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
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
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
ITINERARIVM TOTIUS Sacrae Scripturae OR THE TRAVELS OF THE Holy Patriarchs Prophets Judges Kings Our Saviour CHRIST and his Apostles as they are related in the OLD and NEW TESTAMENTS WITH A Description of the Towns and Places to which they travelled and how many English miles they stood from Ierusalem Also a short Treatise of the Weights Monies and Measures mentioned in the Scriptures reduced to our English Valuations Quantity and Weight Collected out of the Works of HENRY BVNTING and done into English by R. B. LONDON Printed by I. Harefinch for T. Basset at the George in Fleet-street near St. Dunstan's Church MDCLXXXII To the Right Honourable Sr. Hen. Mountague KNIGHT Lord Chief Justice of the KINGS Majesties BENCH IT is a true Saying of the Philosopher Right Honourable and my very good Lord That there is nothing wherein there is Life but it hath either Motion or Action and such is the condition of Man that a greater measure of both is imposed upon him to humble him than upon many other Creatures The whole course of his Life being compared unto a Pilgrimage in which state a man can presume upon no certain Continuance For as a Traveller that intendeth to finish his Journey stays not in his Inn but desires more to be upon his Way than in his Bed so it is with Man who cannot possess himself in rest from the time of his Birth until his Death and oftentimes is troubled with needless and unprofitable Labours to attain unto his Ends which got both they and he perish Let Alexander that great Emperour be a president of this who with much Labour having got a great Estate enjoyed it but a short time and you may read in this Treatise with what intolerable pains Antigonus Epiphanes endeavoured to establish his Kingdom to him and yet in the end purchased little but a lamentable Death There is none of the Patriarchs Princes Judges Kings Prophets Apostles or others mentioned in the Scriptures that could make evident in the whole course of their Life any better than a laborious and tedious Pilgrimage With what pains did Abraham wander from Chaldea into the Land of Canaan How was Moses tormented in the Wilderness almost to the loss of his Soul but absolutely never to come into the promised Land And for David how miserably lived he when he could not trust his own Friends This is the state of man and to say truth he differs in little beside Reason from other Creatures and that either lock'd up in silence or not express'd in some memorable Action makes him so much the more capable of Misery being only able to distinguish of Joy and Fear Now that these things may be the more apparent I have endeavoured to collect out of the Works of others this Treatise wherein is briefly described the Travels of all the Patriarchs Iudges Kings Prophets Princes c. together with the condition of Cities Countreys Islands and other memorable places as they are mentioned in the Old and New Testaments All which that I might express that Duty which hath a long time lain concealed I have wholly dedicated to your Lordships Service humbly intreating your favourable Acceptance of my Pains that so being shrouded under your Honour's Protection they may the better withstand the adverse Opinions of such as please to censure them At your Honour's Service R. B. The Preface to the Reader IT hath always been held a matter worth note gentle Reader even to the best Divines to have the Typographical description of the Towns and Places as they are mentioned in the Scriptures and so much the rather because by comparing the Actions of Men with the beginnings and endings of Cities they might the better understand the Prophets and perceive the wonderful Providence of God who by his Omnipotency so disposeth of Estates that such Cities and Nations which have been mighty and ruled upon the Earth with great Power notwithstanding on a sudden and by unexpected Events have been utterly subverted and overthrown Now that these things might be more apparent I have in as good and brief a method as I can gathered out of sundry Authors the particular Description of the Cities Towns and places as they are mentioned in the Scriptures where they stood under whose command at what time they grew mighty and how lost and decayed To this also I have added a particular Narration of the Travels of all the holy Patriarchs Prophets Princes Iudges Kings Emperours our blessed Saviour and his Apostles to what Towns they travelled what memorable Actions they did in those places with a short Chronology of the times that so by comparing this discourse with any Text of Scripture you may perceive the time when those Accidents happened All which things I am perswaded will prove no less pleasant than profitable and will give a great light to the understanding of the Bible But if you question with me How it is possible that I should come to the knowledge of those things considering that Babylon Niniveh Jerusalem and most of the Cities of the Holy-Land are long since wasted and decayed To this I answer therein consists the greatness of the Travel because I have been constrained to use the help of many Authors who amongst other long and learned discourses have here and there glanced at the Actions that were done in the Land of Judaea amongst which are Strabo Jerom de Locis Hebraicis Plinie Livie Plutarch and many others who have described in the Actions of the Persians Chaldeans Graecians and Romans the State of the Jews as it stood in those times with the Description of the Cities and Towns And Saint Jerom who lived in that Country took a great deal of pains to rectifie these imperfect discourses which more obscure Authors have laboured in and left to future ages that so those which would might by their diligence and care make them useful to inform their understanding both concerning the State of the. Jews and of the obscure meaning of some of the Prophecies Also the scituation and Destruction of Jerusalem a thing pleasant and profitable to know and no whit unworthy your consideration How all or the most part of the Towns Cities Countries Nations Islands Seas Desarts Mountaines and most memorable places are scituated from it how many miles English they stand distant what memorable actions have been done in them and for the most part where they stood and how they are at this day Besides to make this a perfect work you will find after the end of the Old Testament and before the beginning of the New the Discourse concerning the Weights Measures and Monies which are mentioned in the Scriptures reduced unto our Valuation how they were Current among the Jews how with other People Nations and Countries by which means that necessity of commutative Iustice for which Monies were principally invented will be apparent and by this meanes you shall perceive what equality there is and hath been used amongst Nations for
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
left desolate and the Mountains are now become barren and overgrown with Brambles And that the Name thereof might utterly be forgotten and as it were rooted out of the Earth he set up a new Town not far from the Hill Gihon and Golgotha where Christ was crucified which after he had adorned with many goodly Buildings he called it by his own Name Aelia In the place of the Temple he set up a Church in the honour of Jupiter and Venus Just in the place where the Holy Altar stood he erected his own Image upon a Marble Pillar which continued until St. Hierom's time At Bethlehem he erected the Image of Adonis and to that he consecrated a Church Upon the Gates of the City he cut Hogs in Marble in contempt of the Jews Then did he abjure them That they should not come within the Walls of the City not set Foot upon the ground near Jerusalem This being done as Dion saith he dedicated it to the honour of Jupiter Capitolinus and only made it free for Christians and such like to be in it This Town at this day we call Jerusalem although it be scituated in another place and called by another name Future Ages calling the Actions of precedent Times into question pull'd a great Contempt upon this Town and so much the rather because Infidelity and other Heathenish profaneness was cherish'd within this City So that that which a little before was set up in honour of the Emperour Aelianus is now grown into Contempt Wherefore Helena the Mother of Constantine the Great having command of that Empire to give some satisfaction to the Universality caused those prophane Temples and Idols to be abolished and in their places erected others Upon Mount Golgotha the Church called Golgothanus upon the Mount of Olives one in the place of the Ascension of Christ and Constantine her Son richly adorned the Sepulchre and over it built a stately Temple all of Polish't Marble richly gilt with Gold so that to this day it remains as the chief Ornament of the Town In this mans time the Jews with great boldness endeavoured to rebuild the Temple just in the place where it stood before at the commandment of the Emperour they were repelled and in recompence of their presumption had their Eares cut off and their Noses slit because they had Ears and would not hear neither obey the Commandment of our Saviour But as the Emperour was Religious and endeavoured to support Christianity so his Successor Iulianus was as full of Impiety and Prophaneness who that he might frustrate the Prophecy of our Saviour that Ierusalem should never be built again in contempt caused the Iews to assemble together and with all expedition restore it to its former glory giving the uttermost of his help to their endeavours But as they were seriously labouring in this Work of a sudden there came a great Earthquake and look what they had built was by that quite overturned then Fire came out of the Earth and from Heaven which destroyed both the Matter and the Workmen And that the Iews nor any Philosphers might impute it to a Natural Cause there was seen in the Heavens a Bloody Cross and â—pon their clothes Crosses shining like Stars which the Iews could by no means wipe off yet this little prevailed A second time they attempted and as before a second Earthquake hapned with a storm of Wind which came with such extream violence that all the stuff which they had heaped together for this purpose was utterly blown away and destroyed So that of force they were constrained to leave off and acknowledge that Christ whom their Forefathers had Crucified was the true Messiah Greg. Nazianzen and Hierom report That nevertheless the Iews even to this day although it cost them much money come yearly to the place where Ierusaleâ— stood and upon the day of the Destruction thereof weep over it Such was their affection unto this City But these evils were purged with a sudden Invasion for no crying Injuries nor prophane Insolencies against God pass unpunished but that then or soon after a just revenge falls upon them for Cosroâ— Emperour of the Persians whose Impudency and Impiety was so great that he would be worshipped as a God about the year of our Lord 615 besieged this Town took it and put to death 90000 Christians carried the Patriarch thereof together with many others away Captive But Heraclius the Emperor to punish him for his Pride and Cruelty set upon Persia and with Fire and Sword destroyed the Country not far from Nineveh and went away with an honourable Victory Seroes also the only begotten Son of Cosroes but a little before Invading the Kingdom kill'd his own Father in Prison restored the Patriarch and the rest of the Captives which his Father had taken to Heraclius and about the seventh year after he had Warred upon Persia he returned to Aelia with great Pomp. Not long after in the year 637 Haumar the Chief Prince of the Saracens which was the third from Mahomet with a great Army afflicted Syria and Iudaea conquered their Countries and in his Victories used great Tyranny and cruelty Within two years after he won Aelia which had maintained a long and sharp Siege neither would Zacharias the Patriarch give it up till he was compelled thereto by extream Famin and soon after died with Grief Thus the Town continued for the space of 450 years in the hands of the Saracens Then in the year 1012 Caliphas Sultan of Egypt won it beat down the Walls destroyed the Temple which the Emperor Constantine had built and made havock of all things Presently upon this the Turks which came out of Sythia by the Caspian Mountains won the City and drave thence the Saracens Thus we may see that the Saracens and Turks though they were both of one Religion yet for the Country of the Iews fought one against another and compelled the Christians to pay them Tribute for the fourth part of the City wherein the Sepulchre of our Lord stood being again restored by the Emperor Constantine after the Destruction of Caliphas The Christians being weary of this Tribute and of the oppression of these Infidels became sutors to Pope Vrban the second of that name for their delivery who in the year 1094 assembled a councel at Clearemont in France and by the instigation of one Peter the Hermit stirred up the hearts of divers Christian Princes and Lords to make a Croysado so that 10000 brave and well mounted Souldiers went into the Holy Land and for a token of their War bore red Crosses upon their Arms. In the same year there was a great blazing Star seen in the West and after that followed a great Plague for the space of two years through the World this nevertheless hindred them not in their Design but that they went their intended Journey won the City of Aelia from the Saracens delivered the Christians from their Bondage and Tax and chose Godfrey of
Famin in such an extream measure that with very hunger they have been constrained to eat their Horses Frederick Barbarossus may be an Example of these Calamities who with a great Army making an Expedition to Jerusalem as he was travelling through Asia minor his Horse started and flung him into the River where he died miserably e're he could be saved Many other Princes besides in the like enterprise came to the like ends for they were either destroyed by the Barbarians with the loss of thousands of their men cruely slain or utterly destroyed with unnatural Diseases or untimely Deaths Now when the Emperor Frederick the second of that name had besieged and brought to great misery the Sultan of Egypt and the Knights Templers had done the like to Damieta Corderio the Sultans Son beat down the Walls of Jerusalem and had it not been for the great lamentations and earnest Entreaties of the Christians he would have destroyed the City but for their sakes he left standing Solomon's Temple and the Temple of the holy Sepulchre for at this time Christians inhabit in them Within a while after about the Year 1228. Frederick the second of that Name Emperour of Rome went to the Holy Land with a great Army and came to Ptolomais otherwise called Acon where staying a while he made a League with the Sultan of Aegypt for ten years regained Ierusalem without drawing Sword and was there crowned in the Year 1229. keeping at that time in Ierusalem a Royal Easter This man fortified the Christians with a Garrison rebuilt Nazareth and Ioppa and so returned into Italy In the Year 1246 Cassanus King of the Tartars being persuaded by the Sultan with a great Army invaded Iudaea won Ierusalem caused the Christians to be cruelly slain beat down the Holy Sepulchre even to small pieces and left but little standing It was after this destroyed by Tamerlain King of the Tartars and by Mahomet the second of that Name Emperour of the Turks But the Monks had leave to build up the holy Sepulchre again for the which they payed to the Sultan or his Deputy a yearly Tribute In the year of our Lord 1516 Selymus Emperour of the Turks about the twenty fourth day of August near to Damascus overcame Campson Gaurus Sultan of Aegypt in a cruel War and put to death many thousands of his Men and the Sultan himself seeking to save his Life by Flight was miserably slain This Selymus conquered the Holy Land Syria Damascus and all the Countries thereabouts and as he went through Iudaea leaving his Army at Gaza with a few of his Souldiers he went to Ierusalem that he might see with his Eyes that place which was made so famous by the ancient Writers and was so often mentioned in the Old and New Testament But when he came he found nothing but a ruinate and waste place barren and rude to look upon inhabited by a few poor Christians and they also held in great Contempt and Bondage paying a great Tribute to the Sultan of Aegypt for their Liberty and holy Sepulchre as P. Iovius writeth But after that Selymus in that place had done his Offerings and Sacrifices to his God Mahomet seeing the Priests and Christians press'd with extream Poverty out of his singular Mercy and Compassion gave them a large and sumptuous Gift when he had stayed but one day and one night in the Town The next morning before day he went with all expedition to his Army at Gaza and from thence into Aegypt where he besieged the great and famous City Alcaire and in the year 1517. took it conquered all the Country utterly extirpated the Sultan and went away with an honourable Victory and rich Booty From this year even till now the Town of Aelia or Ierusalem is under the Jurisdiction of the Turks Thus may we see how often and with what miserable Calamities this City hath been afflicted even since the first Destruction by Vespasian which makes evident the great Judgment of God not only upon the Iews but also upon the Earth where they inhabited for their Infidelity and unmerciful Cruelty The Description of Jerusalem and the Scituation thereof as it is now in these times THE former Incursions and common Desolations leaving this Town ruined and spoiled for want of Inhabitants it became a Desart and forsaken place only some few Christians either out of the zeal of Religion or for vulgar Ostentation to shew that there had been a Town dwelt there and thus it continued until the year 1542. at which time Solyman the Great Turk either in respect of the strength of the place or in hope of profit or else to get himself a Name with great Cost and Labour re-edified it set up many stately Buildings and sumptuous Houses beautified it with two costly Temples the one the Temple of Solomon and the other the holy Sepulchre enlarged the extent thereof and seated it upon high Hills After all this compass'd it about with a spacious and thick Wall and upon that placed many strong and stately Towers wherein there stands eight Gates viz. the Fish Gate the old Gate S. Stephens Gate so called because they say S. Stephen went out by that Gate when he was stoned the Angle Gate the Dung Gate the Sheep Gate the Golden and Fountain Gates Thus the ancient City and that which the Emperour Adrian built being both destroyed in another place is set up again So that between both this new City standeth and the first City begins to be again inhabited Of the Temple of the Holy Sepulchre THIS Temple lieth upon the West within this new Town at first fairly built by the Emperour Constantine but destroyed by Caliphas Sultan of Egypt then by the Emperours of Constantinople rebuilt which continueth to this day It is round in the proportion adorned with seventy nine Pillars thirty foot long the Wideness by the Diameter besides the Pillars is seventy three Feet leaded above and upon the top of the Roof standeth a Lanthorn by which the Light cometh in This Lanthorn is very curiously glazed In the middle standeth the holy Sepulchre To this joyneth the Church in Mount Golgotha and serveth instead of a Quire It standeth something lower but all under one Roof The place where the holy Sepulchre standeth is four square eight foot long and eight broad hewn out of a Rock and covered with Marble there is a little door in the East part of it very low by which men go into it and within that the Sepulchre it self standeth upon the North side made of gray Marble 3 handfuls high and 8 foot long There are no Windows for light to come to it but over there hangeth continually nine Lamps burning whereby it receiveth Light The Vault of this Sepulchre is divided with a Wall the outward is both of the same Proportion and Length as the inward but that which is without seemeth to be an Entry to the inner Cave where Christ was buried and there as some say even
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
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
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
