The strife between the High Priests and the Priests to seize the Tenths that were due unto the Priests whereby it came to pass that some poor Priests died for want so much did the violence of the Seditious at that time prevail ahove all right CHAP. VII I Festus succeeds Foelix in the Government of Judaea The Inhabitants of Caesarea obtain of Nero to have the Jews Freedom recalled King Agrippa causeth an Apartment to be built from whence all that was done about the Temple might be seen the people of Jerusalem cause a high Wall to be built to hinder it by the Emperour's Authority AFter that Portius Festus had been sent by Nero to succeed Foelix in the Government K of Judaea Alias 19. the chiefest of those Jews that inhabited Caesarea Foelix accused repaired to Rome to accuse Foelix and without all doubt he had been punished for the injuries he had committed against the Jews if Nero had not pardoned him upon his Brother Palas's submission and entreaty who importuned him and was at that time in great reputation with him Hedio Rufffinus cap. 14. Furthermore two of the chiefest amongst the Syrians wrought Berillus who had sometimes been Nero's Master and at that time was Secretary of Estate in the Greek Tongue by mighty Bribes to beg of Nero the revocation of the Right and Title which the Jews enjoyed in the Government and Administration of the Commonweal For which cause Berillus solicited the Emperour and obtained a Letter from him which was the cause of those mischiefs that afterwards happened in our Nation for the Jews of Caesarea understanding what Commission the Syrians had gotten L were so much the more encouraged to make War Therefore The Cut-throats among the Jews as soon as Festus was arrived in Judaea he found the Countrey grievously afflicted with Robberies and the whole Countrey was ruined with Fire and Sword The Thieves likewise at that time encreased mightily they used short Swords after the manner of a Persian Cymetre and crooked like the Roman Faulchion with which they killed divers For thrusting themselves into the press of the people that came in great multitudes on the Festival days to celebrate God's service they killed those very easily whom they pleased and oftentimes repairing to their enemies Villages Festus discomfiteth a great deceiver with all his followers they spoiled and burnt them But Festus sent divers Forces M both of Horse and Foot against certain Jews that were seduced by an Enchanter who had promised them to free them from all their troubles if they would follow him into the Desart they killed both the deceiver and the deceived that followed him At that time King Agrippa erected a stately Building within the Palace at Jerusalem Hedio Ruffinus chap. 15. near unto the Porch alias chap. 10. This Palace in times past appertained to the Asmoneans and was scituate in a high place with a fine Prospect from whence they might with pleasure behold the City of Jerusalem wherein the King took great delight and beheld from thence that which was done in the Temple The chiefest men of Jerusalem stop up the Prospect of Agrippa's house The chiefest men of Jerusalem seeing this Building were very much displeased for neither doth our Custom or Law permit that any one should look on that which is done in the Temple and especially N forbiddeth that any man should behold the Sacrifices and Oblations They therefore builded a high Wall upon the Gallery which was within the Temple on the West side which did not only hinder the sight of the Royal Chamber but also that of the Gallery without the Temple on the West side where the Romans kept Guard near unto the Temple on the Festival days Herewith was King Agrippa highly displeased and the Governour Festus far more than he who commanded them to pull down the Wall But they besought him that he would give them Licence to send their Ambassadours to Nero to this intent alledging that it was impossible for them to live if any part of their Temple should be beaten down Which being granted them they sent ten of their chiefest Nobility and with them Ismael the High O Priest and Chelcias the Treasurer of the Temple unto Nero who no sooner heard their suit but he pardoned them not only for that they had done but he commanded A that the building should remain as it was All which he did in favour of his Wife Poppea who was entreated by the Jews she being a devout Princess to sue for them She therefore commanded the ten Ambassadours to return and kept Chelcias and Ismael for Pledges with her The King understanding how all things had past gave the High Priesthood to Joseph Joseph Cabi the Son of Simon made High Priest surnamed Cabi which was the Son of Simon who in times past had been High Priest CHAP. VIII B Albinus succeeds Festus in the Government of Judaea and King Agrippa giveth and taketh away often the High Priesthood Ananus the High Priest causeth Saint James to be put to death Agrippa enlargeth the City of Caesarea and calleth it Neronias The Favours he granted to the Levites The List of the High Priests since Aaron CAesar being advertised of Festus's death Albinus Governour of Judaea sent Albinus to govern Judaea But King Agrippa commanded Joseph to lead a private life and advanced in his stead a certain man called Ananus Ananus the Son of Ananus High Priest the Son of Ananus who was reported to have been most happy for he had five Sons all which supplied the place of the High Priest after himself C had long time before them enjoyed it the like whereof hath never happened to any of our Priests Hedio Ruffinus chap 16. The younger Ananus who as we said was advanced to this place was a rash and head-strong man that followed the Sect of the Saducees who as we have already declared were amongst all other the Jews Alias 21. the most severe in executing Justice Ananus had five Sons that succeeded him in the Priesthood Whereas therefore Ananus was of this disposition he thought that he had a fit occasion offered him to do what he pleased after Festus's death and whilst Albinus was as yet upon his way He therefore ascended and sat down in the Tribunal assisted by the Judges and caused James the Brother of JESUS who was called CHRIST The year of the World 4025. after Christ's Nativity 63. to appear before him with certain others and accused them for transgressing the Law and Blasphemy against God and caused him to be stoned to death They D that were men of upright Conscience within the City and diligent observers of the Law were very much displeased with this Act and sent secretly to the King beseeching him to prohibit Ananus James the Brother of our Lord stoned that hereafter he
presently from thence to the other side of Jordan Josephs death where he past his life in receiving and gathering the tributes of the Barbarians Onias and after him Simon his Son High Priest In that time Seleucus sirnamed Soter the Son of Antiochus the great reigned in Asia At that time also died Joseph Hircanus Father who was a man of good repute and great courage who established the people of the Jews in a lasting Peace Hedio Ruffinus chaâ â and freed them from poverty and many disasters and collected the Tributs of Syria Phoenica and Samaria for the space of twenty two years His Uncle Onias died also about the same time leaving the Priest-hood to his Son Simon after G whose death his Son Onias was made High Priest to whom Arius King of Lacedemon sent an Embassage and letters the copy whereof heareafter ensueth CHAP. V The year of the World 3780. before Christ's Nativity 144. H Arius King of Lacedemon writes to Onias the High Priest to contract an Alliance with the Jews pretending that the Lacedemonians were descended from Abraham Hircanus builds a magnificent Paliace and kills himself for fear of falling into the hands of Antiocus Arius King of Lacedemon The Letter of the King of Lacedemon to the High Priest of the Jews to Onias Health WE have found out a certain writing wherein it is recorded that the Jews and Lacedemonians are of the same race 1 Mac. 12. and both of them desended from Abraham It is I therefore requisite that since we are brethren you let us know wherein we can serve you that we may have one common interest Demoteles our messenger bringeth you our letters written on a square leafe the seal whereof is an Eagle holding a Dragon in her talons Sedition among the people after Joseph's death These were the contents of the Lacedemonians letters After the death of Joseph it came to pass that the people began to mutinie in the quarrel of his Children For the elder brethren made War against Hircanus who was the younger by means whereof the People were divided The greater part of them followed the Elder faction Hircanus afflicteth the Arabians with continual war and the High Priest Simon also by reason of his affinity with them followed their party Whereupon Hircanus resolved to repair no more unto K Jerusalem but fixing his habitation on the other side of Jordan he made continual War against the Arabians Hircanus buildeth a strong Tower slaying a great number of them and taking many prisoners He built an huge Tower of white Marble from the bottome to the top and on it he placed the figures of many living Creatures in sculpture of greatheight About the same he cut a deep trench of water and having hewed the front of the Rock that stood over against the bulding he made divers caves therein many furlongs long He also made divers chambers therein Antiochus Epiphanes King of Syria both to eat and sleep and dwell in He drew thither likewise currents of springing water in so great abundance that it gave much delight to those that dwelt there The Sons of Ptolomey Epiâhance philometor and Physcon and great ornament to the whole bulding The mouth of every Cave was so little that but one only man could enter at once which he therefore L made so narrow because they might the better serve for his security and refuge that if so be he were at any time assaulted by his bretheren Hircanus killeth himself he might avoyd the danger of surprisal Moreover he built within his Castle many large halls which he adorned with great and goodly Gardens Hedio Ruffinus chap. 6. and this place thus built was called by him Tyre and is scituate between Arabia and Judaea 1 Mac. 1. on the other side of Jordan not far from the Countrey of Essedon He commanded in this Countrey seven years all that time that Seleucus reigned in Syria After whose death his brother Antiochus sirnamed Epiphanes obtained the Kingdom Ptolomey also King of Egypt who was likewise called Epiphanes died and left two children very young behind him of whom the eldest was called Philometer and the younger Phiscon But when Hircanus perceived that Antiochus grew very powerful M he feared to be punished by him for his incursions made upon the Arabians whereupon he slew himself with his own hands and Antiochus enjoyed all his goods N O H CHAP. VI. The year of the World 3790. before Christ's Nativity 174. Onias sirnamed Menelaus seeing himself excluded from the High-Priesthood retires to Antiochus and renounceth the Religion of his forefathers Antiochus enters Egypt and being ready to make himself Master of it the Romans force him to retire ONias the High-Priest being dead about this time Antiochus gave the Priesthood to Jesus sirnamed Jason his brother For that son unto whom Onias had left the succession Onias sirnam'd Menelaus substituted in his place was as yet very young of whom we will speak in convenient time and I place This Jesus Onias brother was deprived of the Priesthood through the Kings displeasure conceived against him who gave it shortly after to his younger brother called Onias The Wars betwixt Jason and Menelaus For Simon had three sons who as we have declared successively possessed the Priesthood this Jesus caused himself to be called Jason as his other brother caused himself to be called Menelaus Apostates from the Jewish Religion whereas his name was Onias But Jesus who had first of all been established in the place of the High-Priest arose against Menelaus who was elected into the place after him So that the People were divided into Factions and Tobias sons were on Menelaus side but the greater number of the People followed Jason so that Menelaus and the sons of Tobias being much troubled by them retired to Antiochus telling him that they intended to forsake the Religion and Ordinances of their fathers K and to follow that of the King and to live after the manner of the Greeks exhorting him to give them licence to erect a place of Exercises in Jerusalem Which when Antiochus had granted them they so behaved themselves that there appeared no more sign of Circumcision in them so that at such time as they were naked there was no difference between them and the Greeks and neglecting all the ordinances and customs of their own Countrey they conformed themselves to the behaviour and manners of other Nations Antiochus having all things in his kingdom according to his hearts desire resolved to make War upon Egypt he contemned Ptolomy's son age who were not as yet capable to manage their affairs Arriving there near to Pelusium with a great power he circumvented by a stratagem the young Ptolomy Philometor and subdued Egypt for after L he had besieged Memphis Antiochus enforced to depart out of Egypt and taken it
it would cost much time and expence he denied their request permitting them nevertheless to pave their City with broad Stone Matthias the Son of Theophilus High Priest He took the Priesthood from Jesus the Son of Gamaliel and gave it to Matthias the Son of Theophilus in whose time the Wars betwixt the Romans and the Jews began But I think it not amiss Hedio Ruffinus chap. 18. but very answerable to the course of this present History N to speak of the High Priests The Succession and number of the High Priests among the Jews and to shew how they had their beginning and to whom this honour may be lawfully communicated and how many they were in number until the end of the War The first of them was Aaron Moses's Brother after whose death his Children succeeded him and from that time forward the honour hath continued with their Successors For it is a Law observed by our Ancestors that no man should be admitted to the Priesthood There were eighty three High Priests in all except he be of Aaron's Posterity for albeit he were a King if so be that he were of another Line it was impossible for him to obtain the Priesthood All the Priests after Aaron who as we have said was the first until Phanasus whom the Seditious created Priest in the time of the War have been in number eighty three whereof thirteen have executed the Office from the time that O Moses erected God's Tabernacle in the Desart until such time as arriving in Judaea King Solomon builded a Temple to God For in the beginning the High Priesthood continued A with the Possessors for term of life but afterwards although the Priests were yet alive yet were there other Successors put in their rooms These thirteen were of Aaron's Posterity and obtained this degree in succession the one after the other Their first Government was Aristocracy which is the Government of the Nobility afterwards a Monarchy and at last a Royal Government The number of years wherein these thirteen flourished were six hundred and twelve years from the day that our Fathers departed out of Egypt under the conduct of Moses until the building of the Temple in Jerusalem by King Solomon After these thirteen High Priests there were eighteen others who after Solomon's time succeeded one after another until the time that Nabuchodonozor King of Babylon B having encamped before the City took it and burned the Temple and transported our Nation into Babylon and led away the High Priest Josedech Prisoner The time of the Priesthood and continuance of these eighteen was four hundred sixty years six months and ten days so long as the Jews have had the Royal Government After the surprizal of Jerusalem by the Babylonians until such time as Cyrus King of Persia dismissed the Jews and gave them leave to return from Babylon into their own Countrey with permission to re-edifie their Temple there are seventy two years and at that time the Captives being returned Jesus the Son of Josedech took upon him the High Priesthood who with those of his Posterity to the number of fifteen have governed in a Democracy or Popular Government until the time of Antiochus surnamed C Eupator for the space of four hundred and fourteen years This Antiochus was the first who with his General Lysias displaced Onias surnamed Menelaus of his Priesthood commanding him to be killed at Berith and after he had driven his Son out of the Succession he established Jacim High Priest who notwithstanding was of Aaron's Race but not of his Family For this cause Onias the Son of Onias and Nephew to the deceased Onias retired himself into Egypt Where growing familiar with Ptolomey Philometor and Cleopatra his Wife he perswaded them to build a Temple in the Confines of Heliopolis not unlike to that of Jerusalem and to create a High Priest in the same of which Temple in Egypt we have made very oftentimes mention After that Jacim had held the Priestood for the space of three years he died without D Successor so the City remained seven years without a High Priest Again the Asmoneans recovered the Government of their Nation and after they had made War against the Macedonians they established Jonathan High Priest who exercised the Office seven years but afterwards he was killed in an Ambush and Treason conspired against him by Tryphon as we have declared elsewhere After him Simon his Brother undertook the Priesthood who was not long after killed treacherously by his Son-in-Law at a Banquet After him succeeded his Son Hircanus who enjoying this Dignity for the space of thirty one years died when he was very old leaving behind him Judas surnamed Aristobulus who dying left his Brother Alexander his Heir both of the Kingdom and High Priesthood After that Aristobulus had obtained the E Royal Government he enjoyed both Dignities one whole year For this Judas surnamed Aristobulus was the first that set the Diadem on his head causing himself to be called a King the which Alexander did continue for he also joyned the Kingdom with the High Priesthood and reigned twenty seven years And feeling himself draw near to his death he left in Alexandras his Wife's hands to dispose of the Priesthood as she pleased She therefore bestowed it on Hircanus and as for the Kingdom she kept it in her own hands nine years and afterwards died Her Son Hircanus was High Priest for so long time For after Alexandra's death his Brother Aristobulus made War against him and having overcome him he took the Kingdom from him and not only seized on the Crown but the Priesthood After he had reigned three F years and as many months Pompey repaired to Jerusalem and took it perforce and laying hold of Aristobulus sent him bound unto Rome with his Children After which he restored the Priesthood once more to Hircanus committing the Government of the Nation unto his hands forbidding him in the mean space to wear the Diadem Besides the first nine years Hircanus governed twenty and four But Barzapharnes and Pacorus Princes of the Parthians passed Euphrates and made war against Hircanus and took him alive Prisoner and made Antigonus Aristobulus's Son King But after he had governed three years and three months Sosius and Herod took him alive perforce and Antonius sent him to Antioch where he was beheaded After that Herod was created King by the Romans there was never any High Priest created of G the Posterity of the Asmoneans for he gave the High Priesthood to certain men of obscure and base extraction who were of the Order of Priests Aristobulus only excepted This Aristobulus was Hircanus's Nephew who was a Prisoner among the Parthians and having given him the Priesthood he married Mariamne his Sister to the intent H to continue himself in the good liking of the people in remembrance of Hircanus But afterwards fearing lest all of them should turn to Aristobulus's
their Authority they might lawfully kill L me Joseph's Father signifieth all these News unto him They had Letters also directed to John which incited him to make War against me Moreover they charged the Sephorites Gabarites and Tiberians to maintain John against me After I had intelligence hereof by my Fathers Letters who had notice thereof by Jesus the Son of Gamââa one of those who were present at the deliberation and who intirely loved me I was much grieved seeing with how much ingratitude my Countreymen requited me and of malice had decreed my death and for that my Father invited me by most affectionate Letters to draw my self homeward telling me how much he desired to see me who was his Son before he left this life I imparted these things to my Friends and certified them that within three days I would forsake their Countrey and retire my self into mine own Joseph resolveth to return home Whereupon they were surprized with great sadness M and besought me with tears that I would not forsake them for that they should be utterly overthrown if so be they were left destitute of my conduct But whereas they could by no means persuade me and the care of mine own security prevailed very much with me the Galileans fearing lest I should leave them and by that means the Thieves should be encouraged to set upon them they sent Messengers thorow all Galilee to signifie unto them the resolution of my departure Whereupon divers understanding the news resorted unto me from all parts bringing with them their Wives and Children not so much as I suppose for the sorrow they conceived at my departure as the fear that they had for themselves For they persuaded themselves that if I remained among them there could no mischief befall them They assembled therefore in a great Plain called N Asochim where I remained That night in my sleep I had a strange dream Joseph's admirable dream For lying in my bed and being wholly disconsolate and troubled with the News I had received methought a certain Man from above spake unto me after this manner Comfort thy self and fear not For the distress in which thou art shall be the cause to make thee great and happy beyond thine expectation For not only these things shall turn to a fortunate issue but also many other Be not thou therefore dismayed but remember the advice that I give thee to make War against the Romans After this dream A number of Galileans besought Joseph that he would not forsake them I awak'd and as I prepared to go down into the Plain the people of Galilee with their Wives and Children humbling themselves to the earth and weeping besought me that I would not leave them for a prey to their Enemies or abandon their O Countrey to their discretion But seeing that I made small reckoning of their prayers they uttered a thousand curses against the people of Jerusalem that envied them the peace and happiness which they enjoyed under my conduct A After I had heard these words and seen the desolation of the People my heart was melted with compassion Joseph consenteth to stay in Galilee and I resolved in my self that in respect of so great a multitude my life could not be better hazarded than for their preservation I therefore gave my consent to remain with them and gave order that five thousand of the best Soldiers with fit provisions should attend me as for the rest I sent them back to their own houses When these five thousand presented themselves I join'd them to the other three thousand that I had with me and drew out with them fourscore Horsemen and marched on towards Chabalon a Borough upon the marches of Ptolemais where I undertook to prepare them for the Battel Placidus against Joseph expecting some assault from Placidus who was come with two Companies of Footmen and one of Horsemen sent by Cestius Gallus to B burn the Countrey-towns of Galilee and other little Boroughs that border on Ptolemais And for that he was entrenched before the City of Ptolemais I encamped my Army likewise not far from the Borough Chabalon some sixty stades off and divers times drew I out my Forces to bid him Battel but there pass'd nothing but skirmishes For Placidus perceiving my forwardness to fight was dismay'd thereat and retired himself yet he departed not from Ptolemais About this time came Jonathan with the other Ambassadors who as we have heretofore declared were sent by Simon and the High Priest Ananus they labour'd to entrap me by policy for that they durst not assail me in open field To which purpose they writ a Letter to me to this effect Jonathan's Letter to Joseph Jonathan and the Ambassadors with him who C are sent by those of Jerusalem to Joseph Greeting The chief Men of Jerusalem being informed that John of Gischala hath oftentimes sought to betray you we are sent to repress his malice and to exhort him hereafter to submit himself unto you And being desirous to confer with you touching what concerneth the publick good we pray you to resort to us as soon as you can with some few Attendants because the Borough is not able to entertain many To this effect they writ to me hoping that one of these two things would fall out either that coming disarmed I should be easily surprized by them or else bringing with me ãâã great Company I should be condemned for an Enemy to my Countrey The Messenger that brought me this Letter was a valiant young Man mounted on Horse-back and had in times past born Arms for the King A Horseman brought the Letters The time at which he came to me was two hours within night D when I was banquetting with my Friends and the chief Governors of Galilee After that one of my Houshold Servants had certified me that a certain Jew on Horseback was come to speak with me I commanded he should be brought in who saluted me but coldly and delivering me the Letter said unto me They that are come from Jerusalem send you this Letter give them a speedy answer For I am commanded to make a speedy return They that sate at the Table with me were amazed at the Soldiers insolence But for my self I willed him to sit down and sup with us but he refusing the same I open'd the Letter without the observation of any present and having seen what it contain'd I folded it up again and held it in my hand in such manner as I had received it and began to talk with my Friends of other affairs and not long after rising from Supper and dismissing the rest E to their repose I only retained with me some of my most intimate Friends and gave order that the Soldier should receive twenty drachms to bear the charges of his Voyage He having received the same and giving me thanks I perceived well that he lov'd Money and
were drowned Nota. but that they themselves by their own wickedness had procured those punishments due upon themselves Hedi Ruffinus cap. 8. Man is the author of his death not God For had he desired that they should be extinguished he would not have brought them into the World For better it is not to grant life than to destroy those to whom it is given But said God through their contempt of my service and graces Gods covenant with Noah they have inforced me to destroy them with the rigor of this vengeance hereafter I will not so severely pursue and punish their iniquities K in my displeasure The year of the World 2007 before Christ's Nativiây 1949. especially for thy sake And if hereafter at any time I shall send any tempest fear not how great and hideous soever the storms be for there shall be no more Deluge of water upon the earth In the mean time I command you to keep your hands innocent from murther and all man-slaughter and to punish those that commit wickedness The Rainbow the sign of atonement between God and Noah Gen. 9. 11 12 14. 15. I leave the use of all other living Creatures to your sustenance or service in as much as I have made you Lords over them all as well those that breathe upon the face of the earth as those that swim in the waters and such as inhabit and flie in the air but you shall not eat any blood in as much as therein consisteth the soul and life of living Creatures Hedio Ruffinus cap. 8. And I declare unto you that I will forbare to draw the shafts of my displeasure against Men And I will give you the Rainbow for a sign of the L promise which I make to you Noahs age 950. years Noah lived after the Deluge 350 years and having spent all the rest of his life in happiness he died after he had lived in the world nine hundred and fifty years Neither is there cause why any Man comparing this our present age and the shortness thereof with the long life of the Antients should think that false which I have said neither followeth it that because our present life extendeth not to such a term and continuance of years therefore they of the former World attained not the age and long life which we publish of them For they being beloved of God and newly created by him using also a kind of nutriment agreeing with their natures and proper to prolong their lives it is no absurd thing to suppose that their lives were of that continuance M Why they in timâs past lived longer than we do considering that God gave them long life to the end that they should teach virtue and should conveniently practice those things which they had invented the Sciences of Astronomy and Geometry the demonstrations whereof they never had attained except they had lived at the least six hundred years For the great year is accomplished by that number of years The great year whereof all they bear me witness who either Greeks or Barbarians have written antient Histories For both Manethon who hath written the History of Egypt and Berosus who registred the acts and affairs of the Chaldeans together with Mochus Hestiaeus Hierom of Egypt who writ those of the Phoenicians and others accord with me in that which I have said Hesiodus also Hecataeus Hellanicus and Acusilas Ephorus and Nicolaus do declare that they of the first World lived one thousand years Notwithstanding N let every man judge of these things Gen. 9. 18 19. as best liketh him CHAP. IV. Of the Tower of Babylon and the change of Tongues NOah had three Sons Thâ year of the World 1790 before Christ's Nativity 2174. Sem Japhet and Cham born one hundred years before the Deluge Gen. 10. per totum These first descended from the Mountains into the Plains and there made their habitation which when other Men perceived who for fear of the Deluge had fled the Plains Nâah's three Sons and for that cause were loth to forsake the Mountains they gathered courage God commanded the posterity of Noah to inhabit the âââth and persuaded themselves to do the like and the Plain where they dwelt was called Sâââar And whereas they were commanded by God that by reason of the O increase and multitude of Men they should send Colonies to inhabit divers Countries of the World to the end no quarrels might grow betwixt them but A contrariwise in labouring and tilling a great quantity of ground they might gather great store of fruits they were so ignorant that they disobeyed God and falling into great calamities suffered the punishment of their offence Now God seeing their number continually increase he commanded them again to divide themselves into Colonies But they forgetting that the Goods which they possessed proceeded from him and his bounty and presuming that their force was the only cause of their abundance did not obey him Ver. 8 9. but rather suspected that God sought to betray them to the end that being thus divided he might the more easily destroy them Nimrod the Grandson of Cham one of Noah's Sons incited them in this sort to mock and contemn God He put them in the head that they should not believe that their prosperity proceeded from God but that they ought to attribute B it to their own valor which furnish'd them with so much riches so that in a little space he reduced their estate to a tyranny supposing by this onely means that he might make Men revolt against God if he might persuade them to submit themselves to his Government Chap. 11. 2 3 4. giving them to understand that if God should once more threaten a Deluge he would protect them against him and to that end build a Tower to whose top the water should not reach and also revenge the death of their Predecessors The stupid People gave ear to these persuasions of Nimrod supposing it to be pusillanimity in themselves if they should obey God For which cause they began to build the Tower with their uttermost industry neither was there any one idle in all that work yea so great was the number of Labourers that in a little time the work was raised to a height beyond all expectation C The thickness of it was so great that it obscured the height and it was built of burnt Brick ãâã and cimented and joined with a bituminous morter to the end that it might become the stronger God seeing their madness yet condemned them not to a general extermination by reason that they had made no profit by their example The confusion of Tongues who perished in the first Deluge but made them mutiny the one against another by changing of their tongue Ver. 6 7 8. so that by reason of their diversity of language they could not understand one another The place
that are called Hesperians in Aethiopia and Sabaeus founded the Sabeans M As for Nimrod the sixth son of Chus Nabrodes or Nâmbroth he setled his Colony upon the Confines of Babylon and tyrannized there as is before declared All the eight sons of Misraim occupied all the Countrey from Gaza unto Egypt Palestine so named of Philestine but onely one of the eight named Philistin hath left his name to the Countrey which he possess'd for the Greeks call a part thereof Palestine As touching the rest Lom Enam and Labim Nethem Phetrosim Chestem Chreesene and Chepthom we know neither of their actions nor of their names except Labim who planted a Colony in Lybia and gave his name to it For the Aethiopians whereof hereafter we shall make mention overthrew their Cities Canaan also had eleven sons The Children of Canaan amongst whom Sidonius built and named Sidon a City in N Phoenicia and Amathus built Amath which at this day the Inhabitants call Amatha though the Macedonians call it Epiphania which signifies famous from the name of one of its Princes Arudeus possessed the Isles of Arudus and Ariceus built the City of Arce upon mount Libanus As for the other seven Eveus Cheteus Jebuseus Eucleus Sineus Samarcus and Gorgeseus there is no memory remaining of them in Sacred Scriptures but onely their names For the Hebrews razed their Cities upon the occasions which I am going to relate After the Deluge Hedio Ruffinus cap. 13. when the earth was established in its first estate Noah gave himself to Tillage Gen. 9. 19 20 21 22 23 24 25. and planted Vineyards and when the Fruit thereof was ripe and he had pressed and made Wine thereof he drank and banquetted after he had done sacrifice being thereby made drunk and overpressed with sleep he lay discovered in a most unseemly O and shameful fashion which when Cham his younger son beheld he scornfully discover'd it to his Brothers who being asham'd cover'd their Father's nakedness with A reverence Noah is made drunk lieth naked and is scorned and curseth him that derideth him Which fact of his coming to the knowledge of Noah he wished all felicity to the two other and as touching Cham out of a fatherly tenderness he cursed him not but only his posterity after him who accordingly were punisht for the sin of their Forefather as we shall shew hereafter Sem the third son of Noah had five sons who inhabited the Countrey of Asia beginning at Euphrates Hedio Ruffinus cap. 14. and extending to the Indian Ocean For Elimis the eldest left the Elimeans or Elamites for his Successors whence proceeded the Persians Assur the second built the City of Ninive Gen. 7. 1. and gave his Subjects the name of Assyrians who were rich above all the rest Of the Sons of Sem the third Son of Noah and of theirs and Abraham's Progeny Arphaxad the third named those of his command Arphaxadians who at this day are called Chaldeans Aram the fourth had the Arameans whom the Greeks call Syrians B And from Ludis the fifth came the Ludéans who at this day are called Lydians Of those four sons which Aram had Vses dwelt in the Region of Trachonites and built the City of Damascus scituate between Palestine and that part of Syria which is sirnamed Caeler or hollow Otrus obtained Armenia Gether Bactria Misas was father to the Mezaneans whose Countrey is called at this day the valley of Pasin Sale Arphaxad's son was Heber's father from whose name in times past the Hebrews were denominated Heber begat Jucta and Phaleg The original of the Hebrews who was so called for that he was born at such time as Lands came to be divided for Phaleg in Hebrew signifieth Division They that follow were the sons of Jucta Elmodad Saleph Azermoth Izrais Edoram Vzal Dael Ebal Ebemael Sapham Ophir Evilas and Jobel who occupied some parcel of that Region which was between Cophen a River C in India and the hither Syria Hitherto have we spoken of the Progeny of Sem now we come to speak of the Hebrews Abraham's Genealogy Phaleg the son of Heber begat Ragaus by whom was begot Seruch from whom Nachor descended and from Nachor Thares who was Abraham's father the tenth in account from Noah and born 292 years after the Deluge For Thares being 70 years old begat Abraham Nachor at 120 years of age begat Thares Nachor was born to Seruch when he was about the years of 132 of his life and Ragaus begat Seruch when he was 130 years old and about those years Phaleg begat Ragaus But Heber at 34 years of age begat Phaleg himself begotten by Sela when he was 135 years old which Sela was begotten by Arphaxad when he was 135 years of age And Arphaxad was the son of Sem and Grandson of Noah whom he begat two years after the Deluge Abraham had two D brothers Nachor and Aram of whom Aram left Lot for his son and Sara and Melcha for his daughters and afterwards dyed in the land of Canaan in a City called Vr of the Chaldees where his Sepulchre is to be seen even at this day His daughters were married Melcha to Nachor The year of the World 2950. before Christ's Nativity 2014. and Sara to Abraham But Thares growing weary of Chaldaea after the death of his son Aram he and his Family transported themselves into Charan a City of Mesopotamia in which place they buried Thares when he had lived the space of 250 years For about this time the life of man was abridged and grew more short until the time of Moses The term of man's life about this term 120. when the space of man's life limited by God himself was 120 years to which term Moses attained Nachor had eight children by Melcha his wife Vx Baux Manuel Zacham Azam Phaleg Jadelphus and Bathuel who were the legitimate sons of Nachor E But Tabaeus and Gadan Thavan and Macham were begotten by him on his Concubine Ruma To Bathuel one of the legitimate sons of Nachor was born a daughter named Rebecca and a son called Laban CHAP. VII How Abraham Gen. 12. 1. ad 4. the Author of our Nation departed from the Land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in the Countrey of the Canaanites which is now called Judea ABraham having no Issue adopted Lot the son of Aram's brother and brother to Sara his wife The year of the World 2204 before Chri ãâ¦ã Nativity 1940. he departed out of the Countrey of Chaldee when he was 75 years old having had commandment from God to depart thence into Canaan in which Countrey F he remained and left the same to his Posterity after him He was a man accomplished in all things full of understanding and apt to persuade those that gave ear unto him without any default in his foresight and providence Hedio Ruffinus cap. 15. For this cause
at liberty saying That they found the Money among the Wheat at such time as they emptied their Sacks which now in discharge of their truth they had brought back again But he denying that he ever missed their Money and they being delivered from this fear began to be more secure so that Simeon was suddenly G set at liberty to converse among his Brethren Now when Joseph was returned from the service of the King they offer him presents and he enquiring of them how their Father did they answered that he was in health Then perceiving that Benjamin was yet alive whom he saw among them he ask'd whether that were their younger Brother H and hearing that it was vers 29. he only uttered these words Joseph unknown to his Brethren saluteth both them and Benjamin That God's providence was over all things and departed from them being unwilling that any of them should see him shed Tears which he could not any longer contain Inviting them afterwards unto a Banquet he commanded them to sit down in order according as they were wont to do when they were with their Father and whereas he kindly entertained all of them he honoured Benjamin with a double share After the Banquet when they were all laid down to rest he commanded the steward to measure out the Wheat which every one should bear away with him and to hide the price thereof again in their Sacks but in Benjamins Sack he commanded him to put his Cup which he ordinarily made use of This he did Hedio Ruffinus chap. 6. with intent to make triall of their loves towards Benjamin and whether I they would stick unto him Gen. 44. 2 3 being accused of Theft or leave him behind as a malefactor and return unto their Father Joseph tempteth Benjamins Brothers whether they would assist him as if the matter no wayes touched them Which being done according as he had commanded early in the morning all Jacobs Sons arose and taking with them Simeon departed onwards of their journey rejoycing as well at his restitution as Benjamins return whom they both promised and protested to bring back again to their Father Josephs brethren are staid in their journey when behold suddenly a Troop of Horsemen beset them round amongst whom was that Servant who had hid the Cup in the Sack They being troubled by this sudden incursion and asking why they set upon them whom they so lately had both invited and entertained so honourably v. 5 12. The Egyptians answered and exclaimed against them Jacobs Sons are accused of Theft calling them wicked Men who forgetting the late benefits received K and Joseph's gentleness and humanity were so wicked as to return him injuries for his courtesies threatning them that they should be punished for their Theft and telling them that although for a time they had deceived the Officer of the Table yet could they not deceive God and again asking them whether they were well in their wits in supposing that for this offence they should not be incontinently punished with these and the like speeches the Servant insulted over them But they who nothing at all suspected this subtilty accused him saying That they wondred at the Mans unreasonableness in so rashly accusing them of Theft who had not kept back the price of their Corn which they found in their Sacks whereas none but themselves knew of that Money so far were they from purposely offering any wrong Yet in that they thought the searching L would better satisfie them than denial they bid them search their Sacks offering themselves each of them to suffer punishment if any one of them were found guilty of the Theft This search which they offered the Egyptians accepted yet agreed the punishment should be inflicted onely on him who had done the injury Afterwards beginning to search and orderly looking into each Mans Sack at length they came to Benjamin not that they were ignorant the Cup was hid in his Sack but that they might seem to discharge their duty more exactly Now all the rest being secure in themselves they were only careful of their Brother Benjamin and they hoped that he would not be found guilty of falshood for which cause they more freely upbraided their persecutors objecting unto them how through their importunity they had been hindred M a good part of their journey Now as they searched Benjamins Sack they found the Cup whereupon all the Brothers began to mourn and lament both bewailing their Brothers misfortune who was presently to suffer death for the Theft and their own mishap who having plighted their faith unto their Father for Benjamins safe return were compelled to falsifie the same through this accident And that which further increased their grief was that when as they most of all hoped to be free from dangers they were by fortunes envy thrust into so great calamity confessing themselves to be the authors both of their Fathers and this their Brothers misfortune in that they had never ceased to importune and compel their Father although he were unwilling and resisted to send the Child with them N Now the Horsemen having laid hands on Benjamin led him unto Joseph and his Brothers followed him ver 12. Joseph beholding his Brother in the others hands and the rest bemoaning him round about them Benjamin is attached for Theft Have you said he O most wicked Men either so contemned my humanity or Gods providence as that you durst attempt such a hainous injury against him who entertained you with hospitality and dismissed you with benefits To whom they answered that they were ready to suffer punishment for Benjamin calling again to their remembrance Joseph's injuries saying that he was happy who delivered by death from life was exempt from all calamities and that if he lived God inflicted that plague on them for his sake They said also that they were the plague and great misfortune of their Father because that to the former sorrow which he had endur'd O ever since the time of Josephs death they had also annexed this new misery neither did Reuben desist to reproach them in bitter manner with the wickedness which they had A committed But Joseph told them that he dismissed them all seeing that their innocence was proved to him and would be contented with the Lads punishment for said he neither is it reasonable that he should be delivered for the sake of those who have not offended nor they punished for him that hath done the Theft He commanded them therefore to depart and promised them safe conduct on their way Whilest all of them were grievously wounded with these words so that scarcely one of them could speak for sorrow Juda who had persuaded his Father to send Benjamin with them A ver 18. ad finem and who above the rest was a Man of confidence purposed to expose himself to all danger in that resolution to
deliver his Brother Judah's Oration unto Joseph for Benjamin whereupon he addressed himself to Joseph and spake thus My Lord said he we confess that we are all B ready to suffer punishment though we have not all of us committed the offence but onely the youngest and though we suppose his life to be almost desperate yet our onely hope rests in your goodness and clemency We beseech you therefore that you will have compassion of us and be pleased to take counsel not of your just indignation but your native goodness since 't is proper to great minds as yours is to surmount those passions to which onely vulgar Souls give way and are wont to submit Consider I pray you whether it stand with your dignity to kill those who present themselves to be punished and desire in no sort to live except it be by the benefit of your mercy Suffer not your self to be deprived of this honour after you have delivered us from Famine and liberally furnished us with Corn to carry to our Family labouring under the same calamity For 't is one and the same bounty to continue them in life who are afflicted C with Famine and not to take it from them who have merited death And you shall save those whom you have fed and that life which you would not suffer to fail by Famine restore and give again whereby your clemency will be more commendable whil'st you give both life and those things likewise whereby life is maintained Moreover I think that God himself hath given you this occasion to declare your virtue that it may appear that you set lighter by the injuries offered unto you than by your will to do good and that you are not only liberal to them who are poor and innocent but merciful to those that are guilty For although it be a glorious thing to yield succor in adversities yet is a Prince no less honoured by his clemency especially in a cause that concerneth his particular interest for if they that remit small offences are followed by deserved praise what is it to restrain a Man's anger in a capital Crime Doth it not D very near approach the Divine clemency And had I not good experience by Joseph's death how grievously my Father taketh the want of his Children I would not so earnestly intreat for his safety who is so dear to him or if I did it should be only to contribute to the praise of your clemency The year of the World 2237 before Christ's Nativity 1726. and were there not some to whom our death would bring both grief and discontent we were willing all of us to suffer punishment But now whereas we have not so much commiseration of our selves though as yet we are but young and have not much tasted the pleasures of life as of our disconsolate Parent who is oppress'd not only with Age but Grief we beseech you not for our own sakes but for his to grant us life though at this day we are under your justice for our offence Assuredly he is a good Man and hath omitted nothing to render us like himself worthy he is never to taste or be tryed by any such calamity who now through our absence is discruciated E with care and sorrow Now if he should receive tydings of our death and the cause thereof he will not endure any more to live the infamy of our deaths will shorten his days and make his death by this means more unhappy yea rather than hear the rumor of our shame he would desire to die beforehand All these things considered although you are justly moved by this offence remit the revenge unto our Father and rather let your pity towards him than our iniquity towards you prevail Grant this favor to his old age since if deprived of our presence he neither will nor can desire to live yea grant it to the very name of a Father wherewith you are honoured your self so God the Father of all men will bless you in that name and prosper your Family whom also you shall honour if in respect of that common name you take compassion of our Father in considering the sorrow that he shall endure if he be deprived of F his children It now lieth in your power to give us that which you may deprive us of by that power which God hath given you and in doing us this favour you shall imitate the Nature of God Power given to save and in this respect become like unto him For since it lieth in your power to do both the one and the other it were better you did good than evil and contenting your self with your power not remember then to urge your revenge but only think that your power was given you to keep and preserve men and that the more mercy you extend towards many the more honour you redouble on your own head Now it lieth in your power by forgiving our Brothers error to give us all life For neither can we be safe except he be saved neither may we return home unto our Father except he return but here must we suffer whatsoever our Brother suffereth Neither do we crave any other mercy at your hand if we be repulsed in this but that you will iâflicâ G one and the same punishment on us in no other manner than ãâã if we had been partakers of the Felony for this were better for us than that we our selves through âorrow should offer âââlence to our own Souls I will not alledge or urge his youth or judgment as yet unripe neither will I alledge that pardon is usually granted to such but here will I make an end That whether we H be condemned in that I have not sufficiently pleaded his cause or whether we be absolved we may wholly ascribe this grace to your favour and clemency to whose praise this likewise shall be added That not only you have saved us but also in pardoning us the punishment which we have justly deserved you have had more care of us than we our selves If therefore it be your pleasure to adjudge him to die let me suffer for him and send him back unto our Father or if it please you to retain him for your slave I am more fit than he to do all sorts of services as you may perceive and I am ready to suffer all that which may be inflicted on me When Juda had spoken thus he humbled himself at Joseph 's feet endevouring as much as in him lay to mollifie and appease his anger in like sort also all the other Brothers prostrated themselves offering themselves to die for Benjamin I But Joseph moved with pity Gen. 45. 1 2. ad 16. and unable any longer to personate a displeased Man sent away all those that were present Joseph maketh himself known to his Brethren and being alone with them discovered himself unto his Brothers and in this sort to them only he disclosed himself
displeasure if the matter were discover'd whereby both he and the Child should be made away and Gods promises should be frustrate he chose rather wholly to commit the safety of his son to F his Providence supposing that if the Boy were hidden which notwithstanding would be hard to effect yet it would be troublesom unto him to live in continual peril both of his own and his sons safety moreover he thought that God would provide some means of preservation to the intent that nothing of that which he had foretold might be proved false Having taken this resolution they prepared and made a Cradle of Sedge after the manner of a Couch so great that it was sufficient to lay the Child in at ease and having pitched it on every side lest the water should pierce the same they put the Child in to it and suffering him to float along the stream committed him to the mercy of God Ver. 3. Whil'st in this manner it was born down by the stream Mariam the sister of the young Infant Moses cast into the floud by her Mothers command went along the Bank on the other side of G the River observing whither at length the Basket would be carried and where it should arrive At that time God manifestly declared That nothing is atchieved by mans wisdom but that all things are brought to pass by his admirable Providence and that they who for their profit The year of the World 2376. before Christ's Nativity 1588. and particular security seek the ruine and destruction of others H with never so much subtilty care and diligence yet are oftentimes deceiv'd in their expectations And that they that submit their wills unto Gods Will are secured from all wrongs by such means as were never thought on as may most manifestly be perceived by this Child Thermuthis Ver. 5. the King's daughter walking alone the River side espied this Basket carried away by the course of the stream Thermuthis Pharaohs daughter causeth Moses to be taken out of the River and presently commanded certain Swimmers to fetch it to Land and bring it before her who executing her Command she opened the Basket and beheld the Child who in that he was fair and well featured did greatly delight her Thus God so loved and favoured Moses that he caused him both to be nourished and brought up by them who for fear lest he should be born had decreed to I destroy all the rest of the Race of the Hebrews Thermuthis therefore commanded them to fetch her a Nurse who might give the Child suck who refusing the same as all other Nurses did that were sent for to suckle him Mariam as if by good fortune and not of set purpose she had light into their company began to speak thus unto Thermuthis In vain said she O Princess doest thou strive to give this Babe suck by any but an Hebrew Nurse for he will not accept it for if thou call unto thee a Nurse of the same Nation and agreeable with his nature doubtless he will take the nipple This Speech of hers being both heard and plausibly accepted the Princess commanded her to bring her an Hebrew woman that gave suck which she diligently performing returned and brought her Mother with her whom none of the assistants knew and who presenting her breast unto the Child K he willingly took the dug Moses whence he received his name so that upon the Princess command the suckling of the Child was wholly committed unto her By reason of this accident and for that he was cast into the River he was called Moses for the Egyptians call water Mo and saved Yses so this name composed of these two words was imposed on this Child who afterwards without exceptions became the wisest Man among the Hebrews according as God had foretold Moses the 7th after Abraham He was the seventh after Abraham for he was Amrams son and Amram son unto Cathis and he to Levi and Levi to Jacob who was the son of Isaac who was the son of Abraham He had a judgment riper than his age for even amongst his childish delights he shewed himself more discreet than all his equals and whatsoever he did it gave testimony that at such time as he should attain to Mans estate he would be L capable of great things When he was but 3 years old God adorned and endowed him with an admirable beauty He was so fair and amiable that there was not any how austere and inhumane soever but in beholding him would be astonished Yea divers who met him as he was carried through the streets turned themselves about to behold him and intermitted their other affairs Ver. 10. onely to look upon him for the admirable beauty of this Infant Moses the adopted son of Thermuthis daughter unto Pharaoh did ravish all those that saw him Whence it came to pass that Thermuthis in that she had no other Issue adopted him for her Heir and carrying him to the King her Father she presented him to him saying That she was careful of a Successor by reason God had not vouchsafed him to have any Issue for saith she I have brought up this Infant no less excellent in wit than divine in beauty having received him miraculously from the M River Nilus and I have decreed to adopt him my Child and to establish him as Successor to thee in thy Kingdom This said she delivered the Infant into her Fathers arms who after he had embraced and hugged him at his breast to give his daughter the more content he put his Diadem upon the Childs head but Moses pulling it from his head after a childish manner cast it on the ground and spurned it with his feet which act of his was supposed ominous to the Realm and dangerous for the King Whereupon the sacred Secretary who had foretold that his Nativity would be the destruction of the Egyptians willed them to kill the Child crying out with a loud voyce to the King after this manner O King this Child by whose death God promiseth us security hath already confirmed the presage insulting over thy Kingdom and spurning thy Diadem Take from the Egyptians N that fear which they have conceived of him by his death and from the Hebrews that hope which they build on his courage and life Ver. 10. But Thermuthis hastily conveyed him thence and the King was not overforward to lay hands on him Moses delivered from death by reason that God disposed all things in this manner in that he had a care of Moses preservation He was therefore very carefully brought up and by reason of him the Hebrews in general were replenished with good hope but by the Egyptians his education both was suspected and grudged at yet by reason that if the Lad should have been slain there was not any one either akin or adopted that could pretend to the succession of the Crown of
passages of their Country by which they thought their Enemy might break in preparing themselves to repell them with force and valor Yet no sooner did Phinees with his Forces charge them Cap. 3. 8. ad 18. but upon the first encounter so great a multitude of the Madianites was slain Five Kings of the Madianites slain that the number of the Carcasses could hardly be reckoned Neither were their Kings saved from the Sword these were Och Sur Robeas Vbes and Rechem from whom the chiefest City of the Arabians deriveth its name Otherwise Aâââeme or Arca. and at this day retaineth O the same and is call'd Receme and by the Grecians Petra The Hebrews having thus put their Enemies to flight ravaged the Region and carried away with them great A spoils The year of the World 2493. before Christ's Nativity 1471. and killing all the Inhabitants thereof both Men and Women they onely spared the Virgins according to the command Phinees had received from Moses who returning home with his Army in safety brought with him a memorable and glorious prey of Oxen 52067 of Asses 60000 of gold and silver Vessels an incredible number which the Madianites were wont to use for their domestick occasions A great prey gotten from the Madianites so great was their great Riches and Luxury There were also led Captives about 30000 Virgins But Moses dividing the prey gave the fiftieth part thereof to Eleazar and the Priests and to the Levites another fiftieth Num. 27. 18. the remainder he distributed amongst the People who after this Battel lived in great security Deut. 3. 22. having gotten Riches by their Valor Moses appointed Joshua for his Successor and Peace also to enjoy the same Now for that Moses was well stricken in years he appointed Joshua to B succeed him in the Offices both of a Prophet a Prince and a Governor for God had so commanded that he should make choice of him to be his Successor in the principality for he was most expert in all divine and humane knowledge Numb 32. 1 5 c. being therein instructed by his Master Moses The Tribes of Reuben Gad and the half of Manasses require the land of the Amorites About that time the two Tribes of Gad and Reuben with the half Tribe of Manasses being abundantly stored with Cattel and all other manner of Riches by common consent requested Moses to give and assign to them in particular the Country of the Amorites which not long since they had conquered by the Sword for that it was full of rich Pastures But he suspecting that through fear they sought to withdraw themselves from the War with the Canaanites under pretext of care of their Cattel sharply reproved them saying that they were fearful and that their desire was to possess C that Land which was conquered by the Valor of the whole People to the end they might lead their lives in idleness and pleasure and not to bear Arms with the rest of the Host to help them to posses the Land beyond Jordan which God had promised them by overcoming those Nations which he commanded them to account for their Enemies These Tribes lest he should seem to be deservedly incensed against them answered that neither through fear they fled danger neither through sloth shunned labour but onely design'd to leave their prey in commodious places to the end they might be more fit to follow the War saying that they were ready if so be they might receive Cities for the defence and receipt of their Wives Children and Substance to follow the rest of the Army whithersoever they were conducted and to adventure their lives with them D for the common interest Moses satisfi'd with their reason in the presence of Eleazar the High Priest and Joshua with the rest of the Magistrates granted them the Land of the Amorites with this condition that together with the rest of the People they should march against their common Enemies Numb 35. 34 c. till the War were accomplished according to their desire accordingly having received that which they demanded they built them walled Cities Deut. 4. 43. and left their Children Josh 20. 8 9. Wives and Substance in the same Moses also built ten Cities in that Region which are to be reckoned in the number of those 48 abovemention'd in three whereof he appointed Sanctuaries The Cities of refuge and places of refuge which they only might take benefit of who fled thither for Casual Homicide and he appointed them their term of Exile till the time of the death of the High Priest under whom the E Manslaughter was committed at which time they might safely return into their Countrey And during the time of their Exile it was lawful for any of the Kin to take revenge upon the Offender by killing him only at such time as he was found without the City of Refuge which right he gave onely to those that were akin but not to others Now the Cities of Refuge were these in the Confines of Arabia Bosora in the Region of Galadena Numb 36. 1 2. Arimanum in the Countrey of Bazan Gaul Moses also ordained that after the Conquest of Canaan The daughters of Salpades have their inheritance in their fathers place three more Cities of the Levites should be appointed to that end that they might give refuge and habitation to such sort of Offenders At that time when one of the Magistrates called Salphates of the Tribe of Manasses was dead and had onely left Daughters behind him the Governors of the Tribe came unto Moses F and asked his counsel The history of Deuteronomy Whether they should inherit the Lands of their Father Moses answered them Ruffin cap. 5. That if they married within their Tribe they should inherit but if they made choice to marry themselves into another Tribe Hedio cap. 8. then they should lose their Patrimony in their own Deut. 41 c. ad 43. and for this cause made he this Ordinance to the end that every Tribe should continually possess its proper inheritance But whereas now there remained but 30 days only to fulfill the number of 40 years since their departure out of Egypt Moses summoning an Assembly in that place near to Jordan where now the City of Abila is scituate environed with fields beset with Palm-trees as soon as he saw the People ready to hear him spake unto them after this manner G CHAP. VIII H Moses Laws and how he was taken out of this world from the company of Men Deut. 4. MY dear friends Moses oration unto the people before his death and companions in my long Travels with whom I have run through so many dangers since it is thought requisite by God and mine age amounting to the number of one hundred and twenty years requireth no less that I must depart out of this life and
night In like manner ought they to be buried who for any occasion whatsoever are condemned and executed by Justice Let the Enemy also be interred after the same manner Enemy to be buried and let no dead man lye unburied after such time as he hath been judged and hath satisfied the Laws It is not lawful for any Hebrew to lend upon Usury neither money nor meat or I drink Deut. 23. for it is an unjust thing to make profit of the misery of those of our Nation but it is better to succour their necessities That which is borrowed must be paid and expect Gods retribution as a gain to them Exod. 22. 14. who practice such kind of benefits But they that have borrowed either money or any fruit dry or moist when by the favour and assistance of God they shall reap their own harvest and gather their fruit let them make a willing restitution to those that have lent them as if they had laid them up for themselves to possess at such time as they had need of them But if there be any so shameless as they will not make satisfaction yet let not the Creditor enter into their house to take a Pawn before the Judges have given order A pledge that the pledge be demanded at their door and then the debtor without contradiction shall bring it to him Deut. 24. 11 12 13. because it is not lawful K for him to oppose him that comes arm'd with the Law If he of whom the Pledge is taken have sufficient ability the Creditor may retain the Gage till such time as he be paid but if he be poor he shall restore him his Pawn before the Sun-set and especially if it be Garments with which he may cover himself in the night for God hath compassion on those that are Poor It is not lawful to receive in way of Gage either a Mill or ought else that belongeth thereunto lest any Debtor should be deprived of the necessary Instruments to provide his Victuals with and endure any misery through want of the means to get his living Let him that retaineth a Free-man in Bondage be punished with death Theft but he that hath stoln either Gold or Silver let him restore it two-fold If any man kill such as break into houses to rob L or that break their walls let not such an one be punished Whoso shall steal a Beast shall restore four times the value for it except it be an Ox for which he shall satisfie five-fold Exod 21. 2. ad 7. and if the Thief want means to pay this penalty let him be their slave against whom he hath trespassed An Hebrew slave is to be set at liberty after seven years and at whose suâe he is condemned If any one be sold unto one of his own Tribe let him serve him six years and in the seventh year he shall depart with liberty But if during the time that he remaineth with the buyer he beget any Child upon a female fellow slave and that he be willing to serve by reason of the good affection that he bareth unto the house Deut. 15. 12. ad 19. in the year of Jubile which hapneth every fiftieth year let him be set at liberty Goods that are âound leading away with him his Children and Wife with freedom If any man find Money or Gold by the M way let him seek out him that hath lost it and make known the place where he found it to the intent he may restore it knowing that the profit is not good which cometh by another man's injury The like is to be done with Beasts for if any man find them strayed in the Desart and find not out the owner let him presently keep them by him taking God to witness that he has no design to detain with him another man's goods If any man find another mans Beasts myred or bog'd let him not pass further but succor them and help to save them as if they were his own Let each man direct the ignorant Traveller in his way and set him in the right path if he wander Deut. 22. without deluding him or hindring him in his necessity or mis-leading him in his journey The Law of violence Let no man speak ill of him that is either absent or deaf If N any man be strucken in a quarrel and it be not with a weapon let him that struck him be presently punished by receiving the like number of blows as he hath given But if he be carried into his house and lye sick upon it divers dayes and in the end dye thereof he that struck him shall not be punisht as a Murderer And if he escape and during the time of his sickness hath been greatly hindered and charged then let him that struck him pay all the charges he hath been at during the time he kept his Bed and satisfie the Physitians He that with his foot shall strike a woman with Child if the woman miscarry he shall be by the Judges amerced in a summe of money for that he hath lessened the number of the people by the loss of him that is dead in his Mothers Womb. Let him likewise be condemned to pay a summe of money unto O the Husband but if the woman dye of the stroke he that offered the violence shall be punisht with death because the Law justly requireth that Life be satisfied with Life A Let not any one among the Israelites use any mortal Poyson or Drug that may do hurt to any man and if any be found with such things about him let him dye because it is just that he suffer the evil which he had prepared for another Whoso hath maimed any man or pull'd out his eye let him in like manner be maimed and blinded being deprived of the same member of his body whereof he hath deprived another man except he that is maimed had rather have a pecuniary amends for the Law remitteth it to the election of the offended Poyson to estimate his injury and if he will be more severe Exod. 21. 23. he may Levit. 24. 20. If any one have an Ox that striketh with his horn let him kill him Talions Law and if the same Ox striketh and killeth any man in the Field or Mow let him be stoned to death Deut. 19. 21. and let no man eat the flesh thereof And if it be proved B that the Master hath heretofore known the quality of the Beast and hath not taken order he should do no harm Of an Ox striking with his horn let him also be put to death as being the author of the murther committed by the Ox. But if the said Ox kill a slave either Male or Female he shall be stoned Exod. 11. 28 29 32. and the owner thereof shall pay thirty Sicles to the Master of the slave that is slain If one Ox be strucken
For it is a thing unworthy either your Majesty Jonathan certifieth David how he hath pacified his father or the name of a Man to forget good deserts With these words was Saul pacified so that he swore to his Son he would do no hurt to David for his just persuasions and arguments were stronger than the choler and fear of the King Jonathan sent to seek out David and told him these good tydings from his Father and brought him to him and David continu'd to serve him as formerly N O A CHAP. XIV How hardly David escaped the ambushes that were often laid for him by the King yet having him twice at advantage and in his power would not murther him ABout the same time v. 8 9. the Philistines again led forth their Army against the Hebrews David hath a great victory against the Philistines and Saul sent David against them accompanied with his forces who encountring them slew a great number of them and returned to the King with a great Victory But Saul entertained him not as he hoped and as the happy exploit atchieved by him merited but he envied his good actions and honourable deserts as if Davids happy B success had been Sauls disadvantage and prejudice But when the evil spirit returned to vex him he lodged him in his own chamber and having at that time a javelin in his hand he commanded him to play on his Harp and to Sing Hymns Now whilest David obeyed his command Saul stretching out his arm v. 9 10. threw his Dart at him but David foreseeing it Saul darteth his javelin at David avoided the stroke and fled to his own house where he stayed all the rest of the day When night was come the King sent certain of his Servants to watch his house lest he should escape to the end that the next day being brought forth to judgement he might be condemned and put to death But Michol Davids Wife and Sauls Daughter having intelligence of her Fathers intention went to her Husband told him in how great peril he was being desirous to save his life with the hazard of her C own Beware said she lest the Sun at his rising find thee in this place for if it do I shall never more see thee Flie therefore whilest night offereth thee opportunity which I pray to God to lengthen for thy sake for be assured that if thou be surprized in this place my Father will make thee die a miserable death This said she let him down by a window and so saved him and soon after she prepared his bed as if he lay sick therein and under the covering she laid the Liver of a new slaughtred Kid and when her Father sent the next morning to apprehend David she answered that he had been sick all the night long v. 14. and opening the Curtains Michol persuadeth the Kings Servants that David is sick she gave them to understand that David was laid therein the Coverlet being moved by the Liver which was hot and yet stirred made them believe that the Liver that lay there was David who panted and breathed very D hardly Which being signified unto Saul he commanded that he should be brought to him in that estate wherein he was because he resolved to put him to death But when Sauls messengers returned thither and opened the bed they perceived Michols subtilty v. 17. and went and certified the King thereof who reproved her very sharply for that she had saved his Enemy Michol excuseth her self for delivering David and deceived her Father But she excused her self with words full of good appearance saying that David had threatned to kill her and through fear of death she was induced to save him For which cause she ought to be pardoned since by constraint and not ofset purpose she had furthered his escape For said she I think that you seek not so greedily after the death of your Enemy as to prefer the same before the safety and security of your Daughter v. 18. Upon these reasons Saul pardoned his Daughter E David delivered from this peril David expresseth to Samuel how the King was affected towards him went to the Prophet Samuel at Ramath and told him what ambushes the King had laid for him and how hardly he had escaped death by the stroke of his javelin whereas in all things that concerned Saul he had alwayes shewed himself obedient having served him advantageously in war upon his Enemies and by Gods assistance been fortunate in all things which was the cause that Saul was so displeased with him The Prophet informed of Sauls injustice departed from Ramath and led David to a certain place called Galbaath where he remained with him But as soon as Saul was informed that David was retired v. 19 20 21. and accompanied with the Prophet he sent out certain Soldiers to lay hands on him Saul sent armed Souldiers to apprehend David who began to prophesie and he himself likewise coming thither prophesieth and bring him to him They reparing to Samuel and finding the congregation of the Prophets were seized with the F Spirit of God and began to prophesie Which when Saul understood he sent out others with the like order and they had the lâke extasie For which cause he sent out others and seeing the third company prophesie likewise he was in the end so enraged that he went thither in his own person And when he drew neer the place Samuel before he saw him made him prophesie also so that he was transported out of himself and having dispoiled himself of his rayment 1 Sam. 20. v. 1. ad 4. he remained naked all day and night in the presence of Samuel and David David departed from thence and went to Jonathan to whom he complained of those ambushes which his Father had laid to intrap him David complaineth unto Jonathan of his Fathers injuries telling him that notwithstanding he had never committed any fault against his Father he earnestly pursued him to put him to death Jonathan persuaded him not to suspect these things rashly nor to be over-credulous G to those reports which parhaps might be brought to him but trust him only who was assured that his Father intended no evil against him Jonathan excuseth his Father For if he had he would have told him being never wont to act any thing without his counsel But David sware unto him that it was so and conjured him not to doubt of it but rather to consider how H to procure his security than by contemning his words expect till his death ascertained him of the truth thereof He added that his Father did not communicate his counsels with him because he was assured of the love and friendship that was between them Jonathan persuaded by Davids reasons asked him what he desired at his hands or wherein he might shew him friendship v. 5. ad 11.
