CERTAINE Praecognita, or Chara­cters of the chiefe Persons mentioned in the insuing HISTORY.

NOW FOLLOWETH the History of ARISTEVS Ambassador of King PTOLOMEVS PHILADELPHVS, concerning his Voyage vnto Ierusalem: and the first Translation of the Holy Bible, by the sea­uenty two Elders.
Written in Greeke 1900. yeares since.
ARISTEVS to his brother PHILOCRATES.

WEll knowing your Naturall and good inclination (Phi­locrates) to haue alwayes had in great esteeme the knowledge of all things, and that you haue beene desirous, nay coue­tous [Page 12] to vnderstand the occurrences and passages of good achiuements: I haue deliberated to frame vnto you by Writing, a thing not onely excel­lent, but well deseruing to be knowne; which vnto vs is hapned, being sent Excellence of this Hi­story. of late vnto Eleazer, great Pontiffe of the Iewes.

But because these things shalbee more facile vnto you, I will first de­clare you the Causes by the which we were sent; and then I will come to the Progresse of the Matter, so as I will fashion my Discourse to Your vnderstanding, and that the most truely I possible can, aswell for the dignity of the Subiect, as to delight your Spirit, desirous of all good Knowledges, assuring my selfe that man hath in him nothing more excel­lent and praysable, then incessantly to desire Learning, eyther by the meanes of Histories, or by the Obiects of things, or by experience of Affaires themselues. For the Spirit of Man, though Rude and Childish, is great­ly adorned and embellished, when [Page 13] from the beginning it Delighteth to Taste and Rellish those most necta­rine, faire, worthy, and excellent things that may conduct him by an infallible course, to follow Piety and Reason.

WE therefore searching with great curiosity the Knowledge of Diuine things, and could not attayne them; not vnderstanding the Diuine Law without being interpreted and rendred into our knowing tongue, we vndertooke to goe Ambassador vnto one onely Person, who amongst his Cittizens and others, by debonarity and great glory was the most Hono­rable; and who not onely did great Honor and Profit to the Citizens, with whom He conuersed, but also to all the other Iewes, of what other place, or wheresoeuer.

WE beeing then well informed, that they had the DIVINE LAVV written in Hebrew Characters, in [...]kins of Parchment, we were ioy­full to accept this charge giuen vs by the King: as also that the Colonies [Page 14] heere of the Captiue Iewes, de­sired the same aboue all things of the World, who had beene hither led [...] by the Kings Father, who had pu [...] into his Obedience the City of Ieru­salem, and all the Countrey ad­jacent.

BVT since we are falne to mak [...] mention of that businesse, it sha [...] not be impertinent to giue you to vn­derstand the whole Discourse, tha [...] thereby you may haue better intelli­gence, knowing well that it shalb [...] much better, more carefully to in­forme you how to fashion you to th [...] seruice of GOD Reuerently, the [...] to trauayle your selfe in the search o [...] mens Lawes or Actions, although they may be iust. Which affectio [...] you haue sufficiently manifested, since from an [...]le so far Remote, you are come into this Countrey to see in Per­son those things which may serue you to the adornment of your Spirit without hauing Respect to place whatsoeuer.

I haue here therefore Reduced by [Page 15] Writing: First, what hath seemed to me worthy of Memory, touching the Nation of the Iewes, as I haue something vnderstood by the Learned and Wise Priests of Aegypt: to the end that by this meanes, I may ayde and encrease, by some meanes Your knowledge: For one ought to haue in Remembrance the good they haue receiued from persons; and especial­ly to those to shewe all gratitude who appertayne vnto vs: And principally You, that haue knowledge of Ver­tue, drawing from your Brother, not onely Resemblance, Proximity of blood, and Linage, which may thrust on with the same impetuosity of Courage, to attayne the Honour, Glory, and Beauty of Vertue; assu­ring my selfe that neyther the admi­ration of Gold, or Riches: neither the appearance of things more preci­ous, serue to nothing but vayne-glo­ry; neyther will yeeld you such fruit as we may gather from Knowledge▪ Institution, and consideration of all good Disciplines.

For the rest, to the ende that it may not seeme that we exercise osten­tation in being prolix in this Preface, I will reduce me to that which from my purpose hath extrauagated.

DEmetrius Phalerius master of the Kings Library, giuing order with the greatest care hee could, to buy Bookes from all parts of the World: And to that end imploying great numbers of Persons as Factors spread abroad in many places, who had charge to buy and Transcript them, they so doing, and that dili­gently, the designe of the King was accomplished and executed, at least­wise in the best manner for him pos­sible.

For wee being present, the King asking him how many thousand Vo­lumes he had gotten together in his Bibliotheicke. He answered, that for the present hee had no more then two hundred thousand, and that he ☞ hoped erelong to haue to the number of 500000. But Sir (sayd hee) I [Page 17] haue vnderstood that the Lawes of the Iewes deserues also to bee Copied and Translated, and to be put in your Library: And what hinders it an­swered the King, that they be not? haue you not all things to serue you commodiously to this purpose? De­metrius Answerd, that it was neede­full that those Lawes were Transla­ted and Interpreted: because that the Iewes vsed the propriety of their Characters according to their Lan­guage, all otherwayes then the Ae­gyptians following the disposition of theyr Letters, they adopting and ac­commodating them to the propriety of their Voyce, and that they were much deceiued, who held they spake the Syrian tongue: for theyr fashion of speaking was farre otherwayes: To this the King replyed, that hee would write to the Pontiffe of the Iewes, to the end that all might be ob­tayned what was requisit, to bring to effect this affayre, as Demetrius pre­tended.

Then it came into my spirit, that [Page 18] Time and occasion presented them­selues for deliuery of all the Iewes the which his Father Ptolomeus La­gus had led prisoners from Iudea in­to Aegypt. For the which deliue­rance I had often prayed Sosibius the Tar [...]ntine, and Andrea Captaine of the Guarde to the Kings Body. For these two Commanding in the Army had brought into obedience all that which was in Syria and Phenicia, fil­ling all these Regions with feare and terrour: and then were the Iewes led some Prisoners, others in manner of Colonies, in such a manner and mul­titude that there was brought into Aegypt to the number of a 100000 men, of whom were chosen well neere 30000. all men of Warre, who were established for the Guard of the Prouince.

True it is, that before there had bin sent with the Persians and other Companies that were sent against the King of Aethiopia vnder the Charge of Psammiticke: but all those which were there, were not of so great nū ­ber [Page 19] as those which were led away by onely Ptolomeus Lagus. For (as we haue sayd) hee adress'd to Armes all those whom Age or Force shew'd to bee proper, and all the rest of the Po­puler, as well Children, Old men, Woemen, he instituted as Colonies, determining in himselfe, that if at any time his men of Warre grew inso­lent, that none could surpasse them in course or necessity of Warre, hee had meanes to abate such their pre­sumption by those might rise from these Colonies.

Now then seeking the occasion to bring about the Liberty of these poore men (as I haue formerly sayd) and hauing found my opportunity, I o­pened my desire to the King thus pro­sing.

The Proposition of Ari­steus to King Ptolomeus Phi­ladelphus for the deliuery of the Iewes.

IT is nothing wonderfull my Gra­cious Lord and King, if it come to passe many times, that the ve­ry affayres which wee manage, notes and argues vnto vs contrariety, and as it were direct against vs: for all the Nations of the Iewes haue one selfe-same Law, the which wee de­sire to bee ours, not onely Copied, but also Translated into the Greeke lan­guage. How then suppose you to send to them about this businesse, when the greatest part of them is here in your Kingdome held Prisoners? Vnlesse it may please Your Magnani­mity and Worthy Noblenesse to de­sire theyr Holy Bookes, after you [Page 21] haue giuen free Liberty to those who liue heere in great calamity and af­fliction, hauing aboue all things Re­spect to that GOD which makes your Kingdome flourish, and You in high prosperity: who is the same GOD which hath giuen them that Sacred Law which wee desire to haue. For they worshipping the GOD which hath made and created all things, and is the very same, whose wonderfull Workes all Hu­manes see and admires, though some not so clearely as others; for, (Sir) wee and others Call him Iupiter, and that not without reason, for it hath seemed good to our Ancestors, be­cause by him are procreated and liue all Creatures: the which also they e­steeme the Conductor and Gouer­ [...]our of the whole Vniuerse. And al­tough that hee holdes in his Domi­nation all men mortall, neuerthelesse shining with Spirituall light hee ney­ther frustrates nor deceiues the [...]owes and Prayers of those implores his ayde.

Wee then ought humbly to desire that hee would incline our hearts to such good affections, as to doe good, and that freely to euery one, and e­specially to deliuer and free those which are in slauery and bondage: for being that Humane kind is the Worke and Creation of God, who hath power to turne the heart and in­cline it to what part it pleaseth him. Wee many times and in diuers fashi­ons desire it would please him to lead vs to a perfection in goodnesse as the principall Ruler of hearts, vnder­standing, and spirit.

By this acknowledgement, I con­ceiue a great hope to come to the Head of this businesse, principally, because I know God to be fauorable to those that pray for things reaso­nable and equitable. For when men adopt themselues wholy to seeke and accomplish things tending to Iustice and perfection of good workes, God the Lord of all things conducts and addresseth their actions and affecti­ons to blessed & happy effects & ends▪

The King then as something gained with a contented Countenance, sayd to Andrea, how many is there of the Iewes detayned in Captiuity? He answered in few words, more then 100000. it is a small request then said the King, Aristeus requires of vs, So­sibius and some others then there pre­sent answered, it is a thing (Sir) wor­thy of Your Highnesse and Magnifi­cence to make an agreeable present vnto God by their deliuerance in liew of thankes and action of acknow­ledgement, beeing that the Gouer­nour of Heauen and Earth ha [...] exal­ted you into more Sublimi [...] then all your Predecessors: and it will do well, you by this make [...]e manifesta­tion of your thankes.

The King then disposed to Ban­queting A D [...] ma is 3 shillin [...] sixe pen [...], that is, 3. Pound [...] 10. shil­lings th [...] [...]ea [...]. and pastines in a full Feast, and assembly of his Noble, Com­manded that the Iewes should bee all searcht out, and that euery body of them should bee rebought for the summe of 20. Drackmes by pole, and to confirme the same, that his Edicts [Page 24] should bee made, and that heerein as much speed and promtitude should be made as might possible be. And so it seemed that GOD perfitted and brought to passe our desires, for hee pleased to put into the heart of the King to set at liberty, not onely those that by the Army of the King his Father led Captiues into Aegypt, but also all others that before or since, had beene carried Prisoners in­to Aegypt, by what meanes soeuer: the summe then of those were fran­chis [...], [...] Ta­len [...] 600 F [...] Cr [...]nes. mounted vnto 400. Talents.

Moreouer, I hold it not out of pur­pose to [...]d you the Copie and Te­nour of the Edict, by which you may vnderstand the greatnesse of the Affayre and [...]e debonarity and faci­lity of the King, who was moued by the Goodnesse of God for the saluati­on of many.

❧The Edict of King Ptolomeus Philadelphus, for the Deliuerance of the Iewes.

WEe will and commaund all those that followed Armes vnder our deceased Father, through the Countrey of Syria, and Phaenicia, entring into the Land of Iudea, and their taking the Iewes and leading them prisoners, ha­uing applied them to their workes and seruice, both in Townes and fields: That they shall deliuer and restore them into full Liberty: more­ouer we will that all the Iewes that eyther before or since haue beene ta­ken and led away, in what fashion or manner soeuer, shall be sent francke [Page 26] and free: For the ransome wee haue ordayned, that is to say, twenty drachmes for euery head; the which summe, the men of Warre shall take vpon the distribution of the staple and munition of Victuals, and the rest shall goe vpon the reuenew of the Table to the King, or reserued: For we are duely informed that those Iewes were constituted and brought away prisoners agaynst the Counsell of our deceased Father, and agaynst all right and reason: And that by the boldnesse and insolence of the Men of Warre, they were Conducted into Aegypt, and their Countrey wasted and desolated; when it was sufficient to haue the men of Warre of the said Countrey, at their deuotion, and all the Prouince reduced into obe­dience.

Intending then to doe and render right to euery one Vniuersally, and especially to those who receiue iniury vnder the iniust domination of ano­ther. Moreouer, to search dili­gently and particularly all things con­cerning [Page 27] right and equity, and to pre­ferre Piety and Religion aboue all things.

Our will and pleasure is, that all Iewes whatsoeuer, beeing bond and Slaues in this Realme, in what part soeuer they be found, be it in the Colonies or else where, or be it in what soeuer manner they were brought into our Kingdome, shall be deliuered, enfranchised, and set at Liberty; for we are pleased it shalbee so done:

And to the ende that no person shall be interessed, or receiue dam­mage, wee commaund that three dayes after the publication of this present Edict, euery one whom it doth concerne, shall bring before vs their requests, contayning the num­ber of heads that euery one hath set at liberty. For so it pleaseth vs to haue it, for the profit of Vs, and our Kingdome.

Declaring further, that the goods of those who are not obedient to this our Edict, that their shall be forfeit [Page 28] and Consiscate: And we giue liberty to whosoeuer will, to accuse and bring in their contumacy or con­tempt of our will and pleasure.

THIS Edict being written, per­fited, and brought to the King, to know if his pleasure were, it should be Published in this manner, or that hee would Correct and acknowledge it, When hee perceiued that these Words, viz. And those that before and since had bin led Prisoners, were wanting, hee inserted of his libera­lity and magnificence. He then made presently the money to be doubled in the summe, to his Treasurer and Of­ficers of his Finances.

The which distribution was dis­patched in the space of seauen dayes. And there was defrayed well neere sixe hundred sixty thousand Talents; for there were found a great multi­tude of Children with their mothers, which were all set at liberty, and for euery head of those, was payed by the Commaundment of the King twenty Drachmes: Which was ac­complished [Page 29] by the King, to his great liking and contentment.

And after all was done, he comman­ded Demetrius by course of estate, to deliuer him the denomberment of the Hebrew Volumes. For these Kings haue in Custome, to compre­hend all things by Edicts, and to do nothing be it neuer so small a businesse without Writing; aswell because of their Royall highnesse, as also that beleefe may more certainly bee giuen thereto.

Therefore to the end you may, as it were, see all before your eyes, I will here inserte the Tenour and Co­py of the request made to the King, by Demetrius, and the Epistles which were sent for those that were franchis'd; so as one may see the mul­titude, and in what habite they were; and in what Artes and Professions they were different, and how they were Registred and inroled. The Exemplary of Demetrius his request to the King, was this.