see through all Galilee to Carmel and the Mountains of Phoenicia also to Mount Thabor and the Mountains beyond Iordan called Gilead Of this Town you may read Ios. 17 19. 2 Sam. 2. Of Nobach THis was a City beyond Iordan and stood in the half Tribe of Manasses thirty eight miles from Ierusalem North-Eastward In times past it was called Kenah but after Nobach Prince of the half Tribe of Manasseh had conquered it he called it Nobach Num. 23. and signifieth a Prophet being derived of Nabah or Nabach he hath prophesied or cryed out Of Jogbeha THis Town was built by the Children of Gad and lies beyond Iordan thirty four miles from Ierusalem North-Eastward and taketh the name from the height of the place where it standeth being derived from Gabah which signifieth it excelleth in height Of this you may read Iudg. 8. Numb 32. Of Karkor KArkor is a City in the half Tribe of Manasseh and is scituated beyond Iordan fome 40 miles distant from Ierusalem North-Eastward and taketh the name from Kir which signifies he hath destroyed or subverted the Walls for here the two Kings Zeba and Zalmuna were taken St. Ierom faith in his Book de locis Hebraicis That in his Time it was a fair Town The Typical signification of Gideon THis Gideon whose name signifies to root out destroyed and subverted the Enemies of the Iews so Christ hath destroyed the Kingdom of Sathan and daily rooted out all his impious and wicked members which are Enemies to his Church The Travels of Abimelech the sixth Iudge of Israel GIDEON being dead Abimelech his Son went from Ophra to Sichem which is ten miles and there was chosen by the Citizens to succeed his father in the Government From thence he went back to Ophra which is ten miles and there put to death his seventy Brethren all Sons of Gideon but by divers Concubines for God permitted Bigamie but did not command it From Ophra he went ten miles into the Land of Sichem and there was chosen King about the Year of the World 2712. From Sichem which was the Seat of the Kingdom he went to Ophra being ten miles there he judged Israel three Years After that he went the third time back to the Sichemites which is ten miles but they breaking promise with him for very madness he caused the City to be destroyed and Salt to be Sown in the place that so ever after it might become Barren accursed and unhabitable From Sichem he went with his Host to Thebets or Thebez which is two miles where he was mortally wounded by a woman that flung a stone upon him at the Siege of that Town whereof he died Iudg. 9. So all the Travels of Abimelech were 52 miles Of Thebez THis was distant from Sichem two miles Northward and from Ierusalem thirty eight miles it took the name from Bitzah which signifieth a deep Pond Abimelech took his name from an hereditary Kingdom or rather because he obtained the Kingdom over Israel after his Father and is as much as to say My father is a King because good Princes differ little from good Fathers for Maelaech with the Hebrews signifieth a King Malechah a Queen and Malchech a Kingdom So that this name Abimelech properly signifieth a King or one that is a Father of his People Of the flight of Jotham which was the Brother of Abimelech JOtham signifieth a perfect and swift man being derived from Iatham that is perfect and swift This Man at such time as Abimelech put to death the rest of his Brethren to save his Life fled to Mount Gerizim where he propounded the Riddle mentioned Iudg. 9. And after from thence he went to Beerah where he hid himself from the fury of Abimelech All this was forty four miles Of Mount Gerizim GErizim or Garizim was a Mountain in the Kingdom of the Samaritans and extended it self in the Longitude as far as Iericho near to Mount Hebal In these two Mountains the Blessings and the Cursings were recited of which more shall be said hereafter and it taketh the name from the felling down of Trees being derived from Garaz which signifieth to cut or to fell down here Christ spoke with the Samaritan Iohn 4. Of Beerah BEerah was a Town in the Tribe of Iudah ten miles from Ierusalem Westward Near to this City Iudas Macchabeus fought a memorable Battel against Bacchides and others whom he conquered It taketh the name from a clear Well being derived of Beer that is he hath made clear Of Thola the seventh Iudge of Israel THola takes his Name from a Red Worm or purple Colour which colour is proper to Princes He succeeded Abimelech in the Government of the Iews and began to rule An. Mun. 2715. and 1253 Years before Christ. His Father's name was Puah of the Tribe of Issachar He dwelt in Samir a City of Mount Ephraim not far from Iericho twelve miles from Ierusalem towards the North and there he was buried as you may see Iosh. 15. Of Jair the eighth Iudge of Israel JAir succeeded Thola and began his Government in the Year of the World 2738 and 1230 Years before Christ. He took his Name from the singular Worth and noble Disposition that was in him This Iair was one of the Tribe of Manasseh he was lame of both his Feet and was a man of great Estimation among the Iews for there were thirty Castles and Towns that were called after his Name Iudg. 10. Num. 32. Deut. 3. Ios. 13. 1 Chr. 1. He dwelt at Kamon a Town in the Tribe of Gilead some forty eight miles from Ierusalem towards the North-East The Travels of Jephthah JEphtha was born at Mizpah in the Land of Gilead and being driven into Exile by his Brothers he fled into the Land of Tob 48 miles from Ierusalem Iudg. 11. From thence he returned to Mizpah 48 miles and there was chosen Prince and began his Government Anno Mundi 2760. and before Christ 1208 Years Iudg. 11. From Mizpah he went with his Army against the Ammonites to the City of Aroer where he put them to flight which is twenty six miles Iudg. 11. From Aroer he pursued the Enemies to Minneth which is eight miles Iudg. 11. From Minneth he went to the Plain of the Vines which is twenty four miles Iudg. 11. From Abel or the Plain of the Vines he went to Mizpah where he offered his Daughter for a Sacrifice to the Lord Iudg. 11. At that time he and the Ephramites got a memorable Battel in which were slain 22000 Iudg. 12. So all the Travels of Iephthah were 322 miles Of the Cities and Places mentioned in his Travels Of Thob or Tob. THob or Tob to which Iephthah fled is in the half Tribe of Manasses beyond Iordan not far from the Mountain of Antilibanus a hundred and four miles from Ierusalem North-eastward this was a very fair and plentiful Country and therefore called Thob being derived from Thobah which signifieth Good and Rate Of Mizpah MIzpah was
Hadad-Ezer and by strong hand subdued and quelled the Fury of that mighty Tyrant who was also a trouble and vexation to the Kingdom of Antiochia David entertained this Message kindly and thankfully received his Gifts which was of Gold Silver and fine Brass and so gave Ioram an acceptable Dispatch and from thence with his Army went to Damascus the Metropolitan City of Syria where in the Valley of Salt he got a great Victory in which 18000 Syrians were slain and soon after the City of Damascus taken in which David placed a Garrison and compelled them to pay Tribute 2 Sam. 8. This was distant from the Kingdom of Soba 520 miles From Damascus he went with his Army into the Land of the Ammonites 100 miles in the way that leadeth out of Syria to Ierusalem all which he conquered and all the Cities and Towns thereabouts and compelled them to pay Tribute 2 Sam. 8. From thence he returned to Ierusalem which was sixty miles and all the Booty that he had gotten in his Journey he dedicated unto the Lord 2 Sam. 8. A while after he with his Army made an Incursion into the Land of Idumaea and compelled the Inhabitants to pay Tribute Moreover he destroyed the City of Midian the Metropolitan of that Country of which you may read before it was distant from Ierusalem 160 miles towards the South So that the extent of David's Kingdom from the North to the South was 800 miles even from the Kingdom of Soba to the Red Sea and from the East to the West 120 miles from Tyrus and Sydon reaching to Damascus Thus by the singular Blessing of God he obtained a spacious and powerful Empire 1 Sam. 8. 1 Reg. 11. 1 Chr. 19. He made his Expedition into Idumaea about the fourteenth year of his Reign From Midian in Idumaea he returned with great Glory and Praise to Ierusalem which was 160 miles In the fourteenth year of his Reign and in the year of the World 2904 and before Christ 1064 Nahas King of the Ammonites died and Haron his Son succeeded him this Man contemptuously abused the Messengers of David 2 Sam. 10. and to justifie that Injury he gathered an Army out of Soba Syria and Mesopotamia even a mighty Host to oppose David who in the fifteenth year of his Government met him with his Army at Helam some twenty miles from Ierusalem where he obtained a notable Victory and destroyed 700 Chariots and 40000 Horse 1 Chr. 20. David after this with great applause of the People was entertained into Ierusalem which was 20 miles distant where being puft up with Prosperity he forgat his former Piety and Sanctity and by degrees fell into unlawful Actions and unjust desires whence it happened that soon after he committed Adultery with Bathseba and after that to hide his Fault caused her Husband to be slain This was kept secret till the Lord by Nathan sharply reprehends him lays before him what he was and what his present estate is from whence that came and then concludes that he is most unthankful careless and negligent towards God and Man in committing those Insolencies neither left he there but told him that God would severely punish him for his Offence which after happened as you may read 1 Sa. 11 12. 14 17. David being nipt in his Conscience with this sharp reprehension fell into great Lamentation the extremity of whose Passions may very well appear in the Penitential Psalms which at this time and soon after he wrote and left to future Ages After this about the end of Summer he gathered an Army and went into the Land of the Ammonites some sixty four miles where he took the Metropolitan City which at that time was called Rabba because of the Multitude of Citizens that were in it but after being restored by Ptolomeus Philadelphus King of Aegypt he called it after his own name Philadelphia and there took the Crown from the Head of the King of the Ammonites which weighed a Talent of Gold being as Iosephus saith richly adorned with fair Sardonick Stones of which you may read 2 Sam. 12. From thence he returned back to Ierusalem which is sixty four miles where he married Bathseba and by her had four Sons Simeon Sobab Nathan and Solomon 1 Chr. 3. Soon after this Amnon defloured his Sister Thamar Not long after that his Son Absalom killed his Brother Amnon being then about eighteen years of age which David took so heinously that he would not suffer him to come into his sight for three years 2 Sam. 13. Then Ioab by the subtilty of the Woman of Tekoa reconciled him to the King his Father yet nevertheless he came not to his Court of two years after This Absalom was a goodly man affable for which cause even at that time the People began to affect him Afterward in the year of the World 2950 and before Christ 1408 Absalom being then about twenty five years of Age moved Sedition against his Father A matter remarkable that although he had slain his own Brother being disgraced and absent from the Court almost five years yet within short time after he so strongly united the Affection of the People to him that he constrained David standing in fear of his greatness all his former Acts and worthy Victories notwithstanding to forsake his own City and for safety to fly to the Mount of Olives being three quarters of a mile from the City There he stayed a while to see the condition of the Tumult but Necessity constrained him to take his way to Bahuzim And as he was going Zimri the Son of Gesa of the house of Saul cursed him every mans Enemy then making himself apparent when he is in Adversity and his best friends commonly forsake him From thence he went to Iordan fourteen miles where the Priests Ionathan and Ahinaaz brought him certain Intelligence of that wicked and perverse Counsel of Achitophel a man in those times famous for his Wisdom but perfidious in his Actions as commonly such are that hope after Honours or seek to benefit themselves by Innovation and Change After he had Intelligence hereof he went over Iordan with those few men that he had and with all possible speed went to Bethabara some 16 miles from Ierusalem toward the North-east At this place Ioshuah led the Children of Israel through Iordan on dry ground Ios. 3. 4. and here Iohn the Baptist taught and baptized Christ. Mat. 1. and Luke 3. From thence he went to Makanaim which is 28 miles where he sent forth his Army by bands against Absalom who at this time had assembled a great Host near the Wood Ephraim not far from that place where Ioshua won a memorable Battel against the Canaanites and that the place might be made more famous David's men though few in number gave Absalom and his Host as great Thus Absalom being left in danger to save himself fled but in his flight the Hair of his Head being long and blown with the Wind
to Mount Olivet for refuge being brought to a streight so Christ upon Mount Olivet his Heart being prest with an intolerable Agony fled to his Father by Prayer for comfort in that extremity Tenthly as all the Friends and Familiars of David forsook him at such time as Absalom rebelled against him and followed him with Persecutions Mocks and Taunts so Christ at such time as Iudas betrayed him into the hands of the Iews was forsaken of all his Followers and many of those which a little before he had done good unto mocked and derided him as he was upon the Cross. Lastly as David was restored notwithstanding the former miseries and troubles to his ancient Glory and Eminency so Christ after he had suffered the due punishment for Sin Death and before that extream Misery yet at length conquered both and by his Divine Power restored himself to his former estate Eternal Glory The Travels of Abner one of Sauls Captains HE went with King Saul from Gibeah to the Wilderness of Ziph which was twenty two miles Here he was rebuked by David for his negligence From thence he returned to Gibeah twenty two miles 1 Sam 31. From thence he travelled to the Hill Gilboa where Saul killed himself forty miles From thence he went to Machanaim where he made Ishbosheth Sauls Son King who kept his Court there seven Years sixteen miles 2 Sam. 2. From thence he went to Gibeon where he slew Asahel Ioabs Brother in Battel which was forty four miles 2 Sam. 2. From thence he went over Iordan to Bythron twenty eight miles From thence he went back to Machanaim sixteen miles 2 Sam. 2. â—astly he went thence to Hebron to David and made a Covenant with him where he was treacherously Slain by Ioab and was sixty eight miles So all the Travels of Abner were 256 miles Of Bithron BIthron or Betharan was a Town beyond Iordan in the Tribe of Gad some 28 miles from Ierusalem North-eastward lying between Dibon and Iordan It taketh the name from a House of singing being derived of Baith which signifies a House and Ron He sung joyfully The Travels of Joab David's Captain was the Son of David's Sister for he had two Zerviah and Abigal Zerviah had Ioab Abishai and Asael Abigal had only Amasa all which were great men in King David's time Now when Ioab heard that Abner had brought down his Army to Gibeon he went from Hebron thither which was 24 miles and there his Brother Asahel was slain 2 Sam. 2. From thence he went to Bethlehem 16 miles where he buried his Brother 2 Sam. 2. From thence he returned to Hebron 20 miles Here under the Gates of the City he traiterously killed Abner 2 Sam. 3. From thence he went with David to Ierusalem where he won Sion and drave thence the blind and the lame being 82 miles From thence he went with his Army against the Ammonites and Syrians whom he conquered in a cruel Fight 60 miles 1 Sam. 20. From thence he returned back to Ierusalem 60 miles From thence he went with David into Idumaea 160 miles from Ierusalem Southward there he won the Town of Midian and conquered the Idumaeans or Edomites 2 Sam. 8. From thence he returned to Ierusalem with his Army being 160 miles From thence he went and besieged Rabba the Metropolitan City of the Ammonites being sixty four miles from Ierusalem North-eastward Here Vriah was slain 2 Sam. 11. From thence he returned to Ierusalem with King David 64 miles From thence he went into the Kingdom of Gesur which lieth beyond Iordan upon Mount Libanus by the Town of Caesarea Philippi some eighty miles from Ierusalem North-eastward This Country was called Trachonites From this Land Ioab brought Absalom again to Ierusalem 2 Sam. 14. From thence he returned back again with Absalom to Ierusalem eighty eight miles From thence he went with David when he fled from his Son Absalom to Machanaim being forty four miles Not far from hence he slew Absalom 2 Sam. 18. From thence he came again with King David to Ierusalem 44 miles 2 Sam. 10. From thence he went to Gibeah where he killed Amasa which was four miles From thence he went to the Town of Abel-Bethmaacha in the Tribe of Naphtali being about 88 miles This Town he straightly besieged From thence he went again to Ierusalem 88 miles Afterward he went as David commanded him to number the People at Aroer a Town beyond Iordan which was 24 miles 2 Sam. 24. From thence he went to Iaezer which is sixteen miles From thence going through the Land of Gilead and passing by the Territories of the lovver Country of Hadsi he came to the Town of Dan near to the place vvhere the Fountains of Iordan are which is accounted 116 miles From thence he went to that famous Mart Town Sidon which was 24 miles From that great Tovvn Sidon he went to the Walls of Tyre to which place great multitudes of Ships resorted which was 16 miles From thence he went toward the South till he came to the City Beersaba which was the utmost Bounds of the Holy Land South-vvestvvard and vvas reckoned 132 miles From thence he returned back to Ierusalem where he delivered to David the number of those that were chosen Souldiers 2 Sam. 24. but the Lord struck the Country and City of Ierusalem with a great Plague because he did contrary to his Command 2 Sam. 24. So all the Travels of Ioab were 1348 miles The Description of the places to which he travelled MAny of those Cities mentioned in the Travels of Ioab are already described and set forth therefore I account it needless in this place again to repeat them but only such Towns as yet have not been mentioned Of Gesur GEsur was a Country near to Caesarea Philippi in the Land of Basan beyond Iordan near Libanus in the Tetrarchy Trachonitides 88 miles from Ierusalem North-eastward With the King of this Country Absalom remained in Banishment for three years space after he had slain his Brother Ammon and with us may be termed the Valley of Oxen 2 Sam. 13. Of Hadsi THE lower Country of Hadsi stood near to the City Corazin in the half Tribe of Manasses fifty two miles from Ierusalem toward the North-east and signifies a new Land being derived of Chadasch that is New Of the Fountain Rogel THIS was near Ierusalem Eastward to which place Ionathan and Ahimaaz David's Intelligencers brought him News of Absalom's Counsels and Intentions 2. Sam. 17. It seemeth that Travellers usually washed their Feet in it from whence it was called the Well of Feet being derived from Raegael signifying a Foot Near to this place was the Stone Zochaeleth where Adonijah at such time as he affected the Kingdom contrary to his Fathers liking called an Assembly and made a great Feast 1 Reg. 1. The Travels of Baena and Rechab THese two went out of the Tribe of Beniamin over Iordon to Machanaim 40 miles There they murthered their Master King Ishbosheth in his Chamber
