The Annals of the World

The Citizens of Cyzicum because they had cast some Roman Citizens into prison, and had not perfected the Temple that they had begun to Augustus, as to a god, had their liberty again taken from them that they had merited by being besieged in the war of Mi • hridates. [ Tacit. Annal. 4. cap. 36. Dio. lib. 57. pag. 619.]

Fonteius Capito who had governed Asia as Proconsul, is absolved, it being found that he was falsely accused by Vibius Serenus. [ Tacit. Annal. 4. cap. 36.]

Eleven Cities of Asia strove with great ambition, [Year of the World 4029] in which of them the Temple that was appointed for Tiberius and the Senate should be built: and Tiberius heard their Ambassadors disputing concerning this business in the Senate many days together. The Hypopenians and Trallians, as also the Laodiceans and Magesians, are dissmissed as not having strength enough; nor the Ilians when they related how Troy was the mother of Rome, had any good argument, but the glory of antiquity: there was some doubt, because the Halicarnassians affirmed that their City had not been shaken with an Earthquake for 1200 years, and that the foundation of their Temple was upon a natural rock. The Pergamenians grounding their reasons because they had Augustus his Temple among them, were thought to have enough because they had that. The Ephesians and Milesians were thought that their Cities were already taken up by the ceremonies, those of Apollo, these of Diana, then the dispute came between the Sardians and Smyrnaeaeans, both whose reasons being heard, the Senate preferred the Smyrnaeans, and Volius Marius was of opinion, that M. Lepidus to whom that province befell, should have one chosen over and above to take a care of the temple, and because Lepidus through modesty refused to choose, one Valerius Naso one that had been Praetour, was chosen by lot. [ ibid. cap. 55. 56.]

When Simon had continued one year in the Priest-hood, [The Julian Period. 4739] Valerius Gratus made Joseph his subcessour in that dignity, [Year after Christ 26] Surnamed Caiaphas, the son in law of Annas or Ananus, that was formerly put out of the Priest-hood, [ John. XVIII. 13.] which annual changes of High-Priests being thus made, Josephus intimates, that Gratus after he had been eleven years in Judea returned to Rome, [ Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 3.] by which reason also we are rather induced, to refer these changes to theend of his government than to the beginning.

Pontius Pilate came successor to Valerius Gratus [ Joseph. ibid. ] who how he behaved himself in his government appeareth out of Philo, [ in lib. de legat ad Caium. ] where he writes that he was afraid, least the Embassy that was sent by the Jews, the taking away of the bucklers that were dedicated by him within the holy City, should also de • ect • b • s other crimes as his sale of judgments, rap • nes, slaughters, rackings, often putting to death of men uncondemned, savage cruelty.

The XXX Jubilee and the last falling in the XXX year of our Lord Jesus Christ, [Year of the World 4030] and beginning of his Gospel: or proclaiming now by the voice of one crying in the wilderness; Prepare ye the way of the Lord make his paths straight, [Mark. 1. 12.] and opening the acceptable year of the Lord, or the time of his divine pleas • re, in which the good God vouchsafed to manifest the great one unto the world. [ Isaiah. LXI. 2. Luke. IV. 19.]

For in the 15 year of the principality of Tiberius Caesar, (which was the 13 of his monarchy, begun from the death of Augustus) Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod (Antipas) Tetrarch of Ga •• lee, his brother Philip Tetrarch or Puraea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias Tetrarch of Abylene, under the Priesthoods of Annas and Caiaphas, came the word of the Lord unto John the son of Zacharias in the desert, [ Luke. III. 12.] according to whose command this Nazarite both priest and Prophet of the Lord did baptize in the desert of Judea, (in which that there were Cities is mentioned in [ Joshua. XV. 16.] preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, [ Math. III. 1. Mark. l. 4. Luke. III. 3.] doing his endeavor, that Christ that came after him should be made known to Israel, [ John. l. 7. 8. 13.] which that he might more certainly know, this sign is given to him of God; that upon whom he should see the Holy Ghost descending and remaining, that he should know that it was he that should baptize others with the Holy Ghost. [ ibid. v. 33.]

It is most probable that this his ministry began, on that most convenient day, the tenth day of the seventh month, (about the 19. day of our October, which was both penitential, joined with a solemn fast, in which whosoever did not afflict his soul, was to be cut off from his people, and also expiatory, in which the High Priest went into the holy of holies, to expiate the sins of the people with blood that was offered; and that same day in which by a trumpet sounding the Jubilee was commanded to be declared over all the land. [ Leviticus. XXV. 9.]

So John the Baptist the preacher of repentance and remission of sins to be attained by the blood of Christ that was to come, coming into every region round about Jordan, lifting up his voice like a trumper proclaiming. Repent ye for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand, and then went out unto him Jerusalem and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan, (especially of that huge multitude, which returned from Jerusalem, the feast of Tabernacles being ended, about the beginning of November) and were baptized of him in Jordan confessing their sins. [ Matth. III. 2. 3. 5. 6. Mark. I. 5.]

And John had his garment of Camells hair, and a girdle of skins about his loins, (like Elias II. Kings. I. 8.) and his food was locusts (a clean kind of meat Leviticus. XI. 22. but cheap) and wild honey. [ Matthew. III. 4. Mark. V. 6.]

John sharply reproveth the Pharisees that came to his baptism, [Luke. III. 10. 13.] whilst the people expected, and thought within their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, he answereth. I indeed baptize you with water, but there cometh one who is stronger than I, whose shoe latchet I am not worthy to unloose, he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire, whose fan is in his hand, and he will througly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into his barn, and will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. [ibid. 15. 17. with Matth. III. 11. 12. & Mark. I. 7. 8.]

When all the people were baptized Jesus cometh from Nazareth of Galilee to Jordan, to be baptized of John, [ Luke. III. 22. Matth. III. 13. Mark I. 9.] which office he denying as he that had need to be baptized of him, and the Lord urging, that it behooveth that all righteousness be fulfilled, he baptized him, [ Matth. III. 14. 15.] Jesus then beginning to be about thirty years old. [ Luke. III. 23.]

Then there was made a most i •• ustrious manifestation of the Trinity, for the son of God in the human nature, that he assumed ascending out of the water, and praying, the heavens being opened, the spirit o • God was seen in a bodily shape like a dove, descending upon him, and the voice of the father was heard from heaven saying, This is my beloved so • in whom • am well pleased. [ Matth. III. 16. 17. Mark. I. 10. 11 Luke. III. 21. 22.]

And Jesu • being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was driven by the spirit into the desert; where for forty days and nights, being tempted of the Devil he remained among wild beasts, not eating anything, and when they were ended he was an hungered. [ Luke. IV. 1. 2. Matth. IV. 1. 2. Mark. I. 12. 13.]

Then Satan sets upon the Lord with a 〈◊〉 temptation, all which temptation being ended he departed from him for a time, [ Matth. IV. 3. 11. Luke. IV. 3. 13.] and the Angels came and minist • ed • nto him, [ Matth. 4. 11. Mark. I. 13.] and Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee. [ Luke. 4. 14.]

Herod Agrippa the son of Aristobulus had by Cyprus the daughter of Phasaelus Agrippa the younger, the last King or the Jews, of whom in Acts XXV. & XXVI. is mention made, for he was 17 years old when his father died. [ Josephus. lib. 18. cap. 7 lib. 19. cap. vlt. ]

Berenice his sister of whom likewise mention is made in the Acts, [Year of the World 4031] is born afterwards married to Herod King of Chalcis, [The Julian Period. 4741] being sixteen years old when her father died. [Year after Christ 28] [ Josep. ut supra. ]

The fourth year of John the Baptist • ministry begins, [Year of the World 4033] in which his preparatory ministry (which was the chief part of his function) took end, [The Julian Period. 4742] the Lord himself, [Year after Christ 29] whose way he had hitherto prepared being come, and executing his prophetical office, and sealing it with famous miracles, for John did no miracle, for which magnificent preparation, so celebrated by Isaiah and Malachi so many ages before, none will wonder that so long space of time is assigned by us, who shall consider that a little time for so great a work would be too little, especially without the help of miracles, for the perfecting of so much as the Angel Gabriel confirmed to his father Zacharias should be performed by him. [ Luke. I. 16. 17.] Many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God, and he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, that he may turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, and to prepare a people ready for the Lord, and those words of Paul argue that not a little space of time, but a full course of preaching was to be finished by John, before the coming of the Lord. [ Acts. 13. 24. 25.] When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel, and as John fulfilled his course, he said, whom think ye that I am? I am not he, but behold there cometh one after me whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.

For John the next day after the coming of Christ, when the Jews from Jerusalem sent some Priests and Levites of the sect of the Pharisee • , to him as he was baptizing at Bethabara by Jordan, to ask who he was, he professed clearly, that he was not the Christ: and when he had denied that he was Elias, or that Prophet (fore-spoken of by Moses, [ Deut. XVIII. 15.] the same indeed with Christ, [ Acts III. 22. VII. 37.] but by the Jews thought to be another) and had said that he was The voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord: and then added that testimony of Christ, so praised of Paul; I baptize with water, but there standeth one amongst you, whom ye know not, he it is, who cometh after me, who is preferred before me, whose shoe latchet I am not worthy to unloose. [John. I. 19, 28. with V. 33.]

The next day John seeing Jesus coming unto him, saith, Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the World. This is he of whom I spake, there cometh one after me, that is preferred before me, for he was before me, &c. and I saw him, and testify that this is the Son of God. [John. I. 29, 34.]

The next day John stood and two of his Disciples with him; and he beholding Jesus walking, said, Behold the Lamb of God: which the two disciples hearing, followed Jesus, and tarried with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. Andrew being one of these, brought his brother Simon to Jesus, who seeing him, said, Thou art Simon, Son of Jonah, thou shalt be called Cephas. [ Ibid. 35, 42.]

The next day Jesus, going into Galilee, commanded Philip (which was of Bethsaida, the City of Andrew and Simon Peter) to follow him. He finding Nathanael under a fig-tree, brings him to Jesu, who pronounceth him truly to be an Israelite, in whom there was no guile; and that he was that Ladder of Heaven, (foreshewn Jacob • dream, Gen. XXVIII. 12.) upon which the Angels of God were seen ascending and descending. [ Ibid. 42, 51.]

On the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee, to which Jesus was invited, together with his Mother and his Disciples, where he made water, being turned into wine, the beginning of his miracles: and his glory • being in this wise made manifest, his disciples believed on him. [ John. II. 1. 11.]

After that He goeth down to Capernaum, He, his Mother and Brethren, (or kinsmen) and his Disciples, and tarried there many days. [ John II. 12.]

Now we are come to the public Ministry of Christ, whose Acts we do, here set forth according to four distinct Passovers, out of the Harmony of the four Gospels, contrived by that learned man, and much exercised in the studies of the Holy Scriptures, John Richardson, Dr. of Divinity, and worthy Bishop of Ardah, in our Province of Armagh; in which this is singular, that Matthew is found only to have neglected the order of time, which is constantly observed by the other three, (if you will except the parenthesis of Johns being cast into prison by Herod) [ Luke III. 19, 20.]

Hitherto reacheth the History of the four Evangelists, declaring the acts of Christ, and his forerunner John the Baptist, a short bill of honorable mention is made, in the 18. Antiq 〈◊〉 . by F • . Joseph • the Jewish Historian: concerning the Baptist cap. 7. he saith 〈◊〉 . Herod the Tetrarch kille • John, surnamed the Baptist, a most excellent man, who stirred up the Jews to the study of virtues, especially of piety and justice, and also to the washing of baptism, which he said would be then acceptable to God, if not abstaining from someone or two sins, but having • her minds first purged through righteousness, they also added cleanness of holy, and whereas there was great resort unto him, the common people being greedy of 〈…〉 . Herod feasing least the great authority of the man should raise some rebellion, because they seemed as though they would decline nothing to which he advised them, thought it safer to take him out of the way, before there was any alteration in the state, tha • to repent too late, when the state was once embroiled, wherefore he commanded him to be sent prisoner to Machaeras and then to be put to death. Concerning Christ our Lord in the 45. cap. these words. In the same time there was a wise man Jesus, if we may call him a man. He was a worker of miracles, and a teacher of them that willingly receive the truth, he had many both Jews and Gentiles that were his followers, and was bel • eved to be the Christ. and when Pilate had crucified him, through the envy of our rulers, nevertheless those that first loved him, continued constant in their affections, for he appeared to them alive the third day. The Prophets in their prophesies foretelling both these and many other wonderful things concerning him and the Christians (from him so called) continue unto this very 〈◊〉 . Thus St. Hieronym. in his book of Ecclesiastical writers hath translated this place, which reading of his, He was believed to be the Christ, is preferred before that or Eusebius▪ [lib. Histor. Eccles. cap. 11.] or Rufinus, or as it is in our books 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 : This was the Christ, seeing it is clear, that Josephus came no nearer to our religion, then King Agrippa to whom he was most devoted, whose profession to Paul is exta •• , Acts. XXVI. 28. almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

Also Cornelius Tacitus relates, that Christ was put to death by Pontius Pilate Governor of Judea in the reign of Tiberius. [Annal. lib. 15. cap. 4.] and to testify the darkness that then was, Luci •• the master in Rufinus appeals to the Annals of the heathen themselves. [ Euseb. Histor. Eccles. lib. 9. cap. 6.] search your Annals and you shall find in Pilate's time when Christ suffered that the sun was suddenly withdrawn, and a darkness did ensue. An • before him Tertu • l an in his Apologetic to the Gentiles. [cap. 21.] at the same moment the day was withdrawn even when the sun was at the height, those that never knew that this also was spoken concerning Christ, judged it to be nothing but an eclipse, and yet ye find that chance that befell the world recorded even in your own monuments. Yea, Thalius in the third of his Histories called this an eclipse, and Phlegon Trallianus in his 13. book of Chronicles, the former is quoted by Julius Africanus in the third Chronography, this latter by his temporary Origin. in lib. against Celsus [ pag. 83. and 99. edit. Graec. ] and in his 35. tractat • . Phlegons words at the XIX. year of Tiberius (as Eustathius 〈…〉 notes in Hexamero • ) and the fourth year of the CCII. Olympiad, 〈…〉 year in which we now 〈◊〉 ,) a • e these.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . Thus translated by Hieronym. in Eusebius Chronicle. Magna et excellens inter omnes, quae ante eam acciderant, defectio solis facta: dies hora sexta ita in tenebrosam noctem versus ut stellae in coelo visae; terraeque motus in B • thyniae Ni • eae urbis multas aedes subverterit. There was a great and most famous eclipse, of any that ever happened. The day was so turned into night at the sixth hour, that the stars were seen; and an earthquake also in Bi • hynia overturned many houses in the City of Nice.

