oracle which interpreteth For Pathar with the Hebrewes is the same that He hath interpreted is with vs. Wherefore this Prophet trauelled from Pithora or Phatura in Mesopotamia to Abel or the plaine of Vines where his Asse 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 trauels of this Prophet were 440 miles Of the Plain of the Vines THere is often mention of this place in the Scripture for the fertilitie of the countrey and plenty of sweet Wines there was a beautifull city built called Abel of the Vines some 56 miles from Ierusalem South-Eastward and was placed iust in the way as they went from Mesopotamia into the country of the Moabites Whereby it appeareth that neere to this place the Asse spake to Balaam Numb 22. In S. Ieroms time there was found a little Village so called where there was great plenty of Vines Here Ieptha ouercame the Ammorites and made a great slaughter Iud. 11. The Trauels of that noble Captaine IOSHVAH IOSHVAH and Caleb trauelled with Moses from Raemsis out of Aegypt through the Red sea and came to Kades-Barnea 26 miles From Cades-Barnea they were sent forth with other Spieâ to the land of Canaan Num. 13. and went out of the wildernessâ of Zin and Paran and came to the towne of Rechob in Galileâ 140 miles From thence they went to the towne of Hamath in Syria which was after called Antiochia 188 miles From Hamath or Antiochia they returned againe to Hebron 304 miles where vpon the side of the riuer Escol they cut offâ bunch of grapes with the stalke which was as much as both theâ could beare vpon their shoulders Num. 13. From Hebron they returned againe to Kades-Barnea twentâ miles There all the people murmured against Moses Num. 1â Heereby it is to be seene that the Spies in forty dayes trauelleâ 648 miles in the land of Canaan that is euery day 16 miles and little more After that Ioshuah and Caleb trauelled with Moses and the chiâdren of Israel to Ezeon-Gabir and from thence to the towne oâ Iahza 464 miles From Iahza they past through two kingdoms to mount Libânus 80 miles From mount Libanus they returned againe into the Land oâ Sittim that lay by the hill Pisgah in the field of the Moabiteâ 80 miles From the land of Sittim they past through the riuer of Iordââ and came to Gilgal 6 miles where Ioshuah pitched his Campe Num. 21. Ios 4.5 From Gilgal he went to Iericho 2 miles there he assailed the towne with the sound of basons and won it Ios 6. From Iericho he went to Ai being 4 miles and took and burnt the whole towne Ios 7.8 From Ai he returned to Gilgal 4 miles and there vpon the hil of Ebal he built an altar vnto the Lord and there were the blessings and cursings pronounced Ios 8. Deut. 27. From Gilgal hee went to Gibeon twelue miles There the Sunne stood still during the battaile against the three Kings Ioshuah 10. From Gibeon he went to Ajalon 2 miles here the Moon stood still Ios 10. From Ajalon he went to Aseka 4 miles there it hailed vpon the enemies that fled before Israel Ios 10. From Aseka Ioshuah returned againe into the Camp at Gilgal 20 miles Ios 10. From Gilgal hee went to Makeda where hee hanged the fiue Kings Ios 10. From Makeda he went to Libna 2 miles and tooke the towne Ios 10. From Libna he went to Lachis 8 miles From Lachis he went to Eglon 8 miles From Eglon he went to Hebron which is sixteene miles Ioshuah 10. From Hebron he went to Debir a mile Ios 10. After that Ioshuah with one continued War won all that part of Iudaea which lay towards the South bordering Eastward vpon the Dead Sea Southward vpon Cades-Barnea Westward vpon Asdod and Gaza and Northward vpon Gibeon and Gilgal This circuit of land containeth about one hundred fifty and sixe miles From Gilgal Ioshuah went out with his army about 22 miles to the riuer of Merom where he slew the rest of the Kings of the Canaanites in a memorable battell Ios 11. From the riuer of Merom Ioshuah chased his enemies and followed them to Sidon which was 612 miles Ios 11. From Sidon he went again to Hazor 32 miles which town he burnt Ios 11. After that Ioshuah at one time won all the townes in the Holy land which lay Northward in the lands of Samaria and Galilea from Gibeon to mount Libanus and from the riuer of Iordan to the great sea called Mare Mediterranean which countries in circuit contain 280 miles After that Ioshuah returned again to his camp at Gilgal which lay 72 miles from the towne of Hazor where he made a diuision of the land amongst the children of Israel Ios 14 15. From Gilgal he went to Shilo 12 miles where he made an end of diuiding the land Ios 18. From Shilo he went to Timnah Sera eight miles and there he dwelt for the children of Israel gaue him that town for his own inheritance Ios 19. From Timnah Sera Ioshuah not long before hee died came to Sichem forty miles There he assembled all the tribes of Israel Ios 24. From Sichem he returned againe to Timnah Sera 40 miles where he died and was buried Ios 24. So all the trauels of Prince Ioshuah were 2392 miles The description of the seuerall townes and places to which Ioshuah trauelled ¶ Of Rechob THis was a city of the Levits in the tribe of Ashur 100 miles from Ierusalem toward the North Num. 13. and signifieth a broad street being deriued from Radhab that is To extend out in length Of Haemah or Chaemah THis was a city of the Levits in the Tribe of Nepthaly and was 100 miles from Ierusalem vpon the vtmost bounds of the holy land at the foot of Antilibanus Num. 11.34 Ios 19. deriued from Chamah that is furious or burning with anger Of Gilgal THis was a town between Iordan the city Iericho 12 miles from Ierusalem Southeastward where the children of Israel hauing past the riuer of Iordan first made war vpon all the Nations of the land of Canaan Here they solemnised the first paschal Lambe After they came into this land Manna ceased because they then ate the fruits of the countrey Here Ioshuah taking 12 stones out of Iordan pitcht them vp for a memorial Here the tabernacle of God stayed for a time which was the reason that afterward the Israelites committed idolatry in this place Ios 4.5 Hos 2.4.9 Amos 5. Neere to this place Ehud the third Iudge of the Children of Israel receiued gifts of them to carry to Eglon King of the Moabites dwelling at Iericho where hee killed him with a knife Here Saul was the second time confirmed King of Israel 2 Sam. 10. and as it seemes taketh name of Roundnesse Ioshuah at this time building his tent in a circular fashion for Galal
it stands in the same place yet doth it not retain the same name To this towne there is a great resort of merchants who bring vp their commodities from the Riuer Tygris hither and from hence conuey them to Bagdeth many other parts of the world The inhabitants thereof are for the most part Nestorians of whom you may reade before in the description of the Sects remaining in Ierusalem at this day They are had in great account and estimation among the Turkes because it is imagined that one of this sect helpt Mahomet to compose the Alcaron This Nestorius liued anno Dom. 429. and taught at Constantinople but after he was condemned at Ephesus for an heretick he was constrained to steale from Constantinople and to flie to Thebes in Egypt where God laid a grieuous punishment vpon him for his tongue began to rot in his head and to consume with vermin of which he died miserably The spirituall signification of the Prophet Ionas IOnas signifieth a Dove and typically representeth Christ in his name For Christ was that gratious and innocent Dove who hath made euident to man his singular mercy clemencie without any shew of bitternesse or wrath Then in his affliction for as Ionas thrust himselfe into the sea of calamity and there was swallowed vp of a Whale which might be well resembled to the grave so Christ our Sauior was cast into the sea of affliction the miserie and calamity of this world and after that thrust into the jawes of death the graue where as Ionas did in the whales belly he lay three daies and then arose againe the earth being vnable any longer to contain his body Of the Prophet Micah THis Prophet was born at Maresa a towne of Iudea 16 miles from Ierusalem Westward it signifieth a bitter field In S. Ieroms time the ruins of the wall of this City was to be seene Micha or Micheas signifieth humble or lowly This man was held in great estimation because he was the first that named the countrey where our Sauior Christ should be born viz. in Bethlehem 800 yeares before his natiuitie He liued an M. 3200. Of the Prophet Nahum NAhum signifies a Comforter Hee was borne in a towne of Galile called Elcosch as he saith in the beginning of his Prophecie This village was shewne vnto Saint Ierome by those that trauelled with him through the holy land in his time it was but a small village called by the name of Elcos and scituated as Dorotheus Bishop of Tyre saith on the further side of Bethabara sixteene miles and something more from Ierusalem toward the Northeast This Prophet liued 750 yeres before Christ and prophecied of the destruction of Niniveh which after came to passe Of the Prophet Habacuck HAbacuck or Chabacuck signifies One that embraceth or a louer from Chaback He hath embraced For as a Nurse embraceth and kisseth her infant so also this Prophet embraced and comforted his people with comfortable doctrine lest by the destruction of Ierusalem which he prophecied should after happen by the Chaldaeans they should be driuen to desperation Paul tooke the foundation of his Epistle to the Romanes out of this Prophet reciting a saying of his viz. The Iust shall liue by faith He began to preach a little before the Prophet Ieremy 650 yeres before Christ aboue 100 yeares before Daniel was cast into the Lions den From whence most of the Learned conclude that this could not be that Habacuck which brought meat to Daniel as hee was among the Lions but they rather thinke it a fragment of a spiritual comedy and therefore worthy to be called Apocrypha Of the Prophet Zephania ZEphania signifies the Secretary of the Lord being deriued of Zaphan He hath kept secret He liued in Ierusalem and Iudaea in the time of Iosiah King of Iuda He was born as Dorotheus Bishop of Tyre saith in a towne called Sabarthaca in the tribe of Simeon Of the Prophets Haggai and Zacharia HAggai or Chaggai signifieth A Priest celebrating the Feast of the Lord being deriued of Chagag He hath celebrated a feast And Zacharias or Zacharia doth denote such a man as remembred the Lord being deriued of Zachar that is Hee hath remembred or recorded These two Prophets prophecied in Ierusalem in the second yeare of Darius the son of Histaspis 519 years before Christ an mun 3449. Haggai began his prophecy vpon the first day of the sixt moneth Elul answering to the 28 of August He sharpely reprehended the people because they neglected the house of the Lord and built vp their own houses In the eighth moneth Marhusuan which for the most part answereth to our Nouember Zacharias the same yere began to prophecie and in his sermon exhorted the people to repentance adding the promise of our Sauior and that he would turn vnto them that would turn vnto him Zach. 1. These two Prophets lie buried 20 miles one from the other For as Dorothaeus Bishop of Tyre saith Haggai lies buried in Ierusalem amongst the Priests But Zacharias neere to a towne in the field of Bethania 20 miles from Ierusalem Westward But in the time of Theodosius the Emperor was remoued and preserued as an holy Relique Concerning that fable and figment inserted into the history Nicephorus I vtterly disallow Of the Prophet Malachi THis Prophet prophecied after the captiuity of Babylon and dwelt in the towne of Ziph as Dorotheus Bishop of Tyre saith Malachi signifies an Angel sent and in Greek a Messenger for this Prophet preached so comfortably as if he had bin an angell of God but principally of Christ and Saint Iohn Baptist who should goe before him to prepare his way and make his paths straight S. Ierom in his Epistle to Paul and Eustochius writes that some of the Hebrewes suppose this Malachi to haue been Esdras the Scribe who was sent by Artaxerxes Longimanus Emperour of the Persians to restore the commonwealth of Israel in the yeare before Christ 457. An Instruction how the Prophets may rightly bee vnderstood FIrst looke into the Cosmographicall Table at the beginning of this booke and diligently obserue the countries cities that are there set downe and how they lie scituated from Ierusalem Toward the South of Ierusalem the Idumeans Ismaelites Arabians and Egyptians dwell Toward the East the Moabits Ammonites Chaldaeans Babylonians and Persians Toward the North the Phoeniceans Syrians Assyrians and Armenians Toward the West lieth the Mediterranian sea Grecia Italy Spain and the Isles of the sea Secondly this rule is to be obserued that as often as the Prophets speake of the tribes of Israel they vse these names viz. Israel Samaria Ephraim Ioseph Iesreel Bethel Bethauen these are the names of the Kingdom of Israel but to the kingdome of Iuda these names are attributed viz. Iudah Ierusalem Benjamin the house of Dauid But when the Prophets ioyn these two Kingdoms together they call them by the names of Iacob and Israel Thirdly when thou readest in the Prophets the name of any
Thus they continued for the space of eighteene yeares at the end of which time Adrianus Aelianus the Emperor hearing of those insolencies leuied an Army and sent them into Iudea vnder the gouernment of Iulius Seuerus who in a pitcht field neere to Bethcoron and not far from Emaus conquered this Benchochab or Pseudo-Messiah and with him slew fiue hundred thousand Iewes that were deceiued by his persuasion Now when they went to seeke for the body of this Deceiuer amongst the Dead as saith Talmudista hee was found lying with an horrible Serpent about his necke intimating how God reiected him that would seem to imitate his Son for euen as the Serpent deceiued our first Parents so this Benchochab deceiued the Iews and for this cause they called him Bencozba that is The Son of Lying The number of the Iewes which in the time of this war were slaine amounted to 500000 men besides many others that perished by pestilence and famin This warre hapned 64 yeares after the destruction of Ierusalem After this second desolation of the Iewes at the command of the Emperor that there might be a final extirpation of the antient city of Ierusalem and that the words of our Sauior might be fulfilled Lo there shall not be a stone left vpon a stone Mat. 24 the ruines and foundations thereof were digged vp the stones broken in pieces the ground left desolate and the mountains are now become barren and ouergrown with brambles And that the name thereof might vtterly be forgotten and as it were rooted out of the earth hee set vp a new towne not far from the hill Gihon and Golgotha where Christ was crucified which after he had adorned with many goodly buildings he called it by his owne name Aelia In the place of the Temple he set vp a Church in the honour of Iupiter and Venus Iust in the place where the holy Altar stood he erected his own image vpon a marble pillar which continued vntill Saint Hieroms time At Bethlehem he erected the Image of Adonis and to that he consecrated at Church Vpon the gates of the City he cut Hogs in marble in contempt of the Iewes Then did hee abiure them That they should not come within the walls of the City nor set foot vpon the ground neere Ierusalem This being done as Dion saith he dedicated it to the honour of Iupiter Capitolinus and only made it free for Christians and such like to be in it This town at this day we call Ierusalem although it be scituated in another place and called by another name Future Ages calling the actions of precedent times into question puld a great contempt vpon this Towne and so much the rather because Infidelitie and other heathenish prophanesse was cherisht within this city So that that which a little before was set vp in honour of the Emperour Aelianus is now growne into contempt Wherfore Helena the mother of Constantine the Great hauing command of that Empire to giue some satisfaction to the vniuersalitie caused those prophane Temples and Idols to be abolished and in their places erected others Vpon mount Golgotha the church called Golgothanus vpon the mount of Olives one in the place of the ascention of Christ and Constantine her son richly adorned the Sepulchre and ouer it built a stately Temple all of polisht marble richly gilt with gold so that to this day it remaines as the chiefe ornament of the town In this mans time the Iewes with great boldnesse indeauoured to rebuild the Temple iust in the place where it stood before but at the commandement of the Emperour they were repelled and in recompence of their presumption had their eares cut off and their noses slit because they had eares and would not heare neither obey the commandement of our Sauior But as the Emperor was religious and endeauored to support Christianitie so his successor Iulianus was as full of impietie and prophanenesse who that he might frustrat the prophecie of our Sauior That Ierusalem should neuer be built again in contempt caused the Iewes to assemble together and with all expedition restore it to its former glory giuing the vttermost of his helpe to their endeauours But as they were seriously labouring in this work of a sudden there came a great earthquake and looke what they had built was by that quite ouerturned then fire came out of the earth and from heauen which destroied both the matter and the Workemen And that the Iewes nor any Philosophers might impute it to a natural cause there was seen in the heauens a bloudy crosse and vpon their cloathes crosses shining like stars which the Iewes could by no means wipe off Yet this little preuailed a second time they attempted as before a second earthquake hapned with a storme of winde which came with such extreme violence that all the stuffe which they had heaped together for this purpose was vtterly blown away and destroyed So that of force they were constrained to leaue off acknowledge That Christ whom their Forefathers had crucified was the true Messiah Greg. Nazianzen and Hierome report That neuerthelesse the Iewes euen to this day although it cost them much money come yearely to the place where Ierusalem stood and vpon the day of the destruction thereof weep ouer it Such was their affection vnto this City But these euils were purged with a sudden inuasion for no crying iniuries nor prophane insolencies against God passe vnpunished but that then or soone after a iust reuenge falls vpon them for Cosroës Emperor of the Persians whose impudencie and impietie was so great that hee would be worshipped as a god about the yeare of our Lord 615 besieged this town tooke it and put to death 90000. Christians carried the Patriarch thereof together with many others away captiue But Heraclius the Emperor to punish him for his pride and crueltie set vpon Persia and with fire and sword destroied the country not far from Nineueh conquered his chiefe captain Razetis in a set battell won the city of Nineueh and went away with an honorable victorie Seroës also the only begotten sonne of Cosroës but a little before inuading the kingdom kild his father in prison restored the Patriarch and the rest of the Captiues which his father had taken to Heraclius and about the seuenth yeare after hee had warred vpon Persia hee returned to Aelia with great pompe Not long after in the yeare 637 Haumar the chiefe Prince of the Saracens which was the third from Mahomet with a great Army afflicted Syria and Iudaea conquered these Countries and in his victories vsed great tyrannie and crueltie Within two yeares after he won Aelia which had maintained a long and sharp siege neither would Zacharias the Patriarch giue it vp til he was compelled thereto by extreme famin and soon after died with griefe Thus this towne continued for the space of 450 yeares in the hands of the Saracens Then in the yere 1012 Caliphas Sultan of Egypt won it beat
downe the walls destroied the Temple which the Emperor Constantine had built and made havock of al things Presently vpon this the Turkes that came out of Scythia by the Caspian mountains won the city draue thence the Saracens Thus we may see that the Saracens and Turks though they were both of one religion yet for the country of the Iewes fought one against another and compelled the Christians to pay them Tribute for the fourth part of the city wherein the Sepulchre of our Lord stood being againe restored by the Emperor Constantine after the destruction of Caliphas The Christians being weary of this tribute and of the oppression of the Infidels became sutors to Pope Vrban the second of that name for their deliuery who in the yeare 1094 assembled a Councel at Clearemont in France and by the instigation of one Peter the hermit stirred vp the hearts of diuers Christian princes and great Lords to make a croysado so that 10000 braue well mounted souldiers went into the Holy land and for a token of their war bore red crosses vpon their armes In the same yeare there was a great blasing starre seene in the West and after that followed a great plague for the space of two yeares through the world this neuerthelesse hindred them not in their designes but that they went their intended journy won the City of Aelia from the Saracens deliuered the Christians from their bondage and tax and chose Godfrey of Lorrain Earle of Bullion King thereof whom they anointed in the Temple of the holy Sepulchre but hee refused to be crowned with a Crowne of gold saying That it ill beseemed him to be called King of Ierusalem the true King whereof was Christ or to sit crowned with gold in the place where he was crowned with thorns that was the Son of the euer-liuing God and then chose Arnolphus of Rhodes Patriarch In the moneth of October the same yeare a blasing Starre of maruellous bignesse appeared towards the South it seemed to be like a wauing sword foreshewing no doubt the destruction of all those that went about to re-establish this earthly Ierusalem Immediatly after the Feast of the Natiuitie of Christ all the Christians of the East countries vpon Candlemas day came out of Syria but especially out of Antiochia to Ierusalem in the Temple of the holy Sepulchre consecrated their Bishops and Chorasters and with one consent sung Illuminare Ierusalem They tooke also all the Cities Castles and Villages and ouer them set Bishops created foure Principalities one at Ierusalem another at Antiochia a third at Edissa a fourth at Tripoly Also certain Earledomes and Baronies as at Brito Zidon Caesarea Galilee Ioppa and Ascalon All these were appointed to pay tribute to the King of Ierusalem All this was done in the yere of our Lord 1099. No sooner were these newes published to the world but there was an vniuersall croysado through all Christendom for the conquering and winning of the rest of the holy land but before they could get thither they were either slaine by the Grecians and other nations or els died through famin thirst so that in them was fulfilled the prophecie of Zacharias cap. 12.3 where it is said It shall happen that I will make Ierusalem an heauy stone for all people all they that lift it vp shal be torn though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it And verse 9 And in that day I will seeke to destroy all the nations that come against Ierusalem This yeare 1100 died Godfrey King of Ierusalem of a feuer vpon the â8 day of Iuly when he had reigned scarce a yere and was buried in the temple of mount Calvarie After him succeeded his brother Baldovin the first of that name second King of Ierusalem This man reigned 18 years in Ierusalem and being ouercome by Caliphas Sultan of Egypt after the losse of thirteene thousand Christians he had much adoe to escape with life Within a short time after hee died without issue Baldwin the second succeeded his vncle and was the third king of Ierusalem He began his reign Anno 1118. This man ouercame the Turks and the King of Damascus had issue only one daughter named Milesent whom he maried to the Earle of Angiers and gaue with her the kingdom of Ierusalem and died without heire male in the yeare 1131. Fulco in right of his wife succeeded his father in law was the fourth King of Ierusalem This Fulco was brother to the King of England he reigned 13 years fought many worthy battels against the Turkes put 3000 of their men to the sword tooke many of them prisoners and caried them to Ierusalem After that as hee was hunting the Hare by Acon riding speedily hee fell from his horse and was sorely brused whereof he died and left two sonnes called Baldwin and Almerick Baldwin the third was the fifth King of Ierusalem and succeeded his father He won the city of Ascalon he rebuilt the towne of Boza which had beene destroyed placed there certaine Knights Templers he lost the City of Edissa to the Saracens where many Christians were cruelly slain And hauing reigned 19 yeares he died without issue After him succeeded his brother Almerick as was the sixt king of Ierusalem In the time of this king the Sultan of Egypt gaue a great ouerthrow to the Knights Templers which he seeking to reuenge inuaded Egypt with a great army besieged the great city of Alcaire but to small purpose wherefore returning back to Ierusalem he shortly after died when he had reigned 12 years he left behinde him three children a sonne called Baldwin and two daughters Sibilla and Isabella Baldwin the fourth succeeded his father and was the seuenth king of Ierusalem who abusing his gouernment was struck with leprosie with the contagion of which disease he died miserably in the 25 yere of his age hauing reigned 13 years Baldwin the fift of that name the onely begotten son of his sister Sibil by his consent was chosen his successor a youth of 9 yeares old his fathers name was William Mountferrat earle of March who dying his mother married one Guy Earle of Lusignan to whom Baldwin committed the protection of the kingdome and of his yong kinsman till he came to mans estate But this yong man within 7 years after the death of his vncle died sitting at his table not without suspition of poison Guy his protector by the persuasion of his wife and at the instigation of the Ierosolimits took vpon him the gouernment but Raimond Earle of Tripoli was his great aduersary for that Baldwin 4. for his exceeding pride at the instigation of that Guy had displaced him of all his Offices and titles in the commonwealth These two striuing for the kingdom it hapned that Guy was charged with his kinsmans death vnder which pretence Raimond made war against him During these troubles Saladine Sultan of Egypt taking aduantage of this opportunitie made war vpon them
both and with great facility conquered the kingdome and destroied Ierusalem In this yeare 1187 there happened so great an Eclipse of the Sunne that at noone day the Starres were plainely to bee seene Soone after this Raimond and Guy were both taken prisoners and thirty thousand Christians cruelly put to the sword After this the Saracens sacked the Towne threw the Bells out of the Steeples made stables of the Churches only the Temple on Mount Golgotha stood vntoucht for the Turkes and Saracens honour Christ as a great Prophet And thus the new kingdome of the Christians in Ierusalem ended which was vpon the second day of October in the yeare 1187 after it had continued in their possession 88 yeares During the continuance of this kingdome there were many horrible visions and strange Signes and Wonders seene both in Heauen on earth and in the ayre foreshewing no doubt that God was not well pleased with their actions which sought to restore that kingdom of Ierusalem For My kingdome saith Christ is not of this world And although after that there were many Kings that by all possible means endeauored to recouer and restore the same and for that purpose haue leauied many great Armies and vndertaken many tedious journies yet all their counsels and determinations came to nothing for that God so often as they vndertooke any such expedition either stayed their Armies oppressed them with war or else plagued them with famine in such an extreame measure that with very hunger they haue bin constrained to eat their Horses Frederick Barbarossus may be an example of these calamities who with a great army making an expedition to Ierusalem as he was trauelling through Asia minor his horse started and flung him into the riuer where he died miserably ere he could be saued Many other Princes besides in the like enterprise came to the like ends for they were either destroied by the Barbarians with the losse of thousands of their men cruelly slain or vtterly destroied with vnnatural diseases or vntimely deaths Now when the Emperour Fredericke the second of that name had beseeged and brought to great miserie the Sultan of Egypt and the Knights Templers had done the like to Damieta Corderio the Sultans son beat downe the walls of Ierusalem and had it not bin for the great lamentations and ernest entreaties of the Christians he would haue destroied the city but for their sakes he left standing Solomons Temple and the Temple of the holy Sepulchre for at this time Christians inhabit in them Within a while after about the yeare 1228 Fredericke the second of that name Emperor of Rome went to the holy land with a great army and came to Ptolomais otherwise called Acon where staying a while he made a league with the Sultan of Egipt for ten years regained Ierusalem without drawing sword was there crowned in the yeare 1229 keeping at that time in Ierusalem a royal Easter This man fortified the Christians with a garrison rebuilt Nazareth and Ioppa and so returned into Italy In the yeare 1246 Cassanus King of the Tartars being persuaded by the Sultan with a great army inuaded Iudaea won Ierusalem caused the Christians to be cruelly slaine beat downe the holy Sepulchre euen to small pieces and left but little standing It was after this destroyed by Tamerlaine King of the Tartars and by Mahomet the second of that name Emperour of the Turkes But the Monkes had leaue to build vp the holy Sepulcre againe for the which they payed to the Sultan or his Deputy a yearely tribute In the yeare of our Lord 1516 Selymus Emperor of the Turks about the twenty fourth day of August neere to Damascus ouercame Campson Gaurus Sultan of Egypt in a cruell Warre and put to death many thousands of his men and the Sultan himselfe seeking to saue his life by flight was miserably slaine This Selymus conquered the Holy Land Syria Damascus and all the Countries thereabouts and as he went through Iudaea leauing his Army at Gaza with a few of his Souldiers he went to Ierusalem that he might see with his eyes that place which was made so famous by the antient Writers and was so often mentioned in the Old and New Testament But when he came he found nothing but a ruinate and waste place barren and rude to looke vpon inhabited by a few poore Christians and they also held in great contempt and bondage paying a great tribute to the Sultan of Egypt for their liberty and the holy Sepulchre as P. Iouius writeth But after that Selymus in that place had done his Offerings and Sacrifices to his god Mahomet seeing the Priests and Christians prest with extreme pouertie out of his singular mercy and compassion gaue them a large and sumptuous gift when hee had stayed but one day and one night in the Towne The next morning before day he went with all expedition to his Army at Gaza from thence into Egypt where he besieged the great and famous city Alcaire and in the yeare 1517 took it conquered all the country vtterly extirpated the Sultan and went away with an honorable victory and rich booty From this yeare euen till now the towne of Aelia or Ierusalem is vnder the jurisdiction of the Turks Thus may we see how often and with what miserable calamities this city hath bin afflicted euen since the first destruction by Vespasian which makes euident the great iudgment of God not only vpon the Iews but also vpon the earth where they inhabited for their infidelitie and vnmercifull cruelty The description of Ierusalem and the scituation thereof as it is now in these times THe former incursions and common desolations leauing this town ruined and spoiled for want of inhabitants it became a desart and forsaken place onely some few Christians either out of the zeale of religion or for vulgar ostentation to shew that there had bin a town dwelt there and thus it continued vntill the yeare 1542. at which time Solyman the great Turk either in respect of the strength of the place or in hope of profit or else to get himselfe a name with great cost and labor re-edified it set vp many stately buildings and sumptuous houses beautified it with two costly Temples the one the Temple of Solomon and the other the holy Sepulchre inlarged the extent thereof and seated it vpon high hils After all this compast it about with a spatious and thicke wall and vpon that placed many strong and stately towers wherein there stands eight gates viz. the fish gate the Old gate S. Stephens gate so called because they say S. Stephen went out by that gate when hee was stoned the Angle gate the Dung gate the Sheep gate the Golden and Fountaine gates Thus the antient city and that which the Emperor Adrian built being both destroied in another place is set vp again So that between both this new city standeth and the first city begins to be again inhabited Of the Temple of the
but swim vpon the top be it either iron lead copper or any other weighty matter Of which Vespasian the emperor hauing notice to make experience of what he had heard made a journy of purpose to see it and with him tooke certain condemned men who for their offences had deserued death these he manacled and where he thought it to be deepest caused them to bee thrown in but they rose vp againe with such violence as if some storm or tempest had sent them vp The water thereof changeth three times a day and shineth against the sun with diuers colors casting out fire and great cakes of pitch much resembling Bulls without heads and of that quantity This pitch is good for diuers things as to calk ships to lay vpon cables and to vse in medicins wherefore such as come to this sea and know the nature of it haue certain Skifs and instruments wherewith they draw these cakes of pitch to their ships to which it cleaueth so fast it being naturally tough that being brought to land they cannot get it off again but by the help of vrine Vpon the banks thereof grow trees that beare fruit of diuers kinds as apples and such like which are faire and pleasant to the eie but if you either touch or open them you shall finde nothing but dust Brittenbacchus saith In this place the Serpent Tyrus whereof they vse to make treacle is found It is a little serpent about half a cubit long and a finger thick being of diuers colours and is so venomous that where it biteth there is no remedy vnlesse by cutting off the member The head of it is rough and hairy and there seemeth to lie vpon the tongue of it if it be angry a fiery flame The same Author saith That a little from Zoar betweene this Lake and the mountaines of Engedi the pillar whereinto Lots 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 riuer Iordan runneth into it The trauell of the two Angels that led Lot out of Sodom THese two Angels hauing spoken with Abraham in the valley of Mamre neere Hebron forthwith went to Sodom some 40 miles distant from that place where Lot hauing entertained them into his house by their helpe was deliuered together with his wife and two daughters from that miserable desolation of the Sodomits Of Lots two Daughters LOt escaping this desolation and seeing a president of Gods iudgement fallen vpon his wife for her disobedience fearing that he should not continue safe in Zoar left that turned aside into the wildernesse and continued there among the mountains although the Lord had promised him safety in this town wherfore continuing in a Caue in the Wildernesse the eldest of his daughters losing her husband in this destruction supposing that all men had beene destroyed from off the earth counselled her sister to commit incest with her father Lot being now oppressed with care by reason of the former calamities gaue himself at the inticement of his daughters to drinke Wine insomuch as with the excesse he became drunke at which time not being himselfe he begat by his two daughters two sonnes the eldest had a sonne whom shee called Moab which signifies The begotten of his Father whereby the impudencie of this woman is laid open to the World in that she was not ashamed of her sinne Of him came the Moabites and dwelt vpon the North side of the lake Asphaltides some 32 miles from Ierusalem The yongest 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 Gilead threescore miles from Ierusalem Northeastward Of the foure Kings that tooke LOT prisoner THe first of them was called Amraphel King of Shinear or Babylon the son of Ninus and Semiramis as some thinke and is called somtime by the name of Berosus sometime Ninus He kept his court at Babylon in Chaldea 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 prouinces he conquered The second was Arioch or Arius his sonne He was thus called because of his courage and crueltie 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 Assiria for so it is called in the Chaldaean tongue the chiefe city whereof is Nineueh and lies from Ierusalem Northeastward six hundred eighty foure 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 Keder signifies an Ornament or Crowne Laomer Well deseruing The fourth was Thideall King of the Nations Hee 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 vp These foure kings were confederats and bent their expedition principally against Astaroth and Kiriathaim which they tooke and spoyled all the Countrey round about with fire and sword and their Armies being retyred from the spoyle met in the vally 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 fiue Kings of that beautifull and pleasant soile of Pentapolis for so it was called because of those fiue cities that were in it where among others they tooke Lot captiue with all his substance Of Astoroth AStoroth seemes to be the city of Venus because the citisens thereof worshipped her for Astoroth is a goddesse of the Sidonians and is compounded of Ash which signifies a company of stars and Tor placed in order The Syrians call Venus Ashtoroth This towne lay in the land of Gilead and belonged to the halfe tribe of Manasse beyond Iordan 56 miles from Ierusalem North-Eastward In this city the foure 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 certaine Gyants called Zusim of Zus and Hamah which signifies to stir vp commotion These were very great strong and stately people and had the command of all the Countries thereabouts which they held in great feare and were conquered by the foure Kings Of Kiriathaim KIriathaim was a City in the tribe of Reubin beyond Iorden Ios 13. 22 miles from Ierusalem toward the East and so called because it was diuided into many parts and diuisions The heathens corruptly cal it Carthage The Hebrews deriue it from Kiriath which signifies a city and Emah Terror Here dwelt the Emims a graue and fearfull people for so their name signifies Of Hazezon Thamar THis Citie tooke the
was the 30 mansion of the Israelites in the wildernesse being 132 miles from Ierusalem toward the South took the name from the pleasantnesse and fertilitie of the wildernesse being deriued of Iatab Batha A certain good and pleasant wast or wildernesse Of Arbona THis place being very discommodious and no whit profitable the children of Israel were constrained to remoue their tents with great weeping and lamentation for Arbona being deriued from Abar and Naha signifies partly to remoue and partly to weep Of Aezion Gaber THis was a town of the Idumaeans neer the red sea 148 miles from Kades Barnea and 174 miles from Ierusalem towards the South Here the Israelites set vp their tents and here Solomon made his Navy which he sent to Ophir to fetch gold 1 Kings 9. This city no doubt took the name of the strength and multitude of trees whereof these ships were built for they were very faire ships and of excellent workmanship Aezion Gaber signifieth A strong tree beeing deriued of Ez and Gaber that is A Tree of strength Of Zin-Kades THis was a great Wildernesse lying betweene Ezion-Gaber and Kades-Barnea being 184 miles in length abounding with thorns and high mountaines Vpon the North side thereof lay mount Seir and Kades-Barnea and towards the South the red sea It was called Paran and Zin of the aboundance of thorns that grew there for Zin of Zanan signifies a sharp thorne Zinnim full of thorns and Kadesh Sanctity or holinesse Here Moses and Aaron hauing strooke the rocke twice at length it brought forth water but for their murmuring incredulity God would not suffer them to goe into the land of Canaan This lay 120 miles from Ierusalem toward the South Of the mountaine Hor. HOr is a mountain of the Idumaeans 88 miles from Ierusalem toward the Southeast and is deriued 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 vpon the borders of Iudaea and Arabia Petraea hearing that Aaron was dead inuaded the Iews with a great army discomfited them and tooke some of them captiues But after the Israelites to reuenge this iniury tooke and destroyed diuers cities which belonged to the Canaanites and put the citisens 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 pitcht their tents being 80 miles from Ierusalem to the Southeast and took the name from shades or little sheds vnder which the Israelites dwelt for Zalmona seems a compound of Zel and Mun which signifies a shady place and seemes to haue affinitie with Manah to distribute here and there Of Phunon THis was a city of the Idumaeans scituated in the wildernes of Arabia Petraea 64 miles from Ierusalem towards the Southeast and takes the name from a faire and flourishing city For Panan in Hebrew signifieth an high pinnacle from whence one might see all parts of the world Here Moses set vp the brasen Serpent Of Oboth THis was the 37 mansion of the Israelites in the wildernesse was 56 miles from Ierusalem towards the Southeast and signifies a serpent called Python Here the Arabians receiued an answer from the Diuell by way of conjuration Of Igim THis was the 38 Mansion of the Israelites so called because of the multitude which were assembled neer to a mountain called Abarim 52 miles from Ierusalem toward the Southeast for Igim signifieth a Congregation Of Dibon Gad. THis was the 39 station of the Israelites in the desart beeing 52 miles from Ierusalem toward the Southeast neere to the floud Zared bordering vpon the Idumaeans and Moabites running from thence into the red sea and as it seemes taketh name from descending into a strong place Of Almon Diblathaim THis place stands beyond the red sea some 40 miles from Ierusalem toward the East and taketh name from a Fraile of dried figs from Alam signifieth he hath hidden and Debeleth A Fraile of dried figs. Here was the 40 mansion of the Israelites and lay close by the riuer Arnon Num. 21. 23. Of the mountaines Abarim THese mountaines lay 32 miles from Ierusalem towards the East and taketh the name from Passing along for Abar is as much to say as He went along Between these mountains and the lake Asphaltites neere to the Easterne riuer of the Dead sea the Moabites inhabited Of Iahza THis was a city of the Levits the sons of Merar in the Tribe of Benjamin 24 miles from Ierusalem Eastward Ios 21. here Moses ouercame 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 passe through his Dominions therefore Moses made warre vpon him put him to death and gaue all his country to the tribes of Reuben and Gad. This was a faire towne and after fell to the Levits Num. 21.33 Deut. 1.2 c. and tooke its name from Cheschebon which signifies An artificiall vnderstanding for Chaschaf is as much as excogitavit that is he hath found out and Cheschaef is An artificiall and ingenious Worke. Of Iaezir IAezir was a city of the Priests in the Tribe of Gad 36 miles from Ierusalem toward the East and in Ieroms time was a smalâ village and signifies The Lord is my help being deriued of Iah that is The Lord God and Ezaer The helper Of Edrie THis is a city in the countrey of Gilead beyond Iordan and the Galilean sea 32 miles from Ierusalem South-Eastward neere the lake of Gaderin where Og the King of Basan was ouercome by Moses and after fel to the Tribe of Manasses Num. 21. Ios 13. Deut. 13. S. Ierom saith That in his time this towne waâ called Adar Og signifieth a Cooke or one that baketh bread vpon coles Aedriae signifies an heap of bright clouds being deriueâ of Adar and Hi that is a cleare heape Of Astoroth THis was a metropolitan City of Basan foure miles distanâ from Edri and 56 from Ierusalem toward the Southeast Iâ stood beyond Iordan and belonged to the half tribe of Manasses of which you may reade before in the trauels of Lot Of Pisgah THis was a high mountaine in the plaine of the Moabites against Iericho 240 miles from Ierusalem Eastward It took the name from the cities Pisgah and Nebo and therefore is called somtimes Pisgah somtimes Nebo Here Moses died Nebo signifies a city of the Prophets Pisgah The top of a hill The Trauels of the Prophet Balaam THere are many which thinke that this Prophet Balaam was of the posteritie of Nahor the brother of Abraham and an inhabitant of the city of Charan in Mesopotamia Gen. 11. Iosephus saith he dwelt neere to Euphrates and S. Ierom in a Citie called Phatura of which there is mention Num. 22. and signifies an obscure Prophet or
he might manifest his thankfulnesse to the King of Tyre he went to Cabul a city in the tribe of Ashur some 80 miles Northward where hee gaue to the aforesaid Hiram 20 towns or cities with al the country round about wherefore King Hiram called this Cabul that is Displeasant and dirty 2 Reg. 9. You may reade of Cabul Ios 19. From thence he returned to Ierusalem 88 miles From thence he went to Hazor and restored the city which was 44 miles From thence he returned to Ierusalem 44 miles From thence he went to Megiddo which is not farre from Iesreel in the tribe of Manasses 44 miles from Ierusalem toward the North. This city Solomon fortified 1 Reg. 9. and Iosiah King of Iuda a long time after was there wounded to death 2 Reg. 9. From Megiddo he returned to Ierusalem 44 miles After that Pharaoh King of Egypt had conquered Gaser and destroyed it with fire hee gaue it to his Daughter the Wife of Solomon who rebuilt it This towne was scituated in the tribe of Ephraim 28 miles from Ierusalem Northward 1 Reg. 9. From Gaser Solomon returned backe again to Ierusalem being 28 miles From thence he went to the higher Bethoron which he fortified and stood twenty eight miles from Ierusalem Northward 2 Chr. 8. From thence he went to the lower Bethoron 16 miles from the vpper toward the South 1 Reg. 9. 2 Chr. 8. From the lower Bethoron hee went to Ierusalem which was 8 miles After Solomon built the city Belath which was 12 miles from Ierusalem Northwestward 1 Reg. 9. 2 Chr. 8. From thence he returned back to Ierusalem 12 miles and it is very like that Solomon often visited those towns that he had built and restored From Ierusalem he went to Hemath afterward called Antiochia which was 320 miles and compassed it about with a wall fortified it and afterward constrained all the kingdomes thereabout to be obedient to his gouernment 2 Chr. 8. From thence he went with great state into the kingdom of Zoba which is 600 miles and fortified all the great cities castles of that country that with the greater facility they might oppose the inuasions of neighbouring countries From thence hee returned to that famous city Thamar which was also called the city of the Palmes 400 miles this he rebuilt and fortified 1 Reg. 9. 2 Chr. 8. From thence he went to Ierusalem which is 388 miles From thence hee went to Ezeongaber neere the Red sea in the countrey of Idumaea where he built a company of stately ships and sent them to India to fetch gold which was 176 miles from Ierusalem Southward 1 Reg. 9. From thence he returned to Ierusalem which is 176 miles But of his great prosperitie and aboundance of riches he grew proud for he excelled all the Kings neere him and gaue himselfe to vnlawfull pleasures he tooke vnto him 300 Concubines and 70 wiues by whose persuasion he began to worship the gods of the Gentiles which idolatry was euill in the sight of the Lord. And after he had reigned forty yeares which was about the sixtieth of his age he died and was buried by his father Dauid in Mount Sion the city of Dauid An. mundi 2770 and before Christ 998. So all the trauels of Solomon were 2544 miles The description of the places to which he trauelled Of Gazer you may reade before in the trauels of Dauid Of Bethoron THe vpper and the lower Bethoron were two Cities in the tribe of Ephraim built by Saaerah the daughter of Ephraim 1 Chron. 7. The inferiour Bethoron was not farre from the Castle of Emmaus 8 miles from Ierusalem toward the Northwest The superior was 20 miles distant toward the North. These towns Solomon repaired Neere to the lower Bethoron the Lord put the enemies of Ioshuah to flight with thunder and haile Ios 10. Here also Iudas Machabeus ouercame the army of Antiochus 1 Mac. 3. Here also he put Nicanor to death 1 Mac. 7. and signifieth A white house being deriued of Beth which signifies an house and Chor he hath made white Of Baaelath THis is a city twelue miles from Ierusalem Northwestward in the tribe of Dan. This city Solomon repaired at such time as he fell in loue with many women from whence it seemeth to take his name for Baaeleth signifieth his beloued Lady Of Thamar THamar Tadmor or Palmira stood partly in the desart of Siria and partly in a fruitfull soile being compassed about on the one side with a Wood on the other with faire and pleasant fields It was the Metropolitan city of all Syria not farre from Euphrates some 388 miles from Ierusalem Northeastward and as Pliny saith lib. 5. cap. 25. Although it lay betwixt two mighty Empires Rome and Parthia yet it was subiect to neither fairely scituated a free city adorned with fair and sumptuous buildings and contented with their own gouernment The wildernesses called after this towns name Palmarnae or the desarts of the Palms extend themselues to Petra the metropolitan city of Arabia Petraea and to the borders of Arabia foelix one daies journey from Euphrates two from the vpper part of Syria and six from Babylon as Iosephus obserueth Antiq. lib. 8. cap. 5. This city Solomon made tributary to him and fortified it with strong walls 1 Reg. 9. Of Ezeongaber you may reade before The Typicall signification of Solomon SOLOMON is as much as Frederick in high-Dutch which signifieth a Peace-maker being deriued of the Hebrew word Schelomoh or Schalom to bring glad tydings of peace Typically representing Christ the Prince of peace who hath reconciled vs with his heauenly Father and merited an eternall place of peace and happinesse for all such as trust in him Esay 9. And as Solomon built vp the Temple of the Lord with great majestie and glorie so Christ hath built vp that heauenly Temple the Church of God and adorned it with the gifts and graces of his holy Spirit in this world that so it might be capable of eternall glory in the world to come 2 Cor. 6. The Trauels of Solomons Ships THis Navy of Solomons went vnto Ophir that is India which was accounted from the Mart town 4800 miles From India they returned backe again 4800 miles so all their trauels were 9600 miles This journy was finished in 3 yeares to and again so that euerie yeare they went 3200 miles and brought home plenty of gold siluer pretious stones Ebony c. Of India MOses called this country Havilah Gen. 2. and Ios li. Antiq. 8. c. 7. Ophir which name saith he it took of two brothers so called which inhabited and gouerned that country all along the riuer Ganges But more modern writers deriue it from Indus a riuer passing through it It is a spatious and fruitfull country pleasant to inhabit and as Pomponius saith hath in it 5000 cities being diuided into two parts the outward and inward The Trauels of the Queene of Saba FRom Saba in Ethiopia she came to Ierusalem 964 miles From