as he lay upon his Bed and after cut off his Head The Head they brought to King David to Hebron 68 miles But David was not pleased with their Treachery wherefore he caused them both to be put to Death So their Travels were 108 miles The Travels of Absalom ABsalom was born in Hebron and went with his Father to Ierusalem 22 miles 2 Sam. 13. From thence he went to Baal-hazor eight miles where he caused his Brother Amnon to be slain From thence for fear of his Father he fled into the Land of Gesur 88 miles 2 Sam 14. From thence he came back with Ioab to Ierusalem which was 88 miles 2 Sam. 14. From thence he went to Hebron 22 miles and made himself King and rebelled against his Father From thence he went back again to Ierusalem which is 22 miles There he lay with his Fathers Concubines 2 Sam. 16. From thence he pursued his Father to Machanaim 40 miles and there was hanged by the Hair in an Oak tree where Ioab put him to death 2 Sam. 18. So all the Travels of Absalom were 290 miles Of Baal-hazor IN this City Absalom made a great Feast for his Sheep-shearers and invited all his Brothers to it where he caused Amnon to be slain because he had abused his Sister Thamar It lieth in the way some eight miles from Ierusalem towards the North-east as you go to Iericho near to Mount Epraim 2 Sam. 13. and is derived to Baal which signifies a Lord or Husband and Chazir a Den or Cave Of the Name Absalom ABsalom signifieth a Father of Peace although he was the Author of all Discord and Sedition against his Father The Travels of the wise Woman of Thecoa THis woman went from Thecoa to Ierusalem eight miles and spake with King David and with her sweet words she persuaded him that he would recall his Son out of Exile who then remained in Gesur 2 Sam. 14. Of Thecoa THecoa was a City in the Tribe of Iuda some eight miles from Ierusalem toward the South-east near this City Iosaphat by Prayers and the sound of Trumpets without drawing Sword got a memorable Victory and for that cause it signifieth the sound of a Trumpet In this place the Prophet Amos dwelt and there lyeth buried whose Sepulchre was to be seen four hundred Years after Christ as S. Ierom observeth It was from Bethlem-Iuda six miles Near to Thecoa was the Lake Aspher where Ionathan and Machabeus's brothers pitch'd their Tents 1 Mach. 9. Of this City you may read Ier. 6. Am. 1. 2 Chr. 11. Of Achitophel THis perfidious and wicked Man was born in the Town of Gilo not far from Hebron and Debir in the Tribe of Iudah Ios. 15. 2. Sam. 15. twenty miles from Ierusalem South-Eastward who when his Counsel would not take place he went home to his won House and there desperately hanged himself The Travels of wicked Shimei SHimei went from Bahurim where he cursed King David to Bathabara upon the River Iordan which was eighteen miles where he got Pardon of David 2 Sam. 9. From thence he went back with King David unto Gilgal four miles 2 Sam. 19. From thence he went with King David to Ierusalem twelve miles 2. Sam. 19. From thence he went to Bahurim three miles From Bahurim King Solomon sent for him again to Ierusalem three miles There he was constrained to build him an House and not to depart thence upon pain of Death 1 Reg. 2. But Shimei transgressing the commandment of the King went to Gath a City of the Philistines twelve miles From thence he returned back again to Ierusalem twelve miles where he was slain by the command of King Solomon in the third year of his Reign 1 Reg. 2. So all the Travels of Shimei were 104 miles The Books of KINGS and CHRONICLES Of Abishag the Virgin that lay with David THIS Maid was accounted the fairest in all Israel for which cause she was brought to Ierusalem for King David that she might lye with him in his old Age to procure Heat she was born at Sunem a Town some forty four miles from Ierusalem 1 Reg. 1. Of Sunem you may read before in the Travels of David and Saul The Travels of King Solomon SOlomon the Son of David King of Israel entred upon the full Government of the Kingdom of Israel Anâ—mundi 2931. and before Christ 1037. when he was about twenty years old After he went from Ierusalem to Gilgal four miles and there offered upon the Altar which Moses had made 1000 burnt offerings 1 Reg. 2. 2 Chr. 1. From thence he went back to Ierusalem four miles and built a Temple to the Lord in Mount Moriah I Reg. 6. This was begun about the fourth year of his Reign and 480 years after the Children of Israel came out of Aegypt in the Month Ziph which answereth to our May. So that the Temple began to be built in An. Mundi 2934. and before Christ 1034. To the building whereof Hiram King of Tyre sent Cedar Trees from Mount Libanus 120 miles to Ierusalem 1 Reg. 5. 2. Chr. 2. This Temple Solomon within plaited over with Gold and set with precious Stones and finished it in the Month of November about the eleventh year of his Reign 1 Reg. 6. The Dedication whereof was about the twelfth year of his Reign and in the thirty second year of his Age Anno Mundi 2942 and before Christ 1026. The Temple being finished he began to build his own house which was thirteen years a building and was finished about the 44 year of his Age and in the 24 of his Reign 1 Rg. 7. 8. After 20 Years in which time he had finished the House of the Lord and his own House in Mount Sion that he might manifest his Thankfulness to the King of Tyre he went to Cabul a City in the Tribe of Ashur some 80 miles Northward where he gave to the aforesaid Hiram 20 Towns or Cities with all the Country round about wherefore King Hiram called this Cabul that is Displeasant and Dirty 2 Reg. 9. You may read of Cabul Ios. 19. From thence he returned to Ierusalem 88 miles From thence he went to Hazor and restored the City which was 44 miles From thence he returned to Ierusalem 44 miles From thence he went to Megiddo which is not far from Iesreel in the Tribe of Manasses 44 miles from Ierusalem toward the North. This City Solomon fortified 1 Reg. 9. and Iosiah King of Iuda a long time after was there wounded to Death 2 Reg. 9. From Megiddo he returned to Ierusalem 44 miles After that Pharaoh King of Egypt had conquered Gaser and destroyed it with Fire he gave it to his Daughter the Wife of Solomon who rebuilt it This Town was scituated in the Tribe of Ephraim 28 miles from Ierusalem Northward 1 Reg. 9. From Gaser Solomon returned back again to Ierusalem being 28 miles From thence he went to the higher Bethoron which he fortified and stood 28 miles from Ierusalem
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
of Israel who was crowned King his Father yet living about the beginning of the twenty sixth year of Asa King of Iuda at such time as Benhadad King of Syria invaded and wasted Galilee He reigned two years one of them during the Life of his Father the other alone in Thirza at the end of which he was slain by Simri his Servant 1 Reg. 15 16. Of Zimri King of Israel ZImri signifieth a Singer and was a Captain over King Elah's Chariots he reigned seven dayes in Thirza in which time he put to death and utterly rooted out all the Posterity of Baasha and then Omri besieged the City so straitly that he had no hope to escape wherefore he set the City and Palace on fire in which he also perished 1 Reg. 15 16. The Travels of Omri King of Israel OMRI signifieth a Souldier or one that deserveth his Pay He was made King by the Israelites in his Tent while he was at Wars near to Gibithon from whence he went to Thirza which was thirty six miles and besieged the same upon the very day that Zimri had put the Posterity of Baasha to the Sword and took it He began to reign in Thirza Ann. Mund. 3017 and before Christ 951. and reigned over Israel twelve years the first six in Thirza that latter six in Samaria 1 Reg. 16. From Thirza he went to Mount Semer six miles there Omri built Samaria and made it the Seat of his Kingdom He went thither about the seventh year of his Reign 1 Reg. 16. So these two Journeys were forty two miles Of Samaria SAmaria the chief Seat and Metropolis of Israel was built by Omri in Mount Semer 32 miles from Ierusalem towards the North and took that name of Semer who was Lord of that Mountain of whom King Omri bought it for two Talents of Silver which amounteth to 1200 Crowns In this City fourteen Kings of Israel kept their Courts viz. Omri who was the first Founder of it Ahab Ahazia Iehoram Iehu Ioachas Ioas Ieroboam Zacharias Sallum Menahem Pekahia Pekah and Hosea who was the last of the Kings of Israel that reigned in this City and lost it together with his Liberty Of all these Kings there were but five that died naturally for the Lord being moved to wrath by reason of their Impiety and Idolatry either gave them up into the hands of Foreign Enemies or by Civil War amongst themselves they cruelly murthered one another until such time as the Assyrians destroyed the Land and and led the People captive Thus the Lord punished with a sharp and severe punishment this obstinate Nation because they contemned the Admonitions and Doctrines of the Prophets amongst which Elias and Elizeus were the chief So that although Samaria was a fair and beautiful City and the Countrey for that cause was called the Province of Samaria yet notwithstanding that great God the Judge of all things for the Iniquity of the People caused this fair City to be left desolate the Inhabitants of the Land to be dispersed and the Earth for want of due usage to lye as a Wilderness 2 Reg. 17. This City in the Old Testament according to the Hebrew Phrase is called Shaemaer of Schomron which signifies to keep or a Tower of strength You may read of this 1 Reg. 2. 2 Reg. 1 7. The Greeks and Latines call it Samaria which signifies the Castle of Iehovah or of God You may read more of this in the second Volume Of Hiel that built Jericho again AFter the death of Omri King of Israel when Ahab his Son began to reign Hiel a very rich man in the Town of Bethel that he might leave behind him an eternal memory of his Name went to Iericho which had been formerly destroyed by Ioshuah the Son of Nun and had lain waste for the space of 536 years where contrary to the Commandment of the Lord and curse of Ioshuah he caused the said City to be rebuilt such was the impious Security and Incredulity of this man but the Lord was angry with him and he struck all his Children that they dyed The eldest Son called Abiram at the laying of the Foundation and his youngest Son called Segub at the hanging on of the Gates Ios. 6. 1 Reg. 16. The Travels of King Ahab AHab went from Samaria to the Hill Carmel where Elias put to death the Priests of Baal which was about thirty two miles 1 Reg. 18. From thence he went to Iezreel which is sixteen miles there he told his Wife how Elias had put the Priests of Baal to the Sword 1 Reg. 18. From Iezreel he went again to Samaria eighteen miles where being prest with a hard Siege by Benhadad King of Syria he broke out of the City for his better safety and by Gods great providence and assistance he assailed the Syrians put a great multitude of them to the Sword the rest fled and he went away with a noble Victory as the Prophet of the Lord had formerly told him 1 Reg. 20. From Samaria he went with his Army to Apheck which was fourteen miles where he renewed a second Battel and therein had good success so that he took Benhadad alive and put to the Sword 100000 Syrians In this place the Prophet of the Lord reproved him for his ingratitude and obstinacy wherefore Ahab being angry he went from Apheck to Samaria which was eight miles 1 Reg. 20. From Samaria he went to Iezreel sixteen miles where that perfidious Queen Iesabel caused Naboth to be put to death and took possession of his Vineyard 1 Reg. 21. From Iezreel he went to Ramoth-Gilead twenty four miles and there in a fight that he had against the Syrians was so sore wounded with an Arrow that he was constrained to leave the Battel 1 Reg. 22. And as he went back again to Samaria which was twenty four miles he dyed of his wound Of this man you may read more 1 Reg. 21 22. So all the Travels of Ahab were 152 miles The Description of Carmel Apheck and Ramoth you may read before Of Iezreel JEzreel is a City in the Tribe of Issachar scituated upon a rising ground some forty eight miles from Ierusalem towards the North where Ahab sometimes kept his Court. Here Naboth the Iezreelite dwelt an honest and Religious man one of good Esteem and Authority that feared God and would not suffer the Inheritance of one Tribe to be transferred to another because God had commanded the contrary Num. ult For which cause he would not sell his Vine-yard to Ahab wherefore Iezabel that wicked Woman to satisfie the Kings desire caused him to be stoned Iezreel signifies the Seed of God being derived of Sera Seed and El the Almighty God Though in former times this hath been a fair Town yet at this day there is no past thirty houses in it and is called Charity standing at the foot of Mount Gilboah they shew at this day the field of Naboth the Iezreelite lying towards the West as you go
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
River of Cutha a multitude of Iews with great shame and grief were constrained to dwell He also gathered a great multitude of other People out of Babylon Hamath or Antiochia some out of his own Dominions of Assyria also out of Media and the People of Ava and Sepharvaiim which People are mentioned Esay 37. and sent them to inhabit in Samaria and all the Cities and Countries round about because it was a Fertile and pleasant Country and to defend it against the incursions of strangers From whence may be gathered that in this behalf the Policy of this Emperour was much greater than that of the Romans for the retaining of this Kingdom but especially than that of Titus Vespasian for he having conquered the Land wasted it and destroyed it with Fire and Sword put thence the Inhabitants and dispersed them here and there left the Country bare and naked only a few Garrisons were placed in the strongest Cities to keep it to their use Which not being able enough to oppose the incursions of the Saracens that in great Troops brake out of the Desarts of Arabia-Petraea they soon lost all that they had gotten and the Turks joyning with them they have now gained into their possession that pleasant and fruitful Land of Iudaea and inhabit therein even to this day to the great detriment and scandal of the Christians But to return to the People sent to inhabit this Kingdom who as they were of divers Nations so were they of divers Religions and every Family had his particular God Wherefore the Lord sent a Multitude of Lyons among them which daily vexed them from whence it happened that Salmanasser was constrained to send back unto them a Levite one of the Priests that had been carried away Captive to shew them the true Worship of God He came to Bethel and there taught them the Doctrine of the Lord and the Customs and Ceremonies of the Mosaical Law whereby it happened that they began to worship God and their Idols in neither observing their Ancient custom For which cause they became so abominable unto the Iews that they refused their company and familiarity as that Samaritan woman confessed to Christ at Iacobs Well Ioh. 4. so that when the Iews could call a man by any ignominious or odious name they would term him a Samaritan Ioh. 8. Do we not say rightly that thou art a Samaritan and â—est a Devil But of all the People which Salmanasser sent into the Holy-Land those that came out of the East part of Persia from Cutha called Cutheis dwelt in Samaria and got the chief command and Government over the rest The Travels of the Kings of Syria that made Wars upon the Kings of Israel And first of the Travels or Incursions of Benhadad BEnhadad King of Syria went from Damascus the chief City of his Kingdom and came to Samaria and straitly besieged it in the time of Ahab King of Israel 1 Reg. 24. being 132 miles From thence being overcome and put to flight by Ahab he returned back to Damascus which was 132 miles The second time he came from thence and invaded the Land of Israel even unto the City of Apheck 124 miles which he besieged But Ahab King of Israel overcame him in a great Battel and put 100000 Syrians to the Sword and when the rest of the multitude would have fled into the City the ruins of a Wall fell down upon them so that there dyed 27000. This put Benhadad in such a fear that he was constrained to fly from one chamber to another to hide himself but at last was taken and not without the great wrath and indignation of God by that wicked King Ahab pardoned and set at liberty 2 Reg. 20. Wherefore he went thence back to Damascus which was 124 miles Within three years after he brought a great Army against Ramoth in Gilead which is 104 miles from Damascus South-Eastward Here he won of Ahab a great Battel in which Ahab was slain with an Arrow 1 Reg. 22. From thence he returned back to Damascus which was about 104 miles After that he came again from Damascus into the land of Israel with a great Army 120 miles where he counselled with his Captains and men of War saying Here and there will we incamp our selves But the Prophet Elisha discoâ—ered their purposes 2 Reg. 6. Out of the Land of Isrel he returned to Damascus which was 120 miles From thence he returned again with his Army to Samaria being 132 miles which the second time he besieged so straitly that an Asses head was worth eighty pieces of Silver But yet the Lord at the fervent Prayers of Elizeus the Prophet struck such a fear and anguish among the Enemies that Benhadad and his Army were constrained to fly 2 Reg. 6. Being sore troubled because he was thus put to flight he went to Damascus which was 132 miles and there within a while after died of grief 2 Reg. 9. So all the Travels of King Benhadad were 1224 miles The Travels of the Captains which Benhadad King of Syria sent to waste and destroy the Land of Baesa King of Israel THIS Army went from Damascus and came to the Town of Hion seventy two miles From thence they went to Dan which is four miles From Dan they went to the City of Abel-Bethmaacha twelve miles From thence they went to the land of Chineroth which was accounted eight miles there they took certain Cities of Fruit and spoiled and destroyed them From Chineroth in the Tribe of Nephtaly when they had cruelly wasted and destroyed that Country they returned with a great booty to Damascus being eighty eight miles 1 Reg. 15. So all their Travels were 184 miles The Description of the Towns and Places to which they travelled Hion and Dan. HIon and Dan are two Towns near to Mount Libanus and the Fountains of Iordan some 104 miles from Ierusalem North-Eastward Hion signifies a Town of the Fountain because it standeth near to the Town or Fountains from whence Iordan issueth Of Abel-Bethmaacha you may read before Of Chineroth THIS Chineroth or Cineroth was the Metropolitan City of the Tribe of Nephtaly seventy two miles from Ierusalem Northward It was scituated in a very fruitful and pleasant place and for that cause was so called for Kinroth being derived of Kinnor signifieth Musick or Mirth The Travels of Naaman the Syrian NAaman came from Damascus to Samaria which was 132 miles to be cured of his Leprosie by Elizeus who commanded him to go to the River Iordan and wash himself therein seven times and he should be cleansed Wherefore from Samaria he went to Iordan twenty six miles and there according to the commandment of the Prophet he washed himself seven times and was cleansed 2 Reg. 5. From the River Iordan he returned back again to Elizeus the Prophet to give him thanks for that benefit which was about sixteen miles From Samaria he returned to Damascus 132 miles So all the Travels of Naaman the
