am to see , Disdaine me not although I be not passing faire , For why ? the glowing sunny raies discolloured haue my laire : My mothers darlings deare , with enuie swelling so , Haue me constrain'd to keep their Uine , thus I mine own forgoe . Tell me my sweet and deare , where thou thy flocke doost feed , Or where thy litle Lamblings rest , about midday indeed ? Els shall I walke about , all wandring like a stray , And seeke thee after other flocks , through many an vnknowne way : If that my pathes ( oh Paragon ) be so vnknowen to thee , Go feed thy flock amongst the tents , wher none but shepherds be , My true and loyal Loue , I may thee well compare To famous Pharaos horses great , which in his chariots are , Thy cheeks bedded with precious stone , most louely to behold , About thy neck likewise do hang great massy chaines of gold . Fine costlie borders for my Loue , of gold we wil prepare , With siluer studs accordinglie of worke surpassing rare . Whiles he at table sat , perfumes then did I make Of Spicknard sweet and delicate , al for my true Loues sake : My loue more sweet than Myrrhe , between my breasts doth ly , Or Camphere , that doth spring and grow in vine of Engady . How faire art thou my Loue , my Doue , my Darling deare , Thine eies most like vnto the Doues , in sight to me appeare . Oh how exceeding faire , and seemly to be seene , The bed where we together lie , is hung with pleasant greene : The beames our house vphold , they all of Cedar be , The reaching Rafters of the same , of Fyrre , that stately tree .

The second Chapter . I Am the fragrant Flower , of braue vermilion hue , And Lilie in the valey low , ysprong vp fresh and new : As Lillie flower excels the thorne , or litle chyer of grasse , So far my Loue the Uirgins all in beautie doth surpasse . Or as the barren crooked stocke vnto the straightest tree , No more the sonnes vnto my Loue may ought compared be : To rest by his sweet side , to mee a heauenly blisse , The fruit that springeth from my Loue , exceeding pleasant is . To Celler he me brings , of wine aboundant store , His loue displaied ouer me , how can I wish for more ? Fil foorth your Flagons then , whereof the fume may flie , Bring forth your cates to comfort me , ah me , for loue I die . His left hand clipping close , about my necke doth hold , His right doth sweetly me imbrace , and eke my corps enfold . I charge you by the Roes and Hinds , ye Iewish daughters all , Not once to stir nor wake my Loue , vntil she please to call . But stay , me thinks this is , mine owne Loues voice I heare , Loe , how he skips from hill to hill , loe , you he doth appeare . My Loue is like a Roe , that frisketh in the wood , Or like the strong and stately Hart , in prime and lusty blood . He closely shroudes himselfe behind our wall I see , And through the gate he dooth disclose and shew himselfe to me . And calling then , he saith , come to thine owne my Deare , For lo , the clouds are past and gone , the skies are christal cleare : The flowers in the field , so faire and freshly spring , The birds do chant with merie glee , the Turtle now doth sing : The fig-trees bear such store , that boughs with waight are bent , The Uines with blossoms do abound , which yeeld a sweet accent . Come to thine owne my deare , my Darling and my Doue , Leaue thou the place of thine abode , come to thine own true loue Let me behold thy face , most pleasant to the sight , And heare my best beloueds voice , that most doth me delight . Destroy the subtil Fox , that doth the grapes deuoure , For loe , behold , the time is come , the vines do bud and floure . My Loue to me is true , and I likewise his owne , Which in the Lilles takes repast , himselfe euen all alone : Until the day doth spring , or shadowes fade away , Be as a Roe or like the Harts , which on the mountaines play .

The third Chapter . BY night within my bed , I romed here and there , But al in vain , I could not find my Loue & friendly Fere. Then straight waies vp I rose , and searching euery street throughout the city far & neer , but him I could not meete . The watchmen found me tho , to whom I then can say , Haue ye not seen mine owne true Loue , of late come this a way : Then passing them , I found my Loue I long had sought , And to my mothers chamber then , my darling haue I brought . I charge you by the Roes and Hinds , this vow to me you make , Ye Iewish daughters , not to call my Loue till she doe wake . Who 's that which doth from wildernes , in mighty smoke appeare , Like the perfumes of odors sweet , which Merchants hold so dear . About the bed of Salomon , behold , there is a band Of threescore valiant Israelites , which al in armour stand , All expert men of war , with sword stil ready prest , Least foes in night time should approch , when men suspect them least : King Salomon hath made of Liban tree so sure , A Pallace braue , whose pillers strong are al of siluer pure : The pauement beaten gold , the hangings purple graine , The daughters of Ierusalem with ioy to entertaine . Ye Sion daughters , see , where Salomon is set In Royall throan , and on his head , the princely Coronet , Wherewith his mother first , adorn'd him ( as they say ) When he in mariage linked was , euen on his wedding day .

The fourth Chapter . BEhold , thou art al faire my Loue , my hearts delight , Thine eies so louely like the Doues , appear to me in sight , Thy haire surpassing faire and seemely to the eie , Like to a goodly heard of Goates , on Gilead mountaine hie . Thy teeth like new washt sheep , returning from the flood , Wheras not one is barren found , but beareth twinnes so good . Thy lips like scarlet thred , thy talke dooth breed delight , Thy temples like pomgranet faire doth shew to me in sight . Thy necke like Dauids Tower , which for defence doth stand , Wherein the shieldes and targets be , if men of mightie hand . Thy brests like twinned Roes , in prime and youthfull age , Which feed among the Lillies sweet , their hunger to asswage . Until the day doe spring , and night be banisht hence : I will ascend into the mount of Myrrhe and Frankensence . Thou art all faire my Loue , most seemly 〈◊〉 to see , From head to foot , from top to toe , there is no shot in thee . Come downe from Libanon , from Libanon aboue , And from Amanahs mountain hie , come to thine own true loue . From Sheuers stately top , from Hermon hil so hie , From Lions dens & from the cliffes , where lurking Leopards lie . My Spouse and sister deare , thy loue hath wounded me , Thy louely eie and seemly neck , hath made me yeeld to thee . Thy loue far better is , than any wine to me , Thy odors sweet doth far surpasse , the smell where spices be . Thy lips like hony combe , vnder thy tongue doth lie The honey sweet : thy garments smel , like Libanon on hie . My Spouse a garden is , fast vnder locke and kay , Or like a Fountaine closed 〈◊〉 , where sealed is the way . Like to a pleasant plot I 〈◊〉 thee well compare , Where Camphere , Spicknard , dainty fruits , with sweet Pomgranets are . Euen Spicknard , Saffron , Calamus , & Synamon● do growe , With Incense , Myrrhe and Alloes , with many spices moe . Oh Fountaine passing pure , oh Well of life most deare . Oh Spring of loftie Libanon , of water christal cleare . Ye North and Southern winds vpon my garden blow , That the sweet spice that is therein , on euery side may flow . Unto his garden place , my Loue for his repast Shall walke , and of the fruites therein , shal take a pleasant tast .

