Scriptural poems being several portions of Scripture digested into English verse / by John Bunyan. Bunyan, John, 1628-1688. 1700 Approx. 147 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 52 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-12 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A30201 Wing B5591 ESTC R25312 08881654 ocm 08881654 41966 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A30201) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 41966) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1278:2) Scriptural poems being several portions of Scripture digested into English verse / by John Bunyan. Bunyan, John, 1628-1688. 100 p. Printed for J. Blare, London : 1700. "Licensed according to order." Reproduction of original in the British Library. (from t.p.) The book of Ruth--The history of Sampson--Christ's sermon on the mount--The prophecy of Jonah--The life of Joseph--The epistle of James. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Bible -- Paraphrases, English. 2005-02 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2005-03 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2005-04 Judith Siefring Sampled and proofread 2005-04 Judith Siefring Text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-10 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Scriptural Poems . Being several Portions of SCRIPTURE Digested into ENGLISH VERSE . VIZ. I. The Book of Ruth . II. The History of Sampson . III Christ's Sermon on the Mount. IV. The Prophecy of Jonah . V. The Life of Joseph . VI. The Epistle of James . By JOHN BUNYAN . Licensed according to Order . LONDON : Printed for J. Blare , at the Looking-Glass on London-Bridge , 1700. TO THE READER . WHoe'er thou art that shalt peruse this Book , This may inform thee , when I undertook To write these Lines , it was not my Design To publish this imperfect Work of mine : Composed only for Diversion's sake . But being inclin'd to think thou may'st partake Some benefit thereby , I have thought fit , ( Imperfect as it is ) to publish it . The Subjects are a part of the Contents , Both of the Old and the New Testaments ; The Word are for the most part all the same , ( For I affected Plainness more than Fame ) Nor could'st thou hope to have it better done : For I 'm no Poet , nor a Poet's Son But a Mechanick , guided by no rule , But what I gained in a Grammar School . In my Minority : I can't commend it , Such as it is into the World I send it , And should be glad to see some Hand to mend it . Would but those Men whose Genius leads them to 't , And who have time and parts wherewith to do 't , Imploy their Pens in such a Task as this , ' I would be a most delightsome Exercise , Of Profit to themselves and others too : If what the Learned Herbert says , holds true , A Verse may find him , whom a Sermon flies , And turn Delight into a Sacrifice ; Thus I conclude , and wish it as delighting To thee in reading as to me in writing . JOHN BUNYAN . THE Book of RUTH . CHAP. I. IN ancient Times , e'er Israel knew the way Of kingly Power , when Judges bore the sway , A certain Man of Bethlehem Juda fled , By Reason of a Famine that o'erspread The Land , into the Land of Moab , where He and his Wife , and Sons , sojourners were . His Name Elimelech , his eldest Son Was called Mahlon , t'other Chilion . His Wife was Naomi , Ephrathites they were : They went to Moab and continued there : Where of her Husband Naomi was bereft , And only she , and her Two Sons were left : Who took them Wives of Moab in their Youth : The Name of one was Orpah , t'other Ruth : And there they died e'er twice Five Years were gone ; And Naomi was wholly left alone . Then she arose , and her Step-daughters with her , To leave the Land of Moab altogether : For she had heard the Lord had visited Her native Country , with increase of Bread. Wherefore the Land of Moab she forsook , And to her native Place her course she took , Her Daughters with her : Whom she did desire , That to their Mother's House they would retire : The Lord , said she , be kind to you agen , As you to me , and to the dead have been : God grant you each may be with Husbands blest , And in th' Enjoyment of them , both find rest . Then she embraced them , and there withal , Down from their Cheeks , the Tears began to fall : They wept aloud , and said , Most surely we Unto thy People will return with thee . But Naomi replied , Wherefore will ye , My Daughters , thus resolve to go with me ? Are there yet any more Sons in my Womb , That may your Husbands be in time to come ? Return again , my Daughters , go your way , For I 'm too Old to marry : Should I say I 've Hope ? Should I this Night conceive a Son ? Would either of you stay till he is grown ? Would you so long without an Husband live ? Nay , nay , my Daughters , for it doth me grieve Exceedingly , even for your sakes , that I Do under this so great Affliction lie . And here they wept again : And Orpah kiss'd Her Mother , but Ruth would not be dismiss'd But clave unto her : Unto whom she spake And said , Behold , thy Sister is gone back , With her own Gods , and People to abide , Go thou along with her . But Ruth reply'd , Intreat me not to leave thee , or return : For where thou goest , I 'll go , where thou sojourn , I 'll sojourn also : And what People's thine , And who thy God , the same shall both be mine : Where thou shalt die , there will I die likewise , And I 'll be buried where thy Body lies : The Lord do so to me , and more , if I Do leave thee , or forsake thee till I die . And when she saw the Purpose of her Heart , She left off to desire her to depart . So they Two travelled along together To Bethlehem , and when they were come thither , Behold ! the People were surpriz'd , and cried What is this Naomi ? But she reply'd , Oh! call me Mara , and not Naomi : For I have been afflicted bitterly . I went out from you full , but now I come . As it hath pleased God , quite empty home : Why then call ye me Naomi ? Since I Have been afflicted so exceedingly . So Naomi return'd , and Ruth together , Who had come from the Land of Moab with her : And unto Bethlem Juda did they come , Just as the Barley Harvest was begun . CHAP. II. THere was a Man of Kin to Naomi , One that was of her Husband's Family , His Name was Boaz , and his Wealth was great . And Ruth the Moabitess did intreat Her Mother's leave , that she might go , and gather Some Ears of Corn , where she should most find favour : Go , Daughter , go , said she . She went , and came Near to the Reapers , to glean after them : And , lo , it was her hap to light among The Reapers , which to Boaz did belong . Behold , now Boaz came from Bethlehem Unto his Reapers , and saluted them , And they bless'd him again : and he inquired Of him that was set over them he hired , From whence the Damsel was , and was inform'd She was the Moabitess that return'd With Naomi : And she did ask , said he , That here amongst the Reapers she might be , And that she might have liberty to glean Among the Sheaves : And she all day hath been , Even from the morning until now , with us , That she hath stay'd a little in the House . Then Boaz said to Ruth , Observe my Daughter , That thou go not from hence , or follow after The Reapers of another Field , but where My Maidens are , see that thou tarry there : Observe what Field they reap , and go thou there , Have I not charg'd the young Men to forbear To touch thee ? And when thou dost thirst , approach And drink of what the Youths have set abroach . Then she fell on her Face , and to the Ground She bow'd her self , and said , Why have I found Such favour in thine Eyes , That thou , to me Who am a Stranger , should so courteous be ? And Boaz said , It hath been fully shown To me , what to thy Mother-in Law thou 'st done , Since of thine Husband thou hast been bereft : How thou thy Father and thy Mother left , And thine own native Land to come unto A Land , which thou before didst never know : The Lord , the God of Israel , the Defence Whom now thou 'st chosen , be thy recompence . Then said she , let me in thy sight , my Lord , Find favour , in that thou dost thus afford Me Comfort , and since thou so kind to me Dost speak , though I thereof unworthy be And Boaz said , at Meal-time come thou near , Eat of the Bread , and dip i' th' Vinegar . And by the Reapers she sate down to Meat , He gave her parched Corn , and she did eat , And was suffic'd , and left , and rose to glean : And Boaz gave Command to the young Men , Let her come in among the Sheaves , said he , To glean , and let her not reproached be : Let fall some handfuls also purposely , And let her take them without injury . So she till Even glean'd , and then beat out Her Barly , being an Ephah or thereabout . She took it up , and to the City went , And to her Mother-in-Law did it present : And what she had reserv'd to her she gave , When she had took what she design'd to have . Then unto her , her Mother-in-Law did say , In what Field hast thou been to glean to day ? And where hast thou been working ? Blest be he , That thus hath taken Cognizance of thee . She told with whom , and furthermore did say , The Man's Name 's Boaz , Where I wrought to day . And Naomi reply'd , May he be blest , Even of the Lord , whose Kindness manifest Unto the Living and the Dead hath been : The Man 's our Kinsman , yea the next of kin . And Ruth the Moabitess said , He gave Me likewise a Commandment not to leave , Or to depart , from following his young Men , Until they had brought all his Harvest in . And Naomi said unto Ruth , My Daughter , 'T is good that thou observe to follow after His Maidens , that they meet thee not elsewhere . So she to Boaz's Maidens still kept near , Till Barley and Wheat Harvest both , she saw Were done , and she dwelt with her Mother-in-Law . CHAP. III. THen Naomi said , Shall I not , my Daughter , Seek Rest for thee , that thou do well hereafter ? And is not Boaz , with whose Maids thou wast , One of the nearest Kinsmen that thou hast ? Behold , this Night he in his Threshing-Floor Is winnowing Barley , wash thy self therefore , Anoint thee , put thy Cloaths on , and get down Unto the Floor ; but make not thy self known , Till he hath eat and drank , and shall prepare To lie him down ; then take good notice where He goes about to take his Night's Repose , And go thou in there , and lift up the Cloaths From off his Feet , and likewise lay thee down , And what thou hast to do he will make known . And she made answer , Whatsoever thou Hast me commanded , will I gladly do . And down unto the Floor she hasted , and Forthwith fulfill'd her Mother-in-Law's Command . So now when Boaz had his Heart refresh'd , With Meat and Drink , he laid him down to rest , Near to the heap of Corn ; she softly came , Uncover'd's Feet , and lay down by the same . And , lo ! at Midnight , as he turn'd him round , He was afraid , for at his Feet he found A Woman lay : Who art thou ? then said he . I am thine Handmaid Ruth , replyed she , Over thine Handmaid therefore spread thy Skirt , I pray , because thou a near Kinsman art . Blessed be thou , said he , because thou hast Made manifest more Kindness at the last , Than at the first , in that thou didst , my Daughter , No young Men , whether poor or rich , go after : And now , my Daughter , be not thou afraid , I will do to thee all that thou hast said : For all the City of my People knows , Thou art a Woman truly vertuous ; And now , though I am Kin undoubtedly , Yet there is one that 's nearer Kin than I : Tarry this Night , and when 't is Morning light , If he will like a Kinsman do thee right , We 'll let him , but if not , I my self will , As the Lord lives , till Morning lie thou still . And till the Morning at his Feet she lay , And then arose about the break of Day ; And he gave her a Charge , not to declare That there had any Womankind been there : He also said , Bring here thy Veil , and hold To me ; she did , and thereinto he told Six Measures full of Barley , and did lay It on her , and she hasted thence away . And when unto her Mother-in-Law she came , Art thou , said she , my Daughter , come again ? Then what the Man had done she told , and said , He these six Measures full of Barley laid Upon me , for said he , This I bestow , Least to thy Mother thou should'st empty go . Then , said she , sit still Daughter , till thou see What the Event of this Intrigue will be ; For till the Man this Day hath made an end , No Satisfaction will on him attend . CHAP. IV. AND Boaz went up to the City Gate , And after a short space , while there he sate , The Kinsman , of whom he had spoke , came by , To whom he said , Ho , such a one , draw nigh , And sit down here : He came and sate him down : Then he took Ten Men , Elders of the Town , And caus'd them to sit down . Then to the Man That was of Kin , thus he his Speech began , Naomi , said he , who not long since sojourn'd Amongst the Moabites , is now return'd ; And doth intend to sell a piece of Ground , The which Elimelech our Brother own'd : And now to give thee notice , I thought fit , That if thou pleasest , thou may'st purchase it , In Presence of these Men assembled here : Then if thou wilt redeem it , now declare Thy Mind , but if thou wilt not , then let me , For thou art next of Kin , and I next thee . Then said the Kinsman , I will it redeem . Boaz reply'd , if good to thee it seem , To buy it of the Hand of Naomi , Thou also art oblig'd the same to buy Of Ruth the Moabitess , Wife o' th' dead , On his Inheritance to raise up Seed . The Kinsman said , I cannot do this thing My self , least I an Inconvenience bring Upon mine own Inheritance , what 's mine By right , therefore I now to thee resign . Now this in Israel did a Custom stand , Concerning changing and redeeming Land ; To put all Controversie to an end , A Man pluck'd off his Shooe , and gave his Friend ; And this in Israel was an Evidence , When e'er they changed an Inheritance . Then said the Kinsman unto Boaz , do Thou take my Right . And off he pluck'd his Shooe Then Boaz to the Elders thus did say , And to the People , All of you this Day Appear for me as Witnesses , that I Have bought all of the hand of Naomi , That was Elimelech's , or did belong Either to Mahlon or to Chilion : And Ruth the Moabitess , who some time Was Mahlon's Wife , I 've purchas'd to be mine , Still to preserve alive the dead Man's Name On his Inheritance , least that the same Should in the Gate where he inhabited , Or 'mongst his Brethren be extinguished : Behold , this Day , my Witnesses you are . Then all the People that were present there , And Elders said , We are thy Witnesses : May God this Woman thou hast taken bless , That she like Rachel , and like Leah be , Which two did build up Israel's Family : And thou in Ephratah exalt thy Name , And through the Town of Bethlem spread thy Fame , And may the Seed which God shall give to thee Of this young Woman , full as prosperous be , As was the House of Pharez heretofore , ( Pharez , whom Tamar unto Judah bore . ) So he took Ruth , and as his Wife he knew her , And God was pleased , when he went in to her , To grant the Blessing of Conception , And she accordingly bare him a Son. Then said the Women , Blessed be the Lord ! Bless thou him Naomi , who doth afford To thee this Day a Kinsman , which