suffering great Travels and after they had once more renewed the oath of mutual Amity and Faith between them for all the time of their lives calling God to witness with imprecations against him that should fail therein Jonathan left David somewhat eased in heart and disburthened of his fear and returned to his own home But the Ziphians to gratifie Saul told him v. 19. that David was amongst them and promised to deliver him prisoner into his hands The Ziphians certifie Saul of Davids abode in their Countrey if so be he would come out against him for if he would seize all the straights of the Countrey it should be impossible for him to flie into D any other place The King praised their fidelity and promised them to require it and to remunerate them shortly for this their good affection and withall sent out certain men to seek out David and to break over the Forest promising them that shortly he would follow after them Thus did the Governours and Princes of the Ziphians offer themselves to the King to search out and apprehend him expressing their affection therein not only in outward shew but also with their whole power labouring what they might that surprizing him they might deliver him into the Kings hands But their unjust desire had as unfortunate success wicked people as they were who being to incur no peril by concealing him from pursuit promised to betray him into the Kings hands through adulation and avarice v. 26. a man that was both vertous and wrongfully persecuted E to death by his Enemies David hearing of the Kings coming flieth to save himself For David being informed of their malice and of the Kings approach quitted those narrow straights wherein he then encamped and escaped to a certain Rock sâituate in the Desart of Simon Saul continued to pursue him and knowing by the way that he had overcome the straights he came to the other side of the Rock where David had surely been taken had not the King been revoked by tidings which assured him that the Philistines had forcibly entred and spoyled his Kingdom v. 27 28. For he thought it more conveninet to revenge himself on those his publick and open Enemies Saul pursueth David and having circumvented him had taken him had not he received news that revoked him and to give succor to his Countrey and people being ready to be spoiled and wasted than out of desire to lay hands on a private Enemy to betray both his Countrey and Subjects to their Swords and thus was David saved beyond all expectation and F he retired himself to the straights of Engaddi But after Saul had repelled the Philistines certain news was brought him that David was in the straights of Engaddi whereupon presently taking with him three thousand of the choicest men in all his Army he led them speedily to the forenamed place and being not far from thence he perceived near the high way a deep and large Cave where David with his four hundred men were hid and he descended alone into the Cave to disburthen the necessities of nature This was presently discovered by one of Davids followers who told him that God had presented him a fit opportunity to revenge him on his Enemy 1 Sam. 24 5. and counselled him to cut off Sauls head David cut off the lap of Sauls Garment and to discharge himself thereby of further trouble But David arising and finding him out only cut off the lap of the vesture wherewith Saul was attired and presently G thereupon repented himself saying that it were a wicked deed in him to kill his Lord whom God by Election had raised to the estate of Majesty and Empire For said he although he be unjust toward me yet ought I not to be injurious towards him who is my Lord. But when Saul was gon out of the Cave David followed him and cryed with a loud H voice beseeching Saul to give him audience Saul turning back to him David cast himself prostrate at his feet according to the custome and spake after this manner How unworthy is it for thee O King that opening thy ears to scandalous backbiters and giving trust and credit to vain and loose men thou suspectest thy most faithfull friends whom thou rather oughtest to judge by their sincere and upright actions for words may be either false or true but the mind can be descovered by no more apparent arguments than by mens actions as at this present thou mayest judge David upbraideth Saul for his subtilities to seek his death who was innocent whether thou hast raishly believed them that make me guilty before thy Majesty of that crime that was never yet so much as in my thought and who have so much exasperated thee against me that day and night thou thinkest on nothing more than my destruction Seest thou not now how vain thy opinion is whereby they persuade thee that I I am an Enemy of thy house and earnestly desirous of thy death Or with what eyes thinkest thou doth God behold thy cruelty who seekest the death of him who having an opportunity offered him to be revenged on thee spareth thy life whose life were it in thy hands were assuredly lost For as easily might I have cut off thy head as this lap of thy garment and therewithall in confirmation of his words he shewed it him yet did I forbear this just revenge But God shall bear witness hereof and shall condemn him of us two that shall be found the most culpable Saul amazed to see how strangely his life had been preserved and to consider the vertue and generosity of David v. 10 ad 17. began to weep and David wept also but Saul said that he had greater cause to lament than he Saul acknowledged his malice and Davids innocency and requesteth him that when he hath obtained the Kingdom he would be favourable to his Family For said he by thy means have I received many benefits and thou at my hands hast been repayed with infinite K injuries This day hast thou testified that thou retainest the ancient justice of our ancestors who instead of taking away the lives of their Enemies when they found them at advantage accounted it glorious to spare them Now I no longer doubt that God hath reserved the Kingdom for thee and that the Empire of all the Hebrews attendeth thee Assure thou me therefore by an oath that thou wilt not exterminate my Race or remember those injuries that I have done unto thee but that sparing my posterity thou wilt keep them under thy protection David sware to him according as he had required and suffered him to return into his Realm and both he and his companies retired themselves to the straights of Maspha About the same time died Samuel the Prophet a man who for his merit was in great estimation amongst the Hebrews Samuels death and burial the testimony of L
Woman deserveth to be praised for although she knew that the King had prohibited the exercise of her Art whereby both she and her Family were well maintained and although before that time she had never seen Saul yet without remembring that it was he by whom her Art had been condemned The year of the World 2890. before Christ's Nativity 1074. she entertained him H not as a stranger or like the man she had never seen before but had compassion on him and comforted him exhorting him to eat although he refused it and presented him willingly with that little which she had in her poverty Which she did not upon any hope of recompence or preferment knowing well that Saul should shortly lose his life nor according to the ordinary course of men that naturally honour those that have bestowed some dignity upon them and become serviceable to those from whom they expect to receive some profit hereafter She therefore ought to be imitated and in her appeareth an excellent example of bounty approving that there is nothing more worthy of praise than to relieve those that are in necessity without expecting any recompence I since it is a piece of Generosity so agreeable to the nature of the Deity that in all probability nothing will more induce him than this to treat us also with the like favour I may add hereunto another Reflection which may be useful unto all Men but more especially to Kings Princes and Magistrates which may kindle in them a desire and affection to addict themselves to Noble actions and to encourage them to embrace dangers yea death it self and teach them to endure all difficulties whatsoever for their Countries cause 1 Sam. 31. 3 4. which we may see in this History of Saul For although he knew that which should befall him Josephus praiseth Saul for a worthy and valiant King in that foreknowing his danger and death he exposed himself to assured peril and that his death was at hand according as it had been foretold him yet resolved he not to avoid the same neither so loved he his life that for the conservation thereof he would deliver up his People into the hands of their Enemies K nor dishonour his Royal dignity but himself with his children and all his houshold exposed themselves to danger thinking it more honourable to die in fighting for his Subjects and far more expedient that his children should die like valiant Men than live in dishonor supposing that he should have sufficient Successors of his Race if he left behind him a perpetual memory and praise both of him and his For which cause in my opinion he was both just valiant and prudent and if any one either is or hath been like unto him I suppose that it becometh all Men to give testimony of such a Mans virtue For I think that the Historians and ancient Writers have not worthily intituled them with the stile of valiant Men who attaining some worthy actions attempted War under assured hope of victory and safety but they only that imitate Saul may deservedly be called just praise-worthy couragious hardy and contemners of all dangers L For what great thing is there in undertaking of the common hazard of War and tossed 'twixt hope and fear to use Fortunes favor if she fawn upon us But on the other side it is an assured sign of a valiant Man when without hope of any success and knowing his death at hand he is not afraid nor dismayed with such apprehensions but seeketh out with an invincible courage his most assured hazard This is the praise of Saul who is an example to all that desire to eternize their memory that should upon the like opportunity propose the same resolution to themselves but especially to Kings who by reason of the excellency of their Function ought not only to forbear to be evil but also strive to be eminently virtuous I could say more of M this generous argument of Sauls Valor but lest I should seem too affectionate I will return to our former purpose After that the Philistines were thus encamped 1 Sam. 28. 1 ad 5. and had numbred their Forces according to their Nations Kingdoms and Governors King Achis came at last with his company whom David followed 1 Sam. 29. 3 ad finem accompanied with 600 Soldiers whom when the Chieftains of the Philistines beheld Achis leadeth out David with him against the Hebrews and is reproved by the Chieftains of the Philistines for so doing they asked the King Whence those Hebrews came and what their Leaders name was Who answered That it was David who fled from Saul his Master and how he had entertained him again how David in recompence of the kindness he had received and to avenge himself on Saul was ready to fight for them against him But the Chieftains blamed him because he had chosen an Enemy for his Associate advising him to dismiss him lest he should as he might find occasion turn his Arms against them because N said they he hath now a fit opportunity to reconcile himself to his Master They therefore advis'd him to send David back with his 600 Soldiers unto the place which he had given to inhabit because it was the same David of whom the Damsels made Songs singing in praise of him that he had slain many thousand Philistines When the King of Geth understood these things he approved their counsel for which cause calling David unto him he said unto him The knowledge which I have had of your Valor and Fidelity Ver. 10. 11. hath made me desirous to employ you in this War but our Captains will not allow of it Achis dismisseth David wherefore retire thy self to the place which I have given thee without conceiving any evil suspition of me There shalt thou be in Garison to prevent the Enemy from foraging our Countrey and in so doing thou shalt partly assist me in the War Hereupon David departed O unto Siceleg according as the King had commanded him A But during the time that David was in the Camp and attended on the Philistines War The year of the World 2809. before christ's Naâivity 1074. the Amalekites made an Incursion and took Siceleg by force and burnt the City and after they had gathered a great booty both in that place and in other villages of the Philistines Countrey they retired back again Now when David arrived at Siceleg and found it wholly spoiled and seeing likewise that his two Wives and the Wives of his Companions were Prisoners Ver. 1. 2 ad 6. together with their Children he presently rent his Garments The Amalekites in Davids absence spoil and burn Siceleg and â carry away the prey and and abandoned himself to grief beside this his Companions were so much enraged with the Captivity of their Wives and Children that they were ready to stone him to death accusing him that he was the cause of
Women and Children beating their Breasts and lamenting for the King and his sons and tasting neither meat nor drink Ver. 11 12 13. This was the end of Saul according as Samuel had foretold him because he disobeyed God in his War against the Amalekites The Citizens of Jabes rescue the bodies of Saul and his sons and both bury and lament them and because he had slain Abimelech and all the Sacerdotal Race and destroyed the City of the Priests He Reigned during the life of Samuel the space of 18 years and 22 years after his death K L M N O A The Seventh Book of the Antiquities of the JEWS Written by FLAVIVS JOSEPHVS The Contents of the Chapters of the Seventh Book 1. David is created King of one Tribe in Hebron over the rest Saul's Son obtaineth the Sovereignty 2. Ishboseth is slain by the treachery of his Servants and the whole Kingdom cometh unto B David 3. David having surprized the City and Citadel of Jerusalem driveth the Canaanites from thence and causeth the Jews to inhabit it 4. David assailed by the Philistines obtaineth a famous victory against them near unto Jerusalem 5. David overcometh the neighbouring Nations and imposeth tribute on them 6. They of Damascus are overcome by David 7. David overcomes the Mesopotamians 8. How through the intestine Wars of his family David was driven out of his Kingdom by his Son C 9. Absolon marching out with his Army against his Father is overthrown 10. The happy estate of David restored again unto his Kingdom 11. David in his life-time anointeth his Son Solomon King 12. The death of David and what he left his Son towards the building of the Temple CHAP. I. David is created King of one Tribe in Hebron over the rest Saul's Son obtaineth the Sovereignty D THis Battel was fought on the same day that David returned Conqueror to Siceleg after he had subdued the Amalekites But about three days after his return he that slew Saul and had escaped from the Battel having his garment rent and ashes upon his head came and cast himself prostrate before David and being asked from whence he came he answered from the Battel of the Israelites and certified David of the unhappy event 2 Sam. 1. v. 1 ad 12. telling him that many thousands of the Hebrews were slain and that Saul himself and his Sons were fallen in the conflict He likewise related how he himself retreated amongst the Hebrews An Amalechite certifieth David of Sauls death and in testimony thereof presenteth his bracelets and Crown when the King fled confessing that he had slain him that he might not fall alive into the hands of his enemy For said he Saul E having cast himself upon the point of his sword was so weak by reason of the agony of his wounds that he could not dispatch himself Thereupon he produced the bracelets and the Royal Crown which he took from him David perceiving no cause whereby he should doubt of his death whereof he had most evident and infallible testimonies rent his garments v. 12 and spent the day in weeping and lamenting with his companions but he was the more grieved for the loss of his dear friend Jonathan David lamenteth Saul and Jonathans death whom he acknowledged to be the preserver of his life And so affectionate shewed he himself towards Saul that although he had oftentimes been in danger to have been slain by him yet was he much troubled at his death v. 13 14 15. and not only so David commandeth the Amalâchite to be slain that killed Saul but he likewise put to death him that slew him telling him that he himself had accused himself for slaying the King and shown himself F by that parricide to be a true Amalekite He composed likewise Lamentations and Epitaphs in the praise of Saul and Jonathan which are yet extant After that he had thus honoured the King and performed his Lamentations and Obsequies he asked counsel of God by the Prophet 2 Sâm 2. 1 ad 7. What City of the Tribe of Juda he would give him to inhabit in David by Gods commandment cometh and dwelleth in Hebron and is declared King of the Tribe of Juda. who answered him That he would give him Hebron For which cause he forsook Siceleg and came and dwelt in Hebron and brought thither his Wives and his Army All the people of the Tribe resorted thither unto him and proclaimed him King where understanding how the Jabesins had buried Saul and his Sons he sent Ambassadors unto them both to praise and approve their actions assuring them that he allowed their act and would recompense that kindness which they had shewed to the dead giving them likewise G to understand David praiseth the Jebafines for burying Saul and his Sons that the Tribe of Juda had chosen him for their King But Abner the Son of Ner General of Sauls Army a man of great courage and a noble disposition understanding that Saul and Jonathan and his two other Brothers were dead came into the Camp The year of the World 2891. before Christ's Nativity 1873. and bringing with him the only Son of Saul that was left whose name was H Isboseth he passed to the other side of Jordan and proclaimed him King He appointed likewise for his Royal seat and place of residence a certain Countrey called in Hebrew Machare that is to say the Camp From thence he went with a select band of soldiers with a resolution to encounter those of the Tribe of Juda because they had chosen David for their Kings Against him marched out Joab the Son of Suri and of Sarvia Davids Sister General of his Army to encounter him accompanied with his Brothers Abisai and Azael v. 8 ad 12. and all Davids soldiers and arriving near a Fountain in Gabaa he drew up his Army in that place Abner the Son of Ner crowned Jeshboseth Sauls Son Abner proposing that before they joyned Battel they should try some of the soldiers of each party it was agreed between them that twelve of either side should be chosen out to decide the quarell Abner leadeth out his Army against the Tribe of Juda. These men marched out into a I certain place betwixt both Armyes and having darted their Javelins the one against the other came at last to their Swords and one taking his enemy by the hair they all of them slew one another v. 13. upon the place Hereupon the Armyes met and after a cruel Battel Abner with his followers were discomfited Joab with all Davids Army issueth out to meet him and flyng in great haste were pursued by Joab who incouraged his soldiers to follow them close without suffering any of them to escape But amongst the rest Joabs Brothers were hot upon the Chase and the youngest of them called Azael v. 15. gave special testimony of his
worthy of a great Prince and in this great authority wherein he was placed he stept not any ways awry but in the case of Vria's Wife He left as much or rather more riches behind him than any other King of the Hebrews or other Nations had F done His Son Solomon buried him most Royally in Jerusalem with all those ceremonies which were accustomed in Royal obsequies and amongst other things he buried a great quantity of riches with him the incredible estimate whereof may be conjectured by that which followeth The sumptuous Sepulchre of David For one thousand three hundred years after the High Priest Hircanus being besieged by Antiochus surnamed the Religious who was Demetrius's Son and willing to gratifie him with some summe of money to the intent he might raise the siege Hircanus âaketh a huge sum of money out of Davids Tomb. and remove his Army and unable to levy money by any other means he opened the Sepulchre of David from whence he took three thousand talents which he delivered to Antiochus and by this means delivered the City from the siege as we have declared in another place Herod spoileth Davids Sepulchre And again a long time after this Herod also opened it and took from G thence a great summe Nevertheless no man violated that part of the monument where the body of the King was laid for it was so artificially hidden under ground that it would be very difficult to discover it A The Eighth Book of the Antiquities of the JEWS Written by FLAVIVS JOSEPHVS The Contents of the Chapters of the Eighth Book 1. How Solomon obtaining the Kingdom expelled his enemies 2. Of the riches prudence and wisdom of Solomon and how first of all he builded the Temple in Jerusalem B 3. How Solomon being dead the people revolted from Rehoboam his son and made Jeroboam King of the ten Tribes 4. How Susac King of Egypt sacking Jerusalem carried away the riches of that City into Egypt 5. The War of Jeroboam against Abias Rehobohams son and the slaughter of his Army and how Basanes extirpated Jeroboams posterity and possess'd the Kingdom 6. The Invasion of the Ethiopians under Asa and the overthrow of their Army 7. The Race of Basanes being rooted out Zamri ruled in Israel with his son Ahab 8. Adad King of Damascus and Syria is twice overthrown by Ahab 9. Of Jehoshaphat King of Jerusalem C 10. Ahab being provoked to War by the Syrians is overcome and slain in battel CHAP. I. How Solomon obtaining the Kingdom expelled his enemies WE have declared in the former Book what David was how great his virtue hath been 1 Kings 2. what profits and benefits those of his Nation received by him Solomon King of Israel after Davids death what Wars he undertook what Victories he obtained and how happily at last through extremity of age he departed D out of this life But after that Solomon his son being at that time very young had obtained the Kingdom and was placed in his fathers Throne according as David had determined and the divine power had decreed the whole people according to the common course in the election of new Princes with many acclamations wished him a long and prosperous Reign But Adonias who during his fathers life-time thought to possess and seize himself of the Royal estate came unto the Kings mother and with all humility and reverence saluted her To whom Bethsabe said That if there were any thing wherein she might serve him he should let her know it and that she would willingly apply her self unto it Whereupon he began to say That it was a thing very well known that the Kingdom appertained unto him both in regard of his age as also in respect of E the favor and good liking of the people Ver. 17 ad 24. but since that it had been transferred unto Solomon her son Adonias requireth Abisag to wife by the Will of God he was content therewith and would be his servant being very glad of the fortunate success of his Affairs He therefore besought her that she would sollicite Solomon in his behalf and persuade him to give him Abisag to Wife âho had slept with David for that he had not any carnal company with her by reason of his age and that as yet she was fully possessed of her virginity Bethsabe promised him to further his suit to the uttermost of her power and willingly to employ herself toward the accomplishment of the Marriage since she knew the King was willing to gratifie her in whatsoever she should desire as also for that she would instantly intreat him so that he departed from her with assured hope of good success in F his designed Marriage Hereupon Bethsabe presently addressed herself to the King intending to certifie him both what Adonias had requested and what she had granted When Solomon heard that his Mother came to visit him he went out to meet her and embraced her and afterwards conducting her into his Presence-chamber he sate him down and commanded his servants to place a seat on his right hand for his Mother who being seated by him spake unto him after this manner My son vouchsafe me one favor that I shall request at thy hands and send me not hence discontented and dissatisfied through thy refusal Solomon answered her That she should command him by reason that duty tyed him to the satisfaction and favor of his Mothers suits reproving her for that insinuation she had used by reason that thereby she evidently expressed that she was not G thorowly assured to obtain her demand but that she feared a refusal and repulse she therefore required him to give the Damsel Abisag for Wife to Adonias his Brother The King displeased at this her suit dismissed his Mother alledging that Adonias had ill designs and that he wondered that in requiring Abisag to Wife he had not requested Solomon H likewise to give him place in the Kingdom for Adonias was elder than he and had more mighty friends than he had namely the General Joab and the High Priest Abiathar For which cause he forthwith sent Benaia Captain of his Guard to kill Adonias his Brother Ver. 25. Then calling unto him the High Priest Abiathar The pains said he that thou hast endured by accompanying my father David Adonias is slain and attending and bearing the Ark with him make thee escape from death yet notwithstanding for that thou hast been assistant to Adonias Ver. 26. 27. and followed his faction Abiathar iâ dispossessed of the Priesthood I banish thee from my presence charging thee not to see my face any more but to retire thy self to thine own house and there to live in thy Countrey until thou hast ended thy dayes since you have made your self unworthy of that charge wherewith you are entrusted For this cause was the House of Ithamar deprived of the Priestly I
austerity to apply himself to the favor and good liking of the multitude for that by this his affability he might the more easily draw their hearts unto him because that by a natural inclination Subjects take delight in those Kings that are courteous who with a certain decent familiarity Ver. 8 ad 11. entertain themselves amongst them But Rehoboam rejected this counsel of theirs which was both good and profitable in all occasions Rehoboam rejecteth the advice of the Elders and followeth the counsel of the younger but especially upon the first entrance into a Kingdom and that not without Gods providence since contrary to all reason he neglected the right course and followed the perverse so that calling unto him certain young men of his own humor and disposition he told them what the Elders had counselled him and willed them to discover their opinion in that matter F but neither their age nor Gods permission suffered them to know that which was expedient For which cause they counselled him to answer the people That his little finger was more great than the loins of his father and that if they had experimented and endured grievances under him that he would be far more rigorous and that if his father had chastised them with the stroke of the Rod that they should expect to be punished by him with a severer chastisement The King delighted herewith supposed the answer to be agreeable to the dignity of his Empire When therefore the people were assembled on the third day to hear his resolution and all of them were in suspence expecting and desirous to hear him speak from whom they hoped nought else but sweetness Rehoboam contemning the counsel of his friends proposed unto himself that of the young Men. All which G hapned by the Will of God to the end that that which Achias had prophesied might be fulfilled H They touched by these his answers no less than if they had been wounded with a sword were much displeased and no less moved than if they had already felt the mischief that was threatned so that they began all of them to cry with a loud voice that from that time forward they had nothing to do with Davids alliance neither with his succession Ver. 18 c. telling him that they would only leave the Temple his father had built unto his charge and threatning him to abandon him The Israelites moved with their repulse revolt from Reâoboam Furthermore they were so heinously incensed that Rehoboam having sent unto them Adoram the Superintendent of the Tribes to pacifie their wrath and to persuade them to pardon his youth if he had spoken any thing lightly and unrespectively unto them they could not endure to hear him speak but slew and well-nigh overwhelmed him with stones Which when Rehoboam I perceived supposing that it was himself who in the person of his Officer was put to death and stoned by the people he feared lest in effect his life and the fortune of his Kingdom should fall into the like disaster Whereupon he took his Chariot and fled to Jerusalem where the Tribe of Juda and that of Benjamin by their common suffrages made him King Ver. 21 22. But as touching the rest of the people Rehoboam intending to make War on those Tribes that revolted is inhibited from that day forward they revolted from the Successors of David and proclaimed Jeroboam King of their estates Rehoboam the son of Solomon being sore displeased herewith assembled the two Tribes with an intent to muster One hundred and fourscore thousand chosen Men to make War on Jeroboam and his people and to inforce them by War to acknowledge him for their Sovereign But God restrained him by the means of a Prophet who forbade him to make K War saying That it became not those of the same Nation to contend one against another and the rather for that this their revolt had hapned by the Will of God by which means and persuasion he dismissed his Army But first of all I will rehearse that which Jeroboam King of Israel did and afterwards declare the acts of Rehoboam King of the two Tribes and thus shall the course of the History continue in order After that Jeroboam had setled his Court in the City of Sichem The Court and Palace of Jeroboam he made his ordinary abode in that place except that sometimes he sojourned in the City of Phanuel Not long after this the feast of Tabernacles being at hand Jeroboam supposing that if he permitted the people to go up and worship God in Jerusalem and solemnize the feast in that place they might either repent themselves of the revolt or that by the magnificence of L the Ceremonies used in the worship of God in the Temple and service that was celebrated therein Ver. 26 27 28. they might be persuaded to forsake him Why Jeroboams Calves were made and submit themselves to their first King and by that means he might be drawn into danger of his life to prevent the danger of such a mischief took this course He caused two golden Calves to be cast and built two several Temples the one in Bethel and the other in Dan which is scituate near to the source of little Jordan in which he placed these Calves and afterwards assembling the ten Tribes that were under his subjection he spake unto them in manner following My Friends and Countreymen I know that you are not ignorant how God is in all places and that there cannot be any place wherein he assisteth not nor time wherein he heareth and beholdeth M them not that serve him with true affection For which cause I think it not convenient that you go up unto Jerusalem which is a City at enmity with us neither that you make so long a journey to perform your devotion Jeroboam persuadeth the pâople to Idolatry for it was a man that built that Temple even as I have consecrated two golden Calves the one in Bethel and the other in Dan to the end that every one of you that inhabit near unto those Cities may go thither and worship God Neither shall you want Priests and Levites for I will elect some such among you to the intent that you may have no more need of the Tribe of Levi or the Sons of Aaron Whosoever therefore amongst you would be a Priest let him offer Calves and Muttons unto God after the same manner that Aaron did when he was first appointed to be a Priest By such like Speeches seduced he the people and caused them to fall from their Forefathers N Religion and transgress the Ordinances of their Countrey and this was the beginning of all those mischiefs that afterwards fell upon the Hebrews by which means being overcome in War The neglect of Gods service is the cause of all evil they fell into captivity and were made subject to strangers whereof we will treat
forth that which was requisite for the sustenance of horses and other cattel The King therefore calling Obadiah unto him who was the Master of his Herds he commanded him that he should each way seek out for fountains and brooks willing him 1 Kings 18. 1 2. that if he found out any grass he should mow the same and give it to his cattel for their sustenance Elias is sent by God to prophesie rain to Achab. And whereas by his command the Prophet Elias was sought in divers places and could not be found he appointed Obadiah also to follow him So taking both of them several ways the King followed one and the Master of the cattel another Achab seeketh for Elias I This Obadiah was a godly and virtuous Man Obadiah concealeth and sustaineth an 100 Prophets who when the Prophets were put to death hid one hundred of them in Caves and sustain'd them with bread and water After this Man departed from the King Elias met him and he ask'd Elias what he was which when he had told him he humbled himself on his face before him Elias commanded him to go to the King and to let him know that he was nigh at hand Obadiah ask'd him Wherein he had offended him that he should desire to put him upon an action that might occasion the loss of his life For there was not any streight whither he sent not some of his men to find out Elias with charge that if they found him they should put him to death Now it may be said he that whil'st I repair unto the King the Spirit of God shall carry thee away the King not finding thee here and frustrate of his desire will revenge himself on me K Nevertheless you may if you please save my life and I conjure thee by the kindness which I have shewn to an hundred Prophets such as thou art whom I have deliverâd from the fury of Jezabel and taken care to preserve in Caves until this day Notwithstanding all these words Elias commanded him to go unto the King and to cast off all fear swearing unto him by an oath how that that day he would make himself known unto Achab. When Obadiah had told the King that Elias was at hand Ver. 17. Achab went out to meet him and being full of indignation Achab accuseth Elias of impiety said unto him Is it thou that heapest so much mischief on the Hebrews heads Art thou the man that art the cause of this sterility To whom Elias replied That it was he and his race that were the occasions of these mischiefs because they had brought strange gods into their Countrey whom they adored and had forsaken the true God L who was and is onely to be worshipped He therefore willed him presently to assemble all the people on Mount Carmel and bring with him his Wife and her Prophets whose number he reckoned up the Prophets likewise of the woods who were in number four hundred When therefore all of them Ver. 21. being summoned by the King were gathered together in that place Elias stood up in the midst of them Elias reproveth the superstition of the people and said How long will ye continue in this uncertainty whom ye ought to follow For if you think that the Hebrews God is the true and onely God why follow you him not and why keep you not his Commandments But if you think that the honour belongeth not to him but to foreign gods follow them When Elias perceiv'd that the people replied nothing hereunto he proceeded For an undeniable proof whereby ye may be satisfied which is the most powerful either that God which I worship or those false ones which M ye are persuaded to follow and which is the true Religion that which I profess or that which is professed by these 400 Prophets I will take an Oxe and kill it and lay it upon the wood without putting any sire thereto to consume the sacrifice and they also shall do the like and call upon their gods and beseech them to send down fire to consume their sacrifice which if they shall do and confirm the same by a miracle then shall we know that they are true gods This proposal of his was generally approved Whereupon Elias commanded the false Prophets first of all to choose an Oxe and to kill it and afterwards to call upon their gods and when it manifestly appear'd that their prayer was of no force Elias began âo mock them saying Why call you not out upon your gods with a loud voyce for it may be they are on some voyage or else haply they sleep Whil'st thus they had invocated from N the morning till mid-day cutting themselves with knives and lances according to the custom of their Countrey Elias that was to make his sacrifice Ver. 34 ad 38. commanded the false Prophets to stand aside Elias doctrine and office confirmed by miracle and the people to draw near unto him and observe for fear lest secretly he should convey fire under the wood When the people approached he took twelve stones according to the number of the twelve Tribes of Israel and made an Altar and digged a deep trench round about it and afterwards heaping wood upon the Altar and laying his sacrifice thereon he commanded them to fill four tuns with fountain water and to pour it upon the Altar that the trench might receive and drink up the water Ver. 38. Which done he began to pray and call upon God beseeching him that it might please him to manifest his power unto his people Fire from heaven devoureâ the sacrifice who had so long run astray no sooner O had âe finished his prayer but fire fell from Heaven upon the Altar in the sight of all the people and consumed all the Sacrifice so that the water was dried up Which when the Israelites beheld they fell down on their faces upon the earth adoring one onely God confessing him to be the most mighty and onely true God and that all other were A but vain and imaginary names of Idols which were without holiness or power and laying hands themselves upon their false Prophets they slew them by the commandment of Elias He willed the King also to depart and take his refection and to take care for nothing because he should very shortly see that God would send him raiâ and thus dâparted Achab from him Ver. 40. But Elias went up to the top of Mount Carmel and sate him down on the ground Bâââs Priests sââin leaning his head upon his knees whil'st he thus sate he commanded his servant to get up upon a certain Rock Ver. 43. ad ãâã and to look toward the Sea and to tell him if he saw any clouds arise in any part for till that time the Air had been always clear His servant having often gone up to the top of the Rock Elias foreprophesieth
married two Wives which the High Priest gave him by whom he had Sons and Daughters This is all that I have thought good to declare as concerning Joas both how he escaped Athalias treasons and obtained the Kingdom CHAP. VIII Azael King of Damascus levyeth an Army and first of all assaulteth the Israelites and after marcheth forward against Jerusalem M BUt Azael King of Syria making War against the Israelites and against their King Jehu 2 King 12. 18. destroyed the Countrey on the other side of Jordan and all the Eastern tract inhabited by the Reubenites Hedio Ruffinus cap. 8. Gadites and Manassites Furthermore he burnt and spoiled Galaad The War between Azael and Jehu and Bathanaea violating and outraging all those that he met withall For Jehu went not out against him to resist him but being become a contemner of God and his Laws he died after he had reigned seven and twenty years over the Israelites he was buried in Samaria and left behind him Joas his Son to succeed him in his Kingdom But Joas King of Jerusalem was desirous to repair the Temple for which cause calling unto him Ioiada the High Priest he commanded him to send thorow all the Countrey the Levites and Priests and to levy upon every one of their heads half a sicle of silver for N the building and reparation of the Temple which was fallen to decay in Joram Athalia and her successors times 2 Choâ 24. 4. ad 14. But the High Priest would not obey him herein knowing well no man would willingly disburs money But in the three and twentieth year of his reign The restoring of the Temple the King sent both for Joiada and the Levites also and expostulated with them for disobeying his commandment enjoyning them from that time forth to provide for the bulding of the Temple Whereupon the High Priest used present dispatch in levying the money wherewith the people were well pleased He therefore made a chest of wood closed on every side except that on the upper lid thereof there was a little cranny left open which he placed neer unto the Altar commanding that every one should offer according to his devotion and put in his offering thorow the cranny into O the coffer to be imployed in the repairing of the Temple whereunto all the people shewed themselves affectionate so that they gathered together a great quantity of Gold and Silver with great zeale and when the coffer was filled it was emptied and the account thereof taken and summ'd up by the Secretary and High Priest in the Kings presence The year of the World 3089. before Christ's Nativity 97â A and afterwards was brought together into one place assigned for it which order was observed every day And when it was supposed that there was sufficient money gathered the High Priest Joiada and King Joas hired Masons and Carpenters and prepared great beams of excellent Timber After that the Temple was repaired they employed the remainder of Gold and Silver which was of no small quantity to make cups pots and vessels and other utensils and every day offered they sacrifice of great value upon the Altar and this custome was continued so long as Joiada lived But after his decease which hapned in the hundred and thirtieth year of his age Joas impiety after Joiadas death and how he was reproved by the Prophet after he had lived a just and upright life and was interred in the sepulchre of David in Jerusalem because he had established the Kingdom in B Davids posterity King Joas had no more care to serve God and with him the rest of the Governours of the people were corrupted so that they broke the laws and ordinances of their forefathers For which cause God being provoked by this change and incensed against the King and the rest 2 Chroâ 24 17. ad 20. sent his Prophets unto them to protest against them and expostulate with them for their offences and to withdraw them from their iniquity But they pursued sin the more vehemently so that neither the punishments by which they who had offended God before-times had been plagued with all their posterities neither all the advertisements given them by the Prophets could induce them to amend or to forsake those sins wherein they were engaged but that which is worst King Joas stoned Zachary v. 21. Joiadas Son Zâchary stoned to death and put him to death in the Temple forgetting himself most ungratefully C of the benefits he had received from his Father And the occasion was for that Zachary having received a charge from God to prophesie came into the midst of the people and counâelled both them and him to follow justice foretelling them that they should be grievously punished except they did believe This Zachary did at his death call God to witness to judge of those calamities he endured suffering a violent death for the good counsel which he had given them and the benefits which his Father had in times past done unto Joas But many dayes passed not before the King suffered due punishment for these misdeeds For Azael King of the Syrians invaded his Countrey and after he had first of all ruinated Girta he marched forward with an intent to besiege him at last in Jerusalem Joas desperate of all succors emptied all the treasures of the D Temple and those of the Kings and took away the presents that were hung up in the Temple and sent them to the Syrians raising the siege by this means lest he should be drawn into hazard to lose all The spoil of the Temple The Syrians pacified with so great riches and abundant treasure Joas death suffered not his Army to pass to Jerusalem After this Joas was seized with a grievous sickness and to the intent that the death of Zachary the Son of Joiada might not escape unrevenged his friends conspired against him and he died by their hands He was entombed in Jerusalem but not in the sepulchre of his Ancestors because he had faln from God He lived seven and forty years CHAP. IX E Amasias King of Jerusalem made War against the Idumaeans and Amalechites and obtained the victory AMasias his Son succeeded him in the Kingdom 2 King 14. 1 ad 15. But in the 21 year of Joas's reign Ioachas the Son of Jehu took possession of the Kingdom of Israel in Samaria and reigned for the space of seventeen years Amasias King of Jerusalem But he followed not his Fathers steps but rather behaving himself impiously according as his predecessors in the Kingdom and contemners of God had done The forces of Israel weakned and restored by God For which cause the King of Syria subdued him and cut off a great part of his dominions and took his greatest Cities from him and defeated his Armies so that at length he had but ten thousand footmen and five hundred horsmen F All
which hapned to the Israelites according to the prophecy of Elizeus which he foretold unto Azael at such time as he prophecied unto him that he should reign over the Syrians and them of Damascus after that he had murthered his master Ioachas being in this extremity had his recourse to God in prayer and supplication beseeching him that it might please him to deliver him from the hands of Azael and not suffer him to be under subjection and thraldom unto him God that regardeth the penitent as if they had been innocent and that gently chastiseth those whom he might utterly exterminate if he so pleased gave him assurance against the War and danger so that the Countrey having obtained peace recovered her former state and prosperity When Ioachas was dead his Son succeeded him in the G government and began to reign over the Israelites in Samaria in the 37 year of Joas King of Juda. For this King of Israel was called Joas as well as he that reigned in H Jerusalem The year of the World 3089 before Christ's Nativity 875. he governed the Kingdom sixteen years He was a good man and was not like unto Ioachas his Father About this time Elizeus the Prophet was very old and fell sick the King of Israel came to visit him and finding him in the extremity and past hope of recovery he began to weep and lament calling him his Father and his armour because that during his life he had never occasion to use the sword against the Enemy Joas King of Israel and Samaria but that by means of his predictions he had alwayes the upper hand of them without fighting that now he departed this life and left him disarmed to the mercy of the Syrians and other his enemies so that he was not secure of liberty nor life but that he rather wished to die with him than live in those dangers Elizeus being moved with these complaints Elizeus foretelleth that Joas should overcome the Syrians thrice comforted the King that lamented in this I sort and commanding him to draw his Bow that he brought with him for the King had bent the same Elizeus said unto him 2 King 13. 20 21. Draw and he shot three Arrowes and gave over at the fourth Oh said Elizeus if thou hadst shot more Arrows thou hadst utterly ruined the Kingdom of the Syrians Elizeus death and the raising of a dead man to life that was cast into his Tombe and since thou hast contented thy self with shooting thrice only thou shalt overthrow the Syrians in three battels which thou shalt fight against them and shalt recover the Countrey they have taken from thy Father After the King understood these things he departed and not long after the Prophet died who was renowned for his justice and beloved of God who shewed miraculous and incredible works by his prophecies and such as the Hebrews ought to keep in perpetual remembrance and was buried magnificently according as it behoved a man who was so highly favoured K by God It chanced about that time 2 Chron. 25. 18 ad 25. that certain thieves having cast the body of a man that was murthered by them Joas trâbble victory upon the body of the Prophet where he lay buried the dead body returned to life Which made it appear that God had given him a power of working miracles not only in his life time but also after his death After the death of Azael King of Syria Adad his Son obtained the Kingdom against whom Joas King of Israel made War and having overcome him three times he recovered all that Countrey and those Cities and Towns that Azael his Father had conquered before him All which came to pass according as Elizeus had prophecied After that Joas was dead the Kingdom fell to Jeroboam his Son L CHAP. X. Amasias making War against Joas King of Israel is overcome THe tenth year of the reign of Joas King of Israel Hedio Ruffiââs chap. 9. Amasias reigned over the Tribe of Juda in Jerusalem his mother was called Judah and was a Citizen of Jerusalem Amasias King of Jerusalem He was very careful to maintaine justice notwithstanding he was very young 2 King 14 1 2. And having taken upon him the Government of the Kingdom he resolved with himself that he ought first of all to revenge the death of his father Joas who was traiterously slain by his friends he therefore laid hands on them and put them M all to the sword yet extended he not his displeasure to their children but conformed his actions according to the Laws of Moses 2 King 14. which faith that it is not lawful to punish their children for their Fathers offences Deut. 24. 16. He afterwards levied an Army of the Tribes of Juda and Benjamin and chose such as were in the flower of their years and about twenty years of age the number of which amounted to three hundred thousand men whom he divided into Centuries He sent also to the King of Israel and hired an hundred thousand of his armed men for an hundred talents of Silver because he intended to make War upon the Amalechites Idumaeans and Gabelites Now whilest he made this preparation and was in a readiness to undertake this exploit a certain Prophet counseled him to dismiss the Israelites that he had with him because they were wicked men N signifying unto him from God that if he were followed by them in that War he should be overcome and on the other side that he should have the upper hand over his Enemies if he fought with a few men according to Gods direction Hereupon the King was moved because he had already paid the Israelites their wages but the Prophet ceased not to exhort him to do that which was pleasing in Gods sight The dismission of the Isâaelites who would give him silver in abundance Hereupon he dismissed them telling them that he freely gave them their pay and he with the forces of his owne Kingdom marched out against those Nations 2 Chron. 25. 11 12 13. and fought with them and overcame them and slew ten thousand of them and took no less number of Prisoners whom he afterwards caused to be led to a high Rock that bounded upon Arabia Amasias vâctory over the âmalechites and from thence cast them down headlong and O from all these Nations he recovered a great booty and brought home much riches Whilest Amasias stood upon these terms the Israelites that had taken wages of him and were cashiered by him conceived a displeasure against him supposing themselves to be injured by him The year of the World 3106. before Christ's Nativity 858. as if he had dismissed them for want of courage For which A cause they invaded his Country and spoiled it as far as Bethsemer and carried away a great quantity of Cattel and slew three thousand men But the victory
Horse to encounter the like number which shall be drawn out of our Army But alas it is not to be expected since you are not able to raise so great a Force Why therefore delay you Why yield you not to those that are too strong for you and are able even in spight of your resistance to ransack your City whereas you know that a willing submission is alwayes secure contrariwise whereas duty is enforced there wanteth no peril of calamity When both the Ambassadors and the People had heard what the Assyrian had spoken B 2 Kings 19. 1 2. they reported the same to Ezechias who incontinently cast his royal garments off and cloathed himself in sackcloth Ezechias in adversity hath recourse to God he is comforted by Esay discovering his trouble and sorrow in his countenance and casting himself prostrate upon the earth after the manner of their Countrey he besought God to be assistant unto him since all other hope was vain He sent also certain of his friends and some Priests unto the Prophet Esay requiring him to pray unto God That since Sacrifice was offered unto him for publick security it might please him to frustrate the enemies hopes and to have pity and compassion on his people When the Prophet had performed what was required he received an answer from God by which he assured the King and all that were about him foretelling them that the enemies should be overcome without stroke strucken and should retire with shame and not with that advantage which they promis'd to themselves at present because God had already determined C how they should be overthrown He foretold also that Senacherib himself the King of Assyria should fail of his enterprize in Egypt and that upon his return to his own Court he should be slain At that very time the Assyrian wrote Letters to Ezechias in which he called him fool and mad-man to think that he could secure himself from being his slave yea his in especial who had conquered divers and far greater Nations threatning him with utter ruine at such time as he should surprize the City if he opened not the gates of Jerusalem willingly to entertain his Army When Ezechias had read these Letters he set light by them by reason of the confidence he had in God and having opened them he spread them in the Temple And whil'st he renewed his prayers unto God for the salvation of the City and his Subjects Esay the Prophet told him That his D prayer was heard that hereafter likewise they should manure their lands in peace and security and should enjoy their possessions without fear Not long after the King of Assyria having but cold success in his expedition against Egypt turned back again without doing any thing for this cause that ensueth He had lost much time in the siege of Pelusium and at such time as he had already raised certain Bulwarks as high as the Wall so that he wanted nothing but to give the assault News was brought him that Thargises King of Ethiopia A v. 20. ad fin brought an Army to rescue the Egyptians with an intent to take his way thorow the Desart Herodotus of Senacherib and suddenly to charge the Assyrian Army Senacherib troubled with these tydings speedily departed thence with his Army But Herodotus saith That he made War with Vulcans Priests for so he stileth this King of Egypt because he was a Priest of that E false god and moreover addeth Hedio Ruffinus cap. 11. That besieging Pelusium for this cause he gave over the siege The King of Egypt called to his God for assistance by whose power the Arabians suffered much misery But in this also he erreth in that he setteth down the Arabian for the Assyrian There came one night so great a number of Rats into the Army that they gnawed to pieces all their Bowe-strings and made the rest of their Arms unserviceable whence it came to pass that the King being disarmed Ver. 35 36 37. withdrew his siege from Pelusium But Berosus a Writer among the Chaldees The punishment of Senacherib for displeasing God maketh mention of Senacherib and how he reigned among the Assyrians and troubled both Asia and Egypt with War and declareth the manner in these words But Senacherib returning from the Egyptian War came before Jerusalem and received the Army that F was there at the hands of the Governor Rabsake and God caused a pestilent sickness to fall upon his Army which was so violent that the first night of the siege there dyed an hundred fourscore and five thousand men with the Governors and Chieftains With which loss he was so affrighted Paââicides and troubled that fearing to lose his Army he fled with those that remained and retired himself into his Kingdom to the City called Nineve where after he had lived for a time he was trayterously slain by Adramelech and Selenar his two elder sons and being dead was carried into his own Temple called Arusche and his children were driven out of the Kingdom for committing the murther and retired themselves into Armenia and Asseradochus his youngest son succeeded Senacherib Such was the end of the Assyrian Army that came before Jerusalem G CHAP. II. The year of the World 3241. before Christ's Nativity 733. H Ezechias having for a time remained in peace dieth and leaveth his son Manasses to succeed him KIng Ezechias being in this sort beyond all hope delivered from his fears offered thanksgiving and sacrifices unto God Hedio Ruffinus cap. 3. with all the people acknowledging that there was no other cause that had slain part of his enemies 2 Kings 20. 1 ad 11. and put the rest to mortal fear nor delivered Jerusalem from thraldom but only Gods succour and assistance And whilest he altogether intended and was occupied about the service of God he fell sick I of a grievous disease so as the Physicians despaired of his health and his friends expected nothing but his death But that which occasioned the greatest trouble was that he had no children and saw that he was now to depart the world and to leave his house without a successor Ezechias sickness and the prolongation of his life assured by miracle and his kingdom desolate In this affliction he besought God That it would please him to lengthen his life a little time until he had children to succeed him and that he would vouchsafe that his soul might not be taken from him before he were the father of a son Hereupon God taking compassion of him and the rather because he was not grieved for that the pleasures of his kingdom were taken from him but for that he sought for a lawful heir to succeed him he sent the Prophet Esay unto him to assure him that after three days he should be recovered of his sickness and that after he had lived K some fifteen years more he should
