Antiochia they went with their Army to a Plain near the Mountain Amanus 120 miles where in a sharp War they overcame Alexander and put him out of his Kingdom Ios Ant. li. 3. c. 7. Now after the death of Ptolomeus Philimetor Demetrius Nicanor returned to Antiochia 120 miles where he governed the Kingdom of Syria two years From Antiochia he went to Ptolomais which was 200 miles to which place Ionathan the High-Priest came to meet him where he gave to him many Presents and great Gifts to win his Favour 1 Mac. 11. From Ptolomais he returned to Antiochia 200 miles There his Souldiers and the City of Antiochia rebelled against him For which cause Ionathan the High-Priest sent him 3000 men which delivered 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 himself unthankful he was driven out of his Kingdom by Tryphon and young Antiochus the Son of King Alexander who was also called Theos which signifies God In the 172 year of the Reign of the Grecians in Syria which was 138 years before Christ Nicanor having slain Antiochus the Son of Alexander he would have reigned alone in Syria wherefore Demetrius who was the lawful King of Syria being three years before driven thence went 1200 miles into Media to crave aid against Tryphon but Arsaces King of the Medes Parthians and Persians sent the chief Captain of his Host against Demetrius who burned his Tents took him Prisoner and carried him back to his Master to Hecatompilon the chief City of his Kingdom distant from Syria 1220 miles toward the East Iustin. lib. 36. 38. From Hecatomâ—ylon Arsaces sent him to Hyrcania the metropolitan City of that Country which was 176 miles where although Arsaces kept him as a Prisoner yet he allowed him royal Attendance and after marryed him to his Daughter Iust. lib. 38. After the Death of Arsaces with singular Industry and Policy he got out of Captivity after he had been twelve years Prisoner in Hyrcania and came into Syria which was fourteen miles where he recovered his Kingdom and reigned four years So all his Travels were 4156 miles Of the Places to which he travelled Of Creta now called Candia THIS is an Island of the Mediterranean Sea diftant from Ierusalem 600 miles westward very fruitful and pleasant in which there grows great plenty of Cypress Trees and Grapes of divers kinds but principally such whereof Malmsey and Sack are made Here Paul's Disciple was Bishop wherefore you shall read more of it after Of Seleucia SEleucia is a famous City of Syria scituated upon the shore of the Mediterranean Sea 280 miles from Ierusalem North-ward near to which the River Orantes runneth and the Mountain Casius standeth which is four miles high Plin. l. 5. c. 22. You may read more of this in the Travels of St. Paul Of Syria SYria was sometimes called of the Hebrews Aram of Aram the Son of Sem of whom all Armenia took the Name Aram signifies A man of great Spirit and Dignity being derived of Rom that is lifted up for he was a man of an excellent Spirit Gen. cap. 10. Syria signifieth a great Tract of Land and is divided into two parts the upper and the lower In the upper Syria are these Cities Antiochia Seleucia Laodicea and Apamea in the lower Syria are Sydon Tyrus Berytus Tripolis and Orthâ—sia This Country is scituated in a very temperare Zone from whence it happeneth that it is neither oppressed with too much Cold nor Heat There are that divide Syria into four parts that is into Syria Assyria Leucosyria and Coelosyriae Also Pliny lib. 5. cap. 12. attributeth Mesopotamia and Babylonia to Syriâ— But it is evident that these were distinct Countries from them in the which there reigned Emperours and Kings which had large and spacious Dominions For Syria is scituated between the Mediterranean 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 Rivers Euphrates and Tygris and Arabia is separated from Syria and Babylon with many vast Wildernesses Therefore these Countries cannot properly pass under the denomination of Syria Of Parthia PArthia is a spacious Countrey full of Mountains and Desarts lying upon the Borders of Media Westward the Metropolis whereof his Hecatompylon taking the name of an hundred 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 under his Government Media Parthia Persia Hircania and the greatest part of all the Countreys toward the East It is called Parthia because of the fruitfulness of the Soil being derived of Parah to fructifie Of Hyrcania HYrcania is a fruitful and pleasant Countrey bordering upon Media and the Caspian Sea for the most part plain and champian beautified with many fair Cities the chief of which are Hyrcania the Metropolis of the whole Kingdom Talebrota Samariana Carta and Tape It was so fat and fruitful that the Inhabitants use not to till and dress the ground as they do in other places but the Seed that falleth from the husk upon the Earth springeth up and bringeth forth great Plenty and increase without farther labour The Dews also falling upon the Trees there droppeth from them Oil 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 upon it of this Countrey 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 to yellow spotted all over with round shining spots in like manner are their Eyes She is a friend almost to all kinds of Creatures except the Asp and Dragon and as Oppianus saith never taken but when she is drunk or in her sleep She is the Female to the Leopard The Leopard is of the same colour and of the nature of a Wolf being full he hurteth nothing but if empty he preyeth upon every thing yea even upon men his Breath is very sweet with which many other Creatures being delighted he often preys upon them but being full he sleepeth sometimes three days together The Tyger also is a very swift and cruel Creature from whence he is so called his skin is yellow and full of black Spots round and shining If the chance to lose her young she never leaves seeking till she finds them out The Travels of Tryphon that put Antiochus to death IN An. Mundi 3826 before Christ 142. Tryphon sometime chief Captain to Alexander King of Syria who was slain in Arabia went to Emalâ—uel Prince of Arabia Deserta with whom Antiochus the Son of Alexander was brought up where he so wrought with him that he got the Boy from him and brought him thence into Syria 160 miles and within a while after besieged
there seemeth to lye upon the Tongue of it if it be angry a fiery flame The same Author saith that a little from Zoar between this Lake and the Mountains of Engedi the Pillar whereinto Lot's Wife was turned is yet to be seen shining like Salt The furthest part of this Sea Northward lies 14 miles from Ierusalem toward the East the River Iordan runneth into it The Travels of the two Angels that led Lot out of Sodom THese two Angels having spoken with Abraham in the Valley of Mamre near Hebron forthwith went to Sodom some 40 miles distant from that place where Lot having entertained them into his House by their help was delivered together with his Wife and two Daughters from that miserable Desolation of the Sodomites Of Lot's two Daughters LOT escaping 〈◊〉 is Desolation and seeing a President of God's Judgment fallen upon his Wife for her disobedience fearing that he should not continue safe in Zoar left that and turned aside into the Wilderness and continued there among the Mountains although the Lord had promised him safety in this Town wherefore continuing in a Cave in the Wilderness the eldest of his Daughters losing her Husband in this Destruction supposing that all men had been destroyed counselled her Sister to commit Incest with her Father Lot being now oppressed with Care by reason of the former Calamities gave himself at the Inticement of his Daughters to drink Wine insomuch as with the Excess he became drunk at which time not being himself he begat by his two Daughters two Sons the eldest had a Son whom she called Moab which signifies the begotten of his Father whereby the Impudency of this Woman is laid open to the World in that she was not ashamed of her Sin Of him came the Moabites and dwelt upon the North-side of the Lake Asphaltides some 32 miles from Ierusalem The youngest Daughter had a Son which she called Ben-ammy that is The Son of my People for although she bare him with great shame yet she dwelt among the People of God Of him came the Ammonites that dwelt beyond Mount Giâ—ead threescore miles from Ierusalem North-eastward Of the four Kings that took Lot Prisoner THE first of them was called Amraphel King of Shinear or Babylon the Son of Ninus and Semiramis as some think and is called sometime by the name of Berosus sometime Ninus He kept his Court at Babylon in Chaldaea which is 680 miles from Ierusalem Eastward This Ninus is called Amraphel because of the notable Victories that he won and the number of Countries and Provinces he conquered The second was Arioch or Arrius his Son He was thus called because of his Courage and Cruelty in War for Arioch signifies a mighty roaring Lion Arius Mars This man during the life of his Father was created King of Lassir that is Assyria for so it is called in the Chaldaean Tongue the chief City whereof is Nineveh and lies from Ierusalem North-eastward six hundred eighty four Miles The third was Keder-laomer King of the Elamites in Persia 1200 miles from Ierusalem toward the East This Prince had a great command in that Country Kedar signifies an Ornament or Crown Laomer well deserving The fourth was Thideal King of the Nations He kept his Court in Damascus the Metropolis of Assyria some 160 miles from Ierusalem Northward Thideal signifieth an exalted Lord of Alah that is to be lifted up These four Kings were Confederates and bent their Expedition principally against Aâ—toroâ—h and Kiriâ—thaim which they took and spoiled all the Country round about with Fire and Sword and their Armies being retired from the Spoil met in the Valley of Siddim where now the Dead Sea runneth and there pitched their Tents In this place after a cruel and sharp War they conquered the five Kings of that beautiful and pleasant Soil of Pentapolis for so it was called because of those five Cities that were in it where among others they took Lot Captive with all his Substance Of Astoroth AStoroth seems to be the City of Venus because the Citizens thereof worshipped her for Astoroth is a Goddess of the Sidonians and is compounded of Ash which signifies a company of Stars and Tor placed in order The Sâ—rians call Venus Ashtoroth This Town lay in the Land of Gilead and belonged to the half Tribe of Manasses beyond Iordan 56 miles from Ierusalem North-eastward In this City the four Kings of the East conquered the Gyants of Karnaim that were mighty Princes and Commanders there when they made War against that and Kiriathaim Not far from hence also in the Land of Ham there dwelt certain Gyants called Zusim of Zus and Hamah which signifies to stir up Commotion These were very great strong and stately People and had the Command of all the Countries thereabouts which they held in great fear and were conquered by the four Kings Of Kiriathaim KIriathaim was a City in the Tribe of Reuben beyond Iordan Josh. 13. twenty two miles from Ierusalem towards the East and so called because it was divided into many Parts and Divisions The Heathens corruptly call it Carthage The Hebrews derive it from Kiriath which signifies a City and Emah Terror Here dwelt the Emims a grave and fâ—arful people for so their name signifies Of Hazezon Thamar THIS City took the name from a Palm-tree or a Palm bank Of this kind of Wood the Israelites made their Arrows and therefore derive it from Charar which signifieth to shoot and Thamar a Palm-tree This City standeth upon the Bank of the Dead Sea twenty miles from Ierusalem North-east upon a very fruitful Soil where was found plenty of Palm-trees and precious Balsam and by some called Engedi or the Lambs Well being derived from Ein and Gedi which signifieth Fontem haeduli lactantis that is The Well of a sucking Lamb or Goat Not far from hence stood the Cave where David cut off the outward lap of King Saul's Garment â— Sam. 24. Of the plentiful Valley Siddim THIS Valley stood there where now the Dead Sea runneth and took that name from the fertility of the Soil and seems to have some affinity with the Hebrew word Sâ—del which signifies a Field partly arable partly Pasture and Medow furnished with Trees Herbs and Orchards In this place stood divers Wells of Bitume from whence the Inhabitants fetch'd Caement to build their Houses with but after for their Wickedness which was so great as it appeareth in Gen. 18. that the Cry thereof asâ—â—nded into Heaven the Lord did grievously punish them first with War by which the Inhabitants were destroyed and after that with Fire and Brimstone from Heaven so that as is aforesaid this goodly Valley is nothing but a stinking Lake The Travels of the Aegyptian Maid Hagar AFter Sara had preferred Hagar to that high Grace as to make her equal with her self she growing proud thereof contemned her Mistress and in recompence of that Favour carried her sâ—lf very presumptuously towards her which Sara seeking to
when time serveth it shall be declared After the Death of Melchisedech unto whom Abraham paid the Tythes of all his Goods the Iebusites dwelt in the City 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 read in Iosh. 10. Iud. 10. and 2 Sam. 1. But at last Ioab King David's General of his Army won it and drave the Jebusites 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 God's â—yon and Mount Libanus The Prophet Ezechiel 23. calleth it Ahaliba my fixed Pavillion or Tent that is a City wherein God had placed his own Habitation The Circuit and Bigness of the City Jerusalem THE City of Ierusalem was four-square and in circumference three and thirty Furlongs as Iosephus writeth which three and thirty Furlongs make somewhat more than a Dutch mile Some write that it was four miles Compass about yet these were not Dutch miles but Walloon or Italian miles for four such Italian miles are a Dutch mile Of Mount Sion the higher City MOunt Sion stood Northwards in the City 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 upon this Hill the upper City was built which in the Scripture is called the City of David because David won it from the Iebusites and beautified it with many goodly Houses and fair and costly buildings but especially with his house of Cedar-wood which he termed the Castle of Sion which stood Westwards at the corner of the Hill looking into Bethlehem Southwards In that house David dwelt and therein committed Adultery with Berseba the Wife of Vriah the Hittite whose House also with the place of divers Privy Councellors and Officers stood upon the Hill not far from the King's Palace as Iosephus writeth Beneath King David's House upon Mount Sion within a Rock there was to be seen the Sepulchre or Vault wherein King David Solomon his Son and other succeeding Kings of Iuda were entombed and buried Upon Mount Sion also towards the East King Herod had a Garden of Pleasure not far from the Fountain called Silo Nehemiah 3. and there also stood the Tower of Silo whereof Luke in the 13 chapter maketh mention Iosephus in the Wars of the Jews his first Book and sixteenth Chapter saith That King Herod under whom Christ Jesus was born had two fair and strong Houses or Towers which he set and made in the upper part of the City Ierusalem upon Mount Sion which were in a manner comparable with the Temple for Beautifulness which he called after the Name of his Friends the one Caesarea for Caesar the Emperor's sake and the other Agrippa acording to the name of the noble Roman Marcus Agrippa that marryed the Daughter of Augustus Caesar. This may suffice to declare the Scituation of the upper City which stood upon mount Sion and contained in Circuit fifteen Furlongs which is about half a mile This uppermost City in the sacred Scripture is called the City of David it was also called Millo that is Fullness or Plenty for in it there was no Want but Abundance of all things Of the Steps which descended down from the City of David unto the lower City MOunt Sion whereon the upper City of Ierusalem did stand was such a high hard Hill and so steep that no man could climb or ascend unto it by any way or means but only one that is by steps for in the middle thereof there was a great pair of stairs made which descended from David's City unto the lower City into the Valley or Dale of Gates called Thyroreion which stairs were 780 Foot high as Iohannes Heydonius writeth and beneath in the Valley of Thyroreion over against the Valley of Cedron at the foot of the stairs stood a Gate which was called the Gate of Sion and they which went up to Mount Sion must pass through that Gate and so up those Stairs but it is thought nevertheless 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 Allegorical or Spiritual Significations of Mount Sion SIon in Hebrew signifieth a sure hold or goodly Aspect for that from the top thereof a man might have seen all the Land lying thereabouts and was a type of the highest Heavens or Habitation of Almighty God from whence he beholdeth all things upon Earth from which Throne and Heavenly Habitation he descended into this lower Ierusalem and became our Redeemer and Saviour that so we being purged by his Blood from all our Sins and Imperfections he might bring us into that heavenly Ierusalem which is eternall Glory Of Mount Moriah on which the Temple stood MOunt Moriah stood Eastward within Ierusalem which was a most hard stoney Hill from whence towards the rising of the Sun men by stairs might easily descend but round about on the other three sides it was steep and unapprochable 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 fair Plain like unto that of Mount Sion whereon in times past Abraham built an Altar and would have offered his Son Isaac for a Sacrifice Gen. 22. At which time when Abraham obeyed the Commandment of God intending to have offered his Son Isaac upon the Hill and thereon had made an Altar then the said Hill lay without the City but long time after about the space of 850 Years when King David had conquered Ierusalem and driven thence the Iebusites to enlarge the City he compassed in Mount Moriah and Mount Acrâ— with a Wall upon which there stood many goodly Buildings And amongst other things worthy Observation upon this Mount stood the Barn or Threshing floor of Arafâ—a the Iebusite wherein King David built an Altar offered burnt Offerings and besought the Lord that the Angel of God whose hand was stretched over Ierusalem holding a bloody Sword and had smitten the City with the Pestilence might cease from punishing the same and the Plague ceased On the same place where the Barn of Arafâ—a the Jebusite stood King Solomon also did build the Temple 1 Paral. 23. 24. Ioseph Antiq. Jud. lib. 23. 24. An Allegorical or Spiritual Interpretation of Mount Moriah MOriah is as much as to say the Lord's Mirrh and signifieth our Lord Jesus Christ which is the true Mirrh and sweet smelling Sacrifice unto God a stedfast Rock an immoveable Foundation whereon God's Church and the Members thereof are built Esay 28. Matth. 16. Vpon this Rock will I build my
Giblin by the Jews In S. Hierom's time it was a great Town Of Moriah UPON this Mount Abraham would have offered his Son Isaac and stood not far from Salem or Mount Sion where Melâ—hisedech dwelt They were so near that Melchisedech upon the Tower of Sion might easily see the Angel that spake with Abraham when he renewed the Covenant with him concerning his Seed and Posterity and is derived from Mor or Mâ—rar which signifies bitter Myrrh because as Gregorius saith the Church is ever subject to Affliction For all they that will serve God and live religiously must suffer Persecution Mat. 16. 2 Tim. 3. and Iarr which signifies to fear How Abraham may be typically apprehended ABraham signifies the Father of a Multitude from Ab pater a Father Ram excelsus Mighty and Hamon multitudinis Of a Multitude Not in regard of the Jews only but all those that in succeeding times shall be ingraffed into the Church and partake of everlasting Life through the Mediation of Christ Jesus the promised Seed Gal. 3. Ephes. 1. Acts 3. and is a Type and Figure of God the Father for that as Abraham was the Father of many yet had but only one Son so although God be the Father of all Nations yet had but one only Son Jesus Christ begotten of his own Essence from before the beginning of the World And as Abraham so loved God that for his sake he would not have spared his only Son so God so loved Abraham and the World that he gave his only begotten Son to die for the Salvation of their Souls The Travels of Lot LOT travelled with Abraham from Vr in Chaldaea to Haran in Mesopotamia which is 336 miles Gen. 12. 2. From Haran they travelled to Sichem in the land of Canaan bâ—ing 400 miles 3. From Sichem they travelled through Morae to the Hill lying between Bethel and Hay which is 24 miles 4. From the Hill between Bethel and Hay they went into Aegypt which is 240 miles Gen. 13. 5. From Aegypt they went into the Land of Canaan to the Hill lying between Bethel and Hay where Abraham had dwelt before which is 240 miles Gen. 13. 6. From the Hill between Bethel and Hay Lot separated himself from Abraham and went to the Town of Sodom Eastward which is 28 miles Gen 13. 7. In the Town of Sodom Lot was taken Prisoner he and all his houshold and led away to the Town of Dan which is 32 miles Gen. 14. 8. And when Abraham had delivered him out of the hands of his Enemies a pursued them he returned with him from Dan to Hobam in Phoenicia lying on the left side of Damascus being 80 miles 9. From Phoenicia Abraham came again with Lot to Sodom which is 160 miles 10. Lastly when the Lord had determined to rain Fire and Brimstome on Sodom Lot according to his Commandment went thence to Zoar a little Town near adjoyning where being drunk with Wine he committed Incest with both his Daughters but after coming to the knowledge of his Offence he was so sore afflicted in his Conscience that with extream Grief he died Luther saith that Abraham took him to Hebron with him to comfort him and that there he died Hebron is 36 miles from Sodom So all the Travels of the Patriarch Lot were 1652 miles The Description of the Towns and Places where he travelled and first of Sodom THE Cities that were destroyed with Fire and Brimstone from Heaven were four in number that is Sodom Gomorrah Adama and Zeboim lying 24 miles from Ierusalem South-eastward where now the Dead Sea runs The fifth was the City Bela called also Zoar which was spared for Lot's sake and distant from Sodom two miles This Lot accounted but a little City but there are that say it was a very spacious and Princely place near to which his Wife for her Disobedience was turned into a Pillar of Salt and not far off he committed Incest with his two Daughters And although Luther be of opinion that that also within a while after was burnt yet this cannot be certainly proved especially because it remaineth even to this day scituated both in the ancient place and called by the ancient Name unless some new City hath been lately built in the same place and is now called after that name which I cannot think to be true Sodamah signifieth a Mystery Gomorrah a Faggot of Thorns Adamah Red Earth Zeboim Fertile and Pleasant Zoar the burning of Bâ—la for in ancient times it was called Baela It is the received Opinion that the Country wherein these five rich and opulent Cities stood was called Pentapolis Of the Lake or Dead Sea called Asphaltides IN the very same place where these Cities were burnt and destroyed there is at this day to be seen a Lake about 36 Miles long and in some places six in others eight and twelve miles over It boileth with Pitch and Brimstone and in some places passeth by the name of the Salt Sea and in others the dead Sea because of the noisome and venomous Air that riseth out of it insomuch as the very Birds that fly over it fall down dead and if a Beast do but drink of it mix'd with Water it makes him incurably sick It is of a wonderful nature for whatsoever heavy thing you fling into it will not sink but swim upon the top be it either Iron Lead Copper or any other weighty matter of which Vespasian the Emperour having notice to make experience of what he had heard made a Journey of purpose to see it and with him took certain condemned men who for their Offences had deserved Death these he manacled and where he thought it to be deepest caused them to be thrown in but they rose up again with such violence as if some Storm or Tempest had sent them up The Water thereof changeth three times a day and shineth against the Sun with divers colours casting out Fire and great Cakes of Pitch much resembling Bulls without heads and of that quantity This Pitch is good for divers things as to calk Ships to lay upon Cables and to use in Medicines wherefore such as come to this Sea and know the nature of it have certain Skifs and Instruments wherewith they draw these Cakes of Pitch to their Ships to which it cleaveth so fast it being naturally tough that being brought to Land they cannot get it off again but by the help of Urine Upon the Banks thereof grow Trees that bear fruit of divers kinds as Apples and such like which are fair and pleasant to the Eye but if you either touch or open them you shall find nothing but Dust. Brittenbacchus saith In this place the Serpent Tyrus whereof they use to make Treacle is found It is a little Serpent about half a Cubit long and a Finger thick being of divers colours and is so venomous that where it biteth there is no remedy unless by cutting off the Member the Head of it is rough and hairy and
which Jacob travelled Of Bethel BEthel was a Town in the Tribe of Benjamin eight miles from Jerusalem towards the North and signifies The house of God In times past it was called Luz but Jacob seeing in that place the Vision of the Ladder with the Angels ascending and deâ—cending upon it and because there the Lord renewed the Covenant with him concerning his Seed and the coming of Christ he therefore called it Bethel Afterward Jeroboam having unlawfully usurp'd the Kingdom of Rehoboham caused a Calf to be set up there for which cause it was then called Bethaven which signifieth the house of Sin and abominable Offence Vatablus is of opinion that there are two Bethels one in the Tribe of Benjamin the other in the Tribe of Ephraim both not far from Hay but if this should be granted then these two Towns should stand within two miles one of the other which seemeth very absurd therefore I dare boldly affirm that there was but one Bethel which stood upon the borders of Benjamin and Ephraim both Tribes bordering upon the South-side of the Town of Luz Josh. 16. and 18. This Town of Bethel was at first in the Suburbs of Luz until the Division of the Tribes for then both these Tribes of Ephraim and Benjamin ending in that place so much increased this Town that they became both one City and so were called Bethel Ie. 28. and 25. Iosh. 7. and 18. From hence there is a two-fold Mystery to be apprehended the first of Jacob whose sleeping in this place upon a Stone caused this City or Town to be built and to retain the name of Bethel that is The house of God So whosoever seeks to have eternal Life must rest upon that corner stone Christ Jesus the Son of the everliving God and by faith be incorporated into the Church which is the House of God of which Christ the anointed of the Lord is both King and Priest for ever Secondly as Jacob resting upon this corner Stone saw the Angels ascending and descending from Heaven unto Earth so by this Incorporation into the body of the Church of which Christ is the Head by Faith and Baptism our Souls are made capable to ascend into that heavenly Tabernacle which he hath prepared for all those that believe according to that in John 14. I am the way the truth and the life no Man cometh unto the Father but by me only And whosoever is assured of this Ladder that reacheth from Heaven unto Earth may well say with Iacob Surely the Lord Jesus Christ is in this place here is nothing but the House of God and here is the Gate of Heaven as Christ himself testifieth in the tenth of Iohn I am the door and whosoever entreth not by me c. So that Christ is the Head of his Church the Ladder that ascendeth into Heaven and the door whereby we may enter into eternal Life Of Gilead THIS Land of Gilead was a Country that lay between Iordan and the Mountain of Gilead or rather between the Sea of Galilee and the 〈◊〉 â—ilead sixty miles from Ierusalem towards the South-east for the 〈…〉 beginning at Mount Gilead extended thence unto 〈…〉 and separated the Countrey of Israel beyond Iordan from 〈…〉 of the Ammonites But that part which lieth between the Sâ—a 〈…〉 Ammon is properly called Gilead for when Iacob and Labâ—n 〈…〉 either with other in the Mount Gilead they gathered a 〈…〉 Stones and making a Banquet eat together upon it Gen. 13. and 〈◊〉 thence that Mountain and all the Countrey thereabouts took the 〈◊〉 For Laban in the Syrian Tongue is called JEGAR SAHADUTA 〈◊〉 â—eâ—p of covenant But Iacob in the Hebrew Language called that 〈◊〉 together with all the Countrey thereabouts Galâ—ed or Galaad the heap â—f teâ—timony for Gal signifieth a heap or grave and Galal he rolled or he thrust into a round heap From whence the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to roul and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a circle is derived Also Edah signifies testimony with the Hebrews being derived from Id which signifies testatus eâ— that is he beareth witness and from hence 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 amongst the Grecians is derived which signifieth a witness This Land of Gilead was very fertile and pleasant being adorned with many Castles and strong Cities and in this Countrey the Prophet Eliah was taken up into Heaven in a fiery Chariot 1 Reg. 17. 2 Reg. 2. The Grecians call this Decapolin from ten Cities that are strongly built in that Countrey Marc. 7. Of Machanaim MAchanaim was a City of the Levites in the Tribe of Gâ—d near to the floud of Iordâ—n and Iaboch forty four miles from Ierusalem toward the South-east and scituate in the Land of Gilead beyond Iordan being so called of the Patriarch Iacob because there he saw the Tents and Army of Angels which he understood to be his assistants against his Brother Esau whom he feared Gen. 31. For Chana signifieth Castrametatus est that is the Tents are measured out from whence Machanaim is the proper name of a place being derived from two Tents of Angels which appeared to Iacob that they might defend him in his Journey For the Angels of God compass them about that fear him Psalm 33. and therefore Iacob with great Joy brake out and said The Tents of God are here and called it Machanaim This was assigned to the Levites Iosh. 21. and here David was received when he fled from his Son Absalom 2 Sam. 17. Here Iacob wrestled with the Angel Gen. 32. Of Pnuel or Penuel THIS Town was upon the East-side of Iordan close by the mouth of the River Iaboch in the Tribe of Gad forty miles from Ierusalem towards the South-east and is derived from Panah and El which signifies He beheld the Almighty God face to face and for that cause he called it Penuel or Pnuel which is the face of God Gen. 32. The Tower of this Town was destroyed in Gideons time Iudg. 8. Of Succoth THIS is a Town beyond Iordan not far from Penuel in the Tribe of Gad 40 miles from Ierusalem towards the South-east Here Iacob set up his Tabernacles and continued for a while from whence it borrows the name For Sachach signifies a covering and from thence it is called Succha and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with the Greeks which signifies a shield covering defence or tabernacle Of this Town there is mention in Iosh. 13. 2 Chr. 4. Gideon caused the Inhabitants of this Town of Succoth to be torn to pieces with thorns Iudg. 8. Of Salem SAlem is a Town of the Sichamites lying towards the East side of the River Iordan and in the midst of the Tribe of Manasses forty miles from Ierusalem towards the North not far from Sichem where Dinah Iacob's Daughter was ravished Gen. 33. and 34. In Aenon near to this place Iohn Baptist baptized and signifies a City of Peace and Integrity Of Bethlem Euphrata THIS Town was distant from Ierusalem towards the
South six miles it was scituated in a pleasant and fruitful Countrey and from thence took the Name for Bethlachem is called The house of Bread Euphrata signifies fruitful being derived from Parah that is to fructifie and Baith signifieth a house from the affinity that it hath to Banah that is to build so that Baithlachem doth denote unto us the house of bread and other fruits and meats that are fit to be eaten Here was Christ the Son of God born that Bread of Life of which whosoever eateth shall live eternally Ioh. 6. And here David was the second time anointed King 1 Sam. 16. Of this Town you may read more Luke 2. Of Rachels Grave ABout a mile from Bethlem towards the North Rachel the Wife of Iacob was buried over whom he set a stately Sepulchre made of 〈◊〉 Marble stones or Pyramides these Stones are seen to this day 〈…〉 right hand of the way as you go from Bethlem to Ierusale◠〈…〉 thence all the Land thereabouts is called the Land of Rachel â—or 〈◊〉 Herod killed the innocent Children all the Inhabitants thereabouts 〈◊〉 and would not be comforted Matth. 2. Ierem. 31. Of the Town of Aeder THis was a Watch Tower of the Bethlemites about a mile from Bethlem towards the South and was so called from the flocks of Sheep that resorted thither for Migdal signifies a Tower and Aeder a flock or Herd for thereabouts were very fertile Pastures Here the Angels told the Shepherds of the Nativity of Christ lying at Bethlem in a Manger and in the place of that Tower there was a Church built which in Ieroms time was called Angelus ad Pastores because the Angels there appeared to the Shepherds Here Iacob dwelt for a time and in this place Reuben lay with Billah his Wife Gen. 36. Of Gosen and Ony. GOsen was a very delectable and fruitful Countrey in the Land of Egypt the Metropolitan whereof was Ony two hundred miles from Ierusalem towards the South-west In this City Iacob dwelt The typical signification of the Patriarch Jacob. JAcob signifies a Supplanter and was a Type of Christ who is that Supplanter of Sathan and by his death hath broken his head in pieces Again he is the type of a Christian man for as he wrestling with the Angel obtained a Blessing so every good man continually striving with Perseverance in Prayer shall at length obtain an everlasting blessing for for this cause was Iacob called Israel that is the Prince of God in that he prevailed with God so all those that belive in Christ are called Princes of the Kingdom of Heaven because by his Mediation they have prevailed with God and are made partakers of Eternal Life Iacob had two Wives Leah and Rachel Lea signifies wearied and was a type of the old Mosaical Church for that was oppressed and wearied with the Laws of Moses and brought forth Priests Levites Kings and Warlike Princes by which the People of the Jews became oppressed and wearied by extream Labours and at length were miserably extinguished for as it is in the fifteenth of the Acts of the Apostles The Law of Moses was an intollerable and troublesom Burthen But Rachel signifies a Sheep and is a Type and Sign of the Church of God in the New Testament as Christ himself speaketh in the tenth of John My sheep hear my voice and follow me and I will give them eternal Life Sheep are naturally patient and peaceable so all such as are of Christs Church seek after Patience and Peace Leah was nothing so fair but much more fruitful Rachel was nothing so fruitful but a great deal fairer Leah was the Mother of Benjamin which signifies Sorrow Rachel of Ioseph who was a Type of Christ. Of the Travels of Esau. ESAV travelled from Mount Sier in Mesopotamia to the Town of Pnuel or Penuel eighty miles to meet his Brother Iacob where the singular civility and humility of Iacob towards him is worthy observation For he first sent to meet him then he did him obedience to the ground seven several times and so saluted him saying Lo these are the Children which God of his Grace hath given thy Servant From whence it may be gathered That it becometh every man if it be possible to win his Enemy to Peace and Concord rather by Humanity and Humility than by force for Esau seeing this kind of Reverence though before he had a full determination to do him violence yet now he comes to meet him embraces him takes him about the neck begins to weep and kisses him yea such was their love that they both wept with joy Gen. 33. After Esau returning went home to Sier back again eighty miles these things hapned in the year of the World 2206 when both Brethren were about 89 years of Age and in the year before Christ 1762. Of Mount Sier MOUNT Sier where Esau and his Posterity dwelt is forty miles from Ierusalem towards the South and was so called of Sier the King or Lord thereof of whom came the Horrites who being driven thence by the fourteen Sons of Esau into Arabia the Stony where they continued Gen. 36. It was called Edom of Esau and then Idumaea Gen. 25. and the Inhabitants thereof Edomites or Idumaeans The typical meaning of Esau. ESAV signifies a Factor and was so called from Redness The Enemies of the Church colouring themselves red with the blood of the Godly For as Rebecca had in her Womb two Sons that is Esau and Iacob one elected the other reprobated so in the Church there are found two sorts of People good and evil some are wicked and impious contemners of Gods word and persecuters of the Church as after the posterity of Esau was But there are others that are the faithful Children of God that hope through the mediation of our blessed Saviour to be made heirs of everlasting happiness and be crowned with him in his Kingdom with the Crown of Glory So that here the saying of our Saviour may be verified the first shall be last â—â—d the last shall be first for Esau was the eldest yet lost his Birth-right and Iacob was the youngest yet got the Blessing Of the Travels of the Patriarch Juda. JVDA travelled from Sichem where Jacob dwelt and went to the Town of Odulla some forty and four miles where he was married to the daughter of one Chananei whose name was Schuah which signifies a happy Saviour by her he had two Children in that place Viz. Ger and Onan From thence he went to Timnah to shear his Sheep six miles and as he turned aside out of the way he committed incest with his daughter-in-law Thamar when she was about 26 years of Age. Afterwards he went twice with his Brethren into Egypt to buy Corn at Zoan where Joseph at that time was for the Famine was very great round about So that reckoning his Journey twice two and again it amounted to 822 miles for Zoan was 208 miles from Hebron where Jacob and his Sons