carrieth the smell vnto the red sea and they that saile can easily discerne the sweetnesse of the aire There is gold also found there very fine and pure insomuch as for the goodnesse of it it is called Arabian gold The Phoenix is found there of which there is but one in the world Pliny lib. 9. cap. 35. describes her to be as big as an Eagle with a list of feathers like gold about her necke the rest are of a purple colour therefore from Phoenicea and the purple colour of her wings shee is called Phoenix Shee hath a tuft of feathers vpon her head like vnto a crowne Shee liueth 660 yeares at the end of which time she buildeth her a nest of Cassia Cinnamon Calamus and other pretious Gummes and herbs which the Sun by the extremitie of the heate and the wauing of her wings fires and she taking delight in the sweetnesse of the sauor houers so long ouer it that she burnes her selfe in her owne nest Within a while after out of the marrow of her bones and the ashes of her body there groweth a worme which by little and little increaseth to some bignesse and after to a purple bird Then her wings extend themselues to a full greatnesse till such time as she commeth to be a perfect Phoenix This Bird doth liuely represent our Sauiour Christ who only and alone is the true Messiah and through whom we must expect euerlasting life who in the fulnesse of time offered himself a Sacrifice vpon the Crosse sustaining the punishment for sin at the time of his Passion putting on a purple robe being all be sprinkled with his owne bloud Ioh. 19. And as the Phoenix is burnt in her owne nest so likewise was hee consumed in the fire of Gods wrath according to that in the 22 Psal My heart is become like melting wax in the middest of my body And as the Phoenix of it selfe begetteth another of the same kinde so Christ by the power of his Deitie raised vp his body from the dust of the earth and ascended vp into heauen a glorious body to sit at the right hand of his father in that euerlasting Kingdome of glory Thus gentle Reader I thought fit to describe vnto you these two townes that when you shall reade of them in the holy Scripture the one being in Aethiopia towards the South the other in Arabia Foelix and called Seba you might discerne the one from the other of both which there is mention in the 72 Psalme The Kings of the Sea and of the Isles shall bring presents the Kings of Saba and Seba shall giue gifts The Trauels of King Pharaoh out of Aegypt when he ouercame the Towne of Gazer 1 Reg. 9. IN the 16 yeare of King Dauid Anno mundi 2906 and before Christ 1602 Chabreus King of Aegypt began to raigne and raigned 56 yeares Diod. lib. 2. cap. 2. Herodotus calleth this man Chephrines in his second booke and Eusebius Nepher Cherres He went from Memphis the chiefe Citie of Aegypt with a great armie 268 miles euen vnto the tribe of Ephraim and there tooke Gazer a Citie of the Leuites and burned it with fire 1 Reg. 8. Ios 21. After he came to Ierusalem which was 28 miles And this city which he had thus destroied he gaue to his daughter the wife of Solomon 1 Reg. 9. From thence he returned to Memphis in Aegypt 244 miles So all the Trauels of King Pharaoh were 244 miles Of Memphis MEmphis is a great city in Egypt where commonly the kings of that country keepe their Courts and lyeth from Ierusalem 244 miles South-westward This citie was built a little before the floud but repaired and enlarged by a king called Ogdoo who in loue of his daughter after her name called it Memphis You may reade of it in the ninth of Hosea called there by the name of Moph for thus he saith The people of Israel are gone out of the land of Ephraim because of their Idolatrie into Aegypt but Aegypt shall gather them vp Moph that is Memphis shall bury them Moph or Mapheth in this place signifieth A prodigious wonder but the rest of the Prophets call it Noph for the fertilitie pleasantnes of the country as you may reade Esa 19. The Princes of the Zoan are become foolish and the Princes of Noph or of Memphis are deceiued See also Ierem. 2.44.46 Ezech. 30. in which places you may find it called after this name Zoan is the citie Tanis where Moses wrought all his miracles But Noph or Moph is this Memphis a beautifull towne large and spacious scituated in the strongest and profitablest place in Aegypt diuided into two parts by the riuer Nilus so that any kind of commodities or merchandise might with ease bee brouht thither by water for which cause the kings of that countrie for the most part kept their abiding there Strabo saith lib. 17. That vpon the East part of this citie there standeth a Tower or Castle called Babylon built by certaine Babylonians who leauing their owne countrey by the permissions of the kings of Egipt dwelt there in after times there was placed a garrison in it one of the three which were for the defence of Aegypt and by Ptolomy was called Babilon through both which viz. Memphis and Babilon Nilus passed the one standing vpon the East side the other vpon the West Zoan or Tanis stood about some foure miles from this towne and was a faire spacious citie also scituated towards the South vpon the East side of Nilus to which the kings of that country often resorted and Heliopolis anothet faire citie stood some six miles off that towards the Northeast All these foure townes were so wonderfully inhabited by reason of their pleasant profitable scituation that in processe of time they become all one citie and in this age is called Alcaire containing in circuit 60 miles so that it seemeth to spectators to be like a country replenished with nothing but fair houses goodly churches strong towers exceeding all the rest of the cities of Egypt aswell for the beautifulnesse of the place as the extent and largenesse of it It is reported that in the yeare of our Lord 1476 there was such an extreme pestilence in it that there died 20000 a day from whence may be gathered how infinitely it is peopled Neere to this towne stood the Pyramides which are held to he one of the wonders of the World as Strabo saith lib. 17. the height of one of them was 625 foot and square on each side 883 foot it was twentie yeares a building a hundred thousand workemen emploied about it whence it may be easily gathered how hard and difficult it was in those times to get stone it being for the most part brought from Arabia and at what an excessiue charge they were that set vp them Of Gazar This Citie is described in the Trauels of Solomon The Trauels of Hadad King of Idumaea WHen Dauid conquered Idumaea Hadad
aliue 2 Reg. 14. which was 32 miles From Bethsemes hee went to Ierusalem and carried the King thereof with him captiue which was 4 miles He woon the citie and broke downe the Walls of it from the gate of Ephraim till you come to the Angle gate foure hundred cubits in length 2 Reg. 14. From the Citie of Ierusalem Ioas the conquerer returned to Samaria with the spoile of the temple and of the Kings house with many captiues and a great prey which was 32 miles where at the end of the seuenteenth yeare of his raigne he died and was buried In this mans time Elisha the Prophet died 2 Reg. 13. 14. So all the trauels of Ioas were 96 miles Of Bethsemes Of this Citie you may reade before The Trauels of Ieroboam the second of that name King of Israel THis Ieroboam succeeded his father Ioas in the Kingdome of Israel and began his raigne Anno mundi 3123 and before Christ 845 which according to the text of the Bible happened about the 15 yeare of Amasia King of Iuda and hee raigned 41 yeares 2 Reg. 14. He kept his court at Samaria where the Prophet Ionas told him that he should recouer not only the townes and cities of the land of Israel that had beene lost but also the cities of Hemeth and Damascus Wherefore he gathered a great army out of the citie of Samaria and went thence vnto Hemeth or Antiochia in Syria which was 248 miles This Citie he conquered and all the countrey thereabout so that he recouered all the ancient Townes and Cities that belonged to Dauid and Saul euen from Hemeth in Syria to Soba in Armenia with all the Cities Townes Castles and Countries neer adjoyning to them 2 Reg. 14. From Hemeth or Antiochia he went to Damascus which is 140 miles This citie he also tooke and all the countrie of Syria round about he made tributary to him 2 Reg. 14. From Damascus he went to the Red sea euen 320 miles and also recouered all the South part which in times past belonged vnto the kingdome of Israel 2 Reg. 14. After this he returned to Samaria his owne countrey which was 192 miles where in the 41 yeare of his raigne he died and was there buried After his death the kingdome of Israel was oppressed with tyranny vntill it was destroied by forreine nations and for the space of 12 yeares there was no King that succeeded him In the raigne of this king a little before his death there hapned an horrible earthquake of which you may reade Amos 1. which without doubt did foreshew some eminent changes that should happen in that kingdome as did afterward Zac. 41. So all the trauels of Ieroboam the second of that name were 900 miles Of Zachariah King of Israel TWelue yeares after the death of Ieroboam Zachariah his son began his raigne in Israel in the 38 yeare of Azaria king of Iuda which was Anno mundi 3975 and before Christ 793 he raigned six moneths and then was miserably slaine by Sallum his friend 2 Reg. 15. Ioseph lib. Antiq. 9. Of Sallum King of Israel SAllum began to raigne after he had slaine Zachariah in the 39 yeare of Azariah King of Iuda and when hee had raigned scarce a moneth he was slaine by Menahem losing his life and kingdome together 2 Reg. 15. The Trauels of Menahem MEnahem was borne in Thirza in the Tribe of Iuda who began to raigne in the same yeare that he slew Sallum hee raigned ten yeares 2 Reg. 10. From Thirza he went to Samaria with his army which was six miles where hauing slaine Sallum his Lord and King he vsurpt vpon the kingdome 2 Reg. 15. From thence he went to Thipsa which is six miles This towne he cruelly destroied with fire and sword and all the townes thereabout because they refused to open their gates vnto him From Thipsa this cruell tyrant went backe again to Samaria 6 miles where he grieuously afflicted the children of Israel tenne yeares Wherefore the Lord being offended with him for his exceeding crueltie stirred vp Phul Belochus King of Assyria who came from Babylon to Samaria beeing 624 miles and put King Menahem to such an exceeding great streight that hee was constrained to buy and procure his peace with * What this was in our money you may read after in the quantity of monies 1000 talents which mony being receiued he suffered him to enioy his kingdom and returned backe vnto Babylon with all his army 2 Reg. 15. So all the trauels of King Menahem were 18 miles Of Thypsa THis was a towne neere to that kingly city Thirza scituated in the tribe of Manasses 24 miles from Ierusalem Northward But because the inhabitants thereof denied to open their gates to this cruell tyrant Menahem therefore he vtterly destroied it euen to the ground Thipsa signifieth The Paschal Lambe or a Passeouer being deriued of Pasach He passed by Of PEKAHIA King of Israel PEkahia reigned two yeares after his fathers death at the end of which term he was slain by Pekah the son of Remalia who succeeded him in the gouernment Ioseph lib. Antiq. 9. saith That this murther was done at a banquet The Trauels of PEKAH King of Israel PEkah the son of Remalia began to reigââ in Samaria Anno mundi 3189 and before Christ 779. in the 52 yeare of Azariah King of Iudah and reigned ouer Israel 20 yeres 2 Reg. 15. 16. From the city of Samaria he went with Resin King of Syria to Ierusalem which was 32 miles and besieged it but could not take it neuerthelesse he ouercame Ahaz King of Iuda in a great battell and put to the sword in one day aboue 12000 souldiers that bare armor In this war were taken 200000 women children and maids all which hee carried Captiues to Samaria 2 Reg. 16. 2 Chr. 28. From Ierusalem hee returned to Samaria with a great bootie which was 32 miles and at the command of Obed the Prophet set at libertie all his captiues After about the end of the 20 yeare of his reign he was slain by Hosea his chiefe captain who succeeded him in the gouernment 2 Reg. 15. So all the trauels of Pekah were 64 miles Of HOSEA the last King of Israel HOsea began to reign in the fourth yere of Ahas king of Iuda Anno mundi 3209 and before Christ 759. He kept Court at Samaria and was a cruell and wicked King Wherefore God stirred vp Salmanasser Emperour of the Assyrians who about the end of the 7 yeare of his reigne came to Samaria and besieged it for the space of 3 yeares at the end of the third yeare with great labor he won it and all the country round about so that he tooke King Hosea prisoner and led him together with a great multitude of the Iewes amongst which were Gabriel and Raphel the friends of Toby the elder thence to Niniveh captiues beeing 652 miles From Niniveh he sent them to a place called Rages in Medea being 752 miles and
in that country peopled many towns cities with them so that there were many of the Israelites led into captiuitie aboue 1396 miles for so many miles is Rages and the Cities of the Medes from Ierusalem Northeastward This captiuitie of the ten Tribes hapned An. mundi 3227 and before Christ 741. OF the cities of Rages and Niniveh you may reade in the trauels of Toby and the Angell Gabriel The Trauels of the People which SALMANASSER Emperour of the Assyrians sent to dwell in the Land of Israel SALMANASSER after hee had carried the Children of Israel away captiue into Assyria sent as it is said part of them into Media and part of them into Persia and so dispersed them here and there about the Countrey But because the Land of Israel by reason of this captiuitie became desolate and without inhabitants therefore he caused those people which dwelt about the riuer Cutha in Persia to go thence and dwell in Samaria and in all the countrey round about to till the land and dresse the Vines least some other people that were strangers to his gouernment should vsurp vpon that kingdom it being thus without inhabitants Ios li. Ant. 9. You may reade of this also 2 Reg. 7. In whose place and neere to the said riuer of Cutha a multitude of Iewes with great shame and griefe were constrained to dwel 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 Medea and the people of Ava and Sepharuaijm 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 behalfe the policy of this Emperor was much greater that of the Romans for the retaining of this kingdome but especially than that of Titus Vespasian for hee hauing conquered the land wasted it and destroyed it with fire and sword put thence the inhabitants and dispersed them heere and there left the countrey bare and naked onely a few Garrisons were placed in the strongest cities to keepe it to their vse Which not beeing able enough to oppose the incursions of the Saracens that in great Troupes brake out of the Desarts of Arabia Petraea they soone lost all that they had gotten and the Turks ioining with them they haue now gained into their possession that pleasant and fruitfull Land of Iudaea and inhabit therein euen to this day to the great detriment and scandall of the Christians But to return to the people sent to inhabit this kingdom who as they were of diuers Nations so were they of diuers religions and euery Family had his particular god Wherefore the Lord sent a multitude of Lions among them which daily vexed them from whence it hapned that Salmanasser was constrained to send backe vnto them a Levite one of the Priests that had bin caried away captiue to shew them the true worship of God He came to Bethel and there taught them the doctrine of the Lord and the customes and ceremonies of the Mosaical Law whereby it hapned that they began to worship God and their idols in neither obseruing their antient custome For which cause they became so abominable vnto the Iewes that they refused their companie and familiaritie as that Samaritan woman confessed to Christ at Iacobs Well Ioh. 4. so that when the Iewes 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 Samaritane and hast a Diuell 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 gouernment ouer the rest The Trauels of the Kings of Syria that made warre vpon the Kings of Israel And first of the Trauels or incursions of BENHADAD BEnhadad King of Syria went from Damascus the chiefe city of his kingdome and came to Samaria and streightly besieged it in the time of Ahab King of Israel 1 Reg. 20. being 132 miles From thence being ouercome and put to flight by Ahab he returned backe againe to Damascus which was 132 miles The second time he came from thence and inuaded the land of Israel euen vnto the city of Apheck 124 miles which hee besieged But Ahab King of Israel ouercame him in a great battell and put 100000 Syrians to the sword and when the rest of the multitude would haue fled into the city the ruines of a wall fell vpon them so that there died 27000. This put King Benhadad into such a feare that hee was constrained to fly from one chamber to another to hide himselfe but at lost 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 backe vnto 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 battell 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 selues But the Prophet Elisha discouered their purposes 2 Reg. 6. Out of the land of Israel 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 straightly that an asses head was worth 80 pieces of siluer But yet the Lord at the feruent prayers of Elizeus the Prophet strook such a feare 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 trauels of King Benhadad were 1224 miles The Trauels of the Captaines 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 towne of Hion 72 miles From thence they went to Dan which is 4 miles From Dan they went to the city of Abel-Bethmaacha twelue miles From thence they went to the land of Chineroth which was accounted 8 miles there they tooke certain cities of fruit and spoiled and destroyed them From Chineroth in the tribe of Nepthali when they had cruelly wasted destroyed that country they returned with a great booty to Damascus being 88 miles 1 Reg. 15. So all their Trauels were 184 miles ¶ The Description of
the Places to which they trauelled Hion and Dan. HIon and Dan are two towns neere to mount Libanus and the fountains of Iordan some 104 miles from Ierusalem North-Eastward Hion signifies A towne of the fountain because it standeth neere to the Towne or Fountaines from whence Iordan issueth Of Abel-Bethmaacha you may reade before Of Chineroth THis Chineroth or Cineroth was the metropolitan City of the tribe of Nepthali 72 miles from Ierusalem Northward It was scituated in a very fruitfull and pleasant place and for that cause was so called for Kinroth being deriued of Kinnor signifieth Musicke or Mirth The Trauels of NAAMAN the Syrian NAaman came from Damascus to Samaria which was 132 miles to be cured of his Leprosie by Elizeus who commanded him to goe to the riuer Iordan and wash himselfe therein 7 times and he should be clensed Wherfore from Samaria he went to Iordan 26 miles there according to the commandement of the Prophet he washed himselfe 7 times and was clensed 2 Reg. 5. From the riuer Iordan he returned backe againe to Elizeus the Prophet to giue him thanks for that benefit which was about 16 miles From Samaria he returned backe to Damascus 132 miles So all the trauels of Naaman the Syrian were 296 miles The Trauels of HASAEL King of Syria HEe went from Damascus where Elizeus told him that hee should succeed his Lord and Master Benhadad in the kingdome to Ramoth Gilead with his Army which was 104 miles There he ouercame Iehoram king of Israel in a great battel 2 Reg. cap. 8. From thence he returned to Damascus 104 miles After he went from Damascus to the city Aroer which was 132 miles From thence he went through the land of Giliad into the kingdom of Basan vntil he came to mount Libanus which is accounted 80 miles and conquered all that part 2 Reg. 10. After he returned into his own kingdom to Damascus which is 320 miles Within a while after he went againe from Damascus with his army to Gath which is reckoned 188 miles This city he won From Gath he went to Ierusalem 32 miles which he besieged so streightly that Ioas King of Iudah was constrained to giue him great aboundance of gold to raise his siege and be gon 2 Reg. 12. From Ierusalem he went back to Damascus which was about 160 miles The last journey that he went against the Israelites was when he besieged Samaria at which time he won many cities towns round about in the countrey and made them tributaries to him 2 Reg. 13. which was 132 miles Hauing finished this expedition he returned back to Damascus 132 miles and there died and was buried So all the trauels of Hasael King of Syria were 1384 miles The cities of Aroer and Gath are described before therefore I shall not need to speake of them again in this place The Trauels of BENHADAD second of that name King of Syria THis Benhadad was the son of Hasael and succeeded him in the gouernment He went from the city Damascus with a great army to Apheck which is 104 miles This King was three times one after another ouerthrowne by Ioab King of Israel lost all those cities which Hasael his father had formerly conquered 2 Reg. 13. From Apheck he returned to Damascus 104 miles and there died So both journies were 208 miles The Trauels of RESIN King of Syria RESIN King of Syria went from Damascus and ioyning his Army with that of Pekah King of Israel they went to Ierusalem and streightly besieged Ahab King of Iudah 2 Reg. 16. which was 160 miles At this time which was in the yeare of the world 3206 and before Christ 762 the Prophet Esay ca. 7. foretold of the birth of our Sauior Christ saying Behold a Virgin being great shal bring forth a child and shall call his name EMANVEL From thence he brought his army through Idumaea to Elath a city of the Red sea some 160 miles from Ierusalem towards the South and 16 miles from Ezeongaber Northward This city Resin won and thrust the Iewes out of it From Elath hee went to Damascus 280 miles where hee was slain by Tiglath Phulasser that mighty King of the Assyrians who carried a great multitude of the inhabitants of Damascus into the countrey of Syrene where they endured a miserable exile 2 Reg. 16. So all the trauels of King Resin were 600 miles The Trauels of the Kings of Iudah which reigned in the City of Ierusalem and first of the Trauels of REHOBOHAM REhoboam the sonne of Solomon succeeded his father in the Kingdome and began his reign Anno mundi 2971 and before Christ 977. who by reason of his extreme crueltie and threats following the counsell of his yong Courtiers rather than of his graue Senators the same yeare lost 10 of the Tribes that fell from him and rebelled against him so that he reigned ouer Iudah and Benjamin 17 yeares 1 Reg. 11. 14. A little after the death of Solomon he went to Sichem 32 miles where he was anointed and crowned King But the people perceiuing that hee carried himselfe very proudly and arrogantly desired him that he would ease him of the burden formerly imposed vpon them by his father for Solomon had set a certaine Taxe on euery man because hee was at extraordinarie charges as long as the temple was building but he little regarding their request told them that his little finger should be heauier than the whole burthen of his father wherefore they disliking his speech fel all from him except Benjamin and Iudah Wherefore the King shunning the fury of the people with all possible speed went from Sichem to Ierusalem back again being 32 miles Then he fortified all the chiefe cities of Iuda and Benjamin 2 Chr. 11. So all the trauels of Rehoboam were 64 miles But he principally fortified 14 cities in the tribe of Iuda that with the more safetie he might oppose his enemy Ieroboam King of Israel viz. Bethlehem Etam Thecoa Bethzura Adullam Gath Maresa Ziph Adoraijm Lachis Aseca Zarea Ajalon Hebron most of which townes and the memorable actions don in them are described in the former part of this Treatise I will therefore speake only of such townes as haue not as yet bin mentioned Of Maresa THis was a city in the tribe of Iuda 16 miles from Ierusalem Westward which Rehoboam repaired and fortified 2 Chr. 11. where King Asa ouercame the Ethiopians in a cruel battel 2 Chr. 14. Here Michaias and Eleazer the Prophets were born 2 Chr. 20. Mich. 1.2 Ios 15 Georgias also fled into this city when hee was ouercome by Iudas Machabeus 2 Mac. 12. It was scituated on the borders of the tribes of Iuda and Dan as S. Ierom saith in whose time the ruins thereof were to be seene Maresca signifies an Inheritance being deriued of Moraschah that is a Possession Of Bethzura THis is a strong castle often mentioned in the history of the Machabees scituated on a mountaine some 5 furlongs from
he went with his army from Babylon to Carchemis a City of Syria scituated neere the riuer Euphrates which was 280 miles Here he ouercame Pharaoh Necho King of Egypt in a great battel Ier. 46. Herod lib. 2. From Carchemis he went to Ierusalem which was 400 miles here he tooke Daniel and his companions captiue and brought them to Babylon After he went with his army to Pelusio being 132 miles which hee tooke conquered all the land of Egypt put to death Pharaoh Necho and made Psammeticus his son King in his place Ieremy the Prophet told of this war cap. 25.26 From Pelusio he returned to Babylon 800 miles Within a while after his father died and he succeeded in the gouernment and reigned 43 yeares In the 11 yeare of Ioachim King of Iudah he went again from Babylon to Ierusalem which was 680 miles and by policy tooke that city and put Ioachim the king thereof to death according to the prophecie of Ieremy cap. 22. 2 Kin. 24. From thence after he had made Iechonias his son King hee returned backe again to Babylon 680 miles About three moneths after he went the third time back to Ierusalem 680 miles for he feared Iechonias would rebell and reuenge the death of his father Ioachim 2 Kin. 24. In the eight yeare of his reign he tooke Iechonias Mardoche and 3000 other Iews of the Nobilitie and caried them captiue to Babylon which was 680 miles 2 Kin. 24. 2 Chr. 36. Est 2. Nine yeares after he came the fourth time to Ierusalem being 680 miles and besieged the City because of the impietie and rebellion of Zedekiah King thereof During this siege he tooke diuers towns but chiefly Lachis and Aseka Ier. 34. But when hee vnderstood that Pharaoh was comming with an army out of Egypt to rescue Zedekiah he raised his Campe and went about 80 miles into the countrey of Egypt which Pharaoh hearing was abashed and turned backe againe In the absence of this Emperor Ieremy the Prophet being then within the city hauing foretold the destruction therof would haue fled thence for his better safety into the tribe of Benjamin but by the way hee was taken in the gate of Benjamin and cast into prison Ier. 7. Within a while after according to the prophecie of Ieremy Nebuchadnezar returned out of the desart of Sur whither he went to meet the Egyptians being 80 miles and vtterly destroyed the city of Ierusalem carrying thence the vessels and ornaments of the Temple to Babylon 2 Kin. 25. 2 Chr. 36. From Ierusalem hee went to Riblah in the tribe of Nepthaly 80 miles where hee put out Zedekiahs eies and kild his children 2 Kin. 25. From Riblah he carried Zedekiah to Babylon which was 600 miles where he died miserably in prison 2 Kin. 25. Afterward Nebuchadnesar went with his army from Babylon to Tyrus which hee won and pittifully wasted with fire and sword according to the prophecie of Ezekiel cap. 26. being 600 miles From Tyrus he went to Egypt and passed 480 miles through that kingdome conquering all the countries and prouinces as he went a long euen the Ammonits the Moabits Philistins Idumaeans and Egypt it selfe all which countries hee made tributarie to him Isa 15 16 19. Ier. 46 47 48 49. Ez. 25.29 From Egypt he returned to Babell 960 miles From that time till his death hee was Emperour of all those kingdoms In the second yeare of his Empire Daniel expounded vnto him his wonderfull dream vnder the similitude of an image setting forth the condition of the four monarchies of the world Dan. 2. Not long after he caused Sidrack Misack and Abednego to be cast into a fiery furnace because they refused to worship the golden image which he had set vp Dan. 3. Also this Nebuchadnesar for his great pride and arrogancie was by God strucken mad and into a deepe melancholy in which disease hee continued for the space of seuen yeares tyed in bonds and chaines running vp and downe like a beast and feeding vpon grasse and roots vntill he came to vnderstand That God the Gouernour of Heauen and earth had the disposing of Kingdoms and Gouernments giuing them to whom he list and againe taking them away At the end of which time he was restored to his vnderstanding and Empire and after beautified the city of Babylon with many goodly buildings faire orchards and pleasant places as Iosep lib. Ant. 10 saith And when hee had reigned 43 yeares died and was buried by his father in Babylon An. mundi 3387. and before Christ 581. So all the trauels of Nebuchadonesar or Nebuchadnesar were 7892 miles ¶ The Description of the Cities and places that haue not as yet been mentioned Of Carchemis THis was a city in the country of Syria neere Euphrates 400 miles from Ierusalem Northward and signifies A sacrificed Lambe being deriued of Car which signifies a Ram or Lambe and Mosch He hath cut in pieces It may also be taken in the third Conjugation for a Lambe sacrificed to the idol Chemosch or Chamos the god of meetings or nightly salutations Of Pelusio THis City Pelusio was built by Peleus the father of Achilles from whence it tooke the name It stands in Egypt some 172 miles from Ierusalem Southwestward neere to the gate of Nilus called Pelusiachus where it falleth into the Mediterranian sea Not far from this city in the mountain Casius vpon the borders of Arabia Petraea where the Temple of Iupiter Casius stood is to be seen the tomb of Pompey the great beautified and adorned by Adrianus Caesar as Capitolinus saith At this day this city is called by the name of Damiata You may read of it Ezek. cap. 30. Of Tyrus or Zor TYrus signifieth Cheese or to congeale together as Cheese doth milk somthing alluding to the Hebrew word Zor signifying to make straight or a rocke hauing a straight and sharpe edge It was the metropolitan city of Phoenicia now the hauen or passage of Sur but in antient time it was called Sarra Aul. Gel. lib. 14. cap. 6. It was scituated vpon a very high rocke compassed about with the Mediterranean sea 100 miles from Ierusalem Northward and a famous mart towne for all the Holy land By the description of Ezekiel it seemes to haue bin like vnto Venice both in scituation and dignitie Ez. 72.28 Ierem. Esay 27.28 and many other Prophets prophecied against this town saying Out of the land of Kithim that is from Macedonia the destroyer of Tyrus should come As after hapned for Alexander the Great King of Macedon besieged that town and in the 7 moneth after tooke it for the obtaining whereof he was constrained to fill vp the sea which compassed it about containing 700 paces and made it firm land for his army to passe vpon to the wals of the city In this country that famous Civilian Vlpian was borne as he writeth lib. 1. ff de Censibus And vpon the borders of Tyrus and Sidon Christ cured the daughter of a Canaanitish woman of a
Ioppa and Silicia to the Streights betweene Spain and Mauritania Into this Sea Ionas was cast when the Whale deuoured him In like manner the Red sea and all others that are ocean seas are called Tharsis as appeareth in the 72 Psalme where it is said The Kings of Tharsis and of the Isles shall bring Presents Here the Kings whose Empires extend themselues alongst the sea coast are vnderstood But the city Tharsis the countrey of the Apostle Paul is not a kingdome neither euer had a King much lesse many Kings So Solomon sent his shippes by Tharsin that is by sea towards the Southeast into the Red sea and Eastern Ocean that they might bring gold pretious stones and sweet gummes from Arabia But the ships could not saile by the Red sea vnto the town of Tharsis vnlesse they would haue sailed ouer the land which is vnpossible because Tharsis lieth into the land from the Red sea as all Cosmographers agree So also the Psalmist saith Thou breakest with thy strong windes the ships of Tharsis that is of the sea beside many such like speeches From whence S. 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 farre 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 vpon Asia the lesse towards the East vpon Calcos towards the West Thracia and Valachia but towards the North it is ioyned to the poole of Maeotides This sea in times past was called Pontus Axenus that is the inhospitable country because as Strabo lib. 1. of his Cosmography saith The inhabitants neere about the sea-shore did vsually sacrifice those strangers they got or else cast their bodies vnto dogs to he deuoured making drinking cups of their skuls But after when the Ionians had built certain townes vpon the sea coast and had restrained the incursions of certaine Scythian theeues which vsually preyed vpon 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 to say as the hospitable country Ovid testifieth almost the same concerning the originall of the name of this sea after this manner Frigida me cohibent Euxini littora Ponti Dictus ab antiquis Axinus ille fuit The chilly shores of th' Euxine sea constraines me to abide In antient time call'd Axinus as it along did glide Of Ninus or Nineveh NInus or Nineveh was a city of Assyria where the Emperours of that country vsed to keep their courts It was first built by Ninus that great Emperour of the first Monarchy 300 yeares after the floud and 2000 before Christ about the time when the Patriarch Abraham was borne It continued in great glory for the space almost of 1500 yeares and was distant from Ierusalem toward the Northeast 684 miles vpon the East side ioyning to the riuer Tygris on the North to the Caspian sea It takes the name from the beauty of it being deriued 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 sumptuousnesse of the buildings the strength of the Walls and the extent The walls were so thicke that three Chariots might haue met vpon them without any danger and beautified with an hundred and fifty towers Ionas being sent of God to this city was three daies going through it that is as Luther expounds it through euery street of it in which time he conuerted a hundred and twenty thousand to repentance Arbaces who was also called Arphaxad was then Emperor This Arbaces Iustine lib. 2. calleth Arbactus he was a Captaine of the Medes who perceiuing the effeminat disposition of Sardanapalus the then Emperour taking aduantage of the times and this mans weaknesse conspired with some of his companions to vsurp vpon his gouernment and that he might make them hate and loath his loosenesse brought them into a room where the might see him sitting amongst his harlots tyred in womans apparell and carding wooll This sight greatly displeasing them and before being encouraged by Arbactus they seised vpon the city and besieged Sardanapalus in his palace But to preuent the miserie 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 15 daies and hapned 823 yeares before Christ about which time Arbactus succeeded Sardanapalus began to reign and continued his gouernment 28 yeres But the Medes held not the Assyrian Empire long for Phul Belochus who at this time reigned in Babylon and his successour Tiglath Philasser are called Kings of Assyria betweene whom there hapned many great Warres 2 Kings 15.26 From whence may be gathered That after the death of Arbactus these Emperours dwelt in Niniveh and succeeded in the Empire Thus was this city greatly defaced with continuall euills the Lord before hand giuing them many admonitions and gentle corrections if it had bin in them to haue conceiued it to winne them to repentance but they continued still in their sins therefore according to their former prophecies Cyaxares King of the Medes besieging this towne tooke it and destroyed it euen vnto the ground as Eusebius saith This desolation hapned 13 yeares before the destruction of Ierusalem in the 11 yeare of Sadyattis King of the Lyddians who was grandfather to Croesus An. mundi 3349 before Christ 619. After this destruction it lay a long time desolat but at length some part of it was restored though with much trouble then when it was at the best estate constrained to suffer many changes and at length vtterly destroied by Tamerlane the Great the second time An. mun 3390. After this the inhabitants of that countrey vpon the East side of the riuer 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 gouernment of the Country thereabouts or because of the scituation or for priuat profit it is not set down neuerthelesse it is again repaired standing on the borders of Armenia beautified with goodly buildings with faire and spatious streets compassed about as other cities of the East are with walls and ditches sufficiently strengthned to oppose the Enemy But in respect of the former Niniveh it seemes a small village It hath a bridge built of ships lying vpon the East side of it ouer the riuer Tygris and vpon that side of the Riuer there stand many faire gardens and orchards and the land there also is very fertil and pleasant But vpon the West of Tygris the soile is nothing so fruitfull At this day it is called by the name of Mossel so that although
with the fairest cities of those times being strongly fortified both by sea and land so that it seemed to be inuincible But at this day it is but a smal city the incursions of forrein enemies hauing wasted and destroied the greater part and left the rest to be a wonder to the world the heaps and ruins of goodly buildings making euident lamentable destructions Thus man with his deuices perisheth but the Lord endureth for euer Vpon the Booke of MACHABES The Trauels of Antiochus Epiphanes ANtiochus Epiphanes that is An illustrous Aduersary in the yeare of Christ 380 was sent out of Syria by Antiochus the Great to Rome which 1600 miles where he remained as an hostage for his father and his brother Seleucus Philopater seuenteen yeares 1 Mac. 1. After the death of his father he stole secretly from Rome and went backe again to Antiochia in Syria which was 1600 miles and there succeeded his brother Seleucus Philopater in the gouernment He began to reign 173 yeares before Christ In the third yeare of his reign he went from Antiochia to Tyrus 60 miles in that journey he conquered all the lower part of Syria and Phoenicia From thence he went aboue sixe score miles through Galilee and Iudaea conquering al the cities and countries that lay in his way and would also haue gon downe into Egypt but when hee heard that his nephew Ptolomais Philometor had proclaimed an assembly and parliament and would not acknowledge him for his Protector he sent Apolonius one of his princes vpon the day of the meeting into Egypt and he himselfe returned back again to Ioppa 2 Mac. 4. From Ioppa hee went to Ierusalem which was 20 miles where Iason the high-Priest and all the people receiued him with great honour At that time Antiochus placed a Gard in the Castle or tower of Ierusalem which was the beginning of their intolerable seruitude But for that yeare which was the fourth of his reign he returned through Phoenicia to Antiochia in Syria 280 miles In the fift yeare of his reign hee went from Antiochia with a great army into Cilicia being 80 miles There he appeased the vprores of the inhabitants of Tharsus and Mallotus and conquered all Cilicia 2 Mac. 4. From Cilicia he returned backe againe to Antiochia eightie miles In the sixt yeare of his reign Antiochus went with a great army both by sea and land wherein were many Elephants to Pelusio 400 miles This city he conquered and ouercame the Alexandrians in a navall battell 2 Mac. 4. From Pelusio hauing built a bridge ouer Nilus he went with his army to Memphis conquerd all the countries strong cities as he went about 140 miles and brought thither a mightie and great prey where according to the saying of the Prophet Daniel cap. 11. He dealt subtilly with Ptolomais Philometor From Memphis he returned to Alexandria where the citisens would not suffer him to enter the gates wherefore he besieged it but to small purpose which was 120 miles From Alexandria he returned to Pelusio which was 160 miles there he left a garrison to retaine what hee had gotten in Aegypt 1 Mac. 4. From Pelusio he returned to Antiochia with a great prey being 400 miles In the mean time Ptolomais King of Egypt his sister Cleopatra brought in the aid of the Romanes Livy Decad. lib. 4. 5. In the next yeare that is in the seuenth yeare of Antiochus Epiphanes there was seen in the aire as if there had been men fighting a Comet also appeared This happened in the yeare before Christ 167. This yeare in the spring Antiochus went the second time from Antiochia with his army into Alexandria in Egypt which was 560 miles So passing through Coelosyria and Iudaea hee came into Egypt which he inuaded with open war endeauoring to get that by force which hee could not get by entreaty But the Romans sent P. Popillius with other Embassadours into Egypt who hearing that Antiochus was come to Leusia which was within a mile of Alexandria the Romanes went thither to him Where when he had welcommed them and shewed all the courtesie hee could to P. Popillius P. Popillius deliuered him certain tables that he had about him written And first of all commanded him to reade them which he did Then he counselled with some of his friends What was best to be done in the businesse While he was thus in a great study P. Popillius with a wand that hee had in his hand made a circle about him in the dust saying Ere thou stirre a foot out of this circle returne thy answer that I may tell the Senate Whe-thou hadst rather haue warre or peace This hee vttered with such a firme countenance that it amased the King Wherefore after he had paused a while quoth hee I will doe what the Senate hath written or shall thinke fit So doing little or nothing in Egypt hee returned backe againe Iustine Lib. 34. Decad. Lib. 4. cap. 5. Ios lib. 12. cap. 6. These things hapned ann vrb Rom. 585. L. Aemilius Paulus Caius Licinius Crassus being then Consuls in which yeare the Moon was totally eclipsed Aemilius ouercame Perseus King of Macedon and reduced Macedonia into a Prouince Lib. Dec. 4. lib. 5. From Leusia Antiochus fearing lest the Iewes would forsake his Empire and rebell went to Ierusalem which was 288 miles but the inhabitants of the towne shut him out of the city wherefore he besieged it and by the treason of Menelaus chiefe Priest who for that purpose conspired with the gard that was in the castle quickly got it and entred the gates In every place where he came hee put the Citisens to the sword and for three daies space did little else but cruelly massacre the people He went also with Menelaus into the Temple where he polluted the sacred things of the Temple and took thence the vessels of siluer gold or whatsoeuer he found pretious or worthy so that the prey he tooke amounted to 1800 talents which make almost 11 tunne of pure gold all which were partly gifts dedicated to the Temple and partly treasure that was left there as in a safe and sure place to the vse of poore distressed widowes and orphans After that Antiochus had robbed the Temple of all the siluer and gold that he could finde had banished Iason had placed a strong garrison in the tower of Acropolis the captaine of which was one Philip a very cruell man and made Menelaus high-Priest with all this booty and some number of captiues hee returned to Antiochia which was 280 miles In the yeare following that is before Christ 166 Lu. Aemilius Paulus triumphed for the wars of Macedonia Not long after Antiochus misdoubting the fidelitie of the Iewes sent Apolonius with an army of 22000 to Ierusalem who entred the city vpon the Sabbath day and committed many outrages Then Antiochus hauing spent a great part of the gold and siluer which he had got from Ierusalem about the eleuenth yeare of his
reigne made his expedition from Antiochiato Persepolis it was also called Elymaides in Persia which was 196 miles Here he took the temple of Diana spoiled all that country round about and with strong hand gathered together a great masse of gold and siluer to maintain warre against Iudas Machabeus But a multitude of citisens disliking his sacriledge banded themselues together and put Antiochus and his souldiers to flight before hee could take the city of Persepolis 1 Mach. 6. 2 Mach. 9. Wherefore being driuen from thence he fled with his army to Egbatana a city in Media which was 209 miles Here hauing certain intelligence by letters of the noble exploits of Iudas Machabeus and that he purged the temple of such things as were prophane he fell into an extreme griefe and like one distracted railed against the Iewes and swore to be reuenged of them 1 Mac. 9. In this extreme anger he went from Egbatana to Babylon with his army which was 464 miles But as he went his Chariot was ouerthrown in the fall wherof he was so extremely wounded that they were constrained to carry him in a bed to Babylon where he shortly after died miserably So all his trauels were 8153 miles Thus may we see with what difficulties and dangers this wicked prince obtained his victories and past away his life somtime in trauel his journies long and troublesome somtimes in prosperitie somtimes in aduersitie again somtimes afflicted with troublesome cogitations sometimes with extreame anger seldome in peace and then also his actions sauoring of violence and filthines From whence it appeareth That the wicked with more sorowes troubles and vexations gaine eternall damnation than the Iust though they suffer many grieuous afflictions obtain euerlasting saluation For amongst all the Patriarchs good Kings and Prophets there is not found any that had so many long and tedious journies as this Antiochus who continually oppressed his minde and conscience with vnprofitable vanities and wicked thoughts and at length had a miserable and terrible end ¶ Of the Cities and places mentioned in his Trauels Of Antiochia ANtiochia where Antiochus Epiphanes kept his court was antiently called Chaemath or Riblah It was scituated in Syria 180 miles from Ierusalem towards the North neer to the Cities Seleucia Laodicea and Apamea which foure Cities as Strabo saith in the sixteenth Booke of his Geographie was built by Seleucus Nicanor first King of Syria This man was a mighty Prince and obtained the name of Nicanor which signifieth Victorie because he prospered in his warres and conquered his aduersaries For when within 13 yeares after the death of Alexander the Great hee had got the kingdome of Syria hee became so great in the 31 yeare of his reign that he obtained the empire of all the East and beside as Strabo saith re-edified and built vp these foure cities calling one of them Antiochia after the name of his father another Laodicea after the name of his mother a third after his own name Seleucia and the last Apamea after the name of his wife These foure cities because they were all built by one man and at one time were called Sisters But Antiochia was much fairer than the other and in those times was a greater city than any other called after that name yea it was equal to Alexandria in Egypt for glory and excellencie of building It was diuided into foure parts and those parts seperated with four wals The first which was antiently called Hemath A violent anger of Chamathai the sonne of Canaan was after Riblath from the multitude of the inhabitants and the third time by Seleucus after his fathers name called Antiochia In this part Seleucus to dignifie the City kept his court it being compassed about with goodly walls In the second part the citisens of Syria inhabited In the third Seleucus Callimichus afterward King of the Syrians kept his court and greatly beautified it But in the fourth where afterward many Christians inhabited Antigonus Epiphanes continued and did greatly adorn it and set it forth with goodly buildings and sumptuous houses Close by the Citie there stood a pleasant wood watered with many cleare fountains and delightfull springs to which there resorted a great multitude of Fowles of diuers sorts which sung very pleasantly among the trees to the great content and delectation of the citisens In the midst of this wood stood the temple of Apollo and Diana goodly things and very curiously built It was called the wood of Daphne because it was full of Laurel trees From this wood all the countrey thereabout is called Epidaphne Not far off standeth the riuer Orontes which beginneth in Coelosyria and passeth vnder the earth til it comes neere to Apamea where it riseth and watreth all Antiochia So passing thence it runneth some 16 miles and so fals into the Mediterranian sea Heere Paul preached and kept a Synod Euseb lib. 7. cap. 24. 25. There was another Synod kept heere by the Arrians Trip. lib. 4. 9. Stephanus reckons vp many other cities of this name as Antiochia Lisidia in Galatia where Paul preached Act. 3. and is distant from this 384 miles Antiochia in Mesopotamia which is also called Mygdonia and Nisibis in which Apollophanes the Stoicke and Pharnuchus that wrot the Persian historie are said to be born Antiochia between Syria and Arabia built by Semiramis Antiochia in Cilicia scituated neere to the riuer Pyramus Antiochia in Pieria also called by the Syrians Arados There is also a city called Antiochia neere mount Taurus in the countrey of Comagena Antiochia scituated vpon the lake of Callichan Antiochia in Scythia There was another in Caria called also Pithapolis Antiochia Marigiana built by Antiochus Soter And many Authors call Tharsus in Cilicia by the name of Antiochia Antiochia signifies an Aduersarie Of Rome ROme stands 1528 miles from Ierusalem Westward Of this city you may reade more in the trauels of the Apostle Paul Tyrus Ioppa Memphis Pelusio Mallo and Alexandria are before described Of Tharsus TArsus or Tharsus signifieth aa Hyacinth stone so called as some thinke of Tharsis the son of Iavan the son of Iaphet the son of Noah Gen. 10. It was distant from Ierusalem 304 miles Northward Of Persepolis PErsepolis was the metropolitan city of Persia distant from Ierusalem 1240 miles Eastward So called of Perseus that mightie King of the Persians who re-edified it and gaue it that name which is as much to say as the city of the Persians which also of him were so called The Astronomers because he was greatly affected to such as were skilfull in that art attributed his name and his wiues name to two constellations in the heauens of which Ovids fable is contriued of Pegasus and Andromache This city of Persepolis was so fair that it exceeded all the cities of the East both for statelinesse and beauty and so continued from Perseus time vntill Alexander the Great had conquered Darius at which time this great Emperor hauing got into his hand the whole
So all his trauels were 320 miles Of Amanus AManus was a mountain between Syria and Cilicia which extendeth it selfe to the riuer Euphrates Between this Amanus and Euphrates Arabia deserta is scituated 400 miles from Ierusalem Northward and signifies The mountain of truth from Aman True and faithfull The Trauels of Demetrius Nicanor the sonne of Demetrius Soter IN the 165 yeare of the gouernment of the Grecians in Syria which was 141 yeares before Christ Demetrius syrnamed Nicanor which signifies Victorre sailed out of Creet into Cilicia which was 600 miles Ios Ant. 13. c. 6. 1 Mac. 10. Out of Cilicia he came into Syria the lower 160 miles where ioyning with Apolonius he tooke vpon him the crowne and Kingdom of Syria Afterward Apolonius went into Iudaea with a great army and besieged Iamnia Ptolomeus Philometor also assisted the proceedings of Demetrius seeing Alexander his son in law beginning to decline and the better to strengthen their allyance matched him to Cleopatra his daughter which before had bin wife to Alexander by which policie he added to the kingdom of Egypt all Asia ouer which he ruled 2 yeares 1 Mac. 11. After Demetrius Nicanor came out of Siria the lower with Ptolomeus Philometor to Antiochia which was 80 miles 1 Mac. 11. From Antiochia they went with their army to a plain neer the mountain Amanus 120 miles where in a sharpe war they ouercame Alexander and put him out of his kingdom Ios Ant. li. 3. c. 7. Now after the death of Ptolomeus Philometor Demetrius Nicanor Nicanor returned to Antiochia 120 miles where he gouerned the kingdome of Syria two yeares From Antiochia he went to Ptolomais which was 200 miles to which place Ionathan the high priest came to meet him where he gaue to him many presents and great gifts to win his fauour 1 Mac. 11. From Ptolomais he returned to Antiochia 200 miles There his soldiers and the city of Antiochia rebelled against him For which cause Ionathan the high-priest sent him 3000 men which deliuered the King out of danger put to the sword 100000 of the seditious and burnt the city of Antiochia 1 Mac. 11. But after Demetrius shewed himselfe vnthankfull hee was driuen out of his kingdome by Tryphon and yong Antiochus the sonne of King Alexander who was also called Theos which signifies God In the 172 yeare of the reigne of the Grecians in Syria which was 138 before Christ Nicanor hauing slaine Antiochus the son of Alexander he would haue reigned alone in Syria wherefore Demetrius who was the lawfull King of Syria being 3 yeares before driuen thence went 1200 miles into Media to craue aid against Tryphon but Arsaces king of the Medes Parthians and Persians sent the chiefe captain of his host against Demetrius who burned his tents tooke him prisoner and caried him back to his master to Hecatompylon the chiefe city of his kingdome distant from Syria 1220 miles toward the East Iustin lib. 36. 38. From Hecatompylon Arsaces sent him to Hyrcania the Metropolitan city of that countrey which was 176 miles where although Arsaces kept him as a prisoner yet he allowed him royall attendance and after maried him to his daughter Iust lib. 38. After the death of Arsaces with singular industry and policie he got out of captiuitie after he had beene 12 yeares prisoner in Hyrcania and came into Syria which was 14 miles where he recouered his kingdome and reigned foure yeares So all his Trauels were 4156 miles ¶ Of the Places to which he trauelled Of Creta now called Candia THis is an Island of the Mediterranian sea distant from Ierusalem 600 miles Westward very fruitfull and pleasant in which there growes great plenty of Cypresse trees and grapes of diuers kindes but principally such whereof Malmsey and Sacke are made Here Tytus Pauls Disciple was Bishop wherefore you shall reade more of it after Of Seleucia SEleucia is a famous city of Syria scituated vpon the shore of the Mediterranian sea 280 miles from Ierusalem Northward neere to which the riuer Orantes runneth and the mountaine Casius standeth which is 4 miles high Plin. l. 5. c. 22. You may read more of this in the trauels of S. Paul Of Syria SYria was sometimes called of the Hebrewes Aram of Aram the sonne of Sem of whom all Armenia tooke the name Aram signifies A man of great spirit and dignity being deriued of Rom that is lifted vp for he was a man of an excellent spirit Gen. cap. 10. Syria signifieth a great tract of land and is diuided into two parts the vpper and the lower In the vpper Syria are these cities Antiochia Seleucia Laodicea and Apamea in the lower Syria are Sydon Tyrus Berytus Tripolis and Orthosia This Countrey is scituated in a very temperat Zone from whence it happeneth that it is neither oppressed with too much cold nor heate There are that diuide Syria into foure parts that is into Syria Assyria Leucosyria and Coelosyria Also Pliny Lib. 5. Cap. 12. attributeth Mesopotamia and Babylonia to Syria But it is euident that these were distinct Countries from them in the which there reigned Emperours and Kings which had large and spatious Dominions For Syria is scituated betweene the Mediterranian sea and Euphrates but Mesopotamia which is so called because it is scituated in the middle of waters is separated from Syria and Assyria with the riuers Euphrates Tygris and Arabia is separated from Syria and Babylon with many vast wildernesses Therefore these countries cannot properly passe vnder the denomination of Syria Of Parthia PArthia is a spatious country full of mountains and desarts lying vpon the borders of Media Westward the Metropolis whereof is Hecatompylon taking the name of 100 gates wherewith it is fortified It lieth as Stephanus saith 1512 miles from Ierusalem Eastward Here Arsaces that mighty King of the Parthians kept his court who had vnder his gouernment Media Parthia Persia Hircania and the greatest part of all the countries toward the East It is called Parthia because of the fruitfulnesse of the soile being deriued of Parah To fructifie Of Hyrcania HYrcania is a fruitfull and pleasant countrey bordering vpon Media and the Caspian sea for the most part plain champian beautified with many faire Cities the chiefe of which are Hyrcania the Metropolis of the whole kingdome Talebrota Samariana Carta and Tape It was so fat and fruitfull that the inhabitants vse not to till and dresse the ground as they doe in other places but the seed that falleth from the huske vpon the earth springeth vp and bringeth forth great plenty and increase without further labour The Dewes also falling vpon the trees there droppeth from them oile and honey in great plenty It taketh the name as it is thought from a Wood called Hyrcania In like manner the Caspian sea which bordereth vpon it of this country is called Hyrcanum Many cruel beasts are found therein as the Panther the Tyger and the Leopard The Panther is of a whitish colour inclining something
