which people eat mans flesh In the 8. year he subdued Scotland and made them do homage In England he left no natural Noble man to bear rule but so impoverished the Nation by great Taxes that much Tillage was laid down and good ground laid wast many miles together When the Tyrant had brought the nation into extream poverty he imposed upon them an Oath of allegiance and went into Normandy and not long after falling to War with the King of France he was over-heat in his fat body by his harness upon him and got a painful disease and dyed the 9. of Sept. when he had reigned 20. years 10. moneths and about 25. daies Anno 1008. William Rufus the 3. son of Duke William took advantage of his elder brother Roberts absence stepped into the Royal Throne and began his reign from the death of his father Most of the Nobility stood for Robert and raised war against William But by pleasing words and fair promises he gained some of them to him and then subdued the rest by force After Robert claimed his right to the Crown and William refusing to surrender they fell to War and at length agreed that if either of them had not issue the Crown should descend to the survivers In the 11. year of Williams reign all the Lands belonging to Earl Godwin whose son proved a perfidious perjured man by the breaking in of the Sea was utterly overwhelmed with water which is added to the vast Ocean and still bears the name of Goodwins sands King William was one that fulfilled the curse of God upon that kind of Government for it is recorded of him that he did not only shave but slea the people of England But the just had of God found him out and at last Sir Walter Terril shooting at a Deer in New Forrest which his father had made a Forrest by the destorying the People and Town 30. miles together the King being there hunting the righteous Lord guided the Arrow to Williams brest of which wound he fell dead and spoke no word Some of his men laid the dead body upon a Colliers Cart drawn with one poor horse which came by accident which carried him to Winchester where he was buried the day after at whose burial men could not weep for joy He reigned 12. years 10. moneths and about 22. daies An. 1101. Henry brother to Rufus the 4. son of William Duke of Normandy who for his learning was called Beau-Clark got into the Throne after his brother William Rufus At first he abated the taxes and reformed the Laws But Robert Duke of Normandy returning from the holy Wars made War upon his brother Henry for the Crown of England At this time Robert was appeased with money but upon this quarrel was raised a second and third War Till at last Henry took Robert prisoner and Duke Robert endeavouring escape was taken and then Henry caused his brothers eyes to be put out and kept close prisoner to his death King Henry in a Council or Parliament had power given him over the Clergy But he took their Money and suffered them to do what they pleased And unto all other his black sins It 's plain he was a whore-monger for he made Robert his Bastard-son first Earl of Golcester Many dreadful judgements and great signs of Gods displeasure were manifested upon the Land about these times Yet Henry ruled 35. years and 4. moneths and died the first day of December An. 1136. Steven Earl of Bulloin son to Alice daughter to William the Conqueror claimed the Crown of England and succeeded his Uncle Henry He was a gallant Souldier and much favoured and eased the people But the Nobles of England sent for Maud King Henry's daughter who was married to the Emperorr of Rome of the French line and promised her to possess her in the Throne of England At this time also the King of Scots invaded the North parts and woful desolations were made in the Land by Armies on all sides But at last Steven made peace by adopting Henry son to Maud to succeed him in the Kingdom so Steven died in peace the 25. day of October when he had reigned 18. years 10. moneths and odd days An. 1155. Henry the 2. called Henry Plantagenet next took the Royal Scepter And now again the Saxon line was restored Maude daughter to King Henry son to William the Conqueror was first married to the Emperour and after to Geffery Plantagenet Earl of Angeou and Duke of Normandy by whom he had this Henry who married Elianor descended from Malcolme a Saxon. It was observed of this King that he was unsteadfast or unfaithful in his promises and a wedlock breaker He caused his son Henry to be Crowned in his life-time who married the King of France's daughter But Henry and his brethren raised great Wars against their father who died the 6. day of July An. 1189 when he had reigned 34. years 9. moneths and 12. days Richard the 2. son to Henry the 2. took the Crown of England He sold great possessions and immunities from the Câ—own and after pretending that he had 〈◊〉 his Seal caused all that had purchased to have their Deeds and Patents sealed again Richard left the Government of England with a Chancellor and went into Normandy and there he agreed with the King of France to go to Jerusalem In his absence John his brother set up himself King But upon Richards return John was perswaded by his mother to lay down the Crown and Richard was again crowned King of England the 12. day of March and then he entered again upon all the Lands he had sold unless they would buy them again How this man loved Money and let go Conscience any may judge But after he was shot with a poyson'd dart of which he died the 6. day of April or the second moneth An. 1200. when he had reigned 9. years and 9. moneths John now succeeded his brother Richard He was divorced from his wife and married another Amongst other the great evils he brought upon England this was not the least That he resigned his Crown with the Realms of England and Ireland to the Pope The Barons fell at difference with the King and obtained help from France upon which the King sleeing up and down ended his miserable life at Newark Castle as some say by poyson But when he was dead his servants divided what he had not leaving enough to cover his dead body and then left him He died the 19. of Octob. Ann. 1217. when he had run out 17. years and 6. moneths with some odd daies Henry the eldest son of Richard by a second wife or Concubine was set upon the Throne at 9. years of age Upon this the French withdrew out of the Nation He took to wife Elianor daughter of Raymond Earl of
Provence In his time there fell great strife between the King and the Barons At first they kept Parliaments apart and after their consultations raised Armies and in a battel the King with his sons Edward and Richard and many Nobles were taken prisoners But Edward being set at liberty got up an Army and fell on afresh so at last the Earl of Leicester and many great ones were slain in the battel of Evesham This begot bloudy wars and brought woful desolations to poor England And to the merciless sword the Lord brought fearful judgements of Plagues Famine Earthquakes and many other strange wonders in heaven and earth But Henry resigned all to death the 16. of November 1273. when he had reigned 56. years and 28. days Edward the eldest son of Henry succeeded his father He married Elianor the daughter of the King of Spain in his fathers life-time Ann. 1254. King Edward banished the Jewes this Nation In the memory of Queen Elianor he built stately Crosses where the Corpes rested every night In his reign there was great wars with the French Welch and especially with the Scots who oft rebelled but were as oft subdued yet in those wars the King got a bloudy Flix of which he died the 7. of July An. 1308. when he had reigned 34. years 7. moneths and odd days Edward the 2. succeeded his father He was said to be a dissolute Prince hated of his Nobles and contemned of the Common people He married Isabel daughter to the French King In his time also the Scots rebelled vanquished the Kings Army and after besieged him in York and burnt the Suburbs The Barons also raised War against the King for defending Piercy and the Spencers his creatures against justice In which straits the King sent the Queen to mediate with her brother the French King She took with her her son Edward But she not returning so soon as her husband appointed her and with all discovering some compliance with some Nobles sled out of England to France the King proclaimed them all to be banished But the Queen her son Edmund Woodstock all of Kent the Kings brother with many Nobles came into England and joyned with the Barons and City of London by which they raised a great Army took divers strong Holds and at last the King and his creatures The King was committed prisoner to the Earl of Lancaster but the creatures were hanged headed and quartered The Queen her son and Barons came presently to London and the next day called a Parliament where the King was deposed when he had reigned 19. years 6. moneths and some daies An. 1328. Edward the eldest son of Edward the 2. was set up in his fathers stead at 14. years of age It is said His father was soon after murdered in Corfe-Castle But the young King was much ordered by his mother A peace was made with the Scots and Daviâ—â— Scotland married Joan King Edwards â—â—ster But to keep all quiet at home the old Queen who contrived the death of King Edward her husband also plotted the death of his brother the 〈◊〉 of Kent and caused him to be beheaded at Winchester the 3. year of King Edward the 3 's reign In the 6. year of Edward the Scots rebelled and possessed Barwick The King laid siege before them and the Scots endeavoured with their Forces to raise the siege But were overcome in battel where were shin of the Scots 8. Earls with 1300 horse and 35000. footmen Upon this