The fift Chapter . WIthin my garden plot , loe , I am present now , I gathered haue the Myrrhe and spice , that in aboundance growe : With honey , milke & wine , I haue refresht me here . Eat , drink my friends , be mery there , with harty friendly cheare . Although in slumbering sleepe , it seemes to you I lay , Yet heare I my beloued knock , me thinks I heare him say , Open to me the gate my Loue , my hearts delight , For lot , my locks are all bedewed with drizling drops of night . My garments are put off , then may I not doo so , Shal I defile my feet I washt , so white as any snow . Then fast euen by the dore to me he shew'd his hand , My heart was then enamoured , when as I saw him stand . Then straight waies vp I rose , to ope the dore with speed , My handes and fingers dropped Myrrhe , vpon the bar indeed . Then opened I the dore , vnto my Loue at last , But all in vaine , for why ? before , my Loue was gone and past . There sought I for my loue , then could I crie and call , But him I could not find , nor he , nould answer me at at all . The watchmen found me then , as thus I walk'd astray , They wounded me , and from my head , my vaile they took away Ye daughters of Ierusalem , if ye my Loue doo see , Tell him that I am sicke for loue , yea , tel him this from me . Thou peerelesse Gem of price , I pray thee to vs tell , What is thy Loue , what may he be , that doth so far excell ? In my beloueds face , the Rose and Lilly striue , Among ten thousand men not one , is found so faire aliue . His head like finest gold , with secret sweet perfume , His curled locks hang all as black , as any Rauens plinne . His eies be like to Doues , on Riuers banks below , Ywasht with milk , whose collours are , most gallant to the show . His cheeks like to a plot , where spice and flowers growe , his lips like to the Lilly white , from whence pure Myrrh doth flow , His hands like rings of gold , with costly Chrisalet , His belly like the Yuory white , with seemly Saphyrs set . His legs like Pillers strong , of Marble set in gold , His countenance like Libanon , or Cedars to behold . His mouth it is as sweet , yea , sweet as sweet may be , This is my Loue , ye Uirgins loe , euen such a one is he ▪ Thou fairest of vs al , whether is thy Louer gone , Tel vs , and we will goe with thee , thou shalt not goe alone ▪

The sixt Chapter . DOwne to his garden place , mine own true Loue is gone , Among the Spice and Lillies sweet , to walke himselfe alone . True am I to my Loue , and he my louing make , Which in the Lillies makes abode , and doth his pleasure take , With Tirzah or Ierusalem , thy beautie may be waide , In shew like to an Armie great , whose Ensignes are displaid . Oh turne away thine eies , for they haue wounded me , Thy haires are like a heard of Goats , on Gilead mount that be Thy teeth like new washt sheep , returning from the flood , Whereas not one is barren found , but beareth twins a good , The temples of thy head , within thy locks to showe , Are like to the Pomgranet fruit , that in the Orchards grow . Of Concubines four score there are , of Queens twice treble ten Of Uirgins for the multitude , not to be numbred then . But yet my Doue alone , and vndefiled Fere , Her mothers only daughter is , to her exceeding deare . The Uirgins saw my Loue , and they haue lik'd her well , The Queens & eke the Concubines , they say she doth excell . Who 's she I doo behold , so like the morning cleare , Or like the Moon , when towards the ful , in pride she doth appear Bright as the radiant raies , that from the Sun descend , Or like an Army terrible , when Ensignes they extend . Unto the nuts downe will I goe , and fruitfull valeyes lowe , To see if that the Uine doo bud , and the Pomgranets growe . My selfe I know not I , ne nothing knew I then , Let me be like a chariot , euen of thy noble men . Return againe , oh make returne , thou Shulamite so deare , Let vs enioy thy company , I pray thee soiorne here . What see you in the Shulamite , in her what may you see , But like a troupe of warlike men that in the armies be .

The seuenth Chapter . HOw stately are thy steps with braue and lofty pace , Thou daintie princesse , darling deare , with comely gallant grace . the ioines of thy fair thighs , the which so straight do stand Are like to curious iewels wrought , by cunning workmans hand Thy nauell like a goblet is , which stil with wine doth flowe , Thy belly like an heape of wheat , about which , Lillies growe . Thy breasts I may compare like to two litle Roes , which follow on their mothers steps , when forth to feed she goes . Thy necke like to a Tower , of costly Iuory fram'd , thine eies like Heshbon waters clear , by that Bathrabbin nam'd Thy nose like Libanon Tower , most seemly to the eie , Which towards Damascus citie faire , that stately town doth ly . Thy head like Scarlet red , thy haire of purple huē , The King in thee doth take delight , as in his Lady true . How faire art thou my Loue , and seemly to the sight , The pleasures that abound in thee , they are my chiefe delight : Thy stature like the Palme , the tall and straightest tree , Thy brests , the which do thee adorne , most like to clusters be . Upon the pleasant palme , I said I wil take holde , And rest vpon her pleasant boughes , I said I wil be bolde . Thy breasts are like a bunch of grapes , on the most fruitful vine , Thy nose in smel like to the fruit , of al most pure and fine , The roofe of thy sweet mouth , like purest wine doth tast , Which makes the very aged lagh , forgetting sorrowes past . I am vnto my Loue , a faithfull friendly Fere , And he is likewise vnto me , most tender and most deare . Goe we into the field , to sport vs in the plaine , And in the pleasant villages ( my Loue ) let vs remaine . Then early will we rise and see , if that the vine do flourish , And if the earth accordingly do the Pomgranets nourish . I feele the Mandrakes smell , within our gates that be : The sweetest things both new & olde ( my Loue ) I kept for thee .

