ridiculous yet to such as are at all touched with the sense of Worldly Affairs it cannot chuse but take a deep impression and draw them thence to the knowledge of Christ Jesus and of his Doctrine To which end and for which purpose I have principally endeavoured to publish this Treatise that so comparing the Estate of man in this present World with the Estate of Grace in the World to come they might perceive the impotency of the one and the permanency of the other and from both draw immoveable Axioms that there can be no Salvation where there is no Humility nor no Prosperity where there is not a knowledge of Christ Jesus in his Humanity and thence gather that the afflictions of this World to which he is most subject through the whole course of his Life is the ready means to honour and immortal Glory But that these things may the better appear unto thee I will endeavour to lay before thee the Beginning and so far as the holy Scripture leads me the ending of our Saviour From whence thou may'st draw such comfortable Resolutions that in what Estate soever thou art whether in Prosperity or Adversity thou may'st therewith rest content c. Of Zacharias the Father of John Baptist. ZAcharias or Zachariah signifies Gods Remembrance This man was the Father of Iohn the Baptist being a Priest of the Tribe of Aaron and dwelling at a Town called Abia of which you may read 1 Chr. 24. There were three famous men of this name as Basilius saith One that was a Prophet of the Lord and lived 520 years before the birth of Christ Zach. 1. And another that was the Son of Iehoiada the high Priest who at the command of that ingrateful King Ioas was stoned to death in the upper Court of the Temple 2 Chr. 24. And a third which was this Zacharias the Father of Iohn Baptist and Son of Barachias that is the Blessed who according to the Opinion of Basil was slain for no other cause but for saying that Christ was born of the Virgin Mary This man had to wise Elizabeth of the Posterity of the High-Priest Aaron and by her had a Son called Iohn so named of the Lord who was afterward called Iohn the Baptist. Elizabeth signifies the rest of God being derived of Eli and Scabbath that is the Rest and Sabbath of the Lord. The Inhabitants of the holy Land take upon them even to this day to shew the House were Zacharias and Elizabeth dwelt in a Town that standeth on the right hand of the way as you go from Emmaus to Ierusalem But Saint Luke ca. 1. saith that Zacharias dwelt not in a Town or Field but in the City of Iudah which was scituated in the mountain of Iudah Risnerus and Iohannes Hedenus write that Zacharias dwelt in Ierusalem in the part of the City scituated upon Mount Bezetha as in the first Book of the description of Ierusalem hath bin declared And this seemeth to be verified out of Nehemiah cap. 3. Yet there are some of opinion that he dwelt at Hebron because that was the chief City of the Tribe of Iuda and a Town of the Priests The Travels of the Virgin Mary MARY if it be derived of Marah signifieth such a Person as is oppressed with carefulness and grief one that is laid open to all misery and calamity press'd with continual vexation and mourning She was born upon the eighth day of September 14 years before the birth of Christ and in the fifteenth of her age brought forth her only begotten Son according to S. Hierome and others Her Fathers name was Eliakim of the House of David Upon the five and twentieth day of March in the same year that our Saviour Christ was born Mary being then fourteen years old the Angel Gabriel declared unto her the Embassie of the Conception of our Lord Jesus Christ. A little after about the beginning of April An. M. 3967 she went from Nazareth in great haste over the Hills to Ierusalem sixty four miles to the House of Zacharias and there saluted her Cousin Elizabeth Luk. 1. From thence she returned back again to Nazareth which was sixty four miles And when the command came out from Augustus that all the World should be taxed then Ioseph and Mary went from Nazareth to Bethlehem seventy two miles and there the time of Marys deliverance drew neer and loe she bare the Son of the living God our Lord and Saviour Christ. Luke 2. From Bethlehem Ioseph and Mary brought the Child Jesus to Ierusalem and presented him in the Temple which was six miles Luke 2. And when they had accomplished all things according to the Law they returned back again to Nazareth a Town in Galilee sixty four miles From Nazareth they went back again to Bethlem seventy two miles Thither the wise men coming out of the East brought the Child Jesus Gold Frankincense and Myrrh Mat. 2. From Bethlehem the same night that Herod caused all the Infants of two years old and under to be slain Ioseph and Mary fled with the Child Jesus to Hermopolis a City in Egypt which was 296 miles Mat. 2. Zozom lib. 6. From thence they returned back again with the Child Jesus to Nazareth 368 miles for they were greatly afraid lest Archilaus who succeeded his father Herod in the Government of the Iews would seek the Childs life Mat. 2. From Nazareth Ioseph and Mary came every year to Ierusalem which was sixty four miles to the feast of the Passover and so many miles back again which for ten years coâ—tinuance came to 1280 miles When Christ was twelve years of age and at the beginning of the thirteenth he went with his Parents from Nazareth to the Feast of the Passover being sixty four miles Luke 2. And when the days of the Feast of the Passover were accomplished they returned home again But the Child Iesus stayed at Ierusalem and his Parents knew it not for they thought he had been among the company Wherefore when they had travelled a dayes Journey that is twenty miles they missed their Son After they search'd through the company but could not find him wherefore they returned back to Ierusalem being twenty miles where on the third day after they found him in the Temple sitting among the Doctors and disputing with them So the next three days he returned back again with his Parents to Nazareth being sixty four miles and was obedient to them Luke 2. After Ioseph and Mary went every year during the life of Ioseph up to Ierusalem to the Passover and without all doubt took Iesus along with them Thus they continued for the space of three years about which time Ioseph died Christ being then sixteen years of age which three years Travel from Nazareth to Ierusalem and back again cometh to 384 miles From that time forward he continued with his Mother till he was thirty one years of age which was the first year of his Ministry Mary his Mother being then
King by the Tribe of Iudah in the year of the World 2891 and before Christ 1077. Here he kept his Court seven years and six months From hence also he sent Messengers to Iabes in Gilead forty four miles to signifie his gracious acceptance of that favour which they shewed unto Saul in burying of his Body there 2 Sam. 1. 1 Chr. 12. From Hebron David went to Ierusalem twenty two miles which then was called Iebus being possessed of the Iebusites but he won it with strong hand and thrust them out of it and in Mount Sion set up the City Millo which was afterward called the City of David and signifies a place of Plenty He began his Reign in Ierusalem in the thirty eighth year of his Age and seventh of his Reign In this place also he set up his House made of Cedar-wood of which Hâ—ram King of Tyrus sent him great Plenty from Mount Libanus distant from thence 104 miles 2 Sam. 5. 1 Ch. 12. From thence he went to the Valley of Rephaim some three miles from Ierusalem in the way that leadeth to the City of Bethlem where he fought a memorable Fight against the Philistines and overcame them for which cause it was also called Baal-Perizim because by the Help and Assistance of God he had conquered the Army of the Philistines 1 Sam. 5. After he had dispersed the Enemies he returned to Ierusalem which is â—our miles The Philistines came the same Year into the Valley of Rephaim again and pitched their Tents within three miles and a half of Ierusalem and the Lord gave David a sign that when he heard a noise in the Mulberry-trees he should set upon the Enemy so David went forth and close by the Town of Gaeba and Kirjath-jearim about two miles from Ierusalem West-ward he set upon the Enemy and gave them the second Overthrow 2 Samuel 5. 1 Chr. 15. From thence David followed the Enemy to Gaza which was eighteen miles 2 Sam. 5. in the tenth Year of his Reign from his first beginning in Hebron David assembled all the Princes Priests and chief men of Israel to the number of 30000 which inhabited from Sechor till you come to Chaemah a City of Naphtali at the foot of Mount Libanus even 163 miles off These men assembled themselves in the City of Ierusalem and from thence they with David went to Kirjath-jearim which was about a mile to fetch the Ark of the Covenant from thence into the City of David 1 Sam. 6. 1 Chr. 14. From Kirjath-jearim David and all his Train returned back again to Ierusalem which was about a mile and they placed the Ark of the Lord in a new Cart and caused it to be drawn with Oxen which turned out of the way to the threshing-floor of Nachon where Vzza rashly and inconsiderately touching the Ark of God contrary to the Divine Law was presently slain by the Lord in the way and that place was called Paeri-Vza that is The Breach of Uza for he was not of the Tribe of Aaron to whom it was only lawful to touch the Ark and therefore the Lord struck him that he died miserably wherefore David being terrified by this example of God's Severity would not that day bring the Ark of the Lord into Ierusalem but carried it to the House of a certain Noble-man called Obed Aedom a Gittite who dwelt not far from Ierusalem but when it was told David that the Lord blessed the House of Obed Aedom and all his Family because the Ark was there David went from Ierusalem with a great multitude of People to the House of Obed Aedom who as is said before dwelt not far from Ierusalem yet there are some that say he was an excellent Musician in Ierusalem and dwelt in Mount Acra that is in the lower City and from thence David fetch'd the Ark of the Lord into the upper City which stood upon Mount Sion but I hold the other Opinion to be the more probable When the Ark was carried by the Priests David girt himself with a linnen Ephod which kind of Garment the Priests of the inferiour Order used to wear and danced before it singing Psalms and Hymns to the praise and glory of God and with great State brought it to the City of Ierusalem with the sound of Trumpets and Instruments of Musick and placed it in the middle of the Tabernacle which they had curiously erected in Mount Sion in the upper City which was also called the City of David This hapned in the tenth year of his Reign at which time Saul's Daughter despised him in her Heart and laughed at him but God gave her a due Recompence as you may read 2 Sam. 6. and him a just Reward for he promised by the Prophet Nathan That of his Posterity and Blood the King of Kings and Saviour of the World should be born In the Year following David invaded the Land of the Philistines and the City of Gath which with strong hand he won this was thirty four miles from Ierusalem From thence he returned back to Ierusalem 34 miles In the twelfth Year of his Reign he afflicted the Moabites with cruel War and destroyed two of their Armies with the Sword and the rest of the multitude he made Tributary which was 24 miles 2 Sam. 8. 