The affliction and deliverance of the saints or, The whole booke of Iob composed into English heroicall verse metaphrastically. / By Thomas Manley Iun. Esq;

1652

THE Affliction and Deliverance OF THE SAINTS: OR, The whole booke of Job composed into English Heroicall Verse Metaphrastically.

By Thomas Manley Iun. Esq

Psal. 34.19.

Many are the troubles of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth them out of all.

Psal. 119.71.

It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learne thy Statutes.

LONDON, Printed by W.H. for Iohn Tey, at the White-Lion in the Strande near the New Exchange, 1652.

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To the Honourable Thomas Challoner Esq A Member of the Parliament of England: And one of the Right Honourable, the Councell of State.

Honoured Sir,

It is not ambition but duty which makes me thus bold to intitle you Iobs Patron, your Charity being so great to all who oppressed, make the armes of your vertue and humanity their Sanctuary. It is your honour to be great, your happinesse to be good: by the one you are [Page]made famous, by the other you will be immortall.

The troubles of the Times are so great, and all men by them such sufferers; that England had need to be a Nation of Iobs, that with patience they may run through the extremities which daily begin to coast us. And truly, if we would make Iobs example our Precept, it is to be beleeved we should endure our sufferings with more Christian-like alacrity, and have a more Saint-like deliverance our of all our troubles.

There are many materiall points in the History which are peculiarly worth our observation: For first, we find him possessor of as much riches as his heart could wish, and immediately by Satans malice robb'd of all. Oh never let [Page]prosperity make us so secure, as to think our selves immoveable; for then is danger greatest, when we suppose our selves safest: for quos perdere vult Iupipiter, hos dementat; an over-great security is an infallible signe of ruine. If we stand, let us take heed lest we fall; againe, he is not only afflicted outwardly in body, but is tormented inwardly in his mind by the temptations of his Wife, and his other friends who came to visit him; wherein we may see the subtlety of that malicious enemy of mankind, who maketh even our dearest friends his instruments to drive us to despaire: This shal suffice of much more which might be said, for my work is an Epistle, not a Comment.

Therefore not to interpo se in your more serious affaires; if your Honour [Page]will daine out of your innate benignity to stoope to the perusall of this Metaphrase at your times of leasure, and grace it with your Patronage, I shall then rest assured that all hazards are past, and that it will go current through the wits of this our too curious and censorious Age, though cloathed in a dresse so meane as it is.

However, my hopes perswade me, that your perfect maturity will wink at the faults of my immature Youth, and that you will not be so curious to mark every failing, lest my blossomes, being nipped in their spring, for ever lose their hope of ripening; In confidence wherof I shall hereafter lay no more claime to this Booke, but wholly resigne it into your hands, and together with it my selfe, to whom it hath been a laborious [Page]recreation: but if it attaine the honour of your teste, I shall triumph in the happy successe of my presumptuous ambition; the reward so much exceeding the proportion of my meane labours, that I have no way sufficient to expresse my gratitude, but in imitating those birds, who having nothing else, brought their feathers to Apollo's Temple to adorne it: here are my endeavors; And in things we would, if in our power, the Will must be taken for the deed; In hopes vvhereof I assume the confidence to subscribe my selfe,

Sir,

Your Honours in all humility and service to be commanded, T.M. Jun.

West. Oct. 29. 1651.

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To the Reader.

AFfliction is the only true touchstone of Christianity, driving one to lay hold on God by faith in hope of comfort; which consideration made me pitch on Job, in whom may be found the very patterne of Christian patience, my aime being to make his example our patterne, we living in times wherein we know not how soone we may be reduced to Jobs condition.

I know not how pleasing things of this nature may be, but their profit I am sure is very great; which if the Reader find according to my desire, I shall thinke my labors very well satisfied.

The reason of my Metaphrasticall Translation was, that I would not, as neere as I could, deviate from the very Letter of the Text, which I have as [Page]little as possible; yet where the sense was darke, comparing sever all Translations together, and all with the originall, I made them easie to the most illiterate understanding: conceiving it better than a Paraphrase, they often losing, or at least darkening halfe the sense in their circumlocations, whereas this wholly keepes the sense, and avoids its prolixity.

Yet though my endeavours be never so Christian-like, I expect not to please all, even assured to find the envious jerks of some malicious tongues, it being impossible to do any thing in this age with all mens approbation.

All I desire of thee (Reader) is this, that thou wouldst bring a good will and cheerefull disposition, void of all malicious envy, which at this day is commonly practised of most men (who like severe censurers) busie themselves rather in seeking what to bite at, and to reprehend in other mens workes, then to commend what is good, or assay to make them better, thereby verifying that old Greeke Proverbe, [...], it is easier to play Momus then the Mimicke, to carpe than to imitate; all I shall say to such is this, Zoile, ne carpas nostra, sed ede tua.

Thy friend T.M. Jun.

West. Oct. 30. 1651.

[Page 1]IOB.

Chapter the first.

verse 1 
THere was a man in 
Hz, for zeale whose fame
Merits beyond an equall, 
Job by name:
Perfect and upright, such the world ne'r knew,
Who feared God, and evill did eschew.


verse 2 Blest with ten Children, all of a full growth,
The fruitfull off-spring of his lively youth.


verse 3 In substance great, for he did ever keep
Three thousand Camels, and seven thousand sheep;


[Page 2]Five hundred yoke of Oxen, both for store
And worke; Shee-asses too as many more,
And a great houshold: So that as the best,
He also was the greatest of the East.


verse 4 His Sons each one his day feasting did call
Their Sisters to them to partake of all.


verse 5 And when their feasting daies were gone about,

Job sent & cleans'd them, when he found them out
And in the morning early up he rose,
And offred off
 [...]ings as their number was;
Lest (said he) they have sinned, and should curse
God in their hearts, this was 
Jobs constant course.


verse 6 A day there was, the Sons of God appeare
Before the Lord; Satan came also there.


verse 7 Whose boldnesse God thus checks: thus dar'st thou range?
Whence commest thou? whence is this freedome strange?
He answer straight, frō walking in the earth
Where acting mischiefes is my only mirth.


verse 8 Then said the Lord; Hast thou at any time
Observ'd in 
Job my servant any crime?
Do but consider, and thou'lt never find
His equall in the world, so pure in mind:
Eschewing evill, fearing God, upright,
In goodnesse constant, with a pure delight.


verse 9 But see alas! what this intruder sought;
Does 
Job, replies he, serve the Lord for nought?


verse 10 Hast thou not set a hedge about him round?
Rampar'd his house and kept his Cattle sound?
Blessings flow daily on the work of's hand,
His stock too is encreased in the Land.


[Page 3] 

verse 11 But now stretch forth thy hand, afflict him sore,
Touch all be hath, diminish but his store:
And if he do not curse thee to thy face,
Upon me light worse suffring and disgrace.


verse 12 Behold his accusation; God replies,
Satan this to thy malice open lies;
Do with them what thou wilt, th'hast pow'r so far,
Only from him himselfe thine hand I bar.
His power is scarce granted, when, loe, he
Qnick from the presence of the Lord doth flee.


verse 13 Time was not long before his children meet
In th' eldest brothers house to drinke and eate.


verse 14 A servant came, and did with teares relate
The sad beginning of his crosse-grown Fate;
While some (said he) were with the Oxen plowing,
The Asses feeding, other servants sowing,


verse 15 A Troope of fell! 
Sabaeans' came and took
The Herds away, nor did their fury brook
To spare the Servants lives, them all they slew,
And I alone escap't the news to shew.


verse 16 While yet he spake, another came and wept,
As sad a story, fire from heaven has swept
Away the Sheepe and servants (Oh sad fate!)
And I alone came off this to relate.


verse 17 He speaking yet, another came and told
How three pickt bands of arm'd 
Caldeans bold
Fell on the Camels, taking them away,
Yea and the Servants with the sword did slay;
I only scaping from among the rest,
The news of this misfortune to attest.


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verse 18 His tale scarce told, a fourth draws neer with cries,
Sad news fit only for o'rflowing eyes:
Thy sons and daughters as they lately were
At their lov'd eldest brothers making cheere,


verse 19 A strong side-wind did from the desart blow
On th' houses corners, and it overthrow:
The sudden ruine kill'd the young men all,
And I alone escaped from the fall.


verse 20 Then 
Job arose, not able more to beare,
He rent his robe, and tore his beard and haire:
But yet in midst of this extremest griefe,
He only seekes to God for some reliefe;
Just like an humble child he kist his rod,
He cries and worships to his angry God.


verse 21 Naked I came into the world, and when
I must returne, naked shall goe agen:
The Lord did give, and taken hath the same,
Blessed and honour'd be his holy Name.


verse 22 In all this 
Job did no offence commit,
Nor was so foolish to charge God with it.

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CHAP. II.

verse 1 AGaine the Sons of God, before his throne
Themselves present, who is the great three-one;
Th' all-daring Foe, brazing his hatefull face,
Among them also came and tooke a place.


verse 2 Whom God beholding said, what new pretence
Hath brought thee hither Satan? or from whence?
He soon replies, I have the world o'r-run,
The Earths vast Globe surrounding with the Sun,
Gilding with specious shews my deadliest baites,
That win poore soules from thee by their deceits.


verse 3 Hast thou (said God) any so perfect seene,
Or upright as my servant 
Job hath been?
All vice abhorring with a deadly hate,
Helping poore soules prest with a direfull fate,
Keeping my Statutes with devout est zeale,
Earth never yet brought forth his Parallell.
Experience tels us the sweet Camomile
The more 'tis trodden will the better smell:
With the same zeale loe he still keepes my Laws,
Though thou wouldst have me kill him without cause.


verse 4 Man will not stick, replies the foe, to give
All his possessions to his skin to live.


verse 5 But now stretch out thine hand, and let him feele
Thine arme, inflicting paines from head to heele,


[Page 6]He will with raylings thy high power disgrace,
And with repining curse thee to thy face.


verse 6 Behold (saith God) this further grant I give,
Torment him as thou wilt, but let him live.


verse 7 Away goes Satan and smites 
Job all o're
With boiles, his body is but all one sore.


verse 8 Yet down with patience great he humbly sate
To scrape with peeces of a broken pot
His boile-inflicted body, in the ashes
Enduring meekly these soule-trying lashes.


verse 9 But see, a torment worse than all the rest,
His wife comes to him, thus in soule opprest;
With sharpe rebukings, saith she, dost thou still
Keepe thine uprightness though thou beare this ill?
Away with this precisenesse, wilt thou lie
With patience under this? curse God and die.


verse 10 But he, speake wiser, else ne'r silence breake,
Thouspeak'st as foolish women use to speake:
Shall we take blessings from the hand of God,
And shall we not with patience beare his rod?
With lowlinesse submitting to the Lord:
In all this 
Job utter'd no sinfull word.


verse 11 When 
Jobs three friends heard of his chang'd estate,
By Satans malice and inveterate hate:
With griefe they trembling as 'twere in amaze,
Each by appointment came from his own place,
With sweetest comforts to revive his soule,
And with their griefe his misery condole:

Bildad the 
Shuhite, Zophar from 
Naamah came
With 
Eliphaz the 
Temanite by name.


[Page 7] 

verse 12 As Travellers drawing neare their journies end,
With more impatience for it look and tend:
So these three friends look ere they yet draw nigh,
The object of their pitty to espy;
But when they see, yet know him not, they weep
With bitter lamentations, not can keep
Longer their teares, as messengers they flow,
Their height of love and pity both to shew;
They rent their robes, and sprinkled on their heads
Dust towards heaven; so them their sorrow leads.


verse 13 So they sate with him mourning on the ground
Seven daies and nights, before that any found
One word to speake of; for they saw his griefe
Was very great, almost beyond reliefe.

CHAP. III.

verse 1 THese daies once ended, 
Job, as one forlorne,
In speaking curs'd the day when he was borne?

verse 2 And as afflicted with his paines he lies,
In very anguish of his heart he cries:

verse 3 Let the disastrous day of my sad birth
For ever quite perish from off the earth;
And let that night be in oblivion put,
Wherein 'twas said, there is a man-child got.

verse 4 Let it be cover'd with perpetuall night,
Let not the Lord regard it, nor the light

[Page 8]Afford it but one comfortable ray,
Whereby it may be known to be a day.

verse 5 Let it a day of darknesse still remaine,
Yea, let death bringing darknesse it distaine.
Let clouds dwell on it, let it fearfull be,
As a most fatall day of misery.

verse 6 As for the Night, let darknesse on it seize,
Let it not joyned be among the daies:
Nor come among the Moneths, to make them less,
Happy by its most omious access.

verse 7 Yea let that night be desolate, no noise
Of joy be heard therein, or pleasing voice.

verse 8 Let them, whose mournings with the day their course
Renew, on it lay their most heavy curse.

verse 9 Let all the stars which in its twilight rise,
Be darkned through the lowrings of the Skies.
Let it expect the light, but none enjoy;
Nor let it see the dawning of the day.

verse 10 Because it did not in my Mothers womb
Inclose my body, and make it my tombe;
But clothing my frail flesh with life, me brought
Of this sad cup to drink a deadly draught.

verse 11 Why dy'd I not before my birth? or why
Assoon as I was born did I not die?

verse 12 Why did the knees my comming not infest?
Or why for nurture did I suck the breast?

verse 13 Then had my woes prevented been by death,
I had been quiet, lying void of breath:

verse 14 With Councellors and Kings of highest race,
I had enjoy'd a quiet resting place;

[Page 9]Whose living works to memorise their fame,
To desart places gave a lasting name.

verse 15 Or with great men whose treasuries with store,
Were fil'd with silver and refined Ore.

verse 16 As an untimely birth I then had been,
Or as poor Infants which no light have seen.

verse 17 There tyrants cease from troubling, and th'opprest
With irkesome labour have a welcome rest.

verse 18 Those who in prison lie, are quiet there,
No voice of the oppressor do they hear.

verse 19 The small and great all there together be,
The abused servant's from his Master free.

verse 20 Why to that man is given gladsome light,
Whose soule is lost in miseries long night?
Or why to them the torment of a life,
Whose soules are bitter through oppressing griefe?

verse 21 Who wish for death in vain, and seek it more
Then hidden treasures, and the Earths whole store.

verse 22 Who with excess of gladness fill their mind,
When they the quiet of the grave can find.

verse 23 Why to that man is given light, whose way
Is as a Labyrinth, leading him astray:
Whom God as with an hedg hath compas'd round,
That to come out of's woe, no way is found?

verse 24 My sighings daily come, my griefe is great,
I am perplexed that I cannot eat.
My roarings are so loud, all may them hear;
Like water poured out so flow my tears.

verse 25 For in my greatest happiness of all,
I ever dreaded this my sudden fall.

[Page 10]Which now is come with such a deadly stroke,
As it to peeces all my bones hath broke.

verse 26 I had no safety, quietness, nor rest,
Yet trouble came, which hath my soule opprest.