The eight Chapter . OH that thou weart my brother borne , that suckt my mothers breast : Then sweetly would I kisse thy lippes , and by thee take my rest . Unto my mothers closet sure , mine own Loue will I bring , And be obedient vnto him in euery kind of thing . There wil I giue to thee ( my Loue ) the daintie spiced wine , And pleasant liquor that distils from the Pomgranet fine . With his left hand he shal support , and eke my head vpreare , And with the right most louingly he shal imbrace his deare . Ye daughters of Ierusalem , doo not my Loue disease , But suffer her to take her rest , so long as she shall please . Who 's that which from the wildernes , you commeth from aboue , And in this sort familiarly dooth leane vpon her Loue : Under a pleasant aple tree , from whence like fruit doth spring , Thy mother first conceiued thee , euen forth which did thee bring Let it be like a priuie seale , within thy secret heart , Or like a Signet on thy hand , thy secrets to impart : For iealousie is like the graue , and loue more strong than death From whose hot brands ther doth proceed a flaming fiery breath The flouds cannot alay his heat , nor water quench his flame , Neither the greatest treasure , can counteruaile the same . Our litle sister hath no breasts , what shal we doo or say , when we shal giue her to her Spouse , vpon her wedding day ? If that she be a wall , on that foundation sure , A princely pallace wil we build , of siluer passing pure . And if she be a doore , she shall inclosed be With braue and goodly squared boords , of the fine Cedar tree . I am a mightie wall , my breasts like Towers hie , Then am I passing beautifull in my beloueds eie . King Salomon a vinyard had , in faire Baalhamon field , Each one in siluer yeerely dooth , a thousand peeces yeeld , But yet my vineyard ( Salomon ) thy vine doth far excell , For fruit and goodnes of the same , thou know'st it very wel . A thousand siluer peeces are , euen yearely due to me , Two twousand likewise vnto them , the which her keepers be . Oh thou that in the garden dwell'st , learne me thy voice to know That I may listen to the same , as thy companions doo . Flie my beloued hence away , and be thou like the Roe , Or as the Hart on mountaine tops , wheron sweet spices growe .

The Song of Annah , for the bringing foorth of Samuel her sonne . The second Chap. of the first booke of Samuel , MY heart doth in the Lord reioice , that liuing Lord of might , which doth his seruants horn exalt , in al his peoples sight . I wil reioice in their despight , which erst haue me abhord , Because that my saluation dependeth on the Lord . None is so holie as the Lord , besides thee none there are : With our God there is no God , that may himselfe compare . See that no more presumptuously , ye neither boast nor vaunt , Nor yet vnseemly speak such things , so proud and arrogant . For why ? the counsell of the Lord , in depth cannot be sought Our enterprises and our actes , by him to passe are brought . The bowe is broke , the mightie ones subuerted are at length , And they which weake and feeble were , increased are in strength They that were ful & had great store , with labor buy their bread And they which hungrie were & poore , with plenty now are fed . So that the womb which barren was , hath many children born , And she which store of children had , is left now all forlorne . The Lord doth kill and make aliue , his iudgments all are iust , He throweth downe into the graue , and raiseth from the dust . The Lord doth make both rich & poore , he al our thoughts doth trie . He bringeth low & eke againe , exalteth vp on hie . He raiseth vp the simple soule , whom men pusude with hate , To sit amongst the mightie ones , in chaire of princely state , For why ? the pillers of the earth , he placed with his hand , whose mighty strength doth stil support , the waight of al the land . He wil preserue his Saints likewise , the wicked men at length He wil confound : let no man seem , to glory in his strength . The enemies of God the Lord , shal be destroied all , From heauen he shal thunder send , that on their heads shal fall . The mightie Lord shall iudge the world , & giue his power alone Unto the King , and shal exalt his owne annointed one .

The Song of Ionah in the Whales bellie . In the second Chap. of Ionah . IN griefe and anguish of my heart , my voice I did extend , Unto the Lord , and he therto , a willing eare did lend : Euen from the deep and darkest pit , & the infernall lake , To me he hath bow'd down his eare , for his great mercies sake . For thou into the middest , of surging seas so deepe Hast cast me foorth : whose bottom is , so low & woondrous steep . Whose mighty wallowing waues , which from the floods do flow haue with their power vp swallowed me , & ouerwhelm'd me tho . Then said I , loe , I am exilde , from presence of thy face , Yet wil I once againe behold , thy house and dwelling place . The waters haue encompast me , the floods inclosde me round , The weeds haue sore encombred me , which in the seas abound . Unto the valeyes down I went , beneath the hils which stand . The earth hath there enuiron'd me , with force of al the land . Yet hast thou stil preserued me , from al these dangers here , And brought my life out of the pit , oh Lord my God so deare . My soule consuming thus with care , I praied vnto the Lord , And he from out his holie place , heard me with one accord , Who to vain lieng vanities doth whollie him betake , Doth erre also , Gods mercie he , doth vtterly forsake . But I wil offer vnto him the sacrifice of praise , And pay my vowes , ascribing thanks vnto the Lord alwaies .

The Praier of Ieremiah , bewasling the captiuitie of the people . In the fift Chap. of his Lamentations . CAl vnto mind oh mightie Lord , the wrongs we daily take Consider and he hold the same , for thy great mercies sake . Our lands & our inheritance , meere strangers do possesse , The alients in our houses dwel , and we without redresse . We now ( alas ) are fatherlesse , & stil pursude with hate , Our mourning mothers nowe remaine in wofull widdowes state . We buy the water which we drink , such is our grieuous want , Likewise the wood euen for our vse , that we our selues did plant . Our neckes are subiect to the yoke , of persecutions thrall , We wearied out with cruell toile , and find no rest at all : Afore time we in Egypt land , and in Assyria serued , For food our hunger to sustaine , least that we should haue sterued Our fathers which are dead & gone , haue sinned wondrous sore , And we now scourg'd for their offence , ah , woe are we therefore . Those seruile slaues which bondmen be , of them in fear we stand Yet no man doth deliuer vs , from cruel Cauiues hand . Our liuings we are forc'd to get , in perils of our liues , The drie and barren wildernesse therto by danger driues . Our skins be scortcht as though they had , bin in an ouen dride , With famine , and the penury , which here we doo abide . Our wiues and maides defloured are , by violence and force , On Sion , and in Iuda land , sans pity or remorce . Our kings by cruel enimies , with cordes are hanged vp , Our grauest , sage and ancient men , haue tasted of that cup. Our yoong men they haue put to sword , not one at al they spare , Our litle boyes vpon the tree , sans pitie hanged are . Our elders sitting in the gates , can now no more be found , Our youth leaue off to take delight , in musicks sacred sound . The ioy and comfort of our heart , away is fled and gone , Our solace is with sorrow mixt , our mirth is turn'd to moue . Our glory now is laid full low , and buried in the ground , Our sins ful sore do burthen vs , whose greatnes doth abound . Oh holy blessed Sion hill , my heart is woe for thee , Mine eies poure foorth a flood of teares , this dismal day to see . Which art destroied and now lieth wast , from sacred vse & trade . Thy holie place is now a den , of filthy Foxes made . But thou the euerliuing Lord , which doost remaine for aye , Whose seat aboue the firmament , full sure and still doth stay . Wherefore dost thou forsake thine owne ? shal we forgotten be ? Turne vs good Lord , and so we shall be turned vnto thee . Lord cal vs home from our erile , to place of our abode , Thou long inough hast punisht vs , oh Lord , now spare thy rod .