The Request of Demetrius Phalerius to the King PTO­LOMEVS PHILADEL­PHVS.

GReat Sir: Since it hath plea­sed you to giue me Com­maundment to search in all places for all manner of Bookes to fill, serue, and Decorate your Library. I haue thought it good and necessary wee obtayne and get the Bookes of the Iewes Lawes, and some other we are yet short and vnfurnisht of, and because the sayd Bookes of the Iewes are Written in Hebrew Characters, proper and best knowne to the Iewes onely, and therfore not yet falne into your Roy­all hands: Neuerthelesse, that they may be gayned and ranked amongst your other Volumes, partly for the [Page 31] Wisedome contayned in them; part­ly for their Sublimity and Diuine hight of matter they contayne: Of which Poets and Historians make often mention, as very profitable to instruct to good mannets, to institute and addresse the Republicke into the fairest shape of Gouernment, by reason of the excellency of men therein mentioned, to the Reue­rence of matters therein intreated; as Scripsit librum de Iudaeis, te­ste Suida. Hecateus Abderita plainely testi­fieth.

These things seriously considered, (Great King) it would doe properly well, if it would please you to write to Ierusalem, and to the great Pon­tiffe therein, that he would send you sixe men of euery Tribe or Line, and that they be such as are of good parts and Condition, of venerable age, best knowing and Vers'd in their owne Law, that being all able Translators, they may with iudgement choycely elect and choose that course of ex­pression may be consonant and Har­moniously agreeing amongst them­selues. [Page 32] And this done (great Sir) I shall hope you will accomplish a course worthy of so excellent an in­tention, and at last wel agreeing with your desires.

The King hauing read this request, ordayned Letters should bee drawne and sent to Eleazer the High Priest, about this businesse: In the which was signified vnto him the deliuerāce of the Iewes from their Captiuity. With the Letter, he ordayned also to be made ready, Cups, Vessels, and a Table of pure Gold, with fifty Ta­lents of Gold, and seauenty of siluer, for oblations there to be offered, with many precious Iewels and stones of very great price: Commanding the Gold-workers with all speede to fi­nish these things, and the money in Talents for the oblations to be raysed incontinently. And because you shal at full vnderstand the Kings viuacity in this businesse, I send you here the Coppy of the Letter the King Writ, whereof the Tenour is as follow­eth.

King PTOLOMEVS PHILA­DELPHVS to ELEAZER Chiefe Pontiffe of the Iewes.

COnsidering the great Multitude of Iewes in­habiting within our Territories, (of whom some had beene led from Hierusalem in the times that the Persians had the Domination: the others following our deceased most Honourable Lord and Father, being adioyned with him, whereof many were receiued into his pay and ranke as his Souldiers, and men of Warre: whereof the most faythfull and tru­sty were established in the most strong Forts as Garrisons, by that meanes to bridle the insolences of the [Page 34] Aegyptians. Wee since being come to the Crowne, and hauing singu­lar affection to exercise Liberality and Munificence towards all persons, and in speciall vnto the Cittizens, we haue franchised and set at Liberty more then a hundreth Thousand, or­dayning that from our Money a iust ransome should bee payed to all those that held them Prisoners, valuing at a certayne price and summe for e­uery head of them, with desire to giue order by reason, and to remit them into good estate and tranquilli­ty, whom the Impetuosity, Cru­elty, and Disorder of Warre had di­sturb'd and diuerted from Right and Equity. In which wee esteeme to haue done a good and holy deede, as a worke yeelding thankes to the Great GOD for all his great bene­fits receiued from him, wee make him this Offering, for hauing ador­ned and celebrated before all the World this our Kingdome with a most remarkable Peace, Tranquili­ty, and notable Glory.

And those others which had beene Slaues and Bondmen in our Army, wee haue ordayned Souldiers in the Company, and them who haue beene found more recommendable in Faith and Fidelity, wee haue made them Chiefes, and most aduan­ced in our Court.

Further, because we desire those and all others of the Nation, spread and scattered through the Vniuerse, to bee thankefull to our Fauours: wee haue deliberated to make that your Law which is Written in He­brew Letters, should bee Transla­ted into the Greeke Language; and that our Royall Library bee adorned therewith, as it is with other Books; you shall doe well then as a thing to vs very agreeable, and correspondent to our Designe and Intention, if you elect out of euery Tribe or Line of your Nation, sixe of the most Anci­ent Personages, and those shall bee found of the best breeding and suffi­ciency, and most Authorised in the Seruice of the Law, and haue the [Page 36] best Style in Writing to make for vs this Translation: for so shall the Ve­rity thereof bee best and cafiliest drawne, if the Company of the In­terpreters bee men of mature Iudge­ment, and well exercised in the Law: well waighing that to effect well and worthily such an Interpretation and Translation: it is needefull, there be Solicitude, curious Study and Medi­tation, which may bee found in the Many see more then one onely. consideration of many who are more sharpe, more subtile, and more cleare-seeing then of one alone.

Moreouer, wee shall esteeme that by th'accomplishment of so great a Worke, there will redound to vs great Honour and Glory.

For this cause therefore wee haue sent vnto you, Andrea, Chiefe of the Guarde belonging to our Per­son, and Aristeus, men of Hono­rable place in our Court, hauing Commission from our part to pre­sent you with Iewels for your Sa­crifices, and for other vses an Hun­dred Talents of Siluer.

Besides, heerein you shall doe vs contentable pleasure, and cour­tesie resenting Amitie, if you haue neede of any thing, to require it of vs, for wee will not fayle to ac­complish and accommodate you ther­with immediately.

To this Epistle Eleazar made Answere in these words.

ELIAZER Pontiffe: to King PTOLOMEVS PHILADEL­PHVS, our most illustri­ous Friend.

IF you are well (Sir) and the Queene Arsinöe, and my Lady your Sister, and your Children my Lords, pray­sed be God; for health is a thing to be desired, and thanked for, as a due vnto him, which is the Giuer there­of: As for vs, wee are in good pro­sperity, also lauded be the Giuer.

Wee haue receiued your Letters, which brought vnto Vs great Con­tentment, by reason of your Coun­sell, Enterprise, and Designe; as also for the loue and good will you beare to vs.

Hauing receiued them, wee made a great Assembly of the People, to whom by a long Discourse, hauing made knowne your Liberality to­wards our Nation, and demonstration of your Presents and Oblations, to the end they should vnderstand your holy affection and Piety towards our God.

Shewing publickely the twenty Vessels and Viols of Golde, the thirty of siluer, which we haue sent, the fiue cuppes of Gold, with the Table of proportion, and the hundred Talents of siluer, for the prouision and re-eadying of the victimes and o­ther Vses requisite to the Sacrificers: Which Iewells were to vs presented by Andrea one of our Princes, and Aristeus: Persons truely worthy of note, both in corporall beauty, and excellency of Behauiour and Condi­tion, as also rare Knowledge; briefe­ly, Lords worthy in all things of your Conuersation and Iustice, by whom wee haue beene fully informed of your will and intention, accor­ding with the Tenor of your Letter▪

Wherefore wee will wholy put our selues into endeauour to accom­plish your desire: For although it be a difficult thing to well bring to per­fect effect; yet for the Times to come it will be an Argument of our great Confederation and Amity: For you haue obliged our Citizens with a great, and as it were, an inestimable Benificence. Whereupon wee haue offered to GOD the Sacrifice of Thankesgiuing for You, your Sister, Children, and Friends; and the whole multitude of people hath pray­ed to GOD for your Prosperity, and that it will please him to addresse your affection in all your Acts; and that GOD the Ruler of all things, will make your Realme to flourish and increase in Peace and Glory: And that the Translation of the Sacred Law, may redound vnto your Vtility and Profite.

After these Sacrifices were ac­complished, all the People being to­ [...] wee haue chosen the persons [...] sort, and men of honor [Page 41] and of good life and Report, beeing sixe of euery Tribe or Line, which we haue sent to you, with the Holy Law, which was left to vs, by the Inspired Writer Moses. Be it your pleasure (Sir) to returne them vs, after the Translation of the Bookes shalbe accomplished.

These are the Names of those which were chosen from all the Lines and Tribes of the Iewes, for to go into Aegypt, to make the first Translation of the Holy Bible, or Law of MOSES.

• IOsephus, Ezechias, Zacharias,
• Ioannes, Ezechias, Heliseus.

• Iudas, Simon, Somo [...]lus;
• Adeus, Mathias, Esch [...]ias.

• [Page 42]Neemias, Iosephus, Theodosius,
• Baseas, Ornias, Dacis.

• Ionathas, Auxeus, Heliseus,
• Annanias, Chebrias, Sacheus.

• Iasacus, Iacobus, Iesus,
• Cabateus, Simon, Leuis.

• Iudas, Iosephus, Simon,
• Zacharias, Somelns, Selemias.

• Sabbateus, Iason, Iesus,
• Theodotus, Ioannes, Ionathas.

• Theodosius, Iason, Iesus,
• Theodotus, Ioannes, Ionathas.

• [Page 43]Theophilus, Abrahamus, Arsamus
• Iason, Endemias, Danielus.

• Hieremias, Eleazarus, Zacharias
• Baneas, Heliseus, Datheus.

• Samuel, Iosephus, Iudas,
• Ioathes, Chabel, Desitheus.

• Isaelus, Ioannes, Theodosius,
• Arsamenus, Abiethas, Ezecelus.
• Number of all 72.

Such was the answere to the Letters of the King.

NOw I will declare vnto you the most succinctly I possible can, the beauty and Decoration of the things we found in Hierusalem, be­ing [Page 44] with Eleazer; and those also which were sent vnto him: for all was wrought with singularity of manufacture, and of most exquisite beauty; the King beeing therein so carefull and intentiue to performe a­bundantly all that was necessary for excellency of finishing the Worke, that of his owne proper motion hee went and came, visiting euery one of the Maister-Worke-men and Gold-smithes, whom hee helde so close to their businesse, that hee would not giue them any leasure to deboyst themselues nor to idle sport, by no meanes.

Of the Presents sentvn­to Eleazer Pontiffe of the Iewes, by King PTOLO­MEVS PHILADEL­PHVS.

And first of the Table of Gold.

IT behoueth then, that first wee describe the Table, for it was a worke of admirable politure. The King desiring to shew therein a Mai­ster-peece of Worke: wherefore he demaunded the measure and dimen­sion of the Table which was in the Temple of Hierusalem, and the or­naments of the same. When he knew the measure, he asked if they would receiue one more great. And being answered by some of the Sacrificers and others; if there were nothing might giue impediment thereby, one more great might bee put there.

The King then replyed, that hee intended to giue one fiue times bigger then that was there, prouided that it might not bee discommodious to the Sacrificers, by a disproportionall quantity. Further, the considerati­on thereof ought not onely to be with the receite and capacity of the place, but with much more Care the Habi­tude should bee proper and agreeable with the Sacrifices thereon to bee prepared, and that hee was not with­out consideration, that the Iewes had not made that they then had in their Temple of so small quantity for po­uerty and want of Gold: for when it was made, they abounded in all Opu­lency and Riches: but that it seemed to him they had so proportioned it by some reason of perfect Dimenti­on.

Therefore his aduice was, that things would not bee well and dnely fabricated, if the Table hee intended to haue made, were more long or high then the other. Therefore pro­iecting all in his Spirits which was [Page 47] cleare and prompt to iudicially weigh of all things: hee gaue in charge to the Gold-smiths that were most in­genious and of best spirit to finish and accomplish the businesse, ingrauen and enriched with all variety pos­sible: willing that those which should worke in the Borders, Ray­sings, Flowries, and Wrappings, En­tortilations, and such like; should a­muse themselues onely for Beautify­ing and Decoration: and what was to bee playne, should answere to the Measure and Dimention, and that in all these things they should be exqui­sitely careful.

This Table was 2. Cubits large, and a Cnbit and a halfe in height, and thinke not it was couered with Plates or Lames of Gold superficially, but was made all of solide, massie, pure, and fine Gold; round about it was a Crowne of 12. fingers large, wrap­ped with Barres of Gold and other pretty Workes in faire passages, in manner of little threds, and enterla­ced with little cordes retyring to [Page 50] [...] [Page 51] [...] [Page 48] the Cauetills, a worke very shining and polished of the three sides, for the Table was made in a Triangular forme, and of euery side wrought of the same fashion: so that of what side soeuer one were, it seemed t [...] bee but one Frontis-peece and o [...] face. For if you came to contem [...] plate it vpon one part, the playne [...] the Table by the Crowne wit [...] which it was bordered, discouered to your eies a most resplendant Beau­ty euen admirable, and the outward Worke by the Rayes and Splendor of the 2. Squares euen dazeld so th [...] eyes, that one could scarse behol [...] it; for the Table as wee haue say [...] was Triangular, and shewed wit [...] one Front and the same Superfic [...] on what side soeuer you turned.

There was also an enrichment [...] Precious stones, strung through a [...] ­gation of Cords, and these Ston [...] were wrought so properly in one a [...] ­ter another, that they shewed string and wreathing of such subtilty that to my thinking it was not pos­sible [Page 49] to imitate the like. And those Stones were sustayned and stayed by Buckles and Fermillets of Gold for more firmnesse, and the Ioynts and Commissures of Squares made with so great Artifice, entrenched and in­ [...]ested the one within the other, to keepe sure and conioyne all the worke, that in beholding them they were scarse discernable how.

Moreouer, in the largenesse of the Crowne that enuironed the Table by the aspect aboue, there was an order of Stones in fashion of little Oualls that were agenced and holding toge­ther, and enfiled with little joncks of Gold, as raised the luster: and these Ouall Stones were thicke set the one with the other; and the whole Table was as it were Chayned about with this threed of Oualls. A little a­boue this Chayne of chayned Stones the Master Goldsmiths had laboured a Girdle of Flowers, and Tussies of all Fruits, so inter-tyed and follow­ing together so well, that by their eminent risings amongst the Bosses of [Page 50] Circuting Crowne, you might see Grapes tyed together; Eares of Corne, Dates, Aples, Oliues, Roses, and many such like; amongst which many Precious Stones set and bound in Gold, in Colour, Forme, true and natiue semblance; representing those Fruits by an Admirable Artifice. And with this Adornment was the Corinshes and Fronti-spcece of the Table enriched all about: and so was this Worke of Fruits keeping order with the Ouall Stones aboue sayd.