shall be Famous in Israel ; and shall be to thee As the Restorer of thy Life again , And in thy drooping Age shall thee sustain : For that thy Daughter-in-Law , who loves thee well And in thy Sight doth Seven Sons excel , Hath born this Child . Then Naomi took the Boy To Nurse , and did him in her Bosom lay : Her Neighbours too , gave him a Name , for why , This Son , say they , is born to Naomi : They call'd him Obed , from whose Loins did spring Jesse , the Sire of David , Israel's King. The End of the Book of RUTH . THE History of Sampson : Judges , Chap. xiii . WHen Israel's Sins th' Almighty did provoke , To make them subject to Philistine Yoke For forty Years : In Zorah dwelt a Man , His Name Manoah , of the Tribe of Dan ; His Wife was barren , unto whom appeared The Angel of the Lord , and thus declared : Though thou , said he , art barren , time shall come Thou shalt enjoy the Blessing of thy Womb ; Now therefore I intreat thee to refrain From Wine , strong Drink , and things that are unclean . For lo , thou shalt conceive and bear a Son , Upon whose Head there shall no Razor come , For he to God a Nazarite shall be , And shall begin to set his People free From the Philistine Yoke . The VVoman came And told her Husband , she had seen a Man Of God , his dreadful look made me , said she , Think him an Angel of the Lord to be : But I enquired not from whence he came , Neither did he make known to me his Name : But thus he said , Thou shalt conceive a Son ; Wherefore Strong Drink and Wine , see that thou shun , And have a care that thou be not defil'd With things that are unclean ; for why , the Child Shall from his Separation from the Womb , Become a Nazarite , ev'n to his Tomb. Manoah then did supplicate the Lord , And said , O Lord , be pleased to afford This Favour unto me , to send again The Man of God , more fully to explain Thy Will to us , that we may rightly know , When this Child shall be born , what we must do . And to Manoah's Prayer God gave Ear , And to his Wife the Angel did appear Again , as she did in the Field retire , At such time as her Husband was not nigh her . And she made haste , and ran , and streight declared Unto her Husband , that the Man appeared Again , whom she had seen the other Day . Manoah then arose , and went his way , And when he came , he said , Art thou the Man That spakest to my Wife ? He said , I am : Manoah said , Now let thy Words be true : How shall we use the Child , what must we do ? Then said the Angel of the Lord , Let her Of all that I have charged her beware : She may not taste of what comes of the Vine , Nor may she drink strong Drink , or any Wine , Nor may she eat of things that are unclean , From all that I have said , let her refrain . Manoah said unto the Angel , stay With us , till we have dress'd a Kid , I pray . But he reply'd , though thou shalt me detain , I 'll eat no Bread , but if thou dost design A Sacrifice unto the Lord , then offer : For ne'er till now , Manoah did discover It was a Man of God he spake unto : Then said he to the Angel , Let me know Thy Name , that when these things shall be perform'd , The Honour due to thee may be return'd . Whereto the Man of God made this Reply , Why askest thou , since 't is a Mystery ? So he a Kid , and a Meat-Off'ring took , And offer'd to the Lord upon a Rock : And there the Man of God did wondrously , The whilst Manoah and his Wife stood by : For as the Altar did send up the Flame , The Man of God ascended in the same : Manoah and his Wife stood looking on , And on their Faces to the Ground fell down . ( But then the Angel did appear no more ) Manoah then knew who he was : Therefore He said unto his Wife , Most surely we Shall die , for we the Face of God did see . But she reply'd , If God would such a thing , He would not now accept our Offering , Or would he have to us these things made known , Or told us , as at this time he hath done . And now ( according to the Angel's Word ) The Woman bare a Son , to whom the Lord Was pleas'd , his Blessing graciously to give ; She call'd him Sampson , and the Child did thrive : And lo ! the Spirit of the Lord began , At times to move him in the Camp of Dan. CHAP. XIV . NOw down to Timnah Sampson's Steps incline , Where seeing the Daughter of a Philistine , He came up and did of his Parents crave , That he in Marriage might the Woman have . Then thus his Father and his Mother said 'Mongst all thy Kin canst thou find ne'er a Maid ; Nor yet among my People , fit to make A Wife , but thou wilt this Philistine take , Of Race uncircumcised ? He replied , Get her for me , for I 'm well satisfied . But neither of his Parents then did know , It was the Lord that moved him thereto , To seek a way to accomplish his Designs , Upon the then o'er-ruling Philistines . Then Sampson and his Parents both went down To Timnah , and as they came near the Town , Among the Vineyards a young Lion roar'd : Then on him came the Spirit of the Lord , And though unarm'd , he rent him like a Kid , But he discover'd not to them the Deed : And he went down , and with the Woman treated , And was well pleas'd to have the Match compleated . And in a while as he return'd again To take his Wife , behold , where he had slain The Beast , he there a Swarm of Bees set Eye on , And Honey in the Carcase of the Lion : He took thereof , and eating , on he wen● , And to his Parents did a part present , And they did also eat , but did not know That from the Lion's Carcase it did flow . So down his Father went unto the Woman , And Sampson made a Feast , as it was common Among young Men. The Philistines provide Thirty Companions with him to abide ; And Sampson said unto them , now behold , I have a Riddle for you to unfold , Which if you do before the Seven Days Feast Be ended , I will give to every Guest A Sheet and change of Garments , but if ye Cannot declare it , you shall give to me Full Thirty Sheets , and Thirty Changes too : Then said they , What 's thy Riddle , let us know ? And Sampson said , The Eater sent forth Meat , And from the Strong there came a thing most sweet . And they could not in Three Days find it out , Wherefore before the seventh came about , They said unto his Wife , Thou must entice Thy Husband to discover this Device , Least we burn thee , and all thy Father's House : Is it not so , that ye have called us To make a Spoil ? And Sampson's Wife wept sore , And said , Thou dost but hate me , and no more ; To put a Riddle to my Countrymen , And not tell 't me : And he reply'd agen , I have not told my Father or my Mother , And shall I now to thee this thing discover . And she continually before him wept , During the time the Feasting Days were kept : And now behold it came to pass that he , By reason of her Importunity , Did on the Seventh Day to her unfold The Riddle , which she to her Brethren told ; And e'er the Sun went down , on that same Day , The Philistines to Sampson thus did say , What is more sweet than Honey ? What more strong Than is a Lion ? And he said , How long Would it have been , e'er you had understood This thing had you not with my Heifer plow'd ? Then came the Spirit of the Lord upon Him , and he hasted down to Askelon , And Thirty of the Philistines he slew , And took their Cloaths , and gave the Garments due To every one of them that had disclosed The meaning of the Riddle he proposed , And towards them his Anger fiercely burned , And he unto his Father's House returned . But Sampson's Wife was given unto one What was his Friend and chief Companion . CHAP. XV. BUt in a while , as Sampson visited His Wife , in the Wheat Harvest with a Kid , To her into her Chamber he would go , The which her Father would not let him do ; But said , I thought that thou hadst quite forsook her , Wherefore I gave consent , and thy Friend took her . Doth not her Sister's Beauty hers exceed , Though young ? I pray then take her in her stead . And Sampson said , I shall more blameless be Than they , though I shall do them injury : And then he caught Three hundred Foxes , and Turn'd Tail to Tail , and put a fiery Brand Between Two Tails , and setting fire thereto , Into the standing Corn he let them go , And burnt both Shocks , and standing Corn and Vines , And all the Olives of the Philistines . Then they enquired who this thing had done , And were inform'd , it was the Timnite's Son : Because his Father took his Wife away , And gave her his Companion to enjoy . And the Philistines came up , full of Wrath , And burnt with Fire , her and her Father both . And Sampson said though you have done this thing , A farther Evil I will on you bring , And my avenging Hand shall cease hereafter : And hip and thigh he smote them with great slaughter : And he return'd , and came up to the top Of Etam , and dwelt there upon the Rock . Then the Philistines up to Judah went , And in the Vale of Lehi pitch'd their Tent. Then said the Men of Judah for what reason Are you come up against us at this season ? And they made answer , we are come to bind Sampson , to do to him in the same kind As he hath done to us : Then there went up Three thousand Men of Judah to the top Of the Rock Etam , and to Sampson said , Do'st thou not know that we have long obey'd The Philistines ? Wherefore is it that thou Hast done this thing , to bring this Evil now , Upon us , let us know it ? Then said he I did to them , as they have done to me : Then said they we are come , and have brought bands , To bind , and give thee up into their hands : And he made answer , you shall swear unto me , That you your selves no Injury will do me : And they reply'd , No , no , we will but bind thee , We will not kill thee , but to them resign thee . And they took two new Cords , and therewith tied him , And from the Rock where he abode convey him : Whom when they to the Camp at Lehi brought The Philistines against him gave a shout : And mightily the Spirit of the Lord Came on him , and like burning Flax each cord That was upon his Arms became , the Bands Were likewise separated from his Hands . And he the Jawbone of an Ass espied , And took and smote them till a Thousand died : Then said he with an Ass's Jawbone I Have made mine Enemies in heaps to lie : Behold I have destroy'd a Thousand Men With this same worthless Ass's Jaw : And when He made an end to speak , it came to pass He cast away the Jawbone of the Ass , And said , Now let the place where this was done Be by the Name of Ramath-Lehi known . And he was sore a thirst , and to the Lord He cried , and said , O Lord , thou didst afford This great Deliverance , and now shall I , By reason of my Thirst fall down and die , And fall into the most accursed Hands Of these uncircumcis'd Philistine Bands ? But God was pleas'd to cleave an hollow place , Within the Jaw , from whence did Water pass : Whereof when he had drank , his Spirit came As heretofore , and he reviv'd again : Wherefore that place , which is in Lehi , bore Unto this Day the Name of En-hakkore . And in the Days the Philistines bore sway , Israel for Twenty Years did him obey . CHAP. XVI . THen down to Gaza Sampson went , and there Seeing an Harlot , went in unto her And when the Gazites heard he was come thither : Straightway they gathered themselves together To compass him about , and lay in wait All Night , to take him in the City Gate , And they were still all Night for why ? say they , To morrow we shall kill him when 't is Day . And he till Midnight lay , and then arose , And with the City Gates away he goes , Bearing the Posts , and bar and all away , And on an Hill near Hebron did them lay . And afterward it came to pass he saw , And lov'd a Woman named Delilah , Who in the Vale of Sorek dwelt to whom There did the Lords of the Philistines come , And said , if thou wilt but entice him to reveal Where lies his Strength , and which way we may deal With him , to bind him , to afflict him , we Each one will give a great reward to thee . And she to Sampson said , I pray thee , tell Wherein thy Strength doth other Men excel , And how thou may'st be bound : And he reply'd , If they with Seven green Wit hs that ne'er were dried Shall bind me Hand and Foot , I shall be then As weak and impotent as other Men. Then the Philistine Lords for her provide The Seven green Wit hs which never had been dried , And she therewith did bind him , ( now there were Men lying in wait whom she had placed there ) Then she cry'd out , and said , Now Sampson stand Thy ground , for the Philistines are at hand . And streight he brake the Wit hs , and they became Like to a thred of Tow when toucht with flame : So was his Strength not found out . Then said she , Sampson , behold , thou hast deceived me , And told me lyes : Therefore no longer blind me , But tell , I pray thee , wherewith I may bind thee : Bind me with Ropes that ne'er were us'd , said he ; Then weak as other Men are , shall I be : She therefore took New Ropes , and bound him , and Cry'd , Sampson , the Philistines are at Hand : ( And in the Chamber there were Men lay hid ) And from his Arms he brake them like a Thread . Then said she , Thou hast mock'd me hitherto , And told me Lyes : Now tell we what to do To bind thee . He reply'd , Thou with the Web Must interweave the Seven Locks of my Head. Then she his Locks did fasten with the Pin , And said , the Philistines are coming in , Shift , Sampson , for thy self ; then he awoke , And Pin and Web , and all away he took . Then said she , How canst thou pretend to love me , When thus thy Doing towards me disprove thee ? For now , behold , thou hast deceiv'd me thrice , And hast not told me where thy great Strength lies . At length his Soul being vext exceedingly , By reason of her Importunity : He told the Secrets of his Heart , and said , Never yet Razor on my Head was laid ; For I have been to God a Nazarite , Even from the Day that first I saw the Light : Wherefore like other Men , if I am shaven , I shall be weak , and of my Strength bereaven . And when she saw that he had told her all The Secrets of his Heart , she sent to call The Lords of the Philistines , Come , said she , This once , for now he hath made known to me The very Truth . Then they came up together , And brought the Money in their Hands to give her . Then down to sleep upon her Knees she laid him , And call'd a Man , who of his Locks betray'd him , And to afflict him she began , and then His Strength became like that of other Men : Then said she , Sampson , thy Philistine Foes Are just at hand : And he from sleep arose , And as at other times went forth to shake him , Not knowing that the Lord did now forsake him . But the Philistines seized him , and brought Him down to Gaza , having first put out His Eyes , and did with brazen Fetters bind And made him in the Prison-House to grind . Howbeit the Hair upon his Head began , After he had been shaved , to grow again . Then the Philistine Lords together met , And a Thanksgiving day apart they set , For to rejojce , and unto Dagon pay Their highest Service , For our God , say they , Did this : And when the People did behold Poor Captive Sampson , they their God extoll'd , And said , our God , Hath given into our hand , Him that destroy'd us , and laid waste our Land. And in their heighth of Mirth , they sent to call Sampson , to come and make sport for them all . And from the Prison-House they brought him , and Between the Pillars they set him to stand ; And there he made them Sport. Then to the Lad , That led him by the Hand , thus Sampson said , Let me now feel the Pillars that sustain The House that I my self thereon may lean . Now in the Home there was a mighty Throng Of Men and Women gather'd , and among Them , all the Lords of the Philistines were : Besides , upon the Roof there did appear , About Three thousand Men and Women , who Beheld , while Sampson made them sport below . And Sampson calling on the Lord did say , O Lord , my God , remember me , I pray , This once give Strength , that I aveng'd may be Of those Philistines who have blinded me . And with his Right-hand and his Left , he held Two middle Pillars which the House upheld ; And said , Let me with the Philistines die , And then he bow'd himself most mightily : And down the House fell on the Lords , and all The People that were in 't : So that the fall Thereof , slew at his Dying many more , Than he had slain in all his Life before . Then did his Brethren , and his Kinsfolks come And took him up , and brought him with them home , And laid him in his Father's Sepulchre , When he had judged Israel twenty Year . CHRIST'S Sermon on the Mount Matth. Chap. V. AND Jesus , seeing the Multitudes , ascended Up to a Mount , where sitting , and attended By his Disciples ; he began to Preach , And on this manner following did them teach . Blessed are all such as are poor in Spirit , For they the Heav'nly Kingdom do inherit . Blessed are they that Mourn : For in the stead Thereof shall Comfort be administred . Blessed are they , whose Meekness doth excel : For on the Earth their Portion is to dwell . Blessed are they , who after Righteousness Hunger and Thrist : For they shall it possess . Blessed are they , for they shall Mercy find , Who to do mercifully are enclin'd . Blessed are all such as are pure in Heart : For God his Presence shall to them impart . Blessed are they that do make Peace : For why ? They shall be call'd the Sons of the Most High. Blessed are they which suffer for the sake Of Righteousness : For they of Heav'n partake . Blessed are ye , when Men shall falsly speak All kind of Ill against you for my sake , And shall revile , and persecute you sore ; Rejoyce , and be exceeding glad therefore : For your Reward in Heav'n will be great : For thus of Old they did the Prophets treat . Ye are the Salt o' th' Earth ; but wherewith must The Salt be season'd when the savour's lost ? It is from thenceforth good for nothing , but To be cast out , and trodd'n under foot . Ye are the Light o' th' World : A City set Upon an Hill cannot be hid : Nor yet Do Men a Candle with a Bushel cover , But set it where it lights the whole House over . So shine your Light , your Good Work 's seen there Men may your Heavenly Father Glorifie . Think not that to destroy the Law I came , Or Prophets ; no , but to fulfil the same . For till the Heav'n and Earth shall pass away , One jot or tittle from the Law , I say , Shall never pass , till all shall be complete . Whoso therefore presumes to violate , One of these least Commands , and teacheth so , Shall in God's Kingdom be accounted low : But he that doth , and teacheth them likewise , Shall in God's Kingdom have great Dignities . For I declare unto you , that unless You shall exceed the Scribes and Pharisees In Righteousness : You shall on no condition , Into the Heavenly Kingdom gain admission . Ye've heard 't was said of Old ; Thou shalt not kill : And he incurs the Judgment who shall spill His Brothers Blood : But I to you declare , That he that 's wroth without a cause , shall bear The Judgment : Likewise of the Council he That sayeth Racha shall in danger be : But whosoe'er shall say thou Fool , the same Shall be in danger of Eternal Flame . When therefore to the Altar thou dost bring Thy Gift , and there remembrest any thing Thy Brother hath against thee : Leave it there Before the Altar , and come thou not near , Till thou hast first made Reconciliation , Then may'st thou come and offer thine Oblation . Make an Agreement with thine Adversary Whilst thou art in the way , and do not tarry ; Lest he at any time deliver thee Unto the Judge , and by the Judge thou be Unto the Officer forthwith resign'd , And to Imprisonment thou be confin'd ; I do affirm thou shalt not be enlarg'd , Till thou the utmost Farthing hast discharg'd . Ye've heard , that they of Old did testifie , That Men should not commit Adultery : But I pronounce him an Adulterer , Who views a Woman to lust after her . And if thy Right Eye shall offensive be , Pluck thou it out and cast the same from thee ; For it is better lose one , than that all Thy Members shou'd into Hell Torments fall . And if thy Right Hand doth offend cut off it , And cast it from thee , for it will thee profit Much rather , that one of thy Members fell , Than that they should be all condemn'd to Hell. It hath been said , whoso away shall force His Wife , shall give her a Bill of Divorce : But whosoe'er shall put his Wife away , Except for Fornication's sake , I say , Makes her Adult'ress , and who Marries her , So put away , is an Adulterer . Again : Ye've heard , Thou shalt not be forsworn , Was ancient Doctrine , but thou shalt perform Unto the Lord thine Oaths : But I declare , That you shall not at all presume to Swear , Neither by Heaven , for it is Gods Throne ; Nor by the Earth , for his Foot stands thereon : Neither Swear by Jerusalem , for why ? It is the City of the King Most High : Nor Swear thou by thine Head , for thou canst make No Hair thereof to be or white or black : But let Yea , yea ; Nay , nay , in Speech suffice , For what is more from Evil doth arise . Ye've heard , it hath been said ; Eye for an Eye , And Tooth for Tooth : But I do testifie , That you shall not resist ; but let him smite Thy left Cheek also , who assaults thy right . And if that any by a Law Suit shall Demand thy Coat , let them have Cloak and all . And whosoe'er compelleth thee to go . A Mile , refuse not to go with him two . Give him that asketh , and from him that may Have need to borrow , turn not thou away . Ye've heard , 't was said : that thou shalt love thy Friend And hate thy Foe : But let your love extend Unto your Enemies : Thus I declare , Bless them that Curse , do good to them that bear Ill will , and for your Persecutors pray , And them that do reproach you ; that you may Be Children of your Father that 's in Heaven ; For he on good and bad alike hath given His Sun to rise , and in like manner doth Send Rain upon the Just and Unjust both . For what is your Reward , if you love them That love you ? Do not Publicans the same ? And if your Brethren only you salute , What more than they do ye ? They also do 't : I will therefore that you be perfect , ev'n As is your Father perfect that 's in Heav'n . CHAP. VI. TAke heed you do not your Alms-deeds bestow Before Men , purposely to make a show ; For then there will no recompence be given Unto you of your Father that 's in Heaven : With sound of Trumpet do not thou therefore Proclaim what thou art giving to the Poor ; As is the manner of the Hypocrites To do i' th' Synagogues , and in the Streets ; That Men may give them Praises . Verily They have their Recompence I testifie . But when thou dost Alms , let thy left hand know Not what thy right hand is about to do : That giving secretly , thy Father may , Who sees in secret openly repay . And when thou Pray'st be not as Hypocrites ; For they love in the corners of the Streets , And in the Synagogues to stand and Pray , There to be seen : They 've their Reward I say . But thou , when thou dost make thy Pray'r , go thee Into thy Closet , shut thy Door unto thee , And there in secret to thy Father cry , Who se'ing thee shall reward thee openly . But when ye Pray use not vain Repetitions , As Heathens do , for they think their Petitions Prevail , when they the same do multiply : Be ye not like to them therefore ; for why ; Your Father knows what things you need before You ask him , on this wise pray ye therefore . ' Our Father which art in Heav'n , thy Name alone ' Be hallowed . Thy glorious Kingdom come . Thy Will be done on Earth as 't is in Heav'n . Give us this day our daily Bread. And ev'n As we remit our Debtors , grant Remission To us . And lead us not into Temptation , ' But from all Evil do thou us deliver , ' For th' Kingdom , Pow'r and Glory 's thine for ever . Amen . For if you do forgive Men that offend , Your Heavenly Father will to you extend Forgiveness ; but if not , nor will he spare , At any time when you Offenders are . Moreover when you Fast beware lest you Look sad , as Hypocrites are wont to do ; For they disguise their Faces , that they may Appear to Fast : They 've their reward I say . But thou , when thou dost Fast , anoint thine Head And wash thy Face , that undiscovered Thy Fasting may be unto Men , but rather That thou be seen in secret of thy Father : And then thy Father who in secrecy Beholds thee , shall reward thee openly . Lay not up Treasure for your selves in store Upon the Earth , where Moth and Rust devour , And where by Thieves you may be quite bereaven . But lay up Treasure for your Selves in Heav'n , Where neither Moth , nor Rust , nor Thieves can enter ; For where 's your Treasure there your Hearts will center . The Eye 's the light o' th' Body , which if right Then thy whole Body will be full of Light : But if thine Eye be evil , then there will A total Darkness thy whole Body fill . If therefore all the Light that is in thee Be Darkness , How great must that Darkness be ? No Man can serve Two Masters , either he Will hate one , and love t'other , or will be Faithful to one , and t'other will forego . Ye cannot serve both God and Mammon too . Take no thought therefore for your Life , I say , What you shall eat or drink ; or how you may Your Bodies cloath : Is not the life much more Than meat , is not the Body far before The cloaths thereof ? behold the fowls o' th' air , Nor sow nor reap , nor take they any care : How they provision into barns may gather ; Yet they are nourish'd by your Heavenly Father : Are ye not worth much more ? Which of you can By taking thought add to his height one span ? And why for raiment are ye taking thought ? See how the Lilies grow , they labour not , Nor do they spin ; yet Solomon , I say , In all his Pomp had no such gay Array . If in the Field God so doth cloath the Grass , Which is to Day , and doth to Morrow pass Into the Oven , shall he not therefore O ye of little Faith , cloath you much more ? Take no thought therefore , saying , What shall we eat , Or drink , or where shall we our Raiment get ? ( For thus the Heathen People use to do ) For that you need them doth your Father know . But seek God's Kingdom , and his Righteousness First , and then all these things you shall possess . Be not then exercis'd with Care and Sorrow , In making Preparation for the Morrow ; The Morrow shall things for it self prepare : Sufficient to the Day is each Day 's Care. CHAP. VII . JUdge not that you may not be judg'd ; for even As you pass Judgment , Judgment shall be given : And with such Measure as you meet to Men , It shall be measur'd unto you agen . And why dost thou take notice of the Mote That 's in thy Brother's Eye , but dost not note The Beam that 's in thine own ? How wilt thou say Unto thy Brother , let me take away The Mote that 's in thine Eye , when yet'tis plain The Beam that 's in thine own doth still remain ? First cast away the Bean , thou Hypocrite , From thine own Eye , so shall thy clearer Sight The better be enabled to descry , And pluck the Mote out of thy Brother's Eye . Give not to Dogs the things that are Divine , Neither cast ye your Pearls before the Swine , Least that they should their Feet them trample under , And turn upon you , and rent you asunder . Ask , and obtain , seek , and ye shall find ; do ye Knock , and it shall be opened unto ye : For he that seeks , shall find , that asks , obtain , And he that knocks , shall an Admittance gain . Or what Man is there of you , if his Son Shall ask him Bread , will he give him a Stone ? Or if he ask a Fish , will he bestow A Serpent ? If then ye being evil know To give your Children good Gifts , how much rather To them that ask him , shall your Heav'nly Father ? Then what you wou'd Men shou'd to you , so do To them : for that 's the Law and Prophets too . Enter in at the strait Gate , for the Road That doth unto Destruction lead is broad , And wide the Gate , and many there be that Enter therein : because strait is the Gate , And narrow is the way that is inclin'd To Life , and which there are but few that find . False Prophets shun , who in Sheeps Cloaths appear , But inwardly devouring Wolves they are : Ye by their Fruits shall know them . Do Men either Pluck Grapes of Thorns , or Figs of Thistles gather ? Even so each good Tree good Fruit will produce ; But a corrupt Tree Fruit unfit for use : A good Tree cannot bring forth evil Food , Nor can an evil Tree bear Fruit that 's good : Each Tree that bears not good Fruit's hewen down And burnt ; thus by their Fruits they shall be known . Not every one that saith Lord , Lord , but he That doth my Heav'nly Father's Will , shall be An Heir of Heaven : many in that day Will call Lord , Lord , and thus to me will say ; Have we not Prophesied in thy Name ? Cast Devils out , done Wonders in the same ? And then will I profess I know you not : Depart from me ye that have Evil wrought . Whoso therefore these Sayings of mine doth hear , And doth them , to a Wise Man I 'll compare , The which upon a Rock his Building sounded ; The Rain descended and the Floods surrounded , The Winds arose , and gave it many a shock , And it fell not , being founded on a Rock . And ev'ry one that hears these Sayings of mine , And not to do them doth his Heart encline , Unto a Foolish Man shall be compar'd , Who his Foundation on the Sand prepar'd ; The Rain descended and the Floods were great , The Winds did blow , and vehemently beat Against that House ; and down the Building came , And mighty was the downfal of the same . And now when Jesus thus had finished His Sayings , the People were astonished Thereat : for not as do the Scribes taught he Them , but as one that had Authority . The End of Christ's Sermon on the Mount. THE Prophecy of Jonah . CHAP. I. NOW unto Jonah , old Amittai's Son , Thus did the Word of the Almighty come , And said , Arise ; Go thou forthwith & cry 'Gainst that great City Nineveh ; for why , The Sins thereof are come up in my sight . But he arose , that he to Tarshish might Flee from God's Presence ; and went down & found A Ship at Joppa unto Tarshish bound : He paid the Fare , and with them went on board For Tarshish , from the Presence of the Lord. But the Almighty a great Wind did raise , And sent a mighty Tempest on the Seas , So that the Ship was likely to be broken . Then were the Mariners with Horror strucken ; And to his God they cried ev'ry one ; And over-board was the Ships lading thrown To lighten it : but down into the Ship Was Jonah gone , and there lay fast asleep . So to him came the Master and did say , What meanest thou , O Sleeper ! Rise and pray Unto thy God , and he perhaps will hear , And save us from the danger that we fear . Then said they to each other , come , let 's try , By casting Lots , on whom the Fault doth lie , In bringing all this evil now upon us . So they cast Lots , and the Lot fell on Jonas . Then said they , we intreat thee let us know , For whose cause we this evil undergo , Whence comest thou ? What is thine Occupation ? What Country-man art thou ? And of what Nation ? And unto them himself he did deolare , And said , I am an Hebrew , and do fear The Living Lord , the God of Heaven , who Alone hath made the Sea and dry Land too . Then were the Men exceedingly afraid ; And , wherefore hast thou done this thing ? they said ( For they did understand he did forgo God's Presence , for himself had told them so . ) What shall we do unto thee then they said , That so the raging of the Sea be stay'd ? ( For it did rage and foam . ) Take me , said he , And cast me over board into the Sea ; So shall the Sea be calm , for on my score I know it is , that thus the Waves do roar . Nevertheless they rowed hard to gain The Land , but all their labour was in vain ; So much against them did the Tempest beat . Wherefore they the Almighty did entreat , And said , we do beseech thee , and we pray , O Lord , that thou would'st not upon us lay The charge of guiltless Blood , nor let it be , That now we perish , on th' account that we Take this Man's Life away ; for thou alone , As it hath pleased thee , O Lord , hast done . So they took Jonah up , and to the Seas Committed him , then did the Tempest cease . Then did the Dread of the Great God on high , Seize on the Mariners exceedingly . And they did offer up a Sacrifice , And vowed Vows unto the Lord likewise . And now the Lord for Jonah did contrive A mighty Fish to swallow'im up alive , And in the Fish's Belly for the space Of three days and three nights , poor Jonah was . CHAP. II. UNto the Lord his God then Jonah pray'd Out of the Belly of the Fish , and said , By reason of Affliction which lay sore Upon me , I the Lord God did implore , And he gave Ear ; and from Hell's Belly I Cry'd unto thee , and thou , Lord , heard'st my Cry ; For thou into the Deep hadst cast me out , And there the Floods did compass me about , In the midst of the Sea , thy Waves were sent , And all thy Billows which my Head o'er went. Then said I though thy Presence hath forsook Me , to thy Holy Temple will I look . The Waters compassed about my Soul , And the great Deeps did round about me rowl , The Weeds were wrapt about my Head , I went Down to the bottom of the Element ; The Earth with her strong Bars surrounded me , Yet thou , O Lord , from Death hast set me free . When my Soul fainted , on the Lord I thought , And to thee to thy Temple then was brought My Pray'r . They their own Mercies do despise , Who have regard to lying Vanities . But with the Voice of my Thanksgiving , I Will offer Sacrifice to thee on high , And pay my Vows which I have vow'd each one , For why ? Salvation's of the Lord alone . And now the Fish , as God did give Command , Did vomit Jonah out upon dry Land. CHAP. III. AND now the Second time to Jonah came God's Word , and said , Arise , go and proclaim To that great City Nineveh , what I Have heretofore commanded thee to cry . So Jonah rose up , and prepar'd to go To Nineveh as God had bid him do : ( Now was the City Nineveh so great , That it was three days Journey long compleat ) And as into the City Jonah made His first days Journey , he cry'd out , and said , When forty days shall be expir'd and past , This City Nineveh shall be laid waste . Then did the Ninevites with one accord , Believe this was the Message of the Lord , And did proclaim a Fast , and every one , From greatest to the least , put Sackcloth on : For to the King this News was quickly flown , And he arose , and came down from his Throne , And having laid aside his Robes of State , He put on Sackcloth , and in Ashes sate : And issuing out his Royal Proclamation , And through the City making Publication Thereof , ( being by the King and Council sign'd ) A solemn and a general Fast enjoin'd , And said , I will , That neither Man nor Beast , Nor Flock , nor Herd , shall their Provision taste : But let them all put Sackcloth on , and cry Unto the Lord with greatest fervency ; Yea , let them all their evil Ways refrain , And from the Violence which they retain . Who knows if God will yet be pleas'd to spare , And turn away the Evil that we fear ? And God beheld their Works , and saw that they Had turned from the Evil of their Way : And God turn'd from his Wrath , and did revoke The dreadful Judgment whereof he had spoke . CHAP. IV. BUT hereat Jonah was extreamly vext , And in his mind exceedingly perplext : And to the Lord his God he pray'd , and said , O Lord , I pray thee , was not I afraid Of this , when I was yet at home ? Therefore I unto Tarshish took my flight before : For that thou art a gracious God I know , Of tender Mercy , and to Anger slow , Of great Compassion , and dost oft recal The Evil thou dost threat Mankind withal : Now therefore , Lord , I earnestly do pray That thou would'st please to take my Life away , For I had better die than live . Dost thou Do well , said God , to be so angry now ? So then out of the City Jonah went , And on the East-side of it made a Tent , And underneath the shade thereof he sate , Expecting what would be the City's Fate : And over Jonah's Head behold , the Lord Prepar'd , and caused to come up , a Gourd To shadow him , and ease him of his Grief ; And Jonah was right glad of this Relief . But God a Worm sent early the next day , Which smote the Gourd , it withered away : And when the Sun arose it came to pass , That God a vehement East wind did raise ; Besides , the Sun did beat upon his Head , So that he fainted , saying , would I were dead , For it is better for me now to die , Than thus to lead my Life in Misery . And to distressed Jonah , said the Lord , Dost thou well to be angry for the Gourd ? And he unto the Lord made this Reply , I do well to be angry even to die . Thou hast had pity , Jonah , on the Gourd , For which thou didst not labour , said the Lord , Nor madest it to grow , which also came Up in a Night , and perish'd in the same : And should not I extend my gracious Pity To Nineveh , so populous a City , Where more than Sixscore thousand Persons dwell Who 'twixt their Right-hand , and their Left , can tell No difference , wherein are also found Cattle which do in Multitudes abound ? The End of the Prophecy of JONAH . THE LIFE of JOSEPH , TAKEN Out of the latter Part of the Book of Genesis , Chap. xxxvii . WHen Jacob from his Brother Esau fled , He by the Hand of Providence was led To Padan-aram , in Assyria , where He serv'd his Uncle Laban twenty year ; During which time he was in all things blest , And with a num'rous Issue 'mongst the rest : Amongst whom none so pleasing in his sight As Joseph was , who was his chief delight : Who by the time that Jacob was return'd Into the Land , where 's Fathers had sojourn'd , Was full arriv'd at seventeen years of Age ; And by his Hopefulness did then presage , He was indued with a noble Mind , That would to vertuous Actions be inclin'd ; For being sent to feed his Father's Flock , Among his Brethren , he great notice took Of what they did , and if in any sort They did amiss , he thereof made report Unto his Father , and did thus create His Father's favour , but his Brethren's hate . His Father lov'd him better than the rest , As being the Son wherewith his Age was blest : And that his Kindness might the more appear , Made him a party colour'd Coat to wear . But as it often haps , his Father's Love Did in his Brethren greater Hatred move : But that which most incens'd them was his Dreams , By which , in a Prophetick way , he seems Their low Submission , and his future State Of Greatness , plainly to Prognosticate . For to his Brethren thus his Dreams he told , And said , as we were binding Sheaves , behold , My Sheaf arose and stood up in the Field , And all your Sheaves stood round about , to yield Obeisance unto mine : And what , must we Indeed , say they , be subject unto thee ? Their Wrath increas'd , this added to his Crime . And Joseph dreamed yet a second time ; And said , Behold , I saw the Sun and Moon , And the eleven Stars to me fall down At which his Father highly was offended , And for these words , the Lad he reprehended , And said , fond Youth , Dost thou pretend to shew That I , thy Mother , and thy Brethren too , Must all submit to thee ? Thou dost but dream : But Jacob kept his words , and thought of them . Now Jacob's Sons did feed their Flocks in Shechem , And he desired Joseph to go seek 'em , And find them out , and come again and tell If all things with them and their Flocks were well . So Joseph went , and wander'd here and there , But could not find out where his Brethren were , Untill a Man had told him their Intent Of going to Dothan , where he also went. And when his Brethren at a distance saw him , They held a Consultation how to slay him , And said , here comes the Dreamer , we shall see What the Event of all his Dreams will be ; For we will kill , and in a Pit will hide him , And say some Beast or other hath destroy'd him . But Reuben somewhat tend'rer than the rest , Endeavour'd to perswade them to desist From Murder , saying , Into this Pit let 's cast him , And this he said in hopes to have releas'd him . And now when Joseph came not dreading ought , They strip'd him of his party colour'd Coat , And led him to a Pit that was hard by , And threw him into 't , but the Pit was dry . And sitting down to eat , they chanc'd to spy , A Company of Ishmaelites pass by , Who with Balm , Myrrh , and Spice , their Camels lading , From Gilead came , and were to Egypt Trading : Then Judah said , 'T will do us little good To slay our Brother , and conceal his Blood ; Come therefore , Brethren , be advis'd by me , Let 's sell him to these Ishmaelites , for he Is our own Flesh , and 't is a cruel Deed , To kill him , and to this they all agreed . Their Brother then out of the Pit they hale , And to these Merchants offer'd him to sale : Who , him for twenty Silver Pieces bought , And with them to the Land of Egypt brought . But Reuben ignorant of what was done , Came to the Pit , and seeing the Lad was gone , He rent his Cloaths in a great Consternation , Returning back with heavy Lamentation . And now that they might make their Story good They kill'd a Kid , and dipped in the Blood Their Brother Joseph's Coat , and home they came , And to their Father's view expos'd the same , And said , this we have found , now thou dost know Whether it be thy Son's Coat , yea or no. And Jacob knew the Coat full well , and said , Now hath some evil Beast devour'd the Lad ; Joseph is torn in Pieces without doubt , For , too , too well I know this is his Coat . He rent his Cloaths , and putting Sackcloath on , He for a long time mourned for his Son. His Children striving to asswage his Grief Endeavour'd to administer Relief : But he refus'd , and said , Since he is gone , I will in Sorrow to the Grave go down . Such Lamentation made he for his Son. CHAP. XXXIX . AND now these Merchants Sons of Ishmael , Again did poor afflicted Joseph sell , To an Egyptian , named Potiphar , The Captain of King Pharaoh's Men of War And God was with him , and did greatly bless , And crown his Undertaking with Success : Whereof his Master being well aware , Committed all he had to Joseph's care ; And made him Overseer of his House , And from the time his Master us'd him thus , The Lord was pleas'd to give him to partake , Of many Blessings ev'n for Joseph's sake : So that with Plenty he was hedg'd about , And prospered within Door and without : Such was his Master's Love , and he so Just , That all things were committed to his Trust. Now Joseph was grown up to manly Stature , Of goodly Presence , and most comely Feature . Wherefore his Mistress with a lustful Eye , Beheld his Beauty , and resolv'd to try , If to unchaste Embraces she could gain The Youth , but her Endeavours prov'd in vain : For he refus'd , and said , My Master knows In all the House of nothing that he owes , For his Concerns are all at my dispose : There 's not a thing that he hath kept from me , But all is in my hand save only thee ; Then how can I commit so foul a Fact , And the Displeasure of my God contract ? Yet still she sued , and still did he deny her , Refusing to be with her , or lie by her . Now on a time when all the Men were gone Out of the House and she was left alone : And Joseph at that Instant coming in , About some Business he 'd to do within ; She took Advantage of their being together , And held his Cloaths to force him to lie with her But Joseph strove , and from her hands got loose , And left his Coat , and fled out of the House . And when she saw that he had made 's Escape , She call'd her Servants , and proclaim'd a Rape : Come see now how this Hebrew Slave , said she , Your Master's Favourite , hath affronted me ; He came to violate my Chastity , And when he heard that I began to cry , And call for help , afraid least you should find him , He 's fled , and left his Garment here behind him . And now to give her words the greater credit , Untill her Husband 's coming home , she hid it , To whom she spake , and said , Why hast thou brought This Hebrew here , to set me thus at nought ? The Slave attempted to defile my bed , And when I cry'd , he left his Coat and fled , See here it is . Which when he saw , and heard The heavy Accusation she preferr'd , He was exceeding wroth at his Behaviour , And utterly casheir'd him from his Favour ; Nay more , he cast him into Prison , where In Fetters bound King Pharaoh's Prisoner's were . But Joseph's God , who never yet forsook Him in Extremity , was pleas'd to look , With great Compassion on his Injuries , And gave him Favour in the Keeper's eyes ; So that he was intrusted with the care And charge of all the Pris'ners that were there : All were committed unto Joseph's hand , And what was done , was done at his command , The Prison-keeper took no care at all . Of ought that he intrusted him withal , Because he saw that God was with him , and All things did prosper that he took in hand . CHAP. XL. AND now whilst Joseph in Confinement lay , It came to pass upon a certain day , That Pharaoh King of Egypt , being wroth With his chief Butler , and chief Baker both , For their Offences , put them both in Ward , In the House of the Captain of the Guard : Into the Place where Joseph was confin'd , Unto whose Custody they were resign'd , And he attended on them in the Prison . And there they were continu'd for a season , During which time , it chanced both of them Did in the same Night dream each Man his Dream : Which Dreams according to Interpretation , Had to themselves particular Relation . And Joseph coming early the next day , Into the Room where Pharaoh's Servants lay , Beheld their Countenances much dejected : Wherefore he said . What Evil hath effected This melancholy Frame , what is 't that causes These marks of Discontentment in your Faces ? Then said they , we have dream'd each Man his Dream , And there is no Man to interpret them . Then Joseph said your Dreams to me make known ; Interpretations are from God alone . Then unto Joseph the chief Butler told His Dream , and said , Methought I did behold A Vine , whereon