Because as Onuphrius saith in Comment fast lib. 2. also Euseb lib. 2. cap. 22. and Tertul cont Marcion Peter and Paul in the 35 yeare after the resurrection of Christ and vpon the third day of the Calends of Iuly C. Fonteius Capitonius C. Iulius Rufus being then Consuls of Rome were crowned with the Wreath of martyrdome and with their bloud sealed the truth of the Gospel But there are others of opinion that Peter neuer came at Rome but that he was crucified at Ierusalem by King Agrippa's command others say at Babylon But because it is a thing doubtfull and not greatly materiall I leaue it to the Readers consideration ¶ Of the Townes and places to which he trauelled Of Samaria BEcause I haue before briefly intreated of the beginning and foundation of this city I shal not need here againe to repeat it I will now therefore shew the end of it which was principally caused by the obstinacie of the inhabitants who refusing the doctrine and prophecy of Elias and Elizeus imbraced and followed strange gods and offered incense vnto idols whereby the wrath of God was kindled against them insomuch that hee left this goodly city as a prey to the Gentiles and forreine nations that carried the people thereof into captiuitie where for a long time they remained in great miserie After the first desolation because the countrey round about this citie was very fertile and pleasant abounding with springs riuers vines oliue gardens mountaines fruitfull valleyes faire cities and strong castles and townes Herod Ascalonites that great King of the Iewes who put to death the innocent children reedified it set vp many goodly buildings beautified with marble pillars and pleasant walkes and also in the circuit of the Kings house and vnder the buildings of the nobilitie in the common Market place the houses and vaults were supported with marble pillars according to the maner of the Iewes The pallace callled the K. house stood in the midst of the citie vpon the top of the mountain and round about it there were diuers other buildings set vp but much lower euen about the descent of the mountaine yet so scituated that the inhabitants might see out of their houses the country round about Then close to the pallace in the vpper part of the citie he caused a temple to be built in honor of Augustus Thus hauing finished the inside he compast it about with a mighty wall and vpon that placed many turrets then to flatter Augustus called it by the name of Sebasten which among the Grecians signifies Augustum venerabile principem now although this citie was very glorious and spatious in those times for it was three miles about yet at this day it is vtterly ruined destroied insomuch that there is not a house standing two Churches only excepted which were built in honour of S. Iohn Baptist and the chief of these which was the Cathedrall Church the Saracens haue conuerted to their vse so that at this day Mahomet is worshipt in it In this stood the Sepulchre of S. Iohn Baptist cut out in marble like the sepulchre of Christ where as Hierom saith he lieth buried between Elisha Obediah the Prophets This church stands vpon the side of the mountaine in the descent The Saracens do principally reuerence S. Iohn Baptist next after Christ and they affirm the virgin Mary to haue conceiued by the holy Spirit and not by the seed of man That S. Iohn was the greatest prophet except Christ that euer was They also beleeue Christ to be the son of God but not to be equall with God Yet they prefer Mahomet before both because they hold him a messenger sent of God not vnto all men but onely vnto the Saracens and Turks and their subiects The other Church which stood in Samaria was vpon 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 humanitie and furnished them with many necessaries But the city of Samaria it selfe hath bin so often ouerthrown and brought to such extreme miserie that almost all the ground where it stood is at this time conuerted 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 the whole city wherein he dwelt which was the strength of his kingdome into an olive garden There are not so many ruins found through all the land of Iudaea though there haue bin many worthy cities destroyed as are in this place at this day The scituation of this city was very beautifull for a man might haue seen from it to the sea of Ioppa and Antipatris also to Caesarea Palestina thorow al the mountain of Ephraim to Ramatha Sophim so to mount Carmel and the city of Ptolomais Of Lidda THis city was scituated not far from Ioppa vpon the shore of the Mediterranian sea 20 miles from Ierusalem Northwestward In this city Peter healed Aeneas who had bin sick 8 years of the palsie At this day there is nothing to be seen but the Church of S. George who was beheaded by the Emperour Dioclesian for professing the Christian faith The Grecians call this town Diospolis i. an holy Town And the Turks account S. George for a valiant Knight and holy man Of Caesarea Strato THis city was scituated vpon the shore of the Mediterranian sea some 32 miles from Ierusalem Northward in antient time it was called Strato being first built by Strato King of Sydon But time hauing 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 builded a fair hauen to oppose the violence of the sea This hauen was so wonderfully contriued and set vp at such a great charge that it was admirable to looke vpon for he laid the foundation of it twenty yards vnder water burying in the Deepe stones of an extraordinarie greatnesse some fifty foot long eight foot thicke and ten foot broad and many of them more The Hauen it selfe was beautified with faire buildings and goodly Walkes supported with marble Pillars and mounted vp aloft so that you might see the ships as they were vpon the sea and made way to this harbor The entrance into it was vpon the North at the mouth thereof there stood three mighty Colosses vpon marble pillars Hee also placed vpon the wall of the City towards the Hauen 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 ioyned to this Hauen were all of white polished marble and the streets of the City were directly towards it Also
1â0 broad There were so many gifts gratuities sent from all the cities and kings round about toward the building of this Temple that the riches and treasure thereof was wonderfull insomuch that when it was finished it was accounted one of the stateliest buildings the world could afford and numbered amongst the wonders of the world This temple thus built at such an extraordinarie charge that it was almost vnvaluable was set on fire by one Herostratus a wicked peruerse fellow in the same Olympiad and day that Alexander the Great was borne who hauing nothing in him that might make him famous in after-ages burnt this goodly building that so though not for his good but for his euill he might get a name But the Ephesians were so insenced because of this mischiefe that they procured proclamation to bee made through all the kingdomes round about that his name should not be once mentioned which perhaps for a time was obserued but in future ages they could not preuent it but that he was both spoken of written of Notwithstanding afterward the inhabitants of this City became so exceeding wealthy that they soon after rebuilt this temple of Diana and made it much fairer than it was before all the Citisens contributing with willing hands to the charge of the building insomuch that the women brought all their siluer gold and other pretious ornaments and communicated them towards this great worke Also in after-times those faire pillars before spoken of were againe erected towards the rebuilding whereof they receiued so many and wonderfull gifts from all the neighbouring Kings Cities and Countries that this Temple might as it was thought compare with all the world beside for riches and treasure It was standing in S. Pauls time who came thither about 12 yeares after the resurrection of our Sauior and continued there three yeares in which time he so faithfully and diligently preached the Gospell that he conuerted most of the Citisens from their idolatry and worship of Diana to the reuerend knowledge and confession of our blessed Sauior For which cause Demetrius the siluer smith who made a great gain by idolatry stirred vp a great tumult so that the Gentiles running vp and down the City for two houres space cried out with a loud voice Great is Diana of the Ephesians Acts 19. Here also Paul fought with beasts 1 Cor. 15. And to this city Paul wrot his Epistle and sent it from Rome 996 miles He made Timothy also a Bishop of this city to whom he wrot two Epistles the first was sent him from Laodicea to Phrygia beeing 280 miles the second from Rome as I said By these Epistles Timothy was greatly comforted and taught them to his disciples and auditors that so they might constantly continue perseuer in the Christian faith and religion to the end To conclude Iohn the Evangelist came also to Ephesus wrot his Gospel against the heretick Cerinthus who denied Christ to be the true God for which cause God grieuously punished him so that he died as hee was bathing himselfe in a bath Irenaeus lib. 5. ca. 3. Euseb li. 3. c. 22. This was the first Church to which Iohn wrot his Reuelation and there when he returned out of Pathmos he raised his host Drusana from death to life So when he had gouerned the churches in Asia 30 yeares after the death of Paul hee died when hee was 91 yeares old and was honorably buried at Ephesus not far from the city There was also another Iohn that liued in Ephesus to whom as many think the Epistles of Iohn the Evangelist were dedicated as Ierom sheweth in his catalogue of Ecclesiastical Writers The sepulchre of this man is shewed not far from the Sepulchre of S. Iohn the Evangelist as Euseb witnesseth lib. 3. cap. 31. At this day this city is named Figlo ho Epheso See Gesner Of Pathmos THis is an Isle of the Aegean sea scituated betwixt Asia minor Grecia 2080 miles from Ierusalem Northwestward Pli. l. 4. c. 12. saith that it was 30 miles in compasse Into this Isle the Evangelist was banished by Domitian Nero where he wrot his Reuelation It was one of the Cyclad Islands which were 53 in number that lay round about the Island Delus as Stra. li. 10. Geog. obserues It stood 40 miles from Ephesus Southwestward and as Petr. Apianus saith was somtimes called Posidius but now Palmosa Of Smyrna THis is the second city to which Iohn dedicated his Reuelation It was scituated in Ionia in Asia minor 540 miles from Ierusalem Northwestward This was a very faire city beautified with many goodly buildings and of good account in Grecia It was at first but a Colony transplanted from another city in that country But Theseus that great prince beeing then King thereof that he might adde some grace to that which hee had begun hee called it after his wiues name Smyrna signifying Myrrh Herod saith that Homer was born here but not blind and called by the name of Melisigines but after the Cumaenians called him of his blindnesse Homer Strab. li. 14. Geogr. saith That the inhabitants take vpon them to shew his picture standing there also a temple built in his honour During his life he was a man of small or no reputation or rather contemned than honored as Herod saith But after his death his works beginning to grow famous the Cities of Greece contended who should patronise him The Colophonians claim a part in him because he was in that towne and there made some of his Odysses They of Chios say he belonged to them because he liued there a long time and taught schoole But for ought that can bee found by Authours the Smyrnians haue most interest in him Neuerthelesse I leaue him to them that please to patronise him since it is not certainly found where hee liued He liued about 900 yeares before Christ Eusebius saith Hist Eccles lib. 4. cap. 14. that in after times this city grew very famous and was so much inlarged that it became a Bishops See whereof Polycarpus a very godly and religious man was Bishop He gouerned the Church in that place at such time as Iohn the Evangelist wrot his Reuelation and by him cap. 2. is called the Angell of the Church of Smyrna This man after he had faithfully preached the Gospell for the space of 86 yeares was by the inhabitants thereof condemned to death for the profession of Christ Anno 170. But the towne of Smyrna because of the vnthankfulnesse and crueltie of the inhabitants was grieuously punished for within ten yeares it was cast downe by an earthquake since which time it was hardly rebuilt again The riuer Pactolus which beginneth in Lydia runneth by this town of Smyrna But the inhabitants because of the golden veins that are found therein call it Crysorrhoas Plin. lib. 5. cap. 29. A little after that there was such an extreme plague hapned in Rome that they were constrained to carry out the dead bodies
he rose vp and went into the towne Act. 14. The next day they went to Derbe a citie of Lyaconia which was 48 miles From thence they returned backe againe to Lystra in the same yeare which was 28 miles From Iconia they came to Antiochia in Pisidia which was 16 miles in this citie they comforted the Disciples exhorting them that they should perseuere in their faith For through many afflictions we must enter into the Kingdome of heauen They also elected Elders in the Churches so with fasting and praiers they commended them to the Lord in whom they beleeued In the 47 yeare after Christ they went from Antiochia thorough all Pisidia and came to Pergamus a citie in Pamphilia which was 132 miles here they preached the word of the Lord Acts 14. From Pergamus in the following yeare they went downe to the citie of Attalia which was 26 miles In the 48 yere after the natiuitie of Christ they loosed thence and went to Antiochia in Syria which was 340 miles here they assembled the Church and shewed what wonderfull things the Lord had wrought by them and how hee had opened the doore of faith vnto the Gentiles in this place they staied a great space Acts 14. In the yeare following they went from Antiochia to Ierusalem which was 280 miles to the Apostolicall Councell which was celebrated in that citie Anno Dom. 49. and as they went they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria and there declared the estate of the Church among the Gentiles Acts 15. From Ierusalem they with Sylas and Iudas syrnamed Barsabas went againe to Antiochia in Syria which was 280 miles here Paul opposed Peter for preaching vnto the Gentiles Gal. 2. So these trauels of Paul were 1744 miles Of the townes and places to which he trauelled Of Cyprus BEcause you may reade of Seleucia before I therfore willingly omit it that I might speake more fully of Cyprus This is a faire and spacious Isle scituated in the Mediterranean sea in the gulph of Issa bordering vpon Cilicia and Syria distant 160 miles from Ierusalem towards the North as Strabo saith lib. 14. It is in compasse 428 miles very fertile powerfull and spacious for an Island There inhabited in it in times past nine Kings and as Pliny saith lib. 5. cap. 31. called Macaria or one of the happy Islands the inhabitants were giuen much vnto luxurie and venerie from whence it hapned that Venus was greatly honoured amongst them It is said that there are many pretious stones found in it besides Crystal Allum and Cypresse wood which abounds in that place from which it seemeth the Island was called Cyprus There are also found many Symples that are Physical much Sack comes thenee and many other things necessarie for the life of man Here also standeth the Mountaine Olympus whose top seemeth to touch the heauens from whence it taketh the name because there neuer lies any clouds vpon it Lucan lib. 2. There are foure mountaines of this name the one lyeth between Macedon and Thessalie the other in Cyprus the third amongst the Mysians at the foot whereof Haniball built Prusa and the fourth in Aethiopia vpon the East side of Heliopolis There are many cities in this countrey as Macaria Cyprus or Cyrhera after called Paphos and now Baffa in which there standeth such a famous Temple that Venus of that is called Cypria and Cytherea Nicosia and Salamus now called Famagusta There haue beene many and cruell sharpe warres betweene the Venetians and Turkes concerning this countrie but at this day it is vnder the jurisdiction of the Turks from whence they fetch great abundance of Pitch and Rosin for their ships and cables Of Salamais SAlamais Salamin or Salamina was one of the principal cities of Cyprus and was distant from Ierusalem 196 miles towards the North built by Teucer the sonne of Telamon and scituated in the Eubeian sea just against Athens The occasion why this town was built hapned by reason of a discontent that grew betweene Teucer and his father Telamon for Teucer returning from Troy not hauing reuenged the death of his brother Ajax so much incensed his father that he banished him his countrie whereupon Teucer sailed thence to Cyprus where he built this citie and because of the extraordinarie affection that he bore to the countrie where he was borne called it by the name of Salamena or Salamais Saint Ierom saith that there is a riuer of extraordinary hot water that runneth through a great part of this countrie and that it was once ouercome by the Iewes and vtterly ruined and destroied but afterward repeopled and called by the name of Constantia This towne at this day is called by the name of Famagusta and was taken with the whole Island of Cyprus by Mustapha chiefe Captaine to Selimus the second Emperour of the Turkes An. Dom. 1570. Solon that notable and famous Philosopher was borne in this Towne And Paul and Barnabas sailed out of Syria and liued in this Towne Acts 31. Of Paphos THis Citie is scituated vpon the shore of Cyprus 212 miles from Ierusalem towards the North and seemeth to take the name from Paphos the sonne of Pigmalion the Artificer In this towne there stood a notable Temple built by that Pigmalion in the honour of Venus for that as it seemeth by the Poets hee was much giuen to women Here Elimas that wicked Magician who as some will haue it called himselfe the sonne of Iesus as others the sonne of Iehouah dwelt whom the Lord by the hand of Paul strucke with blindnesse Here also Sergius Paulus the Proconsull was conuerted It was in times past a goodly faire citie as the ruines thereof testifie to this day but now it is destroied and almost desolate There as it is for the most part through that Island the ayre is impure and vnwholsom and the ruines of many goodly churches and buildings are to be seene also the wals of a strong and almost impregnable tower scituated vpon a hill in the middle of the citie and as may be thought was sometime the habitation of Sergius Paulus There is also showne vnder a certaine Church which in antient times belonged vnto the brothers of the Minories a certaine Prison diuided into seuen roomes where Paul and Barnabas were imprisoned for preaching the Gospell Here also vnder another Church is found a spring of very wholesome water which is a present remedy for the Ague and Feuer Here also is excellent Wine Of Perga PErga was a citie of Pamphilia from whence Diana is called Pergea because there was a notable Temple in that Towne which was dedicated to her It is scituated in Asia the lesse neere to Cheractus as Ptolomais saith but as Strabo saith close by Cestria a faire and goodly riuer 356 miles from Ierusalem towards the North. The countrey wherein this standeth is full of mountaines extending from the mountaine Taurus which beginneth in this place abounding with Vines Oliues and other fruits vnto the sea There are many
of Licaonia Pisidia and Isauria in which countries the Apostle Paul taught the Gospel of Christ These inhabitants which in those daies were called Galathians are said to be a people of France who ioyning themselues to the Cymbrians Danes and Germans vnder the conduct of Brennus their captain inuaded Italy in which enterprise they were so fortunat that they conquered a great part of it wherin they planted colonies and because of their neernesse to their own country in processe of time grew mightie and from that beginning the countrey where they inhabited was called Cice-alpine-Gallia taking that name partly of the place partly of the people After Brennus and his armie making vse of their fortunes forraged all Italy and came to Rome which they woone and sackt all but the Capitoll and that also was in great danger vntill such time as Camillus a valiant Roman Captaine taking aduantage of the enemies securitie who now tooke more care how to satisfie their couetousnesse than to defend what they had got of a sudden set vpon them by which vnexpected inuasion they were put to a maruellous straight and the besieged greatly incouraged so that they also issuing out of the Capitoll made such a slaughter that they forced Brennus and his armie to retire and to restore all the pillage that hee had got and also forsake the countrey This misfortune they bore patiently considering their former prosperitie and in hope of better successe sailed 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 weake to oppose their armie In this expedition they vsed much pillage and robbing vpon the Seas and through many dangers came at length to this Isle landed their men wan the citie fired a great part of it and put many of the inhabitants to the sword with this victorie most of his armie which were more religious than the rest would haue willingly left the countrey but Brennus who beforetimes had beene vsed to sacriledge and those that were as couetous as himselfe thought it basenesse through an opinion of holinesse to leaue so great a bootie behind them as was contained in the Temple of Apollo 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 vp in the secret caues of this Oracle wherefore they attempted the assault but with bad successe for the diuell raised such a tempest with thundring lightning and other strange and vncoth accidents that Brennus in this distemperature of the aire was * Some say he killed himself with his owne dagger slaine many of his shippes were set on fire and the greatest part of his armie lost being either spoiled with lightning slaine by the inhabitants or dispersed with feare Such euent had this sacrilegious attempt Those that remained after they had gathered themselues into a body went thence into Asia the lesse and planted themselues in this country where the inhabitants in processe of time called them Gallo-Graecians adding their originall name to that of the countrey wherein they liued and after for beauties sake they were called Galatians See Liu. lib. 5. Diodorus Siculus lib. 6. saith That the inhabitants of Galatia were so called of this people in the time that Gidion iudged Israel that Cyrus was Emperour of Persia both may be true considering the mutabilitie and change of States in those times Some thinke they were first called Galatians by Attalus King of Pergamus who gaue them a great ouerthrow close by the riuer 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-Graecians or Gallatians This history is diuersly reported by diuers authors but all conclude that they rested and inhabited in Asia where their posteritie 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 onely by their sword for which cause many Princes neere them were beholding vnto them for their aide but withall cruell and barbarous insomuch as they oftentimes eat their captiues or offered them to their gods and thus they continued for the space of 300 yeares till Paul comming into that countrey preached the Gospell amongst them and conuerted them from this Barbarisme to the Christian faith He sent an Epistle to this people from Rome being 1200 miles They in those times held all Paphligonia a part of Phrigia Cappadocia and of all the neighbouring countries thereabouts which after their names was called Gallo Graecia or Galatia such a mightie nation was this growne in a short time at first being a people thrust out of theit owne countrey for want of a place to inhabit in as you may reade more at large in the fifth booke of Liuie whose authoritie I haue principally followed herein Of Phrygia PHrygia is as much to say as a dry and sandy country scituated in Asia the lesse between Galatia and Mysia 600 miles from Ierusalem Northwestward It is diuided into two parts the greater and the lesse in the greater Phrygia stood Smyrna in the lesse Dardania so called of Dardanus who first built it in which town there reigned many wealthy mighty Princes as Ericthonius Tros of whom it was called Troy Ilus of whom it was called Ilion Laomedon who was the father of Priamus the last king therof for in his time it was destroyed by the Grecians Of which desolation I will not speak because it is commonly known It lay waste so long although it had bin a faire 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 ruins to shew that there had been a city in that place And as Virgil said I am seges est vbi Troia fuit Corne now growes where Troy stood A long time after there were a certain people that called themselues Trojans who rebuilt it but not in the same place and in it erected a goodly Temple in honour of the goddesse Pallas to the which Temple Alexander the Great after he had conquered Darius King of Persia close by the riuer Granicus which tooke beginning in a mountain not far from Troy went and with singular gladnesse and great solemnitie offered many rich and goodly Presents enlarged the towne and greatly adorned But after he had ended the Persian war and conquered almost all the knowne world he sent very kinde and louing letters to these new Trojans promising not only to inlarge the towne and endow it with ma-priuiledges and reuenues but also to build vp a faire and sumptuous Temple there as Strabo lib. 15. saith all which was done for the loue
ITINERARIVM TOTIVS SACRAE SCRIPTVRAE OR The Trauels of the holy Patriarchs Prophets Iudges Kings our Sauiour Christ and his Apostles as they are related in the Old and New TESTAMENTS With a description of the Townes and Places to which they trauelled and how many English miles they stood from IERVSALEM Also a short Treatise of the Weights Monies and Measures mentioned in the Scriptures reduced to our English valuations quantitie and weight Collected out of the Works of HENRY BVNTING and done into English by R.B. LONDON Printed by ADAM ISLIP 1636. TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE SIR HENRY MOVNTAGVE Knight Lord chiefe Iustice of the Kings Majesties BENCH IT is a true saying of the Philosopher Right Honourable and my very good Lord that there is nothing wherin 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 vpon him to humble him than vpon many other creatures The whole course of his life being compared vnto a Pilgrimage in which state a man can presume vpon no certaine continuance For as a Traueller that intendeth to finish his journey staies not in his Inne but desires more to be vpon his way than in his bed so it is with man who cannot possesse himselfe in rest from the time of his birth vntill his death and oftentimes is troubled with needlesse and vnprofitable Labours to attaine vnto his ends which got both they and he perish Let Alexander that great Emperour be a president of this who with much Labour hauing got a great estate enjoyed it but a short time and you may reade in this Treatise with what intollerable paines Antigonus Epiphanes endeauoured to establish his kingdome to him and yet in the end purchased little but a lamentable death There is none of the Patriarchs Princes Iudges Kings Prophets Apostles or others mentioned in the Scriptures that could make euident in the whole course of their life any better than a laborious and tedious Pilgrimage With what paines did Abraham wander from Chaldaea into the land of Canaan How was Moses tormented in the Wildernesse almost to the losse of his soule but absolutely neuer to come into the promised land And for Dauid how miserably liued hee when he could not trust his owne friends this is the state of man and to say truth he differs in little beside reason from other creatures and that either lockt vp in silence or not exprest in some memorable action makes him so much the more capable of misery being onely able to distinguish of joy and feare And that these things may be the more apparant I haue endeauoured to collect out of the Works of others this Treatise wherein is briefly described the Trauels of all the Prophets Princes c. together with the condition of Cities Countries Islands and other memorable places as they are mentioned in the Old and New Testaments All which that I might expresse that dutie which hath a long time lien concealed I haue wholly dedicated to your LL. seruice humbly intreating your fauourable acceptance of my paines that so being shrouded vnder your Ho. protection they may the better withstand the aduerse opinions of such as please to censure them At your Hon. seruice R.B. The Preface to the Reader IT hath alwaies beene held a matter worth note gentle Reader euen to the best Diuines to haue the Typographicall description of the townes 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 vnderstand the Prophets and perceiue the wonderfull prouidence of God who by his omnipotencie so disposeth of Estates that such Cities and Nations which haue beene mightie and ruled vpon the earth with great power notwithstanding on a sudden and by vnexpected euents haue beene vtterly subuerted and ouerthrowne Now that these things might be more apparant I haue in as good and briefe a method as I can gathered out of sundry Authors the particular description of the Cities Townes and places as they are mentioned in the Scriptures where they stood vnder whose command at what time they grew mightie and how lost and decayed To this also I haue added a particular narration of the Trauels of all the holy Patriarchs Prophets Princes Iudges Kings Emperours our blessed Sauiour and his Apostles to what townes they trauelled what memorable actions they did in those places with a short Chronologie of the times that so by comparing this discourse with any text of Scripture you may perceiue the time when those accidents happened All which things I am perswaded will proue no lesse pleasant than profitable and will giue a great light to the vnderstanding 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 Niniuey Ierusalem and most of the Cities of the Holy Land are long since wasted and decaied to this I answer therein consists the greatnesse of the Trauell because I haue beene constrained to vse the helpe of many Authors who amongst other long and learned discourses haue here and there glanced at the actions that were done in the land of Iudaea amongst which are Strabo Ierome de Locis Hebraicis Plinie Liuie Plutarch and many others who haue described in the actions of the Persians Chaldaeans Graecians and Romans the state of the Iewes as it stood in those times with the Description of the Cities and townes And Saint Ierome who liued in that countrie tooke a great deale of paines to rectifie these imperfect discourses which more obscure authors haue laboured in and left to future ages that so those which would might by their dilligence and care make them vsefull to informe their vnderstanding both concerning the state of the Iewes and the obscure meaning of some of the prophesies Also the scituation and destruction of Ierusalem a thing pleasant and profitable to know and no whit vnworthie your consideration How all or the most part of the Townes 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 haue beene done in them and for the most part where they stood and how they are at this day Besides to make this a perfect worke you shall finde after the end the old Testament and before the beglnning of the new a discourse concerning the weights measures and monies which are mentioned in the Scriptures reduced vnto our valuation how they were currant among the Iewes how with other people nations and countries by which meanes that necessitie of commutatiue Iustice for which monies were principally inuented will be apparent and by this meanes you shall perceiue what equalitie there is and hath beene vsed amongst Nations for the ordaining of measures and monies by which you may perceiue that this vniuerse being compared together
the World vpon most high mountaines and rockes like an earthly Paradise a liuely figure of the euerlasting Citie of God This Citie being the metropolitan or principallest Citie of the Iewes stood in the Tribe of Benjamin at the first it was called Salem that is Peaceable when Melchisedech the Priest of God raigned therein which hee also built after the Deluge as Iosephus and Egisippus write But at that time it was not very great for it stood onely vpon Mount Sion Mount Moriah where Abraham would haue offered his sonne Isaac stood without the Citie and after that they tooke it into the Citie as when time serueth it shall be declared After the death of Melchisedech vnto whom Abraham payd the Tythes of all his goods the Iebusites dwelt in the Citie of Ierusalem and had the dominion of it and all the land thereabouts in their subjection called the City Iebus after their name which name was held a long time as we reade in Iosuah the 10. Iud. 10. 2. Samuel 1. But at the last Ioab King Dauids Generall of his Armie woon it draue the Iebusites out of it and called it Ierusalem that is a sight or vision of Peace It hath also other names in the holy Scripture for in Esay 29. it is called Ariel that is Gods Lyon and mount Libanus * Because it was made of the Ceder trees which came âut of Mount Libanus The Prophet Ezechiel 23. calleth it Ahaliba my fixed Pauillion or Tent that is a Citie wherein God had placed his owne habitation The circuit and bignesse of the City Ierusalem THe City of Ierusalem was foure square and in circumference three and thirtie * Which make foure English miles and one furlong furlongs as Iosephus writeth which three and thirty Furlongs make somewhat more than a Dutch mile Some write that it was foure miles compasse about yet these were not Dutch miles but Wallon or Italian miles for foure such Italian miles are a Dutch mile Of mount Sion the higher Citie MOunt Syon stood Northwards in the Citie Ierusalem and was much higher than all the other Hills that were therein therefore it was called Sion that is a watch Tower because from thence one might see the Holy land and all the countries thereabout vpon this Hill the vpper Citie was built which in the Scripture is called the City of Dauid because Dauid wan it from the Iebusites and beautified it with many goodly houses faire and costly buildings but especially with his house of Cedar wood which hee termed the castle of Sion which stood Westwards at the corner of the Hill looking into Bethlehem Southwards In that house Dauid dwelt and therein committed adulterie with Berseba the wife of Vriah the Hittite whose house also with the place of diuers priuie Councellers and officers stood vpon the said Hill not farre from the Kings Pallace as Iosephus writeth Beneath King Dauids house vpon Mount Sion within a Rocke there was to be seene the sepulchre or vault wherein King Dauid Solomon his son and other succeeding Kings of Iuda were entombed and buried Vpon mount Syon also towards the East King Herod had a Garden of pleasure not farre from the Fountaine called Silo Nemiah 3. and there also stood the Tower of Silo whereof Luke in the 13 chapter maketh mention Iosephus in the warres of the Iewes his first book and sixteenth chapter saith That King Herod vnder whom Christ Iesus was borne had two faire and strong houses or Towers which hee set and made in the vpper part of the City Ierusalem vpon mount Syon which were in a manner comparable with the Temple for beautifulnesse which he called after the name of his friends the one Caesarea for Caesar the Emperors sake and the other Agrippa according to the name of the noble Roman Marcus Agrippa that married the daughter of Augustus Caesar This may suffice to declare the scituation of the vpper Citie which stood vpon mount Sion and conteyned in circuit fifteene furlongs which is about halfe a mile This vppermost Citie in the sacred Scripture is called the Citie of Dauid it was also cal-Millo that is fulnesse or plenty for in it there was no want but aboundance of all things Of the steps which descended downe from the citie of Dauid vnto the lower Citie MOunt Sion whereon the vpper citie of Ierusalem did stand was such a high hard hill and so steepe that no man could climbe or ascend vnto it by any way or meanes but only one that is by steps for in the middle thereof there was a great paire of staires made which descended from Dauids Citie vnto the lower Citie That is 26 yards in height into the valley or dale of gates called Thyroreion which staires were 780 foot * high as Iohannes Heydonius writeth and beneath in the valley of Thyroreion ouer against the valley of Cedron at the foot of the staires stood a gate which was called the gate of Sion and they which went vp to mount Sion must passe through that gate and so vp those staires but it is thought neuerthelesse that in some other part of the hill there was some winding or other oblique way made by which horses and chariots by little and little might ascend Allegoricall or Spirituall significations of mount Sion SIon in Hebrew signifieth a sure hold or goodly aspect for that from the top thereof a man might haue seen all the land lying thereabouts and was a type of the highest heauens or habitation of Almighty God from whence he beholdeth all things vpon earth from which throne and heauenly habitation he descended into this lower Ierusalem and became our Redeemer Sauiour that so we being purged by his bloud from all our sinnes and imperfections he might bring vs into that heauenly Ierusalem which is eternall glorie Of Mount Moriah on which the Temple stood MOunt Moriah stood Eastward within Ierusalem which was a most hard stony hill from whence towards the rising of the Sunne men by staires might easily descend but round about on the other three sides it was steepe and vnapprochable like a stone wall yet it was not so high as Mount Sion howbeit it was exceeding high extending and reaching 600 foot in height and on the top thereof was a very faire plaine like vnto that of Mount Sion whereon in times past Abraham builded an Altar and would haue offered his sonne Isaac for a Sacrifice Gen. 22. At which time when Abraham obeyed the commandement of God intending to haue offered his sonne Isaac vpon the Hill and thereon had made an Altar then the said Hill lay without the Citie but long time after about the space of 850 yeres when King Dauid had conquered Ierusalem and driuen thence the Iebusites to enlarge the Citie he compassed in Mount Moriah and Mount Acra with a wall vpon which there stood many goodly buildings And amongst other things worthy obseruation vpon this Mount stood the Barne or Threshing floore
commandement of the Lord he made a league with him Gen. 31. 4 From mount Gilead hee went to Mahanaim which is 16 miles and there he met with the Angels of God Gen. 31. 5 From Mahanaim he passed the water and went to Penuel which is foure miles and there wrestled with the Angel of God Gen. 32. 6 From Penuel hee went to Succoth where hee pitched his Tents 2 miles Gen. 33. 7 From Succoth hee passed the riuer of Iordan and went to Sichem not far from Salem about eight miles where his daughter Dinah was rauished Gen. 33. 8 From thence he went to Bethel which is eight and twenty miles Gen. 31. 9 From Bethel he went to Bethlehem Euphrata which is twelue miles in which way Rachel died and was buried not farre from Bethlehem then Iacob went forward and set vp his Tents neere to the Tower of Eder a mile from Bethlehem towards the South Gen. 35. 10 From Bethlehem Euphrata and the Tower of Eder he returned againe to the valley of Mamre neere Hebron to his father Isaac which is 20 miles Gen. 35. 11 From Hebron hee went to Beersaba which is 16 miles Gen. 38. 12 From Beersaba he went to the Towne of Ony a little off Aegypt in the land of Gossen which is 168 miles where Ioseph his sonne gaue him honourable entertainement Gen. 46. 13 From Ony he went to the citie * This was the chiefe Citie of Aegypt Zoan which is also called Tanis 28 miles where he was presented to K. Pharaoh Gen. 47. 14 From Tanis he returned to Ony which is 28 miles and there he dwelt and dyed in the land of Gossen Gen. 49. The Description of the Townes and places to which Iacob trauelled Of Bethel BEthel was a Towne in the Tribe of Benjamin eight miles from Ierusalem toward the North and signifies The house of God In times past it was called Luz but Iacob seeing in that place the vision of the Ladder with the Angells ascending and descending vpon it and because there the Lord renued the couenant with him concerning his seed and the comming of Christ he therefore called it Bethel Afterward Ieroboam hauing vnlawfully vsurpt the kingdome of Rehoboham caused a calfe to be set vp there for which cause it was then called Bethauen which signifieth the house of sinne and abhominable 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 townes should stand within two miles one of the other which seemeth very absurd therefore I dare boldly affirme that there was but one Bethel which stood vpon the borders of Benjamin and Ephraim both tribes bordering vpon the South side of the towne of Luz Iosh 16. 18. This towne of Bethel was at first in the Suburbs of Lue vntill the diuision 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. 35. Iosh 7. 18. From hence there is a two-fold mistery to be apprehended the first of Iacob whose sleeping in this place vpon a stone caused this Citie or Towne to be built and to retaine the name of Bethel that is The house of God So whosoeuer seekes to haue eternall life must rest vpon that corner stone Christ Iesus the sonne of the euerliuing God and by faith bee incorporated into the Church which is the house of God of which Christ the Annointed of the Lord is both King and Priest for euer Secondly as Iacob resting vpon this corner stone saw the Angels ascending and descending from heauen vnto earth so by this incorporation into the body of the Church of which Christ is the head by Faith and Baptisme our soules are made capable to ascend into that heauenly Tabernacle which he hath prepared for all those that beleeue according to that in Iohn 14. I am the way the truth and the life no man commeth vnto the father but by me only And whosoeuer is assured of this ladder that reacheth from heauen vnto earth may well say with Iacob surely the Lord Iesus Christ is in this place here is nothing but the house of God and here is the gate of heauen as Christ himselfe testifieth in the tenth of Iohn I am the doore and whosoeuer entreth not by me c. So that Christ is the head of his Church the ladder that ascendeth into heauen and the doore whereby we may enter into eternall life Of Gilead THis land of Gilead was a country that lay betweene Iordan and the mountaine of Gilead or rather betweene the sea of Galilee and the mount Gilead sixtie miles from Ierusalem towards the Southeast for the mountaines of Gilead beginning at mount Gilead extended thence vnto Arabia the stony and seperated the countrey of Israel beyond Iordan from the countrey of the Amonites But that part which lyeth betweene the Sea of Galilee and Ammon is properly called Gilead for when Iacob and Laban made a couenant either with other in the mount Gilead they gathered a heape of stones and making a banquet eat together vpon it Gen. 13. and from thence that mountain and all the countrey thereabouts tooke the name For Laban in the Syrian tongue is called IEGAR SAHADVTA the heap of couenant But Iacob in the Hebrew language called that mountain together with all the Countrie thereabouts Galeed or Galaad the heape of testimonie for Gal signifieth a heape or graue and Galal He rolled or hee thrust into a round heape From whence the Greeke word ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã to roule and ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã a circle is deriued Also Edah signifies testomonie with the Hebrewes being deriued from Id which signifies testaetus est that is he beareth witnesse and from hence ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã amongst the Grecians is deriued which signifieth a witnesse 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 vp into heauen in a fierie Chariot 1 Reg. 17.2 Reg. 2. The Graecians call this Decapolin from ten cities that are strongly built in that countrey Marc. 7. Of Machanaim MAchanaim was a Citie of the Leuites in the Tribe of Gad neere to the floud of Iordan and Iaboch fortie foure miles from Ierusalem toward the Southeast and scituate in the land of Gilead beyond Iordan being so called of the Patriarch Iacob because there he saw the Tents and Armie of Angels which he vnderstood to be his assistants against his brother Esau whom hee feared Genesis 31. For Chana signifieth Castrametatus est that is the Tents are measured out from whence Machanaim is the proper name of a place being deriued from two Tents of Angels which appeared to Iacob That they might defend him in his journey For the Angels of God compasseth
them about that feare him Psal 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 Leuits Iosh 21. and here Dauid was receiued when he fled from his sonne Absalon 2 Sam. 17. Here Iacob wrastles with the Angell Gen. 32. Of Pnuel or Penuel THis Towne was vpon the East side of Iordan close by the mouth of the riuer Iaboch in the tribe of Gad fortie miles from Ierusalem towards the Southeast and is deriued 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 Towne was destroied in Gedeons time Iudg. 8. Of Succoth THis is a towne beyond Iordan not farre from Penuel in the tribe of Gad 40 miles from Ierusalem towards the Southeast Here Iacob set vp his tabernacles and continued for a while from whence it borrowes the name For Sachach signifies A couering and from thence it is called Succha and ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã with the Greeks which signifies A shield couering defence or tabernacle Of this towne there is mention in Iosh 13.2 Chr. 4. Gedeon caused the Citizens of this towne of Succoth to be torne to pieces with thornes Iudg. 8. Of Salem SAlem is a town of the Sichamites lying towards the East side of the riuer Iordan and in the midst of the tribe of Manasses fortie miles from Ierusalem towards the North not farre from Sichem where Dinah Iocobs daughter was rauished Gen. 33. 34. in Aenon neere to this place Iohn Baptist baptised and signifies A Citie of Peace and integritie Of Bethlem Euphrata THis town was distant from Ierusalem towards the South six miles it was scituated in a pleasant and fruitfull countrey and from thence tooke the name for Bethlachem is called The house of bread Euphrata signifies fruitfull being deriued from Parah that is to fructifie and Baith signifieth a house from the affinitie that it hath to Banah that is to build so that Baithlaechem doth denote vnto vs The house of bread and other fruits and meats that are fit to be eaten Here was Christ the sonne of God borne that bread of life of which whosoeuer eateth shall liue eternally Io. 6. And here Dauid was the second time annointed King 1 Sam. 16. Of this towne you may reade more in the second of Luke Of Rachels graue ABout a mile from Bethlem towards the North Rachel the wife of Iacob was buried ouer whom hee set a stately sepulchre made of twelue marble stones or Pyramides these stones are seene to this day vpon the right hand of the way as you goe from Bethlem to Ierusalem and from thence all the land thereabouts is called the land of Rachel For when Herod killed the innocent children all the inhabitants thereabouts wept and would not be comforted Matth. 2. Ierem. 31 Of the Towne of Aeder THis was a watch Tower of the Bethlamites about a mile from Bethlem towards the South and was so called from the flockes of Sheepe that resorted thither for Migdal signifies a Tower and Aeder a flocke or heard for thereabouts were very fertile pastures Here the Angels told the sheepheards of the natiuitie 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 sheepe-heards 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 fruitfull country in the land of Aegypt the Metropolitane whereof was Ony two hundred miles from Ierusalem towards the Southwest in this Citie Iacob dwelt The typicall signification of the Patriarch Iacob IAcob 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 Againe he is the type of a Christian man For as he wrestling with the Angell obtained a blessing so euery good man continually striuing with perseuerance in prayer shall at length obtaine an euerlasting blessing for for this cause was Iacob called Israel that is the Prince of God in that he preuailed with God so all those that beleeue in Christ are called Princes of the kingdome of heauen because by his mediation they haue preuailed with God and are made partakers of eternall life Iacob had two wiues Leah and Rachel Leah signifies wearied and was a type of the old Mosaicall Church for that was oppressed and wearied with the lawes of Moses and brought forth Priests Leuites Kings and warlike Princes by which the people of the Iewes became oppressed and wearied by extreame labors and at length were miserably extinguished for as it is in the 15 of the Acts of the Apostles The law of Moses was an intollerable and troublesome burthen But Rachel signifies a Sheepe and is a type and signe of the Church of God in the New Testament as Christ himselfe speaketh in the tenth of Iohn My sheepe heare my voice and follow me and I will giue them eternall life Sheepe are naturally patient and peaceable so all such as are of Christs Church seeke after patience and peace Leah was nothing so faire but much more fruitfull Rachel was nothing so fruitfull but a great deale fairer Leah was the mother of Benjamin which signifieth sorrow Rachel of Ioseph who was a type of Christ Of the Trauels of Esau ESau trauelled from mount Sier in Mesopotamia to the towne of Pnuell or Penuell eightie miles to meet his brother Iacob where the singular ciuilitie and humilitie of Iacob towards him is worthy obseruation For hee first sent to meet him then hee did him obedience to the ground seuen seuerall times and so saluted him saying Loe these are the children which God of his grace haue giuing his seruant From whence it may be gathered That it becommeth euery man if it be possible to win his enemy to peace and concord rather by humanitie and humilitie than by force for Esau seeing this kind of reuerence though before he had a full determination to doe him violence yet now he comes to meet him embraces him takes him about the necke beginnes to weepe and kisses him yea such was their loue that they both wept with joy Gen. 35. After Esau returning went home to Sier backe againe eightie miles these things hapned in the yeare of the World 2206 when both brethren were about 89 yeares of age and in the yeare before Christ 1762. Of mount Sier MOunt Sier where Esau and his posteritie 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 driuen thence by the fourteene sonnes of Esau into Arabia the stony where they continued Gen. 36. It was called Edom of Esau and then Idumaea Gen.
