of Italy not farre from Naples scituated on the sea shore 1388 miles from Ierusalem Westward taking that name from fountains or Wels of hot water being built by the Salamians as Eusebius saith about such time as the Tarquins were banished Rome 507 yeares before the natiuitie of Christ It was antiently called Dicaearchia because of their singular justice noble gouernment But when the Romans made war against Hannibal they fortified this town to withstand his forces and then called it Puteoli which name it retained a long time after At this day it is called Puzzoli At this city the Apostle Paul his companions ariued when they sailed into Rome Acts 27. Between Puteoli and Baia there lieth the lake of Lucrinus into which by the command of Augustus Caesar a Dolphin was thrown Now there was a young Youth called Simon the son of a poore man dwelling in Baia who vsually played among other youths vpon the banks of this lake and seeing the Dolphin it being a strange fish in those parts and verie amiable to looke vpon did take great delight in it and oft times fed it with bread and other things as he could get insomuch as the Dolphin when it heard the boyes voice vpon the banks of the riuer would resort to him receiue at his hand his accustomed food Thus it continued so long that the Dolphin would suffer the boy to handle him take him by the gils play with him yea and somtimes to get vpon his backe then swim with him a great way into the lake and bring him back again and suffer him to go safe vpon the shore After this manner hee continued for many yeares together and in the end the youth died Yet the Dolphin resorted to his vsuall place expecting his accustomed food from the hands of this boy but missing him he left the shore languisht away and died Concerning the nature of this fish you may read more at large in Pliny lib. 9. cap. 8. Of Colossa THis City is scituated in Phrygia a countrey in Asia minor neere the riuers of Lycus and Meander 520 miles from Ierusalem Northwestward not farre from Laodicea so called from the mighty statues and Colosso's that were set vp in it These cities Colossa Laodicea and Hierapolis where the Apostle Philip was put to death in the tenth yeare of Nero a little before Pauls martyrdome were sunke by an earthquake which without doubt was a great judgement of God vpon them because they refused the grace and comfort of the doctrine of the Gospel offered vnto them by the Apostles The Epistle of Paul dedicated to the Colossians was sent by the hand of Onesymus from Rome vnto these towns being 1080 miles For although the Rhodians were called Colossians because of that famous Colossus that stood there yet this city wherein Archippus and Philemon dwelt to whom Paul directed that Epistle stood in Phrygia a country of Asia minor and not in Rhodes Of Nicopolis NIcopolis is a city of Macedonia scituated close by the riuer Nessus not far from Philippus vpon the borders of Thrace 920 miles from Ierusalem Northwestward From hence the Apostle Paul wrot his Epistle to Titus and sent it to Creet 600 miles There are many other cities of this name one standing in Epyre built by Augustus another betweene Cilicia and Syria built by Alexander in glory of his victorie against Darius A fourth in Bythinia a fift in the holy land formerly called Emaus Of Rome THis city if wee rightly consider the deriuation of the name in Hebrew was not built without the singular prouidence of God being deriued of Rom i. Hee hath exalted or made high But the Grecians deriue it from Romen i. strength power Now although the prouidence of God extendeth to euery Creature may to the very haires of a mans head yet where hee determines to expresse his singular power there hee worketh beyond the expectation of man And who knowes not that the beginning of this City was meane raised from a confused company destitute both of ciuilitie communitie and lawes yet hath it bin and for the most part is the glory of the world and the great commander of the Princes of the earth It was so called at first by Romulus as Livy lib. 1. saith who first built it seuen hundred fifty and one yeares before the Natiuitie of Christ being scituated vpon seuen hils that is Capitolinus Aventinus Palatinus Caelius Exquilinus Viminalis and Quirinalis But after when the City was compassed about with walls the hill Ianiculus was inclosed within it The Vallies that lay between these hils were so raised vp with arches vaults and artificial mounts that in processe of time they became levell with the top of some of those hills It was beautified with faire and sumptuous buildings so that as it was the head of the world for command and power in like like manner it exceeded all the rest of the world for glory and riches but principally for stately buildings There were many goodly Temples dedicated to Iupiter Apollo Aesculapius Hercules Diana Iuno Minerva Lucia Concordia Fides Pietas Pax Victoria Isis besides many other dedicated to other gods But aboue all that was the most sumptuous that was called Pantheon deorum at this day called the Church of All hallowes Moreouer here was to be seen the princely Edifices of Kings Emperors Consuls Senators Patricians and other Romans who were mighty in wealth and substance built all of polished Marble beautified with gold and siluer beside palaces bulwarks theatres triumphant arches statues and such like al which were glorious and greatly adorned the city But aboue al these the house of Nero was most worthy of obseruation which to see to was built all of burnisht gold very curiously wrought Here also stood the monuments of the two Caesars Iulius and Augustus also their statues the one made of pure brasse the other of white marble Besides there were many fruitfull orchards water-courses wholsome baths brought thither by Antonius Nero Dioclesian and Constantine the Great Also the Emperor Constantine erected many goodly churches for the vse of the Christians indowed them with great means and amongst the rest that which was dedicated to Saint Iohn of Latteran a faire and goodly Church and for riches and curious workemanship might compare with the stateliest Temples that euer had beene in the world most of the ornaments and images beeing made of Gold and Siluer hee also erected the Vattican which was dedicated to Saint Peter and another holy house dedicated to Saint Paul in either of which he placed their seueral sepulchres and monuments bestowing extraordinary cost to beautifie them So many were the gifts and gratuites of this Emperour that they can scarce bee numbred so that although the Emperour Trajan and Boniface the fourth Pope of Rome bestowed great cost to beautifie and adorne the city yet were they nothing comparable to that which this Emperor did These things then beeing presented to your viewe
that went into exile for he was born about such time as Romulus and Remus were born which was An. mun 3200. and before Christ 798 Tob. 1. About the 30 yeare of his age he went from Niniveh into Media which was 752 miles and there came to a city called Rages in that country to visit the banished Israelites at which time hee lent by Gabel by bond 10 talents of siluer which amounts in our mony at v. s. vi d. the ounce to 2062 li. and 10 s. or thereabouts From Rages he returned backe againe to Niniveh 752 miles So all his trauels were 2104 miles The Trauels of the Angell Raphel and yong Tobias IN the yeare before Christ 708 the Archangell Raphel went from Niniveh to Rages in Media with Tobias the yonger being 752 miles From Rages in Media they returned backe again to Niniveh 752 miles So these journies were 1504 miles ¶ The description of the places mentioned in their trauels Of Nepthaly THis was the chiefe city of the tribe of Nepthaly 84 miles from Ierusalem toward the North. It stood in Galile and in times past was a strong town here Tobias the elder was born It is to be seene at this day as some say but much decayed and is now called by the name of Sirin scituated in a mountain so steep and strongly fortified by nature vpon the West side that it is impossible to ascend vpon it In a valley some two miles from this towne towards the South Naason spoken of in the first Chapter of Toby is scituated Vpon the left side whereof there stood a towne called Sophet but now there is nothing to be seene but a Castle where in antient times the Knights Templers kept their abiding and at this day is in the custody of the Turks This castle is scituated vpon a high mountaine fortified very strongly both by art and nature and standeth within a mile of Nepthaly Southwestward At such time as Iosephus that great Historiographer who was the sonne of Matthia of Marathia a Priest of the Iewes was chosen chiefe Commander of the tribe of Nepthaly he gathered an army of 100000 and fortified this castle Nepthaly and many other townes thereabouts continuing a long and sharp war against the Romans vntill Nepthaly was taken and he constrained to yeeld himselfe captiue In the taking in of which town Titus the son of Vespasian did first ascend the walls there made manifest his noble resolution and valor Vid. Ios de bell Iud. lib. 3 4. Of Rages a city of the Medes RAges is so called of a great Congregation being deriued of Ragasch that is He hath assembled a great company for it was a very populous city It was also called as Strab. li. 11. Cosmograp saith Rahga but after being rebuilt and fortified by Nicanor it was by him called Europus beeing distant from Ierusalem 1396 miles toward the Northeast The Persians call it Arsacia S. Ierom de Trad. Hebr. would haue Edissa a city of Mesopotamia or rather as Pliny saith of Coelosyria to be Rages which stands but 448 miles from Ierusalem Northward and from Ninive 188 miles Westward There are diuers others that haue wrot of this town of Edissa but that this and Rages should be both one I canot see how to agree with Toby for that hee himselfe hath set it down to stand in Media and the Cities of the Medes lie distant from Ierusalem 1396 miles Therefore gentle Reader I referre it to thy better consideration Of Iesus the sonne of Syrach SYrach signifies an Illustrous Prince being deriued of Sarach he hath shined forth he was of that noble family of Dauid that is the son of Syrach the son of Iesu cousin german to Amos Syrach who as Philo saith was the chiefe prince and captain of the children of Israel in the time of Ptolomeus Philadelphus King of Egypt is inserted into the genealogie of Christ Luke 3. He was born 230 years before Christ in the city Ierusalem from whence about the 38 yeare of his age he went to Alexandria a city of Egypt 288 miles Evergetes Ptolomais the sonne of Philadelphus being then King of that countrey where he gathered out of that flourishing Library set vp at the charge of Ptolomais Philadelphus his booke of Ecclesiasticus as bees from diuers floures gather sweet hony Of the great city Alexandria ALexandria was a city of Egypt distant from Ierusalem 288 miles Westward in antient time called No that is a Hinderance But Alexander the Great taking affection to this city in the yere 330 before Christ began to build it for by continuance of time it was much decayed and within the space of 17 dayes made it a goodly city much greater than it was before to which that he might adde the greater grace he called it after his owne name Alexandria and there he lieth buried after hee had gouerned the empire of the Grecians 7 yeares For although he died in Babylon the chiefe city of the Chaldaeans yet Ptolomais one of his chiefe Princes remoued his body thence in a golden chariot to Memphis in Egypt and 20 years after to Alexandria The scituation thereof is very delectable bordering to the North vpon the Mediterranian sea and to the South vpon the poole of Mareridis as Strabo saith lib. 17. It was ten miles about strongly fortified with walls beautified with goodly buildings scituated in a very fruitfull countrey And to giue a greater delight vnto the inhabitants without the Walls there stood many goodly Orchards and Gardens plentifully furnished with fruits and floures of diuers kindes as Pomecitrons Figges c. During the time of Ptolomais Philadelphus it was a famous and flourishing city for this Prince being a great louer of learning instituted an Academy as it is thought in it and added thereto a stately library wherin were 400000 Bookes The same whereof beeing published through the world many people of diuers Nations resorted thither to see it Then Eleazer also the high-priest of the Iews at the request of Ptolemais sent 72 Interpreters to translate the Bible out of Hebrew into Greeke which was as Eusebius obserueth in the third yeare of his reign before Christ 268. In recompence whereof he sent to be dedicated in the Temple of Ierusalem a table of gold richly adorned with Carbuncles smarages and other pretious stones two stately cups and 30 boules of pure gold as appeareth in Iosep lib. Antiq. 12. The Academy continued there till after Christs time as you may reade Acts 6. But the Library was consumed 47 yeares before Christ and the city greatly defaced For Iulius Caesar at that time making war with Pompey the yonger who continued with his sister Cleopatra in this City caused the Kings navy to be set on fire and the Library standing neer it the flame tooke hold of it and burnt it downe to the ground with all that was in it and defaced also a great part of the city Iosephus writing of this city compares it
16. So all his trauels were 176 miles Concerning the towns and places mentioned in these trauels you may reade before ¶ Of the Kings of Syria that succeeded Antiochus Epiphanes and made war vpon the MACHABEES And first of the Trauels of Antiochus Eupator THis Antiochus the yonger succeeded his father Antiochus Epiphanes in the 149 yere of the Grecians gouernment in Syria which was the 161 yere before Christ and he continued King of Asia and Syria 3 yeares Lysias the Kings Substitute for Syria called this man by the name of Eupator that is a good Father because Kings ought to be Fathers of their countries This Antiochus Eupator in the second yeare of his reign came with a great army from Antiochia to the town of Modin which was 380 miles From Modin he went to the Hold at Bethsura this he sharply besieged being 12 miles From Bethsura he went to Bethsachara almost a mile to meet wrth Iudas Machabeus who put him to flight and kild 600 of his men 1 Mac. 6. From Bethsachara hee returned to the Hold of Bethsura and won it which was almost a mile From Bethsura he came to Ierusalem which was halfe a mile From Ierusalem he went with his Army to Ptolomais beeing 76 miles From Ptolomais hee returned to Antiochia 204 miles and a halfe Concerning the townes and places mentioned in his Trauels you may reade before The Trauels of Demetrius Soter the brother of Antiochus Epiphanes IN An. mundi 3809. before Christ 159. Demetrius Soter the son of Seleucus Philopater who was sent to Rome brought a Navy from thence through the Mediterranian sea and came to Tripolis in Syria which journy was 2680 miles and vsurped vpon the gouernment of Syria against young Antiochus the son of Epiphanes 1 Mac. 7. From Tripolis he went to Antiochia where the King kept his court 88 miles Here he caused yong Antiochus and Lysias to be slain and after reigned in Syria 10 yeares At length he was slain in a great battel by Alexander the son of Epiphanes 1 Mac. 7. So all his trauels were 1760 miles Of Tripolis THis city was scituated in Phoenicia a prouince of Syria on the shore of the Mediterranian sea 170 miles from Ierusalem towards the North and was so called because there dwelt in it three sorts of people viz. Tyrians Sydonians and Arabians It is a very famous City euen to this day the Ocean sea comming into euery street and principall place of it and full as populous as Tyrus For there inhabit Grecians Latines Armenians Maronites Nestorians and people of many other nations of diuers conditions and customes in manner of liuing It aboundeth also with great aboundance of costly Tapestrie which is made so curiously and with such cost that it is very delightfull to such as looke vpon it It is credibly reported That there are found within the city of Tripolis 4000 men that do little els but weaue and make Tapestry and such like costly hangings The country round about where it standeth is very pleasant because of the great aboundance of Vines Olives Figgs and other fruits and floures which yeeld a comfortable smell and is profitable for the maintenance of life it is called Paradice There is a field before the City some two miles in length and one in bredth in which there are to be seene very curious gardens and artificially contriued About six miles from the city standeth mount Libanus at the foot whereof riseth a goodly fountain which with great violence runneth thence but suddenly falling into the vallies it ioyns with other waters and becomes a faire and pleasant riuer watering all the gardens of the plain between Tripolis and Libanus but especially the mountains of the Leopards which is not far off In the Canticles cap. 4. there is mention of this hill Come with mee my Spouse from the dennes of the Lions and the mountains of the Leopards The water of this Spring is very cleare pleasant cold and healthfull vpon the banks of it there stand many churches religious houses It is called the Fountaine of the gardens and is diuided into three riuers or principal streams besides many other small brooks which run thence and fall into the sea so that the sentence Est 9. is verified of this A small fountaine shall increase to a great Riuer and shall be poured out against many waters The Trauels of King Alexander son of Epiphanes and brother to Antiochus Eupator OF this Alexander Iustin writes lib. 35. where he sheweth That he was not son to Antiochus Epiphanes as was supposed but had to name Prompalus being a man of the meaner sort of people but the Antiochians for the great tyranny of Demetrius falling into rebellion gaue vnto him the name of Alexander and withal caused it to be published abroad that he was the son of Epiphanes which by reason of his youth was easily beleeued And at this time Demetrius because of his crueltie being much hated of all sorts of people it came to passe that most and those of the greatest also combined with this yong man supposing him indeed to be of noble descent and the son of a King Wherefore Alexander or Prompatus being thus encouraged tooke vpon him to bee the brother of Antiochus Eupator and called himselfe the lawful heire and successor to the crowne of Syria going from thence to Ptolomais where he kept a royall court and in the yere of the world 3818 before Christ 150 by the help of the Antiochians other the inhabitants of Syria hee tooke vpon him the gouernment of that country and reigned fiue yeares This man suffered many varieties and changes of fortune at first was put to flight by Demetrius after hee put Demetrius to flight and at length put him to death and vsurpt vpon his gouernment In the third yere of his reign he maried Cleopatra the daughter of Ptolomeus Philometor King of Egypt by whom he had his son Antiochus To this marriage Ionathan was inuited In the last yeare of his gouernment hee went from Ptolomais to Antiochia which was 200 miles where hee opposed himselfe against Demetrius Nicanor the sonne of Demetrius Soter 1 Machab. cap. 10. From Antiochia he went to Cilicia which was 120 miles to suppresse the rebellion of his subiects but when hee heard that Ptolomeus Philometor his father in law had taken vp armes against him conquered Syria and giuen his wife to Demetrius Nicanor which had been maried vnto him two yeares before hee gathered all his forces hee could and with all expedition made good the war against Ptolomeus but hee was ouercome and fled into that part of Arabia which bordereth vpon the mountaine Amanus for refuge where Zabdiel the gouernor of that countrey fearing lest he should fall into the displeasure of Ptolomeus caused his seruants to cut off his head and sent it to him into Syria Within three daies after which sight he died being mortally wounded in the former battell Ios li. Ant. 13. c. 17.
Lachis 65.51 31.49 Eglon 65.50 31.48 Makeda 65.49 31.52 Libna 95.49 31.50 Debir 65.32 31.46 Bethsur 65.47 31.48 Kechila 65.38 31.47 Maresa 65 42 31.54 Maon 65.38 31.41 Carmel 65.40 31.44 Ziph 65.38 31 43 Arah 65.45 31.37 Hebron 65.33 31.45 Gerer 65.37 31.42 Kades barnea 65.22 31.29 Adar 65.12 31.32 Carcaha 65.06 31.30 Hasmona 65.00 31.30 Bethsemes 65.55 31.55 Beersabah 65.31 31.40 Siclag 65.15 31.37 Ecron 65 â—0 31.58 Azotus 65.35 31.00 Astalon 65.24 31.52 Gath 65.23 31.48 Gaza 65.11 31.40 The townes lying on this side of the riuer Iordan Dan 67 25 33.08 Ior â—ons 67 31 33 07 Caesarea Philippi 67 30 33.05 Seleucia 67.17 32.50 Eruptio fluvij ex Samachoniride palude 67.11 32.44 Capernaum 66.53 31.29 Eruptio fluvij è mare Genezareth 66 43 32.21 Ephion 66.42 32.20 Ennon 66.40 32.16 Gamala 66.55 32.25 Salem 66.37 32.18 Chrit torrens 66.16 31.57 Ostia Iordanis 66.17 31.54 Engedi 66.22 31.43 Zoar vel Sagor 66.17 31.38 Eruptio Zered 66.19 31.34 Townes standing beyond Jordan Mirba 66.50 32.20 Astharoth 67.00 32.26 Astaroth 66.57 32.23 Gadara 66.48 32.23 Machanaim 66.44 32.19 Iaczar 66.39 32.12 Hesbon 66.28 32.05 Iabes 66.55 32.21 Ramah 66.51 32.20 Nobach 66.38 32.16 Iachsa 66.28 32 02 Aroer 66.30 32.00 Macherus 66.23 31.56 Minith 66.36 32.66 Midian 66.30 31.55 Didon 66.32 32.06 Punuel 66.39 31.18 Edrei 66.15 32.21 Abela Vinearum 67.00 32.23 Philadelphia 67.10 32.22 Pella 67.03 32.20 Phiala fons 67.43 33.05 Betharan 67.30 32.08 Pisgamons 66 26 32.01 Abarim montes 66.29 31.58 Townes in Egypt Memphis 61.50 29.50 Heliopolis 62.15 29.59 Tanis 63.30 29.50 Taphnis 62 30 31.00 Ony 60.30 30.10 Alaxandria 60.30 31.00 Mercurij ciuitas magna 61.40 28.55 Mercurij ciuitas parua 61.00 30.50 Delta magnum 62.00 30 00 Xois 62.30 30.45 Busitis 62.30 30.15 Hâ—sinoe 63.20 29.10 Solis fons 58.15 28.00 Journies out of Aegypt Raemses 63.00 30.05 Pihachiroth 62.50 29.40 Mara 63.35 29.50 Elim 63.45 29.50 Iuxta mare 63.55 29.45 Paran promontorium 65.00 29.00 Daphea 64.14 29.46 Alus 64.30 29.46 Raphiddim 64.40 29.53 Sinai mons 65.00 30.00 Hazeroth 65.50 30.14 Zephor mons 65.54 30.50 Mozeroth 64.18 39.04 Hasmona 65.09 31.30 Gidgad mons 65.30 30.20 Iothabatha 65.30 26.40 Habrona 65.30 29.40 Hesion Gaber 65.30 29.20 Sin 66.00 29.56 Hor mons 66.00 30.25 Salmona 66.25 30.40 Phunon 66.30 30.54 Oboth 66 50 31.04 Ieabarim 67.00 31.18 Zered rorrens vallis 66.44 31.20 Didon Gad 66.48 31.32 Almon diblathaim 66.48 31.24 Chedemoth solitudo 66.56 32.00 Beer puteus 66.50 23.00 Marthana Solitudo 66.49 23 00 Nathaleel 66.40 00.23 Bamoth vallie 66.30 32.00 Townes in Arabia Petraea Petra 65.40 31.18 Paran 94.30 30.04 Midian 65.30 29.15 Hesion gebar 65 35 29.00 Elana villa harla velelath 95.35 29.15 Ostia Nili Canopicum 66.50 31.05 Bolbithinum 61.30 31.05 Sâ—benniticum 61.45 31.05 Pathmiticum 91.35 31.10 Mendesium 62.45 31.10 Pelusiacum 63.15 31.15 Thon 63.00 31.30 Sirbonis lacus eruptio 65.45 31.50 Sirbonis lacus 63.30 31.10 Idem 63.45 31.10 Ciuitas Pelusium 36.25 31.20 Rhinocorura 94.40 31.10 Some other great Townes Babilon 76.00 35.00 Antiochia 60 30 33.35 Damascus 68.55 33.00 Palmira 72.40 35.10 Vr chaldeorum 78.00 39.40 Ecbathana 88.00 37.45 Rages in Media 93.40 36.04 Sula in Persia 83.00 34.15 Persepolis 91.00 33.20 Heccatompilon in Parthia 96.0 37.50 Zaba in Arabia foelix 97.00 13.00 Meroe 61.30 16.25 Haram in Mesopotania 75 15 36.10 Hircania 98.30 40.00 Ciraenae 50.00 31.20 The description of the Citie of Ierusalem as it was before Titus Vespasian destroyed it THe most holy and beautiful city of Ierusalem was twice destroyed first by Nebuchadnezzar the most puissant King of Babylon who did vtterly beat downe and ouerthrow the Citie burning the costly Temple which King Solomon had built After that Zorobabel and the high Priest Ioshua when they returned from the captiuitie of Babylon re-edified and built againe both the Citie and the Temple in the yeare before the birth of Christ 535. But the second temple which was built after their returne was neither so faire nor so great as the first for it was twenty * Cubitus is a foot and an halfe six hand bredths foure and twentie fingers broad being in former times the fourth part of the height of a man Cubitus a cubando the arme tbat men vse to leane vpon from the elbow to the hand Victru lib. 3. Cal. Lexicon Cubits lower than the former After that King Herod 17 yeares before the birth of Christ caused the said Temple to be broken downe againe as Iosephus saith and erected another new Temple in place thereof which neuerthelesse was not like the first temple that Solomon builded as touching the greatnesse but it was exceeding fairely decked and adorned with gold and siluer so that in regard of the beautifulnesse thereof it was a wonder vnto all that came to Ierusalem Which Temple 40 yeares after Christs death and Ascension was also vtterly destroyed by Titus the sonne of Flavius Vespasian the Emperour I will describe the forme of the Citie Ierusalem as it was before it was defaced by Titus the sonne of Vespasian and therewithall I will shew how the costly Ornaments which Solomon placed therein stood for seeing that the two brasen Pillars and the great Molten sea were not therin when our Lord Iesus Christ liued vpon earth being broken downe by Nabuchadnezzars soldiers it is therefore necessary and very requisite to bee knowne how they stood and to the end that the Reader may be fully satisfied I will also first declare the citie of Ierusalem as it was in those dayes with the chiefest Places Walls Towers Gates Houses Castles Fountaines Hills Vallies and all the principall things therein How the Citie Ierusalem is scituate and standeth distant from Germany THe Towne of Neurenberch is scituate in the middle of Germanie or neere thereabouts and Ierusalem is distant from Neurenberch fiue hundred * Which make 2000 miles English miles but if you will trauell to Venice and from thence to Ierusalem it is fiue hundred and fiftie * Which make 2200 miles miles The scituation of Ierusalem IErusalem was foure square Of the scituation of the Mountaines whereon Ierusalem stood and scituated vpon foure mountaines viz. Mount Sion Mount Moriah Mount Acra and Moun Bezetha Mount Sion was the highest of all and lay within the citie of Ierusalem towards the South whereon stood King Dauids house or the castle of Sion and the vppermost towne Mount Moriah whereon the Temple stood with other excellent buildings and Towers was on the East side of the city within the Walls Mount Acra whereon the lower towne was built stood Westward in the citie where Annas Caiphas Pilot Herod Agrippa Bernice Helena and other Kings and great Princes dwelt The holy Citie of Ierusalem may in this manner be briefely described THe most holy and beautifull Citie of Ierusalem if any would consider the three principall parts of the World The description of Ierusalem Europe Asia and Affrica stood in the middest of
the World vpon most high mountaines and rockes like an earthly Paradise a liuely figure of the euerlasting Citie of God This Citie being the metropolitan or principallest Citie of the Iewes stood in the Tribe of Benjamin at the first it was called Salem that is Peaceable when Melchisedech the Priest of God raigned therein which hee also built after the Deluge as Iosephus and Egisippus write But at that time it was not very great for it stood onely vpon Mount Sion Mount Moriah where Abraham would haue offered his sonne Isaac stood without the Citie and after that they tooke it into the Citie as when time serueth it shall be declared After the death of Melchisedech vnto whom Abraham payd the Tythes of all his goods the Iebusites dwelt in the Citie of Ierusalem and had the dominion of it and all the land thereabouts in their subjection called the City Iebus after their name which name was held a long time as we reade in Iosuah the 10. Iud. 10. 2. Samuel 1. But at the last Ioab King Dauids Generall of his Armie woon it draue the Iebusites out of it and called it Ierusalem that is a sight or vision of Peace It hath also other names in the holy Scripture for in Esay 29. it is called Ariel that is Gods Lyon and mount Libanus * Because it was made of the Ceder trees which came â—ut of Mount Libanus The Prophet Ezechiel 23. calleth it Ahaliba my fixed Pauillion or Tent that is a Citie wherein God had placed his owne habitation The circuit and bignesse of the City Ierusalem THe City of Ierusalem was foure square and in circumference three and thirtie * Which make foure English miles and one furlong furlongs as Iosephus writeth which three and thirty Furlongs make somewhat more than a Dutch mile Some write that it was foure miles compasse about yet these were not Dutch miles but Wallon or Italian miles for foure such Italian miles are a Dutch mile Of mount Sion the higher Citie MOunt Syon stood Northwards in the Citie Ierusalem and was much higher than all the other Hills that were therein therefore it was called Sion that is a watch Tower because from thence one might see the Holy land and all the countries thereabout vpon this Hill the vpper Citie was built which in the Scripture is called the City of Dauid because Dauid wan it from the Iebusites and beautified it with many goodly houses faire and costly buildings but especially with his house of Cedar wood which hee termed the castle of Sion which stood Westwards at the corner of the Hill looking into Bethlehem Southwards In that house Dauid dwelt and therein committed adulterie with Berseba the wife of Vriah the Hittite whose house also with the place of diuers priuie Councellers and officers stood vpon the said Hill not farre from the Kings Pallace as Iosephus writeth Beneath King Dauids house vpon Mount Sion within a Rocke there was to be seene the sepulchre or vault wherein King Dauid Solomon his son and other succeeding Kings of Iuda were entombed and buried Vpon mount Syon also towards the East King Herod had a Garden of pleasure not farre from the Fountaine called Silo Nemiah 3. and there also stood the Tower of Silo whereof Luke in the 13 chapter maketh mention Iosephus in the warres of the Iewes his first book and sixteenth chapter saith That King Herod vnder whom Christ Iesus was borne had two faire and strong houses or Towers which hee set and made in the vpper part of the City Ierusalem vpon mount Syon which were in a manner comparable with the Temple for beautifulnesse which he called after the name of his friends the one Caesarea for Caesar the Emperors sake and the other Agrippa according to the name of the noble Roman Marcus Agrippa that married the daughter of Augustus Caesar This may suffice to declare the scituation of the vpper Citie which stood vpon mount Sion and conteyned in circuit fifteene furlongs which is about halfe a mile This vppermost Citie in the sacred Scripture is called the Citie of Dauid it was also cal-Millo that is fulnesse or plenty for in it there was no want but aboundance of all things Of the steps which descended downe from the citie of Dauid vnto the lower Citie MOunt Sion whereon the vpper citie of Ierusalem did stand was such a high hard hill and so steepe that no man could climbe or ascend vnto it by any way or meanes but only one that is by steps for in the middle thereof there was a great paire of staires made which descended from Dauids Citie vnto the lower Citie That is 26 yards in height into the valley or dale of gates called Thyroreion which staires were 780 foot * high as Iohannes Heydonius writeth and beneath in the valley of Thyroreion ouer against the valley of Cedron at the foot of the staires stood a gate which was called the gate of Sion and they which went vp to mount Sion must passe through that gate and so vp those staires but it is thought neuerthelesse that in some other part of the hill there was some winding or other oblique way made by which horses and chariots by little and little might ascend Allegoricall or Spirituall significations of mount Sion SIon in Hebrew signifieth a sure hold or goodly aspect for that from the top thereof a man might haue seen all the land lying thereabouts and was a type of the highest heauens or habitation of Almighty God from whence he beholdeth all things vpon earth from which throne and heauenly habitation he descended into this lower Ierusalem and became our Redeemer Sauiour that so we being purged by his bloud from all our sinnes and imperfections he might bring vs into that heauenly Ierusalem which is eternall glorie Of Mount Moriah on which the Temple stood MOunt Moriah stood Eastward within Ierusalem which was a most hard stony hill from whence towards the rising of the Sunne men by staires might easily descend but round about on the other three sides it was steepe and vnapprochable like a stone wall yet it was not so high as Mount Sion howbeit it was exceeding high extending and reaching 600 foot in height and on the top thereof was a very faire plaine like vnto that of Mount Sion whereon in times past Abraham builded an Altar and would haue offered his sonne Isaac for a Sacrifice Gen. 22. At which time when Abraham obeyed the commandement of God intending to haue offered his sonne Isaac vpon the Hill and thereon had made an Altar then the said Hill lay without the Citie but long time after about the space of 850 yeres when King Dauid had conquered Ierusalem and driuen thence the Iebusites to enlarge the Citie he compassed in Mount Moriah and Mount Acra with a wall vpon which there stood many goodly buildings And amongst other things worthy obseruation vpon this Mount stood the Barne or Threshing floore
resembles our Sauiour Christ who compared himselfe vnto a Vine and the Faithfull vnto the branches saying I am the true Vine and whosoeuer is ingraffed into me shal haue eternall life Io. 15. The Crystall grapes do denote the doctrine of the Gospell and the works of the Faithfull which are faith loue hope charity patience prayer and workes of grace all which do inhere vnto such as beleeue The mysterie of Oblations and Sacrifices ALl the Oblations and Sacrifices of the old Testament were Types and figures of our Sauiour That as they were slaine for the performance of the ceremonial law so Christ for the saluation of man was slain and made a free-will Offering by whose bloud and mediation the sin of man is pardoned and he made capable of eternall life Esay 53. Iohn 10. Heb. 9 c. The mysterie of the vpper Court THe vpper Court was a figure of the spirituall Priesthood of Iesus Christ who hath made vs all Priests and Kings and hath beautified vs with his guiltlesse death 1 Pet. 2 The mysterie of the Fountaine and molten Sea standing vpon twelue Oxen in the vppermost Court THe molten Sea and Fountain was a figure of Baptisme and that liuing water issuing from the wounds of Christ whereby we are washed from all our sinnes the Lavor of regeneration whereby we are made capable of eternall life that Well of water whereof if we drinke we shall neuer thirst The twelue Oxen represent the twelue Apostles whose voice haue gon through the world according to that in the Corinthians and haue carried the sea of Grace through all the parts of the earth Of which Water saith S. Augustine if thou drinkest but one drop it is more effectuall to quench the thirst of worldly and insatiable desires than an Ocean of earthly waters The mysterie of the middle Court SOlomons Court wherein Christ taught and in which the Iewes vsed commonly to pray was a figure of that Church which should be gathered from amongst the Iewes For from thence he indeauoured first to assemble and gather together a Christian congregation according to that which he spake to the Canaanitish woman Mat. 15. I am sent only to the lost Sheep of the house of Israel Of the outward Court of the Gentiles THis Court signified That the Gentiles also should partake of the sheepfold and congregation of Christ and be members of his holy Church according to that of Iohn 10. I haue yet other Sheepe which I must also bring hither that so there might be one sheepfold one Pastor c. Of the rest of the memorable Buildings standing vpon mount Moriah HAuing thus described the temple together with the seueral courts ornaments al which did typically represent Christ his church I wil now proceed to the rest of the buildings standing vpon mount Moriah The first and most memorable was the house of Solomon which stood iust against the Temple vpon the South it shined so with gold and siluer was so stately and sumptuously built that when queene Saba came to Ierusalem she stood amased to see it There belonged to it diuers Courts and Walkes in one of which the Prophet Ieremy was prisoner Ier. 37. Ouer against this he made the Iudgement hall in which hee placed the Ivory Chaire spoken of 1 Kin. 10. He built by that another house for his Queen she that was daughter of Pharaoh 1 Kin. 7. But when Nebuchadnezzar conquered Ierusalem all these together with the Temple were burnt and vtterly defaced Of the Poole of Bethesda VPon the North lay that sheepfold o◠sequestred place called Bethesda Ioh. 5. which hath fiue porches or Xenodochius as some would haue it here Cattell came to drinke and the Priests vsed to wash their Sacrifices because no vncleane beast might come within the Temple nor any thing that was foule or spotted be offered vpon the Altar The water was of reddish colour and ran into that place in great aboundance and therefore it was called the house of effusion or pouring out This was the place into which the Angel of God sometimes descended and troubled the water after which whosoeuer stepped in was presently cured and heere our Sauiour Christ healed the man that had beene diseased 38 years Ioh. 5. This place was made by King Hezekiah who caused the water of the vppermost poole which was called Gihon not far from mount Calvary to be conueied by pipes passages through the earth into the lower city called Acra and so fel into this place for which cause it was called the lower poole The Allegorie or mysterie hereof is That euery one of Christs Sheepe ought to be washed in the poole of his bloud before they can be made fit sacrifices to enter into his Temple or church 1 Io. 1. Of the tower or castle called Antonia THis castle as Iosep hath it lib. 6. de Bell. cap. 6. stood betweene two Courts of the Temple at the North-West corner at first built by the Machabees and called by the name of Baris but after King Herod taking affection to that place bestowed great cost vpon it walled it about built vp sumptuous towers made it very strong then gaue it the name of Antonia in fauor of Antonius that noble Roman which Augustus a long time sustained after their decease Of the Hall called Coenaculum Anguli THis house stood vpon an angle or cantle of the hill and was therefore called Coenaculum Anguli it was very large spatious and within had a great hall whereof Nehem. cap. 3. maketh mention and here as some thinke our Sauior Christ ate the Paschal Lambe with his Disciples but I rather thinke it was in the suburbs Of the Tower Ophel or the darke Tower NEere to the valley of Cedron toward the East not farre from the Temple and neere the castle Antonia there was builded a lofty and strong tower or palace called Ophel that is a place of darknesse it was a very sumptuous thing Of Hamea or the Tower of the Centurions IN the town wall betweene the sheepe gate and the dung gate stood this castle Hamea or Centurion taking the name à Centenario numero i. the number of an hundred and was vpon the East side of the city neere to the sheepfold or poole Bethesda Neh. 3.12 Here the Centurions commonly kept watch Of Mount Acra and the buildings vpon it MOunt Acra as is aforesaid stood vpon the West side of Ierusalem it was a very high mountain and tooke that name from the Greeke word Acra a sharpe or high hill It was much higher than mount Moriah in times past till Simon Iudas Machabeus brother caused it to be cut lower to make it equall in height with mount Moriah Between these two hils lay the vally Cedron which was in profunditie 400 cubits Vpon this Mountain another part of the city was builded beeing strongly fortified and richly adorned with sumptuous houses of which Dauid and Solomon were the principal founders and was called the
the Princes and Embassadors of the King of Assyria spake blasphemous words against the Lord wherefore he slew 185 thousand of them as appeareth in the 2. King 19. Of the valley of the sonne of Hinnon THis valley lieth behind the city of Ierusalem Southward on the left hand as they went from Ierusalem to Bethelem In this valley the Iewes set vp an Idoll of copper like a King which they called Moloch that is a King of Idols This Copper Idoll stood with the arms stretching out and vnder it there was a great fire whereby the Image shewed fire-redde and besides that the more to honour it they made a great fire betweene two walls which burnt for his sake and through this fire the Idolatrous Priests cast liuing children into Molochs burning armes which he with his armes red hot burnt to death And in this manner the Iewes offered their owne children to the Idoll Moloch and when they did it they made a great noise crie and beat vpon a drum that the fathers when their children were offered should not here them crie by reason of the great noise of Drums This valley was called the valley of Tophet for Tophet signifies a Drum This was a most grosse and fearefull Idolatry therefore Christ likened this valley of Hinnon to hell fire for he called it Gehenna Mat. 5. That the Iewes should keepe themselues from this monstrous Idolatrie God made a law That if any man were taken committing this kind of Idolatry he should forthwith be stoned to death and not suffered to liue Leuit. 18. 20. The valley of Gehennon is oftentimes named in the holy Scriptures Iosh 15. Nehem. 11.2 Paral. 28.33 Ier. 7. Ierom writeth that here by this Idol Moloch in the valley of Hinnon there was a Wood for the water ran out of the Fountaine Siloah along by it and made the valley moist Of the field of bloud called Hakeldama THis field of bloud which was bought for thirty siluer pence for the which Iudas betraied our Sauiour Christ lay not farre from the valley of Hinnon Southward by the city of Ierusalem as Ierom writeth Of the hill Hameskita or offence and stander THis hill lay Southeast not farre from Ierusalem something wide of mount Oliuet so that there was but one Valley betweene them and was not altogether so high as it Also vpon this hill King Solomon in his old age suffered his wiues or concubines to make Idolatrous Temples wherein he and his wiues worshipped Idols Of the destruction of this famous Citie of Ierusalem by TITVS VESPASIAN THus haue I briefly set forth the dignitie scituation curiosity of the buildings of Ierusalem together with the richnesse of the Temple and sumptuousnesse of the houses now it rests to describe vnto you the manner and meanes how this famous Citie was destroyed surely a thing worthy wonder according to that in Ieremy Whosoeuer shall heare of it his eares shall tingle And that it might be the more famous and the Christians within it might take notice of the neer approaching desolation there were diuers strange accidents hapned and visions seene As first about some foure yeares before the riuer Iordan was turned out of her course and was brought into the Citie Pella a while after that for a yeare together there hung a Comet like a flaming sword ouer the City And in the night there was seene a light in the Temple And in the day when they were at sacrifice a Calfe brought forth a Lambe Then about the middle of the night the Easterne gates of the Temple opened of their owne accord In the skies were seene armies of men fighting and Horses and Chariots running too and againe And at last there was heard a terrible voice in the temple vttering these words Migremus hinc that is Let vs goe hence And that there might be a generall Proclamation of this sad and cruell desolation through the whole citie one Ananias the sonne of Iesus a man poore and impotent vpon the Feast of the Tabernacles ran through all the streets of the Citie and crying O a voice from the East and a voice from the West a voice from the foure windes a voice ouer Ierusalem and the Temple a voice ouer the Bridegroome and the Bride and a voice ouer the whole multitude of this Citie And although he was whipt and imprisoned and cruelly handled yet so long as he liued hee would not cease to vtter these words which by some were judg'd to foretel the horrible desolation which after hapned For Titus Caesar sonne of Flavius the Emperor about seuentie yeares after the Natiuitie of our Lord and about eight and thirty after his ascension vtterly ouerthrew it euen to the ground about the first day of the moneth of Aprill and within a yeare after these signes For he taking aduantage of the three factions which at this time swaied in Ierusalem One of Eleazer the Priest the sonne of Simon the other of Zilotus the chiefe Prince which held the Temple and the third of Iohannes Giscalenus a cruell fellow which had the command of the inferiour Citie besieged it and made this a fit opportunitie to further his enterprises whiles the seditious and factious people little regarding their owne safetie gaue way by their euill and intestine warrs to what he intended weakning themselues much more by their continued slaughters than the enemy by his inuasion Insomuch as the whole citie and Temple was filled with dead bodies common insolencies and publique rapines were ordinarily amongst them some set fire of the City others dispoiling the Temple a third sort killing the Priests euen as they were at sacrifice al places ful of dead bodies and to this to adde a greater measure of miserie without any regard at all to their future defence set fire of the store-house wherein the corne lay for the sustentation of the Citie and consumed that in one day which had been long a gathering by this meanes it came to passe that they were sorely afflicted with the pestilence through the corruption of the aire and with famine for want of Corne. All these things notwithstanding such was the crueltie obstinacie and peruersenesse of this people could not restraine them from violating the most sacred and holy things of the Temple insomuch as Iohannes Giscalenus had a full determination to haue destroyed it but that he was preuented by the Romans About this time was the feast of the Passeouer and it fell vpon the fourteenth day of Aprill being the Sabboth to the celebration whereof there resorted to Ierusalem about three hundred thousand Iewes These the enemy gaue way to enter into the Citie but considering their present necessitie for want of victuals vpon a suddain drew vp their forces and so straightly beleagered them that all this huge multitude was as it were imprisoned within the wals where partaking of the former misery they either died by the plague or famin Whence may be perceiued the maruellous prouidence
of God that euen on the same day and in the very same place where but eight and thirtie yeares before our Sauiour Christ suffered the authors of such crueltie suffered a most just and seuere reuenge Now as the army of the Romans lay vpon the North of the Citie Titus drew out a band of six hundred horse to ride about to behold and view the walls of the Towne but as he was in this manner wondring at the sumptuousnesse of the Citie the Iewes in great multitudes slipt out at a posterne gate and set vpon him so fiercely that they endangered his person being without armour and had he not with great difficultie broke through them and recouered the Tower of the Romans hee had beene there slaine But presently vpon this seeing the danger hee besieged the Citie in three parts himselfe as the Emperour of the armie built a castle about some two furlongs from the Citie iust against the Tower Psephina Thc other part of the army was intrenched right against the Tower Hippicus not farre from the Garden of the resurrection And the third part had their Castle in the Mount of Oliues some fiue furlongs or thereabouts from the Citie Then did hee build Bulwarkes make Engines and wonderfull deuises for the battering of the Walls and combining himselfe with some of the Iewes vpon the seuenth day of the second moneth which answereth to the moneth of May with great difficultie and much labour entred the first Wall which lay vpon the North and woon Mount Bezitha and Neapolie Vpon the twelfth of the same moneth which was the Sabboth day hee entred the second wall which diuided the suburbs but this was againe the same day recouered by the vertue of the Iewes so that the Iewes were constrained to fight vpon the Sabboth day according to the prophecie of our Sauiour Christ Matt. 24. But after vpon the sixteenth of this moneth of May the Romans againe recouered this wall and kept it in their owne custody Within a while after in the month of Iune about this time the famine growing intollerable within the towne Titus in the space of three daies compassed in the whole citie of Ierusalem with a Wall and vpon that set Towers and Castles lest any of the Iewes should flye to saue themselues Thus was the prophecie of our Sauiour Christ fulfilled Thy enemies shall compasse thee about and hem thee in on euery side Iosephus was now in the Citie and walking vpon the Walls earnestly intreated the Iewes to desist and no longer to oppose the Romans but this was so hatefull a speech to many that they began to fling darts at him And although at this time the extremitie of the famine was so sore that many dyed for want of sustenance yet all perswasions were in vaine and such was the calamitie that as well those as went out as those that continued in the Citie were in like danger of their liues for they were either slaine by the enemy or els by the pestilence and famine common injuries and vnmercifull outrages still attending vpon warre Their misery did rather increase then at all lesson it selfe for the jealousie of treason the hope of riches and the madnes of the seditious distracted the mindes of the Citizens with continuall feares and filled the streets full of murther and daily spectacles of lamentable tragedies The markets were vnfrequented with Corne the victuals with violence consumed and taken from the true owners And if it chanced that some one had more than would serue his turne though he dwelt in a faire and stately building yet the remotest roome and most vnfrequented he made his tabernacle and that little which was left with great parcimonie he consumed together with his life till both were ended Those that were Fathers and Senats of the people though before serued and attended with reuerenced and great state in this consusion was glad of a small morsell though with much contention The wife was not ashamed to take away the meate from her husband nor the children from their parents nor the mothers from their infants And if it hapned that in any house the seditious seemed to smell food with violence they tooke it ransackt the roomes round about whiles the master therof was made a laughing stocke and mournfull spectator of those mischiefes But according to the condition of souldiers whose naturall disposition is to be violent without any regard either of sex or kindred committed daily outrages So that here you might haue seene the mothers weeping ouer their dying infants whiles their husbands were massacred in the streets by the seditious The increase of daies were the increase of torments and the daily want of such as were in power being vnaccustomed to such euils caused them to inuent new meanes to satisfie their desire and practise vnusuall torments for no other purpose but to finde out sustenance yea such was their insatiable thirst of bloud that they spared not him whom but now gaue them all hee had and least he should liue to cumber the city either hang him vp by the heeles till he died or else pulled out his entrailes with a sharpe yron Those that went out in the night time when the Romans were asleepe to gather herbes the seditious would meet and with violence take what they had got from them and though with teares and lamentations and prayers vpon their knees they intreated but for one part a small moitie of that which a little before they had got with danger of their liues yet they would not giue it them and scap't fairely if they went away with life These insolencies were committed by the common souldiers vpon such as were of the meaner sort of people But for the rest that were either honorable or rich they became a prey to the Captains and Commanders some accused as traitors and that they would haue betraied the Citie to the Romans others as fugitiues that they would forsake the Citie most vnder pretence of one crime or other dispoiled of that they had And they whom Iohn had thus oppressed were entertained of Simon and whom Simon had injuried they were entertained by Iohn both drunke the bloud of the miserable Citizens like water So that the desire of rule was the cause of their dissention the concord of their euill and cruell actions There was an infinite number that perished in this citie by famine insomuch as houses were filled with the bodies of infants and children The Angle gate was thrust full of dead corpes The young men that remained walked vp and downe the Citie like Images of death The old men were destroyed by the pestilence the contagion of which disease taking away their senses they became madde And of such as died among the seditious their wiues or kindred had not roome nor time to bury them but as they were putting them into the graue they also dyed Yet for all this amongst this miserable societie there was no weeping no complaining no deploring
Thus they continued for the space of eighteene yeares at the end of which time Adrianus Aelianus the Emperor hearing of those insolencies leuied an Army and sent them into Iudea vnder the gouernment of Iulius Seuerus who in a pitcht field neere to Bethcoron and not far from Emaus conquered this Benchochab or Pseudo-Messiah and with him slew fiue hundred thousand Iewes that were deceiued by his persuasion Now when they went to seeke for the body of this Deceiuer amongst the Dead as saith Talmudista hee was found lying with an horrible Serpent about his necke intimating how God reiected him that would seem to imitate his Son for euen as the Serpent deceiued our first Parents so this Benchochab deceiued the Iews and for this cause they called him Bencozba that is The Son of Lying The number of the Iewes which in the time of this war were slaine amounted to 500000 men besides many others that perished by pestilence and famin This warre hapned 64 yeares after the destruction of Ierusalem After this second desolation of the Iewes at the command of the Emperor that there might be a final extirpation of the antient city of Ierusalem and that the words of our Sauior might be fulfilled Lo there shall not be a stone left vpon a stone Mat. 24 the ruines and foundations thereof were digged vp the stones broken in pieces the ground left desolate and the mountains are now become barren and ouergrown with brambles And that the name thereof might vtterly be forgotten and as it were rooted out of the earth hee set vp a new towne not far from the hill Gihon and Golgotha where Christ was crucified which after he had adorned with many goodly buildings he called it by his owne name Aelia In the place of the Temple he set vp a Church in the honour of Iupiter and Venus Iust in the place where the holy Altar stood he erected his own image vpon a marble pillar which continued vntill Saint Hieroms time At Bethlehem he erected the Image of Adonis and to that he consecrated at Church Vpon the gates of the City he cut Hogs in marble in contempt of the Iewes Then did hee abiure them That they should not come within the walls of the City nor set foot vpon the ground neere Ierusalem This being done as Dion saith he dedicated it to the honour of Iupiter Capitolinus and only made it free for Christians and such like to be in it This town at this day we call Ierusalem although it be scituated in another place and called by another name Future Ages calling the actions of precedent times into question puld a great contempt vpon this Towne and so much the rather because Infidelitie and other heathenish prophanesse was cherisht within this city So that that which a little before was set vp in honour of the Emperour Aelianus is now growne into contempt Wherfore Helena the mother of Constantine the Great hauing command of that Empire to giue some satisfaction to the vniuersalitie caused those prophane Temples and Idols to be abolished and in their places erected others Vpon mount Golgotha the church called Golgothanus vpon the mount of Olives one in the place of the ascention of Christ and Constantine her son richly adorned the Sepulchre and ouer it built a stately Temple all of polisht marble richly gilt with gold so that to this day it remaines as the chiefe ornament of the town In this mans time the Iewes with great boldnesse indeauoured to rebuild the Temple iust in the place where it stood before but at the commandement of the Emperour they were repelled and in recompence of their presumption had their eares cut off and their noses slit because they had eares and would not heare neither obey the commandement of our Sauior But as the Emperor was religious and endeauored to support Christianitie so his successor Iulianus was as full of impietie and prophanenesse who that he might frustrat the prophecie of our Sauior That Ierusalem should neuer be built again in contempt caused the Iewes to assemble together and with all expedition restore it to its former glory giuing the vttermost of his helpe to their endeauours But as they were seriously labouring in this work of a sudden there came a great earthquake and looke what they had built was by that quite ouerturned then fire came out of the earth and from heauen which destroied both the matter and the Workemen And that the Iewes nor any Philosophers might impute it to a natural cause there was seen in the heauens a bloudy crosse and vpon their cloathes crosses shining like stars which the Iewes could by no means wipe off Yet this little preuailed a second time they attempted as before a second earthquake hapned with a storme of winde which came with such extreme violence that all the stuffe which they had heaped together for this purpose was vtterly blown away and destroyed So that of force they were constrained to leaue off acknowledge That Christ whom their Forefathers had crucified was the true Messiah Greg. Nazianzen and Hierome report That neuerthelesse the Iewes euen to this day although it cost them much money come yearely to the place where Ierusalem stood and vpon the day of the destruction thereof weep ouer it Such was their affection vnto this City But these euils were purged with a sudden inuasion for no crying iniuries nor prophane insolencies against God passe vnpunished but that then or soone after a iust reuenge falls vpon them for Cosroës Emperor of the Persians whose impudencie and impietie was so great that hee would be worshipped as a god about the yeare of our Lord 615 besieged this town tooke it and put to death 90000. Christians carried the Patriarch thereof together with many others away captiue But Heraclius the Emperor to punish him for his pride and crueltie set vpon Persia and with fire and sword destroied the country not far from Nineueh conquered his chiefe captain Razetis in a set battell won the city of Nineueh and went away with an honorable victorie Seroës also the only begotten sonne of Cosroës but a little before inuading the kingdom kild his father in prison restored the Patriarch and the rest of the Captiues which his father had taken to Heraclius and about the seuenth yeare after hee had warred vpon Persia hee returned to Aelia with great pompe Not long after in the yeare 637 Haumar the chiefe Prince of the Saracens which was the third from Mahomet with a great Army afflicted Syria and Iudaea conquered these Countries and in his victories vsed great tyrannie and crueltie Within two yeares after he won Aelia which had maintained a long and sharp siege neither would Zacharias the Patriarch giue it vp til he was compelled thereto by extreme famin and soon after died with griefe Thus this towne continued for the space of 450 yeares in the hands of the Saracens Then in the yere 1012 Caliphas Sultan of Egypt won it beat