three Branches did appear , Which seem'd to bud , to blossom , and to bear Clusters of full ripe Grapes , which to my thinking I press'd into the Cup for Pharaoh's drinking . And Joseph said , Thy Dream doth signifie , Thou shalt enjoy thy former Dignity : The Branches which thou sawest are three days , In which King Pharaoh will his Butler raise , And to thy Place again wil thee restore , And thou shalt serve him as thou 'st done before : But do not , when it shall be well with thee , Forget me , but shew Kindness unto me , And unto Pharaoh represent my Case , That I may be deliver'd from this Place , For I was stoln out of the Hebrews Land , And also here am wrongfully detain'd . Then the chief Baker having understood , That the Interpretation was so good , He told his Dream to Joseph too , and said , Lo , I had three white Baskets on my Head , And in the Uppermost there seem'd to be , Of bak'd Provision , great variety , Fit for King Pharaoh's Table , and there came A Flock of Birds , and seem'd to eat the same . And Joseph said , Thy Dream portends thy fall , For at the end of three days Pharaoh shall Lift up thy Head , and hang thee on a Tree , So that the Birds shall feast themselves on thee . And on the third day Pharaoh made a Feast Unto his Servants , and among the rest The Butler and the Baker were brought forth , The day being kept in Memory of his Birth : And to his Place King Pharaoh did restore His Butler , and he serv'd him as before . But the chief Baker he condemn'd to die , According unto Joseph's Prophecy . Yet though the Butler had regain'd his Place , He was unmindful of poor Joseph's Case . CHAP. XLI . AND now when two years time was fully past , And Joseph from Confinement not releast , It came to pass that Pharaoh dreamed , and He seemed by a River's side to stand , Whence , he seven fat well-favour'd Kine beheld , Came up and grazed in the neighbouring Field . And after them there came up seven more Lean and ill-favour'd , and did soon devour The seven fat Kine which came up just before . So Pharaoh ' woke , and mus'd awhile , and then Soon as his Sleep his Dream return'd agen . Wherein he saw upon one stalk there stood Seven ears of Corn , exceeding Rank and Good , And seven others , with the East wind blasted , And withered , sprang up , and quickly wasted The seven good Ears , and quite devour'd them : And Pharaoh ' woke , and , Lo ! it was a Dream . And in the Morning he was discontent , And for the wise Men , and Magicians sent , To ease his Mind but there was none of them That could interpret to the King his Dream . Then the chief Butler making his address . Unto King Pharaoh , said , I now confess My former Faults , for when the King was wroth With his chief Butler , and chief Baker both , It pleased him , to put us both in Ward , In the House of the Captain of the Guard : And in one Night we dream'd a Dream , each one According to 's Interpretation ; And there was then an Hebrew there in Ward , A Youth , that serv'd the Captain of the Guard : To whom we told whereof we had been dreaming , And he interpreted to us the meaning , And what he said fell out accordingly , Me he restored to my Dignity , But told the Baker he should surely die . Then Pharaoh sent a Messenger in haste , And Joseph from the Dungeon was releast : And having shav'd himself , and chang'd his Cloaths , Into the Presence of the King he goes . To whom King Pharaoh said , I have been told Thou canst the meaning of a Dream unfold : Now I have dream'd a Dream , and there is none Can give me the Interpretation . And Joseph said , I cannot do this thing My self , but God shall answer thee , Oh , King. Then Pharaoh said to Joseph , In my Dream , As I stood by a River's side , there came Up from the River seven well-favour'd Kine , And fed upon the Banks , all fat and fine , And after them there came up seven more , Lean and ill-favour'd , and exceeding poor : Such as the Land of Egypt never bred , And on the seven well-favour'd Kine they fed , And eat them up , but 't was not to be seen That they had eat them , they look'd still so thin . So I awoke , and mus'd a while , and then Soon as my Sleep , my Dream return'd agen , Wherein I saw upon one stalk there stood Seven Ears of Corn , exceeding rank , and good : Then seven others , with the East wind blasted , And withered , came up , and quickly wasted The seven good Ears , and quite devoured them . And being unsatisfied about my Dream , I sought unto the wise Men of the Nation , But they could give me no Interpretation . And Joseph said , Thy Dream , oh King ! is one , God shews to Pharaoh what he will have done . The seven fat Kine , and seven good Ears agree To shew , seven years of Plenty there shall be : The seven lean Kine , and seven blasted Ears , Denote there shall be Famine seven years . This I declare to Pharaoh , God doth shew To thee , Oh King ! what he 's about to do . Behold seven years of Plenty are at hand , Which shall be very great throughout the Land : And after them seven years of Famine shall Arise , and shall consume the Land , and all The former Plenty shall not be perceiv'd , So much the Land with Famine shall be griev'd . And since the Dream was doubl'd to the King , It is because God hath decreed the thing , And on this Land the same will shortly bring : Now therefore if I may the King advise , Let him look out a Man discreet and wise , And make him Overseer of the Land ; And substitute Men under his Command To gather a fifth part for Publick Use , Of what the seven plenteous Years produce , And in the Cities lay it up for Store , Against the Famine in the Land grows sore ; And let it be repos'd in Pharaoh's hand , That so the Famine may not wast the Land. And when King Pharaoh and his Servants heard The Propositions Joseph had preferr'd , They were acceptable in Pharaoh's Eyes , And in the Eyes of all his Court likewise : So that he said , can such an one be found ? A Man in whom God's Spirit doth abound . And Pharaoh said to Joseph , forasmuch As God's great kindness unto thee is such , As to reveal this thing to thee , I know No Man so wise or so discreet as thou : Be thou therefore the Ruler of the Land , And let my People be at thy Command ; Thou shalt in all things be as great as I , Save only in the Royal Dignity . Behold this day I have advanced thee Said he , to be a Man of high Degree Throughout the Land. And therewithal the King Bestow'd on Joseph his own Royal Ring ; And him with Robes of State did richly deck , And put a Chain of Gold about his Neck , And in his second Chariot made him ride , And as he past , bow down the Knee they cry'd , With so great Honour was he dignify'd . And Pharaoh said moreover , I am King , No Man shall dare to purpose any thing , Or move his Hand or Foot in all this Nation , Unless it shall be by thy approbation . He also gave to Joseph a new Name , And for a Wife gave him a Princely Dame , Who was the Daughter of a Priest of Fame . ( Now Joseph had attain'd his Thirtieth Year , When he before King Pharaoh did appear . ) And he went out from Pharaoh's Presence , and Began his Progress over all the Land. Now in the seven plenteous Years , the Field Did its Increase in great abundance yield . And Joseph gather'd all that plenteous Crop , And in th' adjacent Cities laid it up : Which like unto the Sand upon the shore , Did so abound that he could count no more , Such was the Plenty that the Earth then bore . And unto Joseph there was born a Son , Even by the Daughter of the Priest of On , Before the Years of Famine were begun , The which he call'd Manasseh , for , said he , God makes me to forget my Misery , And all my Father's House : And after him Was born another he call'd Ephraim ; For God , saith he , hath made me to possess Abundance in the Land of my Distress . And when the seven plenteous Years were gone , The seven Years of Famine next came on , As Joseph said , and there was a great Dearth In every Nation throughout all the Earth ; But in the Land of Egypt there was Bread. And when the People , almost famished , Complained to the King , he bad them go To Joseph , and whate'er he said to do . And now the Famine daily waxing sore , Joseph began to bring forth of his Store , Which he had laid up for the Publick Good ; To whom th' Egyptians came and bought their Food . And People from all Countries far and near To Egypt came to buy Provision there ; For in all Lands the Famine was severe . CHAP. XLII . AND now , behold , when Jacob had been told That there was Corn in Egypt to be sold , He said unto his Sons , Why stand ye thus ? Go down to Egypt and buy Corn for us ; That so our craving Stomachs may be fed , And not lie here and die for lack of Bread. Thus Jacob's ten Sons were to Egypt sent , But Joseph's Brother Benjamin ne'er went ; For why , his Father said , I will not send him , Lest peradventure some ill chance attend him . And Joseph's Brethren came among the rest To buy Provision , for they were distrest . Now he was Governor of all the Land , And all the Corn of Egypt in his hand . Wherefore his Brethren when they came to treat With him for Corn , bow'd down ev'n at his feet : And he no sooner saw them but he knew them , And shew'd himself extremely strange unto them : And very roughly asked who they were , From whence they came and what their bus'ness there And they made answer , We thy Servants from The Land of Canaan to buy Food are come . Now tho' they knew him not , yet he knew them , And calling now to mind his former Dream , He said , I do suspect ye 're come as Spies , To see in what distress our Country lies . But they reply'd again , my Lord we 're come Only to buy some Food to carry home : Think not thy Servants Spies , but true Men rather , For we are all the Children of one Father . Nay , nay , said he , but ye are come to pry Into the Nations great necessity . But they reply'd again , Thy Servants are Inhabitants of Cana'n , and declare , That we 're twelve Brethren whom one Man begot , The Youngest is at home and one is not . Well then , said Joseph , hereby shall I know , Whether ye 're Spies , as I have said , or no ; Now by the Life of Pharaoh do I swear , Unless your Brother come I 'll keep you here : Send one of you and fetch the Lad to me , And you shall be confin'd , so shall there be A Proof of what you say before mine Eyes , Or by the Life of Pharaoh ye are Spies . Then he for three days put them all in Ward , And on the third day said I have regard To Equity , therefore if ye are true And honest Men , do this ; let one of you Be bound in Prison here , and let the other Go carry Corn home and bring me your Brother ; So shall ye be approv'd and shall not die . And they prepar'd to do accordingly . And as they were discoursing to each other , They said , we were in fault about our Brother , In that we saw his Soul in great distress , And yet were so exceeding pitiless , As not to hearken to his earnest cries : This is the cause of these our Miseries . And Reuben said , you know I did forewarn , And beg that you would do the Child no harm ; But you would not do then as I desir'd , And now his Blood is at our hands requir'd . Thus they discours'd about the cause that brought Their present trouble , but they little thought That Joseph knew of what they did confer , Because he spake by an Interpreter . And he being moved at their words withdrew To weep , and then returned to renew His former talk ; and chusing Simeon out , Before them all he bound him hand and foot . And gave command to fill their Sacks with Grain , And to restore their Mony to 'em again ; And for their Journey give them Food to eat : In such sort Joseph did his Brethren treat . Then with their Asses laden towards home They went , and when into their Inn they come , As one of them his Sack of Corn unty'd , To give his Ass some Provender , he spy'd His Mony in his Sack again return'd ; Wherefore he call'd his Brethren and inform'd Them that his Mony was returned back , Behold , said he , it is here in my Sack. On sight whereof their Hearts were sore dismay'd , And being very much affrighted said , What is the thing that God's about to do , That we do thus these Troubles undergo ? Then coming to their Father they related , After what sort they were in Egypt treated : And said , the Man that 's Lord of all the Land , And hath the store of Corn all in his hand , Spake roughly to us , and affirm'd that we Were come the weakness of the Land to see . To whom we said , we are all honest Men ; We are twelve Brethren , whereof here are ten , And two elsewhere , all which one Man begot , The youngest's with our Father , one is not . Then said the Ruler of the Land , hereby Shall I make proof of your integrity : Let one of you continue here with me , And take Provision for your Family ; And get you gone and bring the youngest hither , That so I may be satisfied whether Ye are true Men , as you make protestation , Then I 'll release him , and give toleration To you to come and Traffick in the Nation And now behold , as they their Sacks unloos'd To empty out their Corn , there was inclos'd In each Man's Sack his Money therein bound , As when they came from home ; which when they found , Both they and their old Father were afraid ; And to his Sons afflicted Jacob said , You of my Children have be●eaved me , Joseph and Simeon now do cease to be And of my Benjamin you would deprive me , These things do ev'n into distraction drive me . Then Reuben said , My Father I resign To thy disposing these two Sons of mine ; Give me the Lad , and let them both be slain , If I do not return him safe again . But he reply'd , I will not let him go , For why , his Brother is deceas'd you know , And if upon the way some evil thing Should happen to the I ad , you then will bring These my grey Hairs with sorrow to the Grave , For he 's the only comfort that I have . CHAP. XLIII . AND now the Famine still continuing sore , And having spent all their late purchas'd store , Their Father bids them to go down for more To whom when Judah had himself addrest , He said , The Man did solemnly protest , If we without our Brother came again , To seek his Face would be for us in vain : If therefore thou wilt send him , well and good , Then will we willingly go down for Food ; But if thou wilt not , we must let thee know , We are resolved that we will not go : For , as I said before , the Ruler swore , Without him we should see his Face no more . Then Isr'el said , why were you so unkind To say you had a Brother left behind ? The Man , said they , was so inquisitive , He asked if our Father were alive ; Or if we had a Brother , whereunto Accordingly we answer'd , could we know If he would bid us bring the Lad or no ? Moreover Judah to his Father said , If thou wilt but intrust me with the Lad , We will be gone , that so both thou and we May be preserved with our Family : I will be Surety for him , if I fail To bring him back , on me the blame entail ; For if we had not lingred , we had been By this time here the second time again . Well then , said Isr'el , if it must be so , My Sons , take my Advice before you go ; Provide some of the best Fruits of the Land , To give the Man a present from your hand ; Balm , Myrrh and Spices , and a little Honey , Some Nuts and Almonds , and take double Money . For peradventure it was a mistake , In that your Money was returned back ; And take your Brother Benjamin and go , And God Almighty grant the Man may show You Mercy , that you may bring back again Your other Brother , and my Benjamin , And if I am bereav'd , so have I been . Then did the Men prepare the Present , and They took their Money double in their hand , With Benjamin , and down to Egypt went , Who unto Joseph did themselves present . Who , when he saw that Benjamin was come , Order'd his Steward to conduct them home , And to provide a Dinner , for said he , I do intend these Men shall Dine with me . Then did the Steward as his Master said , And brought them home , whereat they were afraid , And said , the Man hath caus'd us to come in , Because our Money was return'd again ; To take occasion now to fall upon us , And make us Slaves and take our Asses from us . Unto the Steward they drew nigh therefore , And thus communed with him at the Door : O Sir , say they , we came at first indeed To buy Provision to supply our need ; And in our Inn as we our Sacks unloos'd , We found our Money therein all enclos'd In its full weight , whereat surpris'd with fear , Not knowing who had put our Money there , We now have brought it in full weight again , And other Money too , to buy more Grain . Peace , Peace , said he , let not fear seize upon ye , For I had the disposing of your Money : God unto whom you and your Father bow , Hath giv'n you Treasure in your Sacks I trow . And then releasing Simeon , who had been Confin'd in Joseph's House , he brought them in And set them Water , and they wash'd their Feet , And gave their Asses Provender to eat . Then they made ready against Joseph came Their Gifts , in order to present the same At Noon , for they were told he did design To have their Company with him to Dine . And now when Joseph was returned home , Into his Presence they with rev'rence come , And brought their Presents in and laid before him , And fell down at his Feet for to adore him . Then he enquired if they all were well , And said , When you were here I heard you tell Of an old Man your Father , how does he ? Is he in Health , or doth he cease to be ? Whereto in humble sort they thus reply'd , Thy Servant , ev'n our Father , doth abide In perfect Health , which having said , They bow'd their Heads and great obeysance made . And Joseph viewing Benjamin his Brother ( They being both the Children of one Mother ) He asked if he were the Lad of whom They spake , then said , God give thee Grace my Son , Then making hast to find a secret place To weep , because his Bowels yern'd apace Upon his Brother , to his Chamber went , Where having giv'n his troubled Spirits vent , He wash'd his Face and did himself refrain , And to his Brethren then came sorth again . And bad his Servants they should set on Bread : At his command the Tables all were spread ; One for himself , and for his Friends another , And for th' Egyptians one apart from either , That so they might not eat Bread altogether ; For it is held a great abomination For them to eat among the Hebrew Nation . And they were placed as their age required , The Eldest first , whereat the Men admired : And from his Table Joseph sent them Messes , But in a larger manner he expresses To Benjamin his kindness , which was such , That he appointed him five times as much As to the rest : and they drank plenteously , Till they were merry in his Company . CHAP. XLIV . AND to his Steward Joseph spake , and said , Give these Men Corn as much as they can lade . And in their Sacks bind each Man's Money up , And in the Youngest's put my silver Cup Besides his Money : and he made hast and did According as his Master had commanded . And in the morning by the break of day , With Asses laden they were sent away : And now , e'er they had scarce the Town 's end past , He sent his Steward after them in hast , And said , Go follow them and ask them why They have dealt by me so ungratefully ? And say unto them , You have done great evil To Rob my Master who hath been so civil , And steal the Cup wherein he drinks his Wine ; Is it not it whereby he doth Divine ? Then he pursu'd and quickly overtook Them , and these very words to them he spoke . To whom they said , Why hath my Lord such thought ? Oh , God forbid that we should be so naught ; Behold , thou know'st we brought the Money back The which we found bound up in each Man's Sack , Which shews that we had no design to cheat ; How then should we now steal your Masters Plate ? With which of us thy Servants it is found Let him be slain , and we to Slavery bound . Now as you say , said he , so let it be , He shall be bound , but you shall all go free . Then they unladed ev'ry Man his Beast , And to his view expos'd their Sacks in hast ; And he from first to last them searched round , And lo , the Cup on Benjamin was found : Whereat surpris'd , each Man his Garment rent , And lades his Beast , and back again they went. And now when Judah and the rest were come To Joseph's House ( for he was yet at home ) They fell before him to the ground , to whom He said , What deed is this that you have done ; Are you not sensible that such a one As I , can certainly thereof make trial ? Then Judah said , my Lord there 's no denial , We cannot clear our selves : The Lord hath sent , For our mis deeds this heavy Punishment . Behold , to be thy Slaves we all are bound , Both we , and he on whom the Cup was sound . Then Joseph said , the Lord forbid that I Should exercise so great severity : For he with whom 't is found , and he alone Shall be my Servant , you may all be gone . Then unto Joseph , Judah drawing near , Said , O my Lord ! I pray be pleas'd to hear Thy Servant speak , and be not angry now , For as King Pharaoh is ev'n so art thou . My Lord did bid thy Servants to discover Whether we had a Father or a Brother ; And we made answer that thy Servants had An ancient Father and a little Lad , The Child of his old age , who was our Brother , And he the only Child left of his Mother , His Brother being dead ; and that this Lad Was all the comfort that our Father had : Then thou wert pleas'd to bid thy Servants bring The Lad , that thou might'st have a sight of him . And we made answer , If the Lad should leave His Father , it would bring him to his Grave : And thou didst then protest it was in vain For us without him to come here again . Then towards home thy Servants went their way , And told our Father what my Lord did say : And in a while when all our Corn was spent , Thy Servant , ev'n our Father would have sent To buy more Food ; to whom thy Servants said , We cannot go except thou send the Lad : Because the Man did solemnly declare , Unless we brought him we should not come there . And then thy Servant , ev'n our Father said , Ye know that by my Wife two Sons I had , And one of them went forth and came no more , Which made me think some Beast did him devour , And if I now should also condescend To let this go , and mischief should attend , You will with sorrow bring me to my end . When to my Father I shall come therefore , And he shall see that I do not restore The Lad again , he certainly will die , ( Since in his Life my Father's Life doth lie ) And we shall bring him to his Grave thereby . For I became a Surety for the Lad Unto my Father , unto whom I said , If I do not in safety him deliver , Then let me bear the blame to thee for ever . I humbly pray thee therefore to accept Me in his stead , and let me here be kept My Lord's Bondslave , and let the Lad go free : For how can I , thy Servant bear to see The Evil that shall on my Father come , If that the Lad return not safely home . CHAP. XLV . THen Joseph , who by no means now could hide His Brotherly affection longer , cry'd , Put all Men forth ; and he was left alone When to his Brethren he himself made known . Then Joseph weeping lifted up his Voice So loud , that Pharaoh's Servants heard the noise . And to his Brethren did himself discover , And said , Lo ! I am Joseph your own Brother ; And doth my Father live ? Whereat amaz'd , They could not speak but at each other gaz'd . Then Joseph said , Come near I pray , behold , I am your Brother Joseph whom ye sold To Egypt , be not grieved now therefore , Nor vex your selves , for God sent me before To save Life ; for for these two Years there hath been A Famine , and five more to come , wherein Seed-time nor Harvest shall at all be seen . The Lord I say hath sent me to provide A Place , and strangely save your Lives beside . So now ye sent me not , but it was rather The Lord , and he hath made me as a Father Unto the King , Lord of his Houshold , and A Ruler over all this spacious Land. Unto my Father therefore go your way , And tell him , Thus doth thy Son Joseph say : The Lord hath rais'd me to an high degree In Egypt , tarry not but come to me , And thou shalt dwell in Goshen and be nigh me , And with Provision there will I supply thee , Both thou and thine , Flocks , Herds , and all thou hast , ( For yet these five Years will the Famine last ) Lest otherwise Provision being scant , Thou and thy Family may come to want . Behold , both you and Benjamin my Brother Do see that it is I and not another : Go tell my Father this amazing Story , And bring him hither to behold my Glory . Then falling on his youngest Brother's Neck , And he on his , they o'er each other wept : And to the rest he did likewise , wherefore They now were more familiar than before . And now whilst they discoursed , the Report Of their arrival came to Pharaoh's Court , And he was pleas'd thereat , wherefore he said To Joseph , Let thy Brethren straitway lade Their Beasts with Corn , and thus unto them say , Unto your Native Country hast away , And fetch your Father and your Housholds , and I 'll feed you with the good things of the Land. And since you are commanded by the King , Take Waggons with you hence wherein to bring Your Wives , your Little ones , and come down hither , Your Father , you and yours altogether ; And never heed to bring your Houshold-stuff , For here in Egypt you shall have enough . Then did the Isr'elites accordingly : And Joseph ord'ring them a large supply Of Necessaries for their Journey , sent Waggons according to the King's intent . And to each Man he gave a Suit of Cloaths , But on his Brother Benjamin bestows Five Suits , and as a Token of his Love , A Sum of Money over and above . And thus he sent ev'n for his Father's use , Of the best things that Egypt did produce , Ten Asses load , and ten she-Asses load Of Bread and Meat , to spend upon the Road. Then sending them away , he said , I pray See that you do not fall out by the way . And leaving Egypt with their num'rous Train , Unto their Father they return'd again : To whom , as soon as e'er they did arrive , They said , Our Brother Joseph's yet alive , And Lord of all the Land , which sore dismay'd Him , for he scarce believed what they said : Then they of all that past gave him relation , And shew'd the Waggons for a confirmation , Which being manifest before his Eyes , He rais'd himself and said , it doth suffice ; Joseph my Son is yet alive , and I Will go to see him once before I die . CHAP. XLVI . THen Isr'el setting forward on his way With all his Houshold , came to Bersheba ; And offer'd Sacrifice there to implore The God his Father Isaac did adore . And in the Visions of the Night God spake To him , and said , fear not to undertake This Journey into Egypt , for I am The God of thy Fore-fathers , Abraham And Isaac ; to the Land of Egypt I Will go with thee , and there will multiply Thy Off-spring , and of thee will surely make A mighty Nation , and will bring thee back ; And thy Son Joseph there thine Eyes shall close . After which Vision he from thence arose , And in the Waggons which King Pharaoh sent , He and his Family to Egypt went : His Sons , their Wives and Children , and the rest Of their Concerns , whereof they were possest When they in Cana'n dwelt , and they were then No more in number but Threescore and Ten. And when to Egypt Israel drew near , He sent before him Judah , to prepare His way to Goshen , which when Joseph heard , Immediately his Chariot he prepar'd , And unto Goshen he directly went , And to his Father did himself present ; And being over joy'd fell on his Neck , And for a good while thereupon he wept . Then Jacob said , since thou yet liv'st , and I Have seen thy face once more , now let me die . And Joseph said , my Brethren I will go Unto King Pharaoh , and will let him know That you and all my Father's House are come ; And that your Occupation when at home , Hath been in feeding Cattle altogether , And that you 've brought your Flocks and Herds all hither Now therefore when you come before the King , And he shall ask you what your Trade hath been , Say thus : Thy Servants from our Youth till now Have dealt in Cattle , we and our Fathers too ; That he may let you dwell in Goshen , for Th' Egyptians do a Shepherd's-Life abhor . CHAP. XLVII . THen to King Pharaoh Joseph went , and said , My Father and his Sons , with all they had In their own Countrey , are come down to me , And in the Land of Goshen now they be . Five of his Brethren also with him went , Whom he unto King Pharaoh did present . And Pharaoh asked them about their Trade , And they unto the King reply'd and said , We and our Fathers while we were at home Were Shepherds all , and now behold , we come With all our Flocks , to get some Pasture here , For in our Land the Famine is severe : We therefore pray thee to appoint a Portion Unto thy Servants in the Land of Goshen . And Pharaoh said to Joseph , I impow'r thee To use thy pleasure , Goshen is before thee ; Settle thy Father and thy Brethren there , And if among them active Men there are , Commit my Cattle to their special care . And Joseph brought his aged Father in Before the King , and Jacob blessed him . And Pharaoh asking him about his Age , He said , The Years of my Life's Pilgrimage Are but an Hundred Thirty , very few And evil , nor have I attain'd unto The Years of my Fore-Fathers longer age , Which they past thro' in this their Pilgrimage . And Jacob blest the King again , and then Out of his Presence he return'd again . And Joseph plac'd his Father and Relations In Egypt , and appointed them Possessions In the best of the Land , ev'n in the Land Of Ramases , according to the King's Command : And there he nourisht them with fit supplies Of Bread , according to their Families . And now the People having spent their store , And Famine still increasing more and more , Egypt and Canaan too , for want of Bread , Were sore distrest and almost famished . And Joseph took the Money they did bring To buy their Corn , and kept it for the King. Wherefore the People came to represent Their case to him , both Corn and Coin be'ng spent . And Joseph said , If Money be grown scant , Bring me your Cattle and ye shall not want . And they brought Horses , Asses and their Flocks And Herds of Cattel , ev'n all their Stocks , And gave to Joseph in exchange for Bread , For which the People he for that Year fed ; And when that Year was past , the second Year They came again , and said , we can't forbear To let thee know our want , my Lord doth know Thou hast our Money and our Cattle too , And there is nothing left ( so hard 's our fate ) But only each Man's Person and