is a Mountain of the Idumaeans eighty eight miles from Ierusalem toward the South-east and is derived of Harar which signifieth a great Mountain here Aaron died The King of the Canaanites which dwelt toward the South in a Town called Arad upon the Borders of Iudaea and Arabia Petraea hearing that Aaron was dead invaded the Iews with a great Army discomfited them and took some of them Captives But after the Israelites to revenge this injury took and destroyed divers Cities which belonged to the Canaanites and put the Citizens to the Sword This Countrey is called Chormah which signifieth a curse or desolation Of Zalmona THIS was a place in the Desart of Zin-Kades where the Israelites pitch't their Tents being 80 miles from Ierusalem to the South-east and took the name from shades or little sheds under which the Israelites dwelt for Zalmona seems a compound of Zel and Mun which signifies a shady place and seems to have affinity with Manah to distribute here and there Of Phunon THIS was a City of the Idumaeans scituated in the Wilderness of Arabia Petraea 64 miles from Ierusalem towards the South-east and takes the name from a fair and flourishing City For Panan in Hebrew signifies an high Pinacle from whence one might see all Parts of the World Here Moses set up the brasen Serpent Of Oboth THIS was the thirty seventh Mansion of the Israelites in the Wilderness and was fifty six miles from Ierusalem towards the South-east and signifies a Serpent called Python Here the Arabians received an answer from the Devil by way of Conjuration Of Igim THIS was the thirty eighth Mansion of the Israelites so called because of the multitude which were assembled near to a Mountain called Abariâ— 52 miles from Ierusalem toward the South-east for Igim signifies a Congregation Of Dibâ—n Gad. THIS was the thirty ninth Station of the Israelites in the Desart being fifty two miles from Ierusalem towards the South-east neer to the Floud Zared bordering upon the Idumaeans and Moabites running from thence into the Red Sea and as it seems taketh name from descending into a strong place Of Almon Diblathaim THis place stands beyond the Red Sea some forty miles from Ierusalem towards the East and taketh name from a Frail of dried Figs for Alam signifieth he hath hidden and Debeleth A Frail of dried Figs. Here was the fortieth Mansion of the Israelites and lay close by the River Arnon Num. 21. and 23. Of the Mountaines Abarim THese Mountaines lay 32 miles from Ierusalem towards the East and taketh the name from Passing along for Abâ—r is as much as to say he went along Between these Mountains and the Lake Asphaltites near to the Eastern River of the Dead Sea the Moabites inhabited Of Jahza THis was a City of the Levites the Sons of Merar in the Tribe of Benjamin 24 miles from Ierusalem Eastward Ies. 21. Here Moses overcame the King of the Ammonites and put them to death Num. 21. Of Chezbon THis was the Metropolis of Sehon King of the Ammorites who held the Country beyond Iordan and because he would not suffer the Children of Israel to pass through his Dominions therefore Moses made War upon him put him to death and gave all his Countrey to the Tribes of Reuben and Gad. This was a Fair Town and after fell to the Levites Num. 21. 33. Deut. 1 2 c. and took its name from Cheschebon which signifies an Artificial understanding for Chaschaf is as much as excogitavit that is he hath found out and Cheschaef is an Artificial and ingenious Work Of Jaezir Jaezir was a City of the Priests in the Tribe of Gad 36 miles from Ierusalem towards the East and in Ieroms time was a small Village and sâ—gnifies the Lord is my help being derived of Iah that is the Lord God and Ezâ—er the helper Of Edrie THIS is a City in the Countrey of Gilead beyond Iordan and the Galilean Sea thirty two miles from Ierusalem South-eastward near the Lake of Gaderin where Og the King of Bâ—san was overcome by Moses and after fell to the Tribe of Mâ—nâ—sses Num. 21. Iosh. 13. Deut. 13. S. Ierom saith that in his time this Town was called Adar Og signifieth a Cook or one that baketh Bread upon coals Aâ—driae signifies an heap of bright Clouds being derived of Adar and Hi that is a clear heap Of Astoroth THIS was a Metropolitan City of Basan four miles distant from Edrei and 56 from Ierusalem toward the South-east It stood beyond Iordan and belonged to the half Tribe of Manasses of which you may read before in the Travels of Lot Of Pisgah THIS was an high Mountain in the Plain of the Moâ—bites against Iericho 240 miles from Ierusalem East-ward It took the name from the Cities Pisgâ—h and Nebo and therefore is called sometimes Pisgah sometimes Nebo Here Moses died Nebo signifies a City of the Prophets Pisgah the top of a Hill The Travels of the Prophet Balaam THERE are many which think that this Prophet Balaam was of the Posterity of Nahor the Brother of Abraham and an Inhabitant oâ— Charan in Mesoâ—otamia Gen. 11. Ioseâ—hus saith he dwelt near to Euphrates and St. Ierom in a City called Phatura of which there is mention Num. 22. and signifies an obscure Prophet or Oracle which interpreteth For Pathar with the Hebrews is the same that He hath interpreted is with us Wherefore this Prophet travelled from Pithora or Phatura in Mesoâ—otamia to Abel or the Plain of Vines where his Ass spake Num. 22. which is 400 miles From thence he went to the Land of the Moabites 40 miles where in the Mount of Peor he blessed the Children of Israel So all the Travels of this Prophet were 440 miles Of the Plain of the Vines THere is often mention of this place in the Scripture and for the fertility of the Countrey and plenty of sweet Wines there was a beautiful City built called Abel of the Vines some 56 miles from Ierusalem South-Eastward and was placed just in the way as they went from Mesopotamia into the Countrey of the Moabites Whereby it appeareth that near to this place the Ass spake to Balaam Numb 22. In Ierom's time there was found a little Village so called where there was great plenty of Vines Here Ieptha overcame the Ammorites and made a great slaughter Iudg. 11. The Travels of that Noble Captain Joshuah JOSHVAH and Caleb travelled with Moses from Raemsis out of Aegyâ—t through the Red Sea and came to Kades-Barnea 268 miles From Kades-Barnea they were sent forth with other Spies to the Land of Canaan Num. 13. and went out of the wilderness of Zin and Paran and came to the Town of Rechob in Galilee 140 miles From thence they went to the Town of Hamath in Syria which was after called Antiochia 188 miles From Hamath or Antiochia they returned again to Hebron 304 miles where upon the side of the River Escol they cut off a Bunch of Grapes with the stalk
which was as much as both they could bear upon their shoulders Num. 13. From Hebron they returned again to Kades-Barnea twenty miles There all the People murmured against Moses Num. 14. Hereby it is to be seen that the Spies in forty dayes travelled 648 miles in the Land of Câ—naaâ— that is every day 16 miles and a little more After that Ioshuah and Caleb travelled with Mâ—ses and the Children of Israel to Ezeon-Gabir and from thence to the Town of Iahza 464 miles From Iahza they pass'd through two Kingdoms to Mount Libanus eighty miles From Mount Libanus they returned again into the Land of Sittim that lay by the hill Pisgah in the field of the Moabites 80 miles From the Land of Sittim they pass'd through the River of Iordan and came to Gilgal six miles where Ioshuah pitched his Camp Numb 21. Iosh. 4. 5. From Gilgal he went to Iericho two miles there he assailed the Town with the sound of Basons and won it Iosh. 6. From Iericho he went to Ai being four miles and took and burnt the whole Town Iosh. 7. 8. From Ai he returned to Gilgal four miles and there upon the Hill of Ebal he built an Altar unto the Lord and there were the Blessings and Cursings pronounced Iosh. 8. Deut. 27. From Gilgal he went to Gibeon twelve miles There the Sun stood still during the Battel against the three Kings Iosh. 10. From Gibeon he went to Ajâ—lon two miles here the Moon stood still Ios. 10. From Ajâ—lon he went to Aseka four miles there it hailed upon the Enemies that fled before Israel Iosh. 10. From Asâ—ka Ioshua returned again into the Camp at Gilgal twenty miles Iosh. 10. From Gilgal he went to Makeda where he hanged the five Kings Ios. 10. From Makeda he went to Libna two miles and took the Town Iosh. 10. From Libna he went to Lachis eight miles From Lachis he went to Eglon eight miles From Eglon he went to Hebron which is sixteen miles Iosh. 10. From Hebron he went to Debir one mile Iosh. 10. After that Ioshuah with one continued War won all that part of Iudaea which lay towards the South bordering Eastward upon the Dead Sea Southward upon Cades-Barneâ— Westward upon Asdod and Gaza and Northward upon Gibeon and Gilgal This circuit of Land containeth about an hundred fifty and six miles From Gilgal Ioshua went out with his Army about twenty two miles to the River of Merom where he slew the rest of the Kings of the Canaanites in a memorable Battel Iosh. 11. From the River of Merom Ioshua chased his Enemies and followed them to Sidon which was 612 miles Iosh. 11. From Sidon he went again to Hazor 32 miles which Town he burnt Iosh 11. After that Ioshuah at one time won all the Towns in the Holy Land which lay Northward in the Lands of Samaria and Galilea from Gibeon to Mount Libanus and from the River of Iordan to the great Sea called Mare Mediterraneum which Countreys in circuit contain 280 miles After that Ioshuah returned again to his Camp at Gilgal which lay 72 miles from the Town of Hazor where he made a division of the Land amongst the Children of Israel Iosh. 14 15. From Gilgal he went to Shilo twelve miles where he made an end of dividing the Land Iosh. 18. From Shilo he went to Timnah Sera eight miles and there he dwelt for the Children of Israel gave him that Town for his own Inheritance Iosh. 19. From Timnah Sera Ioshua not long before he died came to Sichem forty miles There he assembled all the Tribes of Israel Iosh. 24. From Sichem he returned again to Timnah Sera forty miles where he died and was buried Iosh. 24. So all the Travels of Prince Ioshuah were 2392 miles The Description of the several Towns and Places to which Ioshua travelled Of Rechob THIS was a City of the Levites in the Tribe of Aâ—hur an hundred miles from Ierusalem toward the North Nuâ— 13. and signifieth a broad Street being derived from Radhab that is to extend out in length Of Haemah or Chaemah THIS was a City of the Levites in the Tribe of Nephtali and was an hundred miles from Ierusalem upon the utmost bounds of the Holy Land at the foot of Antilibanus Num. 11. 34. Iosh. 19. derived from Chamah that is furious or burning with anger Of Gilgal THIS was a Town between Iordan and the City Iericho twelve miles from Ierusalem South-eastward where the Children of Israel having past the River of Iordan first made War upon all the Nations of the Land of Canaan Here they solemnized the first Paschal Lamb. After they came into this Land Manna ceased because they then did eat the Fruits of the Countrey Here Ioshua taking twelve stones out of Iordan pitch'd them up for a memorial Here the Tabernacle of God stayed for a time which was the reason that afterward the Israelites committed Idolatry in this place Iosh. 4. 5. Hos. 2. 4 9. Amos 5. Near to this place Ehud the third Judge of the Children of Israel received gifts of them to carry to Eglon King of the Moabites dwelling at Iericho where he killed him with a knife Here Saul was the second time confirmed King of Israel 2 Sam. 10. and as it seems taketh name of Roundness Ioshuah at this time building his Tent in a circular fashion for Galal signifies a round Wheel or Tent compassed about with Ditches and Bulwarks Of Iericho THIS is a City in the Tribe of Benjamin two miles from Iordan and six from Ierusalem South-eastward Ioshuah overcame this with the sound of Horns or Trumpets Iosh. 26. Heb. 11. Here Christ restored the blind man to sight Mat. 6. converted Zachaeus Luke 19. and was called the City of Palms by reason of the great plenty of Palms that grew there You may read more of this hereafter Of Hai or Ai. HAI is a Town in the Tribe of Benjamin near to Bethel toward the East where Abraham dwelt Gen. 12. Ioshuah won this Town Ios. 7. 8. It was so called of a Prophet that dwelt there and signifieth to be placed upon a heap for Ai signifies a heap lying partly equally partly unequally The Ruines of this Town were scarce to be found in Ierom's time Of Gibeon THIS was a Metropolitan City in thâ— Tribe of Benjamin the Inhabitants whereof became Petitioners to Ioâ—huah for Peace Iâ—s 9. 10 18. 2â— Sam. 21. Afterward it was given to the Priests It is derived of Gibeah or Gibeon which signifies a curled Hill It was scituated on a Mountain four miles from Ierusalem toward the North. Here stood the Tabernacle of the Covenant and the brazen Altar Here Saul was first made King of Israel Here he put the Sons of Abimelâ—ch the Priest to death 1 Sam. 12. Here Iosâ—uah overcame the five Kings of the Ammorites Here the Sun stood still Of this you may read more hereafter Of Ajâ—lon THIS was a City of the Priests in the Tribe of Dan four miles
from Ierusalem towards the South-east and taketh the name from an Hind for Aâ—ala signifieth an Hind a Beast very strong and swift Here the Moon stood still Here Ionathan tasted Hony contrary to his Fathers command for which he was judged to dye 1 Sam. 14. Of Azeka AZeka was a City of the Ammorites in the Tribe of Iuda eight miles from Ierusalem toward the West near to Odullam where David killed Goâ—â—ah and as it seems takes the name from Munition or a place compassed about with an hedge being derived from Itsek he hedged about This was a fair City in St. Ierom's time Of the Valley of Achor THIS Valley is distant from Ierusalem twelve miles and not far from Iericho and Gilgal towards the North taking name as it seemeth of Achon that Thief mentioned in Ioshuah who was stoned there from whence it is called Achor which signifies Trouble because of the terrible words that Ioshua spake unto him there You may read of this Hos. 2. Esay 25. Iosh. 11. 15. Of Makedah BEtween Eleutheroâ—olin and Bethlehem this Town stood being in the Tribe of Iudah some eight miles from Ierusalem towards the West and taketh the name of a Flower that hangs down the head being derived of â—adad which signifieth to hang down Here Ioshua hanged the five Kings of the Ammorites which he had formerly conquered Ios. 10. Of Libna LIbna is a City belonging to the Levites in the Tribe of Iudah and is scituated between Eglon and Makeda ten miles from Ierusalem toward the North-west where the fourteenth King that Ioâ—hua conquered kept his Court and taketh the name from the abundance of Frankincense that is found there For Libâ—nah signifieth white Frankincense Zenacharib besieged this City Some say it taketh the name from the Hebrew Labâ— which signifieth white Bricks because there is found much matter whereof such kind of Bricks are made Of Lacâ—is LAchis is a City in the Tribe of Iudah and lieth between Eleutheropolin and Hebron twenty miles from Ierusalem towards the South-west and two miles from Rechila toward the North Iosh. 15. 2 Chr. 11. and taketh the name from Walking being derived from Ialach which signifieth He hath walked Ioshuah took the King of this City and put him to death and Zenacharib King of the Assyrians besieged it but to little purpose Of Eglon. EGlon was a City in the Tribe of Iudah twelve miles from Ierusâ—lem Southward Ioshuah took the King of this City and hanged him It taketh the name from Aecâ—el signifying a Calf Of Debir DEbir was a City of the Levites twenty two miles from Ierusalem towards the South and almost half a mile from Hebron towards the North-west Athniel the Brother of Caleb won this Town wherefore he gave him his Daughter Archsa to Wife Formerly it was called Kiriath-Sepher i. a City of Scribes and Students for it was consecrated to Learning From hence it was called Debir which signifies an Oracle or an holy Altar because the Lord there by his Priests that were assigned for that purpose did foretell and prophecy of things to come being derived from Debar that is He hath spoken Of Asdod or Azotes THIS was a City of the Philistims scituated upon the shore of the Meâ—iterranean Sea in the Tribe of Dan and twenty two miles from Ierusalem towards the West This Town was conquered by Ioshua Iosh. 11. 1 Reg. 5. It was also taken by Psamnitiâ—us King of Egypt in Mâ—nasses time as Herodotus saith it is now a little Town and is called Azotus In times past it was a fair City and took name from the fire of Love being derived of Esh which signifies a fire and Dod beloved Of Gaza GAza was a fair City of the Philistims upon the shore of the Red Sea some 24 miles from Ierusalem towards the South-west and signifieth a strong Town being derived from Gazez to confirm Samâ—son being inclosed within this Town took away the Gates and Bars thereof and laâ—d them at the foot of Mount Hebron Iudg. 16. Of the River Merom THIS was a Lake not far from Dothan some four miles from Tiberias Westward and forty four miles from Ierusalem towards the North and is so called from the deepness of it being derived of Rom which signifies it was high and Marab bitter whence Merom a high bitter Water Here Ioshuah over-threw the Kings of the Canaanites Josh. 11. Of Sidon SIdon takes the Name of Zod which signifies He hath hunted and was a famous Mart Town in Phoenicea being a place scituated at the foot of that high Hill Antelibanus near to the shore of the Mediâ—erranean sixteen miles from Ierusalem North-ward Of Libanus THIS is a Mountain of an extraordinary height some 104 miles from Ierusalem North-ward looking into Syria and Phoenicia From thence the River Iordan taketh the beginning being so called of two Springs or Wells that is Ior and Dan rising from the bottom of this Hill It seems to take the Name from the abundance of flowers and variety of sweet Smells or Dews that are there and also of Frankincense or Gum Olibanum found upon it it is a very fruitful Place full of Springs and wholsome Herbs so that no Serpent will abide in it it is divided into two parts the one lieth near Sidon West-ward called Antelibanus the other towards Damascus upon the East and is only called Libanus It is so high that it serves for a Sea mark and so much the more remarkable for that as some say Snow lieth continually upon the top of it so that a far off it seemeth white Of the River Jordan JOrdan is a pleasant sweet River watering the Holy Land whereof you may read before It is named Iordan at Caesarea Philippi a little from the foot of Antelibanus 104 miles from Ierusalem North-ward it passeth through the Lake Samachoniten and divideth it into two equal Parts from thence running thorow a great part of Galilee it falls into the Sea Tyberiâ—s and there as it were divideth it into two parts it watereth that part of Iudaea called Samaria and about Easter which is the beginning of that Harvest it floweth over the Banks and fructifies many Countries lying near it at length it falleth into the Lake Asphaltiâ—es and there endeth about fourteen miles from Ierusalem Eastward So that from the first beginning of this River to the end of it is ninety two miles It is called Palah by the Hebrews which signifieth swift and hidden because it riseth from a certain Well or Pit called Phiala which is always full of Water but from whence it springeth is unknown Ioshua about Easter passed upon dry ground through this River even then when it was fullest of Water Ios. 3. So did Eliah and Elisha 2 Reg. Here Naaman the Leper wash'd himself 2 Reg. 5. Here Christ was baptised by S. Iohn Baptist Mat. 3. Luke 3. Of Hazor THIS was a Town in the upper Galilee belonging to the Tribe of Nepthali it was the chief Hold and City of the King of the
Athniel won and therefore Caleb gave him his Daughter Achsa for his Wife Iudg. 1. From Debir they went to Zephat sixteen miles vvhich Tovvn they vvon Iudg. 1. From Zephat they went to Gaza four miles From Gaza they went to Ascalon six miles Iudg. 1. From Ascalon they went to Hebron fourteen miles From Hebron they went back again to Debir where Athniel dwelt twelve miles So all the Travels of Caleb and Athniel were 132 miles The Description of the Towns and Places to which they travelled Of Beseck BEseck was a Metropolitan City of the Canaanites near to the Water Merom where Adoni-Beseck kept his Court forty four miles from Ierusalem toward the North and took the name of Desaeck or Bezeck which signifies Lightning Of this King you may read Iudg. 1. Of Zephah THIS was a Town upon the Borders of the Tribes of Iudah and Simeon not far from Siclag Iosh. 15. It takes the name from Zaphah which signifies a Watch-Tower and was also called by the Sons of Iudah who destroyed all the Countrey Chorma which signifies a Curse or a desolate place To the Citizens hereof David sent gifts 1 Sam. 36. Of Gaza OF this Town you may read more hereafter in the Travels of the Ark of the Covenant The Typical Signification of Caleb CALEB signifieth An hearty man or a man after Gods own heart loving his Neighbour with all his heart For Col is as much as Omnius which signifies all and Cala He forgiveth 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 hearty affection whereby he forgiveth his Neighbour For as this man being of a noble Resolution and Courage in the 29 year 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 loved the World that he gave himself for it with more than humane resolution conquered Hell and those three mighty Gyants incident unto it the Sons of Sathan Sin the World and Death Of Athniel IN the year of the World 1503 and before Christ 2565 Ioshuah died after whose Death Caleb and Athniel Judged Israel about which time the Israelites committed Idolatry and worshipped Baal and Asteroth wherefore the Lord suffered them to fall into the hands of Cushan Rishathaim King of Mesopotamia But because of their Oppression they cryed unto the Lord and he stirred up Othniel the younger Brother of Caleb who in the year of the World 2512 conquered Cushan delivered the People and governed Israel forty years Iudg. 3. Athniel or Othniel signifies the God of Time being derived 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 delivering the poor afflicted members of his Church out of his miserable Servitude and Bondage for which cause God hath made him Judge over it and given him full power and authority to Rule and Govern it Of Ehud the third Iudge of Israel EHVD was the Son of Gira of the Tribe of Iudah and dwelt in the City of Iericho or of the Palms He was a valiant and resolute man lame of his right Hand Iug. 3. and to the Judgment of man not fit to be a Captain being so infirm Yet it happened that this man growing in favour with Eglon King of the Moabites who at this time kept his Court in Iericho which Town he had but eighteen years before conquered took opportunity by the Children of Israel's coming to Gilgal for they came thither to offer unto the Idol and to bring gifts of the King to present these Presents unto him and because of his former familiarity was admitted to speak in private 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 door he fled back to Seirah and told the Children of Israel what he had done From thence they presently went to Ephraim there blew the Trumpet and set upon the Moabites and put them to the Sword Iudg. 3. The Travels of Ehud EHVD went from Iericho to Gilgal two miles From Gilgal he went to Iericho two miles From Iericho he went to Mount Ephraim six miles From Mount Ephraim he went to Iordan four miles where he overthrew ten thousand Moabites So all the Travels of Ehud were fourteen miles Of Mount Ephraim THIS Mountain is about eight miles from Ierusalem towards the South and extends it self in Longitude to the City near the Mediterranean Sea called Ioppa which is distant from Ierusalem twenty miles toward the North-west The Travels of the Sons of Hobab the Kenite THE Sons of Hobab the Kenite Moses Brother-in-law went from Iericho to Arad a City in the Tribe of Iudah scituated in the Desart toward the South 44 miles Num. 10. Iudg. 1. Of Arad ARAD is a City in the Tribe of Iudah 22 miles from Ierusalem towards the South taking the name of a multitude of Asses that were found thereabouts in the Desart and is derived from Arod which signifies a wild Ass a rude Creature The Travels of Jael the Wife of Heber the Kenite who killed Sisera the Captain FROM Arad she and her Husband went to the Plain of Zaaenaim and dwelt there near to a Town called Kades a Town of Refuge of the Levites in the Tribe of Naphtali 166 miles there she killed Sisera This Town lieth 92 miles from Ierusalem towards the North. Of Deborah and Barak DEBORAH was the Wife of Lapidoth and dwelt under a Palm-tree between Bethel and Ramath in Mount Ephraim eight miles from Ierusalem towards the North the Inhabitants thereabouts shew this Tree even to this day Barak the Son of Abineam a Noble Captain lived in her time at Kades a City of Refuge belonging to the Levites She succeeded Ehud in An. Mun. 2632. and before Christ 1336 years The Travels of Deborah and Barak BARAK went first from Kades Naphtali to the Palm-tree where Deborah dwelt being 84 miles From thence he went with Deborah back again to Kades being eighty four miles From Kades with 10000 men they went to the Hill Thabor thirty six miles Here as Iosephus writeth lib. Antiq. 4. there fell such a shower of Rain and Hail upon the Enemies of the Israelites that through the extream violence thereof they were dispersed and Sisera their Captain constrained to leave his Chariot and to save himself by flight never staying till he came to the Tabernacle of Iael the Wife of Hebar the Kenite scituated in the Valley of Zaaenaim thirty six miles from the foot of the Mountain Thabor where being asleep by reason of his great Journey Iael struck a Nail into the temple of his Head so he died From thence Barak pursued the Enemies with great slaughter to Haraseth of the Gentiles a City in the upper Galilee near to the Lake of
him that travelled to Bethel and gave him two Loaves of Bread 1 Sam. 10. Then he came to the Mount of God which is the Town of Kirjath-jearim there a company of Prophets met him and prophecied then the Spirit of God came upon Saul and he began to prophecy which was about six miles from Bethlehem From Kirjath-jearim he went again to Gibeon which is four miles 1 Sam. 10. Then he went again from Gibeon to Gilgal and there he offered and Samuel shewed him what he should do which is 12 miles 1 Sam. 10. From Gilgal he went to Mizpa in the Land of Gilead thirty six miles where he was chosen King From Mizpa he went again to Gibeon forty eight miles From Gibeon he went to Beseck forty miles there he gathered certain Souldiers and led them against Nahas King of the Ammonites 1 Sam. 11. From Beseck he went with his Army to Iabes sixteen miles there he overthrew Nahas with all his Host. From Iabes in Gilead he went to Gilgal thirty six miles There he was placed in his Princely Seat 1 Sam. 11. From Gilgal he went to Michmas four miles there he sent 3000 men out of Israel to his Son Ionathan to Gibeon From Michmas he went to Gilgal with his Army four miles There he offered for which Samuel rebuked him 1 Sam. 13. From Gilgal he went to Mount Benjamin about twelve miles not far from Gibeon From Gibeon he went to Michmas eight miles There Ionathan overcame the Army of the Philistines 1 Sam. 14. From Michmas Saul followed the Enemy to Ajalon twelve miles There he would have slain his Son Ionathan because he had eaten a little Honey 1 Sam. 14. From Ajalon he went to Gibeon four miles where he kept Court From Gibeon he went to the Land of the Moabites 28 miles which he overcame 1 Sam. 14. From the Land of the Moabites he went into the Countrey of the Ammonites 40 miles which Countrey he overcame and took in all their Towns From the Land of the Ammonites he went to Gibeon 60 miles 1 Sam. 15. From Gibeon he went into the Land of Edom or Idumaea as it is commonly called forty miles and overcame all the Countrey From Idumaea he returned again to Gibeon forty miles From Gibeon he went with an Army about 600 miles to Zoba in Armenia which he overcame 1 Sam. 14. From the Kingdom of Zoba he returned to Gibeon 600 miles After that he went out against the Philistines 12 miles and as the History sheweth Saul had Wars with the Philistines during his life 1 Sam. 14. From the Philistines he returned again to Gibeon unto his Palace twelve miles From Gibeon he went into the Wilderness of Sur 160 miles there he overcame the Amalekites 1 Sam. 15. Also he overcame the whole Countrey from the Town of Peluso to the Red Sea which is 92 miles From thence he went again into Iury to the Town of Carmel 140 miles 1 Sam. 15. And from thence he went unto Gilgal 32 miles There the Prophet Samuel rebuked him because he did not wholly destroy and consume the Amalekites and there Samuel hewed the Body of Agag King of the Amalekites into small pieces 1 Sam. 15. From Gilgal he went to Gibeon twelve miles In the eleventh year of Saul An. Mun. 2881 and before Christ 1807 David being then about twenty years of age was anointed King by Samuel Within a while after Saul was vexed with an evil Spirit then David played unto him upon the Harp by which he was eased Soon after he went forth with his Army towards Socho and Asekah which was some eight miles distant from Gibeah There David killed that famous Champion Goliah 1 Sam. 15. From thence the Israelites followed the chase of the Philistines to the Valley and River Soreck four miles and thence unto the Gates of their Cities that is to Ekron which is eight miles to Ascalon twenty miles and to Gath which was twenty four miles all the way putting the Philistines to the Sword So that there died in this Fight 30000 of them 1 Sam. 17. Then they returned back again and spoiled and burnt the Philistines Tents where they found great Riches twenty four miles From Socho and Aseka he returned again to Gibeon eight miles there the Women came out of all places in the Town dancing and with loud voices singing Saul hath slain a thousand but David ten thousand 1 Sam. 18. From Gibeon he went to Arimathea two miles minding to kill David and came to Naioth in Ramoth where Samuel and David were but the Spirit of God came upon Saul and he prophecied falling down upon the ground before Samuel and David all that day and the night ensuing 1 Sam. 19. From thence he returned again to Gibeon twelve miles there he thought to have killed his Son Ionathan with a Spear because he excused David There also he caused eighty five Priests to be put to death because the High Priest Abimelech at Nob had given David of the Shew-bread to eat and had delivered him Goliah's Sword 1 Sam. 21 22. From Gibeon he went to the Levitical Town Nob twelve miles where he spared neither man nor woman young nor old no not the innocent Children but put them all to the Sword and wholly destroyed the Town 1 Sam. 12. From the Town of Nob he returned to Gibeon twelve miles From Gibeon he went to the Wilderness of Moan South-ward 20 miles From the Wilderness of Moan he returned again to Gibeon 1 Sam. 23. twenty four miles From Gibeon he went to Engedi where David in a Cave cut off a piece of his Garment which was twenty four miles 1 Sam. 24. From thence he returned again to Gibeon twenty four miles From Gibeon he went to Ziph twenty two miles and as he lay asleep upon the Hill Hachila David came secretly into the Camp and took his Cup and his Spear from his Head and would not kill him 1 Sam. 26. From the Hill Hachila he returned unto Gibeah 22 miles From thence he went to fight with the Philistines at Mount Gilboa forty miles From Mount Gilboa having changed his Apparel he went to Endor which was four miles There he asked counsel of a Witch and the Devil appeared unto him in the likeness of Samuel 1 Sam. 28. From thence he returned again to Mount Gilboa to the Camp four miles and the next day he fought against the Enemy in which Battel his three Sons were slain and he himself put to flight 1 Samuel 31. 1 Chronicles 11. From Mount Gilboa he fled eight miles to Bethsan where he kill'd himself 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 Travels of Saul were 2428 miles The Description of the Towns and Places to which he travelled OF Gibea Salem Ramath and Iabes you may read before being memorable places to which Abraham Ioshuah and the Children of Israel
travelled Of Bethsaliza THE Land of Salisa with the City Bethsaliza was scituated in Mount Ephraim eight miles from Ierusalem toward the North-west This was also called Baalsaliza 2 King 4. and signifieth the Trinity being derived of Schillesch to make three-fold Of Michmas THIS was a City in Mount Ephraim in the Borders of the Tribes of Benjamin and Manasses not far from Iericho some ten miles from Ierusalem towards the North. Near to this City Ionathan and his Armor-bearer put the Army of the Philistines to flight 1 Sam. 14. You may read of this Town in Esd. 2. Isa. 10. This was a strong City of the Moabites and seemeth to take the Name of Kemosch or Chamos which was a God which they worshipped in their Banquets and Meetings for Mirth as Bacchus sometime was amongst the Romans To this Idol Solomon built a Temple 1 Reg. 11. Ier. 48. Of Zoba THE Kingdom of Zoba which Iosephus calleth Sophenam was in Armenia near to the Mountains Antitaurus and Masius 600 miles from Ierusalem towards the North extending it self on both sides of the River Euphrates It was a very large fruitful and pleasant Country wherein inhabited many Kings This place Saul conquered and David retained it 1 Sam. 14. 2 Sam. 8. and signifies an aspiring Kingdom being derived of Zabah He hath aspired Of Carmel CArmel was a City in the Tribe of Iudah scituated in a fertile Mountain some eight miles from Hebron toward the East but twelve miles from Ierusalem towards the South-west in the Wilderness of Moan where that foolish and covetous Fellow Nabal dwelt There is likewise another Town called by the same Name in the Tribe of Issachar not far from Ptolomais which is upon the shore of the Mediterranean Sea sixty four miles from Ierusalem toward the North standing upon a Promontory which extendeth it self into the Ocean of which you may read 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 fertile Field bringing forth Vines Herbs and divers kinds of Flowers and Fruits and is oft-times used for a pleasant place Esay 29. 32 37. Ier. 24. There are a Sect of Monks that of this Mountain are called Carmelites who built for themselves an Abbey there close by the Church of St. Maries about the Year of the World 5170 and in the Year of our Lord 1170. Of Azekah AZekah and Socho were two Towns in the Tribe of Iudah eight miles from Ierusalem towards the South-west Of these you may read before Of Nobe or Nob. THIS was a City of the Priests in the Tribe of Benjamin where Abimelech High-Priest of the Israelites dwelt who at such time as David fled from Saul he gave him of the Shew-bread and the Sword that he took from Goliah for the which cause Saul commanded fourscore and five Priests to be slain and the City with all the Inhabitants thereof to be put to the Sword 1 Sam. cap. 22. At this day as Bernard Brittenbaccus saith it is called Bethenopolis and is in the way between Ierusalem from whence it is distant some sixteen miles towards the North-east and Dyospolim It taketh the Name from Naba which signifieth He hath prophesied Of this you may read 1 Sam. 20. 21 22. and Esay 10. Of Maon THIS was a Town in the Wilderness of Iudaea some 24 miles from Ierusalem Southward near Ziph and Carmel where Saul had besieged David and all his men and would have either put them to the Sword or taken them Captives But the Philistines on a sudden invaded the Land so that Saul was constrained to leave the Siege to oppose their Incursions It taketh the Name from a fruitful Habitation and a firm and safe Mansion 2 Sam. 23. Ios. 15. Of Engedi THIS was a Castle or Town scituated in a Mountain near to the shore of the Dead Sea a little beyond Sodom six miles from Ierusalem toward the North-east and in the Tribe of Iudah Ios. 15. In times past it was a fruitful place both of Vines and other Fruits there also grew a kind of Balsam But Cleopatra in the time of Mark Anthony brought the Roots of it into AEgypt 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 upon this Hill Engedi but the Saracens do not regard it neither dwell any Christians near to dress it so that it groweth to decay Engedi signifieth the Fountain or Well of a Goat or Lamb. These Mountains are very high and of a wonderful Nature in some places great ragged Rocks appearing in others plain and fruitful Vallies insomuch as they are fearful and horrible to Strangers that behold them Of Ziph. THIS was a Town in the Desart of Ziph placed in a certain Mountain not far from Hebron in the Tribe of Iudah some twenty two miles from Ierusalem towards the North-east Iosh. 15. Unto this Desart near to this City David oft times resorted and at last was betrayed by the Inhabitants of this Town It seemeth that the Town and Wilderness took that Name of the abundance of Pitch that was found in it for Zaephaeth in Hebrew signifieth Pitch Of Gilboa THIS was a Mountain in the Tribe of Manasseh near to Sichem and Apheck forty miles from Ierusalem towards the North it extendeth eight 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 up of Water for the River Kison begins at the foot of this Mountain and divides it self into divers parts until it cometh to the Hill Hermon and then it runs into two principal Streams the one passeth toward the East into the Sea of Galilee the other to the West towards Carmel and so into the Mediterranean Sea There be some that are of Opinion that neither Rain nor Dew falls upon this Hill because when Saul was slain David cursed these Mountains saying Let neither Rain nor Dew fall upon you O ye Mountains of Gilboa because the strong men of Israel were slain there 2 Sam. 1. But this was but a figurative Speech whereby David would express the greatness of his Sorrow for Borchardus the Monk speaking of this Mountain saith That as he was ascending upon it there was such a violent shower fell that he was wet through his Cloaths and the Waters in great abundance ran into the Vallies And in the Year of our Lord 1283 sleeping upon this Hill on the Eve of All Saints there was a great dew fell upon his Cloaths only some parts of it were very stony and barren as are many other Mountains in that Country Of Endor THIS was a Town in the Tribe of Manasses near the River Kison Ios. 17. where Saul asked Counsel of a Witch 1 Sam. 28. It seems to take the name from a Fountain of Durance for
Dâ—r signifies He hath made sure It is distant from Ierusalem forty four miles toward the North. In S. Ierom's time this was but a small Village Of Bethsan THIS was a City in the Tribe of Mâ—nasses between Bethâ—lia and the Sea of Gâ—lilee some forty four miles from Ierusalem towards the North Ioâ— 17. It taketh the name from a Church-yard or a place of Rest for Bâ—th signifieth a House and Iaschan he hath slept Here Saul killed himself and the Philiâ—â—ines cut off his Head and set it upon the Wall of this City Afterward about St. Ierom's time Ptolomy called this Scythoâ—oliâ— You may read in the Second Book of the Macchabees how it was the Town of the Sâ—â—thians for the Scythians which dwelt some 800 miles from Ierusalem towards the North came with a great Army into the Holy Land and by force won this City and dwelt there of whom it was called the Scythian Town Iosâ—ph in lib. 2. de Bell. Iud. cap. 18. remembreth a strange Accident that hapned near this Town for the Iews besieging it there were of their own Nation that dwelt within the City who that they might make a private Gain took wages of the Scythians to oppose their Brethren and Country-men by which means the Scythians got the better But after a while the Scythians considering that the number of the Iews was great and fearing some sudden Insurrection or Innovation gave them warning to depart and leave the Town they though with great Grief as being prest with a two-fold necessity their own Wants and the hatred of their Kindred did so relying merely upon the Courtesie of Strangers But about some two days after in the night time the Inhabitants of Scythopolis breaking out of the City unawares fell upon them and in recompence of their Kindness put to the Sword some thirteen thousand many slain unawares some as they were eating and most in their Sleep After they had committed this Massacre they compassed about the Wood where they were took away all their Substance and suffered not a Man to depart alive Wherefore one Simon the Son of a certain ancient and noble Citizen called Saul perceiving their present Misery and that there was no hope to escape imminent Dâ—ath and utter Ruine in a cruel and desperate manner breaks out into these Words O miserable Wretch that I am that against my own Conscience have lift up these Impious Hands against my Country committing daily Massacres to pleasure them who at this day lay violent hands upon all we have die therefore thou that art thus prophane and with thine own hands make an end of thy wretched Life since thou dost not deserve to die honourably in the face of the Enemy but wretchedly in a corner and for thine own offence So soon as he had ended these words he turned him about with a fierce countenance and falling upon his Father Mother Wife and Children put them all to the Sword after burnt his Goods and to make an end of the Tragedy ran himself upon his own Weapon These things happened but a little before Vespasian came into the Land of Iudaea At this day this City Scythoâ—olis is called after the ancient name Bethsan The typical representation of Saul SAVL if it be properly taken doth sometime signifie a Grave or Sepulchre and sometimes Hell being derived from Scheuol which may be taken for both As therefore Saul persecuted innocent David with an inveterate malice even unto the death so the Sons of Sathan evil and wicked men persecute Christ and his Members with an immoveable malice sparing neither Prophets nor Apostles neither such as are Religious no nor Christ himself but with cruel torments put them to lingring deaths till they be utterly extirpate as they think and then wanting objects to satisfie their Savage minds they follow their own devillish councels till with Saul they come to desperate ends Schâ—ul or Saul if it be taken in the better part signâ—fieth He hath desired or called The Philistines Travels from their Camp to Michmas THE Philistines incamped themselves at Michmas upon Mount Ephraim some ten miles from Ierusalem Northward and out of the Philistines Camp there issued three Armies to spoil the Countrey The one marched towards Ophra and went from Michmas to Salem twenty eight miles From thence they went to Ophra four miles The second went from Michmas to Bethoron eight miles The third went from Michmas to the Valley of Zeboim eight miles So all the Travels of the Philistines were fifty eight miles Of Zeboim THis Valley is not far from Ierusalem in the Tribe of Benjamin Nehem 11. The Travels of Jonathan Saul's Son JONATHAN went from Gibeah to Kirjath-jearim which was two miles where he drave the Philistines out of their Camp 1 Sam. 13. From thence he went back again two miles From thence he went to Michmas which is eight miles and there by the help of his Armor-bearer he gave the Philistines a great overthrow 1. Sam. 14. From thence he followed the Enemy to Ajalon which is twelve miles there his Father would have put him to death because he had tasted a little Honey 1. Sam. 14. From Ajalon Saul and his Son Ionathan returned to Gibeah his own City which was two miles From Gibeah he went with his Father to Socho and Asekah which was eight miles where after David had slain Goliah for that singular Virtue and Heroical Spirit which Ionathan saw in him he loved him as he did his own Soul and preferred him before his own Life and Honour 1 Sam. 18. From thence he went with his Father to Gibeah some eight miles where Women with great mirth and joy met him saying Saul hath slain his thousand and David his ten thousand for which cause Saul out of meer envy for then he did not know that he had been anointed by Samuel would have slain him and his Son Ionathan also for excusing him 1 Sam. 18 19. From Gibeah Ionathan went into the Desart of Ziph some 22 miles to comfort David there they swore a solemn Oath of mutual friendship to continue as long as they lived 1 Sam. 23. From thence Ionathan returned which was 22 miles 1 Sam. 23. At last he went to the Wars with his Father to Mount Gilboah forty miles there he his Father his Brothers Abinadab and Melchisuah were slain So all the Travels of Ionathan were 126 miles The Travels of Abiathar Abimelech's Son WHEN Doeg the Idumaean at the command of Saul had slain the Priests of the Lord this Abiathar the Son of Abimelech the High Priest fled to the Wood Hareth not far from Kegilah some twenty miles and came and told David of all that had happened 1 Sam. 22 23. Of Kegilah THis was a City in the Tribe of Iudah four miles Hebron towards the East and twenty from Ierusalem toward the South-west From which Town David drove away the Philistines that had besieged it 1 Sam. 23. You may read of it Iosh. 23. Nehem. 3. In St.