From the History of the Gospel, comprehending the sayings and doings of Christ, Luke makes this transition to the Acts of the Apostles. The former treatise I have made O Theoph • lus, of all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day (of our May 14.) in which he was taken up, after that he had given commandments to his Apostles, whom he had chosen by the Holy Ghost, to whom also he shown himself alive after his passion, by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. Acts. I. 1, 2, 3.

And being assembled together with them, the Lord commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but should wait for the promise of the father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me, for John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost, not many days hence. [Acts. I. 4, 5, XI. 16.]

To the Apostles asking the Lord, if he would at this time restore the Kingdom to Israel, he answereth, that it was not for them to know the times that the father hath put in his own power: but that they should receive the Holy Ghost, and should bear witness of him, not only in Jerusalem, and Judea, and Samaria, but unto the uttermost parts of the earth, and when he had spoken these things, while they beheld he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight, who were also instructed by two Angels appearing on the sudden in white raiment, that he should come again (to judgment) in the very same manner as they now beheld him going up into Heaven. [ Acts I. 6, 11.]

And they, when they had worshipped him, returned to Jerusalem with great joy, [ Luc. XXIV. 52.] from the Mount of Olives, which is from thence, a Sabbath days journey, [ Acts I. 12.] for which the Syrian Paraphrast puts seven furlongs; as also Theophylact reckons out of Josephus: in whom nevertheless we read in our books, that the Mount of Olives was distant, either five furlongs, [as in lib. 20. Antiquit. cap. 6] or six [ as in the 5 book Belli. Judeor. cap. 8.] as the Greek, or [ lib. 6. cap. 3.] as the Latins distinguish the books.

The eleven Apostles abode in an upper room in Jerusalem, and continued with one accord in prayer with the women, and Mary his mother, and his brethren. [ Acts I. 13, 14.]

In those days Peter stood up in the midst of the Disciples, (the number of the names together, were about 120) and spake to them concerning one to be chosen into the room of the traitor Judas, who in desperation threw himself down headlong, and burst in the midst: and when they had prayed, they cast lots upon Joseph, called Barsabas, and Matthias, and when the lot fell upon Matthias, he is chosen into the number of Apostles. [ Acts I. 15. 26.]

On the day of Pentecost (which fell on the 24 of May) when all (120) were with one accord in the same place, suddenly there came a sound from Heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they sat; and there appeared unto them cloven tougues as of fire, and it sat upon each of them, and they were all filled with the holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the spirit gave them utterance: and there were dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, devout men, out of every nation under Heaven: who hearing them speaking in their own tongues, the wonderful things of God, were all amazed: but others profanely deriding the miracle, Peter, in a most grave Sermon, ref • tes the calumny of drunknesse, seeing it was but the third hour of the day; and then discoursing of Christ, out of the Law and the Prophets, proves that he is risen, and converts by the power of the spirit he had received to the knowledge of the truth 3000 of his hearers, and commands them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, for remission of sins. [ Acts II. 1, 14,]

And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles doctrine, and fellowship, and breaking of bread, and prayer, and fear came upon every soul, and many signs and wonders were done by the Apostles, and all that believed were together, and had all things common, and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every one had need, and they continuing daily with one accord in the Temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness, and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people, and the Lord added daily to the Church, such as should be saved. [ Ibid. 42, 47.]

Peter and John going up together into the Temple about the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour, at a gate of the Temple, called beautiful, they heal in the Name of Christ, a man that had been lame from his birth, about 40 years old; by reason of which, the people came running unto Solomon's Porch, to whom Peter expounds the mystery of salvation through Christ, and upbraiding their ingratitude, exhorts them to repentance; and many that heard him believed, and the number of men were about 5000. But the Priests and Rulers of the Temple, and Sadducees, came upon them, and took Peter and John, and put them in prison until the next day, because it was then evening. The next day the Council being gathered together (in which were Annas the High Priest, the President of the Council, and Caiaphas and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the High Priests kindred) the Apostles are called in question about the miracles they had done, who boldly defended the cause of Christ, and being forbidden to speak hereafter in the name of Christ, they answer, That it is more right to obey God than men; and being threatened and let go, they returned to their own home, where, together with the whole Church, they poured out servant prayer to God, for the propagation of the Gospel, which he shows, he grants by causing an Earthquake, and sending his holy spirit into their hearts. [ Acts III. & IV.]

And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart, and one soul, and they had all things common? neither was any among them that lacked, for as many as had possessions of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices, and laid them down at the Apostles feet, to be distributed for the use of the poor: in which business Josephus Joses, a Levite, by nation a Cypriot surnamed by the Apostles Barnabas, that is the son of consolation, shown the first example. [ Acts IV. 32, 37.]

Ananias and Sapphira his wife, fraudulently keeping by joint consent, part of the piece, for which they had sold the land, are struck dead, by the word and rebuke only of Peter, who discoursed the cheat, and avenged by the power of the holy Ghost, to whom they had lied; and great fear fell on all the Church, and on as many as heard of these things. [ Acts V. 1, 11.]

By the hands of the Apostles were many miracles done among the people, and they were all together with one accord in Solomon's Porch, and of the rest durst no man join themselves unto them: but the people magnified them, and the believers were more added to the Lord: and they brought the sick into the streets, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by, might overshadow them. There came also a multitude out of the Cities about Jerusalem, bringing the sick, and such as were vexed with unclean spirits and they were all healed. [ Ibid. ]

The High Priest and the Sadducees that were with him moved with envy, cast the Apostles into prison: from whence the night following being freed by an Angel, are commanded to teach the people boldly and without fear, from whence being brought to the Council, by the advice of Gamaliel a Pharisee, a Doctor of the Law in much esteem among the people, being delivered from death, after they had been scourged, are let go; and they went from the Council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus. And they taught daily in the Temple. [ Ibid. 17. 42.]

The number of Believers increasing at Jerusalem, [Year of the World 4037] and wealth also flowing in apace, and consequently employments of the Church, there arose (as it commonly happens amongst a multitude) a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution of the Church monies: and whereas the Apostles could not be at leisure to distribute the alms of the richer sort unto the poor, or for to govern that bulk of money which rose out of the sale of the rich men's possessions; by the Apostles advice, and by the common suffrages of the Church, there were seven chosen to • e Stewards of the Churches goods, and should intend that service; Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nichoias, a Proselyte of Antioch, (it is evident because they have all Greek names, that in this election, there was chiefest account had of the Grecians) and the word of the Lord increased, and the number of the Disciples was multipled at Jerusalem, and many of the Priests were obedient to the Faith. [ Acts VI. 1, 7.]

Stephen did many wonders and miracles among the people, and stoutly defended the Cause of Christ against the Jews of the Synagogue of the Libertines (made free by their Masters) and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Silicia, and of Asia, disputing with him: who when in disputation they could not resist the wisdom and spirit by which he spake, they turn to false accusing him, and caught him and brought him before the Council, and set up false witnesses, who should avow that they heard him speak blasphemous words against the Temple and the Law, [ ibid. 8, 15.]

Stephen in a long Oration before the high Priest (Annas) and Council, shows, That the true worship of God was observed by Abraham and his posterity, before the Temple was built by Solomon, yea before Moses was born, and that Moses gives testimony of Christ, and that the outward ceremonies that were given to their fathers were to endure but for a time. Then he sharply reprehends the Jews, because they always resisted the Holy Ghost, and had wickedly put Christ to death, whom the Prophets had foretold should come into the World. Whereupon being mad with fury, they cast that holy man out of the City, and stone him, he in the mean time praying for them, [ Acts VII.]

The witnesses (according to the Law, Deut. XVII. 7.) about to throw the first stones, laid their garments at a young man's feet called Saul, who kept them, and was consenting to the death of the Martyr [ Acts, VII. 58. Acts, VIII. 1. XXII. 20.] This man an Hebrew of the Hebrews, of the Tribe of Benjamin, born at Tarsus in Silicia, (which City Strabo affirms was then famous for the study of Philosophy, and the liberal Sciences, lib. 14. pag. 673.) by Sect a Pharisee, and the son of a Pharisee, and studied Divinity at that time in Jerusalem, in the Synagogue of the Cilicians, and did frequent the School of Gamaliel, the famous Doctor among the Pharisees, a most strict observer of the Law of Moses, and of the traditions delivered to the Fathers, [ Acts XXI. 39. XXII. 3. XXIII. 6, 34. XXVI. 4, 5. 2 Cor. XI. 22. Gal. I. 14. Phil. III. 5, 6.]

Devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him, [ Acts VIII. 2.]

Aelius Lamia died at Rome, sometimes titular governor of Syria, for he never came thither. As for Flaccus Pomponius the true Governor of Syria, he died in the Province, [ Tacit. Annal. 6. cap. 27. with Suetonius, in Tiberio, cap. 42.]

Herod Agrippa had his daughter Mariamme by Cyprus, [The Julian Period 4747] ten years before his death, [Year after Christ 34] [ Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 7. and lib. 19. cap. ult. ]

There arose a great persecution after the death of Stephen against the whole Church which was at Jerusalem, [ Acts VIII. 1. XI. 19.] in which Saul exceedingly raging, made havoc of the Church; for having received authority from the chief Priests, he not only when the Saints were put to death, gave his voice against them, but also he himself, entering into every house, and taking from thence both men and women, bound them, and put them in prison, and often beat them in every Synagogue: and so compelled some by denying Christ to blaspheme, others that were constant in the Faith, he persecuted to death, [ Acts VIII. 1. IX. 13, 21. XXII. 4, 5, 19. XXVI. 9, 10, 11. Gal. • . 13, 23. Phil. III. 6. 1 Tim. I. 13.]

This persecution dispersed the Church into divers Countries, but with great advantage to the Church: for the Apostles being left alone at Jerusalem, of the rest of which there were some thousands, [ Acts II. 41. & IV. 4.] some that were dispersed into the Regions of Judea and Samaria, who preached the Gospel wheresoever they came, [ Acts VIII. 1, 4.] Others went to Damascus, [ Acts IX. 29, 25.] amongst whom was Ananias a devout man according to the Law, and one who had a good report among all the Jews that dwelt there, [ Acts XXII. 12.] Others, it is very likely, went even to Rome itself, and amongst them Junias and Andronicus, who were of note among the Apostles, the kinsmen of this persecutor Paul, and had embraced the faith before him, [ Rom. XVI. 7.] Others travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word of God to the Jews only, [ Acts XI. 19.] viz. to those that were dispersed among the Gentiles. [ James, I. 1. 1 Pet. l. 1.]

Amongst them that went to Samaria was Philip, the second in order after Stephen the Protomartyr among the seven that were chosen, [ Acts VIII. 5. with XXI. 8.] He coming into the City of Samaria did preach Christ there: the people with one accord giving heed to those things that he spake, seeing the miracles that he did; for uncle • n spirits crying with a loud voice, came out of many: and many that were taken with Palsies, and that were lame, were healed: and there was great joy in that City, and many believing were baptized both men and women. Simon also who a long time had so bewitched the people of Samaria with his soceries, that giving heed to him, from the least to the greatest, they said he was the great power of God: seeing the great signs and wonders that were done by Philip, believed and was baptized. [ Acts VIII. 5, 13.]

When the Apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of the Lord, they sent unto them Peter and John, upon whose praying for them, and laying their hands on them, they received the Holy Ghost: which Simon Magus seeing, offered them money, that he also might receive the gift of conferring the Holy Ghost; whose mad impiety Peter sharply rebuking, warns him to repent of this his wickedness, and to ask pardon of God: who desireth the Apostles that they would pray for him to the Lord. Having completed their ministry in those parts, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the Gospel in the villages of Samaria, as they went, [ Acts VIII. 14, 25.]

After many Ages were past, a Bird called Phoenix came into Egypt, and ministered matter to the most learned of the Country, and also Greek of discoursing many things concerning that miracle. [ Tacit. Annal. 6. cap. 28.] But Dion reports that this Bird appeared in Egypt two years after. [ lib. 54. pag. 638.]

Philip the Tetrarch always reputed a modest man, and a lover of ease and quietness, died in the twentieth year of Tiberius, when he had governed Trachonitis, Gaulanitis, and Batanaea, thirty seven years, died at Julias, he was brought to a Monument that he before had built for himself, wherein he was magnificently and sumptuously intersed: and because he died without children, Tiberius annexed that Principality to the Province of Syria: Yet so, that the tributes which were collected in this Tetrarchy, should be kept within the limits of that Country. [ Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 6.]