The Song of Deborah and Baracke . The fift Chap. of Iudges . PRaise ye the Lord , the which reuenge on Israels wrongs doth take : Likewise for those which offered vp themselues for Israels sake . Heare this , ye kings , ye princes al , giue eare with one accord , I wil giue thanks , yea sing the praise , of Israels liuing Lord . When thou departedst ( Lord ) from Seir , and out of Edom field , The earth gan quake , the heauens rain , the cloudes their water yeeld the mountains hie before the Lord , haue melted euery del , As Synay did in presence of , the Lord of Israell . In time of Sangar , Anaths sonne , and in old Iaels daies , the paths were al vnoccupied , men sought forth vnknown waies , The townes & cities there lay wast , and to decay they fel , Til Deborah , a matrone graue , became in Israell . They chose them gods , then garboils did , within their gates abcund A spear or shield in Israel , there was not to be found . In those which gouern Israel , my heart doth take delight , And in the valiant people there , oh , praise the Lord of might . Speak ye that on white Asses ride , & that by Midden dwell . And ye that daily trade the waies , see forth your minds you tell . The clattering noise of archers shot , when as the arrowes flew , Appeased was amongst the sort , which water daily drew . The righteousnesse of God the Lord , shal be declared there , And likewise Israels righteousnes , which worship him in feare . The people with reioicing hearts , then all with one consent : I mean the Lords inheritance , vnto the gates they went : Deborah vp , arise and sing , a sweet and worthy song , Baracke , lead them as Captiues forth , which vnto thee belong . For they which at this day remaine , do rule like Lords alone , The Lord ouer the mightie ones , giues me dominion . The roots of Ephraim arose , gainst Amalecke to fight . And so likewise did Beniamin , with all their power and might . From Macher came a company , which chiefest sway did beare , From Zebulon , which cunning clarks , & famous writers were , The kings which came of Isacher were with Deborah tho , Yea Isacher and Barack both attend on her also . He was dismounted in the vale , for the deuisions sake , Of Ruben the people there , great lamentation make . Gilead by Iorden made abode , and Dan on ship boord lay , And Asher in the Desart he , vpon the shore doth stay . They of Zebulon and Nepthaly , like worthy valiant wightes , Before their foes euen in the field , aduanc'd themselues in fight . The kings themselues in person fought : the kings of Canaan , In Tanach plaine , wheras the streame , of swift Megido ran . No pay , no hyer , ne coine at all , not one did seem to take , They serued not for greedy gain , nor filthy lucre sake . The heauens hy and heauenly powers , these things to passe haue brought The stars against proud Sifera , euen in their course haue fought The stream of kishons ancient brook , hath ouerwhelm'd them there My soule , sith thou hast done thy part , be now of harty cheare . The hardened hooues of barbed horse , were al in peeces broke , By force of mightie men which met , with many a sturdy stroke . The Angel hath pronounc'd a curse , which shal on Meroz fall , And those that doo inhabite there , a curse light on them all . Because they put not forth their hands to help the liuing Lord , Against the proud and mighty ones , which haue his truth abhord Iaell the Renit Hebers wife , most happy shal be blest , Aboue al other women there , which in the tents do rest . He asked water for to drink , she gaue sweet milk to him , Yea butter in a lordly dish , which was full tricke and trim . her left hand to the naile she put , her right the hammer wrought . Wherewith presumptuous Sisera vnto his death she brought , And from his corps his head she cut , with mortal deadly wound , When through the temples of his head , she naild him to the ground . He bowed then vnto the earth , and at her feet can fall , And where he fell there still he lay , bereau'd of sences all . The mother then of Sisera , in window where she lay , Doth marueil much that this her sonne doth make so long a stay . Her Ladies then , they hearing that , make answer by and by , Yea , to her speaches past before , her selfe doth this replie : Hath he not gotten mightie spoiles , and now diuision makes , Each one a Damosell hath or twaine , which he as captiue takes . Sisera of costly coloured robes , ful rich , with needle wrought , Hath got a pray , which vnto him , as chiefest spoiles are brought . So let thine enemies ( O Lord ) sustaine and suffer blame , And let thy chosen blessed ones , that loue and feare thy name , Be like the Son , when in the morne , his glorie doth increase : Or like the land , which many a yeare , hath bin in rest and peace .

An other Song of the faithfull , for the mercies of God . In the xii . Chap. of the prophesie of Isaiah . OH liuing Lord , I still will laude thy name , for though thou wert offended once with me : Thy heauy wrath is turn'd from me againe , and graciously thou now doost comfort mee . Behold , the Lord is my saluation , I trust in him , and feare not any power : He is my song , the strength I leaue vpon , the Lord God is my louing Sauiour . Therefore with ioy out of the well of life , draw foorth sweet water , which it dooth affoord : And in the day of trouble and of strife , cal on the name of God the liuing Lord . Extol his works and woonders to the sunne , vnto al people let his praise be showne : Record in song the meruails he hath done , and let his glorie through the world be blowne . Crie out aloud and shout on Sion hill , I giue thee charge that this proclaimed be : The great and mightie king of Israell , now onely dwelleth in the midst of thee .