Barwick was delivered the King placed Edward Baliol Governour who was after King of Scotland About the 11. year of this King War arose with France King Edward â—â—ised a Navy of about 200. sail of Ships and went to Flanders where in a Sea-sight he overcame the French and Normans and stiled himself King of England and France Thiâ— King took Calice and made great inroads and woâ—â— desolations in France and the 〈◊〉 iâ— the Scots upon England They burnt Calice Penneth and came killing and burning down to Durham But after King Edward made peace both with the French and Scots upon honourable terms After this the King of Spain was driven out of his Kingdom by his Bastard brother and Edward Prince or Wales went to the Kings relief with a great Army and in a battel put the Bastard to flight King Edward reigned 50. years and 4. months who departed this life the 21. of June An. 1378. Richard the son of Prince Edward his father being dead succeeded his Grand-father Edward the 3. He came to the Crown at 11. years of age As he was young he hearkned to young Counsellours and neglected his old and wise Council which brought sad troubles to the Nation and woful misery to himself In the first year of his reign the French made great inroads and wasted many Towns in England and at this time Guns were invented The King in these straits laid a great Tax upon the Nation Upon which some Countries rose in Arms went to London and did great hurt but were after appeased by the King through fair promises This Richard married Anne daughter to the King of Bohemia who brought hither the use of women riding side-ways on horseback Some Earls and Barons seeing the King missed and the Nation misgoverned by a few persons they considered how it might be reformed and thereupon raised an Army of 40000. and came to London to the King upon this the King called a Parliament suddenly in which Parliament Sir Robert Tresilian chief Justice of England and divers others were convicted of Treason and put to death An. 1388. Richard sent to the City of London Ann. 1392. to borrow of them 1000. li. but they refusing he called the Maior Sheriffs and Aldermen of London to a Council at Nottingham and there appearing the King Arrested and imprisoned them and nulled all their liberties Queen Anne dying the King took Isabel the King of France's daughter to wife and so made peace there The King now grew high again and put to cruel death the Earl of Arundel and divers others for dealing with him about his ill Government This King shed much bloud of the Nobility and Bishops besides others which lay in the bosoms of many and not forgot though he carried it with a high hand But the King going into Ireland Henry Duke of Hereford and Lancaster with others who were out of the Land came into Yorkeshire to whom went the Earl of Northumberland the Earl of Westmerland and many Lords and gathering up an Army they laid siege to Bristol where they took the Lord Treasurer and some others and beheaded them The King hearing of this hasted out of Ireland and landed in Wales and more fully understanding the Dukes strength took to the Castle of Conway and desired a Treaty The Duke of Lancaster met the King but the
issue was the King was sent to the Tower to be tryed by Parliament where he was deposed and murdered or as some write the King resigned the Kingdom to Henry Duke of Lancaster and Hereford much confessing his mis-government when he had ruled 22. years 3. months and some daies An. 1400. Henry the 4. son of John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster was now elected and crowned King of England He was descended of Edward the 3. though not next in succession of bloud and here comes in the Line of Lancaster King Richard quickly deposed was sent to Pomfret Castle and as some write there quickly murdered King Richard had yet a great party of Nobility and others that still appeared for him when he was deposed and many conspiracies there were against Henry to have killed or poyson'd him Indeed King Henry cut them off apace but it 's probable these were the death of Richard Henry put men to death for words About this time the Welch on one part and the Scots in the North did wast greatly In the 3. year of Henry Henry Percie son to the Earl of Northumberland Thomas Percie Earl of Worcester with a great part of the Barons and Commons fought a great battel against King Henry In this battel at Shrewsbury many fell on both parts but there Sir Thomas Percie was taken prisoner and after beheaded It was a sad time with England by frequent Mutinies amongst them and great judgements of Plague and Earthquakes upon them And when Henry had sat upon the royal Throne 13. years 6. moneths and odd daies he died the 20. of March An. 1414. Henry the 5. now bare the Crown Yet the Earl of Cambridge Sir Thomas Grey with others conspired his death but being discovered he took off their heads The King prepared a great Army and with a Fleet of 1000. sail of Ships he past to Normandy and got great Victories After this Henry was made Regent of France and then married Katherine the Kings daughter Katherine bare Henry the Kings son but Henry died himself in France the last day of August Anno 1423. when he had reigned 9. years 5. moneths and odd daies Henry son to Henry the 5. succeeded his father and was crowned at 8. months old In his Infancy the Government of the Nation was committed to the Duke of Glocester the guard of his person to the Duke of Excester and the guidance of France to the Duke of Bedford In this year Charles King of France died and the Kingdom descended to Henry the 6. and so the most of the Nobility delivered the possession thereof to the Duke of Bedford for the Kings use After in An. 1432. Henry was crowned King of France in Paris and so returned to England Yet to make all sure he took to wife Margret the Kings daughter of Cicily An. 1445. But this glorious rising Sun soon declined After the death of the Duke of Bedford in France France fell off the Dukedom of Normanday lost And here at home the Duke of Glocester by order of Parliament was Arrest upon which in sorrow he soon died Also the Duke of Suffolk was banished but as he was passing the Sea a Ship of war met him and there they beheaded him and cast his body into the Sea These things brought discontents and mutinies at which time came up to London the Commons of Kent who made fearful slaughters by fire and sword After this the Duke of York began commotions and the Barons were divided The King the Duke of Buckingham the Duke of Somerset the Earles of Pembrook Northumberland Devonshire Stafford Dorset and Wiltshire with many Barons marched to St. Albans and in the Town of St. Albanes in Peters street was a fierce and cruel battel fought where on the Kings side were slain the Duke of Somerset the Lord Clifford and many others and the King taken whom the Duke of York the Earls of Warwick and Salisbury brought to London and in a Parliament the Duke of York was made Protector the Earl of Salisbury Chancellour and the Earl of Warwick Captain of Calice But by the Queens interest the Duke of Yorke was dismist the Protectorship These evil sparks for a time were concealed and a feigned agreement seemed to be amongst them But about a year after the Duke of York and his party appeared again with a puissant Army in the field and gave the King battel at Northampton where his Army was routed and the King taken prisoner in the field The Duke of York now claimed the Crown and by Parliament he was proclaimed heir apparent But the Queen gathered up a company of Northern men who neer Wakefield in a sharp fight kill'd the Duke of York and his son Edmund Also the Queen routed the Earl of Warwick and the Duke of Norfolk neer St. Albanes and delivered King Henry her husband The Earl of Warwick fled into Wales to the Earl of March who had in a battel put to flight the Earl of Pembrook and Wiltshire and with the Earl of Warwick went most of the South Country people Upon these Earls joyning they marched towards London and the King having intelligence of it drew away towards the North and went to York But the Earls marched on to London where they were joyfully entertained and the 4. day of March Edward Earl of March was proclaimed King of England And thus Henry the 6. lost the Crown when he had reigned 38. years 6. months and odd daies An. 1462. Edward Earl of March called Edward the 4. was son to Richard Duke of York descending from the fourth son of Edward the 3. and so brought in the house of York to the Crown When Edward had adorned his Temples with the Crown he now endeavoured to keep it on his head and presently drew his Army towards King Henry at York Neer Todcaster a bloudy battel was fought where many Nobles fell and in all were slain 35711. persons But Edward had the field Upon this fearful rout the Duke of Exceter the Duke of Somerset with many others fled to the King at York and then King Henry his Queen and their party left York and fled to Scotland Yet after this King Henry came into England to venture the hazard of another fight and was again routed at the battel of Hexam where many Nobles were slain but King Henry escaped with life yet he and some others lived in Woods and Caves unknown about a year Now King Edward was quiet he took to wife the Widow to Sir John Grey In the 5. year of Edward King Henry was taken neer York and carried prisoner to the Tower of London But now the Duke of Clarence raised an Army in the North against King Edward his brother and to him fell in the Earl of Warwick which brought great trouble to the Nation King Edward hearing this left his Army at Nottingham and fled into