Northward 2 Chr. 8. From thence he went to the lower Bethoron 16 miles from the upper toward the South 1 Reg. 9. 2 Chr. 8. From the lower Bethoron he went to Ierusalem which was eight miles After Solomon built the City Belath which was 12 miles from Ierusalem North-vvestvvard 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 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 Kingdoms thereabout to be obedient to his Government 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 and Castles of that Country that with the greater Facility they might oppose the Invasions of neighbouring Countries From thence he 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 he went to Ezeongâ—ber near to the Red Sea in the Country 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 Riches and great Prosperity he grew Proud for he excelled all the Kings near him and gave himself to unlawful Pleasures he took unto him 300 Concubines and 700 Wives by whose perswasions he began to worship the Gods of the Gentiles which Idolatry was evil in the sight of the Lord. After he had reigned forty years which was about the sixtieth of his Age he died and was buried by his Father David in Mount Sion the City of David An. Mundi 2770 and before Christ 998. So all the Travels of Solomon were 2544 miles The description of the places to which he travelled Of Gazer you may read before in the Travels of David Of Bethoron THe upper 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 far from the Castle of Emmaus eight miles from Ierusalem toward the North-West The Superiour was twenty miles distant towards the North. These Towns Solomon repaired Near to the lower Bethoron the Lord put the Enemies of Ioshuah to flight with Thunder and Hail Ios. 10. Here also Iudas Macchabeus overcame the Army of Antiochus 1 Mac. 3. Here also he put Niâ—anor to death 1 Mac. 7. and signifieth A white house being derived of Beth which signifies an house and Chor he hath made white Of Baaelath THis is a City twelve miles from Ierusalem North-westward in the Tribe of Dan. This City Solomon repaired at such time as he fell in Love with many Women from whence it seemeth to take his name for Baaeleth signifieth his beloved Lady Of Thamar THamar Tadmor or Palmira stood partly in the Desart of Syria and partly in a fruitful Soyl being compassed about on the one side with a Wood on the other with fair and pleasant Fields It was the Metropolitan City of all Syria not far from Euphrates some 388 miles from Ierusalem North-Eastward and as Pliny saith lib. 5. cap. 25. although it lay betwixt two mighty Empires Rome and Parthia yet it was subject to neither fairly scituated a Free City adorned with fair and sumptuous Buildings and contented with their own Government The Wildernesses called after this Towns name Palâ—arnae or the Desarts of the Palms extend themselves to Petra the Metropolitan City of Arabia-Petraea and to the borders of Arabia-Foelix one days journey from Euphrates two from the upper part of Syria and six from Babylon as Iosephus observeth 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 read before The Typical Signification of Solomon SOlâ—mon is as much as FREDERICK in High-Dutch which signifies a Peace-maker being derived of the Hebrew word Schelâ—moh or Schalom to bring glad tidings of Peace Typically representing Christ the Prince of Peace who hath reconciled us with his Heavenly Father and merited an eternal place of Peace and Happiness for all such as trust in him Esay 9. And as Solomon built up the Temple of the Lord with great majesty and glory so Christ hath built up that heavenly 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 eternal Glory in the World to come 2 Cor. 6. The Travels of Solomon's Ships THis Navy of Solomon's went unto Ophir that is India which was accounted from the Mart Town 4800 miles From India they returned back again 4800 miles so all their Travels were 9600 miles This Journey was finished in three years to and again so that every year they went 3200 miles and brought home plenty of Gold Silver precious 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 governed the Country all along the River Ganges But more Modern Writers derive it from Indus a River passing through it It is a spacious and fruitful Country pleasant to inhabit and as Pomponius saith hath in it 5000 Cities being divided into two parts the outward and inward The Travels of the Queen of Saba FRom Saba in Ethiopia she came to Ierusalem 964 miles From Ierusalem she returned back again which was 964 miles So all her Travels were 1928 miles Of Aethiopia THIS Country by the Hebrews is called Chus of Chus the Son of Cham who was the Son of Noah and after Aethiopia ab aestu torrida because of the great heat wherewith oftentimes the habitable Land and People as also the Wilderness were sorely scorched and burned for it is scituated in the third part of the World called Africa lying under the torrid Zone and the Aequator which two by common Experience are found to be extream hot Of Saba SAba is a metropolitan City in Aethiopia lying beyond Egypt 846 miles from Ierusalem towards the South and took the name from a certain precious Stone called Achates wherein might plainly be discerned in certain distinct Colours the rising of Fountains the Chanels of Rivers high Mountains and sometimes of Chariots and Horses drawing them It is reported That Pyrrhus King of the Epirots had one of them wherein was lively represented the Nine Muses and Apollo playing on the Viol portrayed by natural Stains and Colours so artificially as if they had been done by some curious Work-man Of this Stone you may read more in Pliny li. 37. ca. 1. 10. It was first found in Achates a River of Sicilia
whence it took the Name Afterward in India or Phrygia and of the Hebrews was called Schaeba or Saba In this City that Queen dwelt who came to hear Solomon's Wisdom and gave him for a Present 120 Talents of pure Gold which at three pounds at ounce comes to 270000 pounds Sterling Afterwards Cambyses King of Persia over-came it and all the Country round about it and after his Sisters Name called it Meroes It is a stately City to this day scituated in a plain Country and compassed about with the River Nilus like an Island being now called Elsaba having some affinity to the ancient Name Saba The Inhabitants of this Town go naked all but their privy Parts which they cover either with Silk Cotton or some more costly matter and are of a black Colour which as some think hapneth by reason of the extream Heat The Land also is marvellously scorched and turned in many places to Sand and Dust so that the Country is thereby wonderful barren About Meroes or Saba which is made fruitful by the Inundation of Nilus there is â—ound plenty of Salt Brass Iron and some precious Stones Their Sheep Goats Oxen and other Cattel are of less Stature than in other Countries Their Dogs are very fierce and cruel In times past there were mighty Princes that had the Government and Command of it and the Country round about it But after as Pliny saith lib. 6. cap. 29. it was in the Jurisdiction and Government of Queens who for their noble Resolutions and Courage were called Candaces One of which name in Tiberius the Emperours time was famous both for the extent of her Dominions in which she exceeded all the rest of her predecessors as also in regard of her manly presence and noble Spirit The Eunuch which Philip baptized Acts 8. was Treasurer or Chamberlain to this Queen and it is to be thought by him the Doctrine of the Gospel of Christ was first made known in Saba and in the Country of Aethiopia which afterwards was more largely propagated and dispersed by the Evangelist St. Matthew who taught there This City lyeth to the longitude of 61 degrees and 30 scruples and in the elevation of the Pole Artick to the Latitude sixteen Degrees and twenty five Scruples So that it seems the Inhabitants have two Winters and two Summers or rather a continual Summer because their Winter is much hotter than our Summer But when the Sun attaineth to the fifteenth Degree of Taurus and Leo and in the Dog-days it then lyes perpendicular over that Country and neither their Bodies nor Houses give any shadows In the sixty first of Esay it is said They shall come from Saba and bring Gold and Frankincence to praise the Lord. From whence some have concluded that those Wise men which came unto the Child Jesus and brought Gold Frankincence and Myrrh were Aethiopians and came thence But this agreeth not well with the words of Matthew ca. 2. where it is written that the wise men came out of the East that is from the rising of the Sun to Ierusalem For Saba according to our Saviours words Mat. 12. lieth towards the South for he saith The Queen of the South that is of Saba shall come forth in the day of Iudgment against this Generation and condemn it for she came from the end of the World to hear the Wisdom of Solomon c. But if Saba lye upon the South as here it plainly appeareth then it must needs follow they came not thence but rather from Persia which from Ierusalem lyes Eastward For at Susa the Metropolis of that Country there was an Academy for the whole Kingdom in which were chiefly studied Divinity the Mathematicks and History So that it is likely by their Art they might attain to the knowledge of this Divine Mystery and from thence come to Ierusalem which was 520 miles Eastward Therefore this place of the Prophet Esay is rather to be referred to the propagation of the Church through the whole World where some of every Nation shall bring Presents unto the Lord. There is also another Saba in Arabia-Foelix so called from Zaeba the Son of Chus the Son of Cham the Son of Noah and it is distant from Ierusalem 1248 miles towards the South-East In Hebrew it signifies the City of Drunkenness or of Mirth but with the Syrians Antiquity Some would have it in the Arabian Tongue to signifie a Mystery But St. Ierom interprets it to sound their Conversion It is the Metropolitan City of Arabia-Foelix and by Strabo lib. 6. called Meriaba being scituated in a high and pleasant Mountain full of fruitful Trees There inhabiteth in it the King of that Country a mighty Prince his Governours and most of such as have Authority under him The Land is called the Kingdom of the Sabaeans but generally Arabia-Foelix because of the Fertility of the place for it yieldeth twice every year great plenty of Frankincence Myrrh Cinamon Balsams and other odoriferous Herbs The Tree out of which this Myrrh cometh is five Cubits high hairy and full of prickles and when you cut the Bark there cometh forth a bitter Gum wherewith if you anoint a dead Body it will continue long without rotting The Frankincence also that is found there droppeth from the Cedar-trees like a glewy substance and so congealeth into a Gum. This happeneth twice every year and according unto the season it changeth colour in the Spring it is red in the Summer white This is the best Frankincence in all Arabia-Foelix Through the whole Country there is a very delectable smell by reason of the Myrrh Frankincence and Cinnamon that is found in it insomuch that if the Wind blows amongst the trees it carrieth the smell unto the Red Sea and they that sail can easily discern the sweetness of the Air. There is Gold also found there very fine and pure insomuch as for the goodness 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 Neck the rest are of a Purple colour therefore from Phoenicia and the purple colour of her Wings she is called Phoenix She hath a tuft of Feathers upon her head like unto a Crown She liveth 660 years at the end of which time she buildeth her a Nest of Cassia Cinnamon Calamus and other precious Gums and Herbs which the Sun by the extremity of the heat and the waving of her wings fires and she taking delight in the sweetness of the savour hovers so long over it that she burneth her self in her own Nest. Within a while after out of the Marrow of her Bones and the Ashes of her Body there groweth a Worm which by little and little increaseth to some bigness and after to a purple bird Then her wings extend themselves to a full greatness till such time as she cometh to a
perfect Phoenix This bird doth lively represent our Saviour Christ who only and alone is the true Messiah and through whom we must expect everlasting life who in the fulness of time offered himself a Sacrifice upon the Cross sustaining the punishment of Sin at the time of his Passion putting on a purple Robe being all be sprinkled with his own bloud Ioh. 19. And as the Phoenix is burnt in her own Nest so likewise was he consumed in the fire of Gods wrath according to that in Psal. 22. My heart is become like melting wax in the midst of my body And as the Phoenix of it self begetteth another of the same kind so Christ by the power of his Deity raised up his Body from the dust of the Earth and ascended up into Heaven a glorious Body to sit at the right hand of his Father in that everlasting Kingdom of Glory Thus gentle Reader I thought fit to describe unto you these two Towns that when you shall read of them in the holy Scripture the one being in Aethiopia towards the South the other in Arabia-Foelix and called Seba you might discern the one from the other of both which there is mention in the 72 Psalm The Kings of the Seas and of the Isles shall bring presents the Kings of Saba and Seba shall give Gifts The Travels of King Pharaoh out of Aegypt when he overcame the Town of Gazer 1 Reg. 9. IN the sixteenth year of King David Anno mundi 2906 and before Christ 1602 Chabreus King of Aegypt began to reign and reigned fifty six years Diod. lib. 2. cap. 2. Herodotus calleth this man Chephrines in his second book and Eusebius Nepher Cherres He went from Memphis the chief City of Aegypt with a great Army 268 miles even unto the Tribe of Ephraim and there took Gazer a City of the Levites and burned it with fire I Reg. 8. Ios. 21. After he came to Ierusalem twenty eight miles And this City which he had thus destroyed he gave to his Daughter the Wife of Solomon 1 Reg. 9. From thence he returned to Memphis in Aegypt 244 miles So all the Travels of King Pharaoh were 244 miles Of Memphis MEmphis is a great City in Aegypt where commonly the Kings of that Countrey keep their Courts and lyeth from Ierusalem 244 miles Soâ—â—h-west-ward This City was built a little before the Flood but repaired and enlarged by a King called Ogdoo who in love of his Daughter after her Name called it Memphis You may read 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 Idolatry into Aegypt but Aegypt shall gather them up and 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 fertility and pleasantness of the Country as you may read Esay 19. The Princes of Zoan are become foolish and the Princes of Noph or of Memphis are deceived See also Ierom 2. 44. 46. Ezech. 30. in which places you may find it called after this name Zoan is the City Tanis where Moses wrought all his Miracles But Noph or Moph is this Memphis a beautiful Town large and spacious scituated in the strongest and profitablest place in Aegypt divided into two parts by the River Nilus so that any kind of commodities or merchandize might with ease be brought thither by Water for which cause the Kings of that Country for the most part kept their abiding there Strabo saith lib. 17. that upon the East part of this City there standeth a Tower or Castle called Babylon built by certain Babylonians who leaving their own Country by the permission of the Kings of Aegypt 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 Babylon through both which viz. Memphis and Babylon Nilus passed the one standing upon the East side the other upon the West Zoan or Tanis stood about some four miles from this Town and was a fair and spacious City also scituated towards the South upon the East side of Nilus to which the Kings of that Country often resorted and Heliopolis another fair City stood some six miles off that towards the North-East All these four Towns were so wonderfully inhabited by reason of their pleasant and profitable scituation that in process of time they became all one City and in this Age is called Alcaire containing in Circuit sixty miles so that it seemeth to Spectators to be like a Country replenished with nothing but fair Houses goodly Churches and strong Towers exceeding all the rest of the Cities of Aegypt as well for the beautifulness of the place as the extent and largeness of it It is reported that in the year of our Lord 1476 there was such an extreme Pestilence in it that there dyed 20000 a day from whence may be gathered how infinitely it is peopled Near to this Town stood the Pyramides which are held to be 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 twenty years a building a hundred thousand Workmen employed 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 excessive charge they were that set them up Of Gazar This City is described in the Travels of Solomon The Travels of Hadad King of Idumaea WHen David 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 City of Arabia Petraea which was 84 miles 1 Reg. 11. But because he thought himself scarce safe in that place he fled thence to Cheopes that impious and Tyrannical King of Aegypt that built the greatest of the three Pyramides at Memphis He hating King David gave him kind entertainment assigned him a part of the Kingdom of Aegypt to dwell in and after married him with his Sister Taâ—hpenes by whom he had a Son called Genubath who was brought up in Pharaohs or King Chopes Court where he continued all the Life of David being twenty seven years 120 miles David being dead he returned into his own Kingdom of Idumaea which was 200 miles From thence he went back to Damascus which was 240 miles where he was created King of the Syrians by Reson and other fugitives which had conspired against Solomon by which means he grievously troubled that Kingdom and became an utter Enemy to the Israelites all the Life of Solomon And of him is the original and stock of the Kings of Syria So all the Travels of Hadad were 644 miles Of Midian and Paran you may read before in the one dwelt Iethro Moses
of Israel that had been lost but also the Cities of Hemeth and Damascus wherefore he gathered a great Army out of the City of Samaria and went thence unto Hemeth or Antiochia in Syria which was 248 miles This City he conquered and all the Country thereabout so that he recovered all the ancient Towns and Cities that belonged to David and Saul even to Hemeth in Syria to Soba in Armenia with all the Cities Towns Castles and Countries near adjoyning to them 2 Reg. 14. From Hemeth or Antiochia he went to Damascus which is 140 miles This City he also took and all the Country of Syria round about he made tributary to him 2 Reg. 14. From Damascus he went to the Red Sea even 320 miles and also recovered all the South part which in times past belonged unto the Kingdom of Israel 2 Reg. 14. After this he returned to Samaria his own Country which was 192 miles where in the one and fortieth year of his Reign he dyed and was there buried After his death the Kingdom of Israel was oppressed with Tyranny until it was destroyed by Foreign Nations and for the space of twelve years there was no King that succeeded him In the Reign of this King a little before his death there happened a horrible Earth-quake of which you may read Amos 1. which without doubt did fore-shew some eminent changes that should happen in that Kingdom as did afterward Zac. 41. So all the Travels of Ieroboam the second of that name were 900 miles Of Zachariah King of Israel TWelve years after the death of Ieroboam Zachariah his Son began his Reign in Israel in the thirty eighth year of Azariah King of Iuda which was An. mundi 3975 and before Christ 723 he reigned six months and then was miserably slain by Sallum his Friend 2 Reg. 15. Ioseph lib. Antiq. 9. Of Sallum King of Israel SAllum began to reign after he had slain Zachariah in the thirty ninth year of Azariah King of Iuda and when he had reigned scarce a Month he was slain by Menahem losing his Life and Kingdom together 2 Reg. 15. The Travels of Menahem MEnahem was born in Thirza in the Tribe of Iuda who began to reign in the same year that he slew Sallum he reigned ten years 2 Reg. 10. From Thirza he went to Samaria with his Army which was six miles where having slain Sallum his Lord and King he usurp'd upon the Kingdom 2 Reg. 15. From thence he went to Thipsa which is six miles This Town he cruelly destroyed with Fire and Sword and all the Towns thereabout because they refused to open their Gates unto him From Thypsa this cruel Tyrant went back again to Samaria six miles where he grievously afflicted the Children of Israel ten years Wherefore the Lord being offended with him for his exceeding Cruelty stirred up Phul Belochus King of Assyria who came from Babylon to Samaria being 624 miles and put King Menahem to such an exceeding great streight that he was constrained to buy and procure his peace with 1000 Talents which money being received he suffered him to enjoy his Kingdom and returned back to Babylon with all his Army 2 Reg. 15. So all the Travels of King Menahem were 18 miles Of Thypsa THIS was a Town near to that Kingly Seat Thirza scituated in the Tribe of Manasses twenty four miles from Ierusalem Northward But because the inhabitants thereof denied to open their Gates to this cruel Tyrant Menahem therefore he utterly destroyed it even to the Ground Thypsa signifieth The Paschal Lamb or a Passover being derived of Pasach he passed over Of Pekahia King of Israel PEkahia reigned two years after his Fathers Death at the end of which term he was slain by Pekah the Son of Remalia who succeeded him in the Government Ioseph lib. Antiq. 9. saith that this Murther was done at a Banquet The Travels of Pekah King of Israel PEkah the Son of Remalia began to reign in Samaria Anno mundi 3189 and before Christ 779. in the two and fiftieth year of Azariah King of Iudah and reigned over Israel twenty years 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 nevertheless he overcame Ahaz King of Iuda in a great Battel and put to the Sword in one day above 12000 Souldiers that bare Armour In this War there were taken 200000 Women Children and Maids all which he carried Captives to Samaria 2 Reg. 16. 2. Chr. 28. From Ierusalem he returned to Samaria with a great Booty being 32 miles and at the Command of Obed the Prophet set at liberty all his Captives After about the end of the twentieth year of his Reign he was slain by Hosea his chief Captain who succeeded him in the Government 2 Reg. 15. So all the Travels of Pekah were 64 miles Of Hosea the last King of Israel HOSEA began to reign in the fourth Year of Ahas King of Iuda Anno Mundi 3209 and before Christ 759. He kept Court at Samaria and was a cruel and wicked King Wherefore God stirred up Salmanasser Emperour of the Assyrians who about the end of the seventh Year of his Reign came to Samaria and besieged it for the space of three Years at the end of the third Year with great Labour he won it and all the Country round about so that he took King Hosea Prisoner and led him together with a great Multitude of the Iews amongst which were Gabriel and Raphael the Friends of Toby the Elder thence to Nineveh Captives being 652 miles From Nineveh he sent them to a place called Rages in Media being 752 miles and in that Country peopled many Towns and Cities with them so that there were many of the Israelites led into Captivity above 1396 miles for so many miles is Rages and the Cities of the Medes from Ierusalem North-eastward This Captivity of the ten Tribes hapned Anno Mundi 3227. and before Christ 741. Of the Cities of Rages and Nineveh you may read in the Travels of Toby and the Angel Gabriel The Travels of the People which Salmanasser Emperour of the Assyrians sent to dwell in the Land of Israel SALMANASSER after he had carried the Children of Israel away captive into Assyria sent as it is said part of them into Media and part of them into Persia and so diâ—persed them here and there about the Country But because the Land of Israel by reason of this Captivity became desolate and without Inhabitants therefore he caused those People which dwelt about the River Cutha in Persia to go thence and dwell in Samaria and in all the Country round about to till the Land and dress the Vines lest some other People that were strangers to his Government should usurp upon that Kingdom it being thus without Inhabitants Ios. li. Ant. 9. You may read of this also 2 Reg. 7. In whose place and near to the said
caused them to be worshipped For after the end of these years according to the Prophecy of Ezekiel caâ— 4. the Sins of Ieroboam should be grievously punished upon the People of Iudah In the like manner from the end of the thirteenth year of Iosiah wherein Ieremie first began to Prophecy until this year in which the Children of Israel were carried away Captive into Babylon are numbred forty years which by Ezek. cap. 4. are called the years of the Iniquity of Iudah because so long the Iews did contemn and despise the admonition of the Prophet Ieremie Of Babylon HOw far this City stood from Ierusalem you may read before which by the Chaldaeans is called Shinear or Sinear and signifies To strike upon the Teeth being derived of Schen A tooth and Naer to strike It may also be taken for that when a man endeavoured with all speed to execute a thing which seems to resemble the condition of Nimrod for that in this place he endeavoured to overcome and conquer all his Neighbours from whence this Land was called Casdius that is The Country of the Destroyer So changing S into L it is called Chaldeus or Chaldaea The Chief and Metropolitan City of which Country was this Babylon built some thirty years after the Floud by Nimrod or the Babylonian Saturn the first great Commander of the World according to Berosus lib. 4. who writeth after this manner Nimrod which was accounted the Son of Iupiter Belus being angry with the Holy Priests of that great God Iehovah came with his Colony and People into the Field of Sinear where he built a City and laid the Foundation of a great Tower 131 years after the Flood and raised this Tower to such a height and withal of such a hugeness that it seemed as if it had been some great Mountain because he would have the Babylonian People accounted the chiefest and greatest in the World also their Governour the King of Kings A little after he saith he built this Tower but before he could finish it dyed in the fifty sixth year after he began it wherefore the City and Tower of Babylon according to the Opinion of Berosus was begun in Anno Mundi 1788 which was 131 years after the Flood and before Christ 2180. There were two causes wherefore the Children of Men built up this Tower first that they might get them a name secondly that they might be safe in case there came another Flood to drown the World It was made of Brick and Bittum lest the Water should loosen it But the Lord turned their Enterprises into evil and divided their Language so that they could not understand one another whereby they were constrained to leave off their building from whence it happened that their Minds Manners Understandings Studies and principal Actions were utterly changed and is the Foundation of all discord and sedition where the fear of God and the true knowledge of Christ doth not prevent it From this division of Tongues it is called the City of Babylon this is the City of Division being derived of the word Balal he hath confounded or mingled together Of this City you may read in Ios. lib. I. cap. 9. where he bringeth in a saying of the Sibyls which was That when all Nations were of one Language they built an exceeding high Tower as though they would have ascended by it into Heaven but the Lord with great tempest and dividing their Tongues subverted their enterprize from whence it was called Babylon This City was the fairest in those times of all others scituated in a spacious Plain upon every side whereof there stood pleasant Orchards and Gardens it was built four square conpassed about with Walls of incredible strength and greatness being fifty Cubits thick and 200 high beautified within with goodly Buildings fair Temples richly gilt with Gold and wonderful to look upon It was in compass 380 Furlongs as Strabo saith which make forty eight miles Through it ran the River Euphrates by which all things necessary were conveyed to the City without it was compassed with fair Ditches fill'd with water like Rivers and in the Wall there stood a hundred Gates Herodotus saith that it was 480 Furlongs about which make sixty miles English but that is not so credible The first Founder of this City was Nimrod who in those times was the chief Commander of the World It is thought that he was the Son of Cham the Son of Noah whose name signifies a cruel Governour or an unmerciful Tyrant And that his Actions might be according to the signification of his name he is branded with most perspicious notes of Cruelty omitting no violent action whereby he might inlarge his Dominions incroaching upon other mens Governments through a thirsty and ambitious desire of Renown without respect of Equity or Humanity And to add evil to evil committed many outrages upon such as were accounted good men and the Priests of the great God Iehovah from whence there grew in him a more than humane resolution accounting himself in this World a God and thorough this opinion grew into contempt of all good things compelling such as were his Subjects and Vassals to do him Worship and Reverence as to a Divine Power which being ingrafâ—ed into the hearts of such as followed in succeeding Ages they countenanced it with Authority from whence it came to pass that he was inrolled into the number of their principal Gods giving him the name of Saturn whom the Hebrews called Sudormin which elegantly implyeth Saturn Berosus saith that the Babylonian Iupiter succeeded this Nimrod whose Authority I am willing to follow to avoid prolixity This man so much inlarged the City that many in succeeding ages have attributed the foundation thereof unto him He ruled over it sixty one years After him succeeded Ninus or as some would have it Nimrod the second who began his Reign Anno Mundi 1909 before Christ 2061 he did many worthy Acts during his life and added to the Empire of Babylon many Provinces and after he had reigned fifty years dyed and was buried in Babylon After him succeeded Semiramis his Wife who took upon her the Government of the Assyrian Empire her Son Ninus being then within age and she began her Government Anno Mundi 1959 before Christ 2009. She was one of the manliest and resolute Women that we read of and performed as many worthy and memorable Actions This Queen built her Sepulchre over the most eminent Gate of Babylon in a publick and perspicious place upon which she caused to be written in Golden letters If there be any King of Babylon that shall come after me and stand in need of Money let him open this Sepulchre and what soever he wanteth he shall find but before it will not be good for him to touch it This notwithstanding it continued till the Reign of Darius who opened this Monument in hope to find what the Superscription imported but no Mony was there to be had only within
after in the Travels 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 Cross of Christ was born Mat. 27. Luke 23. It signifies in Hebrew a strong Wall and in Latine a Heart The Travels of King Salmanasser SAlmanasser signifieth the Assyrian Peace-maker This man Ptolomaeus that excellent Mathematician calleth Nabonasarus that is the Prophet of the Assyrians He began to reign upon the 26 of February An. Mundi 3221 before Christ 747 and reigned ten years or thereabout This man went with his Army from Niniveh to Samaria being 652 miles where he compelled Hosea the last King of Israel to pay him tribute 2 Reg. 16. From thence he returned back again with his Army to Nineveh 652 miles After when Hosea King of Israel conspiring with So King of Egypt denied to pay him Tribute he returned back again the second time to Samaria being 652 miles and after three years siege he took and destroyed it with Fire and Sword and conquered all the Countrey round about From Samaria he returned back again to Nineveh 652 miles So all the Travels of Salmanasser King of the Assyrians were 2608 miles The Travels of Senacharib King of the Assyrians SEnâ—charib as Melanâ—thon expounds it signifieth a two-edged Sword He succeeded his Father Salmanasser An. Mund. 3231. before Christ 737. He reigned seven years This man imitating his Father endeavoured to carry away the rest of Gods People into Captivity for which purpose he brought an Army from Nineveh to Lachis which was 700 miles which Town he besieged and sent his Princes to Ierusalem being twenty miles where he blasphemed the Lord of which you may read more in the History of King Hezekiah From Lachis he went to Libnah eight miles This was a strong Hold but he besieged it so narrowly that within a while after he had begun the Siege he took it While he was before this Town there came News that Taracha King of the Ethiopians had invaded his Countrey Wherefore he sent the second time Messengers to Ierusalem But the Lord was offended with their blasphemy wherefore he sent his Angel who in one Night destroyed 185000 of his Army This sudden and unexpected evil falling upon him in a great fear he returned to Niniveh 692 miles where he was slain by his Sons in the Temple The fame of these things was so divulged abroad that Herodotus lib. 2. makes mention of them So these three Journeys make 1400 miles Of Lachis and Libnah you may read before Of Assarhaddon King of the Assyrians ASsarhaddon his father Senacharib being slain succeeded in the Government Anno Mundi 3238 which agreeth with the 730 year before Christ and reigned ten years in Niniveh the chief City of the Assyrians Here again the mutation and change of Kingdoms may be observed for Merodach a Chaldaean rebelling against Senacharib continued his Government in Babylon eleven years 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 subject to the Empire of the Babylonians Of Merodach the first Emperour of the Babylonians MErodach signifieth a bitter repentance He was the Son of Baladan Prince of Babylon who ruled at such time as Senacharib had that grievous overthrow in Iudah Wherefore taking advantage of the time and the necessity of that Prince he rebelled against him and his Son Assarhaddon taking upon him the absolute command of the City and whole Empire The beginning of whose Reign happened in the year of the World 3236 and before Christ 732. This Merodach sent to Ierusalem wise and learned men with Gifts and Presents to King Ezekiah just in that year when the Sun went back ten Degrees to know the truth of this Miracle For it was a custom amongst the Nations round about Ierusalem if any thing happened beyond the expectation of man to send thither to inquire the truth thereof Such and so Wise a People were the Iews esteemed in those times as may appear by divers places of the Holy Scripture In the beginning of the twelfth year of this King Assaâ—haddon Emperour of the Assyrians died after whose death he became Emperour of all Assyria and Chaldea He began to reign over that spatious Kingdom Anno Mundi 3247 before Christ 721 and reigned after that forty years Of Ben-Merodach Emperour of Babylon BEn-Merodach that is the Son of Merodach succeeded his Father Anno Mundi 3287 before Christ 681. He reigned twenty one years Of Nebuchadnezzar first of that name Emperour of Babylon NEbuchadonezar or Nebuchadnezzar signifieth a Divine Judge He was the most potent King of all the Babylonian This man obtained the chief command over the Babylonians Empire Anno Mundi 3309 before Christ 659. He reigned thirty five years and held his Court sometime in Babylon sometimes in Niniveh Iud. 1. He made War with Pharaoh Necho King of Aegypt of which Battel you may read 2 Reg. 25. 2 Chr. 35. in the Valley of Megiddo where Iosias was slain Herod lib. 2. doth also make mention of this Battel and calls the place by the name of Magdalum Of which Ieremy also speaketh But they were Towns in the Tribe of Manasses scituated near to the Plain where this Battel was fought in which Country Mary Magdalen was born The Travels of Nebuchadnezzar the second of that name Emperour of Babylon NEbuchadnezzar or Nebuchadonozor the Great which Ptolomaeus calleth Nebupollasser about the end of the third year of Ioachim King of Iudah being a little before created Emperour his Father yet living came unto Ierusalem which he besieged so streightly that he constrained Ioachim to pay him Tribute for thirty seven years Berosus saith Lib. 3. A little after that is Anno Mundi 3344. before Christ 624 he was sent against the Syrians Phoenicians and Aegyptians that rebelled So he went with his Army from Babylon to Carchemis a City of Syria scituated near the River Euphrates which was 280 miles Here he overcame Pharaoh-Necho King of Aegypt in a great Battel Ier. 46. Herod lib. 2. From Carchemis he went to Ierusalem which was 400 miles here he took Daniel and his companions captive and brought them to Babylon After he went with his Army to Pelusio being 132 miles which he took conquered all the Land of Aegypt 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 Government and reigned forty three years In the eleventh year of Ioachim King of Iudah he went again from Babylon to Ierusalem which was 680 miles and by policy took that City and put Ioachim the King thereof to death according to the Prophecy of Ieremy cap. 22. 2 Kin. 24. From thence after he had made Iechonias his