downe the walls destroied the Temple which the Emperor Constantine had built and made havock of al things Presently vpon this the Turkes that came out of Scythia by the Caspian mountains won the city draue thence the Saracens Thus we may see that the Saracens and Turks though they were both of one religion yet for the country of the Iewes fought one against another and compelled the Christians to pay them Tribute for the fourth part of the city wherein the Sepulchre of our Lord stood being againe restored by the Emperor Constantine after the destruction of Caliphas The Christians being weary of this tribute and of the oppression of the Infidels became sutors to Pope Vrban the second of that name for their deliuery who in the yeare 1094 assembled a Councel at Clearemont in France and by the instigation of one Peter the hermit stirred vp the hearts of diuers Christian princes and great Lords to make a croysado so that 10000 braue well mounted souldiers went into the Holy land and for a token of their war bore red crosses vpon their armes In the same yeare there was a great blasing starre seene in the West and after that followed a great plague for the space of two yeares through the world this neuerthelesse hindred them not in their designes but that they went their intended journy won the City of Aelia from the Saracens deliuered the Christians from their bondage and tax and chose Godfrey of Lorrain Earle of Bullion King thereof whom they anointed in the Temple of the holy Sepulchre but hee refused to be crowned with a Crowne of gold saying That it ill beseemed him to be called King of Ierusalem the true King whereof was Christ or to sit crowned with gold in the place where he was crowned with thorns that was the Son of the euer-liuing God and then chose Arnolphus of Rhodes Patriarch In the moneth of October the same yeare a blasing Starre of maruellous bignesse appeared towards the South it seemed to be like a wauing sword foreshewing no doubt the destruction of all those that went about to re-establish this earthly Ierusalem Immediatly after the Feast of the Natiuitie of Christ all the Christians of the East countries vpon Candlemas day came out of Syria but especially out of Antiochia to Ierusalem in the Temple of the holy Sepulchre consecrated their Bishops and Chorasters and with one consent sung Illuminare Ierusalem They tooke also all the Cities Castles and Villages and ouer them set Bishops created foure Principalities one at Ierusalem another at Antiochia a third at Edissa a fourth at Tripoly Also certain Earledomes and Baronies as at Brito Zidon Caesarea Galilee Ioppa and Ascalon All these were appointed to pay tribute to the King of Ierusalem All this was done in the yere of our Lord 1099. No sooner were these newes published to the world but there was an vniuersall croysado through all Christendom for the conquering and winning of the rest of the holy land but before they could get thither they were either slaine by the Grecians and other nations or els died through famin thirst so that in them was fulfilled the prophecie of Zacharias cap. 12.3 where it is said It shall happen that I will make Ierusalem an heauy stone for all people all they that lift it vp shal be torn though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it And verse 9 And in that day I will seeke to destroy all the nations that come against Ierusalem This yeare 1100 died Godfrey King of Ierusalem of a feuer vpon the â—8 day of Iuly when he had reigned scarce a yere and was buried in the temple of mount Calvarie After him succeeded his brother Baldovin the first of that name second King of Ierusalem This man reigned 18 years in Ierusalem and being ouercome by Caliphas Sultan of Egypt after the losse of thirteene thousand Christians he had much adoe to escape with life Within a short time after hee died without issue Baldwin the second succeeded his vncle and was the third king of Ierusalem He began his reign Anno 1118. This man ouercame the Turks and the King of Damascus had issue only one daughter named Milesent whom he maried to the Earle of Angiers and gaue with her the kingdom of Ierusalem and died without heire male in the yeare 1131. Fulco in right of his wife succeeded his father in law was the fourth King of Ierusalem This Fulco was brother to the King of England he reigned 13 years fought many worthy battels against the Turkes put 3000 of their men to the sword tooke many of them prisoners and caried them to Ierusalem After that as hee was hunting the Hare by Acon riding speedily hee fell from his horse and was sorely brused whereof he died and left two sonnes called Baldwin and Almerick Baldwin the third was the fifth King of Ierusalem and succeeded his father He won the city of Ascalon he rebuilt the towne of Boza which had beene destroyed placed there certaine Knights Templers he lost the City of Edissa to the Saracens where many Christians were cruelly slain And hauing reigned 19 yeares he died without issue After him succeeded his brother Almerick as was the sixt king of Ierusalem In the time of this king the Sultan of Egypt gaue a great ouerthrow to the Knights Templers which he seeking to reuenge inuaded Egypt with a great army besieged the great city of Alcaire but to small purpose wherefore returning back to Ierusalem he shortly after died when he had reigned 12 years he left behinde him three children a sonne called Baldwin and two daughters Sibilla and Isabella Baldwin the fourth succeeded his father and was the seuenth king of Ierusalem who abusing his gouernment was struck with leprosie with the contagion of which disease he died miserably in the 25 yere of his age hauing reigned 13 years Baldwin the fift of that name the onely begotten son of his sister Sibil by his consent was chosen his successor a youth of 9 yeares old his fathers name was William Mountferrat earle of March who dying his mother married one Guy Earle of Lusignan to whom Baldwin committed the protection of the kingdome and of his yong kinsman till he came to mans estate But this yong man within 7 years after the death of his vncle died sitting at his table not without suspition of poison Guy his protector by the persuasion of his wife and at the instigation of the Ierosolimits took vpon him the gouernment but Raimond Earle of Tripoli was his great aduersary for that Baldwin 4. for his exceeding pride at the instigation of that Guy had displaced him of all his Offices and titles in the commonwealth These two striuing for the kingdom it hapned that Guy was charged with his kinsmans death vnder which pretence Raimond made war against him During these troubles Saladine Sultan of Egypt taking aduantage of this opportunitie made war vpon them
both and with great facility conquered the kingdome and destroied Ierusalem In this yeare 1187 there happened so great an Eclipse of the Sunne that at noone day the Starres were plainely to bee seene Soone after this Raimond and Guy were both taken prisoners and thirty thousand Christians cruelly put to the sword After this the Saracens sacked the Towne threw the Bells out of the Steeples made stables of the Churches only the Temple on Mount Golgotha stood vntoucht for the Turkes and Saracens honour Christ as a great Prophet And thus the new kingdome of the Christians in Ierusalem ended which was vpon the second day of October in the yeare 1187 after it had continued in their possession 88 yeares During the continuance of this kingdome there were many horrible visions and strange Signes and Wonders seene both in Heauen on earth and in the ayre foreshewing no doubt that God was not well pleased with their actions which sought to restore that kingdom of Ierusalem For My kingdome saith Christ is not of this world And although after that there were many Kings that by all possible means endeauored to recouer and restore the same and for that purpose haue leauied many great Armies and vndertaken many tedious journies yet all their counsels and determinations came to nothing for that God so often as they vndertooke any such expedition either stayed their Armies oppressed them with war or else plagued them with famine in such an extreame measure that with very hunger they haue bin constrained to eat their Horses Frederick Barbarossus may be an example of these calamities who with a great army making an expedition to Ierusalem as he was trauelling through Asia minor his horse started and flung him into the riuer where he died miserably ere he could be saued Many other Princes besides in the like enterprise came to the like ends for they were either destroied by the Barbarians with the losse of thousands of their men cruelly slain or vtterly destroied with vnnatural diseases or vntimely deaths Now when the Emperour Fredericke the second of that name had beseeged and brought to great miserie the Sultan of Egypt and the Knights Templers had done the like to Damieta Corderio the Sultans son beat downe the walls of Ierusalem and had it not bin for the great lamentations and ernest entreaties of the Christians he would haue destroied the city but for their sakes he left standing Solomons Temple and the Temple of the holy Sepulchre for at this time Christians inhabit in them Within a while after about the yeare 1228 Fredericke the second of that name Emperor of Rome went to the holy land with a great army and came to Ptolomais otherwise called Acon where staying a while he made a league with the Sultan of Egipt for ten years regained Ierusalem without drawing sword was there crowned in the yeare 1229 keeping at that time in Ierusalem a royal Easter This man fortified the Christians with a garrison rebuilt Nazareth and Ioppa and so returned into Italy In the yeare 1246 Cassanus King of the Tartars being persuaded by the Sultan with a great army inuaded Iudaea won Ierusalem caused the Christians to be cruelly slaine beat downe the holy Sepulchre euen to small pieces and left but little standing It was after this destroyed by Tamerlaine King of the Tartars and by Mahomet the second of that name Emperour of the Turkes But the Monkes had leaue to build vp the holy Sepulcre againe for the which they payed to the Sultan or his Deputy a yearely tribute In the yeare of our Lord 1516 Selymus Emperor of the Turks about the twenty fourth day of August neere to Damascus ouercame Campson Gaurus Sultan of Egypt in a cruell Warre and put to death many thousands of his men and the Sultan himselfe seeking to saue his life by flight was miserably slaine This Selymus conquered the Holy Land Syria Damascus and all the Countries thereabouts and as he went through Iudaea leauing his Army at Gaza with a few of his Souldiers he went to Ierusalem that he might see with his eyes that place which was made so famous by the antient Writers and was so often mentioned in the Old and New Testament But when he came he found nothing but a ruinate and waste place barren and rude to looke vpon inhabited by a few poore Christians and they also held in great contempt and bondage paying a great tribute to the Sultan of Egypt for their liberty and the holy Sepulchre as P. Iouius writeth But after that Selymus in that place had done his Offerings and Sacrifices to his god Mahomet seeing the Priests and Christians prest with extreme pouertie out of his singular mercy and compassion gaue them a large and sumptuous gift when hee had stayed but one day and one night in the Towne The next morning before day he went with all expedition to his Army at Gaza from thence into Egypt where he besieged the great and famous city Alcaire and in the yeare 1517 took it conquered all the country vtterly extirpated the Sultan and went away with an honorable victory and rich booty From this yeare euen till now the towne of Aelia or Ierusalem is vnder the jurisdiction of the Turks Thus may we see how often and with what miserable calamities this city hath bin afflicted euen since the first destruction by Vespasian which makes euident the great iudgment of God not only vpon the Iews but also vpon the earth where they inhabited for their infidelitie and vnmercifull cruelty The description of Ierusalem and the scituation thereof as it is now in these times THe former incursions and common desolations leauing this town ruined and spoiled for want of inhabitants it became a desart and forsaken place onely some few Christians either out of the zeale of religion or for vulgar ostentation to shew that there had bin a town dwelt there and thus it continued vntill the yeare 1542. at which time Solyman the great Turk either in respect of the strength of the place or in hope of profit or else to get himselfe a name with great cost and labor re-edified it set vp many stately buildings and sumptuous houses beautified it with two costly Temples the one the Temple of Solomon and the other the holy Sepulchre inlarged the extent thereof and seated it vpon high hils After all this compast it about with a spatious and thicke wall and vpon that placed many strong and stately towers wherein there stands eight gates viz. the fish gate the Old gate S. Stephens gate so called because they say S. Stephen went out by that gate when hee was stoned the Angle gate the Dung gate the Sheep gate the Golden and Fountaine gates Thus the antient city and that which the Emperor Adrian built being both destroied in another place is set vp again So that between both this new city standeth and the first city begins to be again inhabited Of the Temple of the
Turkie and Persia and from thence towards the latitude to a towne called Argentaratus where it changeth the name to Tigris in that place it runneth so extreme swift that it will make a mans head dizzie to looke vpon it Strabo saith the Riuer Euphrates riseth out of a mountaine in Armenia called Nipha some 300 miles from the Citie of Ierusalem towards the North watering Mesopotamia and Chaldaea and passing through the midst of that flourishing Citie Babylon diuides it into two parts and after passing through and fructifying Arabia it joyneth with the Flood Tigris and falls into the Persian gulfe Semiramis Queene of the Assyrians and of Babylon built a bridge ouer the narrowest place of this Riuer being some three quarters of a mile ouer The Hebrewes call this Riuer Parah because it fructifieth and from thence the Grecians call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to beare fruit the Germans Fruchter which in English is fruitfull or pleasant And therefore Saint Ambrose saith it is deriued from Euphranein that is from rejoycing For that ouerflowing the Fields it causeth them the next yeare to flourish with all kinde of fruit and pleasant floures The water of this riuer is very foule and dirty so that it is vnfit to drinke according to that of Ieremy cap. 2. What auaileth it thee to goe into Assyria that thou mightest drinke of the water of Euphrates If a man takes this water in a vessel let it stand but two houres the dirt and sand will lie at the bottom therof two inches thicke Therefore the inhabitants neere about it are wont to take a great pot that holdeth a good quantity whereinto putting water they let it stand till all the filth be sunke to the bottome and so they cleare water to drinke Nilus taketh the beginning from a certaine mountain in Mauritania the lower not far from the Ocean and issues from a Lake which they call Nidiles and partly from other Lakes and is increased with the snow waters falling from the mountaines of the Moone in Affrica 3200 miles from Ierusalem towards the South Some thinke it tooke the name from Nileus a certaine King therabouts Others from the soile which it yerely brought downe in the streame whereby all Aegypt is made fruitfull from whence some thinke it was called Seruious Nilus for that it bringeth downe new mud with it The Hebrewes call it Gihon because it breaketh out of the earth with great violence This Riuer comes through the desarts of Aethiopia and so with great violence comes into Aegypt where it is diuided into seuen streames and in times past had seuen gates the names of which were Canopicus or Heraclioticus Bolbitinus Sebiniticus Pharmiticus Mendesius Taniticus and Palusinus The two outward gates of which viz. Canopicus and Palusiacus were 160 miles a sunder Appianus saith There are two other gates called Tineptimicus and Diolcus This ninth gate is diuided at a citie and place called Delta taking the name from the likenesse that it hath to the Greeke letter so called So that Nilus is diuided into nine gates by which nine gates it falls into the Mediterranean Sea There are many that thinke that Paradise was only in Aegypt and that then it had onely but foure streams and that at the Floud it was confused into nine and they would seeme to proue their opinion out of the 31 chapter of Ezekiel where hee calleth Egypt a garden of pleasure But this differeth from the description of Moses for it is not scituate in the East but rather the South from Ierusalem and farre distant from the two Easterne Riuers Euphrates and Hiddikel by which the holy Scriptures do principally denote Paradise Wherefore it may be concluded that Aegypt was onely a part of Paradise not Paradise it selfe And that this Riuer was one of the Riuers not all the streames of which Riuer at some times of the yeare viz. in the Summer Solstice when the Sunne is neere the Dogge-starre begins to swell and ouerflow the bankes by reason of the melting of the snow which lies vpon the mountaines of the Moone and so drowne all the places neere vnto it through the land of Aegypt leauing behind it certaine slime and mudde by which it comes to passe that the Countrey is very fruitfull and serues them in steed of raine at which time of the yeare for this happens once euery yeare the people and inhabitants of the Countrey retire themselues to their Towns Cities and Castles scituated vpon Rocks Mountains and high grounds from whence it hapneth that they sustaine very little discommoditie or losse by any such inundation They also keepe little boates whereby they passe from one place to another because all their passages and foot paths are then drowned with waters There are many pretty obseruations which the people of Aegypt were wont to take notice of in the rising of this water for they had certain staues wherby they measured the deapth of it if it rose but to twelue cubits which is six yards in height they then stood in feare of great famine so also if it was but thirteene for then the water was not deepe enough to make the ground fertill but if it rose to fourteene or fifteene then they were in great hope and did not doubt of a fruitfull yeare and if to sixteene they then greatly rejoyced at their prosperity and kept banquets and feasts and were assured that the succeeding yeare would be very plentifull but if it rose aboue they laid a side all signes of joy and liued very sparingly and with great sorrow this great inundation of waters foreshewing scarcitie and want and famine and pestilence and death And thus Nilus yearely euery yeare is to them in stead of raine for Aegypt is without raine In Autumne at such time as the Sunne going out of the last face of Libra entreth into Scorpio the waters of Nilus by little and little retire themselues into their bankes and the earth becomes quite vncouered of water about which time the Country being exceeding hot the earth is presently made drie in all those places so that in the moneth of October they may both till and sow their Land In this riuer the Crocodile and the Ichneumo breed of the nature of which two you may sufficiently reade in Gesner There also breeds the Pellican of which Saint Ierom saith there are two kinds one that liues vpon the water an other that liues vpon the land these birds as some affirme kill their young ones vpon their beake and then leaue them lying in their neast for three daies at the end of which time the female grieuously wounds her selfe vpon the breast and pouring her bloud vpon her young ones reuiues them againe This bird may very well be a type and figure of our blessed Sauiour who shedding his pretious bloud vpon the crosse for our sinnes after the third day rose againe and that he might restore vs to life that be dead
miles Westward Sichem a Shoulder SIchem is a town in Samaria on the borders of Ephraim lying on mount Garizim 36 miles from Ierusalem Northward It takes the name as Phil. Melancthon writeth from the place wheron it standeth like a shoulder for Sichem signifies a shoulder Of this town I will speak more at large in the new Testament for that by it Christ spake with the Samaritan woman Ioh. 4. In this town Dina Iacobs daughter was rauished Gen. 34. and there the bones of the Patriarch Ioseph were buried Ios 24. Abimelech for spight vpon no occasion vtterly destroied the town and hauing razed it to the ground sowed it with salt Iudg. 9 But Ieroboam King of Ierusalem built it vp again and dwelt therin 1 Kin. 12. It was a free town whither a man-slayer might resort that had killed any man by chance and saue himselfe Ios 20. Mount Garizim wheron the town of Sichem stood was a piece of mount Ephraim Tanis in Hebrew Zoan an Inne or house of Harbor TAnis or Zoan was the chiefe city in Egypt where Pharaoh in Abrahams time kept his court as we reade in the thirteenth Chapter and fourth book of Moses and Psal 58. and lyeth 232 miles from Ierusalem Southeastward four miles from Tanis stood the kingly towne of Memphis which was likewise built before Abrahams time but at that time it was not so famous as Tanis for there is not one word spoken of Memphis in the books of Moses But when time serues I will speake more of these two places Of the Mount between Bethel and Hay THis hil is 4 miles from Ierusalem vpon the North lying between the 2 towns of Bethel Hay and is called mount Ephraim wher Abraham at his return out of Egipt the second time set vp his Tabernacle of purpose to be conuersant with Melchisedeck who dwelt in Ierusalem and with him gaue thanks to God for the singular fauors that he had shewed toward him in deliuering his wife Sara from the hands of Abimelech King of Egypt who would haue rauished her as he feared indangered his life In this place Lot separated himselfe from Abraham and went to dwell in Sodom Of the Plaine or Oke of Mamre THe Plain of Mamre stood a mile from Hebron towards the East and distant from Ierusalem 22 miles South-eastward In this yally there was a faire and pleasant wood where a certain yong man called Mamre dwelt This man was brother to Escal and Aner mentioned by Moses Genes 14. who according to the custome of gentlemen with vs in these times built vp his house neere to a pleasant Wood or bottome which as some thinke was called after his name Mamre Others of which opinion is Ierom of Aelon which signifies a valley or tree an Oke tree saith hee But Ioseph Aegesippus call it a Terebinth tree which both summer and winter beareth greene leaues like a Palme tree the sap or juice whereof is very good for medicine Abraham dwelling neere to this tree beeing entertained by the three Brothers as a stranger grew into such fauour and familiaritie with them that hee conuerted them from Paganisme and taught them to know the true and euer-liuing God To gratifie which great fauor they aided him in his Warre against the foure Kings that had taken Lot prisoner and gaue him free libertie to inhabit in and vse the Plain thereabouts for his cattel before whose dore as some Authors affirm this Terebinth or oke tree stood and so continued from the beginning of the world till the time of Constantine the Great it being lawfull for none to cut a bough of it or touch it with a hatchet because it was in those daies accounted a holy tree and visited by diuers strangers and then Helena caused a fair church to be built in that place and so much the rather for that Abraham sitting vnder that tree the three Angels appeared vnto him in the similitude or likenesse of men Gen. 8.1 2. And some are of opinion That because of this the Iewes offered Incense to their gods and committed idolatry vpon high mountaines and vnder green trees Ezek. 16. There was also a double Caue made of white marble which as Iosephus saith was very faire and beautifull to the eye and curiously wrought and polished wherein Abraham Isaac and Iacob with their Wiues Sarah Rebecca and Leah were buried and as some thinke was that caue which he purchased of the Hittites Gen. 23.34 But that Adam and Evah lie buried in the same place seeing there is no warrant for it in the holy Scriptures I let it passe because whatsoeuer hath not authoritie of Scripture to proue it may as easily be contemned as allowed But Abrahams sepulchre in Ieroms time was to be seen being old and decayed Of Hebron THis City was not onely a Kings Seat but a Priests also being built not long after the Floud and some seuen years before that City of the Egyptians called Zoan or Tanis Numb 13. and was placed vpon a goodly high mountaine very pleasant and delectable It taketh the name from Chabar which signifieth to accompany and from thence Chebron or Hebron A pleasant and delectable society It was a metropolitan city in the tribe of Iuda and after called Kiriatharba as it appeareth in Ioshuah 14. taking that name from Arba the chiefe Gouernour of that Citie This man was one of the Anakims and a very mighty Prince Others there are that say the city being diuided into foure parts was thereof called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for Arba signifies a quaternion from the Rote Raba foure square It was first built by Heth the sonne of that cursed Canaan whose posterity the Hittites inhabited in it and such was their hospitalitie that they entertained Abraham being a stranger and traueller These people dwelt * Here also dwelt Sisai Abiman and Thalmas the sons of Anak there vntill Ioshuahs time and then one Hoham was King thereof who with other Kings opposing the Children of Israell was by them slain and had their country wasted and destroyed This town was after made a towne of refuge and belonged to the inheritance of Caleb and was together with Mamre in the tribe of Iuda Ios 20. Heere Dauid was first anointed King and reigned therein for the space of 7 yeares 2 Sam. 5. But this town by the iniury of time and oppression of the enemy is now become desolate only some few old reliques are to be seen to shew there had bin a town there Neuerthelesse there is a town not far from it which retaineth the name placed in a very fruitfull valley called Mamre to this day Heere while it was vnder the jurisdiction of the Christians stood a Cathedral church and a Bishops See but the Turks haue turned it into a Mosko or one of their churches Into this place they wil not suffer any Christian to enter The inhabitants take vpon them to shew vnto strangers many things as the vault or caue wherein
desart of Pharan Here Ishmael that excellent Archer and hunter dwelt after with great power and strength he had conquered all the neighboring princes and people thereabout His posteritie also inhabited these parts and after his name were called Ismaelites some eighty miles from Ierusalem toward the South These people were excellent soldiers and of noble courage their principal delight was shooting and therein they exceeded others liuing for the most part by hunting and pillage and so they continue to this day The Saracens who likewise had their abiding in those parts were deriued from that family though they had rather take their name from Sara and from thence Saracens These are of the opinion of the Turks The Trauels of Eleazer the seruant of Abraham AFter Eleazer had sworne to his master to take a wife for his son Isaac of the generation of his fathers he went from the valley of Mamre neere Hebron to Haran a City of Mesopotamia 468 miles off and there made a Contract with Rebeccâ— the daughter of Bethuel and sister of Laban whom he tooke along with him and returned to his master So that his journey to and againe was 944 miles These things hapned in the yeare of the world 2089 and before Christ 1879 Isaac then being forty yeres of age This Eleazer was Steward of Abrahams house and borne at Damascus the chiefe City of Syria Hee was so called because God was his helpe Eleazer being a compound word of El and Ezaer which signifies Almighty God the helper From whence we may perceiue that God is the keeper of the poore and a ready helper in time of tribulation according to that in the Psalmes All they that know thee trust in thee because thou O Lord hearest their prayers and bringest them out of trouble Rebeccha as it should seeme tooke her name from the expectation of Eternall life for Rebechan in Hebrew doth denote such a woman which expecteth a free deliuerie frrom all calamitie and an inheritance of eternall life Therefore Rebeccha is a notable type of the Church of God which is the Spouse of Christ shadowed in Isaac as shall hereafter be more plainely manifested The Trauels of the Patriarch Isaac ISaac being young went with his father Abraham from Berzeba to mount Moriah where his father would haue offered him vnto God as the Lord commanded him which is fortie miles Gens 22. 2 From thence with his father hee returned againe to Berzeba which is forty miles 3 From Berzeba he trauelled with his father to Hebron by the plaine of Mamre which is 16 miles 4 From the plaine of Mamre Isaac trauelled Southward to the fountain of life which is 16 miles there he dwelt Gen. 24. 5 From thence he returned backe again to his fathers burial who was laid in that double caue in Mamre which is 16 miles 6 From thence he returned backe againe to the Well of life where he dwelt 16 miles 7 From the Fountaine of life hee went to Gerar which is 8 miles where Abimelech seeing the beauty of his wife Rebeccha would haue rauisht her and for feare she told him that she was his sister Gen. 26. 8 From Gerar Isaac went Westward to the valley of Gerar which is 8 miles and there he caused the Well to be digged vp againe which the inhabitants had stopped vp Gen. 26. 9 From thence he went to Beersaba which is foure miles where the same night the Lord appeared vnto him and said I am the God of thy father Abraham feare not for I am with thee and will blesse and multiply thy seed for my seruant Abrahams sake Gen. 26. 10 From Beersaba he returned againe to Hebron by the plain of Mamre which is 16 miles here Abraham Sarah and Rebeccha died and were buried Gen. 35. So all the trauels of the Patriarch Isaac were one hundred forty eight miles The typicall signification of Isaac THe name of Isaac is deriued from laughter for Zakah in Hebrew is as much as quod risit is in Latine which signifieth that he laughed and from hence Zechock signifies a Laughter and Isaac mirth or one that reioyceth with mirth This name was giuen to him by God before his natiuitie Gen. 17.18 There were seuen that were named by God before their natiuitie viz. Ishmael Gen. 16. Isaac Gen. 17. Cores or Cyrus King of the Persians Esa 44. Sampson Iudg. 13. Iosia King of Iuda 1. Kings 13. Iohn Baptist and Iesus Christ the sonne of God Luke 1. of whom Isaae was a notable type For Christ is our true rejoicing the laughter mirth and delight of the whole Church of God Abraham vpon the day of the natiuitie of Isaac made a great feast to which no doubt he called many godly men and perhaps some of the Patriarchs for there was then liuing Sarag Arphaxad Salah Heber Thamar and Sem the sonne of Noah who also had a certaine knowledge of Gods promise to Abraham and that of the seed of Isaac should come the Sauiour of the world And as Abraham when hee would haue offered his sonne vnto the Lord carried the fire and the sword but Isaac the wood vpon which he should be slaine and burned O miserable sight especially to a father to see his onely sonne and heire which was miraculously begotten euen then when he was without hope of issue burnt to ashes before his face this was on mount Moriaâ— a little from Salem or Ierusalem euen so our Sauiour Christ foâ— the sinnes that man commits and carries about him bore vpon his shoulders the woodden crosse whereupon he was offered anâ— acceptable sacrifice to his father that so by his mediation and satisfaction we might receiue pardon for them And this was likewise done vpon mount Caluarie a little from Ierusalem And as the Lord prouided another sacrifice for Abraham that so hee might saue his sonne which was a Ramme tied and intangled in thornes so God prouided a sacrifice for the saluation of the world euen Iesus Christ our mediatour who is that immaculate and pretious Lambe of God whose head being crowned with thornes and hanging vpon the crosse by his precious death opened vnto vs the doore of eternall life and made vs capable of euerlasting happinesse Iohn 19. 1 Peter 1. Such was the loue of Abraham a father vnto God such the loue of God a father vnto man that they spared not their only sonnes the one typically to represent the other The other that is the only begotten sonne of God to dye effectually for Abraham Isaac and all mankinde Ioh. 3. Gen. 22. The Trauels of the Patriarch Iacob FRom Beersaba Iacob went to Bethel which is 48 miles and there hee saw a Ladder that reached downe from heauen whereby the Angels ascended and descended Genes 28. 2 From Bethel he went to Haran in Mesopotamia which is 432 miles where he married Leah and Raehel Gen. 28. 3 From Haran in Mesopotamia hee went to mount Gilead which is 380 miles and when Laban pursued him at the
King of Egypt 2 Reg. 23. In the trauels of Iosiah King of Iuda I will speake of this town more at large The 27 King dwelt at Kades Ios 19.21 The 28 King dwelt at Iaknedam 27 miles from Ierusalem Northward being vpon the Mediterranean sea This towne was alotted to the Tribe of Zabulon and giuen to the Levits Ios 21. The 29 King dwelt at Naphet Dor which towne lay vpon the sea coast between the hill Carmel and the town of Cesarea Stratonis 48 miles from Ierusalem Northward The 30 King dwelt at Gilgal between Iericho and the Riuer Iordan and was the first King that Iosuah ouercame and slew al his host The 31 King dwelt at Thirtza in the Tribe of Manasses 24 miles from Ierusalem In this towne Ieroboam and after him all the Kings of Israel kept their courts before Samaria was built THE BOOKE OF IVDGES The Trauels of Caleb and Athniel CAleb and Athniel with all the Children of Iuda went from Iuda to Beseck 44 miles where they tooke King Adoni-Beseck prisoner and cut off his fingers and toes Iudg. 1. From Beseck they went to Ierusalem 44 miles which they tooke by force and burnt it Iudg. 1. From Ierusalem they went to Hebron 22 miles which they tooke and slew the Gyants that inhabited therein Iudg. 1. Not far from Hebron lay the towne of Debir which Athniel won and therefore Caleb gaue him his daughter Achsa for his wife Iudg. 1. From Debir they went to Zephat 16 miles which town they won Iudg. 1. From Zephat they went to Gaza 4 miles From Gaza they went to Ascalon 6 miles Iudg. 1. From Ascalon the went to Hebron 14 miles From Hebron they went backe again to Debir where Athniel dwelt 12 miles So all the trauels of Caleb and Athniel were 132 miles The Description of the Townes and places to which they trauelled Of Beseck BEseck was a metropolitan city of the Canaanites neere to the water Merom where Adoni-Beseck kept his Court 44 miles from Ierusalem toward the North and tooke the name of Desaeck or Beseck which signifies lightning Of this King you may reade Iudg. 1. Of Zephah THis was a town vpon the borders of the tribes of Iudah and Simeon not far from Siclag Ios 15. It takes the name from Zaphah which signifies a watch-tower and was also called by the sons of Iuda who destroyed all the country Chorma which signifies a Curse or a desolat place To the citisens hereof Dauid sent gifts 1 Sam. 36. Of Gaza OF this town you may reade more hereafter in the Trauels of the Arke of the Couenant The typicall signification of CALEB CALEB signifieth An hearty man or A man after Gods owne heart louing his Neighbour with all his heart For Col is as much as Omnis which signifies All and Cala Hee forgiueth all and Leb or Lebbah signifieth an Heart the seat and fountain of all life So that Caleb seems to take his name from a singular heartie affection whereby he forgiueth his neighbour For as this man being of a noble resolution and courage in the 29 yeare of his age won Hebron a strong City and put to death the three sons of Anak terrible Gyants so Christ the Son of God that so loued the world that he gaue himselfe for it with a more than humane resolution conquered hell and those three mighty Gyants incident vnto it the sons of Sathan Sin the World and Death Of Athniel IN the yeare of the World 1503 and before Christ 2565 Ioshuah died after whose death Caleb and Athniel iudged Israel about which time the Israelites committed idolatry and worshipped Baal and Asteroth wherefore the Lord suffered them to fall into the hands of Chushan Rishathaim King of Mesopotamia But because of their oppression they cried vnto the Lord and hee stirred vp Othniel the yonger brother of Caleb who in the yeare of the world 2512 conquered Chushan deliuered the people and gouerned Israel 40 years Iudg. 3. Athniel or Othniel signifies the god of time being deriued of Aeth that is an Age and is a Type of Christ who is the God of time and in his due time conquered the world and Sathan the prince thereof thereby deliuering the poore afflicted members of his Church out of his miserable seruitude and bondage for which cause God hath made him judge ouer it and giuen him fell power and authority to rule and gouern it The Trauels of Ehud the third Iudge of Israel EHud was the sonne of Gira of the Tribe of Iuda and dwelt in the City of Iericho or of the Palmes Hee was a valiant and resolute man lame of his right hand Iudg. 3. and to the iudgement of man not fit to bee a Captaine beeing so infirme Yet it happened that this man growing in fauor with Eglon King of the Moabites who at this time kept his Court in Iericho which towne he had but eighteene yeares before conquered tooke opportunitie by the Children of Israels comming to Gilgal for they came thither to offer to the Idoll and to bring gifts of the king to present these presents vnto him and because of his former familiaritie was admitted to speake in priuat with him in his summer parlour where as he was talking with him he thrust him into the belly with a short knife and locking the dore he fled back to Seirah and told the children of Israell what he had done From thence they presently went to Ephraim there blew the trumpet and set vpon the Moabits and put them to the sword Iudg. 3. The Trauels of Ehud EHud went from Iericho to Gilgal 2 miles From Gilgal he went to Iericho 2 miles From Iericho he went to mount Ephraim 6 miles From Mount Ephraim he went to Iorden 4 miles where hee ouerthrew 10000 Moabites So all the trauels of Ehud were 14 miles Of Mount Ephraim THis mountain is about 8 miles from Ierusalem towards the South and extends it selfe in longitude to the city neer the Mediterranean sea called Ioppa which is distant from Ierusalem 20 miles toward the Northwest The Trauels of the sonnes of Hobab the Kenite THe sons of Hobab the Kenite Moses brother in law were from Iericho to Arad a City in the tribe of Iuda scituated in the desart toward the South Num. 10. Iudg. 1. 44 miles Of Arad ARad is a city in the Tribe of Iuda 22 miles from Ierusalem towards the South taking the name of a multitude of asses that were found thereabouts in the desart and is deriued from Arod which signifies a wilde Asse a rude creature The Trauels of Iael the wife of Heber the Kenite who killed Sisera the Captaine FRom Arad shee and her husband went to the plaine of Zaaenaim and dwelt there neere to a Towne called Kades a Towne of refuge of the Leuites in the Tribe of Nephthali 166 miles there she killed Sisera This towne lieth 92 miles from Ierusalem towards the North. Of Deborah and Barak DEborah was the wife of Lapidoth and dwelt vnder
the inhabitants to death because of their mocks From thence he went to Ophra foure miles where gathering together all the gold which hee had taken from the Midianites he made a rich Ephod Iudg. 8. From Ophra hee went to Sichem where his sonne Abimalech was borne which is 10 miles From thence he returned backe to Ophra which is ten miles and there he died after he had judged Israel 10 yeares So all the trauels of Gedion were 82 miles The Description of the Townes and places to which GEDION trauelled Of Iesreel IEsreel was a faire Citie scituated vpon a hill neere to the flood Kison bordering vpon the Tribe of Isacher 48 miles from Ierusalem towards the North and signifieth the seed of God being deriued from El and Dara the seed of the Almighty God There was another of this name in the tribe of Iuda Ios 15. In times past this was onely the seat and chiefe abiding place of the Kings of Israel For Ahab and Iesabel kept their Court there and Ioram their sonne whom Iehu ouercame and here Iesabel was eaten vp of dogs At this day this faire citie hath in it but thirtie houses and is called by the inhabitants of the holy land Sanatham being scituated at the foot of the mountaine Gilboah Westward in it there is a Watch tower vpon the top whereof you may see through all Galile to Carmel and the mountaines of Phaenicia also to mount Thabor and the mountaines beyond Iordan called Gilead Of this Towne you may reade Ios 17.19 2 Sam. 2. Of Nobach THis was a citie beyond Iordan and stood in the halfe Tribe of Manasses 38 miles from Ierusalem Northeastward In times past it was called Kenah but after Nobach Prince of the halfe Tribe of Manasseh had conquered it he called it Nobach Num. 23. and signifieth a Prophet being deriued of Nabah or Nabach he hath prophesied or cryed out Of Iogbeha THis towne was built by the children of Gad and lies beyond Iordan 34 miles from Ierusalem Northeastward and taketh the name from the height of the place where it standeth being deriued from Gabah which signifieth it excelleth in height Of this you may reade Iudg. 8. Numb 32. Of Karkor KArkor is a citie in the halfe Tribe of Manasseh and is scituated beyond Iordan some forty miles distant from Ierusalem Northeastward and taketh the name from Kir which signifies he hath destroyed or subuerted the walls for here the two Kings Zeba and Zalmuna were taken Saint Ierom saith in his booke de locis Hebraicis That in his time it was a faire Towne The typicall signification of GEDION THis Gedion whose name signifieth to root out destroied and subuerted the enemies of the Iewes so Christ hath destroied the kingdome of Sathan and daily rooteth out all his impious and wicked members which are enemies to his Church The Trauels of Abimalech the sixt Iudge of Israel GEDION being dead Abimalech his sonne went from Ophra to Sichem which is ten miles and there was chosen by the citizens to succeed his father in the gouernment From thence he went backe to Ophra which is ten miles and there put to death his 70 brethren all sonnes of Gedion but by diuers concubins for God permitted Bigamie but did not command it From Ophra he went ten miles into the land of Sichem and there was chosen King about the yeare of the World 2712. From Sichem which was the seat of the kingdome he went to Ophra being ten miles there he iudged Israel three yeares After that hee went the third time backe to the Sichemites which is 10 miles but they breaking promise with him for very madnesse he caused the citie to be destroied and salt to be sowne in the place that so euer after it might become barren accursed and vnhabitable From Sichem hee went with his hoast to Thebets or Tebez which is two miles where he was mortally wounded by a woman that flang a stone vpon him at the siege of that towne wherof he died Iudg. 9. So all the Trauels of Abimelech were 52 miles Of Thebez THis was distant from Sichem two miles Northward and from Ierusalem 38 it tooke the name from Bitzah which signifieth a deepe pond Abimelech tooke his name from an hereditary kingdome or rather because he obtained the kingdome ouer Israel after his father and is as much to say as My father is a King because good Princes differ little from good fathers for Maelaech with the Hebrews signifieth a King Malechah a Queene and Malchech a kingdome So that this name Abimelech properly signifieth a King or one that is a father of his people Of the flight of Iotham which was the brother of Abimelech IOtham signifieth a perfect and swift man being deriued from Iatham that is perfect and swift This man at such time as Abimilech put to death the rest of his brethren to saue his life fled to Mount Carizin where hee propounded the riddle mentioned Iudg. 9. And after from thence he went to Beerah where he hid himselfe from the fury of Abimelech All this was 44 miles Of Mount Gerizim GErizim or Garizim was a mountaine in the kingdome of the Samaritans and extended it selfe in the longitude as farre as Iericho neere to mount Hebal In these two mountains the blessings and the cursings were recited of which more shall be said hereafter and it taketh the name from the felling down of trees being deriued from Garaz which signifieth to cut or to fel down here Christ spoke with the Samaritan Iohn 4. Of Beerah BEerah was a Towne in the Tribe of Iudah ten miles from Ierusalem Westward Neere to this Citie Iudas Machabeus fought a memorable battell against Bacchides and others whom he conquered It taketh the name from a cleere Well being deriued of Beer that is he hath made cleere Of Thola the seuenth Iudge of Israel In the 3 yeare of this mans rule Hercules king of the Argiues famous for his twelue labors began to raign Macrob. lib. 1. THola takes his name from a red worme or purple colour which colour is proper to Princes Hee succeeded Abimelech in the gouernment of the Iewes and began to rule An. mun 2715. and 1253 yeares before Christ His fathers name was Puah of the Tribe of Issacher He dwelt in Samir a citie of Mount Ephraim not far from Iericho twelue miles from Ierusalem towards the North and there he was buried as you may see Iosh 15. Of Iair the eighth Iudge of Israel In the 10 yeare of this Iudge An. mun 2747 and before Christ 1221 Hercules died and Priamus king of Troy began his raigne which he lost fortie yeares after IAir succeeded Thola began his gouerment in the yere of the world 2738 and 1230 yeares before Christ He took his name from the singular worth and noble disposition that was in him This Iair was one of the tribe of Manasseh he was lame of both his feet and was a man of great estimation among the Iewes for
there were thirty Castles and Townes that were called after his name Iudg. 10. Num. 32. Deut. 3. Ios 13. 1 Chr. 1. Hee dwelt at Kamon a towne in the Tribe of Gilead some 48 miles from Ierusalem towards the North-East The trauels of Ieptha IEptha was borne at Mizpah in the Land of Giliad and being driuen into exile by his brothers hee fled into the Land of Tob 48 miles from Ierusalem Iudg. 11. From thence he returned to Mizpah 48 miles and there was chosen Prince and began his gouernment Anno mundi 2760 and before Christ 1208 yeares Iudg. 11. From Mizpah hee went with is army against the Ammonites to the Citie of Aroer where he put them to flight which is 26 miles Iudg. 11. From Aroer he pursued the enemies to Minneth which is 8 miles Iudg. 11. From Minneth he went to the plaine of the Vines which is 24 miles Iudg. 11. From Abel or the Plaine of the Vines hee went to Mizpah where he offered his daughter for a sacrifice to rhe Lord Iudg. 11. At that time he and the Ephramites got a memorable battell in which were slaine 22000 Iudg. 12. So all the Trauels of Ieptha were 322 miles Of the Cities and places mentioned in his Trauels Of Thob or Tob. THob or Tob to which Ieptha fled is in the halfe tribe of Manasses beyond Iordan not far from the mountain of Antilibanus 104 miles from Ierusalem Northeastward this was a very faire and plentifull countrey and therefore called Thob being deriued from Thobah which signifieth Good and Rare Of Mizpah MIzpha was a Citie in land of Gilead in the halfe Tribe of Manasses 18 miles from Ierusalem Northeastward and signifieth a Watch-tower of Zaphah to looke out In this towne Gideon dwelt and after him Samuel It was afterward destroied by Iudas Macchabeus you may reade more of it 1 Sam. 7.10 Ier. 40.41 Iosh 8. 1 Reg. 15. 2 Chr 6. Nehem. 3. Of Aroer THis was a citie of the Moabites beyond Iordan neere the riuer Arnon and fell to the tribe of Gad Iosh 12.13 Deut. 2. and takes the name from Turpentine being deriued from Arar that is He hath destroied and rooted out and was so called because Ieptha woon a memorable battell neere to this place Iud. 11. This is often mentioned in the Scriptures There was another towne of this name close by Damascus Of Minueth IN S. Ieroms time 40 yeres after Christ this towne was called Menneth of Mercury which the Syrians call Meni from Manah to distribute being a towne of Merchants which disperse their commodities here and there and stood beyond Iordan in the Tribe of Reuben 32 miles from Ierusalem toward the East Of the Plaine of Vines Of this you may reade more in the Trauels of Balaam Of the death of Ieptha THis Ieptha was a famous Captaine and from thence took his name for Iepthach signifieth To make him an open way with the sword being deriued of Patach To open and after hee had iudged Israel six yeares died the manner of whose death is diuersly reported some say that because hee performed not his vow effectually therefore God strooke him with a grieuous vlcer so that as he was passing from citie to citie in euery place he left a member Others say that he died in the citie of the Gileadites and that in memorie of his singular actions and noble exploits which by Gods especiall ayd he atchieued his body was cut into pieces and into euery citie of Gilead a member sent and there buried which as I take it is the better opinion Of Ebzan EBzan was the tenth Iudge of Israel and succeeded Iepthah he began his gouernment in Anno mundi 2666 and before Christ 1402. He was a Bethlamite of the Tribe of Iudah and as the Hebrews thinke Boez the grandfather of King Dauid he had thirtie sonnes and thirty daughters and liued to see them all married and tooke them home vnto him into his own family which doubtlesse was a great blessing of God and from thence tooke his name for Ibsan or Abezan signifieth the father of a flocke or multitude He liued dwelt and was buried in Bethlem Iuda Iudg. 12. Of Elom IN the yeare of the world 2773 and before Christ 1195. In the 5 yeare of this mans rule the Trojan warre began Ann. mundi 2777 before Christ 1190. Elon the eleuenth Iudge of Israel began to rule and dwelt in Aialon in the Tribe of Zabulon who after he had gouerned ten yeares dyed and was buried in the same towne There was another citie of the same name in the Tribe of Dan some foure miles from Ierusalem towards the West where at the prayer of Ioshua the Sunne stood still Of Abdon ABdon the twelfth Iudge of Israel succeeded Elon In the 5 yeare of this mans rule Troy was taken and began to rule Anno mundi 2782 and before Christ 1185. Hee dwelt in the Tribe of Ephraim in a mountaine of the Amalakites 16 miles from Ierusalem Northwards He ruled full eight yeares and then died and was buried in Pirithon Abdon signifieth a seruant for hee was a good Prince but that in obeying others he lost himselfe This Abdon was a great man had fortie sonnes thirtie of which he saw married and for his greater honour had his Chariot drawne with 70 Asses for they vsed them as we doe Horses The trauels of Sampson SAmpson was borne in the city of Zarea brought vp in the Tents of Dan and Estahol Iud. 13. From thence hee went to Timnah which is twelue miles there he fell in loue with Iudah the daughter of a Philistine Iudg. 14. From Timnah hee went backe to his father to Zarea and reuealed his affection which is 12 miles He and his father went back again to Timnah to see the maid and by the way as he went hee killed a Lyon which is twelue miles Iudg. 14. From thence he returned back again which is 12 miles Iud. 14. Within a while after Sampson and his friends went againe to Timnah and by the way he found Hony in the Lyon that he had slaine and gaue it to his friends to eat and when he came to the Philistines house he propounded the Riddle whereof you may reade Iudg. 14. These things hapned in Anno mundi 2791 and before Christ 1176 at which time he succeeded Abdon in the rule of the Iewes From thence he went to Ascalon a citie of the Philistines and killed thirtie of their men and tooke away their garments which is 24 miles From thence he returned backe againe to Timnah and deliuered the Philistines which had vnfolded the Riddle those change of garments Iudg. 14. From thence being angry that his wife had disclosed the riddle he returned to Zarea to his friends which is 12 miles Iud. 14. Within a while after when his anger was ouer hee returned backe to his wife to Timnah which is 12 miles it being then wheat haruest and carried with him a Goat that so hee might be merrie
and be reconciled to her but her father shut him out of doores because he had married his wife to another man wherefore he tooke a company of Foxes and tying them taile to taile put fire-brands to their tailes and turned them into the wheat of the Philistines and they set fire of all the Wheat and Vines and Oliues thereabout Iudg. 15. From thence he went to a caue in the rock Eta and there dwelt which is 12 miles Iudg. 15. At the rocke Eta Sampson was bound with two new cords by the Israelites and from thence led to Ramah Lehi which is six miles where hee killed 1000 Philistines with the jaw bone of an Asse that he found in the way From thence he went to Gaza a citie of the Philistins which is 42 miles here he carried away the gates of the citie From Gaza he carried these gates with the posts to the top of a hill neere Hebron which is 20 miles Iudg. 16. From Hebron he went to the riuer Sorecke where hee dwelt with Dalilah the Harlot and by her was deceiued and taken of the Philistines which are 12 miles Being taken of the Philistines he put out both his eies and bound him in chains and led him from thence to Gaza which is 32 miles there they brought him into the house of their god Dagon to make them sport but he pulled downe the house a multitude of them were slaine where he also died and was buried in the Sepulchre of Manoah his father betweene Zerea and Esthaol 28 miles from Gaza and almost 20 from Ierusalem towards the West This was in the yeare of the World 1811 and before Christ 1157. So all the Trauels of Sampson were 240 miles The description of the seuerall Townes and places to which SAMPSON trauelled Of Zarea THis is a city in the tribes of Iuda and Dan neere the riuer Soreck and taketh the name from a Cole or Leprosie being deriued of Sarag that is He was Leaprous it stood 18 miles from Ierusalem Westward Of Esthaol THis was a Towne in the Tribe of Dan two miles from Zarea and stood neere the Riuer Sorecke some 20 miles from Ierusalem towards the West and taketh the name from a Woman and Fortitude for Isca signifieth a woman and El or Ol strong or powerfull Here Sampson was brought vp In S. Ieroms time this was called Asto not farre from whence Sampson lieth buried Of Timnah You may reade of this in the trauels of Iudah Of Ascalon THis was a citie of the Philistines scituated vpon the shore of the Mediterranean sea some 30 miles from Ierusalem Westward and to this day retaineth the figure of halfe a circle it taketh the name from an ignominious fire being deriued of Esh and Kalon an ignominious light Of Gaza Of this Towne you may reade in the trauels of Ioshuah Of the Riuer Sorek THis was a very pleasant riuer vpon the banke whereof grew great plentie of Vines and Palmes from whence it seemeth to haue taken the name for Sorek in Hebrew signifieth a Myrtle branch which bringeth forth a pleasant berrie whereof excellent Wine is made It takes the beginning at a fountaine in the tribe of Iuda some 12 miles from Ierusalem towards the West where there is a very fertile valley in which Dalilah that betraied Sampson dwelt and from thence it runneth through the land of the Philistines and falleth into the Mediterranean sea Of the rocke Eta IN this rocke there was a caue wherein Sampson dwelt as in a strong tower it stood in the Tribe of Iuda neere to the riuer Sorecke 12 miles from Ierusalem toward the West and seemeth to take the name from Fowles for before that Sampson inhabited there a multitude of fowles bred vpon it and therefore it was called Eta for Aith signifies a Fowle This rocke growing to decay was repaired againe by Ierobaham that idolatrous King of Israel Of Sampson SAmpson or Schimpson according to the Hebrew text taketh his name from the Sunne for Schaemaes in Hebrew signifieth the Sunne and seemeth to haue some affinity with Hercules which signifieth The glory of the aire for what can be said to be the glory of the aire but the Light of the Sunne without which it would become exceeding darke wherefore as some thinke this Sampson was the true Hercules and those noble exploits that hee did the Graecians attributed to their Hercules The typicall signification of SAMPSON HE typically representeth Christ diuers waies first in his person hee was a mightie man secondly in his profession hee was a Nazarite thirdly in his calling he was a Prince and Iudge fourthly in his manner of liuing for he went from place to place to reuenge himselfe vpon the enemies of Gods people the children of Israel and in his death euen so our Sauiour Christ is that strong man who being mightier than the Diuel hath dispossest him of his tyrannicall jurisdiction ouer the soules of mankinde hath taken away those gates of death by his mercy opening vnto vs the dore of life that so being set at liberty from that hellish imprisonment we may be made partakers of euerlasting happinesse he was also a Nazarite euen from his mothers womb borne and bred there tying himselfe to a vow of bondage that we might be made free he is a Prince for euer and a Priest after the order of Melchisadeck during the continuance of his life in this vaile of misery his chiefest actions were to go from place to place to teach to doe good and to rescue and relieue the poore distressed members of the Church who lay miserably afflicted vnder the hands of Sathan healing some relieuing others and bringing a third sort into the state of grace so that as Sampson deliuered the Israelites from the bondage of the Philistins Christ our Prince and Iudge deliuereth his from the slauerie of Sathan by his death sauing more soules than in his life And therby pulling down the strong buildings the temptations of Sathan hath laid them leuel with the ground that they shall neuer be restored againe And lastly after this life ended he shall be our Prince and Iudge and bring vs to that place of promise prepared for vs in his euerlasting kingdome The trauels of the Spies of the Danites SHortly after the death of Sampson the Spies of the Danites went from Zarea and Eastaol to mount Ephraim to the house of Michah which is 24 miles Iudg. 18. From thence they went to Lais which is a hundred and foure miles Iudg. 18. From thence they returned to Zarea and Esthaol which is 126 miles Iudg. 18. So all their trauels were 244 miles Of Lais. LAis was a citie scituated at the foot of mount Libanus some 104 miles from Ierusalem towards the North and was sometimes called Belenus this because it stood so farre from aid was quickly conquered by the Danites and by them vtterly destroyed it signifieth a roring or deuouring Lion But after being rebuilt by the Danites they called it Dan