CHAP. IV.

verse 1 THus stopping 
Job: the Temanite began.


verse 2 If we assay to speak to thee, vaine man,
Wilt thou be angry? who can patience have
By foolish 
 [...]ilence thus to let thee rave?


verse 3 Thou art the same, whose grave instructions were
To superstitious Vanities a Bar.
Thou art the same, whose comfort and reliefe,
Gave strength and joy to souls opprest with griefe.


verse 4 As are strong pillars to uphold the weak,
So were the words which thou didst daily speake:
Weak knees even bowing under burthens great,
To thee for strengthning comforts did retreat.


verse 5 Thus wouldst thou others overwhelm'd in griefe,
Helpe with divinest comforts and reliefe.
But thou doest faint, now griefe does thee assaile,
Thou art afflicted, and thy heart does faile.


verse 6 Is not this all thy fear, thy confidence,
Thy upright dealings and thy patience?


verse 7 Remember well, I pray thee, call to mind,
If ere the innocent you falling finde.


[Page 11]Or in your long experience can you say,
The upright dealer ever did decay.


verse 8 But I have seen those that do mischiefe frame,
Plowing and sowing evill, reap the same.


verse 9 They quickly perish by a sudden death,
They are consumed by th' Almighties breath.


verse 10 The Lyons roaring voice, and by his stroke,
The teeth of fiercest Lyons whelps are broke.


verse 11 The Lyons range, yet want their sought-for prey,
And the stout Lyons whelps abroad do stray.


verse 12 I saw a secret vision, and mine ear
Some little of it formerly did hear.


verse 13'Twas when Death's elder brother fast did keep,
Poor mortals hood-wink'd in a veile of sleep.
First enter'd thoughts, then visions overspred
With displaid banners, my sleep-drowned head.


verse 14 Fear, dismall fear soon follow'd, which did make
Such an impression, all my bones did shake.


verse 15 A Spirit passed then before my face,
Which frighted me into so great a maze;
A dreadfull horror in me I did feele,
My hair stood upright, all my blood was steel.


verse 16 It stood before me yet I could not see,
At least discern its form, what it might be.
An Image did appear before mine eyes,
When loe, thus speaking, I did hear a voice;


verse 17 Can it be thought that mortall man can be,
More just then the All-judging Deity?
Or shall fraile flesh esteem it selfe more pure
Then the All-good? Can he such thoughts endure?


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verse 18 Behold, even in his servants he could find
No true faiths lustre shining in their mind:
Nay th' Angels were impure, whom once he dight
With his own glorious livery of light.


verse 19 How much more foolish and impure are they,
Whose hope consisteth in a house of clay?
Whose chiefe foundations but in dust are laid,
Which are before the moth againe destroy'd?


verse 20 They are destroyed all the day, nor are
They once regarded with one moane or teare.


verse 21 Does not their glory quite forgotten lye?
Ev'n without wisedome as the fooles they dye.

CHAP. V.

verse 1 CAll now and see if thon canst any find
That will returne an answer to thy mind.
Or wilt thou turne to any Saint? no Age
Can garbe a patterne fitting to thy rage.

verse 2 The foolish dye in their repining fit,
And wrathfull envy kils the void of wit.

verse 3 The wicked have I seene to prosper much,
Yet at him never did repine or grutch.
I curs'd his dwelling, for I knew that God
Had destin'd him to his destroying rod.

verse 4 His children are possest with daily feare
Of fatall danger to attend them here.

[Page 13]By publike judgement they're condemn'd to dye,
And without helpe or pity crushed lie.

verse 5 The hungry soule shall hate his harvest corne,
Yea they shall take it from among the thornes:
And who are thirsty shall their drowth so slake,
For drinke their substance yet remaining take.

verse 6 Though trouble comes not from the dust, we know,
Nor yet affliction from the ground doth grow:

verse 7 Yet still as mans short daies and life encrease,
So do afflictions daily on him presse;
He's borne to travell, and in griefe to dye,
As sparkes are upwards from the coales to flye.

verse 8 I'de seeke to God, relying on his laws,
And unto God would I commit my cause;

verse 9 Which doth great things beyond the thought of man,
And wonderfull, whose number none can scan.

verse 10 Who gives the former and the latter raine,
To fill the earth with fruits, the fields with graine.

verse 11 To set on high the lowly, and to raise
Mourners from sorrow to Halcyon daies.

verse 12 Wise Polititians cannot so invent,
But their devices he does disappoint;
T' effect their purpose though they beat their brain,
Yet still they find their enterprises vain.

verse 13 The wise for future actions lay designes,
And he their foolish wisedome countermines.
He makes their plots be their own catching-baite,
Whereby they others thought t'infatuate:
But headlong counsels ever do attend
The foolish, who to vice their courses bend.

[Page 14] 

verse 14 They meet with darknesse in the clearest light,
And grope at noone as in the darkest night.

verse 15 But from the raging sword the poore does save,
And from their tongue, whose mouth's an open grave;
And from oppressors violence, whose law
Is only lucre without shame or aw.

verse 16 The poor have hope when wickednesse shall crop
Her growing bud and vice her mouth shall stop.

verse 17 That man is happy whom the Lord corrects,
(He chasteneth most that Son he best affects)
When he by trialls shall thy soule refine,
Be not cast down, nor at his rod repine.

verse 18 He gives a wound, and bindeth up againe:
He maketh sore, and doth asswage the paine.

verse 19 Thou in sixe troubles shalt untouched be,
Yea, and in seven he will maintaine thee free.

verse 20 In time of famine he will give thee bread,
Nor shall the sword of war once touch thy head.

verse 21 Invective tongues shall ne're thy credit scourge,
Nor comming ruine thee to terrour urge.

verse 22 Though death and ruine rage, thou shalt have joy,
Nor shall the fiercest beast thy rest annoy.

verse 23 The very stones shall with thee be at peace;
The beasts against thee enmity shall cease:

verse 24 And thou shalt know thy dwellings shall be blest
With sure foundations, and eternall rest:
Thine habitations thou with joy maist see,
Yet shalt at crosses not offended be.

verse 25 Thou shalt perceive the thriving of thy race,
Thy seed too shall encrease as doth the grasse.

[Page 15] 

verse 26 Thou being full of daies shalt dye, as Corn
In season gather'd comes into the Barn.

verse 27 Lo, thus it is, we have it understood,
Then do thou know and hear it for thy good.

CHAP. VI.

verse 1 THen answer'd 
Iob; Oh that my griefe were weigh'd,

verse 2 And my afflictions in the ballance laid.

verse 3'Twold be more heavy then the sand I know,
That I want words convenient to my woe.

verse 4 For the Allmighties arrowes in me are,
Whose poyson drinks my spirit, and flesh tear:
And which is worst, my conscience doth me fright,
The terrors of the Lord against me fight.

verse 5 When he hath fodder doth the wild Asse bray?
Or doe the Oxen low when they have hay?

verse 6 Can any palate relish, much less eate,
Without tast-giving salt unsavory meat?
Or in the whites of egges can any find
A taste so good to satisfie his minde?

verse 7 Such things as did my soule refuse to eat,
Were, as are sorrows, my continuall meat.

verse 8 Oh that I might have granted my desire,
And that the Lord would give what I require:

verse 9 That God against my life would stretch his hand,
And cut me off from living in the Land.

[Page 16] 

verse 10 Then should I yet have comfort, for I would
Harden my self in sorrow, though he should
Dash me to pieces, for I still have shewne
And not deny'd the words o'th' Holy One.

verse 11 What is my hope, that I shall yet endure?
Or length of daies why should I seek to assure?

verse 12 Is my small vigour as the strength of stones?
Of brazen hardnesse is my flesh and bones?

verse 13 Is it not so, that there's no help, no joy
In me? And Wisdome driven is away?

verse 14 To the afflicted pitty should be shewn,
And friendly help to such as sigh and groan.
Now friends afflictions cannot draw one teare.
Of the almighty men have left the feare.

verse 15 As Brooks by Summers drought do water want,

verse 16 And then by Winters frosts our hopes supplant;
But when raine gives enough, are overflown,
So have my friends deceitfull been each one.
And as the stream of Brooks they pass away,
Giving nor help, nor comfort by their stay.

verse 17 Now they are black with Ice and hid in snow,
Then dry with heat, and are consumed so,

verse 18 Or else inclining to another course,
They vanish, losing both their name and force.

verse 19 Who go to 
Tema, look the now-lost floud,
And those of 
Sheba, seek the Watry rode.

verse 20 Both are confounded, for their hopes are gone,
They came and sought, but Water finde they none.

verse 21 Sure ye are like them, yee have seen my griefe
And fear, or hope to give me, or reliefe.

[Page 17] 

verse 22 Did I seek yours? Or did I ought require?
Or of your substance a reward desire?

verse 23 Or did I say, from foes deliver me?
Or from the hand of Tyrants set me free?

verse 24 Teach me and ile be silent, let me know,
Wherein I err'd, my error I le forgo.

verse 25 How forcible is truth? vaine talke you love,
For in me what offence can you reprove?

verse 26 Thinke you to carpe at words? or will you finde
With desperate speeches fault, which are as wind?

verse 27 Yea in your wroth, the fatherless you rend,
And dig a pit for your distresled friend.

verse 28 Now therefore be content, look on my woe,
And if I lie, 'tis evident to you.

verse 29 Return. I pray you, let it not be sin,
Returne and see my righteousness herein.

verse 30 Things misbeseeming did my tongue reherse,
Cannot my taste discover things perverse?

[Page 18]

CHAP. VII.

verse 1 IS not a time appointed from his birth
By Heavens decree to man upon the Earth?
Are not his daies as those of hirelings are,
Who for their wages must no labor spare.

verse 2 As doth a servant, hot through work, desire
Some cooling shade whereto he may retire.
And as an hireling daily doth attend
For the reward due when his work hath end:

verse 3 So doe I see moneths hop'd for pass in vaine,
And nights returning to renew my paine.

verse 4 When I lye down, I say, when shall I rise,
And lowring night forsake the darkned skies.
And I am full of tossings to and fro
Unto the dawning of the day through woe.

verse 5 My plague is loathsome, all my flesh is clad
With Wormes and dust, no case is to be had.
My skin is broken and in such a plight,
That 'tis a loathsome eye fore to the sight.

verse 6 Swifter then Weavers Shuttles pass my daies,
And without hope are spent, or shortest staies.

verse 7 Oh call to mind, my life is but a blast,
I shall no more see good, or pleasure tast.

verse 8 I perish thence where I was seen before,
Thy eyes are on me, and I am no more.

[Page 19] 

verse 9 As watry clouds obscure the clearest day,
Yet when disgorg'd of moysture, fade away;
So he that goes to'th' quiet of the grave,
No more the pleasures of this life shall have.

verse 10 He shall no more come from his chosen urne,
Nor to the place of his abode returne.

verse 11 With saddest plaints therefore I'le silence break,
I will in anguish of my spirit speak.
My catalogue of woes I will unroule,
In bitterness of my perplexed soule.

verse 12 Am I a Whale, or Sea, t'o'repass my bounds,
That thus with watches thou besetst me round?

verse 13 When I fore think my bed shall comfort give,
My couch shall ease my plaints and me relieve.

verse 14 Then with affrighting dreams thou dost me skare,
And fearfull visions all my solace are.

verse 15 So that my soule would strangling, yea and death,
Rather then draw in my so hatefull breath.

verse 16 I loath it, I'de not live, die would I faine,
Let me alone, my daies are all but vain.

verse 17 What's man, that thou shouldst magnifie him yet,
And that upon him thou thine heart shouldst set?

verse 18 And that thou dost him visit every morne,
And moment-tryals tell him, not forlorne?

verse 19 Why wilt not leave me, nor let me alone,
Till I my spittle may but swallow down.

verse 20 Oh thou great men-preserver, now I see
My passed sins, what shall I doe to thee?
Why hast thou as thy marke set me vile else,
So that I am a burthen to my selfe?

[Page 20] 

verse 21 And why my trespass dost thou not forget,
And take away my sin from out thy sight?
I shall sleep hidden then within the ground,
And if thou seek me I shall not be found.

CHAP. VIII.

verse 1 THen 
Bildad speaking did this answer make;

verse 2 How long of these things wilt thou love to speak?
And shall we still thy vainer speeches find,
As are the quick-gone puffes of mighty winde?

verse 3 Doth the Allmighty judgement turne aside?
Or doth perverted justice God abide?

verse 4 If so thy sons were not of sin afraid,
And he their trespass hath with death repaid.

verse 5 If thou wouldst early seeke to God, and send
Thy pray'rs up to him, and his will attend.

verse 6 If thou wert pure and upright, surely he
Would now awake, to help and comfort thee;
And with continued happiness would bless,
The habitation of thy righteousness.

verse 7 Though thy beginning were but small, yet peace
Should crown thy latter end with great encrease.

verse 8 Inquire I pray thee, laying by thy rage,
Of our fore-Fathers, search the former Age.

verse 9(For of our dwelling here the surest state,
Drawes but from yesterday its longest date:

[Page 21]We are unskilfull, nothing know, alas!
Our daies on earth do as a shadow pass.)

verse 10 Shall not they teach, and tell thee, and impart
Things secret to thee from their knowing heart?

verse 11 Without the mire can smallest rushes grow?
Or flags where water doth not use to flow?

verse 12 While in its greenness, and uncut it be,
It before other herbs we wither'd see.

verse 13 So are the paths of all that God forget,
And hypocrites false hope their joy shall let.

verse 14 Whose confidence shall be cut off, and's trust
Shall be swept down as spiders web or dust.

verse 15 Upon his house, his hope and strength shall rest,
But it shall fall and not endure the test.
Fast he shall hold it as a guard secure,
But it shall faile his hope and not endure.

verse 16 He's green before the Sun, which makes him grow,
And in his Garden shooteth forth his bough.

verse 17 About the Fountaine wrapped are his roots,
And in the place of stones appeares his shoots.

verse 18 If any shall destroy him from his place,
Then none shall know that ever there it was.

verse 19 Behold, he will rejoyce for this his way,
And others shall grow there another day.

verse 20 See, God the perfect man will not destroy,
Nor help the wicked in their sad annoy.

verse 21 Untill with laughing he do fill thy mouth,
And make thy lips rejoyce to see his truth.

verse 22 As for thy foes who thee pursue with hate,
Shame shall their cloathing be, and woe their mate.

[Page 22]And who their hands with vicious folly stain,
Their dwelling places never shall remain.

CHAP. IX.

verse 1 THen answered 
Job, I know that this is sure,

verse 2 But how should man before the Lord be pure?

verse 3 If he would with him strive, when all is done,
He cannot answer of a thousand one;

verse 4 He is in heart all-knowing, and all-wise,
And powerfull in strength, rending the skies:
Who e're hath prosper'd, or with wealth been blest,
Which hath against the Lord harden'd his brest?

verse 5 Which doth remove the hills, and they not know,
And in his anger doth them overthrow.

verse 6 He doth the Earth remove out of her seat,
So that the aire its shaking pillars beat.

verse 7 He bids the Sun, and loe it will not rise,
And sealeth up the Stars within the Skies.

verse 8 Himselfe alone the heaven abroad doth spread,
And on the seas impetuous billowes tread.

verse 8 He doth 
Arcturus and 
Orion make,
And 
Pleiades from him their being take:
The chambers of the South his power owne,
With both the torrid and the frigid Zone.

verse 10 Which doth great things beyond the reach of man.
And wonders works, whose number none can scan.