that are eminent in it that is this and another called Tariana The Air in the Winter season is very temperate at which time the Earth bringeth forth many pleasant Flowers and Fruits but in the Summer it is extream hot by which heat all things are scorched and burned away and by reason of the Putrefaction of the Air as some think in that Season there do breed Toads Lyzards and other Noysome Serpents in great abundance so that the Inhabitants are constrained partly because of the heat partly because of the loathsome and dangerous Creatures to build their Houses all of Earth long and narrow the Walls and Roofs being at least a yard thick that so the heat might not pierce through them or Serpents breed in them Strabo lib. Geograph 5. saith that one Tython the Brother of Laomedon King of Troy did first build this City about such time as Tholâ— judged Israel After him his Son Memnon beautified it with a fair and goodly Castle calling it after his own name Memnon Of this man Homer speaketh This Castle was such a goodly thing that a long time after his death the Town was called Memnon as Strabo observeth but in Hester and Daniels's times it was called Susa and the Inhabitants Susans The Persian Emperors in those times keeping their Courts there for the most part and did greatly beautifie the City with many fair Buildings The first of these Emperours that dwelt there was Cyrus who after he had conquered Babylon Assyria and many other Kingdoms and Countries lying near to the City Susa that he might with more ease and better safety retain them in his Government removed his Court from Persepolis which lay up in the East part of Persia to this Town where all the Winter season for the most part he lived and in the Summer went to â—gbatan the chief City of Media because there at that season the Air was very temperate His Successors after him observing the same course for their better conveniency and to make evident their greater magnificence repaired the Castle of Memnon joyned to it many fair and goodly Buildings and close by it planted a pleasant Orchard of diverse and sundry sorts of Trees and Herbs It is reported that the Gate whereby they entred into this Orchard was very curiously built supported with Pillars of polished Marble imbossed with Silver and Gold very rare to look upon over it was a banquetting-house beautified with lively pictures costly furniture and Beds of Gold and Silver covered with rich Tapestry wrought with Silk Silver and Gold upon these they used to eat their Banquets it was paved with Porphire Marble and Hyacinths in such â—ort as it greatly delighted such as beheld it The Queen had a private Garden to her self in which were great abundance of Trees of divers kinds and many sweet Flowers and Herbs In which Garden Ahashuerus walked to qualifie the heat of his wrath that he had conceived against that wicked and perfidious Haman who through envy and ambition sought the destruction of the whole Nation of the Iews leâ—t by giving place unto anger he should transgress the bounds of Clemency and Justice wherefore it becometh every King Prince and Judge to imitate the example of this Emperour who in the heat of his anger would determine nothing of so wicked a man for long and often deliberation becometh every wise man before he doth any thing Est. 7. Not far from the Emperour's Palace in a fair and pleasant Garden there stood a Colledge of the Magi that is such as the Persians accounted wise and learned men these were of such account for their knowledge and understanding amongst that People that some of them in succeeding ages were chosen for Kings and Governours in that Country They studied for the most part the Mathematicks History Philosophy and Divinity and as many have thought the Prophecies of Daniel Ezekiel and others wherefore as is said before many are of opinion that the Wise men which came into Iudaea to see Christ were of this Colledge and Town because it stood East from Ierusalem It is at this day called Cusistane as Ortelius and Sebastian Munster witness and in their times was under the Government of one Caliphus Emperour of the Saracens This Caliphus was strongly besieged by one Allan the great King of Tartaria in this Town Anno. Dom. 1250. But because of his exceeding Covetousness and Parcimony he lost the City and was famished to death Of the River Eulaeo ULai which Stra. li. 15. calleth Eulaea passed through the City of Susa and as Pliny saith lib. 6. cap. 27. took the beginning at Media and so fell into a hole or Cavern of the Earth and passed under the ground till it came near to the City Susa where it brake forth again and compassed about the Tower of Susa and a Temple in the City dedicated to Diana The Inhabitants hold this River in great estimation insomuch as the Kings drink of no other Water and for that purpose carry it a great way Strabo according to the Testimony of Polycletus saith That there are two other Rivers of good account which pass through Persia viz. Choasâ—es and Tygris but neither of them are in like estimation as this is Of Elam PErsia in antient times was called after this name from Elam the Son of Sem. But after Perseus had obtained a large and spacious Government in that Country it was after his name called Persia. Elam signifieth a Youth or a young man Of Egbatana or Egbatan THIS is the Metropolitan City of the Medes and is distant from Ierusalem 1136 miles towards the North-West built by Deioce King of the Medes as Herod l. 2. saith Here Daniel built a fair Temple of which you may read more in his Travels Of this Town you may read more in the Travels of Iudith The Typical Signification of Daniel DAniel signifies the Iudge of God typically representing Christ who is appointed by that eternal Iehovah to be Judge of all things both quick and dead and rescueth his Church which is as a Rose compassed about with Thorns oppressed with the Tyranny and cruelty of Evil and wicked men casting those false Judges and merciless Governours into eternal Exile and the Pit Destruction And as the Prophet was innocently condemned cast into the Lions den and had the door sealed upon him and to the judgment of man no hope of life or means to escape was left him yet by the Providence of God was delivered out of this danger and came thence safe and untouch'd Dan. 6. so our Saviour was innocently condemned cast into the Grave sealed up among the dead and to common judgment left as a man out of mind yet early in the morning at the appointed time by the Power of his Deity he raised himself up from this Pit of Hell the Grave and gloriously triumphed over it and death Of the Prophet Hosea THIS Prophet Hosea was born in a Town called Bemeloth or Bethmeloth as Dorotheâ—s
sometime Bishop of Tyre saith which was a Town in the Tribe of Issachar not far from Bethulia some fifty two miles from Ierusalem toward the North near to which place Holofernes afterward pitched his Tents extending thence to the Field of Esdrelon and the Town Chelmon from whence it seemeth this Town taketh the Name He prophesied in Israel eight hundred years before Christ his name â—ignifieth a Saviour being derived of Hoschiag the third Conjugation of Iaschag that is He hath saved Mat. 2. Of the Prophet Joel JOEL signifies God's own as St. Ierom expoundeth it He prophesied eight hundred Years before Christ both in Israel and in Iudah He was born in a Village which was called Baâ—homeron not far from Sichem in the Tribe of Manasses as Dorotheus the Bishop of Tyre saith Of the Prophet Amos. THIS Man's Father dwelt at Tekoa a poor man one that kept Kine and used to gather wild Figs as appeareth in the first and seventh Chapters of Amos. In this Town Amos was born and followed the Profession of his Father but the Lord called him to be a Prophet and then he went to Bethel which was twelve miles distant Here he reprehended Ieroboam King of Israel for Idolatry and worshipping the Golden Calf after he was accused by Amasia the Chief Priest of the Idols in Bethel and bound in Chains and at length Vria the Son of this Amasia struck him upon his Head with a Spear whereby he was mortally wounded From Bethel being sick he was carried back to Tecoa which was twelve miles where a little after he died as St. Ierom witnesseth in whose time his Monument was to be seen Amos signifies A Burthen as indeed he was to the wicked Israelites he so sharply reprehended them in his Sermons of the Law He lived eight hundred years before Christ. So his Travels were 24 miles Of the Prophet Obediah OBediah signifies God's obedient Servant of Abad he hath served or been obedient He lived six hundred years before Christ about the time of the Captivity of Babylon St. Ierom saith that in his time there were to be seen in the City of Samaria the Monuments of three Prophets that is of Elisha Obediah and Iohn Baptist. But some think that Obediah the Prophet lay not buried in Samaria but rather it was the Sepulchre of that Obediah which lived in the time of Ahab that hid a hundred of the Lord's Prophets fifty in one Cave and fifty in another between which there were three hundred years difference The Travels of the Prophet Jonah THIS Prophet Ionas was born in Gath Hepher which was a Town in the Tribe of Zabulon from whence to Samaria is accounted thirty two miles here he prophecied to Ieroboam second of that name Kâ—ng of Israel that he should recover Hemath and Damascus and so to the Plain of the Red Sea 2 Reg. 14. From â—amaria to Ioppa or Iapho a Port Town upon the Sea Shore to which Ionas went when he fled from the Lord was thirty eight miles but the Lord stirred up a great Wind when Ionas was upon the Sea that the Mariners cast him out and he was devoured of a Whale Ionas 1. That Whale which had devoured Ionas with a continual course and great violence in three days and three nights swam to the Euxine Sea and there cast him up upon the Shore which was 600 miles Ios. Antiq. lib. 9. From the shore of the Euxine Sea Ionas went to Nineveh which are eight hundred miles Here Ionas preached Repentance to the Ninevites Ion. 3. 4. So all the Travels of Ionas were 1470 miles Of Gath Hepher IN this Town the Prophet Ionas was born it was scituated in the Tribe of Zabulon sixty miles from Ierusalem Northward and four miles from Nazareth towards the South It seems to take the name from abundance of Grapes for Gath Ghepher signifieth a Wine-press Of Japho JAPHO or Ioppa was a City or Haven-Town scituated upon the Sea where all such Ships landed as went into Iudaea At this day the Turks and Saracens call it Iafa lying upon the Mediterranean Sea in the Tribe of Dan Ios. 19. in a certain Mountain twenty miles from Ierusalem North-Westward Pliny li. 5. saith this City was built before the Flood and in St. Ierom's time there was to be seen the Stone to which Andromeda was bound when she should have been devoured by a Monster of the Sea The Poets Seign this Woman to be the Daughter of Cepheus and delivered by Perseus King of the Persians whom after she married It is called Iapho because of the beautiful 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 upon the Sea The Latine and Greek Texts read it Tharsin whence it hapned that many have thought that Ionas fled from Tharâ—is a City in Ciliâ—â—a in which Country St. Paul was born But Luther in his Exposition of the Prophecy of Ionas doth utterly disallow of this as false for the Hebrew Text reads 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 only a great Sea but the meeting together of Waters or a Lake So in Luke 5. the Sea of Galilee in which Christ and his Disciples sailed is called a Lake yet Ioh. cap. 5. and the rest of the Evangelists 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 Tharschich denoteth a great Sea and no Lake or an high and troublesome Sea as the Mediteranean Sea is In this Paul travelled and there standeth many Islands as Rhodes Cyprus Cicilia and others all which are at this day subject to the Turks Venetians or Spaniards It extendeth it self from Ioppa and Cilicia to the Streights between Spain and Mauritania Into this Sea Ionas was cast when the Whale devoured him In like manner the Red Sea and all others that are Ocean Seas are called Tharsis as appeareth in the 72 Psalm where it said The Kings of Tharsis and of the Isles shall bring Presents Here the Kings whose Empires extend themselves along the Sea Coast are understood But the City Tharsis the Country of the Apostle Paul is not a Kingdom neither ever had a King much less many Kings So Solomon sent his Ships by Tharsin that is by Sea towards the South-East into the Red Sea and Eastern Ocean that they might bring Gold precious Stones and sweet Gums from Arabia But the Ships could not sail by the Red Sea unto the Town of Tharsis unless they would have sailed over the Land which is impossible because Tharsis lieth into the Land from the Red Sea as all Cosmographers agree So also the Psalmist saith Thou breakest with thy strong Winds the Ships
of Tharsis that is of the Sea beside many such like speeches From whence St. Ierom concludes that Tharsis may better signifie the Sea than the City Tharsis Of the Euxine Sea THE Euxine Ocean is that great and troublesome Sea which beginning not far from Constantinople runneth from Bosphorus and Thrace towards the East and North containing to the Longitude eight hundred miles but to the Latitude two hundred and eighty Towards the South it toucheth upon Asia the less towards the East upon Calcos towards the West upon Thracia and Valachia but towards the North it is â—oyned to the Pool of Maeotides This Sea in times past was called Pontus Axenus that is the inhospitable Countrey because as Strabo lib. 1. of his Cosmography saith The Inhabitants near about the Sea-shore did usually sacrifice those Strangers they got or else cast their Bodies unto Dogs to be devoured making drinking-cups of their Skulls But after when the Ionians had built certain Towns upon the Sea-coast and had restrained the Incursions of certain Scythian Thieves which usually preyed upon Merchants that resorted thither at the command of Pontus their King who had obtained a large and spatious Kingdom in that Country they called it Pontus Euxinus which is as much as to say the hospitable Country Ovid testifieth almost the same concerning the original of the name of this Sea after this manner Frigida me cohibent Euxini littora Ponti Dictus ab antiquis Axinus ille fuit The chilly shoars of th' Euxine Sea constrains me to abide In antient time call'd Axinus as it along did glide Of Ninus or Nineveh NINVS or Nineveh was a City of Assyria where the Emperours of that Country used to keep their Courts It was first built by Ninus that great Emperour of the first Monarchy 300 years after the flood and 2000 before Christ about the time when the Patriarch Abraham was born It continued in great glory for the space of almost 1500 years and was distant from Ierusalem toward the North-east 684 miles upon the East side joyning to the River Tygris on the North to the Caspian Sea It takes the name from the Beauty of it being derived of Navah which signifieth A comely place spatious and pleasant There are many that are of opinion that in many things it exceeded Babylon as for the sumptuousness of the Buildings the strength of the Walls and the extent The Walls were so thick that three Chariots might have met upon them without any danger and beautified with an hundred and fifty Towers Ionas being sent of God to this City was three days going through it that is as Luther expounds it through every Street of it in which time he converted a hundred and twenty thousand to repentance Arbaces who was called Arphaxad was then Emperour This Arbaces Iustine lib. 2. calleth Arbactus he was a Captain of the Medes who perceiving the effeminate disposition of Sardanapalus the then Emperour taking advantage of the times and this man's weakness conspired with some of his Companions to usurp upon his Government and that he might make them hate and loath his looseness brought them into a Room where they might see him sitting amongst his Harlots tired in Womans apparel and carding Wool This sight greatly displeasing them and before being encouraged by Arbactus they seized upon the City and besieged Sardanapalus in his Palace But to prevent the misery of a shameful death after he had gathered all his Riches together he set fire on his Palace where he his companions and Treasure perished this fire continued fifteen days and happened 823 years before Christ about which time Arbactus succeeded Sardanapalus began to reign and continued his Government twenty eight years But the Medes held not the Assyrian Empire long for Phul Belochus who at this time reigned in Babylon and his Successor Tiglath Philasser are called Kings of Assyria between whom there happened many great Wars 2 Kings 15. 26. From whence may be gathered that after the death of Arbactus these Emperours dwelt in Nineveh and succeeded in the Empire Thus was this City greatly defaced with continual evils the Lord before-hand giving them many admonitions and gentle Corrections if it had been in them to have conceived it to win them to repentance but they continued still in their Sins therefore according to their former Prophecies Cyaxares King of the Medes besieging this Town took it and destroyed it even unto the Ground as Eusebius saith This desolation happened thirteen years before the destruction of Ierusalem in the eleventh year of Sadyattis King of the Lydians who was Grandfather to Croesus Anno Mundi 3349 before Christ 619. After this Destruction it lay a long time desolate but at length some part of it was restored though with much trouble and then when it was at the best estate constrained to suffer many changes and at length utterly destroyed by Tamerlane the Great the second time Anno Mundi 3390. After this the Inhabitants of that Country upon the East side of the River Tygris began the third time to build it But whether this third restoring of this City was at the command of some Prince that had the Government of the Country thereabouts or because of the scituation or for private profit it is not set down nevertheless it is again repaired standing upon the Borders of Armenia beautified with goodly Buildings with fair and spacious Streets compassed about as other Cities of the East are with Walls and Ditches sufficiently strengthened to oppose the Enemy But in respect of the former Nineveh it seems a small Village It hath a Bridge built of Ships lying upon the East side of it over the River Tygris and upon that side of the River there stand many fair Gardens or Orchards and the Land there also is very fertile and pleasant But upon the West of Tygris the Soyl is nothing so fruittile At this day it is called by the name of Mossel so that although it stands in the same place yet doth it not retain the same name To this Town there is a great resort of Merchants who bring up their Commodities from the Rier Tygris hither and from hence convey them to Bagdeth and many other parts of the World The Inhabitants thereof are for the most part Nestorians of whom you may read before in the Description of the Sects remaining in Ierusalem at this day They are had in great account and estimation among the Turks because it is imagined that one of this Sect helpt Mahomet to compose the Alcoran This Nestorius lived Anno Dom. 429. and taught at Constantinople but after he was condemned at Ephesus for an Heretick he was constrained to steal from Constantinople and to flie to Thebes in Aegypt where God laid a grievous punishment upon him for his Tongue began to rot his head and to consume with Vermin of which he died miserably The spiritual signification of the Prophet Jonas JOnas signifieth a Dove and typically representeth
Christ in his name For Christ was that gracious and innocent Dove who hath made evident to Man his singular Mercy and Clemency without any shew of bitterness or wrath Then in his Affliction for as Ionas thrust himself into the Sea of Calamity and there was swallowed up of a Whale which might be well resembled to the Grave so Christ our Saviour was cast into the Sea of Affliction the misery and calamity of this World and after that thrust into the jaws of death the Grave where as Ionas did in the Whales belly he lay three daies and then arose again the Earth being unable any longer to contain his Body Of the Prophet Micah THIS Prophet was born at Maresa a Town of Iudaea sixteen miles from Ierusalem Westward it signifieth a bitter Field In St Ierom's time the Ruins of the Wall of this City was to be seen Micah or Micheas signifieth humble or lowly This man was held in great estimation because he was the first that named the Country where our Saviour Christ should be born viz. in Bethlehem 800 years before his Nativity He lived Anno Mundi 3200. Of the Prophet Nahum NAhum signifies a Comforter He was born in a Town of Galilee called Elcosch as he saith in the beginning of his Prophecy This Village was shewn unto St. Ierome by those that travelled 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 sixteen miles and something more from Ierusalem towards the North-East This Prophet lived 750 years before Christ and Prophesied of the Destruction of Niniveh which after came to pass Of the Prophet Habacuck HAbacuck or Chabacuck signifies one that embraceth or a Lover from Chaback he hath embraced For as a Nurse embraceth and kisseth her inâ—ant 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 driven to desperation Paul took the foundation of his Epistle to the Romans out of this Prophet reciting a saying of his viz. The juâ—t shall live by faith He began to preach a little before the Prophet Ieremy 650 years before Christ above 100 years 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 he was among the Lions but they rather think 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 derived of Zaphan he hath kept secret He lived in Ierusalem and Iudaea in the time of Iosiah King of Iuda He was born as Dorotheus Bishop of Tyre saith in a Town called Sabarthaca in the Tribe of Siâ—eon Of the Prophets Haggai and Zacharia HAggai or Chaggi signifieth A Priest celebrating the Feast of the Lord being derived of Chagag he hath celebrated a Feast And Zacharias or Zacharia doth denote such a man as remembred the Lord being derived of Zachar that is he hath remembred or recorded These two Prophets prophecied in Ierusalem in the second year of Darius the Son of Histaspis 519 years before Christ An. mun 3449. Haggai began his Prophecy upon the first day of the sixth month Elul answering to the 28 of August He sharply reprehended the People because they neglected the house of the Lord and built up their own houses In the eighth month Marhusuan which for the most part answereth to our November Zacharias the same year began to prophecy and in his Sermon exhorted the People to repentance adding the promise of our Saviour and that he would turn unto them that would turn unto 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 near to a Town in the field of Bethania 20 miles from Ierusalem Westward but in the time of Theodosius the Emperour was removed and preserved as an holy Relique Concerning that fable and figment inserted into the History Nicephorus I utterly disallow Of the Prophet Malachi THIS Prophet prophesied after the Captivity of Babylon and dwelt in the Town 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 been an Angel of God but principally of Christ and Saint Iohn Baptist who should go before him to prepare his Way and make his Paths strait S. Ierom in his Epistle to Paul and Eustochius writes that some of the Hebrews suppose this Malachi to have been Esdras the Scribe who was sent by Artaxerxes Longimanus Emperour of the Persians to restore the Commonwealth of Israel in the year before Christ 457. An Instruction how the Prophets may rightly be understood FIRST look into the Cosmographical Table at the beginning of this Book and diligently observe the Countries and Cities that are there set down and how they lie scituated from Ierusalem Toward the South of Ierusalem the Idumeans Ismaelites Arabians and Egyptians dwell Toward the East the Moabites Ammonites Chaldaeans Babylonians and Persians Toward the North the Phoenicians Syrians Assyrians and Armenians Toward the West lieth the Mediterranean Sea Grâ—cia Italy Spain and the Isles of the Sea Secondly this rule is to be observed that as often as the Prophets speak of the Tribes of Israel they use these names viz. Israel Samaria Ephrain Ioseth Iesreel Bethel and Bethaven these are the names of the Kingdom of Israel but to the Kingdom of Iuda these names are attributed viz. Iudaâ— Ierusalem Benjamin the house of David But when the Prophets joyn 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 Country or City which is not sufficiently known unto thee search this Alphabetical Table here following and thou shalt find the whole matter declared unto thee An Alphabetical Table of all the Countries and Cities mentioned in the Prophets A. ABarim that is a Bridge or Passage over It was a Mountain of the Moabites where the Israelites pitched their Tents Num. 33. Achor the Valley of Trouble Here Achan was stoned to death for his Thievery It stood not far from Gilgal toward the North twelve miles from Ierusalem Ios. 7. Isa. 6. Adama Red Earth This was one of the Cities that were destroyed with Fire and Brimstone from Heaven Ai Hilly This City Ioshua burnt with Fire It lay eight miles from Ierusalem North-ward Iosh. 8. Aiath idem Isa. 10. Ar or Ari a Lion It was a City of the Moabites lying beyond Iordan in the Tribe of Benjamin called Aâ—iopolis scituated upon the Bank of the River Arnon 24 miles from Ierusalem North-Eastward Deut. 2. In Esa. 15. It is
called Arar a Destroyer Aram Noble or Mighty Armenia and Syria are so called of Aram the Son of Sem the chief City of which Country is Damasâ—us Pliny lib. 6. I7 saith the Scythians were also in ancient times called Aramites Arnon a famous River of the Moabites in the Tribe of Reuben which falls into the dead Sea 20 miles from Ierusalem Eastward In Esa. 16. it is called Ranan he hath shouted for joy Aroer by usurpation an Ewe Tree This is a City of the Moabites near to the River Arnon in the Tribe of Gad beyond Iordan 24 miles from Ierusalem Eastward Ier. 40. there is another City so called near to Damascus in Syria Esa. 7. Arpad the light of Redemption This was a City in the Land of Damascus Ier. 49. There is another flourishing City of that name which may compare with Antiochia for greatness Esa. 10. But where it is scituated it is uncertain Arvad was a part of the Land of Canaan so called of Arvad the Son of Canaan Gen. I0 Ascanes or Tuiscones are a People descended of Ascenitz the Son of Gomer the Son of Iaphet which sometimes dwelt in Armenia but now have their abiding in Germany 2 Gen. 10. Esa 51. so that of Gomer they are called Germanes and of Ascanes Ascanians or Tuiscons Asseca fortified round about Neer to this Town David killed Goliah It stood eight miles from Ierusalem Westward Assur or Assyria a blessed Country being so called of Assur the Son â—f â—em Aven Iniquity Bethel was so called after Ieroboam had there set up a Golden Calf Hos. 10. B. BAbel Confusion Babylon is the Metropolitan City of Chaldaea 280 miles from Ierusalem Eastward Bath Domestical It was a Town of the Moabites in the Tribe of Reuben beyond Iordon Esa. 16. Bazra a Grape-gathering It was a City of the Edomites scituated upon the Bank of Iordan on the farther side near to Bethabara twenty miles from Ierusalem North-eastward Esa. 24. 36. Ier. 48. Note here that the Country of the Moabites in times past was subject to the Edomites and then this City was in their jurisdiction but after the Moabites got it into their hands again and held it It was one of the six Towns of Refuge mentioned Ios. 29. Berothai a Cypress Tree This Town stood near Hemath or Antiochia 280 miles from Ierusalem Northward Ezek. 49. In this City David King of Israel took Hadadesar King of Zoba or Sophena and constrained him to give him a great deal of Brass as it is thought yearly for Tribute for near that City were many Brass Mines Bethavin the house of Iniquity Bethel was so called Hos 6. It stood eight miles from Ierusalem Northward Beth-Cherem the house of the Vines It was a Town not far from Ierusalem Northward Ier. 6. Beth-Diblathaim the house of dried Figs. It was a City of the Moabites Ier. 48. Bethieâ—imoth the house of Desolations It was also a City of the Moabites beyond Iordan in the Tribe of Reuben Ios. 13. Ezech. 25. twenty miles from Ierusalem Beth-Gamul the house of Restitution This was a City of the Moabites Ier. 48. Beth-Bealmeon the house of habitation for the Idol Baal It was a City of the Moabites twenty four miles from Ierusalem Eastward not far from Aroer Ezek. 25. 1 Chr. 5. Butz a Castle of Prey It was a City of the Ismaelites in Arabia-Petraeâ— eighty miles from Ierusalem South-Westward Ier. 25. Bel and Neob two Idols of the Babylonians Esa. 45. Bel signifieth the God of Mixture or Confusion Neob the God of Prophecy C. CAlno his Perfection This is Selucia scituated upon Tygris beyond Babylon 316 miles from Ierusalem Eastward It is now called Bagdeth Gen. 10. Esâ—y 2. Canne a firm foundation It was a City of the Syrians Ezek. 27. Caphihor a little Sphere or a round Globe like unto a Globe or Pomegranate Also Capâ—adocia a Country of Asia the less 600 miles from Ierusalem Northward Carchemis a sacrificed Lamb. This was scituated too near Euphrates in Syria 400 miles from Ierusalem Northward Ierem. 25. D. DEâ—dan a City of the Idumaeans so called of Dedan the Son of Esâ—u Ier. 25. Isa. 21. Dâ—bon a Mist. This was a City of the Moabites near Hesbon in the Tribe of Reuben twenty eight miles from Ierusalem North-eastward Diblath a bunch of Figs. It was a City in the Tribe of Naphtali near to the Lake of Samachonites eighty miles from Ierusalem Northward Ezek. 6. Here Zedekiah had his eyes put out 2 Kin. 25. Ier. 39. 52. Dimon Bloudy This is a City in the Tribe of Reuben which as St. Ieron saith is twenty eight miles from Ierusalem North-eastward Duma Silence A City of the Israelites so called of Duma the Son of Ismael It stood in Arabia Petaea eighty miles from Ierusalem towards the Southwest Esa. 25. 21. E. EGbathana the Metropolitian City of the Medes distant from Ierusalem 1136 miles North-east-ward Eden Pleasure A City of Syria scituated near Euphrates 400 miles from Ierusalem North-eastward Esay 7. This is thought to have been a part of Paradice Eglaim a round Drop It was a Town of the Moabites Esa. 15. 16. Elam a Young man so called of Elem the Son of Sem Esa. 10. 21. After Perseus had got in this Countrey a great Government he called it after his own name Persâ—a Eleale the Ascension of God It was a City beyond Iordan in the Tribe of Reuben between Iacza and Heshbon 26 miles from Ierusalem North-eastward Num. 32. Elim a Hart. This was a Lake so called in the Land of the Moabites Esa. 10. Elisa the Lamb of God So were the Aeolians called in Grecia of Elisa the Son of Iavan the Son of Iaphet Ezek. 7. Gen 10. Enaglaim the Fountain of Calves It was a Town or Castle near to the Red Sea Ezek. 10. Epha the Land of Obscurity It was a part of Arabia Petraea so called of Epha the Son of Midian the Son of Abraham Gen. 25. Esa. 60. G. GEbim a Ditch This was a Town in the Tribe of Iuda Esa. 10. Gebah a Hill It was a Hill in the City of Kirjath-jearim there was a Town also of the same name standing within a little of it This was little more than a mile from Ierusalem Westward Esa. 10. Gebal a bound or limit It was the bounds and limits of Syria bordering upon the Mediterranean Sea This City Gibal or Gebal was 160 miles from Ierusalem Northward 1 Reg. 5. Psal. 82. Gibeah a Hill It was also called Gibeon where Saul dwelt four miles from Ierusalem Northward Esa. 10. Gilgal a roundle or the compass of a hill Here Ioshuah pitched his Tents it stood between Iericho and Iordan twelve miles from Ierusalem North-eastward Gog. The Turks were thus called because they liv'd in Tents Ezek. 48. Gosan a Land and River in Mesopotamia called after that name 2 Reg. 17. Esa. 37. H. HAdad Rimmon a Pomegranat This was a Town near to Megiddo where Iosiah King of Iudah was wounded to death 46 miles from
Ierusalem Northward Zach. 12. Hadrach the Land of Gladness So the Prophet Zachary calls Syria c. 19. Hanes an Ensign of Grace This was a City of Egypt bordering upon Assyria Esa. 30. Haram the Syrian liberty It was the Metropolitan City of Mesopotamia where Abraham dwelt Gen. 11. distant from Ierusalem 440 miles North-eastward Haveran a Casement It was a City in Syria not far from Damascus 160 miles from Ierusalem towards the North-east Hazor Enon the gate of the Fountain It was a City in Syria Hazor-Tichon the middle Porch It was a Town in Syria not far from Haveran Ezek. 47. Hazor the Land of Hay So the Ismaelites called their Countrey Hemath Anger So the Prophets called Antiochia the Metropolitan of Assyria distant from Ierusalem 280 miles Northward Hermon Accurst It was a Mountain beyond Iordan near to Libanus 122 miles from Ierusalem towards the North-east There is another Mountain of this name near to Naim and not far from Mount Tabor forty four miles from Ierusalem towards the North of which the Psalmist speaketh Psal. 89. Tabor and Hermon praise thy name The Mountain beyond Iordan is oftentimes called by the name of Mount Gilead Hesbon an Ingenious Cogitation It was a City of the Moabites in the Tribe of Reuben twenty eight miles from Ierusalem towards the North-East Henah and Ievah were two Idols Esa. 37. Hevilah Sandy So India is called and a certain part of Arabia-Petraea of Hevilah the Son of Chus Gen. 10. These Countries are very dry and sandy Hethlon he hath rolled together It was a City of Syria near to Antiochia Ezek. 47. Holon a Window It was a Town of the Moabites in the Tribe of Reuben and is also called Helon Num. 2. Ier. 47. Horonaim the Syrian Liberties two Towns of the Moabites Esa. 16. I. JAchza the privity of God A City of the Moabites in the Tribe of Reuben twenty four miles from Ierusalem Eastward Iaezer the help of God A City of Refuge belonging to the Levites in the Tribe of Gâ—d beyond Iordan forty miles from Ierusalem North-Eastward Iavan Grecia so called of Iavan the Son of Iapheth which was distant from Ierusalem 800 miles Westward Iezreel the Seed of God This is the City where Queen Iesabel was devoured of Dogs It standeth forty eight miles from Ierusalem Northward Irheres or Heliopolis a City of the Sun This was a City of Aegypt 224 miles from Ierusalem toward the South-West K. KEdar Blackness This was a Desart of the Ismaelites called Sur eighty miles from Ierusalem South-Westward Kir Paries a Wall This was Cyrene a great City in Africa which was 816 miles from Ierusalem Westward There was a Town of this name in the Land of the Moabites in the Tribe of Reuben Esa. 16. Kir-Hazereth or Kir-Hares a Mud-Wall It was a City of the Moabites in Arabia-Petraea otherwise called Petra seventy two miles from Ierusalem towards the South Esa. 16. Kiriathaim a-City This Town was in the Tribe of Reuben 22 miles from Ierusalem Eastward Esa. 16. Kiriah or Kirieth ibidem Kithim a shining Jewel Macedonia is so called of Kithim the Son of Iavan the Son of Iaphet Gen. 10. Ier. 2. Mac. 1. For if you do diligently observe the derivation of Names you shall find that of Kithin comes Maketis and so by continuance of time and change of words Macedonia It lieth 920 miles from Ierusalem North-Westward L. LAchis a continual walking or as some will have it A pleasant Walk This was a City in the Tribe of Iuda twenty miles from Ierusalem Westward Ier. 34. Laisa a Lioness So was Caesarea Philippi sometimes called It was also called Dan scituated near to the Fountains of the River Iordan not far from Mount Libanus 104 miles from Ierusalem North-eastward Libna Frankincense It was a Town in the Tribe of Iudah ten miles from Ierusalem towards the South-west Lud that is Lydia a Countrey in Asia Minor so called of Lud the Son of Sem. Luit green Grass It is also a Mountain in the Tribe of Reuben Esa. 6. M. MAgâ—g dwelling under a shed or Tent. The Turks are so called Ezek. 8. Maresa an inheritance In this Town the Prophet Micah was born Mich. 1. It was scituated in the Tribe of Iudah distant from Ierusalem sixteen miles towards the West Medai a Measure The Kingdom of Medea was so called of Medai the Son of Iaphet Gen. 10. Medba warm Water It was a City of the Moabites in the Tribe of Reuben twenty eight miles from Ierusalem towards the East Esa. 16. Medemena a Dunghil It was a Town in the Tribe of Iudah neer Beerseba and Gaza 44 miles from Ierusalem toward the South-west Iosh. 15. There was also another Town of the same name in the Tribe of Benjamin not far from Ierusalem Iosh. 10. Ier. 48. Megiddo a wholsome Apple Here Iosiah King of Iudah was slain in War It stood 46 miles from Ierusalem Northward Zach. 12. Mephaath the splendor of Waters It was a City belonging to the Priests in the Tribe of Reuben subject to the Moabites twenty four miles from Ierusalem towards the East Ier. 48. Mesech the tract of sowing So the Muscovites and Russians are called of Mesech the Son of Iaphet Gen. 10. Midian a Measure A Town lying upon the Red Sea 160 miles from Ierusalem towards the South so called of Midian the Son of Abraham by â—eturah Gen. 25. Mispe a Watch. This City stood in the Land of Gilead beyond Iordan forty eight miles from Ierusalem towards the North-east There is another Town of this name also not far distant from Ierusalem in the Tribe of Benjamin Hos. 5. Ier. 40. Moab A Father The Country of the Moabites scituated between the Red Sea and the Mountains Abarim Ezech. 9. Meusal Running swiftly It was the name of a People that took their beginning from Vsal the Son of Ioktan Gen. 19. N. NAbaioth The Country of the Prophets This Country beginneth in the Tribe of Gad beyond Iordan and extendeth to the East part of the Dead Sea and so by the Land of the Moabites to the Red Sea It taketh the Name of Nabaioth the Son of Ishmael for all the Tract of Arabia Petraea from the Red Sea to the Gulph of Persia of him is called the Land of Nabathaea Diodorus Siculus saith as much and further That it extendeth towards the East unto the Indian Sea Gen. 25. Nebo Prophecying It was a City of the Moabites in the Tribe of Reuben near to Mount Pisga twenty miles from Ierusalem towards the East Ier. 48. Nimrim A Leopard This was also a City in the Tribe of Gad beyond Iordan thirty two miles from Ierusalem towards the North-east Isa. 16. No A Hinderance So was Alexandria a City in Aegypt in ancient times called distant from Ierusalem 288 miles towards the West Ezek. 30. Noph A Honey Comb. So the Prophets call Memphis the Metropolis of Aegypt being distant from Ierusalem 244 miles towards the South-east Isa. 18. Ier. 2. Ezek. 30. O. ON Opulency So Ezek. c.
