fly into the Temple where they shut them in and placed sixty men in some adjoyning houses to prevent their flight but the people having the two Brethren set fire on those Houses and burnt the men in them which so enraged Herod that he slew many of the people and each laying wait for the other evâ—ry day some were murdered The day of Pentâ—câ—st being come many thousands of men as well armed as unarmed gathered together about the Temple from all parts of the Country Herod prevails and seized upon the Temple and City all but the Kings House which Herod kept wâ—th a few souldiers as Phâ—selus did the walls These brothers assisting each other assaulted their enemies in the suburbs forced many thousands of them to fly some into the City and some into the Temple and others into a rampire that was near the City Hereupon Antigonus desired that Pâ—c rus the Gâ—â—erall of the Pâ—â—thians might be admitted to make peace between them The Parthians falshood which Phasaelus assented to and Pacorus perswaded him to go with him as an Ambassador to Barzapharnes an other Generall of the Parthians laying an ambush for him by the way Phasaelus assented though much against the mind of his Brother Herod and was willing to go with Pacâ—ruâ— and took Hyrcanus along with him Pacâ—rus leaving two hundred Horsemen with Herod and ten whom they called Elâ—utheri went along with the Ambassadors And as soone as they were come into Galile Barzapharnes entertained them with a cheerefull countenance and bestowed gifts upon them but watched an opportunity to intrap them and so Phasaelus was brought with his company to a place near the Sea side called Ecdippon where Ophellus a rich Sâ—riâ—â— understanding of the treachery intended against them offered Phâ—saeâ—us some ships to carry him away But he unwilling to leave Hyrcanus and his Brother Herâ—â— in danger expostulated with Barzapharnes about the injury offered to â—â—m who were Ambassadors who swore that these thingâ— were not true and presently went to Pacâ—â—us No sooner was he gon but Hyrcanus and Pâ—â—â—â—luâ— were clapped up in Prison much detesting the perf diousness of the Parthians and an Eunuch also was sent to Herod with a command to surprize him if he could get him out of Jerusalem Herod flies from Jerusalem Herod having intelligence what had happened to his Brother taking with him such forces as he had in readiness and his Mother Cybele his sister Salome his wife Mariamne and his wives Mother Alexandra the daughter of Hyrcanus and his youngest Brother Pheroras with their servants he privately by night took his flight into Idumaea In their journey his Mother by the overthrow of her Coach was in great danger of death and Herod fearing least the enemies should overtake them whilest they stayed there drew forth his sword thinking to kill himself He would have killed himself But being restrained by those which stood by he went towards Massada a very strong place which is seated in Arabia and Palestine by the nearest way that he could possible The Parthians first and also the Jews pursuing him by that he was sixty furlongs from the City but he repelled them both in fight The next day after Herod had fled from Jerusalem the Parthians plundered the City and the Kings house Jerusalem plundered only the Treasure of Hyrcanus which was three hundred Talents remained untouched A great part also of Herods substance which he had not carried away with him they siezed upon and not satisfied therewith they harrassed all the the Country also and rased the rich City of Marissa Antig nus being thus settled in Judaea by the Parthians Antigonus made King of the Jews he received into his Custody Hy canus and Phasaeâ—us who were prisoners yet he was much grieved that the women were got away whom he had intended to deliver to the Paâ—thâ—â—â—â— tog ther with the money which he had promised to gave them Being afraid also least Hyrcanus should agâ—in 〈◊〉 the favour of the people be restored to his Kingdome and Priesthood he cut off his eares Cuts off Hyrcanus ears thereby rendering him unfit for the Priesthood the Law forbiding that any one who wanted a member should approach to the Altar Lev. 21.17 c. Phasaelus knowing that his death was determined Phasaelus kills himself sought to lay violent hands upon himself but being hindred by reason of his chains he dashed out his brains against a stone Yet before he was quite dead hearing by a woman that his Brother Herâ—d was escaped he greatly rejoyced that there was one left to revenge his death The Parthians though they missed of the women which they most of all desired yet having settled all things at Jerusalem with Antigonus when they departed took Hyrcanus along with them Prisoner into Parthia Herod not hearing of his Brother Phasaelus his death Herod flees to Malchus King of Arabia went to Mâ—lchus the King of the Arabians Nabathaeans who were obliged to him by many favours he had done them purposing so soone as possiblely he could to redeem his Brother for three hundred Talents from the enemy For which cause he carried along with him young Phasaelus his Brothers Son about seven years old to leave him for a pledge with the Arabians But there met him some that were sent from Malchus Is rejected by him to command him to depart from the bounds of his Kingdome for so the Parthians had required Yet he pretended that he did it by the request of his Noble men purposing to cozen him of that great treasure which his Father Antipater had committed to his trust Herod taking this very heavily turned aside into a certain Temple where he had left many of his followers but the next day when he came to Rhinocorura he heard of his Brothers death Malchus upon second thoughts repenting of his ingratitude sent in all hast after Herod but the messengers could not overtake him for he was gon farre on his journey towards Pelusium Herod goes into Egypt where the Marriners that were sailing to Alexandria refused to take him in There by the Magistrates of the City he was honourably intertained and brought to Cleâ—patra the Queen who could not prevail with him to stay at that time because he was hastening to Rome From thence into Italy though the sea was very tempestuous and as then the affairs in Italy were in no very good condition As he sailed from Aâ—exandria towards Phamphilia he met with a very great storm which made him cast overboard much of his substance and scarcely got he to Rhodes He comes to Rhodes At Rhodes two of his greatest friends met him Sappinas and Ptolomaeus and finding that the City had suffered much in the warre against Cassius he could not be restrained no not by his present poverty but that he would do something for it even beyond his ability After which he caused a Frigot to be built and