[Page 23] 

verse 11 Behold, he passeth by, he goes by me,
Yet do I neither him perceive or see.

verse 12 Behold, he by his power takes a prey,
Who shall controule him, or but say him nay?

verse 13 If God his burning wrath will not withdraw.
The proudest helpes stoope under him with aw.

verse 14 How much lesse shall I answer him, or mould
My words with him an argument to hold?

verse 15 Whom l'de not answer, though I righteous were,
(For 'tis presumption such a thing to dare)
I such rash foolish courses would not take,
But supplication to my Judge would make.

verse 16 If in my torments I to him had cry'd,
And to my calling he had straight repli'd,
Yet would I not my tried faith once cheere
With hopes that to me he had bent an eare.

verse 17 For why? he with a tempest breakes my bones,
And multiplies without a cause my wounds.

verse 18 He will not let me take (unwilling) breath,
But fils my soule with bitternesse of death.

verse 19 If I of strength or youthfull rigour speake,
Lo, he is strong; a bow of steele hee'l breake.
Or if of judgement, who shall ever dare
To bring me 
 [...]o a pleading at the bar?

verse 20 If I should think my selfe to justifie,
My condemnation my own words should be;
If I should think perfect or just to seeme,
He me perverse and wicked would esteeme.

verse 21 Though I were perfect, yet in mine own eyes
Would I not seeme so; I'de my life despise.

[Page 24] 

verse 22 This is one thing: and therefore did I say,
He doth the wicked and the good destroy.

verse 23 After the scourge, if sudden death be sent,
Hee'l laugh at triall of the innocent.

verse 24 The earth is given to the wicked, they
In it the Scepter and Dominion sway;
The faces of the Judges he doth hide,
They cannot justice see, but go aside:
Or if not so, where then, or who is he,
That can a reason shew why these things be?

verse 25 My daies now swifter then a post do flee,
They all are vanish'd, and no good do see.

verse 26 As swiftest ships they passed are away,
Or as an Eagle hasting to the prey.

verse 27 If that I say I will my plaints forsake,
Leave off my mournings, and some comfort take:

verse 28 Then do I feare my woes, griefes me infold,
Knowing thou wilt not innocent me hold.

verse 29 If I be wicked, why then still in vaine
Thus do I labour, lingring in my paine?

verse 30 If with snow-water I my selfe do wash,
And make my hands most cleane from sinfull trash:

verse 31 Yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, most vile
I shall appeare, yea my cloaths me defile,

verse 32 For he is not a man with flesh attir'd
Like me, vile Creature, who in sin am min'd;
That if in judgement we together come,
Should I him answer? nay, I should be dumb.

verse 33 Nor is there any Umpire us betweene,
On's both to lay his hand and intervene.

[Page 25] 

verse 34 But let him take away his rod from me,
Let not his fear my soul thus terrifie.

verse 35 Then would I speak and not fear any ill,
But since it it is not so, I hold me still.

CHAP. X.

verse 1 MY soule's cut off, though painefull life I have,
I my complaint upon my selfe to leave;
My catalogue of Woes I will unroule,
And speake in anguish of my troubled soule.


verse 2 I'le say to God, Condemne me not, but shew
Wherefore it is with me thou strivest so.


verse 3 Doth it seem good to thee, that thou oppress
Without a cause, and heighten my dirtress?
Or without pitty that thou shouldst despise
Thine handy-work? is that thy wonted guise?
Or wilt thou let thy shining favour crown
Perverse mens counsels, and yet cast me down?


verse 4 And hast thou eyes of flesh, or dost thou see,
As erring mortals, who unknowing be?


verse 5 Are thy daies fleeting, as the daies of man?
Or are thy yeers denoted in a span?


verse 6 That of my faults thou dost enquiry make,
And of my sin a view so narrow take.


verse 7 Thou know'st I am not wicked, that I lye
Restrain'd from sinning by my misery.


[Page 26]Thou also know'st, none can so mighty be,
Who may out of thine hand deliver me.


verse 8 Thou didst my formeless lump fashion and make,
Yet thou destroy'st me and my life dost take.


verse 9 Thou all-Creator call to minde I pray,
That thou hast made me as the brittle clay;
And wilt thou scourge me in thy wrath with pain,
And into dust convert my flesh again?


verse 10 Hast thou not poured out like milke my lees,
And into curds converted me as cheese?


verse 11 Thou hast with skin and flesh my frailty clad,
And all my joynts and bones and sinews made.


verse 12 Thy grace and favour too hath made me live,
Thy providence my spirit did relieve.


verse 13 And thou hast hid these things within thy heart,
That this is with thee, know I for my part.


verse 14 If I offend, thou markest me wherein,
And wilt not hold me guiltless of my sin.


verse 15 If I be wicked, woefull is my fate;
If I be righteous in the worlds conceit,
Yet dare I will not to lift up my head.
Both of confusion I am full and dread.
See thou therefore my misery and griefe,
And of thy mercy send me some reliefe.


verse 16 For why, alas, my daily woes renew
With the uprising Sun; thou dost pursue
Me as a faging Lyon, and again,
Shew'st thy selfe wondrous to prolong my pain.


verse 17 Thy plagues against me Lord thou dost encrease,
And wilt not let thine indignation cease.


[Page 27]I am unsetled, yea and full of change,
Sorrowes against me do an army range.


verse 18 Why didst thou then bring me from out the womb?
Would I had di'd, or it had been my tomb;
And that no mortall ever had me seen,
That it might not be said, I once had been.


verse 19 Then of not being I my wish should have,
And from the womb been carried to the grave.


verse 20 Are not my daies few? let me then alone,
That I by comforts may asswage my moan,


verse 21 Before I go, whence no return can be
Unto a land of gloomy misery.


verse 22 A land of darkness, like to pitchy night,
Or like that darkness which did 
Egypt fright:
And of the shadow of most dreadfull death,
Whose light is darkness, and no order hath.

[Page 28]

CHAP. XI.

verse 1 THy throngs of words, said the 
Naamathite,

verse 2 Should we not answer, then you justly might
Tax us of folly, and you upright be;
But words their speaker cannot justifie.

verse 3 Should thy deceits make our advices cease,
Or thy devices make men hold their peace?
And when thou mockest, dost thou think no man
Should for thy floutings make thee blush with shame?

verse 4 Hast thou not said, my doctrine is most pure,
And I my cleannesse in thine eies assure?

verse 5 But Oh! that God would now against thee speak,
And now at length his long-kept silence break.

verse 6 That hee'd unlock the most mysterious deep,
Of sacred wisdome, which his treasures keep,
That they are double to that ford of thine,
From which thou boastest to be so divine:
Then would'st thou know thy sins did merit far,
More heavy plagues then laid upon thee are.

verse 7 Canst thou by curious searchings of thy mind,
Presume on such a thought as God to find?
Or canst thou tread the Dedalaean maze
Of his perfection in thy span of daies?

verse 8'Tis as the heights of Heaven, what canst thou do?
Deeper then lowest hell, what canst thou know?

[Page 29] 

verse 9 In measure longer then the earth can be,
And broader then the world-surrounding sea.

verse 10 If he cut off, shut up, or gather will,
Who can him let his purpose to fulfill?

verse 11 He knowes vain men, he wickednesse sees too;
Will not he then give it his guerdon due?

verse 12 Man would be wise, yet is a lumpish dolt,
Yea, he is borne like a wild Asses colt.

verse 13 If with repentance thou thine heart prepare.
And stretch out hands which purified are;

verse 14 If thou with sin be laden, throw't away,
And let it not dwell in thy house of clay:

verse 15 Then shall thy spotless face exalted be,
And thou shalt stand and no more terror see.

verse 16 Thou shalt forget thy woe, enjoying good,
And it remember as a by-past Flood.

verse 17 Thou shalt be clearer then the day at noon,
And shine as bright as doth the morning Sun,

verse 18 Thy hope shall make thee to remain secure,
And thou in safety shalt thy selfe immure.

verse 19 Thou shalt lie downe, and none shall make thee feare,
Yea many thee shall call their sutes to hear.

verse 20 But for the wicked, loe their eies shall faile,
They shall not scape, terror shall them assaile:
Yea all their hopes shall be cut off by death,
And fly away as doth a puffe of breath.

[Page 30]

CHAP. XII.

verse 1 THen answer'd 
Job; yea, you the people are,

verse 2 Who suck in wisdome as you draw in aire;
No doubt but you do understand alone,
And wisdome too shall dye when you are gone.

verse 3 But be not so deceiv'd; I understand
As well as you, Ile never give the hand
To the most selfe-conceited among you:
For who such things as these are doth not know?

verse 4 I am as one mock'd of his friends, who call
Upon my God, who answers me in all;
The wicked Atheist laugheth him to scorne,
Whose mind pure justice doth with grace adorne.

verse 5 Whose feet are sliding in a slippery place,
Is as a Lampe scorned by one at ease.

verse 6 The place of robbers prospers; they're secure,
Who to provoke the Lord themselves enure.

verse 7 But aske the beasts, they shall to thee declare,
The foules shall teach thee from amids the aire:

verse 8 Or aske the earth, it will thee wisdome shew,
The very fishes will the same thing do.

verse 9 As not to know in these, who is so rude
That God doth this with mighty pow'r indu'd;

verse 10 In whose disposall in the life of man,
And every living soule comes from his hand?

[Page 31] 

verse 11 Doth not the eare distinguish sounds? and meat
Doth not the palate taste before it eate?

verse 12 Wisdome is taken for the crown of age,
With long life understanding mounts the Stage.

verse 13 Wisdome and strength do the Almighty cloath
He counsell hath, and understanding both:

verse 14 He breaketh down, and none can build agen;
He shutteth up, and who can open then?

verse 15 Loe, he with holds the waters, and they dry,
He sends them out, and o'r the world they flie.

verse 16 With him both strength and sacred wisdome is,
Both the deceiver and deceiv'd are his.

verse 17 The Counsellors he leads unto the spoile,
And in their folly doth the Judges foile.

verse 18 The bond he looseth of most mighty Kings,
And round about their loines a girdle brings.

verse 19 He spoileth Princes, and doth overthrow
The mighty ones in an Abysse of woe.

verse 20 He from the faithfull counsell takes away,
And from the aged understanding stay.

verse 21 He powrs contempt on Princes with his frown,
And brings the strength of the most mighty down.

verse 22 He unvailes secrets from the mist of night.
And brings the very shade of death to light,

verse 23 Sometimes hee'l ruine Nations, sometimes blesse,
Now hee'l enlarge, anon hee'l make them lesse.

verse 24 He doth the leaders of the earth assaile,
And makes their hearts in midst of mirth to faile;
Making them wander in a desart maze,
Where neither paths are, nor frequented waies.

[Page 32] 

verse 25 They grope in darknesse, looking pale and wan;
He makes them stagger like a drunken man.

CHAP. XIII.

verse 1 BEhold, mine eye hath seen all this, mine eare
The same did daily understand and heare:

verse 2 What ye do know, the same I also do,
I am no whit inferiour unto you.

verse 3 For you I care not, sure my thoughts are higher;
With God to speake, and reason I desire.

verse 4 But ye to me as Sycophants do seeme,
Ye are Physitians all of no esteeme.

verse 5 A modest silence would your wisdome shew
More than this babling: Oh that 'twould be so.

verse 6 Hearken to me, my arguments now heare,
And to my pleadings give attentive eare.

verse 7 You folly speake, and make God your pretence,
And talke deceit of him with confidence.

verse 8 Will ye exceptions at his person make?
Thinke you he wants your strength his part to take?

verse 9 Think you it well, that he of you should seeke?
As for a man, lies for him will you make?

verse 10 He will reprove you both as fooles and vaine,
If ye mens persons do accept for gaine.

verse 11 Shall not his Majesty make you afraid?
Shall not his Anger make you quaile with dread?

[Page 33] 

verse 12 Your memories like ashes flye away,
Your bodies liken bodies too of clay.

verse 13 Hold, hold your peace, let me alone, I say,
That I may speake, let come what will or may.

verse 14 My flesh as famish'd, why do I devoure,
And put my life in perill every houre?

verse 15 Although he slay me, in him will I trust,
But mine own waies I will maintaine and must.

verse 16 He shall to me a Saviour be most deare,
And hypocrites before him sha'n't appeare.

verse 17 My declaration diligently heare;
Attend my speech with an attentive eare.

verse 18 Behold, my cause I have in order set,
And know I shall be justified by it.

verse 19 Who is he that will plead with me? If I
Be forced now to silence, I shall dye.

verse 20 Only let not two things to me betide,
Then I my selfe from thee will never hide.

verse 21 Let him with-draw his hand away from me,
Let not thy feare my soule thus terrifie.

verse 22 Then if thou call, loe, I will answer thee,
Or let me speake, and answer thou to me.

verse 23 How many are my sins? make me to know
My past transgressions, and my sins forgoe.

verse 24 Why hidest thou thy face? why dost thou hold
Me for thine enemy profess'd and bold?

verse 25 Wilt thou a leafe breake, driven by the wind?
Or to pursue dry stubble dost thou mind?

verse 26 For thou against me writest bitter things,
My sins of youth now plagues upon me brings.

[Page 34] 

verse 27 Thou putst me into prison, and my way
Thou narrowly observest all the day:
My heeles thou markest and my feet espie;
My steps thou notest if they tread awry.

verse 28 And as a rotten thing he fades away,
As a moth-eaten garment doth decay.

CHAP. XIV.

verse 1 MAn that is borne of woman hath a life
Though short of daies, yet full of troublous strife.

verse 2 He as a flower springeth forth and blossomes,
But cropt before the time of ripenes comes.
And as a shadow he does flye away,
Either without continuance or stay.

verse 3 And dost thou such an one behold and see,
And into judgement bringest me with thee?

verse 4 Will nature changed be? a cleaner thing
Out of an uncleane masse what man can bring,

verse 5 Seeing his daies appointed are, and thou
The number of his months and bounds dost know?

verse 6 Turne but thine hand from him, that rest he may,
Till as an hireling he make up his day.

verse 7 For of a tree some hope doth yet remaine,
Although cut down, that it will sprout againe;
And that its tender branch yet will not cease,
But budding first, further at length encrease.

[Page 35] 

verse 8 Although its root grow old within the ground,
And in the earth its stock decay'd be found;

verse 9 Yet through the sent of water will it sprout,
And like a plant, greene boughs afresh shoot out.

verse 10 But man, poore man does die, and waste, and flee;
He giveth up the Ghost, and where is he?

verse 11 As Rivers faile to run into the Sea,
And so the floud doth dry up and decay;

verse 12 So man lies down and rises not againe,
Untill the heavens no more be, or remaine:
They shall not waken, but shall silence keep,
Nor shall they raised be out of their sleep.

verse 13 Oh that the grave might be a hiding place,
Wherein to hide me till thy wrath to passe:
And that thou wouldst appoint a time wherein
Thou wouldst thinke on me, and forgive my sin.

verse 14 If once man faile by stroke of look'd-for death,
Shall he yet live againe and draw his breath?
The daies of my appointed time Ile waite,
Untill my change my paines abreviate.

verse 15 Thou shalt call me, and I will answer make,
Thou in thy workmanship wilt pleasure take.

verse 16 For now my steps thou numbrest, and dost note;
Dost thou not watch over my acted fault?

verse 17 My sin, as in a bag, is sealed fast,
And my transgression sewed up thou hast.

verse 18 The mountains falling come to nought, sure 'tis,
And from his place the rock removed is:

verse 19 The waters weare the stones: the things that grow
Thou spoilest, and mans hope dost overthrow.