there were thirty Castles and Townes that were called after his name Iudg. 10. Num. 32. Deut. 3. Ios 13. 1 Chr. 1. Hee dwelt at Kamon a towne in the Tribe of Gilead some 48 miles from Ierusalem towards the North-East The trauels of Ieptha IEptha was borne at Mizpah in the Land of Giliad and being driuen into exile by his brothers hee fled into the Land of Tob 48 miles from Ierusalem Iudg. 11. From thence he returned to Mizpah 48 miles and there was chosen Prince and began his gouernment Anno mundi 2760 and before Christ 1208 yeares Iudg. 11. From Mizpah hee went with is army against the Ammonites to the Citie of Aroer where he put them to flight which is 26 miles Iudg. 11. From Aroer he pursued the enemies to Minneth which is 8 miles Iudg. 11. From Minneth he went to the plaine of the Vines which is 24 miles Iudg. 11. From Abel or the Plaine of the Vines hee went to Mizpah where he offered his daughter for a sacrifice to rhe Lord Iudg. 11. At that time he and the Ephramites got a memorable battell in which were slaine 22000 Iudg. 12. So all the Trauels of Ieptha were 322 miles Of the Cities and places mentioned in his Trauels Of Thob or Tob. THob or Tob to which Ieptha fled is in the halfe tribe of Manasses beyond Iordan not far from the mountain of Antilibanus 104 miles from Ierusalem Northeastward this was a very faire and plentifull countrey and therefore called Thob being deriued from Thobah which signifieth Good and Rare Of Mizpah MIzpha was a Citie in land of Gilead in the halfe Tribe of Manasses 18 miles from Ierusalem Northeastward and signifieth a Watch-tower of Zaphah to looke out In this towne Gideon dwelt and after him Samuel It was afterward destroied by Iudas Macchabeus you may reade more of it 1 Sam. 7.10 Ier. 40.41 Iosh 8. 1 Reg. 15. 2 Chr 6. Nehem. 3. Of Aroer THis was a citie of the Moabites beyond Iordan neere the riuer Arnon and fell to the tribe of Gad Iosh 12.13 Deut. 2. and takes the name from Turpentine being deriued from Arar that is He hath destroied and rooted out and was so called because Ieptha woon a memorable battell neere to this place Iud. 11. This is often mentioned in the Scriptures There was another towne of this name close by Damascus Of Minueth IN S. Ieroms time 40 yeres after Christ this towne was called Menneth of Mercury which the Syrians call Meni from Manah to distribute being a towne of Merchants which disperse their commodities here and there and stood beyond Iordan in the Tribe of Reuben 32 miles from Ierusalem toward the East Of the Plaine of Vines Of this you may reade more in the Trauels of Balaam Of the death of Ieptha THis Ieptha was a famous Captaine and from thence took his name for Iepthach signifieth To make him an open way with the sword being deriued of Patach To open and after hee had iudged Israel six yeares died the manner of whose death is diuersly reported some say that because hee performed not his vow effectually therefore God strooke him with a grieuous vlcer so that as he was passing from citie to citie in euery place he left a member Others say that he died in the citie of the Gileadites and that in memorie of his singular actions and noble exploits which by Gods especiall ayd he atchieued his body was cut into pieces and into euery citie of Gilead a member sent and there buried which as I take it is the better opinion Of Ebzan EBzan was the tenth Iudge of Israel and succeeded Iepthah he began his gouernment in Anno mundi 2666 and before Christ 1402. He was a Bethlamite of the Tribe of Iudah and as the Hebrews thinke Boez the grandfather of King Dauid he had thirtie sonnes and thirty daughters and liued to see them all married and tooke them home vnto him into his own family which doubtlesse was a great blessing of God and from thence tooke his name for Ibsan or Abezan signifieth the father of a flocke or multitude He liued dwelt and was buried in Bethlem Iuda Iudg. 12. Of Elom IN the yeare of the world 2773 and before Christ 1195. In the 5 yeare of this mans rule the Trojan warre began Ann. mundi 2777 before Christ 1190. Elon the eleuenth Iudge of Israel began to rule and dwelt in Aialon in the Tribe of Zabulon who after he had gouerned ten yeares dyed and was buried in the same towne There was another citie of the same name in the Tribe of Dan some foure miles from Ierusalem towards the West where at the prayer of Ioshua the Sunne stood still Of Abdon ABdon the twelfth Iudge of Israel succeeded Elon In the 5 yeare of this mans rule Troy was taken and began to rule Anno mundi 2782 and before Christ 1185. Hee dwelt in the Tribe of Ephraim in a mountaine of the Amalakites 16 miles from Ierusalem Northwards He ruled full eight yeares and then died and was buried in Pirithon Abdon signifieth a seruant for hee was a good Prince but that in obeying others he lost himselfe This Abdon was a great man had fortie sonnes thirtie of which he saw married and for his greater honour had his Chariot drawne with 70 Asses for they vsed them as we doe Horses The trauels of Sampson SAmpson was borne in the city of Zarea brought vp in the Tents of Dan and Estahol Iud. 13. From thence hee went to Timnah which is twelue miles there he fell in loue with Iudah the daughter of a Philistine Iudg. 14. From Timnah hee went backe to his father to Zarea and reuealed his affection which is 12 miles He and his father went back again to Timnah to see the maid and by the way as he went hee killed a Lyon which is twelue miles Iudg. 14. From thence he returned back again which is 12 miles Iud. 14. Within a while after Sampson and his friends went againe to Timnah and by the way he found Hony in the Lyon that he had slaine and gaue it to his friends to eat and when he came to the Philistines house he propounded the Riddle whereof you may reade Iudg. 14. These things hapned in Anno mundi 2791 and before Christ 1176 at which time he succeeded Abdon in the rule of the Iewes From thence he went to Ascalon a citie of the Philistines and killed thirtie of their men and tooke away their garments which is 24 miles From thence he returned backe againe to Timnah and deliuered the Philistines which had vnfolded the Riddle those change of garments Iudg. 14. From thence being angry that his wife had disclosed the riddle he returned to Zarea to his friends which is 12 miles Iud. 14. Within a while after when his anger was ouer hee returned backe to his wife to Timnah which is 12 miles it being then wheat haruest and carried with him a Goat that so hee might be merrie
a memorable battell against Hadad-Ezer the King thereof neere to the riuer Euphrates he tooke 700 horse and 20000 foot burnt their chariots tooke 100 castles conquered all the Townes and Countrey round about and went away with a great bootie as well of Gold as siluer brasse and other things which brasse for the excellencie thereof was like vnto gold and as Iosephus saith afterwards Solomon made the molten sea of it When Gadarezer King of the Syrians he that built that famous citie of Damascus heard of the ouerthrow of Hadad-Ezer hee sent a great army to his aid which King Dauid neere to the riuer Euphrates smote with the sword so that 20000 of them were slaine and he carried away a glorious victorie extending his gouernment from Ierusalem 600 miles towards the North that is into Armenia and beyond the riuer Euphrates and made these two nations tributary vnto him 2 Sam. 8. 1 Chr. 19. After Dauid had woon these 2 memorable victories neere Euphrates he went thence with all his army towards the South and inuaded the land of Syria in which journey Ioram the sonne of Tohi King of Antiochia which citie at this time was called Hemath met Dauid with gifts and presents in the name of his Father returning him many thankes because he had destroied the common enemy Hadad-Ezer and by strong hand subdued and quelled the furie of that mighty tyrant who was also a trouble and vexation to the Kingdome of Antiochia Dauid entertained this message kindly thankfully receiued his gifts which was of gold siluer and fine brasse and so gaue Ioram an acceptable dispatch and from thence with his army went to Damascus the Metropolitan citie of Syria where in the valley of salt he got a great victory in which 18000 Syrians were slaine and soon after the Citie of Damascus taken in which Dauid placed a garrison and compelled them to pay tribute 2 Sam. 8. This was distant from the kingdome of Soba 520 miles From Damascus he went with his army into the land of the Ammonites 100 miles in the way that leadeth out of Syria to Ierusalem all which he conquered and all the cities and townes thereabouts and compelled them to pay tribute 2 Sam. 8. From thence he returned to Ierusalem which was 60 miles and all the bootie that he had gotten in his journey he dedicated vnto the Lord 2 Sam. 8. A while after hee with his army made an incursion into the land of Idumaea and compelled the inhabitants to pay tribute Moreouer he destroied the citie of Midian the Metropolitane of that countrey of which you may reade before it was distant from Ierusalem 160 miles towards the South So that the extent of Dauids kingdome from the North to the South was 800 miles euen from the kingdome of Soba to the Red sea and from the East to the West 120 miles from Tyrus and Sydon reaching to Damascus Thus by the singular blessing of God he obtained a spacious and powerfull Empire 1 Sam. 8. 1 Reg. 11. 1 Chr. 19. He made his expedition into Idumaea about the 14 yeare of his raigne From Midian in Idumaea hee returned with great glory and praise to Ierusalem which was 160 miles In the 14 yere of his raigne and in the yere of the world 2904 and before Christ 1064 Nahas King of the Ammonites died and Haron his sonne succeeded him this man contemptuously abused the messengers of Dauid 2 Sam. 10. and to justifie that injury he gathered an army out of Soba Siria and Mesopotamia euen a mighty Host to oppose Dauid who in the 15 yeare of his gouernment met him with his Armie at Helam some twenty miles from Ierusalem where he obtained a notable victorie and destroied 700 chariots and 40000 horse 1 Chr. 20. Dauid after this with great applause of the people was entertained into Ierusalem which was 20 miles distant where being puft vp with prosperity he forgat his former pietie and sanctitie and by degrees fell into vnlawfull actions and vnjust desires whence it hapned that soone after he committed adulterie with Bathseba after that to hide his fault caused her husband to be slaine This was kept secret till the Lord by Nathan sharply reprehends him laies before him what hee was and what his present estate is from whence that came and then concludes that he is most vnthankfull carelesse and negligent towards God and man in committing those insolencies neither left he there but told him that God would seuerely punish him for his offence which after hapned as you may reade 1 Sa. 11.12.14.17 Dauid being nipt in his conscience with this sharpe reprehension fell into great lamentation the extremitie of whose passions may very well appeare in the poenitentiall Psalmes which at this time and soone after hee wrot and left to future ages After this about the end of Summer he gathered an army and went into the land of the Ammonites some 64 miles where hee took the Metropolitan citie which at that time was called Rabba because of the multitude of citizens that were in it but after being restored by Ptolomeus Philadelphus King of Aegypt hee called it after his own Philadelphia there took the crowne from the head of the king of the Ammonites which weighed a Talent of * How much this was you may read after in the quantitie of weights gold being as Iosephus saith richly adorned with faire Sardonicke stones of which you may reade in 2 Sam. 12. From thence he returned back to Ierusalem which is 64 miles where hee married Bathseba and by her had foure sonnes Simeon Sobab Nathan and Solomon 1 Chr. 3. Soone after this Ammon defloured his sister Thamar not long after that his son Absalon killed his brother Ammon beeing then about 18 yeares of age which Dauid tooke so hainously that he would not suffer him to come into his sight for three yeares 1 Sam. 13. Then Ioab by the subtiltie of the woman of Tekoa reconciled him to the king his father yet neuerthelesse he came not to his court of two yeares after This Absolon was a goodly man affable for which cause enen at that time the people began to affect him Afterward in the yeare of the world 2950 and before Christ 1408 Absolon being then about 25 yeares of age moued sedition against his father A matter remarkeable that although he had slaine his owne brother being disgraced and absent from the Court almost fiue yeres yet within short time after he so strongly vnited the affection of the people to him that he constrained Dauid standing in feare of his greatnesse all his former acts and worthy victories notwithstanding to forsake his owne citie and for safety to fly to the mount of Oliues beeing three quarters of a mile from the citie There he staied a while to see the condition of the tumult but necessitie constrained him to take his way to Bahuzim And as he was going Zimri the sonne of Gesa of the house of Saul cursed
Shepheard giueth his life for his Sheepe c. Fourthly in his musicke Dauid was cunning vpon the harp and by that comforted the afflicted spirit of Saul so Christ by the musick and harmonie of his doctrine the glad tydings of saluation comforteth the afflicted members of his Church Fiftly Dauid got his glory and preferment by the death of Goliah so Christ was glorified by conquering Death and the Diuell Sixtly Dauid was persecuted by Saul and pursued from one place to another so that he had not where to hide his head with safety so Christ was persecuted by his own countrymen the Iews shut out from the society of man and as he said Mat. 8. The Foxes haue holes and the Birds haue nests but the Son of man hath not where to hide his head Seuenthly in the dangers that Dauid sustained by Gods prouidence he was mercifully deliuered so Christ was inclosed and in danger of the Iews at Nazareth Luke 4. in Ierusalem in the Temple also Ioh. 8. but he escaped them al because then his time was not come Io. 7.8 Eightly as Absolon rebelled against Dauid being his father so the Iews rebelled against Christ although hee was their Creator according to that of Esay 61. I haue fed and brought vp children but they haue forsaken me Ninthly as Dauid fled to Mount Olivet for refuge being brought to a streight so Christ vpon Mount Olivet his heart being prest with an intollerable agonie fled to his Father by praier for comfort in that extremitie Tenthly as all the friends and familiars of Dauid forsooke him at such time as Absolon 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 Iewes was forsaken of all his followers and many of those which a little before he had done good vnto mocked and derided him as he was vpon the Crosse Lastly as Dauid was restored notwithstanding the former miseries and troubles to his antient glory and eminencie so Christ after he had suffered the due punishment for sin death and before that extteame miserie yet at length conquered both and by his diuine power restored himselfe to his former estate eternall glory The Trauels of ABNER one of Sauls Captaines HEe went with King Saul from Gibeah to the Wildernes of Ziph which was 22 miles Here he was rebuked by Dauid for his negligence From thence he returned to Gibeah 22 miles 1 Sam. 31. From thence he trauelled to the hill Gilboa where Saul killed himselfe 40 miles From thence he went to Machanaim where he made Ishbosheth Sauls son King who kept his court there seuen years 16 miles 2 Sam. 2. From thence hee went to Gibeon where hee slew Asahel Ioabs brother in battell Which was 44 miles 2 Sam. 2. From thence he went ouer Iordan to Bythron 28 miles From thence he went backe to Machanaim 16 miles 2 Sam. 2 Lastly he went thence to Hebron to Dauid and made a Couenant with him where he was treacherously slain by Ioab was 68 miles So all the trauels 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 Northeastward lying between Dibon and Iordan It taketh the name from a House of singing beeing deriued of Baith which signifieth a House and Ron He sung ioyfully The Trauels of IOAB IOAB Dauids Captain was the son of Zerviah Dauids sister for he had two Zerviah and Abogale Zerviah had Ioab Abishas and Asael Abigal had onely Amasa all which were great men in King Dauids time Now when Ioab heard that Abner had brought downe his army to Gibeon hee 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 vnder the gates of the city he traiterously killed Abner 2 Sam. 3. From thence he went with Dauid to Ierusalem where he won Sion and draue thence the blinde 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. cap. 10. From thence he returned backe to Ierusalem 60 miles From thence he went with Dauid into Idumea 160 miles from Ierusalem Southward there he won the towne of Midian conquered the Idumaeans or Edomites 2 Sam. 8. From thence he returned to Ierusalem with his Army beeing 160 miles From thence hee went and besieged Rabba the metropolitan city of the Ammonites beeing 64 miles from Ierusalem North-Eastward Here Vriah was slain 2 Sam. 11. From thence he returned to Ierusalem with K. Dauid 64 miles From thence he went into the kingdom of Gesur which lieth beyond Iordan vpon Mount Libanus by the towne of Caesarea Philippi some 80 miles from Ierusalem Northeastward This countrey was called Trachonites From this land Ioab brought Absolon again to Ierusalem 2 Sam. 14. From thence he returned backe againe with Absolon to Ierusalem 88 miles From thence he went with Dauid when he fled from his sonne Absolon to Machanaim being 44 miles Not far from hence he slew Absolon 2 Sam. 18. From thence he came again with King Dauid to Ierusalem 44 miles 2 Sam. 10. From thence he went to Gibeah where he killed Amasa which was 4 miles From thence he went to the town of Abel-Bethmaacha in the tribe of Nepthali being about 88 miles This town he straightly besieged From thence he went again to Ierusalem 88 miles Afterward he went as Dauid commanded him to number the people at Aroer a towne beyond Iordan which was 24 miles 2 Sam. 24. From thence he went to Iaezer which is 16 miles From thence going through the land of Gilead and passing by the territories of the lower countrey of Hadsi hee came to the town of Dan neere to the place where 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 towne Sidon he went to the walls of Tyre to which place great multitudes of ships resorted which was sixeteene miles From thence he went toward the South til he came to the city Beersaba which was the vtmost bounds of the Holy land Southwestward and was reckoned 132 miles From thence he returned backe to Ierusalem where he deliuered to Dauid the number of those that were chosen souldiers 2. Sam. 24. but the Lord strooke the country and city of Ierusalem with a great plague because hee did contrary to his command 2 Sam. 24. So all the trauels of Ioab were 1348 miles The description of the places to which he trauelled MAny of those cities mentioned in the trauels of Ioab are already described and set forth therefore I account it needlesse in this place againe to repeat them but only such townes as yet haue not bin mentioned
Ierusalem she returned backe again which was 964 miles So all her trauels were 1928 miles Of Aethiopia THis Countrey by the Hebrewes is called Chus of Chus the son of Cham who was the son of Noah and after Aethiopia ab astu torrida because of the great heate wherewith oftentimes the habitable land and people as also the wildernesse were sorely scorched and burned for it is scituated in the third part of the world called Africa lying vnder the torrid Zone and the Aequator which two by common experience are found to bee extreme hot Of Saba SAba is a metropolitan city in Ethiopia lying beyond Egypt 846 miles from Ierusalem towards the South and tooke the name from a certain pretious stone called Achates wherin might plainly be discerned in certain distinct colors the rising of fountains the chanels of riuers high mountains and somtimes of chariots and horses drawing them It is reported That Pyrrhus King of the Epirots had one of them wherein was liuely represented the nine Muses and Apollo playing on the Viol portrayed by naturall staines and colours so artificially as if they had bin don by some curious workman Of this stone you may reade more in Pliny li. 37. ca. 1.10 It was first found in Achates a riuer of Sicilia whence it tooke the name Afterward in India and Phrygia and of the Hebrewes was called Schaeba or Saba In this city that Queen dwelt who came to heare Solomons wisedom and gaue him for a present 120 talents of pure gold which at 3 pounds an ounce comes to 270000 pounds sterling Afterwards Cambyses King of Persia ouercame it and all the country round about it and after his sisters name called it Meroës It is a stately city to this day scituated in a plain country and compassed about with the riuer Nilus like an Island being now called Elsaba hauing some affinitie to the antient name Saba The Inhabitants of this towne goe naked all but their priuy parts which they couer either with Silke Cotton or some more costly matter and are of a blacke colour which as some thinke hapneth by reason of the extreme heat The land also is maruellously scortched and turned in many places to sand and dust So that the country is thereby wonderfull barren About Meroes or Saba which is made fruitful by the inundation of Nilus there is found plenty of salt brasse yron and some pretious stones Their sheep goats oxen and other cattell are of lesse stature than in other Countries Their dogs are very fierce and cruell In times past there were mighty princes that had the gouernement 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 gouernment of Queenes who for their noble resolutions 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 baptised Acts 8. was Treasurer or Chamberlain to this Queene and it is to be thought By him the doctrine of the Gospell of Christ was first made knowne in Saba and in the countrey of Aethiopia which afterwards was more largely propagated and dispersed by the Evangelist S. Mathew who taught there This city lieth to the longitude of 61 degrees and 30 scruples in the eleuation of the Pole Artick to the latitude 16 degrees and 25 scruples So that it seemes the inhabitants haue two winters two summers or rather a continual summer because their winter is much hotter than our summer But when the Sunne attaineth to the 15 degree of Taurus and Leo and in the Dog daies it then lies perpendicular ouer that country and neither their bodies nor houses giue any shadowes In the 61 of Esay it is said They shall come from Saba and bring gold frankincense to praise the Lord. From whence some some haue concluded That those wise men which came vnto the childe Iesus and brought Gold Frankincense and Myrrh were Aethiopians and came thence But this agreeth not well with the words of Mathew 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 Sauiors 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 Iudgement against this generation and condemne it for she came from the end of the world to heare the wisedome of Solomon c. But if Saba lie vpon the South as here it plainely appeareth then it must needs follow they came not thence but rather from Persia which from Ierusalem lies Eastward For at Susa the metropolis of that country there was an Academy for the whole kingdom in which were chiefly studied Diuinity the Mathematickes and History So that it is likely by their Art they might attain to the knowledge of this diuine Mysterie and from thence come to Ierusalem which was 520 miles Eastward Therfore this place of the Prophet Esay is rather to be referred to the propagation of the church through the whole world where some of euery nation shall bring presents vnto the Lord. There is also another Saba in Arabia Foelix so called from Zaeba the son of Chus the son of Cham the sonne of Noah and it is distant from Ierusalem 1248 miles toward the Southeast In Hebrew it signifies the city of Drunkennesse or of Mirth but with the Syrians Antiquitie Some would haue it in the Arabian tongue to signifie a Mysterie But S. Ierom interprets it To sound their conuersion 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 fruitfull trees There inhabiteth in it the King of that countrey a mightie Prince his Gouernors and most of such as haue authority vnder him The land is called the Kingdome of the Sabaeans but generally Arabia Foelix because of the fertilitie of the place for it yeeldeth twice euery yeare great plenty of Frankincense Myrrh Cinnamon Balsam and other odoriferous herbs The tree out of which this Myrrh commeth is fiue cubits high hairy and full of prickles and when you cut the barke there commeth forth a bitter gumme wherewith if you anoint a dead body it will continue long without rotting The frankincense also that is found there droppeth from Cedar trees like a glewie substance and so congealeth into a Gum. This happeneth twice euery yeare and according vnto the season it changeth colour in the Spring it is red in the Summer white This is the best Frankincense in all Arabia Foelix Through the whole country there is a very delectable smell by reason of the Myrrh Frankincense and Cinnamon that is found in it insomuch that if the winde blowes amongst the trees it
West and signifieth a Royall or loftie gift The Trauels of Baesa King of Israel BAesa is as much to say as An industrous and promt man in doing any thing This may hauing slaine his Master Nadab neere vnto Gibithon vsurped vpon the Kingdome of Israel about the end of the third yearo of Asa King of Iuda and began his raigne Anno mundi 2992 before Christ 974 and raigned ouer Israel almost 24 yeares two of which he raigned with his sonne 1 Reg. 15. He went from Gibithon to Thirza 36 miles where hee vtterly rooted out the whole stocke and family of Ieroboam After falling into Idolatrie he was sharply reprehended for it by Iehu the Prophet the son of Hanani of whom you may reade more 1 Reg. 15. From Thirza he went to Ramah which is 16 miles this towne he built and fortified it very strongly 2 Chr. 29. But when he heard that Benhadad King of Syria had inuaded Israel hee left his building at Ramah and with all possible speed that hee could went to Thirza where hee died and was buried 1 Reg. 15. 2 Chr. 16. So all the Trauels of Baesa were 68 miles Of Ramah Of this Citie you may reade before Of Ella or Elah King of Israel ELah signifies a cruell man This was the son of Baasha King of Israel who was crowned King his father yet liuing about the beginning of the 26 yeare of Asa king of Iuda at such time as Benhadad king of Syria inuaded and wasted Galilee He raigned two yeares one of them during the life of his father the other alone in Thirza at the end of which hee was slaine by Simri his seruant 1 Reg. 15. 16. Of Zimri King of Israel SImri signifieth a singer and was a captain ouer king Elahs chariots hee raigned 7 daies in Thirza in which time he put to death and vtterly rooted out all the posteritie of Baasha and then Omri besieged the Citie so straitly that he had no hope to escape wherefore he set the citie and pallace on fire in which he also perished 1 Reg. 15. 16. The Trauels of Omri King of Israel OMri signifieth a souldier or one that deserueth his pay He was made King by the Israelites in his tent while he was at wars neere to Gibithon from whence he went to Thirza which was 36 miles and besieged the same vpon the very day that Simri had put the posteritie of Baasha to the sword and took it He began to raigne in Thirza Anno mundi 3017 and before Christ 951 and raigned ouer Israel 12 yeres the first six of which was in Thirza the latter six in Samaria 1 Reg. 16. From Thirza he went to mount Semer six miles there Omri built Samaria and made it the seat of his kingdome He went thither about the seuenth yeare of his raigne 1 Reg. 16. So these two journies were 42 miles Of Samaria SAmaria the chiefe seat and Metropolis of Israel was built by Omri in mount Semer 32 miles from Ierusalem towards the North and took that name of Semer who was Lord of that mountaine of whom K. Omri bought it for two talents of siluer which amounteth to 1200 crownes In this citie 14 Kings of Israel kept their Courts viz. Omri who was the first founder of it Ahab Ahasia Iehoram Iehu Ioachas Ioas Ieroboam Zacharias Sallum Menahem Pekahia Pekah and Hosea who was the last of the Kings of Israel that raigned in this citie and lost it together with his libertie Of all these Kings there were but fiue that died naturally for the Lord being moued to wrath by reason of their impietie and idolatrie either gaue them vp into the hands of forrein enemies or by ciuill war amongst themselues they cruelly murthered one another vntill such time as the Assirians destroied the land and led the people captiue Thus the Lord punished with a sharp and seuere punishment this obstinat nation because they contemned the admonitions and doctrines of the Prophets amongst which Elias and Elizeus were the chiefe So that although Samaria was a faire and beautifull city and the country for that cause was called the prouince of Samaria yet notwithstanding that great God the Iudge of all things for the iniquitie of the people caused this faire Citie to be left desolate the inhabitants of the land to be dispersed and the earth for want of due vsage to lie as a wildernesse 2 Reg. 17. This city in the old Testament according to the Hebrew phrase is called Shaemaer of Schomron which signifies To keepe or a Tower of strength You may reade of this 1 Reg. 2. 2 Reg. 1. 7. The Greekes and Latines call it Samaria which signifieth The castle of Iehouah or of God You may reade more of this in the second Volume Of Hiel that built Iericho againe AFter the death of Omri King of Israel when Ahab his sonne began to raigne Hiel a very rich man in the town of Bethel that hee might leaue behind him an eternall memorie of his name went to Iericho which had bin formerly destroied by Ioshuah the son of Nun had lien wast for the space of 536 yeres where contrary to the commandement of the Lord and curse of Ioshuah he caused the said citie to be rebuilt such was the impious securitie and incredulitie of this man but the Lord was angry with him and he strooke all his children that they died The eldest son called Abiram at the laying of the foundation and his yongest sonne called Segub at the hanging on of the gates Ios 6. 1 Reg. 16. The Trauels of King Ahab AHab went from Samaria to the hill Carmel where Elias put to death the Priests of Baal which was about 32 miles 1 Reg. 18. From thence he went to Iezreel which is sixteene miles there he told his wife how Elias had put the priests of Baal to the sword 1 Reg. 18. From Iezreel he went againe to Samaria 18 miles where being prest with a hard siege by Benhadad King of Syria he broke out of the citie for his better safety and by Gods great prouidence and assistance he assailed the Syrians put a great multitude of them to the sword the rest fled and hee went away with a noble victory as the Prophet of the Lord had formerly told him 1 Reg. 20. From Samaria he went with his army to Napheck which was 14 miles where he renewed a second battell and therein had good successe so that hee tooke Benhadad aliue and put to the sword 100000 Syrians In this place the Prophet of the Lord reproued him for his ingratitude and obstinacie wherefore Ahab being angry he went from Apheck to Samaria which was eight miles 1 Reg. 20. From Samaria he went io Iesreel 16 miles where that perfidious Queene Iesabel caused Naboth to be put to death and tooke possession of his Vineyard 1 Reg. 21. From Iezreel he went to Ramoth Giliad 24 miles and there in a fight that hee had against the Syrians was so sore-wounded with an arrow
day The siege continued euen till the 11 yere of this king Ierem. 39.52 2 Reg. 25. And vpon the 9 day of the 4 moneth Thamus which agreeth with the tenth day of Iuly the City was taken and Zedekiah was put to flight Vpon the 7 of the 5 moneth Ab Nabusaraden chiefe captaine of the army was sent backe by Nabuchadonezar into Iudaea where he destroied and burned the houses and buildings of the citie of Ierusalem Ierem. 52. vpon the tenth day of the fifth Moneth Ab which answereth to the ninth day of Argust being the Sabbath day the temple of Ierusalem was set on fire Ier. 52. de bello Iudaei lib. 6. cap. 26. 27. This first captiuitie and destruction of the citie of Ierusalem by Nabuchadonezar that great Emperor happened anno mundi 3362 and before Christ 606. Three hundred and nintie yeres being then fully compleat and ended from the first yeare of Iaroboam King of Israel who set vp the golden calues and caused them to be worshipped For after the end of these yeares according to the prophecie of Ezekiel cap. 4. the sins of Ieroboam should be grieuously punished vpon the people of Iudah In like manner from the end of the 13 yere of Iosiah wherin Ieremie first began to prophecie vntill this yeare in which the children of Israel were carried away captiue into Babylon are numbred 40 yeares which by Ezek. cap. 4. are called the yeares of the iniquitie of Iuda because so long the Iewes did contemne and despise the admonition of the Prophet Ieremie Of Babylon HOw far this citie stood from Ierusalem you may reade before which by the Chaldaeans is called Shinear or Sinear and signifies To strike vpon the teeth being deriued of Schen A tooth and Naer To strike It may also bee taken for that when a man endeauoured with all speed to execute a thing which seemes to resemble the condition of Nimrod for that in this place he endeuoured to ouercome and conquer all his neighbours from whence this land was called Casdius that is The countrey of the destroyer So changing M into L it is called Chaldeus or Chaldaea The chiefe and Metropolitan citie of which countrie was this Babylon built some thirtie yeares after the floud by Nimrod or the Babylonian Saturne the first great commander of the world according to Berosus lib. 4. who writeth after this manner Nimrod which was accounted the sonne of Iupiter Belus being angry with the holy Priests of that great God Iehouah came with his colonie and people into the field of Sinear where hee built a citie and laid the foundation of a great tower 131 yeares after the floud and raised this tower to such a height and withall of such a hugenesse that it seemed as if it had beene some great mountaine because he would haue the Babylonian people accounted the chiefest and greatest in the world also their gouernor the King of Kings A little after he saith he built this tower but before he could finish it dyed in the 56 yeare aftet he began it wherefore the citie and tower of Babylon according to the opinion of Berosus was begun in Anno mundi 1788 which was 131 yeares after the flood and before Christ 2180. There were two causes wherefore the children of men built vp this Tower first that they might get them a name secondly that they might be safe in case there came another flood to drowne the world It was made of bricke and bittume least the water should loosen it But the Lord turned their enterprises into euill and diuided their Language so that they could not vnderstand one another whereby they were constrained to leaue off their building from whence it happened that their mindes manners vnderstandings studies and principall actions were vtterly changed and is the foundation of all discord and sedition where the feare of God and the true knowledge of Christ doth not preuent it From this diuision of tongues it is called the citie of Babylon this is the citie of diuision being deriued of the word Balal he hath confounded or mingled together Of this city you may reade in Ios lib. 1. cap. 9. where he bringeth in a saying of the Sibels which was That when all nations were of one language they built an exceeding high tower as though they would haue ascended by it into heauen but the Lord with great tempest and diuiding their tongues subuerted their enterprise from whence it was called Babylon This citie was the fairest in those times of all others scituated in a spacious plaine vpon euery side whereof there stood pleasant orchards and gardens it was built foure square compassed about with wals of an incredible strength and greatnesse being 50 cubits thicke and 200 high beautified within with goodly buildings fair temples richly guilt with gold and wonderfull to looke vpon It was in compasse 380 furlongs as Strabo saith which make 48 miles Through it ran the riuer Euphrates by which all things necessarie were conueyed to the Citie without it was compassed with faire ditches fil'd with water like riuers and in the wall there stood a hundred gates Herodotus saith That it was 480 furlongs about which make 60 miles English but that is not so credible The first founder of this citie was Nimrod who in those times was the chiefe commander of the world It is thought that he was the sonne of Cham the sonne of Noah whose name signifies a cruell gouernor or an vnmercifull tyrant And that his actions might be according to the signification of his name he is branded with most perspicuous note of cruelty omitting no violent action whereby he might enlarge his dominions incroching vpon other mens gouerments through a thirstie and ambitious desire of renowne without either respect of equitie or humanitie And to adde euill to euill committed many outrages vpon such as were accounted good men and the Priests of the great God Iehouah from whence there grew in him a more than humane resolution accounting himselfe in this world a god and through this opinion grew into contempt of all good things compelling such as were his subjects and vassals to do him worship and reuerence as to a diuine power which being ingraffed into the hearts of such as followed in succeeding ages they countenanced it with authority from whence it came to passe that he was inrolled into the number of their principall gods giuing him the name of Saturne whom the Hebrewes calleth Sudormin which elegantly imployeth Saturne Berosus saith that the Babylonian Iupiter succeeded this Nimrod whose authoritie I am willing to follow to auoid prolixitie This man so much inlarged the Citie that many in succeeding ages haue attributed the foundation thereof vnto him He ruled ouer it sixtie and one yeares After him succeeded Ninus or as some will haue it Nimrod the second who began his raigne Anno mundi 1909 before Christ 2061 he did many worthy acts during his life and added to the Empire of Babylon many Prouinces
of the Assyrians ioyning his army with Pekah son of Remalia King of Israel had streightly besiege Ierusalem Ahas was constrained to craue aid of this Tiglath Phulasser sent him great presents which he accepted kindly brought his arm from Niniveh to Damascus 520 miles where he put Resin and the whole city to the sword 2 Reg. 16. From Damascus he came with his army into the land of Israel which was 120 miles where he ouercame Pekah in a great battell conquered all the land of Gilead and the tribe of Nepthaly and put a great multitude of the Israelites into perpetuall exile 2 Reg. 15. From thence he went backe to Niniueh 640 miles A little after this King Tiglath Philasser went from Ninive to Ierusalem 680 miles where hee so streitly besieged that wicked King Ahas that he was constrained to giue him great abundance of gold and siluer to raise his siege and be gon 2 Chr. 28. From Ierusalem he returned back to Ninive being 680 miles So all his trauels were 6640 miles OF the city Niniveh you may reade after in the trauels of Ionas the Prophet Of Kyr which is commonly called Cyrene KYr or Cyrene is scituated in Africa 816 miles from Ierusalem Westward In which country Simon that bore the crosse of Christ was borne Mat. 27. Luke 23. It signifies in Hebrew A strong wall and in Latine a Heart The Trauels of King SALMANASSER SAlmanasser signifieth The Assyrian Peace-maker This man Ptolomaeus that excellent Mathematician calleth Nabonassarus that is the Prophet of the Assyrians He began to reign vpon the 26 of February An. mundi 3221 before Christ 747 and reigned ten yeares or thereabout This man went with his army from Ninive to Samaria being 652 miles where hee compelled Hosea the last King of Israel to pay him tribute 2 Reg. 16. From thence he returned backe again with his army to Niniveh 652 miles After when Hosea K. of Israel conspiring with So K. of Egypt denied to pay him tribute hee returned backe againe the second time to Samaria which was 652 miles and after 3 yeres siege he tooke and destroied it with fire and sword and conquered all the country round about From Samaria he returned back again to Niniveh 652 miles So all the trauels of Salmanasser King of the Assyrians were 2608 miles The Trauels of SENACHARIB King of the Assyrians SEnacharib as Melancthon expounds it signifieth a two edged Sword He succeeded his father Salmanasser Ann. M. 3231. before Christ 737. He reigned 7 years This man imitating his father endeauored to cary away the rest of Gods people into captiuitie for which purpose he brought an army from Niniveh to Lachis which was 700 miles which town he besieged sent his Princes to Ieresalem beeing 20 miles where hee blasphemed the Lord of which you may reade more in the historie of King Hezekiah From Lachis hee went to Libnah 8 miles This was a strong Hold but he besieged it so narrowly that within a while after he had begun the siege he tooke it While he was before this town there came newes That Taracha a King of the Ethiopians had inuaded his country Wherefore he sent the second time messengers to Ierusalem But the Lord was offended with their blasphemie wherefore hee sent his Angell who in one night destroyed 185000 of his army This sudden and vnexpected euill falling upon him in a great feare he returned to Niniveh 692 miles where he was slain by his sons in the Temple The same of these things was so divulged abroad that Herodotus lib. 2. makes mention of them So these three journies make 1400 miles Of Lachis and Libnah you may reade before Of Assarhaddon King of the Assyrians ASsarhaddon his father Senacharib being slaine succeeded in the gouernment An. mundi 3238 which agreeth with the 730 yeare before Christ and reigned ten yeares in Niniveh the chiefe city of the Assyrians Here again the mutation change of Kingdoms may be obserued for Merodach a Chaldaean rebelling against Senacharib continued his gouernment in Babylon 11 yeares that is during a part of the reign of Senacharib and all the reign of Assarhaddon his son in which time he conquered the Assyrians and made them subiect to the empire of the Babylonians Of Merodach the first Emperor of the Babylonians MErodach signifieth A bitter repentance He was the sonne of Baladan Prince of Babylon who ruled at such time as Senacharib had that grieuous ouerthrow in Iudah Wherefore taking aduantage of the time and the necessitie of that Prince he rebelled against him and his son Assarhaddon taking vpon him the absolute command of the city and whole Empire The beginning of whose reign hapned in the yeare of the world 3236 and before Christ 732. This Merodach sent to Ierusalem wise and learned men with gifts and presents to King Ezekiah iust in that yeare when the Sun went backe ten degrees to know the truth of this miracle For it was a custome amongst the Nations round about Ierusalem if any thing hapned beyond the expectation of man to send thither to enquire the truth thereof Such and so wise a people were the Iewes esteemed in those times as may appeare by diuers places in holy Scripture In the beginning of the 12 yeare of this King Assarhaddon Emperor of the Assyrians died after whose death he became Emperor of all Assyria Chaldea He began to reign ouer that spatious kingdome An. mundi 3247 before Christ 721. and reigned after that 40 yeares Of Ben-Merodach Emperor of Babylon BEn-Merodach that is the son of Merodach succeeded his father An. M. 3287. before Christ 681. He reigned 21 yeares Of Nebuchadnezar first of that name Emperor of Babylon NEbuchadonesar or Nebuchadnesar signifieth A Divine Iudge He was the most potent king of all the Babylonians This man obtained the chiefe command ouer the Babylonian Empire An. M. 3309 before Christ 659. He reigned 35 yeares and held his Court somtime in Babylon sometimes in Niniveh Iud. 1. He made war with Pharaoh Necho King of Egypt of which battell you may reade 2 Reg. 25. 2 Chr. 35. in the vally of Megiddo where Iosias was slain Herod lib. 2. doth also make mention of this battell and calls the place by the name of Magdalum Of which Ieremy also speaketh But they were towns in the tribe of Manasses scituated neere to the plaine where this battell was fought in which country Mary Magdalen was borne The Trauels of Nebuchadnezar the second of that name Emperor of Babylon NEbuchadnesar or Nebuchadonesar the Great which Ptolomaeus calleth Nebupollasser about the end of the third yeare of Ioachim King of Iudah being a little before created Emperour his father yet liuing came vnto Ierusalem which hee besieged so streightly that hee constrained Ioachim to pay him Tribute for thirty seuen yeares Berosus saith Lib. 3. A little after that is Anno mundi 3344. before Christ 624 hee was sent against the Syrians Phoeniceans Egyptians that rebelled So