to have his strength seem greater than it was sent one of his Captains named Pappus with some forces into Samaria whilest himsâ—lf went against Machaeras In the mean time Herod took in five Towns and therein put two thousand of the Garrison Souldiers to the sword and setting the â—owns on fire he went against Pappus and was strengthened by many that came to him â—ut of Jerico and Juâ—ea yet was the enemy so confident that he would jâ—yn batâ—le with him but in fight Herods beats his Enemies H rod overcame them and being inflamed with a desire to revenge his Brothers death he pursued thâ—â— that fled sl w many of them and folâ—owed them into a Village and there slâ—w many more oâ— them who retreated into houses the rest fled After which victory Heâ—â—d had presently gone to Jerusalem and put an end to the warre had not the sharâ—â—ess of the winter hindred him for now Antigonus bethought himself to leave the City and fly elswhere for safety Herod in the evening when he haâ— dismissed his Friends to refresh themselves A speciall providence a yet hot in his Armour went into a chamber attended with one only servant to wash himself wherein some of his enemie armed whom fear had forced thither were hidden and whilest hâ— was naked and washing himself first one and then a second and a third ran out armed with naked swords in their hands so astoâ—â—shed that they were glad to sâ—ve thems lvâ—s withouâ— prâ—ff ring the least â—urt to the King The nâ—xt day Heâ—â— amongst others cut off Pappus his head and sent it by way of reveâ—ge for his Brothers death to â—is Brother 〈◊〉 Pappus slain for it was Pappus that with his own hand had sl in J seph Hâ—â—od in the beginning of the th rd year after he had been declared King at Rome Her d â—esieges Jerusalem comin with an Army â—o Jâ—â—usalem encamped neâ—r the City and from thence removâ—ng to that p ace where the Wall were fittest to be assaulted he pâ—â—ched his Teâ—ts before the Temple intending to attempt them as Pâ—mpey had done in times past and h ving encompassed the place with three Bulworks by the help of many workmen he raised his batteries fetching materials from all places thereabouts and appointing fit men to oversee the work and then himself went to Samaria to solemnize his Marriage with Mariamne Marries Mariamne the Daughter of Alexander the Son of Aristobulus who was formerly betrothed to him The Marriage ceremony being over Sosâ—us came with an Army of Horse and Foot being sent by Anthony to the aid of Herod and Herod also took a great party with him from Samaria to Jerusalem Herods great Army so that the whole Army being come together consisted of eleven Legions of â—oot â—â—d six thousand Horse besides the Sâ—â—iâ—â— Auxiliaries which were very many and so they pitched on the Nâ—rth sidâ— of the City Over this great Army were two Generals 〈◊〉 and Herod who purposed to displace Antâ—gâ—nus as an enemy to the people of Roâ—â— and to establish Herod in the Kingdom according to the Decree of the Senate The Jews being gathered together out of the whole Country The Jews fight valiantly and shut up within the Walls made a valiant resistance boasting much of the Temple of the Lord and saying that the Lord would not forsake his people in the time of danger By secret sallies also they burnt up and spoiled all provision without the City both for Man and Horse whereby the besiegers began to be pinched But Herod provided against their excursions by placing ambushments in convenient places and sending parties to fetch in provision from afar off so that in a short time the Army was well furnished with all necessaries By reason of the multitude of workmen the three Bulworks were soon finished it being Summer time so that no untemperateness of weather hindered them and with his Engins Herod often battered the Walls and left nothing unassayed but the besieged fought valiantly and were every way as active and subtile to make void his endeavours often sallying forth and firing their works both those that were finished and others that were but begun and coming to handistrokes with the Romans they were nothing inferiour to them but only in Martiall skill The Sabbaticall year now coming A Famine in Jerusalem brought a famine upon the besieged Jews notwithstanding which they built a new Wall within that which was beaten down by the battering Rams and so countermined the Enemies mines that many times they came to handistrokes under grâ—und and making use of despair instead of courage they held it out unto the last though Pollio the Phari ee and Samias his Disciple advised them to receive Herod into the City saying that they câ—uld not avoiâ— his being their King by reason of their sins They held out the siege for five moneths space though there was so great an Army before the City But at length twenty of Herods choisest Souldiers got upon the Wall and aâ—ter them the Centurions or Sâ—sius So that the first Wall was taken on the forti'th day and the second on the fiftieth and some Galleries about the Temple were burnt down which Herod charged though falslyâ— upon Antigonus thereby to bring him into hatred with the people When the outward part of the Temple was taken and the lower City the Jâ—ws fled into the inward part of the Temple and the upper City and fearing lest they should be hindred from offering their daily Sacrifices unto God they sent Ambassadors unto Herod to desire leave that such Beasts only might be brought in which were to be sacrificed This request Herod easily granted hoping that by this means they would leave their obstinacy and submit to him But perceiving that this courtesie prevailed not and that they were still resolute to continue the Soveraignty in Antigonus Jerusalem taken by Herod he gave a generall assault and won the City on the Kalends of Januâ—ry on the second moneth Cislu being the day on which the Jews were wont to celebrate a Fast in commemoration of the holy Rowl that was burnt by Jehoiakim The City being taken by assault all places were filled with murthers the Romans being incensed against the Jews for holding out so long Cruelty and the Herodian Jews endeavouring to extirpate the contrary faction so that there were continuall slaughters in the Porches and Houses yea the reverence of the Temple not saving the suppliants They spared neither age nor sex nor so much as the little children and though the Conquerouâ— Herod bâ—sought and intreated them to forbear yet none would hear or obey him but as if thâ—y â—ad 〈…〉 h y proceeded in their cruâ—lty Antigonus comiâ—g down 〈◊〉 upper City felâ— at Sosius his feet whâ—â—â— thing pittying his miserable condition insulted 〈…〉 Antigonus imprisoned calliâ—g 〈◊〉 Madâ—m Antigonus and withall 〈…〉 prison and sâ—t keepâ—rs about him And 〈…〉 Strangâ—â—s that