[Page 36] 

verse 20 Thou dost prevaile against him, and he's gone,
His countenance thou changest, and he's done.

verse 21 His sons though great, unknown to him's their lot,
They are dejected, but he knows it not.

verse 22 His flesh upon him shall be payned sore,
And's soul within him shall for anguish roar.

CHAP. XV.

verse 1 THen 
Eliphaz: Should wise men folly mind,

verse 2 And fill their belly with the Eastern wind?

verse 3 Should he with talke unprofitable frame,
His arguing reasons, or with speeches vaine?

verse 4 Yea, off thou castest reverentiall fear,
And dost restrain before the Lord thy prayer.

verse 5 For loe thy mouth thine own transgression shews,
And thou the tongue dost of the crafty use.

verse 6 And thine own mouth condemneth thee, not I;
Yea, thine own lips against thee testifie.

verse 7 Wert thou the first of all men born, or had
You a beginning, ere the hils were made?

verse 8 Hast thou Gods secret heard, and dost restraine
Wisdome and policy to thine own braine?

verse 9 Wherein doth thy experience over-reach
Our knowledge? or wherein us canst thou teach?

verse 10 With us grey headed men and aged are,
Yea much more aged then thy fathers were.

[Page 37] 

verse 11 With thee are all Gods consolations small?
Is there with thee one secret thing at all?

verse 12 Why doth thine heart lead thee astray? or why,
Or whereat dost thou wink with wicked eye?

verse 13 That God thou thus despisest without dread,
And let'st such words out of thy mouth proceed.

verse 14 What are frail mortals that they should be clean,
And think themselves from wickedness to wean?
Or he that's of a woman born that he
Himselfe so righteous should esteem to be?

verse 15 To trust his Saints, Loe he takes no delight,
Yea and the heavens unclean are in his sight:

verse 16 How much more filthy and impure is man,
Who doth like water drink transgression.

verse 17 Behold, I'le shew thee, listen then and hear,
Only what I have seen I will declare.

verse 18 VVhich wisemen have from their fore-fathers told,
And did not from their children it with-hold.

verse 19 To whom alone the earth was given, and
No strangers past among them in the Land.

verse 20 The wicked man travels with daily paine,
And yet of yeeres the number cannot gain.

verse 21 A dreadfull sound is in his eares; the foe,
In his most prosperous time shall on him flow.

verse 22 He out of darkness credits no return;
The sword waits for him, yet he does not mourn.

verse 23 For bread he wanders seeking through the Land,
He knowes the day of darkness is at hand.

verse 24 Trouble shall terrifie, and anguish fright,
And foil him, as a King prepar'd for fight.

[Page 38] 

verse 25 For against God he stretcheth out his hand,
Against th' Al-mighty he himselfe doth band.

verse 26 He runneth on him, even on his neck,
On his defensive bucklers bosses thick;

verse 27 Because with fatness he his face doth hide,
And makes fat collops on his flanks and side.

verse 28 He dwels in Cities which are desolate,
And in the houses where none habitate:
In places which so full of ruines are,
That nothing but deformed heaps appear.

verse 29 He never shall be rich in his revenue,
Nor shall his gather'd substance long continue:
Neither shall he prolong upon the earth,
Its small perfection, or for gaine or mirth.

verse 30 He shall not out of darknesse get, the flame
Shall dry up his branches, and burn up his name;
And by the breath which from Gods mouth doth fly,
He shall consume, and go away, and die.

verse 31 Let not deceived men trust in things vain,
For vanity shall them reward again.

verse 32 It shall be e're his time accomplish'd seen,
And his now-dying branch shall not be seen.

verse 33 His unripe grape, as Vines, shake off shall he,
And cast his flower as the Olive tree.

verse 34 For hypocrites shall perish from their Place,
And fire the place of brib'ries shall deface.

verse 35 They bring forth air, conceiving mischiefs great,
Their belly also doth prepare deceit.

[Page 39]

CHAP. XVI.

verse 1 THen 
Iob: I have heard many such like things,

verse 2 Even all of you most wretched comfort bring.

verse 3 Shall vain words have an end? or else whereby
Art thou emboldned, that thou art so high?

verse 4 I too could speak as ye do; if your soule
Were in my poor souls place, I could a roule
Of words heap up against you: and in stead
Of giving comfort, at you shake my head.

verse 5 But with my mouth, I'd strengthen your reliefe,
And with my moving lips asswage your griefe.

verse 6 Although I speak, my griefe yet doth not cease;
And though I do forbear, I have no ease.

verse 7 But he hath tyred and me weary made,
And my companions desolate hath layde.

verse 8 Thou hast with wrinckles furrowed my face,
Which are against me in a witness place;
My leannesse in me, through my griefe and fear,
Even to my very face doth witnesse bear.

verse 9 My foe doth tear me in his wrath; his eyes
And teeth he sharpning, doth my hurt devise.

verse 10 They gap'd on me, and with reproach did smite
My cheek; to meet against me they delight.

verse 11 God me deliver'd to the ungodlies bands,
And turn'd me over into wicked hands.

[Page 40] 

verse 12 I was at ease, but lo, he hath me broke,
And by the neck, me, wretched me hath took.
And hath my afflicted body even slaine.
And set me as the mark whereat hee'l aim.

verse 13 He cleaves my reines in sunder without spare,
Yet doth regard nor my complaint nor pray'r,
His Archers have about beset me round,
He powreth out my gall upon the ground.

verse 14 With daily breaches he doth me amerce,
He runs upon me like a Gyant fierce.

verse 15 I have sow'd sackcloth on me, as was just,
And have defil'd mine honour in the dust.

verse 16 My face is foule with weeping, so's my breath,
And on my eye-lids is the shade of death.

verse 17 Not that my hands injustice can endure,
Aso my prayer before the Lord is pure.

verse 18 Cover not thou my bloud, O Earth, and let
My dolefull cryings in thee no place get.

verse 19 Also behold, my witnesse is on high,
And my best record is above the skie.

verse 20 My friends despise me, making mowes and jeeres,
But yet mine eye poure out to God my teares.

verse 21 O that one might with God for frail man plead,
As for his friend another may at need.

verse 22 When but few yeers are come, then shall I go,
The way whereby I shall returne no more.

[Page 41]

CHAP. XVII.

verse 1 MY breath is grown corrupt, short are my daies
And for the ready graves I am a prey.

verse 2 Are there not mockers with me? don't mine eie,
Too long within their provocations lie.

verse 4 Lay down now, put in surety which I like,
Who is he that with me his hands will strike?

verse 4 For thou hast hid their heart from wisdoms things,
Thou shalt therefore them to honour bring.

verse 5 He that doth cheat his friends with flattering tongue,
His childrens eyes shall faile for such his wrong.

verse 6 The peoples by-word he made me, (alas!)
And as a tabret I aforetime was.

verse 7 Mine eye is dimme by reason of my pain,
And all my members as a shade are vaine.

verse 8 At this shall be amazed men upright,
And the innocent shall vex the hypocrite.

verse 9 The righteous shall hold on his way, and so
He that hath cleansed hands shall stronger grow.

verse 10 As for you all return and listen now,
For I one wiseman cannot find with you.

verse 11 My daies are past, my purposes are done,
The very thoughts within my heart are flown.

verse 12 They change the Night into a lightsome day,
The light is short, darknesse it drives away.

[Page 42] 

verse 13 If I do waite, my house the grave is made,
And in the darkness I my bed have laid.

verse 14 Unto corruption I have said forlorne,
Thou art my father: to the silly Worm,
Thou art my mother, and my sister too,
Whose weak simplicity my frailty shew.

verse 15 And where is now my hope? as for my hope
Who shall it see, and know his drift and scope?

verse 16 They shall into the pit go; when we have
Our rest together in the quiet grave.

CHAP. XVIII.

verse 1 HOw long wil't be, said 
Bildad; see you make

verse 2 An end of words; mark us, & then wee'l speak.

verse 3 Wherefore as beasts are we accounted slight,
And as most vile, reputed in thy sight?

verse 4 He tears himself in's wrath: shall th' earth be left
For thee or rocks removed be, or cleft?

verse 5 The light of wicked men shall fade and die;
The sparkles of their fire shall dying lie.

verse 6 In his house light and darknesse are the same;
His lamp shall faile too with his perish'd name.

verse 7 His streightned steps shall make his strength to fail,
And his own counsell make him fall and quaile.

verse 8 He goes into a net at unaware,
And walks on (laid to catch himselfe) a snare.

[Page 43] 

verse 9 The way-laid grin shall take him by the heel,
And against him the robber shall prevaile.

verse 10 Upon the ground for him a snare they lay,
And spread a trap to take him in the way.

verse 11 Terrors of death shall fright him every where,
And drive him to a hasty flight for feare.

verse 12 His strength shall faile for hunger, and beside
Nought but destruction shall to him betide.

verse 13 It shall devoure his skin with tedious length,
The first-born of grim death shall eat his strength.

verse 14 His confidence shall from his house be fled,
And it shall bring him to the King of Dread

verse 15 It in his house shall dwell, because of right
'Tis none of his; Brimstone shall on it light.

verse 16 His root shall wither, and dry up below,
Yea and his branch above shall cease to grow.

verse 17 His name shall be forgotten, and his birth,
Shall be no more remembred on the earth.

verse 18 Out of the world he shall be chased quite,
And driven into darknesse out of light.

verse 19 He shall nor Son, nor nephew have, nor land,
Nor ought remaining in his house to stand.

verse 20 They that come after, shall b'affeighted more,
At this his day, then those who went before.

verse 21 Such is the house of worldlings, such their rod,
This is the place of them who know not God.

[Page 44]

CHAP. XIX.

verse 1 THen 
Job: How long will ye thus vex my foul,

verse 2 And me in pieces break with words so foul?

verse 3 Ten times have ye reproached me with blame,
Yet of your strangeness to me have no shame.

verse 4 Be it indeed that I have err'd, vile elfe,
Mine error yet remaineth with my selfe.

verse 5 If ye your selves will magnifie indeed,
And my reproach against me surely plead;

verse 6 Know now that God hath me quite overset,
And hath my feet encompas'd with his net.

verse 7 Lo, I cri'd out of wrong, but none doth hear,
I cry aloud, but judgement don't appear.

verse 8 He fenced has my way, I cannot pass,
And he hath set sad darkness in my place.

verse 9 He strips me of my glory, and doth tread
On me; He takes the Crown from off my head.

verse 10 He hath destroy'd me, and I'm gon; and he
My long-liv'd hope hath moved like a tree.

verse 11 His wrath is kindled to increase my woe,
And he accounts me as his daring foe.

verse 12 His troops besiege me, and defence their waies,
They doe encamp about my dwelling place.

verse 13 He makes my brethren from me too too strange,
And my acquaintance will not know my change.

[Page 45] 

verse 14 My Kin have failed, and my well known friends
Forget my passed love for my amends.

verse 15 My houshold for a stranger tooke me quite,
I am an alient in my maidens sight:

verse 16 I call'd my servant, he no answer gave,
And I intreated with my mouth my slave.

verse 17 My Wife as strange my loathed breath did take,
Though I did beg for mine own childrens sake.

verse 18 Young children also did me wretch despise;
They speak against me, when I did arise.

verse 19 My inward friends abhor me, cause I mourn;
They whom I loved, do against me turn.

verse 20 My bones cleave to my skin, and to my flesh;
I am consumed with this cruell lash.

verse 21 Have pitty on me, O my friends, for God
Hath scourg'd me sorely with a heavy rod.

verse 22 As God, why do you persecute me still;
And are not sated with my fleshes fill?

verse 23 Oh that my words were written now in frame,
That they were printed in the book of fame.

verse 24 That they were graven with an iron pen,
And laid i'th' Rock for ever to remain.

verse 25 For why, I know that my Redeemer lives,
(Who just rewards to his true servants gives)
And at the latter day that he shall stand,
The wicked to condemne and judge the Land:

verse 26 And though my skin and body worms destroy,
Yet in my flesh I shall see God with joy;

verse 27 Whom I shall see in this same very mould,
And mine eies, not another, shall behold.

[Page 46]Although my reines consumed be with griefe,
Within my bosome without least reliefe.

verse 28 But ye should say, why persecuted's he,
Seeing the chiefest matter's found in me.

verse 29 Fear ye the sword, wrath brings it as its right,
That ye may know, a judgement's there upright.

CHAP. XX.

verse 1 THen 
Zophar said: My thoughts no time will wast,

verse 2 But make me answer, yea for this I hast.

verse 3 I have observ'd the check of my reproach,
Which makes my spirit thus an answer broach.

verse 4 Knowst thou not this of old, since man on earth
From God received a created birth.

verse 5 That though the wicked triumph in his joy,
Yet in a minute griefe will him annoy;
And the dissemblers mirth shall onely last
A moment, and then perish like a blast.

verse 6 Although his honour in the heaven he shroudes,
And though his head aspire unto the cloudes;

verse 7 Yet shall he perish like his dung, and they
Which once have seen him, where is he? shall say.

verse 8 As doth a dream, so he away shall flee,
And none shall find where such an one could be.
And as a sudden motion frights a way,
A mighty vision: so is his decay.

[Page 47] 

verse 9 The eye that saw him, him no more shall see,
Nor in his dwelling shall he henceforth be.

verse 10 His children shall be forc'd to please the poor,
And his own hands their taken goods restore.

verse 11 His sins of youthfull daies he bears and must,
For they shall lie down with him in the dust.

verse 12 Though to his palate wickednesse be sweet,
And though his tongue tast it as pleasant meat.

verse 13 Although he spare and will not from it part,
But keep it still both in his mouth and heart:

verse 14 Yet shall his meat within his bowels turn,
It as the gall of Aspes shall in him burn.

verse 15 He fondly thinking none or knew or saw,
Hath swallow'd riches with a greedy maw:
But he shall them disgorge, though ne'r so stout,
For from his belly God shall bring them out.

verse 16 The rankest poyson he shall suck of Aspes,
The vipers tongue him in the grave shall clasp.

verse 17 He doth not to the Brooks, Floods, Rivers go,
That do with honey and with butter flow.

verse 18 When he expects the benefit to reap,
Of all his passed labors, and to heap
Rest to himself, he shall it not digest,
But shall restore thereof the very best.
As is his substance shall his payment be,
Yet to rejoyce therein none may him see.

verse 19 Because he did with violence oppresse,
And after leave the poor in their distresse;
Because by wrongfull force he took away,
His neighbours house, his lively hood and stay,

[Page 48] 

verse 20 He in his belly shall diseases have,
That which he most desires he shall not save.

verse 21 There shall be of his meat a great defect,
None therefore shall his wicked goods expect.

verse 22 In all the fulnesse of his pride, and height
Of his possessions, he shall be in streight:
The wicked shall oppresse him with their force;
And every hand shall vexe him in their course.

verse 23 When he expects of his now-ripe-growne fruit
To taste, God quickly him from th' earth shall root;
The fury of his wrath shall on him raine
While he is eating, and doth doubt no paine.

verse 24 While from the sword he flees, the bow of steele
Shall strike him thorow, following his heele.

verse 25'Tis drawn out of the body at his fall,
The glistring sword doth come out of his gall.

verse 26 Terrours are on him, nought but darkenesse sad
Within his dwelling ever shall be bad.
A fire not blown shall him of life bereave,
And in his place quick ruine none shall leave.

verse 27 The very heavens his full-grown sin shall shew,
And the earth against him shall a rebell grow.

verse 28 The large encrease of his so stately place
Shall in the day of wrath fly thence apace.

verse 29 This is the wickeds portion: even the rod,
Which as a living's given them by God.