1 Chr. 9. He returned thence to Ierusalem with great Triumph and Joy twenty four miles In the thirteenth year of his Reign Anno Mundi 2903. and before Christ 1065 he made an Expedition unto Zoba which Iosephus calleth Sophenam and is in Armenia near to Masia or Mount Taurus 600 miles from Ierusalem toward the North of which you may read before David in this place won a memorable Battel against Hadad Ezer the King thereof near to the River Euphrates he took 700 Horse and 20000 Foot burnt their Chariots took 100 Castles conquered all the Towns and Country round about and went away with a great Booty as well of Gold as Silver Brass and other things which Brass for the Excellency thereof was like unto Gold and as Iosephus saith afterwards Solomon made the Molten Sea of it When Gadarezer King of the Syrians he that built that famous City of Damascus heard of the overthrow of Hadad-Ezer he sent a great Army to his Aid which King David near to the River Euphrates smote with the Sword so that 20000 of them were slain and he carryed away a glorious Victory extending his Government from Ierusalem 600 miles towards the North that is into Armenia and beyond the River Euphrates and made these two Nations tributary unto him 2 Samuel 8. 1 Chr. 19. After David had won these two memorable Victories near Euphrates he went thence with all his Army towards the South and invaded the Land of Syria in which Journey Ioram the Son of Tohi King of Antiochia which City at this time was called Hemath met David with Gifts and Presents in the Name of his Father returning him many Thanks because he had destroyed the common Enemy
66.10 31.58 Jarmouth 65.37 31.51 Azecha 65.51 31.54 Lachis 65.51 31.49 Eglon 65.50 31.48 Makeda 65.49 31.52 Libna 95.49 31.50 Debir 65.32 31.46 Bethsur 65.47 31.48 Kâ—chila 65.38 31.47 Mareâ—a 65.42 31.54 Maon 65.38 31.41 Carmel 65.40 31.44 Ziph 65.38 31.43 Arah 65.45 31.37 Hebron 65.33 31.45 Gerer 65.37 31.42 Kades barnea 65.22 31.29 Adar 65.12 31.32 Carcaha 65.06 31.30 Hasmona 65.00 31.30 Bethsemes 65.55 31.55 Beersabah 65.31 31.40 Siclag 65.15 31.37 Ecron 65.40 31.58 Azotus 65.35 31.00 Astalon 65.24 31.52 Gath 65.23 31.48 Gaza 65.11 31.40 The Towns lying on this side of the River Jordan Dan 67.25 33.08 Jor sons 67.31 33.07 Caesarea Philippi 67.30 32.05 Seleucia 67.17 33.50 Eruptio fluvii ex Samachoniride palude 67.11 32.44 Capernaum 66.53 31.29 Eruptio fluvii è mare Genezareth 66.43 32.21 Ephion 66.42 32.20 Ennon 66.40 32.16 Gamala 66.55 32.25 Salem 66.37 32.18 Chrit torrens 66.16 31.57 Ostia Jordanis 66.17 31.54 Engedi 66.22 31.43 Zoar vel Sagor 66.17 31.38 Eruptio Zered 66.19 31.34 Towns standing beyond Jordan Mirba 66.50 32.20 Astharoth 67.00 32.26 Astaroth 66.57 32.23 Gadara 66.48 32.23 Machanaim 66.44 32.19 Jaezar 66.39 32.12 Hesbon 66.28 32.05 Jabes 66.55 32.21 Ramah 66.51 32.20 Nobach 66.38 32.16 Jachsa 66.28 32.02 Aroer 66.30 32.00 Macherus 66.23 31.56 Minith 66.36 32.66 Midian 66.30 31.55 Didon 66.32 32.06 Punuel 66.39 31.18 Edrei 66.15 32.21 Abela Vinearum 67.00 32.23 Philadelphia 67.10 32.22 Pella 67.03 32.20 Phiala fons 67.43 33.05 Betharan 67.30 32.08 Pisgamons 66.26 32.01 Abarim montes 66.29 31.58 Towns in Aegypt Memphis 61.50 29.50 Heliopolis 62.15 29.59 Tanis 63.30 29.50 Taphnis 62.30 31.00 Ony 60.30 30.10 Alexandria 60.30 31.00 Mercurii civitas magna 61.40 28.55 Mercurii civitas parva 61.00 30.50 Delta magnum 62.00 30.00 Xois 62.30 30.45 Busitis 62.30 30.15 Hesâ—oe 63.20 29.10 Solis â—ons 58.15 28.00 Iourneys out of Aegypt Raemses 63.00 30.05 Pihachiroth 62.50 29.40 Mara 63.35 29.50 Elim 63.45 29.50 Juxtâ— mare 63.55 29.45 Paran Promontorium 65.00 29.00 Daphea 64.14 29.46 Alus 64.30 29.46 Raphiddim 64.40 29.53 Sinai mons 65.00 30.00 Hazeroth 65.50 30.14 Zephor mons 65.54 30.50 Mozeroth 64.18 39.04 Hasmona 65.09 31.30 Gidgad mons 65.30 30.20 Jothabatha 65.30 26.40 Habrona 65.30 29.40 Hesion Gaber 65.30 29.20 Sin 66.00 29.56 Hor mons 66.00 30.25 Salmona 66.25 30.40 Phunon 66.30 30.54 Oboth 66.50 31.04 Jeabarim 67.00 31.18 Zered torrens vallis 66.44 21.20 Didon Gad 66.48 31.32 Almon diblathaim 66.48 31.24 Chedemoth solitudo 66.56 32.00 Beer puteus 66.50 23.00 Marthana Solitudo 66.49 23.00 Nathaleel 66.40 00.23 Bamoth vallis 66.30 32.00 Towns in Arabia Petraea Petra 65.40 31.18 Paran 94.30 30.04 Midian 65.30 29.15 Hesion gebar 65.35 29. â—0 Elana villa harla vel elath 95.35 29.15 Ostia Nili Canopicum 66.50 31.05 Bolbithinum 61.30 31.05 Sibenniticum 61.45 31.05 Pathmiticum 92.35 31.10 Mendesium 62.45 31.10 Pelusiacum 63.15 31.15 Thou 63.00 31.30 Sirbonis lacus eruptio 65.45 31.50 Sirbonis lacus 63.30 31.10 Idem 63.45 31.10 Civitas Pelusium 36.25 31.20 Rhinocorura 94.40 31.10 Some other great Towns Babilon 76.00 35.00 Antiochia 60.30 33.35 Damasâ—us 68. â—5 33.00 Palmira 72.40 35.10 Ur chaldeorum 78.00 39.40 Eâ—bathana 88.00 37.47 Rages in Media 93.40 36.04 Sula in Perâ—a 83.00 34.15 Persepolis 91.00 33.20 Heccatompilon in Parthia 96.00 37.50 Zaba in Arabia foelix 97.00 13.00 Meroe 61.30 16.25 Haram in Mesopotania 75.15 36.10 Hircania 98.30 40.00 Ciraenae 50.00 31.20 The Description of the City of Ierusalem as it was before Titus Vespasian destroyed it THE most holy and beautiful City of Ierusalem was twice destroyed first by Nebuchadnezzar the most puissant King of Babylon who did utterly beat down and overthrow the City burning the costly Temple which King Soloâ—on had built After that Zorobabel and the High Priest Ioshua when they returned from the Captivity of Babylon re-edified and built again both the City and the Temple in the Year before the Birth of Christ 535. But the second Temple which was built after their Return was neither so fair nor so great as the first for it was twenty Cubits loweâ— than the former After that King Herod seventeen years before the Birth of Christ caused the said Tâ—â—ple to be broken down again as Iosephus saith and â—â—ected another new Temple in Place thereof which nevâ—rtheless was not like the first Temple that Sâ—lomon built as touching the Greatness but it was exceeding fairly decked and adorâ—â—◠〈◊〉 Gold and Silver so that in regard of the Beautifulness â—â—â—reof it was a Wonder unto all that came to Ierusalem Which Temple forty Years after Christ's Death and 〈◊〉 was also utterly destroyed by Tâ—tus the Son of 〈…〉 the â—mperour I will 〈…〉 form of the City Ierusalem as it was before it was defaced by 〈…〉 of Vespâ—â—an and therewithall I will shew how the costly 〈…〉 Solomon placed therein stood for seeing that the two 〈…〉 great Molten Sea were not therein when our Lord 〈…〉 Earth being broken down by Nebuchadnezzar's 〈…〉 necessary and very requisite to be known how they 〈…〉 that the Reader may be fully satisfied I will also first 〈…〉 of Ierusalem as it was in those Days with the chiefest Places 〈…〉 Towers Gates Houses Castles Fountains Hills Vallies 〈…〉 things therein How the City Ierusalem is scituate 〈…〉 from Germany TH◠〈…〉 is scituate in the middle of 〈…〉 thereabouts and Ierusalem is 〈…〉 five hundred miles but if you will travel to 〈…〉 from thence to Ierusalem it is five hundred and â—ifty Miles The Scituation of Jerusalem and the Mountains whereon it stood JErusalem was four square and scituated upon four Mountains viz. Mount Sion Mount Moriah Mount Acra and Mount Bezetha Mount Sion was the highest of all and lay within the City of Ierusalem towards the South whereon stood King David's House or the Castle of Sion and the uppermost Town Mount Moriah whereon the Temple stood with other excellent Buildings and Towers was on the East side of the City within the Walls Mount Acra whereon the lower Town was built stood Westward in the City where Annas Caiphas Pilate Herod Agripâ—a Bernice Helena and other Kings and great Princes dwelt The holy City of Jerusalem may in this manner be briefly described THE most holy and beautiful City of Ierusalem if any would consider the three principal parts of the World Europe Asia and Africa stood in the midst of the World upon most high Mountains and Rocks like an earthly Paradise a lively Figure of the everlasting City of God This City being the Metropolitan or principallest City of the Jews stood in the Tribe of Benjamin at the first it was called Salem that is Peaceable when Melchisedech the Priest of God reigned therein which he also built after the Deluge as Iosephus and Egisippus write But at that time it was not very great for it stood only upon Mount Sion Mount Moriah where Abraham would have offered his Son Isaac stood without the City and after that they took it into the City as