therewith Eli to serue God all his life 1 Sam. 1. which is 12. miles From Shilo she returned backe againe to her house and bare Elkana a sonne and two daughters more which is 12 miles So all her trauels were 48 miles Of Ramathaim Sophim THis Citie stood in mount Ephraim not far from Lidda and Ioppa some 16 miles distant from Ierusalem Northeastward and was sometimes called Ramah Here Ioseph whose addition was Arimathia dwelt that demanded the body of our Sauiour to bury in his own sepulchre It seemeth to be called Ramathaim Sophim which signifies the high places of the prophets because there was an Academy or publique schoole of Prophets which serued for the whole land in this city At this day it is called by the name of Ramath hauing some affinitie to the antient name Ramah How the Arke of God was borne from place to place after it was won from the children of Israel by the Philistines 1 Sam. 4.5.6 THe two sons of Eli the Priest Hophney and Phineas carried the Arke of the Lord to Ebenezer which signifies the stone of my help which was 42 miles and is not far from Aphec some 48 miles from Ierusalem Northward Here the Arke of God was taken and Hophney and Phineas died old Eli also broke his necke at this time about the 98 yeare of his age and the fortieth of his rule for hee ruled from the time of Sampson vntill then 1 Sam. 4. This hapned Anno mundi 2850 and before Christ 1117. The prophet Samuel succeeded him in the gouernment of the church and ruled 40 yeares From Aphecke the Philistines carried it to Asdod or Azotus and set it in the temple of their god Dagon but the Idol fel down in the night was broken to pieces before the Ark of the Lord 1 Sam. 4. which was 160 miles From thence to the city Gath which was 4 miles From Gath to the sea town Gaza 12 miles From Gaza to Ekron 32 miles From Ekron they placing it vpon a new cart drawne with two new milch Kine it was brought back again to Bethsemes which was 12 miles From thence it was caried to Kiriath jearim and placed in the house of Abinadab where it was kept vntill Dauids time who fetched it thence to Ierusalem with great joy about the yere of the world 2900 and before Christ 1068 which was two miles So all the while the Arke was from Shilo it was caried hither and thither some 276 miles ¶ Of the Townes and places to which the Arke of the Lord was carried Of Aphek THis was a city of Samaria alotted to the halfe tribe of Manasses some halfe a mile from Israel toward the South and 44 miles from Ierusalem Northward It signifieth an impetuous or violent act being deriued of Aphak which is as much as Hee worketh violently or offereth violence In this city Benhadad king of the Syrians going from one place to another to hide himselfe was at length constrained to fly to Ahab King of Israel to saue his life and craue his aid 1 Reg. 20. Of Asdod Ascalon and Gaza you may reade before Of Gath. THis was a hauen town scituated vpon the bankes of the Mediterranian sea distant from Ierusalem 34 miles toward the West It seemeth to take the name of the aboundance of Vines that grow thereabouts for Gath signifieth a presse or such an instrument wherwith grapes are pressed This was Goliahs country Here Achis to whom Dauid fled gouerned 1 Sam. 21.27 and it is very like that all the Kings of this city were called Achis as somtime the Emperors of Rome were called Caesars There were other Kings of the Philistines that were also called by this name Of Ekron THis also was a city of the Philistins not far from the Mediterranian sea and neere to Asdod some 16 miles from Ierusalem Westward At this day it is but a smal town and called by the name of Accaron hauing some affinity with the antient name Ekron The inhabitants of this towne worshipped Baalzebub for their god It taketh the name from Extirpation or such a towne as Penitus distruit Hath rooted out euen the foundation being deriued of Akar which signifieth To extirpate Of Bethsemes THis was a city of the Levits in the tribe of Iuda Ios 15.21 4 miles from Ierusalem Westward and signifies the house of the Sun Of this you may reade more before The Trauels of the Prophet Samuel SAmuels mother brought him from Arimathia to Shilo being 12 miles where he was to serue the Lord God all his life From Shilo Samuel went to Mizpa in the land of Gilead 48 miles Here Samuel called a congregation and made a solemn sacrifice vnto the Lord of a sucking lambe and the Lord at the same time thundred from heauen and dispersed the army of the Philistines so that they fled 1 Sam. 7. From Mizpa he went to Arimathia 56 miles There he dwelt and built an altar vnto the Lord 1 Sam. 7. From thence he went yearely to Bethel 16 miles 1 Sam. 7. From Bethel he went to Gilgal 2 miles 1 Sam. 7. From Gilgal he went to Mizpa in the land of Gilead 36 miles 1 Sam. 7. From Mizpa he went again to Arimathia 56 miles Thither came vnto him the Elders of the children of Israel desiring him to chuse them a King 1 Sam. 8. Therefore he went out of the towne of Arimathia about 16 miles to Ramath which lieth in the land of Ziph not far from Bethlehem Euphrata and there Samuel anointed Saul the son of Kish to be their King 1 Sam. 10. From Ramath he went to Gilgal 16 miles There he offered and shewed Saul what he should do 1 Sam. 10. From Gilgal hee went to Mizpah in the land of Gilead 36 miles there Saul by casting of lots was chosen King 1 Sam. 10. From Mizpa he returned to Arimathia 56 miles 1 Sam. 10. From Arimathia he went to Beseck about 44 miles where Adoni-Beseck was taken whose fingers and toes the children of Israel cut off There Samuel and Saul caused an army of men to issue out against the children of Ammon 1 Sam. 11. From Besecke Samuel and Saul passed ouer Iordan to Iabes in Gilead 16 miles and there ouerthrew Nahas King of the Ammonites and all his host which done Samuel said vnto the souldiers Let vs now go vnto Gilgal and there renew the Kingdome From Iabes in Gilead he went to Gilgal 36 miles There Saul was placed in his Throne royal 1 Sam. 11. From Gilgal Samuel went to Arimathia which is 20 miles From Arimathia he went again to Gilgal 20 miles and there he sharply rebuked King Saul because he had offered a Sacrifice contrary to his command 1 Sam. 13. From Gilgal he went to Gibeon 12 miles 1 Sam. 13. From Gibeon he went to Arimathia 12 miles From Arimathia he went to Gilgal 20 miles there rebuked king Saul because he did not wholly destroy the Amalekites and Samuel himselfe hewed the body of Agag King of the
From Gibeon he went to Engedi where Dauid in a caue cut off a piece of his garment which was 24 miles 1 Sam. 24. From thence he teturned again to Gibeon 24 miles From Gibeon he went to Ziph 22 miles and as he lay asleepe vpon the hill Hachila Dauid came secretly into the Campe and took his cup and his speare from his head and would not kil him 1 Sam. 26. From the hill Hachila he returned vnto Gibea 22 miles From thence hee went to fight with the Philistines at mount Gilboa 40 miles From mount Gilboa hauing changed his apparell he went to Endor which was 4 miles There he asked counsel of a witch and the Diuel appeared vnto him in the likenesse of Samuel 1 Sam. 28 From thence he returned again to mount Gilboa to the camp 4 miles and the next day he fought against the Enemy in which battel his three sonnes were slaine and hee himselfe put to flight 1 Sam. 31. 1 Chr. 11. From mount Gilboa he fled 8 miles to Bethsan where he kild himselfe 1 Sam. 31. 1 Chr. 11. From thence the body of Saul was brought to Iabes in Gilead where it was buried 2 Sam. 31. 1 Chr. 11. So all the trauels of Saul were 2428 miles The description of the townes and places to which he trauelled OF Gibea Salem Ramath and Iabes you may read before being memorable places to which Abraham Ioshuah and the children of Israel trauelled Of Bethsaliza THe land of Salisa with the city Bethsaliza was scituated in mount Ephraim 8 miles from Ierusalem toward the Northwest This was also called Baalsalisa 2. King 4. and signifieth the Trinity being deriued of Schillesch to make threefold Of Michmas THis was a citie in mount Ephraim in the borders of the tribes of Beniamin and Manasses not far from Iericho some ten miles from Ierusalem towards the North. Neere to this Citie Ionathan and his armor bearer put the armie of the Philistins to flight 1. Sam. 14. you may read of this towne in Esd 2. Isa 10. This was a strong citie of the Moabites and seemeth to take the name of Kemosch or Chamos which was a god which they worshipped in their banquets meetings for mirth as Bacchus somtime was amongst the Romans To this Idol Solomon built a temple 1. Reg. 11. Ier. 48. Of Zoba THe Kingdome of Zoba which Iosephus calleth Sophenam was in Armenia neer to the mountains Antitaurus and Masius 600 miles from Ierusalem towards the North extending it selfe on both sides of the Riuer Euphrates It was a very large fruitfull and pleasant country wherein inhabited many Kings This place Saul conquered Dauid retained it 1 Sam. 14. 2 Sam. 8. And signifies An aspiring Kingdom being deriued of Zabah He hath aspired Of Carmel CArmel was a City in the tribe of Iudah scituated in a fertile mountaine some eight miles from Hebron toward the East but twelue miles from Ierusalem towards the Southwest in the wildernesse of Moan where that foolish and couetous fellow Nabal dwelt There is likewise another Towne called by the same name in the tribe of Issacher not farre from Ptolomais which is vpon the shore of the Mediteranian sea 64 miles from Ierusalem toward the North standing vpon a promontory which extendeth it selfe into the Ocean of which you may reade Ios 19. Ier. 46. In this city the Prophets Elias and Elizeus dwelt who put the Priests of Baal to death in that place 1 Reg. 18. 2 Reg. 4. Carmel signifieth Spike or a fertil field bringing forth Vines herbs and diuers kinds of floures and fruits and is oft times vsed for a pleasant place Esay 29.32.37 Ier. 24. There are a sect of Monks that of this mountain are called Carmelits who built for themselues an Abby there close by the Church of S. Maries about the yeare of the world 5170 and in the yeare of our Lord 1170. Of Azekah AZekah and Socho were two townes in the Tribe of Iudah eight miles from Ierusalem towards the South-west Of these you may reade before Of Nobe or Nob. THis was a Citie of the Priests in the Tribe of Benjamin where Abimelech High-Priest of the Israelites dwelt Who at such time as Dauid fled from Saul he gaue him of the Shew-bread and the Sword that he tooke from Goliah For the which cause Saul commanded fourescore and fiue Priests to bee slaine and the City with all the Inhabitants thereof to bee put to the sword 1 Sam. cap. 22. At this day as Bernard Brittenbacchus saith it is called Bethenopolis and is in the way betweene Ierusalem from whence it is distant some sixteen miles towards the Northeast Dyospolim It taketh the name from Naba which signifieth He hath prophecied Of this you may read 1 Sam. 20.21 22. and Esay 10. Of Maon THis was a town in the wildernesse of Iudaea some 24 miles from Ierusalem Southward neere Ziph and Carmel where Saul had besieged Dauid and all his men and would haue either put them to the sword or taken them captiues But the Philistins on a sudden inuaded the land so that Saul was constrained to leaue the siege to oppose their incursions It taketh the name from a fruitfull habitation and a firm and safe mansion 2 Sam. 23 Ios 15. Of Engedi THis was a castle or town scituated in a mountain neere to the shore of the Dead sea a little beyond Sodom six miles from Ierusalem toward the Northeast and in the tribe of Iudah Ios 15. In times past it was a fruitfull place both of vines other fruits there also grew a kinde of balsam But Cleopatra in the time of Mark Anthony brought the roots of it into Egypt and there made a pleasant garden where now Christians inhabit There are yet some small stalks here and there of this Balsam to be found vpon this hill Engedi but the Saracens do not regard it neither dwell any Christians neere to dresse it so that it groweth to decay Engedi signifieth the fountaine or well of a Goat or Lambe These mountains are very high and of a wonderfull nature in some places great ragged rocks appearing in others plain and fruitful vallies insomuch as they are fearefull and horrible to strangers that behold them Of Ziph. THis was a Towne in the Desart of Ziph placed in a certaine mountaine not farre from Hebron in the Tribe of Iudah some 22 miles from Ierusalem towards the Northeast Iosh 15. Vnto this desart neere to this city Dauid oft times resorted and at last was betrayed by the inhabitants of this towne It seemeth that the Towne and Wildernesse tooke that name of the aboundance of pitch that was found in it for Zaephaeth in Hebrew signifieth Pitch Of Gilboa THis was a mountain in the tribe of Manasse neere to Sichem and Apheck 40 miles from Ierusalem towards the North it extendeth 8 miles to the city Bethsan and two miles towards the North to mount Hermon It seems to take the name from the bubling forth or springing
all speed pursued the enemy and in the way as hee went he found an Aegyptian who a little before the Amalekits had left there because he was vnable to follow them This Aegyptian guided Dauid to the tents of the Amalekits who suspecting no such euill were making merry with the booty that they had taken But Dauid with the rest of his company so manfully behaued themselues that they gaue the Amalekites a sudden ouerthrow and as it often hapneth to such as are negligent and carelesse he tooke away from them their former bootie and put most of them to the sword This battell was fought some 8 or 12 miles from Ziclag as by the circumstance of the history may appeare From this slaughter he returned backe to Ziclag which is 12 miles and repaired it to euery neighbouring citie sending a part of the prey Here hee had certaine intelligence of the successe of the Israelites in their wars against the Philistins and of the death of Saul and Ionathan which hee bitterly lamented 1 Sam. 30. 2 Sam. 1. These things hapned in the 10 yeare after Samuel had annointed Dauid King From Ziclag he went to Hebron a metropolitane Citie of the tribe of Iuda being a towne of refuge belonging to the Leuites which was 16 miles At this time Dauid was about the age of thirtie yeares and was annointed King by the Tribe of Iudah in the yeare of the World 2891 and before Christ 1077. Here he kept his Court seuen yeares and six moneths From hence also he sent messengers to Iabes in Gilead 44 miles to signifie his gracious acceptance of that fauour which they shewed vnto Saul in burying of his body there 2 Sam. 1. 1 Chr. 12. From Hebron Dauid went to Ierusalem 22 miles which then was called Iebus being possessed of the Iebusites but he woon it with strong hand and thrust them out of it and in mount Sion set vp the city Millo which was after called the city of Dauid and signifies A place of plenty He began his raigne in Ierusalem in the 38 yere of his age and 7 of his raigne In this place also he set vp his house made of Cedar wood of which Hyram King of Tyrus sent him great plenty from Mount Libanus distant from thence 104 miles 2 Sam. 5. 1 Chr. 12. From thence he went to the valley of Rephaim some 3 miles from Ierusalem in the way that leadeth to the citie of Bethlem where he fought a memorable fight against the Philistines and ouercame them for which cause it was also called Baal-Perizim because by the helpe and assistance of God he had conquered the army of the Philistines 1 Sam. 5. After he had dispersed the enemies hee returned to Ierusalem which is 4 miles The Philistines came the same yeare into the valley of Rephaim againe and pitched their tents within three miles and a halfe of Ierusalem and the Lord gaue Dauid a signe that when he heard a noyse in the mulberry trees hee should set vpon the enemy so Dauid went forth and close by the towne of Gaeba and Kiriath-jearim about two miles from Ierusalem Westward he set vpon the enemie and gaue them the second ouerthrow 2 Sam. 5. 1 Chr. 15. From thence Dauid followed the enemy to Gaza which was 18 miles 2 Sam. 5. In the 10 yeare of his raigne from his first beginning in Hebron Dauid assembled all the Princes Priests and chiefe men of Israel to the number of 30000 which inhabited from Sechor till you come to Chaemah a citie of Nepthalie at the foot of mount Libanus euen 163 miles off These men assembled themselues in the citie of Ierusalem and from thence they with Dauid went to Kiriath-jearim which was about a mile to fetch the Arke of the Couenant from thence into the city of Dauid 1 Sam. 6. 1 Chr. 14. From Kiriath-jearim Dauid and all his traine returned backe again to Ierusalem which was about a mile and they placed the Arke of the Lord in a new cart and caused it to be drawne with Oxen which turned out of the way to the threshing floure of Nachon where Vza rashly and inconsiderately touching the Arke of God contrary to the Diuine Law was presently slaine by the Lord in the way and that place was called Paeri-Vza that is The breach of Vza For he was not of the Tribe of Aaron to whom it was only lawfull to touch the Arke therfore the Lord strooke him that he died miserably wherefore Dauid being terrified by this example of Gods seueritie would not that day bring the ark of the Lord into Ierusalem but carried it to the house of a certaine Nobleman called Obed-Aedom a Gittite who dwelt not far from Ierusalem but when it was told Dauid that the Lord blessed the house of Obed-Aedom and all his family because the arke was there Dauid went from Ierusalem with a great multitude of people to the house of Obed-Aedom who as is said before dwelt not farre from Ierusalem yet there are some that say he was an excellent musitian in Ierusalem and dwelt in Mount Acra that is in the lower citie and from thence Dauid fetcht the Arke of the Lord into the vpper citie which stood vpon mount Sion but I hold the other opinion to be the more probable When the Arke was carried by the Priests Dauid girt himself with a linnen Ephod which kinde of garment the Priests of the inferior order vsed to weare and danced before it singing Psalms and hymnes to the praise and glory of God and with great state brought it to the citie of Ierusalem with the sound of Trumpets and instruments of musick and placed it in the middle of the Tabernacle which they had curiously erected in Mount Sion in the vpper citie which was also called the citie of Dauid This hapned in the tenth yere of his raigne at which time Michal Sauls daughter despised him in her heart and laughed at him but God gaue her a due recompence as you may reade 2 Sam. 6. and him a just reward for he promised by the Prophet Nathan That of his posteritie and bloud the King of Kings and Sauiour of the world should be borne In the yere following Dauid inuaded the land of the Philistins and the citie of Gath which with strong hand he woon this was 34 miles from Ierusalem From thence he returned backe to Ierusalem 34 miles In the twelfth yere of his raigne he afflicted the Moabits with cruel war and destroyed two of their armies with the sword and the rest of the multitude made tributarie which was 24 miles 2 Sam. 8. 1 Chr. 19. He returned thence to Ierusalem with great triumph and joy 24 miles In the 13 yeare of his raigne Anno mundi 2903 and before Christ 1065 he made an expedition vnto Zoba which Iosephus calleth Sophenam and is in Armenia neere to Masia or Mount Taurus 600 miles from Ierusalem towards the North of which you may reade before Dauid in this place woon
a memorable battell against Hadad-Ezer the King thereof neere to the riuer Euphrates he tooke 700 horse and 20000 foot burnt their chariots tooke 100 castles conquered all the Townes and Countrey round about and went away with a great bootie as well of Gold as siluer brasse and other things which brasse for the excellencie thereof was like vnto gold and as Iosephus saith afterwards Solomon made the molten sea of it When Gadarezer King of the Syrians he that built that famous citie of Damascus heard of the ouerthrow of Hadad-Ezer hee sent a great army to his aid which King Dauid neere to the riuer Euphrates smote with the sword so that 20000 of them were slaine and he carried away a glorious victorie extending his gouernment from Ierusalem 600 miles towards the North that is into Armenia and beyond the riuer Euphrates and made these two nations tributary vnto him 2 Sam. 8. 1 Chr. 19. After Dauid had woon these 2 memorable victories neere Euphrates he went thence with all his army towards the South and inuaded the land of Syria in which journey Ioram the sonne of Tohi King of Antiochia which citie at this time was called Hemath met Dauid with gifts and presents in the name of his Father returning him many thankes because he had destroied the common enemy Hadad-Ezer and by strong hand subdued and quelled the furie of that mighty tyrant who was also a trouble and vexation to the Kingdome of Antiochia Dauid entertained this message kindly thankfully receiued his gifts which was of gold siluer and fine brasse and so gaue Ioram an acceptable dispatch and from thence with his army went to Damascus the Metropolitan citie of Syria where in the valley of salt he got a great victory in which 18000 Syrians were slaine and soon after the Citie of Damascus taken in which Dauid placed a garrison and compelled them to pay tribute 2 Sam. 8. This was distant from the kingdome of Soba 520 miles From Damascus he went with his army into the land of the Ammonites 100 miles in the way that leadeth out of Syria to Ierusalem all which he conquered and all the cities and townes thereabouts and compelled them to pay tribute 2 Sam. 8. From thence he returned to Ierusalem which was 60 miles and all the bootie that he had gotten in his journey he dedicated vnto the Lord 2 Sam. 8. A while after hee with his army made an incursion into the land of Idumaea and compelled the inhabitants to pay tribute Moreouer he destroied the citie of Midian the Metropolitane of that countrey of which you may reade before it was distant from Ierusalem 160 miles towards the South So that the extent of Dauids kingdome from the North to the South was 800 miles euen from the kingdome of Soba to the Red sea and from the East to the West 120 miles from Tyrus and Sydon reaching to Damascus Thus by the singular blessing of God he obtained a spacious and powerfull Empire 1 Sam. 8. 1 Reg. 11. 1 Chr. 19. He made his expedition into Idumaea about the 14 yeare of his raigne From Midian in Idumaea hee returned with great glory and praise to Ierusalem which was 160 miles In the 14 yere of his raigne and in the yere of the world 2904 and before Christ 1064 Nahas King of the Ammonites died and Haron his sonne succeeded him this man contemptuously abused the messengers of Dauid 2 Sam. 10. and to justifie that injury he gathered an army out of Soba Siria and Mesopotamia euen a mighty Host to oppose Dauid who in the 15 yeare of his gouernment met him with his Armie at Helam some twenty miles from Ierusalem where he obtained a notable victorie and destroied 700 chariots and 40000 horse 1 Chr. 20. Dauid after this with great applause of the people was entertained into Ierusalem which was 20 miles distant where being puft vp with prosperity he forgat his former pietie and sanctitie and by degrees fell into vnlawfull actions and vnjust desires whence it hapned that soone after he committed adulterie with Bathseba after that to hide his fault caused her husband to be slaine This was kept secret till the Lord by Nathan sharply reprehends him laies before him what hee was and what his present estate is from whence that came and then concludes that he is most vnthankfull carelesse and negligent towards God and man in committing those insolencies neither left he there but told him that God would seuerely punish him for his offence which after hapned as you may reade 1 Sa. 11.12.14.17 Dauid being nipt in his conscience with this sharpe reprehension fell into great lamentation the extremitie of whose passions may very well appeare in the poenitentiall Psalmes which at this time and soone after hee wrot and left to future ages After this about the end of Summer he gathered an army and went into the land of the Ammonites some 64 miles where hee took the Metropolitan citie which at that time was called Rabba because of the multitude of citizens that were in it but after being restored by Ptolomeus Philadelphus King of Aegypt hee called it after his own Philadelphia there took the crowne from the head of the king of the Ammonites which weighed a Talent of * How much this was you may read after in the quantitie of weights gold being as Iosephus saith richly adorned with faire Sardonicke stones of which you may reade in 2 Sam. 12. From thence he returned back to Ierusalem which is 64 miles where hee married Bathseba and by her had foure sonnes Simeon Sobab Nathan and Solomon 1 Chr. 3. Soone after this Ammon defloured his sister Thamar not long after that his son Absalon killed his brother Ammon beeing then about 18 yeares of age which Dauid tooke so hainously that he would not suffer him to come into his sight for three yeares 1 Sam. 13. Then Ioab by the subtiltie of the woman of Tekoa reconciled him to the king his father yet neuerthelesse he came not to his court of two yeares after This Absolon was a goodly man affable for which cause enen at that time the people began to affect him Afterward in the yeare of the world 2950 and before Christ 1408 Absolon being then about 25 yeares of age moued sedition against his father A matter remarkeable that although he had slaine his owne brother being disgraced and absent from the Court almost fiue yeres yet within short time after he so strongly vnited the affection of the people to him that he constrained Dauid standing in feare of his greatnesse all his former acts and worthy victories notwithstanding to forsake his owne citie and for safety to fly to the mount of Oliues beeing three quarters of a mile from the citie There he staied a while to see the condition of the tumult but necessitie constrained him to take his way to Bahuzim And as he was going Zimri the sonne of Gesa of the house of Saul cursed
Of Gesur GEsur was a country neere to Caesarea Philippi in the land of Basan beyond Iordan neere Libanus in the Tetrarchie Trachonitides 88 miles from Ierusalem Northeastward With the King of this country Absolon remained in banishment for 3 yeres space after he had slain his brother Ammon and with vs may be termed the vally of Oxen 2 Sam. 13. Of Hadsi THe lower country of Hadsi stood neere to the city Corazin in the halfe tribe of Manasses 52 miles from Ierusalem toward the Northeast and signifies a new land beeing deriued of Chadasch that is New Of the fountaine Rogel THis was neere Ierusalem Eastward to which place Ionathan and Ahimaas Dauids intelligencers brought him newes of Absalons counsels and intentions 2 Sam. 17. It seemeth that trauellers vsually washed their feet in it from whence it was called the Wel of feet beeing deriued from Raegael signifying a Foot Neere to this place was the stone Zochaeleth where Adoniah at such time as he affected the kingdome contrary to his fathers liking called an assembly and made a great feast 1 Reg. 1. The Trauels of Baena and Rechab THese two went out of the tribe of Benjamin ouer Iordan to Machanaim 40 miles There they murthered their master king Ishbosheth in his chamber as he lay vpon his bed and after cut off his head The head they brought to King Dauid to Hebron 68 miles But Dauid was not pleased with their treacherie wherefore hee caused them both to be put to death So their trauels were 108 miles The Trauels of Absalon ABsalon was borne in Hebron and went with his father to Ierusalem 22 miles 2 Sam. 13. From thence he went to Baalhazor 8 miles where hee caused his brother Ammon to be slain From thence for feare of his father he fled into the land of Gesur 88 miles 2 Sam. 14. From thence he came backe with Ioab to Ierusalem which was 88 miles 2 Sam. 14. From thence he went to Hebron 22 miles and made himselfe King and rebelled against his father From thence he went backe againe to Ierusalem which is 22 miles There he lay with his fathers Concubines 2 Sam. 16. From thence he pursued his father to Machanaim 40 miles there was hanged by the haire in an oke tree where Ioab put him to death 2 Sam. 18. So all the trauels of Absolon were 290 miles Of Baal-hazor IN this city Absolon made a great feast for his sheepe-sherers and inuited all his brothers to it where he caused Ammon to be slain because he had abused his sister Thamar It lieth in the way some 8 miles from Ierusalem toward the North-East as you go to Iericho neere to mount Ephraim 2 Sam. 13. and is deriued of Baal which signifies a Lord or husband and Chazir a Den or caue Of the name ABSOLON ABSOLON signifieth a Father of peace although he was the author of all discord and sedition against his father The Trauels of the wise woman of Thecoa THis woman went from Thecoa to Ierusalem 8 miles and spake with King Dauid and with her sweet words shee persuaded him that he would recall his sonne out of exile who then remained in Gesur 2 Sam. 14. Of Thecoa THecoa was a city in the tribe of Iuda some 8 miles from Ierusalem toward the Southeast neere this city Iosaphat by praier and the sound of Trumpets without drawing sword got a memorable victory and for that cause it signifieth the sound of a Trumpet In this place the prophet Amos dwelt and there lieth buried whose sepulchre was to be seene 400 yeares after Christ as S. Ierom obserueth It was from Bethlem Iuda 6 miles Neere to Techoa was the lake Aspher where Ionathan and Simon Iudas Machabeus brothers pitcht their tents 1 Mach. 9. Of this city you may reade Ier. 6. Am. 1. 2 Chr. 11. Of ACHITOPHEL THis perfideous and wicked man was borne in the towne of Gilo not far from Hebron and Debir in the tribe of Iudah Ios 15. 2 Sam. 15. 20 miles from Ierusalem Southeastward who when his counsell would not take place he went home to his own house and there desperatly hanged himselfe The Trauels of wicked Shimei SHimei went from Bahurim where he cursed King Dauid to Bathabara vpon the riuer Iordan which was 18 miles where he got pardon of Dauid 2 Sam. 19. From thence he went backe with King Dauid to Gilgall foure miles 2 Sam. 19. From thence he went with King Dauid to Ierusalem 12 miles 2 Sam. 19. From thence he went to Bahurim 3 miles From Bahurim King Solomon sent for him again to Ierusalem 3 miles There he was constrained to build him an house and not to depart thence vpon pain of death 1 Reg. 2. But Shimei transgressing this commandment of the king went to Gath a city of the Philistims 12 miles From thence hee returned back againe to Ierusalem 12 miles where he was slain by the command of King Solomon in the third yeare of his reign 1 Reg. 2. So all the trauels of Shimei were 104 miles The Books of Kings and Chronicles Of ABISHAG the Virgin that lay with Dauid THis Maid was accounted the fairest in all Israel for which cause she was brought to Ierusalem for King Dauid that she might lie with him in his old age to procure heat she was born at Sunem a town some 44 miles from Ierusalem 1 Reg. 1. Of Sunem you may read before in the trauels of Dauid Saul The Trauels of King Solomon SOlomon the son of Dauid King of Israel entred vpon the full gouernment of the kingdome of Israel An. mundi 2931. and before Christ 1037. when he was about 20 yeares old After he went from Ierusalem to Gilgal 4 miles and there offered vpon the altar which Moses had made 1000 burnt offerings 1 Reg. 3. 2 Chr. 1. From thence he went backe to Ierusalem which was 4 miles and built a Temple to the Lord in mount Moriah 1 Reg. 6. This was begun about the fourth yere of his reign and 480 yeres after the children of Israel came out of Egypt in the moneth Ziph which answereth to our May. So that the Temple began to bee built in Anno mundi 2934. and before Christ 1034. To the building whereof Hiram King of Tyre sent Cedar trees from Mount Libanus 120 miles to Ierusalem 1 Reg. 5. 2 Chr. 2. This Temple Solomon within plaited ouer with pure gold and set with pretious stones and finished it in the month of Nouember about the eleuenth yeare of his reigne 1 Reg. 6. The dedication whereof was about the twelfth yeare of his reigne and in the 32 yeare of his age Anno Mundi 2942 and before Christ 1026. The Temple being finished he began to build his owne house which was 13 yeares a building and was finished about the 44 yeare of his age and in the 24 of his reign 1 Reg. 7.8 After 20 years in which time he had finished the house of the Lord and his own house in Mount Sion that
he might manifest his thankfulnesse to the King of Tyre he went to Cabul a city in the tribe of Ashur some 80 miles Northward where hee gaue to the aforesaid Hiram 20 towns or cities with al the country round about wherefore King Hiram called this Cabul that is Displeasant and dirty 2 Reg. 9. You may reade of Cabul Ios 19. From thence he returned to Ierusalem 88 miles From thence he went to Hazor and restored the city which was 44 miles From thence he returned to Ierusalem 44 miles From thence he went to Megiddo which is not farre from Iesreel in the tribe of Manasses 44 miles from Ierusalem toward the North. This city Solomon fortified 1 Reg. 9. and Iosiah King of Iuda a long time after was there wounded to death 2 Reg. 9. From Megiddo he returned to Ierusalem 44 miles After that Pharaoh King of Egypt had conquered Gaser and destroyed it with fire hee gaue it to his Daughter the Wife of Solomon who rebuilt it This towne was scituated in the tribe of Ephraim 28 miles from Ierusalem Northward 1 Reg. 9. From Gaser Solomon returned backe again to Ierusalem being 28 miles From thence he went to the higher Bethoron which he fortified and stood twenty eight miles from Ierusalem Northward 2 Chr. 8. From thence he went to the lower Bethoron 16 miles from the vpper toward the South 1 Reg. 9. 2 Chr. 8. From the lower Bethoron hee went to Ierusalem which was 8 miles After Solomon built the city Belath which was 12 miles from Ierusalem Northwestward 1 Reg. 9. 2 Chr. 8. From thence he returned back to Ierusalem 12 miles and it is very like that Solomon often visited those towns that he had built and restored From Ierusalem he went to Hemath afterward called Antiochia which was 320 miles and compassed it about with a wall fortified it and afterward constrained all the kingdomes thereabout to be obedient to his gouernment 2 Chr. 8. From thence he went with great state into the kingdom of Zoba which is 600 miles and fortified all the great cities castles of that country that with the greater facility they might oppose the inuasions of neighbouring countries From thence hee returned to that famous city Thamar which was also called the city of the Palmes 400 miles this he rebuilt and fortified 1 Reg. 9. 2 Chr. 8. From thence he went to Ierusalem which is 388 miles From thence hee went to Ezeongaber neere the Red sea in the countrey of Idumaea where he built a company of stately ships and sent them to India to fetch gold which was 176 miles from Ierusalem Southward 1 Reg. 9. From thence he returned to Ierusalem which is 176 miles But of his great prosperitie and aboundance of riches he grew proud for he excelled all the Kings neere him and gaue himselfe to vnlawfull pleasures he tooke vnto him 300 Concubines and 70 wiues by whose persuasion he began to worship the gods of the Gentiles which idolatry was euill in the sight of the Lord. And after he had reigned forty yeares which was about the sixtieth of his age he died and was buried by his father Dauid in Mount Sion the city of Dauid An. mundi 2770 and before Christ 998. So all the trauels of Solomon were 2544 miles The description of the places to which he trauelled Of Gazer you may reade before in the trauels of Dauid Of Bethoron THe vpper and the lower Bethoron were two Cities in the tribe of Ephraim built by Saaerah the daughter of Ephraim 1 Chron. 7. The inferiour Bethoron was not farre from the Castle of Emmaus 8 miles from Ierusalem toward the Northwest The superior was 20 miles distant toward the North. These towns Solomon repaired Neere to the lower Bethoron the Lord put the enemies of Ioshuah to flight with thunder and haile Ios 10. Here also Iudas Machabeus ouercame the army of Antiochus 1 Mac. 3. Here also he put Nicanor to death 1 Mac. 7. and signifieth A white house being deriued of Beth which signifies an house and Chor he hath made white Of Baaelath THis is a city twelue miles from Ierusalem Northwestward in the tribe of Dan. This city Solomon repaired at such time as he fell in loue with many women from whence it seemeth to take his name for Baaeleth signifieth his beloued Lady Of Thamar THamar Tadmor or Palmira stood partly in the desart of Siria and partly in a fruitfull soile being compassed about on the one side with a Wood on the other with faire and pleasant fields It was the Metropolitan city of all Syria not farre from Euphrates some 388 miles from Ierusalem Northeastward and as Pliny saith lib. 5. cap. 25. Although it lay betwixt two mighty Empires Rome and Parthia yet it was subiect to neither fairely scituated a free city adorned with fair and sumptuous buildings and contented with their own gouernment The wildernesses called after this towns name Palmarnae or the desarts of the Palms extend themselues to Petra the metropolitan city of Arabia Petraea and to the borders of Arabia foelix one daies journey from Euphrates two from the vpper part of Syria and six from Babylon as Iosephus obserueth Antiq. lib. 8. cap. 5. This city Solomon made tributary to him and fortified it with strong walls 1 Reg. 9. Of Ezeongaber you may reade before The Typicall signification of Solomon SOLOMON is as much as Frederick in high-Dutch which signifieth a Peace-maker being deriued of the Hebrew word Schelomoh or Schalom to bring glad tydings of peace Typically representing Christ the Prince of peace who hath reconciled vs with his heauenly Father and merited an eternall place of peace and happinesse for all such as trust in him Esay 9. And as Solomon built vp the Temple of the Lord with great majestie and glorie so Christ hath built vp that heauenly Temple the Church of God and adorned it with the gifts and graces of his holy Spirit in this world that so it might be capable of eternall glory in the world to come 2 Cor. 6. The Trauels of Solomons Ships THis Navy of Solomons went vnto Ophir that is India which was accounted from the Mart town 4800 miles From India they returned backe again 4800 miles so all their trauels were 9600 miles This journy was finished in 3 yeares to and again so that euerie yeare they went 3200 miles and brought home plenty of gold siluer pretious stones Ebony c. Of India MOses called this country Havilah Gen. 2. and Ios li. Antiq. 8. c. 7. Ophir which name saith he it took of two brothers so called which inhabited and gouerned that country all along the riuer Ganges But more modern writers deriue it from Indus a riuer passing through it It is a spatious and fruitfull country pleasant to inhabit and as Pomponius saith hath in it 5000 cities being diuided into two parts the outward and inward The Trauels of the Queene of Saba FRom Saba in Ethiopia she came to Ierusalem 964 miles From
carrieth the smell vnto the red sea and they that saile can easily discerne the sweetnesse of the aire There is gold also found there very fine and pure insomuch as for the goodnesse of it it is called Arabian gold The Phoenix is found there of which there is but one in the world Pliny lib. 9. cap. 35. describes her to be as big as an Eagle with a list of feathers like gold about her necke the rest are of a purple colour therefore from Phoenicea and the purple colour of her wings shee is called Phoenix Shee hath a tuft of feathers vpon her head like vnto a crowne Shee liueth 660 yeares at the end of which time she buildeth her a nest of Cassia Cinnamon Calamus and other pretious Gummes and herbs which the Sun by the extremitie of the heate and the wauing of her wings fires and she taking delight in the sweetnesse of the sauor houers so long ouer it that she burnes her selfe in her owne nest Within a while after out of the marrow of her bones and the ashes of her body there groweth a worme which by little and little increaseth to some bignesse and after to a purple bird Then her wings extend themselues to a full greatnesse till such time as she commeth to be a perfect Phoenix This Bird doth liuely represent our Sauiour Christ who only and alone is the true Messiah and through whom we must expect euerlasting life who in the fulnesse of time offered himself a Sacrifice vpon the Crosse sustaining the punishment for sin at the time of his Passion putting on a purple robe being all be sprinkled with his owne bloud Ioh. 19. And as the Phoenix is burnt in her owne nest so likewise was hee consumed in the fire of Gods wrath according to that in the 22 Psal My heart is become like melting wax in the middest of my body And as the Phoenix of it selfe begetteth another of the same kinde so Christ by the power of his Deitie raised vp his body from the dust of the earth and ascended vp into heauen a glorious body to sit at the right hand of his father in that euerlasting Kingdome of glory Thus gentle Reader I thought fit to describe vnto you these two townes that when you shall reade of them in the holy Scripture the one being in Aethiopia towards the South the other in Arabia Foelix and called Seba you might discerne the one from the other of both which there is mention in the 72 Psalme The Kings of the Sea and of the Isles shall bring presents the Kings of Saba and Seba shall giue gifts The Trauels of King Pharaoh out of Aegypt when he ouercame the Towne of Gazer 1 Reg. 9. IN the 16 yeare of King Dauid Anno mundi 2906 and before Christ 1602 Chabreus King of Aegypt began to raigne and raigned 56 yeares Diod. lib. 2. cap. 2. Herodotus calleth this man Chephrines in his second booke and Eusebius Nepher Cherres He went from Memphis the chiefe Citie of Aegypt with a great armie 268 miles euen vnto the tribe of Ephraim and there tooke Gazer a Citie of the Leuites and burned it with fire 1 Reg. 8. Ios 21. After he came to Ierusalem which was 28 miles And this city which he had thus destroied he gaue to his daughter the wife of Solomon 1 Reg. 9. From thence he returned to Memphis in Aegypt 244 miles So all the Trauels of King Pharaoh were 244 miles Of Memphis MEmphis is a great city in Egypt where commonly the kings of that country keepe their Courts and lyeth from Ierusalem 244 miles South-westward This citie was built a little before the floud but repaired and enlarged by a king called Ogdoo who in loue of his daughter after her name called it Memphis You may reade of it in the ninth of Hosea called there by the name of Moph for thus he saith The people of Israel are gone out of the land of Ephraim because of their Idolatrie into Aegypt but Aegypt shall gather them vp Moph that is Memphis shall bury them Moph or Mapheth in this place signifieth A prodigious wonder but the rest of the Prophets call it Noph for the fertilitie pleasantnes of the country as you may reade Esa 19. The Princes of the Zoan are become foolish and the Princes of Noph or of Memphis are deceiued See also Ierem. 2.44.46 Ezech. 30. in which places you may find it called after this name Zoan is the citie Tanis where Moses wrought all his miracles But Noph or Moph is this Memphis a beautifull towne large and spacious scituated in the strongest and profitablest place in Aegypt diuided into two parts by the riuer Nilus so that any kind of commodities or merchandise might with ease bee brouht thither by water for which cause the kings of that countrie for the most part kept their abiding there Strabo saith lib. 17. That vpon the East part of this citie there standeth a Tower or Castle called Babylon built by certaine Babylonians who leauing their owne countrey by the permissions of the kings of Egipt dwelt there in after times there was placed a garrison in it one of the three which were for the defence of Aegypt and by Ptolomy was called Babilon through both which viz. Memphis and Babilon Nilus passed the one standing vpon the East side the other vpon the West Zoan or Tanis stood about some foure miles from this towne and was a faire spacious citie also scituated towards the South vpon the East side of Nilus to which the kings of that country often resorted and Heliopolis anothet faire citie stood some six miles off that towards the Northeast All these foure townes were so wonderfully inhabited by reason of their pleasant profitable scituation that in processe of time they become all one citie and in this age is called Alcaire containing in circuit 60 miles so that it seemeth to spectators to be like a country replenished with nothing but fair houses goodly churches strong towers exceeding all the rest of the cities of Egypt aswell for the beautifulnesse of the place as the extent and largenesse of it It is reported that in the yeare of our Lord 1476 there was such an extreme pestilence in it that there died 20000 a day from whence may be gathered how infinitely it is peopled Neere to this towne stood the Pyramides which are held to he one of the wonders of the World as Strabo saith lib. 17. the height of one of them was 625 foot and square on each side 883 foot it was twentie yeares a building a hundred thousand workemen emploied about it whence it may be easily gathered how hard and difficult it was in those times to get stone it being for the most part brought from Arabia and at what an excessiue charge they were that set vp them Of Gazar This Citie is described in the Trauels of Solomon The Trauels of Hadad King of Idumaea WHen Dauid conquered Idumaea Hadad
the King of that country with some few of his courtiers being then but young fled from Midian to Paran the Metropolitan Citie of Arabia Petraea which was 84 miles 1 Reg. 11. But because he thought himselfe scarce safe in that place he fled thence to Cheopes that impious and tyrannicall King of Aegypt that built the greatest of the three Pyramides at Memphis He hating King Dauid gaue him kinde entertainment assigned him a part of the Kingdome of Aegypt to dwell in and after married him with his sister Tachpenes by whom he had a sonne called Genubath who was brought vp in Pharaohs or King Chopes court where he continued all the life of Dauid being 27 yeares which was 120 miles Dauid being dead he returned into his own kingdome of Idumaea which was 200 miles From thence hee went to Damascus which was 240 miles where he was created King of the Syrians by Reson and other fugitiues which had conspired against Solomon by which meanes he grieuously troubled that Kingdome and became an vtter enemie to the Israelites all the life of Solomon And of him is the originall and stocke of the Kings of Syria So all the trauels of Hadad were 644 miles Of Midian and Paran you may reade before in the one dwelt Iethro Moses father in law in the other Ishmael that being the chiefe city of his dominions as you may reade Gen. 21. Ex. 2. Of Reson Solomons aduersarie AFter Dauid had conquered Hadad Ezer king of Zoba Reson his chiefe captaine gathered vp his dispersed souldiers of his army and fled from him to Damascus which was 120 miles and besieged it the Citizens whereof when neither Dauid nor Solomon could suppresse his rebellion entertained him for their King which principalitie he held The Trauels of the Kings of Israel and first of IEROBOAM THis man was the sonne of Nebat and borne at a towne called Zared not far from Bethlehem Ephrata some eight miles from Ierusalem from whence hee came to Solomon who made him captaine that he might collect the tribute of Manasses and Ephraim 1 Reg. 11. which was eight miles From Ierusalem as he went to Shilo which was foure miles he met the Prophet Ahijah the Shilonite who told him that he should be King of Israel 1 Reg. 11. From thence he went to Memphis in Aegipt which was 224 miles because Solomon sought his life where he remained with Sesak king of Aegypt all the life of Solomon Eusebius calleth this King Osochores who that same yeare succeeded Macrenius Solomons father in law in that gouernment From thence hee returned to the towne of Sichem in Israel which was 280 miles where the Israelites made him chiefe captaine against Rehoboam Solomons sonne Wherefore Ieroboam the sonne of Nebat began to raigne ouer Israel An. mundi 2971 and before Christ 997 and raigned 22 yeares 1 Reg. 12. His first seat was at Sichem which he repaired and enlarged From Sichem in the first yeare of his raigne hee went to Penuell and there set vp many faire buildings which was twelue miles 1 Reg. 12. From Penuel he went 24 miles to the towne of Bethel where he caused a golden Calfe to be set vp for the people to worship From thence he went to Thirza which is 16 miles This citie he built and there kept his court 1 Reg. 14. From thence he went to the mount Zemaraim which is mount Ephraim 18 miles where he had a great battell with Abia king of Iuda and lost 500000 of his souldiers all chosen men of Israel 2 Chr. 13. verse 17. Hauing lost this battell with all possible speed that he could went thence to Thirza which is 18 miles there the Lord strucke him with a grieuous disease that hee died miserably 1 Reg. 14. 2 Chr. 13. So all the Trauels of Ieroboam first King of Israel were 623 miles The Description of the townes and places to which IEROBOAM trauelled Of Zemeraim THis was a certaine Plaine in mount Ephraim eight miles from Ierusalem towards the North neere to the towne of Bethel in the Tribe of Manasses for mount Ephraim is diuided into diuers parts and Tribes It seemeth to take the name of certaine trees that abound neere that place whereon cotton wooll groweth for Zaemaer signifieth Wooll which by little and little vpon such trees doth increase and grow to perfection Of Thirza THis was a faire and beautifull citie scituated in a high and pleasant mountaine in the Tribe of Manasses some twenty foure miles from Ierusalem towards the North. In this place the kings of Israel vsed to keep their courts vntill Samaria was built It was so called because of the excellencie and delectablenesse of the place for Thirza doth denote An acceptable and thankfull citie being deriued of Razah he receiueth thankfully Of the yeares of the iniquitie of Israel THe yeares of the iniquitie of Israel mentioned in Ezek. 4. is to be accounted from that day wherin Ieroboam first erected the golden Calues wherefore the greatest part of the first yeare of the iniquitie agreeth with the second yeare of Ieroboams raign From whence may be gathered that from that time till the destruction of Ierusalem by Nabuchadnezzar were 390 yeares full ended Of Ieroboams wife Queene of Israel SHee went from Thirzo to Zilo which was about 24 miles there she asked counsell of Ahijam the Prophet concerning her son Abia for he was sicke but he told her heauie tidings 1 Reg. 14.7 Wherefore being pensiue and troubled in her mind she returned backe againe to her husband to Thirzo which was 24 miles 1 Reg. 14. So these two journies were 48 miles The journey of the man of God which came out of Iuda THis man of God as Iosephus writeth lib. Ant. 8. came from Ierusalem to Bethel which was eight miles and was called by the name of Iadon which signifieth the Iudge of the Lord. When he came thither he reproued Ieroboam with an extraordinary spirit of whom you may reade more 1 Reg. 13. But being deceiued as he was returning a Lyon met him in the way where he was slaine and after buried in a sepulchre in Bethel The Trauels of NADAB the second King of Israel NAdab or Bonifacias succeeded his father Ieroboam in the Kingdome of Israel and was annointed while hee was yet liuing a liberall and free-hearted Prince Hee began to raigne in the second yeare of Asa King of Iuda Anno mundi 2992 and before Christ 977. Hee raigned during the life of his father a yeare and somewhat more but when hee had raigned two yeares hee went from Thirza with a great army to the citie of Gibithon which was 36 miles this towne he besieged very straitly but at length was slaine by one of his captaines called Baesa so he lost both his life and kingdome in that place 1 Reg. 15. Of Gibithon THis was a citie of the Leuites in the Tribe of Dan not farre from Ekron in the land of the Philistines 16 miles from Ierusalem towards the
West and signifieth a Royall or loftie gift The Trauels of Baesa King of Israel BAesa is as much to say as An industrous and promt man in doing any thing This may hauing slaine his Master Nadab neere vnto Gibithon vsurped vpon the Kingdome of Israel about the end of the third yearo of Asa King of Iuda and began his raigne Anno mundi 2992 before Christ 974 and raigned ouer Israel almost 24 yeares two of which he raigned with his sonne 1 Reg. 15. He went from Gibithon to Thirza 36 miles where hee vtterly rooted out the whole stocke and family of Ieroboam After falling into Idolatrie he was sharply reprehended for it by Iehu the Prophet the son of Hanani of whom you may reade more 1 Reg. 15. From Thirza he went to Ramah which is 16 miles this towne he built and fortified it very strongly 2 Chr. 29. But when he heard that Benhadad King of Syria had inuaded Israel hee left his building at Ramah and with all possible speed that hee could went to Thirza where hee died and was buried 1 Reg. 15. 2 Chr. 16. So all the Trauels of Baesa were 68 miles Of Ramah Of this Citie you may reade before Of Ella or Elah King of Israel ELah signifies a cruell man This was the son of Baasha King of Israel who was crowned King his father yet liuing about the beginning of the 26 yeare of Asa king of Iuda at such time as Benhadad king of Syria inuaded and wasted Galilee He raigned two yeares one of them during the life of his father the other alone in Thirza at the end of which hee was slaine by Simri his seruant 1 Reg. 15. 16. Of Zimri King of Israel SImri signifieth a singer and was a captain ouer king Elahs chariots hee raigned 7 daies in Thirza in which time he put to death and vtterly rooted out all the posteritie of Baasha and then Omri besieged the Citie so straitly that he had no hope to escape wherefore he set the citie and pallace on fire in which he also perished 1 Reg. 15. 16. The Trauels of Omri King of Israel OMri signifieth a souldier or one that deserueth his pay He was made King by the Israelites in his tent while he was at wars neere to Gibithon from whence he went to Thirza which was 36 miles and besieged the same vpon the very day that Simri had put the posteritie of Baasha to the sword and took it He began to raigne in Thirza Anno mundi 3017 and before Christ 951 and raigned ouer Israel 12 yeres the first six of which was in Thirza the latter six in Samaria 1 Reg. 16. From Thirza he went to mount Semer six miles there Omri built Samaria and made it the seat of his kingdome He went thither about the seuenth yeare of his raigne 1 Reg. 16. So these two journies were 42 miles Of Samaria SAmaria the chiefe seat and Metropolis of Israel was built by Omri in mount Semer 32 miles from Ierusalem towards the North and took that name of Semer who was Lord of that mountaine of whom K. Omri bought it for two talents of siluer which amounteth to 1200 crownes In this citie 14 Kings of Israel kept their Courts viz. Omri who was the first founder of it Ahab Ahasia Iehoram Iehu Ioachas Ioas Ieroboam Zacharias Sallum Menahem Pekahia Pekah and Hosea who was the last of the Kings of Israel that raigned in this citie and lost it together with his libertie Of all these Kings there were but fiue that died naturally for the Lord being moued to wrath by reason of their impietie and idolatrie either gaue them vp into the hands of forrein enemies or by ciuill war amongst themselues they cruelly murthered one another vntill such time as the Assirians destroied the land and led the people captiue Thus the Lord punished with a sharp and seuere punishment this obstinat nation because they contemned the admonitions and doctrines of the Prophets amongst which Elias and Elizeus were the chiefe So that although Samaria was a faire and beautifull city and the country for that cause was called the prouince of Samaria yet notwithstanding that great God the Iudge of all things for the iniquitie of the people caused this faire Citie to be left desolate the inhabitants of the land to be dispersed and the earth for want of due vsage to lie as a wildernesse 2 Reg. 17. This city in the old Testament according to the Hebrew phrase is called Shaemaer of Schomron which signifies To keepe or a Tower of strength You may reade of this 1 Reg. 2. 2 Reg. 1. 7. The Greekes and Latines call it Samaria which signifieth The castle of Iehouah or of God You may reade more of this in the second Volume Of Hiel that built Iericho againe AFter the death of Omri King of Israel when Ahab his sonne began to raigne Hiel a very rich man in the town of Bethel that hee might leaue behind him an eternall memorie of his name went to Iericho which had bin formerly destroied by Ioshuah the son of Nun had lien wast for the space of 536 yeres where contrary to the commandement of the Lord and curse of Ioshuah he caused the said citie to be rebuilt such was the impious securitie and incredulitie of this man but the Lord was angry with him and he strooke all his children that they died The eldest son called Abiram at the laying of the foundation and his yongest sonne called Segub at the hanging on of the gates Ios 6. 1 Reg. 16. The Trauels of King Ahab AHab went from Samaria to the hill Carmel where Elias put to death the Priests of Baal which was about 32 miles 1 Reg. 18. From thence he went to Iezreel which is sixteene miles there he told his wife how Elias had put the priests of Baal to the sword 1 Reg. 18. From Iezreel he went againe to Samaria 18 miles where being prest with a hard siege by Benhadad King of Syria he broke out of the citie for his better safety and by Gods great prouidence and assistance he assailed the Syrians put a great multitude of them to the sword the rest fled and hee went away with a noble victory as the Prophet of the Lord had formerly told him 1 Reg. 20. From Samaria he went with his army to Napheck which was 14 miles where he renewed a second battell and therein had good successe so that hee tooke Benhadad aliue and put to the sword 100000 Syrians In this place the Prophet of the Lord reproued him for his ingratitude and obstinacie wherefore Ahab being angry he went from Apheck to Samaria which was eight miles 1 Reg. 20. From Samaria he went io Iesreel 16 miles where that perfidious Queene Iesabel caused Naboth to be put to death and tooke possession of his Vineyard 1 Reg. 21. From Iezreel he went to Ramoth Giliad 24 miles and there in a fight that hee had against the Syrians was so sore-wounded with an arrow