[Page 49]

CHAP. XXI.

verse 1 BUt 
Job reply'd: my speeches now attend,

verse 2 Which to your comfort all their reason bend.

verse 3 But let me speake, and after I have spoke
If ye thinke good, ye may proceed to mock.

verse 4 Is my complaint to man? if't were, yet why
Should not my soule be troubled, yea, and cry?

verse 5 Marke well my terrours, and amazed stand,
Andon your mouth so silenc'd lay your hand.

verse 6 When I remember, I am full of feare,
My Flesh doth tremble, and my haire doth stare.

verse 7 Why do the wicked live, encrease in wealth,
And aged grow through long continu'd health?

verse 8 Their children prosper in their sinfull lives,
And in their sight their setled off-spring thrives.

verse 9 Their houses are secure through peace: no dread
Or crosse approaching once their fearelesse head.

verse 10 Their Bullockes breed, not once receiving wrong,
Their Cowes bring forth no dead abortive young.

verse 11 Their Sons are many, as a flock of sheep,
Who mirthfull meetings for their lusts do keep.

verse 12 The harp and tabret do their joies make ripe,
In measures tripping to the Organ-pipe.

verse 13 They spend their daies in luxury, and have
No dread, till death doth throw them quick in grave.

[Page 50] 

verse 14 Who say to God most wise, that crownes their daies,
Depart, we have no wil to know thy waies.

verse 15 What's this Al-mighty? who this God? what cause
Have we to addict our service to his lawes.
Suppose, we pray to this so talk't a King,
What profit would our vaine spent houres bring?

verse 16 See, straight these braggers with their wealth are gone,
'Twas onely lent by God, and not their own.
If so, their riches are a snare: O then,
Preserve me from the blisses of such men.

verse 17 How oft the wicked faile even with a puffe,
Their credit dying like a candles snuffe.
God in his wrath will them divide and raze,
The wicked shall not live out halfe their daies.

verse 18 They shall before the wind as stubble be,
Like chaffe by stormy blasts driven, so they flee.

verse 19 For Parents sin (so strickt a Judge is God)
He on their children oft inflicts his rod.
This he shall know, this he shall plainly see,
When he to merit shall rewarded be.

verse 20 His eyes shall see his own, and off springs fall,
And of Gods wrath shall drink the very gall.

verse 21 For when his daies are shortned, what vile pleasure
Hath he in's house, or late relinquish't treasure?

verse 22 Shall any teach God knowledge, or reprove
His acts as ill, who judgeth from above?

verse 23 One in his height of strength and best of daies,
Dyes, even choak't with too much wealth and ease;

verse 24 His brest and bones of milk and marrow full,
Which cares and crosses never did annull.

[Page 51] 

verse 25 Another lives a life far worse then death,
Drawing an irksome with a carefull breath.

verse 26 They both shall die alike, and in the grave
Their rotting bodies wormes for meat shall have.

verse 27 Behold I know your private closest thoughts,
Where with you'd wrong me; I foresee the plots.

verse 28 Where does, yee cry, this Princes Palace stand?
Where is the dwelling of the wicked man?

verse 29 Ask them that passe, and travell by the way,
And mark their tokens, hear what they will say.

verse 30 Are not the wicked to a ruine kept,
That by the day of wrath they may be swept?

verse 31 Who shall his error to his face declare,
His sin to blame, or punish who shall dare.

verse 32 Yet he to his appointed grave shall come,
And lie concealed in a tragick tombe.

verse 33 The slimy valley to him shall be sweet;
Him some precede, some follow, some do meet.

verse 34 How then do all your comforts prove but vaine,
Since in your answers falshood doth remaine.

[Page 52]

CHAP. XXII.

verse 1 THen 
Eliphaz reply'd; may man indeed

verse 2 To God bring profit, as he may proceed
In his affaires who's wise in worldly things,
Whose very action dayly profit brings?

verse 3 If so thou art upright, what can it yet
Profit th' Almighty? can he gaine by it?

verse 4 Will he reprove thee as possest with feare?
Will he his judgements at thy will forbeare?

verse 5 Hast thou not greatly multiply'd thy sin?
Have not thy faults innumerable bin?

verse 6 Thou hast for nought thy brother made a prey,
And from the naked 
 [...]a'ne their cloaths a way.

verse 7 With drinke the weary thou didst not relieve,
Nor to the hungry of thy bread didst give:

verse 8 But to the mighty still was added more,
Thy hand and power encreast the rich mans store.

verse 9 The widowes teares ne'r made thee to relent,
Thou hast oppressed Orphans empty sent.

verse 10 Therefore in every path is laid a snare;
Thy soule shall be perplext with sudden feare.

verse 11 Or dismall darknesse that thou canst not see,
Afflictions shall like water cover thee.

verse 12 Ah! Is not God in heaven? Behold the sky,
And view the stars beyond our wonder high.

[Page 53] 

verse 13 Canst thou yet say, how should th' Almighty know?
Can he judge through the clouds? tush, surely no.

verse 14 They are a vaile through which he cannot see,
Walking in heaven, what our offences be;

verse 15 But hold, hast thou observ'd that worldly way,
Wherein of old the wicked went astray?

verse 16 Who e'r they thought of death were snatcht away,
And their foundations swallow'd by the sea.

verse 17 Who say to God, depart, we will not feare,
What can th' Almighty doe, for which we care?

verse 18 Yet he increas'd their stock, and fil'd their store
With sought-for wedges of refined Ore.
Yet never let me from thy truth so erre,
As these mens counsels justly to prefer.

verse 19 The righteous see it, and rejoyce withall,
And who are guiltless laugh and scorne their fall.

verse 20 Whereas our substance stands untouch'd: but fire
The ruine of their remnant shall conspire.

verse 21 Therefore returne to him and make thy peace,
So shalt thou prosper, and thy trouble cease.

verse 22 Receive his Law, I pray: and in thine heart
Lay up his words; thence let them never start.

verse 23 If thou returne, he will repaire the breach,
And thou shalt put prophanenesse from thy reach.

verse 24 Thou shalt hoord gold as dust, with gold of 
Ophir,
Even as with stones thou shalt fill full thy Coffer.

verse 25 Yea the Almighty shall be thy defence,
Plenty of silver shall delight thy sence.

verse 26 In the Almighty thou shalt then delight,
And in his presence lift thy face upright.

[Page 54] 

verse 27 Then shall be hear and answer when you pray,
And in thy zeale then shalt thou vow and pay.

verse 28 Thou shalt decree, and he shall make it sure,
And all thy waies his favour shall procure.

verse 29 When others fall, then shalt thou say, I have
A lifting up; God will the humble save.

verse 30 The just shall save the Land, yea it shall be
Preserved by the goodnesse that's in thee.

CHAP. XXIII.

verse 1 BUt 
Iob repli'd: my plaints most bitter grow;

verse 2 My wound is greater then my griefe can show.

verse 3 Oh that I might my angry God but meet,
That I might be admitted to his seat!

verse 4 Then would I plead my cause before his face,
And with my reasons make him know my case.

verse 5 I would his answer know, and understand
What he would say, or what he would command.

verse 6 Will he his pow'r against my frailty use,
O no, an answering strength he will infuse.

verse 7 There might the just dispute with him, so I
Should from my Judge be made for ever free.

verse 8 If I go to the East, he is not there;
If to the West, yet will he not appear.

verse 9 I find him not, though I the North surround,
He's hidden in the South, and is not found.

[Page 55]Forward and backward, he? e and there I spie,
Yet all my searches cannot him descry.

verse 10 But he knowes all my waies; and when I'm tri'd,
I shall come forth like silver purifi'd.

verse 11 My foot hath held his steps most equally,
I've kept his way, and have not gone awry.

verse 12 I have not turn'd my back upon his law,
Nor from his precepts did my selfe withdraw.
I did esteem his words as far more good
Unto my soule, then to my body food.

verse 13 But he is constant, who can change him then?
He doth his pleasure to the sons of men.

verse 14 He will perform what is decree'd of me,
And something doth, we can nor know, nor see.

verse 15 I tremble at his presence, I fall down,
When I consider, then I fear his frown.

verse 16 The Lord hath made my heart from hardness free,
And the Almighty hath afflicted me.

verse 17 I am afflicted, but not quite destroy'd,
Although I know not why I am annoy'd.

[Page 56]

CHAP. XXIV.

verse 1 CAn the All-knowing God, to whom obey
Dayes, times and houres, be ignorant how they
Do passe or circle? whence proceeds, if then
That those who know him not, most wicked men,
Can see his daies, and think to force his will,
To bear their crimes, and luxuries fulfill?

verse 2 The Land-markes some remove, and take away
The flocks, and feed upon them as their prey.

verse 3 The Orphans Asse they drive away unbought,
And take the widdowes Ox to pledge for nought.

verse 4 The needy they mislead, and make them glad
Of Caves to keep them from a life more sad.

verse 5 Loe, as wild Asses in the desart doe,
So to their businesse doe these wretches go,
Rising for pr
 [...]y: they will not be withstood;
The Desart yeelds them and their children food.

verse 6 They reap the poor mans corn, while yet it grew,
And pull the vintage of their very crew.

verse 7 They make the naked without clothing lye,
And through extremity of cold to dye.

verse 8 Showrs of the mountain wet their naked skin,
And they embrace the rocks for covering.

verse 9 They pluck Orphans from their mothers brest,
And take the pledge from men with need opprest.

[Page 57] 

verse 10 From his half-naked back his clothes they pull,
And take their gleaning from the hungry soul.

verse 11 Yea those who make their oyle, & for their wine,
Tread in their presses, suffer thirst and pine.

verse 12 Men through extortion in the City groan,
They weep, and suffer, and unpittied, moan.
The crying blood of slain even preacheth woe,
Yet God unpunish't lets their folly go.

verse 13 These, these are they that so abhor the light,
And in the way of truth will not delight.

verse 14 The murtherer arising with the day,
The poor and needy in his wrath doth slay.
Among his consorts he's accounted chiefe,
And in the night he is a cunning thiefe.

verse 15 Th' adultrous monster with a watchfull eye,
Wasteth his wished twilight to espie.
No eye shall see me, in his heart he saies,
And with disguises seeks to hide his face.

verse 16 They rob those houses in the dark of night
They marked in the day: they hate the light.

verse 17 As is grim death unto our frame of clay,
Such to these wretches is the dawning day.
For if one know them, they are straight in fear,
As if the pangs of death did then appear.

verse 18 He's swift upon the waters, for he knows
His portion on the earth is nought but woes.
His mind's so fraught with jealousies and feares,
That go the publike way he never dares.

verse 19 As heat and drought the waters dry away,
So shall the grave those men that go astray.

[Page 58] 

verse 20 Yea they shall be forgotten, and instead
Of all their pleasures, worms shall on them feed.
They shall no more on Earth remembred be,
The wicked shall be broken like a tree.

verse 21 He to the barren did no comfort give,
Nor poorer widdowes with his goods relieve.

verse 22 He drawes the mighty by his power to strife,
And when he riseth none is sure of life.

verse 23 Though he may rest secure and live in peace,
If they but move, his eies are on their waies.

verse 24 They are exalted for a little while,
Then are brought low, and have a sudden foile.
They are destroy'd, cut off, yea in their prime;
As are the eares of corn in summer time.

verse 25 If't be not so, who'le me a liar make,
And from my speeches their true value take?

[Page 59]

CHAP. XXV.

verse 1 THen 
Bildad said: Power and strength remain

verse 2 With him, that Peace doth with himself retain.

verse 3 His Armies have no number, his is might;
On all things living doth arise his light.

verse 4 How then can man be justify'd with God?
How can the sons of men be free from's rod?

verse 5 He speaks the word, the Moon deny's its light,
The very stars are faulty in his sight.

verse 6 How much lesse man who is a worm, and frail,
Whose greatest worth doth as a shadow fail.

[Page 60]

CHAP. XXVI.

verse 1 BUt 
Iob returned: Hast thou the weak supply'd

verse 2 Out of thy strength against the arme of pride?
And such as through weaknesse void of might,
To help or strengthen hast thou ta'ne delight?

verse 3 Hast thou such counsel'd as did counsell need,
Or hast thou shewn the thing as 'tis indeed?

verse 4 Why, or to whom dost thou these words declare?
What or whose spirit in them doth appear?

verse 5 Mines, metals, dead things, God does wisely frame,
Under the waters, yet he knowes the same.

verse 6 Naked before him is the Earths abisse,
Destruction is not hid; Hell open is.

verse 7 Hee makes the Heavens turn round, the Northern Pole,
The Earths vast body nothing doth uphold.

verse 8 He binds the waters in his Clouds, and yet
The clouds not broken are under their weight.

verse 9 He holdeth back his throne, and in a cloud,
He makes the heavens their glorious beauty shroud.

verse 10 Unto the waters he hath set their bounds,
As long as day and night fulfill their rounds.

verse 11 The very Heavens before his face do shake,
At his reproofe the pillars of it quake.

verse 12 His power calmes the sea, whose waves did croud
Themselves into a storme: he smites the proud.

[Page 61] 

verse 13 The Heavens their garnish by his Spirit have,
His hand a form to crooked Serpents gave.

verse 14 Behold and see of's waies this little share,
How little of his power do we hear.
If this so little be, then Lord what man
The thunder of thy power can understand.

CHAP. XXVII.

verse 1 VVHen having staid a little 
Iob proceeds,
And in his speech to's friends this Lecture reads.

verse 2 The living God doth me afflict so sore,
I want my judgement, madnesse makes me roar.
So many sorrowes daily on me break,
That I in anguish of my soule do speak.

verse 3 Yet while I live, as long as that same brearh,
Infus'd by God into me, being hath,

verse 4 I will my lips from wickednesse refraine,
Nor shall deceit my purer speeches staine.

verse 5 You judge me faulty: can your sin be hid?
Shall I applaud your sin? no, God forbid.
I under undeserved torments lye,
Yet will not leave my justnesse till I dye.

verse 6 I my uprightnesse will not quit, my heart
Shall not accuse me, while I live to start.

verse 7 Let all thy judgements follow such as rise
Against me; and my chastisement despise.