reign of the Kingdom of Persia 3435. The Monarchy of Media and Persia. MEdia and Persia are two Regions in in Asia Media is limitted on the East with Parthia on the West with Armenia on the South with Persia on the North with the Caspian Sea The chief Cities of old in this Country were Laodicea Appannia Rhaga Tauris Persia is bounded on the East with the River Indus on the West with the Persian Gulf on the North with the Caspian Sea on the South with the main Ocean Persia hath 10. several Provinces and many Cities of which as chief were Persepolis Casbin and Susis Media and Persia were distinct Kingdoms but were united under Cyrus King of Persia which after became the second Monarchy This Kingdome is signified by the breast and arms of Silver in Nebuchadnezzers image But in regard Cyrus was the chief King and Monarch and yet the taking of the Kingdom of Babylon is given to Darius King of the Medes it 's necessary to reconcile this in the first place Darius of the Medes call'd Cyaxares the son of Astyages or as Daniel nam'd him Ahasuerus the eighth King of the Medes being old and having no son and withal finding his Souldiers unconstant to him Darius gave Mandana his daughter unto Cyrus King of Persia who was his sisters son and joyned him in the Government with him and so united the Kingdoms of Media and Persia but how long time they reigned together is not certain Darius called to his help Cyrus his son in law and at that time won the most mighty City of Babyon and so brought the Empire to Media and Persia. This Victory is given to Darius as the chief in Government and aged about 62. years who it's thought lived not passing one year after this Victory and then Cyrus came to be sole Emperour of Persia where began the second Monarchy Historians agree not about the Kings of Persia neither for number names or times of their Reigns neither need we much to seek after them sith now the Computation of times falls into Daniels Numbers Therefore I will forbear to set down any of them but refer the Reader to a further view of these in the Annotations I give upon Dan. 9. But all Writers with one consent agree That Alexander son of Philip King of Macedon made War against Darius and overcame him in three Battels where Alexander took Darius his Mother his Wife and Children but Darius himself was murthered by his own Souldiers in flying to save himself So the Empire of Persia had its end and was translated to Grecia The Monarchy of Grecia GRrecia or Greece is a Country in Europe bounded on the East with the AEgean Sea the Hellespont on the West Italy and the Adriatique Sea on the North with Mount Hemus on the South with the Jonian Sea Greece is parted into Provinces Peloponnesus Athalia Epirus Albania Macedonia Migdonia and Thracia Peloponnesus is in compass 600. miles and rounded with the Sea only it joyns to the main Country by a neck of land of five miles in breadth 1. Peloponnesus contains five Countries and many Cities of which were Lacedemon in Laconia and Corinth 2. Achaia contains seven Countries and beautified with many Cities of which was famous Athens in Attica Thebes in Boetia Delphos in Phocis Lepanto in Lacris 3. Epirus was famous amongst other things for Mount Pindus 4. Albania 5. Macedonia had also Countries and Cities This Province was famous for the Birth of Alexander the great 6. Migdonia this Province hath many Cities of which are Apollonia Neapolis and Thessalonica 7. Thracia in which are the famous Cities of Adrianopolis and Constantinople Grecia continued a Kingdome for the reign of 22. Kings to Alexander the great who became Monarch of the World Alexander son to Philip King of Macedonia in the 7. year of his reign fully overthrew Darius of Persia and brought the Empire to Grecia and after reigned Monarch 5. years some say 7. years It is said that Alexander reigned 12. years but it 's supposed 12. years as King of Macedon not as Emperour of Grecia But Alexander going to Babylon there died of an Ague others say of Poyson at 30. years of age However in this sickness perceiving he should dye He called his servants such as were honourable and had been brought up with him from his youth and parted his Kingdom among them whilst he was yet alive Of which the chief are these four Seleucus had Syria Ptolomeus Egypt Antigonus Asia the less and Cassander had Macedonia All these put Crowns upon themselves and each affecting Soverainty over the rest they soon fell to great and continual Wars amongst themselves but the main conflicts were between the Kings of Syria Egypt call'd by Daniel The Kings of the North and South Dan. 11. This was the third Kingdom represented in Nebuchadnezzer's image c. and in Daniel vision by c. But amongst all these I will only mention the Race of the Syrian Kings as most sit for us to consider and giveth the most light to understand the 11. Chap. of Daniel Syria hath on the East Euphrates on the West the Mediterranean Sea on the South Palestine or Canaan and on the North Cilicia and other parts of the lesser Asia This Country is thought in part or in whole to be the very place of Paradise the Garden of Eden Syria contains three Provinces 1. Phoenicia lying upon Canaan where are these Cities Ptolomais Sarepta Sidon Tyrus 2. Province is Coelosyria the chief City of which was Damascus the Royal seat and of these Kings of Syria Scriptures speak much The 3. Province is Syro-Phoenicia whose chief Cities were Beritus Aleppo or Sabab Biblis Tripolis and Antiochia There was also Palmyra which was a City and Province The Kings of this Country were as follows Seleucus Nicanor was the first King of Syria and reigned 32. years 2. Antiochus Soter 19. years 3. Antiochus Theos 15. years 4. Seleucus Gallinicus 20. years 5. Selences Ceraunius 3. years 6. Antiochus Magnus 36. years 7. Seleucus Philopater 12. years 8. Antiochus Epiphanes son to Antiochus Magnus succeeded his brother Seleucus and is the vile person Daniel speaks of Dan. 11. 21. and that wicked root Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes son of Antiochus the King and he reigned in the 137. year of the Kingdom of the Greeks 1 Mac. 1. 10. On the 15. day of the month Casleu by the Romans November in the 145. year of the Grecian Kingdom they set the abomination of desolation upon the Altar and burnt the books of the Law 1 Mac. 1. 54. c. Joseph Antiq. 12. lib. 7. chap. Dan. 8. 9. to 12. Thus Antiochus prevailed against the Jews and fulfilled the word of the Lord spoken by Daniel but the Lord again appearing in mercy to a few of his own people who had kept themselves from the abominations of those evil
Henry the 8. and was crowned at 9. years of age In the 2. year of his reign he did so much towards reformation that the Church-service was turned into English In the Kings Minority the Duke of Somerset was made Lieutenant Protector but not long after was committed to the Tower and after was beheaded at Tower-hill King Edward about 16. years of age fell sick and died when he had reigned 6. years 5. months and odd daies An. 1554. After the death of Edward Lady Jane wife to the Lord Clifford fourth son to the Duke of Northumberland was proclaimed Queen as given to her by Edward the 6. But Lady Mary eldest daughter to King Henry had the grater party and so came to the Crown She soon restored the Pope Cardinal c. to his former Supremacy over England and dashed the reformation begun and appointed the Church-service again in Latine To make sure Queen Mary beheaded the Lady Jano Clifford the Duke of Suffolk the Lord Clifford and others to take them off from laying claim to the Crown Yet she did not sit quiet in the Throne But to compleat her sin she drunk deep of the bloud of the Saints and sent many multitudes to heaven in fiery chariots The Queen married Philip Prince of Spain Yet the Lord shut up her womb that she had no child and cut her off when she had raged over the Saints in this Nation 5. years 4. months and odd daies Anno 1559. Elizabeth sister to Queen Mary now came to the Crown she again rejected the Pope and did something towards Reformation of Religion She had great honour in the hearts of the people and was a terror to forain Nations and reigned 45. years An. 1604. After Queen Elizabeth James King of Scots descended from Margaret daughter to Henry the 7. came to the Crown of England He was a man of much learning and writ divers Books But his practice answered not his light and professions How he passed over the death of his son Prince Henry was observed by many and how the Lord reached him at last many have said more then I will write King James sawyed the Scepter of England Scotland and Ireland 22. years 3. days An. 1626. Charles succeeded his father James Contrary to the counsel once given by King James to Heary his son Charles did marry with Henerietta Maria of France a Papist and gave her the liberty of her Religion by Articles of Marriage By her interest Popery was advanced through corrupt Bishops and the true worship of God was little known in England what the life of Charles was is yet fresh in the memory of most alive at this day He set all the three Nations on a fire that yet is not quenched nor is like to be In England Ireland and Scotland the sword hath spilt the bloud of many thousands and as he was worthy the Lord gave him bloud to drink who was beheaded at White-hall West minster January 30. An. 1649. when he had born the Crown 24 years 10. months and 7. days Thus as in a Map I have represented some remarkable passages in the rise and succession of Kings from Saul to our present Age. If this little be laid up in the minds of men by this taste you may judge much of all their Lives and Reigns that is vailed under the Curtain To my best skill I have only run down sacred and prophane