A Song of the faithfull . In the third Chap. of the prophesie of Habacucke . LOrd , at thy voice , my heart for feare hath trembled , Unto the world ( Lord ) let thy workes be showen : In these our daies now let thy power be knowen , And yet in wrath let mercie be remembred . From Teman loe , our God you may behold , The holie one from Paran mount so hie : His glorie hath cleane couered the Skie , And in the earth his praises be inrolde . His shining was more clearer than the light , And from his hands a fulnesse did proceed , Which did contain his wrath and power indeed , Consuming plagues and fire were in his sight . He stood aloft and compassed the land , And of the Nations doth defusion make The mountains rent , the hilles for feare did quake , His vnknown pathes no man may vnderstand . The Morians tentes euen for their wickednes , I might behold the land of Midian : Amaz'd and trembling like vnto a man , Forsaken quite , and left in great distresse : What , did the riuers moue the Lord to ire ? Or did the floods his Maiesty displease : Or was the Lord offended with the seas , That thou camest forth in chariot hot as fire . Thy force and power thou freely didst relate , Unto the tribes thy oath doth surely stand , And by thy strength thou didst deuide the land , And from the earth the riuers seperate . The mountaines saw , and trembled for feare , The sturdy streame , with speed foorth passed by , The mighty depthes shout out a hideous crie , And then aloft their waues they did vpreare . The Sun and Moon amid their course stood still , Thy speares and arrowes forth with shining went , Thou spoilest the land , being to anger bent , And in displeasure thou didst slay and kill . Thou wentest foorth for thine owne chosens sake , For the sauegard of thine annointed one : The house of wicked men is ouerthrowne , And their foundations now goe all to wracke . Their townes thou strikest by thy mightie power , With their own weapons , made for their defence : Who like a whyrl-wind came with the pretence , The poore and simple man quite to deuoure . Thou madest thy horse on seas to gallop fast . Upon the waues thou ridest here and there : My intrals trembled then for verie feare , And at thy voice , my lips shooke at the last . Griefe pierc'd my bones , and feare did me annoy , In time of trouble , where I might find rest : For to reuenge , when once the Lord is prest , With plagues he wil the people quite destroy . The fig-tree now no more shall sprout nor flourish , The pleasant vine no more with grapes abound : No pleasure in the citie shall be found : The field no more her fruit shal feed nor nourish . The sheep shall now be taken from the fold , In stall of Bullocks there shall be no choice . Yet in the Lord my Sauiour I reioice , My hope in God yet wil I surely hold . God is my strength , the Lord my only stay , My feet for swiftnesse , it is he will make Like to the Hinds , who none in course can take : Upon high places he will make me way .

A Song of thankes to God , in that hee sheweth himselfe Iudge of the world , in punishing the wicked , and maintaining the godlie . In the xv . Chap. of the prophesie of Isaiah . OH Lord my God , with praise I wil perseuer Thy blessed name in song I wil record : for the great wonders thou hast done O lord , Thy trueth and counsels haue bene certain euer . A mightie citie thou makest ruinat . The strongest townes thou bringest to decay : A place where strangers vsually do stay , And shall not be reduc'd to former state . The proudest people therefore stoupe to thee , The strongest cities haue thee still in feare : Thou strengthnest the poore man in dispaire : And helpest the needie in necessitie . Thou art a sure refuge against a shower , A shadow which doth from the heat defend : The raging blasts the mighty forth doth send , Is like a storme which shakes the stateliest tower . Thou shalt abate the forraine strangers pride , Like as the heat doth drie the moistest place , The glorie of the proud thou shalt deface . Like as the cloudes the sunny beames doo hide . The Lord of hostes shal in this mount prouide , And to his people here shal make a feast , Of fatted things and dainties of the best , Of Marrow and wines finely purified . And in this Mountaine by his mightie hand , That same dark cloud the Lord wil cleane destroy , Euen with the vaile which doth his folke annoy , And death no more before his face shall stand . The Lord will wipe out of his chosens eies , The teares which doo their faces so distaine : And their rebuke shal now no more remaine , Thus saith the Lord , these be his promises . And men shal say ( then ) loe , this same is he , This is our God , on whom we did attend , This is the Lord that will vs stil defend , We will be glad and ioyfull ( Lord ) in thee . Thy hand ( oh Lord ) here in this mount shall rest , And cursed Moab shall by thee be beaten , As in thy iudgment thou of long doost threaten . As in Mamena straw of men is thresht . And ouer them the Lord his hand shal holde . As he that swimmeth , stretcheth him at length , And by his power and by his mighty strength , The proud and stout by him shal be controlde . Thy highest walles and towers of all thy trust , He shall bring downe and lay them all full lowe , Unto the ground his hand shall make them bow , And lay thy pride and glorie in the dust .

An other Song of the faithfull , wherein is declared in what consisteth the saluation of the Church . In the xvi . Chap. of the prophesie of Isaiah . ANd in that day , this same shal be our song , In Iuda land this shall be sung and said , We haue a citie which is woondrous strong , And for the walles , the Lord himself our aid . Open the gates , yea set them open wide , And let the godly and the righteous passe : Yea let them enter , and therein abide , Which keepe his lawes , and do his trueth imbrace : And in thy iudgment thou wilt sure preserue , In perfect peace those which doo trust in thee : Trust in the Lord , which dooth all trust deserue , He is thy strength , and none but onelie he . He will bring downe the proud that looke so hie , The stateliest buildings he wil soone abase : And make them euen with the ground to lie , And vnto dust he will their pride deface . It shall be troden to the verie ground , The poore and needy downe the same shal tread : The iust mans way in righteousnes is found , Into a path most plaine thou wilt him lead . But we haue waited long for thee , oh Lord And in thy way of iudgment we do rest : Our soules doth ioy thy name still to record , And thy remembrance doth content vs best . My soule hath long'd for thee ( oh Lord ) by night , And in the morn my spirit for thee hath sought : Thy iudgments to the earth giue such a light , As al the world by them thy trueth is taught . But shew thy mercie to the wicked man , He wil not learne thy righteousnes , to know , His chiefe delight is still to curse and ban , And vnto thee , himselfe he will not bow . They doo not once at all regard thy power , Thy peoples zeale shall let them see their shame , But with a fire thou shalt thy foes deuoure , And cleane consume them with a burning flame . With peace thou wilt preserue vs ( Lord ) alone , For thou hast wrought great woonders for our sake And other Gods beside thee haue we none : Only in thee we all our comfort take . The dead and such as sleep within the graue , Shal giue no glorie , nor yeeld praise to thee : Which here on earth no place nor being haue , And thou hast rooted out of memorie . Oh Lord thou doost this nation multiply , Thou Lord hast blest this nation with increase : Thou art most glorious in thy maiesty , Thou hast inlarg'd the earth with perfect peace . We cride to thee , and oft our hands did wring , When we haue seen thee bent to punishment . Like to a woman in childbyrth traueiling , Euen so in paine we mourne and doo lament . We haue conceiu'd and laboured with paine , But only wind at last we forth haue brought : Upon the earth no hope there doth remaine , The wicked world likewise auailes vs nought . The dead shal liue , and such as sleep in graue With their own bodies once shal rise againe : Sing ye , that in the dust your dwelling haue , The earth no more her bodies shall retaine . Come , come my people to my chamber here , And shut the doores vp surely after thee : Hide thou thy selfe , and doo not once appeare , Nor let thine eies mine indignation see . For from aboue the Lord is now dispos'd To scourge the sinnes that in the world remaine : His seruants blood in earth shal be disclosde , And she shal now yeeld vp her people slaine .