At Rome in this twentieth year of Tiberius his reign, the Consuls, Lucius Vitellius, and Fabius Priscus set forth ten years Games, that they might as it were prolong the government to him, as it was used to be done to Augustus. [ Dion lib. 58. pag 636.]

In this year, (as Dion will have) or three years before, (as Tacitus hints about the end of the fifth book of his Annals, relating this Story) a certain young fellow gave our, that he was Drusius Germanicus his son. He was seen first in the Islands Cyclades, and soon after in the Continent of Grecia and Ionia. He was attended by some of Caesar's free-men: the ignorant were allured by the same of his name, and by the minds of the Grecians ready to new and wonderful things; for they seigned and also believed that if he could get from them that kept him, he would go to his fathers armies, and would invade Egypt or Syria. Poppaeus Sabinus when he heard these things, who being insentive upon Macedonia, took care also for Achaia, entered Nicopolis, a Roman Colony; there he knew that the young man, being more cunningly examined, had said, that he was Marcus Silanus his son, and that many of his followers being ship • away, he took shipping, as though he would go to Italy, neither, saith Tacitus, have been found anymore concerning the end of this business: but Dion adds, that this impostor being willingly received of the Cities, and strengthened with aide, had without doubt come into Syria, and possessed himself of the armies, unless some that knew had stayed him, and sent him to Tiberius. [ Tacit. Annal. 5. cap. 10. D • o. lib. 58. pag. 637.]

Philip the Evangelist, being warned of an Angel, goes to Gaza, which is desert, of which are to be seen those things that are spoken, at the end of the year of the World, 3672.) and meets an Eunuch, who had the charge of the treasure of Candace, Queen of the Ethiopians, (in Meroe) and returning in his Chariot from Jerusalem, (where he had been to worship) read the Prophet Isaiah, to whom Philip, by the command of the spirit, came; and having instructed him in the faith of Christ, bapbaptized him, and straightway being caught away out of his sight by the spirit of the Lord, was found at Azorus, and passing through the Country, he preached the Gospel in all the Cities, until he came to Cesarea. [ Acts VIII. 26, 40.]

Saul yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the Disciples of the Lord, obtains of the High Priest (Annas, (as it is Acts IV. 6.) and the Council of which he was then President) letters to the Synagogues of Damascus, that if he found any that were Christians, he should bring them bound to Jerusalem, that they might be punished. And as he came nigh to Damascus at midday, a light from Heaven, above the brightness of the Sun, shined round about him, and them that journeyed with him: and when they were all fallen to the earth, he heard a voice speaking to him in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks: and when he had said, Who art thou Lord? it was answered him, I am Jesus of Nazareth whom thou persecutest, but rise and stand upon thy feet, I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a Minister, and a witness, both of those things that thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee, delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, that thou mayest open their eyes, and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive remission of sins, and inheritance among them that are Sanctified by faith that is in me. And when as Saul trembling and full of fear, asked further, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? the Lord said unto him, Arise, go to Damascus, and there it shall be told thee of all things that thou must do: but the men that journeyed with Saul, were so amazed, that they were speechless, seeing indeed a light, and hearing a sound of words, but neither seeing Christ which spake, nor understanding anything that he spake. [ Acts IX. 1, 7. XXII. 5, 14. XXVI. 12, 18.]

Saul arose from the earth, and being blinded with the glory of the light, being led by the hand, he comes to Damascus [ Acts IX, 8. XXII. 11.] and he was three days without sight, and neither did eat or drink. Now there was a certain Disciple named Ananias, to whom the Lord speak by a vision, Arise, and go into the street that is called straight, and inquire in the house of Judas, for Saul of Tarsus, for behold he prayeth: (and Saul then saw in a vision, Ananias entering, and laying his hand on him, that he might receive his sight) but Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done unto thy Saints at Jerusalem, yea, in this place he hath authority from the chief Priests, to bind all that call on thy name; and the Lord said unto him, Go thy way, for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to carry my Name before the Gentiles, and Kings, and the children of Israel, for I will show unto him, how great things he must suffer for my Name. And Ananias went and entered into the house, and laying his hands on him, said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, which appeared unto thee, in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mayest receive thy sight, and be filled with the holy Ghost, and straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight forthwith. [ Acts IX. 9, 18.]

And Ananias said, The God of our Fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that just one, and shouldest hear the voice from his mouth, for thou shalt be a witness before all men, of those things that thou hast heard and seen: and now why tarriest thou? arise and be baptized and washed from thy sins, calling on the Name of the Lord. [Acts XXII. 14, 15, 16.] And Saul arose, and was baptized, and when he had received meat, he was strengthened. [Acts IX. 18, 19.]

But what was revealed from the Lord to Saul at Damascus that he should do, Luke shows not in the Acts, but out of those things, which in the Epistle to the Galatians he saith happened unto him immediately after his conversion, it appears, that amongst other things it was commanded him, that he should not confer with flesh and blond, nor return to Jerusalem, to them that were Apostles before him, but that he should go for sometime into Arabia, or places near Damascus, where he should receive the knowledge of the Gospel, Not being taught of men, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. [Gal. l. 12, 16, 17.]

Saul then returns to Damascus, [ Gal. 1. 17.] and tarries with the Disciples there a few days, and straightway in the Synagogues he preacheth, that Christ is the son of God. And they were all amazed who heard these things, and said, Is not this he that destroyed at Jerusalem, those that called on this name, and came hither for that intent that he might bring them bound to the chief Priests, and Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews that dwelt at Damascus, teaching that Jesus is the Christ, [ Acts. IX. 19. 22.] for to the Jews that dwelt at Damascus, was the Gospel first preached by him. [ Acts. XXVI. 20.]

Tiberius being certified by Pilate out of Palestine, concerning the affairs of Christ, he proposeth to the Senate, that he might be reckoned among the gods, which the Senate opposing, he remaining in his opinion threatens that it should be dangerous for any to accuse a Christian, as Tertullian relates in Apologetic. [ cap. 5. & 21.] and others that follow him; as Eusebius [ in Chronic. & Histor. Eccles. lib. 2. cap. 2.] and our Gildas in an epistle of the destruction of Britain, which being granted, we may lawfully say, that the first persecution after the murder of Stephen that arose in Judea, ceased partly by the conversion of Saul who greatly promoted it, and partly through fear of Tiberius.

L. Vitellius who the year before was Consul at Rome, was sent by Tiberius Proconsul into Syria, and comes to Jerusalem, in the very feast of the Passover: where he was honourably entertained by them of Jerusalem, and for a requital remits to the Citizens the whole tribute of the fruits set to sale, and allowed that the High-Priests garment with all that belonged to it should be kept in the temple by the Priests, which was formerly kept by the Roman Governor of the Castle Antonia? and thus gratifying the nation, and having substituted Jonathus the son of Ananus (or Annas) the High Priest, in the place of Joseph Caiaphas the High Priest, he takes his journey to Antioch. [ Joseph. lib 15. cap. ult. & lib. 18. cap. 6.]

A •• abanes King of Parthia, Artaxias King of Armenia being dead, set Arsaces the eldest of his children over the Armenians: and because he came off from Tiberius sco • -free for that, he attempts Cappadocia, and sent to demand the treasure left by Vo • ones in Syria and Silicia, and also the ancient bounds of the Persians and Macedonians, and also vaingloriously bragged and threatened that he would invade all that was possessed by Cyrus, or Alexander, but Sinnaces, a man both nobly born and rich, and next unto him Abdus an Eunuch, drawing the principal of the Parthians to them, because they could make none of the blood of the Arsacides King (most of them being killed by Artabanus, or under years) send private messengers to Tiberius to demand Phraates the son of Phraates the third who was kept hostage at Rome for their King. [ Tacit. Annal. 6. cap. 31. Dion. lib. 58. pag. 37.]

Tiberius sends Phraates sufficiently furnished into his fathers Kingdom, keeping his old drift, by sleights and policies to raise wars abroad, to keep himself quiet at home: in the mean while these conspiracies being known, Artabanus invites Abdus under color of amity to a banquet, and gives him a lingering poison, and Sinnaces by feigned friendship and gifts he entertains in other employments, and Phraates being come into Syria, leaving off the Roman manner of living, to which he had been accustomed, and resuming the Parthian usage, being unable to brook his Country manners, falls sick and dies. [ Tacit. ibid. cap. 32.]

Phraates being dead, Tiberius sends Tiridates of the same stock, and an enemy to Artabanus; and that he might the sooner get the Kingdom, writes to Mithridates Iberus that he should invade Armenia: that by this means Artabanus might go out of his own Kingdom, whilst he helped his son, and to this end reconciled Mithridates to his brother Pharasmanes, who succeeded his father Mithridates in the Kingdom of Iberia, and egged on Pharasmanes himself, and the King of the Alanes by great gifts, to make war suddenly on Artabanus, but he made L. Vitellius general over all these preparations in the East. [ Tacit. ibid. with Josephus lib. 18. cap. 6. with Dion. lib. 58 pag. 637. 638.]

Mithridates induces his brother Pharasmenes to set toward his endeavors by policy and force, Arsaces the son of Artabanus is killed by his servants, hired to this villainy by great sums of gold: also the Iberians breaking into Armenia, ruin the City Artaxata. When Artabanus knew these things, he furnisheth his son Orodes to revenge it, giving him the strength of the Parthians, and dispatcheth others to levy hired soldiers for his aid; on the other side, Pharasmenes joins to himself the Albanius, and calls the Sarmatians to his help, whose Princes, called Sceptruchi, having received gifts on both sides, as the manner of that Nation is, gave aid to both sides: but the Iberians being masters of the places, thrust in the Sarmatians into Armenia by the Caspian passages, and those that came from the Parthians are easily driven back, there being but one way left for them, between the farthest Albanian mountains, and the shore of the Caspian sea, and that too the Summer then hindered, the Eastern wind filling up the Fords. [ Tacit. Annal. 6. cap. 33. Joseph. ut supra. ]

Pharasmenes having re-enforced his strength, forceth Orodes to fight being destitute of his Allies: in which meeting with Orodes, he wounded him through his Helmet, but could not double his blow, being carried away with his horse, and the stoutest of his Guard defending him being wounded. Nevertheless a rumour falsely believed that he was slain, appalled the Parthians, and caused them to yield the Victory, [ Tacit. ibid. cap. 34. & 35.] and so the Parthians having lost Armenia again, [ Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 6.] it is given to Mithridates Iberus. [ Dion. lib. 58. pag. 638.]

Yet immediately after Artabanus goes with the whole strength of his kingdom to revenge this: [Year of the World 4039] But the Iberians had the better of it, through their skillfulness of the places; neither would he have desisted, had not Vitellius gathering together his Legions, and casting out a rumour, as if he would inroad Mesopotamia, struck him into a fear of the Roman forces. Then did Artabanus's fortune decline, having lost Armenia, and Vitellius enticing his subjects that they should forsake him, as one that was a Tyrant in peace, and unfortunate in war. Hereupon Sinnaces hath secret conference with Abdageses and others, and drew them to revolt, being prepared by their continual overthrows; those also coming in to him, that were subject rather through fear, than good will, took courage when they had Captains to follow. Vitellius having with money corrupted some both friends and kinsmen of Artabanus endeavored to kill him: he having understood the conspiracy, and not finding a remedy, because the danger was like to come to him from his Nobility, and having suspected even those that remained under his protection, he basteneth his flight into the higher Provinces and places near to Scythia, expecting aid from the Carmanians and Hyrcanians, with whom he was joined in affinity. [ Tacit. lib. 6. cap. 36. Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 6.]

Agrippa the son of Aristobulus, [The Julian Period. 4749] when he was in great want at Ptolemais, [Year after Christ 36] took money up at interest of Protus a freed man in former time of his dead mother Berenice, using therein the help of Marsyas his own freed-man. He extorted from Marsyas a bill of his hand for 20000 Attick Drackmes, deducting out of that sum 2500 for Marsyas himself, which he might the easier do, because Agrippa could not otherwise choose. Having gotten this money, he goes to Anthedon, and getting shipping, prepares himself for his journey into Italy. When Herennius Capito the Treasurer of Jamnia heard that he was there, he sent soldiers thither to exact of him 300 thousand drachmes of silver, which Agrippa owed Caesar's treasury, when he lived at Rome: by which means he was enforced to stay. Whereupon he made a show to obey their commands; but as soon as it was night, he cut his cables, and sailed to Alexandria, and there offers to borrow of Alexander Alabarcha 200 thousand drachmes of silver. He professes that he will lend him nothing, but to his wife Cyprus, admiring in her, her love to her husband, and her other virtues. When she therefore had become his security, Alexander Alabarcha pays him down five talents presently at Alexandria, but promised to deliver him the rest at Puteoli; because he feared Agrippa's prodigality. [ Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 7, & 8.]

Phi • o the Jew makes mention of the coming of Agrippa to the City of Alexandria, in his book against Flaccus (at that time Governor of Egypt) which Philo Josephus says was the brother of Alexander Alabarcha. [ lib. 18. cap. 10.] And Jerome relates in his Catalogue of Ecclesiastical Writers, that he was of the same family of the Priests. Whereupon Baronius (at the year of Christ 34. numb. 265.) thinks him to be no other, than that Alexander, [ Acts IV. 6.] who is said to be of the kindred of the Priests: but this was that Alexander Lysimachus, who bore the office of Alabarcha at Alexandria, (of whom Juvenal in his first Satire) in former time the Steward of Antonia, the mother of the Emperor Claudius, and father of Tiberius Alexander, Governor of Judea, and the richest of all the Jews of Alexandria. [ Joseph. lib. 19. cap. 4. & lib. 20. cap. 3.] He melted gold and silver for the gates of the Temple at Jerusalem, (and not his father, as Baronius writes in the forecited place.) [ Joseph. lib. 6. Belli. Judaic. cap. 6.]