offering up Sacrifices unto God they besought him to shew himself favourable and merciful towards them The King likewise commanded the High-Priest that if there were any vessels in the Temple which were made by his Predecessors in honour of Idols and strange gods he should cast them out and after that a great number were found therein all of them were gather'd together and burnt and the ashes afterwards were scatter'd abroad And as touching the Priests that appertained to Idols that were not of the Race of Aaron he put them to death The truth of the divine oracles When these things were thus executed in Jerusalem he came afterwards to the plain Countrey and all that which Jeroboam had erected there in honour of Idols 1 Kings 13. 1. ad 4. he utterly defaced it and the bones of N the false Prophets were burnt upon the Altar that Jeroboam had built This had the Prophet foretold that came to Jeroboam at such time as he offered Sacrifice and told him in the presence of all the people all that which should happen namely That one of Davids posterity called Josias should do thâse things which Prophecy took effect 361 years after After this King Josias applied himself to the Israelites who had avoided the captivity and servitude of the Assyrians and persuaded them to forsake their impieties and the services they had performed to strange gods and to honour the sovereign and true God of their fathers and to cleave unto him He made a search also thorow every house borough and city fearing lest as yet there should be an Idol hidden He likewise sought out the Chariots that were made by his ancestors in honour of the Sun O and all that which was adored whatsoever it were and utterly abolished the same After he had in this sort purged the Countrey he assembled all the people in Jerusalem where he celebrated the Feast of unleavened bread which we call Easter Towards the performance whereof The year of the World 23ââ before Christ's Nativity 643. he gave the people young kids and lambs to the number of 30000 A and 3000 Bullocks for burnt-offerings and the chief among the Levites distributed amongst the other Levites 500 Lambs and 500 Bullocks Having therefore such an abundance of Beasts they sacrificed according to the Law of Moses the Priests taking charge thereof 2 Kings 23. â 11. and confirming the rest of the people by their example Neither was there ever such a solemnity kept by the Hebrews since the time of Samuel the Prophet because all things were done according to the Laws and the ancient Customs Tâe celebration of the Pâsseover which were observed in the time of their Fathers After this Josias lived in peace riches honour and estimation amongst all men Ver. 21 c. and thus ended his life Hedio Ruffinus cap. 9. ãâã cap. 5. CHAP. V. B Divers Exploits of Nechao Nechao The Eâyptians ãâ¦ã King of Egypt having gathered great Forces conducted his Army towards the River Euphrates to war against the Medes and Babylonians who had destroyed the Empire of Assyria for Nechao affected the government of all Asia Now when he drew near unto the City of Mende which was under Josias subjection King Josias denied him passage and would not suffer his Army to march thorow his Countrey For which cause Nechao sent an Herald unto him to let him understand That it was not against him that he made War ãâ¦ã but that he bent his course towards Euphrates for which cause C he wished him in no sort to hinder his intended journey 2 Chrân â5 22 23 24. lest thereby he should be constrained to make War upon him An Epitâph written by Jeremy on Josiââ But Josias regarded not this demand of his but resolved himself to hinder his passage thorow his Countrey And I am persuaded that his evil Genius put him upon making this resistance to the end that he might have some occasion to do something against Nechao Ver. 25. For whil'st he set in order his Army and rode from one Band to another Which was the ãâ¦ã being mounted upon his Chariot he was strucken with an Arrow that was shot by a certain Egyptian which put a stop to his proceedings For feeling himself oppressed with pain ãâ¦ã by reason of his wound he commanded his Army to retire and returned himself to Jerusalem where he dyed of his wound and was buried with his Fathers with great magnificence after he had lived 39 years and reigned 31. For him D the people mourned with great heaviness ãâ¦ã lamenting for many days The Prophet Jeremy also made an Elegy upon him in verse ãâ¦ã which is as yet extant even in these days This Prophet foretold in writing those evils which should afterwards happen unto the City and the Captivity wherewith we are intangled at this present ãâ¦ã and the surprisal of Babylon ãâ¦ã Neither hath he alone foretold the same but the Prophet Ezekiel hath likewise done the like who first left two Books written of the same Argument These two Prophets were of the race of the Priests âspan â But Jeremy kept in Jerusalem from the 14th year of the Reign of Josias ãâ¦ã until the destruction of the City and Temple as in time and place convenient we will declare setting down those occurrences that hapned to this Prophet After the death of Josias hitherto mentioned his son Joaz succeeded him E in the Kingdom at such time as he was 23 years old he reigned in Jerusalem and his mothers name was Ametala he was a man full of impiety and of a malignant and perverse nature The King of Egypt returning from the War sent unto Joaz commanding him to meet him in Samath a City of Syria where he was no sooner arrived but he kept him Prisoner committing the Kingdom to Eliachim his brother on the Fathers side who was his elder brother likewise He changed his name likewise and call'd him Joachim he impos'd a Tribute also on Judea of 100 Talents of silver and a Talent of gold which Joachim paid and as touching Joaz he led him into Egypt where he finished his days after he had been King three months and ten days Now Joachims mother was called Zâbuda of the City of Abuma He was a wicked person and of a malignant nature F having neither piety towards God nor respect towards men CHAP. VI. Nabuchodonosors Army cometh into Syria IN the fourth year of the Reign of Joachim ãâ¦ã a certain man called Nabuchodonosor possessed the Kingdom of Babylon who at that time went out with a great Army against ãâã a City scituate near unto Euphrates resolving with himself to fight against Nechao King of Egypt under whose power all Syria was subject Nechao understanding G of the Babylonians intent and how great his Army was made very little account thereof but with a huge Army
they protesting that they could not fulfil his request he commanded them all to be slain But Daniel hearing how the King had condemned all the Sages to death and knowing that both he and his companions were concerned in that danger addressed himself to Ariochus the Captain of the Kings Guard requiring him to inform him for what cause the King had adjudged the Chaldees and Sages to be put to death and having told what had happened as touching the dream and how the King forgetting the E same had charged them to inform him therein and how they had answered that it was impossible for them to perform the same and how thereby they had provoked the King to displeasure he besought Ariochus to go unto the King and to procure one nights reprieve on the behalf of the Egyptians and Chaldees in that he hoped during that night to beseech God and intreat from him both the Dream and the signification thereof Hereupon Ariochus told the King what Daniel had requested and he thereupon respited the execution of the Magicians for that night until he might see what would become of Daniels promise who retiring himself with his companions into his chamber besought God all the night long to manifest unto him the dream and deliver the Magicians and Chaldees from the Kings wrath with whom both he and the rest of his companions were F like to dye except he might know what the King had dreamt the night past and what was the interpretation thereof Whereupon God having compassion of the danger wherein they were and taking pleasure in Daniels wisdom signified unto him both the dream and the signification thereof to the intent the King might be resolved of the meaning thereof Daniel having received the truth from God à v. 20. ad 24. arose very joyfully and certified his Brethren who had already lost all hope of life The Vision and the Revelation thereof opened to Daniel and thought on nothing but death and gave them courage and hope Having therefore rendred thanks unto God for that he had had compassion of their younger years as soon as it was day he went unto Ariochus requesting him that he might be brought to the Kings presence assuring him G that he would open unto him the dream which he had seen the night past Now when Daniel was brought unto the Kings Presence he besought him that he would not esteem him to H be more wise than the other Chaldeans and Magicians The year of the World 3363 before Christ's Nativity 601. in that whereas none of them could expound his Dream he did attempt to express the same for that came not to pass by reason of his experience or for that he was more industrious than they were but said he God hath had compassion on us that were in danger of death and at such time as I requested him to grant me and my Countrey-men life he hath certified me both of your Dream and the signification thereof I was not so much aggrieved for that in our innocency we were adjudged to death by thee as concerned for thy reputation and renown which was hazarded by condemning so many and so innocent and just men to death whereas that which you have required of them á v. 26 ad finem savoureth nothing of humane wit but is the only work of God Whilest therefore thou thoughtst in thy self Daniel telleth the King his Dream and the interpretation thereof who it was that should command the whole world after thy I self at such time as thou wert asleep God intending to let thee know all those that should govern after thee presented the with this Dream It seemed unto thee that thou sawest a great Statue whereof the Head was of Gold the Shoulders and Arms of Silver the Belly and Thighs of Brass Nebuchodonosors Dream of the four Monarchs of the world and the Legs and Feet of Iron Thou beheldest after that a great Stone that was drawn from a Mountain that fell upon the Statue and beat down and burst the same and left no whole piece thereof so that the Gold Silver Iron and Brass were powdered as small as dust whereupon a violent wind seemed to blow which by the fury and force thereof was born away and scattered into divers Countreys on the other side the stone grew so mighty that it seemed to fill the whole Earth This was that Vision that appeared unto you the signification whereof is expressed after this manner The Head K of Gold signifieth your self and those Kings of Babylon that have been before you The two Hands and Shoulders signify that your Empire shall be restored by two Kings the one part by the King of the East cloathed in Brass whose force shall be abated by another power resembling that of iron and he shall have the power over the whole Earth by reason of the nature of Into á v. 46 ad finem which is more strong than Gold Silver or Brass he told the King also what the Stone signified But for mine own part I thought it not expedient to express in this place Daniel and his fellows advanced to honour because the only design and intent of my Writings is to register such things as are past and not such matters as are to come But if any man be so curious as to enquire into these things and to understand such matters as are hidden let him read the Book of Daniel which he shall find amidst the Sacred Scriptures L When King Nabuchodonosor had heard those things and remembred himself of his Dream he was astonished at Daniels wisdom and casting himself prostrate on the Earth after the manner of those that adore God he embraced Daniel giving direction that sacrifice should be offered unto him as if he were God Moreover he called him by the name of God and committed the administration of his whole Kingdom to him and his companions who by reason of the conspiracies of their malignours and detractours The Kings Edict for honouring the Golden Statue happened to fall into most imminent and dreadful danger upon the occasion that ensueth The King built a Golden Image sixty Cubits high and six in bigness and erected it in a great Plain near unto Babylon and being ready to dedicate the same he assembled all the Governours and Princes of his Countreys M commanding them first of all Dan. 3. 1. ad 9. that as soon as they should hear the Trumpet sound they should prostrate themselves on the Earth to adore the Statue threatening that whosoever should do the contrary á v. 19 ad finem he should be cast into a burning Furnace whereas therefore all of them adored the Statue upon the sound of the Trumpet Daniel and his companions utterly refused to perform that duty Daniel and his kinsmen refusing to adore the Statue are cast into the Furnace alledging for their justification that they
offerings to be sacrificed upon the Altar of thy God and to make whatsoever vessels of gold or silver which either thou or thy Brethren shall think meet Those sacred vessels also which are given thee thou shalt dedicate unto D thy God and if there be ought else requisite in this behalf that thou shalt think fit to provide the charges shalt thou receive out of my treasury I have also commended thee to the Treasurers of Syria and Phoenicia and have written to them that whatsoever Esdras the Priest and Reader of the Law of God shall require they shall presently deliver it to him And to the end that God may be favourable to me and my posterity my will is that an hundred measures of wheat be offer'd unto God according to the Law I command you also that are Magistrates that you exact nothing neither impose any taxations on the Priests Levites Singing-men Porters or holy Officers But thou Esdras according to the wisdom given thee from above shalt appoint Judges who shall in Syria and Phoenicia execute justice unto the people according to your Law Teach thou likewise freely all such as are ignorant so that whosoever violateth either E Gods or the Kings Law he may be fined or else condemned to death as not sinning through ignorance but of contumacy Farewell When Esdras had received this Letter he was well-pleased and gave thanks unto God Ver. 16 17 18. confessing that it was he Esdras assembled the Jews that dwelt in Babylon who was the Author of that favour he had received at the Kings hand And after he had read this Letter unto the Jews that were at that time resident in Babylon he kept the original but sent a copy to all those of his Nation being in the Countrey of the Medes who being inform'd of the King's zeal to the service of God and his favour towards Esdras were very joyful and divers amongst them took their goods and came unto Babylon desiring to return to Jerusalem but the rest of the F Israelites would not abandon or leave their dwelling Whereupon it came to pass that two Tribes were under the obedience of the Romans in Asia and Europe but the ten Tribes were on the other side of Euphrates even until this day and it is incredible how exceedingly they are there multiplied With Esdras there departed a great number of Priests Levites Porters Singing-men and servants of the Temple Now after he had assembled those of the captivity that inhabited on this side Euphrates and sojourned there three days he commanded them to solemnize a Fast and to pray unto God for his preservation that no evil might happen unto him and that neither their enemies nor any other might do them any violence For Esdras had foretold the King that God would be their Protector and that therefore he requir'd no Convoy of Horsemen at G his hand for his security After that they had recommended themselves unto God they set forward on their way the twelfth day of the first month of the seventh year of the H Reign of Xerxes and arrived in Jerusalem in the fifth month of the same year Whereupon he incontinently presented unto the Treasurers who were of the race of the Priests the sacred depositum wherewith he was intrusted which consisted of 650 Talents of silver and of silver vessels an 100 Talents of vessels of gold to the value of 20 Talents of brazen vessels more precious than gold the weight of 12 Talents These were the Presents of the King and his Friends Esdras repaireth to Jerusalem and committeth the vessels and other precious Presents to the Treasurers hands and of the Israelites that dwelt in Babylon When Esdras had deliver'd these Presents into the hands of the Priests he offer'd burnt-offerings unto God according to the Law namely 12 Bulls for the publick conservation of the people 72 Rams and Lambs and 12 Goats for a sin-offering And afterward I he deliver'd the Kings Letters to his Princes and Governors in Coelosyria and Phoenicia who being constrain'd to execute that which was enjoin'd them by the King honour'd the Nation of the Jews and supplied them every ways in their necessities We owe unto Esdras the honour of this Transmigration for he not only laid the design of it but his virtue and piety were undoubtedly the cause that God gave him so good success in the undertaking Not long after there came certain Men unto him complaining that some of the people Priests and Levites had transgressed against their Ordinances and broken the Laws of the Countrey in that they had espoused certain strange women and corrupted the purity of the Sacerdotal race requiring him that he would have a regard to Gods Ordinances K for fear lest he being displeased with them should cast them again into that misery from which he had so lately deliver'd them Esdras prayers for the Levites that had married strangers Esdras hereupon was so much afflicted that he rent his cloaths and tore his hair and pulled his beard and cast himself upon the ground because the chief among the people were concern'd in that offence And because he feared left if he should command them to forsake their wives Esdr 9. per totum and those children which they had begotten by them he should not be obey'd he continu'd in grief and lay continually upon the ground Whereupon all those resorted unto him who were not guilty and wept and lamented with him because of that which had hapned In this affliction of mind Esdras raising himself from the earth and lifting up his hands to Heaven said That he was ashamed to look thereupon because the offences of the people L were so heinous and that they had so soon lost the memory of those calamities wherewith their Forefathers had been visited for their sins Nevertheless O Lord said he since thy mercy is infinite have pity I beseech thee on the remnant that hath escaped that long captivity and which thou hast brought back into their native Countrey Spare them O Lord and though they have deserved death yet let thy mercy appear in the sparing of their lives Whil'st thus both he and those that came unto him lamented with him with their wives and children a certain man called Achonias one of the principal men of Jerusalem came to him and said That they had sinned because they had espoused strange women and persuaded Esdras to command them all to banish both them and the children begotten by them advising that they who obey'd not the Law might be punish'd Esdras persuaded by these words M made all the Princes of the Priests Levites and Tribes of Israel swear That they would dismiss their wives and children according to the counsel of Achonias And as soon as he had received their oaths he departed from the Temple unto Johns house the son of Eliasib and there spent he all the day without tasting any meat by
Domesticks Haman being honoured by all men is neglected by the Jews Now as often as Haman the son of Amadath an Amalechite came unto the Palace to visit the King all those that were either Persians or strangers according to the Kings especial direction did him honour But Mardocheus shew'd him no honour because the laws of the Jews forbade it Which when Haman had observ'd Esther 3. 1 2 3 4. he demanded whence he was And understanding that he was a Jew he was much displeas'd C. 5. 9. saying in himself That the Persians who were of a freer condition cast themselves prostrate before him and he that was but a slave disdained to do the like Intending therefore to revenge himself on Mardocheus he thought it not sufficient to procure his punishment at the Kings hands but resolv'd wholly to exterminate his Race for he was by Nature an Enemy to the Jews by reason that the Amalechites from whom he descended M had heretofore been conquer'd by them Whereupon he address'd himself unto the King and accus'd them saying That there was a certain cursed Nation spread through his whole Kingdom insociable and abhorring the customs of other men who used divers laws and ceremonies contrary to those of all other Nations and destructive of the fundamentals of his Kingdom so that the greatest favour he could do to his Subjects would be utterly to exterminate them And lest your Majesties Tribute should be any ways impaired by these means I promise you of mine own Revenues forty thousand talents of silver Ver. 6. desiring rather willingly to forbear so much money The destruction of the Jews granted unto Haman than that your Kingdom should be unpurged of such a cursed Race of men When Haman had made this his request the King answer'd That he forgave him the money and that he permitted him to deal with that Nation as he thought fit When Haman had obtain'd N his desire he presently sent forth an Edict thorow all Nations in the Kings Name to this effect The great King Artaxerxes unto his Governors of an Hundred and seven and twenty Provinces extending from India as far as Ethiopia health Having obtained the Empire over so many Nations and extended my dominion over the World according to mine own pleasure and being so little inclined to treat any of our Subjects with rigour that we rather take great pleasure in affording them some signal marks of our favor and goodness causing them to enjoy an happy peace it remains that we seek after those means O that may render this happiness perpetual to them Being therefore admonished by my friend Haman who for his wisdom and justice is more honoured than all other by me and for his approved fidelity hath the second place in authority under me that there is a certain race of men intermingled among you The year of the World 3549. before Christ's Nativity 415. enemies to all mankind using none but their own laws and such A that are different from others disobedient to their Kings and of depraved manners and customs that neither submit themselves to our Government nor promote the welfare and prosperity of our Empire I will and command That as soon as Haman shall have made known unto you this our pleasure a man whom we hold as dear as our father they be slain with their wives and children so as you spare none of them not permitting your compassion towards them to prevail over your obedience to us And this command we to be done the 14th day of the 12th month of this present year that in one day cutting off all our enemies hereafter ye may live in peace and security This Edict being spread thorow all places of the Countrey and publish'd in every B City all men prepar'd themselves against the prefixed day utterly to exterminate the Jews and no less diligence was there used in Susa the Metropolitan City Mean-while the King and Haman feasted and made good cheer whil'st the City hung in suspence being troubled with the expectation of the event of that which should follow But Mardocheus having intelligence hereof rent his garments put on sackcloth and cast ashes on his head walking thorow the City and crying That their Nation had not committed any crime deserving death The lamentation of the Jews upon the hearing of this Edict and using these or such like speeches he came unto the Kings Palace and stood before the gate because it was unlawful for him to enter thereinto in that habit The like also did the Jews that were in the Cities where those Edicts had been publish'd against them weeping and lamenting their miseries But when the News C hereof was brought unto the Queen Esther 4. 1 2 c. that Mardocheus stood before the Palace-gate in a deplorable condition she was much troubled and sent certain of her servants unto him to command him to change his attire but they could not persuade him to put off his sackcloth for the cause of his sorrow still remaining he could not think of laying aside the marks of it She therefore called unto her her Eunuch Acraâheus and sent him unto Mardocheus to know what accident had befaln him that made him put on his mourning habit and to afflict himself after that manner and not at her intreaty to lay aside those marks of his sorrow Hereupon Mardocheus told the Eunuch of the Edict made against the Jews and sent by the King unto all his Provinces the offer of the money that Haman likewise had tender'd to the King whereby he had bought the utter D ruine of his Nation at the Kings hands moreover he gave him the Copy of that which had been proclaim'd in Susan to be deliver'd unto Esther whom he intreated to beseech the King and to esteem it no dishonour to become a Suppliant to save her Nation and to preserve the Jews from that death whereunto at that time they were expos'd since Haman the next in honour to the King had accused the Jews and incens'd his Majesty against them When Esther understood this she sent again unto Mardocheus giving him to understand That she was not called for by the King and that whosoever entered unto him and was not called should die except the King would secure him by stretching out his golden Scepter for he unto whom the King was pleased to grant that favor although he were not called unto him yet suffered he not death but obtained pardon When these things were reported E by the Eunuch from Esther unto Mardocheus he commanded him to tell her That she ought not so much to tender the particular respect of her life as the lives of her whole Nation assuring her that if at that present she had not care of them their succor should onely proceed from God by some other means than this Ver. 16 17. but she and her fathers house should be destroyed by them whom she
in the Countrey of Persia For since he had only intended to commit Sacriledge but had not effected it he merited not to suffer punishment for it And if it seemeth good unto Polybius that Antiochus was punish'd by death L upon this occasion it is far more likely to be true that his death befell him for the Sacriledge he had committed in the Temple of Jerusalem But our purpose is not to argue against those that maintain that Polybius's reasons are of greater truth and consequence than ours are CHAP. XIV Antiochus Eupator succeeds his father Epiphanes Judas Machabeus lays siege to the Cittadel at Jerusalem Antiochus comes against him with a great Army and besiegeth Bethsura they both raise their sieges and come to a pitch'd Battel The wonderful M courage and the death of Eleazar one of the brothers of Judas Antiochus takes Bethsura and besiegeth the Temple of Jerusalem but when the Jews were reduced to the greatest extremity he raiseth the siege upon the news that was brought him of Philip's having caused himself to be proclaimed King of Persia BEfore Antiochus gave up the ghost Antiochus appointeth Philip Governor of his kingdom and committeth his son Antiochus to his charge he called for Philip one of his chief friends and made him Governor of his kingdom And having deliver'd his Diadem into his hands his Royal Robe and his Ring and Jewels he charg'd him to deliver them to his son Antiochus entreating him to take care of his education and to secure the kingdom N for him until he came to years of discretion This done Antiochus died the 149 year of the kingdom of Syria Hedio Ruffinus cap. 14. After that Lysias had certifi'd the people of the Kings death he proclaim'd his son Antiochus whom at that time he had in his protection King sirnaming him Eupator Lysias createth Antiochus the younger King and sirnameth him Eupator according to the instructions that were given him About that time the Garison and Apostates that were in the Fortress of Jerusalem did much mischief unto the Jews For setting upon them that went up to the Temple to worship and offer Sacrifice The Macedonians in the Castle of Jerusalem do much harm to the Jews they slew them for the Fortress commanded the Temple For this cause Judas resolved to cut off these Garisons and to that intent he assembled all the people and besieged it This enterprize was undertook in the year 150 after that Seleucus had usurped the government of those Countries Having therefore made him certain Engines O and raised divers Platforms he industriously continued the siege But divers of those Apostates that were revolted Judas Machabeus besiegeth the Castle and of that Garison came out by night and assembling together such men as were as malicious as themselves they came unto King Antiochus beseeching him The year of the World 3803. before Christ's Nativity 161. That he would not suffer them to be abused by those of our Nation nor to be neglected A by him since their sufferings proceeded only from their having devoted themselves to his fathers service for whose sake they had forsaken their own Religion and follow'd his Laws and Ordinances Furthermore they told him That the Fortress was in danger to be surprized by Judas and his Associates The fugitive Jews flie out of the Castle and require Antiochus's assistance except some present succors were sent unto them When Antiochus the younger had notice hereof he was displeased and sent for his Captains and Friends commanding them to hire strangers and to list all those in his kingdom who were of years to bear Arms so that he gather'd in short time an Army of 100000 Foot and 20000 Horse and 32 Elephants and with this equipage marched out of Antioch committing his Army to Lysias Antiochus marcheth into Judea with his Army As soon as he came into Idumaea he went up unto Bethsura a walled City B and very difficult to be taken which he besieged but with such a disadvantage that the Bethsurians resisting him valiantly Bethsura besieged and sallying out upon him burnt those Engines which he had prepar'd for the battery of the Town When therefore a long time was consumed about the siege Judas with his forces encountreth the King at Beth-zacharia Judas having intelligence of the Kings approach raised his Camp from before the Castle of Jerusalem and marching forward to meet the Enemy he encamped in a certain streight in a place call'd Beth-zacharia about 70 furlongs from the Enemy The King having notice thereof raised his siege from Bethsura and marched toward the streight where Judas's Army was encamped and about the morning he set his Soldiers in battel aray He first of all caused his Elephants to march one after another through the streight for that it was impossible for them to march in a square body About every Elephant were 1000 Footmen and 500 Horsemen These Elephants bare high Towers on C their backs fill'd with Archers The rest of his Forces he caused to march two several wayes by the mountains under the conduct of his most trusty friends commanding them to charge their Enemies with a great shout and to discover their golden and brazen bucklers to the end the reflection thereof might dazle the eyes of the Jews whereupon the mountains resounded with the fearful cryes of Antiochus Army yet was not Judas any wayes discourag'd at it Eleazar Judas's brother killeth an Elephant For receiving the charge with a great courage he slew almost 600 of the forlorn hope But Eleazar sirnamed Auran Judas's brother seeing a huge Elephant among the rest with trappings somewhat extraordinary and supposing that the King was mounted thereon Judas returneth to Jerusalem and Antiochus followeth him he made towards him with a mighty courage and after he had slain divers of those that invironed the Elephant and scatter'd the rest he thrust D his sword into the belly of the beast and wounded him to death but the Elephant falling upon Eleazar slew him with his weight and thus honourably diedthis worthy man after that he had slain a great number of his Enemies and sold his life at a dear rate Judas seeing his Enemies Forces so great in number retir'd back to Jerusalem to continue his siege and Antiâchus sent part of his Army to Bethsura to take it and with the rest he himself marched toward Jerusalem The Bethsurites being afraid of this mighty Army of the King and seeing their necessary provisions failed The Bethsurites yield up their City yielded up their City after they had taken the Kings oath that he would offer no violence so that when Antiochus was Master of the City he offer'd them no injury The Temple of Jerusalem besieged only he thrust them out disarmed from the City and placed a Garison E therein He spent a long time also in besieging the Temple of Jerusalem
and hated Ptolomey the son of Mennaeus Aretas led his Army into Jewry N and got a victory against Alexander near to Addida which done he retired out of Judea Aretas King of Câoelosyria upon a composition made between them Moreover once more Alexander marched towards the City of Dion and took it And afterwards he led his Army against Essa where Zeno had hoarded up his chiefest riches Certain Cities taken by Alexander and before he assailed the Fortress he invironed the place with three huge Walls which he built round about it and having taken it by force he marched to Gaulana and Seleucia which having overcome he made himself Master of a valley called the valley of Antiochus with the Fortress of Gamala And objecting many crimes against Demetrius the Lord of those places he dispossessed him of his government Then after he had made War for the space of three whole years he returned into his Countrey where the Jews entertained him willingly O by reason of the happy exploits which he had atchieved About the same time the Jews were already possessed of the Cities of Syria Idumaea and Phoenicia of the Tower of Straton Apollonia Joppa Jamnia Azor Gaza Anthedon Raphia Rhinocura all which were near unto the Sea and in the firm land on the one A side of Idumaea as Adora Marissa and all Samaria the Mounts Carmel and Itabyr and herewith Scythopolis Gadara Gaulanitis Seleucia Gabala and of Moab Essebon Medaba Lemba Orona Telithon and Zara Antonia of Cilicia and Pella This last City was destroy'd by them The Jews are Lords of the Cities of the Syrians Idumaeans and Phaenicians because the Inhabitants would not promise to be converted to the Religion of the Jews with divers others of the principal Cities of Syria also which were conquer'd by them After this King Alexander fell sick by the means of a surfeit and drunkenness and for the space of three years he was sick of a Quartane Ague Nevertheless he continued alwayes in the Camp Pella destroyed and razed until such time that being wearied with toyle he died on the B borders of the Countrey of the Gerasens Alexander's sickness as he besieged Regaba which is a Castle situate on the other side of Jordan The Queen perceiving that he was at deaths door and that there remained neither hope of life nor recovery she began to weep and lament and to beat her breasts because both she and her children were likely now to be left desolate and in these words she bemoaned her self unto him To whom wilt thou leave both me and thy children in the state wherein we are Or why should we survive or live one after another considering that thou assuredly knowest that the hearts of thy people are averse from us Hereupon the King comforted her and gave her this counsel That if she would assure the Kingdom both unto her self and her children she should behave her self according to his direction Alexander instructeth his wife how she should reign securely which was first to conceal his death and not to suffer his Soldiers to have notice thereof until she had taken this Castle Which done he advised her to repair to Jerusalem C in pomp and triumph and that being there she should bestow some authority upon the Pharisees The authority of the Pharisees among the people who would sound her praise and obtain her the peoples favor For said he these kind of men are in great esteem and credit with the people and can do much hurt unto those they hate and benefit them very mightily towards whom they are well affected For the people easily believeth them when they find fault with any man notwithstanding it be of envy and that himself also had incur'd the displeasure of the people for their sakes in that he had offended them When as therefore said he thou shalt arrive in Jerusalem send thou for the chiefest amongst them and pray them to come unto thee and after you have shewed them my dead body use the most plausible speech that you can and give them permission to dispose of my body as they D please whether it be their pleasure to interdict and deny me funeral in that they have received many indignities by me or whether to be revenged they will offer any ignominy to my body and promise you them that you will do nothing in the administration or government of the Kingdom but by thier advice If in this sort you frame both your manners and discourse towards them it will come to pass that I shall be buried by them with great magnificence which otherwise I could not be by any other means because they will offer no outrage to my body no although you should permit them and besides that you shall neigâ in more assurance and quiet Having given his Wife these advertisements Alexander's death he gave up the ghost after he had reigned 27 years and lived 49. CHAP. XXIV E King Alexander leaveth two sons Hircanus who was High-Priest and Aristobulus their mother Queen Alexandra gaineth the favor of the People through the Pharisees means having given them great authority she consents through their persuasion to put the most faithful of the King her husbands servants to death and to please the rest of them she giveth them the Government of the most considerable places Tygranes King of Armenias invasion into Syria Aristobulus endeavoureth to make himself King The death of Queen Alexandra AFter that Alexander had taken the Castle of Ragaba she conferreth with the Pharisees F Alexander's funeral according to her Husbands counsel and committed unto their discretion not only that which concerned her Husbands funerals but also the government of the kingdom whereby she not only appeased the displeasure which formerly they had conceived against Alexander but also obtained their good will and friendship They came and declaimed amongst the people making an oration of the actions and deeds of Alexander lamenting everywhere that they had lost a good King Hedio Ruffinus cap. 22. and by praising him they incited the people to great grief and lamentation Hircanus and Aristobulus Alexander's sons so that they buried him with more magnificence than any King that reigned before him This Alexander left two sons behind him the one called Hircanus the other Aristobulus and by his Testament committed the government G of the kingdom to Alexandra his Wife For Hircanus was uncapable to manage affairs and rather delighted in peace and quiet and Aristobulus who was the younger H was both active and fit for government The year of the World 3890. before Christ's Nativity 74. The people were well affected towards Alexandra because she had manifestly expressed how greatly she misliked her Husbands misgovernment She appointed Hircanus High-Priest both in regard of his age as also for that by nature he was addicted to peace and quiet and committed all things to the
good seeing himself so much honour'd by us Let this suffice to express the honours bestow'd on Hircanus by the People of Rome and the Citizens of Athens After that Caesar had given order for the affairs of Syria Hedio Ruffinus cap. 18. he returned back by Sea And as soon as Antipater had accompanied Caesar out of Syria Caesar departeth out of Syria he returned into Judea and suddenly built up the Walls of Jerusalem which Pompey had beaten down and in riding a Circuit about the Countrey he pacified the troubles not only by threatnings but by good advice also Antipater pacifieth all occasion of commotion in Judea which he gave every one to live in peace assuring them That if they submitted themselves to Hircanus their Prince they should live happily and enjoy their possessions without any trouble and that if they hoped to advance themselves by any new commotion M supposing by that means to benefit themselves they should feel that instead of a Governor they had a Master and instead of a King they should find Hircanus a Tyrant and instead of the Romans and Caesar to be their Governors they should find them to be their most hateful Enemies for they would not suffer that any thing should be altered that they had established By these and such like admonitions he kept and continued all the Country in peace N O CHAP. XVII The year of the World 3921. before Christ's Nativity 43. A Antipater gaineth great repute by his virtue His eldest son Phasaelus is made Governor of Jerusalem and Herod his second son is made Governor of Galilee Herod causeth to be executed several Robbers Some great mens jealousie against Antipater and his children They made Hircanus accuse Herod for those that he had put to death He compareth in judgment and then retireth He cometh to besiege Jerusalem which he had taken if Antipater and Phasaelus had not hindred him Hircanus reneweth his alliance with the Romans The testimony of the Romans esteem and affection for Hircanus and the Jews Caesar is B murther'd in the Capitol by Cassius and Brutus ANtipater perceiving that Hircanus was slow and idle he declared and appointed Phasaelus his eldest son Alias cap. 20. Governor over Jerusalem and the Countrey thereabout As for Herod who was very young Antipater maketh Phasaelus Governor in Jerusalem and Herod in Galilee for he was not at that time above 15 years old he committed Galilee unto his charge who although young in years yet he was ripe in courage and conduct which he witnessed in apprehending Ezechias who was the chief of those Thieves who ranged over all Syria he put him to death with divers of his Complices Which act of his got him esteem and credit among the Syrians for by that means he freed their Countrey of all those Robbers according as they desir'd He was therefore praised thorow the Villages and Cities for this action Herod executeth Ezekias and his followers for robberies as he that had given them peace C and assured possession of their Estates For this cause he was made known to Sextus Caesar who was Uncle to Caesar the Great Furthermore his brother Phasaelus was encouraged to follow his noble actions and inforced himself to obtain no less reputation than he had Sextus Caesar Governor of Syria for which cause he strove to get the good will of the common People in Jerusalem and govern'd the City with such discretion that he acted all things to every mans content The form of Phasaelus's government and abused not his power to any private mans injury which was the cause that Antipater was honour'd by the whole Nation with no less respect than if he had been their only Lord and Soveraign Antipater notwithstanding his high authority was alwayes faithful to Hircanus Yet did not this eminency of estate so far distract him that he forgot the love and duty he ought to Hircanus as in such like occasions it oftentimes falleth out notwithstanding divers of the greatest amongst the Jews seeing D Antipater and his sons so highly advanced both by the publick favor of the whole Nation as also by the Revenues that they drew both out of Jewry as also by the employment of Hircanus's money were grievously incensed against them Antipater winneth the Romans hearts by Hircanus's money and draweth the Jews into hatred For Antipater had made friendship with the Emperors of Rome and having persuaded Hircanus to send them money he had appropriated the same unto himself sending it not in Hircanus's name but in his own which though Hircanus knew yet he was not moved therewith but rather well contented But that which most of all terrifi'd the Princes of the Jews was to behold the violent and audacious nature of Herod who govern'd after a tyrannical manner The Jews accuse Antipater and Herod before Hircanus For this cause they address'd themselves to Hircanus and accus'd Antipater openly How long said they will you dissemble and wink at those things that are daily practised E See you not that Antipater and his sons possess in effect the Royal Power and Authority of the Kingdom and that you have only the name Assure your self that you are not out of danger in contemning thus both your self and your Kingdom For Antipater and his sons are not now your Substitutes neither intend they your profit or your Countries good whatsoever your opinion is of them they are publickly acknowledg'd Lords and Masters For Herod Antipater 's son hath already put Ezechias and his Confederates to death and thereby transgressed our Laws which forbid to take away any mans life how wicked soever he be except he be first of all condemned to death by the Council Herod called in question appeareth with a great train and notwithstanding this he hath been so bold as to do justice without your authority When Hircanus heard this he grew angry for their mothers whom Herod had slain had incensed him by their continual Exclamations in the Temple F exhorting the King and People to call Herod to account before the Council of that which he had done So that Hircanus moved by these Women called Herod to answer unto those accusations which were objected against him Who made his appearance forewarned by his father not to present himself after the manner of a private person but well attended and accompanied to withstand all inconveniencies Sextus Caesar writeth to Hircanus to discharge Herod After he had taken order for the affairs in Galilee according as he thought fit and that he himself was sufficiently accompanied to make his Voyage with such a Guard as neither might terrifie Hircanus with number nor leave himself unsecured in danger he resorted to Jerusalem Moreover Sextus Caesar Governor of Syria wrote unto Hircanus to absolve him adding G threats to his persuasions if so be he should perform the contrary which gave Hircanus
their opinions and receive Herod yet this opinion of his was not answerable to equity For notwithstanding whatsoever violence he did devise yet could they not be induced to call him King in so high esteem and account held they their former King But Antony supposed that that infamy would obscure his renown and lessen the general hatred they bare to Herod See here what Strabo writeth As soon as the High-Priest Hircanus who was Prisoner among the Parthians heard that Herod had taken possession of the Kingdom Hedio Ruffinus câap 2. he returned back unto him Hircanus hearing tydings that Herod had obtained the Kingdom returneth unto him being deliver'd after this manner following Barzapharnes and Pacorus Princes of the Parthians had taken Hircanus who was first High-Priest and afterwards King and with him Phasaelus Herods brother and led them away Prisoners with them into their own Countrey Phasaelus I not able to endure the dishonour of imprisonment and preferring an honourable death before a reproachful and ignominious life murther'd himself as I have heretofore declar'd CHAP. II. Phraates King of the Parthians letteth his Prisoner Hircanus return into Judea Herod to make sure of him contributeth hereunto and giveth the High-Priesthood to a man of no account Alexandra Herod's Mother-in-law and Aristobulus's Mother addresseth her self to Cleopatra to obtain this function for her son through Antonius's means Herod K discovereth it gives that employment to Aristobulus and feigneth to be reconciled to Alexandra PHraates Hircanus heighly honoure in Babylon by the Jews King of Parthia understanding how nobly Hircanus was descended who was brought Prisoner unto him entertain'd him graciously and for this cause drew him out of Prison permitting him to converse in Babylon in which place there were a great number of Jews who honour'd Hircanus very much and no less than their High-Priest and King The like also did all they of that Nation inhabiting as far as Euphrates which did not a little content Hircanus But after that he was advertised that Herod was possessed of the Kingdom Hircanus leaving his Countrey expecteth favor at Herods hands he transferred his hopes another way being of his own nature tenderly L affected towards his friends expecting that one day Herod would requite him for that he had deliver'd him from death whereunto he was condemned and in danger likewise of the penalty and punishment He began therefore to consult with the Jews about his journey who in way of duty and love came to visit him and who prayed him and importuned him to continue with them offering him all service and honour assuring him that he should in no less manner be respected among them than their High-Priest and King yea in far higher regard than he might any wayes be in his own Countrey by reason of the maim he had in his body through Antigonus's tyranny alledging that Kings do not ordinarily call to their remembrance those pleasures that they have received in their mean condition because that with their estates they change both their manners M and inclinations But notwithstanding all these or such like Allegations yet could not Hircanus be withdrawn from the desire he had to repair homeward Herod also wrote unto him That he should require Phraates and the Jews that inhabited his Kingdom in no sort to envy his felicity in that he should partake with him both in dignity and royalty alledging that the time was now come wherein he might acknowledge the kindness he had received by being heretofore nourished and preserved by him Samaralla Herods Ambassador to Phraates With these Letters he sent Samaralla likewise in quality of an Ambassador to Phraates furnish'd with great and rich Presents endeavouring by that means to win him that he in no wayes should hinder his good intent towards one that had so highly deserved it at his hands yet his protestations were not answerable to his pretence For insomuch as he governed not with that uprightness N which became a just King he feared lest some alteration might befall him according to his demerits for which cause he sought to get Hircanus under his power or at least wise to dispatch him out of his life which he afterwards performed When therefore Herod had persuaded the Parthian to dismiss Hircanus Herod highly honoureth Hircanus and the Jews to furnish him with money sufficient to bear his expence in his journey he received him with all honour In common Assemblies he gave him alwayes the highest place and in the time of Festivals he made him alwayes sit down before him and the more closely to deceive him he called him brother Herod giveth the High-Priesthood to Anânel endeavouring by all means wholly to take away all colour and suspition of treachery neither omitted he any other stratagems whereby he might any ways further or promote his cause and yet by these means occasioned no small sedition in his O own family For fearing lest any one among the Nobility should be established High-Priest he sent to Babylon for a certain man of a base extraction called Ananel and gave him the Priesthood For which cause Alexandra grew suddenly displeased not being able to endure that afront The year of the World 3934. before Christ's Nativity 34. This woman was Hircanus daughter and Alexanders wife A who was King Aristobulus son who had two children by her husband the one very beautiful who was called Aristobulus the other was Mariamne who was likewise fair and married to Herod She was highly displeased to see her son so much undervalued that during his life another was called to the honor of High-priesthood for which cause she wrote unto Cleopatra by the means of a certain Musician beseeching her to beg the High-Priesthood at Antonius hands for her son Alexandra solliciteth Antonius by Cleopatras mediation for the High Priesthood for her son Which Cleopatra did most willingly but Antonius made little reckoning of those suits A certain friend of his called Gellius who was come into Jewry about certain of his affairs and who had seen Aristobulus fell in love with him by reason of his beauty and admiring likewise his tall stature and allured by Mariamnes admirable beauty he openly protested that he accounted Alexandra B a happy Mother in her children and discoursing to this effect with her he perswaded her to send the pictures of her two children to Antonius for that if he should but behold them he would refuse him nothing wherein he should request his friendship Alexandra perswaded by these words âent their pictures unto Antonius Gellius also made the matter more wonderful telling him that the children seemed rather to be ingendred of no mortal strain Antonius requireth Aristâbulus at Herods hands but by some divine power endeavoring as much as in him lay that Antonius might be allured to affection them Who supposing it to be a matter ill beseeming him to send for Mariamne who was married
hers that were privy to her design to carry them out in the night time and to go directly towards M the Sea where there was a Bark in readiness prepared to convoy them into Egypt But Esop one of her houshold servants declared this enterprize of hers to Sabbion on of Alexandras friends supposing that he had been made privy thereunto who had no sooner inkling thereof but for that beforetimes he was Herods enemy by reason he was suspected to have been one of those that sought to poyson Antipatar he resolved by discovery of this secret flight to convert Herods hatred into friendship and presently discovered Alexandras secret enterprize to the King Who dissembling the matter until it was upon the point of execution surprized her at such time as she thought to fly and yet notwithstanding he pardoned her that fault in that he durst not decree any punishment against her though he could have found in his heart to have used severity N for that Cleopatra would not have contained her self had she but had such an occasion offered her to express her hatred against Herod Herod contriveth Aristobulus death For which cause under the colour of a high and magnanimous spirit he made shew to pardon her of his meere clemency yet inwardly resolved to destroy young Aristobulus yet not rashly upon the instant lest the act should grow apparent and palpable Now the feast of Tabernacles was at hand which was one of those that was ceremoniously and solemnly celebrated among us for which cause he concealed his intents during the festival dayes intending both in himself and in the presence and company of the people to follow all kind of pleasure and delight yet his envy incited him to hasten the execution of his will Aristobulus was at that time some seventeen O years old who when he approached the Altar to offer sacrifices according to the law apparelled in the High Priests Ornaments to perform the ceremonies he who for amiable countenance and good stature surpassed the tenderness of his years expressing in his countenance the dignity and Nobility of his Race The year of the World 39â1 Before Christ's Nativity 33. drew the eyes and good affections A of all the people unto him so that they openly called to remembrance the noble actions of Aristobulus his Grand-Father All the people being therefore surmounted by their affections and at that present time being all of them overjoyed they brake out by little and little into acclamations mixt with wishes and prayers so that the good will the people bare to Aristobulus discovered it self openly and they manifestly although too hastily in such a Kingdom declared what evils they generaly endured For all which causes Herod concluded to execute that which he had plotted against Aristobulus As soon therefore as the feast was over-passed he went into Jericho where Alexandra entertained him In that place he used Aristobulus with all kindness to draw him to secure some place playing with him and counterfeting to sport after the fashion B of the young men to gratifie him Now the place where they sported being too hot they quickly wearied left their sport and went out together to take fresh air and finding a pleasant shade under certain Arbours and near certain fish-pools which were largely spred round about they beheld certain of their Servants and Friends that swom therein with whom not long after Aristobulus began to swim being perswaded thereunto by Herod Whereupon Herods confederates who were deputed to execute the murther laid hands on him and thrust him under the water pretending to duck him in sport and never gave him over untill such time as they had stifled him in the water This hapned about the evening and after this manner died Aristobulus after he had lived in all for the space of eighteen years and administred the Priest-hood one whole C year Aristobulus is drowned by Herods direction Ananel restored to the Priest-hood and after this Ananel presently recovered his former dignity When this accident was reported to the women all of them burst out in tears and were transported with strange lamentations which they uttered over the dead body All the City also was mightily troubled neither was there any private family that thought not it self touched by this inconvenience but imagined the loss in particular to concern himself and no other But above all when Alexandra had notice of this wicked deed she was more passionate and perplexed than any other being so much the more discomforted for that she knew how all things had hapned But the fear of a far greater mischief constrained her to repress her passion so that divers times she was ready to bereave her of her own life The lamentation for Aristobulus death and dispatch her self out of misery with her own hands D But she contained her self to the end that surviving and living after her son who was so fraudulently destroyed and prolonging her own life without giving any suspition or shadow that she might with more opportunity expect the occasion to revenge her self For which cause she dissembled all things concealed her grief and made shew that she knew nothing of that which was either intended or had hapned As for Herod he laboured by all means to perswade the strangers that this death had befallen Aristobulus without his knowledg and did not only prepare that which was requisite for the funeral but made shew to be truly sorrowful and it may be that in remembrance of Aristobulus beauty and flourishing young years he was realy touched with compassion notwithstanding Herods counterfeit sorrow that he imagined that his death should be a means of his own security E demeaning himself in all things circumspectly with intent to purge himself of that crime But especially he shewed his great magnificence in the interring of his body both in the furnishing and preparation of the Herse as in the perfumes and other things thereunto belonging in such sort as the grief which the Ladies had conceived was pacified after this manner of consolation F G H CHAP. IV. The year of the World 393â before Christ's Nativity 165. Herod is obliged to repair to Antonius to clear himself from Aristobulus's death he winneth him with Presents He gave order before his way-going to his Brother-in-Law Joseph to put Mariamne to death if Antonius should condemn him to die Joseph revealed it imprudently to this Princess and Herod put him to death for being jealous of him and Mariamne Cleopatra's unsatiable ambition and avarice BUT none of all these things could either move or mollifie Alexandra but daily more and more she increased her sorrow and in the height of her tears kindled her wrath with a desire of revenge Alexandra certifieth Cleopatra of Herods Treasons and her sons traiterous murther She therefore acquainted Cleopatra by her private I Letters of Herods Treasons and her sons most miserable and untimely