To all these Decorations are ad­ioyned other burnished Workes, cut into Sculpture; and in part with Ioncts and Verges of Gold, beauti­fying all the Circuite of the Table: So that the Two parts which present themselues to the sight, with the Beauty of the Crowne vnto the place where are the feete of the Ta­ble, one might see a like Beauty, and Daintinesse of Doublings; still Lustri­ous what part soeuer of the Table were turned.

They had made the Plate of all the [Page 51] Table solid and massie, of the thick­nesse of foure Fingers: to the end that they might more firmely and sixtly bind in the feete and tressles to strongly sustaine it.

These Feete were put vnto the Crowne without being so perceiued, and were firmely ioyned with Buc­kels and resorts: in such manner that the Table might bee supported and well sitting howsoeuer the Table were turned, and yet still shining to the eye. In the Superficies whereof was represented in a faire worke the Flood Meander, running with his sinewes, returnes, and windings; in the Channell of which, one might see a Splendor of Precious Stones, repre­senting his rowling waues, which Chingle was of Carbuncles, Eme­ralds, Agatts, and all other sorts of Precious Stones, sparkling with their natiue Luster.

Neere to this Flood there was an interlaced Worke as a Wreath of Haire, (a thing admirable to behold) shewing in its aspect a Geometricke [Page 52] Figure, made of Christall and of Am­ber, and this Figure was square sol­lid: of which all the squares were e­quall, and the Angles oblicke of the foure sides. In this polished Figure was shewed the formes of the behol­ders, as if in a faire Mirrour. For the rest, the Ingenious hand of the Master workemen had made the feet of the Table like to Flower-de-luces of whom the Flowers turning shell like backwards, sustayned the Ta­ble; the sayd Flower-de-luces thick with Leaues, sprouting vp as from within: this foote was sustained and stayed in this manner.

There was a Stone of a Carbu [...] ckle, of which the streach was [...] twelue fingers; hauing the forme [...] a Rocke made in a Precipeece, an [...] had about 8. fingers of largenesse [...] and vpon this stone was borne vp a [...] the burthen & waight of the Tress [...] Vpon this lifts vp a Lyerre or Herb [...] string, which twining about th [...] sept of a Vine, embraced him euen to the top, the Grapes hanging about [Page 53] on all parts: In this Table were foure feete like in disposition and proporti­on of workeman-ship, and of all foure was one selfe-same perspectiue: and so well were these things ac­complished and perfected, by most excellent and ingenious Manufacture, of men Inuentiue and Ingenious; that not onely the aspect of things true, were made as it were false and illu­siue to the eyes, but also one might heare the leaues rattle by stirring of a little winde mouing them one against another: so were all things laboured euen as it were to the Life and Natu­rall, euery thing representing a liue­ly Image of what it was made to re­present.

More, the Tressles of the Table were moueable, and to bee remoued on all ends; wherein there was a se­cret of Workemanship which could not bee seene or perceiued for the greatnesse of the worke: and by the meanes of certaine Clasps, all was to bee borne together, although one could not perceiue eyther Creuis, [Page 54] Ioynt, or Closing: For the Table w [...] no more then a Cubit and a halfe b [...] in all, yet therein, and on, was gre [...] expence bestowed, and many Tale [...] employed.

For after the King had resolu'd n [...] to exceede the measure and greatn [...] of that which was in Hierusale [...] all that hee determined to lay vpo [...] one much greater, was imployed [...] the Decoration of this, and much more: So that all was done and a [...] complished most beautifully, a [...] with wonderous Art, and was ex­cellent and admirable according [...] the Kings wish.

Of the Vessels, Cups, and Viols of Gold.

THe two Cups from the base to the middle, were all cut in a scaly worke; and betwixt euery two scales, sowed with precious stones, the radious shine whereof, made such a reflect to the eyes, that it beate backe the sight with a dazlement. The Tower of these Cups was girt with a sculpture of the flood of Me­ander, of the hight of a Cubite; all enuironed and enterlased with diuer­sity of stones, of inestimable beauty and esteeme. Neere the flood, there was a tresse of haires of gold, with tuffes ioyned together from the boule aboue, to the bottome, being spread in cleare wayes, as a net of threed. [Page 56] In the middle parts whereof, we [...] to be seene many precious stones, dis­posed in forme and figure of a Scu [...] ­chion, amongst whom there wa [...] onely a space or interuall of foure fingers; where the splendour made the grace of the Worke more plea­sant to the eye; vppon the lippes and border of the Cuppes, there was [...] Crowne interlased with Flower-de-Luces, bunches of Grapes, inter­mixt one with another, and wrea­thed like Cordage, and so running all about: These Cups so accompli­shed with more then rich Workeman-ship, helde more then two Mettrets.

But the Tankerds of Siluer were adorned & decorated yet with much more beauty, in full worke and po­lishment: for within they were [...] resplendant, that one might see all things, more to the life, then in a mirrour. And it is not possible to tell how the figures of all things were represented to the naturall, by the polishment and sparkling bright­nesse [Page 57] of them, which were so bright [...]d shining, that if you had put one [...]f the Siluer Cups by one of Gold, [...]en one of the Siluer, and so one of [...]old, and so followed this order, [...]ey made an admirable shew, and [...]possible to be long lookt vpon; for [...]e shine gaue such a lightning from [...]ne to another, and the rayes pene­ [...]ating one anothers luster, that it [...]en dazled and beate backe the point [...]f the sight, so that no soule was a­ [...]le long to behold them: For if you [...]ad turned your eyes to a Cup of [...]old, they were so incountred with [...]e order and splendor of the workes [...]ariety, and with the force of the [...]ght and radiation, and would so [...]lance at the poynt of the sight, that [...]ou could hardly holde them from [...]winckling, so as you should be for­ [...]ed to turne thē elsewhere, or not too [...]tedfastly to behold their fulguratiō: And if you lookt vpon one of Siluer, [...]more great effusion of light shed all [...]broad: So that your eyes taken with [...]dimnesse, you were not able to dis­cerne [Page 58] throughly the structure a [...] manufacture.

For the Vessels and Viols of Go [...] they were wrought with such i [...] gene, that the middles were enric [...] ­ed with clusters of Grapes, the v [...] ­ges and lippes with bunches and [...] wrapings of leaues of Myrhe and [...] Oliues, bound together in man [...] of a Crowne, about all the mou [...] parts, and all set with precio [...] stones, according with the spa [...] and opportunity of the places: So [...] I assure you, the Maister-worke-m [...] had shewed their Arte in imbelli [...] ­ing and ornifying euery thing, w [...] an ambitious desire to honour th [...] ingene, and to exalte the magni [...] ­cence of the King: So that in all t [...] Treasors, neyther in all the Ca [...] ­nets, or other wheresoeuer, w [...] not to bee found any thing so rich, [...] faire, nor so precious, as were th [...] Royall Workes.

For the King that had his Hono [...] in singular recommendation, the [...] had imployed all ca [...]e and dilige [...] [Page 59] [...]nd prodigally spread abroad all mag­ [...]ificence. For vppon his owne vo­ [...]ntary hee came often to visite the [...]orkes, conuersing and mingling [...] is aduice with the Maister-Golde­ [...]mithes, making them to change, [...]ow this now that, according to his [...]antasie.

Likewise he forbad expresly, that [...]hey should not stirre from their bu­ [...]inesse to any place, vntill all were fi­ [...]ished and accomplished, as hee [...]ould haue it, so that all was most [...]rtificially perfected in most excel­ [...]ent manner, as well to giue acknow­ [...]edgement of his illustrious excel­ [...]ence and high place, as also for the [...]dignity of the Pontiffe, which sat in [...]o high a Respect, to whom these [...]hings were intended.

Surely the multitude of stones, of which some were so rare, as scarse [...]knowne, yet beeing of meruailous greatnesse, amounted to the number of fiue Thousand: And yet for all [...]that, the Worke-man-ship was of greater esteeme then all: and all be­ing [Page 60] valued, it plainely appeared th [...] both precious stones, and curio [...] Worke-man-ship, exceeded by fi [...] times the Golde therein imploye [...] both in beauty, and estimatio [...] Conclusiuely I esteeme, that I ha [...] formerly Written, may yeelde y [...] some delight in knowing these Ra [...] and curious things, the true lo [...] and ingenious goodnesse of the Ki [...] therein.

Now what followes, shall de­clare the Discourse of our Voyag [...] to Eleazer: And because you may [...] full vnderstand all Circumstances, [...] will describe you first the Prouince or Citty of Hierusalem, and then th [...] Region about it.

Of the Citty of Hieru­salem, and the Region about it.

WHen wee arriued neere to Hierusalem, we discoue­red the Towne scituated in the Mountayne, in the [...]iddle of all the Prouince of Iudea, [...]uing thereby a farre streaching pro­ [...]ectiue to the view. In the head of [...]e Mountayne is scituated the Tem­ [...]e, in most goodly view and appea­ [...]nce, which truely is a faire thing [...] see: About the same is a girt of [...]ree Curtaines of Wals raysed in the [...]yre, to the height of seauenty Cu­ [...]ts, and of conuenient thicknesse in [...]roportion to the height, which in­ [...]ironeth all the Decoration and tri [...] [...]f the Temple, with an excellent [Page 62] beauty and magnificent Worke: T [...] fight of the Ports, the conexion a [...] euenesse of the stones, the Fro [...] speeces and Butrisses, the faces of [...] Portals, shew with a lustrious be [...] ­ty and excellency of Workman-sh [...] and one might plainly see, that in [...] this structure, all things did m [...] magnificently abound, and that charge had bin spared.

Without the Temple, there [...] a vayle by which the Temple [...] closed; round this vayle was hang [...] trauers from the magnificence of [...] Portals, yeelding a very pleasing s [...] ­ctacle; and Principally then, whe [...] little Wind rose from the Paueme [...] and entring within the vayle, runn [...] from low to high, making volatu [...] and replies like Waues, and moou [...] delightfully with puffes followi [...] one the other, reciprocally and s [...] ­cessiue blowing.

Within the Temple there was [...] Altar accompanied with a Chimn [...] very Properly and conueniently bu [...] acording to the place for the victim [...] [Page 63] [...]ere to bee offered. The stayres to [...]cend thereto faire and euenly dis­ [...]sed, according with the Magnif [...] ­ [...]nce of the place, both for comeli­ [...]sse, as also for the ease of the Sacri­ [...]ators, who were inuested with [...]arments of Limen most subtill and [...]t. The fore-part of the Temple [...]oking to the East, turnes the backe [...] the West, and of him are the spa­ [...]s composed and measured by faire [...] mmetry, in all dimention and shew [...]eauty very excellent, and Worke [...] good grace.

The floure is paued with Stones, [...]e Receptacles of the Waters which [...]ey shed in great quantity, in wash­ [...] the Victimes after that they haue [...]t their throats, are hidden in con­ [...]nient places; for in the dayes of [...]eir Feast, many thousand of [...]ctimes are offered, by meanes [...]ereof is spent so great quantity of [...]ater, that one would deeme there [...]nne ordinarily a great quicke Foun­ [...]ne. But this is a thing yet more [...]mirable, and almost vnbeleeuable: [Page 64] the greatnesse of the Conduits of th [...] Waters which are vnder ear [...] which are vnder ground in the Te [...] ­ple, and stretch fiue Stades in roun [...] n [...]se. And to conduct these waters [...] to their Receptacles, there are Pi [...] of Lead closed within the Wall [...] drawing in all parts vnder the Pa [...] ­ment of the Temple, by which t [...] waters void themselues after [...] Beasts are washt: likewise m [...] Spouts and openings neare to [...] Base of the Altar, which are [...] knowne to all, but onely to those w [...] serue to the Sacrifices: and by th [...] too the blood of the Offrings in li [...] manner runnes and purgeth.

VVe coniectured the great qu [...] ­tity of waters there shed by [...] manner. For the Iewes hauing led [...] to walke out of the Towne m [...] then a League long, they shew [...] vs a place, where we might heare [...] noyse of the waters which ranne [...] ­der the earth, which seem'd to me [...] bee such as when one voids water [...] whole Tunnes.

Of the Sacrificers.

BVt all the former was as nothing in respect of the Worth, Honesty, [...]d Silence of the Sacrificers and their [...]inistery. For without solicitation [...]ey set themselues to their businesse, [...]ery one according to his Estate and [...]arge, without staying for any [...]ommandement: Some kindling the [...]ood, others the Oyle, others [...]inging the Wheat-flowre; others [...]e Odours Aromaticke, others the [...]lesh; euery one shewing his readi­ [...]sse with an excellent dexterity. For [...]king the Calues by the thighes, al­ [...]ough they waighed more then two [...]alents, they lifted them in the Ayre, [...]ith an admirable facility, and not [...]ore handsomely then easily; in such [...]anner, that they neuer fayl'd to [...]lace them where they should bee.

They did the same with the F [...] ­dels of Sheepe and Goates for all O [...] ­ferings, and Victimes were to [...] without spot and fat.

Moreouer, there was a place p [...] ­pared for their rest, where they [...] lay, and rose most willingly and [...] ligentiy, without being called or w [...] ­ked; and so set themselues to th [...] businesse in their ranks, one after [...] other: but also with so great silen [...] that although they were ordinar [...] about 700. Ministers, without r [...] ­ckoning a great Troupe of those t [...] offered the Victimes, yet it seem [...] as if they all had beene but as one ma [...] all things were done with so great [...] ­ty and Reuerence to God.

Of the great Pontiffe ELEAZER.