that hee was constrained to leaue the battell 1 Reg. 22. And as he went backe againe to Samaria which was 24 miles he dyed of his wound Of this man you may reade more 1 Reg. 21. 22. So all the Trauels of Ahab were 152 miles The Description of Carmel Apheck and Ramoth you may reade before Of Iesreel IEzreel is a city in the Tribe of Issachar scituated vpon a rising ground some 48 miles from Ierusalem towards the North where Ahab somtimes kept his court Here Noboth the Israelite dwelt an honest and religious man one of good esteeme and authoritie that feared God and would not suffer the inheritance of one Tribe to be transferred to another because God had commanded the contrary Nu. vlt. For which cause he would not sell his vineyard to Ahab wherefore Iezabel that wicked woman to satisfie the Kings desire caused him to be stoned Iezreel signifies The seed of God being deriued of Sera Seed and El the Almighty God Though in former times this hath bin a faire town yet at this day there is not past 30 houses in it and is called Charity standing at the foot of Mount Gilboah they shew at this day the field of Naboth the Iesrelite lying towards the West as you goe into the citie a little before you come at it This towne standeth vpon a faire prospect for you may see from thence through all Galile to Carmel the mountaines of Phoenicia and Mount Thabor also from Mount Gilead by Iordan and Mount Salem where Iohn baptised neere by Mount Hermon vpon the North side of Mount Gilboah there lies a faire and plaine way to the citie Iezreel by which Iehu came when he made wars vpon Iehoram King of Israel of which you may reade more 2 Reg. 9. It stood not far from the riuer Kison as you may reade Ios 17.19 1 Sam. 2. 1 Reg. 4. 18. Of Ahaziah the sonne of Ahab AHaziah was crowned king of Israel during the life of his father a cruell and wicked man he began his raigne in the 17 yeare of Iosaphat king of Iudah Anno mundi 3049 and before Christ 919 about such time as Ahab went downe to Ramoth Gilead to recouer it from the Syrians within a while after the death of his father hee fell through the lattice window in his vpper chamber which was in Samaria of which hurt he died Of this you may reade more 1 King 1. The Trauels of Iehoram King of Israel IEhoram succeeded his brother Ahazia in the kingdome of Israel who began his raigne in the 18 yeare of Iosaphat King of Iudah and as Iosephus saith li. Ant. 9. about the fifth yeare of his raigne went from Samaria to Ierusalem which was 32 miles There he told Iosaphat how the king of Moab had rebelled against him therefore desired him to goe along with him to the war 2 Reg. 3. Then Iehoram and Iosaphat and the King of Edom went from Ierusalem and compassed about through the wildernesse of Idumaea by the space of seuen daies so that they and their army for want of water had almost perished but at the prayers of the Prophet Elisha they were miraculously preserued At length they came to Petra the Metropolitan Citie of the Moabites and is distant from Ierusalem 172 miles which they tooke and consumed it with fire and sword 2 Reg. 3. From the citie of Petra Iehoram King of Israel returned backe to Samaria which was 104 miles where within a while afrer he was so sorely besieged by Benhadad king of Syria that the famine grew very great within the towne insomuch as a certaine woman eate her owne childe 2 Reg. 6. From Samaria he went to Ramoth in Gilead with his armie which is 24 miles where he was ouercome by Asahel King of the Syrians and wounded euen to the death 2 Reg. 8. From the fight of Ramoth Gilead he was carried in his chariot backe to Iezreel which was 24 miles where he lay to be cured of his hurts But Iehu one of his chiefe Captaines rebelled against him and as hee was in his Charriot shot an arrow and wounded him the second time whereof he died in the field of Naboth the Iezrelite 2 Reg. 9. So all the Trauels of Iehoram were 356 miles The Trauels of Iehu King of Israel IEHV signifies A constant man in himselfe and was the sonne of Iosaphat the sonne of Nimschi hee was annointed King of Israel in the castle at Ramoth in Gilead by Elisha Anno mundi 3063 and before Christ 905 hee raigned 28 yeares 2 Reg. 9. From Ramoth in Gilead in his Chariot he went to Iezreel which was 24 miles where in the field of Naboth the Iezrelite he killed Iehoram with an arrow And when he came to the gates of the citie he caused Iezabel to be throwne from a tower whom he trampled vnder his horse feet And after in that same place shee was eaten vp with dogs Then hee sent messengers to Samaria commanding the Samaritans that they should put to death the 70 sonnes of Ahab which they immediately did and sent their heads vnto him in baskets 2 Reg. 10. From Iezreel he went to Samaria which is 16 miles In that journey he caused to be slaine by his ministers the 42 brothers of Ahaziah king of Iuda neere to the well which was beside the house where sheepe was shorne And when he came to Samaria he caused all the posterity of Ahab to be vtterly destroied and rooted out And to conclude the tragedy by a cunning policie put to death all the priests of Baal 2 Reg. 10. So all the trauels of Iehu were 40 miles Of Iehoahas King of Israel IEhoahas was the sonne of Iehu and succeeded his father in the Kingdome of Israel he began his raigne in the 33 yeare of Ioas King of Iudah in the yeare of the World 3091 and before Christ 876 hee raigned ouer Israel 17 yeares God stirred vp against this wicked King Asahel King of the Syrians who with 10000 foot and fiue hundred horse besieged Samaria very strongly put to the sword many of his subjects and got many cities and townes from him as the Prophet Elisha had before told him 2 Reg. 8. 13. The Trauels of Ioas King of Israel IOas succeeded his father Iehoahas and while he was yet liuing was annointed King of Israel in the 37 yeare of Ioas King of Iudah and raigned two yeares with his father after his death 15 so all the raigne of Ioas was 17 yeares This man was a great souldier and went from Samaria with an army against the Citie of Apheck which was 14 miles there he smote the Syrians and in three seuerall battels carried away the victory recouering the Cities which his father Iehoahas had lost according to the prophecie of Elisha 2 Reg. 17. From Apheck he returned to Samaria which was foureteene miles From thence he went with his army to Bethsemes in the land of Iuda where in a sharpe and cruell war he conquered Amasia and tooke him
aliue 2 Reg. 14. which was 32 miles From Bethsemes hee went to Ierusalem and carried the King thereof with him captiue which was 4 miles He woon the citie and broke downe the Walls of it from the gate of Ephraim till you come to the Angle gate foure hundred cubits in length 2 Reg. 14. From the Citie of Ierusalem Ioas the conquerer returned to Samaria with the spoile of the temple and of the Kings house with many captiues and a great prey which was 32 miles where at the end of the seuenteenth yeare of his raigne he died and was buried In this mans time Elisha the Prophet died 2 Reg. 13. 14. So all the trauels of Ioas were 96 miles Of Bethsemes Of this Citie you may reade before The Trauels of Ieroboam the second of that name King of Israel THis Ieroboam succeeded his father Ioas in the Kingdome of Israel and began his raigne Anno mundi 3123 and before Christ 845 which according to the text of the Bible happened about the 15 yeare of Amasia King of Iuda and hee raigned 41 yeares 2 Reg. 14. He kept his court at Samaria where the Prophet Ionas told him that he should recouer not only the townes and cities of the land of Israel that had beene lost but also the cities of Hemeth and Damascus Wherefore he gathered a great army out of the citie of Samaria and went thence vnto Hemeth or Antiochia in Syria which was 248 miles This Citie he conquered and all the countrey thereabout so that he recouered all the ancient Townes and Cities that belonged to Dauid and Saul euen from Hemeth in Syria to Soba in Armenia with all the Cities Townes Castles and Countries neer adjoyning to them 2 Reg. 14. From Hemeth or Antiochia he went to Damascus which is 140 miles This citie he also tooke and all the countrie of Syria round about he made tributary to him 2 Reg. 14. From Damascus he went to the Red sea euen 320 miles and also recouered all the South part which in times past belonged vnto the kingdome of Israel 2 Reg. 14. After this he returned to Samaria his owne countrey which was 192 miles where in the 41 yeare of his raigne he died and was there buried After his death the kingdome of Israel was oppressed with tyranny vntill it was destroied by forreine nations and for the space of 12 yeares there was no King that succeeded him In the raigne of this king a little before his death there hapned an horrible earthquake of which you may reade Amos 1. which without doubt did foreshew some eminent changes that should happen in that kingdome as did afterward Zac. 41. So all the trauels of Ieroboam the second of that name were 900 miles Of Zachariah King of Israel TWelue yeares after the death of Ieroboam Zachariah his son began his raigne in Israel in the 38 yeare of Azaria king of Iuda which was Anno mundi 3975 and before Christ 793 he raigned six moneths and then was miserably slaine by Sallum his friend 2 Reg. 15. Ioseph lib. Antiq. 9. Of Sallum King of Israel SAllum began to raigne after he had slaine Zachariah in the 39 yeare of Azariah King of Iuda and when hee had raigned scarce a moneth he was slaine by Menahem losing his life and kingdome together 2 Reg. 15. The Trauels of Menahem MEnahem was borne in Thirza in the Tribe of Iuda who began to raigne in the same yeare that he slew Sallum hee raigned ten yeares 2 Reg. 10. From Thirza he went to Samaria with his army which was six miles where hauing slaine Sallum his Lord and King he vsurpt vpon the kingdome 2 Reg. 15. From thence he went to Thipsa which is six miles This towne he cruelly destroied with fire and sword and all the townes thereabout because they refused to open their gates vnto him From Thipsa this cruell tyrant went backe again to Samaria 6 miles where he grieuously afflicted the children of Israel tenne yeares Wherefore the Lord being offended with him for his exceeding crueltie stirred vp Phul Belochus King of Assyria who came from Babylon to Samaria beeing 624 miles and put King Menahem to such an exceeding great streight that hee was constrained to buy and procure his peace with * What this was in our money you may read after in the quantity of monies 1000 talents which mony being receiued he suffered him to enioy his kingdom and returned backe vnto Babylon with all his army 2 Reg. 15. So all the trauels of King Menahem were 18 miles Of Thypsa THis was a towne neere to that kingly city Thirza scituated in the tribe of Manasses 24 miles from Ierusalem Northward But because the inhabitants thereof denied to open their gates to this cruell tyrant Menahem therefore he vtterly destroied it euen to the ground Thipsa signifieth The Paschal Lambe or a Passeouer being deriued of Pasach He passed by Of PEKAHIA King of Israel PEkahia reigned two yeares after his fathers death at the end of which term he was slain by Pekah the son of Remalia who succeeded him in the gouernment Ioseph lib. Antiq. 9. saith That this murther was done at a banquet The Trauels of PEKAH King of Israel PEkah the son of Remalia began to reigâ—â— in Samaria Anno mundi 3189 and before Christ 779. in the 52 yeare of Azariah King of Iudah and reigned ouer Israel 20 yeres 2 Reg. 15. 16. From the city of Samaria he went with Resin King of Syria to Ierusalem which was 32 miles and besieged it but could not take it neuerthelesse he ouercame Ahaz King of Iuda in a great battell and put to the sword in one day aboue 12000 souldiers that bare armor In this war were taken 200000 women children and maids all which hee carried Captiues to Samaria 2 Reg. 16. 2 Chr. 28. From Ierusalem hee returned to Samaria with a great bootie which was 32 miles and at the command of Obed the Prophet set at libertie all his captiues After about the end of the 20 yeare of his reign he was slain by Hosea his chiefe captain who succeeded him in the gouernment 2 Reg. 15. So all the trauels of Pekah were 64 miles Of HOSEA the last King of Israel HOsea began to reign in the fourth yere of Ahas king of Iuda Anno mundi 3209 and before Christ 759. He kept Court at Samaria and was a cruell and wicked King Wherefore God stirred vp Salmanasser Emperour of the Assyrians who about the end of the 7 yeare of his reigne came to Samaria and besieged it for the space of 3 yeares at the end of the third yeare with great labor he won it and all the country round about so that he tooke King Hosea prisoner and led him together with a great multitude of the Iewes amongst which were Gabriel and Raphel the friends of Toby the elder thence to Niniveh captiues beeing 652 miles From Niniveh he sent them to a place called Rages in Medea being 752 miles and
the Places to which they trauelled Hion and Dan. HIon and Dan are two towns neere to mount Libanus and the fountains of Iordan some 104 miles from Ierusalem North-Eastward Hion signifies A towne of the fountain because it standeth neere to the Towne or Fountaines from whence Iordan issueth Of Abel-Bethmaacha you may reade before Of Chineroth THis Chineroth or Cineroth was the metropolitan City of the tribe of Nepthali 72 miles from Ierusalem Northward It was scituated in a very fruitfull and pleasant place and for that cause was so called for Kinroth being deriued of Kinnor signifieth Musicke or Mirth The Trauels of NAAMAN the Syrian NAaman came from Damascus to Samaria which was 132 miles to be cured of his Leprosie by Elizeus who commanded him to goe to the riuer Iordan and wash himselfe therein 7 times and he should be clensed Wherfore from Samaria he went to Iordan 26 miles there according to the commandement of the Prophet he washed himselfe 7 times and was clensed 2 Reg. 5. From the riuer Iordan he returned backe againe to Elizeus the Prophet to giue him thanks for that benefit which was about 16 miles From Samaria he returned backe to Damascus 132 miles So all the trauels of Naaman the Syrian were 296 miles The Trauels of HASAEL King of Syria HEe went from Damascus where Elizeus told him that hee should succeed his Lord and Master Benhadad in the kingdome to Ramoth Gilead with his Army which was 104 miles There he ouercame Iehoram king of Israel in a great battel 2 Reg. cap. 8. From thence he returned to Damascus 104 miles After he went from Damascus to the city Aroer which was 132 miles From thence he went through the land of Giliad into the kingdom of Basan vntil he came to mount Libanus which is accounted 80 miles and conquered all that part 2 Reg. 10. After he returned into his own kingdom to Damascus which is 320 miles Within a while after he went againe from Damascus with his army to Gath which is reckoned 188 miles This city he won From Gath he went to Ierusalem 32 miles which he besieged so streightly that Ioas King of Iudah was constrained to giue him great aboundance of gold to raise his siege and be gon 2 Reg. 12. From Ierusalem he went back to Damascus which was about 160 miles The last journey that he went against the Israelites was when he besieged Samaria at which time he won many cities towns round about in the countrey and made them tributaries to him 2 Reg. 13. which was 132 miles Hauing finished this expedition he returned back to Damascus 132 miles and there died and was buried So all the trauels of Hasael King of Syria were 1384 miles The cities of Aroer and Gath are described before therefore I shall not need to speake of them again in this place The Trauels of BENHADAD second of that name King of Syria THis Benhadad was the son of Hasael and succeeded him in the gouernment He went from the city Damascus with a great army to Apheck which is 104 miles This King was three times one after another ouerthrowne by Ioab King of Israel lost all those cities which Hasael his father had formerly conquered 2 Reg. 13. From Apheck he returned to Damascus 104 miles and there died So both journies were 208 miles The Trauels of RESIN King of Syria RESIN King of Syria went from Damascus and ioyning his Army with that of Pekah King of Israel they went to Ierusalem and streightly besieged Ahab King of Iudah 2 Reg. 16. which was 160 miles At this time which was in the yeare of the world 3206 and before Christ 762 the Prophet Esay ca. 7. foretold of the birth of our Sauior Christ saying Behold a Virgin being great shal bring forth a child and shall call his name EMANVEL From thence he brought his army through Idumaea to Elath a city of the Red sea some 160 miles from Ierusalem towards the South and 16 miles from Ezeongaber Northward This city Resin won and thrust the Iewes out of it From Elath hee went to Damascus 280 miles where hee was slain by Tiglath Phulasser that mighty King of the Assyrians who carried a great multitude of the inhabitants of Damascus into the countrey of Syrene where they endured a miserable exile 2 Reg. 16. So all the trauels of King Resin were 600 miles The Trauels of the Kings of Iudah which reigned in the City of Ierusalem and first of the Trauels of REHOBOHAM REhoboam the sonne of Solomon succeeded his father in the Kingdome and began his reign Anno mundi 2971 and before Christ 977. who by reason of his extreme crueltie and threats following the counsell of his yong Courtiers rather than of his graue Senators the same yeare lost 10 of the Tribes that fell from him and rebelled against him so that he reigned ouer Iudah and Benjamin 17 yeares 1 Reg. 11. 14. A little after the death of Solomon he went to Sichem 32 miles where he was anointed and crowned King But the people perceiuing that hee carried himselfe very proudly and arrogantly desired him that he would ease him of the burden formerly imposed vpon them by his father for Solomon had set a certaine Taxe on euery man because hee was at extraordinarie charges as long as the temple was building but he little regarding their request told them that his little finger should be heauier than the whole burthen of his father wherefore they disliking his speech fel all from him except Benjamin and Iudah Wherefore the King shunning the fury of the people with all possible speed went from Sichem to Ierusalem back again being 32 miles Then he fortified all the chiefe cities of Iuda and Benjamin 2 Chr. 11. So all the trauels of Rehoboam were 64 miles But he principally fortified 14 cities in the tribe of Iuda that with the more safetie he might oppose his enemy Ieroboam King of Israel viz. Bethlehem Etam Thecoa Bethzura Adullam Gath Maresa Ziph Adoraijm Lachis Aseca Zarea Ajalon Hebron most of which townes and the memorable actions don in them are described in the former part of this Treatise I will therefore speake only of such townes as haue not as yet bin mentioned Of Maresa THis was a city in the tribe of Iuda 16 miles from Ierusalem Westward which Rehoboam repaired and fortified 2 Chr. 11. where King Asa ouercame the Ethiopians in a cruel battel 2 Chr. 14. Here Michaias and Eleazer the Prophets were born 2 Chr. 20. Mich. 1.2 Ios 15 Georgias also fled into this city when hee was ouercome by Iudas Machabeus 2 Mac. 12. It was scituated on the borders of the tribes of Iuda and Dan as S. Ierom saith in whose time the ruins thereof were to be seene Maresca signifies an Inheritance being deriued of Moraschah that is a Possession Of Bethzura THis is a strong castle often mentioned in the history of the Machabees scituated on a mountaine some 5 furlongs from
Ierusalem Southward and fell by lot vnto the tribe of Iuda This tower was as it were a bulwark for the city of Ierusalem stood in the way as you go thence to Bethlem and so to Gaza Of Zareah THis was a city in the tribe of Iuda eight miles from Ierusalem toward the West which Rehoboam did also repaire and fortifie 2 Chr. 11. There was another city of this name scituated vpon the border of the tribes of Iuda and Dan 18 miles from Ierusalem Westward of which you may reade in the trauels of Sampson Of Adoraijm ADoraijm or Adarah was a city in the tribe of Iuda 44 miles from Ierusalem Southwestward which Rehoboam the son of Solomon also fortified 2 Chr. 11. It is scituated vpon the borders of Iudah and Arabia Petraea betweene Cades and Casmona It signifies a glorious City being deriued of Adar he was glorious The Trauels of King Abia. ABijah or Abia signifies The Father of the sea Hee began to reign in the 18 yeare of Ieroboam his Aduersary An. mundi 2988 before Christ 980 and reigned ouer Israel 3 yeres 1 Reg. 15. 2 Chr. 17. He went from Ierusalem to the mount Zemeraim 8 miles After that hee went to Bethel and conquered all the countrey from thence to Ephron which was 36 miles From Ephron hee returned to Ierusalem 44 miles there hee tooke vnto him 14 wiues and begat 20 sonnes and 16 daughters 2 Chron. 13. The Trauels of ASA King of Iudah ASa signifies a Physitian He began to reigne about the end of the 21 yeare of Ieroboam King of Israel An. mundi 2990. before Christ 978. He gouerned Iudah with great commendations 41 yeares He went from Ierusalem to Maresa 16 miles where in the valley of Zephatha hee ouercame the Ethiopians in a memorable battell 2 Chr. 14. From thence he pursued the Ethiopians to Gerar being 22 miles and recouered many cities which the Ethiopians dwelt in 2 Chr. ca. 14. From Gerar he went to Ierusalem which was 32 miles and offered to the Lord of the spoiles that hee had taken 700 Oxen and 7000 sheepe 2 Chr. 15. These trauels of King Asa make 70 miles The journey and expedition of Saerah King of Aethiopia whom Asa King of Iudah ouercame in the valley of Zephatha SAerah or Saerach signifieth A noble and puissant Lord. This was a mighty and warlike Prince who gouerned Lybia and Aethiopia the King of which countrey at this day wee call Presbyter Iohn or rather Petro Iohannes who holdeth his Court in a faire and goodly city called Hamarich the Metropolitan of all Aethiopia and extendeth his gouernment beyond Meroes in Affrica Many though ignorantly suppose he is a Priest because he is called Presbyter though indeed he is not so but rather a puissant and mighty Emperor But to return to Saerah or Saerach who in hope to extend his Empire into these parts went with a great army out of Ethiopia to the valley of Zephatha in Iuda to fight with Asa King of Iudah 1200 miles but lost the day and returned with great shame 2 Chr. 15. It seemeth that this King was the mightiest of all his predecessors and a Prince of no vulgar estimation because of the multitude and great aboundance of soldiers which he brought in his army for it is reported that there were 1000000 that bore armor and 300 chariots but this great army was dispersed and most of them died miserably as did that great army of Xerxes which consisted of 1700000. From whence it may be concluded That it is not the strength of man which deliuereth him but the Lord. The Trauels of IEHOSAPHAT King of Iudah IEhosaphat signifies The Iudge of the Lord. He began his reign in the fourth yeare of Ahab 1 Reg. 22. The greatest part therfore of the first yeare of this King hapned in the yeare of the world 3033 and before Christ 935. Hee reigned ouer Israel 25 yeares that is from the 35 of his age till the 60. In the 7 yeare of his reigne hee went from Ierusalem to Samaria which was 32 miles to visit his kinsman Ahab King of Israel for Ioram his son some ten yeares before had maried Athaliah King Ahabs Sister 2 Reg. 8. From Samaria hee went with Ahab to the war at Ramoth in Gilead which was 24 miles where Ahab was slaine 2 Reg. 22. 2 Chr. 18. From Ramoth he went safe from the wars to Ierusalem which was 48 miles From Ierusalem hee went to the city of Beersaba the vtmost bounds of his kingdome towards the South to instruct his people in the Law of the Lord which was 42 miles from Ierusalem Southward From Beersaba passing through all his kingdome hee came to Mount Ephraim which was 48 miles and the vtmost bounds of his kingdome Northward beeing some 8 miles from Ierusalem 2 Chr. 19. From Mount Ephraim he went to Ierusalem which was eight miles Thus Iehosaphat went through al his dominions to instruct his subjects in pietie and the true worship of God In euery Citie ordaining Iudges and Gouernours Magistrates Procurators and Assessors committing to their discretion the deciding of all controuersies saying to them Take heed what you doe for the office which you haue taken vpon you is not humane but Diuine and as you iudge so shall you bee iudged for the Lord is with you in iudgement Wherefore doe all things with diligence and in the feare of the Lord for with the Lord there is no iniquitie nor respect of persons neither taketh he any bribes And he himselfe remained chiefe Iudge in Ierusalem to whom any might appeale from the inferior Iudges that so there might be a iust end of controuersies 2 Chr. 16. Afterward Iehosaphat went forth with his army to Tecoa sixe miles from Ierusalem where by feruent prayers the sounding of trumpets and other musical instruments he obtained a memorable battell against the Moabites Ammonites and Idumaeans for the Lord turned the weapons of them one against another and they wounded one another to the death This fight happened in a faire vally between Tecoa and Engedi So Iehosaphat pursued the enemy for three daies with great slaughter and returned with a mighty spoile This was called the valley of Blessing because of this great victorie at Tecoa and began 8 miles from Ierusalem Southeastward and extended it selfe to the tower of Engedi neer to the banke of the red sea 20 miles From Engedi out of the valley of Blessing Iehosaphat and his army returned to Ierusalem 20 miles and went into the Temple with shalmes harpes timbrels and great joy thankfully acknowledging Gods mercifull fauor toward him in giuing him so great a victorie 2 Chr. 20. But as there is nothing in this life that can be said permanent so likewise the felicitie of Iehosaphat changed on a sudden the froward and aduerse frowne of aduersitie seising vpon his prosperitie for ioyning with that wicked and impious King of Israel Ahaziah vpon condition to build a certain navy of ships at Ezeongaber to
fetch gold from Tharshish and other places in India he displeased the Lord for which cause there arose a great tempest which brake down the workes and destroyed the Navy From Ierusalem he went with Iehoram King of Israel to war against the Moabites and with them went the King of Idumaea so passing through the desarts of Edom they came to Mount Seir and so went to Petra the chiefe city of the King of the Moabits distant from Ierusalem 72 miles 2 Reg. 3. From Petra Iehosaphat returned to Ierusalem 72 miles where he died and was buried 2 Reg. 22. 2 Chr. 21. So all the trauels of Iehosaphat King of Iuda were 372 miles The Typicall signification of IEHOSAPHAT AS Iehosaphat by prayer and the sound of trumpets and other instruments of musick ouercame dispersed his enemies without drawing his sword so Christ also by the sound of his Word and doctrine without drawing weapon ouercame the enemies of the Church The Trauels of IORAM King of Iudah IOram signifies The Exalted of the Lord. He was crowned king his father yet liuing at such time as he made his expedition against Mesa King of the Moabites which hapned about the fift yere of Iehoram King of Israel An. mundi 3055 before Christ 913. He reigned with his father Iehosaphat 2 yeares and after his decease six So Ioram reigned 8 yeares ouer Iudah and when hee was forty yeares old died miserably 2 Reg. 8. 9. About the beginning of the second yeare of this Kings reign which was the sixt of Iehoram King of Israel Elias the Prophet was taken vp into heauen About the beginning of his reigne he went from Ierusalem to Mount Seir which was 28 miles Southward where he vsed such extreme cruelty toward the Edomites which at this time were his subiects that of a sudden they fell from him and chose them a King of their own 2 Reg. 8. From the Mountain of Seir he returned to Ierusalem which is 28 miles and there cruelly put to death his owne brothers But God stirred vp against him the Philistines and Arabians who broke into Iuda and destroyed it with fire and sword They also went to Ierusalem and tooke thence all his substance and riches put his children to the sword all but Ioachas which also called Ahaziah or Ochorias caried away his wiues captiue into Arabia Foelix which is neer vnto Ethiopia 1200 miles Then the Lord strooke him with an extreme paine in his bowels of which after two yeares he died and was buried without any funerall pomp or honorable respect neere to the Kings tower A man vnworthy to be buried in the sepulchre of the rest of the Kings because hee so much degenerated from Dauid his predecessor 2 Reg. 8. 2 Chr. 28. So all the trauels of Ioram were 56 miles The Trauels of AHAZIAH King of Iudah AHaziah which also was called Iehoachas succeeded his Father Ioram in the gouernment of Iudah began his reign in the 12 yeare of Iehoram King of Israel Ann. mundi 3062. and before Christ 906 and reigned one yeare 1 Reg. 8. He went from Ierusalem to Ramoth in Gilead which is accounted 48 miles There he went to battell with Iehoram King of Israel against the Syrians 2 Reg. 8. 2 Chr. 22. From Ramoth in Gilead he returned to Ierusalem forty eight miles Within a while after he went backe again to visit his kinsman Iehoram King of Israel to Iesreel for hee was wounded in the battell against Hasael and lay there to be cured which was forty and eight miles With Iehoram he went to meet Iehu the Captaine of the Host who shot an Arrow and wounded Iehoram that hee died in the field of Naboth the Iesreelite Wherefore Ahaziah to saue his life fled with all possible speed taking his way to the Kings garden that stood close by the vineyard of Naboth the Iesreelite not farre from the City and Tower of Iezreel But Iehu followed him so close that he wounded him as he ascended vp vnto a place called GVR which signifieth A Lions Whelpe neere vnto the Towne which is called Iiblea Wherefore Ahaziah feeling himselfe hurt he went to Megiddo foure miles from Iesreel and neere to Apheck vpon the West There as Iosephus saith Lib. Antiq. 9. hee caused his wounds to be searched and bound vp This citie of Megiddo is 48 miles from Ierusalem Northward From Megiddo hee went to Samaria which was 14 miles there he lay hid for a while flying from one place to another to saue himselfe 2 Chron. 22. But being found out he was carried backe to the citie of Megiddo which was 14 miles and at the commandement of Iehu was there slaine 1 Reg. 8. From Megiddo his carkasse was carried to Ierusalem which was 48 miles and there buried 2 Reg. 8. 2 Chron. 22. So all the Trauels of Ahaziah King of Iudah were 224 miles Of that Idolatrous and wicked Queene Athalia AThalia was sister to Ahab and daughter to Omri married to Ioram sonne of that good King Iehosaphat when he was but 17 yeares of age and after the death of Azahiah who was slaine about the 23 yeres of age she vsurped vpon the kingdome of Israel anno mundi 3063 before Christ 905 and raigned with great tyranny almost 7 yeares So soone as she had obtained the gouernment she cruelly and miserably put to death all the children of Ahaziah and all those that were next heire to the Kingdome onely Ioas who was saued by the policie of Iehoshabeath sister to Ahasiah that stole him from among the rest of the Kings sonnes and put him to nourse in her bed-chamber and hee was with them in the house of God six yeares all which time Athalia raigned ouer the land And in the seuenth yeare Iehoiada waxed bold and proclamed Ioas King as being next heire to the crowne and annointed him in the temple who after Athalia was slaine succeeded in the gouernment 2 Reg. 11. 4. 2 Chron. 22. Of Ioas King of Iudah IOas began th raigne ouer Iudah when he was almost 7 yeres of age and about the middle of the seuenth yeare of Iehu King of Israel anno mundi 3069 and before Christ 899 and raigned ouer Iudah 40 yeres He did that which was acceptable in the sight of the Lord all the daies of Iehoiada the Priest who crowned him king but after his death he fell into euil courses and caused that good Priest Zachariah the sonne of Iehoiada who was the author of all his preferment to be stoned to death in the vpper court of the Temple which act argued that he was very vnthankefull and tyrannicall But the Lord displeased with his crueltie within a yeare after the death of Zachariah stirred vp the Syrians who inuaded Iudaea and spoiled the citie of Ierusalem in which warre all those that stirred vp the king to Idolatrie were cruelly slaine To conclude within a while after some of his courtiers conspired against him and as he lay sicke of a grieuous disease in his
bed put him to death and buried him in Millo the Citie of Dauid Thus God justly punished this tyrant for his vnthankefulnesse apostasie and cruelty when he had liued 47 yeares 2 Reg. 12. The Trauels of Amasiah King of Iuda AMasias or Amasiah signifies the strength of Iehouah This man was 25 yeares of age when he was enthronised by his father about the second yeare of Ioas King of Israel Anno mundi 3108 and before Christ 806. He ruled the kingdome while his father was sicke one yeare and after his decease 28 so all the yeares of his raigne were 29. He went with an army from Ierusalem to Saelag that is to the tower or rocke of Mount Seir 40 miles towards the South here in the valley of Salt he put to death a multitude of the Idumaeans And although this towne was very strongly scituated yet he woon it and called it Ioctiel that is The eare of the Lord because God in that place heard his prayers being deriued of Iakah and El which is God hath heard Neere to this Towne Amasiah commanded ten thousand Idumaeans which hee had taken in warre to be cast downe headlong from the top of an high rocke into a deepe valley in which fall their bones were shattered all to pieces and they died miserably 2 Reg. 14. From Selag Ioctiel hee returned to Ierusalem which was 40 miles where hee began to worship the gods of the Idumaeans that he brought along with him 2 Chron. 25. From Ierusalem hee went to Bethsemes and there was ouercome by Ioas King of Israel which was 4 miles 2 Chron. 25. From Bethsemes Ioas led Amasiah backe againe to Ierusalem captiue which was 4 miles 2 Reg. 14. From Ierusalem he fled to the citie of Lachis which was 20 miles and there was slaine by his owne seruants 2 Chron. 25. From Lachis his carkasse was carried backe againe to Ierusalem 20 miles where it was buried in the citie of Dauid 2 Reg. 14. 2 Chron. 25. So all his trauels were 128 miles The Trauels of Azariah or Vzziah King of Iudah THis man succeeded his father Amasia in the yeare of the world 3138 and before Christ 830 when hee was but 16 yeares of age and raigned 52 yeares his mothers name was Iecoliah of Ierusalem He did those things that were vpright in the sight of the Lord therefore the Lord blessed him And after the death of his father built Elah and restored it to Iudah He therefore went from Ierusalem to Elah 160 miles towards the South and rebuilt that towne it being a famous Mart towne scituated vpon the red sea and fortified it because Resin King of the Syrians in times past for want of due fortification woon it and destroied it 2 Chron 26. From Elah he returned to Ierusalem 160 miles After hee went from Ierusalem to Gath a citie of the Philistines which was accounted 34 miles this towne he woon beat downe the wals and destroied the Bulwarkes thereof From thence he went to Iabnia which is 24 miles and broke downe the wals thereof 2 Chron. 26. From thence he went to Azotus or Asdod which was 8 miles 2 Chron. 26. From Asdod he went againe to Ierusalem being 22 miles Within a while after he gathered an armie and went from Ierusalem to Gur-Baal that is Gerar where he ouercame the Arabians in a great battell which was 32 miles 2 Chron. 26. From Gerar he returned to Ierusalem being 32 miles He went from Ierusalem the third time into the land of the Amonites 60 miles which people he conquered and made tributarie to him so that he was made famous through all the countries thereabout euen to the vtmost part of Egypt because of his often victories and triumphs 2 Chron. 26. Out of the land of the Ammonites he returned to Ierusalem which was 60 miles But now being lift vp with the prosperitie of fortune and not content with his regall dignitie he endeauoured to haue chiefe authority ouer the Priests also for which cause he went into that part of the temple where the Altar of sweet incense stood where it was lawfull for none to goe but the Priests and there tooke vpon him to offer sweet incense but as he was offering the Lord strucke him with Leprosie so that he was constrained to dwell in a house by himselfe separated from the congregation And his sonne Iotham gouerned in his stead all the dayes of his life But within a while after he died of this disease and was buried in the Kings garden at Ierusalem and not in the sepulchre of the Kings 2 Reg. 15. 2 Chron. 26. So all the trauels of Azariah King of Iuda were 592 miles Of the places to which he trauelled Of Elah THis was a city scituated vpon the Red Sea 160 miles from Ierusalem towards the South betweene Ezion-gaber and Midian This city Resin King of the Syrians conquered but Azariah King of Iudah droue thence the Syrians and made it so strong that it seemed impossible to be conquered It tooke the name of aboundance of Oakes which as it seemeth grew about that place for Elah or Ilix signifies a kind of Oake tree of which there is great plenty in the Holy land so called because of their strength and hardnesse Of Iabnia THis was a city neere to Ioppa and Lidda 16 miles from Ierusalem towards the Northwest This city taketh the name of wisedome and prudence being deriued of Bin to vnderstand Of Gur-Baal THis towne is also called Gerar where Abraham and Isaac sometimes trauelled it is distant from Ierusalem 32 miles towards the Southwest and six miles from Hebron Here the Iewes and neighbouring Arabians afterward worshipped the Idol Baal and therefore this citie which in the times of the Patriarchs was called Gerar a Perigrination was after called Gur-Baal that is the Perigrination of the idoll Baal being deriued of Gor which signifies He hath trauelled The Trauels of Iotham King of Iudah IOtham signifies Whole and Perfect He succeeded his father Azariah when he was about 25 yeares of age anno mundi 3190 and before Christ 778. He raigned ouer Iudah 17 yeares vntill the 41 yeare of his age His mothers name was Icruscha so called from an inheritance or possession He began his raigne in the second yeare of Pekah King of Israel and continued it vntill the 17 yeare of his gouernment 2 Reg. 15. 17. When this noble Prince had rebuilded and richly adorned the porch of the house of the Lord he went from Ierusalem and inuaded the countrey of the Ammonites which was 60 miles conquered their King and made the whole land pay him tribute euen a hundred talents of siluer of the common weight and 10000 measure of Wheate and 10000 of Barley yearely This tribute continued three yeares From the land of the Ammonites he went backe to Ierusalem which was 60 miles where after he had adorned the Citie and Temple with many Princely buildings hee died about the 41 yeare of his age 2 Reg. 15. So all
his trauels were 120 miles Of Ahaz King of Iudah AHAZ signifies Apprehending or a possessor He began to raigne after the death of his father Iotham about the end of the 17 yere of Pekah King of Israel Anno mundi 3206 before Christ 762. He raigned wickedly 16 yeares 2 Reg. 16. 2 Chr. 28. For hee was a notorious hypocrite who out of a peruerse zeale worshipped many Idols and burnt his sonne in the valley of Gehinnon as an offering vnto Moloch Wherefore he was vnhappy in his gouernment for God stirred vp mighty enemies against him euen Resin king of Syria and Pekah king of Israel who wasted and destroied his Kingdome and straightly besieging Ierusalem conquered Ahaz in a great battell and put to the sword 120000 of his men After that Resin returned to Elath and tooke it so that he lost more than his father had gotten Where being strucke into a great feare hy reason of these aduersities hee sent to craue the aid of Tiglasse Phulasser king of the Assirians who at his request sent a great Army from Niniueh to Damascus 520 miles and there ouercame Resin and put him to death and tooke captiue 242000 of the people of Damascus and sent them into Cyren a country of Africa 2 Reg. 16. The Trauels of Ahaz King Ahaz went from Ierusalem to Damascus which was 160 miles to meet Tiglath Phulasser King of the Assirians to rejoyce with him for his happy victory and giue him thanks for his aid and assistance where when he saw the Altar at Damascus to be very glorious he sent for Vrija the chiefe Priest who tooke a patterne thereof and carried it with him to Ierusalem where he made an Altar like vnto it 2 Reg. 16. From Damascus he returned backe againe 160 miles So his trauels were 320 miles But yet Ahaz continued in his peruerse impiety and idolatry without any regard or feare of God therefore he stirred vp other enemies against him viz. the Idumaeans who tooke a great multitude of them captiue and the Philistines who with their Army broke into the South part of the tribe of Iuda and tooke these cities following viz. Bethsemes Aialon Timnath Socho Gederoth and Gimso with their villages These Cities for the most part are mentioned in the precedent treatise except Gederoth and Gimso Gederoth commonly called Gederothaim is distant from Ierusalem eight little miles towards the South-west and stands neere to the castle of Emaus being compassed about with a hedge from whence it seemeth to take the name for Gadar is as much to say as He hath hedged about Gimso was also in the Tribe of Iuda but in what place it is not certainely known Thus king Ahaz all the daies of his life did euill in the sight of the Lord for which God punished him and all the land and in the 16 yeare of his raigne he died and was buried with his fathers in the Citie Dauid The Trauels of Ezekias King of Iuda Ezekias which signifies The Champion of Iehouah was borne when his father was but thirteene yeares of age which made many questions whether he should succeed him as his lawfull heire in his Kingdome because they doubted whether he was lawfully begotten For if you doe obserue the order and course of the yeares and chronologie in the Scripture you shall finde that from the beginning of the thirteenth yeare of the age of Ahaz to the first yeare of the raigne of this King Ezekias make just twenty fiue yeres Ezekias therefore began to raigne after the death of his father Ahaz about the end of the third yeare of Hosea King of Israel 2 Reg. 19. Anno mun 3222 before Christ 746 being then about 25 yeres of age a little before Easter as it appeareth 2 Chron. 29. He gouerned that Kingdome with great commendations 29 yeares The first journey that he tooke was from Ierusalem to Gaza which was 44 miles there he ouercame the Army of the Philistines and recouered all those cities which his father Ahaz had lost according to that in the Prophet Esay cap. 15. 2 Reg. 18. From Gaza hee returned to Ierusalem which was 44 miles there he broke downe the places for idolatry and the brasen Serpent made by Moses in the wildernesse and called it Nehustan a brasen thing that hath nothing in it selfe of a diuine nature and could neither profit nor hurt therefore ought not to be worshipped This brasen serpent was kept in memory of that signe that God shewed vnto the children of Israel in the desart when they were bitten and stung to death by fiery serpents for looking vpon this brasen serpent they were healed But now because of the abuse thereof by the Iewes which turned it into idolatry it was broken to pieces Num. 21. 2 Reg. 18. So all the trauels of Ezechias were 88 miles In the 14 yeare of the raigne of Ezekias and in the 38 of his age Senacharib that mighty Emperour of the Assirians hauing taken many townes and cities in the Holy land would haue also besieged Ierusalem and for that purpose sent from Lachis which was 20 miles distant from Ierusalem Thartan Rabsarim and Rabsacha three mighty Princes Embassadors with a great traine to attend them These men went about the citie to see in what part it was most subject to batterie and might easiest begot so when they came to the conduit of the vpper poole which is by the path of the Fullers field between the Fish gate and the old gate in that place where they might easiliest be heard they called to the King but Eliakim the sonne of Hilkiah which was Hezekias Steward Shebnah the Chancellor and Ioab the sonne of Asaph the Recorder went vpon the wall then Rabsacha vttered blasphemous words against the Lord but Ezekias when hee had heard what the enemie had said called all the Elders of Ierusalem together and sent for Isaiah the sonne of Amos the Prophet and they went into the temple of the Lord and praied Wherefore the Lord heard their prayers and sent his Angel into the Campe of the Assirians and loe in one night there were slaine 185000 men as they lay in their tents before Gibeah which at this time they besieged being distant from Ierusalem some ten miles towards the Southwest This great deliuerance hapned in the yeare of the world 3235 and before Christ 733. About the end of the 38 yeare of the age of Ezekiah he fell into a dangerous disease which so farre forth as could be gathered by all likelihoods was the plague for God doth oftentimes try the patience of his Saints with sundry afflictions but yet at his feruent prayers hee was restored to health and his daies were lengthned 15 yeares at which time the Sunne went backe ten degrees according to the variation of the shadow in the Dyall of Ierusalem 2 Reg. 20. Isa 38. 2 Chron. 32. But at the end of the 15 yeares which was about the 54 yeare of his age he died and was buried with his
fathers The Trauels of Manasses MAnasses or Manasseth signifieth forgetting or he hath forgotten This man was 12 yeares old when hee succeeded his father Ezekiah in the Kingdome of Iudah he began to raigne anno mundi 3251 and before Christ 717. This King was a great Idolater and one that put the Prophets of the Lord to death so that it was wonderfull to see what tyranny mischiefe he wrought in Israel wherefore the Lord stirred vp the Assirians against him who ouercame him in a great battell and tooke him captiue carrying him bound in chaines from Ierusalem to Babylon euen 680 miles But after being humbled by his afflictions he came to a knowledge of himselfe and repented for his former euill humbling himselfe with prayer and fasting vnder the hand of God wherefore the Lord tooke compassion of him and stirred vp the minde of the King of Babylon to mercy so that hee loosed his bands and sent him backe againe to Ierusalem 680 miles From that time forward he left idolatry and worshipped the true God adorned the Temple of the Lord with many faire and beautifull buildings and in the 55 yeare of his age he died and was buried in the Kings garden 1 Reg. 21. 2 Chron. 33. So all the trauels of Manasses were 1360 miles Of Amon King of Iuda AMon signifieth True and faithfull he succeeded his father Manasses when he was but 22 yeares of age anno mundi 3307 before Christ 661. He raigned two yeres and then because of his exceeding idolatry the Lord cast him off when he was about 24 yeres of age neere which time some of his seruants conspired against him and put him to death The Trauels of King Iosiah IOsiah signifies A sacrifice of the Lord he succeeded his father Manasses in the gouernment when he was but 8 yeres of age Anno mundi 3309 hefore Christ 659. He gouerned Israel with great commendations 32 yeares 2 Reg. 22. his mothers name was Iedidah and dwelt in a towne called Bozkath but how farre this Towne stood from Ierusalem it is not set downe by any Author This good King went from Ierusalem to Bethel which was 8 miles there he burnt vpon the Altar which Ieroboam built the bones of the Priests of Baal as the man of God that came from Iuda had told Ieroboam 350 yeres before 1 Reg. 13. 2 Chr. 23. From Bethel he returned backe again to Ierusalem which was 8 miles there he celebrated the Passeouer with a solemne feast and great attendance 2 Reg. 23. 2 Chr. 35. In the last yeare of his raigne he went with his army from Ierusalem to Megiddo which was 44 miles against Pharaoh Necho K. of Aegypt in which battell he was slaine with an arrow about the 39 yeare of his age 2 Chron. 35. From Megiddo his body was carried in a chariot backe again to Ierusalem which was 44 miles and there with great lamentations honourably buried 2 Reg. 23. 2 Chr. 35. So all his trauels were 104 miles The Trauels of Iehoahas King of Iudah IEhoahas signifies The knowledge of God he succeeded his father Iosiah in the 23 yeare of his age Anno mundi 3340 which was 628 yeares before Christ and raigned onely three moneths 2 Reg. 24. 2 Chron. 36. Ieremy cap. 22. calleth this man Schallum that is A recompence He went from Ierusalem to Riblah a city in the tribe of Nepthaly which is accounted 80 miles where he was taken prisoner by Pharaoh Necho 2 Reg. 23. From Riblah Pharaoh Necho led him captiue bound in chaines backe again to Ierusalem which was 80 miles and there appointed Iehoiakim his elder brother to raigne in his place 2 Reg. 23. 2 Chron. 36. From Ierusalem he carried Iehoahas to Memphis the Metropolitan citie of Aegypt which was 244 miles 2 Reg. 23. So all the Trauels of Iehoahas were 404 miles Of Iehoiakim King of Iuda IEhoiakim was the eldest sonne of Iosiah that good King and succeeded his brother Iehoahas in the Kingdome Anno mundi 3341 before Christ 627 he gouerned Iudah 11 yeares Pharaoh Necho made him King when he was 25 yeares of age to whom he was constrained to pay 100 talents of * What this is in our money you may reade after in the quantitie of moneys siluer and a talent of gold This money being payed he obtained the Kingdome and continued in great impiety and idolatry for which cause he was sharply reprehended by Ieremiah the Prophet but he being offended at his words sought to put him to death wherefore the Lord stirred vp Nebuchadnezzar the second of that name Emperour of the Assirians and Babylonians who in the 11 yeare of this Kings raigne came to Ierusalem and took him captiue tyed him in two chaines and would haue carried him to Babylon but his minde changed wherefore hee caused him to be put to death and cast out into the fields of Ierusalem for a prey to wilde beasts Ier. 22. 2 Reg. 23. Of Iehoiachin King of Iudah IEhoiachin signifies the preparation of Iehouah This man succeeded his brother Iehoiakim and began his raigne about the end of the 3351 yere of the world and raigned only 3 moneths and 10 daies which was about the 8 yeare of Nabuchodonesor the great at which time he was led captiue from Ierusalem to Babylon together with Mordochae and many other Nobles which was 680 miles This captiuitie hapned 617 yeares before Christ 2 Reg. 24. 2 Chron. 36. Ester 2. Ier. 52. The Trauels of Zedekiah the last King of Iudah AFter Iehoiachin succeeded Zedekiah which signifies The just man of God This was the sonne of that good King Iosiah yet an impious tyrant who by the permission of Nabuchadonezar the great was suffered to be King of Iudah after his brother when he was 21 yeares of age He began to raigne about the beginning of the 3352 yeare of the World and before Christ 616 he gouerned tyrannically 11 yeares 2 Reg. 24. In the 11 yere of this king Ierusalem was taken by Nabuchadonezar the great Emperour of the Babylonians wherefore Zedekiah to escape the brunt of war fled from Ierusalem with all possible speed to Iericho which was 12 miles Ier. 39.52 From the plaine neere the citie of Iericho where he was ouercome by the Princes of the Chaldeans he was led to Riblah to Nebuchadonezar which was 68 miles From Riblah after the Emperour Nabuchadonezar had caused all his children to be put to death before his face and had put out both his eyes he led him captiue to Babylon which was 600 miles where he died miserable 2 Reg. 25. So all the Trauels of Zedekiah King of Iudah were 680 miles Of the destruction of Ierusalem by Nabuchadonezar In the ninth yeare of this Zedekiah which was the last King of Iudah Nabuchadonezar began to besiege Ierusalem it being then Winter anno mundi 3860 vpon the tenth day of the tenth moneth Tebeth which answereth to the 27 day of December which day the Iewes till now obserued as a fasting
day The siege continued euen till the 11 yere of this king Ierem. 39.52 2 Reg. 25. And vpon the 9 day of the 4 moneth Thamus which agreeth with the tenth day of Iuly the City was taken and Zedekiah was put to flight Vpon the 7 of the 5 moneth Ab Nabusaraden chiefe captaine of the army was sent backe by Nabuchadonezar into Iudaea where he destroied and burned the houses and buildings of the citie of Ierusalem Ierem. 52. vpon the tenth day of the fifth Moneth Ab which answereth to the ninth day of Argust being the Sabbath day the temple of Ierusalem was set on fire Ier. 52. de bello Iudaei lib. 6. cap. 26. 27. This first captiuitie and destruction of the citie of Ierusalem by Nabuchadonezar that great Emperor happened anno mundi 3362 and before Christ 606. Three hundred and nintie yeres being then fully compleat and ended from the first yeare of Iaroboam King of Israel who set vp the golden calues and caused them to be worshipped For after the end of these yeares according to the prophecie of Ezekiel cap. 4. the sins of Ieroboam should be grieuously punished vpon the people of Iudah In like manner from the end of the 13 yere of Iosiah wherin Ieremie first began to prophecie vntill this yeare in which the children of Israel were carried away captiue into Babylon are numbred 40 yeares which by Ezek. cap. 4. are called the yeares of the iniquitie of Iuda because so long the Iewes did contemne and despise the admonition of the Prophet Ieremie Of Babylon HOw far this citie stood from Ierusalem you may reade before which by the Chaldaeans is called Shinear or Sinear and signifies To strike vpon the teeth being deriued of Schen A tooth and Naer To strike It may also bee taken for that when a man endeauoured with all speed to execute a thing which seemes to resemble the condition of Nimrod for that in this place he endeuoured to ouercome and conquer all his neighbours from whence this land was called Casdius that is The countrey of the destroyer So changing M into L it is called Chaldeus or Chaldaea The chiefe and Metropolitan citie of which countrie was this Babylon built some thirtie yeares after the floud by Nimrod or the Babylonian Saturne the first great commander of the world according to Berosus lib. 4. who writeth after this manner Nimrod which was accounted the sonne of Iupiter Belus being angry with the holy Priests of that great God Iehouah came with his colonie and people into the field of Sinear where hee built a citie and laid the foundation of a great tower 131 yeares after the floud and raised this tower to such a height and withall of such a hugenesse that it seemed as if it had beene some great mountaine because he would haue the Babylonian people accounted the chiefest and greatest in the world also their gouernor the King of Kings A little after he saith he built this tower but before he could finish it dyed in the 56 yeare aftet he began it wherefore the citie and tower of Babylon according to the opinion of Berosus was begun in Anno mundi 1788 which was 131 yeares after the flood and before Christ 2180. There were two causes wherefore the children of men built vp this Tower first that they might get them a name secondly that they might be safe in case there came another flood to drowne the world It was made of bricke and bittume least the water should loosen it But the Lord turned their enterprises into euill and diuided their Language so that they could not vnderstand one another whereby they were constrained to leaue off their building from whence it happened that their mindes manners vnderstandings studies and principall actions were vtterly changed and is the foundation of all discord and sedition where the feare of God and the true knowledge of Christ doth not preuent it From this diuision of tongues it is called the citie of Babylon this is the citie of diuision being deriued of the word Balal he hath confounded or mingled together Of this city you may reade in Ios lib. 1. cap. 9. where he bringeth in a saying of the Sibels which was That when all nations were of one language they built an exceeding high tower as though they would haue ascended by it into heauen but the Lord with great tempest and diuiding their tongues subuerted their enterprise from whence it was called Babylon This citie was the fairest in those times of all others scituated in a spacious plaine vpon euery side whereof there stood pleasant orchards and gardens it was built foure square compassed about with wals of an incredible strength and greatnesse being 50 cubits thicke and 200 high beautified within with goodly buildings fair temples richly guilt with gold and wonderfull to looke vpon It was in compasse 380 furlongs as Strabo saith which make 48 miles Through it ran the riuer Euphrates by which all things necessarie were conueyed to the Citie without it was compassed with faire ditches fil'd with water like riuers and in the wall there stood a hundred gates Herodotus saith That it was 480 furlongs about which make 60 miles English but that is not so credible The first founder of this citie was Nimrod who in those times was the chiefe commander of the world It is thought that he was the sonne of Cham the sonne of Noah whose name signifies a cruell gouernor or an vnmercifull tyrant And that his actions might be according to the signification of his name he is branded with most perspicuous note of cruelty omitting no violent action whereby he might enlarge his dominions incroching vpon other mens gouerments through a thirstie and ambitious desire of renowne without either respect of equitie or humanitie And to adde euill to euill committed many outrages vpon such as were accounted good men and the Priests of the great God Iehouah from whence there grew in him a more than humane resolution accounting himselfe in this world a god and through this opinion grew into contempt of all good things compelling such as were his subjects and vassals to do him worship and reuerence as to a diuine power which being ingraffed into the hearts of such as followed in succeeding ages they countenanced it with authority from whence it came to passe that he was inrolled into the number of their principall gods giuing him the name of Saturne whom the Hebrewes calleth Sudormin which elegantly imployeth Saturne Berosus saith that the Babylonian Iupiter succeeded this Nimrod whose authoritie I am willing to follow to auoid prolixitie This man so much inlarged the Citie that many in succeeding ages haue attributed the foundation thereof vnto him He ruled ouer it sixtie and one yeares After him succeeded Ninus or as some will haue it Nimrod the second who began his raigne Anno mundi 1909 before Christ 2061 he did many worthy acts during his life and added to the Empire of Babylon many Prouinces
and after hee had raigned 50 yeares dyed and was buried in Babylon After him succeeded Semiramis his wife who tooke vpon her the gouernement of the Assirian Empire her sonne Ninus being then within age and she began her gouernment Anno mundi 1959 before Christ 2009. Shee was one of the manliest and resolute women that we reade of and performed as many worthy and memorable actions This Queene built her sepulchre ouer the most eminent gate of Babylon in a publike and perspicuous place vpon which shee caused to be written in golden letters If there be any King of Babylon that shall come after me and stand in need of mony let him open this sepulchre and whatsoeuer he wanteth hee shall finde but before it will not be good for him to touch it This notwithstanding it continued till the raigne of Darius who opened this monument in hope to finde what the superscription imported but no money was there to bee had onely within might plainely be seene engrauen other letters to this effect Vnlesse thou hadst beene vnsatiably couetous thou wouldest neuer haue opened the graues of the dead in hope of gaine This woman beautified Babylon with many goodly buildings built vp the walles thereof set a bridge ouer Euphrates made a beautifull Orchard and a Garden in it beautified it with many goodly Towers and fortifications added vnto it many prouinces and gouernments and after all because of her owne lasciuious appetite as Sallust saith was murthered by her son Ninus who succeeded her in the gouernment There were many other memorable things within this Citie that were built before and after her time as Herodotus saith as that great and mighty tower before remembred in which stood the temple of Baelus and his sepulchre Not far from that stood a chappell wherein was the statue of Iupiter all of pure gold worth * What this was in our mony you may see after 800 talents of gold Without that chappell there stood an altar of pure gold vpon which they yearely offered 100000 talents of frankincense There was another also somwhat lesse vpon which they vsed to offer their sacrifices for it was not lawfull for them to offer any thing that had life vpon the greater altar there stood also in that place another statue twelue cubits high all of pure gold This City was after taken by Cyrus the first Emperour of the Persians Anno mundi 3432. before Christ 536. in the seuentieth yeare after the Captiuitie of Israel and Iudah according to the prophecie of Ieremy at which time the City was so great that they which dwelt in the middle of it did not know that the Enemie had entred within the walls at the further end which might happen because vpon that day when it was taken the Babylonians celebrated a Feast vnto Venus in which vsing extraordinarie diligence they were lesse mindfull of such things as hapned vnto them Thus this City that with great tyranny had triumphed ouer the Nations of the earth for the space of 1600 yeares being so plentifully furnished with all things necessary for the maintenance of life that the inhabitants therof contemned al other people was by Gods permission for their pride and presumption wasted and consumed by Cyrus as you haue heard and shortly after vtterly destroyed by Xerxes the fourth Emperor of the Persians and so continueth to this day as Strabo saith Where then ô world is thy prosperitie or Riches thy glory since in the one thou art consumed in the other left desolate Of the ruines of old Babylon that are extant at this day BAbylon which as you haue heard reigned ouer the Nations of the earth like a Queen at this day hath nothing to present you withall but an heap of stones out of the ruins whereof there was built a little towne close by where it stood called Elugo or Felugo scituated vpon the banke of the riuer Euphrates Not far from which it seemes there is a profitable harbor for ships where Merchants oftentimes go a shore and trauell thence through many Woods and desart places vnto Seleucia which at this day is called by the Turks Bagdeth distant thence some 36 miles and is the vtmost towne of the Turkish and Persian Empires towards the East being diuided in the midst by the riuer Tygris Some Merchants haue reported That the place where Babylon stood is become stony vnfruitfull and vnpleasant because of the ruines of the destroyed buildings which lie in the earth Also That there is found a tower built of a blacke stone which to outward appearance seemes to haue bin a very goodly house high and eminent so that vpon the top thereof a man might haue seen through the whole city This tower the Inhabitants of Felugo call the tower of Daniel in which was the chamber where hee vsed to pray vnto the Lord three times a day the windowes whereof looked toward Ierusalem Dan. 6. There is also to be seene diuers arches of the bridge which Semiramis built standing vpon the riuer Euphrates and the foundation of the great tower whose top should haue reached to heauen being in compasse two miles but not very high Within the ruines whereof are found certaine serpents very noisome and venomous about the bignesse of a Lizard hauing three heads and spect with diuers colours which the inhabitants call Eglones There are such a multitude of them that no man dares approch within halfe a mile of it at any time but in the Winter season nor then neither but for the space of a moneth in which time these serpents for the extremitie of the cold are constrained to keep their holes Thus as this Tower was hatefull vnto God in the beginning so likewise hath hee made it hurtfull vnto man euen to this day The Trauels of the Babylonian and Assyrian Kings and Emperours that fought against Israel and Iudah And first of Phul Belochus King of Assyria PHul Belochus that is He returned wasting began to reign among the Babylonians An. mundi 3149. before Christ 819 and gouerned 48 yeares This King or Emperour came from Babylon to Samaria which was 660 miles There he so streightly besieged Menahem King of Israel that he was constrained to giue him * What this was in our mony you may see after 1000 talents of siluer to raise his siege and depart 2 Reg. 15. From Samaria he returned back again to Babylon 660 miles So all the trauels of Phul Belochus were 1320 miles The Trauels of TIGLAT PHVLASSER King of the Assyrians TIglat Phulasser signifies The Assyrian Conquerour He was also called Tiglath Philasser 2 Reg. 15. which name is attributed to him either because he caried away the children of Israel captiue or else because of the conquest that he had of all Galile and ouer the tribe of Nepthali which he carried into Assyria Hee succeeded his father Phul Belochus in the gouernment of the Assyrians An. Mun. 3197. before Christ 771. and reigned 25 yeares When Resin King