Benjamin through the middle of the City to the Gate of Sion From this Valley they ascended into eâ—ther Mountain that is Mount Aâ—ra and Mount Moriah by certain steps or stairs These two Hills as is beforesaid were joyned together with a Bridge and this Valley passing between them was called by Zephaniah cap. 1. Machten In which place above all the rest of the Cities dwelt Merchants and such as used Commerce and trade as appeareth in the eleventh verse of his Prophecie Howl ye Inhabitants of the Low place for the company of Merchants is destroyed all they that exchange for Silver are cut off Upon which place of Scripture the Chaldaean Paraphrase reads it thus Howl ye Inhabitants of the Valley Cedron Iosephus in tit Bell. 6. c. 6. lib. 6. c. 7. calleth this Valley by two names one Machten from the profundity the other Cedron from the obscurity for so the name signifieth and whosoever looked down into it from the Temple Fogs and Mists seemed to lie in the bottom of it like a cloud of darkneâ—s such was the depth of it There was another Valley which lay between Mount Sion and these Mountains called by the name of Tyrexdon Of the Mountain Bezetha THis place lay Northward in Ierusalem and between it and the former Hills were deep Ditches cast it had two Towns standing upon it divided with two Walls and was commonly called the Suburbs the name of the one which lay nearest to mount Moriah was called the second City the other that lay upon the North was called Neapolis or the new Town In the second dwelt Hulda the Prophetess and Zacharias the Father of S. Iohn Baptist 2 Kin. 22. 2 Chr. 34. Nehem. 3. Ioseph li. 10. c. 5. It was adorned with many fair and sumptuous Buildings among which was that princely house Of Herod Ascalonites that great and mighty King of the Iews in whose time our Saviour Christ was born This house was sumptuously built supported and adorned with Pillars of polisht Marble and so spatious that in one room thereof there might stand an hundred Tables the Hall also was very great and richly gilded with refined gold intermixt with Silver about it were many pleasant and delectable Walls goodly Gardens and Fountains for pleasure it was compass'd with a wall of polisht Marble 30 Cubits high And as Valerius writeth in that house Herod caused Christ to be mocked put a long white garment upon him in contempt and so sent him to Pilate Here also was a Prison in which Peter was kept when the Angel of the Lord delivered him Acts 12. Of the Town Neapolis or the New City THis lay without the Walls of the City and became inhabited by reason of the great concourse of People that flocked thither for in times past there were no inhabitants and stood upon the North side of the Hill Here dwelt the Christians and other Laborers and Strangers and by all likelihood it seems that the house of Mary the Mother of Iohn sirnamed Mark stood here which because of the continual resort of the Apostles thither was called the house of the Church Hither Peter resorted when he was delivered from the hands of Herod by the Angel for thus saith the Text Acts 12. 9. That when Peter had past the first and second Watch he came to the Iron Gate which led into the City and loe it opened of it self And from thence he went to the house of Mary the Mother of John sirnamed Mark. Here also in my opinion Christ celebrated the last Paschal Lamb because after Supper he went into the Mount of Olives for this lying unwalled lay open for them to go and come at their pleasure But afterward in Agrippa's time it was begun to be compassed in with a Wall and before it could be fully finished the Angel of the Lord struck him and he died miserably Here also stood the Monument of Iohn Hircanus the High Priest and of Alexander King of the Iewes as it appeareth in Iosephus lib. de Bello 6. cap. 6. The tops of the Houses in the City Ierusalem were flat and covered with fair and plain Roofs compassed about with Battlements upon which they used to Leap Dance and Banquet and such Recreations as they observed upon their Festival days were there celebrated And thus much shall serve to have spoken of the Mountains or Hills whereon Ierusalem stood Of the Walls that compassed the City THis City of Ierusalem was so strongly fortified by Nature on every side except the North for it stood upon high Rocks and Cliffs that it seemed to be invincible And that that side might be the better strengthened they compassed it in with three Walls and those so strong that when Vespasian the Emperor and his Army invaded the City they had much ado to conquer them The first of these Walls was that which Agrippa built and it compassed in Neapolis otherwise called the New Town At the North-west end of which Wall was built an exceeding high Tower of very fair Marble stone so high that standing on the top thereof a man might see from thence to the Sea and into Arabia and the uttermost bounds of Iudaea This Tower was called Psephina The second Wall was that which divided the two Suburbs wherein there stood 14 Towers and Gates This King Hezekiah built 2 Chr. 32. in a corner of which between the West-gate and the Valley-gate there stood a high Tower wherein all the night great fire was made which cast a light a great way off round about so that Travellers passing towards Ierusalem were guided by it in their way Of this light we read in Nehem. cap. 3. The third Wall compassed in the Temple and all the lower City in it was sixty Towers but the chief of them stood in the East Angle between the Dung-gate and the Gate of the Valley which was called Hananiel and signifieth the Grace and Gift of God This is much spoken of in the Scripture upon this Wall King Herod the Ascalonite built three fair Towers one between the Garden-gate and the Old-gate which he called Hippicum in honour of his Father Hippicus the other Phaselum in honour of his Brother Phasilus and the third Mariamne after his Wives name who notwithstanding he caused innocently to be put to death These three Gates were built of polish't Marble Pliny and Strabo say that this was the fairest and most spacious City of the East and for the munition and fortification almost invincible The Walls of it were all of white polish't Marble some 25 or 30 Cubits high the stones were 20 Cubits long 20 broad and 5 thick so closely joyned that the junctures could scarcely be perceived Many of the Towers also were made of such stones but those of the Temple exceeded the rest for they were 25 Cubits long 12 broad and 8 thick as Iosephus witnesseth lib. Ant. 15. ca. 14. de Bel. Iud. li. 6. ca. 6. which things being rightly considered we may easily
which Jacob travelled Of Bethel BEthel was a Town in the Tribe of Benjamin eight miles from Jerusalem towards the North and signifies The house of God In times past it was called Luz but Jacob seeing in that place the Vision of the Ladder with the Angels ascending and deâ—cending upon it and because there the Lord renewed the Covenant with him concerning his Seed and the coming of Christ he therefore called it Bethel Afterward Jeroboam having unlawfully usurp'd the Kingdom of Rehoboham caused a Calf to be set up there for which cause it was then called Bethaven which signifieth the house of Sin and abominable Offence Vatablus is of opinion that there are two Bethels one in the Tribe of Benjamin the other in the Tribe of Ephraim both not far from Hay but if this should be granted then these two Towns should stand within two miles one of the other which seemeth very absurd therefore I dare boldly affirm that there was but one Bethel which stood upon the borders of Benjamin and Ephraim both Tribes bordering upon the South-side of the Town of Luz Josh. 16. and 18. This Town of Bethel was at first in the Suburbs of Luz until the Division of the Tribes for then both these Tribes of Ephraim and Benjamin ending in that place so much increased this Town that they became both one City and so were called Bethel Ie. 28. and 25. Iosh. 7. and 18. From hence there is a two-fold Mystery to be apprehended the first of Jacob whose sleeping in this place upon a Stone caused this City or Town to be built and to retain the name of Bethel that is The house of God So whosoever seeks to have eternal Life must rest upon that corner stone Christ Jesus the Son of the everliving God and by faith be incorporated into the Church which is the House of God of which Christ the anointed of the Lord is both King and Priest for ever Secondly as Jacob resting upon this corner Stone saw the Angels ascending and descending from Heaven unto Earth so by this Incorporation into the body of the Church of which Christ is the Head by Faith and Baptism our Souls are made capable to ascend into that heavenly Tabernacle which he hath prepared for all those that believe according to that in John 14. I am the way the truth and the life no Man cometh unto the Father but by me only And whosoever is assured of this Ladder that reacheth from Heaven unto Earth may well say with Iacob Surely the Lord Jesus Christ is in this place here is nothing but the House of God and here is the Gate of Heaven as Christ himself testifieth in the tenth of Iohn I am the door and whosoever entreth not by me c. So that Christ is the Head of his Church the Ladder that ascendeth into Heaven and the door whereby we may enter into eternal Life Of Gilead THIS Land of Gilead was a Country that lay between Iordan and the Mountain of Gilead or rather between the Sea of Galilee and the 〈◊〉 â—ilead sixty miles from Ierusalem towards the South-east for the 〈…〉 beginning at Mount Gilead extended thence unto 〈…〉 and separated the Countrey of Israel beyond Iordan from 〈…〉 of the Ammonites But that part which lieth between the Sâ—a 〈…〉 Ammon is properly called Gilead for when Iacob and Labâ—n 〈…〉 either with other in the Mount Gilead they gathered a 〈…〉 Stones and making a Banquet eat together upon it Gen. 13. and 〈◊〉 thence that Mountain and all the Countrey thereabouts took the 〈◊〉 For Laban in the Syrian Tongue is called JEGAR SAHADUTA 〈◊〉 â—eâ—p of covenant But Iacob in the Hebrew Language called that 〈◊〉 together with all the Countrey thereabouts Galâ—ed or Galaad the heap â—f teâ—timony for Gal signifieth a heap or grave and Galal he rolled or he thrust into a round heap From whence the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to roul and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a circle is derived Also Edah signifies testimony with the Hebrews being derived from Id which signifies testatus eâ— that is he beareth witness and from hence 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 amongst the Grecians is derived which signifieth a witness This Land of Gilead was very fertile and pleasant being adorned with many Castles and strong Cities and in this Countrey the Prophet Eliah was taken up into Heaven in a fiery Chariot 1 Reg. 17. 2 Reg. 2. The Grecians call this Decapolin from ten Cities that are strongly built in that Countrey Marc. 7. Of Machanaim MAchanaim was a City of the Levites in the Tribe of Gâ—d near to the floud of Iordâ—n and Iaboch forty four miles from Ierusalem toward the South-east and scituate in the Land of Gilead beyond Iordan being so called of the Patriarch Iacob because there he saw the Tents and Army of Angels which he understood to be his assistants against his Brother Esau whom he feared Gen. 31. For Chana signifieth Castrametatus est that is the Tents are measured out from whence Machanaim is the proper name of a place being derived from two Tents of Angels which appeared to Iacob that they might defend him in his Journey For the Angels of God compass them about that fear him Psalm 33. and therefore Iacob with great Joy brake out and said The Tents of God are here and called it Machanaim This was assigned to the Levites Iosh. 21. and here David was received when he fled from his Son Absalom 2 Sam. 17. Here Iacob wrestled with the Angel Gen. 32. Of Pnuel or Penuel THIS Town was upon the East-side of Iordan close by the mouth of the River Iaboch in the Tribe of Gad forty miles from Ierusalem towards the South-east and is derived from Panah and El which signifies He beheld the Almighty God face to face and for that cause he called it Penuel or Pnuel which is the face of God Gen. 32. The Tower of this Town was destroyed in Gideons time Iudg. 8. Of Succoth THIS is a Town beyond Iordan not far from Penuel in the Tribe of Gad 40 miles from Ierusalem towards the South-east Here Iacob set up his Tabernacles and continued for a while from whence it borrows the name For Sachach signifies a covering and from thence it is called Succha and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with the Greeks which signifies a shield covering defence or tabernacle Of this Town there is mention in Iosh. 13. 2 Chr. 4. Gideon caused the Inhabitants of this Town of Succoth to be torn to pieces with thorns Iudg. 8. Of Salem SAlem is a Town of the Sichamites lying towards the East side of the River Iordan and in the midst of the Tribe of Manasses forty miles from Ierusalem towards the North not far from Sichem where Dinah Iacob's Daughter was ravished Gen. 33. and 34. In Aenon near to this place Iohn Baptist baptized and signifies a City of Peace and Integrity Of Bethlem Euphrata THIS Town was distant from Ierusalem towards the