History and have taken the relations of others and written their Stories But if so much wickedness came to light what was done in the dark that is open to the all-seeing eye of Heaven Surely a woful sad burden have this sort of men I may well say Monsters been to all People and Nations where-ever they were And that the Dragon the Beast and all their limbs shall be utterly destroyed by Jesus Christ who is King of Kings I question not I am perswaded the work is now upon the wheel and as Jesus Christ is imbraced here will appear more and more to clear up to the Saints another way of governing his people then yet we see There is nothing hinders but our unworthiness But if I may discover what I see yet afar off I conceive the Governours call'd and set up by Jesus Christ shall be like Jesus Christ himself humble self-denying Saints such as shall set up a publike and not a self-interest Such as shall ease burdens and not oppress Such as shall deliver the poor and not seed upon them Such as shall guide the people by the rule of Gods sacred word and not make lust and self-will their law and force it by a long Sword For certain if the Lord did not leave wise-men to themselves they could not but easily reade their own ruine by multiplied examples in all times God is the same yesterday to day and for ever And in the same way that God did manifest his righteousness and justice under the sacred Scriptures the same hath been the Lords providences and dispensations in the world ever since the Scriptures were written and as the Apostle expresseth it These things were written for our examples upon whom the ends of the world are come I may say sin was the rise of Monarchy sin hath been the strength of Monarchy and Monarchy hath been the punishment of sin ever since it was Therefore when the sin of Kings grew high the Lord stirred up some to punish pull down these Kings by the shedding of much bloud and exhausting of treasure But when such had got into the Kings State they did the same that the King did before them when their sin again was full the Lord raised up others to destroy them and their Families And this is the track of times But when Jesus Christ is truly received there shall be an end of this proud oppressing sort of men the Saints shall rule then judgement and righteousness shall run down like mighty streams Now for the accomplishment of these blessed promises wait and pray till Christ say It 's done AN EPITOMY OF PAPACY THat there was a Gospel Church in the City of Rome in the times of the Apostles is clear by Divine authority And that this Church of Christ had ordinary Church Officers Bishops and Deacons I think there is no question But the better to discover the Roman Antichrist two things have been in debate amongst the godly 1 Whether the first Bishops of the Churches of Christ had and did exercise by power given from Jesus Christ a Lordly and Soveraign Jurisdiction over the Saints in their particular Churches 2 Whether the power of one Bishop or Pastor by the institution of Jesus Christ did extend to divers Churches The judgements of many learned men are published to the World upon these needful questions yet I desire to assert my thoughts in this place First That ordinary Church Officers
the death of Saul and then David was onely Crowned King of Judah at Hebron by a small party of Israel the greater number following Ishbosheth the son of Saul who was made King of Israel by Abner Captain of Sauls Host and now they fell to war and bloud-shed In this war Davids party got the better but a little after Ishbosheth reproving Abner for lying with one of his fathers Concubines Abner was displeased and thereupon sought to betray Ishbosheth Kingdom to David and had audience with David about it But Joab Captain of Davids Host returning from pursuit of the enemy and hearing that Abner had been at Davids Court and was newly departed Joab sent for him back and being returned Joab took Abner aside as if he would speak privately to him and secretly stabbed him to the heart in revenge upon Abner for killing Asahel Joabs brother The death of Abrer did greatly astonish those that followed Ishbosheth and as his Kingdom was declining Baanah and Rechab two false brethren finding an opportunity secretly murdered Ishbosheth cut off his head and carryed it to David These wretches hoped now to have been greatly advanced by David for this bloudy cruelty but good David troubled at their sin gave them the just reward of traytors yet upon the death of Ishbosheth at the end of 7. years all Israel came into David and the whole Kingdom was setled in him There is no question but David was a very godly and precious man neither will I afresh rake amongst his many and great sins over which he deeply mourned and which free grace pardoned yet this may be observed that his sin brought much misery upon all Israel and because of bloud the Lord denied him the honour to build his House neither do we finde since David that great Warriers have done much in Church-reformation David was 30. years old when he was Crowned King of Judah He reigned over them 7. years and six moneths and over all Israel 33. years In all 40 years and six moneths and left Solomon his son upon his Throne About Anno mundi 2929. Solomon succeeded his father David In the fourth year of his reign was the foundation of the House of the Lord laid in the moneth Zif or And in the 11. year in moneth Bul or October which is the eighth moneth was the house finished so was he seven years in building it About Ann. mund 2940. Solomon walked long with the Lord and the Lord made him glorious in the world yet in his old age which should have been most fruitful in holiness his wives turned his heart after other gods and his heart was not perfect with the Lord. This sin of Solomon a sin against so many and high engagements of love and obedience greatly provoked the Lord to alter his purposes concerning him and his house upon which God threatned certainly to rend the Kingdom from him and to give it to his servant Yet this sad sentence was sweetly mixt with mercy That the Lord would not do it in his daies for Davids sake Nor rend away all the Kingdom but leave one Tribe to his son for his fathers sake and Jerusalem sake whom he had chosen But to all the rest Solomon was a great oppressor of his brethren as will appear more anon and reigned over all Israel 40. years about An. mund 2969. Upon the death of Solomon all Israel came to Shechem to Crown Rehoboam son of Solomon Against which time they called Jeroboam home who fled for his life from Solomon into Egypt And being returned Jeroboam was speaker for the Congregations of Israel who required ease of Rehoboam from that grievous yoke put upon them by Solomon his father before they would establish him in the Throne Rehoboam desired time to give them answer to which they willingly granted In the interim Rehoboam consulted with his fathers old Counsellours and they advised him to consent to the people But this not well suiting to Rehoboams humour he also called his young Courtiers who Counselled him to keep his Prerogative and keep them under Rehoboam upon the next meeting returns this full answer My little finger shall be thicker then my fathers loynes c. Though here appeared a visible just cause that Israel should provide for their own safety against oppression yet assuredly it was of the Lord to make good that same word he had threatned against Solomon and therefore Israel refusing to submit to Rehoboam only the Tribe of Judah set him up King of Judah the rest set up Jeroboam King of Israel of which in its place But this was occasion of a sad breach in the bowels of Israel and there was War between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all their daies and to the rest this was a woful consequent that fell out upon that unnatural strife about a King while brethren were letting out the bloud of brethren and one weakened by another they gave occasion to the common enemy to accomplish his design upon them all for Shishake King of Egypt came against Jerasalem and made a great spoil upon the Lords house and the Kings house and took away rich prizes of golden shields made by Solomon which never again were made good But above all Judah provoked the Lord by Idolatry and they suffered Sodomites in the land and did commit the same abominations that the Heathen did that the Lord cast out before them Yet Rehoboam reigned 17. years in Jerusalem and slept with his fathers About Anno mund 2986. And to the rest the Lord hath set this black brand upon this King That he did evil because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord. In the 18. year of Jeroboam Abijam or Abijah began to reign over Judah he walked in all the sins of Rehoboam his father yet for Davids sake the Lord gave him a lamp in Jerusalem and set up his son after him in the Throne But Abijah reigned only 3. years 2989. In the 20. year of Jeroboam King of Israel Asa son of Abijah was set up over Judah the Holy Ghost hath left this glory upon his name still that he did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord and expresseth this as a great mark of the uprightness of his heart to God that he spared not his Queen-Mother who was an Idolater but put her down from being Queen and burnt her grove The bloudy War between the house of Judah and Israel was not yet ended but lasted between Asa and Baasha the third King of Israel all their daies and Asa reigned 41. years about Anno mund 3020. But yet the high places were not removed Vers. 14. Jehoshaphat the son of Asa began to