spectators In it the Kings of the Medes Persians and Parthians were for the most part honourably buried the gouernement whereof was committed to a Priest of the Iewes as Iosephus saith lib. Antiq. 10. cap. 4. From Egbatan he returned backe againe to Babylon which was 464 miles and there died anno mun â445 and before Christ 533. So all the trauels of the Prophet Daniel were 2184 miles Of the places to which he trauelled Of Susan SVsa or Susan is so called from a sweet smelling floure but chiefely a Rose or a Lillie because it is scituated in a faire and pleasant place It was a goodly citie lying on both sides of the riuer Eulaeus some 200 furlongs that is 25 miles English about as Policletus saith And of this citie all the country round about is called Susana bordering towards the North vpon Assiria towards the West vpon Babylon towards the South vpon the Gulph of Persia and joyneth vpon 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 aire in the Winter season is very temperate at which time the earth bringeth forth many pleasant floures and fruits but in the Summer it is extreme hot by which heate all things are scorched and burned away and by reason of the putrifaction of the aire as some think in that season there doe 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 roofes being at least a yard thicke 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 citie about such time as Thola judged Israel After him his sonne Nemmon beautified it with a faire 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 towne was called Memnon as Strabo obserueth but in Hester and Daniels 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 citie with faire buildings The first of these Emperours that liued here was Cyrus who after hee had conquered Babylon Assiria and many other Kingdomes and countries lying neere to the citie Susa that he might with more ease and better safety retaine them in his gouernment remoued his court from Persepolis which lay vp in the East part of Persia to this towne where all the Winter season for the most part he liued and in the Summer went to Egbatan the chiefe citie of Media because there at that season the aire was very temperate His successors after him obseruing the same course for their better conueniencie and to make euident their greater magnificence repaired the Castle of Memnon joyned to it many faire and goodly buildings and close by it planted a pleasant orchard of diuerse and sundry sorts of trees and hearbes It is reported that the gate whereby they entred into this orchard was very curiously built supported with pillars of polished marble imbossed with siluer and gold very rare to looke vpon ouer it was a banqueting house beautified with liuely pictures costly furniture and beds of gold and siluer couered with rich tapestry wrought with silke siluer and gold vpon these they vsed to eate their banquets it was paued with Porphire Marble and Hyacinths in such sort as it greatly delighted such as beheld it The Queene had a priuate garden to her selfe In which were great abundance of trees of diuers kindes and many sweet floures and herbes In which garden Ahashueras walked to qualifie the heat of his wrath ihat he had conceiued against that wicked and perfidious Hamon who through enuie and ambition sought the destruction of the whole nation of the Iewes lest by giuing place vnto anger he should transgresse the bounds of clemencie and justice wherefore it becommeth euery King Prince and Iudge to imitate the example of this Emperor who in the heate of his anger would determine nothing of so wicked a man for long and often deliberation becommeth euery wise man before he doth any thing Est 7. Not farre from the Emperors pallace in a faire 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 vnderstanding amongst that people that some of them in succeeding ages were chosen for Kings and gouernors in that countrie They studied for the most part the Mathematickes History Philosophie and Diuinitie and as many haue 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 towne because it stood East from Ierusalem It is at this day called Cusistane as Ortelius and Sebastian Munster witnesses and in their times was vnder the gouernment of one Caliphus Emperour of the Saracens This Caliphus was strongly besieged by one Allan the great King of Tartaria in this Towne Anno Dom. 1250. But because of his exceeding couetousnesse and parcimony he lost the citie and was famished to death Of the Riuer Eulaeo VLai which Stra. li. 15. calleth Eulaea passed through the city of Susa and as Pliny saith lib. 6. cap. 27. tooke the beginning at Media and so fell into a whole or cauerne of the earth passed vnder the ground till it came neere to the citie Susa where it brake forth againe and compassed about the tower of Susa and a temple in that city dedicated to Diana The inhabitants hold this riuer 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 Riuers of good account which passeth through Persia viz. Choaspes Tigris 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 sonne of Sem. But after Perseus had obtained a large and spacious gouernmânt 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 Northwest built by Deioce King of the Medes as Herod lib. 2. saith Here Daniel built a faire Temple of which you may reade more in his trauels Of this towne you may reade more in the trauels of Iudeth The typicall signification of Daniel DAniel signifies the Iudge of God tipically representing Christ who is appointed by that eternall Iehouah to
be Iudge of all things both quicke and dead and rescueth his Church which is as a rose compassed ahout with thornes oppressed with the tyranny and cruelty of euil and wicked men casting those false iudges and mercilesse gouernors into eternall exile and the pit of destruction And as the Prophet was innocently condemned cast into the Lyons den and had the dore sealed vpon him and to the judgement of man no hope of life or meanes to escape was left him yet by the prouidence of God was deliuered out of this danger and came thence safe and vntoucht Dan. 6. so our Sauior was innocently condemned cast into the graue sealed vp among the dead and to common judgement left as a man out of minde yet early in the morning at the appointed time by the power of his Deitie he raised himselfe vp from this pit of hell the graue and gloriously triumphed ouer it and Death Of the Prophet Hosea THis Prophet Hosea was borne in a towne called Bemeloth or Bethmeloth as Dorotheus sometime Bishop of Tyre saith which was a towne in the Tribe of Issacher not farre from Bethulia some fiftie two miles from Ierusalem toward the North neere to which place Holofernes afterward pitched his Tents extending thence to the field of Esdrelon and the towne Chelmon from whence it seemeth this towne taketh the name He prophesied in Israel eight hundred yeares before Christ his name signifieth A Sauiour being deriued of Hoschiag the third conjugation of Iaschag that is He hath saued Mat. 2. Of the Prophet Ioel. IOel signifies Gods owne as Saint Ierome expoundeth it He prophesied eight hundred yeares before Christ both in Israel and in Iudah He was borne in a village which was called Bothomeron not farre from Sichem in the tribe of Manasses as Dorotheus the Bishop of Tyre sayeth Of The Prophet Amos. THis mans father dwelt at Tekoa a poore man one that kept kine and vsed to gather wilde figges as appeareth in the first and seuenth chapters of Amos. In this towne Amos was borne and followed the profession of his father but the Lord called him to be a Prophet and then he went to Bethel which was twelue miles distant Here he reprehended Ieroboam King of Israel for Idolatry and worshipping the golden Calfe after hee was accused by Amasia the chiefe priest of the Idols in Bethel and bound in chaines and at length Vria the sonne of this Amasia stroke him vpon his head with a speare whereby he was mortally wounded From Bethel being sicke hee was carryed backe to Tecoa which was twelue miles where a little after he died as Saint Ierome witnesseth in whose time his monument was to be seene Amos signifieth A burthen as indeed he was to the wicked Isralites he so sharpely reprehended them in his sermons of the law He liued eight hundred yeares before Christ So his trauels were 24 miles Of the Prophet Obediah OBediah signifies Gods obedient seruant of Abad he hath serued or been obedient He liued six hundred yeres before Christ about the time of the captiuitie of Babylon Saint Ierome saith that in his time there were to be seene in the citie of Samaria the monuments of three Prophets that is of Elisha Obediah and Iohn Baptist But some thinke that Obediah the Prophet lay not buried in Samaria but rather it was the sepulchre of that Obediah which liued in the time of Ahab that hid a hundred of the Lords Prophets 50 in one caue and 50 in another betweene which there were 300 yeares difference The Trauels of the Prophet Ionah THe Prophet Ionas was borne in Gath Hepher which was a towne in the Tribe of Zabulon from whence to Samaria is accounted thirtie two miles here he prophesied to Ieroboam second of that name King of Israel that he should recouer Hemath and Damascus and so to the plaine of the Red Sea 2 Reg. 14. From Samaria to Ioppa or Iapho a port towne vpon the sea shore to which Ionas went when he fled from the Lord was 38 miles But the Lord stirred vp a great winde when Ionas was vpon the sea that the Marriners cast him our and he was deuoured of a Whale Ionas 1. That Whale which had deuoured Ionas with a continuall course and great violence in three daies and three nights swam to the Euxine sea and there cast him vp vpon the shore which was 600 miles Ios Antiq. lib. 9. From the shore of the Euxine sea Ionas went to Niniueh which are eight hundred miles Here Ionas preached repentance to the Niniuites Ion. 3.4 So all the Trauels of Ionas were 1470 miles Of Gath Hepher IN this towne the Prophet Ionas was born it was scituated in the tribe of Zebulon sixty miles from Ierusalem Northward and foure miles from Nazareth towards the South It seemes to take the name from aboundance of grapes for Gath Ghephaer signifieth a Wine-presse Of Iapho IApho or Ioppa was a city or hauen towne scituated vpon the sea where all such ships landed as went into Iudaea At this day the Turks and Saracens call it Iafa lying vpon the Mediterranean sea in the tribe of Dan Ios 19. in a certain mountaine 20 miles from Ierusalem Northwestward Pliny li. 5. saith This city was built before the Floud and in S. Ieroms time there was to be seen the stone to which Andromeda was bound when she should haue bin deuoured by a monster of the sea The Poets feign this woman to be the daughter of Cepheus and deliuered by Perseus King of the Persians whom after she maried It is called Iapho because of the beautifull scituation Some say it was so called of Iapheth the son of Noah who first caused it to be built Of Tharsis FRom Ioppa as is said the Prophet Ionas descended into a ship that he might fly vpon the sea The Latine and Greeke texts reade it Tharsin whence it hapned that many haue thought that Ionas fled from Tharsis a city in Cilicia in which country Saint Paul was borne But Luther in his Exposition of the Prophecy of Ionas doth vtterly disallow of this as false for the Hebrew Text reades it not To Tharsin but In Tharsin that is into the Sea For the Hebrew tongue hath two words or syllables which signifie the Sea which are Iam and Tharsis Iam signifieth not onely a great sea but the meeting together of waters or a Lake So in Luke 5. the sea of Galile in which Christ and his Disciples saiâed is called a Lake yet Ioh. cap. 6. and the rest of the Euangelists call it a sea So also Moses Gen. 1. calleth the meeting together of the waters Iam which may signifie a sea and a Lake But Tharsis or Tarschich denoteth a great sea and no Lake or an high and troublesome sea as the Mediterranean sea is In this Paul trauelled and there standeth many Islands as Rhodes Cyprus Sicilia and others all which are at this day subiect to the Turks Venetians or Spaniards It extendeth it selfe from
country or city which is not sufficiently knowne vnto thee search this alphabeticall Table here following and thou shalt finde the whole matter declared vnto thee An alphabeticall Table of all the Countries and Cities mentioned in the Prophets A ABARIM that is a bridge or a passage ouer It was a mountain of the Moabits where the Israelites pitched their tents Num. 33. ACHOR the valley of Trouble Here Achan was stoned to death for his theeuery It stood not farre from Gilgal toward the North 12 miles from Ierusalem Ios 7. Isa 6. ADAMA Red earth This was one of the cities that were destroied with fire and brimstone from heauen AI Hilly This city Ioshuah burnt with fire It lay 8 miles from Ierusalem Northward Ios 8. AIATH Idem Esa 10. AR or ARI a Lion It was a city of the Moabits lying beyond Iordan in the tribe of Benjamin called Ariopolis scituated vpon the banke of the riuer 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 chiefe city of which country is Damascus Pliny lib. 6.17 saith The Scythians were also in antient times called Aramites ARNON a famous riuer 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 ioy AROER by vsurpation an Ewe tree This is a city of the Moabits neere to the riuer Arnon in the tribe of Gad beyond Iordan 24 miles from Ierusalem Eastward Ier. 40. There is another citie so called neere 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 greatnesse Esa 10. But where it is scituated it is vncertain ARVAD was a part of the land of Canaan so called of Aruad the son of Canaan Gen. 10. ASCANES or Tuiscones are a people descended of Ascenitz the son of Gomer the son of Iaphet which sometimes dwelt in Armenia but now haue 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 Dauid killed Goliah It stood 8 miles from Ierusalem Westward ASSVR or ASSYRIA a blessed country being so called of Assur the son of Sem. AVEN Iniquity Bethel was so called after Ieroboam had there set vp a golden Calfe Hos 10. B BABEL Confusion Babylon is the metropolitan city of Chaldaea 280 miles from Ierusalem Eastward BATH Domesticall It was a town of the Moabits in the Tribe of Reuben beyond Iordan Esa 16. BAZRA a grape-gathering It was a city of the Edomites scituaââd vpon the banke of Iordan on the farther side neere to Bethabara 20 miles from Ierusalem Northeastward Esa 24.36 Ier. 48. Note here that the country of the Moabits in times past was subiect to the Edomits and then this city was in their jurisdiction but after the Moabits got it into their hands again and held it It was one of the six towns of refuge mentioned Ios 29. BEROTHAI a Cypres tree This towne stood neere Hemath or Antiochia 280 miles from Ierusalem Northward Ezek. 49. In this city Dauid King of Israel tooke Hadadesar King of Zoba or Sophena and constrained him to giue him a great deal of Brasse as it is thought yearely for tribute for neere that city were many brasse mines BETHAVIN the house of iniquity Bethel was so called Hos 6. It stood 8 miles from Ierusalem Northward BETH-CHaeREM the house of the Vines It was a towne not far from Ierusalem Northward Ier. 6. BETH-DIBLATHAIM the house of dried Figs. It was a city of the Moabits Ier. 48. BETHIESIMOTH the house of desolations It was also a city of the Moabits beyond Iordan in the tribe of Reuben Ios 13. Ezech. 25.20 miles from Ierusalem BETH-GAMVL the house of Restitution This was a city of the Moabits Ier. 48. BETH-BAALMEON the house of habitation for the idol Baal It was a city of the Moabits 24 miles from Ierusalem Eastward not far from Aroer Ezek. 25. 1 Chr. 5. BVTZ a Castle of prey It was a city of the Ismaelites in Arabia Petraea 80 miles from Ierusalem Southwestward Ier. 25. BEL and NEOB two idols of the Babylonians Esa 45. Bel signifieth the god of mixture or confusion Neob the god of prophecie C CALNO his perfection This is Seleucia scituated vpoa Tygris beyond Babylon 316 miles from Ierusalem Eastward It is now called Bagdeth Gen. 10. Esay 2. CANNE a firme foundation It was a city of the Syrians Ezek. cap. 27. CAPHIHOR a little Sphere or around globe like vnto a Globe or pomegranat Also Cappadocia a countrey of Asia the lesse 600 miles from Ierusalem Northward CARCHEMIS a sacrificed Lambe This was scituated too neer Euphrates in Syria 400 miles from Ierusalem Northward Ierem. cap. 25. D DEEDAN a city of the Idumaeans so called of Dedan the son of Esau Ier. 25. Isa 21. DIBON a mist This was a City of the Moabites neere Hesbon in the tribe of Reuben 28 miles from Ierusalem Northeastward DIBLATH a bunch of Figs. It was a city in the tribe of Nepthali neere to the lake of Samoconites 80 miles from Ierusalem Northward Ezek. 6. Here Zedekiah had his eies put out 2 Kin. 25 Ier. 39.52 DIMON Bloudy This is a city in the tribe of Reuben which as S. Ierom saith is 28 miles from Ierusalem Northeastward DVMA Silence A city of the Israelites so called of Duma the son of Ismael It stood in Arabia Petraea 80 miles from Ierusalem towards the Southwest Esay 25.21 E EGBATHANA the metropolitan city of the Medes distant from Ierusalem 1136 miles Northeastward EDEN Pleasure A city of Syria scituated neer Euphrates 400 miles from Ierusalem Northeastward Esay 7. This is thought to haue been a part of Paradice EGLAIM a roud Drop It was a town of the Moabites Esay 15.16 ELAM a Yong man so called of Elem the son of Sem Esa 10.21 After Perseus had got in this country a great gouernment he called it after his own name Persia ELEALE the ascention of God It was a city beyond Iordan in the tribe of Reuben between Iacza and Hehbon 26 miles from Ierusalem Northeastward Num. 32. ELIM a Hart. This was a lake so called in the land of the Moabits Esa 10. ELISA the Lambe of God So were the Aeolians called in Grecia of Elysa the son of Iavan the son of Iaphet Ezek. 7. Gen. 10. ENAGLAIM the fountaine of Calves It was a towne or Castle neere to the Red sea Ezek. 10. EPHA the land of Obscuritie It was a part of Arabia Petraea so called of Epha the sonne of Midian the sonne 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 Kiriath-jearim there was a town also of the same name standing within a little of it This was a little more than a mile from Ierusalem Westward Esa 10. GEBAL a bound or limit It was the bounds and limits of Syria bordering vpon the Mediteranean 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 foure miles from Ierusalem Northward Esa 10. GILGAL a roundle or the compasse of a hill Here Ioshuah pitched his tents it stood between Iericho and Iordan 12 miles from Ierusalem Northeastward GOG The Turks were thus called because they liued in tents Ezek. 48. GOSAN a land and riuer in Mesopotamia called after that name 2 Reg. 17. Esa 37. H HADAD RIMMON a Pomegranat This was a towne neere to Megiddo where Iosia King of Iudah was wounded to death 46 miles from Ierusalem Northward Zach. 12. HADRACH the land of Gladnesse So the Prophet Zachary cals Syria cap. 19. HANES an ensigne of Grace This was a city of Egypt bordering vpon Assyria Esa 30. HARAM the Syrian liberty It was the metropolitan Citie of Mesopotamia where Abraham dwelt Gen. 11. distant from Ierusalem 440 miles Northeastward HAVERAN a Casement It was a City in Syria not farre from Damascus 160 miles from Ierusalem towards the North-East Ezek. 47. HAZOR-ENON the gate of a 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 Ismaelities called their countrey HEMATH anger So the Prophets called Antiochia the Metropolitan of Assyria distant from Ierusalem 280 miles Northward HERMON Acurst It was a mountain beyond Iordan neer to Libanus 122 miles from Ierusalem toward the Northeast There is another mountain of this name neer to Naim and not far from Mount Tabor 44 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 28 miles from Ierusalem towards the Northeast 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 neere to Antiochia Ezek. 47. HOLON a Window It was a town of the Moabits in the tribe of Reuben and is also called Helon Num. 2. Ier. 47. HORONAIM the Syrian Liberties two towns of the Moabits Esa 16. I IACHZA the priuity of God A city of the Moabits in the tribe of Reuben 24 miles from Ierusalem Eastward IAEZER the help of God A city of Refuge belonging to the Leuits in the tribe of Gad beyond Iordan 40 miles from Ierusalem Northeastward 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 deuoured of Dogs It standeth 48 miles from Ierusalem Northward IRHERES or Heliopolis a city of the Sun This was a City of Egypt 224 miles from Ierusalem toward the Southwest K KEDAR Blacknesse This was a Desart of the Ismaelites called Sur 80 miles from Ierusalem Southwestward 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 Moabits in the tribe of Reuben Esa 16. KIR-HAZERETH or Kir-Hares a Mudwall It was a City of the Moabits in Arabia Petraea otherwise called Petra 72 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 Iewel Macedonia is so called of Kithim the son of Iavan the son of Iaphet Gen. 10. Ier. 2. Mac. 1. For if you doe diligently obserue the deriuation of names you shal find that of Kithim comes Maketis and so by continuance of time and change of words Macedonia It lieth 920 miles from Ierusalem North-Westward L LACHIS a continuall walking or as some will haue it A pleasant walke This was a city in the tribe of Iuda 20 miles from Ierusalem Westward Ier. 34. LAISA a Lionesse So was Caesarea Philippi somtimes called It was also called Dan scituated neere to the fountains of the riuer Iordan not far from Mount Libanus 104 miles from Ierusalem Northeastward LIBNA Frankincense It was a town in the tribe of Iudah 10 miles from Ierusalem towards the South-West LVD that is Lydia a country in Asia minor so called of Lud the sonne of Sem. LVIT greene grasse it is also a mountaine in the Tribe of Reuben Esa 6. M MAGOG dwelling vnder a shed or tent The Turks are so called Ezech. 38. MARESA an inheritance In this towne the Prophet Micah was borne Micha 1. it was scituated in the Tribe of Iuda distant from Ierusalem 16 miles towards the West MEDAI a measure the Kingdome of Media was so called of Medai the sonne of Iaphet Gen. 10. MEDBA warme water it was a city of the Moabits in the tribe of Reuben 28 miles from Ierusalem towards the East Esay 16. MEDEMENA a dunghill it was a towne in the tribe of Iudah neere Beerseba and Gaza 44 miles from Ierusalem toward the Southwest Iosh 15. There was also another towne of the same name in the tribe of Benjamin not farre from Ierusalem Iosh 10. Ier. 48. MEGIDDO a wholesome apple Here Iosia King of Iuda was slain in war it stood 46 miles from Ierusalem Northward Zach. 12. MEPHAATH the splendor of waters it was a citie belonging to the Priests in the Tribe of Reuben subject to the Moabites 24 miles from Ierusalem towards the East Ier. 48. MESECH the tract of sowing so the Muscouites and Russians are called of Mesech the sonne of Iaphet Gen. 10. MIDIAN a measure a town lying vpon the red sea 160 miles from Ierusalem towards the South so called of Midian the son of Abraham by Keturah Gen. 25. MISPE a Watch. This citie stood in the land of Giliad beyond Iordan eight and fortie miles from Ierusalem towards the Northeast There is another Towne of this name also not farre distant from Ierusalem in the Tribe of Benjamin Hosea 5. Ierem 40. MOAB a father The countrie of the Moabites scituated betweene the red sea and the mountaines Abarim Ezech. 9. MEVSAL running swiftly it was the name of a people that tooke their beginning from Vsal the sonne of Ioktan Gen. 19. N NABAIOTH the countrey 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 sonne 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 vnto the Indian sea Gen. 25. NEBO Prophesying It was a city of the Moabites in the Tribe of Reuben neere to mount Pisga twentie miles from Ierusalem towards the East Ier. 48. NIMRIM a Leopard This was also a citie in the Tribe of Gad beyond Iordan thirtie two miles from Ierusalem towards the Northeast Isa 16. NO a hinderance so was Alexandria a citie in Aegypt in ancient times called distant from Ierusalem 288 miles towards the West Ezek. 30. NOPH a honey combe so the Prophets call Memphis the Metropolis of Aegypt being distant from Ierusalem 244 miles towards the Southeast Isa 18. Ier. 2. Ezek. 30. O ON opulencie So Ezech. c. 30. calleth Heliopolis a city of Aegypt which is 224 miles distant from Ierusalem towards the Southwest OREB a Crow or Rauen. Neere to this place in mount Ephraim Prince Oreb was slaine not far from Iericho twelue miles from Ierusalem towards the North Iudg. 7. Psal 83. OPHIR a pallace it was the proper name of the sonne of Ioââ the posteritie of Sem of whom in times past India was called Ophir You may reade of this Gen. 10. 1 Reg. 9. P. PATHROS or PETRA the Metropolitan citie of Arabia Petraea 72 miles from Ierusalem towards the South It is a countrey also of Aegypt neere Taphnis 180 miles from Ierusalem toward the Southwest Isa 11. Ezech. 29. PARATH fruitfull A name of the riuer Euphrates Ier. 2.13 PRAZIN a breach It is a valley neere Ierusalem where Dauid ouercame the Philistines 2 Sam. 5. PHVT is Africa so called of Phuth the sonne of Cham. Gen. 10. R RABBA a multitude Philadelphia the Metropolitan of the Ammonites is so called 96 miles from Ierusalem towards the Northeast RAEMA thunder so they called Aethyopia of Raema the sonne of Chus Gen. 10. RAMA high This citie 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 citie in Syria Isa 37. RIBLATH an inueterate anger This was a citie in the Tribe of Nepthaly neere to the lake of Samoconites 80 miles from Ierusalem towards the North. Antiochia also was sometimes called Riblah 2 Reg. 25. Ier. 39.52 RIMMON a Pomegranat This was a citie in the Tribe of Iudah not far from Gerar 32 miles from Ierusalem towards the South-East S SABA the stone Achates This was the Metropolitan Citie of Aethyopia called also Meroe 960 miles ftom Ierusalem towards the South The two famous Queenes one that came to see Solomon the other mentioned Act. 8. dwelt in this towne SANIR a cleere light So mount Hermon beyond Iordan was called of the Ammonites it stood 112 miles from Ierusalem towards the Northeast SARION the Doues song So the Edomites called Mount Hermon that stood beyond Iordan SARON a faire plaine or a greene place So is that plain between the sea of Galile and Mount Ephraim called Is 35. There are some that thinke there is a Mountaine so called SELA a Rocke this is Petra a citie of Arabia ante SEPHARVAIM a citie of the Scribes it stood in Assiria Isa 37. SIBARIM a citie of Syria neere to Damascus Ezech. 47. SIBMA a possession a citie built by the sons of Reuben 24 miles from Ierusalem towards the East Num. 32. SICHOR blacke It is a brooke or riuer called Rhinocorurus which falleth into the Mediterranean sea neere to the towne Rinocorura scituated vpon the vtmost borders of the Holy land towards the South 72 miles from Ierusalem towards the Southwest The riuer Nilus in Aegypt is also called Sichor Ier. 2. SIMRI Gardians They were Arabians dwelling vpon an Angle of Isthumus of the red sea SINEAR a blow vpon the teeth Chaldea is so called Is 11. SION or SCAION by Schin not by Zade tranquilitie and securitie the Mount whereon Ierusalem stood is not so called but Mount Hermon beyond Iordan Deut. 4. SIENE or SEVENE illustrous it was a citie in Affrica vpon the borders of Aegypt and Aethyopia 516 miles from Ierusalem towards the South Iouias saith that the inhabitants at this day call it Guagheram T TACHPANES or TAPHNIS a couered or hidden ensigne It is a city in Aegypt 180 miles from Ierusalem Southwestward Ierem. 2.43 THAMAR a plaine This towne was built by Solomon and stood 360 miles from Ierusalem towards the Northeast THELASSER a Princes tombe it was a country vpon the borders of Assiria Isay 37. THEMATH wonderfull a city of Arabia Petraea Ier. 25. so called of Thama the sonne 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 sonne of Gomer the sonne of Iaphet Gen. 10. Ezech. 27. THVBAL a people bordering vpon the Muscouites so called of Thubal the sonne 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 gouerned by one Prince In the 38 Chapter he calls them Gog that is the Turke who is Prince and gouernor in Mesech and Thubal Therefore without doubt the people of Russia in times past were called Thubal which people dwelt neere to Muscouia and this opinion seemes to be more probable than theirs that imagine the Italians and Spaniards which haue their dwellings neere vnto the riuer Iberia to be the offspring of Thubal V VPHAR the countrey of gold It is called also Ophir and India 1 Reg. 9. Ier. 10. Dan. 10. Psal 119. Z ZEB a Wolfe The wine-presse of Zeb was in Mount Ephraim not far from Iericho 12 miles from Ierusalem towards the North where Zeb the Prince of the Midianites was slaine There is another towne of this name neere to the riuer Iaboch beyond Iordan 48 miles from Ierusalem towards the Northeast ZEBOIM pleasantnesse One of the fiue cities that were burnt with fire from heauen Gen. 14.19 Hosea 11. ZENAN a sheepfold it was a city in the Tribe of Iuda Mich. 1. ZOAN mouing Tanis a city in Aegypt where Moses wrought al his miracles before Pharaoh was so called it stood 232 miles from Ierusalem towards the Southwest ZOBA presumptuous This was also called Zophena it is the countrey of Armenia 600 miles from Ierusalem towards the North which Dauid conquered 2 Sam. 8. 1 Chron. 19. ZOR a rocke Tyrus is so called it stood 160 miles from Ierusalem towards the North. Thus gentle Reader for your better ease and vnderstanding haue I collected a short Alphabeticall Table and therein briefly described all those countries and cities mentioned in the Prophets that so by your diligent care and obseruation you may the better vnderstand the meaning of such texts of Scripture wherein they
an antient friend and Suah taketh the name from desolation being deriued of Scho he hath made desolate Of Zophar the friend of Iob. ZOphar dwelt in the citie of Naema Iosh 15. but how farre it stood from Ierusalem is vncertaine Zophar of Zaphar signifieth swift Naema signifies pleasant and delectable of Naem courteous and comfortable Of Iobs daughters THe Lord gaue vnto Iob after his affliction and that he had tried his faithfulnesse three daughters so faire that there were none fairer to be found in all the land The name of the first was Iemmima that is as faire as the day of Iom which signifies a day The second Kazia that is such a one as giueth a pleasant sauor like vnto the gum Cassia The third because of the excellencie of her countenance was called Kaeren Hapuch that is casting forth rayes or beames Iob. 42. APOCRYPHA The Booke of IVDETH Of Egbatana AFter the death of Arbactus or Arphaxad which signifies a mighty Lyon to whom Ionas prophecied as is said before there succeeded in the Empire of the Medes Mandanes Sarsomenes Artecarnis Cardiceas and Deioces who being enthronised in that Empire called himselfe Arphaxad or Arbactus the second This man built Egbatana the metropolitan citie of the Medes and beautified it with very faire buildings goodly walls made all of foure square stone cut and polished 70 cubits high and 30 broad towers standing vpon it 100 cubits in height as well those that were for the defence of the town as those where the gates were The aire in that country was temperate inclining rather to cold than heate because it lay toward the North it stood 1136 miles from Ierusalem Northeastward Here for the most part this Emperor kept his court till as Herodotus saith he was vtterly conquered by Nebuchadnezzar Emperor of the Babylonians This was that Nebuchadnezzar which sent Holofernus with a mighty army against Iudaea Bethulia and many other cities and countries and would be worshipped as a god Iudeth 3. Of Hydaspes HYdaspes is a riuer that ariseth in Media which runneth thorough a part of Parthia extendeth it selfe into India and not farre from the citie Nisa falleth into Indus according to the opinion of Pliny and Strabo lib. 15. Neere this riuer Nabuchadnezzar ouercame Dieoces otherwise called Arbactus Iudg. 1. The description of the countries conquered by HOLOFERNES Of Kedar KEdar the wildernesse of Zur was thus called stood in the land of the Ishmaelites 80 miles from Ierusalem towards the Southwest and tooke the name of Kedar the sonne of Ishmael Gen. 25. Of the mountaines of Ange. THe mountaines of Ange lay betweene Pamphilia and Cicilia to the latitude of that famous country of Cilicia in Asia minor 320 miles from Ierusalem towards the North not farre from Anchiale a citie of Cilicia from whence it seemeth to take the name Of Cilicia CIlicia is a prouince of Asia minor so called of Cilice the kings sonne of Syria and Phoenicia the Metropolitan Citie of which countrey was Tharsus where the Apostle Paul was borne it was distant from Ierusalem 304 miles towards the North. Of Mallos MAllos a citie 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 citie to this day and of most of the inhabitants of that country called Mallo as Gesner obserueth Of Gesem GEsem signifies fruitfull The land of Gosen in Aegypt was so called being deriued of Gusch that is a turfe it stood 174 miles from Ierusalem towards the Southwest Of Aethyopia THis country stands beyond Aegipt 800 miles from Ierusalem towards the South where the Sunne is extreme hot that it turneth the complexion of the inhabitants to blackenesse here breed great abundance of Dragons and cruell beasts Of Esdrelon ESdrelon was a plaine lying betweene the mountains Thabor Hermon and Gilboa extending it selfe from the cities of Megiddo and Apheck to the sea of Gennezareth or Galile In this great field which was called the plaine of Galile and the field of Megiddo and Esdrelon there were many cruell battels fought for here Gideon ouercame the Midianites here Saul was put to flight by the Philistins from whence ascending into Mount Gilboa he killed himselfe Iosias also King of the Iewes was in this place put to flight by Pharaoh Necho and wounded vnto the death The camp of Holofernes was so great that it tooke vp all the plain which contained 16 miles in length In some parts it was wonderfull fruitfull and brought forth wine oyle 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 to say as he hath hid Of Sobal SObal was a countrey vpon the borders of Syria where Sophena was scituated neere to the riuer Euphrates which country Saul and Dauid Kings of Israel somtime conquered it stood 600 miles from Ierusalem towards the North and signifies an eare of corne Of Apamea THis was a famous citie in Tetrapolis of Syria two hundred and eighty miles from Ierusalem towards she North built of Seleucus Nicanor King of Syria and was so called of Apamea his wife Of the city Bethulia BEthulia was scituated within 4 miles of Dothan and two of the Galilean sea 44 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 Bethulia lay the plain of Esdrelon in the midst whereof there ran a pleasant riuer which in times past watred it Here Iudeth according to the custome of the Iewes washed her selfe The place where Bethulia stood is to be seene at this day the ruins of the town and many houses still remaining It was scituated vpon a goodly high mountaine strongly fortified by Nature and as it seemeth by art also A man might haue seen it thorough the greatest part of Galile but aboue the rest a certain castle in the end of the mountain made for the defence of the city They shew at this day in the mountaine and field neere Dothan the place where Holofernes camp stood and the reliques of their tents also the brook where Iudeth washed her selfe Bethulia signifieth The hand-maid of God being deriued of Bethulah a virgin and Iah God Holofernes a prophane Captaine of which sort are those tyrants that persecute the Church of God The Booke of TOBIAS The Trauels of Tobias the elder TObias the elder was caried captiue out of the tribe of Nepthaly where he was born to Ninive the Metropolitan city of Assiria being 600 miles at such time as Salmanasser King of the Assyrians caried away the tenne tribes of Israel into Assyria Captiue in the yeare before Christ 742. 2 Kings ca. 17. Tob. 1. From that time he continued in Ninive being then about 27 years old and numbred amongst the yong men
that went into exile for he was born about such time as Romulus and Remus were born which was An. mun 3200. and before Christ 798 Tob. 1. About the 30 yeare of his age he went from Niniveh into Media which was 752 miles and there came to a city called Rages in that country to visit the banished Israelites at which time hee lent by Gabel by bond 10 talents of siluer which amounts in our mony at v. s. vi d. the ounce to 2062 li. and 10 s. or thereabouts From Rages he returned backe againe to Niniveh 752 miles So all his trauels were 2104 miles The Trauels of the Angell Raphel and yong Tobias IN the yeare before Christ 708 the Archangell Raphel went from Niniveh to Rages in Media with Tobias the yonger being 752 miles From Rages in Media they returned backe again to Niniveh 752 miles So these journies were 1504 miles ¶ The description of the places mentioned in their trauels Of Nepthaly THis was the chiefe city of the tribe of Nepthaly 84 miles from Ierusalem toward the North. It stood in Galile and in times past was a strong town here Tobias the elder was born It is to be seene at this day as some say but much decayed and is now called by the name of Sirin scituated in a mountain so steep and strongly fortified by nature vpon the West side that it is impossible to ascend vpon it In a valley some two miles from this towne towards the South Naason spoken of in the first Chapter of Toby is scituated Vpon the left side whereof there stood a towne called Sophet but now there is nothing to be seene but a Castle where in antient times the Knights Templers kept their abiding and at this day is in the custody of the Turks This castle is scituated vpon a high mountaine fortified very strongly both by art and nature and standeth within a mile of Nepthaly Southwestward At such time as Iosephus that great Historiographer who was the sonne of Matthia of Marathia a Priest of the Iewes was chosen chiefe Commander of the tribe of Nepthaly he gathered an army of 100000 and fortified this castle Nepthaly and many other townes thereabouts continuing a long and sharp war against the Romans vntill Nepthaly was taken and he constrained to yeeld himselfe captiue In the taking in of which town Titus the son of Vespasian did first ascend the walls there made manifest his noble resolution and valor Vid. Ios de bell Iud. lib. 3 4. Of Rages a city of the Medes RAges is so called of a great Congregation being deriued of Ragasch that is He hath assembled a great company for it was a very populous city It was also called as Strab. li. 11. Cosmograp saith Rahga but after being rebuilt and fortified by Nicanor it was by him called Europus beeing distant from Ierusalem 1396 miles toward the Northeast The Persians call it Arsacia S. Ierom de Trad. Hebr. would haue Edissa a city of Mesopotamia or rather as Pliny saith of Coelosyria to be Rages which stands but 448 miles from Ierusalem Northward and from Ninive 188 miles Westward There are diuers others that haue wrot of this town of Edissa but that this and Rages should be both one I canot see how to agree with Toby for that hee himselfe hath set it down to stand in Media and the Cities of the Medes lie distant from Ierusalem 1396 miles Therefore gentle Reader I referre it to thy better consideration Of Iesus the sonne of Syrach SYrach signifies an Illustrous Prince being deriued of Sarach he hath shined forth he was of that noble family of Dauid that is the son of Syrach the son of Iesu cousin german to Amos Syrach who as Philo saith was the chiefe prince and captain of the children of Israel in the time of Ptolomeus Philadelphus King of Egypt is inserted into the genealogie of Christ Luke 3. He was born 230 years before Christ in the city Ierusalem from whence about the 38 yeare of his age he went to Alexandria a city of Egypt 288 miles Evergetes Ptolomais the sonne of Philadelphus being then King of that countrey where he gathered out of that flourishing Library set vp at the charge of Ptolomais Philadelphus his booke of Ecclesiasticus as bees from diuers floures gather sweet hony Of the great city Alexandria ALexandria was a city of Egypt distant from Ierusalem 288 miles Westward in antient time called No that is a Hinderance But Alexander the Great taking affection to this city in the yere 330 before Christ began to build it for by continuance of time it was much decayed and within the space of 17 dayes made it a goodly city much greater than it was before to which that he might adde the greater grace he called it after his owne name Alexandria and there he lieth buried after hee had gouerned the empire of the Grecians 7 yeares For although he died in Babylon the chiefe city of the Chaldaeans yet Ptolomais one of his chiefe Princes remoued his body thence in a golden chariot to Memphis in Egypt and 20 years after to Alexandria The scituation thereof is very delectable bordering to the North vpon the Mediterranian sea and to the South vpon the poole of Mareridis as Strabo saith lib. 17. It was ten miles about strongly fortified with walls beautified with goodly buildings scituated in a very fruitfull countrey And to giue a greater delight vnto the inhabitants without the Walls there stood many goodly Orchards and Gardens plentifully furnished with fruits and floures of diuers kindes as Pomecitrons Figges c. During the time of Ptolomais Philadelphus it was a famous and flourishing city for this Prince being a great louer of learning instituted an Academy as it is thought in it and added thereto a stately library wherin were 400000 Bookes The same whereof beeing published through the world many people of diuers Nations resorted thither to see it Then Eleazer also the high-priest of the Iews at the request of Ptolemais sent 72 Interpreters to translate the Bible out of Hebrew into Greeke which was as Eusebius obserueth in the third yeare of his reign before Christ 268. In recompence whereof he sent to be dedicated in the Temple of Ierusalem a table of gold richly adorned with Carbuncles smarages and other pretious stones two stately cups and 30 boules of pure gold as appeareth in Iosep lib. Antiq. 12. The Academy continued there till after Christs time as you may reade Acts 6. But the Library was consumed 47 yeares before Christ and the city greatly defaced For Iulius Caesar at that time making war with Pompey the yonger who continued with his sister Cleopatra in this City caused the Kings navy to be set on fire and the Library standing neer it the flame tooke hold of it and burnt it downe to the ground with all that was in it and defaced also a great part of the city Iosephus writing of this city compares it
empire of the Persians came to Persepolis in the yeare 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 liued dissolutely amongst whom was that notable curtesan Thais who perceiuing the King inclined to mirth and full with wine began to flatter him in his cups among other things to commend and dignifie his noble exploits withall giuing him to vnderstand how acceptable it would be to the Grecians to see that royall palace of the Persians fired which had so often afflicted Grecia No sooner had she vttered these words but another seconded her and then a third After the whole assembly cried out Shall we reuenge the injurie of Grecians and burn the city with that they al rose in great fury the king himself being crowned beginning first to fire the palace wherein was great aboundance of Cedar from whence it happened that suddenly the fire spred it selfe a great way which when the army that lay without the walls perceiued 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 himselfe busie in this tragedie 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 soldiers in such massacres made a prey of what they could get increasing the fire with dry stuffe and other combustible matter whereby it came to passe that the whole city was therewith fired and burnt to the ground This was the end of that mighty city which ruled ouer so many nations where so many mighty Princes gouerned that was the scourge of Grecia and the greatest part of the world that sent forth a Navie of 10000 ships and an army of an infinit number there being at this day nothing to be seen vnlesse the riuer Araxes that ran close by it remaineth Thus was that consumed in a fury which the King and all his army before endeauoured 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 himselfe after hee had slept repented what he had done You shall find in 2 Mac. cap. 6. That Antiochus Epiphanes besieged a certaine City in Persia called Persepolis from whence for his exceeding couetousnesse and sacriledge he was forced by the inhabitants dwelling about the town to raise his siege be gon 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 finde that this city so besieged by Antiochus was also called Elymais wherein stood the temple of Diana beautified with goodly ornaments shining with the splendor of fine gold wherewith it was gilt In which temple as faith Iosephus lib. Ant. 12. Alexander the Great left his armor and other things From whence may be gathered that this towne was not the Persepolis which he caused to be burnt but rather some other towne built out of the ruines of that city according to the opinion of Quintus Curtius or else some village standing neere to it which being built vp and inlarged might of some be called new Persepolis though indeed it was antiently called Elymais and all the East part of Persia beyond Susa of that towne called Elematica hauing some affinitie with Elam the antient 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 neuer restored but lieth waste to this day Thus the empire of the Persians afrer they had ruled ouer the nations of the earth 260 yeares was conquered by the Grecians who held it 129 yeares At the end of which time Demetrius Nicanor the last Emperour of the Grecrans 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 citisens of Elymais the Persians and Bactrians meeting him in those parts gaue him many sharp and cruell battels and in the end vnder pretence of peace took him prisoner in the yere before Christ 137 and from that time the Parthians gouerned Persia and Grecia and opposed the Romans in many cruell battels Afterward in the yere of our Lord 226 Artaxerxes that mighty Lord of Persia ouercame Artabanus King of the Parthians in a mighty battell and took his crown from his head the same yere entring vpon the gouernment of Persia 548 years after the death of Alexander the Great from which time Artaxerxes and his posteritie reigned in Persia for the space of 314 yeares in the which space there succeeded 28 Kings viz. Artaxerxes 1. Sapores Ormisdates Vararanes Vararanes 2. Vararanes 3. Narses Misdates Sapores 2. Artaxerxes 2. Sapores 3. Vararanes 4. Cermazat syrnamed Isdigertes Vararanes 5. Vararanes 6. Perozes Valens Cavades Zambades Cavades 2. Cosroës Hormisda Cosroës 2. Siroes Adhasir Sarbaras Bornarim Hormisda 2. who was the last King of the Persians for being ouercome by Humarus Amiras of the Saracens and third Emperor of the Mahumetans he was thrown out of his kingdom Anno Dom. 640. After which time it continued long in the gouernement of the Saracens and Turks Where that holy Priest Mattathias the father of Iudas Machabeus dwelt MAttathias and Dorotheus haue both one signification that is The gift of God being deriued of Matath a gift and Iah God This Mattathias 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 posteritie of Simon of the stocke of Ioarib of whom you may read 1 Chr. 15. He dwelt in a town called Modin 14 miles from Ierusalem toward the Northwest scituated in a mountaine close by the way as you go to Ioppa in the tribe of Dan. Modin signifieth a measure being deriued of Madad he hath measured In this place seeing the crueltie of Antiochus Epiphanes and the insolencie of his soldiers he killed one of his captains and afterward in the synagogue put to death an idolatrous Iew ouerthrew the Altar set vp by Antiochus after called forth all the inhabitants of Modin and other towns neere adioyning to withstand the fury of this King So they brought their goods out of the city into the wildernesse where they incamped themselues and after so manfully opposed Antiochus that he deliuered all the cities towns thereabouts out of his bondage and from idolatry But beeing now grown old after he had admonished his sons to constancy in the seruice of God and courage in defence of the countrey he died in the yeare before Christ 164 and was buried at Modin where afterward his sons were buried Simon his third son high-priest of Ierusalem did maruellously beautifie this