South and because in that place there are many Bushes and Thorns it is called Sinai for Senaeh signifies a Bush. Here the Law which we call the Ten Commandments was given and not unfitly because like Thorns they prick and vex the Hearts and Consciences of wicked men It is also called Horeb or Chareb which signifies a place made dry Bernard Britenbach and many others in the Month of September 1483 went purposely to see this Mountain and with great Labour ascended to the top thereof for as he saith it is a great Mountain and of an extraordinary height in the lower part round in the upper part divided into two tops or mountains one standing toward the West the other toward the East That toward the West is called Horeb that to the East Sinai And from these two it is sometimes called Horeb sometimes Sinai being both one Hill of the Base Between these there lies a fair and spacious Plain in the middle whereof and as it may be thought in the midst of the Mountain there stands a Monastery near to which there is adjoyning a very pleasant Garden and Orchard plentifully furnished with Date-trees Fig-trees and many others very profitable and pleasant where in antient times there were many Monks that continued there But it happened that a certain number of Pagans in hope to find some Booty came from a Haven of the Red Sea called Thor and upon a sudden broke in upon them and put forty of them to the Sword from whence it was ever after called the Abbey of the forty Martyrs Now it remains desolate few or none inhabiting there only two Monks of St. Katharines Order and these are also grievously troubled with the incursions of the Arabians The Orchard also is destroyed with Locusts and the ground become barren In this Orchard there stands a little Chappel in which there is a Cave where S. Onuphrius the Anchorist lived At the foot of Mount Sinai upon the North standeth the Monastery of St. Katharine of which the Emperour Iustinian was the first Founder it is compassed about with a Wall close by it standeth a goodly Orchard furnished with divers Trees of Fruit pleasant and delightful in that there standeth a goodly Fountain which watereth all about it In this place there are a great number of poor Monks which get their Living by their hands in the Desart thereabouts They say that here stood the golden Calf spoken of Exodus 32. And they shew a round stone lying there where they say Moses broke the two Tables that were given him by God To Pilgrims also they shew the Tomb of St. Katharine standing upon the right side of the Quire with certain other Relicks of hers Upon the left side of the Quire there stands a little door by which you enter into a place called the Chappel of St. Mary of the Bush where they shew the place of the Bush in which God appeared unto Moses And to give grace to their Superstitions there may none enter into that place but he must put off his hose and shoes There is another place where they say God commanded Moses to bring up Aaron Nadab and Abihu with him and the seventy Elders with many other Superstitious Chappels which would be too tedious and frivolous to recite Not far from this there standeth also a Mosko of the Saracens full as fair and spacious as that of St. Katharines to which there is adjoyned a certain Turret hither the Arabians and Saracens do also often come to visit St. Katharine At the Ascent of the Mount Horeb near to the Monastery of St. Katharine there standeth a Fountain of very clear Water in the likeness of a Bow made of Stone reaching from the one side of it to the other and standeth like unto an Arch or Gate A little above that at the foot of Mount Horeb is to be seen the Cave where Eliah rested when the Lord spake unto him 1 Reg. 19. Something above that is the Cliff of the Rock where Moses stood by Gods appointment when he past by and he saw his back parts Ex. 33. A little beyond that is the top of Mount Horeb where is built a little Chappel that hath an Iron Door the Keys of which are in the Monks Custody of the Abby of Saint Katherine In this place they say Moses received the two Tables of Stone wherein the ten Commandments were written by the Finger of God Ex. 34. There is none that enters into this Chappel but with great Reverence bare-foot and bare-legged and casting themselves upon the Earth kiss it About fifteen paces from this they shew the Cave wherein Moses fasted forty days and forty nights Ex. 24. 34. A little above that there is a Mosk to which there daily resorts Arabians and Saracens in honour of Moses whom they reverence as a Prophet Between these there lieth a Well of cold wholsom Water which is called Moses Well Here seemeth in times past to have been some Monastery for there are divers Ruins of Walks and Buildings to be seen This Mountain is round and difficult to Ascend it is 7000 steps to the top and from thence the Red Sea and the Arm thereof where Pharaoh was drowned when he followed the Children of Israel may easily be discerned Mount Sina is much higher than this and lyeth two days Journey from the Red Sea Upon the top whereof are many Rocks and great Stones From thence you may see sundry places as a Mountain lying in Thebaidaes the great Haven of the Red Sea the Desart of Elim and Sur with many others The Desarts round about take the name from the height thereof and are called the Desarts of Sina Of the Graves of Concuâ—iscence THese Graves are 112 miles towards the South from Ierusalem where the Children of Israel lusting after Meat were fed by the Lord with Quails and for their disobedience died miserably It was also called â—abaraâ— which signifies an inflammation being derived from Baar to Burn because here the Wrath of the Lord was kindled against them and he struck the uttermost parts of their Tents with Fire from Heaven and consumed them Numb 11. Of Hazeroth THis is a place in the Desart some 32 miles from Ierusalem towards the South the name thereof being derived from Chazer which signifieth a Cave about the Mouth whereof there groweth long Grass And therefore from hence Chazer is also taken for Grass Here Miriam the Sister of Moses and Aaron was strook with Leprosie Of Rithmah RIthmah takes name from Iuniâ—er for Rothaem in Hebrew signifies Juniper It is distant from Ierusalem 112 miles toward the South-easâ— Here the Children of Israel pitched their Tents Num. 33. and here it is very likely the Angel of the Lord appeared to the Prophet Eliah and brought him meat and drink Of Rimmon Parez IN this place the Children of Israel the sixteenth remove made their abiding being an hundred and eight miles from Ierusalem towards the South-east Here it is thought the
10. Here Ionathan the Son of Saul thrust out a Garrison of the Philistims which held this Town in Subjection 1 Sam. 14. Near to this place was the Valley â—ephaim or of the Gyants where David won a memorable Battel against the Philistims and pursued them with great Sâ—aughter even to the Plain of Perizim 2 Sam. 15. The Travels of the Levite whose Concubine the Inhabitants of Gibeon most wickedly abused THIS Levite dwelt in Ramath in Mount Ephraim from whence he went to Bethlehem Iuda which is sixteen miles to fetch back his Concubine or rather his Wife which was the Daughter of a certain Citizen in Bethlehem but a Bond-servant not free such they called Concubines because they had neither the honour to be Mistress of the House neither could their Posterity inherit the Lands or Goods of their Fathers although before God they were lawful Wives Iudg. 19. From Bethlehem they returned back again on foot to Ierusalem which then was called Iebus because the Iebusites inhabited there which is six miles Iudg. 19. From thence they went to Gibeah not far distant from the City Gibeon where after Saul kept his Royal Seat 1 Sam. 22. Here the Gibeonites abused the Levite's Concubine which was almost four miles From thence he went home to his own City Ramath in Mount Ephraim and there cut the dead Body of his Wife in twelve parts and sent them throughout all the Tribes of Israel which is eight miles So all his Travels were thirty four miles Of Ramath THIS was a City in Mount Ephraim some eight miles from Ierusalem toward the North and signifieth a high and lofty City being derived of Rom that is It was high This Town Baesa King of Israel would have fortified and repaired after it had been decayed but he was hindred by Benhadad King of the Syrians that he could not finish what he had begun There were many Towns and Cities of this Name as Ramoth where Ahob dwelt 1 Reg. 22. Ramathaim Sophim or Arimathea where the Prophet Samuel dwelt 1 Sam. 1. and there where the Ark of God stood not far from Gibeah was called Ramah also Iudg. 19. There was another Ramath in the Tribe of Naphtali Ios. 19. all of them being so called because they stood upon very high Mountains The Travels of the Children of Israel when they fought against the Benjamites FRom Mizpah in the Land of Gilead where they appointed to meet for in the Enemies Land they could not assemble themselves the whole Army of the Israelites went to the Ark of God in Shilo which was about 48 miles From thence they went with their Army to Gibeah where they lost 22000 of their men which is two miles From thence they returned to Shilo and entreated God for Aid which was two miles Iudg. 20. From thence they went a second time to Gibeah and entred Battel again with the Enemy but because they trusted in their own Strength therefore in this second Expedition there were slain 18000 of their men which was two miles Iudg. 20. From thence the whole Army of the Israelites returned back again and before the Lord in Shilo lamented the Overthrow they had twice sustained and with earnest Prayers implored his Aid that they might obtain the Victory which was two miles Iudg. 20. From thence they returned the third time to Gibeah and there with great Expedition renewed the War