them When Hezekiah had reigned 29. years he went to the Lord about Anno mund 3245. In the reign of Hezekiah Israel was carryed away Captive and the Kings of Israel ceased and so not mentioned after Manasseh succeeded his father Hezekiah and was 12. years old when he began to reign But he did evil in the sight of the Lord and was a gross Idolater In the former part of his reign he builded again the High places reared Altars for Baal sacrificed his own son c. and did worse then the Heathen In his time the Lord left not Manasseh and Judah without reproof But they hearkned not Therefore the Lord threatned to bring the same destruction upon Manasseh and Jerusalem as he had brought upon Samaria and the house of Ahab and to wipe them clean from all their filthiness as a man wipeth a dish and turneth inside down to keep it from dust and soon after the Lord brought up the King of Assyria the Rod of his anger who took Manasseh among the thornes whither he was run to hide himself and bound him in fetters and carryed him to Babylon In this low estate Manasseh humbled himself greatly before the Lord and the Lord heard his prayer and restored him again to his Kingdom And now Manasseh knew out of real experience that the Lord was God After this Manasseh repaired and reformed yet the people still sacrificed in the High places and when Manesseh had reigned 55. years he slept with his fathers and they brought him not into the Sepulchres of the Kings but buried him in the Garden of his own house at Uzza about Anno mund 3300. Amon the son of Manasseh at the age of 22. years was Crowned King of Judah he again destroyed Religion set up Idolatry walked in all the wicked ways of his father and his own servants conspired against him and slew him in his own house when he had reigned 2. years about Anno mun 3302. Amon coming to the Crown at 22. years of age reigning but 2. years and his son Josiah 8. years old when he came to the Crown unless Amon had Josiah at 15. years of age which is not ordinary there must be an interval between Amon and Josiah After the death of Amon the people took Josiah his son when he was 8. years old and made him King Josiah walked in all the waies of David he again destroyed Idolatry repaired the Temple and was a choice Reformer Josiah also renewed the Covenant with the Lord and all the people to be the Lords people and keep his Commandments Nevertheless the Lord turned not from his fierce and great wrath before denounced against Judah because of the sin of Manasseh whereby he provoked the Lord in Josiahs daies the King of Egypt went to War against the King of Assyria at Euphrates and Josiah went out against him I do not finde the ground of his quarrel but probably Josiah might take offence at the King of Egypt for passing through his Land yet Pharaoh Necho King of Egypt sent Embassadors to Josiah to let him know he intended not to War against him but against the house against which God had commanded him to fight and charged Josiah not to meddle with him left God should destroy him But Josiah being a man of courage would not be said to turn his face upon any yet his resolution being not rightly ordered and not hearkning to the words of Necho from the mouth of God Josiah was shot in the sight and his servants brought him in his Chariot to Jerusalem and he died there and all Judah and Jerusalem and the Prophet Jeromiah lamented Josiah who reigned 31. years about Anno mund 3333. Upon the death of Josiah the people took Jehoahaz a younger son and Crowned him King when he was 23. years old Jehoahaz did evil in the sight of the Lord according to all that his fathers had done But Pharaoh Necho King of Egypt came up put Jchoahaz in bonds when he had reigned 3 moneths laid a Jerusalem taken by the King of Tax upon the Land of 100. talents of Silver and one Talent of Gold and made Eliakim Jehoahaz his elder brother King of Judah in the room of Josiah his father and called his name Jehoiakim but took Jehoahaz into Egypt and he died there Jehoiakim now succeeded being 25. years old Jehoiakim seems to be well pleased to have the Crown and to gratifie his new Master he forthwith gave the Tribute of silver and gold to Pharaoh but taxed all the Land for it It 's an easie matter to grant large sums of Money when they lay it upon others to pay and this the holy Pen-man notes in general that Jehoiakim did evil according to all that his fathers did so Nebuchadnezzer came up against him and Jehoiakim became his servant and submitted to him Ah how doth sin unman men and render them low slavish spirits When men leave God they will stoop to any bondage But Jehoiakim after three years rebelled against the King of Babylon and the Lord sent against him the Caldees the Syrians the Moabites and Amonites to destroy Judah for the sins of Manasseh and for the innocent bloud he brought upon Jerusalem which the Lord would not pardon so Jehoiakim ended his daies in trouble when he had been King but hardly reigned 11. years about Anno mund 3344. Jehoiachim the son of Jehoiakim succeeded his father in the Throne and in his sin but the King of Babylon came up with an Army and laid siege to Jerusalem and Jehoiachim and his Princes went out rendred themselves prisoners and delivered up the City when he had reigned three moneths in the eighth year of Nebuchadnezzers reign At this time the King of Babylon made havock of the Temple took away the Treasures of the Lords house and the Kings house and carryed all away Captives but the poor of the Land and made Mattaniah Jehoiakims brother King of Judah and called his name Zedekiah Zedekiah was 21. years old when he came to the Throne and did according as his fathers had done before him And after some time he also rebelled against the King of Babylon and in the 9. year of Zedekiahs reign in the 10. day of the 10. moneth Nebuchadnezzer brought up all his Army and laid siege to Jerusalem In the 11. year of Zedekiah on the 9. day of the 4. moneth June the Famine prevailed in the City which was exceeding great the City was broken up and the men of war fled by a back way and the King went towards the plains of Jericho But the Chaldeans pursued him and brought him to the King of Babylon to Riblah where they gave sentence upon him so they put the sons of Zedekiah to death before his eyes
son of Ahab began to reign and continued 12. years 2 King 3. 1. In the 12. year of Joram King of Israel Jehu kill'd him and set up himself and reigned 28. years 2 King 9. and 10. 36. In the 23 year of Joash Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign and continued 17. years 2 King 13. 1. In the 37. year of Joash Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz began to reign and continued 16. years 13. 10. In the 15. year of Amaziah Jeroboam the son of Jehoash began to reign and continued 41. years 2 King 14. 23. In the 38. year of Azariah Zachariah the son of Jeroboam began to reign and continued but 6. moneths 2 King 14. 13. In the 39. year of Azariah Shallum kill'd Zachariah and set up himself and reigned one moneth 2 King 15. 13. 10. In the 39. year or same of Azariah Menahem kill'd Shallum and set up himself and continued 10. years 2 King 1 h. 14 17. In the 50. year of Azariah Pekaiah son of Menahem began to reign and continued 2. years 2 King 15. 23. In the 52. year of Azariah Pekah kill'd Pekaiah and set up himself and reigned 20. years 2 King 15. 25 27. In the 12. year of Ahaz Hoshea began to reign and all Israel was taken Captives the 9. year of his reign 2 King 17. 1 6. and 18. 10 11. This was the final Captivity of Israel Thus you have the several Kings of Judah and Israel gathered up in a few words but for the better finding out of a true computation of these times I will yet give them more briefly Kings of Judah 1. Saul 40. years 2888. 2. David 40. years and 6. moneths he began his reign 2929 3. Solomon 40. years 2969 1. Rehoboam 17. years 2986 2. Abijam 3. years 3989 3. Asa 41. years 3020 4. Jehoshaphat 25. years 3045 5. Jehoram 8. years 3053 6. Ahaziah 1. year 3054 7. Athaliah 7. years 3061 8. Joash 40. years 3100 9. Amaziah 29. years 3129 10. Azariah 52. years 3194 11. Jotham 16. years 3200 12. Ahaz 16. years 3216 13. Hezekiah 29. years 3245 Thus far the Kings of Judah have the beginning of their Reigns accounted from the reigns of the Kings of Israel except the four first Kings Manasseh 55. years  3300 14. Amon 2. years 3302 15. Josiah 31. years 3333 16. Jehoahaz 3. moneths  17. Jehoiakim 11. years 3344 18. Jehoiakin 3. moneths  19. Zedekiah 11. years which with Zedekiahs reign is 3355 These were Kings of Judah after the division and before who ended about An. mun 3355. By this account this kingly race lasted 519. with Saul and from David 477. years Kings of Israel 1. Jeroboam 22. years he began his reign with Rehoboam 2969 2. Nadab 1. year 2971 3. Baasha 24. years 3017 4. Elah 2. years 3011 5. Zimri 7. daies 3019 6. Omri 12. years 3031 7. Ahab 22. years 3053 8. Ahaziah 2. years 3055 9. Jehoram 12. years 3067 10. Jehu 28. years 3095 11. Jehoahaz 17. years 3112 12. Jehoash 16. years 3130 13. Jeroboam 41. years 3171 14. Zachariah 6. moneths 3195 15. Shallum one moneth 3195 16. Menahem 10. years 3205 17. Pekaiah 2. years 3207 18. Pekah 20. years 3227 19. Hoshea 9. years 3236 These were the Kings of Israel after the division which began about Anno mun 2969. and lasted 267. years The Monarchy of Chaldea CHaldea is a Country or Province in that part of the World called Asia it hath on the East Assyria on the West Syria on the North Armenia and on the South Arabia Deserta The chief Cities were Ur Erech Accad Carnel and Babel or Babylon Nimrod was the first founder of the Tower of Babel and of the City Babylon neer Euphrates and was the first that ever took the title of King about 150. years after the Flood and Anno mundi 1807. Belus