Syrian were 296 miles The Travels of Hasael King of Syria HE went from Damascus where Elizeus told him that he should succeed his Lord and Master Benhadad in the Kingdom to â—amâ—th Gilead with his Army which was 104 miles There he overcame Iehoram King of Israel in a great battel 2 Reg. cap. 8. From thence he returned to Damascus 104 miles After he went to Damascus to the City Aroer which was 132 miles From thence he went through the land of Gilead into the Kingdom of Basâ—n until he came to Mount Libanus which is accounted eighty miles and conquered all that part 2 Reg. 10. After he returned into his own Kingdom to Damascus which is 320 miles Within a while after he went again from Damascus with his Army to Gath which is reckoned 188 miles This City he won From Gath he went to Ierusalem thirty two miles which he besieged so streightly that Ioas King of Iudah was constrained to give him great abundance of Gold to raise his Siege and be gone 2 Reg. 12. From Ierusalem he went to Damascus which was about 160 miles The last Journey that he went against the Israelites was when he besieged Samaria at which time he won many Cities and Towns round about in the Country and made them Tributaries unto him 2 Reg 13. which was 132 â—iles Having finished this Expedition he returned back to Damascus 132 miles and there dyed and was buried So all the Travels of Hasael King of Syria were 1384 miles The Cities of Aroer and Gath are described before therefore I shall not need to speak of them again in this place The Travels of Benhadad the second of that name King of Syria THis Benhadad was the Son of Hasael and succeeded him in the Government He went from the City Damascus with a great Army to Apheck which was 104 miles This King was three times one after another overthrown by Ioab King of Israel and lost all those Cities which Hasael his Father had formerly conquered 2 Reg. 13. From Apheck he returned to Damascus 104 miles and there died So both Journeys were 208 miles The Travels of Resin King of Syria RESIN King of Syria went from Damascus and joyning his Army with that of Pekah King of Israel they went to Ierusalem and streightly besieged Ahab king of Iudah 2 Reg. 16. which was 160 miles At this time which was in the year of the World 3206 and before Christ 762. the Prophet Esay ca. 7. foretold of the Birth of our Saviour Christ saying Behold a Virgin being great shall bring forth a Child and shall call his name Emanuel From thence he brought his Army through Idumaea to Elâ—th a City of the Red Sea some 160 miles from Ierusalem towards the South and sixteen miles from Ezeongaber Northward This City Resin won and thrust from thence the Iews out of it From â—lath he went to Damascus 280 miles where he was slain by Tiglath Phulasser that mighty King of the Assyrians who carried a great multitude of the Inhabitants of Damascus into the Country of Syrene where they endured a miserable Exile 2 Reg. 16. So all the Travels of King Resin were 600 miles The Travels of the Kings of Judah which reigned in the City of Jerusalem and first of the Travels of Rehoboam REhoboam the Son of Solomon succeded his Father in the Kingdom and began his Reign Anno mundi 2971 and before Christ 977 who by reason of his extream cruelty and threats following the counsel of his young Courtiers rather than of his grave Senators the same year lost ten of the Tribes that fell from him and rebelled against him so that he reigned over Iudah and Benjamin seventeen years 1 Reg. 11. 14. A little after the death of Solomon he went to Sichem thirty two miles where he was anointed and crowned King But the People perceiving that he carried himself very proudly and arrogantly desired him that he would ease them of the burden formerly imposed upon them by his Father for Solomon had set a certain Tax on every man because he was at extraordinary charges as long as the Temple was building but he little regarding their request told them That his little finger should be heavier than the whole burthen of his Father wherefore they disliking his Speech fell all from him except Benjamin and Iudah Wherefore the King shunning the fury of the People with all possible speed went from Sichem to Jerusalem back again being thirty two miles Then he fortified all the chief Cities of Judah and Benjamin 2 Chr. 11. So all the Travels of Rehoboam were sixty four miles But he principally fortified fourteen Cities in the Tribe of Judah that with the more safety he might oppose his Enemy Jeroboam King of Israel viz. Bethlehem Etam Thecoa Bethzura Adullam Gath Maâ—esa Ziph Adoraiim Lachis Aseca Zarea Ajalon and Hebron most of which Towns and the memorable Actions done in them are described in the former part of this Treatise I will therefore speak only of such Towns as have not as yet been mentioned Of Maresa THIS was a City in the Tribe of Iuda 16 miles from Ierusalem West-ward which Rehoboam repaired and fortified 2 Chr. 11. where King Asa overcame the Ethâ—opians in a cruel Battel 2 Chr. 14. Here Michaias and Eleazer the Prophets were born 2 Chr. 20 Mich. 1 2 Ios. 15 Georgias also fled into this City when he was overcome by Iudas Macchabeus 2 Mac. 12 It was scituated on the Borders of the Tribes of Iuda and Dan as Sâ— Ierom saith in whose time the Ruines thereof were to be seen Maresca signifies an Inheritance being derived of Moraschah that is a Possession Of Bethzura THIS is a strong Castle often mentioned in the History of the Macchabees scituated on a Mountain some five Furlongs from Ierusalem Southward and felll by lot unto the Tribe of Iuda This Tower was as it were a Bulwark for the City of Ierusalem and stood in the way â—s you go thence to Bethlem and so to Gaza Of Zareah THIS was a City in the Tribe of Iuda eight miles from Ierusalem toward the West which Rehoboam did also repair and fortifie 2 Ch. 11. There was another City of this name scituated upon the Border of the Tribes of Iuda and Dan 18 miles from Ierusalem Westward of which you may read in the Travels of Sampson Of Adoraiim ADoraiim or Adarah was a City in the Tribe of Iuda 44 miles from Ierusalem South-westward which Rehoboam the Son of Solomon also fortified 2 Chr. 11. It is scituated upon the Borders of Iudah and Arabia-Petraea between Cades and Casmona It signifies a glorious City being derived of Adar he was glorious The Travels of King Abia. ABijah or Abia signifies The Father of the Sea He began to reign in the eighteenth year of Ieroboam his Adversary An. Mundi 2988 before Christ 980 and reigned over Israel three years 1 Reg. 15 2 Chr. 17. He went from Ierusalem to the Mount Zemeraim eight miles After
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
Son King he returned back again to Babylon 680 miles About three Months after he went the third time back to Ierusalem 680 miles for he feared Iechonias would rebell and revenge the death of his Father Ioachim 2 Kin. 24. In the eighth year of his Reign he took Iechonias Mardoche and 3000 other Iews of the Nobility and carried them captive to Babylon which was 680 miles 2 Kin. 2. Chr. 36. Est. 2. Nine years after he came the fourth time to Ierusalem being 680 miles and besieged the City because of the Impiety and Rebellion of Zedekiah King thereof During this Siege he took divers Towns but chiefly Lachis and Aseka Ier. 34. But when he understood that Pharaoh was coming with an Army out of Egypt to rescue Zedekiah he raised his Camp and went about eighty miles into the Countrey of Egypt which Pharaoh hearing was abashed and turned back again In the absence of this Emperour Ieremy the Prophet being then within the City having foretold the Destruction thereof would have fled thence for his better safety into the Tribe of Benjamin but by the way he was taken in the Gate of Benjamin and cast into Prison Ier. 7. Within a while after according to the Prophecy of Ieremy Nebuchadnezzar returned out of the Desart of Sur whither he went to meet the Aegyptians being eighty miles and utterly destroyed the City of Ierusalem carrying thence the Vessels and Ornaments of the Temple to Babylon 2 Kin. 25. 2 Chr. 36. From Ierusalem he went to Riblah in the Tribe of Naphtaly eighty miles where he put out Zedekia's eyes and kill'd his Children 2 Kin. 25. From Riblah he carried Zedekiah to Babylon which was 600 miles where he died miserably in Prison 2 Kin. 25. Afterward Nebuchadnezzar went with his Army from Babylon to Tyrus which he won and pittifully wasted with Fire and Sword according to the Prophecy of Ezekiel cap. 26. being 600 miles From Tyrus he went to Aegypt and passed 480 miles through that Kingdom conquering all the Countries and Provinces as he went along even the Ammonites the Moabites Philistines Idumaeans and Aegypt it self all which Countries he made Tributary to him Isa. 15 16 19. Ier. 46 47 48 49. Ez. 25. 29. From Aegypt he returned to Babel 960 miles From that time till his death he was Emperour of all those Kingdoms In the second year of his Empire Daniel expounded unto him his wonderful Dream under the similitude of an Image setting forth the condition of the four Monarchies of the World Dan. 2. Not long after he caused Sidrack Misack and Abednego to be cast in a Fiery Furnace because they refused to worship the golden Image which he had set up Dan. 3. Also this Nebuchadnezzar for his great Pride and Arrogancy was by God strucken mad and into a deep melancholy in which disease he continued for the space of seven years tied in Bonds and Chains running up and down like a Beast and seeding upon Grass and Roots until he came to understand that God the Governour of Heaven and Earth had the disposing of Kingdoms and Governments giving them to whom he list and again taking them away At the end of which time he was restored again to his understanding and Empire and after beautified the City of Babylon with many goodly Buildings fair Orchards and pleasant places as Iosep. lib. Ant. 10. â—aith And when he had reigned forty three years died and was buried by his Father in Babylon An. Mundi 3387. and before Christ 581. So all the Travels of Nebuchadonozor or Nebuchadnezzar were 7892 miles The Description of the Cities and Places that have not as yet been mentioned Of Carchemis THIS was a City in the Country of Syria near Euphrates 400 miles from Ierusalem North-ward and signifies A sacrificed Lamb being derived of Car which signifies a Ram or Lamb and Mosch He hath cut in pieces It may also be taken in the third Conjugation for a Lamb sacrificed to the Idol Chemosch or Chamos the God of Meetings or nightly Salutations Of Pelusio THIS City Peluso was built by Peleus the Father of Achilles from whence it took the name It stands in Egypt some 172 miles from Ierusalem South-westward near to the Gate of Nilus called Pelusiachus where it falleth into the Mediterranean Sea Not far from this City in the Mountain Casius upon the Borders of Arabia-Petraea where the Temple of Iupiter Casius stood is to be seen the Tomb of Pompey the Great beautified and adorned by Adrianus Caesar as Capitolinus saith At this day this City is called by the name of Damiata You may read of it Ezek. cap. 30. Of Tyrus or Zor TYrus signifieth Cheese or to congeal together as Cheese doth of milk something alluding to the Hebrew word Zor signifying to make strait or a Rock having a strait and sharp Edge It was the Metropolitan City of Phoenicia now the Haven or Passage of Sur but in ancient time it was called Sarra Aul. Gel. lib 14. cap. 6. It was scituated upon a very high Rock compassed about with the Mediterranean Sea 100 miles from Ierusalem Northward and a famous Mart Town for all the Holy Land By the description of Ezekiel it seems to have been like unto Venice both in Scituation and Dignity Ez. 27. Ierem. 28. Esay 27. 28. and many other Prophets prophesied against this Town saying Out of the Land of Kithim that is from Macedonia the Destroyer of Tyrus should come As after hapned for Alexander the Great King of Macedon besieged that Town and in the seventh Month after took it for the obtaining whereof he was constrained to fill up the Sea which compassed it about containing 700 Paces and made it firm Land for his Army to pass upon to the Walls of the City In this Country that famous Civilian Vlpian was born as he writeth lib. 1. ff de Censibus And upon the Borders of Tyrus and Sidon Christ cured the Daughter of a Canaanitish Woman of a Devil Mat. 15. Wherefore you shall read more of it in the second Tomb. Of Evil Merodach Emperour of the Babylonians and Assyrians AMilinus Evil-Merodach Son of Nebuchadonosor the Great succeeded his Father An. Mun. 3388. before Christ 580. In the first year of his Reign he set at liberty Iechonias King of Iuda and attributed to him the Title Dignity and Maintenance of a King Iechonias being then fifty five years of age and thirty seven after he had been in Captivity 2 King ult Ier. ult Whence it is concluded by most That this Emperour did also embrace the Doctrine of Daniel concerning the true God as did Nebuchadonosor his Father who had before by publick Edict professed it to the whole State and caused it to be published through his Dominions and therefore shewed favour and mercy toward King Iechonias And from thence it is thought that those which were impious Princes about him called him Amelinus that is the Circumcised being derived of Mol which signifies to circumcise and Evil simple
people of Israel Ishmael that was of the Stock and Progeny of David hoping to obtain the Government of Iuda made War upon Gediliah and put him to Death wherefore Ieremy went from thence with Iohn the Son of Kareach Prince of the Iews to Bethlem Euphrata eight miles Ier. 41. Now when he had stayed a while in a Village near Bethlem called Geruth Chimeham where sometime Chimeham the Son of Barzillaâ— lived 2 Sam. 19. he prophesied saying If you stay in this Land you shall do well neither shall any Evil happen unto you but if you depart hence into Aegypt they shall devour you with Famine and with the Sword Jer. 42. But Iohn and the rest of the Princes would give no credit to the words of Ieremy but went into Aegypt and compelled the Prophet to go along with them so they went from Bethlehem to Tachpanes which was 172 miles Here the second time Ieremy prophesied unto them saying Behold Nebuchadnezzar shall come hither and wast and destroy all the Country of Aegypt beat down the Images of Bethsemes or Heliopolis and carry away the Aegyptians into perpetual Captivity Jer. 43. But the People of Israel being moved to Anger because of his Words stoned him to death So the Travels of the Prophet Ieremiah were 1786 miles Concerning the Towns and Places mentioned in the Travels of this Prophet you may read of them before except Geruth-Chimeham which stood close by Bethlehem It taketh the name from a Stranger or Traveller being derived of Gor which signifieth He hath travelled and Tachpanes which was a City of Egypt some 180 miles from Ierusalem where the Prophet Ieremy was stoned to death it is oftentimes called the name of Taphniis The Travels of Urijah the Prophet URIAS or Vriah signifies Illuminated or inlightned of the Lord. He was born at Kirjath-jearim a mile from Ierusalem towards the West from thence he came to Ierusalem and there prophesied of the Destruction of the City After when King Ioachim went about to take away his Life he fled thence into Egypt 160 miles But the King sent Messengers into Egypt and fetch'd Vrijah back again to Ierusalem and hundred and sixty miles and there cut off his head and caused his Body to be thrown into the Sepulchre of a poor despised man that it might not be known that he had been a Prophet of the Lord. So all his Travels were 321 miles Of Hananias the false Prophet HAnanias or Chanania signifieth the Grace of God This false Prophet was a Gibeonite and came from Gibeon to Ierusalem which was four miles where he took the woodden yoaks from the neck of Ieremiah the Prophet but Ieremiah caused Iron Yoaks to be made in their places and told Hananias that for his falshood that year he should surely dye as after he did Of the Prophet Ezekiel EZekiel or Iechezkel signifies the Strength or Fortitude of God He was carried captive with 3000 others of the Nobility of the Iews from Ierusalem to Babylon which was 680 miles the same year that Nebuchadnezzar put King Ioachim to death Within five years after a little before Easter the Book of the Law was found 2 Chron. 3. He began to prophesie in Babylon Anno Mundi 3356 before Christ 612 at which time he saw his first Visions near to the River Chebar Of the River Chebar THE River Chebar was near Babylon in Chaldaea upon the borders of Mesopotamia falling into Euphrates and was often times called Aborras according to the opinion of many learned men Strabo in the sevententh Book of his Geography saith that there is another River between Tygris and Euphrates called Basilius Aborras passeth along by the City of Athemusia and is a very fair stream from whence it is called Chebar which signifies a swift and spacious River Near to this River the Prophet Ezekiel saw the Glory and Majesty of our Lord Jesus Christ in a bright shining Cloud In this place also dwelt many Iews to whom he prophecied and foretold the Destruction of Ierusalem by Nebuchadnezzar and the captivity of Zedekiah The Travels of the Prophet Daniel DAniel signifies the Judge of God In the reign of Ioachim King of Iudâ—h he was carried away captive from Ierusalem to Babylon by Nabuchadonozor which was 680 miles and there with his fellows learned the Arts and Language of the Chaldeans for three years He was then but young about some nineteen or twenty years of age and lived in Exile ninety one years until the third year of Cyrus Emperour of the Persians about which time he saw his last Vision and a little after died when he was about 110 years of age as may be gathered by the Circumstances of Histories and Times From Babylon he went to Susan in Persia Anno Mundi 3418 and before Christ 540 being then ninety four years of age which was 252 miles where near to the Flood Eulaeus he had a Vision of a Ram and a Goat which set forth the state of the second Monarchy which was that of the Graecians In this Vision Gabriel the Arch-Angel appeared to Daniel Dan. 8. This was in the third year of King Balthasar From Susan Daniel returned to Babylon which was 252 miles here he interpreted to Balthasar the meaning of these words Mene Mene Tekel Euphar sin Dan. 5. From Babylon he went to the River Tygris or Hidekel which was thirty six miles here in the third year of Cyrus King of Persia he saw his last Vision which is described in the tenth eleventh and twelfth Chapters of his Prophecy From Tygris he returned to his own house at Babylon which was thirty six miles Sometimes also in his three last years of his life he used to goe to Egbatan the Metropolitan City of the Medes which was accounted 464 miles from Babylon towards the North-East Here Daniel built a fair and and artificial Temple so strongly that it remained unperished and retained the ancient beauty many Ages to the great admiration of all the Spectators In it the Kings of the Medes Persians and Parthians were for the most part honourably buried the Government whereof was committed to a Priest of the Iews as Iosephus saith lib. Antiq. 10. cap. 4. From Egbatan he returned back again to Babylon which was 464 miles and there died Anno Mundi 3445 and before Christ 533. So all the Travels of the Prophet Daniel were 2184 miles Of the Places to which he travelled Of Susan SVsa or Susan is so called from a sweet smelling Flower but chiefly a Rose or a Lilly because it is scituated in a fair and pleasant place It was a goodly City lying on both sides the River Eulaeus some 200 furlongs that is twenty five miles English about as Polycletus saith And of this City all the Country round about is called Susana bordering towards the North upon Assyria towards the West upon Babylon towards the South upon the Gulph of Persia and joyneth upon the East part of Persia towards the East There are but two Cities
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
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
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
miles The Description of the places mentioned in their Travels Of Naphtaly THIS was the chief City of the Tribe of Naphtaly eighty four miles from Ierusalem toward the North. It stood in Galilee and in times past was a strong Town here Tobias the Elder was born It is to be seen at this day as some say but much decayed and is now called by the name of Sirin scituated in a Mountain so steep and strongly fortified by Nature upon the West side that it is impossible to ascend upon it In a Valley some two miles from this Town towards the South Naason spoken of in the first Chapter of Toby is scituated Upon the left side whereof there stood a Town called Sophet but now there is nothing to be seen but a Castle where in antient times the Knights Templers kept their abiding and at this day is in the custody of the Turks This Castle is scituated upon a high Mountain fortified very strongly both by Art and Nature and standeth within a mile of Naphtaly South-Westward At such time as Iosephus that great Historiographer who was the Son of Matthia or Marathia a Priest of the Iews was chosen chief Commander of the Tribe of Naphtaly he gathered an Army of 100000 and fortified this Castle and Naphtaly and many other Towns thereabouts continuing a long and sharp War against the Romans until Naphtaly was taken and he constrained to yield himself Captive In the taking in of which Town Titus the Son of Vespasian did first ascend the Walls and there made manifest his noble resolution and valour Vid. Ios. de bell Iud. lib. 3. 4. Of Rages a City of the Medes RAges is so called of a great Congregation being derived of Ragasch that is He hath assembled a great company for it was a very Populous City It was also called as Strab. lib. 11. Cosmograph saith Rahga but after being rebuilt and fortified by Nicanor it was by him called Europus being distant from Ierusalem 1396. Miles toward the Northeast The Persians call it Arsacia S. Ierom. de Trad. Hebr. would have Edissa a City of Mesopotamia or rather as Pliny saith of Coelosyria to be Rages which stands but 448. Miles from Ierusalem Northward and from Nineveh 188 miles Westward There are divers others that have wrote of this Town of Edissa but that this and Rages should be both one I cannot see how to agree with Toby for that he himself hath set it down to stand in Media and the Cities of the Medes lie distant from Ierusalem 1396 miles Therefore gentle Reader I refer it to thy better consideration Of Jesus the Son of Syrach SYrach signifies an illustrious Prince being derived of Sarach he hath shined forth he was of that noble Family of David that is the Son of Syrach the son of Iesu and Cousen-german to Amos Syrach who as Philo saith was the chief Prince and captain of the Children of Israel in the time of Ptolomeus Philadelphus King of Egypt and is inserted into the Genealogy of Christ Luke 3. He was born 230. years before Christ in the City of Ierusalem from whence about the 38. year of his age he went to Alexandria a City of Egypt 288 miles Evergates Ptolomais the Son of Philadelphus being then King of that Country where he gathered out of that flourishing Library set up at the charge of Ptolomais Philadelphus his book of Ecclesiasticus as Bees from divers flowers gather sweet hony Of the great City Alexandria ALexandria was a City of Egypt distant from Ierusalem 288 miles Westward in ancient time called No that is a Hindrance But Alexander the Great taking affection to this city in the year 330. before Christ began to build it for by continuance of time it was much decayed and within the space of 17. days made it a goodly city much greater than that it was before to which that he might add the greater grace he called it after his own name Alexandria and there he lieth buried after he had governed the Empire of the Grecians 7 years For although he dyed in Babylon the chief City of the Chaldaeans yet Ptolomais one of his chief Princes removed his Body thence in a golden chariot to Memphis in Egypt and 20 years after to Alexandria The Scituation thereof is very delectable bordering to the North upon the Mediterranean Sea and to the South upon the Pool of Mareridis as Strabo saith lib. 17. It was ten miles about strongly fortified with walls beautified with goodly buildings scituated in a very fruitful Country And to give a greater delight unto the inhabitants without the Walls there stood many goodly Orchards and Gardens plentifully furnished with fruits and flowers of divers kinds as Pomecitrons Figgs c. During the time of Ptolomais Philadelphus it was a famous and flourishing City for this Prince being a great lover of Learning instituted an Academy as it is thought in it and added thereto a stately Library wherein were 400000 Books The same whereof being published through the World many People of divers Nations resorted thither to see it Then Eleazar also the High-priest of the Iews at the request of Ptolemais sent 72 Interpreters to translate the Bible out of Hebrew into Greek which was as Eusebius observeth in the third year of his reign before Christ 268. In recompence whereof he sent to be dedicated in the Temple of Ierusalem a Table of gold richly adorned with Carbuncles Smaragdes and other precious stones two stately Cups and 30 Bowls of pure gold as appeareth in Ioseph lib. Antiq. 12. The Academy continued there till after Christs time as you may read Acts 6. But the Library was consumed 47 years before Christ and the City greatly defaced For Iulius Caesar at that time making war with Pompey the younger who continued with his Sister Cleopatra in this City caused the Kings Navy to be set on fire and the Library standing neer it the flame took hold of it and burnt it down to the ground with all that was in it and defaced also a great part of the City Upon the Book of Maccabees The Travels of Antiochus Epiphanes ANtiochus Epiphanes that is An illustrious Adversary in the year of Christ 380. was sent out of Syria by Antiochus the Great to Rome which was 1600. miles where he remained as an hostage for his Father and his Brother Seleucus Philâ—pater seventeen years 1 Mac. 1. After the death of his Father he stole secretly from Rome and went back again to Antiochia in Syria which was 1600 miles and there succeeded his Brother Zeleucus Philopater in the government He began to reign 173 years before Christ. In the third year of his Reign he went from Antiochia to Tyrus 60 miles in that journey he conquered all the lower part of Syria and Phoenicia From thence he went about six score miles through Galilee and Iudaea conquering all the Cities and Countries that lay in his way and would also have gone down into Egypt but when he