Bethlehem that he might destroy him amongst the rest killed all the children Herod kils the children which were in Bethlehem and in all the Coasts thereof from two years old and under according to the time of the Star first seen in the East that he had enquired of the wise men Mat. 2 10. Herod receiving letters from Antipater from Rome in which he signified that having dispatched all his business according to his own mind he would shortly return into his own Country he wrote back to him again Herod ensnares his Son dissembling his anger that he should make hast lest any thing should befall him in his absence that he should not like of and also gently complaining of his Mother he promised that he would remit all differences after his return Antipater heard no news all this while either of the death of Pheroâ—â—s or of those things that were on foot against him though there were seven moneths space between the wickedness proved against him and his return Antipaters return For in his journey at Tarentum he met with a letter of the death of Pheroras and in Cilicia those letters of his Father that called him back so hastily and when he came to Câ—lenderis a Town of Calicia he began to doubt of his return hearing of and being extream sorrowfull for the disgrace of his Mother yet sailing forwards he came to Sebaste a Port of Caesâ—rea where being saluted by none he went to Jerusalem It happened that Quintilius Varus was the same time at Jerusalem being sent as Successor to Saturninus into Syria and then called thither by Herod to assist him with his counsell in those his weighty affairs As they were sitting both together in comes Antipater not knowing any thing and in his purple garment that he used to wear entring the Pallace but himself being entred the Guards suffered none of his followers to come in with him As he was coming near his Father thrust him from him reproaching him with the murther of his Brethren and his intention of poisoning his Father telling him that the next day Varus should hear and determine all things betwixt them and accordingly the next day Varuâ— and the King sitting in Judgement his Father himself first began the accusation and left the prosecution and confirmation thereof to his old Friend Nicholas Damascene one that knew all the business and when Antipater Antipater accused by his Father could not clear himself from the crimes objâ—cted against him Varus commanded the poison that he had prepared for his Father to be brought forth which being given to a condemned man killed him immediately after which Varus rose from the Council and the next day went to Antiochia but Herod cast his Son into prison and signified so much by letters to Caesar sending also messengers who by word of mouth might acquaint him with the cursed treason of Antipater As these messengers were posting to Rome Herod Herods sickness fell sick and made his Will leaving his Kingdom to his youngest Son Herod Antipas being exasperated against his two elder Sons Archelaus and Philip by the false accusations of Antipater Judas the son of Sariphaeus and Matthias the son of Margalothus two of the most learned of the Jews and best Interpreters of the Law knowing that the Kings sickness was incurable perswaded some young men that were their Scholars to throw down the Golden Eagle The Golden Eagle hewn down that was set up by Herod over the great gate of the Temple who accordingly going up at noon day pulled and hewed down with their axes the Eagle a great multitude being in the Temple and beholding it which as soon as it was told the Captain he came with a strong band of souldiers and laid hold upon some forty of the young men together with their Masters and brought them to Herod These constantly defending what they had done Herod commanded them to be bound and sent them to Jericho Then calling for the Rulers of the Jews into whose Assembly he was brought in a Litter by reason of his weakness he complained to them not so much of the injury done to himself as to God as he said These denying that it was done by their order somewhat pacified him only he took away the High Priesthood from Matthias whom he suspected not to be a stranger to that fact and made his successor Jazer the Brother of his Wife Mariamne the daughter of Simon the High Priest but he burned alive the other Matthias that was the author of this sedition and his companions Herods Herod puts them to death His sickness encreaseth disease began now to grow worse for he was burned with a slow fire which was not perceived so much by the outward touch as by the inward effects of it which burnt up his very bowels He had also the disease called the Bulemia or Dog-like appetite which provoked him to a continuall desire of eating and yet nothing would satisfie him He was also continually tormented with ulcers in his bowels and pains of the collick His feet swelled with a moist phlegm and his thighs also His members rotted and were full of worms which occasioned an intollerable stink He was no less troubled with a Priapisme and moreover was vexed with grievous convulsions and difficulty of breathing And â—hough he was so grievously tormented that every one judged that he could not be able to endure it long All means of cure fail him yet he hoped that he should break through it being very carefull to send for the ablest Physicians and sought medecines from every place He went also beyond Jordan to the hot Baths at Calliâ—hâ—e which run into the Asphaltite lake which besides the medecinal vertue are pleasant and good to be drunk There being by the advice of his Physicians set into a bathing tub of oil he seemed to them to be giving up the Ghost yet by the sudden crying out and lamentations of his Friends he came to himself again and now seeing no hope of recovery he commanded fifty Dâ—aâ—hâ—aes to be given to every souldier and having shewed much liberâ—lity to his Captains and Friends he returned again to Jericho Augustus being told that amongst the children which Herod had caused to be slain at Bâ—thlehem there was a son also of his own slain He said That it was better to be Herods hog than his Son Herod by an edict called together to Jericho all the most Noble of the Jews and when they came he shut them all up together in a place called the Hippodrome giving command to his sister Salome and her husband Alexus that as soon as he was dead they should cause his souldiers to slay them all His cruelty that so the people might have cause of sorrow who otherwise he feared would rejoyce at his death At this time letters came from Rome from the Ambassadors whom he had sent to Caesar wherein they certified him that the Emperor left Antipater to his Fathers pleasure either to banish or to put him to death Herod hearing this was a little cheared but presently his torments returning and being greedy of meaâ— he called for an apple and a knife to pare it intending with the kâ—ife to have stabbed himself He attempts to murther himself which also he aâ—tempted but Archelaus his Nephew prevented him and holding his right hand called for help This accident caused much sorrow fear and tumult through the whole Pallace as if Herod had been dead Antipateâ— perceiving the noise thought verily that his Father was dead and thereupon begin to tamper with his Keeper about letting him out promising him great rewards both for the present and for the fuâ—ure when it would lye in his power amply to reward him This his practice the Keeper told to the King who for indignation cryed and though he was so near death yet did he raise up himself on his Bed and commanded oâ—e of his Guard to go presently and kill Antâ—pater Antipater slain Herods Will and to bury