A Pisgah-Sight of Palestine

Here the Map of Judah is to be inserted.

[illustration]

THE TRIBE OF IVDAH. CHAP. 13.

§ 1. IUDAH, fo • rth son of Jacob by Leab his wife, was generally a well-natured man, endeavoring preservation of his brother Joseph, and an excelle • t speaker, being the mouth for the rest of his brethren, in his eloquent oration to Ios •• h. Not that these his good qualities (which otherwhiles were allayed with lust and cruelty) were the causes, bu • rather the effects of God's preferring him above the rest of his brethren. Of this Tribe, threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred can out of Egypt; all which deservedly dying in the wilderness for their disobedience, the next generation descended from them, being threescore and sixteen thousand and five hundred, possessed the land of Canaan.

§ 2. Judah (saith the Scripture) prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief rulers, so that he may be traced all along by the footsteps of his sovereignty. Whilest they were in th • wilderness, God ordered, that the standard of Judah should pitch first o • the east side of the Tabernacle towards the rising of the Sun. Perchance, to denote that the Sun of righteousness arising with healing in his wings, should be extracted from that Tribe. When Joshua was dead, and the childre • of Israel asked of the Lord, Who shall go up first for us to fight against the Candanites? It was answered, Judah shall go up. Othniel the first Judge was hence descended, and David, in whose royal line the Crown lasted for above four hundred years: and after the return from captivi • y, Zerubbabel of the Tribe of Judah is honored with the style of Governor, which office for some time continued in his family. In a word (besides Princes) so puissant was the Tribe in Generalls, Joab, Abishdi, Amasa &c. Statesmen, Caleb, Ahithophel; and Prophets, Nat • an, Amos, Micah; that in dignity, as in strength and number it surmounted all the rest. Yea, Naphtali's fearful Hind durst not bellow; nor Issachar’s patient. Ass bray; nor Ephraim's strong Ox low; nor Benjamins cruel Wolf howl; nor Dans cunning Serpent hiss, if Judah's Princely Lion was pleased to roar, as Commander of all the beasts of the field and forest.

§ 3. However, I dare not (with some) interpret Jacob's solemn prophecy, the Scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the Law-giver from between his feet, until Shiloh come, of a constant Sovereignty immoveably fixed in this Tribe till the birth of our Savior: a Tenet unteinable with truth, seeing of the many Judges in Israel, but two of this Tribe; Saul, the first King, of Benjamin, and the Maccabees of the Tribe of Levi, who after the captivity attained to Kingly honor amongst the Jews. Rather we understand Jacob's words of the whole nation, (whom he in the Spirit foresaw, should in process of time be called Jews, as the land Judea, from Judah ) and expound them to be a prediction, that the Jews should never totally, and finally lose the visible being of a kingdom, or commonwealth, with a form of government amongst themselves, (though often changed and altered in the manner, obscured and eclipsed in the luster, confined and emparied in the power thereof) until Messiah should be manifested in the flesh. Which came to pass accordingly, when the Jews at our Savior's birth (and more completely at, and after his death) had lost all shadows of a free State, totally enslaved to the Roman Emperor. To whom alone b • longed,

• 1 The Militia with the Castle, giving martial-law to the Temple itself.
• 2 Coine, stamped with the image and superscription of Caesar.
• 3 Customs, collected, yea extorted by his Publican's.
• 4 Power in causes capital, by the Priests own confession, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death.

And the prophecy of Jacob thus expounded, is both clear in itself, and according to the interpretatio • of the Ancients.

§ 4. This Tribe had Dan and Simeon on the west, Benjamin on the north, the wilderness of Paran o • the south, and the Dead-sea on the east. Extending east and west, well nigh forty miles; but from Cadesh-Barnea to Jerusalem was about sixty six. Where in this country was contained a mountainous land, but fruitful with all commodities for pleasure and profit. We begin with the Dead-sea, Judah's eastern boundary, and so shall proceed to •• rround it in our description.

§ 5. This was once a fruit • ull country, called the vale of Siddim, even as the garden of the Lord, Paradi se itself. Too like indeed thereto, both for the pleasure thereof, and Se • pent therein, the spreading wickedness of the vicious Sodomites. Lot chose to live here, not because the people were well nurtured, but the place well • vatered; though better watered (no doubt) during his living there, with his tears, from a soul vexed with their filthy conversation. He lost by his dwelling among them, for whose sins he was carried captive by Chedorlaomer; They gained by their dwelling so near him, for whose sake they were rescued by his uncle Abraham. Yea, afterwards Abraham endeavored to save the whole city of Sodom, beating down the price of God's justice as low, as possibly it might consist with his honor, to ten righteous men: and yet that too high a rate for the piety of Sodom to reach, so general was the wickedness therein. Hereupon, Sodom, with three neighbouring Cities, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, was destroyed with fire and brimstone from heaven, and thereby the whole Country turned into a standing stinking lake.

§ 6. Some will say, it was strange, that fire should beget water, a combustion produce an inundation. More proper it had been, that such an inflammation should have left and Aetna, Hecla or Vesuvius behind it, fuming, if not burning always. The rather, because next morning this place presented itself to the eyes of Abraham, as the smoke of a furnace. But such must know, that when the fire was once out:

• 1 The Country by nature was low and level, being a depressed plain, and so more subject to drowning.
• 2 Jordan (running through this vale, and there sinking into the ground) had a quality in the first month to overflow his banks, and so prone to occasion a deluge.
• 3 Probably, the river was formerly bridled with artificial banks, which either were then broken down with that tempest, or afterwards decayed by degrees, when the people were destroyed.
• 4 Jordan, in the vacancy of the inhabitants, having got violent possession, fenced and fortified himself in the slime-pits, (as in so many castles) whereof great plenty in that place, and could not afterwards be ejected.

Thus his title to this plain, though at first an unjust usurpation and encroachment, is made lawful by the prescription of three thousand years possession.

§ 7. This sea is known by several names. 1. The Dead-sea, either because the Charnel-house of so many dead carcasses then destroyed therein; or, because it kills all creatures coming into it; or lastly, because dull and dead, not enlivened with a tide, or quickened with any visible motion, one main cause of the offensive savor thereof, laziness disposing men to lewdness, and waters to putrefaction. 2. The Salt-sea salt indeed, from the sulphurous combustions first occasioning it. 3. By Greek writers it is termed the Asphaltite-lake from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , or Bitumen, growing plentifully thereabouts. This Bitumen (we are fain to retain the Latin word, our land neither affording the thing, nor our language the name to signify it) is a clammy, glutinous substance, useful in Physic to astringe, in Surgery to consolidate. Used by the rich as mortar to build, (as in the tower of Babel ) by the poor as oil to burn, therefore called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in hebrew; quickly kindled, hardly quenched, flaming far and long, as partaking much of pitch, and more of brimstone in the nature thereof. And such as could not go to the cost of richer spices, used it for imbalming their dead, being a great drier, and so preserver from corruption.

§ 8. This Salt-sea was sullen and churlish, differing from all other in the conditions thereof. David speaking of other seas, saith, there go the ships, and there is that Leviathan which thou hast made to play therein: so instancing in the double use of the sea, for ships to sails, and fishes to swim in. But this is serviceable for neither of these intents, no vessels sailing thereon, the clammy water being a real Remora to obstruct their passage; and the most sportfull fishes dare not jest with the edged-tools of this Dead-sea; which if unwillingly hurried thereinto by the force of the stream of Jordan, they presently expire. Yea, it would kill that Apocrypha-Dragon, which Daniel is said to have choked with lumps of pitch, fat, and hair, if he should be so adventurous to drink of the waters thereof; so stifling and suffocating is the nature of it. In a word, this sea hath but one good quality, namely, that it entertains intercourse with no other seas; which may be imputed to the providence of nature, debarring it from communion with the Ocean, lest otherwise it should infect other waters with its malignity. Nor doeth any healthful thing grow thereon, save only this wholesome counsel, which may be collected from this pestiferous lake, for men to beware how they provoke divine justice, by their lustful and unnatural enormities.

§ 9. Heathen writers, Tacitus and Pliny, take notice of this lake, with the qualities thereof, but especially Solinus, whose testimony (but with some variations from Scripture) we thought fit to insert, and translate, though the latter will scarcely be done, without some abatement of the native elegancy, and expressiveness thereof. Longo ab Hierosolymis recessu tristis sinus panditur, quem de coelo tactum testator humus nigra, & in cinerem soluta. Duo ibi oppida, Sodomum nominatum alterum, alterum Gomorrhum. Apud quae pomum gignitur, quod habeat speciem licet maturitatis, mandi tamen non potest. Nam fuliginem intrinsecus favillaceam ambitio tantùm extimae cutis cohibet: quae vel levi tactu pressa fumum exhalat, & fatiscit in vagum pulverem. A good way side of Jerusalem lies ope a melancholy Bay, which the black soil being also turned into ashes▪ witnesseth to have been blasted from heaven. In it are two towns, the one called Sodom, the other Gomorrah. Wherein grows an apple, which though it seem fair and ripe, yet cannot be eaten. For, the compass of the outward rind only, holds within it an ember-like soot: which being but lightly pressed, evaporates into smoke and becomes flittering dust.

§ 10. But Lot was preserved, and God is said therein to have remembered Abraham, though he might have seemed to have forgotten him, in refusing to grant to spare Sodom at his request. Thus, though divine providence may deny good men's prayers in the full latitude of their desires, he always grants them such a competent proportion thereof, as is most for his glory, and their good. Lot with his wife are enjoined only not to look back, wherein she disobeyed the commandment, either out of

• 1 High contempt: Yet seeing for the main she had been a good woman, accompanying her husband many miles from his native to a strange Country, merely depending on God's providence, our charity believes her fact proceeding rather from
• 2 Carelessness, or incogitancy, having for that instant forgotten the command; or
• 3 Curiosity, to behold the manner of so strange, and sudden a destruction; or
• 4 Infidelity, not conceiving it possible, so great a City could be so soon overthrown; or
• 5 Covetousness, when she thought on the wealth she had left behind her; or
• 6 Compassion, hearing the whining of swine, braying of Asses, bleating of sheep, lowing of kine, crying of children, shrieking of women, roaring of men, and some of them of her own flesh and blood.