Estate , If thou wilt give us Bread , into thy hands Will we resign our Persons and our Lands : And be the Servants of the King for ever , From Death therefore our hungry Souls deliver , And take some pity on our wretched state , Lest we dye , and the Land be desolate . And the Egyptians sold each Man his Field , Beaause the Famine over them prevail'd ; And all their Lands became the King's Possession , And Joseph plac'd them at his own discretion . But the Land of the Priests he purchas'd not , For Pharaoh had assign'd to them their Lot ; And they receiv'd their Food from Pharaoh's hands , Wherefore they had no need to sell their Lands . And Joseph said unto them , now behold , You and your Lands are unto Pharaoh sold : Lo , here is Seed to sow in each Man's Field , And when the Land its ripe increase shall yield , A fifth part shall belong unto the Crown , And th' other four parts shall be your own , For Seed to sow your Lands , and for supplies Of Food convenient for your Families . And they said ; Thou hast sav'd our Lives , my Lord , Thy gracious favour unto us afford , And we will do according to thy word . And Joseph made it a Decree , to stand Ev'n to this day throughout th' Egyptian Land , That Pharaoh should have a fifth part , except The Priests Lands , which unto themselves they kept . And in the Land of Egypt , ev'n in Goshen Did Isr'el dwell , and therein had possession , And grew and multiply'd exceeding fast . And Jacob liv'd till seventeen Years were past : So that the sum of Jacob's age appears To be an hundred forty seven Years . And when the time approach'd that he must die , He called Joseph , unto whom he said , If I Have now found favour in thy sight , I pray , Swear thou unto me that thou wilt not lay My Bones in Egypt , for I fain would lie Among my Ancestors when e'er I die , And not be bury'd here ; therefore fulfil This my Desire : and he reply'd , I will ; And he said , swear unto me , which he did : Then Jacob bow'd himself upon his Bed. CHAP. XLVIII . AND now when Joseph heard his Father lay Even at the point of death , he hasts away To visit him , and took along with him His Son Manasseh , and 's Son Ephraim . Whereof when Jacob heard he strengthned Himself , and rose and sate upon the Bed : And thus to Joseph said , Lo , God appeared To me at Luz in Canaan , and declared , That he would bless , and make me a great Nation , And give my Seed that Land for a Possession : And Jacob said , Behold , these Sons of thine As Reuben and as Simeon shall be mine , And all the rest which shall be born to thee Hereafter , shall be thine , and they shall be Call'd by the Name of their own Family . Behold thy Mother died upon the way , When I from Padan came , near Ephratah , The which is in the Land of Canaan , where , To wit , in Bethlem , did I bury her . And Jacob seeing Joseph's Sons were there , He asked of him who the Children were . And Joseph said , My Father , lo , these be The Sons , God in this Place hath given me . Then Jacob said , I pray thee bring them nigh To me , and I will bless them e'er I die . ( Now Jacob's Eyes , by reason of Age , were dim ) And Joseph brought his Sons near unto him , And Jacob kissed and embraced them : And said I never thought to see thy Face , And lo , the Lord hath shown me of thy race . And Joseph from between his Knees brought forth His Sons , and bow'd himself even to the Earth : And in his Right hand held up Ephraim , Towards his Father's Left hand guiding him , And in his Left hand to his Father's right , He held his Son Manasseh opposite . And Isra'l stretching out his Right hand , laid It on the youngest namely Ephraim's head : And laid his Left hand wittingly upon Manasseh's head , although the eldest Son. And Jacob blessed Joseph , saying , The God Of Heaven , in whose Paths my Fathers trod , Who all my Life hath nourish'd me , even he Who from all Evil hath redeemed me , Bless both the Lads , and let them bear my Name , And the Name of my Fathers Abraham And Isaac , and let them multiply In the midst of the Earth exceedingly . And Joseph seeing his Father 's Right hand laid On Ephraim's head , he was displeas'd , and said , Not so , my Father , lay this hand upon Manasseh's head , for he 's the eldest Son : And therewithal attempted to have laid His Father's Right hand on Manasseh's head . But he refus'd and said , I know 't , my Son , I know 't full well , he also shall become A People , and be mighty : But indeed His younger Brother shall him far exceed , And many Nations shall come from his Seed . Thus Jacob blessed them , and said , In thee Shall Isra'l bless , and say , God make thee be Like Ephraim and Manasseh . Thus did he Prefer the youngest to the first degree . And Isra'l said to Joseph , Lo , I 〈◊〉 But God shall visit you , and certainly Shall bring you back unto your Fathers 〈◊〉 And thou shalt have a Portion from my hand , Above thy Brethren , which with Sword and Bow I took from th' Amorite , my deadly Foe . CHAP. XLIX . AND Jacob called all his Sons together , And said , Ye Sons of Jacob come you hither : And hearken what your aged Father says , Who tells you what shall be in the last days . Reuben my first born , of my Strength the Flower , The excellency of Dignity and Power : Unstable as Water , be for ever vile , Because thou didst thy Father's Bed defile . Simeon and Levi're Brethren , Instruments Of Cruelty are lodged in their Tents : Come not , my Soul , their secret Councils nigh , My Honour , with them have no Unity : For in their Wrath they caus'd a Man to fall , And in their Self-will digged down a Wall. Curst be their anger , fierce , yea cursed be Their Wrath , for it was full of Cruelty : In Jacob therefore let there Seed be spread , And every where in Israel scattered . Judah shall have his Brethren's Praise , and they Shall bow before him , he his Foes shall slay . Judah's a Lion's . Whelp return'd from pray , He stoop'd , he couch'd , and as a Lion lay , As an old Lion , who shall dare molest , Or rouze him up , when he lies down to rest : The Scepter shall from Judah never start , Nor a Lawgiver from his Feet depart , Until the blessed Shiloh come , to whom The scatter'd People shall from all parts come : Binding his Foal unto the choicest Vine , He wash'd his Garments , all of them in Wine , His Eyes shall with the Blood of the Grapes look red , And milky Whiteness shall his Teeth o'er spread . Lo , Zebulun shall dwell upon the Sea , An Haven for the Ships security , And unto Zidon shall his Border be . And Issacha● is a strong Ass between Two Burdens crouching , who when he had seen That Rest was pleasant , and the Land was good , His servile Neck unto the Yoak he bow'd . Dan as a Judge shall over Israel sway , He shall be as a Serpent in the way , To bite the Horse , and cast the Rider down . O God! I have look'd for thy Salvation . Gad by a Troop shall be o'ercome , but he Shall at the last obtain the Victory . The Bread of Asher shall be fat indeed , And Royal Dainties shall from him proceed Like to an Hind let loose is Naphthali , He speaketh all his Words acceptably . Joseph's a fruitful Bough , whose Branches tall Grow by a Well , and over-top the Wall : By reason of Hatred which the Archers bore , They shot at him and griev'd him very sore , But Joseph's Bow in its full strength abode , And by the Arm of Jacob's mighty God , He was indu'd with strength , from whence alone Is Israe'l's Shepherd , and chief corner Stone : Even by my Father's God , who shall assist Thee , by th' Almighty God shalt thou be blest , With Blessings from above , and from below , With Blessings of the Breast , and Womb also . Thy Father's Blessings have prevail'd beyond My Ancestors : Unto the utmost bound Of the perpetual Hills , yea let them rest On Joseph's head , and let him be possest Of all , who was divided from the rest . Young Benjamin shall Wolf-like take his prey , And part at night what he hath took by day . All these are the twelve Tribes of Israel , And thus their Father did their Fate foretel : And blessed every one of them apart , According to their Personal desert : Moreover he gave them a charge and said , Lo , I shall die , but let my Bones be laid Among my Ancestors in Canaan , where Of Ephron , Abraham bought a Sepulcher , Together with a Field , to be a Place Of Burial , for him and all his Race : ( There Abraham and Sarah lie , and there They Isaac and Rebecca did inter , And there when Leah died I buried her . ) The Field was purchas'd of the Sons of Heth. Thus having said , resigning up his Breath To him that gave 't , his Feet into the Bed He drew , and so was number'd to the dead . CHAP. L. AND Joseph fell upon his Father's Face , And did with Tears his lifeless Lips embrace : And sends for his Physicians and advises Them , to embalm his Father's Corpse with Spices : And they did so , and forty days did pass . ( For so the manner of Embalming was ) And the Egyptians mourned for the space Of threescore and ten days , which being expired He spake to Pharaoh's Servants and desired , That they would please to speak in Pharaoh's Ear , And tell him that my Father made me swear , That I should bury him in Canaan , where He hath provided his own Sepulcher : I therefore pray thee that I may obtain Thy leave , and I will soon return again . And Pharaoh said , Since thou hast sworn , fulfil Thy Oath , according to thy Father 's Will. And Joseph went up to accompany His Father's Corpse with great Solemnity : And with him went up Pharaoh's Servants , and The prime Nobility of all the Land , And Joseph's Houshold , and his Brethren all , Only their Flocks , and Herds , and Children small Were left behind : Moreover there went up Chariots and Horsemen , even a mighty Troop . And they came up to Arad's threshing floar Beyond the River Jordan , where full sore They mourned for him till seven days were past , So long their Mourning in that Place did last . Which when the Canaanites beheld they said , Surely some eminent Egyptian's dead : Wherefore they call'd it Abel-mizraim . ' Thus did his Sons as he commanded them . For to the Land of Canaan they conveigh'd Him , and in Machpelah near Mamre , laid His Body in the Cave which Ephron sold To Abraham , for him and his to hold . And thus when Joseph fully had perform'd His Father's Will , to Egypt he return'd , Together with his Brethren , and with all Them that came with him to the Funeral . Now Joseph's Brethren being well aware That they were Fatherless , began to fear That he would hate them , and requite them all The Evil they had treated him withal . Wherefore to him they sent a Messenger And said , Behold our Father did declare Before he died that we should come and say , Forgive thy Brethren's Trespasses , I pray , And their Misdeeds for they have been unkind : And now we humbly pray thee be inclin'd To Pardon our Offences , and the rather For that we serve the God even of thy Father . And 〈◊〉 wept when thus they spake , and they Came nearer , and before him prostrate lay , And said , We are thy Servants all this day . And Joseph bad them not to be afraid , For in the place of God am I , he said : For though you meant me Ill , God meant it Good , And sent me hither to provide you Food : Now therefore trouble not your selves , for I Will nourish you , and all your Family . After this manner did he satisfie And treat them with extream Civility . And Joseph and his Father's House remain'd In Egypt , and he liv'd till he attain'd An Hundred and ten years , and liv'd to see Of Ephraim's Children to the Third Degree : And Machir's Children of Manasseh's Tribe Were also born some time before he died . Then Joseph said , My Brethren , lo I die , But God will visit you undoubtedly ; And to that Land again whereof he spake Unto our Ancestors , will bring you back . And Joseph also made his Brethren swear , That they would not interr his Body there . And thus he ended his Life's Pilgrimage , Being an hundred and ten years of Age ; And was embalm'd , and in a Coffin laid , In Egypt , till he could be thence convey'd . The End of the History of Joseph . THE General Epistle of JAMES . CHAP. I. UNTO the twelve Tribes scattered abroad , James , and Apostle of the living God , And of the Lord Christ Jesus , Salutation . My Brethren , when you fall into Temptation Of divers kinds , rejoyce , as Men that know From trial of your Faith doth Patience flow : But let your Patience have its full effect , That you may be entire , without defect . If any of you lack Wisdom , let him cry To God , and he will give it lib'rally , And not upbraid . But let him ask in Faith , Not wavering , for he that wavereth , Unto a Wave o' th' Sea I will compare , Driv'n with the Wind and tossed here and there : For let not such a Man himself deceive , To think that he shall from the Lord receive . A double-minded Man most surely lacketh Stability in all he undertaketh . Let ev'ry Brother of a low degree Rejoyce in that he is advanc'd , but he That 's Rich in being made low , for he shall pass Away , as doth the flow'r of the Grass . For as the 〈…〉 doth rise , Is scorch'd by 〈…〉 and dies ; Its Flow'r fades , 〈…〉 more The beauteous 〈…〉 , So fades the Rich Man , 〈…〉 his Store . The Man is blest that doth endure Temptation : For when he 's try'd , the Crown of God's Salvation , The which the Lord hath promised to give To them that love him , that Man shall receive . Let no Man be possest with a persuasion , To say , when he falls under a Temptation , That God's the cause ; for with no evil can God be tempted , nor tempts he any Man. But every Man is tempted when he 's drawn Away , and by his Lusts prevail'd upon ; Then when Lust hath conceiv'd , it ushereth In Sin , and Sin when finished brings Death . Err not , my Brethren whom I dearly love . Each good and perfect Gift is from above , Down from th' original of ●ights descending , With whom's no change , nor shadow thereto tending According to his own good pleasure , he Begat us with the word of Truth , that we Should as the first 〈◊〉 of his Creatures be . Wherefore , belov●d Brethren , I intreat You to be swift 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and slow to speak , And slow to wrath , for wrath cannot incline The Sons of Men to Righteousness divine . Wherefore avoiding ev'ry ●●hiness , And superfluity of naught●●●s : Receive with meekness the ●●grafted word , Which can Salvation to your Souls afford . But be ye doers of the word each one , And not deceive your selves to hear alone ; For he that hears the word and doth it not , Is like unto a Man that hath forgot What kind of Man he was , tho' in a Glass He just before beheld his nat'ral Face . But whoso minds the Law of Liberty In its perfection , and continually Abides therein , forgets not what he 's heard , But doth the Work and therein hath Reward . If any Man among you seem to be Religious , he deceives himself if he Doth not his Tongue as with a Bit restrain ; And all that Man's Religion is but vain . Religion , pure and undefil'd , which is Acceptable before the Lord , is this : To visit Widows and the Fatherless , In time of their affliction or distress ; And so to regulate his Conversation , As to be spotless in his Generation . CHAP. II. FAith of the Lord of Glory , Jesus Christ , Doth with respect of Persons not consist ; For if , my Brethren , when there shall