him in the Castle of Hyâ—canion without any honour which was done accordingly Then did he make a new Testament for Antipas whom before he had made successor to his Kingdom he made Tetrarâ—h of Galâ—lee and Petreâ— To his son Philip he assigned the regiâ—ns of Gaulanitis Tâ—aâ—hâ—nitis Bâ—tanâ—a and Pancada in the name of a Tetrarchy but he gave the Kingdom to his Son Archelaus To his sister Salâ—me he gave Jamnia Azâ—tus and Thasaelis with five hundred thousand Draâ—hmaes To the rest of his kindred he gave money and yearly Pensions To Cae aâ— he gave ten Millions of Drachmaes of silver and all his Plate as well of Gold as of Silver and a great quantity of precious moveables and To Livia Câ—sars wife and some certain friends he gave five Milâ—ions of Draâ—hmaes Having thus ordered these things five dayes after Antipater was put to death His Death he dyed himself having enioyed the Kingdom 34 years after the death of Antigonus but from the time that he was declared King by the Romans 37 years about the 25th of our November in the year of the world 4001 and after the birth of Christ about two years FINIS There is lately published by Mr Sam Clarke a new Piece of Lives containing the Lives of ten Eminent Divines with some â—ther private Christians the Divines being as follow Mr John Carter Mr Sam Crook Mr John Cotton Dr Tho. Hill Dr Will. Gouge Mr Tho. Gataker Mr Jeremy Whitaker A. B p James Usher Mr Rich. Capel and Dr Rob. Harris c. Sold by Will. Miller at the Gilded Acorn near the Little North Door in St Pauls Church-yard
THE WICKED LIFE AND WOFULL DEATH OF HEROD the Great A stranger by Nation yet by the Romans made King of the Jews Taking in also the 〈◊〉 of the Jews during all the time of his Reign which was about 37 years whereof thirty five were before the Incarnation of 〈…〉 and two after Whereby much light is given to many passages in the Evangelists and at which time that 〈◊〉 of old Jacoâ— was fulfilled The Scepter shall not depart from Judah nor a Law-giver from between his feet till Shilo come Gen. 49.10 By 〈…〉 sometime Pastor in 〈◊〉 London The memory of the Just is blessed but the name of the wicked shall rot Pro. 10.7 LONDON Printed for William Miller at the Sign of the Gilded-Acron in St Pauls Churchyard near the little North door 1664. Imprimatur Joh. Hall R.P.D. Episc Lond. à Sac. Domest Feb. 18. 1663. THE WICKED LIFE AND WOFULL DEATH OF HEROD the Great In whose Time our LORD CHRIST was Born HEROD sirnamed the Great Herods Pedigree was the Son of Antipas or Antipater an Idumaean a prime man both for birth and wealth amongst them His mothers name was Cyprus born at an eminent place amongst the Arabians so that when this Herod acquired the Kingdome of Judea that Prophesie of old Jacob was fulfilled Gen. 49.10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah nor a Law-giver from between his feet until Shiloh come This Antipater riding his circuit about the Province of Judea whereof Julius Caesar had made him Governour repressed them who were desirous of innovation both by threats and counsell telling them that if they would be content with their Prince Hyrcanus whom Caesar also had confirmed in the High-Priesthood they might live happily in their own possessions but if they promised themselves new hopes and thought that they should gain much by innovations they should have him a Master instead of a Governour and Hyrcanus a Tyrant instead of a King and Caesar and the Romans bitter enemies instead of Princes for that they would by no means suffer any thing to be altered from what they had settled But Antipater perceiving Hyrcanus to be dull and idle he settled the state of the Province as himself pleased making his elder son Phasaelus Governour of Jerusalem and the Countries adjoyning and to Herod his second son being then a very young man Herod is made Governour of Galilee he committed the care of Galilee Herod being Praefect of Galilee there was one Esekias a Jew who associating to himself many other lewd persons exercised thievery and used to make incursions into Syria in Troops These Herod pursued and having taken Esekias he put him to Death He puts Esekias to death which fact of his gat him much â—â—vour with the Syrians which Province also was then undâ—r his Government The violence and bold nature of Herod who was desirous of the Tyranny much terrified the Princes of the Jews wherefore they addressed themselves to Hyrcanus and opeâ—â— accused Antipater but especially they complained of Herod for that hâ— had put to Death Esekias with many others without any Commission from Hyrcanus in contempt of their Laws by which no man ought to suffer though never so wicked unless he were first condemned by the Judges The Mothers also of them that were killed ceased not daily in the Temple to weary both the King and the people with their continuall â—xclamations desiring that Herod might be made to give an account of these his doings before the Sanhedrim He is cited before the Sanhedrim whereupon Hyrcanus moved herewith commanded Hâ—rod to be called before the Councell anâ— to plead his own cause Herod having ordered the affairs of Galilee as he thought best for his own advantage being forewarned by his Father that he should not come into the Councell as a Private person he took with him a moderate but yet a sufficient Guard not too great least he should terrifie Hyrcâ—nus nor too little lest he should expose himâ—â—lf to danger from the Judgement When Herod therefore presented himself before the Sanhedrim in his royall robes Appears with a Guard and his Guard in armes they were all astonished neither durst any one of them that accused him in his absence now speak a word against him but all of them kept silence not knowing what to do Then one of the Councell called Sameas a just man Sameas his boldness being not at all distracted with fear rose up and not only accused Herod of presumption and violence but laid the fault upon the Judges and King himself who had granted him so great a liberty and told them that afterwards A prediction by the just Judgement of God they should be punished by Herod himself and the event made him a true Prophet For the Judges of that Councel and Hyrcanus himself were afterwards put to death by Herod when he came to be King But Hyrcanus perceiving that the Judges were inclining to pass sentence of Death upon Herod put off the business till the nâ—xt day and privately advised him to shift for himself and so he departed to Damascus as if he fled from the King Herod flies and presenting himself before Sextus Caesar and having secured his own affairs he professed openly Refused to appear when again cited that if he were again cited by the Judges he would not appear which they took in great disdain and endeavoured to perswade Hyrcanus that all these things tended to his destruction Herod to increase his power gave a great summe of money to Sextus Caesar who thereupon made him Governour of Caelosyria He Is made Governour of Caelosyria being elated with this advancement and taking it impatiently that he had been called before