[Page 62]Oh let them as presumptuous sinners be,
Whom death cuts off, ere half their daies they see.

verse 8 What's the dissemblers hope to heap up wealth,
When God takes from his soule his saving health?

verse 9 When dreadfull terrors do his mind assaile,
Shall then his teares or cries with God prevaile?

verse 10 Will his afflictions make him call on God?
Or will he love him when he feeles his rod?

verse 11 I will through God great mysteries reveale,
What the Almighty does, I'le not conceale.

verse 12 Which you your selves have seen, but do not know;
Why will you then so much your folly show?

verse 13 This lot the Lord to wicked men will give,
This is the portion tyrants shall receive.

verse 14 The sword with raging fury shall orethrow
His growing off-spring with a sudden blow;
And his surviving stock for want of bread
Shall travell desarts, yet be never fed.

verse 15 Death shall his remnant in oblivion rake,
Their relict Widdowes no complaint shall make.

verse 16 Although as dust in heaps he silver hoord;
Though he with rayment as with clay be stor'd:

verse 17 The just shall share his wealth; he may prepare:
But th' innocent his clothes so got shall wear.

verse 18 He like the moth builds in anothers ground,
And as a Keepers booth at night's not found.

verse 19 The rich lie down, but dying never have,
As had their fathers, a contented grave.

verse 20 He look's and's gone: terrors shall them affright,
Tempests shall steal him in the dead of night.

[Page 63] 

verse 21 The east-wind takes him, and away he's flown,
It hurles him from his place, and he is gone.

verse 22 God will cast trouble on him, and not spare;
He faine would flee, and fals into a snare.

verse 23 All men shall clap their hands at his disgrace.
And with derision hisse him from his place.

CHAP. XXVIII.

verse 1 VVIthin the earth for silver there's a mine,
And there's a place the golden Ore to fine.

verse 2 Iron is digg'd from out the earth with paines:
And Brasse is molten out of stones for gaines.

verse 3 God endeth darknesse, all perfection hath;
He binds up darknesse and the vale of death.

verse 4 The floud breakes out against the dwellers by,
The floud-forgotten waters are grown dry.

verse 5 Out of the earth growes bread, for mans use fit,
And fire (as 'twere) is turn'd up under it.

verse 6 The stones thereof are as the Saphires store,
Its dust is of the purest golden Ore.

verse 7 Within its path no foule hath ever been,
The Vultures eye its walkes hath never seen.

verse 8 The Lions whelps in it ne'r set their foot,
Nor have fiere Lions ever come into 't.

verse 9 He doth but touch the rocks, and laies them low;
He doth the mountaines by the roots o'rthrow.

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verse 10 He turneth rocks to rivers by his might,
All things are obvious to his sight.

verse 11 He binds the flouds, they cannot overflow,
And hidden things he maketh all men know.

verse 12 But where is wisdome found? thrice happy he
Who can the place of understanding see.

verse 13 No man the knowledge of its price can gaine,
Much lesse can flesh-clad mortals it attaine.

verse 14 The depth cries out, it doth not rest in me;
Nor is it with me, answereth the Sea.

verse 15 It is not gold this rarest jewell buies,
Nor silver can its value counterpoise.

verse 16 Pure 
Ophir gold can't for its worth prevaile,
The precious 
Onix and the 
Saphire faile.

verse 17 Nor gold, nor jewels, nor the Crystall pure
Have worth this heaven-fetcht jewell to procure.

verse 18 Corall or Pearles shall not be thought of for't,
Nay more, the rubies of its worth fall short.

verse 19 The 
Ethiopian Topaz cannot hold
To purchase it no more than can the gold.

verse 20 Whence then proceedeth understanding? where
Doth wisdome in its height of worth appeare,

verse 21 Seeing 'tis bid from every mortall eye,
And from the foules kept close that soare on high?

verse 22 Death and destruction say, its force and sound
Hath to our eare a frequent passage found:

verse 23 But only God the way thereof doth know,
And understands the place whence it doth flow.

verse 24 For he the corners of the earth doth see,
And knows all things that sublunary be.

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verse 25 As in a ballance he the winds doth weight,
And measures all the waters in survey.

verse 26 When for the raine he its decrees did lay,
And for the thunders lightning make a way.

verse 27 This secret then he saw, and did declare
He in his hidden thoughts did it prepare.

verse 28 But unto man he said, If it be so,
That you this sacred wisdome faine would know,
In fearing God consisteth wisdomes skill,
And understanding in eschewing ill.

CHAP. XXIX.

verse 1 ANd 
Job proceeded: Oh that now I were

verse 2 As in times past when God of me took care.

verse 3 While on my head his favour shined bright,
And when 
I walk'd through darknesse by his light,

verse 4 As in the daies of youth: when God more neare
My dwelling with his presence did appeare.

verse 5 When God with favour did my actions meet,
And when my children came about my feet.

verse 6 When butter wash'd my waies, and when the rock
Poured out flouds of oile t' encrease my stock.

verse 7 When to the gate 
I went, and judgement seat,
And when I made my station in the street.

verse 8 The young men saw my gravity, and fled,
The aged to my wisdome bow'd their head.

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verse 9 The Princes, when they saw me, silence kept;

verse 10 The tongue of Nobles was of speech bereft;

verse 11 The care that heard me did my justice blesse;
The eye that saw me did my praise confesse.

verse 12 Th' oppressed poore, and fatherlesse I freed,
And helpfull was to him that help did need.

verse 13 I did the blessing of the poore enjoy,
And made the widdowes heart to sing for joy.

verse 14 I put on justice, which as cloaths did seeme,
My judgement was a Robe and Diademe.

verse 15 I was as eyes unto the blind mans woe;
And to the lame I was as feet to go.

verse 16 I was a father to the poore: when doubt
Made causes hard to know, I sought them out.

verse 17 I from the wicked brake their claws away,
And from his ravening teeth I pluckt the prey.

verse 18 Then said I, I shall dye within my nest,
My daies, even as the sand, shall be encreast.

verse 19 My root was by the waters spread and grew,
Upon my branch all night lay pearled dew.

verse 20 My glory, as the bay-tree, fresh did stand;
My bow was strengthened in my ready hand.

verse 21 Men harkened to me, waited my advice,
And when they heard it, kept a silent guize.

verse 22 After my words they never did reply;
My speeches dropped on them from on high.

verse 23 They waited as for raine my sight to gaine,
They op'd their mouth as for the latter raine.

verse 24 If I did laugh, they would it not beleeve
They did not let my mirth, or make me grieve.

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verse 25 I chose their way, I sate as chiefe, as King,
Like him that comfort doth to mourners bring.

CHAP. XXX.

verse 1 BUt now my youngers follow me with mocks,
Whose fathers I disdain'd should tend my flocks.

verse 2 For to what service could their strength availe,
Who not for age, but did for famine faile.

verse 3 For want so sore distress'd they fled in haste
Into the desart lately darke and waste.

verse 4 Who by the bushes Mallows cut to eat,
And pull up roots of Juniper for meat.

verse 5 Chased from men, whom still they did abuse,
Who cried at them, as at thieves, they use.

verse 6 They dwelt in clifts of valleys and in caves;
In rockes, in holes, on hils they shelter have.

verse 7 They roare among the bushes: there's the scene;
Under the thistles they themselves convene.

verse 8 The sons of slaves, and fooles, who were more vile
Then is the mud, which doth as pitch defile.

verse 9 But now am I their mocking-stock, and song,
Of me they talke their villanies among.

verse 10 They shun, abhor, and mocking, flee my waies,
Maliciously they spit into my face.

verse 11 Because afflictions have my state o'rthrown,
They've loos'd the bridle, are licentious grown.

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verse 12 The youth against me rise, they pusht my feet;
And as destruction humbled me, they greet.

verse 13 They spoil'd my paths, tooke pleasure in my woe,
Nor wanted helpe to quicken them as slow.

verse 14 They came, as waters passe their wonted place,
And on my trouble heape they up disgrace.

verse 15 Terrours are come upon me, as the wind;
So they pursue my soule, and vexe my mind.
My welfare, which from stormes the poore did shrowd
Now daily passes as a scattering cloud.

verse 16 My soule is powred out, I am halfe dead;
I am from trouble into trouble lead.

verse 17 My bones are pierced in me in the night,
In rest my sinews cannot have delight.

verse 18 The greatnesse of my griefe doth change my dress;
As with a coat, I'm clad with heavinesse.

verse 19 I'm cast into the mire, his plague hath brought
Contempt upon me: I, as dust, am nought.

verse 20 I cry unto thee, but thou dost not heare:
I stand before thee, but thou stopst thine eare.

verse 21 Thou Lord art to me cruell grown at length,
Thou to my weaknesse dost oppose thy strength.

verse 22 Upon the wind thou causest me to flye,
My substance thou dissolvest, and I dye.

verse 23 I know my body thou to death wilt give,
And to th' appointed house for all that live.

verse 24 None to the grave will stretch his hand at all,
Though at his death they may lament his fall,

verse 25 Did I not weep for them whose woes grew more?
Was not my soule afflicted for the poore?

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verse 26 When I expected good, then evill came,
And in my hopes of light it was the same.

verse 27 For griefe my bowels boiled in my brest;
I am afflicted, and can have no rest.

verse 28 For others woe I joy'd not in the Sun,
I stood and in the Assembly made my moane.

verse 29 Dragons and Owles, as friends and kin, I get,

verse 30 My skin is black, my bones are burnt with heate.

verse 31 My harpe and mirth thou dost to wailing turne,
My organs to the voice of them that mourne.

CHAP. XXXI.

verse 1 I Made a covenant with mine eies, that they
Alluring beauties should no more survey;
And shall I wanton yet thinke on a maid?
Of such transgressions make me, Lord, afraid.

verse 2 What portion should I have from God above?
Or what reward? could I expect his love?

verse 3 Doth not quick ruine on the wicked tend?
Do not strange judgements haste them to their end?

verse 4 Doth he not see my waies, and count my steps?
Doth he not reckon all my fayles and trips?

verse 5 If I with vanity have been repleat,
Or if my foot hath hasted to deceit;

verse 6 Let me in even ballances be weigh'd,
Before the Lord be my uprightness laid.

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verse 7 If from the way of truth I've gone away,
Or if mine heart hath followed mine eye:
If I have any but right gotten lands;
If any blot have cleaved to my hands:

verse 8 Then let another eat what I shall sow.
Yea let my off spring fall before my foe.

verse 9 If so my heart have err'd through womens baites;
If at my neighbours door I have laid waite:

verse 10 Then let my wife be made anothers slave,
Let other men their will upon her have.

verse 11 For this is such a sin, so great a crime,
As merits Judgement ere too high it clime.

verse 12 Yea this is such a fire as shall destroy,
And root out all encrease and hope of joy.

verse 13 If any servants with me did contend,
And both their cause and griefe I did not end,

verse 14 What shall I doe when God stands up on high?
And when he visits, what shall I reply?

verse 15 Have we not one Creator? did not he,
Within the wombe, fashion both him and me?

verse 16 If I the poores desires ere laid away,
Or made the widdowes eies fail through delay;

verse 17 Or eat my bread alone, and have not given
A share to Orphans, who to want were driven.

verse 18(For to me as a father he might come,
And I have holpen Widdows from my wombe)

verse 19 If I for want of clothes have any seen
Perish, or any poor have naked been,

verse 20 Did he not blesse me that my store was full?
Was he not warmed with my fleece of wooll?

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verse 21 If against Orphans I my hand did heave,
And did not help him when I help might give:

verse 22 Mine arm and shoulder let no more be one,
Yea let mine arm be broken from the bone.

verse 23 For why? Gods Judgements terrors are to me,
And from his Highnesse I could not be free.

verse 24 If gaining gold of 
Ophir were my scope;
If I made gold my confidence or hope:

verse 25 If I rejoyced that my wealth was great,
And thought it good enough so much to get:

verse 26 If I beheld the shining of the Sun,
Or reverenc'd the brightnesse of the Moon.

verse 27 And by that sight my heart hath been entic'd,
Or that my mouth my hand in honor kiss'd.

verse 28 I had deserv'd Gods Judgements for that sin,
For that I had deny'd God to have bin.

verse 29 If in the ruine of my foes I joy'd,
Or was well-pleas'd when mischiefes him annoi'd.

verse 30(Nor did I let my mouth proceed to worse,
By wishing to his soule the smallest curse.)

verse 31 Yea though my servants said, give us his flesh
To satisfie his faults that are so fresh.

verse 32 No traveller ere lodged in the street,
My house was open for the strangers feet.

verse 33 If I, as 
Adam, conscious have bin,
Concealing in my bosome secret sin;

verse 34 Did I fear multitudes? was I afraid
Of greatnesse, or contempt, or height of pride,
That I kept silence when they did provoke,
And for revenge made no dissembling cloak?

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verse 35 Oh that I might be heard! 'tis my desire,
That the Almighty would my cause enquire,
And giving answer, on my troubles look;
And that my foe had written but a book.

verse 36 I'de take it on me, make it to be read,
And binde it as a crown upon my head:

verse 37 The number of my steps I would declare,
I would to him as to a Prince draw near.

verse 38 If that my land be not my lawfull gaine,
Or if the furrowes of it do complaine;

verse 39 If I have eat the fruits thereof unbought,
Or if the owners prejudice I sought:

verse 40 Let Thistles then instead of Wheat grow there,
Instead of Barley let it Cockles beare.
Here 
Job set end unto his speeches sourse,
And adds a period to his friends discourse.

CHAP. XXXII.

verse 1 SO these three cease to speake (their former guise)
Because 
Job seem'd upright in his own eyes.

verse 2 Then was 
Elihu angry at the same,
The Son of 
Buzite Barachel of 
Ram;
Against afflicted 
Iob his wroth was hot,
Who rather justifi'd himselfe then God.

verse 3 As for 
Iobs friends he angry was at them,
Because they answer'd not, yet did condemn.

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verse 4 
Elihu having staid 
Iobs end to see,
Because in yeers they elder were then he.

verse 5 But hearing no reply, he angry grew,
And in his words his anger thus did shew.

verse 6 You all are ancient, I am yet but young,
Which makes me doubt, lest I should slip my tongue:

verse 7 I said, speak they who length of daies do reach,
The multitude of years shall wisdome teach.

verse 8 A spirit is in man: but God alone
Gives understanding b' inspiration.

verse 9 Wisdom is not confin'd in great mens hand,
Nor old men alwaies judgement understand:

verse 10 Therefore I pray hear me a little now,
And my opinion I will show to you.

verse 11 Lo, on your words I waited, and did hear
Your sought-out reasons with attentive ear.

verse 12 I mark't your words, as I stood silent by,
And to 
Iobs speech find them a weak reply.

verse 13 Ye cannot say, 
Iob is by us convict,
'Tis God, not man, that doth him thus afflict.

verse 14 I from his words no priviledge can claime,
Nor from your speeches will I answer frame.

verse 15 They heard: and fearing answered no more,
They left the talke which they discuss'd before.

verse 16 When I had waited, for they would not speak,
And as amazed would not silence break;

verse 17 I also will (thought I) answer my part,
And shew my judgement from my very heart.

verse 18 For I am full of matter, can't refrain,
The spirit in me doth to words constrain.