Were they any, or all of these, back she looked, and was turned into a pillar of salt, which, Saint Jerome saith, was extant in his age-Mean time, how sad a case was Lot in, bearing about him life and death? one half of him quick, lively, and active; the other half, (his wife, both making but one flesh) so strangely, and suddenly, senseless, dead, and immovable.

§ 11. Not far off is the City of Zoar (Littleton in English) so named by Lot, whereas formerly it was called Belah. I say by Lot, who was the best benefactor to this place, which otherwise had been sent the same way of destruction, with the other four Cities, had not his importunity prevailed with God, for the sparing thereof. Yet I find not any monument of gratitude made by the men of Zoar, to the memory of Lot their preserver; yea, they would not afford him a quiet and comfortable being amongst them, insomuch that he feared to dwell in Zoar. Either suspecting that they would offer violence to his person, or infect his soul with their bad example, or that he might be involved in their sudden destruction, as a wicked place spared, not pardoned by God, and allowed to himself for his present refuge, not constant habitation. Their ill usage of so good a man, minds me of Solomon's observation, There was a little City and few men within it, and there came a great King against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it. Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and • e by his wisdom delivered the City, yet no man remembered the same poor man. No more then Lot was remembered in Zoar, though the tutelary Saint thereof. But his clear conscience, in free doing this courtesy, rewarded itself in doing it; whilst mercenary souls, working only for the wages of thanks, often lose their labor, especially in this ungrateful age.

§ 12. From Zoar, Lot removed to a neighbouring mountain, and dwelt in a cave therein, which is shown to travellers at this day. Now, an hole in an hill could hold him, and all his family, whose substance formerly was so great, the whole Country could not afford room for his flocks and heard-men, without striving with those of his uncle Abraham. Here made drunken by his daughters practice upon him▪ with them he committed incest. It is grace, not the place, can secure men's souls from sin, seeing Lot fasting from lust in wanton and populous Sodom, • urfeited thereof in a solitary cave; and whilst he carefully fenced the castle of chastity, even to make it impregnable against the battery of foreign force, he never suspected to be surprised by the treachery of his own family.

§ 13. So much for Pentepolis, once a country of five cities, now all turned into one lake. Come we now to survey the particular limits of this Tribe. That Maxim, Qui been distinguit, been docet, holds most true herein: the well distinguishing of bounds, conduceth much to the true knowledge of this Country; especially, seeing the Holy Spirit hath been so exact in assigning them. Where God is pleased to point, for man not to vouchsafe a look, showeth, that proud earth valueth his eyes, as more worth then the hand of heaven.

§ 14. The borders of Judah with all their particular flexure are thus described in Joshua.

East.	South.	North.	West.
The Salt-Sea.	1 From the south-side of the salt-sea, to the going up of Acrabbin. 2 Thence to the wilderness of Zin. 3 Thence to the south-side unto Kadesh-Barnea. 4 Thence to Hezron. 5 Thence it went up to Adar. 6 Thence fetched a compass to Karkaa. 7 Thence it passed to Azmon. 8 Thence unto the river of Egypt. 9 Thence went out at the Sea. Observe we, that these south bounds of Judah, are for the main the same with the south limits of the whole land, assigned Numbers 34.	1 From the end of Jordan at the salt-sea to Beth-hoglah 2 Thence by the north of Beth-araba. 3 Thence it went up to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben. 4 Thence towards Debir from the valley of Achor. 5 So northwards looking to Gilgal, before the going up to Adummin, on the south side of the river. 6 Thence towards the water of Enshemesh. 7 Thence to Enrogel. Thence by the valley of Benhinnom unto the south of Ierusalē. 8 Thence to the top of the mountain at the end of the valley of Rephaim. 9 Thence to the fountain of Nephtoah. 10 Thence to the cities of mount Ephron. 11 Thence to Kiriath-jearim.	1 From Kiriath-jearim westward it compasseth unto mount Seir. 2 Thence it passeth along to the side of mount Iearim, or Chesalon. 3 Thence went down to Bethshemesh. 4 Thence passed on to Timnah. 5 Thence unto the side of Ekron northward. 6 Thence was drawn to Shichron. 7 Thence passed along to mount Baalah. 8 Thence went out unto Iabneel. 9 Thence the west border ended at the Great Sea. These west bounds of Judah, were afterwards altered, falling into the midst of the Tribe of Dan.

Now, as in the body of a man, if an inspection might be made into it whilst he is alive, every nerve, and artery therein (then flushed up with the spirits) is easily to be discerned, which after death shrink almost invisible, past discovering: so each small angle, and turning of Judah's bounds in Joshua's time, was then plainly to be perceived, which now adays (the land long since, being in a manner dead, and desolate) are not at all conspicuous, nor fall they under any accurate observation.

§ 15. Amongst all these limitary places, Kadesh-Barnea is only of eminency, whither the children of Israel came, and where they stayed some time, after their coming out of Egypt, in the very edge and entrance of the land of Canaan. Thus that land was like a rich robe, whose utmost hem the Jews were permitted to touch (only that their fingers might feel the fineness thereof) but were denied to wear it, and remanded to wander another way many years, for the punishment of their infidelity. And thus many come to the Kadesh-Barnea of common illumination, who never attain to the true Canaan of holiness here, or happiness hereafter.

§ 16. In describing this spacious Tribe, we will begin with the eleven royal Cities therein, whose Kings were destroyed by Joshua. These according to their dignities may thus be reckoned up:

• 1 Jerusalem, whereof largely hereafter.
• 2 Hebron.
• 3 Debir.
• 4 Libnah.
• 5 Lachish.
• 6 Adullam.
• 7 Geder.
• 8 Iarmuth.
• 9 Eglon.
• 10 Arad.
• 11 Hepher.

These royal Cities, though scattered here and there in this Tribe, need no other Herald in our map, to proclaim them to the Readers notice, being quickly found out by their coronets graven upon them. From these we shall proceed to other towns of eminency, reserving the rivulets, and wildernesses, to close this our description.

§ 17. Hebron was the principal royal city belonging to Judah, seven years senior in its building to Zoan a City in Egypt; more anciently it was called Kiriath-Arba, that is (say some) the City of four men, because of four Patriarchs (as they reckon them up) Adam, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob buried therein. But, I wonder any should delight in their own wild conjectures, when the text tendereth us a certainty herein, assuring us that this Arba (from whom Kiriath-Arba, or Hebron was named) was a great man among the Anakims. This City stood in the vale of Mamre, so called from Mamre a person of quality in this place, who with Aner and Eshcol were Abraham's loving associates, and valiant assistants, in conquering Cheder-laomer, and rescuing the captive Sodomites. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived here successively, and from the vale of Hebron, Joseph was sent on a loving visit to his brethren, when for his good will they sold him to the Ishmaelites.

§ 18. Hereabouts was that great entertainment made, wherein the covert of a tree was the dining-room, the ground (probably) the board, Abraham the Caterer, Sarah the Cook, veal and welcome their cheer, Angels in the shape of men, Christ in the notion of an Angel, the guests, and the last promise of Isaac the free-offering they gave for their entertainment. Yea, in Hebron Isaac was born, suckled, weaned, persecuted by Ishmael, till at last he mocked both himself, and his mother Ha • gar quite out of his Fathers family.

§ 19. Near Hebron was the cave of Machpelah, purchased by Abraham of Ephron the Hittite (with the field about it, and all the trees therein) at the price of four hundred shekells of silver, for the burying of Sarah, himself, and his family. For, here,

• • Isaac
  • Ishmael
  though formerly the one perscuted the other lovingly agreed to bury Abraham their Father.
• • Jacob
  • Esau
  though formerly the one designed the others death lovingly agreed to bury Isaac their Father.
• Joseph and his brethren, though formerly they envied and sold him, lovingly agreed to bury Jacob their Father.

And thus, though branglings, and brawlings may happen betwixt brethren when young; all animosities ought to be buried in the grave of their Fathers.

§ 20. In the time of Joshua Hebron had a King, whom he conquered, and subdued; and afterwards this place was made a City of Refuge, and assigned (with twelve moe in this Tribe, and Benjamin ) unto the Priests, the sons of Aaron, who were above common Levites, as employed in ordinary attendance about the Tabernacle. Herein God provided not only for their conveniency, accommodating them with habitations near Jerusalem (as the place hereafter intended for his public service) but chiefly for their conscience, placing them in these two Tribes, whom he foresaw would alone persevere in, when the others would apostate from the true Religion. Yea the Priests had the best and biggest places in Judah, as Hebron, Debir, Libnah, formerly Royal, afterwards Sacerdotal Cities: God allowing his Ministers large maintenance; and indeed a beggarly Clergy, is the forerunner of a bankrupt Religion.

§ 21. But although the City of Hebron pertained to the Priests, the suburbs thereof by God's appointment belonged to Caleb and his posterity. This Caleb was that young-old man, whose strength contradicted his years, so able and active at fourscore and five, either for advice, or execution. But here he eat not the bread of idleness, being first to clear and conquer Hebron (before he could possess it) from the Giant-Amorite-Anakims dwelling therein. These Amorites, though (as the Prophet describes them) high as the Cedars, and strong as the Oaks, had notwithstanding (to follow this Metaphor) much wasteful sap in their mighty big bodies: whilst Caleb (all heart, as his name imports) though less and lower, by God's assistance easily overcame them. If any demand, How came Anakims hither, seeing Hebron so lately was smitten by Joshua? A learned author answers, that it is probable, whilst Joshua afterwards was employed in the north in conquering the Canaanites, some remnant of the Anakims which escaped his hand, did in his absence return, possess Hebron, and put Caleb to a new task of a second subduing them.

§ 22. David afterwards made Hebron the Metropolis of this kingdom (as being the most eminent City of his own Tribe of Judah ) and reigned almost seven years therein. In the third year of his reign Abner repaired hither, with full intent to reduce all Israel to his obedience, had not Joab's sudden murdering him frustrated his design. Probably some mixture of jealousy might put Joab on this foul action, fearing to be outed of his office, that if Abner made David King, David would make Abner General over all Israel. Certainly, revenge of his brother Asahels blood prompted him thereunto. Joab sending messengers to fetch Abner back from the well of Siriah, slew him treacherously as he was entering the gates of Hebron.