THat wee had of greatest admira­tion amongst other things, was [...]hen wee saw Eleazer present him­ [...]lfe to the Sacrifices in his glory and [...]aiesty, cloathed in his habite and [...]abes, in Pontifficat; all shining with [...]e luster of Precious stone, for to [...]is Accoutrements hung all about [...]ttle Bells of Gold, yeelding a sweete [...]armony, amongst which he had al­ [...] Garnets of maruailous colours, [...]nd all was separated with diuersity [...]f Flowers. Vpon his Vestiment he [...]ore a Girdle which girt him very [...]omely: and the worke was of most [...]ire Colours. Vnder his breast hung [...]at they call the Rationall, which [...]here there was 12. Precious stones [...]f diuers colours set in Gold, in [...]hich was written the Names of the [...]rinces of euery Tribe which were [Page 68] from the beginning: and all was most resplendant in their naturall, (almost beyond beleefe:) his head was ador­ned with a Royall Bonett, vpon which was set a Myter of incompa­rable Beauty, together drawing vp the Coyfure to a Highnesse Royall. From this Myter was dependant a Plate of Gold, vpon the fore-head of Eleazer, couering his eye-browes; in which was Written the Name of GOD in Sacred letters, a spectacle in ☜ truth full of great Glory and worthy of such Mystery: for with this Dresse the shine and redoundance was of such shew and worthy dignity, that it might beget a trembling feare in those beheld him: So as this Pontiffe was represented to the beholder as it were a figure of God. Briefly, euery thing being by vs contemplated, held our spirits in a suspence and amaze­ment through their beauty, for the manner and decoration of one thing & another drew our vnderstandings euen by force maturely to consider them.

Of the Fortresse or Castle of Hierusalem.

FRom thence we ascended to visite the Fortresse: It is Scituated neare to the Temple in a most faire seate, munished with many Towers made of Stones of extreame greatnesse. And by that wee could vnderstand and know it is the Bulwarke and Propug­nacle of the Temple, to the end that if there hapned any Sedition, or im­peteous hostile Inuasion, no body should enter by force within the cloy­sture of the Temple which is neare: and is defended by the high Walles of this Fortresse, scituated in a place of precipitate steepnesse, hauing his Sentinels and Munitions with Engins of Warre.

This place is kept and guarded by a Garrison of lusty young Souldiers, robust and strong, which are establi­shed [Page 70] by all the Towers within, and are such, that for their merits to their Country, are held in worthy esteeme: They haue no liberty to goe out of the Fortresse, except vpon Feast-dayes; and then with great Solemnity onely part of them, and to the re-change of Guarders, and they dare let no per­son in, for the Captaine of the place there vseth such watchfull diligence wh [...]n he issueth, and amongst them makes such watch and diligent search, that hee cannot bee circum­uented by any Spy, as it fell to vs; for wee could but two enter, and that without Arms & by great intreaties, and that onely to see the Sacrifices: for hee told vs, and that with an oath, that all those which are of this Gar­ris [...]n, which are in number 500. haue sworne to admit within but at most fiue e [...]s [...]ns at a time: Because the conseruation and preseruation of the Temple consists in the kee [...]ing of this Fort, which if it should bee ta­ken and held, the Temple had no o­ther defence.

Yet of the Towne.

THe greatnesse of the Towne, by that we could iudge, stretcheth in circute some forty Stades; A Citty certainly worthy to be regarded, both for the beauty of the Wals, and dis­position of the Towers. She is com­parted in faire, straight great streets▪ and those well Paued, where there is many little Lanes and Chanels in opportune and conuenient places: So as this Citty that is seated in a Moun­tayne, with great ease one may mount and descend. Also the entries of the streetes, there are cut out steppes in forme of Scaffolds, which one mounts by stayres as it were open Galleries, where the most eminent Persons walke more high then others, which haue also meanes to Walke by places, which are a little low; and these ban­ked wayes (as it were) are in the most [Page 72] p [...]cipall streetes, to the end that those who beare the holy things, should not bee contaminated with fou [...]enesse and durt: By which one may judge their Ancestors haue wise­ly an [...] with good reason, chosen such a Place for the seate of the Towne; measuring and ordayning such com­modious choises in all things what­soeuer.

Of the Region about Hieru­salem, and of the Policy of the Pesants or Coun­try People.

THis Region is spacious and faire stretching from one side towards Samaria, and the Neighbouring Idu­mea, which is a playne Countrey: On the other side, the Coasts are faire and fertile. And it is no mer­uai [...]e if this Region is so abounding and fertile of it selfe, and therefore plentifull in all good fruites; being [Page 73] [...]lso that it is cultiuated by the indu­ [...]try and great care of the Countrey People: And it is not heere, as it is commonly seene about good and great Citties, placed in good and fertile Lands, where the Pesants are idle, [...]arelesse; and for the abounding plea­ [...]ures and voluptuousnesse of Citties, despise their Labours: And as we see Youth is taken with delights and idle­ [...]nesse, and so become effeminate and [...]tender. Which truely befell to A­lexandria, a Citty Rich, Opulent, and Abounding in all good things: Where the Youth of the Countrey that vsed to follow Country workes, staying and amusing their rough con­dition with these pleasures and vo­luptibilities, forgat their Countrey businesse [...] labour, and become idle & sloathfu [...]l.

And for these causes doubtlesse, their Iewish Kings ordayned that these Pesants should make no abode in the Citty; and that no Creature of them should dwell but in his rusticke house, longer then twenty dayes; [Page 74] and that vnlesse for great, vrgent, and important reasons, because they should not loose their time. Where­fore by Statute it was ordayned that all Processe, and Controuersies o [...] Law suites, should be determined i [...] fiue dayes, and no delay to stretc [...] further then to the fifth day: And fo [...] this was Published and promulgate [...] a Law, and the reason thereof dele [...] ­gated to the Iudges and Ministers o [...] euery Region, that the Pesants should not sojourne or make abode in the Townes (as is sayde) because of the Demurres of their Suites, negle [...]ting their Country businesse, which migh [...] cause damage and losse to the Reue­nues of their Prince, amoyndring & diminishing his Tributes and Due [...], arising from these Labourers.

I speake all this at large, because we were aduertised hereof in Dis­coursing with El [...]azer. The Pea­sants therefore are very carefull and diligen [...] in their Labours and Mena­gery, by reason whereof in such a multitude of People, the Region is [Page 75] all planted with fruite Trees, abun­dant in Corne and all sorts of Grayne in all parts: The Vineyards cloathed with Vines, and it is not possible to [...]ell the number of Palme-Trees, O­ [...]iue-Trees, Figge-Trees, and besides pasturage for the raysing of Cattle, which they innumerably breed vp, so as they haue not onely a place, as it were, of choyse to this purpose so commodious, but also an vnder­standing care still to condition it so for the maintaynance entertayne­ment of so great a multitude of peo­p [...]e; and they haue not better appoin­ted this course for the Villages, but also that thereby they might fully furnish and beautifie their Townes▪ Besides there comes abundance of Aromaticke drugges, of Golde, and precious stones to them from Arabia. For this Prouince is exposed, as it were, a Faire or generall Market, to all about them for Trafficke and Commerce.

The Citty is full of Trades-men, hauing no want of any thing may [Page 76] be transported by Sea, for it is suc [...] ­coured & furnished by the neereness [...] of the ports of Ascalon, of Iaffet, o [...] Gaza, and of Acra. Citties foun­ded [...] by their Kings, for this purpos [...] of furnishment; and those Citties w [...] haue named, are to all conuenienc [...] for this Towne, not to be too near [...] off, or too farre from one the other [...] so as it is very easie to haue all thing [...] necessary in a short time, with assu [...] ­rance of the wayes to the goers an [...] Commers.

The Region is watered throughl [...] by the Riuer Iordan, in whom Wa [...] ­ter neuer fayles: This flood arisin [...] from that siude of the Sunne rising, en [...] ­uirons not lesse then sixty thousand [...] paces: In the best and most fertil [...] Regions bordring this flood, hereto [...] ­fore inhabited and Conquered thos [...] Valiant troupes of Iewes, which i [...] their times Conquered the Countrey, and passed this Riuer, being in num­ber more then sixe hundred thou­sand.

This Iorda [...] swells and increaseth [Page 77] [...]n the Summer, and ouer-flowes the [...]Neighbouring fieldes like the Nyle; [...]ouering a great part of the ground, [...]nd then fals into another Riuer by [...] Acra, disgorging themselues toge­ [...]her into the Sea. There are many o­ [...]her Torrents which haue their Ori­ [...]inall and course towards Gaza, and [...] Azota; which haue their serpentine [...]ourses through all the whole Pro­ [...]ince.

The force, strength, and assurance of this Region, consists in places of [...]ard accesse and euill to come to, and [...]re so naturally strong, for all the Country is inuironed with Moun­ [...]aines, Rockes, and Precipices cut [...]straight downe as it were by the [...]plomet, In other parts, it is inclo­ [...]ed wiih Riuers, Concurrents, where­of the Vallies and the Plaines is for­ [...]tified with great Ditches and Tren­ [...]ches. On the otherside, the wayes are so narrow and troublesome by turnings and windings, too and a­gayne, that with great difficulty those that Trauayle by Land, come to the [Page 78] great Citty. They say also they we [...] wont in former times to drawe [...] mettals from the Mountaines of t [...] bordering Arabia: But since the ti [...] that the Persians had domination, th [...] Quest of mettals was left off; t [...] charge being more then the gay [...] and the labour vnprofitable; yet the [...] say this excuse was inuented by t [...] Inhabitams [...] of those places, to t [...] end that those Earthes should not b [...] swallowed vp in the hollownesse [...] the Mines, so that the Earth beei [...] open, passage could not bee giuen [...] Strangers in those straites.

And so much for these things, Br [...] ­ther Philocrates, I haue discouer [...] vnto thee. Now I will declare th [...] which concernes the Law, and h [...] Interpretation and first Transla­tion.

What the Translators of the Holy Law were.

THose which were chosen were very honest and vertuous men, [...]xcellent in all Knowledge, descen­ [...]ed of Noble Parentage: and not one­ [...]y vnderstanding in their owne Iuda­ [...]cke Learning, but also passing well [...]eene and exercised in the Gre [...]ke [...]etters; for they were reserued men [...]nd alwayes ready to be employed as [...]Embassadours vpon occasion: For [...]hich they were, as it were, purpose­ [...]y bred, and so proper, and able to [...]udge of those things and courses as [...]he case required: And were those [...]hat Constructed the Publicke Aduer­ [...]isements, and gaue Answeres with great sufficiency touching all difficul­ [...]ies concerning their owne Law: and [...]ad [...]aruailous promptitude, both [Page 80] for Orationing and giuing Iudgment [...] They were men cleerely voyd of a [...] barbarous Inciuility, but of good an [...] sweete Condition, and complexione [...] as it were to follow their prope [...] manner of Liuing and Estate in a M [...] diocrity and most prayseable Mod [...] ­sty: still striuing aboue all things t [...] excell all others in Wisedome an [...] good Knowledges, and in these e [...] deauours consisted all their Study, [...] steeming no other search more the [...] how to excell one the other in acce [...] ­sible graciousnesse, and sweetnesse [...] hearing and answering: so that eu [...] ­ry one of them were esteemed of [...] their Tribe, as men worthy to ha [...] Preheminence and Principality f [...] the Vertue that was in them.

And it is worthy the noting [...] what Honour they held Eleazer, a [...] in what Respect hee held them: F [...] besides that hee Writt to the Ki [...] concerning his care of their conuen [...] ent returne, hee recommended a [...] that with a louing and great desir [...] and with a great affection these reue­rent [Page 89] Persons to Andrea; desiring by many proposes and requests, how we should with our Credits and Grace with the King, make them all fayre way.

To which we made answer, that as these things were matters of our especiall charge, so wee would bee answerably carefull to discharge our selues, with all due care, so that we desired he would not too much trou­ble himselfe therewith; for that they should therein bee absolutely free. I assure you (sayd he) I am therein somewhat, and not a little trou­bled, and not without iust cause. For I know the King, a Prince so di­ligent, a Louer of vertuous and wor­thy Persons, and how industriously he seekes them; that there is no place free from his desires, when he heares where such are, that excell, or are noted for Knowledge or Prudence: And I haue beene aduertised, that he vseth to say that which is most true, that in such manner of men dwels & consists the force and defence of his [Page 90] Kingdome: and in especiall when hee hath neere about his person, good store of iust and prudent men, which haue prouident Councell to giue him, least all may fall. Which I perceiue [...] well by those he hath pleased to sen [...] hether.

And we professe in modest earnest [...] that wee send not these persons vnto [...] him, to ayde him in such his affaire [...] of his Republicke; but for a general [...] profit and an Vniuersall good of a [...] his people, in which regard nothin [...] ought to be refused, or what we w [...] not indure. For although the form [...] of well liuing, consists in the ob­seruation and accomplishment of the precepts and Commandments: Ne­uerthelesse it is better learn'd an [...] taught by the Knowledge and experi­ence of the things themselues, the [...] in the simplicity of the Words. B [...] this speech and such like, wee cam [...] [...]o know what great affection Eleaz [...] did beare to these Persons.

Of the Answeres made by ELIAZER, vpon cer­tayne poynts of the Law of MOSES.

IT behoueth also we touch briefly the Answeres Eleazer made vs, being asked by vs: For knowing the Iewes make great curiosity & [...]teeme of the obseruances and diffo­ [...]nce that they put vpon their meates [...]d drinke, according with their [...]aw; and of certayne Beasts they e­ [...]eeme vncleane and infected: Wee [...]iestioned saying, since all things are [...] one and the same Creation, and [...]ceiues one selfe-same substance; [...]herefore it is that some are reiected [...] infectious, as well to eate as to [...]ndle; so that it seemes the Law [...]treateth more prolixiuely then pro­ [...]rly.

Eleazer then answered, you kno [...] not (sayd he) what vertue and pr [...] ­priety, custome hath in regard [...] well-liuing, and what mutations a [...] changes she brings in humane thing [...] See we not that those who conu [...] with the Euill, let themselues run [...] to a course of corruption in manne [...] whereby they become Wretched [...] their liues after: In the contrary, th [...] that custome and acost themsel [...] with men Wise and Prudent, [...] though they are yet ignorant, char [...] from good to better, and beco [...] happy and fortunate. The which o [...] Law-maker considering, resolui [...] his ends to Piety and Iustice, h [...] not onely taught vs all wee ought do by Words; but shewed vs all [...] Examples, and forbidding vs to [...] Euill, putting before our Eyes [...] causes wherefore GOD hath crea [...] euery thing.

First, he hath taught that G [...] is One and All, by the Power whom are Couerned, and consist [...] all things; and that He is present [...] [Page 93] [...]ll places; and without Whom, No­ [...]hing can remayne in its being, be it [...]euer so little; and that Nothing can [...]e hidden from Him, whatsoeuer [...]en do vpon Earth neuer so secretly, [...]uen what men do and thinke with [...]hemselues, or what they plod and [...]ontract with another, all is to Him [...]otorious and Naked before his Eies. For He sees the things to come, as [...]f they were present: Moreouer, He with his gracious Goodnesse teacheth [...]hat when any one intends to Worke [...]uill, that he may assure himself it cannot be hidden, and pretends by [...]ll the Law, no other thing then to [...]hew the power and strength of our good GOD.