Cyprus having furnished her husband for his journey into Italy, returns with her children into Judea by land: and Agrippa when he was come to Puteoli, writ to Tiberius Caesar then living at Capreae, signifying unto him, that he came to do his duty unto him, and begging leave of him to come into the Isl • nd. Tiberius without delay writes back again, a kind answer, that he should be glad to see him safe returned to Capreae, and also received him with great cheerfulness when he was come; for he both embraced him and lodged him. [ Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 8.]

The next day, Caesar having received letters from Herennius concerning the 300 thousand drachmes of silver, commandded them of his chamber, that Agrippa should not be admitted till he had paid the debt. He nothing dismayed at Caesar's displeasure; begs of Antonia, the mother of Germanicus and Claudius, (afterwards Emperor) that she would lend him 300 thousand Drachmes, for fear he should loose the friendship of Caesar: who remembering the familiarity that had been between her and Bernice, Agrippa's Mother, and that he had been brought up with her son Claudius, lends him the money; wherewith having paid the debt, none gain-saying it, he reinjoyes the Princes favor, and is so thoroughly reconciled to Caesar, that he commended to Agrippas charge his Nephew (Tiberuis the Twin) the son of Drusus, and commanded him that he should dutifully attend him whithersoever he went: and being bound and tied to Antonia for this benefit, he began to reverence Gaius (Caligula) her Nephew, who was gracious in all men's eyes, and honored for the memory of his father. There was there by chance at the same time, one Allus, a Samaritan, of whom he borrows 1000000. Drachmes, and pays Antonia her debt, and keeps the rest, the more honourably to attend on Gaius. [ Joseph. ibid. ]

Tigranes, the son of Alexander (that was put to death by his father Herod) and of Glaphyra, (the daughter of Archelaus, King of the Cappadocians) who had turned from the Jews to the G • ntiles religion, and had been sometimes King of Armenia, being accused at Rome, and there punished, died without children. [ Tacit. Annal. 6. cap. 40. Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 7.]

The Clites a Nation (in Silicia Thrachea) subject to Archelaus the Cappadocian, because they were compelled after the Roman fashion, to bring in the value of their yearly revenues, and to pay tribute, fled to the Hill Taurus, and there by the strong site of the place, defended themselves against the weak forces of their King, until M. Trebelliu • was sent from Vitellius, president of Syria, with 4000 Legionary Soldiers, and some choice Auxiliaries, compassed about with works, two hills, which the Barbarians had possessed, the name of the lesser was Cadra, the greater Tavara) and slew those that durst come out of their holds, and compelled the rest to yield for want of water. [ Tacit. Annal. 6. cap. 41.]

Artabanus being fled, and the minds of the people inclining to a new King, Vitellius persuades Tiridates to lay hold on what was offered him, and leads his Legions and Auxiliaries to the bank of Euphrates. As they were sacrificing, and some were preparing Suovetaurilia, (a Boar, a Ram, and a Bull) after the manner of the Romans; others making ready an Horse, for the pacifying the river; the inhabitants about Euphrates bring word that the river was exceedingly risen of its own accord, without any great showers; and thar the white froth made circles in form of a Diadem, which was an omen of a prosperous passage: but others did interpret it more subtly, that the beginnings of their endeavor should be prosperous, but not lasting, because there was more credit to be given to those things that were portended by the earth, and Heaven, that the nature of Rivers were inconstant, and that if they did show any good presages, they would as soon take them away. But Vitellius having made a bridge of boats, and passed over his army, Orospades comes to his Camp with many thousands of Horse, he once a banished man, brought no small aide to Tiberius, when he made war in Dalmatia, and for that made Citizen of Rome. After this, entering anew into the Kings favor, he made him Governor of Mesopotamia, and not long after Sinnaces increaseth his forces, and Abdageses, the stay of that party, joineth both his treasure and royal preparations. Vitellius thinking it enough to have shown the Roman forces, admonisheth Tiridates, that he should remember his G • andfather Phraates, Caesar bringer up, the nobles, that they would be obedient to their King, and reverence the Romons; and that everyone should keep his credit and fidelity; and then with his Legions goes back into Syria. [ Tacit. Annal. cap. 37.]

Tiridates receives from the Parthians, willingly yielding them Nicophorium, and Anthemusias, and other Cities of Macedonia, using the Grecian language, as also Halus and Artemita, Cities of Parthia, greatly rejoicing, as who hated the cruelty of Artabanus, brought up among the Scythians, and hoped that Tiridates would be gentle, as b • ed among the Roman • . The Selcucians use much flattery, their City is strong and walled about, not corrupted with barbarity, but keeping the laws of their founder Seleucus. When Tiridates was come among them, they highly honor him, and reproach Artabanus, as one indeed that was of the race of the Arsacidae, by the mothers side, but in all other things he had degenerated. Tiridates commits the government of the Common-wealth to the people, whereas Artabanus had delivered it to the rule of 300 of the nobility. [ Tacit. Annal. lib. 6. cap. 41, 42.]

Tiridates then consulting what day he should be crowned, receives letters from Phraates, and Hieron, who held the strongest governments, desiring him that he would a little time defer it, which to satisfy those great men, he yielded unto: and in the mean while goes to Cresiphon, the seat of the Kingdom: but when they delayed from day today, Surena, with the approbation of many there present, crowns Tiradates, after the custom of the Country; and if he had entered farther into the Country, and other Nations, those loiterers had been put out of all doubt, and all yielded obedience to one; but staying too long in besieging a Castle where Artabanus had conveyed his Treasure and Concubines, he gives them leisure to break the agreement: for Phraates and Hieron, and some others that did not celebrate the day appointed for his Coronation; some for fear, and some for envy to Abdageses, who then possessed the new King and was the only favourite at Court, turned to Artabanus. [ Ibid. cap. 42, 43.]

Artabanus is found in Hyrcania very meanly attired, and getting his living with his bow. At first he was afraid, as if there had been some treachery; but when they had given their faith that they came to restore him to his kingdom again, he stayed no longer, than to assemble the Scythian forces, (Josephus relates that he got together a great army of the Dahae and Sacae) and goes with them presently: neither did he put off his mean attire, the more to move the common people to pity him. There was neither subtlety, nor prayers, nor anything omitted, whereby he might either draw the doubtful to him, or confirm the willing. [ Ibid. cap. 43, 44.]

He came then with a strong power near Seleucia: whenas Tiridates stricken into a fear with the fame and person of Artabanus, began to be distracted in his counsels, whether he should presently encounter him, or delay the war: but Abdageses his opinion was, that he should retire into Mesopotamia; that having the River between them, and raising in the mean time the Armenians and Elymeans and the rest behind them, and increasing their forces with Allies and such as the Roman Captain would send, he should then try his fortune. That advice prevailed, because of Abdageses authority, and Tiridates his cowardliness in dangers. This retreat differed little from a flight, and the Arabians first led the way, the rest went either home or to Artabanus's Camp; until Tiridates returning back into Syria with a small company, acquitted them all of the infamy of treason, [ Ibid. cap. 44.]

Artabanus, having easily overcome his enemies, is restored to his kingdom, [ Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 6. Dion. lib. 58. pag. 537.] who writing letters to Tiberius, ubraides him with parricides, murders, sloaths, and luxury, and adviseth him, that he would quickly satisfy the most just hatred of the Citizens, by a voluntary death, [ Suetonius in Tiberio, cap. 66.] and having without danger set upon Armenia, he purposed also to invade Syria. [ Dion. lib. 59. pag. 661.]

Agrippa being entertained with intimate familiarity by Gaius Caligula, on a certain day as he rod in the same Coach with him, he prayed that Tiberius might shortly surrender the Empire to him, as to a worthier person. These words Eutichus overheard that was one of Agrippas Freed-men, and his Coach-man, but then held his peace: he being afterwards accused, as though he had stolen a garment from his Patron, as indeed he did steal it, and being brought back again after he had fled, and led to Piso the Prefect of the City, and asked the cause of his flight; he answers, That he had some certain secrets which he desired to reveal to Caesar, belonging to his safety. Whereupon he was sent in bonds to Capreae, and there long kept prisoner, before it pleased Caesar to give him any hearing. [ Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 8.]

A certain impostor persuades the Samaritans, that they should meet at the mount Garizim, which that nation thinks to be the most holy, affirming that he would then show them the holy vessels buried, where Moses had laid them, they believing him, and taking arms encamp about a village called Tyrabatha, expecting there till the rest came, that they might ascend the mountain with the greater company. But Pilate prepossessing himself with his horse and foot of the top of the hill, and fighting with those that were encamped at the village, some he overthrew, and some he put to flight, and took many captives alive, of whom he beheaded the ringleaders and those of most power among them. [ Id. ibid. cap. 5.]

The chief men of Samaria address themselves to Vitellius Governor of Syria, [Year of the World 4040] and accuse Pilate of this murder, denying that this assembly at Tirabatha, was any revolt from the Romans, but a refuge from the tyranny of Pilate; whereupon Vitellius sending his friend Marcellus to take charge of Judea, commands Pilate to go to Rome, to answer before Caesar to such crimes as the Jews objected against him. After he had lived ten years in that Province, [ Id. ibid. ] to which should be added a little appendix of 4 or 5 months, unless he deferred his voyage either through fear of storms, (the fast of the seventh month being past, as Acts XXVII. 9.) or detained with contrary winds, or by some intervenient delay, made him prolong his journey; for before Pilate came to Rome, Tiberius was dead, as Josephus shows.

When Tiberius came from Capreae to Tusculanum, which was distant from the City almost an hundred furlongs: he was persuaded, though much against his will, that he would hear Eutichus, that it might be known, of what crime he accused his Patron: who examining the matter, found that he had neglected his commands of honoring his Nephew Tiberius Drusius's son, and had wholly addicted himself to Gaius. Whereupon he commands Macro (who succeeded Sejanus in the command of the Pretorian soldiers) that he should bind Agrippa. Then Agrippa hath recourse to prayer, and begs pardon, for the memory of his son, with whom he was brought up, in great familiarity, and by those services that he had done young Tiberius. But all in vain, the Pretorian soldiers carrying him to prison, even in his Purple robes; and at that time it was very hot weather, and he very thirsty for want of wine, seeing a servant of Gaius carrying a pitcher of water, he desired to drink, which when he had willingly bestowed on him, he drank, and said unto him, Truly, Lad, thou hast done me this service for thine own good, for as soon as I shall be free from this necessity, I will beg thy liberty of Gaius, which also afterward he performed. [ Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 8.]

Agrippa being a prisoner, stood bound among other prisoners before the Palace, leaning in a melancholy posture against a tree, on which sat an owl: one of the prisoners, by Nation a German, seeing the bird, asks of a soldier, who he that was in purple was; and when he knew that he was one of the chief nobility of the Jews, being led to him, and using an interpreter, he told him, that this bird did signify that there should be a sudden change of his present fortune, and that he should be advanced to great dignity and power, and that he should have an happy death, (in which the most unhappy death of this man, shown that he was a false Prophet) but when he should see this bird again, he should die within five days. [ Id. ibid. ]

Antonia grieved at the calamity of the young man, thought it would be unprofitable to speak to Tiberius in his behalf; yet she obtained thus much of Macro, that he might be committed to the custody of soldiers of a gentle behavior, and that he should have a Centurion that should provide him his diet, and that he might use his daily things, and that his friends and freed men might come to him, by whose services he might be relieved, then were admitted to him his friend Silus, and his free-men Marsyras and Stychus, who brought him such meats as he was delighted with, they brought also coverlets as if they would sell them, on which he lay a night, the soldiers suffering this, having before direction from Macro: and in this manner he spent six months in prison, even until the death of Tiberius. [ ibid. ]

Concerning the confines of the Country Gamalile, there arose a great contention between Herod the Tetrarch and Aretas King of Arabia Petrea, not forgetful of the injury done to his daughter, whom Herod had married, but contemned, and married in her room Herodias his brothers wi • e, they manage the war on both sides by their Lieutenants, and when the battles joined Herod's army was clean overthrown, being betrayed by some banished men, who being driven from the Tetrarchy of Philip, served under Herod, these things Herod signifies to Tiberius by letters, who being angry with Antas for his bold attempt, writ to Vitellius that he should make war upon him, willing him that he should either bring him alive to him, or if dead to send him his head: it was the opinion among the Jews, that Herod's army was overthrown by the just judgment of God, for the murder of John the Baptist. [ Josephus. lib. 18. cap. 7.]

Cn. Acerronius and C. Pontius Nigrinus being Consuls, [The Julian Period. 4750] Tiberius dies XVII. [Year after Christ 37] Kalends of April: as it is in Suetonius [ in Tiberio. cap. 13. and Tacit. Annal. 6. cap. 50.] or rather the VII. or XXVI. day of March, whenas after the decease of Augustus, he had reigned 22. years 7. months 7. days, as Dion relates at the end of his fifty eighth book, not 5 months 3. days, as Josephus numbers in [ lib. 18. Antiquit. cap. 8.] nor six month 3. days, as in the wars of the Jews. [ lib. 2. cap. 8.]