§ 23. Forget we not that Hebron, in the gate whereof Joab so basely and barbarously murdered him, was a City of Refuge, appointed by God for the saving of such, as had killed one unawares. Did not Joab therefore, in such a place acting willful murder, in an high hand rely on his own greatness to bear him out in so bloody a deed, as if he neither feared the justice of man, nor needed the mercy of God? No wonder then, if many years after he flying to the horns of the Altar, was denied the protection of that place, who formerly so cruelly, despitefully, and presumptuously had defiled the City of Refuge with innocent blood.

§ 24. Thus died Abner, very loyal to Saul, whilst Saul was living, and too loving to his concubine, when he was dead. Never man was killed more cowardly, or buried more honourably: David himself following the b • ere, weeping as chief mourner at his funeral. In the same sepulcher the head of Ishbosheth was afterwards interred. Though some jars were betwixt them whilst living, their dust well agreed in the same grave. Nor durst the ashes of Ishbosheth cross the others, who when alive (though checked, and chidden by him) could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him. As for the bodies of Baanah and Rechab the murderers of Ishbosheth, they had, by order from David, their hands and feet cut off, and they hanged up over the pool in Hebron.

§ 25. After the death of Ishbosheth, all Israel repaired to Hebron to make David their King, whose several numbers deserve our observation.

• 1 Out of Judah six thousand, and eight hundred.
• 2 Simeon, seven thousand & one hundred.
• 3 Levi, eight thousand & three hundred twenty two.
• 4 Benjamin, three thousand.
• 5 Ephraim, twenty thousand and eight hundred.
• 6 Half Tribe of Manasseh on this side Jordan, eighteen thousand.
• 7 Issachar, two hundred officers, and all their brethren at there commandment.
• 8 Zebulun, fifty thousand.
• 9 Naphtali, thirty seven • housand, besides a thousand Captains.
• 10 Dan, twenty eight thousand and six hundred.
• 11 〈◊〉 , forty thousand.
• 12 Reuben, G • d, and Manass • h beyond Jordan, an hundred and twenty thousand.

Behold here those Tribes which lived farthest from Hebron, appearing in the highest equipage; as if they endeavoring to be revenged on the distance of their habitation, purposely advanced with the greatest number. Here it will be inquired, why Judah largest in dominion, next in position, nearest in relation, (as David's native Tribe) made here the slenderest appearance of all the rest, Benjamin alone excepted; the thinness of whose numbers are excused in the text, because hitherto the greatest part of them kept the ward of the house of Saul. What! doth it fare with Princes, as with Prophets, that they are not without honor save in their own Country, and in their own house, that David found fewest attendants from his own Tribe? Oh no, he was abundantly loved, and honored therein. But, Tostatus answers

• 1 David's daily attendance (both civil in his Court, and military in his camp, and garrison) hitherto chiefly consisted of the Tribe of Judah.
• 2 The rest of Judah remained at home, to make provision, and give entertainment to this confluence of people from all parts.

Add hereunto

• 1 Six thousand eight hundred were a sufficient representation of Judah, and moe not only needless, but burdensome for the present, to pester Hebron too populous already. The rest keeping home, and living hard by, were ready (no doubt) on competent warning, to come quickly, if need required, or David commanded their attendance.
• 2 Judah's main work was done two years before, when David was solemnly made their King. And they now, rather spectators, then actors at his second Coronation over all Israel.

Now no less politick then thrifty were the other Tribes in bringing their victuals along with them, lest otherwise they should be held as occasioners of scarcity in Judah, and enhauncers of the prices of provisions.

§ 26. Afterwards Absalom, when he intended a rebellion against his Father, chose Hebron as the fittest City, from whence he meant to mount into the Throne. Hither he came under pretence to do sacrifice, with his chariots, and horses, and fifty men running before him: but, which was most to be pitied, he brought with him from Jerusalem two hundred men, which were (as one may say) Loyall traitors, coming in the simplicity of their hearts, and merely drawn-in to treasonable practices. But Hebron proved not a place so successful to Absalom the son, as formerly fortunate to David his father. This Traitours sovereignty soon expired, when forsaken of God, Man, and Beast (his own Mule going away from him) he was slain of Joab, as formerly related.

§ 27. Some ten miles south of Hebron lay Debir, anciently called Kiriah-Sepher , the City of a book, conceived a Canaanitish University. And although the Giant Anakims dwelling hereabouts, may be presumed but little bookish, yet civilized Countries, in all ages, have allowed such places for the education of youth, who are better unborn, then unbred. Caleb proffered Acsah his daughter in marriage to any one that should conquer this City, which was accordingly performed by Othniel his younger brothers son, and first Judge of Israel. What, were not the glory of God, and good of his Country, enough to set an edge on his valor, but the promise of a wife needed also to whet his resolution? No doubt the scales of his resolution went down formerly on the right side, before this match was cast in as overweight. It is no unlawful Bigamy of the soul, when wedded to God's glory in the first place, to embrace also therewith the recompense of reward: and grand is the difference betwixt an hireling whose mind is merely mercenary, and him that works for his hire; with Othniel taking it (not as the main motive, much less as the end, but) only as a welcome encouragement of his undertakings.

§ 28. Thus all parties were pleased; Israel recovered Debir, Othniel got Acsah to wife, she gained a blessing from her Father, that blessing brought the possession of the upper, and nether springs along with it. Know also, in after ages the south part of Judah was called Caleb, probably from the large inheritance, Caleb obtained in these parts, and puissance of his posterity therein. Thus the Egyptian giving an account of the passages of the army of the Amalekites, confesseth they had been roving upon the coast that belonged to Judah, and upon the south of Caleb.

§ 29. Libnah is the third in honor, of the nine royal Cities in the days of Joshua, assigned afterwards for the Priests habitation. Long it continued loyal to the Crown of Judah, until in the days of Jehoram (that ungodly, unmerciful, unsuccesfull, unbeloved, unlamented King) Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, unto this day, then Libnah revolted at the same time. Was it casualty, or confederacy (by mutual intelligence) that both thir defections bare the same date? Surely, breach of faith is a catching disease, yea infectious from one to another. But, how could the inhabitants of Libnah, being Priests, (whose best livelihood depended on their personal officiating in the Temple at Jerusalem ) subsist, being cut off from their service, and the salary thereof? Yea, did they not thereby necessarily apostate from their religion to God, desert his Temple and their own profession? Except any will say (easier spoken, then proved) that at this present, not the Priests, but some other persons were possessors of Libnah. We find not this City afterwards reduced to the Kings of Judah, whereupon some conceive, that henceforward it stood on its own bottom, as an absolute Common-wealth.

§ 30. If any object it impossible, that Libnah so small a City, should subsist here as a free State against all the powers of the Kings of Judah; let such look on little Lucca, in Italy, and less Geneva, in France, defended by their foes from their foes; environed with enemies on all sides, yet so, that rather then any one shall subdue them, all the rest will assist them. Such probably, was the position, and politick State-poizing of Libnah, seated in the vicinity of the Kings of Judah, Israel, and the Philistines, (not to say, Egypt, though far off, might come in as a protector thereof) that it might make a Cordial of a self-subsistence, from the Antidotes of its enemies. Afterwards we find Sennacherib fighting against Libnah (whence he sent a railing message to Hezekiah ) but read nothing of the taking thereof; yea, probably here the Angel by night did that memorable excution, slaying an hundred fourscore and five thousand of his numerous army.

§ 31. Lachish must not be forgotten, whose King was destroyed by Joshua. King Amaziah conspired against by his subjects in Jerusalem, fled hither in vain; for, They sent after him to Lachish, and slew him there. It was a leading City in Idolatry, infected from Israel, and infecting of Judah. Micah prophesied in particular against this City, warning it to prepare for speedy captivity from its enemies. O thou inhabitant of Lachish, bind the charet to the swift beast; she is the beginning of the sin to the daughter of Zion: for the transgressions of Israel were found in thee. And although we find not Lachish taken by Sennacherib who warred against it, yet it escaped not the fury of Nebuchadnezzar, though one of the last Cities by him subdued.

§ 32. But Ad • llam, another regal City in Judah, was more ancient; where Hirah, Judah's fast friend, dwelt, though employed by him but as a pandar post factum, to carry Tamar the hire of her whoredom. In a cave hereabouts repaired to David, everyone that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and everyone that was discontented, and he became a Captain over them. Was this well done of him to be Protector General of Out-laws, thereby defying justice, defrauding creditors, defeating God's command, which provided, that the deb • er, if not solveable, should be sold for satisfaction? Alas, his need is all that can be alleged in his excuse. Sure I am David promised (when in power to make his own choice) that his household, or Court, should consist of persons better qualified. However these men freely resorting to him, were better then those hired by Abimelech, vain and light persons, and as far to be preferred before them as want is more excusable then wickedness. Yea, we may charitably believe David's consorts impoverisht not by their own carelessness, but their creditors cruelty.

§ 33. As for Gedar it hath formerly been described in Simeon, only we will add, that Baal-hanan the Gederite was of this place, David's Overseer over the Olive trees, and Sycamore trees in the low plain. This name of Baal-hanan inverted is the same with Hannibal that great General of the Carthaginians. See here the affinity of the Hebrew, with the Phoenician, or Carthaginian tongue. Wonder not that Baal-hanan, or Hannibal was a fashionable name for potent persons in these parts, (we find also a King of Edom so called) seeing it signifieth a Lord in grace, or, favor; and our Savior hath told us, such as exercise authority over others are called Gracious Lord's. As for I • rmuth, Eglon, and Arad, we read nothing of them remarkable, since their several Kings were destroyed by Joshua. Of Hepher we shall speak more properly in the close of this Description.

§ And now, what a fall must our Description have, from the Cities of Kings, to the Manor of a clown; the fruitful Carmell not far from the Dead-sea? Here folly, and wisdom dwelt under the same roof, sat at the same table, slept in the same bed, Nabal and Abigail. Are matches made in heaven, and was Abigail so ill beloved there, to be condemned to such a choice? Surely, God saw it most for his own glory and her good, for the emprovement of her patience. This Nabal proved himself a perfect Miser, both by his niggardliness to David, and prodigality of the King-like dinner he made to his shepherds. But both he and his family had been utterly destroyed by David, had not the discreet mediation of Abigail been seasonably interposed.