succeeded in the Kingdom Belus was called Jupiter Babylonious the image of whom was worshiped and had the name of Bel and Baal Historians give account of the growth of this Monarchy and record the names of 44. Kings from Belus to Nebuchadnezzer the Great who subdued all Syria part of Egypt and Judea of whom Daniel speaks c. Nebuchadnezzer the first of that name was son to Merodach-Baladan Lieutenant of Babylon under Assaradon King of Assyria But having his opportunity he revolted and overcoming Assaradon in the 12. year of his reign Merodach possessed the Empire and after lest Nebuchadnezzer his son to reign in his stead Nebuchadnezzer began his reign in the fourth year of Jehoiakim King of Judah Ann. mund 3346. In the fourth year of his reign in the eighth year of the reign of Jehoiakim Nebuchadnezzer made War with Pharaoh-Necho King of Egypt and took all from him which he had gotten from the River of Egypt unto the River Euphrates and so Jehoiakim King of Judah became a servant and was tributary to Nebuchadnezzer King of Babylon three years In the 11. year of Jehoiakim he rebelled against the King of Babylon who came up and bound him in fetters and carryed him to Babylon and Jehoiakim his son reigned in his stead In the 18. year of Nebuchadnezzer he came up against Jerusalem and laid siege to it in the 9. year of Zedekiah King of Judah and took the City in the 11. year of Zedekiah which was the 19. year of Nebuchadnezzer At which time he made the Temple and City desolate and this was the last and great Captivity of the Jews Anno mundi 3365. In the 23. year of Nebuchadnezzer when he had subdued the Kings of the Ammonites Moabites c. he led his Army into Egypt and having gotten the whole Country Nebuchadnezzer began his Monarchy and was now the first of the four Kings In the second year of Nebuchadnezzers Empire he had the Dream expounded by Daniel for the 2. year of his reign as King of Assyria was 17. years before the last Captivity After this Nebuchadnezzer reigned as Emperour of Babylon 22. years and in all 45. which I thus compute Nebuchadnezzer began to reign in the fourth year of Jehoiakim Jehoiakim reigned 7. years more Jehoiakin three moneths but was not taken away until the end of the year Zedekiah reigned 11. years In the 37. year of Jehoiakins captivity Evilmerodach began to reign Jer. 52. 31. so that Nebuchadnezzer had reigned 19. years at the captivity and after sway'd the Scepter 26. years in all 45. After Nebuchadnezzer succeeded Evilmerodach his son who reigned 30. years I finde Chronologers differ much about the successors of Evilmerodach yet I Judge from the word of the Prophet Jeremiah Belshazzer only succeeded 37. years so that more years of necessity then 30. are to be allowed to Evilmerodach to compleat the 70. years of the Jews Captivity in Babylon Authors speak of others But the sacred History saith The Jews were servants to Nebuchadnczzer and his sons until the
times and deeply mourned over the sins and sufferings of their brethren and especially the woful desolations of the Temple and worship of God gave them a glorious deliverance from the Armies of Antiochus and liberty again to restore the pure worship of God This news being brought to Antiochus he was astonished and lying down upon his bed fell sick with grief and in his trouble lamented his cruelty against the Jewes whom he destroyed without cause acknowledging the just hand of the Lord was upon him for it So giving order for the education of his son he died in the 149. year of the Kingdom of Grecia and in all reigned 12. years 9. Antiochus named Eupater succeeded Antiochus Epiphanes his father in the Kingdom and reigned two years 10. Demetrius son of Seleucus came from Rome and gathered an Army whereby he surprized Antiochus in his Palace and reigned in his stead 9. years 11. Alexander the son of Antiochus Epiphanes got an Army and came against Demetrius who had slain his brother Eupater and possessed the Kingdom and in a set battel Alexander overthrew the Army of Demetrius where he also was slain and Alexander sat upon the Throne When Alexander was now established in the Kingdom he sent Embassadours to Ptolomy King of Egypt to make a league of amity with him and to give him Cleopatra his daughter to wife Ptolomy King of Egypt seemed to rejoyce in the motion and appointed Ptolomais to be the place of their meeting for to accomplish the Marriage which was done with great glory But both these Kings hearts were to do mischief and according to Daniels Prophesie they spake lies at one Table for Ptolomy went about through deceit to get Alexanders Kingdom and joyn it to his own 12. In the 165. year Demetrius Nicanor son of Demetrius who was overcome by Alexander came out of Crete with an Army against Alexander but Ptolomy King of Egypt having by deceit got into many of Alexanders Cities left Garisons therein and in the mean time offers a league with Demetrius and to give his daughter Cleopatra to him whom he had given before to Alexander which was done Thus Ptolomy quieted Demetrius and so took the opportunity to set the Crown of Asia and Egypt both upon his own head When Alexander heard of this he came with his Army out of Cilicia and made War with Ptolomy but was worsted and flying into Arabia Zabdiel the Arabian took off Alexanders head and sent it to Ptolomy but Ptolomy died the third day after and so Demetrius came to the Crown in the 167 year of the Kingdom Demetrius Nicanor came thus to the Kingdom yet injoyed little peace for Tryphon who had been of Alexanders party finding Demetrius his Army murmuring against him set up Antiochus the son of Alexander and lav sore upon Sinialcus the Arabian to deliver young Antiochus that he might reign in his fathers stead At last Tryphon got Antiochus Crowned and drawing unto him many Souldiers who were discontented from Demetrius won Antioch and so got much power All this was done in policy by Tryphon for when opportunity served he kill'd Antiochus and set the Crown upon his own head by this means Demetrius was full of trouble all his days and going with his Army towards Media to get help to fight with Tryphon Arsaces King of Persia smote his Host and took Demetrius prisoner in the year of the Kingdom 172. 13. Antiochus Sadetes son of Demetrius the King gathered a great Army in the Isles of the Sea to recover his Kingdom from Tryphon He came up in the 174. year at which time most of Tryphons forces left him and joyned with Antiochus Tryphon seeing troubles coming upon him fled to the City Dora where Antiochus laid siege against him with an Army of 120000. foot and 8000. horsemen and beset the Town by Land and Sea But Tryphon got away and went by Sea to Oethosias and the King pursued him At this time Antiochus brake his Covenant with the Jews and made War upon them where Judas was slain Yet John his brother pursued the Victory and gave an utter overthrow to the Army of Antiochus How long Antiochus reigned is not left certain but he is thought to reign 3. years 14. Antiochus Pius 12. years 15. Demetrius Nicanor 4. years 16. Alexander 2. years 17. Antiochus Gryphius 29. years There now arose much strife amongst the Nations which continued about 10. years but the Syrians to end the strife amongst the Princes chose Tygranes King of Armenia to govern them who reigned about 18. years And now the Syrian Monarchy being thus weakened through strife and division Pompey the Roman General came up with an Army overcame Tygranes conquered Syria and brought all in subjection to the Roman Empire about Ann. mund 3902. A View of the Roman Empire THis Empire had it's Original from Rome as is well known Italy is a Country in this part of the World called Europe and lies thus Italy is rounded with the Ionian and Adriatique Seas except towards France and Germany from whom it is parted by the Alps. This Region was distinguished into four parts 1. Hesperia 2. Latium 3. Ausonia and 4. Oenotria Of all the Cities wherewith Italy was beautified Rome had the first place and became Mistress of the World This City is supposed to be founded by Romulus and Rhemus in the reign of Hezekiah King of Judah about Ann. mund 3230. This City in her glory spread her lines to the compass of 50. miles But this City felt the fury of the Gaules and by them was laid in heaps So that now Rome standeth lower upon the Bank of Tiber and is drawn into narrower bounds This Empire hath according to Daniels Prophesie differed greatly from the other three and in nothing more then in the several changes of Government yet as the Lord described to Daniel this fourth and last earthly Kingdom in several parts and properties it is apparent that no City or Empire of the World hath answered the Vision like this of Rome Daniels fourth beast is described with 10. horns but John in the Revelation having a Vision of the same beast saw him with seven heads and ten horns where the Holy Ghost there interpreteth the seven heads to be seven mountains and the ten horns ten Kings Both which time hath proved true in Rome First Rome in her plantation was built upon seven hills which are thus named and numbered 1. Palatinus 2. Capitolinus 3. Viminalis 4. Aventinus 5. Exquilinus 6. Caelius 7. Quirinalis Secondly Rome hath been eminent for seven changes in the Government of the Empire every of which in their time had Supreme Authority 1. By Kings 2. Consulls 3. Decemviri 4. Dictators 5. Tribunes 6. Senate 7. Emperours or Caesars But though ambition and avarice did cause these changes in the Roman State yet the word of the Lord