Marsyas, the death of Tiberius being known, runs to his Patron Agrippa, whom he found bathing himself, nodding his head, told him in Hebrew. The lion is dead. Which when the Centurion who kept him knew from them, he taking off Agrippa's bonds made them good cheer, as they were merrily eating and drinking, there comes in one that said Tiberius was alive, and that he would shortly return to the City, with which word the Centurion being terrified, he commands Agrippa to be thrust from the rabble and bound, and to be more carefully looked to hereafter, but the next day there came two letters from Gaius, one in which he wrote to the Senate that he had succeeded in the Empire in the room of dead Tiberius, the other in which he wrote to Piso the Prefect of the City declaring the same thing, and commanding him that he should set Agrippa free, and restore him that house in which he had formerly lived in, in which although he was a prisoner yet lived he at his own discretion. [ Josephus. lib. 18. cap. 8.]

Gaius returning to Rome, bringing also the body of Tiberius celebrated a most sumptuous funeral, with great sol • mnity, and whenas he would the same day have released Agr • ppa, by the advice of Autonia he forbare, not that she did not wish well to the man, but denied that this hast was handsome, least he should seem to do this in hatred to Tiberius, if he should so suddenly deliver him, whom Tiberius had imprisoned, but not many days after he sent for him to his house, and commanded his hair to be cut, and changed his garments, and then putting a Crown on his head, he made him King of Philip's Tetrarchy, giving him also the Tetrarchy of Lysanias; and changed his chain of Iron into a chain of gold of the same weight, and sent Marullus governor into Judea. [ Joseph. id. ibid. ]

Dion relates that C. Caligula freed Agrippa the Grandchild of Herod from those bonds, which Tiberius had put on him, and that he gave him his Grandfathers principality, [ lib. 59. pag. 645.] Philo in his book against Flaccus says that he was honored with the ornaments of a Praetour by the Roman Senate, and that Gaius gave him the Kingdom, and the third part of the ancient dominion that his unckle Philip possessed, but Agrippa having gotten the Kingdom, begs Thaumastus of Gaius, and gives him his liberty, and makes him steward of his goods. And when Agrippa died he left him in the same office to his son Agrippa, and Berenice his daughter with whom he was in great account as long as he lived. [ Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 8.]

Caligula gives to Antiochus, the son of Antiochus Commagene, his fathers kingdom, giving him also the maritime places of Silicia. [ lib. 59. pag. 645.]

Atelius, governor of Syria, took with him two Legions, and the aids of Foot and Horse that were sent from the King that were allies, hastening towards Petra, came to Pto •• mias: and as he thought to lead his army through Judea, the principal men of that Country came to him, desiring that he would not pass that way, for the customs of their Country would not suffer, that any images should be carried there, such as the Roman banners had many, with whose prayers he being moved, changed his opinion, and sent his army through the great plain, and came with Herod the Tetrarch and his friends to Jerusalem, to offer sacrifice to God, at the next feast, which was nigh at hand: whither when he was come, he was magnificently entertained by the people, and staying three days there, in the mean time he transferred the High Priesthood from Jonathan upon Theophilus his brother. [ Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 7.]

Four days after Vitellius having received letters of Tiberius his death, made the people take the oath of fidelity in the new Emperor Gaius his name. [Id. ibid.] Whereupon Agrippa saith in his letters to Cain's, (as it is in Philo in Legatio. ) They greatly desired succession, (O Emperor) was first heard of at Jerusalem, and the fame of it was diffused to the neighbor Provinces from the Holy City: and because this City, of all the east, first saluted thee Emperor, it is meet that it should be treated more graciously by thee. And the Senate of the Jews in their oration to Petronius, (in the same author ) Gaius having obtained the Empire, we first of all Syria congratulated with Vitellius, (whose successor thou art) then being in our City, and had received letters, concerning this business, and from us, fame carried the joyful news to other Cities, our Temple first of all sacrificed for the Empire of Gaius.

Vitell us recalls his forces, leaving off his intended war, because the Empire was dev • lied to another, and truly some report, that Aretas, when he heard the news of V • t • l • us's Expedition, gathered from a • guries, that it was impossible for his army to come to Petra, for one of the Generals should die, either he that commanded the Expedition, or he that obeyed it, or he against whom the Expedition was. [ Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 7.]

Josephus writes that Vitellius went to Antioch, having sent his army into their Winter Quarters, which it is not likely he would do in the beginning of Summer, whereas he should have rather said that he went with his forces to Euphrates, to make a league with the King of the Parthians, for it appears out of Suetonius and Dion, that this was done, not in Tiberius reign, (as Josephus thinks) but under Gaius, for Artabanus always hated and contemned Tiberius, but willingly sought the alliance of Gaius: and Vitellius by all his policy enticed him not only to a conference, but also to worship the Roman Standard; for he going over Euphrates, adored the Roman E • gl • s, and sacrificed to Augustus and Ca • us's images, and yielded to conditions of peace, which were for the Roman profit, and gave his children as hostages. [ Suet. in C. Caligula. cap. 14. & A. Titellio. cap. 2. Dion. lib. 59. pag. 661.]

The King and Vitellius meet in the mid • le of a bridge, with each their guard, and after they had agreed upon a league, Herod invited them both to a banquet in a pavilion erected with great cost, in the midst of the River. Vitellius then returns to A • rio • n, and 〈◊〉 to Babylon; but Herod being willing to give the first notion to Caiu, of the receipt of the hostages, he sent express messengers with letters, leaving nothing for 〈◊〉 C •• suls Ambassadors to certify: wherefore Caesar writes back to Vitelliu • upon the receipt of his letters, that he knew all these things before by Herod's messengers, with which he was much troubled. [ Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 6.]

Not long after, Artabanus sends his son Darius as hostage, with many gifts, among which there was a Jew, by name Eleazar, five cubits high, who for his greatness was called the Giant. [ Id. ibid. ]

The Jews of Alexandria, after they had appointed for Gaius all the honors, that were lawful for them to decree, came and offered the decree to Flaccus Abillius, desiring him, that since it was not permitted to them, to send an Embassy, he would be pleased to send 〈◊〉 by his messengers, he reads the decree, and allowing many of the heads thereof, smilingly said, Your piety highly pleaseth me, I will send as you desire, I will be your Ambassador, that Ca • us may perceive your gratitude, and I will be a witness of the people's modestly, and obedience well known to me, nevertheless he kept back this decree, that they might seem to be the only contemners of Gaius. [ Philo. in Flaccum. ]

The first year of the reign of C. Caligula, Josephu • , the writer of the History of the Jews, was born, who was the son of Mattathias, a Priest, as Josephus shows in his Life.

When Saul had preached the Gospel a long time at Damascus, [Year of the World 4091] the Jews took council to kill him, and they being helped by the Governor under Aretas, (who had lately overthrown the army of Herod the Tetrarch) who kept the City of the Damascens with a Garison, watched the gares day and nights, that they might take him and kill him, but he being let down by a rope by night in a basket, escaped from their laying in wait. [ Acts IX. 23, 24, 25. II Cor. XI. 32, 33.]

The first three years of his Apostleship being finished, Saul returned to Jerusalem, to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. [ Gal. l. 18.] And he then assaying to join himself to the Disciples, they all were afraid of him, not believing him to be a Disciple: but Barnabas took him, and brought him to the Apostles, ( viz. Peter and James, the brother of the Lord, for he saw none other of the Apostles, [ Gal. 1. 19.] and declared unto them, how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. [ Acts IX. 26, 27.]

Saul speaks boldly in the name of Jesus at Jerusalem, and disputed with the Greeks, or Jews that used the Greek tongue, as Syrus rightly interprets this place, but they went about to kill him. [ Acts IX. 29.]

Saul being in the Temple praying, was in a trance, and saw the Lord speaking unto him, Make hast, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem, for they will not receive they testimony of me: to whom he answered, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every Synagogue, those that believed on thee: and when the blood of thy Martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and kept the garments of them that killed him: and the Lord said unto him, Go, and I will send thee to the Gentiles. [ Acts XXII. 17, 21.]

The brethren at Jerusalem brought him to Cesarea, and sent him into his own Country of Tarsus, [ Acts IX. 30.] and he came into the Countries of Syria, and Silicia: hitherto he was unknown by face to the Churches of Judea, but they heard only, that he preacheth the faith which once he destroyed, and they glorified God in him. [ Gal. l, 21, 22, 23.]

And the Churches had rest through all Judea, and Galilee, and Samaria, and were edified, and walking in the fear of the Lord, and comfort of the holy Ghost were multiplied. [ Acts IX. 31.]

Herod Agrippa had a daughter by Cyprus, [The Julian Period. 4751] named Drusilla, [Year after Christ 38] (married afterwards to Felix) [ Acts XXIV. 24.] who was six years old when her father died. [ Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 7. & lib. 19. cap. ult. ]

Caligula forces Macro, to whom Egypt was committed, (the six years that were appointed by Tiberius, for the government of Flaccus Abilius being ended) and his wife Ennia, by whose help he had got the Empire, to a voluntary death. [ Philo. de Legat. ad Caium. & lib. in Flaccum. Suetonius in Caligula. cap. 26. Dion. lib. 59. pag. 647.]

Flaccus, who was Governor of Egypt, Macro being killed, on whom he most relied, was shrewdly afraid of C. Caligula, taking this occasion, Dionysius Lampo, and Isidore persuade him, that he should by some great benefit make the people of Alexandria his friends, and that nothing would be more grateful to them, then that he would suffer them to plunder the Jews, and he follows their council. [ Philo. in Flaccum. ]

Caligula, by a decree of the Senate, gives the Kingdom of the Arabians of Ituraea to So • mus, to Cotys Armenia the Less, and also some parts of Arabia, to Rhymatalca, the Kingdom of Cotys to the son of Polemon, his fathers Kingdom. ( viz. of Pontus.) [ Dion. lib. 59. pag. 649.]

In the second year of C. Caligulas reign, Herod Agrippa begs leave of him, to return home, for the ordering of his Kingdom, promising, when he had done that, he would return, [ Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 8.] The Emperor persuaded him, that taking the readiest way by sea, the East winds being every day expected, he should go directly to Alexandria, and that then he might go with less difficulty into his own Country by land; who following his advice, went to Puteoli, and there he finds a ship ready to set sail for Alexandria, and in few days after, he arrives at Alexandria. [ Philo. in Flaccum. ]

The Alexandrians by reason of their inveterate hatred against the Jews, taking it impatiently that they should have a King, in the place of exercise did disgrace Agrippa with scurrilous speeches, and mocking verses of jesters. They also hurried to the sporting-place, a certain mad man named Cariba, who went naked night and day in the streets, and there set him on a high place that all might see him. Then they set a papar crown on his head, and put on his body a mat instead of his robe, and one gave him a piece of a reed taken off the ground, for his scepter. Being thus adorned with ensigns of a King, and thus changed into a King after the manner of Stage-players, the young men carrying poles on their shouldiers invi • oned him for his guard. Others came to salute him, some desired justice, others asked counsel of him concerning the Common-wealth. Then there was a general acclamation of them that were about him, calling him Marim, which name in the Syrian tongue signifies Lord. [Philo. ibid. ] And thus the King of the Jews was derided after the same manner by others, as the Jews themselves five years before had mocked the true Majesty of their own King Jesus Christ.

The Jews of Alexandria acquainted Agrippa with the treachery that Flaccus the Governor had prepared for their destruction; and also delivered to him that writing that they had given to Flaccus to be sent to Gaius in the beginning of his Empire. Agrippa promises that he will send this writing to Gaius, and that he will signify, that the Jews had intended to send it at the beginning, but being hindered by the malice of the Governor, they could do it no sooner. [ Philo. ibid. & in Legat. ad Caium. ]

Peter the Apostle visiting the Churches of Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, comes to the Saints that dwelt at Lydda, and there heals Aeneas that lay sick of the Palsy, and had kept his bed eight years: and all that dwelt at Lydda and Sharon (of which place Chronicles. V. 16. XXVII. 29.] when they saw this miracle, turned to the Lord, [ Acts IX. 31, 35.]

A certain Disciple called in Syriac Tabitha, in Greek Dorcas, that is, a she Goat, full of good works and alms deeds, died at Joppa: and whereas Lydda was near Joppa, the Disciples hearing that Peter was there, sent two men unto him, that he would not delay to come unto them; who when he came, fell on his knees and prayed, and restored her to life. And this was known through all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord; and Peter tarried there many days in the house of one Simon a Tanner. [ Acts IX. 36, 43.]

The common people of Alexandria, early in the morning (having regained the favor of Flaccus the Governor) with one consent proclaimed that the Statues of Caesar are to be set up in the Synagogues of the Jews: which the Governor suffered to be done without any respect of the public security, although he knew that there were not less than ten hundred thousand Jews that inhabited Alexandria, and all that large Country from the descent of Libya, even to the bounds of Ethiopia. [ Philo. in Flaccum ] Then they gathering together in great companies, either laid waste their Oratories, by cutting down their Groves, or rased them to the ground; and in all the Oratories which they could not either overthrow or burn, because of the great number of Jews that dwelt by them, they set up the Images of Gaius, and in the greatest and most frequented, they set up a Statue on high, on Chariots with four horses in Brasse, and that with such over-hasty earnestness, that whereas they wanted new Chariots, the took out of the rusty old ones, whose horses wanted their ears, tails, and feet, and such as were dedicated (as was reported) to Cleopatra, which was the great Grandmother of the last Queen of that name. And Gaius thought that all these things proceeded out of the love that the Alexandrians bore him: which partly he knew out of the Registers sent to him from Alexandria (for he read them more willingly than any either Poem or History) and partly from some domestical servants (of whom many were Egyptians) who were wont to praise and laugh at these things with him. [ id. in Legati. ad Caium. ]

Gaius Caligula, commands a vacation, for his sister Drusilla that was dead, in which it was death for any to laugh, or bathe, or make a feast. [ Suetonius. in C. Caligula, cap. 24. Dion. lib. 59. pag. 648.]