Finis .

Hereafter followe certain other Songs and Praiers of godly men and women , out of the Bookes of Apocripha .

The Praier of Iudith , for the deliuerance of the people . In the ix . Chap. of the book of Iudith . OH Lord , the God of Simeon , my soueraigne Father deare : To whom thou gauest strength and might , the sword in hand to beare . To take reuenge on those which first , the maidens wombe did came , And spoiled her virginitie , with great reproch and shame . For which offence , thou gauest vp , their princes to be slaine . so that their wounds with gory blood , their heds did all distain . Their seruants with their lords ech one , haue felt thy wrath alike who sitting in their roial seat , thou sparest not to strike . Their wiues , their daughters , & their goods , thou gau'st for thy behoue As prais , as captiues , & as spoiles , to those whom thou didst loue . who modu'd with zeale , could not abide , their blood defil'd to see , Then heare me Lord , a widow poore , which here do cal to thee . things past , & things not yet discern'd , thy prouidence hath wrought , Things present & the things to come , by thee to passe are brought . Each thing is present at thy call , thy wisdome doth deuise , Thy secret iudgments long before , thy knowledge doth comprise . Th' Assirians now in multitude , a mighty number are , Whose horsmen on their barbed horse , themselues to war prepare . Their hope in footmen doth consist , in sling , in speare and shield , They know not thee to be the Lord , whose force doth win the field . Let all their force , their strength & power , be by thy might abated , Who vow thy Temple to defile , which thou hast consecrated . Yea , to pollute thy Tabernacle , thy house and holy place , And with their instruments of war , thine Altars to deface . Behold their pride , and poure on them , thy wrath and heauy yre , And strength my hand to execute , the thing I now desire . Smite thou the seruant and the Lord , as they together stand , Abate their glory and their pride , euen by a womans hand . For in the greatest multitude , thou takest not delight , Nor in the strong and valiant men consisteth not thy might . But to the humble , lowly , meeke , the succourlesse and poore , Thou art a help , defence , refuge , and louing sauiour , My father in thy name did trust , O Israels Lord most deare , Of heauen , of earth , of sea and land , doo thou my praier heare . Grant thou me wit , sleight , power , strength , to wound them which aduance Thenselues ouer thy Sion hil , & thine inheritance . Declare to nations far and neare , and let them know ful well , Thou art the Lord , wohse power & strength , defendeth Israell .

The Song of Iudith , hauing slaine Holophernes . In the xvi . Chap. of the book of Iudith . TUne vp the Timbrels then with laud vnto the Lord , Sound foorth his praise on Simbals loud , with songs of one accord , Declare & shew his praise , also his name rehearse , In song of thankes exactly pend , of sweet and noble verse . The Lord he ceaseth warres , euen he the verie same , T is he that doth appease all strife , Iehouah is his name . The which hath pitcht his tent , our surest strength and aide , Amongst vs here , least that our foes , shuld make vs once dismaid From northren mountain tops , proud Assur came a downe , With warlike men a multitude , of famous high renowme . Whose footmen stopt the streams , where riuers woont to flowe , And horsmen couered all the vales , that lay the hilles belowe . His purpose was for to destroy my land , with sword and fire , To put my yongmen to the sword , did thirst with hot desire . My children to captiuitie , he would haue borne away , My virgins so by rape and force , as spoiles and chiefest pray , But yet the high and mighty Lord , his people doth defend , And by a silly womans hand , hath brought him to his end . For why ? their mightie men , with Armes were not subdude , Nor with their blood our yoong mens hands , were not at al imbrude . No , none of Titans line , this proud Assirian slue , Nor any Gyants aid we crau'd , this souldier to subdue . But Iudith she alone , Meraris daughter deere , Whose heauenly hue hath bred his baine , and brought him to his beere . She left her mourning weed , and deckt her selfe with gold , In royall robes of seemly shewe , all Israell to behold . With odors she perfum'd her selfe , after the queintest guise , Her haire with fillet finely bound , as Art could wel deuise . Her slippers neat and trim , his eies and fancie fed , Her beautie hath bewitcht his mind , her sword cut off his head . The Perseans were amaz'd , her modestie was such , The Medes at her bold enterprise , they marueiled as much . Amongst th' Assyrians then , great clamors can arise , When as the fact so lately done , apear'd before their eies . the sons which erst my daughters haue , euen on their bodies born Haue slaine them as they fled in chace , as men so quite forlorne . Euen at the presence of the Lord , the stoutest turn'd his backe , His power did so astonish them , that al things went to wracke , A song now let vs sing , of thankes vnto the Lord , Yea , in a song of pleasant tune , let vs his praise record . Oh God , thou mightie Lord , who is there like to thee , In strength and power , to thee oh Lord , none may compared be . Thy creatures all obey , and serue thee in their trade , For thou no sooner spakst the word , but euery thing was made . Thou sentest foorth the spirit , which did thy worke fulfill , And nothing can withstand thy voice , but listen to thy will . The mountains shal remoue , wher their foundation lay , Likewise the floods , the craggy rocks , like wax shal melt away . But they that feare the Lord , and in him put their trust , Those will he loue and stil impute , amongst the good and iust : But woe be those that seeke , his chosen flocks decay , The Lord God wil reuenge their wrongs , at the last iudgement day For he such quenchlesse fire , and gnawing wormes shal send , Into their flesh , as shal consume , them world without an end .

A Praier of the Authour . In the xxiii . Chap. of Ecclesiasticus . LOrd of my life , my guide and gouernour , Father , of thee this one thing I require , Thou wilt not leaue me to the wicked power , Which seeke my fall , and stil my death desire . Oh , who is he that shall instruct my thought , And so with wisdom shall inspire my heart : In ignorance that nothing may be wrought By me with them whose sinne shall not depart . Least that mine errors growe and multiplie , And to destruction through my sinnes I fall : My foes reioice at my aduersitie , Who in thy mercie haue no hope at all . My Lord and God , from whom my life I tooke , Unto the wicked leaue me not a pray : A haughty mind , a proud disdainfull looke , From me thy Seruant take thou cleane away . Uaine hope likewise , with vile concupiscence , Lord of thy mercie take thou cleane from me : Retaine thou him in true obedience , Who with desire daily serueth thee . Let not desire to please the greedy mawe , Or appetite of any fleshly lust : Thy seruant from his louing Lord withdraw , But giue thou me a mind both good and iust .