the Councel raised an Army and went against Hyâ—canus But his Father Antipater and Brother Phasaelus meeting him by their intreaties prevailed that he should not go against Jerusalem but be content to have affrighted them adding that it would be dishonourable for him if he should attempt any thing further against him that had advanced him to his dignity hereupon he desisted judging it sufficient for his future hopes that he had shewed to that Nation of what power he was â—assius and Marcus two Râ—man Generals coming into Syria after the death of Julius Caesar Is confirmed in it confirmed Herod in his Government of Caelosyria and delivered to him great forces both of horse and foot and ships at Sea promising him also the Kingdome of Judea after the war should be ended which they were waging with M. Anthony and young Caesar Not long after Antipater the Father of Herod was Feasted at Hyrcanus his house at which time one Malichus corrupting the Kings Butler poysoned Antipater Antipater poisoned and presently raising a band of Souldiers seized upon the Governmen of the City of Jerusalem Phasaelus and Herod being grievously offended hereat charged Malichus with their Fathers death which he stifly denied But Herod had a great
Herod had hired came rushâ—â—g 〈…〉 only but even into the Sâ—nâ—tuary some he thâ—ught to â—â—stâ—â—in by intreaty others by t reatâ— and somâ— by 〈◊〉 jâ—â—ging his victory worse 〈…〉 any of those things which were 〈…〉 wind to 〈◊〉 were â—xp â—â—â— to the view of the proâ—â—◠〈◊〉 He restraine â—â—so the plunâ—ering 〈◊〉 the Cry as much iâ— in him lay Intreaâ—ing Sâ—sâ—us to do the like askiâ—g if the R mâ—â—â— would make him King of a Wilâ—erness the City being so wasted â—y â—apineâ— and murthers Sâ—sâ—â— answâ—red tâ—at tâ—e Sâ—uldiers dâ—sired the plundâ—r of the â—ry in regarâ— of their hard servâ—ce in the sieâ—e Herod saves the City To which Herâ—â— â—eplieâ— thâ—t he woul r compence every man out of his own Treasury and mâ—king good his promise he freed the City from urther misery Fâ—r he bestowed gifts liberâ—lly upon â—he Souldiâ—r â—â—d proportionably upon the Comâ—â—nders Rewards the Romans and 〈◊〉 upon Sosius wherâ—upon Sâ—â—â—us off ring a Crowâ— oâ— Gold unto GOD withdrew out of tâ—e â— ity leading Antig nus a Prisoner along wâ—th him to Aâ—â—hâ—â— Hâ—râ—d being thus setleâ—â— Jerusalem he advanced those of his own faction and duly put to death them of â—he contrary Hâ—rods cruelty Amongst whom hâ— also slew all tâ—ose of the Sâ—â—hâ—drim who had accused him of a capitall crime beâ—â—re he was King spâ—ring only 〈…〉 and Sâ—mias his Disciple whom he hiâ—hly honourâ—d Then did he gather together all the Regall Oâ—â—aments and much silver and gold which he exâ—cted from rich meâ— all which he gave to Anthony and his Souldiers He put to death also forty and five of Antigonus his chief Noble men setting watches at their doors that none of them might be carried out under pretence of being dead and what gold or silver soever was found was all carried to Herod so that there was no end of the peoples miseries the covetousness of the needy conquerours consuming all their estates The fields also lay untilled because it was the Sabbaticall year in which it was unlawfull to sow the ground Of these miserable times amongst others were spectators Who were spectâ—tors of it Zacharias the Priest with his Wife Elizabeth Of the relicts of Davids stock Holy and Joseph Anna also the Prophetess of the Tribe of Asâ—r and Simeon the Just who received an answer from the Holy Ghost that he should not see death till he had seen the Lord Christ Luk. 2.26 Anth ny being thus possessed of Antigonus intended to keep him Prisoner to adorn his Triumph But Herod feared that if Antigonus was brought to Rome by Anthony he might there contend with him before the Senate for the Kingdom Considering also how the Nation of the Jews hated him and favoured Antigâ—nus he thereupon gave great sums of money to Anthâ—ny to cut off his head Anthony slew Antâ—gonus which accordingly he did at Antioch Antigoâ—us being the first King that was thus put to death by the Romans and in him ended the Principality of the Hâ—smâ—naeanâ— It being from the Captainship of Judas Mâ—ccabaeus to the death of Antigâ—nus a hundred twenty six years and two or three moneths and by this means Hâ—râ—â— a stranger got the Kingdom and was totally freed from his fears Hyâ—â—â—â—as as we heard before being carried Prisoner to Phraates the King of the Parthians he intreated him courteously for the Nobility of his descent and after a time freeing him from Prison he suffered him to live in Babylon Hyrcanus honoured in Babylon where were great store of Jews who honoured him no less than as their King and High Priest and not only they of Babylon but all the rest of the Nation of the Jews did the like who in old time had been carried captive beyond the River Euphrates by the Assâ—rians of whom there were many millions But Hyrcanus hearing that Herod was made King of the Jews he began to cast his hopes that ways expecting favour from Herod whose life he had saved when he was called in question before the Sanhedrim He consulted therefore with the Jews that came to visit him about his return into Judaea who by all means disswaded him from it yet could they not prevail with him Besides Herod desired by all means to get the poor old man into his clutches Herods subtâ—lty and thereupon wrote to him to get leave of Phraates and the Jews that he might return and that they would not envy him the joint ruâ—e with his Son in Law the time being now come wherein he could requite the favours that Hyrcanus had shewed hiâ— in being his nourish r and preserver He sent also his Ambassaâ—or to Pâ—raâ—tâ—s with great Presents intreâ—ting him that he would not hinder him from being thankfull to him that had deserved so wâ—lâ— of him Hyrcanus being forward of himself dismâ—ssed by the Parthianâ— and honourably â—â—â—nisheâ— by the Jâ—wâ— for the expences of his jâ—urney he came at last to Hâ—râ—â— who entertained him with all honour gave him the upper hand in all Assemblies and the more honouâ—able place at all feasts calling him Fatâ—â—â— hereby to deluâ—e him lest he should suspect any treachâ—ry Hananeel made High-priest Hâ—rod providing that none of the Nobility should be created High-Priest sent to 〈◊〉 for a Priest of a base parentage whom formerly he had been acqâ—ainted with of the racâ— of thâ—se Priests that had been carried away beyond Euphrate whose nâ—me was Ananclius or Hananeel and to him he gave â—he Hâ—â—â—-â—â—iesthooâ— Alexandâ—a takes it ill This Alexandâ—a the Daughter of Hâ—rcâ—â—us the Wife of Alexander the Son of 〈◊〉 and Mother in Law of Herod took in ill part for that Ariâ—buâ—uâ— her Son and Brother of Mâ—â—iaâ—re waâ— neglected and another from a strange place should be made High-Priest whereupon she wrote to Cleopatra Queen of Egypt and Anthoniâ—s darling that she would procure the High-Priesthood of Anthâ—nâ— for her Son Cleopatra neglected her request but shortly after Dâ—â—lius a friend of Anthâ—â—nieâ— coming into Juâ—ea â—â—rswaded her to send the Pictures of her Son Aristâ—bulus and of her Daughter Mariamne to Anthony who then would deny her nothing This she assented to and sent them by Dellius who told Anthony that they seemed rather to be of a Divine than of a humane race Anthony was much inflamed herewith Anthony sends for Aristobulus yet thought it undecent to send for a Lady that was married to Herod shunning also the jealousie of Cleopatra whereupon he wrote to Alexandra to send her Son to him under some honest pretence But these things coming to the ears of Herod he thought it not safe that Ariâ—tobulus now in the flower of his age being but sixteen should be sent to Anthony the most potent man amongst the Romans and very much given to his lusts Wherefore he wrote back that if the youth did but step out of the Kingdom all the Country would be up in Arms the Jewâ— hoping for some innovations under a new King and by this means