§ 35. After his gluttonous supper Abigail next morning serves Nabal with a thrifty breakfast, telling him of the great danger he so narrowly had escaped. Hereupon his heart died within him. Thus some drunkards have been said to have swooned when sober, at the serious review of such perils they so nearly escaped in the fits of their distemper. Probably fear increased his sadness, suspecting to fall into a relapse of David's disfavour, and that his anger might revert to give him another visit hereafter. Thus the wrath of a King (though but in reversion) is as the roaring of a Lion. Yea, Nabal became as a stone, and no wonder, being little better then a stock before, such his senseless stupidity. But, though he was a churl in his miserable living, he was bountiful in his seasonable dying, freeing Abigail from an unequal yoke, and fitting her with an husband better suiting with her deserts, even David himself.

§ 36. But, Carmel had not such a fool, but that Giloh hard by had as wise a man for the owner thereof, even oraculous Ahithophel. This was he that gave the wholesomest, but Hushai the toothsomest counsel to Absalom, best pleasing the palate of a vainglorious traitor. Ahithophel advised as a cruel hunter, that David should presently be pursued, not giving him any breath, but either running him down outright, or killing him in the form, where they should find him: Hushai counseled to prolong the sport for their greater pleasure; and, seeing all the game was surely in their own hand, to give David the larger law, to shift away a while for himself, that so he might be put to death in the greater state, and with more ceremonious magnificence. Ahithophel seeing his counsel neglected at Court, and foreseeing (in the causes) Absalom's ruin, and David's return, to prevent farther shame, and save the executioner the pains, fairly went home, set his house in order, and hanged himself.

§ 37. Tekoah is not far off, where a wise woman once lived (the subtilest subtilest manager of Joab's design to David, for the bringing back of Absalom ) and a wiser man Amos, called from an heardsman, and a gatherer of wild figs to be a Prophet. Near Tekoah Jehoshaphat obtained a memorable victory against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, though at the first hearing of their coming, Jehoshaphat is said to have been afraid. Did he not discover much cowardice herein, considering what multitudes of men Jehoshaphat at that time did command? Namely,

• 1 Under Adnah the chief of Judah three hundred thousand mighty men of valor.
• 2 Next to him Iehohanan captain over two hundred and fourscore thousand.
• 3 Next him Amaziah with two hundred thousand mighty men of valor.
• 4 And of Benjamin Eliada with two hundred thousand armed with bow and shield.
• 5 Next him Iehoshabad with an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war.

What need then Jehoshaphat fear (except as in Gideon's case suspecting he had too many for God to give victory by) having an Army (if well disciplined with advantage of time and place) able to to encounter all mankind, especially on the defensive side, to make good their own Country against any invasion?

§ 38. It is answered, the suddenness of the news might add much to his fright, that an enemy was come into the bowels of his Country [ Behold they be in Hazeron-Tamar, which is Engedi] before the first intelligence was brought thereof. Secondly, Jehoshaphat feared not so much his foes, as his faults, guilty to himself of great offenses, (good men the less sinful; the more sensible thereof) and chiefly of his matching at home, and marching abroad with the Idolatrous family of Ahab. Lastly, those vast numbers of his soldiers lately specified, were not all at any one time, but severally, and successively, during the five and twenty years of Jehoshaphat his reign. Wherefore those words in the list of Jehoshaphat's Generalls thrice repeated, Next him, Next him, Next him, imply not a gradation in honor, as if all of them, though subordinately, were extant together, but import a succession of time, the latter entering with his men on the office of a General, after the displacing, or death of the former.

§ 39. However, Jehoshaphat puts his people into a penitent posture, falling to fasting and prayer, and obtains a memorable conquest, which was purely heavens Donative, Sine cura, without man's care, cost, or charge to achieve it. Prince and people stand still, look on, believe God, sing Psalms, accounting their conquest gotten, because promised by the Prophet. Mean time, their enemies amazed with ambushments of God's setting, fall foul one on another, till Moab, and Ammon had destroyed, first the Edomites, then themselves. Three days are the men of Judah employed in gathering the spoil, and so return to Jerusalem with wealth in their hands, joy in their hearts, music in their mouths, having left behind them the name of Berachah, or blessing, imposed on the place, where this celestial victory was bestowed upon them.

§ 40. But now it is high time that we enter on the several Stages and removals of David in or near this Tribe, after that he (having formerly suffered much from Saul as a private person) began to Prince it, and to stand on his guard. The text saith he and his men went wheresoever they could go. David herein being like the Son and Lord of David, who had not where to lay his head. Indeed David confesseth that God made the stony rocks for the Conies, but yet he himself was glad to be their In-mate, and share with them in their habitations; and yet his soul was never so discomposed in any hole or cave, but that in the darkest of them he could see to make Psalms, and praise his Maker. No place came amiss to his pious soul, above or under ground, all alike to him to serve his God therein. Now seeing it is David's expression of himself, that he was hunted as a Partridge on the mountains: Partridge, a bird innocent whose fine flesh is its greatest guilt, and importent, (not armed with beak or talons) whose chief might consisteth in the flight thereof: Now whilst Saul followed him, we will follow David's Metaphor in our ensuing description. But be it premised, that Saul was no fair Faulconer, who more desiring the prey then the sport, came with his nets and setting dogs, with full intent to kill David wherever he might catch him.

§ 41. We begin at the cave of Adullam (which we may call his nest) wherein he composed the fifty seventh, and the hundredth forty second Psalm. Hence he made wing, taking a long and strong flight to Mizpah in the land of Moab. Here the Partridge shown much of the Stork in him, feeding his parents, and taking order with the King of Moab for the maintenance of his Father and mother.

§ 42. Hence (by the advice of the Prophet Gad, not to trust himself again in the cave of Adullam ) by the forest of Hareth to the City of Keilah. The Inhabitants whereof David had lately obliged to himself, by saving them from the Philistines, notwithstanding which favor, God assured him of their intentions to betray him to Saul. If a skillful Gardener can in the depth of winter, by beholding the bare root, and knowing the kind thereof, foretell when and what flowers the same will bring forth many months after, well may the God of heaven, the searcher of hearts, know men's thoughts afar off, and infallibly conclude what they will be, before they have any being. Base Keilites, who had rather pick thanks with Saul, then pay thanks to David to whom they were due! Thus deliver an ungrateful man from a danger, and he will be the first to bring you into the same condition. This sad occasion did spring the Partridge hence.

§ 43. To Hachilah hill in a wood in the wilderness of Ziph, south of Iesimon. Here Jonathan came and renewed his amity with David. Behold how they two is embracing one another, (Reader my phrase trespasseth on the rules of Grammar, no • of friendship ) and made a Covenant before the Lord Nor was it a small comfort to David, (though Saul, and Doeg, and Keilites, and Ziphites were against him) that, besides his own innocence, he had the Prince, the Priest, and the Prophet, Jonathan, Abiathar, and Gad, good men's prayers, and God's providence on his side. Here the Ziphites, Saul's setters, having winded David; Saul; to catch him, comes with his net, but either made too much noise, or too little speed, for before he came thither the Partridge was flown.

§ 44. To the wilderness of Maon. Here only a mountain was betwixt David and Saul, and that not long likely to keep them asunder, seeing Saul's men, being many in number, began to compass David round about. But seasonable ill news was brought that the Philistines had invaded the land, which made Saul turn his forces another way against a foreign foe. Commendable his ingenuity, that he preferred rather to oppose an enemy of another Religion, then to dispatch a domestic adversary, whom he now had at advantage. However judicious eyes behold not this as an act of Saul's pity, but God's providence: hereupon David called the place Sela-hammahlekoth, or the rock of Division.

§ 45. Hence he fled to the holds at Engedi: Here he had Saul in a cave, and was seemingly courted by heaven, certainly urged by men to destroy him, and yet he refused. O why is a golden opportunity put into a leaden hand, which wants activity to make use of it? What hard heart could have thrust away so fair an advantage? But oh, (though all things else were here) one thing was wanting, a Lawfull command. A Crown is over bought which costs a sin. David durst not kill him, only he cut off the skirt of his garment, and withal felt a greater gash in his conscience, then he made in Saul's clothes, for being too bold with God's Anointed. This courtesy of David in sparing his life, made Saul half a convert, drawing tears from his eyes, fair words from his mouth, but what intentions from his heart, He only knows, that knew the secrets thereof. It is suspicious that Saul's truth therein was not much, because David's trust therein was none at all; who (notwithstanding the Court-holy-water of Saul's tears) gat him and his men again up into the hold.

§ 46. Hence David took a voluntary flight unto Carmel. Here the Partridge was like to turn Hauke, and become a Bird of prey, to kill all the the innocent family of Nabal, (as we have already observed) had not that God who formerly protected him from Saul's, here preserved him from his own sword, and from avenging himself with his own hand.

§ 47. Hence he fled back again to Hachilah hill, which is before Iesimon. Here the Ziphites bring Saul second tidings of his being there. So boundless was the stock of their malice, no danger of breaking, who though they failed at their first return, would adventure again. Only thei • malice did this good, that it gave David the occasion to make the fifty fourth Psalm. Here he had Saul at a second advantage, finding him with Abner and his men round about him fast asleep, even as still as the Spear and Cruse of water that stood at his head. These David took away, but with intent truly to restore them after he had kept them a while 〈◊〉 monuments of his own integrity. Hereupon Saul▪ a second Convert, clears David, chargeth himself, prayeth for pardon, and promiseth amendment, whilst David having had experience of his former falsehood, gives him the hearing, not the believing. For

§ 48. Hence he flew to Gath in the land of the Philistines, and Saul sought no more again for him, leaving off his pursuit now the Partridge had took Covert in an enemies Country; whence he removed to Ziklag, and thence made many incursions against the Geshurites, Gezrites, and Amalekites▪ but withal telling King Achish that he matched the clean contrary way against Judah and the friends thereof. Here the Partridge had in him too much of the Lapwing, which by its hypocritical fluttering pretends its nest far distant from the true place thereof. Such dissimulation in David cannot be excused, must not be imitated. From Ziklag he marched along with Achish King of Gath to Aphek in the Tribe of Issachar, where he was dismissed and cashiered by the Philistines from any further service. Returning home he found Ziklag his nest spoiled, yea all his Covie therein (wives and children) catched in a snare, as hath formerly been described in the Tribe of Simeon. After the recovery of his losses, from Ziklag

§ 49. He flew to Hebron▪ Here the Partridge turned Eagle, being solemnly made Sovereign first of Judah, then of all Israel. And now being quietly settled in his Throne, he may joyfully sing, Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

§ 50. But besides these eminent and noted Gests of David he had many more which were obscure and intermediate, as appears by the list of the places where he haunted, and to whom he sent part of his spoils taken from the Amalekites, viz.