and because they trusted in God and not to their own Strength they put to the Sword 25000 of the Benjamites and won a notable Victory Iudg. 20. which was two miles Having taken and burnt the City of Gibeah with Fire they returned back unto the Town of Shilo which is two miles and there before the Lord they began to lament the Calamity of the Tribe of Benjamin saying Wherefore hath this thing happened that one of the Tribes should be rooted out before thee Judg. 21. From thence they went to Iabes in Gilead and besieged and took it and destroyed it to the Ground which is fifty two miles From thence they returned back again to Shilo and with them brought 400 Maids which they gave to the Benjamites to be their Wives Iudg. 21. which was fifty two miles So all the Travels of the Children of Israel were 164 miles Of Jabes THis was a City in the Land of Gilead fifty two miles from Ierusalem toward the North-east the Inhabitants whereof buried the Bones of Soul and Ionathan his Son 1 Sam. 31. it is derived of Iabesh which signifieth a dry City Here endeth the Book of Judges The Travels of Elimelech and his Wife Naomi ELimelech and his Wife went from Bethlehem Iuda into the Land of the Moabites where he died which is forty miles From thence she returned with her Daughter-in-Law Ruth to Bethlehem Iuda where Boaz married Ruth which is forty miles So their Travels were eighty miles The first Book of SAMVEL The Travels of Hannah the Mother of the Prophet Samuel HER Husband Elkana and she went from Ramathaim Sophim in Mount Ephraim to Shilo the House of the Lord which was twelve miles where by earnest Prayers she obtained of the Lord a Son 1 Sam. 1. From thence she returned back again to Ramathaim Sophim and there Samuel was born 1 Sam. 1. which was twelve miles From thence she went to Shilo to present her Son before the Lord and he remained there with Eli to serve God all his Life 1 Sam. 1. which is twelve miles From Shilo she returned back again to her house and bare Elkana a Son and two Daughters more which is twelve miles So all her Travels were forty eight miles Of Ramathaim Sophim THis City stood in Mount Ephraim not far from Lidda and Ioppa some sixteen miles distant from Ierusalem North-eastward and was sometimes called Ramah Here Ioseph whose Addition was Arimathea dwelt that demanded the Body of our Saviour to bury in his own Sepulchre It seemeth to be called Ramathaim Sophim which signifies the high places of the Prophets because there was an Academy or publick School of Prophets which served for the whole Land in this City At this day it is called by the Name of Ramath having some Affinity to the ancient name Ramah How the Ark of God was borne from place to place after it was won from the Children of Israel by the Philistines 1 Sam. 4. 5 6. THE two Sons of Eli the Priest Hophni and Phineas carried the Ark of the Lord to Ebenezer which signifies the stone of my help which was forty two miles and is not far from Apheck some forty eight miles from Ierusalem Northward Here the Ark of God was taken and Hophni and Phineas died old Eli also broke his Neck at this time about the ninety eighth Year of his Age and the fortieth of his Rule for he ruled from the time of Sampson until then 1 Sam. 4. This happened Anno Mundi 2850. and before Christ 1117. The Prophet Samuel succeeded him in the Government of the Church and ruled 40
as he lay upon his Bed and after cut off his Head The Head they brought to King David to Hebron 68 miles But David was not pleased with their Treachery wherefore he caused them both to be put to Death So their Travels were 108 miles The Travels of Absalom ABsalom was born in Hebron and went with his Father to Ierusalem 22 miles 2 Sam. 13. From thence he went to Baal-hazor eight miles where he caused his Brother Amnon to be slain From thence for fear of his Father he fled into the Land of Gesur 88 miles 2 Sam 14. From thence he came back with Ioab to Ierusalem which was 88 miles 2 Sam. 14. From thence he went to Hebron 22 miles and made himself King and rebelled against his Father From thence he went back again to Ierusalem which is 22 miles There he lay with his Fathers Concubines 2 Sam. 16. From thence he pursued his Father to Machanaim 40 miles and there was hanged by the Hair in an Oak tree where Ioab put him to death 2 Sam. 18. So all the Travels of Absalom were 290 miles Of Baal-hazor IN this City Absalom made a great Feast for his Sheep-shearers and invited all his Brothers to it where he caused Amnon to be slain because he had abused his Sister Thamar It lieth in the way some eight miles from Ierusalem towards the North-east as you go to Iericho near to Mount Epraim 2 Sam. 13. and is derived to Baal which signifies a Lord or Husband and Chazir a Den or Cave Of the Name Absalom ABsalom signifieth a Father of Peace although he was the Author of all Discord and Sedition against his Father The Travels of the wise Woman of Thecoa THis woman went from Thecoa to Ierusalem eight miles and spake with King David and with her sweet words she persuaded him that he would recall his Son out of Exile who then remained in Gesur 2 Sam. 14. Of Thecoa THecoa was a City in the Tribe of Iuda some eight miles from Ierusalem toward the South-east near this City Iosaphat by Prayers and the sound of Trumpets without drawing Sword got a memorable Victory and for that cause it signifieth the sound of a Trumpet In this place the Prophet Amos dwelt and there lyeth buried whose Sepulchre was to be seen four hundred Years after Christ as S. Ierom observeth It was from Bethlem-Iuda six miles Near to Thecoa was the Lake Aspher where Ionathan and Machabeus's brothers pitch'd their Tents 1 Mach. 9. Of this City you may read Ier. 6. Am. 1. 2 Chr. 11. Of Achitophel THis perfidious and wicked Man was born in the Town of Gilo not far from Hebron and Debir in the Tribe of Iudah Ios. 15. 2. Sam. 15. twenty miles from Ierusalem South-Eastward who when his Counsel would not take place he went home to his won House and there desperately hanged himself The Travels of wicked Shimei SHimei went from Bahurim where he cursed King David to Bathabara upon the River Iordan which was eighteen miles where he got Pardon of David 2 Sam. 9. From thence he went back with King David unto Gilgal four miles 2 Sam. 19. From thence he went with King David to Ierusalem twelve miles 2. Sam. 19. From thence he went to Bahurim three miles From Bahurim King Solomon sent for him again to Ierusalem three miles There he was constrained to build him an House and not to depart thence upon pain of Death 1 Reg. 2. But Shimei transgressing the commandment of the King went to Gath a City of the Philistines twelve miles From thence he returned back again to Ierusalem twelve miles where he was slain by the command of King Solomon in the third year of his Reign 1 Reg. 2. So all the Travels of Shimei were 104 miles The Books of KINGS and CHRONICLES Of Abishag the Virgin that lay with David THIS Maid was accounted the fairest in all Israel for which cause she was brought to Ierusalem for King David that she might lye with him in his old Age to procure Heat she was born at Sunem a Town some forty four miles from Ierusalem 1 Reg. 1. Of Sunem you may read before in the Travels of David and Saul The Travels of King Solomon SOlomon the Son of David King of Israel entred upon the full Government of the Kingdom of Israel Anâ—mundi 2931. and before Christ 1037. when he was about twenty years old After he went from Ierusalem to Gilgal four miles and there offered upon the Altar which Moses had made 1000 burnt offerings 1 Reg. 2. 2 Chr. 1. From thence he went back to Ierusalem four miles and built a Temple to the Lord in Mount Moriah I Reg. 6. This was begun about the fourth year of his Reign and 480 years after the Children of Israel came out of Aegypt in the Month Ziph which answereth to our May. So that the Temple began to be built in An. Mundi 2934. and before Christ 1034. To the building whereof Hiram King of Tyre sent Cedar Trees from Mount Libanus 120 miles to Ierusalem 1 Reg. 5. 2. Chr. 2. This Temple Solomon within plaited over with Gold and set with precious Stones and finished it in the Month of November about the eleventh year of his Reign 1 Reg. 6. The Dedication whereof was about the twelfth year of his Reign and in the thirty second year of his Age Anno Mundi 2942 and before Christ 1026. The Temple being finished he began to build his own house which was thirteen years a building and was finished about the 44 year of his Age and in the 24 of his Reign 1 Rg. 7. 8. After 20 Years in which time he had finished the House of the Lord and his own House in Mount Sion that he might manifest his Thankfulness to the King of Tyre he went to Cabul a City in the Tribe of Ashur some 80 miles Northward where he gave to the aforesaid Hiram 20 Towns or Cities with all the Country round about wherefore King Hiram called this Cabul that is Displeasant and Dirty 2 Reg. 9. You may read of Cabul Ios. 19. From thence he returned to Ierusalem 88 miles From thence he went to Hazor and restored the City which was 44 miles From thence he returned to Ierusalem 44 miles From thence he went to Megiddo which is not far from Iesreel in the Tribe of Manasses 44 miles from Ierusalem toward the North. This City Solomon fortified 1 Reg. 9. and Iosiah King of Iuda a long time after was there wounded to Death 2 Reg. 9. From Megiddo he returned to Ierusalem 44 miles After that Pharaoh King of Egypt had conquered Gaser and destroyed it with Fire he gave it to his Daughter the Wife of Solomon who rebuilt it This Town was scituated in the Tribe of Ephraim 28 miles from Ierusalem Northward 1 Reg. 9. From Gaser Solomon returned back again to Ierusalem being 28 miles From thence he went to the higher Bethoron which he fortified and stood 28 miles from Ierusalem