Being then heedfull of the begin­ning of these things, he sheweth that other people who haue opinion that [...]here are many Gods, are themselues more powerfull then the Gods they by folly adore. For they affirme foo­ [...]ishly that the Images and likenesses they frame of stone, or of Wood, are the representances and formes of [Page 94] those who haue brought someth [...] profitable by their inuentions, to [...] common vse of their liuing; and th [...] they Worship, prostrating themsel [...] vpon their knees before them. [...] they are out of their rightsences, a [...] indeede out of themselues! and if o [...] demaund of them what is their [...] ­uentions: they alleadge somethi [...] produc'd from Nature, as a thi [...] produc'd, Created, and Compos [...] by the fore-sayd Inuentors, althou [...] such neuer thereto put their hands, [...] which they sufficiently prooue th [...] blind Wils and Beastiality. For it well knowne, that if there be qu [...] ­stion of any good inuention, th [...] there may be found at this day pe [...] ­sons more Learned, more subtile, a [...] more prompt to inuent any goo [...] thing, then those haue done, w [...] haue bin in these times long since pa [...] yet they are not therefore ador [...] as Gods, although the Sage Greek [...] esteemed such Inuentors worthy [...] Ho [...]our. What should I say of th [...] A [...]gyptia as and of their Neighbou [...] [Page 95] which are herein more madd then the others who haue brought in di­uine worship to bruite beasts [...] others vnto Reptiles: which out, as it were, of common reason and all vn­derstanding, making Sacrifices to the liuing and dead, immolating to them Victimes? whereby the Wise and Prudent Law-maker being insti­tuted of God, in the knowledge of all things hath compar'd and fortified vs as it were with a Trench and Pali­sado, and with inexpugnable Endow­ments, hath enuironed vs with a Wall of Iron, to the end that beeing innocent in the Soule, and pure in the Body, wee should not mingle our selues in what fashion soeuer with o­ther Nations, and that reiecting all follies and vaine opinions, we should adore one onely GOD, which hath power ouer and vpon all Creatures.

For this the Priests of the Aegyp­tians, Princes of the People (al­though they fayle in many things) name vs men of GOD, and agree with vs in many things▪ becau [...]e o­ther [Page 96] People hath not this Religion t [...] Adore one onely God, according to the Truth as wee doe: For thos [...] giue themselues ouer to Gurman [...] disings and Drunkennesse, building vp shadowes, amusing themselue [...] with no other things but pleasure [...] and belly-cheere. Of which there i [...] no one of vs hath so much as though [...] but all the course of our liues is im­ployed to the onely knowledge o [...] Vertue and Diuine [...]ower, to the end wee fall not into Sinne, and be [...] not polluted by the conuersation o [...] such people in any manner what e­uer.

Hee hath also defended and arme [...] vs on all sides with Purity and Ho­nesty, not onely in our Drinke and Meate, but also in what wee handle [...] touch, see, and heare; for hee hath reduced and brought all things be­fore our naturall reason, euen so a [...] all things haue their being from on [...] Power: so as with a most profound [...] vnderstanding, hee hath ordayned the things which wee ought to vse, and [Page 97] also those we ought to abstaine from. I will alleage you one or two for ex­ample: to the end that if you take heed to the words and plaine speech, you cannot thinke that Moses hath not taken such paines to ordaine his Lawes, because of Rats, Weasels, and such things.

For it is necessary you vnderstand, that hee hath very well and wisely or­dayned all things to the Honesty of liuing, hauing regard to Purity and Cleanlinesse, and to the correction and amendment of manners. And as for Birds, and flying Fowles, hee hath permitted vs to eate ordinarily of such as are tame and are different from the others in purity and cleane­nesse, and that liue vpon Graine and Seeds: as are Pigeons, Turtel [...], Pea­cocks, Partridge, Geese, and such like. And those hee hath forbidden vs to eate, they are wilde, rauenous; liuing vpon fl [...]sh and Carion, of proud natures, enclin'd to ra [...]ine, and prey, and such as by force set vpon others, and seeke not their liuing but [Page 98] to the damage, hurt, and iniury of the other Poultrey which are gentle and tame; but those fierce ones not onely assayle those of their kinde, but also seaze vpon Lambes, Kidds, and euen [...] vpon men yet liuing, or halfe dead.

Our Law maker therefore nothing this by way of Similitude, and by a [...] certaine way of Translation taken [...] from the Nature of such Fowles, hath [...] pronounc't them vncleane and infecti­ous; willing to reduce and bring all things to the consideration of Purity and Cleanelinesse of the Soule; to the end that euery one being admoni­shed by ordinary and houshold ex­amples, may vnderstand how it be­houeth to vse Equity and Iustice, and that it is not granted to man be he n [...] ­uer so strong, powerfull, proud, bold, and audacious soeuer, to rauish by force that of anothers, nor doe iniury to any person, but that is conuenient; hee orders the course of his life to the imitation of the Fowle which I haue spoken of, who liue by Graine, lea­ding a gentle and peaceable life: And [Page 99] that it is not lawfull to vexe and trou­ble any person of our kinde, nor rampe away his goods by force, as doth those Beasts hee hath prohibi­ted to eate; and not to vse force in whatsoeuer cause which is shewed by the Nature of Beasts that are not wholy depriued of Sence: You vn­derstand then the cause for which he hath forbidden vs the vse of the sayd things, that is to say, by reason of the Inclination and Nature of euery Beast.

You may therefore now well con­ceiue how our Law-giuer Moses hath be [...]ne carefull in all things to correct our Manners, and establish them by the things to which wee are accustomed, and there to regard the Nature of bruite beasts: for where hee hath licensed vs eating the flesh of foure-footed beasts, who haue two and the hoofes clouen: is the signe and signification that wee ought to part our operations into right and bounty by this compartiment and sig [...]e [...]ee [...]nioyneth vs to bee inuen­tiue [Page 100] to Iustice. For the which cause wee are seperated from other Nations: to the end wee bee not polluted with Sin by their frequentation and com­pany. For many people of the Gen­tiles are sullied with Impiety by mix­ture of one with another, and not onely suffer the Prouinces and Cities to bee spotted, infected, and disho­noured with the fin [...] against Nature, but are fouly staind with the vncleane blood of Child-bearing Woemen, hauing no feeling or shame to cōmit Incest with their owne Daughters, from which things wee are wholy seperated.

Moreouer, where hee hath noted to vs the signe of this Diuision, hee hath also aduertised vs to bee heed­full by the same Character, being in the selfe-same subie [...]t; for in all places where it is printed by their tract, it giues vs mention of this Diuision and still admonishment to the afo [...]e-sayd. He hath adioyned that they should be such as chew the C [...]d: By which he manifestly admonisheth vs to haue [Page 101] this rumination in memory & course Reasons for the Iewes choice and diuersity in Meate [...]. of our Actions: for what signifieth this chewing of the Cud, but that we ought still to haue in our mindes a continuall recordation of our liues and acts, and so by a frequent medi­tation the duty to which wee are bound, and that wee ought to doe. For euen as the life of the Body is intertayned in still Cogitating; so is our Spirit nourished in reducing to memory her functions. And for this cause, he sayth in the Scripture, Haue GOD still in thy Memory and Thought, which hath made in thee such great and admirable things. If this thou truely considerest, thou shalt finde it great and admirable in­deed.

For first, thou shalt behold the Architecture of the Body, the di­stribution, and transfusion of the E­lements, the Conexion and tying of all the Members; a thing truely wor­thy of admiration: But it wilbe more admirable, if thou takest regard to the composition of the sense, which [Page 102] is giuen to euery member: If thou weighest the actions of the Vnder­standing; if thou considerest the In­uisible moouings, and how in euery of them there shines a vigour, and acuity of Spirit, from whence is proceeded the inuention of Artes, e­uen almost innumerable.

Wherefore not without cause, Moses commaundeth vs to haue in continuall consideration, that all things haue beene established and re­lated exemplary by the DIVINE Power and Prouidence; for so hath he finished and contermined euery thing, according with its time and place: Recalling alwayes into the memory the consideration of GOD the Lord Ruler and Creator of the whole Vniuerse.

And if wee will begin with that which concernes Eating and Drin­king; hath hee not well and prudent­ly commaunded that we should giue prayses and thankes to GOD when we sit at Table? In which hee hath not permitted vs to deuise or Dis­course [Page 103] of any thing in the world that should make vs forget or deface in our memories the power and proui­dence of GOD.

Wherefore hee hath ordayned we draw vpon the Doores and Ports of our houses such Inscriptions as shall mooue vs to actions of thankes, still to renewe our memories: GOD and his goodnesse in our thoughts, shewing by a most euident signe, that all our Study ought alwayes to bring to the memory Equity and Sinceri­ty, and that the thought ought al­wayes to represent GOD before our eyes.

Also hee hath ordayned, that not onely when wee sit to the Table, but Order of meates. when wee rise, that wee prayse the Workes and Deeds of GOD not onely with words, but also with a so­ber and reuerent countenance: red [...] ­cing into the memory the perpetuall mouing of the Heauens, and that this alternatiue and successiue Nature is not onely Diuine, but also incompre­hensible to Man; Thus to you is ex­pounded [Page 104] the reason of the diuision, the remembrance thereof by Remi­niscence, concerning the cleft of the hoofe, and in Beasts their chewing of the Cudde which you haue propoun­ded: assuring you that there is no­thing ordayned which is superfluous or improper for the vnderstanding of [...] the Spirit, but by this figuratiue man­ner and vse, hee hath accommodated all things according to Verity.

Also the sayd Law-giuer by a like figure hath admonished vs from fal­ling into Iniustice and sinne, by the hearing or too much relying vpon our Eloquence, Prattle and leasting [...] which wee may learne in the conside­ration of vilde Beasts: for the Wea­sels are of a filthy complexion: as al­so Rats, and such like Creatures, which he hath forbidden vs to handle or touch. For Rats they make all things foule, infectious, and hurtfull [...] and are not onely pernicious to eate, but wholy vnprofitable to man in all things. And Weasels are a kinde of vermine which are yet more foule, [Page 105] more infectious, and the most filthy and vncleane of all those we can speak of. For they conceiue by the eares and bring forth their little ones by the throat, which is a thing abho­minable in Men, when they heare a­ny thing, receiuing by the hearing any accursed folly, to vtter & augment the same by their tongue and report, and to exagerate the same by words odi­ous and bitter. Whereof there comes many times cause of great inconueni­ence, and that which of it selfe is foule and filthy, they fill and multi­ply with more great wickednesse, and deprauation; by all the meanes they may.

Wherefore your King as we haue heard say, instly makes the race of such men to be punished with Death. I thinke (sayd I then) that by such Calumni­ators, [...]alse reporters, or Spies. Some Co­pies call them Em­phanists. you meane the Emphanists? [...] for the King punisheth those without cease or mercy, by Proces, by Torments and sufferings, euen to infamous death. They are the same (said Ele­azer) for their idlenesse and negli­gence [Page 106] brings nothing to Men but per­dition and most dangerous ruine and destruction.

And likewise our Law commands to doe no wrong or damage to any person eyther by deed or word. See then how I aduertize you in briefe, and shew you that all our actions by the Law, are addressed to Iustice and Equity: and that our holy Scrip­tures aduoucheth not any thing that is euill beseeming, nor to bee done impertinently and with choller: But wee are commanded that in all our liues wee beare our selues towards all persons, both in all our operati­ons, and negotiations iustly and gra­ciously, neuer putting out of our me­mories GOD the great Domina­tor.

Now to whom could it seeme o­therwise, but that Eleazer had well and pertinently spoken of those beast­ly Vermine, Reptiles, and such filth, and of other Creatures also; shewing thereby very properly, that all the Letter of the Law tended to no other [Page 107] end then to iustice, and to forme and well addresse the manners and wils of Men.

Further, he declared concerning the oblations of Calues; [...] of Sheepe, and of Goares, making thereof a faire discourse: shewing that it was their custome to chuse such Beasts from the Folds, and from Heards of hous­hold and tame breed, to make with them their Offerings to GOD: ne­uer offering Sacrifice with wild or harmfull beasts: because those which made such oblations, and them offe­red, should not conceiue any height of heart, or bee puffed vp with pride of minde; but instructed by the gen­tle and sufferable nature of the Victimes, and that they should make their profit from such examples, to become humble and gentle, and to alwayes haue in their sacrificing their spirits stretched to GOD the Crea­tor of all things.

Hithe [...]to Philocrates, I haue fra­med vnto you by Writing these me­morable things, considering the de­sire you haue to learne and to know: the which I haue done, to the end that by this little you may vnderstand the Maiesty of the Law, the Cau­ses and naturall considerations that in it are contayned, and now I will come againe from what wee are di­gressed.

Returne of the Ambas­sadors into Alexandria, with the Doctors of the [...]ewes; and how the King adored the Holy LAVV seauen times with teares in his eyes.

ELEAZER then after the Sacri­fices were accomplished, as was vsuall: H [...]uing chosen the Person [...] as is before specified, to send vnto the King; hee se [...]t him also many fayre▪ Presents, which indeede were very Magnificent. When therefore wee had taken le [...]ue, and parted from him very amiable, with his salutation▪ of Peace, and were returned into Alex­andria, our arriuall was incontinent­ly shewed to the King. And soone after Andrea and my Sel [...]e entred into [Page 110] the King [...] Hall; wee making most humble Reuerence, and presented to his Mai [...]sty the Letters of Eleazer. Then the King as very ioyous that the successe of this Voyage had succee­ded so well to him, hauing obtained the personages [...]e so much wisht for, made the troupe of those were there about their petitions and suites, to a­uoyde; and commaunded that the Doctors Iewes should bee inconti­nently cald, sooner then they expe­cted so to be: For the custome of the Countrey is, that when any Ambas­sadours arriue for any businesse they are sent about; it is not permitted that they be presented to the King, if they are not Ambassadours from Kings, or or of Signiories and excellent Com­mon-weales, without great difficul­ty to haue Audience, vntill thirty dayes after their Arriuall, and some­time longer; according as the King shall haue respect to the d [...]gnity and gr [...]atnesse of those which sent them.