his reign An. 383. Gratian now came to the Throne The Roman State was now greatly weakened and the barbarous people strengthened so Gratian took into Government to him Theodosius a Spaniard But Maximus a Captain under Gratian conspired the death of Gratian who was murdered when he had reigned 15. years Theodosius being established in the Government with Gratian set himself to suppress this bloudy Tyrant and therefore drew his Army neer to Maximus But when the Souldiers of Maximus understood that the Emperour Theodosius came against them with a mighty Army they soon took Maximus bound him and brought him to Theodosius who as soon caused the Tyrant to be executed Theodosius was very laborious and in his time called several Councils to finde out the truth and to advance the purity of Religion This Emperour had two sons Arcadius and Honorius whom he took into Government when they were both young Theodosius being at Millain and finding bodily sickness increase he sent for his son Honorius who came to his father forthwith but he departed this life the 17. of January the 60. year of his age when he had reigned 16. years An. 414. Arcadius and Honorius after the death of their Father divided the Roman Empire Arcadius went to the East and Honorius rul'd tâ—e West At this time Christian Religion began greatly to flourish and spread so that the greatest troubles did arise from the ambition of Bishops which after I shall speak more to In the reign of Honorius by the treachery of Stilicus the Goths took Rome but stay'd not long I finde no certain account given of Honorius his death or the time of his reign Valentinian had the Empire of Rome and desired in Marriage his Couzen Endoxia daughter to Theodosius the second Emperour of the East The motion being accepted Valentinian went to Constantinople where the Marriage was solemnized Long it was not but Valentinian was slain by the treason of Maximus and to revenge this treason Endoxia call'd in Genzericus King of the Vandals but by him Rome was burnt and the Western Empire brought to great desolation After the death of Maximus Avitus took the Imperial power but was taken away by the Plague when he had reigned 8. moneths The Empire now was vacant for some time but in the year following Majorinus took the Government upon him but was soon murdered by Severus Severus now come to the Imperial Diadem and Rome lying in her ashes he made Ravenna the chief seat Woful confusions now wasted the Western Empire yet Severus kept the Crown 4. years In the distractions and distresses of the Roman State between Genzericus and others Ambassadours were sent to Leo the second Emperour of the East to desire him to send an Emperour to Rome Hereupon Leo sent Anthemius and with him a great Army to settle him in the Roman Empire But Anthemius was slain when he had governed 5. years Olimbrius then ascended the Imperial Throne and was dispatched in seven moneths Glicerius next succeeded in the Roman Empire but after 5. years was deposed by Nepos Nepos took the Crown but had it taken again from him by Orestes when he had worn it but 56. daies Orestes possest the Empire but gave it to his son Augustulus Augustulus was the last Emperour of Rome and reigned but one year It is said that Odoazer succeeded Augustulus but so low was the Roman State that he refused the title of Emperour and took only the stile of King Thus this Roman Empire which had been the glory and terror of the World for the space of 500. years was now through sedition pride and cruelty brought to woful ruine In these distractions several Provinces of the Empire fell off and set up Kings amongst themselves and here the Roman Empire ceased The Monarchy of England IT is agreed by Writers that England was a Province of the Roman Empire Some suppose it was first subjected by the Emperour Severus who in the 18. year of his reign was slain at York Ann. Christ. 213. But it 's granted that Constantine the great upon the division of the Empire to his three sons France Spain England and Ireland were sub-Kingdoms given to his eldest son Constantinus about An. 343. Our Chronologers acknowledge Brittain continued a Roman Province until the time of Theodosius the second At this time the Emperour had drawn the strength of this Nation over into France and in those Wars were much wasted so that Brittain was very weak of men and upon this advantage the Picts and Scots made Inroads into England and invaded some Countries and did great hurt Hereupon the Brittains required aid of the Romans But the Roman Empire was now brought very low and they having at that time Wars in Italy and in France they neglected poor Brattain who were forced to provide for themselves as well as they could and so Brittain cast off the Roman Government about the 16. year of Theodosius the 2. about Anno Christi 441. The Brittains when left to themselves continued in doubtful Wars with the Picts and Scots about 6. years and then with one consent they Elected Vortiger to be their King An. Christi 447. Vortiger was the first Brittish King In whole time the Land was greatly wasted by a destroying Plague that the living could scarcely bury the dead This woful mortality gave the cruel Picts and Scots advantage again to enter England who did make great spoil while there was no strength to resist them Hereupon Vortiger sent for aid into Germany from whence came Hingest and Horsus with some Saxons When Vortiger had beat back the Picts and Scots He gave the Isle of Thanet in Kent to the Captains and their Companies to inhabit as the reward of their good service Captain Hingest grew into great favour and King Vortiger married to him his daughter Rowan who was a very beautiful creature Upon this match the Saxons did come into the Land abundantly and carryed so high that the Brittish people complained to the King fearing they might invade the Land But by the Queens interest the peoples complaints were slighted and the Saxons encouraged Whereupon the people deposed Vortiger from the Crown and made Vortimer their King in his fathers stead when Vortiger had reigned 7. years An. 454. Vortimer hotly pursued the growing Saxons who as stifly stood it out But he got the better of them in divers battels yet in revenge Rowan his Stepmother poysoned him when he had reigned 6 years An. 460. Vortiger the father of Vortimer once again obtained the Crown and shortly after Hingest entred the Land again with an Army of Saxons Hingest finding a great preparation of the Brittains against him desired a Treaty for peace and while they were treating he treacherously slew 440. Earles and Barons upon
Salsbury Plain and took the King prisoner In this low condition the King was constrained to give Kent Sussex Suffolk and Norfolk to Hingest and there he set up his Kingdom In this interim of time Aurelius Ambrosius son to Constantine brought over an Army out of France to recover his right and falling upon Vortiger burnt him in his Castle in Wales when he had reigned 6. years more An. 466. Aurelius Ambrose being set in the Throne hasted speedily with an Army against Occa son of Hingest at York In that battel he took Occa prisoner and soon after set up the great stones upon Salisbury Plain in memory of the Brittains that were buryed there who were treacherously murdered by the Saxons as before In this Kings time the Saxons grew fast They set up the South Kingdom of Saxons containing Somersetshire Dorsetshire and Cornewall Also Porthe set up the East Kingdom of the Saxons containing Norfolk and Suffolk Not long after Aurelius Ambrose was poysoned when he had reigned 32. years An 498. Uter Pendragon then bare the royal Diadem No Lady would please him but the Duke of Cornewall's wife and on her he begat Arthur Pendragon and reigned 18. years An. 516. Arthur the son of Uter succeeded his father He fought twelve battels with the Saxons when Arthur had much subdued these enemies at home he committed the Government of Brittain to one Mordred and followed the Wars beyond Sea But in his absence Mordred confederated with the King of the West Saxons and set up himself King of Brittain The news of this coming to Arthur he speedily returned to Brittain with an Army and gave battel to Mordred in Cornewal where Mordred was slain and Arthur deadly wounded yet they brought him to Glastenbury where he died when he had governed 16. years An. 532. Constantine a kinsman of Arthur got the Crown after him But Aurelius a Brittain raised War against him and slew him when he had reigned 3. years An. 535. Aurelius Conan Nephew to Arthur was crowned King of Brittain about An. 545. There was now great strife for the Kingdom and it appears that for some time one King was kill'd before another got to the Throne At this time Arthurs brother was next heir to the Crown but Aurelius his Couzin got it by great hand having the longer Sword and kept his Uncle a prisoner In the time while these were striving for the Crown the Saxons got ground and set up the fifth and sixth Kingdoms of the Saxons Aurelius reigned 33. years An. 578. Vortipor succeeded his father Conan He was a vile person he put away his wife and kept his daughter for his Concubine He reigned 4. years An. 582. Malgo-Conan then had the rule He delighted in the filthy sin of Sodomy he kill'd his wife and took his brothers daughter In wickedness he reigned 4. years An. 586. Cara next got the Crown This King was so vile abominable and wicked that the people moved the Saxons and the King of Ireland to make War against him and after two years they drove him out of his Kingdom An. 588. The Brittains were now exceedingly wasted the Christian faith before received neer worn out The Saxons prevailing against the Brittains drive them to the desolate Mountains in Wales and got the whole Dominion of this Land In the time of the Saxons the Inhabitants of this Land were called Angles