30. calleth Heliopolis a City of Aegypt which is 224 miles distant from Ierusalem towards the South-west Oreb A Crow or Raven Near to this place in Mount Ephraim Prince Oreb was slain not far from Iericho twelve miles from Ierusalem towards the North Iudg. 7. Psal. 83. Ophir A Palace It was the proper Name of the Son of Ioktan the Posterity of Sem of whom in times past India was called Ophir You may read of this Gen. 10. 1 Reg. 9. P. PAthros or Petra the Metropolitan City of Arabia Petraea 72 miles from Ierusalem towards the South It is a Country also of Aegypt near Tathnis 180 miles from Ierusalem towards the South-west Isa. 11. Ezek. 29. Parath Fruitful A name of the River Euphrates Ier. 2. 13. Prazin A Breach It is a Valley near Ierusalem where David overcame the Philistines 2 Sam. 5. Phut is Africa so called of Phuth the Son of Cham Gen. 10. R. RAbba A Multitude Philadelphia the Metropolitan of the Ammonites is so called 96 miles from Ierusalem towards the North-east Raema Thunder So they called Aethiopia of Raema the Son of Châ—s Gen. 10. Rama High This City stood eight miles from Ierusalem towards the North Isa. 10. There were other Cities also of the same Name and Signification Rezeph A Cole It was a City in Syria Isa. 37. Riblath An inveterate Anger This was a City in the Tribe of Naphtali near to the Lake of Samoconites eighty miles from Ierusalem towards the North. Antiochia also was sometimes called Riblah 2 Reg. 25. Ier. 39. 52. Rimmon A Pomegranate This was a City in the Tribe of Judah not far from Gerar 32 miles from Ierusalem towards the South-east S. SAba The Stone Achates This was the Metropolitan City of Ethiopia called also Meroe 960 miles from Ierusalem towards the South The two famous Queens one that came to see Solomon the other mentioned Act. 8. dwelt in this Town Sanir A clear Light So Mount Hermon beyond Jordan was called of the Ammonites it stood 112 miles from Ierusalem towards the North-east Sarion The Doves Song So the Edomites called Mount Hermon that stood beyond Jordan Saron A fair Plain or a green Place So is that Plain between the Sea of Galilee and Mount Ephraim called Is. 35. There are some that think there is a Mountain so called Sela a Rock This is Petra a City of Arabia ante Sepharuaim A City of the Scribes It stood in Assyria Isa. 37. Sibarim A City of Syria near to Damascus Ezek. 47. Sibma A Possession A City built by the Sons of Reuben 24 miles from Ierusalem towards the East Num. 32. Sichor Black It is a Brook or River called Rhinocorurus which falleth into the Mediterranean Sea near to the Town Rinocorura scituated upon the utmost Borders of the Holy Land towards the South 72 miles from Ierusalem towards the South-west The River Nilus in Aegypt is also called Sichor Jer. 2. Simri Gardians They were Arabians dwelling upon an Angle of Isthumus of the Red Sea Sinear a blow upon the teeth Chaldea is so called Is. 11. Sion or Scaion by Schin not by Zade Tranquillity and Security The Mount whereon Ierusalem stood is not so called but Mount Hermon beyond Iordan Deut. 4. Sâ—ene or Sevene illustrious It was a City in Africa upon the Borders of Egypt and Ethiopia 516 miles from Ierusalem towards the South Iovias saith that the Inhabitants at this day call it Guagheram T. TAchpanes or Taphnis a covered or hidden Ensign It is a City in Egypt 180 miles from Ierusalem South-westward Ier. 2. 43. Thamar a Plain This Town was built by Solomon and stood 360 miles from Ierusalem towards the North-east Thelasser a Princes Tomb. It was a Countrey upon the Borders of Assyria Isa. 37. Themath Wonderful A City of Arabia Petraea Ier. 25. so called of Thama the Son of Ismael Gen. 25. it stood 40 miles from Ierusalem Southward it is called Theman a City of the South Thogarma Perfection Tartaria was so called of Thogarma the Son of Gomer the Son of Iaphet Gen. 10. Ezek. 27. Thubal a People bordering upon the Muscovites so called of Thubal the Son of Iaphet Gen. 10. Ezekiel cap. 27. 38. maketh Mesech Thubal Gog and Magog all one People from whence may be gathered that these People dwelt towards the North and were governed by one Prince In the 38 Chapter he calls them Gog that is the Turk who is Prince and Governour in Mesech and Thubal Therefore without doubt the People of Russia in times past were called Thubal which People dwelt near to Muscovia and this opinion seems to be more probable than theirs that imagine the Italians and Spaniards which have their dwellings near unto the River Iberia to be the Off-spring of Thubal V. UPhar the Countrey of Gold It is called also Ophir and India 1 Reg. 9. Ier. 10. Dan. 10. Psal. 119. Z. ZEb a Wolf The Wine-press of Zeb was in Mount Ephraim not far from Ioriâ—ho twelve miles from Ierusalem towards the North where Zeb the Prince of the Midianites was slain There is another Town of this name near to the Iaboch beyond Iordan forty eight miles from Ierusalem towards the North-east Zeboim Pleasantness One of the fivâ— Cities that were burnt with fire from Heaven Gen. 14. 19. Hos. 11. Zenan a Sheep-fold It was a City in the Tribe of Iudah Mich. 1. Zoaâ— moving â—anis a City in Egypt where Moses wrought all his Miracles before Pharaoh was so called it stood 232 miles from Ierusalem towards the South-west Zoba presumptuous This was also called Sophena It is the Countrey of Armenia 600 miles from Ierusalem towards the North which David conquered 2 Sam. 8. 1 Chron. 19. Zor a Rock Tyrus is so called It stood 160 miles from Ierusalem towards the North. Thus gentle Reader for your better ease and understanding have I collected a short Alphabetical Table and therein briefly described all those Countreys and Cities mentioned in the Prophets that so by your diligent care and observation you may the better understand the meaning of such Texts of Scripture wherein they are mentioned Of Esdras the Lawyer ESDRAS signifies a Helper of Asar he helped He is a type of our Lord Jesus Christ who is our Helper and Saviour which hath brought us into that holy Land eternal Life and is the Restorer of Religion and the Christian Common-wealth This Esdras was sent to Jerusalem to restore the Common-wealth of the Jews Anno Mundi 3511 before Christ 457 in the seventh year of Artaxerxes Longimanus that good Emperour of the Persians So he went from Babylon to Ahaeva a certain River near Babylon to which place he assembled a great Multitude of the Jews and from thence sent to Caspia to fetch a certain number of Levites this Land was in Chaldaea not far from Babylon These being here met together celebrated a Fast unto the Lord and with â—olemn Prayers besought his aid and furtherance in their Enterprise then they went
thence to Jerusâ—lem which was 680 miles and there restored the Judaical Government instituting Ecclesiastical Officers chief Priests Prâ—nces and other Governours Of the Land of Caspia THE Land of Caspia signifieth the Land of Silver being derived of Kesaeph that is Silver It was so called because they used to dig Silver in that place see Lyra it was a Country near Babylon where the Priests and Levites were in Captivity and stood 680 miles from Jerusalem towards the East Of Nehemia IN the twentieth Year of Artaxerxes Longimanus which was Anno Mun. 3524 and before Christ 444. Nehemias went from Susan to Jerusalem which was 920 miles there he repaired the Walls and Gates in 52 days Neh. 1. 2. 6. When he had governed Judaea 12 years he returned back again to Susan to Artaxerxes Longimanus which was 920 miles Neh. 3. Afterward Artaxerxes about the end of his Reign suffered Nehemia to return back again to Ierusalem which was 920 miles Neh. 17. So these Journeys of Nehemia make 2760 miles Of this City Susan you may read before Of the Name and typical Signification of Nehemiah NEhemiah signifies The Consolation of God being derived of Nicham He hath comforted This Man was a Type of our Lord Jesus Christ for as Nehemias was a Comfort unto the dispersed Jews 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 everlasting Throne of Heaven to refresh and comfort us by his Doctrine and gather the dispersed Members of his Church into one Communion that he might bring them into that heavenly Ierusalem which he hath built and where he hath prepared a place for us The Travels of Serubbabel SErubbabel carried the People of Israel from Babylon to Ierusalem which was 680 miles in the first Year of Cyrus Emperour of Persia Anno Mundi 3433. before Christ 535. In the seventeenth year of his Government he went from Ierusalem to Susan 920 miles 3 Esd. 3. 4. From Susan he went to Babylon which was 242 miles 3 Esd. 4. From Babylon in the same Year he returned to Ierusalem 680 miles where the next Year after in the beginning of the second Month which answers to the 21 of May in the third year of Darius Ahasuerus Zerubbabel and Josua the chief Priests of the Jews began to build the Temple and finish'd it in the sixth year of the same King 1 Esd. 6. So all the Travels of Zerubbabel were 2280 miles The Book of ESTHER MORDOCHIVS was led Prisoner with Jechoniah to Babylon which was 680 miles From Babylon he went to Susan which was 252 miles there he brought up Esther his Brothers Daughter and taught her honest Discipline and the fear of God This Maid was very beautiful and comely wherefore at such time as Darius Ahasuerus the Son of Hystaspis had caused all the beautiful 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 Apparel and she also went with them in whose Presence by his Instruction she behaved her self so well that the Emperour chose her from among the rest and made her his Queen she being at that time but a poor Maid and of small Ability They were married in Susan in the second year of his Empire An. Mun. 3454 and before Christ 514. From whence it is evident That Preferment cometh neither from the East nor from the West but from the Lord. So these two Journeys make nine hundred thirty two miles The Types and Allegories collected out of the Book of Esther MORDOCHIVS or Mordochai signifies bitter and contrite being derived of Marah He was bitter and Dachah sorrowful and contrite A fit resemblance of that true Mordochius Christ Jesus who for our Sins and Offences was constrained to drink of that bitter Cup of Afflictions the Necessities of this World suffering in his Body more than tolerable Torments as you may read in his Passion therefore justly called Mordochius that is bitter and contrite Ester and Alâ—a have 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 self chaste and undefiled avoiding the Society of evil Men and although she seem to be desolate and forsaken in this World in respect of the wicked who flourish like a Flower and glory in Voluptuousness and Pleasure yet hath she her Mordochius her Spouse her dearly beloved which provides for her even Jesus Christ that immaculate Lamb which died for her Salvation and will cloath her in white put into her hand a regal Scepter crown her with Glory and set her with him in the Throne of eternal Happiness Ahasuerus signifies A noble Captain and typically represents God the Father for as the Emperour had the Command of 127 Provinces and in them did principally Rule so God our Heavenly Father is the Emperour and Governour of all Kingdoms and all Creatures both in Heaven and in Earth be obedient to his will he sitteth in that everlasting Palace of Heaven that place of Joy and that eternal Paradice from whence he looketh down to behold us miserable and distressed Creatures upon Earth of his merciful Goodness electing and chusing us to be Heirs of that eternal Kingdom and purifieth us with the Graces of his holy Spirit so that we might be made capable to sit with him in eternal Felicity The disdainful Queen Vasthy may be a fit Type and Effigies of this World not only in respect of her Pride but her excess in drinking taking her name from Schatha which signifies To Drink so this World liveth in all manner of Prodigality and Luxury and contemneth the Lord and King thereof that Almighty God which sitteth in the Heavens and therefore is justly thrown down from that eternal Kingdom whereas on the contrary humble Esther that is the Church is taken up into Dignity and crowned in that everlasting Kingdom of Heaven Haman signifies a Rebellious and Proud Man being derived of Haman He hath stirred up a Tumult typically representing the Devil whom God in the beginning made a good Angel exalted him in the Heavens and made him much more Glorious than others yet notwithstanding glorying in himself he contemned his Maker and nothing would content him but to become like unto him yea he desired to be worshipped of our Lord Jesus Christ Mat. 4. And as Haman endeavoured to overthrow not only all the People of the Iews but Queen Esther alsâ— so the Devil doth not only endeavour to overthrow the whole Church but if it were possible the Head of the Church Christ Jesus Of that holy Man Job JOB was a holy and good man he dwelt in the Land of Vz so called of Vz the Son of Aram the Son of Sem as St. Jerom upon Genesis observeth This Vz was that great Man which built as was thought Damascus in Syria and all the Land which
extendeth from Damascus to Jordan after his name was called Vz that is the Land of Counsel for so Vz signifieth There were two Towns in this Country where Job is said to have dwelt that is Astaroth Carnaim and Batzra Astaroth Carnaim was distant from Jerusalem fifty two miles towards the North-East the Inhabitants of which Town worshipped the Goddess Venus and called her by the name of Astaroth of which you may read before St. Jerom saith That the Sepulchre of Job was to be seen in his time in that Town and later Writers testifie as much â—ore their times This Town at this day is called Carnea Batzra is mentioned in the thirty sixth of Genesis it signifieth a Grape gathering In this Town it was thought that Iob was born it lay beyond Iordan in the Tribe of Reuben twenty miles from Ierusalem towards the North-East All this Country in those times was subject to the King of the Edomites or Idumaeans but after it was joyned to the Land of the Moabites they having conquered the Kings of Edom you may read more of it in the sixth of Isay also Ios. 20. where is shewed that it was one of the six Cities of Refuge appointed by Ioshuah Here Iob for the most part continued and held this Town in great honour and reputation He lived about the time of Baela the first King of the Edomites and according to the opinion of St. Ierom Augustine Ambrose Philo and Luther was for his excellent Vertue and singular Piety chosen King of that Country which he greatly inlarged making all the Countries and neighbouring Princes near adjoyning tributary unto him wherefore as Ierom saith in locus Hebraicis having obtained so large an Empire he removed his Seat from Batzra to Astaroth-Carnaim which was a strong and well-defenced City where in those times as Moses witnesseth Gen. 14. there inhabited mighty men and noble Heroes that so by their Vertue he might with the greater facility suppress and conquer other Provinces There are many think him to be of the Stock of Abraham and of the Family of Esau because he is mentioned in the 36 of Genesis where it is said That when Baela died Iobab the Son of Zerah of Bozra or Betzrah reigned in his stead And St. Ierom in his Preface upon the Book of Iob sheweth that he was but five degrees removed from Abraham for Abraham had Ishmael Basmath who was the Wife of Esau Mother of Reguel Grand-mother to Serah and great Grand-mother to Iob. So that by the Mothers side Iob descended from Ishmael and by the Fathers side from Esau. Isaac Esau Reguel Serah Iob or Iobab King of Idumaea Gen. 36. Notwithstanding there are some that are of opinion that he descended from Abraham's Brother and was of the Family of Nahor's Son which opinion also St. Ierom mentioneth in his Hebraâ—cal Qâ—estions But most of the Antient Fathers hold this nothing so probable Luther upon the thirty sixth Chapter of Genesis saith That he was King long time before Moses caâ—ried the Children of Israel out of Egypt For Iuda and Aser the Sons of Iacob had Children before they went into the Land of Egypt Gen. 46. therefore it is not impossible for Reguel the Son of â—sau to have Children also since he was married long before his Brother Iacob From hence then it may be gathered that Iob was King of Idumaea bâ—fore Iacob and his Sons went into the Land of Egypt for although the fourteen Sons of â—sau governed the Land of Edom like so many Princes of which number Reguel the Grand-father of Iob was one because they held it as their Inheritance yet to avoid Sedition and Distractions which oftentimes happen where there is not a certain Head and principal Commander therefore they elected Bela the Son of Beor to be their King after whose death they chose Iob because he was a holy man of God and in his Actions just and upright who without doubt reigned amongst the Edomites a long time for he lived after his Afflictions which God imposed upon him to try him 140 Years Plato saith he married Dina the Daughter of Iacob but St. Ierom That he married the Daughter of an Arabian by whom he had Enon Both these may be true for his first Wife being dead he might marry an Arabian After the death of Iob the Gyants and Heroes in Asteroth-Carnaim fell again from the Idumaeans for when Moses brought the Children of Israel out of the Desart of Arabia-Petraea and that they had conquered the Land beyond Iordan the City Astaroth-Carnaim had a King called Og who governed all the Kingdom of Basan This Gyant was of a mighty Stature he had a Bed of Iron nine Cubits long and four broad Deut. 3. Of Eliphaz ELiphaz the Themanite was the Brother of Iob's Grand-father This Eliphaz had a Son called Theman who built a City and after his own Name called it Theman where Eliphaz his Father dwelt with him From whence it hapned that he was called Eliphaz the Themanite Iob. 2. It was distant from Ierusalem forty miles towards the South and therefore it was called a City of the South you may read of Eliphaz in Ier. cap. 25. He had a Concubine called Thimnah because of her Beauty and comely Proportion by her he had Amaleck of whom came the Amalekites between whom and the Children of Israel were cruel Wars Exad 17. The Travels of Eliphaz the Themanite FROM Themen he went to Astaroth-Carnaim where Iob dwelt which is accounted ninety two miles to comfort his Friend Iob Iob 2. From Astaroth-Carnaim he returned back to his own house which was ninety two miles So the Travels of Eliphaz were 184 miles Of Bildad Job's Friend BEyond Iordan and the Sea of Galilee not far from Astaroth-Carnaim there is at this day found a Town called Suah where as it is thought Bildad the Friend of Iob dwelt Near to this Town as Sebastian Francus observes in his Cosmography there was yearly in the Summer Season a great Mart kept in certain Tents and Tabernacles erected for that purpose of divers colours Bildad signifies an antient Friend and Suah taketh the name from Desolation being derived of Scho He hath made desolate Of Zophar the Friend of Job ZOPHAR dwelt in the City of Naema Iosh. 15. but how far it stood from Ierusalem is uncertain Zophar of Zaphar signifieth swift Naema signifies Pleasant and delectable of Naem courteous and comfortable Of Job's Daughters THE Lord gave unto Iob after his Affliction and that he had tryed his faithfulness three Daughters so fair that there were none fairer to be found in all the Land The name of the first was Iemmima that is as fair as the day of Iom which signifies a Day The second Kazia that is such a one as giveth a pleasant savour like unto Gum Cassia The third because of the excellency of her Countenance was called Kaeren Hapuch that is casting forth rayes or beams Iob 42. APOCRYPHA The Book of JUDITH Of Egbatana
AFTER the death of Arbactus or Arphaxad which signifies a mighty Lyon to whom Ionas prophecied as is said before there succeeded in the Empire of the Medes Mandanes Sarsomenes Artecarnis Cardiceas and Deioces who being enthronized in that Empire called himself Arphaxad or Arbactus the second This man built Egbatana the Metropolitan City of the Medes and beautified it with very fair Buildings and goodly Walls made all of four-square Stone cut and polished 70 Cubits high and 30 broad Towers standing upon it 100 Cubits in height as well those that were for the Defence of the Town as those where the Gates were The Air in that Countrey was temperate inclining rather to Cold than Heat because it lay toward the North it stood 1136 miles from Ierusalem North-eastward Here for the most part this Emperour kept his Court till as Herodotus saith he was utterly conquered by Nebuchadnezzar Emperour of the Babylonians This was that Nebuchadnezzar which sent Holofernes with a mighty Army against Iudaea Bethulia and many other Cities and Countries and would be worshipped as a God Iudith 3. Of Hydaspes HYdaspes is a River that ariseth in Media which runneth through a part of Parthia extendeth it self into India and not far from the City Nisa falleth into Indus according to the Opinion of Pliny and Strabo l. 15. Near this River Nebuchadnezzar overcame Deioces otherwise called Arbactus Iudg. 1. The Description of the Countries conquered by Holofernes Of Kedar KEdar the Wilderness of Zur was thus called stood in the Land of the Ishmaelites eighty miles from Ierusalem towards the South-west and took the name of Kedar the Son of Ishmael Gen. 25. Of the Mountains of Ange. THE Mountains of Ange lay between Pamphylia and Cicilia to the Latitude of that famous Countrey of Cilicia in Asia minor 320 miles from Ierusalem towards the North not far from Anchiale a City of Cilicia from whence it seemeth to take the name Of Cilicia CIlicia is a Province of Asia minor so called of Cilice the King's Son of Syria and Phoenicia the Metropolitan City of which Country was Tharsus where the Apostle Paul was born it was distant from Ierusalem 304 miles towards the North. Of Mallos MAllos a City of Cilicia was so called of Malo that is Plenty of all things Stephanus saith that it took that Name of Mollo who first built it It is a City to this day and of most of the Inhabitants of that Counâ—ry called Mallo as Gesner observeth Of Gesem GEsem signifies fruitful The Land of Gosen in Aegypt was so called being derived of Gusch that is a Turf it stood 174 miles from Ierusalem towards the South-west Of Aethiopia THIS Country stands beyond Aegypt 800 miles from Ierusalem towards the South where the Sun is extream hot that it turneth the Complexion of the Inhabitants to Blackness here breed great abundance of Dragons and cruel Beasts Of Esdrelon ESdrelon was a Plain lying between the Mountains Thabor Hermon and Gilboa extending it self from the Cities of Megiddo and Apheck to the Sea of Gennezareth or Galilee In this great Field which was called the Plain of Galilee and the Field of Megiddo and Esdrelon there were many cruel Battels fought for here Gideon overcame the Midianites here Saul was put to flight by the Philistines from whence ascending into Mount Gilboa he killed himself Iosias also King of the Iews was in this place put to flight by Pharaoh Necho and wounded unto the death The Camp of Holofernes was so great that it took up all the Plain which contained sixteen miles in length In some parts it was wonderful fruitful and brought forth Wine Oyl and many other Commodities in great Abundance It stood 52 miles from Ierusalem towards the North and was so called of Caeder that is A hid order and disposition for Alam is as much as to say he hath hid Of Sobal SObal was a Country upon the Borders of Syria where Sophena was scituated near to the River Euphrates which Country Saul and David Kings of Israel sometime conquered it stood 600 miles from Ierusalem towards the North and signifies an ear of Corn. Of Apamea THIS was a famous City in Tetrapolis of Syria two hundred and eighty miles from Ierusalem towards the North built by Seleucus Nicanor King of Syria and was so called of Apamea his Wife Of the City Bethulia BEthulia was scituated within four miles of Dothan and two of the Galiâ—lean Sea forty four miles from Ierusalem Northward About four miles from this Town in a Mountain a little beside Dothan lay the Tents of Holofernes in the sight of Bethulia Iudeth c. 7. between which and Bethulia lay the Plain of Esdrelon in the midst whereof there ran a pleasant River which in times past watered it Here Iudeth according to the custom of the Iews washed her self The place where Bethulia stood is to be seen at this day the ruins of the Town and many houses still remaining It was scituated upon a goodly high Mountain strongly fortified by Nature and as it seemeth by Art also A man might have seen it thorough the greatest part of Galilee but above the rest a certain Castle in the end of the Mountain made for the defence of the Ciâ—y They shew at this day in the Mountain and Field near Dothan the place where Holoferne's Camp stood and the Reliques of their Tents also the Brook where Iudeth washed her self Bethulia signifieth The Hand-maid of God being derived of Bethulah a Virgin and Iah God Holofernes a prophane Captain of which sort are those Tyrants that persecute the Church of God The BOOK of TOBIAS The Travels of Tobias the Elder TOBIAS the elder was carried captive out of the Tribe of Naphtaly where he was born to Nineveh the Metropolitan City of Assyria being 600 miles at such time as Salmanasser King of the Assyrians carried away the ten Tribes of Israel into Assyria captive in the year before Christ 742. 2 Kings ca. 17. Tob. 1. From that time he continued in Nineveh being then about twenty seven years old and numbred amongst the young men that went into Exile for he was born about such time as Romulus and Remus were born which was An. Mundi 3200 and before Christ 798 Tob. 1. About the thirtieth year of his Age he went from Nineveh 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 he lent Gabel by Bond ten Talents of Silver which amounts in our Mony at 5. s 6. d. the Ounce to 2062 pound and 10 s. or thereabouts From Rages he returned back again to Nineveh 752 miles So all his Travels were 2104 miles The Travels of the Angel Raphel and young Tobias IN the year before Christ 708 the Arch-Angel Raphel went from Nineveh to Rages in Media with Tobias the younger being 752 miles From Rages in Media they returned back again to Nineveh 752 miles So these Journeys were 1504
heard that his Nephew Ptolomais Philometor had proclaimed an Assembly and Parliament and would not acknowledge him for his Protector he sent Apollonius one of his Princes upon the day of the meeting into Egypt and he himself returned back again to Ioppa 2 Mac. 4. From Ioppa he went to Ierusalem which was 20. miles where Iason the High-priest and all the people received him with great honour At that time Antiochus placed a Guard in the Castle or Tower of Ierusalem which was the beginning of their intolerable Servitude But for that year which was the fourth of his reign he returned through Phoenicia to Antiochia in Syria 280 miles In the fifth year of his reign he went from Antiochia with a great Army into Cilicia being 80. miles There he appeased the Uproars of the Inhabitants of Tharsus and Mallotus and conquered all Cilicia 2 Mac. 4. From Cilicia he returned back again to Antiochia eighty miles In the sixth year 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 overcame the Alexandrians in a Naval battel 2 Mac. 4. From Pelusio having built a bridge over Nilus he went with his Army to Memphis conquered all the Countries and strong Cities as he went about 140. miles and brought thither a mighty 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 Citizens 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 retain what he had gotten in Egypt 1 Mac. 4. From Pelusio he returned to Antiochia with a great prey being 400 miles In the mean time Ptolomais King of Egypt and his Sister Cleopatra brought in the aid of the Romans Livy Decad. lib. 4 5. In the next year that is in the seventh year of Antiochus Epiphanes there was seen in the air as if there had been men fighting a Comet also appeared This happened in the year before Christ 167. This year 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 he came into Egypt which he invaded with open war endeavouring to get that by force which he 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 Romans went thither to him Where when he had welcomed them and shewed all the courtesie he could to P. Popillius P. Popillius delivered him certain Tables that he had about him written And first of all commanded him to read them which he did Then he counselled with some of his friends what was best to be done in the business While he was thus in a great Study P. Popillius with a wand that he had in his hand made a Circle about him in the Dust saying E're thoustir a foot out of this Circle return thy Answer that I may tell the Senate whether thou hadst rather have War or Peace This he uttered with such a firm Countenance that it amazed the King wherefore after he had paused a while quoth he I will do what the Senate hath written or shall think fit So doing little or nothing in Egypt he returned back again Iustine lib. 34. Decad. Lib. 4. cap. 5. Ios. lib. 12. cap. 6. These things hapned ann urb Rom. 585. L. Aemilius Paulus aup Caiâ—s Licinius Crassus being then Consuls in which year the Moon was totally ecclipsed Aemilius overcame Perseus King of Macedon and reduced Macedonia into a Province lib. Dec. 4. lib. 5. From Leusia Antiochus fearing lest the Iews would forsake his Empire and rebell went to Ierusalem which was 288 miles but the Inhabitants of the Town shut him out of the City wherefore he besieged it and by the Treason of Menelaus Chief Priest who for that purpose conspired with the Guard that was in the Castle quickly got it and entred the Gates In every place where he came he put the Citizens to the Sword and for three days 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 Silver and Gold or whatsoever he found precious or worthy so that the Prey he took amounted to 1800 Talents which make almost eleven Tun of pure Gold all which were partly Gifts dedicated to the Temple and partly Treasure that was left there as in in a safe and sure place to the use of poor distressed Widows and Orphans After that Antiochus had robbed the Temple of all the Silver and Gold that he could find had banished Iason had placed a strong Garrison in the Tower of Acropolis the Captain of which was one Philip a very cruel man and made Menelaus High-Priest with all this booty and some number of Captives he returned to Antiochia which was 280 miles In the Year following that is before Christ 166 Lu. Aemilius Paulus triumphed for the Wars of Macedonia Not long after Antiochus misdoubted the Fidelity of the Iews sent Apollonius with an Army of 22000 to Ierusalem who entred the City upon the Sabbath day and committed many Out-rages Then Antiochus having spent a great part of the Gold and Silver which he had got from Ierusalem about the eleventh Year of his Reign made his Expedition from Antiochia to 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 Mass of Gold and Silver to maintain War against Iudas Macchabeuâ— But a multitude of Citizens disliking his Sacriledge banded themselves together and put Antiochus and his Souldiers to flight before he could take the City of Persepolis 1 Mach. 6. 2 Mach. 9. Wherefore being driven from thence he fled with his Army to Egbatana a City in Media which was 209 miles Here having certain Intelligence by Letters of the noble Exploits of Iudas Macchabeus and that he purged the Temple of such things as were prophane he fell into an extream Grief and like one distracted railed against the Iews and swore to be revenged of them 1 Mac. 9. In this extream Anger he went from Egbatana to Babylon with his Army which was 464 miles But as he went his Chariot was overthrown in the fall whereof he was so extreamly wounded that they were constrained to â—arry him in a Bed to Babylon where he shortly after died miserably So all his Travels were 8153 miles Thus may we see with what Difficulties and Dangers this wicked Prince obtained his Victories and past away his Life sometimes in Travel his
Journies long and troublesom sometimes in Prosperity sometimes in Adversity again sometimes afflicted with troublesom Cogitations sometimes with extream Anger seldom in Peace and then also his Actions savouring of Violence and Filthiness From whence it appeareth That the Wicked with more Sorrows Troubles and Vexations gain eternal Damnation that the Just tho they suffer many grievous Afflictions obtain everlasting Salvation 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 Mind and Conscience with unprofitable Vanities and wicked Thoughts and at length had a miserable and terrible end Of the Cities and Places mentioned in his Travels Of Antiochia ANtiochia where Antiochus Epiphanes kept his Court was anciently called Chaemath or Riblah It was scituated in Syria 180 miles from Ierusalem towards the North near to the Cities Seleucia Laodicea and Apamea which four Cities as Strabo saith in the sixteenth Book of his Geography were built by Seleucus Nicanor first King of Syria This man was a mighty Prince and obtained the Name of Nicanor which signifieth Victory because he prospered in his Wars and conquered his Adversaries For when within 13 years after the Death of Alexander the Great he had got the Kingdom of Syria he became so great in the 31 year of his Reign that he obtained the Empire of all the East and beside as Strabo saith re-edified and built up these four 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 four 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 excellency of Building It was divided into four parts and those parts separated with four Walls The first which was anciently called Hemath a violent Anger of Chamathai the Son of Canaan was after Riblath from the multitude of the Inhabitants and the third time by Seleucus after his Father's 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 Citizens of Syria inhabited In the third Seleuchus 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 City there stood a pleasant Wood watered with many clear Fountains and delightful Springs to which there resorted a great multitude of Fowls of divers sorts which sung very pleasantly among the Trees to the great content and delectation of the Citizens 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 Country thereabout is called Epidaphne Not far off standeth the River Orontes which beginneth in Coelosyria and passeth under the earth till it comes near to Apamea where it riseth and watereth all Antiochia So passing thence it runneth some sixteen miles and so falls into the Mediterranean Sea Here Paul preached and kept a Synod Euseb. lib. 7. cap. 24 25. There was another Synod kept here by the Arrians Trip. lib. 4. 9. Stephanus reckons up many other Cities of this name as Antiochia 〈◊〉 in Galatia where Paul preached Act. 3. and is distant from this 384 miles Antiochia in Mesopotamia which is also called Mygdonia and 〈◊〉 in which Apollophanes the Stoick and Pharnuchus that wrote the Persian History are said to be born Antiochia between Syria and Arabia built by Semiramis Antiochia in Cilicia scituated near to the River Pyramus Antiochia in Pieria also called by the Syrians Arados There is also a City called Antiochia near Mount Taurus in the Country of Comagena Antiochia scituated upon the Lake of Callichan Antiochia in Scythia There was another in Caria called also Pithapolis Antiochia Marigiana built by Antiochius Soter And many Authors call Tharsus in Cilicia by the name of Antiochia Antiochia signifies an Adversary Of Rome ROME stands 1528 miles from Ierusalem Westward Of this City you may read more in the Travels of the Apostle Paul Tyrus Ioppa Memphis Peluso Mallo and Alexandria are before described Of Tharsus TArsus or Tharsus signifieth a Hyacinth stone so called as some think of Tharsis the Son of Iavan the Son of Iapâ—et 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 mighty King of the Persians who re-edified it and gave it that name which is as much as to say the City of the Persians which also of him were so called The Astronomers because he was greatly affected to such as were skilful in that Art attributed his name and his Wives name to two Constellations in the Heavens of which Ovid's Fable is contributed of Pegasus and Andromache This City of Persepolis was so fair that it exceeded all the Cities of the East both for Stateliness and Beauty and so continued from Perseus time until Alexander the Great had conquered Darius at which time this great Emperour having got into his hand the whole Empire of the Persians came to Persepolis in the year before Christ 329 and there celebrated a great feast in triumph of his Victories to which there resorted a great many Women not such as were of the better sort but them that followed the Camp and lived dissolutely amongst whom was that notable Curtesan Thais who perceiving the King inclined to Mirth and full with Wine began to flatter him in his Cups and among other things to commend and dignifie his Noble Exploits withal giving him to understand how acceptable it would be to the Grecians to see the Royal Palace of the Persians fired which had so often afflicted Grecia No sooner had she uttered these words but another seconded her and then a third After the whole assembly cried out Shall we revenge the Injury of the Grecians and burn the City With that they all rose in great fury the King himself being crowned beginning first to fire the Palace wherein was great abundance of Cedar from whence it happened that suddenly the fire spread it self a great way which when the Army that lay without the Walls perceived with all speed came to the City to stay the burning of it for which purpose many brought Water with them But when they beheld the King himself busie in this Tragedy laying aside their Water they also in hope of Booty and to
His Enemies being thus put to flight he pursued them to the Mountains of Azotus and Gazeron which was six miles where being oppressed with the multitude and hemmed in amongst them was slain He died in the Month Nisan which answers to our April Anno Mundi 3810. and before Christ 158. 1 Mac. 9. From the Mountains of Azotus and Gazeron his dead Body was carried back again to Modin being 6 miles and there buried So his Travels were 915 miles Of the Towns and Places to which he travelled Of Mispa Iamnia and Laisa you may read before Of Caspin THIS City stood not far from Iamnia 16 miles from Ierusalem towards the North-west This Town though it was strongly fortified yet Iudas Macchabeus won it 2 Mac. 12. It is called Caspin of Keseph which signifies Silver There was another City called Casphor that is the Silver Mountain this stood in the Land of Gilead near Mispa which Iudas also won 1 Mac. 4. Of Asseremoth otherwise called Gazaron GAzaron or Gareza was a City of the Philistines near Ekron sixteen miles from Ierusalem towards the West It is so called from the Cliff of a Rock being derived of Gezer which signifies a Cliff Here Iudas Macchabeus was slain 1 Mac. 6. Of the Tubiani TVbiani are a People that dwelt beyond Iordan in that part of Arabia-Petraea which is called Nabathea of Nabaioth the Son of Ishmael near to a Mountain of the Gileadites not far distant from Abel of the Vines where it is thought Balaam's Ass spoke This Land is called Thubin and the Inhabitants Tubiani because all that Country bringeth forth very pleasant and excellent Wine being derived of Zob which signifies good and Iaiin Wine In this Country Iudas Macchabeus continued three days with his Army Of Caphar-Salama THIS Town stood twelve miles from Ierusalem towards the North In Herod the Great 's time in was enlarged and made a very fair City which he caused to be called Antipatridis after the Name of his Father Antipater of which you may read more in the Travels of the Apostle Paul Of Adarsa THIS was a Town in the Tribe of Ephraim between Antipatridis and Bethoron the lower twelve miles from Ierusalem towards the North-west It seemeth to be thus called from a noble Gift for it is derived of Adar which signifies illustrious and Schal a Gift The Typical Signification of Judas Macchabeus JVdas Macchabeus is a Type and Figure of our Lord Jesus Christ and Antiochus of that wicked Antichrist as the Interpretation of their names do evidently declare for Iudas signifies a Confessor praising God and glorifying his Name for all his Benefits so Christ the Son of God is the Praise and Glory of his Father for that in him and by him God the Father is praised as is evident in the Song of Simeon In like manner our Lord Jesus Christ is worthily called Macchabeus for Macchabeus is a sir-name of the Iews which is written after this manner 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Machabai every Letter of which signifieth a several Word according to the Song of Moses in the fifteenth Chapter of Exodus where are these Words Michamocha baelim Iehovah that is Who is like unto thee amongst the Gods O Lord Thus did the Children of Israel sing with Moses when God led them out of the Land of Aegypt through the Red Sea and this Sentence Iudas Macchabeus continually used as an Adage and the Letters at the beginning of these Words being joyned together into one Word make the sir-name Macchabai Therefore as he had always this golden Sentence in his Mouth so had he it likewise in his Name yea in his Ensigns Wherefore this name likewise is worthy to be attributed to Christ for he is that perfect Image and Glory of his eternal Father Heb. 1. who is called Michael that is Who is like unto God and Macchabeus or Machabai that is Who is like unto thee amongst the Gods O Lord. Therefore he saith thus I am that great God that will deliver you from all evil Ecce Deus fortis foelix de morte resurgo Tartareosque unguens Daemona ipse ligo Behold I am the God of Might from death to Life that rose I bind the Devil to my Will his Furies I oppose But Antiochus signifies an adversary or an opposer or one that fighteth against God The same also doth Sathan signifie in Hebrew He is therefore a fit Type of that great opposer of God and Man Antichrist who fighteth against Christ that Iudas Machabeus and true Captain of the Church For as the one viz. Antiochus was an adversary against the Iews the Children of God so the other that is Antichrist is an adversary and Enemy against Christ and his Church c. The Travels of Jonathan the brother of Judas Macchabeus JOnathan or Jonathas and Theodoâ—us hath but one signification that is The gift of God This man the same year that Judas his Brother died succeeded him in the Principalitâ— and governed the Jews eighteen years 1 Mac. 9. Joseph lib. antiq 3. But understanding that Bacchides chief Captain of Demetrius King of Syria went about to take away his life by craft he and his Brother Simon went from Modin and pitched their Tents in the Wilderness of Tecoah near to the Lake of Asphar which was twenty miles From thence they sent their Brother John with certain Riches to the Nabathians which dwelt in Medaba in Arabia twenty eight miles desiring them in Friendship to receive their Goods into the Town and to keep them for their use but the Sons of Iambri and the Nabathians issued out of Medaba unawares fell upon John put him to death took away all his Wealth and returned into their City with great joy But Jonathan and Simon took this injury very heavily and much bewailed the death of their Brother Wherefore that they might be revenged of the inhabitants of Medaba they went thence twenty eight miles and hid themselves among the Mountains just in the way that led from Medaba to Canaan for they had heard that the Sons of Iambri and the Inhabitants of Medaba were gone forth with great Jollity to fetch home a Bride which was a Princes Daughter of the Land of Canaan Now as they were merry upon the way Jonathan and Simon his Brother with their Army went out from among the Mountains and put a great number of them to the Sword taking away a mighty Spoyl From Medaba they went to the River Jordan which was three miles where upon the East side of the River they pitched their Tents here he was constrained to fight a cruel Battel with Bacchides upon the Sabboth-day but as he was in the fight he met Bacchides and lift up his hand to strike at him but he seeing the danger retired Nevertheless he put to the Sword 1000 of his men and after he and his Followers leapt into the River and swam over so they all escaped without Danger In the fifty sixth year of the Grecians Government in