of the Assyrians ioyning his army with Pekah son of Remalia King of Israel had streightly besiege Ierusalem Ahas was constrained to craue aid of this Tiglath Phulasser sent him great presents which he accepted kindly brought his arm from Niniveh to Damascus 520 miles where he put Resin and the whole city to the sword 2 Reg. 16. From Damascus he came with his army into the land of Israel which was 120 miles where he ouercame Pekah in a great battell conquered all the land of Gilead and the tribe of Nepthaly and put a great multitude of the Israelites into perpetuall exile 2 Reg. 15. From thence he went backe to Niniueh 640 miles A little after this King Tiglath Philasser went from Ninive to Ierusalem 680 miles where hee so streitly besieged that wicked King Ahas that he was constrained to giue him great abundance of gold and siluer to raise his siege and be gon 2 Chr. 28. From Ierusalem he returned back to Ninive being 680 miles So all his trauels were 6640 miles OF the city Niniveh you may reade after in the trauels of Ionas the Prophet Of Kyr which is commonly called Cyrene KYr or Cyrene is scituated in Africa 816 miles from Ierusalem Westward In which country Simon that bore the crosse of Christ was borne Mat. 27. Luke 23. It signifies in Hebrew A strong wall and in Latine a Heart The Trauels of King SALMANASSER SAlmanasser signifieth The Assyrian Peace-maker This man Ptolomaeus that excellent Mathematician calleth Nabonassarus that is the Prophet of the Assyrians He began to reign vpon the 26 of February An. mundi 3221 before Christ 747 and reigned ten yeares or thereabout This man went with his army from Ninive to Samaria being 652 miles where hee compelled Hosea the last King of Israel to pay him tribute 2 Reg. 16. From thence he returned backe again with his army to Niniveh 652 miles After when Hosea K. of Israel conspiring with So K. of Egypt denied to pay him tribute hee returned backe againe the second time to Samaria which was 652 miles and after 3 yeres siege he tooke and destroied it with fire and sword and conquered all the country round about From Samaria he returned back again to Niniveh 652 miles So all the trauels of Salmanasser King of the Assyrians were 2608 miles The Trauels of SENACHARIB King of the Assyrians SEnacharib as Melancthon expounds it signifieth a two edged Sword He succeeded his father Salmanasser Ann. M. 3231. before Christ 737. He reigned 7 years This man imitating his father endeauored to cary away the rest of Gods people into captiuitie for which purpose he brought an army from Niniveh to Lachis which was 700 miles which town he besieged sent his Princes to Ieresalem beeing 20 miles where hee blasphemed the Lord of which you may reade more in the historie of King Hezekiah From Lachis hee went to Libnah 8 miles This was a strong Hold but he besieged it so narrowly that within a while after he had begun the siege he tooke it While he was before this town there came newes That Taracha a King of the Ethiopians had inuaded his country Wherefore he sent the second time messengers to Ierusalem But the Lord was offended with their blasphemie wherefore hee sent his Angell who in one night destroyed 185000 of his army This sudden and vnexpected euill falling upon him in a great feare he returned to Niniveh 692 miles where he was slain by his sons in the Temple The same of these things was so divulged abroad that Herodotus lib. 2. makes mention of them So these three journies make 1400 miles Of Lachis and Libnah you may reade before Of Assarhaddon King of the Assyrians ASsarhaddon his father Senacharib being slaine succeeded in the gouernment An. mundi 3238 which agreeth with the 730 yeare before Christ and reigned ten yeares in Niniveh the chiefe city of the Assyrians Here again the mutation change of Kingdoms may be obserued for Merodach a Chaldaean rebelling against Senacharib continued his gouernment in Babylon 11 yeares that is during a part of the reign of Senacharib and all the reign of Assarhaddon his son in which time he conquered the Assyrians and made them subiect to the empire of the Babylonians Of Merodach the first Emperor of the Babylonians MErodach signifieth A bitter repentance He was the sonne of Baladan Prince of Babylon who ruled at such time as Senacharib had that grieuous ouerthrow in Iudah Wherefore taking aduantage of the time and the necessitie of that Prince he rebelled against him and his son Assarhaddon taking vpon him the absolute command of the city and whole Empire The beginning of whose reign hapned in the yeare of the world 3236 and before Christ 732. This Merodach sent to Ierusalem wise and learned men with gifts and presents to King Ezekiah iust in that yeare when the Sun went backe ten degrees to know the truth of this miracle For it was a custome amongst the Nations round about Ierusalem if any thing hapned beyond the expectation of man to send thither to enquire the truth thereof Such and so wise a people were the Iewes esteemed in those times as may appeare by diuers places in holy Scripture In the beginning of the 12 yeare of this King Assarhaddon Emperor of the Assyrians died after whose death he became Emperor of all Assyria Chaldea He began to reign ouer that spatious kingdome An. mundi 3247 before Christ 721. and reigned after that 40 yeares Of Ben-Merodach Emperor of Babylon BEn-Merodach that is the son of Merodach succeeded his father An. M. 3287. before Christ 681. He reigned 21 yeares Of Nebuchadnezar first of that name Emperor of Babylon NEbuchadonesar or Nebuchadnesar signifieth A Divine Iudge He was the most potent king of all the Babylonians This man obtained the chiefe command ouer the Babylonian Empire An. M. 3309 before Christ 659. He reigned 35 yeares and held his Court somtime in Babylon sometimes in Niniveh Iud. 1. He made war with Pharaoh Necho King of Egypt of which battell you may reade 2 Reg. 25. 2 Chr. 35. in the vally of Megiddo where Iosias was slain Herod lib. 2. doth also make mention of this battell and calls the place by the name of Magdalum Of which Ieremy also speaketh But they were towns in the tribe of Manasses scituated neere to the plaine where this battell was fought in which country Mary Magdalen was borne The Trauels of Nebuchadnezar the second of that name Emperor of Babylon NEbuchadnesar or Nebuchadonesar the Great which Ptolomaeus calleth Nebupollasser about the end of the third yeare of Ioachim King of Iudah being a little before created Emperour his father yet liuing came vnto Ierusalem which hee besieged so streightly that hee constrained Ioachim to pay him Tribute for thirty seuen yeares Berosus saith Lib. 3. A little after that is Anno mundi 3344. before Christ 624 hee was sent against the Syrians Phoeniceans Egyptians that rebelled So
he went with his army from Babylon to Carchemis a City of Syria scituated neere the riuer Euphrates which was 280 miles Here he ouercame Pharaoh Necho King of Egypt in a great battel Ier. 46. Herod lib. 2. From Carchemis he went to Ierusalem which was 400 miles here he tooke Daniel and his companions captiue and brought them to Babylon After he went with his army to Pelusio being 132 miles which hee tooke conquered all the land of Egypt put to death Pharaoh Necho and made Psammeticus his son King in his place Ieremy the Prophet told of this war cap. 25.26 From Pelusio he returned to Babylon 800 miles Within a while after his father died and he succeeded in the gouernment and reigned 43 yeares In the 11 yeare of Ioachim King of Iudah he went again from Babylon to Ierusalem which was 680 miles and by policy tooke that city and put Ioachim the king thereof to death according to the prophecie of Ieremy cap. 22. 2 Kin. 24. From thence after he had made Iechonias his son King hee returned backe again to Babylon 680 miles About three moneths after he went the third time back to Ierusalem 680 miles for he feared Iechonias would rebell and reuenge the death of his father Ioachim 2 Kin. 24. In the eight yeare of his reign he tooke Iechonias Mardoche and 3000 other Iews of the Nobilitie and caried them captiue to Babylon which was 680 miles 2 Kin. 24. 2 Chr. 36. Est 2. Nine yeares after he came the fourth time to Ierusalem being 680 miles and besieged the City because of the impietie and rebellion of Zedekiah King thereof During this siege he tooke diuers towns but chiefly Lachis and Aseka Ier. 34. But when hee vnderstood that Pharaoh was comming with an army out of Egypt to rescue Zedekiah he raised his Campe and went about 80 miles into the countrey of Egypt which Pharaoh hearing was abashed and turned backe againe In the absence of this Emperor Ieremy the Prophet being then within the city hauing foretold the destruction therof would haue fled thence for his better safety into the tribe of Benjamin but by the way hee was taken in the gate of Benjamin and cast into prison Ier. 7. Within a while after according to the prophecie of Ieremy Nebuchadnezar returned out of the desart of Sur whither he went to meet the Egyptians being 80 miles and vtterly destroyed the city of Ierusalem carrying thence the vessels and ornaments of the Temple to Babylon 2 Kin. 25. 2 Chr. 36. From Ierusalem hee went to Riblah in the tribe of Nepthaly 80 miles where hee put out Zedekiahs eies and kild his children 2 Kin. 25. From Riblah he carried Zedekiah to Babylon which was 600 miles where he died miserably in prison 2 Kin. 25. Afterward Nebuchadnesar went with his army from Babylon to Tyrus which hee won and pittifully wasted with fire and sword according to the prophecie of Ezekiel cap. 26. being 600 miles From Tyrus he went to Egypt and passed 480 miles through that kingdome conquering all the countries and prouinces as he went a long euen the Ammonits the Moabits Philistins Idumaeans and Egypt it selfe all which countries hee made tributarie to him Isa 15 16 19. Ier. 46 47 48 49. Ez. 25.29 From Egypt he returned to Babell 960 miles From that time till his death hee was Emperour of all those kingdoms In the second yeare of his Empire Daniel expounded vnto him his wonderfull dream vnder the similitude of an image setting forth the condition of the four monarchies of the world Dan. 2. Not long after he caused Sidrack Misack and Abednego to be cast into a fiery furnace because they refused to worship the golden image which he had set vp Dan. 3. Also this Nebuchadnesar for his great pride and arrogancie was by God strucken mad and into a deepe melancholy in which disease hee continued for the space of seuen yeares tyed in bonds and chaines running vp and downe like a beast and feeding vpon grasse and roots vntill he came to vnderstand That God the Gouernour of Heauen and earth had the disposing of Kingdoms and Gouernments giuing them to whom he list and againe taking them away At the end of which time he was restored to his vnderstanding and Empire and after beautified the city of Babylon with many goodly buildings faire orchards and pleasant places as Iosep lib. Ant. 10 saith And when hee had reigned 43 yeares died and was buried by his father in Babylon An. mundi 3387. and before Christ 581. So all the trauels of Nebuchadonesar or Nebuchadnesar were 7892 miles ¶ The Description of the Cities and places that haue not as yet been mentioned Of Carchemis THis was a city in the country of Syria neere Euphrates 400 miles from Ierusalem Northward and signifies A sacrificed Lambe being deriued of Car which signifies a Ram or Lambe and Mosch He hath cut in pieces It may also be taken in the third Conjugation for a Lambe sacrificed to the idol Chemosch or Chamos the god of meetings or nightly salutations Of Pelusio THis City Pelusio was built by Peleus the father of Achilles from whence it tooke the name It stands in Egypt some 172 miles from Ierusalem Southwestward neere to the gate of Nilus called Pelusiachus where it falleth into the Mediterranian sea Not far from this city in the mountain Casius vpon the borders of Arabia Petraea where the Temple of Iupiter Casius stood is to be seen the tomb of Pompey the great beautified and adorned by Adrianus Caesar as Capitolinus saith At this day this city is called by the name of Damiata You may read of it Ezek. cap. 30. Of Tyrus or Zor TYrus signifieth Cheese or to congeale together as Cheese doth milk somthing alluding to the Hebrew word Zor signifying to make straight or a rocke hauing a straight and sharpe edge It was the metropolitan city of Phoenicia now the hauen or passage of Sur but in antient time it was called Sarra Aul. Gel. lib. 14. cap. 6. It was scituated vpon a very high rocke compassed about with the Mediterranean sea 100 miles from Ierusalem Northward and a famous mart towne for all the Holy land By the description of Ezekiel it seemes to haue bin like vnto Venice both in scituation and dignitie Ez. 72.28 Ierem. Esay 27.28 and many other Prophets prophecied against this town saying Out of the land of Kithim that is from Macedonia the destroyer of Tyrus should come As after hapned for Alexander the Great King of Macedon besieged that town and in the 7 moneth after tooke it for the obtaining whereof he was constrained to fill vp the sea which compassed it about containing 700 paces and made it firm land for his army to passe vpon to the wals of the city In this country that famous Civilian Vlpian was borne as he writeth lib. 1. ff de Censibus And vpon the borders of Tyrus and Sidon Christ cured the daughter of a Canaanitish woman of a
Diuel Mat. 15. wherefore you shall read more of it in the second Tombe Of Evil-Merodach Emperor of the Babylonians and Assyrians AMilinus Evil-Merodach son of Nebuchadonesar the great succeeded his father An. M. 3388. before Christ 580. In the first yeare of his reign he set at liberty Iechonias King of Iuda and attributed to him the title dignitie and maintenance of a King Iechonias being then 55 yeares of age and 37 after he had been in captiuitie 2 Kin. vlt. Ier. vlt. Whence it is concluded by most That this Emperor did also embrace the doctrine of Daniel concerning the true God as did Nebuchadonesar his father who had before by publique Edict professed it to the whole State caused it to be published through his dominions and therfore shewed fauor and mercy toward King Iechonias And from thence it is thought that those which were impious princes about him called him Amelinus that is the Circumcised being deriued of Mol which signifies to circumcise and Evil simple and foolish Merodach His wiues name was Nitocris according to Herod lib. 1. She was a very magnificent and wise woman set vp many faire and goodly buildings in Babylon and was the mother of Balthasar the last Emperor of the Assyrians Dan. 5. Of Niriglissoroor Emperor of Babylon NIriglissoroor whose syrname was Regassar son in law to Nebuchadnesar the Great hauing slain Euil-Merodach his wiues brother reigned ouer the Babylonians and Assyrians foure yeares as Berosus saith Of Labassardach the last Emperor of the Babylonions LAbassardach the son of Niriglissoroor succeeded his father He reigned only 9 moneths and died without heire male Of Balthazar Nabonidus the last Emperor of the Babylonians and Assyrians ANno mundi 3415 and before Christ 553 Balthazar Nabonidus whose syrname was Labynitus the son of Euil-Merodach and Nitocris obtained the Empire and reigned 17 yeares according to Berosus with Iosep cont App. Alexand. Polyb. apud Eusebium Praep. lib. 9. cap. 4. Alphae hist with Euseb calleth this King Nabinidochus This is that Balthazar saith Iosephus lib. Ant. 10. ca. 13 which Daniel cap. 5. calleth the son of Nebuchadonesar though indeed he was but his sons son as may be gathered from that of Ier. cap. 25. All nations shall serue Nebuchadonesar and his son and his sons son Balthasar signifies The Host of the Lord destroying his Enemies Labynitus signifies a shaken Sword This man as he was celebrating a great feast vnto Venus whom they call in the Assirian tongue Myleta amongst a great multitude of his Nobility and in that vsing extraordinary excesse and blasphemy against the Lord In the middest of his feast and all his merriments he saw a hand writing vpon the wall which left these words Mene Mene Tekel Vphrasin of which you may reade more Dan. 5. Some say That at this very time the city was taken by Cyrus Emperour of the Persians and he put to the sword in those sports pastimes But certain it is that he was slain at a banquet lost his empire and was the last of the Assyrian Emperors but whether at that time I refer it to the opinion of the Reader ¶ The Trauels of the Kings of Aegypt that fought against of Iudah And first of SISACK who made war vpon Rehoboam the sonne of Solomon THat proud and presumptuous Prince Sisack which signifies a Garment of Silke in the last yeare of his regne which was the first of Rehoboam the sonne of Solomon came with 1200 Chariots and 60000 Horse from Memphis to Ierusalem which was 244 miles bringing in his Army a great multitude of people of diuers Nations as Lybians Ethiopians c. With this company he besieged Ierusalem and tooke it wasted the city spoiled the Temple and tooke thence the golden shields which Solomon had made and destroyed that faire and beautifull house which Solomon had built From whence that saying of his owne was verified Eccles That it is a great euill vpon the earth for a man to take care to lay vp riches and treasures in this world yet knoweth not who shall inherit it For those things which a little before hee had with great labour and paines builded and beautified within lesse than 20 yeares after were destroyed and made desolate by this King From Ierusalem Sisack returned with the spoiles of the temple and city to Memphis in Egypt which was 244 miles and in the yeare following he was stricken by the Lord with a grieuous disease of which he died miserably So these two journies were 488 miles The Trauels of PHARAOH NECHO King of Aegypt who made warre vpon IOSIAH King of Iudah NEcho signifies an Enemy or Inuader This man was one of the greatest of all the Egyptian Kings who in the thirteenth yeare of his reigne made war vpon Nebuchadnezar the first and in the valley of Megiddo neere to Magdala which was 244 miles from Memphis fought a great battell wherein Iosiah King of Iudah was wounded to the death From the valley of Megiddo Pharaoh Necho went to the Riuer Euphrates which was 360 miles where he fought a second battel with Nebuchadnezar vpon a plaine neere to Carchemis where hee lost the day and was put to flight From Carchemis he fled to Riblah in the land of Israel which was 320 miles where in the land of Chaemath neere to the lake Samachonites he ouercame Ioachas King of Iudah and took him prisoner From Riblah Pharaoh Necho led Ioachas bound to Ierusalem being 80 miles and made Ioachim his brother King in his place From Ierusalem he returned to Memphis 240 miles Within four years after he went the second time with a great army from Memphis to the riuer of Euphrates which was 640 miles But there he was the second time ouercome by Nebuchadnesar and constrained to fly thence back again to Memphis in Aegypt being 640 miles But Nebuchadnesar followed him with an army of chosen men and conquered all Aegypt tooke Pharaoh Necho and made his sonne Psammeticus King in his place who was the second of that name Of this battell there is mention Ier. ca. 25 26. So all the trauels of Pharaoh Necho were 1524 miles The Trauels of the holy Prophets and first of the Prophet ELIAH ELiah the Prophet went from This be which was in the land of Gilead to Samaria 24 miles where he told the wicked King Ahab that there should bee neither rain nor dew for the space of 7 years 1 Reg. cap. 17. From Samaria he went to the riuer Kerith 24 miles where hee was fed by a Rauen. From Kerith hee went to Sarepta which was 100 miles where he sojorned with a poor widow that found him necessaries whose sun he restored to life 1 Reg. 17. From Sarepta he went to Mount Carmel in the land of Israel being 60 miles and by the way as he went he met Obediah which signifieth The Seruant of the Lord and King Ahab whom he rebuked sharply because of his idolatry Also vpon this mountaine he put all Baals
Priests to death and prayed vnto the Lord who sent rain vpon the earth in great aboundance 1 Reg. 18. From Mount Carmel he ran by King Ahabs chariot to Iesreel which was accounted 16 miles After when Queene Iesabel threatned his death hee departed thence and went to Beersaba 84 miles 1 Reg. 19. From Beersaba he went one daies journy into the wildernes of Paran because hee thought to remaine there safe from the mischiefe of Iesabel which was 20 miles from Beersaba Southward Here the Angell of the Lord brought him meat as he was sitting vnder a Iuniper tree 1 Reg. 19. By vertue of this meat Eliah trauelled from thence to Mount Horeb or Sinai 80 miles and continued there 40 daies and forty nights without meat or drinke There the Lord spake to Eliah as hee stood in the entrance of a caue his face being couered with his mantle 1 Reg. 19. From the mount Sinai or Horeb he returned to Abel-Mehola which was 156 miles where hee called Elizeus the son of Saphas to the ministeriall function and office of a Prophet 1 Reg. 18. From thence he went to Damascus 124 miles where he anointed Hasael King of Syria 1 Reg. 19. From Damascus Elias went to Mount Carmell where hee dwelt which was accounted 120 miles From mount Carmel he went to Iesreel 16 miles there in the vineyard of Naboth who Iezabel caused to be stoned to death he sharply reprehended Ahab for his impiety and idolatry 1 Reg. 21. From Iezreel he returned back again to his own house to Carmel which was 16 miles From thence he went to Samaria which was 32 miles where he answered the seruants of King Ahaziah whom he had sent to enquire of Baalzebub the idoll of Ekron concerning his health saying Go and tel your master that sent you That the God of Israel saith Because thou hast sent to aske counsel of Baalzebub the idol of Ekron and thinkest there is no God in Israell therefore thou shalt not rise off the bed whereon thou liest but shalt surely die 2 Reg. 1. Soone after Elias returned to Mount Carmel which was 32 miles where the two Captaines with their Companies of fifty that were sent to take him were consumed with fire from heauen 1 Reg. 1. From Mount Carmel he went to Samaria with the third Cap. 32 miles where hee prophecied of the death of King Ahaziah 2 Reg. 1. From Samaria hee returned backe againe to Mount Carmel 32 miles From thence he went to Gilgal 52 miles From Gilgal he went with Elizeus to the towne of Bethel being 6 miles 2 Reg. 2. From thence to Iericho 4 miles 2 Reg. 2. From Iericho hee and Elizeus went to Iordan which was sixe miles through which riuer they went vpon dry ground Now as they were speaking one to another vpon the East side of the riuer behold a fiery chariot came with fiery horses and tooke Elias vp aliue into heauen after he had gouerned the Church 30 yeres an mundi 3056 and before Christ 912 2 Reg. 2. So all the Trauels of Eliah the Prophet were 1033 miles Of the Cities and places to which he trauelled Of Thisbe IN this towne the Prophet Eliah was borne it being scituated in the land of Gilead beyond Iordan 48 miles from Ierusalem towards the Northeast It taketh the name from Captiuitie being deriued of Chabah he hath led into captiuitie Of Kerith THe riuer Kerith where the Rauens fed Elias runneth from Mount Ephraim between Bethel and Iericho 8 miles from Ierusalem towards the North and so passing along towards the East falleth into the riuer Iordan 1 Reg. 17. The Kerethites were such as garded the person of the King which in the Prophet Dauids time were called mighty men taking their name from striking and cutting being deriued of Charath he hath smitten or cut in sunder Of Zarpath or Sarepta THis was a Citie of the Sidonians where they found much mettall of diuers kindes lying betweene Tyrus and Sydon 112 miles from Ierusalem towards the North and taketh the name from Zoraph which signifies To trie or burne with fire There is at this time but eight houses in all the towne although by the ruines it seemeth to haue beene in times past a very faire citie The inhabitants thereof take vpon them to shew the chamber wherein Elias the Prophet sometimes liued when hee raised the widowes childe to life Before the gate of the citie also there is shewed a certaine Chappell where they say Elias first spake with the widow 1 Reg. 17. Of Abelmehola THis was a towne in the tribe of Manasses on this side Iordan in the mid-way betweene Sichem and Salem some 38 miles from Ierusalem Northward At this day it is called Abisena where there are found certaine ruines of Marble pillars by which may be gathered that in times past it hath beene a very beautifull citie It seemeth to haue taken the name from a great Lamentation or Mourning for Abel signifieth To lament and bewaile and Machol A company The typicall signification of ELIAS ELias according to the interpretation of Saint Ierome signifies the minister of Iehouah but as others would haue it Eliah is as much as my God Iehouah He was a type of Saint Iohn Baptist who was sent before to prepare the way of our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Chirst Of this you may reade more Malach. 4. Matt. 11.17 Isa 40. c. The trauels of the Prophet Elisaeus or Elisha ELisha followed Elias through diuers countries and became as it were his seruant pouring water vpon his hands and ministring to him 1 Reg. 19. 2 Reg. 3. Elisha went with Eliah from Gilgal to Bethel which was six miles 1 Reg. 19. From Bethel they both went to Iericho which was 4 miles From Iericho he went beyond Iordan 6 miles where his Master was taken from him vp into heauen and his spirit was doubled vpon him 2 Reg. 2. From thence he returned backe again to Iericho which was â— miles passing through the riuer Iordan vpon drie ground by which miracle the children of the Prophets viz. such as studied diuinitie at Iericho did certainly know that the spirit of his master Elias rested vpon him Neere to this towne he flang salt into a riuer by which the water was made sweet 2 Reg. 2. From Iericho Elisha returned to Bethel which was 4 miles here the chldren that mockt him saying Come vp thou bald pate c. in contempt of his age and office were deuoured by 2 Bares 2 Reg. 2. From Bethel he walked to Mount Carmel which was fifty six miles From thence he went to Samaria which was about thirtie two miles From thence he went to the three Kings viz. Ioram King of Israel Iehosaphat King of Ierusalem and the King of the Idumaeans into the desart of Arabia Petraea which was 104 miles here he prayed vnto the Lord and he sent them water lest they should haue perished with thirst 2 Reg. 3. From the Desart of Arabia Petraea hee returned backe to
the Lord he was borne in the Tribe of Benjamin in a Citie of the Priests called Anathoth and from thence came to Ierusalem which was two miles and continued there for 40 yeares teaching and prophecying From Ierusalem he was sent to Euphrates where in the cliffe of a rocke he hid his girdle Ier. 13. which was 400 miles From the riuer Euphrates he returned backe againe to Ierusalem 400 miles A little after the Lord sent him backe againe to Euphrates 400 miles to fetch his girdle and loe it was putrified From thence he returned backe againe the second time to Ierusalem 400 miles From Ierusalem he was led captiue bound in chaines with other prisoners to Ramath a citie in mount Ephraim which was eight miles there Nabusaraden the chiefe captaine caused him to be set at liberty From Ramath he went to Mispah which is 8 miles where he continued a while with Gediliah Prince of the Iewes which man had the chiefe command of certaine cities of Iudaea vnder Nabuchadnezzer But in the seuenth yeare of the captiuitie of the people of Israel Ishmael that was of the stocke and progenie of Dauid hoping to obtaine the gouernement of Iuda made warre vpon Gediliah and put him to death wherefore Ieremy went from thence with Iohn the son of Kareach Prince of the Iewes to Bethlem Euphrata which was 8 miles Ier. 41. Now when he had staied a while in a village neere Bethlem called Geruth Ghimeham were sometime Chimeham the sonne of Barzillai liued 2 Sam. 19. hee prophecied saying If you stay in this land you shall do well neither shall any euill hap vnto you but if you depart hence into Aegypt they shall deuoure you with famine and with the sword Ier. 42. But Iohn and the rest of the Princes would giue no credit to the words of Ieremy but went into Aegypt and compelled the Prophet to goe along with them so they went from Bethlehem to Tachpanes which was 172 miles Here the second time Ieremie prophecied vnto them saying Behold Nabuchadnezzer shall come hither and wast and destroy all the countrey of Aegypt beat downe the Images of Bethsemes or Heliopolis and carry away the Aegyptians into perpetuall captiuity Ier. 43. But the people of Israel being moued to anger because of his words stoned him to death So the Trauels of the Prophet Ieremiah were 1786 miles Concerning the townes and places mentioned in the Trauels of this Prophet you may reade of them before except Geruth Chimeham which stood close by Bethlehem it taketh the name from a stranger or traueller being deriued of Gor which signifieth He hath trauelled and Tachpanes which was a Citie of Aegypt some 180 miles from Ierusalem where the Prophet Ieremy was stoned to death it is oftentimes called by the name of Taphnis The trauels of Vrijah the Prophet VRias or Vriah signifies Illuminated or inlightned of the Lord. He was borne at Kiriath-jearim a mile from Ierusalem towards the West from thence he came to Ierusalem and there prophecied of the destruction of the Citie After when King Ioachim went about to take away his life he fled thence into Aegypt 160 miles But the king sent messengers into Aegipt fetcht Vrijah back againe to Ierusalem 160 miles and there cut off his head and caused his body to be throwne into the sepulchre of a poore despised man that it might not be knowne that he had beene a Prophet of the Lord. So all his trauels were 321 miles Of Hananias the false Prophet HAnanias or Chanania signifieth the grace of God This false Prophet was a Gibeonite and came from Gibeon to Ierusalem which was foure miles where he tooke the woodden yoakes from the necke of Ieremiah the Prophet but Ieremiah caused yron yokes to be made in their places and told Hananias that for his falshood that yere he should surely die as after he did Of the Prophet Ezekiel Ezekiel or Iechezkel signifies the strength or fortitude of God He was carried captiue with 3000 others of the Nobility of the Iewes from Ierusalem to Babylon which was 680 miles the same yeare that Nebuchadnezzer put King Ioachim to death within fiue yeares after a little before Easter the Booke of the Law was found 2 Chron. 3. He began to prophecie in Babylon Anno mundi 3356 before Christ 612 at which time he saw his first visions neere to the Riuer Chebar Of the Riuer Chebar THe riuer Chebar was neere Babylon in Chaldaea vpon the borders of Mesopotamia falling into Euphrates and was oftentimes called Aborras according to the opinion of many learned men Strabo in the seuenteenth book of his Geography saith that there is another riuer between Tygris and Euphrates called Basilius Aborras passeth along by the citie of Athemusia and is a very faire streame from whence it is called Chebar which signifies a swift and spacious riuer Neere to this riuer the Prophet Ezekiel saw the Glory and Majestie of our Lord Iesus Christ in a bright shining cloud In this place also dwelt many Iewes to whom hee prophecied and foretold the destruction of Ierusalem by Nebuchadnezzer and the captiuitie of Zedekiah The Trauels of the Prophet Daniel DAniel signifies The Iudge of God In the raigne of Ioachim King of Iudah he was carried away captiue from Ierusalem to Babylon by Nabuchadonezar which was 680 miles and there with his fellowes learned the Arts and Language of the Chaldaeans for three yeares He was then but young about some 19 or 20 yeares of age and liued in exile 91 yeares vntill the third yeare of Cyrus Emperour of the Persians about which time he saw his last vision and a little after died when hee was about 110 yeares of age as may be gathered by the circumstances of Histories and times From Babylon he went to Susan in Persia an mun 3418 before Christ 550 being then 94 yeares of age which was 252 miles where neere to the flood Eulaeus hee had a vision of a ram and a goate which set forth the state of the second Monarchie which was that of the Graecians In this vision Gabriel the Archangel appeared to Daniel Dan. 8. This was in the third yeare of King Balthasar From Susan Daniel returned to Babylon which was 252 miles Here hee interpreted to Belthasar the meaning of these words Men Mene Tekel Euphrasin Dan. 5. From Babylon he went to the riuer Tygris of Hidekel which was accounted 36 miles here in the third yeare of Cyrus King of Persia he saw his last vision which is described in the 10 11 and 12 chapters of his prophecie From Tygris he returned to his own house at Babylon which was 36 miles Sometimes also in his three last yeares of his life he vsed to goe to Egbatan the Metropolitan citie of the Medes which was accounted 464 miles from Babylon towards the Northeast Here Daniel built a faire and artificiall Temple so strongly that it remained vnperished and retained the ancient beautie many ages to the great admiration of all the
be Iudge of all things both quicke and dead and rescueth his Church which is as a rose compassed ahout with thornes oppressed with the tyranny and cruelty of euil and wicked men casting those false iudges and mercilesse gouernors into eternall exile and the pit of destruction And as the Prophet was innocently condemned cast into the Lyons den and had the dore sealed vpon him and to the judgement of man no hope of life or meanes to escape was left him yet by the prouidence of God was deliuered out of this danger and came thence safe and vntoucht Dan. 6. so our Sauior was innocently condemned cast into the graue sealed vp among the dead and to common judgement left as a man out of minde yet early in the morning at the appointed time by the power of his Deitie he raised himselfe vp from this pit of hell the graue and gloriously triumphed ouer it and Death Of the Prophet Hosea THis Prophet Hosea was borne in a towne called Bemeloth or Bethmeloth as Dorotheus sometime Bishop of Tyre saith which was a towne in the Tribe of Issacher not farre from Bethulia some fiftie two miles from Ierusalem toward the North neere to which place Holofernes afterward pitched his Tents extending thence to the field of Esdrelon and the towne Chelmon from whence it seemeth this towne taketh the name He prophesied in Israel eight hundred yeares before Christ his name signifieth A Sauiour being deriued of Hoschiag the third conjugation of Iaschag that is He hath saued Mat. 2. Of the Prophet Ioel. IOel signifies Gods owne as Saint Ierome expoundeth it He prophesied eight hundred yeares before Christ both in Israel and in Iudah He was borne in a village which was called Bothomeron not farre from Sichem in the tribe of Manasses as Dorotheus the Bishop of Tyre sayeth Of The Prophet Amos. THis mans father dwelt at Tekoa a poore man one that kept kine and vsed to gather wilde figges as appeareth in the first and seuenth chapters of Amos. In this towne Amos was borne and followed the profession of his father but the Lord called him to be a Prophet and then he went to Bethel which was twelue miles distant Here he reprehended Ieroboam King of Israel for Idolatry and worshipping the golden Calfe after hee was accused by Amasia the chiefe priest of the Idols in Bethel and bound in chaines and at length Vria the sonne of this Amasia stroke him vpon his head with a speare whereby he was mortally wounded From Bethel being sicke hee was carryed backe to Tecoa which was twelue miles where a little after he died as Saint Ierome witnesseth in whose time his monument was to be seene Amos signifieth A burthen as indeed he was to the wicked Isralites he so sharpely reprehended them in his sermons of the law He liued eight hundred yeares before Christ So his trauels were 24 miles Of the Prophet Obediah OBediah signifies Gods obedient seruant of Abad he hath serued or been obedient He liued six hundred yeres before Christ about the time of the captiuitie of Babylon Saint Ierome saith that in his time there were to be seene in the citie of Samaria the monuments of three Prophets that is of Elisha Obediah and Iohn Baptist But some thinke that Obediah the Prophet lay not buried in Samaria but rather it was the sepulchre of that Obediah which liued in the time of Ahab that hid a hundred of the Lords Prophets 50 in one caue and 50 in another betweene which there were 300 yeares difference The Trauels of the Prophet Ionah THe Prophet Ionas was borne in Gath Hepher which was a towne in the Tribe of Zabulon from whence to Samaria is accounted thirtie two miles here he prophesied to Ieroboam second of that name King of Israel that he should recouer Hemath and Damascus and so to the plaine of the Red Sea 2 Reg. 14. From Samaria to Ioppa or Iapho a port towne vpon the sea shore to which Ionas went when he fled from the Lord was 38 miles But the Lord stirred vp a great winde when Ionas was vpon the sea that the Marriners cast him our and he was deuoured of a Whale Ionas 1. That Whale which had deuoured Ionas with a continuall course and great violence in three daies and three nights swam to the Euxine sea and there cast him vp vpon the shore which was 600 miles Ios Antiq. lib. 9. From the shore of the Euxine sea Ionas went to Niniueh which are eight hundred miles Here Ionas preached repentance to the Niniuites Ion. 3.4 So all the Trauels of Ionas were 1470 miles Of Gath Hepher IN this towne the Prophet Ionas was born it was scituated in the tribe of Zebulon sixty miles from Ierusalem Northward and foure miles from Nazareth towards the South It seemes to take the name from aboundance of grapes for Gath Ghephaer signifieth a Wine-presse Of Iapho IApho or Ioppa was a city or hauen towne scituated vpon the sea where all such ships landed as went into Iudaea At this day the Turks and Saracens call it Iafa lying vpon the Mediterranean sea in the tribe of Dan Ios 19. in a certain mountaine 20 miles from Ierusalem Northwestward Pliny li. 5. saith This city was built before the Floud and in S. Ieroms time there was to be seen the stone to which Andromeda was bound when she should haue bin deuoured by a monster of the sea The Poets feign this woman to be the daughter of Cepheus and deliuered by Perseus King of the Persians whom after she maried It is called Iapho because of the beautifull scituation Some say it was so called of Iapheth the son of Noah who first caused it to be built Of Tharsis FRom Ioppa as is said the Prophet Ionas descended into a ship that he might fly vpon the sea The Latine and Greeke texts reade it Tharsin whence it hapned that many haue thought that Ionas fled from Tharsis a city in Cilicia in which country Saint Paul was borne But Luther in his Exposition of the Prophecy of Ionas doth vtterly disallow of this as false for the Hebrew Text reades it not To Tharsin but In Tharsin that is into the Sea For the Hebrew tongue hath two words or syllables which signifie the Sea which are Iam and Tharsis Iam signifieth not onely a great sea but the meeting together of waters or a Lake So in Luke 5. the sea of Galile in which Christ and his Disciples saiâ—ed is called a Lake yet Ioh. cap. 6. and the rest of the Euangelists call it a sea So also Moses Gen. 1. calleth the meeting together of the waters Iam which may signifie a sea and a Lake But Tharsis or Tarschich denoteth a great sea and no Lake or an high and troublesome sea as the Mediterranean sea is In this Paul trauelled and there standeth many Islands as Rhodes Cyprus Sicilia and others all which are at this day subiect to the Turks Venetians or Spaniards It extendeth it selfe from
it stands in the same place yet doth it not retain the same name To this towne there is a great resort of merchants who bring vp their commodities from the Riuer Tygris hither and from hence conuey them to Bagdeth many other parts of the world The inhabitants thereof are for the most part Nestorians of whom you may reade before in the description of the Sects remaining in Ierusalem at this day They are had in great account and estimation among the Turkes because it is imagined that one of this sect helpt Mahomet to compose the Alcaron This Nestorius liued anno Dom. 429. and taught at Constantinople but after he was condemned at Ephesus for an heretick he was constrained to steale from Constantinople and to flie to Thebes in Egypt where God laid a grieuous punishment vpon him for his tongue began to rot in his head and to consume with vermin of which he died miserably The spirituall signification of the Prophet Ionas IOnas signifieth a Dove and typically representeth Christ in his name For Christ was that gratious and innocent Dove who hath made euident to man his singular mercy clemencie without any shew of bitternesse or wrath Then in his affliction for as Ionas thrust himselfe into the sea of calamity and there was swallowed vp of a Whale which might be well resembled to the grave so Christ our Sauior was cast into the sea of affliction the miserie and calamity of this world and after that thrust into the jawes of death the graue where as Ionas did in the whales belly he lay three daies and then arose againe the earth being vnable any longer to contain his body Of the Prophet Micah THis Prophet was born at Maresa a towne of Iudea 16 miles from Ierusalem Westward it signifieth a bitter field In S. Ieroms time the ruins of the wall of this City was to be seene Micha or Micheas signifieth humble or lowly This man was held in great estimation because he was the first that named the countrey where our Sauior Christ should be born viz. in Bethlehem 800 yeares before his natiuitie He liued an M. 3200. Of the Prophet Nahum NAhum signifies a Comforter Hee was borne in a towne of Galile called Elcosch as he saith in the beginning of his Prophecie This village was shewne vnto Saint Ierome by those that trauelled with him through the holy land in his time it was but a small village called by the name of Elcos and scituated as Dorotheus Bishop of Tyre saith on the further side of Bethabara sixteene miles and something more from Ierusalem toward the Northeast This Prophet liued 750 yeres before Christ and prophecied of the destruction of Niniveh which after came to passe Of the Prophet Habacuck HAbacuck or Chabacuck signifies One that embraceth or a louer from Chaback He hath embraced For as a Nurse embraceth and kisseth her infant so also this Prophet embraced and comforted his people with comfortable doctrine lest by the destruction of Ierusalem which he prophecied should after happen by the Chaldaeans they should be driuen to desperation Paul tooke the foundation of his Epistle to the Romanes out of this Prophet reciting a saying of his viz. The Iust shall liue by faith He began to preach a little before the Prophet Ieremy 650 yeres before Christ aboue 100 yeares before Daniel was cast into the Lions den From whence most of the Learned conclude that this could not be that Habacuck which brought meat to Daniel as hee was among the Lions but they rather thinke it a fragment of a spiritual comedy and therefore worthy to be called Apocrypha Of the Prophet Zephania ZEphania signifies the Secretary of the Lord being deriued of Zaphan He hath kept secret He liued in Ierusalem and Iudaea in the time of Iosiah King of Iuda He was born as Dorotheus Bishop of Tyre saith in a towne called Sabarthaca in the tribe of Simeon Of the Prophets Haggai and Zacharia HAggai or Chaggai signifieth A Priest celebrating the Feast of the Lord being deriued of Chagag He hath celebrated a feast And Zacharias or Zacharia doth denote such a man as remembred the Lord being deriued of Zachar that is Hee hath remembred or recorded These two Prophets prophecied in Ierusalem in the second yeare of Darius the son of Histaspis 519 years before Christ an mun 3449. Haggai began his prophecy vpon the first day of the sixt moneth Elul answering to the 28 of August He sharpely reprehended the people because they neglected the house of the Lord and built vp their own houses In the eighth moneth Marhusuan which for the most part answereth to our Nouember Zacharias the same yere began to prophecie and in his sermon exhorted the people to repentance adding the promise of our Sauior and that he would turn vnto them that would turn vnto him Zach. 1. These two Prophets lie buried 20 miles one from the other For as Dorothaeus Bishop of Tyre saith Haggai lies buried in Ierusalem amongst the Priests But Zacharias neere to a towne in the field of Bethania 20 miles from Ierusalem Westward But in the time of Theodosius the Emperor was remoued and preserued as an holy Relique Concerning that fable and figment inserted into the history Nicephorus I vtterly disallow Of the Prophet Malachi THis Prophet prophecied after the captiuity of Babylon and dwelt in the towne of Ziph as Dorotheus Bishop of Tyre saith Malachi signifies an Angel sent and in Greek a Messenger for this Prophet preached so comfortably as if he had bin an angell of God but principally of Christ and Saint Iohn Baptist who should goe before him to prepare his way and make his paths straight S. Ierom in his Epistle to Paul and Eustochius writes that some of the Hebrewes suppose this Malachi to haue been Esdras the Scribe who was sent by Artaxerxes Longimanus Emperour of the Persians to restore the commonwealth of Israel in the yeare before Christ 457. An Instruction how the Prophets may rightly bee vnderstood FIrst looke into the Cosmographicall Table at the beginning of this booke and diligently obserue the countries cities that are there set downe and how they lie scituated from Ierusalem Toward the South of Ierusalem the Idumeans Ismaelites Arabians and Egyptians dwell Toward the East the Moabits Ammonites Chaldaeans Babylonians and Persians Toward the North the Phoeniceans Syrians Assyrians and Armenians Toward the West lieth the Mediterranian sea Grecia Italy Spain and the Isles of the sea Secondly this rule is to be obserued that as often as the Prophets speake of the tribes of Israel they vse these names viz. Israel Samaria Ephraim Ioseph Iesreel Bethel Bethauen these are the names of the Kingdom of Israel but to the kingdome of Iuda these names are attributed viz. Iudah Ierusalem Benjamin the house of Dauid But when the Prophets ioyn these two Kingdoms together they call them by the names of Iacob and Israel Thirdly when thou readest in the Prophets the name of any
are mentioned Of Esdras the Lawyer ESdras signifies a helper of Asar he helped He is a type of our Lord Iesus Christ who is our helper and Sauiour which hath brought vs into that holy land eternall life and is the restorer of religion and the Christian Common-wealth This Esdras was sent to Ierusalem to restore the common-wealth of the Iewes Anno mundi 3511 before Christ 457 in the seuenth yeare of Artaxerxes Longimanus that good Emperour of the Persians So he went from Babylon to Ahaeua a certaine riuer neere Babylon to which place he assembled a great multitude of Iewes and from thence sent to Caspia to fetch a certaine number of Leuites this land was in Chaldea not far from Babylon These being here met together celebrated a fast vnto the Lord and with solemne prayers besought his aide and furtherance in their enterprise then they went thence to Ierusalem which was 680 miles and there restored the Iudaicall gouerment instituting Ecclesiasticall officers chiefe Priests Princes and other gouernours Of the land of Caspia THe land of Caspia signifieth the land of siluer being deriued of Kesaeph that is siluer It was so called because they vsed to dig siluer in that place see Lyra it was a country neere Babylon where the priests and Leuites were in captiuitie and stood 680 miles from Ierusalem towards the East Of Nehemia IN the 20 yeare of Artaxerxes Longimanus which was anno mun 3524 and before Christ 444. Nehemias went from Susan to Ierusalem which was 920 miles there hee repaired the walls and gates in 52 daies Nehem. 1.2.6 When he had gouerned Iudaea 12 yeares he returned backe againe to Susan to Artaxerxes Longimanus which was 920 miles Nehem. 3. Afterward Artaxerxes about the end of his raigne suffered Nehemia to returne backe againe to Ierusalem which was 920 miles Nehem. 17. So these journeyes of Nehemia make 2760 miles Of this citie Susan you may reade before Of the name and typicall signification of Nehemiah NEhemiah signifies The consolation of God being deriued of Nicham He hath comforted This man was a type of our Lord Iesus Christ for as Nehemias was a comfort vnto the dispersed Iewes in that he was sent to restore them into their own country and to rebuild Ierusalem so Christ our comforter was sent by his Father from that euerlasting throne of heauen to refresh comfort vs by his doctrine and gather the dispersed members of his Church into one communion that he might bring them into that heauenly Ierusalem which he hath built and where he hath prepared a place for vs. The Trauels of Serubabel SErubabel carried the people of Israel from Babylon to Ierusalem which was 680 miles in the first yeare of Cyrus Emperor of Persia anno mundi 3433 before Christ 535. In the 17 yeare of his gouernment he went from Ierusalem to Susan 920 miles 3 Esd 3.4 From Susan he went to Babylon which was 242 miles 3 Es 4. From Babylon in the same yere he returned to Ierusalem 680 miles where the next yeare after in the beginning of the second moneth which answers to the 21 of May in the 3 yere of Darius Ahasuerus Zerubabel and Iosua the chiefe Priests of the Iewes began to build the Temple and finisht it in the sixt yere of the same King 1 Esd 6. So all the trauels of Zerubabel were 2280 miles The Booke of ESTER MOrdochius was led prisoner with Iechoniah to Babylon which was 680 miles From Babylon he went to Susan which was 252 miles there he brought vp Ester his brothers daughter and taught her honest discipline and the feare of God This maid was very beautifull and comely wherefore at such time as Darius Ahasuerus the sonne of Hystaspis had caused all the beautifull Virgins of his Empire to be brought before him that from amongst them he might chuse him a wife Mordochius adorned this Virgin with goodly apparell and she also went with them in whose presence by his instruction she behaued her selfe so well that the Emperor chose her from among the rest and made her his Queene she being at that time but a poore maid and of small abilitie They were married in Susan in the second yere of his Empire an mun 3454 and before Christ 514. From whence it is euident That preferment commeth neither from the East nor from the West but from the Lord. So these two journies make 932 miles The Types and Allegories collected out of the Booke of Ester MOrdochius or Mordochai signifies bitter and contrite being deriued of Marah He was bitter and Dachah Sorrowfull and contrite A fit resemblance of that true Mordochius Christ Iesus who for our sinnes and offences was constrained to drinke of that bitter cup of afflictions the necessities of this world suffering in his body more than tollerable torments as you may reade in his passion therefore justly called Mordochius that is bitter and contrite Ester and Alma haue both one signification that is a virgin or one kept from the bed of man Therefore she was a notable image of the Church who keepeth her selfe chast and vndefiled auoyding the society of euill men and although she seeme to be desolate and forsaken in this world in respect of the wicked who flourish like a floure and glory in voluptuousnesse and pleasure yet hath shee her Mordochius her Spouse her deerely beloued which prouides for her euen Iesus Christ that immaculate lambe who died for her saluation and will clothe her in white put into her hand a regall scepter crowne her with glory and set her with him in the throne of eternall happinesse Ahasuerus signifies a noble Captaine and typically represents God the father for as the Emperour had the command of 127 Prouinces and in them did principally rule so God our heauenly father is the Emperor and gouernor of all Kingdomes and all creatures both in heauen and in earth be obedient to his will he sitteth in that euerlasting pallace of heauen that place of joy and that eternall Paradice from whence he looketh downe to behold vs miserable and distressed creatures vpon earth of his mercifull goodnesse electing and chusing vs to be heires of that eternall Kingdome and purifieth vs with the graces of his holy Spirit so that we might be made capable to sit with him in eternall felicitie The disdainfull Queene Vasthy may be a fit Type and Effigies of this world not onely in respect of her pride but her excesse in drinking taking her name from Schatha which signifies To drinke so this World liueth in all manner of prodigalitie and luxurie and contemneth the Lord and King thereof that Almighty God which sitteth in the Heauens and therefore is justly throwne downe from that eternall Kingdome whereas on the contrary humble Ester that is the Church is taken vp into dignitie and crowned in that euerlasting Kingdome of Heauen Haman signifies A rebellious and proud man being deriued of HAMAN He hath stirred vp a tumult typically representing the Diuel
with the fairest cities of those times being strongly fortified both by sea and land so that it seemed to be inuincible But at this day it is but a smal city the incursions of forrein enemies hauing wasted and destroied the greater part and left the rest to be a wonder to the world the heaps and ruins of goodly buildings making euident lamentable destructions Thus man with his deuices perisheth but the Lord endureth for euer Vpon the Booke of MACHABES The Trauels of Antiochus Epiphanes ANtiochus Epiphanes that is An illustrous Aduersary in the yeare of Christ 380 was sent out of Syria by Antiochus the Great to Rome which 1600 miles where he remained as an hostage for his father and his brother Seleucus Philopater seuenteen yeares 1 Mac. 1. After the death of his father he stole secretly from Rome and went backe again to Antiochia in Syria which was 1600 miles and there succeeded his brother Seleucus Philopater in the gouernment He began to reign 173 yeares before Christ In the third yeare of his reign he went from Antiochia to Tyrus 60 miles in that journey he conquered all the lower part of Syria and Phoenicia From thence he went aboue sixe score miles through Galilee and Iudaea conquering al the cities and countries that lay in his way and would also haue gon downe into Egypt but when hee heard that his nephew Ptolomais Philometor had proclaimed an assembly and parliament and would not acknowledge him for his Protector he sent Apolonius one of his princes vpon the day of the meeting into Egypt and he himselfe returned back again to Ioppa 2 Mac. 4. From Ioppa hee went to Ierusalem which was 20 miles where Iason the high-Priest and all the people receiued him with great honour At that time Antiochus placed a Gard in the Castle or tower of Ierusalem which was the beginning of their intolerable seruitude But for that yeare which was the fourth of his reign he returned through Phoenicia to Antiochia in Syria 280 miles In the fift yeare of his reign hee went from Antiochia with a great army into Cilicia being 80 miles There he appeased the vprores of the inhabitants of Tharsus and Mallotus and conquered all Cilicia 2 Mac. 4. From Cilicia he returned backe againe to Antiochia eightie miles In the sixt yeare of his reign Antiochus went with a great army both by sea and land wherein were many Elephants to Pelusio 400 miles This city he conquered and ouercame the Alexandrians in a navall battell 2 Mac. 4. From Pelusio hauing built a bridge ouer Nilus he went with his army to Memphis conquerd all the countries strong cities as he went about 140 miles and brought thither a mightie and great prey where according to the saying of the Prophet Daniel cap. 11. He dealt subtilly with Ptolomais Philometor From Memphis he returned to Alexandria where the citisens would not suffer him to enter the gates wherefore he besieged it but to small purpose which was 120 miles From Alexandria he returned to Pelusio which was 160 miles there he left a garrison to retaine what hee had gotten in Aegypt 1 Mac. 4. From Pelusio he returned to Antiochia with a great prey being 400 miles In the mean time Ptolomais King of Egypt his sister Cleopatra brought in the aid of the Romanes Livy Decad. lib. 4. 5. In the next yeare that is in the seuenth yeare of Antiochus Epiphanes there was seen in the aire as if there had been men fighting a Comet also appeared This happened in the yeare before Christ 167. This yeare in the spring Antiochus went the second time from Antiochia with his army into Alexandria in Egypt which was 560 miles So passing through Coelosyria and Iudaea hee came into Egypt which he inuaded with open war endeauoring to get that by force which hee could not get by entreaty But the Romans sent P. Popillius with other Embassadours into Egypt who hearing that Antiochus was come to Leusia which was within a mile of Alexandria the Romanes went thither to him Where when he had welcommed them and shewed all the courtesie hee could to P. Popillius P. Popillius deliuered him certain tables that he had about him written And first of all commanded him to reade them which he did Then he counselled with some of his friends What was best to be done in the businesse While he was thus in a great study P. Popillius with a wand that hee had in his hand made a circle about him in the dust saying Ere thou stirre a foot out of this circle returne thy answer that I may tell the Senate Whe-thou hadst rather haue warre or peace This hee vttered with such a firme countenance that it amased the King Wherefore after he had paused a while quoth hee I will doe what the Senate hath written or shall thinke fit So doing little or nothing in Egypt hee returned backe againe Iustine Lib. 34. Decad. Lib. 4. cap. 5. Ios lib. 12. cap. 6. These things hapned ann vrb Rom. 585. L. Aemilius Paulus Caius Licinius Crassus being then Consuls in which yeare the Moon was totally eclipsed Aemilius ouercame Perseus King of Macedon and reduced Macedonia into a Prouince Lib. Dec. 4. lib. 5. From Leusia Antiochus fearing lest the Iewes would forsake his Empire and rebell went to Ierusalem which was 288 miles but the inhabitants of the towne shut him out of the city wherefore he besieged it and by the treason of Menelaus chiefe Priest who for that purpose conspired with the gard that was in the castle quickly got it and entred the gates In every place where he came hee put the Citisens to the sword and for three daies space did little else but cruelly massacre the people He went also with Menelaus into the Temple where he polluted the sacred things of the Temple and took thence the vessels of siluer gold or whatsoeuer he found pretious or worthy so that the prey he tooke amounted to 1800 talents which make almost 11 tunne of pure gold all which were partly gifts dedicated to the Temple and partly treasure that was left there as in a safe and sure place to the vse of poore distressed widowes and orphans After that Antiochus had robbed the Temple of all the siluer and gold that he could finde had banished Iason had placed a strong garrison in the tower of Acropolis the captaine of which was one Philip a very cruell man and made Menelaus high-Priest with all this booty and some number of captiues hee returned to Antiochia which was 280 miles In the yeare following that is before Christ 166 Lu. Aemilius Paulus triumphed for the wars of Macedonia Not long after Antiochus misdoubting the fidelitie of the Iewes sent Apolonius with an army of 22000 to Ierusalem who entred the city vpon the Sabbath day and committed many outrages Then Antiochus hauing spent a great part of the gold and siluer which he had got from Ierusalem about the eleuenth yeare of his