• 1 Bethel in Benjamin.
• 2 South Ramoth in Simeon.
• 3 Iattir in Judah a Levites City.
• 4 Aroer in the tribe of Gad.
• 5 Siphmoth.
• 6 Eshtemoa a Levites City in Judah.
• 7 Rachal.
• 8 Cities of the Ierahmeelites, ( descended from Iarahmeel an eminent man in Judah.)
• 9 Cities of the Kenites.
• 10 Hormah in Simeon.
• 11 Chorashan in Simeon.
• in Judah.
• 12 Athach.
• 13 Hebron, eminent in Judah.

As for Siphmoth, Rachal, and Athach, because they appear not again in Scripture, their position is unknown, but may be presumed in or near the Tribe of Judah. The best is, though our tracing of David's travels may be imperfect, and we fail in the reckoning thereof, yet God's Arithmetic is exact, and what is defective in our's, is supplied in his observations: Thou tellest my wanderings, put my tears in thy bottle, are they not written in thy book?

§ 51. Now besides the Cities mentioned in our description▪ many more remain which were obscure, without any memorable act achieved in them: and are thus reckoned up in Joshua.

• 1 Towards the coast of Edom south-ward, twenty nine.
• 2 In the vale,
  • Fourteen in the first▪
  • Sixteen in the second,
  • Nine in the third,
    • Catalogue.
• 3 On the Sea two, Ekron and Ashdod.
• 4 In the mountains,
  • Eleven in the first,
  • Nine in the second,
  • Ten in the third,
  • Six in the fourth,
    • Catalogue.
• 5 Two by themselves, Kiriath-Baal and Rabbah.
• 6 In the wilderness, Six.

In all an hundred and fourteen.

So that the Tribe of Judah alone had more Cities then all the Island of Crete, which had but just an hundred, and therefore called Hecatompolis. But many of these Cities were small, and a good share of them was given to the Tribes of Dan and Simeon, as formerly hath been observed. But amongst such as remained to Judah let not Maresha be forgotten, (in the north-west part of this Tribe) both because thereby, in the valley of Zephathah, Asa conquered Zerah the Ethiopian, whose army consisted of more then a million of men, and because the Prophet Micah was born therein.

§ 52. In Saint Jerome's time somewhere in Judah flourished a fair City called Eleutheropolis: from which that Father measureth the distance of most southern places in Palestine; as he computeth the northern from Legion a City in Galilee. But (the more the pity) that Father hath not acquainted us with the exact location of either of these two places. Whilest Adrichomius and others condemn Saint Jerome's carelessness herein, it better befits us to condole our own unhappiness, who cannot read the accurate distance of places in his book of that subject, because though he have lent us his Characters, he hath not left us the true Key thereof.

§ 53. The Tribe of Judah had no great river therein, saving a little piece of gasping Jordan now ready to expire in the dead-sea; but with rivulets it was sufficiently stored, lending the brooks of Sorek and Bez • r to Dan and Simeon; borrowing Kedron from Benjamin, whence it fetcheth its fountain▪ and keeping the brook before the wilderness of Ieruel wholly for its own use, as rising, running, and falling entirely in this Tribe. Nor must that brook be forgotten, which I may call the brook of David, because being to encounter Goliath, he took thence five smooth stones (store is no sore, especially not being sure, but his first might fail) and furnished his scrip therewith.

§ 54. This was that Goliath whose strength was equal to his stature, his arms suitable to his strength, but his Pride above all. Betwixt him and David first passed a tongue-combat. The one discharging ostentation, and presumption, which the other as quickly returned with faith and confidence in God's promises. Come they then to encounter: see the lower man had the longer arm, who with his sling could reach death at distance to his adversary. The beaver of Goliath's helmet was open: not that he thought his brazen brow sufficiently armed with its own impudence, but either that he might see, breath, and boast the more freely, or because he disdained to buckle himself against so unequal a match: The stone from David's sling flies directly to his forehead, whereby the Giant is mortally wounded, and notwithstanding his spear was as great as a weavers beam, his life was swifter then a weavers shuttle; so soon passed it away and he was gone, David cutting off his head with his own sword.

§ 55. Many were the wildernesses in this Tribe, as those of Zin, Ziph, Maon, Engedi, Ieruel, Tekoa, and Judah lying south of Arad. Now as once it was the question of the Disciples to our Savior, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness? So here it may materially be demanded, Where did the men of Judah find food to sustain themselves, whose country seems a heap of wildernesses cast together? Here we must know that the whole land of Palestine was dressed and kept like a garden plot, and enclosed into Olive-yards, Vine-yards, and arable fields, save some extravagant places which lay common, where wild beasts did harbor in the woods, commonly called Wildernesses. Such notwithstanding were full of fruitful pastures, and had fair towns, though more thinly inhabited then other parts of the Country; so that this Tribe was more frighted then hurt with the multitude of Wildernesses therein.

§ 56. Paramount over them all was The wilderness, having six Cities therein, and was part of the wilderness of Judea, (extending also into Benjamin ) wherein John the Baptist preached: feeding here on Locusts (flying insects, whereof four kinds were clean, and permitted the Jews to eat) and wild honey. Either such as fell down in dews from heaven, or was made by wild Bees, not civilized in hives, but nesting on the ground or in hollow trees. In a word, he was content with such course fare as the Country afforded, his rough clothes being suited to his homely diet, and both to his hard doctrine of Repentance. Hereupon scandalous tongues condemned him for having a Devil, as afterwards they belied our Savior (using a more liberal diet) to be a Winebibber, so impossible it is to please affected frowardness either full or fasting.

§ 57. Some make John the Baptist the first founder of Eremites. But how little his precedent befriendeth their practice, who, not out of any impulsion, but mere election, delight to dwell in deserts, will appear by the ensuing Parallel.

He,
• 1 By immediate command from God to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah.
• 2 Went into a wilderness; a place more thinly peopled then the rest of the land.
• 3 Where he daily busied himself with preaching to multitudes of people repairing unto him.
• 4 And at last did end his life in a place of greater concourse, even the Court of King Herod himself.

They,
• 1 By dictates of their own fancy, following the principles of will-worship.
• 2 Go into a wilderness indeed, conversing with solitariness, and shunning all society.
• 3 Where they bury themselves alive in laziness with the talents God hath bestowed on them.
• 4 And bind themselves with a vow to live and die in that solitary condition.

Behold here the large difference betwixt him and monking Eremites. Who, if men of parts, ought to help others with their society; if of no parts, need to be helped by the society of others. Yea whatsoever their endowments were, this running into the wilderness was but a Bank-rupt trick, to defraud the Church and Common-wealth their Creditours, to both which they stood bound by specialty of God's command to discharge all Civil and Christian relations to the utmost proportions of their abilities. In a word, though we steadfastly believe, that Iabal was the father of all such as dwell in tents, because the Scripture affirmeth the same, yet for the reasons aforesaid, we utterly deny John the Baptist the founder and Author of all those which live willfully in hills and holes an eremiticall life.

§ 58. The Son of Hese • was Solomon's Purveyor in Aruboth, to him belonged Sochoth, and all the land of Hepher. A land which lay, as we gather by other proportions, in the north-west part of this Tribe. And indeed we find a King of Hepher amongst those which Joshua destroyed, but dare not confidently aver him to have been of the Tribe of Judah. However, it appears that for the main, the whole body of the Tribe of Judah (with Simeon lying therein) fell not under any of Solomon's Purveyour-ships. The reason whereof, if inquired into, may perchance be reduced into some of these considerations.

• 1 It was referred to defray extraordinaries, on casual entertainments, and occasional solemnities; or
• 2 It was kept for the expenses of the thirteenth, or intercalary month (the product of the eleven supernumerary days) which commonly was every third year inserted into the Hebrew Kalendar.
• 3 Judah might by special indulgence be exempted from such taxations; either because Jerusalem, the royal City, was principally seated therein; and therefore to prevent scarcity of victuals in so populous a place, the Court-purveyours went further off, that the City might be better provided; or, because Solomon did ease, and favor that Tribe, whence he himself was extracted.

This very probably was some cause, why, when the other ten Tribes, grinded with grievous oppressions, deserted the house of David, Judah alone, as having formerly tasted of his Fathers favor, entirely clave to Rehoboam.

§ 59. The arms of Judah are Gules, a Lion couchant Or, according to Jacob's prediction, Judah he stooped down, he couched as a Lion, and as an old Lion, who shall rouse him up? This is a posture which that princely beast is pleased to accept for his own ease: otherwise no chastisement shall impose it on him, no force but his own free pleasure can make him to crouch. The Analogy is obvious to every eye, the Lion being the strongest amongst beasts, which turneth not away for any. As Judah was the chief of Tribes for number, strength and largeness of possessions, and the Tribe of Chiefes, so many Kings, yea Christ himself according to the flesh deriving his extraction from the same.

Here the Map of the Land of Moriah is to be inserted.

[illustration]

THE LAND OF MORIAH. CHAP. 14.

§ 1. BEcause the Country about Jerusalem is very fruitful of observable places, it is therefore here presented in an entire Map. Nor do we meet with a fitter, and more adequate name to express the same, then to style it The land of Moriah, as it is named in Scripture: Herein we shall only insist on signal places of certain truth; otherwise the work would be almost infinite: for what is said of the people of Israel, There shall not one be barren amongst them, is true of every petty place near Jerusalem, not a Hill, Hole, Stick, Stone, Cave, Grave, but is pregnant with some History, and vulgar belief is the Midwife to deliver it; we will therefore confine ourselves to Scripture alone in our following description.