The Praier of Salomon . In the ix . Chap. of the book of Wisdome . OH God of our forefathers all , of mercie thou the Lord : Which heauen and earth , and al thinges els , createdst with thy word . And by thy wisdome madest man , like to thy selfe alone , And gauest him ouer thy workes , the chiefe dominion . That he shoud rule vpon the earth , with equity and right , And that his iudgments should be pure , and vpright in thy sight . Giue me that wisdome , which about , thy sacred throne doth stay , And from amongst thine own elect ( Lord ) put me not away . For I thy seruant am , and of thy handmaid borne , A sillie soule , whose life alas , is short and all forlorne . And do not vnderstand at all , what ought to be my guide , I mean thy statutes and thy lawes , least that I slip aside . For though a man in worldly things , for wisdome be esteem'd , Yet if thy wisdom want in him , his , is but folly deem'd . Thou chosest me to be a King , to sit on royall throne , To iudge the folk which thou of right , dost chalenge for thy own . Thou hast commanded me to build , a Temple on thy hill , And Altar in the self same place , where thou thy selfe doost dwel . Euen like vnto thy Tabernacle , in each kind of respect , A thing most holy , which at first , thy selfe thou didst erect . Thy wisdome being stil with thee , which vnderstands thy trade , When as thou framedst first the world , and her foundation laid . Which knew the thing that most of all , was pleasant in thy sight Thy wil and thy commandements , wherein thou takst delight . Send her down from that heauenly seat , wheras she doth abide , That she may shew to me thy will , and be my onely guide . For she dooth know and vnderstand , yea , al things doth foresee . And by her works and mighty power , I shall preserued bee . Then shal my works accepted be , and liked in thy sight , When I vpon my fathers throne , shall iudge thy folke aright . Who knoweth the counsell of the Lord , his deep and secret skil . Or who may search into his works , or know his holy will ? For why ? the thoughts of mortal men , are nothing els but care , Their forecasts and deuises all , things most vncertaine are . The bodie is vnto the soule , a waight and burthen great , The earthly house depresseth down , the mind with cares repleat The things which here on earth remain , we hardly can discern , To find their secret vse and trade , with labor great we learne . For who doth search or seek to know , with traueill & with care , The secrets of the mightie Lord , which hie in heauen are . Who can thy counsels vnderstand , except thou doo impart Thy wisdome , and thy holy spirit doost send into his heart ? For so the waies of mortal men , reformed are and taught , The things that most delighteth thee , which wisdom forth haue brought .

A Song of Ihesus the sonne of Sirach . In the last Chap. of Ecclesiasticus . I Will confesse thy name O Lord , And giue thee praise with one accord : My God , my King , and Sauiour , Unto thy name be thankes and power . I haue bene succoured by thee , And thou hast still preserued me : And from destruction kept me long , And from report of slaunderous tongue . From lips stil exrcisde with lies , And from my cruell enemies , Thou me in mercie doost deliuer , Thy blessed name be praisde for euer . From monsters , that would me deuoure , From cruell tyrants , and their power : In all affliction paine and griefe , Thou succourest me with some reliefe . From the cruell burning flame . Poore I inclosde within the same : From the deepe infernall pit , From venom'd tongues that poison spit . From speeches that of malice spring , From accusation to the king , From all reproch and infamy , From slander , and like villanie . My soule , to death praise thou the Lord , And laud his name with one accord : For death was readie thee to take , And thou neare the infernall lake . They compassed me round about , But there was none to helpe me out : I look'd when succour would appeare , But there was none that would come neare . Upon thy mercies then I thought , And on the wonders thou hast wrought : How from destruction thou doost saue , Such as in thee affiance haue . In praier then I did perseuer , That thou from death wouldst me deliuer : Unto the Lord I crie and call , That he would rid me out of thrall : Therefore I still will praise thy name , And euer thanke thee for the same : My praiers shall of thee be heard , And neuer from thy cares debard . Thou sau'st me from destruction , And other mischiefs more than one : Therefore wil I praise thee O Lord , And in my songs thy name record .

The Praier of Hester , for the deliuerance of her and her people . In the xiiii . Chap. of Hester . O Mighty Lord , thou art our God , to thee for aid I crie , To help a woman desolate , sith danger now is nie : Euen from my youth I oft haue hard my predecessors tel , That from amongst the nations all thou chosest Israell . And chosest those our fathers were , from theirs that went before To be thine owne and hast perform'd , thy promise euermore . Now Lord we haue committed sin , most grieuous in thine eies , Wherfore thou hast deliuered vs , vnto our enemies . Because that to their heathen gods , with worship we haue gone , Knowing that thou art God the Lord , the righteous Lord alone . Yet not content , nor satisfied , with these our captiues bands . But with their Idols they themselues , haue ioin'd & shaken hands Quite to abolish and subuert , what thou appointed hast , And this thine owne inheritance euen vtterly to waste . To shut and stop the mouthes of those , that yeeld thee thanks and praise , Thy glorious temples to defile , thine Altars vp to raise : And to induce the heathen folke , to laud their Idols might , To magnifie a fleshly King , a man , a mortall wight . Then let not such the Scepter sway , whose glorie is of nought , Least they deride vs when that we , to miserie are brought . And those deuises they haue wrought , t'intangle vs withall , May turne vnto their owne decay , and on their heads may fall . Remember Lord , and shew thy selfe , to vs in time of need , And strengthen me thou King of kings , & Lord of power indeed , Instruct my tongue with eloquence , my speaches to impart . Before the Lions face , and by , thy wisdome turne his heart . To hate our deadly enemie , so wholly bent to ill , Destroy him , and al such as doo consent vnto his will . But let thy hand deliuer vs , and help and succour me , Sith I am now left comfortlesse , and haue no help but thee . Thou know'st right well all things O Lord , & this thou knowest then I hate the glory and the pompe , of wicked sinful men , And vtterly detest the bed , of any heathen wight , Uncircumcised , most vnpure , and odious in thy sight : Thou knowest my necessitie , and that with hate I beare This token of preheminence , which on my head I weare . And as a filthy menstruous cloath , I take thereof such shame , As being by my selfe alone , I neuer weare the same . And that at Hamans table yet , thy handmaid hath not fed , Nor tooke delight in princes feast , nor drank wine offered , And neuer ioi'd in any thing , since first I hether came , Until this day but in the Lord thou God of Abraham . Oh thou the high and mightie God , heare thou the voice & crie Of them , whose hope , whose trust and stay , only on thee doth lie . And now in need deliuer vs , out of their cruell hand , And from the dread and feare O Lord , wherin we dayly stand .