and doing them much mischief He incamped himself likewise upon the Mountains forbearing to draw his whole Forces into the field and G by his diligence and industry his labours were not fruitless for prevailing in some exploits he put his Men in a capacity to recover their former losses H CHAP. VII The year of the World 935. before Christ's Nativity 19. A terrible Earthquake happeneth in Judaea The Arabians attack the Jews and kill their Ambassadors who were sent to treat of a Peace AT such time as Caesar and Antony made trial of their titles in the Actian War Hedio Ruffinus chap. 6. and in the seventh year of the Reign of King Herod An Earthquake in Judaea killeth ten thousand men there hapned such an earthquake in the Countrey of Judaea that never the like was seen in any other place so that divers beasts were slain thereby and many men were overwhelmed with ruines of their I houses and perished to the number of ten thousand Only the Soldiers received no damage because they encamped in the open field The Arabians hearing tidings thereof which were far greater by report than they were in effect by such who in favour of the Arabians and hatred of the Jews reported the same grew proud yea so much was their courage increased hereby as if all the Cities of Jewry had been already overthrown The Arabians kill the Ambassadors of the Jews and the men thereof extinguished and as if they had no adversaries remaining alive to oppose them For which cause laying hold of those Ambassadors of the Jews who came unto them to Treat of Peace in their desperate condition they killed them and afterwards in the heat of their spleen set upon their Enemies Camp But the Jews not daring to expect or prevent their assault for their present miseries had so dejected K their spirits seemed to neglect their Common-weale and in a manner to dispair of their safety Herod comforteth the Jews that were out of heart for their former losses These thus affected did the King encourage and called unto him the Captains and as much as in him lay reviving their drooping spirits and when he had restored some to better hopes at length he attempted to speak unto all the Army who in the former overthrows would yield to no perswasion These he did both comfort and exhort in such manner as followeth CHAP. VIII King Herods Oration to his Soldiers by which he doth so incourage them that they give L the Arabians a terrible overthrow and oblige them to take Herod for their Protector FRiends and fellow Soldiers Herod comforteth and exhoiteth his Soldiers there is not one of you but knoweth how many misfortunes have hindred our progress of late which are able to wearie and amaze men of the greatest resolution But since we must needs fight and that all those things that have befallen us unto this present are of that nature that by your own valour they may be recovered I have resolved to inform and confirme you in those means whereby you may retain and continue your accustomed valour and courage First of all therefore as to our War it consisteth on just grounds The cause of War against the Arabians for we are inforced M thereunto through the insolence of our Enemies the Knowledge whereof should chiefly make you recover your courage Secondly I will apparently prove unto you that our condition is not so desperate but that we have great and assured hopes to obtain the victory First of all therefore I will discourse of that which formerly I proposed and will make your selves judges of those things which I will discourse upon For you are privy to the Arabians unjustice and how perfidious they are to their friends and impious and barbarous towards all men but especialy they have always troubled us provoking us through their extreame avarice and maligant envie with perpetual injuries And yet to let slip all other our benefits to that Nation who is he that delivered them from their imminent peril and thraldom that was hazarded by Cleopatras means but our selves For the friendship I had with Antony N and his benevolence toward me was the cause that their burthen of miseries was so lightned Antony forbore to commit anything that might draw us to suspition Besides after she had wrought him by her solicitation to cut off certain portions of the two Kingdoms to be given unto her the matter was so handled by me that by divers presents particularly bestowed upon him by my hands I have obtained security for us both and by disbursing two hundred talents of mine own and giving my word for two hundred more for others for the Revenues of that very Land which in time past was ours and these now possess and enjoy Notwithstaanding reason it were in my opinion that we that are Jews should not be tributaries or give any portion of our Countrey to any man and if we must needs do it it ill becometh us to pay it for these who enjoy their lives by our means It should not be O reasonable for the Arabians who after they had confessed with many plausible protestations and thanksgivings that they enjoy their liberty by our benefit to have deprived and thrust us from our own and to have unjustly dealt with us yea even with us I say who were not their Enemies The year of the World 3935. before Christ's Nativity 29. but rather on the contrary side their chiefest friends in the time of Peace And if A fidelity should be respected even amongst those that are our most hated Enemies much more necessarily ought it to be observed by those that are friends But these men set light thereby who think nothing honest but that which is annexed with lucre and think no wrong unexcusable that hath but a shew of profit Is there any question then whether we should chastise these unjust men by a just War since both God commandeth no less and enjoyneth us alwayes to hate outrage and revenge injustice especially in that War which is not only just but necessary For that which both in the confession of the Grecians and opinion of the Barbarians is most hatefull and heinous this have they perpetrated in murthering our Ambassadors Legates inviolable For the Greeks say that Ambassadors are sacred and inviolable and we our selves have received our wholsome and holiest precepts of the Law of God by Angels that is from B his Heraulds and Messengers for this name can both bring God to mans knowledge and reconcile Enemy to Enemy What Impietie therefore is more unpardonable then to put those Ambassadors to death who bring tidings of right and justice or what prosperity can they expect either in their Wars or felicity in their whole lives after so hainous a crime Truely I cannot imagine any But perhaps some man will say With whomsoever justice is there is God also that right
the arrogancy of his Sons he thought it good to call unto Court another Son of his whom he begat when he was a private man and to grace him with honours and to oppose him against the other two Brethren to the end to bring down and repress their fierce and haughty minds this Son of his was called Antipater not minded which after overcome by affection he did to make him sole heir of all but thinking thereby to bridle Mariamne's Children and to diminish their arrogancy by letting them see that it was not needful to keep the inheritance of so flourishing a Kingdom only for them wherefore N he introduced Antipater one opposed against them that thereby the other two laying their pride aside might shew themselves more tractable to their Father And so thought by this means to provide for their safety Antipater inciteth his Father against his Brothers But it fell out far otherwise than he expected for they esteemed this fact as an injury done unto them And Antipater was of that nature that having gotten promotion contrary to his expectation he did endeavour all ways possible to be in greater account with his Father than the other two who was already through false accusations alienated from them and every day as he also desired ready to believe any thing that might incense him against them Wherefore this was all his business Yet he had an especial care not to be thought O an accuser of his Brethren but he used others of his Complices whom the King nothing suspected who for the trust the King put in them might also have better credit given A unto their words For this man had many followers and favourers as it were gaping after preferment by his means who with a kind of counterfeit good will made a shew of love and good will towards Herod And being many in number and trusty one to another the young Princes were every day entrapped more and more For many times they shed tears for very grief of the contumelies and injuries that they suffered and many times they mentioned their Mother and complained unto those whom they thought to be their friends of their Father as one that dealt not well with them all which Antipater's Favourites maliciously noting and adding thereunto something of their own invention they did presently tell it unto Herod and so did foment the dissention of his house For the King being moved hereat and purposing to humble B Mariamne's Children Herod brought Antipater's Mother into the Palace did daily encrease and augment Antipater's honour and at his entreaties at last brought his Mother into the Court and many times writing secretly unto Caesar in favour of Antipater he especially commended him in particular unto him And being to sail to salute Agrippa who was now to depart out of Asia having governed that Province ten years he only took with him Antipater of all his Sons whom he also committed to Agrippa with many gifts Herod delivereth Antipater to Agrippa to be carried to Rome to go with him to Rome and to be brought into favour with Caesar So that now all things seemed to be done as it were by his man's beck and the other two to be already dis-inherited C CHAP. VII Antipater doth so incense his Father against his Brothers Alexander and Aristobulus that Herod bringeth them to Rome and accuseth them before Augustus for having attempted to poyson him ANtipater's Journey to Rome Antipater was honoured at Rome with his Father's Letters of Recommendation to all his friends there proved both very advantageous and honourable to him yet this was a great grief to him Antipater when he was present incited his Father against his Brethren by lies and being absent he did the same by Letters that he could not daily calumniate his Brothers for he feared lest his Father's mind should change and so would affect Mariamne's Children D most This being his daily fear though he were absent he ceased not by Letters to incite his Father against them as having care of his safety but indeed for that he thereby through his bad practises hoped to obtain the Kingdom so that he encreased Herod's wrath against them that he was become a deadly enemy unto them both But fearing rashly in his anger to commit any thing to prejudice them he determined to sail again to Rome and there to accuse his Sons before Caesar lest he being led away through indignation and displeasure against them should seem to cast off all love and fatherly affection towards them Herod sailed to Rome and followed Caesar to Aquileia And repairing to Rome and not finding Caesar there he followed him unto Aquileia and coming to speech of him and requesting him to take notice of his misfortunes he presented his two Sons and accused them E before Caesar of insolency Herod accused his Sons before Caesar and for having attempted to poyson him complaining their hatred to be gone so far that now by any wicked and execrable way whatsoever they sought their Father's Kingdom notwithstanding that Caesar had given him full power and liberty to leave the Kingdom to him whom he found most dutiful unto him And that they though thereby they might not gain the Kingdom yet they could be contented with their Father's death and that they sought it with danger of their own lives and that this horrible and detestable hatred was now rooted in their hearts And that he having long endured this calamity was now forced to open it unto Caesar and trouble his ears with these complaints And spake after this manner Have I deserved this at their hands what wrong have I done F them or how can they think it reason that I who have exposed my self to so many dangers and undergone so difficult labours for a long time to obtain the Kingdom should not peaceably enjoy the same and suffer me to be Lord of my own Dominions and permit me the liberty to leave it unto him who shall deserve such honour in the best performance of a Son-like duty So that the beholders hereof seeing piety so rewarded might hereby be the more incited hereunto especially seeing that without violating the Law of Nature it is not lawful to think any such thought For no man can affect his Father's Kingdom but he doth also desire his Father's death seeing it is not permitted men to succeed those in the Kingdom who are yet alive He alledged moreover that for his part he had had a care that they should want nothing convenient for a kind G Father to provide for Princely Children neither ornaments nor followers nor delights That also he had provided for them Wives of a Noble Race and had married one of them unto his Sister's Daughter and the other unto Archelaus his Daughter King of Cappadocia And which was the greatest matter of all he had not used the H authority of a Father against them after
being in prison his friends were tortured he would afterwards have gone to Rome Wherefore endeavouring to find some stronger argument of his Son's impiety and because he would not be thought rashly to have committed his Son to prison he caused the most noble and eminent of all Alexander's friends to be tortured and they confessing no such matter as he expected he put them to death Whilst thus all the Court did resound with fear One accused Alexander to have sent letters to Rome against his Father torments and contentions a certain B man accused Alexander to have sent letters to his friends at Rome to entreat them to cause him to be sent for by Caesar thither that he might accuse his Father of certain conspiracies against Caesar and how he more esteemed the friendship of Mithridates King of the Parthians than the friendship of the Romans affirming also that he had poyson ready prepared at Ascalon Herod hearing this was comforted by flatterers about him as having not done any thing rashly and so he gave now full credit unto all Alexander confesseth the treason and who had a hand in it Yet the poyson was diligently sought for but could not be found Alexander being now oppressed with this calamity he yet took courage and because he would more incite his Father's displeasure against him he did not deny it Perhaps meaning to make his Father ashamed of himself for giving credit so easily unto forged C tales or at least if he could not effect that entangle all the Court and him too in calamity and misery Which that he might the better do he writ four little Pamphlets and sent them unto his Father telling him that it was needless to use any more torments for indeed treason was intended against him and that Pheroras and his most trusty friends were herein conspirators And that in the night time Salome came secretly unto him and as it were forced him to lie with her And that all of them aimed at this mark to have him made away that so they might enjoy their wished liberty He also accused Ptolomeus and Sapinnius of this conspiracy who were more faithful unto their King than all others So that now these men who before were most friendly one to another began like mad men to rage one against another and punishment so D hastily pursued every one that they had not time to speak in their own defence Neither was their punishment deferred till their cause was tried and the truth known so that some were bound and imprisoned others presently put to death others laughed in their sleeves to see that day yet discontented for that any delay was used for their punishment Herod was so troubled with the contention in his house that he was weary of his life So that the King's Court was now greatly defaced with sorrow and heaviness wherewith the usual felicity thereof was destroyed Herod himself amidst these calamities could not but be weary of his life who not daring to trust himself in any bodies hand he was tormented with a dayly and hourly fear of some untimely death that would befall And many times perswaded himself that he did see his Sons before him with a drawn sword ready to kill him and this was his cogitation night and day E so that herewith he almost ran mad CHAP. XII How Archelaus King of Cappadocia reconciled Alexander to his Father WHilst Herod was thus troubled in his mind Hedio Ruffinus chap. 9 al. 13. Archelaus King of Cappadocia careful of his Daughter and the young Prince his Son in Law and pitying his friend Herod in such calamities Archelaus the King of Cappadocia feigneth displeasure against Alexander his Son in Law and so reconciled Herod unto him he thought it his duty to make a journey unto him And F finding him so affected as it was reported unto him before his coming he thought it an unfit way to argue him of too much credulity and rashness perceiving that thereby he would be rather exasperated so much the more labouring to excuse himself Wherefore Archelaus devised another way to appease these troubles he counterfeited indignation against the young Prince approving all the King's actions affirming that he would break the band of Wedlock between his Daughter and Alexander and that if she knew of the Conspiracy and did not inform the King thereof himself would punish her Then Herod contrary to his expectation seeing Archelaus so angry for the offence committed against him began to remit his anger And now with just consideration weighing what he had done by little and little G he began to have a Fatherly affection and to be hereby moved to compassion yet so oft as any one sought to excuse the young Prince he grew very angry thereat but when Archelaus also began to accuse him then Herod's heart relented and he with tears besought Archelaus not to yield too much to anger nor for the young Princes offence H break off the marriage Then Archelaus perceiving him to relent began to turn the matter against Herod's friends as the causes of all this mischief who had corrupted Alexander who of himself was void of malice and especially he aggravated the matter against Pheroras the King's Brother Archelaus layeth the fault of Alexander's offence upon others and especially upon Pheroras Pheroras having now incurred the King's displeasure perceived that none could so soon reconcile him unto the King as Archelaus wherefore clothed in black and making other signs as though he despaired of his life he went unto him who did not deny to help him what he could yet he told him that it was no easie matter for him to pacifie the King so highly offended perswading him rather himself to go unto the King his Brother and crave pardon of him confessing himself to have been cause of all this mischief by which confession of his I the King's wrath would be greatly appeased and so he also should have better occasion to entreat for him Pheroras confessed himself to be the author of all mischief and obtaineth pardon of his brother Pheroras followed his counsel which fell out happily for them both for the Prince contrary to any ones expectation was freed from all his troubles And Archelaus made Pheroras and Herod friends and he himself having obtained great friendship of the King in his adversities he returned joyfully into Cappadocia being rewarded with rich gifts and being accounted of as Herod's chiefest friend They also agreed amongst themselves that Herod should go to Rome because he had already written unto Caesar Herod accompanied Archelaus unto Antioch concerning this matter And they both went together to Antiochia and there Herod reconciled Titus the President of Syria unto Archelaus and so he returned into Judea K CHAP. XIII Herod declareth War against the Arabians for protecting Trachonites Robbers WHilest Herod being gone to Rome The year of the World 3956. before
advertised of Antipater's Conspiracies AFter Pheroras's death Hedio Ruffinus chap. 5. two of his Freemen who were Taphnites by birth and such as Pheroras in his life time Pheroras's Free-men accuse his Wife for poysoning him both only trusted and dearly loved came unto Herod requiring him not to suffer his Brother's death to pass unpunished but to O make diligent enquiry of that unfortunate and unexpected disastre Herod gave ear to their suit perceiving that the matters they importuned him in were likely and very A credible Whereupon they told him that Pheroras the day before his unexpected sickness had supt with his Wife and that having received an unaccustomed Poyson with his meat he was dead That this Poyson had been brought thither by a woman of Arabia who in her speech protested that it was some Potion to encrease love but in effect it was to bring Pheroras to his end For the women of Arabia amongst all others are skilful in Poysons and are great Sorcerers and she that was charged with this fact was esteemed a great friend and favourer of Syllaeus's best beloved That Pheroras's Mother and his Wife's Sister went into those Quarters on purpose to buy that Poyson and returned back and brought this woman with them the day before the Supper Herod tortureth the Ladies Bond-women and soundeth out Antipater's and their secrets The King moved by these words of theirs tortured both those Maid-servants B of theirs who were their Bond-women as also certain other of their free servants Now when the fact could not be extorted by reason that none of them confessed it at length she that was last of all put to her tryal overcome by the pains she endured said nothing else but that she prayed God that Antipater's Mother might feel the like torments since she was the cause of all these mischiefs which they endured These words of hers made Herod the more eager and inquisitive so that by force of tortures he wrought out all the secrets of these women their Banquets their secret Assemblies and those very words that Herod had spoken apart betwixt his Son and himself which had been reported unto the women that Pheroras entertained namely C that he would give him one hundred Talents provided that he would use no conference with Pheroras Moreover they reckoned up the hatred that Antipater bare unto his Father the complaints that he made unto his Mother of the too long life and continuance of his Father for that in regard of himself he was already grown old so that although the Kingdom should fall into his hands presently yet he could receive but very little contentment thereby Moreover he alledged that divers Brothers and Brothers Children were brought up together with him so that he might not securely hope for any thing for that already if he should fortune to die the Kingdom was to descend not to his Son but to his Brother Besides this he was accustomed to accuse the King of divers cruelties committed by him and of that murther which he executed D upon the persons of his Children That for fear lest he should practice his Tyranny against those that remained Antipater had found out the device to be summoned to Rome and Pheroras withdrew himself into his Tetrarchy These words which as he knew had reference to that which his Sister had often informed him of were not by him held incredible so that being pressed with the malice of Antipater Herod thrusted Doris Antipater's Mother out of his Palace he sequestred Doris his Mother from his presence robbing her before her departure of all her Jewels which were valued at many Talents and from that time forward he shewed himself more favourable towards those women of Pheroras's houshold But nothing did more whet Herod's displeasure against Antipater than did a certain Samaritan Antipater the Samaritan declareth how Antipater the King's Son had provided Poyson for his Father who was also called Antipater who had the ordering of E the Affairs of Antipater the King's Son For he being brought in question and tortured declared among other things that Antipater had mixed a mortal Poyson and delivered the same to Pheroras his Uncle commanding him to practice the King's death in his absence and by that means least suspected That this Poyson was brought out of Egypt by one called Antiphilus Antipater's friend That it was sent to Pheroras by one called Theudion Antipater's Mother's Brother That this Poyson was kept by Pheroras's Wife Pheroras's Wife confesseth that she hath the Poyson and casts her self down headlong from the Roof and was committed by her Husband to her custody She being examined by the King hereupon confessed no less and hasting forth as if she intended to fetch the same she cast her self down headlong from the top of the house yet she did not kill her self because she fell upon her feet After she was recovered out of her swoun and the King F had promised all security both to her self and her Family if so be she would discover the truth and contrariwise threatned her with extreme torments if she obstinately continued in concealing these Treasons She sware she would discover all things according as they were acted and as many men thought at that time she told nothing but the truth That Poyson said she was brought by Antiphilus out of Egypt and bought there by the means of a Brother of his who was a Physician After this Theudion brought it to our house and I having received it from Pheroras 's hands kept the same but bought by your Son Antipater to poyson you that are his Father Now therefore after that my Husband fell sick and you in kindness came to visit and comfort him he being moved with compassion and conquered by your brotherly kindness G and by your good affection and loving care in giving order for his health called me unto him and said Oh Wife Antipater hath circumvented me whilst by his pestilent counsels and poysoning practices he desireth to cut off his Father and deprive me of a kind Brother Now therefore since I perceive there is no part of my Brother's love and H natural affection diminished towards me wherewith he was wont to entertain me and that my last hour of life approacheth God forbid that being ready to sleep with my Fore-fathers I should present them with a Ghost soil'd and sweltered in my Brother's blood Dispatch therefore and burn this poyson before mine eyes Hereupon said she I presently brought it forth according as my Husband commanded me and burnt the greatest part of the Poyson and the rest I have reserved that if after my Husband's death your Majesty should use me unkindly it might serve me to escape those extremities that would betide me After she had spoken thus she brought forth before them the Poyson and the box wherein it was kept The year of the World 3962. before Christ's Nativity 2. After her
done before And in the mean while he sent certain Messengers with Letters to Caesar to accuse his Son and to declare wherein Acme had been his Confederate producing the Copy of the Letters These Ambassadours therefore repaired to Rome instructed in those things they were to answer to those Interrogatories that should be offered them and with them he sent these Letters C CHAP. VIII The Golden Eagle that Herod had consecrated and fixed on the Portal of the Temple is pulled off The severe Punishment that he inflicteth for it The King 's terrible Sickness and the cruel Orders that he giveth to his Sister Salome and to her Husband D WHilst Herod's Ambassadours were on their Journey to Rome with his Orders Hedio Ruffinus chap. 8. he fell sick and made his Will appointed his youngest Son to succeed him in the Kingdom for through Antipater's instigations Herod falling sick maketh his Will and leaveth the Succession of his Kingdom with his other Goods to his Friends and Kinsfolks Herod impatient in his old age and wondrous wayward he had conceived a hatred against Archelaus and Philip. He sent also a thousand Talents unto Caesar and five hundred to his Wife and to his Children Friends and Free-men He bestowed also Money Rents and Lands upon his own Children He gave his Sister Salome an ample Possession because she had always persevered in loving him and had never offended him And having lost all hope of recovery for that he was about 70 years old he became very touchy and froward in whatsoever his affairs The cause hereof was that opinion he had conceived that he grew contemptible and that the whole Nation took pleasure in those mis-haps which befel him which some of those who were favoured by the people made him the rather believe upon this occasion which ensueth Amongst those that were most learned among the Jews Judas the Son of Sariphaeus and Matthias the Son of Margalothus the E most excellent Interpreters of the Laws and Ordinances of the Countrey and for this cause were in greatest esteem amongst the people by reason that they instructed and trained up the Youth for all those that desired to obtain Vertue spent all their time with them understanding that the King's sickness was dangerous The year of the World 3963. after Christ's Nativity 1. they incensed the younger sort counselling them to overthrow all those works that the King had caused to be made contrary to the Law and Custom of the Countrey to the end that they fighting for Piety might obtain the reward that attendeth the same For in that the King had undertaken and done many things contrary to the Law divers unaccustomed miseries had befallen him and namely that sickness wherewith he was detained For Herod had done divers things contrary to the ancient Law against which Judas and Matthias exclaimed openly A Golden Eagle upon the greatest Gate of the Temple For he had erected over the Portal of the great Temple an Eagle of Gold of great value Now the Law prohibiteth that they who pretend to live according to the same should in any sort erect any Image or represent any Figures of living Creatures F whatsoever For this cause these Doctors counselled them to pull down that Eagle telling them that although the matter seemed very dangerous Contempt of death yet ought they to prefer an honest death before a pleasant life if so be it be employed for the defence of their Countrey-laws and Religion For in so doing they should obtain immortal praise for the present and a memorable and eternal glory in time to come neither that they should protract the execution thereof for fear of danger since death was a thing that could not be avoided so that since by the general course of Nature they must needs die it should become them bravely to forsake their lives with praise and honour in embracing Vertue For to die in the execution of some noble exploit which cannot be atchieved without hazard of danger their Children should be richly rewarded with the fruits thereof and their other Parents that should outlive them of what Sex soever should reap the fruits of that glory which was honourably atchieved by them In these or such like words they encouraged the young men About that time there was a rumour spread that the King was dead which gave very great furtherance G to the Doctors resolution For at Noon they went up into the Temple they pulled and hewed down the Eagle with their Axes in the sight and assembly of a great number of people that were in the Temple Now when the tidings hereof came unto the ears of the King's Captain he fearing H lest some further and more fatal tumult might be raised drew out a strong Company of Souldiers with him to repulse those that were assembled to hew down the Eagle and charging the rude and disarmed multitude who were gathered together he easily killed and dispersed the most as for those forty young men that valiantly prepared themselves to resist he apprehended them and with them the Authors of Sedition The young men pulling down the golden Eagle hew it in pieces with their Axes Judas and Matthias who scorned to submit themselves and led them to the King who demanding of them how they durst deface the sacred Image They answered that long before that time they had resolved it and that now according as they had resolved they had like valiant men performed the same For we said they maintain the honour of God and the Doctrine of our Law whereof we are Disciples neither ought you to admire that with contempt of your Ordinances we have preferred the Laws of our Forefathers which Moses hath left us in writing according as he was suggested and taught them by God Judas and Matthias with forty other young men being brought to the King's presence justifie their actions with joy and the King sendeth them bound to Jericho Neither do we refuse any death or punishment which thou shalt inflict upon us being assured in our Consciences that we suffer not for Impiety but Piety's sake Thus spake they all I of them continuing the like constant boldness in their answers as they had shewed in their actions being also ready constantly to endure any punishment for that which they had attempted Hereupon the King commanded them to be bound and sent them to Jericho Then calling before him those principal Jews who had the Government under him and being brought into their Assembly upon his Pallat by reason of his weakness he recited unto them the numberless toils he had endured for their sakes in like manner how upon his great charges he had repaired and re-edified the Temple whereas the Asmoneans for the space of 125 years wherein they reigned could not perform such a Building to the honour of God Moreover he signified unto them how he had adorned the same with precious Gifts
for which he hoped that after his death his memory and glory should survive After this he expostulated with them for what cause they abstained not from offering him that injury during his life time Herod assembleth the Governours of the Jews and expostulateth with them about this commotion And why at Noon day and in the sight of all the people they had laid hands K on these Presents which he had dedicated unto God and had taken those things away violently which though in words they appertained to him yet in the effect if they were well examined they had taken from God The Governours suspecting his cruelty and fearing lest his unbridled passion should urge him further by which means they might be assured of some severe punishment answered him that those things were not done by their consents and that in their opinion the injury ought not to be let slip without punishment At that time Herod shewed himself more favourable towards the rest Matthias deprived of the High Priesthood and Jozarus assigned his place but he caused Matthias to be deprived of the Priesthood as one who in part had been the cause of that which had happened and in his place substituted Jozar one of his Wives Brethren During the Priesthood of this Matthias it happened also that another High Priest was elected that very day wherein the Jews did usually celebrate their Fast For Matthias the night before the day of the Fast seemed in his Dream to have the company of his Wife and whereas for this cause he was L unfit to offer the Divine Sacrifice he had Joseph the Son of Ellemus appointed him to be his Assistant by reason of his alliance Joseph Ellemi for one day High Priest Herod therefore deposed Matthias And as for the other Matthias who had moved this trouble both he and his companions were by his order consumed with fire This very night the Moon was eclipsed and Herod's sickness grew more vehement For God punished those sins which he had committed Matthias and Judas burned For he was inflamed with a slow fire which to the outward sense seemed not so vehement but inwardly searched and afflicted all his Entrails He had also a ravenous and unnatural Appetite to his meat The Eclipse which could no way be satisfied Besides that he had an Ulcer in his Bowels Hedio Rufâââ chap. 9 with a strange and furious Collick His Feet were swelled and of venomous colour ãâã horrible sickness and his Stomach was no less affected also His Members rotted and were full of crawling Worms with a filthy and no less troublesome Priapism accompanied with an intolerable Stench Besides all this he had a strong Convulsion of his Nerves and shortness of Breath For which cause it was a general opinion amongst holy men and such as had the knowledge of Prophecy M that the King was thus punished for his infinite impieties and sins committed against the Majesty of God And although he was tormented with an unsupportable sickness yet he had hopes to escape and for that cause he sent for Physicians from all places The hot Baths of Calliroes that flow into the Lake of Asphaltite and refused none of those remedies which they thought requisite for him He therefore past over Jordan and went into the hot Baths of Calliroes the Waters whereof are potable besides other vertues they have against all other kind of sickness this Water dischargeth it self into the Lake called Asphaltites Being there it was thought good by his Physicians that he should refresh himself in those Waters There being set by them into a Bathing-tub filled with Oyl he grew so sick that they held him for dead Whereupon all his Domestick servants wept and lamented and all his familiar friends cried out bewailing him and with their great noise caused him to come to himself And seeing himself wholly out of hope to escape he gave order that there should a Distribution be made to every Soldier the summ of fifty Drachmes and he offered great Presents N to their Captains and his Friends Afterwards he returned to Jericho where a melancholly humour possessed him Herod bestoweth a distribution among his Soldiers which made him unsociable and displeased against all men so that seeing that he must needs die he bethought him of this wicked action that followeth For the Noblest men amongst the Nation of the Jews resorting unto him from all parts by his command under the express Penalty of loss of life to whosoever should neglect the same the King shewed himself to be displeased as well against those whom he thought guilty Herod commandeth that the Noblest of the Jews should be slain after his death as against them who had given him no occasion of discontent For he caused them to be shut up in a place called the Hippodrome which was the Tilt-yard to run Horses in and sent for his Sister Salome and Alexas her Husband telling them that his end was at hand for that his griefs did incessantly torment him which as he said he ought to bear patiently because it was an end that should happen to all men But that which most grieved him was that he saw himself deprived of those mournings and lamentations which a King deserved For he was not ignorant of the Jews affections neither how his death was desired and longed for by them since that in his life time they O presumed so far as to revolt and dishonour and deface those gifts which he had bestowed upon the A Commonweal It therefore behoved them to afford him some solace in that his bitter anguish for that if they refused not to perform that which he had contrived in his mind the lamentation of his death should be magnificent and as great as ever any King ever had and the pleasure and laughter that might accompany his death should be abated by their sorrow who should unfeignedly lament for the whole Nation He therefore commanded them that at such time as he should give up the Ghost they should cause the Hippodrome to be invironed by his Souldiers as yet unadvertised of his death which he would not have published before this execution was ended and to command them to shoot their Arrows at those that were shut up therein And that when they had killed them all after this manner they should B make him triumph and rejoyce in a double joy first for that in his death his Commands should be ratified by effect Secondly For that he should be honoured by a memorable lamentation Thus weeping he entreated his Kinsfolk for the love they bare unto him and for the faith they bare unto God that they should not suffer him to die frustrate of his last honour and they protested that they would not transgress any point of his Commands Hereby a man may conjecture what his nature was who took pleasure in these above-named impieties and who through the
desire he had of long life hath after this sort dealt with those of his Blood And it may be conjectured by these his last Commands that he had nothing in him that savoured of any humanity for that departing out of the World he had such a mind that all C the Nation and all such as were most affectionate towards him should be driven to sorrow and desolation commanding that in every house one should be killed yea such as had not in any sort offended him and were not accused of one mis-deed committed against any other whereas they that have any vertue finding themselves at that state have been accustomed to lay aside the hatred which they have before born unto their enemies D CHAP. IX Augustus referreth it to Herod to dispose of Antipater as he pleaseth Herod falling into a relapse of his Torments desireth to kill himself Achiabus one of his Grand-children hindreth him It is reported that he is dead Antipater endeavoureth in vain to bribe his Keeper to set him at liberty as soon as Herod heareth of it he sendeth one to kill him WHilst he delivered these instructions to his Kindred Letters are sent from Rome that Acme was executed by Caesar's Command and that he had Authority to use he received Letters from those Ambassadours which he had sent to Rome unto Caesar the effect whereof E was that Acme was put to death by Caesar's Command who was displeased with her for that she had been of Antipater's Conspiracy who was remitted to Herod's pleasure like a King and Father to use him as best pleased him either to exile and banish him or if it please him to put him to death Herod receiving these News recovered his Spirits a little through the pleasure he received in the Contents of those Letters Antipater as his pleasure both of Acme's death and of the power that was granted him to punish his Son But being assailed afresh by grievous Dolours and urged with a desire to eat Herod calling for a Knife an Apple intendeth to stab himself he called for an Apple and a Knife for he was accustomed to pare his Apples himself and cut a little and afterwards to eat it When as therefore he had gotten hold of the Knife he looked round about him determining to give F himself a mortal Wound therewith and had certainly done it had not Achiabus his Grand-child hastily stept within him Achiabus with holdeth his hand and stayed his hand and called for assistance At that time the sorrow and lamentation was renewed in all the Palace as if the King had been already dead Antipater thinking his Father to be dead dealeth with his Keeper for his delivery which Herod hearing of commandeth him to be slain And Antipater certainly believing that his Father was departed began to hope and confirmed no less in his words that being delivered out of Prison he should obtain the possession of the Kingdom without any difficulty and treated with the Jaylour concerning his deliverance offering him great Presents both in hand and hereafter as if there had been no other question but of that But so far was the Jaylour from obeying that which Antipater demanded that he went and acquainted the King what his intent was and what offers he made him Herod who had already conceived G a sinister opinion of his Son hearing what the Jaylour had said began to exclaim and to beat his head although he was at the uttermost gasp and lifting himself up upon his elbows he commanded that one of his Guards should presently go kill him and that done he should be buried in the Castle of Hircanion without H any honour CHAP. X. Herod altereth his Will declareth Archelaus his Successor he dieth five days after Antipater Herod's glorious Funeral ordained by Archelaus the peoples great acclamation in favour of Archelaus I AFter this Hedio Ruffinus chap. 10. having changed his mind he made a new Testament For he appointed Antipas Tetrarch of Galilee and of Peraea Herod's Will is changed whereas before he had instituted him for his Successor in the Kingdom He created Archelaus King he gave the Provinces of Gaulonites Trachonites Batanea and Paneade to Philip his Son and Archelaus's Brother by the Mother's side to be Tetrarch over those places He gave his Sister Salome Jamnia Azot and Phaselis with fifty thousand Crowns of Gold He provided also for his other Kins-men all whom he left rich in money which he gave them and revenews which he assigned them His Legacy to Caesar and Julia his Wife He gave Caesar ten Millions of Drachmes in Silver amounting to the summ of eleven hundred thousand Francks besides a great quantity K of Gold and Silver Plate and of precious Moveables To Julia Caesar's Wife and to certain others he bequeathed five millions of Drachmes amounting to five hundred and fifty thousand Francks Herod's death or thereabout After he had in this manner disposed all things some five days after he had caused Antipater to be executed he departed this life having reigned after Antigonus's death for the space of thirty and four years and thirty and seven years after he was elected and approved King by the Romans A man without respect cruel and severe towards all men Slave to his wrath Lord of the Laws yet so favoured by fortune as no man more for from a private man he became a King and being environed with many dangers he always happily escaped and he lived also a very long time Herod's mutable strange Fortune And as concerning his Family and Children in his L own opinion he was happy in that he overcame his enemies but in my opinion he was most unfortunate Before the King's death was thorowly known Salome and Alexas after the King's death dismiss the Jews that were shut up in the Hippodrome Salome and Alexas discharged those that were locked up in the Hippodrome and sent every one of them home unto his own house telling them that the King commanded them to depart and follow their houshold Affairs and till their Land wherein they performed a most noble action and benefitted the whole Nation with an especial good turn After the King's death was bruted abroad Salome and Alexas caused all the Army to be assembled in the Aâphitheatre in Jericho and first of all they caused Herod's Letters to be read which were addressed to the Souldiers Hedio Ruffinus chap. 11. in which he gave them thanks for the fidelity and M good will which they had expressed towards him Herods thanksgiving to his Army and testament read Archelaus is applauded by the people praying them to continue the same to Archelaus his Son whom he had appointed to be their King after him That done Ptolomey to whom the King had committed the custody of his Seal recited his Testament which was to take no effect except that Caesar approved the
enough to do to the Parthians H Their Actions their Death The Grecians and Syrians who lived in Sylesia unite against the Jews and kill fity thousand of them unawares CHAP. I. Judas and Sadoc taking an opportunity by vertue of the Tax which was imposed upon all Judea endeavour to establish a fourth Sectary and kindled a great Civil War I CYrenius the Roman Senator having passed through all Degrees The year of the World 3973. after Christ's Nativity 11. Offices and Dignities until such time as he obtained the Consulship a man of great account was sent into Syria by Caesar's order to do justice among the people and to sess and tax every man's goods Coponius a Captain of Horse was sent with him who was appointed to be Governour of all Jewry Hedio Ruffinus chap. 1. Cyrenius therefore came into Judea which was already united to Syria to tax the Goods of the Inhabitants thereof Cyrenius is sent by Caesar into Syria to execute Justice in that place and to confiscate Archelaus's Substance And although at the first the Jews thought this Tax very unreasonable yet notwithstanding K without contradiction they submitted themselves being perswaded thereunto by the counsel of the High Priest Joazar the Son of Boethus But after this there arose a certain Jew called Judas the Gaulanite Coponius Prefect of Judaea born in the Town of Gamala who having a certain man called Sadoc the Pharisee Confederate with him laboured to stir up the people to Rebellion The Taxation of the people of the Jews alledging that the Sess was no other thing but a confession of their servitude exhorting all the Nation to maintain their liberty and putting them in hope that they thereby should happily establish their estates Alias chap. 3. and enjoy their goods with security and besides this obtain both honour and glory in prosecution of such an enterprise Moreover that God would not afford them a more assured way to settle their Fortunes than by this means namely if they would employ themselves L in the execution of their designs and if having conceived in their minds high and noble attempts they forbore not to accomplish the same notwithstanding the execution cost them their lives These speeches of theirs were entertained by the people with great pleasure and by the same they were the more confirmed and heartened to Rebellion So that there was no kind of evil which these men set not abroach yea the whole Nation was so full of miseries that it was impossible to relate them For the Wars went on with such fury that it was impossible to restrain the violence thereof so that they neither spared friends nor enemies but were wholly given over to the spoil Slaughters Thefts Seditions and Famine in Judaea There was nothing but Robberies and Murthers of the Nobility under pretence to establish the state of the Commonweal but in effect for their private profit M sake whereby the Cities were ruined with Seditions and Murthers in which the Inhabitants killed one another after a strange manner of fury and desire they had not to spare any that was not of their Faction They were afflicted with Forreign Enemies and Famine yet none of these could pacifie their fury nor make them forbear to destroy Cities and shed innocent Blood till at length the horrible mischief took such a head The Temple of Jerusalem burnt that they consumed the Temple of God and burned all the stately buildings So dangerous a thing it is to change the Customs and Manners of a Countrey For Judas and Sadoc having introduced and raised a fourth Sect Judas and Sadoâ the Authors of the fourth Sect. and tying the Sectaries to their command filled the whole Commonweal with many troubles and planted the roots of those mischiefs which afterwards spred abroad from this unaccustomed N Sect. For which cause I think it not amiss to discourse briefly of these Sectaries opinions whereby so many evils have fallen upon our Nation A CHAP. II. Of the four sorts of Sectaries that were among the Jews THere were three Sects among the Jews of long continuance and Antiquity Hedio Ruffinus c. 11. al 5 that of the Esseans that of the Saducees and that of those who were called Pharisees Of these we have spoken in our second Book Three Sects of whom mention is made in the second Book of the Wars of the Jews of the Wars of the Jews and yet now I think it not amiss to speak somewhat of them in this place also The Pharisees use a very austere and strict kind of life and addict not themselves to any delicacy but diligently B follow that which their reason induceth them unto They honour their Elders neither dare they reply or reproach them for their admonitions They attribute all things unto fate The Pharisees Doctrine and yet they take not an assent of will from man supposing that God tempereth all things in such sort that by his Ordinance and man's will all things are performed good or evil They believe also that the Souls of men are immortal and that after death they receive their reward according as they have addicted themselves to virtue or vice in their life times the one to lie in perpetual Prison the other to rise again very shortly For which cause they are in great esteem among the people and all that which appertaineth to the service of God whether they be Prayers or Sacrifices all things are done according as they give direction So ample a Testimony C do the Cities yield of their wisdom The Saducees opinion temperance and honest life But the Saducees are of that opinion that the Souls of men perish with their Bodies They observe no other thing but that which is in the Law and hold it a Virtue to dispute with their Masters concerning the Decrees of their Sect. Their opinion is entertained by very few yet such who for the most part are men of the best account there is hardly any thing done without their advice And when they are advanced to any honours they are enforced to allow of that which the Pharisees shall propose otherwise the common people will not endure them The Esseans Opinion The Esseans attribute unto God the Government and disposition of all things They say that the Souls of men are immortal and all the uttermost of their endeavour and delight is to maintain Justice and Equity They send their Offerings D unto the Temple yet sacrifice they not with other men by reason they use more sacred and different Ceremonies for which cause they are secluded out of the common Temple The Esseans life and manners and sacrifice a-part Otherwise they are men of most reconciled behaviour and such as are wholly addicted to cultivate their Land They have one custom which is worthy admiration and such a one as is not to be found amongst any other either
intended to talk with them before he died But the truth is that he had not any Children of his own but had adopted them For Drusus who was his only Child was already dead Tiberius Gemellus the Son of Drusus and had left behind him a Son called Tiberius sirnamed Gemellus He had Caius also his Brother Germanicus's Son who was in the flower of his Age and had been very well bred Caius the Gracious Germanicus's Son To him also the people ascribed very much in remembrance of the Virtue of his deceased Father and as for himself he was of a sweet conversation and so modest that he was familiar and affable to all men Whereby it came to pass that not only the people but the Senate also held him in great estimation as also all the N Subjects in every several Province For they that spake with him were drawn partly by his affability partly by the fidelity they saw in him so that when he was dead all of them mourned not counterfeitly lamenting his loss but with unfeigned sorrow for that there was not any one that supposed not his death to be every man's particular loss He therefore demeaned himself so modestly towards all men that his Son after his death was highly advanced thereby For amongst the rest the Soldiers made their reckoning that although it should cost them their lives to get him the Empire they would not refuse the hazard After that Tiberius had charged Euodus to bring him the two young men the next morrow by break of day he besought the Gods of that place to give him an evident O sign whereby he might know who should succeed him For although he desired to leave the Empire to his Grand-child yet he made more account of that which God A should make manifest unto him Therefore he conceived a presage that he who the next day should enter first to salute him it should be he who in the Empire should necessarily succeed him And having setled this thing in his fansie he sent unto his little Son's Master charging him to bring him unto him by break of day supposing that God had ordained that the Empire should be his but the matter fell out quite contrary to his expectation For being in this thought he commanded Euodus that as soon as he could in the morning he should suffer him of the two young Princes to enter in unto him who should arrive the first He walking out met with Caius before the Chamber door for Tiberius was not there who being ignorant of that which his Grand-father thought was busie about his Breakfast and said unto him that the Emperour his Father B called for him and withal suffered him to enter When Tiberius beheld Caius he suddenly began to consider the Power of God who deprived him of the means to dispose of the Empire according as he had determined with himself for that it lay not in his power and he lamented greatly not so much for that he saw his design could not be brought to effect as that his Son Tiberius was in danger of his life seeing that in all appearance Caius would be Master who being so near a Relation would prove the more dangerous to young Tiberius because Sovereignty desireth no sharer And Caius would be always jealous and never think himself sure so long as young Tiberius was alive Tiberius addicted to the Mathematicks In a word Tiberius was very much addicted to Astrological Predictions so that the greater part of those things which he executed all his life time was ordered C thereby He seeing Galba one day coming towards him He foretelleth Galba's Succession in the Empire spoke this of him to his Familiars Behold the man that shall be one day honoured with the Roman Empire And amongst all the Emperours he gave greatest credit to Divination for that in certain things he had found the Conjectures correspondent to truth But at that time he was grievously disquieted by reason of the misfortune that had happened yea he was so grieved as if his Grand-child had been already lost and he blamed himself because he had sought these Presages for that he might have died without falling into that disaster in being ignorant of that which was to come whereas now he should die in the knowledge of their mis-fortunes whom he loved most entirely Being thus troubled D to see that the Sovereignty of the Empire should contrary to his intention fall into their hands who by his will should not enjoy the same although it were with hearts grief and contrary to his will yet he spake to Caius after this manner which ensueth My Son Tiberius recommendeth the Roman Empire and Tiberius his Grandchild to Caius although Tiberius be more nearly allied unto me than you are yet notwithstanding both by mine own advice as also by the will of the Immortal Gods I commit unto your hands the Empire of the Romans I require you therefore that when you shall enjoy the same you forget not the good will I have born towards you who have established you in so high and worthy a dignity and I charge you likewise that you forget not your Cousin Tiberius but knowing that by the will of the Gods I am he who after them am the Author of so much happiness which hath befallen you you return me the like good will and affection E And that you likewise take care of Tiberius by reason of your mutual relation for you ought to know that Tiberius serveth you for a Bulwark to maintain your Empire and your own life and if he die it will be the beginning of your mis-fortune For it is a dangerous matter for those who are raised to high Dignities to be sole and without Allies Moreover the Gods do never leave them unpunished who attempt and act any thing against the Laws of Consanguinity These were the last words which Tiberius spake to Caius who promised him to perform all that which he required notwithstanding he meant nothing less Caius killeth Tiberius For immediately after he was enstalled in the Empire he caused Tiberius to be killed according to his Grand-father's Predictions as also the same Caius died soon after by a Conspiracy that was practised against him When that Tiberius F had declared Caius his Successor in the Empire he lived not many days after and died after he had governed twenty years Caius Caligulâ the fourth Roman Emperor five months and three days Thus Caius was the fourth Emperour The Romans having intelligence of Tiberius's death greatly rejoyced at the good news yet they durst not assure themselves and though they desired nothing more yet they feared lest the news should be false and lest if they shewed themselves too diligent in expressing their signs of joy they should afterwards be accused for it and lose their lives thereby For Tiberius had done much mischief to the Noble Families in Rome Tiberius