§ 2. We begin with the Brook of Kidron: which we may call the Brook of Reformation; for often the current thereof carried away the Relics of Idolatry; once when the Idol of his grandmother Maachah was by King Asa burnt by the banks thereof; Again, when in Hezekiah's time the people (no doubt by his command) threw the Idolatrous Altars therein. Thirdly, when the dust of the Altars erected by King Manasseh, was by Josiah, cast into the channel of Kidron. I dare boldly say that the water of this brook, was no whit the less the sweet in taste, or clear in color for washing away these monuments of superstition. However this Kidron may be ranked amongst those Rivolets whereof Job speaks, My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook and as a stream of brooks which passeth away; not that the water only slideth away, other succeeding in the room thereof (which is common to the greatest channels) but this very Brook itself slides away in the Summer and is dried up, as having no fountain to feed it, but the waters running down from Mount Olivet; Thus Kidron is the too lively emblem of our • ouls, which having no natural spring of goodness in themselves, flow no longer then they are watered from above, with the infusion of celestial Grace.

§ 3. This Brook runs through the Valley of Jehoshaphat, being a hollow dale interposed betwixt Jerusalem and Mount Olivet, but why so named I find no satisfactory reason alleged; for I cannot agree to what generally is reported, that in this place Jehoshaphat got his miraculous victory over the Edomites, Moabites and Ammonites: because on serious perusal of the text, that battle appears fought far off in the wilderness of Tekoah. Many are of opinion, that as Mount Olivet shall be the Tribunal, erected for the Judge; so this Vale of Jehoshaphat shall be the Gaol and Bar where all offenders at the last day shall be arraigned, founding their conceit partly on the words of the Prophet Joel, I will also gather all Nations, and bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people; partly on the expression of the Angels to the Disciples after Christ's ascension, that in the same manner he should return again. But these are too low, carnal, and restrictive conceits of God's glorious judicial proceedings▪ it being improbable he would appoint the certain particular place, who in his wisdom hath caused the time to be concealed; yea if one day be as a thousand years with God, why may not, according to the same proportion, the whole earth be meant by the Valley of Jehoshaphat? Wherefore waving curious inquiries about the circumstances belonging only to the Judge to assign, let us carefully provide ourselves for those Assizes, the proper work for us to perform▪

§ 4. In this Vale of Jehoshaphat, on the other side of Kidron stood the village of Gethsemane, so called in Hebrew for the plenty of Oile, that there was pressed out: But a far more precious liquor was once afforded in this place, which in the Garden hard by, fell from our Savior's face in his Agony, Clods of sweat like blood: Surely the he • of the weather had no influence on this his distemper: being the open air, in so cold a night, that the stout servants of the high Priest, though housed in a Hall, found need of a fire to warm themselves thereat. It was not then without cause that the pascal Lamb was commanded to be eaten, neither raw nor sodden with water, but roasted with fire, as Christ, the tr • th • of this Type, was at this time bathed in his own sweat. Here Christ thrice conditionally begged, that his • up might pass away, preferring three several short prayers, before one entire continued petition; partly that in a tripled suit his importunity might be more conspicuous: partly, to get breath, and gain strength in the intervalls: and partly, in the same time to visit his Disciples, being never so busy about himself, but he was still at leisure to look how it fared with them.

§ 5. Hither into this Garden repaired Judas in the night time with Lanthornes and Torches, (no more light then needed in such a deed of darkness, otherwise it had been superfluous to seek the Sun itself with a Lanthorn) to betray our Savior; bringing with him a band of soldiers (too many to attach Christ as mere man, too few to encounter him as God) from the high Priest, gown-men, sword-men, young, old, Jew, Gentile, all contriving his death, as all sorts and conditions of people were afterward to reap benefit thereby: at the first all fell flat down at the sound of his voice, demanding of them, whom seek ye? If the report of a bare question gave such a blow, ô had his mouth been charged with a curse against them, what execution would it have done! Here Peters wild love almost had done our Savior that harm, which the malice of his enemies might despair to effect, by making him guilty not only o • the breach of peace, but of a plain Riot, by that dangerous wound he gave unto Malchus▪ whereby no doubt he had invited many swords about his own ears, had not the miracle of Christ's quick cure restrained them▪ This was that Peter now so forward to draw his weapon, from whom afterward a word could not be drawn in acknowledgement of his Master; so unequally bea • s the pulse of blind zeal, either too fast, or not at all.

§ 6. From this Garden Kidron runs south-ward, and seems loath to behold on his western bank the hill before Jerusalem whereon Solomon befooled in his old age with his wives, built high places for Chemosh and Molech, the Idols of Moab and Ammon; Could not Idolatry be content to whisper in a hole, but she must hollow on a hill, and with a brazen brow out face the Temple, yea in a manner challenge, and defy it, to try which of them had the truest worship therein? Thou shalt have no other God's before me, or, in my sight, is the first commandment. Now, though all places are in the sight of an omniscient Deity, yet this Idolatry was done in the presence, of the presence of God, who more immediately and particularly is said to dwell in his Temple: Alas! what an eye-fore were these high places to all the Godly in Jerusalem? It spoiled the east and best prospect of all the windows in the City, for none could see the rising of the Sun, but withal must behold the rising of Idolatry. Adrichomius tells us that the hill whereupon these Idols stood, was commonly called the Rock of offense, which name the Scripture gives to our Savior himself, but in different consideration: Christ was a Rock of God's laying; this of man's making: He a Rock of offense unjustly taken at him by the wicked; this too justly given by it to the godly.

§ 7. Kidron continueth his course south-ward by the Vale of Saveh, or King Vale: haply so called from two Kings meeting of Abraham in this place, namely Melchizedek, and the King of Sodom; the former with a blessing, the latter with a request in his mouth: yea let Abraham at this royal enterview pass for the third King, seeing it is more honorable to make, then to be a King, who so freely here restored the subjects to the King of Sodom. Many hundred years after in this vale Absalom then issueless (as being before their birth, or rather after the untimely death of. his children) erected a Pillar to perpetuate his memory. Pilgrims at this very day passing by the place use every man to cast a stone upon it: and my request to the Reader is, if he should ever go thither, that when he hath first served himself, and satisfied his own revenge▪ he would then be pleased to cast one stone more upon that heap, in my name, to express my detestation of so damnable a Rebellion.

§ 8. Hence the River Kidron turneth his channel full east to find out his way to the dead sea, and leaveth at some distance on his northern side the stone Zoheleth, whereon Adonijah, who advanced himself to the kingdom, offered sacrifices, while the people cried out, God save King Adonijah; but this echo was quickly checked and countermanded with a louder and greater, show • ed fourth from Mount Gihon, God save King Solomon. Wonder not that this latter noise was heard hither, at six miles distance, much befriended in the far and speedy conveyance thereof with a hollow Vale of Jehoshaphat, reverberated with Mount Olivet, and improved in the sound thereof by the advantage of the waters of Kidron; besides it was mainly loud in itself, so that (though much of Hyperbole must be allowed in the expression) the earth rent with the sound of it; worse was Adonijah's heart rent at the hearing thereof, who now exchangeth his hopes of a Crown, for desire of Life, which he requested and obtained by his submission to Solomon. So ended the short government of Adonijah never sleeping in his reign, which began after the rising, and ended before the setting of the Sun.

§ 9. Thus taking our farewell of Kidron in this Map, we pass over the current thereof to Mount Olivet, on the eastern side, so famous in Scripture, consisting of three eminent Tops.

• 1 The most Northern, hereon the Cell of Saint Pelagia was built, leading there a solitary life some hundred years after Christ: no doubt a devout woman, especially if her heart was as holy as her house was high.
• 2 The middlemost, from which Christ made his ascension to heaven, and after ages erected a fair Chapel in memorial thereof.
• 3 The most Southern, whereon the villages of Bethany and Bethphage, the house of Simon the Leper, the grave of beloved Lazarus, with the barren fig tree which Christ cursed.

All three over-spread with Olive trees, (whence it hath its name) and plenty of Palms, of so quick growth, that those who cut down their branches, when our Savior on an Asses Colt (which with her Colt was tied hard by in the meeting of two ways) rode to Jerusalem, did no considerable trespass to the owners of those trees, so speedily they sprouted again.

§ 10. Over the southern part of Mount Olivet David fled from Absalom, for perceiving that his son by State-felony had stolen away his people's hearts, he politically resolved not to be pent in Jerusalem (where the landflood of a popular mutiny, might presently drown him) but to retire to the uttermost bounds of his kingdom, mean time giving his subjects leisure and liberty to review what they had done, dislike what they reviewed, revoke what they disliked; that so on second debates they might seriously undo, what on first thoughts they had furiously attempted: knowing full well that Rebellion though running so at hand is quickly tired, as having rotten lungs, whilst well breathed Loyalty is best at a long course. As David was flying this way, the Priests proffered their service to carry the Ark along with them; Indeed how could it well stay behind, and what should the Ark and Absalom, Religion and Rebellion do together? Was it not fit, that as once it was joifully brought into Jerusalem with David's dancing: so now it should dolefully depart hence with David's weeping? Howsoever he accepted their good will, and on better reason declined their attendance. Coming a little past the top of the hill, Ziba meets him with a couple of Asses, loaden with bread, Raisons, summer fruits and wine for the refection of David and his company. But, ô the Bran in that Bread, rottenness in those Raisons, dregs in that wine he brought, joining with them a false accusation of his Master Mephibosheth to be a Traitour; whilst, alas! all the disloyalty that good man was guilty of, was only his lame legs, his lying servant; and his over credulous Sovereign David did rashly believe this information.

§ 11. A little farther east-ward was Bahurim, where Shimei (Lord of that place) cursed David, casting stones and dust at him. What meant the mad man thus to rail being within the reach of David's Armies, except he intended to vent out his venom, and life together? But causeless curses rebound on their Authors, and Ziba's gifts did David more harm then Shimei's curses; for those betrayed him to an act of injustice, whilst these improved his patience. Indeed his railing gave an Alarum to the martial spirit of Abishai, who desired a Commission to take off the head of this dead dog (blood so let out in the neck vein is the soonest and speediest cure of such a traitorous Frensy.) But David who desired not that Shimei should be killed for his words, but rather that his own heart should be mortified by them, by heavenly Logic à majore ad minus, argued his own soul into humility; that seeing his Son had conspired against him, the ill words of an open Enemy ought patiently to be endured. Well! Let Shimei know though he pass unpaid for the present, yet either David himself, or his Executors, Administrators or Assigns, shall one day see this debt duly discharged.