But the King [...]a [...]ng made auoydance [Page 111] of those he esteemed not necessary to this Entertayment; remayned in the Hall, there walking vntill the Do­ctors were prese [...]ted vnto him to do him their Reuerence.

Who being introduced did their duties in deliuering the Presents sent to the King from ELEAZER. [...] Like­wise they Presented him with diuers skins of Parchment, exceeding fine, smooth, and delicate, bound to one so the other, by a binding that was fare [...] and excellent.

In these Skins was the DIVINE LAVV of MOSES in Letters of The deli­uery of the H [...]ly LAVV or Sacred Bookes of MOSES, in Hebrevv characters to King PTOLOMY. Gold, and in the HEBREVV Lan­guage; a thing truely admirable to looke vpon.

As they presented them to the King sitting in his Estate: The King pre­sently turned towards them, regar­ding them All, the one after the o­ther; and then demaunded of them the Bookes of the LAVV: Then they displayed the Roules involued in these skins of Parchment or Vel­lame afore-sayd. Which the King [Page 112] seriously beholding, remayned as one [...]auish'd a pritty space. Then af­ter adored the HOLY LAVV by seauen times, saying these Words: We giue you thankes, my Maisters, and much more him that hath sent them hither, and the High GOD a­boue all, of whom these are the Sa­cred Words.

Then the sayde Doctors, and all those who were assistant with the King, shewed great tokens of ioy, with plaudities; and there fell teares of Ioy from the Kings eyes; as wee see many times, that excessiue con­tentments will draw teares from the Eyes, especially in excellencies that are of spirituall condition and incli­nation.

Then the King commanded▪ that the Skins and Bookes of the LAVV should be returned into their place [...] Which done▪ hee saluted them say­ing▪ Reason will, graue Sirs, that first I do you Honour and Reuerence, because I haue made you to come hi­ther, of which I giue you my hand, [Page 113] to the ende, I assure you, that this very day shalbe to me the Day, that all the dayes of my life I will hold great and memorable, and shalbee Celebrated euery yeare with feast­ing; because you not only come to see me; but in like sort it hapned, I ob­tayned a Sea-fight agaynst Antigonus. Wherefore wee will, that this very day you reioyce your selues in Fea­sting with vs.

Incontinently hee commanded the Princes should be inuited: Amongst whom he did me the Honor to make me sit. Moreouer, he caused to be put foorth in full shew, all the rich mooueables, wherewith the Pallace Roya [...]l was, in great Feasts vsed to be decked: [...] In like sort, hee com­maunded, [...] they should make ready Lodgings very neare to the Castle, in the most sumptuous [...] manner they could: And in like sort the King or­dayned, that the Feasts should bee readied in most Opulent and Magni­ficent manner, could be possible. And then the King commaunded Ni [...]anor [Page 114] his Chiefe Physitian to bid Dorothea Controuler of the House, (as from the Will and Commaund of his Ma­iesty,) that he should, and that with all dilligence, deliuer all things ne­cessary for euery one of the Doctors, as well for their vse, as for the adorn­ment of their Lodgings, and that without fayling, as from the ordi­nance and commaund of the King, which incontinently was accompli­shed with great celerity by many hands: As wee see is conformable in great Citties, when they prepare to make great Feasts and publicke Ban­queting, when there is chosen Cōmis­saries which are ordayned to furnish euery one of that is in his charge and office: The establishments of the King who assisted in care, euen him­selfe, and his people in Truth, were Nature of good Of­ficers and Subiects. not troublesome people, grumlers at their paynes taking, or vnwilling to their Commaunders; for they furni­shed with all freenesse and Ioyfulnesse and with Honour, all they saw re­quisite and necessary, executing the [Page 115] commaunds of the King with plea­sant and ioyfull countenances; so was the King fully serued, and freely O­bayed in this, and diuers other Res­pects.

For Dorothea was very liberall and Magnificent; and very carefull in his charge and Office, which was chiefly to haue in regard the Fur­nish for these graue and Reuerent persons, not vsing things formerly adopted to such vses, but choyse and fresh stuffes, sparing nothing was in his power.

He assigned to euery one of them his Couch of Ease, besides his Bed, with fayre Ornaments, as the King had Commaunded. Moreouer, the King would that the halfe of them should be so placed and seated at the Table, that they might bee face to face agaynst him, and the others here and there from his Seate Royall; For­getting nothing might any wayes do them honour, or might serue and accommodate their very thoughts.

After the seats of the Table were [Page 116] well and magnificently placed and prepared for euery one; the Kings commaund to Dorotheae was, that all those that came from Iudeae, should haue Victuals distributed, and such as they desired, according to the fa­shion of their Countrey, and ordi­nance of their Law; Neuerthelesse, that they should be furnished therein abundantly; as also for their Oblati­ons, Vowes, and Sacrifices, accor­ding to the custome of their Na­tion.

After all these Ceremonies, the King prayed one of them, named E­leazer, the most aged of all those came with vs, to make the Prayers. Who as he was very Venerable, be­ing then risen from his Seate, began in this manner.

GOD Almighty fill thee, O King, with all goodnesse, and giue grace to thy Wife, and to thy Children, and that thy plenty may bee Perman [...]n [...], without alteration or change, all the course of thy Life and theirs.

Hardly had he ended this Prayer; but there rose a bruite and exclama­tion of ioy, with a pleasant murmur and plaudite, that lasted a pritty while.

Thus all things being disposed and prepared to jouisance, all the Com­pany betooke themselues to make great cheare, and those who attended vppon the Table, were very ready and dilligent to their Offices, as the Controler had ordayned them: A­mongst those who serued at the Ta­ble, were the Children of the King, Custom of agypt vvas so. and all the most greatest Peeres and Lords.

Answers of the Doctor Iewes to the Questions, pro­pounded by King PTOLO­MEVS PHILADEL­PHVS.

WHen the time came, and occasion presented it selfe for Discourse, the King by certaine pauses, began to aske them by order, and as they were plac'd at the Table; according to the age of euery one: to him there­fore that was set most highest, hee made to him this Question.

The meanes holden by the 72. Doctors, in their Interpreting, or Tran­slating the LAW.

THree dayes after these Feasts and Disputes, Demetrius conducted all these Doctors towards the Sea in­to an Ile; and entring vpon a Banke, passed a Bridge which drew towards the North, where was the place de­signed for this Assembly, and where they should make their Conference for their Interpretation of the LAVV.

It was a House of pleasant Scitua­tion, and in a Triumphant manner vpon the Bankes of the Sea, very stately and minionly deoked and trim­med: where aboue all commodities, there was great silence for the tran­quillity of the Spirit, and repose of the vnderstanding. Moreouer there was all things neoessary for the Life, carefully prouided and prepared with great conuenience and ease.

In this place Demetrius entreated them they would dispose themselues to the Interpretation of the Law, in which they began to trauell, dispu­ting, and conferring together of eue­ry thing: vntill they came all to one generall accord and consent, to re­solue in a true sence aduisedly. The which done, they set downe in Wri­ting, that which was so by them composed and reduced into good or­der, the most learnedly, and the most eloquently that they could by the ad­uice and counsell of all, they put it a­part, that the same after might bee put into the hands of Demetrius.

Their Colloquiums and Conferen­ces lasted from the Morning vntill nine of the Clocke, and so rising from these Disputes, they went to take Recreation and Ayre for their health, after all things were sumptu­ously administred vnto them. For D [...]rothea, who had the same in charge was therein so carefull, that there was nothing made ready for the Kings Person, but euery day they [Page 173] had as much of the same to euery single person, and hee would once the day come to visit them with courtship in his owne proper Per­son, and they sometimes to salute with reuerence the King, and so re­turne to priuacy.

Euery Morning it was custome to make their prayers to GOD, after they had washt their hands in the Sea, as the Iewes accustomably vse Lauations, so after to their readings and interpretations.

I was so bold to aske them why they so washed their hands before they made their prayers? to which dem [...]nd they made this Answere: that this washing of the hands did ad­monish them to doe nothing wicked­ly, but to accomplish all things of their actions to Piety, and Sanctity: because that all the workes they doe with their hands might bee effected according to iustice, and truth, and cleanenesse, as we haue before-sayd.

To conclude, these Personage [...] be­ing in such Serenity of ayre, Beauty [Page 174] of dwelling, Tranquility of silence, and Pleasantnesse of repose, and Roy­all entertainment, finished the worke vndertaken: and which is a note of maruaile, (they had so expresly taken order amongst themselues) and fol­lowed it with such care and dili­gence, that the Interpretation of Law was fully finished in the space of 72. dayes. Demetriu [...] then seeing the Translation and Interpretation of the Law was so wel and happily brought to an end, made the meanes that the multitude of the Iewes then being in Aegypt, were conuccated to the place where the Worke was then perfited: to whom hee shewed how all things had beene done, beginning with all circumstances of the Enter­prize, and all in the presence of the Interpreters. To the King all the Multitude attributed great praise, and gaue infinite thankes, for being the mediate cause of so important a good, and a benefit of such excellency: L [...]ewise they shared a part of the Honour to Demetrius, int [...]earing [Page 175] him to shew them that fauour as to haue a Copie for their Princes, for to haue their aduice, and to delibe­rate vpon the profit or damage might arise vpon the same.

In this sort was the Law reuiew­ed, visited, and re-knowne in the as­sistance of the Princes of the Iewes, and of the Multitude, and of the Am­bassadors of Townes, vpon the which spoken and proclaimed (the 72. Doctors being present) that all was well and holily Translated, and that all was most very well so: pro­uided that nothing thereof should be changed, and that all things should remaine in the same estate without al­teration of the least thing, or title of the world.

As the Translation was thus ap­proued of all, and the Decree made for the ratification of the same: De­metrius [...] commanded that according to their custome; they should make Imprecations and Maledictions a­gainst those which should vndertake or should presume to adde any thing [Page 176] thereto, or to transferre it other­wayes by changing, efficacing or­dering any thing whatsoeuer it were, vnto that which was so perfectly now written. And when all was perfected and accomplished in this manner, hee adjured the Iewes to hold, keepe [...] and preserue it invi­olably foreuer: the which they pro­mised to doe with great Ioy and Ac­clamation.

So Demetrius finding himselfe greatly satisfied, in himselfe; especi­ally because hee had beene a Con­ductor of the Worke: and that hee had giuen to the King such content­ment in the happy execution and ac­complishment of his charge and of this his felicity, made great congratu­lations to the King. Who hauing af­ter with great diligence visited this Interpretation, and considered the profundity of the Sence of the Law­maker, which hee admired with an astonished regard: hee sayd to De­metrius, how comes it to passe that none of the Poets or Historians hath [Page 177] not put their hands to this Law, be­ing that it is a thing of so high and ☞ perfect Excellency? To which De­metrius answered, that no body ne­uer durst touch it, as well for the re­uerence of the same, as also that GOD hath forbidden it; so as some hauing presumed to attempt it, haue beene chastised with Diuine punish­ment. Whereupon they haue beene constrayned to desiste from their en­terprize: For as testifieth Theopom­pu [...], which by a recitall of himselfe saith, that presuming to transferre in­to his History some secrets of the Holy Law, hee was afflicted more then 30. dayes following with a per­turbation of his vnderstanding: But calling vpon GOD in the interuals and cessations of the most vehement fitts of this his Malady, it was told him in his sleepe, this punishment was sent him from God for hauing presumed to prophane and falcifie things Sacred. So by this Vision he was corrected, repented and re-came to his good sences againe.

And sayd Demetrius, vpon mine owne knowledge, I affirme that The­odorus a Tragicke [...] Poet willing to v­surpe something from this Law ther­with to enrich his Poesie, lost his sight: Neuerthelesse aduising with himselfe, and concluding that this his audaciousnesse was the cause of his blindnesse, prayed to God for many dayes, whereby hee came againe to health.

The King saying that this was wisely spoken, adored the Law: ma­king Commandement that the Books of the same should bee preserued the most curiously and carefullest that might be possible: and deuising with the Interpreters benignely and graci­ously, prayed them that when they were in Iudea they would often come and see him.

Finally, hee gaue order that they should be honourably returned back [...] and conducted into their [...] Countrey, promising them, that how oft soeuer, and when they pleased to returne, he would entertaine them as his princi­pall [Page 179] friends: so honouring them with faire presents according to their me­rits, and commanding that all things should bee made ready for the dis­patch of their returne, vsing towards them all Royall Magnificence. Hee gaue to euery one of them three rich Habilliments, and two Jalents of Gold, and an excellent Cup of the waight of a Talent. Moreouer, fur­niture for the whole furnish of a Chamber, ouer and aboue hee sent to Eleazer ten Table-beds or Couches of ease, which had the feete of Siluer, and ornified with all that was neces­sary to the full trim of them.

Further, hee sent him a present of 30. Talents of Cilicia, that is to say, ten Roabes, whereof the one was of Purple; and a faire Crowne of a 100. Tunicks of Crespe, of Viols, of Ba­sins, and two Cups of Gold for the Sacrifices. After hee made intreaty to Eleazer, that when any of the sayd Doctors should desire rather to re­turne to him, then to remaine in Hie­rusalem, that hee would not hinder [Page 180] him by any meanes, for he protested he made great esteeme of wise mens company; and that hee would spare for nothing to draw them to him. In which he should well imploy his ri­ches with Soueraigne content profita­bly, and not in vayne things, as doe some prodigall Princes.

Behold here, my Philocrates, the Present which I promised you; in which I hope, you will take more pleasure, then in reading vayne Fa­bulous Narrations, beeing that you vse to Whet and sharpen your vnder­standing in the exercitation of high deedes and gests: In which you haue imployed much time, which hath giuen me occasion now to Write you more worthy and excellent, and the best that I could chuse, because that betwixt vs, I would kindle a kinde contention, and emulation of aymia­ble Vertue; for the desire to haue and intelligence of things more worthy to be obserued, and which are the most excellent.

Proofes Concerning this HISTORY.