was Emperor to exact that superiority on the Sea which was answerable to his soveraignty on the Land betwixt one Cape of the Sea unto another for the space of thirty furlongs or stades betwixt which the Gulf had his course he caused a Bridge to be built on which he commanded himself to be drawn in a Charriot as if that way were answerable to the dignity of his deity He left not one Temple in Greece whatsoever that he spoiled not of those excellent pictures that were in them Cajus spoiled all the Temples of Greece Giving a Comission that all Statues and whatsoever ornaments or gifts and presents that were dedicated in any Temple should be brought unto him saying that such things as were admirable should be reserved for a place of admiration such as was the City of Rome with these spoils of the Temples he adorned his Palace and Gardens and generally K all his houses and Palaces that he had in Italy Cajus commandeth Memmius Regulus to tranâfer Jupiter Olympus to Rome He was so impudent also as to give direction that Jupiter Olympius Statue which the Greeks had in great estimation and which Phidias the Athenian Satuarian had made should be transported to Rome But Memmius Regulus to whom he directed this commission executed it not because the Masons informed him that without spoiling it they could not remove it from the place It is reported also that he was hindred from this execution by such prodigies that are almost incredible which he assured Cajus of giving him to understand what the occasion was that had moved him to disobey him therein and whilst he was in danger of death for his delay the sudden and successful death of Cajus warranted him from the same Yea so far stretched his unbridled fury that having a daughter newly L born he caused her to be carried into the Capitol and laid at the feet of the Image of Jupiter Cajus compareth himself with Jupiter saying that the child was common betwixt him and Jupiter leaving the judgment to all men which of the two parents was the greatest And notwithstanding all these his misdemeanours yet did men tolerate him He gave liberty to slaves also to accuse their Masters of whatsoever crimes they would which was so much the more hateful because all things were done by Caesars authority and to his good liking so that Pollux who was Claudius bondman durst accuse him Cajus gave slaves free liberty to accuse their Masters and countenanced Pollux to accuse his Master Claudius and Cajus the Emperour was contented among the Judges to hear his Uncle brought in question for his life hoping although it fell out otherwise to pick out an occasion to put him to death For having filled all the Countries of his Empire M with false accusations and all sorts of mischiefs and giving slaves a prerogative above their Masters their Lords devised many conspiracies against him some for spite and with an intent to be revenged of those injuries they had received others pretending by his death to prevent those inconveniences that threatned them In a word his death concerned the security of the Laws Many conspiracieâ against Cajus and the safety of all men and had he not been speedily cut off our nation had almost been utterly exterminated For which cause I thought good to make an exact and ample declaration of every occurrent namely for that the knowledge thereof maketh very much towards the manifestation of Gods power and will which brings consolation unto those who are in adversity and keep them within the bounds of modesty who suppose that their prosperity should N continue always firm and although they neglect virtue think that no evil may befal them Three several Conspiracies were intended against him to ease the world of this burthensome Tyrant All of them were attempted by men of great account For Aemilius Regulus Three conspiracies against Cajus who was born in Corduba in Spain was fully resolved to kill him himself or to make him away by the means of his Confederates Chaereas Cassius Colonel over a thousand men was the conductor of another Band Aemilius Regulus Cassius Chaereas Annius Minucius and Annius Minucianus was in no less readiness to do his uttermost herein The cause that moved them to combine thus altogether in hatred against Cajus was that in respect of Regulus he was by nature a detester of all iniquity for he was a very generous man and so free that he dissembled not any of his designs but communicated them with many who were either O his friends or valiant men fit for execution And as touching Minucianus he was induced to seek his revenge through the desire he had to do justice to Lepidus who had A been one of his especial friends and one of the rarest men that were ever found among the Roman Citizens whom Caius had put to death through the fear he had conceived of him knowing well that all they against whom Caius was incensed could not escape with less punishment than loss of life As for the third man Chaereas he could not endure the shame and reproach of cowardise that Caius had objected against him but feared besides that his friendship and inward familiarity with Caius would draw him into manifest dangers for which cause and his own security and honours sake he resolved to dispach him Generally all of them were resolved to rid the world of Caius and bring an end to his pride and tyrannical power for their hope was that their attempt having good success their Countrey and Common-weal should reap the B fruits thereof for whose security and safety it became them to hazard themselves though it were with loss of their lives But above all the rest Chaereas was egged on with a desire he had to grow famous and through the facility and convenient means he had to do it The Circensian Games because his Colonels room gave him most secure access unto him About that time the Circensian Games were solemnized which is a kind of Pastime which the Romans very willingly behold Caius causeth divers to be murthered who request mitigation of their exactions and to this intent they resort to the place of these exercises and the common people is wont to demand somewhat from the Emperour which they desire to obtain and after having examined their requests do never refuse them Now they required with instant and importunate supplications that Caius would discharge them of their taxations and moderate the excessive tributes C which they payed but he would give no ear unto them and caused those to be apprehended who called upon the matter most earnestly sending his Guard some of them one way some of them another to put them to the sword After he had given this order and they who received it had fully executed it a great number of men were killed The people seeing this ceased to exclaim any
they desired that the enterprize should be effected yet kept they all things close and gave no sign of joy nor made any shew that they heard that which was reported For some of them feared lest if they should be frustrated of their hope they should bring themselves in danger of punishment for having discovered their intent sooner than they should have done Divers rumors of Caesars death They likewise who knew the enterprize and were Confederates with the Actors yet did they more closely conceal it the one from the other fearing lest if they should discover the matter to any one of G those who drew any commodity from Caius tyranny they might bewray them whereby if Caius should be yet alive they might incur the danger of punishment For the report was that he had been wounded in certain places yet that he was not killed but as yet alive and among his Physicians hands who dressed his wounds H No man therefore durst freely discover the secrets of his heart to his Neighbour for they that spread those reports were either friends and for that cause were suspected as favourers of his Tyranny or enemies and by that means in that they were but sinisterly affected towards Caius there was no certainty to be gathered of that which they said There arose also another report which daunted and beat down the hearts and hopes of the Nobility namely that Caius setting light by the danger wherein he was and as little also by the wounds he had received was come into the Market-place all bloody as he was and after this manner declaimed before the people See here how they that spread these rumours preferred their conjectures which were void of all reason which distracted those that heard it according as they were affected Notwithstanding I all this no man removed from his place for fear lest they should be suddenly accused knowing well that they should be accused not according to their thoughts and affections but according to the disposition of their Judges and Accusers But after that the Germans had environed the Theatre with their naked Swords The German Soldiers resort to the Theatre all that were present expected nothing but death and as soon as any man entred they were seized with such an amazement as if they had already felt the strokes so that they knew not what to do having no heart to depart from thence and otherwise perswading themselves that if they stayed there any longer it would breed them further danger At length when the Soldiers were entred into the Theatre by force all the Assembly cried out protesting that whatsoever was done it was besides their K knowledg whether it were either attempted by Conspiracy or any other means They therefore most humbly entreated them that they would spare them and not inflict the penalty of the guilty on those that were innocent For their own parts they prayed them to search out those who had committed the act if any such thing were committed And thus spake they with tears beating their breasts and calling the Gods to witness alledging that which the present danger suggested them with and as much as such as pleaded for their lives could say By these perswasions of theirs the Soldiers fury was abated so that they began to repent for what they had executed in the Theatre for this also was a cruelty as they themselves notwithstanding their barbarous incivility supposed it to be which was that the heads of Asprenas and others that were L killed were carried and set upon an Altar Whereat all the Assistants were most grievously discontented remembring themselves of the dignity of the men and having compassion of that which had befallen them considering also that they themselves were not far off from dangers being uncertain whether they should save themselves whereby it came to pass that some of those who had cause to hate Caius durst not freely rejoyce at his death because they were upon the point to lose their own lives having as yet no appearance of any safety At length Auruntius Auruntius entreth the Theatre and signifieth the Emperour's death a man who was gracious among the people and was one of the common Criers who had a strong voice and by crying such goods as were to be sold had gathered so great substance as that he was accounted one of the richest men in M Rome and in great esteem amongst all men in that behalf entred the Theatre in a mourning Habit and after a lamentable manner And although he inwardly hated Caius yet for the fear he conceived lest he should lose his goods and in consideration of the present danger he dissembled his joy wearing all those Garments of mourning and using no less lamentation than if he had bemoaned the death of his dearest friend After this manner he came into the Theatre publishing Caius's death to the intent that the people might not be ignorant of that which had hapned The Germans fury awakened by the death of Caius is pacified After this he began to repress the rage of the Germans and commanded their Captains and Tribunes to put up their Swords assuring them of the Emperour's death which act of his did manifestly save the lives of all those who were assembled in the Theatre and all them likewise N whom they could have met with For if they had had but the least surmise that Caius had as yet been alive there was not any sort of cruelty which they had not committed For they bare him so great love and affection that to secure him from that misfortune they would have redeemed him with the loss of their own lives But as soon as they understood he was dead they repressed their furious rage which egged them forward to revenge knowing that it availed them nothing to discover their affections towards him in that he could yield them no requital Besides the fear they had lest that in pursuit of their Tyrannous Murthers the Senate should be incensed against them if so be the Government of the Estate should be returned into their hands made them contain themselves Thus was the fury of those Germans appeased for the death O of Caius Mean-while Chaereas who feared very much lest Minucianus should fall into the A Germans hands and in their fury be murthered by them sought for him among the Soldiers enquiring of every one whether they knew if he were killed or no. Whereupon Minucianus and Clement were brought unto him who in his presence commended Chaereas's exploit and gave him thanks in the name of the whole Senate who witnessed that it was to the general benefit Chaereas Minucianus and Clement consult about Caesar's death and good of the Commonweal and that the greatest persons were beholding to him for that he had neither wanted good advice in his deliberation nor courage to execute his resolution alledging that the nature of Tyranny was such that being puffed up with a
was changed and instead thereof he grew more averse from them daily whereby they were enforced to conspire against him and seek his ruine Now Hedio Ruffinus chap. 3. as I have heretofore declared Claudius understanding of that which had befallen Caius his Nephew and seeing all his house wholly troubled for this occasion O was in such distress that he knew not what to do to save himself but went and hid himself in a certain corner where he was surprized having no other cause to apprehend A his danger except his Nobility For during the time that he lived a private man he behaved himself modestly kindly and favourably unto all men being well seen in the Sciences and principally in the Greek tongue shunning as much as in him lay all tumult and train that might breed trouble When as therefore the people at that time were wholly amazed at the trouble and the Palace was full of fury and fear and nothing reigned more in general than confusion and disorder the Souldiers of the Guard who were the most experienced and bold consulted amongst themselves what course they were to take Neither were they much discontented with Caius death in that they supposed that upon just occasion he was put to death for which cause they rather bethought themselves on that which concerned their fortunes and how they B might assure themselves in those dangers seeing the Germans were wholly bent against those who had killed Caius rather incited thereunto of their own cruel natures than of any good affection they had towards the welfare of the Common weal. All which things troubled Claudius and put him in fear of his life the rather for that he saw Asprenas head and the rest of the Nobility that were massacred carried about to be seen for this cause he kept himself in a certain place which was only accessible by certain steps or stairs and hid himself therein because it was obscure In that place one of the Souldiers of the Palace called Gratus being unable to discern who he was in regard of the obscurity of the place and supposing him to be some one that desired to be concealed he drew near unto him to the intent he might the C better know him and when Claudius besought him that he would depart and leave him he passed the more onwards and laying hold of him and drawing him into the light knew him crying out to those that followed him This is Germanicus let us take hold of him and create him Emperour Claudius perceiving that he was ready to be attached and fearing lest they should put him to death as they had done Caius besought them that they would pardon him protesting unto them his innocency and how he had no ways been either accessary or agent in that which had been done Whereupon Gratus beginning to smile took him by the hand saying that he had no cause to suspect his life For said he it behoveth thee to rouse up thy spirits and to bethink thee how to govern an Empire of which the gods who D have the care of the whole world have deprived Caius to reward thy virtue with Arise therefore and take possession of the Throne of thine Ancestors This said he lifted him on his shoulders for that Claudius could not walk on foot through the fear and joy that he had conceived of that which had been told him Upon these speeches divers of the Souldiers of the Guard assembled about Gratus and perceiving that it was Claudius whom they supposed to be dragged to his death they had compassion of him as on an innocent for that they knew him to be a man of a milde nature who all the time of his life intermedled with nothing and who in like sort had been often in great danger during Caius life There were others of them that said Claudius against his will drawn unto the Empire that the judgment of this matter belonged to the Consuls whereupon E although a great number of Souldiers flocked about him and the simple people that were unarmed fled from them yet could not Claudius go on his way so weak and feeble felt he himself in his whole body It fortuned likewise that they who carried his litter perceiving his plight fled away for fear and left him so little hope had they that their Master should escape with his life whom they saw to be thus drawn by the Souldiers Now when Gratus and his Associates were arrived in the Court of the Palace which as it is reported is the place which was first of all inhabited in Rome they began to think upon that which was to be done thither also there flocked a great number of other Souldiers unto them The cause that induceth the Army to make Claudius Emperour who took pleasure to behold Claudius enforcing themselves to place him in the Imperial Dignity in regard of F that good affection which they bare to Germanicus his Brother whose memory was much honoured among all those who had conversed with him Moreover they ripped up how many avaritious acts the Senate had committed and how great errors the chiefest Senators had been guilty of before the Publick Government was changed Moreover they considered the danger and difficulty of their actions then in hand for that the Government being administred by one only man would be dangerous for them if he should obtain the same by any other means whereas if Claudius should enjoy the same by their permission and good will he would have them in remembrance who had favoured him and would recompence them according to their merits This was the effect of their discourse Claudius carried on mens shoulder unto the Army which they held among themselves or when they met G with one another All of them at length concluded upon this advice and environed Claudius and lifting him up upon their shoulders they carried him into the Army to the intent that no man might hinder them to finish that which they intended There fell a debate also betwixt the Senators and Citizens For the Senate desirous H to recover their former Dignity and enforcing themselves to avoid the slavery that had befallen them by the wickedness of Tyrants intending the maintenance of their present good fortune Contrariwise the people envied them that Dignity And knowing that their Emperours should be as it were bridles Difference betwixt the Citizens and Senators to restrain the avarice of the Senate and the refuge of the people they were very glad to see that Claudius was advanced making their account that if he were created Emperour they should avoid a Civil war like unto that which hapned in Pompeius time The Senate knowing that Claudius was carried into the Army by the Souldiers The Senate perswade Claudius to resign the Dignity offerâed him chose out some of their order and sent them as Embassadours in their behalfs to signifie unto him that he ought to use
Fortresses of their Captives The Romans triumph over the Jews Finally how Titus travelling thorough the whole Countrey established a Form of Government and afterward returning into Italy triumphed with much honour All these things I have comprehended in seven Books endeavouring as much as in me lieth The cause why he wrote this History to avoid all occasion of reproof from those men who know these Affairs and were Actors in the War Which I have done for their sakes who love truth And according to that Order and Form I promised I will begin my History A THE FIRST BOOK Of the B WARS of the JEWS Written by FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS The Contents of the Chapters of the First Book 1. The Destruction of Jerusalem by Antiochus King of Syria The overthrow of the Syrians by Matthias Maccabaeus and his Sons C 2. The Succession of Princes from Jonathan to Aristobulus 3. Of Aristobulus Antigonus Judas Essaeus Alexander Theodore and Demetrius 4. Of the War of Alexander King of the Jews with Antiochus and Aretas and of Aristobulus and Hircanus 5. Of the War between Hircanus and the Arabians and of the taking of Jerusalem 6. Of the War of Alexander with Hircanus and also of Aristobulus 7. Of the death of Aristobulus and the War undertaken by Antipater and Mithridates 8. How Antipater was accused before Caesar of the Priesthood of Hircanus and how Herod made War 9. Caesar's death Cassius comes into Syria Herod ingratiates with him Malichus poysons D Antipater who had sav'd his life For which Herod causes him to be slain 10. How Herod was accused and set free 11. Of the War of the Parthians against the Jews and of Herod's Flight and Fortune 12. Of Herod's War for the recovering of Jerusalem after his return from Rome and how he warred against the Thieves 13. Of the death of Joseph How Herod besieged Jerusalem and how Antigonus was slain 14. Of the treacherous practices of Cleopatra against Herod Herod's War against the Arabians and of a very great Earth-quake 15. How Herod was confirmed in the peaceable Possession of the Kingdom of Judaea by Augustus E Caesar 16. Of the Cities and Monuments repaired and builded by Herod and of his felicity and liberality towards strangers 17. Of the disagreement between Herod and his Sons Alexander and Aristobulus 18. Of Antipater's Conspiracy against his Father Herod 19. How Herod should have been poysoned and how the Treason was discovered 20. How Antipater's malicious practices against Herod were discovered and punished 21. Of the Golden Eagle and of Antipater's and Herod's death F CHAP. I. The Destruction of Jerusalem by Antiochus King of Syria The Overthrow of the Syrians by Matthias Maccabaeus and his Sons AT such time as Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes made War against Ptolomey the Sixth King of Egypt The year of the World 3800. before Christ's Nativity 162. for the whole Dominion of Syria those of the chiefest Authority and Nobility among the Jews were divided into two Parties And that of Onias the High Priest being become the G strongest expelled the Sons of Tobias out of the City who fleeing to Antiochus for refuge besought him in all humility that he would lead his Forces into Judaea offering themselves to be his Guides in the Expedition Antiochus who had long desired such an occasion easily condescended to their request H and levying a great Army he entred their Countrey took Jerusalem and slew most part of them who favoured Ptolomey He gave his Soldiers liberty to sack the City spoiled the Temple of the great Riches which were in it and for the space of three years and six months forbad the Sacrifices Ant. l. 12. c. 6. which before time were accustomed to be offered every day to God in that place Antiochus being stirred up by Tubias's Sons invadeth Judaea and surpriseth Jerusalem Whereupon Onias the High Priest fled to Ptolomey of whom having obtained the grant of a piece of Land within the Liberties and Precincts of Heliopolis he built a Town and Temple there resembling the City and Sanctuary of Jerusalem of which we shall speak in due place But Antiochus not satisfied with the unexpected surprize of the City nor with the pillage and slaughter of the Citizens Ant. l. 15. c. 4. was so far transported by his passions and incenssed I with the remembrance of those toyls which he had sustained during this War The High-Priest Onias flieth to Ptolomey that he compelled the Jews to renounce their Religion to forbear the Circumcision of their Children and to immolate Swine upon the Altar The abhorrence which the chiefest and honestest amongst them Ant. l. 12. c. 7. could not refrain to declare against these Abominations Antiochus altereth the Customs of the Jews cost them their lives For Bacchides who was Governour of all the Garisons of Judaea by the appointment of Antiochus being naturally very cruel omitted no occasion to execute his wicked Orders insomuch that he particularly tormented such as were of Noble Birth and Quality Bacchides's cruelty towards the Jews and every day represented to them the fresh face and memory of the desolation of their City But at length a Tyranny so insupportable animated those that suffered it to attempt the means of freeing themselves K from it Ant. l. 1. c. 8. and of executing revenge upon the Authors Matthias or Mathathias Maccabaeus the Son of Asmoneus Matthias confederated with others maketh War against Antiochus one of the Priests who dwelt in a Village called Modin accompanied with his five Sons and his own houshold armed with Swords slew Bacchides and fearing the power and multitude of the enemy's Garrisons presently retired himself into the Mountains Thither resorted divers of the people unto him by which conflux growing more confident and couragious he descended from the Mountains and overcoming the Captains of Antiochus drave them out of the Borders of Judaea By many instances of such happy success he became so renown'd that he was by common consent of the people whom he had delivered from the subjection of strangers made their Ruler And when he died he left his eldest Son who was called L Judas to succeed him in the Government This brave Son of so brave a Father could not doubt of the endeavours which Antiochus would use to revenge the losses he had received and therefore he gathered together an Army of his own Countrey-men and was the first among the Jews that made a League with the Romans Antiochus failed not as he had foreseen to enter into Judaea with a powerful Army and this great Captain repell'd him with a great Overthrow And whilst the remembrance of this Victory was yet fresh in men's minds he assaulted the Garrison of Jerusalem which as yet was entire in which Conflict he forced them to forsake the high Town which is called Holy and betake themselves to the lower part And having recovered the
Temple he purified it and compassed it with a Wall and made new Vessels for the M Service of God and placed them there because those that had been formerly consecrated there were prophaned He built likewise another Altar and began to renew the accustomed Sacrifice and observe the Rites of Religion Scarce was the City brought to its former Estate Antiochus dieth and leaveth the Kingdom to his Son Antiochus who gathereth a huge power and invadeth Jewry but Antiochus died leaving behind him Antiochus Eupator his Son and Heir not only of his Kingdom but also of his hatred against the Jews Who having gathered together fifty thousand Foot and almost five thousand Horse and fourscore Elephants entred by the Mountains into Judaea and took a Town called Bethsara near which Judas met him in a place called Bethzacary where the passage was something strait And before they joyned Battel Eleazar Judas's Brother seeing one Elephant higher than the rest bearing a N great Tower on his Back Ant. lib. 12. c. 14 15. and adorned with Golden Furniture thought Antiochus had been there âleazar dieth being slain by an Elephant and ran from his Company breaking the Ranks of the Enemies till he came to the Elephant but he could not reach him whom he deemed to be the King he was so highly mounted all he could do was to wound the Elephant in the belly with his Sword till the Beast fell upon him and pressed him to death which act of his had no other success but this that by attempting so great a matter he gave testimony that he preferred Glory before his life Eleazar preferreth honour before life For he that rid on this Elephant was but a private person and although Antiochus had been there Eleazar had atchieved nothing more in this valiant attempt but yet he adventured his life in hope to perform some great exploit This act of his was a presage unto his Brother Judas of the event O of that days Battel for the Jews fought stoutly and a long time but yet Antiochus's Army being both more in number and more fortunate obtained the Victory and A Judas after the loss of many of his company fled to the Gophonites with those of his side who escaped Antiochus advanced afterwards to Jerusalem from whence after some stay he departed for want of Provisions leaving a sufficient Garrison there as for the rest of his Army he led them for their Winter-quarters into Syria But notwithstanding the King's departure Antiochus departing from Jerusalem leaveth a sufficient Garrison there Judas rested not but encouraged by many of his Nation who daily came to him and gathering also together those who escaped out of the former Battel he fought with the Forces of Antiochus at a village named Adasa where after many proofs of his valour in assaulting and slaughtering a great number of his enemies he himself at length was slain and within a few days after his Brother John also was betrayed Ant. l. 12. c 18 and slain by their treacheries who favoured B Antiochus Judas sighteth with Antiochus Captains and is slain Ant. l 13 c. 1. CHAP. II. The Succession of Princes from Jonathan to Aristobulus AFter Judas succeeded his Brother Jonathan in the dignity of Prince of the Jews The year of the World 3805. before Christ's Nativity 157. He carefully studied the peace and security of his people and fortified himself by the friendship of the Romans and was reconciled to Antiochus his Son yet did C not all these things procure his safety For Tryphon who was tutor to the young Antiochus laying wait for him Jonathan taken by Tryphon's subtilty is slain and seeking to spoil him of his friends took Jonathan at such a time as he came with a small company to Antiochus who was at Ptolemais and binding him led an Army against Judaea from whence being repulsed by Simon Jonathan's Ant. l. 15. c. â Brother in displeasure and revenge thereof he slew Jonathan But Simon valiantly bestirring himself in the Conduct of the affairs of the Common-wealth The year of the World 3813. before Christ's Nativity 149. took Zara Joppe and Jamnia which were bordering Towns and overcoming the Garrison of Accaron he destroyed the City and assisted Antiochus against Tryphon who besieged Dora before that expedition which he made against the Medes Simon encountreth with Cendebeus and overcometh him Yet would not the greedy mind of the King be satisfied notwithstanding D Simon had thus faithfully served and assisted him to the ruine and death of Tryphon but in a short time after he sent Cendebeus the General of the Army to harass and spoil Judea and to take Simon Prisoner But Simon though very aged acted both youthfully and valiantly Ant. l 13 c. 14. and sent his Sons before with the most resolute men he had against Antiochus Simon by the tâeachery of his Son-in-law Ptolâmaeus is taken and slain and himself with the residue of his Army assaulted another quarter of the enemies Camp and having laid many ambushes in the mountains he obtained a great victory After which he was made High Priest and delivered the Jews from the subjection of the Macedonians under which they had been two hundred and seventy years John otherwise called Hircanus the Son of Simon Finally by the treachery of Ptolemy his Son-in-law he was murthered at a Banquet who imprisoning his Wife and two Sons sent certain men E to kill his third Son John otherwise called Hircanus But the young man understanding the design fled to Jerusalem accompanied with a great multitude for he greatly hoped that the people would remember his Father's prowess especially because Ptolemy's iniquity was hated of all men Ptolemy also hasted to enter the City at another gate but he was speedily repulsed by the people who had already received Hircanus For which cause he presently retired himself into a Castle named Dagon situate beyond Jericho After that Hircanus had obtained the office of High Priest The year of the World 3831. before Christ's Nativity 131. which was left him by his Father and had offered Sacrifices to God he led forth his forces with all speed to besiege Ptolemy hoping to deliver his mother and brethren that were detained F Prisoners there by him His tenderness of nature was the only obstacle that hinder'd him from forcing the Castle Hircanus obtaineth the honour of the High-Priestâood which his father had ãâ¦ã cruelty agââât Hircanus's Mother For when Ptolemy perceived himself to be in danger he brought Hircanus's Mother and Brethren upon the walls and beat them where he might behold them in their torments threatning to cast them down from the wall except Hircanus would presently depart How great soever the indignation of Hircanus was it was forc'd to give place to the affection he had for persons so dear to him and to his compassion of seeing them suffer
that if Antigonus came armed they should kill him himself then lodging in a certain Castle which in times past was called Bari and afterwards Antonia by Herod in honour of Antonius with this Commission that if Antigonus came unarmed they should let him pass if otherwise they should kill him He sent certain Messengers also to Antigonus requiring him to repair unto him dis-armed But the wicked Queen prevented this good intent of his by a subtil stratagem complotted by those that with her conspired against him The Queen 's cunning Stratagem against Antigonus for she perswaded those that were to carry this message to discover nothing of what the King had commanded them but to tell Antigonus that his Brother having intelligence that he had brought very goodly Armour with other C fair Furniture for War from Galilee desired him to come to him arm'd as he was that he might have the pleasure to see him in his Warlike Ornaments Antigonus suspecteth not his Brother Which when Antigonus understood who by reason of his Brother's affection suspected no mischief he armed himself and resorted to him intending to content him with his appearance But no sooner arrived he in the strait which is called the Tower of Straton but the Guard of Aristobulus set upon him and slaughtered him yielding by this means a demonstrative testimony that Detraction is able to destroy all good nature and friendship and that there is no union of affection so great as it can always resist the attempts of envy to ruine it In this Occurrence there happened a thing which cannot be too much admired Judas the Prophet foretelleth Antigonus's death D One Judas who was of the Sect of the Esseans had so certain a knowledge of the Future that his Predictions were never found false This man beholding Antigonus pass thorough the Temple cried out to his familiars who attended him in no small number as ordinarily divers of his Disciples did Ah how happy were it for me at this present if I were dead since truth is dead before me and one of my Predictions is found faulty For behold Antigonus yet liveth who should this day have died in the Tower of Straton which is distant from this place six hundred furlongs and 't is now the fourth hour of the day now therefore is the time wherein my Divination shall be falsified Having spoken to this effect the old man sat down being altogether disconsolate and pensive within a while after it was told him that Antigonus was slain in a place under E ground called the Tower of Straton being of the same name with that at Caesarea which is scituate upon the Sea-coast which conformity of names was the cause that Judas staggered in his Divination The sorrow which incontinently seized Aristobulus Aristobulus through the grief he conceived at his Brother's death falleth sick for committing this hainous Murther augmented his sickness in such sort that his Soul was continually troubled with the thought of his sin and his body through extream heat of passion became dried up and the grief that he felt was so vehement that his Entrails became exulcerated so that he voided blood in great abundance And it so fell out by God's Providence that one of his Servants who was deputed to that Office bearing out that blood which came from him A Servant spilleth blood in the same place where Antigonus was slain missed his way and came to that place where Antigonus had F been slain where still there appeared some signs and stains of the blood of Antigonus on which he poured out the blood of the Murtherer Aristobulus Which when they perceived who stood hard by imagining that the Servant had purposely spilled the blood in that place as it were in Sacrifice to the Ghost of that Prince they cryed out so loud that Aristobulus hearing their cry demanded the cause thereof and the more that each man feared to discover the same to him the more instantly he desired to understand the truth so that at length after he had used threats he was certified of what had passed Whereupon his eyes were suddenly filled with tears and in vehement agony of mind The eye of God discovereth every sin he cryed out and said How could I hope but that the great eye of the Divine Majesty should see my wicked acts and the sudden vengeance of my Brother's blood G pursue and overtake me Aristobulus dieth miserably How long O thou miserable Body wilt thou detain my Soul from being sacrificed to the vengeance of my Mother and Brother's death Why do I thus lingeringly languish in offering a part of my blood unto them Let them take it all at once and let not the Divine Vengeance laugh any longer to see the effusion of mine Entrails The year of the World 3862. before Christ's Nativity 100 H This said he died after he had only reigned one year His Wife after his death delivered his Brother Alexander from Prison and established him King who was both the eldest and seemed to be the most moderate among the rest of his Brethren Ant. l. 13. c. 9 But growing by this means both proud and potent he put one of his Brethren to death Alexander advanced to the Kingdom useth much cruelty for aspiring after the Kingdom but spared the other alive for that he contented himself with a private and contemplative life He made War also against Ptolomey that was called Lathyrus who had surprized the City of Asoth and put a great number of his enemies to the Sword nevertheless Ptolomey's side obtained the Victory But retiring himself into the Countrey of Egypt by reason that his Mother Cleopatra pursued him with open War Alexander forcibly entred the City I of Gadara Alexander is overthrown by Theodore and the Fort of Amath one of the greatest of all those that were beyond Jordan in which place Theodore Zeno's Son had hoarded up his chiefest and most precious moveables which he took but enjoyed not long for Theodore suddenly setting upon him recovered all that which was his and furthermore laid hands on the King's Carriage in seizing which he slaughtered many Jews to the number of ten thousand But Alexander after he had recovered this loss invaded the Frontire Towns upon the Sea-coast and won Rapha Gaza and Anthedon which afterwards by King Herod was called Agrippias The Sedition of the Jews against Alexander upon a Festival day But after he had conquered these places the common sort of the Jews raised a mutiny against him during a certain solemn and holy Feast as Mutinies and Seditions are commonly raised at Banquets and it is K thought that he could not have prevailed against those Rebels had he not been assisted by the Pisidians and Cilicians whom he hired to help him for the Syrians he refused to hire by reason of their natural hatred they bare against the Jews Having therefore slain
account that terrour wherein he had put his enemies C and his own indignation a sufficient revenge and that he would spare the King by whose favour he came to be so potent adding moreover that he ought not to take it ill that he was called to answer his accusations since he was acquitted of them and consequently ought to shew himself grateful to the King who had saved his life Moreover that Prudence obliged him to consider the fortune of war together with the cause thereof that the justice of Hircanus side might do more for him than a whole Army and that he ought not to hope for victory being to fight against his own King who had always been gracious unto him and never had thought of doing him hurt but only being as it were urged thereunto by some of his Council who through meer envy and to satisfie their own passions had framed a shadow of an D accusation against him Herod was satisfied herewith and suppos'd it to be sufficient in order to his great designs to have shewed his forces and his power unto his Nation At this time began Civil war among the Romans near Apamia Bassus murthereth Sextus Caesar by treason in which Caecilius Bassus for the love he bare to Sextus Pompey slew Sextus Caesar at unawares and made himself Governour of his Army and other Captains of Caesar's to revenge his death made after Bassus with all their forces unto whom Antipater by his two Sons sent aid both for the sake of Caesar that was slain and of him that was yet alive for he was an entire friend and well-willer unto them both and these wars continuing long Marcus came out of Italy to succeed Sextus E CHAP. IX Caesar's death Cassius comes into Syria Herod ingratiates with him Malichus poysons Antipater who had sav'd his life For which Herod causes him to be slain AT this time arose great and bloody Civil Wars amongst the Romans after Caesar was slain by the treason of Cassius and Brutus Marcus Sextus Successor having ruled the Empire F three years and seven months Ant. l. 14. c. 2. By reason of which murther their troubles daily increased Julius Caesar slain by Brutus and Cassius and the Nobility being at variance amongst themselves every one followed that couse that they thought most expedient for themselves Whereupon Cassius presently marched into Syria Cassius levieth money in the cities to take possession of the Government of the Army which was about Apamia where he made Marcus and Bassus friends took the conduct of the Legions which they commanded and rais'd the siege from Apamia and leading the Army in his own person Herod Cassius friend he forced every City to be tributary and exacted without measure He commanded the Jews to contribute seven hundred Talents Cassius severe in his exactions Antipater fearing his displeasure appointed his Sons and others of his friends presently to gather the money and especially amongst the G rest he gave this charge to one Malichus a friend of his But Herod first of all got Cassius his favour having brought him an hunndred Talents which he had collected out of Galilee which was his part or Province As for the rest he accused them of negligence and was angry at the other Cities So that having pillaged Gophna and H Ammauntes The year of the world 3922. before Christ's Nativity 40. and other two small Cities he march'd onwards with intent to kill Malichus for that he had been so careless and negligent in gathering the tribute-money But Antipater presently disbursing unto Cassius an hundred Talents saved both him and all the rest of the Cities Malichus forgetful of Antipater's kindness Yet Malichus after Cassius was departed did no more remember how beneficial Antipater had been unto him but oftentimes treacherously laid wait to murther him because he hindered and withstood his villanous pretensions notwithstanding that himself had often confessed that Antipater had saved his life Antipater Antipater gathereth an Army against Malichus fearing both his power and subtilty passed over the River Jordan to gather an Army that he might prevent those treacheries But Malichus being discovered saw nothing left for him to do but to dissemble and accordingly by many I oaths and excuses he won Phasaelus chief of the Garrison in Jerusalem and Herod who was master of the Army that they should be a means to reconcile him unto Antipater Whereupon Antipater intreating Marcus who was General of the Army in Syria and had determined to kill him he was saved The reason that Marus would have put him to death was because Malichus was of a turbulent and factious spirit The young Caesar Octavius Augustus succeedeth after Caesar surnamed afterwards Augustus and Antonius warring against Cassius and Brutus Brutus and Cassius gathered an Army in Syria and in consideration of the great capacity of Herod they made him Procurator of all Syria giving him a band of horse and foot Cassius promiseth Herod after the War to make him King of Judaea Moreover Cassius promised him that if the war had an K happy end he would make him King of Judea But it so came to pass that the merit of Herod which raisd this hope so high was the cause of Antipater his Fathers death For Malichus being hereby put in fear hired one of the Kings officers for a certain sum of money to poyson Antipater by which means he died being thus unjustly rewarded for his good will toward wretched Malichus Antipater poysoned by Malichus He was a worthy man and fit to govern and recovered the Kingdom being lost for Hircanus Malichus perceiving the people incensed against him because they suspected that he had poysoned Antipater pacified and moderated their displeasure by denying the fact yet for his better security he gathered about him a Guard of armed men for he thought that Herod would not let the matter slip so Herod intendeth to revenge his Father's death but would presently come with an Army to L revenge his fathers death But by the counsel of his brother Phasaelus who sent him word not openly to encounter Malichus lest a sedition might arise among the people he patiently permitted it so to be and suffered Malichus to justifie himself and celebrated a solemn funeral for his Father which done he went to Samaria and appeased the sedition wherewith that City was disquieted After this he returned to Jerusalem intending to celebrate the Festival and having sent certain of his armed men before him he appointed the rest to accompany him But Malichus who feared this approach of his sollicited Hircanus to give order that no strangers should intermingle themselves among the people Malichus joyneth with Hircanus to disturb their devotion But Herod contemning this Prohibition entered the City by night whereupon Malichus once more came to him M and wept for Antipater Herod although he could very hardly
himself M openly their enemy he caus'd his confidents to accuse them and at first made shew of defending them but afterwards he clos'd in with the accusers and cunningly perswaded Herod to credit the accusation which were that Alexander was so desirous of his death as to frame plots against his life and nothing made so much credit be given to these calumniations as that Antipater colourably excused his brother Herod incensed hereat every day withdrew his affection more and more from the two brethren and daily encreased his love towards Antipater The Nobility also were inclined after the same manner some of their own inclination and others out of compliance so did Ptolemaeus the chiefest of all the Nobility and the Kings Brethren and all his kindred for all mens expectation was upon Antipater And that which N grieved Alexander the more was that all these conspiracies design'd for his overthrow were made by the counsel of Antipater's Mother for she being Step-mother to him and his Brother was the more cruel against them because she could not endure their having the advantage above her Son of being born of so great a Queen And although many followed Antipater for the hope they had of him yet were they also compelled thereunto by the King's command who gave special charge to his dearest friends not to follow Alexander or his Brother And this Prince was a terrour not only to those of his own Kingdom but also to foreign Nations because Caesar had given him so great authority for he gave him license to take any one that was a fugitive from him out of any City although it were not under his Dominions Now the young men being O ignorant of the offences laid to their charge were in the greater danger for their Father did not openly tell them of any matter but they every day perceived A his good will towards them to decay which so much the more increased their grief In like manner Antipater by little and little animated Pheroras their Uncle and Salome their Aunt against them to whom he spoke with the same liberty as if she had been his Wife Moreover Glaphyra Glaphyra Alexander's wife encreased his conceived suspicion by her words Alexander's Wife contributed to the encreasing of these enmities by bearing her self above all women that were in the whole Kingdom for she derived her Pedigree by the Father's side from Tiâenus by the Mother's side from Darius Son of Histaspes and by inveying very much against the baseness of Herod's Wives who she said were chosen for their Beauty and not for their Nobility of Birth For Herod as we have said had many Wives as it was lawful for him by the B custom of the Countrey Aristobulus objecteth to his Wife her base Birth and all of them hated Alexander for Glaphyra's Pride and contumelious speeches Aristobulus also made Salome his enemy although she were his Wife's Mother because he often upbraided his Wife with her base Birth still teling her that he had married a private woman and his Brother Alexander a King's Daughter Ant. lib. 16. cap. 7. Which his Wife often with tears told to her Mother adding moreover that Alexander and Aristobulus threatned that if they got the Kingdom they would make their Father 's other Wives weave with their Maids and his other Sons Notaries of Villages because they applyed themselves to Learning Salome moved hereat could not contain her self but told all to Herod who easily believed her because she spake against her Son-in-law Alexander and Aristobulus oftentimes bewail their Mother and by that means provoke their Father Moreover another accusation was laid to their C charge whereat the King was greatly moved for he was informed that Alexander and Aristobulus did often bewail their Mother and lament her hard fate and cursed him and that often when he bestowed some of Mariamne's Cloaths upon his latter Wives they threatned that in a short time they would make them change them for Mourning Whereupon though Herod feared the fierce spirits of the young men yet because he would not take away all hope of amendment he called them to him as he was to go to Rome and as a King threatned them in few words and like a Father gave them many admonitions and requested them to love their Brethren promising them forgiveness of their former offences The two Brothers excuse themselves before their Father Herod so that hereafter they mended all But they beseeching him not to believe Accusations forged against them upon malice and answering D that the effect of matters would easily acquit them requested him not so easily to believe tales but to refuse malignant people opportunity and recourse unto him for that there would always be some that would malitiously invent tales to tell whilst there was any one that would give them the hearing and believing For they knew that Salome was their enemy and Pheroras their Uncle and both of them much to be feared especially Pheroras who was fellow with his Brother of all saving the Crown and had his own Revenues amounting to an hundred Talents a year and received all the Profits of the whole Countrey beyond Jordan which were given him by his Brother Herod also had obtained of Caesar to make him Tetrarch and had bestowed upon him for his Wife his own Wife's Sister after whose decease he offered E him his eldest Daughter and three hundred Talents with her for a Dowry But Pheroras falling in love with a mean person refused so honourable a Match whereat Herod being angry married his Daughter to his Brother's Son who was afterwards slain by the Parthians Yet after some time he pardoned Pheroras's offence Divers formerly were of opinion that in the life time of the Queen he would have poysoned Herod and Herod although he loved his Brother very well yet because many who had access unto him told him so he began to misdoubt And therefore examining by Torture many that were suspected at last he came to some of Pheroras's Friends but none of them confessed the Poyson but only that he was determined to flee to the Parthians with her whom he was so in love with and that Costabarus Salome's Husband F was privy thereunto unto whom the King had married her after her first Husband for suspicion of Adultery was put to death Salome her self was not free from Accusation for Pheroras accused her that she had purposed Matrimony with Syllaeus who was Procutator to Obodas King of Arabia a great enemy of the King 's And she being convicted both of this and all things else whereof her Brother Pheroras accused her yet obtained pardon as likewise Pheroras did so that the whole Tempest of all the Family was turned against Alexander and fell upon his head The King had three Eunuchs whom he loved extremely Alexander corrupteth his Father's Eunuchs and telleth them he is to succeed in the Kingdom and every one known