§ 12. To this place of Bahurim Phaltiel the son of Laish followed Michal, his (or rather David's ) wife, weeping, when David demanded the restitution of her, as unjustly detained from him. Wherefore all Phaltie •• tears move no pity of mine; Caveat raptor, let him beware, who violently takes another man's wife; seeing shame and sorrow are the issue of such ungodly marriages. Here in a man's Court at Bahurim, Jonathan and Ahimaaz David's Intelligencers were concealed in this manner; an equivocating covering was spread on the ground, pretending nothing but ground Corn laid upon it, but having under it the reservation of a dry well, into which the messengers were put, and by it a woman to manage the fallacy with the less suspicion: she tells the pursuers after them that they were gone over the river, which nigh Enrogell falls into Kidron; ô that I could in the same instant commend her Loyalty, and condemn her Lying; which being impossible, we must be contented, successively first to praise her charity, and then to protest against her falsehood.

§ 13. Come we now to survey the south parts of the Land of Moriah, where we meet some seven miles from Jerusalem with the famous City of Bethlehem-Ephrath: The first mention of this Place we find, was when Jacob near to it buried his beloved wife Rachel, dying in child-bed. This was that Rachel who said in her fury, Give me children or else I die (as if she would have had them begotten, conceived, bred, and born all in an instant) and now she had not only her fill, but a surfeit of her own wish, had children and died. It seems, dying in child-bed her corps required speedy interment: otherwise (no doubt) Jacob would have conveyed them to the Cave of Macpelah the solemn sepulcher of his family. She was buried by the high way, the ancient custom both of Jews, and Heathen, partly to mind passengers of their mortality, and partly to preserve the memory of the dead the longer, by so making their monument the more public and visible. Heathen used in like manner to interre their dead in highways: yea their sepulchers served to measure the distances of places.

Nor is it amiss to observe that the self same place where Benjamin was born, and his mother buried, fell afterwards to the lot of the Benjamites, as if Rachel's body all the while had but kept possession for her posterity.

§ 14. Bethlehem in Hebrew is the house of bread; principally so called in reference to Christ, the bread of life, who in fullness of time was here to be born: otherwise time was, when in this house of bread, little bread was to be had, namely when God brake the staff thereof in Israel, by a ten years famine. This caused Elimelech with his wife Naomi and her sons to remove into Moab, whence after ten years stay she returned home to Bethlehem with Ruth her daughter-in-law, who here became an extraordinary Gleaner on the field of Boaz. Here harvest being ended, Ruth by the advice of Naomi, went afterwards to glean a husband for herself, and came in the night to the threshing floor of Boaz, to challenge in him the right of the next kinsman; some herein will censure her carriage, to come at so unseasonable a time, to surprise a man for her husband: so that, se defendendo, to vindicate his credit, he must be forced to marry her. But let these dainty dames, which condemn Ruth herein, first follow her faithfulness in attending, then imitate her industry in maintaining her mother-in-law, and this done, they will have less wanton thoughts in themselves, and more charitable opinions of Ruth. Besides, in the innocence and simplicity of those days, some passages might be harmelesly performed, which in our age (grown ripe in wit, and ri • e in wickedness) carry with them more then the appearances of evil. She brought forth here Obed, the father of Jesse, and grandfather of David.

§ 15. David afterwards was born, and kept sheep in Bethlehem (therefore called the City of David ) here he made an experimental syllogism, and from most practical propositions (Major a Lion, Minor a Bear) inferred the direct Conclusion, that God would give him victory over Goliath. Hence he was fetched from following the Ewes big with young, to go before the people of Israel; and God intending to raise David high in honorable old age, that the building might be the firmer, laid the foundation thereof very low in his laborious and religious education. Being then better employed, when thirsting after God's honor, then afterwards, when not far from this place, he fondly longed for the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate, the Philistines Army then encamping about it. But it shall not be said, that David desired, what David's subjects durst not perform; three of his Worthies boldly marched through the midst of their enemies, quickly draw, safely bear back, humbly present to their Sovereign this Aqua vitae, the procuring whereof cost them the hazard of their lives. But though David's fancy was above his judgment in desiring, his conscience was above his fancy in refusing to drink of that water, but poured it out unto the Lord.

§ 16. But that that gave the greatest luster to Bethlehm, was that Jesus Christ the Prince of peace, was born herein of the blessed virgin Mary in a time of peace, to procure and establish a peace betwixt God and Man, Man and Angels, Man and Man, Man and his own Conscience, Man and other Creatures. Public the place of his birth, an Inn, (every man's house for his money) and poor the manner thereof, so defeating the Jews towering fancies of a • emporall King, who long looking to see their Messiah sitting on a throne, would rather stumble at him, then stoop to behold him lying in a manger. The first tidings of the Lamb of God, by intelligence of Angels, is told to poor shepherds watching their flocks by night, whilst the Priests the pretended shepherds of Israel, were snorting on their beds of security. The place of this apparition not being far from the tower of Eder (or, the tower of • locks ) where Jacob sometime pitched his tent, and kept cattle, and where Reuben defiled his Fathers Concubine.

§ 17. And now the wise men of the East make speed to their Savior, directed unto him by a star, in its progressive motion probably pointing at Judea, as if it had been but the bare reflection of a brighter star which was there to be seen. These wise men, well read in the volume of heaven, perceiving this to be no hypocrite star, or blazing Comet, (usually portending not the Cradle but Coffin of some Prince) yea, no light constantly Leiger in the skies, conclude it an extraordinary Ambassador sent upon some peculiar service, and advantaged with the Prophecy of Balaam, current among the children of the East, haste to Jerusalem, and put it to the question, where the King of the Jews was to be born. Here Gentile and Jew confer their notes, and compare their intelligence together concerning Christ's birth; the former collecting the time from the star; the latter concluding Bethlehem the place from the Scripture. How much knowledge might men attain, if mutually they would lend their light one to another! To Bethlehem Herod sends the wise men to seek this new King, promising to come himself, and worship him, but secretly similing at their diligent devotion, whilst God in heaven laughed at his dissimulation.

§ 18. To Bethlehem they come to make enquiry after Christ, whom none never sincerely sought, but they found him. The star by moving (probably in the low region of the air) shows them their way; by standing still, the end of their journey: coming into the house they find the royal Babe, and present him with gifts; Then warned by God in a dream, they return into their own Country another way. Say not that they were more wise then honest, in not making good their promise to go back to Herod, seeing

• 1 No such promise made by them appears in Scripture, who being certainly foreiners, and probably free Princes, owed no obedience to Herod's injunction.
• 2 Had such promise been made by them, yet being done in consideration of another from Herod, to come and and worship Christ, they were now remitted to their former liberty, his fraudulent intent being revealed unto them by divine information.
• 3 Suppose their promise to return bound with an oath, yet herein the breach thereof made no forfeiture, because their Recognisance was taken in God's name, who freely delivered up the band unto them again.

Homewards they go, whilst Herod wonders at their long delay, yet comforts himself, that the slowness of their searching, will at last be recompensed with their sureness of finding what he desired.

§ 19. Weary at last he is with waiting, seeing no King of the Jews was found, and they lost, which were sent to seek him: But this old Fox had two holes: fraud failing him, he betakes himself to force, and sends executioners to kill all the children of two years old and under in Bethlehem, and all the coasts thereof; Herod's cruelty, being of greater compass, then the City of Bethlehem, took in that circuit which the walls there of left out, so cunning he was to overdoe, rather then leave anything undone. Here no pen can express the mothers sorrows for their children, whilst one stood amazed, as if she had lost her son and senses together: another bleeds out sorrow in her eyes, to prevent festering in her heart: a third vents her passions in exclamations, and it gives her some ease, though she could not recall her dead child, to call him Tyrant that murdered it; All their mourning going several ways, meet in one common misery, whilst the souls of these children are charitably conceived by the Primitive Church all marched to heaven, as the Infantry of the noble Army of Martyrs. Herod, the while, huggs himself, that he had fitted their new King with a short reign, being confident, that burning the Hive, he had killed the Master-Be, though Christ was all the while safe in Egypt, where his Policy could not find, whence his power could not fetch him.

§ 20. Bethlehem is on all sides compassed with places of eminent note. On the North stood Ramah, nigh which was the execution of those infants. In Ramah was a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children &c. Some will say Leah had more cause of sorrow (to make her eyes watery by nature, worse with her tears) Bethlehem belonging to the Tribe of Judah▪ But let such know, that the cruelty of Herod extended to all the coasts of Bethlehem, and so also reached to Benjamin, in whose confines Bethlehem was situated. Besides it is the opinion of some learned men, that the land about Bethlehem was called Rachel, from her sepulcher so eminent in these parts. Zelzah is hard by (in Hebrew a place shadowed, and therefore we have presumed to cover it with trees) where Saul according to Samuel's prediction first heard tidings, that his Father had found his Asses, and feared the loss of his Son, who had found a kingdom.

§ 21. South-ward we find Asahels sepulcher buried in the grave of his Father: and south-west-ward in the way to Hebron, Geruth-Chimham, the Manor or Mansion of Chimham, son of Ba •• illa • , no doubt bestowed on him by David according to his Princely promise, to give him whatsoever he should choose or require. Many years after, Johanan the Son of Kareah with the remnant of the poor Jews, which had escaped the Baby • lonish captivity, dwelt at Geruth-Chimham until contrary to God's express command, hence they departed into Egypt. Almost full west lay Bezek, whose King Adonibezek was punished according to his own cruelty, who having cut off the Thumbs and Toes of threescore and ten Kings, caused them to gather their meat under his table. Now if Isaac's question to Jacob concerning his kid, was of consequence, how he came so quickly by it? The Quere here is more considerable, how came Adonibezek by so many Kings, to have them all at one time? With what Royal drag-net did he fish to catch so many together? Where got he these Kings? and where got they their kingdoms? Canaan being so small a Country. In answer hereunto, in the acception of the word King, we must grind the honor thereof the smaller, to make the number thereof the greater, communicating it to the Sons and Nephews of Toparchicall Princes, as honors in Germany equally descended to all in the family, and so the number is quickly made up.