Northward 2 Chr. 8. From thence he went to the lower Bethoron 16 miles from the upper toward the South 1 Reg. 9. 2 Chr. 8. From the lower Bethoron he went to Ierusalem which was eight miles After Solomon built the City Belath which was 12 miles from Ierusalem North-vvestvvard 1 Reg. 9. 2. Chr. 8. From thence he returned back to Ierusalem 12 miles and it is very like that Solomon often visited those Towns that he built and restored From Ierusalem he went to Hemath afterward called Antiochia which was 320 miles and compassed it about with a Wall fortified it and afterward constrained all the Kingdoms thereabout to be obedient to his Government 2 Chr. 8. From thence he went with great State into the Kingdom of Zoba which is 600 miles and fortified all the great Cities and Castles of that Country that with the greater Facility they might oppose the Invasions of neighbouring Countries From thence he returned to that famous City Thamar which was also called the City of the Palmes 400 miles this he rebuilt and fortified 1 Reg. 9. 2 Chr. 8. From thence he went to Ierusalem which is 388 miles From thence he went to Ezeongâ—ber near to the Red Sea in the Country of Idumaea where he built a company of stately Ships and sent them to India to fetch Gold which was 176 miles from Ierusalem Southward 1 Reg. 9. From thence he returned to Ierusalem which is 176 miles But of his Riches and great Prosperity he grew Proud for he excelled all the Kings near him and gave himself to unlawful Pleasures he took unto him 300 Concubines and 700 Wives by whose perswasions he began to worship the Gods of the Gentiles which Idolatry was evil in the sight of the Lord. After he had reigned forty years which was about the sixtieth of his Age he died and was buried by his Father David in Mount Sion the City of David An. Mundi 2770 and before Christ 998. So all the Travels of Solomon were 2544 miles The description of the places to which he travelled Of Gazer you may read before in the Travels of David Of Bethoron THe upper and the lower Bethoron were two Cities in the Tribe of Ephraim built by Saaerah the Daughter of Ephraim 1 Chron. 7. The inferiour Bethoron was not far from the Castle of Emmaus eight miles from Ierusalem toward the North-West The Superiour was twenty miles distant towards the North. These Towns Solomon repaired Near to the lower Bethoron the Lord put the Enemies of Ioshuah to flight with Thunder and Hail Ios. 10. Here also Iudas Macchabeus overcame the Army of Antiochus 1 Mac. 3. Here also he put Niâ—anor to death 1 Mac. 7. and signifieth A white house being derived of Beth which signifies an house and Chor he hath made white Of Baaelath THis is a City twelve miles from Ierusalem North-westward in the Tribe of Dan. This City Solomon repaired at such time as he fell in Love with many Women from whence it seemeth to take his name for Baaeleth signifieth his beloved Lady Of Thamar THamar Tadmor or Palmira stood partly in the Desart of Syria and partly in a fruitful Soyl being compassed about on the one side with a Wood on the other with fair and pleasant Fields It was the Metropolitan City of all Syria not far from Euphrates some 388 miles from Ierusalem North-Eastward and as Pliny saith lib. 5. cap. 25. although it lay betwixt two mighty Empires Rome and Parthia yet it was subject to neither fairly scituated a Free City adorned with fair and sumptuous Buildings and contented with their own Government The Wildernesses called after this Towns name Palâ—arnae or the Desarts of the Palms extend themselves to Petra the Metropolitan City of Arabia-Petraea and to the borders of Arabia-Foelix one days journey from Euphrates two from the upper part of Syria and six from Babylon as Iosephus observeth Antiq. lib. 8. cap. 5. This City Solomon made Tributary to him and fortified it with strong Walls 1 Reg. 9. Of Ezeongaber you may read before The Typical Signification of Solomon SOlâ—mon is as much as FREDERICK in High-Dutch which signifies a Peace-maker being derived of the Hebrew word Schelâ—moh or Schalom to bring glad tidings of Peace Typically representing Christ the Prince of Peace who hath reconciled us with his Heavenly Father and merited an eternal place of Peace and Happiness for all such as trust in him Esay 9. And as Solomon built up the Temple of the Lord with great majesty and glory so Christ hath built up that heavenly Temple the Church of God and adorned it with the Gifts and Graces of his holy Spirit in this World that so it might be capable of eternal Glory in the World to come 2 Cor. 6. The Travels of Solomon's Ships THis Navy of Solomon's went unto Ophir that is India which was accounted from the Mart Town 4800 miles From India they returned back again 4800 miles so all their Travels were 9600 miles This Journey was finished in three years to and again so that every year they went 3200 miles and brought home plenty of Gold Silver precious Stones Ebony c. Of India MOses called this Country Havilah Gen. 2. and Ios. li. Antiq. 8. c. 7. Ophir which name saith he it took of two Brothers so called which inhabited and governed the Country all along the River Ganges But more Modern Writers derive it from Indus a River passing through it It is a spacious and fruitful Country pleasant to inhabit and as Pomponius saith hath in it 5000 Cities being divided into two parts the outward and inward The Travels of the Queen of Saba FRom Saba in Ethiopia she came to Ierusalem 964 miles From Ierusalem she returned back again which was 964 miles So all her Travels were 1928 miles Of Aethiopia THIS Country by the Hebrews is called Chus of Chus the Son of Cham who was the Son of Noah and after Aethiopia ab aestu torrida because of the great heat wherewith oftentimes the habitable Land and People as also the Wilderness were sorely scorched and burned for it is scituated in the third part of the World called Africa lying under the torrid Zone and the Aequator which two by common Experience are found to be extream hot Of Saba SAba is a metropolitan City in Aethiopia lying beyond Egypt 846 miles from Ierusalem towards the South and took the name from a certain precious Stone called Achates wherein might plainly be discerned in certain distinct Colours the rising of Fountains the Chanels of Rivers high Mountains and sometimes of Chariots and Horses drawing them It is reported That Pyrrhus King of the Epirots had one of them wherein was lively represented the Nine Muses and Apollo playing on the Viol portrayed by natural Stains and Colours so artificially as if they had been done by some curious Work-man Of this Stone you may read more in Pliny li. 37. ca. 1. 10. It was first found in Achates a River of Sicilia
commanded 10000 Idumaeans which he had taken in War to be cast down headlong from the top of an high Rock into a deep Valley in which fall their bones were shattered all to pieces and they died miserably 2 Reg. 14. From Selag-Ioctiel he returned to Ierusalem being forty miles where he began to worship the Gods of the Idumaeans that he brought along with him 2 Chron. 24. From Ierusalem he went to Bethsemes and there was overcome by Joas King of Israel which was four miles 2 Chron. 25. From Bethsemes Ioas led Amasiah back again to Ierusalem captive being four miles 2 Reg. 14. From Ierusalem he fled to the City of Lachis which was twenty miles and there was slain by his own Servants 2 Chron. 25. From Lachis his carkass was carried back again to Ierusalem twenty miles where it was buried in the City of David 2 Reg. 14. 2 Chron. 25. So all his Travels were 128 miles The Travels of Azariah or Uzziah King of Judah THIS man succeeded his Father Amasia in the year of the World 3138 and before Christ 830 when he was but sixteen years of age and reigned fifty two years his Mothers name was Iecoliah of Ierusalem He did those things which were upright in the sight of the Lord therefore the Lord blessed him And after the death of his Father built Elah and restored it to Iudah He therefore went from Ierusalem to Elah 160 miles towards the South and rebuilt that Town it being a famous Mart-Town scituated upon the Red Sea and fortified it because Resin King of the Syrians in times past for want of due fortification won it and destroyed it 2 Chron. 26. From Elah he returned to Ierusalem 160 miles After he went from Ierusalem to Gath a City of the Philistines which was accounted thirty four miles this Town he won beat down the Walls and destroyed the Bulwarks thereof From thence he went to Iabnia which is twenty four miles and broke down the Walls thereof 2 Chron. 26. From thence he went to Azotus or Asdod which was eight miles 2 Chron. 26. From Asdod he went again to Ierusalem being twenty two miles Within a while after he gathered an Army and went from Ierusalem to Gur-Baal that is Gerar where he overcame the Arabians in a great Battel which was thirty two miles 2 Chron. 26. From Gerar he returned to Ierusalem being thirty two miles He went from Ierusalem that third time into the Land of the Ammonites sixty miles which People he conquered and made Tributary to him so that he was made Famous through all the Countries thereabout even to the utmost part of Aegypt because of his often Victories and Triumphs 2 Chron 26. Out of the land of the Ammonites he returned to Ierusalem being sixty miles But now being lift up with the Prosperity of Fortune and not content with his Regal Dignity he endeavoured to have chief Authority over the Priests also for which cause he went into that part of the Temple where the Altar of sweet Incense stood where it was lawful for none to go but the Priests and there took upon him to offer sweet Incense but as he was offering the Lord struck him with Leprosie so that he was constrained to dwell in a house by himself separated from the Congregation and his Son Iotham governed in his stead all the days of his Life But within a while after he died of this disease and was buried in the Kings Garden at Ierusalem and not in the Sepulchre of the Kings 2 Reg. 15. 2 Chron. 26. So all the Travels of Azariah King of Iudah were 592 miles Of the Places to which he travelled Of Elah THIS was a City scituated upon the Red Sea 160 miles from Ierusalem towards the South between Ezion-Gaber and Midian This City Resin King of the Syrians conquered but Azariah King of Iudah drove thence the Syrians and made it so strong that it seemed impossible to be conquered It took the name of abundance of Oaks which as it seemeth grew about that place for Elah or Ilix signifies a kind of Oak Tree of which there is great plenty in the Holy Land so called because of their strength and hardness Of Jobnia THIS was a City near to Ioppa and Libba 16 miles from Ierusalem towards the North-West This City taketh the name of Wisdom and Prudence being derived of Bin to understand Of Gur-Baal THIS Town is also called Gerar where Abraham and Isaac sometimes travelled it is distant from Ierusalem thirty two miles towards the South-West and six miles from Hebron Here the Iews and neighbouring Arabians afterwards worshipped the Idol Baaâ— and therefore this City which in the times of the Patriarchs was called Gerar a Perigrination was after called Gur-Baal that is the Perigrination of the Idol Baal being derived of Gor which signifies He hath travelled The Travels of Jotham King of Judah JOtham signifies Whole and Perfect He succeeded his Father Azariah when he was about twenty five years of age Anno Mundi 3190 and before Christ 778. He raigned over Iudah seventeen years until the one and fortieth year of his age His Mothers name was Ichruscha so called from an Inheritance or Possession He began his Reign in the second year of Pekah King of Israel and continued it unitl the seventeenth year of his Government 2 Reg. 15. 17. When this noble Prince had rebuilded and richly adorned the House of the Lord he went from Ierusalem and invaded the Country of the Ammonites which was sixty miles conquered their King and made the whole Land pay him Tribute even a hundred Talents of Silver of the common weight 10000 measures of Wheat and 10000 of Barley yearly This Tribute continued three years From the Land of the Ammonites he went back to Ierusalem which was sixty miles where after he had adorned the Temple with many princely buildings he dyed about the one and fortieth year of his age 2 Reg. 15. So all his Travels were 120 miles Of Ahaz King of Judah AHAZ signifies Apprehending or a Possessor He began to reign after the death of his Father Iotham about the end of the seventeenth year of Pekah King of Israel Anno Mundi 3205 before Christ 762. He reigned wickedly 16 years 2 Reg. 16. 2 Chr. 28. For he was a notorious Hypocrite who out of a perverse Zeal worshipped many Idols and burnt his Son in the Valley of Gehinnon as an Offering unto Moloch wherefore he was unhappy in his Government for God stirred up mighty enemies against even Reâ—in King of Syria and Pekah King of Israel who wasted and destroyed his Kingdom and streightly besieging Ierusalem conquered Ahaz in a great Battel and put to the Sword 120000 of his men After that Resin returned to Elath and took it so that he lost more then his Father had gotten Where being struck into a great fear by reason of these adversities he sent to crave the Aid of Tiglasse Phulasser King of the Assyrians who at his request