which was objected against him and that the cause which moved him to do all these things was the frantick and mad fits he fell into for the love of that woman After Pheroras had thus become his own Accuser and a Witness B against himself Pheroras by Archelaus's means pacifieth Herod Archelaus endeavoured to mitigate Herod's wrath towards him and excuse his fault by alledging for example that his Brother had attempted greater matters against him whom notwithstanding for Relation's sake he had pardoned Adding that in every Kingdom as in mighty bodies frequently some part begins to inflame which notwithstanding is not presently to be cut off but to be cured by easie means Archelaus using many speeches to Herod to this purpose at last quite appeased his wrath towards Pheroras Archelaus compelleth Herod of his own accord to be entreated for Alexander but still counterfeited himself angry with Alexander affirming that he would take his Daughter away with him till at last he brought Herod of his own accord to intercede for the young man not to break the Marriage Archelaus C after much entreaty answered that he was willing that the King should bestow his Daughter upon any save Alexander for he greatly esteemed his affinity Herod replyed that if he would not divorce his Daughter from Alexander he should think that he had bestowed his Son upon him again For they had no Children and his Daughter was dearly loved by the young man so that if he would permit her to stay still there for her sake he would pardon all Alexander's offences Hereto Archelaus with much ado agreed and so was reconciled to his Son-in-law and he to his Father Yet Herod affirmed that he must needs be sent to Rome to speak with Caesar for he had written the whole matter to Caesar Thus Archelaus craftily delivered his Son-in law from danger and after this reconciliation was made they spent the time D in Feasting and Mirth Herod dismisseth Archelaus and his friends with great Presents Upon Archelaus's departure Herod gave him seventy Talents and a Throne of pure Gold adorned with Precious Stones and Eunuchs and a Concubine named Panichis and rewarded every one of his Friends according to their deserts And all the King's Kindred by his appointment bestowed rich Gifts upon Archelaus Ant. lib. 16. cap. 11. and both he and all his Nobility accompanied him to Antioch Not long after Eurycles the Lacedemonian secretly accuseth Alexander to his Father and is the cause of his death there came one into Judaea far more subtil than Archelaus who both disannulled the reconciliation made for Alexander and caused his death also This man named Eurycles was a Lacedemonian born and brought to Herod rich Gifts as it were for a bait of that he intended He had so behaved himself in Greece that it could no longer tolerate his excess And Herod again rewarded him with far greater E Gifts than those were that he gave him But he esteemed his liberality as nothing except it were accompanied with the blood of the Princes For which cause he circumvented the King partly by flattering him partly by praising him feignedly and especially by his own craft and subtilty And quickly perceiving his inclination he both in word and deed sought in please him so that the King accounted him among his chiefest friends And both the King and all the Court honoured him the more for his Countrey-sake because he was a Lacedemonian But he perceiving the distractions of Herod's House and the hatred between the Brethren and how the King was affected towards each of them Eurycles by feigned friendship deceiveth Alexander he first of all lodged at Antipater's house making a shew in the mean while of good will towards Alexander pretending that in times F past he had been much beloved by King Archelaus his Father-in-law And by this means he quickly insinuated into favour with him and was considered as a friend and a faithful friend Alexander presently likewise brought him into friendship with Aristobulus and he having gained their affections accommodated himself to their humours in order to compass his design of adhering to Antipater and betraying Alexander And he often used incensing words to Antipater as it were chiding him that being eldest of the Brethren he so slenderly looked after them who pretended to put him besides the Crown which was his right Many times likewise he used the like words to Alexander admiring that he who was born of a Queen and Husband to a Queen would permit one descended of a private woman to succeed in the Kingdom G especially seeing he had such a fair opportunity and means to effect the contrary for he might assure himself of Archelaus's help in any thing Alexander supposed he spoke as he thought because he counterfeited friendship with Archelans so that misdoubting nothing he disclosed to him all his mind concerning Antipater saying H that it was no wonder though Herod dis-inherited them of the Kingdom since he had slain their Mother formerly Eurycles counterfeiting pity for them and sorrow for their mis-fortune enticed Aristobulus to speak to the like effect And having animated them both to complain in this sort against their Father he presently went to Antipater and disclosed to him all their secrets falsely adding also a story of some Treachery which those two Brethren intended against him which was to dispatch him with their Swords Antipater rewarded him with a great Summ of Money for this advice and commended him to his Father And thus he being hired to effect the death of Alexander and Aristobulus became himself their accuser Whereupon he came to Herod and told him that I in regard of those benefits he had received at his hand he would now venture his life for him by giving him notice of a thing which concerned his own which was that Alexander and Aristobulus had long since resolved together to kill him and that he only was the cause that they performed it not by promising them to assist them in the matter That Alexander used these speeches that Herod was not contented to enjoy a Kingdom which was another's right nor yet to have put Queen Mariamne to death but he would also leave the Kingdom belonging to their Ancestors to a pernicious Bastard Antipater But for this cause he would revenge Hircanus and Mariamne's death And that it was not fit that such a man as Antipater should receive the Kingdom without blood And every day he had occasion given him to persist in this resolution K for he could speak nothing without being calumniated for if any mention were made at any time of any ones Nobility presently he was upbraided without cause for his Father would presently say There is none Noble but Alexander whose Father 's base Birth is a shame and discredit unto him And that going a hunting if he held his peace his Father was offended if he praised him then it
Letters before mentioned he then made great haste homeward When he came to Celenderis he began to reflect more upon his Mothers A disgrace his mind as it were presaging some sinister fortune And the wiser sort of his friends about him counselled him not to go to his Father till such time as he were certain for what cause his Mother was banished and divorced For it was to be feared that he would be accused also of the same Crime that was laid to his Mothers charge But the more imprudent being rather desirous to see their Country than to contrive what was expedient for Antipater pressed him to make haste lest his long delay should breed any suspicion in his Father and lest thereby he should give occasion to malignant people to raise slanders For said they if any thing had passed against you it was in your absence and were you in presence no man durst do or speak against you and it were a very unwise part for uncertain suspicions B to deprive himself of certain felicity and not to return speedily to his Father and receive a Crown from his hands which he could place upon no other head but his This counsel as his ill fortune would have it Antipater followed and so arrived in the in the Haven of Caesarea Antipater hated in Caesarea having passed Sebaste where contrary to his expectation he was much surpriz'd that all men eschewed his company and no man came near him For although he was always hated yet before they durst not shew their hatred But now they abstained from coming to him for fear of the King because the rumour of those things which Antipater had done was known in every City and to every man only Antipater himself was ignorant thereof For there was never any man brought thither with greater pomp than he when he was to sail to Rome C and never man more basely entertained at his return And now apprehending the danger at home he craftily made himself ignorant thereof and notwithstanding that he was almost dead for fear yet in his countenance he counterfeited confidence For he could not now possibly make any escape nor rid himself out of the present danger and yet he heard no certain news of matters at Court because the King by an Edict had forbidden all men to give him notice thereof So that many times he comforted himself thus that either all matters concerning him were yet secret or if any thing was come to light that he by policy and impudence could acquit himself thereof for those two were his only weapons Being thus determined he went to the Kings Palace alone without any of his friends and followers who at the very D first gate were most contumeliously repulsed By chance Varus the Ruler of Syria was there and then boldly going into his Father's presence he advanced boldly near him Antipater's entertainment at his Fathers hands to salute him But Herod putting him back with his hands and shaking his head cried out What thou that hast attempted to murther thy Father darest thou yet presume to offer to embrace me being guilty of so many treasons Mayest thou perish wretch as thy crimes deserve Come not near me till thou hast cleared thy self of all that is laid to thy charge for thou shalt have justice and Varus shall be thy Judge who is by good fortune now here Go and premeditate how to acquit thee against to morrow which is all the time I will give thee to do it Hereat Antipater was so astonished with fear that he was not able to reply any E thing but silently went away Presently his Mother and his Wife came to him and told him all the proofs of treasons against him then he considered with himself how to answer every point The next day the King called an assembly of his friends and kindred Antipater is judged before Varus and to them admitted Antipater 's friends and he and Varus sitting in judgment commanded all proofs to brought and the witnesses to appear amongst whom were certain of Antipater 's Mothers servants lately apprehended who had Letters from her to carry to him to this effect Forasmuch as all things are known to thy Father beware that thou return not unto him before thou hast obtained some warrant of thy safety from Caesar These and others being brought in Antipater also came in after them and prostrating himself before his Fathers feet he said I beseech you F Sir bear no prejudicate opinion against me and lend me an open ear whilest I purge my self for if you please to give me lieve I will prove my self guiltless Herod commanding him to hold his tongue spake thus unto Varus I know well Varus that you or any other just and indifferent Judge Herod's accusation against Antipater will find Antipater to have deserved death But I fear lest you conceive an aversion against me and think me worthy so great afflictions for having been so unfortunate as to have brought such children into the world And yet this should move you to pity me Herod's kindness towards his children who have been so merciful to and careful for such wicked caitifs For I had already appointed those young men that are dead to be Kings and brought them up at Rome and gotten them Caesar's favour but they whom I had so much honoured and exalted to the Crown became traytors against my life Their death G was very advantageous to Antipater whose security I sought thereby because he was a young man and the next that should succeed me but this cruel beast hath discharged his rage upon my self and thinks my life too long and is grieved that I live to be old and hath attempted to make himself King The year of the World 3961. before Christ's Nativity 1. no other way but by murthering his Father For H which I know no other reason but that I called him out of the Country where he lived abscurely and casting off those Sons whom I had begotten of a great Queen appointed this to be heir of my Kingdom I confess my error that I incited them against me by having for Antipater's sake deprived them of their right Herod loved Antipater above the rest and bestowed many benefits on him For wherein had I so well deserved of them as of Antipater unto whom during my life-time I committed the sway and rule of my Kingdom and openly in my Will and Testament declared him my successor Besides other gratifications I bestowed upon him the yearly revenue of fifty Talents And lately when he was to sail to Rome I gave him three hundred Talents and commended him to Caesar as the only Son of all my house who had regard to his Fathers life And what was the offence of the others compared with Antipaters what proofs were produced I against them equal to those that have shewed me more clearly than the day the conspiracy framed against me by
Of Cestius his Battel against Jerusalem 24. Of the Siege of Jerusalem by Cestius and of the Massacre 25. Of the cruelty of those of Damascus against the Jews and of Joseph's Affairs in Galilee O 26. Of Joseph's danger and escape and of the malice of John of Giscala A 27. The Cities of Tiberias and Sephoris are recovered by Joseph 28. How the people of Jerusalem prepared themselves for War and of the Robberies of Simon Son of Gioras CHAP. I. Of Herod's Successor Archelaus and how he entred into the Temple and the Mutiny that arose for the revenge of those that were executed for taking down the Golden B Eagle ARchelaus being acknowledged Successor in the Kingdom to Herod The year of the World 3964. after Christ's Nativity â2 lately dead necessity constrained him to go to Rome to the end he might be confirmed by Augustus which Journey gave occasion of new broils For after that for seven days he had celebrated his Father's Funeral and largely feasted the people for this is a custom amongst the Jews Ant. lib. 17. cap. 11. which bringeth many of them to poverty and yet he that doth not so is reputed impious he went to the Temple The Lamentations and Banquets Archelaus made attired in a white Garment C where he was with great joy received of the people and he himself sitting in a Tribunal upon a Throne of Gold very courteously admitted the people to his Presence and thanked them for their diligent care used in his Father's Funeral and for the Honours they had rendered to himself as to their King Yet he said he would not take upon him either the Authority or Name of King till such time as his Succession was approved of by Caesar who by his Father's Testament was Lord and Master of all and for that cause he had refused the Diadem offered him by the Soldiers at Jericho when they would have Crowned him But he promised Archelaus promiseth âhis Subjects all favour that if he were confirmed King by the hands of the Emperour he would largely recompence both the Soldiers and the people for their good will D and that he fully purposed to be more favourable unto them than his Father had been The multitude hereat greatly rejoyced and made present tryal of his mind and purpose for some cried out requesting that the Tributes might be lessened Others desired that the new Imposts might cease others requested him to set all Prisoners at liberty Archelaus in favour of the people granted all these requests and then offering Sacrifices A Sedition about the pulling down of the Eagle and the Agents thereof he banquetted with his Friends But suddenly a little after Noon a great multitude desirous of alteration the common lamentation for the King's death being ceased began a private mourning bewailing their mis-fortune whom Herod had put to death for pulling down the Golden Eagle from the Porch of the Temple Ant. lib. 17. cap. 12. This sorrow was not secret but the whole City resounded with lamentations E for them that were thought to have lost their lives for the Temple and their Countrey Laws They also cried that revenge was to be taken upon them whom Herod for that fact had rewarded with money And that first of all he who by Herod was constituted High Priest was to be rejected and another more honest and devout was to be put in his place Archelaus's bounty towards the Seditious Archelaus although he was herewith offended yet because he was presently to take such a journey he abstained from violence fearing lest he should render the multitude his enemies Wherefore he sought rather by admonition than by force to reclaim those that were seditious and he sent the Governour of the Soldiers to request them to be pacified But the Authors of the Sedition so soon as he came to the Temple and before he spake one word threw stones F at him and in like manner they used others sent afterwards by him to appease them for Archelaus dispatched many messengers unto them whom they contumeliously treated so that if they had been more in number their fury would have proceeded further The Feast of Easter solemnly kept and much Sacrifice offered Wherefore when the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew nigh which the Jews call Easter wherein an infinite number of Sacrifices were appointed an innumerable multitude of people came out of all Villages thereabout for devotion sake to the Solemnity And they who so lamented the death of the Doctors remained in the Temple seeking by all means to promote the Sedition Which Archelaus fearing sent a Band of Soldiers and a Tribune with them to take the chief of the Seditous before such time as they had drawn unto them the multitude of the people against whom the G whole people being stirred up slew a great manâ of them with stones and the Tribune himself being sore hurt had much ao to escape And when they had so done they presently went and offered Sacrifice as though no hurt had been done But Archelaus perswaded himself that the multitude would not be appeased without H slaughter wherefore he sent against them the whole Army the Foot into the City and the Horse into the Field who assaulting the seditious people as they were sacrificing slew of them almost three thousand and scattered the residue into the Mountains adjoyning Three thousand of the Jews slain at the Feast of âasâer There were also some who followed Archelaus and proclaimed by vertue of his Command that every one should depart home to his house as accordingly notwithstanding the holiness of the day they did But he accompanied with his Mother Poplas Ptolomey and Nicholaus his Friends went to the Sea-coast leaving Philip Governour of the Kingdom and of his Houshold With them departed Salome and her Children and the Kings Brethren and Kindred under pretence to assist Archelaus to the Crown but indeed it was to inform Caesar of the Murther committed I in the Temple against the Law When they came to Caesarea Sabinus cometh into Judaea to seize the Fortresses and keep the Treasure they met with Sabinus Governour of Syria who was coming towards Judea to take into his custody Herod's Treasure Varus to whom Archelaus had sent Ptolomey about this matter forbad him to proceed further And so Sabinus in obedience to Varus neither entred the Castles not took Herod's Treasure from Archelaus Ant. lib. 17. cap 13. but promised that he would let all alone till Caesar's pleasure were understood But so soon as one of them that hindred him was gone to Antioch and the other to wit Archelaus to Rome he still remaining at Caesarea now hasted to Jerusalem and took the King's Palace Where calling for the chief of the Guard and the Purveyors he exacted of them an account and sought to take into his custody K the Castles and Strong Holds But the Captains
all of one sort Before they eat a Priest giveth thanks and no man may eat B any meat till this Prayer be made to God Likewise when dinner is ended they pray again for both before and after they give thanks to God the Giver of all And then putting off that Apparel as Sacred they apply themselves to their work till evening At supper they do as before causing their Guests to sup with them if by fortune any come Their house is never troubled with cries or tumults for every one is appointed to speak in his turn so that their silence produces respect in strangers The cause of this moderation is their continual sobriety and that every one is limited how much to eat or drink The Esseans in compassion and helping others have free choice in other things they are ruled by their Governour And although that in all other matters they are ruled by their Superior yet in these two to wit compassionating and helping they may do as they think good for every one may when he pleaseth help those whom he thinketh deserve C help and when he pleaseth give meat to them that are in need Yet may not they give any thing to their Kindred without the lieve of their Superior They take great care to suppress their anger they keep their promise and maintain peace and people account every word they speak of as much force The Esseans swear not as if they had bound it with an oath and they shun oaths worse than perjury for they esteem him a liar who is not to be believed without he call God to witness They study diligently ancient Writers chiefly gathering out of their Writings what is most convenient for the soul and the body Out of them they learn Remedies for Diseases and the Vertues of Herbs Stones and Mettals Those who are desirous to be of their Order do not straight way converse with them but for a year before live out of the Colledge and D have the same diet a little hatchet and such a girdle as is before spoken of and a white garment But at the years end if they perceive such a person to be continent they give him a diet more agreeing with their own and he is permitted to wash himself in cold water to the end to purifie himself yet is he not admitted in common amongst them The Esseans Vows and Covenants till for two years more they have observed his life and manners And at last when he is thought worthy he is admitted to their common company But before he is received to the common Table first he is to protest solemnly to honour and serve God with all his heart to observe Justice and Fidelity towards all men never willingly to hurt any man nor injure any for another man's command but always to hate the wicked and assist the good to keep his faith to all but especially to his Superiors E The Esseans circumspect in Justice because they hold their power from God To which they add that if he be put in Authority over others he never will abuse it to the prejudice of those that are under him and neither exceed the rest in apparel nor any other ambitious pomp that he will always love the truth and severely reprove liars and that he will keep his hands and soul pure from all theft and unjust gain and that he will not conceal any mysteries or secrets of their Religion from his companions nor reveal them to any strangers although he should be thereto threatned by death Adding moreover that he will never deliver any Doctrine save that which he hath received and diligently preserve the Books as well as the Names of those from whom they received it These Protestations they oblige those to take solemnly who enter into their Order to F the end to fortifie them against Vices Those of the Society who transgress notoriously they thrust out of their company and whosoever is so punished for the most part dieth a miserable death for it being not lawful for him to eat with any stranger he is reduced to feed on grass like beasts and so he perisheth through Famine For which cause oftentimes they are moved with compassion to receive many into their Order again when ready by Famine to yield up the ghost judging them to have endured pennance enough for their offences who with famine were almost brought to death's door They are very severe and just in their Judgments and to decide any matter there is never fewer of them than an hundred and that which is by them agreed upon is irrevocable Next after God they reverence their Law-giver insomuch that if any G one revile him they forthwith condemn him to death They take it for a great duty to obey their Elders and what is appointed by many so that if ten of them sit together no man of them must speak without he be licenced thereto by nine of the company They account it a great incivility to be in the midst of the Assembly or on H their right hand And they are more severe than any other Jews in observing the Sabbath for they do not only abstain from dressing meat which they dress the Evening before that day but also they may not remove any vessel out of its place nor satisfie the necessities of Nature The Esseans reverence the Sabbaths Upon other days they dig a pit a foot deep in the ground with the hatchet which as we before said every one at his entrance into their Order hath given him and then covering themselves diligently with their garment as if they feared to be irreverent to the light of Heaven in that pit they ease themselves and then cover their ordure with the earth they took out of the pit And this they do in most secret places And although this purging of their bodies be natural yet do they by washing purifie themselves after it as after great uncleanness Furthermore I amongst themselves they are divided into four Orders according to the time which they have continued this exercise of life and they that are Juniors bear such respect to the Seniors that if they do but touch one of them they are obliged to purifie themselves The Esseans live a long time as though they had touched a stranger They are long-liv'd so that most of them live an hundred years which I judge is by reason of their well ordered diet and their temperance They contemn adversity and by constancy and fortitude triumph over torments The Esseans constancy in the War with the Romans They prefer an honourable death before life The Wars which the Jews made against the Romans shewed what invincible courage and hardiness they have in all things for they suffered the breaking of the members of their bodies fire and Sword and all kind of Tortures rather than be brought to speak the least word against K their Lawgiver The year
Evening yielded The fight of the Jews with the Romans in the Tower and offered themselves to be slain The Romans might have boasted that this Victory had been without blood-shed on their part had not Antonius a Centurion been slain treacherously Antonius slain by a Jew treacherously For one of them who fled into the Caves as many did requested Antonius to give him his hand in token that he might come out safe and without danger which he doing unadvisedly the Jew with I a spear struck him in the flank whereof he presently died The Romans that day slew all the people that they found and the days following they searcht all the secret places and drew those out of the Caves and Dens that had fled thither and slew all but Women and Infants 40000 Jews perish during the Siege and in the former battel so that they took away a thousand and two hundred Captives and the number of them who were slain during the siege and at such time as the City was taken amounted to fourty thousand Vespasian commanded the City to be destroyed and the Castles to be burnt Thus Jotapata was taken the thirteenth year of Nero's Reign on the first of July K CHAP. XIV How Joseph was taken and how he redeem'd his Life with Deeds and Words BUT especially above all others the Romans made diligent search for Joseph both for the animosity they had against him and also because Vespasian greatly desired to get him into his hands conceiving he being taken the greatest part of the War would then be ended so they sought him among the dead and amongst those that were L hid Joseph leaps into a deep trench and lieth hidden in a Cave but he fortune favouring him when the City was taken escaped from the midst of his Enemies and leapt into a deep Well which had a large Cave on the one side which they above could not perceive where he found fourty of the bravest of his men who had provision there for many days There in the day-time he lay hid and in the night he went forth to see if he could escape but perceiving that all places about were diligently watcht for to take him he returned again into the Cave and lay there two days Vespasian by Tribunes send Joseph assurance the third day a certain woman that had been with them in the Cave discovered him Then Vespasian sent two Tribunes to him to promise him safety and bring him before him the Tribunes names were Paulinus and Gallicanethus But Joseph would not accept the offer fearing that because he had been the Author of all M the Evils that the Romans had endured Nicanor the Tribune known to Joseph they sought him out to punish him till Vespasian sent Joseph Nicanor the third Tribune one of Josephs acquaintance Nicanor recounted to him how mild the Romans were towards them whom they had conquered and that the Roman Generals rather admired him for his Virtue than hated him Moreover that his General intended not to punish him which if he pleased he might do whether he yielded himself or no but to save him being so valiant a man adding also that if Vespasian meant ill he would never have imployed his Friend in such a message to use friendship so noble a Virtue to so evil a purpose as to work Treason and that he though Vespasian had been so minded would never have consented to have betrayed his friend Joseph For all Nicanors words he still hesitated as unresolved N what to do Whereat the Roman Souldiers being angry began to cast fire into the Cave but Vespasian hindred them being desirous to take Joseph alive Nicanor ceased not to intreat him and he perceiving how his Enemies began to be enraged and calling to mind the dreams he had had Josephs dream of the slaughter of the Jews wherein God had fore-shew'd him all the Jews calamities and what happy success should befal the Romans for he could interpret dreams and whatsoever God obscurely shewed being instructed in the Holy Books of the Prophets and himself a Priest as his Parents were being as it were now filled with the Spirit of God and the Dreams and Visions coming into his mind he prayed secretly to God after this manner Joseph filled with the Spirit of God secretly prayeth O great Creator of the Universe Seeing it pleaseth thee to ruin the Nation of the Jews and to send all good Fortune to the Romans and O that thou hast chosen me to foretell future events I submit to thy will and render my self to the Romans to save my life protesting that I mean not to go them to play the Traitor to my Country but as thy Minister And having thus spoken he yeilded himself to Nicanor H But they who were in the Cave with Joseph perceiving that he yeelded himself to the Romans flocked about him and cryed out What is become of all our love for our Laws Where are those generous Souls and true Jews to whom God when he created them inspired so great a contempt of Death Joseph consents to Nicanor Art thou O Joseph so desirous to live as to become a vile Bond-slave How soon hast thou forgotten thy self How many hast thou perswaded to embrace death for the sake of their liberty The Jews violence and expostulation against Joseph Truly thou hast but a shadow of valour and prudence in thee if thou dost hope that they will save thy life against whom thou hast so behav'd thy self or if they would save thee to desire life at their hands But seeing the Romans offer hath made thee forget thy self yet we to preserve the honour and credit of our Country will lend thee our Arms and Swords and so if thou be willing to die die like the General of the I Jews which if thou refuse to do thou shalt whether thou wilt or no die like a Traitor to thy Country When they had thus said they all threatned to kill him with their Swords if he yeilded to the Romans Joseph fearing their violence and being perswaded that if he died before he had revealed to his Nation the things which God had declared to him ãâã should fail in his duty to God he had recourse to the reasons which he thought most likely to prevail and spoke to this effect Wherefore Josephs Oration to his Countrymen O my Friends said he are you become murtherers of your selves Wherefore are ye so eager to divide things so united as the Soul and the Body are If any man imagine that my mind is changed the Romans know whether that be true or no. I confess K it is a thing most honourable to dye in War not any way but according to the Law of Arms to wit by the Conquerours hand If I entreat the Romans to spare my life then I am worthy to perish with mine own sword and hand But if they think good to spare
their Enemies should we not think it good likewise to spare our selves Truly it is meer folly to do that to our selves to avoid which we fight against them I confess it is a commendable thing to die for liberty but that is to die in fight and by their hands only who took away that liberty But now neither do they war against us nor kill us It is a goodly matter to die for liberty but yet to die fighting He is not only to be judg'd a Coward who refuseth to die when need requireth but he also who will die when no need urgeth Moreover what with-holdeth us from offering our selves to the Romans Truly fear of death Shall we therefore make that certain our selves which we fear at the Romans hands But some will say if L they spare us we are made Captives I pray consider what liberty we have now If it be said that it is a paââ of courage to kill ones self I maintain on the contrary it is the part of a very Coward The similitude of a Sailer For I think him to be a very timerous Sea-man who perceiving a Tempest coming It is against the common course of Nature for a man to kill himself yea and a heinous sin against God sinketh the Ship wherein he is before it comes Moreover it is against the Law of Nature and the Sentiments of all Creatures to kill our selves and thereby we also commit a heinous crime against God There is no living creature that of his own seeking would willingly dye For every one feeleth in himself the strong and forceable Law of Nature whereby they desire to live and for this cause we judge them our Enemies that seek to take life from us and punish them that take it indeed And do you not think it a great contempt for a man to despise life which is Gods gift For we of him receive our first being and from M him let us expect our ending The Body is mortal framed of corruptible matter but our Souls are immortal The soul is immortal and a portion of God placed in our bodieâ and in some sort partake of the Nature of God If any one abuse that which another putteth him in trust with we think him a perfidious and wicked man and shall we think that if we remove out of our Bodies that which God hath placed in the same that he shall not know of it whom we have so abused We hold those slaves worthy to be punished that run away from bad Masters and shall not we then be held for impious who flee from so good a Master as God is Do ye not know that they who according to the Law of Nature depart out of this Life and render that to God which they received of him when he who gave it requires it shall leave behind them a perpetual Name to their Posterity and Family And that unto those souls who are obedient to their Creator when he calls them he gives a holy N and sacred mansion in Heaven from whence after a revolution of the Heavens they are again remanded to animate Bodies pure as themselves God revengeth him on the author of injuries And that on the contrary they who cause their own death go into dark hell and that God punisheth this their offence upon all their posterity The custom of the antient Jews and how they dealt with those that slew themselves Hence it is that our wise Law-maker forbiddeth it who knew how God abhorreth this crime For if any amongst us kill themselves it is decreed that till the Sun go down they shall be unburied though we hold it lawful to bury before those that have been killed in War Other Nations cause their right-hand to be cut off who have killed themselves judging that as the soul thereby was separated from the body so the hand deserves to be separated from it Joseph Perââation Wherefore O Companions think on that which is reasonable and add not to your misery O impiety against God who created us If we desire to be saved let us save our selves for A it is no disgrace to receive our lives at their hands who are witnesses of so many valiant deeds of ours If we desire to die let us die by their hands who have overcome us I will not go into my Enemies Camp to be a Traytor against my self For I bear not their mind who forsake their own company to fly to their Enemies for they fly to them to save their lives but I go to them to cause mine own death And I would to God that the Romans would break promise with me for if they kill me after they have promised to save my life I shall willingly die and with great courage seeing their breach of promise and perjury as a blemish to their late victory Joseph spoke more to this effect Joseph is in great danger to be slain to disswade his Companions from killing themselves But they stopping their ears with desperation wherewith they had armed themselves to die came furiously towards him with their swords drawn upbraiding him that B he was a Coward and every one was ready to strike him Then Joseph calling one by his Name and looking upon another with a countenance like a Governour holding anothers hand and intreating the rest distracted in such danger by this means diverted the blows they intended him for still as one came near to strike him he turned his face upon him like some wild beast encompassed with the hunters Some of them who remembred he had been their Captain in their extremity with reverence of his personage trembled so that their swords fell out of their hands and many lifting up their arms to strike him of their own accord let their weapons fall Joseph notwithstanding his desperate estate Another policy of Joseph yet was not void of judgement but trusting in Gods assistance he hazarded his life and spake unto them as followeth Seeing ye are all determined to C die let us cast lots who shall kill one another and he to whom the lot falleth shall be killed by him who shall next follow and so the lot shall be cast upon every one of us and none of us shall be forced to kill our selves For it were injustice that when some of us are slain the rest should repent themselves Joseph fellows dye by lots and Joseph and another are reserved and so escape They all liked well of this and always he upon whom the lot fell was slain by him that followed for death was more acceptabe because they thought Joseph should die with them Now it hapned by the providence of God that Joseph remained alive only with one other and he perswaded him who was left alive to live and not to seek death lest either the lot should fall upon himself and so he be slain or upon the other and so he should be polluted with the
now lay murthered and naked in the open streets left as it were a prey to be torn in pieces by Doggs and wild Beasts Was Virtue ever more insolently outraged And could she N without shedding Tears behold Vice thus triumph over her A The FIFTH BOOK Of the WARS of the JEVVS B Written by Flavius Josephus The Contents of the Chapters of the Fifth Book 1 OF another Massacre and of the Return of the Idumeans and the Cruelty of the Zealots 2 Of the Civil Discord amongst the Jews 3 Of the Yielding of Gadara and the Massacre there C 4 How certain Towns were Taken and the Description of Jericho 5 Of the Lake called Asphaltites 6 How Gerasa was Destroyed the Death of Nero Galba and Otho 7 Of Simon of Gerasa Author of a new Conspircy 8 Of Galba Otho Vitellius and Vespasian 9 Of Simon 's Acts against the Zealots 10 How Vespasian was chosen Emperour 11 The Description of Aegypt and Pharus 12 How Vespasian Redeemed Joseph from Captivity 13 Of Vitellus his Death and Manners D 14 How Titus was sent against the Jews by his Father CHAP. I. Of another Massacre and of the Return of the Idumeans and the Cruelty of the Zealots SUch was the end of Ananus and Jesus After whose death the Idumeans and E the Zealots massacred the People as though they had been a flock of pernitious Beasts and very few escaped the Butchery The Nobility and chief sort of men were put in Prison The cruelty of the Idumeans and the Zealots in hope that by deferring their death some of them would become partakers with them Yet none was hereby moved but every one desired to die rather than impiously to joyn with these Wretches against their own Country Whereupon they were most cruelly whipped before they were put to Death their Bodies being made as it were one sore place by Whipping and Stripes and when they could not endure these Torments any longer they were killed Who so was taken in the day time was in the night carried to Prison and those that died in Prison and Torments they cast their dead Bodies out F that they might have place to imprison others in their room The People were so terrified that none durst weep openly for his Friend nor bury the dead Body of his Kinsman yea those that were in Prison durst not openly weep but secretly looking about them lest any of their Enemies should see them For whosoever mourned for any that was afflicted was presently himself used in the same manner as he had been for whom he lamented Yet sometimes some in the night scraped up a little earth with their hands and therewithal covered the dead body of their Friend and some bolder than the rest did the like in the day-time 12000 of the Nobility executed And in this general slaughter were twelve thousand young Noblemen slain in this manner After which being hated for these Massacres they mocked and flouted the Magistrates and made no account of their Judgments So that when they determined to put to death Zachary the Son of Baruch one of the chief of G the City because he was an Enemy to their wickedness and loved the virtuous and one that was rich by whose death they hoped not only to have the spoil of his goods but also to be rid of one who might be able to resist their bad purposes they called seventy of H the best amongst the common People together as it were in Judgment with a pretended Authority and before them they accused Zacharie that he had betrayed the Common-wealth to the Romans and for that intent had sent to Vespasian but they neither shewed any evidence or proof thereof but only affirmed it to be so and therefore would have credit given to their words When Zacharie perceived that under pretence of being called to Judgement Zacharie condemned to death by the Zealots he was unjustly cast into Prison though he had no hope of Life yet he spared not to speak freely his mind and began to scorn the rage and pretence of his Enemies and purged himself of the crimes whereof he was accused and converting his speech against his Accusers he laid open all their Iniquities and much lamented the miseries and troubles I of the City In the mean-while the Zealots gnashed their teeth and could scarcely contain themselves from drawing their Swords and were desirous that their pretended Accusation and Judgment might be ended He also requested them who by these Miscreants were appointed his Judges Seventy Judges absolve acquit Zacharie to remember Justice notwithstanding the danger they might incur by it The seventy Judges all pronounced that he was to be absolved and freed as guiltless and rather chose to die than to cause his death who was Innocent This Sentence being pronounced the Zealots began to shout and cry with a loud voice and they all were angry at the Judges Zacharie slain in the midst of the Temple who did not understand to what end that counterfeit K Authority was given them Then two of the boldest amongst them set upon Zacharie and killed him in the midst of the Temple and insulted over him saying Thou hast now our Sentence and Absolution far more certain than the other was And presently they cast him down from the Temple into the Valley below and then contumeliously with the Hilts of their Swords they beat the Judges out of the Temple yet they did not kill them to the end that being dispersed thorow the whole City they might tell the People as Messengers from them of their miserable condition The Idumeans were now sorrowful for their coming One of the Zealots discovereth their cruelty and barbarous dealing to the Idumeans for they misliked these proceedings and being assembled together one of the Zealots secretly told them all that their Faction had done from the beginning that it was true the Idumeans had taken Arms L because they were informed that the Metropolitan City was by the Priests betray'd to the Romans but they might perceive there was no proof nor sign of any such matter and that indeed the Zealots who pretended themselves Defenders of the Liberty of the City were indeed Enemies and had exercised Tyranny over the Citizens even from the beginning And though they had associated themselves with such wicked persons and made themselves partakers of so many Murthers yet they ought now to cease from such wickedness and not assist men so impious to destroy their Country and Religion For though they took it in bad part that the City Gates were shut upon them yet now they were sufficiently revenged of those that were the cause thereof That Ananus himself was slain and almost all the People in one night whereof M many of them ere long would repent and that they might now themselves perceive the cruelty of those who requested their aid to be more than barbarous had not
suffering him to clear himself And he put to death likewise his three Sons with him for the fourth was before this time fled to Titus Matthias requested Simon that he might be put to death before his Sons but Simon in regard that by his means he had gotten the City caused him to be executed last of all And so he was killed upon the murthered bodies of his Sons in a place where the Romans might behold him for so Simon commanded Ananus his Executioner who was the Son of Bamadus This man was the most cruel of all Simon 's followers Ananus one of the cruellest Souldiers about Simon who even when he was to kill Matthias derided him asking whether they could now help him to whom he sought to fly and he permitted not their bodies N to be buried After them Ananias a Priest the Son of Masbalus a Nobleman and chief Secretary to the Council Ananius the Priest with fifteen of the noblest people slain a valiant strong man born at Emaus and with him fifteen of the chiefest men in the City were put to death They took also Joseph's Father and kept him in prison and with the publick voice of a Crier proclaimed that no man should talk with him Josephs Father taken nor visit him pretending fear of Treason and whosoever bewailed his estate Jâdas consultation with his companions he was put to death without any Tryal It happened that a certain man called Judas the Son of Judas who was one of Simon 's Captains and Governour of one of the Towers of the City being moved with compassion towards these that perished without desert and more with fear of his own life assembled together ten of his most trusty Souldiers and said to them How long shall we endure O these Calamities or what hope have we of life in being obedient to the most impious of all A Famine consumes our City the Romans are almost within our Walls and Simon is cruel and faithless even towards these that have well deserved at his hands and we are in daily fear of his cruelty On the contrary the Romans keep their Faith inviolably Wherefore let us deliver this Tower to them and so save our selves and our City And what punishmnt c an Simon suffer which he ha's not deserved The ten men to whom in this manner he brake his mind agreed hereunto and so he in the morning sent the rest of his Souldiers under his command into divers places that they might not perceive his intent and at the third hour of the day standing upon the Tower he called the Romans and told them his design But some of the Romans proudly contemned the offer others scarcely believed them and the rest made no speed to come In the mean B time while Titus with certain armed men came unto the Wall Simon had notice of the matter Joseph wounded in the head with a stone the Rumour is spread through he City and speedily got to the Tower and slew those that were within in the sight of the Romans and cast down their bodies over the Wall Joseph going about the Wall and coming thither for he never ceased requesting the Jews to remember their desperate estate was struck on the head with a stone and so amazed with the blow that he fell down whereupon presently the Jews made a Salley out of the City and had carried him away prisoner into the City had not Titus sent men to defend him and whilst they fought Joseph was carried away scarcely knowing what was done The Seditious with loud cries rejoyced as having slain him whose death they chiefly desired and so they reported within the City Hereupon the people C were most sorrowfull verily believing him to be slain by whose intercession they had confidence of favour from the Romans When Josephs Mother who was in prison heard this she said to those of Jotapata that were her Keepers that she had no hope ever to see her Son again and with many tears lamenting to her Maidens Is this the benefit said she of my having born a Son Joseph recovereth of his wound that I shall not bury him by whom I hoped to have been buried my self But this false report did not long grieve her nor comfort the Thieves for Joseph was quickly healed of his wound and recovered and shewing himself he cryed out to them That ere long they should find he would be revenged on them for his wound And he ceased not to exhort the people to remain faithful to the Romans But the D Seditious seeing him alive were astonished Many that fled from Famine at home met with more speedy death among the Romans and the people conceived good hope Many present necessity urging them leapt over the Wall and fled to the Romans divers with stones going forth under pretence to fight with the Romans yielded themselves but they had worse Fortune there than within the City being now more harmed by plenty of Victuals which they found amongst the Romans than with the Famine they suffered in the City for being become by Famine all swollen as though they had the Dropsie upon the sudden filling of their empty Bodies they burst and so all died save only those who being wary did by little and little accustom their bodies to food which they had long wanted Yet they who thus escaped fell into another grievous misfortune for one of the Jews that fled to the Romans was found E amongst the Syrians gathering Gold out of his own dung which he had swallowed as is before said for that the Seditious did search all and take that they could find from them and there was very great store of Gold in the City so that that was sold for twelve Atticks which before was worth twenty five This device being discovered in one presently a report was spread all over the whole Camp that the Jews that fled from the City came full of Gold Whereupon the Arabians and Syrians ript up the Bellies of their poor suppliants to see if they could find any Gold or Silver within them And I am perswaded that there was no greater calamity befell the Jews than this Two thousand Jews imbowelled in one night Titus displeased at this cursed act for in one night the Bellies of two thousand Jews were ript up Titus hearing of this cruelty resolved to cause the Authors hereof to be compassed round with Horsemen F and slain with Darts and he had done it had not the multitude of offenders much exceeded that of the Jews that were so murthered Wherefore he called together the Leaders of these Auxiliary Troops and the Roman Captains for some of the Romans also had committed this fault and said to them in anger Is it possible that any amongst your Souldiers are so barbarous to commit such horrid Acts for uncertain gain and are not ashamed to enrich themselves after so execrable a manner what shall the
down This fell out otherwise than either part expected For the Jews who had caused indeed to be sorrowful for the fall of the Wall and that they had not prevented this mischance yet were as joyful and couragious as if Antonia still remained firm and strong And the joy of the Romans for this unexpected fall soon ceased No man durst ascend the Wall that John built when they saw the other Wall that B John had built within Yet they judged it easier to be taken then the former but no man durst ascend it because those who first assaulted it could not hope to come off alive Titus thinking that by hope and perswasion his Souldiers might be encouraged and knowing that many times promises and exhortations make men forget danger and sometimes to contemn death it self he called together the most valiant of all his Army and spake to them as followeth Fellow Souldiers Titus's exhortation to the most valiant and strongest It were a shamfull thing to exhort men to enterprize a thing without danger both to them that are exhorted and to him that exhorts for exhortations are only to be used in doubtful Affairs where it is prais-worthy for every man to adventure himself I confess it is a hardy attempt to ascend the Wall yet it is also a glorious death to die in C such a fight and especially it becometh those that are desirous to win honour and that they that first adventure valiantly to do it shall not go away unrewarded And first let this move you The patient minds of the Jews and their constancy in misfortunes which terrifieth others to wit the patient mind of the Jews and their constancy in adversity For it is a shame for the Roman Souldiers who in time of peace exercise themselves in Warlike Feats and are accustomed in time of War to get the Victory now to be overcome by the Jews and that at the end of the War we having also God to help us for all our harms proceed from the Jews desperation and their destruction and calamity by Gods favour and your valour is every day promoted For what else is betokened by their sedition amongst themselves their Famine the fall of their Walls without our Engines to batter them and the siege it self but the wrath of God towards them and his favour towards us D Wherefore it is unseemly for you either to give place to your inferiours or to neglect Gods favour and furtherance The wrath of God against the Jews is the Romans furtherance Is it not a shame that the Jews who were they conquered would sustaine no great reproach as being accustomed to serve and obey others should so valianty contemn death lest they should hereafter suffer or endure the like and many times boldly adventure and make excursions even amongst the midst of us not out of hope to overcome us but only to shew their valour and that we who have conqured almost the Earth and Sea to whom it is an infamy not to be victorious lie idle never make valiant assault upon our Enemies but being thus armed expect till Fortune and Famine deliver them into our hands Especially seeing that by undergoing a little danger all will bâ ours If we get into Antonia we have taken the City For suppose that we were then to fight against them that are within E the City which I do not think then having gotten the higher part of the City and being above our Enemies head we are assured of a perfect victory over them I omit now the commendations deserved of those who have been slain in Wars Titus speaks of the life to come after a poetical manner and whom immortal Glory keeps alive always in the memory of men of this life and those that do not so think and whose Souls and bodies descend together into the grave I pray that they may die of some evil death in peace For what valiant man knoweth not that the Soul of him that dies in War is presently received into the most pure Airy Element and from thence carried and placed among the Stars of Heaven from whence their heroick Souls appear to their posterity as blessed Spirits to animate them to vertue by the desire of possessing the same Glory one day And that those ãâã peace die of some disease and sickness their Souls are kept in F the bowels of the Earth in darkness notwithstanding that they be most Just and Pure and presently they are forgotten and their life and memory together with them extinguished Seeing therefore that we are all certain to die and that to die by the Sword is a more easie death than to die by any disease why should we deprive our selves of this opportunity seeing that at last we must necessarily quit our lives as a due debt to the destinies This I have spoken as though it were impossible to escape with life but they that bear the minds of men can find means to save themselves even in the greatest dangers For first of all that part of the Wall that is faln may easily be entred The reward of valiant men and the Wall new-built is not hard to be thrown down and many of you together enterprizing this work may one exhort and help another and your audacity and courage will quickly daunt the Enemies and perhaps we may succeed G without great loss in so Glorious an enterprize For they will no more resist us if we once ascend the Wall and let us but effect any one exploit either secretly or openly and the Jews will never more endure us though we be but few in number I engage my self so to reward H him that first enters upon the breach that all the Army shall envy his happiness for if he sur-Survice he shall command those that are now his equals and who so is slain in this quarrel I will do him great honour Though these words of so generous a Commander were enough to inflame the coldest brests Sabinus a man of a low Stature yet both in hand and heart valiant yet the greatness of the danger had made such an impression in their minds that no body presented himself to go to the breah c but one Sabinus a Syrian a man of excellent courage yet of so small stature that by his outward appearance one would have deemed him unfit to have been a Souldier for he was of very small stature and of black colour but he had a mind far greater than his body and strength scarce able to be contained in so little room Sabinus rising up said I offer my self I to thee O Caesar first of all to ascend the Wall and that with a willing mind and I wish your good fortune may second my affection Sabinus with eleven men approacheth the Wall But though it should not so fall out but I happen to be slain before I get to the top of the breach yet I shall have