the places mentioned in his Travels Of Michmas and Cades you may read before Of Medaba THIS City is scituated beyond Iordan in the Tribe of Reuben twenty eight miles from Ierusalem towards the East It seems to take the name from a hot Bath that stood near it for there were many Baths and wholsom Springs stood beyond Iordan as Ios. Lib. Ant. 17. c. 9. witnesseth The same things are also mentioned Esa. cap. 26. For Medaba is derived of Maiim and Doba which signifies warm or boyling water Of Bethbesan THIS Town was scituated in the Tribe of Benjamin near Gilgal twelve miles from Ierusalem towards the North-East The Castle of this Town Ionathan and Simon fortified and repaired that it might be a strong place for them to retire to from the danger of Bacchides 1 Mac. 9. Ios. li. Ant. 13. c. 1. saith that this Town was called the House of blushing being derived of Bosâ—h to blush and Bethagla a round House Of Ptolomais IN ancient times this Town was called Acon scituated upon the shore of the Mediterranean Sea between Tyrus and Mount Carmel in the Tribe of Aser 76 miles from Ierusalem towards the North. But the Aserites could not cast out the Canaanites out of that City Ptolomeus King of Egypt conquered this Town and rebuilt it calling it after his own Name Ptolomais which signifieth to make War In times past it was a goodly City strongly fortified with Towers Bulwarks Ditches and Walls it was built in a triangular Proportion like to a Shield two parts whereof was compassed in by the Sea and upon the third there stood a fruitful Plain wherein were Corn-Grounds Pastures Medows Vine-yards and Orchards adorned with divers kinds of Fruits It had a very fair and spacious Haven for the preserving of Ships it was beautified with Arcinals Castles Temples and many other Buildings very stately and curious but at this day it is utterly desolate and scarce to be perceived where it stood Of Eleutherius ELeutherius was a River upon the Borders of Phoenicia and Syria near to the City Orthosia at the foot of Mount Libanus 200 miles from Ierusalem towards the North of which you may read in the History of Ionathan 1 Mac. 11. 12. There is also another River of that name between Tyrus and Sarepta upon the Borders of Palestina 108 miles from Ierusalem towards the North. Of Genezereth IT is a Sea in Galilee so called from the Land of Genesara which lyeth about it here sometimes Capernaum stood it signifies a Princely Garden being derived of Gen that is a Garden and Sar a Prince for the Country round about it was very pleasant You may read more of this in the Travels of our Saviour Christ. Of the Field Chazor THIS was a Plain near to the Town Chazor or Hazor which is described in the Travels of Joshua It stood in the upper Galilee 84 miles from Ierusalem towards the North. Of Zabadei ZAbadei were a People inhabiting Arabia Desarta near to the River Eleutherius on the North-east side of Syria and Damascus two hundred miles from Ierusalem Arabia is three-fold the one part thereof is called Deserta which extendeth it self towards the North to Syria and Damascus the other is called Petraea in which vast Wilderness the Children of Israel travelled the third is called Arabia Foelix which is towards the South extending it self from the East to the Gulph of Persia and upon the West it is shut in with the Gulf of Arabia But the Zabadei they inhabited in Arabia Deserta and were a People of a liberal and free condition from whence it seemeth they are so called for Zabab signifieth to endow or bestow Of Addus ADDVS is called by Iosephus lib. antiq 13. cap. 9. Iadah it was a Town near Arimathea in Mount Ephraim sixteen miles from Ierusasalem towards the North-west and is so called from a Congregation being derived of Iaad that is He hath assembled with Authority and Edah a Congregation or Synagogue Of Ador. THIS was a City of the Idumaeans forty eight miles from Ierusalem towards the South-west Ador signifies a beautiful City being derived of Adar that is famous and illustrious and Or that is Light Of Baschamah BAschamah standeth in the Land of Gilead beyond Iordan fifty two miles from Ierusalem towards the North-east and is so called from sweet Gums of which there is great Plenty in that place The Travels of the High Priest Simon the Brother of Judas Macchabeus SIMON signifies an Auditor and one that heareth being derived of Schamah He hath heard This man did many worthy Acts during the Life of Iudas Macchabeus for being sent into Galâ—lee in which Countrey there were many that rebelled he suppressed the Insurrection and pursued the Enemies into the City of Ptolomais which was seventy six miles From Ptolomais he brought his Army to Arabath 36 miles In this place after he had assembled all the Religious Israelites thereabouts and their Wives and Children he brought them thence to Ierusalem 44 miles After he went with his Brother Iudas to many places and behaved himself manfully in all his Enterprizes 2 Mac. 8. 14. He went also with him to the Battel fought between Azotus and Gazeron where Iudas was slain being 20 miles from Ierusalem Westward 1 Mac. 9. Simon and Ionathan brought the dead body of their Brother Iudas to Modin six miles and there buried him by his Father Mattathias 1 Mac. 9. Afterward Simon and his Brother Ionathan went from Modin to the Lake Asphar in the Wilderness of Tecoa which was twenty miles From the Desart of Tecoa they went to Madaba which was twenty eight miles After they returned thence to the River of Iordan where upon the East side of the River they pitch'd their Tents twelve miles Here they fought with Bacchides After they went thence to Bethbesan three miles From thence they went to Ierusalem twelve miles Ioseph Antiq. lib. 18. cap. 1. From Ierusalem they went to Ioppa twenty miles and won the Town Ios. lib. Ant. 13. c. 6. From Ioppa they went to Asdod twelve miles and in the way they put the Enemy to flight From Asdod they went to Ascalon twelve miles 1 Macc. 10. From Ascalon they returned to Ierusalem being thirty miles 1 Mac. 10. From thence he went to Bethsura half a mile this Town he won and placed a Garison in it 1 Mac. 11. Also in the absence of his Brother Ionathan Simon went with his Army to Ascalon which was thirty miles from Ierusalem 1 Mac. 12. From thence he went to Ioppa which was twenty miles This Town the second time he took and placed a Garison therein 1 Mac. 12. From Ioppa he returned again to Ierusalem which was twenty miles Ios. Ant. lib. 13. cap. 8. From Ierusalem in the last year of his Brother Ionathan's Government he went to the Plain of Sephala about fourteen miles where he built the Hold of Abida 1 Mac. 12. From thence he returned to Ierusalem fourteen miles There after the
Captivity of his Brother Ionathan whom Tryphon by cunning had betrayed as is before-said he was chosen by the People of the Iews into the Principality From thence he went to Addus to meet Tryphon sixteen miles where he would have ransomed his Brother Ionathan 1 Mac. 13. From Addus he went to a City of the Idumeans called Ador or Adaram forty eight miles From Ador he returned into Iudea with his Army forty miles that he might oppose the Invasion of Tryphon and his Souldiers lest they should have destroyed the Country and got Ierusalem in his absence Tryphon having put to death his Brother Ionathan which was in the year before Christ 140. Simon entred upon the Office of High-Priest the same year and continued in the Government eight years In the first year of his Government he went from Ierusalem to Modin fourteen miles Here he buried the Body of his Brother Ionathan in his Father's Sepulchre very honourably and richly beautified it From Modin he returned to Ierusalem fourteen miles where he executed his Priestly Function diligently and repaired the Holds and decayed Towns of Iudea compassing them about with Stone Walls and fortifying them with Towers and Bulwarks From thence he went to Gaza forty four miles from Ierusalem South-westward This Town he took From thence he returned to Ierusalem which was four and forty miles There he repaired the Tower of Acropolis wherein he dwelt From Ierusalem he went to Ioppa and won the Town which was twenty miles From Ioppa he returned to Ierusalem which was twenty miles where for a time he lived very honourably and kept a Princely Court 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 near to Iericho some ten miles from Ierusalem towards the North-east Here he was slain by his Father-in-law at a Banquet in the year before Christ 132 in the eleventh Month which answereth to our February 1 Mac. 16. So all his Travels were 799 miles The Description of the Places mentioned in his Travels Of Arabath ARabath or Araba was a City near to the Lake or River Merom not far from Dothan forty four miles from Ierusalem towards the North. It seems to take the name from Locusts whereof there are many kinds 1 Mac. 5. for there are Locusts that live upon Herbs and Flowers others that fly in great swarms in the Air and some also that live in the Waters not much unlike Crabs or Cray-fishes their Tails only excepted Plin. lib. 9. cap. 12. reckons up another kind of Locusts whereon Iohn Baptist did feed and it was lawful for the Iews to eat of them he describes them to have four Feet and Wings so that they can either fly or leap upon the Earth They can be resembled to nothing more fitly than to Grashoppers These the Hebrews call Robae Levit. 11. Mat. 3. because of the abundance of them being derived of the Verb Rabah He hath multiplied or increased because these kinds of Locusts come in mighty great swarms and multitudes into the East part of the World Of these kinds of Locusts Arabath took the Name but they are not known to us nevertheless such there are and as it appeareth in Leuit. 11. were permitted to be eaten among the Iews From whence may be concluded that Iohn Baptist lived upon these kind of Locusts and not upon Crabs or Cray-fish or any such kind of Locusts Mat. 3. Of Sephela SEphela is a Plain compassed about with Mountains near the River Sorek It lieth fourteen miles from Ierusalem Westward Here Simon built the Castle Adida and fortified it very strongly Afterward there was a City built near to this Tower called Eleutheropolis It was a free City in the Tribe of Iudah half way between Ierusalem and Ascalon of which St. Ierom speaketh lib. de Locis Hebr. Of Doch THIS was a strong Tower the Ruines whereof may be seen to this day It was scituated near Iericho in the Field of Hiericuntis ten miles from Ierusalem North-eastward where Ptolomeus the Son of Abodus persidiously put to death his Son-in-law Simon High Priest of the Jews From this Tower you might have seen all the Countrey of the Gileadites the two Tribes of Gad and Reuben and the half Tribe of Manasses with the Mountains of the Moabites Nebo Pisgah and Abarim Vid. 1 Mac. cap. ult The Travels of John Hyrcanus JOHN Hyrcanus was made Captain over all the Men of War by his Father Simon and went from Ierusalem to Gaza forty four miles where he dwelt 1 Mac. 13. From thence he returned to Ierusalem forty four miles in the fifth year of his Father's Government to let him understand how Cendebius had invaded the holy Land 1 Mac. 16. From Ierusalem he and his Brother Iudas went with their Army to Modin fourteen miles where they stayed all night The next morning before day they gave Battel to Cendebius not far from Modin overcame him and put him to flight So he pursued the chase till he came to the Fortress of Cedron which stood in the Field of Azotus even eight miles From the Field of Azotus he and his Brother Iudas returned to Ierusalem being twenty two miles 1 Mac. 16. From Ierusalem he returned to Gaza 44 miles Now when Sorius Ptolomeus the Son of Abodus who a little before had treacherously slain his Son-in-law Simon at a Banquet heard of Iohn's coming into the Town he sent forth certain Traitors and Homicides to put him to death also but Hyrcanus having certain intelligence of the matter prevented the mischief and put these Traitors to the Sword 1 Mac. 16. So all his Travels were 176 miles Concerning the Towns and Places mentioned in these Travels you may read before Of the Kings of Syria that succeeded Antiochus Epiphanes and made War upon the Macchabees And first of the Travels of Antiochus Eupator THIS Antiochus the younger succeeded his Father Antiochus Epiphanes in the 149 year of the Grecians Government in Syria which was the 161 Year before Christ and he continued King of Asia and Syria three Years Lysias the King's 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 year 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 with Iudas Macchabeus who put him to flight and kill'd 600 of his Men 1 Mac. 6. From Bethsachara he returned to the Hold of Bethsura and won it being almost a mile From Bethsura he came to Ierusalem which was half a mile From Ierusalem he went with his Army to Ptolomais being seventy six miles From Ptolomais he returned to Antiochia two hundred and four miles
on it There is painted on the Pillars and Walls almost all the Stories of the Old Testament till the Birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ with such excellent cunning and so lively that it is to be admired In the Quire of this Church there is found two Altars one close by the Chappel of St. Katherine at the East end thereof not far distant from which they shew the place where our Saviour was circumcised and in the middle of the Quire there standeth another Altar where they say the Wise men left their Dromedaries and prepared their Gifts to present unto our Saviour when they worshipped him Upon the South side of this Quire towards the East they descend by ten stone steps into the Chappel of the Nativity of Christ richly beautified and curiously wrought paved with polished Marble This Chappel is not very great but wonderful fair and sumptuous When the Holy Land was over-run by the Gentiles this as many other places were in that Country was all polluted with Filth and Dirt that they had much ado to make it clean a great while after Upon the place where they said our Lady the Blessed Virgin Mary brought forth our Saviour into the World there is placed a Table of white Marble after the manner of an Altar about some four Foot from this they shew the place where the Manger stood a part of it yet remaining cut out of a Rock not of Marble but of other stone as many other Mangers are in that Country Close by that there is an Altar where they say the Wise men presented their Gifts to our Saviour Christ and worshipped him At the entrance into the Church there standeth a goodly Building which in times past seemed to have been some Arch-Bishops See but now is called St. Maries Church Upon the North side they descended by certain steps into the Chappel of St. Ierom who lay a long time buried there till his Bones were removed thence to St. Maries in Rome About a mile from Bethlehem Southward stood the Tower of Eder being a Watch-Tower of the Bethlehemites and so called because there resorted thither many flocks of sheep for Aederâ—ignifieth â—ignifieth a Herd Round about this Tower were fair and fruitful Pastures to which many Shepherds resorted to feed their Flocks to some of which Shepherds the Angels told the glad tidings of the Birth of our Saviour and that he was laid in a Manger at Bethlehem For which cause in after times there was a Church built just in the place where the Tower stood and in Saint Ierom's time called by the name of Angelos ad Pastores the same Luther affirmeth that it is yet standing Iacob sometime dwelt in that Place and buried his wife Rachel thereabouts The Monument that he set upon her grave remaineth to this day which was twelve Stones pitch'd an end standing about a quarter of a mile from this place upon the right Hand as they go to Ierusalem of which Grave all the Country thereabouts is called by the name of Rachel Of the Way between Judea and Egypt BEtween Egypt and Iudea lieth Arabia Petraea a Land for the most part barren and unfruitful full of Sands Rocks and Mountains destitute of Water and subject to many dangers being in the Summer Solstice scorched with extremity of heat the Sun being then perpendicular over them according to Munster in the day time and in the night troubled with extream Winds which blowing the Sand with great violence it casteth it upon great heaps and Mountains by which dust both Beasts and sometime men are suffocated and slain Moreover there dwelt in this Desart a rude and dangerous People called Saracens who take their beginning from Ishmael and are therefore also called Ishmaelites being given to cruelty and malitiousness They get their living for the most part by Theft and Violence and as Ishmael was an excellent Archer so they also are very cunning in shooting and hunting using to this day their ancient evil custom of robbing and spoiling all that pass that way insomuch as Merchants are constrained to go in great companies lest they should be indangered by them and by reason of the Winds and Sands are constrained to guide their Journey by the Compass as men do that sail upon the Sea Through this Wilderness did Ioseph and Mary pass when they went with the Child Jesus out of Iudaea into Egypt where they were in danger of Thieves subject to be smothered by the Sands constrained to travel over high Rocks and Mountains and to rest in Fear because of Lyons Bears and other Beasts which greatly abound in that Place Besides divers other discommodities were incident unto them as want of Meat Drink and other necessaries there being little Water to be found there insomuch as had not the Lord by an express command charged him in a dream to go down into Egypt Ioseph durst hardly have ventured upon so difficult and dangerous a Journey But the Lord so mercifully provided for him that he both went and returned safe Thus may we see to what dangers these good People were exposed and what miseries they sustained from the beginning because of their Son Christ Jesus Of Hermopolis HErmopolis was called the Town of Mercury distant from Ierusalem 304 miles towards the South-West it was one of the chief Cities in Egypt as Appianus writeth Nicephorus and Zozemenus affirm lib. 5. cap. 22. that Ioseph and Mary came and lived in this Town where they continued all the days of Herod that cruel King But Ziglerius saith that they lived in the Land of Gosen where the Patriarch Iacob and his Posterity lived which agreeth well with the words of S. Matthew cap. 2. and Hosea 11. Out of Egypt have I called my Son This Land of Gosen lay 200 miles from Ierusalem towards the South-West The Inhabitants of Alcair in Egypt take upon them to shew the place where Ioseph and Mary dwelt when they went down into that Country but how true it is I cannot tell because there is no Author for it Of Canah in Galilee THis was a City in Galilee distant from Ierusalem sixty eight miles towards the North of which you may read more in the Travels of our Saviour Christ. Of Capernaum THis Town stood upon the Sea of Galilee sixty eight miles from Ierusalem toward the North of which you may read more after The Travâ—ls of the Wise Men of the East which came to Bethlehem to see Jesus THE Magi were certain wise men of Persia so called from Meditation being derived of Hagah that is he hath meditated and taken in the third Conjugation it signifies to find or search out a thing they being such as gave themselves to the knowledge of hard things and to find out the Secrets and mysteries of Nature But according to Varinus they were not only Philosophers but Priests also And Plaâ—o upon Alcibiades saith Magia est Deorum observantia sive â—ultus divinus that is Magick prescribed the due
the Children are free yet nevertheless c. From whence may be gathered that he was no Stranger but an Inhabitant in Capernaum It had upon the North side of it the three Tribes Neâ—thalim Asser and Zabulon upon the South Benjamin Iuda Dan and Simeon upon the West Issachar Epharaim and the half Tribe of Manasses and upon the East Reuben Gad and the other half Tribe of Manasses so that our Saviour Christ dwelt in the midst of the twelve Tribes of Israel Furthermore it was a goodly Market Town and had as well relation to Tyrus and Sidon two Towns of the Gentiles within forty four miles of it as to Ierusalem from whence may be verified that saying of Esa. ca. 8 9. The Land of Zebulon and Naphtalim near the way of the Sea beyond Jordan and Galilee of the Gentiles a People which sit in Darkness and in the shadow of Death saw a great Light This Town is therefore justly called the City of Comfort and Consolation since our Saviour Christ dwelt there who with his Doctrine and preaching refreshed and comforted all such as were afflicted with the Burthen of their Sins But the great men that were Inhabitants of this City had more respect to their private profit than to the Doctrine and Miracles that Christ wrought among them from whence it came to pass that they did as it were neglect and contemn that Good which God had offered to them which made our Saviour say And thou Capernaum which seemest to be exalted up unto Heaven shall be cast down into Hell for if the Miracles had been done in Sodom and Gomorrah which have been done in thee they had continued until this day Verily verily I say unto you it shall be easier for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of Iudgment than for thee Mat. 11. For there was no such benefit offered to any City neither such Honours and Dignities as were to Capernaum our Saviour himself dwelling there Wherefore for their Ingratitude and Impiety the City hath divers times been wasted and destroyed as well by the Romans as other Nations so that at this day this Glorious City is become so Desolate that there is scarce eight Houses standing and they also like small Sheds Of Sichar IN antient time this Town was called Sichem of which you may read more both in the Travels of Iacob and Abimelech After it came to be called Sichar according to the opinion of Luther upon Genesis because the Inhabitants of that Country were given to Pleasure and Voluptuousness the greatest part of their Delight being in drinking and quaffing so Sichar being derived of Schachar signifieth to be Drunk or inordinately to swallow sweet and pleasant Wine of which there was plenty in that Town made of the Juice of Apples the Fruit of Palm-Trees and Honey which may very well resemble Hipocras or Metheglin as some Authors have it And although by the Incursions of the Romans it was utterly wasted and left Desolate yet in succeeding times it was re-built and called Nicapolis that is a New Town It is scituated very pleasantly and aboundeth with all manner of Delights but it is unfortified neither can it by any means be fortified neither have the Inhabitants any help if they be oppressed by the Enemy but to fly for it is scituated in the middle of a Valley between two high Mountains so that a man may fling a stone from the top of one of them into the City About two Bows shot without the South Gate of this Town is to be seen the Fountain or Well of Iacob upon the Brim of which our Saviour Christ sate when he was weary as we may read in the fourth of Iohn This Well standeth just in the way as Pilgrims travel to Ierusalem Upon the right hand above this Well there standeth a Mountain of an exceeding height divided into two tops the one of them being called Gerizim the other Hebal In Mount Gerizim the Patriarch Ioshuah built an Altar and the People standing upon Mount Hebal he caused the whole Book of Deuteronomy to be read over with the Blessings and Cursings so that all the People might hear them for thus we read in Ios. 8. The one half of the People stood close by Mount Gerizim and the other by Mount Hebal c. Deut. chap. 27. These two great Mountains began upon the right side of the City Sichar and extended themselves in length to the City of Iericho Upon the left side of this Well is to be seen the Ruins of a great Town which is thought to be the old Sichem and by the Reliques that remain there it may be judged to have been a very goodly City For there are yet to be seen certain broken Pillars of Marble as also large and spacious Buildings which in times past without Question have been very goodly things and standeth wonderful pleasantly the Soil round about it being very pleasant and fruitful only there is want of Water This Town lieth some two Bows shot from Sichar and the Inhabitants of that place judge this Sichar to be Thebez where Abimelech died Iudg. 9. Not far from Iacob's Well is to be seen that piece of Ground which Iacob gave to Ioseph more than the rest of his Brethren Gen. 48. It is a long Valley very fruitful and pleasant where there lies butied in a certain fair Garden the Bones of Iacob and Ioseph which were brought out of Aegypt Iosh. 24. the Reliques of which Sepulchre are yet to be seen Mount Garizim or Gerizim is so called from the cutting down of Trees for Garaz signifies to cut down Upon this Mountain is to be seen even to this day the place where the Temple stood that was built by Sanballath dedicated to Iupiter Olympius in contempt of the Temple of Ierusalem The Chief Priest of this Temple was one Manasses a Fugitive of the stock of Levi. This Manasses was Brother to Iaddus Chief Priest of Ierusalem of whom you may read Nehem. 13. But some 200 years after the first Foundation Iohn Hircanus High-Priest of Ierusalem utterly destroyed it to the Ground The Travels of our Saviour Christ in the second year of his Ministry which was the two and thirtieth year of his age IN the Month of Ianuary Christ went from Cana in Galilee to Nazareth which was eight miles Here upon the Sabbath-day he went into the Synagogue and began to teach insomuch as the Inhabitants were astonished at his Doctrine but the Citizens being ingrateful he went to Capernaum a City which I have chosen to dwell in before all others Luke 4. Mat. 4. being twelve miles or thereabouts In the Month of February he compassed about all Galilee preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God healing the Sick and those that were diseased amongst the People Mat. 4. In this Visitation our Saviour went to Caesarea Philippi which was distant from Capernaum forty eight miles toward the North. Here Matthew was called as he was at the receipt of Custome
the Daughter of Iairus to life Mat. 9. Mark 2. Luke 5. and as he went thence he restored two men to their sight and cast out a Devil Mat. 9. About the end of the Month of Iuly our Saviour Christ went from Caesarea Philippi to Nazareth thirty six miles where because of the ingratitude and contempt of the Citizens he did no great Miracles Mark 6. Mat. 13. In the Month of August our Saviour Christ went from Nazareth toward Ierusalem to the Feast of Tabernacles and as he went he visited the Towns and Cities near adjoyning Now when he saw that they wanted Teachers it being at this time the second Harvest he said unto his Disciples Lo the Harvest is great but the Labourers are few c. and he sent his Disciples out into the Harvest Mat. 9. Luke 9. Of this second Harvest you may read Exod. 23. where God commanded the People that they should observe the Feast of the Tabernacles when in the end of the year they had gathered in all the Fruits of the Fields Also in Levit. 23. it is thus written From the fifteenth day of the seventeenth Month when you have gathered all the Fruits of your Land you shall celebrate unto the Lord your God seven days c. From Galilee our Saviour Christ came to Ierusalem sixty four miles where from the twentieth to the twenty seventh day of September he celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles according to the Law of God The rest of the Travels of our Saviour Christ and the Miracles that he wrought in this three last Months of this year viz. in October November and December for their great multitude cannot be described So the Travels of our Saviour Christ in the second year of his Ministry were 912 miles Of the Towns and Places to which he travelled 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. Upon the East side of this City these two Streams meet and make the River Iordan Philip the Tetrarch of Traconitis called this City after his own name Philippus and in honour of the Roman Caesars he added the name of Caesarea Tiberias at this time being Emperour of Rome In times past it was called Laisch or Lais which signifies a ravening or roaring Lion But the Tribe of Dan having conquered it and rebuilt it again they called it Dan and the Inhabitants of the Holy Land Laeâ—hem Dan as you may read in the Travels of the Danites But the Town as it is reported by such as have travelled 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 Ecclesiastical Histories the Woman that was diseased with the bloudy Issue was healed by touching the Hem of our Saviour's Garment which Woman in token of thankfulness 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 she caused to be set the Image of Christ made of Brass and behind that stood the Image of this Woman who had been diseased twelve years 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 years after it was set up But Iulian the Apostate having intelligence of these things caused those Images to be broken down and erected his own in the same place But soon after there happened such an exceeding Thunder that fire falling from Heaven strook this Image thus set up by this cruel Tyrant upon the Breast and cast the Head and the Neck thereof with great violence upon the Earth These things happened in Caesarea Philippi Upon the Borders of Caesarea Philippi our Saviour Christ asked his Disciples saying Whom do men say that I am Mat. 6. Ioseph Aâ—t li. 20. cap. 6. saith Agrippa King of the Iews did much inlarge Caesarea Philippi in honour of Nero and called it after his name Neromia but it retained not that name long Of Peraea PEraea or Peraia was the utmost part of the Holy Land in which were the Tribes Gad and Reuben separated from the rest of Iudea by the River Iordan and under the Subjection and Government of Herod Antipas It was sixteen miles from Ierusalem Eastward so called of Peran which signifies beyond or upon the other side Plin. li. 4. ca. 1. In the Castle of Macharuntes standing in this Country Iohn Baptist was beheaded Of the Sea of Galilee THIS Sea lay forty four miles from Ierusalem Northward representing upon the Banks a Harp in figure whence it was called Kinnaereth that is the Sea of the Harp Num. 34. for Kinnor signifieth an Harp Toward the North it extendeth it self into some bredth but toward the South it drew into a streight Angle and was called the Sea of Galilee because it bordered upon Galilee It was also called the Lake of Genesareth because of the pleasantness and fruitfulness of the Soil lying upon the North side of it It is called Ioh. 6. the Sea of Tiberias from the City Tiberias that stood upon the shore of it It was but four miles and a little more broad but in length from the North to the South twelve miles Upon the East side it had the Town Chorazin and upon the West Capernaum and as Iosephus saith the Water of this Sea was very sweet and pleasant from whence it came to pass that Fishes did greatly abound in it and there were many Fishers that lived thereabouts only by fishing in that Sea There were many other Cities besides those two before mentioned that stood upon this Sea as Bethsaida Migdala Tiberias and Trichaea these stood upon the West Upon the East stood Iulia and Cadara Of the holy Mountain near Capernaum in Galilee ABout a mile from Capernaum toward the South-west is to be seen an exceeding high Hill standing upon the shore of the Sea of Galilee beautified with many Herbs and Flowers of divers kinds being very fruitful and pleasant extending it self in length almost two Bows shoot and in breadth one From this Hill one might have seen the whole Sea of Galilee the Countries of Iâ—ura and Trachonitis even to Mount Libanus also the Mountains Sanir and Hermon and a great part of the upper and lower Galilee Here also the Inhabitants of the Holy Land shew a certain Stone on which they say our Saviour Christ did usually sit when he preached to the People which Stone the Christians call the Table here was that Sermon made of the eight Beatitudes Mat. 5. 6 7. Luke 6. Here were the twelve Apostles chosen Luke 6. Mar. 3. And our Saviour Christ descending from this Mountain 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 Wall and is thought to be a Vein of Nilus because they find in it such kind of fishes the like wherof are not to be found in any other place but Nilus Iosephus calleth this Spring Capernaum and likewise all the plain being very pleasant and fruitful for the space of a mile even unto 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 Galilee there is shewn a place where they say Christ appeared to his seven 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 Saviours Disciples came to Land and they drew up in their nets a great draught of fishes c. John 21. Of Naim NAim signifies fruitful and pleasant it stood 48 miles from Jerusalem towards the North and typically representeth the condition of the World For the Children of this World live in all manner of Pleasures and Delights never thinking of any sorrow till Death seiseth on them but then that overturns all and those delights become loathsome unto them Notwithstanding this one comfort we have left us Hope in Christ Jesus who as he raised the Widows Son at the gates of this City from Death to Life will by his mighty Power raise us again at the last day from the Bowels of the Earth and make us partakers with him of an heavenly habitation It stood in the Land of Samaria and in the tribe of Issachar about two miles off it upon the East side stood mount Tabor and a little from it upon the South side stood mount Hermon the lesser and extended it self thence unto the Sea of Galilee 16 miles Of these two Hills you may read Psal. 89. and about two miles from Naim Westward Sunem is to be seen to which the Prophet Elisaeus sometimes resorted 2 Reg. 4. Of Gadara GAdarah or Gederah in Hebrew signifies munition and sometimes it is taken to compass about of Gadar he hath hedged or compassed about S. Jerom saith in his time that is 400 years after Christ this was a very fair City and stood in a very high Mountain upon the East side of the Sea of Galilee beyond Jordan in the half tribe of Manasses some 48 miles from Ierusalem Northward and is to be seen at this day Strabo lib. 6. Georg. saith that close by Gadara there is a venomous lake whereof what Beast soever drinketh he immediately loseth his Horns his Hoofs and his Hair and there are many that think this Lake became thus venomous because of the 2000 Swine that were drowned in it when our Saviour suffered the Devils to enter into them Mat 8. Mark 5. Luke 8. Close by this Town stood Gerasa called also Girgesa Mat. 8. so named as some think of Girgasus the Son of Canaan Gen. 10. Of Genesareth THIS was a Country bordering upon the North-west side of the Sea of Galilee from whence this Sea was called the Lake of Genesareth Luke 5. This Land was very pleasant and fruitful as if it had been a Princes Garden bringing forth fair Apples Pomegranates Palmes Olives Vines and divers other kinds of pleasant Fruits fair and goodly to the eye and therefore not without cause was it called the Garden of a Prince being derived of Gan which signifies a Garden and Sur a Prince It is distant from Ierusalem six and fifty miles towards the North as you may read Matth. 6. 14. The chief Cities of this Country were Capernaum and Bethsaida of which Cities though in former times they were very fair and large there are at this day not scarce eight houses to be seen The Travels of our Saviour Christ in the third year of his Ministry which was the three and thirtieth year of his age FROM Ierusalem our Saviour Christ returned some six and fifty miles into Galilee and in the beginning of this year wintered in that place so that as it may be gathered out of the Evangelists he continued there the most part of Ianuary and February and now the Spring approching a little after the death of Saint Iohn the Baptist who as it is thought was put to death between the midst of Winter and the Spring not long before the Feast of the Passover so that he lived two years and a half in his Ministry he wrought many notable Miracles not far from the City of Bethsaida The same time the Feast of the Passover drawing near which was the third Passover of his ministry he went thence over Iordan and so beyond the Sea of Tiberias Matth. 14. Mark 6. Luke 9. At this time the Apostles of Christ being dispersed through all Galilee and Iudaea teaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven hearing of the miserable death of Iohn the Baptist about the beginning of the month of April returned with all possible speed out of every Part to our Saviour Christ that so they might be secure against the tyranny of Herod Matth. 14. Mark 6. Luke 9. Also the Disciples of Iohn came unto him and told him of his Death and Burial Matth. 14. Our Saviour Christ therefore having by this means certain intelligence as he was between Bethsaida and Tiberias of the death of S. Iohn Baptist in the month of April he went into a Ship and passed about four miles to the further side of the Sea of Galilee where in a certain Desart he sed five thousand men with five Barley loaves and two fishes Ioh. 6. From thence he returned back again to the Sea and so to Capernaum which was four miles here he made that long Sermon of the Spiritual eating of his flesh Mat. 14. Luke 9. Iohn 6. From thence he went to Ierusalem which was 56 miles to the Feast of the Passeover being the third Passeover of his ministry The third Passover of the Ministry of Christ. Upon the thirteenth day of April being Sunday according to the Ecclesiastical computation Christ as God commanded celebrated the third Passover of his ministry for the space of eight days in the City of Ierusalem that is till the twentieth day of the same month After the Feast of the Passeover the Iews took counsel how they might put him to death Ioh. 7. wherefore about the end of April he departed thence and went 56 miles into the Land of Galilee In the month of May after the controversie that happened concerning the Tradition of the Elders because of the fallacies and contentions of the Scribes and Pharisees he departed thence into the borders of Tyrus and Sidon which was 56 miles Matth. 15. and there entred into a house and would fain have been private but there was a certain Woman that was a Grecian of Syrophoenissa came unto him and intreated his aid Mark 7. But our Saviour having a determination to depart from this
Families and to dwell in this City so that in short time it became very well peopled according to Ios. lib. Antiq. 18. cap. 4. Egisip lib. 2. cap. 3. Not above two miles from Tiberias towards the South upon the shore of the Sea of Galilee stood Tarachaea a Town wherein Iosephus dwelt Now it happened that the Citizens of Tiberias upon some discontent and as it was thought at the instigation of one Clitus fell into Rebellion of which Iosephus having certain intelligence he caused all the Gates of Terachaea to be shut lest any man going thence should disclose his intentions or any coming from Tiberias should move that City also to Rebellion and then privily sent out a command to assemble all the Ships and other Vessels that were upon the Sea or Lake even to the number of 230 Ships all which he caused to be manned only with four men apiece and of a sudden sailed towards Tiberias But when he came within view of the City so that the Citizens from the Wall might discern the Ships he lest the Body of the Navy a good way remote from Tiberias and took only one Ship manned with seven men and went close to the City of Tiberias as it seemed to have had a parly with the Citizens but they seeing such a multitude of Ships and the bold resolution of Iosephus supposing that they had been sufficiently manned and contained a great Army were greatly afraid insomuch that they cast away their Arms and came out of the City with humble Petitions to Iosephus intreating him to spare the City and to take pity on the Inhabitants Notwithstanding he utterly refused to shew them any mercy unless they would deliver unto him the Ruler of the City which they did so he settled the Affairs of that Town and took the Ruler thereof with him to Terachaea where he committed him to Prison But after it being certainly found out that one Clitus was the principal Author of this Rebellion he sent Leuyn one of his Guard with command to apprehend him and cut off both his Hands of which punishment Clytus being certainly informed with tears and prayers humbly besought this Leuyn that he would spare one of his hands and he would willingly lose the other which with much ado was granted him upon condition that he would cut off his own Hand so he took his Sword and cut off his left Hand which being done Iosephus returned the Captives to Tiberias and received the Inhabitants again into favour and ever after retained it in obedience Vespasian also invaded this City at such time as he undertook his Expedition against Ierusalem as it appeareth in Iosephus lib. de bello Iud. cap. 16. but the Inhabitants fearing his greatness willingly submitted themselves to his power and opened him the Gates going forth of the City to meâ—t him with great humility giving him and his whole Army entertainment into the City receiving him with Musick and Songs and with great Acclamations and shouts calling him their Saviour and Protector which kind of Courtesies the Emperour took very lovingly and in token of thankfulness for this kindness he commanded his Souldiers after they had broken down a great part of the Wall upon the South side that they should abstain from all manner of Rapin and Violence so that he continued there peaceably and went away peaceably This City to this day as Borchardus the Monk saith is a fair Town scituated to the Longitude upon the shore of the said Sea there being upon the South side many wholesom Baths and Springs and there are to be seen also many great ruins of decayed Buildings The Land also round about is very pleasant and fertil abounding with Palm Trees Vines Olives and Figs. This City in antient time was scituated in the Tribe of Issaâ—har Of Tyrus or Zor THIS was the chief City of Phoenicia distant from Ierusalem 100 miles towards the North. It was first built by the Citizens of Zidon because of a Sedition that happened in that City 240 years before the Temple of Solomon as Iosephus saith just in the place where at this day the ruins of antient Tyre are to be seen But after it began to grow famous which was about such time as Troy was destroyed King Angenor removed it to a Rock which stood in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea compassed about therewith like an Island Ezek. 26. and bestowed great cost in fortifying and building it It stood round compassed with strong Walls beautified with goodly Buildings and fairly scituated for the entertainment of Ships for which purpose on every side there were many saâ—e Havens and Harbours made It was but a small Town almost three miles about and two miles wide yet the great Mart Town in those Parts for Merchants resorted thither from all the three Parts of the World Europe Asia and Africa as well for the uttering as buying commodities and was made so much the more famous because of the scituation and strength It stood distant from the Land of Phoenicia almost two miles upon which Continent they had obtained a portion of Land for the maintenance of the City containing 19000 paces in compass The Citizens also being greatly inriched because of their traffick built up many fair Cities and Towns in more remote parts which was added to their jurisdiction as Leptis Vtica and Carthage scituated in Africa They also built Cades which at this day is called Caliz as Pliny saith lib. 5. cap. 19. being scituated in a very fair Island in the Mediterranean Sea not far from Hercules Pillars insomuch as the Citizens of this Town having thus inlarged their command and increased their substance in every place they called themselves Princes and took upon them to wear Scarlet and Purple which colours in that place above all other colours were most artificially died And because of the rarity of them transported thence into many Countries more remote But because of their extreme arrogance 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 war upon this City was because the Citizens upon a time sending unto him certain Ambassadors with a Crown of Gold in token of friendship and to congratulate his Prosperity which he accepted very kindly and gave them Royal entertainment as to his Friends amongst other things he told them that he would come unto their City and do 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 he was commanded by an Oracle so to do But the Ambassadors of Tyre answered that the Temple of Hercules stood without the City in Paaetzton where ancient Tyre stood so that the King might easily come thither to do sacrifice but Alexander hearing these words could not contain himself but in a great anger answered
Zadin which in English is Sattin And as at this day the finest Glass is made at Venice so the finest Glass 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 read before This Town in times past was one of the chief Cities of Phoenicia but because of the extraordinary Pride of the Citizens God afflicted them with divers punishments and brought in Ocho King of the Persians who besieged it and by Treason won it and burnt it to the ground as Diodorus Siculus lib. 16. saith The Citizens whereof were driven to such streights by the Enemy that there perished in the fire above forty thousand men Within a while after Darius the last Emperour of the Persians rebuilt it but made it nothing so beautiful neither fortified it in like manner as it was before he ordained one Strato to be King thereof a man proud and arrogant After about three hundred and two years before the Nativity of Christ Alexander being then but twenty four years of age having overcome Darius that mighty Emperour of the Persians at Issa a City of Cilicia in a cruel and sharp War he sent Hephestion one of his Princes to the Sidonians with authority to depose Strato and to let the Citizens understand that they should chuse him for their King whom they thought most worthy of that honour as Quintus Curtius sheweth lib. 4. At this time there was a certain young man among the followers of Hephestion in whose behalf he moved the Citizens that he might be their King but they refused saying it was not their custom to chuse any to rule over them but such as were of the King's stock and Progeny Hephestion hearing this answer greatly admired their resolution and modesty especially when they refused to accept him for their King whom others had sought to obtain with Fire and Sword saying truly there is more required to rule and govern a Kingdom than to get it but yet name one unto me of Royal descent whom you would willingly receive to be your King So they named unto him one Abdolomius who had been known to have been of the Kings stock by many descents but because of his Poverty he was constrained to dwell in the Suburbs of the City in a Cottage and had little else but a Garden to live upon This man howsoever poor and because of that of many contemned yet he was known to be honest and of an upright life following with all diligence his Vocation without any regard of other business insomuch as he was utterly ignorant of all these stirs and combustions which had so lately vexed Asia As he was now in his Garden digging and labouring purging it of Weeds and planting of Herbs Hephestion with the rest of the Citizens went unto him and brought him the Robes and Habiliments of a King The poor Gardner stood amazed to see such a Company of Gallants come unto him but Hephestion told him that the occasion of their coming was to make aâ— exchange with him of those Royal Ornaments which he had in his hand for those poor and foul Garments which he wore therefore go and wash thy self and return So he did where immediately they put upon him those Royal Robes and saluted him as their Sovereign After these things were finished quoth Hephestion Now remember in what a state thou art no more Gardener but a King and therefore take unto thee the mind and resolution of a King that so thou mayest rule and govern this City as a man worthy of that honour and remember that although the Lives and Goods of thy Subjects are at thy command yet by them thou wast chosen neither be forgetful of him that was the Author of thine Honour No sooner was he enthronized in his Kingdom but Fame who is more speedy than a thousand Posts had dispersed this News through all the neighbouring Cities some being thereby moved to admiration and quickned in their Studies others stirred up to Indignation and Envy Those that were mighty and Friends to Alexander contemned and despised his Humility and Poverty 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 he had well viewed the Lineaments and Proportion of his Person and could not perceive it any whit repugnant to the fame of his Birth he demanded of him how it was possible that he should endure his Poverty with Patience To which he answered I pray the Gods I may continue the Government of this Kingdom with the like mind for these hands were sufficient for me to live by and as I had nothing so I wanted nothing At which answer Alexander was so well pleased that he not only gave him all the Princely Jewels and Ornaments of the first King called Strato but also a great part of the Booty which he took from the Emperour of Persia and added to his command all the neighbouring Countries round about This History I have inserted that thereby we might perceive the mighty power of God in all his works that can exalt the poor contented with his estate out of the very dust and can pull the mighty from their Thrones So the evil cark 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 chief Town Tyrus only excepted in all Phoenicia joyning upon the West to the Mediterranean Sea extending it self towards the North and South lying in a Plain under Antilibanus which Mountain lay some two miles off it upon the East It oftentimes because of the Pride of the Inhabitants felt the wrath and punishing hand of God as well by the Invasion of Enemies as sickness and dearth according to the Predictions of the Prophets Esay 28. and Ezek. 28. untill at last in succeeding ages it was utterly destroyed the Ruins of which City remain to this day and make evident that it was a fair and spatious Town There is to be seen yet to this day a City built out of the Ruins of the former though nothing so large as it very strong and mightily fortified so that it seemeth almost invincible if it have men wherewith to defend it Upon the one side it joyneth to the Sea and upon the other side of it there standeth two mighty strong Castles one of them scituated toward the North upon a very strong Rock as it were in the heart of the Sea the which was built by certain Pilgrims that came out of Germany to visit the holy City of Ierusalem The other of them was scituated upon a Hill toward the South of the City as well fortified and no less difficult to be conquered These two Castles with the whole City in times past were in the hands of the Knights Templers