Flaccus the Governor of Egypt propounded an Edict, in which he calls the Jews, Strangers, and Foreigners, not giving liberty of pleading their cause, but condemned them unjudged. There are five divisions of that City named from the first five letters, two of which were called the Jewish quarters, because most of the Jews dwelt in them although many Jews had houses here and there in the other quarters. The common people of Alexandria, having obtained from Flaccus license of plundering the Jews, having expelled them from four of the letters, thrust them into a narrow compass of one of them; who, because they were more then the place could contain, went out unto the shoars, and monuments, and dunghills, being despoiled of all things; their enemies ran violently to their forsaken houses: and there divide the spoils as taken by law of Arms, and breaking open the shops of the Jews, which then were shut because of the mourning for Drusillas death, they carry many things from thence, which they sell in the market, and turn to their own use: but the ransacking of four hundred houses did less hurt them, than their loss of trade, when as the creditors had lost their bonds, neither was Husbandman, Mariner, Merchant, or Handicraftsman, suffered to use their trades. [ Philo. in Flaccum. ]

Their enemies thought they should shortly see them lie on heaps, so many thousands of men women and children, thrust into a narrow corner of the City like beasts; either killed with famine for want of meat, or stifled in that hot place, even the neighbor air being corrupted by the multitude of breaths. They took diligent heed, lest any should steal privately away, and as many as they intercepted, having first tormented them, they killed them, and abstained from no kind of cruelty. Another band of them lay in wait for the Jews that arrived at the Ports, and also their merchandise, which when they had taken away in the sight of the owners, they burned the owners themselves in a fire made of the ruthers, oars, and plankes, of the ships. Others in the midst of the City were burned by a most miserable kind of death; for, for want of wood, they brought the cuttings of vines, and making a fire of them, they cast into it these miserable men, who were killed, being rather scorched with smoke, than burnt with fire. Others were dragged with cords tied to their ankles through the Market-place, the common people insulting over them, and not sparing even their dead bodies, for having cut their members into pieces, they trampled upon them with such cruelty, that they suffered not any relics of them to remain for burial, [ Id. in Legat. ad Caium. ] and if any did but bemoan the misfortune of his friend or kinsman, he was punished for his compassion presently, and being taken were scourged, and after they had endured all torments that bodies were able to endure, they were crucified. [ Id. in Flaccum. ]

Flaccus the Governor commanded thirty eight of the Senate, which Augustus had appointed for a public Council of the Jews, to be taken in their own houses, and forthwith to be bound; and dragging these old men through the Market-place, their hands being tied behind them, some with cords some with chains, brought them into the Theater, and commanded them to be stripped and scourged as they stood before their enemies who sat as Judges. And among these were Erodius Tryphon, and Andron, even in the sight of them who had despoiled them of their goods: and although it was a custom that none should be condemned till the solemn celebrations and feast-days of the births of the Augusti were past; yet Flaccus in those very days (for the Birth-day of Gaius fell on the last day of August) and afflict these innocent men, after this manner dividing his plays. From the morning to the third or fourth hour of the day, the Jews were scourged, hanged, tied to wheels, condemned, and led through the middle of the wrestling-place to punishment. Then were brought in Dancers, Jesters, Trumpeters, and other sports of Players: and women were carried away as captives, not only in the Market-place, but in the open Theater also, and for any trifling cavil, were brought upon the stage, not without grievous reproaches; but then knowing that they were not Jews, they were let go, for they apprehended many for Jews before they diligently considered the thing: but after they were found to be Jews, of spectators, they became tyrants, and commanded swine's flesh to be given them, and as many of the Jewish woman as tasted it for fear of torments, without anymore vexation were dismissed • ; but those that would not eat it, were delivered over to be tortured with most grievous tortures. [ Ibid. ]

Castus the boldest of the Centurions, is commanded by the Governor to take with him the valiantest of his Band, and to break into the Jews houses, to see if they had any arms hidden, who presently does what he is hidden: the Jews shown all their private places to the searchers, where women never wont to go abroad, and the fearful Virgins, who for modesty avoided the sight of their own kindred, were made a spectacle not only to men unknown, but also to the Military rage; nevertheless after all this scrutiny, the arms they looked for, were not found: for all arms were a little before taken from the Egyptians by Bassus, commanded by Flaccus to oversee that business: but there you might see a great number of ships to arrive at the Ports full of arms, which were fit to be taken from seditious men, who had often before assayed a revolt: but there was a clean other account to be made of the Jews, who never were suspected of a revolt, did follow their trades and gains which did make for the concord and peace of the City. [ Ibid. ]

Whilst the feast of Tabernacles in the Autumnal Equinoctial was intermitted by the Jews so much afflicted; [Year of the World 4042] Flaccus the Governor is apprehended by Bassus the Centurion on a sudden as he was at a feast invited by Stephanion the freeman of Tiberius Caesar. Bassus being sent with a Band of souldies out of Italy on purpose to do it; and when he had set sail in the beginning of Winter, being tossed with tempests by sea, after much toil, he scarcely arrives in Italy, where he is presently welcomed by those two malicious accusers, Lampo, and Isodorus, who had incited him against the Jews; who being condemned and despoiled of all both inheritance and household-stuff, which was very precious; he is banished, and truly he had been banished into the most barren Island of Giarus in the Aegean sea, unless Lepidus had begged that he might be sent to dwell in Andros, which was nigh Giaros: where he died, being killed by the command of Gaius, (as did all Noble men that were banished. [ Ibid. ]

Herodias, [The Julian Period. 4752] the sister of Agrippa, [Year after Christ 39] and wife of Herod the Tetrarch, seeing him so glorious in his Kingly Majesty, being madded with envy, did not cease, till she had persuaded her husband, that they might go to Rome, and beg the same dignity of Caesar. Agrippa knowing both their intention and preparation, as soon as ever he knew they had taken sea, he also sends his freed man Fortunatus to Rome to Caesar with gifts, and letters written against his Uncle. Herod coming to B •• all, a most pleasant Town of Campania, where Caesar then was, being admitted, Caesar prevents him, and gives him the leters he had received from Agrippa, which did accuse Herod, that he had formerly conspired with Scianus against Tiberius, and that now he favored Artabanus the Pathian, against the new Empire of Gaius, and for that purpose had prepared so many arms, as would furnish 70000 men, with which Gaius being moved, asked Herod if those things were true that were spoken concerning the number of arms, which he granting, (for he could not deny it) Gaius thinking the revolt enough proved, took from him the Tetarchy of Galilee and Peraea, which he afterwards added to Agrippas Kingdom, giving him also all his treasure, and sent Herod to Lions in France, condemning him to perpetual banishment: but after he knew that Herodias was Agrippas sister, he allowed her her own proper trasure, and not thinking that she would willingly be her husbands companion in banishment, he promised to spare her in favor to Agrippa. She thanked Gaius for this favor, but professed that at this time she could not make use of it, for she thought it a sin, to forsake her husband in his calamity, of whose good fortune, as long as he flourished, she had been partaker: which Gaius taking in scorn, commanded her also to be banished with her husband, and gave her goods to Agrippa, [ Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 9.] and so they were punished for their incestuous marriage. Eight years after John the Baptist had been beheaded by this Herod, and six years after Christ our Savior had been mocked by the same Herod. [ Luke. XXIII. 11.]

And also Pontius Pilate was so continually vexed by Gaius, that he killed himself with his own hand, as Jerome in Chronico, out of the Roman Historians, and Eusebius in his Ecclesiastical History, out of the Greek Writers of the Olympiades. [ lib. 2. cap. 7.] and Orosius, [ lib. 7. cap. 5.] and Cassiodorus in his Chronicle.

Gaius joined all the distance between the Gulf Baiae, and the pyles of Puteoli, with a bridge almost 3600 paces long, in which there followed his Chariot, then did many more things in the nature of spoils come after, as also of the hostages of the Parthians, the lad Darius (the son of Artabanus) Darius and Xerxes being named but in scorn, because he had made a longer bridge upon the sea than he. [ Joseph. 19. cap. 1. Suetonius. C. Caligula. cap. 19. Dio. lib. 59. pag. 653.]

He also, under pretence of the German war, went a little beyond the Rhene, and then presently returned, as though he would go into Britain, [ Dion. lib. 59. pag. 656.]

Vitellius was sent for by Gaius out of Syria, that he might be put to death, [ Id. ibid. pag. 661.] for it was laid to his charge, that he had suffered Tiridates a King that Tiberius had sent to the Parthians to be thrust out of his Kingdom by them, [ id. in excerptis ab Henrico. Valesio. edit. pag. 670.]

Gaius sent Petronius successor to Vitellius into Syria, [ Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 11.] (viz. Publius Perronius) as it is manifest in Philo. in legatione ad Caium) and in Joseph. lib. 19. cap. 6.] of whom Strabo speaks in the year of the world 3983.) and not that Lucius Petronius (dead long before this time) whom Valerius Maximus mentions, that being born of low parentage, came to the degree of being a Knight. [lib 4. cap. 7.] as Baronius thinks [ anno Christi 41. num. 4.]

Vitellius coming to Gaius delivers himself from death, after this manner, he had composed himself to an habit more humble, than his vain glory would well endure, and falling at Caesar's feet, burst out into tears, and calling him God and adoring him, and then vowing that if he should escape this brunt, he would sacrifice to him, he so mollified and appeased Caesar, that he not only suffered him to live, but accounted him among his chiefest f • iends, [ Dion. lib. 59. pag. 661.] and so he was the first that taught Gaius to be adored a • a God, he being of an admirable wit, in flattering, when he was returned out of Syria, he durst not come into Gaius presence, but with his face covered, turning himself about, and falling prostrate on the ground, [ Suetonius. in A. Vitell. cap. 2.] and when afterwards Gaius affirmed that he had to do with the moon, and asked Vitellius, if he had not seen him when he companied with the goddess, he with his eyes cast down as astonished, and trembling, answered with a low voice. O my Lord, it is only permitted to you gods to see one the other, [ Dion. ut supra. ] Vitellius having made this beginning, whereas he had governed the Provinces according to the virtue of his ancestors, he excelled all men in flattery. [ Dion. ibid. Tacit. Annal. 6. cap. 32.]

Then was Caiu Priest to himself, and took his horse as Colleague of his Priesthood, [ Dion. ibid. pag. 662.] but at Miletum in Asia he commanded a temple to be built unto him, choosing this City before others, under color because he said that Ephesus was taken up by Diana, and Pergamos and Smyrha, by Augustus and Tiberius, but the true reason was, because he did desire to get to himself that great and fair temple, which the Milesians had built to Apollo: [ id. in excerptis. Valesii. pag. 670. 673.] he purposed also to finish the oracle Didymena at Miletum. [ Suetonius. in C. Caligula. cap. 21.]

Strangers out of the neighbouring countries had crept into Jamnia, [Year of the World 4043] a City of Judea, that was very populous, who did always endeavor to do something against the Jewish customs: these when they heard by men that came thither, how much Gaius desired to be worshipped as a God, and what an heavy friend he was to the nation of the Jews, presently rear an altar of Clay made into bricks, only that they might vex the Jews, this they taking in great scorn took clean away, of which their adversaries accuse them before Capito the Holy Quaestour, who had the oversight of the tributes in Judea, he wrote to Gaius, aggravating and amplyfying the business, and Gaius commanded that for the Altar of brick that was overthrown in Jam • ia, they should place in the temple of Jerusalem a great image in honor or him all guilt, using herein the advises of Helicon an Egyptian, and Apelles of Askelon a Tragedian, Gaius commands Petronius the governor of Syria, by letters most accurately written concerning the dedication of the statue, that he should march with half the army (appointed for defense against the irruptions of the Kings and nations of the East) from Euphrates against the Jews, and that he should accompany the statue, not so much that the dedication might be the more majestic, but that if any one made resistanee, he might be presently put to death, but neither was the statue sent from Italy, neither was Petronius commanded to take any choice one out of all Syria, otherwise some sudden tumult would have risen, about the violation of the laws of the Jews, therefore Petronius commanded a statue to be prepared nearer hand, and sending for the best artificers out of Phenicia found the materials, the shop where they should make it he appointed at Sidon. [ Philo. in legatione ad Caium. ]

In the mean while he got as great an army as he could, and with two legions wintered at Ptolemais intending to prosecute the war at the beginning of the spring; which he also signified to Gaius by letter, who commending his industry, adviseth him to use all expedition therein, and abate the stubborness of that nation, so Josephus. [ lib. 18. cap. 11.]

In a sedition that arose between the Jews and the Greeks that dwelt at Alexandria, [The Julian Period. 4753] three chosen Ambassadors on either side were sent unto Gaius the chief of the Embassy of the Jews was Philo a man most famous in all things and of the Greeks Appion [ id. ibid. cap. 10.] [Year after Christ 40] who being born at Oasis in Egypt, desired to be called rather of Alexandria, because he was made a Citizen of that place. [ id. lib. 2. against Appion. ] Pliny in his 37. book of his natural history cap. 5. reports that by some he was surnamed 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 as it were after Conqueror, adding also these things of him in his preface to his whole work to Titu Vespasia • : Appion the Grammarian, he whom Tiberius Caesar called the cymbal of the world, whereas he might rather be called the drum, wrote that they were immortalized by him, to whom he composed anything, who wrote a most lying book against the Jews, to which Josephus answers in his second book against App • on, for the first book is opposed against other slanderers of the Jewish nation.