FOlloweth diuers Opinions of diuers Authors▪ Auncient and Moderne, concerning this Bu­sinesse and Translation of the LAVV of MOSES. And first an Ex­tract from the fourth Chapter of the fifth Part of the seuerall Collections of Pietro Messie, in which there fell (sayth he) an admirable and mira­culous hap, viz. How the 72. Inter­preters being put seuerally into seue­rall Cels, by the Commission of the King, without possible meanes to conferre the one with the other, and that after they had made so seperated, euery one his Traduction, and being brought altogether before the King [Page 182] withal their Traductions; the which neuerthelesse were found so conform [...] that there was not one sillable more i [...] the one, then in the other: Which could not be without the especial [...] Grace and Operation of the Holy Ghost: As sayth Saint Augustine [...] Ireneus, and Tertullian, who sayth he had seene in his Time, and in A­lexandria, the very Bookes Writte [...] by the hands of the 72. Translators who were in Hebrew and in Greeke As much also, sayth Iustin the Phy­losopher, in the Booke of his Ad­uertisements, that hee made to the Pagans and Gentiles: Where he saith That King PTOLOMEVS, mad [...] to be built without the Citty of Alex­andria, 72. Halls, to lodge seueral­ly the 72. Traductors, and there pro­uided very Honourably for them all of all that to them was necessary: I [...] the which place, the sayd Translators [...] remayned, without seeing the on [...] the other, vntill that such their Tran­slations were perfectly finished. And he affirmeth also, to haue seene ther [...] [Page 183] the Ruines and olde-Walls of these buidings [...], which were kept as Re­lickes and things Sacred.

And although Saint Hierome and Ruffinus agree not in the number of the sayd Chambers, the matter is not great. Seeing that according to Saint Augustine, and many other Authors, euery Translator made his Translati­on a part, without conference with the other, yet all the Traductions found conforme.

And truely, how euer, when it is duely considered, it appeares a great Mistery, and may be held for a great Miracle this conformity of stile and of Order, to Translate a thing so [...]ong and so diuerse, although all the Translators had beene together, and that they had begun this Worke at this time.

For we see that it is enough to ac­cord two men in one onely poynt, when they are to mixe some thing together.

After the Translation was finish­ed, the Iewes that remayned in Egypt, [Page 184] and which had beene Versed in their LAVV, recommended to the King, this Holy Writing; wherewith the King was right well content. And for certayne, according to Iosephus, and Eusebius; King PTOLOMIE was astonished at the Holy Scriptures, and rauishingly taken with their Mi­steries: That hee demaunded of De­metrius Phalerius (who had the charge of his Library) saying how comes it that Lyourgus, Solon, and other Law-giuers, are so silent of the Law of the Iewes?

To whom Demetrius answered saying (Sir) this LAVV as you may sufficiently see, comes from GOD so that no Law-giuer durst be so har­dy to touch it, or take from it any Tract: For euen Theopompus was strucken by the Diuine Hand with perturbation of his Sense, and with a Cardiacke passion, for hauing will to mixe the Holy History of the Hebrews, by his Inriching it with eloquent Words, and Rhetorical [...] colours.

But after returning to GOD, and commending himselfe to his mercy, it was reuealed to him in a Dreame, that his Disaster came vpon him for so attempting to embellish, and (as hee thought) to enrich the Sincerity of the Holy Scriptures with drest Words and trim'd Phrases, and to communicate it so to the Pagan, and Infidels.

It comes also into my thought, how Theodorus a Tragicke Poet sud­denly lost his sight, for hauing taken one onely passage of Holy Writ for argument of his Tragedy: but repen­ting him of the same, and doing pen­nance for this forfeit, hee recouered his sight as before.

HItherto are the words of Pietr [...] Messie, by the which wee may see the diuersity of opinions that is amongst Authors, concerning this Translation of the LAVV of Moses. For my selfe, it seemeth to me that Aristeus which was alwaies present, and that had conduced the affaire, in [Page 190] part meriteth that one doe him the Honour to giue beleefe to his Histo­ry although some Doctors therein vary.

Thus the Auncient Fathers of the Church are diuided in their Opinions concerning the manner of this Tran­slation. And that, three wayes. Some are of opinion that the Seuenty Tran­slators were parted into seuerall Cels. Others, that they were put two and two into a Cell. And others, that they all conuersed and confered toge­ther to make vp this Translation.

Of the first Opinion is Orati [...] ­ne exhor­ta [...]o, i [...] ad Gent [...]s. Iustin Martyr: who reaches, that they were parted all into seuerall Cels, and that euery one of them Translated the Scripture after the same manner, without difference so much as of a word. And this Opinion of Iustin Martyr hath beene taken vp since by Iren [...]i lib. 3. ch. 25 Iraeneus, Catc [...]h. 4 Cyrill, S [...]oma­ [...]m lib. 1 Clemens Alex­andrinus, Apo [...]o­getici cap. 19. Tertullian, and Homil. 7 in Math. Chryso­stome.

Of the second Opinion, is Li [...]ro de M [...]u [...]i [...] [...]t Ponde­libus. Epi­phanius; who writeth, that these [Page 191] Translators were put two and two into a Cell, and that euery Paire or Couple of them made the very same Translation to [...]idem verbis: and that in all, there were iust Sixe and thirty Copies of that Translation.

Of the third Opinion is Praefat. in Pent. St. Hie­rome: who beleeueth that the Tran­slators communed and conferred to­gether, to make the Worke. Who for his Opinion, citeth not onely Iose­phus, who in the twelfth Booke of his Antiquities and second Chapter, speaking of this Story, maketh no mention of any such Diuision and Se­peration into seuerall Cels, but euen this present Worke of Aristeus, who in the one and twentieth Chapter of this Booke, speaketh plainely, that they mette and conferred euery day together, till the Ninth houre.

To reconcile these seuerall Opini­ons, it is to be noted, that of all these Fathers some onely, as Iustin Martyr, Iraenens, Clemens Alexandrinus, and Epiphanius make expresse mention of the Cels: the Rest speake onely of a [Page 192] Miraculous Consent and Agreement of theirs about the same thing, as Tertullian, Chrisostome, and Saint Augustine. For it is not necessary, that what those Fathers spake of the Miraculous Consent of the Transla­tors, should be vnderstood of their separation into seuerall Cels: For it is Miraculous enough for so many men assembled together, in so short time to agree all in their Opinions, without Disputes and Delayes, which are ordinary in a Multitude where there is such diuersity of Iudg­ments. So that the third Opinion is not onely S. Hieromes, but may bee Tertullians, Chrisostomes, and Saint Augustines too; and the most pro­bable, and most receiued, question­lesse, it is of all the three.

For Iustin Martyr, the first broa­cher of those Cels, it was not im­probable for the Iewes to perswade him, those Ruines Apud A­lexandri­am vesti­gia Cellu­larum se vidisse, narrat Iu­stinus in Oratione exhorta­toria ad Gentes. which hee saw, were the Cels wherein the Transla­tors were inclosed: because in Reli­gious mindes, the Deuotion is com­monly [Page 193] stronger then the Iudgement. And for Epiphanius, it is likely hee tooke vp that of the two and two to a Cell from Report and Relation, and not from his owne Reading: for none besides himselfe euer made men­tion of such a businesse.

Nor is it worth obiecting, that At inquiūt Epiphani­us, Ariste­us legit et [...]itat. Bell. lib. [...]. de verb [...] Dei. ch. 6. Sess: At. Epiphanius, that vtters this Opinion, cites this Aristeus our Author: whereby some would conclude, that this Aristeus our Author hath eyther beene corrupted since the time of Epi­phanius, and that the mention of those Cels haue beene expunged: Or, that before Epiphanius his time, the true Booke of Aristeus was neuer extant, but in it, it was, for if they pitch vp­on the first, and say, that Aristeus Cum Ari­steus. E [...] ­non multo post lose­phus nihil tute retule­rint. Hieron. in Prae [...]a [...] in Pent. was intire and whole in Epiphanius his time, but corrupted since, they are refilled out of Iosephus and Euse­bius, that wrote before Epiphanius, that haue many things Verbatim out of Aristeus, but not a sillable of those Cels.

But I leaue the businesse to the [Page 194] Iudgement of the Reader, assuring that St. Hierome esteemed Aristeus worthy of beleefe, for hee hath writ these words in the Preface of the Pentateuck of Moses his Booke, viz.

Et nescio quis primus Author Sept [...]u­aginta Cellulas &c. i. d. I know [...] not who was the first that by his Dreame hath built in Alexandria 72. Cels, the which were seperate, and that they writ iust the same sillables: for being that nether Aristeus the great Esquire of Ptolomy, nor Iosephus, that was long time after, make any mention: but say the Interpreters were assem­bled together in a Hall, and there con­ferred together, and Prophesied not: for it is one thing to bee a Prophet, and another to bee an Interpreter: For in the one the spirit fore-tels things to come, in the other the co­pious abundance of the tongue and the Knowledge, translates that hee vnderstands: hitherto Saint Hierome.

But be this difference as it it will to please Miracle-louers; it greatly mat­ters [Page 195] not: for ceraine it is, that all Graue Testimonies and Authors which haue toueht herea [...], say there was such a Ptolomeus Philadelphus, such a Library: For as Philo the Iewe sayth, Iesus the Sonne of Sirach, one inserted into the Geneology of Christ, & Prince and Captain of the Children of Israel in the time of P [...]o­lomeus Philadelphus King of Aegypt, came to Alexandria a City of Ae­gypt, where he gathered out of that flourishing Library his Booke of Ec­clesiasticus, as Bees from diuers Flowers gather sweete Honey.

And Strabo sayth, speaking of the Beauty of the City Alexandria, that Ptolomeus Philadelphus was so great a louer of Learning, that he erected a Library containing 400000. Books; the Fame whereof being published through the World, many people of diuers Nations resorted thither to see it.

And how Eleazer High priest of the Iewes at the request of P [...]olomeus sent 72. Interpreters to Transl [...]te the Bi­ble [Page 196] out of Hebrew into Greeke, which was as Iosephus obserueth in An Ab­stract of the whole History out of o­ [...]ephus. the third yeere of his Raigne before Christ 260. in recompence of which courtesie hee sent to bee dedicated in the Temple of Hierusalem a Table of Gold richly adorned with Carbun­cles, Smaragdes, and other precious Stones. Two stately Cups, and Thir­ty Bowles of pure Gold, as it ap­peareth in Iosephus Lib. Antiq. 12. The Academy continued there till af­ter Christs time, as you may reade Acts 6, But the Library was consu­med 47. yeeres before Christ, and the City greatly defaced.

For Iulius Caesar at that time ma­king Warre vppon Pompey the yon­ger, who continued with his Sister Cleopatra in this City, caused the Kings Nauy to bee set on fire, and the Library standing neere to it, the flame tooke hold of it and burnt it downe to the ground with all that was in it, and so was the end of that their Sacred Volume by this Disaster. VVhereof this History (which I [Page 197] haue done into English for your ease) shewes its first passage into that place and consumption: But this Sto­ry of ARISTEVS hath ouer-du­red those flames. Which I thus commend to your Christian View, desiring pardon in that, I haue no [...] done so well as I would, but I haue followed my Au­thor, as neere as I could.

A short Discourse of the Antiquity and Dignity of the Sacred Bookes, and Excel­lency of their inspired Writer, the Prophet MOSES.

AS the true GOD is the Anci­ent of Dayes and Times; so it pleased Him that His perpe­tuall HISTORIE contay­ned in Holy Scriptures, should excell in Antiquity of time, all other Histo­ries and Writings of the World, that can be found; the Writings of the Pagans and Nations, being all vnder these and long after, and that only of MOSES the subiect of this former [Page 199] History, contaynes the account of yeares iustly from the Creation and beginning of the World, euen vnto the comming of the promised Redee­mer. A reckoning (I say) so iust and certayne, that there is no such to be found.

For to come to the Time wherein the Prophet of GOD, MOSES the first Writer of Holy Writ, began to Write manifestly vnder the Lord of Heauen and Earth; wee may gather, and without preiudice, of all that then could be done: as by a passage a­mongst many other places wee read of in the 17. Chapter of the Booke of Exodus, where it is sayd, GOD Commaunded him to Write; and that in the same yeare the people of Israel issued out of Aegypt, which was from the Creation of the World 2513. vpon which wee may aduer­tise our selues, that the yeares are Calculated according to Verity of the sayd Scriptures, by the Faithfull Seruants of GOD, which haue hap­pily trauayled therein.

And therefore wee neede not rest vppon the calculation of Histories, Annalls, and humane Chronicles, or other Writers that haue not intirely followed Holy Scriptures, who are discordant amongst themselues, and many times directly opposite to one anothers times.

Therefore if we dilligently search all Antiquities and Writings of men, of all Nations that haue any appea­rance of certayne time, wherein those Writings were made, and af­ter conferre those times with the things recited and inregistred by the Holy Prophet MOSES, and the time wherein he Writ them: we shall see manifestly the Excellency and Anti­quity that he is herein aboue all men: For the Fables and disguisments of prophane Poets, Greekes and Latins, which all came long time after MO­SES: Amongst them (I say) we shal see no other but manifest Dreames, Lyes; and amongst other things note­able, some corruptions of the Sacred Scriptures long before Written, of [Page 201] which they hauing heard some inck­ling, and receiued it as from hand to hand, or drawne it from his Wri­tings, or heard it recounted by the Father to the Sonne, and they from their Auncestors, which were the Children and Successours of the three Sonnes of Noe, who was the second Father of humane kinde, and resto­rer of the Nations of all the World, all issuing from his Posterity, after the vniuersall Flood.

His three Sonn [...], (as Holy Scrip­ture hath acquainted vs with,) were Sem, Cham, and Iaphet, of whom are descended all the Earth: And this before spoken, is easily and sufficient­ly discouered in the Writings of the sayd Pagans, by the proper names of the sayd Children of Noe, and of their Successors, which of long time before these writings and prophane Histories, had beene named by MOSES.

For the Pagans testifie tha [...] the people had made of these Auncient Father, Idolls, and gods: As of Ia­phet, [Page 202] Iapetus, they drew Iauan, Ianus, and Ion; and because they were names held in the Hebrew Let­ters, or value of them; they accom­modated them to their tongues and letters, and to make them more easie and glib in their accustomed pronoun­ciation, came neere, but with alte­ration.

And if we will goe more high, and weigh the old Times of the first Age, which preceeded the Flood, as wee haue it from that onely History of MOSES in the Holy Bible: we shall easily perceiue that the Pagan Poets and Writers haue receiued, euen the Auncient names, and mingled them amongst their Fables and Dreames, and drawne them from the Holy Scriptures.