come in To your Assembly one with a Gold Ring , In goodly Cloaths , and there shall also be Another Man that 's meanly cloath'd , and ye Shall have respect to him in rich attire , And say unto him , Come thou , sit up higher ; And bid the poor Man stand or sit below , Are ye not partial then , and plainly show , That you do judge amiss in what you do ? Hearken , my Brethren , hath not God elected The Poor , who by this World have been rejected , Yet rich in Faith , and of that Kingdom Heirs , Which God will give his foll'wers to be theirs ? But you , my Brethren , do the Poor despise . Do not the rich Men o'er you tyrannize , And hale you to their Courts ; that worthy Name By which you 're call'd , do not they blaspheme ? Then if ye do the Royal Law fulfil , To love thy Neighbour as thy self , 't is well , According to the Scripture ; but if ye Shall have respect to Persons , ye shall be Guilty of Sin , and by the Law condemn'd , As such who have its Righteousness contemn'd . For he that shall but in one point offend , Breaks the whole Law , whate'er he may pretend . For he that doth forbid Adultery , Forbids likewise all acts of Cruelty : Now tho' thou be not an Adulterer , Yet if thou kill , thou shalt thy Judgment bear . So speak and do as those Men that shall be Judg'd by the perfect Law of Liberty : For he shall Judgment without Mercy know , That to his Neighbour doth no Mercy show ; And Mercy triumphs against Judgment too . Brethren what profit is 't if a Man saith That he hath Faith , and hath not Works ; can Faith Save him ? If any of the Brotherhood Be destitute of Cloaths or daily Food , And one of you shall say , Depart in Peace , Be warmed or be filled , ne'ertheless , Ye do not furnish them with what they need , What boots it ? Thus Faith without Works is dead . Yea may a Man say , thou dost Faith profess And I good Works , to me thy Faith express Without thy Works , and I will plainly show My Faith unto thee by the Works I do . Thou dost believe there is one God , 't is true , The Devils do believe and tremble too . But wilt thou know , vain Man , that Faith is dead Which with good Works is not accompany'd . Was not our Father Abraham justify'd By Works , and by the same his Faith was try'd , When he his Isaac to the Altar brought , Se'st thou how with his Works his Faith then wrought ? And with his Works he perfected his Faith ? And so the Scripture was fulfill'd , which saith , Abraham believed God , and 't was imputed For Righteousness , and he Gods Friend reputed . Thus may you see , that by Works ev'ry one Is justify'd , and not by Faith alone Thus was the Ha●lot R●hab justify'd By Works when she the Messengers did hide , And by another way their feet did guide . For as the body 's dead without the Spirit , So Faith without Works never can inherit . CHAP. III. AFfect not , Brethren , Superiority , As knowing that we shall receive thereby The greater Condemnation in the end : For we in many things do all offend . Who doth not with his Tongue offend , he can Guide his whole Body , he 's a perfect Man. Behold , in Horses mouths we Bridles out , To rule and turn their Bodies quite about : Behold likewise the Ships , which tho' they be Of mighty bulk , and thro' the raging Sea Are driv'n by the strength of Winds , yet they By a small Helm the Pilot's Will obey . Ev'n so the Tongue of Man , which tho' it be But a small Member , in an high degree It boasts of things . Behold , we may remark How great a matter 's kindl'd by a spark The Tongue 's a fire , a world of ill , which plac'd Among the Members , often hath disgrac'd All the whole Body firing the whole frame Of Nature , and is kindl'd by Hell flame . All kinds of Beasts and Birds that can be nam'd , Serpents and Fishes , are and have been tam'd By Mankind ; but the Tongue can no Man tame , A stubborn Evil full of deadly bane . We therewith God the Father bless , and we Therewith curse Men made like the Deity : Blessing and Cursing from the same Mouth flow , These things , my Brethren , ought not to be so . Is any Fountain of so strange a nature , At once to send forth sweet and bitter water ? Can Olives , Brethren , on a Fig-tree grow , Or Figs on Vines ? No more can water flow From the same Fountain sweet and bitter too . He that 's endu'd with wisdom and discretion Amongst you , let that Man by the profession Of Meekness , wisely give a demonstration Of all his Works from a good Conversation . But if your Hearts are full of bitterness And strife , boast not , nor do the Truth profess . This Wisdom is not from above descending , But Earthly , sensual and to evil tending ; For where there 's strife and envying there 's confusion , And ev'ry evil work in the conclusion . But the true Wisdom that is from above . Is , in the first place , pure , then full of love . Then gentle , and intreated easily , Next merciful , without partiality , Full of good fruits , without hypocrisie ; And what is more , the fruits of Righteousness Is sown in Peace , of them that do make Peace . CHAP. IV. FRom whence come Wars and Fights , come they not hence , Ev'n from th' inordinate concupiscence That in your Members prompts to variance ? You lust and have not , kill and desire to have , But ne'ertheless obtain not what you crave : With War and fighting ye contend , yet have not The things which you desire , because you crave not , Ye crave but don't receive , the reasons just , Ye crave amiss to spend it on your Lust. You that live in Adult'ry , know not ye The friendship of the World is enmity With God ? He is God's Enemy therefore That doth the Friendship of the World adore . Do ye think that the Scripture saith in vai● The Spirit that lusts to hate doth in you reign ? But he bestows more Grace , wherefore he says , God scorns the Proud , but doth the Humble raise . Unto the Lord therefore submissive be Resist the Devil and he 'll from you flee . Draw high to God and he 'll to you draw nigh . Make clean your Hands you Sinners , purifie Your Hearts you double-minded , weep and mourn , And be afflicted , let your laughter turn To sorrow , and your joy to sadness ; stoop Before the Lord , and he will lift you up . My Brethren , speak not evil of each other : He that doth judge and speak ill of his Brother , Doth judge and speak ill of the Law ; therefore If thou dost judge the Law , thou art no more A doer of the same , but dost assume The Judgment-Seat , and art thy self become A Judge thereof . There is but one Law-giver That 's able to destroy and to deliver ; Who then art thou that dost condemn thy Neighbour ? Go to now , you that say , To such a place To morrow will we go , and for the space Of one whole Year , or so , will there remain , And buy and sell , and get great store of Gain : Whereas ye know not what a day may do . For what 's the Life of Man ? Ev'n like unto A Vapour , which tho' for a while it may Appear , it quickly vanisheth away So that ye ought to say , If God permit Us life and Health , we will accomplish it . But now ye glory in your confidence , Such glorying is of evil consequence . He therefore that doth know , and doth not act The thing that 's good , doth guilt thereby contract . CHAP. XLVI . GO to now , O ye rich Men , howl and cry , Because of your approaching misery : Your Riches are corrupted , and the Moths Have enter'd , and have eaten up your Cloaths ; Your Gold and Silver 's canker'd , and the rust Thereof , shall be an Evidence that 's just Against you , and like fire your flesh devour : Against the last days ye have heap'd up store . The hire of them that reaped down your Field , The which by you is wrongfully witheld , Cries , and the Voice thereof hath reach'd the Ears Ev'n of the God of Sabbath , and he hears . Your Lives in pleasure ye on Earth have led , And as in days of slaughter nourish'd Your wanton Hearts , and have condemn'd and slain The Just , and he doth not resist again . Be patient therefore , Brethren , ev'n unto The coming of the Lord : behold , ev'n so The Husbandman expecteth patiently The precious increase of the Earth to see , With patience waiting , till he doth obtain The show'rs of early and of later Rain . So be ye patient , fixing stedfastly Your Hearts , for th' coming of the Lord draws nigh . Grieve not each other , Brethren , lest ye bear The condemnation ; lo , the Judge stands near . The Prophets , Brethren , who all heretofore In the Name of the Lord their witness bore , Take for Examples in their Sufferings And Patience : they that endure such things , Ye know are counted blest . Have ye not read Of Job , how patiently he suffered ? Have ye not seen in him what 〈◊〉 God's end , How he doth pity and great love extend ? My Brethren , but above all things forbear By Heav'n or Earth , or otherwise to swear ; But let your Yea be Yea , your Nay be Nay , Lest ye become reproveable I say . Let him sing Psalms that 's merry ; he that 's griev'd , Let him by Prayer seek to be reliev'd . If any of you by Sickness be distrest , Let him the Elders of the Church request , That they would come and pray for him awhile , Anointing him in the Lord's Name with Oil ; So shall the Pray'r that is of Faith restore The Sick , and God shall raise him as before , And all th' Offences which he hath committed Shall be forgiv'n , and he shall be acquitted . Confess your Faults each one unto his Brother , And put up Supplications for each other , That so you may be heal'd ; the fervency Of just Men's Pray'rs prevails effectually . Elias was a Man as frail as we are . And he was earnest with the Lord in Pray'r , That there might be no Rain , and or the space Of three Years and six Months no Rain there was ; And afterward , when he again made suit , The Heav'n gave Rain , the Earth brought forth her Fruit. If any one shall from the Truth desert , And one , my Brethren , shall that Man convert ; Let him be sure , that he that doth recal The poor backsliding Sinner from his fall , Shall save a Soul from Death , and certainly Shall hide a multitude of Sins thereby . THE END . Books lately Printed for and Sold by Jos. Blare , Bookseller , at the Looking-Glass , near St. Magnus . Church on London-Bridge . 1. SEven Sermons , viz. 1. Of the Unpardonable Sin against the Holy Ghost . 2. The Saints Duty and Exercise . 3. The accepted Time and Day of Salvation . 4. The end of Time and beginning of Eternity . 5. Joshua's Resolution to serve the Lord. 6. The way to Heaven made plain . 7. The future State of Man ; or a Treatise of the Resurrection . Written by Robert Russel , of Wadhust in Sussex . Price bound one Shilling . 2. A Treatise on the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper , with an earnest Invitation and Incouragement thereto ; with Prayers , Meditations and Ejaculations . By Robert Russel , Author of the Seven Sermons . Price bound one Shilling . 3. The Progress of the Christian Pilgrim from this present World to the World to come . In Two Parts . Written by way of Dream . Price bound one Shilling . 4. Ayres's Arithmetick . A Treatise design'd for the Use and Benefit of Tradesmen . With the use of Fractions both Vulgar and Decimal . Price bound one Shilling . 5. The accomplish'd Lady's Rich Closet of Rarities , or the ingenious Gentlewoman's and Servant-Maid's delightful Companion . Containing many excellent things for the Accomplishment of the Female Sex. Price bound one Shilling . 6. The Compleat English Secretary , or the newest Academy of Complements ; with the true Art of inditing Letters for Love and Business : to which 〈◊〉 added , the newest Songs sung now in Court and Theatre , with a Treatise of Moles and Dreams . Price bound one Shilling . 7. The Shepherds New Kalendar , or the Citizen and Countryman's daily Companion ; treating of most things that are Useful , Profitable , Delightful and Advantageous to Mankind : being the Thirty Years study of a Learned Shepherd . Price bound one Shilling . 8. The Famous History of Parismus , the valiant Prince of Bohemia . In Three Parts . Price bound one Shilling . 9. The English Don Quixot , or the Famous and Delightful History of a late English Knight-Errant ; containing many Comical Exploits perform'd by him his Amours and Love Intrigues with his Lady , and the pleasant Humours of his Esquire : being an excellent Pill to purge Melancholly . Price sticht in 4 to 6 d. 10. Aristotle's Legacy , or his Golden Cabinet of Secrets . In Five Treatises . Price bound Sixpence . 11. Practical Discourses , viz. 1. An Exhortation against the Fears of Death . 2. A Declaration of the Resurrection of the Dead , with sutable Prayers and Meditations , and a Discourse of the Four last Things , Death , Judgment , Heaven and Hell. By Dr. Gibbs . Price bound one Shilling . 12. A Discourse of the Vanity of the Life of Man from Youth to Old Age , with Scriptural Poems . By John Bunyan . Price bound one Shilling . 13. The History of Amadis of Greece , surnam'd the Knight of the Burning Sword. Price bound one ●hilling sixpence . 14. The Mother's Blessing , or the Godly Counsel of a Gentlewoman not long since Deceas'd , left behind her for her Children ; containing many good Exhortations and Admonitions , profitable for all Parents to leave as a Legacy to their Children . By Mrs. Dorothy Lee. Price bound one Shilling . 15. The English Fortune-Teller , resolving Questions , and telling Fortunes , whether Good or Bad , by the casting of Three Dies . Price one Shilling sixpence . 16. The Honour of the Taylers , or the Famous and Renowned History of Sir John Hawkwood , Knight : Containing his many rare and singular Adventures , witty Exploits , heroick Atchievements , and noble Performances , relating to Love and Arms in many Lands : In the series of which History are contain'd likewise , the no less Famous Actions and Enterprizes of others of the same Art and Mystery ; with many remarkable Passages relating to Customs , Manners , &c. ancient and modern . Illustrated with Pictures , embellish'd with Verses and Songs , wonderful pleasant and delightful . To which is added , a brief Account of the Original of 〈◊〉 Merchant-Taylers , as to their being Incorporated , ●●c . their Progress and Success from time to time ; 〈◊〉 Favours they have receiv'd from divers Kings ●nd Princes ; their many Structures of Magnificence and Charity ; with many other things exer●ing their Worth and Grandeur . Quarto . Price stich'd Sixpence . 17. The Famous and Renown'd History of Sir 〈◊〉 of Southampton : Giving an Account of his Birth , Education , Heroick Exploits and Enterprizes , his Fights with Giants , Monsters , Wild Beasts , and Armies ; his Conquering Kings and Kingdoms , his Love and Marriages , Fortunes and Misfortunes ; and many other famous and memorable things and Actions , worthy of Wonder : With the Adventures of other Knights , Kings and Princes ; exceeding pleasant and delightful . Price stitch'd Sixpence . 18. The most Excellent History of the Valiant and Renown'd Knight , Don Flores of Greece , Knight of the Swans , second Son to Esphandran , Emperor of Constantinople : being a Supplement to Amadis de Gaul ; newly Translated into English. Price stitch'd Sixpence . 19. The Crown Garland of Golden Roses , gather'd out of England's Royal Garden ; set forth with many pleasant new Songs and Sonnets ; with new Editions never before Publish'd . In two Parts . Price stitch'd Fourpence .