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
imitate the steps of their Prince fell to firing the City and according to the custom of Souldiers in such Massacres made a Prey of what they could get increasing the fire with dry stuff and other Combustible matter whereby it came to pass that the whole City was therewâ—th fired and burnt to the ground This was the end of that mighty City which ruled over so many Nations where so many mighty Princes governed that was the scourge of Grecia and the greatest part of the World that sent forth a Navy of 10000 Ships and an Army of an infinite number there being an infinite number there being at this day nothing to be seen unless the River Araxes that ran close by it remaineth Thus was that consumed in a fury which the King and all his Army before endeavoured to spare But after it turned to the great shame of the Macedonians that their King should fire so famous a City in the midst of his Cups and Alexander himself after he had slept repented what he had done You shall find in 2 Mac. cap. 6. That Antiochus Epiphanes besieged a certain City in Persia called Persepolis from whence for his exceeding Covetousness and Sacriledge he was forced by the Inhabitants dwelling about the Town to raise his Siege and be gone Therefore some may gather that this Persepolis before mentioned was rebuilded because it also stood in Persia but if you read 1 Mac. cap. 6. you shall find that this City so besieged by Antiochus was also called Elymais wherein stood the Temple of Diana beautified with many goodly Ornaments shining with the splendor of fine Gold wherewith it was gilt In which Temple as saith Iosephus lib. Ant. 12. Alexander the Great left his Armour and other things From whence may be gathered that this Town was not the Persepolis which he caused to be burn'd but rather some other Town built out of the Ruines of that City according to the opinion of Quintus Curtius or else some Village standing near to it which being built up and enlarged might of some be called new Persepolis though indeed it was anciently called Elymais and all the East part of Persia beyond Susa of that Town called Elematica having some affinity with Elam the ancient name of Persia so called of Elam the Son of Sem Gen. 10. Wherefore it may well be concluded that that Persepolis burnt down by Alexander was never restored but lieth waste to this day Thus the Empire of the Persians after they had ruled over the Nations of the Earth 260 years was conquered by the Grecians who held it 129 years At the end of which time Demetrius Nicanor the last Emperour of the Grecians in Syria and Asia going with a great Army out of Syria toward the East Arsaces King of the Medes and Parthians being aided by the Citizens of Elymais the Persians and Bactrians meeting him in those parts gave him many sharp and cruel Battels and in the end under the pretence of Peace took him Prisoner in the year before Christ 137. and from that time the Parthians governed Persia and Grecia and opposed the Romans in many cruel Battels Afterward in the year of our Lord 226 Artaxerxes that mighty Lord of Persia overcame Artabanus King of the Parthians in a mighty Battel and took his Crown from his head the same year entring upon the Goverment of Persia 548 years after the death of Alexander the Great from which time Artaxerxes and his Posterity reigned in Persia for the Space of 314 years in the which space there succeeded twenty eight Kings viz. Artaxerxes 1. Sapores Ormisdates Vararanes Vararanes 2. Vararanes 3. Narses Misdates Sapores 2. Artaxerxes 2. Sapores 3. Vararanes 4. Cermazat sir-named Isdigertes Vararanes 5. Vararanes 6. Perozes Valens Cavades Zambades Cavades 2. Cosroes Hormisda Cosroes 2. Siroes Adhasir Sarbaras Bornarim Hormisda 2. who was the last King of the Persians for being overcome by Humarus Amiras of the Saracens and third Emperour of the Mahumetans he was thrown out of his Kingdom Anno Dom. 640. After which time it continued long in the Government of the Saracens and Turks Where that holy Priest Mattathias the Father of Judas Machabeâ—s dwelt MAttathias and Dorotheus have both one signification that is The Gift of God being derived of Matath a Gift and Iah God This Mattâ—thias was a Holy Priest of the Tribe of Levi the Son of Iohn the Son of Simon of whom all that Family was called the Posterity of Simon of the Stock of Ioarib of whom you may read 1 Chr. 15. He dwelt in a Town called Modin fourteen miles from Ierusalem toward the North-West scituated in a Mountain close by the way as you go to Ioppa in the Tribe of Dan. Modin signifieth a Measure being derived of Madad he hath measured In this place seeing the cruelty of Antiochus Epiphanes and the Insolence of his Souldiers he killed one of his Captains and afterward in the Synagogue put to death an Idolatrous Iew overthrew the Altar set up by Antiochus after called forth all the Inhabitants of Modin and other Towns near adjoyning to withstand the fury of this King So they brought their Goods out of the City into the Wilderness where they incamped themselves and after so manfully opposed Antiochus that he delivered all the Cities and Towns thereabouts out of his Bondage and from Idolatry But being now grown old after he had admonished his Sons to Constancy in the Service of God and Courage in Defence of the Country he died in the year before Christ 164 and was buried at Modin where afterward his Sons were buried Simon his third Son high Priest of Ierusalem did marvellously beautifie this Sepulchre for he made a Vault of white Marble compassed about with fair Pillars which supported an admirable curious Arch to see to as if it had been one stone Over this Vault in convenient places he built seven Pyramids in memory of his Father Mother his four Brethren and himself In the Circumference of this Monument he set up fair Marble Pillars upon which he caused to be ingraven Ships so artificially that they which sailed upon the Sea might see them and upon these he placed the Arms of his Father and of his Brethren You may read more of this 1 Mach. 13. Ioseph Antiq. lib. 12. cap. 9. The Travels of Judas Macchabeus JVdas Macchabeus succeeded his Father Mattathias in the year before Christ 164 Anno Mundi 3804. and ruled six years Immediately after his Father's death who as is said was buried in Modin he led his Army against Apollonius chief â—aptain of Antiochus who at that time was in Samaria which was thirty miles here he overcame Apollonius and killed him with his own Sword 2 Mac. 2 3. When Seron who was also one of Antiochus's chief Captains in Syria the lower heard that Iudas Macchabeus had overcome Apollonius and put him to death he was very angry and said I will go and conquer Judas Machabeus and those that
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
and a half Concerning the Towns and Places mentioned in his Travels you may read before The Travels of Demetrius Soter the Brother of Antiochus Epiphanes IN An. Mundi 3809. before Christ 159. Demetrius Soter the Son of Seleucus Philopater who was sent to Rome brought a Navy from thence through the Mediterranean Sea and came to Tripolis in Syria which Journey was two thousand six hundred and eighty miles and usurped upon the Government of Syria against young Antiochus the Son of Epiphanes 1 Mac. 7. From Tripolis he went to Antiochia where the King kept his Court eighty eight miles Here he caused young Antiochus and Lysias to be slain and after reigned in Syria ten years At length he was slain in a great Battel by Alexander the Son of Epiphanes 1 Mac. 7. So all his Travels were 1760 miles Of Tripolis THIS was scituated in Phoenicia a Province of Syria on the Shore of the Mediterranean Sea 170 miles from Ierusalem towards the North and was so called because there dwelt in it three sorts of People viz. Tyrians Sydonians and Arabians It is a very famous City even to this day the Ocean Sea coming into every street and principal place of it and full as Populous as Tyrus For there inhabit Grecians Latines Armeniâ—ns Maronites Nestorians and People of many other Nations of divers Conditions and Customs in manner of living It aboundeth also with great abundance of costly Tapestry which is made so curiously and with such cost that it is very delightful to such as look upon it It is credibly reported That there are found within the City of Tripolis 4000 men that do little else but Weave and make Tapestry and such like costly hangings The Country round about where it standeth is very pleasant and because of the great abundance of Vines Olives Figs and other Fruits and Flowers which yieldeth a comfortable smell and is profitable for the maintenance of life it is called Paradice There is a Field before the City some two miles in length and one in breadth in which there are to be seen very curious Gardens and artificially contrived About six miles from the City standeth Mount Libanus at the foot whereof riseth a goodly Fountain which with great violence runneth thence but suddenly falleth into the Vallies it joyns with other Waters and becomes a fair and pleasant River watering all the Gardens of the Plain betwen Tripolis and Libanus but especially the Mountains of the Leopards which is not far off In the Canticles cap. 4. there is mention of this Hill Come with me my Spouse from the Denns of the Lions and the Mountains of the Leopards The Water of this Spring is very clear pleasant cold and healthful upon the Banks of it there standeth many Churches and Religious Houses it is called the Fountain of the Gardens and is divided into three Rivers or principal Streams besides many other small Brooks which run thence and fall into the Sea so that the Sentence Est. 9. is verified of this A small Fountain shall increase to a great River and shall be poured out against many Waters The Travels of King Alexander Son of Epiphanes and Brother to Antiochus Eupater OF this Alexander Iustin writes lib. 35. where he sheweth that he was not Son to Antiochus Epiphanes as was supposed but had to name Prompalus being a man of the meaner sort of People but the Antiochians for the great Tyranny of Demetrius falling into Rebellion gave unto him the Name of Alexander and withal caused it to be published abroad that he was the Son of Epiphanes which by reason of his youth was easily believed And at this time Demetrius because of his cruelty being much hated of all sorts of People it came to pass that most and those of the greatest also combined with this young man supposing him indeed to be of noble Descent and the Son of a King Wherefore Alexander or Prompatus being thus encouraged took upon him to be the Brother of Antiochus Eupator and called himself the Lawful Heir and Successor to the Crown of Syria going from thence to Ptolomais where he kept a Royal Court and in the year of the World 3818 before Christ 150 by the help of the Antiochians and others the Inhabitants of Syria he took upon him the Government of that Country and reigned five years This man suffered many varieties and changes of Fortune at first was put to flight by Demetrius after he put Demetrius to flight and at length put him to death and usurp'd upon his Government In the third year of his Reign he married Cleapatra the Daughter of Ptolomeus Philometor King of Aegypt by whom he had his Son Antiochus To this Marriage Ionathan was invited In the last year of his Government he went from Ptolomais to Antiochia which was 200 miles where he opposed himself against Demetrius Nicanor the Son of Demetrius Soter 1 Mac. cap. 10. From Antiochia he went to Cilicia which was 120 miles to suppress the Rebellion of his Subjects but when he heard that Ptolomeus Philometor his Father-in-Law had taken up Arms against him conquered Syria and given his Wife to Demetrius Nicanor which had been married unto him two years before he gathered all his forces he could and with all expedition made good the War against Ptolomeus but he was overcome and fled into that part of Arabia which bordereth upon the Mountain Emanus for refuge where Zabdiel the Governour of that Country fearing left he should fall into the displeasure of Ptolomeus caused his Servants to cut off his head and sent it to him into Syria Within three days after which sight he died being mortally wounded in the former Battel Ios. li. Ant. 13. c. 17. So all his Travels were 320 miles Of Amanus AManus was a Mountain between Syria and Cilicia which extendeth it self to the River Euphrates Between this Amanus and Euphrates Arabia Deserta is scituatâ—d 400 miles from Ierusalem Northward and signifies the Mountain of Truth from Aman True and Faithful The Travels of Demetrius Nicanor the Son of Demetrius Soter IN the 165 year of the Government of the Grecians in Syria which was 131 years before Christ Demetrius sirnamed Nicanor which signifies Victory sailed out of Creet into Cilicia which was 600 miles Ios. Ant. 13. c. 6. 1 Mac. 10. Out of Cilicia he came into Syria the lower 160 miles where joyning with Apolonius he took upon him the Crown and Kingdom of Syria Afterward Apolonius went into Iudaea with a great Army and besieged Iamniah Ptolomeus Philometor also assisted the proceeding of Demetrius seeing Alexander his Son-in-law beginning to decline and the better to strengthen their Alliance matched him to Cleopatra his Daughter which before had been Wife to Alexander by which policy he added to the Kingdom of Egypt all Asia over which he ruled two years 1 Mac. 11. After Demetrius Nicanor came out of Syria the lower with Ptolomeus Philometor to Antiochia which was eighty miles 1 Mac. 11. From
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
dealing of Nicanor Wherefore Demetrius being very angry at what had happened wrote a sharp Letter to Nicanor giving him to understand That it was much against his mind that he should make a League with Iudas and further willed him the said League notwithstanding to bring him bound to Antiochia Upon the receipt of which Letter he made War upon Iudas in which expedition Nicanor was taken and had his head cut off All this happened the first year of the Priesthood of Alcimus But when Demetrius heard of this overthrow he sent Bacchides and Alcimus with a great Army who went to Antiochia and came to Mastoth in the Country of Arbela one hundred ninty two miles where they made Incursions upon the Tribe of Naphtaly and slew a great multitude of the Israelites 1 Mac. 9. From Masloth they went with their Army to Gilgal seventy six miles This happened in the second year of the Priesthood of Alcimus From Gilgal they came to Ierusalem which was about twelve miles 1 Mac. cap. 9. From thence they brought their Army to Berea being twelve miles here they were overcome and put to flight by Iudas Macchabeus 1 Mac. cap. 9. From Berea tho fled amongst the Mountains which are between Azotus and Gazeron six miles Here Iudas Macchabeus was slain Wherefore Alcimus returned thence back again to Ierusalem twenty miles and caused the Walls of the inner house of the Temple and the Monuments of the Priests to be taken down and destroyed but before his command was fully executed the Lord struck him with a dead Palsie of which he lay a time dumb but within a while after he died of that disease in the second year of his Priesthood An. Mundi three thousand eight hundred and eleven and before Christ one hundred and fifty seven Alcimus being dead Bacchides returned back to Demetrius in Syria 1 Mac. 9. For seven years after there was no High-priest in Ierusalem till Ionathan the Brother of Iudas Macchabeus took upon him that Office 1 Mac. 10. So all his Travels were 1717 miles Of the places to which he travelled Of Arbela THIS was a City in the upper Galilee belonging to the Tribe of Naphtaly ninety six miles from Ierusalem Northward of which Town all the Country is called Arbela being derived of Arab to lie hid Of Masloth THIS also is a Town of Naphtaly ninety two miles from Ierusalem Northward and is derived to Maschal which signifies he hath governed Of Berea TO this City Iotham sometime fled from the Fury of his Brother Abimelech Judge of Israel Iudg. 9. It is scituated twelve miles from Ierusalem Westward and signifies a clear Well Thus by God's Providence have I described the Travels and Journeys of the Holy Patriarchs Kings and Prophets c. as they are severally mentioned in the Old Testament that so gentle Reader thou might'st understand what difficult and tedious Journeys and in them what great Labour and Vexation they were constrained to bear in this World till God of his Mercy took them out of this Vale of Misery and placed them in everlasting Happiness where now without doubt they remain in peace The Quantities of the Monies both Silver and Gold as they are severally mentioned in the Scriptures reduced to our Weights and English Valuations EVER since the time that Monies have been allowed as current in Exchange betwixt man and man which for that purpose as Aristotle saith was first ordained it hath passed according to the valuation of a certain Weight which for the most part is Universal according to the worth and estimation thereof in the several Countries where it is to be sold and exchanged or else by Coin which is current according to the valuation that is imposed upon it by the consent of a State or command of a Prince In both which there have been used sundry distinctions of greater and less valuations of Weights and Coin according to the necessity and estimation thereof in several Kingdoms and Governments As amongst the Iews they used Weights and no Coin and these distinguished in several sorts and as is thought separated with sundry Marks that they might be known each from other The Weights that they used were commonly three viz. the Centiner or Talent the Mina and the Sicle according to the Opinion of Iosephus Budaeus Hostius and many others Of a Sicle A Sicle was a kind of Weight current among the Iews containing precisely half an ounce of silver or Gold which that it might be distinguished had a particular Effigies or Superscription viz. upon one side was to be seen the measure wherein they kept Manna in the Sanctuary with this Superscription The Sicle of Israel and on the other the Rod of Aaron flourishing with this Inscription Holy Ierusalem which is ordinarily worth in English money 2 s. 6 d. and Gold 15s and more or less according to the pureness or baseness of either A Sicle was divided into these parts 1. Into a Drachma i. e. 7 d. ob whereof four make a Sicle Gen. 13. 15. Exod 21. 32 c. 2. Half Sicles mentioned Exod. 30. 13. 15. ca. 38. 26. which was the yearly Tax imposed upon every man toward the building of the Tabernacle i. 15 d. English 3. Quadrans Sicli or the fourth part of a Sicle which was also in use among the Iewes 1 Sam. 8. 9. which amounts to a Roman penny and in our money to 7 d. ob and by the Grecians were called Drachma 4. Gheras Exod. 30. 13. which was the twentieth part of a Sicle and was worth 1 d. ob Of Sicles there were three sorts 1. A common Sicle which weighed a quarter of an ounce and was worth 15 d. 2. The Kings Sicle which weighed three Drachma's that is in our money 22 d. ob 3. The Sicle of the Temple which weighed directly half an ounce and was worth 2 s. 6d Of a Mina A Mina was a pound weight among the Iews and were of two sorts one of Gold which weighed 100 Drachma's another of Silver weighing 240 Drachma's These were called the antient Weights but there was later which is said to contain 100 Denaria's or Attick Drachma's which seem to be so called because of the Traffick the Iews had with the Grecians among whom it was worth 100 Attick Drachma's i. 3. l. 2 s. 6. d. English Of Mina's there were three sorts as appeareth in Ezech. 45. 1. The common Mina or Pound weighing twenty five half Ounces or Sicles of the Temple amounted to sixty Drachma's i. 37 s. 6 d. 2. The King 's Mina or Pound weighing twenty half Ounces or Sicles of the Temple amounted to eighty Drachma's i. 50 s. 3. The Mina or Pound of the Temple or Sanctuary which weighed 25 half Ounces or Sicles maketh 100 Drachma's i. 3 l. 2 s. 5 d. Of a Talent THE Heâ—rew Talent ordinarily weigheth 125 Pounds which being divided amounteth to 3000 Sicles or half Ounces as it plainly appeareth Exod. 38. 25 26. where it is said that 600000