The Ambassadors of the Jews (whom Philo confirms to be five at the end of the Embassy written by himself, (and not three as Josephus would have it) sailed to Gaius in the midst of winter, to entreat him that he would forbear those injuries which they did daily suffer, and they thought fit to offer to him a register containing the sum of all the calamities, and the petition against them, taken out of that larger petition which the Jews had sent him by their King Agrippa, their adversaries got the favor of Helicon the Egyptian, who was Prefect of the Emperors chamber, not so much with money, as with the hope of honors, which they promised to confer on him, as soon as ever Gaius should come to Alexandria, whom when the Ambassador did desire to pacify and appease, they could find no access to him. [ Philo. in legat. ad Caium. ]

Gaius himself at the first, (dissembling his hatred against the Jews) received their Ambassadors in Mars his field, as he came out from his mothers gardens, saluted them with a cheerful countenance, and with his right hand made a sign, as though he would be kind unto them; and sending Homulus unto them, who was Master of the Ceremonies, promised them that he would take cognizance of their cause when he had leisure, but afterwards when he came to visit the gardens of Mecenas and Lamia, both which were close one by the other, and near the City, and the Ambassadors being brought in, and done their reverence very humbly, and had saluted him by the name of Augustus Emperor, he grinningly asked them, are ye those hated of the gods, who alone contemn me being declared a god by the confession of all men, and had rather worship your unnamed thing. And then holding up his hands to heaven burst into a speech that was not lawful to be heard, much less to utter in the same words, the adverse party then greatly rejoiced, calling him by all the names of the gods, which when Isidorus a bitter sycophant saw how he was pleased with these titles, he said: Thou wouldest, O my Lord more detest them, and all their stock, if thou d • dst but know their impiety and malice against thee, for all men else killing sacrifices of vows for thy health, they only refrained to offer sacrifice. Then the Ambassadors cried out with one consent: O my Lord Gaius, we are falsely accused, we have sacrificed Hec • tombs, and we have not as the manner of some is, to bring a little blood to the Altar, and then carry the flesh home to feast withal, but we have committed whole sacrifices to be burned with the holy fire, and that thrice, first, when thou succeededst in the empire, again when thou escapedst a great sickness, at which sickness all the world was sorrowful, thirdly as a vow for the victory of Germany, well, answered Gaius, say it were so, ye offered sacrifice, but to another, to me certainly ye did not sacrifice. Then an horror seizeth on the Ambassadors, being astonished at his last words, he in the mean while goes about the villages, he views the halls and parlours, both below and above stairs, where also he asketh the Ambassadors particularly, why they forbare swine's flesh, and what right the Cities of Alexandria pretended, at length laying aside his fierceness he said, these men seem to me not to be so wicked as miserable, that cannot persuade themselves that I am partaker of the divine nature, and immediately departing commanded the Ambassadors to be gone. [ ibid. ]

Gaius gave the Tetrarchy of his father-in law Herod (who was banished to Lugdunum) to Agrippa at his return from his Kingdom • . For when he had reigned three years in the Tetrarchy of Philip in the fourth that of Herod fell to him, [ Joseph. lib. 19. cap. ult. ] which beneficence in his Epistleto Gaius, written after this, he thus acknowledges, Thou hast bestowed the Kingdom on me, than which there could be no happier fortune to a mortal, and which being at first but one region, thou hast enlarged by the addition of Trachonitis & Galilie. [Philo. in Legat.]

Petronius convocated the chief of the Jews both Priests and Magistrates, to the end he might declare unto them the commands of Gaius, that he should erect the statue and dedicate it in their temple, and also persuading them to take patiently the decrees of his Lord and Master, and cautioning them of the imminent danger that would ensue upon their disobedience, for that the whole power of the Syrian army was ready to make havoc of them and their Country. At the first mention of these thing they were so dashit they had not a word to say, but poured forth whole rivers o • tears, tearing their hair and pulling their beards in most mournful wise. But those of Jerusalem & all the Country about, that heard this, flocking together with one consent, giving the sign of their public mourning, they went in one company; leaving their houses, Towns, and Castles desolate, and continued their march till they car •• to Phoenicia, where Petronius then was. And there at first they made such a dole •• ll and so deep a noise that those that were by could not hear or be heard for it, and then made such compellations and imprecations, as calamitous times are c • mmonly • he witnesses of. They were distributed into six ranks or orders of old men, young men and boys; of old women, wives, and maids, And when they saw Petronius upon a high place, all the ranks, as if by a general word fell prostrate upon the ground, howling as it were in a mournful tone: and being commanded to arise, could scarce be persuaded to it, and at last when they did, casting dust upon themselves, and hanging their hands backward like condemned persons, they came before him: by whose pitiful complaint and supplication, Petronius and all that sat with him being very much moved, when he had consulted the business, took order to send letters to Gaius; in which he signified that the dedication of the Statue was deferred, partly for that the workmen were required to the perfecting of the Colossae, which must be finished at an appointed time; partly for the gathering of the corn which was necessary against the expedi • ion. Gaius it was reported, had intended for Egypt, and for that the corn was then 〈◊〉 ripe, and also it was to be feared, that the Jews would take so heavily the loss of their religion, that they would not only not value their own lives, but wast and burn up all the ha • vest throughout the fields and Mountains in their desperation. [ Ibid. ]

Gaius having received the letters for a time, dissembled his intestine anger to Petromus; for he very much feared the Presidents, for that it was in their power to make new commo • ions, especially those of great Provinces, and numerous arms, such as was the tract of Syria • o E • phrates. Having thus by his letters appeased him, he seemed to applaud his providence and dexterity in foreseeing future inconveniencies; but withal, adding str • ct command, that when harvest was over, he should for pretence or matter delay the dedication of the Statue. [ Ibid. ]

The Ambassadors of the Alexandrian Jews received the message, That Gaius had commanded his Col • sse should be placed at the innermost entrance of the Temple, inti •• led with the sir-name of New Jupiter. With which news being affrighted, they enter into the Conclave all together, deploring as well the public, as their private calamity: yet hoping that God would not be wanting, then who had so often delivered 〈◊〉 nation from ruin. [ Ibid. ]

When Agrippa came in his wonted manner to salute Gaius, looking sternly upon him, he said, Your good and honest Citizens, who alone of all mankind think scorn to have Gaius for a god, even take a course in likelihood to bring destruction upon themselves by their contumacy, who, when I commanded the Statue of Jupiter to be dedicated in their Temple, run wholly out of the City not like suppliants indeed, but truly despisers of my commands. By which words he was so struck with horror, that trembling, and his knees striking together, he had sur • lie fallen to the ground, had not the standers by supported him: who were commanded to carry him home in that condition, that by the suddenness of the impresson, he had lost his remembrance, and was grown quite stupid and senseless. But Gaius was the more exasperated against the Nation of the Jews, saying, If Agrippa, who is my familiar friend, and obliged to me by so many benefits, is so set upon his Country rites, that he cannot endure they should be violated so much as by my word only, but is swounded at it, what is to be expected from them who have no tie to restrain them? [ Philo. de L • gat. ]

When Agrippa was come to himself, he wrote very large Epistles to Gaius, in behalf of his Country. (inserted by Philo, in the book of his Embassy) which he closeth with this Epilogue. What will my kinsmen, or any else say of me? for either it will follow, that I am a betrayer of my Country, or I must hereafter be blotted out of the list of thy friends, than either of which, what can be more unhappy? for that hitherto I have been thy favourite, shall be accounted a traitor, if I neither preserve my Country from indemnity, nor the Temple inviolate. For you that are in power, are used to consult the relief of those who fly to your imperial power for relief. But if in anything I am offensive to you, do me the favor not to bind me (as Tiberius) but least I should remain in fear of bonds, kill me presently. For what need have I then of life, when as the hope of my welfare, wholly consists in your favor. [ Ibid. ]

Gaius seeming to be somewhat appeased by these letters, answers more mildly, and grants Agrippa as a great favor, that the Statue should not be dedicated, and upon the same wrote to Petronius, the President of Syria, that he should make no innovation in the Temple of the Jews. But least this favor should seem too entire, he mixed some terror, thus writing: But if any shall please in the outer Provinces, or anywhere out of the Metropolis, in any outer City, to dedicate any Temple or Altar to me, whosoever shall oppose it, let them either be presently put to death or sent to me. But divine providence so ordered it, that none in any of the outer Provinces did anything in that business. [ Ibid. ]

When the Pestilence grew very hot at Babylon, a great multitude of the Jews went from thence to Seleucia, whither many more of them came five years after from Neerda, (which is a City of Babylonia, encompassed by the flowing of Nile, and an Academy of the Jews, whence in Syriac it is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 as if one should say, The R • ver of Knowledge. ) Now at Seleucia, the Grecians and Syrians were always at odds, but the Grecian faction 〈◊〉 was too hard for the Syrian. Since the coming of the Jews the Syrian • by their friendship became the stronger party, besides that, they still increased in warlike and resolute men. Wherefore when the Greeks saw they w • nt down the wind, and knew not how to recover themselves, they made all the friendship they could handsomely, to have a peace mediated between them and the Syrians, a thing they easily obtained. For the chief men on both sides treating in the business, they concluded and confirmed a peace, on condition they should both prosecute the Jews. And going upon them at unewares, slew to the number of fifty thousand men, so that none escaped, unless saved by the mercy of some friend or kinsman. They go from hence to C • esiphon, a Grecian City near Seleucia, where the King used to take up his winter quarter, and where was laid up the greatest and best part of his household stuff, and there they fixed, establishing themselves under the reverence of the regal majesty. But the terror of the Babylonians and Seleucians spread itself over all those parts of Judea: wheresoever any of the Syrians were in those parts with the Seleucians, they conspired their ruin. Whence it came to pass that many betook themselves to Neerda and Nisibis, reposing the confidence of their security, in their strong fortifications, although otherwise they were possessed by very warlike people. [ Joseph. lib. 18. cap. ult. fin. ]

Gaius •• iumphantly enters Rome on his Birth-day (which was the last of the month August.) [ Suetonius in C. Calig. cap. 43.]

When the Alexandrian Legates appeared before Gaius, [Year of the World 4044] Apion laid many things to the charge of the Jews, and amongst the rest, that they did not yield Caesar his due respect; for when far and near all Nations built Temples and Altars to Gaius, and worshipped him with equal honor with the rest of their deities, the Jews only thought scorn to build Altars to him, or swear by the name of C • esar. When he had alleged these and what other matters he thought would exasperate Gaius, Philo prepared to answer him, but was interrupted by Caesar's commanding him to be gone, who was so enraged that he very hardly escaped without injury. Philo being thus ejected, bids courage to those that accompany him; for that although Gaius was angry in his words, yet they might be ass • red that God would defend and provide for them, for all that he could do. [ Joseph. lib. 18. cap. 10. Euseb. lib. Histor. Eccles. 5.]

Gaius repenting of the favor he had granted the Jews, commanded another colosse to be built at Rome brazen and guilt, letting that alone at Sidon lest it should cause any commotions among the people, and that being carried privately by ship, it might be placit in the Temple at Jerusalem before any were aware of it. And this was to be done as they sailed into Egypt, for he had an exceeding great desire of seeing Alexandria, and with great care provided for his journey, intending there to stay long; possessed that his deification which he dreamed of, would succeed in this City alone, and from thence the religion would disperse and flow to the other less Cities. So Philo who was very well acquainted with these things writes in his Legation to Gaius, out of which that of Tacitus is to he corrected. Being commanded by Caesar to place his Statue in their Temple, they chose rather to take up arms: which commotion the death of Caesar quashit and appeased. [Histor. lib. 5. cap. 9.]

Apelles the Ascalonite who incited Gaius against the Jews, is by him bound and racked in a most tormenting and delayed manner, with some intermissions to make it the more grievous; for some other crimes he had committed, [ Philo. de Legat. ]

Gaius being admonished by the Antiatinian lots to take heed of Cassius, having Cassius Longinus then Proconsul of Asia in suspicion for that he was of the family of Cassius, one of the murderers of Caesar; he commanded him to be brought bound to him, and condemned him to death, not remembering that Chaereas, who a little after killed him, was also called Cassius, [ Suetonius. in C. Calig. cap. 57. Dio. lib. 49. cap. 662.]

Apollonius the Egyptian, who at home foretold what should become of Gaius, being dragged before him to Rome, the day before his death, (which Suetonius in his 58 chapter denotes to be the IX. Kalends of February) and being brought out a little after to suffer, escapit away safe. [ Dio. ibid. pag. 663.]

C. Caligula reigned three years ten months and eight days, as Suetonius hath it, [ cap. 59.] And Clemenes Alexandrinus in his first book Stromatum; or rather 9 months and 28 days, as Dio relates in the end of his 59 book: In whose place his Uncle Claudius Caesar the son of Drusius, is declared Emperor by the Praetorian Bands.