And so it shall appeare plainly that their falce god Vulcan is not very hard to vnmaske, that he was a mor­tall man, and one of the Sonnes of the other Lamech, the prime Biga­mist and corrupter of Marriage; who descended of that accursed Race of [Page 203] Caine: And this appeares by the fa­culty of this Vulcan, which was a Smith or forger of Armour: And MOSES declares him so, and by his name too, for hee is by him called Thu-vulcain; and euery one any thing skil'd in the Hebrew, knowes, that if they leaue the first letter, which is seruile, and put to forme the name, according to the manner of the He­brewes, it will appeare meere Vul­cain; for their letter ב. B. hauing not a pricke in him, is pronounced as our v consonant.

And for the name of Vulcains wife by MOSES cald Nehama, which signifieth faire in their language, or as speakes the Latins Venusta: It is a playne course to discouer vayne beau­ty, or their so much celebrated vn­chast and wanton Venus. A good­ly Race and fayre family of that ac­cursed murtherer Caine.

And here may we see some of the proper gods and Idols of the poore Pagans, amongst that Anthil of such other ill stolne names, vnhand­somely [Page 204] fetch'd from the Holy Scrip­tures, with and by the subtilty of the Diuell; to the end that a wicked troope of execrable [...]yants, violent oppressors of men, Theeues, and Adulterous desperates, shaken off and damned by the VVord of GOD. Of whom the first Apostate and lyer Sathan, made his counterfeit gods and Idols, the old Serpent expert and knowing in all malice, that there was no better way for him to muffle and blind humane iudgement, from the knowledge of the true GOD, at first ingrauen in the Soules of men, but by this counterfeite deuice with Po­sterity.

But to passe further in our begunne purpose, touching the fabulous wri­tings of the Pagan Poets, wee shall finde that their Discourse in the best we can of it, is but corruptions of the Truth, in the Holy Scriptures of GOD, or things therein reuealed: turn'd by them into dreames, and prophane Narrations: As we may see in that they writ of the Creation of [Page 205] the world, and gouernment of the same, of the Diuine vertue that Ouid. 1. de Me [...]. Virgil. 6. de Aeneid. Virgill Eg­log. [...] 5. sustaines and interiourly nourisheth all things; of the consumation of Hea­uen and Earth with fire at the last day: and also of the restoration of the World, and of all things in such good order for all so many confusions, pro­ceeding from sinne. All which things they might obtaine, and by some darke meanes draw from the Bookes of Holy Scripture and sacred Prophets Translated out of Hebrew into other Languages, or vnderstand some thing by meanes of the disper­sion Iosephus antiq. of the People of Israel spread through all the Prouinces of the Ro­mane Empire, and through all the Quarters of the World. For the Iewes had for the most part leaue in all places to hold their Synagogues, and to haue publicke Lectures of Act. 18. 20 their Law and Prophets: When thes [...] Poets, flatterers of men, turn'd all that spoken of the Person of Christ, the promised Redeemer, & that then was expected; falsely to apply the [...] [Page 206] by flattery to their Princes, false­gods Virgil. A [...]erd. and Idols.

But let vs leaue all those Iuglers and Lyers that durst bee so prophane­ly bold, to corrupt the pure Verity of Gods Word, and speake wee of the Gentiles Writings, how long they came after Moses, and Writ since he: and that euen they haue giuen Testi­mony to him and his Diuine Wri­tings, which may at least suffice to convince all Contradictors, that Moses was in Nature, and before them all. Wee vnderstanding that his reckoning is a perpetuall follow­ing all the yeeres since the Creation of the World euen vnto his time, as it is easie to gather by his Bookes, and his account of the yeeres, and liues of the first Fathers from Adam vnto the Patriarke Abraham, and after from his Successors, as from Father to Sonne, to wit; Isaacke, Ia­cob, Leui, Caath, Amram, and then Aaron, and Moses himselfe, Chil­dren of the sayd Amram: And that hee had expresse charge to Write for [Page 207] the very last, the yeere since the cre­ation of the World 2513. and of his life the 80. yeere, and hath con­tinued his Holy Stories euen to the yeere of his Death, and of the world 2553.

Now since that time, GOD hath alwayes so prouided for the aduance­ment of his Glory, and the edifica­tion of his Church, that the perpe­tuall History of her, and the certaine account of the yeeres of the World, hath beene continued and still put in Writing by his Prophets.

As it is to bee seene in the Holy Bookes that treate and contayne the Gouernment of Ioshua, and the Iud­ges: then to Samuel and the Kings of the People, vnto the transmigration into Babylon, and of other Gouer­nors which haue succeeded them, af­ter their returne from thence.

And finally, the Prophet Daniel hath declared the rest of the time, that is, The 490. yeeres since the sayd Deliuerance of the Iewes and returne from Babylon, by the meanes of Cy­rus Daniel 9. [Page 208] King of Persia, euen to the Death and Resurrection of Christ the Redee­mer promised to the holy Fathers, which is our Lord Iesus the eternall Sonne of God, true God, and true Man; who appeared liuing after his Luk 24. 1 Cor. 15. Death and Resurrection to more then fiue hundred faithfull Witnesses at one time, besides his other manifesta­tions, and mounted visibly into Hea­uen in the yeere of the World 3961.

Now if wee will search all the Histories of all the Nations of the World, of whom the Writings are ariued to our Age, the most Anci­ent time of which they make menti­on, shalbe of their Antique destructi­on of Troy by the Greekes. The Hi­story whereof hath beene written by Dictis of the Ile of Creet, which is the best Testimony they haue for the pre­sent, and since by Homer and many others.

And from this Destruction Diodo­rus Siculus, renowned amongst the Historians, began his Bookes; now the same according with the com­mon [Page 209] Iudgement and Calculation of knowing men, comes onely to be a­bout 358. yeeres before the building of Rome; the same time then falls [...] to bee in the 16. yeere of the Gouern­ment of Elon Iudge of the People of Iudge [...] 12 Israel, mentioned in the Booke of Iudges. And the same was 316: yeeres before the first Olympiade the recko­ning of the Annalls of the Greekes. So then the sayd Destruction of Troy falls to be onely vnder the yeere of the World 2838. when therefore wee shall giue consent that their Wri­tings, the most certaine, whose Nar­rations wee may best giue credit vn­to [...] Yet the Prophet Moses shalbe found much more Auncient then all the Writers of the World, what Na­tion soeuer; though they are in great number, and of whom wee see yet the Old Bookes in these last times in their proper Tongues.

And that hee hath put his hand to the Pen, and began to Write his Di­uine Reuelations of the Creation and Conduct of the World euen to his [Page 210] time, and his sacred History and Pro­phesies touching the Church of GOD shall at least bee 325 yeeres before all other Writers, of whom there is any mention or newes in the World; that is to say, in the yeere of the World 25 [...]3.

Whereupon wee note euen to this Present, against all those prophane mockers that haue disgorged that en­ormious blasphemy amongst others, that the World is eternall and of it selfe: which if it were so as they dreame, and that it had no such be­ginning as is written by Moses, they might finde then by all, and in all Lan­guages, many Histories of infinite times, and many Chronicles of ma­ny Ages, and of old times that haue praeceded Moses in the account of yeeres.

But wee see that there is no such, and that the Holy Bible is found euen in the middle amongst all sorts of e­nemies that str [...]ue to destroy▪ loose, abollish, burne, and extermine from the World the Bookes of it, and for [Page 211] all thereto they had so long time: yet neuerthelesse they neuer could, nor euer shall. For wee see the sayd Bi­ble yet in his proper Writing and Language, and of all others of what Nation soeuer, the most celebrated and renowned: And if they could finde any History which had beene written before Moses was borne in­to the World, yet shall it contayne their time and composition, with more yeeres and ages, as wee can ga­ther from the Holy Scriptures euen to this present yeere 1633. since the Natiuity of Christ.

The which account of times past from the Creation vnto this present yeere, shall come to amount to 5563▪ yeeres, but such Histories neyther can bee found, nor euer were.

But for Moses and his faithfull Writings, euen prophane Authors and Histories of the Gentiles them­selues haue beene, euen as it were, [...]i­uinely constrayned to [...]ea [...]e testimo­ny, ma [...]ger their Cal [...]mnies, Lye [...], Dreames, and Disguisings, through [Page 212] and by the Invincible force of Truth. And so they haue serued for Certifi­cates to all Nations of the venerable and well knowne Antiquity of him and his Holy Writs.

For some of them haue noted and writ thus, (as a thing notorious of their times) to witt, That is the East Trogus. Iustinus. parts, and of Sy [...]ia it selfe, there had beene an Abraham, an Israel, and e­uen a Ioseph, who say they, was a Sonne of the sayd Israel, sold by his brethren, and led into Aegypt.

Then how hee was receiued into the Court, and held very dearely with the King, to whom hee fore­told the grieuous and great famine, so as without the diuine Counsell by him giuen, (whereupon the admoni­shed King gathered vp and made re­seruation of Corne before the time of the sayd Fami [...]e,) Aegypt had pe­rished.

And finally, how his Successor Moses, and all his People issued out of Aegypt, came to Mount Syna, how they consecrated the Seuenth day for [Page 213] their Sabbaoth, or Resting day [...] But I wil leaue this Discourse though diuersified from a spark of Truth that these Historians haue mixed with their owne deuices, as propha [...]e; and in which they were poorely Ad­uertised and deceiued, by the subtilty of Sathan, as we may well know by conferring their VVriting with the Holy Bible.

And bee it that these Scoffer [...] of GOD and his Holy Word, dare be so bold to say and calumniate, that MOSES and his haue suppressed and abolished all praece [...]ent Histories, making their Writings to be before all others thereby to Authorize them the better; but wee will leaue those their calumnies to the iudgement of any of sound sense and vnderstand­ing: If that could be, or can haue any place or shaddow of beliefe a­mongst men of sound iudgement or reasonable Discourse: for if they wil put into mature consideration, the small meanes and contemptible qua­lity in the world of these poore Isra­elites, [Page 214] but Shepheards and breeders of Cattle; and which is worse, peo­ple exposed to the oppressions and hard seruitude vnder their puissant Enemies, and euill disposed Neigh­bours.

Then who shall make comparison of them with great Kings and people of the Earth, Babilonians, Aegyti­ans, Syrians, Romans, and other Potentates, who with all their Au­thority, their Edicts, Forces, and Armies, yet had neuer power to a­bollish the Holy Bookes, written simply by our poore Shepheards; when they could not conserue their Royall Lybraries, fauoured of all the World! Truely this may well put to the blush these wiselings, that shew themselues fooles in so speaking, and discoursing without Discourse, and will iudge of things without in­quiry.

Now for the Integrity of MOSES for vs Christians, wee are suffici­ently cleared and satisfied by the Au­thority Praise of Moses. of the Holy Spirit of GOD. [Page 215] Who hath giuen excellent Testimony by all the Scriptures, both in the old and New Testament, of his Origi­nall and Linage, beeing descended from the latter Leuy, Nephew of the Holy Patriarch Abraham: Also of his miraculous conseruation and De­liuerance from Death and Waters; from whence he was drawne foorth, and then had that name of MOSES in their language.

Then his royall education and bree­ding, his Loue to his afflicted peo­ple, and his Magnanimity to despise humane greatnesse, in preferring the iust cause and sufferance of CHRIST the Redeemer then look'd for, before all the Regall estate and great Trea­sure of Aegypt.

Moreouer, his sufferance long and bitter, for the defence of right and equity, and for the deliuerance of the poore afflicted: His Diuine cal­ling to the Charge and Gouernement of his People, his Patience, Gentle­nesse, and Perseuerance with such faithfulnesse in the difficult execution [Page 216] of this weighty charge; and the sin­gular gift of Prophecy, and of his Diuine miracles so strange and super­naturall, that they haue beene admi­red and celebrated of all the whole World.

But there is one poynt aboue all [...] very remarkeable, and which is more then sufficient to ouercome humane Reason, and to shewe the Integrity of MOSES; which is, that if hee had would, hee might easily and ac­cording to the manner of men, occu­pied the Monarchy and Domination for his Children, and their posterity, vppon all the people of Israel: And with the same, the two fertile King­domes, reduc'd vnder his hand, and Conquered beyond Iordane. Neuer­thelesse, he left his Sonne: Gersom and Eliezer, and their posterity, priuate men, and of most simple e­state [...] amongst the other Leuites. And the same Children remayning subiect to the Sacrificers successors of A [...]ron and to the Magistrate and Gouernors of Israel.

More, that he hath himselfe writ­ten and Inregistred his owne proper faults; and yet more notable, those of his House; as of his Brother, Si­ster, and Nephews, and the redoubt­able iudgements of GOD's chastise­ments and punishments of them all.

Of which things, all his People were witnesses, in number more then sixe hundred thousand Persons: And if they could haue contraried him for any fals [...]ity, eyther for the pre­sent, or times to come: If hee had beene, I say, such, as they could haue found any bracke in his actions, or in his Writings, or falsenesse in eyther his Person, or any of his, in his Life, and his miracles, in his Writings or end? But in the con­trary, all the Hebrewes and Iewes which haue beene since that time, and are now neere 3000. yeares since; and that are dispersed through all the VVorld, who are in so great a num­ber, that if they were revnited into a body of People, and into a State, [Page 218] their multitude should be innumera­ble, and might astonish the most greatest Nation of the whole Vni­uerse.

All those, I say, haue all receiued from their Auncient Fathers, from their Kings and Princes, and their Sacrificators and Auncestors, from Father to Sonne, and from hand to hand, and with an admirable con­sent, euen in the middle of so many confusions and dissipations, haue kept, and yet keepe alwayes in their Bibles, the Holy VVritings of MO­SES, in their proper Letters, and Hebrew Tongue, as Bookes most True and Veritable, Sacred, and Di­uine: And such so Knowne and Ac­knowledged in all Nations, with the excellent Testimony, Authority, and Holinesse of them: that CHRIST himselfe hath spoken of them: and the Prophets and Apostles also in their Writings and Allegations, I, and the most Auncient Pagans and Strangers, cannot (with sound sense) but acknow­ledge them.

And so, Reader, although I haue beene (as I formerly sayd) something prolixe, yet the Excellency of the Subiect, forc'd and bound me, to be so teadious herein, to shew as an illustrious Addition, the worthines of the Bookes, and Diuine Wri­tings, as their Antiquity, Dignity, as also the Excellency of their Humane VVriter, from the Dictate of the Most Highest: And being the matter whereof wee haue formerly Entrea­ted, I held it not impertinent, though I haue dealt too weakely in so wor­thy a Businesse, but referre the rest and it, to your chari­table Censure.