vpon the East side of the riuer they pitcht their tents 12 miles Here they fought with Bacchides After they went thence to Bethbesan 3 miles From thence they went to Ierusalem 12 miles Ios Ant. li. 18. cap. 1. From Ierusalem they went to Ioppa 20 miles and wonne the towne Ios lib. Ant. 13. ca. 6. From Ioppa they went to Asdod 12 miles and in the way they put the enemy to flight From Asdod they went to Ascalon which was 12 miles 1 Mac. cap. 10. From Ascalon they returned to Ierusalem which was 30 miles 1 Mac. 10. From thence he went to Bethsura halfe a mile this towne he won and placed a garrison in it 1 Mac. 11. Also in the absence of his brother Ionathan Simon went with his army to Ascalon which was 30 miles from Ierusalem 1 Mac. cap. 12. From thence he went to Ioppa which was twenty miles This towne the second time hee tooke and placed a Garrison therein â Mac. 12. From Ioppa hee returned againe to Ierusalem which was twenty miles Ios antiq lib. 13. cap. 8. From Ierusalem in the last yeare of his brother Ionathans gouernment he went to the plain of Sephala about 14 miles where he built the Hold of Abida 1 Mac. 12. From thence he returned to Ierusalem 14 miles There after the captiuitie of his brother Ionathan whom Tryphon by cunning had betrayed as is before said hee was chosen by the people of the Iewes into the principalitie From thence hee went to Addus to meet Tryphon 16 miles where he would haue ransomed his brother Ionathan 1 Machab. cap. 13. From Addus he went to a city of the Idumaeans called Ador or Adaram 48 miles From Ador he returned into Iudaea with his army 40 miles that he might oppose the inuasion of Tryphon and his souldiers lest they should haue destroyed the country and got Ierusalem in his absence Tryphon hauing put to death his brother Ionathan which was in the yeare before Christ 140 Simon entered vpon the office of high priest the same yere and continued in the gouernment eight yeares In the first yeare of his gouernment he went from Ierusalem to Modin 14 miles Here he buried the body of his brother Ionathan in his fathers sepulchre very honorably and richly beautified it From Modin he returned to Ierusalem 14 miles where he executed his priestly function diligently repaired the holds and decaied towns of Iudea compassing them about with stone wals and fortifying them with towers and bulwarks From thence he went to Gaza 44 miles from Ierusalem South-westward This town he tooke From thence he returned to Ierusalem which was foure and forty miles There he repaired the tower of Acropolis wherin he dwelt From Ierusalem he went to Ioppa and won the towne which was 20 miles From Ioppa he returned to Ierusalem which was twenty miles where for a time hee liued very honourably and kept a princely port 1 Mac. 14. Lastly he went with his two sons Iudas and Mattathias and his wife to visit his father in law Ptolomeus the son of Abodus to the castle of Doch which was neere to Iericho some ten miles from Ierusalem towards the Northeast Here he was slain by his father in law at a banquet in the yeare before Christ 132 in the 11 moneth which answereth to our February 1 Mac. 16. So all his trauels were 799 miles ¶ The description of the places mentioned in his Trauels Of Arabath ARrabath or Araba was a city neere to the lake or riuer Merom not farre from Dothan 44 miles from Ierusalem toward the North. It seemes to take the name from Locusts wherof there are many kinds 1 Mac. 5. for there are Locusts that liue vpon herbs and flours others that fly in great swarms in the aire and some also that liue in the waters not much vnlike Crabs or Crayfishes their tailes only excepted Plin. lib. 9. cap. 12. reckons vp another kinde of Locusts whereof Iohn Baptist did feed and it was lawfull for the Iewes to eat of them hee describes them to haue foure feet and wings so that they can either fly or leap vpon the earth They can be resembled to nothing more fitly than to grashoppers These the Hebrewes call Rabae Levit. 11. Mat. 3. because of the aboundance of them being deriued of the verbe Rabah He hath multiplied or increased because these kinds of Locusts come in mighty great swarmes and multitudes into the East part of the world Of these kindes of Locusts Arabath took the name but they are not known to vs neuerthelesse such there are and as it appeareth in Levit. cap. 11. were permitted to be eaten among the Iewes From whence may be concluded that Iohn Baptist liued vpon these kinde of Locusts and not vpon Crabs or Cray-fishes or any such kinde of Locusts Mat. 3. Of Sephela SEphela is a plain compassed about with mountaines neere the riuer Sorecke It lieth 14 miles from Ierusalem Westward Here Simon built the castle Adida and fortified it very strongly Afterward there was a city built neere to this tower called Eleutheropolis It was a free city in the tribe of Iudah halfe way between Ierusalem and Ascalon of which Ierome speaketh li. de Locis Hebr. Of Doch THis was a strong tower the ruins wherof may be seen to this day It was scituated neere Iericho in the field of Hiericuntis ten miles from Ierusalem Northeastward where Ptolomeus the son of Abodus perfidiously put to death his son in law Simon high Priest of the Iewes From this tower you might haue seen all the country of the Giliadites the two tribes of Gad and Reuben and the halfe tribe of Manasses with the mountains of the Moabites Nebo Pisga and Abarim vid. 1 Mac. ca. vlt. The Trauels of Iohn Hyrcanus IOhn Hyrcanus was made Captaine ouer all the men of War by his father Simon and went from Ierusalem to Gaza 44 miles where he dwelt 1 Mac. 13. From thence he returned to Ierusalem 44 miles in the 5 yeare of his fathers gouernment to let him vnderstand how Cendebius had inuaded the holy land 1 Mac. 16. From Ierusalem he and his brother Iudas went with their army to Modin 14 miles where they stayed all night The next morning before day they gaue battell to Cendebius not far from Modin ouercame him and put him to flight So he pursued the chase till he came to the fortresse of Cedron which stood in the field of Azotus euen 8 miles From the field of Azotus he and his brother Iudas returned to Ierusalem being 22 miles 1 Mac. 16. From Ierusalem he returned to Gaza which is 44 miles Now when Sorius Ptolomeus the son of Abodus who a little before had treacherously slaine his sonne in law Simon at a banquet heard of Iohns comming into the towne he sent forth certain traitors and homicides to put him to death also but Hyrcanus hauing certain intelligence of the matter preuented the mischief and put these traitors to the sword 1 Mac.
16. So all his trauels were 176 miles Concerning the towns and places mentioned in these trauels you may reade before ¶ Of the Kings of Syria that succeeded Antiochus Epiphanes and made war vpon the MACHABEES And first of the Trauels of Antiochus Eupator THis Antiochus the yonger succeeded his father Antiochus Epiphanes in the 149 yere of the Grecians gouernment in Syria which was the 161 yere before Christ and he continued King of Asia and Syria 3 yeares Lysias the Kings Substitute for Syria called this man by the name of Eupator that is a good Father because Kings ought to be Fathers of their countries This Antiochus Eupator in the second yeare of his reign came with a great army from Antiochia to the town of Modin which was 380 miles From Modin he went to the Hold at Bethsura this he sharply besieged being 12 miles From Bethsura he went to Bethsachara almost a mile to meet wrth Iudas Machabeus who put him to flight and kild 600 of his men 1 Mac. 6. From Bethsachara hee returned to the Hold of Bethsura and won it which was almost a mile From Bethsura he came to Ierusalem which was halfe a mile From Ierusalem he went with his Army to Ptolomais beeing 76 miles From Ptolomais hee returned to Antiochia 204 miles and a halfe Concerning the townes and places mentioned in his Trauels you may reade before The Trauels of Demetrius Soter the brother of Antiochus Epiphanes IN An. mundi 3809. before Christ 159. Demetrius Soter the son of Seleucus Philopater who was sent to Rome brought a Navy from thence through the Mediterranian sea and came to Tripolis in Syria which journy was 2680 miles and vsurped vpon the gouernment of Syria against young Antiochus the son of Epiphanes 1 Mac. 7. From Tripolis he went to Antiochia where the King kept his court 88 miles Here he caused yong Antiochus and Lysias to be slain and after reigned in Syria 10 yeares At length he was slain in a great battel by Alexander the son of Epiphanes 1 Mac. 7. So all his trauels were 1760 miles Of Tripolis THis city was scituated in Phoenicia a prouince of Syria on the shore of the Mediterranian sea 170 miles from Ierusalem towards the North and was so called because there dwelt in it three sorts of people viz. Tyrians Sydonians and Arabians It is a very famous City euen to this day the Ocean sea comming into euery street and principall place of it and full as populous as Tyrus For there inhabit Grecians Latines Armenians Maronites Nestorians and people of many other nations of diuers conditions and customes in manner of liuing It aboundeth also with great aboundance of costly Tapestrie which is made so curiously and with such cost that it is very delightfull to such as looke vpon it It is credibly reported That there are found within the city of Tripolis 4000 men that do little els but weaue and make Tapestry and such like costly hangings The country round about where it standeth is very pleasant because of the great aboundance of Vines Olives Figgs and other fruits and floures which yeeld a comfortable smell and is profitable for the maintenance of life it is called Paradice There is a field before the City some two miles in length and one in bredth in which there are to be seene very curious gardens and artificially contriued About six miles from the city standeth mount Libanus at the foot whereof riseth a goodly fountain which with great violence runneth thence but suddenly falling into the vallies it ioyns with other waters and becomes a faire and pleasant riuer watering all the gardens of the plain between Tripolis and Libanus but especially the mountains of the Leopards which is not far off In the Canticles cap. 4. there is mention of this hill Come with mee my Spouse from the dennes of the Lions and the mountains of the Leopards The water of this Spring is very cleare pleasant cold and healthfull vpon the banks of it there stand many churches religious houses It is called the Fountaine of the gardens and is diuided into three riuers or principal streams besides many other small brooks which run thence and fall into the sea so that the sentence Est 9. is verified of this A small fountaine shall increase to a great Riuer and shall be poured out against many waters The Trauels of King Alexander son of Epiphanes and brother to Antiochus Eupator OF this Alexander Iustin writes lib. 35. where he sheweth That he was not son to Antiochus Epiphanes as was supposed but had to name Prompalus being a man of the meaner sort of people but the Antiochians for the great tyranny of Demetrius falling into rebellion gaue vnto him the name of Alexander and withal caused it to be published abroad that he was the son of Epiphanes which by reason of his youth was easily beleeued And at this time Demetrius because of his crueltie being much hated of all sorts of people it came to passe that most and those of the greatest also combined with this yong man supposing him indeed to be of noble descent and the son of a King Wherefore Alexander or Prompatus being thus encouraged tooke vpon him to bee the brother of Antiochus Eupator and called himselfe the lawful heire and successor to the crowne of Syria going from thence to Ptolomais where he kept a royall court and in the yere of the world 3818 before Christ 150 by the help of the Antiochians other the inhabitants of Syria hee tooke vpon him the gouernment of that country and reigned fiue yeares This man suffered many varieties and changes of fortune at first was put to flight by Demetrius after hee put Demetrius to flight and at length put him to death and vsurpt vpon his gouernment In the third yere of his reign he maried Cleopatra the daughter of Ptolomeus Philometor King of Egypt by whom he had his son Antiochus To this marriage Ionathan was inuited In the last yeare of his gouernment hee went from Ptolomais to Antiochia which was 200 miles where hee opposed himselfe against Demetrius Nicanor the sonne of Demetrius Soter 1 Machab. cap. 10. From Antiochia he went to Cilicia which was 120 miles to suppresse the rebellion of his subiects but when hee heard that Ptolomeus Philometor his father in law had taken vp armes against him conquered Syria and giuen his wife to Demetrius Nicanor which had been maried vnto him two yeares before hee gathered all his forces hee could and with all expedition made good the war against Ptolomeus but hee was ouercome and fled into that part of Arabia which bordereth vpon the mountaine Amanus for refuge where Zabdiel the gouernor of that countrey fearing lest he should fall into the displeasure of Ptolomeus caused his seruants to cut off his head and sent it to him into Syria Within three daies after which sight he died being mortally wounded in the former battell Ios li. Ant. 13. c. 17.
Syria being 280 miles and there accused Iudas Machabeus and all the godly Iews vsing such flattery toward the King that he obtained the principalitie and office of high-Priest which he held three years 1 Mac. 7. From Antiochia he and Bacchides returned back to Ierusalem where hee was instituted in the office of high-priesthood which is 280 miles But when he saw that hee was not able to withstand the power and singular vertue of Iudas Machabeus he returned back to Antiochia 280 miles where after hee had accused the good men among the Iewes he obtained aid of Demetrius who sent Nicanor with a great army into Iudaea against Iudas to establish Alcimus in the priesthood So Alcimus and Nicanor returned into Iudaea 280 miles But Alcimus seeing familiar conference to passe between Nicanor and Iudas Machabeus he went backe againe to Antiochia 280 miles where he told Demetrius of the perfidious dealing of Nicanor Wherefore Demetrius being very angry at what had hapned wrot a sharp letter to Nicanor giuing him to vnderstand That it was much against his minde that hee should make a league with Iudas and further willed him the said league notwithstanding to bring him bound to Antiochia Vpon receit of which letter he made war vpon Iudas in which expedition Nicanor was taken and had his head cut off All this hapned in the first yeare of the priesthood of Alcimus But when Demetrius heard of this ouerthrow he sent Bacchides and Alcimus with a great army who went to Antiochia and came to Masloth in the country of Arbela 192 miles where they made incursions vpon the tribe of Nepthaly slew a great multitude of the Israelites 1 Mac. 9. From Masloth they went with their army to Gilgal 76 miles This hapned in the second yeare of the priesthood of Alcimus From Gilgal they came to Ierusalem 12 miles 1 Macchab. cap. 9. From thence they brought their army to Berea 12 miles here they were ouercome and put to flight by Iudas Machabeus 1 Mac. cap. 9. From Berea they fled amongst the mountaines which are between Azotus and Gazeron six miles Here Iudas Machabeus was slaine Wherefore Alcimus returned thence backe again to Ierusalem 20 miles and caused the walls of the inner house of the Temple and the monuments of the Priests to be taken down destroied but before his command was fully executed the Lord strooke him with a dead palsie of which he lay a time dumbe but within a while after he died of that disease in the second yeare of his priesthood an mundi 3811 and before Christ 157. Alcimus being dead Bacchides returned back to Demetrius in Syria 1 Mac. 9. For seuen yeares after there was no high Priest in Ierusalem till Ionathan the brother of Iudas Machabeus tooke vpon him that office 1 Mac. 10. So all his trauels were 1717 miles ¶ Of the places to which he trauelled Of Arbela THis was a city in the vpper Galile belonging to the tribe of Nepthali 96 miles from Ierusalem Northward Of which towne all the countrey is called Arbela being deriued of Arab To lie hid Of Masloth THis also is a towne of Nepthaly 92 miles from Ierusalem Northward and is deriued of Maschal which signifies Hee hath gouerned Of Berea TO this city Iotham sometime fled from the fury of his brother Abimilech Iudge of Israel Iudg. 9. It is scituated twelue miles from Ierusalem Westward and signifies a cleare Well Thus by Gods prouidence haue I described the Trauells and Iournies of the holy Patriarchs Kings and Prophets c. as they are seuerally mentioned in the old Testament that so gentle Reader thou mightst vnderstand what difficult and tedious journies and in them what great labour and vexation they were constrained to beare in this world till God of his mercy tooke them out of this vale of misery and placed them in euerlasting happinesse where now without doubt they remaine in peace FINIS The quantities of the Monies both Siluer and Gold as they are seuerally mentioned in the Scriptures reduced to our Weights and English valuations EVer since the time that Monies haue been allowed as currant in exchange betwixt man and man which for that purpose as Aristotle saith was first ordained it hath passed according to the valuation of a certaine weight which for the most part is vniuersall according to the worth and estimation thereof in the seuerall countries where it is to be sold exchanged or else by Coine which is currant according to the valuation that is imposed vpon it by the consent of a State or command of a Prince In both which there haue bin vsed sundry distinctions of greater and lesse valuations of weights and coine according to the necessitie and estimation thereof in seuerall Kingdomes and gouernments As amongst the Iewes they vsed weights and no coine and these distinguished in seuerall sorts and as is thought separated with sundry marks that they might be known each from other The weights that they vsed were commonly three viz. the Centiner or talent the Mina and the Sicle according to the opinion of Iosephus Budaeus Hostius and many others Of a Sicle A Sicle was a kind of weight currant among the Iewes containing precisely halfe an ounce of siluer or gold which that it might be distinguished had a particular effigies or superscription viz. vpon one side was to be seene the measure wherein they kept Manna in the Sanctuarie with this superscription The Sicle of Israel and on the other the rod of Aaron flourishing with this inscription Holy Ierusalem which is ordinarily worth in English mony 2 s. 6 d. and in gold 15 s. and more or lesse according to the purenesse or basenesse of either A sicle was diuided into these parts Into a Drachma i. 7 d. ob whereof 4 make a sicle Gen. 13.15 Exod. 21.32 c. Halfe sicles mentioned Exod. 30.13.15 ca. 38.26 which was the yearely tax imposed vpon euerie man toward the building of the Tabernacle i. 15 d. English Quadrans Sicli or the fourth part of a Sicle which was also in vse among the Iewes 1 Sam. 8.9 which amounts to a Roman peny and in our mony to 7 d. ob and by the Grecians were called Drachma Gherahs Exod. 30.13 which was the 20 part of a sicle and was worth 1 d. ob Of Sicles there were three sorts A common sicle which weighed a quarter of an ounce and was worth 15 d. The Kings sicle which weighed 3. Drachma's that is in our mony 22 d. ob The sicle of the Temple which weighed directly halfe an ounce and was worth 2 s. 6 d. Of a Mina Ios li. ant ca. 12 A Mina was a pound weight among the Iewes and were of two sorts one of gold which weighed 100 Drachma's another of siluer weighing 240 Drachma's These were called the antient weights but there was a later which is said to contain 100 Denaria's or Attick Drachma's Tract de Aug. cap. 8. which seem to be so called
Bethsaida Migdala Tiberias and Trichaea these stood vpon the West Vpon the East stood Iulia and Gadara Of the holy mountaine neere Capernaum in Galile ABout a mile from Capernaum toward the Southwest is to be seene an exceeding high hill standing vpon the shore of the sea of Galile beautified with many herbes and floures of diuers kindes being very fruitfull and pleasant extending it self in length almost two bowes shoot and in bredth one From this hil one might haue seen the whole sea of Galile the countries of Itura and Trachonitis euen to mount Libanus also the mountaines Sanir and Hermon and a great part of the vpper and lower Galilee Heere also the inhabitants of the holy land shew a certaine stone on which they say our Sauiour Christ did vsually sit when he preached to the people which stone the Christians cal the table here was that sermon made of the eight Beatitudes Mat. 5.6.7 Luke 6. Here were the twelue Apostles chosen Luke 6. Mar. 3. And our Sauiour Christ descending from this mountaine in the suburbs of the City of Capernaum healed a man that was infected with the leprosie About thirty paces from the foot of this hill there ariseth a fountain which is compassed about with a wal and is thought to be a vein of Nilus because they finde in it such kind of fishes the like whereof are not to be found in any other place but Nilus Iosephus calleth this Spring Capernaum and likewise all the plaine being very pleasant and fruitfull for the space of a mile euen vnto Iordan after the same name because it is subiect to the jurisdiction of that city About 20 paces from this wall on the shore of the sea of Galile there is shewn a place where they say Christ appeared to his seuen Disciples after his resurrection and asked them whether they had any meat And about ten paces from that is shewn a place where they say our Sauiours Disciples came to land and they drew vp in their nets a great draught of fishes c. Ioh. 21. Of Naim NAim signifies Fruitfull and pleasant it stood 48 miles from Ierusalem towards the North and typically representeth the condition of this world For the children of this world liue in all manner of pleasures and delights neuer thinking of any sorrow til death seiseth on them but then that ouerturns all and those delights become loathsome vnto them Notwithstanding this one comfort wee haue left vs Hope in Christ Iesus who as âe raised the Widowes son at the gates of this city from death to life will by his mighty power raise vs againe at the last day from the bowels of the earth and make vs partakers with him of an heauenly habitation It stood in the land of Samaria and in the tribe of Issacher about two miles off it vpon the East side stood mount Tabor a little from it vpon the South side stood mount Hermon the lesser and extended it selfe thence vnto the sea of Galile 16 miles Of these two hils you may read Psal 89. And about 2 miles from Naim Westward Sunem is to be seene to which the Prophet Elisaeus sometimes resorted 2 Reg. 4. Of Gadara GAdarah or Gederah in Hebrew signifies munition and somtimes it is taken to compasse about of Gadar hee hath hedged or compassed about S. Ierom saith in his time that is 400 yeares after Christ this was a very faire city and stood in a very high mountaine vpon the East side of the sea of Galilee beyond Iordan in the halfe tribe of Manasses some 48 miles from Ierusalem Northward and is to be seene at this day Strabo lib. 6. Geogr. saith that close by Gadara there is a venomous lake wherof what beast soeuer drinketh he immediatly loseth his hornes his hoofs and his haire and there are many that thinke this Lake became thus venomous because of the 2000 swine that were drowned in it when our Sauior suffered the diuels to enter into them Mat. 8. Mark 5. Luke 8. Close by this town stood Gerasa called also Gergesa Mat. 8. so named as some thinke of Girgasus the son of Canaan Gen. 10. Of Genesareth THis was a Countrey bordering vpon the Northwest side of the sea of Galile from whence this sea was called the Lake of Genesareth Luke 5. This land was very pleasant and fruitfull as if it had bin a Princes Garden bringing forth faire Apples Pomegranates Palmes Olives Vines and diuers other kinds of pleasant Fruits faire and goodly to the eye and therefore not without cause was it called the Garden of a Prince beeing deriued of Gan which signifies a Garden and Sur a Prince It is distant from Ierusalem six and fiftie miles towards the North as you may reade Matth. 6. 14. The chiefe cities of this countrey were Capernaum and Bethsaida of which cities though in former times they were very faire and large there are at this day not scarce eight houses to be seene The Trauels of our Sauiour Christ in the third yeare of his Ministrie which was the three and thirtieth yeare of his age FRom Ierusalem our Sauiour Christ returned some six and fiftie miles into Galile and in the beginning of this yeare wintered in that place so that as it may be gathered out of the Euangelists hee continued there the most part of Ianuarie and February and now the Spring approaching a little after the death of Saint Iohn the Baptist who as it is thought was put to death betweene the midst of Winter and the Spring not long before the feast of the Passeouer so that hee liued two yeares and a halfe in his Ministrie hee wrought many notable miracles not farre from the citie of Bethsaida The same time the Feast of the Passeouer drawing neere which was the third Passeouer of his Ministrie he went thence ouer Iordan and so beyond the sea of Tiberias Matth. 14. Make 6. Luke 9. At this time the Apostles of Christ being dispersed through all Galile and Iudaea teaching the Gospell of the Kingdome of heauen hearing of the miserable death of Iohn the Baptist about the beginning of the Moneth of Aprill returned with all possible speed out of euery part to our Sauiour Christ that so they might be secure against the tyranny of Herod Matth. 14. Marke 6. Luke 9. Also the Disciples of Iohn came vnto him and told him of his death and buriall Matth. 14. Our Sauiour Christ therefore hauing by this meanes certaine intelligence as he was betweene Bethsaida and Tiberias of the death of S Iohn Baptist in the month of April he went into a ship and passed about foure miles to the further side of the sea of Galile where in a certain desart he fed fiue thousand men with fiue barley loaues and two fishes Ioh. 6. From thence he returned backe again to the sea and so to Capernaum which was foure miles here he made that long sermon of the spirituall eating of his flesh Mat. 14. Luke 9. Iohn 6. From
and recited the parable of the Sheepe Ioh. 10. Also vpon the Sabboth day a little before the feast of the Dedication he healed a man that was born blind Iohn 9. In this feast the Iewes being angry because he had healed the blind man vpon the Sabboth day compassed our Sauiour about as he was in Solomons Porch and when they heard our Sauiour confesse openly that hee was the Sonne of God they began to grow into a fury and for very anger would haue stoned him to death Wherefore our Sauiour Christ went thence beyond Iordan and continued there the rest of the Winter Iohn 10. But before hee went to Ierusalem there were returned vnto him certaine of the seuentie Disciples which a little before in the moneth of September he had sent abroad and there at that time he recited the similitude of the man who descending from Ierusalem to Iericho fell amongst theeues This similitude seemeth to be taken from the present occasion because our Sauior Christ going from Ierusalem beyond Iordan was to passe through great wildernesses just in the way as they goe thence to Iericho Iohn 10. At the same time he went from Ierusalem to Bethania which was almost two miles and there visited Mary and Martha where Martha ministred vnto him but Mary sitting at his feet gaue diligent heed to his Doctrine Luke 10. At this time he tooke his leaue of these two sisters and went thence to Bethabara beyond Iordan where Iohn baptised which was 16 miles it being now about the midst of Winter Christ at this time being about 33 yeares of age I am not ignorant that there were many which refer that long journey of our Sauiour Christ when hee went to visit all Iudaea the sending forth of his Disciples diuers other miracles mentioned from the ninth chapter of Luke to the sixteenth to the beginning of the following yere But I am of opinion that all those things could not haue beene done within the compasse of foure moneths and before the feast of the Dedication so that it must needs bee that the seuentie 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 moneths betweene it and the raising vp of Lazarus in which short time all those things which are described by Luke could not possibly be accomplished especially considering that our Sauiour Christ wintered some time in Bethabara and there taught the multitude that came vnto him Ioh. 2. So these trauels of our Sauiour were 596 miles or thereabouts besides the diuers visitations and journeies hee went hither and thither which because of the great multitude of them it was not possible for the Euangelist to set them downe Of the townes and places to which he trauelled Of Bethsaida BEthsaida signifies the house of hunting being deriued 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 through the world Ierem. 16. In this Towne dwelt three Apostles Peter Andrew and Philip Iohn 1. It was scituated vpon the West side of the Galilean sea in the Tribe of Issachar fiftie six miles from Ierusalem towards the North. And because of the aboundance of Fishes that were in the sea of Galile Peter and Andrew became Fishers and in that vocation got their liuing till our Lord and Sauiour Christ made them Fishers of men Matt. 4. Luke 5. Before the birth of Christ this was but a small Towne and without doubt was so called from hunting because close by it stood a wildernesse that did greatly abound with wilde beasts Philip the Tetrarch of Traconitis and Itura made this a faire citie which in honour of Iulia hee called Iuliades This Iulia was the daughter of Augustus Caesar and wife of Tiberias Philip also brought many inhabitants thither who dwelt in that Citie But when Herod the Tetrarch of Galile and brother of this Philip had builded vp Bethara which stood beyond the riuer Iordan on the East side of the sea of Galilee and called it by the name of Iuliades in honour of this Iulia. This towne re-edified and inlarged by Philip was called againe in the time of our blessed Lord and Sauiour Christ after the antient name Bethsaida and so continueth to this day From hence it is manifest that the sea of Galile was subject to the gouernment of both these Tetrachs since vpon the shore thereof on both sides they had cities standing I doe thinke the wildernesse or wood and land neere adjoining to Bethsaida is called Itura of Ietur the sonne of Ismael Gen. 25. or else from the compasse and roundnesse of it for Tur in Hebrew signifies A circle But that Itura stood vpon the West side of the sea of Galilee those that haue beene at the Holy land can testifie This citie of Bethsaida hath an antient water course comming from a riuer not far from it which Iosephus calleth little Iordan which falleth into the sea of Galile just in the mid-way betweene this towne and Capernaum the channell whereof appeareth to this day Beside the many sermons which our Sauior Christ preached here he did many notable miracles Marc. 8. c. But for the ingratitude and impietie of the citisens the curse of our Sauiour fell vpon them Woe be thee Chorazin woe be to thee Bethsaida for if the miracles had beene done in Tyrus and Sidon which haue beene done in thee they had long ere this repented in sackloth and ashes Verily verily I say vnto you it shall be easier for Tyrus and Sydon in the day of judgement than for you Matt. 11. Luc. 10. The prophecie of our Sauiour Christ fell vpon them accordingly for after diuers and sundry ouerthrowes and deuastations this towne became vtterly vnpeopled and as Britenbacchus saith there are scarce six houses standing in it at this day Of Chorazin THis city also stands vpon the further side of Iordan close by the sea of Galile in the same country as Capernaum stands for the city of Chorazin standeth vpon the East side of the riuer Iordan where it falleth into the sea of Galile and Capernaum vpon the West in the halfe tribe of Manasses some 16 miles from the citie of Ierusalem towards the North. This citie also neglecting the preachings and miracles of our Sauiour Christ felt the efficacie and force of the curse of the Sonne of God Mat. 11. Luc. 10. For there is not at this day a house to be seene onely some ruines where it stood Chorazin doth denote a dukedome 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 mistery or my secret Of Tiberias TIberias standeth vpon the West side of the sea of Galilee 48 miles from Ierusalem towards the North. Before the birth of Christ it was called Kinnereth that is the
punishing hand of God as wel by the inuasion of Enemies as sickenesse and dearth according to the predictions of the Prophets Esay 28. and Ezek. 28. vntil at last in succeeding ages it was vtterly destroyed the ruins of which city remain to this day and make euident that it was a faire and spatious towne There is to be seen yet to this day a city built out of the ruines of the former though nothing so large as it very strong mightily fortified so that it seemeth almost inuincible if it haue men wherewith to defend it Vpon the one side it ioyneth to the sea and vpon the other side of it there standeth two mighty strong castles one of them scituated toward the North vpon a very strong âock as it were in the heart of the sea the which was built by cerâain Pilgrims that came out of Germany to visit the holy city of âerusalem The other of them was scituated vpon a hill toward the South of the city as well fortified and no lesse difficult to be conquered These two castles with the whole city in times past were in the hands of the Knights templers The land round about it is very pleasant and fertile abounding with all kinde of good things necessarie for the maintenance of life and delight There is also found great aboundance of Grapes which are very delicious and pleasant to the tast wherof the wine Canamella is made But because the Turkes and Saracens are inhibited by the strict law of their Alcaron from drinking of wine therefore they suffer no vineyards to be planted neither the inhabitants to dresse those Vines that grow naturally Before the East gate of the antient city which now lies destroied there is built a Chappel in which place they say the woman of Canaan entreated our Sauior Christ to cast a Diuell out of her daughter Mat. 15. The mountain Antilibanus beginneth close by the riuer Eleutherius and extends it selfe beyond Tripolis and in some places it ioyneth so close to the sea that for the streightnesse of the wayes those that trauel that way can scarse passe In this city was the fairest purple in all those parts nay as some Authors affirme the like was not to be found in the world c. Of Cana Syro-Phoenicea THis towne which was called Cana the Great was scituated vpon the borders of Tyrus and Sydon 112 miles from Ierusalem Northward scituated in the Tribe of Ashur 4 miles from Sydon towards the South and three from Sarepta towards the East In this towne the Syrophoenician dwelt that besought our Sauior Christ to heale her daughter that was possessed of a diuel Mat. 15. Mar. 7. It was called Cana to put a difference betweene it and another Cana scituated in Galile the lower in which city our Sauior Christ turned water into wine You may reade more of this towne before Of Trachonitis THis city was so called from the stony hardnes of the mountains of Gilead which compasse it in vpon the East side in which prouince the tribe of Gad and the halfe tribe of Manasses inhabited It was in antient times called Basan in which Og the mighty Gyant had a great command but Moses ouercame him and gaue the land to the tribe of Gad and the half tribe of Manasses In Christs time the Tetrarch and gouernour of it was Philip who was son to Herod the Great and brother to Herod Antipas Tetrach in Galile and Petraea which Herod tooke to wife Herodia whom his brother Philip had formerly maried the said Philip beeing at that time aliue but because Iohn Baptist reprehended him for that fact therefore at her request he was beheaded in the Castle of Machera Itura was another Prouince belonging to the tetrarchy of Philip ioyning vpon the West to the riuer of Iordan and called Galile of the Gentiles of which you may reade before Of Decapolis THis country is so called of ten cities that were scituated in it It stood beyond Iordan and the sea of Galile as may be gathered out of Mark ca. 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 ten cities which stood there as Chorazin which Christ cursed Mat. 11. Gamala where Agrippa King of the Iewes was hurt in his right arme Ios de bell Iud. lib. 4. cap. 1. Iuliades built by Herod Antipas in honor of the Empresse Iulia. Gadara where our Sauior Christ cast out the legion of diuels suffering them to enter into the herd of swine Mat. 8. Mar. 5. Astaroth the chiefe citie of that Countrey 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 slaine with a Dart 1 Reg. 22. And Abel of the Vines where Baalams Asse spake Num. 22. These are those ten cities whereof this country is called Decapolis being scituated in the land of Gilead betweene Iordan where our Sauior healed the man that was both blind and deafe 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 countrey but they erre from the truth Of Magdala THis was a city scituated vpon the West side of the Galilean sea 52 miles from Ierusalem Northward in which Country Mary who of this town was called Magdalen was borne At this time this city is called by the name of Castle Magdala in which place they shew the house of Mary Magdalen Vpon the West and North side of the city there lieth a great and spatious plain preserued only for pasture which Mar. cap. 8. calls Dalmanutha that is Drawn dry or a poore and naked habitation being deriued 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 haue a poore 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 preuaile Matt. 16. Vpon the borders of Magdala and Dalmanutha the Pharisees and Sadduces tempting our blessed Sauior Christ demanded of him a signe from heauen Mat. 15.16 Mar. 8. This city belonged to the tribe of Issacher Of Thabor MOunt Thabor was a round and high hill vpon which our blessed Sauior Christ was transfigured scituated vpon the borders of the tribes of Issacher Zebulon fifty two miles from the City of Ierusalem towards the North and extendeth it selfe toward the South to the riuer Kison Heere Deborah and Barack discomfited the Host of Sisera King of the Canaanites and put them to flight Iug. 4. Of this mountain
vanisheth away and is without any corporiall substance In the same moneth of Aprill our Sauiour Christ appeared again to Peter Thomas Nathaniel the sons of Zebedeus and other two Disciples as they were fishing vpon the shore of Tiberias which stood 56 miles from Ierusalem Northward betweene Bethsaida and Capernaum Ioh. 21. The day of this apparition is not set downe From the sea of Tiberias neere to Capernaum and Bethsaida to mount Thabor scituated in Galile is reckoned 10 miles there about the end of April our Sauior Christ appeared to aboue 500 brethren at once where many worshipped him others doubted Mat. 28. 1 Cor. 15. In the month of May our Sauior Christ appeared to Iames the son of Alpheus for he had been seen before of Iames the sonne of Zebedeus both which were after crowned with martyrdom in the city Ierusalem the son of Zebedeus vpon the 25 day of Iuly ten yeares after the resurrection and the sonne of Alpheus vpon the feast day of the Passeouer was throwne from a Pinnacle of the Temple 29 yeares after the resurrection of our Sauior Vpon the 40 day after his resurrection hee returned fiftie sixe miles to Ierusalem where his disciples were assembled together and vpon the fourteenth day of May in the sight of all the Apostles with great triumph and ioy he ascended vp into heauen and sitteth at the right hand of his father in diuine majestie and glory Mar. Luk. vlt. Act. 1. Psal 28. Ephes 1. 1 Pet. 3. Heb. 1. So these Trauels of our Sauior Christ were 319 miles But if you reckon his trauels from the time of his infancie to the day of his ascention they make 3093 miles Besides his generall Visitations and journies hither and thither which were so many that as Iohn witnesseth cap. vlt. they could not be described ¶ Of the townes and places to which he trauelled Of Iericho THis city stood very pleasantly in the tribe of Benjamin ten miles from Ierusalem Northeastward Ioshuah ouercame this towne by sounding of trumpets Ios 6. Heb. 11. it was rebuilt by Hiel and was compassed about with a new wall by Herod that mighty King of the Iews who put the innocent children to death and called it after his mothers name Cyprus Ios de Bell. Iud. lib. 1. cap. 16. And although this city was taken and vtterly ouerthrown the second time by the Romans at such time as Vespasian and his son Titus wasted and destroied Ierusalem and all the land of Iudaea yet afterward it was re-edified and in Ieroms time which was 400 yeares after Christ it was a faire city There was shewn the house of Zacheus and the Sycomore tree that he went vpon to see Christ Luk. 19. But by reason of the often destructions and deuastations that hath fallen vpon it there is not to be seen at this day aboue eight houses in the towne and all the monuments and Reliques of the holy places are vtterly destroyed the house of Zacheus and the Sicomore tree are no more to be seen in that place only the place is to be seen where our Sauiour restored the blind man to sight when hee cried after him Lord thou Sonne of Dauid haue mercy vpon mee Luke Chap. 18. Also though this Countrey throughout be very fruitfull and pleasant yet is it nothing so fertile and pleasant as it was when the Children of Israel did dwell there For the Roses of Iericho are no more to bee found there but rather in a Village about sixteen miles from Iordan towards the East And although they stand so farre distant off yet they retain their antient name Between Ierusalem and Iericho there is a desart or wildernes which by the inhabitants of the holy land is called Quarentena where the man of which Christ speaketh fell among theeues Luk. 10. There is in the same place at this day great theeuing and many roberies committed as Brittenbacchus saith In this place also is to be seen the riuer Chereth where the Rauens fed Eliah 1 Reg. 17. Neere to Iericho also is found the riuer the water whereof Elizaeus made sweet by casting in salt whereas before it was bitter and it remaines very pleasant and sweet to this day 2 Reg. 2. Of Ephraim THis city is so called from the pleasantnesse and fruitfulnes of the soile being deriued from Parah To fructifie It lieth 8 miles from Ierusalem Northeastward iust in the way as you go from thence to Iericho in the wildernesse of Quarentena close by the riuer Chereth in the tribe of Benjamin Heere our Sauiour Christ after he had raised Lazarus from death to life hid himself with his disciples because the Iewes sought to take away his life by deceit The Passeouer following he was made a sacrifice for the sin of man Ioh. 11. Of Bethania THis city was a type of the Church which is alwaies subject to the Crosse and exposed to euery calamitie and therefore is called Bethania that is The house of sorrow and affliction being deriued of Baith an House and Oni Affliction According to the prophecie of our Sauiour who foretold of the afflictions and tribulations that should fall vpon his Church You shall mourn but you shall be comforted and your griefe shall be turned into ioy It was distant from Ierusalem almost two miles towards the South-East Borchardus the Monke obserueth That close by a Well about a stones cast out of this Towne there is shewed the place where Martha met our Sauiour Christ when he came to Bethania and a little after called her sister to meet him Iohn cap. 11. There is also shewne in this Towne the house of Simon the Leper where â certaine woman hauing an Alabaster boxe of pretious Ointment poured it on our Sauiors head not without the great indignation of his Disciples Matth. 26. There is also to be seene the house of Martha to which our Sauiour did oftentimes resort Luk. 10. Ioh. 11. 12. and in that place there is at this day a Church built in honour of those two sisters which were the sisters of Lazarus There is also seen the sepulchre out of which Lazarus was raised from death to life Ioh. 11. which stands close by the said Church and ouer it is built a chappell of Marble very decent and comely The Saracens hold this Chappell in great estimation You cannot see the citie of Ierusalem from Bethania because of the mount of Oliues but as soon as you ascend a little hill in the way as you got hence to Ierusalem you may discerne mount Sion and a part of the city then when you are discended from that hill the citie is againe hidden After that vpon the left side of the mount of Oliues some stones cast from Bethpage you doe leaue a small village standing vnder the mountaine of Offence where Solomon in times past committed Idolatry From this village the Asse and the Colt was brought vnto Christ Not farre from thence vpon the South side as you goe vpon the Mount