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
went from Ierusalem to Bethania which was almost two miles and there visited Mary and Martha where Martha ministred unto him but Mary sitting at his feet gave diligent heed to his Doctrine Luke 10. At this time he took his leave of these two Sisters and went thence to Bethabara beyond Iordan where Iohn baptized which was sixteen miles it being now about the midst of Winter Christ at this time being about thirty three years of age I am not ignorant that there were many which refer that long Journey of our Saviour Christ when he went to visit all Iudaea the sending forth of his Disciples and divers other Miracles mentioned from the ninth Chapter of Luke to the sixteenth to the beginning of the following year But I am of opinion that all those things could not have been done within the compass of four Months and before the Feast of the Dedication so that it must needs be that the seventy Disciples were sent forth before the Feast of the Dedication for after the Feast of the Dedication which was celebrated in the midst of Winter Iohn 10. there were but two Months between it and the raising up of Lazarus in which short time all those things which are described by Luke could not possibly be accomplished especially considering that our Saviour Christ wintered some time in Bethabara and there taught the multitude that came unto him Ioh. 2. So these Travels of our Saviour were five hundred ninety six miles or thereabouts besides the divers Visitations and Journeys he went hither and thither which because of the great multitude of them it was not possible for the Evangelist to set them down Of the Towns and places to which he travelled Of Bethsaida BEthsaida signifies the house of hunting being derived of Baith a house and Zaid hunting from Zod he hath hunted for from this place went the Fishers and Hunters which fished and hunted thorough the World Ierem. 16. In this Town dwelt three Apostles Peter Andrew and Philip Iohn 1. It was scituated upon the West side of the Galilean Sea in the Tribe of Issachar fifty six miles from Ierusalem toward the North. And because of the abundance of Fishes that were in the Sea of Galilee Peter and Andrew became Fishers and in that Vocation got their living till our Lord and Saviour Christ made them Fishers of Men Mat. 4. Luke 5. Before the Birth of Christ this was but a small Town and without doubt was so called from hunting because close by it stood a Wilderness that did greatly abound with wild Beasts Philip the Terrarch of Traconitis and Itura made this a fair City which in honour of Iulia he called Iuliades This Iulia was the Daughter of Augustus Caesar and Wife of Tiberias Philip also brought many Inhabitants thither who dwelt in that City But when Herod the Tetrarch of Galilee and Brother of this Philip had builded up Bethabara which stood beyond the River Iordan on the East side of the Sea of Galilee and called it by the name of Iuliades in honour of this Iulia. This Town re-edified and inlarged by Philip was called again in the time of our blessed Lord and Saviour Christ after the ancient name Bethsaida and so continueth to this day From hence it is manifest that the Sea of Galilee was subject to the Government of both these Tetrarchs since upon the shore thereof on both sides they had Cities standing I do think the Wilderness or Wood and â—and near adjoyning to Bethsaida is called Itura of Ietur the Son of Ismael Gen. 25. or else from the compass and roundness of it for Tur in Hebrew signifies a circle But that Itura stood upon the West side of the Sea of Galilee those that have been at the Holy Land can testifie This City of Bethsaida hath an ancient Water-course coming from a River not far from it which Iosephus calleth little Iordan which falleth into the Sea of Galilee just in the mid-way between this Town and Capernaum the Channel whereof appeareth to this day Beside the many Sermons which our Saviour Christ preached here he did many notable miracles Mark 8. c. But for the ingratitude and impiety of the Citizens the curse of our Saviour fell upon them Wo be to thee Chorazin wo be to thee Bethsaida for if the miracles had been done in Tyrus and Sidon which have been done in thee they had long e're this repented in sackcloth and ashes Verily verily I say unto you it shall be easier for Tyrus and Sidon in the day of Iudgment than for you Mat. 11. Luk. 10. The prophecie of our Saviour Christ fell upon them accordingly for after divers and sundry overthrows and devastations this Town became utterly unpeopled and as Britenbacchus saith there are scarce six houses standing in it at this day Of Chorazin THis City also stands upon the further side of Iordan close by the Sea of Galilee in the same Country as Capernaum stands for the City of Chorazin standeth upon the East side of the River Iordan where it falleth into the Sea of Galilee and Capernaum upon the West in the half Tribe of Manasses some 16 miles from the City of Ierusalem towards the North. This City also neglecting the preachings and miracles of our Saviour Christ felt the efficacy and force of the curse of the Son of God Mat. 11. Luc. 10. For there is not at this day a house to be seen only some ruines where it stood Chorazin doth denote a Dukedom or Principality from Coh and Razon a Prince and Duke for Rozez signifies a laborious Prince Ierom turning this word Rozez into Razi calls it a secret mystery or my secret Of Tiberias TIberias standeth upon the West side of the Sea of Galilee 48 miles from Ierusalem towards the North. Before the Birth of Christ it was cal-called Kinnereth that is the City of the Harp after which name the Lake of Tiberias or the Sea of Galilee is called Numb 14. But Herod the Teâ—rarch of Galilee at whose command Iohn the Baptist was beheaded did beautifie this City with many fair Buildings and compassed it about with strong Walls and after Caesar's name called it Tiberias He also gathered thither many Inhabitants and endowed it with many large Priviledges for although this place before the restoring of the City was very filthy and impure by reason of the dead Bodies both of Men and Beasts which lay in that place from whence it happened that the Iewes shunned this place as utterly unlawful and durst not dwell there yet notwithstanding Herod with singular Industry and Diligence removed all that filthiness and in that very place built up this City both fair and spacious partly with Gifts partly with fair Speeches alluring many Iews to inhabit therein Many poor People also built themselves houses at their own charge and those that had no Children gave way unto the liberty of the City besides many rich and noble men were constrained to remove their whole
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
In this Monument our Saviour Christ was buried and from this Place upon the third Day early in the Morning he rose to the terrour and astonishment of such as watched the Sepulchre From whence may be gathered that as our first Parents Adam and Eve trespassed against God and lost Felicity in a Garden so Christ the Son of God in a Garden made satisfaction for that Sin restored us again to Grace and make us capable of heavenly felicity This Sepulchre as it is described by S. Iohn when he went with S. Peter to see if that notable Miracle of the Resurrection were true was like a little Chappel the door thereof being upon the outside and was but one Room without any division so that a Man might see all that was within it for he saith Joh. 20. That he did not go in but look'd in and saw the linnen Cloaths where they lay wrapped up from whence may be concluded that that Sepulchre which is now extant howsoever perhaps it may stand in the same place is not the same Sepulchre wherein our Saviour Christ was buried for it is described to be four square to be open at the top to have within it two Vaults an inward and an outward and that you descend to it by Stairs as you may read at the beginning of this Treatise which description doth not agree with that of St. John's Again St. John saith that they rolled a great Stone to the door of the Sepulchre did not lay it upon the top of it Also Eusebius and Nicephorus affirm that the Pagans and other heathen People filled up the Sepulchre of Christ with Earth and built up in the place the Temple of Venus and in it put her Image where she was worshipped a long time after untill such time as that godly Emperess Hellen caused that Temple to be abolished and the Sepulchre cleansed and purified Afterwards at her instigation Constantine the Great who was her Son built up in the very same place a fair and goodly Church in the memory of our Saviour and bestowed great cost both in the workmanship and in beautifying it with Gold and Silver This Temple as it was before it was destroyed by the Saracens is said to be built all of white polished Marble and beautified with Stones of divers colours gilt with Gold and Silver covered on the out side with Lead to withstand the storms and showers of Rain that happened but the inside was gilt all with splendent and refulgent Gold which cast a wonderful lustre upon the Beholders Upon either side of it were two walking Galleries one above which was close and another below which was open extending themselves the length of the Sanctuary all the Roof and Vault being covered over with Gold and artificial Work the one being supported with Pillars of Marble the other with Posts of Wood plaited with Silver There were also three Gates towards the East very fitly and fairly disposed by which the multitude that resorted thither go in and out within these there stood an Arch representing after a sort the Hemisphere of the Heavens extended to the top of the Sanctuary like a Circle girded about with twelve Pillars of equal bigness representing the twelve Apostles and upon the top of this Arch were placed Cups of Silver beautifully burnished All which the said Emperour dedicated to God for a Monument There were many other memorable things that did belong to this Temple which were admirable to look on all which as you came up the high-street from the market place were presented to your view a stately sight the like whereof those parts did not afford This Temple was built by the Emperour Constantine Anno Dom. 333. Venerable Bede who was a Dr. of Divinity and lived in England 700 years after Christ described the holy Sepulchre after this manner This Sepulchre over head was something round and so high that a man could scarce touch it with his hand standing in that Rock which extendeth it self to Mount Calvary into the Garden of Joseph of Arimathea representing in form a little Chappel the entrance thereinto was towards the East And further he addeth that they which went into this Vail found on the right hand toward the North a stone Tomb which resembled a Coffin scituated in the pavement joyning to the Wall which stone Coffin was of a mix'd colour that is white and red being seven Foot long and three handfuls high This description Venerable Bede received from certain Monks that went upon devotion to Ierusalem to visit this Sepulchre but since it hath been divers times destroyed and polluted by the Turks and other Heathen People From whence may be gathered that the Sepulchre which is now standing and shewed unto Pilgrims is some device of the Monks to get Money of Strangers and procure a kind of Devotion in the hearts of Ignorant People wherefore as the Angel said Mark 16. Let us not seek Christ any longer among the dead or in the Grave but in his holy Church where the lively pourtraiture of his Divine Presence is set forth unto us that so we may be made partakers with him hereafter in that place of eternal Glory Concerning the residue of this description you may see it before Of Emmaus THIS City or Castle of Emmaus is distant from Jerusalem almost eight miles towards the North-West It signifies the Mother of Fortitude being derived of Em a Mother and Vtz which the Hebrews call Fortitude It stood where three several ways were that so it might serve for a direction to Passengers From whence Melancton saith that it was a notable type of the Church which is our true Mother shewing us the way unto eternal Life And although it be but little and the number in it few yet it is strong As the Castle though it were small yet it is almost invincible and for that cause called The Mother of Strength as the Church is called The Mother of the Righteous against which the Gates of Hell shall not be able to prevail In the time of Iudas Macchabeâ—s though it was then a small City it was numbred amongst the greatest Cities of Iuda because of the scituation and strength of it To this place our Saviour travelled from Ierusalem the same day that he arose from the Dead Luke 24. In the time of the Romans Wars in Iudaea this City was wonderfully defaced and ruined by the Souldiers of Tiberius Maximus who was Chief Captain in this Country in the absence of Titus Vespâ—sian but yet not utterly abolished for about a hundred and fifty years after Heliogabolus Emperour of Rome caused it to be rebuilded and called by the name of Nicopolis that is The City of Victory Not far from Emmaus there was an Inn or a place to which Strangers might resort and there three ways met two went of either side the Town and one through it in this place the two Disciples constrained our blessed Saviour to stay with them because it was then about
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
after rebuilt this Temple of Diana and made it much fairer than it was before all the Citizens contributing with willing hands to the charge of the building insomuch that the Women brought all their Silver Gold and other pretious Ornaments and communicated them towards this great Work Also in after times those fair Pillars before spoken of were again erected towards the rebuilding whereof they received so many and wonderful Gifts from all the neighbouring Kings Cities and Countries that this Temple might as it was thought compare with all the World beside for Riches and Treasure It was standing in St. Paul's time who came thither about twelve years after the Resurrection of our Saviour and continued there three years in which time he so faithfully and diligently preached the Gospel that he converted most of the Citizens from their Idolatry and Worship of Diana to the reverend Knowledge and Confession of our blessed Saviour For which cause Demetrius the Silver Smith who made a great gain by Idolatry stirred up a great tumult so that the Gentiles running up and down the City for two hours space cried out with a loud voice Great is Diana of the Ephesians Acts 19. Here also Paul fought with Beasts 1 Cor. 15. And to this City Paul wrote his Epistle and sent it from Rome 996 miles He made Timothy also a Bishop of this City to whom he wrot two Epistles the first was sent him from Laodicea to Phrygia being 280 miles the second from Rome as I said By these Epistles Timothy was greatly comforted and taught them to his Disciples and Auditors that so they might constantly continue and persevere in the Christian Faith and Religion to the end To conclude Iohn the Evangelist came also to Ephesus and wrote his Gospel against the Heretick Cerinthus who denyed Christ to be the true God for which cause God grievously punished him so that he died as he was bathing himself in a Bath Irenaeus lib. 5. ca. 3. Euseb. li. 3. c. 22. This was the first Church to which Iohn wrote his Revelation and there when he returned out of Pathmos he raised his Host Drusana from death to life So when he had governed the Churches in Asia thirty years after the death of Paul he died when he was ninety one years old and was honourably buried at Ephesus not far from the City There was also another Iohn that liv'd in Ephesus to whom as many think the Epistles of Iohn the Evangelist were dedicated as Ierom sheweth in his Catalogue of Ecclesiastical Writers The Sepulchre of this man is shewed not far from the Sepulchre of St. Iohn the Evangelist as Euseb. witnesseth lib. 3. cap. 31. At this day this City is named Figlo ho Epheso See Gesner Of Pathmos THIS is an Isle of the Aegean Sea scituated betwixt Asia minor and Grecia 2080 miles from Ierusalem North-Westward Pli. l. 4. c. 12. saith that it was thirty miles in compass Into this Isle the Evangelist was banished by Domitian Nero where he wrote his Revelation It was one of the Cyclad Islands which were fifty three in number that lay round about the Island Delus as Stra. li. 10. Geog. observes It stood forty miles from Ephesus South-Westward and as Petr. Apianus saith was sometimes called Posidius but now Palmosa Of Smyrna THIS is the second City to which Iohn dedicated his Revelation It was scituated in Ionia in Asia minor 540 miles from Ierusalem North-Westward This was a very fair City beautified with many goodly buildings and of good account in Grecia It was at first but a Colony transplanted from another City in that Country But Theseus that great Prince being then King thereof that he might add some grace to that which he had begun he called it after his Wives name Smyrna signifying Myrrh Herodot saith that Homer was born here but not Blind and called by the name of Melisigines but after the Gumaenians called him of his Blindness Homer Strab. li. 14. Geogr. saith that the Inhabitants take upon them to shew his Picture standing there and also a Temple built in his Honour During his Life he was a man of small or no Reputation or rather contemned than honoured as Herod saith But after his death his Works beginning to grow famous the Cities of Greece contended who should Patronize him The Colophonians claim a part in him because he was in that Town and there made some of his Odysses They of Chios say he belonged to them because he lived there a long time and taught School But for ought that can be found by Authors the Smyrnians have most interest in him Nevertheless I leave him to them that please to Patronize him since it is not certainly found where he lived He lived about 900 years before Christ. Eusebius saith Hist. Eccl. lib. 4. cap. 14. that in after-times this City grew very famous and was so much inlarged that it became a Bishops See whereof Polycarâ—us a very godly and Religious man was Bishop He governed the Church in that place at such time as Iohn the Evangelist wrote his Revelation and by him cap. 2. is called the Angel of the Church of Smyrna This man after he had faithfully preached the Gospel for the space of 86 years was by the Inhabitants thereof condemned to death for the profession of Christ Anno 170. But the town of Smyrna because of the unthankfulness and cruelty of the Inhabitants was grievously punished for within ten years it was cast down by an Earth-quake since which time it was hardly rebuilt again The River Pactolus which beginneth in Lydia runneth by this Town of Smyrna But the Inhabitants because of the golden Veins that are found therein call it Crysorrhoas Plin. lib. 5. cap. 29. A little after that there was such an extreme Plague happened in Rome that they were constrained to carry out the dead Bodies in Carts Thus God turneth the Air and the Earth to the confusion of those that persecute his Church Of Pergamus THIS was another of the Towns whereto Iohn wrote his Revelation It was a famous City and Metropolitan of Mysia scituated in Asia minor 228 miles from Ierusalem North-westward It stood upon a high Rock close by the River Caicus from whence it was called Pergamus For in ancient times all famous and notable places were called amongst the Graecians Pergama as Suidas and Servius observe Strabo lib. 13. saith that in the time of Lysimachus the Son of Agathocles who was one of the Successours of Alexander the Great it was but a Castle in which place because of the strength of it he usually kept all his Treasure and those things that were of account and committed the custody of it unto one named Philetaerus an Eunuch of Tyanus But this man being accused to Lysimacus that he would have forced his Wife Arsinoes for fear of some future punishment because of that Offence moved the Inhabitants of that Hold to Rebellion At the same time also there happened many Commotions in