Jerusalem and then dismissed the Romans sending them into winter-quarters in Idumaea Samaria and Galile which Countries were lately surrendred to them But Antigonus by bribes obtained of Silo that part of the Roman Army should be quartered in Lyáda currying thereby favour with Anthony and thus the Romans lived in plenty and without bearing Arms. His activity But Herod could nâ—t be â—â—le For sending his Brother Joseph into 〈◊〉 wiâ—â— a thousand Foot and four hundred 〈…〉 to â—â—â—ia and there setled his Motâ—â—◠〈◊〉 rest of his 〈◊〉 whom he had drawn out of Mâ—ssâ—â— Then did he â—â—â—rch into Galile where he surprizâ—â— some places which were yet held by Antigonus his Garrisons and when he came to Sephâ—eus in snowie weather Antigonus his men fled away and there be found great store of necessaries From thence he sent a Troop of Horse and three Companies of Foot against some Thieves that dwelt in Caves He pursues the Thieves not far from the Village Aâ—â—elâ— by which means he kept them from doing mischief Then he marchâ—d with his whole Army whom the enemy met and encountred resolutely in so much as Herods left wing began to waver till himself coming on with the main boâ—y encouraged his own men to stand their ground and caused the enemy to flee whom he followed as far as Jordan by which victory he brought all Gâ—lile into his su jâ—ction Subdues Galile except those that dwelt in the Caves and so giving to every one of his Souldiers a hundred and fifty Drachmâ—s and more to his Captains he â—â—sm fled them into their winter quarters There came Silo to him with his Captains who had wintered with Antigâ—nus and who now would maintain them no longer commaâ—ding the Inhabitants thereabout to spoil the Country of all vâ—ctuals and to retire to the mountains that the Romans might pâ—rish through famine But Herod committed the charge â—f provisions to his Brother Pheroras and withall Alexandrium rebuilt commanded him to rebuild Alexandrium who in a short time furnâ—shed the souldiers with abundance of all â—ecessâ—ries and built again Alexandrium that had formerly been dismantled Ventilius in Syriâ— sent for Silo to assist him against the Parthians but commanded him first to assist Herod and to bring Herod and the rest of the Auxiliaries of those Provinces along with him But Herod sending Silo to him went himself with his Souldiers against the Thieves that lived in Caves and in the mean time made Ptolomy Governour of the Country which fell out ill for him for being set upon by those who had formerly disturbed the Country he was slain by them Ptolomy slain alter which they retired into Fennes and inaccessible places insâ—sting with their inrodes and robberies all the Country But when Herod returned he made them pay deer for their the veâ—â—es for some of them he killed othâ—rs flying to their â—â—rcified places he pursued Herod beats the Thieves and having taken them put them to death and rased their strong holâ—s and fiâ—â—d 〈…〉 in an hundred Tâ—lents About this time An hâ—nâ— commanded Veâ—ilâ—us to send Mâ—â—â— to 〈◊〉 Herod with two Legionâ— and a thousand Horse but when he came being corrupted by Antigonus with mâ—ney he would neeâ—s go to him against Heâ—ods 〈◊〉 under a colour of observing his actions But Antigonus suspecting him denied him admittance and drave him away with slings whereby he found that Herod had given him good counsell and blamed himself for not following of it whereupon he retyred to Emmaus and in his march ki led all the Jews that came to hand Machaeras his cruelty without distinction of friend or foe being provoked by Antigâ—nus his dealing At which cruelty Herod was much grieved intending to go to Anth ny and saying that he needed other manner of men than those who did him more hurt than his enemies whereas of himself he was able to subdue Antigonus But Machaeâ—as overtaking him iâ—treâ—â—ed him to stay or if he was resolveâ— to go on yet at least that he would leave with him his Brother J sâ—pâ— that with their united forces they might make war upon Antigâ—nus Thus after much intreaty he was reconciled to Mâ—chaeras and so leaving his Brother J sâ—pâ— with his Army he commanded him in his absence that he should not put a l to the hazard of a battail but himself hasted to Anthony Herod goes to Anthony whom he found besieging Sâ—mâ—â—â—â— a City near to the River Euphrates and carried aâ—â—â—g with him some Auxiliaries both of Horse and Foot Antâ—â—ny entertained him very honourably and much praised him for his valour Joseph unmindfull of his Brothers command taking with him his own forces and five Romane Cohorts that were given him by Machaeras went towards Jericho purposing to reap the enemies Corn now that it was ripe and encamped in the mountains because the Romane Cohorts were raw Souldiers most of them being lately taken up in Syria yet there he was circumvented by the enemy in the middest of those fastnesses and having lost six Cohorts he himself valiantly fighting was slain Joseph is slain Antigonus being in a rage caused the dead body of Joseph to be whipped though Pheroras his Brother offered fifty Talents to have redeemed it After this loss the Galilaeans revolting from their Governours drowned those that were of Herods pâ—rty in the Lake In Idumaea also there were many innovationâ— Anthony having made peace with his enemy commanded Cains Sosâ—us to assist Herâ—d against Antig us with two Cohorts When Herod came to Dâ—phne the Suâ—urb of Antioch he heard of his Brother Jâ—sâ—phs death which caused him to hasten his journey and coming to Mount Libaâ—â—â— he took thence with him eight hundred men and one Cohort of the Romans and so came to Ptâ—lâ—mais from whence in the night he passed with his Army through Galile Here his enemies met him Herod overcomes his Enemies whom he overcame in fight and forced them into the Castle from whence they had issued the day before Them he assaulted but was compelled to desist by reason of the extremity of the weather and to retreat into some neighbouring Villages but upon the coming of another Cohort from Anâ—h ny they in the Castle were so affrighted that they forsook the same by night Herod then hastned to Jericho purposing to revenge his Brothers death and being come thither he feasted his Noâ—les and the feast being ended A speciall providence and his guests dismissed he retired into his chamber and presently the room wherein they had supped being now empty of company fell down without hurting any which made many to think that surely Herod was beloved of God who had so miraculously preserved him The next day six thousand of the enemies came down from the Mountains to fight with him and their forlorn-hope with darts and stones so terrified the Romans and some of Herods Souldiers that they fled and Herod himself received a wound in his side Antigonus desiring