King Agrippa, when he heard that the Empire was forced upon Claudius by the soldiery, with much ado in making way through the multitude, he came to him, and finding him troubled and desirous to resign his place to the Senate, he confirmed him against such fears, and encourages him to go on courageously, and retain the Sovereignty. Now one of Claudius his favorites being called by the Senate, dissembling that he knew anything of the business, and coming all anointed as if from drinking, asks them what was done concerning Claudius, and they telling him the truth, and asking his advice; he says he would forsake no danger that might be for the dignity of the Senate, and that he thought the best way was to send some to Claudius who might persuade him to lay down his authority, and to that Embassy offered himself for one. When he was sent with others to Claudius, he told him plainly the fearful condition the Senate was in, and advised him to answer like a Prince, and himself; as also he was the came that afterwards the same Claudius was more mild to the Senate than he would have been. [ Joseph. lib. 19. cap. 3.]

〈…〉 confirmed in the Empire, sent Mithridates Iberus (whom Gaius had k • pt in 〈◊〉 ) home to receive his kingdom, and to another Mithridates who was descended from that great Mithridates, he gave the kingdom of Bosphorus, except a part of 〈◊〉 which he gave to Polemon. [ Dio. lib. 60. pag. 670.]

As for Agrippa of Palestine who helped him to the enjoyment of the Sovereignty, who was then at Rome, he enlarged his kingdom, and bestowed consular honors upon him. To his brother Herod also he gave Pretorian dignity, and a certain Principality (to wit that of Chalcis) and permitted them to go into the Senate and give thanks to the fathers there. [ Id. ibid. ]

Also Claudius proposed an Edict whereby he confirmed Agrippa in the kingdom former • y granted him by Gaius, praising both his endeavor and his industry adding likewise, Judea and Samaria, for that they did formerly belong to the kingdom of his Grandfather Herod. These therefore he restored as due to the Family: But Abila and the uttermost of his command in Libanus, which was Lysanias's, he added of his own. Therefore was there a League betwixt the King and the people of Rome cut in brass in the midst of the Forum of the City. [ Joseph. lib. 19. cap. 4.]

Claudius dismissed Alexander Lysimachus of Alabarcha his old friend, and formerly Procurator to his mother Antonia, whom Gaius in his anger had committed to bonds, to whose son, Marcus, Berenice the daughter of Agrippa was betrothed, (of which see Acts XXV. 13, 23.) who dying before marriage, the King places the Virgin with his brother Herod, having begged the kingdom of Chalcis of Claudius for him. [ Id. ibid. ]

He bestowed Comagena and a great part of Silicia upon Antiochus whom Gaius had deprived of his kingdom. [ Id. ibid. Dio. lib. 60. pag. 670.]

Helicon the Egyptian who was master of the Bed-chamber to Gaius, and the man that most incited him against the Jews, was by Claudius for other crimes put to death, as Philo notes in the book of his Legation to Gaius: which book ironically intitled De virutibus (for that therein the wickedness of Gaius was set out in Colours) he is said at the command of Claudius before the whole Senate, to have recited: and that afterwards the Romans were so taken not only with that, but many other works made by him, that they thought them worthy as precious Monuments to be said up in their public Library, [ Euseb. lib. 2. Histor. Ecclesiast. cap. 17. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . in. ] among which were five books of the miseries the Jews endured under the Empire of Gaius, written by him; of which three were lost, [ Id. ibid. cap. 5.] one to Flaccus, and the other of his Embassy are still remaining.

Gaius being slain, the Jews who under him were much oppressed by the Alexandrians, began to cheer up, and presently resumed their arms. Then Claudius commanded the President of Egypt that he should appease that tumult, and at the entreaty of Agrippa the King of Judea, and Herod the King of Chalcis, he sent an Edict to Alexandria, written in these words. I will that their rites be nothing infringed by the madn • sse of Gaius, and that they shall have full power and liberty to persevere in their fathers religion and worship. And I command both parties, as much as in them lies, to study peaceableness • one towards the other, and to endeavor to prevent all distractions or commotions of State between them. [Joseph. lib. 19. cap. 4.]

Claudius at the entreaty of the said Kings, the second time he was designed Consul (the first year of his reign) permitted the Jews not only of Alexandria, but wheresoever dispersed in his whole Empire, to live according to their own laws, and the rites of their Ancestors; withal advising them that under this grace they should live the more modestly and warily, and that they should not abuse the religions of the outer Nations; but that they should be content quietly to enjoy their own customs and traditions. [ Ibid. ] But when they grew so numerous at Rome that the city could scarce bear them without tumults. He did not eject them but forbad those that lived after their own laws to convent themselves: also the colleges reduced by Gaius, and the taverns in which they met and drunk, he clearly abolished. [ Dio. lib. 60. pag. 669.]

Claudius by his letters commending him to all Presidents and Governors of Provinces, sends King Agrippa into his own kingdom to look to the charge of it, who with very great expedition came to Jerusalem, and there paid his vows, omitting nothing prescribed by the Law. He commanded many Nazarites to be shaven, and hung up a gold chain which he had received from Gaius as a monument of his many miseries and happy deliverances by God, in the holy Temple over the Treasury. Having duly performed his vows to God, he deposed Theophilus the son of Annanius from the High Priest-hood, and constituted Simon surnamed Cantharus in his room, which Simon was the son of Boethus, Herod the Great his father in law. In fine, he gained the good will, and engaged the thankfulness of the Hierosolymites to him by remitting a tribute to them, which they constantly every year paid out of every house. He made Silas master of all the Militia wholly, who was his constant companion in all his difficulties and designs. [ Joseph. lib. 19. cap. 5.]

A little after this, the Doritae, certain rash young men, under pretence of religion, erected a statue in the Temple at Jerusalem to Caesar; at which Agrippa, King of the Jews, being much moved, went immediately to Petroneus into Syria, and complained of the impudent boldness of them: who himself being no less offended at it, as an impiou • thing, and against the positive decree of the Empire. He wrote very sharply to the Magistrates of the Doritae, that they should send those bound to him, whosoever they were, that durst make such attempts, and so contrary to the Emperors commands, and commanding for the future, that none should dare to do any such thing. [ Id. ib. cap. 5. 8. 6.]

At Cesarea, Cornelius, a Roman C • nturion of a Company belonging to the Italian band, one very well inclined to, and studious of the Jewish Religion, but uncircumcised, (such as the Hebrews were wont to call Proselytes of the Gate, and the Godly of the Nations ) about the ninth hour of the day, is commanded by an Angel appearing to him, to send for Simon Peter, who was now to stay a great while at the house of Simon a Tanner: who obeying the command, sent two of his household servants, and a Go • lie Soldier, one of those that were constantly with him. [ Acts X. 1, 8. compared with IX. 43.]

The day after, as they journeyed, and drew near to the City, Peter ascends unto the house top to pray about the sixth hour: where whilst dinner was providing for him, and he hungry, behold a great li • nen sheet let down from Heaven, full of all kind of living creatures; of which being commanded to eat promiscuously, he is thereby taught, that the Gentiles are not to be accounted for unclean. The next day, when with those that were sent by Cornelius and six brethren of Joppa, who accompanied them, he came unto Cesarea, where he finds at Cornelius his house, his whole family, and many more gathered together, he preaches a Sermon to them all, whereby they were converted to the faith of Christ, and the spirit of God descending upon them all, of its own accord, without any laying on of hands of Peter, he baptized them into Christ. [ Acts X. 8. 48. & XI. 5, 17.]

And the Apostles and brethren that were at Judea, heard that the Gentiles also had received the Word of God. When therefore Peter came to Jerusalem, there arose a contention betwixt those that had been converted out of Judaism to Christ, and Peter for that he did converse with uncircumcised persons, and eat with them. But when he had declared unto them the full and whole matter, and proved it by the testimony of the six that were with him, they were pacified, and glorified God, who also had given repentance unto life, unto the Gentiles. [ Acts XI. 1, 18.]

King Agrippa deprived Simon Cantharas of his High Priest-hood; and when be would have conferred it on Jonathan, the son of Ananus, he refusing it out of modesty, and because he had been once degraded, he bestowed it upon Matthias his brother, whom Jonathan commended to it, as far more worthy than himself. [ Joseph. lib. 19. cap. 6.]

Vibus Marsus succeeded Petronius in the administration of the affairs of the Province of Syria. [ Id. ibid. ]

Silas, master of the Militia to King Agrippa, because all along he had been faithful to him, and never refused to partake with him in any danger, having gained his intimate friendship, began now to require equal honor with the King, and grew troublesome in his familiar conference, sometimes extolling himself beyond modesty, sometimes calling to remembrance the adversity of his former fortune, which he would repeat so often, that he very highly exasperated the King against him, insomuch, that he did not only deprive him of his command, but sent him bound into his own Country, there to be kept. A little after the King being to celebrate his birth-day, he sent for Silas, that he might be at the Kingly feast: but when he sent him back a churlish answer, the King • 'n left him to his keepers. [ Id. lib. 19. cap. 7.]

King Agrippa, having turned his care chiefly upon Jerusalem, fortified the walls of that which was called the new City, and made the gates wider and higher than before they had been, all at the public charge, and had so ordered the business, that they had been in expugnable by human force, had not Marsus, the President of Syria, certified the same by letters to Claudius: who suspecting that the Jews were about to attempt some innovation, writ earnestly to Agrippa, that he should desist from the work, and he immediately obeyed. [ Id. ibid. ]

A door of Faith being now opened to the Gentiles, the Cyprians and Cyrenians, who after the martyrdom of Stephen, were dispersed at Antioch in Syria, preached Christ to the Greeks, ( 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , here the most ancient book of Alexandria hath it, not as the Vulgar 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ) and there was a great number that believed and turned unto the Lord. When this came to the ears of the Church at Jerusalem, she sent thither Barnabas, who admonished them all steadfastly to adhere unto the Lord. And a great company were joined unto to the Lord. [ Acts. XI. 20, 24.]

A great famine now raging at Rome, Claudius did not only take care for the present to provide plenty of provision, but took a course for the future: for since the most part of their corn, and other provision, came from foreign Lands, and the mouth of Tiber had no convenient ports, he built the Portum Ostiae. [Dio. lib. 60. pag. 671, 672.] At eleven years end it was scarce finished, although he kept at it constantly thirty thousand men working. [ Suetonius. in Claud. cap. 20.]

This famine which happened in the second year of Claudius, was particular, as also was that other in his eleventh vear, of which Tacitus, [ lib. 12. cap. 43.] Suetonius [ in Claudia. cap. 18.] and Orosius [ lib. 7. cap. 6.] make mention, not that universal one foretold by Agabus. That which began in the fourth year of the same Claudius, is manifest, not only by Eusebius his Chronicle & Orosius, [ lib. 7. cap. 6.] but also by the time of Herod Agrippa's death, which was at the very same time. [ Acts XII. 23, 25.]

Barnabas goes to Tarsus to seek Saul, and having found him brings him to Antioch And it came to pass that for a whole year they met together in the Church, and taught a great multitude, and the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. Which name being derived in a Latin form and not a Greek one, from Christ, it seems to have been imposed by some Romans that were then at Antioch.

About this time the Prophets went down from Jerusalem to Antioch, one of whom (Agabus) made known by the Spirit that there would come a great famine upon the whole world generally. [ Acts XI. 27, 28.]

Claudius brought the Ly • ians again to his servitude, who had tumulted even to the slaughter of many Romans, and said their Country to the Prefectour-ship of Pamphilia, whilst he was examining which business in Court, there was a certain Ambassador a Lycian indeed by his parents, but born at Rome. He asked him some questions in Latin which language, when he found he did not understand, he deprived him of his privilege saying, it is not meet he should be a Roman, who hath not the Roman language. [ Dio. lib. 60. pag. 676.]

King Agrippa having at the immense charge of Berytus built a Theatre, Amphitheatre, baths, & porches, celebrated the dedication of them most sumptuously; exhibiting shows in the theater, all kinds o • musical ostentations or stris'ts, and other variety of pleasures: and in the Amphitheane many pairs of fencers. And furthermore being desirous to gratify and please the spectators, he caused two troops of Malefactors to be drawn out, and to fight promiscuously to the number of about 700 persons, that so this praesantion of war might concur as well to the punishment of the malefactors as the delight of those that were in peace, and so they were all destroyed by one another's mutual wounds. [ Joseph. lib. 19. cap. ult. ]

At last these Kings came to the very Tiber, Antiochus of Commagena, Sampsigeranus of the Emesens, Corys of the lesser Armenia, Ptolemon of Pontus, and besides these his brother Herod King of Calcis; to whom whilst they there delayed came also Marsu president of Syria. Agrippa therefore observing his due respects to the Romans went to meet him, even to the seventh stone. But when he rode in the same chariot with his guests, Marsius distrusted the friendship of so many Kings, and therefore sent his messengers to everyone in particular to depart without delay. At which Agrippa was most grievously offended so that he hated Marsus, [ id. ibid. ] and very often solicited Claudius by his letters, to depose Marsus from his president-ship of Syria. [ id. lib. 20. c. 1.]

Agrippa having taken the High-Priesthood, from Matthias the son of Ananus, bestowed it upon Elionaeus the son of Cithaeus [ Id. lib. 19. cap. ult. ]

The famine foretold by Agabus increasing, [The Julian Period. 4757] the Christians of Antiochia, [Year after Christ 44] gathering a subsidy for their friends that lived in Judea, sent it by the hands of Barnabas and Saul, after they had together now for a whole year preached the word of the Lord to the people of Antioch. [ Acts XI. 26, 29, 30.]

About this time King Herod Agrippa (as the Syriac paraphrast doth rightly name him here) laying hands upon them infested some of the Church, [ Acts XII. 1.] as contradicting the institutions and rites of their Country, of which he was a most religious observer as Joseph testifies. [