or Anglishmen and now English-men and the Brittains Welch-men But though the Brittains were driven into Wales yet there they elected Kings over them and as they had strength made War upon the Saxons until King Cadwalladar Anno 687. The Saxons being now masters of Angland or England they set up their Heptarchy or seven several Kingdoms and every King had his Dominion But when other competitors were gone Ambition and a varice set them at variance until one Kingdom had swallowed up all the other Alas alas It 's not Towns or Countries or some Nations that will satisfie aspiring spirits Time and great experience hath proved this Possibly it may be expected that I should go through the Lines of these several Saxon Kings But I find them treading in the same steps of those that went before them and those that follow after are the right sons of their Progenitors Therefore I will enter again with Monarchy and pass all the rest from the expulsion of the Brittains into Wales and the whole Land as divided amongst the Saxons until the Nation was again run up into one Monarchy which was from An. 588. to 872. In the time of the Saxon Heptarchy the Danes made their first inroad into England by Portland Island in the West but were then repulsed An. 800. Yet after they came with redoubled force and entered in Northumberlaud against whom Ethreldred King of the West Saxons who had greatest strength of the Saxon Kings gave them battel but the King was there slain when he had reigned 5. years and the Danes still kept their hold about An. 871. Alfred or Alured last King of the West Saxons began the first Monarchy of the Saxons in England He put the Saxons Laws into English he restored and repaired the City of London and made it again habitable which was wasted and burnt by the Danes An. 839. It is thought also that this King was the first Founder of the University of Oxford He reigned 29. years and 6. moneths Ann. 900. Edward the elder succeeded his father Alfred He subdued the Kings of Scotland and Wales He built divers Towns and Nottingham-Bridge and reigned 24. years An. 924. Adelstain or Athelstain son to Edward took the Throne and did much in his time He expell'd the Danes out of the Land and reigned 15. years Anno 939. Edmund succeeded his brother Athelstain and was slain when he had reigned 5. years An. 344. Edmund left two sons young and Eldred brother to Edmund took on him the Government as Protector but soon after he was Crowned King and reigned 9. years An. 953. Edwin the son of Edmund succeeded his Uncle Eldred and in the day he was Crowned he ravished his own kinswoman the wife of a Noble man and put her husband afterwards to death that he might have her For this and some other abominable acts his Subjects deprived him of his Royal dignity when he had reigned 4. years An. 957. After Edwin Edgar his brother was set on the Throne He was a good Commonwealths-man and reigned 16. years An. 973. Edward the second son of Edgar succeeded his father but was murdered when he had reigned 3. years Anno 976. Etheldred the second son of Edgar murdered his brother and set up himself in the Throne But by this bloody act and other ill carriages he lost the hearts of
his people This division gave hope again to the Danes to set up themselves in the Nation and in a little time they grew so great Etheldred was content to give them yearly tribute of 1000. li. to purchase his peace to sit in the Throne But the Danes finding Etheldred willing to lye down to the burthen while his people had money to pay by degrees they enhanced the 1000. li. per. an to 48000. li. per. an and when the King could not pay the tax he secretly laid a plot to which the people oppressed readily comply'd to pay the Danes for all together So upon the 12. day of Novemb. 1012. the Saxons kill'd all the Danes in the night In revenge of this Massacre Swain King of Denmark invaded England with fire and sword and possessed himself of this Monarchy All the strength that Etheldred could raise was no ways able to repel these conquering Danes but King Swain tyrannized over the Saxons Etheldred died when he had reigned 38. year An. 1014. Swain King of Denmark left his son Canutus to rule in England But Edmund called Iron-side a valiant man son to Etheldred set up himself in the Kingdom after his father and made War upon Canutus the new King of the Danes Many bloudy battels were fought between the Danes and the Saxons and neither part prevailed so that the Kings agreed to end the quarrel for the Empire between them These stout Kings fought hand to hand for the Crown In which Combat they manifested their skill in arms as well as courage and wearied out themselves in fighting but neither overcame and so they agreed to divide the Nation between them this was accordingly done But not long after Edmund was treacherously murdered by one that thought thereby to be preferred by Canutus Yet Canutus like a man of worth hated that wicked murder of so gallant a Prince and for his reward caused the Murderer to be tormented to death and cast into a Ditch Yet here the Kingdom of England was only reduced under Canutus An. 1018. Canutus having thus brought the Nation of England unto the Government of the Danes He put to death the next heir apparent of the Saxons which was in England But the better to confirm the Kingdom to him he propounded a motion of a Marriage with the Widow of Etheldred who was fled into Normandy with two of her sons Emma the widow agreed to match with Canutus upon condition that the Kingdom of England should be confirmed unto the children begotten of her Shortly after she bare a son to Canutus called Hardie Canutus By this Affinity Canutus strengthened himself greatly and subduing the Scots was King of England Scotland Denmark and Norway and reigned 20. years An. 1028. Hardie Canutus having his residence in Denmark Harold son to Canutus by a former wife by assistance of the Danes set up himself King of England Harold knowing by what interest he was brought in and setled in the Throne he displaced the English and put the Danes into places of Honour and Trust. He banished Emma and put Alured her youngest son by Etheldred to death and reigned 3. years An. 1041. Hardie Canutus after the death of his brother Harold possessed the Crown of England and in hatred of his brothers wickedness caused Harolds body to be digged out of the earth and cast in into the Thames But Hardie Canutus being at a marriage feast died suddenly in the midst of his cups in the third year of his reign in England An. 1043. Here ended the Line of the Danish Kings and the Saxons again restored Edward the remaining son of King Etheldred was again brought into England and crowned at Winchester He released the money paid to the Danes call'd Danes-gift He also collected a body of Common Laws He cured the swelling of the Throat since called the Kings evil And for holiness of life was called Sr. Edward and Edward the Consessor King Edward took to wife Edgiâ—ha the daughter of Earl Godwin but died without issue when he had reigned 23. years and 6. moneths and odd daies An. 1067. In the life time of Edward he made Harold son to Earl Godwin Regent of England in the non-age oâ— Edgar grand-child to Edmund Ironside who was the heir apparent to the Crown until he should come to age Unto which Edward the Confessor took an Oath of Harold But when Edward was dead Harold refused the Regentship and crowned himself King of England which shortly after brought distraction upon him and misery to all the Nation Yet for all I may not pass in silence the good nature of the man that he had some respect to Prince Edgar For though he took his Kingdom yet Harold gave him the Earldom of Oxford and above all spared his life But the righteous God soon raised black clouds and sad storms to disquiet Harold with his dear purchased Crown and the whole Nation for their wicked compliance with a sorsworn King Harold King of Norway came with a great Army to fall upon England both by Sea and Land And while Harold of England was preparing to encounter the King of Norway William Duke of Normandy landed a compleat Army in England the 28. of September An. 1067. and claimed the right to the Crown of England by gift from Edward the Confessor This the Duke pretended and what small probability there is to assert the truth of it men may easily judge by Edwards care to set up Edgar the next in succession of bloud Harold of England at this time had much wasted his men in a great battel fought with Harold of Norway But having got the better of that enemy he rallied his wearied Souldiers to fight William Duke of Normandy a new competitor for his ill got Crown In this battel Harold was slain and the Normans got the Victory and the Kingdom together where there fell with their King 66654. English Souldiers when Harold had reigned but 3. moneths An. 1067. Here ended the Race of Saxon Kings in England Normans Kings of England WIlliam Duke of Normandy called William the Conqueror was a Bastard-son of Robert Duke of Normandy who began his reign over England the 14. day of October 1067. or by many 1066. Upon these Wars Edgar the true heir to the Crown of England fled into Scotland and many English men with him who after raised an Army and came into England and besieged York where William had a Garison for himself Edgar got the City and possessed it But William came with a great Army and dâ—ave Edgar back to Scotland At Williams first coming to the Crown very considerable Cities in England stood against him so that he was established in the Throne by shedding of bloud of much innocent bloud which God hath and will yet judge some for In the 4. year of his reign was a dreadful Famine in