almost inuincible and for that cause called The mother of strength as the Church is called The mother of the righteous against which the gates of hell shall not be able to preuaile In the time of Iudas Macchabeus though it was then a small city it was numbred amongst the greatest cities of Iuda because of the scituation and strength of it To this place our Sauiour trauelled from Ierusalem the same day that hee arose from the dead Luke 24. In the time of the Romans warres in Iudaea this city was wonderfully defaced and ruined by the souldiers of Tiberius Maximus who was chiefe Captaine in this countrey in the absence of Titus Vespasian but yet not vtterly abolished for about a hundred and fiftie yeares after Heliogabolus Emperour of Rome caused it to be rebuilded and called by the name of Nicopolis that is the citie of Victorie Not farre from Emmaus there was an Inne or a place to which strangers might resort and there three waies met two went of either side the towne and one through it in this place the two Disciples constrained our blessed Sauiour to stay with them because it was then about Sunne-set Neere vnto this Inne Nicephorus and Zozemenus say in their Ecclesiasticall Historie there was a Spring or Well of that admirable vertue that if either man or beast that was infirme or sicke did drinke of the water thereof they were immediately restored to their former health The reason that these Authors haue for it because they are impertinent I willingly omit But to return ro the city of Emmaus as it is now called Nicopolis being scituated eight miles from Ierusalem towards the Northeast in the way as you goe thence to Ioppa the countrey round about it being very fertile and pleasant by reason of the riuers and springs wherewith it is watered as Pliny saith l. 5. c. 14. and much altered from that which it was in times past but because you may reade more of this city in Pliny as it is at this day and in Nicephorus and Eusebius I leaue to speake further of it Of Simon of Cyrene THis Simon which carried the Crosse of our Sauiour Christ was born in Kir a city in Africa scituated 16 miles from Ierusalem towards the West Matth. 27. Luke 23. In which city Tiglath Phulasser Emperour of the Assirians planted many of the inhabitants of Damascus after he had conquered that city 2 Reg. 16. This citie and the country round about it by reason of these new inhabitants by little and little changed the name and wheras in former times it was called Kir in the time of our Sauiour it was commonly called Cyrene and this man of that countrey Simon of Cyrene At this day it is a strong and beautifull city scituated betweene Mareotides and Zeugitania at first built by Battus whom Callimachus the Poët claimeth to be his progenitor This Battus was a mighty king in Africa but was one that had a great impediment in his speech insomuch that many thinke this word ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã to haue beene originally vsed by him and by none other Afterward as is said Tiglah Phulasser hauing obtained the jurisdiction of this citie planted the people of Damascus in it and they obtaining some power there continued till a long time after Christ and imbraced the religion of the Iewes built vp Synagogues and dispersed that law in many parts of those quarters There were some of this countrey that opposed that holy Marter Stephen and were consenting to his death There were many learned men in it as Eratosthenes the Mathematician Callimachus the Poët both which were had in great estimation among the Aegyptians Carneades also the Academian Cronus Apollonius and Hegesias the Philosopher of whom Cicero speaketh in the fifth book of his Tusculans and Eratosthenes the Historian who was sonne of Agaclis Salust saith that this citie in his time was so mightie that it maintained war against the Carthaginians for their bounds and limits of their fields and grounds a long time and Iustine lib. 39. That they maintained warre against two nations the Phoenes and the Aegyptians in which warres they gaue Aprius the King of the Aegyptians such a mighty ouerthrow that there were very few of his army that returned into his countrey with him as Horodot affirmeth lib. 4. there were also many great Princes that ruled in this city of which because you may reade in diuers other Authors more at large I omit to speake of them Of Ioseph of Arimathea who buried Christ THis Ioseph which caused our Sauior Christ to be buried in his garden was a rich man vpright just in all his actions a Senator of Ierusalem and one that expected the Kingdome of God borne at Arimathea a citie of the Iewes Luc. 23. This citie was sometime called Ramathaim Sophim and sometime Ramah because it was scituated in a high place and in times past was a fair citie standing 16 miles from Ierusalem toward the Northwest the description whereof you may reade before At this day it is called Ramalea being nothing so farre as it was but like a countrey towne the houses being carelessely dispersed here and there lying without walls or bulwarkes to defend it notwithstanding the ancient ruins of the former city is to be seen euen at this day There is also a great Inne or resting place for strangers hauing within it many roomes for the receit of passengers and a well of very sweet water This house was first purchased at the charge of Philip Duke of Burgondie and by him committed to the protection of the Monkes of Mount Sion by whom it is at this day made an hospitall wherein pilgrims trauellers and strangers are entertained and find much reliefe In an inward Orchard belonging to this hospital there is a faire plot of ground that bringeth forth great aboundance of Aloes of which there is often mention in the holy Scriptures but more especially in Psalme 48. Thy garments smell of Aloes and Cassia when thou commest out of thy Iuorie pallaces where they haue made thee glad Nichodemus a Prince of the Iewes together with Ioseph of Arimathea brought with them an hundred pound of Aloes mixed with Myrrhe to embalme the body of our Sauiour Christ when they had begged it of Pilat before they buried it Ioh. 19. Myrrh is a kind of gum that issueth out of a tree that growes in the East countries but principally in Arabia the tree out of which it issueth is commonly two yards and a halfe high with some pricks vpon it the barke whereof being cut there issueth out of it drops like teares which congealeth into a gum and is called Mirrh the principall vertue that it hath is to keepe the bodies of the Dead incorruptable see Pli. li. 12. ca. 15. 16. In Arabia Foelix there is such abundance of sweet Myrrhe Frankincense and other odoriferous gums that such as saile in the Red sea may easily smell the sauour of them There is also found
in carts Thus God turneth the aire and the earth to the confusion of those that persecute his Church Of Pergamus THis was another of the townes whereto Iohn wrot his Reuelation It was a famous city and metropolitan of Mysia scituated in Asia minor 228 miles from Ierusalem Northwestward It stood vpon a high rock close by the riuer Caicus from whence it was called Pergamus For in antient times all famous and notable places were called amongst the Graecians Pergama as Suidas and Servius obserueth Strabo lib. 13. saith That in the time of Lysimachus the sonne 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 vsually kept all his treasures and those things that were of account and committed the custody of it vnto one named Philetaerus an Eunuch of Tyanus But this man being accused to Lysimachus That he would haue forced his wife Arsinoës for feare of some future punishment because of that offence moued the inhabitants of that Hold to rebellion At the same time also there happened many commotions in Asia whereby Lysimachus was constrained to leaue this and make opposition against Seleucus Nicanor who had inuaded his dominions But in this war Lysimachus was slaine And Philetaerus hauing in his possession great riches that hee might enioy what hee had was alwayes obseruant to him that gat the victorie by which meanes he kept himselfe and his riches for the space of 20 yeares in that castle and then dyed and left all his wealth to Eumenes his brothers sonne who inlarged his gouernment and ouercame Antiochus the sonne of Seleucus This man after hee had raigned 32 yeares dyed and Attalus his sonne succeeded him in the Gouerment who hauing 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 Romanes against Antiochus magnus King of Syria for which seruice the Romans gaue 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 yeares he died and left his kingdom to his son Attalus called Philometor This Attalus after hee had done many notable exploits died without issue when hee had reigned 5 yeares and left his kingdome to the Romans who turned it into a prouince There liued in this town many learned men as Galen the Physitian who was famous in the time of Trajan the Emperor and as the fame went liued 140 yeares Of that town also was Apolodorus the Rhetoritian who was schoole-master to Augustus Caesar of which man the Apollodorean sect tooke name and Dionysius Atticus his scholer Here Antipas was crowned with the Wreath of martyrdome To the Bishop of this Towne Iohn wrot his Reuelation and in the second Chapter thereof sharpely 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 seuen Deacons for the poore at Antiochia of whom you may reade Act. cap. 6. was the first author of this sect yet Clem. Alexand. cleares him of it laying that offence rather on certaine idle persons that misconstruing his words being giuen ouer to vile affections couered their euils vnder his name calling themselues Nicolaits though indeed he had no hand in it but liued and died honestly The opinion that this Sect held as Euseb saith li. 3. ca. 23. and Irenaeus libr. 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 peruerse 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 wrot his Reuelation it was scituated close by the riuer Caicus vpon the borders of Mysia and Lydia 600 miles from Ierusalem Northeastward It was a very faire city in Asia minor yet subiect to the Lydians In this country Lidda was born that dwelt at Philippa and gaue entertainment to Paul and Sylas Acts 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 K. of Syria making war vpon Lysimachus king of Thrace comming to this towne had newes that his wife had bore him a daughter in honor whereof he would needs haue the town called Thugateira which in Greeke signifies a daughter but Thyatira Diuine reuerence Of Sardis TO this city also S. Iohn wrot his Reuelation It was a famous and princely seat scituated in Asia not farre from the mountaine Tmolus where Croesus King of the Lydians kept his court being 536 miles from Ierusalem towards the Northwest It was so called without doubt of Sardus the sonne of Hercules which maketh Sardis in the plural number Of this Towne were those two Diodories which were Oratours The younger of them did write Histories and Poems and was one of Strabo's great friends Close by this Towne is found a precious stone which after the townes name is called Sardis it is of a fleshly colour and therefore is commonly called Carnalia of which you may reade more in Pliny lib 37. cap. 4. Of Philadelphia SAint Iohn also wrote his Reuelation to this city It was scituated in Mysia a countrie in Asia Minor being 450 miles from Ierusalem towards the Northwest This city is so often troubled with Earthquakes that the inhabitants are many times constrained to dwell in the open fields Vpon the East side thereof lies a dry and barren country which seemeth to be burnt and scorcht 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 yeeld very pleasant wine and may compare with the best of those parts The superfices of the earth seemeth like ashes mountany stony and blacke many conjecture the cause therof to be by reason of the great thunders and lightning that they haue there but there are some which giue other reasons for it It was called Philadelphia of Attolus Philodelphius who first built it Of Laodicea THis was the seuenth and last Citie that Iohn directed his Reuelation to It stood close by the riuer Lycus in Caria a country in Asia the lesse fiue hundred and twentie miles from Ierusalem towards the Northwest 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 hollow caues vnder the earth into which the aire in the time of heat hauing free entrance
Sauiour Christ and the remainder is his age At his circumcision he was called Saul that is a mortall man but when he was made the Apostle of the Gentiles he was called Paul of which name there was a noble family in Rome so called because of the lownesse of their stature and smalnesse of their body as Carolus Sigonius obserueth In the 35 yeare after the natiuitie of Christ Paul was an inquisitor for priuate heresie and a cruel persecutor of the Gospel The next yeare he went from Ierusalem to Damascus in Syria which was 160 miles in which journey about the 25 day of Ianuary he was conuerted and vpon the 28 day of Ianuary was baptized by Ananias So he staied some few daies in Damascus and taught the Gospell of Christ Acts 9. 22. In the same yere that he was conuerted the Iewes those that were enemies to the Gospell went about by deceit to take his life wherefore he went from Damascus to Arabia Petraea which was 160 miles here hee continued teaching the Gospell by the space of three yeares that is from the beginning of the 35 to the end of the 37 yeare after the Natiuitie of Christ Act. 9. In the 38 yeare after the Natiuitie of Christ he returned from Arabia Petraea and came to Damascus which was 160 miles and there he diligently taught the Gospell of Christ But when in the same yeare Araeta King of Arabia went about to put him secretly to death he was let down in a basket ouer the wall and so went from Damascus to Ierusalem which was 160 miles and when hee came thither he brought Barnabas to the Apostles and shewed them his conuersion and remained with Peter 15 daies preaching the Gospell At this time he saw Iames the sonne of Alpheus and brother of our Lord Acts 9. 2 Cor. 11. Galat. 1. But when his aduersaries that were at Ierusalem went about secretly to put him to death hee went from Ierusalem and was brought by the brethren to Caesarea Strato which was 32 miles Acts 9. About the 38 yere after the natiuitie of Christ he went thence into Syria to Tarsus a citie of Cilicia which was 272 miles here he continued some yeares teaching the Gospell of Christ Gal. 1. 2 Cor. 11. In the 41 yeare after the natiuitie of Christ and about the seuenth yeare of his Ministrie hee was brought by Barnabas from Tarsus to Antiochia in Syria which was 120 miles At this time and in this towne all those that beleeued in Christ began to bee called Christians wheras before they were called Disciples and brothers Acts 11. These things hapned in the eight yeare after the resurrection of Christ about this time also Matthew wrote his Gospell and Agabus prophesied of the vniuersall dearth that should happen vnder Claudius Acts 11. In the 42 yeare after the natiuitie of Christ Paul being then at Antiochia and about 32 yeres of age was wrapt vp into the third heauen 14 yeares before he wrote his second Epistle to the Corinthians 2 Cor. 12. In the 43 yeare after the natiuitie of Christ the famine wherof Agabus prophecied being now begun hee went with the gifts of the Church from Antiochia to Ierusalem which was 280 miles this yeare Iames the elder was beheaded at the command of Agrippa Acts 11. 12. In the 44 yeare after the natiuitie of Christ Paul and Barnabas with Peter were deliuered out of prison by the Angell of the Lord. Now hauing distributed the gifts of the Church hee returned in the company of Iohn Marke from Ierusalem to Antiochia which was 280 miles So these trauels were 1928 miles Of the townes and places to which he trauelled of Tarsus or Tharsus THis was the Metropolis of Cilicia scituated vpon the riuer of Cydnus which beginning at Mount Taurus runs thence through this towne into the Mediterranean sea It was first built by Perseus King of the Persians whom the Poëts faigne to bee the sonne of Iupiter and Danaë called Tharsus of the Hyacinth stone which as it seemeth is found thereabouts It was distant from Ierusalem 304 miles towards the North in antient time a goodly city but through the injurie of the time and inuasion of the enemy much impaired lay almost ruined til as Strab. saith li. 14. it was repaired by Sardanapalus that effeminat K. of the Assirians of whom Tully remembreth this Epitaph lib. 5. Tuscula Haec habeo quae aedi quaeque exaturata libido Hausit at illa jacent multa praeclara relicta What things I eat or spend in sport and play Those I enjoy the rest I cast away From his time vntill the raigne of Darius the last king of the Persians it continued in great prosperity and was become a maruellous stately citie the inhabitants therof being growne very wealthy but then Alexander the Great making warre vpon that Prince amongst others brought his Army against this citie but the citisens hearing of his notable exployts durst not abide his comming therefore they fired the citie left hee should make a prey of their riches and fled which when Alexander perceiued he gaue order to Parmenio with all possible speed to quench the fire and saue the citie In the meane time the King being prest with an extraordinary thirst by reason of the extreame heate that was in that country the dust and his long journie put off his roiall garments and cast himselfe into the riuer Cydnus which being a cold water comming out of the North stroke the heat presently inward and so benummed his sinewes that had it not been for the present helpe of his souldiers and the extraordinarie diligence and care of Philip his Phisitian he had died immediately notwithstanding by the great prouidence of God and the carefulnesse of his physitian hee recouered his dangerous sickenesse beyond the expectation of man and after ouercame Darius in a sharpe and cruell warre neere to a place called Issa as you may reade before See Plutarch in vita Alexand. and Quintus Curtius From that time forward this citie grew to be very famous and daily increased in statelinesse and faire buildings And to adde more dignitie to it there was a famous Academie in which were many learned and rare Philosophers in so much that they of Tharsus exceeded the Philosophers of Athens and Alexandria for learning and knowleged though indeed for number of scholers and common resort they exceeded Tharsus Saint Paul was borne and brought vp in this Towne and here learned the knowledge of the tongues Philosophie and other good arts Hee also perused the writings of Aratus Epimenides Menander and other learned men whose sayings are here and there dispersed through his Epistles From thence he was sent to Ierusalem where hee liued and was brought vp at the feet of Gamaliel who was Prouost of that Academy and after was conuerted to be an Apostle of Christ Iesus as appeareth Acts 22. This towne at this day is subject to the Empire of the Turkes and called
by the name of Terassa beeing neither so famous nor so faire a citie as in the time when the Roman Empire flourished for then because of the extraordinary vertue of the citizens it was indowed with the libertie and freedome of Rome Of Damascus THis was a metropolitan towne in Syria distant from Ierusalem 160 miles towards the Northeast being an ancient and faire citie and before such time as Antiochia was built the head of all that kingdome It was scituated in a faire and fruitfull place close by the mountaine Libanus which bringeth forth Frankincense Ceders Cypresse and many odoriferous and sweet smelling floures There were many Kings that kept their court in it as Hadad Benhadad the first Benhadad the second Hasael and others who grieuously opposed the Kings of Israel in many sharpe and cruell warres as you may reade before The land round about it aboundeth with white and red Roses Pomegranats Almonds Figges and other sweet and pleasant fruits In that place the Alablaster stone is found very faire and cleere The aire pleasant and healthfull The riuer called Chrysorrus runneth close by it in which there is found golden veines which yeelded perfect gold The houses without are not very curious but within all of polished Marble and Alablaster guilt with resplendent gold so artificially that it dazleth the beholders eies There was a certaine Florentine who reuolted from the Christian faith and obtained to be chiefe gouernour of this towne in which he erected a strong and beautifull castle which stood for the defence of it No man can sufficiently expresse the beautie and glory of this citie there is great traffique and much resort of people to it but especially of Turkes Saracens Mamalucks and other kinds of Pagan people who are preferred before the Christians in that gouernment and although there are many Christians in that place yet they are constrained to indure great injurie by those Barbarians because they are hated euen to the death and if any of them chance to die they are buried in that place where Paul was conuerted The inhabitants shew the place where Saint Paul was let downe ouer the wall in a basket also the house of Ananias who cured the blindnesse of Paul besides many other things that are memorable in that citie of which you may reade in Sebestian Munster Sebastian Frankus Plin. lib. 5. and many other authors Of Arabia MAny things are already spoken concerning this Countrey as the diuision of the place one called Petraea the other Deserta and the third Foelix Arabia Petraea is so called from the Metropolitan citie thereof called Petra which is scituated forty miles from Ierusalem towards the South and bordereth vpon Aegypt and India It is also called Arabia Nabathea as you may reade before Paran and Sur are a part of it compassing towards the East the land of Iudaea and so extendeth to Damascus This countrey is very full of rockes and stones the chiefe citie Petra being scituated vpon a rocke of which it taketh the name Here standeth the mountaines Horeb and Sinai here the children of Israel trauelled when they went out of Aegypt here is the Sardonix stone found and the people of this countrey in times past were great Prophets and Astrologians here also S. Paul taught the Gospell a little after his conuersion Gal. 1. at which time Aretas was King thereof whose sister was married to Herod the Tetrarch of Galile and Petraea but he cast her off and married Herodias his brother Philips wife vpon which there began a bloudy warre betweene Aretas and Herod and a sharpe battell was fought neere to Gamala a citie beyond Iordan And although the two Kings were not at this battell yet by the treason and flight of the soldiers out of Tracones who without all question would haue reuenged the contempt done vnto their Lord Philip the Arabian armie carried away a notable victory as Iosephus witnesseth lib. antiq 18. cap. 9. Aretas signifieth An excellent man which was a common name to the Kings of Arabia It is to be thought that Damascus and all the Countrey round about was vnder the jurisdiction of this King and that he ordained a Lieutenant or Generall in those parts who would haue taken Paul and put him to death Acts 9. 2 Col. 12. The other part of Arabia is called by Ptolomie Deserta but Strabo calls it Scenilis because the inhabitants thereof are without buildings or Tents and liue like vagrants vp and downe the woods This is compast in vpon the South with certaine mountaines of Arabia Foelix towards the North it borders vpon Mesopotamia and towards the West vpon Petraea The third is called Arabia Foelix because of the fertilitie therof for they haue there euery yeare two haruests as they haue in India as Strabo obserueth See Plin. lib. 6. cap. 28. Of Antiochia YOu may reade of this Towne before It is said that Luke the Euangelist was borne here This man was by profession a Physition Colos 4. and an inseparable companion to Paul in all his Trauels he was of the number of the seuentie Disciples as Epiphanius obserueth Tertullian saith in his fourth booke against Marcion that Luke receiued his Gospell from the mouth of Paul he liued till he was 84 yeares old and then died and lies buried at Constantinople as S. Ierom saith for his bones were remoued out or Achaia thither The second Trauels of the Apostle Paul in the company of Barnabas IN the eleuenth yeare after the natiuitie of Christ and in the foure and fortieth yeare of Paul he and Barnabas was sent by the holy spirit from Antiochia in Syria to Seleucia which was foure and twenty miles From Seleucia they sailed to Salamais in Cyprus which was 94 miles Acts 13. From thence they went to Paphos which is in the same Isle where Sergius Paulus was conuerted and Elymas the Magitian who professing himselfe to bee the Messias and Sonne of God was strucke with blindnesse Act. 13. this journey was 100 miles They loosing from Paphos went by sea and land the same yeare to Pergamus a city of Pamphilia scituated in Asia minor which was 148 miles In the 45 yeare after the Natiuitie of Christ they went from Pergamus to Antiochia in Pisidia which was 132 miles From thence they went to Iconia which was 96 miles here they staied some time and conuerted many Act. 13. 14. In the 46 yere after the natiuitie of Christ there being a great tumult raised in that countrey lest the inhabitants should haue stoned them they fled thence to Lystra a city of Lyaconia where Paul healed the lame man which was 28 miles The inhabitants seeing this miracle worshipped them for gods and called Barnabas Iupiter and Paul Mercurius because he wrought the miracle But not long after certaine Iewes comming from Antiochia and Iconia arriued in Listra by whose perswasion the people stoned Paul and supposing him to be dead carried him out of the citie but when his Disciptes came vnto him
faire and fruitfull pastures in it and many goodly and beautifull cities as Aspendius Phaselis this Perga besides many others needlesse to be named There was vsually euery yeare a great feast kept here in honour of Diana but Paul and Barnabas comming to this town conuerted most of the inhabitants to the knowledge of God and of his sonne Christ Iessu Acts 13. Of Antiochia in Pisidia THis was the chiefe citie in Pisidia scituated in Asia minor 460 miles from Ierusalem towards the North. S. Paul conuerted a great multitude in this towne to the faith of Christ Of Iconium IConium was one of the Metropolitan Cities of Lycaonia as Pliny saith lib. 5. cap. 27. scituated not farre from the bowing of mount Taurus in Asia the lesse as Strabo saith lib. 12. 420 miles from Ierusalem towards the North. In this citie Paul and Barnabas continued a long time and did many miracles by which meanes a great multitude of the inhabitants were conuerted to the Christian faith Acts 13.14 It is to this day a faire citie and vnder the gouernment of the Turks who woon it from the Princes of Caramanian About 400 yeares before there was a great battell fought close by this towne betweene the Saracens and the armie of the Emperour Conradus the third in which the Christians lost the day Of Lystra THis is a Citie in Lycaonia scituated in Asia the lesse 436 miles from Ierusalem towards the North. In this Towne Timothy was borne Acts 16.2 Tim. 3. In this citie Paul healed the Cripple and was stoned Acts 14.2 Cor. 11. Of Darbe THis also was a citie in Lycaonia scituated in Asia the lesse 388 miles from Ierusalem towards the North where Paul and Barnabus preached the Gospell Acts 14. Of Attalia ATtalia was a hauen Towne of Pamphilia built by Attalus Philadelphus King of Pergamus after whose name it was so called as Strato obserueth lib. 14. being distant from Ierusalem 332 miles towards the North. Paul and Barnabas sailed out of Syria into this towne At this day it is called Catalia The third Trauels of Paul in the company of Sylas IN the fifth yeare after the ascention of Christ Paul tooke vnto him Sylas and going through Syria and Cilicia came to Derbe which is 400 miles and there established the Churches Acts 15.16 From Derbe they went to Lystra 48 miles where Paul circumcised Timothy Acts 16. In the 51 yeare after Christ they went from Lystra and so trauelled through Galatia Phrygia and being hindred by the spirit that they could not preach in Bythinia they went thorow Mysia and so came to Troas where by a vision that Paul saw in the night he was admonished to go into Macedonia Acts 16. So this journey between Lycia and Troas was 480 miles Loosing from Troas they sailed with a direct course to Samo-Thracia 116 miles From thence they sailed to Neapolis 92 miles From thence they went to Philippos in Macedonia 24 miles Act. 16. here Lydda the seller of purple was conuerted and Paul dispossessed a Diuel and then he and Sylas being scourged were cast into prison Paul being then about 41 yeares of age Acts 16. From Philippos they went to Amphipolis about 36 miles Acts 17. From thence they went to Apollonia 44 miles From Apollonia they went to Thessalonica where the Iewes stirred vp a tumult 80 miles Wherefore they went thence by night and came to Berrhaea 60 miles here also the Iewes stirred vp a tumult Acts 17. These things hapned in the summer season An. Dom. 51. From Berrhaea Paul was brought by the Brethren to the sea where entring into a shippe hee went to Athens which was 264 miles where he conuerted Dionysius the Areopagite From this towne he wrot both his Epistles to the Thessalonians as the subscription witnesseth and sent them to Thessalonica These were the first Epistles that Paul wrot Afterward hee went from Athens and came to Corinthia 74 miles he came thither about the beginning of August An. D. 51 and continued there a whole yeare and six months preaching the Gospell and making tents with Aquila the Iew who was of that trade Acts 19. From Corinthia about the spring An. Do. 53. he went to Cenchraea with Aquila and Priscilla 304 miles There for deuotions sake he polled his head From Cenchraea he sailed in the company of Aquila and Priscilla to Ephesus about 304 miles Here he left them Acts 18. From Ephesus hee sailed to Caesarea Strato in Iudaea beeing 280 miles From Caesarea he went to Ierusalem 32 miles and saluted the Church From the city of Ierusalem Paul went to Antiochia in Syria 280 miles So all these trauels were 2154 miles ¶ Of the townes and places to which he trauelled Of Cilicia BEcause you may reade of Syria before I wil omit it and proceed to speake of Cilicia This was a countrey in Asia the lesse so called as some would haue it from Cilix the Kings son of Phoenicia compassed in vpon the East with the mountaine Amanus vpon the North with the mountaine Taurus vpon the West by Pamphilia and vpon the South by the Mediterranean sea At this day it is called Caramania and is distant from Ierusalem 304 miles towards the North. In times past it was diuided into two parts that is into Cilicia the higher and the lower Cilicia the higher aboundeth with mountaines the lower is a plaine champian countrey very fertile and pleasant The principal cities thereof are Tarsus where the Apostle Paul was born and where the riuer Cydnus runs through the midst of it Issus where Alexander ouercame Darius last Emperor of the Persians Anazarba where Dioscorides that excellent Physitian was borne who was of great estimation with Antonius and Cleopatra There are six books yet extant of his profitable and necessary labours in that science From hence may be gathered that the scituation is strong and pleasant in regard it is fortified on euery side with mountaines but principally with the mountaine Taurus famous for the fertilitie of it and the passage of Alexander with his army who at the he conquered Darius went through the straight passages thereof being both dangerous and difficult and watered with many Riuers that take their beginning from that mountaine so passeth Southward through all Cilicia falling then into the Mediterranian sea Of Galatia GAlatia or Gallo-Grecia is a countrey of Asia minor distant from Ierusalem 400 miles hauing vpon the East Cappadocia vpon the South Pamphilia vpon the West Bythinia and on the North the Euxine sea The cities of this country were antiently Sinopis where King Mithridates kept his Court and Diogenes the Cynick was born Amisus also Pessinus where the Mother of the gods was had in great honor and was fetcht thence by the Romans This was a famous mart town as Livy saith li. 29. Laodicea Tauius and Ancyra where there was held a notable Sinod and in this large and spatious country also stood Antiochia Pisidia for the Galathians dwelt in all Paphlagonia a part
he bore to Homers Iliads Wherefore looke what Alexander had promised Lysimachus one of his chiefe Princes and King of Thrace after his death performed for he returned to Troy enlarged the city beautified it with goodly buildings set vp a stately Temple and then compast it about with strong wals After this sort it continued a long time vntill Fimbria a Questor of the Romans when he had slaine Valerius Flaccus the Consull with whom hee was sent against Mithridates King of Pontus besieged it and within ten dayes space woon it making his vaunts that hee conquered that citie in ten dayes which Agamemnon could scarce do in ten yeares to which one of the inhabitants of the citie answered That then Troy had a Hector but now it had none But for this hee cruelly wasted the citie This destruction hapned in the 84 yeare before Christ thus it lay desolate till Augustus Caesars time who caused it again to be re-edified and beautified with many faire and goodly buildings because the Romanes and especially those noble families of the Iulij and Caesars doe deriue their progenie from the Trojans for which cause Augustus vsed such diligence in the rebuilding of this citie and bestowed such infinit cost that he much exceeded Alexander and made it a faire and goodly citie At this day it is called Ilium But in the place of old Troy there is little to bee seene only a small towne as Strabo saith It is distant from Ierusalem 760 miles Northwestward Of Bythinia THis countrey is opposite to Constantinople scituated in Asia minor distant from Irusalem Northwestward and so called of Bythinus the sonne of Iupiter and Thrax It was sometime called Pontus Bebrycia and Mygdonia as Stephanus saith In this countrey the Apostle Paul could not preach the Gospel of Christ when he went into Macedonia and Graecia because hee was hindred by the Spirit Act. 16. The principall cities thereof were Calcidon Heraclea Nicea Nicomedia Apamea Flauiopolis Libissa where Hannibal lieth buried and Prusa now called Byrsa where in times past the Emperours of Turkie kept their Courts and were buried The mother and metropolis of all these cities was Nicea or rather Nicaea beeing distant from Ierusalem 720 miles towards the Northwest at the first called Antigonia of Antigonus the sonne of Philip King of Asia who built it after the death of Alexander the Great But Lysimachus called it Nicaea after his wifes name and at this day is called Nissa The compasse thereof is two miles being foure square scituated as Strabo saith lib. 12. in a faire and pleasant place lying close by the poole of Ascania and hath in it 4 gates standing in a direct line al which gates might easily haue beene seene from a certaine stone which stood in the middle of the Market place In this citie the most Christian Emperor Constantine the Great celebrated a Councell anno Dom. 325. at which time there were present 320 Bishops who condemned the Arrian herisie and instituted the Nicaen Creed But after that viz. anno Dom. 326 the Arrians endeauouring to hold a second Councell in this citie to confirme their opinions and to dissolue that which went before the Lord hindred them with an Earthquake by which almost half the citie was throwne down Not long after there hapned another earthquake which vtterly destroied it notwithstanding it was rebuilt again and in it a second Councell held wherein the Nicaen Creed was condemned There were many cities of this name that before spoken of another in Thrace a third in France not far from the riuer Varus a fourth as Stephanus saith is amongst the Lorrenses in Graecia a fift in Illeria a sixt in India a seuenth in Corsica and the eighth in Leuctris of Boetia Of Mysia THis is a country of Asia the lesse bordring vpon Helle spont and Troada being diuided into two parts that is the greater and the lesse That part that bordreth vpon Troada is distant from Ierusalem 800 miles Northwestward but that which is called Mysia the lesse and bordring vpon Lydia is 1028 miles from Ierusalem Northwestward In this countrey stood Pergamus to which Iohn wrote his Reuelation Scepsis where one Neleus kept the bookes of Aristotle til Apollonius time also Antandrus Adramitium Tranoiapolis and Apollinia which stood close by the riuer Thyndaeus The inhabitants were men of a base condition and contemned of the world insomuch as they became a prouerbe as often as a man would denote a thing of no estimation they would say Vltimum esse Mysiorum that is It is worse than the Mysians as it appeareth in Cicero's oration for Flaccus Yet notwithstanding Paul and Iohn the Euangelist preached the doctrine and light of the Gospell to this poore and despised people so that the Mysians which were a contemptible and abhominable nation before all the world were not so before God for they were conuerted at the preaching of Iohn and Paul From whence he saith Not many wise according to the flesh not many mightie not many noble but God hath chosen the foolish things of this world that they might confute and ouerthrow the wise c. 1. Cor. 1. In times past they were a great people though of smal estimation for they had vnder their iurisdiction Lydia Caria Pergamus Thyatira Sardis Philidelphia and Laodicea to many of which Iohn wrote his Revelation Also as Herodotus saith Lib. 7. the Mysians and Teucrians before the Trojan war past into Europe and there woon and held Thracia Macedonia and all the land to the Adriatick sea c. Of Troas THis citie Troas where Paul raised Eutichus which signifies happie or fortunate from death to life Acts. 10. stood vpon the sea of Hellespont in Asia the lesse 720 miles from Ierusalem Northwestward Antigonus king of Asia called it Troas because it was in the countrey where Troy was But after the death of Alexander he called it after his owne name Antigonia And the better to honour it kept his court there But Lysimachus King of Thrace hauing got this city into his iurisdiction bestowed great cost vpon it and set vp many fair and goodly buildings then called it after Alexanders name Alexandria and so it began to be called Alexandria Troas Plin. lib. 5. Strabo l. 13. Ier de locis Hebraicis Now it was called Alexandria Troas to put a difference between it and diuers other cities of that name for there was an Alexandria in Aegypt another in India and many others elsewhere but only this in the countrey where Troy stood It was scituated in a high and spacious mountaine about a mile and a halfe from the shore of Propontus towards the East between which Troads is twentie and eight miles It is a thing worthy obseruation to consider by what diuers names the sea that lies between Europe and Asia the lesse is called for betweene Constantinople and Calcidonia close by the Euxine sea it is called Thracius Bosphorus in which place it is not aboue halfe a mile
a faire and goodly city wherein is to be seen 23 Churches and is inhabited both by Christians Iews and Turks as Sebastian Munster saith but the greatest number is Iews who are partly merchants partly of other trades their number in this place as it is said by some of their own nation is 14000 and they haue 80 synagogues but they are constrained to weare yellow wreaths about their heads the Christians blew the Turks white There are many Iewes also in Constantinople and Adrianople but in no place more than in this town which is now called Salonica Of Berraea THis is a city of Macedon scituated vpon the riuer of Halakmon 960 miles from Ierusalem Northwestward In this city the Iewes stirred vp a great tumult and sedition against the Apostle Paul Acts 17. At this day it it is called Voria Of Athens THis was the most famous City of all Grecia the mother of Arts and a bountifull nourisher of large and mighty Colonies in that part of Achaia called Acte or Attica It was scituated vpon the shore of the Mediterranian sea 720 miles from Ierusalem Westward It tooke name from a Diuine knowledge for the word is deriued of ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã and ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã i. the minde of God It was first built by Cecrops fiue yeares before Moses fled out of Egypt into the land of the Midianites and of him called Cecropia This Cecrops was the first King thereof and there succeeded him at least 40 both famous worthy princes But after it was called Mopsonia of Mopsus K. of Thessaly and after Ionia which name it held for a while and lastly Athens dedicated to Pallas which goddesse the Grecians say was born of the brain of Iupiter which name it held a long time after There liued in this city Solon Socrates Plato Aristotle Demosthenes and many other excellent Philosophers It was scituated vpon a faire and strong Rocke beautified with many goodly Temples and buildings but principally that of Minerva was most sumptuous in which there hung a great number of Lampes which gaue a continuall light There was also the Monasterie of the holy Virgins and the image of Pallas made all of white Ivorie very curious and costly There were many Schools Colledges and pleasant gardens in which Philosophers vsed to walk and it abounded with sweet and delectable musick and with great resort of Merchants and Schollers To conclude in those times it was the most notable city in the world Moreouer there were many profitable hauens for the receit of ships but that which was called Piraeum exceeded being capable to receiue 40 * As some say 400. ships beautified with many goodly buildings in compasse two miles fortified with seuen walls and ioyning to the city wherof Terence writeth in Eunuch Act. 3. Scen. 4 At this day it is called Porto Lini fortified with two wals foure miles in length extending to the hill Munichya the syrname of Diana being compassed in the figure of a Chersonesse so ioyned to the city of Athens In which distance there are two other hauens besides that of Piraeum In this Iupiter had a magnificent Temple and in it were found many artificiall tables pictures and grauen images all which are at this day destroied and carried away It hath beene three times destroyed first by Xexes and Mardonius which happened in the yeare before Christ 479. Then by Lysander who broke downe an hundred paces of the wall and almost vtterly destroyed their ships and broke downe the hauen of Peraea It was also sore oppressed by the Romans and they also brake downe their hauen and burnt their shippes but spared the towne and held it in great estimation But it was the third time ouerthrowne and vtterly destroyed by the Turks who both changed the place and name of the city after it had flourished 3113 yeares At this day it is diuided into three parts and called by the name of Sethina because of the varietie of the inhabitants that liue in it being very well peopled and a faire and spatious City but much altered from that it was in times past For although before it was the very mother of eloquence and glory of Attica yet at this day it is so much altered that their language is base and their glory is eclipsed The vppermost part of the city where formerly the temple stood dedicated to the vnknown God is now wholly and absolutely in the hands of the Turkes in which they haue built a strong and almost inuincible Castle which hath the command of the rest of the towne The second and middle part of the towne is all inhabited by Christians In the third there standeth a fair and goodly Palace supported with marble pillars and adorned with goodly workes In this part of the City there inhabiteth people of diuers sects and conditions And heere also is the seat of a Metropolitane who hath vnder him many Bishops So that God doth support and maintaine his Church euen amongst the enemies thereof for there ate four Patriarks in Turky to which al the other Christian Metroplitans and Bishops are subiect viz. the Patriarch of Alexandria Constantinople Antiochia and Ierusalem Paul was the first man that preached the Gospell of Christ in this city and conuerted many citisens but especially Dionysius the Areopagite who dwelt vpon a promontory without the city and as it seems was one of the principal Iudges and gouernors of the town for after he had taught publiquely in the towne had disputed against the Iewes and Philosophers concerning Christ they supposing him to be a busie fellow and one worthy of death as a disturber of the common peace brought him before this Dionysius that so by his iudgement he might receiue condign punishment for his offence But S. Paul so well behaued himselfe and preached with such admirable eloquence and learning that hee not only confuted his enemies but among others conuerted this Dionysius Areopagitus who was afterwards the first Bishop of Athens as Euseb saith lib. 4. cap. 23. and went captiue with Paul to Rome and from thence to Paris in France where he suffered martyrdome vnder Dionysius the Emperor Of Corinthia COrinthus is a famous city in Grecia scituated in Peloponessus a pleasant countrey of Achaia ioyning to the continent of Grecia like an Isthmus or Peninsula distant from Ierusalem 760 miles towards the West commonly called Corantha built as Eusebius saith by Sisiphus sonne of Aeolus at such time as Ioshuah gouerned Israel who was a mighty Pirat At first it was but a castle and called after his name Sisiphyus but after because of the strength of the place and pleasant scituation it became a faire towne and called by the name of Corcyra as Strabo faith then Ephym of Ephyra who was a faire and goodly Nymph and Queen of that place Now although euen in those times it was held in great estimation yet it became much wasted and decayed through the continuance of time vntill