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
In the 38 Year after the Nativity of Christ he returned from Arabia Petraea and came to Damascus which was 160 miles and there he diligently taught the Gospel of Christ. But when in the same Year Araeta King of Arabia went about to put him secretly to death he was let down in a Basket over the Wall and so went from Damascus to Ierusalem which was 160 miles and when he came thither he brought Barnabas to the Apostles and shewed them his Conversion and remained with Peter fifteen days preaching the Gospel At this time he saw Iames the Son of Alpheus and Brother of our Lord Acts 9. 2 Cor. 11. Galat. 1. But when his Adversaries that were at Ierusalem went about secretly to put him to death he went from Ierusalem and was brought by the Brethren to Caesarea Strato which was 32 miles Act. 9. About the 38 Year after the Nativity of Christ he went thence into Syria to Tarsus a City of Cilicia which was 272 miles here he continued some Years teaching the Gospel of Christ Gal. 1. 2. Cor. 11. In the 41 Year after the Nativity of Christ and about the seventh Year of his Ministry he was brought by Barnabas from Tarsus to Antiochia in Syria which was 120 miles At this time and in this Town all those that believed in Christ began to be called Christians whereas before they were called Disciples and Brothers Acts 11. These things hapned in the eighth year after the Resurrection of Christ about this time also Matthew wrote his Gospel and Agabus prophesied of the universal Dearth that should happen under Claudius Act. 11. In the 42 year after the Nativity of Christ Paul being then at Antiochia and about 32 years of age was wrap'd up into the third Heaven 14 years before he wrote his second Epistle to the Corinthians 2 Cor. 12. In the 43 year after the Nativity of Christ the Famin whereof Agabus prophesied being now begun he went with the gifts of the Church from Antiochia to Ierusalem which was 280 miles this year Iames the Elder was beheaded at the Command of Agrippa Act. 11. 12. In the 44 year after the Nativity of Christ Paul and Barnâ—bas with Peter were delivered out of Prison by the Angel of the Lord. Now having distributed the Gifts of the Church he returned in the Company of Iohn Mark from Ierusalem to Antiochia which was 280 miles So these Travels were 1928 miles Of the Towns and Places to which he travelled Of Tarsus or Tharsus THIS was the Metropolis of Cilicia scituated upon the River of Cydnus which beginning at Mount Taurus runs thence through this Town into the Mediterranean Sea It was first built by Perseus King of the Persians whom the Poets feign to be the Son of Iupiter and Danae and called Tharsus of the Hyacinth stone which as it seemeth is found thereabous It was distant from Ierusalem 304 miles towards the North in ancient time a goodly City but through the Injury of the Time and Invasion of the Enemy much impaired and lay almost ruined till as Strabo saith li. 14. it was repaired by Sardanapalus that effeminate King of the Assyrians of whom Tully remembreth this Epitaph lib. 5. Tuscula Haec habeo quae aedi quaeque exatura libido Hausit at illa jacent multa praeclara relicta What things I eat or spend in Sport and Play Those I enjoy the rest I cast away From his time until the Reign of Darius the last King of the Persians it continued in great Prosperity and was become a marvellous stately City the Inhabitants thereof being grown very wealthy but then Alexander the Great making War upon that Prince amongst others brought his Army against this City but the Citizens hearing of his notable Exploits durst not abide his coming therefore they fired the City lest he should make a Prey of their Riches and fled which when Alexander perceived he gave order to Parmenio with all possible speed to quench the Fire and save the City In the mean time the King being press'd with an extraordinary Thirst by reason of the extream Heat that was in that Country the Dust and his long Journey put off his royal Garments and cast himself into the River Cydnus which being a cold Water coming out of the North struck the heat presently inward and so benummed his Sinews that had it not been for the present help of his Souldiers and the extraordinary diligence and care of Philip his Physician he had died immediately notwithstanding by the great Providence of God and the carefulness of his Physician he recovered his dangerous Sickness beyond the expectation of Man and after overcame Darius in a sharp and cruel War near to a place called Issa as you may read before See Plutarch in vita Alexand. and Quintus Curtius From that time forward this City grew to be very famous and daily encreased in Stateliness and fair Buildings And to add more dignity to it there was a famous Academy in which were many learned and rare Philosophers insomuch that they of Tharsus exceeded the Philosophers of Athens and Alexandria for Learning and Knowledge though indeed for number of Scholars and common Resort they exceeded Tharsus Saint Paul was born and brought up in this Town and here learned the Knowledge of the Tongues Philosophy and other good Arts. He also perused the Writings of Aratus Epimenides Menander and other learned Men whose Sayings are here and there dispersed through his Epistles From thence he was sent to Ierusalem where he lived and was brought up at the feet of Gamaliel who was Provost of that Academy and after was converted to be an Apostle of Christ Jesus as appeareth Acts 22. This Town at this day is subject to the Empire of the Turks and called by the Name of Terassa being neither so famous nor so fair a City as in the time when the Roman Empire flourished for then because of the extraordinary Vertue of the Citizens it was indowed with the Liberty and Freedom of Rome Of Damascus THis was a metropolitan Town in Syria distant from Ierusalem 160 miles towards the North-east being an ancient and fair City and before such time as Antiochia was built the head of all that Kingdom It was scituated in a fair and fruitful place close by the Mountain Libanus which bringeth forth Frankincense Ceders Cypress and many odoriferous and sweet smelling Flowers There were many Kings that kept their Court in it as Hadad Benhadad the First Benhadad the Second Hasael and others who grievously opposed the Kings of Israel in many sharp and cruel Wars as you may read before The Land round about it aboundeth with white and red Roses Pomgranates Almonds Figs and other sweet and pleasant Fruits In that place the Alablaster stone is found very fair and clear The Air pleasant and healthful The River called Chrysorrus runneth close by it in which there is found golden Veins which yielded perfect Gold The Houses without are not
very curious but within all of polished Marble and Alablaster guilt with resplendent Gold so artificially that it dazleth the Beholders 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
of God It was first built by Cecrops five years before Moses fled out of Egypt into the Land of the Midianites and of him called Cecropia This Cecrops was the first King thereof and there succeeded him at least 40 both famous and worthy Princes But after it was called Mopsonia of Mopsus King of Thessaly and after Ionia which name it held for a while and lastly Athens dedicated to Pallas which goddess the Grecians say was born of the brain of Iupiter which name it held a long time after There lived in this City Solon Socrates Plato Aristotle Demosthenes and many other excellent Philosophers It was scituated upon a fair and strong Rock beautified with many goodly Temples and Buildings but principally that of Minerva was most sumptuous in which there hung a great number of Lamps which gave a continual Light There was also the Monastery of the holy Virgins and the Image of Pallas made all of white Ivory very curious and costly There were many Schools Colledges and pleasant Gardens in which Philosophers used to walk and it abounded with sweet and delectable Musick and with great resort of Merchants and Scholars To conclude in those times it was the most notable City in the World Moreover there were many profitable Havens for the receit of Ships but that which was called Piraeum exceeded being capable to receive forty Ships beautified with many goodly buildings in compass two miles fortified with seven Walls and joyning to the City whereof Terence writeth Eunuch Act. 3. Scen. 4. At this day it is called Porto Lini fortified with two walls four miles in length extending to the Hill Munichya the sirname of Diana being compassed in the figure of a Chersoness and so joyned to the City of Athens In which distance there are two other Havens besides that of Piraeum In this Iupiter had a magnificent Temple and in it were found many artificial Tables Pictures and graven Images all which are at this day destroyed and carried away It hath been three times destroyed first by Xerxes and Mardonius which happened in the year before Christ 479. Then by Lysander who broke down a hundred paces of the Wall and almost utterly destroyed their Ships and broke down the Haven of Peraea It was also â—ore oppressed by the Romans as they also brake down their Haven and burnt their Ships but spared the Town and held it in great estimation But was the third time overthrown and utterly destroyed by the Turks who both changed the place and name of the City after it had flourished 3113 years At this day it is divided into three parts and called by the name of Sethina because of the variety of the Inhabitants that live in it being very well peopled and a fair and spatious City but much altered from that it was in times past For although before it was the very Mother of Eloquence and glory of Aâ—tica yet at this day it is so much altered that their Language is base and their Glory is eclipsed The uppermost part of the City where formerly the Temple stood dedicated to the unknown God is now wholly and absolutely in the hands of the Turks in which they have built a strong and almost invincible Castle which hath the command of the rest of the Town The second and middle part of the Town is all inhabited by Christians In the third there standeth a fair and goodly Palace supported with Marble Pillars and adorned with goodly Works In this part of the City there inhabiteth People of divers Sects and Conditions And here also is the Seat of a Metropolitan who hath under him many Bishops So that God doth support and maintain his Church even amongst the Enemies thereof for there are four Patriarchs in Turkâ— to which all the other Christian Metropolitans and Bishops are subject viz. the Patriarch of Alexandria Constantinople Antiochia and Ierusalem Paul was the first man that preached the Gospel of Christ in this City and converted many Citizens but especially Dionysius the Areopagite who dwelt upon a Promontory without the City and as it seems was one of the principal Judges and Governours of the Town for after he had taught publickly in the Town and had disputed against the Iews and Philosophers concerning Christ they supposing him to be a busie Fellow and one worthy of death as a Disturber of the common Peace brought him before this Dionysius that so by his Judgment he might receive condign punishment for his Offence But St. Paul so well behaved himself and preached with such admirable Eloquence and Learning that he not only confuted his Enemies but among others converted this Dionysius Areopagitus who was afterwards the first Bishop of Athens as Euseb. saith lib. 4. cap. 13. and went captive with Paul to Rome and from thence to Paris in France where he suffered Martyrdom under Dionysius the Emperour Of Corinthia COrinthus a famous City in Grecia is scituated in Peloponnesus a pleasant Country of Achaia joyning to the Continent of Grecia like an Isthmus or Peninsula distant from Ierusalem 760 miles towards the West commonly called Corantha built as Eusebius saith by Sisiphus Son of Aeolus at such time as Ioshuah governed Israel who was a mighty Pirate At first it was but a Castle and called after his name Sisiphyus but after because of the strength of the place and pleasant scituation it became a fair Town and called by the name of Corcyra as Strabo saith then Ephym of Ephyra who was a fair and goodly Nymph and Queen of that place Now although even in those times it was held in great estimation yet it became much wasted and decayed through the continuance of time until it was repaired by King Corinthus who as some think was the Son of Marathon Suidas saith the Son of Pelops others would have him the Son of Orestis and after his name was called Corinth that is the Flower of Maides It was a fair and goodly City very commodiously built for it stood between the two Seas of Ionium and Aegeum so that there resorted thither great multitude of Merchants from all places Close by the City there stood a steep Mountain which was as it were a Bulwark for the defence thereof being 560 Feet high and called Acrocorinthus that is The Glory and Strength of the Corinthians It was also compassed about with strong Walls and beautified with many goodly Buildings and Temples but above the rest the Temple of Venus was had in great reputation which as Strabo saith stood upon the top of the Mountain Acrocorinthus wherein there were above a thousand Maids prostituted every year This Temple was had in such great honour and was so gloriously built that above all the places of the World there was resort unto it Close by it stood the ancient Castle called Sysyphius built all of white Marble and a little below that the Fountain of Pyrene dedicated to the Muses There were many mighty Princes that ruled in this City
Mitylene is scituated in the Aegean Sea 624 miles from Ierusalem toward the North-west In times past called Lesbus which obtained the whole Jurisdiction and Government of Troada It is in compass 136 miles and containeth in length from the North to the South 56 miles In it is found much matter for the making and calking of Ships there was many goodly Cities in it as Mitylene and Pyrrha which stood upon the West part of it also the Metropolitan called Lesbos Eressus the Haven of Antissa and Mithymna Of Lesbos in times past this whole Isle was called Lesbus until the City of Mitylene grew famous being so called of Mitylene the Daughter of Macharus as Diodorus saith lib. 4. and after that Cities name called Mitylene There were many other goodly Cities which stood in this Isle but they were either consumed by Earth-quakes or drowned by the Sea The Land thereof was very pleasant and fruitful bringing forth grapes whereof there was a very excellent and clear Wine made which they of Constantinople principally liked there is also found great store of Cypress Pines and plenty of Figs come thence Their Horses are very strong but of a low Stature it is very mountainy and pestred with wild Beasts There were many famous men that lived and were born in this Country as Pittachus one of the seven Wise Men of Greece Aliaeus the Poet and Alcimenides his Brother Diophanes the Orator and Theophanes who wrote the Acts of Pompey the Great as it appeareth in Tullies Oration for Archia Theophrastus also that notable Philosopher who at first was called Tyrtamanus then Euphrastus that is a good Orator and lastly Theophrastus that is a divine Orator this man was an excellent Peripatetick and Scholar to Aristotle whom he succeeded in his School and had 2000 Scholars Vitruvius the Architect maketh mention of Mitylen in his first Book saying that it was a very magnificent City and rarely builded but very badly scituated for when the South Wind did blow the Inhabitants grew sick when the West they coughed and when the North Wind did blow they were made well Notwithstanding the Apostle Paul and his Companions came to this City as it appeareth Act. 20. At this day it is under the Jurisdiction of the Turks and is called by the Name of Midilly Of Chius THIS is an Isle scituated in the Aegean Sea distant from Ierusalem 600 miles towards the North-west being 112 miles in Compass the principal City thereof is called Chios taking the Name as some say from the Mastick Tree which sweateth out a certain Gum of the Syrians called Chian and by us Mastick this Mastick is the best in those parts of the World Ephorus calleth it by the ancient Name Aetalia but Cleobulus Chia either because of the Nymph called Chion or else because of the whiteness of the Soil there are others that call it Patyusia and there are some who derive the name of Chius from the Temple of Apollo that standeth in it called Chion There stands in it a fair and goodly Mountain called Pellenaeum from whence the Inhabitants dig very excellent marble Also in times past the best Malmsey came thence but in these days it is brought from Crete Of Satâ—us THIS is an Isle and City scituated in the Aegean Sea upon a high or lofty piece of Ground so that from thence the Inhabitants may see into all the Countries near adjoyning lying upon the Coast of Ephesus and Ionia 560 miles from Ierusalem toward the North-west it was in compass eighty eight miles very fertile and pleasant much exceeding Chius although it brought forth no Wine In times past it was called Artemisia Parthenea and Stephane taking those names from a Crown or Wreath of sweet smelling Flowers of which there were great plenty in this Isle the Poets feign that Iunâ— was both born and brought up in it and Varro saith That there was a fair and stately Temple dedicated unto her where solemn Service and the Rites of Marriage were yearly celebrated Pythagoras the Philosopher was born here and one of the Sybels which prophecied of the comming of Christ lived hâ—re St. Paul also came into this Isle and converted many as appeareth Act. 20. There is another Isle called Samus scituated upon the Coast of Epirus not far from the Gulph of Ambracius called also Cephalenia not far from the Promontory of Actium where Augustus overcame Antonius in Honour of which Victory he built up a City and called it Nicapolis c. Of Trogyllium THIS is a Promontory and Town not far from Ephesus scituated in Asia-minor at the foot of the Mountain Mycales four miles and somewhat more from Samus where Paul stayed Act. 20. It is distant from Ierusalem 460 miles toward the North-West There are which say that St. Paul stayed at a certain Isle joyning close to this Promontory called after that by the name of Trogyllium See Strabo lib. 14. Of Myletus THIS was a famous City scituated upon the Borders of Ionia and Caesaria close by the Shore of the Aegean Sea 104 miles from Ierusalem towards the North-west The Poets feign that Miletus who was the first builder of this City was the Son of Apollo and called it after his own name Miletus but Strabo lib 12. thinketh that it was rather built by Sarpedon the Son of Iupiter and Brother to Radamanthus and Minos and by him was called Myletus from another City of the same name which stood in Crete The Wool that cometh from this Town is wonderful soft and singular good for many purposes but it was principally used to make Cloath of which they died into an excellent Purple and transported into many places There were a great many famous men that either lived or were born in this Town as Thales Milesius one of the seven Wise-Men of Graece Anaximander who was his Scholar Anaximenes and Hecataeus the Historian also Eschenes the Orator not he that contended with Demosthenes who taking too much Liberty against Pompey was banished Timotheus the Musician and Pittacus the Philosopher besides many others But of all these Thales Milesius was held in greatest Estimation because he was thought to be the first that taught natural Philosophy and the Mathematicks amongst the Grecians He was the first also that foretold of the Eclipse of the Sun about such time as the Battel was fought between Cyaxares Father of Astyages King of the Medes and Hallyattes Father of Croesus King of the Lidians which was about the 44 Olympiad There came unto him a certain Man who asked him what was the hardest thing in the World he answered Seipsum nosce To know himself Another came to him and ask'd him how he might do to live justly he answered Si quae in alis reprehendimus ipse non faciamus That we do not those things which we reprehend in others He died about the 58 Olympiad Meletus at this day is called Melasa Of Cous. THIS is one of the Cyclad Islands lying in the Aegean Sea