The Land round about it is very pleasant and fertile abounding with all kind of good things necessary for the maintenance of life and delight There is also found great abundance of Grapes which are very delicious and pleasant to the taste whereof the Wine Canamella is made But because the Turks and Saracens are prohibited by the strict Law of the Alcoran from drinking of Wine therefore they suffer no Vineyards to be planted neither the Inhabitants to dress those Vines that grow naturally Before the East Gate of the antient City which now lies destroyed there is built a Chappel in which place they say the Woman of Canaan intreated our Saviouâ— Christ to cast a Devil out of her Daughter Mat. 15. The Mountain Antilibanus beginneth close by the River Eleutherius and extends it self beyond Tripolis and in some places it joyneth so close to the Sea that for the streightness of the wayes those that travel that way can scarce pass In this City was the fairest Purple in all those parts nay as some Authors affirm the like was not to be found in the World c. Of Cana Syro-Phoenicia THIS Town which was called Cana the Great was scituated upon the borders of Tyrus and Sidon 112 miles from Ierusalem Northward scituated in the Tribe of Ashur four miles from Sidon towards the South and three from Sareâ—ta towards the East In this Town the Syroâ—hoenician dwelt that besought our Saviour Christ to heal her Daughter that was possessed of a Devil Mat. 15. Mar. 7. It was called Cana Syro-Phoenicia to put a diffâ—rence between it and another Cana scituated in Galilee the lower in which City our Saviour Christ turned Water into Wine You may read more of this Town before Of Traconitis THIS City was so called from the stony hardness of the Mountains of Gilead which compass it in upon the East side in which Province the Tribe of Gad and the half Tribe of Manasses inhabited It was in antient times called Basan in which Og the mighty Gyant had a great Command but Moses overcame him and gave the Land to the Tribe of Gad and the half Tribe of Mâ—nâ—sses In Christ's time the Tetrarch and Governour of it was Philip who was Son to Herod the Great and Brother to Herod Anâ—ipas Tetrarch in Galilee and Petraea which Herod took to Wise Herodia whom his Brother Philip had formerly married the said Philip being at that time alive but because Iohn Baptist reprehended him for that fact therefore at her request he was beheaded in the Castle of Machera Itura was another Province belonging to the Tetrarchy of Philip joyning upon the West to the River of Iordan and called Galilee of the Gentiles of which you may read before Of Decapolis THIS Country is so called of ten Cities that were scituated in it It stood beyond Iordan and the Sea of Galilee as may be gathered out of Mark cap. 7. and Mat. 15. So that it is manifest that that Country which in times past was called Gilead was afterward known and called by the name of Decapolis because of the â—en Cities which stood there as Chorazin which Christ cursed Mat. 11. Gamala where Agrippa King of the Iews was hurt in his right arm Ios. de Bell. Iud. lib. 4. cap. 1. Iuliades built by Herod Antipas in honour of the Empress Iulia Gadara where our Saviour Christ cast out the Legion of Devils suffering them to enter into the Herd of Swine Mat. 8. Mar. 5. Astoroth the chief City of that Country in the time of Og King of Basan Ios. cap. 12. Here also that holy man Iob sometimes had his dwelling Iabes in Gilead where Saul King of Israel lieth buried 1 Sam. 31. Mizpah where Ieptha offered his Daughter for a Sacrifice to the Lord Iudg. 11. Ramoth in Gilead where King Ahab was slain with a Dart 1 Reg. 22. and Abel of the Vines where Baalam's Ass spake Num. 22. These are those ten Cities whereof this Country is called Decapolis being scituated in the Land of Gilead beyond Iordan where our Saviour healed the Man that was born blind and deaf Mark 7. This Opinion exactly agreeth with that of the Holy Scripture Yet I know there are some as Plin. lib. 5. cap. 18. and others who differ from this in the description of this Country but they erâ— from the truth Of Magdala THIS was a City scituated upon the West side of the Galilean Sea fifty two miles from Ierusalem Northward in which Country Mary who of this Town was called Magdalen was born At this time this City is called by the name of Castle Magdala in which place they shew the House of Mary Magdalen Upon the West and North-side of the City there lieth a great and spacious Plain preserved only for Pasture which Mark cap. 8. calls Dalmanutha that is Drawn dry or a poor and naked Habitation being derived of Dalal He hath made dry and Maon a House or dwelling place It may be a notable figure of the Christian Church which in this World may rightly be said to have a poor Habitation but yet is a right Magdala that is a strong and impregnable Tower against which the Gates of Hell shall not be able to prevail Mat. 16. Upon the Borders of Magdala and Dalmanutha the Pharisees and Sadducees tempting our blessed Saviour Christ demanded of him a sign from Heaven Mat. 15. 16. Mar. 8. This City belonged to the Tribe of Issachar Of Thabor MOunt Thabor was a round and high Hill upon which our blessed Saviour Christ was transfigured scituated upon the borders of the Tribes of Issachar and Zebulon fifty two miles from the City of Ierusalem towards the North and extendeth it self towards the South to the River Kison Here Deborah and Barak discomfited the Host of Sisera King of the Canaanites and put them to flight Iudg. 4. Of this Mountain you may read Psal. 89. Hos. 4. Ier. 45. There was also a Town called after this Name scituated at the foot of this Mountain where Ziba and Zalmana Kings of the Midianites put to death the Brothers of Gideon Iudges 8. It was a very fruitful and pleasant place Concerning the signification of the name you may read before Egesippus saith That this Mountain is almost four miles in height and that upon the top thereof there is a round Plain almost three miles over in which there grows great plenty of Trees of an admirable Pleasantness and Sweetness amongst which Trees there are many Birds which sing very pleasantly to the great delight of all such as hear them and the Air on the top of it is very pure and pleasant It is the received Opinion That upon the top of this Mountain our Saviour Christ in the presence of Peter Iames and Iohn was transfigured and he spake with the holy Prophets Moses and Elias Mat. 17. Luke 9. which place at this day is compassed about with a great Wall within which is a fair and pleasant Orchard watered with many clear and
Sun-set Near unto this Inn Nicephorus and Zozemenus say in their Ecclesiastical History there was a Spring or Well of that admirable Vertue that if either Man or Beast that was infirm or sick did drink of the Water thereof they were immediately restored to their former Health The reason that these Authors have for it because they are impertinent I will omit But to return to the City of Emmaus as it is now called Nicopolis being scituated eight miles from Ierusalem towards the North-East in the way as you go thence to Ioppa the Countrey round about it being very fertile and pleasant by reason of the Rivers 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 read more of this City in Pliny as it is at this day and in Nicephorus and Eusebius I leave to speak further of it Of Simon of Cyrene THIS Simon which carried the Cross of our Saviour Christ was born in Kir a City in Africa scituated sixteen miles from Ierusalem towards the West Mat. 27. Luk. 23. In which City Tiglath Phulasser Emperour of the Assyrians planted many of the Inhabitants of Damascus after he had conquered that City 2 Reg. 16. This City and the Country round about it by reason of these new Inhabitants by little and little changed the name and whereas in former times it was called Kir in the time of our Saviour it was commonly called Cyrene and this Man of that Country Simon of Cyrene At this day it is a strong and beautiful City scituated between Mareotides and Zeugitania at first built by Battus whom Callimachus the Poet 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 think this word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to have been originally used by him and by none other Afterward as is said Tiglath Phulasser having obtained the Jurisdiction of this City planted the People of Daâ—ascus in it and they obtaining some Power there continued till a long time after Christ and imbraced the Religion of the Jews built up Synagogues and dispersed that Law in many parts of those Quarters There were some of this Country that opposed that holy Martyr Stephen and were consenting to his death There were many learned men in it as Eratosthenes the Mathematician Callimacus the Poet both which were had in great estimation among the Aegyptians Carneades also the Academian Cronus Appolonus and Hegesias the Philosopher of whom Cicero speaketh in the fifth Book of his Tusculans and Eratosthenes the Historian who was Son of Agaclis Salust saith that this City in his time was so mighty that it maintained War against the Carthaginians for their Bounds and Limits of their Fields and Grounds a long time and Iustin lib. 39. that they maintained War against two Nations the Phoenes and the Egyptians in which Wars they gave Aprius the King of the Egyptians such a mighty overthrow that there were very few of his Army that returned into his Country with him as Horodot affirmeth lib. 4. there were also many Great Princes that ruled in this City of which because you may read in divers other Authors more at large I omit to speak of them Of Joseph of Arimathea who buried Christ. THIS Ioseph which caused our Saviour Christ to be buried in his Garden was a rich man upright and just in all his Actions a Senator of Ierusalem and one that expected the Kingdom of God born at Arimathea a City of the Iews Luc. 23. This City was sometime called Ramathaim Sophim and sometime Ramah because it was scituated in a high place and in times past was a fair City standing 16 miles from Ierusalem toward the North-west the description whereof you may read before At this day it is called Ramalea being nothing so fair as it was but like a Country Town the Houses being carelesly dispersed here and there lying without Walls or Bulwarks to defend it notwithstanding the ancient ruines of the former City is to be seen even at this day There is also a great Inn or resting place for Strangers having within it many Rooms for the receipt of Passengers and a Well of very sweet Water This House was first purchased at the charge of Philip Duke of Burgundy and by him committed to the protection of the Monks of Mount Sion by whom it is at this day made an Hospital wherein Pilgrims Travellers and Strangers are entertained and find much relief In an inward Orchard belonging to this Hospital there is a fair plat of Ground that bringeth forth great abundance of Aloes of which there is often mention in the holy Scriptures but more especially in Psalm 48. Thy Garments smell of Aloes and Cassia when thou comest out of thy Ivory Palaces where they have made thee glad Nicodemus a Prince of the Iews together with Ioseph of Arimathea brought with them an hundred pound of Aloes mixed with Myrrh to embalm the Body of our Saviour Christ when they had begged it of Pilate before they buried it Ioh. 19. Myrrh is a kind of Gum that issueth out of a Tree that grows in the East Countries but principally in Arabia The Tree out of which it issueth is commonly two Yards and a half high with some Pricks upon it the Bark whereof being cut there issueth out of it drops like Tears which congealeth into a Gum and is called Myrrh The principal Vertue that it hath is to keep the Bodies of the dead incorruptable see Pli. li. 12. ca. 15. 16. In Arabia Foelix there is such abundance of sweet Myrrh Frankincense and other odoriferous Gums that such as Sail in the red Sea may easily smell the savour of them There is also found in the Holy Land Myrrh and Aloes Aloes is the juyce of a certain bitter Herb which by some is called Everliving it killeth the Worms and preserveth from Putrifaction it is also good for the Sight There is to be gathered in India Arabia and the Holy Land a certain Herb of an extraordinary sweet smell with Leaves broad fat and juycy which being press'd yieldeth more Aloes than Honey from whence this metaphorical Proverb is used Quod plus molestiae quam voluptatis gignit that is more troublesome than profitable You may read also in Plautus that the Life of Man tasteth more of Aloes than Honey and Iuvenal speaking of an evil Wife saith she hath more of Aloes than Honey So Euripides Every sweet hath his sowre So also the Holy Cross seemeth to have more of Aloes than Honey notwithstanding it preserveth us from eternal Corruption and killeth the venemous Worms of Conscience cleanseth us from our Sins and freeth us from the fear of the Devil and eternal Death that so we might be recreated and by the Faith of our Saviour be raised up at the last day and partake with him in his everlasting
against them insomuch that he left this goodly City as a Prey to the Gentiles and Foreign Nations that carried the People thereof into Captivity where for a long time they remained in great misery After the first desolation because the Country round about this City was very fertile and pleasant abounding with Springs Rivers Vines Olive Gardens Mountains fruitful Vallies fair Cities and strong Castles and Towns Herod Ascalonites that great King of the Iews who put to death the innocent Children re-edified it set up many goodly buildings beautified with Marble Pillars and pleasant Walks And also in the circuit of the Kings House and under the buildings of the Nobility in the common Market-place the Houses and Vaults were supported with Marble Pillars according to the manner of the Iews The Palace called the Kinâ—s House stood in the midst of the City upon the top of the Mountain and round about it there were divers other buildings set up but much lower even about the descent of the Mountain yet scituated that the Inhabitants might see out of their Houses the Country round about Then close to the Palace in the upper part of the City he caused a Temple to be built in honor of Augustus Thus having finished the inside he compass'd it about with a mighty Wall and upon that placed many Turrets and then to flatter Augustus called it by the name of Sebasten which among the Grecians signifies Augustum venerabile Principem now although this City was very glorious and spacious in those times for it was three miles about yet at this day it is utterly ruined and destroyed insomuch that there is not a House standing two Churches only excepted which were built in honour of St. Iohn Baptist and the chief of these which was the Cathedral Church the Saracens have converted to their use so that at this day Mahomet is worshipped in it In this stood the Sepulchre of St. Iohn Baptist cut out in Marble like the Sepulchre of Christ where as Hierom saith he lieth buried between Elisha and Obediah the Prophets This Church stands upon the side of the Mountain in the descent The Saracens do principally reverence St. Iohn Baptist next after Christ and they affirm the Virgin Mary to have conceived by the holy Spirit and not by the Seed of Man That St. Iohn was the greatest Prophet except Christ that ever was They also believe Christ to be the Son of God but not to be equal with God Yet they prefer Mahomet before both because they hold him a Messenger sent from God not unto all Men but only unto the Saracens and Turks and their Subjects The other Church which stood in Samaria was upon the top of the Mountain which somtimes the Kings Palace stood In this Church in times past there dwelt certain Grecian Monks which were Christians and entertained Christian Pilgrims with great Humanity and furnished them with many Necessaries But the City of Samaria it self hath been so often overthrown and brought to such extream misery that almost all the Ground where it stood is at this time converted into an Olive Garden So that as that wicked King Ahab turned the Vineyard of Naboth which stood close by his House into an Olive Garden so God in his singular Justice hath turned the Palace of that King and the whole City wherein he dwelt which was the strength of his Kingdom into an Olive Garden There are not so many ruins found through all the Land of Iudaea though there have been many worthy Cities destroyed as are in this place at this day The scituation of this City was very beautiful for a man might have seen from it to the Sea of Ioppae and Antipatris also to Caesarea Palestina and thorough all the Mountain of Ephraim to Ramatha Sophim and so to Mount Carmel and the City of Ptolomais Of Lidda THIS City was scituated not far from Ioppa upon the shore of the Mediterranean Sea 20 miles from Ierusalem North-wâ—â—â—ward In this City Peter healed Aeneas who had been sick eight years of the Palsie At this day there is nothing to be seen but the Church of St. George who was beheaded by the Emperour Dioclesian for professing the Christiaâ— Fâ—ith The Grecians call this Town Diospolis i. An holy Town And the Turks account St. George for a valiant Knight and holy man Of Caesarea Strato THIS City was scituated upon the shore of the Mediterranean Sea some 32 miles from Jerusalem North-ward in ancient time it was called Strato being first built by Strato King of Sidon But time having decayed a great part of it Herod Ascalonita repaired it and made it a goodly thing calling it Caesarea after the name of Augustus Caesar. And that Ships might lie at Anchor there without danger he caused to be built a fair Haven to oppose the violence of the Sea This Haven was so wonderfully coâ—trived and set up at such a great charge that it was admirable to look upon for he laid the foundation of it twenty yards under Water burying in the deep Stones of an extraordinary greatness some fifty foot long eight foot thick and ten foot broad and many of them more The Haven it self was beautified with fair Buildings and goodly Walls supported with Marble Pillars and mounted up aloft so that you might see the Ships as they were upon the Sea and made way to his Harbour The entrance into it was upon the North at the mouth thereof there stood three mighty Colosses upon Marble Pillars He also placed upon the Wall of the City towards the Haven mighty Towers the chiefest and fairest of which he dedicated to Drusus Augustus his Son in law and called it by the Name of the Drusian Tower The buildings that joyned to this Haven were all of white polished Marble and the Streets of the City were directly towards it Also the Market-place where they bought and sold was not far from it Upon a little Hill close by this Port he caused a Church to be built in honour of Augustus Caesar. This Temple was a very magnificent and stately building and in it he caused the Statue of Augustus curiously wrought and cast just in the figure of Iupiter Olympius to be erected and worshipped it as his God There are many other stately and sumptuous buildings that were set up by this King But amongst the rest he bestowed great cost upon the Market-place the Theatre and the Amphitheatre which he wonderfully beautified and instituted certain Games to be there used once every fifth year in Honour of Augustus as Ioseph de Bell. Iud. li. 1. witnesseth After the death of this King Herod Agrippa was made King of the Jews This Prince some ten years after the Resurrection of Christ caused James the Son of Zebedeus upon the 25 day of July to be put to death in Jerusalem and when he perceived it was acceptable unto the Jews in the following year about the the Feast of the Passover he caused Peter to be
Asia whereby Lysimachus was constrained to leave this and make opposition against Seleucus Nicanor who had invaded his Dominions But in this War Lysimachus was slain And Philetaerus having in his possession great Riches that he might enjoy what he had was always observant to him that got the Victory by which means he kept himself and his Riches for the space of 20 years in that Castle and then died and left all his Wealth to Eumenes his brothers Son who inlarged his Government and overcame Antiochus the Son of Seleucus This Man after he had reigned 32 years died and Attalus his Son succeeded him in the Government who having conquered Galatia made a league with the Romans and by them was first called by the name of a King After him succeeded his Son Eumenes the second of that name who aided the Romans against Antiochus magnus King of Syria for which service the Romans gave him all the Dominions that Antiochus had on this side the Alps. This man was the first that enlarged the Castle of Pergamus and made it a goodly City planting round about it a thick Wood or Grove and called it Nicephorus And after he had reigned 49 years he died and left his Kingdom to his Son Attalus called Philometor This Attalus after he had done many notable exploits died without issue when he had reigned five years and left his Kingdom to the Romans who turned it into a Province There lived in this Town many learned Men as Galen the Physician who was famous in the time of Trajan the Emperour and as the Fame went lived 140 years Of that Town also was Apollodorus the Rhetorician who was School-Master to Augustus Caesar of which man the Apollodorean Sect took Name and Dionysius Atticus his Scholar Here Antipas was crowned with the Wreath of Martyrdom To the Bishop of this Town Iohn wrote his Revelation and in the second Chapter thereof sharply reprehendeth him because he bore with the Sect of the Nicholaitans which although it lasted not long yet it was very dangerous Eusebius saith That Nicholaus one of the seven Deacons for the Poor at Antiochia of whom you may read Act. 6. was the first Author of this Sect yet Clem. Alexand. clears him of it laying that Offence rather on certain idle Persons that misconstruing his Words being given over to vile Affections covered their Evils under his Name calling themselves Nicholaites though indeed he had no hand in it but lived and died honestly The Opinion that this Sect held as Euseb. saith li. 3. ca. 23. and Irenaeus lib. 1. chap. 27. was That Women were to be common That it was lawful to eat Meat offered to Idols That Fornication and Adultery was no Sin beside many other wicked and perverse Opinions concerning the Deity which would be too tedious to recite in this place You may read more of it in Eusebius and Tertullian Of Thyatira THIS was the fourth Church to which Iohn wrote his Revelation it was scituated close by the River Caicus upon the Borders of Mysia and Lydia 600 miles from Ierusalem North-eastward It was a very fair City in Asia minor yet subject to the Lydians In this Country Lidda was born that dwelt at Philippa and gave entertainment to Paul and Sylas Act. 16. Philippa was distant from this Town 400 miles It was at first called according to the Testimony of Stephen Pelopea and Semiramis But after Seleucus Nicanor King of Syria making War upon Lysimachus King of Thrace coming to this Town had News that his Wife had bore him a Daughter in honour whereof he would needs have the Town called Thugateira which in Greek signifies a Daughter but Thyatira Divine Reverence Of Sardis TO this City also St. Iohn wrote his Revelation It was a famous and Princely Seat scituated in Asia not far from the Mountain Tmolus where Croesus King of the Lydians kept his Court being 536 miles from Ierusalem towards the North-west It was so called without doubt of Sardus the Son of Hercules which maketh Sardis in the plural number Of this Town were those two Diodories which were Orators The Younger of them did write Histories and Poems and was one of Strabo's great Friends Close by this Town is found a precious Stone which after the Towns Name is called Sardis it is of a fleshly Colour and therefore is commonly called Carnalia of which you may read more in Pliny lib. 37. cap. 4. Of Philadelphia SAINT Iohn also wrote his Revelation to this City It was scituated in Myâ—â—a a Country in Asia Minor being 450 miles from Ierusalem towards the North-west This City is so often troubled with Earth-quakes that the Inhabitants are many times constrained to dwell in the open Fields Upon the East side thereof lies a dry and barren Country which seemeth to be burnt and scorch'd with heat being 60 miles long and 48 miles broad where there grows no Trees but there are found great plenty of Grapes which being prest yeild very pleasant Wine and may compare with the best of those Parts The Superficies of the Earth seemeth like Ashes mountainy stony and black many conjecture the cause thereof to be by reason of the great Thunders and Lightning that they have there but there are some which give other reasons for it It was called Philadelphia of Attolus Philodelphius who first built it Of Laodicea THIS was the seventh and last City that Iohn directed his Revelation to It stood close by the River Lycus in Caria a Country in Asia the less five hundred and twenty miles from Ierusalem towards the North-west and is likewise oftentimes troubled with Earthquakes as Sardis Magnesia and Philadelphia are The reason of these often Earthquakes is thought to be because there are Vaults and hallow Caves under the Earth into which the Air in the time of heat having free entrance then closeth up again so that it can find no passage out it striveth with continual motion to make way through the Earth by which means the Earth trembleth and shaketh and look how much the deeper these Vaults are under the Earth so much the more violent are the Earth-quakes by which means Cities are oftentimes utterly overthrown and ruined sometimes the Earth sinketh and Ponds and Rivers are swallowed up 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 fertility of the Soile and pleasant scituation it of a sudden became a fair City beautified with many fair and goodly Houses wherein there dwelt many wealthy Citizens so that for their Nobility and Worthiness it was accounted the most famous Town in all Asia Here Hiero dwelt who divided his Inheritance among the Citizens and over and above he gave them two thousand Talents of Gold besides many other Gifts and Gratuities to adorn and beautifie the City After him there lived Zeno the Orator and
very curious but within all of polished Marble and Alablaster guilt with resplendent Gold so artificially that it dazleth the Beholders Eyes There was a certain Florentine who revolted from the Christian Faith and obtained to be chief Governour of this Town in which he erected a strong and beautiful Castle which stood for the Defence of it No man can sufficiently express the Beauty and Glory of this City there is great Traffique and much resort of People to it but especially of Turks Saracens Mamalucks and other kinds of Pagan People who are preferred before the Christians in that Government and although there are many Christians in that place yet they are constrained to endure great Injury by those Barbarians because they are hated even unto the Death and if any of them chance to die they are buried in that place where Paul was converted The Inhabitants shew the place where St. Paul was let down over the Wall in a Basket also the House of Ananias who cured the Blindness of Paul besides many other things that are memorable in that City of which you may read in Sebestian Munster Sebastian Frankus Plin. lib. 5. and many other Authors Of Arabia MAny things are already spoken concerning this Country as the division of the place one called Petraea the other Deserta and the third Foelix Arabia Petraea is so called from the metropolitan City thereof called Petra which is scituated forty miles from Ierusalem towards the South and bordereth upon Egypt and India It is also called Arabia Nabathea as you may read before Paran and Sur are a part of it compassing towards the East the Land of Iudaea and so extendeth to Damascus This Country is very full of Rocks and Stones the chief City Petra being scituated upon a Rock of which it taketh the Name Here standeth the Mountains Horeb and Sinai here the Children of Israel travelled when they went out of Egypt here is the Sardonix Stone found and the People of this Country in times past were great Prophets and Astrologians here also St. Paul taught the Gospel a little after his Conversion Gal. 1. at which time Aretas was King thereof whose Sister was married to Herod the Tetrarch of Galilee and Petraea but he cast her off and married Herodias his Brother Philips Wife upon which there began a bloody War between Aretas and Herod and a sharp Battel was fought near to Gamala a City beyond Iordan And although the two Kings were not at this Battel yet by the Treason and Flight of the Souldiers out of Tracones who without all question would have revenged the Contempt done unto their Lord Philip the Arabian Army carried away a notable Victory as Iosephus witnesseth lib. antiq 18. cap. 4. 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 Country round about was under the Jurisdiction of this King and that he ordained a Lieutenant or General in those Parts who would have taken Paul and put him to death Acts 9. 2 Col. 12. The other part of Arabia is called by Ptolomy Deserta but Strabo calls it Scenilis because the Inhabitants thereof are without Buildings or Tents and live like Vagrants up and down the Woods This is compass'd in upon the South with certain Mountains of Arabia Foelix towards the North it borders upon Mesopotamia and towards the West upon Petraea The third is called Arabia Foelix because of the Fertility thereof for they have there every year two Harvests as they have in India as Strabo observeth See Plin. lib. 6. cap. 28. Of Antiochia YOU may read of this Town before It is said that Luke the Evangelist was born here This Man was by Profession a Physician Col. 4. and an inseparable Companion to Paul in all his Travels he was of the number of the seventy Disciples as Epiphanius observeth Tertullian saith in his fourth Book against Marcion that Luke received his Gospel from the mouth of Paul he lived till he was 84 years old and then died and lies buried at Constantinople as St. Ierom saith for his Bones were removed out of Achaia thither The second Travels of the Apostle Paul in the Company of Barnabas IN the eleventh year after the Nativity of Christ and in the four and fortieth year of Paul he and Barnabas was sent by the Holy Spirit from Antiochia in Syria to Seleucia which was four and twenty miles From Seleucia they sailed to Salamais in Cyprus which was 94 miles Act. 13. From thence they went to Paphos which is in the same Isle where Sergius Paulur was converted and Elymas the Magician who professing himself to be the Messias and Son of God was struck with Blindness Act. 13. This Journey was 100 miles They loosing from Paphos went by Sea and Land the same year to Pergamus a City of Pamphilia scituated in Asia minor which was 148 miles In the 45 year after the Nativity 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 stayed some time and converted many Act. 13. 14. In the 46 year after the Nativity of Christ there being a great Tumult raised in that Country lest the Inhabitants should have stoned them they fled thence to Lystra a City of Lycaonia where Paul healed the lame man which was twenty eight 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 certain Iews coming from Antiochia and Iconia arrived in Listra by whose perswasion the People stoned Paul and supposing him to be dead carried him out of the City but when his Disciples came unto him he rose up and went into the Town Act. 14. The next day they went to Derbe a City of Lyaconia which was 48 miles From thence they returned back again to Lystra in the same year which was 28 miles From Iconia they came to Atiochia in Pisidia which was 16 miles In this City they comforted the Disciples exhorting them that they should persevere in their Faith For through many Afflictions we must enter into the Kingdom of Heaven They also elected Elders in the Churches so with Fasting and Prayers they commended them to the Lord in whom they believed In the 47 year after Christ they went from Antiochia thorough all Piâ—idia and came to Pergamus a City in Pamphilia which was 132 miles here they preached the Word of the Lord Act. 14. From Pergamus in the following year they went down to the City of Attalia which was 26 miles In the 48 year after the Nativity of Christ they loosed thence and went to Antiochia in Syria which was 340 miles here they assembled the Church and shewed what wonderful things the Lord had wrought by them and how he had opened the door of Faith unto the Gentiles In this place they stayed a great space
Acts. 14. In the year following they went from Antiochia to Ierusalem which was 280 miles to the Apostolical Council which was celebrated in that City 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 Sâ—las and Iudas sirnamed Barsabas went again to Antiochia in Syria which was 280 miles here Paul opposed Peter for preaching unto the Gentiles Gal. 2. So these Travels of Paul were 1744 miles Of the Towns and Places to which he travelled Of Cyprus BEcause you may read of Seleucia before I therefore willingly omit it that I might speak more fully of Cyprus This is a fair and spacious Isle scituated in the Mediterranean Sea in the Gulph of Issa bordering upon Cilicia and Syria distant 160 miles from Ierusalem towards the North as Strabo saith lib. 14. It is in compass 428 miles very fertile powerful 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 given much unto Luxury and Venery from whence it happened that Venus was greatly honoured amongst them It is said that there are many precious Stones found in it besides Crystal Allum and Cypress Wood which abounds in that place from which it seemeth the Island was called Cyprus There are also found many Simples that are Physical much Sack comes thence and many other things necessary for the Life of Man Here also standeth the Mountain Olympus whose top seemeth to touch the Heavens from whence it taketh the name because there never lies any Clouds upon it Lucan lib 2. There are four Mountains of this name the one lieth between Macedon and Thessaly the other in Cyprus the third amongst the Mysians at the foot whereof Hanibal built Prusa and the fourth in Aethiopia upon the East side of Heliopolis There are many Cities in this Country as Macaria Cyprus or Gyrhea after called Paphos and now Baffa in which there standeth such a famous Temple that Venus of that is called Cypriae and Cytherea Nicosia and Salamus now called Famagusta There have been many and cruel sharp Wars between the Venetians and Turks concerning this Country but at this day it is under 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 Salamania was one of the principal Cities of Cyprus and was distant from Ierusalem 196 miles towards the North built by Tucer the Son of Telamon and scituated in the Eubean Sea just against Athens The occasion why this Town was built happened by reason of a discontent that grew betwen Tucer and his Father Telamon For Tucer returning from Troy not having revenged the death of his Mother Ajax so much incensed his Father that he banished him his Country whereupon Teucer sailed thence to Cyprus where he built this City and because of the extraordinary affection that he bore to the Country where he was born called it by the name of Salamena or Salamais Saint Ierom saith that there is a River of extraordinary hot Water that runneth through a great part of this Country and that it was once overcome by the Iews and utterly ruined and destroyed but after re-peopled and called by the name of Constantia This Town at this day is called by the name of Famagusta and was taken with the whole Island of Cyprus by Mustapha chief Captain to Selimus the second Emperour of the Turks An. Dom. 1570. Solon that notable and famous Philosopher was born in this Town And Paul and Barnabas sailed out of Syria and lived in this Town Act. 31. Of Paphos THIS City is scituated upon the shore of Cyprus 212 miles from Ierusalem towards the North and seemeth to take the name from Paphos the Son of Pigmalion the Artificer In this Town there stood a notable Temple built by that Pigmalion in the honour of Venus for that as it seemeth by the Poets he was much given to Women Here Elimas that wicked Magician who as some will have it called himself the Son of Iesus as others the Son of Iehovah dwelt whom the Lord by the Hand of Paul struck with Blindness Here also Sergius Pauluâ— the Pro-Consul was converted It was in times past a goodly fair City as the ruines thereof testifie to this day but now it is destroyed and almost desolate There as it is for the most part through that Island the Air is impure and unwholsom and the ruines of many goodly Churches and Buildings are to be seen also the Walls of a strong and almost impregnable Tower scituated upon a Hill in the middle of the City and as may be thought was sometime the habitatâ—on of Sergius Paulus There is also shewn under a certain Church which in ancient times belonged unto the Brothers of the Minores a certain Prison divided into seven Rooms where Paul and Barnabas were imprisoned for preaching the Gospel Here also under another Church is found a Spring of very wholsome Water which is a present remedy for the Ague and Fever Here also is excellent Wine Of Perga PERGA was a City of Pamphilia from whence Diana is called Pergea because there was a notable Temple in that Town which was dedicated to her It is scituated in Asia the less near to Cheractus as Ptolomais saith but as Strabo saith close by Cestria a fair and goodly River 356 miles from Ierusalem towards the North. The Country wherein this standeth is full of Mountains extending from the Mountain Taurus which beginneth in this place abounding with Vines Olives and other Fruits unto the Sea There are many fair and fruitful Pastures in it and many goodly and beautiful Cities as Aspendius Phaselis and this Perga besides many others needless to be named There was usually every year a great Feast kept here in honour of Diana but Paul and Barnabas coming to this Town converted most of the Inhabitants to the Knowledge of God and of his Son Christ Jesus Acts 13. Of Antiochia in Pisidia THIS was the chief City in Pisidia scituated in Asia Minor 460 miles from Ierusalem towards the North. St. Paul converted a great multitude in this Town 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 far from the bowing of Mount Taurus in Asia the less as Strabo saith lib. 12. 420 miles from Ierusalem towards the North. In this City Paul and Barnabas continued a long time and did many Miracles by which means a great multitude of the Inhabitants were converted to the Christian Faith Act. 13. 14. It is to this day a fair City and under the Government of the Turks who won it from the Princes of Caramanian About 400 years before there was a great Battel â—ought close by this Town between
the Saracens and the Army of the Emperour of Conradus the third in which the Christians lost the day Of Lystra THIS is a City in Lycaonia scituated in Asia the less 436 miles from Ierusalem towards the North. In this Town Timothy was born Act. 16. 2 Tim. 3. In this City Paul healed the Cripple and was stoned Act. 14. 2 Cor. 11. Of Darbe THIS also was a City in Lycaonia scituated in Asia the Less 388 miles from Ierusalem towards the North where Paul and Barnabas preached the Gospel Act. 14. Of Attalia ATtalia was a Haven Town of Pamphilia built by Attalus Philadephus King of Pergamus after whose name it was so called as Strato observeth lib. 14. being distant from Ierusalem 332 miles towards the North. Paul and Barnabas sailed out of Syria into this Town At this day it is called Catalia The third Travels of Paul in the company of Sylas IN the fifth year after the Ascension of Christ Paul took unto him Sylas and going through Syria and Cilicia came to Darbe which is 400 miles and there established the Churches Act. 15. 16. From Darbe they went to Lystra forty eight miles where Paul circumcised Timothy Act. 16. In the one and fiftieth year after Christ they went from Lystra and so travelled through Galatia Phrygia and being hindred by the Spirit that they could not preach in Bythinia they went thorough Mysia and so came to Troas where by a Vision that Paul saw in the night he was admonished to go into Macedonia Act. 16. So this Journey between Lycia and Troas was 483 miles Loosing from Troas they sailed with a direct course to Samothracia 116 miles From thence they sailed to Neapolis ninety two miles From thence they went to Philippos in Macedonia twenty four miles Act. 16. here Lydda the Seller of Purple was converted and Paul dispossessed of a Devil and then he and Scylas being scourged were cast into Prison Paul being then about forty one years of age Act. 16. From Philippos they went to Amphipolis about 36 miles Act. 17. From thence they went to Apollonia forty four miles From Apollonia they went to Thessalonica where the Iews stirred up a Tumult eighty miles Wherefore they went thence by night and came to Berrhaea sixty miles here also the Iews stirred up a Tumult Act. 17. These things happened in the Summer Season An. Dom. 51. From Berrhaea Paul was brought by the Brethren to the Sea where entring into a Ship he went to Athens which was 294 miles where he converted Dionysius the Areopagite From this Town he wrote both his Epistles to the Thessalonians as the Subscription witnesseth and sent them to Thessalonica These were the first Epistles that Paul wrote Afterward he went from Athens and came to Corinthia seventy four miles he came thither about the beginning of August An. Dom. 51. and continued there a whole Year and six Months preaching the Gospel and making Tents with Aquila the Iew who was of that Trade Act. 19. From Corinthia about the Spring An. Dom. 53. he went to Cenchraea with Aquila and Priscilla 304 miles There for Devotions sake he polled his Head From Cenchraea he sailed in the company of Aquila and Priseilla to Ephesus about 304 miles Here he left them Act. 18. From Ephesus he sailed to Caesarea Strato in Iudaea being 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 Travels were 2154. Of the Towns and Places to which he travelled Of Cilicia BEcause you may read of Syria before I will omit it and proceed to speak of Cilicia This was a Country in Asia the less so called as some would have it from Cilix the Kings Son of Phoenicia compassed in upon the East with the Mountain Amanus upon the North with the Mountain Taurus upon the West by Pamphilia and upon 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 divided into two parts that is into Cilicia the higher and the lower Cilicia the higher aboundeth with Mountains the lower is a plain Champian Country very fertile and pleasant The principal Cities thereof are Tarsus where the Apostle Paul was born and where the River Cydnus runs through the midst of it Issus where Alexander overcame Darius last Emperour of the Persians Anazarba where Dioscorides that excellent Physician was born 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 every side with Mountains but principally with the Mountain Taurus famous for the fertility of it and the passage of Alexander with his Army who at the time he conquered Darius went through the streight passages thereof being both dangerous and difficult and watered with many Rivers that take their beginning from that Mountain and so passeth Southward through all Cilicia falling then into the Mediterranean Sea Of Galatia GALATIA or Gallo-Graecia is a Country of Asia Minor distant from Ierusalem 400 miles having upon the hast Cappadocia upon the South Pamphilia upon the West Bythâ—ia and on the North the Euxine Sea The Cities of this Country were anciently 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 honour and was fetch'd thence by the Romans This was a famous Mart Town as Livy saith li 29. Laodicea Tavius and Ancyra where there was held a notable Synod and in this large and spacious Country also stood Antiochia Pisidia for the Galatians dwelt in all Paphlagonia a part of Licaonia Pisidia and Isauria in which Countries the Apostle Paul taught the Gospel of Christ. These Inhabitants which in those daies were called Galatians are said to be a People of France who joyning themselves to the Cyâ—brians Danes and Germans under the conduct of Brennus their Captain invaded Italy in which Enterprise they were so fortunate that they conquered a great part of it wherein they planted Colonies and because of their nearness to their own Country in process of time grew mighty and from that beginning the Country where they inhabited was called Cice-alpine-Gallia taking that name partly of the Place partly of the People After Brennus and his Army making use of their Fortunes sorraged all Italy and came to Rome which they won and sack'd all but the Capitol and that also was in great danger until such time as Camillus a valiant Roman Captain taking advantage of the Enemies Security who now took more care how to satisfie their Covetousness than to defend what they had got of a sudden set upon them by which unexpected Invasion they were put to a marvellous straight and the Besieged greatly incouraged so