reigne made his expedition from Antiochiato Persepolis it was also called Elymaides in Persia which was 196 miles Here he took the temple of Diana spoiled all that country round about and with strong hand gathered together a great masse of gold and siluer to maintain warre against Iudas Machabeus But a multitude of citisens disliking his sacriledge banded themselues together and put Antiochus and his souldiers to flight before hee could take the city of Persepolis 1 Mach. 6. 2 Mach. 9. Wherefore being driuen from thence he fled with his army to Egbatana a city in Media which was 209 miles Here hauing certain intelligence by letters of the noble exploits of Iudas Machabeus and that he purged the temple of such things as were prophane he fell into an extreme griefe and like one distracted railed against the Iewes and swore to be reuenged of them 1 Mac. 9. In this extreme anger he went from Egbatana to Babylon with his army which was 464 miles But as he went his Chariot was ouerthrown in the fall wherof he was so extremely wounded that they were constrained to carry him in a bed to Babylon where he shortly after died miserably So all his trauels were 8153 miles Thus may we see with what difficulties and dangers this wicked prince obtained his victories and past away his life somtime in trauel his journies long and troublesome somtimes in prosperitie somtimes in aduersitie again somtimes afflicted with troublesome cogitations sometimes with extreame anger seldome in peace and then also his actions sauoring of violence and filthines From whence it appeareth That the wicked with more sorowes troubles and vexations gaine eternall damnation than the Iust though they suffer many grieuous afflictions obtain euerlasting saluation For amongst all the Patriarchs good Kings and Prophets there is not found any that had so many long and tedious journies as this Antiochus who continually oppressed his minde and conscience with vnprofitable vanities and wicked thoughts and at length had a miserable and terrible end ¶ Of the Cities and places mentioned in his Trauels Of Antiochia ANtiochia where Antiochus Epiphanes kept his court was antiently called Chaemath or Riblah It was scituated in Syria 180 miles from Ierusalem towards the North neer to the Cities Seleucia Laodicea and Apamea which foure Cities as Strabo saith in the sixteenth Booke of his Geographie was built by Seleucus Nicanor first King of Syria This man was a mighty Prince and obtained the name of Nicanor which signifieth Victorie because he prospered in his warres and conquered his aduersaries For when within 13 yeares after the death of Alexander the Great hee had got the kingdome of Syria hee became so great in the 31 yeare of his reign that he obtained the empire of all the East and beside as Strabo saith re-edified and built vp these foure cities calling one of them Antiochia after the name of his father another Laodicea after the name of his mother a third after his own name Seleucia and the last Apamea after the name of his wife These foure cities because they were all built by one man and at one time were called Sisters But Antiochia was much fairer than the other and in those times was a greater city than any other called after that name yea it was equal to Alexandria in Egypt for glory and excellencie of building It was diuided into foure parts and those parts seperated with four wals The first which was antiently called Hemath A violent anger of Chamathai the sonne of Canaan was after Riblath from the multitude of the inhabitants and the third time by Seleucus after his fathers name called Antiochia In this part Seleucus to dignifie the City kept his court it being compassed about with goodly walls In the second part the citisens of Syria inhabited In the third Seleucus Callimichus afterward King of the Syrians kept his court and greatly beautified it But in the fourth where afterward many Christians inhabited Antigonus Epiphanes continued and did greatly adorn it and set it forth with goodly buildings and sumptuous houses Close by the Citie there stood a pleasant wood watered with many cleare fountains and delightfull springs to which there resorted a great multitude of Fowles of diuers sorts which sung very pleasantly among the trees to the great content and delectation of the citisens In the midst of this wood stood the temple of Apollo and Diana goodly things and very curiously built It was called the wood of Daphne because it was full of Laurel trees From this wood all the countrey thereabout is called Epidaphne Not far off standeth the riuer Orontes which beginneth in Coelosyria and passeth vnder the earth til it comes neere to Apamea where it riseth and watreth all Antiochia So passing thence it runneth some 16 miles and so fals into the Mediterranian sea Heere Paul preached and kept a Synod Euseb lib. 7. cap. 24. 25. There was another Synod kept heere by the Arrians Trip. lib. 4. 9. Stephanus reckons vp many other cities of this name as Antiochia Lisidia in Galatia where Paul preached Act. 3. and is distant from this 384 miles Antiochia in Mesopotamia which is also called Mygdonia and Nisibis in which Apollophanes the Stoicke and Pharnuchus that wrot the Persian historie are said to be born Antiochia between Syria and Arabia built by Semiramis Antiochia in Cilicia scituated neere to the riuer Pyramus Antiochia in Pieria also called by the Syrians Arados There is also a city called Antiochia neere mount Taurus in the countrey of Comagena Antiochia scituated vpon the lake of Callichan Antiochia in Scythia There was another in Caria called also Pithapolis Antiochia Marigiana built by Antiochus Soter And many Authors call Tharsus in Cilicia by the name of Antiochia Antiochia signifies an Aduersarie Of Rome ROme stands 1528 miles from Ierusalem Westward Of this city you may reade more in the trauels of the Apostle Paul Tyrus Ioppa Memphis Pelusio Mallo and Alexandria are before described Of Tharsus TArsus or Tharsus signifieth aa Hyacinth stone so called as some thinke of Tharsis the son of Iavan the son of Iaphet the son of Noah Gen. 10. It was distant from Ierusalem 304 miles Northward Of Persepolis PErsepolis was the metropolitan city of Persia distant from Ierusalem 1240 miles Eastward So called of Perseus that mightie King of the Persians who re-edified it and gaue it that name which is as much to say as the city of the Persians which also of him were so called The Astronomers because he was greatly affected to such as were skilfull in that art attributed his name and his wiues name to two constellations in the heauens of which Ovids fable is contriued of Pegasus and Andromache This city of Persepolis was so fair that it exceeded all the cities of the East both for statelinesse and beauty and so continued from Perseus time vntill Alexander the Great had conquered Darius at which time this great Emperor hauing got into his hand the whole
all his wealth and returned into their citie with great joy But Ionathan and Simon tooke this injurie very heauily and much bewailed the death of their brother wherefore that they might bee reuenged of the inhabitants of Medaba they went thence twenty eight miles and hid themselues among the mountaines just in the way that led ftom Medaba to Canaan for they had heard that the sonnes of Iambri and the inhabitants of Medaba were gone forth with great jollitie to fetch home a Bride which was a Princes daughter of the land of Canaan Now as they were merrie vpon the way Ionathan and Simon his brother with their army went out from among the Mountaines and put a great number of them to the sword taking away a mighty spoyle From Medaba they went to the riuer Iordan which was three miles where vpon the East side of the riuer they pitched their Tents here he was constrained to fight a cruell battell with Bacchides vpon the Sabboth day but as he was in the fight hee met Bacchides and lift vp his hand to strike at him but he seeing the danger retyred Neuerthelesse he put to the sword 1000 of his men and after he and his followers leapt into the riuer and swam ouer so they all escaped without danger In the 56 yeare of the Graecians gouernment in Syria which was the fifth yere of the principalitie of Ionathan Bacchides returned againe with his army into Iudaea and besieged Ionathan and Simon in Bethbesan otherwise called Bethgalam some three miles distant from Iordan Here Ionathan leauing his brother Simon in the citie stole out by a posterne and went to all the villages neere adjoyning from whence he gathered an army of chosen men and set vpon Bacchides Simon also broke out of the city and set vpon him so that they greatly oppressed him and burned his Tents 1 Macchab. 9. Wherefore when Bacchides vnderstood that Ionathan and Simon had fortified that citie and that the Iewes were readie to defend it hee concluded a peace with Ionathan the captiues of either part were redeliuered and the Iewes liued in peace a good while after 1 Macchab. 9. From Bethbesan Ionathan went to Michmas which was six miles here he dwelt for a while and judged the people of Israel cherishing the good and rooting out the euill from amongst them 1 Macch. 9. From Michmas he went to Ierusalem which was ten miles Hither Alexander King of Syria and sonne of Antiochus Epiphanes sent him a purple robe and a golden crowne and ordained him high Priest of the Iewes Wherefore Ionathan on the day of the feast of the Tabernacles which was in the yere before Christ 150 tooke vpon him the office to be high Priest 1 Macchab. 10. The next yeare after which was the tenth of Ionathans rule after the death of Demetrius king of Syria who was slaine in the warres against Alexander there appeared a Comet of an extraordinarie greatnesse which was of such an exceeding brightnesse that it tooke away the darknesse of the night and the writers of those times affirme it to equall the Sunne in greatnesse After this Prodigi the Romans began the third Punick warre against the Carthaginians vide Camerar lib. 2. de ostent Ionathan in the eleuenth yeare of his raigne went from Ierusalem to Ptolemais which was 76 miles to the marriage of Alexander King of Syria and Cleopatra the daughter of Ptolomeus Philometor King of Aegypt where he was entertained very honourably 1 Mac. 10. From thence hee returned to Ierusalem which was 76 miles 1 Mac. 10. From Ierusalem he went to Ioppa and woon the towne which was 20 miles From Ioppa he went to Asdod which was 12 miles there he burnt the Temple of Dagon and all that were in it From thence he went with his armie to Ascalon which was 12 miles this towne willingly yeelded vnto him From Ascalon he returned to Ierusalem which was 38 miles 1 Mac. 10. In the 15 yeare of his gouernment hee went to Ioppa which was 20 miles to meet Ptolomeus Philometer King of Aegypt and stayed there all that night 1 Mac. 11. The next day he went with the King of Aegypt to the riuer of Eleutherius which was 200 miles From thence he returned backe again to Ierusalem which was 200 miles Heere he besieged the tower of Acropolis because there were many wicked men got into it In the sixteenth yeare of his gouernement he went from Ierusalem to Ptolomais to Demetrius Nicanor King of Syria which was 76 miles From Ptolomais he returned backe to Ierusalem which was 76 miles From Ierusalem in the seuenteenth yeare of his gouernment he went beyond the riuer Euphrates which was accounted 400 miles and there gathered an army in ayd of Antiochus the younger the sonne of Alexander and went against Demetrius Nicanor King of Syria From thence he returned to Ierusalem which was 400 miles From Ierusalem hee went with his army to Ascalon which was 30 miles From thence he came to Gaza which was 18 miles this towne he besieged and after a sharpe battell woon it From Gaza he went to Damascus in Syria which was about 200 miles From thence he returned to the lake of Genesereth which was 104 miles Here hee opposed the Army of Demetrius Nicanor King of Syria From thence before day he remoued his campe to Chazor which was 32 miles where when part of his armie was put to flight by a stratagem he tore his garments put dust vpon his head and praied earnestly vnto the Lord for ayd and assistance so hauing recouered his strength and former courage hee returned with those few that hee had left him to the war where he put the army of King Demetrius to flight and slew three thousand of his men with the sword His enemies being thus dispersed hee pursued them to their Tents neere Cades in Galile which was 6 miles From thence he returned to Ierusalem with a glorious victorie which was about some 92 miles Here he made a league with the Romans and Spartans 1 Mac. 11.12 From Ierusalem he went with his armie into the countrey of Hemath that is Syria to the riuer Eleutherius which was 200 miles here he put his enemies to flight after they had burnt and consumed their Tents From thence he went to Nabathia in Arabia which was 120 miles Here he conquered the Arabians and Zabadians and spoiled their land From thence he went through all that country and wasted it till he came within eighty miles of Damascus From thence he returned home to Ierusalem which was 160 miles In the 18 and last yeare of his raigne he caused the wals of Ierusalem to be built and began to fortifie many places in Iudea 1 Macch. 12. Also the same yeare which was the 160 yeare of the gouernment of the Graecians in Syria the second booke of Macchabees was written as appeareth cap. 1. After from Ierusalem hee went to Bethsan to meet Tryphon which was 44 miles here being deceiued by the faire
vpon the East side of the riuer they pitcht their tents 12 miles Here they fought with Bacchides After they went thence to Bethbesan 3 miles From thence they went to Ierusalem 12 miles Ios Ant. li. 18. cap. 1. From Ierusalem they went to Ioppa 20 miles and wonne the towne Ios lib. Ant. 13. ca. 6. From Ioppa they went to Asdod 12 miles and in the way they put the enemy to flight From Asdod they went to Ascalon which was 12 miles 1 Mac. cap. 10. From Ascalon they returned to Ierusalem which was 30 miles 1 Mac. 10. From thence he went to Bethsura halfe a mile this towne he won and placed a garrison in it 1 Mac. 11. Also in the absence of his brother Ionathan Simon went with his army to Ascalon which was 30 miles from Ierusalem 1 Mac. cap. 12. From thence he went to Ioppa which was twenty miles This towne the second time hee tooke and placed a Garrison therein ◠Mac. 12. From Ioppa hee returned againe to Ierusalem which was twenty miles Ios antiq lib. 13. cap. 8. From Ierusalem in the last yeare of his brother Ionathans gouernment he went to the plain of Sephala about 14 miles where he built the Hold of Abida 1 Mac. 12. From thence he returned to Ierusalem 14 miles There after the captiuitie of his brother Ionathan whom Tryphon by cunning had betrayed as is before said hee was chosen by the people of the Iewes into the principalitie From thence hee went to Addus to meet Tryphon 16 miles where he would haue ransomed his brother Ionathan 1 Machab. cap. 13. From Addus he went to a city of the Idumaeans called Ador or Adaram 48 miles From Ador he returned into Iudaea with his army 40 miles that he might oppose the inuasion of Tryphon and his souldiers lest they should haue destroyed the country and got Ierusalem in his absence Tryphon hauing put to death his brother Ionathan which was in the yeare before Christ 140 Simon entered vpon the office of high priest the same yere and continued in the gouernment eight yeares In the first yeare of his gouernment he went from Ierusalem to Modin 14 miles Here he buried the body of his brother Ionathan in his fathers sepulchre very honorably and richly beautified it From Modin he returned to Ierusalem 14 miles where he executed his priestly function diligently repaired the holds and decaied towns of Iudea compassing them about with stone wals and fortifying them with towers and bulwarks From thence he went to Gaza 44 miles from Ierusalem South-westward This town he tooke From thence he returned to Ierusalem which was foure and forty miles There he repaired the tower of Acropolis wherin he dwelt From Ierusalem he went to Ioppa and won the towne which was 20 miles From Ioppa he returned to Ierusalem which was twenty miles where for a time hee liued very honourably and kept a princely port 1 Mac. 14. Lastly he went with his two sons Iudas and Mattathias and his wife to visit his father in law Ptolomeus the son of Abodus to the castle of Doch which was neere to Iericho some ten miles from Ierusalem towards the Northeast Here he was slain by his father in law at a banquet in the yeare before Christ 132 in the 11 moneth which answereth to our February 1 Mac. 16. So all his trauels were 799 miles ¶ The description of the places mentioned in his Trauels Of Arabath ARrabath or Araba was a city neere to the lake or riuer Merom not farre from Dothan 44 miles from Ierusalem toward the North. It seemes to take the name from Locusts wherof there are many kinds 1 Mac. 5. for there are Locusts that liue vpon herbs and flours others that fly in great swarms in the aire and some also that liue in the waters not much vnlike Crabs or Crayfishes their tailes only excepted Plin. lib. 9. cap. 12. reckons vp another kinde of Locusts whereof Iohn Baptist did feed and it was lawfull for the Iewes to eat of them hee describes them to haue foure feet and wings so that they can either fly or leap vpon the earth They can be resembled to nothing more fitly than to grashoppers These the Hebrewes call Rabae Levit. 11. Mat. 3. because of the aboundance of them being deriued of the verbe Rabah He hath multiplied or increased because these kinds of Locusts come in mighty great swarmes and multitudes into the East part of the world Of these kindes of Locusts Arabath took the name but they are not known to vs neuerthelesse such there are and as it appeareth in Levit. cap. 11. were permitted to be eaten among the Iewes From whence may be concluded that Iohn Baptist liued vpon these kinde of Locusts and not vpon Crabs or Cray-fishes or any such kinde of Locusts Mat. 3. Of Sephela SEphela is a plain compassed about with mountaines neere the riuer Sorecke It lieth 14 miles from Ierusalem Westward Here Simon built the castle Adida and fortified it very strongly Afterward there was a city built neere to this tower called Eleutheropolis It was a free city in the tribe of Iudah halfe way between Ierusalem and Ascalon of which Ierome speaketh li. de Locis Hebr. Of Doch THis was a strong tower the ruins wherof may be seen to this day It was scituated neere Iericho in the field of Hiericuntis ten miles from Ierusalem Northeastward where Ptolomeus the son of Abodus perfidiously put to death his son in law Simon high Priest of the Iewes From this tower you might haue seen all the country of the Giliadites the two tribes of Gad and Reuben and the halfe tribe of Manasses with the mountains of the Moabites Nebo Pisga and Abarim vid. 1 Mac. ca. vlt. The Trauels of Iohn Hyrcanus IOhn Hyrcanus was made Captaine ouer all the men of War by his father Simon and went from Ierusalem to Gaza 44 miles where he dwelt 1 Mac. 13. From thence he returned to Ierusalem 44 miles in the 5 yeare of his fathers gouernment to let him vnderstand how Cendebius had inuaded the holy land 1 Mac. 16. From Ierusalem he and his brother Iudas went with their army to Modin 14 miles where they stayed all night The next morning before day they gaue battell to Cendebius not far from Modin ouercame him and put him to flight So he pursued the chase till he came to the fortresse of Cedron which stood in the field of Azotus euen 8 miles From the field of Azotus he and his brother Iudas returned to Ierusalem being 22 miles 1 Mac. 16. From Ierusalem he returned to Gaza which is 44 miles Now when Sorius Ptolomeus the son of Abodus who a little before had treacherously slaine his sonne in law Simon at a banquet heard of Iohns comming into the towne he sent forth certain traitors and homicides to put him to death also but Hyrcanus hauing certain intelligence of the matter preuented the mischief and put these traitors to the sword 1 Mac.
So all his trauels were 320 miles Of Amanus AManus was a mountain between Syria and Cilicia which extendeth it selfe to the riuer Euphrates Between this Amanus and Euphrates Arabia deserta is scituated 400 miles from Ierusalem Northward and signifies The mountain of truth from Aman True and faithfull The Trauels of Demetrius Nicanor the sonne of Demetrius Soter IN the 165 yeare of the gouernment of the Grecians in Syria which was 141 yeares before Christ Demetrius syrnamed Nicanor which signifies Victorre sailed out of Creet into Cilicia which was 600 miles Ios Ant. 13. c. 6. 1 Mac. 10. Out of Cilicia he came into Syria the lower 160 miles where ioyning with Apolonius he tooke vpon him the crowne and Kingdom of Syria Afterward Apolonius went into Iudaea with a great army and besieged Iamnia Ptolomeus Philometor also assisted the proceedings of Demetrius seeing Alexander his son in law beginning to decline and the better to strengthen their allyance matched him to Cleopatra his daughter which before had bin wife to Alexander by which policie he added to the kingdom of Egypt all Asia ouer which he ruled 2 yeares 1 Mac. 11. After Demetrius Nicanor came out of Siria the lower with Ptolomeus Philometor to Antiochia which was 80 miles 1 Mac. 11. From Antiochia they went with their army to a plain neer the mountain Amanus 120 miles where in a sharpe war they ouercame Alexander and put him out of his kingdom Ios Ant. li. 3. c. 7. Now after the death of Ptolomeus Philometor Demetrius Nicanor Nicanor returned to Antiochia 120 miles where he gouerned the kingdome of Syria two yeares From Antiochia he went to Ptolomais which was 200 miles to which place Ionathan the high priest came to meet him where he gaue to him many presents and great gifts to win his fauour 1 Mac. 11. From Ptolomais he returned to Antiochia 200 miles There his soldiers and the city of Antiochia rebelled against him For which cause Ionathan the high-priest sent him 3000 men which deliuered the King out of danger put to the sword 100000 of the seditious and burnt the city of Antiochia 1 Mac. 11. But after Demetrius shewed himselfe vnthankfull hee was driuen out of his kingdome by Tryphon and yong Antiochus the sonne of King Alexander who was also called Theos which signifies God In the 172 yeare of the reigne of the Grecians in Syria which was 138 before Christ Nicanor hauing slaine Antiochus the son of Alexander he would haue reigned alone in Syria wherefore Demetrius who was the lawfull King of Syria being 3 yeares before driuen thence went 1200 miles into Media to craue aid against Tryphon but Arsaces king of the Medes Parthians and Persians sent the chiefe captain of his host against Demetrius who burned his tents tooke him prisoner and caried him back to his master to Hecatompylon the chiefe city of his kingdome distant from Syria 1220 miles toward the East Iustin lib. 36. 38. From Hecatompylon Arsaces sent him to Hyrcania the Metropolitan city of that countrey which was 176 miles where although Arsaces kept him as a prisoner yet he allowed him royall attendance and after maried him to his daughter Iust lib. 38. After the death of Arsaces with singular industry and policie he got out of captiuitie after he had beene 12 yeares prisoner in Hyrcania and came into Syria which was 14 miles where he recouered his kingdome and reigned foure yeares So all his Trauels were 4156 miles ¶ Of the Places to which he trauelled Of Creta now called Candia THis is an Island of the Mediterranian sea distant from Ierusalem 600 miles Westward very fruitfull and pleasant in which there growes great plenty of Cypresse trees and grapes of diuers kindes but principally such whereof Malmsey and Sacke are made Here Tytus Pauls Disciple was Bishop wherefore you shall reade more of it after Of Seleucia SEleucia is a famous city of Syria scituated vpon the shore of the Mediterranian sea 280 miles from Ierusalem Northward neere to which the riuer Orantes runneth and the mountaine Casius standeth which is 4 miles high Plin. l. 5. c. 22. You may read more of this in the trauels of S. Paul Of Syria SYria was sometimes called of the Hebrewes Aram of Aram the sonne of Sem of whom all Armenia tooke the name Aram signifies A man of great spirit and dignity being deriued of Rom that is lifted vp for he was a man of an excellent spirit Gen. cap. 10. Syria signifieth a great tract of land and is diuided into two parts the vpper and the lower In the vpper Syria are these cities Antiochia Seleucia Laodicea and Apamea in the lower Syria are Sydon Tyrus Berytus Tripolis and Orthosia This Countrey is scituated in a very temperat Zone from whence it happeneth that it is neither oppressed with too much cold nor heate There are that diuide Syria into foure parts that is into Syria Assyria Leucosyria and Coelosyria Also Pliny Lib. 5. Cap. 12. attributeth Mesopotamia and Babylonia to Syria But it is euident that these were distinct Countries from them in the which there reigned Emperours and Kings which had large and spatious Dominions For Syria is scituated betweene the Mediterranian sea and Euphrates but Mesopotamia which is so called because it is scituated in the middle of waters is separated from Syria and Assyria with the riuers Euphrates Tygris and Arabia is separated from Syria and Babylon with many vast wildernesses Therefore these countries cannot properly passe vnder the denomination of Syria Of Parthia PArthia is a spatious country full of mountains and desarts lying vpon the borders of Media Westward the Metropolis whereof is Hecatompylon taking the name of 100 gates wherewith it is fortified It lieth as Stephanus saith 1512 miles from Ierusalem Eastward Here Arsaces that mighty King of the Parthians kept his court who had vnder his gouernment Media Parthia Persia Hircania and the greatest part of all the countries toward the East It is called Parthia because of the fruitfulnesse of the soile being deriued of Parah To fructifie Of Hyrcania HYrcania is a fruitfull and pleasant countrey bordering vpon Media and the Caspian sea for the most part plain champian beautified with many faire Cities the chiefe of which are Hyrcania the Metropolis of the whole kingdome Talebrota Samariana Carta and Tape It was so fat and fruitfull that the inhabitants vse not to till and dresse the ground as they doe in other places but the seed that falleth from the huske vpon the earth springeth vp and bringeth forth great plenty and increase without further labour The Dewes also falling vpon the trees there droppeth from them oile and honey in great plenty It taketh the name as it is thought from a Wood called Hyrcania In like manner the Caspian sea which bordereth vpon it of this country is called Hyrcanum Many cruel beasts are found therein as the Panther the Tyger and the Leopard The Panther is of a whitish colour inclining something
he returned to Ierusalem 280 miles where he began to build the tower of Acropolis in mount Acra and that he might please that wicked King and keep his fauour hee built certain Theatres in Ierusalem and caused Interludes and Playes to be acted in them at such times and vpon such daies as the people were wont to meet in the Temple to serue God Also K. Antiochus Epiphanes in the 4 yeare of his priesthood comming to Ierusalem he gaue him royall entertainment The same yeare Iason was put out of his office of high-priest by the policy and cunning of his brother Menelaus and was constrained to fly into the land of the Ammonites beyond Iordan being 40 miles Two yeares after when Antiochus Epiphanes inuaded Aegypt there was a vaine rumor that he was slain wherefore Iason with a thousand souldiers returned to Ierusalem which was 40 miles and broke suddenly into the city so that Menelaus was constrained for safety of his life to fly to the garrison of the Syrians that were in Ierusalem But Antiochus hearing what had hapned came out of Aegypt with a great army to Ierusalem wherefore he fled thence backe again to the Ammonites 40 miles but they fearing that Antiochus would come thither with his army he was accused before Areta King of Arabia and constrained to fly from one city to another for safety Wherefore when he perceiued that he could not liue there secure he went thence into Egypt 280 miles From thence he went to the Lacedemonians 600 miles where he died in exile being cast out vnlamented or buried So all his trauels were 1560 miles Of Lacedemonia the metropolitan city of Peloponesus LAcedemonia or Sparta was a famous city of Peloponnesus distant from Ierusalem 600 miles toward the West which although it had no wals yet was it one of the fairest and most populous cities in all Grecia and was called Sparta of Spartus who was sometime King thereof and rebuilt it adorning it with faire goodly buildings At first it was built by one Lacedaemon who was king thereof and of him called Lacedemonia and after Menelaus that mighty King of the Grecians who had to wife Helena the fairest woman of all Grecia kept his court there Here also Lycurgus that famous Philosopher reigned as King and prescribed to the citisens and inhabitants excellent lawes by the obseruance whereof they became famous in after-ages and performed many noble wars and exploits against their enemies Ionathan and Simon held a friendly league with the Lacedemonians The Trauels of the high-Priest Menelaus THis Menelaus called also Onias was as Iosephus saith the third son of Simon the Iust and brother to Iason although 2 Mac. 3 4. he is said to be the brother of one Simon of the tribe of Benjamin who was chiefe of those that kept the Temple of whom you may reade before This man in the fourth yere of Antiochus Epiphanes was sent by Iason his brother to Antiochia being 280 miles vpon certain busines but principally to cary the king mony Where he made a secret Contract with him to pay him 30 talents * That is 180000 Crownes beside all that his brother Iason had payd him if hee would institute him to be high-Priest The King in hope of profit gaue eare to his motion and vnder pretence of injury wrong offered by Iason constrained him to leaue his office and flie from Ierusalem into the land of the Ammonites for his safety and so instituted Menelaus to be chiefe Priest of the Iewes who entred vpon his gouernment in the yeare before Christ 169. Wherefore Menelaus returned from Antiochia to Ierusalem 280 miles where he began to gouern not as chiefe Priest but as a cruell and wicked tyrant 2 Mac. 4. But when in the beginning of his gouernment hee could not pay that great summe of money which he had promised the king sent for him to Antiochia being 280 miles where for that time he was remoued from his office and his brother Lysimacus ordained chiefe Priest in his roome Wherefore Menelaus being sore troubled vexed and grieued in mind for that which had hapned in the first yeare of his priesthood returned backe from Antiochia to Ierusalem beeing 280 miles But a little after when Antiochus Epiphanes brought an Armie into Cilicia to suppresse the rebellion of the Tharsians and Mallotans Menelaus taking aduantage of the Kings absence went to Andronichus who was chief Agent for the King in Syria to Antiochia 280 miles and there gaue him certain golden vessels and jewels that he had stolne out of the temple to hire him to be his friend and help him to his office of high-priesthood againe But Onias the elder hearing of this sacriledge greatly reprehended Menelaus for this shamefull fact but he taking it in ill part combined with Andronichus who by faire speeches alluring him out of the sanctuary in the wood Daphne put him to death after hee had bin 5 years in exile But King Antiochus returning from Antiochia accused Andronichus of treason and by the means of a certain Courtier receiued Menelaus into fauor From Antiochia Menelaus returned to Ierusalem 280 miles where by the help of his brother Lysimachus he stole a great masse of mony out of the Temple Which sacriledge being known to the people they fell to vprore and killed Lysimachus close by the Treasurie They accused Menelaus also before Antiochus 2 Mac. cap. 4. Antiochus in the second yeare of his priesthood went to Tyrus which is 100 miles where he so corrupted certain courtiers with mony that he procured the fauor of Antiochus and caused his Accusers good and iust men to be banished thence as slanderers and such as went about to defame Menelaus From Tyrus he returned backe again to Ierusalem 100 miles where he fell into his old crueltie and in the third yere of his gouernment receiued Antiochus Epiphanes with his army into the city of Ierusalem who cruelly murthered the citisens and spoyled the Temple 2 Mac. 5. After the death of Antiochus who as it is said perished of a grieuous disease and was buried at Babylon his sonne Antiochus Eupator came with a great Army into Iudaea in hostile manner Wherefore Menelaus in the last yeare of his Priesthood went out to meet him But Lysias accused him vnto the King as one that was the onely author of all the euills that had hapned to the Iewes Wherefore Antiochus willed Lysias to take him prisoner who brought him to Berea a towne in Syria distant from Ierusalem 360 miles Northward where vpon the top of a Tower fifty cublts high he was tied to a wheel and had all his joints broken and through the extremity of the pain died 2 Mac. 3. So all his trauels were 2240 miles The Trauels of Alcimus High-Priest of the posteritie of Aaron THis Alcimus after the death of Menelaus which was the yere before Christ 150 went with certaine impious and wicked men to Demetrius Soter who liued in Antiochia in
Syria being 280 miles and there accused Iudas Machabeus and all the godly Iews vsing such flattery toward the King that he obtained the principalitie and office of high-Priest which he held three years 1 Mac. 7. From Antiochia he and Bacchides returned back to Ierusalem where hee was instituted in the office of high-priesthood which is 280 miles But when he saw that hee was not able to withstand the power and singular vertue of Iudas Machabeus he returned back to Antiochia 280 miles where after hee had accused the good men among the Iewes he obtained aid of Demetrius who sent Nicanor with a great army into Iudaea against Iudas to establish Alcimus in the priesthood So Alcimus and Nicanor returned into Iudaea 280 miles But Alcimus seeing familiar conference to passe between Nicanor and Iudas Machabeus he went backe againe to Antiochia 280 miles where he told Demetrius of the perfidious dealing of Nicanor Wherefore Demetrius being very angry at what had hapned wrot a sharp letter to Nicanor giuing him to vnderstand That it was much against his minde that hee should make a league with Iudas and further willed him the said league notwithstanding to bring him bound to Antiochia Vpon receit of which letter he made war vpon Iudas in which expedition Nicanor was taken and had his head cut off All this hapned in the first yeare of the priesthood of Alcimus But when Demetrius heard of this ouerthrow he sent Bacchides and Alcimus with a great army who went to Antiochia and came to Masloth in the country of Arbela 192 miles where they made incursions vpon the tribe of Nepthaly slew a great multitude of the Israelites 1 Mac. 9. From Masloth they went with their army to Gilgal 76 miles This hapned in the second yeare of the priesthood of Alcimus From Gilgal they came to Ierusalem 12 miles 1 Macchab. cap. 9. From thence they brought their army to Berea 12 miles here they were ouercome and put to flight by Iudas Machabeus 1 Mac. cap. 9. From Berea they fled amongst the mountaines which are between Azotus and Gazeron six miles Here Iudas Machabeus was slaine Wherefore Alcimus returned thence backe again to Ierusalem 20 miles and caused the walls of the inner house of the Temple and the monuments of the Priests to be taken down destroied but before his command was fully executed the Lord strooke him with a dead palsie of which he lay a time dumbe but within a while after he died of that disease in the second yeare of his priesthood an mundi 3811 and before Christ 157. Alcimus being dead Bacchides returned back to Demetrius in Syria 1 Mac. 9. For seuen yeares after there was no high Priest in Ierusalem till Ionathan the brother of Iudas Machabeus tooke vpon him that office 1 Mac. 10. So all his trauels were 1717 miles ¶ Of the places to which he trauelled Of Arbela THis was a city in the vpper Galile belonging to the tribe of Nepthali 96 miles from Ierusalem Northward Of which towne all the countrey is called Arbela being deriued of Arab To lie hid Of Masloth THis also is a towne of Nepthaly 92 miles from Ierusalem Northward and is deriued of Maschal which signifies Hee hath gouerned Of Berea TO this city Iotham sometime fled from the fury of his brother Abimilech Iudge of Israel Iudg. 9. It is scituated twelue miles from Ierusalem Westward and signifies a cleare Well Thus by Gods prouidence haue I described the Trauells and Iournies of the holy Patriarchs Kings and Prophets c. as they are seuerally mentioned in the old Testament that so gentle Reader thou mightst vnderstand what difficult and tedious journies and in them what great labour and vexation they were constrained to beare in this world till God of his mercy tooke them out of this vale of misery and placed them in euerlasting happinesse where now without doubt they remaine in peace FINIS The quantities of the Monies both Siluer and Gold as they are seuerally mentioned in the Scriptures reduced to our Weights and English valuations EVer since the time that Monies haue been allowed as currant in exchange betwixt man and man which for that purpose as Aristotle saith was first ordained it hath passed according to the valuation of a certaine weight which for the most part is vniuersall according to the worth and estimation thereof in the seuerall countries where it is to be sold exchanged or else by Coine which is currant according to the valuation that is imposed vpon it by the consent of a State or command of a Prince In both which there haue bin vsed sundry distinctions of greater and lesse valuations of weights and coine according to the necessitie and estimation thereof in seuerall Kingdomes and gouernments As amongst the Iewes they vsed weights and no coine and these distinguished in seuerall sorts and as is thought separated with sundry marks that they might be known each from other The weights that they vsed were commonly three viz. the Centiner or talent the Mina and the Sicle according to the opinion of Iosephus Budaeus Hostius and many others Of a Sicle A Sicle was a kind of weight currant among the Iewes containing precisely halfe an ounce of siluer or gold which that it might be distinguished had a particular effigies or superscription viz. vpon one side was to be seene the measure wherein they kept Manna in the Sanctuarie with this superscription The Sicle of Israel and on the other the rod of Aaron flourishing with this inscription Holy Ierusalem which is ordinarily worth in English mony 2 s. 6 d. and in gold 15 s. and more or lesse according to the purenesse or basenesse of either A sicle was diuided into these parts Into a Drachma i. 7 d. ob whereof 4 make a sicle Gen. 13.15 Exod. 21.32 c. Halfe sicles mentioned Exod. 30.13.15 ca. 38.26 which was the yearely tax imposed vpon euerie man toward the building of the Tabernacle i. 15 d. English Quadrans Sicli or the fourth part of a Sicle which was also in vse among the Iewes 1 Sam. 8.9 which amounts to a Roman peny and in our mony to 7 d. ob and by the Grecians were called Drachma Gherahs Exod. 30.13 which was the 20 part of a sicle and was worth 1 d. ob Of Sicles there were three sorts A common sicle which weighed a quarter of an ounce and was worth 15 d. The Kings sicle which weighed 3. Drachma's that is in our mony 22 d. ob The sicle of the Temple which weighed directly halfe an ounce and was worth 2 s. 6 d. Of a Mina Ios li. ant ca. 12 A Mina was a pound weight among the Iewes and were of two sorts one of gold which weighed 100 Drachma's another of siluer weighing 240 Drachma's These were called the antient weights but there was a later which is said to contain 100 Denaria's or Attick Drachma's Tract de Aug. cap. 8. which seem to be so called
from one man that is Christ Iesus For as by the first Adam sin came into the world and by sin death and damnation so by the second Adam that sinne is pardoned and man made partaker of eternall happinesse And that these things might be the more apparant vnto thee I haue described the Townes Cities and places mentioned in their seuerall Trauels both what they were in former times and what they are at this present That so by the due consideration of both thou mightst obserue the mutation and change of estates since through the revolution of times those things which seeme most permanent haue within the compasse of a few yeares beene subuerted and the ruines of those Cities which haue been greatest left to make euident lamentable examples of vast and vnheard of destructions from whence such as haue any small knowledg of the Spirit may draw such comfortable resolutions that neither pouerty can subuert them nor riches and honor exalt them but according to S. Iames ca. 1. They may possesse themselues in peace since neither the prosperitie of the world is permanent nor the aduersitie thereof intolerable The knowledge of both which how soeuer to some it may seeme ridiculous yet to such as are at all touched with the sence of worldly affaires it cannot chuse but take a deep impression and draw them thence to the knowledge of Christ Iesus and of his doctrine To which end and for which purpose I haue principally endeauored to publish this Treatise that so comparing the estate of man in this present world with the estate of grace in the world to come they might perceiue the impotencie of the one and the permanencie of the other and from both draw immoueable Axiomes That there can be no saluation where there is no humilitie nor no prosperity where there is not a knowledge of Christ Iesus in his humanitie and thence gather That the afflictions of this world to which hee is most subiect through the whole course of his life is the ready means to honor and immortal glory But that these things may the better appeare vnto thee I will endeauor to lay before thee the beginning and so farre as the holy Scripture leads mee the ending of our Sauiour From whence thou mayst draw such comfortable resolutions that in what estate soeuer thou art whether in prosperitie or aduersitie thou mayst therewith rest content c. Of Zacharias the father of Iohn Baptist ZAcharias or Zachariahu signifies Gods remembrance This man was the father of Iohn the Baptist being a Priest of the Tribe of Aaron and dwelling at a Towne called Abia of which you may reade 1 Chr. 24. There were three famous men of this name as Basilius saith One that was a Prophet of the Lord and liued 520 yeares before the birth of Christ Zachar. 1. And another that was the sonne of Iehoiada the high-Priest who at the command of that ingrateful King Ioas was stoned to death in the vpper Court of the Temple 2 Chr. 24. And a third which was this Zacharias the father of Iohn Baptist and son of Barachias that is The Blessed who according to the opinion of Basil was slain for no other cause but for saying that Christ was born of the Virgin Mary This man had to wife Elizabeth of the posteritie of the high-Priest Aaron and by her had a son called Iohn so 〈◊〉 of the Lord who was afterward called Iohn the Baptist Elizabeth signifies The Rest of God being deriued of Eli and Scabbath that is The Rest and Sabbath of the Lord. The inhabitants of the Holy land take vpon them euen to this day to shew the house where Zacharias Elizabeth dwelt in a town that standeth on the right hand of the way as you go from Emmaus to Ierusalem But saint Luke ca. 1. saith That Zacharias dwelt not in a town or field but i◠the city of Iudah which was scituated in the mountain of Iudah Risnerus and Iohannes Hedenus write That Zacharias dwelt in Ierusalem in that part of the city scituated vpon mount Bezetha as in the first booke of the description of Ierusalem hath bin declared And this seemeth to be verified out of Nehemia cap. 3. Yet there are some of opinion that hee dwelt at Hebron because that was the chiefe city of the tribe of Iuda and a town of the Priests The Trauels of the Virgin Mary MAry if it be deriued of Marah signifieth such a person as is oppressed with carefulnesse and griefe one that is layd open to all miserie and calamity prest with continual vexation and mourning She was born vpon the 8 day of September 14 yeares before the birth of Christ and in the fifteenth of her age brought forth her only begotten son according to S. Hierome and others Her fathers name was Eliakim of the house of Dauid Vpon the fiue and twentieth day of March in the same yeare that our Sauior Christ was born Mary being then 14 yeares old and the Angel Gabriel declared vnto her the embassie of the Conception of our Lord Iesus Christ A little after about the beginning of April an M. 3967 she went from Nazareth in great haste ouer the hils to Ierusalem 64 miles to the house of Zacharias and there saluted her cousin Elizabeth Luk. 1. From thence she returned back again to Nazareth which was 64 miles And when the command came out from Augustus that all the world should be taxed then Ioseph and Mary went from Nazareth to Bethlehem 72 miles and there the time of Maries deleuerance drew neere and lo she bare the Son of the liuing God our Lord and Sauior Christ Luke 2. From Bethlehem Ioseph and Mary brought the childe Iesus to Ierusalem and presented him in the Temple which was 6 miles Luke 2. And when they had accomplished all things according to the Law they returned backe again to Nazareth a towne in Galilee 64 miles From Nazareth they went backe again to Bethlem 72 miles Thither the Wise men comming out of the East brought the childe Iesus Gold Frankincense and Myrrh Mat. 2. From Bethlehem the same night that Herod caused all the infants of two yeares old and vnder to be slain Ioseph and Mary fled with the childe Iesus to Hermopolis a city in Egypt which was 296 miles Mat. 2. Zozom lib. 6. From thence they returned back again with the child Iesus to Nazareth 368 miles for they were greatly afraid lest Archilaus who succeeded his father Herod in the gouerment of the Iews would seeke the childes life Mat. 2. From Nazareth Ioseph and Mary came euery yere to Ierusalem which was 64 miles to the feast of the Passeouer and so many miles backe againe which for ten yeares continuance came to 1280 miles When Christ was twelue yeares of age and at the beginning of the thirteenth he went with his parents from Nazareth to the feast of the Passeouer which was 64 miles Luke 2. And when the daies of the feast of the Passeouer were
accomplished they returned home againe But the childe Iesus staied at Ierusalem and his parents knew it not for they thought he had beene among the company Wherefore when they had trauelled a dayes journey that is twentie miles they missed their sonne After they searcht through the companie but could not finde him wherefore they returned backe to Ierusalem being 20 miles where on the third day after they found him in the Temple sitting among the Doctors and disputing with them So the next three daies he returned back again with his parents to Nazereth which was 64 miles and was obedient to them Luke 2. After Iosoph and Mary went euery yeare during the life of Ioseph vp to Ierusalem to the Passeouer and without all doubt took Iesus along with them Thus they continued for the space of three yeares about which time Ioseph died Christ beeing then 16 yeares of age which three yeares trauell of Nazareth to Ierusalem and backe againe commeth to 384 miles From that time forward he continued with his mother till he was 31 yeares of age which was the first yeare of his ministerie Marie his mother being then 45 yeares old was inuited to a marriage in Cana a city of Galile which stood eight miles from Gaâ—ile towards the North-west Iohn 2. Here our Sauiour Christ wrought his first miracle by changing water into Wine From Cana in Galile she went with our Sauiour to Capernaum a city of Galile a little before the feast of the Paschal Lamb which was 20 miles From Capernaum she returned back to Nazareth which was accounted 12 miles In the 32 yeare of the age of our Sauiour Christ which was â—he second of his ministerie Mary went from Nazareth backe againe to Capernaum where our Sauiour Christ cast forth a diuell Matt. 12. Matke 3. which was 12 miles From thence shee returned backe againe to Nazareth which was 12 miles for in this Towne shee dwelt whiles Iesus trauelled from place to place teaching and preaching the word of God Marke 6. And although shee oftentimes went from Nazareth with him to many places continuing still in his company yet then specially when he was to sustaine the wrath of God and punishment for the sinne of man which was in the 34 yeare of his age In which yeare shee would not forsake him till his death for shee went from Galile to Ierusalem with him which was 64 miles a great journey for one of her age being then 48 yeares old And when our Sauiour was crucified shee stood close by the crosse with a heauie and pensiue countenance bewailing the death of her sonne Then was the prophecie of old Simeon accomplished And a sword shall passe through thy soule But after by his glorious resurrection and ascension shee was reuiued and comforted From the passion of Christ to the death of the blessed virgin Marie was 12 yeares All which time shee liued with Iohn the Euangelist in Ierusalem and then being 59 yeares of age dyed and was buried according to the opinion of Nicephorus and others in the garden called Gethsamene So all her Trauels were 3506 miles Now followes the description of the townes and places to which she trauelled Of Nazareth THis was a towne almost of no estimation scituated in a certaine mountaine in Galile the lower sixtie and foure miles and something more from Ierusalem towards the North in the tribe of Zebulon In this Towne our Sauiour Iesus Christ was brought vp Luke 1.2 Some say that it was nineteene or twenty miles from Ierusalem but they mistake themselues yet I will not dispute thereof but follow my authors Iacobus Ziglerus and Tilmanus Stella There is not any mention made of it that is exstant in the old Testament It hath a two fold deriuation the one by Zain and the other by Zade If it bee written by Zaien it may haue a twofold signification since the exposition of this name doth depend vpon the Verbe Nazar which signifies to consecrate and keepe from hence Nezaer a garland of floure or a crowne set with pretious stones c. such as Kings and high Priests are accustomed to weare Also from the same word Nazar is deriued Nazir thence Nazaraeus which is as much to say he is separated from the vse of wine and suffering his haire to bee vncut as being dedicated to the Lord. Therefore our Sauiour Christ is justly called a Nazarite Luke 2. For Naezer first signifies a holy man who hath made a holy vow vnto the Lord Secondly it doth denote a crowne or wreathe of synceritie Exod. 29.39 Thirdly a holy ointment wherewith Kings and Priests were annointed Leuit. 27. and fourthly this word Nezaer signifies a Princely crowne 2 Sam. 1. 2 Kings 11. Psal 89.132 So that Nazareth being deriued of Nazar and Nazir may signifie both a crowne and a holy citie Iudg. 13. but if Nazareth be written by Zade it signifies a flourishing plant or graffe according to that of Isay cap. 11. But there shall come a rod forth of the stocke of Ishai and a graffe shall grow out of his root and the spirit of the Lord shall rest vpon him The inhabitants of this Towne at this day shew certaine monuments and reliques of what had happened in preceding ages as two Churches one built there where the Angell Gabriel saluted the blessed Virgin and shee conceiued by the spirit In which there stands three altars hewen out of a rock and the other built as they say where the house of Ioseph and Marie stood because there our Sauiour Christ was brought vp Also they shew a well where the childe Iesus drew water and ministred to his mother They also shew the vast ruines of the sinagogue where our Sauiour Christ expounded the 61 chapter of Isay for which cause they would haue throwne him headlong downe the hill Luke 4. And many other things of which you may reade in Borchardus the Monke In Saint Ieroms time some 40 yeares before Christ Nazareth was a small towne called Nazarah Of the mountaines by which Mary passed when she went to visit her cosen Elizabeth BEtweene Narareth and Ierusalem there standeth many high hils as Mount Gilboa whereon King Saul killed himselfe Mount Grisim and Hebal vpon which hills the blessings and cursings were pronounced Deut. 27. and mount Ephraim vpon which Ehud kild Eglon king of the Moabites Iudg. 13. Ouer this mountaine being very great and steepe Mary trauelled when she went to visit her cosen Elizabeth Of Bethlehem THere were two cities called by this name the one Bethlem Iuda the other Bethlem Euphrata where our sauior Christ was borne and signifies fruitfull or the house of Bread It stood vpon a hil some 6 miles from Ierusalem towards the South The inhabitants take vpon them to shew the place where our sauiour Christ was borne which stood vpon the East side of the Citie close by the wall thereof where as Eusebius sayth Hellen the Mother of Constantine the Great caused to bee built a
was borne and That Marie his mother was a Virgin Matt. 33. Wherefore Elizabeth the wife to Zacharias fearing the cruelty of Herod and of the Pharises about that time when the young infants of the Bethlehemites were slaine shee fled from Ierusalem to Apumim as Nicephorus faith which was scituated in the wildernesse betweene Iericho and Ierusalem where she priuatly brought vp her sonne which was 32 miles In the 39 yeare of the natiuitie of Christ and vpon the 24 day of Iune Iohn the Baptist being then 30 yeares of age by the commandement of the Lord tooke vpon him the ministerie for it was not lawfull for any to enter into that function before they were thirtie yeares of age Numb 4. Wherefore vpon the eight and twentieth day of September it being then the feast of the Tabernacles and about the middle of the last weeke spoken of by Daniel Hee went from Adumim to Bethabara where hee tooke vpon him the Ministerie of the New Testament Hannas the chiefe Priest being then newly entred into that office Luke 2. which was about foure miles and within a short time after that is vpon the seuenth day of October beeing then the feast of Expiation our Lord and Sauiour Iesuis Christ was baptised when hee was fully thirtie yeares of age Luke 3 Matthew 3. Iohn 1. In the yeare following which was the one and thirtieth yeare of the Natiuitie of Christ a little before the feast of Easter the Synedrion of Ierusalem sent messengers vnto Iohn hee then remaining at Bethabara to know whether hee was the Christ or Elias or some other Prophet Iohn the first Vpon the eighteenth day of September the same yeare Iohn entred vpon the second yeare of his ministerie About which time Caiphas began to enter vpon the office of the high Priest and the Sadduces and Pharises to persecute Iohn Baptist Wherefore he departed from Bethabara and went to Aenon a Citie in Galile which was 24 miles After that Iohn had preached publikely and freely by the space of a whole yeare and two moneths about the moneth of December and the end of the first yeare of the Ministrie of our Sauiour by the commandement of Herod hee was taken and led prisoner from Aenon to the Tower of Macheruntes which was 28 miles where he remained vntill his death So all his Trauels were 88 miles Of the townes and places to which he trauelled Of Adumim ADumim or Adummim as it is in Ioshua ca. 15. was a Tower twelue miles from Ierusalem towards the East scituated in the wildernesse that is betweene Ierusalem and Iericho so called because of the multitude of robberies and murthers that were done in that place for Dam signifieth Blood Here the poore man that Christ mentioned Luk. 10. fell amongst theeues and here Eliah continued when he was fed by the Rauens aad dranke the water of the riuer Cherith 1 King 17. which was a notable type of Iohn the Baptist who liued in a caue in this place This caue stood close by the Garden of Engedi where in former times the Academie and Schoole of the Prophets Eliah and Elisha was kept here the Esseis which was a Sact amongst the Iewes also continued who led a Monasticall kinde of life and gaue themselues wholly to prayers and good workes vnder whose discipline and instruction Iohn was brought vp Mathesius wisely obserues that of all other the Esseies would neuer oppose Christ but were a people that liued chastly and honestly according to the custome of the Nazarites with all diligence reading the Scriptures and auoiding idlenesse as a great temptation of the diuell giuing themselues principally to the studie of Phisicke After rhis sort was Iohn brought vp Of Bethabara THis was a towne scituated vpon the East side of the riuer Iordan 16 miles from Ierusalem towards the East where there was either a Bridge or a ferry to passe ouer Iordan from whence this place was called Bethabara being deriued of Baith a house and Abarah a passage Wherefore at a certaine time there being assembled in this place a great concourse and congregation of people Iohn did first enter vpon the ministerie of the New Testament and taught the people the Doctrine of Repentance and Baptisme Here Elias the Thesbite who was a type of Iohn the Baptist was taken vp into heauen in a fierie Chariot Here Iohn spoke with the messengers that came to inquire Whither he was the Christ or not to whom hee answered that hee was neither Elias nor a prophet of the Old Testament but the voice of a crier in the wildernesse Io. 4. Is 40. And in the same place where the Priests stood with the Arke of the couenant whiles Ioshua and the children of Israel passed ouer Iordan Iohn baptised Christ the true Arke of the Couenant of the Throne of grace Iosh 3.4 Mat. 4. Luke 3. Heb. 9. Of Aenon THis towne stood vpon the West side of the riuer of Iordan 42 miles from Ierusalem Northward a little on this side of the sea of Tiberias neere the mouth of the riuer Iaboch where it falleth into Iordan in which place was great aboundance of waters Here also Iohn sometimes baptized Ioh. 3. it being two miles from Salem where Iacob in times past dwelt Gen. 33. Of the meeting together of the waters this towne was called Aenon of Ain which signifies an Eye and a fountaine that springeth as it were from an Eye Of Macherus or Macharuntes MAcherus was a towne of Peraea beyond Iordan 20 miles from Ierusalem towards the East scituated in a high mountaine being deriued Macherah that is A Sword This was one of the chief castles of Herod Antipas who obtained the chiefe command in the citie of Ierusalem Plin. lib. 5. c. 16. In this place Iohn Baptist was beheaded as Ioseph saith lib. Antiq. 80. c. 10. And although his Disciples buried his body thereabouts yet long after the christians remoued his bones reliques to Sebasten that is Samaria where they were the second time buried with great honor and reuerence Afterward as Nicephorus and Theodor saith his bones were taken vp againe by Iulian the Apostata and burnt There are many other things that are written concerning his reliques which because of the vncertainty of them I omit to speak of and will proceed to a further description of this citie Alexander King of the Iewes first built and fortified it and then making warre against Aristobulus it hapned to be destroied by Gabinus one of his Captaines and so continued desolate till Herods time who rebuilt the towne and the castle and fortified it with strong walls and high towers euen a hundred and sixtie cubits in height so that a man could scarce see to the top of it But that God might reuenge the bloud of his Saints at such time as Ierusalem and the Holy land was left desolate Lucius Bassus a noble Roman came to this citie and besieged it during which siege Bassus tooke a certaine young man which was a Prince of