§ 22. North of Bethlehem lay the Vale of Ephraim, or Vale of Giants, men of vast proportions, which the ancient Ages plentifully afforded. Yea, our English Antiquary tells us, that Risingham a village in Northumberland in old Saxon, is nothing else then the dwelling place of Giants. In this vale of Rephaim, the Philistines (little less then Giants) were twice subdued; once at Baal-perazim, where God by the hand of David brake forth upon them as the breach of waters: and again, where God not only gave the success, but laid the design how the battle should be managed, namely as soon as he himself had sounded a charge out of the Mulberry trees, David was to fetch a compass, and fiercely to fall on his enemies. Well is God styled a man of war, who here ordered the battle himself, and well did David confess Thou teachest my hands to war, and fingers to fight, who here received from God particular instructions, how to regulate his Army.

§ 23. Mulberry Trees (pardon a digression) were plentiful in Palestine; A tree which may pass for the emblem of prudence, slow in consultation, swift in execution; for it putteth forth its leaves the last of all trees, but then (as it is said) all in one night, as if sensible of, and ashamed for its former neglect, she endeavors to overtake other trees with her double diligence. Men feed on the fruit, Silkworms on the leaves thereof: Creatures contemptible in themselves, admirable in their qualities, appearing Proteus -like in sundry shapes in the same year, eggs, worms, flies, finishing for the most part yearly their life and work together. But we leave these mysteries to be discussed by Naturalists, and will only add, that if the original of silk were well considered, Gallants had small cause to be proud of gay clothes, for from worms it came, and to worms shall the wearers thereof return.

§ 24. Store of the best silks were made and used in Palestine; amongst other favors bestowed by God on the ungrateful Jews, this was one. I have girded thee about with fine linen, and covered thee with silk. King Saul was the first, who made bravery frequent, and fashionable in Israel (little state and gallantry being used under the Judges ) when the Court and costly clothes began together, according to our Savior's saying, They that wear soft clothing are in Kings houses: I say in the reign of King Saul, rich raiment began generally to be worn by the Jews: Ye daughters of Israel weep over Saul, who clothed you in Scarlet and other delights: yea by the confession of the heathen writers, best silks both for fineness and color were in Palestine. Pausani • s writes 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . The silk (saith he) of Eli’s in Greece gives not place in point of fineness to silk of the Hebrews, but is not like it in yellowness: whereby it appears, that the Hebrew silk-worms were as good spinsters, and better Dyers then those in Greece, setting a better gloss and luster on their work. So much for the silk in Judea called Shesh in Hebrew, whence haply, that fine linen or silk is called Shashes worn at this day about the heads of eastern people.

§ 25. But to return to our description, north-west from the vale of Giants lay the City of Emmaus, afterwards called Nicopolis. Hither the two Disciples were a travelling, being about sixty furlongs from Jerusalem, whē Christ after his resurrection unknown joined himself to their company. They tax him for not knowing the news in Ier • salem, he reproves them for being ignorant of the sense of the Scriptures, which he began to declare unto them. O excellent expositor! Christ Commenting on his own prophecies, all which he first inspired, afterwards fulfilled, and now interpreted. As he put light into their heads; so also heat into their hearts, which burned all the while he communed with them: only their eyes were held that they knew him not. Day, and their journey drew both to an end, when Christ makes as if he would go farther; Truth cannot lie, but did simulate, only to try how welcome his company was to them. They constrain him to stay, (such civil violences prevail on heaven itself) and in breaking of Bread, he brake himself unto them: their eyes being opened, he left them full of joy and amazement. Nor have I ought else to observe of Emmaus but that many years before, Judas Macca • eus in that place got an eminent conquest, and defeated the voluminous Army of Lysias.

§ 26. Hard by Emmaus even at this day are shown the ruins of Zachariah his house, where John the Baptist was born, being the voice of a crier, begot of a dumb Father. This was that Zachariah who would not believe God without giving him a sign, and was punished that men could not understand him, without making of signs. To this place (then in a City in the Hill-country of Judea ) the blessed virgin Mary came with hast to congratulate the pregnancy of Elizabeth her Cousen; at the music of whose salutation, the babe danced for • oy, and leaped in the womb of Elizabeth.

§ 27. Hard by is the City Gebah belonging to the Priests; afterwards made a garrison of the Philistines, who therein were smote by Jonathan. King Asa afterwards built, that is, repaired and enlarged this City, as also Mizpah, with the remainder of those materials, which King Baasha had provided for the fortifying of Ramah: Cities so near in situation, that after the captivity, their inhabitants are counted together in one sum, the men of Ramah and Gebah six hundred twenty and one, which returned from Babylon.

§ 28. We have hardly recovered into this map, the house of Obed-Edom, whence David in a most solemn procession brought the Ark to Jerusalem, dancing himself before it in a linen Ephod, which was not so white, but that Michal found spots therein, or rather cast dirt thereon, censuring David a fool for his indiscretion. But, when holy zeal is arraigned at the bar of profaneness, and condemned either for folly, or madness, it may appeal from that sentence, and challenge its right to be tried by its Peers; carnal eyes being incompetent judges of spiritual actions. Yea, God himself here took the matter in hand, so ordering it, that for the future, Michal's daughter should never mock her husband on the like occasion, punishing her with perpetual barrenness.

§ 29. Look on the prospect of this map, especially the eastern parts thereof, and behold it overspread with trees of all sorts, Olive, Pine, Mulberry, Fir &c. Of the last saith the Psalmist, and the fir-trees are a refuge for the Storks, breeding here in the greater abundance, because forbidden by the Levitical law to be fed upon. A speckled bird (therefore 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Greek from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 niger, & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 albus, black and white) and is remarkable for their love to their parents, feeding them in their old age. Hence called Chesida in Hebrew, that is, the merciful bird; and in Dutch Oudevaer, that is, the carrier of the old one, because every Stork is an Aeneas bearing his Anchises on his back, carrying his Parent, when for age it cannot fly of itself. Some have confidently reported, that Storks will not live, save in a Republic; who may with as much truth affirm, that an Eagle, the Sovereign of birds, will not breed in a Commonwealth. Not to say, that Storks were named in the Monarchy of Adam, preserved in the Ark in the Monarchy of Noah. Jeremiah, who lived in the kingdom of Judah, upbraided the ignorance of the people therein, Yea the Stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times. Which birds had they known their times, and the Jews not known the birds, as frequent, and familiar with them, both the Prophets illustration had heed obscure, and exprobration improper for his present purpose.

To the Right Honorable JOHN LORD ROSSE, Son to the Right Honorable JOHN EARL OF RVTLAND.

IT hath been charged by Foreigners on our English Gentry, that many of them very knowing beyond the seas, have been strangers in their native Country; as able to give a better account of the Spaw, then our own Bath; the diving of the Spanish Anas under ground, then of our own Rivers (Diverill in Wiltshire, and Mole in Surrey ) wherein the same wonders of Nature are set forth in a lesser Edition.

How just this accusation is, for the present I have no leisure to inquire, but am afraid, that too many of our nation are guilty of a greater Ignorance; That being quic • sighted in other kingdoms, and Countries, they are altogether blind as touching Judea, and the land of Palestine; the Home for their meditations, who are conversant in all the historical passages of Scripture.

Yet I would not have any willfully to expose themselves (as Saint Paul was against his will) to perils of waters, perils of Robbers, perils by the Heathen, &c. personally to pace and trace the land of Canaan: who rather conceive that precept to Abraham▪ Arise, walk through the land in the breadth thereof, and in the length thereof, may be performed by us, even whilst we also follow the counsel of Joash to Amaziah, Abide now at home.

This may be done by daily and diligent perusing of the Scriptures; and comparing the same with itself; (Diamonds only cut Diamonds) as also by consulting with such as have written the description of that Country. Amongst whom give me leave (though the unworthiest of thousands) to tender these my endeavors, to your Honors serious perusal, and patronage, hoping my pains herein may conduce to the better understanding of the History of the Bible.

I confess the doctrinal part of the Scripture is in itself most instructive to salvation. But as the rare relation of the woman of Samaria, first drew her neighbors to the sight of our Savior, which afterwards believed on him, not for her words, but his own worth; so the delightful stories in the Bible have allured many (youth especially) to the reading thereof, the light (the historical part) first inviting their eyes, whose hearts were afterwards inflamed with the heat, the holy fire in the doctrine of God's word.

Give me leave therefore my Lord, humbly to commend to your Honor, the constant reading of that, which eminently is termed The Scripture and the Bible or Book, all other being but scribbling and Pamphlets in comparison thereof. They contain what will make you wise unto salvation; and the study thereof will render your Lordship more truly honorable then your outward extraction.

Great indeed was the privilege of Ruth, for whom purposely some handfuls were let fall, for her to gather up. But greater the honor done to your Ancestors by our English Kings, above an hundred years since, who scattered some flowers (and other ornaments) out of their own Arms, therewith to deck and adorn those of your family.

Yet know my Lord that the Bereans are pronounced more noble then those of Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, searching the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so: And by the same proportion your exact skill industriously attained in God's word, shall make your soul increase with the increase of God; far more honorable then that Augmentation in Heraldry, which was conferred on your Ancestors.

Remember I pray what David writes, I have seen an end of all perfection, but thy commandment is exceeding broad. Oh imperfect perfection which hath an end! And indeed David lived in an Age, wherein he saw Goliath the strongest overcome, Asahel the swiftest overtaken, Achitophel the wisest befooled, and Absalom the fairest deformed with a violent death. Yet still the immortal word outlived all casualties, and triumphed in defiance of opposition.

Wherefore as the Jews were to provide a chest by the side of the Ark wherein the Law was to be placed and kept, so I wish your Honor a large heart to be a repository for this Broad commandment of God, that therein you may carefully lay up and treasure the same, which when all earthly perfections prove false and fading, will furnish your soul with holiness here and happiness hereafter: which is the daily prayer of

Here followeth the description of Jerusalem.

THE DESCRIPTION OF THE CITY OF IERVSALEM. The third Book.