for pardon the Romans about Titus desirous to hear what he would say unto them and Titus having commanded his Souldiers to be quiet and to forbear shooting Arrows spoke to them first in token of his Victory by an Interpreter to this effect Titus Oration to the Jews by an Interpreter Are ye not wearied said he with the Calamities suffered by your Country You who without considering our power and your own weakness have with rash fury destroyed your People City and Temple Your selves also have justly deserved N to perish who since Pompey first Conquered you have never ceased to be Seditious and at last have openly declared War against the Romans Did you trust to your multitude You have seen that a small parcel of the Roman Army hath sufficiently resisted you Or did you expect forreign aid What Nation is not under our Dominion And who would rather make choice of the Jews than of the Romans Did you trust in your strength of Body Why you know the Germans serve us Or in the strength of your Walls What Wall or what greater hinderance than the Ocean wherewith the Britains invironed have yielded to the Roman Forces Or to your Courage and politick Counsel of your Captains You have already heard that the Carthaginians have been by us surprized The Romans humanity incited the Jews against them It was therefore the Romans humanity that incited you against themselves who first of all permitted you to possess your Country and gave you Kings of O your own Nation and after all this we kept your Laws inviolate and suffered you to live A as your selves desired not only in your own Country but also amongst other Nations and which is the greatest of all our benefits bestowed upon you we permitted you to gather Contributions and Gifts to the maintenance of your Temple and Sacrifices to God of all which we neither forbad any to be brought unto you nor hindred any that would offer to your Temple but suffered you our Enemies to be made richer than our selves so that you have used our own money against us Having received so many benefits at our hands you have now diâgorged your selves upon us and like spiteful Serpents spit your poyson upon them that made much of you Let us omit that by Nero's negligence you became forgetful of your duty and like some Member in the Body broken or shrunk you being still tamultuous at last were taken in a greater offence and were encouraged with immoderate desires to hope for unlawful liberty My B Father came into your Country not to punish you for your Revolt against Cestius but by good counsel and gentleness to reduce you to good order And whereas if he had come to destroy your Nation he ought first to have cut down the very Root to have come to this City and destroyed it with the Inhabitants he rather chose first to enter Galilee and the places adjoyning that in the mean time you might repent you and consider of your Estate But this his mercy towards you was held for cowardliness and weakness in him and by our long-suffering you were emboldned against us and when Nero was dead you did as treacherous subjects are wont to do and took occasion by our civil dissention to revolt from us and whilst my Father and I were gone into Aegypt you prepared your selves for a War against us neither were you ashamed to oppose us when my Father was declared Emperour whom notwithstanding you had found most C gentle Captains unto you At last when the Empire fell to us and all things being now quieted all Nations with gifts and presents came to congratulate us behold again the Jews shewed themselves our Enemies and you sent an Embassador beyond Euphrates only to get aid to your Rebellion You wall'd and fortified your Towns anew and falling into factions among your selves at last you came to a Civil War all which none but the most vile people in the world would have committed Wherefore being commanded by my Faâher who was now urged thereunto I came against this City with a heavy charge yet did I rejoyce when I heard that the People desired Peace Before I exercised Hostility against you I exhorted you to Peace after the War was begnn I desisted a while from using severity I spared all those that of their own accord fled to me and kept my Promise to them pitying those that were Captives D I punished only those that drew you into this War and till forced so to do I set not the Rams against your Walls but alwayes restrained my Souldiers so much desirous of your blood As often as I overcame you so often did I exhort you to peace as though I had been vanquished Again when I approached the Temple I willingly omitting the Law of Arms requested you to spare both it and the holy things offering you leave to depart and promising you safety or licensing you to fight another time in another place if so you thought good All these my Offers you refused and with your own hands fired your Temple And now you wicked wretches dare to present your selves before me in Arms. What thing can you now preserve so excellent ãâã that which is already perished What pardon can you expect seeing your Temple is destroyed nay even now you stand armed not so much as counterfeiting E submission at the last cast O wretches with what hope Is not your People dead Is not your Temple destroyed and your City now in my hands yea and your lives too And can you imagine after this to end them by an honourable death I will not strive with your obstinacy yet if you will cast down your weapons and yield to my discretion Titus grants the Jews life on condition they should lay aside their weapons and submit themselves I will spare your lives and I shall reserve the rest to my self to use as a good Master who punishes not but with regret even the most unpardonable crimes To this they answered That they could not yield themselves to him though he gave them his word having vowed the contrary but they requested licence to depart with their Wives and Children into the Desart and leave the City to the Romans Titus was greatly enraged that they being in a manner already his Captives should impose upon him Conditions F as though they were Victors and he commanded a Herald to tell them that henceforth they should not flie to him nor hope that he would receive them that he would pardon none and that they might employ all their force to fight and save themselves as they could for he would now in all things use the Law of Arms and so he permitted the Souldiers to sack the City and set it on fire The same day they did nothing The Souldiers set the City on fire but the next day following they fired the Councel house the Palace Acra and Ophia the place of
ought not to have expected any admonition thereunto nor to have made any L delay to do it The ancient customes which have endured ever since men had reason the divine doctrine of our Nation which hath continually been confirmed by the deeds of our predecessours do instruct us that it is miserable to live and not to die For Death dismisseth our Souls from prison to their most pure and proper place where never after they shall be touched with calamity A Soul tied in a mortal body But whilst they are bound in a mortal body and participate of his miseries they may in a manner be affirmed to be dead The power of the Soul For there is no proportion between two things one whereof is Divine and the other Mortal True it is that our Souls can do much being joyned to our bodies which they use as their instruments secretly producing in them motion and many other actions passing the Nature of Mortal things But when the Soul is loosed from that heavy burthen which weighs it down to the Earth and hath recovered its proper M habitation then it injoyeth free and perfect felicity and remaineth invisible to mortal Eyes as God himself is as likewise it is in our bodies For it cometh secretly into them and so departeth from them again that no man can perceive it being of a nature incorruptible and yet causing great changes in our bodies For whatsoever the Soul toucheth that presently liveth and flourisheth and what is forsaketh that incontinently withereth and dyeth Sleep the Argument of the immortality of the Soul so much doth it participate of immortality Sleep may be an evident argument to you of this which I speak in which the Soul not being distracted taketh a most pleasant and sweet repose and communicating with God it foreseeth many future events Wherefore then should we fear death who love the rest that we have in sleep were he not a mad man that for a short life would hinder himself of that which is enternal It is necessary that we who are instructed N in the Law of our Nation The professors of wisdom among the Indians burn themselves should give example to others to despise and contemn Death But if we seek confirmation hereof from strangers let us see the examples of the wiser sort of Indians for they being just men tolerate this life as a necessary office of nature for a certain time though against their wills yet do they even in perfect health hasten to unloose the Soul bound in this Mortal Body though not urged thereunto by any calamity or necessity but only for desire of immortality and solemnly take leave of their Friends neither doth any one seek to hinder them but esteeming them most fortunate they send by them commendations and other messages to their Friends departed so firm is their belief that the Souls of the dead have Communion and conversation together And thus having all instruction what to say to the Souls departed they with great applause leap into the fire that thereby their Souls may O be purified and separated from their Bodies And their Friends go more joyfully with them A when they go to their death than any doth that bringeth his Friend on the way when he is to go a great journey and they bewail only themselves and not those who are dead and have attained immortality Shall not we then be ashamed not to believe so firmly as the Indians do despising through our own sloth our Country-laws which are to be reverenc'd of all men Nay supposing that by our law we had been instructed contrariwise to wit that to live in this life is bliss and to die is calamity yet notwithstanding this present necessity this present time had been a sufficient motive to cause us to embrace death rather than life seeing that the will of God and necessity oblige us thereunto For who can doubt that God to punish us for having made ill use of life ha's long since resolv'd to deprive us of it and that it is not to our own forces or the clemency of the Romans that we are beholding for not being all slain in this B War An exhortation to contemn death drawn from the time and place But a more potent cause hereof there was which made them conquerours Were they the Romans that slew the Jews that inhabited at Caesarea whom the Inhabitants thereof upon the Sabboth-day they being assembled in one place together with their Wives and Children massacred notwithstanding that they had no intent to revolt from them nor ever lifted up their hand in their own defence nothing fearing the Romans who only accounted those of our Nation their Enemies that revolted from them But some may object the Jews at Caesarea and the Inhabitants thereof were always at variance and that now they revenged their old quarrel having gotten opportunity What then shall we say of the Scythopolitans who bare Arms with the Grecians against us and denied to assist their own kindred against the Romans Example taken from the Jews that were slain in Caesarea What profit did they receive by this their good will and fidelity for they were C altogether with their whole Families cruelly slain and this was the reward they had for their labour for having withstood us from doing the like to them It were too long to recount particularly all things to this effect For as ye know there is no City in all Syria that hath not massacred the Jews inhabiting in it and that is not more an Enemy than the Romans were They of Damascus although they could not devise any probable cause for it yet massacred all the Jews living among them The calamity of the Jews in Scythopolis amounting to the number of eighteen thousand beside their Wives and Children And is it not for certain reported that the number of the Jews slain by the Egyptians were above 60000 18000 Jews slain in Syria and 60000 in Egypt It may be that finding no assistance in a strange Country they were martyred by their enemies but they that in their own Country fought against the Romans wanted nothing that might have caused perfect hope of a full victory over the Romans D they had Weapons Armour Walls and strong holds inexpugnable and resolution to shun no danger for the sake of liberty in a word nothing that might put us into a condition to resist But for how long time did this suffice For our fortresses all were taken and subdued by the Enemies as though they had been built to make their victory more Famous and not to do us service And we may justly deem those happy who were slain in the War for they died in liberty Yet who doth not pity the multitude of those that fell into the Romans hands or who would not hasten to die rather than endure the like misery that they suffered Some of them were tortured with stripes
why had Amenophis this desire Forsooth because a certain King one of his Predecessors had seen them he therefore knowing by him what things they were and how he came to the sight of them needed no new device to accomplish his desire But perhaps the foresaid Prophet was a Man of great G wisdom by whom the King had confidence to attain his desire if so he had been how chanceth it that he was so unwise not to perceive that it was an impossible thing to satisfy the Kings desire for that which he promised was not brought to pass Or what H reason moved him to think that the Gods were invisible because of the Leprosie and infirmity of the people The Gods are offended with mens impieties not with the defects of their bodies And how was it possible that at one instant so many thousand Lepers and infirm persons should be gathered together or wherein did not the King obey the Prophet He commanded that the Lepers and infirme persons should be exiled the Country and the King did not banish them the Country but sent them to hew Stones as though he had needed workmen and not purposed to cleanse the Country from Lepers Lastly he saith that the Prophet foreseeing that Egypt was to suffer and fearing the wrath of the Gods killed himself and left his mind in a Book written unto the King How chanced it then that the Prophet did not at first foresee his own death and so oppose I himself to the Kings desire to see the Gods Or wherefore did he fear such calamities as were not to fall in his life or what great misery hanged over his head which might worthily cause him to kill himself to prevent it But let us hear that which followeth more sottish than all the rest The King saith he heariug this Manethon's words repeated and striken with fear did not however expel those Lepers he ought to have exiled but at their request gave them as he saith a City wherein before time the Shepherds did inhabit called Avaris whereinto being come they made a Priest of Heliopolis their Prince who devised Laws for them commanding them neither to adore the Gods nor to abstain from offering violence to such beasts as amongst the Egyptians are sacred but that they should kill and K spoil all things that they should marry with none but such as were their confederates that he bound the people with an oath to keep those Laws and that they fortified Avaris to fight against the King Adding moreover that he sent to Jerusalem for help promising to yield Avaris unto them being a place sometime possessed by their Ancestors and that they from that place leading their Forces might easily subdue all Egypt he then saith that the Egyptian King Amenophis came against them with 300000 and yet for that he would not strive against the decree of the Gods he fled into Aethiopia and carried with him Apis and other Holy Beasts and that the inhabitants of Jerusalem coming down invaded the Land fired the Towns and Cities slew their Nobles used all sorts of cruelty possible and that the Priests name who made Laws and Statutes for L them to live under was one of Heliopolis Osarsiphus by name deriving the same from Osiris the God of Heliopolis and that this man changing his name was afterward called Moses Moreover that Amenophis having lived in banishment thirty years came with a strong power out of Aethiopia and fighting with the shepherds and polluted he slew many of them and put the rest to flight pursuing them unto the borders of Syria Manethon remembreth not that here again he telleth a very unlikely tale for although the Lepers and impotent persons were offended with the King for appointing them to hew Stones yet it is to be thought that receiving their own desire at the Kings hands afterwards to wit a City to dwell in that then they again became the Kings well-willers Supposing also their hatred still continued towards him they rather should have M attempted revenge by treason against him than towards all their Nation wherein they had many dear friends and alliance And although they had purposed to War against these men yet would they not have been so impious as to have rebelled against the Gods and to have violated the Laws wherein they were brought up We have therefore cause to thank Manethon A confutation of Manethon's words alledged in that he cleareth us and affirmeth his own country-men yea a Priest to be authors of this impiety and that by oath they bound themselves so to do What can be more extravigant than to say that neither any of their country-men nor kinsmen rebelled with them but that the poor distressed people were glad to send to Jerusalem for succour But what society or friendship had they with the people of Jerusalem of whom they came to demand help N Why they were more their Enemies than the rest of their Country-men and were all of quite different manners from us They of Jerusalem as he saith presently did as they were willed to do in hope that according as they were promised they might subdue Egypt Were they ignorant of that Country out of which they had been driven by force had they lived in poverty or misery perhaps they might have been induced to have done it but seeing they inhabited a fortunate and rich City and possessed a goodly fertile soil far better than Egypt what might move them thereto What reason had they at the request of their ancient Enemies and they also so diseased as they of Jerusalem could not abide their own friends among them that had the O like diseases to thrust themselves into danger they could not fore-know the Kings A intent to fly as for Manethon himself he saith he met them at Pelusia with 300000 men And this they that went to War well knew But what reason had they to conjecture that the Kings mind would change and he flye As to what he charges upon the Auxiliaries from Jerusalem that they seized upon the stores and secur'd all the Corn that was in Egypt which brought great distress and exigence upon the people hath he forgot that considering they entred as Enemies they are not thereby to be reproached Rapacity being unavoidable among Souldiers especially if Strangers and Conquerours Hath he forgot he said before that the Lepers had done the same formerly and had to that purpose obliged themselves by oath and that he assured us that some years after Amenophis repelled the Jerusalem-Confederats and Lepers slew B many of them drove them out of those parts and pursued them to the very borders of Syria as if Egypt was a Country so easily conquer'd or that those who were then in possession meerly by conquest would not upon the first alarme of Amenophis's march have block'd up the passages and secured the Avenues on that side towards Aethiope which they might easily have done and
his parents next after God and commandeth that those Children that do not shew themselves grateful unto them The honour due to Parents or in any thing do grieve them that they should be stoned to death It also commandeth all young men to reverence old Men because God is Elder to us all It permitteth not friends to conceal any impiety for God is not their friend who doth not disclose them And if friends fall out that do know one anothers secrets yet they are commanded not to bewray them If any Judge take a bribe he is to be punished with death for omitting Justice and assisting the guilty Against theft and usury No man must take any thing away that he himself placed not and no man must take that which is not his own No man for lending must take usury M and many such like things our Law commandeth concerning cause of Communion between us and others It is also not amiss to recount how our Law-maker provided for the entertaining of strangers amongst us For he seemeth so to have provided that to our knowledge we neither corrupt our own Laws nor deny to impart them to others but he entertaineth all liberally that will come and live under our Laws judging the community of mans life not so much to consist in the Nation whereof we come as in the unity of our minds and conversation He forbiddeth others that are strangers and come not with that intent to be admitted to our solemnities yet he commanded us to exhibit unto them all other things necessary and that we should give unto all men fire water meat and bury N them being dead He hath also most mildly determined how we ought to deal with our Enemies that we neither destroy their Country with fire nor cut down their Fruit-trees We are also forbidden to rob and spoil those that are slain in fight and deal injuriously with our Captives How we ought to ãâ¦ã Enemies and especially if they be Women yea he so endeavoured to teach us humanity and mildness that he provided that we use even unreasonable beasts courteously and only employ them to serve our lawful need and no further for he forbiddeth us to kill any tame thing bred in houses and that we should not kill the old birds and their young together and because many wild Beasts enemies to mankind do assist us in our labours he commanded to spare them also And in every point he O established humanity and mildness amongst us using as is beforesaid Laws to direct A us therein enacting also other how they who infringe the foresaid Laws may be with all severity punished For the punishment allotted to the violaters hereof is for the most part death As if any man commit Alultery ravish a Virgin use the sin against nature with another or suffer himself to be so abused We also have Laws concerning our Servants A repetition of the precepts of the Law and our Measures and Weights and unlawful bargains and sales or deceit if either one take any thing that is another mans or which is not his own all these are to be punished not as other Nations punish them but much more grievously But whosoever either injureth his Parents or committeth impiety against God he shall presently be destroyed But they that observe this Law are rewarded not with gold or silver nor with a Crown beset with precious stone but B every one having his Conscience to witness doth greatly profit and gain Eternity as both our Law-maker prophesieth and God himself doth most assuredly promise to them that observe them The reward of such as keep the Law And if it chance that we be forced to suffer death for them yet do we joyfully go to execution nothing doubting but that we shall so exchange this Life for a better I should be loth to report this if our deeds did not make it manifest for many of our forefathers only for that they refused to speak against our Laws or otherwise than our Laws permitted have most manfully and constantly endured all torments and death it self If our Nation were unknown to all the world and that this our voluntary observaâion C of our Laws were not manifest to all the people if any man should report unto the Greeks that either he had read this which I have declared or else that he had found People in a strange Land such as we be having so pious and honest opinions concerning God and who had for many ages persevered therein I doubt not but they would all admire and wonder hereat considering the great mutability amongst themselves To be short The continuance of the Laws amongst the Jews there are some who stick not to deride them who have lately written of the Government of Common wealths and Laws as though they had written things fabulous and altogether impossible And to speak nothing of other Philosophers who have written of this Argument that divine Plato amongst the Greeks a man who in honest life Plato admired amongst the Greeks virtuous speech and sound Philosophy excelled all others this man is D almost continually scoffed at by them who in their own conceit are skilful in civil affairs and brought in to their Comedies Whereas whosoever considereth his Writings with diligence shall often and easily find matter agreeable with most mens manners yea this Plato himself confesseth that he dare not by reason of the common peoples ignorance set down the true opinion of God But many think Plato's words full of vanity Lycurgus the Law-mâker amongst the Lacedemonians and licentiousness and admire Lycurgus and the City of Sparta for that it so long time persevered in his Laws It is therefore an evident demonstration of Virtue to remain in their Laws But if those who so admire the Lacedemonians do compare them with us and the time during the which their Laws were in force with the time of our Common-wealth they shall find that ours hath E continued more than two thousand years They shall also find that the Lacedemonians did only perfectly observe their Laws during such time as they were in prosperity and liberty and that when their Fortune changed they then became unmindful of their Laws But we who have felt many thousand mis-haps by reason of the often change of Princes in Asia have not in these our last miseries and evils forsaken our Law Neither can any man say that liberty and licentious Life is the cause why we so diligently observe them The Jews compared with the Lacedemonians seeing that whoso please may see sufficient proof that they tye us to more strict Life and laborious than those of the Lacedemonians did them For they neither tilled the Earth nor used any handy-craft but ceasing from all labours and pains-taking F lived in their City fat and in fair liking having both their meat and all other necessaries provided and prepared for them by others
that which is good cleaving to justice by which rules we might be able to bridle our passions and observe the precepts of God But some will ask me why we commit wickedness seeing that reason ruleth our passion But it is ridiculous to think that reason hath so perfect a dominion for reasons rule cannot hinder the appetite from desire but only correct it so far that it suffer with patience the loss or abstinence from such things as it desired For example sake Reason cannot hinder thee from being angry but it can so work that thou commit no impiety when thou art angry in like manner it cannot hinder thee from desiring filthy M pleasure yet can it cause thee not to yield unto it Reason therefor cannot eradicate vice An instance of David's thirst but only bridle it Witness in this the example of holy David who fighting against Strangers with great success and being at Evening weary and faint retiring into his Tent that was guarded by Souldiers he found them all at meat yet himself being thirsty would not drink notwithstanding Water was hard by 2 Sam. 2. 18. because his Religion disswaded him for he had vowed not to drink but from a Fountain in the Camp of the Enemy Whilst thus his thirst encreased three lusty young men armed themselves and taking with them a vessel they went unto their Enemies Camp and assaulted the N watchmen who for fear of death fled and so they past through the Camp till such time as they came where the Water was and filling their pot they brought it to the King David in his thirst refused to drink the Water he so desired But holy David so bridled his appetite that his reason quenched his desire and shewed an excellent token of patience teaching how the fear of God was to be preferred before all things For taking the Water he had so much wished for and which had been gotten with such danger he presently poured it on the ground as a sacrifice to God chusing rather to die for thirst than to offend the divine Majesty yet reason is not so forcible that it is able without due consideration to repress the inordinate motions of the mind and mitigate the grief of the body But it is now time to come to our History yet is not this former discourse to be thought impertinent for O that it is somewhat previous to the matter ensuing Such was the wisdom and fidelity A of our forefathers that Seleucus King of Asia enriched our Priests and being a man of another Religion ascribed all his actions and worthy deeds to the Religion and Faith of our Ancestors Seleucus and Nicanor But wicked mens madness could not herewith be satisfied For one Simon hating the High-Priest Onias and finding no ways or means to be revenged of him in his own Country Simon a Traitor to his Country went unto Apollonius Governour of Syria Phoenicia and Cilicia and before him in a publick assemby declared that he could help the King to an infinite treasure for saith he there is hidden in Jerusalem an infinite deale of Gold and Silver which by right belongeth unto King Seleucus Apollonius hearing this praised and commended Simon and confiscated the Gold and Silver to the Treasure-house of Seleuchus Apollonius Captain of Syria came with an Army to Jerusalem and having authority from the King B to get it he levied an Army and so accompanied with Simon came unto our Country purposing if any violence were offered to use the defence of his Souldiers When the Treasure-house of our Temple was now a sacking Onias wept bitterly and said that it was a heavy sight to them to whom this treasure was committed to see it or any part of it taken away But Appollonius neither respecting the Tears and intreaties of the old Men Women nor Children pressed into the Temple they all praying God to punish him Angels upon Horses shining with fiery brightness and to defend their Temple Being now with a great guard of armed men entred into the holy Temple there appeared certain Angels on Horseback with weapons in their hands and shining with a fiery flame about them C and they daunted the courage of this infidel Apollonius who presently fell down flat upon his face and lying so a great while at last he came a little to himself and rising up he leaned upon his shoulder who kept the Temple not being able to stand alone he was so terrified with the vision he had seen When by degrees he recollected and found some little hope of recovery he stretched both his hands towards Heaven and despairing to obtain pardon by his own prayers for his offence committed he besought the Hebrews whose Temple he came to spoil to make intercession for him himself with Tears craving pardon for his offence and not only acknowledging his fault but confessing himself to have deserved death Onias by prayer obtaineth Apollonius's life and all punishment possible Holy Onias seeing this and fearing also that if Apollonius should then dye the Hebrews would D be suspected to have made him away made prayers to God for him and obtained his Enemies life Apollonius presently hasted to Seleucus to let him understand what had hapned but when he came he found Seleucus dead and Antiochus reigning in his stead a man of Tyrannous nature who bare an ancient grudge to Onias the high Priest Antiochus his rage against the Jews and therefore made Jason his Brother high-Priest in his stead Jason promising Antiochus in recompence to pay him 3660 Talents of Silver every year Jason being made high-Priest and chief amongst all the Nation of the Jews presently forced all the people to impiety and to forsake their Religion so that to build baths he hindred the defence and compleating of the Temple and many of our Nation conspired with him in this iniquity But hereat God was presently wroth and being E displeased it was not needfull to seek forreign Enemies for Antiochus himself was incited against them who warring against Ptolomeus King of Egypt had heard it reported that the Jews esteem'd him to be dead yet was he very nobly entertained by the inhabitants of Jerusalem and presently after the fight he made an edict that who so among the Jews refused to offer Sacrifice to the Gods should presently dy upon the wheel But the godly-minded of our Nation did little esteem this edict yea the Women circumcising their infants as our Law requireth did afterwards cast themselves down headlong to the end that they might so obtain a present death without longer delay Antiochus perceiving that the severity of his edict could not compel the Hebrews to F forsake their Religion but that men voluntarily did chuse death he sitting in an eminent place from whence all the Jews might behold him calling all of them together caused Swines flesh to be sacrificed upon the Altar and to be offered to
men for if that I command you to commit a sin yet do not you offend in doing it The young mens constancy seeing you commit it only upon compulsion But the young Youths inflamed with a divine Spirit and Sense contemned so many kinds of torments L and despised the Tyrants threats and flatteries and their constancy for they gave him no just occasion put the Tyrant into a great rage By this it is evident how much Reason is master over Passion for if any slothful man not before trained up to it should of a sudden come to such a push at the very sight of such torments his mind would be troubled his countenance appalled his Legs under him would have trembled and he with fear have been confounded so that he would presently have retracted and professed himself unable to bear up against so many and so grievous torments saying My self being unwise what should I have made choice of Whether to endure these torments or accept of their promised benefits Whether I should have been moved to pity mine M own age or to compassionate my mother God would not have denied pardon for this deed I being forced thereunto and by doing it though against my will I shall get the Kings favour But where Reason and advice taketh place and hath well trained the mind to perfection the other consequently followeth As by the example of these brethren I will declare who as it were all with one voice denied to eat the sacrificed Swines flesh as they were commanded Wherefore said they O Tyrant dost thou persecute us that are innocent The seven brethren reply to Antiochus We both desire and wish to die and will until such time as death expelleth life firmly keep that which God commanded and Moses taught us And thou Tyrant do not seek to seduce us by pretending love towards us thou lover of injustice master of cruelty deviser of iniquity the N pardon which thou doest offer is to us more painful than punishment we contemn death and esteem not thy words as being by our late master Eleazar taught to despise them Why then doest thou suppose such pusillanimity to be in us young men seeing of late thou foundest such courage in an old man We follow him thou canst not try and know our minds except by tearing our bodies thou search them out We will safely and securely suffer for our God any thing and leaving this Earth we shall be entertained into Heaven and thou for so Tyrannizing most cruelly upon innocent Souls shalt be reserved to eternal fire The Tyrant enraged Antiochus commanded Maccabâus to be racked that he could neither prevail by fair promises nor by threatnings caused them to be beaten with Bulls pizzles and first of all he commanded Maccabeus the eldest of the seven brethren to be stript and stretched out upon a O Rack and his hands to be bound behind him and then to be most cruelly beaten A who wearied his tormenters by his suffering so great the force of vertue is in such manner that they desired more to leave beating him than he requested they should leave This done he was put upon a wheel and a weight hanged at his feet and so stretched round about it that his sinews and entrails brake and his pains increased yet being overcome with pain his mouth was not for all this stopped or hindred from calling upon God who beheld all and reproving the Tyrant for devising those torments for the Innocent he took strength and is said to have cried out after this manner Bloody Tyrant who persecutest the Majesty of God I whom thou thus tormentest am no Witch nor one who have murthered and killed another man but one who dies for justice observing B the Law and for Charity Then when the torturers overcome with compassion perswaded him to submit to the Kings pleasure he answered O ye wicked ministers of Tyranny your wheels are not so sharp and cruel that I thereby will be forced to forsake Heaven whereon my mind is fixed tear my flesh yea if you so please rost it at the fire torture and torment each parcel of my body with several cruelty you shall for all this find your selves unable to force us young men to impiety The death of the eldest brother As he thus spake a fire was kindled and he as he was upon the Wheel racked was so thrown into the fire and thus he was by flames and torments so burned that C his bowels appeared his mind nothing moved when his flesh yielded to the tortures who amidst his pangs cryed thus unto his brethren O beloved brethren learn of me an example of vertue consider the strength of an invincible courage contemn and despise the alluring baits of this world and rather obey God than this Tyrant who can if be please humble the proud and mighty and exalt the lowly and dejected As thus he spake he was taken out of the flame and flaid alive his tongue was pulled out of his mouth and he put into a frying pan and so he departed out of this life to the great admiration of all that beheld him and the joy of his brethren and mother and went before them to Heaven there to prepare a Kingdom for himself and them The second brother brought D After him the second brother called Aber was haled by the Souldiers and before the Tyrant asked him whether he would relent he caused all those torments to be shewed him thereby to terrifie him but he nothing thereat moved and denying to eat of that foresaid Sacrifice his hands were bound with Iron chains and he being hanged up by them the skin of his body was flain off from the Crown of his head unto his knees so that the entrails in his brest appeared naked yet in such manner as he might abide greater torments For he was cast before a cruel Libard thirsting most extremely after blood to the intent that he might devour with his teeth the rest of his body but the beast smelling of him no doubt by the great handy work of Almighty God forgot his cruelty and turning away his face did no hurt to the E Martyr But hereat the Tyrants rage increased and the Martyr by suffering such-torments was made more constant crying aloud O how pleasant is that death unto me which is caused by all sorts of torments for Gods sake yea so much the more pleasant for that I assuredly hope to find reward for it in heaven Let these torments inflicted upon me O Tyrant satisfie thy cruelty for my paân is not by thy tortures increased but rather my pleasure as thou shalt find by my patience in this Agony More willing am I to suffer than thou to punish yet my pain in suffering is less than thine by inflicting the same upon me I am tormented for vertue and observing the Law and the justice of God shall banish thee from thy Regal seat Thou by
tormenting art tormented and F almost consumed thy wrath and fury being almost spent upon me in vain thou shalt not escape the day of judgment eternal torments are there prepared for thee which neither thy profane mind is able to endure nor thy great power to decline thy sinful Soul being condemned to eternal punishments Thus remaining constant in his faith and animated by his brothers example be departed to Heaven Then Machir Machir the third brother is brought the third son was brought whom all men now pitied for the death of his two brethren and many exhorted him by his Brothers examples to desist from his Opinion and so avoid punishment but he being angry hereat replyed One Father begot us one Mother bare us one Master instructed us we are all of one mind and all like affected do therefore no longer prolong the time in vain I came hither to suffer and not to G speak use all your tyranny possible against this body for you have no power at all over my Soul The Tyrant hereat moved to see this third nothing relent by his brothers death devised H more cruelty than humane wit alone could invent Wherefore he commanded a Globe to be brought and tyed the holy Martyr about it in such sort that all his bones were set out of joynt and displaced whereat the holy Martyr was nothing dismai'd The skin also of his head and face was pull'd off and then he was put on the Wheel but he could not be rackt any worse for that his bones were all displaced and did hang one separated from another in most pitiful manner and when the blood issued from him abundantly he was deprived of the use of his hands and feet but perceiving his life to be spent he spake thus and dyed We O Tyrant endure this Torment for the love of God and thou the Author of such unjust cruelty shalt suffer everlasting pain Then his tongue being cut out of his mouth he was put into a frying pan and so I amidst those torments yielded up the Ghost Next after followed Judas the fourth brother whom all the people perswaded and entreated to obey the King Judas the 4. brother is brought but he contemning their prayers and exhortations said thus with all constancy Your fire shall neither separate nor sever me from the Law of God nor from my brethern who instead of this mortal life enjoy life everlasting I denounce unto thee O Tyrant destruction and overthrow but to such as believe salvation make tryal of me therefore thou cruel wretch and see if God will forsake me who hath with open and stretched out Armes received my three brethren which are gone before me and whom the womb of so holy a Mother at several times brought forth unto glory The cruel Tyrant hearing this was much moved and from his Chair leapt down to K torment this Martyr himself and in his fury commanded his tongue to be cut forth but he hereat not terrified said to Antiochus This cruelty will nothing avail thee neither shalt thou hereby Tyrant as thou supposest conquer me Our Gods needs not by voice to be awakned but rather by secret cogitation to be prayed unto to help his servants be provideth for them that hold their peace and heareth the prayers of such as do call upon him if they deserve to be heard and only requireth purity of Soul For our God knoweth all things before we ask and before we our selves enter into cogitation thereof he understandeth our necessity cut out my tongue thou canst not cut out my mind while my life remaineth Those prayers which by it I have uttered to Almighty God have taught it to suffer would God thou wouldst so sanctifie all parts of my body by punishing them L for thou therein inflictest punishment on thy self and reward upon me and think not that thou shalt thus escape long unpunished When he had thus spoken his tongue was cut out of his mouth and he bound to a stake and there he was beaten with ropes ends and he did patiently endure this notwithstanding the colour of his face became dead and wan Being loosed from thence he was put upon the wheel The death of the 4. brother Achas the 5. brother presenteth himself to torments before he was called and then praying for his Country-men he by death went unto the rest of his brethren Then Achas the fifth brother before he was haled to torments spake in this manner Behold thou Tyrant I come to be punished before thou command me hope not therefore any jot to alter his mind who as thou seest desireth to be tormented The blood of my M four innocent brethren which thou hast shed hath condemned thee to Hell-fire I am to make them up the number of five that by it thy pains may be encreased Tell me bloody wretch for what offence by us committed doest thou thus punish us for what impiety doest thou so persecute us what villany have we commited what wickedness what naughtiness have we attempted This is all that thou canst alledge against us that we honour God our Creator and live justly in obedience of his Laws and therefore do not esteem thy punishments but they are to us honour and Salvation and not punishment we shall be greatly rewarded by God if no part of us be left free from torment Whilest thus he spake his executioners by the Kings command took him and cast him into a brazen pot and he was prest down in it his head to his feet and afterward he suffered N all other torments which his brethren had endured yet not amazed hereat he suddenly started up and thus bitterly inveighed against the Tyrant Cruel Tyrant how great benefits dost thou against thy will bestow upon us yea the more thou art incensed against us the more acceptable to God shalt thou make us yea I should be sorry if thou shewdest mercy upon me This short affliction gaineth us life everlasting if this temporal death should not betide me everlasting life could not befall me And thus he finisht his Agony and dyed Then the tormenters laid hands upon the sixth brother who was called Areth to whom the Tyrant made offer either of honour or punishment but he disdaining his offer said Although Tyrant I be younger in years than my martyred brethren yet my constancy O of mind to theirs is not inferiour for we were all nourisht up together all together instructed A and we will all dy together in the fear of God Hasten therefore your torments and that time which thou wouldest spend in exhorting me spend it in devising tortures for me Antiochus hereat confounded commanded him to be bound to a Pillar with his head hanging down The valour of the sixth brother in such wise as the defluxion of humours might cause ach and this done he caused a fire to be made so far off him that it could not burn him but rost him
it came to pass that none of them offended but each one resolute in his Religion took example of the virtue courage and constancy of their fore-father Isaac who understanding that it was God's will that he should be Sacrificed refused not to submit his body to his Fathers Sword Let us said they yield our Souls to him of whom we receied both Soul and Body It is a small matter for us to suffer loss of these members seeing that we shall in lieu of them receive everlasting bliss Abraham Isaac and Jacob do joyfully expect us as L Co-heirs of their Kingdom let us glorifie that womb wherein we were for ten months space let none of us be more coward than the other nor none of us degenerate from the other True brotherhood we that were all begotten of one Father and sucked of one milk must in all things resemble one another we had one teacher and one law inviolate And in this golden bond of concord were these brethren linked together and none of them mourned to see the other tormented but all rejoyced at the others death O Children whose dignity surpasseth the Royalty of Kings and Princes whose glory and virtue is unspeakable None of you were terrified with fear but you so hastened to your deaths as though you had been to go to bliss and felicity you were truly brethren who even by death were linked together A pledge and sign of brotherly amity God hath greatly in you magnified our Nation in you M shewed us all an example of fortitude whom therefore I think he caused to be so many in number as were the days wherein he created the World so that these seven brethren may resemble the seven days wherein all things were made And why should we so admire this fortitude in these young men when a woman armed her self with contempt of death Who indeed is not to be called a Mother but to be honoured with a higher title than humane frailty can afford who bare into this World so many triumphs For the Mother seeing her Children dead was with a kind and godly zeal inflamed also to suffer The mothers grief and no marvel seeing that the very brute beasts if they perceive violence offered to their young do expose themselves to perils in their defence and protect them with their wings teeth and tallons yea and every one that is any way able to N make resistance opposeth herself to the Enemy to defend her young And not only brute Beasts do this but even Bees do defend their young and their honey threatning their Stings to them that offer to tast thereof and more esteeming the good of their young than their own lives But this zealous mother directed by the Spirit of God and the dictates of reason incouragd her Children to dy and being to dy after them chose rather to be a spectator of their death than otherwise When all her family had suffered she as the last and glory of them all came to execution despising the Tyrants threats offering her motherly brest to those torments which her Children had suffered O blessed stock and blessed increase of the self same womb Why should I not affirm that in all lineaments and feature of O the body you are like your mother and if this be a commendation in them that beside A features of the body receive nothing of their Mother I will say more of you that you are like your mother in Fortitude Vertue and Religion and that you so in all things resemble her that you are every way equal unto her save only herein that she with her Eyes beheld the immanity of your torments and was afterward as constant in her own Martyrdom as you in yours She therefore herein excelled you that she suffered seven torments before she came to suffer in her own person The mother suffereth seven torments before she was tormented feared in every one of them lest she should be overcome But O thou example of all women I cannot tell whether thou barest these Children in thy womb or createdst them who couldst with dry Eyes look upon them whilst they were torn in pieces yea I say little affirming that thou B patiently didst behold those sights for even thou thy self didst exhort them thereunto thou rejoycedst to see one of them torn in pieces with Flesh-hooks the other to be racked upon the Wheel the third to be bound and beaten thou joyfully admiredst the others burning and exhortedst the rest not to be terrified here with and although whilst thou beheld'st their torments thy grief was greater than that which thou hadst in Child-birth yet didst thou bear a lightsome and chearful countenance as though it had been one triumphing While they were a killing thou didst laugh and seeing only one of all thy Children left hereat thou didst nothing relent Can I describe how every one perished seeing thou their mother didst laugh at their deaths and when their sinews were cut in two their heads flaid their tongues pulled forth by the Roots their C hands broken their bodies in the fire and cast upon Iron plates red-hot and upon Wheels and their ribs pulled in sunder and many other torments for which we want names Never was any Swan which if you will believe antiquity Sings sweetest before her death comparble to the Funeral notes of thy dying Children And you blessed ofspring were not overcome by that Syren's enchantments but to honour God scrupled not to leave your Mother without Children And she being as pious brave on her side chose rather to want you for a time than to incur eternal damnation wishing rather that the bodies of her Children should be tormented than their Souls Well she knew that nothing was more frail and infirm than our bodies which though persecution be wanting are often killed with Agues and other Maladies Who is D ignorant that shipwrack is incident to Sailers disasters to them that travel sudden death to those that live at ease sudden casualty by fire and by the hands of Theives and a thousand other ways to dispatch our lives Seeing then that our mortal bodies are subject to so many miseries to bring us to our end who would not make choice of a quick dispatch A similitude from the Deluge whereby we lose goods of this World and gain life everlasting O thou most reverend of all women the credit of thy Nation and honour of our Religion who like the Ark of Noe didst persist inviolate amongst such stormy Waves for as the Arke withstood the force of the deluge and being built strongly with firm boards did not suffer any thing within it to perish so thou sufferedst not the Tyrant to overcome the holy Ghost which thou hadst received in thy heart Behold of what force and efficacy Reason is which oftentimes maketh men inferiour E to women For neither was Daniel so tortured at the sight of the Lions nor
the three Children with the fiery Furnace as this woman was afflicted at the death of all her Children before she came to her own Agony What would another woman and Mother have done in this Case but wept and with pitiful lamentations have cryed Ah wretch thas I am most unhappy and miserable of all that breath who therefore bare so many Children into this World that their several deaths might be so many several occasions of my grief and sorrow she would have commemorated her frequent labours the pains she endured in her ten Months bearing them she would have bewailed her ill fortune who brought forth her sons to so many deaths and dangers she would have recounted the milk wherewith she fed them and their meat she had prepared for them the F pains she had taken with them how she had carried them in her Arms and sung to them and taught them to speak her cares her watchings her fear lest any mis-hap should betide them and with weeping tears would have said Shall I never be a Grandmother and embrace your Children who a while ago was a fruitful mother my self but am now deprived of you all If this day I dy I have none to bury me But this handmaid of God forgot all these complaints that another mother would have made and with an Adamantine sence more impenetrable than the never-yielding Rocks did neither forsake her Children in their torments nor in their death but rather compelled them to perish and never sorrowed thereat For being apprehended together with her seven Sons she considering Eleazar's Martyrdom did thus exhort them in the Hebrew G tongue O my most dear and loving Children The mothers speech exhorting her seven Sons to suffer let us hasten to that Martyrdom which may make us a H credit to our Nation and gain of God an everlasting reward let us without fear present our selves unto those torments which Eleazar's aged body endured calling to mind our Father Abraham of worthy memory who having but one only Son did sacrifice him being willed by God so to do and seared not to bring him to the Altar though he was the fruit and only comfort of his age Isaac also was willing to be sacrificed by his father knowing that God was to be obeyed in all things the like may be said of Daniel and the three Children believe me we are rather tried than tormented For whatsoever this World affordeth is mortal and transient Thus did this mother arm her Childrens minds with fortitude A Golden saying of the mother of her seven Children and though a woman infused courage and constancy into men And when her Children were all dead she I a worthy mother of so many Champions kneeling down in the place of torment be sought God to put an end to her life protesting that she had not for love of life so long deferred to dye The mother followed her Sons in torments but only for her Childrens sake and that now she had seen them all seven triumphing Whereupon the rage of Antiochus grew hot and he commanded this noble person to be tormented and accordingly as the Tyrant willed she was striped naked and hanged up by the hands and most cruelly whipped her dugs and paps were pulled off and she put into the red-hot Frying-pan being most willing to follow her Childrens steps in torment and lifting up her Eyes and hands to Heaven she prayed for all women with Child and so yielded her chast Soul to God But Antiochus was striken with fire from Heaven O thou mistress of justice who followed'st K thy triumphing Children O Conquerer of Tyrants and a Looking-Glass for all Martyrs O example of patience not only to women but to all men that shall be after thee reverenced of them that now are and to be worshiped of them that are to come and to be admired not only of our Nation The light of the just but of all other people Thy light obscureth the bright shining Moon 1. Cor. 15. and though she fill the World with her brightness yet is she not comparable to thy shining light Seven lights inviron thee about dazling the brightness of the seven Planets Could any Painter express or any hand in writing declare the torments which you suffered none could with dry eyes read or behold them All people would flock about to see it All people would praise and esteem him to have offered a great gift who to God's glory had painted so incomparable a picture L And if any skilful workman should engrave this Tragedy upon a Sepulchre or in his house doubtless he should be freed from all plague and misfortune But where could a stone be found able to contain so many torments Therefore the old man Eleazar the Mother and her seven Sons are for their Nobility graced with a Sepulchre and a great reverence is done unto them of all men yea even by men that are not of our Religion and there is a constellation of eight stars ordained as an argument of their justice and Angels did execute their Funerals The Tyrant himself was astonished to see the constancy of such godly minds And thus have they found such favour in the sight of God that they have obtained remission of the sins of our Nation For presently after the Tyrant was destroyed and Israel was freed from his Tyranny M But Antiochus Antiochus leavied an Army of Footmen from amongst the Hebrews seeing the greatness of their Faith and their contempt of death gathered an Army of Foot out of the Hebrews by whose help he terrified his Enemies and got great Renown O blessed seed of Abraham behold what benefit the Sufferings of the Mother and her seven Sons brought to us their Country-men let us persist in this piety that so we may be like our Forefathers behold the death of a few did end all the miseries and sins of our whole Nation and you by your Country-mens hands vanquished their persecutors Enemies Antiochus died stinking exceedingly after that victory our sins were remited last of all Antiochus being mad and his entrails devoured with Worms he smelling like Carrion gave up the Ghost 2. Mac. 9. and was ever after death punished for his offence For when he could not make the Citizens of Jerusalem to forsake their Law he made War against N the Persians and there received that which he deserved It now remaineth An Epitome of the life of the seven Sons and their mother that we briefly repeat all that is before said For in her Agony this sacred mother said thus unto the standers by Whilest it was lawful for me I kept my self a Virgin and then I married and lived a Chast Wife and forsook not my own house I brought forth such Sons as I need not be ashamed of and though dounted with my Husbands death yet I did not forsake my Faith This and many things else she recounted And