Mar. 4. Luke 8. The next day betimes in the morning he went out of the ship into the countrey of the Gadarens and healed two that were possessed of diuels Matth. 2. Mar. 5. Luk. 8. Out of these two he cast a legion of Diuels and suffered them to enter into the herd of swine which they caried headlong into the sea Presently our Sauiour Christ went thence 6 miles into the land of Genesareth where there was a great multitude vpon the sea shore not far from the City of Capernaum that expected his comming Mar. 5. Luke 8. Within a few daies after about the beginning of Iune hee entred into Capernaum and there healed the man that lay sick vpon his bed of a dead palsie Mat. 9. Mar. 2. Luke 5. after he went to sea and taught the multitude that came to him Mar 2. From Capernaum hee went to Caesarea Philippi 48 miles where being inuited to a banquet by Mathew he ate among Publicans and sinners and confuted the Pharisees and Iohns disciples In the same city he restored the daughter of Iairus to life Mat. 9. Marke 2. Luke 5. and as hee went thence hee restored two men to their sight and cast out a Diuell Mat. 9. About the end of the moneth of Iuly our Sauior Christ went from Cesarea Philippi to Nazareth 36 miles where because of the ingratitude and contempt of the citisens he did no great miracles Mark 6. Mat. 13. In the moneth of August our Sauior Christ went from Nazareth toward Ierusalem to the feast of Tabernacles and as he went visited the towns and cities neere adioyning Now when he saw that they wanted Teachers it beeing at this time the second haruest he said vnto his Disciples Loe the Haruest is great but the Labourers are few c. and he sent his Disciples out into the Haruest Mat. 9. Luke 9. Of this second haruest you may reade Exod. 23. where God commanded the people that they should obserue the feast of the Tabernacles when in the end of the yere they had gathered in all the fruits of the fields Also in Levit. 23. it is thus written From the fifteenth day of the seuenteenth moneth when you haue gathered all the fruits of your land you shall celebrate vnto the Lord your God seuen dayes c. From Galile our Sauior Christ came to Ierusalem 64 miles where from the 20 to the 27 day of September he celebrated the feast of Tabernacles according to the Law of God About the 18 day of Octob in this yeare the Practises of Seianus were discouered and he died miserably Tac. lib. 5. The rest of the trauels of our Sauiour Christ and the miracles that he wrought in these three last moneths of this yeare viz. in October Nouember and December for their great multitude cannot be described So the trauels of our Sauiour Christ in the second yeare of his Ministerie were 912 miles Of the townes and places to which he trauelled Of Caesarea Philippi THis city is scituated not far from the foot of the mountain Antilibanus 104 miles from Ierusalem toward the North close by the two Wells of Iordan Ior and Dan. Vpon the East side of this Citie these two streames meet and make the Riuer Iordan Philip the Tetrarch of Traconitis called this city after his own name Philippus and in honor of the Romane Caesars he added the name of Caesaria Tiberias at this time beeing Emperour of Rome In times past it was called Laisch or Lais which signifies a rauening or roaring Lion But the tribe of Dan hauing conquered it and rebuilt it again they called it Dan and the inhabitants of the Holy land Laechem Dan as you may reade in the trauels of the Danits But this town as it is reported by such as haue trauelled into the holy land and by the authority of Volateran notwithstanding these names is often called Belenas Here as Eusebius Zozomenes and Nicephorus say in their Ecclesiasticall histories the woman that was diseased with the bloudie issue was healed by touching the hem of our Sauiours garment which woman in token of thankfulnesse for so great a benefit and in memory of so notable a miracle erected in this City a little without the gates of her house a stone pillar on which shee caused to be set the image of Christ made of brasse and behind that stood the image of this woman who had been diseased 12 yeares with the bloudy issue bowing her self at the feet of our Lord and touching the hem of his garment They also say there grew certain herbs about this pillar whereby miracles were wrought thirty yeares after it was set vp But Iulian the Apostata hauing intelligence of these things caused those images to be broken down and erected his own in the same place But soon after there hapned such an exceeding thunder that fire falling from heauen strook this image thus set vp by this cruell tyrant vpon the brest and cast the head and the necke thereof with great violence vpon the earth These things hapned in Caesarea Philippi Vpon the borders of Caesarea Philippi our Sauior Christ asked his Disciples saying Whom do men say that I am Mat. 6. Iosep Ant. li. 20. ca. 6. saith Agrippa King of the Iewes did much inlarge Caesarea Philippi in honor of Nero and called it after his name Neronia but it retained not that name long Of Peraea PEraea or Peraia was the vtmost part in the holy land in which were the Tribes Gad and Reuben separated from the rest of Iudea by the riuer Iordan and vnder the subiection and gouernement of Herod Antipas It was 16 miles from Ierusalem Eastward so called of Peran which signifies beyond or vpon the other side Pli. li. 4. ca. 1. In the castle of Macharuntes standing in this country Iohn Baptist was beheaded Of the sea of Galile THis sea lay 44 miles from Ierusalem Northward representing vpon the bankes a harpe in figure whence it was called Kinnaereth that is the sea of the harp Num. 34. for Kinnor signifieth an harpe Toward the North it extendeth it selfe into some bredth but toward the South it drew into a streight angle was called the sea of Galile because it bordered vpon Galile It was also called the lake of Genesareth because of the pleasantnesse and fruitfulnesse of the soile lying vpon the North side of it It is called Ioh. 6. the sea of Tiberias from the city Tiberias that stood vpon the shore of it It was but 4 miles and a little more broad but in length from the North to the South 12 miles Vpon the East side it had the towne Chorazin and vpon the West Capernaum and as Iosephus saith the water of this sea was very sweet and pleasant from whence it came to passe that fishes did greatly abound in it and there were many fishers that liued thereabouts only by fishing in that sea There were many other Cities besides those two before mentioned that stood vpon this Sea as
Bethsaida Migdala Tiberias and Trichaea these stood vpon the West Vpon the East stood Iulia and Gadara Of the holy mountaine neere Capernaum in Galile ABout a mile from Capernaum toward the Southwest is to be seene an exceeding high hill standing vpon the shore of the sea of Galile beautified with many herbes and floures of diuers kindes being very fruitfull and pleasant extending it self in length almost two bowes shoot and in bredth one From this hil one might haue seen the whole sea of Galile the countries of Itura and Trachonitis euen to mount Libanus also the mountaines Sanir and Hermon and a great part of the vpper and lower Galilee Heere also the inhabitants of the holy land shew a certaine stone on which they say our Sauiour Christ did vsually sit when he preached to the people which stone the Christians cal the table here was that sermon made of the eight Beatitudes Mat. 5.6.7 Luke 6. Here were the twelue Apostles chosen Luke 6. Mar. 3. And our Sauiour Christ descending from this mountaine in the suburbs of the City of Capernaum healed a man that was infected with the leprosie About thirty paces from the foot of this hill there ariseth a fountain which is compassed about with a wal and is thought to be a vein of Nilus because they finde in it such kind of fishes the like whereof are not to be found in any other place but Nilus Iosephus calleth this Spring Capernaum and likewise all the plaine being very pleasant and fruitfull for the space of a mile euen vnto Iordan after the same name because it is subiect to the jurisdiction of that city About 20 paces from this wall on the shore of the sea of Galile there is shewn a place where they say Christ appeared to his seuen Disciples after his resurrection and asked them whether they had any meat And about ten paces from that is shewn a place where they say our Sauiours Disciples came to land and they drew vp in their nets a great draught of fishes c. Ioh. 21. Of Naim NAim signifies Fruitfull and pleasant it stood 48 miles from Ierusalem towards the North and typically representeth the condition of this world For the children of this world liue in all manner of pleasures and delights neuer thinking of any sorrow til death seiseth on them but then that ouerturns all and those delights become loathsome vnto them Notwithstanding this one comfort wee haue left vs Hope in Christ Iesus who as â—e raised the Widowes son at the gates of this city from death to life will by his mighty power raise vs againe at the last day from the bowels of the earth and make vs partakers with him of an heauenly habitation It stood in the land of Samaria and in the tribe of Issacher about two miles off it vpon the East side stood mount Tabor a little from it vpon the South side stood mount Hermon the lesser and extended it selfe thence vnto the sea of Galile 16 miles Of these two hils you may read Psal 89. And about 2 miles from Naim Westward Sunem is to be seene to which the Prophet Elisaeus sometimes resorted 2 Reg. 4. Of Gadara GAdarah or Gederah in Hebrew signifies munition and somtimes it is taken to compasse about of Gadar hee hath hedged or compassed about S. Ierom saith in his time that is 400 yeares after Christ this was a very faire city and stood in a very high mountaine vpon the East side of the sea of Galilee beyond Iordan in the halfe tribe of Manasses some 48 miles from Ierusalem Northward and is to be seene at this day Strabo lib. 6. Geogr. saith that close by Gadara there is a venomous lake wherof what beast soeuer drinketh he immediatly loseth his hornes his hoofs and his haire and there are many that thinke this Lake became thus venomous because of the 2000 swine that were drowned in it when our Sauior suffered the diuels to enter into them Mat. 8. Mark 5. Luke 8. Close by this town stood Gerasa called also Gergesa Mat. 8. so named as some thinke of Girgasus the son of Canaan Gen. 10. Of Genesareth THis was a Countrey bordering vpon the Northwest side of the sea of Galile from whence this sea was called the Lake of Genesareth Luke 5. This land was very pleasant and fruitfull as if it had bin a Princes Garden bringing forth faire Apples Pomegranates Palmes Olives Vines and diuers other kinds of pleasant Fruits faire and goodly to the eye and therefore not without cause was it called the Garden of a Prince beeing deriued of Gan which signifies a Garden and Sur a Prince It is distant from Ierusalem six and fiftie miles towards the North as you may reade Matth. 6. 14. The chiefe cities of this countrey were Capernaum and Bethsaida of which cities though in former times they were very faire and large there are at this day not scarce eight houses to be seene The Trauels of our Sauiour Christ in the third yeare of his Ministrie which was the three and thirtieth yeare of his age FRom Ierusalem our Sauiour Christ returned some six and fiftie miles into Galile and in the beginning of this yeare wintered in that place so that as it may be gathered out of the Euangelists hee continued there the most part of Ianuarie and February and now the Spring approaching a little after the death of Saint Iohn the Baptist who as it is thought was put to death betweene the midst of Winter and the Spring not long before the feast of the Passeouer so that hee liued two yeares and a halfe in his Ministrie hee wrought many notable miracles not farre from the citie of Bethsaida The same time the Feast of the Passeouer drawing neere which was the third Passeouer of his Ministrie he went thence ouer Iordan and so beyond the sea of Tiberias Matth. 14. Make 6. Luke 9. At this time the Apostles of Christ being dispersed through all Galile and Iudaea teaching the Gospell of the Kingdome of heauen hearing of the miserable death of Iohn the Baptist about the beginning of the Moneth of Aprill returned with all possible speed out of euery part to our Sauiour Christ that so they might be secure against the tyranny of Herod Matth. 14. Marke 6. Luke 9. Also the Disciples of Iohn came vnto him and told him of his death and buriall Matth. 14. Our Sauiour Christ therefore hauing by this meanes certaine intelligence as he was betweene Bethsaida and Tiberias of the death of S Iohn Baptist in the month of April he went into a ship and passed about foure miles to the further side of the sea of Galile where in a certain desart he fed fiue thousand men with fiue barley loaues and two fishes Ioh. 6. From thence he returned backe again to the sea and so to Capernaum which was foure miles here he made that long sermon of the spirituall eating of his flesh Mat. 14. Luke 9. Iohn 6. From
of the raritie of them transported thence into many countries more remote But because of their extreame arrogancie and pride it was twice conquered and ruinated First by Nabuchadonozer Emperour of Babylon and then by Alexander the Great as it appeareth in Quint. Curtius lib. in the life of Alexander Now the occasion that Alexander made warre vpon this Citie was because the citizens vpon a time sending vnto him certaine Embassadors with a crowne of gold in token of friendship and to congratulate his prosperitie which he accepted very kindely and gaue them royall entertainment as to his friends amongst other things hee told them that hee would come vnto their Citie and doe sacrifice to their god Hercules for the kings of the Macedonians are perswaded that they proceed from the off-spring of that god and beside hee was commanded by an Oracle so to do But the Embassadors of Tyre answered that the Temple of Hercules stood without the citie in Paaetzron where ancient Tyre stood so that the King might easily come thither to doe sacrifice but Alexander hearing these words could not containe himselfe but in a great anger answered And doe yee proud Citizens put such trust in the strength and scituation of your Citie that you thinke I am not able to come to it with my Army by land You shall well perceiue within this short space that you are scituated vpon the continent and that I will enter it and sacke it With these terrible words the Embassadors departed and shortly after Alexander followed them with a great and mightie army But when it was knowne that Alexander had vndertaken the sacking of this citie there were many that thought it almost impossible for him to accomplish his designes first because of the inconstancie of the windes and the vehemencie of the water whereby all such matter as they cast into the sea to joine it to the continent would be driuen away by the violence of the Water againe the city was compassed about with such exceeding high walls and fortified with such strong towers that it was not possible for him to bring any engines to batter them or fasten any scaling ladders to ascend them vnlesse it were by ships Twice Alexander attempted by flinging into the sea mighty trees of Libanus and heapes of the ruines of ancient Tyre to haue made a bridge to it or else joyne it to the continent insomuch as the Tyrians mocked the Macedonians saying What can your king Alexander conquer Neptune the God of the sea For the violence of the sea was so extreame that it carried away all things with it and oftentimes broke the ships that were joyned together to make a bridge and drowned the soldiers that besieged and sought against the citie During this siege a Citisen of Tyrus dreamt that their Idoll Apollo would depart from them whereupon they bound the Image of Apollo with a chaine of gold vnto the pillar whereon he stood that he might not leaue them There hapned also a horrible ostent amongst the Macedonians for a certaine souldier breaking bread there fell from it some few drops of bloud at the hearing of which accident Alexander was greatly amased vntill hee was resolued by one Aristander a very skilfull Prophet That if it issued from off the outside of the bread it had betokened a heauie euent to the Macedoniaes but in regard that it issued from the inside of the bread it foreshewed that hee should forthwith conquer the towne hee had so long besieged And so it hapned for when Alexander had besieged the city for the space of seuen moneths with great difficulty he woon it but before he could win it he was constrained to vse a great multitude of ships and fasten them together with yron bands vpon which placing many engines of battery and other offensiue instruments what with the moouing of the ships and the extreame violence of the batterie they ouercame the citie This exploit Alexander performed when he was 25 yeares of age and about 300 yeares before Christ There was one thing that Alexander did during his siege that was memorable for before any of his souldiers would attempt to ascend the walls hee went in person with his crowne vpon his head and in princely armor and scaled a high tower of the citie where he exprest an extraordinary resolution and by reason of his courage did great hurt to the enemy who perceiuing him to be the King resorted to that place in great heaps and shot at him with all their might but hee manfully defended himselfe and compelled the enemy to fly In this assault there were 6000 of the inhabitants slaine and after he had entred the wals and sackt the citie he caused 2000 to be tyed to crosses and throwne into the sea From whence may be gathered that God by this young Prince did accomplish this great worke that the prophecies of the Prophets Esay 23. Ieremy 43. and Ezekiel 25.26 might be fulfilled Afterward Alexander as Pliny and Strabo obserueth caused the sea to be filled vp that it might be no more an Island and joined it to the continent vpon which place he caused Tyrus to be rebuilded and compassed it about with a wall fiue and twentie foot thicke strengthned with twelue towers that it might be sufficiently fortified to oppose the incursion of any enemy so that it continued safe a long time after and in the time of our Sauiour Christ was a faire city though it neuer attaind to the former dignitie and power that it had before Alexander conquered it The ancient citie of Tyre was distant from this city about foure miles towards the South Our Sauiour Christ being in the borders of Tyrus and Sidon helpt a woman of Canaan whose daughter had beene cruelly tormented with a Diuell Matt. 15. In the time of Dioclesian the Emperour there were many Martyrs put to death in this Citie And at this time it is called by the name of El porta del zur that is the hauen of Zur as it was in the Old Testament called by the name of Zor In the yeare 1100 when the holy land was in the hands of the Christians there was an Archbishop of Tyre vnder whose gouerment were the Bishops of Ptolomais Sydon and Beryti c. The holy man Origen lieth buried in this citie in the Church of the holy Sepulchre which is compassed about fortified with a mighty strong wall There also lies buried the Emperour Fredericke Barbarosso who died Anno 1160 after hee had done many valiant acts and fought many great battels for the Christians against the Turkes and Saracens being ouercome by Saphadinus the Sultans son and put to flight was drowned in the riuer of Suro to the great griefe of his armie but he left behind him a famous report Pope Alexander the third being a great enemie to this Emperour in S. Maries church in the citie of Venice when this Prince submitted himself to his Holinesse set his foot vpon his neck
repeating these words Thou shalt tread vpon the Aspe and vpon the Basiliske c. Eusebius in his Ecclesiasticall Historie saith that there are yet standing in Tyre certaine Marble pillars and other precious stones of a wonderfull greatnesse that it amaseth such as behold them neere to which there haue beene many Christians and Pilgrims put to death by the Saracens There are also foure wels of wholesome and pleasant water standing not far from it of which wells you may reade before Of Zidon THis also was a city of Phoenicia scituated vpon the shore of the Mediterranean sea thirtie six miles from Ierusalem toward the North and sixteene from Tyrus In times past it was assigned to the Tribe of Ashur and lay vpon the borders of the Philistines neere to Mount Libanus Being called Sidon or Zidon of Zidon the sonne of Canaan who first built it Gen. 10. and signifies a hunter It was a notable mart towne wherein much Satin was made which kinde of stuffe was very precious among the Iewes and it is said That Ioseph of Arimathia wrapped the body of our Sauior in white Satin for in Matthew 27. it is called Zadin which in English is Satin And as at this day the finest glasse is made at Venice so the finest glasse in those times was made at Sarepta a city that belonged to the Sidonians about which there stood many mines of which it is ' called Sarepta as you may reade before This towne in times past was one of the chiefe cities of Phoenicia but because of the extraordinarie pride of the citisens God afflicted them with diuers punishments brought in Ocho king of the Persians who besieged it and by treason woon it and burnt it to the ground as Diodorus Siculus lib. 16. saith The Citisens whereof were driuen to such streights by the enemy that there perished in the fire aboue fortie thousand men Within a while after Darius last Emperour of the Persians rebuilt it but made it nothing so beautifull neither fortified it in like manner as it was before hee ordained one Strato to be King thereof a man proud and arrogant After about three hundred and two yeares before the natiuitie of Christ Alexander being then but 24 yeres of age hauing ouercome Darius that mighty Emperour of the Persians at Issa a citie of Cilicia in a cruell and sharpe warre he sent Hephestion one of his Princes to the Sydonians with authoritie to depose Strato and to let the Citisens vnderstand that they should chuse him for their King whom they thought most worthy of that honour as Quint. Curt. sheweth lib. 4. At this time there was a certaine young man among the followers of Hephestion in whose behalfe he moued the Citisens that hee might be their King but they refused saying it was not their custome to chuse any to rule ouer them but such as were of the Kings stocke and progenie Hephestion hearing this answer greatly admired their resolution and modestie especially when they refused to accept him for their King whom others had sought to obtaine with fire and sword saying Truly there is more required to rule and gouerne a Kingdome than to get it but yet name one vnto me of royall discent whom you would willingly receiue to be your King So they named vnto him one Abdolomius who had beene knowne to haue beene of the Kings stocke by many discents but because of his pouertie he was constrained to dwell in the suburbs of the Citie in a cottage and had little else but a Garden to liue vpon This man howsoeuer poore and because of that of many contemned yet hee was knowne to be honest and of an vpright life following with all dilligence his vocation without any regard of other businesse insomuch as he was vtterly ignorant of all these stirre and combustions which had so lately vexed Asia As he was now in his garden digging and labouring purging it of weeds and planting herbes Hephestion with the rest of the Citizens went vnto him and brought him the robes and habiliments of a King The poore Gardner stood amazed to see such a company of gallants come vnto him but Hephestion told him That the occasion of their comming was to make an exchange with him of those royall ornaments which he had in his hands for those poore and foule garments which he wore therefore goe and wash thy selfe and returne So he did where immediately they put vpon him those royall robes and saluted him as their Soueraigne Afrer these things were finished quoth Hephestion Now remember in what a state thou art no more Gardener but a King and therefore take vnto thee the minde and resolution of a King that so thou mayest rule and gouerne this citie as a man worthy of that honour and remember that although the liues and goods of thy subjects are at thy command yet by them thou wast chosen neither be forgetfull of him that was the author of thine honour No sooner was he enthronised in his kingdom but fame who is more speedie than a thousand Posts had dispersed this newes through all the neighbouring cities some being thereby moued to admiration and quickned in their studies others stirred vp to indignation and enuie Those that were mighty and friends to Alexander contemned and despised his humilitie and pouertie and no sooner were they come into his presence but they began to accuse him for his ignorance wherefore Alexander commanded that he should come before him where after hee had welâ— viewed the lineaments and proportion of his person and could not perceiue it any whit repugnant to the fame of his birth hee demanded of him how it was possible that hee should endure his pouertie with patience To which he answered I pray the gods I may continue the gouernment of this kingdome with the like minde for these hands were sufficient for me to liue by and as I had nothing so I wanted nothing At which answer Alexander was so well pleased that he not only gaue him all the princely jewels and ornaments of the first king called Strato but also a great part of the booty which he tooke from the Emperor of Persia and added to his command all the neighboring countries round about This history I haue inserted that thereby we might perceiue the mighty power of God in all his works that can exalt the poore contented with his estate out of the very dust and can pull the mighty from their thrones So the Euill carke and care in this world to gather riches for the Vertuous to inherit But to return to Sidon This city did so much increase and grew so famous in succeeding ages that it was the chiefe town Tyrus onely excepted in all Phoenicia ioyning vpon the West to the Mediterranian sea extending it selfe towards the North and South lying in a plain vnder Antilibanus which mountain lay some two miles off it vpon the East It oftentimes because of the pride of the inhabitants felt the wrath and
vanisheth away and is without any corporiall substance In the same moneth of Aprill our Sauiour Christ appeared again to Peter Thomas Nathaniel the sons of Zebedeus and other two Disciples as they were fishing vpon the shore of Tiberias which stood 56 miles from Ierusalem Northward betweene Bethsaida and Capernaum Ioh. 21. The day of this apparition is not set downe From the sea of Tiberias neere to Capernaum and Bethsaida to mount Thabor scituated in Galile is reckoned 10 miles there about the end of April our Sauior Christ appeared to aboue 500 brethren at once where many worshipped him others doubted Mat. 28. 1 Cor. 15. In the month of May our Sauior Christ appeared to Iames the son of Alpheus for he had been seen before of Iames the sonne of Zebedeus both which were after crowned with martyrdom in the city Ierusalem the son of Zebedeus vpon the 25 day of Iuly ten yeares after the resurrection and the sonne of Alpheus vpon the feast day of the Passeouer was throwne from a Pinnacle of the Temple 29 yeares after the resurrection of our Sauior Vpon the 40 day after his resurrection hee returned fiftie sixe miles to Ierusalem where his disciples were assembled together and vpon the fourteenth day of May in the sight of all the Apostles with great triumph and ioy he ascended vp into heauen and sitteth at the right hand of his father in diuine majestie and glory Mar. Luk. vlt. Act. 1. Psal 28. Ephes 1. 1 Pet. 3. Heb. 1. So these Trauels of our Sauior Christ were 319 miles But if you reckon his trauels from the time of his infancie to the day of his ascention they make 3093 miles Besides his generall Visitations and journies hither and thither which were so many that as Iohn witnesseth cap. vlt. they could not be described ¶ Of the townes and places to which he trauelled Of Iericho THis city stood very pleasantly in the tribe of Benjamin ten miles from Ierusalem Northeastward Ioshuah ouercame this towne by sounding of trumpets Ios 6. Heb. 11. it was rebuilt by Hiel and was compassed about with a new wall by Herod that mighty King of the Iews who put the innocent children to death and called it after his mothers name Cyprus Ios de Bell. Iud. lib. 1. cap. 16. And although this city was taken and vtterly ouerthrown the second time by the Romans at such time as Vespasian and his son Titus wasted and destroied Ierusalem and all the land of Iudaea yet afterward it was re-edified and in Ieroms time which was 400 yeares after Christ it was a faire city There was shewn the house of Zacheus and the Sycomore tree that he went vpon to see Christ Luk. 19. But by reason of the often destructions and deuastations that hath fallen vpon it there is not to be seen at this day aboue eight houses in the towne and all the monuments and Reliques of the holy places are vtterly destroyed the house of Zacheus and the Sicomore tree are no more to be seen in that place only the place is to be seen where our Sauiour restored the blind man to sight when hee cried after him Lord thou Sonne of Dauid haue mercy vpon mee Luke Chap. 18. Also though this Countrey throughout be very fruitfull and pleasant yet is it nothing so fertile and pleasant as it was when the Children of Israel did dwell there For the Roses of Iericho are no more to bee found there but rather in a Village about sixteen miles from Iordan towards the East And although they stand so farre distant off yet they retain their antient name Between Ierusalem and Iericho there is a desart or wildernes which by the inhabitants of the holy land is called Quarentena where the man of which Christ speaketh fell among theeues Luk. 10. There is in the same place at this day great theeuing and many roberies committed as Brittenbacchus saith In this place also is to be seen the riuer Chereth where the Rauens fed Eliah 1 Reg. 17. Neere to Iericho also is found the riuer the water whereof Elizaeus made sweet by casting in salt whereas before it was bitter and it remaines very pleasant and sweet to this day 2 Reg. 2. Of Ephraim THis city is so called from the pleasantnesse and fruitfulnes of the soile being deriued from Parah To fructifie It lieth 8 miles from Ierusalem Northeastward iust in the way as you go from thence to Iericho in the wildernesse of Quarentena close by the riuer Chereth in the tribe of Benjamin Heere our Sauiour Christ after he had raised Lazarus from death to life hid himself with his disciples because the Iewes sought to take away his life by deceit The Passeouer following he was made a sacrifice for the sin of man Ioh. 11. Of Bethania THis city was a type of the Church which is alwaies subject to the Crosse and exposed to euery calamitie and therefore is called Bethania that is The house of sorrow and affliction being deriued of Baith an House and Oni Affliction According to the prophecie of our Sauiour who foretold of the afflictions and tribulations that should fall vpon his Church You shall mourn but you shall be comforted and your griefe shall be turned into ioy It was distant from Ierusalem almost two miles towards the South-East Borchardus the Monke obserueth That close by a Well about a stones cast out of this Towne there is shewed the place where Martha met our Sauiour Christ when he came to Bethania and a little after called her sister to meet him Iohn cap. 11. There is also shewne in this Towne the house of Simon the Leper where ◠certaine woman hauing an Alabaster boxe of pretious Ointment poured it on our Sauiors head not without the great indignation of his Disciples Matth. 26. There is also to be seene the house of Martha to which our Sauiour did oftentimes resort Luk. 10. Ioh. 11. 12. and in that place there is at this day a Church built in honour of those two sisters which were the sisters of Lazarus There is also seen the sepulchre out of which Lazarus was raised from death to life Ioh. 11. which stands close by the said Church and ouer it is built a chappell of Marble very decent and comely The Saracens hold this Chappell in great estimation You cannot see the citie of Ierusalem from Bethania because of the mount of Oliues but as soon as you ascend a little hill in the way as you got hence to Ierusalem you may discerne mount Sion and a part of the city then when you are discended from that hill the citie is againe hidden After that vpon the left side of the mount of Oliues some stones cast from Bethpage you doe leaue a small village standing vnder the mountaine of Offence where Solomon in times past committed Idolatry From this village the Asse and the Colt was brought vnto Christ Not farre from thence vpon the South side as you goe vpon the Mount
almost inuincible and for that cause called The mother of strength as the Church is called The mother of the righteous against which the gates of hell shall not be able to preuaile In the time of Iudas Macchabeus though it was then a small city it was numbred amongst the greatest cities of Iuda because of the scituation and strength of it To this place our Sauiour trauelled from Ierusalem the same day that hee arose from the dead Luke 24. In the time of the Romans warres in Iudaea this city was wonderfully defaced and ruined by the souldiers of Tiberius Maximus who was chiefe Captaine in this countrey in the absence of Titus Vespasian but yet not vtterly abolished for about a hundred and fiftie yeares after Heliogabolus Emperour of Rome caused it to be rebuilded and called by the name of Nicopolis that is the citie of Victorie Not farre from Emmaus there was an Inne or a place to which strangers might resort and there three waies met two went of either side the towne and one through it in this place the two Disciples constrained our blessed Sauiour to stay with them because it was then about Sunne-set Neere vnto this Inne Nicephorus and Zozemenus say in their Ecclesiasticall Historie there was a Spring or Well of that admirable vertue that if either man or beast that was infirme or sicke did drinke of the water thereof they were immediately restored to their former health The reason that these Authors haue for it because they are impertinent I willingly omit But to return ro the city of Emmaus as it is now called Nicopolis being scituated eight miles from Ierusalem towards the Northeast in the way as you goe thence to Ioppa the countrey round about it being very fertile and pleasant by reason of the riuers and springs wherewith it is watered as Pliny saith l. 5. c. 14. and much altered from that which it was in times past but because you may reade more of this city in Pliny as it is at this day and in Nicephorus and Eusebius I leaue to speake further of it Of Simon of Cyrene THis Simon which carried the Crosse of our Sauiour Christ was born in Kir a city in Africa scituated 16 miles from Ierusalem towards the West Matth. 27. Luke 23. In which city Tiglath Phulasser Emperour of the Assirians planted many of the inhabitants of Damascus after he had conquered that city 2 Reg. 16. This citie and the country round about it by reason of these new inhabitants by little and little changed the name and wheras in former times it was called Kir in the time of our Sauiour it was commonly called Cyrene and this man of that countrey Simon of Cyrene At this day it is a strong and beautifull city scituated betweene Mareotides and Zeugitania at first built by Battus whom Callimachus the Poët claimeth to be his progenitor This Battus was a mighty king in Africa but was one that had a great impediment in his speech insomuch that many thinke this word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to haue beene originally vsed by him and by none other Afterward as is said Tiglah Phulasser hauing obtained the jurisdiction of this citie planted the people of Damascus in it and they obtaining some power there continued till a long time after Christ and imbraced the religion of the Iewes built vp Synagogues and dispersed that law in many parts of those quarters There were some of this countrey that opposed that holy Marter Stephen and were consenting to his death There were many learned men in it as Eratosthenes the Mathematician Callimachus the Poët both which were had in great estimation among the Aegyptians Carneades also the Academian Cronus Apollonius and Hegesias the Philosopher of whom Cicero speaketh in the fifth book of his Tusculans and Eratosthenes the Historian who was sonne of Agaclis Salust saith that this citie in his time was so mightie that it maintained war against the Carthaginians for their bounds and limits of their fields and grounds a long time and Iustine lib. 39. That they maintained warre against two nations the Phoenes and the Aegyptians in which warres they gaue Aprius the King of the Aegyptians such a mighty ouerthrow that there were very few of his army that returned into his countrey with him as Horodot affirmeth lib. 4. there were also many great Princes that ruled in this city of which because you may reade in diuers other Authors more at large I omit to speake of them Of Ioseph of Arimathea who buried Christ THis Ioseph which caused our Sauior Christ to be buried in his garden was a rich man vpright just in all his actions a Senator of Ierusalem and one that expected the Kingdome of God borne at Arimathea a citie of the Iewes Luc. 23. This citie was sometime called Ramathaim Sophim and sometime Ramah because it was scituated in a high place and in times past was a fair citie standing 16 miles from Ierusalem toward the Northwest the description whereof you may reade before At this day it is called Ramalea being nothing so farre as it was but like a countrey towne the houses being carelessely dispersed here and there lying without walls or bulwarkes to defend it notwithstanding the ancient ruins of the former city is to be seen euen at this day There is also a great Inne or resting place for strangers hauing within it many roomes for the receit of passengers and a well of very sweet water This house was first purchased at the charge of Philip Duke of Burgondie and by him committed to the protection of the Monkes of Mount Sion by whom it is at this day made an hospitall wherein pilgrims trauellers and strangers are entertained and find much reliefe In an inward Orchard belonging to this hospital there is a faire plot of ground that bringeth forth great aboundance of Aloes of which there is often mention in the holy Scriptures but more especially in Psalme 48. Thy garments smell of Aloes and Cassia when thou commest out of thy Iuorie pallaces where they haue made thee glad Nichodemus a Prince of the Iewes together with Ioseph of Arimathea brought with them an hundred pound of Aloes mixed with Myrrhe to embalme the body of our Sauiour Christ when they had begged it of Pilat before they buried it Ioh. 19. Myrrh is a kind of gum that issueth out of a tree that growes in the East countries but principally in Arabia the tree out of which it issueth is commonly two yards and a halfe high with some pricks vpon it the barke whereof being cut there issueth out of it drops like teares which congealeth into a gum and is called Mirrh the principall vertue that it hath is to keepe the bodies of the Dead incorruptable see Pli. li. 12. ca. 15. 16. In Arabia Foelix there is such abundance of sweet Myrrhe Frankincense and other odoriferous gums that such as saile in the Red sea may easily smell the sauour of them There is also found
in the holy Land Myrrhe and Aloes Aloes is the juyce of a certaine bitter herbe which by some is called Euerliuing it killeth the wormes and preserueth from putrifaction it is also good for the sight There is to be gathered in India Arabia and the Holy land a certaine herbe of an extraordinary sweet smell with leaues broad fat and juicie which being prest yeeldeth more Aloes than honey from whence this metaphoricall prouerbe is vsed Quod plus molestiae quam voluptatis gignit that is more troublesome than profitable You may reade also in Plautus that the life of man tasteth more of Aloes than honey And Iuvenal speaking of an euill wife saith she hath more of Aloes than honey So Euripides Euery sweet hath his sowre So also the holy Crosse seemeth to haue more of Aloes than hony notwithstanding it preserueth vs from eternall corruption and killeth the venomous worms of conscience clenseth vs from our sinnes and freeth vs from the feare of the Diuel eternall death that so we might be recreated and by the faith of our Sauiour be raised vp at the last day and pertake with him in his euerlasting kingdome according to that of Iohannes Taulerus Where the crosse there the light where temptation there prayer and regeneration c. The Trauels of Peter IN the 35 yeare after the natiuitie of Christ about the moneth of Ianuary and a little before the conuersion of the Apostle Paul Peter and Iohn were sent from Ierusalem to Samaria which was 32 miles that the Samaritans might receiue that admirable gift of the Holy-Ghost and there they disputed with Simon Magâ—â— Acts 8. From Samaria they returned backe again to Ierusalem which was 32 miles In this journey they went to diuers townes of the Samaritans teaching and preaching vnto them the doctrine of the Gospell Acts 8. In the sixt yere after the resurrection of Christ Peter went to Lidda which was distant from Ierusalem twentie miles towards the Northeast where he cured Aeneas who had lien sicke eight yeares of the Palsie vpon his bed Acts 9. From thence hee went to Ioppa which was three miles here he raised Tabitha from death Acts 9. In the seuenth yeare after the resurrection of Christ Peter went from Ioppa and came to Caesarea Strato which was six and thirtie miles where hee preached the Gospell to Cornelius the Centurion and baptised him and his whole familie Acts 10. Clemens Recogn lib. 9. From Caesarea he returned to Ierusalem which was 32 miles where being accused for going to the Gentiles hee excused himselfe Acts 11. In the eleuenth yeare after the resurrection of Christ hee was cast into prison and set at libertie by an Angell of God Acts 12. So he went secretly from Ierusalem as it was thought into the desart or to some other vnknowne place vpon the second day of August in the same yeare Herod Agrippa King of the Iewes was strucke by an Angell of God at Caesarea and he was deuoured of wormes Acts 12. Ioseph Antiq. lib. 19. cap. 4. After Herod Agrippa being dead and buried Peter returned to Ierusalem where hee was in Councell with the rest of the Apostles about sixteene yeares after the resurrection of Christ and fourteene after the conuersion of Paul Gal. 2. Acts 15. See also Bede vpon the Acts of the Apostles In the seuenteenth yeare after the resurrection of Christ Peter went from Ierusalem and came to Antiochia in Syria which journey was 280 miles there Paul resisted him Gal. 2. From Antiochia hee went to Babylon in Aegypt where hee wrote his first Epistle this journey was 520 miles So all his Trauels which are mentioned in the Scripture were 955 miles Allegations of the Author to proue that Peter was neuer at Rome BVt that Peter was twenty fiue yeares seuen moneths and fiue daies Bishop and chiefe Priest at Rome cannot be proued by the testimony of the Scripture and is vtterly repugnant to the supputation and true accompt of the times First because it is manifest by that which hath beene said that he continued at Ierusalem and in Iudaea during the time that Tiberius Caligula and Claudius were Emperours of Rome And shortly after the martyrdome of Steuen hee and Iohn were sent into Samaria that the Samaritans might also receiue the gift of the holy Ghost Act. 8. Paul also in the third yere after his conuersion came to Ierusalem and there spoke with Peter and remained with him fifteene daies Act. 9. Gal. 1. Fourteene daies after the conuersion of Paul Peter was at the Apostolicall councell held in Ierusalem and there with Iames and Iohn gaue the right hand of fellowship to Paul and Barnabas that they should goe and preach the Gospell vnto the Gentiles and that hee and the rest would goe vnto the Iewes those that were circumcised Gal. 2. In the time of Claudius Caesar Peter was committed to prison by Herod Agrippa in Ierusalem and miraculously deliuered by the Angell of God Act. 10. In the ninth yeare of Claudius Caesar Peter was at Antiochia in Syria where Paul resisted him to his face Gal. 2. All these things manifestly proue that the Apostle Peter was not at Rome at such time as any of these three viz. Tiberius Caligula and Claudius were Emperors but either in Ierusalem or else at Antiochla in Syria Secondly it may axactly bee made euident out of the holy Scriptures that Peter was not at Rome in the time of Nero. For in the second yeare of Nero Paul wrote his Epistle to the Romans and sent it from Corinth by the hand of Phebe in which Epistle he saluted all his friends which he had in that citie by name as by the conclusion of the Epistle more plainely appeareth but there is no mention of the Apostle Peter who if that at time Bishop of that place surely should not haue bin omitted Also in the fift yeare of Nero Paul being then in prison at Rome wrot his Epistles to the Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians and to Philemon and in the conclusion of these Epistles he expressely nameth all his friends that he had in Rome yet makes no mention of Peter And when he was the second time in prison vnder Nero in the last yeare of the reigne of this Emperour hee wrot from Rome his second Epistle to Timothy beeing a little before his death at the end of which Epistle he plainly shewes that he had no companion there but Luke 2 Tim. 4. From whence it is manifest that Peter during all the pilgrimage and life of Paul was neuer at Rome how then can it possible be that Peter should be bishop of Rome for the space of almost 26 yeares Truly there are many learned men and they also of great iudgement which hold this opinion false and vtterly repugnant to holy Scripture neither can be proued by any good Authors or histories But if Peter were euer at Rome hee came thither after the last imprisonment of Paul and a few daies before his martyrdom
vpon the hauen to defend such as come thither with ships from the injuries incursions of Pagans and Saracens Of Babylon in Egypt BAbylon signifieth Confusion as you may read before There were two Cities of this name the one was in Chaldaea and the other in Aegypt That in Chaldaea was scituated vpon the riuer Euphrates and this vpon the riuer Nilus which was 244 miles from Ierusalem toward the Southwest called in the Arabian tongue Alcair or Cair whether you please which also signifieth Confusion Concerning both which cities you may reade more at large in their former description From this towne it is credibly thought and not from that towne which stood in Chaldaea Peter wrot his first Epistle as the circumstances of the historie doe euidently declare for that Babylon which stood in Chaldea was in the time of Peter vtterly destroyed but then this Babylon was had in great estimation About this time also Mark who was the disciple of Peter was the first Bishop of Alexandria as you may reade in the end of his first Epistle Wherefore that opinion which some would haue to passe for truth that Peter wrot his first Epistle from Rome calling it allegorically Babylon is vtterly to be condemned since there is none who can certainely proue that conjecture neither is it grounded vpon any firm foundation for although Babylon in the Reuelation of S. Iohn because it was a secret prophecie was allegorically vsed yet in a plaine and manifest historie such kinde of Allegories are not allowed From whence may be concluded that S. Peter wrot his first Epistle from this Babylon not from Rome The Trauels of Saint Iohn with the Annotation of the Times wherein he liued IOhn the Evangelist and Apostle of our Lord Iesus Christ was borne in the tenth yeare after the natiuitie of our Sauior and was made his Disciple when he was 21 years of age He saw the miracle of Christ when hee changed the Water into Wine Iohn cap. 2. In the yeare following viz. in the 22 yeare of his age hee was taken into the number of the twelue Apostles Luke 6. Mar. 3. After that in the three and twentieth yeare of his age he saw the transfiguration of Christ in mount Thabor and when hee was foure and twenty yeares of age he stood vnder the Crosse of our Sauiour Christ and the same yere a little after Christs Ascention he with the rest of the Apostles receiued the gift of the holy-Ghost being then the feast of Penticost which fell about the foure and twentieth day of May in the same yere he was cast into prison with Peter for healing the lame man Acts 3.4 Thus much of his youth About the middle of the first yeare after our Sauiour Christs ascention Iohn being then 25 years old was sent with Peter from the city of Ierusalem to Samaria 32 miles From Samaria he returned back again to Ierusalem 32 miles and as he returned preached the gospel of Christ in diuers towns of the Samaritans Acts 8. Mary the mother of our Lord being now 59 yeares of age died in the twelfth yere after the resurrection of Christ and was buried by Iohn the Evangelist in the garden of Gethsemene Iohn beeing then 35 yeares old Foure yeares after her death hee was present at the Apostolical Councel in Ierusalem Now Iames his brother who was called the Elder was beheaded two yeares before for this Councel was celebrated in the presence of Iames the yonger Peter Iohn Paul and Barnabas c. about sixteene yeares after the resurrection of Christ and 14 after the conuersion of Paul Gal. 2. Before the destruction of Ierusalem which hapned about the 61 yeare of his age and 38 after Christs ascention Iohn went from Ierusalem and came to Ephesus 544 miles where after the death of the Apostle Paul hee gouerned the Churches of Asia minor In the 86 yeare of his age beeing cast into a Vessell of boiling oile and comming out vnhurt by the command of Domitian the Emperor he was banished into the Isle of Pathmos distant from Ephesus 40 miles There he wrot his Revelation to the 7 churches in Asia minor whereof you may reade Apoc. 1. From Pathmos hee returned to Ierusalem which was fortie miles being then 88 yeares of age and there he raised Drusana from death to life After this he gouerned the Churches in Asia foure years that is from the gouernment of Nero the Emperour vnto the fourth yeare of the gouernment of Trajan the Emperor and called the yong man to repentance which was of the Societie of theeues at length he died at Ephesus when he was 91 yeres old An. Dom. 100. as S. Ierom and Nicephorus li. 2. ca. 32. obserue So all his trauels were 688 miles ¶ The testimony of the Fathers concerning Iohn THe testimonies of the holy fathers that are yet extant concerning Iohn are these In Euseb li. 3. c. 1. 18. 20. 3. you may read the history concerning the conuersion of the yong man from the company of theeues Irenaeus witnesseth the same li. 2. ca. 23. In Irenaeus also li. 3. ca. 23. you may reade the history of Cerinthus and how that Iohn liued vntill the time of Trajan the Emperour Also li. 3. ca. 11. hee saith that the Gospel of S. Iohn was written because of the blasphemy of Cerinthus ¶ The description of the townes and places to which Iohn trauelled Of Ephesus THis was the metropolitan city of Ionia scituated in Asia minor 544 miles from Ierusalem Northwestward It was built saith Strabo by Androclus the son of Codrus king of Athens in the time of Dauid King of Israel and because of the beautifull scituation and fertilitie of the soile called Ephesus in future Ages growing into such credit and estimation that it was mightily encreased and became one of the most famous mart townes in all Asia but it stood somewhat low so that the sea brake in vpon it and drowned it and many of the inhabitants perished Neuerthelesse Lysimachus K. of Thrace built it vp again in the place where now it stands and called it Arsinoës after his wiues name But he being dead it was againe called by the antient name Ephesus There were many worthy men that liued in it as Heraclitus Scotinus and Hermadorus who for his excellent vnderstanding singular honestie was banished Hipponachus also the Poet Perrhasius Apelles the Painters Alexander the orator and Theodotio a Iew who interpreted the Bible It was in antient times inhabited by the Amazons whose queen kept her court there and wonderfully increased and adorned it with faire and beautifull buildings Here also that notable Temple dedicated to Diana which as Stra. saith li. 14. Plin. li. 36. ca. 14. was 220 yeares a building It stood vpon moorish ground to auoid the danger of earthquakes There were in it 127 pillars erected by so many Kings among which there were 36 that were curiously sieled and artificially carued and ingrauen it was 425 foot long
1â—0 broad There were so many gifts gratuities sent from all the cities and kings round about toward the building of this Temple that the riches and treasure thereof was wonderfull insomuch that when it was finished it was accounted one of the stateliest buildings the world could afford and numbered amongst the wonders of the world This temple thus built at such an extraordinarie charge that it was almost vnvaluable was set on fire by one Herostratus a wicked peruerse fellow in the same Olympiad and day that Alexander the Great was borne who hauing nothing in him that might make him famous in after-ages burnt this goodly building that so though not for his good but for his euill he might get a name But the Ephesians were so insenced because of this mischiefe that they procured proclamation to bee made through all the kingdomes round about that his name should not be once mentioned which perhaps for a time was obserued but in future ages they could not preuent it but that he was both spoken of written of Notwithstanding afterward the inhabitants of this City became so exceeding wealthy that they soon after rebuilt this temple of Diana and made it much fairer than it was before all the Citisens contributing with willing hands to the charge of the building insomuch that the women brought all their siluer gold and other pretious ornaments and communicated them towards this great worke Also in after-times those faire pillars before spoken of were againe erected towards the rebuilding whereof they receiued so many and wonderfull gifts from all the neighbouring Kings Cities and Countries that this Temple might as it was thought compare with all the world beside for riches and treasure It was standing in S. Pauls time who came thither about 12 yeares after the resurrection of our Sauior and continued there three yeares in which time he so faithfully and diligently preached the Gospell that he conuerted most of the Citisens from their idolatry and worship of Diana to the reuerend knowledge and confession of our blessed Sauior For which cause Demetrius the siluer smith who made a great gain by idolatry stirred vp a great tumult so that the Gentiles running vp and down the City for two houres space cried out with a loud voice Great is Diana of the Ephesians Acts 19. Here also Paul fought with beasts 1 Cor. 15. And to this city Paul wrot his Epistle and sent it from Rome 996 miles He made Timothy also a Bishop of this city to whom he wrot two Epistles the first was sent him from Laodicea to Phrygia beeing 280 miles the second from Rome as I said By these Epistles Timothy was greatly comforted and taught them to his disciples and auditors that so they might constantly continue perseuer in the Christian faith and religion to the end To conclude Iohn the Evangelist came also to Ephesus wrot his Gospel against the heretick Cerinthus who denied Christ to be the true God for which cause God grieuously punished him so that he died as hee was bathing himselfe in a bath Irenaeus lib. 5. ca. 3. Euseb li. 3. c. 22. This was the first Church to which Iohn wrot his Reuelation and there when he returned out of Pathmos he raised his host Drusana from death to life So when he had gouerned the churches in Asia 30 yeares after the death of Paul hee died when hee was 91 yeares old and was honorably buried at Ephesus not far from the city There was also another Iohn that liued in Ephesus to whom as many think the Epistles of Iohn the Evangelist were dedicated as Ierom sheweth in his catalogue of Ecclesiastical Writers The sepulchre of this man is shewed not far from the Sepulchre of S. Iohn the Evangelist as Euseb witnesseth lib. 3. cap. 31. At this day this city is named Figlo ho Epheso See Gesner Of Pathmos THis is an Isle of the Aegean sea scituated betwixt Asia minor Grecia 2080 miles from Ierusalem Northwestward Pli. l. 4. c. 12. saith that it was 30 miles in compasse Into this Isle the Evangelist was banished by Domitian Nero where he wrot his Reuelation It was one of the Cyclad Islands which were 53 in number that lay round about the Island Delus as Stra. li. 10. Geog. obserues It stood 40 miles from Ephesus Southwestward and as Petr. Apianus saith was somtimes called Posidius but now Palmosa Of Smyrna THis is the second city to which Iohn dedicated his Reuelation It was scituated in Ionia in Asia minor 540 miles from Ierusalem Northwestward This was a very faire city beautified with many goodly buildings and of good account in Grecia It was at first but a Colony transplanted from another city in that country But Theseus that great prince beeing then King thereof that he might adde some grace to that which hee had begun hee called it after his wiues name Smyrna signifying Myrrh Herod saith that Homer was born here but not blind and called by the name of Melisigines but after the Cumaenians called him of his blindnesse Homer Strab. li. 14. Geogr. saith That the inhabitants take vpon them to shew his picture standing there also a temple built in his honour During his life he was a man of small or no reputation or rather contemned than honored as Herod saith But after his death his works beginning to grow famous the Cities of Greece contended who should patronise him The Colophonians claim a part in him because he was in that towne and there made some of his Odysses They of Chios say he belonged to them because he liued there a long time and taught schoole But for ought that can bee found by Authours the Smyrnians haue most interest in him Neuerthelesse I leaue him to them that please to patronise him since it is not certainly found where hee liued He liued about 900 yeares before Christ Eusebius saith Hist Eccles lib. 4. cap. 14. that in after times this city grew very famous and was so much inlarged that it became a Bishops See whereof Polycarpus a very godly and religious man was Bishop He gouerned the Church in that place at such time as Iohn the Evangelist wrot his Reuelation and by him cap. 2. is called the Angell of the Church of Smyrna This man after he had faithfully preached the Gospell for the space of 86 yeares was by the inhabitants thereof condemned to death for the profession of Christ Anno 170. But the towne of Smyrna because of the vnthankfulnesse and crueltie of the inhabitants was grieuously punished for within ten yeares it was cast downe by an earthquake since which time it was hardly rebuilt again The riuer Pactolus which beginneth in Lydia runneth by this town of Smyrna But the inhabitants because of the golden veins that are found therein call it Crysorrhoas Plin. lib. 5. cap. 29. A little after that there was such an extreme plague hapned in Rome that they were constrained to carry out the dead bodies