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verse 19 My belly is like wine that hath no vent,
That breaks the bottles if not quickly spent.

verse 20 I'le speak that some refreshing I may take,
My lips I le open and an answer make.

verse 21 I will the person of no mortall fear,
Nor will I flatter any man that's here.

verse 22 For flattering titles I must not bestow;
My maker will destroy me doing so.

CHAP. XXXIII.

verse 1 VVHerefore I pray thee 
Iob my speeches hear,
And to the words which I shall speak give eare.

verse 2 Lo, I my mouth have open'd, and my tongue
And mouth have spoke what to me did belong.

verse 3 My words th'uprightnesse of my heart shall show,
My lips shall speak what I from Heaven do know.

verse 4 The Spirit of the Lord did me create,
Th' Almighty's breath unto my life gave date.

verse 5 If thou canst give an answer, I will hear;
Stand up before me, and thy self prepare.

verse 6 Lo, I, as you desire, am in Gods stead,
I also from the clay am fashioned.

verse 7 Nor shall the fear of me make thee afraid,
Nor shall my hand be heavy on thee laid.

verse 8 Have not mine ears perceiv'd the words you said?
Did I not hear the arguments you made?

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verse 9 Thou saist I'm clean without or sin or stain,
I'm guiltlesse, in me doth no crime remain;

verse 10 Yet doth he vex me, I no joy can see,
He me esteemeth as his enemy.

verse 11 He gat my feet into the stocks, his eye
On all my goings narrowly doth spie.

verse 12 In this thou art not just, if things you scan;
I answer, God far greater is then man.

verse 13 The stage to strive with him why do you mount?
He of his matters doth not give account.

verse 14 For God it may be speaketh once or twice,
Yet man perceives it not, he's not so wise.

verse 15 In dreams or nightly visions, when the head
Is full of sleep and slumbers on the bed:

verse 16 Then openeth he the ears of men, and seales
First their instruction, then their folly heales.

verse 17 That he might from his purpose man with draw,
Whose pride doth in his judgement make a flaw,

verse 18 He keeps his soule from ruine and from ill,
And doth forbid the sword his blood to spill.

verse 19 Sorrow and griefe chastise him on his bed,
And all his bones with paine are tortured.

verse 20 His bitter life makes him abhor to eat,
His soule doth loth both bread and finer meat.

verse 21 He's nought but skin and bone; he is so lean
His bones stick out, which ne're before were seen.

verse 22 His grieved soul draws neer unto the grave,
And for his body, it the mourners have.

verse 23 If one interpret, or a message beare
Unto man his uprightnesse to declare:

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verse 24 Then will he pitty, and cry out, O save
Him from the pit: For I a ransome have.

verse 25 Then as a child he shall renew his flesh,
As in his youthfull daies he shall befresh,

verse 26 He prayes, and God his mercy doth begin,
He shall see God, who will forgive his sin.

verse 27 He looks on men, whereof if one confesse,
I have perverted truth and righteousnesse.
Yea, I have sinn'd, and all the gain I find,
Is Gods fierce anger with a guilt of minde.

verse 28 He'l save his soul from going down to Hell,
And crowning's life with light make all things wel.

verse 29 Lo, all these things God worketh oft with men,

verse 30 To bring their soules to light from sins foul den.

verse 31 Mark well and hear, be silent when I speak,

verse 32 And if you ought can say, an answer make.
To justifie thee 
Iob, is my desire;

verse 33 Then hear, I will with wisdome thee inspire.

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CHAP. XXXIV.

verse 1 
ELihu further said: yee Wise men hear;

verse 2 Ye that have knowledge to my words give ear.

verse 3 The tasting sense doth in the palate lye,
So doth the ear all sounds and speeches try.

verse 4 In this same businesse let us judgement chuse,
Let us, what's good, among our selves peruse.

verse 5 For 
Iob hath said, I righteous am this day:
Although my judgement God hath snatch'd away.

verse 6 Shall I against my right to lying swerve,
My wound is greater then my sins deserve.

verse 7 What man is like to 
Iob, who will not shrink;
But doth like water bitter scornings drink:

verse 8 Who with the wicked walketh in their way,
And with the foolish seems to go astray?

verse 9 Hath he not said; It profiteth not man,
Though in the waies of God he alwaies stand?

verse 10 Hear me, ye Wise men, Hath God any stain?
Or in th' Almighty can there sin remain?

verse 11 As they deserve he will to all men give,
According to their way they shall receive.

verse 12 For the All-just, All-good, won't sin commit;
Nor will God judge amisse, or suffer it.

verse 13 Of whom did he receive the earth in charge?
Who fixt the Word, or can its bounds enlarge?

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 [...]

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 [...]

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verse 14 If he in heart decree a man to death,
And gather to himselfe his vitall breath;

verse 15 All flesh shall fall together, mortals must,
As made of earth, return again to dust.

verse 16 If thou hast Wisdom, then this lesson hear,
And in thy minde my talk and lectures bear.

verse 17 Shall he that hateth judgement rule with might?
And wilt thou judge him wicked that's upright?

verse 18 Is't fit to say to Kings, ye impious are?
Princes to blame of sin, who will, or dare?

verse 19 How then to him who Princes doth not spare;
To whom the rich and poor both equall are.

verse 20 For he created both: they all shall die
Within the shortest twinckling of an eie.
The people shall be troubled and be gone,
The mighty shall be flain by God alone.

verse 21 His eyes are watchfull over all their waies,
He all their goings marketh all their daies.

verse 22 There is no darknesse, vale of death, no cave
Which wicked men can for their safegard have.

verse 23 He on no man so heavy laies his rod,
That he in judgement should contend with God.

verse 24 He shall in pieces break all Tyrants great,
And raise up others in their wonted seat.

verse 25 Hee knowes their workes, destroyes them in the night,
They are cut off and never see the light.

verse 26 He useth these as sinners he hath done,
He strikes them in the presence of the Sun.

verse 27 They started from him like a broken bow,
And would his waies nor keep, nor seek to know.

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verse 28 They made the poore send up their voice on high,
Th' afflicted cried, and he heard their cry.

verse 29 When he gives quiet, who can trouble make?
He hides his face, and all the earth doth quake:
Whether he angry be at one alone,
Or whether it be against a Nation done;

verse 30 When hypocrites the ruling Scepter beare,
Then are the people led into a snare.

verse 31'Tis meet to say, I have been chast'ned sore,
I do repent, and will offend no more.

verse 32 What I see not, that teach me by thy skill,
I will no more do what I have done ill.

verse 33 Must all be at thy will? whether thou chuse,
He will performe't, or whether thou refuse,
Although not I: speake therefore what you know,
And do not into further follies go.

verse 34 Behold, let wise and understanding men
First hear me speak, and shew their judgment then.

verse 35 
Job without wisdome spoke, yea, like a foole,
Nor were his words framed by wisdomes rule.

verse 36'Tis my desire, 
Job may be try'd agen,
Concerning his replies for wicked men.

verse 37 He addeth sin to sin: with us claps hands,
And aggravating words against God stands.

[Page 80]

CHAP. XXXV.

verse 1 
ELihu further said; thinke you this right

verse 2 Which you have spoke, then God I'm more up­right?

verse 3 For thou hast said, what profit shall I have?
Or what advantage if my sin I leave?

verse 4 He answer you, and your associates all,
That do into like errours with you fall.

verse 5 Looke up to heaven, and see, and view the clouds,
Whose height oft-times the Suns bright lustre shrowds;

verse 6 If thou dost sin, dost thou the Lord disease?
Or dost thou hurt him by thy sins encrease?

verse 7 What by thy justice dost thou to him give?
Or from thy hand what gaine doth he receive?

verse 8 But by thy sin a man thou maiest offend,
Thy justice may anothers state amend.

verse 9 The mighty man makes the oppressed cry;
Variety of torments makes them dye.

verse 10 None looke to God that made them of the clay,
Who in the night gives songs griefe to allay.

verse 11 Who teacheth us more than to beasts is given,
And makes us wiser than the foules of heaven.

verse 12 Then through the pride of evill men they cry,
But he to their requests gives no reply.

verse 13 God surely will not vanity regard,
Nor shall it go unpunisht from the Lord.

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verse 14 Thou saist, thou shalt not see him, yet he's just;
Judgement's before him, put in him thy trust.

verse 15 But since it is not so: although thou smart,
Thy torments do not s
 [...]te with thy desert.

verse 16 Therefore 
Job speaketh vainly as a foole,
He doth dispute without discretions rule.

CHAP. XXXVI.

verse 1 
ELihu further said: Let me proceed;

verse 2 To speake on Gods behalfe I have decreed:

verse 3 I from above my knowledge will receive,
And to my maker righteousnesse will give.

verse 4 My words shall not be false, thou shalt confesse,
When I have spoke, my wisdomes perfectnesse.

verse 5 Behold, the mighty Lord doth not despise
Who are in courage valiant and wise,

verse 6 He will not save such as in sin delight,
But to the poore in spirit giveth right:

verse 7 But as for those who are to goodnesse wise,
He doth protect them with observing eyes.
They are with Kings upon the Throne, their place
He fixeth firmly, free from all disgrace.

verse 8 If they in prison bound in fetters lie;
If they be tyde with cords of misery:

verse 9 Then will he shew them both their work and sin,
That in their life they have excessive bin.

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verse 10 He openeth to discipline their eare,
And bids them from iniquity retire.

verse 11 If they obey him, and observe his way,
Their daies in pleasure, yeares shall end in joy.

verse 12 If they obey not, by the sword they'l fall,
And in their folly they shall perish all.

verse 13 But hypocrites in heart prepare his rod,
Who, though afflicted, will not call on God.

verse 14 With the uncleane they spend their youthfull time,
And perish in their heat of bloud, and prime.

verse 15 He from affliction doth the poore set free,
In times of trouble he their help will be.

verse 16 He would even so take sorrow from thy face,
Putting thy feet into a broader place:
And not confine thee to a narrow streight,
Yea, all upon thy Table had been fat.

verse 17 But, loe, thy thoughts do with the wicked share,
Therefore thy judgements all most righteous are.

verse 18 Gods wrath is kindled, of his stroke take heed,
No ransome frees from woe, if once decreed.

verse 19 Will he regard thy wrath? no, nor thy gold,
And all thy strength he doth as nothing hold.

verse 20 Desire not Night, his secrets do not trace,
How he destroy'd the people from their place.

verse 21 Take heed and sin not, looke not once amiss,
For thou hast rather trouble chose, than this.

verse 22 Lo, God exalts, who dares his pow'r impeach?
Or, like the Lord, what man can wisdome teach?

verse 23 Who to th' Almighty hath set out his way?
Or, thou hast erred, who to him can say?

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verse 24 To praise him for his worke do not forget,

verse 25 Which all men see, and view at distance great.

verse 26 Loe, God is great, and we alas are low,
The number of his yeares we cannot know.

verse 27 When he the drops of water doth restraine,
'Tis by its vapour powred down in raine;

verse 28 Which from the clouds the thirsty earth doth fill,
And with great plenty upon man distill.

verse 29 Who knows the spreadings of the clouds? or can
The thunders of his dwellings understand?

verse 30 He spreadeth light, and it the light doth keep,
And hides the bottome of the swelling deep.

verse 31 He doth the people judge thereby, and give
Meat in abundance for the poore to live.

verse 32 The shining light he under darknesse shrowds,
By the interposing of commanded clouds.

verse 33 The noise thereof concerning it do show,
The cattle also from the vapour go.

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CHAP. XXXVII.

verse 1 AT this my heart is in a great amaze,
And is with trembling moved from his place.

verse 2 The ratling of his voice with terrour heare,
And to his thunder give attentive eare.

verse 3 He sends it under heaven, his lightning's hurl'd
Unto the furthest limits of the world.

verse 4 His thunder roares, and by the world is fear'd,
He will not stay them when his voice is heard.

verse 5 God doth to our amazement thunder send,
He doth such things we cannot comprehend.

verse 6 He but commands, the snow the fields doth fill;
Both great and little raies obey his will.

verse 7 No man dares stirre, if once he will it so,
For all the greatnesse of his power know.

verse 8 Then doth the beasts, who rove and rage for prey,
Go to their Dens, and in their places stay.

verse 9 Out of the South the whirle-wind commenth forth,
And stormy gusts of cold blow from the North.

verse 10 The frost is given by th' Almighties hand;
By him the waters on a heape do stand.

verse 11 The watry clouds he doth with motion tire;
And scattereth the cloud that holdeth fire.

verse 12 They're turn'd about by his all-ruling will,
And on the world his pleasure they fulfill.

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verse 13 Raine, cold, heat, tempests, stormes, all these are sent
For help, as mercies, or for punishment.

verse 14 Heare then, O 
Job, (for what I say is true)
The wondrous workes of God stand still and view.

verse 15 How God dispos'd these things can you define?
Or when the lightning of his cloud did shine?

verse 16 Knowst thou the changing of the clouds, that be
The works of the all knowing Deity?

verse 17 How in thy garments dost thou warmnesse find,
When th' earth is quiet by the Southerne wind?

verse 18 Hast thou spread out the heaven, for strength as brasse,
And as transparent as a molten glasse?

verse 19 Teach and instruct us by thy knowledge, pray,
Through ignorance we know not what to say.

verse 20 Doth not God know when any man doth scoffe?
Or can man murmure and not be cut off?

verse 21 And now the clouds from men obscure the Sun;
Yet if the wind but pass, they all are gone:

verse 22 Faire weather from the North-clime doth proceed;
Gods Majesty is terrible indeed.

verse 23 We cannot find th' All-mighty: Great in might,
Repleat with justice, punishing by right.

verse 24 Men therefore feare him: for without respect,
The self-conceited man he will reject.

[Page 86]

CHAP. XXXVII.

verse 1 THe Lord, to shew his Majesty and strength,
Out of the whirle-wind answered 
Job at length.

verse 2 What wretch is this, that by his words so vaine
Observes the counsell that before was plaine?

verse 3 Gird up thy loines, thy selfe with manhood beare,
I will demand of thee, do thou declare.

verse 4 When I the Basis of the earth did lay,
Where wast thou then? if thou have knowledge say

verse 5 What man hath measur'd it; or who the line
To stretch upon it dost thou know incline?

verse 6 What are the earths foundations pitch'd upon?
Or of the world who laid the corner stone?

verse 7 When as the morning stars did sing my praise,
And all the Angels changed Roundelaies:

verse 8 Who did the Sea within its bounds intombe,
When it by force brake out as from the wombe?

verse 9 When I the clouds as garments for it made,
And as its swadling bands the darkenesse laid;

verse 10 When my commands upon it I did found,
And its tumultuous Waves with doores did bound:

verse 11 Saying, hereto thy angry waves may come,
Here thou must stay, but shalt no further rome.

verse 12 Hast thou the morning ordered since thy daies?
Or made the day-spring know its fixed place?