remained there seuen daies Acts 21. From Tyrus Paul and his companions sailed to Ptolomais which was 24 miles From thence they came to Caesarea Strato which was 44 miles there they remained in the house of Philip the Euangelist who was one of the seuen Deacons with Stephen Acts 21. From thence Paul went to Ierusalem which was 32 miles and there about the feast of Penticost he was taken by the Iewes imprisoned and scourged Acts 21. At this time Paul was about 47 yeares of age So all these Trauels were 3396 miles Of the townes and places to which he trauelled And first of Assus COncerning Laodicea to which Paul trauelled you may reade before I will therefore proceed to Assus which was a towne within the jurisdiction of Troada scituated close by the Aegean sea 700 miles from Ierusalem towards the North-East as Strabo saith Lib. 13. wonderfully fortified both by nature and art so that it is a thing almost impossible to be conquered There is found close by it the stone called Sarchophagus in which if any mans corps be buried within the space of 40 daies it is vtterly consumed all but the teeth as Pliny saith li. 36. cap. 17. In this citie Cleantes the Stoicke was borne as Chrysippus saith Of Mitylene THe Isle and towne of Mitylene is scituated in the Aegean sea 624 miles from Ierusalem toward the Northwest In times past called Lesbus which obtained the whole jurisdiction gouernment of Troada It is in compasse 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 vpon the West part of it also the Metropolitan called Lesbos Eressus the hauen of Antissa and Mithymna Of Lesbos in times past this whole Isle was called Lesbus vntill the citie of Mitylene grew famous being so called of Mitylene the daughter of Macharus as Diodorus saith lib. 4. and after that cities name it was called Mitylene There were many other goodly cities which stood in this Isle but they were either consumed by earthquakes or drowned by the sea The land thereof was very pleasant and fruitfull bringing forth grapes whereof there was a very excellent and cleere wine made which they of Constantinople principally liked there is also found great store of Cypresse 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 liued and were borne in this country as Pittachus one of the seuen Wise-men of Graece 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 it a good Orator and lastly Theophrastus that is a diuine Orator this man was an excellent Perapateticke and scholler to Aristotle whom he succeeded in his schoole and had two thousand schollers Vitruvius the Architect maketh mention of Mitylen in his first booke saying that it was a very magnificent city and rarely builded but very badly scituated for when the South winde did blow the inhabitants grew sicke 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 citie as it appeareth Acts 20. At this day it is vnder the iurisdiction of the Turkes 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 Northwest being 112 miles in compasse the principall citie thereof is called Chios taking the name as some say from the Masticke tree which sweateth out a certaine gum of the Syrians called Chian and by vs Mastick this Mastick is the best in those parts of the world Ephorus calleth it by the antient name Aetalia but Cleobulus Chia either because of the Nymph called Chion or else because of the whitenesse of the soile there are others that call it Patyusia and there are some who deriue the name of Chius from the temple of Apollo that standeth in it called Chion There stands in it a faire and goodly mountaine called Pellenaeum from whence the inhabitants dig very excellent marble Also in times past the best Malmsey came thence but in these daies it is brought from Creet Of Samus THis is an Isle and Citie scituated in the Aegean Sea vpon a high or loftie piece of ground so that from thence the inhabitants may see into all the Countries neere adjoyning lying vpon the coast of Ephesus and Ionia 560 miles from Ierusalem toward the Northwest it was in compasse 88 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 crowne or wreath of sweet smelling floures of which there were great plenty in this Isle the Poëts feigne that Iuno was both borne and brought vp in it and Varro saith That there was a faire and stately Temple dedicated vnto her where solemne seruice and the rites of Marriage were yearely celebrated Pythagoras the Philosopher was borne here and one of the Sybels which prophecied of the comming of Christ liued here S. Paul also came to this Isle and conuerted many as appeareth Acts 20. There is another Isle called Samus scituated vpon the coast of Epirus not far from the gulph of Ambracius called also Cephalenia not far from the promontorie of Actium where Augustus ouercame Antonius in honour of which victory he built vp a citie and called it Nicapolis c. Of Trogyllium THis is a promontorie and town not far from Ephesus scituared in Asia minor at the foot of the Mountaine Mycales foure miles and somewhat more from Samus where Paul staied Act. 20. It is distant from Ierusalem 460 miles toward the Northwest There are which say that S. Paul staied at a certaine Isle joining close to this promontory called after that by the name of Trogylium See Strabo lib. 14. Of Myletus THis was a famous city scituated vpon the borders of Ionia and Caesaria close by the shore of the Aegean sea 104 miles from Ierusalem towards the Northwest The Poëts fein that Miletus who was the first builder of this citie was the son of Apollo and called it after his owne name Myletus but Strabo lib. 12. thinketh that it was rather built by Sarpedon the sonne of Iupiter and brother to Radamanthus and Minos and by him was called Myletus from another Citie of the same name which stood in Crete The wooll that commeth from this towne is wonderfull soft and singular good for many purposes but it was principally vsed to make cloth of which they died into an excellent purple and transported into many places There were
many famous men that either liued or were borne in this towne as Thales Milesius one of the seuen Wise-men of Graece Anaximander who was his scholler Anaximenes and Hecataeus the Historian also Eschenes the Orator not he that contended with Demosthenes who taking too much libertie against Pompey was banished Timothius 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 Philosophie and the Mathematicks amongst the Grecians He was the first also that foretold of the Eclipse of the Sun about such time as the battell was fought betweene Cyaxares father of Astyages King of the Medes and Hallyatâes father of Croesus K. of the Lidians which was about the 44 Olimpiad There came vnto him a certaine man who asked him what was the hardest thing in the world he answered seipsum nosce to know himselfe Another came to him and askt him how he might do to liue justly he answered Si quae in alijs reprehendimus ipse non faciamus That we doe 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 bordring vpon Caria being so called from the Vaults and caues 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 another standing in the suburbs therof 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 Romanes had obtained the command of this Isle Octavius the father of Augustus Caesar tooke 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 deriued their progenie from her It is in compasse 56 miles being so pleasantly scituated that it was a sea marke to Mariners very fruitfull and bringing forth abundance of wine silke 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 liued onely by weauing of silke and aboue 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 liued in that country as Hipocrates that excellent Physitian Apelles that notable painter Simus the Physician Philetas the poët 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 principall citie 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 countrey is very fertile abounding with cattell and the mountaines thereof are little inferior to those of Creet 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 lesse vpon the South being distant from Ierusalem 140 miles toward the Northwest as Strab. saith l. 14. It is in compasse 112 miles It was at first called Ophy then Statilia 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 brasse and yron At last it tooke 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 seuen Wisemen of Graece and Chares that famous Statuarie who made the Colossus which stood in this Isle were borne Ialyssus of a Rose that was found in it was called Rhodes being scituated vpon an exceeding high promontorie lying toward the East part of that Isle This exceeded the other two cities both for ports waies walls and other ornaments and the inhabitants were gouerned with such excellent lawes and so skilfull in nauigation that it might compare with the strongest citie of the world and for a long time had the command of the sea round about and vtterly abolished all Pirats and robbers from those parts Diodorus Sicul. li. 6. saith that it was called Rhodes of Rhodia a faire and beautifull maid who was dearely beloued of Apollo and therefore this Island was dedicated to the Sunne for as Solinus saith though the heauens be neuer so cloudy yet the Sun shineth in Rhodes Pindarus the Poet because of the fertility of the soile and the exceeding opulencie 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 vp at Rhodes This Isle is very fruitfull and bringeth forth many things necessarie for the maintenance of life but aboue all a certaine red wine which the Romans did greatly delight in and valued at a high price In this city liued that notable Painter called Protogines which Apelles conquered in that science as Pliny saith lib. 35. ca. 10. Demetrius King of Asia erected a notable Collossus or Statue of the Sun in this Isle which that notable caruer Chares made being outwardly all of pure brasse but within nothing but stones it was seuentie cubits high and so artificially made that it was accounted for one of the wonders of the world Afterward it was carried into Aegypt by the Aegyptians who woon the towne This Isle is famous to this day in times past it was accounted one of the keys of Christendome but at this day subject vnto the Turk of which you may reade more in the Turkish History Of Patara PAtara was a Citie of Licia so called of Patarus the builder thereof who was the sonne of Apollones or Lacones as Strabo and Servius saith it was scituated vpon the South side of Asia the lesse close by the shore of the Mediterranean sea 408 miles from Ierusalem towards the Northwest Ptolomaeus Philadelphius K. of Aegypt inlarged this city and called it after his sisters name Arsinoës Lysiaca to put a difference betweene it and other Cities called after that name for there was an Arsinoe in Aegypt and another neere Cyrene where Apollo in certaine Moneths of the winter season by the help of the Divel gaue answer to them that sought after him S. Paul was in this towne Acts 11. There was also another towne of this name in Achaia where S. Andrew was crucified The Trauels of S. Paul when he was taken captiue and carried Prisoner to Rome IN the 57 yeare after the natiuitie of Christ Paul being then 47 yeares of
expelled all venome and poyson out of that Island at such time as he was there It was first subiect vnto the Africans as may appeare by certaine Marble Pillars which are heere and there found in which there are ingrauen certain Characters of the Carthaginians not much vnlike to Hebrew letters And although the Inhabitants are Christians yet their speech is much like the Saracens which differeth little or nothing from the antient Punick At such time as Dido built Carthage which is thought to be 890 years before Christ Battus was King of this Isle and held a confederacy with Dido for when Hyarbas King of the Gelutians made warre vpon Dido because he could not obtain her in matrimony she receiued ayd from this Battus and when for the loue of Aeneas she had killed her self Hyarbas hauing conquered Carthage banished her sister Anne who was entertained by this Battus But Hyarbas taking that vnkindly made war vpon Battus and conquered the Island of Malta so it continued in the jurisdiction of the Carthaginians a long time after vntill the Carthaginians were conquered by the Romans and then one Titus Sempronius about such time as Hannibal brought his army before Trebia woon it 217 yeares before Christ And after it continued vnder the jurisdiction of the Romans 130 yeares and then it was conquered by the Saracens but they held it not long for Roger Norman King of Sicilia got it out of their power An. D. 1090. And so it continued in the hands of the Sicilians til An. Dom. 1520. And then Charles the fift being Emperor gaue it to the Knights of saint Iohn vpon condition that they should oppose the Turkes gallies and defend that part of Christendome So the Knights of S. Iohn together with their gouernor sailed to Malta so fortified it that it is impossible to be taken vnlesse by famine or treason There were many famous Bishops that liued in this place and very deuout Christians In the time of the Emperor Theodosius there was a Councel held at which were present 240 Bishops At this day this Bishopricke is subiect to the Archbishop of Palermo and the chiefe gouernement of the Isle is in the power of the Knights of S. 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 faire and goodly city in antient time called Tetrapolis because it was diuided into three parts one of which parts stood in the Isle of Ortygia separated from the continent with a little streit 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 vp 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 equall war It was called Syracusa from drawing or sucking and in processe of time obtained the whole jurisdiction and gouernment of that Isle which was so well peopled in the time of Dionysius the Tyrant that he was able to make and maintaine an Army of one hundred thousand foot and twelue thousand Horse There were two hauens in that part which was called Ortygia so maruellously fortified with such huge Rockes and other munition that they were wonderfull to looke vpon 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 Warre for a long time In this Hold the Kings and Tyrants of this Countrey vsually kept their Treasures and other things that were materiall There were many worthy and famous Princes ruled in it but aboue them all Dionysius the elder exceeded the rest Who when hee saw what aboundance of Vessels of gold and siluer 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 minde of a King is not in thee that out of so many Cups couldest not procure one Friend For after hee was banished and constrained to keepe a Schoole Both these Dionysians were learned men and great Philosophers It is thought that this Island was sometime a part of Italy and ioyning to the field of Brutius but in time through the violence of the sea separat from the continent From whence it was called Sicilita and also Trinacris because there were three mountaines standing vpon three promontories in three seueral places of it giuing the proportion of a triangle for there was an angle toward the South called Pactinus another towards the Southwest called Lilybaeus and another called Pelorus which lay distant neer about two miles from Italy In times past it was vnder the command of the Romanes but now the Spaniards haue chiefe gouernment of it There are many things remaining to this day worthy obseruation but chiefly the mountain Aetna which still casteth out fire smoke c. Of Rhegium THis was a town of Italy belonging to the family of the Brutians at first built by the Calcedonians and Messenians vpon the vtmost bounds of Italy toward the Sicilian sea beeing distant from that Isle 60 furlongs and called by the name of Rhegium as some thinke from Rumpo to breake for that neere 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 beautifull a Citie that it might well haue bin the seat of a Prince Close by this city in the Sicilian sea there stands a rock somewhat aboue 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 extreme violent and runnes with so strong a current that it is very dangerous for mariners especially such as are ignorant to saile that way Wherefore the Poets made this verse to signifie a man that stood in a dangerous and doubtfull estate Decidit in Scyllam cupiens vitare Charibdim Seeking to shun Charibdis curled waves He thrusts himselfe into stern Scylla's jawes But that mariners might auoid these dangerous places vpon the North angle of Sicilia in the promontorie 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. li. 6. saith is scituated in Calabria 1332 miles from Ierusalem Westward Of Puteoli THis city is in Campania a countrey
of Italy not farre from Naples scituated on the sea shore 1388 miles from Ierusalem Westward taking that name from fountains or Wels of hot water being built by the Salamians as Eusebius saith about such time as the Tarquins were banished Rome 507 yeares before the natiuitie of Christ It was antiently called Dicaearchia because of their singular justice noble gouernment But when the Romans made war against Hannibal they fortified this town to withstand his forces and then called it Puteoli which name it retained a long time after At this day it is called Puzzoli At this city the Apostle Paul his companions ariued when they sailed into Rome Acts 27. Between Puteoli and Baia there lieth the lake of Lucrinus into which by the command of Augustus Caesar a Dolphin was thrown Now there was a young Youth called Simon the son of a poore man dwelling in Baia who vsually played among other youths vpon the banks of this lake and seeing the Dolphin it being a strange fish in those parts and verie amiable to looke vpon did take great delight in it and oft times fed it with bread and other things as he could get insomuch as the Dolphin when it heard the boyes voice vpon the banks of the riuer would resort to him receiue at his hand his accustomed food Thus it continued so long that the Dolphin would suffer the boy to handle him take him by the gils play with him yea and somtimes to get vpon his backe then swim with him a great way into the lake and bring him back again and suffer him to go safe vpon the shore After this manner hee continued for many yeares together and in the end the youth died Yet the Dolphin resorted to his vsuall place expecting his accustomed food from the hands of this boy but missing him he left the shore languisht away and died Concerning the nature of this fish you may read more at large in Pliny lib. 9. cap. 8. Of Colossa THis City is scituated in Phrygia a countrey in Asia minor neere the riuers of Lycus and Meander 520 miles from Ierusalem Northwestward not farre from Laodicea so called from the mighty statues and Colosso's that were set vp in it These cities Colossa Laodicea and Hierapolis where the Apostle Philip was put to death in the tenth yeare of Nero a little before Pauls martyrdome were sunke by an earthquake which without doubt was a great judgement of God vpon them because they refused the grace and comfort of the doctrine of the Gospel offered vnto them by the Apostles The Epistle of Paul dedicated to the Colossians was sent by the hand of Onesymus from Rome vnto these towns being 1080 miles For although the Rhodians were called Colossians because of that famous Colossus that stood there yet this city wherein Archippus and Philemon dwelt to whom Paul directed that Epistle stood in Phrygia a country of Asia minor and not in Rhodes Of Nicopolis NIcopolis is a city of Macedonia scituated close by the riuer Nessus not far from Philippus vpon the borders of Thrace 920 miles from Ierusalem Northwestward From hence the Apostle Paul wrot his Epistle to Titus and sent it to Creet 600 miles There are many other cities of this name one standing in Epyre built by Augustus another betweene Cilicia and Syria built by Alexander in glory of his victorie against Darius A fourth in Bythinia a fift in the holy land formerly called Emaus Of Rome THis city if wee rightly consider the deriuation of the name in Hebrew was not built without the singular prouidence of God being deriued of Rom i. Hee hath exalted or made high But the Grecians deriue it from Romen i. strength power Now although the prouidence of God extendeth to euery Creature may to the very haires of a mans head yet where hee determines to expresse his singular power there hee worketh beyond the expectation of man And who knowes not that the beginning of this City was meane raised from a confused company destitute both of ciuilitie communitie and lawes yet hath it bin and for the most part is the glory of the world and the great commander of the Princes of the earth It was so called at first by Romulus as Livy lib. 1. saith who first built it seuen hundred fifty and one yeares before the Natiuitie of Christ being scituated vpon seuen hils that is Capitolinus Aventinus Palatinus Caelius Exquilinus Viminalis and Quirinalis But after when the City was compassed about with walls the hill Ianiculus was inclosed within it The Vallies that lay between these hils were so raised vp with arches vaults and artificial mounts that in processe of time they became levell with the top of some of those hills It was beautified with faire and sumptuous buildings so that as it was the head of the world for command and power in like like manner it exceeded all the rest of the world for glory and riches but principally for stately buildings There were many goodly Temples dedicated to Iupiter Apollo Aesculapius Hercules Diana Iuno Minerva Lucia Concordia Fides Pietas Pax Victoria Isis besides many other dedicated to other gods But aboue all that was the most sumptuous that was called Pantheon deorum at this day called the Church of All hallowes Moreouer here was to be seen the princely Edifices of Kings Emperors Consuls Senators Patricians and other Romans who were mighty in wealth and substance built all of polished Marble beautified with gold and siluer beside palaces bulwarks theatres triumphant arches statues and such like al which were glorious and greatly adorned the city But aboue al these the house of Nero was most worthy of obseruation which to see to was built all of burnisht gold very curiously wrought Here also stood the monuments of the two Caesars Iulius and Augustus also their statues the one made of pure brasse the other of white marble Besides there were many fruitfull orchards water-courses wholsome baths brought thither by Antonius Nero Dioclesian and Constantine the Great Also the Emperor Constantine erected many goodly churches for the vse of the Christians indowed them with great means and amongst the rest that which was dedicated to Saint Iohn of Latteran a faire and goodly Church and for riches and curious workemanship might compare with the stateliest Temples that euer had beene in the world most of the ornaments and images beeing made of Gold and Siluer hee also erected the Vattican which was dedicated to Saint Peter and another holy house dedicated to Saint Paul in either of which he placed their seueral sepulchres and monuments bestowing extraordinary cost to beautifie them So many were the gifts and gratuites of this Emperour that they can scarce bee numbred so that although the Emperour Trajan and Boniface the fourth Pope of Rome bestowed great cost to beautifie and adorne the city yet were they nothing comparable to that which this Emperor did These things then beeing presented to your viewe
you might iustly say that Rome in her prosperitie and eminencie was the glory of the world but as all estates are fickle and vncertain still subiect to varietie and change so was this first enuied of the world because of the extreame oppression of her gouernours and after made desolate by violence and force all her former glorie beeing eclipsed and the greatest part of these goodly buildings layed leuell with the ground Thus haue I shewed you what Rome was when it was in her prosperitie It resteth now to shew what Rome is Rome at this day differeth as much from the antient Rome as the substance from the shadow For although the Pope hath beautified and adorned the West part of it with many faire and goodly buildings and called it by the name of new Rome Yet is it nothing comparable to the antient city as it was when Augustus and Constantine the Great were Emperours thereof neither doth it stand in the antient place for the first Citie stood vpon the East side of Tyber this vpon the West The chiefe part of the other stood vpon the mountaines Capitolinus and Palatinus vpon which were the stately buildings of Senatours Kings and Emperors but now they lie desolate and waste The Capitol also and the Temple of Iupiter Feretrius goodly Buildings beaten to the ground onely some ruins to shew that such things there hath beene And what now resteth that are worthie note are in the commaund and power of the Pope which are not many the most that can be named are the Vattican the tower of S. Angelo the Popes Pallace his banquetting house and the gardens and walkes about it which are so well scituated that they are a grace to all Rome the rest are but ordinarie 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 seldome continueth for who knowes not with what labour what perills by sea what dangers by land through how many forreine warres and Domesticke seditions Rome was raised to her greatnesse And how suddenly was all this lost What the vertue and wisedome of graue and resolute Consuls Captaines and Commaunders had with great hazard heaped vp thrusting their Capitol and other Treasuries ful with the triumphant spoiles of forreine nations was left to be consumed either by seditious souldiers or prodigall Emperours and the State left as a prey to those that were mightiest so that they were accounted most honourable that with most injurie could get to themselues either countenance to ouersway authoritie or opulency to purchase eminency insomuch that there hath been no action so euill nor any attempt so pernicious in former times but may be matcht in the declining of the Romane state Where more murthers where more corruption where more oppression than is mentioned in Histories to bee practised amongst the Romans the liues of men the state of Prouinces 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 learne to know the difference betweene vertue and vice and from thence conclude That there is nothing permanent and that those things wherein men most glorie doe oftentimes soonest decay For if this citie which commanded the nations Princes of the earth whose Colonies Armies Legions confederacies and treasures were so mightie and extended so farre that there was almost no countrey vnconquered or nation that did not feare to heare the inhabitants therof named is made desolate and laid leuell with the ground what then may be said of pettie Cities Townes Lordships Manors and Houses shall not they likewise be subiect to the like calamities wasted and destroyed through the continuance of time Verily yea Wherefore let not the king glorie in his power nor the strong man in his strength nor the rich man in his riches but let him that glorieth glorie in the Lord. FINIS A Table of the Persons Townes and places mentioned in the foregoing Treatise A ADam 72.78 Abarim 127 Abel of the Vines 129. Abner his trauels 194. Abraham and his trauels 79 Absalon and his trauels 197. Achor 134. Aethyopia 205 320. Aialon 134. Alexandria 324. Amanus 361. Antiochus Epiphanes and his trauels 325. Antiochus Eupator 357. Apamca 320. Aphec 166. Arabia 522. Aroer 154. Asdod 136. Azeca 134. Asteroth 92 128. Athens 542. Antipatris 556. Ahab and his trauels 218 Aeziongaber 125. Arbona ib. Almon Diblathaim 127. Athniel 143. Arad 144. Abdon 155. Ascalon 158. Of the Arke of God 165. Abiathar 180. Abishag 200. Ahazia 224 Abijn ibid. Aza ibid. Ahazia 240. Athalia 241. Amasia 242. Amos 287. Ammon king of Iuda 250. Assarbaddon 260. Abelmehola 274. An instruction to vnderstand the Prophets 297 An Alphabeticall table of all the cities countries mentioned in the Prophets fram 298 to 309. Ange 319. Antiochia 330. 523. Asseremoth 343. Adarsa 344. Addus 352. Addor ibid. Arabath 355. Alexander son of Epiphanes 359 Alcimus and his trauels 373. Arbela ibid. Adummim 448. Aenon 429. Antiochia Pisidia 527. Attalia 528. Amphipolis 540. Apolonia ibid. B BAbylon from 253 to 258. Babylon in Aegypt 583. Baaena and his trauels 197. Baesa and his trauels 215. Bazra 289. Benhadad his trauels 228 232 Berea 374 542. Bethabara 429. Bethania 480. Bethoron or Bethcoron 202. Bethel 100. Bethlem 104 420. Bethpage 481. Bethsaliza 173. Bethsan 176 350. Bethseme ibid. Bethsura 234. Bethulia 321. Beerzaba 86 Baalzephon 117. Benei Iaaechon 125. Baalam and his trauels 129. Besech 142. Bezra 152. Bahurim 192. Baalhazor 198. Baaelath 203. Ben Merodach 263. Balthazar Emperor of the Assirians 268. Bildad 317. Bâschamah 352. Bethsaida 454. Bethbesah 350. Bythinia 535. C CAdes Barnea 124. Caesarea Philippi 444. Caren 78. Caleb and his trauels 141. Caphar Salama 344. Catchemis 266. Carmel 174. Cedron or Kydron a little Hill that runs through Ierusalem 487. Chasor or Hazor 138. Creet and the scituation thereof 363 537. Chehelah 112. Chasmona 124. Chesbon 128. Chinereth 152. Cilicia 319 530. Caspina 310. Caspin 345. Chazor a field 351. Canah in Galile 423 436. Capernaum 437. Chorazin 435. Of Canah Syro Phoenicia 466. Of Mount Caluarie 487. Caesarea Strato 502. The Isle of Cyprus and how it is scituated 525. The Isle of Chius and how scituated 550. The famous citie of Corinthia 544. Cous how scituated and why so called 552 Of the Isle of Clauda and how scituated 559 Of Colossa in Phrigia 566. D DOthan so called from commaunding 111. Doch a castle 356 Dora a hauen towne 366. Dibon Gad 127 Deborah and Barak 145. 147 Debir 135. Danites and their trauels 160 Demetrius Soter and his trauells 358 Demetrius Nicanor and his trauels 361. Decapolis and why so called 467 Derbe 528 Dauid and his trauels 180. The typical signification of Dauid 192. Daniel and his trauels 282. The typical signification of Daniel 286 Damascus a famous citie in
Of Gesur GEsur was a country neere to Caesarea Philippi in the land of Basan beyond Iordan neere Libanus in the Tetrarchie Trachonitides 88 miles from Ierusalem Northeastward With the King of this country Absolon remained in banishment for 3 yeres space after he had slain his brother Ammon and with vs may be termed the vally of Oxen 2 Sam. 13. Of Hadsi THe lower country of Hadsi stood neere to the city Corazin in the halfe tribe of Manasses 52 miles from Ierusalem toward the Northeast and signifies a new land beeing deriued of Chadasch that is New Of the fountaine Rogel THis was neere Ierusalem Eastward to which place Ionathan and Ahimaas Dauids intelligencers brought him newes of Absalons counsels and intentions 2 Sam. 17. It seemeth that trauellers vsually washed their feet in it from whence it was called the Wel of feet beeing deriued from Raegael signifying a Foot Neere to this place was the stone Zochaeleth where Adoniah at such time as he affected the kingdome contrary to his fathers liking called an assembly and made a great feast 1 Reg. 1. The Trauels of Baena and Rechab THese two went out of the tribe of Benjamin ouer Iordan to Machanaim 40 miles There they murthered their master king Ishbosheth in his chamber as he lay vpon his bed and after cut off his head The head they brought to King Dauid to Hebron 68 miles But Dauid was not pleased with their treacherie wherefore hee caused them both to be put to death So their trauels were 108 miles The Trauels of Absalon ABsalon was borne in Hebron and went with his father to Ierusalem 22 miles 2 Sam. 13. From thence he went to Baalhazor 8 miles where hee caused his brother Ammon to be slain From thence for feare of his father he fled into the land of Gesur 88 miles 2 Sam. 14. From thence he came backe with Ioab to Ierusalem which was 88 miles 2 Sam. 14. From thence he went to Hebron 22 miles and made himselfe King and rebelled against his father From thence he went backe againe to Ierusalem which is 22 miles There he lay with his fathers Concubines 2 Sam. 16. From thence he pursued his father to Machanaim 40 miles there was hanged by the haire in an oke tree where Ioab put him to death 2 Sam. 18. So all the trauels of Absolon were 290 miles Of Baal-hazor IN this city Absolon made a great feast for his sheepe-sherers and inuited all his brothers to it where he caused Ammon to be slain because he had abused his sister Thamar It lieth in the way some 8 miles from Ierusalem toward the North-East as you go to Iericho neere to mount Ephraim 2 Sam. 13. and is deriued of Baal which signifies a Lord or husband and Chazir a Den or caue Of the name ABSOLON ABSOLON signifieth a Father of peace although he was the author of all discord and sedition against his father The Trauels of the wise woman of Thecoa THis woman went from Thecoa to Ierusalem 8 miles and spake with King Dauid and with her sweet words shee persuaded him that he would recall his sonne out of exile who then remained in Gesur 2 Sam. 14. Of Thecoa THecoa was a city in the tribe of Iuda some 8 miles from Ierusalem toward the Southeast neere this city Iosaphat by praier and the sound of Trumpets without drawing sword got a memorable victory and for that cause it signifieth the sound of a Trumpet In this place the prophet Amos dwelt and there lieth buried whose sepulchre was to be seene 400 yeares after Christ as S. Ierom obserueth It was from Bethlem Iuda 6 miles Neere to Techoa was the lake Aspher where Ionathan and Simon Iudas Machabeus brothers pitcht their tents 1 Mach. 9. Of this city you may reade Ier. 6. Am. 1. 2 Chr. 11. Of ACHITOPHEL THis perfideous and wicked man was borne in the towne of Gilo not far from Hebron and Debir in the tribe of Iudah Ios 15. 2 Sam. 15. 20 miles from Ierusalem Southeastward who when his counsell would not take place he went home to his own house and there desperatly hanged himselfe The Trauels of wicked Shimei SHimei went from Bahurim where he cursed King Dauid to Bathabara vpon the riuer Iordan which was 18 miles where he got pardon of Dauid 2 Sam. 19. From thence he went backe with King Dauid to Gilgall foure miles 2 Sam. 19. From thence he went with King Dauid to Ierusalem 12 miles 2 Sam. 19. From thence he went to Bahurim 3 miles From Bahurim King Solomon sent for him again to Ierusalem 3 miles There he was constrained to build him an house and not to depart thence vpon pain of death 1 Reg. 2. But Shimei transgressing this commandment of the king went to Gath a city of the Philistims 12 miles From thence hee returned back againe to Ierusalem 12 miles where he was slain by the command of King Solomon in the third yeare of his reign 1 Reg. 2. So all the trauels of Shimei were 104 miles The Books of Kings and Chronicles Of ABISHAG the Virgin that lay with Dauid THis Maid was accounted the fairest in all Israel for which cause she was brought to Ierusalem for King Dauid that she might lie with him in his old age to procure heat she was born at Sunem a town some 44 miles from Ierusalem 1 Reg. 1. Of Sunem you may read before in the trauels of Dauid Saul The Trauels of King Solomon SOlomon the son of Dauid King of Israel entred vpon the full gouernment of the kingdome of Israel An. mundi 2931. and before Christ 1037. when he was about 20 yeares old After he went from Ierusalem to Gilgal 4 miles and there offered vpon the altar which Moses had made 1000 burnt offerings 1 Reg. 3. 2 Chr. 1. From thence he went backe to Ierusalem which was 4 miles and built a Temple to the Lord in mount Moriah 1 Reg. 6. This was begun about the fourth yere of his reign and 480 yeres after the children of Israel came out of Egypt in the moneth Ziph which answereth to our May. So that the Temple began to bee built in Anno mundi 2934. and before Christ 1034. To the building whereof Hiram King of Tyre sent Cedar trees from Mount Libanus 120 miles to Ierusalem 1 Reg. 5. 2 Chr. 2. This Temple Solomon within plaited ouer with pure gold and set with pretious stones and finished it in the month of Nouember about the eleuenth yeare of his reigne 1 Reg. 6. The dedication whereof was about the twelfth yeare of his reigne and in the 32 yeare of his age Anno Mundi 2942 and before Christ 1026. The Temple being finished he began to build his owne house which was 13 yeares a building and was finished about the 44 yeare of his age and in the 24 of his reign 1 Reg. 7.8 After 20 years in which time he had finished the house of the Lord and his own house in Mount Sion that
the King of that country with some few of his courtiers being then but young fled from Midian to Paran the Metropolitan Citie of Arabia Petraea which was 84 miles 1 Reg. 11. But because he thought himselfe scarce safe in that place he fled thence to Cheopes that impious and tyrannicall King of Aegypt that built the greatest of the three Pyramides at Memphis He hating King Dauid gaue him kinde entertainment assigned him a part of the Kingdome of Aegypt to dwell in and after married him with his sister Tachpenes by whom he had a sonne called Genubath who was brought vp in Pharaohs or King Chopes court where he continued all the life of Dauid being 27 yeares which was 120 miles Dauid being dead he returned into his own kingdome of Idumaea which was 200 miles From thence hee went to Damascus which was 240 miles where he was created King of the Syrians by Reson and other fugitiues which had conspired against Solomon by which meanes he grieuously troubled that Kingdome and became an vtter enemie to the Israelites all the life of Solomon And of him is the originall and stocke of the Kings of Syria So all the trauels of Hadad were 644 miles Of Midian and Paran you may reade before in the one dwelt Iethro Moses father in law in the other Ishmael that being the chiefe city of his dominions as you may reade Gen. 21. Ex. 2. Of Reson Solomons aduersarie AFter Dauid had conquered Hadad Ezer king of Zoba Reson his chiefe captaine gathered vp his dispersed souldiers of his army and fled from him to Damascus which was 120 miles and besieged it the Citizens whereof when neither Dauid nor Solomon could suppresse his rebellion entertained him for their King which principalitie he held The Trauels of the Kings of Israel and first of IEROBOAM THis man was the sonne of Nebat and borne at a towne called Zared not far from Bethlehem Ephrata some eight miles from Ierusalem from whence hee came to Solomon who made him captaine that he might collect the tribute of Manasses and Ephraim 1 Reg. 11. which was eight miles From Ierusalem as he went to Shilo which was foure miles he met the Prophet Ahijah the Shilonite who told him that he should be King of Israel 1 Reg. 11. From thence he went to Memphis in Aegipt which was 224 miles because Solomon sought his life where he remained with Sesak king of Aegypt all the life of Solomon Eusebius calleth this King Osochores who that same yeare succeeded Macrenius Solomons father in law in that gouernment From thence hee returned to the towne of Sichem in Israel which was 280 miles where the Israelites made him chiefe captaine against Rehoboam Solomons sonne Wherefore Ieroboam the sonne of Nebat began to raigne ouer Israel An. mundi 2971 and before Christ 997 and raigned 22 yeares 1 Reg. 12. His first seat was at Sichem which he repaired and enlarged From Sichem in the first yeare of his raigne hee went to Penuell and there set vp many faire buildings which was twelue miles 1 Reg. 12. From Penuel he went 24 miles to the towne of Bethel where he caused a golden Calfe to be set vp for the people to worship From thence he went to Thirza which is 16 miles This citie he built and there kept his court 1 Reg. 14. From thence he went to the mount Zemaraim which is mount Ephraim 18 miles where he had a great battell with Abia king of Iuda and lost 500000 of his souldiers all chosen men of Israel 2 Chr. 13. verse 17. Hauing lost this battell with all possible speed that he could went thence to Thirza which is 18 miles there the Lord strucke him with a grieuous disease that hee died miserably 1 Reg. 14. 2 Chr. 13. So all the Trauels of Ieroboam first King of Israel were 623 miles The Description of the townes and places to which IEROBOAM trauelled Of Zemeraim THis was a certaine Plaine in mount Ephraim eight miles from Ierusalem towards the North neere to the towne of Bethel in the Tribe of Manasses for mount Ephraim is diuided into diuers parts and Tribes It seemeth to take the name of certaine trees that abound neere that place whereon cotton wooll groweth for Zaemaer signifieth Wooll which by little and little vpon such trees doth increase and grow to perfection Of Thirza THis was a faire and beautifull citie scituated in a high and pleasant mountaine in the Tribe of Manasses some twenty foure miles from Ierusalem towards the North. In this place the kings of Israel vsed to keep their courts vntill Samaria was built It was so called because of the excellencie and delectablenesse of the place for Thirza doth denote An acceptable and thankfull citie being deriued of Razah he receiueth thankfully Of the yeares of the iniquitie of Israel THe yeares of the iniquitie of Israel mentioned in Ezek. 4. is to be accounted from that day wherin Ieroboam first erected the golden Calues wherefore the greatest part of the first yeare of the iniquitie agreeth with the second yeare of Ieroboams raign From whence may be gathered that from that time till the destruction of Ierusalem by Nabuchadnezzar were 390 yeares full ended Of Ieroboams wife Queene of Israel SHee went from Thirzo to Zilo which was about 24 miles there she asked counsell of Ahijam the Prophet concerning her son Abia for he was sicke but he told her heauie tidings 1 Reg. 14.7 Wherefore being pensiue and troubled in her mind she returned backe againe to her husband to Thirzo which was 24 miles 1 Reg. 14. So these two journies were 48 miles The journey of the man of God which came out of Iuda THis man of God as Iosephus writeth lib. Ant. 8. came from Ierusalem to Bethel which was eight miles and was called by the name of Iadon which signifieth the Iudge of the Lord. When he came thither he reproued Ieroboam with an extraordinary spirit of whom you may reade more 1 Reg. 13. But being deceiued as he was returning a Lyon met him in the way where he was slaine and after buried in a sepulchre in Bethel The Trauels of NADAB the second King of Israel NAdab or Bonifacias succeeded his father Ieroboam in the Kingdome of Israel and was annointed while hee was yet liuing a liberall and free-hearted Prince Hee began to raigne in the second yeare of Asa King of Iuda Anno mundi 2992 and before Christ 977. Hee raigned during the life of his father a yeare and somewhat more but when hee had raigned two yeares hee went from Thirza with a great army to the citie of Gibithon which was 36 miles this towne he besieged very straitly but at length was slaine by one of his captaines called Baesa so he lost both his life and kingdome in that place 1 Reg. 15. Of Gibithon THis was a citie of the Leuites in the Tribe of Dan not farre from Ekron in the land of the Philistines 16 miles from Ierusalem towards the