then closeth vp againe so that it can find no passage out it striueth with continuall motion to make way through the earth by which meanes the earth trembleth and shaketh and looke how much the deeper these vaults are vnder the earth so much the more violent are the Earthquakes by which means cities are oftentimes vtterly ouerthrowne and ruined sometimes the earth sinketh and ponds and riuers are swallowed vp It was at first called Diospolis that is the city of Iupiter then Rhoas and lastly it obtained the name of Laodicea And although at the beginning it was but a small town yet by reason of the fertilitie of the soile and pleasant scituation it of a sudden became a faire citie beautified with many faire and goodly houses wherein there dwelt many wealthie citizens so that for their nobilitie and worthinesse it was accounted the most famous towne in all Asia Here Hiero dwelt who diuided his inheritance among the citizens and ouer and aboue he gaue them two thousand talents of gold besides many other gifts and gratuities to adorne and beautifie the citie After him there liued Zeno the Orator and Polemon his sonne who for his noble acts was first by Antonio and then by Augustus Caesar honored with the dignitie of a King as Strabo witnesseth lib. 12. This Laodicea Colossis and Hieropolis where the Apostle Philip was crucified were sunk by an earthquake about the tenth yeare of Nero and a little before the Martyrdome of Paul There were three cities called after this name that is this which stood in Caria to which Paul neuer came as appeareth in the second chapter to the Collossians a second stood in Phrigia where Paul wrote his Epistle to Timothy and a third in Syria neere ro Antiochia Seleucia and Apamea The Trauels of Philip. THan a little after the martyrdome of Stephen which hapned in the Moneth of Ianuary thirtie and fiue yeares after the natiuitie of Christ Philip which one of the seauen Deacons with Stephen Acts 6. went from Ierusalem to Samaria which was thirtie and two miles and in many Cities of the Samaritans preached the Gospell and did many miracles at which time he conuerted Simon Magus Acts 8. From Samaria he went to Bethzur which was scituated fortie and foure miles towards the South here Philip baptised the Aethiopian who was Queene Candaces Eunuch And suddenly he was taken out of sight by the spirit of the Lord and went to Azotus which was 16 miles From thence preaching in all the cities as he went he came to Caesarea Strato which was 44 miles So all his Trauels were 136 miles Concerning the townes and places mentioned in his Trauels you may reade of them in seuerall places mentioned before The Trauels of the Aethiopian which was Eunuch to Queene Candaces who kept her court in Saba FRom Saba or Meroe in Aethiopia this Eunuch came to Ierusalem which was about 964 miles Acts 4. From Ierusalem he came to the towne of Bethzur which was 12 miles here he was baptised by Philip in the Moneth of Ianuary the next yeare after the resurrection of Christ From thence he returned to Saba in Aethiopia which was 952 miles So all his Trauels were 1928 miles Of Saba THis citie is before mentioned and at this time when the Eunuch came to Ierusalem Candaces gouerned it and a great part of Aethiopia Tiberius Caesar being then Emperour of Rome Shee was a very warlike woman but blinde of one eie as Strabo saith lib. 16. and Plin. lib. 6. cap. 29. In whose time the citie Saba was called Meroe and the Queenes for many successions Candaces because of the worthinesse of those Queenes which had beene of that name This woman was very well beloued of her subjects and was very gratious towards them as Suidas saith To this Queene the Eunuch which Philip baptised was chiefe Steward and no doubt spread the Christian faith in many places of those parts An Introduction to the Trauels of Saint Paul NOw before I enter vpon the Trauels of the Apostle Paul I though it fit to make a collection of all the Countries Islands and Cities wherein he taught so that they which are skilfull in Geometrie or Cosmographie might discerne their Longitudes Latitudes and seuerall distances according to the degrees and scruples hereafter following Townes in Italy  Long. Latit Rome 36.40 41.40 Puteoli 39.50 41.00 Naples 39.10 41.00 Capua 40.00 41.00 Brundusia 42.30 39.40 Regium 39.50 38.15 Townes in Graecia Constantinople 56.00 43.05 Neapolis 51.15 41.40 Philippi 50.45 41.45 Amphipolis 50.00 41.30 Apollonia Mygdoniae 49.30 40.30 Thessalonica 49.50 39.50 Athens 52.45 37.15 Corinthus 51.15 36.55 Ceâ—chera 51.20 37.00 Cities in Syria Antiochia 69.30 35.30 Seleucia 69.25 35.40 Sydon 67.15 33 30 Tyrus 67.00 33 20 Ptolomais 66.50 32.58 Caesarca Stratonis 66.16 23.25 Ioppa 66.40 32.06 Ierusalem 66.00 31.55 Damascus 60.55 30.00 Cities in Asia minor Thrasia 67.40 36.50 Attalia 62.15 36.30 Perga 62.15 36.56 Antiochia Pisidiae 62.30 39.00 Laodicea Phrigiae 63 40 39.40 Lystra 64.00 39.00 Iconium 64.30 38 45 Derbe 64.20 38 15 Calcedon 56.05 43.05 Nicea 57.00 41.40 Cities in Asia Ilium 55.30 41.00 Troada 55.25 40.40 Assus 56.00 40.15 Pergamus 57.25 39.45 Philadelphia 59.00 38.50 Sardis 58.20 38.15 Ephesus 57.40 37.40 Thyatira   Smyrna 58 25 38.25 Myletus 58.00 37.90 Halicarnassus 57.50 36.10 Gnydus 57.10 35.30 Patara 60.30 36.00 Mira 61.00 36.40 Hycropolis 60.00 38.15 Cities in Aegypt Alexandria 60.30 31.00 Memphis Alcayre 61.50 29.50 Hermopolis magna 61.40 28.55 Jslands Ciciliae ciuitatis Siracusa 39.30 37.15 Malta 38.45 34.50 Corsica 45.40 38.15 Creta 45.00 34.45 Clauda 52.20 34 00 Salamis 50.00 37 00 Enbea 43.40 38.15 Andros 55.00 37.12 Samathrocua 52.30 41.15 Mithilena 55 40 39 20 Chius 59.20 38.25 Trogylion 57 15 37 40 Pathmos 57.00 37.35 Cous 57.00 36.25 Rhodus 58.30 35.40 Raphus cypri 64.10 35.05 Salamais cypri 66.20 35.10 The Trauels of the holy Apostle S. Paul with an axact annotation of the times PAul was borne at Tarsus in Cicilia about the tenth yeare of the natiuitie of our Sauiour and was neere about the age of S. Iohn the Euangelist as the circumstances of Histories doe declare After he grew to some bignesse he was sent by his parents from thence to Ierusalem being 304 miles where he had not beene long brought vp with Gamaliel which signifies The recompence of God Acts 22. but he became the Disciple of Simon the just Luke 2. Acts 5. This Paul was of the Tribe of Benjamin Phil. 2. 2 Cor. 11. and being yet but a young man he was one of those that kept the garments of the holy Martyr S. Stephen who was stoned about the end of the foure and thirtieth yeare after the natiuitie of Christ Acts 1. at which time also S. Iohn the Euangelist was but foure and twentie yeares of age If therefore you would obserue the age of the Apostle Paul in this following discourse of his Trauels deduct ten from the yeres after the natiuitie of our
Sauiour Christ and the remainder is his age At his circumcision he was called Saul that is a mortall man but when he was made the Apostle of the Gentiles he was called Paul of which name there was a noble family in Rome so called because of the lownesse of their stature and smalnesse of their body as Carolus Sigonius obserueth In the 35 yeare after the natiuitie of Christ Paul was an inquisitor for priuate heresie and a cruel persecutor of the Gospel The next yeare he went from Ierusalem to Damascus in Syria which was 160 miles in which journey about the 25 day of Ianuary he was conuerted and vpon the 28 day of Ianuary was baptized by Ananias So he staied some few daies in Damascus and taught the Gospell of Christ Acts 9. 22. In the same yere that he was conuerted the Iewes those that were enemies to the Gospell went about by deceit to take his life wherefore he went from Damascus to Arabia Petraea which was 160 miles here hee continued teaching the Gospell by the space of three yeares that is from the beginning of the 35 to the end of the 37 yeare after the Natiuitie of Christ Act. 9. In the 38 yeare after the Natiuitie of Christ he returned from Arabia Petraea and came to Damascus which was 160 miles and there he diligently taught the Gospell of Christ But when in the same yeare Araeta King of Arabia went about to put him secretly to death he was let down in a basket ouer the wall and so went from Damascus to Ierusalem which was 160 miles and when hee came thither he brought Barnabas to the Apostles and shewed them his conuersion and remained with Peter 15 daies preaching the Gospell At this time he saw Iames the sonne of Alpheus and brother of our Lord Acts 9. 2 Cor. 11. Galat. 1. But when his aduersaries that were at Ierusalem went about secretly to put him to death hee went from Ierusalem and was brought by the brethren to Caesarea Strato which was 32 miles Acts 9. About the 38 yere after the natiuitie of Christ he went thence into Syria to Tarsus a citie of Cilicia which was 272 miles here he continued some yeares teaching the Gospell of Christ Gal. 1. 2 Cor. 11. In the 41 yeare after the natiuitie of Christ and about the seuenth yeare of his Ministrie hee was brought by Barnabas from Tarsus to Antiochia in Syria which was 120 miles At this time and in this towne all those that beleeued in Christ began to bee called Christians wheras before they were called Disciples and brothers Acts 11. These things hapned in the eight yeare after the resurrection of Christ about this time also Matthew wrote his Gospell and Agabus prophesied of the vniuersall dearth that should happen vnder Claudius Acts 11. In the 42 yeare after the natiuitie of Christ Paul being then at Antiochia and about 32 yeres of age was wrapt vp into the third heauen 14 yeares before he wrote his second Epistle to the Corinthians 2 Cor. 12. In the 43 yeare after the natiuitie of Christ the famine wherof Agabus prophecied being now begun hee went with the gifts of the Church from Antiochia to Ierusalem which was 280 miles this yeare Iames the elder was beheaded at the command of Agrippa Acts 11. 12. In the 44 yeare after the natiuitie of Christ Paul and Barnabas with Peter were deliuered out of prison by the Angell of the Lord. Now hauing distributed the gifts of the Church hee returned in the company of Iohn Marke from Ierusalem to Antiochia which was 280 miles So these trauels were 1928 miles Of the townes and places to which he trauelled of Tarsus or Tharsus THis was the Metropolis of Cilicia scituated vpon the riuer of Cydnus which beginning at Mount Taurus runs thence through this towne into the Mediterranean sea It was first built by Perseus King of the Persians whom the Poëts faigne to bee the sonne of Iupiter and Danaë called Tharsus of the Hyacinth stone which as it seemeth is found thereabouts It was distant from Ierusalem 304 miles towards the North in antient time a goodly city but through the injurie of the time and inuasion of the enemy much impaired lay almost ruined til as Strab. saith li. 14. it was repaired by Sardanapalus that effeminat K. of the Assirians of whom Tully remembreth this Epitaph lib. 5. Tuscula Haec habeo quae aedi quaeque exaturata libido Hausit at illa jacent multa praeclara relicta What things I eat or spend in sport and play Those I enjoy the rest I cast away From his time vntill the raigne of Darius the last king of the Persians it continued in great prosperity and was become a maruellous stately citie the inhabitants therof being growne very wealthy but then Alexander the Great making warre vpon that Prince amongst others brought his Army against this citie but the citisens hearing of his notable exployts durst not abide his comming therefore they fired the citie left hee should make a prey of their riches and fled which when Alexander perceiued he gaue order to Parmenio with all possible speed to quench the fire and saue the citie In the meane time the King being prest with an extraordinary thirst by reason of the extreame heate that was in that country the dust and his long journie put off his roiall garments and cast himselfe into the riuer Cydnus which being a cold water comming out of the North stroke the heat presently inward and so benummed his sinewes that had it not been for the present helpe of his souldiers and the extraordinarie diligence and care of Philip his Phisitian he had died immediately notwithstanding by the great prouidence of God and the carefulnesse of his physitian hee recouered his dangerous sickenesse beyond the expectation of man and after ouercame Darius in a sharpe and cruell warre neere to a place called Issa as you may reade before See Plutarch in vita Alexand. and Quintus Curtius From that time forward this citie grew to be very famous and daily increased in statelinesse and faire buildings And to adde more dignitie to it there was a famous Academie in which were many learned and rare Philosophers in so much that they of Tharsus exceeded the Philosophers of Athens and Alexandria for learning and knowleged though indeed for number of scholers and common resort they exceeded Tharsus Saint Paul was borne and brought vp in this Towne and here learned the knowledge of the tongues Philosophie and other good arts Hee also perused the writings of Aratus Epimenides Menander and other learned men whose sayings are here and there dispersed through his Epistles From thence he was sent to Ierusalem where hee liued and was brought vp at the feet of Gamaliel who was Prouost of that Academy and after was conuerted to be an Apostle of Christ Iesus as appeareth Acts 22. This towne at this day is subject to the Empire of the Turkes and called
by the name of Terassa beeing neither so famous nor so faire a citie as in the time when the Roman Empire flourished for then because of the extraordinary vertue of the citizens it was indowed with the libertie and freedome of Rome Of Damascus THis was a metropolitan towne in Syria distant from Ierusalem 160 miles towards the Northeast being an ancient and faire citie and before such time as Antiochia was built the head of all that kingdome It was scituated in a faire and fruitfull place close by the mountaine Libanus which bringeth forth Frankincense Ceders Cypresse and many odoriferous and sweet smelling floures There were many Kings that kept their court in it as Hadad Benhadad the first Benhadad the second Hasael and others who grieuously opposed the Kings of Israel in many sharpe and cruell warres as you may reade before The land round about it aboundeth with white and red Roses Pomegranats Almonds Figges and other sweet and pleasant fruits In that place the Alablaster stone is found very faire and cleere The aire pleasant and healthfull The riuer called Chrysorrus runneth close by it in which there is found golden veines which yeelded perfect gold The houses without are not very curious but within all of polished Marble and Alablaster guilt with resplendent gold so artificially that it dazleth the beholders eies There was a certaine Florentine who reuolted from the Christian faith and obtained to be chiefe gouernour of this towne in which he erected a strong and beautifull castle which stood for the defence of it No man can sufficiently expresse the beautie and glory of this citie there is great traffique and much resort of people to it but especially of Turkes Saracens Mamalucks and other kinds of Pagan people who are preferred before the Christians in that gouernment and although there are many Christians in that place yet they are constrained to indure great injurie by those Barbarians because they are hated euen to the death and if any of them chance to die they are buried in that place where Paul was conuerted The inhabitants shew the place where Saint Paul was let downe ouer the wall in a basket also the house of Ananias who cured the blindnesse of Paul besides many other things that are memorable in that citie of which you may reade in Sebestian Munster Sebastian Frankus Plin. lib. 5. and many other authors Of Arabia MAny things are already spoken concerning this Countrey as the diuision of the place one called Petraea the other Deserta and the third Foelix Arabia Petraea is so called from the Metropolitan citie thereof called Petra which is scituated forty miles from Ierusalem towards the South and bordereth vpon Aegypt and India It is also called Arabia Nabathea as you may reade before Paran and Sur are a part of it compassing towards the East the land of Iudaea and so extendeth to Damascus This countrey is very full of rockes and stones the chiefe citie Petra being scituated vpon a rocke of which it taketh the name Here standeth the mountaines Horeb and Sinai here the children of Israel trauelled when they went out of Aegypt here is the Sardonix stone found and the people of this countrey in times past were great Prophets and Astrologians here also S. Paul taught the Gospell a little after his conuersion Gal. 1. at which time Aretas was King thereof whose sister was married to Herod the Tetrarch of Galile and Petraea but he cast her off and married Herodias his brother Philips wife vpon which there began a bloudy warre betweene Aretas and Herod and a sharpe battell was fought neere to Gamala a citie beyond Iordan And although the two Kings were not at this battell yet by the treason and flight of the soldiers out of Tracones who without all question would haue reuenged the contempt done vnto their Lord Philip the Arabian armie carried away a notable victory as Iosephus witnesseth lib. antiq 18. cap. 9. Aretas signifieth An excellent man which was a common name to the Kings of Arabia It is to be thought that Damascus and all the Countrey round about was vnder the jurisdiction of this King and that he ordained a Lieutenant or Generall in those parts who would haue taken Paul and put him to death Acts 9. 2 Col. 12. The other part of Arabia is called by Ptolomie Deserta but Strabo calls it Scenilis because the inhabitants thereof are without buildings or Tents and liue like vagrants vp and downe the woods This is compast in vpon the South with certaine mountaines of Arabia Foelix towards the North it borders vpon Mesopotamia and towards the West vpon Petraea The third is called Arabia Foelix because of the fertilitie therof for they haue there euery yeare two haruests as they haue in India as Strabo obserueth See Plin. lib. 6. cap. 28. Of Antiochia YOu may reade of this Towne before It is said that Luke the Euangelist was borne here This man was by profession a Physition Colos 4. and an inseparable companion to Paul in all his Trauels he was of the number of the seuentie Disciples as Epiphanius obserueth Tertullian saith in his fourth booke against Marcion that Luke receiued his Gospell from the mouth of Paul he liued till he was 84 yeares old and then died and lies buried at Constantinople as S. Ierom saith for his bones were remoued out or Achaia thither The second Trauels of the Apostle Paul in the company of Barnabas IN the eleuenth yeare after the natiuitie of Christ and in the foure and fortieth yeare of Paul he and Barnabas was sent by the holy spirit from Antiochia in Syria to Seleucia which was foure and twenty miles From Seleucia they sailed to Salamais in Cyprus which was 94 miles Acts 13. From thence they went to Paphos which is in the same Isle where Sergius Paulus was conuerted and Elymas the Magitian who professing himselfe to bee the Messias and Sonne of God was strucke with blindnesse Act. 13. this journey was 100 miles They loosing from Paphos went by sea and land the same yeare to Pergamus a city of Pamphilia scituated in Asia minor which was 148 miles In the 45 yeare after the Natiuitie of Christ they went from Pergamus to Antiochia in Pisidia which was 132 miles From thence they went to Iconia which was 96 miles here they staied some time and conuerted many Act. 13. 14. In the 46 yere after the natiuitie of Christ there being a great tumult raised in that countrey lest the inhabitants should haue stoned them they fled thence to Lystra a city of Lyaconia where Paul healed the lame man which was 28 miles The inhabitants seeing this miracle worshipped them for gods and called Barnabas Iupiter and Paul Mercurius because he wrought the miracle But not long after certaine Iewes comming from Antiochia and Iconia arriued in Listra by whose perswasion the people stoned Paul and supposing him to be dead carried him out of the citie but when his Disciptes came vnto him
he rose vp and went into the towne Act. 14. The next day they went to Derbe a citie of Lyaconia which was 48 miles From thence they returned backe againe to Lystra in the same yeare which was 28 miles From Iconia they came to Antiochia in Pisidia which was 16 miles in this citie they comforted the Disciples exhorting them that they should perseuere in their faith For through many afflictions we must enter into the Kingdome of heauen They also elected Elders in the Churches so with fasting and praiers they commended them to the Lord in whom they beleeued In the 47 yeare after Christ they went from Antiochia thorough all Pisidia and came to Pergamus a citie in Pamphilia which was 132 miles here they preached the word of the Lord Acts 14. From Pergamus in the following yeare they went downe to the citie of Attalia which was 26 miles In the 48 yere after the natiuitie of Christ they loosed thence and went to Antiochia in Syria which was 340 miles here they assembled the Church and shewed what wonderfull things the Lord had wrought by them and how hee had opened the doore of faith vnto the Gentiles in this place they staied a great space Acts 14. In the yeare following they went from Antiochia to Ierusalem which was 280 miles to the Apostolicall Councell which was celebrated in that citie Anno Dom. 49. and as they went they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria and there declared the estate of the Church among the Gentiles Acts 15. From Ierusalem they with Sylas and Iudas syrnamed Barsabas went againe to Antiochia in Syria which was 280 miles here Paul opposed Peter for preaching vnto the Gentiles Gal. 2. So these trauels of Paul were 1744 miles Of the townes and places to which he trauelled Of Cyprus BEcause you may reade of Seleucia before I therfore willingly omit it that I might speake more fully of Cyprus This is a faire and spacious Isle scituated in the Mediterranean sea in the gulph of Issa bordering vpon Cilicia and Syria distant 160 miles from Ierusalem towards the North as Strabo saith lib. 14. It is in compasse 428 miles very fertile powerfull and spacious for an Island There inhabited in it in times past nine Kings and as Pliny saith lib. 5. cap. 31. called Macaria or one of the happy Islands the inhabitants were giuen much vnto luxurie and venerie from whence it hapned that Venus was greatly honoured amongst them It is said that there are many pretious stones found in it besides Crystal Allum and Cypresse wood which abounds in that place from which it seemeth the Island was called Cyprus There are also found many Symples that are Physical much Sack comes thenee and many other things necessarie for the life of man Here also standeth the Mountaine Olympus whose top seemeth to touch the heauens from whence it taketh the name because there neuer lies any clouds vpon it Lucan lib. 2. There are foure mountaines of this name the one lyeth between Macedon and Thessalie the other in Cyprus the third amongst the Mysians at the foot whereof Haniball built Prusa and the fourth in Aethiopia vpon the East side of Heliopolis There are many cities in this countrey as Macaria Cyprus or Cyrhera after called Paphos and now Baffa in which there standeth such a famous Temple that Venus of that is called Cypria and Cytherea Nicosia and Salamus now called Famagusta There haue beene many and cruell sharpe warres betweene the Venetians and Turkes concerning this countrie but at this day it is vnder the jurisdiction of the Turks from whence they fetch great abundance of Pitch and Rosin for their ships and cables Of Salamais SAlamais Salamin or Salamina was one of the principal cities of Cyprus and was distant from Ierusalem 196 miles towards the North built by Teucer the sonne of Telamon and scituated in the Eubeian sea just against Athens The occasion why this town was built hapned by reason of a discontent that grew betweene Teucer and his father Telamon for Teucer returning from Troy not hauing reuenged the death of his brother Ajax so much incensed his father that he banished him his countrie whereupon Teucer sailed thence to Cyprus where he built this citie and because of the extraordinarie affection that he bore to the countrie where he was borne called it by the name of Salamena or Salamais Saint Ierom saith that there is a riuer of extraordinary hot water that runneth through a great part of this countrie and that it was once ouercome by the Iewes and vtterly ruined and destroied but afterward repeopled and called by the name of Constantia This towne at this day is called by the name of Famagusta and was taken with the whole Island of Cyprus by Mustapha chiefe Captaine to Selimus the second Emperour of the Turkes An. Dom. 1570. Solon that notable and famous Philosopher was borne in this Towne And Paul and Barnabas sailed out of Syria and liued in this Towne Acts 31. Of Paphos THis Citie is scituated vpon the shore of Cyprus 212 miles from Ierusalem towards the North and seemeth to take the name from Paphos the sonne of Pigmalion the Artificer In this towne there stood a notable Temple built by that Pigmalion in the honour of Venus for that as it seemeth by the Poets hee was much giuen to women Here Elimas that wicked Magician who as some will haue it called himselfe the sonne of Iesus as others the sonne of Iehouah dwelt whom the Lord by the hand of Paul strucke with blindnesse Here also Sergius Paulus the Proconsull was conuerted It was in times past a goodly faire citie as the ruines thereof testifie to this day but now it is destroied and almost desolate There as it is for the most part through that Island the ayre is impure and vnwholsom and the ruines of many goodly churches and buildings are to be seene also the wals of a strong and almost impregnable tower scituated vpon a hill in the middle of the citie and as may be thought was sometime the habitation of Sergius Paulus There is also showne vnder a certaine Church which in antient times belonged vnto the brothers of the Minories a certaine Prison diuided into seuen roomes where Paul and Barnabas were imprisoned for preaching the Gospell Here also vnder another Church is found a spring of very wholesome water which is a present remedy for the Ague and Feuer Here also is excellent Wine Of Perga PErga was a citie of Pamphilia from whence Diana is called Pergea because there was a notable Temple in that Towne which was dedicated to her It is scituated in Asia the lesse neere to Cheractus as Ptolomais saith but as Strabo saith close by Cestria a faire and goodly riuer 356 miles from Ierusalem towards the North. The countrey wherein this standeth is full of mountaines extending from the mountaine Taurus which beginneth in this place abounding with Vines Oliues and other fruits vnto the sea There are many
faire and fruitfull pastures in it and many goodly and beautifull cities as Aspendius Phaselis this Perga besides many others needlesse to be named There was vsually euery yeare a great feast kept here in honour of Diana but Paul and Barnabas comming to this town conuerted most of the inhabitants to the knowledge of God and of his sonne Christ Iessu Acts 13. Of Antiochia in Pisidia THis was the chiefe citie in Pisidia scituated in Asia minor 460 miles from Ierusalem towards the North. S. Paul conuerted a great multitude in this towne to the faith of Christ Of Iconium IConium was one of the Metropolitan Cities of Lycaonia as Pliny saith lib. 5. cap. 27. scituated not farre from the bowing of mount Taurus in Asia the lesse as Strabo saith lib. 12. 420 miles from Ierusalem towards the North. In this citie Paul and Barnabas continued a long time and did many miracles by which meanes a great multitude of the inhabitants were conuerted to the Christian faith Acts 13.14 It is to this day a faire citie and vnder the gouernment of the Turks who woon it from the Princes of Caramanian About 400 yeares before there was a great battell fought close by this towne betweene the Saracens and the armie of the Emperour Conradus the third in which the Christians lost the day Of Lystra THis is a Citie in Lycaonia scituated in Asia the lesse 436 miles from Ierusalem towards the North. In this Towne Timothy was borne Acts 16.2 Tim. 3. In this citie Paul healed the Cripple and was stoned Acts 14.2 Cor. 11. Of Darbe THis also was a citie in Lycaonia scituated in Asia the lesse 388 miles from Ierusalem towards the North where Paul and Barnabus preached the Gospell Acts 14. Of Attalia ATtalia was a hauen Towne of Pamphilia built by Attalus Philadelphus King of Pergamus after whose name it was so called as Strato obserueth lib. 14. being distant from Ierusalem 332 miles towards the North. Paul and Barnabas sailed out of Syria into this towne At this day it is called Catalia The third Trauels of Paul in the company of Sylas IN the fifth yeare after the ascention of Christ Paul tooke vnto him Sylas and going through Syria and Cilicia came to Derbe which is 400 miles and there established the Churches Acts 15.16 From Derbe they went to Lystra 48 miles where Paul circumcised Timothy Acts 16. In the 51 yeare after Christ they went from Lystra and so trauelled through Galatia Phrygia and being hindred by the spirit that they could not preach in Bythinia they went thorow Mysia and so came to Troas where by a vision that Paul saw in the night he was admonished to go into Macedonia Acts 16. So this journey between Lycia and Troas was 480 miles Loosing from Troas they sailed with a direct course to Samo-Thracia 116 miles From thence they sailed to Neapolis 92 miles From thence they went to Philippos in Macedonia 24 miles Act. 16. here Lydda the seller of purple was conuerted and Paul dispossessed a Diuel and then he and Sylas being scourged were cast into prison Paul being then about 41 yeares of age Acts 16. From Philippos they went to Amphipolis about 36 miles Acts 17. From thence they went to Apollonia 44 miles From Apollonia they went to Thessalonica where the Iewes stirred vp a tumult 80 miles Wherefore they went thence by night and came to Berrhaea 60 miles here also the Iewes stirred vp a tumult Acts 17. These things hapned in the summer season An. Dom. 51. From Berrhaea Paul was brought by the Brethren to the sea where entring into a shippe hee went to Athens which was 264 miles where he conuerted Dionysius the Areopagite From this towne he wrot both his Epistles to the Thessalonians as the subscription witnesseth and sent them to Thessalonica These were the first Epistles that Paul wrot Afterward hee went from Athens and came to Corinthia 74 miles he came thither about the beginning of August An. D. 51 and continued there a whole yeare and six months preaching the Gospell and making tents with Aquila the Iew who was of that trade Acts 19. From Corinthia about the spring An. Do. 53. he went to Cenchraea with Aquila and Priscilla 304 miles There for deuotions sake he polled his head From Cenchraea he sailed in the company of Aquila and Priscilla to Ephesus about 304 miles Here he left them Acts 18. From Ephesus hee sailed to Caesarea Strato in Iudaea beeing 280 miles From Caesarea he went to Ierusalem 32 miles and saluted the Church From the city of Ierusalem Paul went to Antiochia in Syria 280 miles So all these trauels were 2154 miles ¶ Of the townes and places to which he trauelled Of Cilicia BEcause you may reade of Syria before I wil omit it and proceed to speake of Cilicia This was a countrey in Asia the lesse so called as some would haue it from Cilix the Kings son of Phoenicia compassed in vpon the East with the mountaine Amanus vpon the North with the mountaine Taurus vpon the West by Pamphilia and vpon the South by the Mediterranean sea At this day it is called Caramania and is distant from Ierusalem 304 miles towards the North. In times past it was diuided into two parts that is into Cilicia the higher and the lower Cilicia the higher aboundeth with mountaines the lower is a plaine champian countrey very fertile and pleasant The principal cities thereof are Tarsus where the Apostle Paul was born and where the riuer Cydnus runs through the midst of it Issus where Alexander ouercame Darius last Emperor of the Persians Anazarba where Dioscorides that excellent Physitian was borne who was of great estimation with Antonius and Cleopatra There are six books yet extant of his profitable and necessary labours in that science From hence may be gathered that the scituation is strong and pleasant in regard it is fortified on euery side with mountaines but principally with the mountaine Taurus famous for the fertilitie of it and the passage of Alexander with his army who at the he conquered Darius went through the straight passages thereof being both dangerous and difficult and watered with many Riuers that take their beginning from that mountaine so passeth Southward through all Cilicia falling then into the Mediterranian sea Of Galatia GAlatia or Gallo-Grecia is a countrey of Asia minor distant from Ierusalem 400 miles hauing vpon the East Cappadocia vpon the South Pamphilia vpon the West Bythinia and on the North the Euxine sea The cities of this country were antiently Sinopis where King Mithridates kept his Court and Diogenes the Cynick was born Amisus also Pessinus where the Mother of the gods was had in great honor and was fetcht thence by the Romans This was a famous mart town as Livy saith li. 29. Laodicea Tauius and Ancyra where there was held a notable Sinod and in this large and spatious country also stood Antiochia Pisidia for the Galathians dwelt in all Paphlagonia a part
he bore to Homers Iliads Wherefore looke what Alexander had promised Lysimachus one of his chiefe Princes and King of Thrace after his death performed for he returned to Troy enlarged the city beautified it with goodly buildings set vp a stately Temple and then compast it about with strong wals After this sort it continued a long time vntill Fimbria a Questor of the Romans when he had slaine Valerius Flaccus the Consull with whom hee was sent against Mithridates King of Pontus besieged it and within ten dayes space woon it making his vaunts that hee conquered that citie in ten dayes which Agamemnon could scarce do in ten yeares to which one of the inhabitants of the citie answered That then Troy had a Hector but now it had none But for this hee cruelly wasted the citie This destruction hapned in the 84 yeare before Christ thus it lay desolate till Augustus Caesars time who caused it again to be re-edified and beautified with many faire and goodly buildings because the Romanes and especially those noble families of the Iulij and Caesars doe deriue their progenie from the Trojans for which cause Augustus vsed such diligence in the rebuilding of this citie and bestowed such infinit cost that he much exceeded Alexander and made it a faire and goodly citie At this day it is called Ilium But in the place of old Troy there is little to bee seene only a small towne as Strabo saith It is distant from Ierusalem 760 miles Northwestward Of Bythinia THis countrey is opposite to Constantinople scituated in Asia minor distant from Irusalem Northwestward and so called of Bythinus the sonne of Iupiter and Thrax It was sometime called Pontus Bebrycia and Mygdonia as Stephanus saith In this countrey the Apostle Paul could not preach the Gospel of Christ when he went into Macedonia and Graecia because hee was hindred by the Spirit Act. 16. The principall cities thereof were Calcidon Heraclea Nicea Nicomedia Apamea Flauiopolis Libissa where Hannibal lieth buried and Prusa now called Byrsa where in times past the Emperours of Turkie kept their Courts and were buried The mother and metropolis of all these cities was Nicea or rather Nicaea beeing distant from Ierusalem 720 miles towards the Northwest at the first called Antigonia of Antigonus the sonne of Philip King of Asia who built it after the death of Alexander the Great But Lysimachus called it Nicaea after his wifes name and at this day is called Nissa The compasse thereof is two miles being foure square scituated as Strabo saith lib. 12. in a faire and pleasant place lying close by the poole of Ascania and hath in it 4 gates standing in a direct line al which gates might easily haue beene seene from a certaine stone which stood in the middle of the Market place In this citie the most Christian Emperor Constantine the Great celebrated a Councell anno Dom. 325. at which time there were present 320 Bishops who condemned the Arrian herisie and instituted the Nicaen Creed But after that viz. anno Dom. 326 the Arrians endeauouring to hold a second Councell in this citie to confirme their opinions and to dissolue that which went before the Lord hindred them with an Earthquake by which almost half the citie was throwne down Not long after there hapned another earthquake which vtterly destroied it notwithstanding it was rebuilt again and in it a second Councell held wherein the Nicaen Creed was condemned There were many cities of this name that before spoken of another in Thrace a third in France not far from the riuer Varus a fourth as Stephanus saith is amongst the Lorrenses in Graecia a fift in Illeria a sixt in India a seuenth in Corsica and the eighth in Leuctris of Boetia Of Mysia THis is a country of Asia the lesse bordring vpon Helle spont and Troada being diuided into two parts that is the greater and the lesse That part that bordreth vpon Troada is distant from Ierusalem 800 miles Northwestward but that which is called Mysia the lesse and bordring vpon Lydia is 1028 miles from Ierusalem Northwestward In this countrey stood Pergamus to which Iohn wrote his Reuelation Scepsis where one Neleus kept the bookes of Aristotle til Apollonius time also Antandrus Adramitium Tranoiapolis and Apollinia which stood close by the riuer Thyndaeus The inhabitants were men of a base condition and contemned of the world insomuch as they became a prouerbe as often as a man would denote a thing of no estimation they would say Vltimum esse Mysiorum that is It is worse than the Mysians as it appeareth in Cicero's oration for Flaccus Yet notwithstanding Paul and Iohn the Euangelist preached the doctrine and light of the Gospell to this poore and despised people so that the Mysians which were a contemptible and abhominable nation before all the world were not so before God for they were conuerted at the preaching of Iohn and Paul From whence he saith Not many wise according to the flesh not many mightie not many noble but God hath chosen the foolish things of this world that they might confute and ouerthrow the wise c. 1. Cor. 1. In times past they were a great people though of smal estimation for they had vnder their iurisdiction Lydia Caria Pergamus Thyatira Sardis Philidelphia and Laodicea to many of which Iohn wrote his Revelation Also as Herodotus saith Lib. 7. the Mysians and Teucrians before the Trojan war past into Europe and there woon and held Thracia Macedonia and all the land to the Adriatick sea c. Of Troas THis citie Troas where Paul raised Eutichus which signifies happie or fortunate from death to life Acts. 10. stood vpon the sea of Hellespont in Asia the lesse 720 miles from Ierusalem Northwestward Antigonus king of Asia called it Troas because it was in the countrey where Troy was But after the death of Alexander he called it after his owne name Antigonia And the better to honour it kept his court there But Lysimachus King of Thrace hauing got this city into his iurisdiction bestowed great cost vpon it and set vp many fair and goodly buildings then called it after Alexanders name Alexandria and so it began to be called Alexandria Troas Plin. lib. 5. Strabo l. 13. Ier de locis Hebraicis Now it was called Alexandria Troas to put a difference between it and diuers other cities of that name for there was an Alexandria in Aegypt another in India and many others elsewhere but only this in the countrey where Troy stood It was scituated in a high and spacious mountaine about a mile and a halfe from the shore of Propontus towards the East between which Troads is twentie and eight miles It is a thing worthy obseruation to consider by what diuers names the sea that lies between Europe and Asia the lesse is called for betweene Constantinople and Calcidonia close by the Euxine sea it is called Thracius Bosphorus in which place it is not aboue halfe a mile
a faire and goodly city wherein is to be seen 23 Churches and is inhabited both by Christians Iews and Turks as Sebastian Munster saith but the greatest number is Iews who are partly merchants partly of other trades their number in this place as it is said by some of their own nation is 14000 and they haue 80 synagogues but they are constrained to weare yellow wreaths about their heads the Christians blew the Turks white There are many Iewes also in Constantinople and Adrianople but in no place more than in this town which is now called Salonica Of Berraea THis is a city of Macedon scituated vpon the riuer of Halakmon 960 miles from Ierusalem Northwestward In this city the Iewes stirred vp a great tumult and sedition against the Apostle Paul Acts 17. At this day it it is called Voria Of Athens THis was the most famous City of all Grecia the mother of Arts and a bountifull nourisher of large and mighty Colonies in that part of Achaia called Acte or Attica It was scituated vpon the shore of the Mediterranian sea 720 miles from Ierusalem Westward It tooke name from a Diuine knowledge for the word is deriued of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. the minde of God It was first built by Cecrops fiue yeares before Moses fled out of Egypt into the land of the Midianites and of him called Cecropia This Cecrops was the first King thereof and there succeeded him at least 40 both famous worthy princes But after it was called Mopsonia of Mopsus K. of Thessaly and after Ionia which name it held for a while and lastly Athens dedicated to Pallas which goddesse the Grecians say was born of the brain of Iupiter which name it held a long time after There liued in this city Solon Socrates Plato Aristotle Demosthenes and many other excellent Philosophers It was scituated vpon a faire and strong Rocke beautified with many goodly Temples and buildings but principally that of Minerva was most sumptuous in which there hung a great number of Lampes which gaue a continuall light There was also the Monasterie of the holy Virgins and the image of Pallas made all of white Ivorie very curious and costly There were many Schools Colledges and pleasant gardens in which Philosophers vsed to walk and it abounded with sweet and delectable musick and with great resort of Merchants and Schollers To conclude in those times it was the most notable city in the world Moreouer there were many profitable hauens for the receit of ships but that which was called Piraeum exceeded being capable to receiue 40 * As some say 400. ships beautified with many goodly buildings in compasse two miles fortified with seuen walls and ioyning to the city wherof Terence writeth in Eunuch Act. 3. Scen. 4 At this day it is called Porto Lini fortified with two wals foure miles in length extending to the hill Munichya the syrname of Diana being compassed in the figure of a Chersonesse so ioyned to the city of Athens In which distance there are two other hauens besides that of Piraeum In this Iupiter had a magnificent Temple and in it were found many artificiall tables pictures and grauen images all which are at this day destroied and carried away It hath beene three times destroyed first by Xexes and Mardonius which happened in the yeare before Christ 479. Then by Lysander who broke downe an hundred paces of the wall and almost vtterly destroyed their ships and broke downe the hauen of Peraea It was also sore oppressed by the Romans and they also brake downe their hauen and burnt their shippes but spared the towne and held it in great estimation But it was the third time ouerthrowne and vtterly destroyed by the Turks who both changed the place and name of the city after it had flourished 3113 yeares At this day it is diuided into three parts and called by the name of Sethina because of the varietie of the inhabitants that liue in it being very well peopled and a faire and spatious City but much altered from that it was in times past For although before it was the very mother of eloquence and glory of Attica yet at this day it is so much altered that their language is base and their glory is eclipsed The vppermost part of the city where formerly the temple stood dedicated to the vnknown God is now wholly and absolutely in the hands of the Turkes in which they haue built a strong and almost inuincible Castle which hath the command of the rest of the towne The second and middle part of the towne is all inhabited by Christians In the third there standeth a fair and goodly Palace supported with marble pillars and adorned with goodly workes In this part of the City there inhabiteth people of diuers sects and conditions And heere also is the seat of a Metropolitane who hath vnder him many Bishops So that God doth support and maintaine his Church euen amongst the enemies thereof for there ate four Patriarks in Turky to which al the other Christian Metroplitans and Bishops are subiect viz. the Patriarch of Alexandria Constantinople Antiochia and Ierusalem Paul was the first man that preached the Gospell of Christ in this city and conuerted many citisens but especially Dionysius the Areopagite who dwelt vpon a promontory without the city and as it seems was one of the principal Iudges and gouernors of the town for after he had taught publiquely in the towne had disputed against the Iewes and Philosophers concerning Christ they supposing him to be a busie fellow and one worthy of death as a disturber of the common peace brought him before this Dionysius that so by his iudgement he might receiue condign punishment for his offence But S. Paul so well behaued himselfe and preached with such admirable eloquence and learning that hee not only confuted his enemies but among others conuerted this Dionysius Areopagitus who was afterwards the first Bishop of Athens as Euseb saith lib. 4. cap. 23. and went captiue with Paul to Rome and from thence to Paris in France where he suffered martyrdome vnder Dionysius the Emperor Of Corinthia COrinthus is a famous city in Grecia scituated in Peloponessus a pleasant countrey of Achaia ioyning to the continent of Grecia like an Isthmus or Peninsula distant from Ierusalem 760 miles towards the West commonly called Corantha built as Eusebius saith by Sisiphus sonne of Aeolus at such time as Ioshuah gouerned Israel who was a mighty Pirat At first it was but a castle and called after his name Sisiphyus but after because of the strength of the place and pleasant scituation it became a faire towne and called by the name of Corcyra as Strabo faith then Ephym of Ephyra who was a faire and goodly Nymph and Queen of that place Now although euen in those times it was held in great estimation yet it became much wasted and decayed through the continuance of time vntill
it was repaired by King Corinthus who as some thinke was the sonne of Marathon Suidas saith the sonne of Pelops others would haue him the sonne of Orestis and after his name was called Corinth that is The floure of Maides It was a faire and goodly citie very commodiously built for it stood betweene the two seas of Ionium and Aegeum so that there resorted thither great multitude of Merchants from all places Close by the citie there stood a steepe mountaine which was as it were a bulwarke for the defence thereof being 560 feet high and called Acrocorinthus that is the glory and strength of the Corinthians It was also compassed about with strong walls and beautified with many goodly buildings and temples but aboue the rest the Temple of Venus was had in great reputation which as Strabo saith stood vpon the top of the mountaine Acrocorinthus wherein there were aboue a thousand Maides prostituted euery yeare This Temple was had in such great honour and was so gloriously built that aboue all the places of the world there was resort vnto it Close by it stood the ancient castle called Sysyphius built all of white Marble and a little below that the fountaine of Pyrene dedicated to the Muses There were many mightie Princes that ruled in this citie as Alethes who was King thereof at such time as Samuel judged Israel which was 1103 yeares before Christ hee bestowed great cost vpon it set vp many faire and goodly buildings and ruled ouer it thirtie and fiue yeares as Eusebius saith After him there succeeded many Kings by whose worthinesse and prowesse it was so much inlarged and made so famous that it was little inferiour to the citie of Rome for at such time as Embassadors were sent thence to intreate of some businesse concerning the state the Corinthians did not let to giue them many reprochfull tearmes as Strabo saith lib. 8. because of which insolencie the Romans sent Lucius Mummus the Consul into Graetia who besieged Corinth and within a short time tooke it and burnt it downe to the ground in the yeare before Christ 145 of which you may reade more in Florus and in the second Decad of Lyuie It was a maruellous rich Towne and abounded with gold siluer and costly brasse also with plate and curious pictures so that although Mummius conquered Corinth yet Corinth conquered Rome for the citizens thereof were so bewitched with the riches and glory of this towne that they forgot their ancient seueritie and with violence followed their vices as Salust saith lib. 1. So that as before Corinth abounded with luxurie and diuers other abhominable euils as whoredome adulterie fornication couetousnes idolatry rapine and murther so Rome in future ages became as bad or worse than it Thus it continued waste from that time till Iulius Caesar was Emperour of Rome who hauing trauelled into those parts of the world and seene the ruines of this citie and the profitale scituation for traffique caused it to be rebuilded after which time it began to grow great spacious little inferiour to the former in glory and no lesse corrupted with vices hauing forgot the former miserie which it sustained by the hands of the Romans and so continued from the yeare before Christ 44 vntill the yeare after Christ 41 at which time Paul came thither preached the Gospell by whose diuine doctrine and godly life and conuersation they were conuerted from their euill courses and liued more holily and honestly as appeareth by the two Epistles of Saint Paul wrote from Philippos to the inhabitants of this towne But after they falling from their faith and forsaking their ancient integritie the Lord punished them with a second desolation for at such time as Amurath Emperor of the Turkes grew to eminencie and had conquered Thessalonica Boaetia and Attica he came into this Isthums and made all Peloponessus tributary to him Then after him Mahomet the second although the inhabitants of Corinth had fortified their citie with three walls and made it so strong that it was thought to be almost inuincible besieged it and woon it An. Dom. 1458. about six yeares after Constantinople was conquered by the Turkes But now it is in the command of the Venetians and that and all the countrey is called by the name of Morea as it appeareth in the Turkish Historie lib. 10. The fourth peregrination of the Apostle Paul IN the yeare after the Natiuitie of Christ 53 Paul went from Antiochia in Syria and came to Galatia and Laodicia in Phrygia and thence wrote his Epistle to Timothy as it appeareth by the subscription of that Epistle which was 380 miles From Laodicea hee went to Ephesus which was 280 miles and there appointed Timothy to be a Bishop and daily disputed in the schoole of a certaine Tyrant and did many miracles as it appeareth Acts 19. From Ephesus he came to Troada which was 200 miles where when he could not find Titus he was troubled in spirit 2 Cor. 2. From Troada hee sailed into Macedonia and came to Philippos which was 232 miles from hence hee wrote his Epistles to the Corinthians and sent them to Corinth which was 292 miles In the same yeare also Paul passing through Graecia in euery place where he came preaching and visiting the churches Act. 19. at length came to Corinthus which was 480 miles In the 57 yeare after the Natiuitie of Christ when Paul had wintred among the Corinthians in the Spring that hee might auoyd the deceits of the Iewes who went about to take away his life hee went thence and returned to Philippos which was 292 miles where he celebrated the feast of Penticost Acts 2. From thence he sailed to Troada which was 232 miles where he raised Eutichus from death to life Acts 20. From Troada he went to Assa which was thirtie and six miles Acts 20. From Assa he sailed to Mileten which was 760 miles Acts 20. From Mileten he went to Chius which was 64 miles Acts 20. From Chius he sailed to Samus which was 60 miles and continued in the Isle of Trogylius which was close by Samus as Pl. saith lib. 5. cap. 3. and Strabo cap. 13. From Trogylius hee sailed by Ephesus and came to Miletus which was 160 miles From thence hee sent Messengers to the Ministers of Ephesus commanding them to haue a speciall care to the flocke of Christ which he had purchased with his pretious bloud and added that he was so much the more importunate in that behalfe because they should neuer see him againe Wherefore they embraced Paul with great lamentations and sorrow Acts 2. From Myletus he his companions went with a direct course to the Island of Cous which was 200 miles Acts 21. From thence the next day they went to Rhodes which was 84 miles From Rhodes they went to Patara which was 100 miles From Patara they sayled to Tyrus leauing Cyprus vpon the left hand which was 360 miles where hee found certaine Disciples and
citie Pergamus 510 Philip and his trauels 514 Paul and his trauels 517 523. 529 547. 555. Of Paphos why so called 526. Of Peâ—ga 527 Of Philippa 590 Patara 554 Puteoli 565 Q THe Queene of Saba 204. R OF the Roman mile 2. Rachels graue 104. Raemses at what time it flourished 115. Of the red sea 116 The mysterie of the Red Sea 117. Rephadiâ— 118 Rithmab 120. Rimnon ibid Rissa ibid. Rechob 132. Of the rocke Eta 158. Ramah 162 Reson Solomons aduersarie 212. 232. Rehoboam and his trauels 233. Of the riuer Cheber 281. Of the riuer Eulaeo 285 Of the Angel Raphael 322 Of Rages a citie of the Meades 323 Of the Isle and citie of Rhodes and why so called 553 Rhegium 564. Rome and why so called 566 Rogel 197 S OF Stades and furlongs 2. Of mount Sion 8. The Allegoricall meaning of mount Sion 10. Of the Springs and Foantaines about Ierusalem 36 Of the Saracens and Turks from 68 to 71. Of Sem 79 Sichem 82. Sodom 88. Of the Sea Asphaltites 89 Of the valley Siddim 96 Succoth 103 Salem ibid. The desart of Sin 118. Of mount Sina 119. Of Saphar 123. Sidon 138. Sampson and his trauels 156. The typicall signification of Sampson 459. Of the riuer Soreck 158. Samuel and his trauels 167. The typicall signification of Samael 168 Saul and his trauels 196. The typical signification of Saul 158 Sur 191 Sunem ibid. Sichor 192 Shemei 199 Solomon and his trauels 200 The typicall signification of Solomon 203 The trauell of Solomons ships 204 Saba and the scituation of it 205 Samaria by whom built 217 Seleucia when it was built and flourished 363. Syria ibid. Of the star that appeared to the wise men in the East 445 Sychar 438. The sea of Galile 446. The description of the holy sepulchre 488 Simry 217 Sallum 224 Saerah King of Aethiopia and his trauels 269. Salmanasser and his trauels 260. Sanacharib and his trauels 261. Sysach King of Aegypt and his trauels 236. Sarepta 273. The Sunamite and her trauells 277. Of Susan 283. Scrubbabel 311. Sobal 320. Simon and his trauels 352 Sephala 356 Of a Sickle 375. Simon of Cyrene who carried Christs Crosse 491 Samaria 497. Smyrna 509. Sardis 512. Saba 515. Salamais 550. Samus an Isle 559. T THe description of the Temple 6 Of the Portches or open Courts of the Temple from 16 to 19. Of the Allegoricall or Spirituall meaning of the Temple from 20 to 24. The Tower Antonia 26. The Tower Ophel 27. The tower of the Centurions 27 The typicall signification of Abraham 87. The trauels of the two Angels 90. The Tower Aeder 104 Thimnah 108. Thahath 123. Tharah ibid. Thabor 146. Thola 152 Thob 153. The trauels of the children of Israell when they fought agaiÌ„st the Benjamites 162. Thecoah 198. Thamor 203. Thirza 213. Thipza 225 The Trauels of the people that Salmanasser carried into captiuitie 227 Tiglat Pullasser his trauels 259 Tyrus or Zor 266. Thispe 273. Tharsis 289. Tobias 321. Of the citie Tharsus 332. The Tubiani a people 343. Tripolis 358. Tryphon and his trauels 365. The trauels of the wise men out of the East 424. The trauels of our Sauior Christ in his infancy 431 The trauels of our Sauiour Christ from his Baptisme till the first yeare of his Minstrie 432 The trauels of our Sauiour Christ in the first yeare of his Minestry 434. The trauels of our Sauiour Christ in the second yeare of his Ministry 440. The trauels of our Sauiour Christ in the third yeare of his ministrie 449 Tyberia 456. Tyrus or Zor 458. The trauels of our Sauior Christ in the fourth yeare of his ministerie 470 Thyatira 512 Tarsus or Tharsus 519. Troas 5â—7 Trogyllium 551. V THe valley of Cedron 31 Vzziah or Azariah and his trauels 243 Vryah and his trauels 280 W OF the wals that compassed the citie of Ierusalem 33. Of Weights Measures and Moneyes from 375 to 411. They Way betweene India and Aegypt 422. Y THe yeares of the iniquitie of Israel 214. Z ZOan 82. Zin Cades 126. Zalmona ibid. Zarea 157. Zoba 173. Ziph 175. Ziglag 129. Zemeraim 219. Zakariah 224 Zarea 234 Zedekiah 252. Zephania 224 Zacharia ibid. Zophar 317 Zabadei 351 Zacharias 414 Zidon 462 FINIS