[Page 87] 

verse 13 That it the corners of the Earth might hold,
And shake those thence that have in sin bin bold.

verse 14 As clay 'tis turned to the seale new made,
And all stand up as with a garment clad.

verse 15 Behold, their light the wicked men shall lose,
The pride of their aspiring aim I'le bruise.

verse 16 Hast thou the fount aines of the deep been in?
Or in thy search hast thou the Ocean seen?

verse 17 Or hath the gates of death to thee been free?
The vale of dreadfull death didst thou ere see?

verse 18 Canst thou the broadnesse of the earth perceive?
If ought thou knowst of this, an answer give:

verse 19 Where is the way, wherein the light abides?
Or what's the place where darknesse doth abide,

verse 20 That thou shouldst binde it to the limits so,
And to its house that thou the path shouldst know?

verse 21 Dost thou because thou then wert born, know it?
Or cause the number of thy daies is great?

verse 22 Hast thou the snowy treasures enter'd in?
Or of the haile hast thou the store-house seen?

verse 23 Which I have kept against the time of war,
The day of trouble and encreasing jar?

verse 24 The light is parted, who the way can finde,
Which on the earth scattereth the Eastern wind.

verse 25 Who for the waters did a course divide?
Or who the lightning in their way did guide?

verse 26 Even there where no man is, to make it rain,
And in the desart where there's none remain.

verse 27 That the untilled ground much fruit may bring,
And that the tender herb may bud and spring.

[Page 88] 

verse 28 Who is the Father of the rain? or who
Begotten hath the pearled drops of dew?

verse 29 Who hath begot the hoary frost of Heaven?
Out of whose wombe is Ice congealed given?

verse 30 The waters all are hid as with a stone,
The surface of the deep condense is grown.

verse 31 canst thou the sweets of 
Pleiades restraine?
Or of 
Orion loose the bands againe?

verse 32 Canst make in season 
Mazeroth appear?
Or canst thou with his sons 
Arcturus steer?

verse 33 Know'st thou the course of Heaven? and canst thou make
The stars o're earthly things dominion take?

verse 34 Canst thou lift up thy voice unto the Clouds,
That they would hide thee with the water flouds?

verse 35 Canst thou send lightnings, that they may appear,
And say unto thee, we, behold, are here?

verse 36 Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts?
Or who hath given knowledge to the hearts?

verse 37 Who can by wisdom the clouds number say?
Or who the bottles of the Heaven can stay;

verse 38 When as the earth condensate is as stone,
And all the clods are fast together grown?

verse 39 Wilt thou for hungry Lyons hunt the prey?
Or of the Lyons whelps the hunger stay;

verse 40 When in their dens they quietly reside,
Or lurking in the covert are espi'd?

verse 41 Who for the Raven doth provide to eat?
His young ones cry to God and have their meat.

[Page 89]

CHAP. XXXIX.

verse 1 KNowst thou when Goats bring forth the Rockes among?
Or dost thou marke when Hindes doe calve their young?

verse 2 Canst thou account the moneths that they fulfill?
To know when they bring forth, hast thou the skil?

verse 3 They bow themselves, with paine their young they bruise,
Thus they their sorrowes to cast out do use.

verse 4 Yet do their young ones thrive, & grow with corn,
They go abroad and do no more return.

verse 5 Who is't that hath sent out the wild Asse free?
Or to them who hath given liberty?

verse 6 Whose house the desart is made by my hand,
His habitation is the barren land.

verse 7 The Cities multitude he ne'r abides,
The crying of the driver he derides.

verse 8 He runneth to the mountains for his meat,
No green thing comes amisse for him to eat▪

verse 9 Canst thou th' unruly Unicorne make tame?
Will he himselfe to eat thy fodder frame?

verse 10 Canst thou to work enforce him in the surrow?
Or after thee will he the valleys harrow?

verse 11 Or wilt thou trust him, 'cause his strength is great?
And leave thy labor to his spoyling feet?

[Page 90] 

verse 12 Wilt thou beleeve that hee'l bring home thy seed?
And gather it into thy barn indeed?

verse 13 Their goodly wings to Peacocks didst thou give?
Did the Ostrich from thee his rich plumes receive?

verse 14 Which lay their eggs upon the open land,
And keep them warm within the heated sand;

verse 15 And that the foot may crush them does forget,
Or that wild beasts may break them with their feet:

verse 16 She's cruell to her young, as though not hers,
She cares not for them, nor them damage feares;

verse 17 For God of wisdome doth her cleane deprive,
Nor doth he understanding to her give:

verse 18 And when at last she mounteth up on high,
The rider and his horse she nought sets by.

verse 19 Hast thou bestowed strength upon the horse?
Or hast thou cloath'd his brawny neck with force?

verse 20 As a Grashopper canst thou him affright?
His nostrils dreadfull are and full of might.

verse 21 He paws the ground; with triumphs running on,
And doth undaunted meet the armed man.

verse 22 He mocks at fear, no terror makes him slack,
And from the cutting sword ne're turns his back.

verse 23 The quiver ratleth at him in the field,
He's threatned with the glittering spear and shield.

verse 24 He through his rage even swallows up the ground,
Nor doth believe it is the trumpets found.

verse 25 He cryes, ha, ha, and smels the fight from far,
The voice of Captaines and alarme of war,

verse 26 I'st by thy wisdome that the Hawk doth fly;
And stretch her wings South climates to come nigh?

[Page 91] 

verse 27 Or doth the Eagle mount at thy command,
And in the highest make her nest to stand?

verse 28 She dwels upon the rock, even on it height,
And in the strongest place she makes her seat.

verse 29 From thence she seeks her prey: and with her eye
At a vast distance doth the same espye.

verse 30 Her young ones also daily suck up blood,
And where the slaine are there is her abode.

CHAP. XL.

verse 1 ANd God proceeded: Can the Scholar teach

verse 2 His Tutor? more is God above mans reach.
He that reproveth God doth foolishly.

verse 3 Then 
Iob unto the Lord made this reply:

verse 4 Lo, I am vile, What shall I further say?
Yea, I my hand upon my mouth will lay.

verse 5 Once have I spoke, henceforth I'le take more heed,
Yea twice, no further will I now proceed.

verse 6 Again, the Lord, who ruleth all on high,
Out of the whirle wind gave 
Job this reply.

verse 7 Gird up thy loynes, thy selfe with manhood bear,
I wilt demand of thee, do thou declare.

verse 8 Wilt thou my judgement, as not right disgust?
Wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayst be just?

verse 9 Hast thou like God an arm or any limbe?
Or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?

[Page 92] 

verse 10 Deck now thy self with majesty most bright,
And cloth thy selfe with glorious beauties light.

verse 11 Disperse thy furious wrath in every place,
And by thy power him that is proud abase:

verse 12 Look on the proud, and bring their glory low,
And on the wicked make thine anger flow.

verse 13 Hide them together in the dust; their faces
Bind, if thou canst, within the secret places.

verse 14 Then I'le confesse this priviledge you have,
That thy right hand thy selfe from hurt can save.

verse 15 Behold now 
Behemoth, I did create
With thee; who fodder as an Oxe doth eate.

verse 16 Loe, now his strength is in his loines, his might
Is in the navell of his belly pight.

verse 17 His tayle moves like a Cedar in foule weather,
The sinewes of his stones are wrapt together.

verse 18 His bigger bones like brazen pillars are,
His lesser bones are as an iron bar.

verse 19 He is the greatest of the works of God,
Yet can his anger kill him with his rod

verse 20 The mountaines to him meat as tribute pay,
Where all the beasts within the fields do play.

verse 21 Under the shady trees he lies, and feeds,
And in the covert of the fens and reeds.

verse 22 The shady trees do him encompasse round,
Among the Willowes of the Brook he's found.

verse 23 He drinks whole rivers, and no hast doth make;
He trusteth 
Iordan in his mouth to take:

verse 24 He takes it with his eies; and being fierce,
Through strongest snares his nose with ease doth pierce.

[Page 93]

CHAP. XLI.

verse 1 VVIth a small hook canst thou draw out the Whale?
Or can a cord against his tongue prevaile?

verse 2 Canst thou an hook into his nostrils put?
Or through his jawes canst with an angle cut?

verse 3 Will he to thee intreaty make or pray'r?
Or for his freedom will he speak thee fair?

verse 4 Will he a covenant make with thee? wilt thou
For ever as a servant make him bow?

verse 5 Wilt thou as with a Bird, so play with him?
Or wilt thou bind him for thy maidens trim?

verse 6 Shall boon-companions of him make a feast?
Shall they among the merchants part the rest?

verse 7 Canst thou his skin with barbed irons fill?
To strike his head with fish-speares hast thou skill?

verse 8 Lay thine hand on him, once thy danger know,
And then 'tis sure thou wilt no more do so.

verse 9 Hope not to take him all their hopes shall die:
Shall one mot at his sight amazed lie?

verse 10 If he's so fierce that none dare him provoke,
Who then is he can stand before my stroke?

verse 11 Who hath prevented me, when I encline
Him to repay? All under heaven is mine.

verse 12 His parts and power I will not conceale,
His comely lineaments I wil reveale.

[Page 94] 

verse 13 What man's so hardy to pull off his skin?
Who can a bridle put his jawes between?

verse 14 Or who the doores dare open of his face?
His teeth are all most fearfull in their place.

verse 15 His power and his pride his scales reveale,
All shut together close as with a seale.

verse 16 They are so near together so conjoyn'd,
That between them can come nor air nor winde.

verse 17 To one another fixed so they grow,
That they can be divided by no blow.

verse 18 His neezings chase the darknesse quite away,
His eyes are like the eyelids of the day.

verse 19 Out of his mouth come burning flames of fire,
Whose sparkles from his throat he doth expire.

verse 20 Out of his nostrils riseth smoke as hot,
As from a coldron or a boiling pot.

verse 21 He coales and fire kindleth with his breath,
Out of his mouth proceed flames bringing death.

verse 22 His neck is clad with strength, fear no annoy,
Sorrow before him is soon turn'd to joy.

verse 23 His flesh and members are so joyn'd together,
They can't be mov'd by strength or valour either.

verse 24 His heart is firm and strong as is a stone,
Yea as the nether milstone hard its grown.

verse 25 When he doth raise himself, the mighty fear;
They faint through terror, if he but appear.

verse 26 The sword that strikes him breakes, yet don't hee start;
He scornes the spear, habergeon, and dart.

verse 27 He doth esteem, when in his furious mood,
Iron as straw, and brasse as rotten wood.

[Page 95] 

verse 28 He will not flee, though him the archer strike;
Sling-stones and stubble, hurt him both alike.

verse 29 He doth at darts, as straw or stubble, jeer,
And laugheth at the shaking of the spear.

verse 30 Upon sharp stones he lies, and takes his ease,
As much as mud, sharpe pointed things him please.

verse 31 He makes the sea as though it boyled seem,
One would the deep a pot of oyntment deem.

verse 32 He leaves a shining path, where he doth go,
One would suppose the deep did hoary gorw.

verse 33 In all the earth none like him doth appear,
He is by God created without fear.

verse 34 He looks at, and despises all high things,
Over the proudest beast he is a King.

CHAP. XLII.

verse 1 THen 
Iob with terrors of his guilt afraid,
Unto the Lord this humble answer made;


verse 2 I know thou canst do all, and that from thee,
Our very thoughts cannot with-holden be.


verse 3 There's none but I, who by my words so vain,
Obscure that counsell that before was plain;
I spake I knew not what, yea I did presse
Things that I understood not, I confesse.


verse 4 Oh hear me when I speak, I thee beseech;
I will demand, O Lord thy Scholar teach.


[Page 96] 

verse 5 I have by hear-say, heard of thee before.
But now I see, I feele, I know thee more.


verse 6 I do abnor my faults, my crimes resent,
In dust and ashes I my sins repent.


verse 7 After these speeches God to 
Job had made,
To 
Eliphaz the 
Temanite he said,
Against thy selfe and friends my wrath's at height,
Ye have not spoke of me the thing that's right,


verse 8 As did my servant 
Job. Take now to you
Seven Bullockes, and seven Rams, and to him go;
And for your selves offer a sacrifice,
And 
Job shall pray for you, for him I prize:
Else of your glory I shall you disrobe,
Because you spoke not of me as did 
Job.


verse 9 So 
Bildad, Eliphaz and 
Zophar went
As God commanded, and to 
Job they sent;
Who pray'd to heaven that they might mercy have,
And God heard 
Job, and th' asked mercy gave.


verse 10 Then God to 
Jobs Captivity gave end,
When he petitioned for his sinfull friends;
And that his blessings might not want of store,
He doubled to him what he had before.


verse 11 Then all his brethren, sisters, former friends.
Who lately shunn'd him, now to make amends,
Came and eat with him in his house each one,
And all his past misfortunes did bemoane;
And gave him comfort over all the ill
God had brought on him by his secret will:
Yea, none from giving did their hand with-hold,
Each gave him money and a ring of gold.


[Page 97] 

verse 12 So God with blessings crown'd 
Jobs latter daies,
His end more blest than his beginning was.
He had a flock of fourteen thousand sheep,
For worke six thousand Camels did he keep;
He own'd a thousand yoke of Oxen strong;
Shee-Asles too as many old and young.


verse 13 Three Daughters and seven Sons the place fulfill
Of those whom Satan formerly did kill.


verse 14 
Jemima first, bright as the Suns bright rise;

Kezia the next, pleasant as sweetest spice;
As third of these was 
Kerenhappuch borne,
The child of sweetnesse, and rare beauties horne.


verse 15 In all the Land no women were so faire,
Or so renown'd as 
Jobs three Daughters were.
And that their fortunes he might more advance,
He gave them part of his Inheritance.


verse 16 And after this 
Job sevenscore yeares more spent,
And of his children saw the fourth descent.


verse 17 So 
Job replete with goodnesse as with daies,
His soule to God, his flesh to earth repaies.

FINIS

[Page 98]

A MEDITATION.

1.
IS then the way to Heaven so sharp? and must
Affliction be attendants to the just?
Must all that goe
Heaven-ward, take in their way the vaile of woe?
Can't Israel win

Canaan, unlesse he passe the wasts of 
Sin?
Can't we be pure,
Unless afflictions fire we first endure?
No, he orecomes that suffers, let us square
Thereby our actions, and our thoughts prepare.

2.
Bastards go free, he chastens whom he loves;
'Tis granted silver which the Touchstone proves.
Though crosses may,
Succeed the other as the night the day;
Though seas of griefe,
Present us to the World as past reliefe:


[Page 99]Though God make bare,
His arm against us as in open war:
Yet to's elect his mercy is most sure,
He will deliver, and their wounds recure.

3.
God is both just and loving, and his care
Will not afflict beyond what we can bear.
Even when'
 [...] is sent,
He gives the issue as the punishment.
Raise then your hearts,
And when cast down, with courage act your parts.
The Prophets take,
James
And your example the Apostles make:
Who held this rule, that many crosses bring
To heaven, where every Saint shall be a King.
Acts

4.
Have ye not heard of 
Job, saith 
James, how he,
With patience waded through his misery?
Do you not know?
Have you not read the end God gave to's woe?
Oh how therein,
Are the sure mercies of th' Almighty seen!
He sorely tries,
Yet ne're forgets his goodnesse: O sweet prize!
When we by trouble this great good attaine,
Him for our help, Heaven as our own we gain.

[...]

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