their garments protesting that not out of any private respect but in the behalf of the publick weaâ— they had undertaken this conspiracy Then were they led way and put to death with all manner of tortures Not long after their accuser being hated of all men was slaiâ— by some and being cut in pieces was thrown to the Dogs Yet were the authors hereof concealed till after long and wearisome inquisitions it was by torture wrung out from some silly women who were privie to it When Herod had thus found out the authors Herods cruelty He fortified Samaria and built a Temple there he punished them with death and their whole Famelies Herod the better to secure himself from the seditions of the tumultuous people in the thirtâ—â—â—nth year of his raign began to fortifie Samaria which was a dayâ— journey from Jerusalem and called it Sebaste or Auguâ—â—a The circuit of it was twenty furlongs in the middest whereof he built a Temple of a furlong and an half which he wonderfully adorned and so ordered that many of the Souldiers and of the neighbouring Nations came and dwelt there He built sâ—verall Castles Herod also built another Cidadel to be as a bridle to the whole Nation namely the Tower of Straton Also in the great plain he built a Castle and chose of his Horsmen by lot to keep it Another he built in Galile and one in Peraea which Castles being so conveniently disposed in severall parts of the Country took away from the people all oportunity of rebellion Plague and Famine About this time very grievous calamities befel the Nation of the Jews First there was a long drought after which followed a Famine After the Famine by reason of their ill diet there came divers sicknesses and the Plague and Herod having not wherewithall to supply the publick wants was forced to melt the gold and silver that was in his Pallace Herods care to provide for the people not sparing any thing for the curiosity of the workmanship no not so much as the vessels which were for his own daily use These being turned into mony he sent to buy provisions into Egypt where Petronius was Governour under Caesar who though he was pestered with multitudes that repaired to him upon the like necessity yet being Herods friend he gave his servants leave to export Corn and was assisting to them both in the buying and carriage of it When the Corn was brought to Herod he was very carefull to see it divided first to such as had most need and then because there were many who by reason of old age or some other weaknesse were unable to dresse it themselves he appointed them certain Bakers to provide their food for them By this means he procured the good will of the people and the praise of a prudent and provident Prince He provided also for his subjects against the sharpnesse of the winter taking care that none should want clothing their Cattel being dead and wool and other materials failing And when he had made provision for his own People His bounty to strangers he took care also for the neighbouring Cities of the Syrians to whom he allowed feed for sowing of their ground and the Castles and Cities and those of the Common people who had great Famelies coming to him for succour he found a remedy for them also Insomuch that he gave to those that were not his Subjects ten thousand Cores of Corn each Core containing ten Athenian bushels As soon as the Corn was ripe for harvest Herod dismissed fifty thousand Men whom he had fed in the time of Famine into their own Countries by which dilligence he restored the almost ruined estate of his own Subjects and did not a little relieve his neighbours who groaned under the same calamities At the same time also he sent aid to Caesar to wit He sends aid to Caesar five hundred chosen Mâ—n of his own Guard whom Aelius Gallus led into the Arâ—bian Wars where they did most excellent servâ—ce Hâ—â—od also built himself a Pallace in Sidon He built himself a Pallace in which he built two very large and stately Houses with which the Temple it self could in no wise compare and called one of them by the name of Caesar and the other by the name of Agrippa He makes a new High Priest and marries Mariamne He built another Pallace Herod having removed from the Priesthood Jesus the Son of Phales made Simon a Priest of Jerusalem the Son of Boethus of Alexandria Priest in his room and took also his Daughter Mâ—rimne to Wife that was the most beautifull Virgin of that age The marriage solemnities being over he began to build another new Pallace unto which he adjoyned a Town which he called Herodion in a place distant from Jerusalem about sixty furlongs towards Arabia in the place where he had overcome the Jew when he was thrust out by the Arms of Antigonus And Sebastâ— and a stately Haven He builâ—â—lso Seâ—â—â—e and having finished that he begâ—n to build another most magnificent City in a place by the Sea-side where Strâ—â—â—n stood which he called 〈◊〉 and added to it an Haven of admirable work equall in bigness to the Hâ—ven â—â—raetus 〈◊〉 which he 〈…〉 in twelve years space sparing neither abâ—â—r nor cost about them He sent his sons to Caesar Then did he send hiâ— two Sonâ— Aâ—xander and Ariâ—obulus whom he haâ— by Mâ—â—iâ—mnâ— the Asmâ—naeâ—n to 〈◊〉 to Caesar to be there educâ—â—ed under 〈◊〉 for whom Loâ—giâ—gs were prepared at the Hâ—uâ—e of Pâ—â—â—â— Herods great 〈◊〉 Caesar intertained the young men very courâ—eously and gave Hâ—râ—d power to make which of his sons hâ— pâ—eâ—sed the heir of his Kingdom Caesar enlarged his Kingdom he added also to his Government Trachâ—nitiâ— â—â—tuâ—s and â—â—â—nitis When Herod had received Trachâ—niâ—s he took guides and went to the Den oâ— the Thieveâ— He repressed the thieves restraining their villanies whereby the peoâ—le liveâ— in quiet But Zenodorus the former Governour being moveâ— pâ—rtly thorough envy and partly with the losse of his Government went to R me to accuse Hâ—râ—â— but could effect nothing About this time Herod went to Mâ— châ—nâ— to salute his chiefest friend Agrippa and so returned into Judaea and presently after some Citizens of Gâ—â—â—ra went to Agrippa to accuse Herod He went to Agrippa whom he vouchsafed not so much as to hear but sent them bound to Herod Yet did he spare them for though he was inexorable towards his own people yet did he willingly contemn and forgive injuries received from strangers Zenodorus had solemnly sworn to the Gadareus that he would do his utmost with Caesar to get them freed from the jurisdiction of Herod and to be annexed to the Province of Caesar Many of themselves also exclaimed against Herod Herod accused to â— Caesar calling him cruell Tyrant complaining to Caesar of his violence and rapines and for rasing and robbing their