that they also issuing out of the Capitol made such a Slaughter that they forced Brennus and his Army to retire and to restore all the Pillage that he had got and also forsake the Country This Misfortune they bore patiently considering their former Prosperity and in hope of better Success â—ailed thence into Grecia where after they had attempted many noble Exploits and failing in some they determined a Voyage for Delphos because there was great store of Treasure and the Inhabitants as they supposed weak to oppose their Army In this Expedition they used much Pillage and robbing upon the Seas and through many dangers came at length to this Isle landed their Men won the City fired a great part of it and put many of the Inhabitants to the Sword with this Victory most of his Army which were more Religious than the rest would have willingly left the Country but Brennus who before-times had been used to Sacriledge and those that were as covetous as himself thought it Baseness through an Opinion of Holiness to leave so great a Booty behind them as was contained in the Temple of Aâ—ollo for that place of all the Temples of the World in those times was notorious for Riches and Treasure the many and great Gratuities and Offerings of most Princes which were both magnificent and rich being hoarded up in the secret Caves of this Oracle wherefore they attempted the Assault but with bad Success for the Devil raised such a Tempest with Thundring Lightning and other strange and uncouth Accidents that Brennus in this Distemperature of the Air was slain many of his Ships were set on fire and the greatest part of his Army lost being either spoiled with Lightning slain by the Inhabitants or dispersed with Fear such Event had this sacrilegious Attempt Those that remained after they had gathered themselves into a Body went thence into Asia the less and planted themselves in this Country where the Inhabitants in process of time called them Gallâ—-Graecians adding their original name to that of the Country wherein they lived and after for beauties sake they were called Galatians See Liv. lib. 5. Diodorus Siculus lib. 6. saith That the Inhabitants of Galatia were so called of this People in the time that Gideon judged Israel and that Cyrus was Emperour of Persia both may be true considering the mutability and change of States in those times Some think they were first called Galatians by Attalus King of Pergamus who gave them a great overthrow close by the River Halym because they originally were of Gallia and continued sometime in Graecia and after came into Asia so he joyning these two names into one called them Gallo-Gracian or Gallatians This History is diversly reported by divers Authors but all conclude that they rested and inhabited in Asia where their Posterity continued to this day In times past it was a very Warlike and Generous Nation and in their Expedition performed many noble Exploits attaining to Eminence only by their Sword for which cause many Princes near them were beholding unto them for their Aid but withal cruel and barbarous insomuch as they oftentimes eat their Captives or offered them to their Gods and thus they continued for the space of 300 years till Paul coming into that Country preached the Gospel amongst them and converted them from this Barbarism to the Christian Faith he sent an Epistle to this People from Rome being 1200 miles They in those times held all Paphlagonia a part of Phrygia Cappadocia and of all the neighbouring Countries thereabouts which after their names was called Gallo-Graecia or Galatia such a mighty Nation was this grown in a short time at first being a People shut out of their own Country for want of a place to inhabit in as you may read more at large in the fifth Book of Livie whose Authority I have princippally followed herein Of Phrygia PHryga is as much as to say a dry and sandy Country scituated in Asia the less between Galatia and Mysia 600 miles from Ierusalem North-westward It is divided into two parts the greater and the less in the greater Phrygia stood Smyrna in the less Dardania so called of Dardanus who first built it in which Town there reigned many wealthy and mighty Princes as Ericthoinâ— Tros of whom it was called Troy Ilus of whom it was called Ilion Laomedon who was the Father of Priamus the last King thereof for in his time it was destroyed by the Grecians Of which Desolation I will not speak because it is commonly known It lay wast so long although it had been a fair and goodly City the like not in the World that the place where it stood was become like a plain Field only here and there some heaps of old Ruines to shew that there had been a City in that place And as Virgil said Iam seges est ubi Troja fuit Corn now grows where Troy stood A long time after there were a certain People that called themselves Trojans who rebuilt it but not in the same place and in it erected a goodly Temple in honour of the Goddess Pallas to the which Temple Alexander the Great after he had conquered Darius King of Persia close by the River Granicus which took begâ—nning in a Mountain not far from Troy went and with singular Gladness and great Solemnity offered many rich and goodly Presents enlarged the Town and greatly adorned But after he had ended the Persian War and conquered almost all the known World he sent very kind and loving Letters to these new Trojans promising not only to inlarge the Town and indow it with many Priviledges and Revenues but also to build up a fair and sumptuous Temple there as Strabo lib. 15. saith all which was done for the love he bore to Homers Iliads Wherefore look what Alexander had promised Lysimacus one of his chief Princes and King of Thrace after his death performed for he returned to Troy enlarged the City beautified it with goodly Buildings set up a stately Temple and then compass'd it about with strong Walls After this sort it continued a long time untill Fimbria a Questor of the Romans when he had slain Vallerius Flaccus the Consul with whom he was sent against Mithridates King of Pontus besieged it and within ten days space won it making his Vaunts that he conquered that City in ten days which Agamemnon could scarce do in ten years to which one of the Inhabitants of the City answered that then Troy had a Hector but now it had none But for this he cruelly wasted the City This destruction happened in the 84 year before Christ thus it lay desolate till Caesar's time who caused it again to be re-edified and beautified with many fair and goodly Buildings because the Romans and especially those noble Families of the Iulii and Caesars do derive their Progeny from the Trojans for which cause Augustus used such diligence in the rebuilding of this City and bestowed such infinite
cost that he much exceeded Alexander and made it a fair and goodly City At this day it is called Ilium But in the place of old Troy there is little to be seen only a small Town as Strabo saith It is distant from Ierusalem 760 miles North-westward Of Bythinia THIS Country is opposite to Constantinople scituated in Asia minor distant from Ierusalem North-westward and so called of Bythinus the Son of Iupiter and Thrax It was sometime called Pontus Bebrycia and Mygdonia as Stephanus saith In this Country the Apostle Paul could not preach the Gospel of Christ when he went into Macedonia and Graecia because he was hindred by the Spirit Act. 16. The principal Cities thereof were Calcidon Heraclea Nicea Nicodemia Apamea Flaviopolis Libissa where Hannibal lieth buried and Prusa now called Brysa where in times past the Enperours of Turky kept their Courts and were buried The Mother and Metropolis of all these Cities was Nicea or rather Nicaea being distant from Ierusalem 720 miles towards the North-west at the first called Antigonia of Antigonus the Son of Philip King of Asia who built it after the death of Alexander the Great But Lysimacus called it Nicaea after his Wifes name and at this day it is called Nissa The compass thereof is two miles being four square scituated as Strabo saith lib. 12. in a fair and pleasant place lying close by the Pool of Ascania and hath in it four Gates standing in a direct line all which Gates might easily have been seen from a certain Stone which stood in the middle of the Market-place In this City the most Christian Emperour Constantine the Great celebrated a Councel Anno Dom. 325. at which time there were present 320 Bishops who condemned the Arrian Heresie and instituted the Nicene Creed But after that viz. Anno Dom. 326. the Arrians endeavouring to hold a second Councel in this City to confirm their Opinions and to dissolve that which went before the Lord hindred them with an Earth-quake by which almost half the City was thrown down Not long after there happened another Earth-quake which utterly destroyed it Notwithstanding it was rebuilt again and in it a second Councel held wherein the Nicene 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 River Varus a fourth as Stephans saith is amongst the Lorrenses in Graecia a fifth in Illeria a sixth in India a seventh in Corsica and the eighth in Leuctris of Boetia Of Mysia THIS is a Country of Asia the less bordering upon Hellespont and Troada being divided into two parts that is the greater and the less That part that bordereth upon Troada is distant from Ierusalem 800 miles North-westward but that which is called Mysia the less and bordering upon Lydia is 1028 miles from Ierusalem North-westward In this Country stood Pergam to which Iohn wrote his Revelation Scepsis where one Neleus kept the Books of Aristotle till Apollonius time also Antandrus Adramitium Tranoiapolis and Aâ—ollonia which stood close by the River Thyndaeus The Inhabitants were Men of a base condition and contemned of the World insomuch as they became a Proverb as often as a Man would denote a thing of no estimation they would say Viâ—imum esse myliorum that is It is worse than the Mysians as it appeareth in Cicero's oration for Flaccus Yet notwithstanding Paul and Iohn the Evangelist preached the Doctrine and Light of the Gospel to this poor and despised People so that the Mysians which were a contemptable and abominable Nation before all the World were not so before God for they were converted at the preaching of Iohn and Paul From whence he saith Not many Wise according to the flesh not many mighty not many noble but God hath chosen the foolish things of this World that they might confute and overthrow the Wise c. 1. Cor. 1. Intimes past they were a great People though of small estimation for they had under their jurisdiction Lydia Caria Pergamus Thyatira Sardis Philadelphia 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 won and held Thracia Macedonia and all the Land of the Adriatick Sea c. Of Troas THIS City Troas where Paul raised Eutichus which signifies Happy or Fortunate from death to life Act. 10. stood upon the Sea of Hellespont in Asia the less 720 miles from Ierusalem North-westward Antigonus King of Asia called it Troas because it was in the Country where Troy was But after the death of Alexander he called it after his own name Antigonia and the better to honour it kept his Court there But Lysimachus King of Thrace having got this City into his Jurisdiction bestowed great cost upon it and set up many fair and goodly Buildings then called it after Alexander's name Alexandria and so it began to be called Alexandria Troas Plin. lib. 5. Strabo lib. 13. Ier. de locis Hebraicis Now it was called Alexandria Troas to put a difference between it and divers other Cities of that name for there was an Alexandria in Aegypt another in India and many others elsewhere but only this in the Country where Troy stood It was scituated in a high and spacious Mountain about a mile and a half from the Shore of Propontus towards the East between which and Troas is twenty eight miles It is a thing worthy Observation to consider by what divers names the Sea that lies between Europe and Asia the less is called for between Constantinople and Calcidonia close by the Euxine Sea it is called Thrascius Bosphorus in which place it is not above half a mile broad here Xerxes when he invaded Graecia built up a Bridge for his Army to pass over There is also another streight and narrow place in this Sea which is called by the name of Cimmeriu Bosphorius These two Bosphori are so called as some Authors hold because a Bull when he loweth may be heard from the one side to the other but Pliny seemeth to derive the name from Io that fair Maid which Iupiter turned into a Cow who swam over this Sea and of her was called Bosphorus lib. 6. cap. 1. It is also called Proâ—ontus because it lieth just before the Euxine Sea and Hellespont from Helle the Daughter of Athamantis King of Thebes who was drowned therein then running thence it falleth into a Gulph of the Mediterranean Ocean and there it is called the Aegean Sea of Aegeus King of Athens who drowned himself therein for the supposed loss of his Son Theseus In this Sea were scituate the Isles of Pathmos Mytelene Samothrace Chius Lesbus and many other Isles as you may read in the Travels of St. Paul Of Samothracia or Samothrace SAmothracia is an Isle of the Aegean Sea scituated between Troades and Thracia eight hundred and eighty miles from Ierusalem towards the North-west
close to that part of Thracia where Hebrus falleth into the Sea sometimes called Dardani◠of Dardanus King of Troy who when he had slain his Brother Iacius and taken from him the Palladiam he came first into Samothracia and then into Asia where he first laid the Foundation of the City called Troy and of that Kingdom And although this Isle at that time was called Dardania yet because of the nearness that it had to Thrace and the altitude of the Rock whereon it stood it soon changed the name and then especially when the People called Samos came thither to inhabit who after their own name called it Samothracia It stood upon such a lofty place that from thence all the Countries round about might easily be seen Arsinoe Queen of Thrace was banished by Ptolomeus her Brother into this Island who after put to death all her Children and usurp'd upon the Kingdom of Thrace A cruel part in a Brother Virg. lib. Aeneid 3. makes mention of this Island saying Terciamque Samum quae nunc Samothracia fertur And Samian-Troy which now adays is Samothracia call'd Strabo also writeth of it li. 13. And in Act. 16. It is said St. Paul sailed from Troadis to Samothracia and so went thence into Thracia and came to the City of Neapolis Of Neapolis THIS Neapolis to which Paul went was a City of Thrace not far from Macedonia 880 miles from Ierusalem North-westward called also of some Caurus There are many other Cities of this name one in Iudea where Sichem and Sicha◠stood another in Caria a third in Africa a fourth in Pannonia but above all that which stands in Campania is most remarkable being the chief City of the Neapolitan Kingdom Of Philippa THIS City in times past was called Crenides because of the Veins of Gold that were found close by it But after Philip King of Macedon Father of Alexander the Great caused it in the year before Christ 354 to be re-edefied and inlarged and then after his own name called it Philippos It was scituated in Grecia close by the River Stridon 926 miles from Ierusalem toward the North-west and indowed with many Priviledges In those times the Gold was so much increased in this place that the Revenue thereof was worth to this King more than a thousand Talents which at 4500 l. the Talent amounteth to forty five millions of pounds yearly By the which means King Philip grew so rich that he caused his Gold to be coined and called it after his own name Philippian Gold To this place Paul came and did many Miracles taught the Gospel and converted many From hence he wrote his second Epistle to the Corinthians and sent it to Corinth even 292 miles He also wrote an Epistle from Rome to the Christians of this Town and sent it them by the hand of Epaphroditus even 628 miles It was afterward a Colony of the Romans Of Amphipolis THIS was a City of Macedonia compassed about with the River Strymon from whence it took the name and was distant from Ierusalem 960 miles towards the North-west Here also the Apostle Paul was Act. 17. Of Appollonia THIS was a City of Mygdonia scituated not far from Thessalonica towards the West close by the River Echedorus 948 miles from Ierusalem towards the North-west being so called from Appollines which signifies the Sun It stood twenty miles from Thessalonica There are many other Cities of this name one scituate in Grecia close by the Adriatick Sea another among Islands of Thrace a third in Crete on this side the River Ister a fourth in Syria and a fifth in Africa amongst the Cyrenes Of Thessalonia or Thessalonica THIS was a City of Macedon in ancient times called Halia because it stood upon the Sea after called Therma of the hot Baths that were in it and lastly Thessalonica of Philip the Son of Amintas King of the Macedonians who gave it that name either of the great Victory that he had against the Thessalonians or else after the name of his Daughter called Thessalonica who was the Mother of Cassandrus It stood close by the Thermaick Gulph not far from the Mouth of the River Echedorus 932 miles from Ierusalem towards the North-west The Apostle Paul taught publickly in this City and there converted a great multitude of People Act. 17. He also wrote two Epistles to the Inhabitants thereof and sent them from Athens being 232 miles distant In the time of Theodosius the first Emperour of Rome there hapened by reason of some Discontent a grievous Sedition amongst the Thessalonians in which stir some of his Captains and Governours were slain Wherefore the Emperour having intelligence of what had hapened sent an Army against the City with Authority to put to death a certain number of those who had rebelled whence it happened that the City was fill'd with many unjust slaughters for the Souldiers respecting more their private profit than the equity of the cause spared neither Innocent nor Nocent Young nor Old so that as well the Inhabitants as Strangers that resorted thither did partake of this Misery and suffered like punishment as did they which were the first Authors of this Rebellion But because the Emperour was consenting unto these evils Ambrose Bishop of Millain would not suffer him without publick repentance to come to the Sacrament of the Lords Supper wherefore in a publick Assembly he acknowledged his offence with great Contrition Theodor. li. 5. ca. 17. Soz. li. 7. ca. 14. This Town was afterward purchased by the Venetians of Andronicus Palaeologus Son of Emanuel Emperour of Constantinople who held it a long time until Amurath Emperour of the Turks won it from them and exercised grievous cruelty upon the Inhabitants At this day it is a fair 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 have 80 Synagogues but they are constrained to wear yellow wreaths about their heads the Christians blew and the Turks white There are many Iews 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 upon the River of Halakmon 960 miles from Ierusalem North-westward In this City the Iews stirred up a great tumult and sedition against the Apostle Paul Act. 17. At this day it is called Voria Of Athens THIS was the most famous City of all Grecia the Mother of Arts and a bountiful nourisher of large and mighty Colonies in that part of Achaia called Acte or Attica It was scituated upon the shore of the Mediterranean Sea 720 miles from Ierusalem Westward It took name from a Divine knowledg for the word is derived of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the mind
bordering upon Caria being so called from the Vaults and Caves that are in it and distant from Ierusalem 524 miles It hath a City called after the same Name wherein there was a stately Temple built in honour of Iuno and another standing in the Suburbs thereof dedicated to Aesculapius this was a very sumptuous Temple and made very rich because of the many Presents and Gifts that were sent and dedicated to it When the Romans had obtained the Command of this Isle Octavius the Father of Augustus Caesar took out of this Temple a naked Venus which was a goodly Image and carried it with him to Rome in honour of his Progenitors who derived their Progeny from her It is in compass 56 miles being so pleasantly scituated that it was a Sea-Mark to Mariners very fruitful and bringing forth abundance of Wine and Silk by reason of a certain Fish that is found there from which they got great Plenty See Plin. lib. 11. cap. 22. There were many that lived only by weaving of Silk and above the rest there was one Pamphila the Daughter of Plates that was most excellent in that Art There were many famous men that were either born or lived in that Country as Hippocrates that excellent Physician Apelles that notable Painter Simus the Physician Philetas the Poet and Orator Nicia the Prince and Tyrant of Cous Ariston the Peripatetick and Theomnestus that notable Politician At this day this Isle is within the Turkish Empire and by them called Stacu also the principal City thereof is called by the same Name and wholly inhabited by the Turks two Towns only being inhabited by the Grecians but there are many that dwell in strong Castles compassed with round and stately Towers This Country is very fertile abounding with Cattel and the Mountains thereof are little inferiour to those of Crete Of Rhodes THE City and Isle of Rhodes which is so called from the sweet Smell or Roses is scituated in the Mediterranean Sea a little from Asia the less upon the South being distant from Ierusalem 140 miles toward the North-west as Strabo saith lib. 14. It is in compass 112 miles It was at first called Ophy then Statilia and after Telchin of the Inhabitants thereof who were called Telchines a People which as some say were Witches others say curious Artificers and were the first that found out the making of Brass and Iron At last it took the name of Rhodes from the principal City that stood in it for there were three Cities in it viz. Lyndus Camirus and Ialyssus In Lyndus Cleobulus one of the seven Wise-men of Greece and Chares that famous Statuary who made the Colossus which stood in this Isle were born Ialyssus of a Rose that was found in it was called Rhodes being scituated upon an exceeding high Promontory lying toward the East part of that Isle This exceeded the other two Cities both for Ports Ways Walls and other Ornaments and the Inhabitants were governed with such excellent Laws and so skilful in Navigation that it might compare with the strongest City of the World and for a long time had the Command of the Sea round about and utterly abolished all Pirates and Robbers from those parts Diodorus Sicul. lib. 6 saith that it was called Rhodes of Rhodia a fair and beautiful Maid who was dearly beloved of Apollo and therefore this Island was dedicated to the Sun for as Solinus saith Though the Heavens be never so cloudy yet the Sun shineth in Rhodes Pindarus the Poet because of the fertility of the Soil and the exceeding Opulency of the Inhabitants saith that it rained Gold in that Country In former times it flourished with Learning and good Arts insomuch that the Romans for the most part sent their Children to be brought up at Rhodes This Isle is very fruitful and bringeth forth many things necessary for the maintenance of Life but above all a certain Red Wine which the Romans did greatly delight in and valued at a high Price In this City lived that notable Painter called Protogines which Apelles conquered in that Science as Pliny saith li. 35. ca. 10. Demetrius King of Asia erected a notable Colossus or Statue of the Sun in this Isle which that notable Carver Chares made being outwardly all of pure Brass but within nothing but Stones it was seventy Cubits high and so artificially made that it was accounted for one of the Wonders of the World Afterward it was carried into Egypt by the Egyptians who won the Town This Isle is famous to this day in times past it was accounted one oâ— the Keys of Christendom but at this day subject unto the Turk of which yoâ— may read more in the Turkish History Of Patara PAtara was a City of Licia so called of Patarus the Builder thereof who was the Son of Apollones or Lacones as Strabo and Servius saith it was scituated upon the South-side of Asia the less close by the shore of the Mediterranean Sea 408 miles from Ierusalem towards the North-west Ptolomaeus Philadelphus King of Aegypt enlarged the City and called it after his Sisters Name Arsinoes Lysiaca to put a difference between it and other Cities called after that Name for there was an Arsinoe in Egypt and another near Cyrene where Apollo in certain months of the Winter Season by the help of the Devil gave answer to them that sought after him St. Paul was in this Town Act. 11. There was also another Town of this Name in Achaia where St. Andrew was crucified The Travels of St. Paul when he was taken Captive and carried Prisoner to Rome IN the 57 year after the Nativity of Christ Paul being then 47 years of Age by the command of Claudius Lysius was taken and scourged by the Iews and brought thence to Antipatris by Night because there were forty Iews which had sworn his Death which was twelve miles Act. 22 23 24. From Antipatris he was brought to Caesarea Strato which was twenty eight miles where he was brought before Foelix who was President for the Romans in those parts and was captive there for the space of two days Act. 24 25 26. In the fifty ninth year after the Nativity of Christ Paul being then 49 years of Age or thereabouts was sent by Portius Festus President of the Iews to Rome so Paul sailed from Caesarea Strato to Sidon which was 84 miles Act. 27. From thence Paul sailed close by Cyprus because the Wind was contrary and came to the Sea over against Cilicia which was very troublesom and so passing by Pamphilia they came to Myra which was 480 miles Loosing from Myra they sailed to Gnidum which was 248 miles Act. 27. From Gnidum they sailed towards the South and came to Crete and so passed by the Towns of Salmo Lasaea and Assus and so came to Phoenicia which was 180 miles From Phoenicia they came to the Island of Claudia which was 108 miles From the Island of Claudia they came to Melite which now is called
conquered by the Saracens but they held it not long for Roger Norman King of Sicilia got it out of their Power Anno Dom. 1090. And so it continued in the hands of the Sicilians till Anno Dom. 1520. And then Charles the fifth being Emperour gave it to the Knights of Saint Iohn upon condition that they should oppose the Turks Gallies and defend that part of Christendom So the Knights of St. Iohn together with their Governour sailed to Malta and so fortified it that it is impossible to be taken unless by Famin or Treason There were many famous Bishops that lived in this place and very devout Christians In the time of the Emperour Theodosius there was a Councel held at which were present 240 Bishops At this day this Bishoprick is subject to the Archbishop of Palermo and the chief Government of the Isle is in the Power of the Knights of St. Iohn c. Of Syracusa THIS was a City of the Isle of Sicilia built by one Archia of Corinth standing close by the Sea Shore on the North side of the Isle 2756 miles from Ierusalem towards the West It was a fair and goodly City in antient time called Tetrapolis because it was divided into three parts one of which parts stood in the Isle of Ortygia separated from the Continent with a little streight Sea and with that famous Fountain Arthusia The other part was called Acradine and the third Tycha to which in after-times there was built up a fourth and called by the name of Neapolis All this City was compassed in with three Walls so strong and so admirably fortified both by Nature and Art that it opposed the Carthaginians in equal War It was called Syracusa from drawing or sucking and in process of time obtained the whole Jurisdiction and Government of that Isle which was so well peopled in the time of Dionysius the Tyrant that he was able to make and maintain an Army of one hundred thousand Foot and twelve thousand Horse There were two Havens in that part which was called Ortygia so marvellously fortified with such huge Rocks and other Munition that they were wonderful to look upon There also stood a Castle or Tower called by the name of Mercia which was so strong that when all the rest of the Town was conquered yet that maintained War for a long time In this Hold the Kings and Tyrants of this Country usually kept their Treasures and other things that were material There were many worthy and famous Princes ruled in it but above them all Dionysius the elder exceeded the rest who when he saw what abundance of Vessels of Gold and Silver Dionysius the younger had heaped together cried out and said In te Regius affectus non est qui ex tanta poculorum vi amicum neminem conciliasti That is Verily the mind of a King is not in thee that out of so many Cups couldest not procure one Friend For after he was banished and constrained to keep a School Both these Dionysians were learned Men and great Philosophers It is thought that this Island was some time a part of Italy and joyning to the Field of Brutius but in time through the violence of the Sea separate from the Continent From whence it was called Sicilita and also Trinacris because there were three Mountains standing upon three Promontories in three several places of it giving the proportion of a Triangle for there was an Angle toward the South called Pactinus another toward the South-west called Lilybaeus and another called Pelorus which lay distant near about two miles from Italy In times past it was under the command of the Romans but now the Spaniards have chief Government of it There are many things remaining to this day worthy observation but chiefly the Mountain Aetna which still casteth out Fire and Smoak c. Of Rhegium THIS was a Town of Italy belonging to the Family of the Brutians at first built by the Calcidonians and Messenians upon the utmost bounds of Italy toward the Sicilian Sea being distant from that Isle sixty Furlongs and called by the name of Rhegium as some think from Rumpo to break for that near about the place where that Town stood the Sea being very Tempestuous broke the Isle of Sicilia from the Continent Others think it was called Rhegium because it was so strong and beautiful a City that it might well have been the Seat of a Prince Close by this City in the Sicilian Sea there stands a Rock somewhat above the Water representing in Figure the Proportion of a Man and round about it are to be seen other little Rocks like barking Dogs In this place the Water is so extream violent and runes with so strong a current that it is very dangerous for Mariners especially such as are ignorant to sail that way Wherefore the Poets made this verse to signifie a man that stood in a Dangerous and Doubtful estate Decidit in Scyllam cupiens vitare Charibdim Seeking to shun Charibdis curled Waves He thrusts himself into stern Scylla's Jaws But that Mariners might avoid these dangerous places upon the North angle of Sicilia in the Promontory of Petorus there is erected a lofty Tower standing as a Sea-mark that so they by that direction might escape these dangerous places Not far from Scillari is to be seen another Town of that Rock called Scyllacus but of the Inhabitants it is commonly called Scyglius or Scyglio and Rhegium also at this day is called Rezo and Reggio of Antimnestus Captain of Chalcedon and as Strab. lib. 6. saith is scituated in Calabria 1332 miles from Ierusalem Westward Of Puteoli THIS City is in Campania a Country of Italy not far from Naples scituated on the Sea Shore 1381 miles from Ierusalem Westward taking that name from Fountains or Wells of hot Water being built by the Salamians as Eusebius saith about such time as the Tarquins were banished Rome 507 years before the Nativity of Christ. It was antiently called Dicaearchia because of their singular Justice and Noble Government But when the Romans made War upon 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 and his Companions arrived when they sailed into Rome Act. 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 poor man dwelling in Baia who usually played among other Youths upon the Banks of this Lake and seeing the Dolphin it being a strange Fish in those parts and very amiable to look upon 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 Boy 's Voice upon the Bank of the River would resort to him and receive at his hand
his accustomed Food Thus it continued so that the Dolphin would suffer the Boy to handle him take him by the Gills play with him yea and sometimes to get upon his Back then swim with him a great way into the Lake and bring him back again and suffer him to go safe upon the shore After this manner he continued for many Years together and in the end the Youth died Yet the Dolphin resorted to his usual place expecting his accustomed Food from the hands of this Boy but missing him he left the shore languish'd 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 Country in Asia minor near the Rivers of Lycus and Meander 520 miles from Ierusalem North-westward not far from Laodicea so called from the mighty Statues and Colosso's that were set up in it These Cities Colossa Laodicea and Hierapolis where the Apostle Philip was put to death in the tenth year of Nero a little before Paul's Martyrdom were sunk by an Earthquake which without doubt was a great judgment of God upon them because they refused the Grace and Comfort of the Doctrine of the Gospel offered unto them by the Apostles The Epistle of Paul dedicated to the Colossians was sent by the hand of Onesymus from Rome unto 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 in Asia minor and not in Rhodes Of Nicopolis NIcopolis is a City of Macedonia scituated close by the River Nessus not far from Philippus upon the Borders of Thrace 920 miles from Ierusalem North-westward From hence the Apostle Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus and sent it to Crete 600 miles There are many other Cities of this Name one standing in Epyre built by Augustus another between Cilicia and Syria built by Alexander in glory of his Victory against Darius a fourth in Bythinia a fifth in the Holy Land formerly called Emmaus Of Rome THis City if we rightly consider the derivation of the Name in Hebrew was not built without the singular Providence of God being derived of Rom i. He hath exalted or made high But the Grecians derive it from Romen i. Strength and Power Now although the Providence of God extendeth to every Creature nay to the very hairs of a Man's Head yet where he determines to express his singular Power there he worketh beyond the expectation of man And who knows not that the beginning of this City was mean raised from a confused Company destitute both of Civility Community and Laws yet hath it been 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 seven hundred fifty and one years before the Nativity of Christ being scituated upon seven Hills that is Capitolinus Aventinus Palatinus Cealius 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 Hills were so raised up with Arches Vaults and artificial Mounts that in process of time they became level with the top of some of those Hills It was beautified with fair and sumptuous Buildings so that as it was the head of the World for Command and Power in 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 above all that was the most sumptuous that was called Pantheon Deorum at this day called the Church of Alhallows Moreover here was to be seen the Princely Edifices of Kings Emperours Consuls Senators Patricians and other Romans who were mighty in Wealth and Substance built all of polished Marble beautified with Gold and Silver beside Palaces Bulwarks Theatres triumphant Arches Statues and such like all which were glorious and greatly adorned the City But above all these the House of Nero was most worthy of Observation which to see to was built all of burnish'd Gold very curiously wrought Here also stood the Monuments of the two Caesars Iulius and Augustus also their Statues the one made of pure Brass the other of white Marble Besides there were many fruitful Orchards Water Courses and wholsome Baths brought thither by Antonius Nero Dioclesian and Constantine the Great Also the Emperour Constantine erected many goodly Churches for the use of the Christians and endowed them with great means and amongst the rest that which was dedicated to St. Iohn of Latteran a fair and goodly Church and for Riches and curious Workmanship might compare with the stateliest Temples that ever had been in the World most of the Ornaments and Images being made of Gold and Silver he also erected the Vatican which was dedicated to St. Peter and another holy House dedicated to St. Paul in either of which he placed their several Sepulchres and Monuments bestowing extraordinary Cost to beautifie them So many were the Gifts and Gratuities of this Emperour that they can scarce be numbred so that although the Emperour Trajan and Boniface the Fourth Pope of Rome bestowed great Cost to beautifie and adorn the City yet were they nothing comparable to that which this Emperour did These things then being presented to your view you might justly say That Rome in her Prosperity and Eminency was the Glory of the World but as all Estates are fickle and uncertain still subject to Variety and Change so was this first envied of the World because of the extream oppression of her Governours and after made desolate by Violence and Force all her former Glory being eclipsed and the greatest part of these goodly Buildings laid level with the Ground Thus have I shewed you what Rome was when it was in her Prosperity it resteth now to shew what Rome is Rome at this day differeth as much from the ancient Rome as the Substance from the Shadow For although the Pope hath beautified and adorned the West part of it with many fair and goodly Buildings and called it by the name of new Rome yet it is nothing comparable to the ancient City as it was when Augustus and Constantine the Great were Emperâ—ours thereof neither doth it stand in the ancient place for the first City stood upon the East side of Tyber this upon the West The chief part of the other stood upon the Mountains Capitolinus and Palatinus upon which were the stately Buildings of Senators Kings and Emperours but now they lye desolate and waste The Capitol also and the Temple of Iupiter Feretrius goodly Buildings beaten to the
the Gardens thereabout 367 Of the Country of Galatia and how the Inhabitants came to be called Galatians 402 Gnidus 422 H. HAran or Charan 57 Hebron and the Inhabiâ—â—â—â—â— thereof 60 The Field of Hakeldama 29 The Hill Hamoskita ibid. Hazezon Thamar 66 Hadad and his Travels 158 Hagar and her Travels 67 Hagar's Well and the Signification of it 68 Heliopolis otherwise called the City of the Sun 80 Hadsi 147 Of Mount Horeb 84 Hazaroth 88 Harada 89 Hor gidgad 91 Of the Mountain Hor 92 Hazor 101 108 Hemath 97 Hai or Ai ib. Hiel 163 Hobab 106 Hasael and his Travels 173 Hannah the Mother of Samuel and her Travels 122 Haggai the Prophet 222 Hananias the false Prophet 211 Hosea the Prophet 215 Of the Prophet Habaccuck when he lived how he lived when he died and where he lieth buried 222 Of the River Hydaspis 240 Hion 173 Hyrcania 274 Heliodorus who would have robbed the Treasury of Ierusalem 276 Hermopolis or he Town of Mercury 320 Hosea King of Israel 170 I. OF Ierusalem 5 Of the Scituation of it 16 The Description of it ib. The Circuit and Bigness of it ib. The Gates of it 26 27. The Destruction of Jerusalem by Vespasian from 29 to 37 Of Jerualem after this Destruction from 37 to 40 Of Ierusalem as it is now from 40 to 46 Of the Sects in Ierusalem from 46 to 51 Where Ishmael dwelt 69 Of Isaac and his Travels 70 The typical Signification of Issac 71 Iacob and his Travels 72 The typical Signification of Iacob 76 Iudah and his Travels 78 Ioseph and his Travels 79 The typical Signification of Ioseph 81 Jotbatha 91 Igim 93 Jahza ib. Jaezer ib. Iael and her Travels 106 Ioshua and his Travels 95 The typical Signification of Ioshua 101 The Names of the Kings that Ioshua overcame and where they dwelt 102 Of Jehoahas King of Israel 166 Jaboch Jogbeha 110 Jotham 111 Of Jaier Judge of Israel 112 Jephta and his Travels 113 The divers Opinions concerning his Death 114 Jabes 122 Jonathan Saul 's Son and his Travels 134 Of the Country called India 153 Jeroboam and his Travels 159 Of Jeroboam's Wife 161 The Journey of the men of God which came out of Juda ib. Jezreel 164 Jehoram and his Travels 165 Jehu and his Travels 166 Jehoahas ib. Jeroboam the second of that Name and his Travels ib. Jehosaphat and his Travels 173 The typical Signification of Jehosaphat 179 Joab and his Travels 146 Ioram King of Juda and his Travels ib. Of Joas King of Israel 167 Joas King of Judah 181 Jabnia 184 Jotham King of Juda and his Travels ib. Josiah and his Travels 188 Jehohahas King of Juda and his Travels ib. Jehoiakim King of Juda and his Travels 189 Of the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar 190 Of the Prophet Isaiah 208 Of the Prophet Jeremiah and his Travels 210 Of the Prophet Joel 216 Of the Prophet Ionah and his Travels 217 The typical Signification of Ionah 221 Japho 217 Of the holy Man Iob 236 Of his three Daughters 239 Of Jesus the Son of Syrack 244 Iudas Macchabeus and his Travels 253 The typical Signification of Iudas Macchabeus 259 Ionathan and his Travels 260 Iohn Hyrcanus and his Travels 268 Iason and his Travels 277 Iohn Baptist and his Travels 323 Jericho 97 362 Of Ioseph of Arimathea 363 Joppa 380 Iordan 100 Iohn and his Travels 381 The testimony of the Fathers concerning Iohn 383 Iconium 400 K. KIriathaim 66 Karkor 110 Kirjath jearim 119 Kyr 195 Kerith 205 Keder 240 Kegilah 134 L. LAbassardach 201 Lot and his Travels 62 Of Lot's Daughters 65 Of the Kings that took Lot Prisoner ib. Of Libnah 89 99 Lachis ib. Libanus 100 The Levite and his Trav. 120 Lais 119 Of Lacedemonia called also Sparta 278 Lidda 378 Laodicea 388 Lystra 400 M. DIversity of Miles 1 Of Mount Moriah 8 62 The allegorical Signification of it 9 The Buildings upon Mount Moriah 19 Of Mount Acra from 21 to 23 Of Mount Bezetha 24 Of the Mount of Olives 28 365 Of the Mount between Bethel and Hay 59 Machanaim 74 Mount Seir 77 Moses and his Travels 81 Midian 83 Marah 85 Mithca 90 Maceheloth ib. Maseroth 91 Makedah 98 Merom 100 Mizpah 113 Minneth 114 Michmas 129 Maon 130 Memphis by whom and when built 155 Menahem and his Travels 168 Maresa 176 Manasses and his Travels 187 Micah 221 Malachi 223 Mallos 241 Mattathias 252 Medaâ—a 263 Menelaus and his Travels 278 Of a Mina 284 The Virgin Mary and her Travels 315 Machares 325 Of the holy Mountain near Capernaum 338 Misia 406 Of the Isle and City of Mitilene 415 Of the Isle and City of Miletus now called Malta 417 Magdala 354 Of the Island Milete 422 Merodach 197 Myra 419 Of Masloth 281 N OF Neapolis or the new town 25 408 Of Noah 56 Of Nimroth ib. Nob 130 Nadab 161 Nabach 110 Naaman the Syrian and his Travels 173 Nebuchadnezzar and his Travels 197 198 Ninus or Niniveh when built and by whom 219 Nahum the Prophet 221 Nehemiah the Prophet 234 Naphtaly 243 Nazareth 317 Naim 339 Nicopolis 429 Niriglissoroor 201 O OF the Cave of Odullam 7 Oboth 9 Omry and his Travels 162 Obediah the Prophet 216 Orthosia 276 Onias and his Travels ib. P OF the Pool of Bethesda 12 Of Paradice and where it stood 51 Of the Palm or Oak of Mamre where Abraham dwelt 59 Penuel 74 Of Pihachiroth 84 Phunon 92 Pisgah 94 Of Phrygia 404 The Plain of the Vines ib. The Philistines Travels from their Camp to Michmas 133 Pharaoh and his Travels 155 Peka and Pekahiah 169 Of Phul Belochus King of the Assyrians and his Travels 194 Pharaoh Necho King of Aegypt and his Travels 203 Pelusio 200 Persepolis when built by whom and why so called 250 Ptolomais 264 Of the Country of Parthia 274 Perea 338 Peter and his Travels 374 Allegations of the Author to prove that Peter was never at Rome 375 Of the Island called Pathmos 385 Of the famous City Pergamus 386 Philadelphia 388 Philip and his Travels 389 Paul and his Travels 391 Of Paphos why so called 399 Of Perga ib. Of Philippa 408 Patara 420 Puteoli 427 Q THe Queen of Saba and her Travels 159 R OF the Roman mile 2 Rachels Grave 75 Raemses at what time it flourished 84 Of the Red Sea ib. The Mystery of the Red Sea 85 Rephadim 86 Rithmah 89 Rimmon ib. Rissa ib. Rechob 97 Of the Rock Eta 117 Ramah 120 Solomon's Adversary 159 Rehoboam and his Travels 175 Of the four Rivers that watered Paradise 52 Of the River Cheber 212 Of the River Eulaeo 214 Of the Angel Raphael 243 Of Rages a City of the Medes ibid. Of the Isle and City of Rodes and why so called 419 Rhegium 427 Rome and why so called 249 Rogel 148 S OF Stades or Furlongs 1 Of Mount Sion 7 The Allegorical meaning of Mount Sion 8 Of the Springs and Fountains about Ierusalem 28 Of the Sarazens and Turks from 48 to