The Praier of Mardocheus . In the xiii . Chap. of Hester . OH Lord , my Lord , that art the King of might , Within whose power all thinges their being haue : Who may withstand that liueth in thy sight , If thou thy chosen Israell wilt saue . For thou hast made the earth and heauen aboue , And al things els that in the same do mooue . Thou madest all things , and they are all thine own , And there is none that may resist thy will : Thou know'st all things , and this of thee is knowne , I did not erst for malice nor for ill , Presumption nor vaine glorie els at all , Come nor bow downe vnto proud Hamans call . I could haue bin content for Israels sake , To kisse the soles euen of his verie feet : But that I would not mans vaine honor take , Before Gods glorie , being so vnmeet . And would not worship none ( O Lord ) but thee : And not of pride , as thou thy selfe doost see . Therefore ( oh Lord ) my God , and heauenly king Haue mercie on the people thou hast bought : For they imagine and deuise the thing , How to destroy and bring vs vnto nought . Thine heritance , which thou so long hast fed , And out so far from Egypt land hast led . Oh heare my praier , and mercie doe extend , Upon thy portion of inheritance , For sorrowe now some ioy and solace send , That we may liue thy glorie to aduance . And suffer not their mouthes shut vp oh Lord , Which stil thy name with praises doo record .

A Praier in the person of the Faithfull . The xxxvi . Chap. of Ecclesiasticus . HAue mercie on vs blessed Lord , Which madest all thinges with thy word : Behold vs Sauiour from aboue , Illuminate vs with thy loue . And let the wicked dread thy name , Which neuer sought vnto the same : And knowe that thou art God alone , And like ( in woonders ) to be none . Oh Lord lift vp thy mightie hand , The world thy power shall vnderstand : As by vs thou art sanctified , By them so be thou magnified . That they may learne thy power to knowe , As we that be thy seruantes doo , Thou art the liuing Lord alone , And other Goddes besides thee none . Renew the signes ( Lord ) thou hast showne , And let thy woonderous woorks be knowne : Declare the strength of thy right hand , Let them thy power vnderstand . Arise to iudgment in thine yre , Poure out thy wrath as hot as fire : Destroy the cruell aduersarie , To spoile our foes ( Lord ) doo not tarie . Shorten thou these wicked daies , Thinke on thine oath at all assaies : Let thy woonders ( Lord ) appeare . And be thou praised farre and neare . In burning fire ( Lord ) let them die , Which doe escape , and seek to flie : And let them perish with annoy , Which seeke thy people to destroy . Cleaue thou the heads of mighty kings , Our enemies in godly things : And let the world behold and see , That we are chosen vnto thee . Lord , gather Iacob vnto thee , That they thy might & power may see : that they thy wondrous works may show And to be thine themselues may know . Unto thy folke impute no blame , Which euer cald vpon thy name : To Israel Lord be thou milde , Thy only heir thy first borne child . Unto Ierusalem shew pitie , Thy sanctuarie and thy citie : Blesse Sion where thy prophets liue , Thy glorie to thy people giue . And be thou witnesse vnto those , Which haue bene thine still to dispose : And raise them vp oh Lord , on hie , Which in thy name doo prophesie . Reward them ( Lord ) that waite for thee , That they thy Prophets trueth may see : Heare thou thy seruants praier oh Lord , As thou to Aaron gauest thy word . Guide vs in way of righteousnesse , The earth thy glorie shall expresse : And to the world it shall be knowne : Thou art eternall and alone .

A Praier of Tobias , exhorting all men to praise the Lord . Tobias . Chap. xiii . BLess'd be that king which euermore shal raign . So euer may his kingdome blessed be : Which punisheth and pittieth againe , Which sends to hell , and likewise setteth free . Before whose presence may no creature stand , Nor any thing auoid his heauie hand . Ye children of his chosen Israell , Before the Gentles stil confesse his name : With whom he hath appointed you to dwell , Euen there ( I say ) extol and laude his fame : He is a Lord and God most gracious , And still hath bene a father vnto vs . He wil scourge vs for our iniquitie , Yet mercie will he take on vs againe , And from those nations gathered shall we be , With whom as strangers now we do remaine . Yf in your harts he shal repentance find , And turne to him with zeale and willing mind . When as your dealings shall be found vpright , Then wil he turn his face from you no more : Nor thenceforth hide his presence from your sight , But lend his mercie , then laid vp in store , Therefore confesse his name , & praises sing , To that most great and highest heauenly King . I will confesse him in captiuitie , And to a wicked people shewe his might , Oh turne to him , vile sinners that you be , And doo the thing is vpright in his sight . Who 's there can tell if he will mercie showe , Or take compassion on you , yea or noe ? I will extoll and laude thy name alwaies , My soule , the praise of heauens King expresse : All tongues on earth shall spread abroad his praise , All nations shew foorth his righteousnesse . Ierusalem thou shalt be scourged then , But he wil spare the sonnes of righteous men . Faile not to giue the Lord his praises due , And still extoll that euerlasting King : And help to build his Tabernacle newe , In which his Saints shall euer sit and sing . In which the captiues shall haue end of griefe , In which the poore shall euer find reliefe . Many shall come from countries far and neare , And shall great giftes vnto his presence bring , Many before his presence shall appeare , And shal reioice in this great heauenly King , Cursed be those which hate thy blessed name , But bless'd be those which loue & like the same . Triumph with ioy , ye that be good and iust , Though scattered now , yet shall you gathered be : Then in the Lord fix all your hope and trust , And rest in peace till you these blessings see . blessed be those which haue bin touch'd with griefe when they haue seen thee scourg'd , & want reliefe . Those only shall reioice with thee againe , And those shall be partakers of thy glorie : And shall in blisse for ay with thee remaine , Now passed once these troubles transitorie . Then ( oh my soule ) see thou reioice and sing , And laud the great and highest heuenly King And he will build Ierusalem full faire , With Emeralds and Saphyrs of great price , With precious stones he will her walles repaire , Her towers of golde with worke of rare deuice . And all her streetes with Berall will he paue . With Carbunckles and Ophirs passing braue . And all her people there , shall sit and say , Praised be God with Aleluiah .

FINIS .