sâ—ould a 〈◊〉 concerning it and withall he took 〈◊〉 care â—f â—â—e young children of Alexander and Ariâ—toâ—â—â— whâ—â—h Aâ—tipaâ—er took very heavily fearing lest wheâ—â—â—ey shoâ—ld come to age they would hinder his designâ—â—â—oughâ— in â—efâ—re their destruction and he so overcam â—erod bâ— his flatteries that he sâ—ffered him to marry the dâ—ughte◠〈◊〉 Aristobulus and his son to marry the daugâ—ter of 〈◊〉 Uâ—cle Pheroras About thâ—â—â—he Herod invited Zamaris a Babilonian Jew and gave him a Country in Traâ—honis to inhabit and this he did that he might be a guard to that Country against Thieves and Zamaris coming with five hundred Horse and an hundred of his kinsmen erected Castles in divers places of that Country by which means he secured the Jews that came from Babilon to the Feasts at Jerusalem from the Thieves Antipater working treason against his Father drew in his Uncle Pheroras and some of the Kings women that were most addicted to the Sect of the Pharisees Of the Pharisees except Salome who constantly adhered to her Brother Herod These Pharisees were a crafty people arrogant and enemies to Kings and they only of the whole nation of the Jews refused to swear allegiance to Herod and Caesar and were about six thousand For which cause Herod fined them and the wife of Pheroras paid their fine for them to whom by way of requitall they foretold that the Kingdom should be taken from Herod and his children and be transferred upon her Husband and her and their children these things Salome made known to Herod Herod slew some of them who examining the business put some of the Pharisees to death and with them the Eunuch Dagoas and his darling Carus who was commended to him for his handsomeness and besides these all the rest of his Family whom he found to have conspired with the Phaâ—â—sâ—â—â— Herod having punished the Pharisees called a Councill of his Friends and before them began an accusation against the wife of his brother Pheroraâ— and when Pheroras tho to grafie his Brother would not forsâ—ke her he forbad Antipater Pheroras his company and Antipater that he might remove all suspition from himself procured by his friends that his Father should send him immediately to Augustus and accordingly Herod Herod sends his Son to Caesar sent him with great presents and his Will in which he declared that Antipater should succeed him in the Kingdom but if he died before him then his Son that he had by Mariamus the daughter of Simon the High Priest In the sixth moneth after John was conceived The Angel appears to Mary the Angel Gabriel was sent to Nazareth in Galilee to the blessed Virgin Mary betrothed to Jâ—seph of the same Tribe with her viz. of the stock of David and declared to her that she should bring forth the Son of God and call his name Jesus and she being more fully taught of his admirable conception by the power of the Holy Ghost overshadowing her with great Faith said Be it to the handmaid of the Lord according to thy word Luk. 1.26 38. and presently after she went into the Hill-Country into a City of Judah viz. Hebron a City of the Priests scituated in the mountains of Judea Josh 21.10 11. where when she entred into the House of Zachary and saluted her Cousin Elizabeth the babe sprang in her womb and she being filled with the Holy Ghost declared that Mary was blessed c. Luk. 1.39 56. Herod banished his Brother Herod banishes his Brother Pheroras into his Tetrarchy because he would not part with his wife who swore that he would never return till he heard of Herods death so that a little after Herod falling sick and often sending for him to receive some private instructions he refused to come for his oaths-sake When Elizabethâ— time was come she brought forth a Son who wa called Joâ—n John Baptist is born and Zacharies speech being restored to hâ—m he prophesied saying Blâ—ssed be the Lord God of Israel c. Luk. 1.57 â—8 and Joseph finding his betrothed wife to be with child thought of putting her away privily but being warned by God in a dream he took her to wife Mâ—t. 1.24 Pheroras Pheroras dieth falling sick and Herod beyond expectation being recovâ—red went to visit him and very kindly sought help for him but he died within a few dayes after whose boâ—y was brought to Jerusalem and interred by Herod who honoured him with publick mourning At this time two of Pheroras's freed men declared to Herod how he was killed by poyson g ven him by Doris the Mother of Aâ—tipater which whilest Herod enquired into by little and little â—e found out greater Villanies and the manifest treasonâ—â—f his Son Antipâ—â—eâ— Antipaters Treason who when he went to Rome had delivered a deadly poison tâ— Pheroras that was sent him out of Egypt from his Uncle â—heodore the brother of Doris wherewithall to mâ—ke awâ—y 〈◊〉 Father that so the suspition of the Parracide should not lye upon him being so far absent Hereupon Herod put Doris out of the Pallace and took from her Jewels that were worth many Talents He also put from him his wife Mariamne the daughter 〈◊〉 the Hâ—gh Priest as a partner of all these secrets and blotted hâ— son out of his Will and deprived her â—ather of the High Priesthood and substituted in his room Maâ—thias the Son of Theophilus that was born at Jerusalem Presently after came Bathyllus Antipaters freed-man from Rome who being tortured confessed that formerly he had brought poison and given it to Dâ—ris and Pherâ—ras that if the first proved too weak they should be sure to dispatch Herod with the second There came also letters from his Friends at Rome to the King written by the entreaty of Antipater Antipaters Craft in which Archelaus and Philip Hâ—rods sons were accused for often complaining of the death of Alexâ—nâ—â—â— and Aristobulus pittying the misfortune of their murthered brethren For these young men were studying at Rome and their Father had now commanded their return whereupon Antipater by great gifts corrupted those friends thâ—t by their letters they might make the young men suspected to their Father who if they lived might be an hindrance to his hopes About this time Augustus taxing all the Roman world our Lord Christ was born Christ is born Luk. 2.4 5. Shortly after there came wise men from the East the Star being their guide to Herod at Jerusalem and there being taught that the birth place of Christ was Bethlehem of Judea thither they went and entring into the house which was shewed them by the Star that stood over it they found the Child and fell down and worshipped him c. Mat. 2.1 12. After the Angel of the Lord appeared unto Jâ—seph in a dream warning him to fly into Egypt Joseph flies into Egypt where he remained till the death of Herod Mat. 2.13 14 15. Herod thinking that the Child was still at