Christ in his name For Christ was that gracious and innocent Dove who hath made evident to Man his singular Mercy and Clemency without any shew of bitterness or wrath Then in his Affliction for as Ionas thrust himself into the Sea of Calamity and there was swallowed up of a Whale which might be well resembled to the Grave so Christ our Saviour was cast into the Sea of Affliction the misery and calamity of this World and after that thrust into the jaws of death the Grave where as Ionas did in the Whales belly he lay three daies and then arose again the Earth being unable any longer to contain his Body Of the Prophet Micah THIS Prophet was born at Maresa a Town of Iudaea sixteen miles from Ierusalem Westward it signifieth a bitter Field In St Ierom's time the Ruins of the Wall of this City was to be seen Micah or Micheas signifieth humble or lowly This man was held in great estimation because he was the first that named the Country where our Saviour Christ should be born viz. in Bethlehem 800 years before his Nativity He lived Anno Mundi 3200. Of the Prophet Nahum NAhum signifies a Comforter He was born in a Town of Galilee called Elcosch as he saith in the beginning of his Prophecy This Village was shewn unto St. Ierome by those that travelled with him through the Holy Land in his time it was but a small Village called by the name of Elcos and scituated as Dorotheus Bishop of Tyre saith on the further side of Bethabara sixteen miles and something more from Ierusalem towards the North-East This Prophet lived 750 years before Christ and Prophesied of the Destruction of Niniveh which after came to pass Of the Prophet Habacuck HAbacuck or Chabacuck signifies one that embraceth or a Lover from Chaback he hath embraced For as a Nurse embraceth and kisseth her inâ—ant so also this Prophet embraced and comforted his People with comfortable Doctrine lest by the destruction of Ierusalem which he prophecied should after happen by the Chaldaeans they should be driven to desperation Paul took the foundation of his Epistle to the Romans out of this Prophet reciting a saying of his viz. The juâ—t shall live by faith He began to preach a little before the Prophet Ieremy 650 years before Christ above 100 years before Daniel was cast into the Lions den From whence most of the Learned conclude that this could not be that Habacuck which brought meat to Daniel as he was among the Lions but they rather think it a fragment of a spiritual Comedy and therefore worthy to be called Apocrypha Of the Prophet Zephania ZEphania signifies the Secretary of the Lord being derived of Zaphan he hath kept secret He lived in Ierusalem and Iudaea in the time of Iosiah King of Iuda He was born as Dorotheus Bishop of Tyre saith in a Town called Sabarthaca in the Tribe of Siâ—eon Of the Prophets Haggai and Zacharia HAggai or Chaggi signifieth A Priest celebrating the Feast of the Lord being derived of Chagag he hath celebrated a Feast And Zacharias or Zacharia doth denote such a man as remembred the Lord being derived of Zachar that is he hath remembred or recorded These two Prophets prophecied in Ierusalem in the second year of Darius the Son of Histaspis 519 years before Christ An. mun 3449. Haggai began his Prophecy upon the first day of the sixth month Elul answering to the 28 of August He sharply reprehended the People because they neglected the house of the Lord and built up their own houses In the eighth month Marhusuan which for the most part answereth to our November Zacharias the same year began to prophecy and in his Sermon exhorted the People to repentance adding the promise of our Saviour and that he would turn unto them that would turn unto him Zach. 1. These two Prophets lie buried 20 miles one from the other For as Dorothaeus Bishop of Tyre saith Haggai lies buried in Ierusalem amongst the Priests but Zacharias near to a Town in the field of Bethania 20 miles from Ierusalem Westward but in the time of Theodosius the Emperour was removed and preserved as an holy Relique Concerning that fable and figment inserted into the History Nicephorus I utterly disallow Of the Prophet Malachi THIS Prophet prophesied after the Captivity of Babylon and dwelt in the Town of Ziph as Dorotheus Bishop of Tyre saith Malachi signifies an Angel sent and in Greek a Messenger for this Prophet preached so comfortably as if he had been an Angel of God but principally of Christ and Saint Iohn Baptist who should go before him to prepare his Way and make his Paths strait S. Ierom in his Epistle to Paul and Eustochius writes that some of the Hebrews suppose this Malachi to have been Esdras the Scribe who was sent by Artaxerxes Longimanus Emperour of the Persians to restore the Commonwealth of Israel in the year before Christ 457. An Instruction how the Prophets may rightly be understood FIRST look into the Cosmographical Table at the beginning of this Book and diligently observe the Countries and Cities that are there set down and how they lie scituated from Ierusalem Toward the South of Ierusalem the Idumeans Ismaelites Arabians and Egyptians dwell Toward the East the Moabites Ammonites Chaldaeans Babylonians and Persians Toward the North the Phoenicians Syrians Assyrians and Armenians Toward the West lieth the Mediterranean Sea Grâ—cia Italy Spain and the Isles of the Sea Secondly this rule is to be observed that as often as the Prophets speak of the Tribes of Israel they use these names viz. Israel Samaria Ephrain Ioseth Iesreel Bethel and Bethaven these are the names of the Kingdom of Israel but to the Kingdom of Iuda these names are attributed viz. Iudaâ— Ierusalem Benjamin the house of David But when the Prophets joyn these two Kingdoms together they call them by the names of Iacob and Israel Thirdly when thou readest in the Prophets the name of any Country or City which is not sufficiently known unto thee search this Alphabetical Table here following and thou shalt find the whole matter declared unto thee An Alphabetical Table of all the Countries and Cities mentioned in the Prophets A. ABarim that is a Bridge or Passage over It was a Mountain of the Moabites where the Israelites pitched their Tents Num. 33. Achor the Valley of Trouble Here Achan was stoned to death for his Thievery It stood not far from Gilgal toward the North twelve miles from Ierusalem Ios. 7. Isa. 6. Adama Red Earth This was one of the Cities that were destroyed with Fire and Brimstone from Heaven Ai Hilly This City Ioshua burnt with Fire It lay eight miles from Ierusalem North-ward Iosh. 8. Aiath idem Isa. 10. Ar or Ari a Lion It was a City of the Moabites lying beyond Iordan in the Tribe of Benjamin called Aâ—iopolis scituated upon the Bank of the River Arnon 24 miles from Ierusalem North-Eastward Deut. 2. In Esa. 15. It is
goodly Springs but there is no man that dwells in it notwithstanding there are many Towns and Inhabitants at the foot of the Mountain neither do they think any man worthy to dwell in it they hold it in such estimation and reverence it as the Hill of God There are to be seen in it divers great Ruines of Palaces Towers and Princely Edifices in which at this day there harbour many Lions and other wild Beasts It is very difficult to ascend up to the top of it it is so exceeding high It is one of the principal hills in the Holy Land not only because that Christ on it was transfigured but because it is very fruitful and plentifully abounds with Vines and other profitable Plants and Herbs The Air thereof is wholsom and good and the Dew upon it rising thick and sweet with indifferent Rain the Trees high and fair green both Winter and Summer At the foot of the Mountain towards the South near to Endoâ— in the way that leadeth from Syria into Aegypt is shewed the place where as it is said Melchisedeck met with Abraham when he returned from the Battel of the four Kings Gen. 14. At the foot of the Mountain lying toward the West just against Nazareth there is a Chappel built in the place where they say our Saviour Christ descending from this Mountain spake to his Disciples saying Tell none of this Vision Mat. 17. Upon the East side of it runs the Brook Kison where Barak and Deborah overcame the Army of Sisera Iudg. 4. There is also another Hill in the upper part of Galilee 92 miles from Ierusalem Northward which Hill is also called Thabor and is three miles distant from Caesarea Philippi Eastward but that was not the place of Christs Transfiguration The Travels of Christ in the fourth year of his Ministry being the four and thirtieth of his age IN the Month of Ianuary Christ the Son of God wintered in Bethabara 16 miles from Ierusalem North-eastward where Iohn sometimes baptised Ioh. 10. And many came unto him saying Iohn shâ—wed us no â—gns but whatsoever he preached of this Christ are true And many believed on him Now as Christ went into the Desart to preach his Disciples came unto him saying Lord teach us to pray as Iohn taught his Disciples to pray Whereupon he prescribed to his Disciples a Form of Prayer which is called the Lords Prayer Luke 11. At this time there came unto him a great multitude and thronged about him where he made that long Sermon which is described Luke 12. 