rather like his Son than his Grand-Child O A It is reported that Caius commanded him to kill himself in the presence of several Tribunes and Captains forbidding them strictly to give him any assistance because forsooth it was not decent that the descendents of an Emperour should die by any inferiour hands For he would needs pass for a strict observer of the Laws at the very time when he broke them and a Bigot in Religion when he was committing so great a Crime without the least compunction or remose for making a Stalking-Horse of the truth by so strange an hypocrisie The poor Prince who had never seen any murders before nor been accustomed to those counterfeit Combats in which young Princes are usually exercised in time of Peace presented his Throat to the person who stood next him but he and all the rest B refusing to dispatch him he took the Dagger himself ask'd them where he was to strike and they in their great Civility having instructed him he stab'd himself immediatly and that with many blows till by a lamentable and unmercifull compulsion he had murder'd himself CHAP. IIII. Caius puts to death Macro Colonel of his Pretorian bands to whom he was oblig'd C both for his life and his Empire VVHEN Caius had finished that business which of all his affairs was of the greatest importance there being no body left that could pretend to the Empire or to whom any turbulent persons could in prudence apply he turn'd his indignation upon Macro resolving that he also should feel the effects of his Cruelty and Ingratitude This Macro had not only serv'd him faithfully since his advancement to the Throne which would have been no extraordinary thing because Princes who are fortânate shall never want flatterers but he had been a great means that Tiberius had chosen him D for his Successor For besides that there never was Prince of greater Sagacity and Penetration than Tiberius the experience which his years had given him gave him so large an insight into the secretest Cogitations of Man that he began to be jealous of Caius he suspected him an Enemy in his heart to the whole family of the Claudii and that if he had any natural affection at all it was only for his Relations by the Mothers side so that Tiberius began to be apprehensive for his Grand-Child if he should leave him a Minor Again he looked upon Caius as uncapable of the Government of so great an Empire by reason of the weakness and levity of his parts which seem'd rather inclining to folly than otherwise so little Solidity was there to be observed either in his word or his actions But there was no Stone that Macro left unturned to E discusse these suspitions and especially his apprehension for his Grand-Child He assured the Emperour that Caius had an extreme respect for him so great an affection for his Cousin that he would willingly leave the Empire to him that it was nothing but his retention and modesty that made people think him weak in his intellectuals When Macro found these Reasons would not work he feared not to offer himself in Caution and the Emperour had no reason to suspect his Sincerity after the Testimony which he had given of it not only in discovering but defeating the Conspiracy of Sejanus In short he was always commending Caius if it may be called commending to undertake his justification against all uncertain surmises and underermined accusations and carried himself so towards him that if Caius had been his Brother or F his Son he could not have done more Several have attributed the Cause to the respects which Caius always shew'd to Macro but more to the good offices of his Wife who for some private Reasons was always crying him up and magnifying him to her Husband and every one knows the influence of Women especially if they be immodest for then no Art nor Flattery can escape them that may conceal their transgressions from their Husband Macro being ignorant of some passages in his house interpreted these artifices for affection the greatest of his Enemies passed in his thoughts for the truest of his friends That he had preserved Caius in so many dangers and could not imagine that he would ever be ingrateful gave him the confidence to admonish him with great liberty upon an apprehension that he would either ruin himself G or be corrupted by other people He was like a good workman jealous of his own manufacture and could not endure it should be spoil'd Caius falling asleep one day at the Table Macro was bold to wake and admonish him that it was neither decent nor H secure for he in that condition might easily be slain When Caius was looking upon his Dancers or Mimicks with such extraordinary pleasure and attention that he could not contain from imitating their Gestures when not contenting himself to smile or be pleas'd he brake out into a loud Laughter among the Comedians or Buffoons or when he sung or play'd among the Musitians he jog'd him Gently if he was with in reach to the end he might give over and told him in his Ear what no body else durst have ventur'd to have said You are not SIR to abandon your self to the pleasures of your sence like other men but are rather to surpass them in gravity and prudence as much as you transcend them in dignity and I extraction How strange will it appear for the Monarch of the World to be unable to moderate himself in such slight and contemptible things The great honour that invirons you obliges you to do nothing unsuitable to the Majesty of so great and so redoubted an Emperour When you are in the Theatre or Circus or in the place of any publick exercise you are not to consider the show or spectacle so much as the pains and care which those persons who present it have taken to do it to your content and are to argue thus with your self If these persons have taken so much pains in things that are useless to the life of man and only serviceable to the pleasures of the spectators that thereby they may merit their applauses acclamation what is there incumbent upon a Prince who professes an art infinitely more estimable Do yoâ not know that there is nothing equal to governing well seeing it causes plenty in all places capable of Cultivation and secures Navigation by which all the Provinces have Commerce and K communicate their respective Commodities Envy and Jealousie to frustrate this happy Communication have like poison infected some persons and some Towns But since your August Family has been advanced to the Sovereignty and Supreme power which extends it self as well over the Seas as Lands of the whole Earth it has repelled these monsters into the most recluse and obscure Solitudes To you alone it is that this supreme Authority is committed Providence has plac'd you as a judicious Pilot
to manage the Helm It is your office to look to the good conduct of this incomparable vessel fraughted with the welfare of all mankind and as so noble an office is aboue all estimation you ought not to take pleasure in any thing so much as in rendring so many Nations as are under your dominion happy by your benefits 'T is true they may be oblig'd by particular persons but it is from their Prince only they are to expect L this excellent conduct by which he showrs down his bounty upon them with full hands reserving only such things as in prudence are necessary for the remedying of such accidents as cannot be foreseen Thus it was that this unfortunate Counsellor advis'd Caius with designe to have made him better But his wicked nature turned his remedies into poison made a mock of his counsel and became much worse in so much as when Macro came towards him one time he said to those who were then about him Do you see that impertinent Schoolmaster that ridiculous Pedagogue he would take upon him to give instructions not only to a Child but to a person wiser than himself He prates as if a subject was to command an Emperour and an Emperour that is not ignorant in the art of Governing and he M believes himself excellent in that science But I would fain know where he learned it For my part I was brought up to it from my Cradle receiving continual instructions from my Father Brothers Uncles Cousins Grand-Father Great-Grand-Father and many other great Princes from whom I am descended both by the Father and Mother without so much as mentioning the seeds of vertue which Nature mingles with the blood of those she designs shall command For by the same reason as Children are observed to resemble their Parents not only in the lineaments of their face and the qualities of their mind but in their very gestures inclinations and actions by the same reason those who proceed from a Race accustomed to dominion do receive with their existence a disposition that makes them capable of all the impressions necessary for the formation of a great Prince I therefore may say that when my Mother N carried me in her womb and even before I was brought into the World I was instructed in the art of Governing and yet a private person whose thoughts have nothing in them that is noble and sublime has the confidence to give me Counsel in the Conduct and Regiment of my Empire which to him is an impenetrable mystery In this manner Caius conceiv'd every day more and more aversion to Macro endeavouring to charge him with false crimes but such as might at least carry in them some appearance of truth and of this sort he believed he had found one by these words which fell from Macro upon a time The Emperour is of my making and has no less obligation to me than to those who brought him into the World Three times by my prayers and contrivances have I rescued him from the O fury of Tiberius who would have put him to death and when Tiberius who would have A put him to death and when Tiberius dyed I caus'd him to be declared Emperour by the Guards which were under my Command remonstrating and inculcating to them that the only way to keep the Empire entire was to pay obedience but to one person Many people approved this discourse in Macro as knowing it was true and not yet understanding the inconstancy and dissimulation of Caius But not many days after the unfortunate Macro and his wife were put to death which was all the recompence that the ingratitude of Caius afforded to the fidelity of his servant for having secur'd him against death and advanc'd him to the Empire Some say Macro was compelled to kill himself and that his wife did the same though it was more than suspected Caius B had been kinder to her formerly But what is more unconstant than love by reason of the frequent exceptions and disgusts that happen where the affection is irregular Nay so insatiable was the cruelty of Caius that he put to death the whole family of Macro leaving not so much as one of his Servants alive CHAP. V. Caius caused his Father in Law Marcus Syllanus to be slain for giving him wise Counsel and the Murder of him was followed by the Execution C of several others WHEN this perfideous Prince had in this manner quitted himself of his Competitor in the Empire and of a person to whom he ought both his authority and life there was a third design that remained to be executed to the perpetration of which he imploy'd his utmost address His Father in Law Marcus Syllanus who was a person of great Generosity and of illustrious extraction after the death of his Daughter who died very young continued to Caius the affection of an own Father rather than of a Father in Law believing that though the D Princess was dead he could not but have the same sentiments for him Upon this score he spake to him with great liberty about the measures which he was to take by his actions to answer the hopes which were conceived of him But Caius being so vain an Opiniaster that instead of owning or mending his faults he flattered himself with a Fancy that he was excellent in all kinds of virtues look'd upon those as his Enemies who gave him good counsel he perverted the good Counsel of Syllanus reputed it an insolence grew insupportable towards him and could not endure any longer to have him an impediment to the irregularity of his passions After this he banish'd as well out of his thoughts as his heart the remembrance of his wife and by more than barbarous Cruelty caused him to be put to death for Treason from whom she had received life and who ought to have been respected by him as an own Father The noise of E this murder which was followed by the execution of several others the most considerable in the Empire was spred all over the World every body spake of it with horrour but in private their fear obstructing the publication of their resentment Nevertheless the people being easily deluded and not without difficulty to be perswaded that a Prince who had appeared so good and so gentle should be so suddenly changed it was said in his excuse That as to the death of the young Tiberius the Soveraign power could not admit of a Partner That he was only prevented by Caius for if his age would have permitted he would have treated him in the same manner That it was perhaps by the Providence of God and for the benefit of the whole World that Tiberius lost his life to secure the Empire from Civil and Forreign Wars which would have devided into factions F by the several great persons who would have espoused the interest both of the one and the other That nothing is more disirable than peace That
Peace cannot subsist but by good conduct in the Provinces and that a Province canot be well govern'd unless the Government be in a single person whose authority maintains all things in quiet and repose That as to Macro he was grown so sawcy and proud that in appearance he had quite forgot that excellent direction of the Oracle at Delphos Nosce teipsum which is a thing so necessary that with the knowledg of ones self one cannot fail to be happy nor avoid being unhappy when it is not attained That it was insupportable for Macro to set himself up above the Emperour as if it was not his office to command and the subjects to obey In this manner it was that the ignorant either out of flattery or folly interpreted the wholesome counsels of Macro and as for G Syllanus it was said that it was ridicuculous in him to pretend to as much power over his Son in Law as a Father has over his own Son seeing those Fathers who are but Citizens do submit without trouble to their own Children when they are advanced to any dignity or office and H that it was imprudently done in him to imagine that being but his Father in Law he should have a right to interpose in publick affairs without considering that his allyance with the Emperour was extinguished by the death of his Daughter Marriages being but outward ligaments which though they joyn Families together at present yet they are broken upon the death of either of the parties This was the discourse which was used in some of their assemblys to excuse the Emperour's cruelty for there having been none of his predecessors of whose meekness and bounty they had conceived a better opinion they could not as I have said imagine he should be so changed in a Moment I CHAP. VI. Cains requires the veneration of one of the Gods THese horrid and criminal actions passed in the mind of Caius for so many victories obtain'd against the most considerable person of his Empire For his fury had extinguished the lustre of the Imperial Family in the blood of his Cousin young Tiberius whom he ought in justice to have taken into the partnership of the Government His K abominable inhumanity had exasperated the Senat by the death of Syllanus his Father in Law who was one of their greatest ornaments and his horrible ingratitude had taken away the life of Macro a person of the first Rank in his Court and to whom he was oblig'd particularly for the Grandeur to which he was advanc'd Having perpetrated these great things he believed that there being no body left who durst oppose himself against his pleasure he ought not to be satisfied with the greatest honors that could be confer'd upon man but that he might expect and challeng what was given to the Gods and it is reported that to perswade himself to so strange an extravagance his argument was thus As those who conduct and have the care of Heards of Cattel whether Oxen or Sheep or L Deer are neither Oxen nor Sheep nor Deer themselves but men of a nature infinitely more excellent than the nature of those animals so they who have the command of all the men and Creatures in the World ought to be considered as more excellent than men and receive reverence like Gods Having admitted this ridiculous fancy into his head and taken the boldness to publish it he came by degrees to the effects He began first to desire to be reverenced as one of the demy-Gods such as Bacchus Hercules Castor and Pollux Tryphon Amphiarus Amphilocus and others but he laugh'd at their Oracles and Ceremonies and ravish'd them from them that they might be attributed to himself He changed his habit and dress like a player Sometimes to personat Hercules he wore M a Lions skin about his shoulders and a Club in his hand sometimes he wore a Hat like Castor and Pollux and sometimes in imitation of Bacchus he wore the skin of a young Hind But in this point he differed from those pretended deities that whereas they were contented with their respective and particular Ceremonies without envying what was confer'd upon the rest he required them all that he might be accounted above them Nevertheless that which contracted the great throng of spectators was not that he had three bodies like Gerion but because he transformed himself into as many different shapes as Proteus who as Homer describes changed himself into several Elements Animals and Plants N But Caius this vain resembance with these Demy-Gods was not the thing you ought to have affected you were rather to have imitated their actions and virtue Hercules by his glorious labours delivered both Land and Sea from such Monsters as troubled the repose of mankind Bacchus who was the first that planted the Vine brought a liquor into the World so pleasant and comfortable both to the body and mind of man that it made them forget their sorrows exhilarated and fortified their hearts in such manner that the effects of it are still seen in the dances and festivities not only of the most civiliz'd but of the most barbarous Nations As to Castor and Pollux the two Sons of Jupiter is it not said that one of them being immortal and the other mortal he who had the advantage of immortality not being able to think that his brother should O die would needs equal and debase himself to the condition of his Brother by communicating A to him part of his immortality and in some measure subjecting himself to death which was the greatest expression of kindness that could be imagined These Heros then who were the admiration of their own ages and are still the wonder of ours were not adored and reverenc'd as Gods but for their benefits and good actions to man But Caius what have you done in imitation that may in courage you to such an exaction To begin with Castor and Pollux have you imitated the perfect friendship that was between those two Brothers and made them so glorious you without compassion to the youth and tenderness of him who ought to have been to you as a Brother and with whom you were in justice obliged to have shar'd the whole Empire you I say have cruelly embrued your hands in his blood and sent his sisters B into Exile to reign with the more security and quiet your self Have you imitated Bacchus and diffus'd an universal joy and chearfulness over the whole Earth by any admirable invention you who being to be considered no otherwise but as a publick Plague have found out nothing but new inventions to turn that joy into sorrow that chearfulness into sadness and make peoples lives a burden You who in recompence of the infinite wealth and advantages which flow in to you dayly from all parts of the World do with your insatiable avarice crush aâd depress your people with the weight of so many new Tributes and Impositions that you
may know by one of the Letters of C. Norbanus Flaccus of which I have brought you a Coppy C. Norbanus Flaccus to the Magistrates of Ephesus Greeting The Emperour has writ to me that in all places under my Government where there are any Jews I should permit them to assemble according to their ancient Customs and to raise mony to be sent to Jerusalem I do advise and require that you give them no interruption Doth not the favour and affection of Augustus to the Jews appear clearly hereby seeing he permits the Jews to assemble publickly to collect their First-Fruits and perform other actions of Piety and Devotion F I will give you another proof and that no less considerable He commanded that a Bull and a Ram should be offered every day at his charge in honour to our God which is observed to this day without any discontinuance yet he knew that there was no Image permitted either within the Temple or without and no person surpassing him in knowledge he thought it but reasonable that there should be a Temple peculiarly dedicated to the invisible God in which there should be no Image and where men might utter their Prayers and Devotions with confidence of relief The Emperess Julia your Majesties great Grand-mother imitating the Piety of her incomparable Husband adorned our Temple with several inestimable Vessels of Gold without any Image ingraved upon them because though Women do not G easily comprehend invisible things yet her Wit and inclination to great matters had so elevated her in that as in other things above the pitch of her sex that she understood intellectual things as well as sensible and she was perswaded that the later H were but Types and Shadows of the former Since then you have so many pregnant Examples at home of the great affection of your Predecessors to us Continue I beseech you what they from whom your person and succession is derived have so carefully preserved They are Emperours who intercede in the behalf of our Laws to an Emperour They are great Princes to a great Prince They are Grand-fathers and Grandmothers to a Grand-child Several to one single Person all of them admonishing as it were in these terms Do not you abolish what we have established and what has been alwayes observed but consider that though the subversion of this Order may possibly produce no ill effects immediately yet the uncertainty of future Events ought to make I the most hardy to fear if they have not wholly renounced the fear of their Creator Should I go about to recount all my Obligations to your Majesty the day would fail me before I had finished and yet it troubles me to pass them over too soon But so great benefits will publish themselves You have beat off my Irons but those Irons incumbred but part of my Body and the pain that I now suffer oppresses my Soul You have delivered me from the apprehension of Death and afterwards reviv'd me when a greater apprehension had put me into such a state that I was lookt upon as dead Preserve then I beseech you that Life that you have restored and would not doubtless have restor'd to have prolong'd my misfortunes Your Majesty has advanced me to the greatest honour that can be aspired you have K given me a Kingdom and added to that Kingdom Trachonitis and Galilee After such extraordinary Favours do not I beseech you refuse me another so necessary that the not granting of that will make the other unprofitable and when you have rais'd me to so glorious so illustrious a condition do not humble me down again into darkness and sorrow I do not beg of you to continue me in that high sphere where your favour has plac'd me All that I beg is That you would not interfere with the Laws of my Country and if you deny me that what will my Country-men what will the whole World think of my Interest with you Will not they have reason to believe that I have either L betrayd my Country or lost the honour of your favour which are two the greatest Evils that I dread Nevertheless I must of necessity fall into one of them seeing I must either be Cowardly or Perfidious in deserting an Interest that ought to be so dear to me Or else I must have lost my Interest in your kindness if imploring your Mercy for the preservation of the Temple and my Country you should not think fit to use me with the same favour that former Emperours have shown to all such as they did honour with their kindness If I be so unfortunate as to be pleasing to you no longer do not cast me into Bonds as Tiberius did but put me immediatly to death For why should I desire to live having lost you Majesties favour in which only I repos'd my greatest confidence and M hopes N O A CHAP. XVII Caius was wrought upon by Agrippa's Letter and sent to Petronius to do nothing in the Temple at Jerusalem But he repented presently and caused a Statue to be made in Rome which he ordered to be sent privately to Jerusalem at the same time when he should go to Alexandria where he likewise resolved to be acknowledged for a God The B Injustice and Cruelty of that Prince WHEN King Agrippa had seal'd and dispatch'd this Letter to Caius he expected the success with all imaginable impatience as judging that not only the Conservation or Ruine of Judea was at Stake but the Interest of the whole Nation of the Jews spread abroad over the whole Earth This Letter produced great agitation in the mind of Caius He could not with patience behold his Pleasure disputed and yet he could not but be touched with the Reasons and importunity of Agrippa He blam'd his affection for them who were the only People that durst withstand the Consecration of his Statue and yet he could not but approve C prove the sincerity of that Prince as proceeding from the nobleness and generosity of his mind At length his kindness for Agrippa prevailed against his Choller he was mollified by degrees returned him a favourable answer and granted him the highest of all favours that he would desist from the aforesaid Consecration After which he writ to Petronius to make no farther alteration in the Temple but he blended his grace with such severe Conditions as gave them always occasion to tremble for he added this Clause to his Letter But if in any other Town beside Jerusalem any body thinks fit to erect any Statue or Altar to me or mine and any one be found so audacious as to oppose it it is our pleasure that he be punished upon the place or sent Prisoner to us Was not this to revoke or cancel his favour at the same time when he granted it seeing D those words could not be considered but as seeds of Commotion and War For who doubted but those People who were Enemies to the
joy for his recovery pag. 829 CHAP. III. Caius abandons himself to all kind of Debauchery and with horrible ingratitude and dreadful cruelty constrains Tiberius Grandson to the Emperour Tiberius to kill himself pag. 830 CHAP. IV. Caius puts to death Macro Colonel of the Pretorian Guards to whom he was obliged both for his Empire and Life pag. 831 CHAP. V. Caius puts to death Marcus Syllanus his Father in Law because he gave him wise Counsel And that Murder is followed by many others pag. 833 CHAP. VI. Caius requires to be reverenc'd as a Demi-God pag. 834 CHAP. VII The folly of Caius increasing he requires to be worshiped as a God and imitates Mercury Apollo and Mars pag. 835 CHAP. VIII Caius enraged against the Jews because they would not reverence him as a Demi-god like other People pag. 837 CHAP. IX The Inhabitants of Alexandria take advantage of the displeasure of Caius to commit great cruelty and outrage upon the Jews They destroy most part of their Oratories and set up the Emperors Statues though no such thing had ever been attempted in the Reigns of Augustus or Tiberius The Praises of Augustus ibid. CHAP. X. Caius being already incensed against the Jews of Alexandria is much exasperated by the Calumnies of Helico formerly an Egyptian Slave but now in great favour with the Emperour pag. 840 CHAP. XI The Jews of Alexandria send Embassadors to Caius to represent their grievances of which number Philo was chief Caius receives them kindly in appearance but Philo judg'd very well that he was not to be trusted pag. 841 CHAP. XII Philo and his Collegues are informed that Caius had sent Orders to Petronius Governour of Syria to cause his Statue to be set up in the Temple of Jerusalem p. 842 CHAP. XIII Petronius being sensible of the Injustice and ill Consequences of it is much troubled about the execution of that Order pag. 844 CHAP. XIV Petronius Orders a Statue to be made but very slowly he endeavours to perswade the Jews to admit it but in vain The Jews assemble from all places unanimously conjuring him against the Execution of that Order and to give them leave to send Embassadors to the Emperour pag. 845 CHAP. XV. Petronius affected with their Reasons and thinking it unsafe to run them into despair writes to Caius on purpose to gain time Caius is inraged but dissembles it in his Answer to Petronius pag. 846 CHAP. XVI King Agrippa comes to Rome and finding from Caius his own mouth his design of Erecting his Statue in the Temple of Jerusalem He falls into fainting fits being recollected be writes to the Emperour pag. 848 CHAP. XVII Caius relents upon Agrippa's Letter writes to Petronius to alter nothing in the Temple but repents immediately He causeth a Statue to be made privately in Rome and sent as privately to Jerusalem when he was to go to Alexandria he continues his resolution to be owned there as a God His Injustice and Cruelty pag. 851 CHAP. XVIII The Passion wherewith Caius treated Philo and the rest of the Embassadors pag. 852 A TABLE of the Chiefest and most Memorable Things which are handled in This WORK A. AAron Moses brother 67. G. cometh to meet him ibid. 1. holdeth up Moses hands 77. A. elected High Priest 88. M. his sons 89. A. High Priesthood confirmed to him 102. K. giveth his Priestly Ornaments to Eleazar 104. I. his death ibid. K. Aarons Rod fructifieth 103. A. Abdon Judge of Israel 139. E. renowned for his issue ibid. F. Abel second son of Adam 29. B. is commended ibid. C. is slain by his brother and why ibid. C. Abias levieth an Army 223. I. overcometh Jeroboam ibid. N. dieth ibid. O. his issue ibid. Abiathar escapes Sauls hands 166. L. telleth David of his Families slaughter ibid. asketh counsel of God 173. B. dispossessed of the Priesthood 104. I. helps Adonias 199. D. Abigail pacifieth David 169. B. C. after married to David ibid. E. Abibu Aarons son burned 89. G. and why ibid. G. Abimelech King of Geraer enamoured of Sara 39. E. plagued for taking her ibid. E. made a covenant with Abraham ibid. G. expelleth Isaac his Country 43. F. after makes a league with him 44. I. Abimelech Gideons bastard son 137. B. killeth 69 of his brethren and usurpeth ibid. B. practiseth against the Sichemites ibid. E. slayeth him and sacketh their City ibid. G. burned the Sichemites fled to the rock 138. H. taketh Tabez ibid. K. is wounded and slain ibid. K. Abiram rebellious 101. C. he and those that were with him swallowed up 102. H. Abisai overcometh the Idumaeans 182. L. sent against the Ammonites 183. E. Abisaei's valour 197. A. Abisag nourisheth David 199. C. Abner Sauls Uncle 151. B. questioneth with Saul ibid. B. General of his Army 164. M. maketh Isboseth King 176. H. revolteth from Isboseth ibid. O. Killeth Azael ibid. K. perswadeth the Governours to create David King 177. B. is slain 177. D. E. Abraham son of Thares 35. C. tenth from Noe ibid. C. taught the Egyptians Religion and Arts 36. M. first Preacher of the word 35. F. his wisdom ibid. an Astronomer 36. M. and an Arithmetician ibid. M. his house 36. I. oppressed by Famine ibid. K. divided the Land with Lot 36. K. rescueth Lot from the Sodomites 37. E. son promised him ibid. F. foretold his progeny to be evil entreated 38. H. circumcised himself and Ismael 38. L. entertaineth Angels and entreateth for the Sodomites ibid. N. intended to offer his son 41. B. C. marrieth Chetura ibid. G. provideth a wife for his son 42. K. dieth 43. D. is commended ibid. Absence of David excused 164. L. Absalon killeth Amnon 186. O. fled to Gessur 187. C. revoked from banishment and how ibid. F. affecteth the Kingdom 188. K. proclaimed King ibid. L. passeth over Jordan 191. B. his overthrow 191. E. slain by Joab ibid. F. Abundance foretold 61. G. Abundance of Silver 216. M. Abundance of victuals foreshewed 239. M. affected 240. E. Abundance of victuals shewed 736. I. Acclamation of the people 463. A. Accusation of Laban against Jacob 47. D. of Jacob against him ibid. F. of Putifars wife against Joseph 54. H. of Doeg against Achimelech 166. I. of Aristobulus and Hircanus 362. E. F. of Antipater against his brethren 592. M. of Nicolaus 601. B. of Antipater against Archelaus 606. M. of the Jews 610. K. Achab. son of Amri King of Israel 225. N. followeth impieties ibid. took to wife Jezabel 226. B. seeketh Elias 227. H. covets Naboths vineyard 228. F. his repentance 229. K. twice overcometh the Syrians 213. C. D. reproved for dismissing Adad 231. K. imprisoneth Michaias and why 233. H. rejected his advice ibid. I. wounded dieth ibid. K. Achabs seventy sons 243. K. Achar stole the spoils dedicated to God 123. E. hid them in his tent ibid. found guilty and put to death 124. I. Achaz King of Judah sacrificeth his son 251. I. serves Idols ibid. overthrown in battel ibid. O. hireth Theglaphalasar ibid.
Father 104. I. dies 128. O. Eleazar kills an Elephant 322. D. slain 558. N. Eleazar upbraideth Hircanus 348. E. Eleazar an arch thief surprized 620. K. Eleazar exerciseth cruelty 619. C. Eleazar one of the Zealous 690. L. causeth the Idumaeans to be sent for ibid. L. Eleazar kills himself 704. K. Eleazar taken 768. M. whipt ibid. exhorts the Jews to submit 768. O. Eleazar Captain of the Sicarians 771. C. besieged in Massada 772. A. shews the Romans tyranny 776. H. Eleazar brought to Antiochus 817. F. whipt 818. M. his answer to Antiochus 818. I. his death 819. A. B. Election of a King 113. B. C. Eli High Priest 142. L. had wicked sons 143. E. his and their end foretold 144. L. hearing of the Ark lost died 145. B. Genealogy 145. C. Eliab a Workman of the Tabernacle 80. L. 89. C. Elias fed by Crows 226. C. entertained by the widow of Sareptha ibid. D. restores the widows son ibid. G. prophesieth rain to Achab 228. B. reproveth the superstition of the people 227. L. confirms his doctrine and slays Baals Priests 228. A. B. flees from Jezabel ibid. B. prophesieth revenge to Achab and Jezabel 229. B. reproves Ochozias messengers 335. O. prayeth that fire consume his Captains 236. B. and foreshows his death ibid. B. is taken from men ibid. D. Elimelech goes to Moab and why 142. M. his and his sons death ibid. M. his heritage seized 143. D. E. Elizaeus calling 228. E. foretelleth of water and of victory 235. I. relieveth a poor widow and how 237. O. adviseth Joram to beware of Adad 238. A. B. discovereth his ambush ibid. B. leadeth the Syrians into Samaria 238. E. foretells plenty of victuals 239. L. also Adads death and Azaels cruelty 240. G. visited by Joas 247. H. foresheweth his treble victory ibid. I. his death and event thereof 247. I. K. Eloquence of Moses 67. B. 74. K. Embassadours of David abused 183. C. of Ezechiâs ill intreated 252. F. G. of Jonathan to Demetrius 337. K. of Herod 602. N. Embassadours to Pompey 363. E. Embassadours send to Joseph 12. K. 14. I. hope to get Tiberias 16. L. their false accusations 17. B. Embassage of Moses to the Idumaeans 103. E. to Sebon 104. L. Balacks to the Midianites 105. E. his and their first and second to Balaam ibid. E. Embassage of the nine Tribes to the other two 127. I. of the Galaadites to Saul 152. K. of the Syrians to Achab 229. L. Embassage of Balad 257. L. of the Jews 281. M. of the Jews to Rome 470. K. Emmor King of the Sichemites slain 49. C. Emperours of Rome why called Caesars 214. M. Emperours strife to be at peace with the Jews 729. C. 729. C. D. Empire of Rome in an uproar 705. D. Empire of the Persians 788. O. End of captivity 274. E. End of Antiochus Epiphan miserable 321. K. End of the Jews answerable to their lives 771. F. Engines 666. N. fired 666. N. 734. H. 740. M. Enemies of the Israelites to be destroyed 111. A. and why ibid. Enemies how to be used 810. O. Enemies to be buried 116. I. Endeavour of Agrippa c. 626. H. Enlargement of the Kingdom of Israel 248. G. Enneus Abrahams friend 37. F. Enoch son of Jared 31. C. taken up to God ibid. D. 236. D. Enos Cains first son 29. F. Enosa the first City builded 29. F. Enquiry for Jonathans kindred 182. N. Ensign of the Romans 662. M. N. Entertainment given to Antipater 599. D. to Vespasian at Rome 763. C. Enumeration of the Countries subjected to the Romans 626 N. 627. B. 628. I. Envy of the Serpent 28. L. of Abimelech 43. F. of Leas to Rachel 46. M. of her to Leas ibid N. of Josephs brethren 50. O. of the Egyptians towards the Israelites 62. M. of Saul against David 160. N. of Herodias 492. O. of John 640. M. Ephod 87. B. Ephraim son of Joseph 56. 1. Ephramites get Bethel 129. E. displeased with Jeptha are appeased 139. B. slain by Jeptha ibid. D. Epicrates sells Scythopolis c. 348. A. Epilogue of the Antiquities 542. N. Epitaphs 135. F. and 178. H. 260. D. Erection of the Tabernacle 81. B. Errour of Epicures confuted 273. O. Esay the Prophet 256. B. comforts Ezechias 256. B. foretold Senacheribs overthrow and death ibid. B. assureth Ezechias of life 257. I. K. foreshews the captivity ibid. M. Esau son of Isaac 43. E. called Seir and why ibid. E. foretold to be author of a Nation 43. E. his wives 44. I. went a hunting ibid. K. denied the blessing and why 44. N. foretold to be mighty yet his brothers vassal ibid. N. wept for loss of the blessing ibid. D. selleth his birth-right 50. L. Eschol Abrahams friend 37. F. Esdras the Lawyer 282. B. assembled the Jews in Babylon 283. E. repairs to Jerusalem c. 283. H. his prayers for the Levites 283. K. reads the Law 284. B. Esseans a sect 239. M. 477. E. 612. L. swear not 613. C. have their goods common 612. M. their religion and labour 613. A. in compassion and helping their choice 613. C. observe the Sabbath 616. H. live long ibid. I. they prophesie 610. M. their opinion of the soul 614. K. believe not the resurrection ibid. marriage 612. L. apparel 612. N. obey Governours 613. C. just 613. E. Essen what it is 87. C. D. Esther made Queen 287. H. resorteth to the King and why 289. I. accuseth Aman and why 290. F. Estate of Solomon declined and why 217. I. K. Ethnarch a Governour 610. I. Ethnicks punished and why 304. D. E. Eve created 28. I. tempted transgresseth ibid. L. her punishment 28. N. cast out of Paradise 29. A. her children ibid. B. Evening what 27. E. Event of the battel foretold 171. E. Event of battel changeth 746. I. Evilmerodach releaseth Jechonias 270. F. dies ibid. F. Evidence against Antipater 598. L. M. Eunuchs of what gift deprived 117. E. Euphrates a River of Paradise 28. K. called also Phora ibid. Euricles wins Herods favour 440. M. relates Alexanders words to Herod 441. B. 592. I. K. gets money by craft 441. B. 592. H. plays the Ambodexter 591. F. G. 592. H. I. Of Exactions a mitigation craved 405. B. C. denied ibid. Example to do evil 157. A. 221. C. Example of the Athenians c. 626. M. Excursions See Incursions Excuse of Davids absence 164. O. of Malchâs 574. H. of the two brethren 589. D. of Antipater 600. L. M. Execration of Saul 155. D. E. Exercise of the Romans 660. M. N. Exhortation of Moses to the people 71. F. 74. M. Exhortation to maintain liberty 511. N. to contemn death 775. B. Exhortation to be obedient to Gods will 110. K. Exhortation of Saul to War 152. M. Exhortation of Solomon to the people 212. C. of Azarias 214. M. of Josaphat to his Subjects 234. E. of Ezechias to the Priests 252. F. G. of Matthias to his Sons 316. A. of the Princes to the people 624. K. of Samuel to the
a. fleeth to Raguel and why 66 k. marrieth his daughter ib. sent to deliver the Israelites 67 d. confirmed in his calling ibid. a b perswadeth Pharaoh to dismiss the Israelites 68 i. worketh miracles ibid. k l m. instituteth the Passover 70 i k. conducteth the Israelites 71 b c. exhorteth them ib. f. prayeth to God 72 i. leadeth them thorow the red sea ib. k. praises God ib. n. sacrificed to God in Sinai ib. o beseecheth God to sweeten the waters 73 g. putteth the people in mind of God's benefits â4 m. imploreth God's help ibid. o. striketh the Rock bringeth out water 75 f. encourageth the Israelites 76 l. lifting up his hands c. 77 a. ascendeth Sinai 78 m. how long remaineth there 80 h. fasted ib. asketh counsel of God c. 90 o. numbreth the people 94 o. sendeth spies to search the land 96 i. retires the people into the desart 99 a. sendeth forces against the Madianites 108 m. appointeth to Joshuah his successor 109 b. exhorteth the people to obedience 110 l. sweareth them to keep the law 119 b. exhorteth Josuah ibid. d. dieth 119 f g. Mother eateth her child 239 i. 748 o. Mother of the seven brethren 824 n. 825 b. 826 h i c. Mourning of Ruben for Joseph 52 l. of the Romans 637 b. of them in Jerusalem 711 a. Mourning for thirty days 115 e. Mourning for Moses's death 119 g. for Saul and his sons 174 f. for Abner's 177 g. for Herod's 462 n o. Mountain of Sinai 66 n. 77 e. Mounts builded lost 734 h. Mounts raised near the Temple 746 k. Multiplication of Jacob's posterity 63 d. Multitude of business 77 g. of dead carcasses 740 h. Mundus deâileth Paulina 481 d c. banished ibid. Murmure of the Israelites 74 i. 96 m. Murther of Simeon and Levi 49 c. Murther of Azael 176 k. of Abner 177 e. of Joram's brethren 241 l. of infants foretold 240 g. Murther of Saul punished 175 e. of Isboseth 178 l. Musick by whom invented 29 g. Mutability of fortune 682 h i. Mutiny in Chore and his complices 99 d e c. Mutiny about the golden Eagle 460 h. Mutiny against Archelaus 463 f g c. N. Nahas King of the Ammonites 152 i. his outrages offered the Israelites ib. 1. proposed hard conditions of peace 151 i k granteth to the Inhabitants of Jabes a truce ib. k. is slain 152 o. Nabal's flock spared 168 m. his currish answer to David's men ibid. n. died for grief 169 â Nabathaea the countrey of Ismael's posterity 40 l. Nabathaeans spoiled 3â0 b. Naboth falsly accused 228 f. stoned to death ibid g. Nabuchadonosor King of Babylon 260 g. vanquisheth Nechao ib. 261 h. exacteth tribute and slayeth Joachim 261 h. establisheth Joachin King ib. n. besiegeth and destroyeth Jerusalem 264 d. 265 h. dreameth a dream 268 d. erecteth an Idol 269 m. conversed with beasts ib. o. conquereth the rebels 78â e. builded a palace 788 i. besiegeth Tyre ibid. n. his death 270 a. Nadab Aaron's son burned and why 90 i. Nadab Jeroboam's son 224 h. his impiety and death ibid. i. Name of Saul famous 152 o. Naming of the creatures 28 h. Names of Regions and Nations 33 f. Naomi her sorrow 142 n. returneth into her countrey 143 n. her counsel to Ruth 143 b. Norbanus for the Jews 432 l. Narration of the Arabian wars 443 a. Nathan the Prophet 18â b. forbiddeth David to build the Temple ibid. c. reproved David 185 â Nativity of Jacob and Esau 43 i. two Nations proceed of them ibid. â Nation of the Jews mixed with all people 747 b. Nations whence descended 33 g c. Nature forbids a man to kill himself 672 l. Nature of the Idumaeans 690 m. Navy of Solomon 215 b. Naum the Prophet 250 g. foretelleth the overthrow of the Assyrians ibid. g. Nazarites 103 e. Nechao his exploits 260 c. is overcome ibid. g. 261 h. 262 f. Necessity a sharp weapon 663 f. Neglect of God's service cause of all evil 219 n. Negligence of Saul's guard 169 f g. Nehemiah his sadness and why 284 e. inciteth the people to build the walls 285 i. his ardent care in building them 285 k. his death ibid n. Nemrod 33 a b. son of Chus 34 m. Nephanes and Sabach David's Captains 196 b c. Nephews of Jacob 61 b. of Herod 594 m. Nephthalim the son of Jacob 46 n. his sons 61 b. Nero proclaimed Emperour 536 k. his murthers ibid. l. 620 h. amazed at the acts of the Jews 657 â sendeth Vespasian to govern Syria 657 f. Nicanor laboureth to surprise Judas 324 â slain 325 i. Nicanor known to Joseph 671 m. Nicanor wounded 723 c. Nicaule Queen of Aethiopia 215 c. resorteth to Solomon ibid. d. wondereth and praiseth Solomon's wisdom 215 d e. giveth him presents ibid. f. Nicholaus's Oration 424 i. Nicholaus the Historiographer reproved 433 c Nicholaus accuseth Syllaeus excuseth Herod 442 n. prosecuteth the King's accusation 456 m. excuseth Archelaus 466 k. 607 b. defendeth Herod and Archelaus 459 b. 607 b. Nicon the Romans great Ram 725 c. Nigar slain c. â97 b. Nilâs 28 k. maketh Egypt fertile 61 f. how far navigable 694 k. Nineveh admonished 249 k. her destruction prophesied 250 f. effected 251 h. Nisan a month with the Hebrews 70 i. Noah the son of Lamech 30 o. admonisheth the wicked ibid. l. buildeth the Ark n. saved with all his houshold ibid. o. sendeth out a Crow and a Dove 31 e. the tenth from Adam 30 o. sacrificeth to God 31 e. prayeth to God 32 i. is heard ib. k. God's covenant with him ib. k. his age 31 l. his three sons 32 o. his kind of life 34 o. was drunken and derided 34 o. Nob a City of the Priests burnt 169 c d Nobility slain by the thieves 686 m. 12000 slain 695 f. Nobility of the Jews fly to the Romans 744 n. Nobles repair to David 178 o. Nobles shut up by Herod 460 n. 602 n. released 462 m. 603 b. Nothing attempted by the Romans rashly 661 d 682 k. Number of the children of Israel 70 l. from twenty to fifty years of age 89 b. of David's souldiers 179 a. of workmen 207 d e. of Jews that returned from captivity 275 f l. of high Priests 540 n. of the captives and slain in Jerusalem 759 b c. Nuptial feast 46 l. O Obed-Edom's felicity 180 n. Obed begat Jesse 143 eâ Obed a King of Arabia 354 b. discomfits Alexander ibid. Obediah hideth the Prophets 227 i. Obedience of Abraham 40 o. Obedience to Magistrates 110 l m. Obedience of the Roman soldier 661 a b. Obimes Jeroboams son 222 d. falleth sick and dyeth ibid. g. Obodas King of Arabia 435 b. given to idleness ibid. â 438 o. Obsequies of Herod 462 n Observers of God's Laws rewarded 26 i. Occasion of the Jews war 623 a. Occasion of victory what 661 f. Occasion of violences 687 e f. Occurrences of Kingdoms and Commonweals 25 f. and 106 m. Occurrences of Jeremy 260 d
promising me to recompence by their future fidelity their former defection Those Goods that were taken from the Citizens are restored and desiring me to restore those Goods to the Citizens which in way of pillage were taken from them Whereupon I gave command that all the prey should be brought and laid before me and whereas the Soldiers delayed to perform the same I espying one of those Soldiers that stood by me better apparelled than he was wont to be asked him where he had gotten that Garment who confessing that he had taken it in the spoil of the City I caus'd him to be well-cudgel'd and threatned a worse punishment to all those that F would not restore what they had taken away By which means recovering a great part of the prey together I gave every Citizen that which belong'd to him In this place I cannot forbear to reprehend Justus A Reproof of Justus the Historiographer that falsely accused Joseph and others for foul dealing For having spoken of this business in their Histories they are not asham'd to gratifie their passion and hatred by delivering it to Posterity otherwise than indeed it was In which they differ nothing from Counterfeiters of Evidences and Razers of Records but that these Men are more encourag'd by impunity For Justus to the end he might seem to employ his time well undertaking to set down the events of this War hath belyed me in many things and hath been no less guilty of falsities in matters relating to his own Countrey For which cause I am necessarily enforced in this place to discover that G which hitherto I have concealed and to reprove that which he hath falsely testified of me neither is it to be wondered at that I have so long deferred it For whosoever writes a History though oblig'd to speak the Truth yet is not bound H to inveigh against the wickeder sort too vehemently not for that they are worthy of this favour but that he may keep himself within the bounds of prudence and moderation Tell me therefore Justus for thou desirest to be held for the man of greatest credit amongst all other Historians tell me I pray thee in familiarity for I must so talk with thee as if thou wert present before me how I and the Galileans were the Authors of that Rebellion which thy Countrey began both against the Romans and their King For before I was chosen Governor of Galilee by the People of Jerusalem both thou and all the Tiberians were not only up in Arms but had already made War against those of Decapolis in Syria Thy self hadst burnt their Villages and one of thy Servants dyed in that encounter Yet I not I alone witness this but it is extant also in writing in the Records of the Emperor Vespasian how the Inhabitants of Decapolis supplicated Vespasian then in the City of Ptolemais that thou mightest be punished as the Author of their mischiefs and assuredly thou hadst been punished by the Emperor had not Agrippa who received Commission to execute thee upon the instant request of his Sister Bernice spared thy life and kept thee bound in Prison for a long time But the sequel of thy actions sufficiently shews what the rest of thy life hath been and how thou didst cause thy Countrey to rebel against the Romans whereof I will produce hereafter most evident Arguments and for thy cause will I urge somewhat against those other Tiberians and will make it plain to such as shall read these Histories that thou hast been no friend to Rome Tiberias Justus Countrey nor faithful to thy King And I first instance in the greatest K Cities of Galilee Sephoris and Tiberias two chief Cities of Galilee Sephoris and Tiberias in which thou Justus wert born The former is scituate in the heart of Galilee having round about it a number of Villages and being easily able to make a revolt at pleasure yet notwithstanding the Citizens thereof resolved to observe their faith to the Romans and would not receive me nor take Arms for the Jews And through the fear they had of me the Inhabitants surpriz'd me by their artifices and oblig'd me to encompass their City with a wall and that done they willingly entertained a Garison which was sent them from Cestius Gallus who was General of the Roman Legions in Syria and deny'd me entrance because at that time he had a great power and terrifi'd the Countrey round about Yea when our great City of Jerusalem was besieged and the Temple common to all our Nation was in danger to fall into the Enemies hands the Sephorites L sent no succors to the end it might not be said that they took Arms against the Romans But thy Countrey Justus being scituate upon the Lake of Genazareth distant from Hippos thirty stades from Gadara sixty from Scythopolis sixscore in a Countrey obedient to the King having not any City of the Jews round about it might have very easily kept their faith to the Romans if they had pleas'd For both the City and People were furnished with Munition in all abundance But as thou sayest I was the cause at that time And who afterwards For thou knowest that before the siege of Jerusalem I was in the Romans hands and that Jotapata was taken by force and divers other Castles and that a great number of Galileans had been lost in divers Battels At that time shouldest thou have delivered thy self of that fear thou hadst of me laying thine arms aside and presenting thy self to the M King and the Romans if thou tookest Arms not of thine own accord but enforced But the truth is you expected Vespasian's coming even until such time as he begirt your City with a siege and then laid you your Arms aside for fear of danger yea even then had your City been overthrown except the King in excuse of your folly had obtained your pardon at Vespasian's hands It was not therefore my fault but your own that you behaved your selves like Enemies to the Roman Empire Do not you remember how often I obtained the victory against you and how seldom you could complain of Bloodshed But you falling at dissention one with another became the instruments of your own ruine and not for the love you bare either to the King or the Romans but of your own malice you slew an hundred eighty five Citizens at such time as I was besieged by the Romans in Jotapata Nay more is it not true N that during the said siege of Jerusalem there were more than two thousand Tiberians slain or taken Prisoners But perhaps thou wilt alledge that at that time thou wert no Enemy because thou wert fled to the King but I tell thee that thou fleddest thither for the fear thou hadst of me I am a wicked man as thou sayest but what art thou whom King Agrippa delivered from punishment Justus condemned to death at such time as thou wert condemned by
Vespasian to lose thy head whom he made Prisoner twice and as many times past the sentence of Banishment against and once commanded to be thine own Murtherer spar'd thy life upon the importunate sollicitation of his sister Bernice And after so many Crimes committed by thee having entertained thee for his Secretary when he found thy corruption in that office he banished thee from his presence O A But I will say no more of these matters notwithstanding I wonder at thine impudence that hast openly protested Justus knew nothing of the Wars of the Jews that thou hast written more exactly and perfectly of this matter than any man whereas thou art utterly ignorant of those things that were done in Galilee For at that time thou wert at Berytum with the King and knewest not what the Romans suffer'd at the siege of Jotapata seeing thou didst not follow us Neither couldst thou be able to learn how I behaved my self therein for that there was not one of those that helpt me to defend it left alive to give thee certain intelligence Thou wilt perhaps say that thou hast carefully described that which hapned during the siege of Jerusalem And how is this possible For thou wert neither agent nor spectator in that War neither hast thou read the Commentaries of Vespasian Which I clearly affirm because thou hast written clean contrary to that which is B contained therein Justus published his Book when Titus and Vespasian were dead And if thou art so confident that thy History is truer than others why didst thou not publish it during the lives of Vespasian and Titus who were the Generals of that War or during the life of King Agrippa and his Relations who were all of them very expert in the Greek tongue For thou hast kept it written by thee above twenty years and mightest have produced witness of thine exact diligence before them who were privy to all things But now when they are dead and thou thinkest that no man liveth that may reprove thee thou hast taken the boldness to publish thy Work I have used no such policy in my Books but presented them to the Emperors themselves Manifest Testimonies of the truth of Josephus History who were eye-witnesses and actors thereof For I knew in mine own soul that I had set down all things truly Whereupon I obtained my expected approbation Moreover I communicated the same History with divers others whereof C some of them were present in the War as was King Agrippa and some of his kindred And Titus the Emperor himself was so desirous that posterity should learn the truth of that History out of these Books that he placed them in his Library and caused them to be published being subscribed with his own hand As for King Agrippa he sent me seventy two Epistles testifying the truth of my Books whereof two are subjoin'd to the end that the truth may appear thereby King Agrippa to his dear friend Joseph Health I have with great contentment read the Book wherein thou seemest in my opinion to have handled this matter more exactly The first Epistle than any other For which cause I pray thee send me the rest Farewel my friend King Agrippa to Joseph his dear friend Health I perceive by thy writings that thou needest no information from me The second Epistle how matters passed from the beginning yet when we D meet next I will between me and thee tell thee certain things which thou knowest not Thus was he a witness of the truth of my History Josephus prosecuteth his History and leaveth to debare with Justus not flattering me for it became him not neither deriding me for far was it from so noble a mind to be subject to so servile a folly but onely to this end that the truth of my writings might be commended to the Reader by his testimony And thus much have I thought good to set down by way of answer to Justus Now as soon as I had pacified these troubles in Tiberias and had established a council of such as were well affected towards me I bethought my self of what concerned me to do in respect of John All they of Galilee were of the opinion that I should gather together all the forces of my Government and march against John and do justice upon E him as he that had been the Author of all this mischief But for mine own part I misliked their counsels because my desire was to extinguish these Troubles without blood-shed and for that cause I injoyn'd them with all diligence possible to learn the names of all those who served under him which being done I published a Proclamation by which I promised safety and pardon to all those that should forsake John assigning them the term of twenty daies to determine of that which seemed best for their own security and I threatned to set fire on their houses and confiscate their goods Four thousand of John's Followers forsake him and follow Joseph except they quitted their Arms. They hearing these things were greatly troubled and forsook John and after they had laid down their Arms they came unto me to the number of four thousand so that only about fifteen hundred Men remained F with John either of Citizens or strangers of Tyre When John perceived that he was circumvented by this policy he ever after remained quiet in his Countrey in great fear At that time the Sephorites grew so bold that they took Arms in confidence of the strength of their walls and for that they saw me distracted with other business They sent to Cestius Gallus Governour of Syria praying him to repair to them with all expedition and take possession of their City or send them a Garrison at least Gallus promised to come to them but he set down no certain time of his approach Whereof when I was advertised I took the Men of War I had and marched against the Sephorites and took their City by force The Galileans very glad of this opportunity and supposing the time was come wherein they might satisfy the insatiable hatred G they bare against that City omitted nothing that might wholly ruine the City with all the Inhabitants They set fire on the houses which they found desolate for the Inhabitants were fled away for fear and retired into a Fortress They plundred the Town and left nothing unspoiled neither was there any kind of misery which they H inflicted not on their Countrymen Sephoris spoiled Which when I saw I was much grieved and commanded them to give over telling them it was impiety in them to shew themselves so savage towards their Countreymen And seeing that neither by any prayer or command I could draw them to obedience for that their animosity was so violent I commanded those that were about me and whom I most trusted to spread a rumor that the Romans were entring on the other side of the City with