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
Ground only some Ruines to shew that such things there hath been And what now resteth that are worthy note are in the Command and Power of the Pope which are not many the most that can be named are the Vatican the Tower of S. Angelo the Pope's Palace his Banquetting-house and the Gardens and Walks about it which are so well scituated that they are a grace to all Rome the rest are but ordinary and common Buildings Thus may you see that there is nothing in this World but hath a period to which if with much Labour it attaineth then it commonly declineth seldom continueth for who knows not with what labour what perils by Sea what dangers by Land through how many Forein Wars and Domestick Seditions Rome was raised to her greatness And how suddenly was all this lost What the Vertue and Wisdom of grave and resolute Consuls Captains and Commanders had with great hazard heaped up thrusting their Capitol and other Treasuries full with the Triumphant Spoyls of Forein Nations was left to be consumed either by Seditious Souldiers or prodigal Emperours and the State left as a Prey to those that were mightiest so that they were accounted most honourable that with most Injury could get to themselves either Countenance to oversway Authority or Opulency to purchase Eminency insomuch that there hath been no action so evil nor any attempt so pernicious in former times but may be match'd in the declining of the Roman State Where more Murthers where more Corruption where more Oppression than is mentioned in Histories to be practised amongst the Romans the Lives of Men the state of Provinces and the Crowns of Kings sold for Money but now her time is finished and her Ruins are left for succeeding Ages to admire that so in beholding they might learn to know the difference between Virtue and Vice and from thence conclude that there is nothing permanent and that those things wherein men most glory do oftentimes soonest decay For if this City which commanded the Nations and Princes of the Earth whose Colonies Armies Legions Confederacies and Treasures were so Mighty and extended so far that there was almost no Countrey unconquered or Nation that did not fear to hear the Inhabitants thereof named is made desolate and laid level with the Ground what then may be said of petty Cities Towns Lordships Manors and Houses shall not they likewise be subject to the like Calamities and wasted and destroyed through the continuance of time Verily yea Wherefore let not the King glory in his Power nor the strong man in his Strength nor the Rich man in his Riches but let him that glorieth glory in the Lord. A Table of the Persons Towns and Places mentioned in the fore-going Treatise A. ADam Fol. 51 Abarim 93 Abel of the Vines 94 Abner and his Travels 145 Abraham and his Travels 56 The typical Signification of Abraham 62 Absalom and his Travels 148 Achor 98 Aethiopia 154 Ajalon 98 Alexandria 244 Amanus 271 Aâ—â—â—chus Epiphanes and his Travels 245 Antiochus Eupator 269 Apamea 242 Aphec 123 Achitophel 142 Arabia 395 Aroer 114 Asdod 99 Azeca 98 Asteroth 66 Athens 410 Antipatris 419 Ahab and his Travels 164 Aeziongaber 91 Arbona Ibid. Almon Diblathaim 93 Athniel 105 Arad 106 Abdon 115 Ascalon 117 Of the Ark of God 123 Abiathar 134 Abishag 150 Ahaziah 165 Ahaz King of Iuda 185 Ahaziah 180 Athalia 181 Amazia 182 Azariah Ibid. Adoraiim 176 Abia Ibib. Abiin 177 Aza Ibid. Amos 216 Ammon King of Iuda 187 Assarhaddon 196 Abelmehola 205 An Instruction to understand the Prophets 223 An alphabetical Table of all the Cities and Countries mentioned in the Prophets from 224 to 232 Abimelech and his Travels 111 Abimelech's Son and his Travels 134 Ange 240 Antiochia 396 Asseremoth 253 Adarsa 259 Addus 265 Addor Ibid. Arabath 267 Alexander Son of Epiphanes 270 Alcimus and his Travels 280 Arbela 281 Adummim 324 Aenon 325 Antiochia Pisidia 400 Attalia Ibid. Amphipolis 409 Apollonia ibid. Assus 415 B. BAbylon from 191 to 194 Babylon in Aegypt 381 Baaena and his Travels 148 Baesa and his Travels 161 Bazra 237 Baelath 152 Benhadad and his Travels 172 Benhadad II. 174 Berea 112 182 Bethabara 325 Bethania 363 Bethoron or Bethocoron 152 Bethel 72 Bethlem 75 318 Bethphage 364 Bethsaliza 129 Bethsan 132 Bethsemes 124 Bethsura 176 Bethulia 242 Beerzaba 61 Baalzephon 85 Benei Iaachon 91 Balaan and his Travels 94 Besech 410 Bahurim 144 Baalhazor 148 Baaelath 152 Ben Merodach 197 Balthazer Emperour of the Assyrians 201 Bildad 239 Bithron 146 Bischamath 265 Bethsaida 344 Bethbesan 263 Bythinia 405 C. CAdes Barnea 90 Caesarea Philippi 337 Caleb and his Travels 104 The typical Signification of Caleb 105 Caphar Salama 259 Carchemis 200 Carmel 129 Cedron or Kydron a little Hill that runs through Ierusalem 368 Chasor or Hazor 264 Crete and the Scituation thereof 273 Chehelah 89 Chasmona 90 Chesbon 93 Chineroth 173 Cilicia 141 Caspin 258 Caspia 233 Chazor a Field 264 Canah in Galilee 321 330 Capernaum ibib Chorazin 345 Of Cana Syrophoenicia 353 Of Mount Calvary 369 Caesarea Strato 378 The Isle of Cyprus and how 't is scituated 397 Corinthia 412 The Isle of Chius and how scituated 416 Cous how scituated and why so called 418 Of the Isle of Clauda and how scituated 423 Of Colossa in Phrygia 418 D. DOthan so called from commanding 80 Doch a Castle 268 Dora a Haven Town 275 Dibon Gad 93 Deborah and Barak 107 Debir 99 Danites and their Travels 119 Demetrius Soter and his Travels 269 Demetrius Nicanor and his Travels 272 Decapolis and why so called 354 Derbe 400 David and his Travels 135 The typical Signification of David 144 Damascus a famous City of Syria 394 Dibon Gad 93 The Prophet Daniel 212 E. Abraham's Servant and his Travels 69 Esau and his Travels 77 The typical meaning of Fsau ibid. Edrie 94 Elim 86 Eglon 99 Ehud 105 Of Mount Ephraim 106 Eson and Ebzan 114 Estaol 117 Elimelech 122 Ecron 124 Engedi 130 Endor 132 Ella 162 Elah 183 Ezekias 186 Evil Merodath Emperour of Babylon 201 Eliah the Prophet and his Travels 203 The typical Signification of Eliah 206 Elizeus or Elisha ibid. His typical Signification 208 Ezekiel 241 Elam 115 Egbatana a famous City ibid. 240 Euxine Sea 218 Eleutherius 264 Esdrasthe Lawyer 233 Of the Book of Esther 235 The Types and Figures collected out of Esther ibid. Eliphaz the Temanite 238 Esdrelon 241 Ephraim 363 Emmaus 371 Ephesus 383 Queen Candaces Eunuch and his Travels 389 G. GIhon a Hill 28 Gerar 61 The Country of Gilead 73 The Land of Gosen 76 Goren Atad 80 The Graves of Concupiscence 88 Gideon Judge of Israel 108 The typical Signification of Gideon 111 Gilgal 97 Gibithon 161 Gibeon 98 Gaza 100 Of Mount Gerizim 112 Gath 124 Of Mount Gilboa where Saul killed himself 131 Gazer 144 Gesur 147 Gurbaal 184 Gath Hepher 217 Gesem 241 Genezereth 264 Gadara 339 The Lake of Genezereth 340 Of Gethsamene and
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
into the City a little before you come at it This Town standeth upon a fair prospect for you may see from thence through all Galilee to Carmel the Mountains of Phoenicia and Mount Thabor also from Mount Gilead by Iordan and Mount Salem where Iohn baptized near by Mount Hermon upon the North side of Mount Gilboah there lies a fair and plain way to the City Iezreel by which Iehu came when he made Wars upon Ieroboam King of Israel of which you may read more 2 Reg. 9. It stood not far from the River Kison as you may read Ios. 17. 19. 1 Sam. 2. 1 Reg. 4. 18. Of Ahaziah the Son of Ahab AHaziah was crowned King of Israel during the Life of his Father a cruel and wicked man he began his Reign in the 17th year of Iosaphat King of Iudah Anno Mundi 3049 and before Christ 919. about such time as Ahab went down to Ramoth Gilead to recover it from the Syrians Within a while after the death of his Father he fell through the Lattice-window in his upper Chamber which was in Samaria of which hurt he died Of this you may read more 1 King 1. The Travels of Jehoram King of Israel JEhoram succeeded his Brother Ahaziah in the Kingdom of Israel who began his Reign in the eighteenth year of Iosaphat King of Iudah and as Iosephus saith lib. Ant. 9. about the fifth year of his Reign went from Samaria to Ierusalem which was 32 miles There he told Iosaphat how the King of Moab had rebelled against him therefore desired him to go along with him to the War 2 Reg. 3. Then Iehoram and Iosaphat and the King of Edom went from Ierusalem and compassed about through the Wilderness of Idumaea by the space of seven dayes so that they and their Army for want of Water had almost perished but at the Prayers of the Prophet Elisha they were miraculously preserved At length they came to Petra the Metropolitan City of the Moabites and is distant from Ierusalem an hundred seventy two miles which they took and consumed it with Fire and Sword 2 Reg. 3. From the City of Petra Iehoram King of Israel returned back to Samaria which was 104 miles where within a while after he was so sorely besieged by Benhadad King of Syria that the Famine grew very great within the Town insomuch as a certain Woman eat her own Child 2 Reg. 6. From Samaria he went to Ramoth in Gilead with his Army which is 24 miles where he was overcome by Asahel King of the Syrians and wounded even to the death 2 Reg. 8. From the Fight of Ramoth Gilead he was carried in his Chariot back to Iezreel which was 24 miles where he lay to be cured of his Hurts But Iehu one of his chief Captains rebelled against him and as he was in his Chariot shot an Arrow and wounded him the second time whereof he died in the Field of Naboth the Iezreelite 2 Reg. 9. So all the Travels of Iehoram were 356 miles The Travels of Jehu King of Israel JEHV signifies a constant man in himself and was the Son of Iosaphat the Son of Nimschi he was anointed King of Israel in the Castle at Ramoth in Gilead by Elisha Anno Mun. 3063. and before Christ 905. he reigned 28 years 2 Reg. 9. From Ramoth in Gilead in his Chariot he went to Iezreel which was 24 miles where in the Field of Naboth the Iezreelite he killed Iehoram with an Arrow And when he came to the Gates of the City he caused Iezabel to be thrown from a Tower whom he trampled under his Horse feet and after in that same place she was eaten up with Dogs Then he sent Messengers to Samaria commanding the Samaritans that they should put to death the 70 Sons of Ahab which they immediately did and sent their Heads unto him in Baskets 2 Reg. 10. From Iezreel he went to Samaria which is sixteen miles In that Journey he caused to be slain by his Ministers the 42 Brothers of Ahaziah King of Iuda near to the Well which was beside the House where Sheep were shorn And when he came to Samaria he caused all the Posterity of Ahab to be utterly destroyed and rooted out And to conclude the Tragedy by a cunning Policy put to death all the Priests of Baal 2 Reg. 10. So all the Travels of Iehu were 40 miles Of Jehoahas King of Israel JEhoahas was the Son of Iehu and succeeded his Father in the Kingdom of Israel he began his Reign in the 33 year of Ioas King of Iudah in the Year of the World 3091 and before Christ 876. He reigned over Israel seventeen Years God stirred up against this wicked King Asahel King of the Syrians who with 10000 Foot and five hundred Horse besieged Samaria very strongly put to the Sword many of his Subjects and got many Cities and Towns from him as the Prophet Elisha had before told him 2 Reg. 8. 13. The Travels of Joas King of Israel JOAS succeeded his Father Iehoahas and while he was yet living was anointed King of Israel in the thirty seventh year of Ioas King of Iudah and reigned two years with his Father after his Death fifteen so all the Reign of Ioas was seventeen Years This Man was a great Souldier and went from Samaria with an Army against the City of Apheck which was fourteen miles there he smote the Syrians and in three several Battels carried away the Victory recovering the Cities which his Father Iehoahas had lost according to the Prophecy of Elisha 2 Reg. 17. From Apheck he returned to Samaria being 14 miles From thence he went with his Army to Bethsemes in the Land of Iuda where in a sharp and cruel War he conquered Amasia and took him alive 2 Reg. 14. which was 32 miles From Bethsemes he went to Ierusalem and carried the King thereof with him Captive being four miles He won the City and broke down the Walls of it from the Gate of Ephraim till you come to the Angle-Gate four hundred Cubits in length 2 Reg. 14. From the City of Ierusalem Ioas the Conquerour returned to Samaria with the spoil of the Temple and of the King's House with many Captives and a great Prey being thirty two miles where at the end of the seventeenth year of his Reign he died and was buried In this man's time Elisha the Prophet died 2 Reg. 13. 14. So all the Travels of Ioas were ninety six miles Of Bethsemes Of this City you may read before The Travels of Jeroboam the second of that Name King of Israel THIS Ieroboam succeeded his Father Ioas in the Kingdom of Israel and began his Reign Anno Mundi 3123. and before Christ 845. which according to the Text of the Bible happened about the 15th Year of Amasia King of Iuda and he reigned 41 Years 2 Reg. 14. He kept his Court at Samaria where the Prophet Ionas told him that he should recover not only the Towns and Cities of the Land
might plainly be seen ingraven other Letters to this effect Vnless thou hadst been unâ—â—tiably Covetous thou wouldst never have opened the Graves of the Dead in hope of gain This Woman beautified Babylon with many goodly Buildings built up the Walls thereof set a Bridge over Euphrates made a beautiful Orchard and a Garden in it beautified it with many goodly Towers and Fortifications added unto it many Provinces and Governments and after all because of her own lascivious Appetite as Sallust saith was murthered by her Son Ninus who succeeded her in the Government There were many other memorable things within this City that were built before and after her time as Herodotus saith as that great and mighty Tower before remembred in which stood the Temple of Baelus and his Sepulchre Not far from that stood a Chappel wherein was the Statue of Iupiter all of pure Gold worth 800 Talents of Gold Without that Chappel there stood an Altar of pure Gold upon which they yearly offered 100000 Talents of Frankincense There was another also somewhat less upon which they used to offer their Sacrifices for it was not lawful for them to offer any thing that had life upon the greater Altar there stood also in that place another Statue twelve cubits high all of pure Gold This City was after taken by Cyrus the first Emperour of the Persians An. Mundi 3432. before Christ 536 in the seventieth year after the Captivity of Israel and Iudah according to the Prophecy of Ieremy at which time the City was so great that they which dwelt in the middle of it did not know that the Enemy had entered within the Walls at the farther end which might happen because upon that day when it was taken the Babylonians celebrated a Feast unto Venus in which using extraordinary diligence they were less mindful of such things as hapned unto them Thus this City that with great Tyranny had triumphed over the Nations of the earth for the space of 1600 years being so plentifully furnished with all things necessary for the maintenance of life that the Inhabitants thereof contemned all other People was by God's permission for their pride and presumption wasted and consumed by Cyrus as you have heard and shortly after utterly destroyed by Xerxes the fourth Emperour of the Persians and so continueth to this day as Strabo saith Where then O World is thy Prosperity or Riches thy glory since in the one thou art consumed in the other lest desolate Of the Ruines of old Babylon that are extant at this day BAbylon which as you have heard reigned over the Nations of the Earth like a Queen at this day hath nothing to present you withall but an heap of stones out of the Ruins whereof there was built a little Town close by where it stood called Elugo or Felugo scituated upon the Bank of the River Euphrates Not far from which it seems there is a profitable Harbour for Ships where Merchants often times go a shore and travel thence through many Woods and desart places unto Seleucia which at this day is called by the Turks Bagdeth distant thence some thirty six miles and is the utmost Town of the Turkish and Persian Empires towards the East being divided in the midst by the River Tygris Some Merchants have reported That the place where Babylon stood is become stony unfruitful and unpleasant because of the Ruins of the destroyed buildings which lye in the Earth Also That there is found a Tower built of a black stone which to outward appearance seems to have been a very goodly house high and eminent so that upon the top thereof a man might have seen through the whole City This Tower the Inhabitants of Felugo call the Tower of Daniel in which was the Chamber where he used to pray to the Lord three times a day the Windows whereof looked towards Ierusalem Dan. 6. There is also to be seen divers Arches of the Bridge which Semiramis built standing upon the River Euphrates and the foundation of the great Tower whose top should have reached to Heaven being in compass two miles but not very high Within the Ruins whereof are found certain Serpents very noisom and venemous about the bigness of a Lizard having three heads and spect with divers colours which the Inhabitants call Eglones There are such a multitude of them that no man dares approach within half a mile of it any time but in the Winter season nor then neither but for the space of a Month in which time these Serpents for the extremity of the cold are constrained to keep their holes Thus as this Tower was hateful to God in the beginning so likewise hath he made it hurtful unto man even to this day The Travels of the Babylonian and Assyrian Kings and Emâ—erours that fought against Israel and Judah And first of Phul Belochus King of Assâ—ria PHul Belochus that is he returned wasting began to reign among the Babylonians Anno Mundi 3149. before Christ 819 and governed forty eight years This King or Emperour came from Babylon to Samaria which was 660 miles There he so streightly besieged Menahem King of Israel that he was constrained to give him 1000 talents of Silver to raise his Siege and depart 2 Reg. 15. From Samaria he returned back again to Babylon 660 miles So all Travels of Phul Belochus were 1320 miles The Travels of Tiglat Phulasser King of the Assyrians TIglat Phulasser signifies the Assyrian Conquerour He was also called Tiglath Philasser 2 Reg. 15. which name is attributed to him either because he carried away the Children of Israel captives or else because of the Conquest that he had of all Galilee and over the Tribe of Naphtaly which he carried into Assyria He succeeded his father Phul Belochus in the Government of the Assyrians An. Mundi 3197. before Christ 771. and reigned twenty five years When Reâ—n King of the Assyrians joyning his Army with Pekah Son of Remalia King of Israel had streightly besieged Ierusalem Ahaz was constrained to crave aid of this Tiglath Phulasser and sent him great Presents which he accepted kindly and brought his Army from Niniveh to Damascus 520 miles where he put Reâ—n and the whole City to the Sword 2 Reg. 16. From Damascus he came with his Army into the land of Israel which was 120 miles where he overcame Pekâ—h in a great Battel conquered all the land of Gilead and the tribe of Naphtaly and put a great multitude of the Israelites into perpetual Exile 2 Reg. 15. From thence he went back to Niniveh 640 miles A little after this King Tiglath Phulasser went from Niniveh to Ierusalem 680 miles where he so streightly besieged that wicked King Ahaz that he was constrained to give him great abundance of Gold and Silver to raise his Siege and be gone 2 Chr. 28. From Ierusalem he returned back to Niniveh being 680 miles So all his Travels were 6640 miles Of the City Niniveh you may read
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