13. Upon the seventeenth Day of Ianuary it being then the Sabbath he cured a certain Woman which had been diseased 18 years Luke 13. And when there came unto him certain Pharisees saying thou art the Son of God wherefore get the out of this Country for Herod seeks to kill thee Jesus answered them saying Go and tell that crafty Fox behold I cast out Devils to day and tomorrow and the third Day I shall be peâ—fected Presently he departed out of Petraea where Herod kept his Court in the Castle of Macharuntes and went into Galilee beyond Iordan 28 miles Luke 13. Upon the last Day of Ianuary being the Sabbath our Lord and Saviour Christ healed in the house of a certain Prince of the Pharisees a man sick of the Dropsie and recited the Parable of the great Supper Luke 14. In the Month of February he went through all Galilee which was 80 miles long and 24 broad in which visitation there followed him a great company And when there came unto him Publicans and Sinners he began to speak of Repentance but the Phâ—risees and Scribes murmured at him and opposed his Parables of the lost sheep of the Woman that had lost her Groat and of the prodigal Son Luke 15. And a little after he recited unto his Disciples the Parable of the unjust Steward and of Dives and Lazarus Luke 16. About the latter end of February as by the circumstance of the History and Times may appear he made that Sermon of the Power of Faith and good Works c. Luke 17. And going out of Galilee through the midst of Samaria he healed the ten Lepers Luke 17. He recited the Parable of the unjust Judge and that of the Publican and Pharisee Luke 18. In the Month of March he finished this general Visitation Which Journey were so many and divers that his Disciples could not describe them Notwithstanding in this Month he went into the Borders of Iudaea and Petraea beyond Iordan and came to Bethabara where Iohn sometimes baptised and there followed him a great company and he healed them Mat. 19. Mark 10. There the Pharisees moved the disputation of the Divorce and Christ lovingly imbraced the little Children Mark 20. In this Month of March Lazarus the Brother of Martha and Mary who dwelt at Bethania fell sick of a deadly disease and they sent messengers to Christ who at this time was at Bethabara to give him to understand of his Sickness Iohn 11. this message came unto our Saviour Christ to Bethabara upon the twentieth day of March being the last day of the twelfth Month Adar Anno Mundi 4000. and about such time as the seventy Weeks spoken of by Daniel were fully ended at the end of which Prophecy it behoved Christ that he might fulfill the Prophecies of the Old Testament to suffer and by his Resurrection and Ascension to enter into the Glory of God and to be partaker of his eternal Kingdom Although our Saviour had received this message of the Sickness of Lazarus he stayed at Bethabara Two dayes after and as it may be thought about the twenty second day of March which was the second day of the first Month Abib Lazarus died But Lazarus being dead and buried then our Saviour went from Bethabara towards Iericho Iohn 14. Luke 8. and in the way a man came to him and said Good Master what shall I do that I may inherit eternal Life Christ said unto him Go and sell all that thou hast and give it unto the Poor and thou shalt find Treasure in Heaven and then come and follow me But because he was very rich he refused and went his way After he recited the Parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard making mention of Predestination Also in this Journey he reprehended the Sons of Zebedeus for their Pride and Arrogancy and fore-telleth his Disciples of his Death and Passion and in the way healed the blind man that sate begging and so entred into Iericho where he rested all night in the house of Zacheus Mat. 20. Zacheus signifies Clean. Upon the twenty fourth of March Christ went from Iericho to Bethania which was twelve miles Here he healed Bartimeus the Son of Timeus Mark 10. Timeus signifieth Unclean of Tame He is defiled And going a little further he healed other two resâ—oring them to sight Mâ—t. 19. Upon the twenty fifth of March being Tuesday our Saviour Christ came to Bethania where
cast into Prison who by the Prayers of the Church was miraculously delivered as you may read Acts 12. A little after that is about the month of August this King was struck by the Angel of the Lord and died miserably for when he came to Caesarea Strato he caused the publick Shews to be solemnly practised and in honour of Claudius Caesar set forth very sumptuous Interludes and Plays to which Feast and Shews all the Nobility and Gentry of that Country round about resorted Where the next day very early in the Morning having put on a rich and goodly Garment made all of Cloath of Gold he went into the Theatre and there according to his usual custom sat in a princely Seat and made an Oration to the Inhabitants of Tyre Now when the Sun was up and shone upon his Garments the Rays therâ—of cast such a reflection upon the beholders that it dazled their Eyes insomuch that they could scarce see Wherefore those that were his Flatterers hearing his gracious Speech cried with a loud Voice O Agripâ—a be propitious unto us for although heretofore we feared thee as a Man yet now we well perceive thou art of a more Noble and Divine Nature But when the King taking delight in these speeches would not restrain the impious clamour of these flatterers a little after he lifted up his head and upon the top of a Pillar he saw an Owl sittingâ—over him Presently he was troubled in his mind and within a while after he was struck with an extream pain in his Bowels insomuch that with a loud Voice he cried unto his Friends I whom but now was called your God am but a Man and him that you imagined to be immortal must presently die These Words being ended they carried him sick into his Palace and it was given out that he was dead No sooner came this News to the Ears of the Vulgar but they with their Wives and Children put on sack-cloath and fell upon the Ground with earnest Supplications to God to be merciful unto him But the King looking out of his Window and seeing them lie thus prostrate upon the Earth wailing and weeping he could not abstain from Tears At length after he had been cruelly tormented by the space of four days upon the fifth died being the second of August the Worms having consumed his Guts and eaten through his Body Thus God greviously punished him who had so much afflicted the Members of the Church of Christ but towards other Men as well Strangers as Gentiles he was mild and courteous He reigned in the whole almost seven years for he held the Tetrarchy of Philip three years under Caligula and other four years he held the whole Kingdom of the Iews He died in the eleventh year after the Resurrection and in the third of Claudius Caesar being then about 54 years of age Acts. 22. Ioseph Antiq. lib. 19. Pliny saith that this Town of Caesarea Strato was sometime called Apollonia but after obtained the name of Caesarea Palestina Saint Ierom saith in his Epitaph upon Paul that in his time which was 400 years after Christ there was to be seen in this place the House of Cornelius the Centurian whom Peter baptized Act. 10. This Cornelius is thought by some to have been of the Family of Lentuli in Rome for they were also called Cornelii as appeareth in Salust in the conspiracy of Cataline and it may be that this Cornelius was that Lentulus which wrote to Tiberius Caesar that excellent Epistle concerning the figure proportion and person of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Also the House of Philip the Deacon and the Chambers of his four Daughters who were Prophetesses When Paul came unto this Town Agabus the Prophet came unto him who bound his Hands and Feet with the Girdle of Paul saying The Man that oweth this Girdle shall be thus bound by the Iews at Ierusalem and they shall deliver him into the Hands of the Gentiles Here he made a notable Sermon before Festus Agrippa Iunior and his Sister Bernice Act. 16. This Town flourished for a long time after the Destruction of Ierusalem and it was scituated in a fair and profitable place fortified towards the West with the Mediterranean Sea and towards the East it was compassed about with a Lake in which were great abundance of Crocodiles though the Water was very sweet and of a great depth Many Godly and Religious Men were here crowned with the Wreath of Martyrdom for professing the Gospel of Christ as Eusebius Bishop of this Town and of Pamphilius well observeth in his Eccles. Hist. But the Lord did so sharply revenge the death of these men that at this day it is utterly destroyed and there is not a house left though in times past it had been a Bishop's See There was also another Town built by Philip the Tetrarch called Caesarea Philippi whereof you may read before Of Ioppa COncerning this Town I have already shewed many things in the Travels of Ionas but omitted some specified by Brittenbach and Dr. Ranwolfe who have described the holy Land as it was in the year of our Lord 1575. which Authors affirm that there is seen a great Chain of Iron fastened to a certain Rock to the which Ships that lay in that Harbour were sometimes tied Also the Chain wherewith Andromda was fast bound to a stone when she should have been devoured of the Sea Monster Also they say that there is a Chappel at this day built up in the place where sometime the house of Simon the Tanner stood who gave entertainment to Peter standing by a Rock close by the Sea side and dedicated to St. Peter But for the rest of the Town although formerly it hath been a goodly City it is utterly destroyed nothing standing but a part of the Wall and two Castles upon the Haven to defend such as come thither with Ships from the Injuries and Incursions of the Pagans and Saracens Of Babylon in Aegypt BAbylon signifieth Confusion as you may read before There were two Cities of this name the one was in Chaldaea and the other in Egypt That in Chaldaea was scituated upon the River Euphrates and this upon the River Nilus being 244 miles from Ierusalem toward the South-West and called in the Arabian Tongue Alcair or Cair whether you please which also signifieth Confusion Concerning both which Cities you may read more at large in their former description From this Town it is credibly thought and not from that Town which stood in Chaldaea Peter wrote his first Epistle as the circumstances of the History do evidently declare for that Babylon which stood in Chaldaea was in the time of Peter utterly destroyed but then this Babylon was had in great estimation About this time also Mark who was the Disciple of Peter was the first Bishop of Alexandria as you may read in the end of this Epistle Wherefore that Opinion which some would have to pass for truth that Peter wrote his